cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Risky sexual behavior and the HIV gender gap for younger adults in sub-Saharan Africa

# Background HIV/AIDS continues to persist as a major global public health issue in Africa. Within the younger adult population, adolescent girls and younger women aged 15 to 29 years have been identified as having a heightened risk of contracting HIV. Risky sexual behaviors are important drivers behind the HIV prevalence gender gap among younger adults in sub-Saharan Africa. # Methods We used nationally representative survey data from three sub-Saharan African countries, Malawi, Tanzania and Zambia, to explain the relationship between HIV prevalence and having an older partner and/or having multiple partners using a logit model. We then proceeded to conduct a Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition analysis to better understand the gap drivers. # Results We found that while the gender gap is driven largely by women having higher levels of risk for sexual behaviors and other risk factors in two of the study countries, this was not found in the third. We also found that different sexual behaviors vary in their riskiness across countries. Having multiple partners and having an older partner carried a similar risk with regard to younger adults contracting HIV in Malawi; in Tanzania and Zambia the risk associated with having multiple partners was greater than the risk associated with having an older partner. In all three countries the risk of being a younger adult female was higher than men, other risk factors the same. # Conclusions Risky sexual behavior contributed to increased prevalence of HIV in the study countries. Policies aiming to encourage younger women to form relationships with men among their cohort would be most impactful in Malawi, where currently many younger women have partners who are more than five years their senior compared to younger men. Other policies can attempt to reduce non-monogamous relationships among younger adults, wherein multiple partners are a key driver of the HIV gender gap.
Experimental and Theoretical Investigation of Interfacial Losses in Concrete with Laser Ultrasonics

The strength of concrete is controlled by three factors: strength of the matrix, strength of the aggregate, and strength of the bond between matrix and aggregate. It is well known that material interfaces play an important role in the overall mechanical behavior of bonded materials e.g concrete. Reflected and transmitted ultrasonic waves have been used to develop non-destructive ultrasonic techniques to examine the size and location of flaws and to provide measurements of the internal structure of concrete among other things. In the studies of elastic wave scattering by interfaces, it is generally assumed that the inclusion is perfectly bonded to the surrounding matrix material. It does, however, frequently happen that the bond is imperfect whereby reducing the stiffness and hence the strength of the material.
Does the Instructor’s Experience as a Practitioner Affect the Purpose and Content of the Undergraduate Systems Analysis and Design Course?

This paper reports the results of a survey and follow up interviews that were administered to instructors of the undergraduate systems analysis and design course, a core course of the Information Systems curriculum. The goal of this research was to learn if the background of the instructor, in terms of industry experience, affects the purpose and content of the course. The survey results indicate that there are significant differences between instructors with no practitioner background and those with prior industry experience.
On the Plastic Buckling of Plates According to the Flow Theory

IN THIS JOURNAL OF July, 1950, Dr. Pearson calculates the plastic buckling stress of a compressed plate that is simplysupported at both unloaded sides, assuming plastic flow. He also assumes that during buckling the entire plate deforms plastically in analogy with the tangent modulus theory (Engesser load) for columns. In contrast, in a previous paper, Handelman and Prager had assumed that unloading occurs in part of the plate in analogy with the reduced modulus theory (von Karman load) for columns. Handelman and Prager's assumption led to disagreement with tests, as is shown in Fig. 1, where the plastic buckling stress <rcr is plotted against <TE/E (<TE is the elastic buckling stress and E is the elastic modulus). The circles refer to the experiments by Pride and Heimerl. In his paper, however, Dr. Pearson tries to show that , if the entire plate is assumed to remain plastic, a fair agreement with the tests is obtained, as is shown in his Fig. 10 and also in Fig. 1 of this item. In Fig. 1 the curve according to the present writer's theory ' 5 is also given, as calculated by Pride and Heimerl.
Droplet formation and settlement of phase-change ink in high resolution electrohydrodynamic (EHD) 3D printing

Abstract This paper presents a modeling framework to model the droplet formation and settlement on substrate of phase-change ink in high resolution electrohydrodynamic (EHD) printing process, which can successfully produce sub 10-μm droplet footprints and 3D microstructure. We have used Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to develop the model for droplet formation and droplet settlement. Two important competitive forces in EHD printing, electrostatic force and surface tension force are modeled by FEA. The droplet size is obtained by balancing the electrostatic force and surface tension of the pending droplets at the tip of the meniscus under different printing conditions. With the results from FEA analysis about the charge on a droplet and electrostatic field distribution, the droplets in-flight velocity and impact velocity on the substrate are derived numerically. With the derived impact velocity, the droplet spreading and settlement on the substrate is also modeled by FEA. The results from FEA models are compared with the experimental measured droplet dimensions at different process conditions to validate the developed model, which demonstrate very good agreement between the experimental results and model prediction. We have successfully applied EHD printing process for phase-change wax material, which is widely used in 3D printing or additive manufacturing for supporting and model material, to achieve high resolution sub 10-μm 3D structures.
Approximate tâtonnement processes

We introduce a probabilistic model for price adjustment in an exchange economy which approximates the classical Walras tâtonnement process while avoiding many of its unrealistic features. The model is decentralized in that the trades permitted to an agent and the resulting price changes depend only on the commodity vector currently held by that agent, and not on the commodity vectors held by the other agents in the economy. Our results will show that the Walras tâtonnement process can be decentralized without changing its behavior on the macroeconomic scale. Our model has a finite set of commodities, a market maker who adjusts prices, and a large finite set of agents who trade only with the market maker. Each agent has a demand function depending on his commodity vector and the price vector. At each discrete time, one agent is chosen at random and exchanges his current commodity vector for his demand vector. Then the market maker adjusts the price vector by an amount which depends on the selected agent's commodity vector and the current price. Prices are adjusted rapidly enough to avoid prolonged trading at the wrong price, but slowly enough so that a substantial price change will depend on a significant simple of agents. The main result shows that with probability arbitrarily close to one the price will rapidly approach and then remain close to an equilibrium value, following a path which is close to the price path of the corresponding tâtonnement process.
Mapping the Contours of Neoliberal Educational Restructuring: A Review of Recent Neo-Marxist Studies of Education and Racial Capitalist Considerations

In this article Clayton Pierce reviews three books representative of the recent neo-Marxist literature on education: David Blacker's The Falling Rate of Learning and the Neoliberal Endgame, John Marsh's Class Dismissed: Why We Cannot Teach or Learn Our Way out of Inequality, and Pauline Lipman's The New Political Economy of Urban Education: Neoliberalism, Race, and the Right to the City. His analysis of these books focuses on how each author remains consistent or advances traditional Marxist interpretations of the role of education in capitalist society. In addition, he puts the arguments of each author into conversation with W. E. B. Du Bois's analysis of schooling in a racial capitalist society — what he called caste education — as a way to generate discussion around some of the inherent limitations of Marxist studies of education. Here, Pierce is particularly concerned with the ability of neo-Marxist analyses of the neoliberal restructuring of education to articulate how white supremacy is preserved even in revolutionary critiques of capitalist schooling.
Rapid induction of rat liver S14 gene transcription by thyroid hormone.

Abstract The mRNA coding for the rat liver S14 protein (Mr 17,000; pI 4.9) is rapidly induced by triiodothyronine (T3) (Jump, D. B., Narayan, P., Towle, H. C., and Oppenheimer, J. H. (1984) J. Biol. Chem. 259, 2789-2797). In an effort to define the molecular basis for the rapid increase in mRNAS14, the in vitro run-on activity and chromatin structure of the S14 gene was examined. Following injection of hypothyroid rats with a receptor-saturating dose of T3, a 5-min lag period preceded a rapid increase in S14 gene transcription. S14 transcriptional activity was induced 3.8-fold within 15 min and reached nearly 70% of the maximal 9-fold induction within 60 min of T3 administration. Hepatic mRNAS14 levels were induced 2.4-, 19-, and 24-fold within 15 min, 4 h, and 24 h, respectively. Thus, the rapid T3-mediated induction of mRNAS14 was due, in large part, to a rapid and apparent direct effect of T3 on S14 transcriptional activity. Analysis of S14 chromatin structure showed that the Hss-3 DNase I hypersensitive site located 3.3 kilobases (kb) upstream from the hepatic S14 cap site was present in both euthyroid and hyperthyroid states, but either absent or present at diminished DNase I sensitivity in the hypothyroid state. However, within 5 min of T3 administration to hypothyroid rats, the Hss-3 DNase I hypersensitive site was significantly induced. The induction of this structure preceded T3 induction of S14 gene transcription. Other DNase I hypersensitive sites located adjacent to the S14 cap site at -65 to -265 base pairs (Hss-1) or upstream at -1.3 kb (Hss-2), -2.1 kb (Hss-3'), -5.3 kb (Hss-4), and -6.2 kb (Hss-5) remained unaffected by changes in S14 gene transcription. The rapid T3 effect on the Hss-3 DNase I hypersensitive site may reflect the presence of T3 receptors in the vicinity of this chromatin locus. Modification of chromatin structure in the vicinity of the Hss-3 site may be an important antecedent event for T3-mediated induction of S14 gene transcription.
Measurement of pS2 protein in pancreatic cyst fluids. Evidence for a potential role of pS2 protein in the pathogenesis of mucinous cystic tumors.

Conclusion Elevated levels of the growth factor pS2 protein in the cyst fluids of mucinous cystic tumors correlate with earlier observations using immunohistochemical techniques showing that pS2 protein is expressed by these tumors. The markedly elevated levels of pS2 protein compared to normal plasma values suggest that this growth factor may be important in the pathogenesis of pancreatic mucinous cystic tumors.
Toward an Integrative Research Framework for New Venture Legitimacy Judgement Formation

Legitimacy is a critical resource for new ventures. Yet, our review of the literature indicates that the process through which new venture legitimacy judgments are bestowed by stakeholders is under-theorized. Additionally, the consequences of the legitimacy judgment for the stakeholder have not been adequately incorporated in prior research frameworks. We employ the absorptive capacity construct to address these limitations and propose an integrative research framework that includes the stakeholder in the legitimacy judgment formation process, and paves the way for empirical testing of these underlying processes.
Conformations of 145 base pair length poly (dG-dC)·poly (dG-dC) in solution and in association with histones

Abstract We have studied the conformation of poly (dG-dC) . poly (dG-dC) in three conditions; i) associated with histones octamers, ii) alone at ionic strength 0.1, and ii) in solutions of over 2.5 M NaCl. The circular dichroism spectrum for the polymer bound to histones differs from that for the free polymer; the difference spectrum is similar to those for native and poly (dA-dT) . poly (dA-dT) core particles. Under the first two conditions, the 31P NMR spectrum is symmetric with line widths of 91 and 41 Hz, respectively, at 109.3 MHz. In high salt, two 31P peaks of equal intensity are observed, confirming recent results of Patel et al. (1) and indicating an alternating geometry for the phosphodiester backbone. Using this highly homogeneous DNA, we confirm that the Pohl-Jovin transition (2) is an intramolecular rearrangement, not requiring complete strand separation.
23Na nuclear magnetic resonance study of the complexation of sodium tetraphenylborate by [5,5]-dibenzo-30-crown-10 in nitromethane, acetonitrile, acetone and pyridine

The nature of the (Na–DB30C10)+ complex has been studied by 23Na NMR in four non-aqueous solvents: nitromethane (NM), acetonitrile (AN), acetone (AC) and pyridine (PY). The equilibrium constant of formation (Kf) of (Na-DB30C10)+ in AC, AN and PY was determined at 300 K: log Kf = 3·9 ± 0·3, 3·4 ± 0·5 and 3·0 ± 0·1, respectively. In cases such as in pyridine, where exact values of the rate constants for the chemical exchange could not be calculated, limiting values were determined giving k−1 (the rate constant for complex dissociation) > 6·6 × 10−4 s−1 and kc (the rate constant for the formation of the complex) > 5 × 107 l mol−1 s−1. Evidence was found for the formation of a 2 : 1 (Na2–DB30C10)+2 complex in nitromethane. It has been previously shown that for (Na–DB24C8)+ the first coordination sphere of Na+ is exclusively filled by the oxygens of the crown ether, whereas for (Na–DB18C6)+ there is participation of at least one solvent molecule. The first coordination sphere of Na+ in (Na–DB30C10)+ consists of one or several molecules of solvent in addition to a number of oxygens from the crown ether. The soft wrapping of the Na+ by DB30C10 is in constrast with the hard wrapping of Na+ by DB24C8 and of K+ by DB30C10.
Parametric phenomena as applied to vibration isolators and mechanical amplifiers

Abstract It is shown that several interesting types of parametric phenomena may be produced in mechanical systems by introducing a linear spring having a time-variable stiffness. The physical realization of such a spring is discussed, and four different parametric devices based on such a spring are treated. Expressions are developed for gain and bandwidth and some comparisons are made to similar electrical devices. Several mechanical applications are discussed.
Immunological detection and quantitation of alpha transforming growth factors in human breast carcinoma cells.

Alpha transforming growth factors (αTGFs) were immunologically detected in the concentrated conditioned medium (CM) prepared from four human breast cancer cell lines and from primary cultures of human mammary epithelial cells, and in the tissue extracts prepared from normal, benign, and malignant breast biopsies. Immunoreactive αTGFs were quantitated by a competitive radioimmunoassay (RIA) using affinity-purified polyclonal sheep anti-rat αTGF antibodies which react with human αTGF but not with human epidermal growth factor (EGF). The relative level of RIA-detectable αTGFs in the CM from the breast cancer cell lines MCF-7, ZR-75-1, T47-D, and MDA-MB-231, and from the CM of primary cultures of human mammary epithelial cells, ranged from 0.02 to 0.85 ng/ml. MCF-7 or ZR-75-1 cells grown in the presence of 17β-estradiol (10−8 M) for 48 h were found to release two- to three-fold more αTGFs into their CM than the same cells grown in the absence of estrogen. In detergent extracts prepared from normal breast tissue, a benign fibrocystic lesion, fibroadenomas and primary breast carcinomas, the relative αTGF concentrations were found to range from 1.5 to 6 ng/mg cell protein. No significant correlations were found between the αTGF levels and the pathological state of the tissues, the estrogen receptor status of the tumors, or the relative amounts of theras gene protein p21ras in the tissues as determined by Western immunoblot analysis. The question of biological relevancy of αTGF for human mammary tumors will require further studies on (a) synthesis and turnover of αTGF, (b) the relationship between immunoreactivity and biological activity of αTGF, and (c) differences in biological responsiveness of mammary tumor cells.
The scintigraphic evaluation of myocardial infarction and regional ventricular performance using technetium-99m hexakis (t-butylisonitrile) technetium (I) (TBI): A new myocardial imaging agent

Technetium-99m hexakis (t-butylisonitrile) technetium (I) (99mTc-TBI) is a new myocardial perfusion imaging agent. To determine its potential in the evaluation of myocardial infarction, 15 patients with suspected or confirmed acute infarction were studied by bedside imaging in the coronary care unit. Good-quality planar scintigrams in multiple projections were obtained in 13 patients. Gated perfusion studies were performed in 14 patients, and for comparison 13 of these were restudied 24–72 h later by standard gated equilibrium blood pool radionuclide ventriculography. Conventional and planar scintigraphic criteria for myocardial infarction (acute or old) agreed in 12 (92%) patients (k=0.81, p<0.05). All the infarctions detected by scintigraphy were associated with electrocardiographic Q-waves. Localization of infarction by the electrocardiogram and scintigraphy exhibited moderate agreement (k=0.49, p<0.1). Regional wall motion analysis by standard radionuclide ventriculography and gated 99mTc-TBI scintigraphy were in complete agreement for 25 (64%) of 39 left ventricular segments (k=0.35, p<0.05). However, in 7 other segments, associated with areas of infarction, regional wall motion abnormalities were noted only on gated 99mTc-TBI scintigraphy. Therefore, 99mTc-TBI scintigraphy can readily provide data on regional myocardial perfusion and wall motion, permitting detection and localization of areas of myocardial infarction. The superior imaging properties, ready availability and low cost of 99mTc point to the considerable potential value of 99mTc-TBI in assessing patients with suspected or confirmed myocardial infarction.
Affirmative Action: Psychological Contributions to Policy

Affirmative action is a controversial policy. Lauded by many, the attempt at social engineering has also been condemned by some as unnecessary and by others as counterproductive to the goal of social equality. As such, affirmative action is ideally situated to benefit from psychological research pertaining to the need for and the effectiveness of the policy. This article discusses both the potential benefits to American society of affirmative action and the potential costs of such a policy. Concluding that affirmative action is useful, we end with a look at ways to make affirmative action programs as effective as possible.
Sorption of anthropogenic organic compounds by soil organic matter: a mechanistic consideration

Sorption experiments with apolar organic compounds (naphthalene and 1,2-dichorobenzene) were conducted to evaluate sorption mechanisms in soil organic matter (SOM). All isotherms were nonlinear and competition between solutes was observed. Nonlinearity and competition increased in an order of peat humic acid (HA) < peat < peat humin. Isotherms of Al-saturated HA (Al-HA) were more nonlinear than untreated HA and Ca-HA, and sorption/desorption hysteresis occurred only in Al-HA. These results are not consistent with partitioning theory or the presence of high-surface-area carbonaceous materials (HSACM) in soil. But the results are consistent with dual-mode sorption, where SOM is postulated to have both condensed (rigid) and expanded (flexible) domains, and adsorption takes place only in the condensed domains and partitioning in both domains. These non-ideal sorptive behaviors need to be incorporated into predictive models to more accurately describe the fate and transport of organics in soil and subsurface e...
The impact of labor force history on self-esteem and its component parts, anxiety, alienation and depression

Abstract Psychologists Erikson (1959), Jahoda (1979, 1981, 1982) and Warr (1987) have offered theories to explain how experiences such as joblessness may lead to a decline in mental health. Other psychologists, including Rotter (1966) and Rosenberg (1965), have designed and validated survey instruments capable of measuring various aspects of emotional health including self-esteem. Using such construct measures the correlation between unemployment and self-esteem has been estimated. Unfortunately, the accuracy of these estimates is marred by three statistical problems: omitted variables, unobserved heterogeneity, and data selection. Therefore, the failure of a consensus to emerge regarding the impact of unemployment on self-esteem is not surprising. This paper offers new estimates of the relation between unemployment and self-esteem using a methodology that controls for the three potential sources of bias identified. The data are drawn from the U.S. National Longitudinal Survey of Youth which provides detailed information on the personal characteristics of individuals in the sample, including their self-esteem, as well as their labor force experiences. We find clear evidence that having recently completed a spell of joblessness, due either to unemployment or time spent out of the labor force, damages an individual's perception of self-worth. Exposure to bouts of both forms of joblessness also significantly harms self-esteem, and the effect of such exposure persists. Our decompositional analysis suggests that joblessness damages self-esteem by generating feelings of depression. Clearly, policies designed to lessen joblessness will also yield a psychologically healthier labor force.
The role of hormones in the etiology of human breast cancer.

Despite bits of data linking breast cancer development with possible alteration of endocrine function no clear-cut or comprehensible patterns are yet evident. Cancer of the breast is a tumor which is often hormone-responsive. The feature common to all hormone-responsive tumors is that they arise from tissues that are normally target organs for the action of hormones. Epidemiologic clinical and experimental observations have implicated a variety of factors linking breast cancer with endocrine function. However these studies have not revealed convincing patterns of hormone abnormalities but only minor differences in urinary androgen and estrogen metabolites. Several hypotheses have emerged. Decreased estriol excretion has been suggested as a significant factor in increasing the risk of breast cancer. Altered estrogen metabolism may be brought on by such external factors as diet. Exogenous estrogens in oral contraceptives or for treatment of menopausal symptoms have not increased the breast cancer risk. Altered patterns of androgen metabolism have been reported with decreased urinary 17-ketosteroid metabolites. Androstenedione may be of potential importance. Androstenediol may also influence the breast cells. Absence of sufficient cyclic progesterone secretion may provide a setting favorable for the development of breast cancer. Specific prolactin receptor sites have been shown in breast tissue and in breast cancers. Prolactin stimulates breast tumor growth. Drugs that decrease prolactin secretion as L-dopa and ergot derivatives have been used in the treatment of breast cancer. Breast cancer has been uncommon in hyperthyroid women and more frequent in those with hypothyroidism. There has been shown no clear-cut pattern of abnormal hormone production or hormone milieu in women at increased risk of breast cancer.
Characterization of a waaf mutant of Helicobacter pylori strain 26695 provides evidence that an extended lipopolysaccharide structure has a limited role in the invasion of gastric cancer cells

An ld-heptosyltransferase gene, HP1191 (waaF), involved in biosynthesis of the inner-core region of Helicobacter pylori strain 26695 lipopolysaccharide (LPS), has been cloned and its function estab...
Stochastic optimization methods for angle of arrival estimation

The difficulty for accurate determination of the angles of arrival (AOA) of signals arises from the optimization of likelihood functions of high dimension. Usually, a gradient-based technique is employed to find the optimum of the function. However, this method requires heavy computational work and the differentiability of the likelihood function. This paper presents two gradient-free methods: One is based on the Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method and the other applies particle swarm optimization (PSO) to estimate the AOA. The main difference between the two methods is that the PSO-based method exploits multiple random search paths, while the MCMC-based method only employs undirected random search along a single path. A practical search space is also proposed for the case of symmetric objective functions to reduce the computational work in a manner that the traditional PSO stopping criteria is still applicable. To illustrate these techniques, a uniform linear antenna array is considered under the influence of additive complex Gaussian noise.
My life as an information technology sous chef: managing to grow professionally while in the same job

Most career development articles present advice on how to advance into management roles. I am among those information technology professionals who do not aspire to become supervisors and directors and are content with their current jobs. Choosing to stay in a role presents its own challenges, as there is a fine line between contentment and complacency. The information technology manager needs the plateaued employee to remain a productive member of the work team, to be willing to learn new skills for new projects, and to adapt to different organizational structures over time. The employee needs to maintain a professional network and keep skills updated in case a reorganization or budget crisis leads to an unexpected job search. In this paper, I will discuss what I am doing to remain a satisfied and productive employee in the hopes that others might benefit from my experiences. I will also share tips from a few information technology managers who supervise one or more plateaued employees. The paper presentation will include time for discussion with those attendees who also find themselves in a career plateau either by choice or by circumstance and with those supervisors who manage plateaued employees.
Widespread distribution of the c-src gene product in nerve cells and axon terminals in the adult rat brain.

Abstract The regional and cellular distribution of the proto-oncogene product pp60 c- src , a member of the family of membrane-associated tyrosine-specific protein kinases, was analysed in adult rat brain. High-resolution SDS-PAGE allowed analysis of both the ‘fibroblast’ 60-kDa form and a variant, 61-kDa neuron-specific form of the c- src gene product which is encoded by an alternately processed c- src mRNA. Studies of microdissected brain regions showed that all CNS regions contained both forms of the enzyme, the 61-kDa form predominating in most regions with high content of gray matter and high density of synapses. Lesion-induced degenerations of specific neuronal elements in the basal ganglia decreased the level of both forms of the c- src gene product both in regions where cell bodies had been lesioned and in regions where nerve terminals had degenerated. The 61-kDa form of the enzyme appeared somewhat more sensitive to the effects caused by these lesions than the 60-kDa form. These results indicate that, within the mature mammalian brain, both cell body regions and nerve terminals of many, and possibly all, nerve cells contain both forms of the c- src gene product, the 61-kDa form being most highly enriched in the nerve cells. These results suggest that the enzyme may be involved in pleiotropic functions, including signal transduction in nerve terminals.
Specializations of a G-protein-coupled receptor that appear to aid with detection of frequency-modulated signals from its ligand

The primate GnRH receptor (GnRHR) is a GPCR (G-protein-coupled receptor) that transduces both amplitude- and frequency-modulated signals; each modality conveys information that regulates primate reproduction. Slower GnRH pulses favor release (and higher circulating levels) of pituitary FSH, while faster pulses favor LH release. We used radioligand binding and inositol phosphate production (a measure of G-protein coupling) in association with mutational analysis to identify the impact of evolved sequence specializations that regulate receptor concentration at the plasma membrane and Kd in primate GnRHRs. Our results show that mutations appear to provide a mechanism that allows independent adjustment of response sensitivity and squelching (suppression) of low-level signals (noise), both desirable features for recognition of frequency-modulated signals. We identify specific amino acid residues that appear to be involved in these processes. This investigation occurred in light of recent observations that restriction of GnRHR plasma membrane expression developed under strong convergent pressure and concurrently with the complex pattern of cyclicity associated with primate reproduction. The findings present an evolved means for increased effectiveness of detection of a frequency-modulated signal and provide a strategy to identify similar mechanisms in other receptors.
Seismic fragility of typical bridges in moderate seismic zones

Abstract A set of fragility curves for the bridges commonly found in the Central and Southeastern United States (CSUS) is presented. Using the results of an inventory analysis of the typical bridges in the CSUS, four typical bridge types are identified. Using nonlinear analytical models, and a suite of synthetic ground motions, analytical fragility curves are developed for the four bridge types. The fragility curves were first generated for the individual components of each of the bridge types and then, they were combined into fragility curves that represent the entire bridge system using first-order reliability principles. The fragility curves show that the peak ground acceleration for a 50% probability of exceeding slight damage ranges from approximately 0.19 to 0.24 g for the four bridge types. Comparison of the fragility curves shows that the most vulnerable bridge types are the multi-span simply supported and multi-span continuous steel-girder bridges. The least vulnerable bridge is the multi-span continuous pre-stressed concrete-girder bridge. The developed fragility curves can be used for economic loss estimation as well as a basis for assigning retrofit prioritization for bridges. This is particularly useful in the Central and Southeastern United States where seismic retrofit of bridges is becoming more prevalent.
Functional expression of a mammalian odorant receptor

Candidate mammalian odorant receptors were first cloned some 6 years ago. The physiological function of these receptors in initiating transduction in olfactory receptor neurons remains to be established. Here, a recombinant adenovirus was used to drive expression of a particular receptor gene in an increased number of sensory neurons in the rat olfactory epithelium. Electrophysiological recording showed that increased expression of a single gene led to greater sensitivity to a small subset of odorants.
Recurrent perforations of viscus due to ventriculoperitoneal shunt in a hydrocephalic child

In this report, we describe the first case of recurrent perforations of viscus due to ventriculoperitoneal shunt for the treatment of hydrocephalus. Based on our own experience and a survey of literature, we suggest that perforation of the gastrointestinal tract should be suspected in patients with ventriculoperitoneal shunt, particularly when abdominal symptoms or ventriculitis are presented. To manage this complication, at the first perforation in the present case, a fibrin sealant was effective for closure of the perforated stomach wall. At the second perforation, when laparotomy was performed, we could not find any abnormality in the abdominal cavity except for a sheath and slight omental adhesions near it.
Laboratory adaptive optics system for testing the wavefront sensor for the new MMT

A laboratory adaptive optics system has been built for testing the wave front sensor hardware and software for the new Multiple Mirror Telescope adaptive optics system. The system will also allow different wave front reconstruction and prediction schemes to be examined. The laboratory system contains a silicon micromachined adaptive mirror with 37 electro-static actuators as well as a novel approach for generating atmospheric turbulence. The design and initial testing of the system are presented.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Simulation of sputtering from liquid Cu targets

The sputtering of Cu atoms from liquid targets by normally incident 5 keV Ar^+ ions was simulated using the multiple interaction molecular dynamics technique. Yields, energy distributions, and angular distributions of sputtered atoms were obtained at several temperatures slightly above and below the experimental melting point of copper. In all cases the resulting angular distributions of ejected atoms peaked more sharply than the cos θ behavior predicted by linear cascade theory. The ratio of yields from individual layers of the liquid targets, and the energy and angular distributions of ejected atoms generally were found to be similar to those obtained in previous simulations with solid Cu targets. Our results also are in qualitative agreement with Dumke's measurements of angular distributions and layer yield ratios of sputtered atoms from liquid Ga-In eutectic alloy targets. In particular, no marked changes in yields or energy distributions were observed when the temperature of the target was lowered below the nominal melting point of copper. The angular distributions were found to broaden with increasing temperature.
Influences on departmental budgeting: an empirical examination of a contingency model☆

Abstract This paper reports the results of a study designed to test whether or not differences in approaches to budgeting at the departmental level are systematically related to differences in production technologies, market factors and organizational characteristics. The results suggest that budgeting is related to departmental size, functional differentiation and degree of automation of production processes, but not the products' stage in the product life cycle or the company's strength of market position.
Origin and Dynamics of Nearshore Wetlands: Central Georgia Bight, USA

A historical understanding of the origin and dynamics of wetlands is fundamental to efficient wetland management, conservation and restoration measures. The subject wetlands are located within 100 m of an actively retreating marine shoreline. A new collection of undisturbed vibracores, geospatial analyses of historical maps and imagery, an evaluation of Late Holocene sea level, and a synthesis of historical hurricane data provide insights regarding the origin and dynamics of the nearshore wetlands. The framework for the wetlands was established by the progradation of beach ridges, forming swales that were subsequently flooded during the Late Holocene. Beach Pond was transformed into a palustrine environment due to the emplacement of a washover fan attributed to the Great Sea Islands Hurricane of 1893, and shoreline retreat resulted in Beach Pond becoming an intertidal sand flat in May 2012. Flag Pond is an intertidal marsh that was formerly a palustrine wetland that underwent a transition to an intertidal wetland as the result of shoreline retreat and the “Storm of the Century” in the Spring of 1993. The long term stability of similar nearshore non-tidal freshwater environments along the Georgia Bight appears to be temporally limited by modern sea level rise and shoreline retreat.
Interest in bariatric surgery among obese patients with obstructive sleep apnea

Abstract Background Standard obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) therapies are poorly tolerated. Bariatric surgery is a potential alternative but the level of interest in this intervention among OSA patients is unknown. Objectives Determine the proportion of OSA patients who would be interested in bariatric surgery. Setting: Sleep clinics, United States. Methods Consecutive adult patients with untreated severe OSA and a body mass index of 35–45 kg/m 2 were approached. Patients at low perioperative risk and no urgent indication for OSA treatment were invited to a separate informational visit about bariatric surgery as primary treatment for OSA. Results Of 767 eligible patients, 230 (30.0%) were not at low perioperative risk, 49 (6.4%) had drowsy driving, and 16 (2.1%) had no insurance coverage for bariatric surgery. Of the remaining 482 patients, over one third (35.5%) were interested in bariatric surgery. Surgical interest was 47.2% in women versus 27.6% in men ( P P Conclusions Nearly two thirds of obese patients with severe OSA are good candidates for bariatric surgery. Among candidates, over one third are interested in this treatment. Interest rates are highest among women and diabetics, indicating that metabolic improvements continue to be a major driver of surgery even in patients with severe OSA. Given patient interest, the role of bariatric surgery should be routinely discussed with obese OSA patients.
Low-Protein Diet Regulates a Proximal Nephron Insulin-like Growth Factor Binding Protein

Previous studies have demonstrated that the glomerulus and proximal tubule basolateral membrane possess both insulin-like growth factor (IGF) receptors and IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs). The purpose of this study is to examine the control of these proteins in defined nephron segments during dietary protein restriction. Animals were fed isocaloric 6% (low-protein [LP]) or 40% (high-protein) protein diets for 7 to 10 days. 125 I[IGF] affinity labeling of membranes prepared from isolated glomeruli or proximal tubule basolateral membranes demonstrated two proteins on autoradiograms of 6% polyacrylamide gels with molecular weights of 140,000 d and more than 200,000 d that were blocked by 300 nmol/L unlabeled IGF-I. The lower molecular weight species has been identified previously as the alpha subunit of the IGF-I receptor and was upregulated by a 6% LP diet. The upregulation of the IGF-I receptor was evident on 12% polyacrylamide gels of both glomeruli and basolateral membranes. Another protein with a molecular weight of approximately 38,000 d also was upregulated by LP diet. The protein was evident on 125 I-IGF-I ligand blots and was immunostained with IGFBP-5 antibodies. Cytosol prepared from cortical tissue also demonstrated a 31,000-d protein that was immunostained with IGFBP-5 antibodies in animals fed a LP diet, but not in animals fed a high-protein or normal diet. RNA prepared from cortical tissue and hybridized with a IGFBP-5 cDNA probe revealed a 6.0-Kb transcript that was increase by LP diet. These data indicate that the enhanced IGF-I binding observed in proximal nephron structures following a LP diet is a result of increased expression of the IGF-I receptor as well as IGFBP-5. The increase in membrane-associated and soluble binding protein when IGF-I circulating levels are diminished suggests that the protein might function as an extravascular reservoir, limiting degradation and facilitating growth factor interaction with the receptor.
Applications of adaptive-wall wind tunnels

A novel processing technique for the flowfield data generated by an adaptive wall wind tunnel is presented whose basic premise is the possible undesirability of forcing such a wind tunnel to simulate free-air conditions. The concept of a 'phantom' wind tunnel is introduced for both two- and three-dimensional wind tunnels, yielding a continuous spectrum of flow fields, ranging from the original passive and ventilated configuration to a fully adaptive one. In order to implement these procedures, active control is limited to floor and ceiling surfaces.
Recatheterization of the right heart in ventricular septal defect.

Abstract Repeat right heart catheterization was carried out in 20 patients from 17 months to 9 years following the initial study. In only a few patients was there an increase in pulmonary pressure. In some infants there was a significant fall. No deterioration in clinical signs or symptoms occurred. In view of these data it is suggested that one be wary of electing open-heart operation for the average patient newly discovered to have a ventricular septal defect.
Dynamics of CDW conduction in NbSe3 in high magnetic fields

Abstract Charge-density wave (CDW) motion in NbSe 3 has been studied in magnetic fields up to 230 kG in the temperature range 1.1 to 50 K using crystals with R(300 K)/ R(4.2) in the range 30 to 300. The resistance change as a function of electric field can be fit with a Zener tunneling model and the temperature sependence is consistent with thermal fluctuations of the CDW phase. At the lowest temperatures and highest purity a completely new mode of CDW motion is observed.
Indoor Allergen Surface Sampling Methods and Standards: A Review of the Theory and the Practice

Understanding the relationship among allergies, asthma, and indoor air allergen triggers increasingly require use of standardized and evidence based exposure assessment methods. Exposure assessment for common indoor allergens, however, is often limited by use of surface in place of air sampling for a variety of reasons. Chief among them is that many indoor allergens settle to the ground quickly after being released. Another reason for the wide-spread use of surface over air sampling for indoor air allergens is that air sampling is typically performed over a limited time frame and plausibly cannot capture a composite of exposure that a surface sample can. Protocols have been developed to collect surface borne allergen in several US wide-national studies, and while these samplers may provide an adequate means to correlate composite dust mass or allergens to some specific health outcomes, there is still a lack of evidence to support their adoption on the basis of several criteria which stem from theoretical and evidence based considerations. To become more valuable tools to risk assessment, epidemiological studies, and environmental intervention, surface sampling methods should be constructed using basic principles of particle behavior on surfaces as well as in the air. Criteria need to be developed from these principles and studies that address these criteria should be used or developed to enable the creation of performance-based standards. This paper is a review of the literature, which highlights surface sampling methods that have taken this theory- or evidence-based approach. After the review, a discussion is then developed on the current state-of-the-art surface sampling for indoor allergens. Recommendations are suggested for both future theoretical or empirical work necessary for devising performance standards for sampling and collecting surface borne-allergens.
Persistence of varicella-zoster virus DNA in blood mononuclear cells of patients with varicella or zoster.

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) DNA was detectable by in-situ hybridization in blood mononuclear cells (MNCs) of patients with varicella or zoster for 2–56 days after the onset of a rash. VZV DNA was present in many MNCs from one acute varicella patient 2 days after the onset of the rash and was rarely found in MNCs during acute zoster, convalescent zoster, and convalescent varicella. The morphology of MNCs containing VZV was heterogenous, although most viral-DNA-containing MNCs were large monocytoid cells. Serial examination of blood MNCs from one adult with varicella revealed VZV DNA up until 8 weeks, but not 16 weeks, after the appearance of the rash; parallel studies in four zoster patients showed VZV DNA up until 3 weeks, but not later than 7 weeks after the appearance of the rash. These results indicate that MNCs become infected with VZV during the primary encounter with VZV (varicella) and during reactivation (zoster) and that infection continues for weeks after the onset of the skin rash. Furthermore, the detection of VZV DNA in blood MNCs of uncomplicated zoster patients coincides with the period during which these patients experience pain.
Differences in bitter taste perception in three strains of rats.

Micromolar concentrations of cycloheximide (CH) can be used to test for genetic differences in the ability to taste bitter substances. Three related strains of rats — Fawn-hooded, Long Evans, and Wistar — differ significantly in their ability to taste this substance, the former being unusually deficient in this respect. Wistar and Long Evans rats are able to perceive millimolar concentrations of phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) and 0.2 μM CH. FH animals are unable to detect millimolar PTC and first recognize CH when it is present in 1.5 μM concentration.
Oral cancer knowledge and examination experiences among North Carolina adults.

OBJECTIVE This study assesses knowledge of oral cancer risk factors, clinical signs, and oral cancer examination experience among North Carolina adults. METHODS A statewide random digit dial, computer-assisted telephone interview was conducted in 2002. Data from 1,096 respondents, with a response rate of 62 percent, were poststratified to 2000 census data by sex, race, and age group to produce population-based estimates. Knowledge of one sign of oral cancer, four or more risk factors for oral cancer, and having ever had an oral cancer examination were compared in logistic regression models using normalized weights. RESULTS Fourteen (95% confidence interval [CI] +/-2) percent of adults had never heard of oral or mouth cancer. Risk factor knowledge was high for 56 percent (95% CI+/-3) and associated in a logistic regression model with younger age, feeling personal factors cause cancer, and nonuse of snuff. One sign of oral cancer (sore/lesion, red or white patch in mouth, and bleeding in the mouth) was correctly identified by 53 percent (95% CI+/-3) with significantly more correct responses from younger people, nonsmokers, and some college education. Only 29 percent (95% CI+/-3) reported ever having had an oral cancer examination when this procedure was described. Most respondents reported exams performed by dentists. In a weighted logistic regression model, older age, being dentate, nonsmokers, alcohol users, and those with some college education were significantly more likely to report having ever had an oral cancer examination. CONCLUSIONS Although there is moderate knowledge of signs and risk factors for oral cancer among North Carolina adults, knowledge deficits remain. Oral cancer examinations need to be increased, particularly among tobacco smokers.