cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chapter 24 – Functional Genomics and Transcript Profiling

This chapter focuses on the two fundamental goals associated with the functional genomics and these are: to survey and monitor changes in gene expression through the assay of RNA and protein abundance and to use bioinformatics, specifically homology searches, to predict gene function from the actual DNA sequence, both within and among various species. Functional genomics are the methods by which genome functionality is assessed. Functional genomics tools are designed to monitor the actions of the genome from two perspectives, namely, in terms of the expression of one or a few individual genes and, more commonly, in terms of global analysis of gene expression. As the structure directs function, it is important to understand that, while the genome is static in the sense that the semi-conservative manner in which DNA is replicated ensures genetic continuity, the genome is subject to mutations which can change the function of one or more genes. In particular, the ability to measure PCR product accumulation in real-time has added great value to the study of gene expression by examining RNA as one parameter of gene expression. The term “transcriptomics” is also used to refer to assessing changes in the abundance of RNA in an experimental context, though “functional genomics” is a more inclusive term. Some commonly used functional genomics approaches are microarray analysis, aptamers, nanobiotechnology, gene transfer, PCR, or polymerase chain reaction, RNAi (RNA interference), SAGE (serial analysis of gene expression), bioinformatics, epigenetics, two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, protein arrays, mass spectrometry, and metabolomics.
Priority approaches of occupational safety and health activities for preventing low back pain among caregivers.

Objectives The incidence of occupational low back pain (LBP) is high among caregivers. The use of care equipment and training about care methods could prevent LBP among caregivers. However, in care facilities in Japan, these measures are not adequately employed. Moreover, the care facilities have faced issues regarding poor staffing in recent years. The present study investigated the relationship between LBP and occupational safety and health activities (OSHAs) for preventing LBP among caregivers and aimed to validate the priority approaches of OSHA. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in care facilities for the elderly in Japan. Questionnaires for administrators and caregivers were distributed to 1,000 facilities and 5,000 caregivers, respectively. Questionnaires completed by 612 facilities and 2,712 caregivers were analyzed. Results No direct association was observed between severe LBP and OSHA, but indirect association was done. A significant relationship was noted between severe LBP and the care methods. Direct factors causing severe LBP were lifting a resident using human power and taking an unsuitable posture. These care methods were associated with the following OSHAs: promoting the use of care equipment, training about care methods, and consultation regarding the use of care equipment and employing an appropriate care method with the person in charge. Conclusions These OSHAs decreased lifting a resident using human power and taking an unsuitable posture, which are the primary risk factors of LBP. Therefore, these OSHAs should be implemented as priority approaches to prevent LBP among caregivers in care facilities for the elderly.
Cavity-Enhanced Combustion Stability in an Axisymmetric Scramjet Model

Cavity-enhanced combustion in an optical axisymmetric scramjet with a diverging combustor is experimentally investigated in Mach 4.5 flows. The axisymmetric scramjet emphasizes generic combustion a...
Systematic review of the costs and effectiveness of interventions to increase infant vaccination coverage in low- and middle-income countries

In recent years, several large studies have assessed the costs of national infant immunization programs, and the results of these studies are used to support planning and budgeting in low- and middle-income countries. However, few studies have addressed the costs and cost-effectiveness of interventions to improve immunization coverage, despite this being a major focus of policy attention. Without this information, countries and international stakeholders have little objective evidence on the efficiency of competing interventions for improving coverage. We conducted a systematic literature review on the costs and cost-effectiveness of interventions to improve immunization coverage in low- and middle-income countries, including both published and unpublished reports. We evaluated the quality of included studies and extracted data on costs and incremental coverage. Where possible, we calculated incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) to describe the efficiency of each intervention in increasing coverage. A total of 14 out of 41 full text articles reviewed met criteria for inclusion in the final review. Interventions for increasing immunization coverage included demand generation, modified delivery approaches, cash transfer programs, health systems strengthening, and novel technology usage. We observed substantial heterogeneity in costing methods and incompleteness of cost and coverage reporting. Most studies reported increases in coverage following the interventions, with coverage increasing by an average of 23 percentage points post-intervention across studies. ICERs ranged from $0.66 to $161.95 per child vaccinated in 2017 USD. We did not conduct a meta-analysis given the small number of estimates and variety of interventions included. There is little quantitative evidence on the costs and cost-effectiveness of interventions for improving immunization coverage, despite this being a major objective for national immunization programs. Efforts to improve the level of costing evidence—such as by integrating cost analysis within implementation studies and trials of immunization scale up—could allow programs to better allocate resources for coverage improvement. Greater adoption of standardized cost reporting methods would also enable the synthesis and use of cost data.
Electrosensory Transduction: Comparisons Across Structure, Afferent Response Properties, and Cellular Physiology

The first relays of the vertebrate electrosensory system arise from epidermal specializations with voltage-sensitive receptor cells that are tuned to the relevant frequencies of bioelectric fields. Despite diverse phylogenetic origins and adaptations to varying habitats, electroreceptor organs share a number of morphological and functional characteristics to facilitate the detection of low-intensity electric fields. Much of the current knowledge of physiological mechanisms underlying electrosensory transduction has been gleaned from in vivo electrophysiological recordings from primary electrosensory afferents or recordings of electrical impulses from the organs themselves. Recent advances in genetic and patch-clamp electrophysiological techniques have made detailed comparisons of the molecular mechanisms of transduction possible. These comparisons have the potential to shed light on convergent mechanisms of stimulus transduction and filtering among diverse species as well as broad themes of signal transduction relevant to other hair cell-based sensory systems.
The carbonate location in mixed calcium and strontium carbonated apatites

Abstract Mixed calcium/strontium carbonated apatites were obtained by aqueous addition of mixtures of calcium and strontium nitrate to NH4H2PO4 and Na2CO3 in the presence of both low and high sodium concentrations. The calcium: strontium ratios in the products were obtained by xrf and carbonate percentages by combustion analysis. Peak-fitting of the asymmetric carbonate region of the IR spectra, using the procedures developed previously, showed that an increase in the percentage of strontium in the apatite led to an enhancement in the percentage of A-type carbonate. Because of the larger size of Sr2+ relative to Ca2+, this result can be attributed to an expansion of the channel, which leads to an increased stability of carbonate in the channel. The cogwheel- like control of channel carbonate can be utilized to prepare apatites appropriate for various applications.
Common Hazards to consider during Manufacturing of Feeds for Beef and Dairy Cattle

This 6-page document provides a list of common hazards to consider in the manufacturing of cattle feeds. It discusses the importance of preventing hazards, methods of prevention, and common physical, biological, and chemical hazards. Written by Taylor Langford, Matthew Hersom, Luiz Ferraretto, Antonio Faciola, Chad Carr, and Jason Scheffler, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences, March 2018. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/an343
A quality index for net-based capture of space debris

Abstract Before net-based debris removal missions are put in place, large simulation studies are needed to analyze the reliability of capture and define preferred designs and capture conditions. Therefore, evaluation of capture success in a simulation environment has to be automated. In this paper, a capture quality index apt to the quantitative evaluation of the success of capture is proposed. The quality index is based on volume, surface area, and distance metrics. Various parameters composing this index are analyzed in this paper, with the aim to recognize successful and unsuccessful captures reliably, starting from the moment the net is ejected to the final capture. Alpha shape was explored as an alternative to convex hull for approximating the shape of the net, but was deemed inconsistent. For the distance metrics, the reference distance was chosen as the smallest distance from the center of mass of the target to its surface. Variations in the modeling of the target were investigated. Results indicate important improvements in the performance of the capture quality index compared to previous research. The resulting quality index proves to be a useful tool to differentiate between a successful and an unsuccessful capture.
Data informed solution estimation for forward-backward stochastic differential equations

Forward-backward stochastic differential equation (FBSDE) systems were introduced as a probabilistic description for parabolic type partial differential equations. Although the probabilistic behavi...
Countering Dangerous Speech: New Ideas for Genocide Prevention

This paper outlines new preventive strategies for responding to inflammatory speech, especially in societies at risk of mass violence, and describes how they are being employed in the field.
Risk factors for the presence of residual disease in women after partial mastectomy for invasive breast cancer: A single institution experience

Abstract Background We hypothesize that in addition to specimen margin widths other clinical variables may help predict the presence of residual disease in the lumpectomy bed. Methods Patients with Stage I-III invasive breast cancer (BC) who underwent partial mastectomy (PM) and re-excision from July 2010–June 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Bivariate analyses were conducted using two-sample t-tests for continuous variables and Fisher's Exact tests for categorical variables. A multivariate logistic regression was then performed on significant bivariate analyses variables. Results ne-hundred and eighty-four patients were included in our analysis; 47% had residual disease on re-excision, while 53% had no residual disease. Tumor and nodal stage, operation type, type of disease present at margin, and number of positive margins were significantly associated with residual disease. On multivariate logistic regression, DCIS alone at the margin (p = 0.02), operation type (PM with cavity margins) (p = 0.003), and number of positive margins (3 or more) (p Conclusion Based on a more comprehensive review of the initial pathology, there are additional factors that can help predict the likelihood of finding residual disease and help guide the surgeon in the decision for re-excision.
The next 25 years of computer architecture

This talk speculates on a technology-driven path computer architecture is likely to have to follow in order to continue to deliver application performance growth over the next 25 years in a cost- and power constrained environment. We try to take into account transistor physics, economic constraints, and discuss how one might go about programming systems that will look quite different from what we are used to today.
Further characterization and high-resolution mapping of quantitative trait loci for ethanol-induced locomotor activity.

Differential sensitivity to the stimulant effects of ethanol on locomotor activity is determined in part by genetic differences. Among inbred strains of mice, moderate doses of ethanol (1-2 g/kg) stimulate locomotor activity in some strains, e.g., the DBA/2J (D2), but only mildly affect activity in other strains, e.g., C57BL/6J (B6) (Crabbe et al., 1982, 1983; Crabbe, 1986; Dudek and Phillips, 1990; Dudek et al., 1991; Dudek and Tritto, 1994). Quantitative trait loci (QTL) for the acute ethanol (1.5 g/kg) locomotor response has been identified in the BXD recombinant inbred (RI) series (N = 25 strains), a C57BL/6J x DBA/2J (B6D2) F2 intercross (N = 1800), and heterogeneous stock (HS) mice (N = 550). QTLs detected (p < .01) in the RI series were found on chromosomes 1, 2, and 6 and these QTLs were expressed in a time-dependent fashion. The QTLs on chromosomes 1 and 2 were confirmed in the F2 intercross at p < 10(-7) or better. HS mice from G32 to G35 were used to fine-map the chromosome 2 QTL. Compared to the consensus map, the genetic map in the HS animals was expanded 10- to 15-fold. Over the region flanked by D2Mit94 to D2Mit304, three separate QTLs were detected in the HS animals. The data obtained confirm the usefulness of HS mice for the fine-mapping of QTLs to a resolution of 2 cM or less.
Conservative management of thyroglobulin-positive, nonlocalizable thyroid carcinoma.

Background The purpose of this study was to demonstrate a role for observation of patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) with persistent, nonlocalizable disease. Methods Our study was conducted on outpatients seen at our institution from 1999 to 2009 having total thyroidectomy, radioactive iodine (RAI) ablation, measurable serum thyroglobulin (Tg), and no evidence of disease on whole body or positron emission tomography (PET) scans. Results Nineteen patients in our study group aged 20 to 73 with an average follow-up of 5.5 years (range, 2–12 years); all were treated with postoperative RAI (99–210 mCi, average 119). Mean Tg ranged from 0.41 to 4.34. Tg levels remained stable or gradually decreased in all patients. Conclusion After total thyroidectomy and RAI therapy, patients may present with mildly elevated Tg values without localizable disease. These patients may have additional RAI treatments based on the Tg elevation. However, our clinical experience has shown that many of these patients will have Tg levels that either achieve stability or decrease over time without further treatment. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 36: 155–157, 2014
Reactivity of Site-Isolated Metal Clusters: Propylidyne on gamma-Al2O3-Supported Ir4

To contrast the reactivity of supported metal clusters with that of extended metal surfaces, we investigated the reactions of tetrairidium clusters supported on porous γ-Al2O3 (Ir4/γ-Al2O3) with propene and with H2. Infrared, 13C NMR, and extended X-ray absorption fine-structure spectroscopy were used to characterize the ligands formed on the clusters. Propene adsorption onto Ir4/γ-Al2O3 at 298 K gave stable, cluster-bound μ3-propylidyne. Propene adsorbed onto Ir4/γ-Al2O3 at 138 K reacted at approximately 219 K to form a stable, highly dehydrogenated, cluster-bound hydrocarbon species approximated as CxHy (such as, for example, C3H2 or C2H). H2 reacted with Ir4/γ-Al2O3 at 298 K, forming ligands (likely hydrides), which prevented subsequent reaction of the clusters with propene to form propylidyne. Propylidyne on Ir4 was stable in helium or H2 as the sample was heated to 523 K, whereupon it reacted with oxygen of the support to give CO. Propylidyne on Ir4 did not undergo isotopic exchange in the presence o...
Early trends in a newly developing variety of english

During the nineteenth century, English-speaking natives of Utah exhibited variation in three phonological variables (among others): the cot-caught merger, the cord-card merger, and //ai//-monophthongization. Based on an analysis of audio recordings of twenty-six natives of Utah born during the nineteenth century, changes in these variables over apparent time are tracked. The analysis finds a trend toward completion of the two mergers and increased /ai/-monophthongization. This is contrasted with the current situation, in which the cot-caught merger has progressed to a state of completion in perception and very small differences in production, the cord-card merger is being abandoned, and /ai/-monophthongization exists only at a very low level. Possible reasons for this include a movement toward regional rather than local norms resulting from greater contact between varieties in the Intermountain West during the twentieth century
Correction of geometric distortions and the impact of eye position in virtual reality displays

A common technology used to present immersive, collaborative environments is the head mounted virtual reality (VR) display. However, due to engineering limitations, variability in manufacturing, and person-to-person differences in eye position, virtual environments are often geometrically inaccurate. Correcting these inaccuracies typically requires complicated or interactive calibration procedures. In this document we present a method for calibrating head-mounted displays and other display surfaces using an automated, low-cost camera system. A unique aspect of this method is that the calibration of geometric distortions, field of view, and chromatic aberration are achieved without the need for a priori knowledge of the display system's intrinsic parameters. Since this calibration method can easily measure display distortions, we further extend our work to serve to measure the effect of eye position on the apparent location of imagery presented in a virtual reality head mounted display. We test a range of reasonable eye positions that may result from person-to-person variations in display placement and interpupilary distances. It was observed that the pattern of geometric distortions introduced by the display's optical system changes substantially as the eye moves from one position to the next. Though many commercial and research VR systems calibrate for interpupillary distance and optical distortions separately, this may be insufficient as eye position influences distortion characteristics.
MEMS/NEMS Devices and Applications

Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) have played key roles in many important areas, for example transportation, communication, automated manufacturing, environmental monitoring, health care, defense systems, and a wide range of consumer products. MEMS are inherently small, thus offering attractive characteristics such as reduced size, weight, and power dissipation and improved speed and precision compared to their macroscopic counterparts. Integrated circuit (IC) fabrication technology has been the primary enabling technology for MEMS besides a few special etching, bonding and assembly techniques. Microfabrication provides a powerful tool for batch processing and miniaturizing electromechanical devices and systems to a dimensional scale that is not accessible by conventional machining techniques. As IC fabrication technology continues to scale toward deep submicrometer and nanometer feature sizes, a variety of nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS) can be envisioned in the foreseeable future. Nanoscale mechanical devices and systems integrated with nanoelectronics will open a vast number of new exploratory research areas in science and engineering. NEMS will most likely serve as an enabling technology, merging engineering with the life sciences in ways that are not currently feasible with microscale tools and technologies.
Adenosine 3':5'-monophosphate-dependent protein kinase-catalyzed phosphorylation reaction and its relationship to calcium transport in cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum.

Abstract A rapid, manyfold increase in phosphorylation of cardiac microsomes consisting primarily of sarcoplasmic reticulum was seen when these membranes were incubated in the presence of a bovine cardiac adenosine 3':5'-monophosphate (cyclic AMP)-dependent protein kinase (protein kinase) and cyclic AMP. Over 85% of the 32P associated with membrane protein under similar conditions was identified as phosphoserine and phosphothreonine. A less marked increase in phosphoprotein formation was observed when cardiac microsomes were incubated in 1 µm cyclic AMP in the absence of added protein kinase. This could be attributed to the presence of an endogenous protein kinase. When cardiac microsomes were incubated with protein kinase alone, phosphorylation also was enhanced, finally reaching the level seen with cyclic AMP and added protein kinase. The increased phosphorylation induced by protein kinase alone was attributable to the presence of an adenylate cyclase in the microsomal preparation. Epinephrine could be shown to stimulate both adenylate cyclase and phosphorylation of cardiac microsomes. Protein kinases prepared from both bovine cardiac or rabbit fast skeletal muscle catalyzed the formation of microsomal phosphoprotein. The extent of phosphoprotein formation correlated closely with the increment in the stimulation of the rate of calcium uptake by cardiac microsomes when concentrations of either protein kinase were varied, and the relationship between phosphoprotein formation and stimulation of calcium transport was independent of the source of the protein kinase. These data suggest the existence of a functional relationship between cardiac microsomal phosphorylation and an increased rate of calcium transport.
Credit Be Dammed: The Impact of Banking Deregulation on Economic Growth

We document substantial variation in the effect of state-level bank branching deregulation in the United States on economic growth. We examine the sources of this variation by testing multiple channels that may link deregulation and economic growth. Using a matching method that utilizes synthetic counterfactual states, we find support for the hypothesis that economic growth was associated with states where deregulation solved a capital immobility or “dammed” credit problem. We do not find support for other channels, which posit that banks became more efficient, financed more innovative businesses, or learned by observing prior deregulations.
Democracy and Antigone

This essay explores democracy, sexuality, gender and legal practices using the frameworks of law and literature. Law and Literature as an enterprise is commonly said to have two distinct strands. One strand focuses upon an artistic product and elaborates the legal themes within it. The other strand focuses upon a legal product, such as a notable United States Supreme Court opinion, and examines its artistry, including its rhetorical or cinematic qualities. This essay explores both strands as well as the territory where the two strands meet.This essay’s artistic focus is the mythical and literary figure of Antigone. In addition to the standard Sophocles’ version, this essay explores Antigone in the works of French playwright Jean Anouilh, Nigerian playwright Femi Osofisan, and South African playwright Athol Fugard.This essay’s legal focus is several cases interpreting the meaning of mythical and Greek words. A court in Athens Greece decided a claim about the permissible usage of the term "lesbian," the United States Supreme Court has interpreted the term “Olympics, ” and trademark litigation has considered the term “dyke.” The confluence of these two strands of literature and law involve further explorations of Sappho as a poet and historical figure, of Derrida’s work on democracy and brotherhood, and of the meaning of “sisterhood” in feminist and legal texts.
Experimental determination of cation diffusivities in aluminosilicate garnets

Data from experimentally-induced diffusion profiles at approximately 40 Kbar, 1,300–1,500° C in spessartine-almandine couples and a pyrope-almandine couple at ∼ 40 Kbar, 1,440° C, described in Part I, were used to derive tracer diffusion coefficients (D*) of Fe, Mn and Mg in garnet. The experimental data were fitted by numerical simulations that model multicomponent, compositionally-dependent difussion, including the effects of nonideal thermodynamic mixing. The simulations use the formalism of irreversible thermodynamics and an eigenvector technique of solution. We were able to fit the asymmetrical spessartine-almandine profiles using constant D* and either the Darken/Hartley-Crank or Manning-Lasaga models relating D* and interdiffusion coefficients, and both models yielded DMg*consistent with the direct measurement of DMg*in by Cygan and Lasaga (1985) at lower temperatures (750–900° C). The results (equations 4.1–4.3 and Table 1) indicate that DFe*≅DMg* QMn, where Q is the activation energy. In contrast, the asymmetry of pyrope-almandine profiles is too great to fit with either tracer model assuming constant D* and indicates that DMg*is similar to its value in spessartine-almandine couples but DFe*is an order of magnitude less. The fit also suggests that DCa*< DFe*<DMg*in pyrope-almandine couples. Synthesis of data from the two types of diffusion couples suggests that DMg*is insensitive to compositional changes, whereas DFe*is affected by Mn/Mg and Fe/Mg ratios and probably by other factors. These compositional effects on tracer coefficients are compatible with those documented by Morioka (1983) for cation diffusion in olivine.
Comparing and Using Occupation-Focused Models

As health care moves toward understanding the importance of function, participation and occupation, occupational therapists would be well served to use occupation-focused theories to guide intervention. Most therapists understand that applying occupation-focused models supports best practice, but many do not routinely use these models. Barriers to application of theory include lack of understanding of the models and limited strategies to select and apply them for maximum client benefit. The aim of this article is to compare occupation-focused models and provide recommendations on how to choose and combine these models in practice; and to provide a systematic approach for integrating occupation-focused models with frames of reference to guide assessment and intervention.
A new coplanar waveguide vector network analyzer for on-wafer measurements

A new coplanar-waveguide network analyzer system that is specifically designed for on-wafer characterization of millimeter-wave devices and circuits is presented. The analyzer is made entirely in coplanar-waveguide to achieve large bandwidths and eliminate all discontinuities between the test set and wafer except the probe tip contacts. The analyzer is made by spacing detector diodes logarithmically along the coplanar-waveguide probe-tip to sample the signal, and it uses six-port theory to calculate complex scattering parameters. A 15.7-GHz prototype analyzer has been demonstrated. >
Strength factors among women of Mexican descent.

Whereas few studies with Latina samples include strength factors (resilience, mastery, life satisfaction, and perceived energy level) as variables, even fewer include strength factors together with acculturation in the same study. As part of a larger study, the purpose of this analysis is to describe and examine the relationships between strength factors, risk factors such as acculturation and substance use, resource factors including financial adequacy and education, and the health and illness factor of perceived health status among a convenience sample of 315 lowincome women of Mexican descent, ages 21 to 40. Cross-sectional survey data were collected and analyzed. Results show intragroup differences related to the well-being of women of Mexican descent living with low incomes in urban settings.
Endocytosis of the Mu Opioid Receptor Reduces Tolerance and a Cellular Hallmark of Opiate Withdrawal

Morphine is unusual in its failure to promote robust desensitization and endocytosis of the mu opioid receptor (MOR), processes that for many receptors contribute directly to tolerance. This apparent paradox has led us to revise the idea that receptor desensitization and endocytosis are solely responsible for tolerance and withdrawal to morphine, and instead test the hypothesis that these side effects occur due to abnormally prolonged MOR signaling. We report here that MOR mutations that facilitate endocytosis reduce the development of cellular tolerance and cAMP superactivation, a cellular hallmark of withdrawal. Moreover, mutant receptors with reduced endocytosis produce exacerbated superactivation. These data demonstrate a critical role for receptor endocytosis in the development of adverse side effects associated with prolonged opiate use.
Acetylcholine stimulation of selective increases in stearic and arachidonic acids in phosphatidic acid in mouse pancreas.

Abstract During the acetylcholine-stimulated loss of phosphatidylinositol and gain in the level of phosphatidic acid in mouse pancreas, there is a selective increase in stearic and arachidonic acids in phosphatidic acid. The amounts parallel the decrease in phosphatidylinositol, which contains predominantly these two fatty acids. Addition of atropine to stimulated tissue reverses the changes. There is a selective disappearance of the stearoyl, arachidonoyl phosphatidic acid, and phosphatidylinositol increases. The changes support the hypothesis that the 1-stearoyl, 2-arachidonoyl diglyceride backbone of phosphatidylinositol becomes phosphatidic acid during acetylcholine stimulation, and is transformed back to phosphatidylinositol on reversion to the unstimulated state.
Japanese nuclear power and the Kyoto agreement

Abstract A global computable general equilibrium model is used to evaluate interactions of nuclear power and climate change policy in Japan. We find that to match official Japanese forecasts for nuclear power would require subsidies of 50 to 70 percent. We find that the carbon price is $20 to $40 (US 1995$) per ton higher compared with the unconstrained case if nuclear expansion is limited to plants already commissioned or under construction, a scenario whose likelihood increased as a result of the recent nuclear accident. J. Japan. Int. Econ. , September 2000, 14 (3), pp. 169–188. Joint Program on the Science and Policy of Global Change, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Building E40-263, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139-4307. Copyright 2000 Academic Press. Journal of Economic Literature Classification Numbers: Q4, Q2, F1.
THE POLITICAL UNCONSCIOUS OF THE UNIVERSITY PROFESSOR

L'A. porte son attention sur la conscience politique des professeurs d'universite, enseignants en sciences sociales. Il critique les theses de S. Seidman en ce domaine. Il rejette son utilisation de la distinction entre science et non-science en ce qui concerne l'analyse de la recherche sociologique. Il pose le probleme de l'enseignement de la sociologie et de la division du travail etablie entre les differents departements et disciplines de recherche. Il denonce le pragmatisme inherent a la perspective de Seidman
Benefits of internal curing on service life and life-cycle cost of high-performance concrete bridge decks – A case study

This paper investigates the impact of internal curing on the service life of high-performance concrete (HPC) bridge decks by using analytical models to predict the times to onset of corrosion, onset of corrosion-induced damage, and failure of decks. Three bridge deck design options were compared: (i) normal concrete deck; (ii) HPC deck with supplementary cementing materials (SCM); and (iii) HPC deck with SCM and internal curing. It was found that the use of internal curing can extend the service life of high-performance concrete bridge decks by more than 20 years, which is mainly due to a significant reduction in the rate of penetration of chlorides in concrete as a result of reduced early-age shrinkage cracking and reduced chloride diffusion. Compared to normal concrete, HPC with SCM and internal curing was predicted to add more than 40 years to the service life of bridge decks in severe environmental conditions. Life-cycle cost reductions of 40% and 63% were estimated when conventional HPC and internally-cured HPC were used in bridge decks instead of normal concrete, respectively, despite the fact that the in-place unit cost of internally-cured HPC can be 4% higher than that of conventionally-cured HPC, which in turn can be up to 33% higher than that of normal concrete. This is due to a longer service life and less frequent maintenance activities offered by low-permeability HPC bridge decks.
Smart sensor technology for infrastructural integrity assessment and monitoring for homeland security

Civil infrastructures are normally one of the most expensive investments in a nation. To ensure the security of our homeland, the integrity of critical infrastructural systems must be assessed periodically. The assessment of the performance and reliability of the infrastructures can be carried out effectively and efficiently through the use of a network of smart sensors. The smart sensors will constantly interrogate the state of the structural health and detect any initiation or progression of damage in the infrastructures. Proper warnings can be issued prior to structural failure to prevent catastrophic loss of lives and properties. In addition, the infrastructural health monitoring system can request a comprehensive structural performance re-evaluation when the deterioration of the structure has threatened the integrity. This paper reviews the current state of the art on applying smart piezoelectric sensors in infrastructural health monitoring. Experimental results for using smart sensors to detect the damage on some typical infrastructural components are presented. With the goal of constructing an automated on-line structural health monitoring system to constantly assess the integrity of critical infrastructural systems, this paper illustrated the promise of using the smart piezoelectric sensors in homeland security.
Professional Women: Are Distress and Disease Inevitable?

The unique sources of stress for professional women are discrimination, stereotyping, the marriage/work interface, and social isolation. The behavioral, physiological, and psychological consequences of mismanaged stress are examined and four preventive stress management moderators specifically for professional women suggested. These moderators that influence the stress-strain relationships are a mentor, locus of control, self-confidence, and self-awareness. Finally, a three-point research agenda is outlined for extending understanding of stress among professional women.
Examination of the factor structure of physical activity behaviors

Multiple physical activity recommendations exist for behaviors that vary in type and intensity (e.g., vigorous physical activity, strengthening exercises, moderate physical activity). The present study examined underlying dimensions of physical activity behaviors and determined the extent to which factors correspond to national health recommendations. Fifteen variables were drawn from six self-report measures and subjected to factor analysis with quartimax rotation. Participants were 547 university seniors (56% female; 60% Caucasian; mean age = 25 years). TV watching, the only index of sedentary behavior, did not load highly with other items, and was analyzed separately. Three interpretable factors were found: variables related to vigorous physical activity loaded highly on Factor 1; flexibility and strengthening items loaded highly on Factor 2; and moderate and housework activity loaded highly on Factor 3. Factors corresponded closely to national recommendations. Unweighted factor scores and TV watching correlated significantly with physiological indicators of fitness, supporting construct validity.
Effect of Various Materials in Multilevel Samplers on Monitoring Commonly Occurring Agrichemicals in Ground Water

Studies have shown that materials, such us polytetra-fluoroethylene (PTFE), rigid polyvinyl chloride (rigid PVC). flexible polyvinyl chloride (flexible PVC), stainless steel (SS). low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and high-density polyethylene (HDPE), have the potential to influence certain analyte concentrations in ground water samples. The effects of HDPE, LDPE, PTFE, rigid PVC, and SS on aqueous concentrations of nitrate-N, atrazine, deethylatrazine (DEA), and deisopropylatrazine (DIA) were evaluated in a field study A laboratory study was conducted to evaluate sorption of atrazine DEA, DIA, cyanazine, alachlor, metolachlor, and butachlor to PTFE, HDPE, and SS materials. Butachlor is rarely use in the United States, but was included because of its expected high sorptivity. No significant differences between HDPE, LDPE, PTFE, rigid PVC, and SS were determined for any of the analytes tested in the field study. In the laboratory study, sorption of DIA to PTFE and SS was significant at 2.6 × 10−5 and 4.1 × 10−5μg/m2 respectively. Sorption of DIAA to HDPE was not significantly > 0 sorption of all other compounds to HDPE, PTFE, and SS were also not significantly >0. Results of the two studies indicate that for these analytes (relatively polar or ionized compounds), representative ground water samples are not dependent on the materials used for multilevel sampler construction. When considering these compounds, it appears that the least expensive materials (HDPE, rigid PVC, and LDPE) are good choices for the construction of ground water monitoring wells.
Amniotic fluid arachidonate lipoxygenase metabolites in preterm labor.

Abstract This study was conducted to determine if preterm labor with intact membranes is associated with changes in the amniotic fluid concentrations of arachidonate lipoxygenase metabolites. Amniotic fluid was obtained by transabdominal amniocentesis from 68 women with preterm labor. The patients were classified into three groups according to their response to tocolysis and their amniotic fluid culture results: Group 1 — women with a negative amniotic fluid culture who responded to tocolysis (n = 32); Group 2 — women with a negative culture, but who failed to respond to tocolysis (n = 22); and Group 3 — women with intraamniotic infection (n = 14). The following arachidonate lipoxygenase products were measured by radioimmunoassay: leukotriene B 4 (LTB 4 ); leukotriene C 4 (LTC 4 ); 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE); and 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (15-HETE). The median concentrations of LTB 4 were significantly different among the three study groups (26 pg/ml, 67 pg/ml and 885 pg/ml, respectively, p > 0.05). Amniotic fluid concentrations of 12-HETE and LTC 4 did not vary among the three study groups. On the other hand, a significant difference in the distribution of amniotic fluid concentrations of 15-HETE was noted only between women with intraamniotic infection (Group 3) and women responding to tocolysis (Group 1). These results indicate that the arachidonate lipoxygenase pathway is activated during the course of preterm labor. Selective changes in the concentrations of the assayed metabolites were noted. Amniotic fluid LTB 4 concentrations may be a marker for the patient with preterm labor who is unresponsive to tocolysis.
Correlates of Protracted Homelessness in a Sample of Dually Diagnosed Psychiatric Inpatients

The authors assessed sociodemographic, drug use, and diagnostic correlates of protracted homelessness in a sample of 147 dually diagnosed patients who required admission to the hospital. When 58 patients with protracted homelessness, defined as continuous undomiciled status for over a year, were compared with 74 patients without protracted homelessness, significant differences were found with regard to diagnosis, employment status, criminality, Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale score on admission, and history of injection drug use. The results of a multiple logistic regression analysis confirmed that a history of injection drug use, current unemployment, and a diagnosis of schizophrenia were positively associated with a history of protracted homelessness. No significant relationships were obtained between protracted homelessness and demographics or chronicity of mental illness.
A three-dimensional conductivity model for electrodes in lead-acid batteries

In this paper, we develop a three-dimensional conductivity model for the active material in the electrodes of a lead-acid battery. We use the model to investigate the influence that this conductivity has on battery capacity. Previous computer models used for this purpose were two-dimensional. Our three-dimensional model allows electrons to move out of a two-dimensional layer to another layer in order to find conductive pathways to an edge thereby allowing the reaction to occur. By using a number of two-dimensional layers, the actual changes in conductivity taking place in the plates can be more accurately modeled. Because of the many layers of our three-dimensional model, the total number of conductive paths is much greater than the previous two-dimensional models. We extend the two-dimensional models to three-dimensions, and compare the model capacity results with those predicted by the Percolation Theory and Effective Medium Theory. We find that the results of the three-dimensional model closely match the predictions of these theories.
Behavior and Movements of Largemouth Bass in Response to Salinity

Abstract Salinity preferences of adult and young-of-the-year largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides from a freshwater lake and a brackish marsh in south-central Louisiana were tested at 22°C in salinity-gradient chambers (0, 3, 6, 9, and 12‰ salinity) under a photoperiod of 12 h light 12 h dark. Young largemouth bass from both collection sites preferred 0‰ salinity. Although adult marsh and freshwater largemouth bass preferred 3‰ salinity, differences in salinity selection were noted: mean number of observations at 0‰ salinity was significantly greater for freshwater fish, whereas mean number of observations at 3‰ salinity was significantly greater for marsh fish. Salinity preferences were not affected by prior acclimation of fish to salinities of 0 or 5‰. Salinities of less than 5‰ did not influence short-term (daily) movements of marsh fish implanted with ultrasonic transmitters. Although no tagged largemouth bass could be located in the marsh after salinities exceeded 5‰, marsh largemouth bass smaller t...
In situ observation of surface-limited Ge growth processes by transient optical reflectometry

Optical surface reflectometry was used to monitor the active layer during the epitaxial growth of Ge from pulsed molecular jets of digermane (Ge2H6) molecules. The modulation of the digermane delivery facilitates the seperation and independent investigation of the elementary reaction steps, digermane chemisorption and reaction by-product desorption. For (100) surfaces of Si and Ge, both the chemisorption and desorption processes were found to be first-order. The digermane chemisorption was not thermally activated, while the desorption rate was strongly temperature-dependent. For Ge(100) substrates and the temperature ranges 410–480 and 480–570°C, desorption activation energies of 2.2⊹0.1 and 1.6⊹0.1 eV were determined, respectively, and the corresponding pre-exponential factors were 4.9×1016⊹0.7 and 3.5×1012⊹0.6 s-1. The lower activation energy is in agreement with the expected value for desorption of H2 from the monohydride phase. The difference in kinetic parameters between the two temperature ranges is believed to be caused by the presence of oxygen contamination at lower substrate temperatures.
Quadratic Stress Criterion for Initiation of Delamination

The initiation ofdelamination in graphite/epoxy specimens was investigated both analyt ically and experimentally. Three specific laminate families were investigated: [±15n]s, [± 15 n /0n]s, and [0n / ± 15n] s with the normalized effective ply thickness, n, varying from one to five. Delamination initiation was determined to have occurred when a drop in load was detected and a delamination was observed on a replication of the specimen edge. Measured initiation stresses were correlated using the strain energy release rate approach and the Quadratic Delamination Criterion introduced herein. The strain energy release rate approach was unable to accurately correlate data for two of the three laminate fami lies. The data clearly shows that the critical value of strain energy release rate is dependent on ply thickness. The Quadratic Delamination Criterion, an average stress criterion which compares the calculated out-of-plane interlaminar stresses to their related strength param eters, is proposed and shows excel...
A new approach to motor unit estimation with surface EMG triggered averaging technique

A new method for estimating the number of motor units using a surface EMG triggered averaging technique is described. This method provides an estimation of mean motor unit potential (MUP) amplitude at different levels of contraction, which can be utilized to estimate the number of motor units in a given muscle. Motor unit count estimated in abductor pollicis brevis (APB) muscle of 11 normal healthy subjects ranged from 131 to 371 with a mean of 246 +/- 68. In our preliminary study of patients with lower motor neuron lesions, there was a significant reduction in the number of motor units. We believe our new noninvasive method of motor unit counting is a relatively simple and reproducible physiological technique.
The mirrors for the Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer

Flight mirrors for the Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer satellite are currently under fabrication. The grazing incidence metal mirrors are Wolter-Schwarzschild Type I and II and are figured by diamond turning. Imaging performance is excellent, with the figure after polishing for the best mirror being such that the full width-half maximum is 1.0 arc seconds and the half energy width is 8 arc seconds measured at visible wavelengths. Surface finish, as determined from scattering measurements in the extreme ultraviolet, is about 20 A rms.