cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Constitutive rheological control to develop a self-consolidating engineered cementitious composite reinforced with hydrophilic poly(vinyl alcohol) fibers

A self-consolidating engineered cementitious composite (ECC), which exhibits tensile strain-hardening behavior in the hardened state, while maintaining self-consolidating properties in the fresh state, has been developed by employing hydrophilic poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) fibers. The constitutive rheological design approach is adopted to separately control the aggregation between cement particles and sedimentation behavior with a combination of a strong polyelectrolyte and non-ionic polymer. This study suggests an effective formulation approach of fresh cementitious mix to maximize its fluidity without segregation, regardless of solids concentration employed. The resulting self-consolidating PVA-ECC exhibits tensile strain up to 5%. Besides, the methodology of constitutive rheological control can be extended to formulating other self-consolidating cementitious materials with various types of polymeric admixtures.
Student Disruptions and Student Rights: An Overview.

Allan C. Ornstein Loyola University of Chicago Sehool of Education The Student unrest of the late 1960s and early 1970s-the boycotts, demonstrations, sit-ins, picketing, vandalism, and violence-has declined considerably. In its wake came a flood of studies, polls, and surveys analyzing the disturbances (DeCecco et al., 1970; Gallup Poll, 1973; Havighurst et al, 1970). Although several factors were related to student unrest in the high schools, racial issues led the list (DeCecco et al., 1970; Education U.S.A., 1969 ;New York Times, 1969). Protests frequently involved demands for greater recognition of black identity and for minority participation in extracurricular activities in desegregated schools. Disruptions based on racial considerations continued to impact some schools in the midand late 1970s, as court orders desegregated a number of northern school districts. Student protest also has occurred over school regulations dealing with dress and grooming, smoking, grades and examinations, assembly programs, censorship of school newspapers, the need for a "relevant" curriculum, and dissatisfaction with school personnel. These disruptions can be summed up as a desire for a greater student voice in rule making, or "student power." The students contended that lack of communication between students and school authorities was a major cause for student activism. More than 50 percent believed disruptions were an effective tactic in bringing abotit change. On a nationwide basis, a Harris poll of 100 schools revealed that more than 50 percent of the students were unhappy with their limited part in school decisions ("What people think," 1969). More than 60 percent wanted greater decision-making powers. Conflict arose, however, when it was pointed out that only 20 percent of the parents and 35 percent of the teachers believed that students should participate in decision making. A survey of 512 high schools in 30 states revealed that more than 90 percent of the students believed the schools were "unsatisfactory" (Parker, 1970). Overwhelmingly, the student maintained that courses were irrelevant, teachers were incompetent, too much emphasis was placed on grades, and school was boring. Themes of frustration, estrangement, powerlessness, and injustice also evoked sympathetic responses among students. These feelings, in conjunction with the Vietnam War, left a residue of resentment and hostility among many of our high school youth. This brief description of forms and reasons for protest does not, of course,
Plant regeneration from callus-derived protoplasts of Pelargonium x domesticum.

A protocol for regenerating plants from callus-derived protoplasts of Pelargonium x domesticum (rega l geranium cv. ‘Melissa’) has been developed. Protoplasts were isolated from leaf-derived callus tissue on MS medium supplemented with 3.0 mg/l naphthalene acetic acid, 2.0 mg/l 6- benzylaminopurine, and 3.0% sucrose. This callus yielded 2.7×105 protoplasts/gram of tissue after a 6 hr incubation in an enzyme solution consisting of 2.0% cellulysin, 0.5% macerase, and 0.5 M sucrose. Protoplasts were plated at 1×105 protoplasts/ml in a mixture (1∶1 v/v) of KMP8/KP liquid medium layered on the same medium solidified with 0.6% agarose. Protoplast division was initiated within 2 days, and colonies of 15 to 50 cells developed 8 wk after plating. P-calli 1–2 mm3 developed 15 wk after plating, and plants regenerated from the p-calli have been transferred to the greenhouse.
Extracellular SOD and aged blood vessels.

aging, which is closely linked to oxidative stress, is an independent risk factor for various cardiovascular diseases ([1][1]). The role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as superoxide (O2•−) in the aging process was initially proposed as the “free radical theory” by Harman in the 1950s
Hybrid Query Refinement: A Strategy for a Distance Based Index Structure to Refine Multimedia Queries

This paper proposes a hybrid query refinement model for distance-based index structures supporting content-based image retrievals. The framework refines a query by considering both the low-level feature space as well as the high-level semantic interpretations separately. Thus, it successfully handles queries where the gap between the feature components and the semantics is large. It refines the low-level feature space, indexed by the distance based index structure, in multiple iterations by introducing the concept of multipoint query in a metric space. It refines the high-level semantic space by dynamically adjusting the constructs of a framework, called the Markov Model Mediator MMM, utilized to introduce the semantic relationships in the index structure. A k-nearest neighbor k-NN algorithm is designed to handle similarity searches that refine a query in multiple iterations utilizing the proposed hybrid query refinement model. Extensive experiments are performed demonstrating an increased relevance of query results in subsequent iterations while incurring a low computational overhead. Further, an evaluation metric, called the Model_Score, is proposed to compare the performance of different retrieval frameworks in terms of both computation overhead and query result relevance. This metric enables the users to choose the retrieval framework appropriate for their requirements.
Alterations in thyrotropin (TSH) binding in iodine-deficient rats.

Thyrotropin (TSH) is thought to stimulate thyroid activity and growth by binding to TSH receptors on thyroid plasma membranes. Iodine depletion has been shown to increase the sensitivity of the thyroid to the goitrogenic effects of TSH. The present investigation was performed to determine if chronic iodine depletion altered either the number or the affinity of TSH receptor sites in the thyroid. Six paired experiments were performed comparing the binding of 125I-labeled bovine TSH to a particulate fraction of thyroid from male Sprague-Dawley rats that had received regular (C) or low iodine diet (LID) for 3 to 7 months. The number of TSH receptors and the association constants of these receptors were calculated from Scatchard plots and binding was compared with glandular concentrations of DNA, RNA, protein, plasma membrane markers (5′-nucleotidase, Mg2+ ATPase, Na+, K+ ATPase), and per thyroid gland. (1) The weights of all animals were initially similar but after 3 to 7 months the LID group (638 ± 139 g (mean ± 1 SD)) was heavier than the C group (544 ± 45 g (P < .01)). (2) Serum TSH concentrations in the LID group (5231 ± 547 ng/ml) were higher than those in the C group (850 ± 221 ng/ml) (P < .005). (3) Thyroid weight, thyroid weight per animal weight, DNA, RNA, total protein, Mg2+ ATPase, Na+, K+ ATPase, and 5′-nucleotidase were all increased in the LID group (P < .005). Histological examination demonstrated that the thyroid enlargement was primarily due to an increase in number of follicle cells, or hyperplasia. (4) The concentration of TSH receptors (maximum binding capacity) per DNA content was similar in the C and LID groups. (5) The concentration of TSH receptors per plasma membrane marker decreased in the LID group (P < .01) primarily because of the large increase in amount of plasma membrane. (6) The total number of TSH receptors per thyroid gland or TSH receptor content increased from 0.52 ± 0.16 × 1014 in the C group to 2.27 ± 0.79 × 1014 in the iodine-deficient animals (P < .001), and the association constant in these animals (1.28 ± .27 × 108M−1) was also higher than that in the C group (0.68 ± 0.16 × 108M−1) (P < .001). Thus, chronically iodine-deficient rats developed increased serum TSH concentrations and enlarged hyperplastic thyroid glands. Although the number of TSH receptors per DNA or cell did not change in the respective groups, the TSH receptor content and the association constant of these receptors for TSH in the thyroid gland of the iodine-deficient animals increased. It therefore appears that increased serum TSH concentrations in iodine-deficient rats exerts a positive regulatory effect on its own receptors and that alterations in serum TSH level modulate the TSH receptor. Whether this effect is due to a direct effect of TSH on the TSH receptor or an indirect effect secondary to thyroid growth is unknown.
Selenium Speciation Assessed by X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy of Sequentially Extracted Anaerobic Biofilms

Wet chemical methods such as sequential extraction procedures are commonly used to assess selenium fractionation in anoxic environments, allowing an estimation of the mobility and bioavailability of selenium. However, the interpretation can be biased by unselective extraction of targeted species and artifacts introduced during the extraction. Here, the selectivity of the single extraction steps to gain reliable selenium speciation information are scrutinized for the first time by direct, nondestructive X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy at the selenium K-edge. The sequential extraction procedures seriously overestimated the elemental selenium fraction, as major parts (58%) of the total selenium were present as metal selenides and organic selenium compounds, although extracted in the elemental fraction. Spectral fitting of the XANES spectra by the least-squares linear combinations utilizing a large set of model compounds, including previously neglected Se(−I) selenides, showed a nove...
Experimental Results on the New Techniques for Integer Programming Formulations

We present experimental results on some new formulations of problems as mixed integer programmes.
The science of diversity

While the number of women in science is increasing in the United States, women continue to be significantly underrepresented in the upper ranks [National Science Foundation, 2004]. U.S. universities as well as the federal government are responding to this bottleneck by increasing their investments in diversity initiatives. Following the 1999 Massachusetts Institute of Technology report about bias against female faculty, the U.S. National Science Foundation launched the ADVANCE program to increase the participation of women in science. The goal of the program is to use behavioral and social science research to understand and change individual and organizational behavior.
The heat shock protein 90 inhibitor 17-AAG induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in mantle cell lymphoma cell lines by depleting cyclin D1, Akt, Bid and activating caspase 9

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), a distinct type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, is characterised by the overexpression of cyclin D1. Heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) is a molecular chaperon to proteins that regulate cell cycle and survival. 17-allylamino-17-demethoxy-geldanamycin (17-AAG), a HSP90 small molecule inhibitor, induced G(0/1) cell cycle arrest and cell death in a dose- and time-dependent manner in MCL cell lines. This effect was associated with the downregulation of cyclin D1, cdk4 and Akt, depletion of Bid, and activation of the intrinsic/mitochondrial caspase pathway. These data suggest that 17-AAG may have a potential therapeutic value in patients with MCL.
The effects of water-odor preference conditioning in the preadolescent nucleus accumbens septi.

The mesolimbic dopamine (DA) pathway is critical in reward-mediated behavior. Water, sucrose, and drugs of abuse all increase DA in the nucleus accumbens septi (NAcc) in adult animals. Recently our laboratory has shown that cocaine and alcohol increase DA efflux in preadolescent animals. The present study used a natural reinforcer (i.e., water) at postnatal day 25 (PND 25) to determine the sensitivity and responsiveness of this pathway. Repeated pairing of a peppermint odor with water resulted in a behavioral odor preference and an odor-elicited increase in accumbal DA. Results show that this developing pathway is functional and responsive to conditioning using a natural reinforcer and that these behavioral and neurochemical responses can be conditioned to a previously novel environmental stimulus.
A role for regulated binding of p150Glued to microtubule plus ends in organelle transport

A subset of microtubule-associated proteins, including cytoplasmic linker protein (CLIP)-170, dynactin, EB1, adenomatous polyposis coli, cytoplasmic dynein, CLASPs, and LIS-1, has been shown recently to target to the plus ends of microtubules. The mechanisms and functions of this binding specificity are not understood, although a role in encouraging microtubule elongation has been proposed. To extend previous work on the role of dynactin in organelle transport, we analyzed p150Glued by live-cell imaging. Time-lapse analysis of p150Glued revealed targeting to the plus ends of growing microtubules, requiring the NH2-terminal cytoskeleton-associated protein–glycine rich domain, but not EB1 or CLIP-170. Effectors of protein kinase A modulated microtubule binding and suggested p150Glued phosphorylation as a factor in plus-end binding specificity. Using a phosphosensitive monoclonal antibody, we mapped the site of p150Glued phosphorylation to Ser-19. In vivo and in vitro analysis of phosphorylation site mutants revealed that p150Glued phosphorylation mediates dynamic binding to microtubules. To address the function of dynamic binding, we imaged GFP-p150Glued during the dynein-dependent transport of Golgi membranes. Live-cell analysis revealed a transient interaction between Golgi membranes and GFP-p150Glued–labeled microtubules just prior to transport, implicating microtubules and dynactin in a search–capture mechanism for minus-end–directed organelles.
Relative properties of tomography, K‐edge imaging, and K‐edge tomography

The properties of tomography,K‐edge imaging, and K‐edge tomography are discussed in relation to the imaging of small concentrations of elements such as iodine and xenon and are compared by means of phantom images. It is demonstrated that the complementary selectivities provided by depth and energy subtraction are combined in K‐edge tomography. Using a three‐spectrum subtraction technique, the iodine difference signal predicted by computer calculations is on the order of 8000 times that of an equal concentration of bone. The corresponding ratio in tomography without energy subtraction is 20:1. It is argued that K‐edge tomography can successfully eliminate artifacts due to tissue inhomogeneities which presently enable 0.6% variations in tissue attenuation to mimic minimum detectable iodine signals in conventional computed tomography. Various instrumentation possibilities and energy subtraction techniques are discussed.
Dynamics of neuromodulatory feedback determines frequency modulation in a reduced respiratory network: A computational study

Neuromodulators, such as amines and neuropeptides, alter the activity of neurons and neuronal networks. In this work, we investigate how neuromodulators, which activate Gq-protein second messenger systems, can modulate the bursting frequency of neurons in a critical portion of the respiratory neural network, the pre-Botzinger complex (preBotC). These neurons are a vital part of the ponto-medullary neuronal network, which generates a stable respiratory rhythm whose frequency is regulated by neuromodulator release from the nearby Raphe nucleus. Using a simulated 50-cell network of excitatory preBotC neurons with a heterogeneous distribution of persistent sodium conductance and Ca2+, we determined conditions for frequency modulation in such a network by simulating interaction between Raphe and preBotC nuclei. We found that the positive feedback between the Raphe excitability and preBotC activity induces frequency modulation in the preBotC neurons. In addition, the frequency of the respiratory rhythm can be regulated via phasic release of excitatory neuromodulators from the Raphe nucleus. We predict that the application of a Gq antagonist will eliminate this frequency modulation by the Raphe and keep the network frequency constant and low. In contrast, application of a Gq agonist will result in a high frequency for all levels of Raphe stimulation. Our modeling results also suggest that high [K+] requirement in respiratory brain slice experiments may serve as a compensatory mechanism for low neuromodulatory tone.
TOP/DOMDEC—A software tool for mesh partitioning and parallel processing

Abstract TOP/DOMDEC is an interactive software package for mesh partitioning and parallel processing. It offers several state-of-the-art graph decomposition algorithms in a user friendly environment. Generated mesh partitions can be smoothed and optimized for minimum interface and maximum load balance using one of several non-deterministic optimization algorithms. TOP/DOMDEC also provides real-time means for assessing a priori the quality of a mesh partition and discriminating between different partitioning algorithms. The user interface includes high speed three-dimensional graphics, an interprocessor communication simulator for today's massively parallel systems, and an output function with parallel I/O data structures. In this paper, we describe the basic features of TOP/DOMDEC and highlight their application to the parallel solution of computational fluid and solid mechanics problems.
Blowin’ in the Wind: Short-Term Weather and Belief in Anthropogenic Climate Change

AbstractA series of polls provides new tests for how weather influences public beliefs about climate change. Statewide data from 5000 random-sample telephone interviews conducted on 99 days over 2.5 yr (2010–12) are merged with temperature and precipitation indicators derived from U.S. Historical Climatology Network (USHCN) station records. The surveys carry a question designed around scientific consensus statements that climate change is happening now, caused mainly by human activities. Alternatively, respondents can state that climate change is not happening, or that it is happening but mainly for natural reasons. Belief that humans are changing the climate is predicted by temperature anomalies on the interview day and the previous day, controlling for season, survey, and individual characteristics. Temperature effects concentrate among one subgroup, however: individuals who identify themselves as independent, rather than aligned with a political party. Interviewed on unseasonably warm days, independent...
Factorial stability as a function of the number of orthogonally-rotated factors.

The authors show that the results of a factor analysis may be unclear if a false idea of parsimony has led the investigator to rotate too few factors.
The effect of direct PAG incorporation into the polymer main chain on reactive ion etch resistance of 193nm and EUV chemically amplified resists

The incorporation of photoacid generator (PAG) functional groups directly into the resist resin polymer backbone has shown improved lithographic performance in achieving high resolution, high sensitivity, and low line edge roughness (LER) simultaneously in chemically amplified resists. However, the effect of direct PAG incorporation into the resist polymer on the reactive ion etch (RIE) performance in such materials was not previously studied. This paper discusses the dependence of the etch performance of such polymer-bound PAG materials on PAG structure and composition. Increased PAG loadings in both 193nm and EUV polymer-bound PAG resist platforms shows significant improvement in polymer etch resistance. Current polymer etch rate correlations and models were not able to accurately predict the trend of etch behavior within each polymer-bound PAG resist family.
Serotonin 5‐HT2 Receptor Stimulation of Dopamine Release in the Posterior but Not Anterior Nucleus Accumbens of the Rat

The objective of the present study was to examine the involvement of serotonin 5-HT(2) receptors within the rat nucleus accumbens (Acc) in the regulation of dopamine (DA) release using in vivo microdialysis. Perfusion with the 5-HT(2) agonist (+)-1-(2, 5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOI), at concentrations of 25-250 microM, through microdialysis probes located in the posterior Acc increased extracellular DA levels to a maximum of 200% of baseline. DOI-induced increases in the extracellular levels of DA were Ca(2+) dependent and were inhibited by co-perfusion with the 5-HT(2) antagonist LY-53,857. DOI enhancement of the extracellular concentrations of DA was observed when probes were implanted in the Acc core and shell regions posterior to anteroposterior +1.2 mm from bregma, whereas a small reduction in the extracellular levels of DA was observed in the anterior Acc. There were no differences between core and shell subdivisions within either the anterior or the posterior Acc. These results suggest that activation of 5-HT(2) receptors within the posterior, but not anterior, Acc stimulates DA release, indicating rostral-caudal differences in the interactions of 5-HT with DA systems in the Acc.
Registration of the High-Yielding Soybean Germplasm Line LG04-6000

The soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) germplasm line LG04-6000 (Reg. No. GP-379, PI 664025) was developed and released by the USDA-ARS and the Illinois Agricultural Experiment Station at Urbana. LG04-6000 was derived from an F 5 plant from the cross of HS93-4118 × LG97-9912. LG97-9912 was derived from LG90-4181 × A3322. LG90-4181 is from PI 436682 × 'Lawrence' (PI 518673). PI 436682 is the Chinese cultivar 'Jilin 15', and LG04-6000 is the first germplasm released in the United States that has Jilin 15 as a progenitor. LG04-6000 is classified in early maturity group IV. In tests at 8 locations in 2006 conducted cooperatively with commercial soybean breeding companies, LG04-6000 yielded 127 kg ha -1 more than LD00-3309. In tests at 22 locations in the Uniform Test IV in 2007 and 2008, LG04-6000 was the highest-yielding entry in the test in both years, exceeding the yield of LD00-3309, the highest-yielding check cultivar in both years, by an average of 8%. LG04-6000 is known to be susceptible to race 4 and resistant to race 7 of Phytophthora sojae Kaufmann & Gerdemann. LG04-6000 is the first example of germplasm derived from exotic parents adapted to the northern United States that has demonstrated a yield potential significantly higher than that of the best cultivars from public institutions. The combination of high yield and unique pedigree makes this line an exceptional new source of genetic diversity to improve the yield of U.S. cultivars.
Ordinal arithmetic and $\Sigma_{1}$ -elementarity

We will introduce a partial ordering $\preceq_1$ on the class of ordinals which will serve as a foundation for an approach to ordinal notations for formal systems of set theory and second-order arithmetic. In this paper we use $\preceq_1$ to provide a new characterization of the ubiquitous ordinal $\epsilon _{0}$ .
Convergence (and divergence) in the biological standard of living in the USA, 1820–1900

Standard economic indicators suggest that the USA experienced long-run economic growth throughout the nineteenth century. However, biological indicators, including human stature, offer a different picture, rising early in the century, falling (on average) mid-century, and rising again at the end of the century. This pattern varied across geographical regions. Using a unique data set, consisting of mean adult stature by state, we test for convergence in stature among states in the nineteenth century. We find that during the period of declining mean stature (1820–1870), heights actually diverged. Later in the century (1870–1890) we find a type of “negative” convergence indicating that stature among states tended to converge to a new, lower steady state. Only towards the end of the century (1880–1900) do we find classic convergence behavior. We argue that the diversity of economic experiences across regions, including urbanization, industrialization, and transportation improvements, explain this pattern of divergence and then convergence.
The relationships between television viewing in midlife and the development of Alzheimer’s disease in a case-control study

The relationship between leisure activities and development of cognitive impairment in aging has been the subject of recent research. We examined television viewing in association with risk of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD) in a case-control study. Given recent focus on the importance of intellectually stimulating activities as preventive measures against cognitive decline, it is important to examine the effects of less stimulating but common activities. Data are from 135 Alzheimer's disease cases and 331 healthy controls. Demographic characteristics and life history questionnaire responses on the number of hours spent on 26 leisure activities during middle-adulthood (ages 40-59) were analyzed. Logistic regression was used to examine the effects of middle-adulthood leisure activities on case vs. control status. Results indicate that for each additional daily hour of middle-adulthood television viewing the associated risk of AD development, controlling for year of birth, gender, income, and education, increased 1.3 times. Participation in intellectually stimulating activities and social activities reduced the associated risk of developing AD. Findings are consistent with the view that participation in non-intellectually stimulating activities is associated with increased risk of developing AD, and suggest television viewing may be a marker of reduced participation in intellectually stimulating activities.
Compelling or irrelevant? Using number needed to treat can help decide.

Objective: The metric of number needed to treat (NNT), defined as the number of patients who need to be treated to achieve one additional favorable outcome, can help clinicians appraise claims that one intervention is meaningfully superior to the other. Method: A review of the use of NNT to evaluate the differences between interventions in the treatment of depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Instead of using disparate measures such as point change on a rating scale, kilograms gained over time or relative differences, results can be converted into a common unit of measure –‘patient units’– so that the clinician can anticipate how often actual differences between interventions would be expected to be observed. Calculation of NNT is demonstrated using reports published in the psychiatric literature, together with different graphical techniques to display this. Results: Clinical trial results expressed as NNT can be easily summarized and communicated effectively to patients, their families and payers. Limitations include ensuring that the NNT metric is calculated from well-designed and well-conducted research that enrolls subjects similar to patients that one treats in actual clinical practice, with doses of medications similar to what is used in the ‘real world’. Direct calculation of NNT is limited to binary or dichotomous outcomes. Conclusion: Using NNT can help predict treatment response in terms of both efficacy and tolerability.
On the redox properties of certain oxide surfaces

Abstract This study gives details of the ESR effects observed when quinhydrone and hydroquinone/p-benzoquinone mixtures of varying composition ratio are adsorbed on high surface-area samples of silica-alumina, γ-alumina, magnesium oxide, and zinc oxide. The purpose is to test the hypothesis that in considering the phenomena of radical formation on surfaces that posses both electron donor and electron acceptor sites, it is necessary to explicitly take into account an indirect cooperative interaction between the donor and acceptor sites in analyzing the data. The correctness of the hypothesis is demonstrated and the implications thereof as concerns the currently used method to determine redox site density on these types of oxide surfaces is briefly considered. Preliminary data are provided on the donor and acceptor site density on the four materials listed above as determined by the quinhydrone method.
Information load, group organization, and communication frequency

Four-man teams participated in a complex decision-making task. They were separated into decision-making and information acquisition dyads who could communicate via telephone only. All information was received by acquisition dyads who were free to call decision makers whenever they chose. The effect of suboptimal, optimal (one item of information per 3 min), and superoptimal information load presented to acquisition dyads on their frequency of communications to decision makers was investigated. Increasing information load produced increasing communication frequency. The slope of the curve relating information load to communication frequency was linear but less slanted than a 1:1 input/output relationship would predict. Communication frequency was significantly different from, but more similar to, optimal information load than to experimentally induced information load. It appears that information acquisition groups can be of some value in improving information flow to decision makers. However, “imaginary” information may be transmitted to the decision makers when the amount of information received is low and suboptimal.
An International Study of Cross-sectional Variations in Audit Fees

Most previous studies in the market for auditing services and modeling of audit fees have been limited to either a single country (e.g., Johnson et al. 1995) or a single region (e.g., Simon et al. 1992) or a collection across regions (Haskin & Williams 1988). The main studies to examine cross-country audit fee models are Taylor and Simon (1999) and Wingate (1994). This study extends their previous work by building an audit fees model for 12 countries in Europe, Africa, and Asia. A more comprehensive model is tested which includes the developing stage of the country, (a variable not yet tested) and industry classifications (a variable not tested by most previous studies). Data were compiled from the annual reports published in the International Accounting and Auditing Trends, Fourth Edition (1995) over 1989–1993 by Center for International Financial Analysis and Research (CIFAR). Our results show that, on average, companies in developed countries pay higher audit fees than companies in developing countries. Companies in manufacturing industries for most of the countries studied have the lowest fees charged to them, as compared to the other four industries, presumably because auditors get more training in auditing manufacturing companies than other companies. As in previous studies, our results show that the Big 6 audit firms charge higher fees than non-Big 6 auditors. The fee premium may be due to the need for quality-differentiated audits in the emerging capital markets, or due to the brand name reputation enjoyed by the Big 6.
Mechanical properties of thin polysilicon films by means of probe microscopy

A new method for tensile testing of thin films is being developed. An electrostatic grip apparatus was designed and implemented to measure the elastic and ultimate tensile properties (Young's modulus, Poisson's ratio and tensile strength) of surface micromachined polysilicon specimens. The tensile specimens are 'dog-bone' shaped ending in a large 'paddle' for electrostatic gripping. The test section of the specimens is 400 micrometers long and with 2 micrometer X 50 micrometer cross section. The method employs Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) or Scanning Tunneling Microscope (STM) acquired surface topologies of deforming specimens to determine (fields of) strains. By way of the method of Digital Image Correlation (DIC), the natural surface roughness features are used as distributed markers. The effect of markers artificially deposited on the surface is examined computationally. Also the significance of other parameters on property measurements, such as surface roughness, has been examined computationally. Initial results obtained using the tensile test apparatus are presented.
Heterogeneity of Daughter Variances of Sires for Milk Yield

Abstract Milk yields for first lactations of Holstein cows were used to determine the magnitude and possible causes of differences among sires in variability of daughters. Sires differed greatly in daughter variability. The model with largest multiple correlation for explaining these differences included linear, quadratic, and cubic effects of mean milk yield of daughters, mean and variance of contemporary yield, variance of relative producing abilities of mates, number of contemporary sires, and number of year-months in which daughters calved. Multiple squared correlation was .18. Analysis of variance of sire by herd subclasses indicated approximately equal contributions of sires and herds to differences in variation of daughters. Repeatabilities of sires for variance of daughters across years were .29 and .32 with minimums of 25 and 50 daughters where daughters in different years were required to be in different herds. Heritabilities of variance of daughters for sires by regression of son on sire were low to moderate (−.14 to .29) with large standard errors (.11 to .14). Individual genes or linkage groups may have relatively large effects on milk production.
Using Structural Analysis in Natural Settings: A Responsive Functional Assessment Strategy

Since the reauthorization of IDEA (1997), the use of functional assessments to examine factors that are related to students’ challenging behaviors has gained increasing attention in the literature. Over the past five years, several groups of investigators have conducted systematic analyses of the current status of the use of functional assessment in relation to students with or at risk for emotional/behavioral disorders (EBD). Their findings outline a number of critical, applied research issues for the field to consider. The purpose of this paper is to respond to a number of these issues by highlighting the relevance of structural analysis in addition to and in some cases in lieu of more traditional functional assessments. A brief review of current trends in the functional assessment research is presented as well as a rational for the use of structural analysis to examine the occurrence of appropriate behavior for students with EBD. Finally, illustrations of studies conducting structural analyses in classrooms settings are provided.
Autonomous science platforms and question-asking machines

As we become increasingly reliant on remote science platforms, the ability to autonomously and intelligently perform data collection becomes critical. In this paper we view these platforms as question-asking machines and introduce a paradigm based on the scientific method, which couples the processes of inference and inquiry to form a model-based learning cycle. Unlike modern autonomous instrumentation, the system is not programmed to collect data directly, but instead, is programmed to learn based on a set of models. Computationally, this learning cycle is implemented in software consisting of a Bayesian probability-based inference engine coupled to an entropy-based inquiry engine. Operationally, a given experiment is viewed as a question, whose relevance is computed using the inquiry calculus, which is a natural order-theoretic generalization of information theory. In simple cases, the relevance is proportional to the entropy. This data is then analyzed by the inference engine, which updates the state of knowledge of the instrument. This new state of knowledge is then used as a basis for future inquiry as the system continues to learn. This paper will introduce the learning methodology, describe its implementation in software, and demonstrate the process with a robotic explorer that autonomously and intelligently performs data collection to solve a search-and-characterize problem.
193 lithography and RELACS processing for BEOL lithography

This paper presents data obtained in developing a process using 193 nm lithography and the RELACS contact hole shrink technique. For the line/space levels, process windows showing resist performance using chrome on glass masks are presented. Data showing feature size linearity and the requirements for optical proximity correction (OPC) are presented. Some of the OPC trends observed are discussed and compared to results obtained using 248 nm lithography. Image shortening data also compares the results obtained in 193 and 248 lithography. Etch results for the new 193 resists are given and show the etch resistance of this relatively new class of photoresist materials. For contact hole and via levels, results using 193 lithography and COG masks show the importance of the mask error enhancement factor (MEEF), print bias and resolution. Due to the relative immaturity and performance of contact hole resists for 193 lithography, Clariant's RELACS process was investigated with 248 nm resists. In this process contact holes are printed larger than required and then reduced to the desired size by a chemical shrink process. Results obtained with 248 lithography using state of the art resists and phase shift masks are discussed. It was found that 140 nm contact holes with at least 0.5 micrometer depth of focus could be obtained. Cross sections and process windows are shown.
Sensory representation in the neocortex of the mole, Scalopus aquaticus

The neocortex of the mole, Scalopus aquaticus, was expored by the evoked potential technique to determine visual, somatic, and auditory areas. No visual evoked response could be recorded in any animal. In agreement with anatomical studies, we conclude that there is essentially no visual cortex in the mole. The primary somatic area appears to have shifted posterolaterally, compared to another insectivore, the hedgehog, possibly due to the absence of visual cortex. The auditory area in the mole is similar in location to that in hedgehog and rat.
74 CHILDREN'S CARDIOVASCULAR REACTIVITY-HEART RATE RESPONSES TO PSYCHOLOGIC STRESS AND THEIR MODULATION BY RACE OF EXPERIMENTER

Our studies have shown increased systolic blood pressure(BP) reactivity to physical stress(exercise)in healthy black(B) children in comparison to healthy white(W) counterparts. We sought to determine the hemodynamic responses to another stressor, the psychologic challenge of 3 video pong games under increasingly demanding instructions. Heart rate (HR) and BP were measured in 170 healthy children(subjects). The HR delta values (maximal minus resting)were: The delta values for both systolic and diastolic BP were similar to those shown for HR. The race of the experimenter (BorW)was a critical variable in the respones;same-race experimenter-subject pairs had significantly greater reactivity than mixed-race pairs. Research into the mechanisms of essential hypertension must address the issue of experimenter race if both B and W subjects are studied.
Apparent Decline As A Sign Of Improvement? or, Can Less Be More?

Summary Improvement of a system need not be the usual growth expected of dynamic systems. Decreasing variability, an important index of improvement, is discussed. The disappearance of 0.400 hitters from professional baseball can be better understood under such an assumption. Other examples illustrating the apparent paradox are also mentioned.
Effectiveness of dopamine in patients with cardiogenic shock.

Dopamine was evaluated in 24 patients with cardiogenic shock of various causes (systolic blood pressure less than 90 mm Hg or 60 mm Hg below the patient's usual level as recorded by intraarterial needle, average urinary flow less than 20 ml/hour without diuretic therapy). Dopamine was not given until hypovolemia was corrected, as judged by left ventricular filling pressure (18 patients) or central venous pressure. Twelve patients survived the shock episode, 5 of whom are alive 7 to 24 months later. The 12 survivors of shock included all 6 patients (100 percent) with shock after open heart surgery; 3 of 10 (30 percent) with acute myocardial infarction; 1 of 4 (25 percent) with severe heart failure; and 2 of 4 (50 percent) with shock after noncardiac surgery. Seven patients, including 6 of the 12 survivors, received no pressor agent other than dopamine. In 12 nonsurvivors hourly urinary flow increased from 10 ± 2.3 (standard error of the mean) to a maximum of 101 ± 55 ml/hour (not significant), but 8 of these patients had virtually no change in urinary flow during dopamine therapy. In the 12 survivors, there was a larger increment in urinary flow [from 25.7 ± 11 to 250 ± 59 ml/hour ( P P μ g/kg per min. In 3 of 4 patients receiving intraaortic balloon counter-pulsation, 2 of whom survived, dopamine augmented urinary flow from an average of 20 to 208 ml/hour. We conclude that dopamine is useful, either alone or in conjunction with other pressor agents, for the treatment of cardiogenic shock, particularly in patients with diminished urinary flow and hypotension after cardiopulmonary bypass.
Cocaine abuse and confidentiality: a case of retiform purpura in an adolescent patient.

A. Apologize to the patient’s mother, acknowledging her right to be present for discussion of sensitive health information about her daughter. Proceed with questioning the patient about recent drug abuse and then discuss the suspected diagnosis with the patient and her mother. B. Agree that the patient’s mother can be present, but do not specify the suspected origin of the patient’s skin condition. Instead, just call it ‘‘vasculitis’’ and discuss general aspects of management. C. Ask for the consent of the patient’s mother to have a confidential discussion with the patient. D. State that, in specific instances, adolescents maintain a legal right and ethical justification to confidentiality even from their parents and insist that the mother leave the room.
Steroidogenic factor-1: its role in endocrine organ development and differentiation.

The cloning of the first steroid hormone receptor over a decade ago provided vital insight into the mechanisms by which steroid hormones activate gene transcription. When bound by hormone, these receptors function as ligand-dependent transcription factors by binding to unique response elements in the promoter of specific target genes. Over 60 receptors have now been characterized in this superfamily of steroid receptors. Many receptors known as orphan receptors have been cloned by homology and have no known ligands but appear to be mediators of endocrine function in the adult and in many cases are essential developmental regulators in endocrine organogenesis. One such receptor is steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1). While initially cloned as a transcriptional regulator of the various steroidogenic enzyme genes in the adrenal and gonad, it has become clear through genetic ablation experiments in mice that SF-1 is an essential factor in adrenal and gonadal development and for the proper functioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. In addition, these studies have revealed that SF-1 is necessary for the formation of the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus. While we have learned much since the initial cloning of SF-1, the mechanisms by which SF-1 regulates these various developmental programs remain elusive. This article focuses on the characterization of SF-1 and its emerging role in endocrine homeostasis. Specific attention is placed on the mechanisms of action of this unique member of the nuclear receptor superfamily.
Application of a neural architecture to extract motion from image sequences

Investigation of two neural architectures is performed in two dimensions using both synthetic and real imagery. Our model follows the work performed by H. Ogmen and S. Gagne in 1990 on the fly's visual system. We extended their model to a two-dimensional architecture and also developed a new model by adding long-term memory at the input--adaptive model. Our investigation compares the response of the adaptive model against the original Ogmen and Gagne's cell-activity model. The output of both models were further processed using casual and noncausal moving average filters to help remove tonic image elements and identify direction of motion. Our simulations show that the adaptive model can be used to segment motion from sequences of imagery.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Conjugate points of second-order linear differential equations.

Abstract The paper of which the present article is itself an abstract is concerned with locating zeros of nonnull solutions of differential systems of the formcplx=fwhere r(x) and p(x) are continous and r(x) is positive for x ≥ a. When r(x) = 1 and p(x) = αx + β, necessary conditions and sufficient conditions are pro-vided that the interval (a,b] contain n zeros. The results are, of course, of importanceconsiderably beyond the case when p(x) is linear.
Why ecosystem management can't work without Social science: An example from the California northern spotted owl controversy

It is increasingly obvious that social science, while not a sufficient condition for making ecosystem management effective, is a necessary condition. A social science typology of ecosystems is developed, applied, and shown to have substantial and unexpected implications for the practice of ecosystem management. Ecologists and environmental scientists, in particular, will find some conclusions uncomfortable. The application involves a case material from the California northern spotted owl controversy.
Improving reliability and operational availability of military systems

Achieving high reliability is one of the major objectives in the development of the future combat system (FCS) family of military vehicles. The proposed solution to achieve this objective is a prognostics-based approach characterized by a capability to monitor the status of mission-critical components and forecast the future state of the FCS system. In this paper, two approaches for achieving and maintaining high operational availability of military systems are analyzed and compared: overhaul and prognostics asset management strategies. It is shown that the prognostics approach leads to improved operational availability by anticipating failure and reducing administrative and logistics delays. In addition, the prognostics capability allows intelligent maintenance that is, replacing only those parts whose remaining lifetime reached the critical value. In this case, the improved operational availability is achieved at a significantly lower cost (number of spares) compared to that of the overhaul maintenance strategy. The prognostics approach also leads to a reduced risk of failure during the upcoming missions, since it allows field commanders to select only those platforms whose remaining life exceeds the duration of the upcoming mission