cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
First-principles studies of H2S adsorption and dissociation on metal surfaces

Exposure of Pd-based hydrogen purification membranes to H,S. a common contaminant in coal gasification streams, can cause membrane performance to deteriorate, either by deactivating surface sites required for dissociative H, adsorption or by forming a low-permeability sulfide scale. In this work. the composition, structure, and catalytic activity of Pd4S, a surface scale commonly observed in Pd-membrane separation of hydrogen from sulfur-containing gas streams, were examined using a combination of experimental characterization and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. A Pd,S sample was prepared by exposing a 100 f1m Pd foil to H2S at 908 K. Both X-ray photoemission depth profiling and low energy ion scattering spectroscopic (LEISS) analysis reveal slight sulfur-enrichment of the top surface of the sample. This view is consistent with the predictions of DFT atomistic thermodynamic calculations. which identified S-terminated Pd,S surfaces as energetically favored over corresponding Pd-terminated surfaces. Activation barriers for H2 dissociation on the Pd,S surfaces were calculated. Although barriers are higher than on Pd(lll). transition state theory analysis identified reaction pathways on the S-terminated surfaces for which hydrogen dissociation rates are high enough to sustain the separation process at conditions relevant to gasification applications
The role of conserved histidines in the structure and stability of human papillomavirus type 16 E2 DNA-binding domain

The E2 protein of papillomavirus is the key regulator of viral transcription and replication. Dimerization, which takes place via its conserved C-terminal DNA-binding domain (DBD), is critical for ...
Dynamics of relaxation and fragmentation in size-selected icosahedral Arn[NO−(v = 1)] clusters

We study the vibrational relaxation and solvation dynamics in size-selected icosahedral Arn(NO−) at 300 K, where NO−(X3Σ−) is in v = 1 and n = 1–12, using a classical dynamics method and an interaction model consisting of detailed host–guest and host–host interactions. Two relaxation time scales are found: (i) the short-time (<200 ps), in which rate is nearly independent of cluster size, and (ii) the ns scale, in which a slow energy transfer process occurs between NO− vibration and argon modes at a rate (∼108 s−1) decreasing slightly from n = 12 to 6 and rapidly from n = 5 to 1 (∼106 s−1). In Ar12(NO−), less than one-quarter of the host atoms sampled evaporate, nearly 60% of evaporation occurring within 200 ps caused by rapid energy transfer from NO− at short time. The fraction of evaporation decreases nearly exponentially with increasing evaporation time, but ∼16% of evaporation still occurs on a time scale longer than 1 ns. Evaporation from one hemisphere of Ar12(NO−) dominates the rest. Final cluster s...
Lactate dehydrogenase as a marker of nasopharyngeal inflammatory injury during viral upper respiratory infection: implications for acute otitis media.

Lactate dehydrogenase as a marker of nasopharyngeal inflammatory injury during viral upper respiratory infection: implications for acute otitis media
A spectral-iteration approach for analyzing scattering from frequency selective surfaces

A novel technique, called the spectral-iteration approach, for analyzing the problem of scattering from periodically perforated screens which find useful applications as radomes, optical filters, artificial dielectrics, and so on is applied. The formulation is carried out in the spectral domain where a set of algebraic equations is obtained directly for the spectral coefficients of the aperture field distribution (or the induced current density) rather than via an integral equation formulation. These equations are then solved simultaneously using an iterative procedure developed in this paper that circumvents the need for matrix inversion. Because the matrix solution is avoided in the spectral approach, it is capable of handling large aperture sizes in a computationally efficient manner. The efficiency of computation results from the use of the fast Fourier transform (FFT) algorithm which is employed in the derivation of the algebraic equations and in the iteration procedure. A unique feature of the spectral-iteration approach is that it has a built-in boundary-condition check which provides a reliable indication of the accuracy of the solution. It is also shown that the spectral domain technique can be applied to even a wider class of geometries, e.g., the step discontinuity in a waveguide.
Impact of Abandoned and Disabled Vehicles on Freeway Incident Duration

AbstractIt is common to find a vehicle left on the shoulder, median, gore area, or on the travel lane for certain period of time. Experience from the state of Tennessee has shown that 78% of the freeway traffic-related incidents are attributable to disabled and abandoned vehicles. It is hypothesized that the longer the vehicle is left unattended within the right of way, the higher the probability of new incidents and secondary crashes. This paper utilized 2004–2010 freeway incident data in Tennessee to evaluate the effect of the length of incident durations caused by disabled and abandoned vehicles. Analysis evaluated the effect of these incidents with respect to roadway location, queue lengths, weather conditions, towing times, lane closure, and the source of incident notification. Temporal factors, including the spectra of the time of the day, the day of the week, and the seasons of the year were evaluated with respect to the number of incidents and incident durations. More disabled and abandoned vehicl...
Antiarrhythmic therapy for asymptomatic ventricular arrhythmias.

Abstract The rationale for treatment of patients with nonsustained asymptomatic ventricular arrhythmias is the theoretical benefit of preventing more serious ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. Because of the high costs involved and the serious side effects, such as proarrhythmia, associated with this therapy, the decision to treat this patient group for a potential protective effect must be weighed carefully. Risk factors identifying those patients most likely to have further complications include the presence of heart disease and left ventricular dysfunction, and the relative severity of these conditions. Those patients who fit into high-risk groups are the ones most likely to benefit, although this benefit is still unproved. If antiarrhythmic therapy is given, it is recommended that it be started in the hospital and that the efficacy of treatment be assessed by serial electrophysiologic-pharmacolpgic testing or noninvasive means. Empiric treatment, especially started out-of-hospital, is discouraged because it is least likely to benefit the patient and most likely to cause harm.
A note on extremal metrics of non-constant scalar curvature

By working in ℂ n with potentials of the forma logu + s(u), u the square of the distant to the origin, we obtain extremal Kahler metrics of nonconstant scalar curvature on the blow-up of ℂ n at $$\vec 0$$ . We then show that these metrics can be completed at ∞ by adding a ℂℙ n−1, and reobtain the extremal Kahler metrics of non-constant scalar curvature constructed by Calabi on the blow-up of ℂℙ n at one point. A similar construction produces this type of metrics on other bundles over ℂℙ n − 1.
The inhibition of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase enhances growth rates of ataxia telangiectasia cells

Abstract Poly(ADP–ribose) polymerase (PARP) is a nuclear enzyme which is activated in response to genotoxic insults by binding damaged DNA and attaching polymers of ADP–ribose to nuclear proteins at the expense of its substrate NAD + . In persons affected with ataxia telangiectasia (A-T), associated mutations in the a taxia t elangiectasia m utated gene render cells unable to cope with the genotoxic stresses from ionizing radiation and oxidative damage, thus resulting in a higher concentration of unrepaired DNA damage and the activation of PARP in an uncontrolled manner. In primary A-T fibroblasts, we observed a 58–96% increase in PARP activity and a concomitant loss of cellular NAD + and ATP content. PARP protein by Western blot analysis increased only slightly in these cells, supporting the observation that the steady state levels of DNA damage is higher in A-T cells than in normals. When treated with PARP inhibitors 3-aminobenzamide or 1,5-dihydroisoquinoline, cellular growth rates reached those observed in normal fibroblast cultures. The improvement of cellular growth and NAD + levels in A-T cells with PARP inhibition suggests that the cellular metabolic status of A-T cells is compromised and the inhibition of PARP may relieve some of the drain on cellular pyridine nucleotides and ATP. Thus, therapy utilizing PARP inhibitors may provide a benefit for individuals affected with A-T.
The Upside of Irrationality

Lack of thinking, biases, and misunderstanding of our motivations affect many aspects our day-to-day behaviors both in the workplace and in our personal lives. Using some basic lessons from behavioral economics, I will try to shed some light on our odd but interesting nature, emphasizing the way that this understanding can bring us closer to a path for improved decisions.
Localized asymmetric crack closure with stick-slip in the contact

Abstract An idealized problem is solved revealing several new contact and stick-slip configurations in partially closed cracks subjected to mixed mode in-plane loading. An initially open crack under remote tension is closed locally by two concentrated line loads whichpinch the crack shut. The reverse situation with localized separation due to line loads which pry the crack open is also investigated. The line loads may be placed such that isolated closure (or separation) removed from either one or the other, or both crack tips may be obtained. Examples of results for all of the possible contact configurations are presented. Remote shear stress is also considered, the various stick-slip patterns are delineated, and frictional history effects are discussed. Results for the actual contact and stick-slip status, contact tractions, mode I and II crack opening displacements and stress intensity factors are presented in parameter studies of the variation of the magnitude and position of the line loads. The mode I results are based on a new exact solution of the normal stress integral equations, while the mode II results are derived numerically from the shear stress integral equations with frictional shear tractions calculated from the mode I solution for the contact stress. Applications of this type of problem include reinforcement to arrest slow crack growth and mixed-mode fatigue crack closure due to either cyclic stationary loading or traveling loads.
The Isolation and Characterization of Linked δ- and β-Globin Genes from a Cloned Library of Human DNA

A cloned library of large, random embryonic human DNA fragments was constructed and screened for β-globin sequences using the cloned human β-globin cDNA plasmid pJW102 (Wilson et al., 1978) as a hybridization probe. Two independent clones were obtained and then characterized by restriction endonuclease cleavage analysis, hybridization experiments and partial DNA sequencing. Each of the clones carries both the adult δ- and β-globin genes. The two genes are separated by approximately 5.4 kilobases (kb) of DNA and their orientation with respect to the direction of transcription is 5′-δ-β-3′. Both the δ-and β-globin genes contain a large noncoding intervening sequence (950 and 900 bp, respectively) located between the codons for amino acids 104 (arginine) and 105 (leucine). Although the location of the large intervening sequence within the coding regions of the two genes is identical, the two noncoding sequences bear little sequence homology. A second, smaller intervening sequence similar to that found in other mammalian β-globin genes was detected near the 5′ end of the human β-globin gene. The two independently isolated β-globin clones differ from each other by the presence of a Pst I restriction enzyme cleavage site within the large intervening sequence of the δ-globin gene of one of the clones. This suggests that the human DNA carried in the two clones was derived from two homologous chromosomes which were heterozygous for the Pst I restriction enzyme recognition sequence.
On the noise generated by diffusion mechanisms

Some diffusion theories for the generation of noise in semiconductors or tubes, published previously, are dicussed. After removing some errors it is pointed out that these theories will never explain 1/f noise. However, the formalism is very useful for other diffusion phenomena. This is demonstrated for noise due to surface generation and recombination of carriers, for which a very general result is derived.
Optimal Design of Monolithic Integrated DC-DC Converters

Increasing supply current of high-performance microprocessors and limited real-estate available for power delivery in mobile platforms have spurred research of monolithic integrated DC-DC converters. Based on a model for the three key power loss mechanisms we derive an analytical solution for the optimal DC-DC converter design, linking power efficiency directly to CMOS front-end parameters and inductor technology. Further analysis shows that source-drain leakage, skin effect, eddy currents, and routing parasitics, although significant, don't change the optimal design.
Image annotation using bi-relational graph of images and semantic labels

Image annotation is usually formulated as a multi-label semi-supervised learning problem. Traditional graph-based methods only utilize the data (images) graph induced from image similarities, while ignore the label (semantic terms) graph induced from label correlations of a multi-label image data set. In this paper, we propose a novel Bi-relational Graph (BG) model that comprises both the data graph and the label graph as subgraphs, and connect them by an additional bipartite graph induced from label assignments. By considering each class and its labeled images as a semantic group, we perform random walk on the BG to produce group-to-vertex relevance, including class-to-image and class-to-class relevances. The former can be used to predict labels for unannotated images, while the latter are new class relationships, called as Causal Relationships (CR), which are asymmetric. CR is learned from input data and has better semantic meaning to enhance the label prediction for unannotated images. We apply the proposed approaches to automatic image annotation and semantic image retrieval tasks on four benchmark multi-label image data sets. The superior performance of our approaches compared to state-of-the-art multi-label classification methods demonstrate their effectiveness.
Evaluation of Cooper 12-minute walk/run test as a marker of cardiorespiratory fitness in young urban children with persistent asthma.

Objective: To evaluate Cooper 12-minute run/walk test (CT12) as a one-time estimate of cardiorespiratory fitness and marker of fitness change compared with treadmill fitness testing in young children with persistent asthma. Design: A cohort of urban children with asthma participated in the asthma and exercise program and a subset completed pre- and postintervention fitness testing. Setting: Treadmill fitness testing was conducted by an exercise physiologist in the fitness laboratory at an academic children's hospital. CT12 was conducted in a college recreation center gymnasium. Participants: Forty-five urban children with persistent asthma aged 7 to 14 years participated in exercise interventions. A subset of 19 children completed pre- and postintervention exercise testing. Interventions: Participants completed a 9-week exercise program where they participated in either swimming or golf 3 days a week for 1 hour. A subset of participants completed fitness testing by 2 methods before and after program completion. Main Outcome Measures: CT12 results (meters), maximal oxygen consumption (JOURNAL/cjspm/04.02/00042752-200907000-00006/ENTITY_OV0312/v/2017-07-27T023525Z/r/image-pngo2max) (mL·kg−1·min−1), and treadmill exercise time (minutes). Results: CT12 and maximal oxygen consumption were moderately correlated (preintervention: 0.55, P = 0.003; postintervention: 0.48, P = 0.04) as one-time measures of fitness. Correlations of the tests as markers of change over time were poor and nonsignificant. Conclusion: In children with asthma, CT12 is a reasonable one-time estimate of fitness but a poor marker of fitness change over time.
Role of the C-Terminal Region of the B Component of Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b Methane Monooxygenase in the Regulation of Oxygen Activation†

The effects of the C-terminal region of the B component (MMOB) of soluble methane monooxygenase (sMMO) from Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b on steady-state turnover, the transient kinetics of the reaction cycle, and the properties of the sMMO hydroxylase (MMOH) active site diiron cluster have been explored. MMOB is known to have many profound effects on the rate and specificity of sMMO. Past studies have revealed specific roles for the well-folded core structure of MMOB as well as the disordered N-terminal region. Here, it is shown that the disordered C-terminal region of MMOB also performs critical roles in the regulation of catalysis. Deletion mutants of MMOB missing 5, 8, and 13 C-terminal residues cause progressive decreases in the maximum steady-state turnover number, as well as lower apparent rate constants for formation of the key reaction cycle intermediate, compound Q. It is shown that this latter effect is actually due to a decrease in the rate constant for formation of an earlier intermediate, ...
Influence of low lifetime regions on recombination in high lifetime regions of semiconductors

Closed form, analytical solutions for the continuity equation have been derived for a one-dimensional structure with low lifetime boundary regions surrounding a high lifetime region under uniform steady-state excitation. It is found that the presence of the low lifetime boundary regions produces a significant reduction in the steady-state excess carrier density within two diffusion lengths in the high lifetime region, but not beyond throe diffusion lengths. This excess earner distribution has been used to obtain an approximate time dependent solution to the continuity equation when the excitation is removed. It is found that when the half-width of the high lifetime region is less than or comparable to the diffusion length, the effective lifetime is more than a factor of three lower than in the homogeneous case.
Cerebral 2-deoxyglucose accumulation in mice following chronic treatment with an ACTH4-9 analog, ORG 2766.

Abstract Mice were treated with [MET(O 2 ) 4 , D-Lys 8 ,Phe 9 ]ACTH 4–9 (ORG 2766, 100 μg/kg per day SC) for 10 days. On the tenth day mice were injected with [ 3 H]2-deoxyglucose and its cerebral accumulation determined in 17 brain areas. The combined results of four experiments indicated a significant decrease of the 2-deoxyglucose accumulation in the septum. Changes observed in other brain areas were not statistically significant in the combined analysis of all four experiments. This selective change in the septum is consistent with selective uptake of ORG 2766 in this region, and with the lack of behavioral activity of ACTH in septal lesioned animals. It also suggests that the behavioral activity of this peptide, generally considered to be on arousal, vigilance, and/or selective attention, may be mediated through the septum, a limbic system structure.
Abdominal scintigraphy of CSF leak

At least a portion of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaking in CSF rhinorrhea is swallowed by the patient. This phenomenon can be used to the best advantage by imaging the intestinal activity. The utility of adjunctive delayed abdominal images in the diagnosis of CSF leak, particularly in situations with slow and intermittent leaks, is emphasized in this report. Radionuclide CSF leak studies were performed on two occasions on a patient with CSF rhinorrhea that had been present since surgery for a parietal gliobiastoma. In-111 DTPA was used initially with an active leak and, secondly, with a minimal and intermittent leak. The use of a radionuclide with a sufficiently long half-life such as In-111 in such clinical situations is apparent.
Protective effect of magnesium on DNA strand breaks induced by nickel or cadmium.

Magnesium, an essential metal that is important in the normal functioning of DNA, has been shown to interact with some of the toxic heavy metals in respect to biochemical and molecular mechanisms and in altering the tumorigenic process. This study examined the influence of magnesium in combination with nickel and cadmium in respect to damage of the DNA molecule. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of magnesium on the amelioration of the toxic metals nickel and cadmium in respect to sustaining DNA damage. Two types of lymphocytes were used, i.e., primary Fischer 344 rat splenocytes and AHH-1 TK+/-, a human B-lymphoblastoid cell line that has been spontaneously transformed. These cells were grown in either a magnesium-free or magnesium-supplemented RPMI 1640 medium that was specifically formulated for this study. A 2x2 factorial design was employed with magnesium and either nickel or cadmium serving as the two factors. The experimental groups were as follows: +Mg+Ni, +Mg−Ni, −Mg+Ni, −Mg−Ni, with cadmium alternating for the nickel in the subsequent studies. The nickel or cadmium was added at a concentration of 50 μmol/L. The presence of double-stranded DNA was determined in each of the respective treatment groups with the two types of cell lines. Based on the results of this study, nickel is not directly toxic to DNA, whereas cadmium produces damage directly on the DNA molecule. The magnesium has little or no direct influence on the occurrence of DNA damage from nickel since the toxicity of nickel appears to be manifested in areas other than the DNA molecule, such as in the heterochromatin. The presence of cadmium in the treatment group resulted in DNA damage, which in turn was reduced significantly by the presence of magnesium.
A twin registry study of male and female sexual orientation

Monozygotic (MZ), same‐sex dizygotic (DZ), and opposite‐sex (OS) twins from the Minnesota Twin Registry responded to a sexual orientation survey. Using the relative frequencies of heterosexuals, bisexuals, and homosexuals responding to the survey and generalizing these frequencies to the entire Registry, the prevalence of bisexuality among women was estimated as 1.58% and among men, 2.08%. For homosexuality, prevalence rates for women and men were 1.68% and 2.49%, respectively. Homosexual and heterosexual attraction, behavior, and self‐identification were significantly more heritable in women than men. For men, no significant genetic effects were found for number of opposite‐ and same‐sex sexual encounters, nor for sexual orientation. No evidence was found for different genes influencing the sexual orientation of men and women.
2009 Marshall Urist Young Investigator Award: How Often Do Patients with High-Flex Total Knee Arthroplasty Use High Flexion?

Although high-flexion TKA designs aim to safely accommodate deep flexion, it is unknown how often patients use deep flexion outside the laboratory. We used a validated smart-activity monitor to document the prevalence of knee flexion greater than 90° in 20 consecutive patients (21 knees) who had high-flexion TKAs, at a minimum of 2 years’ followup. Patients wore the device continuously for a mean of 35.7 ± 0.5 hours. The 21 knees flexed more than 90° for an average of 10 ± 3.8 minutes (0.5%). Activities performed with flexion greater than 90° were, on average, 70% in single-limb stance, 12% moving from sitting to standing, 8% walking, 7% moving from standing to reclining, 2% stepping, 0.9% moving from lying to standing, and 0.1% running. Eight knees flexed greater than 120° for an average of 2.2 minutes (range, 0.2–15 minutes), or 0.1% of the testing time. Activities performed with flexion greater than 120° were, on average, 90% in single-limb stance, 6% moving from sitting to standing, 3% walking, 0.6% moving from standing to reclining, 0.3% stepping, and 0.1% moving from lying to standing. Peak flexion used at any time during testing was, on average, 84% ± 11% of maximum postoperative flexion (125° ± 12°). These patients rarely used deep flexion.
Neutrophil Elastase Induces MUC5AC Messenger RNA Expression by an Oxidant-Dependent Mechanism

Airway diseases such as cystic fibrosis, chronic bronchitis, and viral- or pollution-triggered asthma have two common pathologic features: mucus obstruction of the airways, and neutrophil-predominant airway inflammation. Neutrophils release high concentrations of elastase (neutrophil elastase [NE]), a serine protease, into the airways; exposure to elastase results in secretory metaplasia and increased production/secretion of mucin glycoproteins. We have previously shown that NE increases gene expression of a respiratory mucin, MUC5AC, in both A549, a lung adenocarcinoma cell line, and cultured normal human bronchial epithelial cells. In this study, we explored the intracellular signaling mechanisms required for NE-regulated MUC5AC gene expression. A549 cells were treated with dimethylthiourea (DMTU; 4 mM and 40 mM), a scavenger of hydroxyl radical, peroxynitrite, and other hydroxylated products, prior to and during NE stimulation. DMTU inhibited NE-induced MUC5AC expression. Furthermore, using dichlorodihydrofluorescein, an intracellular redox indicator, we showed that in both A549 cells and cultured normal human bronchial epithelial cells, NE treatment induced oxidative stress. These results support the role of reactive oxygen species mediating NE-induced MUC5AC gene expression.
Commissions and the Use of Social Science Research: The Case of Safe Schools

Social scientists are increasingly involved in the work of appocnted commissions. As advisers, consultants, or members of such bodies, social scientists may have an oppor tunity to promote the use of social science knowledge in the policymaking process. Based on existing literature, a model for analyzing the behavior of commissions is developed, and the role of social science in the model is discussed. The model is then applied to the case of Boston's Safe Schools Commission. Data on how social science was used by this commission are used to suggest several modifications to the model Despite many constraints that prevent commissions from taking full advantage of social science, it is concluded that they frequently provide a significant vehicle for increasing the influence of social science on policy.
Wind stress on water: An hypothesis

The form drag of wind on an irregular surface is found to equal the product of U2 (U is anemometer wind-speed) and a function of the two-dimensional spectrum of this surface. For a solid surface this function is, of course, independent of U and the form drag is proportional to U2, as observed over land. Over water, Neumann's frequency spectrum and the glitter measurements by Cox and Munk make this function proportional to U, and hence the form drag proportional to U3. The computed form drag is not far out of line with measurements by Van Dorn and others. The dependence of form drag on the ‘beam-width’ and frequency spectrum of the surface roughness is discussed. The essential roughness statistic comes close to being the mean-square slope of the surface, rather than being related to wave height or some other roughness length, as usually assumed. The slope statistics are governed by the high-frequency part of the wave spectrum, and this feature accounts for the pronounced reduction of form drag by surface ‘slicks,’ and the relatively small effect of a limited fetch. The total drag, c1U2 + c2U3 (skin friction + form drag), must be larger at very high winds than if it followed a U2 law, as usually assumed.
S-phase transit times as a function of age in human diploid fibroblasts

Abstract The minimum time it takes a cell to pass completely through the S phase (MIN S) was examined in human diploid fibroblasts using a sequential [ 14 C]thymidine, [ 3 H]thymidine, [ 14 C]thymidine labeling protocol. MIN S appeared to be around 6–8 h for both WI-38 and MRC-5 cells. In addition, MIN S did not increase in senescent cultures. Since damage to either DNA, its polymerases, or both would result in a reduction in the rate of DNA synthesis and a corresponding increase in MIN S, this suggests that in senescent cultures at least a portion of the cells contain DNA that is relatively undamaged and DNA polymerases that exhibit normal replicative kinetics.
Nutrition Evaluation and Assessment of Patient Care. Quarterly Outcome Analysis for Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract LEARNING OUTCOME: To evaluate and assess the effectiveness of medical nutrition therapy on glycohemoglobin levels and weight changes in patients referred for diabetes after at least two nutrition counseling sessions over a six-month period. Patients with diabetes comprise a large number of people seen at the outpatient nutrition center of a major teaching hospital. This study examines glycohemoglobin and weight changes in patients with diabetes who had at least two nutrition visists within a six-month period. Analyses were performed in June, September, December and March of each year for patients who attended initial appointments during one month, six months prior. Data collected was initial and final weights, lab values, cost of services, the number of visits, total time spent with the nutritionist, and relevant medications patients were taking. The number of patients experiencing a positive change was recorded, the percent of change, and the cost for this amount of change. Seven quarters have been completed. Forty-two patients returned for a followup visit. Lab data on glycohemoglobin was incomplete for eleven patients. Twenty-seven patients or 87 percent decreased glycohemoglobin levels. Sixty percent or 25 of the 42 lost weight. Of the 27 patients taking hypoglycemic medication, eight or 30 percent decreased medication dose. The average cost for decreasing glycohemoglobin levels was $161. Medical nutrition therapy is effective in decreasing glycohemoglobin levels and weight in patients with diabetes mellitus and is cost effective. Further studies could compare the effectiveness of one nutrition visit versus further followup on the above indices.
Technology trends and implications on SoC design

Semiconductor technology evolution is increasingly driven by disruptive innovations rather than classical 2D scaling. These innovations, and potential new technologies such as 3D integration, will allow device counts to continue to increase well beyond the 1 – 2 billion of today's chips. With this ongoing growth in available devices the challenges in design quality and productivity will also grow, along with the investments needed for technology development and manufacturing. The challenges for chip and system designs lie in finding affordable means to harness these capabilities to deliver significant system level value to end users. In this presentation I will explore several of these technology trends, in the context of SoC design for high-performance systems, and describe several of the initiatives underway in IBM Research to address them.
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Comprehensive Behavioral Family Lifestyle Interventions Addressing Pediatric Obesity

Purpose To conduct a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials examining the efficacy of comprehensive behavioral family lifestyle interventions (CBFLI) for pediatric obesity. Method Common research databases were searched for articles through April 1, 2013. 20 different studies (42 effect sizes and 1,671 participants) met inclusion criteria. Risk of bias assessment and rating of quality of the evidence were conducted. Results The overall effect size for CBFLIs as compared with passive control groups over all time points was statistically significant (Hedge's g = 0.473, 95% confidence interval [.362, .584]) and suggestive of a small effect size. Duration of treatment, number of treatment sessions, the amount of time in treatment, child age, format of therapy (individual vs. group), form of contact, and study use of intent to treat analysis were all statistically significant moderators of effect size. Conclusion CBFLIs demonstrated efficacy for improving weight outcomes in youths who are overweight or obese.
Examining Factors Influencing Colorectal Cancer Screening of Rural Nebraskans Using Data from Clinics Participating in an Accountable Care Organization: A Study Protocol.

Background: Although mortality rates of colorectal cancer (CRC) can be significantly reduced through increased screening, rural communities are still experiencing lower rates of screening compared to urban counterparts. Understanding and eliminating barriers to cancer screening will decrease cancer burden and lead to substantial gains in quality and quantity of life for rural populations. However, existing studies have shown inconsistent findings and fail to address how contextual and provider-level factors impact CRC screening in addition to individual-level factors. Purpose: The purpose of the study is to examine multi-level factors related to CRC screening, and providers’ perception of barriers and facilitators of CRC screening in rural patients cared for by accountable care organization (ACO) clinics. Methods/Design: This is a convergent mixed method design. For the quantitative component, multiple data sources, such as electronic health records (EHRs), Area Resource File (ARF), and provider survey data, will be used to examine patient-, provider-, clinic-, and county-level factors. About 21,729 rural patients aged between 50 and 75 years who visited the participating ACO clinics in the past 12 months are included in the quantitative analysis. The qualitative methods include semi-structured in-depth interviews with healthcare professionals in selected rural clinics. Both quantitative and qualitative data will be merged for result interpretation. Quantitative data identifies “what” factors influence CRC screening, while qualitative data explores “how” these factors interact with CRC screening. The study setting is 10 ACO clinics located in nine rural Nebraska counties. Discussion: This will be the first study examining multi-level factors related to CRC screening in the new healthcare delivery system (i.e., ACO clinics) in rural communities. The study findings will enhance our understanding of how the ACO model, particularly in rural areas, interacts with provider- and patient-level factors influencing the CRC screening rate of rural patients.
The Materials Properties of a Nickel Based Composite Contact to n-Sic for Pulsed Power Switching

Novel Ni/WSi/Ti/Pt composite Ohmic contacts to n-SiC were investigated as a function of annealing temperatures up to 1000°C. The onset of Ohmic behavior occurred at annealing temperatures of 900°C. Annealing at temperatures between 950°and 1000°C yielded excellent Ohmic behavior. At these temperatures the contact-SiC interface was smooth, defect free and characterized by a narrow Ni2Si reaction region. The annealed contacts possessed atomically smooth surface morphologies and exhibited minimal contact expansion. The residual carbon, resultant from SiC decomposition, was constrained by reaction with the WSi and Ti metallization layers forming carbide phases of W and Ti. The locations of the carbide phases were spatially distant from the metal semiconductor interface. Our results demonstrate that the Ni/WSi/Ti/Pt composite Ohmic contact maintains the desirable electrical properties associated with Ni contacts and possess excellent interfacial, compositional and surface properties which are required for reliable high power and high temperature device operation.
A 0.5 to 2.5GHz PLL with Fully Differential Supply-Regulated Tuning

A PLL uses a fully differential supply-regulated tuning scheme to combat power-supply noise. The charge pump uses a resistor to set the current and reduce the flicker noise corner. Fabricated in a 0.18mum CMOS process, the PLL area is 0.15mm2. Operating at 2.4GHz, it has 3.29psrms jitter, a frequency range of 0.5 to 2.5GHz, and draws 14mA from a 1.8V supply
Vitamin A: Concentration in the Rat Liver Golgi Apparatus

Vitamin A compounds (principally as retinyl esters) are concentrated in Golgi apparatus fractions from rat liver. The amounts vary with the vitamin A status of the liver and show an inverse relation to the concentration of ubiubinone. The results suggest a specific role of the Golgi apparatus in the mobilization or action, or both, of vitamin A compounds.
The coexistence of Fox (Sciurus niger) and gray (S. caroliniensis) squirrels in the Chicago metropolitan area

Two species of tree squirrel inhabit the Chicago region, the fox (Sciurus niger) and gray (S. carolinien- sis) squirrel. Chicago residents submitted squirrel observations and associated landscape variables via a Website, allowing us to map squirrel distributions. Data were analyzed for patterns of correlation. At a smaller scale, we did a foot survey of fox and gray squirrels in the suburb of Oak Park, replicating an earlier study and comparing results. Gray squirrels were associated with densely populated areas, parks and campuses, fox squirrels with suburban areas. Compared to gray squirrels, fox squirrels were more likely to be observed in areas of high cat density. In the suburb of Oak Park, the current trend seems to be an extension of gray squirrel distribution and a decrease in fox squirrel distribution. Our study provides support for the idea that fox and gray squirrel coexistence is facilitated by a trade-off between managing the cost of predation and foraging efficiency, gray squirrels out-competing fox squirrels in areas of high food and low predator (or pet) density.
In Situ Potential-Dependent FTIR Emission Spectroscopy A Novel Probe for High Temperature Fuel Cell Interfaces

Potential-dependent Fourier transform infrared emission spectroscopy (pd-FTIRES) has been used for the first time to study, in situ, oxygen reduction under practical operating conditions of intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells. Surface emission difference spectra of functioning cathodes at 550°C under a variety of feed gas conditions and overpotentials were obtained. Various surface oxygen anions were observed on the cathode surface under specific oxygen concentrations. The interfacial structural data were also correlated to ac impedance and chronoamperometric measurements. In addition to the bands associated with adsorbed oxygen anions, broad spectral features arising from the electrochemical polarization were also observed. These spectral features are believed to be due to electrochemically induced changes in the optical properties of the emitting surface layer.
Key Issues in Emergency Medicine Workforce Planning

The goal of workforce planning should be to match the supply of providers with the nation's demand. Whatever workforce planning process evolves, it will be necessary for the specialty to portray accurately our workforce needs. Because this portrait requires a clear understanding of the development of and funding mechanisms for graduate medical education and specific data describing both the supply and demand for emergency physicians, we address these issues.
Reproductive activity of ruffed lemurs (Varecia variegata variegata) in a Madagascar rain forest

Mating activity was observed during four breeding seasons in two groups of black and white ruffed lemurs (Varecia variegata variegata) living in lowland rain forest on Nosy Mangabe island, Madagascar. The onset of the May-July breeding season was signalled by behavioral changes in adult males. Males made forays outside their usual home ranges, were more aggressive to other males, and performed appetitive and other sex-specific behaviors more frequently. Females showed receptive and proceptive behaviors during a 1-2 day behavioral estrus. Ruffed lemurs mated monogamously, polyandrously, and polygynously. These observations do not support previous assertions that they live only in monogamous families. Limited evidence suggests females exercised mate choice and may have preferred familiar males.
Preliminary thermodynamic properties of neon.

This laboratory has been engaged for the past three years in an investigation of the P-V-T surface of neon including regions where no experimental observations exist. Progress has been reported [1,2] periodically during the course of this study. The present work extends the range of the P-V-T data given In these earlier references to the liquid region, and provides consistent thermodynamic properties for the entire range. More critical tests of these data are In progress which will be reported in a subsequent NBS publication together with extensive property tables.
The 'modern shopping experience': Kingsway Department Store and consumer politics in Ghana

Despite the perception that department stores are a recent phenomenon in West Africa, modern indoor retail spaces have existed in its major cities since the mid-twentieth century. This article uses the history of Kingsway Department Store in Accra as a lens to understand emerging political, economic and social tensions in post-colonial Ghana. Drawing on United Africa Company (UAC) records, staff reports and inspection findings, as well as local newspapers, advertising and oral interviews, I demonstrate how legacies of colonial capitalism, struggles for political independence and negotiations over what constituted the ‘modern’ fuelled both local and foreign support of the project. For the UAC, investment was an opportunity to legitimize its activities in a newly independent Ghana and a means to shed its image as a colonial merchant firm. While local authorities were divided on whether large-scale retail developments should be part of an expanding post-colonial city, Prime Minister Kwame Nkrumah thought the store might provide a key component in constructing his vision of a new modern nation. However, the presence of white-collar working women, young managers supervising older employees, and the mixing of white expatriate and African shoppers exacerbated social conflicts – challenging local and colonial notions of authority based on race, gender and age.
Cyclooxygenase blockade attenuates responses of group III and IV muscle afferents to dynamic exercise in cats

Cyclooxygenase products accumulate in statically contracting muscles to stimulate group III and IV afferents. The role played by these products in stimulating thin fiber muscle afferents during dyn...
Bootstrap Methods for Extreme Order Statistics

We propose a bootstrap technique for simulating the distribution of a largest order statistic from a large sample. The normalized spacings are asymptotically independent and identically distributed. The bootstrap resamples the normalized spacings to produce pseudo-samples of the largest order statistic. The empirical distribution of these pseudo-samples can be smoothed to produce density estimates. We give examples from normal and exponential distributions.
Impact of Hospital Volume on Surgical Outcome for Head and Neck Cancer

The objective of this study was to define the prognostic significance of surgical center case volume on outcome for head and neck cancer (HNC). Florida cancer registry and inpatient hospital data were queried for HNC diagnosed from 1998 to 2002. Of the 11,160 operative cases of HNC identified, 35.3% were treated at low-volume centers (LVCs), 32.7% in intermediate-volume centers (IVC), and 32.1% at high-volume centers (HVC). A larger proportion of high-grade tumors (27.9%) and lesions over 30 mm (39.7%) were resected at HVC (p 30 mm), high-grade or parotid, larynx, and pharynx tumors should be evaluated and offered care at a high-volume center.
Effects of individual self-management education on clinical, biological, and adherence outcomes in asthma

Abstract Background Asthma guidelines urge teaching patients the knowledge and skills required for self-management, based on the assumption that education will lead to improved skills and better asthma control. Methods In a prospective, randomized controlled trial of 65 adults with mild-to-moderate asthma, we examined whether an educational self-management intervention would improve adherence to inhaled corticosteroid therapy, decrease markers of airway inflammation, and improve clinical control. Peak flow, symptoms, and adherence were monitored for 7 weeks. After a 1-week run-in, subjects were assigned randomly to either the educational intervention or control group. The 30-minute intervention was delivered and reinforced at biweekly intervals. Results Compared with the control group, the intervention group had improvements in adherence to inhaled corticosteroid therapy (by 30% vs. −5%, P = 0.01), self-reported control of asthma (by 14% vs. 5%, P = 0.04), and perhaps quality of life (by 37% vs. 21%, P = 0.06). The direction of change for all other clinical outcomes was more favorable in the intervention group, but not significantly so. Markers of inflammation in sputum decreased more in the intervention group, with sputum eosinophils declining significantly ( P = 0.02). Conclusion In asthmatic patients treated with inhaled corticosteroids, education and training in self-management improves adherence with inhaled therapy, perceived control of asthma, and sputum eosinophilia.
Ertapenem-Associated Seizures in a Peritoneal Dialysis Patient

OBJECTIVE:To report a case of a patient undergoing peritoneal dialysis who developed refractory seizures after 2 doses of ertapenem.CASE SUMMARY:A 56-year-old white man with end-stage renal disease requiring continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis experienced 5 seizures following 2 doses of ertapenem 500 mg given intravenously. The first generalized tonic—clonic seizure occurred 16 hours after the second ertapenem dose and lasted 3 minutes. Three hours after his first seizure, the patient experienced 2 more seizures 15 minutes apart, lasting 3 minutes each. After suffering a fifth seizure, the patient became apneic and pulseless and was not resuscitated, as he had previously requested a “do not resuscitate” status.DISCUSSION:Carbapenem treatment has been associated with simple partial, complex partial, and generalized tonic—clonic seizures, with generalized seizures representing the most frequently occurring type. Safety data from 7 published clinical trials of ertapenem revealed a seizure incidence of ...
Efficient Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-1 Gag-Env Pseudovirion Formation Elicited from Mammalian Cells by a Canarypox HIV Vaccine Candidate

Canarypox viruses undergo abortive replication in mammalian cells. Despite this restriction on replication in mammalian cells, significant immune responses have been shown in animals and in humans receiving recombinant canarypox vaccine vectors expressing heterologous immunogens. A recombinant canarypox vaccine candidate (vCP205), which expresses human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 Gag, Env, and protease proteins, is presently under investigation in phase I and phase II human trials in the United States and elsewhere. In this study, the ability of vCP205 to elicit HIV Gag-Env pseudovirion formation in avian and mammalian cells was investigated. Gag-Env pseudovirions were produced from both avian and mammalian cell lines infected by this vaccine vector. A subset of mammalian cells was identified in which pseudovirion production and release was very efficient, surpassing the production from infected avian cells. The production of Gag-Env pseudovirions by canarypox HIV vaccine vectors may have important implications for future HIV vaccine design.