cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Beta-decay, Bremsstrahlen, and the origin of molecular chirality

A brief review is presented of the Vester-Ulbricht β-decay Bremsstrahlen hypothesis for the origin of optical activity, and of subsequent experiments designed to test it. Certain of our experiments along these lines, begun in 1974 and involving the irradiation of racemic and optically active amino acids in a 61.7 KCi90Sr−90Y Bremsstrahlen source, have now been completed and are described. After 10.89 years of irradiation with a total Bremsstrahlen dose of 2.5×109 rads, crystallinedl-leucine, norleucine, and norvaline suffered 47.2, 33.6, and 27.4% radiolysis, respectively, but showed no evidence whatsoever of asymmetric degradation.d- andl-Leucine underwent about 48% radiolysis and showed 2.4–2.9% radioracemization. Other samples in solution were too severely degraded to analyze. Probable intrinsic reasons for the failure of the Vester-Ulbricht mechanism to afford asymmetric radiolysis in the present and related experiments involving β-decay Bremsstrahlen are enumerated.
Predictors of Transfer to 4-Year, For-Profit Institutions

Logistic regression was employed to determine whether student transfer to for-profit, 4-year colleges (as opposed to other 4-year colleges) is a function of students' social background characteristics, the students' academic experiences at the community college, and the transfer context of the community college attended (i.e., the overall transfer rate of students from the community college and the distance of the community college from a public university). Study results, based on records for 613,595 California community college students who transferred to 4-year institutions between July 2000 and June 2004, indicate that the strongest predictors of transfer to for-profit institutions include part-time enrollment, age, and grade point average. However, students of color were more likely to transfer to for-profit institutions than White students, and students attending community colleges with lower overall transfer rates were also more likely to transfer to the for-profit sector. Finally, students who use...
Evolution of tuberculosis/HIV co-infection in California during the HAART Era, 1996-2007

2,392 (6%) of 39,718 TB cases during the study period were matched in the state AIDS registry. From 1996 to 2006, annual TB incidence among persons with HIV declined from 368/100,000 to 73/100,000, and without HIV declined from 12.7/100,000 to 7.3/100,000. Comparing the period 1996-2000 with 2001-2007, the proportion of TB/HIV cases increased among Hispanics (48% to 57%; p < .001), foreign born (46% to 63%; p< .001), and women (14% to 18%; p=. 06), and decreased among Blacks (28% to 21%; p < .001). Maleto-male sexual contact (44% to 41%; p < .01) and injection drug use (21% to 15%; p < .01) decreased, and high-risk heterosexual contact (9% to 16%; p < .01) increased as HIV transmission routes. 77% of all foreign born patients with TB/HIV co-infection originated from Mexico or Central America; the median time from immigration to TB diagnosis was 10.7 (IQR 4-19) years. CD4 count at TB diagnosis (median 78 (IQR 30-167)) was available for 54% of patients. Patients with HIV coinfection were more likely to be sputum smear-positive (OR 1.17 (95% CI 1.08-1.28). Both isoniazid resistance (5% to 7%; p=. 07) and pyrazinamide monoresistance (6% to 8%; p = .01) increased over time in TB/HIV cases but not in cases without HIV. In multivariate analysis, Hispanic ethnicity, older age, and injection drug use were inversely associated with treatment success among TB/HIV cases. Discussion In California, the epidemiology of TB/HIV co-infection in the post-HAART era has shifted towards persons of foreign birth, women, Hispanics, and those who acquired HIV through heterosexual sex. In addition, drug resistance has increased in TB/AIDS cases. These changes should be considered in focusing TB and HIV disease prevention and treatment efforts.
γ-aminobutyric acid plasma levels and brain binding in Eck fistula dogs

It has been hypothesized that γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the principle inhibitory neurotransmitter of the mammalian brain, contributes to the neural inhibition of hepatic encephalopathy. Eck fistulae were created in seven dogs and celiotomy alone performed in five dogs to determine plasma GABA levels, brain GABA binding, and synaptic membrane changes in dogs after creation of Eck fistulae. Eck fistula dogs lost 19 ± 9% body weight, lost hair, ate poorly, and developed atrophic livers with classic hepatic histological changes. Control dogs maintained body weight, normal behavior, and normal liver histology. Plasma GABA levels were elevated significantly in the Eck fistula dogs (312 ± 105.9 nM) both as compared to controls (154.4 ± 69.8) and to preoperative levels (161.6 ± 56.7, P < 0.05). Brain GABA binding for animals sacrificed at 6–9 weeks was not statistically different from sham-operated dogs sacrificed at 6 weeks (1.87 ± .54 pmole/mg protein vs 1.186 ± 24, P < 0.2). Synaptic membrane fluidity and cholesterol were likewise unchanged. Plasma GABA levels are increased significantly following complete portal diversion but do not correlate with the degree of encephalopathy. GABA binding to neural membranes are not significantly increased in Eck fistula dogs. These findings do not support a direct relationship between plasma GABA levels and neurologic impairment in Eck fistula dogs.
Growth of private medical education in India

BACKGROUND Medical education has grown in India in nearly 6 decades since independence, but no quantitative assessment of this growth exists. DISCUSSION We examine the growth of medical education institutions in India, especially in the private sector, and their geographical distribution during the period 1950-2004. We show that the rapid growth in the number of medical colleges in India since 1950 has been driven largely by developments in the private sector. The private sector, currently accounting for over 45% of medical colleges in India, grew by 900% between 1970 and 2004, with the bulk of this growth occurring in the richer states. We assess the reasons for these trends and the ensuing equity implications. CONCLUSION The growth of the private medical education sector over the last 6 decades is the most dominant feature of the Indian medical education landscape.
Performance‐enhancing drug use in amateur and professional sports: Separating the realities from the ramblings

(2000). Performance‐enhancing drug use in amateur and professional sports: Separating the realities from the ramblings. Culture, Sport, Society: Vol. 3, No. 2, pp. 56-69.
DNA Methylation in the Human Cerebral Cortex Is Dynamically Regulated throughout the Life Span and Involves Differentiated Neurons

The role of DNA cytosine methylation, an epigenetic regulator of chromatin structure and function, during normal and pathological brain development and aging remains unclear. Here, we examined by MethyLight PCR the DNA methylation status at 50 loci, encompassing primarily 5′ CpG islands of genes related to CNS growth and development, in temporal neocortex of 125 subjects ranging in age from 17 weeks of gestation to 104 years old. Two psychiatric disease cohorts—defined by chronic neurodegeneration (Alzheimer's) or lack thereof (schizophrenia)—were included. A robust and progressive rise in DNA methylation levels across the lifespan was observed for 8/50 loci (GABRA2, GAD1, HOXA1, NEUROD1, NEUROD2, PGR, STK11, SYK) typically in conjunction with declining levels of the corresponding mRNAs. Another 16 loci were defined by a sharp rise in DNA methylation levels within the first few months or years after birth. Disease-associated changes were limited to 2/50 loci in the Alzheimer's cohort, which appeared to reflect an acceleration of the age-related change in normal brain. Additionally, methylation studies on sorted nuclei provided evidence for bidirectional methylation events in cortical neurons during the transition from childhood to advanced age, as reflected by significant increases at 3, and a decrease at 1 of 10 loci. Furthermore, the DNMT3a de novo DNA methyl-transferase was expressed across all ages, including a subset of neurons residing in layers III and V of the mature cortex. Therefore, DNA methylation is dynamically regulated in the human cerebral cortex throughout the lifespan, involves differentiated neurons, and affects a substantial portion of genes predominantly by an age-related increase.
Integrity and Struggle

Integrity is sometimes conceived in terms of the wholeness of the individual, such that persons who experience temptations or other sorts of inner conflicts, afflictions, or divisions of self would seem to lack integrity to a greater or lesser degree. I contrast this understanding of integrity—which I label psychological integrity—with a different conception which I call practical integrity. On the latter conception, persons can manifest integrity in spite of the various factors mentioned above, so long as they remain true to their commitments in action and deliberation. Although psychological harmony is one feature reasonably associated with integrity, I suggest that practical integrity captures other features of character and action often (and reasonably) related to ascriptions of integrity. Practical integrity remains possible even for those who must confront, manage, and control factors that give rise to various kinds of inner conflict.
Clinical Correlates of an Elevated Diffusing Capacity for Carbon Monoxide Corrected for Alveolar Volume

The diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide is partially dependent on lung volume at which it is measured. As a consequence, the diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide is often indexed to the simultaneously measured lung volume (VA), giving rise to the term DL/VA. This reflects the diffusing capacity of carbon monoxide per unit area of lung parenchyma. The authors investigated the pulmonary function of 18 patients who had an elevated DL/VA in order to identify factors that could account for this abnormality. Sixteen of the 18 had a reduction in vital capacity. The vital capacity was reduced because of obesity, pleural disease, and diaphragmatic dysfunction. Eight of nine patients with a body mass index > 30 kg/m2 had a reduction in vital capacity. On the basis of these findings, we believe that an elevated DL/VA should alert the physician to the possibility of 1) an increase in pulmonary capillary blood volume (Vc) (obesity, polycythemia, negative pleural pressure), and 2) reduced VA that does not directly affect the pulmonary capillary bed (pleural disease, neuromuscular disease).
Effect of infection with Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. sepedonicus Davis et al. on water relations in potato

Infection withClavibacter michiganensis subsp.sepedonicus reduced transpiration and xylem function in potato plants (Solanum tuberosum) prior to and during wilting. Transpiration depression and subsequent wilting of infected plants appears to result from reduced xylem function.
Cultural values at the individual level and the malleability of ways of knowing

This research tested the relationship between individuals cultural values and the malleability in their ways of knowing in two social contexts. Two hundred and ninety-two college students majoring in either business or social sciences initially received two priming conditions (two weeks apart) where they reflected on either their in-group or their out-group. Then, their adherences to ways of knowing: separate knowing (SK, being a devil’s advocate) and connected knowing (CK, being perspective taker) and cultural values: collectivist-horizontal, collectivist-vertical, individualist-horizontal and individualist-vertical were assessed. Analyses revealed a priming condition X ways of knowing X cultural values interaction. When students had their in-group in mind, their CK score was significantly higher than their SK score in all cultural categories. When students had their out-group in mind, their CK scores decreased to comparable levels of their SK score in all cultural values except horizontal-collectivist. ...
Dermatology in the intensive care unit

We report our experience, and review the literature, concerning 'intensive care dermatology'. Over a period of 14 months, 27 patients who had significant cutaneous problems were seen in the intensive care unit. These included primary dermatological conditions, multisystem disorders with cutaneous signs, complications of dermatological therapy, and skin conditions developing as complications of intensive care. We discuss the diagnosis and management of dermatological problems in the intensive care unit.
Inference for Change-Point and Post-Change Mean with Possible Change in Variance

Abstract For a sequence of independent normal random variables, we consider the estimation of the change-point and the post-change mean after a change in the mean is detected by a CUSUM procedure, subject to a possible change in variance. Conditional on the event that a change is detected and it occurred far away from the starting point and the threshold is large, the (absolute) bias of the maximum likelihood estimator for the change-point (obtained at the reference value) is found. The first-order biases for the post-change mean and variance estimators are also obtained by using Wald's Likelihood Ratio Identity and the renewal theorem. In the local case when the reference value and the post-change mean are both small, accurate approximations are derived. A confidence interval for post-change mean based on a corrected normal pivot is then discussed.
What is embedded computing

An embedded system is any computer that is a component in a larger system and that relies on its own microprocessor. Evolving from a craft to an engineering discipline over the past decade, embedded computing continues to mature. The purpose of this article is to demonstrate that embedded computing is an established engineering discipline with principles and knowledge at its core.
Alternative splicing of cyclin transcripts in maize endosperm

Cyclins are the regulatory subunits of cyclin-dependent protein kinases. In investigations of the expression of a cyclin gene during maize endosperm development, we detected a cyclin transcript with a 63-bp deletion in the region encoding the conserved 'cyclin box' where cyclin interacts with p34cdc2, the catalytic domain of the cyclin-dependent protein kinase. Analysis of cDNA and genomic sequences, and other observations, indicated that the deletion was caused by alternative splicing of a retained intron in the normally spliced transcript. Whereas the normally spliced cyclin RNA was mitotically functional, as indicated by its ability to promote maturation of Xenopus oocytes, the alternatively spliced transcript was unable to promote maturation. In addition to maize endosperm, the alternatively spliced cyclin was detected in apical meristem, mature leaf, root tip and mature root.
Alzheimer’s Disease In African Americans: Risk Factors And Challenges For The Future

As the US elderly population continues to expand rapidly, Alzheimer’s disease poses a major and increasing public health challenge, and older African Americans may be disproportionately burdened by...
Effectiveness of mastectomy by response to induction chemotherapy for control in inflammatory breast carcinoma

Background: Controversy exists as to the treatment regimen necessary to best provide optimal local control for inflammatory breast carcinoma (IBC). This study was conducted to determine if mastectomy combined with radiotherapy offered any advantages over radiotherapy alone in patients with IBC who had been treated with doxorubicin-based combination chemotherapy.
Continuous time portfolio theory and the Schwartz/Sobolev theory of distributions

This letter uses the Schwartz-Sobolev theory of Distributions to derive the moments of assets traded in continuous time. The hedging argument of Black and Scholes is shown to be a consequence of the fact that in infinitesimal time the diffusion process associated with asset returns generate a Distribution with Support the Origin (DSO).
Distribution and Sampling of Bemisia argentifolii (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) and Eretmocerus eremicus (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) on Cantaloupe Vines

Studies were conducted to examine the spatial distribution of immature Bemisia argentifolii Bellows ' Perring and immature Eretmocerus eremicus Rose ' Zolnerowich on cantaloupe vines and to develop efficient sampling plans. More B. argentifolii eggs were found on the 3rd leaf from the terminal of a cantaloupe vine than on any other leaf. The density of whitefly nymphs peaked at leaf position 8, whitefly pupae (large 4th instars) peaked at leaf position 11, and immature E. eremicus peaked at leaf position 14. We looked at 4 parameters to describe the distribution of whitefly and parasitoid life-stages among the various leaf positions as follows: (1) median leaf position, (2) the leaf position with the highest percentage of a particular stage, (3) the leaf position where insect counts were best correlated with counts on the entire vine, and (4) the coefficient of variation (CV). All 4 distribution parameters changed throughout the season. In general the leaf positions described by the 4 distribution parameters increased (i.e., were further from the terminal) until the middle of the season when they began to decline. Across the entire season, the 4 distribution parameters for whitefly eggs were associated with leaf positions 3, 4, and 5; for whitefly nymphs with leaf positions 7, 8, and 10; for whitefly pupae with leaf positions 11 and 12; and for immature parasitoids with leaf positions 11, 13, and 14. Based on considerations of cost and precision, it was most efficient to sample leaf 3 for whitefly eggs, leaf 8 for whitefly nymphs, leaf 11 for whitefly pupae, and leaf 14 for immature parasitoids. Using the Taylor power law, density-dependent minimum sample sizes (number of leaves per field) necessary to achieve a predetermined statistical precision (mean ± SE) were estimated. Over a broad range of densities, 50 leaves per field are adequate to achieve a precision of 0.20–0.25 for all life stages. We also provide estimates of the optimum number of leaves to collect per vine based on the within-vine and between-vine variability and the costs (time) associated with counting whiteflies and moving to another vine.
Comparison of theoretical with measured forward ECG solutions: A progress report

Abstract A variety of methods used to develop and test the accuracy of forward ECG calculations using a realistic torso boundary are presented. Comparisons are made to actual homogeneous electrolytic tank data available for the torso boundary investigated. A number of conclusions are drawn concerning the most efficient methods of achieving satisfactory accuracy. For almost all dipole locations investigated, 1170 subdivisions appear adequate; solidangle formulations are decidedly superior to a centroid rule using the inverse distance squared, but the average solid angles are a negligible improvement; rms differences between calculated and measured surface potential data range from approximately 2.1 to 7.7% depending, in part, on the closeness of the test source to the body surface. To calculate surface potentials from the charges which satisfy the E-field boundary conditions, a criterion is presented for deciding when numerical surface integration is required. In the Appendix an algorithm for performing the integration is outlined.
Simulated canopy microclimate using estimated below-canopy soil surface transfer coefficients

Abstract Numerical models are often used to simulate the complex energy and mass transfer processes in soil-plant-atmosphere systems. The objective of this study was to develop relationships from measurements of interfacial transfer coefficients at the soil surface beneath a plant canopy to improve a numerical model describing within-canopy energy and mass transfer processes. Equations based on dimensionless variables are presented that predict interfacial heat and water vapor transfer coefficients at the soil surface beneath a maize ( Zea mays L.) canopy throughout a growing season. The derived relationships include the effects of surface roughness, the scale of turbulent eddies, and turbulence intensity. The equation for interfacial heat transfer coefficients was incorporated into the comprehensive soil-plant-atmosphere model Cupid where it was used to estimate heat and mass transfer coefficients at the soil surface. Comparison of model predicted and measured canopy microclimate characteristics showed that the new formulation produced transfer coefficients that were more consistent and more closely correlated to within-canopy wind speed than those obtained by three estimation techniques used in the model previously. The new transfer coefficient relationship generally improved model predictions and has the advantage of being based on more direct experimental evidence than previous relationships.
Statistical validation and an empirical model of hydrogen production enhancement found by utilizing a controlled acoustic field in the steam-reforming process

Preliminary studies have shown that a controlled sound field can produce enhancement of hydrogen production in a steam-reforming process. This paper expands on preliminary investigations to explain a statistical empirical model that was developed for space velocity parameters of reactor length and flow rate as well as for acoustic sound pressure level. The effects of these parameters are shown on the output of fuel conversion within a methanol-steam reformer. The experimental setup is discussed as well as the factorial method employed. Although the results of this model are particular to the experimental setup specified, this exercise statistically proves the validity of acoustic enhancement of steam reformation. The empirical model is derived and uncertainty analysis of the model takes place. Curvature was investigated for the model and was found significant for the parameter of reactor length. Linear model relationships were found adequate for sound pressure level and flow rate within the limits investigated. Preliminary results regarding the effect of frequency on the process are also discussed.
SU-E-QI-07: Early Evaluation of Tumor Response to Therapy Via More Accurate Apparent Diffusion Coefficient Maps

Purpose: We investigated the impact of more accurately computed apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps, generated by registration of high-b-value and low-b-value diffusion weighted MR volumes, on early evaluation of tumor response to therapy. Methods: As in previous work, voxel-by-voxel ADC changes in diffusion MR exams during the course of cancer treatment have been shown to be capable of predicting therapeutic response earlier and more accurately than conventional methods. Here we further improved the prediction accuracy using better estimated ADC values. Due to the different susceptibility effects of the different b-field acquisitions, the low- and high-b-value diffusion weighted MR volumes can be markedly out of alignment. Nonlinear registration was employed to align these two volumes and more accurate ADC values were produced. Therapeutic efficacy was then evaluated using the voxel-by-voxel ADC change analysis on the registered pre- and post-treatment ADC maps. Results: We have applied the described method to 14 sets of pre- and post-treatment diffusion MRI volumes of breast cancer patients. The post-treatment exams were acquired in average five weeks after the initiation of treatment. Voxel-by-voxel ADC change analysis with logistic regression (p=0.009) demonstrated that the probability of a responsive treatment is significantly associated with increased ADC values. There were 2 false positives and 1 false negative (sensitivity=80%, specificity=75%). Using more accurate ADC values estimated with nonlinear registration, ADC change analysis yielded 1 false positive and 1 false negative for a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 75%. Conclusion: The study suggests registration of high-b-value and low-b-value diffusion weighted MR volumes ensures their voxel correspondence and the subsequent estimation of ADC values are more accurate than ADC computation without registration. The improved ADC maps could increase the accuracy of voxelby- voxel ADC change analysis of registered interval exams in early assessment of treatment response. NIH/NIGMS U54 GM104944, Lincy Endowed Assistant Professorship
economic and environmental tradeoffs in agricultural sustainability: A Perspective

Concern for the economic and environmental impacts of production systems is at the heart of the debate on agricultural sustainability. Ideally, if a system is to be sustainable, it must also be economically viable, while not adversely affecting the environment. The appropriate balance between environmentally friendly systems and economic returns is not clear, as it depends on the period under consideration and hinges on the perspective used. Current evidence suggests that there are tradeoffs between achieving economic and environmental goals, at least in the short run, with given technology. Analysis suggests progress can be made by identifying agricultural systems and site-specific criteria associated with these systems, which eliminate the clearly unsustainable agricultural practices, rather than seeking a system that is defined as sustainable.
Linking Social Development with the Capacity to Carry Debt: Towards an MDG‐Consistent Debt‐Sustainability Concept

Owing to concerns among low-income countries that the new debt sustainability framework of the Bretton Woods institutions may lock them into a so-called ‘low debt-low growth’ scenario, the United Nations has called for a more MDG-consistent debt-sustainability concept. This article shows that there is a robust relationship between achieving the Millennium Development Goals and having a higher capacity to carry debt. It then discusses options for modifying the current debt-sustainability framework, and suggests that including progress made in achieving the MDGs in determining borrowing limits would be a first step towards adopting such a concept.
The effect of glucose on liver glycogen synthase phosphatase activity in the presence of ATP-Mg.

Abstract Glycogen particle synthase phosphatase activity is stimulated by glucose with an A 0.5 of approximately 27 m m . The A 0.5 is higher than the usual concentrations present in the liver. However, in vitro , certain methylxanthines such as caffeine or theophylline reduce the glucose A 0.5 to approximately 10 m m , a concentration well within the normal range of liver glucose concentrations. Methylxanthines do not affect the maximum stimulation by glucose (2.3-fold greater than control rate). The phosphatase reaction also is inhibited by ATP-Mg ( I 0.5 = 0.1 m M). In the present studies, we have determined the interaction of these effectors. The presence of ATP-Mg at a concentration of 3 m m only slightly reduced the maximal stimulation by glucose. The A 0.5 for glucose was unaffected (24 m m ). The synergistic effect of caffeine with glucose also was not changed by the presence of ATP-Mg. The A 0.5 for glucose was reduced to 11 m m , similar to that in the absence of ATP-Mg. In addition, maximum stimulation by glucose was unchanged. Similar results were obtained when theophylline replaced caffeine. We conclude that the ATP-Mg binding site on either the phosphatase or its substrate, synthase D, does not influence the glucose and methylxanthine binding sites. Effectively, ATP-Mg increased the range over which glucose stimulates the phosphatase activity. In the presence of ATP-Mg, the maximum stimulation by glucose is approximately 7-fold; whereas, in the absence of ATP-Mg it is approximately 2.3-fold. Thus, ATP-Mg may serve to increase the sensitivity of the synthase phosphatase reaction to glucose regulation under in vivo conditions.
Increased FSH levels precede short photoperiod-induced anestrus in intact and unilaterally ovariectomized LSH/SsLak hamsters.

Anestrus brought about after 2–4 weeks of short photoperiod (SP) exposure in LSH/SsLak hamsters is preceded by impaired follicular development. Since the latter is critically dependent on adequate FSH levels, this study tested the hypothesis that SP might alter baseline or compensatory FSH levels prior to the onset of anestrus. Regularly cycling females in 14L:10D (LP) were transferred to SP (8L: 16D). Between 0800 and 0900 h on days 20 through 24 of SP exposure, half of the animals in diestrus II were unilaterally ovariectomized (UO), and the remaining animals were sham-operated (Sham-UO). Seven hours after surgery, blood samples were taken via cardiac puncture. All animals were killed the following morning at 0900 h. Uterine weights were significantly reduced in SP-exposed hamsters, yet the compensatory increase in FSH following unilateral ovariectomy was not affected; a tendency for higher levels was noted. On proestrus, serum and pituitary FSH levels of SP-exposed Sham-UO animals were significantly elevated over similarly treated LP-exposed hamsters. Interestingly, in animals with severe follicular impairment, the highest FSH levels correlated with the lowest uterine weights. The data suggest that SP exposure does not impair compensatory FSH release or the ability of the ovaries to respond to UO. SP-induced elevations in FSH levels may result from reduced follicular secretion and reduced inhibin and/or estrogen levels.
First principles investigations of structural, electronic, elastic, and dielectric properties of KMgF3

An ab initio study of structural, electronic, elastic, and dielectric properties of KMgF3 in cubic perovskite structure is presented in the framework of density functional theory. The calculations presented here employ generalized gradient approximation with projector augmented wave method. The fully relaxed structural parameters are found to be in reasonable agreement with available experimental data and with previous theoretical work. The independent elastic constants of cubic KMgF3 are derived from the derivative of total energy as a function of lattice strain in full detail. The bulk modulus and its first pressure derivative are obtained by fitting total energy versus volume data to a Murnaghan equation of state. The electronic band structure, total density of states, and projected density of states on each of the K, Mg, and F atoms are calculated and found to be in good agreement with previous theoretical results. First principles computed phonon dispersions for the cubic KMgF3 are reported for the first time. The imaginary part of frequency-dependent dielectric function is determined by summing over all possible transitions from occupied to unoccupied states and taking the appropriate transition matrix element into account. The Born effective charges computed by linear response within density functional perturbation theory are used together with the mode eigenvectors to decompose the lattice dielectric susceptibility tensor into contributions arising from individual IR-active phonon modes. Our results for the static and optical dielectric constant are in good agreement with previously reported experimental results.
Improvements in mapping water bodies using ASTER data

Abstract Coalbed Natural Gas extraction usually results in the production of excess, or product, water, necessitating a strategy for disposal and minimizing landscape and habitat impacts. In the Powder River Basin in Wyoming, product water is either discharged into ephemeral streams or retention/detention ponds. Monitoring these water bodies is important for environmental, habitat, and human health perspectives. This study assessed the benefits of using higher spatial resolution ASTER image, in contrast to more commonly used moderate-resolution Landsat imagery, for detecting smaller water bodies in the Powder River Basin. ASTER and Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) images were acquired concomitantly and classified following similar methods to identify water bodies for three color classes and a range of sizes. Results showed that the ASTER image had significantly higher accuracies for detecting clear and green colored water bodies, but did not demonstrate significant improvement for detecting turbid water bodies. ASTER also showed significant improvements in detecting small-scale water bodies. However this improved performance was somewhat offset due to the misclassification of other landscape elements as water in the ASTER image. Overall when compared to Landsat TM image, ASTER image more accurately detected more water bodies, especially those with a relatively small surface area, with the two images producing similar results at large scales. The application of ASTER is therefore appropriate for monitoring and evaluation of water bodies in the Powder River Basin and elsewhere.
The complex triad of obesity, diabetes and race in Type I and II endometrial cancers: prevalence and prognostic significance.

Abstract Background We examined the distribution of obesity, diabetes, and race in Type I and Type II endometrial cancers (EC) and their associations with clinical outcomes. Methods A multi-institutional retrospective analysis of Type I and II EC cases from January 2005 to December 2010 was conducted. Type I (endometrioid), Type II (serous and clear cell), low grade (LG) (grade 1 and 2 endometrioid), and high grade (HG) (grade 3 endometrioid, serous, clear cell) cohorts were compared. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine time-to-recurrence (TTR), recurrence-free survival (RFS), and overall survival (OS). Results Type I EC patients were more frequently obese than Type II (66% versus 51%, p Conclusions Obesity and diabetes are highly prevalent in Type I and II ECs, especially in AA. DM was associated with worse RFS and OS in Type I EC. Neither DM nor BMI was associated with outcomes in Type II or HG EC.
Information security: The SCAN — Secure processor with crypto-biometrics capabilities

Secure computing is gaining importance in recent times as computing capability is increasingly becoming distributed and information is everywhere. Prevention of piracy and digital rights management has become very important. Information security is mandatory rather than an additional feature. Numerous software techniques have been proposed to provide certain level of copyright and intellectual property protection. Techniques like obfuscation attempts to transform the code into a form that is harder to reverse engineer. Tamper-proofing causes a program to malfunction when it detects that it has been modified. Software watermarking embeds copyright notice in the software code to allow the owners of the software to assert their intellectual property rights. The software techniques discourage software theft, can trace piracy, prove ownership, but cannot prevent copying itself. Thus, software based security firewalls and encryption is not completely safe from determined hackers. This necessitates the need for information security at the hardware level, where secure processors assume importance. In this talk the SCAN-Secure Processor is presented as a possible solution to these important issues mentioned above. The SCAN-SP is a modified Sparc V8 processor architecture with a new instruction set to handle image compression, encryption, information hiding and biometric authentication. A SCAN based methodology for encryption and decryption of 32 bit instructions and data and a Local-Global graph based methodology for biometric authentication is presented. The modules to support the new instructions are synthesized in reconfigurable logic and the results of FPGA synthesis are presented. The ultimate goal of the presented work is the tradeoffs that exists between speed of execution and security of the processor. Designing a faster processor is not the goal of the presented work, rather exploring the architecture to provide security is of prime importance.
Asking the community about cutpoints used to describe mild, moderate, and severe pain.

Abstract Clinical practice guidelines recommend that numeric rating scales be used to document the severity of perceived pain, yet patients and clinicians often opt to use simpler classification systems such as mild, moderate, or severe. To assess how well the numeric scales correlate with the tri-level classification system for describing pain severity, we conducted a subanalysis of a larger population-based study of pain management preferences. Our primary objective was to identify the numeric boundaries used by 287 adults to describe pain as mild, moderate, or severe. We examined differences in the means of the upper and lower limits for mild, moderate, and severe pain according to demographic characteristics and type of pain. Ranges reported for each pain level were 1.3 to 3.6 (mild), 4.3 to 6.5 (moderate), and 7.5 to 9.8 (severe). The primary finding was that “healthy” community adults rated the pain severity cutpoints much as patients with clinical pain did, 1 to 4 for mild, 5 to 6 for moderate, and 7 to 10 for severe. These results suggest that numeric rating scales can be used in clinical practice with both patients and community-dwelling adults. Our findings also support encouraging the general public to use a 0 to 10 scale to rate their pain intensity. Perspective Methods used to describe numeric cutpoints for mild, moderate, and severe pain were applied to community adults. Having standard categories to describe pain severity might increase clinicians’ confidence in using a numeric scale to make treatment decisions. Further studies of cutpoint methodology and its clinical importance are warranted.
The Changing Epidemiology of Hepatitis A Virus Infections in the United States

The epidemiology of hepatitis A Virus (HAV) infections has changed dramatically since HAV vaccines were licensed in the United States in the mid 1990s. In 1996, after HAV vaccines became available, the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the Centers forDiseaseControlandPrevention(CDC)
A Role of Template Cleavage in Reduced Excision of Chain-Terminating Nucleotides by Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Reverse Transcriptase Containing the M184V Mutation

Resistance to nucleoside reverse transcriptase (RT) inhibitors is conferred on human immunodeficiency virus type 1 through thymidine analogue resistance mutations (TAMs) that increase the ability of RT to excise chain-terminating nucleotides after they have been incorporated. The RT mutation M184V is a potent suppressor of TAMs. In RT containing TAMs, the addition of M184V suppressed the excision of 3'-deoxy-3'-azidothymidine monophosphate (AZTMP) to a greater extent on an RNA template than on a DNA template with the same sequence. The catalytically inactive RNase H mutation E478Q abolished this difference. The reduction in excision activity was similar with either ATP or pyrophosphate as the acceptor substrate. Decreased excision of AZTMP was associated with increased cleavage of the RNA template at position -7 relative to the primer terminus, which led to increased primer-template dissociation. Whether M184V was present or not, RT did not initially bind at the -7 cleavage site. Cleavage at the initial site was followed by RT dissociation and rebinding at the -7 cleavage site, and the dissociation and rebinding were enhanced when the M184V mutation was present. In contrast to the effect of M184V, the K65R mutation suppressed the excision activity of RT to the same extent on either an RNA or a DNA template and did not alter the RNase H cleavage pattern. Based on these results, we propose that enhanced RNase H cleavage near the primer terminus plays a role in M184V suppression of AZT resistance, while K65R suppression occurs through a different mechanism.
SiC‐Whisker‐Reinforced Cellular SiO2 Composites

Fabrication of lighweight, cellular ceramic composites by foaming sol–gels is presented. Foams of 20-vol%-SiC-whisker-reinforced SiO2 can be tailored with relative densities as low as 10%, with either open or closed cell structures. In addition to reducing drying shrinkage and thus gel cracking, whisker reinforcement significantly increases the strength of the composite foams relative to pure silica foams.
A Reexamination of Eskimo‐Aleut Prehistory

Linguistic, biological, and archeological data are reconciled to suggest the following: Northeast Asian peoples, Eskimo-Aleuts, and most Northwest Coast Indians are related through post-Pleistocene ancestors, some of whom were present in the New World before 8000 B.C. Speakers of ancestral Eskimo-Aleut languages probably began to appear in the New World only around 2500 B. C. Entering as two waves that were separated in time, they divided themselves between the present zones of Aleut and Eskimo speech, within each of which later internal population movements created the cultural and linguistic uniformity known historically.
From GRID to gridlock: the relationship between scientific biomedical breakthroughs and HIV/AIDS policy in the US Congress

Introduction: From the travel ban on people living with HIV (PLHIV) to resistance to needle exchange programmes, there are many examples where policy responses to HIV/AIDS in the United States seem divorced from behavioural, public health and sociological evidence. At its root, however, the unknowns about HIV/AIDS lie at biomedical science, and scientific researchers have made tremendous progress over the past 30 years of the epidemic by using antiretroviral therapy to increase the life expectancy of PLHIV almost to the same level as non-infected individuals; but a relationship between biomedical science discoveries and congressional responses to HIV/AIDS has not been studied. Using quantitative approaches, we directly examine the hypothesis that progress in HIV/AIDS biomedical science discoveries would have a correlative relationship with congressional response to HIV/AIDS from 1981 to 2010. Methods: This study used original data on every bill introduced, hearing held and law passed by the US Congress relating to HIV/ AIDS over 30 years (19812010). We combined congressional data with the most cited and impactful biomedical research scientific publications over the same time period as a metric of biomedical science breakthroughs. Correlations between congressional policy and biomedical research were then analyzed at the aggregate and individual levels. Results: Biomedical research advancements helped shape both the level and content of bill sponsorship on HIV/AIDS, but they had no effect on other stages of the legislative process. Examination of the content of bills and biomedical research indicated that science helped transform HIV/AIDS bill sponsorship from a niche concern of liberal Democrats to a bipartisan coalition when Republicans became the majority party. The trade-off for that expansion has been an emphasis on the global epidemic to the detriment of domestic policies and programmes. Conclusions: Breakthroughs in biomedical science did associate with the number and types of HIV/AIDS bills introduced in Congress, but that relationship did not extend to the passage of laws or to hearings. When science matters, it cannot be separated from political considerations. An important implication of our work has been the depoliticizing role that science can play. Scientific breakthroughs helped to transform HIV/AIDS policy from a niche of liberal Democrats into bipartisan support for the global fight against the disease.
Interaction of autonomous assistive robots with humans

Control and interaction of robots with humans depend on the robot's level of autonomy. In order to investigate the suitability of autonomy for assistive applications we have developed a remote controlled and a goal driven humanoid assistive robot as well as a robot with a self-generating will. Concepts and first results are presented in this paper.
Age systematics of two young en echelon Samoan volcanic trails

The volcanic origin of the Samoan archipelago can be explained by one of three models, specifically, by a hot spot forming over a mantle plume, by lithospheric extension resulting from complex subduction tectonics in the region, or by a combination of these two processes, either acting sequentially or synchronously. In this paper, we present results of 36 high-resolution 40Ar/39Ar incremental heating age analyses for the initial (submarine) phase of Samoan volcanoes, ranging from 13.2 Ma for the westernmost Samoan seamounts to 0.27 Ma in the eastern Samoan volcanic province. Taken as a whole, our new age data point to a hot spot origin for the shield-building volcanism in the Samoan lineament, whereby seamounts younger than 5 Ma are consistent with a model of constant 7.1 cm/yr plate motion, analogous to GPS measurements for the Pacific Plate in this region. This makes our new 40Ar/39Ar ages of the submarine basalts all older compared to recent absolute plate motion (APM) models by Wessel et al. (2008), which are based on the inversion of twelve independent seamount trails in the Pacific relative to a fixed reference frame of hot spots and which predict faster plate motions of around 9.3 cm/yr in the vicinity of Samoa. The Samoan ages are also older than APM models by Steinberger et al. (2004) taking into account the motion of hot spots in the Pacific alone or globally. The age systematics become more complicated toward the younger end of the Samoan seamount trail, where its morphology bifurcates into two en echelon subtracks, termed the VAI and MALU trends, as they emanate from two eruptive centers at Vailulu'u and Malumalu seamount, respectively. Spaced ∼50 km apart, the VAI and MALU trends have distinct geochemical characters and independent but overlapping linear 40Ar/39Ar age progressions since 1.5 Ma. These phenomena are not unique to Samoa, as they have been observed at the Hawaiian hot spot, and can be attributed to a geochemical zoning in its underlying mantle source or plume. Moreover, the processes allowing for the emergence of two distinct eruptive centers in the Samoan archipelago, the stepped offset of these subtracks, and their slight obliqueness with respect to the overall seamount trail orientation may very well be controlled by local tectonics, stresses, and extension, also causing the rejuvenated volcanism on the main islands of Savai'i, Upolu, and Tutuila since 0.4 Ma.