cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Beneath the Leaf-litter: Can Salamander Personality Influence Forest-floor Dynamics?

Ecological research demonstrates how intraspecific phenotypic variation can have consequences for community dynamics. However, the effects of animal personalities (i.e., intraspecific behavioral variation) on ecological processes remains relatively understudied. Using Red-backed Salamanders (Plethodon cinereus) and the detrital food web as a model system, we conducted a laboratory mesocosm experiment to explore whether or not the personality type of a top-level predator could affect the community structure within a complex, terrestrial food web. We used behavioral assays to investigate the repeatability of salamander behaviors, and classified individuals as either active or inactive. We then subjected laboratory mesocosms to one of four treatments for 3 mo: one active salamander, one inactive salamander, control (no salamander), and a pre-experimental reference. Our results indicate that the effect of P. cinereus on the detrital food web might be behaviorally mediated, with only the most active salamanders affecting community structure. Specifically, mesocosms housing active salamanders contained less diverse invertebrate communities than all other treatments. This difference was primarily driven by springtails, which were more abundant within mesocosms housing active salamanders. We also found that salamander personality was associated with cover board use inside mesocosms, with inactive salamanders exhibiting a more philopatric use of cover objects than active individuals. Leaf-litter degradation did not differ between treatments, indicating that the ecological effects of salamanders were too weak to influence basal resources within the detrital food web. Our study prompts further questions regarding the potential for animal personalities to influence ecological processes within terrestrial communities.
The Effects of 5-Fluorouracil/Leucovorin Chemotherapy on Cognitive Function in Male Mice

5-Fluorouracil (5-Fu) and leucovorin (LV) are often given in combination to treat colorectal cancer. 5-Fu/LV prevents cell proliferation by inhibiting thymidylate synthase, which catalyzes the conversion of deoxyuridine monophosphate to deoxythymidine monophosphate. While 5-Fu has been shown to cause cognitive impairment, the synergistic effect of 5-Fu with LV has not been fully explored. The present investigation was designed to assess how the combination of 5-Fu and LV affect cognition in a murine model. Six-month-old male mice were used in this study; 15 mice received saline injections and 15 mice received 5-Fu/LV injections. One month after treatment, the elevated plus maze, Y-maze, and Morris water maze behavioral tasks were performed. Brains were then extracted, cryosectioned, and stained for CD68 to assay microglial activation and with tomato lectin to assay the vasculature. All animals were able to locate the visible and hidden platform locations in the water maze. However, a significant impairment in spatial memory retention was observed in the probe trial after the first day of hidden-platform training (first probe trial) in animals that received 5-Fu/LV, but these animals showed spatial memory retention by day 5. There were no significant increases in inflammation as measured by CD68, but 5-Fu/LV treatment did modulate blood vessel morphology. Tandem mass tag proteomics analysis identified 6,049 proteins, 7 of which were differentially expressed with a p-value of 1.5. The present data demonstrate that 5-Fu/LV increases anxiety and significantly impairs spatial memory retention.
The Durapolist Puzzle: Monopoly Power in Durable-Goods Market

This Article studies the durapolist, the durable-goods monopolist. Durapolists have long argued that, unlike perishable-goods monopolists, they face difficulties in exercising market power despite their monopolistic position. During the past thirty years, economists have extensively studied the individual arguments durapolists deploy regarding their inability to exert market power. While economists have confirmed some of these arguments, a general framework for analyzing durapolists as a distinct group of monopolists has not emerged. This Article offers such a framework. It first presents the problems of durapolists in exercising market power and explains how courts have treated these problems. It then analyzes the strategies durapolists have devised to overcome difficulties in acquiring and maintaining monopoly power and the legal implications of these strategies. This Article's major contributions are (a) expanding the conceptual scope of the durapolist problem, (b) presenting the durapolist problem as an explanation for many common business practices employed by durapolists, and (c) analyzing the legal implications of strategies employed to overcome the durapolist problem.
De Bow's Review: The Antebellum Vision of a New South. By John F. Kvach. (Lexington, KY: University Press of Kentucky, 2013. Pp. 270. $50.00.)

Scholars studying the antebellum South invariably examine De Bow's Review for insights into economic development and secessionist sentiments in the late 1850s. The author of this study explores the...
Denialists' Deck of Cards: An Illustrated Taxonomy of Rhetoric Used to Frustrate Consumer Protection Efforts

The Denalists' Deck of Cards is a humorous illustration of how libertarian policy groups use denialism. In this context, denialism is the use of rhetorical techniques and predictable tactics to erect barriers to debate and consideration of any type of reform, regardless of the facts. Giveupblog.com has identified five general tactics used by denialists: conspiracy, selectivity, the fake expert, impossible expectations, and metaphor. The Denialists' Deck of Cards builds upon this description by providing specific examples of advocacy techniques. The point of listing denialists' arguments in this fashion is to show the rhetorical progression of groups that are not seeking a dialogue but rather an outcome. As such, this taxonomy is extremely cynical, but it is a reflection of and reaction to how poor the public policy debates in Washington have become. The Deck is drawn upon my experience as a lawyer working on consumer protection in Washington, DC. Where possible, I have provided specific examples of denialism, but in many cases, these arguments are used only in closed negotiations. Some who read them find the examples humorous, while others find it troubling. But all who read the Washington Post will recognize these tactics; they are ubiquitous and quite effective. This taxonomy provides a roadmap for consumer advocates to understand the resistance they will face with almost any form of consumer reform. I hope to expand it to include retorts to each argument in the future.
L-Triiodothyronine aminotransferase.

Abstract An enzyme which catalyzes the transamination of l-triiodothyronine and of halogenated and nitrated tyrosines has been detected in the soluble fraction of a variety of rabbit organs. Kidney and liver had the highest specific activities of this enzyme which was isolated from the latter source. The most purified fraction was enriched approximately 1,900- and 650-fold for l-triiodothyronine and 3,5-dinitro-l-tyrosine aminotransferase activities, respectively. Electrophoresis on polyacrylamide gels suggested that it was about 70% pure. The molecular weight estimated by gradient centrifugation was 95,000, and a value of 48,000 was obtained by disc gel electrophoresis in sodium dodecyl sulfate. Activities for the transamination of 3-iodo-l-tyrosine, 3,5-diiodo-l-tyrosine, and l-thyroxine were also copurified during the isolation procedure. The apparent Michaelis constants and turnover numbers for the different substrates were: l-triiodothyronine, 0.034 mm and 1.9 moles per min per mole of enzyme; l-thyroxine, 0.2 and 1.4; 3,5-diiodo-l-tyrosine, 0.9 and 66; 3-iodo-l-tyrosine, 3.8 and 221; 3,5-dinitro-l-tyrosine, 4.4 and 2391. Transamination of either l-triiodothyronine or 3,5-dinitro-l-tyrosine was dependent upon the presence of α-ketoglutarate and of 2-mercaptoethanol. There was a partial requirement for pyridoxal phosphate. Triiodothyronine could be regenerated from its reaction product using purified aminotransferase and l-glutamate. When 3,5-dinitro-l-tyrosine was used as substrate, molar equivalents of 3,5-dinitro-p-hydroxyphenylpyruvic acid and glutamic acid were produced. The specificity of the enzyme for amino acids was markedly influenced by the α-keto acid substrate. Pyruvate or oxalacetate could replace α-ketoglutarate when l-triiodothyronine was the amino group donor, but were ineffective with 3,5-dinitro-l-tyrosine and only partially effective with the iodinated tyrosines. Thus, in the presence of these α-keto acids, the enzyme became relatively specific for l-triiodothyronine.
Foundations of dynamic traffic assignment : the past, the present and the future

Dynamic Traffic Assignment (DTA) has evolved substantially since the pioneering work of Merchant and Nemhauser. Numerous formulations and solutions approaches have been introduced ranging from mathematical programming, to variational inequality, optimal control, and simulation-based. The aim of this special issue is to document the main existing DTA approaches for future reference. This opening paper will summarize the current understanding of DTA, review the existing literature, make the connection to the approaches presented in this special issue, and attempt to hypothesize about the future.
Effects of environmental toxicants on metabolic activity of natural microbial communities.

Two methods of measuring microbial activity were used to study the effects of toxicants on natural microbial communities. The methods were compared for suitability for toxicity testing, sensitivity, and adaptability to field applications. This study included measurements of the incorporation of 14C-labeled acetate into microbial lipids and microbial glucosidase activity. Activities were measured per unit biomass, determined as lipid phosphate. The effects of various organic and inorganic toxicants on various natural microbial communities were studied. Both methods were useful in detecting toxicity, and their comparative sensitivities varied with the system studied. In one system, the methods showed approximately the same sensitivities in testing the effects of metals, but the acetate incorporation method was more sensitive in detecting the toxicity of organic compounds. The incorporation method was used to study the effects of a point source of pollution on the microbiota of a receiving stream. Toxic doses were found to be two orders of magnitude higher in sediments than in water taken from the same site, indicating chelation or adsorption of the toxicant by the sediment. The microbiota taken from below a point source outfall was 2 to 100 times more resistant to the toxicants tested than was that taken from above the outfall. Downstream filtrates in most cases had an inhibitory effect on the natural microbiota taken from above the pollution source. The microbial methods were compared with commonly used bioassay methods, using higher organisms, and were found to be similar in ability to detect comparative toxicities of compounds, but were less sensitive than methods which use standard media because of the influences of environmental factors.
Absolute stability under uncertainties satisfying reciprocal relations

Considers an uncertain system described by uncertain matrices which may be time varying. The objective of this paper is to consider the stability problem of such a system. The result is formulated as a linear matrix inequality for which efficient algorithms are available.
Varying RGD Concentration and Cell Phenotype Alters the Expression of Extracellular Matrix Genes in Vocal Fold Fibroblasts

The impact of RGD integrin binding-peptide concentration and cell phenotype on directing extracellular matrix (ECM) gene expression in vocal fold fibroblasts is little understood. Less is known about cell response to RGD concentration on a biomaterial when fibroblasts are in a scar-like environment compared to a healthy environment. We investigated the effects of varying RGD integrin-binding peptide surface concentration on ECM gene expression of elastin, collagen type 3 alpha 1, decorin, fibronectin, hyaluronan synthase 2, and collagen type 1 alpha 2 in scarred and unscarred immortalized human vocal fold fibroblasts (I-HVFFs). Phenotype and RGD concentration affected ECM gene expression. Phenotype change from healthy to myofibroblast-like resulted in ECM gene up-regulation for all genes tested, except for decorin. Systematically altering RGD concentration affected the expression of elastin and collagen type 3 alpha 1 in a myofibroblast phenotype. Specifically greater up-regulation in gene expression was observed with higher RGD concentrations. This research demonstrates that controlling RGD concentration may influence ECM gene expression levels in fibroblasts. Such knowledge is critical in developing the next generation of bioactive materials that, when implanted into sites of tissue damage and scarring, will direct cells to regenerate healthy tissues with normal ECM ratios and morphologies.
Dexter kozen: an appreciation

I have known Dexter for 30 years, which, of course, means that I was 9 when I first met him. At that time, Dexter was already "the man". Although he was only a few years ahead of me, he had already made his name by independently defining the notion of alternating Turing machines, a deep contribution to complexity theory that made it possible to connect time and space complexity. The results were viewed as so significant that it was already being taught in a graduate course on complexity theory that I attended. Of even more interest to me at the time was Dexter's work on modal logic, since a large part of my thesis was on dynamic logic. Finding a sound and complete axiomatization for dynamic logic had been an open problem for many years. Krister Segerberg had suggested an obviously sound axiomatization, but couldn't prove it complete. Rohit Parikh [7] showed that it was indeed complete, but his proof was rather complicated. Dexter then came up with a much simpler proof, one that got at the essence of Rohit's ideas; this version was published as [6]. The proof is truly beautiful. I have taught it often, and used the ideas in a number of subsequent papers (e.g., [3,4]).
Numbers from Nowhere: The American Indian Contact Population Debate

Numbers from Nowhere: The American Indian Contact Population Debate. David Henige. Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 1998. 532 pp.
Thin metal encapsulation of fission foils and oxide discs by resistance welding

Abstract The Interlaboratory LMFBR Reaction Rate (ILRR) Program was established in 1971 by the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission, Division of Reactor Research and Development. The objective of this program was the development of the capability to precisely measure neutron-induced reaction rates of LMFBR fuels and related materials. The Isotope Research Materials Laboratory of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory has been actively involved in development and fabrication of various types of dosimeters to meet the demands of this program since its inception. One type of dosimeter utilized in this program has been thin metallic and oxide discs of uranium, plutonium, and neptunium isotopes. Because of the extreme reactivity and radiotoxicity of these materials, it has been necessary to fabricate these dosimeters with a welded closure. The stringent dimensional specifications and the extreme thinness of the container materials precluded the use of conventional welding techniques. This report describes the equipment and procedures employed to attain the welded closures required to hermetically seal these thin metal containers.
Addendum to "Hadronic corrections to the annihilation rate of heavy vector mesons to lepton pairs"

Further discussion of the hadronic corrections to the van Royen--Weisskopf formula is presented.
The Effect of Methylene Blue on the Oxygen Consumption and Respiratory Quotient of Normal and Tumor Tissue

Dickens and Simer (1930 b ), from their studies of normal and tumor metabolism, concluded that there is a definite defect in the oxidation of carbohydrate by tumor tissue, since tumors possess both high glycolysis and low oxidative carbohydrate metabolism, a combination not found in normal tissues. Barron (1930) found that methylene blue increased the oxygen consumption of only those tissues having aerobic glycolysis, and that this catalytic effect was roughly proportional to the fermentative power of the tissue. Thus, both human and animal tumors, which constantly possess an aerobic glycolysis—usually a marked one—showed an increase in the oxygen consumption of 19.2 to 116 per cent after the addition of methylene blue, which serves, therefore, as a respiratory enzyme. At the suggestion of Professor W. O. Fenn, in vitro experiments were conducted to test the possibility of supplementing the oxidative enzyme system of tumors by methylene blue so as to permit the oxidation of lactic acid and thus raise their respiratory quotient. With a normal type of metabolism the tumor cell might attain also a normal growth. The results showed, however, that the R.Q. was not increased.
Dye Dispersion in the Seasonal Thermocline

Abstract A dye dispersion experiment was performed in September, 1979, in the open ocean approximately 180 km off the east coast of Florida. An initially vertical sheet of dye extending from about 60 to 100 meters in depth and about 10 kilometers long was dispensed into the seasonal thermocline. Its subsequent evolution was recorded with an instrumented chain that included 25 fluorometers, which was towed back and forth across the dye sheet by another vessel. The dye sheet was crossed 17 times at ages varying from 6 minutes to slightly less than 4 hours. Two of the most apparent effects in the data were the important of vertical shear and the presence of intermittency in the dye time series. It is found that the depth-averaged width of the dye sheet grows as time to the 3/2 power. There is good evidence that a shear-diffusion interaction is responsible for this growth, which implies an effective vertical diffusivity of (1.0 ± 0.5) cm−2 s−1. Even though this is an upper-ocean experiment, there is some cons...
Use of formal derivative for extremizing real-valued functions of complex variables

The extremum of a real-valued nonanalytic function of a complex variable that defies Cauchy-Riemann equations can be found using formal derivatives. This letter shows how the first and second derivative tests can be recast via formal gradient and formal Hessian. The elegance of the method is illustrated with examples.
HELIUM EMBRITTLEMENT IN TYPE 304 STAINLESS STEEL.

Abstract Helium was uniformly injected into small tensile samples of type 304 (austenitic) stainless steel to concentrations of 1 × 10−7 and 3 × 10−5 atom fraction helium. Subsequent tensile testing above 540 °C revealed progressive ductility loss—as measured by total elongation at rupture—with increasing temperature. This effect was more severe in samples with the high helium content where elongations at 760 °C were a third or less of those of control samples. Yield and tensile strengths remained unaltered by the presence of helium. Above 650 °C, grain boundary sliding, which results in intergranular cracking, becomes important. The cracks begin as voids on carbide particles which act as obstacles to grain boundary sliding. In the presence of helium, bubbles attach themselves to these carbide particles and serve as void nuclei, thereby accelerating the process. Bubbles were also more prevalent on grain boundaries, dislocations and inclusion particles than isolated in the matrix.
Social Network and Individual Correlates of Sexual Risk Behavior Among Homeless Young Men Who Have Sex With Men

Abstract Purpose There is growing interest in network-based interventions to reduce HIV sexual risk behavior among both homeless youth and men who have sex with men. The goal of this study was to better understand the social network and individual correlates of sexual risk behavior among homeless young men who have sex with men (YMSM) to inform these HIV prevention efforts. Methods A multistage sampling design was used to recruit a probability sample of 121 homeless YMSM (ages: 16–24 years) from shelters, drop-in centers, and street venues in Los Angeles County. Face-to-face interviews were conducted. Because of the different distributions of the three outcome variables, three distinct regression models were needed: ordinal logistic regression for unprotected sex, zero-truncated Poisson regression for number of sex partners, and logistic regression for any sex trade. Results Homeless YMSM were less likely to engage in unprotected sex and had fewer sex partners if their networks included platonic ties to peers who regularly attended school, and had fewer sex partners if most of their network members were not heavy drinkers. Most other aspects of network composition were unrelated to sexual risk behavior. Individual predictors of sexual risk behavior included older age, Hispanic ethnicity, lower education, depressive symptoms, less positive condom attitudes, and sleeping outdoors because of nowhere else to stay. Conclusions HIV prevention programs for homeless YMSM may warrant a multipronged approach that helps these youth strengthen their ties to prosocial peers, develop more positive condom attitudes, and access needed mental health and housing services.
Localization of position within a homogeneous behavior chain: Effects of error contingencies

Abstract Rats' localization within a homogeneous behavior chain was investigated by differentially reinforcing food-tray entries on the basis of their location within a lever-press chain. Variables of major interest were the minimum number of lever presses required for a reinforced tray entry and error contingencies. The error-contingent events manipulated were timeout and initialization of the lever-press requirement. Following reinforced tray entries, number of lever presses preceding the next tray entry was a direct function of the minimum lever-press requirement, except when errors had no programmed consequences. In the latter case, location of tray entries progressively undershot the minimum press requirement. Following nonreinforced tray entries, the number of lever presscs to the next tray entry was related to the minimum press requirement only if errors initialized the minimum requirement. These results, as well as various sequential dependencies, were considered in light of the unitary-response hypothesis and the response chaining hypothesis. Particular consideration was given to the implications of these results for a response-unit analysis of the effects of partial reinforcement on extinction and for the general issue of stimulus control across homogeneous behavior chains.
Diversification of CD1 proteins: sampling the lipid content of different cellular compartments.

Four human CD1 isoforms (CD1a, -b,-c and -d) are now known to be antigen presenting molecules with the unique ability to present lipid antigens to T cells. CD1b and CD1d are found in acidic, late endocytic compartments, whereas CD1a and CD1c molecules accumulate at the plasma membrane and in early endosomes. Consistent with their differences in intracellular localization, most studies show antigen presentation by CD1b/CD1d to be dependent on endosomal acidification while CD1a/CD1c mediated antigen presentation is not. Taken together, recent advances in the analysis of CD1 molecules reinforce the hypothesis that the different CD1 isoforms are specialized to survey the lipid content of distinct intracellular compartments. This may help to explain the duplication and diversification of CD1 genes in humans and other mammalian species.
Mixer and beamforming advances in millimeter-wave imaging

Millimeter-wave imaging diagnostics have been developed in the 50∼150 GHz region which provide 2D localized measurements of electron temperature and electron density fluctuations inside magnetic fusion plasma devices. New mixer and antenna geometries are being developed to extend these techniques to THz frequencies. Also under investigation are beam shaping techniques which offer the possibility of matching the illumination and receive beams in real time to density profile changes as the plasma evolves.
Enzyme immunoassay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

inTrOducTiOn Enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) are both widely used as diagnostic tools in medicine and as quality control measures in various industries; they are also used as analytical tools in biomedical research for the detection and quantification of specific antigens or antibodies in a given sample. These two procedures share similar basic principles and are derived from the radioimmunoassay (RIA). RIA was first described by Berson and Yalow (Yalow and Berson, 1960), for which Yalow was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1977, to measure endogenous plasma insulin. RIA was then developed into a novel technique to detect and measure biological molecules present in very small quantities, paving the way for the analysis and detection of countless other biological molecules, including hormones, peptides, and proteins. Because of the safety concern regarding its use of radioactivity, RIA assays were modified by replacing the radioisotope with an enzyme, thus creating the modern-day EIA and ELISA.
Effective Strategies for Developing Academic English: Professional Development and Teacher Practices

The development of academic English and advanced literacy is crucial for student success, especially for English language learners. In this study, researchers used a survey to investigate which instructional strategies 108 fourth- and fifth-grade teachers learned in professional development and found to be effective for providing English learners with access to the curriculum. In addition, Likert-scaled items asked teachers to report the frequency with which they used strategies that were found to be effective based on a review of the literature. Findings indicated that teachers were frequently using research-based instructional strategies that related to cognitive and metacognitive comprehension strategy instruction and the direct instruction of academic language. However, strategies related to comprehensible input and opportunities for practice were cited as effective by only 27% and 26% of all teachers respectively. This indicates that teachers may need more practice with these strategies, or more time...
On the Use of the Earth Resources Technology Satellite ( LANDSAT-1 ) in Optical Oceanography

Observations of the Gulf Stream System in the Gulf of Mexico were obtained in synchronization with LANDSAT-1. Computer enhanced images, which are necessary to extract useful oceanic information, show that the current can be observed by color (diffuse radiance) or sea state (specular radiance) effects associated with the cyclonic boundary even in the absence of a surface thermal signature. The color effect relates to the spectral variations in the optical properties of the water and its suspended particles, and is studied by radiative transfer theory. Significant oceanic parameters identified are: the probability of forward scattering, and the ratio of scattering to total attenuation. Several spectra of upwelling diffuse light are computed as a function of the concentration of particles and yellow substance.
Delayed-enhancement cardiovascular magnetic resonance identifies fibrous tissue in children after surgery for congenital heart disease

Objectives To determine whether delayed-enhancement magnetic resonance imaging can identify fibrous tissue associated with patch reconstructions in postoperative patients with congenital heart disease. Additionally, to determine whether fibrous structures not directly related to the surgical reconstruction exhibited delayed enhancement. Methods Seventy-three patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging. Studies were retrospectively reviewed for the presence of delayed enhancement along the ventricular outflow tracts, cardiac valves, and where available, the ascending aorta. Three groups were identified. Group A patients (n = 34) underwent right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction and ventricular septal defect patch closure. Group B patients (n = 33) had never undergone cardiac surgery. Group C patients (n = 6) had functional single ventricle and underwent Norwood reconstruction. Results In group A, 31 of 34 patients had delayed enhancement of the right ventricular outflow tract, and 14 of 34 had delayed enhancement of the ventricular septal defect patch ( P P = .002) and 10 of 26 ( P = .05) group A patients, respectively, compared with 2 of 33 and 3 of 24 group B patients. In group C, delayed enhancement of the Norwood reconstruction was observed in 5 of 6 patients ( P = .002). Conclusions Delayed-enhancement imaging detects fibrous tissue along regions of reconstruction in patients who have had surgery for congenital heart disease. Furthermore, delayed-enhancement imaging detects fibrous tissue in regions not directly related to the reconstructive surgery, including cardiac valves and the wall of the ascending aorta.
Self-encoded spread spectrum synchronization with genetic algorithm and Markov chain analysis

In self-encoded spread spectrum (SESS), the traditional transmitting and receiving PN code generators are not needed. Instead, the spreading codes are extracted from the user's information source, resulting in time-varying random codes. In this paper, we analyze SESS synchronization by means of a genetic model and Markov chain. This approach employs genetic search algorithm in the sequence generation and revision. Initial acquisition is achieved when the transmitter spreading sequence has been reproduced at the receiver to within an acceptable number of initial chip errors. In tracking, the reproduced sequence with initial chip errors is then transited into the error-free state. The analytical and simulation results demonstrate the veracity of genetic model and Markov chain analysis for SESS synchronization.
Mechanisms of benzene carcinogenesis: Application of a physiological model of benzene pharmacokinetics and metabolism

A physiological pharmacokinetic model for benzene, incorporating metabolic transformations, is used to explore why benzene, but not phenol--its primary metabolite--is carcinogenic at many sites in rats. The model has been parametrized using in vitro or in vivo experimental data. Ranges, rather than fixed values, were assigned to the parameters. The model-predicted levels of phenol and hydroquinone in the tissues are consistently higher when phenol, rather than benzene, is administered. This result demonstrates that the differential carcinogenicity of the two compounds is not explainable in the context of this pharmacokinetic analysis. It also indicates that the phenol-hydroquinone pathway alone is unlikely to account for the carcinogenic effects of benzene. Other metabolites must therefore also be involved.
The patterns of wingless, decapentaplegic, and tinman position the Drosophila heart.

Two secreted signaling molecules, wingless (wg) and decapentaplegic (dpp), are required to specify the heart in Drosophila. wg and dpp are also required to specify other cell types within the mesoderm and in many other regions of the embryo. Because the spatial patterns of wg and dpp are dynamic, different populations of mesodermal cells are exposed to different combinations of wg and/or dpp at different times. To determine whether the patterns of wg and dpp expression provide unique positional information for the specification of heart precursors, we altered these patterns. Our data suggest that wg and dpp contribute progressively to the elaboration of the expression pattern of the mesoderm-specific homeobox-containing gene tinman (tin), and that the overlap of wg and dpp at an early stage (9) as well as at a later stage (11) in the presence of tin-expressing cells directs cardiac-specific differentiation. Furthermore, ectopic tin expression in the ectoderm at wg/dpp intersects (the primordia of the thoracic imaginal disks) also leads to cardiac-specific differentiation, suggesting that tin confers mesoderm-specificity to the wg/dpp response. We conclude that ectopic heart can be generated by altering the patterns of wg and dpp within the tin-expressing mesoderm, or by ectopic induction of tin within the wg- and dpp-expressing ectoderm.
The weight, shape, and speed of the universe

Present astronomical data indicate an unbound universe with density ∼1.6 × 10−31 g cm−3 in which galaxies could not have formed gravitationally. We show how magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) processes allow galaxy formation in an open anisotropic MHD universe with shear, rotation, and fluid flow. The dipole anisotropy of the microwave background radiation sets their respective first-order values at 3.7×10−15 yr−1, 10−14 yr−1, and 5×10−4c. Second-order effects of Maxwell and Reynolds stresses require that the magnetic field, shear, and Hubble expansion be 10−8 G, 3.7×10−15 yr−1, and 10−10 yr−1 (100 km sec−1 Mpc−1). The model is rigidly self-consistent, predicting both the recent value of the Hubble expansion above and of the shear (≲ 9×10−15 yr−1) given by the microwave background's recently measured quadrupole anisotropy.
Prototype system for automated sorting and removal of bags of hazardous waste

In this paper, we present a low-cost vision based system for handling of hazardous waste in an unstructured environment. The prototype system described shows the feasibility of sorting and removal of randomly mixed and oriented flexible objects from a bin using inexpensive and widely available hardware. Our experiments show that the utilization of even the simplest constructs is sufficient for the manipulation of flexible objects.
The Application of Statistical Pattern-Recognition Techniques in Dating Ancient Architectural Construction:

This paper explores the application of statistical pattern-recognition methods, discriminant analysis in particular, to the problems of classifying and of dating remains of Byzantine brick construction in Constantinople and Asia Minor. The technique is introduced and compared to other relevant multivariate statistical methods; results of analysis are presented and discussed; substantive conclusions are drawn; and the strengths and weaknesses of the approach are critically discussed.
Tuberculosis vaccine development: research, regulatory and clinical strategies.

In the past decade, while the global tuberculosis (TB) epidemic has continued to devastate mankind, considerable progress has nevertheless been made in the development of new and improved vaccines for this ancient disease. Recombinant bacillus Calmette–Guerin strains, DNA-based vaccines, live attenuated Mycobacterium tuberculosis vaccines and subunit vaccines formulated with novel adjuvants have shown promise in preclinical animal challenge models. Three of these vaccines are being evaluated at present in human clinical studies, and several other vaccine preparations are being targeted for clinical trials in the near future. Although the preclinical characterisation and testing of new TB vaccines has clearly led to exciting new findings, complex regulatory and clinical trial design issues remain as a challenge to TB vaccine development. This report reviews some of the exciting advances in TB research that have led to the development of new TB vaccines, and addresses the unique regulatory and clinical issu...
The open reading frames in the 3' long terminal repeats of several mouse mammary tumor virus integrants encode V beta 3-specific superantigens.

Mice expressing the minor lymphocyte stimulation antigens, Mls-1a, -2a, or -3a, singly on the B10.BR background have been generated. Mls phenotypes correlate with the integration of mouse mammary tumor viruses (MTV) in the mouse genome. The open reading frames within the 3' long terminal repeats of the integrated MTVs 1, 3, 6, and 13 encode V beta 3-specific superantigens. Sequence data for these viral superantigens is presented, indicating that it is the COOH-terminal portion of the viral superantigen that interacts with the T cell receptor V beta element.
Patterns in the compositions, properties, and geochemistry of carbonate minerals

The diversity of carbonate minerals is remarkable, if largely unappreciated. For example, 277 carbonate-bearing minerals have been recognized, and among them are 158 pure carbonates of cations with valences from 1+ to 6+. The other 119 minerals additionally contain chloride, fluoride, borate, sulfate, phosphate, arsenate, arsenite, antimonate, or silicate groups, or combinations of those anions. However, combinations of anions with cations are not uniformly distributed, so that there are no bicarbonates or simple carbonates of highly-charged cations, few hydrated or OH-bearing minerals of monovalent cations, and few U-bearing carbonates with anions other than CO3 2, OH−, and O2−. On the other hand, simple carbonates of divalent cations, OH-bearing Al carbonates, and fluoride-bearing carbonates of rare-earth elements are remarkably numerous. Many of these trends can be related to the coordination chemistry of cations in the solutions from which these minerals form. Among nearly all the carbonate-bearing minerals, ionic potential of the cations is a major control on the extent of hydration. Degree of hydration is in turn a major control on hardness, density, and solubility. Among the simple carbonates, hardness, density, and positions of spectroscopic peaks vary linearly with cation radius or mass, although such trends usually exist only within crystallographic groups or only within cation groups defined by the periodic table. In contrast, geochemical parameters, such as solubility and fractionation of oxygen isotopes, vary with degree ofcation fit in the 6-fold or 9-fold site of the rhombohedral and orthorhombic simple carbonates, so that there is not a linear variation with cation size. The same is true for the distribution coefficients of cations in calcite and aragonite. Patterns thus emerge among the compositions, properties, and geochemistry of the carbonate minerals, with cationic potential and type as a major influence on composition, with degree of hydration and cation radius or mass as a control on physical and spectroscopic properties, but with cation fit as the major control on geochemical parameters. These patterns allow qualitative prediction of mineral properties and help explain the origins of some of the major problems in carbonate petrology.
Evaluating cocited author search performance in a collaborative specialty

Methode et resultats d'une analyse de citation de coauteurs dans la version en ligne du Social Science Citation Index dans le domaine de la genetique de la drosophile
Effect of atomic-state coherence and spontaneous emission on three-level dynamics

For a three-level atom in the {ital ssV} configuration (i.e., having two excited states each dipole-coupled to a common ground state), we have found a particular linear combination of bare-atom states in which Rabi oscillations and their associated collapses and revivals do not occur. Moving to a dressed-state picture, we discover that this particular linear combination state is just that dressed state which is decoupled from all the field modes. It is a dressed state for which the transition dipole moments with the other dressed states are zero. The existence of this decoupled dressed state depends on the tuning of the dressing laser field, which in turn depends on the bare-atom excited-state dipole moments and energy-level separation. When we include spontaneous emission, the population decays from the other dressed states into this decoupled state and remains coherently trapped there, producing a system that experiences no dynamical behavior. This is exact for {delta}-function photon statistics (i.e., if there is no intensity uncertainty). The trapping becomes less perfect as the photon statistics are allowed to have a greater bandwidth. Also, if the applied field is tuned incorrectly, the spontaneous realignment of the atomic state amplitudes does not result in a totally decoupledmore » dressed state, and the dynamics proceed normally.« less
Quantitative Mapping of Local Mechanical Properties of Living Cells at Near-Physiological Conditions Using Multi-Harmonic Atomic Force Microscopy

Measurements of local nanomechanical properties of living cells recently have become extremely important for the cellular biology and biomechanics communities [1]. The measurement of progressive variations in viscoelastic properties of living cells in their native physiological liquid environments can provide significant insight to the mechanistic processes underpinning morphogenesis, mechano-transduction, motility, metastasis, aging, etc. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) based biomechanical assays have the unique advantage of resolving/mapping spatially the local nanomechanical properties over the cell surface. However current methods using standard force-volume, force displacement curves [2–3] are very low resolution and low speed making them completely incompatible for biomechanical assays of living cells.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Neurobiology of alcohol abuse.

Abstract Excessive consumption of beveruge alcohol (ethanol) is a major health concern worldwide. Understanding the mechanisms by which ethanol affects neural functioning, after both acute and chronic exposure, has become a major goal in the study of alcoholism. With such an understanding, we should be able to institute more effective treatments and preventative measures for alcohol abuse problems. Recent studies have found, contrary to earlier assumptions, that ethanol has selective, dose-dependent effects on various neurotransmitter systems within the CNS. These effects are observed at all levels of analysis, from molecular to behavioral. This review by Herman Samson and Adron Harris covers these recent findings, with the intent of generating questions that will focus further research efforts.
Animal Models of Chronic Airways Injury

Airways SCM is induced by a wide variety of noxious agents that perturb but do not kill the epithelial cells. Discharge of mucus soon after first exposure to a noxious agent is frequently observed, but discharge of mucus may or may not be followed by development of SCM. Treatment with steroidal and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory agents protects against development of SCM in some models, such as tobacco smoke-induced SCM, but not in others, such as enzyme-induced SCM. In general, SCM regresses slowly or not at all spontaneously. Recovery of some models, such as tobacco smoke-induced SCM, is hastened by nonsteroidal antiinflammatory agents. Experimental protection against induction of enzyme-induced SCM by secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor, which is secreted by airways secretory cells, suggests that such protection may be the in vivo role of that antiprotease. The response of the airways to injury is heterogeneous, with patterns of response of the secretory cells varying according to agent, species, and longitudinal localization of epithelial cells in the airways. The longitudinal heterogeneity of response of secretory epithelial cells to injury is summarized in Table 1. Anatomic heterogeneity of epithelial cells may make a minor contribution to longitudinal variation in response of secretory cells to injury. Molecular heterogeneity of the cellular milieu seems the more likely explanation for this variation in cellular response.
Unsupervised Learning With Random Forest Predictors

A random forest (RF) predictor is an ensemble of individual tree predictors. As part of their construction, RF predictors naturally lead to a dissimilarity measure between the observations. One can also define an RF dissimilarity measure between unlabeled data: the idea is to construct an RF predictor that distinguishes the “observed” data from suitably generated synthetic data. The observed data are the original unlabeled data and the synthetic data are drawn from a reference distribution. Here we describe the properties of the RF dissimilarity and make recommendations on how to use it in practice.An RF dissimilarity can be attractive because it handles mixed variable types well, is invariant to monotonic transformations of the input variables, and is robust to outlying observations. The RF dissimilarity easily deals with a large number of variables due to its intrinsic variable selection; for example, the Addcl 1 RF dissimilarity weighs the contribution of each variable according to how dependent it is ...
A Green’s function model for the analysis of laser heating of materials

Abstract An analytical model based on Green’s function method is developed to analyze the temperature distribution and heated regions in a material irradiated by a high-energy laser beam. The model is multi-dimensional, transient and incorporates different types of beam characteristics and boundary conditions. The multi-dimensional integration formulas in the Green’s function solution equation are evaluated using an adaptive numerical integration algorithm. A parametric study is conducted to show the effect of various laser beam parameters and material properties on the laser heating process.
Spin coupling through oxygen. Influence of structure and solvent on 2J(119Sn,117Sn) in the 119Sn NMR of hexaorganodistannoxanes

Abstract Sn,Sn spin coupling though oxygen, 2 J ( 119 Sn, 117 Sn), has been measured for seven hexaorganodistannoxanes [(R 3 Sn) 2 O]. The magnitude of the coupling constant depends strongly on the organic ligand, varying over the range 421 to 651 Hz in benzene solution. The substituent effect on 2 J is interpreted as arising from changes in the SnOSn bond angle, which should strongly influence the magnitude of the Fermi contact term contribution to the coupling constant. A pronounced solvent effect on 2 J ( 119 Sn, 117 Sn) was also observed; solvent studies with (n-Bu 3 Sn) 2 O indicate that the electron acceptor strength of the solvent determines the magnitude of the interaction. The utility of the coupling constant as a means of distinguishing between distannoxanes and related compounds is noted.
The relative importance of amplitude, temporal, and spectral cues for cochlear implant processor design.

Speech understanding with cochlear implants has improved steadily over the last 25 years, and the success of implants has provided a powerful tool for understanding speech recognition in general. C...
Fever, chills, and chest radiographic infiltrates in a middle-aged woman.

A woman with a history of asthma, hypothyroidism, nephrolithiasis, and bowel problems has worsening shortness of breath. She also has an interesting hobby.
A skeptical position on “musical emotions” and an alternative proposal

Key premises of the target article by Juslin & Vastfjall (J&V) are challenged. It is also shown that most of the six “psychological mechanisms” proposed by the authors as underlying the induction of emotion by music involve nonmusical proximal causes. As a replacement for “musical emotions,” the state of being-moved – from the recently developed Aesthetic Trinity Theory – is proposed.
Human antibodies with specificity for the pepsin site of IgE.

Antibody activity against human red cells coated with F(ab()2 IgE was present in 11% of sera from normal adults, in 25% of patients with allergic disorders, and in 35% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Inhibition experiments demonstrated that the antibody specificity was directed against the pepsin site of IgE. No direct release of histamine was observed when the antibody was tested in a leukocyte histamine release system.