cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Incorporating Trust and Self-Confidence Analysis in the Guidance and Control of (Semi)Autonomous Mobile Robotic Systems

We propose a trust and self-confidence-based autonomy allocation strategy to automatically choose between manual and autonomous control of (semi)autonomous mobile robots in guidance and navigation tasks. We utilize a performance-centric, computational trust and self-confidence model and automated autonomy allocation strategy, developed in our earlier work (H. Saeidi and Y. Wang, “Trust and self-confidence based autonomy allocation for robotic systems,” in Proc. 54th IEEE Conf. Decis. Control , 2015, pp. 6052–6057.), based on objective and unbiased performance measures for the human and the robot. A set of robot simulations with a human-in-the-loop is conducted for a teleoperated unmanned aerial vehicle tracking task. The results demonstrate that our allocation strategy can capture human autonomy allocation pattern with an accuracy of 64.05%. We also show that the strategy can improve the overall robot performance by 11.76% and reduce operator's workload by 10.07% compared to a manual allocation. Moreover, compared to a performance maximization strategy, our strategy is 23.42% more likely to be accepted and generally preferred and trusted by the participants. Furthermore, we design a decision pattern correction algorithm based on nonlinear model predictive control to help a human operator gradually adapt to a modified allocation pattern for improved overall performance.
Fuel-Cell Catalyst-Layer Resistance via Hydrogen Limiting-Current Measurements

Author(s): Schuler, T; Chowdhury, A; Freiberg, AT; Sneed, B; Spingler, FB; Tucker, MC; More, KL; Radke, CJ; Weber, AZ | Abstract: Significant mass-transport resistances in polymer-electrolyte-fuel-cell catalyst layers (CLs) impose a lower limit on Pt-loading levels, hindering wide-spread fuel-cell commercialization. The origin of this resistance remains unclear. Minimization of CL mass-transport resistance is imperative to achieve better CL design and performance. In this paper, an operando method based on H2 limiting current is used to characterize and quantify CL resistance in traditional porous Pt/carbon-based electrodes. CL sub-resistances are isolated using continuum multiscale modeling and experiments, investigating the effects of reactant molecular weight, pressure, and ionomer to carbon weight ratio. The results expose CL resistance including both interfacial and transport components, although the majority of the CL resistance is ascribed to a local resistance close to the Pt reaction sites, which includes interfacial resistance and local transport resistance. Variations in temperature, humidity, and primary particle loading (Pt:C ratio) highlight the impact of operating conditions and CL design parameters on CL sub-resistances. The observed trends guide optimization of CL design to achieve novel low-loaded fuel-cell electrodes.
Revised Formulation of Fick’s, Fourier’s, and Newton’s Laws for Spatially Varying Linear Transport Coefficients

We argue that for situations involving spatially varying linear transport coefficients (diffusivities, thermal conductivities, and viscosities), the original Fick’s, Fourier’s, and Newton’s law equ...
Association of residential energy efficiency retrofits with indoor environmental quality, comfort, and health: A review of empirical data

Abstract This paper reviews empirical data from evaluations of the influence of residential energy efficiency retrofits on indoor environmental quality conditions and self-reported thermal comfort and health. Data were extracted from 36 studies described in 44 papers plus two reports. Nearly all reviewed studies were performed in Europe or United States. Most studies evaluated retrofits of homes with low-income occupants. Indoor radon and formaldehyde concentrations tended to increase after retrofits that did not add whole-house mechanical ventilation. Study-average indoor concentrations of nitrogen dioxide and volatile organic compounds other than formaldehyde increased and decreased with approximately equal frequency. Average indoor temperatures during winter typically increased after retrofits, usually by less than 1.5 °C. Dampness and mold, usually based on occupant's reports, almost always decreased after retrofits. Subjectively reported thermal comfort, thermal discomfort, non-asthma respiratory symptoms, general health, and mental health nearly always improved after retrofits. For asthma symptoms, the evidence of improvement slightly outweighed the evidence of worsening. There was insufficient evidence to determine whether changes in thermal comfort and health outcomes varied depending on the type of energy efficiency retrofit. The published research has numerous limitations including a lack of data from retrofits in warm-humid climates and minimal data on changes in objective health outcomes. Suggestions for future research are provided.
Just a Number? Voter Evaluations of Age in Candidate Choice Experiments

Around the world, humans are living longer and politicians are getting older. But what do voters think about politicians of advanced age? We conduct a meta-analysis of sixteen conjoint design-based candidate choice experiments in seven democracies, revealing that older hypothetical candidates are consistently less likely to be favored by respondents—whether compared to the youngest alternative or the second-oldest alternative. We then report the findings of a novel conjoint experiment on Japanese voters designed to elicit whether the milestone of entering a new decade of age (70 versus 69 years) affects respondents’ preferences for hypothetical candidates. Although at most 730 days separate candidates of these ages (limiting concerns of substantial differences in health or fitness), we find a significant penalty for the older candidate. Together, our findings highlight the mismatch between voters’ preferences for younger politicians and the ostensible gerontocracy that governs much of the world.
Botulinum Neurotoxins for Relief of Pain Associated with Spasticity

Spasticity is a common and disabling complication of stroke, multiple sclerosis, brain and spinal cord injury, and cerebral palsy. Pharmacological treatment, although effective, is confounded by undesirable side effects and short duration of response. Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) have been approved by FDA for treatment of spasticity. The role of BoNT therapy in spasticity-related pain is less established. In this chapter, the literature from double-blind, placebo-controlled studies on this subject is reviewed.
Label-Free Measurement of T-Cell Activation by Microfluidic Acoustophoresis

Measuring the activation state of T-cells is critical to studies in immunology and to advances in immunotherapy. Currently activation is typically measured by flow cytometry, which requires “labeling” the cells with antibody-linked fluorescent dyes. Labeling is costly and alters cell function, restricting its use in many applications. Here we present for the first time a new method for quantitative measurement of T-cell activation that requires no modification to the cell and no antibodies. Instead we adapted an established platform for microfluidic acoustic cell separation and exploited differences in mechanical properties between the activated and resting cells. Furthermore we show that the same device can enrich activated T-cells from a partially activated population. This approach could in the future aid clinical processing for treating cancer and infectious disease.
SU-E-E-03: Shared Space Fosters Didactic and Professional Learning Across Professions for Medical and Physics Residents

Purpose: Medical Physicists and Radiation Oncologists are two professions who should be working as a team for optimal patient care, yet lack of mutual understanding about each others respective role and work environment creates barriers To improve collaboration and learning, we designed a shared didactic and work space for physics and radiation oncology residents to maximize interaction throughout their professional training. Methods: Physician and Physics residents are required to take the same didactic classes, including journal clubs and respective seminars. The residents also share an office environment among the seven physician and two physic residents. Results: By maximizing didactic overlap and sharing office space, the two resident groups have developed a close professional relationship and supportive work environment. Several joint research projects have been initiated by the residents. Awareness of physics tasks in the clinic has led to a request by the physician residents to change physics didactics, converting the physics short course into a lab-oriented course for the medical residents which is in part taught by the physics residents. The physics seminar is given by both residency groups; increased motivation and interest in learning about physics has led to several medical resident-initiated topic selections which generated lively discussion. Themore » physics long course has changed toward including more discussion among residents to delve deeper into topics and study beyond what passing the boards would require. A supportive work environment has developed, embedding the two physics residents into a larger residents group, allowing them to find mentor and peers more easily. Conclusion: By creating a shared work and didactic environment, physician and physics residents have improved their understanding of respective professional practice. Resident-initiated changes in didactic practice have led to improved learning and joint research. A strong social support system has developed, embedding physics residents into a larger peer group.« less
The Effect of Retinoids on Haemopoiesis—Clinical and Laboratory Studies

Retinoids affect the growth and differentiation of haemopoietic cells. Individuals deficient in retinoids become anaemic; replacement therapy with retinoids corrects the anaemia. Retinoids enhance the clonal proliferation of erythroid and myeloid precursors in soft-gel culture; all-trans-retinoic acid and 13-cis-retinoic acid are the most potent. Retinoids also induce the differentiation of HL-60 promyelocytes to functional granulocytes and can induce cells from other relatively mature, myeloid cell lines to undergo partial differentiation. Cells from less mature myeloid leukaemic lines are often resistant to induction of differentiation by retinoids. Like cells from established lines, relatively mature leukaemic cells (promyelocytes, myelomonoblasts) harvested from patients can undergo differentiation in vitro in the presence of retinoids. A few reports suggests that a minority of patients with myeloid leukaemia or preleukaemia who receive 13-cis-retinoic acid will have improvement in their haemopoiesis. Further studies are required to understand the mechanism of action of retinoids on the growth and differentiation of haemopoietic cells and to explore more fully the therapeutic potential of retinoids.
Passivity-Based Agreement Protocols: Continuous-Time and Sampled-Data Designs

We pursue a group agreement problem where the objective is to achieve synchronization of group variables. We assume a bidirectional information flow between members, and study a class of feedback laws that are implementable with local information available to each member. We first review a unifying passivity framework for the group agreement problem in continuous-time. Then, we extend the results to a class of sampled-data systems by exploiting the passivity properties of the underlying continuous-time system, and prove semiglobal asymptotic stability as the sampling period and a feedback gain are reduced.
Grazing-incidence diffraction and the distorted-wave approximation for the study of surfaces

A method is developed for calculating the scattering of a beam of x rays striking the plane surface of a crystal at an angle below the critical angle for total external reflection. The low penetration under this condition offers the possibility of determining the special structure of the surface layers, as has been pointed out by Marra, Eisenberger, and Cho. A distorted-wave approach is developed whereby the crystal is first taken to be a homogeneous dielectric slab for the purpose of calculating the distorted wave. The distorted wave is considered to illuminate the actual crystal, from which a scattering pattern can then be calculated. The effects of absorption can be taken into account; in some cases absorption may offer the possibility of observing near-surface structures at angles of incidence larger than the critical angle. Such illumination may also be useful for performing fluorescence analysis of the near-surface layers to determine their impurity content. Synchrotron sources offer new opportunities for measurements of these kinds. Thermal neutrons may also be used in place of x rays and offer unique opportunities for studying surface magnetization and, through inelastic scattering, surface phonons and, conceivably, surface magnons.
Impaired plasma membrane glycoprotein assembly in the liver following acute ethanol administration

Summary The in vivo effects of acute ethanol administration on hepatic plasma membrane assembly were studied in the rat. When [ 14 C] fucose and [ 3 H]N-acetylmannosamine, a sialic acid precursor, were injected following an acute dose of ethanol, minimal effects on fucose and a slight reduction of sialic acid incorporation into the total pool of hepatic membrane glycoproteins were observed. However, the assembly of labeled fucoproteins and sialoproteins into the plasma membrane was markedly inhibited in the ethanol-treated animals. These results indicate that ethanol administration impairs the late stages of membrane assembly which include the transport of glycoproteins from the Golgi complex to the plasma membrane and/or the insertion of glycoproteins into the membrane.
Two Anomalies of the Short Bearing Theory

The reciprocal of eccentricity gives a near linear plot against the reciprocal of the Load Number. It holds over most of the important region. It brought to light two anomalies inherent in Ocvirk-DuBois theory, and the way to remove at least one.
U.S. NRC accident management program

Abstract The relation between the NRC and industry accident management programs is outlined. Three research goals are defined, separating the NRC research program into short-term and long-term activities. The process for identification and initial assessment of candidate accident management strategies is presented and strategies selected for detailed evaluation are identified.
ANGULAR DISTRIBUTIONS FOR THE CL + C2H6 HCL + C2H5 REACTION OBSERVED VIA MULTIPHOTON IONIZATION OF THE C2H5 RADICAL

The title reaction has been studied by observing the ethyl radical product by means of resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization (REMPI) that proceeds at 242 nm via highly dissociative Rydberg stat...
The Influence of Tax and Non-Tax Factors on Banks' Choice of Organizational Form

This paper identifies tax and non-tax factors that influence commercial banks conversion from taxable C-corporation to nontaxable S-corporation from 1997 to 1999. A 1996 tax-law change allowed banks to elect S-corporation status for the first time. We find that banks are more likely to convert when conversion saves dividend taxes, avoids alternative minimum taxes, and minimizes state income taxes. As well, banks are less likely to convert when conversion restricts access to equity capital, nullifies corporate tax loss carryforwards, and creates potential penalty taxes on unrealized gains existing at the conversion date. Moreover banks that would be required to write-off large deferred tax assets are less likely to convert because conversion decreases regulatory capital and exposes the bank to costly regulatory intervention. We also investigate the strategic choices banks made in anticipation of an S-election. We conclude that converting banks made anticipatory changes to their capital structure, deliberately sold appreciated assets, and strategically cut dividends to augment the net benefits from a planned election.
New Members of the Cluster Family in Nearby Lenticular Galaxies

Using spectra obtained with the Keck I Telescope, we have demonstrated conclusively that the faint (23 ≤ V ≤ 24 mag) and unusually extended objects we discovered in Hubble Space Telescope images of the lenticular galaxies NGC 1023 and NGC 3384 are star clusters associated with their respective galaxies. In the case of NGC 1023, we were further able to establish that these objects are old (≥7–8 Gyr) and moderately metal-rich ([Fe/H] = -0.58 ± 0.24) and, having a system rotation curve that is very similar to that of the host galaxy, are associated with the lenticular disk. The α-element to iron abundance ratios are highly supersolar with [α/Fe] between +0.3 and +0.6. With moderately high metallicities and luminosities and effective radii in the range 7–15 pc (compared with the 2–3 pc sizes typical of normal globular and open clusters), this population of clusters has no known analog in the Milky Way or elsewhere in the Local Group.
Plasma etching of structural ceramics for microstructural analysis

Abstract Compared with chemical and thermal etching, plasma etching is an uncommon alternative for microstructural analysis of ceramic materials. In this report, we present results of the effect of CF4 + 10%O2 plasma on etching of three structural ceramic materials: Si3N4, SiC, and Al2O3. Adequate etching was observed in both Si3N4 and SiC, whereas Al2O3 was only slightly etched in the same plasma. The etching rate in Si3N4 was much higher than that in SiC.
Fabrication and characterization of SiC-AIN alloys

SiC-AIN alloys were prepared by the carbothermal reduction of silica and alumina, derived from an intimate mixture of silica, aluminium chloride and starch. The resulting single-phase SiC-AIN powder was hot-pressed without additives to a high density. The dense bodies had a fine-grained uniform microstructure. The Young's elastic modulus, microhardness, fracture toughness, thermal expansion and thermal conductivity were measured as functions of composition. The creep behaviour of the SiC-AIN alloy was compared with that of silicon carbide.
Anatomic Study of Transsclerally Sutured Intraocular Lens Implantation

We used 21 cadaver eyes to study transsclerally sutured, ciliary sulcus-fixated intraocular lens implantation. Results showed that transscleral sutures should exit the sclera less than 1 mm posterior to the corneoscleral limbus for true ciliary sulcus fixation. The relationship of the ciliary sulcus to the overlying posterior surgical limbus differed in the vertical and horizontal meridians; needles that pierced the ciliary sulcus after being passed perpendicularly through the sclera entered the sclera 0.83 ± 0.1 mm posterior to the posterior surgical limbus in the vertical meridians and 0.46 ± 0.1 mm in the horizontal meridians. The major arterial circle of the iris (located in the ciliary body) was avoided as was the entire ciliary body during proper ciliary sulcus fixation. A one-piece, all polymethylmethacrylate, 10-degree vaulted, 13.5-mm haptic spread intraocular lens provides excellent optic centration and haptic stabilization when the haptic structure is placed at the greatest haptic spread and one transscleral suture pass per haptic is made.
Implementation and testing of a microcomputer-based fault detection system

a signal validation method, capable of fault detection & isolation and measurement estimation, was implemented on a low cost, 8-bit microcomputer system, admitting up to eight measurements of a given process variable to generate a validated and reliable estimate of the variable under measurement, an indication of the failed sensors and their mode of failure. The system was tested on-line at the MIT research reactor and it was found that the system detects and isolates failures properly, and displays a reliable estimate. This demonstrates that it is possible to assign the signal validation task to a low cost, easy to build, dedicated microcomputer system.
TWO NEW CHYTRIDIACEOUS FUNGI FROM COLD SPRING HARBOR

This extremely virulent parasite was found in a well balanced algal culture which contained Spirogyra crassa Ktitz., two undetermined species of Oedogonium, young thalli of Coleochaete, and several other members of the Chlorophyceae, collected in I928 in the old Fish Hatchery Pond. The fungus was at once detected in the infected cells because of its extensive polyphagous mycelium which was characterized by the presence of numerous septate turbinate cells (P1. XLV, N). Further, wherever sporangia were being produced, the parasite was easily discovered by reason of the brilliant orange oil globule possessed by each of the zoospores. Free zo6spores were also abundant in the surrounding medium. As non-sexual reproduction was occurring in abundance and infection of the algal cells by the zoospores was being accomplished with great frequency, the life history of the organism could be followed in many cases on all three of the algal genera mentioned in the preceding paragraph. The zo6spore, coming to rest upon a host cell, generally moves for a time in an amoeboid fashion over the surface. Finally, it becomes quiescent, assumes a spherical shape and apparently absorbs its cilium. The hitherto colorless protoplasm is now a pale yellow. There is then produced an exceedingly tenuous, hyaline tube, which penetrates the cell wall of the host and through which the content of the encysted zodspore (cystospore), its oil globule intact, passes into the alga (fig. 1). This movement is a slow and deliberate one and, after its occurrence, the wall of the empty cystospore may be seen adherent to the outer wall of the host. Once inside of the alga, the protoplasm of the fungus assumes a nearly spherical form, somewhat larger than the mass of the original zoospore. From this fungous protoplasm, after several minutes, a few delicate hyphae grow out in all directions and soon establish the vegetative phase of the parasite (fig. J). The oil globule disassociates and the protoplasm which had originally es-
Hopf bifurcation calculations for scalar neutral delay differential equations

Hopf bifurcations in scalar neutral delay-differential equations are analysed for |a| < 1. We have derived explicit conditions for a Hopf bifurcation to occur. Using centre manifold reduction and normal form theory the stability coefficient of the periodic orbit on the centre manifold is determined explicitly in terms of the coefficients in the original equation. The results are illustrated in two standard examples, one with a Wright-type nonlinearity and one with a cubic nonlinearity.
Intra-arterial delivery of bevacizumab after blood-brain barrier disruption for the treatment of recurrent glioblastoma: progression-free survival and overall survival.

Background This prospective, single-center study assesses progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients with recurrent glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) treated with a single dose of superselective intra-arterial cerebral infusion (SIACI) of bevacizumab (BV) after blood-brain barrier disruption (BBBD). Patients were initially enrolled in our phase I study, for which the primary end point was to determine the safety and maximum tolerated dose of SIACI BV. Methods Fourteen patients with recurrent GBM were recruited between August 2009 and November 2010 after failing the standard treatment with radiation therapy and temozolomide. None of these patients were previously treated with BV. After receiving a single dose of IA BV (2 to 15 mg/kg), standard IV BV chemotherapy was continued in 12 of 14 patients (86%). The recently updated Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology Working Group (RANO) criteria were used to evaluate PFS, and the Kaplan-Meier estimator was used to evaluate PFS and OS. Results Using RANO criteria, the median PFS in these patients was 10 months. The median OS estimation for this cohort was 8.8 months. The OS was less than the PFS because 4 patients died without progressing. Toxicity attributed to the IA BV treatment was present in 2 patients (wound dehiscence and rash). Another patient suffered from seizures 1 week after the SIACI procedure; however, this patient had epilepsy before and seizure type/frequency were similar before and after therapy. Conclusions Our study shows that for patients naive to BV, a single dose of SIACI BV after BBBD followed by IV BV offers an encouraging outcome in terms of PFS when compared with previous trials using IV BV with and without concomitant irinotecan (CPT-11). Larger phase II trials are warranted to determine whether repeated IA BV alone is superior to IV BV for recurrent GBM.
Polymer-assisted deposition of metal-oxide films

Metal oxides are emerging as important materials for their versatile properties such as high-temperature superconductivity, ferroelectricity, ferromagnetism, piezoelectricity and semiconductivity. Metal-oxide films are conventionally grown by physical and chemical vapour deposition. However, the high cost of necessary equipment and restriction of coatings on a relatively small area have limited their potential applications. Chemical-solution depositions such as sol-gel are more cost-effective, but many metal oxides cannot be deposited and the control of stoichiometry is not always possible owing to differences in chemical reactivity among the metals. Here we report a novel process to grow metal-oxide films in large areas at low cost using polymer-assisted deposition (PAD), where the polymer controls the viscosity and binds metal ions, resulting in a homogeneous distribution of metal precursors in the solution and the formation of uniform metal-organic films. The latter feature makes it possible to grow simple and complex crack-free epitaxial metal-oxides.
Depth of the base of the Jackson aquifer, based on geophysical exploration, southern Jackson Hole, Wyoming, USA

A geophysical survey was conducted to determine the depth of the base of the water-table aquifer in the southern part of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, USA. Audio-magnetotellurics (AMT) measurements at 77 sites in the study area yielded electrical-resistivity logs of the subsurface, and these were used to infer lithologic changes with depth. A 100–600 ohm-m geoelectric layer, designated the Jackson aquifer, was used to represent surficial saturated, unconsolidated deposits of Quaternary age. The median depth of the base of the Jackson aquifer is estimated to be 200 ft (61 m), based on 62 sites that had sufficient resistivity data. AMT-measured values were kriged to predict the depth to the base of the aquifer throughout the southern part of Jackson Hole. Contour maps of the kriging predictions indicate that the depth of the base of the Jackson aquifer is shallow in the central part of the study area near the East and West Gros Ventre Buttes, deeper in the west near the Teton fault system, and shallow at the southern edge of Jackson Hole. Predicted, contoured depths range from 100 ft (30 m) in the south, near the confluences of Spring Creek and Flat Creek with the Snake River, to 700 ft (210 m) in the west, near the town of Wilson, Wyoming.
Nucleotide-dependent substrate recognition by the AAA+ HslUV protease

ATP-dependent protein degradation is controlled principally by substrate recognition. The AAA+ HslU ATPase is thought to bind protein substrates, denature them, and translocate the unfolded polypeptide into the HslV peptidase. The lack of well-behaved high-affinity substrates for HslUV (ClpYQ) has hampered understanding of the rules and mechanism of substrate engagement. We show that HslUV efficiently degrades Arc repressor, especially at heat-shock temperatures. Degradation depends on sequences near the N terminus of Arc. Fusion protein and peptide-binding experiments demonstrate that this sequence is a degradation tag that binds directly to HslU. Strong binding of this tag to the enzyme requires ATP and Mg(2+). Furthermore, fusion of this sequence to a protein with marked mechanical stability leads to complete degradation. Thus, these experiments demonstrate that HslUV is a powerful protein unfoldase and that initial substrate engagement by the HslU ATPase must occur after ATP binding.
Use of factorial experimental design in static and dynamic light scattering characterization of water‐soluble polymers

When characterizing solutions of random coil polymers by static light scattering (SLS) or dynamic light scattering (DLS), linear regression is used to fit experimental data to theoretical relationships. These relationships are expressed as polynomial equations, which contain two independent variables-sample concentration and scattering angle-and a response or dependent variable that is related to radiation intensities (SLS) or intensity fluctuations (DLS). The coefficients of the terms in the polynomial are used to estimate parameters such as molecular weight and polymer coil radius of gyration. One major problem during data analysis involves deciding which polynomial model is appropriate for use with the data that inherently contains a high level of random noise that is produced by the presence of dust in the solutions. Dust is an especially troublesome problem when dealing with large polymers in aqueous solutions. Polynomial models having more terms than justified are unacceptable because the coefficients of these models are excessively corrupted by the noise. Thus, conclusions from unjustified models can be erroneous. This article discusses use of a factorial experimental design technique that obtains an acceptable model for fitting light scattering data containing high levels of random noise. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Distinct PAR-1 proteins function in different branches of Wnt signaling during vertebrate development.

Summary The kinase PAR-1 plays conserved roles in cell polarity. PAR-1 has also been implicated in axis establishment in C. elegans and Drosophila and in Wnt signaling, but its role in vertebrate development is unclear. Here we report that PAR-1 has two distinct and essential roles in axial development in Xenopus mediated by different PAR-1 isoforms. Depletion of PAR-1A or PAR-1BX causes dorsoanterior deficits, reduced Spemann organizer gene expression, and inhibition of canonical Wnt-β-catenin signaling. By contrast, PAR-1BY depletion inhibits cell movements and localization of Dishevelled protein to the cell cortex, processes associated with noncanonical Wnt signaling. PAR-1 phosphorylation sites in Dishevelled are required for this translocation, but not for canonical Wnt signaling. We conclude that PAR-1BY is required in the PCP branch and mediates Dsh membrane localization while PAR-1A and PAR-1BX are essential for canonical signaling to β-catenin, possibly via targets other than Dishevelled.
TAIWAN IN 2003: Plenty of Clouds, Few Silver Linings

Taiwan faced a difficult year in 2003. In early spring, SARS affected the island profoundly, but Taiwanese leaders were not able to leverage the outbreak into a chance at observer status in the World Health Organization. Although Taiwan's economic recession lifted somewhat, frustration over its continuing international isolation and domestic political deadlock led to calls for referendums on national policy issues and a new constitution. Both of these measures provoked concern in Washington and opposition in Beijing.
The future of genre in L2 writing: Fundamental, but contested, instructional decisions

Abstract In this essay, the author explores four fundamental, but contested topics in Genre-based Writing Instruction (GBWI) about which decisions must be made as curricula are developed. Drawing from the three major genre traditions ( Hyon, 1996 ), the author examines the contested topics ( naming , awareness / acquisition , pedagogical focus , and ideology ) and suggests compromises for L2 practitioners who adopt a genre-based approach.
Balanced steady-state free-precession MR imaging for measuring pulsatile motion of cerebellar tonsils during the cardiac cycle: a reliability study

Introduction Assessment of the motion of the cerebellar tonsils is of interest in diseases affecting the CSF flow at the foramen magnum. Cardiac-gated balanced steady-state free-precession technique, which has recently been shown to demonstrate the pulsatile motion of neural structures, appears well suited to allow direct measurement of craniocaudal translation of cerebellar tonsils during the cardiac cycle. Our aim was to assess the intra-observer and inter-observer variability in the assessment of tonsillar motion utilizing this technique.
The hyaluronidase of rat skin.

Abstract A hyaluronidase demonstrated in rat skin has been purified 75-fold from extracts. The enzyme is an endo-β-acetylhexosaminidase, acts on chondroitin 4- and 6-sulfate at a lesser rate than on hyaluronate, and catalyzes transglycosylation as well as hydrolysis. Optimal activity with hyaluronate occurs at pH 3.7. Smaller hyaluronate oligosaccharides are poor substrates. Enzyme fractions showing some small catalytic differences are separable from skin extracts by ion-exchange chromatography. This finding is extended by electrofocusing experiments, which partially resolve a number of isozymes. These differ by as much as 1.5 pH units in isoelectric point. Viral neuraminidase apparently effects a partial conversion of the more acidic to the less acidic isozymes. Colorimetric assays for hyaluronidase have been modified to overcome interference by β-glucuronidase and β-acetylglucosaminidase, both present in crude tissue extracts. The amount of hyaluronidase that occurs in skin is amply sufficient in itself to account for the rate of catabolism reported for hyaluronate in this tissue.
Anthelmintic activity of fluorine-substituted phenols

A series of 4-fluoro-2-alkylphenols has been prepared and tested for ascaricidal activity in vitro by the Lamson technique. One 2-fluoro-4-alkylphenol has also been prepared and tested, using 4-chloro-2-n-hexylphenol as a reference compound. The 2-n-amyl- and 2-n-hexyl-4-fluorophenols and 4-isoamyl-2-fluorophenol were as active as the 2-n-hexyl-4-chlorophenol. The identity of the fluorothymol prepared is uncertain and the compound showed a low order of activity in the tests. When saturated solutions were used in the tests, only the propyl and butyl derivatives showed appreciable activity.
The Two-Party System in British Politics

Britain may fairly be called the classic home of two-party government. This claim is justifiable because of some characteristics for which the system, as employed in Britain, is distinctive. Chief among these is its long duration. Although there is room for disagreement among historians about the time and circumstances of its birth, it would be difficult to deny that two-party government was established earlier, has lasted longer, and at the present time is probably more firmly rooted there than in any contemporary state. Indeed, the practice of simplifying the complexities of politics into a contest for office between a pair of major claimants has endured in Britain through a catalogue of changes which would assuredly have wrecked a less effective system. In that country it has survived the evolution from an oligarchy of aristocrats to a democracy of the whole people; the transfer of power from monarchy to parliament and then from parliament to cabinet; the rise of large-scale industry with its social aftermath; the switch in economic policy from mercantilism to laissez faire and from this to state planning; and withal, the expansion and subsequent shrinkage of Britain's international might.
R(-) and S(+) stereoisomers of 11-hydroxy- and 11-methoxy-N-n-propylnoraporphine: central dopaminergic behavioral activity in the rat.

Abstract R(−)11-Hydroxy-N-n-propylnoraporphine (11-OH-NPa) induced stereotyped behavior in the rat as potently (ED50 = 0.80 mg/kg, i.p.) as R(−)apomorphine (APO) and this effect was blocked by haloperidol; the 11-methoxy congener, R(−)11-MeO-NPa, had a weak effect (ED50 > 10 /mg/kg) and the S(+) isomers had none. The isomer R(−)11-OH-NPa potentiated locomotion stimulated by apomorphine; S(+)11-OH-NPa inhibited it and the isomers of 11-MeO-NPa were inactive. Catecholaporphines usually are inactive orally, but both R(−) and S(+)11-OH-NPa were similarly potent after oral or parenteral administration. The isomer S(+)11-OH-NPa inhibited spontaneous and apomorphine-induced locomotion (ID50 = 1.8–2.7 mg/kg, p.o. and i.p.) and stereotyped behavior (ID50 = 3 mg/kg, p.o. or i.p.), all without inducing catalepsy. While apomorphine was short-acting (1–2hr), the effects of R(−)11-OH-NPa persisted up to 6–7 hr and those of the S(+) isomer for at least 2.5hr; moreover, the efficacy of R(−)11-OH-NPa increased markedly up to 3–4 hr, although its ED(50) was independent of time (ED50 = 1.7–1.9 mg/kg, i.p. from 1–3 hr). The total effect of R(−)11-OH-NPa (p.o. or i.p.) over time was more than 10-times greater than that of injected apomorphine. These observations accord with the reported high (nM) affinity of 11-OH-NPa at cerebral DA receptor sites (D2 > d1) and weak interactions of the 11-methoxy congener. They support the conclusion that the R(−) and S(+) stereoisomers are neuropharmacologically active, respectively, as DA agonist and apparent antagonist, as was found with the enantiomers of N-n-propylnorapomorphine, perhaps due to the low intrinsic postsynaptic agonist activity of the S(+) isomers. Moreover, 11-OH-NPa was highly bioavailable orally and unusually long-acting: it may be absorbed slowly or have active metabolites. Hydroxy-substitution of aporphines at the 11-position, homologous to the 3-OH of DA, evidently is critical for affinity and activity at the DA receptor. These or other monohydroxyaporphines may represent leads to potentially useful DA agonist or antagonist drugs.
The Secretory Cells of Mouse Salivary Glands Are Nonpermissive for Polyomavirus Replication

Parotid tumor agent was an early name for polyomavirus due to its ability to induce tumors (myoepitheliomas originating from the myoepithelial glandular tissues) in mice inoculated with polyomavirus (Py) as neonates. It has long been thought that these tumors directly follow productive infection by Py in epithelial cells of the salivary gland, allowing subsequent cellular genetic changes leading to tumor formation. Curiously, the ability of salivary glandular tissue to support Py infection has not been experimentally established. Although Southern analysis for Py DNA has shown virus DNA to be present in whole salivary glands during acute infection, salivary glands are composed of various cell types (myoepithelial glandular cells called serous and mucous cells, fibrocollagenous cells, and interstitial cells), not all of which become transformed. We now use in situ hybridization for Py DNA along with immunohistological and immunohistochemical analyses to show that salivary gland serous and mucous cells are nonpermissive for acute Py infection in Balb/C and C3H mice, but are Py infected, as shown by T-ag expression. Salivary gland fibroblasts and interstitial cells, however, were permissive for Py replication. In addition, isoproterenol and tannin, which induce hypertrophy and hyperplasia of the secretory cells of adult male mice salivary glands, did not make these cells permissive to Py replication.
Growth characteristics of two HeLa S3 strains possessing low level glucocorticoid-inducible and high level suppressible alkaline phosphatase.

Abstract A comparative study of two HeLa S3 strains revealed that their characteristic responses to glucocorticoids, i.e. the elevation of alkaline phosphatase in low constitutive strain (S3G, HeLa 65 ) and the suppression of this enzyme in high constitutive strain (S3K, HeLa 71 ), were not influenced qualitatively by the origin or concentration of the serum supplement in the medium. However, after continuous growth in the presence of low concentration of cortisol (0.1 μg/ml), the level of alkaline phosphatase in each line returned to the approximately original value. In comparison to S3G strain, the S3K showed lower plating efficiency particularly in fetal calf serum-supplemented media. Experiments in which both strains were co-cultivated in different population ratios indicated displacement of the high constitutive strain by the low constitutive strain.
Personal and Societal Construction of Illness Among Individuals With Rapid-Cycling Bipolar Disorder: A Life-Trajectory Perspective

Objective Bipolar disorder is a chronic mental illness associated with substantial impairment in quality of life and function. Although there has been tremendous growth in understanding bipolar disorder with respect to treatments, very little study has focused on the viewpoint of affected individuals. The purpose of this study was to examine the subjective experience of illness among 19 men and women with rapid cycling bipolar disorder receiving treatment at an academic psychiatry clinic. Methods Personal constructs of illness with respect to life-trajectory and societal reaction to the individual, specifically the issue of stigma, were evaluated using a semistructured, open-ended anthropological interview. Results Participants perceived bipolar disorder as a disease with biologic underpinnings. Stigma was a major issue for all individuals. In common with individuals without serious mental illness, individuals with bipolar disorder work at mastering developmental tasks appropriate for their life stage. At times, younger individuals appeared to have difficulty separating their own identity from the effects of illness. For older individuals with bipolar disorder, life was perceived to be disrupted by bipolar disorder, with early plans and dreams often "derailed." Conclusion Although bipolar disorder may severely alter an individual's planned life trajectory, accomplishment of life goals can at least partially offset the sense of loss that is often seen in bipolar illness.
Defining Faith-Based Organizations and Understanding Them Through Research:

Welfare reform discussions in the 1990s included proposals for government to support religious organizations that provide social services. This fostered a debate about the proper relationship betwe...
Inhibition of amino acid transport in Bacillus subtilis by uncouplers of oxidative phosphorylation

Abstract The effect of three uncouplers of oxidative phosphorylation, trifluoromethoxycarbon-ylcyanidephenylhydrazone (FCCP), 3,3′,4′,5-tetrachlorosalicylanilide (TCSA), and pentachlorophenol (PCP), on transport of glycine and proline by Bacillus subtilis were examined. FCCP inhibited proline uptake uncompetitively, but glycine uptake competitively. TCSA inhibited proline uptake noncompetitively, but glycine uptake competitively. PCP inhibited proline uptake noncompetitively, but glycine uptake uncompetitively. The results indicate that these uncouplers inhibit amino acid transport by interacting at specific sites rather than by reducing any central supply of energy used to fuel metabolic processes.
The effects of caffeine on graded exercise performance in caffeine naive versus habituated subjects.

The physiological effects of caffeine on subjects habituated to caffeine is relatively unstudied compared to those of caffeine naive subjects during graded exercise. Thus, the purpose of this investigation was to determine the effects of caffeine on maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) and the anaerobic threshold in these two populations. Seventeen moderately trained males were classified according to caffeine usage: (1) caffeine consumption 25 mg·day−1 or less (CN) (n=8) or (2) caffeine consumption above 300 mg·day−1 (CH) (n=9). The subjects were tested post-absorptive on the same cycle ergometer on three occasions with 7 days separating the tests. One hour before each test the subject ingested either a gelatin capsule (C); 3 mg·kg−1 body weight of caffeine (C3); or 5 mg·kg−1 body weight of caffeine (C5). The subject then performed an incrementalVO2max test beginning at 50 W and the work rate was increased 30 W every 2 min until the subject could not maintain the power output. Serial venous blood samples were drawn over 30 s at the end of each stage. The CN group significantly increased resting heart rate (fc) and expired ventilation volume (VE) after C3 and C5 andVO2 after C5. No significant differences were found for exerciseVE,VO2, respiratory excharge ratio,fc or time to exhaustion. There were no significant differences (P < 0.05) in the lactate threshold or the ventilatory threshold between treatment in either group. The CH subjects showed a significant increase (P<0.05) in resting plasma free fatty acid (FFA) concentration only during the C3 and C5 treatments. Plasma FFA levels were significantly increased (P < 0.05) at all times during C3 and C5 treatment in the CN subjects when compared to the control values. These data indicate that caffeine has no effect onVO2max or the anaerobic threshold seen during incremental, graded exercise. However, resting metabolism and ventilation, and both resting and exercise plasma FFA are increased in CN subjects.
Nitrogen-15 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy. Solvent Effects on the ^(15)N Chemical Shifts of Saturated Amines and their Hydrochlorides

Solvent effects were determined for the^(15)N NMR chemical shifts of some primary, secondary, and tertiary amines along with solvent, concentration, and counterion dependences of the corresponding amine salts. The solvent effects on tertiary-amine nitrogen resonances appear to be dominated by hydrogen bonding to the lone pair, which results in downfield shifts. For primary and secondary amines, the situation is much more complex. Hydrogen bonding to the lone pair is apparently important, as indicated by a linear correlation of shifts produced by going from nonpolar solvents to methanol as solvent and shifts produced by protonation. The very large solvent and counterion effects sometimes observed for the ^(15)N chemical shifts of the conjugate acids of saturated amines seem best explained by ion-pair aggregation in relatively nonpolar solvents like chloroform, and especially with “soft” polarizable anions like iodide. Solvation of the salts in polar solvents or changes of anions expected to cause less ion aggregation result in upfield shifts of the nitrogen resonances, thereby decreasing the magnitude of generally downfield protonation shifts in nonpolar solvents. For some amines, this solvent effect may be so large as to cause protonation of a saturated amine to result in an upfield rather than the usually expected downfield shift.