cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Incidence of pancreatitis in patients undergoing sphincter of Oddi manometry (SOM)

Abstract Objective: Sphincter of Oddi manometry (SOM) is a useful diagnostic procedure when evaluating patients with unexplained biliary pain or idiopathic recurrent pancreatitis. Acute pancreatitis is a recognized complication of SOM whose pathogenesis appears to be multifactoral. We conducted this study to determine the incidence of pancreatitis in patients after SOM and to identify any variables that may lead to an increased incidence of pancreatitis. Methods: A retrospective review of 100 consecutive patients who underwent SOM between 1992 and 1996 at two university-affiliated hospitals was done. SOM was performed using a triple lumen catheter with each lumen perfused at a rate of 0.25 cc/min using an Arndorfer pneumohydraulic capillary perfusion system. The following data were recorded: age, gender, clinical type of sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, length of procedure, doses of medications used, duct cannulated, sphincter of Oddi pressure, whether endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with or without sphincterotomy was performed, and the number of patients developing pancreatitis. Statistical analysis was performed using a T test, χ2, and multiple regression analysis. Results: The overall incidence of pancreatitis was 17%. Six patients with type II SO dysfunction and 11 patients with type III SO dysfunction developed pancreatitis. The incidence of pancreatitis was significantly lower in those patients who only had SOM, compared with those patients who had SOM and ERCP (9.3% vs 26.1%, p
Aptitude-related differences in auditory information processing: effects of selective attention and tone duration

Abstract College students selected for high or low aptitude performed an auditory backward recognition masking task in which tones differed in pitch (770 or 870 Hz) and duration (10, 13 or 20 msec). S s were required to attend selectively to the pitch but not to the duration of the targets. As predicted, higher aptitude was associated with lower recognition thresholds at all tone durations. Although increased attentional demands impaired recognition thresholds, this had no apparent differential effect on aptitude-related differences in auditory information processing.
Is Psychological Abuse Reciprocal in Intimate Relationships? Data from a National Sample of American Adults

A national sample of adults in the United States reported on presence, frequency, emotional impact, and behavioral impact of psychologically abusive behaviors in their “worst” cohabiting relationship by their partner as well as by themselves. In addition, they completed instrumentation measuring potential outcomes from much psychological maltreatment. Results from the online survey indicated that psychological abuse of an egregious nature was highly reciprocal, although overall, respondents reported that they engaged in psychological abuse less frequently than their partners and believed that their partners experienced much less negative impact from the respondents’ actions. Specific categories of psychological abuse as well as specific behaviors were also highly likely to be reciprocated. Combinations of high and low psychological abuse exhibited by the respondent and his/her partner resulted in negative outcomes whenever the partner was high in psychological abuse whether or not the respondent used these egregious tactics.
Challenge problems in elementary calculus

A list of challenge problems for automatic provers is presented, based on the theorem in calculus that the sum of two continuous functions is itself continuous.
Actinomycin D Inhibition of the Adaptation of Renal Glutamine-deaminating Enzyme in the Rat

PREVIOUS investigations have shown that metabolic acidosis leads to significant increases in the activities of glutaminase and glutamine transaminase-ω-amidase (GTA) in kidneys of rats1,2 and guinea-pigs3. These changes are associated with, and thought to be related to, the adaptation of renal ammonia excretion to acidosis in the rat2,4 and guinea-pig3. The response of renal glutaminase to metabolic acidosis is not mediated by the adrenal gland5 or substrate, glutamine6, and is restricted to the kidneys5. Goldstein and Kensler5 found that administration of ethionine to guinea-pigs inhibited the acid-induced rise in renal glutaminase activity, and we suggested that metabolic acidosis stimulates the synthesis of glutaminase by renal cells. The manner in which this stimulation occurs is unknown. Kroeger7 has recently reported that alterations in the electrolyte balance of the medium bathing isolated salivary glands of the insect Chironomus thummi produced marked and specific changes in the gene activities (RNA synthesis) of the giant chromosomes found in these glands. Metabolic acidosis and the accompanying changes in electrolyte balance might have similar effects on UNA synthesis in renal cells. Actinomycin D, an antibiotic which interferes with the DNA-dependent synthesis of RNA in bacterial and animal cells8, has been shown to inhibit the synthesis of RNA in rat kidneys9. The effects of this antibiotic on the responses of renal glutaminase, GTA and ammonia excretion to metabolic acidosis were therefore investigated in the rat.
Electronic Commerce: An Introduction to the Special Issue

Based upon sheer attention in the popular press, 1995 has been the year of the Internet. Exponential growth in the number of Internet users, the number of hosts connected to the World Wide Web, and the number of companies establishing a Web presence has created a gold rush mentality among firms and investors. The application that is fueling this euphoria is electronic commerce, and many are convinced that the day in which we all buy everything from groceries to clothing to movies over the Internet is not far away (see Yahoo's Electronic Commerce directory entry for several enthusiastic discussions of the possibilities of electronic commerce, including papers by Branson et al., 1995; and Reitz & Lewis, 1995).
Dietary self-selection in active and non-active rats

Abstract Active rats given a choice of protein and carbohydrate chose a higher proportion of carbohydrates than did non-active animals. These results were interpreted as showing that active rats differ in their nutritional requirements and that this difference reflects changes in intermediary metabolism.
Estimation of left ventricular end-diastolic pressure from Doppler transmitral flow velocity in cardiac patients independent of systolic performance.

Abstract In patients with heart disease, changes in left ventricular filling pressures produce alterations in the Doppler transmitral flow velocity and isovolumetric relaxation time. This investigation explored the hypothesis that combining isovolumetric relaxation time with measurements derived from the transmitral flow velocity can be used to estimate left ventricular end-diastolic pressure. Simultaneous Doppler and left ventricular pressure recordings were obtained in 33 patients (24 men with a mean age of 58 ± 11 years) and an ejection fraction ranging from 15% to 74% (mean 55 ± 15%). The following Doppler measurements correlated significantly with left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (range 4 to 36 mm Hg): isovolumetric relaxation time (IVRT; r = − 0.73), atrial filling fraction (AFF; r = − 0.66), deceleration time (DT; r = − 0.59), ratio of early transmitral flow velocity to atrial flow velocity (E/A ratio; r = − 0.53) and time from termination of mitral flow to the electrocardiographic R wave (MAR; r = 0.37). Combining these measurements into a multilinear regression equation provided a more accurate estimate of end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP; r = 0.80; SEE = 7.4). The equation LVEDP = 46 − 0.22 IVRT − 0.10 AFF − 0.03 DT −(2 ÷ E/A) + 0.05 MAR was tested prospectively in 26 additional patients (mean age 55 ± 11 years; ejection fraction 41 ± 23%) with simultaneous Doppler and hemodynamic recordings but with the two measurements made independently, in blinded fashion, by additional observers. Estimated and measured end-diastolic pressures correlated well with each other (r = 0.86). For all patients combined (r = 0.83), the equation was 90% sensitive and specific in detecting an increased end-diastolic pressure > 15 mm Hg. Ejection fraction was ≥ 50% in 21 of 39 patients with an elevated end-diastolic pressure. In 10 patients, the equation was accurate in tracking acute changes in end-diastolic pressure induced by an intervention. Thus, the combination of mitral flow velocity measurements and isovolumetric relaxation time can provide a noninvasive estimate of filling pressures in patients with heart disease irrespective of systolic performance.
Game theoretic approach to location sharing with privacy in a community-based mobile safety application

A new generation of community-based social networking mobile applications is emerging. In these applications, there is often a fundamental tension between users' desire for preserving the privacy of their own data and their need for fine-grained information about others. Our work is motivated by a community-based mobile application called Aegis, a personal safety enhancement service based on sharing location information with trusted nearby friends. We model the privacy-participation tradeoffs in this application using a game theoretic formulation. Users in this game are assumed to be self-interested. They prefer to obtain more fine-grained knowledge from others while limiting their own privacy leak (i.e. their own contributions to the game) as much as possible. We design a tit-for-tat mechanism to give user incentives to contribute to the application. We investigate the convergence of two best response dynamics to achieve a non-trivial Nash equilibrium for this game. Further, we propose an algorithm that yields a Pareto optimal Nash equilibrium. We show that this algorithm guarantees polynomial time convergence and can be executed in a distributed manner.
Adaptations in the US Army MANPRINT process to utilize HSI-inclusive system architectures

Abstract Accommodating the human as a system element in the architecting process allows for better integration of the organizational HSI processes (Army MANPRINT program), yielding improvements in HSI-organization and task efficiency. Following the lead of Model-Based Systems Engineering, there are advantages to using model-based tools to perform the HSI development and documentation rather than the document-centric approach that is currently used. This approach also benefits the HSI-domains that must be linked internally within the greater HSI process. Another useful effect may be found in the MANPRINT process to investigate a given human task interface within the system architecture for the possibility for an “expert” user negotiating that interface with an improved level of performance, significantly different than the performance of a standard user. Using system architectures with HSI elements in place, we should be able to trace their performance advantage to one or more human element “interfaces” within the system and classify the expert skill required to increase human-system performance and reinforce the system architecture at that point.
Modeling Soil Response to Acidic Deposition in Nonsulfate Adsorbing Soils

A simple semiempirical model for the prediction of changes in soil pH and base saturation with acidic deposition was developed. In steady-state ecosystems acidic deposition results in losses of basic cations from exchange sites. In the model, depletion of exchangeable bases is calculated from the difference between input acidity and output of H/sup +/ and Al/sup 3 +/ in water percolating through the solum. A correction for the decrease in bicarbonate weathering is made but sulfate adsorption is not considered. Estimates including the effect of increased mineral weathering with decreased pH can be made if the natural weathering rate is known and if the order with respect to H/sup +/ is known for the rate expression for soil weathering. The model predicted laboratory data for the acidification of samples for three soil horizons. For a fourth horizon, that was formed in contact with bedrock and high in weatherable minerals, the model overestimated the effect of the acid. Model predictions using soil data showed a slow decrease in soil pH and base saturation until the pH region of Al buffering was attained and then a new steady-state was achieved. The pH and base saturation in the Al buffering region was similarmore » to that found in very acid soils under forest vegetation.« less
Spatial pattern of receptor expression in the olfactory epithelium.

Abstract A PCR-based strategy for amplifying putative receptors involved in murine olfaction was employed to isolate a member (OR3) of the seven-transmembrane-domain receptor superfamily. During development, the first cells that express OR3 appear adjacent to the wall of the telencephalic vesicle at embryonic day 10. The OR3 receptor is uniquely expressed in a subset of olfactory cells that have a characteristic bilateral symmetry in the adult olfactory epithelium. This receptor and its specific pattern of expression may serve a functional role in odor coding or, alternatively, may play a role in the development of the olfactory system.
Effect of irradiated glucose solution on mitotic chromosomes of Vicia and Tradescantia

Abstract Concentrated glucose solutions (20%) receiving 0·5–2·0 Mrad of γ rays ( 60 Co) were diluted to 2% and used to treat lateral roots of Vicia and adventitious roots of Tradescantia . Studies of the cell samples fixed at successive intervals through the mitotic cycle indicated early interphase to be the stage most sensitive to the treatment. Dosage effect was demonstrated in roots treated with fresh irradiated glucose solution for longer duration. Of the three main types of breakage induced by irradiated glucose solution, centromeric and secondary constructional breaks were more prevalent, and they were caused by long-lived radiolytic derivatives of glucose; chromatid breaks were relatively infrequent, and they were caused by shortlived radiolytic derivatives of glucose. A comparative study on the centromeric breakage rates between Vicia and Tradescantia confirmed that the centromeric breaks occurred preferentially in metacentric chromosomes. Control groups treated with non-irradiated glucose solution for 6 hr showed a higher rate of centromeric and secondary constrictional breaks than a baseline control which received no treatment.
Concentrated Solar Radiation Simulation For Space Solar Power Module Vacuum Testing

Space Solar Power (SSP) is broadly defined as the collection of solar energy in space and its wireless transmission for use on Earth. The implementation of such a system could offer energy security, environmental, and technological advantages. The Integrated Symmetrical Concentrator (ISC) and Modular Symmetrical Concentrator (MSC) concepts have received considerable attention among recent commonly proposed SSP implementations. Each concept employs an array of modules for performing conversion of concentrated sunlight into microwaves for transmission to Earth. Until the efforts of the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, no module prototypes had been subjected to the challenging conditions inherent to the space environment. The customized space simulation testing and the associated development described in this paper detail the efforts to test a prototype module in vacuum under multiple suns of solar concentration. A small vacuum chamber and 4000W Xenon light source were adapted to provide the desired test cond...
Maturity and Fecundity of Threadfin Shad, Dorosoma petenense (Günther), in Central Arizona Reservoirs

Abstract It is necessary to determine maturity of a fish before accurate fecundity estimates are attempted. Ovary weight divided by the gross body weight (the maturity index) was found to reliably describe stages of maturity for threadfin shad when used in conjunction with size-distribution of ova in the ovary. Females are incapable of releasing mature ova until ovary weights have increased to 19% or more of the body weight, even though mature ova may be found at lower maturity indices. Threadfin shad spawn once a year in the Salt River reservoirs, with fecundities ranging from 923 to 8,540 ova. Young-of-the-year fish do not spawn in their first growing season, even when attaining minimum spawning size (49 mm) before the end of summer. Older fish spawn nearly two months before age-I fish, but a second complement of eggs that older fish begin to mature appears to be resorbed rather than spawned. A high percentage of the older fish fail to reproduce, with adipose tissue replacing gametes in the gonads. Perc...
Submonolayer structure of an abrupt Al/GaAs{001}-(2×4) interface

The structure of As-terminated Al/GaAs{001}-(2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}4) has been determined in atomic detail using angle-resolved secondary-ion-mass spectrometry. We find an abrupt interface is formed at room temperature by deposition of 0.3 ML of Al onto GaAs{001}-(2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}4) prepared in situ by molecular-beam epitaxy. The Al atoms are found to adsorb in the troughs between two ${\mathrm{As}}_{2}$ dimers, in ordered sites 0.79\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.10 \AA{} above the surface plane. These dimers maintain their 2.73-\AA{} spacing after Al deposition. The structure is determined from angular distributions of ${\mathrm{Al}}^{+}$ and ${\mathrm{Ga}}^{+}$ ions desorbed by keV ions and computer simulations of the ion-bombardment event. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
Ionotropic glutamate receptors mediate OFF responses in light-adapted ON bipolar cells

Previous studies have suggested that photoreceptor synaptic inputs to depolarizing bipolar cells (DBCs or ON bipolar cells) are mediated by mGluR6 receptors and those to hyperpolarizing bipolar cells (HBCs or OFF bipolar cells) are mediated by AMPA/kainate receptors. Here we show that in addition to mGluR6 receptors which mediate the sign-inverting, depolarizing light responses, subpopulations of cone-dominated and rod/cone mixed DBCs use GluR4 AMPA receptors to generate a transient sign-preserving OFF response under light adapted conditions. These AMPA receptors are located at the basal junctions postsynaptic to rods and they are silent under dark-adapted conditions, as tonic glutamate release in darkness desensitizes these receptors. Light adaptation enhances rod-cone coupling and thus allows cone photocurrents with an abrupt OFF depolarization to enter the rods. The abrupt rod depolarization triggers glutamate activation of unoccupied AMPA receptors, resulting in a transient OFF response in DBCs. It has been widely accepted that the DNQX-sensitive, OFF transient responses in retinal amacrine cells and ganglion cells are mediated exclusively by HBCs. Our results suggests that this view needs revision as AMPA receptors in subpopulations of DBCs are likely to significantly contribute to the DNQX-sensitive OFF transient responses in light-adapted third- and higher-order visual neurons.
Anionic Synthesis, Modification, and Characterization of ABC Triblock Copolymers

ABC triblock copolymers of poly(styrene)-b-poly(tert-butyl methacrylate)-b-poly(methyl methacrylate) (PS-PtBMA-PMMA) were anionically synthesized by sequential addition of styrene, tert-butyl methacrylate, and methyl methacrylate, respectively. Characterization of these triblock copolymers was done using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), infrared spectroscopy (IR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The gel permeation chromatograms were found to be somewhat broad (Mw/Mn ≈ 1.2) due to partial quenching of polystyryl anion upon switching to tert-butyl methacrylate. The actual polydispersity of these triblocks, not including PS homopolymer, was determined to be less than 1.1. TEM micrographs of these ABC triblocks indicated that the morphology is essentially lamellar. The long-range order of the microstructure, however, seems to decrease with decreasing spacer block length. The tert-butyl methacrylate middle b...
Increased Efficacy of CSA Following Rearterialization in the Rat OLTX Model

Many investigators presently use a rat orthotopic liver transplant (OLTX) model without rearterialization of the graft. Rearterialization has been demonstrated to have a variable effect on the rejection response in various strain combinations. However, there are little data on the effects in a model with immunosuppression. The influence of rearterialization on the efficacy of cyclosporine (CSA) in such a model was examined, with the hypothesis that rearterialization may alter the rejection response and efficacy of cyclosporine. OLTX was performed between adult male D Agouti rats and Lewis rats. Rearterialization was performed between the recipient and donor celiac axis, and CSA was delivered at 1 mg/kg/day by continuous infusion for 14 days postoperatively. Treatment groups consisted of no rearterialization/no CSA, rearterialization/no CSA, no rearterialization/CSA, and rearterialization/CSA. Survival time and histology of liver grafts were measured. Rearterialization itself did not prolong survival in this strain combination (median survival no rearterialization/no CSA is 11 days versus median survival rearterialization/no CSA is 10 days). The addition of CSA at this dose without rearterialization also did not prolong survival (median survival no rearterialization/CSA is 15.5 days). The combination of CSA with rearterialization did prolong survival significantly (median survival rearterialization/CSA is 22 days; P < 0.05 versus the other three groups). The mechanism of this increased efficacy is unknown, but may involve altered MHC antigen expression, altered metabolism of CSA, decreased toxicity of CSA, or decreased nonspecific inflammation in the rearterialized grafts.
Factors for Accessing a Medical Home Vary Among CSHCN from Different Levels of Socioeconomic Status

Purpose The purpose of this research study was to identify factors that are associated with receiving care in a medical home for children with special health care needs (CSHCN) and to identify how these factors vary among different socioeconomic levels. Methods Data were obtained from the National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs, 2000–2002. Access to a medical home was derived using an algorithm. This survey analysis also included demographic characteristics, geographical location of household, severity of condition, and social factors. Multiple logistic regression models were constructed for socioeconomic status (SES) levels defined by federal poverty level (FPL): <133%; 133–199%; 200–299%; ≥300%. Results Age group was significant in all but the 200–299% of FPL stratum. Severity of condition was significant in all strata. Race was significant in all but the ≥300% stratum. Maternal education was borderline significant in the lowest and highest strata. Insurance type/status was significant in all but the 133–199% of FPL stratum. Geographical location was significant in the lowest and highest strata. The language of the interview was only significant in the lowest stratum. The relationship of the respondent to the child was significant in the middle two strata. The total number of adults in the household was significant in the highest stratum, and the total number of children in the household was significant in the 200–299% of FPL stratum. Conclusions Factors affecting access to a medical home differed among socioeconomic groups. Future research should explore the CSHCN population by income groups to better serve this population.
Feasibility investigation of experimental visualization techniques to study subcooled boiling flow

Abstract The purpose of this study is twofold: (1) to explore the feasible implementation of whole-field visualization techniques such as infrared thermometry, particle tracking velocimetry, and high speed shadowgraphy to study subcooled boiling flow through a vertical square channel with a single heated wall and (2) to provide subcooled boiling flow experimental measurements based on the methodology developed in this work. To fulfill the first objective, a series of sensitivity studies and uncertainty analyses was performed, from which recommendations for the proper implementation of these visualization techniques for the study of two-phase flows are given. The purpose of the second objective is to provide reliable information that can be used for the validation of CFD simulations and for the improvement and development of turbulence models under subcooled boiling conditions. Unique in the presented experimental results is the whole-field simultaneous measurement of turbulence characteristics for both the liquid and gas phases and for their interactions. These measurements were made under transitional conditions from a single phase flow region to a two phase boiling flow condition. The presented experimental results provide whole-field, multi-scale measurements that can help improve the accuracy of descriptions of the boiling phenomena.
Characteristics of patients diagnosed with both melanoma and renal cell cancer

Background Patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and malignant melanoma (MM) have an increased risk of additional malignancies. We identified characteristics of MM and RCC associated with a patient developing both cancers.
Fast-Pulse Generators And Detectors For Characterizing Laser Receivers At 1.06 µm

A detector system capable of measuring the waveform of pulses used to calibrate laser receivers at 1.06 μm is described. The risetime of the system is 0.8 ns. All parts of the system are available commercially. Also described is an optical impulse generator at 1.06 μm with a risetime of less than 100 ps. This impulse generator can be used to measure the impulse response of the detector system and laser receivers.
Does Kawasaki disease have a retroviral aetiology

Abstract In 18 consecutive children with Kawasaki disease of recent onset, reverse transcriptase (RT) activity was studied in co-cultivated peripheral-blood-mononuclear-cell/lymphoblastoid-cell supernatants. 8 of 18 children, but only 1 of 18 controls, showed RT activity in one or more sample (p = 0.009). RT activity was identified in 14 of 226 samples from patients, but in only 1 of 167 from controls (p
Zipper: a zero-infrastructure peer-to-peer system forvanet

Recently, it was realized that Vehicular Ad hoc Networkscan support multimedia applications, including peer-to-peer content provisioning. Not surprisingly, a number of peer to peer systems for VANET have been recently proposed in the literature. However, these systems rely on either theexisting cellular system or else on some form of roadside infrastructure installed every few miles. Unfortunately, the cost of installing and maintaining such an infrastructure islikely to be very high, rendering these systems inaccessible to most countries.The main contribution of this work is to propose ZIPPER- a zero-infrastructure peer to peer system for Vehicular Adhoc Networks.
Maternal LPS induces cytokines in the amniotic fluid and corticotropin releasing hormone in the fetal rat brain.

Perinatal infections are a risk factor for fetal neurological pathologies, including cerebral palsy and schizophrenia. Cytokines that are produced as part of the inflammatory response are proposed ...
Primitive Ideas: Protected Area Buffer Zones and the Politics of Land in Africa

This article critically evaluates participatory, integrated conservation and development programmes in Africa, focusing on protected area buffer zones. I argue that, despite the emphasis on participation and benefit-sharing, many of the new projects replicate more coercive forms of conservation practice and often constitute an expansion of state authority into remote rural areas. I suggest that the reasons for this state of affairs can be traced in part to the persistence in conservation interventions of Western ideas and images of the Other. These stereotypes result in misguided assumptions in conservation programmes which have important implications for the politics of land in buffer zone communities.
Absence of pressure-driven supersolid flow at low frequency

An important unresolved question in supersolid research is the degree to which the non-classical rotational inertia (NCRI) phenomenon observed in the torsional oscillator experiments of Kim and Chan, is evidence for a Bose-condensed supersolid state with superfluid-like properties. In an open annular geometry, Kim and Chan found that a fraction of the solid moment of inertia is decoupled from the motion of the oscillator; however, when the annulus is blocked by a partition, the decoupled supersolid fraction is locked to the oscillator being accelerated by an AC pressure gradient generated by the moving partition. These observations are in accord with superfluid hydrodynamics. We apply a low frequency AC pressure gradient in order to search for a superfluid-like response in a supersolid sample. Our results are consistent with zero supersolid flow in response to the imposed low frequency pressure gradient. A statistical analysis of our data sets a bound, at the 68% confidence level, of 9.6$\times 10^{-4}$ nm/s for the mass transport velocity carried by a possible supersolid flow. In terms of a simple model for the supersolid, an upper bound of 3.3$\times 10^{-6}$ is set for the supersolid fraction at 25 mK, at this same confidence level. These findings force the conclusion that the NCRI observed in the torsional oscillator experiments is not evidence for a frequency independent superfluid-like state. Supersolid behavior is a frequency-dependent phenomenon, clearly evident in the frequency range of the torsional oscillator experiments, but undetectably small at frequencies approaching zero.
EFFECTS OF PHOMOPSIS PEACH ROT ON PULP LOSSES AND PUREE QUALITY

The effects of a Phomopsis sp. on four peach (Prunus persica) cultivars and three fruit maturities were evaluated for pulp losses and quality changes of peach puree. Fruits were inoculated with 2 mm X 2 mm of agar with Phomopsis mycelium and incubated at room temperature (24 to 26 C) for 3 days. The early-maturing cultivar Goldilocks had higher susceptibility to Phomopsis than the late maturing Babygold 8. Mature fruit had a slightly higher degree of susceptibility to Phomopsis than less mature fruit, except for Goldilocks, which showed equal susceptibility at all maturity stages. Pulp losses, percentage of decayed tissue, titratable acidity, Howard mold counts, soluble solids (SS), SS/acid ratio, viscosity, pH and changes in color were variable among cultivars and maturities. Puree made with 1 % or more Phomopsis-decayed tissue may be unacceptable because of a high (16-75%) mold count.
Barriers to colorectal cancer screening: physician and general population perspectives, New Mexico, 2006.

INTRODUCTION Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates are low in New Mexico. We used statewide surveys of primary care physicians and the general population to characterize CRC screening practices and compare perceptions about screening barriers. METHODS In 2006, we surveyed 714 primary care physicians in New Mexico about their CRC screening practices, beliefs, and perceptions of patient, provider, and system barriers. A 2004 state-specific CRC screening module for the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey asked 3,355 participants aged 50 years or older why they had not ever or had not recently completed a fecal occult blood test (FOBT) or lower endoscopy. RESULTS The 216 physicians (30% response rate) reported offering screening to a median 80% of their average-risk patients in the past year and estimated that a median 50% were current with screening. They attributed low screening proportions mainly to patient factors (embarrassment, fear of pain, lack of insurance). However, just 51% of physician respondents used health maintenance flow sheets, and only 13% used electronic medical records to identify patients due for CRC screening. The BRFSS respondents most often reported that lack of physician discussion was responsible for not being current with screening (45% FOBT, 34% endoscopy); being asymptomatic was also often cited as an explanation for lack of screening (22% FOBT, 36% endoscopy). CONCLUSION Physicians and adults in the general population had markedly different perspectives on barriers to CRC screening. Increasing screening may require system supports to help physicians readily identify patients due for CRC testing and interventions to educate patients about the rationale for screening.
Ground-penetrating radar measurement of soil water content dynamics using a suspended horn antenna

A ground-penetrating radar (GPR) with a suspended horn antenna was used to obtain continual measurement of near-surface soil water content dynamics within a well-defined footprint. Water contents inferred from radar surface reflectivity (SR) were in agreement with gravimetric measurements from the top 1-cm soil layer. This sensitivity to top 1 cm was confirmed by comparison of SR with deeper measurements (1-5 cm) obtained by time-domain reflectometry. Measurements over sand and silt loam showed the role of soil type in controling near-surface dynamics of soil water due to evaporation and drainage processes. GPR with a horn antenna provided insights into physical processes that could affect larger scale radar platforms (air- or spaceborne) and enabled verification of radar measurements at well-defined spatial scales and detailed temporal resolutions not available by other radar remote sensing systems.
Space Radiation Effects and Reliability Considerations for Micro- and Optoelectronic Devices

The interplay between radiation effects and reliability is discussed for micro- and optoelectronic devices. Topics discussed include basic approaches such as burn-in and electrical screening that are used to improve component reliability, synergistic effects between reliability and radiation effects, the impact of microdose damage from heavy ions on reliability of high-density digital circuits, and assessing the overall risk to components in space that are subjected to overstress conditions.
An adaptive analog video line driver with impedance matching based on peak detection

An analog line driver for video applications is presented. Utilizing a class AB error amplifier structure, the design achieved 1.2 V peak to peak output swing with better than 45 dB linearity for frequencies up to 5 MHz. An adaptive tuning scheme for output impedance matching using peak detection is used to provide uniform performance across line impedance variations. The circuit is designed in AMI 0.5/spl mu/m CMOS technology and has a tuning range of 65 to 135 ohms with a power consumption of about 34 mW.
Some mathematical properties of root loci for control system design

IN the study of a linear lumped system one is confronted with a linear differential equation $a_{0} i + a_1{di \over dt} + \cdots a_n {d^{n} i \over dt^{n}} = b_{0}e + b_1 {de \over dt} + \cdots b_{m} {d^{m} e \over dt^m} \eqno{\hbox{(1)}}$ where the applied stimulus and system response are e(t) and i(t), or vice versa, and t is the independent variable.
Sulphur poisoning of water-gas shift catalysts: site blocking and electronic structure modification

Density-functional theory calculations were used to study sulphur poisoning of low Miller index surfaces of Cu(111), (100) and (110). The adsorption properties of S on the studied facets were investigated in different adsorption sites and at coverages between 0.25 and 1 ML. The comparison of adsorption energies among different facets showed that S adsorbs most strongly to the most open surface (110) and most weakly to the most close-packed surface (111). We found that the adsorption energy of S generally gets weaker with increasing coverage, and we related the coverage dependence to an adsorbate-induced surface electronic structure modification which broadens the surface d-band and which causes a consequent reduction in the average energy of the d-band centre due to conservation of d-band filling. The combination of site blocking and surface electronic structure modification leads to a reduction in the surface reactivity of the catalyst at higher coverages of S.
Characterization of porcine skin as a model for human skin studies using infrared spectroscopic imaging

Porcine skin is often considered a substitute for human skin based on morphological and functional data, for example, for transdermal drug diffusion studies. A chemical, structural and temporal characterization of porcine skin in comparison to human skin is not available but will likely improve our understanding of this porcine skin model. Here, we employ Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopic imaging to holistically measure chemical species as well as spatial structure as a function of time to characterize porcine skin as a model for human skin. Porcine skin was found to resemble human skin spectroscopically and differences are elucidated. Cryo-prepared fresh porcine skin samples for spectroscopic imaging were found to be stable over time and small variations are observed. Hence, we extended characterization to the use of this model for dynamic processes. In particular, the capacity and stability of this model in transdermal diffusion is examined. The results indicate that porcine skin is likely to be an attractive tool for studying diffusion dynamics of materials in human skin.
Model and Call Admission Control for Distributed Applications with Correlated Bursty Traffic

As network capacities increase, wide-area distributed parallel computing may become feasible. This paper addresses one of the issues involved in using an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) network for such a purpose — that of developing an appropriate call admission control (CAC) procedure for such applications given the special nature of their traffic. In this proposal, connections belonging to the same application and sharing the same link are allowed to utilize the linkbandwidth in a strongly correlated manner. However, connections belonging to different applications are still assumed to be independent. This allows the development of a tabular approach for keeping track of the aggregate bandwidth demand of the applications sharing the same link. The proposed approach is compared with two related approaches (one more conservative and another more aggressive) and is shown to strike a balance between utilization and loss rate.
Multi-ringed revelation

The Chicxulub crater is the remnant of a meteorite impact that is blamed for killing off the dinosaurs. A new seismological survey shows that it is smaller than many scientists had thought, and extends deeper than anyone had suspected.
Purification and reconstitution of the electron transport components for 6-deoxyerythronolide B hydroxylase, a cytochrome P-450 enzyme of macrolide antibiotic (erythromycin) biosynthesis.

The hydroxylation of 6-deoxyerythronolide B (6D) to erythronolide B, a step in the biosynthesis of the 14-membered macrolide antibiotic erythromycin A by Saccharopolyspora erythraea, is catalyzed by a cytochrome P-450 monooxygenase that requires two electron transport proteins for the function of this terminal hydroxylase (A. Shafiee and C. R. Hutchinson, Biochemistry 26:6204-6210, 1987). Two flavoproteins and an iron-sulfur protein (erythrodoxin) were purified from S. erythraea CA340 and shown to act with 6D hydroxylase to catalyze the hydroxylation of (9R)-[9-3H]9-deoxo-9-hydroxy-6D in vitro in a suitably reconstituted system. The flavoproteins contained flavin adenine dinucleotide and exhibited characteristic absorption maxima at 356 and 456 nm. The one with an Mr of 47,000 showed NADPH-dependent diaphorase and cytochrome c reductase activity, and the other, with an Mr of 53,000 showed NADH-dependent activities of the same two types. Erythrodoxin contained acid-labile sulfur and iron, had an Mr of 27,500, and showed a broad absorption maximum between 394 and 404 nm. The sequence of its first 15 amino acids, except for position 12, was the same as that of the ferredoxin from Mycobacterium smegmatis. Images
Comprehensive model of the photophoretic force on a spherical microparticle

The photophoretic force is described by a comprehensive model containing aspects of both the optical local-field and gas-dynamic properties. It is shown that the model is in good agreement with detailed experimental data and provides a new means for measuring optical constants of microparticles.
Is there a brain tumor risk from cell phone use

The increasingly widespread use of cellular telephones - and the limited knowledge concerning the possible adverse health effects of a microwave emitter situated near the head of a cell-phone user - had prompted many to urge that research be conduct to ascertain the health risk to the cellphone user, if any exists. This column reports on a multiyear, international research effort - the Interphone Project - as it approach its final phase.
Response of rat mammary gland transferrin receptors to maternal dietary iron during pregnancy and lactation.

Mammalian milk iron (MFe) concentration decreases during lactation. In humans attempts to increase MFe through supplementing the mother with iron during lacta- tion have failed and no correlation between maternal iron sta- tus or intake and MFe has been determined, suggesting a regu- latory mechanism. In contrast MFe in lactating rats can be affected by very high or low amounts of ingested iron. We pre- viously described a transfernin receptor (TtR) mechanism that controls iron entry into rat mammary tissue. In this study lac- tating rats were used to determine effects ofvarying dietary iron during gestation and lactation on mammary TfR and MFe. Dams fed low-iron diets had a small increase in TfR, lower he- matobogical indices (p < 0.005), and lower MFe (p < 0.005) than did controls or dams fed high iron. Dams fed the high-iron diet had a significant increase in hR without a concomitant increase in MFe. There was no correlation between MFe and TfR. These findings suggest that control of MFe lies after iron entry into mammary tissue. Am J C/in Nutr l990;52: 446-50.
Traveling Spirit Masters: Moroccan Gnawa Trance and the Global Marketplace

Reviewed Medium: book Authors: Deborah Kapchan Year: 2007 Pages: 348 Publisher: Wesleyan University Press ISBN: 978-0-8195-6851-9 (hard cover). Prices: $75.00 USD(hard cover).
Geographic Mapping of Meniscus and Cartilage Lesions Associated with Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries

Background: Detailed descriptions of meniscus and articular cartilage lesions associated with anterior cruciate ligament injury have not been presented in the literature. Our goal was to determine the associations between patient sex, age, and surgical delay and the frequency and location of meniscus and articular cartilage lesions seen at the time of the anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Methods: Data were obtained retrospectively from a database of 1209 consecutive patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction between 1988 and 2002. All knee cartilage, meniscus, and ligament injuries were documented on anatomic maps at the time of surgery, and the data were analyzed. Results: Meniscus injuries were identified in 722 (65%) of the 1104 patients who met the criteria for inclusion in the study. Female patients were less likely to have a meniscus injury than male patients were (56% compared with 71%), and male patients were more likely to have combined medial and lateral meniscus injuries than female patients were (20% compared with 11%). Patients with a surgical delay of less than three months were less likely to have a medial meniscus injury (8% compared with 19%). Femoral articular cartilage injuries were identified in 472 patients (43%). Patients who were twenty-five years of age or older were more likely to have multiple cartilage lesions throughout the knee (7.7% compared with 1.3%) and to have more isolated medial femoral condyle lesions (24.2% compared with 13.3%). Patients with a surgical delay of more than one year were more likely to have a lesion (60% compared with 47% for all others), and a surgical delay of more than one year resulted in a greater proportion of large and grade-3 lesions of the lateral femoral condyle. Female patients had a greater proportion of grade-1 lesions of the medial femoral condyle (29% compared with 16%), whereas male patients had a greater proportion of grade-3 and 4 lesions of the medial femoral condyle (49% compared with 35%). In patients who were thirty-five years of age or older, meniscus injuries were more frequent and were located more frequently on the medial side; femoral articular cartilage lesions were also located more frequently on the medial side. Conclusions: Increased age, male sex, and increased surgical delay all increase the frequency and severity of injuries of the meniscus and/or articular cartilage after an anterior cruciate ligament tear. Level of Evidence: Prognostic Level II. See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Hypovascular hepatic nodules at gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI: whole-lesion hepatobiliary phase histogram metrics for prediction of progression to arterial-enhancing hepatocellular carcinoma.

To explore whole-lesion histogram analysis of the hepatobiliary phase (HBP) defect in indeterminate hypovascular liver lesions for predicting progression to arterial-enhancing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Twenty patients undergoing gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI for HCC screening with 12° and 25° flip angle (FA) HBP acquisitions demonstrating an indeterminate lesion showing HBP hypointensity but no arterial enhancement were included. Volumes-of-interest were placed on HBP defects, from which histogram metrics were obtained. Associations between these metrics and progression to arterial-enhancing HCC on follow-up imaging were investigated. Lesions were also assessed for the presence of a signal abnormality on conventional sequences. 40% of lesions progressed to arterial-enhancing HCC; 60% were stable at ≥6 months follow-up. Neither T2-hyperintensity increased diffusion signal nor portal/equilibrium phase washout was different between progressing and nonprogressing lesions (p = 1.0). Among direct signal intensity-based measures (overall mean; mean of bottom 10th, 10–25th, and 25–50th percentiles), area-under-the-curve (AUC) for prediction of progression to arterial-enhancing HCC was consistently higher at 25° (range 0.619–0.657) than at 12° (range 0.512–0.548). However, at both FAs, the four measures with highest AUC were measures related to lesion texture and heterogeneity [standard deviation (SD), coefficient of variation (CV), skewness, and entropy], having AUC of 0.655–0.750 at 12° and 0.686–0.800 at 25. The metric with highest AUC at 12° was SD (AUC = 0.750) and at 25° was CV (AUC = 0.800). Whole-lesion histogram HBP measures of indeterminate hypovascular liver lesions may help predict progression to arterial-enhancing HCC by reflecting greater lesion heterogeneity, particularly at higher FA. Larger studies are therefore warranted.