cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Automated Infield Sorting and Handling of Apples

Infield sorting of high-quality fruit for the fresh market industry from inferior or defective fruit that are only suitable for making processed products or juice would result in significant cost savings in postharvest handling, improve postharvest disease and pest management, and reduce product loss. However, this practice has not been adopted by the apple industry due to lack of appropriate technology. In addition to machinery cost concerns, infield sorting must address several key technological issues, including automated, high-throughput grading and sorting for target fruit quality, and transportation and handling of graded/sorted fruit. Moreover, it is necessary to integrate the infield sorting and handling technologies with the existing or new apple harvesting platforms to achieve greater economic benefits and reduce labor cost. This chapter first provides an overview of the current status of the apple industry and commercial apple harvest-assist and infield handling technologies. Then, a detailed description of the principles and major technical features of a new, automated apple infield sorting and handling technology developed at our laboratory is provided. The description is focused primarily on a computer vision-based inspection system for automated grading of apples, an innovative fruit conveying system for fruit singulation, rotation and transport, and a fruit sorting mechanism. In addition, an automated bin filling system for handling graded fruit, and a computer-controlled hydraulic system for handling empty and full bins have also been introduced. Finally, this chapter discusses the needs for future research and development in infield sorting and handling technology for fresh market fruit crops.
Introducing Dietary Self-Monitoring to Undergraduate Women via a Calorie Counting App Has No Effect on Mental Health or Health Behaviors: Results From a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Abstract Background Strong positive relationships between dietary self-monitoring and eating disorder risk are seen in population-based, observational studies. However, current evidence cannot establish causality. Furthermore, little is known about other mental and behavioral health consequences of dietary self-monitoring among college women, a population vulnerable to eating disorders. Objective To determine if introducing dietary self-monitoring via a popular smartphone app to undergraduate women impacts eating disorder risk, other aspects of mental health, or health behaviors including dietary intake and physical activity. Design Randomized controlled trial. Participants/setting Undergraduate women who had not engaged in dietary self-monitoring in the past year and who were at low-risk for an eating disorder participated between May and October 2019 (n = 200). Intervention Participants were randomly assigned to engage in dietary self-monitoring via MyFitnessPal for approximately 1 month or to receive no intervention. Main outcome measures Self-report data on eating disorder risk, other mental health outcomes, and health behaviors were collected at baseline and post-intervention. Statistical analyses performed Linear and logistic regressions were utilized to test hypotheses. Results Adherence to the intervention was high, with participants recording their dietary intake via MyFitnessPal on average 89.1% of days between baseline and post-intervention. Assignment to the intervention was not associated with changes in eating disorder risk, anxiety, depressive symptoms, body satisfaction, quality of life, nutritional intake, physical activity, screen time, or other forms of weight-related self-monitoring (all P > .05). Conclusions Among dietary self-monitoring naive undergraduate women with low-risk of an eating disorder, dietary self-monitoring via MyFitnessPal for 1 month did not increase eating disorder risk, impact other aspects of mental health, or alter health behaviors including dietary intake. The null results in our study may be due to the selection of a low-risk sample; future research should explore whether there are populations for whom dietary self-monitoring is contraindicated.
Characterization of Fatigue and Its Recovery Behavior in Ferroelectric HfZrO

The discovery of ferroelectric properties in HfO 2 -based materials has attracted immense interest in both logic and memory applications. However, the degradation in remnant polarization upon repeated cycles is a major concern for reliability, but the mechanism remains unclear. In this study, polarization fatigue of HfZrO ferroelectric is investigated with SILC (stress-induced-leakage-current) measurement under different E-field stresses. Under high-field, we observed strong correlation between polarization wake-up and SILC increase. This is attributed to oxygen vacancy redistribution and percolation path formation, especially at high frequency cycling. However, polarization fatigue at low field is found to occur without SILC increase. P-E loop measurements and material analysis by TEM/PED (precession electron diffraction) revealed that charge trapping is the main contributor under the low-bias. We demonstrated that the fatigue caused by low-field stress could be effectively recovered through an interspersed periodical, short-term cycles at high-field to manage charge trapping and oxygen vacancy redistribution, thus resulting in prolonged endurance to >1E12 cycles without SILC degradation at room temperature. We also validated that a negligible fatigue switching in HfZrO can be achieved at -40°C as low-temperature operation further reduces charge trapping.
Enacting Fentanyl Tests Strips for Overdose Prevention: The Socio-Material Transformation of “Suspect Technologies” into “Technologies of Solidarity”:

Fentanyl Test Strips (FTS) make possible rapid visual determinations of whether or not fentanyl is present in a given drug supply. This article places FTS within the historical contexts of drug-che...
Underwater channel estimation exploiting multipath feature morphology

Real-time accurate channel estimation has been an ongoing challenge because of diverse oceanic events that cause rapid fluctuations of high-energy multipath activity across the delay spread. This work leverages current compressed sensing and sparse optimization techniques with topological signal processing to improve estimation time and localize channel estimation to salient parts of the delay spread. This work improves the estimation time by tracking the channel as a union of overlapping multipath and other scattering events, which are modeled as “feature braids” in the delay-time domain. A channel feature braid may be intuitively visualized as the topologically connected trajectory of a group of channel delay taps, which represent the support of dominant or persistent scattering events, e.g., surface bounce multipath scattering. We present algorithms that harness support-constrained mixed norm optimization techniques to track the evolving support of channel feature braids. We validate our channel feature tracking algorithm independently in experimental field data as well as BELLHOP channel simulations across a diversity of oceanic conditions. This work shows that braiding used in estimation can improve estimation time and track high-energy events that develop within the delay vs time channel representation.
Plumbagin Promotes the Generation of Astrocytes from Rat Spinal Cord Neural Progenitors Via Activation of the Transcription Factor Stat3

J. Neurochem. (2010) 115, 1337–1349. Abstract Plumbagin (5-hydroxy-2-methyl-1,4 naphthoquinone) is a naturally occurring low molecular weight lipophilic phytochemical derived from roots of plants of the Plumbago genus. Plumbagin has been reported to have several clinically relevant biological activities in non-neural cells, including anti-atherosclerotic, anticoagulant, anticarcinogenic, antitumor, and bactericidal effects. In a recent screen of a panel of botanical pesticides, we identified plumbagin as having neuroprotective activity. In this study, we determined if plumbagin could modify the developmental fate of rat E14.5 embryonic neural progenitor cells (NPC). Plumbagin exhibited no cytotoxicity when applied to cultured NPC at concentrations below 1 μM. At a concentration of 0.1 μM, plumbagin significantly enhanced the proliferation of NPC as indicated by a 17% increase in the percentage of cells incorporating bromo-deoxyuridine. Plumbagin at a concentration of 0.1 pM (but not 0.1 μM), stimulated the production of astrocytes as indicated by increased GFAP expression. Plumbagin selectively induced the proliferation and differentiation of glial progenitor cells without affecting the proliferation or differentiation of neuron-restricted progenitors. Plumbagin (0.1 pM) rapidly activated the transcription factor signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3) in NPC, and a Stat3 inhibitor peptide prevented both plumbagin-induced astrocyte formation and proliferation. These findings demonstrate the ability of a low molecular weight naturally occurring phytochemical to control the fate of glial progenitor cells by a mechanism involving the Stat3 signaling pathway.
Removal of phenobarbital during continuous cycling peritoneal dialysis in a child

A 2.5-year-old child receiving phenobarbital for a history of seizures while on continuous cycling peritoneal dialysis (CCPD) had persistent subtherapeutic serum levels despite progressive dosage increases. Phenobarbital concentration was measured in the peritoneal dialysate effluent and peritoneal clearance was calculated. Thirty-five percent of the total phenobarbital daily dose was being removed through 24-hour CCPD. Our findings were consistent with previous reports of 40% and 50% phenobarbital removal during continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis and acute peritoneal dialysis, respectively. In addition, phenobarbital clearance was greater during the period when more exchanges were done compared with the period when patient went through one cycle with a longer dwell time. Based on these preliminary data, it seems that larger dosages of phenobarbital are necessary in patients undergoing continuous peritoneal dialysis, and that the amount removed can differ significantly depending on the number of cycles.
Parameter identification in a class of linear structural equation models

Linear causal models known as structural equation models (SEMs) are widely used for data analysis in the social sciences, economics, and artificial intelligence, in which random variables are assumed to be continuous and normally distributed. This paper deals with one fundamental problem in the applications of SEMs - parameter identification. The paper uses the graphical models approach and provides a procedure for solving the identification problem in a special class of SEMs.
Translating SQL Applications to the Semantic Web

The content of most Web pages is dynamically derived from an underlying relational database. Thus, the success of the Semantic Web hinges on enabling access to relational databases and their content by semantic methods. We define a system for automatic transformation of SQL DDL schemas into OWL DL ontologies. This system goes further than earlier efforts in that the entire system is expressed in first-order logic. We leverage the formal approach to show the system is complete with respect to a space of the possible relations that can be formed among relational tables as a consequence of primary and foreign key combinations. The full set of transformation rules is stratified, thus the system can be executed directly by a Datalog interpreter.
A Unified Framework for Integer Programming Formulation of Graph Matching Problems

Graph theory has been a powerful tool in solving difficult and complex problems arising in all disciplines. In particular, graph matching is a classical problem in pattern analysis with enormous applications. Many graph problems have been formulated as a mathematical program then solved using exact, heuristic and/or approximated-guaranteed procedures. On the other hand, graph theory has been a powerful tool in visualizing and understanding of complex mathematical programming problems, especially integer programs. Formulating a graph problem as a natural integer program (IP) is often a challenging task. However, an IP formulation of the problem has many advantages. Several researchers have noted the need for natural IP formulation of graph theoretic problems. The aim of the present study is to provide a unified framework for IP formulation of graph matching problems. Although there are many surveys on graph matching problems, however, none is concerned with IP formulation. This paper is the first to provide a comprehensive IP formulation for such problems. The framework includes variety of graph optimization problems in the literature. While these problems have been studied by different research communities, however, the framework presented here helps to bring efforts from different disciplines to tackle such diverse and complex problems. We hope the present study can significantly help to simplify some of difficult problems arising in practice, especially in pattern analysis.
Technology and Flexibility: Enablers of Collaboration and Time-Based Logistics Quality

Collaboration has been cited as one of the most important elements in leveraging supply chains to achieve competitive advantage. Literature in the field of collaboration tends to focus on strategic level initiatives; this research examines the benefits of implementing collaborative approaches at the logistics operations level. We find that leading strategic indicators, including technological innovativeness, technological complementarity, and flexibility are positively related to higher levels of collaboration and logistics service quality at the operational level in retail firms.
P and S velocity structure of the upper mantle beneath the Transantarctic Mountains, East Antarctic craton, and Ross Sea from travel time tomography

P and S wave travel times from teleseismic earthquakes recorded by the Transantarctic Mountains Seismic Experiment (TAMSEIS) have been used to tomographically image upper mantle structure beneath portions of the Transantarctic Mountains (TAM), the East Antarctic (EA) craton, and the West Antarctic rift system (WARS) in the vicinity of Ross Island, Antarctica. The TAM form a major tectonic boundary that divides the stable EA craton and the tectonically active WARS. Relative arrival times were determined using a multichannel cross-correlation technique on teleseismic P and S phases from earthquakes with mb ≥ 5.5. 3934 P waves were used from 322 events, and 2244 S waves were used from 168 events. Relative travel time residuals were inverted for upper mantle structure using VanDecar's method. The P wave tomography model reveals a low-velocity anomaly in the upper mantle of approximately δVp = −1 to −1.5% in the vicinity of Ross Island extending laterally 50 to 100 km beneath the TAM from the coast, placing the contact between regions of fast and slow velocities well inland from the coast beneath the TAM. The magnitude of the low-velocity anomaly in the P wave model appears to diminish beneath the TAM to the north and south of Ross Island. The depth extent of the low-velocity anomaly is not well constrained, but it probably is confined to depths above ∼200 km. The S wave model, within resolution limits, is consistent with the P wave model. The low-velocity anomaly within the upper mantle can be attributed to a 200–300 K thermal anomaly, consistent with estimates obtained from seismic attenuation measurements. The presence of a thermal anomaly of this magnitude supports models invoking a thermal buoyancy contribution to flexurally driven TAM uplift, at least in the Ross Island region of the TAM. Because the magnitude of the anomaly to the north and south of Ross Island may diminish, the thermal contribution to the uplift of the TAM could be variable along strike, with the largest contribution in the Ross Island region. The tomography results reveal faster than average velocities beneath East Antarctica, as expected for cratonic upper mantle.
Beamforming and aligned interference neutralization achieve the degrees of freedom region of the 2×2×2 MIMO interference network

We study the layered two-hop, two-unicast multiinput, multi-output (MIMO) interference network, which consists of two transmitters, two relays, and two receivers with the first and the second hop networks between transmitters and relays, and between relays and receivers, respectively, both being Gaussian MIMO interference channels. The DoF region is established in the general case, where there are arbitrary numbers of antennas at all terminals. It is shown that the DoF region coincides with the min-cut outer-bound, and is achievable via a scheme involving beamforming and aligned interference neutralization.
Preparation and purification of lipid hydroperoxides from arachidonic and γ-linolenic acids

Commercial soybean lipoxygenase may be used under carefully controlled reaction conditions to give high yields of lipid hydroperoxides. Lipid hydroperoxides so derived from γ-linolenic or arachidonic acid may be purified by high pressure liquid chromatography. Thus, commercial lipoxygenase serves as a viable source for 100 mg quantities of lipid hydroperoxides.
A further note on 1233 (“influenza C”) virus

In this paper there has been presented a more complete account of the results of experiments on 1233 virus. Included are details regarding its isolation; antigenic peculiarities; size and morphology; behavior in embryonated eggs; agglutination of chicken erythrocytes; infectivity for laboratory animals; and relation to human infections.
Mechanisms of glial retraction in the hypothalamo-neurohypophysial system of the rat.

It has been known for more than twenty years that changes in glial coverage of magnocellular neurones in the hypothalamo-neurohypophysial system accompany activation of those neurones. This led to the so-called ‘glial retraction hypothesis.’However, until recently, little has been established as to how this structural plasticity of astrocytes develops. This paper will explore a number of hypotheses and supporting data concerning these changes.
Early use of oxygen in pediatric emergency patients: a standard but underrated therapy.

he early and aggressive use of oxygen in the man-agement of children in the emergency department isgenerally well known and considered by many per-sons to be a standard of practice. However, reports ofpatients transferred to one children’s hospital emergencydepartment revealed that oxygen was not administeredquickly to children in emergency departments of hospitalsthat did not specialize in treating children. This finding ledto the development of a survey that found that differencesexisted in the likelihood that oxygen was provided for chil-dren with respiratory problems after triage and independentof physician evaluation. Specifically, nurses in children’s hos-pitals were significantly more likely to provide oxygen forchildren than were emergency nurses in non-children’s hos-pitals (Attia M, Herrman J, Cronan K. Nursing scope ofpractice in pediatric emergency services. Unpublished study,1993). The results of this survey led us to wonder: Is oxygentherapy used more readily when staff are more accustomed totreating children? Do practitioners who do not routinely seechildren hesitate to use oxygen because they are used to beingconservative with oxygen therapy with adult patients whohave chronic lung and obstructive diseases? Is there a need torevisit this issue and spread the word to novice ED nurses orED nurses less used to seeing children? The indications andcontraindications of early and aggressive oxygen use withemergently ill children seems important, and we believe thatthis information might be useful for veteran emergency nurs-es as well as nurses orienting to the emergency department.
Measurement of trade concentration under the United States' Caribbean Basin Initiative

Abstract This study measures the degree of trade concentration by country of origin under the US' Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI), and compares it to that of other import categories using Suits' (1977) index. Although several recent studies have suggested that CBI tariff preferences hold only limited benefits for Caribbean Basin countries, the present study finds the CBI does provide for an equitable sharing of the meager benefits among beneficiaries displaying widely different productive abilities.
Equal access to income and union dissolution among mainland Puerto Ricans

This study investigates the implications for union stability of different methods for providing access to income in cohabiting and marital unions among mainland Puerto Ricans. Using the Puerto Rican Maternal and Infant Health Study (N = 836), we show that union dissolution is associated with both union type and type of method. The relatively high rate of union dissolution among cohabiters is explained partially by their lower likelihood of organizing access to income under an equality principle through income pooling. Cohabiting unions that follow the equality principle, however, are as stable as marital unions that follow the equality principle. These patterns are interpreted in terms of the role of economic equality in solidifying socioemotional bonds.
Sample Size Limits for Estimating Upper Level Mediation Models Using Multilevel SEM

This simulation study investigated use of the multilevel structural equation model (MLSEM) for handling measurement error in both mediator and outcome variables (M and Y) in an upper level multilevel mediation model. Mediation and outcome variable indicators were generated with measurement error. Parameter and standard error bias, confidence interval coverage, and power to detect the ab mediated effect using Empirical-M confidence interval estimates were assessed for the correct MLSEM versus a conventional multilevel model (MM) that used composite scores for M and Y. The following conditions were manipulated: level 1 and 2 sample sizes, intraclass correlation, degree of measurement error in M, and the true value of ab. The MLSEM more accurately recovered the ab effect's value, but serious convergence issues were encountered with MLSEM estimates based on fewer than 80 clusters. More power for detecting a nonzero ab was found for MM than for MLSEM estimates.
José Martí, the United States, and the Marxist Interpretation of Cuban History

This brief volume is an eloquent statement on the meaning of Jose Marti's thought as well as on how his thought has been harnessed to the needs of ideology in present-day Cuba. Hence, Jose Marti, the United States and the Marxist Interpretation of Cuban History should quite properly be viewed as a contribution to the sociology of knowledge, and the political processing of the literature. Professor Ripoll's volume gives special attention to Marti's writings on the United States: without sparing the colonialist and annexationist currents of the times, Marti in his writing demonstrated a full and balanced sense of pluralist currents in the United States. The author sees Marti, in his desire for redemption, as a truer socialist and revolutionary than those who seek to cloak themselves in his words. Because Marti believed freedom to be indispensable for the advancement of society, efforts to hitch Marti to a single ideological post are considered futile.
Current-Induced Degradation in Polythiophene

The three-year collaboration between Simmons College and the Cornell Center for Materials Research (CCMR) is focused on undergraduate student/faculty research in organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs). The physics of OLED devices is characterized by three major processes: charge injection, charge transfer, and light emission as a result of the electron-hole recombination. In the first year of the program our research has been related to the first two stages. OLEDs based on small molecule as well as polymeric layers have been investigated. The devices were prepared using mostly aluminum (also nickel and iron) as electrodes and PC:TPD or polythiophene as the organic layer. Electrodes of about 20 nm were formed by vacuum evaporation, and organic layers of approximately 100–200 nm were spin-coated. The current-voltage characteristics, measured under forward and reverse bias up to 10 volts, demonstrate typical semiconductor S-shape behavior, and show variations dependent on aging, thickness of the polymer layer, and type and combination of electrodes. The results presented here specifically track the degradation of devices using polythiophene sandwiched between aluminum electrodes. The I-V curves and successive current response as a function of time and under constant voltage drive are presented along with complementary mass spectra and UV-visible and infrared absorption spectra. These measurements along with preliminary computer modeling of HOMO and LUMO energies for a series of thiophene oligomers suggest a correlation between internal changes in the polymer and variations in the electrical characteristics of the devices.
Pulse propagation in spatially dispersive media

The propagation of a Gaussian electromagnetic (optical) pulse with center frequency $\overline{\ensuremath{\omega}}$ (laser) through a spatially dispersive exciton-polariton medium is investigated by a combination of analytical and numerical methods. The analysis used extends previous work by Garrett and McCumber to the multiwave coupled exciton-polariton case. With the assumption of normal incidence on a semi-infinite medium, laser frequencies very close to exciton resonance and far from resonance are studied. Numerical results are obtained for power spectrum $P(z,\ensuremath{\omega})$ and amplitude profile $f(z,t)$ for parameters suitable to $\mathrm{CdS} 1S A$ exciton (a fairly typical semiconductor). For pulses with $\ensuremath{\Gamma}\ensuremath{\tau}\ensuremath{\gg}1$ or $\ensuremath{\Gamma}\ensuremath{\tau}\ensuremath{\sim}1$ the pulse remains essentially Gaussian, and its peak propagates with velocity close to the classical group velocity ${v}_{\mathrm{gj}}=(\frac{d{\ensuremath{\omega}}_{j}}{d{k}_{r}})$, where $j$ is the polariton branch index and ${k}_{r}$ is the real part of the propagation wave number. The power spectrum shows a crossover from lower to upper branch as the laser frequency is varied through resonance. Some comparison with experiments on CuCl, GaAs, CdSe, and CdS semiconductors is also given.
Evaluation of statistical methods for determining differences between samples from lognormal populations

Soil variables often exhibit frequency distributions that are positively skewed. When this situation exists, the assumption of normality associated with analysis-of-variance procedures is violated, and two common recommendations are given: (i) perform a normalizing transformation, or (ii) apply nonparametric statistical method. Information regarding the relative efficacy of these two procedures with regard to power to detect differences between batches of samples is lacking. This study evaluates five statistical procedures for detecting differences between samples drawn from lognormal populations [...]
Contribution of Stocked Yearling Walleyes to the Fishery in Oneida Lake, New York

Abstract Absolute estimates of stocked fish contributions to fisheries are important in determining the utility of stocking programs. Accounts of stocked fish contribution to fisheries are rare; such studies require (1) stocked fish to be uniquely marked so that they are identifiable when the cohort recruits to the fishery and (2) absolute abundance estimates to be available both from stocked fish and fish produced from other sources. Our objective was to assess the absolute contribution of walleyes Sander vitreus stocked as yearlings to the age-4 population in Oneida Lake, New York. Stocked yearlings contributed 1,778 fish to the age-4 population, which was estimated at 127,000. Estimated survival from stocking (age 1) to age 4 was 1.7% (range = 0.2–3.2%) and was similar to reports of the absolute contribution of fingerling stocking programs. Our results support findings from other studies indicating that attempts to strengthen walleye year-classes by stocking have had limited success; however, our data ...
Pigmented Bowen's Disease (Squamous Cell Carcinoma in situ): A Mimic of Malignant Melanoma

Background. Darkly pigmented individuals may manifest unusual or uncharacteristic presentations of various skin conditions, including heavy pigmentation of cutaneous tumors. Objective. To increase the awareness of an unusual presentation of Bowen's disease in a darkly pigmented individual. Methods. We report the case of a 52 year old black woman that presented with a lesion clinically consistent with malignant melanoma. However, histopathologic examination revealed pigmented Bowen's disease. Results. A biopsy is almost always indicated to confirm the diagnosis of lesions in darkly pigmented individuals. Conclusion. This case is presented to reinforce the idea that pigmented Bowen's disease should be considered in the differential diagnosis of malignant melanoma.
The vertex-edge visibility graph of a polygon

Abstract We introduce a new polygon visibility graph, the vertex-edge visibility graph G VE , and demonstrate that it encodes more geometric information about the polygon than does the vertex visibility graph G V .
Levels in the U.S. population of those persistent organic pollutants (2003-2004) included in the Stockholm convention or in other long-range transboundary air pollution agreements

We report human serum levels of selected persistent organic pollutants (POPs) categorized by age, sex, and race/ethnicity from a statistically representative sampling of the U.S. population during 2003 and 2004. The serum levels are for several chemicals listed in the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, in the Geneva Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution, or in both. Population data for each chemical are described by geometric means and percentiles and are categorized by age, sex, and race/ethnicity. At the 90th and 95th percentile, the dioxin total toxic equivalency (TEQ), using the 2005 toxic equivalency factors (TEFs) for all persons 12 years of age and older was 30.9 pg/g lipid (95% confidence interval (CI): 28.2−33.9 pg/g lipid) and 37.8 pg/g lipid (95% CI: 35.3−43.4 pg/g lipid), respectively. At both the 90th and 95th percentiles total TEQ increased significantly with increasing age. The population geometric mean (GM) for the total PCB concentration (sum of 35 conge...
Trypanosoma gerrhonoti n. sp., and extrinsic development of lizard trypanosomes in California sandflies.

SYNOPSIS: Trypanosoma gerrhonoti n. sp. is described from southern alligator lizards Gerrhonotus multicarinatus of central California. It is the 2nd trypanosome species described from western North America. Extrinsic development of T. gerrhonoti and T. scelopori of western fence lizards was observed in phlebotomine sandflies Lutzomyia vexatrix occidentis, the probable natural vector. Both trypanosomes establish dense anterior midgut infections composed of long, thin epimastigotes.
EMG Biofeedback During Dynamic Movement as a Treatment for Tension Headache

SYNOPSIS Recent attempts to identify EMG elevations in patients with tension headaches have produced contradictory results. In the present case study, a 36-year-old male with a 17 year history of tension headaches was treated with trapezius EMG biofeedback while walking on a treadmill. The results demonstrated that: (1) EMG elevations could be identified during dynamic movement but not while in a static position and (2) EMG biofeedback during dynamic movement was effective in reducing EMG levels and headache activity. The results are discussed in terms of the potential importance of assessing and modifying patterns of elevated EMG activity which contribute to headaches during naturalistic activities such as walking.
Int-decomposable algebras

Abstract Let D be a Dedekind domain with fraction field k . Let A be a D -algebra that, as a D -module, is free of finite rank. Let B be the extension of A to a k -algebra. The set of integer-valued polynomials over A is defined to be Int ( A ) = { f ∈ B [ x ] | f ( A ) ⊆ A } . Restricting the coefficients to elements of k , we obtain the commutative ring Int k ( A ) = { f ∈ k [ x ] | f ( A ) ⊆ A } ; this makes Int ( A ) a left Int k ( A ) -module. Previous researchers have noted instances when a D -module basis for A is also an Int k ( A ) -basis for Int ( A ) . We classify all the D -algebras A with this property. Along the way, we prove results regarding Int ( A ) , its localizations at primes of D , and finite residue rings of A .
Giant-cell tumour-like changes in the maxilla

Summary The authors have analysed 194 cases of giant-cell tumourlike changes of the jaws observed in the hospital over a period of 25 years. On the basis of histological examination and clinical as well as radiological assessment of these cases, diagnostic criteria of this granuloma have been proposed. Neoplastic giant-cell tumours are excessively rare in the jaws. The method of choice in treatment of reparative granulomas is moderately radical operation with removal of the lesion to the margins of healthy tissue or electrosurgical treatment. After non-radical operation reparative granulomas show a tendency to local recurrence.
Splenic irradiation in the palliation of patients with lymphoproliferative and myeloproliferative disorders

Introduction:Splenic irradiation is an accepted mode of treatment for palliation of hypersplenism and splenic pain for patients with lymphoproliferative or myeloproliferative disorders. However, results are conflicting regarding the duration of palliation and the toxicity associated with this treatment.Methods:Twenty-five patients with lymphoproliferative or myeloproliferative disorders were treated with splenic irradiation for palliation of splenomegaly and pain. The spleen was measured and pain and toxicity were assessed during radiation therapy.Results:Splenomegaly and splenic pain decreased in 60 percent and 91 percent of patients, respectively. Radiation doses higher than 500 cGy appeared to be more effective than lower doses in reducing the spleen size in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Regression of splenomegaly and pain relief were maintained for less than one year and more than six months, respectively. Acute radiation toxicity resulted in the cessation of radiotherapy in two patients...
Direct Observation of Conformational Exchange in the Small Multidrug Resistance Transporter EmrE

Small multidrug resistance (SMR) transporters provide an ideal system to study the minimal requirements for active transport across a membrane. EmrE is an E. coli SMR transporter that exports a broad class of polyaromatic cation substrates, thus conferring resistance to drug compounds matching this chemical description. As a secondary active antiporter, EmrE drives the uphill export of each substrate molecule by coupling it to the downhill import of 2 protons across the inner membrane. EmrE is proposed to function via a single-site alternating access model.
The impact of adjusting for reliability on hospital quality rankings in vascular surgery.

Background Hospital quality in vascular surgery is often measured using mortality. We sought to determine whether adjusting mortality for statistical reliability changes hospital quality rankings for vascular surgery. Methods Patients undergoing five common vascular surgery procedures (open and endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, carotid endarterectomy, lower extremity bypass, and aorto-femoral bypass) in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Project (NSQIP) in 2007 were identified (n = 14,559). For each hospital, we first calculated a ratio of observed to expected mortality (O-E ratio) using standard NSQIP techniques. We then adjusted these estimates for statistical noise using empirical Bayes methods, a technique known as reliability adjustment. We then compared rankings based on the standard O-E ratio to the rankings after reliability adjustment. Results A total of 172 hospitals reported an average adjusted mortality rate of 2.4% for the five procedures, varying from 0% to 17%. After adjusting for statistical noise using reliability adjustment, hospital mortality was greatly diminished, varying only from 1.7% to 4.1%. This adjustment for reliability had a dramatic effect on hospital rankings. Overall, 43% of hospitals were reclassified into either a higher or lower quartile of performance using traditional methods of risk-adjustment. Fifty-one percent all hospitals in the "best" quartile of performance according to traditional O-E ratios are not classified in the "best" quartile after adjusting for statistical noise. Twenty-six percent of hospitals in the "worst" quartile were no longer classified as such after adjusting for noise. Conclusions Adjusting mortality for reliability reduces statistical noise and provides more stable estimates of hospital quality. Reliability adjustment should be standard for comparing hospital quality.
Plane and spherical detonation waves in solid explosives.

test conditions, the agreement with the theoretical data was fair. The results may be found in Ref. 1. To verify the influence of Mach number, the data for cone air injection data according to Pappas and Okuno were used at a cone Mach number Mc = 4.35. The result is shown in Fig. 2 where the cooling effectiveness 77 = l/(K + 1) has been given as a function of the blowing ratio F. A Prandtl number of 0.75 was used. The experimental curve represents the data at x = 8.19 in. For comparison, the curve at M = 0 has also been included in Fig. 2. It is seen that the actual Mach number theoretical results indicate reasonable agreement with the test data and represent significant improvement over the zero Mach number approach.
Social Control and Delinquent Behavior: An Examination of the Elements of the Social Bond

This research examines the overall and relative effects of the elements of Hirschi's Social Bonding Theory on four separate measures of deviance using data drawn from a sample of 3065 adolescents. ...
Poliovirus RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (3D(pol)). Divalent cation modulation of primer, template, and nucleotide selection.

We have analyzed the divalent cation specificity of poliovirus RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, 3Dpol. The following preference was observed: Mn2+ > Co2+ > Ni2+ > Fe2+ > Mg2+ > Ca2+ > Cu2+, and Zn2+ was incapable of supporting 3Dpol-catalyzed nucleotide incorporation. In the presence of Mn2+, 3Dpol activity was increased by greater than 10-fold relative to that in the presence of Mg2+. Steady-state kinetic analysis revealed that the increased activity observed in the presence of Mn2+ was due, primarily, to a reduction in the K M value for 3Dpol binding to primer/template, without any significant effect on the K M value for nucleotide. The ability of 3Dpol to catalyze RNA synthesis de novo was also stimulated approximately 10-fold by using Mn2+, and the enzyme was now capable of also utilizing a DNA template for primer-independent RNA synthesis. Interestingly, the use of Mn2+ as divalent cation permitted 3Dpolactivity to be monitored by following extension of 5′-32P-end-labeled, heteropolymeric RNA primer/templates. The kinetics of primer extension were biphasic because of the enzyme binding to primer/template in both possible orientations. When bound in the incorrect orientation, 3Dpol was capable of efficient addition of nucleotides to the blunt-ended duplex; this activity was also apparent in the presence of Mg2+. In the presence of Mn2+, 3Dpol efficiently utilized dNTPs, ddNTPs, and incorrect NTPs. On average, three incorrect nucleotides could be incorporated by 3Dpol. The ability of 3Dpol to incorporate the correct dNTP, but not the correct ddNTP, was also observed in the presence of Mg2+. Taken together, these results provide the first glimpse into the nucleotide specificity and fidelity of the poliovirus polymerase and suggest novel alternatives for the design of primer/templates to study the mechanism of 3Dpol-catalyzed nucleotide incorporation.
SU-E-J-19: Accuracy of Dual-Energy CT-Derived Relative Electron Density for Proton Therapy Dose Calculation

Purpose: To determine the suitability of dual-energy CT (DECT) to calculate relative electron density (RED) of tissues for accurate proton therapy dose calculation. Methods: DECT images of RED tissue surrogates were acquired at 80 and 140 kVp. Samples (RED=0.19−2.41) were imaged in a water-equivalent phantom in a variety of configurations. REDs were calculated using the DECT numbers and inputs of the high and low energy spectral weightings. DECT-derived RED was compared between geometric configurations and for variations in the spectral inputs to assess the sensitivity of RED accuracy versus expected values. Results: RED accuracy was dependent on accurate spectral input influenced by phantom thickness and radius from the phantom center. Material samples located at the center of the phantom generally showed the best agreement to reference RED values, but only when attenuation of the surrounding phantom thickness was accounted for in the calculation spectra. Calculated RED changed by up to 10% for some materials when the sample was located at an 11 cm radius from the phantom center. Calculated REDs under the best conditions still differed from reference values by up to 5% in bone and 14% in lung. Conclusion: DECT has previously been used to differentiate tissue types basedmore » on RED and Z for binary tissue-type segmentation. To improve upon the current standard of empirical conversion of CT number to RED for treatment planning dose calculation, DECT methods must be able to calculate RED to better than 3% accuracy throughout the image. The DECT method is sensitive to the accuracy of spectral inputs used for calculation, as well as to spatial position in the anatomy. Effort to address adjustments to the spectral calculation inputs based on position and phantom attenuation will be required before DECT-determined RED can achieve a consistent level of accuracy for application in dose calculation.« less
Effects of γ-acetylenic GABA and γ-vinyl GABA on metrazol-activated, and kindled seizures

Abstract Pretreatment of adult male Sprague-Dawley rats with a single dose of γ-vinyl GABA (GVG) (1200 mg/kg, IP) or γ-acetylenic GABA (GAG) (100 mg/kg, IP) did not affect the threshold of metrazol-activated generalized seizures, but increased their duration to the point of status epilepticus. In rats with epilepsy kindled by amygdaloid stimulation, a single dose of GVG (800 mg/kg, IP) and five subsequent daily administrations of GAG (80 mg/kg, IP) tended to reduce the motor manifestations of seizures leaving unaffected their electrographic pattern. The effects of GVG and GAG are attributed in part to decreased arousal. Practical implications of these findings are discussed.
Coping with “Bad Body Image Days”: Strategies from first-year young adult college women

The purpose of this qualitative study was to understand how college women cope with body image concerns, a topic which has rarely been studied. Semi-structured interviews with first-year female college students (N=30) revealed common strategies used for body image coping as well as their perceived effectiveness. While exercise was most frequently cited, other coping strategies included healthy eating, appearance changing, talking to friends or family, religion/spirituality, spending time alone, getting out and doing something, and self-acceptance. One of the emerging themes was participation in a cycle of eating as a result of body image concerns, and then feeling bad about themselves for eating. Participants identified that women in this cycle either adopt a self-defeatist attitude, believing they can do nothing about their appearance, or engage in self-improvement strategies, including goal setting. Far more women reported coping strategies that reflected avoidance or appearance fixing motives rather than acceptance.
Investigation of the gas phase reaction of dinitrogen pentoxide with water vapor

The gas phase reaction of N2O5 with water vapor was investigated in a 17.3-m3 Teflon lined chamber. Temporal concentration profiles for ozone, total nitrogen oxides, and nitrogen dioxide were measured. Concentration profiles for N2O5 and HNO3 were calculated from a combination of measurements of nitrogenous species. A kinetic mechanism with an adjustable value for the rate constant of N2O5 + H2O was used to model the experiments. From this analysis an upper limit value of k ⩽ 4 × 10−7 ppm−1 min−1 for the gas phase reaction N2O5 + H2O → 2HNO3 was derived.
Stimulation of the glucuronidation of digitoxigenin-monodigitoxoside by liver homogenates from spironolactone-pretreated rats

Abstract Pretreatment of rats with spironolactone (SPL) produces an increased formation of the glucuronide conjugates of digitoxigenin-mono-digitoxoside (DMD) present in the bile after administration of digitoxin. For the digitoxin series of cardiac glycosides, DMD is the preferred substrate for in vitro conjugation with glucuronic acid by rat liver homogenates. The present experiments were performed to determine whether SPL pretreatment could produce an inceased glucuronidation of DMD by rat liver homogenates. Three different substrate concentrations (3, 30, and 100 nmol DMD/g of liver homogenate) were incubated under identical conditions with homogenates from control and SPL-pretreated rats. At 3.0-nmol. treatment with SPL produced a slight, but significant, increase in the production of aqueous alcohol-soluble metabolites of DMD by the experimental homogenates. With 30 nmol, treatment with SPL produced a 1.57-fold increase in the formation of aqueous alcohol-soluble metabolites of DMD. At 100 nmol, treatment with SPL produced a 3.44-fold increase in the formation of the aqueous alcohol-soluble metabolites of DMD. Treatment of these aqueous alcohol-soluble fractions (30-nmol substrate incubations only) with β-glucuronidase converted nearly 99% of the activity to a nonconjugate fraction. For both the control and the SPL-treated groups, greater than 92% of this nonconjugate fraction was determined by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) to be identical to the parent substrate (i.e., DMD). Thus, by selective enzyme treatment of the apparent conjugate and subsequent HPLC identification of the released products, the aqueous alcohol-soluble metabolites were identified as glucuronide conjugates of DMD. Pretreatment with spironolactone increased the rate of glucuronidation of DMD by rat liver homogenates.
Stability and vibration control in synchrotron light source buildings

Synchrotron light sources have undergone three generations of development in the last two decades. The National Synchrotron Light Source (NSLS) at Brookhaven National Laboratory has two "second generation" storage rings that currently provide the world's most intense sources of photons in the VUV and X-ray spectral ranges. There are almost 90 beam lines serving a community of 2600 scientists from 370 institutions. They are engaged in basic and applied research in physics, chemistry, biology, medicine, materials science and various technologies. When design of the NSLS began in 1977, emphasis was given to the stability of the concrete slab on which the storage rings and experimental beam lines were placed. Stability is the result of controlling: . vibration from sources internal and external to the building, . thermal effects of air and water temperature variations, . foundation settlement and contact between the slab and underlying subsoil. With the advent of new research where highly focused beams of x-rays must be placed on increasingly smaller targets located 35 meters or more from the source, and the development of x-ray lithography with resolutions approaching 0. 1 micron at chip exposure stations, even greater attention to stability is required in building designs.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.