cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Catheter Selection for Coronary Angiography and Intervention in Anomalous Right Coronary Arteries

Background: An anomalous origin of the right coronary artery (ARCA) from the left sinus of Valsalva (LSOV) has been reported in 6–27% of patients with coronary anomalies. The unusual location and course of this anomaly poses a technical challenge for the interventionalist. Appropriate guiding catheter selection is critical to ensure successful angiography and percutaneous intervention (PCI). We report our experience in 24 patients with an anomalous RCA originating from the LSOV. Methods: Twenty-four angiograms of ARCA-LSOV were reviewed by two independent interventionalists with attention to the origin and take off of the RCA within the aortic root. The origin was adjudicated with a scheme based on anatomical landmarks as described—A: origin from the aorta above the sinotubular plane; B: origin just below the ostium of the left coronary artery (LCA); C: origin below the sinotubular plane between the midline and the LCA; D: origin along the midline. Results: The distribution of various takeoffs of the RCA was as follows: For type A (N = 4) the FL3.0 and FCL3.0 catheters were successful in three and one cases, respectively. For type B (N = 5) the FCL3.0 or 3.5 was successful in four out of the five cases. For type C (N = 9) the VL catheter was successful in eight (VL3.5 = 5:VL 3.0 = 3) cases. The AL catheter was successful in five cases of type D (N = 6) RCAs (AL1 = 3:AL2 = 1:AL3 = 1). Conclusions: The classification method and catheter selection provide a useful framework to successfully engage ARCA-LSOV and may reduce contrast and radiation exposure.
Astronomy: a problem of distance.

How far is the Pleiades star cluster from Earth? The latest measurement suggests that there is a problem with data from the Hipparcos satellite, which will have repercussions for estimating other astronomical distances.
Intrathecal bicuculline does not increase formalin-induced inflammation

Intrathecal (i.t.) administration of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)A receptor antagonist bicuculline enhances pain behaviors in the formalin test. This study examined whether bicuculline also increases the peripheral inflammation induced by formalin. Subcutaneous injection of 0.25 to 5.0% formalin in the plantar surface of one hindpaw of the rat produced a concentration-dependent increase in plasma extravasation as measured by the Evans Blue method. Pretreatment with 0.3 microg i.t. bicuculline neither enhanced nor suppressed formalin-induced plasma extravasation. This dose of bicuculline also did not affect plasma extravasation induced by injection of 3% kaolin/3% carrageenan in the knee of the rat. These data indicate that the enhancement of formalin-induced pain behaviors by i.t. bicuculline is not secondary to enhanced peripheral inflammation, but more likely reflects enhancement of nociceptive transmission in the spinal cord.
Reliability analysis of concrete chimneys under wind loading

Abstract A reliability analysis of tall reinforced-concrete chimneys under wind loads is presented. The safety criteria, i.e., excessive deflection at the top of the chimney and exceedence of the ultimate moment capacity of the chimney cross-section at any level, are used to evaluate the risk in terms of the probability of failure. The ultimate moment capacity is estimated using the ultimate stress method based on a second-order stress—strain relationship for concrete. The formulation of wind-induced load effects, in both the alongwind and acrosswind directions, is based on probabilistic structural dynamics. A Covariance Integration Method is used to formulate a spectral description of fluctuating wind load effects on chimneys. Both load effects and structural resistance parameters are treated as random variables. These are broadly classified into three categories: (a) wind environment and meteorological data, (b) parameters reflecting wind—structure interactions, and (c) structural properties. A first-order second-moment (FOSM) approach is used to examine their uncertainties and a reliability analysis is presented. The general bounds on the probability of failure of the system expressed in terms of the probability of failure of individual modes are derived including closer bounds. A tall reinforced-concrete chimney, designed in accordance with the ACI Code, is used to illustrate the methodology presented herein.
Shear strain and motion of the subsynovial connective tissue and median nerve during single-digit motion.

Purpose The objective of this study was to measure the relative motion of the middle finger flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) tendon, its adjacent subsynovial connective tissue (SSCT), and the median nerve during single-digit motion within the carpal tunnel in human cadaver specimens and to estimate the relative motions of these structures in different wrist positions. Methods Using fluoroscopy during simulated single-digit flexion, we measured the relative motion of the middle finger FDS tendon, SSCT, and median nerve within the carpal tunnel in 12 human cadavers. Measurements were obtained for 3 wrist positions: neutral, 60° flexion, and 60° extension. After testing with an intact carpal tunnel was completed, the flexor retinaculum was cut with a scalpel, and the same testing procedure was repeated for each wrist position. The relative motions of the tendon, SSCT, and median nerve were compared using a shear index, defined as the ratio of the difference in motion along the direction of tendon excursion between 2 tissues divided by tendon excursion, expressed as a percentage. Results Both tendon–SSCT and tendon–nerve shear index were significantly higher in the 60° of wrist flexion and extension positions than in the neutral position. After division of the flexor retinaculum, the shear index in the 60° wrist extension position remained significantly different from that of the neutral position. Conclusions We have found that the relative motion between a tendon and SSCT in the carpal tunnel is maximal at extremes of wrist motion. These positions may predispose the SSCT to shear injury.
Design of a bisamidinium claisen rearrangement catalyst for monodentate substrates.

A bisamidinium catalyst has been designed for the Claisen rearrangement. The primary design feature is a dual hydrogen bonding array that can coordinate a singular oxygen atom of the substrate. The ability to function as a dual hydrogen donor is key as the bisamidinium accelerates the Claisen rearrangement to a greater extent than Bronsted acids with lower pKa values.
Circadian rhythms for food and water consumption in the mouse, Mus musculus ☆

Abstract Diurnal rhythms were measured simultaneously for eating and drinking behavior in a group of thirty male mice, representing one outbred and two inbred strains. The rhythms of both behaviors persisted after ten days exposure to constant light, with lengthened periods and decreased amplitudes. Evidence was obtained for the presence of gene differences influencing the effect of constant illumination on levels of food consumption.
THE FIELD ION MICROSCOPY OF GOLD

The phenomenon of hydrogen promotion of field evaporation has been applied to the problem of producing stable images of highly perfect gold FIM specimens. Well developed, stable end forms of gold specimens were obtained by first field evaporating the gold specimen in a 0.5% H2–He gas mixture, then removing the hydrogen gas, and finally imaging the surface in a 25% Ne–He gas mixture. The imaging temperature of the specimen was ∼ 16°K. Details of the experimental observations concerning hydrogen promotion of field evaporation, and the characteristics of the gold end form are reported.
The role of Amazonian rivers for wintering ospreys (Pandion haliaetus): clues from North American band recoveries in Brazil between 1937 and 2006

In this paper we describe band-recovery data from 90 ospreys (Pandion haliaetus), banded in North America and recovered in Brazil between 1937 and 2006. Data were obtained from the Bird Banding Laboratory (US Geological Survey, USA) and from the Centro Nacional de Pesquisa para Conservacao das Aves Silvestres (IBAMA, Brazil). The majority of ospreys were banded near the coast in Maryland, New Jersey, and Virginia. The birds were mainly recovered in Brazilian Amazonian states of Amazonas and Para, near large rivers. The bulk of recoveries were of birds shot less than one year after banding. Distances from banding and recovery sites were between 4191 and 7722 km. Elapsed time between banding and recapture were between 50 and 9752 days. We described in this study one of the oldest band returns, and we report the first osprey band recoveries for four Brazilian States (Paraiba, Ceara, Rondonia, and Tocantins). The importance of Brazil for ospreys, mainly Amazonian sites, needs to be emphasized in educational p...
Where Is Lowland Maya Archaeology Headed

This article isolates three important trends in Lowland Maya archaeology during the last decade: (1) increased use of the conjunctive approach, with renewed appreciation of context and provenience; (2) waning use of the label “unique” to describe the Maya; and (3) an effort to use the Lowland Maya as a case study in social evolution.
A preliminary investigation of the effects of the unified protocol on temperament.

Previous research has shown that two dimensions of temperament referred to as neuroticism/behavioral inhibition (N/BI) and extraversion/behavioral activation (E/BA) are key risk factors in the development and maintenance of anxiety and mood disorders (Brown & Barlow, 2009). Given such findings, these temperamental dimensions may represent promising treatment targets for individuals with emotional disorders; however, to date, few studies have investigated the effects of psychological treatments on temperamental constructs generally assumed to be “stable, inflexible, and pervasive” (American Psychiatric Association, 2000). The present study addresses this gap in the literature by examining the effects of the Unified Protocol for Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders (UP; Barlow et al., 2011), a cognitive-behavioral therapy designed to target core processes of N/BI and E/BA temperaments, in a sample of adults with principal anxiety disorders and a range of comorbid conditions. Results revealed small effects of the UP on N/BI and E/BA compared with a waitlist control group at post-treatment. Additionally, decreases in N/BI and increases in E/BA during treatment were associated with improvements in symptoms, functioning, and quality of life. Findings provide preliminary support for the notion that the UP treatment facilitates beneficial changes in dimensions of temperament.
Observer Variability in BI-RADS Ultrasound Features and Its Influence on Computer-Aided Diagnosis of Breast Masses

Objective: Computer classification of sonographic BI-RADS features can aid differentiation of the malignant and benign masses. However, the variability in the diagnosis due to the differences in the observed features between the observations is not known. The goal of this study is to measure the variation in sonographic features between multiple observations and determine the effect of features variation on computer-aided diagnosis of the breast masses. Materials and Methods: Ultrasound images of biopsy proven solid breast masses were analyzed in three independent observations for BI-RADS sonographic features. The BI-RADS features from each observation were used with Bayes classifier to determine probability of malignancy. The observer agreement in the sonographic features was measured by kappa coefficient and the difference in the diagnostic performances between observations was determined by the area under the ROC curve, Az, and interclass correlation coefficient. Results: While some features were repeatedly observed, κ = 0.95, other showed a significant variation, κ = 0.16. For all features, combined intra-observer agreement was substantial, κ = 0.77. The agreement, however, decreased steadily to 0.66 and 0.56 as time between the observations increased from 1 to 2 and 3 months, respectively. Despite the variation in features between observations the probabilities of malignancy estimates from Bayes classifier were robust and consistently yielded same level of diagnostic performance, Az was 0.772-0.817 for sonographic features alone and 0.828-0.849 for sonographic features and age combined. The difference in the performance, ΔAz, between the observations for the two groups was small (0.003-0.044) and was not statistically significant (p < 0.05). Interclass correlation coefficient for the observations was 0.822 (CI: 0.787-0.853) for BI-RADS sonographic features alone and for those combined with age was 0.833 (CI: 0.800-0.862). Conclusion: Despite the differences in the BI-RADS sonographic features between different observations, the diagnostic performance of computer-aided analysis for differentiating breast masses did not change. Through continual retraining, the computer-aided analysis provides consistent diagnostic performance independent of the variations in the observed sonographic features.
Possible Mechanism for Drug Retardation from Glyceryl Monostearate Matrix System

Lipophilicity was evaluated as a possible mechanism for drug retardation from a glyceryl monostearate matrix system. Lipophilicity of the glyceryl monostearate matrix system was studied using contact angle measurement of water droplets on the surface of compressed disks, extrudate ascension of water, and movement of water through a powder mixture packed in a high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) column. Increase in glyceryl monostearate content resulted in an increase in water droplet contact angle, decrease in the rate of water ascending the extrudate, and increase in the pressure values as a function of flow rate of water moving through the powder mixture. These could be due to the increase in lipophilicity of the matrix, rendering the matrix less wettable. As a result, the rate of water penetration into the matrix decreased, and the drug release could be sustained.
Weak ω-Categories from Intensional Type Theory

Higher-dimensional categories have recently emerged as a natural context for modelling intensional type theories; this raises the question of what higher-categorical structures the syntax of type theory naturally forms. We show that for any type in Martin-Lof Intensional Type Theory, the system of terms of that type and its higher identity types forms a weak *** -category in the sense of Leinster. Precisely, we construct a contractible globular operad ${P_{\mathit{ML}^{\mathrm{Id}}}}$ of type-theoretically definable composition laws, and give an action of this operad on any type and its identity types.
Utility of cardiac computed tomography for assessment of prosthetic aortic valve dysfunction with pannus formation.

debakeyheartcenter.com/journal MdCvJ | iX (3) 2013 Case Report a 61-year-old female with a history of atrial fibrillation, and a distant-history mechanical st. Jude’s aortic valve replacement, presented after undergoing an episode of ventricular tachycardia and worsening heart failure. a transthoracic echocardiogram revealed a dilated left ventricle (lv) with moderately depressed ejection fraction (lvef of 44%). the international normalized ratio (inr) was 2.1. the prosthetic valve could not be well visualized; however, the doppler velocities were suggestive of prosthetic valve dysfunction (figures 1a and 1B). a transesophageal utility of CardiaC CoMputed toMography for assessMent of prosthetiC aortiC valve dysfunCtion With pannus forMation Mahwash Kassi, M.D.;a Nadish Garg, M.D.;b Su Min Chang, M.D.b aHouston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas; bHouston Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas
An Illustration of Potential Sources of Concept‐Test Error*

A critical step in prelaunch market analysis needing improvement is concept testing. This article reviews the literature on the three basic design decisions inherent to concept testing: (1) stimuli design; (2) respondent selection; and (3) response measurement. By incorporating findings from diffusion theory, the current review identifies a number of potential sources of concept-test error (e.g., failing to account for adoption orientation could unintentionally mask the response of earlier adopters). Through an exploratory study that replicates in many ways a typical concept test, the present study illustrates how results of conventional concept testing can be sensitive to respondents' adoption orientation and the response measure used. This study offers implications for NPD practice that include accounting for the adoption orientation of respondents, using appropriate response measures such as affective questions for later adopters, and incorporating more product-related information and repeat exposure for later adopters.
Characterization of Pd(111) films grown on mica and adsorption of oxygen and carbon monoxide on the films

Abstract Palladium films made by vapor deposition on mica were characterized by Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) and low energy electron diffraction (LEED), and adsorption structures of oxygen and carbon monoxide on clean and smooth surfaces were investigated. Palladium films grew as a single crystal on mica and the epitaxial orientation relationship is Pd[1 1 0]|mica[010] and Pd(111)|mica(001). Exposing the Pd(111) surface kept at room temperature to carbon monoxide caused the LEED pattern to change from the original 1 x 1 structure of the clean Pd surface to a c(4 x 2) structure. The broad and diffuse superlattice reflections were observable below 80 eV for a saturated exposure of nearly 10 L of carbon monoxide. On the other hand, the Pd surface, when exposed to oxygen, showed a distinct 2 x 2 structure, which was complete at an exposure of nearly 10 L of oxygen. These saturation coverages are consistent with those reported earlier in AES peak-to-peak measurements for various gaseous exposures.
Acquisition and use of DNA‐based HLA typing data in bone marrow registries

The increased use of DNA-based typing techniques has improved the accuracy and reliability of HLA types assigned to patients requiring an allogeneic bone marrow transplant and their potential donors, facilitating better donor selection. The benefits of this technology, which will completely replace serologic typing within the next few years, have not yet been fully exploited since the typing information obtained in the form of DNA sequence polymorphisms is presently converted to an HLA allelic type for submission to a registry. Furthermore, within the registry, the allelic type may be further converted to a serologic antigen for use in the search and match process. Because the current nomenclature system makes selection of donors who are likely to provide optimal matches difficult, it is critical that DNA-based HLA typing data be recorded by registries as sequence polymorphisms tested as positive or negative rather than interpreted HLA types and that searching and matching utilize these polymorphisms. Until this transition is complete, we will not fully utilize this powerful HLA typing technology to best serve those patients seeking unrelated donors.
Developmental shifts in Oedipal behaviors related to family role understanding

Children's representations of so-called Oedipal conflicts among family members seem at first exacerbated and then later resolved by their changing conceptions of family role relationships.
Molecular structure and spectroscopy of a bacteriopurpurin. A new class of bacteriochlorin photosensitizers

Bacteriochlorins mediate energy and electron transfer in vivo and serve as biomimetic models of bacterial photosynthesis. Recently, the same physicochemical properties of the chromophores have made them attractive as photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy, a medical treatment that combines light, porphyrins, and oxygen to attack and destroy malignant tissue. Despite the intense biophysical, chemical, and medicinal interest in bacteriochlorins, very few high precision structures of the chromophores exist to provide the basis for theoretical calculations that seek to predict their extensively studied physicochemical properties. The authors report here the synthesis, spectral characterization, and structural determination of a metal-free bacteriopurpurin 1, a paradigm for a new class of photosensitizers comprised of porphyrins at the saturation level of bacteriochlorins flanked by two annelated, exocyclic cyclopentenyl rings. The molecule exhibits a very red-shifted Qy transition at 843 nm and is readily oxidized (at 0.39V vs SCE) to a {pi} cation radical with a distinctive EPR signal. The crystallographic results for 1 unambiguously identify the bacteriopurpurin, provide the first stereochemical parameters for this new class of expanded bacteriochlorins, extend the high resolution structural database for bacteriochlorins, and form the basis for theoretical calculations which correctly describe the optical features and electron density profile of 1more » and its cation radical.« less
Weakly connected quasi-periodic iscillators, FM interactions, and multiplexing in the brain

We prove that weakly connected networks of quasi-periodic (multifrequency) oscillators can be transformed into a phase model by a continuous change of variables. The phase model has the same form as the one for periodic oscillators with the exception that each phase variable is a vector. When the oscillators have mutually nonresonant frequency (rotation) vectors, the phase model uncouples. This implies that such oscillators do not interact even though there might be physical connections between them. When the frequency vectors have mutual low-order resonances, the oscillators interact via phase deviations. This mechanism resembles that of the FM radio, with a shared feature---multiplexing of signals. Possible applications to neuroscience are discussed.
Shear Flows and Turbulence in Nature

Shear flows and turbulence have a major impact on the transport of quantities, from heat to material to pollutants. This article explores transport and its sensitivity to novel interactions between shear flow and turbulence.
Questioning naturalism in 3D user interfaces

3D UIs are uniquely able to achieve superior interaction fidelity, and this naturalism can be a huge advantage.
Multiple ankylosis occurring in rat teeth.

Abstract The occurrence of multiple ankylosis in a litter of Sprague-Dawley gnotobiotic rats has been reported. Literature pertinent to the anomaly has been reviewed with respect to the possible cause of ankylosis. The probability of the implication of genetic factors in the etiology of the present condition is suggested.
Effects of alpha-MSH on melanogenesis and tyrosinase of B-16 melanoma.

Administration of α-MSH to C57-BL/6J mice bearing B-16 melanoma induced striking increases in tyrosinase activity and melanogenesis of the tumor. Time course studies on the increases of tyrosinase activity and melanin content of the tumor produced by one injection of α-MSH indicated that the action of α-MSH on the melanogenesis of B-16 melanoma is mediated through an increase of tyrosinase activity. Subcellular fractionation of the tumor homogenates by differential centrifugation revealed that the pattern of distribution of tyrosinase activity among the subcellular fractions remained unchanged like that of the controls, when the animals were administered 0.5 mg α-MSH per mouse per day for 2, 4, 6, 9, 12 and 21 days. This observation is considered incompatible with the hypothesis that a de novo synthesis of the enzyme took place. No tyrosinase activator was detected in the tumor from α-MSH treated mice. Therefore, it is tentatively concluded that the increase of tyrosinase activity is brought about by the ...
Flow and fracture of alloys in the fusion environment

Abstract The present paper examines both ductile and brittle fracture models of steels and assesses the impact of the fusion reactor environment on the fracture processes. In particular, the connections between plastic flow properties and fracture modes are reviewed for both ductile and brittle crack propagation. Highly radiation-hardened materials exhibit extreme flow localization resulting in channel fracture. Physical models for this phenomon are developed and an estimate for the associated fracture toughness is given. The impact of radiation-hardening and ductility loss on fatigue crack growth is examined. Next, models describing the chemical effects on fatigue and fracture are briefly discussed. Finally, fracture design criteria are proposed for first wall structures in fusion reactors.
Growth of AlN single crystalline boules

We have obtained high-quality, crack-free AlN wafers using a convex thermal field inside the growth chamber. Free-standing AlN boules of 15 mm in height and 15 mm in diameter were grown. The carbon concentration was found to be similar in all parts of the boule (~8 x 10 18 cm -3 ) while the initial O concentration was higher (~1 × 10 19 cm -3 ) and slightly decreased during growth. It was found that O incorporated differently on different crystallographic faces. High resolution XRD showed a continuous improvement in crystal quality as a function of boule length. The full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the double crystal rocking curves decreased from 78 in at the beginning of growth to 13 in at the growth end. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on impurity incorporation on different crystallographic facets obtained from the same boule.
Soil water content at R-5. Part 2. Impact of antecedent conditions on rainfall-runoff simulations

In this paper, the second part of a two-part series, the performance of a quasi-physically based rainfall-runoff model (QPBRRM) is evaluated for a set of 39 events from a small rangeland catchment (R-5) using a suite of alternative antecedent soil water content estimates. The data set used to glean antecedent conditions for the R-5 events, described in the companion paper contains 22 848 observations of soil water content made over a 4 year period. The performance of the model is improved by using estimates of antecedent soil water content that include consideration of spatial variability.
Near Infrared Spectroscopic Analysis of Lignin Components in Sodium Chlorite-Treated and Untreated Forages and Forage By-Products

Abstract Lignin composition by near infrared reflectance spectroscopy was determined in alfalfa, tall fescue, and orchardgrass hays and the vegetative parts of corn and wheat plants collected over the 1982 growing season at Beltsville, MD and in 16 feeds treated with NaClO 3 . The objective was to determine how well near infrared reflectance spectroscopy performed in determining lignin composition and to see if equations developed for one set of feeds were applicable to another. Six hays, two straws, four stovers, three hulls, and corn cobs were treated with NaClO 3 at eight rates to give 0 to .394g of NaClO 3 /g of feedstuff. Comparison of the chemically determined lignin composition with that determined by near infrared reflectance spectroscopy showed that 1) more accurate determinations were obtained when samples from all treatment rates were included in the calibration set, 2) results with the untreated 1982 samples were more accurate than for the treated samples, 3) determining lignin composition of the treated samples with equations developed for the untreated 1982 samples (or the reverse) did not work, and 4) results achieved with near infrared reflectance were comparable to those obtained by chemical assay. Although the same constituents were determined chemically for both sets of feeds, this lack of cross predictability, like the poor results for the treated feeds, may be due to interference by products produced by the NaClO 3 treatment.
Molecular Regulation of Muscle Satellite Cell Self-Renewal

Motohashi and Asakura, J Stem Cell Res Ther 2012, S11http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2157-7633.S11-e002J Stem Cell Res Ther Muscle Stem Cells ISSN:2157-7633 JSCRT, an open access journal
Congenital Alveolar Capillary Dysplasia with Misalignment of Pulmonary Veins Associated with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome

Three full-term infants died in the first month of life with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLH) and persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPH). At postmortem examination, they were found to have alveolar capillary dysplasia with misalignment of pulmonary veins (ACD with MPV). The association of HLH syndrome, and ACD with MPV with intestinal malrotation and/or obstruction, is unique. Decreased blood flow in the ascending aorta in fetuses with left outflow tract obstruction might cause vasoconstriction of pulmonary arterioles to maintain cerebral perfusion. Vasoconstriction early during embryogenesis might lead to decreased growth and development of alveolar capillaries and pulmonary veins. This results in pulmonary hypertension, and the arterial blood is forced to bypass the deficient capillary bed and can drain only via the anomalous bronchial veins.
Process and Performance in Human-Robot Teams:

The authors are developing a theory for human control of robot teams based on considering how control difficulty grows with team size. Current work focuses on domains, such as foraging, in which robots perform largely independent tasks. Such tasks are particularly amenable to analysis because effects on performance and cognitive resources are predicted to be additive, and tasks can safely be allocated across operators because of their independence. The present study addresses the interaction between automation and organization of human teams in controlling large robot teams performing an urban search-and-rescue (USAR) task. Two possible ways to organize operators were identified: as individual assignments of robots to operators, assigned robots, or as a shared pool in which operators service robots from the population as needed. The experiment compares two-person teams of operators controlling teams of 12 robots each in the assigned-robots condition or sharing control of 24 robots in the shared-pool condi...
Revised associate-level curricular guidelines in computer science

This poster presentation features revised associate-level transfer curriculum guidelines in computer science that were recently updated by the Two-Year College Education Committee (TYCEC). These guidelines will be available online in a Web 2.0 format. As a standing committee of the ACM Education Board, the TYCEC has been for two decades developing curricular guidelines for associate-degree computing programs worldwide.
Costs of resistance to natural enemies in field populations of the annual plant Arabidopsis thaliana.

ABSTRACT The annual plant Arabidopsis thaliana is widely used as a model system in molecular genetics, but little is known about populations in the field. In this experimental field study of natural populations of Arabidopsis, I tested the assumption that plant resistance has fitness costs. Models of the evolution of resistance assume a cost, which is envisioned as a reduction in fitness in the absence of natural enemies, such as insect herbivores and pathogens. The presumed basis of this cost is the diversion of limiting resources away from present and future growth and reproduction. Recent failures to detect allocation costs of resistance to herbivores have raised questions about whether costs exist and, thus, about the appropriateness of theories that postulate such costs. I found genetic variation for two traits commonly thought to function as resistance characters: trichome density and total glucosinolate concentration. Under field conditions, these characters both reduced damage by the natural assem...
Prenatal diethylstilbestrol exposure in the mouse: effects on ovarian histology and steroidogenesis in vitro.

The effect of prenatal diethylstilbestrol (DES) exposure on ovarian morphology and steroid production in vitro was evaluated in the mouse. Pregnant mice were injected with 100 �ig DES per kg maternal body weight on Days 9 to 16 of gestation and the female offspring sacrificed from 3 to 14 months of age. Ovaries of DES-exposed animals weighed significantly less than controls at 3 months of age (9.4 ± 0.79 mg vs. 17.54 ± 0.69 mg, mean ± SEM). Histologically, the DES animals had an apparent increase in the size of the interstitial compartment with cells showing uniform vacuolization and tubular architecture. In addition, the lipid content of the interstitial compartment, as assessed by oil-red-O staining, was markedly increased in the treated animals as compared to controls and corresponded to the vacuolization. Ovarian steroidogenesis in vitro was determined by excising ovaries of animals from 3 to 14 months of age, placing them in tissue culture for 24 h, and measuring media steroids by radioimmunoassay. Estrogen, progesterone and testosterone production per mg of tissue was increased in DES-exposed animals at all ages studied. To correct for changes in the relative sizes of the ovarian compartments secondary to DES exposure, steroid production was calculated on a “per ovary” basis. Only testosterone production remained elevated “per ovary” in the DES-exposed animals which is consistent with androgens being the primary secretory products of the enlarged interstitial compartment. These data indicate that in the mouse, prenatal DES exposure is associated with an enlargement of the ovarian interstitial compartment, increased lipid content of the individual interstitial cells, and increased interstitial compartment testosterone production in vitro throughout the reproductive life span of the animal.
Measurement of temperatures and OH concentrations of solid propellant flames using absorption spectroscopy

ABSTRACT Multi-parameters least-squares analysis of rotationally resolved absorption spectroscopy in the A2Σ − X2Π(0, 0) vibrational band system of OH from 307 to 311 nm was performed to determine the flame temperatures and OH concentrations of JA-2 double-base propellant under steady-state burning at elevated pressures with a spatial resolution of 50–100 µm. Deduced flame temperatures were 2754 ± 124 K, 2836 ± 147 K, 2852 ± 179 K, and 2873 ± 188 K at pressures of 1.60, 3.55, 5.62, and 6.99 MPa, respectively; the corresponding OH number densities were (1.09 ± 0.34) × 1017,(2.31 ± 0.48) × 1017,(3.31 ± 0.27) × 1017,and (3.44 ± 0.30) × 1017 molecules/c.c., respectively. The results at 1.60 MPa agree well with data in the literature, and deduced flame temperatures at high pressures agree well with chemical equilibrium calculations. OH mole fractions are about 40% lower than the equilibrium analysis. This work represents the first set of optical absorption measurements performed on solid propellants at pressur...
Identification of isolated cavity features within molecular dynamics simulated chromatographic surfaces.

Abstract Highly ordered morphological features were characterized for molecular dynamics simulated alkyl-modified silica models that represent chromatographic materials with enhanced shape recognition capability. Deep cavities (8–10 A wide) within the alkyl chains were identified for C18 polymeric models corresponding to shape-selective RPLC stationary phases. The all-trans conformational distal-end segments of these isolated cavities averaged over a 100 ps simulation time interval were observed to increase (up to 15 A) in models with an increase in both surface coverage and corresponding shape selectivity. Similar-structure cavities with significant alkyl chain ordered regions (>11 A) were isolated from two independent C18 models (differing in bonding chemistry, density and temperature) that represent highly shape-selective materials. The size and depth of these ordered regions increased (up to 28 A) for the extended-length C30 alkyl phase models. These initial results offer a physical representation of alkyl-modified surfaces that may facilitate the identification of potential molecular features that may be involved in the shape-selective retentive processes, as well as illustrating the potential for such computational techniques to predict the molecular recognition capabilities of novel analyte-specific sorbents.
Unusual Magnetism of an Unsymmetrical Trinickel Chain

An extended metal atom chain (EMAC) compound with an unsymmetrical trinickel core and the formula [Ni3(dpa)4(CH3CN)](PF6)2·2CH2Cl2 (1·2CH2Cl2, dpa is the anion of 2,2′-dipyridylamine) has the central Ni atom in an essentially square-planar configuration. Besides having four equatorial nitrogen atoms, the two terminal metal centers have axial interactions that are notably different with one having a strongly bound acetonitrile molecule with a Ni(3)–N(3) distance of 2.108(5) A while the other unit has a very weak interaction with an axial PF6 anion [Ni(1)···F(1) separation of 2.690 A]. In these outer units, the Ni(3) atom is pulled out of the idealized plane of the four equatorial nitrogen atoms by 0.239 A, while in the one with an axial PF6 anion the metal atom is pulled from the plane of the equatorial nitrogen atoms by only 0.097 A. In 1 there are two unpaired electrons and an S = 1 state prevails from ca. 25 to 300 K. This magnetic behavior differs considerably from that of symmetrical trinickel EMACs with two strongly pyramidal terminal nickel atoms. A discussion of the effect of various axial ligands on the geometry of the terminal nickel atoms is provided. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
The sum of unitary similarity orbits containing only special operators

Abstract Let B ( H ) be the algebra of bounded linear operator acting on a Hilbert space H (over the complex or real field). Characterization is given to A 1 , … , A k ∈ B ( H ) such that for any unitary operators U 1 , … , U k , ∑ j = 1 k U j ∗ A j U j is always in a special class S of operators such as normal operators, self-adjoint operators, unitary operators. As corollaries, characterizations are given to A ∈ B ( H ) such that complex, real or nonnegative linear combinations of operators in its unitary orbit U ( A ) = { U ∗ AU : U unitary } always lie in S .
Syntheses and properties of oxyalkylene copolymers containing methylsulfonylmethyl and chloromethyl side groups or methylthiomethyl and chloromethyl side groups

Three series of oxyalkylene copolymers containing chloromethyl and methylthiomethyl side groups were synthesized by reacting the starting chloromethyl polymers with sodium methanethiolate. The methylthiomethyl groups were oxidized to sulfone groups using m-CPBA to produce oxyalkylene copolymers containing chloromethyl and methylsulfonylmethyl side groups. T g versus composition for methylthiomethyl-substituted copolymers followed those calculated from the Fox equation, while 2 of the 3 series of methylsulfonylmethyl-substituted copolymers showed positive deviations from the Fox equation. T g s of the copolymers calculated using the Johnston equation showed very good agreement with experimental values in all cases.
Impact of measurement-to-track data association errors on RCS-based target classification

This paper seeks to provide a framework for assessing the impact of measurement-to-track data association errors on RCS-based target classification schemes. Non-unique data association algorithms, such as the probabilistic data association filter (PDAF), are beyond the scope of this paper, but they will be addressed in future work. (4 pages)
Some aspects of nonideal detonation in composite explosives

Abstract A theoretical treatment is formulated for steady-state planar detonation waves in composite explosives such as Amatex 20. This treatment provides a more definitve and realistic description of detonation in such explosives, and extends the classical Zeldovich-von Neumann-Doering model of ideal detonation into a propotype model for nonideal detonation. Incomplete decomposition of the slowest reacting component, and incomplete attainment of chemical equilibrium among the detonation products from the different explosive components were assumed to be the kinetic processes responsible for nonideal behavior. The constitutive relationship for the shocked reacting explosive was constructed with different equations of state for the explosives and their products and enough reaction coordinates to account for this type of nonideality. Detonation parameters and Lagrange particle velocity histories were calculated for nonideal detonation waves in an explosive modeling Amatex 20.
Power dissipation and thermal loading in ultrafine transmission grating structures irradiated with synchrotron light

Abstract In this paper, we present an analysis of heat flows and thermal stresses in ultrafine transmission gratings irradiated with synchrotron light. Analytical expressions are derived for the temperature rises in an irradiated grating and for the distortions (warping) accompanying the temperature rises. The theoretical results are presented as preliminary to future testing of power loading in ultrafine gratings and also as guidelines to associated monochromator design.
Green cheese: partial life cycle assessment of greenhouse gas emissions and energy intensity of integrated dairy production and bioenergy systems.

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of integrating dairy and bioenergy systems on land use, net energy intensity (NEI), and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. A reference dairy farm system representative of Wisconsin was compared with a system that produces dairy and bioenergy products. This integrated system investigates the effects at the farm level when the cow diet and manure management practices are varied. The diets evaluated were supplemented with varying amounts of dry distillers grains with solubles and soybean meal and were balanced with different types of forages. The manure-management scenarios included manure land application, which is the most common manure disposal method in Wisconsin, and manure anaerobic digestion (AD) to produce biogas. A partial life cycle assessment from cradle to farm gate was conducted, where the system boundaries were expanded to include the production of biofuels in the analysis and the environmental burdens between milk and bioenergy products were partitioned by system expansion. Milk was considered the primary product and the functional unit, with ethanol, biodiesel, and biogas considered co-products. The production of the co-products was scaled according to milk production to meet the dietary requirements of each selected dairy ration. Results indicated that land use was 1.6m 2 , NEI was 3.86MJ, and GHG emissions were 1.02kg of CO 2 -equivalents per kilogram of fat- and protein-corrected milk (FPCM) for the reference system. Within the integrated dairy and bioenergy system, diet scenarios that maximize dry distillers grains with solubles and implement AD had the largest reduction of GHG emissions and NEI, but the greatest increase in land use compared with the reference system. Average land use ranged from 1.68 to 2.01m 2 /kg of FPCM; NEI ranged from −5.62 to −0.73MJ/kg of FPCM; and GHG emissions ranged from 0.63 to 0.77kg of CO 2 -equivalents/kg of FPCM. The AD contributed 65% of the NEI and 77% of the GHG emission reductions.
Methane and carbon dioxide hydrate formation in water droplets: Spatially resolved measurements from magnetic resonance microimaging

We have used 1H magnetic resonance microimaging to probe both methane and carbon dioxide hydrate formation processes inside dispersed water droplets. When bulk techniques such as gas uptake measurements are used for determining the kinetics of hydrate formation, these show a gradual conversion to hydrate, suggesting a relatively homogeneous process that might be modeled using a set of intrinsic kinetic parameters. The spatially resolved microimaging measurements show that in fact the conversion to hydrate is quite inhomogeneous, some drops converting quickly, others requiring hours or days. This indicates that the observation of gradual conversion in bulk samples only arises as a result of averaging over many local environments. Quantitative measurements of kinetic processes in subvolumes of a larger sample suggests that the smaller the volume observed, the more inhomogeneous the process appears to be. When hydrate-coated water droplets in 3,5,5-trimethylpentane are converted to hydrate, there is evidence...
Perceptions of the Onset Controllability of AIDS and Helping Judgments: An Attributional Analysis1

Weiner's attributional model of helping behavior is used to examine the relationship between the perceived controllability of the onset of AIDS, the affective reactions of pity and anger, and helping judgments. In this model, the effect of the perceived controllability of another person's need on helping is mediated by pity and anger. In the present study, respondents read one of five scenarios describing a friend who had just been diagnosed with AIDS. The cause of the disease was manipulated in the scenarios. Knowledge about HIV transmission measures and respondent's gender were added as control variables to the original model, which was tested by using path analysis. The findings partially support Weiner's model. The effect of the perceived onset controllability of AIDS on helping judgments was mediated by pity, but not by anger. Respondents' anger toward a friend with AIDS did not inhibit help-giving.
Time that tells: critical clock-drawing errors for dementia screening

Background Clock-drawing tests are popular components of dementia screens but no single scoring system has been universally accepted. We sought to identify an optimal subset of clock errors for dementia screening and compare them with three other systems representative of the existing wide variations in approach (Shulman, Mendez, Wolf-Klein), as well as with the CDT system used in the Mini-Cog, which combines clock drawing with delayed recall.
Rapid and facile synthesis of siliceous MCM-48 mesoporous materials

A rapid and facile synthesis of cubic MCM-48 mesoporous material based on the modification of Stober synthesis in as little time as 30 minutes at room temperature is reported in this communication.