cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reversal of the electrocardiographic effects of cocaine by lidocaine. Part 1. Comparison with sodium bicarbonate and quinidine

Based on modulated receptor concepts, an agent with fast on-off sodium channel binding properties (e.g., lidocaine) may reverse the effects of a drug with slow on-off kinetics (e.g., cocaine) through competition for a single receptor site on the sodium channel. We compared the effects of two drugs with different sodium channel-binding kinetics with those of sodium bicarbonate, a known antidote, on cocaine-induced slowing of ventricular conduction. Electrocardiographic (ECG) intervals were recorded before and after the addition of cocaine 30 microM in 26 isolated, Tyrode-perfused guinea pig hearts. The effects of the three potential antidotes were then analyzed: equimolar lidocaine (8 hearts), equimolar quinidine (6), and sodium bicarbonate (8). Cocaine significantly increased all ECG intervals. The addition of lidocaine to cocaine-containing perfusate decreased QRS duration from 42 +/- 3 to 29 +/- 3 msec (p < 0.01), a 60% reversal. Addition of sodium bicarbonate to increase the pH of the perfusate from 7.37 +/- 0.09 to 7.52 +/- 0.08 (p < 0.01) decreased the QRS duration from 38 +/- 4 to 30 +/- 6 msec (p < 0.01), a 47% reversal. Addition of quinidine 30 microM augmented the effects of cocaine: QRS increased from 40 +/- 6 msec to 54 +/- 9 msec (p < 0.01). Consistent with modulated receptor concepts, lidocaine reverses slowed ventricular conduction due to cocaine. The magnitude of this reversal is similar to that due to sodium bicarbonate. The potential of fast on-off agents to serve as antidotes for cocaine-induced arrhythmias requires further study.
Specular x-ray reflectivity studies of microstructure and ordering in self-assembled multilayers

Specular x-ray reflectivity has been used to probe the structures of self-assembled monolayers and multilayers deposited using a three-step siloxane-based self-assembly technique that is repeated to form periodic multilayers. In films containing up to ten trilayers, it is found that the film thickness increases linearly as a function of the number of trilayers with no observable change in the surface roughness. Bragg peaks corresponding to the inter-trilayer spacing are observed. Both of these results indicate high structural regularity in these self-assembled multilayers. In self-assembled films with different constituent molecular building blocks, substantial and unexpected changes in the film structure occur as a result of subtle changes in the layers.
Vision rehabilitation strategies following traumatic brain injury and stroke

Abstract Traumatic brain injury (TBI), also known as acquired brain injury (ABI), or stroke can cause a wide variety of visual impairments. Management strategies should include an eye health examination as well as evaluation of visual function. Specific management strategies are given for visual acuity loss, visual field loss, extra-ocular motility impairment and loss of binocular vision, cranial nerve palsies including lid paralysis, corneal involvement, and/or pupillary involvement, sensory and/or spatial imperceptions (neglect), and nystagmus.
Water Metabolism Disturbances Related to Mortality in Day-Old Chicks Force-Fed Glucose Solutions

Abstract FELL (1959) and Pipkin (1962) observed that the chemically-characterized liquid diet of Greenstein et al. (1957), which gave growth and reproduction through several generations in rats, was highly lethal when force-fed to day-old chicks at the rate of 1 gm. of diet per hour. The liquid diet contained a mixture of glucose, l -amino acids, mineral salts and crystalline vitamins dissolved in water to give 50% solids. Characteristic symptoms exhibited by all dead or dying chicks were weight loss, diarrhea, and distention and fluid accumulation in the crop; postmortem symptoms were emaciation, dehydration and hyperemia. These symptoms and the nature of the diet (high in concentration of relatively low-molecular weight substances and consequently high in osmotic pressure) led to the hypothesis that the lethal effects were the result of a critical body water loss brought about by force-feeding of the liquid diets which have an excessively high osmotic pressure compared to…
Sleep-disordered breathing in Möbius syndrome.

Mobius syndrome is a complex neurologic disorder characterized by congenital bilateral facial paralysis associated with lateral gaze paralysis. The syndrome has variable manifestations and several variants, some with somatic stigmata. In 1990, Mobius syndrome is conceptualized as a spectrum of clinical caudal brain-stem signs. Some deficits are manifested by laryngeal paralysis and aspiration. Sleep-disordered breathing syndromes have not been previously reported in association with Mobius syndrome. We report two children with Mobius syndrome and sleep-disordered breathing. Based on known pathologic findings and clinical manifestations, we believe that sleep-disordered breathing may be a common complication of Mobius syndrome and should be sought, since potential outcomes of such complications include serious morbidity.
Use of integration readout techniques for low absorbance samples in atomic absorption spectroscopy

Abstract An analog integrator is described and evaluated for the application of integrator techniques to low absorbing solutions by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Use of solid state operational amplifiers allows a stable, low drift integration of information signals to improve signal-to-noise ratios. The effects of experimental parameters are described and integration working curves are shown for solutions absorbing with 0–4% range.
Higgs boson decay into two gluons and a Z Boson

Results for the one-loop calculation of the decay width Γ(H→ggZ) in the standard model with Higgs boson masses in the range 115 GeV<m H <2m W are presented. We find that among all the helicity amplitudes contributing to the width only those for which the gluons have the same polarization and the Z is longitudinally polarized contribute in any significant way. The calculation includes all contributions from the second and third generations, and kinematic cuts to enhance the H→ggZ signal. Compared to the width of H→gg, we find Γ(H→ggZ)/Γ(H→gg)≲10−4.
Amyloidotic Cardiomyopathy: Multidisciplinary Approach to Diagnosis and Treatment

Amyloidotic cardiomyopathy (ACMP) occurs in the setting of rare genetic diseases, blood dyscrasias, chronic infection and inflammation, and advanced age. Cardiologists are on the front lines of diagnosis of ACMP when evaluating patients with unexplained dyspnea, congestive heart failure, or arrhythmias. Noninvasive detection of diastolic cardiac dysfunction and unexplained left ventricular hypertrophy should be followed by biopsy to demonstrate the presence of amyloid deposits and appropriate genetic, biochemical, and immunologic testing to accurately define the type of amyloid. Growing numbers of treatment options exist for these diseases, and timely diagnosis and institution of therapy is essential for preservation of cardiac function.
Electrical loss mechanisms of thin film electro-optic modulators for high-bandwidth applications

Electrical losses in thin film BaTiO3 electro-optic modulators were studied up to 100 GHz via full wave simulations. Losses are attributed to higher order mode coupling and can be minimized by decreasing the substrate thickness.
Party Change and the Shifting Dynamics in Presidential Nominations: The Lessons of 2008

Presidential nominations in recent years have been settled with increasing speed, most of the time in the early stages of the primaries and caucuses, and certainly before the national convention, which has become more of a rally. Even when the battle for the Democratic Presidential nomination continued to the end of the primary season in 2008, it was settled before the convention. Analysts have emphasized the importance of the “invisible primary” and the front-loaded delegate selection schedule in explaining the early resolution of Presidential nomination contests. However, not enough attention has been paid to a much more fundamental change in our political parties and party system: The old umbrella parties have been replaced by ideological polarization between the parties and ideological homogenization within the parties. Our new party system dates back about forty years, and features increased ideological unity and decreased factionalism, making it easier to settle nominations. Even today's front-loaded nominating calendar would not have prevented some of the hotly contested conventions of the old umbrella parties.
Ecological and Typological Characteristics in Early Adolescent Truancy

Personal, family, and setting characteristics associated with truancy were assessed for 25 junior high school truants and 25 nontruants, matched for age, grade, gender, and socioeconomic level. Truants were less likely to live with both parents, had more siblings, and scored lower in academic ability and achievement. They did not differ in attitudes or interests, nor on self-esteem. Truants who graduated four years later were very similar to graduating nontruants. The former scored significantly higher on academic ability and GPA, and lower on number of siblings than truants of unknown graduation status. Compared with previous studies, these truants showed less personality disturbance, less school absence, and expressed more favorable attitudes toward school, differences that may reflect community characteristics. Conducting a series of incremental multimethod studies on a specific problem across settings is offered as a productive and economical alternative to single large-scale tests of theory, independ...
Modern computer control for Lick Observatory telescopes

Poco, short for Pointing Control, is a modern telescope control system for use with the telescopes at Lick Observatory. It is currently in use with the Shane 3-meter and Nickel 1-meter telescopes. It may also be used with other telescopes in the future. The software is designed to be very reliable, accurate, flexible, and full featured while still being very easy to use. It needs to communicate with other systems such as auto-guiders, instruments, remote observing watchdogs, and possible robotic control. The telescopes use motor systems installed in the 1970's. Upgrading to modern servo motors was not practical, so the telescopes use their stepper motors for fine motor control while switching to much larger and less accurate motors for large moves. It requires a variety of techniques to quickly and smoothly reach target locations and maintain tracking. The software achieves these goals, overcoming the significant hardware limitations of these older telescope using mostly off the shelf hardware. This paper will describe the more interesting aspects of the system such as locating objects from catalog coordinates, motor control algorithms, user interfaces, communications between systems, and software architecture.
Hypoxia-inducible Factor 1α (HIF-1α) Protein Is Rapidly Degraded by the Ubiquitin-Proteasome System under Normoxic Conditions ITS STABILIZATION BY HYPOXIA DEPENDS ON REDOX-INDUCED CHANGES

The hypoxia-inducible factor 1 transcriptional activator complex (HIF-1) is involved in the activation of the erythropoietin and several other hypoxia-responsive genes. The HIF-1 complex is composed of two protein subunits: HIF-1β/ARNT (aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator), which is constitutively expressed, and HIF-1α, which is not present in normal cells but induced under hypoxic conditions. The HIF-1α subunit is continuously synthesized and degraded under normoxic conditions, while it accumulates rapidly following exposure to low oxygen tensions. The involvement of the ubiquitin-proteasome system in the proteolytic destruction of HIF-1 in normoxia was studied by the use of specific inhibitors of the proteasome system. Lactacystin and MG-132 were found to protect the degradation of the HIF-1 complex in cells transferred from hypoxia to normoxia. The same inhibitors were able to induce HIF-1 complex formation when added to normoxic cells. Final confirmation of the involvement of the ubiquitin-proteasome system in the regulated degradation of HIF-1α was obtained by the use ofts20TG R cells, which contain a temperature-sensitive mutant of E1, the ubiquitin-activating enzyme. Exposure of ts20 cells, under normoxic conditions, to the non-permissive temperature induced a rapid and progressive accumulation of HIF-1. The effect of proteasome inhibitors on the normoxic induction of HIF-1 binding activity was mimicked by the thiol reducing agentN-(2-mercaptopropionyl)-glycine and by the oxygen radical scavenger 2-acetamidoacrylic acid. Furthermore,N-(2-mercaptopropionyl)-glycine induced gene expression as measured by the stimulation of a HIF-1-luciferase expression vector and by the induction of erythropoietin mRNA in normoxic Hep 3B cells. These last findings strongly suggest that the hypoxia induced changes in HIF-1α stability and subsequent gene activation are mediated by redox-induced changes.
Exaltation of the first oxygen wave at the dropping mercury electrode

Abstract When hydrogen peroxide formed on the first reduction wave of oxygen reacts rapidly with a constituent in the solution with the formation of a compound which is reduced at the same potentials as, or at more positive potentials than those at which oxygen yields its first reduction wave, an exaltation of this wave is observed. Molybdate in a phosphate buffer of pH 7, or in weakly acid buffers produces such an exaltation. The effect is small in a neutral salt and does not occur in alkaline solution. An exaltation by vinyl acetate is also observed in unbuffered solutions of neutral salts. Apparently, a hydroperoxide is formed and this is responsible for the exaltation. When the reaction product with hydrogen peroxide is reduced at more positive potentials than the peroxide, the second oxygen wave is displaced to more positive potentials. Tetraethylammonium hydroxide solutions contain a highly volatile impurity. When this impurity is present in unbuffered solutions of neutral salts, a wave is observed immediately after the first oxygen wave, while the total diffusion current (4-electron reduction) remains unchanged. The effect of pH on this additional wave in solutions containing oxygen in the absence and presence of hydrogen peroxide has been studied. The additional wave is well-defined and its height is more than 20% ofthat of the total reduction wave in mixtures containing 6 × 10 −4 M hydrogen peroxide and very small amounts of oxygen (about 1 to 2 × 10 −5 M ).
Stress in thermally annealed parylene films

Stress is a problem for thin film Multichip Modules (MCM) fabrication and reliability. Stress can cause adhesion failure, wire cracking and fracture of the polymer. Parylene can be deposited in a low compressive stress state, and here we explore its temperature-stress behavior. The stress generated by thermal coefficient of expansion (TCE) mis-match between thick parylene-n (PA-n) films (4-7 μm)and Si substrates has been studied as a function temperature. Measurements of stress were made on as-deposited films; after thermal annealing and also in-situ. The as-deposited films are under compressive stress of 20 MPa. As the films are annealed, the stress decreases and then becomes tensile, peaking at about 53 MPa. It was observed that stress was reduced in PA-n films during the crystal phase transformations at around 200 and 270°C. The stress has been compared to reported data from other sources and found to agree. Stress in PA-c (chlorinated), and co-polymerized PA-n ande (ethyl) films, and a fluorinated parylene (PA-f) are also evaluated. The effective glass transition temperatures and the linear coefficient of expansion have also been estimated.
Nitrogen-15 NMR spectroscopy of proteins in solution

Abstract Experimental results from 15N NMR studies of selectively and uniformly labeled proteins with molecular weights ranging between 6000 and 155,000 Da in solution are described. These results demonstrate the resolution available in one- and two-dimensional 15N NMR spectra as well as the selection of particular 15N and 1H resonances on the basis of the type of amino acid residue, the number of hydrogens bonded to a nitrogen, local dynamics, and amide hydrogen exchange kinetics.
Native Sexual Inequalities: American Indian Cultural Conservative Homophobia and the Problem of Tradition

Two-Spirit men cite the common goal of eventually gaining social acceptance and restoring a place of honor within their individual tribal societies as their unifying factor. They set out to achieve this goal by actively engaging with American Indian cultural conservative values through ceremonial and social practices. By altering normalized gender practices they challenge their alienation while also solidifying their commitment to tribal communities. By proving themselves as culturally competent contributors to their tribal societies they publicly question mainstream Native attitudes toward sexuality and gender in the hope that their value to Native societies will eventually put an end to the ubiquitous homophobia that alienates them.
Statin Therapy for Secondary Stroke Prevention: Evidence Catches Up to Practice:

Current approaches for the secondary prevention of ischemic stroke include the aggressive use of antithrombotic therapy, particularly antiplatelet agents, and carotid endarterectomy for eligible patients. Blood pressure lowering with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and diuretics in hypertensives, glucose control to a hemoglobin A1C of less than 7% in diabetics, and statin therapy in patients with hyperlipidemia and/or cardiovascular disease are also important measures forsecondary prevention of stroke. Support for the routine use of statin therapy in all patients with ischemic stroke, regardless of lipid profile or a history of cardiovascular disease, has been, until recently, of debate. Clinical evidence found in studies such as the SPARCL trial and the Heart Protection Study now support the routine use of statin therapy in all ischemic stroke patients. This article focuses on the potential and proven benefits of statins in ischemic stroke.
Bioenergy production from glycerol in hydrogen producing bioreactors (HPBs) and microbial fuel cells (MFCs)

Abstract The supply of glycerol has increased substantially in recent years as a by-product of biodiesel production. To explore the value of glycerol for further application, the conversion of glycerol to bioenergy (hydrogen and electricity) was investigated using Hydrogen Producing Bioreactors (HPBs) and Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs). Pure-glycerol and the glycerol from biodiesel waste stream were compared as the substrates for bioenergy production. In terms of hydrogen production, the yields of hydrogen and 1,3-propanediol at a pure-glycerol concentration of 3 g/L were 0.20 mol/mol glycerol and 0.46 mol/glycerol, respectively. With glucose as the co-metabolism substrate at the ratio of 3:1 (glycerol:glucose), the yields of hydrogen and 1,3-propanediol from glycerol significantly increased to 0.37 mol/mol glycerol and 0.65 mol/glycerol, respectively. The glycerol from biodiesel waste stream had good hydrogen yields (0.17–0.18 mol H2/mole glycerol), which was comparable with the pure-glycerol. In terms of power generation in MFCs, pure-glycerol was examined at concentrations of 0.5–5 g/L with the highest power density of 4579 mW/m3 obtained at a concentration of 2 g/L. The power densities from the biodiesel waste glycerol were 1614–2324 mW/m3, which were likely caused by the adverse effects of impurities on electrode materials. An economic analysis indicates that with the annual waste stream of 70 million gallons of glycerol, the expected values generated from HPBs and MFCs were $311 and $98 million, respectively.
Dimensional analysis and scaling in mechanical mixing for fabrication of metal matrix nanocomposites

Abstract For a successful enhancement of mechanical properties of metal matrix nanocomposites, a homogeneous nanoparticle dispersion and distribution in the solidified metal is required. Mechanical mixing can be used for initial break-up of agglomerates, and its study can be simplified with dimensional analysis. Using this technique, mixing time and vortex height were assessed while varying fluid properties, impeller angle, and angular speed. Three relevant dimensionless numbers were recognized: the Reynolds ( Re ), Froude and Galilei ( Ga ) numbers. Based on blade and impeller shaft angles, a modified Froude number ( Fr* ) was defined. These parameters were calculated experimentally, varying angular speed from 200 to 1000 rpm for three different impeller angles: 0°, 15° and 30°. This procedure was performed with three fluids: water, and two aqueous glycerin solutions (25% and 50% by volume). Digital images were taken and processed to measure vortex height. Mixing time was measured for water at 0° impeller angle, angular speed ranging from 200 to 1200 rpm. Results showed an optimal dimensionless mixing time with respect to Re . A linear relationship was found between dimensionless vortex height and Fr* . The first had a second order polynomial relationship with the product ReFr* , regardless of impeller angle. This relationship, together with the Ga , specific for each fluid, allows scaling the results to other fluids such as molten pure aluminum. This study allows experimenting in simpler systems that involve transparent fluids, room temperature and low cost, to then elaborate a prediction of vortex height in fluids where measurements are difficult and costly, such as molten metals.
On the Effect of Latent Heat on the Fracture Toughness of Pseudoelastic Shape Memory Alloys

A finite element analysis of steady-state crack growth in pseudoelastic shape memory alloys under the assumption of adiabatic conditions is carried out for plane strain, mode I loading. The crack is assumed to propagate at a critical level of the crack-tip energy release rate and the fracture toughness is obtained as the ratio of the far-field applied energy release rate to the crack-tip critical value. Results related to the influence of latent heat on the near-tip stress field and fracture toughness are presented for a range of parameters related to thermomechanical coupling. The levels of fracture toughness enhancement, associated with the energy dissipated by the transformed material in the wake of the growing crack, are found to be lower under adiabatic conditions than under isothermal conditions [Baxevanis et al., 2014, J. Appl. Mech., 81, 041005]. Given that in real applications of shape memory alloy (SMA) components the processes are usually not adiabatic, which is the case with the lowest energy dissipation during a cyclic loading–unloading process (hysteresis), it is expected that the actual level of transformation toughening would be higher than the one corresponding to the adiabatic case.
Antiphospholipid antibodies in patients without systemic lupus erythematosus: neuroradiologic findings.

PURPOSE: To study neuroradiologic findings in patients with hypercoagulability due to antiphospholipid antibodies (APAs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of abnormal angiographic, computed tomographic, and magnetic resonance imaging findings was performed over a 14-month period in patients with APAs, no diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus, age less than 65 years, and no other cause of a hypercoagulable state. RESULTS: Fourteen patients (age range, 22-62 years) with APAs had abnormal results at neuroradiologic examination. Abnormal findings on cross-sectional imaging studies included large-artery (n = 3), lacunar (n = 5), and venous infarctions (n = 2); cortical atrophy (n = 5); white matter abnormalities (n = 3); and dural sinus thrombosis (n = 4). Abnormal angiographic findings included large-artery occlusions (n = 2), arterial narrowing that simulated vasculitis (n = 2), and transverse sinus thrombosis (n = 1). CONCLUSION: Presence of APAs should be suspected when no cause is apparent ...
Bromination of calf thymus chromatin.

Abstract Calf thymus chromatin and its components were brominated with different concentrations of aqueous bromine reagent. The following samples were brominated: chromatin, histone-free chromatin, DNA-residual protein complex obtained from chromatin by extraction with 4 M guanidine · HCl and heat-denatured DNA-residual protein complex. The bromine content of the brominated DNAs, determined by X-ray fluorescence analysis, showed that the structural changes of chromatin as well as the presence or absence of histone protein were important factors in bromination of DNA when the bromine concentration was low (0.32 mole Br2 per mole of deoxynucleotide). The structure of chromatin and the associated proteins, e.g. histone and residual protein, afforded protection to DNA against bromination. When a high concentration of bromine (2.54 moles Br2 per mole of deoxynucleotide) was used, no such modifying effect of proteins on bromination of DNA was observed. The protection of DNA by proteins was virtually eliminated in the presence of excess bromine.
Evidence that heavy shoulder DNA may be localized to the microchromosomes of birds

Abstract Nuclear subfractionation studies show that heavy shoulder DNA is markedly increased in the heterochromatin fraction of Japanese quail nuclei, but not in the chicken. Since the microchromosomes are heterochromatic in the quail, but not in the chicken, this suggests the heavy shoulder DNA may be localized to the microchromosomes of these birds.
Immunity in group A streptococcal infections. I. Non-specific protective effect in repeated pulmonary infections.

Summary1. It was noted that after pneumonic infection with group A streptococci and treatment with procaine penicillin, rats exhibited a degree of protection against a second pulmonary infection, induced in a different lobe with a strain of different type, not demonstrable in previously uninfected animals. This non-specific protective effect was of limited degree and could be obscured when the challenging infections were especially virulent. 2. Evidence is presented which indicates that the protective effect noted is not due (a) to the presence of phagocytes and/or structurl alterations prior to the induction of the second infection, or (b) to the persistence of inhibitory levels of penicillin in the lung tissue per se. 3. The implications of these observations are discussed.
Enhancing mechanical properties of multiwall carbon nanotubes via sp(3) interwall bridging

Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations under transverse shear, uniaxial compression, and pullout loading configurations are reported for multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with different fraction of interwall sp(3) bonds. The interwall shear coupling in MWCNTs is shown to have a strong influence on load transfer and compressive load carrying capacity. A new continuum shear-coupled-shell model is developed to predict MWCNT buckling, which agrees very well with all MD results. This work demonstrates that MWCNTs can be engineered through control of interwall sp(3) coupling to increase load transfer, buckling strength, and energy dissipation by nanotube pullout, all necessary features for good performance of nanocomposites.
Second-order optical response from a Bose-Einstein condensate of excitons

A theoretical investigation of the nonlinear response of the Bose-Einstein condensate of an electron-hole plasma in a direct-gap semiconductor quantum-well reveals the existence of a second-order response, which is absent in the normal state of the plasma because of inversion symmetry. We propose a two-beam optical experiment to detect the second-order response as a test for Bose-Einstein condensation of excitons. The signal is sensitive to the intrinsic pair-coherence and is dominated by a long-wavelength collective mode inside the gap. Consequently, the signal is estimated to be much stronger than four-wave mixing, not even counting the extra factor of external field needed for the latter.
Instability of collective decisions? Testing for cyclical majorities*

The issues of cyclical majorities and instability of collective choices have been in the fore-front in the discussion of social choice mechanisms. Cycling, lack of equilibria, and so called chaos theorems have been prevalent in the public choice literature. Whether cycling actually occurs in processes that are decided by majority rule has been a long-standing question. However, cycling has not been made quantifiable nor has it been clear how one would determine empirically whether majorities are cyclical. In this paper, cycling has been given an empirical meaning. This paper provides a method to test for cyclical majorities and applies it to decisions made in the US Congress. The test results indicate stability and the presence of persistent winners and losers in Congress.
New hands-on labs on browser security (abstract only)

Browser security as an important and relatively new area is yet not part of existing IA curriculum or National Security Agency (NSA) knowledge units. Browser security incorporate threats, vulnerabilities, risks, and countermeasures faced by browsers and browser-based applications ranging from design principles, security architecture to applications. Our effort contributes to courseware development and IA education in terms of browser security. Hands-on labs are effective to improve student learning in IA and sharpen their skills in real-world settings. We develop hands-on labs to help students to build necessary skills on developing secure browser and browser-based applications. Our developed hands-on labs can be adopted in various levels of undergraduate Computer Science (CS) and Information Assurance (IA) courses.
Insufficient evidence to determine an association between dental crowding and caries.

A critical summary of Hafez HS, Shaarawy SM, Al-Sakiti AA, Mostafa YA. Dental crowding as a caries risk factor: a systematic review. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 2012;142(4):443-450. doi:10.1016/j.ajodo.2012.04.018.
Characterization of DNA adducts and tetraols derived from anti-benzo[ghi]fluoranthane-3,4-dihydrodiol-5,5a-epoxide.

A total of seven DNA adducts and two racemic tetraols derived from anti-benzo[ghi]-fluoranthene-3,4-dihydrodiol-5,5a-epoxide (anti-B[ghi]FDE, 2) were characterized by analyses of UV, 1 H NMR, CD, and MALDI mass spectra. The structure of 2 is the first example of a diolepoxide in which a fully fused cyclopentane ring is covalently linked to the saturated ring bearing the epoxide function. Compound 2 is also a conformationally rigid structure analogue of the extensively studied anti-benzo[c]phenanthrene-3,4-dihydrodiol-1,2-epoxide (anti-BcPDE), thus serving as a model for probing the diolepoxide-DNA interaction [Chang et al. (2002) Chem. Res. Toxicol. 15, 198-208 (following paper in this issue)]. The most abundant adducts are formed from trans- or cis-openings of the epoxide by the amino groups of either deoxyguanosine or deoxyadenosine. Adducts of minor abundance formed by the attachment of the diolepoxide to the amino group of deoxycytidine N 4 and guanine N 7 were also isolated. Post-source decay MALDI spectra of the (M + H) + molecule ions are consistent with the assigned adduct structures. The lack of a typical benzylic proton at the site of deoxynucleoside attachment necessitated a new NMR assignment strategy. Despite the steric constraint, the epoxide ring opening of 2 occurred exclusively at the dibenzylic C5a, not at C5. The assignments on the trans- and cis-epoxide opening were made based on the molecular modeling structures, i.e., the pseudoaxial H5 in cis-adducts is placed directly under the strong influence of a shielding cone of the aromatic ring system, while the same proton in trans-adducts adopts a pseudoequatorial conformation, thereby protruding away from the aromatic ring system. The absolute configuration at the site of deoxynucleoside attachment (C5a) was tentatively assigned on the basis of the empirical rules that have been established for deoxynucleoside-adducts derived from traditional alternant PAH diolepoxides.
Self-Gated Free-Breathing 3D Coronary CINE Imaging with Simultaneous Water and Fat Visualization

The aim of this study was to develop a novel technique for acquiring 3-dimensional (3D) coronary CINE magnetic resonance images with both water and fat visualization during free breathing and without external respiratory or cardiac gating. The implemented multi-echo hybrid 3D radial balanced Steady-State Free Precession (SSFP) sequence has an efficient data acquisition and is robust against motion. The k-space center along the slice encoding direction was repeatedly acquired to derive both respiratory and cardiac self-gating signals without an increase in scan time, enabling a free-breathing acquisition. The multi-echo acquisition allowed image reconstruction with water-fat separation, providing improved visualization of the coronary artery lumen. Ten healthy subjects were imaged successfully at 1.5 T, achieving a spatial resolution of 1.0 × 1.0 × 3.0 mm(3) and scan time of about 5 minutes. The proposed imaging technique provided coronary vessel depiction comparable to that obtained with conventional breath-hold imaging and navigator gated free-breathing imaging.
Surface-tension-driven flows of coatings: Bondline readout formation.

Bondline readout (BLRO) is a coating defect frequently observed on adhesively bonded, polymeric automotive body panels. This paper addresses ridging BLRO in clearcoats, not optical and mechanical BLRO, which are characterized by metalflake orientation (dark/light effects) in basecoats and by distortion in substrates, respectively. Ridging BLRO is due to film thickness differences and results from Marangoni-type, surface-tension-driven flows. In this study, the effects of several parameters on BLRO are investigated experimentally. These parameters include initial film thickness, heating rate, viscosity, solvent-to-resin surface-tension ratio, and solvent volatility. The experiments clearly demonstrate three modes of BLRO flow—formation, flow-out, and reformation—that result from competing surface-tension-gradient forces (temperature- versus concentration-induced). Experimental results are used to validate a proposed BLRO mechanism and, in subsequent work, a BLRO-predicting numerical code.
Minimum angular acceleration control of articulated body dynamics

As robots find applications in daily life conditions it becomes important to develop controllers that generate energy efficient movements by restricting variability and utilizing high gains only when necessary. Here we present a computationally light and energy efficient approach (AAC) that combines an anticipatory open-loop controller and a variable gain closed loop controller. The approach is grounded in the theory of stochastic optimal control and feedback linearization. As such it links two important approaches to robot control: (1) the family of Computed Torque Controllers (CTC) that are grounded on feedback linearization and classic feedback control, and (2) a more recent family of controllers that aim at finding approximately optimal trade-offs between task performance and energy consumption. Here we show that AAC controllers are highly energy efficient, when compared to CTC, and exhibit some key properties of human motion.
Development of inhibitory control among prenatally cocaine exposed and non-cocaine exposed youths from late childhood to early adolescence: The effects of gender and risk and subsequent aggressive behavior

The goal of the present investigation was to characterize the development of inhibitory control, an aspect of executive functions, in a sample of prenatally cocaine exposed (CE; n=165) children compared to an at risk, but prenatally cocaine unexposed (NCE; n=119) sample across time (i.e. 7.5 to 11.5years of age). Gender and cumulative risk, a combination of postnatal medical (i.e. low birth weight and APGAR scores) and demographic risk, indexed by maternal educational attainment, were examined as predictors of change in inhibitory control across time and aggression was modeled as an outcome when children reached 14years of age. Multiple group latent growth models indicated that CE children made more errors at 7.5years of age during a standard Stroop interference task, however, over time CE children had greater age-related improvements, narrowing the initial gap, with NCE children in the ability to inhibit errors. Gender effects at 7.5years within the NCE group were identified with NCE boys making initially more errors than NCE girls; both NCE and CE girls improved faster across development compared to NCE and CE boys, respectively. Greater cumulative risk was associated with more errors at 7.5years in the CE and NCE groups. No differences were observed between CE and NCE children on time to complete the Stroop task at 7.5years. However, NCE children had greater age-related improvements in their time to complete the Stroop interference task relative to their CE counterparts. NCE girls improved the fastest over time relative to NCE boys; a similar trend emerged (p Language: en
Seton treatment of high anal fistulae

Seventy-four patients who underwent seton treatment of high anal fistulae over a 6-year period have been reviewed. Four different techniques were used: staged fistulotomy (n = 24), cutting seton (n = 13), short-term seton drainage (n = 14) and long-term seton drainage in patients with Crohn's disease (n = 23). Recurrence developed in two patients (8 per cent) undergoing two-stage fistulotomy; two patients (14 per cent) undergoing short-term drainage and nine (39 per cent) of the patients with Crohn's disease. Three patients with Crohn's disease required proctectomy for progressive perianal disease. The remaining 11 patients with Crohn's disease (48 per cent) obtained a good result. None of the patients treated with a cutting seton developed a recurrence. Minor incontinence developed in 13 patients (54 per cent) undergoing two-stage fistulotomy and seven patients (54 per cent) treated with a cutting seton. When sphincter muscle was not divided, five patients (36 per cent) undergoing short-term drainage and six patients (26 per cent) undergoing long-term drainage developed minor incontinence. High complex fistulae can be successfully treated with only minor loss of continence using different seton techniques. In high Crohn's fistulae, long-term seton drainage preserves sphincter function, but recurrence is common if the seton is removed.
Practice Makes Improvement: How Adults with Autism Out-Perform Others in a Naturalistic Visual Search Task

People with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often exhibit superior performance in visual search compared to others. However, most studies demonstrating this advantage have employed simple, uncluttered images with fully visible targets. We compare the performance of high-functioning adults with ASD and matched controls on a naturalistic luggage screening task. Although the two groups were equally accurate in detecting targets, the ASD adults improve in their correct elimination of target-absent bags faster than controls. This feature of their behavior is extremely important for many real-world monitoring tasks that require sustained attention for long time periods. Further analyses suggest that this improvement is attributable neither to the motor speed nor to the level of intelligence of the adults with ASD. These findings may have possible implications for employment opportunities of adult individuals with ASD.
Short-flash Bezold-Brucke hue shifts.

Abstract Hue matching was used to obtain measures of Bezold-Brucke hue shifts with very brief flashes (17msec) at ten wavelengths and several illuminance levels. Results were generally similar to those obtained by Purdy (1931) with uncontrolled stimulus duration, but there were also important differences. These were: the locations of invariant hues; the direction of shift for blue-green hues; and a reversal in shift direction at high intensities for yellowish stimuli. The results are compared with other measures of the hue shifts and discussed with respect to trichromatic and opponent-process models of color coding.
On the Thermal Activation of the Oxygen Molecule

A study of the relative partial pressures of ${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ and the impurities C${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$, CO and ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$O upon the temperature of a platinum filament operated in oxygen at low pressure (about ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$ mm of mercury) has been made. The platinum filament was contained in the vacuum system of a mass spectrometer which was used as a partial pressure gauge. It was found that the partial pressure of oxygen began to fall at a filament temperature of approximately 1280\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K and had dropped to 46 percent of its original value at 1740\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. This fall in the ${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ abundance was accompanied by rises in those of C${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$, CO and ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$O. Finally the effect completely disappeared. A number of considerations make it plausible that the process responsible for this effect involves the adsorption on the hot platinum filament of the oxygen molecules which on evaporation in activated form react with substances of low vapor pressure adhering to the glass envelope. The nature of the activation is most probably excitation to the metastable molecular states $^{1}\ensuremath{\Delta}$ and $^{1}\ensuremath{\Sigma}$. The dissociation of hydrogen by a hot tungsten filament has also been investigated and results in accord with previous work obtained.
Minireview: The Brain as a Molecular Target for Diabetic Therapy

Recent evidence highlights the important role of the brain in the control of glucose homeostasis. Hypothalamic centers sense the availability of peripheral nutrients via redundant and overlapping nutrient-induced peripheral signals such as leptin and insulin and via direct metabolic signaling. Responding to nutrient availability, these hypothalamic regions in turn exert a negative feedback not only on food intake but also on endogenous glucose production. Disruptions in the mechanisms of central nervous system nutrient sensing alter these homeostatic responses and contribute to the pathophysiology of obesity and type 2 diabetes. In this review, we discuss the neural and molecular pathways so far identified as possible targets for therapeutic intervention.
Kinetic model for tensile deformation of polymers. Part IV: Effect of polydispersity

A previously introduced molecular model for tensile deformation of solid, flexible chain polymers is used to study the effect of the molecular weight distribution on the strain at break, or maximum draw ratio. The parameters in the model are chosen to represent melt-crystallized linear polyethylene. We focus, in particular, on the relation between the maximum draw ratio and two distribution characteristics: theMtmolecular weight average, first introduced by Graessley, and the polydispersity ratioMz/Mw. For a log-normal molecular weight distribution, an increase in polydispersity at constantMtleads to a broadening of the optimum rate (or temperature) window for achieving maximum elongation, but is accompanied, however, by a substantial decrease in the maximum attainable draw ratio. Studies on the deformation of systems having a bimodal molecular weight distribution indicate that blends made ofequal weight fractions of long and short chains exhibit an unexpectedly high elongation at break. These results are explained in terms of the model and possible technological implications are discussed.
Early ethanol consumption predicts relapse-like behavior in adolescent male rats.

Background Alcohol abuse disorders emerge over time with repeated consumption of ethanol, but not all ethanol drinkers develop these disorders. There are pre-existing characteristics that indicate which drinkers are most likely to abuse alcohol. Adolescence, novelty seeking, and high stress reactivity are among the characteristics of the most vulnerable individuals. In addition, an individual’s response to his or her first exposure to the drug influences future consumption. We assessed an array of behavioral and hormonal characteristics in adolescent (28-day-old) male rats before exposure to ethanol, and then determined which rats were most prone to high levels of alcohol drinking.
Comparative study of the thermal properties of hybrid integrated VCSEL arrays

After successfully bonding VCSEL arrays to GaAs dummy chips and CMOS chips with three different bonding techniques, the thermal resistance and crosstalk of the bonded VCSEL arrays were measured. The thermal resistance of the VCSELs bonded to a GaAs substrate was found to be as low as 1100 K/W, indicating a high quality contact. Less than 100 K/W thermal crosstalk was also observed in the VCSEL arrays with a pitch of 250 micrometers . The thermal resistance of the VCSEL bonded to a CMOS chip with a standard bonding pad design has also been measured, which is 2490 K/W. The high thermal resistance is due to the dielectric layers underneath the bonding pads.
Determination of Minimum Time Rendezvous Points for Multiple Mobile Robots via Level Set Methods

This paper addresses the problem of finding the minimum time rendezvous point for a geographically distributed group of heterogeneous mobile robots. In contrast to the traditional treatment of the multi-agent rendezvous problem, focus is given mainly to the identification of the globally optimal solution rather than the behavior of the system based on a given control policy. Level sets are introduced as a tool to solve this problem by first computing an arrival time map for each robot, subject to speed, terrain, and dynamic constraints. The computation is parallelizable by requiring each agent to generate its own arrival time map. The arrival time maps can be easily combined to give the overall minimum time rendezvous point. Despite the apparent simplicity of this approach, it is capable of accommodating numerous complicating factors with minimal modification while simultaneously generating a target path trajectory for each robot through the state-space. Examples involving ground, sea, and air robots are used to illustrate the power of this technique.Copyright © 2011 by ASME