cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Water movement in desert soil traced by hydrogen and oxygen isotopes, chloride, and chlorine-36, southern Arizona

Abstract Understanding soil water movement is important for water resource management and for analyzing pollutant transport in the vadose zone. Seasonal variations in shallow soil profiles may have profound effects on deep soil water and solutes. We have investigated seasonal soil water movement in the top meter of undisturbed desert soil in the southern Arizona using 2 H, 18 O, Cl, and bomb- 36 C1. Six soil profiles were sampled from a young terrace (Holocene) during 1991 to 1992 on a seasonal basis. One soil profile was sampled from an older terrace (latest Pleistocene) in October 1992, and one from a yet older fan surface (late Pleistocene) in March 1992. The results indicate that repeated seasonal cyclic movement of soil water in the top 60–80 cm active zone tends to produce a consistent stable isotope composition for the soil water below the active zone in different seasons. The deep δ 18 O on the oldest surface is about 6‰. heavier than on the younger surfaces, probably resulting from greater evaporative loss due to the larger proportion of fines in the older soil. This deep isotopic composition is closely related to the composition of the local average annual precipitation. An annual average evaporation rate of 35 mm year −1 was estimated using a steady-state diffusion model, whereas the actual regional evapotranspiration rate is 175–250 mm year −1 . This suggests that about 80% of the soil water is lost through transpiration and first-stage evaporation before quasi steady-state is reached. The long-term average infiltration rate below the active zone is about 4 mm year −1 for the younger terrace, based on both chloride mass balance and bomb 36 Cl, and 0.02 mm year −1 for the older terrace and the fan surface, based on chloride mass balance. The correlation between the deep δ 18 O, the reduction of downward flux and the surface age suggests that increasing soil development has resulted in a significant decrease of soil water infiltration and hence an increase in evaporation and surface runoff.
Specificity of alpha crystallin binding to the lens membrane

The A1, A2, B1, and B2 species of bovine alpha crystallin have been purified and renatured to form high molecular weight aggregates comprised of only one species, and the aggregated forms of each of these species have been tested for their ability to bind to lens membrane in vitro. The aggregated forms of alpha-A1 and alpha-A2 bound to membrane in a saturable manner while those of alpha-B1 and alpha-B2 bound in much lower amounts, in a manner inconsistent with saturable binding. Together, these results demonstrate specific and saturable binding of aggregated alpha-A1 and alpha-A2 to the lens membrane, suggesting that these species are responsible for the previously observed interaction between alpha crystallin and the lens fiber cell membrane.
Derivation of axiomatic definitions of programming languages from algorithmic definitions

Language definitions by abstract interpreters are appropriate to the design and development of a language. Axiomatic definitions are more appropriate to proving program properties and verification of compilers. The proof methods of Manna and Ashcroft can be applied to an algorithmic definition in, e.g. the Vienna Definition Language to deduce theorems which constitute an axiomatic definition of precisely the same language.The process and techniques are explained, and illustrated on a simple language of assignment statements.
Curious Archives: making the Musée de l’histoire de France in the Archives of the Second Empire

Curious Archives examines the creation of the museum of archives, the Musee de l’Histoire de France, at the Imperial Archives of France under the direction of Leon de Laborde, 1858–1867. This museum was intended as a crucial tool for publicizing the Archives and educating the public, but also represented a break from the Archives’ role as administrative storehouse both in practice and in the popular imagination. The museum’s conception and reception reveal conflicts around the Archives’ mission and contents, particularly regarding public interest, the potential dangers of public curiosity, and nature of documentary and historical knowledge in nineteenth-century France.
The effect of detergents on the reduction of tetrazolium salts.

Abstract Detergents, such as Triton X-100, markedly increase the reduction of tetrazolium salts by xanthine oxidase plus xanthine, or by NADH. This effect of detergent, in the case of the xanthine oxidase catalyzed process, is seen aerobically but not anaerobically. Increasing the rate of accumulation of formazan, whether by increasing the concentration of the tetrazolium salt or by adding detergent, decreased susceptibility to inhibition by superoxide dismutase or by O 2 . These results are accommodated by a scheme of reactions the essence of which is the univalent reduction of the tetrazolium to an uncharged tetrazoinyl radical which can reduce O 2 to[formula]or which can partition into the detergent micelles and there dismute to generate the stable formazan.
Cardiac Involvement in Sarcoidosis: Evolving Concepts in Diagnosis and Treatment

Clinically evident sarcoidosis involving the heart has been noted in at least 2 to 7% of patients with sarcoidosis, but occult involvement is much higher (> 20%). Cardiac sarcoidosis is often not recognized antemortem, as sudden death may be the presenting feature. Cardiac involvement may occur at any point during the course of sarcoidosis and may occur in the absence of pulmonary or systemic involvement. Sarcoidosis can involve any part of the heart, with protean manifestations. Prognosis of cardiac sarcoidosis is related to extent and site(s) of involvement. Most deaths due to cardiac sarcoidosis are due to arrhythmias or conduction defects, but granulomatous infiltration of the myocardium may be lethal. The definitive diagnosis of isolated cardiac sarcoidosis is difficult. The yield of endomyocardial biopsies is low; treatment of cardiac sarcoidosis is often warranted even in the absence of histologic proof. Radionuclide scans are integral to the diagnosis. Currently, 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography and gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging scans are the key imaging modalities to diagnose cardiac sarcoidosis. The prognosis of cardiac sarcoidosis is variable, but mortality rates of untreated cardiac sarcoidosis are high. Although randomized therapeutic trials have not been done, corticosteroids (alone or combined with additional immunosuppressive medications) remain the mainstay of treatment. Because of the potential for sudden cardiac death, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators should be placed in any patient with cardiac sarcoidosis and serious ventricular arrhythmias or heart block, and should be considered for cardiomyopathy. Cardiac transplantation is a viable option for patients with end-stage cardiac sarcoidosis refractory to medical therapy.
Performance-power analysis of H.265/HEVC and H.264/AVC running on multicore cache systems

The leading problem of adopting caches into multicore computing systems is twofold: cache worsens execution time unpredictability (that challenges supporting real-time multimedia applications) and cache is power hungry (that challenges energy constraints). Recently published articles suggest that using cache locking improves timing predictability. However, increased cache activities due to aggressive cache locking make the system consume more energy and become less efficient. In this paper, we investigate the impact of multicore cache parameters and cache locking on performance and power consumption for real-time multimedia applications. We consider an Intel Xeon-like multicore architecture with two-level cache memory hierarchy and use two popular multimedia applications: recently introduced H.265/HEVC (for improved video quality and data compression ratio) and H.264/AVC (the network friendly video coding standard). Experimental results suggest that cache optimization has potential to improve multicore performance by decreasing cache miss rate down to 36% and save power consumption up to 33%. It is observed that H.265/HEVC has significant performance advantage on multicore system over H.264/AVC for smaller cache memories.
Evaluation of azoestriol antisera for estriol measurements in pregnancy plasma directly and after extraction.

2-(4′-carboxyphenylazo)-estriol antisera were employed to quantitate pregnancy plasma estriol in ether extracts by single phase radioimmune assay without chromatography. Utilizing antiserum which crossreacted minimally even with the monoglucosiduronate metabolites, unextracted plasma estriol measurements were identical statistically to ether extract determinations.
Aryl piperazine melanocortin MC4 receptor agonists

Incorporation of substituted phenyl piperazine privileged structures into a known MC4 specific dipeptoid consensus sequence resulted in a series of potent (EC(50)=24 nM) and selective MC4-R agonists. We report the SAR of this series of compounds using in vitro cAMP functional assays in cells transfected with the MC4 or other melancortin receptors.
Kinetics of conjugation and oxidation of nitrobenzyl alcohols by rat hepatic enzymes

Abstract Previous work has suggested that quantitative differences in the in vitro and in vivo metabolism of mononitrotoluene isomers are a result of differences in the hepatic conjugation and oxidation of the first metabolic intermediates, the mononitrobenzyl alcohols. We have determined the steadystate kinetic parameters, V max , K m and V K , for the metabolism of the nitrobenzyl alcohols by rat hepatic alcohol dehydrogenase, glucuronyltransferase, and sulfotransferase. 3-Nitrobenzyl alcohol was the best substrate for cytosolic alcohol dehydrogenase (V max = 1.48 nmoles/min/mg protein , V K = 3.15 × 10 −3 nmoles/min/mg protein μ M , K m = 503 μ M ) . V max and K m values for 4-nitrobenzyl alcohol were similar, but V K was about 60% of that for 3-nitrobenzyl alcohol. 2-Nitrobenzyl alcohol was not metabolized by the alcohol dehydrogenase preparation used here, but it was metabolized to 2-nitro-benzoic acid by a rat liver mitochondrial preparation. 2-Nitrobenzyl alcohol was the best substrate for microsomal glucuronyltransferase ( V max = 3.59 nmoles/min/mg protein , V K = 11.28 × 10 −3 nmoles/min/mg protein /μ M , K m = 373 μ m ) . The V max for 3-nitrobenzyl alcohol was similar, but the V K was about half and the K m was about twice that for 2-nitrobenzyl alcohol. The V max for 4-nitrobenzyl alcohol was about 40% and the V K was about half that for 2-nitrobenzyl alcohol. The best substrate for cytosolic sulfotransferase was 4-nitrobenzyl alcohol (V max = 1.69 nmoles/min/mg protein , V K = 37.21 × 10 −3 nmoles/min/mg protein /μ M , K m = 48 μ M ) . The V max values for the other two benzyl alcohols were similar, but the V K and K m values were about 11 and 400%, respectively, of those for 4-nitrobenzyl alcohol. These data are in qualitative agreement with results obtained when the nitrobenzyl alcohols were incubated with isolated hepatocytes, but they do not allow quantitative modeling of the data from hepatocytes.
Novel thrombin and factor Xa inhibitors: Challenges to reversal of their anticoagulation effects

Purpose of reviewWarfarin has been the sole oral anticoagulant used in the management of thromboembolic disorders for over 60 years. Target-specific oral anticoagulants (TSOAs) have recently emerged as alternatives to warfarin, because they do not require laboratory monitoring. Nevertheless, with th
Effect of Branched Methyl Group in Lateral Substituent on Main Chan Liquid Crystalline Polyesters

To investigate the effect of a branched methyl group in a lateral long-chain substituent on liquid crystalline properties, two polyesters containing a decamethylene spacer and a triad mesogen with 2-methyl-1-butoxy and n-butoxy substituents, I and II, respectively, were prepared and characterized by wide angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD), thermal and optical methods. Both polymers exhibited the exactly similar crystalline state and melt transition. In contrast, the isotropization transition of I was observed at lower temperature than II. The data obtained suggest that the branched methyl group in the butoxy substituent did not influence the formation of the crystal and the melting transition, but it depressed only the isotropization transition.
The Design and Implementation of a Video Surveillance System for Large Scale Wind Farm

In this paper, a model of the video surveillance system is proposed, which is defined as the centralized, regional and local these three monitoring levels. The design and implementation of the system is described from the acquisition, transmission and monitoring subsystems. The problems that should be noticed in construction of the acquisition subsystem are pointed out. A variety of network technologies are analyzed from the view of the construction cost and post-maintenance. The transmission structure with disaster recovery performance is given on the basis of network contrast. In the end, the key technologies and functions of monitoring subsystem are given.
Deciduoma induction in the rat by X-irradiation

Una dose di 500–1000 r di raggi X, data localmente ad un lato dell'addome di ratte al quinto giorno di pseudogravidanza, ha stimolato la formazione di deciduomi nel corno uterino irradiato di meta degli animali. L'esame istologico ha rivelato che i deciduomi presentavano tipiche caratteristiche isto-morfologiche, ma erano 1/2-1/4 delle dimensioni medie dei deciduomi indotti traumaticamente. La formazione di un deciduoma anche in un corno dalla parte non irradiata potrebbe indicare che, sia un fattore locale che uno generale contribuiscono al meccanismo induttore.
An inversion formula for the Segal–Bargmann transform on a symmetric space of non-compact type

Abstract We prove analogs of the heat kernel transform inversion formulae of Golse, Leichtnam and the author [E. Leichtnam, F. Golse, M. Stenzel, Intrinsic microlocal analysis and inversion formulae for the heat equation on compact real-analytic Riemannian manifolds, Ann. Sci. Ecole Norm. Sup. (4) 29 (6) (1996) 669–736. MR1422988 (97h:58153), Theorems 0.3, 0.4] in the setting of a Riemannian symmetric space of Helgason's non-compact type.
Next generation antidepressants

Over the past 50 y, there have been few mechanistically distinct drugs for the treatment of major depressive disorders, despite the fact that nearly two-thirds of patients do not achieve full remission of symptoms on currently available antidepressants (1). In addition, even when adequate remission is achieved, patients require 2–4 wk of treatment before any significant effects, increasing the risk for complications, such as suicide (2). This delay in effectiveness has resulted in a major push to identify and develop novel therapeutics with more rapid effects. The recent identification of ketamine as a rapid antidepressant effective in treatment-resistant patients has been groundbreaking (3, 4). Nasca et al. (5) describe in PNAS a unique potential rapidly acting antidepressant, l-acetylcarnitine (LAC), which is a dietary supplement that acts by acetylating protein targets to control their function. LAC is reported to be well tolerated and can readily cross the blood-brain barrier (6). A recent study suggests it has promise in the treatment of Parkinson disease because of its neroprotective properties (7). Strikingly, LAC exhibits antidepressant efficacy within 2–3 d following intraperitoneal administration in rodents, compared with 2–3 wk with a standard antidepressant treatment, such as chlorimipramine. Although LAC is relatively nonspecific and can target many biological pathways, it is suggested by Nasca et al. (5) to promote rapid antidepressant responses by acetylation of histone proteins that control the transcription of BDNF and metabotropic glutamate 2 (mGlu2) receptors in the hippocampus (Hipp) and prefrontal cortex (PFC) (Fig. 1). One of the more impressive aspects of this article is that Nasca et al. (5) verify rapid antidepressant efficacy of LAC in both a genetic rat model of susceptibility [Flinders Sensitive Line (FSL)] and following chronic stress exposure, factors that are thought to be the primary cause of depression in humans. Although there is clearly far more work necessary to understand the mechanisms of antidepressant action of LAC in rodents, and the dose and relative safety profile for depression treatment in humans, these exciting results are a first step toward that goal.
The limit of minimizing points as a median estimator

The middle observation is the traditional estimator of the median of a univariant distribution. This paper considers the limit of the point that minimizes the L(p)-norm as p approaches 1. This limit with trimming and other natural modifications forms an estimate for the median of a distribution. Simulations compare this estimate with others.
Moments via Integral transform method for 2-D dielectric materials

This paper extends the moments via integral transform method (MITM) which analytically reduces the general method of moments (MoM) impedance equation from a double integral to a single integral thereby significantly reducing the matrix fill time. The MITM makes use of a specialized integral representation of the two dimensional Green's function (Hankel function) and represents the MoM impedance as a single integral in terms of integral transforms which are analytic for nearly arbitrary shape and weight functions.
Managing Planet Earth.

Every form of life continually faces the challenge of reconciling its innate capacity for growth with the opportunities and constraints that arise through its interactions with the natural environment. The remarkable success of our own species in meeting that challenge is only the beginning of the story.
Self-pumping impurity control by in-situ metal deposition

Abstract A system for in-situ removal of helium by trapping in freshly deposited metal surface layers of a limiter of divertor has been studied. The system would trap helium on a limiter front surface or a divertor plate, at low plasma edge temperatures, or in a limiter slot region at high edge temperatures. Fresh material introduced to the plasma and/or scrape-off zone, would be added at a rate of about five times the alpha production rate. The material would be reprocessed periodically, e.g. once a year. Possible materials are nickel, vanadium, niobium, and tantalum. Advantages of a self-pumping system are the absence of vacuum ducts and pumps, and the minimization of tritium processing and inventory.
Effect of water stress on aluminum toxicity in pitch pine seedlings

Abstract A decrease in soil water content during droughts may increase aluminum (Al) to concentrations that are toxic to the growth of trees. The effects of water stress (WS) on the response of ectomycorrhizal pitch pine (Pinus rigida Mill.) seedlings to aluminum was determined by growing seedlings in sand irrigated with nutrient solution (pH 3.8) containing 0, 5, or 10 mg L‐1 Al. Water stress was imposed for 41 days by withholding nutrient solution for five consecutive days each week. At harvest time, seedlings at high WS had 72% of mean gravimetric water contents of seedlings at low WS. Aluminum decreased growth of seedlings at high WS, but had no effect on growth of seedlings at low WS. Aluminum toxicity symptoms in roots (e.g., dark thickened tips) were observed at lower Al levels at high WS than at low WS. Stem dry weight was the only plant part decreased by water stress alone. Across Al levels, Al concentration in roots was higher at low WS than at high WS. Water stress alone reduced root [phosphoru...
Effects of naltrexone on mannerisms and water imbalance in polydipsic schizophrenics: a pilot study

In an open design, the opiate antagonist, naltrexone (25 mg bid), was added for six weeks to the neuroleptic regimen of seven inpatient polydipsic hyponatremic schizophrenics. Mannerisms and diurnal weight change improved slightly, the latter probably not as a consequence of diminished intake alone. Further studies are needed to clarify if stereotypies and polydipsia are modulated by endogenous opiates, and if opiate antagonists are of therapeutic value in this population.
The connection between the ring current belt and the auroral substorm

Abstract The dynamics of the DR2 -radiation belt are studied based on the assumption that the DR2 -belt is formed from ionization by collision of energetic neutral hydrogen incident on the Earth's upper atmosphere from the direction of the Sun. It is shown how this mechanism can lead to an asymmetric development of the DR2 -belt, and it is shown that the asymmetric belt is unstable. The growing instability on the nightside of the DR2 -belt can account for the quiet time auroral phenomena. The final stages of the growing instability may then result in a partial disruption of the DR2 -belt with some of the belt's magnetic energy being released near the midnight meridian. The auroral activation and breakup is then a manifestation of the partial disruption of the DR2 -belt, and it is assumed that in this process the DR2 -belt returns to a symmetric configuration. The effect of the ionosphere on magnetospheric motions is examined, and it is found that energy dissipation in the ionosphere can account for the expansion of time of auroral forms. It is also shown how rapidly moving magnetospheric plasmas can account for the bright auroral forms during breakup.
Clinical Staging and the Tendency of Malignant Pleural Mesotheliomas to Remain Localized

Abstract Thirty-two patients who had been treated for diffuse, malignant pleural mesotheliomas were retrospectively staged according to the system of Butchart. Nineteen of the 26 patients who were seen with disease confined to one hemithorax have died. Twelve patients died without progression to a higher clinical stage, and only 1 patient died of systemic metastases. Nineteen of the 32 patients died of local tumor invasion. Regimens containing Adriamycin (doxorubicin hydrochloride) appeared to prolong the survival of patients with epithelial-type tumors. Combination chemotherapy, designed to treat soft-tissue sarcomas, produced only partial responses in a small number of patients.
Potential profiles obtained from applied dust cloud perturbations

This paper details an experimental investigation of the local potential structure within a cloud of suspended microparticles—a “dusty” or “complex” plasma—using particle image velocimetry (PIV) techniques. Applied perturbations, synchronized to the PIV measurements, are used to force a cloud of suspended microparticles to become unconfined. From the free-streaming motion of the particles during the loss of confinement and subsequent reformation of the dust cloud, an analysis of the potential is performed. Furthermore, a new method of analyzing the potential structure from the motion of free-streaming microparticles in the plasma is presented.
Long-wavelength infrared camera (LWIRC): a 10 micron camera for the Keck telescope

The Long Wavelength Infrared Camera (LWIRC) is a facility instrument for the Keck Observatory designed to operate at the f/25 forward Cassegrain focus of the Keck I telescope. The camera operates over the wavelength band 7-13 {micro}m using ZnSe transmissive optics. A set of filters, a circular variable filter (CVF), and a mid-infrared polarizer are available, as are three plate scales: 0.05``, 0.10``, 0.21`` per pixel. The camera focal plane array and optics are cooled using liquid helium. The system has been refurbished with a 128 x 128 pixel Si:As detector array. The electronics readout system used to clock the array is compatible with both the hardware and software of the other Keck infrared instruments NIRC and LWS. A new pre-amplifier/A-D converter has been designed and constructed which decreases greatly the system susceptibility to noise.
Efficient targeted resequencing of human germline and cancer genomes by oligonucleotide-selective sequencing

We describe an approach for targeted genome resequencing, called oligonucleotide-selective sequencing (OS-Seq), in which we modify the immobilized lawn of oligonucleotide primers of a next-generation DNA sequencer to function as both a capture and sequencing substrate. We apply OS-Seq to resequence the exons of either 10 or 344 cancer genes from human DNA samples. In our assessment of capture performance, >87% of the captured sequence originated from the intended target region with sequencing coverage falling within a tenfold range for a majority of all targets. Single nucleotide variants (SNVs) called from OS-Seq data agreed with >95% of variants obtained from whole-genome sequencing of the same individual. We also demonstrate mutation discovery from a colorectal cancer tumor sample matched with normal tissue. Overall, we show the robust performance and utility of OS-Seq for the resequencing analysis of human germline and cancer genomes.
High-performance liquid chromatographic assay for pilocarpine in aqueous humor.

Abstract A high-performance liquid chromatographic assay for pilocarpine has been developed for the determination of pilocarpine in aqueous humor. A structurally similar internal standard is used, and pilocarpine is separated from isopilocarpine under the chromatographic conditions used. A 100μl sample is mixed with an aliquot of internal standard at pH 8.3 and extracted with methylene chloride. The extract is evaporated to dryness and the alkaloids are quaternized with p-nitrobenzyl bromide. Following the quaternization, the sample is evaporated to dryness, washed and diluted with a mobile phase—triethylamine mixture and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography using a reversed-phase octadecylsilane column with detection at a wavelength of 254 nm. This is a highly sensitive, reproducible and selective assay for measuring pilocarpine at physiological levels in individual aqueous humor samples.
Labor, Democracy, Utility, and Mill's Critique of Private Property

Scholars have long debated whether John Stuart Mill became a socialist, as he claimed in hisAutobiography. This article strengthens the case that he did, ironically, by examining Mill's longstanding adherence to a labor-based justification for private property in means of production. Even while he developed sharp criticisms of capitalist property relations based on democratic principles of individuality and freedom, Mill held on to this labor justification, which partly offset his growing socialist sympathies. But relatively late in life, Mill reconsidered and discarded the labor justification and began to argue for a more explicit utilitarian analysis of the relevant questions, thus bolstering the importance of his democratic critiques of the system of private property. A recognition of the slow gestation of Mill's views on the labor justification enriches our understanding of his thought on socialism versus capitalism and provides an insight into how he applied utilitarianism in a practical context.
A Comparison of Gulf Stream Sea Surface Height Fields Derived from Geosat Altimeter Data and Those Derived from Sea Surface Temperature Data

Abstract Two types of satellite data, Geosat altimeter data and sea surface temperature data (SST), are compared and evaluated for their usefulness in assimilation into a numerical model of the Gulf Stream region. Synoptic sea surface height (SSH) fields are derived from the SST data in the following way: first three-dimensional temperature and salinity analysis fields are obtained through the Optimum Thermal Interpolation System (OTIS), and then SSH fields are calculated using a primitive equation, free-surface, numerical model running in a diagnostic mode. The aforementioned SSH fields are compared with SSH fields obtained from the Geosat altimeter data. Use of Geosat data requires an estimate of the cream SSH field relative to the earth geoid. Three different methods to obtain the mean SSH field are demonstrated. The first method uses altimetry and SST data, the second uses a diagnostic calculation with climatological data; and the third uses prognostic numerical calculations. The three estimates compa...
The Pathogenicity of BCG after Prolonged Cultivation on Glycerinated Egg Medium.

Summary A study was made of the effect on the virulence of BCG of prolonged cultivation on glycerinated egg medium. A culture obtained from Calmette in 1930 was subcultured for fifty-nine generations during a six-year period on glycerinated egg-yolk slants. The bacteria were then used in 2 mg. doses to inoculate a series of 12 guinea-pigs and 18 rabbits. The animals were inoculated subcutaneously, intraperitoneally, or intravenously. The experiment was continued for approximately fifteen months, when the surviving animals were killed. Three guinea-pigs and 13 rabbits were living when the experiment was terminated. In no instance was there observed a progressive, malignant, tuberculous disease, as a consequence of the experimental inoculation. In some instances definite morbid changes, consisting of epithelioid tubercles in the lungs, spleen, or liver, were observed microscopically, but these lesions were never progressive and were frequently atrophic. Attempts to produce tuberculosis in guinea-pigs by the injection of tissue emulsions of such lesions invariably failed. The data indicate that cultivation of a strain of BCG for a period of approximately six years on glycerinated egg medium did not increase its virulence for guinea-pigs or for rabbits.
Pure axonal neuropathy: nerve xenografts and clinicopathological study of a family with peripheral neuropathy, hereditary ataxia, focal necrotizing encephalopathy, and spongy degeneration of brain.

Three family members had the unusual combination of severe peripheral neuropathy, atypical hereditary ataxia, spongy degeneration of cerebral hemispheres, and cerebellar and brainstem foci of necrotizing encephalopathy, proved pathologically in one autopsied case. A sural nerve from a patient, devoid of myelinated fibers, was transplanted into thymectomized, lethally irradiated, and bone marrow reconstituted adult mice. A normal number of myelinated fibers was present in the grafts eleven weeks later. Eighteen weeks after grafting, mice were reconstituted with syngeneic thymus to return immunocompetence. Schwann cells in the graft were rejected and axons became totally denuded of myelin after thymus reconstitution. The peripheral neuropathy is thus due to axonal disease since human Schwann cells were capable of normally myelinating regenerating mouse axons. A puzzling feature after rejection was the absence of myelin debris containing macrophages in the grafts. It is suggested that part of the rejection process in this model is mediated by antibody rather than by cellular mechanisms.
Effect of Microwave Blanching on the Yield and Quality of Canned Mushrooms

Shrinkage of mushrooms during blanching and retorting processes was studied using microwave and boiling water blanching treatments. A microwave blanching treatment of 4 min 40 sec at the high setting in a microwave oven was compared to a 7 min, boiling water, conventional blanching treatment. Data showed that the microwave blanching process was superior with respect to yield, allowing for a significant (p < 0.01) increase in net yield (3.41%) for three trials. Color and sensory analyses of the canned mushrooms showed that the two treatments were not significantly different (p<0.05) with respect to flavor, texture, color and overall acceptability.
Disconnection proofs for motion planning

Probabilistic road-map (PRM) planners have shown great promise in attacking previously infeasible motion planning problems with many degrees of freedom. Yet when such a planner fails to find a path, it is not clear that no path exists, or that the planner simply did not sample adequately or intelligently the free part of the configuration space. We propose to attack the motion planning problem from the other end, focusing on disconnection proofs, or proofs showing that there exists no solution to the posed motion planning problem. Just as PRM planners avoid generating a complete description of the configuration space, our disconnection provers search for certain special classes of proofs that are compact and easy to find when the motion planning problem is 'obviously impossible," avoiding complex geometric and combinatorial calculations. We demonstrate such a prover in action for a simple, yet still realistic, motion planning problem. When it fails, the prover suggests key milestones, or configurations of the robot that can then be passed on and used by a PRM planner. Thus by hitting the motion planning problem from both ends, we hope to resolve the existence of a path, except in truly delicate border-line situations.
Large carbon release legacy from bark beetle outbreaks across Western United States

Warmer conditions over the past two decades have contributed to rapid expansion of bark beetle outbreaks killing millions of trees over a large fraction of western United States (US) forests. These outbreaks reduce plant productivity by killing trees and transfer carbon from live to dead pools where carbon is slowly emitted to the atmosphere via heterotrophic respiration which subsequently feeds back to climate change. Recent studies have begun to examine the local impacts of bark beetle outbreaks in individual stands, but the full regional carbon consequences remain undocumented for the western US. In this study, we quantify the regional carbon impacts of the bark beetle outbreaks taking place in western US forests. The work relies on a combination of postdisturbance forest regrowth trajectories derived from forest inventory data and a process-based carbon cycle model tracking decomposition, as well as aerial detection survey (ADS) data documenting the regional extent and severity of recent outbreaks. We find that biomass killed by bark beetle attacks across beetle-affected areas in western US forests from 2000 to 2009 ranges from 5 to 15 Tg C yr−1 and caused a reduction of net ecosystem productivity (NEP) of about 6.1–9.3 Tg C y−1 by 2009. Uncertainties result largely from a lack of detailed surveys of the extent and severity of outbreaks, calling out a need for improved characterization across western US forests. The carbon flux legacy of 2000–2009 outbreaks will continue decades into the future (e.g., 2040–2060) as committed emissions from heterotrophic respiration of beetle-killed biomass are balanced by forest regrowth and accumulation.
RNA Controls PolyQ Protein Phase Transitions

Compartmentalization in cells is central to the spatial and temporal control of biochemistry. In addition to membrane-bound organelles, membrane-less compartments form partitions in cells. Increasing evidence suggests that these compartments assemble through liquid-liquid phase separation. However, the spatiotemporal control of their assembly, and how they maintain distinct functional and physical identities, is poorly understood. We have previously shown an RNA-binding protein with a polyQ-expansion called Whi3 is essential for the spatial patterning of cyclin and formin transcripts in cytosol. Here, we show that specific mRNAs that are known physiological targets of Whi3 drive phase separation. mRNA can alter the viscosity of droplets, their propensity to fuse, and the exchange rates of components with bulk solution. Different mRNAs impart distinct biophysical properties of droplets, indicating mRNA can bring individuality to assemblies. Our findings suggest that mRNAs can encode not only genetic information but also the biophysical properties of phase-separated compartments.
Effects of density and fire on the vital rates and population growth of a perennial goldenaster

Intraspecific density effects are generally associated with other factors, like disturbance. Therefore, the waysinwhichdensityeffectsmightinteractwithdisturbancetomodifytherelationshipsbetweenvitalratesandpopu- lationgrowthmustbeunderstood.Iquantifiedtheeffectsofdensityonthelife-historystagesoftheperennialcompos- itePityopsisasperaover3years,thespanofwhichincludedyearsinwhichfiredidanddidnotoccur.Inanexperimental study, I estimated the survival, growth and reproduction for shoots in plots established across a natural range of dens- itiesinFlorida,USA.Inanovelanalysis,aregression-designlife-tableresponseexperimentwasusedtodeterminewhich transitionswereassociatedwithdensity,howtheycontributedtodifferencesinestimatedpopulationgrowthratesand how this relationship differed as a result of fire. The shape of the relationship between population growth rate (l) and density was modified by fire, primarily as a result of contributions from adult flowering stasis and survival, and first- year survival probabilities. Fire modified and even reversed the effect of extreme densities on adult flowering stasis and survival and of first-year survival, resulting in more positive contributions from these transitions to l at the lowest and highest density values. These results demonstrate the first application of a regression-design life-table response experiment toelucidatingthe interactiveeffects of densityandfire. They highlight the utilityof this approach forbothcapturingthecomplexdynamicsofpopulationsandestablishingameansofdetermininghowvitalratesmight contribute to differences in demography across densities.
On‐Line Optimization of Recombinant Product in a Fed‐Batch Bioreactor

In this paper, an efficient scheme for on-line optimization of a recombinant product in a fed-batch bioreactor is presented. This scheme is based on the parametrization of the system states and the elimination of a subset of the dynamic equations in the mathematical model of the fed-batch bioreactor. The fed-batch bioreactor considered here involves the production of chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) in a genetically modified E. coli. The optimal inducer and the glucose feed rates are obtained using the proposed optimization approach. This approach is compared with the traditional optimization approach, where all the states and the manipulated variables are parametrized. The approach presented in this paper results in a 5-fold improvement in the computational time for the recombinant product optimization. The optimization technique is employed in an on-line optimization scheme, when parametric drift and a disturbance in the manipulated variable is present. Feedback from the process is introduced through resetting the initial conditions of the model and through an observer for estimating the time varying parameter. The simulation results indicated improvement in the amount of product formed, when the optimal profile is regenerated during the course of the batch.
Design of soft error resilient linear digital filters using checksum-based probabilistic error correction

Any error detecting or correcting code must meet specific code distance criteria to be able to detect and correct specified numbers of errors. Prior work in the area of error detection and correction in linear digital systems using real number checksum codes has shown that at least two checksums are necessary for error correction in linear digital filters and that a fair amount of computation on the two checksums must be performed before "perfect" error compensation can be achieved. In this paper, it is shown that a single checksum can be used to perform probabilistic error correction in linear digital filters with the objective of improving filter SNR in the presence of repetitive injected errors. This approach is designed to partially correct the errors. Comparison against a system with no error correction shows up to 7 dB SNR improvement using the proposed method.
Development of a toxicity identification evaluation procedure for characterizing metal toxicity in marine sediments

A multiagency effort is underway to develop whole sediment toxicity identification evaluation (TIE) methods. Whole sediment TIE methods will be critical tools for characterizing toxicity at hazardous waste sites (e.g., Superfund sites) and in the conduct of environmental risk assessments. The research approach is based on the predominance of three classes of toxicants in sediments: ammonia, nonpolar organic chemicals, and metals. Here we describe a procedure for characterizing acute toxicity caused by metals in whole marine sediments. The procedure involves adding a chelating resin to sediments, resulting in the sequestration of bioavailable metal while not stressing testing organisms. Within the testing chambers, the presence of resin resulted in statistically significant reductions in the overlying and interstitial water concentrations of five metals (cadmium, copper, nickel, lead, and zinc) generally by factors of 40 and 200. Toxicity to both the amphipod Ampelisca abdita and mysid Americamysis bahia (formerly Mysidopsis bahia) of sediments spiked with the five metals was decreased by approximately a factor of four when resin was present. While very effective at reducing the concentrations and toxicity of metals, the resin has only minor ameliorative effects on the toxicity of ammonia and a representative nonpolar toxicant (Endosulfan). Resin and accumulated metal were easily isolated from the testing system following exposures allowing for the initiation of phase II TIE (identification) procedures. This procedure using the addition of a chelating resin provides an approach for determining the importance of metals to the toxicity of marine sediments. Work is continuing to validate the method with environmentally contaminated sediments.
A Role for Histone H4K16 Hypoacetylation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae Kinetochore Function

Hypoacetylated H4 is present at regional centromeres; however, its role in kinetochore function is poorly understood. We characterized H4 acetylation at point centromeres in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and determined the consequences of altered H4 acetylation on chromosome segregation. We observed low levels of tetra-acetylated and K16 acetylated histone H4 (H4K16Ac) at centromeres. Low levels of H4K16Ac were also observed at noncentromeric regions associated with Cse4p. Inhibition of histone deacetylases (HDAC) using nicotinamide (NAM) caused lethality in cse4 and hhf1-20 kinetochore mutants and increased centromeric H4K16Ac. Overexpression of Sas2-mediated H4K16 acetylation activity in wild-type cells led to increased rates of chromosome loss and synthetic dosage lethality in kinetochore mutants. Consistent with increased H4K16 acetylation as a cause of the phenotypes, deletion of the H4K16 deacetylase SIR2 or a sir2-H364Y catalytic mutant resulted in higher rates of chromosome loss compared to wild-type cells. Moreover, H4K16Q acetylmimic mutants displayed increased rates of chromosome loss compared to H4K16R nonacetylatable mutants and wild-type cells. Our work shows that hypoacetylated centromeric H4 is conserved across eukaryotic centromeres and hypoacetylation of H4K16 at centromeres plays an important role in accurate chromosome segregation.
Tamoxifen for Prevention of Breast Cancer

OBJECTIVE:To review data on the use of tamoxifen for primary prevention of breast cancer.DATA SOURCES:A literature search was performed through MEDLINE (1992–May 2002) using the key words tamoxifen, breast cancer, and prevention.DATA SYNTHESIS:Breast cancer is the most common malignancy detected in American women. Attempts to reduce morbidity and mortality include early detection programs and chemoprevention. Clinical trials of tamoxifen for reduction of breast cancer risk are reviewed.CONCLUSIONS:Tamoxifen may reduce the risk of primary breast cancer in women at increased risk. The benefit of tamoxifen in women who are not at risk is uncertain. The risks of developing thromboembolic disorders or endometrial cancer must be considered before tamoxifen is prescribed. Women should be given all of the information about the benefits and risks of tamoxifen use so that they can make an informed decision based on the best data available.
( S )-fuscumol and ( S )-fuscumol acetate produced by a male Astyleiopus variegatus (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)

Within the family Cerambycidae (Coleoptera), (E)-6,10-dimethyl-5,9-undecadien-2-ol (fuscumol) and (E)-6,10-dimethyl-5,9-undecadien-2-yl acetate (fuscumol acetate) have been shown to attract several species in the subfamily Lamiinae. However, it is not yet clear whether beetles within the subfamily actually produce these compounds as pheromones or rather respond to them as kairomones. We report here that male Astyleiopus variegatus (Haldeman) produce both fuscumol and fuscumol acetate, suggesting that the compounds are indeed pheromones for this species. We also determined that the absolute configurations of these compounds are (S)-fuscumol and (S)-fuscumol acetate by synthesis of both enantiomers of each.
Halothane, but Not Isoflurane or Enflurane, Protects Against Spontaneous and Epinephrine-Exacerbated Acute Thrombus Formations in Stenosed Dog Coronary Arteries

Occlusive platelet thrombi periodically form in mechanically stenosed dog coronary arteries producing cyclical blood flow reductions occurring over 4–7 min. Cyclical coronary flow reductions are exacerbated by IV epinephrine 0.4 μg · kg−1 · min−1 for 15 min. These flow reductions can be abolished by known inhibitors of platelet function. This study assesses the effect of halothane, isoflurane, and enflurane on spontaneous- and epinephrine-exacerbated cyclical coronary flow reductions. Twenty-three open-chest dogs [1% halothane (n = 5), 0.5% halothane (n = 5), 0.25% halothane (n = 3), 1.5% isoflurane (n = 5), and 2.0% enflurane (n = 5)] with a mechanically stenosed coronary artery showed cyclical blood flow reductions. With 1.0% halothane administration, spontaneous cyclical blood flow reductions were abolished (n = 5), whereas during administration of isoflurane 1.5% (n = 5) and enflurane 2.0% (n = 5) cyclical flow reductions and myocardial ischemia continued. Subsequent administration of halothane in the isoflurane and enflurane groups showed abolition of coronary flow reductions in all animals (n = 10). In eight animals a 15-min epinephrine infusion (0.4 μg · kg−1 · min−1) was given following a control period and again following abolition of coronary flow reductions by halothane 0.5% (n = 5) and halothane 0.25% (n = 3). The magnitude of cyclical blood flow reductions (difference between initial and fianl coronary flow level of each flow reduction) changed from 52 ± 11 to 61 ± 12 ml/min (NS), and frequency increased from 0.37 to 0.57/min (P<0.05, n = 8) during epinephrine infusion. Halothane abolishes spontaneously occurring cyclical blood flow reductions and prevents epinephrine-induced cyclical blood flow reductions, whereas isoflurane and enflurane do not inhibit spontaneous cyclical coronary blood flow reductions. The effects of halothane on coronary artery thrombus formation in humans are unknown, but additional studies are needed to investigate the effect of halothane and other anesthetic agents on coronary thrombus formation and platelet function in humans.
RESPONSE OF BIRD SPECIES DENSITIES TO HABITAT STRUCTURE AND FIRE HISTORY ALONG A MIDWESTERN OPEN–FOREST GRADIENT

Abstract Oak savannas were historically common but are currently rare in the Midwestern United States. We assessed possible associations of bird species with savannas and other threatened habitats in the region by relating fire frequency and vegetation characteristics to seasonal densities of 72 bird species distributed across an open–forest gradient in northwestern Indiana. About one-third of the species did not exhibit statistically significant relationships with any combination of seven vegetation characteristics that included vegetation cover in five vertical strata, dead tree density, and tree height. For 40% of the remaining species, models best predicting species density incorporated tree density. Therefore, management based solely on manipulating tree density may not be an adequate strategy for managing bird populations along this open–forest gradient. Few species exhibited sharp peaks in predicted density under habitat conditions expected in restored savannas, suggesting that few savanna speciali...