cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Forest aggregates influence conifer recruitment and height growth in a long-term variable-retention experiment

Abstract The practice of aggregated retention is becoming increasingly common in forests managed for multiple objectives (e.g., timber production and maintenance of biodiversity). Undisturbed patches of forest (aggregates) can serve as refugia for disturbance-sensitive species and as dispersal sources for recolonization of adjacent harvested areas. However, few studies have characterized the contributions of aggregates to the natural recruitment or height growth of regenerating trees. In this study, we modeled the density and height of early- and late-seral conifers, including post-harvest recruitment and advanced regeneration (survivors), two decades after aggregated-retention harvest at four sites in the Cascade Mountains of Oregon and Washington. Predictors included distance from edge (0–70 m), edge type (1-ha aggregate vs. intact forest/harvest-unit boundary), and edge exposure (a proxy for heat/moisture stress). For both early- and late-seral species, we observed similar declines in density with distance from aggregate and intact-forest edges. Trends in height growth showed greater variation among sites and seral groups. Height tended to increase with distance from edge, peaking sooner for late-seral advanced regeneration than for early-seral recruitment. In contrast, heights of late-seral recruitment were distinctly shorter and unaffected by distance from edge. Edge exposure did not have a consistent effect on recruitment density or height growth of either seral group. Our results indicate that 1-ha aggregates are functionally equivalent to larger blocks of intact forests in their influences on conifer recruitment and growth. By distributing aggregates across harvest units, managers can accelerate rates of recruitment and promote heterogeneity in the density and height structure of the regenerating forest. Additional research is needed on the sensitivity of regeneration processes to aggregate size, shape, and spatial distribution.
Hospitalisation coverage by UNRWA in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Gaza, and the West Bank: a comparative snapshot analysis

Abstract Background The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) supports the hospitalisation of Palestine refugees with country-specific policies in five fields of operation; Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Gaza, and the West Bank. The objective of this study was to compare caseloads and percentage vulnerability generated by the different policies. Methods A comparative snapshot analysis was conducted on diagnoses for hospitalized patients (13 818 patients in total) for selected months in 2016 and 2017, categorized according to UNRWA-defined criteria (lifesaving, urgent, or non-urgent surgeries, and vaginal delivery or caesarian section). The vulnerability criterion was the Social Safety Net Program (SSNP) status of Palestine refugees (enrolment in the UNRWA SSNP). Data were processed in Excel. Ethical approval was granted from the UNRWA Department of Health. Findings In Jordan, 85% of support (1905 of 2242 cases) was provided for deliveries (vaginal delivery or caesarian section). In Lebanon, 66% (2662 of 4064) were lifesaving and urgent interventions, 26% (1051) non-urgent surgeries, and 7% (284) deliveries. In Syria, 40% (637 of 1594) were urgent, 38% (605) non-urgent surgeries, and 19% (303) deliveries. In Gaza, 26% (675 of 2657) were urgent, 35% (924) non-urgent surgeries, and 40% (1058) deliveries. In the West Bank, 43% (1412 of 3261) were urgent, 10% (333) non-urgent surgeries, and 42% (1367) deliveries. The percentage of vulnerable cases reflects the safety net role of UNRWA: 16% (351) in Jordan, 20% (817) in Lebanon, 46% (738) in Syria, and 19% (506) in Gaza. In the West Bank, only 3% (106) of patients were vulnerable. Interpretation The profile of patients that used the UNRWA hospitalisation support programme is consistent with hospitalisation policies in UNRWA's fields of operation and the different access that Palestine refugees have to local health services. There is reasonable health-care provision for Palestine refugees in Jordan, whereas UNRWA is the only health-care provider for most Palestine refugees in Lebanon. Ongoing conflict limits access to health care in Syria. Mixed caseloads reflect that priority is given to surgeries and deliveries in Gaza and that UNRWA is the alternative to Ministry of Health services in the West Bank, as the mixed UNRWA caseloads in the West Bank match those of government-supported hospitalisation services, suggesting that people use either one or another. In the case of Gaza, UNRWA-supported hospitals focus on those services most requested by potential users, non-urgent surgeries and deliveries, which become complementary to government services. UNRWA should improve its data collection to have more accurate and up-to-date data. More analysis is needed to understand the financial implications of the differences in policies and how to perform strategic interventions. Funding None.
Navigating Challenging Conversations About Nonmedical Opioid Use in the Context of Oncology

Opioids are commonly used in the context of oncology to treat cancer-related pain. In the context of increased awareness of nonmedical use of opioids, including misuse and opioid use disorder among individuals with cancer, oncologists may find themselves having difficult conversations with patients regarding the use of opioids. We offer a review of pertinent literature and a conversation framework for providers to use, as well as key communication strategies for clinicians. Building on the therapeutic alliance between provider and patient, emphasizing the importance of nonabandonment, and using a benefit-to-harm framework, we hope clinicians find they are more able to navigate these challenging but important conversations with patients. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Providers may find it difficult and uncomfortable to discuss nonmedical use of opioids with patients. To the authors' knowledge, no previous articles discuss ways to communicate about nonmedical use of opioids in the oncology setting. This work borrows from other specialties and offers a communication framework and key communication strategies to help clinications communicate more effectively with patients who may have an opioid use disorder or may be using their prescribed opioids for reasons other than their pain.
Lost in Translation: A Taxonomic Analysis of Generation 1 Learner and Faculty Expectations.

Generation 1 learners are adult immigrants who first enter the U.S. educational system through adult ESL before transitioning to credit courses. Based on interview and observation data from six Gen...
Synthesis of Imides, Imidates, Amidines, and Amides by Intercepting the Aryne–Isocyanide Adduct with Weak Nucleophiles

New aryne-based multicomponent coupling reactions for the formation of functionalized aromatic compounds have been developed. Arynes generated from triynes or tetraynes through the hexadehydro Diel...
Mechanical and optical response of polymethylpentene under dynamic compression

Polymethylpentene, commonly referred to by its trade name TPX (Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.), is a thermoplastic polymer that has the potential to be a useful window material for dynamic compression experiments. For such experiments, an optically transparent or a low x-ray absorptive window is often used to maintain stress within the sample during compression. TPX can be used as a low-impedance optical and x-ray window due to its good transmittance in most parts of the electromagnetic spectrum, very low density (0.83 g/cm 3), and low x-ray absorption. In dynamic compression experiments, interferometry can be used to determine the particle velocity at the interface between the sample and window. However, velocimetry measures the rate of change of the optical path length, commonly referred to as the apparent particle velocity. An experimentally determined window correction factor is needed to ascertain the actual particle velocity from the measured apparent velocity. Here, we present the results of a series of dynamic compression experiments from 1 to 31 GPa designed to characterize the mechanical and optical response of TPX, determine the range of stresses over which TPX is transparent, and determine the window correction factor. The index of refraction was found to be essentially linear in density, resulting in a simple constant correction factor. TPX was found to remain largely transparent over the entire stress range examined.
Autonomous mobile ground control point for accurate UAV remote sensing in agriculture (Conference Presentation)

Ground control points (GCPs) are critical for agricultural remote sensing that require georeferencing and calibration of images collected from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) at different times. However, the conventional stationary GCPs are time-consuming and labor-intensive to measure, distribute, and collect information in a large field setup. An autonomous mobile GCP and a cooperation strategy to communicate with the UAV were developed to improve the efficiency and accuracy of the UAV-based data collection process. Prior to actual field testing, preliminary tests were conducted using the system to show the capability of automatic path tracking by reducing the root mean square error (RMSE) for lateral deviation from 34.3 cm to 15.6 cm based on the proposed look-ahead tracking method. The tests also indicated the feasibility of moving reflectance reference panels for every two successive flight paths without having detrimental effects on pixel values in the mosaicked images, with the percentage errors in digital number values ranging from -1.1% to 0.1%. In the actual field testing, the autonomous mobile GCP was able to successfully cooperate with the UAV in real-time without any interruption, showing superior performances for georeferencing, radiometric calibration, height calibration, and temperature calibration, compared to the conventional calibration method that has stationary GCPs.
Essential Gynecologic Surgery during the COVID-19 Pandemic: New York Institutional Experience

Study Objective To report on the continuance of gynecologic surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic. Design Case series. Setting New York City Academic Medical Center. Patients or Participants In Mid-March of 2020 there was a moratorium on elective services due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 105 surgeries were completed from March 15-April 30, and those that were emergent and urgent were identified. Essential gynecologic surgical procedures were provided during the COVID-19 pandemic. Interventions Peri-operative data were collected retrospectively. Measurements and Main Results A total of 45 cases were identified that were emergent and urgent gynecologic surgical procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic in New York City. Average age was 34 years (range 24-68). In our health system, there were 23 emergency gynecologic cases, the most common were ectopic (14), torsion (3), retained products of conception causing hemorrhage (3) or sepsis (1), exploratory laparotomy for post-operative small bowel obstruction (1), and vaginal myomectomy for hemorrhage (1). Pre-operative PCR testing for COVID-19 was available March 31, but emergency cases were not delayed to await test results. Of the emergency cases, 21 (91.3%) were performed with general and 2 (8.7%) with neuraxial anesthesia. There were 21 urgent gynecologic surgical procedures. All surgical procedures recovered in the operating room during this time frame. Conclusion Essential gynecologic surgery can feasibly continue during peak pandemic crisis in high prevalence areas, with appropriate safety measures.
Molecular Mechanism of Linear Polyphosphate Adsorption on Iron and Aluminum Oxides

Polyphosphate is a polymeric P species with environmental and industrial significance. Understanding their interaction with natural minerals is fundamental for predicting their transport and fate i...
Workshop 4: Advanced Neurophysiology Techniques WS4.1. My Approach to Motor Unit Number Estimation (with Demonstration)

In motor neuron disease such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, the motor neurons die from the disease process. They cannot be replaced. The loss of motor units (MUs) is partially compensated by reinnervation. As a result, the number of MUs is reduced and their size is increased. Reinnervation cannot sustain and may not be sufficient as the MU loss continues. This leads to progressive weakness. As we look for treatments, we need a biomarker to track the disease progression. This had led to the methods of “motor unit number estimation (MUNE)” over the last 5 decades. If a treatment is effective, the rate of MU loss should decrease. In this workshop I will review MUNE methods that were based on recording and measuring individual surface recorded motor unit potentials (SMUPs). They are called “incremental stimulation”, “multiple point stimulation”, etc. The methods are time consuming due to low amplitude signals and have been used to study small distal muscles. Furthermore, they are not automated. In the last 15 years we have seen new methods based on mathematical models. Hence the calculation is described as “motor unit number index (MUNIX)”. In MUNIX the compound muscle action potential (CMAP) and surface EMG interference pattern are analyzed. The procedure is automated, requires less than 5 minutes per muscle, and can be used for large muscles such as tibialis anterior. By adding results from several muscles, one can better track the disease progression. The methods also provide a measure for the amplitude of SMUP. The motor unit size index (MUSIX) increases with reinnervation. Another set of methods is based on ‘CMAP scan’. The stimulus intensity is reduced in fine steps from supramaximal level to low intensity where no response is recorded. The amplitude of 500 responses is analyzed using different algorithms. This method is also automated for recording the data. All methods have their advantages and disadvantages. They provide different numerical results. However, each method shows disease progression when serial investigations are performed. Such assessment requires careful measurements of the CMAP regardless of the method.
Contralateral Pectoralis Flap for Repair of Spinal Hardware-Associated Fistula.

We report a case of a recurrent hypopharyngeal fistula following spinal hardware placement that required multiple procedures. The course was complicated by a medication error and ultimately the fis...
Assessing Preference and Stability of Preference for Individuals with Neurocognitive Disorder

Poor engagement can lead to a reduced quality of life for individuals with neurocognitive disorder (NCD). Research on determining preference and increasing engagement with this population is limited. The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy of four preference assessment formats in identifying preferred activities and predicting engagement for six females with NCD and to measure the stability of preference and engagement over time. We compared the predictability of single-stimulus(SS) verbal and multimedia assessments, caregiver ranking (CR) assessments, and multiple-stimulus without-replacement (MSWO) assessments. Participants responded consistently on SS assessments, but we noted inconsistencies between the CR and MSWO assessments. SS assessments predicted engagement during engagement analyses, but rank-order assessments did not predict engagement for moderately ranked activities. The rank-order assessments predicted engagement for highly ranked activities for most participants and for low-ranked activities for two participants. We also evaluated the stability of preferences and engagement over time. Participants responded consistently on SS assessments and inconsistently on MSWO assessments across time. SS assessments consistently predicted engagement during engagement analyses for five participants, but when activity rank is considered, the MSWO was inconsistent in predicting engagement across time for most participants. These results suggest that SS assessments may be useful for identifying preferred activities and engagement, and preferences may remain stable for some individuals with NCD.
Combustion Characteristics of Diesel Fuel Blends Containing Used Lubricating Oil

An experimental program was conducted to determine the effect of burning used lubricating oil mixed with fuel oil in a single cylinder Diesel engine. The used lubricating oil-fuel oil ratios used in this study were 2.5%, 5%, 10%, and 15% used lubricating oil by volume. The effect of burning these blends on unburned hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and oxides of nitrogen is reported along with a comparison to baseline values for pure Diesel fuel. The general condition of wear in the engine along with deposit formation and anaysis is reported. The effect of the used lubricating oil on thermal efficiency and BSFC is shown. /GMRL/
Acanthosis nigricans in adolescents: Two case reports and guidelines for management

Acanthosis nigricans (AN) is a dermatologic condition of the flexor surfaces of the body consisting of papular hypertrophy, hyperpigmentation, and rugae. AN is commonly associated with malignancy when in adults but is primarily associated with endocrinologic disorders and obesity when found in adolescents. A special search for occult malignancy is not warranted in adolescents with AN unless no associated benign condition is found. Careful follow-up is recommended, however, since AN may be the first indication of a serious systemic disease.
Regulation of invertebrate longevity by inositol phosphate signaling

Publisher Summary One basic function of phosphoinositide lipid signaling that appears to be conserved in evolutionarily diverse organisms is control of cell growth and metabolism. In flies, phosphoinositide lipid signaling directly controls cell growth. The same pathway in nematodes signals that environmental conditions are adequate for growth and reproduction. Phosphoinositide lipid signaling in mammals is a major effector for signaling downstream of the insulin- and IGF-I receptors that control cellular metabolism and growth. In addition to metabolic outputs, insulin-like signaling controls longevity in fruitflies and nematodes. In nematodes, phosphoinositide lipid signaling is linked to increased cellular stress resistance. The extent to which mammalian longevity is controlled by phosphoinositide lipid signaling is also currently under active investigation. This chapter compares and contrasts the components and functions of phosphoinositide lipid signaling in nematodes, fruitflies, and mammals. The links between phospholipid signaling and longevity in invertebrates are examined and the possibility that such pathways also control mammalian longevity is discussed in the chapter. Deciphering the pathways by which phospholipid signaling impinges on invertebrate longevity is important for understanding the strategies that nature has adopted for lifespan control.
Electromagnetic physics with a polarized 3He target

With a luminosity of 10scm−2s−1 of polarized electrons incident on a polarized 3He target, one could undertake very fundamental measurements on the neutron in 3He in the quasielastic, resonance, and deep inelastic regions. Using a reasonable choice of indicated running parameters, the running time for an interesting series of measurements in each of these kinematic regions is of the order of 30 days. At Caltech an effort is under way to construct a dense target of polarized 3He. Our immediate goal is to understand the depolarization effects and this should be realized in Summer 1986. It is clear that in each of these kinematic regimes, theoretical calculations are needed in addition to measurements. One of my reasons for talking at this symposium was to inform theorists of our work in the hope of motivating calculations.
Design of end magnetic structures for the Advanced Light Source wigglers

The vertical magnetic structures for the Advanced Light Source 15 cm planar wiggler and 20 cm period elliptical wiggler are of hybrid permanent magnet design. The ends of these structures are characterized by diminishing scalar potential distributions of the poles which control beam trajectories. They incorporate electromagnetic correction coils to dynamically correct for variations in the first integral of the field as a function of gap. A permanent magnet trim mechanism is incorporated to minimize the transverse integrated error field distribution. The ends were designed using analytic and computer modeling techniques. The design and modeling results are presented.
Infoscopes: Multimedia Information Systems

Infoscopes will be the microscopes and telescopes of the information systems of the future. The emergence of information highways and multimedia computing has resulted in exponential growth in the availability of multimedia data. Most information in computers used to be alphanumeric. Increasingly information has been appearing in graphic, image, audio, and video forms. Many approaches are being proposed for storing, retrieving, assimilating, harvesting, and prospecting information from disparate data sources. Infoscopes will allow users to access information independent of the locations and types of data sources and will provide a unified picture of information to a user. Due to their ability to represent information at different levels of abstractions these systems must recover and assimilate information from disparate sources. In this chapter, we discuss requirements of these emerging information systems. We discuss basic architecture and data models for these systems. Finally, we briefly present a few examples of early infoscopes.
Swelling Behavior of Glucose Sensitive Membranes

Polymers which are sensitive to their environment may be useful as metabolic sensors. Examples of environmentally sensitive polymers include partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide gels that undergo phase transitions in response to small changes in pH, ionic strength or voltage (1,2), ethylene-vinyl-N,N,-diethylglycinate copolymers whose permeability is pH dependent (3), and methyl vinyl ether-maleic anhydride copolymers with entrapped urease that undergo accelerated erosion in response to urea (4). Because of the great need for a glucose sensor which could be used in vivo to enhance treatment of diabetics, we are developing membranes responsive to glucose by incorporating glucose oxidase into amine containing polymers. The conversion of glucose into gluconic acid in the membrane causes increased protonation of the membrane resulting in increased membrane swelling. Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of how the glucose sensitive membrane is thought to operate. This paper describes the preparation and swelling properties of glucose sensitive membranes of this type.
Transonic Black Hole Accretion Disks: A Unified Model for Optically Thin and Thick Disks

We obtain a class of semianalytic global accretion disk solutions around a Newtonian point mass that have a transonic nature. These solutions are automatically optically thin in the inner region and optically thick in the outer region. They approach a self-similar limit very close to the standard Shakura-Sunyaev disk at the outer boundary. These solutions illustrate from first principles the relation of the disk optical depth profile to the global boundary conditions and viscosity α.
Ultrastructure of pinealocytes of the kangaroo rat (Dipodomys ordi).

The ultrastructure of the pinealocytes of the wild-captured ord kangaroo rat (Dipodomys ordi) was examined. A homogeneous population of pinealocytes was present in the pineal gland of the kangaroo rat. The Golgi apparatus, granular endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, lysosomes, dense-core vesicles, vacuoles containing a flocculent material and lipid droplets were consistent components of the pinealocyte cytoplasm, whereas infrequently-observed organelles included centrioles, multivesicular bodies, subsurface cisternae, “synaptic” ribbons and cilia. The number of dense-core vesicles was relatively high and dense-core vesicles and vacuoles containing a flocculent material were present in the same cell.
A Formal Model for the Study of Communication Support Systems.

The lack of conceptual frameworks available for integrating research on organizational computer-based communication technologies is documented. An integrated model for studying communication support phenomena in organizations is formalized from a knowledge management perspective using set-theoretic notation. Key constructs for understanding and exploring communication support systems are identified, such as knowledge workers, knowledge management activities, communicate-abilities, and knowledge management episodes. The implications associated with the identification and formalization of each of the foregoing constructs is discussed and further research avenues are explored. The model provides researchers and system developers with a means of studying both human and computer-based knowledge workers in organizations. Two types of communication support systems are defined.
Power and Discourse in Organization Studies: Absence and the Dialectic of Control:

This paper argues for a postmodern conception of power in which discourse is conceived as the principal medium through which power relations are maintained and reproduced. Specifically, power is id...
Enthusiasts, Delayers, and the Ambiguous Middle: Marital Paradigms Among Emerging Adults

Utilizing a sample of 571 college students, we examined the varying marital paradigms held by emerging adults. Drawing on Marital Paradigm Theory, we explored how beliefs about Marital Salience, timing, process, context, permanence, and centrality created unique paradigms about marriage. We found evidence that emerging adults can be separated into at least three marital paradigms, labeled Enthusiast, Delayer, and Hesitant. We found that most emerging adults hold a Hesitant marital paradigm highlighted by a strong belief in the importance of marriage and a desire to marry but a general belief in the lack of Marital Permanence and a hesitation to marry quickly. Other results suggested that marital paradigms are linked to demographic characteristics such as age and religiosity and also linked to risk-taking behaviors, particularly alcohol use and binge drinking rates. Specifically, those emerging adults who held an Enthusiast paradigm reported less alcohol or binge drinking compared to those in the Hesitant ...
Age-dependent changes in the functional expression of two nicotinic receptor subtypes in CA1 stratum radiatum interneurons in the rat hippocampus.

Abstract Protein density measurements and mRNA analysis have provided valuable information on age-dependent changes in the distribution of different nicotinic receptor (nAChR) subtypes in various areas of the rat brain, including the hippocampus. However, very little is known regarding the functional expression of nAChRs in individual neuron types at various ages. Likewise, there is paucity of information regarding the functional and pharmacological profile of nAChRs in the mature rat hippocampus. To address these issues, we used the whole-cell patch-clamp technique to record nicotinic responses from CA1 stratum radiatum (SR) interneurons in hippocampal slices from rat pups (5–19 days old) and adult rats (2–5 months old). As previously observed in the hippocampus of rat pups, CA1 SR interneurons in the hippocampus of adult rats responded to choline (10 mM, 12 s) with whole-cell currents that decayed to the baseline within the agonist pulse, were sensitive to inhibition by methyllycaconitine (10 nM) or α-bungarotoxin (50 nM), and were, therefore, mediated by α 7* 1 [1] nAChRs. Likewise, as previously observed in the hippocampus of young rats, in the adult rat hippocampus excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) were recorded from SR interneurons in response to a pulse of ACh (0.1 mM, 12 s) applied in the presence of the GABA A receptor antagonist bicuculline. ACh-triggered EPSCs were inhibited by mecamylamine (1 μM) or choline (1 mM) and were, therefore, likely to have resulted from activation of α3β4β2* nAChR. The magnitude of α7* nAChR-mediated responses increased with the age of the animals. In contrast, the magnitude of α3β4β2* nAChR-mediated responses was highest at the second postnatal week. The distinct age dependency of functional expression of α7* and α3β4β2* nAChRs strongly suggests that the excitability of CA1 SR interneurons is differentially regulated by the nicotinic cholinergic system in the hippocampus of rat pups and adult rats.
Frustrations with Pursuing Casual Encounters through Online Dating

Many users of online dating systems have a multitude of relationship goals including casual encounters. However, most studies of online dating systems have focused exclusively on users' abilities to find long-term relationships. This has restricted our understanding of how to design systems for users that have multiple relationship goals. To address this gap in understanding we explored how people use online dating systems in regards to casual encounters. We did this through an interview study with users of a popular online dating system in the USA and a study of online dating coaches who give behavioral advice specific to the pursuit of casual encounters. Findings highlight how users subtly disguise and probe for openness to casual encounters, while coaches try to overcome ambiguities in user intentions through a series of targeted dating methods.
Validity of smoke alarm self-report measures and reasons for over-reporting

Objectives Many residential fire deaths occur in homes with no or non-functioning smoke alarms (SAs). Self-reported SA coverage is high, but studies have found varying validity for self-report measures. The authors aim to: (1) determine over-reporting of coverage, (2) describe socio-demographic correlates of over-reporting and (3) report reasons for over-reporting. Methods The authors surveyed 603 households in a large, urban area about fire safety behaviours and then tested all SAs in the home. 23 participants who over-reported their SA coverage were telephoned and asked about why they had misreported. Results Full coverage was reported in 70% of households but observed in only 41%, with a low positive predictive value (54.2%) for the self-report measure. Most over-reporters assumed alarms were working because they were mounted or did not think a working alarm in a basement or attic was needed to be fully protected. Conclusions If alarms cannot be tested, researchers or those counselling residents on fire safety should carefully probe self-reported coverage. Our findings support efforts to equip more homes with hard-wired or 10 year lithium battery alarms to reduce the need for user maintenance.
Wheat Growth Response to Increased Temperature from Varied Planting Dates and Supplemental Infrared Heating

Possible future increases in atmospheric temperature may threaten wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production and food security. The purpose of this research is to determine the response of wheat growth to supplemental heating and to seasonal air temperature from an unusually wide range of planting dates. A field study was conducted at Maricopa, AZ, where wheat was planted from September to May over a 2-yr period for a total of 12 planting dates. Supplemental heating was provided for 6 of the 12 planting dates using infrared heaters placed above the crop which increased canopy temperature by 1.3°C during the day and 2.7°C during the night. Grain yield declined 42 g m ―2 (6.9%) per 1°C increase in seasonal temperature above 16.3°C. Supplemental heating had no effect on grain yield for plantings in winter (Dec./Jan.) since temperatures were near optimum (14.9°C). However, in spring (Mar.) plantings where temperature (22.2°C) was above optimum, supplemental heating decreased grain yield from 510 to 368 g m ―2 . Supplemental heating had the greatest effect in the early fall plantings (Sept./Oct.) when temperature was slightly below optimum (13.8°C) and mid-season frost limited the yield of unheated plots to only 3 g m ―2 whereas yield of heated plots was 435 g m ―2 . Thus, possible future increases in temperature may decrease wheat yield for late plantings and shift optimum planting windows to earlier dates in areas of the world similar to the desert southwest of the United States.
Efficacy of dose and contingency management procedures in LAAM-maintained cocaine-dependent patients

Abstract Opioid- and cocaine-dependent participants ( N = 140) were randomly assigned to one of the following in a 12-week clinical trial: LAAM (30, 30, 39 mg/MWF) with contingency management (CM) procedures (LC); LAAM (30, 30, 39 mg/MWF) without CM (LY); LAAM (100, 100, 130 mg/MWF) with CM (HC); LAAM (100, 100, 130 mg/MWF) without CM (HY). Urine samples were collected thrice-weekly. In CM, each urine negative for both opioids and cocaine resulted in a voucher worth a certain monetary value that increased for consecutively drug-free urines. Subjects not assigned to CM received vouchers according to a yoked schedule. Vouchers were exchanged for mutually agreed upon goods and services. Groups generally did not differ on retention and baseline characteristics. Overall opioid use was least in the HC and HY groups; opioid use decreased most rapidly over time in the HC group relative to the HY, LC and LY groups. Overall cocaine use was least in the HC group relative to the HY, LC, and LY groups; cocaine use decreased over time most rapidly in the HC and LY groups. Abstinence from both was greatest in the HC group. Opioid withdrawal symptoms decreased most rapidly in the high-dose groups relative to the low-dose groups. These results suggest that an efficacious maintenance dose is necessary for contingencies to be effective in facilitating both opioid and cocaine abstinence.
Rotational coherence spectroscopy: picosecond techniques applied to high-resolution rotational spectroscopy

This paper pertains to rotational coherence spectroscopy, a time-domain method of high resolution rotational spectroscopy based on the quantum beat phenomenon. We present a brief discussion of the theoretical basis of the method and a consideration of its advantages over spectral domain methods. We also present experimental results on two species - 1,2-diphenyl acetylene and the tryptamine-(methanol) hydrogen-bonded complex - as further examples of the utility of the method in studies of large species.© (1990) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Maintaining the Confidentiality of Medical Records Shared over the Internet and the World Wide Web

The Boston Electronic Medical Record Collaborative is working to develop a system that will use the World Wide Web to transfer computer-based patient information to clinicians in emergency departme...
Molecular dynamics computations and solid state nuclear magnetic resonance of the gramicidin cation channel

This paper reports on a coupled approach to determining the structure of the gramicidin A ion channel, utilizing solid state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) of isotopically labeled gramicidin channels aligned parallel to the magnetic field direction, and molecular dynamics (MD). MD computations using an idealized right-handed beta-helix as a starting point produce a refined molecular structure that is in excellent agreement with atomic resolution solid state NMR data. The data provided by NMR and MD are complementary to each other. When applied in a coordinated manner they provide a powerful approach to structure determination in molecular systems not readily amenable to x-ray diffraction.
Forest soil chemical changes following fire

Abstract Prescribed fire to remove residue in a pine plantation on a sandy soil resulted in increases in pH, P, K and Ca in the top 20 cm of soil during the first 15 months following treatment.
Mechanistic aspects of coordination, catalysis and control in carbonic anhydrase

Abstract Among the most significant developments in the bioinorganic chemistry of carbonic anhydrase during the past few years are those associated with the role of coordinated zinc(II) ion in the activation of H2O and bicarbonate. Illustrative of the catalytic processes encompassed by these developments are many hydration-dehydration processes and a variety of hydrolysis reactions. Contributing to the intensive interest and research that this field has generated is the unusual catalytic efficiency connected with the physiologically important process, eqn. 1: CO2 + H2O ⇄ H+ + HCO−3 The problems of elucidating the details of the enzymatic pathway are compounded not only by its multistep character but also by the fact that each of the intermediates in the proposed catalytic cycle coexists in several forms related not only through proton transfers but also via ligand addition and dissociation processes. Substitution of an alkyl group (methyl through n-pentyl) for the proton of bicarbonate dramatically alters the properties of the resultant alkyl carbonate esters, ROCO−2, toward the enzyme. While bicarbonate is the natural substrate of various carbonic anhydrases with turnover numbers of ∼106 s−1, the alkyl carbonates show no detectable activity as substrates. The alkyl carbonates, however, bind efficiently to the various carbonic anhydrases and act as typical anionic inhibitors of enzyme catalyzed CO2 hydration and HCO−3 dehydration, with Ki values comparable to those of the corresponding RCO−2 anions. It appears that the substitution of an alkyl group inhibits a proton transfer essential in the enzyme-catalyzed dehydration of HCO−3, and further that the bicarbonate proton permits a unique binding interaction with carbonic anhydrase. Examination of the kinetic features (temperature-jump, stopped-flow and NMR) of the catalytic system emphasizes a number of additional points, notably: (a) The requirement of several binding sites. (b) Non-protein ligand lability during the interconversion of ES, EP and ESP. (c) Accessibility of two different coordination numbers for ZN(II)-, Co(II)- and Mn(II)-carbonic anhydrases. (d) Accessibility of two or more protonation states in the active site. (e) The potentially important role of the ‘spectator’ ligands (i.e. the three histidyl residues) in regulating catalytic activity and selectivity. The results we present and the mechanism we propose provide an appealing structural model for carbonic anhydrase catalysis. The implications of these labile structures lead to fruitful mechanistic insights into a number of kinetic observations on this fascinating catalyst and provide some guidance in the search for the catalytic mechanism of carbonic anhydrase.
Electron Transfer between Surface-Confined Cytochrome c and an N-Acetylcysteine-Modified Gold Electrode

Cytochrome c (cyt c) was adsorbed on N-acetylcysteine (NAC)-modified gold electrodes via electrostatic interaction. The cyt c layer exhibited reversible and stable electrochemical redox transformation in 0.01 M phosphate butter, pH 7.4, where the heterogeneous electron transfer (ET) constant k‘het was measured by three techniques: cyclic voltammetry at high sweep rates (CV), electrochemical impedance (EI), and electroreflectance (ER) spectroscopy. In addition, k‘het was also determined from combining sets of simultaneous electrochemical impedance (EI) and electroreflectance (ER) measurements in a new impedance model in which a constant-phase element was used. The negligible shift (−0.023 mV) in the formal potential from the solution value, and the close agreement of the measured distribution around the CV peaks (full-width voltage at half-peak-height, Efwhh = 97 mV) with the theoretical value of 90.6 mV, suggested that the immobilized cyt c is retained at the electrode in the native state. Apparent k‘het...
Separation and subfractionation of small numbers of cells (∼106) by countercurrent distribution in dextran-poly(ethylene glycol) aqueous-phase systems

Separation and subfractionation of cells on the basis of subtle differences in surface properties by partitioning in dextran-poly(ethylene glycol) aqueous phase systems is an established method. We report here that the incorporation of fetal bovine serum into such systems permits countercurrent distribution of small quantities of cells (∼106). In the absence of serum such small quantities of cells are lost (probably by adherence) and cannot be recovered after countercurrent distribution.
Peripheral mechanisms of itch

Detection of environmental stimuli that provoke an aversive response has been shown to involve many receptors in the periphery. Probably the least-studied of these stimuli are those that induce the perception of itch (pruritus), an often-experienced unpleasant stimulus. This review covers the ligands and their receptors which are known to cause primary sensory neuron activation and initiate itch sensation. Also covered are several itch-inducing substances which may act indirectly by activating other cell types in the periphery which then signal to primary neurons. Finally, progress in identifying candidate neurotransmitters that sensory neurons use to propagate the itch signal is discussed.
Encephalitogenicity: a proposed mechanism.

Abstract A theory is proposed suggesting that one exposed region of the myelin basic proteinin vivo might be the immunological target for cells which have been stimulated by several different encephalitogenic determinants.
Oral-facial-digital syndrome type VI (Váradi syndrome): further clinical delineation.

Abstract Cerebellar anomalies are consistent findings in patients with the oral-facial-digital syndrome type VI (Varadi syndrome) in addition to variable facial and oral changes, and polysyndactyly of hands and feet. We report 3 unrelated patients with this entity who have a hypoplastic cerebellar vermis shown by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), as well as clinical signs of cerebellar defect. Polydactyly of the hands is characterized by a central Y-shaped metacarpal. Clinically recurrent episodes of tachypnea and hyperpnea are remarkable. Postnatal growth is delayed with short stature in all 3 patients possibly due to growth hormone deficiency in one of them. In contrast to reported patients who are all severely mentally retarded, one of our patients is of normal intelligence. Type VI oral-facial-digital syndrome is an autosomal-recessive trait and may be detected prenatally.
Signals Come and Go: Syndromic Surveillance and Styles of Biosecurity

This paper follows the development of a novel biosecurity technology known as ‘syndromic surveillance’. By monitoring new sources of nondiagnostic health information (911 calls, ER triage logs, pharmaceutical sales), syndromic surveillance produces new ‘territories of intelligibility’. But the implemention of syndromic systems—and the opening up of these new territories—poses a problem of interpretation. What is significant in nondiagnostic data flows? In fact, the development of a national syndromic system in the United States attracted criticism from local public health experts, who complained about the costs of ‘false positive’ or insignificant detections. This exposes a disjuncture between two interpretative frameworks, two styles of governing biosecurity: public health (a responsibility for maximal population health) and preparedness (a concern for disaster-scale events). At stake are new norms and forms of securing life.
Optimization of a Screw Press Using Linear Programming Techniques

Screw presses are exclusively used for extraction of oil from vegetable seeds; having a mechanical assembly where screw shaft is used to press the seeds at high pressures in order to have a reasonable oil yield. Mostly conventional screw presses are used in the commercial and industrial sectors having high O&M costs and hence less life. For this purpose an efficient small scale screw press was selected for this study. The objective was to apply the optimization techniques in order to have a set of optimized decision variables satisfying certain constraints to get the maximum oil yield. The software used for linear optimization was TORATM Version 2.00. The objective function was to maximize the oil yield. The decision variables comprised of seed input, screw speed, motor power, die opening size, total pressure and temperature. Constraints were accordingly defined for each variable and the data was fed to TORAs input grid. The solver menu used the simplex starting all-slack method to solve the LP model. The output of the model selected the optimized variables which resulted in maximum oil yield. To include the losses incurred in the screw press a loss function was developed including the heat losses, mechanical/inertial losses and seed cake losses. The results calculated depicted an oil extraction rate of as high as 35.42% compared to the conventional oil extraction rates of 28-32%.
Dermatan sulfate and chondroitin 6-sulfate conformations

Abstract X-ray diffraction patterns show that dermatan sulfate in oriented, crystalline films occurs as two or three or eight-fold helices. The two-fold helix has a greater axial rise per disaccharide residue [ h = 9.6 A ] than the corresponding chondroitin 6-sulfate helix [ h = 9.3 A ] . Three-fold dermatan sulfate and chondroitin 6-sulfate helices both have h = 9.5 A . Consequently the α-L-iduronate residues in dermatan sulfate helices have the C1 chair conformation like β-D-glucuronate in chondroitin 6-sulfate. Since the eight-fold dermatan sulfate helix has h = 9.3 A rather less than the eight-fold chondroitin 6-sulfate helix [ h = 9.8 A ] the possibility of α-L-iduronate 1C chairs cannot be ruled out for it. Computer methods have been used to produce molecular models. In these the polysaccharide chains are almost linear. Each backbone conformation can accommodate a variety of arrangements of charged side groups.
On the use of interval arithmetic in geometric branch and bound algorithms

Branch and bound methods have become established methods for geometric matching over the last decade. This paper presents techniques that improve on previous branch and bound methods in two important ways: they guarantee reliable solutions even in the presence of numerical roundoff error, and they eliminate the need to derive bounding functions manually. These new techniques are compared experimentally with recognition-by-alignment and previous branch and bound techniques on geometric matching problems. Novel methods for non-linear baseline finding and globally optimal robust linear regression using these techniques are described.
Embedded cache architecture with programmable write buffer support for power and performance flexibility

Next generation portable devices are placing stringent requirements on overall system power and performance. Voice recognition, streaming video and high speed wireless internet access are just some of the features being incorporated in these handheld electronic gadgets. The MCORE M341-S processor has been designed for high performance and cost sensitive portable products as well as for high end embedded control applications. M341-S obtains increased performance over the MCORE M2 and M310 families by integrating unified 16KB cache, and additional instruction pipelining and buffering to increase the operating frequency. An 8-entry programmable write buffer which can defer pending write misses and writethrough accesses is used in order to maximize performance. In this paper, we discuss the enhanced cache architecture and the flexible priority scheme for controlling the write buffer. We use a hardware technique which provides a flexible mechanism to control emptying and flushing of write buffer based on a set of configurable thresholds, as well as a mechanism to alter the priorities from the write buffer to the main memory system. The same unified mechanism is used to support flushing as well as providing a solution for the read after write (RAW) hazard avoidance. We present the enhancements made to the M3 core and discuss the effect on power and performance through benchmark analysis and actual silicon measurements.