cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Patterns of Exchange Sex and HIV Infection in High-Risk Heterosexual Men and Women

Heterosexual partnerships involving the trade of money or goods for sex are a well-described HIV risk factor in Africa and Southeast Asia, but less research has been conducted on exchange partnerships and their impact on HIV infection in the United States. In our study, men and women were recruited from high-risk risk neighborhoods in New York City through respondent-driven sampling in 2006–2007. We examined the factors associated with having an exchange partner in the past year, the relationship between exchange partnerships and HIV infection, and the risk characteristics of those with exchange partners by the directionality of payment. Overall, 28% of men and 41% of women had a past-year exchange partner. For men, factors independently associated with exchange partnerships were older age, more total sexual partners, male partners, and frequent non-injection drug use. For women, factors were homelessness, more total sexual partners, more unprotected sex partners, and frequent non-injection drug use. Exchange partnerships were associated with HIV infection for both men and women, although the relationships were substantially confounded by other behavioral risks. Those who both bought and sold sex exhibited the highest levels of risk with their exchange and non-exchange partners. Exchange partnerships may be an HIV risk both directly and indirectly, given the overlap of this phenomenon with other risk factors that occur with both exchange and non-exchange partners.
Modified overrelaxed iterative solution schemes for separable generalized equations

Abstract We formulate and analyze modified overrelaxation schemes for the iterative solution of systems of linear equations, separable variational inequalities and, more generally, separable generalized equations. These schemes contain as special cases the classical linear overrelaxation methods and the nonlinear overrelaxation schemes previously studied by Cryer, Mangasarian and Uko. However, unlike the previous methods, the modified schemes are directly applicable to problems with zero diagonal entries. Our analysis also yields existence and uniqueness results for some of the generalized equations considered in the paper.
Evidence for a non-microtubular colchicine effect in pigment granule aggregation in melanophores of the fiddler crab, Uca pugilator.

Abstract 1. 1. Aggregation of pigment granules in the melanophores of Uca pugilator was inhibited by both colchicine and its u.v.-derivative, lumicolchicine. 2. 2. Since lumicolchicine does not interact with microtubules, the results of these experiments suggest that the inhibitory action of colchicine on melanin granule aggregation in Uca pugilator is not due to disruption of microtubules.
The effect of a no-pain, no-gain lay theory on product efficacy perceptions

We document the existence of an inference strategy based on a no-pain, no-gain lay theory, showing that consumers infer pharmaceutical products to be more efficacious when they are associated with a detrimental side effect or attribute. Study 1 finds that consumers high in need for cognition infer a bad-tasting cough syrup to be more effective than a good-tasting one. However, taste does not impact efficacy beliefs of consumers low in need for cognition. A second study conceptually replicates these results, showing that consumers who take allergy medications (i.e., those high in issue involvement) infer an allergy medication with common side effects to be more effective than one with rare side effects. Our final study builds on these findings by demonstrating that consumers high in need for cognition believe a pain killer with common side effects to be more effective than one with rare side effects. Demonstrating a boundary condition of this inference strategy, the effect is observed only when the pain killer has been on the market for a relatively long period of time.
Assessing satellite AOD based and WRF/CMAQ output PM2.5 estimators

Fine particulate matter measurements (PM 2.5 ) are essential for air quality monitoring and related public health; however, the shortage of reliable measurmennts constrains researchers to use other means for obtaining reliable estimates over large scales. In particular, model forecasters and satellite community use their respective products to develop ground particulate matter estimations but few experiments have explored how the remote sensing approaches compare to the high resolution models. . In this paper we focus on studying the performance of the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES) regression based estimates in comparison to more direct bias corrected outputs from the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model, We use a two-year dataset (2005-2006) and apply urban, season and hour filters to illustrate the agreement between estimated and in-situ measured fine particulate matter from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC). We first begin by analyzing the correspondence between ground aerosol optical depth (AOD) measurements from an AERONET (AErosol RObotic NETwork) Cimel sun/sky radiometer with both satellite and model products in one urban location; we show that satellite readings perform better than model outputs, especially during the summer (R MODIS >=0.65, R CMAQ >=0.37). This is a clear symptom of the difficulty in the models to properly model realistic optical properties. We then turn to a direct assessment of PM2.5 presenting individual comparisons between ground PM 2.5 measurements with satellite/model predictions and demonstrate the higher accuracy from model estimations ( R urban MODIS ≥ 0.74, R urban CMAQ ≥ 0.77; R non-urban MODIS ≥ 0.48, R non-urban CMAQ ≥ 0.78). In general, we find that the bias corrected CMAQ estimates are superior to satellite based estimators except at very high resolution. Finally, we show that when using both model and satellite approximations as separate estimators merged optimally, our product (PM 2.5 average) becomes closer to real measurements with improved correlations (R AVE ~ 0.86) in urban areas during the summer.
Potentiometric selectivity coefficients of liquid ion-exchange membranes for univalent and divalent ions

Abstract Digital simulation has been used to calculate potential—activity responses and concentration-dependent selectivity coefficients for membranes bathed in mixtures of univalent and divalent ions. For an ideal, dissociated, univalent-site liquid ion-exchange membrane, more accurate computations, based on Nernst—Planck equations, were possible than have been reported previously. Simulation results were used with four suggested equations for the membrane potential (including the IUPAC recommendation) to determine which equation gives best fit and most nearly constant selectivity coefficients. When concentration profiles found by digital simulation are employed, improved response equations are given which closely describe the dependence of surface concentrations on the mobility ratio for the bi-ionic case. From these equations a closed form solution to the diffusion equation yields an explicit expression relating the bi-ionic selectivity coefficient to membrane loading, single ion partition coefficients, and ion mobilities.
Reaction of trimethylgallium with tin, silicon, germanium and arsenic films

Abstract The transfer of methyl groups from (CH 3 ) 3 Ga to tin, silicon and germanium films has been observed at 190, 230 and 285°C forming (CH 3 ) 4 Sn, (CH 3 ) 6 Si 2 , (CH 3 ) 3 SiH and (CH 3 ) 4 Ge, respectively.
Oracle inequality for conditional density estimation and an actuarial example

Conditional density estimation in a parametric regression setting, where the problem is to estimate a parametric density of the response given the predictor, is a classical and prominent topic in regression analysis. This article explores this problem in a nonparametric setting where no assumption about shape of an underlying conditional density is made. For the first time in the literature, it is proved that there exists a nonparametric data-driven estimator that matches performance of an oracle which: (i) knows the underlying conditional density, (ii) adapts to an unknown design of predictors, (iii) performs a dimension reduction if the response does not depend on the predictor, (iv) is minimax over a vast set of anisotropic bivariate function classes. All these results are established via an oracle inequality which is on par with ones known in the univariate density estimation literature. Further, the asymptotically optimal estimator is tested on an interesting actuarial example which explores a relationship between credit scoring and premium for basic auto-insurance for 54 undergraduate college students.
A Note on “Pochismo”

Author's Summary— The fact that U.S. Border Patrol Trainees are expected to learn many pocho expressions is a reflection of the widespread usage of this hybrid language in the Southwest. Despite opposition on the part of Mexican intellectuals, it is slowly but surely being accepted by even the most conservative Mexican newspapers).
X-ray and gamma-ray observations of a white-light flare

Hard radiations (X-ray and gamma-ray) from a major solar flare observed by HEAO-1 on July 11, 1978, are discussed. It is noted that the observations showed gamma-ray line and continuum emission extending to the highest energy observed. The lines are identified with the 2.2 MeV line of deuterium formation and the 4.4 MeV line of inelastic scattering on C-12, both of which were previously observed in the flares of August 1972. The flare of July 11 is identified as a white-light flare. It therefore provides the first opportunity for a detailed examination of white-light flare theories that depend on proton heating of the photosphere. The line strength over a four-minute integration at 2.2 MeV is found to be 1.00 + or - 0.29 ph/sq cm-sec; the gamma-ray emission (excluding the 2.2 MeV line which was appreciably delayed) lagged by less than 20 sec approximately after the hard X-ray and microwave fluxes. It is concluded that the 'second-stage' acceleration of high-energy solar particles must commence promptly after the impulsive phase.
Preovulatory Gonadotropin Surge System of Prepubertal Female Sheep Is Exquisitely Sensitive to the Stimulatory Feedback Action of Estradiol

The sensitivity of the LH surge mechanism to estradiol-positive feedback was examined in immature lambs (19 weeks of age) several weeks before first ovulation (31 weeks of age). To minimize differences in basal estradiol concentrations, lambs were pretreated with a low level of estradiol (2 pg/ml; Silastic capsule) for 4 days and were ovariectomized before they were challenged with one of five levels of estradiol (n = 5 lambs/level). The estradiol increments produced after insertion of the second set of estradiol implants ranged from 2-11 pg/ml. All estradiol increments, even those as low as 2 pg/ml, produced LH surges; in the absence of an estradiol increment (second implant not inserted; n = 5 lambs), a LH surge did not occur. The similarity of the dose-response curve for estradiol-induced LH release in the lamb to that which we previously reported for the mature female indicates that the lamb is equally sensitive to estradiol stimulatory feedback action long before the age of first ovulation. This suggests that low estradiol secretion, rather than reduced sensitivity of the surge mechanism to estradiol-positive feedback, is responsible for the anovulatory condition of the immature female sheep.
Management of hallucinations and psychosis in Parkinson's disease.

This is the author's accepted manuscript, made available with permission of the publisher. The final published version is available from ScienceDirect: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.amjopharm.2010.08.004 (See the Published Version link, above.)
GGT reduction in beta carotene-inhibition of hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis

Levels of activity for gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) were studied in hamster buccal pouches developing DMBA-induced epidermoid carcinomas and in pouches in which carcinogenesis was inhibited by topical application of beta carotene. The beta carotene acted to inhibit tumor development when applied topically on days alternate to the application of 0.25% DMBA in heavy mineral oil thrice weekly for 22 weeks. Forty male young adult Syrian hamsters were divided into four equal groups. Group 1 had DMBA applied to left buccal pouches thrice weekly. Group 2 had DMBA applied as in Group 1 but also beta carotene thrice weekly on days alternate to the DMBA application. Group 3 animals were painted with only beta carotene and Group 4 animals were untreated controls. The left buccal pouches were dissected at autopsy and divided in half. One half was fixed in formalin, sectioned in paraffin and stained with hematoxylin-eosin for histologic study. The other half was prepared for the histochemical demonstration of GGT activity using epithelial whole mount preparations. GGT activity was found to be reduced in the left buccal pouches of those animals treated with both beta carotene and DMBA when compared to those animals treated with DMBA alone.
Metacontrast can be obtained in the fovea: An examination of retinal location and target size

Metacontrast was assessed as a function of target size, retinal location, and interstimulus interval. Supporting previous findings, there was no effect of retinal location in metacontrast. Various target sizes produced similar results. Monotonic metacontrast functions were obtained in all conditions.
Description of Brown Trout Redds in a Mountain Stream

Abstract We sampled redds of brown trout Salmo trutta in a mountain stream to describe egg location and substrate composition after spawning and during egg incubation. A single-probe freeze-coring device was used to sample egg depth and substrate composition. We found eggs throughout redds but most often in the front half of the tailspill (the substrate mound that accumulates as the redd is excavated progressively upstream). Eggs were buried between 2 and 23 cm below the substrate surface but were most frequently 9–12 cm deep. Spawning fish cleaned substrate particles less than 6.3 mm in diameter from egg pockets, yet the percentage of particles smaller than 1.7 mm in egg pockets was correlated with that outside redds. Egg pockets contained particles larger than 50 mm more often than did any other location, indicating that particles of this size were used as egg pocket centrums. The percentage of 1.7-mm and smaller particles in egg pockets was higher in winter than in fall. We conclude that (1) spawning b...
Establishment of new human prostatic cancer cell line (JCA-I)

The establishment of a new human prostatic cancer cell line is described. This cell line was derived from a poorly to moderately differentiated prostatic adenocarcinoma. It has been maintained in tissue culture for fourteen months and has been passed fifty-two times. This cell line has an ability to form colonies in soft agar suspension cultures, and also is transplantable to nude mice. Tumors grown in nude mice revealed a poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma with positive PSA staining. Acid phosphatase activity was detected in freeze-thawed cells by enzymatic assay. A karyotype analysis demonstrated aneuploidy with a model chromosomal number of 69 and six marker chromosomes.
Judicial Innovation and Sexual Harassment Doctrine in the U.S. Courts of Appeals

The determination that sexual harassment constituted “discrimination based on sex” under Title VII was first made by the lower federal courts, not Congress. Drawing from the literature on policy diffusion, this article examines the adoption of hostile work environment standards across the U.S. Courts of Appeals in the absence of controlling Supreme Court precedent. The results bolster recent findings about the influence of female judges on their male colleagues and suggest that in addition to siding with female plaintiffs, female judges also helped to shape legal rules that promoted gender equality in the workplace.
Activation of alkylidene-bridged heterobimetallic complexes toward electrophilic attack

Abstract Treatment of alkylidene-bridged zirconium-aluminum species with HMPA renders the CAl bond of the alkylidene unit susceptible to electrophilic attack; in the absence of HMPA, the CZr bond is attacked.
X-ray tests of multilayer coated optics

The performance at soft x-ray wavelengths of multilayer mirrors fabricated with absorber layers of transition metals in the Ni to V series has been tested. Tests were performed at the Stanford Synchroton Radiation Laboratory, using a test chamber which allowed reflectivity measurements to be performed at angles from near-grazing to near-normal incidence. Useful reflectivity data were obtained at energies from 80 eV to the carbon edge (~250 eV). Some of the materials which were found to perform well at coarse 2d spacings were later tested in finer multilayers to evaluate the influence of interlayer surface roughness on reflectivity.
Epidural electrode for animals with thin skulls

Abstract A small spheroidal electrode of base metal was made and placed in the epidural space through a trephine hole in the gerbil's skull to obtain precision EEG recordings.
Motion Planning for Automated Construction

Abstract Increasing research and development in the area of construction robotics and computer-aided-construction has resulted in a large number of automated construction equipment applications. Full potential of such construction equipment can be realized by providing the collision avoidance motion planning capabilities. Models used in motion planning can be categorized into two types: (1) planning with complete information and (2) planning with incomplete information. State-of-the-art general algorithms appropriate for the motion planning process are highlighted. Motion planning with complete information is typically NP-complete and hence requires approximate approaches or exploitation of special conditions to generate solutions. Motion planning with incomplete information requires sensory feedback. An algorithm for motion planning in an automated conrete placement operation that exploits the special conditions provided by structural engineering floor design theory is described.
Long-term micropatterned cell cultures in heterogeneous microfluidic environments

Microfluidic poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) devices were constructed and used as long-term cell culture platforms for skeletal muscle cell differentiation and for dynamic application of chemical stimuli to the cells. The devices featured two orthogonal fluidic networks: one for long-term cell perfusion at minimal rates and the other one for short-term selective cell treatment and stimulation with biologically relevant molecules. The cells were micropatterned within the microfluidic channels using surface modification techniques, cultured under continuous flow, and allowed to fuse into polynucleated myotubes (a major milestone in muscle cell differentiation). By exposing cells to heterogeneous laminar flows, it was possible to confine a membrane receptor labeling assay to a region smaller than a cell.
Takeover Legislation and Corporate Purpose Implications for Corporate Governance

Many states, focusing on the protection of enterprise-dependent nonshareholders, have passed statutes that protect companies from takeovers. These statutes shift the balance of power along the existing shareholder/manager axis and alter the essence of corporate purpose. These issues and their implications for shareholders, corporate governance, and society at large are discussed.
Reachability Analysis for Some Models of Infinite-State Transition Systems

We introduce some new models of infinite-state transition systems. The basic model, called a (reversal-bounded) counter machine (CM), is a nondeterministic finite automaton augmented with finitely many reversal-bounded counters (i.e. each counter can be incremented or decremented by 1 and tested for zero, but the number of times it can change mode from nondecreasing to nonincreasing and vice-versa is bounded by a constant, independent of the computation). We extend a CM by augmenting it with some familiar data structures: (i) A pushdown counter machine (PCM) is a CM augmented with an unrestricted pushdown stack. (ii) A tape counter machine (TCM) is a CM augmented with a two-way read/write worktape that is restricted in that the number of times the head crosses the boundary between any two adjacent cells of the worktape is bounded by a constant, independent of the computation (thus, the worktape is finite-crossing). There is no bound on how long the head can remain on a cell. (iii) A queue counter machine (QCM) is a CM augmented with a queue that is restricted in that the number of alternations between non-deletion phase and non-insertion phase is bounded by a constant. A non-deletion (non-insertion) phase is a period consisting of insertions (deletions) and no-changes, i.e., the queue is idle. We show that emptiness, (binary, forward, and backward) reachability, nonsafety, and invariance for these machines are solvable. We also look at extensions of the models that allow the use of linear-relation tests among the counters and parameterized constants as "primitive" predicates. We investigate the conditions under which these problems are still solvable.
Building a Foundation for Success in Natural Resources Extension Education: An International Perspective

The practice of extension in improving forest and natural resource management around the world is increasing. In 2003 an international symposium of extensionists working in forestry and natural resources was convened in Troutdale, Oregon. Thirty-five papers from 11 countries focused on successful strategies that have been employed in extension work around the globe. Twenty-two strategies were highlighted that relate to educational approach or programming. Members of the Extension Working Party of the International Union of Forest Research Organizations (500 members from 70 countries) were surveyed to see if they used these strategies often or sometimes, or if they did not use them but would like to, or if they don’t feel the strategy is relevant to them. Results were compiled by three constructed regions: U.S. and Canada; Europe and Australia; and Asia, Africa, and Latin America, and differences were tested using Pearson’s χ 2 . In general, the strategies were consistently and widely used around the world. Typically from 70 to 95% of the survey respondents indicated that they use the strategy often or sometimes. Regional differences occurred with only six of the 22 strategies. For example, the strategy develop collaborations with associations of learners, such as forest owner associations was used often or sometimes by 90% of respondents from the U.S. and Canada, 83% of respondents from Europe and Australia, and only 47% of respondents from Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Reasons for these significant (p < 0.0001) differences are proposed. Additionally, some barriers to use of some of the strategies are reported.
Computer simulations support a core prediction of a contentious plant model.

PREMISE OF THE STUDY: An overarching but vigorously debated plant model proposed by the West, Brown, Enquist (WBE) theory predicts the scaling relationships for numerous botanical phenomena. However, few studies have evaluated this model's basic assumptions, one of which is that natural selection has resulted in hierarchal networks that minimize the energy required to distribute nutrients internally and have thus produced highly efficient organisms. METHODS: If these core assumptions are correct, an "idealized" plant complying with all of the scaling relationships emerging from the WBE plant model should rapidly outcompete other plants, even those that differ slightly from it. To test this reasoning, a computer model was used to simulate competition between an idealized WBE plant, a generic "average" angiosperm (GA), and one of seven variants of the idealized WBE plant, each being similar to the GA in one of the GA's scaling parameters. KEY RESULTS: Replicate simulations show that the idealized WBE plant rapidly outcompetes all other plants under light-shade and open-field conditions. However, changing only one of the WBE's scaling parameters results in death or in the coexistence of WBE and GA plants. CONCLUSIONS: These simulations support a core assumption of the WBE plant model and suggest why this idealized plant has not evolved.
In-Situ Ellipsometry Study of Pulsed Laser Deposited ZnO Films

Ellipsometry is normally used to characterize layered structures that have uniform properties laterally across the area of the probe beam. In this study, pulsed laser deposition of ZnO films was found to have highly nonuniform growth properties in the lateral directions. We were able to account for the effects of the nonuniform growth on in-situ ellipsometric data, by considering two dynamic growth models.
Children with autism show specific handwriting impairments

Background: Handwriting skills, which are crucial for success in school, communication, and building children’s self-esteem, have been observed to be poor in individuals with autism. Little information exists on the handwriting of children with autism, without delineation of specific features that can contribute to impairments. As a result, the specific aspects of handwriting in which individuals with autism demonstrate difficulty remain unknown. Methods: A case-control study of handwriting samples from children with and without autism spectrum disorders (ASD) was performed using the Minnesota Handwriting Assessment. Samples were scored on an individual letter basis in 5 categories: legibility, form, alignment, size, and spacing. Subjects were also tested on the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children–IV and the Physical and Neurological Examination for Subtle (Motor) Signs. Results: We found that children with ASD do indeed show overall worse performance on a handwriting task than do age- and intelligence-matched controls. More specifically, children with ASD show worse quality of forming letters but do not show differences in their ability to correctly size, align, and space their letters. Within the ASD group, motor skills were significantly predictive of handwriting performance, whereas age, gender, IQ, and visuospatial abilities were not. Conclusions: We addressed how different elements of handwriting contribute to impairments observed in children with autism. Our results suggest that training targeting letter formation, in combination with general training of fine motor control, may be the best direction for improving handwriting performance in children with autism.
Two studies of opportunistic programming: interleaving web foraging, learning, and writing code

This paper investigates the role of online resources in problem solving. We look specifically at how programmers - an exemplar form of knowledge workers - opportunistically interleave Web foraging, learning, and writing code. We describe two studies of how programmers use online resources. The first, conducted in the lab, observed participants' Web use while building an online chat room. We found that programmers leverage online resources with a range of intentions: They engage in just-in-time learning of new skills and approaches, clarify and extend their existing knowledge, and remind themselves of details deemed not worth remembering. The results also suggest that queries for different purposes have different styles and durations. Do programmers' queries "in the wild" have the same range of intentions, or is this result an artifact of the particular lab setting? We analyzed a month of queries to an online programming portal, examining the lexical structure, refinements made, and result pages visited. Here we also saw traits that suggest the Web is being used for learning and reminding. These results contribute to a theory of online resource usage in programming, and suggest opportunities for tools to facilitate online knowledge work.
A poly(vinylchloride) membrane electrode for determination of phenytoin in pharmaceutical formulations.

Abstract The construction and general performance characteristics of an ion-selective membrane electrode sensitive to the drug phenytoin, based on its ion-pair complex with the quaternary ammonium cation, tricaprylmethylammonium, in a PVC matrix are described. The electrode shows near-Nernstian response over a 10 −1 –10 −4 moll −1 range and a detection limit of 1.5 × 10 −5 moll −1 . The selectivity of the electrode to a number of inorganic and organic anions is reported. OH − interference, in the linear range of the calibration curve, is negligible up to pH 11.0. The standard addition method is used to determine phenytoin in pharmaceutical formulations, such as tablets and capsules, with good results. The method is rapid and simple, and does not require prior sample pretreatment.
Peri-procedural myocardial injury: 2005 update

During the past three decades, percutaneous coronary intervention has become one of the cardinal treatment strategies for stenotic coronary artery disease. Technical advances, including the introduction of new devices such as stents, have expanded the interventional capabilities of balloon angioplasty. At the same time, there has been a decline in the rate of major adverse cardiac events, including Q-wave acute myocardial infarction, emergency coronary artery bypass grafting, and cardiac death. Despite these advances, the incidence of post-procedural cardiac marker elevation has not substantially decreased since the first serial assessment 20 years ago. As of now, these post-procedural cardiac marker elevations are considered to represent peri-procedural myocardial injury (PMI) with worse long-term outcome potential. Recent progress has been made for the identification of two main PMI patterns, one near the intervention site (proximal type, PMI type I) and one in the distal perfusion territory of the treated coronary artery (distal type, PMI type II) as well as for preventive strategies. Integrating these new developments into the wealth of clinical information on this topic, this review aims at giving a current perspective on the entity of PMI.
Hardware-software bipartitioning for dynamically reconfigurable systems

The main unique feature of dynamically reconfigurable systems is the ability to time-share the same reconfigurable hardware resources. However, the energy-delay cost associated with reconfiguration must be accounted for during hardware-software partitioning. We propose a method for mapping nodes of an application control flow graph either to software or reconfigurable hardware, explicitly targeting minimization of the energy-delay cost due to both computation and configuration. The addressed problems are energy-delay product minimization, delay-constrained energy minimization, and energy-constrained delay minimization. We show how these problems can be tackled by using network flow techniques, after transforming the original control flow graph into an equivalent network. If there are no constraints, as in the case of the energy-delay product minimization, we are able to generate an optimal solution in polynomial time.
Maximum Entropy PDF Design Using Feature Density Constraints: Applications in Signal Processing

This paper revisits an existing method of constructing high-dimensional probability density functions (PDFs) based on the PDF at the output of a dimension-reducing feature transformation. We show how to modify the method so that it can provide the PDF with the highest entropy among all PDFs that generate the given low-dimensional PDF. The method is completely general and applies to arbitrary feature transformations. The chain-rule is described for multi-stage feature calculations typically used in signal processing. Examples are given including MFCC and auto-regressive features. Experimental verification of the results using simulated data is provided including a comparison with competing generative methods.
Molecular Simulations of Mutually Exclusive Folding in a Two-Domain Protein Switch

A major challenge with testing designs of protein conformational switches is the need for experimental probes that can independently monitor their individual protein domains. One way to circumvent this issue is to use a molecular simulation approach in which each domain can be directly observed. Here we report what we believe to be the first molecular simulations of mutually exclusive folding in an engineered two-domain protein switch, providing a direct view of how folding of one protein drives unfolding of the other in a barnase-ubiquitin fusion protein. These simulations successfully capture the experimental effects of interdomain linker length and ligand binding on the extent of unfolding in the less stable domain. In addition, the effect of linker length on the potential for oligomerization, which eliminates switch activity, is in qualitative agreement with analytical ultracentrifugation experiments. We also perform what we believe to be the first study of protein unfolding via progressive localized compression. Finally, we are able to explore the kinetics of mutually exclusive folding by determining the effect of linker length on rates of unfolding and refolding of each protein domain. Our results demonstrate that molecular simulations can provide seemingly novel biological insights on the behavior of individual protein domains, thereby aiding in the rational design of bifunctional switches.
Five strategies for supporting healthy behavior change

There is an ongoing search for theoretical foundations and design principles for interactive systems that support healthy behavior change. In this work-in-progress, we present several behavior change strategies that are currently used in effective health self-management interventions. We then discuss how these strategies can be used in applications that support behavior change in the healthwellness domain.
Comparing Data Collected by Computerized and Written Surveys for Adolescence Health Research

Background: This study assessed whether data-collection formats, computerized versus paper-and-pencil, affect response patterns and descriptive statistics for adolescent health assessment surveys. Youth were assessed as part of a health risk reduction program. Methods: Baseline data from 1131 youth were analyzed. Participants completed the questionnaire either by computer (n = 390) or by paper-and-pencil (n = 741). Results: The rate of returned surveys meeting inclusion requirements was 90.6% and did not differ by methods. However, the computerized method resulted in significantly less incompleteness but more identical responses. Multiple regression indicated that the survey methods did not contribute to problematic responses. The two survey methods yielded similar scale internal reliability and descriptive statistics for behavioral and psychological outcomes, although the computerized method elicited higher reports of some risk items such as carrying a knife, beating up a person, selling drugs, and delivering drugs. Conclusions: Overall, the survey method did not produce a significant difference in outcomes. This provides support for program personnel selecting survey methods based on study goals with confidence that the method of administration will not have a significant impact on the outcome.
Age Distribution of Cancer: The Incidence Turnover at Old Age

In recent years data on cancer incidence in the USA, the Netherlands, and in Hong Kong indicate a flattening and perhaps a turnover at advanced age, but no model has been successful in fitting this data and thus providing clues to the underlying biology. In this work we assume these data are reliable and free from bias. We find that a Beta distribution fits SEER age-specific cancer incidence data for all adult cancers extremely well, and its interpretation as a model leads to the possibility that there is a beneficial cancer extinction process that becomes important at elevated age. Particularly evident from the data is the apparent remarkable uniformity of adult cancers peaking in incidence at about the same age, including cancers in other countries. Possible biological mechanisms include increasing apoptosis and cell senescence with age. Further, the model suggests that cancer is not inevitable at advanced age, but reaches a maximum cumulative probability of affliction with any cancer of about 70% for m...
Minimal haplotype tagging

†‡ § ¶ †† ‡‡ The high frequency of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the human genome presents an unparalleled opportunity to track down the genetic basis of common diseases. At the same time, the sheer number of SNPs also makes unfeasible genomewide disease association studies. The haplotypic nature of the human genome, however, lends itself to the selection of a parsimonious set of SNPs, called haplotype tagging SNPs (htSNPs), able to distinguish the haplotypic variations in a population. Current approaches rely on statistical analysis of transmission rates to identify htSNPs. In contrast to these approximate methods, this contribution describes an exact, analytical, and lossless method, called BEST (Best Enumeration of SNP Tags), able to identify the minimum set of SNPs tagging an arbitrary set of haplotypes from either pedigree or independent samples. Our results confirm that a small proportion of SNPs is sufficient to capture the haplotypic variations in a population and that this proportion decreases exponentially as the haplotype length increases. We used BEST to tag the haplotypes of 105 genes in an African-American and a European-American sample. An interesting finding of this analysis is that the vast majority (95%) of the htSNPs in the EuropeanAmerican sample is a subset of the htSNPs of the African-American sample. This result seems to provide further evidence that a severe bottleneck occurred during the founding of Europe and the conjectured ‘‘Out of Africa’’ event. single-nucleotide polymorphisms association studies
Relationship between socioeconomic factors and severe childhood injuries

The objective was to examine the relationship between injury rates and socioeconomic factors for children in Hamilton County, Ohio, using small-area analysis. The subjects were county residents less than 15 years old who were hospitalized or died of injuries between January 1, 1993, and December 31, 1995; they were identified through a population-based trauma registry. The census tract was the unit of analysis; the rate of injury per 100,000 population was the dependent variable. Risk factors included median income, level of education, percentage below the poverty level, percentage unemployment, percentage non-Caucasian, and percentage families headed by females. There were 2,437 children meeting the case definition; injuries per census tract ranged from 0 to 2,020.2 per 100,000 per year. Census tracts with higher injury rates had lower median incomes, more people with less than a high school education, more unemployment, more families headed by females, more people living below the poverty level, and more non-Cancasians han those with lower rates. In a regression model, percentage of people living below poverty level, percentage of those who did not graduate from high school, and percentage unemployment were significant risk factors for injuries, P<.001. Since small-area analysis examines associations on an ecological level rather than an individual level, these studies should always be interpreted with caution because an association found at the level of the census tract may not apply at the individual level. Inverventions to reduce injuries should target socioeconomically disadvantaged children living below the poverty level and those in areas with fewer high school graduates and more unemployment.
Percutaneous embolization: A viable treatment option for varicocele

There are several options in the treatment of varicocele. Surgical repair either by open or microsurgical approach, laparoscopy, or through percutaneous embolization of the internal spermatic vein have been used to treat varicocele [1]. Regardless of the chosen technique, the ultimate goal relies on the occlusion of the dilated veins that drain the testis. Percutaneous embolization offers a rapid recovery and can be successfully accomplished in approximately 90% of attempts. However, the technique demands interventional radiologic expertise and has potential serious complications, including vascular perforation, coil migration, and thrombosis of pampiniform plexus [2]. Prasivoravong et al. [3] report results from a case series of men undergoing varicocele embolization. They evaluated men with grade III unilateral varicocele and identified improvements in sperm morphology. Percutaneous embolization can be a valuable treatment option for recurrences after surgery since patients may not want to undergo another operation and surgeons may not feel comfortable with artery and lymphatic sparing technique. Percutaneous approach can offer a viable treatment approach for men complaining of scrotal pain (orchialgia) from varicocele because inflammation and scarring from operation may contribute to additional pain. Further studies are necessary to determine the benefit of percutaneous embolization in men with bilateral and lower grades of varicocele. Additional comparative studies comparing the different treatment options for varicocele can help determine the best treatment option for men that present with varicocele-associated infertility.
Electronics for the electrohydraulic total artificial heart

The electronics and microcontroller software which comprise the electrohydraulic total artificial heart (EHTAH) are described. The power, communication, control and monitoring (PCCM) subsystem consists of an external controller (IBM PC), a transcutaneous transmission system (TTS), an internal electronic system, and energy converters (composed of motors and axial flow pumps). Software for the external controller is described in addition to the firmware for the internal controller microcontrollers. >
What Do Parents Expect? A Study of Likelihood and Importance Issues for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders

The purpose of this study Was to investigate the expectations of parents of children With autism With regard to importance and likelihood issues of future outcomes. Participants in the study Were 2...
The association between schizophrenia and cancer: a population-based mortality study

Abstract Background : For most of this century there has been speculation that persons diagnosed with schizophrenia have a reduced incidence of cancer. Objective : To determine if a history of cancer was more common in persons diagnosed with schizophrenia when compared with the general population, controlling for known risk and demographic factors. Design : We used the 1986 National Mortality Followback Survey (NMFS) which sampled 1% of all deaths in the US from that year. Data were obtained from death certificates and records of hospitalizations in the last year of life. Additional health and demographic data were obtained through interviews with decedents' families and other informants. We compared persons diagnosed with schizophrenia ( n =130) to individuals without schizophrenia ( n =18,603) and used logistic regression to determine the odds ratio for the occurrence of cancer in persons diagnosed with schizophrenia. Adjustment for age at death was done to correct for the fact that persons diagnosed with schizophrenia die on average 10 years younger than the general population. Main Outcome Measure : A diagnosis of cancer on a hospital record or the death certificate. Results : The unadjusted odds ratio for cancer among individuals with schizophrenia was 0.62 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.40–0.96). After controlling for age, race, gender, marital status, education, net worth, smoking, and hospitalization in the year before death, we determined that the odds ratio for the diagnosis of cancer in persons with schizophrenia was 0.59 (95% CI 0.38–0.93). Conclusion : In this population-based study, we demonstrated a reduced risk of cancer among persons diagnosed with schizophrenia.
Transitions in lithiumlike Cu 26+ and berylliumlike Cu 25+ of interest for x-ray laser research

Transitions in highly charged copper ions have been identified in the extreme-ultraviolet spectra from plasmas produced by the Omega laser at the University of Rochester. The 24 beams of the Omega laser were focused to separate spots of diameter 50 μm upon the surface of copper-coated targets 600 μm in diameter. The transitions in lithiumlike Cu26+ and berylliumlike Cu25+ of the type n = 3–4 were observed in the wavelength region 24 to 28 A and were bright in the focal regions. The intensities of the Cu26+ 2p–3d and 3d–4f transitions indicate that a population inversion occurs between the 3d and 4f levels. Comparisons of the observed relative intensities of the Cu26+ transitions with calculated intensities indicate that the Cu26+ spectrum originates in a plasma region with an electron density of order of 1020 cm−3 and that collisional recombination is important for populating the 4f level. The 3d–4f transitions at 25.525and 25.636 A in Cu26+, and the same transitions in neighboring elements, appear to be good candidates for achieving gain at wavelengths below the carbon absorption edge at 43.5 A.
Development and Implementation of Wind-Generated Ocean Surface Wave Modelsat NCEP

Abstract A brief historical overview of numerical wind wave forecast modeling efforts at the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) is presented, followed by an in-depth discussion of the new operational National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) “WAVEWATCH III” (NWW3) wave forecast system. This discussion mainly focuses on a parallel comparison of the new NWW3 system with the previously operational Wave Model (WAM) system, using extensive buoy and European Remote Sensing Satellite-2 (ERS-2) altimeter data. The new system is shown to describe the variability of the wave height more realistically, with similar or smaller random errors and generally better correlation coefficients and regression slopes than WAM. NWW3 outperforms WAM in the Tropics and in the Southern Hemisphere, and they both show fairly similar behavior at northern high latitudes. Dissemination of NWW3 products, and plans for its further development, are briefly discussed.
Neurocognitive Impairment (NI)

Survivors of breast, colon, and gynecological cancer are increasingly concerned about the possible cognitive sequelae (called chemo brain or chemo fog) associated with chemotherapy and radiation treatment regimens.
CONFINEMENT AND TRANSPORT RESEARCH IN ALCATOR C-MOD

Global and local transport experiments in ohmic, L-mode and H-mode regimes on the Alcator C-Mod tokamak are summarized. For ohmic plasmas, earlier results derived for energy confinement scaling in ...
Symmetry in Pay for Luck

Garvey and Milbourn (2006) document an asymmetry in pay for luck. Their methodology involves decomposing stock returns into luck and skill. Theoretically, the estimates of luck and skill should have zero correlation; empirically, the correlation is –44%. We find that this correlation arises due to lack of control for firm size. We find no asymmetry once we control for size. Specifically, we find no asymmetry (i) if we exclude the largest 0.4% of firms; (ii) using estimates of luck and skill from return-decomposition models that account for size; and (iii) using estimates of luck and skill where correlation is zero.