cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Acoustic radiation force enhances targeted delivery of ultrasound contrast microbubbles: in vitro verification

Recent research has shown that targeted ultrasound contrast microbubbles achieve specific adhesion to regions of intravascular pathology, but not in areas of high flow. It has been suggested that acoustic radiation can be used to force free-stream microbubbles toward the target, but this has not been verified for actual targeted contrast agents. We present evidence that acoustic radiation indeed increases the specific targeted accumulation of microbubbles. Lipid microbubbles bearing an antibody as a targeting ligand were infused through a microcapillary flow chamber coated with P-selectin as the target protein. A 2.0 MHz ultrasonic pulse was applied perpendicular to the flow direction. Microbubble accumulation was observed on the flow chamber surface opposite the transducer. An acoustic pressure of 122 kPa enhanced microbubble adhesion up to 60-fold in a microbubble concentration range of 0.25 /spl times/ 10/sup 6/ to 75 /spl times/ 10/sup 6/ ml/sup -1/. Acoustic pressure mediated the greatest adhesion enhancement at concentrations within the clinical dosing range. Acoustic pressure enhanced targeting nearly 80-fold at a wall shear rate of 1244 s/sup -1/, suggesting that this mechanism is appropriate for achieving targeted microbubble delivery in high-flow vessels. Microbubble adhesion increased with the square of acoustic pressure between 25 and 122 kPa, and decreased substantially at higher pressures.
Implementation of linear digital filters based on morphological representation theory

Recent advances in mathematical morphology have led to a representation theory that covers increasing linear translation invariant (ILTI) filters as a subclass of morphological filters. The representation is based on supremum, minimum, and addition operations, and does not require any multiplications. However, this representation has not been practical because its essence is to evaluate the supremum of a set with an infinite number of elements. Based on the previously developed morphological representation, we present a finite max-min representation for ILTI filters. The new representation does not require the use of multipliers and is practical, in the sense that it consists of a finite number of maximum, minimum, and addition operations. The proposed max-min representation is modified to cover FIR linear shift invariant filters in general. The modified representation requires only one multiplication per output sample and has lower computational complexity than the max-min representation. Other related topics such as duality, roundoff noise, and implementation are also discussed. >
Design of a scalable phased array antenna with a simplified architecture

A simplified architecture for a scalable phased array is proposed. In this design, a new technique for steering the array's beam has been devised. The proposed technique integrates the phase shift function into array's feed network and significantly reduces the required number of phase shifters in phased array. Phase shifters are responsible for a great portion of the complexity, size, and cost of phased arrays. Therefore, reducing their number allows for less complexity and cost. As a proof of concept, a Ku-band eight element phased array based on the proposed method is presented. This array has 33 degrees of scan range and is composed of variable gain amplifiers, power combiners/dividers, and two phase shifters.
Effects of 48 Hours of Continuous Work and Sleep Loss on Work Performance of Males and Females

The effects of extended periods of sleep loss and continuous work on complex human performance in male subjects have been fairly well documented (cf., Alluisi, Coates, & Morgan, 1977; Morgan, Brown, & Alluisi, 1974; Morgan, Brown, Coates, & Alluisi, 1974). However, similar data are unavailable for the female worker. Further, the results of these previous studies have indicated that, for male subjects, the underlying circadian rhythm interacts with the effects of sleep loss and continuous work (Alluisi, et al., 1977). If it can be assumed that the interactive effects of the circadian rhythm are due in part to an underlying physiological cycle, it is reasonable to hypothesize that similar interactive effects would be observed in systematic investigations of the effects of 48 hours of sleep loss and continuous work at various points of the menstrual cycle in females. The purposes of the present series of investigations were, therefore, twofold: (1) To determine the effects of 48 hours of continuous work and sleep loss on complex human performance in female subjects with a goal of providing direct comparisons of male and female performances under identical conditions, and (2) To determine the effects of the menstrual cycle, if any, as it interacts with the effects of sleep loss and continuous work. Language: en
Aeroallergens in New York Inner-City Apartments of Asthmatics

Asthma is a heterogeneous condition of multifactorial etiology. Worldwide, the prevalence of asthma varies from population to population, and with such factors as inbreeding, low altitude, damp climate, urbanization, and industrialization. In New York City, asthma is the second major cause after accidents of pediatric hospitalizations1 and is the most frequent reason for school absenteeism.2
A Response to Professor I. Glenn Cohen's Regulating Reproduction: The Problem with Best Interests

This response to Professor I. Glenn Cohen’s article, Regulating Reproduction: The Problem with Best Interests, argues that rules restricting whether, when, or with whom a person reproduces serve an important societal purpose and need not be abandoned simply because they cannot technically be supported by a “best interests of the resulting child” (“BIRC”) rationale due to the “non-identity” problem. The non-identity problem refers to the fact that such rules could result in a particular child not being conceived at all, or in the creation of a different child at another time. While Professor Cohen correctly notes that such rules might be misunderstood to suggest that some human lives are “not worth living,” this response proposes that it is possible – and necessary – to avoid that unacceptable message, without at the same time accepting the extreme conclusion that adults need never constrain their behaviors respecting conception. This result can be achieved by re-conceiving the BIRC rationale as an effort to remind parents – prior to the moment when parenting begins (conception) – of what the law both needs and assumes them to be: fit parents who act in their children’s best interests. The state should retain the ability to exhort adults that a child’s future flourishing is influenced by the parents’ situation at the moment of conception – e.g. the parents’ age, marital status, and any kin relationship, among other factors – and reproductive regulation often serves this important objective.
Study Abroad and African American College Students at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale

For most, it was unthinkable. To others, it was just a dream. Yet for some African American students at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale (SIUC), traveling to Africa is now a reality. It all started in 1997, after I led a group of students to Tanzania. My travels were a part of Operation Crossroads Africa, a 42-year-old program designed to promote an understanding between Africa and the African diaspora through cultural exchanges. As word of my journey to East Africa spread throughout campus, African American students visiting the Black American Studies program asked me some probing questions. Two students who came into my office devoted much time and attention to a picture of some Crossroaders pinned to my bulletin board. “Where’s the Black students?” one said, mumbling under her breath. “Yeah,” the other student said in agreement, “Why don’t you take us? We are the ones that need to learn about Africa!” The students’ observations were indeed true.
State Estimation of Estuarine Circulation and Water Quality by Numerical Simulation and Observation

This paper describes a hindcast of post-rainstorm coliform bacteria distributions in Jamaica Bay made by use of a water-quality simulation model of that bay and models of the surrounding drainage basins on the basis of tide, wind, and rainfall data. That hindcast is then compared with coliform estimates obtained by field sampling. Although the investigators did not have access to the results of the field sampling until the hindcast was completed, the estimates obtained by simulation agree well with the estimates from field data. It is concluded that the models used here are capable of making predictions for engineering assessments.
Does Tipping Help to Attract and Retain Better Service Workers

ABSTRACTA survey of several hundred restaurant servers in the United States found that servers’ attitudes toward working for tips and average tip sizes were weakly related (at best) to their service-orientation, intended job-tenure, and occupational-tenure. These findings suggest that tipping does not substantially help to attract and retain more service-oriented workers. Restaurateurs can eliminate tipping at their restaurants without fear that doing so will reduce the quality of their wait-staff.
Conclusion: Realist Capitalism, Gothic Capitalism

There is a great deal of magic in invisible hand social theory. The transformation of vice into virtue is amazing enough, but there is also the market’s apparent self-organization, and the mysterious distance between cause and effect that can lead to sudden booms and shattering collapses. The uncanny deferral of agency in the ‘invisible hand’ metaphor magically resolves the apparent discord between secular capitalism and religious ideas of Providence. The beauty of its imaginary moral machine attracts new adherents in a self-reinforcing feedback loop.
Assessing the Geological Sources of Manganese in the Roanoke River Watershed, Virginia

The release of geogenic elements to water supplies is an issue of worldwide concern. Because these elements occur naturally and are often present in a variety of geologic materials, delineating sources and fates of these elements can be challenging. In this study, we examine connections between manganese (Mn) in modern groundwater, bedrock geology, and ores in the Roanoke River watershed of the Piedmont Province, Virginia. In the watershed, Mn concentrations in groundwater are often elevated above secondary drinking water standards. Evaluation of chemical characteristics of groundwater and geologic materials within the region suggests that carbonate-bearing lithologies are likely sources of Mn to groundwater. The inverse correlation of Mn with dissolved oxygen concentrations in groundwater suggests that once released from chemical weathering, Mn persists in groundwater under reducing conditions that develop along flowpaths. Analysis of Mn ores of the James River–Roanoke River Manganese District provides support that the ore deposits are supergene in origin, consistent with previous models. However, in contrast to previous models suggesting ore formation from downward flow of groundwater, our analysis of ore formation in the context of groundwater geochemistry supports an upwelling model of ore formation in which Mn oxides were precipitated near discharge zones. Overall, our results suggest that Mn cycling in the region has been active over geologic time, as Mn-rich groundwater discharges to riverine systems, both past and present. Thus, the processes that formed the Mn ores in the past are still occurring in the modern day.
Multi-Parameter Flow Cytometry(FC) Can Detect Proliferating Myeloma Cells After Treatment: Implications for Targeting the Myeloma Proliferative Component

Abstract Abstract 4995 Background: Multiple myeloma results from an accumulation of monoclonal nonproliferating plasma cells arising from a small subpopulation of proliferating myeloma cells. In an effort to optimize detection of the human myeloma cell growth fraction and obviate the need for slide review, a novel FC strategy was developed combining elements of light chain restriction, surface antigen expression, and ploidy analysis. Methods: Bone marrow cells from 41 patients with plasma cell proliferative disorders were lysed with ACK and resuspended in 3% BSA. Cells were stained using a 6-color assay with anti-CD45, anti-CD38, anti-CD138, and anti-CD19. Cells were washed and 100 ul Caltag solution A was added for 15 min. Cells were washed and 100 ul of Caltag solution B, anti-kappa and anti-lambda were added for 10 min. Cells were washed and 100 ul PBS and 3 ul RNAse are added for 15 min. Cells were washed and 400 ul of a 1:1000 solution of 3uM DAPI in Tris 0.1% NP-40 was added. Cells were incubated at 4°C for 45 minutes before running on a FACSCanto instrument for ploidy determination. All patients were analyzed both by flow cytometry and the slide based plasma cell labeling index. Results: Forty-one patients were studied; 34 demonstrated a proliferative fraction and 7 had too few plasma cells for analysis after therapy. Of the 34 patients, 6 had MGUS/SMM, 5 newly diagnosed MM, 7 amyloid, and 16 were treated MM. The mean percent proliferating cells were 1.1% (range 0 – 8.6%) with PCLI and 1.4% (range 0.1 – 12.7%) by flow. The correlation between PCLI and flow gave a RSquare value of 0.54. Twelve patients with a PCLI of 0% had a flow proliferation between 0.1 – 1.4% (mean 0.49%). Treated patients received lenalidomide, dexamethasone, bortezomib, and/or autologous transplantation. All 16 treated myeloma patients with adequate plasma cells had a flow proliferation between 0.2 – 12.7% (mean 2.2%). Conclusion: Flow cytometry offers a useful way to detect the proliferative myeloma component at diagnosis and after treatment. The continued presence of proliferating myeloma cells after treatment may explain why most patients relapse and offers another important marker to monitor and cell population to target in patients with active disease. Disclosures: Kumar: Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Millennium: Research Funding; Merck: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Genzyme: Consultancy, Research Funding; Cephalon: Research Funding.
Novel paraffin-based 100-GHz variable capacitors for reconfigurable antennas

We report multiphysics simulation results for paraffin variable capacitors integrated with bent slot antenna to form a frequency reconfigurable structure. Paraffin is a phase change material that its solid-to-liquid transition exhibits a 15% volumetric change. In addition to its mechanical properties, paraffin is an organic low-dielectric-loss material (tan δ = 0.003, e r = 2.26 at 300 GHz) which is attractive for designing RF components at millimeter wave (mmW) band. Here, we introduce low-loss paraffin phase change material (PCM) capacitors at 100 GHz that are monolithically fabricated with antennas. A frequency reconfigurable slot antenna loaded with paraffin PCM capacitors is designed that is capable of continuous frequency tuning in the range of 97.5 GHz-103.5 GHz. The antenna has a maximum gain of 3.78 dBi and it is constant over the reconfiguration range. Actuation mechanism of the electrothermal actuator is analyzed in a multiphysics simulator. To characterize the deflection profile and the temperature distribution, it is crucial to fully couple the electric currents, heat transfer and solid mechanics. It is observed that with a 3 μm-thick actuation layer, 0.6 μm displacement can be obtained. A new fabrication method for the deposition of the thin paraffin film is developed and a fabrication process for the reconfigurable antenna is presented.
Detection of expansion, contraction and shear motion using spatio-temporal continuous wavelet transforms

Abstract This paper addresses the problem of detecting, estimating and analyzing image sequences with objects undergoing deformational motion. Specifically, we consider spatio-temporal signals originating from expansion, contraction and shear motion in the scene. We assume that there are multiple objects moving with different motion parameters and our goal is to estimate these parameters and obtain the instant locations of the objects on the image plane. The estimated parameters and location information can be used in performing various autonomous tasks that have to be completed visually, for example, focus or shift of attention and visual navigation of a mobil robot. It has been shown in this paper that the Fourier transform of a signal undergoing any of the above three kinds of deformational motions, when spatially sampled in the 'log domain' lies in a plane. To estimate the motion parameters and locations, a new algorithm is proposed which is based on spatio-temporal continuous wavelet transforms(CWTs). The mother wavelet has been tuned to velocity, spatial orientation, spatial scale, and spatio-temporal translation. The proposed method does not need point-to-point correspondence between one image and the next and is robust against noise and occlusion.
Quantitative Comparison of Endocytosis and Intracellular Trafficking of DNA/Polymer Complexes in the Absence/Presence of Free Polycationic Chains

The development of smart and multi-functional non-viral polymeric devices (NVPD) for nucleic acid delivery has captured tremendous attention over the past few decades [1–3]. Particularly, cationic polymers are perceived as promising candidates due to their safety profiles and relative ease to incorporate desired functional moieties[4, 5]. Currently, polyethylenimine (PEI) is among the most intensively studied cationic polymeric vehicles and hitherto mediates nearly the highest in vitro transfection efficiency in the absence of any exogenous endosomolytic agent [6–8].
An Introduction to Pixel-planes and other VLSI-Intensive Graphics Systems

This paper, an updating of [Fuchs, 1987], reviews some experimental and commercial graphics systems that intensively use VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration) technology. Described in some detail is the current state of one of these systems, our own Pixel-planes. Among the fastest of 3D systems, Pixel-planes renders about 35,000 full-screen, smooth-shaded, Z-buffered triangles per second, about 13,000 Z-buffered interpenetrating spheres per second.
Psychology of Reading

Reading is the process by which individuals decode a written language. Readers must translate from a written language (an ‘orthography’) to the underlying sound-based components (the ‘phonology’). Learning to read involves knowledge of the phonetic structure of language, and skilled reading requires hundreds of hours of practice. Beginning readers rely on the process of phonological mediation, the sounding out of letters and words. Skilled readers can access the words directly and phonological mediation plays a smaller role. Two types of dyslexia (acquired and developmental) are discussed, with several possible causes explored.
Cognitive Predictors of Parental Rescue Behavior and Malleability of Behavior Using a Brief Psychoeducation Intervention

Cognitive factors, such as beliefs that anxiety is harmful, may lead parents to engage excessively in over-controlling parenting practices, such as “rescuing” children from distress. The present study examined whether parental rescue behavior, or the speed at which parents intervened to rescue an increasingly distressed child during an audio paradigm, was associated with beliefs about child anxiety. We also evaluated the impact of psychoeducation on rescue behavior during the audio paradigm. A nonclinical sample of 310 parents was recruited from an online crowdsourcing platform. Findings support the hypothesis that parents’ stronger beliefs that anxiety is harmful relate to parents’ faster speed of rescue. Additionally, participants who received psychoeducation delayed their rescue responses more than did participants who received benign information. Findings add to the growing body of evidence that cognitive factors contribute to countertherapeutic parent behavior and indicate that psychoeducation can be an important component of family-based child anxiety treatment.
From Compression Plates to Anatomically Shaped Internal Fixators

The first period of development of the AO Instrumentarium was dominated by a search for better and more stable fracture compression. The move from a standard compression plate (1960) with round holes to a Dynamic Compression Plate (DCP) in 1970 represented a steady increase in clinical experience that was concentrated on making it easier for surgeons to achieve a stable compression by re-engineering and re-designing plates, holes, and screws.
Business Practice and the Cultural Revolution

The Cultural Revolution was not planned to address economic issues, but it did have sharp, if fleeting impacts on enterprises, disrupting managerial practices that at times resembled Old China clientelism combined with New China opportunism. While bitter and often violent struggles exploded at major urban plants in Shanghai, Wuhan, and elsewhere, and while Red Guard travels disrupted railway traffic for a time, the realms of commerce and agriculture were less affected. Indeed, a massive “Third Front” capital construction campaign in the west surged in 1965, was interrupted at the height of disturbances and resumed “heroically” in 1968, staffed by hundreds of thousands of construction workers, among whom eventually were many defeated Red Guards. As well, drives to strengthen rural small industry, especially the repair and maintenance of agricultural, irrigation, and transport technologies, presaged national “industrialize the countryside” efforts in the 1970s. As the CR waned, CIA analysts judged China’s communist enterprise networks were stronger than at any time since Liberation, even if its politics remained chaotic.
Louisiana Waterthrush (Parkesia motacilla) survival and site fidelity in an area undergoing shale gas development

We quantified Louisiana Waterthrush (Parkesia motacilla) site fidelity and apparent survival across a 6 year period in an area undergoing shale gas development.Waterthrush initially exhibited high site fidelity that declined over time. At the same time, the number of unpaired males defending territories increased as did natal fidelity. We identified site fidelity factors that influenced if adult males and females returned. More males returned either due to or regardless of amount of shale gas disturbance and lower riparian habitat quality. Females were less likely to return with increased number of breeding attempts. Females in shale gas disturbed areas had a higher number of breeding attempts and lower individual productivity. We saw a general nonsignificant trend in declining apparent survival over time. Overall apparent survival estimates for adult males (0.56) and females (0.44) were similar to those reported for other populations. Apparent survival candidate models suggested weak, positive relationships of increased survival with shale gas territory disturbance, disturbance with year, and year for adult males, and a positive relationship of increased survival with hydraulic fracturing runoff for adult females although regression coefficients overlapped zero for all model-supported covariates implying no statistical significance. Since waterthrush can maintain pair bonds from the previous year and females must pick a nest site within the defended male's territory, there are potential conflicts between factors that influence adult survival and site fidelity that may affect long-term population persistence. Our study adds to previous evidence that shale gas disturbed areas may serve as sink habitats.
Mechanisms underlying aflatoxin-associated mutagenesis – Implications in carcinogenesis

Chronic dietary exposure to aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), concomitant with hepatitis B infection is associated with a significant increased risk for hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) in people living in Southeast Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Human exposures to AFB1 occur through the consumption of foods that are contaminated with pervasive molds, including Aspergillus flavus. Even though dietary exposures to aflatoxins constitute the second largest global environmental risk factor for cancer development, there are still significant questions concerning the molecular mechanisms driving carcinogenesis and what factors may modulate an individual's risk for HCC. The objective of this review is to summarize key discoveries that established the association of chronic inflammation (most commonly associated with hepatitis B viral (HBV) infection) and environmental exposures to aflatoxin with increased HCC risk. Special emphasis will be given to recent investigations that have: 1) refined the aflatoxin-associated mutagenic signature, 2) expanded the DNA repair mechanisms that limit mutagenesis via adduct removal prior to replication-induced mutagenesis, 3) implicated a specific DNA polymerase in the error-prone bypass and resulting mutagenesis, and 4) identified human polymorphic variants that may modulate individual susceptibility to aflatoxin-induced cancers. Collectively, these investigations revealed that specific sequence contexts are differentially resistant against, or prone to, aflatoxin-induced mutagenesis and that these associations are remarkably similar between in vitro and in vivo analyses. These recent investigations also established DNA polymerase ζ as the major polymerase that confers the G to T transversion signature. Additionally, although the nucleotide excision repair (NER) pathway has been previously shown to repair aflatoxin-induced DNA adducts, recent murine data demonstrated that NEIL1-initiated base excision repair was significantly more important than NER relative to the removal of the highly mutagenic AFB1-Fapy-dG adducts. These data suggest that inactivating polymorphic variants of NEIL1 could be a potential driver of HCCs in aflatoxin-exposed populations.
Urgent Surgery for Gastric Adenocarcinoma: A Study of the National Cancer Database.

Abstract Background Gastric adenocarcinoma is a leading cause of cancer death worldwide and, in the United States, can present emergently with upper GI hemorrhage, obstruction, or perforation. No large studies have examined how urgent surgery affects patient outcomes. This study examines the outcomes of urgent versus elective surgery for gastric cancer. Materials and methods Patients with gastric adenocarcinoma from the National Cancer Database from 2004 to 2015 were examined retrospectively. Patients with metastatic disease or incomplete data were excluded. Urgent surgery was defined as definitive surgery within 3 d of diagnosis. Univariate and multivariate analysis of patient factors, surgical outcomes, and oncologic data was performed. P-values Results Of 26,116 total patients, 2964 had urgent surgery and 23,468 had elective surgery. Urgent surgery patients were significantly older, were female, were nonwhite, had higher pathologic stage, and were treated at a low-volume center. Urgent surgery was associated with decreased quality lymph node harvest (odds ratio [OR] 0.68 95% confidence interval {CI} [0.62, 0.74]), increased positive surgical margin (OR 1.48, 95% CI [1.32, 1.65]), increased 30-d mortality (OR 1.38, 95% CI [1.16, 1.65]), increased 90-d mortality (OR 1.30, 95% CI [1.14, 1.49]), and decreased overall survival (hazard ratio 1.21, 95% CI [1.15, 1.27]). Conclusions Urgent surgery for gastric cancer is associated with significantly worse outcomes than elective surgery. Stable patients requiring urgent surgical resection for gastric cancer may benefit from referral to a high-volume center for resection by an experienced surgeon. Patients undergoing urgent resection for gastric cancer should be referred to surgical and medical oncologists to ensure they receive appropriate adjuvant therapy and surveillance.
An electrochemical approach to total organic carbon control in printed circuit board copper sulfate plating baths Part II: Overall system

An electrochemical system for oxidative removal of high levels of total organic carbon (TOC) in printed circuit board (PCB) copper sulfate plating baths has been developed. These organic contaminants build-up over the course of pattern plating of PCBs, and at high concentrations they interfere with the quality of the plated copper. The chemistry of the electrochemical oxidation of the plating bath contaminants was qualitatively followed using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) measurements. A complete treatment system is described and rough calculations are given showing, for a given set of conditions, how the proper choice of electrode material and current density can minimize the system cost.
Use of Tracer Elements for Estimating Community Exposure to Marcellus Shale Development Operations

Since 2009, unconventional natural gas development (UNGD) has significantly increased in Appalachia's Marcellus Shale formation. Elevations of fine particulate matter <2.5 µm (PM2.5), have been documented in areas surrounding drilling operations during well stimulation. Furthermore, many communities are experiencing increased industrial activities and probable UNGD air pollutant exposures. Recent studies have associated UNGD emissions with health effects based on distances from well pads. In this study, PM2.5 filter samples were collected on an active gas well pad in Morgantown, West Virginia, and three locations downwind during hydraulic stimulation. Fine particulate samples were analyzed for major and trace elements. An experimental source identification model was developed to determine which elements appeared to be traceable downwind of the UNGD site and whether these elements corresponded to PM2.5 measurements. Results suggest that 1) magnesium may be useful for detecting the reach of UNGD point source emissions, 2) complex surface topographic and meteorological conditions in the Marcellus Shale region could be modeled and confounding sources discounted, and 3) well pad emissions may be measurable at distances of at least 7 km. If shown to be more widely applicable, future tracer studies could enhance epidemiological studies showing health effects of UNGD-associated emissions at ≥15 km.
Vocal Acoustics and Aerodynamics During Scripted Reading Compared to Spontaneous Speech.

Abstract Background Examination of vocal acoustics and phonatory aerodynamics during connected speech provide a more ecologically valid approach to voice assessment than single phoneme measures. The purpose of the current investigation was to determine if differences exist in vocal acoustics and aerodynamics between reading and spontaneous speech tasks in patients with common voice disorders. Methods The Emory University Institutional Review Board approved this retrospective study. The voice records of 100 patients (74 females and 26 males) diagnosed with benign voice disorders and referred for voice evaluation at the Emory Voice Center between November 2018 and March 2019 were analyzed. These consisted of reading a scripted passage (the Rainbow Passage) and spontaneous speech (describing how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich). Data collected included gender, voice diagnosis, mean fundamental frequency (F0), mean airflow during voicing, and mean inspiratory airflow (MIA). Results Univariate analysis assessed normality of the data. Variables with normal distribution utilized paired t test. Non-normal data were log transformed. Mean F0 was not significant for complete case analysis (P = 0.053) but gender based stratified analysis, for females (mean difference = 4.68 Hz; 95% CI = 0.359, 9.0012; P = 0.03). Gender-related statistical differences were also found in MIA in women (P = 0.0001), and P = 0.0003 for MIA in men. The direction and range of change between scripted reading and the spontaneous speech tasks in all metrics varied widely. No consistent patterns were noted in gender, age and diagnosis across the parameters studied. However, clinically salient findings in the range of MIA were noted in a small subgroup of participants. Conclusions This study suggests that multiple testing stimuli for phonatory aerodynamic and acoustic outcomes measurement may be appropriate for use depending on the need and vocal challenges of the individual patient. Clinically, both structured reading and spontaneous speech provide valuable insight into the vocal capabilities of the patient.
Two-Channel Cavity QED Model and Non-Classical Micromaser States

Photon-atom interactions involving two transition channels can provide intriguing possiblities of creating non-classical fields,1,2 because of mixing of photons associated with different channels. The simplest one-channel atom-field interaction is described by the Jaynes-Cummings model.3 In this paper a two-channel extension of the Jaynes-Cummings model is discussed.
Allergen-induced airway inflammation and airway hyperreactivity in mice

Allergic asthma is a chronic, often debilitating disease which has been increasing in both prevalence and mortality worldwide, despite increased use of currently available medications. Although extensive research has been devoted to the study of this disease, the fundamental mechanisms which underlie the development and perturbation of the asthmatic state remain elusive.
Asymmetric Division, Stem Cells and the Immortal Strand Hypothesis

I have proposed a hypothetical mechanism for guiding the development of complex, multi-cellular organisms that relies only on coding intrinsic to each cell (The Master Development Program hypothesis in Biosciences Hypotheses 2:3-12. 2009). An essential element in that mechanism is the ability of a de facto stem cell to differentiate into two different cell types and produce branches in the lines of cells without external cues or asymmetric environmental factors. At this time, I want to focus on this important element in more detail because I have realized that although much research has been published on asymmetric division, very little of it focuses on the genome. Moreover, the accepted mechanisms for asymmetric division imply that asymmetry is induced in the cytoplasm and that differentiation of the genomic programming follows asymmetric division. In the mechanism I proposed and elaborate here, asymmetry is first induced in the tetraploid (G2) stage of the cell cycle of a de facto stem cell and then the cytoplasm responds to a new transcriptome. The mechanism that I describe coincidentally supports the immortal strand hypothesis, which opines that the parental strand of DNA always ends up in the parental stem cell. In the mechanism that I proposed and elaborate here, the parental DNA strand remains in the original stem cell because it defines the original stem cell, while the newly synthesized and differentially imprinted strand defines the character of a new cell type (the progenitor of a new cell line).
A eukaryotic alanine racemase gene involved in cyclic peptide biosynthesis.

Abstract The cyclic tetrapeptide HC-toxin is an essential virulence determinant for the plant pathogenic fungusCochliobolus carbonum and an inhibitor of histone deacetylase. The major form of HC-toxin contains thed-isomers of Ala and Pro. The non-ribosomal peptide synthetase that synthesizes HC-toxin has only one epimerizing domain for conversion of l-Pro to d-Pro; the source ofd-Ala has remained unknown. Here we present the cloning and characterization of a new gene involved in HC-toxin biosynthesis,TOXG. TOXG is present only in HC-toxin-producing (Tox2+) isolates of C. carbonum. TOXG is able to support d-Ala-independent growth of a strain ofEscherichia coli defective in d-Ala synthesis. A C. carbonum strain with both of its copies ofTOXG mutated grows normally in culture, and although it no longer makes the three forms of HC-toxin that containd-Ala, it still makes a minor form of HC-toxin that contains Gly in place of d-Ala. The addition ofd-Ala to the culture medium restores production of thed-Ala-containing forms of HC-toxin by the toxGmutant. The toxG mutant has only partially reduced virulence. It is concluded that TOXG encodes an alanine racemase whose function is to synthesize d-Ala for incorporation into HC-toxin.
AUTOMATED ANALYSIS OF DIGITAL IMAGES GENERATED BY TWO-DIMENSIONAL GEL ELECTROPHORESIS

Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis is a method to separate proteins according to their molecular weights and mobilities in an electric field at a certain pH value. The presence of a radioactively or fluorescently labeled protein in a preparation is indicated by a spot that is produced on a film with the intensity of the spot indicative of the amount of protein. This article presents algorithms that accomplish automated quantitative analysis of digitized gel images. The limits of currently available analysis systems are discussed. The methods are implemented by software on a commercially available digital image processor that uses a minicomputer host. 13 refs., 4 figs., 3 tabs.
The Amateur and Eclipsing Binary Stars

Probably no other branch of science has benefited as much from the work of dedicated amateurs as has the science of Astronomy. While some amateurs have made many useful types of astronomical observations— comets, meteors, occultations, etc. — perhaps none has been as extensive and as useful as those made in the field of variable stars. There are not nearly enough professional astronomers to keep under proper observation the increasingly large number of known variables. While all kinds of them are well worth continuous study, this paper will call attention to the importance of eclipsing variables and in particular the systematic and continuing observation of their times of minimum light.
CT of Atypical and Uncommon Presentations of Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this article is to familiarize radiologists with uncommon presentations of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with an emphasis on the CT spectrum of atypical appearances. CONCLUSION. HCC is the fifth most common neoplasm worldwide and the second most common cause of cancer-related death. In many cases, HCC can be confidently diagnosed with noninvasive imaging. However, there are numerous unusual appearances of HCC with which the radiologist must be familiar.
Anthicidae (Insecta: Coleoptera)

The Anthicidae of New Zealand are revised for the first time, and their taxonomic affinities are discussed. Twenty-six species have been found, eight of them undescribed, and eight new synonymies were discovered. Nine of these species are introduced, seven of them originating from Australia; the other two are cosmopolitan anthropogenic species. Members of genus Cotes are all restricted to New Zealand, as is the monotypic new genus Zealanthicus . The known seasonality, biological associations, and geographic distribution of the species are summarised, with maps indicating locality records. A key to their identification is given, and most species are illustrated. CHECKLIST OF TAXA Subfamily Anthicinae Genus Anthicus Paykull, 1798 (a) Anthicus sensu stricto hesperi King, 1869 kreusleri King, 1869 (b) australis -group gushi new species troilus Hinton, 1945 elegans Lea, 1895 (c) strictus -group glaber King, 1869 minor Broun, 1886 flavitarsis Broun, 1914 new synonymy otagensis new species (d) Subgenu s Omonadus Mulsant & Re y floralis (Linnaeus, 1758) fallax B roun, 1893 formicarius (Goeze, 1777) Genus Sapintus Casey, 1895 aucklandensis new species deitzi new species obscuricornis (Broun, 1880) new combination anthracinus (Broun, 1893) new synonymy pellucidipes (Broun, 1880) new combination Subfamily Lagrioidinae Genus Lagrioida Fairmaire & Germain, 1860 brouni Pascoe, 1876 Subfamily Lemodinae Genus Cotes Sharp, 1877 bullata Broun, 1923 crispi (Broun, 1880) punctata Broun, 1893 new synonymy gourlayi new species halliana Broun, 1923 optima Broun, 1893 proxima Broun, 1893 new synonymy proba Broun, 1881 dorsalis Broun, 1893 new synonymy rufa Broun, 1893 insignis Broun, 1912 new synonymy vestita Sharp, 1877 distincta Broun, 1893 new synonymy Genus Trichananca Blackburn, 1891 fulgida new species Zealanthicus new genus sulcatus new species Subfamily Macratriinae Genus Macratria Newman, 1838 aotearoa new species exilis Pascoe, 1877 verticalis Sharp, 1877 flavipes Broun, 1893 new synonymy
Using Spatially Explicit Simulated Data to Analyze Animal Interactions: A Case Study with Brown Hyenas in Northern Botswana

New developments in global positioning systems (GPS) and related satellite tracking technologies have facilitated the collection of highly accurate data on moving objects, far surpassing the ability to analyze them. Within geographic information science, ‘movement pattern analysis’ (MPA) has developed as a subfield that addresses concepts and theories used to explore the spatio-temporal structure in data, although the methodological and analytical framework associated with MPA is new and still evolving. Interactions between individuals can be considered a second order property of movement and have been far less studied. The nature of interactions between individuals in a population is a fundamental aspect of a species' behavioral ecology and information on the frequency and duration of these interactions is vital to understanding mating and territorial behavior, resource use, and infectious disease epidemiology. The focus of this work was to explore how spatially explicit simulated data can be used to analyse dynamic interactions between individuals. Five different techniques that have been used to quantify dynamic interactions based on GPS data of pairs of individuals were utilised, and all were compared in the context of spatially explicit simulated data intended to represent biologically realistic null models for individual movement, and subsequently paired interactions.
Stability of phage T4 lysozymes. I. Native properties and thermal stability of wild type and two mutant lysozymes.

Abstract Two mutants of phage T4 lysozyme were prepared and characterized. One mutation substituted a tyrosine residue for tryptophan at position 138. The other substituted tyrosines at all three tryptophan positions of the wild type molecule (126, 138, 158). Comparative studies of the physical properties (absorption, flourescence, circular dichroism) of the three enzymes were performed as a function of pH. Also, the proteins were reversibly melted as a function of pH. Since the unfolding reaction appeared to be a two-state process for all these proteins, the data were analyzed by the van 't Hoff procedure. The changes in stability and activity produced by substitution of Trp 138 were especially significant. The other substitutions were neutral. See the end of the paper for a summary of conclusions. In the appendix the appropriate thermodynamic relations are developed for a constant ΔC P transition. Parts of this material were presented at the meeting of the Society of Biological Chemists in San Francisco in June, 1976 and at the International Conference on Biomolecules at Regensburg, G.F.R. in October, 1976.
Faces of Pentecostalism in North India Today

Pentecostal revivals in India have been recorded since 1860, and Pentecostalism is flourishing in the subcontinent today. Yet this phenomenon is neither simple nor monolithic. Rather, it interacts with other Christian traditions and with other religious traditions in a number of different ways. Despite its rigid and exclusivistic rhetoric, Pentecostalism functions as a highly malleable and adaptable religious movement.
Chaos rules out integrability of strings on AdS5×T1,1

Abstract We show that certain classical string configurations in AdS 5 × T 1 , 1 are chaotic. This answers the question of integrability of string on such backgrounds in the negative. We consider a string localized in the center of AdS 5 that winds around two circles of T 1 , 1 . The corresponding dynamical system is equivalent to two coupled gravitational pendula and allows a very intuitive understanding. We find conclusive evidence of chaotic behavior by systematically analyzing the workings of the KAM theorem. We also show that the largest Lyapunov exponent is positive.
The Performance of Four Strains of Laying Hens Subjected to Various Postrest Combinations of Calcium and Phosphorus After Forced Rest in Winter or Summer

Four strains of laying hens, including one brown egg strain, were force-rested in February at approximately 62 weeks of age. Hens from the same four strains, which were the same age, were also force-tested under similar conditions during August of the same year. In each of the two trials, a total of 2300 hens were housed at the rate of two per 25.4 x 45.7-cm cage. The resting procedure for both studies included feed withdrawal for 9 or 10 days followed by feeding a 8.6% protein diet for 25 days. Water was supplied at all times. After the 35-day resting period, the hens were assigned to four calcium and phosphorus combinations, which varied from the duplication of a first-year pullet phase feeding program to the feeding of a final phase type diet for the entire postrest production period. Nutrient level within each dietary system was adjusted periodically based on daily feed intake. Strain performance differences were observed in both seasons. Rate of return to production and postrest production rates were similar to the patterns observed within the respective strain's performance during the pullet year. This was noted in both studies. Relative strain production performance, however, when compared to the other strains, was not consistent between the two rest seasons. There was no difference in performance due to calcium and phosphorus treatment utilized in either postrest production season.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
A Technique for Introducing Surface Compression into Zirconia Ceramics

A technique is presented whereby compressive surface stresses are introduced into transformation-toughened ZrO2 ceramics by removing the stabilizing oxides, such as Y2O3, from the surface. The advantages of this approach over other techniques are discussed, and experimental data confirming the presence of compressive surface stresses and subsequent improved resistance to indentation cracking are described.
The Morality of Bluffing: A Reply to Allhoff

In a recent paper that appeared in this journal Fritz Allhoff addresses the morality of bluffing in negotiations1. He focuses on cases in which people misstate their “reservation price” in negotiations, e.g., suppose that I am selling a house and tell a prospective buyer that $300,000 is absolutely the lowest price that I will accept, when I know that I would be willing to accept as little as $270,000 for the house rather than continue to try to sell it. Allhoff criticizes my (qualified) defense of bluffing in my paper “Second Thoughts on Bluffing,”2 and offers what he takes to be a more plausible defense of bluffing. Allhoff’s criticisms rest on several serious misinterpretations of my views. He ascribes to me several arguments that I don’t make. He also attributes to me an unqualified defense of bluffing that I explicitly reject. I briefly document this in Section 1. In Sections 2 and 3 I explain and criticize Allhoff’s positive views about bluffing and the morality of bluffing.