cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Distillation calculations using a locally paramaterized continuation method

Abstract Distillation models are large scale nonlinear systems of equations which represent heat and material balances and phase equilibria for fractionation systems. These models are often solved by Newton's method or one of its variants. Unfortunately, the method may not converge unless the starting point or initial guess for the solution is quite close to the solution which is sought. To resolve this difficulty, at least partially, we have turned to a convergence technique called the locally parameterized continuation method. Continuation is a mechanism for tracing a path along which lie the solutions of a family of problems. In the case of distillation, the starting point on the path corresponds to the solution of an easy, but somewhat unrealistic, distillation model, and the stopping point is the solution of the difficult more realistic model, which was of principal concern. The family of problems, and hence the path, is essentially generated by the variation of an articifial or physical continuation parameter. The continuation process then corresponds to the projection of a tangent along the path, a Newton correction to find the next point on the path and so on, until the terminus is reached. Turns are accomodated through the interchange of the continuation parameter and the appropriate member of the state vector.
Glass−Carbon Composite Hollow Fibers

Glass−carbon composite hollow fibers were prepared by extruding a suspension of glass particles in an N-methylpyrrolidone solution of poly(ether sulfone). The fibers were gelled in water and pyrolyzed for 0.5−30 min in a furnace preheated to 1100−1200 °C. The resulting composite carbon−glass fibers had about 2.1 mm o.d. and 1.3 mm i.d. Scanning electron microscopy was used to examine fiber morphology, while the nitrogen permeance was about 7 × 10^(-5) mol/m^2·Pa·s, indicating pores of micron size. Compared to pure glass fibers, which are easily deformed at 900 °C, the composite fibers could withstand temperatures up to 1200 °C without suffering deformation.
Bitter Melon: Antagonist to Cancer

The incidence of cancer is increasing worldwide, in spite of substantial progress in the development of anti-cancer therapies. One approach to control cancer could be its prevention by diet, which inhibits one or more neoplastic events and reduces cancer risk. Dietary compounds offer great potential in the fight against cancer by inhibiting the carcinogenesis process through the regulation of cell homeostasis and cell-death machineries. For centuries, Ayurveda (Indian traditional medicine) has recommended the use of bitter melon (Momordica charantia) as a functional food to prevent and treat diabetes and associated complications. It is noteworthy to mention that bitter melon extract has no-to-low side effects in animals as well as in humans. The anti-tumor activity of bitter melon has recently begun to emerge. This review focuses on recent advancements in cancer chemopreventive and anti-cancer efficacy of bitter melon and its active constituents. Several groups of investigators have reported that treatment of bitter-melon-related products in a number of cancer cell lines induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis without affecting normal cell growth. Therefore, the effect of bitter melon should be beneficial for health, and use of the non-modified dietary product is cost effective.
Design considerations for CELT adaptive optics

California Institute of Technology and University of California have begun conceptual design studies for a new telescope for astronomical research at visible and infrared wavelengths. The California Extremely Large Telescope (CELT) is currently envisioned as a filled-aperture, steerable, segmented telescope of approximately 30 m diameter. The key to satisfying many of the science goals of this observatory is the availability of diffraction-limited wavefront control. We describe potential observing modes of CELT, including a discussion of the several major outstanding AO system architectural design issues to be resolved prior to the initiation of the detailed design of the adaptive optics capability.
Heterotic Cosmic Strings

We show that all three conditions for the cosmological relevance of heterotic cosmic strings, the right tension, stability and a production mechanism at the end of inflation, can be met in the strongly coupled M-theory regime. Whereas cosmic strings generated from weakly coupled heterotic strings have the well-known problems posed by Witten in 1985, we show that strings arising from M5-branes wrapped around 4-cycles (divisors) of a Calabi-Yau in heterotic M-theory compactifications solve these problems in an elegant fashion.
Effects of gel thickness on microscopic indentation measurements of gel modulus

In vitro, animal cells are mostly cultured on a gel substrate. It was recently shown that substrate stiffness affects cellular behaviors in a significant way, including adhesion, differentiation, and migration. Therefore, an accurate method is needed to characterize the modulus of the substrate. In situ microscopic measurements of the gel substrate modulus are based on Hertz contact mechanics, where Young's modulus is derived from the indentation force and displacement measurements. In Hertz theory, the substrate is modeled as a linear elastic half-space with an infinite depth, whereas in practice, the thickness of the substrate, h, can be comparable to the contact radius and other relevant dimensions such as the radius of the indenter or steel ball, R. As a result, measurements based on Hertz theory overestimate the Young's modulus. In this work, we discuss the limitations of Hertz theory and then modify it, taking into consideration the nonlinearity of the material and large deformation using a finite-element method. We present our results in a simple correction factor, ψ, the ratio of the corrected Young's modulus and the Hertz modulus in the parameter regime of δ/h ≤ min (0.6, R/h) and 0.3 ≤ R/h ≤ 12.7. The ψ factor depends on two dimensionless parameters, R/h and δ/h (where δ is the indentation depth), both of which are easily accessible to experiments. This correction factor agrees with experimental observations obtained with the use of polyacrylamide gel and a microsphere indentation method in the parameter range of 0.1 ≤ δ/h ≤ 0.4 and 0.3 ≤ R/h ≤ 6.2. The effect of adhesion on the use of Hertz theory for small indentation depth is also discussed.
Detection-based particle filtering for real-time multiple-head tracking applications

We present a novel detection based particle filtering framework for real-time multi-object tracking (MOT). It integrates object detection and motion information with particle filter detecting and tracking the multiple objects dynamically and simultaneously. To demonstrate the approach, we concentrate on the complex multi-head tracking while the framework is general for any kind of objects. Three novel contributions are made: 1) Distinct with the conventional particle filter which generates particles from the prior density, we propose a novel importance function based on up to date detection and motion observation which is much closer to the desired posterior. 2) By integrating detection, the tracker can do the initialization automatically, handle new object appearance and hard occlusion for MOT. By using motion estimation, it can track fast motion activities. 3) Hybrid observations including color and detection information are used to calculate the likelihood which makes the approach more stable. The proposed method is superior to the available tracking methods for multi-head tracking and can handle not only the changes of scale, lighting, zooming, and orientation, but also fast motion, appearance, and hard occlusion.
Reliability evaluation of the power supply of an electrical power net for safety-relevant applications

In this paper, we introduce a methodology for the dependability analysis of new automotive safety-relevant systems. With the introduction of safety-relevant electronic systems in cars, it is necessary to carry out a thorough dependability analysis of those systems to fully understand and quantify the failure mechanisms in order to improve the design. Several system level FMEAs are used to identify the different failure modes of the system and, a Markov model is constructed to quantify their probability of occurrence. A new power net architecture with application to new safety-relevant automotive systems, such as Steer-by-Wire or Brake-by-Wire, is used as a case study. For these safety-relevant loads, loss of electric power supply means loss of control of the vehicle. It is, therefore, necessary and critical to develop a highly dependable power net to ensure power to these loads under all circumstances.
Learning in infant rats: Escape from cold

The results of a number of studies indicate that rats and mice as young as 7 days of age are capable of learning an escape task. Because in all of these studies footshock was used as the negative reinforcer, it was considered necessary to determine if other negative reinforcers could support learning in infant rodents. Accordingly, 7- and 9-day-old rats were given escape training in a straight alley, during which removal from a cold grid-like floor served as reinforcement. In comparison with yoked controls, trained subjects showed little evidence of learning. Twenty-four hours later, these same animals and naive control animals were given retraining and training sessions, respectively. While there was little evidence of a residual effect of the initial training or yoked control experience, all 10-day-old age groups showed an intrasession increase in speed and an intrasession decrease in competing responses. It was concluded, therefore, that a cold-inducing stimulus can also serve as an effective reinforcer in the escape training of infant rats.
Molecular characterization of a ring chromosome 16 from a patient with bilateral cataracts.

A four-month-old white female, who was referred to us for genetic evaluation because of severe developmental delay, dysmorphic features, and bilateral cataracts, was found by routine cytogenetic analysis to have ring chromosome 16 in almost all cells analyzed. Ring chromosome 16 was confirmed and further delineated by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Breakpoints between loci D16S521 and KG8 on the short arm and D16S3121 and D16S303 on the long arm of chromosome 16 were determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. The deleted chromosome was of maternal origin. To our knowledge, this is the first case of ring chromosome 16 associated with bilateral cataracts. Comparison of previously reported cases with deletion of chromosome 16 and our case suggests the presence of cataract locus within 1 Mb of the terminus of 16q.
Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and Staphylococcus aureus colonization.

Background Bacterial infections are a common complication of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). The most common pathogen of cutaneous infections in CTCL patients is Staphylococcus aureus. Objective The purpose of this study was to assess S aureus colonization rates among CTCL subjects compared to control subjects. Methods Fifty subjects with CTCL, 25 psoriasis control subjects, and 25 healthy control subjects were included in this study. Culture swabs were obtained from nares and lesional skin or normal skin in the healthy controls. Results S aureus colonization rates were 44% in CTCL subjects, 48% in psoriasis subjects, and 28% in healthy control subjects (P = .29). Limitations The sample size was small, and the exclusion criteria resulted in an underestimation of the colonization rate. Conclusion There was a trend for higher methicillin-sensitive S aureus colonization in the CTCL group compared with healthy control subjects. S aureus colonization may be directly related to body surface area of CTCL.
Continuations without copying

Common implementations of first-class continuations for Scheme involve copying the continuation when it is captured, when it is invoked, or both. Standard ML of New Jersey, on the other hand, creates all continuation frames in the heap to begin with; this eliminates the copying required for capture and invocation, but also gives up the optimization of using the "stack pop" operation to deallocate frames that have not been captured. In this paper, we show how to eliminate both copying steps while retaining efficient stack-wise deallocation for uncaptured flames.
Counseling and Advocacy with LGBT International Students

LGBT international students have unique issues and needs in coping with their student life in the United States. Their primary issues include developing their own sexual identity, coming out in a variety of academic and social settings, forming relationships, returning to home countries, and differing health-related issues from domestic students. Therefore, mental health professionals must be aware of these issues, provide support that fits the person's individual needs, and serve as advocates for these students in their campuses and local communities. Four challenges and key concepts for mental health professionals are provided.
Lateral hyporheic zone chemistry in an artificially constructed gravel bar and a re-meandered stream channel, Southern Ontario, Canada

Abstract: The effect of stream restoration on hyporheic functions has been neglected, although channel rehabilitation projects have a potential to alter stream-ground-water interactions. The present study examined the effect of an artificially constructed gravel bar and re-meandered stream channel on lateral hyporheic exchange flow and chemistry in two lowland N-rich streams in southern Ontario, Canada. Nitrate concentrations were relatively high, ranging from 0.5 to 1.3 mg N/l in both streams during spring through fall months. However, nitrate concentrations showed a steep decline as stream water entered the gravel bar and the meander bends. Differences between observed and predicted nitrate concentrations based on conservative ion concentration patterns indicated that 40-100 and 68-98% of the nitrate entering the hyporheic zone was removed in the gravel bar and meanders, respectively. Rapid depletion of dissolved oxygen concentrations along lateral hyporheic flow paths and denitrifying potentials assayed by the acetylene block technique in hyporheic sediments suggests that denitrification was an important mechanism of nitrate depletion. Despite the high rate of nitrate removal, the flux of stream water laterally entering the constructed gravel bar and meander bends was very small, and hyporheic nitrate removal was <0.015% of the daily stream load during base-flow periods in summer and fall. The effects of restoration projects on hyporheic zone dynamics are often limited in lowland streams by low channel gradients and fine floodplain sediments with low interstitial flows that restrict the magnitude of the stream-hyporheic connection.
Observation and background adjoint sensitivity in the adaptive observation-targeting problem

Recent observation-targeting field experiments, such as the Fronts and Atlantic Storm-Track Experiment (FASTEX) and the NORth Pacific Experiment (NORPEX), have demonstrated that by using objective adjoint techniques it is possible, in advance, to identify regions of the atmosphere where forecast-error growth in numerical forecast models is maximally sensitive to the error in the initial conditions. 'Qpically, such techniques produce a field of the sensitivity of some aspect of the forecast to the analysis field. This analysis sensitivity field is then used to identify promising targets for the deployment of additional observations during the flight-planning phase of field experiments. While FASTEX and, particularly. NORPEX had a number of successful ‘hits’, where the addition of dropsondes reduced the forecast error, there were also failures. None of the objective techniques have involved any consideration of the characteristics of the data-assimilation systems used in the analysis of the targeted observations. In particular, the interaction with the background field, interactions with other observations, and the background- and observationerror characteristics have been ignored. This can lead to potential mis-sampling, conflict with other observations, and inefficient use of aircraft and expendables. In this study, the adjoint of a simplified data-assimilation system is used to determine directly the sensitivity of the forecast aspect to the observations and the background field. The procedure is illustrated by using simplified linear contexts such as the one- and two-dimensional horizontal univariate problem and the one-dimensional direct radiance assimilation problem. Adaptive targeting tools, such as a single-observation sensitivity map and a marginal observation sensitivity vector, are devised and tested. The possibility of determining when the forecast would be sensitive to the background field and/or the observations is demonstrated. Such dependencies are shown to be a function of the specified observation- and background-error variances, the characteristic scales of analysis sensitivity vector and background-error correlations, and the properties of forward (observation) operators. Although the present experiments concerned simplified assimilation systems and observation networks, extension of the technique to real situations is quite feasible. Obtaining the adjoint of a full three-dimensional variational assimilation system is straightforward; moreover, the target areas are small and contain relatively few observations so the computational requirements are modest. Finally, the data-assimilation adjoint theory can be used for a posteriori assessment of those sources of forecast error which are due to errors in the initial analysis.
Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis: clinical findings and surgical considerations.

Abstract Objective. Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis (XGP) is an uncommon but well-characterized inflammatory process of the kidney. Few reports, however, have correlated preoperative radiographic features with findings at surgical exploration. We report our experience in the surgical management of XGP with emphasis on the use of computed tomography (CT) in the preoperative evaluation. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed all medical records including radiographic materials of 27 patients with a pathologic diagnosis of XGP. In particular, preoperative CT features were analyzed to see if they correlated with surgical findings. Results. A CT scan was performed in 23 of the 27 patients. Of these 23 patients 20 (87%) were diagnosed with XGP based on the CT findings. CT accurately defined the extent of the perinephric inflammatory reaction, identifying 8 patients with muscular extension, 3 with splenic involvement, 1 with extension into the colon, and 5 with encasement of the great vessels. In no case did CT underestimate the involvement of adjacent tissues. Conclusions. Although XGP is a rare disease, a careful preoperative evaluation can suggest its diagnosis. CT is particularly valuable in that it not only demonstrates characteristic renal findings, but also shows the extent of inflammation and extent into adjacent tissues. This will aid in surgical planning in choosing an approach that will provide adequate exposure and facilitate patient care.
α2A-adrenergic receptors in the rat nucleus locus coeruleus: subcellular localization in catecholaminergic dendrites, astrocytes, and presynaptic axon terminals

To define the anatomic substrates subserving the inhibitory actions of alpha2-adrenergic receptors (alpha2-ARs) in the locus coeruleus (LC), we used dual-label immunoelectron microscopy with antibodies directed against the A-subtype of alpha2-AR (alpha2A-AR) and the catecholamine-synthesizing enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). Of the profiles containing peroxidase labeling for alpha2A-AR (alpha2A-AR-IR) in the LC (n=735), most were dendrites ( approximately 50%), glial processes ( approximately 30%), and axon terminals ( approximately 15%). alpha2A-AR-IR was also observed in unmyelinated axons and perikarya. Within dendrites, alpha2A-AR-IR was associated with nonsynaptic regions of the plasma membrane and subsurface cisternae. Approximately 60% of dendrites with alpha2A-AR-IR were dually labeled for TH. Fifty percent of the axon terminals contacting alpha2A-AR-immunoreactive dendrites formed asymmetric (excitatory) synaptic contacts. Axon terminals with alpha2A-AR-IR were not dually labeled for TH and generally formed asymmetric synapses with TH-immunoreactive dendrites that contained or lacked alpha2A-AR-IR. Astrocytic processes exhibiting alpha2A-AR-IR were closely apposed to TH-labeled dendrites. These results extend previous ultrastructural observations of alpha2A-ARs in the LC and suggest that the inhibitory actions of norepinephrine and epinephrine in this region may be mediated by postsynaptic alpha2A-ARs on catecholaminergic dendrites and presynaptic alpha2A-ARs on excitatory inputs to catecholaminergic dendrites. In addition, the localization of alpha2A-AR-IR in astrocytic processes apposed to TH-immunoreactive dendrites suggests a role for alpha2A-ARs in functional interactions between catecholaminergic dendrites and neighboring astrocytes.
Supporting change in a school district's early childhood programs: A story of growth

Public school early childhood programs are increasingly being scrutinized as to whether their practices are developmentally appropriate. The Turner Project was initiated at the invitation of 14 early childhood teachers and their assistant superintendent, to assist them in rethinking the school district's early childhood programs. From a research perspective, the Project was conceptualized as an opportunity to explore the process of educational change. This paper describes the implementation process developed for the Turner Project and the elements believed to be accountable for the evolution of 14 early childhood classrooms into more meaningful environments for teaching and learning.
Examining the relationship between knowing and doing: training for improving food choices.

Food is essential for maintaining human life; however, our food choices can have negative impacts on the health of our bodies and our planet. For example, obesity and diet-related diseases are increasing at alarming rates. In addition, agricultural chemicals are detectable in many rivers and streams, contaminating drinking water. Thus, understanding what factors contribute to food choices is essential for those interested in social change. This paper reviews some principles of learning and memory and how applications of those principles contribute to our understanding of food choices. Experiments that examine different ways to promote learning, retention, and generalization of knowledge, specifically focused on ways to enhance learning of nutritional information and food choices, are also reviewed. The practical applications of this research to training, health, and public policy are also discussed.
Monotherapy in mild to moderate hypertension: Comparison of hydrochlorothiazide, propranolol and prazosin

There has been recent interest in using nondiuretic drugs as initial antihypertensive therapy. Therefore, a study was designed to compare the efficacy and the effects on left ventricular function of hydrochlorothiazide, propranolol and prazosin in 13 patients with mild to moderate hypertension. After a 4-week washout period, patients were treated serially with each drug in a randomized order for 2 months each. Dosages were titrated until the patient showed a sitting diastolic blood pressure less than or equal to 90 mm Hg or to a maximum dosage of 100 mg/day of hydrochlorothiazide, 320 mg of propranolol and 20 mg of prazosin. Blood pressure was measured, plasma catecholamine concentrations were assayed and radionuclide determinations of rest and exercise left ventricular function and volume were made at the end of each period as well as after a second 1-month washout period at the end. In the sitting and standing positions, systolic and diastolic blood pressure control was equivalent for all 3 drugs. Goal blood pressure was achieved in 10 of 13 patients receiving hydrochlorothiazide, in 8 of 12 receiving propranolol and in 9 of 13 on prazosin. Importantly, 3 of 4 patients not controlled with prazosin, 5 of 6 uncontrolled with propranolol and 2 of 3 whose blood pressure was not reduced by hydrochlorothiazide were controlled when receiving 1 of the other medications. None of the drugs changed rest or exercise ejection fraction or volume, and side effects were minimal.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The Discovery of a Supernova Remnant Embedded in a Giant H II Region of M33

We have combined radio, optical, and X-ray data to discover a new supernova remnant (SNR) in M33. This remnant is embedded in the giant H II region NGC 592. Our VLA-WSRT radio survey of M33 showed that NGC 592 has a nonthermal component to its radio emission. Optical images of the H II region at the KPNO 4 m allowed us to subtract the thermal source to reveal the nonthermal source. NGC 592 had also been identified in Einstein data as a soft X-ray source. Our ROSAT observation, combined with the radio and optical data, provides evidence that the X-ray source is a supernova remnant
Optical mass in the t-J model.

Twisted boundary conditions are used to study the behavior of the optical mass in the two-dimensional {ital t}-{ital J} model. A 4{times}4 torus with two holes is shown to exhibit a {ital paramagnetic} behavior under certain conditions for {ital J}/{ital t}{lt}0.7. However, it is shown that by averaging the charge stiffness over the test fluxes (i.e., the boundary conditions) one can reduce finite-size effects and extract the optical mass relevant to a macroscopic system. For small {ital J}/{ital t}, the optical mass appears to deviate from the (larger) quasiparticle effective mass defined by the quasiparticle dispersion relation. Our numerical work also reveals large weight in the optical conductivity at frequencies characteristic of the spin fluctuations. Finally, we note that no sign of flux quantization characteristic of pairing is observed in this torus geometry for {ital J}/{ital t}{lt}0.65.
A Spectral Sequence for Splines

We define a complex R/J of graded modules on ad-dimensional simplicial complex ?, so that the top homology module of this complex consists of piecewise polynomial functions (splines) of smoothnessron the cone of ?. In a series of papers,4;5;6 used a similar approach to study the dimension of the spaces of splines on ?, but with a complex substantially different from R/J. We obtain bounds on the dimension of the homology modulesHi(R/J) for alli
Interlaminar shear properties of graphite fiber, high-performance resin composites†

Short beam testing was used to determine the shear properties of laminates consisting of T-300 and Celion 3000 and 6000 graphite fibers, in epoxy, hot melt and solvent bismaleimide, polyimide and polystyrylpyridine (PSP). Epoxy, composites showed the highest interlaminar shear strength, with values for all other resins being substantially lower. The dependence of interlaminar shear properties on the fiber-resin interfacial bond and on resin wetting characteristics and mechanical properties is investigated, and it is determined that the lower shear strength of the tested composites, by comparison with epoxy resin matrix composites, is due to their correspondingly lower interfacial bond strengths. An investigation of the effect of the wettability of carbon fiber tow on shear strength shows wetting variations among resins that are too small to account for the large shear strength property differences observed.
Activation of chicken liver fructose- 1,6-bisphosphatase by oxidized glutathione.

Treatment of chicken liver fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase with oxidized glutathione (GSSG) leads to an increase in activity. This activation is markedly enhanced if treatment is performed in the presence of AMP or Mn2+. The effects of AMP and Mn2+ appear to be synergistic. The maximal activation is over 13-fold and is accompanied by the disappearance of 4 sulfhydryl groups per molecule of enzyme. Both fructose 1,6-bisphosphate and fructose 2,6-bisphosphate can largely prevent this activation. Activation can be reversed by dithiothreitol or cysteine. It appears that GSSG activates this enzyme by thiol/disulfide exchanges with the enzyme's specific sulfhydryl groups.
Organic field-effect transistor circuits using atomic layer deposited gate dielectrics patterned by reverse stamping

We report on a reverse stamping method to produce via-holes in circuits comprising acene-based top-gate organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) having a CYTOP/Al2O3 (by atomic layer deposition) bilayer gate dielectric. This method relies on the weak adhesive force that exists between a small molecule acene film and a polymer to enable easy delamination of the bilayer gate dielectric by using a PDMS stamp. We demonstrate the effectiveness of this method by fabricating simple circuits using top-gate triisopropylsilylethynyl pentacene (TIPS-pentacene)/poly (triarylamine) (PTAA) OFETs.
Fabrication and characterization of III-V compound semiconductor Bragg-Fresnel lenses for hard x-ray microfocusing

Abstract Hard x-ray phase Bragg-Fresnel lenses (BFLs) have been made in III–V semiconductors of (111) GaAs and InP, and in Si for comparison purposes. Diffractive linear and circular patterns were defined with conventional electron beam lithography. Pattern transfer was accomplished with reactive ion etching (RIE) using gases of BCl3/Cl2/SiCl4, CH4/H2/Ar, and BCl 3 Cl 2 , respectively. In addition, selective etching of heteroepitaxial GaAs devices for better process depth control was demonstrated by incorporating an epitaxial AlGaAs etch stop layer between the GaAs top layer and substrate and then etching with Cl 2 O 2 . Preliminary tests on focusing have been made at the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory (SSRL) showing the ability to focus a 50 micron x-ray beam to ∼5 microns for Si structures. This is an essential requirement for x-ray microprobe technology development which has wide applications in x-ray imaging, deep field x-ray lithography, and in probing nanometer scale complex fluids such as boundary lubrication layers.
Small and large firm regulatory costs: the case of the Sarbanes‐Oxley Act

Purpose – As a result of scandals concerning major financial crime in the early twenty‐first century, including accounting and auditing fraud and inappropriate behavior by directors on the boards of US corporations, Congress hurriedly enacted the Sarbanes‐Oxley Act (SOX) in 2002. SOX's major purpose was to restore investor confidence in America's securities markets. Small firms argued that their cost of compliance was very heavy and that their burden was greater than for larger firms, especially the costs related to section 404 of the Act, which dealt with new requirements to obtain independent audit opinions. The authors found no empirical research that supports or denies these claims. Subsequently, in 2007, the Securities and Exchange Commission reduced the Act's new audit requirements for small companies. This paper aims to examine audit fees for large and small firms.Design/methodology/approach – The study examines actual audit fee data to investigate the increased costs paid by publicly traded compan...
Transactivation of the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor in Colonic Epithelial Cells by Carbachol Requires Extracellular Release of Transforming Growth Factor-α

We have shown previously that the muscarinic agonist, carbachol (CCh), transactivates the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFr) via calmodulin, Pyk-2, and Src kinase activation. EGFr phosphorylation causes extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation and inhibits CCh-stimulated chloride secretion across intestinal epithelial cells. Here we investigated whether CCh-stimulated EGFr transactivation involves EGFr ligand release. Pre-incubation of T84 cell monolayers with a neutralizing antibody to the EGFr ligand binding domain decreased CCh-induced phosphorylation of EGFr and ERK. CCh-stimulated efflux of86Rb+ from T84 cell monolayers, which parallels changes in chloride secretion, was potentiated by anti-EGFr pre-incubation. Anti-EGFr did not reduce CCh-stimulated Pyk-2 phosphorylation. Co-incubation with the Src kinase inhibitor PP2 and anti-EGFr had an additive inhibitory effect on CCh-induced ERK phosphorylation greater than either inhibitor alone. CCh caused the basolateral release of transforming growth factor α (TGF-α) into T84 cell bathing media. A metalloproteinase inhibitor, WAY171318, reduced CCh-induced phosphorylation of ERK and completely blocked EGFr phosphorylation and TGF-α release. We conclude that CCh-stimulated EGFr transactivation and subsequent ERK activation, a pathway that limits CCh-induced chloride secretion, is mediated by metalloproteinase-dependent extracellular release of TGF-α and intracellular Src activation. These findings have important implications for our understanding of the role of growth factors in regulating epithelial ion secretion.
Animal Cell Differentiation Patterns Suppress Somatic Evolution

Cell differentiation in multicellular organisms has the obvious function during development of creating new cell types. However, in long-lived organisms with extensive cell turnover, cell differentiation often continues after new cell types are no longer needed or produced. Here, we address the question of why this is true. It is believed that multicellular organisms could not have arisen or been evolutionarily stable without possessing mechanisms to suppress somatic selection among cells within organisms, which would otherwise disrupt organismal integrity. Here, we propose that one such mechanism is a specific pattern of ongoing cell differentiation commonly found in metazoans with cell turnover, which we call “serial differentiation.” This pattern involves a sequence of differentiation stages, starting with self-renewing somatic stem cells and proceeding through several (non–self-renewing) transient amplifying cell stages before ending with terminally differentiated cells. To test the hypothesis that serial differentiation can suppress somatic evolution, we used an agent-based computer simulation of cell population dynamics and evolution within tissues. The results indicate that, relative to other, simpler patterns, tissues organized into serial differentiation experience lower rates of detrimental cell-level evolution. Self-renewing cell populations are susceptible to somatic evolution, while those that are not self-renewing are not. We find that a mutation disrupting differentiation can create a new self-renewing cell population that is vulnerable to somatic evolution. These results are relevant not only to understanding the evolutionary origins of multicellularity, but also the causes of pathologies such as cancer and senescence in extant metazoans, including humans.
Induction of heat-shock proteins and phagocytic function of chicken macrophage following in vitro heat exposure

Abstract The protein profiles and phagocytic ability of Sephadex-elicited chicken peritoneal macrophages were examined following heat-shock exposure. Macrophage cultures were exposed to various temperatures, time exposures and recovery periods. Densitometric analysis of SDS-PAGE autoradiographs revealed that heat-induced macrophages synthesized three major (23, 70 and 90 kD) heat-shock proteins (HSPs). The optimal temperature and time for induction of these HSPs was 45–46°C for 1 h, with a variable recovery period for each HSP. Macrophages exposed to 45°C for 30 and 60 min were significantly depressed in phagocytosis of uncoated sheep erythrocytes (SE) under 45°C incubation conditions. However, phagocytosis of antibody-coated SE was not affected when compared to 41°C control cultures. Macrophages allowed to recover at 41°C following heat-shock exhibited no alterations in their phagocytic ability for either antibody-coated or uncoated SE. This study suggests that heat shock induces three major HSPs in chicken peritoneal macrophages in addition to maintaining their Fc-mediated phagocytic function while significantly depressing their nonspecific phagocytosis.
Thermopreferendum of the rat: inter-and intra-subject variabilities

The thermopreferendum of male hooded rats was studied in a temporal thermal gradient. The preferred ambient temperature was found to be approximately 19°C. In addition to the thermopreferendum, three other physiological functions (resting body temperature, daily food intake, and daily ambulatory activity) were each measured in eight rats for 8 days. Overall variability of the thermopreferendum data was higher than that of body temperature and food intake data but lower than the variability of ambulatory activity data. Coefficients of inter- and intrasubject variabilities were computed for each of the four variables. Intersubject variability was equivalent in all variables, but intrasubject variability was smaller for thermopreferendum and activity than for food intake and core temperature. The thermopreferendum of 19°C is consistent with previously published results but inconsistent with the available data on the thermoneutral zone of the rat (27–28°C). The cause of this inconsistency remains to be determined.
Micromachined probes for characterization of submillimeter-wave on-wafer components

Terahertz components and devices are typically interfaced with measurement instrumentation and characterized using fixtures equipped with waveguide flanges or antennas. Such fixtures are known to introduce significant uncertainty and error in measurements. It is preferable to characterize such devices in-situ, where the device under test can be measured on-wafer, prior to dicing and separately from the circuit housing to which it is ultimately affixed. This is commonly done in the RF and millimeter-wave region with a probe station equipped with coplanar launchers. Commercial coplanar waveguide probes have generally been available to the WR-2.2 band (325—500 GHz) but few options currently exist for on-wafer measurements above these frequencies. This paper describes recent work at the University of Virginia and Dominion Microprobes, Inc. to extend on-wafer measurement capabilities to terahertz frequencies through the design and implementation of coplanar probes based on silicon micromachining. At present micromachined on-wafer probes operating to WR1.2 (600 to 900 GHz) have been demonstrated and exhibit typical insertion losses lower than 7 dB with return loss of 15 dB or greater over a full waveguide band.
High-order curvilinear finite elements for axisymmetric Lagrangian hydrodynamics

Abstract In this paper we present an extension of our general high-order curvilinear finite element approach for solving the Euler equations in a Lagrangian frame [1] to the case of axisymmetric problems. The numerical approximation of these equations is important in a number of applications of compressible shock hydrodynamics and the reduction of 3D problems with axial symmetry to 2D computations provides a significant computational advantage. Unlike traditional staggered-grid hydrodynamics (SGH) methods, which use the so-called “area-weighting” scheme, we formulate our semi-discrete axisymmetric conservation laws directly in 3D and reduce them to a 2D variational form in a meridian cut of the original domain. This approach is a natural extension of the high-order curvilinear finite element framework we have developed for 2D and 3D problems in Cartesian geometry, leading to a rescaled momentum conservation equation which includes new radial terms in the pressure gradient and artificial viscosity forces. We show that this approach exactly conserves energy and we demonstrate via computational examples that it also excels at preserving symmetry in problems with symmetric initial conditions. The results also illustrate that our computational method does not produce spurious symmetry breaking near the axis of rotation, as is the case with many area-weighted approaches.
The disintegration of neon and krypton by neutrons

Abstract A high-pressure gas scintillation counter filled with neon or krypton was used to study their disintegration cross sections for neutron bombardment. For neon, cross sections were measured from 6.2 to 10.7 MeV neutron energy with a neutron energy spread of about 60 keV. Partial cross sections were determined for which the residual nucleus of the reaction Ne20 (n, α)O17 was left in either its ground state or one of its first three excited states. For krypton, the cross section for disintegration by charged-particle emission was measured from 6.4 to 12 MeV neutron energy with a neutron energy spread of about 150 keV. Considerations based on reaction energetics and on the penetrability of the Coulomb barrier suggest that most of the observed krypton disintegrations correspond to (n, p) reactions.
Observation of free carrier redistribution resulting from stacking fault formation in annealed 4H-SiC

Bulk n+-4H-SiC wafers (n=1-2×1019 cm-3) containing annealing-induced stacking faults were examined by Raman scattering. The coupled plasmon-LO mode was observed to shift in a manner consistent with 1018 cm-3 doping in the 4H-SiC. Numerical simulations were performed using a self-consistent Poisson-Schrodinger solver and agree well with the experimental observations of carrier transfer from the 4H-SiC into the 3C-SiC stacking faults. The Raman data also shows that the 3C stacking faults induce a tensile strain on the surrounding 4H-SiC regions.
Synthesis of a novel fluorescent polyriboadenylic acid analog by polynucleotide phosphorylase

Poly(1,N6-etheno-2-aza-adenylic acid) [poly(2-aza-eA)] was synthesized from 1,N6-etheno-2-aza-adenosine 5′-diphosphate (2-aza-eADP) and Escherichia coli polynucleotide phosphorylase. The values Km = 1.02 mM, V = 1.06 μmol hr−1 enzyme unit−1 were found for the polymerization reaction. In contrast to polyadenylic acid, this novel fluorescent polymer has a random structure in solution. The application of the 2-aza-eADP for localization of polynucleotide phosphorylase was also described.
Factors Associated with Public Health Nurses' Perceptions of Skill in Chemical Dependency Assessment and Referral:

A public health nursing agency initiated plans to develop a program to improve nurses' skill in obtaining and evaluating drug-taking behavior and to improve nurses' actual referral behavior. The fi...
A quantitative measure for information content in antenna array radiation patterns

We present a novel approach to quantifying and optimizing the amount of information available in radiation patterns. The technique presented and the results obtained are applicable on a broad scale, including those in infrared, nanophotonics and other non-intrusive sensing techniques. We investigate the amount of information lost due to limitations of the detector system. The method, which is based on information principles developed by Shannon, expands on the many conventional approaches to optimizing performance of sensors. The fundamental question of how many bits of information can be extracted by any sensor is addressed. We focus on answering this question for the measurement of the radiation pattern from an antenna array. The effects of a finite detector size, on the structure of the radiation pattern, are presented, and we quantify the relationship between loss of structure and loss of information. The work presented may be extended to a wide range of applications, including remote sensing. While the information content of antenna array radiation patterns is based on the spatial distribution of photons, the method presented is general and may be applied to a variety of distributions, such as lineshape functions, important in spectroscopy, where the information is contained in the frequency distribution of photons.
Providing emergency contraceptive pills “behind-the-counter”: opinions among Minnesota healthcare providers

We assessed strategies to increase access to emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) among healthcare providers in Minnesota. We hypothesized that physicians, mid-level practitioners (nurse practitioners, certified nurse midwives and physician assistants) and pharmacists would support collaborative drug therapy agreements to enable pharmacist provision of ECPs without a prescription ("behind-the-counter"). We assessed these and other strategies to improve access to ECPs among a random sample of 1000 healthcare providers using mailed surveys. Obtaining a 50% response rate (n = 495), we discovered that the majority of total respondents (and a significant proportion of physicians) favored improving ECP availability "behind-the-counter", over-the-counter or both. Support among mid-level practitioners was more guarded: 39% of respondents supported pharmacist provision of ECPs and more than 20% wanted more information. Among pharmacists, 46% said they would participate in a collaborative protocol for provision of ECPs. Results demonstrate the degree of support and illuminate potential obstacles to pharmacist-provided ECPs. While there is general support among Minnesota providers regarding ECPs, a campaign to educate providers about recent scientific data on ECPs and collaborative drug therapy agreements should be initiated.
Structured and Simultaneous Lyapunov Functions for System Stability Problems

It is shown that many system stability and robustness problems can be reduced to the question of when there is a quadratic Lyapunov function of a certain structure which establishes stability of x = Ax for some appropriate A. The existence of such a Lyapunov function can be determined by solving a convex program. We present several numerical methods for these optimization problems. A simple numerical example is given. Proofs can be found in Boyd and Yang [BY88].
A note on immersed interface method for three-dimensional elliptic equations

Abstract The Immersed Interface Method proposed by LeVeque and Li [1] is extended to three-dimensional elliptic equations of the form: ∇·(β(x)∇u(x))+κ(x)u(x)=f(x). We study the situation in which there is an irregular interface (surface) S contained in the solution domain across which β, κ and f may be discontinuous or even singular. As a result, the solution u will usually be nonsmooth or even discontinuous. A finite difference approach with a uniform Cartesian grid is used in the discretization. Local truncation error analysis is performed to estimate the accuracy of the numerical solution.
Short‐chain organic acidemia and Reye's syndrome

Short-chain fatty acids were determined prior to therapy in seven patients with Reye's syndrome. Elevated concentrations of propionate, butyrate, and isobutyrate were found in all patients. Isovalerate concentrations were high in three patients. In view of the fact that the administration of certain short-chain fatty acids to experimental animals results in coma, electroencephalographic changes, and fatty accumulation in the viscera, the elevations of short-chain fatty acid concentrations observed in the present study suggest that these fatty acids may play a role in the clinical manifestations of Reye's syndrome.
Characteristics of High School Girls Choosing Traditional or Pioneer Vocations

The characteristics of high school junior and senior girls who wish to be pioneers, i.e., physicians, mathematicians, or natural scientists, were compared with traditionals, i.e., prospective nurses and elementary teachers. Academic aptitude, achievement, interest, and personality measures differentiated pioneers from traditionals. The implications of this study for counseling high school girls is discussed.
Detection of Non-Gaussian Signals in White Gaussian Noise under a Low Energy Coherence Assumption

In this paper we consider the problem of detecting a non-Gaussian signal in white Gaussian noise. We make a low energy coherence (LEC) assumption and derive receiver structures and performance bounds. We apply some of our results to the detection of spread spectrum or digitally modulated signals in white Gaussian noise.