cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Processing of pulse oximeter signals using adaptive filtering and autocorrelation to isolate perfusion and oxygenation components

A blood perfusion and oxygenation sensor has been developed for in situ monitoring of transplanted organs. In processing in situ data, motion artifacts due to increased perfusion can create invalid oxygenation saturation values. In order to remove the unwanted artifacts from the pulsatile signal, adaptive filtering was employed using a third wavelength source centered at 810nm as a reference signal. The 810 nm source resides approximately at the isosbestic point in the hemoglobin absorption curve where the absorbance of light is nearly equal for oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin. Using an autocorrelation based algorithm oxygenation saturation values can be obtained without the need for large sampling data sets allowing for near real-time processing. This technique has been shown to be more reliable than traditional techniques and proven to adequately improve the measurement of oxygenation values in varying perfusion states.
Comparison of Actual Pallidotomy Lesion Location with Expected Stereotactic Location

Accuracy of pallidotomy lesion placement was assessed by comparing actual lesion locations with expected pallidotomy lesion locations based on stereotaxy. Actual and expected lesions were compared in
Can Child Care Assistance in Welfare and Employment Programs Support the Employment of Low-Income Families?.

Policymakers have long recognized child care as a key ingredient in low-income parents' employability. We examine the effects of expansions in child care policies that were bundled with a mix of employment-related policies and implemented as part of several random assignment studies on families' child care access and cost. Almost all of these welfare and employment programs increased employment and led to concomitant increases in the use of child care, especially paid child care. Only the programs that also expanded access or affordability of child care consistently increased the use of child care subsidies and reduced out-of-pocket costs to parents, allowing parents to purchase center-based care. With one exception, such programs had small effects on employment-related child care problems, suggesting that broader and more generous targeting of child care assistance may be important for achieving the goal of enhancing the stability of employment among low-income families. © 2004 by the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management.
A Theoretical Approach to Bathhouse Environments

HIV prevention guidelines have aimed primarily at the individual level, although recently the field of public health has begun to focus more on structural level interventions. This paper explores an application of Rudolf Moos' person-environment theory as one model that helps to provide an understanding of the dynamic relationship between bathhouse patrons and the environment within which they engage in sexual activities. Understanding how different dimensions of the environment affect behavior could be instrumental in revealing not just that a bathhouse intervention works, but how it works. Knowing more about how an intervention works would facilitate its application in other settings.
An elementary proof of the conditions for a generalized Condorcet paradox

We give an elementary proof of the relationship between the possibility of a generalized majority rule cycle and the number of voters, V, the number of alternatives, A, and the number required for a majority, M.
At-lexical, articulatory interference in silent reading: the "upstream" tongue-twister effect.

In two experiments, we investigated the interpretation and boundary conditions of the tongue-twister (TT) effect in silent reading. Previously, McCutchen, Bell, France, and Perfetti (1991) observed a TT effect when students made semantic acceptability judgments on sentences, but not when they made lexical decisions on lists of words. Using similar methodology in Experiment 1, along with two changes (using “better” TTs and longer word lists), we observed a TT effect in a lexical decision task. In Experiment 2, a memory span task revealed that students recalled fewer words from TT lists than from control lists. These results suggest that the basic mechanism of the TT effect may be articulatory, rather than working-memory, interference that occurs during lexical access and resurfaces post-lexically, inhibiting efforts to maintain the temporal order of several words.
Calculation of velocity overshoot in submicron devices using an augmented drift-diffusion model

Abstract A one-dimensional steady-state augmented drift-diffusion model, which includes an extra field-gradient term for the velocity overshoot effect, has been implemented with the standard drift-diffusion formalism to simulate submicron semiconductor devices. Numerical schemes and transport coefficients for this augmented model are discussed. We find that one cannot directly include the field gradient term in the equivalent mobility model and leave the modified Einstein relation intact, since the diffusivity has to be positive to preserve the ellipticity of the continuity equation and hence the stability of the entire numerical system. The accuracy and validity of the augmented drift-diffusion model can be assessed by the velocity profiles for typical submicron n + − n − n + structures of both Si and GaAs in comparison with those from Monte Carlo and hydrodynamic simulations.
Age as a risk factor for inadequate emergency department analgesia

Inadequate treatment of pain, which has been termed as "oligoanalgesia", appears to be common in a number of practice settings, including the emergency department (ED). The purpose of this study was to determine whether elderly patients with isolated long-bone fractures are less likely to receive analgesics in the ED than a similar cohort of younger patients. Consecutive adult patients (aged 20 to 50 years or older than 70 years) presenting to the ED with isolated long-bone fractures were evaluated using a retrospective cohort study design. Patient demographics, ED treatment, and disposition were analyzed (t tests, chi2) to identify significant differences between the two age groups. Analgesic use was recorded as oral or parenteral, nonnarcotic or narcotic, and low or high dose (less than or at least the equivalent of 10 mg parenteral morphine sulfate, respectively). A total of 231 patients met the inclusion criteria, of whom 109 were elderly (mean age, 80.6 +/- 7.4 years) and 122 nonelderly (mean age 33.9 +/- 8.0 years). Nonelderly patients were more likely than the elderly to receive ED pain medication (80% vs 66%, P =.02) within a shorter period of time (mean 52 min vs 74 min, P = .02), and at a higher equivalent dose (44% vs 19%, P = .002). Younger patients also tended to receive more narcotic medications (98% vs 89%, P = .03). Inadequate use of analgesics in adult ED patients with acute fractures appears to be common. A chronologic basis for variability in analgesic practice needs to be further characterized.
Development and Validation of Capabilities to Measure Thermal Properties of Layered Monolithic U–Mo Alloy Plate-Type Fuel

The uranium–molybdenum (U–Mo) alloy in a monolithic form has been proposed as one fuel design capable of converting some of the world’s highest power research reactors from the use of high enriched uranium to low enriched uranium. One aspect of the fuel development and qualification process is to demonstrate appropriate understanding of the thermal-conductivity behavior of the fuel system as a function of temperature and expected irradiation conditions. The purpose of this paper is to verify functionality of equipment installed in hot cells for eventual measurements on irradiated uranium–molybdenum (U–Mo) monolithic fuel specimens, refine procedures to operate the equipment, and validate models to extract the desired thermal properties. The results presented here demonstrate the adequacy of the equipment, procedures, and models that have been developed for this purpose based on measurements conducted on surrogate depleted uranium–molybdenum (DU–Mo) alloy samples containing a Zr diffusion barrier and clad in aluminum alloy 6061 (AA6061). The results are in excellent agreement with thermal property data reported in the literature for similar U–Mo alloys as a function of temperature.
A rapid quantitative method for determining the decolorizing power of carbons

1. This method is a rapid quantitative method for the determination of the decolorizing power of carbons for iodine. 2. The method can be used for controlling the plant output of any one kind of carbon without a size preparation. 3. The method can be used for comparing decolorizing carbons manufactured by different methods. 4. The adsorption for iodine is practically instantaneous.
Muscle thickness measurements of the lower trapezius with rehabilitative ultrasound imaging are confounded by scapular dyskinesis

Alterations in scapular muscle activity have been theorized to contribute to abnormal scapular motion and shoulder pain, but pose challenges to quantify in the clinic. Rehabilitative Ultrasound Imaging (RUSI) has proved useful identifying dysfunction of lumbar regional stabilizing muscle activity, specifically contractile behavior. Although, recent examinations of scapular stabilizing trapezius muscle function using RUSI did not detect alterations individuals with shoulder pain or differences in muscle thickness between varying external loads in asymptomatic individuals, a potential confounder to prior results, scapular dyskinesis has not been controlled. It is unknown if dyskinesis alters scapular muscle thickness during activation measured with RUSI. Thus, the purpose of this study was to compare change in scapular muscle thickness between individuals with and without scapular dyskinesis. Thirty-nine asymptomatic adults with (n = 19) and without (n = 20) scapular dyskinesis, defined with a reliable and validated method, participated. Two separate ultrasound images of the serratus anterior (SA) and lower trapezius (LT) were captured under two randomized conditions, rest and isometric contraction against gravity, and saved for blinded measurement. Change in thickness with contraction was calculated and expressed as a percentage. The dyskinesis group demonstrated a greater increase (p = 0.005) in LT thickness with the isometric contraction than the group without (mean difference = 31.6%; 95%CI = 10.3, 53.0). No differences in SA or resting thickness of either muscle were found between groups. The presence of scapular dyskinesis alters thickness changes of the lower trapezius during activation. Furthermore, potential underlying reasons beyond muscle contractile behavior must be considered.
Molecular Interactions that Enable Movement of the Lyme Disease Agent from the Tick Gut into the Hemolymph

Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease, is transmitted to humans by bite of Ixodes scapularis ticks. The mechanisms by which the bacterium is transmitted from vector to host are poorly understood. In this study, we show that the F(ab)2 fragments of BBE31, a B.burgdorferi outer-surface lipoprotein, interfere with the migration of the spirochete from tick gut into the hemolymph during tick feeding. The decreased hemolymph infection results in lower salivary glands infection, and consequently attenuates mouse infection by tick-transmitted B. burgdorferi. Using a yeast surface display approach, a tick gut protein named TRE31 was identified to interact with BBE31. Silencing tre31 also decreased the B. burgdorferi burden in the tick hemolymph. Delineating the specific spirochete and arthropod ligands required for B. burgdorferi movement in the tick may lead to new strategies to interrupt the life cycle of the Lyme disease agent.
STEROIDS IN EGG YOLK

SUMMARY This investigation was initiated to separate the unsaponifiable matter of egg yolk by thin layer chromatography (TLC) and attempt to identify the steroids by gas liquid chromatography (GLC). Three GLC liquid phases, differing in selective partition properties, were used to aid in the identification of unknown steroids. A selective method was also carried out to extract the estrogenic steroids in egg yolk if present. The results of thin layer and gas chromatographic analyses indicate that a large quantity of cholesterol and considerable amounts of lanosterol, desmosterol, δ7-cholestenol, cholestanol, δ7- and δ8-methostenol, 4a-methyl-δ8,24-cholestenol and its δ7-isomer, 4,4a-dimethyl-δ7,24-cholestenol, dihydrolanostenol, β-sitosterol and possibly ergosterol were found to be present in egg yolk. Estrogenic steroids and other known steroid hormones were not found in egg yolk.
Simulation of manufacturing operations: optimization of operations in a steel wire manufacturing company

The project was conducted in a high quality steel wire manufacturing company with the production capacity of over 120,000 tones/annum. The wire drawn from the high speed wire drawing (KOCH) machine is fed as the raw material for BEKEART (zinc coating galvanization) furnace. The problem faced by the company is the variability in the amount of input to the furnace, which results from the breakdowns occurring on the KOCH machine resulting in low production. Apart from its speed, KOCH machines have other advantages due to their automation by which they can be set as per the requirements and different parameters of the company. From figure 1 it can be concluded that any downtime in the process occurring at the KOCH machine adversely affects the productivity of the BEKEART furnace, as a result of which the total production on this line suffers and hence the profits of the company. Simulation study was done with the objective of increasing the throughput and ensuring smooth product flow through the system by finding the optimum arrival batch size.
Roscovitine Reduces Neuronal Loss, Glial Activation, and Neurologic Deficits after Brain Trauma

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) causes both direct and delayed tissue damage. The latter is associated with secondary biochemical changes such as cell cycle activation, which leads to neuronal death, inflammation, and glial scarring. Flavopiridol--a cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor that is neither specific nor selective--is neuroprotective. To examine the role of more specific CDK inhibitors as potential neuroprotective agents, we studied the effects of roscovitine in TBI. Central administration of roscovitine 30 mins after injury resulted in significantly decreased lesion volume, as well as improved motor and cognitive recovery. Roscovitine attenuated neuronal death and inhibited activation of cell cycle pathways in neurons after TBI, as indicated by attenuated cyclin G1 accumulation and phosphorylation of retinoblastoma protein. Treatment also decreased microglial activation after TBI, as reflected by reductions in ED1, galectin-3, p22(PHOX), and Iba-1 levels, and attenuated astrogliosis, as shown by decreased accumulation of glial fibrillary acidic protein. In primary cortical microglia and neuronal cultures, roscovitine and other selective CDK inhibitors attenuated neuronal cell death, as well as decreasing microglial activation and microglial-dependent neurotoxicity. These data support a multifactorial neuroprotective effect of cell cycle inhibition after TBI--likely related to inhibition of neuronal apoptosis, microglial-induced inflammation, and gliosis--and suggest that multiple CDKs are potentially involved in this process.
Endophyte-free tall fescue cultivars grazed by sheep : forage quality and sward characteristics

Although much work has focused on the performance of endophyte-infected (E+), Acremonium coenophialum Morgan-Jones and Gams, tall fescue, Festuca arundinacea Schreb. ; little information is available comparing performance attributes of endophyte-free (E-) cultivars in the northeastern USA. Five paddocks of four cultivars ['Festorina', 'Johnstone', 'Roa', and 'Kentucky 31' (KY 31)] of E - tall fescue were rotationally stocked with ewes (Ovis aries) for 2 yr. Tall fescue and weed dry matter (DM) mass, leaf-to-stem ratio, and tiller density were determined both pre-and post-grazing and sward height was measured pre-grazing. Forage crude protein (CP), acid-detergent fiber (ADF), neutral-detergent fiber (NDF), and in vitro dry matter disappearance (IVDMD) were determined by near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS). Total dry mass was higher for Festorina and KY 31 than for the other cultivars. Leaf-to-stem ratios were similar among cultivars. Forage height was greatest for Festorina and least for Johnstone. Fescue proportion of herbage biomass was greater and weed biomass lower for Festorina and KY 31 than for Roa and Johnstone. Tall fescue proportion of herbage biomass at the end of the trial was lowest for Johnstone. Mean tiller densities were similar for all cultivars and ranged from 2060 m -2 in spring to 1260 m -2 under stockpiling in fall. Pre-grazed herbage CP of 204 g kg -1 was similar among cultivars. Roa tended to be low and Festorina high in both ADF and NDF, and IVDMD of Johnstone was higher than Festorina. Across seasons and years, ewe liveweight gain was higher for Johnstone than for the remaining cultivars, which were similar. Gains for Group 2 (late-weaned) lambs were lower for KY 31 and were similar for the remaining cultivars. In light of this information, cultivar as well as endophyte status should be considered in designing experiments or planning grazing systems with tall fescue.
Computing Pareto fronts using distributed agents

Abstract Many problems that face a business decision maker are most accurately formulated as multi-objective optimization problems. However, actually solving these problems is a difficult and computationally expensive process. In this paper, we develop and use an agent-based optimization system for efficiently generating the non-dominated solution set to a non-convex multi-objective optimization problem. Through simulation, we highlight the benefits that arise from allowing collaboration among agents embodying a diverse set of algorithms. Further, we demonstrate the ability of the agent system to use large-scale parallel resources efficiently. We also propose two new metrics for quantifying the performance of multi-objective optimization systems.
The effect of delayed reperfusion following infarction in the rat on structural changes in viable myocardium

Objective : Evidence indicates that patency of the infarct related artery following the completion of myocardial necrosis can attenuate ventricular remodeling. Data have also demonstrated that inhibition of infarct expansion contributes to the anti-remodeling effect of delayed reperfusion. However, the influence of a patent artery on components of the remodeling process in the viable myocardium is poorly understood. Methods : Myocyte morphometrics (isolated cell technique) and collagen content (hydroxyproline analysis) were assessed 28 days following experimental myocardial infarction from rats with permanently ligated left coronary vessels (NRP; n = 10) compared with rats who underwent reperfusion 150 minutes after ligation (RP; n = 11) and a sham-operated group ( n = 10). Results : Analysis of infarct size (planimetry) in a separate group of rats demonstrated that reperfusion at this late time point did not reduce infarct size (NRP: 33±3 vs. RP: 35±5%). Myocyte length in RP rats was less than in NRP rats in viable, non-infarcted left ventricular tissue (155±3 vs. 167±4 μm, p = 0.02), in the right ventricle (154±4 vs. 167±3 μm, p = 0.02) and in the septum (158±4 vs. 169±4 μm, p = 0.05). Reperfusion also attenuated the expected increase in cell volume compared with NRP rats (left ventricle 39.4±1.7×103 vs. 44.1±1.6×103 μm3, p = 0.06; right ventricle 36.7±1.6×103 vs. 42.7±2.0×103 μm3, p = 0.02; septum 41.0±1.6×103 vs. 44.2±1.8×103 μm3, p = 0.19). Hydroxyproline content increased in the viable left ventricular tissue in both the reperfused and non-reperfused groups. Conclusion : Reperfusion without myocardial salvage attenuates the increase in myocyte length and volume that occurs in remodeling myocardium following infarction in the rat, with no effect on the increase in collagen content. These data indicate that patency of the infarct vessel, which is known to have an inhibitory effect on infarct expansion, also has an anti-remodeling effect remote from the area perfused by this artery.
Genome-wide association studies of bladder cancer risk: a field synopsis of progress and potential applications

The advent of the genome era after the completion of the Human Genome Project has resulted in intensive efforts to identify all genetic variants that modify human health and disease, including cancer. The development of genome-wide association study (GWAS) approach has facilitated this goal by unbiased examination of the entire human genome for disease association. Here, we review some of the GWAS data, particularly for bladder cancer, and assess their significance in risk prediction and prognosis. A mechanistic understanding of the risk association through functional studies and phenotypic assays is also discussed. The ultimate goal is the development of a comprehensive risk prediction model which integrates genetic, environment, and person risk factors to benefit disease diagnosis, prevention, and treatment.
A three-person cooperative game formulation of the world oil market

Abstract The world oil market is modelled as a three-person cooperative game in characteristic function form with and without side payments. The three players are the oil importing countries, the group in OPEC led by Iran and the group in OPEC led by Saudi Arabia. Various solutions of the games are studied such as the core, the Shapley value, the bargaining set and the nucleolus.
THE SUBSTITUTABILITY OF STRATEGIC CONTROL CHOICES: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY*

In one stream of literature, organizational control has been observed to have two types - bureaucratic and cultural - and to be related to strategic adaptation. In another stream of literature, societal culture has been discussed as influencing the choice of organizational control types. This empirical study combines these two streams of literature. Drawing on Child (1981) we argue that the choice of organizational control types is a cultural choice. Within this context, the substitutability of one organizational control type for the other is examined using data from two culturally distinct sets of organizations - Japanese and American. The results of canonical correlation analysis suggest that the substitutability hypothesis is supported in only a very limited sense and that the relationship between the two control types may be better viewed as balanced. Implications of these results for strategic managers are discussed.
Infectious diseases in systemic lupus erythematosus: risk factors, management and prophylaxis

Infections are one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Therapeutic, disease-related and genetic factors all contribute to a lupus patient's increased susceptibility to infections. Although bacterial pathogens are the most common cause of infections, a wide variety of pathogens have been reported. In high-risk populations, identification and treatment of chronic infections such as tuberculosis, hepatitis B or human immunodeficiency virus, are important prior to the institution of immunosuppression to prevent reactivation or exacerbation of the infection. Judicious use of corticosteroids and cytotoxic drugs is critical in limiting infectious complications. Vaccines against influenza and pneumococcus appear to be safe and immunogenic in SLE patients and their routine administration should be encouraged.
Role of urologist in testis cancer management.

IN this issue of The Journal Yossepowitch et al (page 2249) conducted a survey of 86 patients who chose to have a testicular prosthesis placed after radical orchiectomy. Interestingly, those who chose a prosthesis represented 87% of all radical orchiectomies during the study period. The authors found that the main complaints were firm consistency of the prosthesis and high scrotal position. Additionally, 15% of the patients reported that the prosthesis interfered with physical exercise or sexual activity. These documented findings are consistent with my general impression regarding prostheses in adult patients. Over the years I have removed many testis prostheses for these reasons. As a result, I tell adult patients that although I will place a prosthesis if they so desire, I recommend against placement if they ask for my opinion precisely because of the complaints documented in this study. Also in this issue Williams et al (page 2245) provide further documentation that embryonal carcinoma and lymphovascular invasion are risk factors predictive of metastatic disease. This is nothing new. The real issue is whether a certain therapy for clinical stage I or II disease should be mandated based on these factors. In the 1990s for clinical stage I nonseminoma we worked on ways to predict who had a higher probability of metastasis. Based on a
Purification of peg-protein conjugates by centrifugal precipitation chromatography.

Preparative scale purification of PEG-protein conjugates by centrifugal precipitation chromatography is discussed. By utilizing the transport of ammonium sulfate across a membrane and the centrifugal force, an ammonium sulfate gradient is formed and used for differential precipitation of PEG-protein conjugates. Native proteins can be separated from PEG-protein conjugates by using this technique.
The making of helicopters: its strategic implications for EMS helicopter operations.

Abstract Purpose: The purpose of this article is to provide EMS helicopter personnel with an understanding of the civil helicopter manufacturing industry. Specifically, this article examines the current helicopter marketplace and how various manufacturers are responding to the recent decline in new helicopter sales. This article further describes how helicopters are designed and manufactured and how global markets, international competition, and strategic considerations are influencing future helicopter design and production. Methods: Data for this paper were obtained from a literature search through the ABI-inform Telnet Service offered through the University of Utah Marriott Library. On a search of “helicopter” during the past 5 years, 566 abstracts were identified, all of which were reviewed for information related to the purpose of this article. Forty-seven articles were identified and read in detail for information that may have related to the purpose of this article. In addition, a library search to identify textbooks that describe helicopter production systems was undertaken but did not identify any written resources. Because of the lack of written resources available in writing this article, a direct interview survey of leading helicopter manufacturers, associations, and industry writers was conducted. Only information that was considered “public knowledge” was available because of concerns by the various manufacturers that publication of confidential information could be detrimental to their competitive advantage. Limitations: Because helicopter-manufacturing plants were not located within easy travel range, no direct observation of the production facilities could be undertaken. Furthermore, information regarding production and operational management was not easily accessible because the data were not published or were considered confidential. Therefore industry analysis had to take place through direct survey interviewing technique and data obtained through an analysis of the available published data.
Comprehension and workload differences for VDT and paper-based reading

Abstract Computer monitors, or video display terminals (VDTs) are starting to be utilized for a wider variety of tasks including reading information. Two experiments were carried out to determine if reading information from a VDT resulted in poorer performance. The performance categories tested were reading times, comprehension of the information, and mental workload (as measured by the NASA-TLX). The first experiment found that those who read from a VDT took significantly longer than those reading from paper. To determine if this difference was due to an increased use of the resources available in working memory, a second experiment was conducted. Half of the participants in the second experiment were instructed to retain a list of letters in working memory while reading from either paper or a VDT. Those reading a paper copy of the material took longer to finish than those reading from a VDT. In contrast, a trend in the data indicated comprehension scores were lower for those reading from a VDT. Therefore the best medium for conveying information might depend on which aspect of performance is most important and on how the information is displayed in the two cases. Additional implications, applications, and future research directions also are discussed. Relevance to industry It is important to consider the nature of the information before determining the medium used since not only the formatting, but also the medium can impact user performance. This should be considered when determining how to display different types of information (e.g. illustrations, text, or both) considering VDT works reasonably well when the information is broken down into smaller segments to reduce workload. Further, this study indicates that the way in which information is displayed on a VDT can change the time it will take someone to read that information. Therefore, the task being conducted by the user needs to be taken into account before determining to how to use a computer for the display of information. Regardless, of these areas need to be explored further to determine what is causing performance difference so that the work place can be designed to maximize the benefits of the technology of the future.
Pressure Dependence of the Depoling Temperature in Nonlinear Optical Polymers

Second harmonic generation (SHG) was used to monitor the pressure dependence of the depoling temperature (Td) in dye-doped, corona-poled poly(methyl methacrylate), polystyrene, and polycarbonate. The decay of the SHG signal emitted from these systems was monitored at fixed hydrostatic pressures up to 3000 atm while the temperature was ramped at 10 °C/min. The depoling temperature increased 21−27 °C in the three systems, for every 1000 atm of applied hydrostatic pressure. The width of the transition also increased as a function of pressure. The shift in Td as a function of pressure is used to interpret previous relaxation data in poled polymers, leading us to conclude that chromophore reorientation in nonlinear optical polymers is coupled to long range α-type relaxations near and above the glass transition temperature, Tg, and to secondary motions well below Tg.
Directional Laser Doppler Velocimeter

A directional laser doppler velocimeter for localized directional measurements of fluid flow is described Doppler-shifted radiation is scattered and received from small particles in the fluid. The frequency shift is proportional to the velocity of the scatterer and can be detected by heterodyning the scattered signal with an appropriate reference. Directional sensitivity is achieved by shifting the frequency of the reference laser beam, using an acoustical diffraction cell. Results of steady and time-varying flow velocity measurements in a perturbed circular flow section are presented.
Surface composition of carbon fibers subjected to oxidation in nitric acid followed by oxygen plasma

Type II, PAN-based carbon fibers (unsized and commercially treated) have been exposed to nitric acid and oxygen plasma individually and also to combined nitric acid/oxygen plasma treatments and the surface compositions have been determined using angle-resolved X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (ARXPS) and ion scattering spectroscopy (ISS). Most of the oxygen on the as-received carbon fibers resides within the outermost 10-15 A of the surface. Fiber exposure to nitric acid at 115°C for 20-90 min enhances the oxygen surface concentration to a point of saturation and the oxygen depth distribution is increased and becomes more uniform within the maximum XPS sampling depth (~60-100 A). In addition, the fiber surface area is believed to be increased. After treating fibers to various degrees in nitric acid, subsequent exposure to oxygen plasma yields an additional increase in the surface oxygen content, particularly in the outermost fiber layers (10-15 A). Under the conditions of the investigation, the maximum am...
Dnmt3a silences hematopoietic stem cell self-renewal

DNA methylation is an epigenetic mark stably directing gene expression throughout development. A new study uncovers a role for the DNA methyltransferase Dnmt3a in silencing self-renewal genes in hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) to permit efficient hematopoietic differentiation.
Auditor Concentration of Listed Public Companies on International Stock Exchanges

This paper explores the concentration of audit services provided to listed public companies on the Stock Exchanges of Canada, Hong Kong, London, and Singapore. The Canadian and London stock exchanges are chosen as representatives of the North American and European markets, while the Hong Kong and Singapore exchanges represent the newly developed Asia Pacific markets. Public accounting firms have benefited from the globalisation trends by expanding their own markets. The reason frequently mentioned for the mergers of the Big 8 accounting firms to form the Big 6 is that they want to increase their international presence and be in a better position to service multinationals in different markets. However, previous studies of concentration of firms in providing auditing services have all been restricted to the USA or individual countries. This study uses both concentration ratios and Herfindahl indices to examine concentration of audit firms in the international stock exchanges. The results indicate a disparate competition amongst the larger firms in each of the Canadian, Hong Kong, London, and Singapore markets. In all of the four markets, the concentration ratios and Herfindahl indices calculated indicate a lack of competition even at the four firm level. This imbalance was very pronounced when the size of the companies audited is considered using their reported total assets. We also present the market shares of the leading six firms in each exchange and discuss some implications of this disparate competition.
Examining the relationship between treatment outcomes for academic achievement and social skills in school-age children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between treatment-induced changes in academic achievement and social skills in elementary school-age children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. A sample of 123 children in grades 1 through 4 with symptoms of inattention, impulsivity and/or hyperactivity, and significant achievement problems in math or reading were identified for participation. Participants were exposed to academic interventions mediated by their teachers, parents, peers, computers, or the student themselves. Data were collected on academic competence using the Woodcock-Johnson III Test of Achievement and the Academic Competence Evaluation Scales; social skills were assessed using the Social Skills Rating System. Correlations between changes in academic competence and social skills from preintervention to approximately 10 months later were calculated. Results showed that as teacher ratings of reading improved, there were corresponding improvements in social skills. For students in peer-mediated math interventions, increases in math fluency were correlated with improvements in self-control. Results are discussed in the context of possible reasons for these findings and implications for practice and future research. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The regulation of water loss from the eggs of the red-footed booby (Sula sula)

Abstract 1. 1. The red-footed booby is a tropical seabird that does not develop a brood patch, incubating its eggs instead with its large webbed feet. This was found to be associated with a relatively high egg temperature (36.4°C) and also a high value for the water-vapor pressure (26.96 torr) in the microclimate of the incubated egg. 2. 2. The “relative mean growth rate” (freshly-laid egg mass/incubation period) of Ar and Rahn (1985) was a good basis for predicting the daily rate of water loss from the egg, the measured value (174.6 mg/day) representing 96.3% of the predicted value. 3. 3. The water-vapor conductance of the egg shell was less well predicted by the relative mean growth rate. This was attributed largely to the thick chalky shell of the red-footed booby's egg. 4. 4. The data obtained in the present study provide additional support for the belief that there is a constant relationship between the cross-sectional area of the pores in the eggshell, through which water vapor diffuses, and the length of the pores, in all eggs.
Patterns of vascular disease in blacks and whites

Differences between blacks and whites with regard to their affliction with vascular diseases are widely accepted. The purpose of the present study was to examine the demo graphic characteristics of hospitalized patients who had one of several vascular surgical procedures or who were discharged with a vascular related diagnosis in order to compare the relative frequency and relationship of these diagnoses and procedures between the two racial groups. Data regarding race, gender, and age were taken from two sources: the 520-bed regional medical center hospital in North Carolina and the National Inpatient Profile (NIP), which is representative of patients admitted to short-term, nonfederal hospitals. In both the regional hospital data and the national data blacks are underrep resented among patients having carotid endarterectomy, abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery, and coronary artery bypass grafting. Conversely, blacks are overrepresented among patients admitted for cerebrovascular accident, hypertensive hea...
Parity and time inversion symmetries of electromagnetic systems

By forming the intersections of the parity and time reversal equivalence classes of physical entities that are represented by differential forms and differential form densities, a number of subsets of discrete symmetry classes for electromagnetic systems can be generated. Only one of these subsets is consistent with elementary thermodynamic arguments for dissipative systems and at the same time yields the notion that both charge and mass are spacetime scalars. This subset is not in correspondence with the two self-consistent presentations that now are implied in the literature.
Techniques for using antisense oligodeoxyribonucleotides to study gene expression

Molecular biology is providing powerful tools for cloning and sequencing genes. The more difficult task is that of ascribing functions to the specific DNA sequences that appear to code for proteins, the "open reading frames," or of regulating the expression of known genes in biological systems in order to determine their contributions to cellular functions. The classical genetic approach of making mutants is difficult in eukaryotic systems, with the exception of yeasts and viruses, and has proved of limited utility. A promising approach to this problem has been to introduce into either the in vitro assay or tissue culture system oligodeoxyribonucleotides with nucleotide sequences complementary to the protein coding or "sense" sequence, usually referred to as "antisense" oligonucleotides. The term MATAGEN (MAsking TApe for Gene ExpressioN) has also been used for these compounds, which appear to inhibit gene expression predominantly by hybridization arrest of translation. Interest in the use of antisense molecules for the study of gene expression and regulation has increased dramatically in the past few years. The demonstrated utility of the antisense oligomer in both in vitro and tissue culture assays, the increased availability of nucleotide sequence data as well as improvements in nucleic acid sequencing techniques, and the automation of synthetic procedures for their preparation have made studies using these molecules more practical. This review focuses on short oligodeoxyribonucleotides, which offer important stability and synthetic advantages over the use of antisense RNA transcripts, and is intended as an introduction to practical approaches in the use of antisense oligodeoxyribonucleotides in biological systems. For synthetic techniques, the reader is referred to the individual references cited.
Persistence of deposited metals in the lungs after stainless steel and mild steel welding fume inhalation in rats

Welding generates complex metal fumes that vary in composition. The objectives of this study were to compare the persistence of deposited metals and the inflammatory potential of stainless and mild steel welding fumes, the two most common fumes used in US industry. Sprague–Dawley rats were exposed to 40 mg/m3 of stainless or mild steel welding fumes for 3 h/day for 3 days. Controls were exposed to filtered air. Generated fume was collected, and particle size and elemental composition were determined. Bronchoalveolar lavage was done on days 0, 8, 21, and 42 after the last exposure to assess lung injury/inflammation and to recover lung phagocytes. Non-lavaged lung samples were analyzed for total and specific metal content as a measure of metal persistence. Both welding fumes were similar in particle morphology and size. Following was the chemical composition of the fumes—stainless steel: 57% Fe, 20% Cr, 14% Mn, and 9% Ni; mild steel: 83% Fe and 15% Mn. There was no effect of the mild steel fume on lung injury/inflammation at any time point compared to air control. Lung injury and inflammation were significantly elevated at 8 and 21 days after exposure to the stainless steel fume compared to control. Stainless steel fume exposure was associated with greater recovery of welding fume-laden macrophages from the lungs at all time points compared with the mild steel fume. A higher concentration of total metal was observed in the lungs of the stainless steel welding fume at all time points compared with the mild steel fume. The specific metals present in the two fumes were cleared from the lungs at different rates. The potentially more toxic metals (e.g., Mn, Cr) present in the stainless steel fume were cleared from the lungs more quickly than Fe, likely increasing their translocation from the respiratory system to other organs.
On face numbers of manifolds with symmetry

Abstract Necessary conditions on the face numbers of Cohen–Macaulay simplicial complexes admitting a proper action of the cyclic group Z /p Z of a prime order are given. This result is extended further to necessary conditions on the face numbers and the Betti numbers of Buchsbaum simplicial complexes with a proper Z /p Z -action. Adin's upper bounds on the face numbers of Cohen–Macaulay complexes with symmetry are shown to hold for all ( d −1)-dimensional Buchsbaum complexes with symmetry on n ⩾3 d −2 vertices. A generalization of Kuhnel's conjecture on the Euler characteristic of 2 k -dimensional manifolds and Sparla's analog of this conjecture for centrally symmetric 2 k -manifolds are verified for all 2 k -manifolds on n ⩾6 k +3 vertices. Connections to the Upper Bound Theorem are discussed and its new version for centrally symmetric manifolds is established.
In vivo comparison of cat alveolar and pulmonary intravascular macrophages: phagocytosis, particle clearance, and cytoplasmic motility.

The phagocytic and particle clearance function as well as the intracellular motility of cat pulmonary intravascular macrophages (PIMs) and pulmonary alveolar macrophages (PAMs) in situ were compared using ferrimagnetic γFe2O3 tracer particles and magnetometry. Submicrometric particles were injected intravenously (phagocytized by PIMs) or inhaled as respirable aerosols (phagocytized by PAMs). At various times post administration, the particles were magnetized with an external magnet. Then, the rate of decay of the remanent magnetic field (relaxation) reflecting the motion of particle-containing phagosomes was measured. There was a gradual increase in relaxation in PAMs, but a decrease in PIMs over the initial 7 hours, suggesting differences in rates of phagocytosis. From 7 to 42 days, relaxation parameters were constant in both cell types although faster in PAMs than in PIMs. Disappearance of retained particles in PIMs depended on the administered dose. Particles in PAMs cleared faster than particles in PI...
Evaluation during the understanding of narratives

Evaluation plays a role in the telling and understanding of narratives, in communicative interaction, emotional understanding, and in psychological well‐being. This article reports a study of evaluation by describing how readers monitor the concerns of characters over the course of a narrative. The main hypothesis is that readers tract the well‐being via the expression of a character's internal states. Reader evaluations were revealed in think aloud protocols obtained during reading of narrative texts, one sentence at a time. Five kinds of evaluative inferences were found: appraisals (good versus bad), preferences (like versus don't like), emotions (happy versus frustrated), goals (want versus don't want), or purposes (to attain or maintain X versus to prevent or avoid X). Readers evaluated all sentences. The mean rate of evaluation per sentence was 0.55. Positive and negative evaluations over the course of the story indicated that things initially went badly for characters, improved with the formulation ...
Analyzing Pedestrian Behavior during Exclusive Pedestrian Phases for Improved Intersection Signal Timing

Traffic signal timing at signalized intersections with high pedestrian volumes and/or pedestrian safety concerns may include an exclusive pedestrian phase (scramble phase) to safely accommodate pedestrian demands. However, an exclusive pedestrian phase could be a significant source of delay for other modes because all vehicular movements stop during the scramble phase. Better understanding of pedestrian behavior at locations with scramble phases may lead to more efficient signal timing for other modes, while accommodating pedestrians. This paper studies pedestrian behavior based on field data collected at a busy intersection with a scramble phase on a college campus. Individual and groups of pedestrians were analyzed along with their ability to cross at free-flow speed to determine their behavior. Results indicate significant differences in combinations of these categories. 15 th percentile speeds for the diagonal and the parallel crossings (4.37ft/s and 4.49 ft/s) were higher than the 3.5 ft/s as recommended by the MUTCD. 15 th percentile speeds of pedestrians traveling individually and those in free flow were significantly higher than those traveling in groups and in non-free-flowing conditions. The average speed of individuals in freeflow conditions was not significantly different for parallel crossings but was significantly different for diagonal crossings. In addition, considerably fewer pedestrians crossed diagonally during the clearance interval than along the parallel.