cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
48-Hour pH Monitoring Increases the Risk of False Positive Studies When the Capsule is Prematurely Passed

Ambulatory wireless 48-h esophageal pH monitoring (Bravo Medtronic, Shoreview, MN, USA) has been shown to be more sensitive in detecting abnormal esophageal acid exposure compared with transnasal 24-h pH probes. However, accurate interpretation of the wireless monitoring data is paramount when contemplating surgical intervention for those with gastroesophageal reflux disease. The aim of this study is to evaluate the incidence of false-positive interpretations of this wireless monitoring data secondary to premature transit of the Bravo capsule into the stomach and subsequently into the duodenum prior to the completion of the 48-h study period. We reviewed 100 consecutive Bravo pH studies at our University Esophageal Motility Center. There were 58 women and 42 men included in our evaluation. Premature transit of the Bravo capsule into the stomach and subsequently into the small bowel was defined by a prolonged gastric pH phase with either evidence of alkalinization and no further reflux episodes or loss of communication with the Bravo capsule prior to the end of the 48-h data collection period. Of the 100 patients reviewed, 11% manifested evidence of early passage of the Bravo capsule resulting in a misinterpretation of the data as abnormal acid exposure. The mean time of inaccurate data after transit of the Bravo capsule was 18 h and 42 min. The mean length of time that the capsule was retained in the stomach prior to duodenal passage was 4 h. If the aforementioned data were included in the final interpretation of the study, it yielded a mean DeMeester score of 44.25 with a mean total time of pH <4 of 14.7% per case. Exclusion of the prolonged gastric phase from the final interpretation of each case resulted in a statistically significant reduction in the mean total time the pH <4 (4.33 vs. 14.7%, p < 0.05) and the mean DeMeester score (12.81 vs. 44.25 p < 0.05). The mean time from the initiation of esophageal pH data to the passage of the Bravo capsule into the stomach was 15 h and 22 min. The observation mandates meticulous inspection of the pH tracing by the interpreting physician throughout the entirety of a 48-h study to identify premature transit of the capsule. Tracings that show prolonged acid exposure or loss of communication with the Bravo capsule should be screened for the capsule’s possible early dislodgement and premature advancement into the stomach.
Quantitative comparison of interaction with shutter glasses and autostereoscopic displays

In this paper we describe experimental measurements and comparison of human interaction with three different types of stereo computer displays. We compare traditional shutter glasses-based viewing with three-dimensional (3D) autostereoscopic viewing on displays such as the Sharp LL-151-3D display and StereoGraphics SG 202 display. The method of interaction is a sphere-shaped “cyberprop” containing an Ascension Flock-of-Birds tracker that allows a user to manipulate objects by imparting the motion of the sphere to the virtual object. The tracking data is processed with OpenGL to manipulate objects in virtual 3D space, from which we synthesize two or more images as seen by virtual cameras observing them. We concentrate on the quantitative measurement and analysis of human performance for interactive object selection and manipulation tasks using standardized and scalable configurations of 3D block objects. The experiments use a series of progressively more complex block configurations that are rendered in stereo on various 3D displays. In general, performing the tasks using shutter glasses required less time as compared to using the autostereoscopic displays. While both male and female subjects performed almost equally fast with shutter glasses, male subjects performed better with the LL-151-3D display, while female subjects performed better with the SG202 display. Interestingly, users generally had a slightly higher efficiency in completing a task set using the two autostereoscopic displays as compared to the shutter glasses, although the differences for all users among the displays was relatively small. There was a preference for shutter glasses compared to autostereoscopic displays in the ease of performing tasks, and glasses were slightly preferred for overall image quality and stereo image quality. However, there was little difference in display preference in physical comfort and overall preference. We present some possible explanations of these results and point out the importance of the autostereoscopic "sweet spot" in relation to the user's head and body position.
Role of cervical neurons in propriospinal inhibition of thoracic dorsal horn neurons.

Abstract We previously reported that electrical or glutamate stimulation of the cervical spinal cord elicits a 40–60% decrease in renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSA) in the anesthetized rat. This sympatho-inhibition was possible, however, only after transection of the spinal cord at C1 or GABAergic inhibition of neurons in the rostral ventrolateral medulla. We postulated that cervical neurons inhibit RSA by inhibiting the activity of spinal interneurons that are antecedent to sympathetic preganglionic neurons (SPNs), and that these interneurons may be, in turn, excited by afferent signals. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that cervical neurons can inhibit visceroceptive thoracic spinal neurons. We recorded the spontaneous and evoked activity of 45 dorsal horn neurons responsive to splanchnic stimulation before, during, and after chemical or electrical stimulation of the cervical spinal cord in chloralose-anesthetized spinal rats. Cervical spinal stimulation that inhibited RSA also inhibited the spontaneous and/or evoked activity of 44 dorsal horn neurons. In addition to inhibiting splanchnic-evoked neuronal responses, cervical stimulation also inhibited respones, in the same neurones, evoked by noxious heat or light brushing of receptive dermatomes. We concluded that cervical neurons participate in propriospinal inhibition of afferent transmission and that this inhibitory system may be involved in controlling the access of afferent information to SPNs.
Triangulation as splitting in the service of ambivalence

Ambivalence mastery is postulated as a primary dynamic in triangulation, by appealing to splitting and other defense mechanism strategies in synthesizing incompatible affect. The rationale of admissible triangles in balance theory is critically evaluated, and is elaborated in terms of directional vectors and the interpretation of the triangle as a transformed variant of the double bind. Using an illustrative case presentation where an adolescent was instrumental in forming a coalition with his father against an uncle, a theoretical model is developed reconceptualizing various family systems tenets and addressing inconsistencies in hypothesized mechanisms. Ambivalence is analyzed in terms of transference and as a prerequisite of triangulation, the role of the triangulated in relational stability is examined, and the dyad/triad evolution is elaborated. The model is then related to the basic theoretical positions in family systems literature.
3637 Efficacy of submucosal saline injection in the limitation of colonic thermal injury by electrosurgical devices.

Many colonoscopic therapies involve cutting or coagulation effects via delivery of thermal injury. Complications of these techniques include symptomatic transmural burn (post-polypectomy syndrome) and perforation. Submucosal saline injection (SMSI) has been advocated as a means of limiting depth of injury. The saline cushion acts as a heat-sink and increases transmural distance from burn to serosa. However, data are lacking regarding the efficacy of SMSI in limiting depth of thermal injury. Aim: To determine, in a porcine model, the effect of SMSI on depth of thermal injury to the colon due to a various modalities. Methods: Laparotomy under general anesthetic was performed and a longitudinal colotomy incision made on the antimesenteric side. Burns were made using bipolar goldprobe (20W, 2sec), heater probe (HP; 30J); monopolar (MP) contact with biopsy forceps (20W, 2sec), and MP non-contact with argon plasma coagulation (APC; 45W, 3sec); n ≥11 for each lesion. Burns were with or without prior injection of 2mL saline. The incision was closed and animals killed at 24hrs. Lesions were excised for histologic analysis. Injury was assessed by severe damage to the deep (longitudinal) muscle layer. Results: Non-SMSI lesions resulted in deep muscle injury in 86%, 61%, 50% and 18% for APC, MP contact, HP & bipolar, respectively. SMSI reduced risk of deep injury for APC and HP, but not monopolar contact (86%→21%; 50%→0% & 61%→50%, respectively). Conclusions: At equivalent energy outputs, bipolar current results in less deep injury than MP current or HP. Prolonged coagulation with the APC (45W) results in deep colonic injury. At the settings used, saline injection limits depth of injury due to both heater probe and APC, but not monopolar contact cautery. In spite of SMSI, caution should be used with prolonged monopolar cautery.
Arteriovenous malformations of the medial temporal lobe. Surgical approach and neuroradiological characterization.

✓ Arteriovenous malformations (AVM's) of the medial temporal lobe frequently involve the basal ganglia and the thalamus and, for this reason, are commonly judged to be inoperable. However, when the medial involvement is limited to the posterolateral part of the thalamus and to the inferior portion of the basal ganglia lateral to the internal capsule, the lesions may be excised safely. Three patients who underwent successful excision of AVM's of this region are presented. A transcortical surgical approach through the inferior portion of the temporal lobe was used to minimize retraction of the temporal lobe and damage to the optic radiation, and to avoid postoperative dysphasia. The following neuroradiological criteria indicate that the bulk of the lesion is in the temporal lobe, that only noncritical portions of the basal ganglia and thalamus are involved, and that, therefore, surgical resection is relatively safe: 1) primary supply by the anterior choroidal artery and by laterally oriented branches of the...
Cost analysis methodology for high-performance small satellites: small satellite cost study

The advent of modern small satellites has ushered in a new era of space applications, utilizing relatively high-performance spacecraft for a variety of mission payload applications. Existing cost and risk analysis techniques developed over the last 30 years to support NASA and military space programs, however, are of limited utility for cost-effectiveness analyses of small-satellite programs. Understanding these limitations for high-performance small-satellite programs led NASA and DOD to seek better cost-analysis tools. This paper summarizes the Aerospace Corporation Small-Satellite Cost Model (SSCM) development process and presents an example of the cost analysis of a high-performance small satellite for remote-sensing applications.
Ultrastructure of the “germ plasm” in eggs and embryos ofRana pipiens

Abstract The fine structure of the germ plasm of eggs and embryos of Rana pipiens was examined with the electron microscope. The germ plasm appears as cytoplasmic islands located within the subperipheral zone of the vegetal cortex in unfertilized eggs and in 2-cell embryos. The islands are characterized by a close accumulation of mitochondria and the presence of electron dense bodies not seen in other parts of the cytoplasm. The dense bodies are usually round with a diameter of 0.2 μ. They consist of electron dense foci approximately 20 nm in diameter. Whether these foci are actually particulate or fibrous structures is not yet clear. The dense bodies are not bounded by a membrane although in unfertilized eggs they are frequently in contact with the outer mitochondrial membrane. They appear to contain some RNA and are associated with clusters of ribosomes which increase in number after fertilization. The dense bodies seen in the cells of the blastocoel floor of late blastulae are 0.4–0.5 μ in diameter but are otherwise similar in structure to those seen at the earlier stages. At stage 25 (tadpole with operculum complete), when the primordial germ cells are located in the genital ridges, the distinctive material associated with germ cell formation appears in the form of amorphous bodies with a clearly fibrous nature. These amorphous fibrous bodies are found in close proximity to the nucleus, either attached to mitochondria or adjacent to the outer nuclear envelope. They are not, at this stage, associated with clusters of ribosomes. Many of these observations on the germ plasm of Rana are remarkably similar to those seen in the formation of pole cells in the taxonomically distant Drosophila .
Hydrogen activation by biomimetic diiron dithiolates.

Using the thermally stable salts of [Fe2(SR)2(CO)3(PMe3)(dppv)]BArF4, we found that the azadithiolates [Fe2(adtR)(CO)3(PMe3)(dppv)]+ react with high pressures of H2 to give the hydride [Fe2(μ-H)(adtR)(CO)3(dppv)(PMe3)]BArF4. The related oxadithiolate and propanedithiolate complexes are unreactive toward H2. Molecular hydrogen is proposed to undergo heterolysis assisted by the amine followed by isomerization of an initially formed terminal hydride. Use of H2 and D2O gave the deuteride as well as the hydride, implicating protic intermediates.
Smoking Among Pregnant Women with Medicaid Insurance: Are Mental Health Factors Related?

Smoking during pregnancy is the single most modifiable risk factor for poor birth outcomes, yet it remains prevalent among low-income women. This study examined factors associated with continued smoking and quitting among pregnant women. A total of 2,203 Medicaid-eligible pregnant women were screened at their first enhanced prenatal services visit for risk factors including demographics, health behaviors (smoking, alcohol and drug use), mental health (history of mental health disorders, current depressive symptoms), and stress. Smoking status was divided into non-smokers, quitters (quit smoking since learning of pregnancy), and continuing smokers. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression models were used to describe the sample and analyze relationships between smoking status and other characteristics. Overall, 57% were non-smokers, 17% quitters, and 26% continuing smokers. Approximately 18% had severe depressive symptoms, 53% had a high stress score, and 33% had a history of mental health problems. Younger women had lower odds of continued smoking as compared to both non-smokers (OR = 0.48, p < 0.01) and quitters (OR = 0.56, p < 0.05). Older women with less than a 12th grade education had higher odds of continued smoking (OR = 2.17, p < 0.01) and quitting (OR = 1.62, p < 0.05) as compared to non-smokers. Alcohol use (OR = 2.81, p < 0.05) and drug use before pregnancy (OR = 5.32, p < 0.01) predicted continued smoking compared to non-smoking. Women with a mental health history (OR = 1.81, p < 0.01) and high stress scores (OR = 1.39, p < 0.05) had higher odds of continued smoking compared to non-smokers. Mental health history, stress, demographics, current alcohol and past drug use are strongly related to continued smoking in this population.
Bone marrow necrosis: ten-year retrospective review of bone marrow biopsy specimens.

Objectives: Bone marrow can undergo necrosis for many different causes; malignant causes are reported to be more frequent. Methods: We undertook a 10-year retrospective review of all bone marrow biopsy specimens with bone marrow necrosis at our institution. Results: Identified cases represented approximately 0.3% of our bone marrow cases. Most identified bone marrow cases with necrosis were involved by metastatic tumor or hematolymphoid malignancy (90% of total) in relatively equal proportions. In those cases of bone marrow necrosis with hematolymphoid malignancy, lymphoid disease predominated and the necrosis was often seen in the setting of chemotherapy. In metastatic tumor cases, necrosis seemed to enrich in prostate adenocarcinoma and Ewing sarcoma/primitive neuroectodermal tumor; neuroblastoma showed much less necrosis. Ten percent of patients with bone marrow necrosis had no underlying malignancy, and the associated causes varied. Conclusions: The causes of bone marrow necrosis are diverse but should always prompt careful assessment for malignancy and infectious etiology.
Age-associated changes in the inflammatory response to Gram-positive challenge of the lung

Mortality from sepsis is greater in the elderly than in the young although incidence only increases slightly. Pulmonary infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus that progress into sepsis are a major cause of death in elderly patients. Bacterial pneumonia is a common precipitating cause of sepsis. Gram-positive bacteria are increasing as causative agents of pneumonia in the elderly.
Comparison of the ultrastructure of stimulated and unstimulated mechanoreceptors in the taste hairs of the blowfly Phaenicia serricata

The structure of mechanoreceptors at the base of labellar taste hairs of the blowfly Phaenicia serricata were examined in stimulated and unstimulated conditions (i.e. with the hair bent or unbent). Physiological recordings from the mechano-receptor showed that the receptors responded when the hair is bent dorsally or ventrally and when the hair is bent at extreme angles. These conditions are the same as those placed on hairs in the anatomical studies. Bending the hair toward the ventral labellar surface caused the hair base to compress and indent the tubular body and its surrounding membrane and sheath at the distal end of the mechanoreceptor dendrite. In compressed tubular bodies, microtubules oriented longitudinally were bent and separated a greater distance from each other. Separation as much as 70 nm was observed in compressed tubular bodies as compared with a maximum of 26 nm between micro-tubules in tubular bodies of unbent hairs. The dense amorphous material between microtubules of compressed tubular bodies formed prominent bridges 18 nm thick connecting the microtubules at intervals of 48-74 nm. Thin 10 nm filaments were also evident in the spaces between microtubules. When the hair was bent toward the proximal end of the proboscis, the tip of the tubular body was bent about 15 degrees. The tubular body appears to function as a firm but resilient structure over which the dendritic membrane can be stretched during mechanostimulation. Comparison of morphology of bent and unbent hairs suggests a means by which mechanical force from the movement of the hair is transferred to the receptors by structures in the hair socket region. No differences were found in ciliary structures of stimulated and unstimulated receptors.
Marker-free transgenic corn plant production through co-bombardment

The use of particle gun for the production of marker-free plants is scant in published literature. Perhaps this is a reflection of the widely held notion that the events generated through bombardment tend to have multiple copies of transgenes, usually integrated at a single locus, features which precludes segregating away the selectable marker gene. However, our previous studies have shown that single-copy integrants are obtained at a high frequency if limited quantity of DNA is used for bombardment. Also, the concatemerized insertion of transgenes has been demonstrated to be greatly reduced if “cassette DNA” is employed in place of whole plasmid DNA for bombardment. Based on the above findings, in the present study the feasibility of co-bombardment was evaluated for the production of marker-free plants in corn, employing a combination of limited quantity DNA and cassette DNA approaches for bombardment. Transgenic events were generated after co-bombardment of a selectable marker cassette containing the nptII gene (2.5 ng per shot) and a GUS gene cassette (15 ng per shot). Among these events single-copy integrants for nptII gene occurred at an average frequency of 68% within which the co-expression frequency of GUS and nptII genes ranged from 41% to 80%. Marker-free corn plants could be identified from the progeny of 28 out of the 103 R0 co-expressing events screened. The results demonstrate that by using cassette DNA and low quantities of DNA for bombardment, marker-free plants are produced at efficiencies comparable to that of Agrobacterium-based co-transformation methods.
Development of a brief validated geriatric depression screening tool: the SLU "AM SAD".

Objectives Combining five commonly observed symptoms of late-life depression to develop a short depression screening tool with similar sensitivity and specificity as the conventional, more time-consuming tools. Methods We developed the St. Louis University AM SAD (Appetite, Mood, Sleep, Activity, and thoughts of Death) questionnaire. The frequency of each symptom in the prior 2 weeks is quantified as 0, 1, or 2. Patients 65 years or older from our clinics were administered the AM SAD, the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15), the Montgomery–Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), and the St. Louis University Mental Status Exam (SLUMS). Results 100 patients were selected. AM SAD correlation with GDS was 0.72 and MADRS 0.80. AM SAD yielded a sensitivity and specificity of 79% and 62% against diagnosis of depression; of 88% and 62% with GDS-15; and 92% and 71% with MADRS. Conclusions The AM SAD can be reliably used as a short depression screening tool in patients with a SLUMS score of 20 or higher.
Nonlinear Fault Detection and Isolation for a Lithium-Ion Battery Management System

Lithium-ion batteries are a growing source for electric power, but must be maintained within acceptable operating conditions to ensure efficiency and reliability. Therefore, a robust fault detection and isolation scheme is required that is sensitive enough to determine when sensor or actuator faults present a threat to the health of the battery. A scheme suitable for a hybrid electric vehicle battery application is presented in this work. The diagnostic problem is formulated as a nonlinear parity equation approach, but is modified for the considered application. Sliding mode observers are designed for input estimation, while the output voltage estimation is performed using an open loop model. The selection of optimal thresholds given a maximum allowable probability of error is also considered. An assessment of the design using real-world driving-cycle data leads to the conclusion that the estimation error of the observers determines a lower bound on the minimum detectable fault magnitude.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Amiodarone in the management of patients with ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation.

Fifty-eight patients with symptomatic ventricular tachycardia (VT) or ventricular fibrillation (VF) were treated with amiodarone. All had clinical episodes of VT/VF or inducible VT during electropharmacologic testing despite treatment with maximum-tolerated doses of conventional antiarrhythmic agents. Chronic treatment with amiodarone was begun at a dose of 800-1000 mg per day. Thirty-two patients were also treated with a previously ineffective conventional agent. Thirty patients underwent programmed ventricular stimulation after 2.6 +/- 1.7 months (mean +/- S.D.) of treatment with amiodarone at a mean daily dose of 588 +/- 155 mg. VT was induced in 25 patients (sustained in 20, nonsustained in five). Seventeen patients had a recurrence of VT or VF after 0.5-9 months of treatment with amiodarone (fatal in seven, non-fatal in 10). Forty-one patients (71%) had no recurrence of symptomatic VT or VF while being treated with amiodarone (mean follow-up period, 17.1 +/- 12.4 months). Among the 25 patients who had inducible VT with programmed ventricular stimulation while being treated with amiodarone, 19 patients (76%) have had no recurrence of symptomatic VT or VF over a follow-up period of 21.5 +/- 7.3 months. Ambulatory electrocardiographic recordings obtained after one week of treatment with amiodarone were not helpful in predicting clinical response. Twenty-two patients (38%) developed ataxia and/or an intention tremor which improved with a decrease in the amiodarone dose. Amiodarone, either by itself or in combination with conventional antiarrhythmic drugs, has a significant therapeutic effect in high risk patients with refractory VT. The finding of inducible VT during electropharmacologic testing in patients taking amiodarone does not preclude a favorable clinical response. Neurologic toxicity is common in patients treated with 600-800 mg per day of amiodarone.
Flooding and upward film flow in vertical tubes—II. Speculations on film flow mechanisms

Abstract Three mechanisms for flooding are suggested: (a) switching takes place between multiple stable states of the system, some of which cause upflow, (b) the system velocities exceed the propagation velocity of a kinematic wave and (c) entrainment carries liquid above the feed even with the liquid film flowing downward. The mechanism which is applicable in any case is the first one to come into effect as the gas rate is increased. The idea of switching is also suggested as an explanation for the behavior of upward flowing films just above the flooding condition.
Second-harmonic generation in doped YCOB

Recently, SHG has been measured in two oxoborate crystals YCOB and GdCOB. We are extending the development of the oxoborate crystal for nonlinear frequency conversion by investigating the effects of dopant ions on the crystalline structure and, as a consequence, improving the optical nonlinearity. In addition, the use of specific dopants opens a path for these crystals to be used in self-frequency-doubled lasers. We have measured nonlinear harmonic generation in a wide range of oxoborate crystals that include YCOB [YCa/sub 4/(BO/sub 3/)/sub 3/O], Nd:YCOB, and Yb:YCOB.
Surface energy effects on osteoblast spatial growth and mineralization

While short-term surface energy effects on cell adhesion are relatively well known, little is revealed as regards its later stage effects on cell behavior. We examined surface energy effects on osteoblastic cell growth and mineralization by using human fetal osteoblastic (hFOB) cells cultured on plasma-treated quartz (contact angle, theta=0 degrees) and octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS)-treated quartz (theta=113 degrees). hFOB cells formed a homogeneous cell layer on plasma-treated quartz, while those cultured on OTS-treated quartz produced randomly distributed clump-like structures that were filled with cells (confirmed by confocal microscopy). Mineral deposition by hFOB cells was spatially homogeneous when cultured on hydrophilic surfaces. Furthermore, cells on hydrophilic surfaces exhibited increased mineralized area as well as enhanced mineral-to-matrix ratio (assessed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy), relative to cells on hydrophobic surfaces. Experiments using other types of osteoblast-like cells (MC3T3-E1, MG63, and SAOS-2) revealed more or less similar effects in spatial growth morphology. It was concluded that hydrophilic surfaces induce homogeneous spatial osteoblastic cell growth and mineral deposition and enhance the quantity (e.g., area) and quality (e.g., mineral-to-matrix ratio) of mineralization relative to hydrophobic surfaces. Our data suggest that surface energy effects on osteoblastic cell differentiation, especially mineralization, may be correlated with surface energy dependent changes in spatial cell growth.
Food Program Policy Initiatives in an Era of Farm Surpluses: Discussion

A few months ago I would have agreed with Hiemstra's prediction that substantial changes in the food programs in 1985 were unlikely. However, concern over the federal budget deficit is changing the political landscape. Efforts to reduce the deficit now appear as if they could have a major impact on the food assistance programs. In making these comments, my discussion paper has had the advantage of being written a month or two later than Hiemstra's paper and after the re-elected Reagan administration has given some indication of its initial budget reduction proposals. The major food programs are prominently included in the list of items from which the administration will probably seek significant budget savings, either through freezing outlays or actual reductions in expenditures. In particular, the cost of living adjustments for food stamps would be frozen for one year.. A subsidy amounting to $672 million for students in the upper range of income eligibility for the school lunch program would be eliminated and the remaining school lunch subsidy for other children frozen. A freeze would be imposed on the WIC program and a 17% cut in its caseload would further reduce its budget. If Congress is to pass some compromise package of spending reductions, a freeze on many food program outlays and possibly even some outright spending cutbacks would very likely be included. My guess is that the final savings from the food programs will be significantly less than contained in the administration's initial proposals, though. The restriction of food stamp purchases to nutritious foods, mentioned by Hiemstra, although probably not realistic, deserves further consideration. Many people resent seeing food stamps used to purchase soft drinks and snack foods. The public image of the Food Stamp Program would benefit from restricting coupon use. One should bear in mind, though, that the available evidence from the 1977-78 Nationwide Food Consumption Survey indicates that the average low-income household does obtain more nutrients per dollar of food expenditure than higher-income families. A start on this proposal might be made by disallowing the use of food stamps to purchase food products with a markedly low overall nutrient content relative to their cost, soft drinks being an example. The farm product content is usually a very small proportion of the total value of such products, which are typically highly processed. Therefore, such a restriction could also enhance the total demand for farm
SU‐FF‐T‐296: Parameterizing the Phantom Scatter Components for Polyenergetic Photon Beams

Purpose: To develop an improved analytical model of the phantom scatter‐to‐primary ratio (SPR) of megavoltage photon beams with improved accuracy for a wider range of field sizes and depths than the existing analytical model [1] by accounting for backscatteredphotons.Method and Materials: EGS4 Monte‐Carlo simulations are performed to calculate the scatter and primary doses from parallel photon beams for 60 Co spectrum and the Mohan spectra simulating photon beams with nominal energies of 4, 6, 10, 15, and 24 MV. The depths varied from dmax to 30 cm. The field size varied between 3 and 40 cm. SPR has previously been modeled by the equation SPR=(a 0 s d)/(w 0 s + d) [1]. We model SPR by SPR=(a 0 s (d+d 0 ))/(w 0 s + (d+d 0 )) , where s is the field size at depth, d is the depth in the phantom, and a0, w0 and d0 are free parameters. The addition of the depth offset d0 accounts for the dependence of SPR on field size at shallow depths. We fit the SPR data derived from Monte Carlo simulation to determine a0 , w0 and d0 for each of the simulated nominal energies. Results: The phantom scatter‐to‐primary ratio increases with increasing depth and field size, up to 161% and 34% for 60 Co and 24 MV, respectively, for s = 40 cm and d = 30 cm. The maximum (standard) error for the new and standard analytical models are 3.5% (1.1%) and 2.2 % (1.1%), respectively, for 6 MV. At shallow depths (dmax ), the maximum (standard) error of the fitting are 6.4% (3.9%) and 4.2 % (2.4%), respectively, for 60 Co , and decreases with increasing nominal energy. Conclusion: The addition of the offset parameter d0 improves the fitting of the data, significantly reducing the error for clinical energies.
PicturePiper: using a re-configurable pipeline to find images on the Web

In this paper, we discuss a re-configurable pipeline architecture that is ideally suited for applications in which a user is interactively managing a stream of data. Currently, document service buses allow stand-alone document services (translation, printing, etc.) to be combined for batch processing. Our architecture allows services to be composed and re-configured on the fly in order to support interactive applications. To motivate the need for such an architecture we address the problem of finding and organizing images on the World Wide Web. The resulting tool, PicturePiper, provides a mechanism for allowing users access to images on the web related to a topic of interest.
New particulate matter sampling devices and effects of technique on marine suspensate recovery

Abstract Two devices for the collection of suspended particulate matter at sea have been developed and evaluated. Concentrations of mineral grains in surface water collected with buckets and pumped aboard ship consistently exceed those obtained with the new samplers. Rigorous contamination controls are essential for the acquisition of useful quantitative samples of terrigenous detritus recovered from water seaward of the continental margin.
The threat, the conventional balance and “common security:” the emerging “alternative view” in Europe

(1990). The threat, the conventional balance and “common security:” the emerging “alternative view” in Europe. Defense Analysis: Vol. 6, Comparative Defense Analysis, pp. 35-48.
In situ XRD Study of Ca2+ Saturated Montmorillonite (STX-1) Exposed to Anhydrous and Wet Supercritical Carbon Dioxide

Abstract Reactions involving supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO 2 ) and a calcium saturated dioctahedral smectite (Ca-STX-1) were examined by in situ high-pressure X-ray diffraction over a range of temperatures (50–100 °C) and pressures (90, 125, and 180 bar) relevant to long-term geologic storage of CO 2 . Exposure of Ca-STX-1 containing one water of hydration (1 W) to anhydrous scCO 2 at 50 °C and 90 bar produced an immediate increase of ∼0.8 A in the d 0 0 1 basal reflection that was sustained for the length of the experiment (∼44 h). Higher ordered basal reflections displayed similar shifts. Following depressurization, positions of basal reflections and FWHM values ( d 0 0 1 ) returned to initial values, with no measurable modification to the clay structure or water content. Similar results were obtained for tests conducted at 50 °C and higher pressures (125 and 180 bar). Exposure of Ca-STX-1 containing two waters of hydration (2 W) to scCO 2 resulted in a decrease in the d 0 0 1 reflection from 14.48 A to 12.52 A, after pressurization, indicating a partial loss of interlayer water. In addition, the hydration state of the clay became more homogeneous during contact with anhydrous scCO 2 and after depressurization. In the presence of scCO 2 and water, the clay achieved a 3 W hydration state, based on a d 0 0 1 spacing of 18.8 A. In contrast to scCO 2 , comparable testing with N 2 gas indicated trivial changes in the d 0 0 1 series regardless of hydration state (1 W or 2 W). In the presence of free water and N 2 , the basal spacing for the Ca-STX-1 expanded slightly, but remained in the 2 W hydration state. The experiments show that potential collapse or expansion of the interlayer spacing depends on the initial hydration state of the clay and scCO 2 , where 1 W clay is stable but ≥2 W layer clay loses water when exposed to anhydrous CO 2 . Consequently, the implications of this study depend upon the depth of the caprock. If the caprock is quite deep, then the 1 W hydration state is favored and the introduction of dry CO 2 could actually help seal the formation. If the caprock is located closer to the surface where 2 W or 3 W montmorillonite is the predominant form then the introduction of dry CO 2 should result in the creation of permeability. Further, these experiments indicate that scCO 2 can become intercalated within hydrated clays under conditions proposed for geologic storage of CO 2 and act as secondary CO 2 traps.
Rate retardation by hydrogen in the calcium catalysed steam gasification of coal char

Abstract Calcium catalysed steam gasification of coal char was studied to clarify the effect of hydrogen on the activity. Calcium showed high catalytic activity when well dispersed by ion exchange. However, hydrogen retarded the activity of calcium, that is, the introduction of hydrogen into the reactant gas decreased the reaction rate. The catalytic activity of calcium decreased in proportion to the increase in hydrogen concentration.
Effect of I1-imidazoline receptor activation on responses of hypoglossal and phrenic nerve to chemical stimulation.

Sedation elicited by some centrally acting antihypertensive agents may interfere with respiratory control, and by selectively inhibiting upper airway dilating muscle activity it may facilitate obstructive sleep apnea. Autoradiographic studies with [125I]p-iodoclonidine in the presence of 10 microM epinephrine to block alpha 2-adrenergic sites or 100 nM moxonidine to mask I1-imidazoline sites show that both I1- as well as alpha 2-sites are localized in putative chemosensory areas of the rostral ventrolateral medulla in the cat. We sought to determine the effect of activating I1 and alpha 2-receptors on central chemosensitivity by using moxonidine as a selective I1 agonist, clonidine as a mixed I1/alpha 2 agonist, SKF p < 0.05) and at 9.5% CO2 (21 +/- 4 versus 33 +/- 2 U; p = 0.06). Clonidine selectively inhibited the response of hypoglossal nerve activity to CO2. The depressive effects of clonidine were reversed by alpha 2-blockade with SK&F-86466 (0.5 or 1 mg/kg). Inspiratory phasic cervical sympathetic nerve activity increased after SK&F-86466 in parallel with phrenic and hypoglossal nerve activity, but the tonic component of cervical sympathetic nerve activity and blood pressure increased only transiently.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
An alternative approach to developing dopamine‐receptor agonists with central presynaptic actions following oral administration: A comparison between apomorphine, bromocriptine, and the novel compound RDS‐127 (2‐di‐n‐propylamino‐4,7‐dimethoxyindane)

RDS-127 (2-di-n-propylamino-4,7-dimethoxyindane) is a novel dopamine (DA) receptor agonist with potent central actions. RDS-127, apomorphine (APO), and bromocriptine (BRM) were compared for their ability to inhibit locomotor activity in rats following oral administration. APO, BRM, and RDS-127 produced time- and dose-dependent decreases in locomotor activity. While APO and BRM were equipotent in inhibiting locomotor activity, RDS-127 was 13.5 times more potent than either APO or BRM. A single oral dose of 32.0 μmol/kg of RDS-127 decreased locomotor activity greater than 50% for a period of 2 hr. The inhibitory effects of RDS-127 on locomotor activity were blocked by prior administration of sulpiride, suggesting the effects are mediated by DA receptors. While oral administration of APO or RDS-127 generally decreased locomotor activity, similar doses given subcutaneously increased locomotor activity. These data suggest that the route of administration can profoundly affect the biological actions of DA receptor agonists and the accompanying conclusions concerning the selectivity with which they interact with different receptor subtypes. The therapeutic application and design of orally effective DA autoreceptor agonists are discussed.
An integrated functional representation of concurrent engineering

Abstract A time-based competitive strategy is a driving force for enterprises that are striving to be competitive on a global basis. One of the methods to help in the time compression of the product development life cycle is concurrent engineering. Concurrent engineering is not only an approach that is used by the engineering function of the organization, but it is also one that crosses organizational boundaries. In this article an integrated functional model of the concurrent engineering process and its relationship with the product development life cycle is presented. A functional comparison to the traditional engineering approach for product development is also provided.
Comparative toxicity of two Dimilin formulations to the grass shrimp, Palaemonetes pugio.

The benzoylphenyl ureas, which exhibit activity against larval stages of several insect species by interfering with the moulting process, were first introduced in 1972. Dimilin (common name diflubenzuron) is an example of this class of insecticide. There are two major formulations of diflubenzuron, the technical grade (TG) and the wettable powder (WP-25). The difference between TG and WP-25 is that the former which contains pure form of diflubenzuron (DFB) is very insoluble in water and the latter contains additives which enhance the solubility or dispersion of DFB in water. Apart from solubility, TG and WP-25 DFB differ in the mean particle size of the active materials. The particle size of the active ingredient in a DFB formulation has a considerable influence on the biological activity. The present investigation was designed to assess the toxicity of TG and WP-25 diflubenzuron to laboratory-reared larvae of the estuarine shrimp Palaemonetes pugio.
Research joint ventures and the development of digital HDTV

The National Cooperative Research Act of 1984 (NCRA) facilitated the creation of joint research and development ventures in the United States by diminishing the threat of antitrust litigation for selected cooperative research activities. This law enabled U.S. industry to move from a strictly competitive model to a more cooperative model in the development of new technologies, including those for electronic media. One of the early tests of this new cooperative model has been the formation of several high definition television (HDTV) research consortia. This study investigates the impact of the NCRA on advanced television research and development efforts in the U.S., and concludes with policy recommendations for future refinement of the cooperative research model.
Giacobini-Zinner magnetotail: ICE magnetic field observations

A well developed magnetotail with a diameter of about 10,000 km has been revealed 7800 km downstream of the nucleus of Comet Giacobini-Zinner by International Cometary Explorer magnetic field observations. The tail is composed of two lobes of opposite magnetic polarity that are separated by an approximately 1500 km-thick plasma sheets. The field magnitude increases by a factor of 2 between the outer portions of the lobe and the central regions, where peak fields of about 60 nT were measured. Flaring is lowest in the high field regions of the central tail and greatest in the outer portions of the lobes, where minimum variance analyses on the magnetopause crossings furnishes flare angles of 20-40 deg. The Alfven field line draping model of type I cometary tails is confirmed by these observations.
Regulation of Activating Transcription Factor-1 and the cAMP Response Element-binding Protein by Ca2+/Calmodulin-dependent Protein Kinases Type I, II, and IV (∗)

The ability of activating transcription factor-1 (ATF1) or the cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) to enhance transcription can be stimulated by increases in intracellular Ca2+ concentrations. To identify protein kinases which may mediate the ability of Ca2+ to activate these transcription factors, we compared the ability of constitutively active forms of several Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinases (CaM kinases) to activate ATF1 or CREB. We find that constitutively active CaM kinase I and IV can activate both ATF1 and CREB. In addition, expression vectors for full-length CaM kinase I and IV were able to augment the ability of Ca2+ influx to activate ATF1 or CREB consistent with a role for these kinases in mediating transcriptional responses to Ca2+ signaling. In contrast, CaM kinase II was unable to activate either ATF1 or CREB. These findings provide a potential mechanism that may permit variation in the ability of ATF1 and CREB to respond to changes in intracellular Ca2+ concentrations depending on differences in the relative concentrations of specific CaM kinases.
Ionic and electronic properties of oxo-vanadium arsenate and phosphate frameworks

Abstract Electrically conducting zeolite-like frameworks are largely unstudied as electronic materials, but may offer new avenues in energy applications, ranging from electrical energy storage to catalysis. We present two zeolite-like framework materials, a vanadium arsenate [(As 6 V 15 O 51 ) −9 ] ∞ , compound ( 1 ), and a vanadium phosphate [(P 6 V 15 O 51 ) −9 ] ∞ , compound ( 2 ), their syntheses, and physical and electrical characterization. We compare the electrical characteristics of the two compounds through the measurements of conductivity as a function of temperature and extra-framework constituents. Our results indicate that compound ( 1 ) is a mixed conductor with framework electronic conduction and ionic conduction associated with the extra-framework constituents. Compound ( 2 ), in contrast, shows only ionic conductivity. Probing the electronic properties of zeolite-like mixed conductors paves the way for the innovative use of these materials.
The Cosine Galvanometer

IN NATURE, vol. xix. p. 98, my name appears in a way that might lead the reader to infer that I was the inventor of the “cosine galvanometer.” My knowledge of this useful instrument was derived from Prof. Trowbridge, of Cambridge, U.S., who described it in 1871 in the American Journal of Science, vol. cii. p. 118. In my “Physical Manipulation” I omitted to mention, Prof. Trowbridge's name, supposing that his connection with the instrument was too well known to render it necessary.
School Variation in Asthma: Compositional or Contextual?

Background Childhood asthma prevalence and morbidity have been shown to vary by neighborhood. Less is known about between-school variation in asthma prevalence and whether it exists beyond what one might expect due to students at higher risk of asthma clustering within different schools. Our objective was to determine whether between-school variation in asthma prevalence exists and if so, if it is related to the differential distribution of individual risk factors for and correlates of asthma or to contextual influences of schools. Methods Cross-sectional analysis of 16,640 teens in grades 7–12 in Wave 1 (data collected in 1994–5) of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. Outcome was current diagnosis of asthma as reported by respondents' parents. Two-level random effects models were used to assess the contribution of schools to the variance in asthma prevalence before and after controlling for individual attributes. Results The highest quartile schools had mean asthma prevalence of 21.9% compared to the lowest quartile schools with mean asthma prevalence of 7.1%. In our null model, the school contributed significantly to the variance in asthma ( = 0.27, CI: 0.20, 0.35). Controlling for individual, school and neighborhood attributes reduced the between-school variance modestly ( = 0.19 CI: 0.13–0.29). Conclusion Significant between-school variation in current asthma prevalence exists even after controlling for the individual, school and neighborhood factors. This provides evidence for school level contextual influences on asthma. Further research is needed to determine potential mechanisms through which schools may influence asthma outcomes.