cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ecological restoration guided by historical reference conditions can increase resilience to climate change of southwestern U.S. Ponderosa pine forests

Abstract Broad-scale forest restoration projects are implemented across the western United States to restore seasonally dry, frequent-fire-adapted ecosystems to improve ecological function and enhance resilience by increasing resistance to crown fire and climatic stressors. Despite the widespread use of restoration treatments that center on tree thinning and application of prescribed fire, the longevity of beneficial effects and the robustness of outcomes under future climate change predictions remains unclear. In this study, we remeasured a set of experimental areas established a minimum of 20 years ago that comprise a network of ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) forest restoration study sites in northern Arizona. We analyzed ecological resiliency by evaluating forest conditions in terms of resistance to climatic stressors and potential crown fire in units that were thinned following evidence-based restoration guidelines (ERG), then burned with prescribed fire at multiple intervals, compared against paired untreated controls. Resilience indicators included forest structure, tree mortality, tree growth, regeneration, canopy fuels, and crowning index. We also simulated future forest conditions under a warming climate scenario (RCP 4.5) with a range of prescribed fire return intervals. Results indicated that experimental areas where restoration treatments were implemented remained more resilient to climate stressors compared to controls after 20 years. Treated areas had significantly lower tree mortality and greater average diameter growth compared to controls. Furthermore, forest structure generally remained similar to historical reference conditions in treated units with the exception of increases in ingrowth of sprouting species at the drier sites. Canopy fuel load and crown fire hazard in treated units remained significantly lower than controls, indicating that treatments remained effective in reducing crown fire potential over the 20-year study period without the need for additional tree thinning. Modeling basal area, crowning index, and the proportion of basal area in large trees under a future warming scenario suggested that the treated units underwent less changed than untreated areas. Under climate change, management of fire regimes even at longer-than-historical intervals (historical ≈ 5 yr, tested 5, 10, and 20 yr) would maintain basal area within our historical range of variability and maintain fire resistant forest over the next several decades. However, decline by the end of the century is concerning. Our results suggest that forest restoration treatments, guided by historical reference conditions, promote ecological resilience in the long-term and continued maintenance burning into the future is likely warranted even with continued drought and warming.
Delays in thrombolysis during COVID-19 are associated with worse neurological outcomes: the Society of Vascular and Interventional Neurology Multicenter Collaboration.

INTRODUCTION: We have demonstrated in a multicenter cohort that the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a delay in intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) among stroke patients. Whether this delay contributes to meaningful short-term outcome differences in these patients warranted further exploration. METHODS: We conducted a nested observational cohort study of adult acute ischemic stroke patients receiving IVT from 9 comprehensive stroke centers across 7 U.S states. Patients admitted prior to the COVID-19 pandemic (1/1/2019-02/29/2020) were compared to patients admitted during the early pandemic (3/1/2020-7/31/2020). Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the effect of IVT delay on discharge to hospice or death, with treatment delay on admission during COVID-19 included as an interaction term. RESULTS: Of the 676 thrombolysed patients, the median age was 70 (IQR 58-81) years, 313 were female (46.3%), and the median NIHSS was 8 (IQR 4-16). Longer treatment delays were observed during COVID-19 (median 46 vs 38 min, p = 0.01) and were associated with higher in-hospital death/hospice discharge irrespective of admission period (OR per hour 1.08, 95% CI 1.01-1.17, p = 0.03). This effect was strengthened after multivariable adjustment (aOR 1.15, 95% CI 1.07-1.24, p < 0.001). There was no interaction of treatment delay on admission during COVID-19 (pinteraction = 0.65). Every one-hour delay in IVT was also associated with 7% lower odds of being discharged to home or acute inpatient rehabilitation facility (aOR 0.93, 95% CI 0.89-0.97, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Treatment delays observed during the COVID-19 pandemic led to greater early mortality and hospice care, with a lower probability of discharge to home/rehabilitation facility. There was no effect modification of treatment delay on admission during the pandemic, indicating that treatment delay at any time contributes similarly to these short-term outcomes.
Chemisorptive and Catalytic Behavior of Chromia

Publisher Summary The catalytic properties of chromia have received considerable attention, probably more than those of any other catalysts except Group VIII metals, silica, and alumina. This chapter describes the unsupported chromia as a catalyst for relatively low temperature reactions under reducing conditions, and provides an outline of the wide variety of reactions catalyzed by chromia or supported chromia. A chromia gel activated only at 150° has no detectable catalytic activity for the hydrogenation of olefins at room temperatures nor does it chemisorb oxygen or carbon monoxide. Catalytic and adsorptive capacity develops upon pretreating the gel at higher temperatures. After heating to 400°, chromia rapidly chemisorbs oxygen and carbon monoxide at −78° and it leads to rapid hydrogenation of ethylene at −78°. The surface of chromia appears to be an ideal case for study at the present. By activation at increasing temperatures, one can vary the number of active sites from none to some maximum number. At a low density of sites, one can hope that the sites are well separated and non-interacting. One can compare chemisorption of various gases with specific catalytic activities at various levels of site densities and hope to gain information about site heterogeneity.
Corporate ownership structure and performance

Abstract I investigate changes in operating performance after 58 management buyouts of public companies completed during 1977–1986. Operating returns increase significantly from the year before to the year after buyouts as measured by operating cash flows (before interest and taxes) per employee and per dollar of operating assets. Subsequent changes in operating returns suggest that this increase is sustained. Adjustments in the management of working capital contribute to the increase in operating returns. The increase is not, however, the result of layoffs or reductions in expenditures for advertising, maintenance and repairs, research and development, or property, plant, and equipment.
Interaction of an intense relativistic electron beam with a plasma-filled waveguide in a magnetic field

Analytic computations and particle-in-cell (PIC) code simulations for the interaction of an intense relativistic electron beam (REB) and a plasma have been carried out. In the simulations, a fast risetime ( approximately 5 ns) 10-kA REB (1 MeV) was injected into a plasma-filled waveguide immersed in an axial magnetic field. Beam transport and microwave generation by beam-plasma instabilities were investigated in both the infinite- and finite-B-field cases. In the finite-B-field case, both the two-stream and cyclotron instabilities were important. Calculations of charge and current neutralization of the REB were performed in the intense beam regime. These calculations provided the appropriate parameters for the linear dispersion relation of the system, which was solved to determine the nature of the instabilities. For large magnetic fields the linearly unstable waves on the lower branch of the dispersion curve can backscatter off the accumulation of plasma electrons at the beam front produced in the charge neutralization process. These backscattered waves can then mix with the original unstable wave in a three-wave process to produce a wave on the upper branch of the dispersion curve at a higher-frequency. Still higher frequencies can be produced by a cascading of wave-mixing processes. >
On stratified bivariate ranked set sampling for regression estimators

We investigate the relative performance of stratified bivariate ranked set sampling (SBVRSS), with respect to stratified simple random sampling (SSRS) for estimating the population mean with regression methods. The mean and variance of the proposed estimators are derived with the mean being shown to be unbiased. We perform a simulation study to compare the relative efficiency of SBVRSS to SSRS under various data-generating scenarios. We also compare the two sampling schemes on a real data set from trauma victims in a hospital setting. The results of our simulation study and the real data illustration indicate that using SBVRSS for regression estimation provides more efficiency than SSRS in most cases.
Diversity of proteobacterial endosymbionts in hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae) (Hemiptera: Adelgidae) from its native and introduced range

Summary Knowledge of intraspecific variation in symbioses may aid in understanding the ecology of widespread insects in different parts of their range. We investigated bacterial symbionts of Adelges tsugae, a pest of hemlocks in eastern North America introduced from Asia. Amplification, cloning, and sequencing of bacterial 16S rDNA, in situ hybridizations, and electron microscopy revealed that A. tsugae harbours up to five bacterial phylotypes, according to population. Three Gammaproteobacteria species are maternally transmitted. The first, designated ‘Ca. Pseudomonas adelgestsugas’ resides in the haemocoel, and was detected in all populations except Taiwan. The second phylotype, ‘Ca. Serratia symbiotica’, resides in bacteriocytes of populations on Tsuga sieboldii in Japan and in E. North America. The third phylotype, designated ‘Ca. Annandia adelgestsuga’, clustered within a lineage of several insect endosymbionts that included Buchnera aphidicola. It was detected in bacteriocytes in all populations, and in salivary glands of first instars. Two Betaproteobacteria phylotypes were detected in some Japanese T. sieboldii and eastern North America populations, and were observed only in salivary glands with no evidence of maternal transmission. Our results support the ideas that symbiont gain and loss has been volatile in adelgids, and that symbionts may help to trace the source of invasive species.
Role of N-WASP in Endothelial Monolayer Formation and Integrity

Endothelial cells (ECs) form a monolayer that serves as a barrier between the blood and the underlying tissue. ECs tightly regulate their cell-cell junctions, controlling the passage of soluble materials and immune cells across the monolayer barrier. We studied the role of N-WASP, a key regulator of Arp2/3 complex and actin assembly, in EC monolayers. We report that N-WASP regulates endothelial monolayer integrity by affecting the organization of cell junctions. Depletion of N-WASP resulted in an increase in transendothelial electrical resistance, a measure of monolayer integrity. N-WASP depletion increased the width of cell-cell junctions and altered the organization of F-actin and VE-cadherin at junctions. N-WASP was not present at cell-cell junctions in monolayers under resting conditions, but it was recruited following treatment with sphingosine-1-phosphate. Taken together, our results reveal a novel role for N-WASP in remodeling EC junctions, which is critical for monolayer integrity and function.
Nucleotide sequence analysis of coding and noncoding regions of human beta-globin mRNA.

Publisher Summary This chapter explores that the analysis of human hemoglobin messenger RNA was undertaken to determine the exact nucleotide sequence of translated and untranslated regions. Knowledge of the translated sequences of globin mRNA has important implications for determination of specific codon usage by eitkaryotic cells and for measurements of the rate of mutational events when human and subhuman species are compared. The chapter reviews the sequence analysis studies that were carried out on human β-globin mRNA. Thalassemic, sickle-cell and Hb A mRNA served as substrates for the preparation of complementary DNA by RNA-dependent DNA polymcmse. cDNA was transcribed by E. coli RNA polymerase, and the resulting cRNA was analyzed. Additional sequence information was obtained by analysis of iodinated native a-thalassemic mRNA and by digestion of cDNA with restriction endonucleases. The chapter discusses that the data derived allow assignment of over 350 nucleotides to the coding region and 43 nucleotides to the noncoding region adjacent to the termination codon. There are extensive regions of homology between the translated regions of rabbit and human β-mRNA; a short homologous region can be demonstrated between the untranslated 3'-terminal sequence of human mRNA and other animal cell mRNAs.
Effect of sepsis therapies on health-related quality of life

Sepsis is one of the most common conditions encountered in the intensive care unit and is the 10th leading cause of death overall in the United States. Both long-term survival and health-related quality of life are reduced in survivors of sepsis, yet there is little knowledge of the effect of sepsis-specific interventions on either long-term survival or health-related quality of life. The present article discusses the importance of studying health-related quality of life as it relates to sepsis management strategies, particularly in the context of pharmacologic therapy with recombinant human activated protein C.
100 MBS, 8 Bit Data Acquisition and Zero Suppression System for the DO Detector

The DO central tracking system produces a wide range of waveforms that must be digitized at a rate greater than 80 MHz. The 8,224 channels in this system create over two megabytes of data for every p?p crossing. Such a data rate can be tolerated if the null data is removed before it reaches the first data bus. We describe the tracking systems's 8 bit, 100 megasample per second digitizer and a channel-level, data reduction device implemented in a semi-custom integrated circuit.
Effect of additives on subcritical water hydrolysis of whey protein isolate.

The objective was to examine the effect of the additives acetic acid, lactic acid, sodium bicarbonate, sodium chloride, and sodium hydroxide on the hydrolysis of whey protein isolate with subcritical water. A screening experimental design was used to study the effect of temperature, time, and additives. The most influential additive, sodium bicarbonate, along with temperature and time was used in a second experimental design to predict the treatment conditions to maximize the degree of hydrolysis and production of free amino acids. The maximum degree of hydrolysis achieved was 50% at a concentration of 1.24 M sodium bicarbonate, 291 °C, and 28 min. The highest concentration of total amino acids was 83.0 mg/g of whey protein isolate with 0.83 M sodium bicarbonate at 264 °C for 29 min. Compared to water alone, sodium bicarbonate increased the degree of hydrolysis 4-fold and the production of amino acids by 44% and decreased peptides’ molecular weight.
Toward structured expert systems development

Abstract Expert systems development is being presented as an art by many proponents of the expert systems technology. Such a perspective was also popular in the early stages of conventional programming. Today, however, conventional programming has become more of an engineering discipline than an art. The purpose of this paper is to advocate the engineering approach to expert systems development and illustrate it. Specifically, a model of expert systems development is proposed that includes the use of slightly adapted techniques of structured systems analysis. This model has been applied to a “real life” project, and the results encourage further use of structured systems analysis in the development of expert systems.
Ova and embryos for quality control in reproductive biology

Abstract The ever increasing application of methods of reproductive biology to human and veterinary medicine and to agriculture carries serious risks as well as benefits. The manipulation of animal and human ova and embryos to achieve these benefits simultaneously exposes the ova and embryos to potentially deleterious changes in their biological, chemical, and physical environment. One way to minimize or at least identify such changes is to adhere to stringent methods of quality control. Rodent embryos especially have been used in many disciplines as “surrogates” for both human and domestic animal ova and embryos.
A study on symmetrization of 2D ACAR positron annihilation data

Abstract The important problem of symmetrization of two-dimensional angular correlation positron annihilation data is discussed in detail. Interest in this problem is motivated by the potential for a substantial improvement of the data quality. The artefacts present in our Anger cameras have been studied experimentally, and form the basis for a quantitative discussion of the symmetrization operation. The main conclusion is that symmetrization of the two-dimensional angular correlation spectra is allowed, if the symmetry center can be defined. It is argued that the center can be defined if the instrumental artefacts are small. Finally, it is shown that it is unlikely that the instrumental artefacts interfere constructively during the symmetrization operation.
Triplet excimers: Further verification by emission measurements

Abstract We present here further confirmation of the excimer phosphorescence in room-temperature isooctane solutions of naphthalene and 1, n -α-naphthylalkanes. The results rule out the unsubstantiated claim by Nickel and Rodriguez Prieto that the emission is due to phosphorescence of “biacetyl or biacetyl-like” impurities sensitized by energy transfer from the triplet state of naphthalene.
Phosphatidylinositol transfer proteins: the long and winding road to physiological function

Phosphatidylinositol transfer proteins (PITPs) have historically been thought to help execute lipid-sorting events by transporting phospholipid monomers between membrane bilayers. Recent data, however, indicate unanticipated roles for PITPs in the coordination and/or coupling of phospholipid metabolism with vesicle trafficking and the downregulation of signal-transduction reactions. We are only now beginning to appreciate both the identities of PITP-dependent cellular reactions and the intriguing mechanisms by which PITPs execute their functions in eukaryotic cells.
Evaluation of joint replenishment lot-sizing procedures in rolling horizon planning systems

Abstract Joint replenishment problems are commonly encountered in purchasing, manufacturing, and transportation planning. Literature evaluates various algorithmic approaches for solving the joint replenishment problem in a static environment, but their relative performance in a dynamic rolling horizon system is unknown. This research experimentally evaluates nine joint replenishment lot-sizing heuristics and policy design variables when implemented in a dynamic rolling schedule environment. The findings indicate that a single algorithm does excel on both dimensions of schedule cost and stability. Hence, management must trade off these two performance metrics when choosing the best approach for their specific problem. Generally, metaheuristics provide the best cost replenishment schedule, but forward pass based heuristics yield the most stable schedules. The results also indicate that the choice of lot-sizing heuristic is the major cost performance driver in rolling planning systems, with policy design variables (frozen interval and planning horizon length) having little impact. While the simulated annealing heuristic of Robinson et al. (2007a) is the most effective solution procedure for the static joint replenishment problem, the perturbation metaheuristic of Boctor et al. (2004) produces lower schedule costs and greater stability in rolling schedule environments.
Isolation of the major component in white snakeroot that is toxic after microsomal activation: Possible explanation of sporadic toxicity of white snakeroot plants and extracts

Tremetone, the major toxic component in white snakeroot (Eupatorium rugosum Houtt) extracts, was isolated following an in vitro bioactivity assay. Microsomal activation was required to produce a product toxic to murine melanoma (B16F1) cells as well as five other mammalian cell cultures. The metabolic activation product(s) of tremetone is suspected to be responsible for the toxic activity of the plant. Tremetone is also smoothly converted to dehydrotremetone in the plant and cell free homogenates, and readily decomposes to dehydrotremetone in extracts. Dehydrotremetone is not toxic even after microsomal activation. The efficient conversion of tremetone to dehydrotremetone may explain why white snakeroot plant material and extracts have varied activities, and why a previous claim that tremetone was responsible for the toxic activity of white snakeroot was withdrawn. Rayless goldenrod extracts show the same toxic activity as white snakeroot and the toxic activity of rayless goldenrod is most likely due to tremetone. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Multiple forms of cytochrome P-450: Resolution and purification of rabbit liver aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase

Abstract We describe the resolution and partial purification of two minor forms of cytochrome P-450 from liver microsomes of rabbits treated with 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo- p -dioxin. Both forms have different electrophoretic mobilities when compared to the major form of cytochrome P-450 isolated from this source. The two cytochromes show different activities with several substrates. One form is very active in the hydroxylation of benzo( a )pyrene when reconstituted with highly purified NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase.
How Clearly Must I See? Art and Ethics in Pedagogical Practice

This essay explores pedagogical practices and ethical obligations in the embrace of cultural and religious diversity by a faculty team in a theological school course. Attention is given to the interplay of art and ethical dilemmas in an educational praxis that calls into question students’ taken-for-granted worldviews and theologies. In the first of three sections the writers identify several assumptions they brought to the conduct of the course regarding diversity, art, and pedagogy. The second section describes student encounters with and responses to art from a variety of cultural contexts. The paper concludes with a critical reflection on ethical and political issues arising from pedagogical practices that engage students with art.
Do biomolecules process information differently than synthetic organic molecules

Abstract This paper compares information/signal processing in synthetic and biological molecules. The role of conformation-based (shape-based) mechanisms and electrostatic interactions in molecular recognition is discussed. In biological electron transfer, the ‘electron shuttle’-mediated mechanism is contrasted with the mechanism based on pre-formed ‘electron wires’. While biological information processing is thought to be more distributed (less discrete), an example of molecular switch is presented: visual transduction. We further speculate that visual transduction may be implemented in the form of a switch based on electrostatic interactions. The concept of intelligent materials is discussed with the well-known Bohr effect of hemoglobin oxygenation. Based on these examples, we argue that there are no fundamental differences between synthetic and biological molecules in their mode of information processing. In the pursuit of novel paradigms of molecular information processing, we also perceive no conflicts in developing molecular devices that emulate the switching function of conventional microelectronic devices.
Clustering hypertext with applications to web searching

A method and structure of searching a database containing hypertext documents comprising searching the database using a query to produce a set of hypertext documents; and geometrically clustering the set of hypertext documents into various clusters using a toric k-means similarity measure such that documents within each cluster are similar to each other, wherein the clustering has a linear-time complexity in producing the set of hypertext documents, wherein the similarity measure comprises a weighted sum of maximized individual components of the set of hypertext documents, and wherein the clustering is based upon words contained in each hypertext document, out-links from each hypertext document, and in-links to each hypertext document.
A critique of instruments and methods to detect, diagnose, and rate delirium

This document reviews existing instruments for evaluation of delirium. Instruments have been grouped into four categories: tests that screen for cognitive impairment, delirium diagnostic instruments, delirium-specific numerical rating scales, and laboratory and paraclinical exams. Analysis of instruments was based on comparison of their psychometric properties as well as subjective judgment. Guidelines are suggested for choosing the appropriate instrument according to the type of clinical evaluation or delirium research envisaged. Important factors in choosing an instrument, besides the appropriateness of its psychometric characteristics, include administration time constraints, level of rater expertise, and patient capabilities. By familiarizing investigators with the variety of evaluation instruments available, this work should permit more appropriate instrument selection in future studies on delirium.
Seeking Membranes: Positive-Strand RNA Virus Replication Complexes

How much do we really understand about how +RNA viruses usurp and transform the intracellular architecture of host cells when they replicate?
Meta-analysis of diagnostic tests for acute sinusitis

To facilitate management of acute sinusitis, we conducted a meta-analysis of published studies comparing diagnostic tests for this disorder. Thirteen studies were identified through literature search. Based on sinus puncture/aspiration (considered most accurate), 49-83% of symptomatic patients had acute sinusitis. Compared with puncture/aspiration, radiography offered moderate ability to diagnose sinusitis (summary receiver operator curve [SROC] area, 0.83). Using sinus opacity or fluid as the criterion for sinusitis, radiography had sensitivity of 0.73 and specificity of 0.80. Studies evaluating ultrasonography revealed substantial variation in test performance. The clinical evaluation, particularly risk scores formally incorporating history and physical examination findings, had moderate ability to identify patients with positive radiographs (SROC area, 0.74). Many studies were of poor quality, with inadequately described test methods and unblinded test interpretation. In conclusion, acute sinusitis is common among symptomatic patients. Radiography and clinical evaluation (especially risk scores) appear to provide useful information for diagnosis of sinusitis.
Service Delivery Issues in Early Termination of Latino Clients

Abstract This paper explores the nature and meaning of the early termination experience from outpatient counseling among Latinos. A theoretically grounded perspective is forwarded to explain the nuances of minority group interface with human services (Green, 1995), and the early termination phenomenon among this population. The authors offer an explanatory model, referred to as the repelled client, which undergirds their central argument concerning the need to reexamine important aspects of cross-cultural counseling practice.
An Examination of Histamine-2 Receptor Antagonist Use by Medicaid Recipients in Wisconsin Long-term Care Facilities

The Wisconsin Drug Utilization Review Project used Medicaid claims data to examine the use of long-term, full doses histamine-2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs) among long-term care facility (LTCF) residents, ie, doses exceeding 800 mg per day of cimetidine or 150 mg per day of ranitidine for 12 weeks or more. Additional information about a small but representative sample of patients was obtained from consultant pharmacists by mail questionnaire. Of approximately 35,000 residents, there were 1,046 receiving long-term, full-dose H2RAs during 1984 at a cost of 405$,848. No differences were noted between treated patients and the overall LTCF population by gender, age, level of care, or geographic locality. Among 387 patients receiving therapy for the last 3 months of 1984, over one half received antacids and over 20% received nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs concurrently. According to survey respondents, almost one half of the patients had no diagnosis amenable to treatment by H2RAs. Diagnostic procedures conducted within 30 days prior to the initiation of H2RAs were hemoglobin/ hematocrit assessment (performed on 53% of patients), stool testing (34%), radiological exam (23%) and endoscopy (8%). The results suggest that there is widespread use of long-term full-dose H2RAs in LTCFs for undocumented, inappropriate, and poorly supported diagnoses. Such findings are of concern to all persons charged with monitoring drug use in nursing homes because of the implications for both quality and cost of care. Information from this study will be used in designing a program to reduce inappropriate utilization of H2RAs, and Medicaid claims data will be used to monitor trends in utilization.
SU-GG-T-437: The Depth-Dose Curves of 126 MeV Antiprotons in Water Using MCNPX Simulation Code

Purpose: To simulate dose contributions from various annihilation products to the depth dose profile for the irradiation of 126 MeV antiprotons in water using the MCNPX simulation code. Methods and Materials: A cylindrical water phantom (100 cm long, 15 cm radius) was generated using MCNPX version 27‐b. Cylindrical detectors (0.5 mm depth, 1 cm radius) of water were positioned along the central axis of the beam. Antiprotons with 126 MeV and 5 cm × 5 cm field size were used. Particle and photon transport in the code included pions,kaons,muons, secondary protons, neutrons, gamma and other heavy and light ions. Tallies utilized within the cylindrical detector region included the “+F6” collision heating tally and individualized “F6” tallies for detailing the energy depositions for the particles averaged over detector elements. A total of 100,000 histories were run. The depth‐dose profile from antiprotons was compared to that of protons of identical energy and field size. The relative contributions from various annihilation products to the total antiproton depth‐dose were studied. Results: In shallow depth region, the dose levels for antiproton were slightly higher compared to proton due to antiproton's annihilations in flight. In Bragg peak region, the dose levels with antiproton were augmented by higher than 2 compared with proton, at iso‐fluence, mainly due to antiproton's annihilations at rest. At peak depth, the contributions from antiprotons (without annihilations) were about two and six times higher than that from secondary protons and annihilation pions, respectively. The remaining part of the total dose was attributed to contributions from muons,kaons, gamma, light and heavy ions. Conclusions: Our results are in excellent agreement with recent FLUKA simulation results. However, somewhat higher contributions from kaons to the total dose at the Bragg peak were observed compared to the previous study.
The development of methodology for clinical measurement of 5-lipoxygenase pathway intermediates from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

Abstract Recent studies have shown a correlation between 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) pathway up-regulation and cardiovascular risk. Despite the existence of several assays for products of the 5-LO pathway, a reliable method for clinical determination of 5-LO activity remains to be established. In the present communication, we report conditions that allow measurement of 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (5-HETE) and leukotriene B4 (LTB4) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated from the blood of atherosclerosis patients before and after stimulation by the calcium ionophore, A23187. LTB4, a potent mediator of inflammation-linked cardiovascular disease, was measured using an existing competitive enzyme immunoassay (EIA) kit after making specific methodological improvements that allowed PBMCs to be used in this format for the first time. LTB4 was also measured by LC/MS/MS along with 5-HETE, a direct by-product of the action of 5-LO on arachidonic acid and a molecule for which no commercial EIA kit exists. The LC/MS/MS assay was validated over a range of 0.025–25 ng/mL for LTB4 and 0.1–25 ng/mL for 5-HETE. The EIA method has a validated range covering 0.025–4 ng/mL. When both assays were applied to analyze LTB4 from stimulated PBMCs isolated from 25 subjects with various degrees of atherosclerosis, a high correlation was obtained (r = 0.9426, Pearson's correlation coefficient). A high correlation was also observed between the levels of LTB4 and 5-HETE measured by LC/MS/MS after ionophore stimulation (r = 0.9159). Details are presented for optimized sample collection, processing, storage, and analysis in accordance with the logistical demands of clinical analysis.
Role of auditory feedback in the control of successive keystrokes during piano playing.

The purpose of this study was to elucidate the role of auditory feedback derived from one keystroke in the control of the rhythmicity and velocity of successive keystrokes during piano playing. We examined the effects of transient auditory perturbations with respect to the pitch, loudness, and timing of one tone on subsequent keystrokes while six pianists played short excerpts from three simple musical pieces having different tempi (“event rates”). Immediately after a delay in tone production, the inter-keystroke interval became shorter. This compensatory action depended on the tempo, being most prominent at the medium tempo. This indicates that temporal information provided by auditory feedback is utilized to regulate the timing of movement elements produced in a sequence. We also found that the keystroke velocity changed after the timing, pitch, or loudness of a tone was altered, although the response differed depending on the type of perturbation. While delaying the timing or altering the pitch led to an increase in the velocity, altering the loudness changed the velocity in an inconsistent manner. Furthermore, perturbing a tone elicited by the right hand also affected the rhythmicity and velocity of keystrokes with the left hand, indicating that bimanual coordination of tone production was maintained. Finally, altering the pitch sometimes resulted in striking an incorrect key, mostly in the slow piece, emphasizing the importance of pitch information for accurate planning and execution of sequential piano keystrokes.
Progressive systemic sclerosis associated with the CREST syndrome and squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus

Progressive systemic sclerosis associated with the CREST syndrome and squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus
Isolated adrenocorticotropin deficiency associated with an autoantibody to a corticotroph antigen that is not adrenocorticotropin or other proopiomelanocortin-derived peptides.

A 44-yr-old man with hypocortisolism was shown to have an undetectable basal plasma ACTH level and absent or subnormal ACTH and β-lipotropin responses to provocative testing with insulin, vasopressin, and CRH. Endocrine function after glucocorticoid replacement was otherwise normal, thus establishing the diagnosis of isolated ACTH deficiency. This patient's serum was tested immunohistochemically for the presence of an antipituitary antibody by indirect immunofluorescence of rat pituitary tissue. Positive immunostaining was observed in stellate-shaped cells in the anterior and intermediate lobes. Immunopositive cells were shown by immunoelectron microscopy to have ultrastructural characteristics of corticotrophs. Immunoreactivity was concentrated in secretory granules 120–170 nm in diameter. In a double immunolabeling procedure, staining by the patient's serum was shown to colocalize with rabbit antiserum to ACTH, but not with antisera to PRL, GH, βTSH, or βLH. Immunoabsorption of the patient's serum with ...
Small-angle neutron scattering studies from solutions of bovine nasal cartilage proteoglycan

Small-angle neutron scattering, SANS, of the proteoglycan subunit of bovine nasal cartilage in 0.15N LiCl at 25/sup 0/C yielded the radius of gyration, R/sub g/, radius of gyration of the cross-section, R/sub q/, persistence length, a, and the molecular weight, M. The following values were obtained: M = 3.9 x 10/sup 6/, R/sub g/ = 745 A, R/sub q/ = 34.6 A and a = 35.2 A. These values compare favorably with those that were obtained from small angle x-ray scattering, SAXS, of a similar extract. The scattering curve of the proteoglycan subunit in D/sub 2/O showed a characteristic broad peak in the specified angular range similar to that observed from SAXS, thus confirming the polyelectrolyte nature of the proteoglycan. 15 refs., 3 figs., 1 tab. (DT)
Design of multi-mode erbium-doped fiber amplifiers for low mode-dependent gain

Erbium-doped fiber amplifiers for 12 signal modes (six spatial modes in two polarizations) are studied by numerically solving multi-mode rate equations. Mode-dependent gains are compared for different numerical apertures, index profiles and doping profiles.
Fast Computed Tomography for Quantitative Cardiac Analysis—State of the Art and Future Perspectives

Two fast computed tomographic scanners, designed primarily for imaging cardiac structures and function, have been in use since the early 1980s. The technical aspects of both systems have been described previously in detail, and a considerable body of scientific literature now documents the biomedical capabilities of these scanners. This review examines these biomedical capabilities as applied to quantitative analysis of the heart and pulmonary circulations. On the basis of this overview, some speculations about the current strengths and possible further developments of the fast computed tomographic approach in these applications are made.
Optimal trajectory transfer in the presence of large controlled gain variations

Abstract A common problem encountered in the design of an optimal linear time invariant trajectory transfer system is the maintenance of the optimal control policy in the presence of large parameter variations. In this work, the maintenance of the control policy in systems having uncertain actuator (or controller) gains is developed. Necessary and sufficient conditions are derived using linear programming techniques. The resulting analysis computes the maximal dynamic range over which a nominally optimal control policy, less a scale factor, is algebraically invariant. The scaling of the original unperturbed control policy is accomplished through the application of a derived constant coefficient linear transform. The computed maximal dynamic range of admissible parameter variations can be used as an acceptance or rejection criteria for mass produced optimized controllers. Finally, a simple example is presented which demonstrates the mechanics of the developed methodology.
The Degenerative Positive-Bias Multivibrator

The operation of a multivibrator with positive grid supply and cathode degeneration is described. It is shown that, for suitable circuit parameters, the frequency of the multivibrator is very nearly a linear function of the applied grid voltage. Since the grid voltage can be controlled with relatively simple auxiliary circuits, the positive-bias multivibrator becomes a useful variable-frequency source.
Efficient flashlamp-pumped IBr laser

The operating characteristics and scaling parameters of a flashlamp-pumped, 4-m-long IBr laser were investigated to further evaluate its potential as a solar-pumped laser. A peak power of 3 kW/sq cm at 2.7 microns was achieved at 4-Torr IBr pressure. A gain of 0.07 per m was measured at a maximum capacitor discharge energy of 4 kJ. The threshold input power necessary for lasing was found to decrease by a factor of 4 and the laser pulse width increased fourfold as the active gain length was increased from 1 to 4 m. A maximum pulse width of 120 microseconds was achieved with 10-Torr argon diluent added to 4-Torr IBr. Quenching of the excited state by the parent molecule was shown to be unimportant for pressures less than 4-Torr IBr. An intrinsic efficiency in the range of 12 percent has been measured for flashlamp-pumped IBr.
DISSIPATIVE HEATING AND QUASAR EMISSION LINES

Recent observations reveal that the profiles of emission lines of active galactic nuclei are too smooth to be produced by discrete thermal (T � 10 4 K) clouds. The lines may also be too bright to be powered by the continuum unless a large covering factor or additional heating mechanisms are present. We have been investigating one possible explanation of these observations, namely, that the clouds are turbulent. This paper focuses on observational effects caused by dissipation of turbulent energy into cloud heating. We find that internal heating can explain these observations. Clouds energized by both the ionizing continuum and dissipative heating are more efficient line emitters than those powered by the continuum alone. The turbulent velocity field broadens the emission contributions of individual line-emitting clouds so that they overlap, smoothing the line profile. We have broad success in reproducing the observed emission-line spectrum with a turbulent velocity of � 200 km s � 1 , a cloud density of 10 10 cm � 3 , and a column density of 10 22 cm � 2 . Dissipative turbulence selectively increases intensities of low-ionization lines, making it possible to obtain the ‘‘ standard ’’ broad-line region line spectrum with a column density � 10 times smaller than usually assumed. The presence of dissipative heating could explain two long-standing puzzles in quasar emission-line spectra, namely, the smooth line profiles and the energetics of the spectrum. Subject headings: MHD — quasars: emission lines — quasars: general
Generalized pyrolysis model for combustible solids

Abstract This paper presents a generalized pyrolysis model that can be used to simulate the gasification of a variety of combustible solids encountered in fires. The model, Gpyro, can be applied to noncharring polymers, charring solids, intumescent coatings, and smolder in porous media. Temperature, species, and pressure distributions inside a thermally stimulated solid are determined by solving conservation equations for the gaseous and condensed phases. Diffusion of species from the ambient into the solid is calculated with a convective–diffusive solver, providing the capability to calculate the flux and composition of volatiles escaping from the solid. To aid in determining the required material properties, Gpyro is coupled to a genetic algorithm that can be used to estimate the model input parameters from bench-scale fire tests or thermogravimetric (TG) analysis. Model calculations are compared to experimental data for the thermo-oxidative decomposition of a noncharring solid (PMMA), thermal pyrolysis of a charring solid (white pine), gasification and swelling of an intumescent coating, and smolder in polyurethane foam. Agreement between model calculations and experimental data is favorable, especially when one considers the complexity of the problems simulated.
THE USE OF ISLAMIC SOURCES IN SAADIAH GAON'S TAFSÏR OF THE TORAH

Saadiah Gaon's influential translation ofthe Torah into Arabic has long been known to contain countless "mistranslations," passages in which Saadiah consciously modifies the biblical text to conform to Arabic literary style or to his own beliefs and understanding of the Bible. Several of the modificationsfound in Saadiah's Tafsir derivefrom Islamic sources, including Islamic terminology and phraseology, Islamic law and tradition, and the Qur'an itself. This paper examines thosepassages in the Tafsir ofthe Torah which reflect Islamic influence in an attempt to understand how, in a work writtenfor a Jewish audience, Saadiah utilizes material gleanedfrom the dominant religion ofhis day and why on several occasions the gaon prefers Islamic interpretations over the existing rabbinic and biblical alternatives. Saadiah Gaon's translation of the Torah into Arabic is considered by Joshua Blau, perhaps the foremost living scholar of JudeoArabic, to be "the most influential mediaeval Judeo-Arabic work."1 The translation, known in Arabic as the Tafsir, appears to have become the universally accepted Arabic rendition of the Pentateuch among rabbinic Jews within decades of its completion in the early 10th century, and it continues to be used to this day. Saadiah's Tafsir occupies a role similar to Onkelos' better-known Aramaic Targum of the Torah as an authoritative translation popularly studied in religious circles alongside the Hebrew original. In terms of its impact on Jewish culture, Saadiah's biographer Henry Malter ranks the Tafsir alongside such influential works as the Septuagint and Moses Mendelssohn's German translation of the Bible; Malter credits the work with inaugurating the Golden Age of Jewish literary activity in the Arabic-speaking world.2
Auditor independence deficiencies & alleged audit failures

Some critics of the accounting/auditing profession in the United States claim that independence-related quality control problems are the cause of an increased number of alleged audit failures. Certified public accountants (CPAs) were queried regarding independence impairment in their profession. Questionnaire results indicate a number of CPAs believe independence deficiencies exist, and some CPAs admit to personal independence impairment.
Characterizing the Relationship Between DNA Bending and Transcription Elongation By T7 RNA Polymerase

It is well recognized that transcriptional repression is mediated by the binding of a repressor protein to the DNA template. Some repressors, such as the lactose repressor (LacR), bind two sites on the DNA, forcing the DNA into a tight loop which includes the promoter. Unlike other repression mechanisms such as steric blocking, RNA polymerase (RNAP) is not physically prevented from binding to the promoter in these loops; in fact, it binds with greater affinity. Furthermore, it has been shown that LacR-induced repression depends directly on the loop size - as the loop becomes larger, repression decreases although LacR binds with higher affinity. This apparent contradiction can be resolved by considering the mechanical stress imparted on the DNA: in this case, we hypothesize that as loops increase in size, LacR repression decreases because the loop itself becomes more flexible. In order to elucidate the potential role of mechanical stress in transcriptional regulation, we have developed an assay capable of measuring transcription from DNA minicircles sustaining various levels of bending stress comparable to repressor loops. Using fluorescently labeled molecular beacons capable of hybridizing to a predefined portion of the transcript we have been able to measure the transcriptional elongation rate of bacteriophage T7 RNAP. We hypothesize that, in the absence of regulatory proteins, bending stresses are sufficient to repress transcription. Indeed, preliminary data confirm that tightly looped DNA can inhibit T7RNAP elongation, and we are currently expanding the analysis to minicircles with different degrees of bending to fully explore this relationship. Our study establishes for the first time that DNA bending is sufficient to repress transcription and necessitates the consideration of template mechanics in other transcription systems particularly those involving repressors known to significantly deform DNA tertiary structure.