cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dynamic Robustness and Design in Nature and Artifact

A goal of this volume is to build on the pathbreaking work by experts such as Bill Wimsatt and Andy Pickering in order to develop a more robust account of robustness. However, the idea may be so multifaceted that no single account will do. I shall canvass a few basic ideas of robustness, popular and technical, and then address such questions as: What is the relation of robustness to fragility or brittleness? Can a system be completely robust? Are decentralized, distributed systems potentially more robust than centralized ones? Which network topologies are more robust than others? What, if anything, do power laws have to do with robustness and with Wimsatt’s “generative entrenchment”? Is there an interesting connection between robustness and design? Robustness and innovation? Robustness and scientific revolutions? Robustness, heuristics, experimental design, and novel prediction? Robustness and realism? My central claim, supported by a diverse body of literature, is that robustness is deeply related to fragility. Rather than vanquishing fragility, complex robustness shifts its location. More than that, complex robustness can actually generate fragility where none existed before.
Adaptive Stablization of Linear Systems with Singular Perturbations

The recent literature on adaptive stabilization includes some new results, which do not require the classical assumptions such as minimum phase, known sign of high frequency gain and known relative degree. However, the Lyapunov stability of the controlled system based on these algorithms is not guaranteed. Consequently, the controlled system may exhibit excessive overshoot before settling or various signals may become unbounded in the presence of 'arbitrarily small' persistent output measurement noise. This paper is concerned with the problem of adaptive stabilization of a singularly perturbed linear system without a phase assumption, without a relative degree assumption and without knowledge of the sign of the high frequency gain. Under some mild hypotheses, we generate a piecewise linear time-invariant switching control law based on the reduced order models leading to a guarantee of i) Lyapunov stability with an exponential rate of convergence for the state; ii) Robustness of stability in the presence of unmodelled dynamics; and iii) Robustness of stability in the presence of output measurement noise.
Statistical evidence for the similarity of the human dentition.

ABSTRACT: Recent scrutiny of forensic science has focused on unreliability of expert witness testimony when based on statements of individu-ality. In bitemark analysis, assumptions regarding uniqueness of the dentition have been based on use of the product rule while ignoring correlationand nonuniformity of dental arrangement. To examine the effect of these factors, two separate sets of scanned dental models ( n = 172 and n = 344)were measured and statistically tested to determine match rates. Results were compared to those of a prior study. Seven and 16 matches of the sixanterior lower teeth were found in the respective data sets. Correlations and nonuniform distributions of tooth positions were observed. Simulatio ntests were performed to verify results. Results indicate that given experi mental measurement parameters, statements of dental uniqueness with res pectto bitemark analysis in an open population are unsupportable and that use of the product rule is inappropriate. KEYWORDS:
Gastric mucosal blood flow and acid secretion in portal hypertensive rats

The purpose of this study was to examine gastric mucosal blood flow, measured by hydrogen gas clearance, and acid secretion in portal hypertensive rats. Chronic portal hypertension was induced by a two-stage complete portal vein occlusion procedure. Basal gastric mucosal blood flow was significantly higher in portal hypertensive rats than in sham-operated rats, but there was no difference in basal acid output. In response to administration of pentagastrin, there was the expected rise in both acid secretion and blood flow in sham-operated rats, but in portal hypertensive rats there was a significantly lower increase in acid output and no change in blood flow. In portal hypertensive rats pretreated with indomethacin to inhibit endogenous prostaglandin generation, both basal blood flow and acid secretion--and their response to pentagastrin administration--were the same as in non-indomethacin-treated sham-operated rats. We conclude that in portal hypertensive rats there is an increased gastric mucosal blood flow and an impaired acid output response to pentagastrin stimulation, and these changes appear to be mediated by an increase in endogenous prostaglandin.
Baum's Algorithm Learns Intersections of Halfspaces with Respect to Log-Concave Distributions

In 1990, E. Baum gave an elegant polynomial-time algorithm for learning the intersection of two origin-centered halfspaces with respect to any symmetric distribution (i.e., any ${\cal D}$ such that ${\cal D}(E) = {\cal D}(-E)$) [3]. Here we prove that his algorithm also succeeds with respect to any mean zero distribution with a log-concave density (a broad class of distributions that need not be symmetric). As far as we are aware, prior to this work, it was not known how to efficiently learn any class of intersections of halfspaces with respect to log-concave distributions. The key to our proof is a "Brunn-Minkowski" inequality for log-concave densities that may be of independent interest.
The Reaction of Stock Markets in the BRIC Countries to Economic Policy Uncertainty in the United States

This study examines if economic policy uncertainty in the U.S. has any effect on the returns on stock markets in the BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) countries. The current study also investigates how stock market returns in the four countries respond to the U.S. economic policy uncertainty shock. The Granger causality tests are also performed to determine if economic policy uncertainty cause the returns on the four stock markets. The results show that the U.S. economic policy uncertainty negatively affect stock market returns in Brazil, India and Russia; this negative effect is statistically significant at the 10% level for Brazil and at the 1% level for India and Russia. Stock returns in China are also negatively affected by the U.S. economic policy uncertainty; however, this effect is not statistically significant. The negative effect of economic policy uncertainty on stock market returns becomes statistically insignificant for Brazil and India controlling for the SP the coefficient for Russia is still statistically significant but at the 10% level.
Posttraumatic stress disorder and one-year outcome in methadone maintenance treatment.

Background: Although opiate use may be associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), it is not clear whether PTSD is associated with retention in methadone maintenance. Objectives: To evaluate among those receiving methadone maintenance at an urban methadone maintenance clinic the frequency of life-time traumatic experiences, the predictors and prevalence of current PTSD, and whether PTSD affects retention at 1 year. Methods: Eighty-nine people participated in the study. The Post Traumatic Diagnostic Scale was used to determine the prevalence of PTSD. The Life Stressor Checklist Revised was used to evaluate trauma history. Logistic regression analyses examined associations between demographic characteristics, substance use, trauma-related variables, and PTSD. Similar logistic regression analyses were used to examine retention in methadone maintenance at 1 year. Results: The mean number of reported lifetime stressful events was 8.0 (SD = 3.7). Twenty-seven percent were diagnosed with PTSD. Nearly 92% of those with PTSD had co-occurring depressive symptoms. Female gender (adjusted odds ratio [AOR][95% CI]; 3.89 [1.07–14.01]), number of traumatic events (AOR [95% CI]; 1.34 [1.13–1.61]), and less education (AOR [95% CI]; 4.13 [1.14–14.98]) were significantly associated with PTSD. Those with a toxicology positive screen were 80% less likely to remaine in methadone maintenance at 1 year (OR [95% CI]; 0.20 [0.07–0.52]). PTSD diagnosis was not significantly associated with treatment retention at 1 year (OR [95% CI]; 0.61 [0.23–1.64]). Conclusions and Scientific Significance: Future studies are needed to determine if treatment of PTSD that is integrated into methadone maintenance programs may impact continued substance abuse use and thereby improve retention in care. (Am J Addict 2012;21:524–530)
Ages of Silicate Inclusions in Iron Meteorites

Abstract In the past 2 years it has become apparent that a wide variety of experiments are possible on silicate inclusions which occur in many iron meteorites. Our efforts to date have been primarily involved in age-dating experiments on this material. This paper summarizes the results of several investigations that are being published elsewhere in greater detail.
Solar energy for electric vehicles

Several energy efficiency projects have been performed on Weber State University campus in the past years. The achievement is remarkable. This paper will address the design of a pilot project, Solar Charging Station, through student's senior project for education and research. Students will learn the theory of solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems and to build an experimental solar stations to charge the electric bikes and electric motorcycle. The system will be demonstrated for two new courses, Renewable Energy and Solar PV Systems. The project is supported by the Office of Energy and Sustainability at the University. If the pilot project is successful, more solar charging stations will be installed on campus. The goals of this project are to educate the students of the University with the concept of sustainability, the theory and hands-on experience of solar energy applications and to promote the sustainability on campus by utilizing renewable energy.
Antinociception from lateral hypothalamic stimulation may be mediated by NK1 receptors in the A7 catecholamine cell group in rat

Abstract Stimulation of the lateral hypothalamus (LH) produces antinociception that is modified by intrathecal alpha-adrenergic antagonists. Spinally-projecting noradrenergic neurons in the LH have not been identified, suggesting that the LH may innervate brainstem noradrenergic neurons, such as the A7 catecholamine cell group in the dorsolateral pontine tegmentum, that modify nociception at the level of the spinal cord dorsal horn. Recently we demonstrated in neuroanatomical studies that substance P-immunoreactive neurons in the LH project the A7 area. To identify a functional connection between substance P neurons in the LH and the A7 cell group, the cholinergic agonist carbachol (125 nmol) was microinjected into the LH of female Sprague–Dawley rats and antinociception was obtained on the tail flick or foot withdrawal test. Cobalt chloride (100 nM) was then microinjected near the A7 cell group to block synaptic activation of spinally-projecting A7 neurons, which were identified using tyrosine-hydroxylase immunoreactivity. Within 5 min of the cobalt chloride injection, the antinociceptive effect of carbachol stimulation was blocked. In another set of experiments, the NK1 receptor antagonist L-703-606 (5 μg) was microinjected near the A7 cell group following LH stimulation with carbachol. L-703-606 also abolished LH-induced antinociception. These results support the conclusion that antinociception produced by activating substance P neurons in the LH is mediated in part by the subsequent activation of spinally-projecting noradrenergic neurons in the A7 cell group.
Abstract B93: Resuscitating cancer immunosurveillance by combining Notch 1 and death receptor-activating therapy.

Notch signaling plays diverse roles in lymphocyte differentiation and tumor angiogenesis. Our recent findings implicate the role of the Notch 1 pathway in promoting antitumor immune effector functions. We explored the effects of Notch 1 stimulation on T cell immunity and its potential pharmacological activation using multivalent Delta-like Notch 1 ligand DLL1 cluster in combination with the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib, which could stabilize Notch 1 activation. Bortezomib was found to selectively sensitize solid tumor cells to apoptosis by upregulating death receptors on tumor cells and amplifying caspase-8 activation in the death-inducing signaling complex. This resulted in reduced pulmonary nodules of injected tumor cells in mice. Additionally, in an in vivo tumor setting, no adverse effects of bortezomib were observed on the antigen-specific T cell proliferative or cytolytic functions. But no long-term survival benefits could be obtained, possibly due to the immunosuppressive effects of the tumor. In our more recent studies, we observed that DLL1-specific immune Notch activation could enhance antitumor T cell immunity by overcoming tumor-associated immunosuppression in D459 and Lewis lung carcinoma models. The results offer a novel combinatorial approach to abrogate the immunosuppressive circuitries operating in the tumor microenvironment with a potential to reduce tumor burden and resuscitate tumor-specific immunity. This work has important translational implications for improving immunotherapy in cancer patients, and may provide insights into new strategies for cancer prevention. Citation Format: Duafalia F. Dudimah, Roman V. Uzhachenko, Samuel T. Pellom, Jr., Asel K. Biktasova, Mikhail M. Dikov, David P. Carbone, Anil Shanker. Resuscitating cancer immunosurveillance by combining Notch 1 and death receptor-activating therapy. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Fifth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2012 Oct 27-30; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2012;21(10 Suppl):Abstract nr B93.
Corrosion of Electronic Components by Hydrogen Fluoride

Generation of hydrogen fluoride (HF) from fire suppression by some gaseous agents is a major concern, because HF causes corrosion. Without proper precautions, the HF corrosion damage to some electronic facilities can be significant. A study has been carried out to evaluate the corrosion effect of HF on electronic equipment. This article describes details of the corrosion study in terms of test results from corrosion damage assessments. Test results show that surface corrosion on the electronic boards is visible when the test specimen is exposed to HF concentrations above 1000 ppm for 1 h. Test results also show that a video card with many attached components is much more vulnerable to HF corrosion damage than other test boards. The functionality of the video card is affected even at a relatively low HF concentration of 500 ppm.
Examining the Differential Responses of Shippers and Motor Carriers to Travel Time Variability

Shippers and motor carriers are impacted by and react differently to travel time variability due to their positions within the supply chain and end goals. Through interviews and focus groups these differences have been further examined. Shippers, defined here as entities that send or receive goods, but do not provide the transportation themselves, are most often concerned with longer-term disruptions, which are typically considered within the context of transportation system resilience. Motor carriers, defined here as entities engaged in transporting goods for shippers, are most often concerned with daily travel time variability from events such as congestion. This paper describes the disparity in concerns and the strategies shippers and motor carriers are likely to engage in to address time travel variability. This knowledge allows for a better understanding of how investments to mitigate travel time variability will impact shippers and motor carriers.
PP2A as a mercenary for warring kinases in the egg

Immature oocytes of most vertebrates, including humans, arrest at prophase of meiosis I. Upon hormonal stimulation, the oocytes undergo maturation and complete meiosis I. The mature eggs are then arrested at metaphase of meiosis II until fertilization. In the early 1970s, Yoshio Masui and coworkers (1) identified two biochemical activities in the mature frog egg: the maturation-promoting factor (MPF), which when injected into oocytes promoted their maturation, and the cytostatic factor (CSF), which when injected into dividing embryos reestablished metaphase arrest (1). Subsequent molecular characterizations of MPF and CSF in the frog eggs and egg extracts have highlighted the central roles of dynamic, site-specific protein phosphorylation and dephosphorylation in cell cycle transitions. For example, MPF is the active heterodimeric complex of cyclin B and Cdc2 (also known as cyclin-dependent kinase 1 or Cdk1) (Fig. 1) (2). Phosphorylation of Cdc2 at T14 and Y15 by Wee1 and other kinases inhibits Cdc2 and can be removed by the Cdc25 phosphatase (2). In contrast, phosphorylation of T161 in the activation loop of Cdc2 by Cdk-activating kinase (CAK) activates Cdc2 (3). In a recent issue of PNAS, Wu et al. (4) present another stunning example of how site-specific dephosphorylation of Emi2, a key component of CSF, by protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) contributes to the metaphase block of the egg (Fig. 1).
Comparing notions of randomness

It is an open problem in the area of effective (algorithmic) randomness whether Kolmogorov-Loveland randomness coincides with Martin-Lof randomness. Joe Miller and Andre Nies suggested some variations of Kolmogorov-Loveland randomness to approach this problem and to provide a partial solution. We show that their proposed notion of injective randomness is still weaker than Martin-Lof randomness. Since in this proof some of the ideas we use are clearer, we also show the weaker theorem that permutation randomness is weaker than Martin-Lof randomness.
Stress wave experiments in plasticity

Abstract Plastic wave experiments are reviewed, beginning with the earliest experiments of Bell on the propagation of incremental waves in prestressed bars. Attention is directed to experiments in which the plastic wave profile at different distances of propagation is used to infer information on the dynamic plastic response of the material in which the wave is propagating. Plastic waves in bars, tubes, and plates are considered. Principal results are reviewed on such primary physical features as the velocity of propagation of incremental waves, the dynamic elastic limit, the wave profiles of finite amplitude waves, and the effects of nonproportional loading. Objectives for future research are suggested.
Attenuated pre-ejection period response to tyramine in patients with cardiac sympathetic denervation.

Stress is a well-known factor affecting cardiac contractility through the cardiac sympathetic nerves. A positive inotropic effect of the cardiac sympathetic nerves on the myocardium is reflected by pre-ejection period (PEP) shortening. Patients with Parkinson disease (PD) and neurogenic orthostatic hypotension (NOH) (PD + NOH) or with pure autonomic failure (PAF) have markedly decreased myocardial 6-[ 18 F]Fluorodopamine-derived radioactivity, reflecting cardiac sympathetic denervation. The functional effects of the cardiac sympathetic denervation have been unknown. We measured PEP and heart rate-corrected PEP (PEPI) responses to i.v. tyramine (1 mg/min) in 13 patients (9 PD + NOH and 4 PAF) with low 6-[ 18 F]Fluorodopamine-derived radioactivity and in subjects with normal radioactivity (15 multiple system atrophy with NOS patients (MSA + NOS). Baseline PEP and PEPI did not differ between the groups. By 10 min after initiation of tyramine infusion, PEP and PEPI were significantly lower (P < 0.01) in MSA + NOS, compared to base line, whereas PEP and PEPI remained unchanged in the PD + NOH/PAF group. The PEP and PEPI decrease was larger in the MSA + NOS group than in the PD + NOH/PAF group (P < 0.05). One of the functional consequences of cardiac sympathetic denervation is failure to increase contractility in response to stimuli that depend on endogenous norepinephrine release.
Response in two commercial Holstein herds to addition of sodium bicarbonate to alfalfa hay-based diets.

Feeding trials were conducted in two commercial dairy herds to evaluate the addition of .8% sodium bicarbonate to alfalfa hay-based diets. Approximately half of each herd served as controls and the other half was fed the same diet with sodium bicarbonate. A total of 1280 Dairy Herd Improvement Association lactation records were obtained in the two herds during the trials. Cows in herd 1 were milked three times daily and cows in herd 2 were milked twice daily. In herd 1, milk production from control and bicarbonate groups was: first lactation cows, 7491 and 7748 kg/cow; second lactation cows, 8363 and 8791 kg/cow; and third and higher lactation cows, 8713 and 9562 kg/cow. There were no differences in milkfat or solids-not-fat percentages between treatment groups. In herd 2, milk production from control and bicarbonate groups was: first lactation cows, 6800 and 7158 kg/cow; second lactation cows, 8487 and 8082 kg/cow; and third and higher lactation cows, 8807 and 8216 kg/cow. First lactation cows fed sodium bicarbonate had a lower milk fat percentage than controls. There were no other differences in milk fat or solids-not-fat percentages between treatment groups.
Progress in Microelectromechanical Systems

: Recent advances in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology have led to the development of a multitude of new devices heretofore impossible. However, applications of these devices are still hampered by challenges posed by their integration and packaging. The current trend in micro/nanosystems is to produce ever smaller, lighter and more capable devices at a lower cost than ever before. In addition, the finished products have to operate at very low power and in very adverse conditions while ensuring durable and reliable performance. Some of the new devices have been developed to function at high operational speeds, and others to make accurate measurements of operating conditions of specific processes. Regardless of their applications, the devices have to be packaged to facilitate their use. MEMS packaging, however, is application-specific and, usually, has to be developed on a case-by-case basis. To facilitate advances of MEMS, educational programmes have been introduced addressing all aspects in their development. This paper addresses progress in MEMS by presenting pertinent aspects in a development of MEMS including, but not limited to, design, analysis, fabrication, characterisation, packaging, and testing. This presentation is illustrated with selected examples.
The association between accounting earnings and security returns for large and small firms

Abstract The differential information hypothesis advanced by Atiase (1980) states that information production and dissemination by private parties for the purpose of identifying mispriced securities is an increasing function of firm size. This study examines two corollaries of that hypothesis. First, security prices of large firms anticipate accounting earnings earlier than security prices of small firms. Second, for a given level of ‘unexpected’ earnings, the cumulative abnormal returns of small firms exceed those of large firms. The results are generally consistent with Atiase's hypothesis.
Morphine induces splenocyte trafficking into the CNS.

Opioids significantly alter functional responses of lymphocytes following activation. The opiate Morphine, alters the Th1 to Th2 response and modulates functional responses such as cytolytic activity and T-cell proliferation. Although there has been extensive research involving morphine’s effects on lymphocytes, little is known about the effects morphine has on lymphocyte trafficking. The objective of the study was to use in vivo bioluminescent imaging to determine morphine’s effect on the trafficking pattern of splenocytes systemically and into the CNS either in a naive state or following a neuroinflammatory stimulus. A neuroinflammatory response was induced by intracerebrally administering a DNA IFN-γ DNA plasmid into morphine-dependent or placebo wildtype mice. Mice with or without a neurostimulus received adoptively transferred firefly luciferase transgenic splenocytes and imaged. Morphine dependence significantly altered the inherent ability of splenocytes to traffic into the spleen, and lead to non-directed chaotic trafficking throughout the animal, including into the CNS. The morphine-mediated effects on trafficking were blocked by the antagonist naltrexone. Morphine dependence intensified splenocyte infiltration into the CNS following neuroinflammation induced by IFN-γ gene transfer. The study precented determined that morphine severely altered the ability of non-activated splenocytes to home to the spleen, inducing extrasplenic trafficking thoughout the animal. In addition to altering the ability of naive splenocyte to traffic to the spleen, this study demonstrated that morphine profoundly exacerbated lymphocyte infiltration into the CNS following a neurostimulus.
A cyclic voltammetric and stopped-flow study of five coordinate hemins in noncoordinating solvent: evidence for electron transfer through the axial ligand

Abstract A series of 29 penta-coordinate, high spin hemin complexes were studied by cyclic voltammetry. Ten of these complexes were also studied by a stopped-flow method. These compounds differed only in the identity of the ligand occupying the fifth coordination site. E 1 2 for the Fe(III) → Fe(II) reduction was found to increase linearly with the pKa of the axial ligand over the pKa range 0.7–10 but no correlation between the heterogeneous rate constant, k0, and the pKa of the axial ligand was observed. The dependence of the heterogeneous electron transfer rate constant on axial ligand structure was interpreted to indicate that electrochemical electron transfer occurs through the coordinated axial ligand. Stopped-flow measurements of the hydrazine reduction of a selection of these hemin complexes showed no correlation between the electrochemical reaction rate and the homogeneous reaction rate although the homogeneous reaction rate was dependent on the axial ligand.
Dual-enzyme cascade: an amplified method for the detection of alkaline phosphatase

A method in which a two-enzyme cascade is used for rapid and sensitive detection of alkaline phosphatase is described. A masked inhibitor, 4-(3-oxo-4,4,4-trifluorobutyl)phenyl phosphate, is dephosphorylated by the action of alkaline phosphatase. The resulting compound, 1,1,1-trifluoro-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-butan-2-one, acts as a potent inhibitor of the second enzyme, a liver carboxylesterase. A determination of the residual esterase activity provides a highly sensitive indication of the original phosphatase concentration. The sensitivity of this dual-enzyme cascade is approximately 125-fold greater than that observed for the direct detection of phosphatase activity with p-nitrophenyl phosphate.
Patients' preferences for dentists' behaviors.

Results from a survey of patients receiving various kinds of dental treatment show how sensitive patients are, to dentists’ behaviors and how those patients want their dentists to act. A positive dentist-patient relationship requires knowledge of patients’ expectations.
Review Of Ultraviolet Damage Threshold Measurements At Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

The results of damage threshold measurements made at LLNL using ultraviolet wavelength laser pulses are reviewed. Measurements were made with pulses from a krypton fluoride laser with wavelength of 248 nm and pulse duration of 20 ns and with Nd-glass laser pulses converted to the third harmonic wavelength of 355 nm with duration of 0.6 ns. Measurements are presented for transparent window materials, crystals for harmonic generation, single layer dielectric films of oxide and fluoride materials and multilayer high reflectivity and antireflective coatings.
Is the mind inherently forward looking? Comparing prediction and retrodiction

It has been suggested that prediction may be an organizing principle of the mind and/or the neocortex, with cognitive machinery specifically engineered to detect forward-looking temporal relationships, rather than merely associating temporally contiguous events. There is a remarkable absence of behavioral tests of this idea, however. To address this gap, we showed subjects sequences of shapes governed by stochastic Markov processes, and then asked them to choose which shape reliably came after a probe shape (prediction test) or before a probe shape (retrodiction test). Prediction was never superior to retrodiction, even when subjects were forewarned of a forward-directional test.
Chromosome studies in the genus Cucumis

Cytological investigations of 50 wild Cucumis introductions revealed the presence of three tetraploid species with 2n=48 chromosomes, and one hexaploid species with 2n=72 chromosomes, while all other species are diploid containing 2ns=14 or 2n=24 chromosomes. Two of the tetraploid species, C. heptadactylus (P.I. 282446), and a species related to C. zeyheri (P.I. 273192, 299570, 299571, and 299572) are natives of South Africa, while C. aculeatus (P.I. 193967, 196844, 273648, 273649, and 273650) is found in Ethiopia. The hexaploid, C. figarei (P.I. 343699, 343700, 343701), is a native of Nigeria. All polyploids are perennial, have efficient vegetative reproduction systems, and may have originated from the spontaneous formation of polysomatic cells.
Focus on fluorides: update on the use of fluoride for the prevention of dental caries.

Abstract Improving the efficacy of fluoride therapies reduces dental caries and lowers fluoride exposure. Background Fluoride is delivered to the teeth systemically or topically to aid in the prevention of dental caries. Systemic fluoride from ingested sources is in blood serum and can be deposited only in teeth that are forming in children. Topical fluoride is from sources such as community water, processed foods, beverages, toothpastes, mouthrinses, gels, foams, and varnishes. The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Dental Association (ADA) have proposed changes in their long standing recommendations for the amount of fluoride in community drinking water in response to concerns about an increasing incidence of dental fluorosis in children. Current research is focused on the development of strategies to improve fluoride efficacy. The purpose of this update is to inform the reader about new research and policies related to the use of fluoride for the prevention of dental caries. Methods Reviews of the current research and recent evidence based systematic reviews on the topics of fluoride are presented. Topics discussed include: updates on community water fluoridation research and policies; available fluoride in dentifrices; fluoride varnish compositions, use, and recommendations; and other fluoride containing dental products. This update provides insights into current research and discusses proposed policy changes for the use of fluoride for the prevention of dental caries. Conclusions The dental profession is adjusting their recommendations for fluoride use based on current observations of the halo effect and subsequent outcomes. The research community is focused on improving the efficacy of fluoride therapies thus reducing dental caries and lowering the amount of fluoride required for efficacy.
Detection of postpartum depressive symptoms by screening at well-child visits

Objective. To assess 1) the feasibility of universal postpartum depression screening during well-child visits in the first year of life, 2) the prevalence of postpartum depressive symptoms among mothers who attend first-year well-child visits, 3) detection of postpartum depressive symptoms in a pediatric clinic before and after universal screening at each first-year well-child visit, and 4) social work referrals before and after universal screening. Methods. The practice instituted universal screening for postpartum depressive symptoms during first-year well-child visits using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). We randomly selected 110 infant medical records before (cohort 1) and 110 after (cohort 2) screening was initiated. Measures included demographics, notation of depression or depressive symptoms in the well-child visit note, and referral for depression. EPDS scores were collected for cohort 2 only. Before-after comparisons were made for detection of depression or depressive symptoms and mental health referrals. Results. The EPDS was included in the medical record in 46% of well-child visits. Eighty-eight percent of these forms were completed. Twenty-one percent of completed EPDS forms had scores ≥10, and 27% of women who completed the EPDS had scores ≥10 sometime during the postpartum year. There was a significant increase in documentation of depressive symptoms with the EPDS after initiation of universal screening (1.6% of visits [cohort 1] vs 8.5% [cohort 2]). Social work referrals for mental health reasons increased significantly (0.2% of visits [cohort 1] to 3.6% [cohort 2]). Conclusions. Women with high levels of postpartum depressive symptoms are common in an urban population and can be detected at well-child visits throughout the first postpartum year by pediatricians using a standardized screening tool. Because screening for depression during well-child visits is feasible using a standardized screening instrument, pediatricians can play an active role in early detection and referral for postpartum depression.
Microbiological agents as health risks in indoor air.

Ambient air may be contaminated with or carry significant levels of a variety of potentially harmful microorganisms. There are three major sources of such microbes: a) those arising from microbial decomposition of various substrates associated with particular occupations (e.g., "moldy" hay leading to hypersensitivity pneumonitis), b) those associated with certain types of environments (e.g., Legionnaires' bacteria in water supplies), and c) those stemming from infective individuals harboring a particular pathogen (e.g., tuberculosis). This presentation deals primarily with important microorganisms from occupational and environmental sources and clearly differentiates from case to case transmission via droplet nuclei infection. Microorganisms that are uniformly injurious are differentiated from those that are more opportunistic (i.e., those that cause problems only in people with preexisting debilities). Such microorganisms are categorized according to whether they are allergenic, infectious, or capable of inducing toxic or inflammatory reactions when inhaled. Representative examples from each of these categories, which include bacteria, fungi, rickettsia, and amoebae, are discussed. The conditions responsible for the entrance of significant numbers of these microbes into the air, the mechanisms by which they produce injury, and the methods of prevention are also considered. With attention given to some of the basic sources and requirements for such microorganisms to reproduce and enter the ambient air environment, it is a relatively simple matter to prevent the occurrence of health problems.
Stroke, regional anesthesia in the sitting position, and hypotension: a review of 4169 ambulatory surgery patients.

Background and Objectives: Intraoperative hypotension is used to reduce surgical bleeding. Case reports of stroke after general anesthesia in the sitting position led us to collect data (patient demographics, medical risk factors for stroke, intraoperative hemodynamics) about the incidence of stroke after surgery in the sitting position. Methods: This study reviewed 4169 (3000 retrospective, 1169 prospective) ambulatory shoulder surgeries in the sitting position. For the prospective cohort, patients were queried postoperatively regarding stroke, with corroboration from 4 databases (anesthesia department quality assurance, hospital case management, state-reportable events, and hospital information system diagnostic code databases). For the retrospective cohort, rate of stroke was determined via the same 4 databases. Results: No patient had a stroke (95% confidence interval, 0%-0.07%). Risk factors for perioperative stroke were present in 40% of patients. Brachial plexus nerve block with intravenous sedation was used for 95.7% (retrospective) and 99.8% (prospective) of the cohorts. Many patients (47%) experienced intraoperative hypotension by at least one definition: 40% (retrospective) and 30% (prospective) had at least a 30% decrease in mean arterial pressure; 27% (retrospective) and 24% (prospective) had a mean pressure less than 66 mm Hg; and 13% (retrospective) and 12% (prospective) had a systolic blood pressure of less than 90 mm Hg. Conclusions: No strokes were observed in 4169 patients. The estimated upper limit of the 95% confidence interval for stroke after regional anesthesia for shoulder surgery in the seated position is 0.07%, despite frequent incidence of hypotension.
Picosecond time resolution of the S2 state of xanthione in 1:1 van der Waals complexes

Abstract Picosecond time-resolved fluorescence measurements, supported by hole-burning spectroscopy, were used to determine the S 2 lifetime of xanthione complexed with individual n -alkane molecules under supersonic jet conditions. Following excitation via the 0 0 0 transition, the fluorescence lifetimes are reduced by up to 60% by alkane complexation, displaying some interesting parallels with the dynamics observed in fluid solution at room temperature. The iso-octane and fluorocarbon complexes show rather longer lifetimes (300 ps or greater) than n -alkanes (200–220 ps), while the cyclohexane complex shows a significantly shorter fluorescence decay time (145 ps). Comparison with the excitation spectra indicates that non-radiative interaction between the complexing species and xanthione depends on the (zero-point) structure of the complex. At higher internal energies, where conformational relaxation (large-amplitude motion) is possible, the distinctions between different alkane complexes are significantly reduced. This kind of experiment provides an important means to study the role of intermolecular interactions in non-radiative processes and unimolecular photochemistry.
New technology to detect low-level drug-resistant HIV variants

Genotypic assays to detect HIV drug resistance are recommended for use in the routine clinical care of HIV-infected persons. Genotypic resistance assays have demonstrated good clinical utility, instructing antiretroviral drug selection and improving therapy outcomes. However, a major limitation of clinically available genotypic assays is the inability to detect low-level drug-resistant variants that exist at low levels within the circulating viral population. Recent data from multiple groups have demonstrated that low-level resistant viral variants are clinically important as they can rapidly grow under drug selection pressure and lead to therapy failure. This article will discuss how ultra-deep sequencing and other new sensitive genotyping technologies can be used to detect low-level drug-resistant HIV variants. It will also address the biological and clinical questions facing the field of HIV genotyping: first, the need to better define the level of sensitivity required to detect drug-resistant variants...
Implantable Defibrillators for Secondary Prevention of Sudden Cardiac Death in Cardiac Surgery Patients With Perioperative Ventricular Arrhythmias

Background Randomized studies of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) have excluded sudden cardiac death survivors who had revascularization before or after an arrhythmic event. To evaluate the role of ICD and the effects of clinical variables including degree of revascularization, we studied cardiac surgery patients who had an ICD implanted for sustained perioperative ventricular arrhythmias. Methods and Results The electronic database for Southern California Kaiser Foundation hospitals was searched for patients who had cardiac surgery between 1999 and 2005 and an ICD implanted within 3 months of surgery. One hundred sixty-four patients were identified; 93/164 had an ICD for sustained pre- or postoperative ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation requiring resuscitation. Records were reviewed for the following: presenting arrhythmia, ejection fraction, and degree of revascularization. The primary end point was total mortality (TM) and/or appropriate ICD therapy (ICD-T), and secondary end points are TM and ICD-T. During the mean follow up of 49 months, the primary endpoint of TM+ICD-T and individual end points of TM and ICD-T were observed in 52 (56%), 35 (38%), and 28 (30%) patients, respectively, with 55% of TM, and 23% of ICD-T occurring within 2 years of implant. In multivariate risk analysis, none of the following was associated with any of the end points: incomplete revascularization, presenting ventricular arrhythmia, and timing of arrhythmias. Conclusion Our data supports the recent guidelines for ICD in this cohort of patients, as the presence of irreversible substrate and triggers of ventricular arrhythmias, cannot be reliably excluded even with complete revascularization. Further studies are needed to understand this complex group of patients.
Paget's disease with orbital involvement: a review and case report

Abstract Paget's disease (osteitis deformans) is characterized by localized deformation of bone leading to structural abnormalities with secondary pain, fractures and nerve compression. A Paget's patient with exophthalmos, a displaced globe, restricted muscle fields, diplopia and superior oblique entrapment secondary to deformation of the frontal bone is presented. The clinical features, ocular complications and treatment of Paget's disease is discussed.
Coding for Frequency-Hopped Spread-Spectrum Communication with Partial-Band Interference--Part II: Coded Performance

The performance of codes in a frequency-hopped spreadspectrum communication system with partial-band interference is investigated. The performance measure considered is the decoded bit error probability. A simplified interference model and worst-case partial-band Gaussian noise interference model is considered with the interference noise statistically independent of the transmitted signal. We consider soft decision receivers with side information and hard decision receivers with and without side information.
Power supply voltage detection and clamping circuit for 3-D integrated circuits

A circuit that detects and sets the power supply voltage of a given device plane in a 3-D IC is proposed. The circuit consists of 1) a ring oscillator in each voltage domain located in each device plane, and 2) a power module placed in a dedicated power plane. The power module consists of four components; a divide-by-40 clock divider, a frequency detector, a voltage ramp generator, and a voltage peak detector circuit. The power module provides a stable reference voltage equal to the power supply voltage of the targeted voltage domain in the device plane. SPICE simulations of the circuit indicate that power supply voltages of less than 1 V are successfully set and provided as a reference to an on-chip voltage regulator within 500 ns and with reference voltage variation of less than 1%. The power module is integrated with on-chip voltage regulators which require a precise voltage reference. The proposed implementation permits dynamic voltage and frequency scaling and point of load power delivery.
N-Glycan Structure Modeling and in Silico Glycosylation: Template-Based Structure Prediction of Carbohydrate Structures of Glycoconjugates

Obtaining the crystal structure of glycoconjugate is challenging due to the flexibility of the carbohydrate chains. Alternatively, computational modeling, which combines the primary sequence information of glycans determined by the mass spectrometry and known N-glycan structure, is an appealing approach. Here we present a survey of N-glycan structures of 35 different glycan sequences in the PDB, showing that N-glycan structures found on homologous glycoproteins are significantly conserved compared to the random background. This suggests that N-glycan chains can be confidently modeled to a glycoprotein if there exists a template N-glycan structure whose parent glycoprotein shares sequence similarity. On the other hand, N-glycan structures found on non-homologous glycoproteins have not shown significant structure similarity. However, despite that the global N-glycan structures are different, the internal substructure of those N-glycans found on the non-homologous glycoproteins, particularly, the substructure that are closer to the protein, showed significantly similar structure. Increased interaction with protein might be responsible to the restricted conformational space of N-glycan chains. Our results so far suggest that computational structure prediction of N-glycan portion of glycoconjugate using structure database would be effective, but different approaches must be needed depending on the availability of template structure. In addition, we also present a database for PDB glycan structural fragments (substructures) as well as PDB glycan-protein database, which are useful for glycan structure modeling.
An instructable production system: basic design issues

The full advantages of the incremental properties of production systems have yet to be exploited on a large scale. A promising vehicle for this is the task of instructing a system to solve problems in a complex domain. For this, it is important to express the instruction in a language similar to natural language and without detailed knowledge of the inner structure of the system. Instruction and close interaction with the system as it behaves are preferred over a longer feedback loop with more independent learning by the system. The domain is initially an abstract job shop. The beginning system has capabilities for solving problems,, processing language, building productions, and interacting with the task environment. All parts of the system are subject to instruction. The main problem-solving strategy, which permeates all four system components, is based on means ends analysis and goal-subgoal search. This is coupled with an explicit representation of control knowledge. The system's behavior so far is restricted to simple environmental manipulations, a number of which must be taught before more complex tasks can be done.
A Review of the Literature on Quality Assurance Programs Reported Outcomes and Intervention Types

A current emphasis within quality assurance (QA) is on the measurement of outcome. While QA pro grams have been quick to praise the benefits of out comes, it has not been clear to what extent outcome assessments have been incorporated into their activi ties and published papers. An analysis of QA reports published in 1987-1990 indicates that QA papers still commonly do not report quantitative immediate or long-term outcomes. Other features of published QA studies, including the types of interventions used to improve care, are also described. The lack of outcome information will continue to pose obstacles to evalu ating the effects of various types of interventions on improving the quality of patient care.
Effects of the NO(x) SIP Call program on ozone levels in New York.

This study looks at the effects of the major U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-mandated ozone (O3) control program implemented by New York State Department of Environmental Conservation since 2003. The study is based on ozone concentrations from eight sites representative of a range of geographic and land use conditions in the period 1995–2012. All sites show lower sample maximums of daily maximum 8-hr ozone concentrations. For example, in the period 2003–2012 compared to the period 1995–2002, the New York Botanical Gardens site experienced an 81%, 56%, and 25% drop in the number of days with daily maximum 8-hr ozone exceeding 85 ppb, 75 ppb, and 65 ppb respectively. For the same site, the frequency of hot days (with temperatures above 32°C) was about the same in both periods. However, a hot day from the period 1995–2002 was 2.1 times more likely to have daily maximum 8-hr ozone exceeding 75 ppb than a hot day in the period 2003–2012. Other sites showed similar results. A comparison of the underl...