cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spatial and temporal pattern of expression of the cellular retinoic acid-binding protein and the cellular retinol-binding protein during mouse embryogenesis.

Abstract Retinol (vitamin A) and retinoic acid are potent teratogens and also represent good candidates for normal morphogens during development. Their actions may be mediated by the cellular retinoic acid-binding protein (CRABP) and the cellular retinol-binding protein (CRBP). As a step towards understanding the possible function for CRABP and CRBP in morphogenesis, we have used in situ hybridization to analyze their expression during mouse development. Both CRABP and CRBP transcripts were detected at embryonic days 9.5-14.5. (i) In the nervous system, CRABP transcripts were found in the mantle layer of the dorsal spinal cord and hindbrain and in the marginal layer of the midbrain, whereas CRBP transcripts were found in the ependymal and mantle layer of the ventral spinal cord and of the forebrain as well as in the spinal nerves and the roof plate of the spinal cord. (ii) In the eye, CRABP is expressed in the retinal layer, and CRBP is expressed in both retinal and pigmented layers. (iii) In the craniofacial region, CRABP transcripts were found in the mesenchyme of the frontonasal mass and mandible, while CRBP transcripts were found in the mesenchyme of the nasolachrymal duct and surrounding the auditory vesicle. Two general conclusions can be made. First, all of the tissues that are known to be teratogenic targets of retinoic acid and retinol also express CRABP and CRBP transcripts. Second, the specific expression of CRABP and CRBP in numerous developing tissues indicates that these proteins may perform specific functions during morphogenesis of a broad variety of embryonic structures.
Coping with a New Health Culture: Acculturation and Online Health Information Seeking Among Chinese Immigrants in the United States

As a culturally diverse country, the U.S. hosts over 39 million immigrants who may experience various cultural and linguistic obstacles to receiving quality health care. Considering online sources an important alternative for immigrants to access health information, this study investigates how Chinese immigrants in the U.S. seek health information online. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among Chinese immigrants who currently live in the U.S. to understand how acculturation strategies they use to adapt to the host society influence their Internet-based health information seeking behaviors. Our findings revealed that the language and web sources immigrants choose to use can be predicted by the acculturation strategies they utilize to cope with the new culture. This study serves as a timely and imperative call for further consideration of the role that acculturation plays in determining how immigrants seek health information and utilize the healthcare services of their host society.
A comparative law analysis of the standard for admitting scientific evidence: The united states stands alone

Abstract In the United States, most courts of law require that a party offering scientific testimony show that the underlying scientific theory has gained general acceptance within the pertinent scientific community. In deciding whether a scientific technique is reliable enough to be admitted, other legal systems consider the extent of the acceptance of the technique as a relevant factor. However, no other legal system — socialist, civil law, or common law — has elevated general acceptance to the status of a hard-and-fast requirement for the admission of scientific evidence. From a comparative law perspective, the general acceptance test followed by most American courts is suspect; the test does not seem to be justified by any unique feature of the American legal system. The proponents of the test sometimes argue that the test helps counteract the bias which expert witnesses tend to develop in the American adversary system. However, the same problem of bias arises in all common law countries in which the attorneys hire, call, and question the experts. The proponents also contend that the test ensures that there will be a reserve of experts to critique the scientific testimony. However, this contention rests on a misunderstanding of the scientific process; if given adequate discovery, the opposing attorney can request that another expert duplicate the experiment to test the validity of a novel theory. Finally, the proponents argue that the test is necessary in the United States because the United States makes the most extensive use of lay jurors. This argument rests on the assumption that lay jurors are incapable of critically evaluating scientific testimony. The available empirical studies belie that assumption. Moreover, although many other legal systems allow laity to participate in the judicial process, no other legal system has gone to the length of altogether barring lay decision-makers from considering novel scientific techniques.
Frequency of a methane-stabilized helium-neon laser

A phase-locked laser frequency chain was used to measure the absolute frequency of a HeNe/CH/sub 4/ laser relative to the primary Cs standard, with measurement uncertainty less than +or-1 part in 10/sup 12/. The frequency depends on laser parameters; a spread of 8.3*10/sup -11/ was observed. This was attributed to the variation of Lamb dip asymmetry resulting from the gas-lens effect and the accompanying diffraction loss variation near resonance. Means of improving laser frequency reproducibility by reducing cavity diffraction loss variation were studied experimentally. The frequency obtained with a cavity exhibiting the smallest Lamb dip asymmetry was found to be 88 376 181 599.07+or-0.07 kHz. >
Sensitive Detection of Sulfhydryl Groups in Surface-Confined Metallothioneins and Related Species via Ferrocene-Capped Gold Nanoparticle/Streptavidin Conjugates

Metallothionein (MT), a cysteine-rich metalloprotein that is purported to play an important role in heavy metal accumulation and detoxification, and its related peptidic species were attached onto dithiobissuccinimidyl propionate self-assembled monolayers. The spatially accessible sulfhydryl groups present in these immobilized biomolecules, tagged with N-biotinoyl-N‘-[6-maleimidohexanoyl]hydrazide, were detected voltammetrically at a sensitive level via the use of ferrocene (Fc)-capped gold nanoparticle/streptavidin conjugates. The method was established first by examining relatively simple peptides (e.g., glutathione). For the hexapeptidic species that resembles the N-terminus of MT with a sequence of Lys-Cys-Thr-Cys-Cys-Ala, concentration levels as low as 0.050 nM can be determined. Such a remarkable sensitivity is attributed to the presence of a large number of Fc caps present at each gold nanoparticle, which enhances the detection of a small number of surface-bound sulfhydryl groups. Microgravimetric ...
The phenology of molting, breeding and their overlap in central Amazonian birds

The energetically challenging periods of molting and breeding are usually temporally separated in temperate birds, but can occur simultaneously in tropical birds, a condition known as molt–breeding overlap. Here, we document great variation in the timing and duration of molting and breeding, and in the extent of molt–breeding overlap, among 87 species of understory passerines in central Amazonia. We analyzed molt and breeding from 26 871 birds captured over a 30-yr period near Manaus, Brazil. Although most species typically bred during the late dry season (about October through January), many thamnophilids apparently bred year-round, whereas a few other species from a variety of families bred mainly during the wet season (about January through May). Of all breeding birds with an active brood patch, 12.7% were simultaneously molting. Molt–breeding overlap was more frequently observed among suboscines (13.3%), especially thamnophilids (23.0%), than oscines (6.4%). Some families had <5% molt–breeding overlap frequency, including Tyrannidae (4.4%), Tityridae (0.0%), Pipridae (1.5%), Turdidae (0.0%), and Thraupidae (0.0%), indicating that not all tropical species exhibit molt–breeding overlap. Among 31 well-sampled species (n ≥15 brood patches), variation in molt–breeding overlap frequency was positively correlated with each species’ average duration of flight feather replacement (range 98–301 d). We also measured feather growth rates of individual birds in nine species; in five of these, slower-growing feathers increased with an individual's probability of having molt–breeding overlap. Among furnariids, molt–breeding overlap occurred either at the beginning or end of the molt cycle, suggesting that physiological mechanisms typically separate molting from breeding. Thamnophilids showed a much different pattern; molt–breeding overlap occurred at any stage of feather replacement, apparently not regulated to be independent of breeding. These results reveal substantial life-history variation among Amazonian birds. Future work to resolve the physiological regulation of molting and breeding in tropical birds will greatly contribute to understanding these patterns and their relevance to avian diversity.
Effect of ammonia on viability and blastogenesis of bovine lymphocytes

The effect of addition of ammonia into the tissue culture on viability and functions of bovine lymphocytes was studied. The concentrations of ammonia in the tissue cultures represented toxic, subtoxic, and normal concentrations of ammonia in the bovine blood during clinical and subclinical urea toxicosis. Lymphocytes separated from peripheral bovine blood were incubated in control medium and test medium with various concentrations of ammonia and/or PHA or Con A. Viability of the lymphocytes was measured by trypan blue exclusion test and their mitogenic reactivity by incorporation of 3H thymidine into DNA of lymphocytes. Approximately 30% bovine lymphocytes were killed by ammonia in medium during 72 hours of incubation. Ammonia also affected the response of lymphocytes to stimulation with PHA or Con A as well as mixed lymphocyte culture reaction. The mitogenic response of lymphocytes was also reduced when lymphocytes were preincubated with ammonia for even 1 hour. The mitogenic response was not restored when the number of lymphocytes preincubated with ammonia was reconstituted to the initial concentration to compensate for the killed lymphocytes before stimulation with PHA. Therefore, addition of ammonia to the culture either killed lymphocytes or permanently impaired their functions.
Power characterization of THUNDER actuators as underwater propulsors

Piezoelectric actuators have been used for active vibration control, noise suppression, health monitoring, etc. The large appeal in using smart material actuators stems from their high mechanical energy density. A relatively new actuator (THUNDER) has overcome the displacement hurdles that have plagued traditional piezoelectric based actuators. It is capable of providing a displacement on order of 0.5 cm. This allows the actuator to be used in some underwater applications, such as propulsion. To date the electrical power consumption and electromechanical efficiency of these actuators has not been quantified; specifically, applied as underwater propulsors. Some of the challenges in obtaining this information stems from the actuator's non traditional actuating architecture, high voltage requirements, and its electrical non-linearity. The work presented experimentally determines the electrical power consumption and mechanical displacement of THUNDER actuators used as underwater propulsors. It is found that the electrical power consumption of the clamshell actuator investigated is significantly less than that consumed by other autonomous under water vehicles. The potential thrust generated by such a device remains to be quantified.
Numerical simulation of Hg1−yCdyTe liquid phase epitaxy

Abstract Liquid phase epitaxial processes for growth of mercury cadmium telluride thin films are computer simulated. Emphasis is placed on comparison of two basic approaches to growth: isothermal supersaturated deposition and the conventional, controlled cooling process. Constancy of growth rate is best achieved by controlled cooling, if the conditions are carefully selected. Isothermal growth offers a constant composition throughout the deposited layer with reasonable growth rates for relatively small supercoolings.
The electroolfactogram: a review of its history and uses.

The electroolfactogram (EOG) is a negative electrical potential recorded at the surface of the olfactory epithelium of vertebrates. It represents primarily, if not exclusively, the summated generator potential in the olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs). While a number of studies suggest that secretory or inhibitory events may also contribute to the EOG, these are not well established. This review outlines (1) the cellular and physiological nature of the EOG response; (2) methodological considerations regarding odor selection and delivery, surgical preparation, response descriptions, and analysis; and (3) application of the EOG in human, fish, and insect olfaction and pheromonal responsivity. A number of technical issues associated with EOG recording are also discussed.
Automated storage and retrieval (AS/R) systems of the past: why did they fail?

Since their public debuts in the 1960s, thousands of automated storage and retrieval (AS/R) systems have been installed in industrial settings across the United States and Western Europe. These units provide secure, controlled storage and rapid retrieval for inventories that range from computer components to major sub‐assemblies for fighter aircraft. However, until the current installation of an AS/R at California State University, Northridge, only four previous installations were made in the United States and one in Europe. All these earlier systems experienced serious problems, resulting in their removal at three libraries in the U.S., with the remaining U.S. site currently planning to remove its system. These failures have conditioned librarians to avoid such systems, despite significant differences in contemporary technology. Kountz describes the early systems and analyzes what went wrong with them, and why.
Indications, Complications and Results with Silicone Stents

Fifty-two patients with complicated lacrimal problems were treated with silicone stents. Our overall success rate, judging from a minimum 6-month follow- up, was 40% in these complicated cases, accepting only positive dye tests as our criteria for success. We divided these cases into six groups with successes ranging from 0–68%. Twenty-nine percent of patients had complications related to their stents. While silicone stents are probably the most important recent advance in lacrimal surgery, one must be aware of their indications, limitations, and complications.
Measurement of positron polarization in the unique second forbidden transition of /sup 22/Na

The polarization of positrons in the 3/sup +/..-->..0/sup +/ unique second forbidden decay of /sup 22/Na has been measured relative to the allowed decay of /sup 68/Ga with the result P/sub L/ = ..beta..(1.00 +- 0.05). This is the first measurement of P/sub L/ in a unique second forbidden decay and the third such determination in any unique decay. The method employed our newly introduced positron polarization comparator. The implications of this measurement, the possibility of its improvement, and extension of the technique to the unique first forbidden ..beta../sup +/ decay of /sup 84/Rb are discussed.
Valuing what most will never see

Historically, human populations have flourished along narrow margins of land that border vast ocean basins. The oceans cover nearly 70% of our planet and have sustained us with food and entertainment, facilitated our transportation, and, unfortunately, provided a convenient garbage dump that seemed boundless. Now we are painfully aware of the oceans’ limits. Fisheries are suffering worldwide, many of our favorite beaches are polluted, ice shelves are melting, and scientific concepts like global warming and ocean acidification have captivated the popular media.
Interstellar Methylacetylene and Isocyanic Acid

WE have reported1 the radio detection of an emission line from the JK=50→40 transition of interstellar methylacetylene (CH3C2H) at 85,457.29 MHz in the direction of the galactic centre source Sgr B2 (α1950=17 h 44 min 11 s; δ1950=−28° 22′ 30″). Methylacetylene (or propyne) is of interest because only one other seven-atom molecule, acetaldehyde (CHOCH3), has been found2 in the interstellar medium; these two species now represent the known limit of the structural complexity allowed by the interstellar molecular chemistry. In April 1972, we obtained new and better methylacetylene data with enough spectral quality to allow the observation of more than one component of the J=5−4 transition; in addition we detected a new transition of interstellar isocyanic acid (HNCO) as well as a weak unidentified line. We observed the CH3C2H line again in February 1973, to determine the frequency of the weak unidentified line and here we discuss the results of our accumulated observations.
Cycloiridation of α,β-Unsaturated Ketones, Esters, and Acetophenone

C−H activation of acetophenone and cyclic and acyclic α,β-unsaturated ketones or esters occurs with [IrH2(acetone)2(PPh3)2]+. In the case of acyclic α,β-unsaturated ketones or esters, the β-C−H bon...
COMPARISON OF TWO MODELS FOR THE MANY-FERMION SYSTEM

A critical comparison is given between the Overhauser model (Phys. Rev. Letters 4, 415(1960)) and the model of Bardeen et. al. (Phys. Rev. 108. 1175(1957)). Firstly, a comparison is made for a separable two-body interaction which is constant over a thin shell straddling the Fermi surface in one, two, or three dimensions. Secondly, the comparison is carried out for a one-dimensional, nonseparable, Gaussian potential. Finally, a BCS-type model is investigated in which time-reversed Overhauser waves, rather than plane waves, are paired. (L.T.W.)
Sphingosine-1-phosphate receptors and the development of the vascular system.

Abstract Extracellular sphingolipid signaling has been implicated as an essential event in vascular development. Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), through interactions with G protein-coupled receptors, regulates functions of endothelial and smooth muscle cells (SMCs)—the major cell types of the vasculature. The knockout of the gene encoding the S1P1 receptor (formally known as Edg-1) in mice blocks vascular maturation, the process where SMCs and pericytes envelop nascent endothelial tubes. The question that remains is how stimulation of S1P receptors controls this critical event in the developmental sequence leading to the formation of functional blood vessels.
A standard load center converter power supply

This paper presents a discussion of a modular, multiple output power converter developed for a wide range of space applications and selected as NASA standard hardware. The unique packaging concept, advanced heat removal techniques, and electrical design and characteristics are presented in detail.
Word sense disambiguation for free-text indexing using a massive semantic network

Semantics-free, word-based information retrieval is thwarted by two complementary problems. First, search for relevant documents returns irrelevant items when all meanings of a search term are used, rather than just the meaning intended. This causes low precision. Second, relevant items are missed when they are indexed not under the actual search terms, but rather under related terms. This causes low recall. With semantics-free approaches there is generally no way to improve both precision and recall at the same time. Word sense disambiguation during document indexing should improve precision. We have investigated using the massive Word Net semantic network for disambigu at ion during indexing. With the unconstrained text of the SMART ret rieval environment, we have had to derive our own content description from the input text, given only part-ofspeech tagging of the input. We employ the notion of semantic distance between network nodes. Input text terms with multiple senses are disambiguated by finding the combination of senses from a set of contiguous terms which minimizes total pairwise dist ante between senses. Results so far have been encouraging. Improvement in disamblguation compared with chance is clear
Multispectral videography for site-specific farm management

g1-andersonpop.tamu.eduABSTRACTResearchers are expending considerable effort to develop the technology and methodology needed to identify and map within-field management zones for site-specific farming. Much of the research has focused on the use of either a high-densitygeographically referenced grid of soil samples or mechanical yield sensor measurements that record geographic positions andproduction levels. In either case, complex spatial models are generally used to extrapolate the various soil variables andproduction level information across the entire field. Both procedures produce a wealth of information, however, the analysisofsoil samples tends to be quite expensive and the accuracy ofmechanical yield measurements does vary. This study representsan ongoing effort designed to evaluate remote sensing as a tool for determining within field management zones. Color-infraredaerial photography and multispectral videography were used in concert to map and stratify two grain sorghum fields into regionsor zones ofhomogeneous spectral response. A limited number ofsoil and plant samples were acquired to characterize the bioticand edaphic conditions within each zone. Results obtained during the first year ofthe study indicated that multispectral videocan be used to develop within field management zones. Simple univariate analysis indicated that siol pH, Ca, and Fe wereimportant variables affecting yield. Analysis ofthe yield data indicated that the economic returns from 17 % ofthe first fieldand 20 % ofthe second field were insufficient to recoup planting costs. Multispectral video also proved instrumental in modelingthe spatial variability ofyield. A significant negative correlation (r>O.9O) was obtained between the red spectral band and cropyields for both fields. Stratification, in this case using image data, reduces the number ofsamples required to characterize a fieldby reducing the variance associated within each stratum. Image data also provided a comprehensive view of each field thatmaintained the spatial connectivity between sites, thus reducing the need for complex spatial modeling.Keywords: multispectral videography, precision fanning, sorghum, GIS, OPS, remote sensing, yield1. INTRODUCTIONConsiderable research is being conducted to develop the technology and methodology for managing agricultural fields ona site-specific basis. This research centers around automatic real-time control and temporally separate control of agriculturalinputs to specific sites within a field .
“Capitalismo místico”: una exploración sobre la relación entre creencia e ideología

El mundo contemporaneo asiste a un conjunto de diversas y trascendentales transformaciones, que inauguran una nueva ola de revision conceptual para alimentar las ya clasicas categorias a la luz de los nuevos acontecimientos. Este articulo se ocupa justamente de una de esas categorias: el concepto de ideologia propuesto por Karl Marx. Partiendo del analisis de un fenomeno literario que acapara la atencion de buena parte del publico asistente a la Feria Internacional del Libro de Bogota, se plantean elementos del relacionamiento estrecho entre ideologia y creencia, bajo el soporte de discusion teorica en torno al concepto de ideologia propuestos por Althuser, Eaglenton, Gramci, Taussing, Zizek, entre otros autores. Bajo estas premisas conceptuales y el objeto empirico de la literatura denominada de nueva era, se analiza el fenomeno que abriria paso a un capitalismo mistico como una de esas manifestaciones contemporaneas del sistema soci-economico en el que vivimos.
Human RECQL5 participates in the removal of endogenous DNA damage

Human RECQL5 is a member of the RecQ helicase family, which maintains genome stability via participation in many DNA metabolic processes, including DNA repair. Human cells lacking RECQL5 display chromosomal instability. We find that cells depleted of RECQL5 are sensitive to oxidative stress, accumulate endogenous DNA damage, and increase the cellular poly(ADP-ribosyl)ate response. In contrast to the RECQ helicase family members WRN, BLM, and RECQL4, RECQL5 accumulates at laser-induced single-strand breaks in normal human cells. RECQL5 depletion affects the levels of PARP-1 and XRCC1, and our collective results suggest that RECQL5 modulates and/or directly participates in base excision repair of endogenous DNA damage, thereby promoting chromosome stability in normal human cells.
Magnetization process and reversal in Sm3Co11B4

Abstract The compound Sm 3 Co 11 B 4 crystallizes in the hexagonal structure which is obtained by an ordered replacement of 2c cobalts in SmCo 5 by boron. This compound is magnetically ordered with a Curie temperature of 460 K and a magnetic moment of 2.0μ B /fu at 295 K. The anisotropy field is determined to be 175 kOe at 295 K and 350 kOe at 77 K. Initial magnetization and demagnetization curves were obtained at 295 and 77 K on bulk and powder samples. Pinning of domain walls is indicated on powdering the alloy and its effect increases in going from 295 to 77 K. Even bulk sample shows large intrinsic coercivity, e.g., 9.6 kOe at 77 K. However, at 295 K, nucleation of reverse domains seems to be the dominating reversal mechanism.
Limitations in Response Capacity of the Newt, Notophthalmus Viridescens, to Soluble and Particulate Antigens

Abstract We have investigated the cellular basis of the failure of primitive extant vertebrates, e.g. Notophthalmus viridescens , the American common newt, to respond to soluble thymus-dependent (TD) antigens, e.g. keyhole limpet hemacyanin (KLH). We have found that KLH can be used to prime for amplification of a response to a hapten, 2,4,6-trinitrophenyl (TNP) when it is conjugated to KLH, only if both the unconjugated and conjugated KLH are adsorbed onto bentonite particles. The response is monitored in terms of antigen binding cells in the spleen. Moreover, prior injection of colloidal carbon, which is actively engulfed by phagocytes throughout the body, will prevent the response from taking place. Injection of colloidal carbon diminished responses to heterologous erythrocytes and to soluble or bentonite-coated 2,4-dinitrophenylated (DNP) dextran. Comparable colloidal carbon treatment did not reduce response levels to either soluble or bentonite adsorbed TNP-lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of E. coli . We suggest that the limitation in response capacity to soluble TD antigens may be associated with regulatory phagocytes. Moreover, the phagocytic cells of this primitive vertebrate appear to mediate responses to naturally particulate TD antigens and certain thymus-independent (TI) carriers, e.g. dextran, but not to LPS.
A variational approach to the theory of the elastic behaviour of polycrystals

Abstract Variational principles for anisotropic and nonhomogeneous elasticity, established by the authors in a previous paper, have been applied to the derivation of lower and upper bounds for the elastic moduli of polycrystals in terms of the moduli of the constituting crystals. The results hold for arbitrary crystal shapes. Explicit results tor cubic polycrystals showed that the present bounds are a considerable improvement of the well-known Voigt and Reuss bounds. Good agreement with experimental results has been obtained.
Bartels & Selkoe reply

replying to J. Burre . 10.1038/nature12125 (2013) In disagreeing with our report that native α-synuclein occurs physiologically as an α-helically folded tetramer in neural and erythroid cells1, Burre et al.2 conclude instead that ‘native brain α-synuclein’ consists of a largely unstructured monomer. They make two implications about our paper that are inaccurate: (1) that our findings pertained only to erythrocyte α-synuclein (we reported multiple experiments on neural cells); and (2) that we concluded that cellular α-synuclein is a stable tetramer under all conditions (we did not use the term ‘stable’, and we observed monomers and some other oligomers in normal cells (e.g., Fig. 1d of ref. 1)). Indeed, we emphasized the need to discover “compounds that … could kinetically stabilize native tetramers and prevent pathogenic α-synuclein aggregation”. Although the data in our report suggest that tetramers are the predominant native species, tetramers and other oligomers arise from monomers, so there must be an equilibrium between monomeric and oligomeric forms in cells. Pathogenic events (e.g., mutations) could alter this equilibrium, and some therapeutic compounds could potentially re-establish it, as we explicitly suggested1.
Hypothalamic peptides affect the ratios of GH and PRL cells: Role of cell division

In the present study, we attempted to ascertain whether the differential effects of hypothalamic peptides (GRF, LHRH, CRF, TRH) on the proportions of GH and PRL secreting cells in culture were dependent upon cell proliferation. This was accomplished by chronically exposing rat pituitary cells to selected hypothalamic peptides in the presence or absence of cytosine arabinoside (an inhibitor of cell proliferation) and then measuring hormone release by plaque assays. Our results suggest that the effects of these peptides on the percentages of GH and PRL cells are manifest via both proliferation-dependent and proliferation-independent mechanisms.
A direct energy balance approach for determining energy release rates in three and four point bend end notched flexure tests

A direct energy balance approach has been developed and used to determine energy release rates in three and four point bend end notched flexure tests. This study was performed in the context of the larger goal of understanding the wide variation in mode II toughnesses that have been obtained by the two tests when used on the same material. The primary motivation for developing the direct energy balance approach was to fully account for the effects of friction, large deformations, and other geometric nonlinearities that occur during these tests. The direct energy balance approach simulates crack advance as it occurs in physical testing. Most significantly, this approach accounts for frictional dissipation that occurs during crack advance, which is an effect that has been neglected in previous analyses of these tests. The direct energy balance approach is used to show that, for most cases of practical interest, the virtual crack closure technique is quite accurate, and predictions by this latter approach are only in error when moderately large geometric nonlinearities occur prior to crack advance. Based on these results, a “cut-off value,” expressed in terms of the maximum slope in the specimen as predicted by classical beam theory, is suggested for the upper limit of applicability of the virtual crack closure technique.
Stochastic modeling of an industrial activated sludge process

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to develop a Box-Jenkins time series transfer function model of the effluent COD using the influent COD, from a sewage treatment process. The data is from an industrial waste treatment plant encompassing a 14-month period. The work was done in 3 steps: (1) Box-Jenkins ARIMA (autoregressive integrated moving average) modeling of the influent COD; (2) ARIMA modeling of the effluent COD; and (3) development of a transfer function model for the waste treatment process. It was found that single difference models best described influent and effluent COD. For the transfer function model, the influent COD had an insignificant effect on the effluent COD.
What Self in Self-Determination? Notes from the Frontiers of Transnational Indigenous Activism

The indigenous quest for self-determination is an attempt to give voice to local injustice in a universal language, and to make claims to difference via a right that applies equally to all peoples. This article explores recent developments in the transnational indigenous movement's struggle for the right of self-determination by pointing out that this polyvalence-like the indeterminacies of the concepts of "peoples" and "indigenous"-is a productive one that enables indigenous activists to make a unique intervention in international law. Their work aims at creating a new international legal personality based on collective rather than individual rights, and on an understanding of "peoples" as self-determining entities not necessarily aspiring to statehood. This new understanding hinges, in turn, on an emerging perception of the capacity to culture as a general human right. This article addresses recent anthropological texts critical of the transnational indigenous movement to show that the "self" in self-de...
REPLY TO KINMAN CONCERNING 3C 345.

KINMAN1 claims (a) that the Yale photographic magnitudes of the quasar 3C 345 disagree systematically by 0.25 m with the Lick ∼B magnitudes; (b) that the Yale magnitudes were affected systematically by the hour angle of the object at the time of observation; and (c) that because the reality of the ∼0.4 m outburst of 3C 345 on the night of June 10–11, 1969, is based on a single observation, this result should be “treated with considerable reserve”. The purpose of this report is to reply in turn to each of these criticisms.
Framing Water Sustainability in an Environmental Decision Support System

This case study applies the theoretical concepts of frame and framing processes to identify and describe the diagnostic and prognostic frames for water sustainability expressed through an environmental decision support system. The research examines the development of WaterSim, a computer simulation model of water supply and demand in central Arizona. Qualitative data were generated through semistructured individual and group interviews, participant observations, and document analysis. The analysis identified a diagnostic frame defining the water sustainability problem as uncertain and long-term water supply shortage caused by prolonged drought, climate change impacts, and population growth. The prognostic frame for water sustainability defined the solutions to be urban residential water demand management, retirement of agricultural lands, and conversion of agricultural water to municipal uses to achieve safe yield of groundwater. The results of the study are discussed in terms of implications for decision...
Revealing exciton dephasing and transport dynamics in semiconductor quantum well - Quantum dot systems using optical 2D Fourier transform spectroscopy

Exciton dephasing and relaxation dynamics are studied in a GaAs quantum dot ensemble using optical twodimensional Fourier transform spectroscopy. We measure the temperature and excitation-density dependence of the exciton ground-state homogeneous lineshape of quantum dots within the ensemble and show that acoustic phonon sidebands are absent. The linewidth increases nonlinearly with temperature from 6 to 50 K and the behavior is well-described by an Arrhenius equation with an offset. The absence of a phonon-activation peak in the spectra reveals that elastic exciton-phonon scattering is the primary dephasing mechanism and the results can be explained qualitatively using an extension of the independent Boson model that includes quadratic coupling in the phonon displacement coordinates. At temperatures ≥ 35 K, spectral features associated with phonon-assisted population transfer of excitons out of the quantum dots and into quantum wells states begin to appear.
Numerical Simulation of the Wave-Guide Effect of the Near-Surface Thin Layer on Radar Wave Propagation

This paper assesses ground-penetrating radar (GPR) moveout survey performance in different near-surface geological stratigraphy and different antenna orientations using two-dimensional (2D) finite difference time domain (FDTD) numerical simulations of field data. We first treat the simple cases of radar pulses propagating along (a) the interface between two half-spaces (air∕ice); and (b) an ice thin-layer wave-guide (air∕ice∕water) between two half-spaces. We then simulate four more complex cases combining two radiation polarizations (TM and TE), and two geological settings: a sandy∕gravelly half-space overlain by a silty∕clayey layer, and a silty∕clayey half-space overlain by a sandy∕gravelly layer. Both cases are represented through different dielectric constants. The results show that, first, more EM energy is radiated as an air wave for the TM mode, and more EM energy will be sent into the ground when the TE mode is used, regardless of stratigraphic sequence. Second, where a gravelly sandy half-space ...
Approximate dynamic decoupling of multilimbed robotic systems

Dynamic analysis and control of robotic systems with more than a few degrees of freedom, taking into account the full dynamics of the system, is a difficult task. Thus, quite often assumptions are made to simplify the dynamics of the system. In this paper we investigate the validity of certain assumptions that result in approximate dynamic decoupling of parts of a closed chain system. Specifically, we consider robots with a star topology structure and investigate the dynamic interaction of the branches of such a robot when one or more branches are in contact or collision with the environment (thereby forming closed chains), comparing the exact and approximate dynamic models. Examples of star topology systems, where approximate dynamic decoupling can be applied, include multilegged (or bipedal) walking robots and multifingered hands.
Some new evidence of the character of competition among higher education institutions

This study employs a simple enrollment demand model to investigate the regional market environment of a private, church-related, comprehensive institution of higher education offering undergraduate, graduate and professional education. The focus is on price and cross-price elasticities of demand as measures of the competitive threat posed by prominent public and private educational alternatives within the region. We find a significant competitive threat coming from the private sector within the region. This competition raises the net price elasticity of demand for education at this institution to well above unity. We conclude that tuition price subsidies play a critical role in managing enrollment demand at this institution. [JEL J3, J24, J41] © 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Characterization of ZnS Layers Grown by MOCVD for Thin Film Electroluminescence (TFEL) Devices

We have characterized MOCVD grown ZnS layers for thin film electroluminescence (TFEL) devices. Films with thicknesses ranged from several A to 2 μm were studied by x-ray diffractometry (XRD), cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy (XTEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and ultraviolet-visible photospectrometry (UVS). From HRTEM micrographs, it was observed that ZnS films consist of a mixture of hexagonal and cubic phases. Correlation of UV absorption spectra with XRD analysis resulted in a method for quantitative determination of the cubic packing fraction of polymorphic ZnS films. The initial ZnS layer (< 1000 A) deposited on BaTa2O6 had more hexagonal than cubic phase because of denser crystal defects. However, the fraction of cubic phase increased with the film thickness. In addition to film microstructures, the mean grain size, growth rate, film uniformity, and surface roughness of MOCVD grown ZnS thin films as functions of film thicknesses and substrate temperatures were also calibrated by XTEM results.
Repair of the bicuspid aortic valve: A viable alternative to replacement with a bioprosthesis

Objective We sought to compare the safety and durability of bicuspid aortic valve repair versus replacement with a bioprosthesis. Methods We reviewed medical records of patients aged 18 years or older undergoing bicuspid aortic valve repair for aortic regurgitation from 1984 through 2007. We analyzed early outcomes and predictors of aortic valve replacement after initial repair. Patients with repair were compared with an age- and sex-matched cohort who had replacement with a bioprosthesis. Overall survival and survival free from reoperations were compared between groups. Results The mean follow-up period for 108 consecutive patients with repair was 5.1 (standard deviation, 4.1) years. The initially repaired valve was subsequently replaced in 19 (18%) patients. No bicuspid aortic valve repair technique or morphologic characteristic included in univariate risk factor analysis was associated with increased probability of replacement after initial repair. The 5- and 10-year survival rates after repair were 96% and 87%, respectively. Freedom from valve replacement was 96%, 89%, and 49% at 1, 5, and 10 years after repair, respectively. A separate analysis of 81 matched patients with repair or receipt of an aortic valve bioprosthesis showed no significant difference in 10-year survival (72% vs 79%, P = .13) or freedom from reoperation between groups (90% vs 98% and 72% vs 64% in 5 and 10 years, respectively; P Conclusions Bicuspid aortic valve repair is a viable alternative to replacement with a bioprosthesis because durability and safety are similar between both surgical management methods for aortic regurgitation. After initial repair, approximately half of the patients require aortic valve replacement within 10 years.
A miniature air breathing direct formic acid fuel cell

Small fuel cells are considered likely replacements for batteries in portable power applications. In this paper, the performance of a 2c m× 2. 4c m× 1.4 cm passive miniature air breathing direct formic acid fuel cell (DFAFC) at room temperature is reported. The cell produced current density up to 250 mA/cm 2 and power density up to 33 mW/cm 2 at ambient conditions. The fuel cell runs successfully with formic acid concentration ranging from 1.8 and 10 M with little degradation in performance. These results show that passive fuel cells can compete with batteries in portable power applications. © 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Optimal Intervention Strategies for Cyclic Therapeutic Methods

External control of a genetic regulatory network is used for the purpose of avoiding undesirable states such as those associated with a disease. Certain types of cancer therapies, such as chemotherapy, are given in cycles with each treatment being followed by a recovery period. During the recovery period, the side effects tend to gradually subside. In this paper, it is shown how an optimal cyclic intervention strategy can be devised for any Markovian genetic regulatory network. The effectiveness of optimal cyclic therapies is demonstrated through numerical studies for random networks. Furthermore, an optimal cyclic policy is derived to control the behavior of a regulatory model of the mammalian cell-cycle network.
Texture Formation and Superconducting Properties of YBa2Cu3Ox Thin Films Prepared by Solution Process on LaAlO3 Single Crystals

YBa2Cu3Ox (YBCO) thin films were fabricated by the trifluoroacetate (TFA) process on LaAlO3 (LAO) single crystal in an argon atmosphere. We focused on lowering the heat treatment temperature by decreasing the oxygen partial pressure to adopt the TFA process to metallic substrates. YBCO phase formation was checked by measuring Tc with the inductive method. In-plane and out-of-plane film textures were evaluated by phi-scan and omega scan, respectively. Raman spectroscopy was used to estimate grain connectivity, in-plane texture, and second-phase formation of the films. Although Raman spectroscopy revealed some evidence of cation disorder, the film prepared at 750 o C shows a sharp superconducting transition at 91 K and critical current density of 1.3 MA/cm 2 at 77 K. Optimal heat treatment temperature was 750 o C in the argon atmosphere, which is consistent with the thermodynamic estimate that heat treatment temperature decreases as oxygen partial pressure decreases.
Convex delay models for transistor sizing

This paper derives a methodology for developing accurate convex delay models to be used for transistor sizing. A new rich class of convex functions to model gate delay is presented and the circuit delay under such a model is shown to be equivalent to a convex function. The richness of these functions is exploited to accurately model gate delay for modern designs. The delay model is incorporated into a transistor sizing algorithm based on TILOS. The models were characterized by using a set of grid points and then validated using a disjoint data set. The models were found to be within about 10% of SPICE for nearly all of the gate types considered. Also presented are the experimental results of sizing various test circuits.
Demographic effects on the Trail Making test in alcohol abusers.

Demographic effects on the Trail Making Test (TMT), a test often used for screening for cognitive impairment, are examined in a sample of alcohol abusers in drug abuse treatment programs. A sample was drawn from electronic files of data from the Drug Abuse Treatment outcome Study (DATOS). The DATOS was a naturalistic, prospective cohort study that collected data from 1991-1993 in 96 programs in 11 cities in the United States. The number of alcohol abuser's scores available for analysis was 1000. Data were analyzed to determine the effects of gender, ethnicity, age and education variables on the two parts of the TMT in this large treatment sample of alcohol abusers. The variables of age, ethnicity and education were statistically significant for both parts A and B of the TMT. R-Square values for overall models were quite weak (A = .12, B = .14) suggesting that demographic effects on the TMT, while clearly present, account for relatively little overall variance in terms of alcohol abuser's TMT performance. These results are consistent with earlier research using a more heterogenous drug abuse treatment sample.
Mechanisms of Recombination: Lessons from E. coli

The genetics and biochemistry of genetic recombination in E. coli has been studied for over four decades and provides a useful model system to understand recombination in other organisms. Here we provide an overview of the mechanisms of recombination and how such processes contribute to DNA repair. We describe the E. coli functions that are known to contribute to these mechanisms, step by step, and summarize their biochemical properties in relation to the role these proteins play in vivo. We feature areas of investigation that are newly emerging, as well as work that provides a historical perspective to the field. Finally, we highlight some of the questions that remain unanswered.