cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of Hyperbaric Oxygenation on Existing Oral Mucosal Carcinoma

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) is used to treat some complications of head and neck carcinoma treatment. Several patients treated with HBO have had rapid growth of a clinically cured squamous cell carcinoma. Prior studies have produced conflicting evidence about the effect of HBO on tumor growth. This study was undertaken to determine the effects of HBO on established squamous cell carcinoma. Forty Golden Syrian hamster cheek-pouch carcinomas were induced with the established chemical carcinogen 9,10-dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene. Twenty hamsters underwent 30 HBO dives for 60 minutes each to 2.81 atm, while 20 served as controls. At necropsy, animals receiving HBO therapy had significantly smaller tumors (P < .05) and showed a trend toward fewer cervical metastases (P < .06). HBO therapy with coexistent carcinoma inhibited the established tumor's growth.
Annotating the Web: An exploratory study of Web users' needs for personal annotation tools

This exploratory study investigates the needs Web users have to make annotations for their personal use when they view Web pages. Three forms of annotations observed on printed documents - text selection and emphasis, association building, and document re-segmentation - are examined in the Web environment. The study shows that text selection and association building through notes or symbols remain the dominant forms of annotation on the Web, while structural annotation (re-segmentation) and layout annotation (change of font, color, etc.) are also prevalent. The study also investigates users' preferences for the tools designed to facilitate Web annotation practices. Findings suggest that usability is of utmost importance when developing Web annotation tools, and that under the current technical conditions, users welcome lightweight annotation functions, which are built into standard Web browsers.
Determinants of Variation in Antipredator Behavior of Territorial Male Threespine Stickleback in the Wild

Although antipredator behavior of threespine stickleback has been extensively studied in the laboratory, interactions between stickleback and their predators in nature have never been described. This paper describes interactions between territorial male stickleback and four predators on males or on the young they guard. Two of the predators, cutthroat trout and a hemipteran nymph (Belostomatidae), prey on males but not on young. Another, the roughskin newt, is a potential predator of young but does not pose a threat to males. Prickly sculpin prey both on the males and on offspring that males guard. Differences in behavior toward the four predators indicate that males are capable of rapid discrimination among predators and the threats they pose. Males also discriminate among size classes of sculpin that present different predation risks, but not among size classes of trout large enough to pose a threat. The difference in response to these predators probably reflects the difference in risk to offspring and the amount of time each predator typically stays in the territory of a male. Trout pass through rapidly, whereas sculpin, which are ambush predators, can remain within a territory for a long period of time if not chased out. The presence of young in the nest had no apparent effect on the response of males to these predators. This could, however, be due to a masking effect of uncontrolled variation in natural encounters. Responses to newts were similar to those directed toward sculpin too small to attack the male. They involved rapid chases and bites, often directed at the head, a part of the body that was typically avoided in encounters with larger sculpin. Males watch and avoid the belostomatid nymphs, but do not attack them.
Intensity effects of cortical polarization during consolidation

Thirty-six male, albino rats were tested daily on a one-way shuttle avoidance task. Immediately after each session, anodal and cathodal polarization groups were given 1 h of cortical polarization of the appropriate polarity at either 23.9 or 47.8 µA/mm2 current density. Control animals received no current. Significant differences in number of avoidances were found between the anodal and control groups at each current level and between cathodal and control groups at the lower polarization level. Differences in the effectiveness of different levels of polarization suggested that the upper effective limit of current was approached at 47.8 µA/mm2, and that the optimal level of polarization might be lower for cathodal than for anodal current. The results were discussed in terms of the role of extracellular dc fields in learning and memory, with emphasis on delineating the optimal limits of applied polarization.
Predictive models in external beam radiotherapy for clinically localized prostate cancer

Predictive models are being used increasingly in effort to allow physician and patient expectations to be aligned with outcomes that are based on available data. Most predictive models for men who receive external beam radiotherapy for clinically localized prostate cancer are based on Gleason score, clinical tumor classification, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. More sophisticated models also have been developed that incorporate treatment-related variables, such as the dose of radiation and the use of androgen-deprivation therapy. Most of the predictive models applied to prostate cancer were derived using PSA recurrence rates as the major endpoint, but clinical endpoints have been incorporated increasingly into predictive models. Biomarkers also are increasingly being added to predictive models in an effort to strengthen them. The Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) has completed studies on a wide range of markers using tissue from 2 phase 3 trials (RTOG 8610 and 9202). To date, preliminary assessments of p53; DNA ploidy; p16/retinoblastoma 1 protein; Ki-67; mouse double-minute p53 binding protein homolog; Bcl-2/Bcl-2-associated X protein; cytosine, adenine, and guanine repeats; cyclooxygenase-2; signal transducer and activator of transcription 3; cytochrome P450 3A4; and protein kinase A have been completed. Although they are not ready for widespread, routine use, there are reasons to believe that future models will combine these markers with traditional pretreatment and treatment-related variables and will improve our ability to predict outcome and select the optimal treatment. Cancer 2009;115(13 suppl):3112-20. (c) 2009 American Cancer Society.
Soma position is correlated with time of development in three types of identified reticulosopinal neurons

The relationship among neuronal type, position, and time course of development of identified neurons was examined in the zebrafish (Brachydanio rerio). The cells studied, the reticulospinal neurons Mauthner, MiM1, and MiV1, are located within the same small region in the hindbrain, differ stereotypically in their positions within this region and also in their axonal projections. All of the cell types were generated and had initiated axonal outgrowth by the second day after fertilization. The time that these events occurred was specific for each cell type, with axonal outgrowth occurring about 10 hr after the neuronal birthday. Furthermore, the time of the events varied systematically according to the dorsoventral location of the neuron within the set.
Coding sensor outputs for injection attacks detection

This paper considers a method of coding the sensor outputs in order to detect stealthy false data injection attacks. An intelligent attacker can design a sequence of data injection to sensors that pass the state estimator and statistical fault detector, based on knowledge of the system parameters. To stay undetected, the injected data should increase the state estimation errors while keep the estimation residues in a small range.We employ a coding matrix to the original sensor outputs to increase the estimation residues, such that the alarm will be triggered by the detector even under intelligent data injection attacks. This is a low cost method compared with encryption over sensor communication networks. We prove the conditions the coding matrix should satisfy under the assumption that the attacker does not know the coding matrix yet. An iterative optimization algorithm is developed to compute a feasible coding matrix, and, we show that in general, multiple feasible coding matrices exist.
Response properties of units in the posterior auditory field deprived of input from the ipsilateral primary auditory cortex

The influence of the ipsilateral primary auditory field (AI) on the response properties of neurons in the posterior auditory field (Field P) was examined in three cats anesthetized with sodium pentobarbital. Rate/level functions were obtained, by extracellular recording, from single units in Field P before (n = 38) and after (n = 50) subpial aspiration of AI. The ablations were primarily confined to the medial ectosylvian gyrus, although in one case extended into the high-frequency portion of the anterior auditory field. Comparisons between the behavior of units isolated before and after AI ablation failed to demonstrate any changes in the response properties of neurons in Field P attributable to the ablation. Nonmonotonic response profiles, first spike latency, variability in latency, threshold and maximal discharge rates of the units to acoustic stimuli were not significantly altered by the AI ablation. These results indicate that the basic response properties of neurons in Field P do not depend on input from the ipsilateral AI. This suggests that these properties are most likely determined by thalamic input or by circuitry within Field P.
Linear filtering of speckled images

Abstract Linear minimum mean square error filters are determined for restoration of images distorted by speckle. Dependence of the performance of the system on the statistical parameters of the speckle's inherent phase fluctuation is assessed.
Stereochemical studies of the skipped-polyol polyene macrolide class: Degradation and partial structure determination of mycoticin A and B.

Abstract The degradation of prototype members of the skipped-polyol polyene macrolide class, mycoticins A and B, is reported. The characterization of the resultant fragments allows a partial structure determination to be achieved.
Nutrition and Gastrointestinal Illness

Nutrition is an integral part of gastroenterology. It begins with nutritional assessment. This text will cover nutritional assessment, the management of obesity, parenteral and enteral nutrition, and systemic complications of malnutrition in gastrointestinal illness, and health. This text covers the medical management of intestinal failure and transplantation.
Molecular cloning and characterization of phosphate (Pi) responsive genes in Gulf ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum L.): a Pi hyperaccumulator.

Gulf annual ryegrass has been identified as potential Pi hyperaccumulator, however the molecular mechanism remains largely unknown. A suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) analysis was used to evaluate the phosphate (Pi) responsive genome expression pattern changes in Gulf annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum L.). Differential screening identified 384 putative Pi-starvation induced cDNAs. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that 116 cDNAs are nonredundant unigenes of which 108 exhibited high similarities with Genbank entries. The differential expression patterns of 13 cDNAs, representing diverse functional categories, were confirmed by RNA gel blot analysis. Further, detailed molecular analysis of three genes (LmPAP1, LmIPS1 and LmIDS1) was carried out by cloning and characterization of full-length cDNAs. LmPAP1 is 1,414 bp in length with an open reading frame (ORF) of 1,188 bp capable of encoding an N-terminal signal peptide of 26 amino acids. LmIPS1 gene is a member of TPSI1/Mt4 family that contains 3 short ORFs. The cDNA of LmIDS1 is 346 bp in size including a single ORF of 222 nucleotides that encodes 74 amino acid proteins, exhibiting homology with IDS1 with similarity to type 2 metallothionein like protein. In our preliminary screening of different genotypes of annual ryegrass for hyperaccumulation of Pi in their shoots, Gulf and Urugrary showed significant differences with values of 1.0% and 0.7%, respectively. Since it is logical to assume a plausible correlation that may exist between Pi-accumulation in the shoots and the expression of Pi-responsive genes, the expression of LmPAP1, LmIPS1 and LmIDS1 was evaluated in these two genotypes grown under different Pi regimes. Although there was a significant induction of these genes in both the genotypes grown under Pi-deprived condition, the abundance of LmPAP1 transcripts was relatively higher in the Gulf genotype as compared to that in the Urugrary genotype. A similar trend was observed in qRT-PCR data of other tested genotypes of annual ryegrasses. This suggests the potential role of LmPAP1 in accumulation of Pi in Gulf grass. In addition, Gulf grass genotype revealed higher levels of total P, 33Pi uptake, and APase activity as compared to Urugrary. Together, these results suggest that the Gulf ryegrass has evolved mechanisms to acquire and hyperaccumulate more Pi under different Pi regimes by activating multiple Pi acquisition and mobilization mechanisms.
Capturing ordinal properties of categorical dependent variables: A review with application to modes of foreign entry

Abstract Marketing reseachers frequently study variables whose values fall into categories that have ordinal properties. Marketers commonly treat such data as though it were strictly nominal (thereby losing information) or aggregate mulitple variables into scales (which significantly increases data requirements). This paper is an exposition of an ordered-response logit ( ORL ) as an appropriate and practical method of capturing the ordinal properties of categorical dependent variables. The ORL gives estimates that are unbiased and at the same time, allows the estimation of a parsimonius model that is readily interpretable. Orl is illustrated via replication of results from a published study on modes of foreign entry: the replication explicitly incorporates a hypothesized ordering of entry modes along a dimension of control afforded to the entrant. It is shown that use of ORL improves interpretability of the estimated coefficients and enhances parsimony over the multinomial logit model in cases where it is reasonable to expect that the underlying categories are indeed ordinal.
Aminopeptidase III activity in normal and cataractous lenses

Aminopeptidase III activity was demonstrated in extracts from several different mammalian lenses by the hydrolysis of Arg-MCA at pH 6.0. No more than a two-fold difference was seen in overall specific activity. Sections of bovine lenses were removed from the periphery to the center and assayed. A sharp decline in activity was observed in the inner cortical region, and little or no activity was observed in the lens nucleus. This correlated with an increase in the presence of low molecular weight peptides as determined by SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.The properties of the aminopeptidase from human lens tissue were the same as those previously reported for the purified enzyme from bovine lens. The aminopeptidase activity of normal and cataractous lenses was compared using 4 different substrates. The cataractous lenses had significantly less total aminopeptidase activity. However, little difference in specific activity was observed based on soluble lens protein content. Similarly, electrophoretic se...
Axial dispersion during low Reynolds number Taylor-Couette flow: intra-vortex mixing effects

Abstract Tracer experiments were employed to study axial mass transport in a Taylor-Couette device with a radius ratio of 0.875. The inner cylinder was rotated (with the outer cylinder fixed) at circumferential Reynolds numbers ranging from 1.05 to 7.50 times the critical value for the onset of laminar Taylor vortex flow. Apparent axial dispersion coefficients were found by fitting a three parameter model to tracer-response data. The model consisted of a network of CSTRs (each with an associated exchange volume) connected in series. The CSTRs corresponded to the well mixed outer layers of the Taylor vortices; the exchange volumes represented poorly mixed vortex cores. For 1.05 ≤ Re Re c , the apparent axial dispersion coefficient increased nonmonotonically with increasing Reynolds numbers. At inner cylinder rotation rates Re Re c > 5.0 , the model recovered the commonly used discrete approximation of the one-dimensional diffusion equation.
Oncolytic herpes simplex virus vectors and taxanes synergize to promote killing of prostate cancer cells

Genetically engineered oncolytic herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) vectors selectively replicate in tumor cells causing direct killing whereas sparing normal cells. One clinical limitation of using oncolytic HSV vectors is their attenuated growth. We hypothesized that the appropriately chosen chemotherapeutic agent combined with an oncolytic HSV could be an effective means to promote augmented prostate cancer cell killing both in vitro and in vivo. Here we have identified that G47Δ synergizes with the microtubule-stabilizing taxane agents docetaxel and paclitaxel to enhance the in vitro killing of prostate cancer cells. In vivo efficacy studies show that when combined with docetaxel, G47Δ could be reduced at least 10-fold. Immunoblot analysis revealed that docetaxel-induced accumulation of the phospho-specific mitotic markers op18/stathmin or histone-H3 was markedly reduced by G47Δ, which correlated with enhanced apoptosis and required active viral replication. Furthermore, cell-cycle analysis demonstrated that in the presence of G47Δ, the majority of 4N cells arrested in mitosis were MPM-2-negative, indicative of cells exiting mitosis prematurely. These findings suggest that G47Δ may act in part, on mitotically blocked cells to enhance cell death, which may account for the enhanced antitumor efficacy observed in vivo.
Language as a multimodal sensory enhancement system

Several claims made by Wilkins & Wakefield require qualification. First, the proposed delineation of the parietal-occipital-temporal junction (POT) is overly restrictive. Second, focusing exclusively on the evolutionary importance of manual manipulation oversimplifies interacting evolutionary preconditions for language. Finally, Wilkins and Wakefield's perspective adheres to a homocentric, formal, linguistic definition of language instead of viewing language as a multimodal sensory enhancement system unique to each species.
A novel link to base excision repair

DNA interstrand crosslinks (ICLs) can arise from reactions with endogenous chemicals, such as malondialdehyde – a lipid peroxidation product – or from exposure to various clinical anti-cancer drugs, most notably bifunctional alkylators and platinum compounds. Because they covalently link the two strands of DNA, ICLs completely block transcription and replication, and, as a result, are lethal to the cell. It is well established that proteins that function in nucleotide excision repair and homologous recombination are involved in ICL resolution. Recent work, coupled with a much earlier report, now suggest an emerging link between proteins of the base excision repair pathway and crosslink processing.
Ozone, ultraviolet flux and temperature of the paleoatmosphere.

Of all tropospheric species, ozone (O3) comes closest to being naturally present at toxic levels. In addition, O3 controls the ultraviolet flux reaching the Earth’s surface and affects the temperature of the surface and atmosphere. For these reasons, O3 was an important species of the paleoatmosphere. Surface and atmospheric levels of paleoatmospheric O3 were calculated using a detailed photochemical model, including the chemistry of the oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen species and the effects of vertical transport. Surface and tropospheric O3, as well as the total O3 column, were found to maximize for an atmospheric oxygen level of 10−1 present atmospheric level (PAL). Coupled photochemical/radiative-convective calculations indicate that the radiative effects of O3 corresponding to an oxygen level of 10−1 PAL resulted in a globally-averaged surface temperature increase of 4.5 K.
De novo immunosuppression with sirolimus and tacrolimus in heart transplant recipients compared with cyclosporine and mycophenolate mofetil: a one-year follow-up analysis.

Abstract Background Limited data exist regarding the safety and efficacy of sirolimus in combination with a calcineurin inhibitor in heart transplant recipients. Methods From January 2001 to June 2002, 31 de novo heart transplant recipients (treatment group) received a combination of sirolimus, tacrolimus, low-dose rabbit antithymocyte globulin, and glucocorticoids. Outcomes, such as actuarial survival, rate of rejection, incidence of infection, probability of developing diabetes mellitus, renal function, platelet and white blood cell counts, and incidence of coronary artery disease at 1 year, were compared with a cohort of 25 patients (control group) who underwent transplantation primarily in 2000 and in early 2002 treated with cyclosporine, mycophenolate mofetil, and glucocorticoids. All patients were followed up for at least 12 months. Results Kaplan-Meier actuarial 1-year survival rates were equivalent between groups (97% for the treatment group and 88% for the control group), as was freedom from allograft rejection (48% and 42% for treatment and control groups, respectively). No cases of transplant arteriopathy were noted within the first posttransplantation year. Renal function was not significantly affected in either group. There was a striking increased incidence of mediastinitis in the treatment group (19%) versus 0% in the control group ( P = .02). Tacrolimus-sirolimus therapy was associated with a nearly 11-fold increased incidence of new-onset diabetes mellitus as well ( P = .004). Conclusion Tacrolimus, sirolimus, and steroids (following low-dose rabbit antithymocyte globulin) were associated with an increased incidence of mediastinitis and posttransplantation diabetes mellitus. No obvious long-term benefit on survival, arteriopathy, or renal function was noted.
Targeted cloning of a subfamily of LINE-1 elements by subfamily-specific LINE-1-PCR.

Subfamily-specific LINE-1 PCR (SSL1-PCR) is the targeted amplification and cloning of defined subfamilies of LINE-1 elements and their flanking sequences. The targeting is accomplished by incorporating a subfamily-specific sequence difference at the 3′ end of a LINE-1 PCR primer and pairing it with a primer to an anchor ligated within the flanking region. SSL1-PCR was demonstrated by targeting amplification of a Mus spretus-specific LINE-1 subfamily. The amplified fragments were cloned to make an SSL1-PCR library, which was found to be 100-fold enriched for the targeted elements. PCR primers were synthesized based on the sequence flanking the LINE-1 element of four different clones. Three of the clones were recovered from Mus spretus DNA. A fourth clone was recovered from a congenic mouse containing both Mus spretus and Mus domesticus DNA. Amplification between these flanking primers and LINE-1 PCR primers produced a product in Mus spretus and not in Mus domesticus. These dimorphisms were further verified to be due to insertion of Mus spretus-specific LINE-1 elements into Mus spretus DNA and not into Mus domesticus DNA.
The electrostatic potentials in an electron-cyclotron-resonance processing plasma

The axial distribution of the electrostatic potentials ofan electron-cyclotron resonance (ECR) processing plasma confined in a do magnetic mirror geometry was characterized. The potential profiles far argon and helium at 8.0x 10−4 and 4.0 × 10−4 Torr were measured using electron emissive probes. The experimental measurements were then compared with the predictions of a one-dimensional, electrostatic, particle-in-cell computer code which runs on a personal computer. The potential profiles as predicted by the code showed good agreement with the experimental measurements.
Optical stark effect in the two-photon spectrum of NO.

A large optical Stark effect has been observed in the two-photon spectrum X(2)Pi yields A(2)Sigma(+) - in NO. It is explained as a near-resonant process in which the upper state of the two-photon transition is perturbed by interactions with higher-lying electronic states coupled by the laser field. A theoretical analysis is presented along with coupling parameters determined from ab initio wave functions. The synthetic spectrum reproduces the major experimental features.
The effect of extraneous elements surrounding a Kanizsa-like illusory-figure pattern.

A display in which a Kanizsa-like illusory-figure pattern of three notched circles was accompanied by several other notched circles was found to be relatively ineffective, thus confirming an important, but previously untested, suggestion. This ineffectiveness may have been due to a strengthened tendency of the visual system perceptually to ‘explain’ each edge of each of the three critical notches as belonging to one of the partial circles themselves, thus tending to preclude any other (ie illusory) ‘explanation’ of those edges.
Radiofrequency sputter source for laser-induced fluorescence studies of transition metal atoms and dimers

Abstract We have developed a radiofrequency sputter source using a 13.56 MHz transmitter and operating in the pressure range 2–100 mTorr. Absorption, emission, and laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopies have been used to characterize the number densities and temperatures of metal atoms and molecules in the discharge. With an iron target, at a pressure of 100 mTorr, the ground-state iron atom density is 2 × 1012 cm−3, with a translational temperature below 800 K. We estimate a number density of copper dimers of 1010–1011 cm−3 when sputtering a copper target at this pressure, and find a rotational temperature of about 500 K. As an example of the source's utility, a rotationally resolved spectrum of the Cu2 C↔X transition is analyzed to yield the excited-state symmetry and rotational constants.
Zebrafish fetal alcohol syndrome model: effects of ethanol are rescued by retinoic acid supplement.

Abstract This study was designed to develop a zebrafish experimental model to examine defects in retinoic acid (RA) signaling caused by embryonic ethanol exposure. RA deficiency may be a causative factor leading to a spectrum of birth defects classified as fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). Experimental support for this hypothesis using Xenopus showed that effects of treatment with ethanol could be partially rescued by adding retinoids during ethanol treatment. Previous studies show that treating zebrafish embryos during gastrulation and somitogenesis stages with a pathophysiological concentration of ethanol (100mM) produces effects that are characteristic features of FASD. We found that treating zebrafish embryos with RA at a low concentration (10 −9 M) and 100mM ethanol during gastrulation and somitogenesis stages significantly rescued a spectrum of defects produced by treating embryos with 100mM ethanol alone. The rescued phenotype that we observed was quantitatively more similar to embryos treated with 10 −9 M RA alone (RA toxicity) than to untreated or 100mM ethanol-treated embryos. RA rescued defects caused by 100mM ethanol treatment during gastrulation and somitogenesis stages that include early gastrulation cell movements (anterior–posterior axis), craniofacial cartilage formation, and ear development. Morphological evidence also suggests that other characteristic features of FASD (e.g., neural axis patterning) are rescued by RA supplement.
Spatial versus object visualizers: a new characterization of visual cognitive style.

The visual system processes object properties (such as shape and color) and spatial properties (such as location and spatial relations) in distinct systems, and neuropsychological evidence reveals that mental imagery respects this distinction. The findings reported in this article demonstrate that verbalizers typically perform at anintermediate level on imagery tasks, whereas visualizers can be divided into two groups. Specifically, scores on spatial and object imagery tasks, along with a visualizer-verbalizer cognitive style questionnaire, identified a group of visualizers who scored poorly on spatial imagery tasks but excelled on object imagery tasks. In contrast, a second group of visualizers scored high on spatial imagery tasks but poorly on object imagery tasks. The results also indicate that object visualizers encode and process images holistically, as a single perceptual unit, whereas spatial visualizers generate and process images analytically, part by part. In addition, we found that scientists and engineers excel in spatial imagery and prefer spatial strategies, whereas visual artists excel in object imagery and prefer object-based strategies.
Fourier coefficients of power-law devices

Abstract A definite integral often used in evaluating Fourier coefficients of power-law devices under sinusoidal excitation is 1 2π ∫ 0 2π (1+β cos ωt) α cos nωtd(ωt) where α is an exponent characteristic of the device, and β is an amplitude factor.In many practical cases this integral can be evaluated in closed form, and when it cannot, there is a rapidly converging series representation. This representation can be used to derive differentiation formulas and recursion relations, and is also ideally suited for numerical calculations. We discuss this representation, give differentiation and recursion relations, and list several of the closed-form solutions
Biochemical effects of aflatoxin in pigs.

Abstract Biochemical changes accompanying the development of aflatoxicosis were observed in young pigs maintained for approximately 4 months on diets containing various amounts of the metabolites of Aspergillus flavus . These diets provided concentrations of aflatoxin B 1 ranging from 2 to 810 parts per billion (ppb). During the feeding period, serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, and isocitric dehydrogenase became elevated. Other factors in blood, namely, plasma albumin, albumin: globulin ratio, nonprotein nitrogen, urea nitrogen, and adenine nucleotides ( E 260 values) all decreased. At autopsy the concentration in the liver of glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase, isocitric dehydrogenase, lipid, vitamin A, glycogen, and total nitrogen decreased as a function of increasing dietary aflatoxin. These changes are discussed in relation to time of development and dietary level of aflatoxin. The lowest level of aflatoxin for which a biochemical response was detected was 51 ppb. Reproduction studies with sows and boars maintained on 450 ppb aflatoxin for 8–10 months failed to show any biochemical effects in the offspring which could be attributed to aflatoxin poisoning, even though such alterations were evident in the parents.
LEAST-SQUARES ESTIMATION OF TRIP DISTRIBUTION PARAMETERS

Abstract A least-squares approach for estimating parameters of trip distribution models commonly used in urban and regional transportation studies is developed. For a small reference system with three origins and three destinations parameters estimated by least squares are compared to parameters estimated by the maximum likelihood procedure developed by Hyman and Evans. Some ideas for further research are given.
Speckle technique for dynamic drop profile measurement on rough surfaces

A technique has been developed for measuring three-dimensional instantaneous drop profiles on rough surfaces. The surface is illuminated using a laser and images are captured of the resulting speckle pattern with and without the drop in place. The analysis consists of finding the contact line, measuring the deformation of the speckle field caused by refraction of light at the drop surface, then reconstructing the drop using simulated annealing optimization to find the drop shape whose shift vector field best matches the one measured. An error analysis of the technique was performed using a Monte Carlo technique and comparisons to sideview drop images for a large sample of drops. Mean contact angle measurement error was found to be −1.6° with a 1 − σ error bound of −6.9°, +2.0°.
Screening for geographic heterogeneity of disease rates: Application to cancer incidence in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, 1969–1971

Abstract A statistical technique for analyzing heterogeneity in rates proposed by Gail is potentially well-suited to the analysis of geographic patterns in disease incidence data. This was applied to 1969–1971 cancer incidence in whites in 30 census tract aggregates within Allegheny County, Pennsylvania to ascertain its usefulness and to search for patterns. A product model, in which each area's risks are a constant multiple of one another across age groups, was found to adequately fit the observed data. The test for geographic heterogeneity indicated that 19 of 30 sex-site groupings manifested greater than chance variation across the county subunits, generally consistent with the number of outliers based on 95% confidence limits. Partitioning the heterogeneity in these sites by median income quintiles suggested a positive risk gradient with breast cancer (F) and negative risk gradients with rectal (M), pancreatic (F), lung (M), cervical (F), and bladder cancer (F). Percent foreign stock was positively associated with total cancer (M, F), colon (M, F), pancreatic (F), lung (M), and bladder cancer (M, F). The technique successfully demonstrated the accuracy of a product model, screened cancer sites meriting detailed study, and suggested several associations of median income and percent foreign stock with cancer risk.
Unstable optical resonators with linear magnification.

Bare cavity unstable axisymmetric resonators with magnifications that are linear functions of the radial coordinate are investigated. Some properties similar to those of ordinary resonators are found. The geometrical theory predicts modes and eigenvalues in reasonable agreement with physical optics results. Interleaving of radial mode eigenvalues with increasing equivalent Fresnel number is observed. One form of scaling in size is found. The number of parameters involved and the lack of equivalence relations limit the scope and generality of the investigation.
Reconstruction of the Si(111) surface induced by alkali metals

Abstract Both (1 × 3) and (√3 × √3)R30° reconstructions of the Si(111) surface induced by Li, K and Cs depositions have been studied by low energy electron diffraction (LEED) and Auger electron spectroscopy (AES). It has been found that measured LEED I-V curves for (1 × 3) reconstruction induced by different alkali metals are virtually identical to each other, which suggests that the (1 × 3) structures of the Si(111) reconstruction induced by different alkali metals are nearly identical. Work-function measurements indicating alkali-metal coverages of near 0.1 ML for the (1 × 3) structures, excluded the possibility of long-range ordered structures of Li in the (1 × 3) reconstruction. The measured I-V curves of the Li-induced (√3 × √3 )R30° reconstruction are similar to those of Ag-induced (√3 × √3)R30° structures, indicating similarity between the (√3 × √3) structures.
In Situ Structure and Dynamics of DNA Origami Determined Through Molecular Dynamics Simulations

The DNA origami method permits folding of long single-stranded DNA into complex 3D structures with subnanometer precision. Transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and recently cryo-EM tomography have been used to characterize the properties of such DNA origami objects, however their microscopic structures and dynamics have remained unknown. Here, we report the results of all-atom molecular dynamics simulations that characterized the structural and mechanical properties of DNA origami objects in unprecedented microscopic detail. When simulated in an aqueous environment, the structures of DNA origami objects depart from their idealized targets as a result of steric, electrostatic, and solvent-mediated forces. Whereas the global structural features of such relaxed conformations conform to the target designs, local deformations are abundant and vary in magnitude along the structures. In contrast to their free-solution conformation, the Holliday junctions in the DNA origami structures adopt a left-handed antiparallel conformation. We find the DNA origami structures undergo considerable temporal fluctuations on both local and global scales. Analysis of such structural fluctuations reveals the local mechanical properties of the DNA origami objects. The lattice type of the structures considerably affects global mechanical properties such as bending rigidity. Our study demonstrates the potential of all-atom molecular dynamics simulations to play a considerable role in future development of the DNA origami field by providing accurate, quantitative assessment of local and global structural and mechanical properties of DNA origami objects.
High rate, high resolution, two-dimensional gas proportional detectors for x-ray synchrotron radiation experiments

Two-dimensional, gas proportional detectors are being developed for use with X-ray synchrotron radiation. Two new types of interpolating cathode structures have been investigated, both of which can operate with a significantly smaller number of readout nodes along each sensing axis than previous cathodes. Lumped parameter delay lines are used as the position encoders. Timing signals from fast, low noise shaping electronics are fed to a new, dual TDC system developed for this purpose. Operating with a clock frequency of 500 MHz, the TDCs have an intrinsic differential non-linearity of 0.1%. The complete system can handle X-ray fluxes in excess of 10{sup 6} per sec without distortion of the position information. A resolution of approximately 100 {mu}m FWHM and differenfial non-linearity of {plus minus}4% have been achieved. Application of a detector with active area 10 cm {times} 10 cm using synchrotron radiation is described.
The Cause and Control of Some Types of Switching Surges

AMONG the several causes other than lightning which can result in power-system overvoltages, switching surges rank high in importance. In the past the magnitudes of switching surges have been considered on a statistical basis, but the need for frequent switching operations naturally led to their study and to analyses of their causes and magnitudes.
Partial weight suspension: a novel murine model for investigating adaptation to reduced musculoskeletal loading

We developed a new model of hypodynamic loading to support mice in chronic conditions of partial weight bearing, enabling simulations of reduced gravity environments and related clinical conditions. The novel hardware allows for reduced loading between 10 and 80% of normal body weight on all four limbs and enables characteristic quadrupedal locomotion. Ten-week-old female BALB/cByJ mice were supported for 21 days under Mars-analog suspension (38% weight bearing) and compared with age-matched and jacketed (100% weight bearing) controls. After an initial adaptation, weight gain did not differ between groups, suggesting low levels of animal stress. Relative to age-matched controls, mice exposed to Mars-analog loading had significantly lower muscle mass (−23% gastrocnemius wet mass, P < 0.0001); trabecular and cortical bone morphology (i.e., trabecular bone volume: −24% at the distal femur, and cortical thickness: −11% at the femoral midshaft, both P < 0.001); and biomechanical properties of the femoral midshaft (i.e., −27% ultimate moment, P < 0.001). Bone formation indexes were decreased compared with age-matched full-weight-bearing mice, whereas resorption parameters were largely unchanged. Singly housed, full-weight-bearing controls with forelimb jackets were largely similar to age-matched, group-housed controls, although a few variables differed and warrant further investigation. Altogether, these data provide strong rationale for use of our new model of partial weight bearing to further explore the musculoskeletal response to reduced loading environments.
Behavior in Multi-Unit Demand Auctions: Experiments with Uniform Price and Dynamic Vickrey Auctions *

We experimentally investigate the sensitivity of bidders demanding multiple units of a homogeneous commodity to the demand reduction incentives inherent in uniform price auctions. There is substantial demand reduction in both sealed bid and ascending price clock auctions with feedback regarding rivals' drop-out prices. Although both auctions have the same normal form representation, bidding is much closer to equilibrium in the ascending price auctions. We explore the behavioral process underlying these differences along with dynamic Vickrey auctions designed to eliminate the inefficiencies resulting from demand reduction in the uniform price auctions.
Storage systems for video service

We evaluate the performance of storage system alternatives for video servers. We show that disk systems support many simultaneous video accesses. Striped disk systems perform particularly well, with better load balancing, higher disk utilization and lower cost per stream than non-striped systems. We show that the performance of storage hierarchies that include magnetic disk and either magnetic tape or optical disk is disappointing. In both cases, the small number of drives in a typical library offers too little bandwidth to support more than a few simultaneous video streams. Because of contention for drives, response times are long. Average cost per video stream is two orders of magnitude higher than for magnetic disk systems.
Plant architecture and the foraging success of ladybird beetles attacking the Russian wheat aphid

We examined the interaction between the fourteen-spotted ladybird beetle, Propylea quatuordecimpunctata (L.), and the Russian wheat aphid, Diuraphis noxia (Mordvilko), on two grasses with divergent leaf architectures. Like wheat, crested wheatgrass bears flat, broad leaves, whereas Indian ricegrass produces slender, tightly rolled leaves. In the absence of aphid prey, residence times and time budgets of larvae and adults of P. quatuordecimpunctata were similar on the two hosts, although larvae tended to remain longer on crested wheatgrass. When aphids were present, both predator stages dislodged, contacted, and captured aphids at higher rates on Indian ricegrass than on crested wheatgrass. Predator time budgets and behavior sequences also reflected a greater predation risk for D. noxia on Indian ricegrass, and were consistent with earlier, population-level experiments in the field. Comparisons between aphid-free and aphid-infested plants suggest that the effect of host plant in this tri-trophic system largely depended on differences in the availability of prey refuges rather than on differences in predator searching behavior; proportionally more aphids fed in exposed locations on Indian ricegrass than on crested wheatgrass. Plant architecture is likely to be an important component of the predation risk of D. noxia because of the aphid's tendency to feed in relatively concealed locations.
Delayed relaxation in thin-film heads

The delayed relaxation after writing with a Permalloy thin-film head has been studied experimentally. The phenomenon of delayed relaxation is shown to be caused predominantly by stress-induced relaxation of the flux closure domains along the edges of the thin-film-head yoke. It is necessary for this effect that the composition of the Permalloy yields nonzero magnetostriction. The fairly rapid temperature change directly after write will then trigger irreversible wall displacements which show up as transient noise pulses in the head output. Depending on the actual edge domain relaxation, these transients can have a positive or a negative polarity, or can be bipolarity transients. This thermomechanically triggered irreversible wall-motion process can fairly accurately be modeled as a Poisson process. The model predicts the arrival time distribution, the probability of occurrence for different write currents, and threshold settings reasonably well. This 'noise-after-write' effect can be made smaller by striving for zero magnetostriction and a lower write power dissipation, and to some extent by increasing the thermal conductivity to the slider. >
Quantitative PCR Assessments of Bacterial Species in Women with and without Bacterial Vaginosis

Knowledge of the abundance of bacterial species in vaginal communities will help us to better understand their role in health and disease. However, progress in this field has been limited because quantifying bacteria in natural specimens is an arduous process. We developed quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assays to facilitate assessments of bacterial abundance in vaginal specimens and evaluated the utility of these assays by measuring species abundance in patients whose vaginal floras were clinically described as normal, intermediate, or bacterial vaginosis (BV) as defined by Nugent's criteria. The qPCR measurements showed that Lactobacillus species were predominant in normal vaginal specimens and that high Lactobacillus crispatus and Lactobacillus jensenii abundance was specific to normal specimens, while Lactobacillus iners abundance was high in all categories including BV. The abundances of all non-Lactobacillus species were higher in BV specimens than in normal specimens. Prevotella species were prevalent in all specimens and represented a high percentage of total species in BV specimens. qPCR assays can be a useful tool for describing the structure of vaginal communities and elucidating their role in health and disease.
Demonstration of 3D microwave holography

An extensive 3D radar cross-section (RCS) data set has recently been acquired at the HARC Microwave Imaging Facility. This data set includes diversity in azimuth and elevation through antenna placement as well as frequency diversity. The addition of elevation diversity to standard Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar (ISAR) imaging allows 3D object reconstruction, as opposed to the 2D defocused projections obtained by conventional ISAR. The method, based on spherical collection and a paracentric approximation for the target space, relates the reconstruction to the acquired data by a 3D Fourier transform. Resulting images are presented for full- and quasi-3D reconstructions, including 2D tomographic slices of the 3D target and a focused projection of the 3D target data onto a single horizontal plane. >
A latitudinal gradient in large‐scale beta diversity for vascular plants in North America

Species turnover, or beta diversity, has been predicted to decrease with increasing latitude, but few studies have tested this relationship. Here, we examined the beta diversity-latitude relationship for vascular plants at a continental scale, based on complete species lists of native vascular plants for entire states or provinces in North America (north of Mexico). We calculated beta diversity as the slope of the relationship between the natural logarithm of the Jaccard index (lnJ ) for families, genera or species, and both geographic distance and climate difference within five latitude zones. We found that beta diversity decreased from south to north; within latitude zones, it decreased from species to genera and families. Geographic and climatic distance explained about the same proportion of the variance in lnJ in zones south of c. 50 degrees N. North of this latitude, nearly all the explained variance in lnJ was attributable to geographic distance. Therefore, decreasing beta diversity from south to north reflects decreasing climate differentiation within more northerly latitude zones, and primarily post-glacial dispersal limitation north of 50 degrees N.