cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Film thickness in blade coating of viscous and viscoelastic liquids

Abstract Coating of viscous and viscoelastic liquids is examined both theoretically and experimentally. A rigid blade, accurately positioned over a rotating roll, provides an experimental system in which coating thickness is measured as a function of geometric parameters. A perturbation solution to the Navier—Stokes equations yields a lubrication theory which shows agreement with the data to an extent depending on the specific geometry. The effect of a non-Newtonian viscosity is explored by adopting a purely viscous power-law model. The lubrication equations are solved by the method of Horowitz and Steidler [1], and predict an increase in coating thickness relative to the Newtonian case. Data for viscoelastic fluids show both an increase and a decrease in coating thickness compared with Newtonian liquids depending on the relative magnitude of shear thinning and elastic effects.
Forecasting auroral electrojet activity from solar wind input with neural networks

Neural networks are developed for reconstructing the chaotic attractor in the nonlinear dynamics of the solar wind driven, coupled magnetosphere-ionosphere (MI) system. Two new methods which improve predictive ability are considered: a gating method which accounts for different levels of activity and a preconditioning algorithm which allows the network to ignore very short time fluctuations during training. The two networks are constructed using the Bargatze et al. [1985] substorm database that contains solar wind speed and interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) along with ionospheric electrojet index, AL. Both networks are found to produce improvements in predictability, and the significance of the performance increase of the gated network is demonstrated using the bootstrap model testing method.
Dual-band optical bench for terahertz radiometer for outer planet atmospheres (TROPA)

We have developed a wide-band dual frequency spectrometer for use in deep space planetary atmospheric spectroscopy. The instrument uses a dual-band architecture, both to be able to observe spectral lines from a wide range of atmospheric species, and to allow a higher precision retrieval of temperature/pressure/partial pressure and wind profiles. This dual-band approach requires a new design for the optical bench to couple both frequencies into their respective receivers.
Autoclavable wide-angle contact lens for vitreous surgery.

Abstract Purpose To evaluate an autoclavable self-stabilizing wide-angle contact lens for vitrectomy. Design Observational study. Method The wide-angle contact lens has two lens pieces within a high temperature-resistant (150 C) plastic casing. The inferior lens with footplates is made of acrylic and the superior of glass. During surgery the lens is used as the self-stabilizing wide-angle contact lens with improved stability on the eye. Result The lens enables the surgeon to address the peripheral retina with less dependence on the assistant. The lens is sterilizable by autoclaving. The field of view of the wide-angle lens is 106 degrees static and 127 degrees dynamic view. Conclusion The autoclavable self-stabilizing wide-angle lens reduces the cost and time for sterilization.
Regulation of gene expression with pyrrole-imidazole polyamides.

The natural product distamycin contains three N-methylpyrrole amino acids and binds in the minor groove of DNA at A,T tracts 4-5 base pairs (bp) in size. Distamycin inhibits DNA-dependent processes, including transcription, and has antibacterial, antimalarial, antifungal and antiviral activities, but is of limited use because of toxicity. Efforts to bring distamycin analogs to the clinic have focused on anti-infective therapeutics. These compounds have been optimized for pathogen activity and pharmacological properties, with DNA binding specificity not providing a major driving force in ligand selection. Dickerson, Rich and Wemmer revealed by X-ray and NMR structural studies that the crescent-shaped molecule could bind A,T tracts in both 1:1 and 2:1 ligand:DNA stoichiometries. Informed by these structures, we explored whether designed distamycin analogs could be tuned by chemical modification in a predictable fashion to bind to a very large number of different DNA sequences, i.e. create an artificial small molecule language to read the minor groove digitally, similar in function to nature's proteins. This might underpin a rational chemical approach to the regulation of gene expression by chemical methods. After a 20 year search, we demonstrated that synthetic analogs pf the N-methylpyrrole (Py) carboxamide ring afford a set of heterocycles that can be combined -- as unsymmetrical ring pairs -- in a modular fashion to recognize specifically a large repertoire of DNA sequences with affinities and specificities comparable to DNA-binding proteins. In this chapter we describe advances in the field of DNA-binding polyamides, cellular and nuclear uptake properties and recent biological applications.
Effects of septal lesions on social dominance in rats.

Social dominance was observed in like-sexed pairs of rats that had been chronically paired since weaning and induced to compete for food when adults. Those pairs that demonstrated consistent dominant—subordinate relationships were selected as subjects, and in half of these pairs the dominant member received a bilateral lesion of the septal forebrain. The subordinate members of the remaining pairs were given septal lesions. In pairs with the subordinate subject lesioned there was no significant change in the dominance relationship, while lesioning of the dominant pair-member resulted in a dramatic reversal of status. These same results were observed both 1 week and 3 weeks after surgery, indicating that the effect was permanent. In addition, some observations were made with an automatic device which proved to be as effective as the manual method of assessing food competition sessions.
Interactions of the TGB1 protein during cell-to-cell movement of Barley stripe mosaic virus.

We have recently used a green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion to the γb protein of Barley stripe mosaic virus (BSMV) to monitor cell-to-cell and systemic virus movement. The γb protein is involved in expression of the triple gene block (TGB) proteins encoded by RNAβ but is not essential for cell-to-cell movement. The GFP fusion appears not to compromise replication or movement substantially, and mutagenesis experiments demonstrated that the three most abundant TGB-encoded proteins, βb (TGB1), βc (TGB3), and βd (TGB2), are each required for cell-to-cell movement (D. M. Lawrence and A. O. Jackson, Mol. Plant Pathol. 2:65–75, 2001). We have now extended these analyses by engineering a fusion of GFP to TGB1 to examine the expression and interactions of this protein during infection. BSMV derivatives containing the TGB1 fusion were able to move from cell to cell and establish local lesions in Chenopodium amaranticolor and systemic infections of Nicotiana benthamiana and barley. In these hosts, the GFP-TGB1 fusion protein exhibited a temporal pattern of expression along the advancing edge of the infection front. Microscopic examination of the subcellular localization of the GFP-TGB1 protein indicated an association with the endoplasmic reticulum and with plasmodesmata. The subcellular localization of the TGB1 protein was altered in infections in which site-specific mutations were introduced into the six conserved regions of the helicase domain and in mutants unable to express the TGB2 and/or TGB3 proteins. These results are compatible with a model suggesting that movement requires associations of the TGB1 protein with cytoplasmic membranes that are facilitated by the TGB2 and TGB3 proteins.
A Formation of Late Miocene and Early Pliocene Age on the North Slope of the Santa Susana Mountains, California: ABSTRACT

It is proposed to recognize a new formation for coarse- and fine-grained sedimentary rocks of late Miocene and early Pliocene age on the north slope of the Santa Susana Mountains in the east-central part of the Ventura basin. These rocks were included by Kew (1924) in the Modelo formation. They overlie and intertongue with shale of late Miocene age in the Modelo formation, and are overlain by the Pico formation of Pliocene age. The formation is well exposed near Tapo Canyon in the type region straddling the boundary between Los Angeles and Ventura counties. Two main types of sedimentary rocks are represented in the new formation: generally light-colored sandstones and conglomerates, and brown-weathering shales and mudstones. Marked lateral changes in lithology are common. The coarser-grained rocks are lenticular, but the shales and mudstones are fairly persistent. In the type region both the lower and upper boundaries are apparently gradational. In any one section the first thick-bedded pebbly sandstone lens above the shales and thin-bedded sandstones of the Modelo marks the base of the new formation. The top is drawn at the base of the first soft olive-gray siltstone containing rusty concretions, a type of lithology characteristic of the Pico formation. Along the north limb of the Pico anticline the formation has the following exposed thickness: East Canyon, 1,825 feet; Wiley Canyon, 1,750 feet; Towsley Canyon, 2,200 feet; Pico Canyon, 3,000 feet. At Tapo Canyon the formation is 4,350 feet thick. Vertical grading is present on two scales. Units tens of feet thick consist of conglomerate at the base, changing upward to thick-bedded sandstone, then alternating sandstone and mudstone, and finally mudstone at the top. Individual beds within these large units commonly are graded. This grading, the abundance of extremely angular blocks of mudstone as clasts in the conglomerates, and the presence of lump structures throughout the formation suggest the possibility that submarine slumps and turbid currents were important agents in the deposition of the coarser-grained rocks. End_of_Article - Last_Page 2631------------
Protein Kinase C Family Members as a Target for Regulation of Blood–Brain Barrier Na,K,2Cl-Cotransporter During In Vitro Stroke Conditions and Nicotine Exposure

The aim of the study is to identify specific protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms involvement in K+ transport mediated at altered blood–brain barrier (BBB) response to stroke conditions with prior nicotine exposure, which provides ways to intervene pharmacologically in PKC-mediated molecular pathways that could lead to effective treatment for smoking stroke patients. Changes in PKC isoform levels were studied in the cytosolic and membrane fractions of bovine brain microvessel endothelial cells subjected to stroke conditions as well as nicotine/cotinine exposure. Furthermore, abluminal Na,K,2Cl-cotransporter (NKCC) activity regulated by specific conventional PKC isoform activators and inhibitors was investigated using rubidium (86Rb) uptake studies. Membrane-bound PKCα, PKCβI, and PKCɛ levels were increased after 6 h hypoxia/aglycemia, and this was attenuated by 24-h nicotine/cotinine exposure. Interestingly, membrane-bound PKCγ protein level was decreased after 6 h hypoxia/aglycemia and increased by 24-h nicotine/cotinine exposure. 86Rb uptake studies showed that basolateral NKCC activity was down-regulated by both a conventional PKC inhibitor and specific inhibitors for PKCα, PKCβ, and PKCɛ and was up-regulated by an activator of conventional PKCs during 6-h hypoxia/aglycemia treatment. Specific PKC inhibitors or activators might be designed to individualize stroke therapies and improve health outcome for smokers by rebalancing ion transport into and out of the brain.
Striatal lesions with kainic acid: neurochemical characteristics.

Abstract Stereotaxic injection of 2.5 μg of kainic acid, a rigid analogue of glutamate, into the rat striatum caused a 70% reduction in the striatum of the cholinergic parameters, choline acetyltransferase, acetylcholine and synaptosomal uptake of choline and a similar reduction in the GABAergic parameters, glutamic acid decar☐ylase, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and synaptosomal uptake of GABA. In contrast, the striatal content of dopamine and the synaptosomal uptake of dopamine were unchanged, and the activity of tyrosine hydroxylase was significantly increased. Significant changes in the activity of neurotransmitter synthesizing enzymes were demonstrable within 6 h after injection of 2.5 μg of kainic acid and maximal effects occurred at 48 h; the activities of choline acetyltransferase and glutamic acid decar☐ylase remained depressed up to 21 days after injection. The kinetic characteristics of striatal tyrosine hydroxylase were altered 48 h after injection with a two-fold increase in the Vmax for tyrosine and a three-fold reduction in Km for the pteridine cofactor. In contrast to the effects of kainic acid, the injection of copper sulfate, a non-specific toxin, caused a proportionate reduction in the dopaminergic as well as the cholinergic and GABAergic presynaptic markers. The kainate lesion caused an 85% decrement in the activity of dopamine-sensitive adenylate cyclase, a 40% reduction in the specific binding of [3H]quinuclidinyl benzilate and a 195% increase in the specific binding of [3H]GABA in the striatum. The morphology of the kainate injected striatum was markedly altered with nearly a complete loss of intrinsic neurons, increased number of glial cells but intact internal capsule fibers. Intracerebral injection of nanomolar quantities of kainic acid appears to cause degeneration of neurons with cell bodies near the injection site while sparing axons terminating in or passing through the region.
Real-space formation and dissipation mechanisms of hexagonal reconstruction on Au(100) in aqueous media as explored by potentiodynamic scanning tunneling microscopy

Abstract The electrode potential-induced formation and dissipation dynamics of the hexagonal (“hex”) reconstruction on ordered Au(100) in perchloric and sulfuric acid electrolytes has been studied by means of in-situ scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). The real-space/real-time evolution of surface structures associated with the potential-dependent hex ⇇(1 × 1) phase transition was examined on timescales down to about 1 s by acquiring STM images during appropriate potential sweeps and steps (dubbed here “potentiodynamic STM”). Extensive hex domains can be formed by slow cooling following flame annealing and/or by holding the potential at values significantly below the potential of zero charge for the (1 × 1) surface. The sharp removal of the reconstruction seen voltammetrically, during positive-going potential sweeps, is accompanied by rapid(
LOGIT ESTIMATION OF A GRAVITY MODEL OF THE COLLEGE ENROLLMENT DECISION

A set of students who had been accepted at a particular university was examined to determine the factors influencing a student's decision to enroll at that school. A gravity model predicted that distance is an important determinant of the enrollment decision. The student's ability level, by influencing the student's other options, also was expected to have an impact on the decision. Logit analysis confirmed these predictions. While other variables, such as family income and program of study, may have an impact on earlier stages of the college selection decision, those variables do not influence the final stage of that decision.
Playing by the numbers: How collecting outcomes data changed my life☆

The Northern New England Cardiovascular Study Group has been using clinical epidemiology to analyze outcomes data in patients undergoing cardiac surgical procedures to answer three questions: (1) for the surgeon: how am I doing?, (2) for the patient: what are my chances?, and (3) for society: can outcomes data be voluntarily collected and organized in a way to improve care delivery? The Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center cardiac surgery program has combined this regional outcomes data with the internal development of critical pathways; with evaluations of patient expectations, patient satisfaction, and patient functional health; and with innovative techniques of data display in an effort to improve the cardiac surgical outcomes in patients at the center. The length of stay has declined, and both the mortality rate and readmission rate have remained stable.
Tumor persistence as a predictor of outcome after radiation therapy of head and neck cancers

Abstract Tumor clearance or persistence was assessed at different time intervals during, at the completion of, and after radiation therapy in order to predict local control of failure in 144 cases of head and neck cancer. The rate of tumor clearance (TC) during treatment is less important than is complete tumor clearance in predicting for local control (LC). If tumor clearance occurred within one to three months following completion of treatment, local control could be predicted in cancers of the oral cavity, oropharynx and hypopharynx with approximately 80, 70 and 50% reliability, respectively. However, tumor persistence (TP) (evidenced by induration and surface irregularity) was a highly accurate predictor of failure (90–100%) at this assessment interval. Persistence of induration at the completion of treatment is inaccurate in the assessment of eventual local failure (LF), since local control eventually is achieved in 25–35% of the cases.
Pediatric Rasmussen Encephalitis: Social Communication, Language, PET, and Pathology before and after Hemispherectomy

This prospective case study examined social communication (i.e., formal thought disorder, cohesion), language, positron emission tomography glucose utilization, and neuropathology in four children with Rasmussen encephalitis who achieved seizure control following right hemispherectomy. Prior to hemispherectomy, all four children had illogical thinking, loose associations, cohesive deficits, and impaired performance on formal language tests. Their postoperative improvement in social communication and language appeared to be related to age of onset, duration of illness, and postsurgical reversibility of hypometabolism in the nonresected prefrontal cortex. These changes were not associated with increase in IQ scores. The variability in the type and extent of pathologic change across subjects reflected the severity and duration of the illness. The study's findings imply that early surgical intervention might have mitigated certain aspects of the social communication and linguistic deficits found in these children.
Race, Age, and Identity Transformations in the Transition from High School to College for Black and First-generation White Men

Race and class differences in academic and social integration matter for educational success, social mobility, and personal well-being. In this article, I use interview data with students attending predominantly white four-year research universities to investigate the integration experiences of black and first-generation white men. I examine each group’s accounts of both high school and college. Both groups of men reported having positive social experiences in high school. However, while first-generation white men were able to transport their identity strategies to college, the transition to college complicated integration and identities for black men. These processes supported white men’s collegiate goals but undermined black men’s, increasing the emotional costs of college for black men, undermining academic support, and blocking their ability to construct satisfying pathways to adulthood. I argue that identity experiences in high school matter for identity processes in college, where contextual interse...
Dynamic visual cues induce jaw opening and closing by tiger beetles during pursuit of prey

In dynamic locomotory contexts, visual cues often trigger adaptive behaviour by the viewer, yet studies investigating how animals determine impending collisions typically employ either stationary v...
Logarithmic means and double series of Bessel functions

In his lost notebook, Ramanujan recorded two identities involving double series of Bessel functions that are closely connected with the classical, unsolved circle and divisor problems. In a series of papers with Zaharescu, the authors proved these identities under various interpretations, as well as Riesz mean analogues. In this paper, logarithmic mean analogues, also involving double series of Bessel functions, are established. Weighted divisor sums involving characters play a central role.
Effect of addition of montmorillonite and carbon nanotubes on a thermoplastic polyurethane: High temperature thermomechanical properties

Abstract Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and thermoplastic polyurethane/polyamide 11 (TPU/PA) nanocomposites were prepared via melt compounding, incorporating Cloisite ® 30B (Cl) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNT). Morphological characterization of all samples was conducted using X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Thermophysical properties were characterized using dynamic mechanical analysis and thermogravimetric analysis at 500 °C/min. A correlation was drawn between addition of nanoparticles and degree of phase separation (DPS), and further between DPS and the thermomechanical property termed the “reinforcement gap.” This gap has been associated with TPU dripping behavior at high temperatures. It is postulated that only polar-type reinforcing nanoparticles will reduce DPS. Rate of chemical degradation of TPU was reduced by both Cl and MWNT.
Plan Format and Participation in 401(k) Plans: The Moderating Role of Investor Knowledge

Abstract There is continuing concern that many people are not saving enough for retirement. The authors conduct three studies to determine whether simple alterations to the format of 401(k) plans can increase plan participation rates, especially among people with low levels of financial knowledge. In Study 1, offering a larger number of funds for investment reduces plan participation among low-knowledge investors, unless the plan also offers a target retirement date (i.e., life-cycle fund) option. In Study 2, the authors find those with low knowledge are more likely to participate if the funds offered for investment are grouped by asset class rather than listed alphabetically. In Study 3, the authors find that participation increases when fund descriptions include star ratings (but not fund style boxes). They also find that star ratings increase decision satisfaction among low-knowledge investors because of a reduction in perceived task difficulty. Limitations, implications, and further research are discu...
Prevention of the normal postnatal increase in drug-metabolizing enzyme activity in rat liver by a pituitary tumor.

Prevention of the Normal Postnatal Increase in Drug-Metabolizing Enzyme Activity in Rat Liver by a Pituitary Tumor
Effect of Age on Fertility of Bulls in Artificial Insemination

Summary The effect of age on changes in fertility of Holstein and Guernsey bulls was examined in the 60–90 day nonreturn records of an artificial breeding stud. Bulls used for 1,000 or more services per year in the period from 1947 through 1959 were included. Data from the terminal year of service were excluded for each bull culled either because of low fertility or poor semen quality. This exclusion eliminated records on bulls whose fertility dropped markedly in a short period of time. Ninety-one Holstein and 66 Guernsey bulls had one or more records which met the criteria established for inclusion in the analysis. The two groups contributed 322 and 218 bull-years, respectively. In each year, the deviation of the nonreturn rate of each bull from the stud average in percentage points for his breed was calculated. These deviations were used in the analysis of age effects with the intention of reducing the effect of time trends in fertility. Analysis of variance indicated a highly significant difference among age groups (P
Setting wait times to achieve targeted left-without-being-seen rates

Abstract Background Although several studies have demonstrated that wait time is a key factor that drives high leave-without-being-seen (LWBS) rates, limited data on ideal wait times and impact on LWBS rates exist. Study Objectives We studied the LWBS rates by triage class and target wait times required to achieve various LWBS rates. Methods We conducted a 3-year retrospective analysis of patients presenting to an urban, tertiary, academic, adult emergency department (ED). We divided the 3-year study period into 504 discrete periods by year, day of the week, and hour of the day. Patients of same triage level arriving in the same bin were exposed to similar ED conditions. For each bin, we calculate the mean actual wait time and the proportion of patients that abandoned. We performed a regression analysis on the abandonment proportion on the mean wait time using weighted least squares regression. Results A total of 143 698 patients were included for analysis during the study period. The R2 value was highest for Emergency Severity Index (ESI) 3 (R2 = 0.88), suggesting that wait time is the major factor driving LWBS of ESI 3 patients. Assuming that ESI 2 patients wait less than 10 minutes, our sensitivity analysis shows that the target wait times for ESI 3 and ESI 4/5 patients should be less than 45 and 60 minutes, respectively, to achieve an overall LWBS rate of less than 2%. Conclusion Achieving target LWBS rates requires analysis to understand the abandonment behavior and redesigning operations to achieve the target wait times.
Wave interaction in acoustic resonators with and without hysteresis

Nonlinear interaction of counterpropagating waves in solids is considered by using a general approach taking into account only the cumulative (resonant) nonlinear perturbations giving a nonzero contribution over the period and, consecutively, potentially able to significantly modify the linear solution. Different stress-strain relations are addressed, including those with hysteresis which serve as basic models for the recent acoustic experiments with rock and metals. An important case of the interaction of counterpropagating waves with close amplitudes in a high-Q resonator (bar) with hysteresis is specially addressed and compared with the case of a ring resonator.
Automated image segmentation using support vector machines

ABSTRACT Neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental diseases demonstrate problems associated with brain maturation and aging. Automated methods to delineate brain structures of interest are required to analyze large amounts of imaging data like that being collected in several on going multi-center studies. We have previously reported on using artificial neural networks (ANN) to define subcortical brain structures including the thalamus (0.88), caudate (0.85) and the putamen (0.81). In this work, apriori probability information was generated using Thirions demons registration algorithm. The input vector consisted of apriori probability, spherical coordinate s, and an iris of surrounding signal intensity values. We have applied the support vector machine (SVM) machine learning algorithm to automatically segment subcortical and cerebellar regions using the same input vector information. SVM architecture was derived from the ANN framework. Training was completed using a radial-basis function kernel with gamma equal to 5.5. Training was performed using 15,000 vectors collected from 15 training images in approximately 10 minutes. The resulting support vectors were applied to delineate 10 images not part of the training set. Relative overlap calculated for the subcortical structures was 0.87 for the thalamus, 0.84 for the caudate, 0.84 for the putamen, and 0.72 for the hippocampus. Relative overlap for the cerebellar lobes ranged from 0.76 to 0.86. The reliability of the SVM based algorithm was similar to the inter-rater reliability between manual raters and can be achieved without rater intervention. Keywords: MRI, brain segmentation, support vector machines, SVM
Reversible Loss of Gravitropic Sensitivity in Maize Roots After Tip Application of Calcium Chelators

The application of calcium chelating agents (EDTA or EGTA) to the tips of maize roots caused a loss of gravitropic sensitivity. When the chelator was replaced with calcium chloride, gravitropic sensitivity was restored. Asymmetric application of calcium chloride near the tip of a vertical root caused curvature toward the calcium source. When the calcium was applied to the upper surface of the tip of a root oriented horizontally, the root curved upward even though control roots exhibited strong downward curvature. Application of calcium chloride to the tips of decapped roots, which are known to be gravitropically insensitive, did not restore gravitropic sensitivity. However, asymmetric application of calcium chloride near the tips of decapped roots caused curvature toward the calcium source. Calcium may play a key role in linking gravity detection to gravitropic curvature in roots.
Rate-dependent deformation behavior of poss-filled and plasticized poly(vinyl chloride)

Polymers are known to exhibit strong rate-dependent mechanical behavior. In different temperature and/or frequency regimes, the rate sensitivities of polymers change as various primary (α) and secondary (β) molecular mobility mechanisms are accessed. The incorporation of nanoparticles into the polymer matrix can potentially alter the local molecular level structure and thus offers an opportunity to tailor the rate-dependent mechanical deformation and failure behavior of the polymer. In this study, methacryl-POSS is incorporated into poly(vinyl chloride), producing a range in weight fraction of well-dispersed POSS. Dioctyl phthalate (DOP) plasticized PVC is also prepared with a range in DOP content using the same method. Both methacryl-POSS and DOP plasticize the PVC. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) revealed that the incorporation of POSS in PVC introduced reductions in both the primary (α) and secondary (β) transition temperatures. DOP reduced the α-transition temperature in the blends, whereas a pronou...
SOX… life, death or transformation for small firms

The costs of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 have been tremendous on small firms. Will there be life, death or transformation for the firm? Although SOX has addressed the concerns relating to the financial scandals of Enron and WorldCom and somewhat restored investor confidence, the financial costs of doing so cannot be ignored. Of the Act, Section 404, effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting, has been the largest cost burden on small firms. Large companies are better able to absorb the costs and have the necessary resources to comply as opposed to small firms. As a result of the high costs, some small firms have opted to go private, sell their company, or merge with another company. A new auditing standard was introduced recently to help make compliance less complex, and therefore, reduce costs.
Phenomenology and epidemiology of social phobia.

Social phobia is a psychological disorder characterized by the fear of being scrutinized by others and the belief that embarrassment or humiliation will be the result when contact is made with other people. Its point prevalence is believed to be in the range of 5-10%, with the lifetime prevalence being even higher. At least two subtypes of social phobia, discrete and generalized, are seen in dinical samples, with the latter subtype being associated with greater functional impairment The onset of social phobia is early, usually preceding the onset of comorbid conditions such as major depression or alcohol use disorders. It thus represents a potential target for early intervention by those who seek to ameliorate the condition and thereby prevent secondary complications.
Cholidya polypi (Copepoda: Harpacticoida: Tisbidae), a parasite of deep-sea octopuses in the North Atlantic and northeastern Pacific

Abstract The female of the harpacticoid Cholidya polypi Farran, 1914, is redescribed and the male is described for the first time. This copepod parasite of octopuses, reported previously only from Benthoctopus (= Polypus) ergasticus off Ireland, is here documented from the North Atlantic east of Florida on Tetracheledone spinicirrus and off North Carolina and New Jersey on Bathypolypus anticus, and from the northeastern Pacific west of Oregon and Washington on Graneledone pacifica and off central California on Graneledone spp.
Bounding properties of metal-matrix composites subjected to cyclic thermal loading

Abstract The paper is concerned with the load-bearing capacity of a body with a regular periodic microstructure with elastic and elastic-perfectly plastic phases, such as a metal-matrix composite, when subjected to cyclic thermal loading. It is shown that an engineering approach to analysis of the limits of mechanical loading when cyclic ratchetting begins to occur, in which the effects of fluctuating temperature on the microstresses is uncoupled from the macrostresses due to temperature gradients, is conservative for proportional temperature histories. However, the approach may be nonconservative when a local reverse plasticity mode is dominant. The results imply that an engineering approach to analysis could be acceptable in circumstances where the yield strength of the matrix is the primary consideration. For the simple example of a layered material the proposed engineering solution and the exact solution are compared.
Index to the vascular plant types collected by H. H. Smith near Santa Marta, Colombia

An index to 360 names based on specimens collected from 1898 to 1901 by H. H. Smith in Santa Marta, Colombia is provided. Each citation includes the plant name, author, place of publication, exact locality and date of collection, and, when possible, the location of the holotype and isotypes. Additional comments are provided to clarify the type status of specimens representing a single taxon and given a single collection number but collected on several different dates or from several different localities, and for truly mixed collections where two or more taxa were given the same number.
Microbial Reduction of Cr(VI) during Anaerobic Degradation of Benzoate

A series of microcosms and enrichments were conducted to evaluate the potential for microbially mediated Cr(VI) reduction linked to benzoate catabolism. Bacterial degradation of benzoate with the transport of electrons to Cr(VI) was achieved using nitrate or molecular oxygen as an initial stimulator. After depletion of nitrate or oxygen, microcosms and enrichments still retained the capacity for benzoate degradation linked to Cr(VI) reduction. Experiments demonstrated that benzoate degradation occurred concurrently with the reduction of Cr(VI) and was strongly dependent on the presence of Cr(VI). Benzoate degradation proceeded as long as Cr(VI) was present, ceased when Cr(VI) was completely removed, and continued once Cr(VI) was added. Furthermore, the observed benzoate removal, linearly correlated with Cr(VI) consumed, and the stoichiometric ratio were in good agreement to the theoretical ratio for the complete oxidation of benzoate to carbon dioxide coupled to the reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III). The add...
The distribution of intracellular calcium chelator (fura-2) in a population of intact human red cells

Using quantitative fluorescence microscopy of red cells loaded non-disruptively with 1–2.5 mmol/l cells of fura-2, we examined the distribution of the incorporated free chelator among and within individual cells. Cytoplasmic hemoglobin quenched the effective fluorescence yield of fura-2 by a factor of about 100. All red cells were found to fluoresce upon excitation at 380 nm, and the fluorescence intensities they emitted at 510 nm were approximately ±20% about the mean intensity, indicating a fairly uniform distribution of incorporated chelator among the cells. Red cells loaded with these high levels of fura-2 retained their biconcave shape, and a comparison between their transmission images at 415 nm and their fura-2 fluorescence images suggests that the concentration of fura-2 was also uniform throughout the cytosol. These results validate assumptions made in earlier experiments with non-fluorescent incorporated Ca2+ chelators, and demonstrate the feasibility of fura-2 and Ca2+ imaging of intact red cells, despite considerable quenching of probe fluorescence by hemoglobin.
Free fatty acids and arrhythmias following acute coronary artery occlusion in pigs.

The arrhythmogenic potential of elevated serum free fatty acids (FFA) was investigated in closed-chest pigs following acute coronary artery occlusion. Animals both with and without ventricular irritability before the FFA rise were studied. No significant increase in PVC frequency occurred and only 1 out of 17 animals developed ventricular fibrillation in the 60min following acute FFA elevation. In this situation, FFA did not significantly influence the appearance of arrhythmias.
Stopover ecology of a migratory ungulate

1. Birds that migrate long distances use stopover sites to optimize fuel loads and complete migration as quickly as possible. Stopover use has been predicted to facilitate a time-minimization strategy in land migrants as well, but empirical tests have been lacking, and alternative migration strategies have not been considered. 2. We used fine-scale movement data to evaluate the ecological role of stopovers in migratory mule deer Odocoileus hemionus- a land migrant whose fitness is strongly influenced by energy intake rather than migration speed. 3. Although deer could easily complete migrations (range 18-144 km) in several days, they took an average of 3 weeks and spent 95% of that time in a series of stopover sites that had higher forage quality than movement corridors. Forage quality of stopovers increased with elevation and distance from winter range. Mule deer use of stopovers corresponded with a narrow phenological range, such that deer occupied stopovers 44 days prior to peak green-up, when forage quality was presumed to be highest. Mule deer used one stopover for every 5·3 and 6·7 km travelled during spring and autumn migrations, respectively, and used the same stopovers in consecutive years. 4. Study findings indicate that stopovers play a key role in the migration strategy of mule deer by allowing individuals to migrate in concert with plant phenology and maximize energy intake rather than speed. Our results suggest that stopover use may be more common among non-avian taxa than previously thought and, although the underlying migration strategies of temperate ungulates and birds are quite different, stopover use is important to both. 5. Exploring the role of stopovers in land migrants broadens the scope of stopover ecology and recognizes that the applied and theoretical benefits of stopover ecology need not be limited to avian taxa.
A new technique for hard tissues

Fossil tissues generally require specialized processing. Most thin sectioning techniques yield unstained sections or require unwieldy methods to produce stained sections. I outline here two simple techniques for producing stained, ground, thin sections using readily available Romanowsky-type cytology stains and a urine sediment stain. Results are comparable to hematoxylin and eosin stained specimens.
Angiographic follow-up after laser-assisted balloon angioplasty

Abstract Purpose: The purpose of this study was to obtain angiographic documentation of patency and recurrence rates after laser-assisted balloon angioplasty. Methods: A prospective assessment of laser-assisted balloon angioplasty (LABA) was performed in 35 limbs of 33 patients with femoral popliteal atherosclerotic disease. There were 21 male and 12 female patients with a mean age of 60.6 years. Indications were intermittent claudication in 19, rest pain in nine, and ischemic ulcer/gangrene in seven limbs. There were 23 totally occluded (mean length 6 ± 3.8 cm) and 12 stenotic arteries. LABA was achieved with a pulsed Nd:YAG laser with 10 to 25 W and a 2.2/3 mm sapphire probe, followed by balloon dilatation in all but four limbs. Results: Immediate technical success (≤50% residual stenosis) was achieved in 27 (77%) of 35 limbs. Mean ankle/brachial index improved from 0.49 to 0.80 ( p Conclusions: LABA with the Nd:YAG laser has a 30-day success rate of 71.4%. Angiographic follow-up demonstrates a high incidence of restenosis (>50%), usually within 12 months. Approximately 50% of limbs eventually required reintervention within 1 year. In view of the disappointing early results, the use of LABA must remain strictly investigational. (J VASC SURG 1993;17:960-6.)
Moisture Absorption and Fracture Toughness of PEEK Polymer and Graphite Fiber Reinforced PEEK

Tests were conducted to determine the moisture absorption characteristics of PEEK 150P polymer and APC-2 composite exposed to humid air, and to evaluate the effects of moisture content and crystall...
Effect of twinning on the photoluminescence and photoelectrochemical properties of indium phosphide nanowires grown on silicon (111).

The relationship between crystal quality and the properties of indium phosphide nanowires grown on silicon (111) has been studied by transmission electron microscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, and photoelectrochemistry. Wires with no defects and with {111} twin boundaries parallel and perpendicular to the growth direction were obtained by metalorganic vapor-phase epitaxy using liquid indium catalyst. Room temperature photoluminescence from the defect-free nanowires is ∼7 times more intense than that from the wires with twin boundaries. An open-circuit photovoltage of 100 mV is observed for photoelectrochemical cells made with the defect-free nanowires, whereas no photovoltage is recorded for those with twins.
Simultaneous measurement of circular dichroism and fluorescence polarization anisotropy

Circular dichroism and fluorescence polarization anisotropy are important tools for characterizing biomolecular systems. Both are used extensively in kinetic experiments involving stopped- or continuous flow systems as well as titrations and steady-state spectroscopy. This paper presents the theory for determining circular dichroism and fluorescence polarization anisotropy simultaneously, thus insuring the two parameters are recorded under exactly the same conditions and at exactly the same time in kinetic experiments. The approach to measuring circular dichroism is that used in almost all conventional dichrographs. Two arrangements for measuring fluorescence polarization anisotropy are described. One uses a single fluorescence detector and signal processing with a lock-in amplifier that is similar to the measurement of circular dichroism. The second approach uses classic ''T'' format detection optics, and thus can be used with conventional photon-counting detection electronics. Simple extensions permit the simultaneous measurement of the absorption and excitation intensity corrected fluorescence intensity.
The relative transit time of high-rigidity and low-rigidity cosmic rays through the solar system

A study of neutron monitor count rates with vertical cut-off rigidities from 0.6 to 13 GV indicates that high-energy and low-energy galactic cosmic rays arrive at earth orbit with small time differences compared to a month. This is in contradiction to the theory of the deceleration potential which states that cosmic-ray particles with rigidities greater than 36 V arrive at earth orbit about three months before cosmic-ray particles with lesses rigidines.
234Th, 210Pb, 210Po and stable Pb in the central equatorial Pacific: Tracers for particle cycling

Samples were collected during the 1992 US JGOFS EqPac Survey I and II cruises from 121 Nt o 121S at 1401W in the central equatorial Pacific for water column profiles of dissolved, particulate and total 234 Th, 210 Pb and 210 Po and total acid soluble stable Pb and sediment trap fluxes of 234 Th, 210 Pb and 210 Po. Survey I occurred in February/March with moderate El Nino conditions while Survey II was conducted in September/October when there was a well developed cold-tongue. 234 Th, 210 Pb and 210 Po are all particle reactive yet they partition differently between dissolved and particulate phases. Fractionation factors (the ratios of the distribution coefficients) show that the selectivity for suspended and sediment trap particles follows Th4Po4Pb. Scavenging residence times (t) for 234 Th, 210 Pb and 210 Po ranged from 25 to 100 d, 3 to 8 years and 100 to 500 d, respectively. These particle reactive tracers have very different distributions in the water column, which reflect differences in their sources and sinks. The deficiency of 234 Th relative to 238 U was fairly uniformly distributed meridionally, though deficiencies were higher during Survey II when there was higher new production. Excess 210 Pb relative to 226 Ra was very asymmetrical with much higher excess values north of the equator. The distributions were similar for Surveys I and II. The deficiency of 210 Po relative to 210 Pb had a symmetrical distribution about the equator for both Survey I and II but the deficiencies were larger during Survey I when upwelling was smaller. Stable Pb was generally higher at the surface than at 250 m and there was no meridional trend from 121 Nt o 121S. A mass balance for 210 Pb was used to determine the atmospheric input of 210 Pb. The average values for Surveys I and II were 0.12 and 0.32 dpm cm � 2 year � 1 , respectively. There was no general increase in atmospheric input of 210 Pb north of the equator but there was a strong maximum at 2–31N during Survey I coincident with the location of the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ), suggesting a large role for wet deposition. A mass balance for stable Pb was used to determine the atmospheric input of stable Pb. Results ranged from 110 to 140 pmol cm � 2 year � 1 . This flux was low in the southern hemisphere and increased steadily north of the equator. We evaluated use of 210 Po as a tracer for export of particulate organic matter during Survey I. Organic carbon and 210 Po were highly correlated in suspended matter and sediment trap samples. Average values of organic carbon fluxes determined from the deficiencies of 210 Po times the orgC/ 210 Po ratio agreed well with those determined from the
Studies on the mechanism of hepatotoxicity of 4-methylphenol (p-cresol): effects of deuterium labeling and ring substitution.

Abstract We recently observed that 4-methylphenol (p-cresol) is toxic to rat liver tissue slices. A possible mechanism involves biotransformation of 4-methylphenol to a reactive quinone methide intermediate which covalently binds to cellular macromolecules and elicits cytotoxicity. In order to obtain further evidence for this proposed mechanism, we studied the effects of deuterium-labeled 4-methylphenol (4-[α,α,α-d3]-methylphenol), and the presence of various ring substituents, on the metabolism and toxicity of 4-methylphenol in precisioncut liver slices prepared from male Sprague-Dawley rats. Deuterium-labeled 4-methylphenol was significantly less toxic than the parent compound in rat liver slices (LC50 = 3.36 vs. 1.31 mM, respectively). In addition, the deuterium-labeled compound was metabolized to a reactive intermediate (measured as glutathione conjugate formation) at a slower rate than that of 4-methylphenol in both liver slices and liver microsomal incubations. The presence of electron withdrawing substituents (2-chloro or 2-bromo) markedly enhanced both metabolism and toxicity, with the exception of 2,6-dibromocresol, which was similar to cresol in terms of rate of metabolism and toxicity. Conversely, the presence of electron donating substituents (2-methoxy, 2-methyl or 2,6-dimethyl) diminished metabolism and toxicity. In addition, methylation of the hydroxyl group to form 4-methylanisole, greatly reduced toxicity. These results support the hypothesis that the toxicity of 4-methylphenol is dependent on the formation of a reactive quinone methide intermediate.
Emittance measurements in the ALS Booster Synchrotron

Beam emittance measurements in the Advanced Light Source Booster Synchrotron are presented. Electrons are injected at 50 MeV and extracted at various energies ranging from 150 MeV to 1,520 MeV. The extracted beam is then transported in the Booster-to-Storage-Ring beam transfer line where the emittances are measured. Beam sizes are measured at 7 locations using scintillators and CCD cameras. The measured emittances are then compared with the theory based on intra-beam scattering, betatron coupling, radiation damping, and radiation excitation.