cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Factors that Predict an Intern's First ABSITE Score are Known by September.

Background Previous studies offer conflicting relevance of a variety of factors to predict resident performance on the The American Board of Surgery In-Training Exam (ABSITE). With numerous stellar applicants scoring poorly on their first ABSITE, we sought to identify key factors that might allow us to tailor pre-emptive study efforts in the fall and early winter to enhance scores. Methods General Surgery residents in our program from 2009 through 2016 were included in our cohort study. Specific trainee data (sex, prelim vs categorical, United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 and 2 scores, ABSITE scores, clinical rotations, biannual objective structured clinical examination OSCE-type scores, and in-house prep test [IHPT], etc.) were collected retrospectively. The data were analyzed using JMP pro 10 and MedCalc. Results ABSITE scores of our 110 trainees did not vary by sex or by categorical vs preliminary residents. USMLE step 1 and 2, IHPT and one objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) station (Sim-Based Trauma Exam) scores were positively correlated with ABSITE scores (p Conclusions USMLE steps 1 and 2 are useful parameters in our program to predict subsequent resident ABSITE performance. An in-house 60-minute preparation test in September, a 6-minute simulation-based trauma assessment in July, and rotation schedule with 2 stints on Acute Care Surgery were surprisingly useful early intern year tools to predict ABSITE scores.
Non-Abelian defects in fracton phases of matter

Fracton phases of matter host fractionalized topological quasiparticles with restricted mobility. A wide variety of fracton models with Abelian excitations had been proposed and extensively studied while the candidates for non-Abelian fracton phases are less explored. In this paper, we investigate the effect of twisted defects in Abelian fracton models. The twisted defect is launched by introducing a branch cut line hosting anyon condensate. In particular, these twisted defects, which alter different types of quasiparticles, carry projective non-Abelian zero modes. En route, such defects can be engineered via strong on-site hybridization along a branch cut which provides wide tunability and flexibility in experiment platforms. The braiding of twisted defects with projective non-Abelian Berry phases renders an avenue toward fault-tolerant quantum computation.
Abstract P062: The Benefits of Preemptive Transplant Vary by Cause of End-stage Renal Disease

Introduction: Cardiovascular events, i.e. cardiac arrest and arrhythmia, are the leading cause of death among patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Kidney transplantation (KT) reduces morta...
Developmental regulation of Wnt signaling by Nagk and the UDP-GlcNAc salvage pathway.

Abstract In a screen for human kinases that regulate Xenopus laevis embryogenesis, we identified Nagk and other components of the UDP-GlcNAc glycosylation salvage pathway as regulators of anteroposterior patterning and Wnt signaling. We find that the salvage pathway does not affect other major embryonic signaling pathways (Fgf, TGFβ, Notch, or Shh), thereby demonstrating specificity for Wnt signaling. We show that the role of the salvage pathway in Wnt signaling is evolutionarily conserved in zebrafish and Drosophila. Finally, we show that GlcNAc is essential for the growth of intestinal enteroids, which are highly dependent on Wnt signaling for growth and maintenance. We propose that the Wnt pathway is sensitive to alterations in the glycosylation state of a cell and acts as a nutritional sensor in order to couple growth/proliferation with its metabolic status. We also propose that the clinical manifestations observed in congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG) in humans may be due, in part, to their effects on Wnt signaling during development.
Alternatives to pest and disease control in preharvest, and washing and processing in postharvest levels for organic produce

Abstract Fresh produce is subjected to various routes of contamination, both in the fields as well as the postharvest stages. The sources of contamination of fresh produce include soil, water, dust, rainfall, manure, biosolids, improperly composted material, agricultural runoffs, animal intrusions, fertilizer, and human handling/processing. Not only has the demand for organic fresh fruits and vegetables increased, but in order to meet the demand, somewhere along the supply chain, apart from factors such as pest infiltration and wildlife encroachments, improper choices of manure, environmental factors such as air and water quality, improper handling and safety practices have also led to an increase in outbreaks associated with these commodities. Many foodborne pathogens are resistant to basic sanitization measures and can survive in the environment for long periods of time. All these factors contribute to the survival of foodborne pathogens and thus the need for constantly improving interventions is an imperative measure of food safety. The organic produce industry is limited in its options for maintaining pre- and postharvest food safety owing to the fact that only materials approved by the USDA National Organic Program can be applied during production and processing of these commodities. This may pose a risk because the chemical nature along with the concentrations of materials are heavily regulated by the USDA and may not be sufficient to control all foodborne pathogens. Appropriate alternative measures are needed for pest and disease control at the preharvest levels and for processing and washing at the postharvest levels for fresh produce to prevent future foodborne outbreaks. In commercial settings, the environmental and economic implications of any kind of measures need to be evaluated before application. The effectiveness of the sanitizer in a commercial setting, residual antimicrobial effect, presence of harmful chemical residue, effect on organoleptic properties of produce, specificity against pathogenic bacteria, and cost are all important considerations for sanitizer selection.
Altered Lymphatic Vessel Anatomy and Markedly Diminished Lymph Clearance in Affected Hands of Patients With Active Rheumatoid Arthritis

OBJECTIVE To assess differences between lymphatic function in the affected hands of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with active synovitis and that of healthy controls, using indocyanine green (ICG) dye and near-infrared (NIR) imaging. METHODS NIR imaging of the hands of 8 patients with active RA and 13 healthy controls was performed following web space injection of 0.1 ml of 100 μM ICG. The percentage of ICG retention in the web spaces was determined by NIR imaging at baseline and at 7 days (±1 day) after the initial injections; image analysis provided contraction frequency. ICG+ lymphatic vessel (LV) length and branching architecture were assessed. RESULTS Retention of ICG in RA hands was higher compared to controls (P < 0.01). The average contraction frequency of ICG+ LVs in RA patients and in controls did not differ (mean ± SD 0.53 ± 0.39 contractions/minute versus 0.51 ± 0.35 contractions/minute). Total ICG+ LV length in RA hands was lower compared to healthy controls (58.3 ± 15.0 cm versus 71.4 ± 16.1 cm; P < 0.001), concomitant with a decrease in the number of ICG+ basilic LVs in the hands of RA patients (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Lymphatic drainage in the hands of RA patients with active disease was reduced compared to controls. This reduction was associated with a decrease in total length of ICG+ LVs on the dorsal surface of the hands, which continued to contract at a similar rate to that observed in controls. These findings provide a plausible mechanism for exacerbation of synovitis and joint damage, specifically the accumulation and retention of inflammatory cells and catabolic factors in RA joints due to impaired efferent lymphatic flow. NIR/ICG imaging of RA hands is feasible and warrants formal investigation as a primary outcome measure for arthritis disease severity and/or persistence in future clinical trials.
A health risk assessment and early alcohol intervention program for non-mandated students.

We examined the effects of a two-part intervention including an online health risk assessment with personalized feedback and a brief in-person alcohol intervention for high-risk students. Participa...
Multisensor Remote Monitoring for Heart Failure Exacerbations in Patients with Left Ventricular Assist Devices

Background Continuous flow left ventricular assist devices (cfLVADs) have improved outcomes for advanced Heart Failure (HF) patients. Recurrent HF continues to be a complication and clinical examination is limited by the nature of the LVAD therapy requiring better diagnostics to improve patient outcomes. Methods We describe a multisensory diagnostic in two LVAD patients. Results Two patients with end-stage HF supported with a HeartMate II and HeartMate III containing a multisensor diagnostic for HF (HeartLogic) presented to clinic with exercise intolerance. In both, exam revealed no elevation of venous pressure, lungs were clear and no heart sounds were appreciated above the normal LVAD hum. On right heart catheterization of patient A, RA pressure was 14 mmHg, PCWP 18 mmHg and CI 1.9 L/min/m2. LVAD speed was increased from 10,000 to 10,400 rpm. Similarly, elevated filling pressures were seen with patient B, who had LVAD speed increased as well. In both cases, S3 magnitude decreased following LVAD speed increase. Both patients later had outpatient alerts detected and diuretics were doubled until alert resolution. In each instance, the clinical events were associated with a HeartLogic alert, and remarkably, the S3 changed in manner consistent with the interventions that occurred although clinicians could not appreciate an S3. Conclusion These cases demonstrate that a multisensory HF diagnostic changes and alerts during clinically meaningful events that is useful in the management of LVAD patients.
Discrete differential geometry and its role in computational modeling of defects and inelasticity

In this paper we discuss the geometry and mechanics of discrete manifolds—so called simplicial complexes that are essentially triangulated regions—motivated by the works on discrete exterior calculus and differential geometry in computer graphics. We show that the classical ideas related to the geometry of continuous manifolds, such as metric, curvature, and affine connections take on a much simpler and more intuitive aspect when discussed in the context of such discrete triangulated manifolds. We introduce the notion of a dual mesh to describe “dual” variables (technically differential forms). We use the dual mesh to show that the geometry of the defects such as microcracks, dislocations and incoherent boundaries as well as balance laws and constitutive relations can be introduced directly, without the need for “discretization” from a continuum. This opens up the possibility of direct simulations of these bodies without the need for a continuous counterpart. We end by demonstrating how the second law of thermodynamics can be used in such a situation including discrete non-local systems.
RS3: Assessment of Students’ Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes after Comprehensive Pain Assessment Training

Background: A comprehensive pain assessment is the first step in safe and effective pain management. Previous studies have explored variations in pain assessment education including numerous mnemon...
Resurgent Ethnicity and Residential Choice Among Second-generation Asian Americans in a Los Angeles Panethnic Suburb:

We draw on forty-six in-depth interviews with residents of Cerritos, California, a middle-class majority Asian suburb in Los Angeles County to explore the meaning of resurgent ethnicity and the way...
The Myth Of A Gentile Galilee

The Myth of a Gentile Galilee is the most thorough synthesis to date of archaeological and literary evidence relating to the population of Galilee in the first-century CE. The book demonstrates that, contrary to the perceptions of many New Testament scholars, the overwhelming majority of first-century Galileans were Jews. Utilizing the gospels, the writings of Josephus, and published archaeological excavation reports, Mark A. Chancey traces the historical development of the region's population and examines in detail specific cities and villages, finding ample indications of Jewish inhabitants and virtually none for gentiles. He argues that any New Testament scholarship that attempts to contextualize the Historical Jesus or the Jesus movement in Galilee must acknowledge and pay due attention to the region's predominantly Jewish milieu. This accessible book will be of interest to New Testament scholars as well as scholars of Judaica, Syro-Palestinian archaeology, and the Roman Near East.
Information theory in random fields

A random field is a family of random variables with a multidimensional parameter set. Random fields provide mathematical models for distributed sources of information. Channels that link an input and an output random field also are of interest.
Plays, Values, Analysis and The Complexity of Chinese Chess.

Chinese Chess (Xiangqi) and Backgammon evolved from an ancient Chinese game called Liubo that was invented some 3,500 years ago [10, pp. 3–11]. Like Liubo, Xiangqi consists of one king, five pawns, and several higher order pieces, and the game is decided by capturing the opponent’s king. Unlike in Liubo, the moves of Xiangqi are not determined by the roll of dice. The dice part of the game eventually evolved into another famous game, Backgammon. Xiangqi predates both Shogi and International Chess, and the latter are the obvious variants of the former. In this paper we will refer to International Chess as Chess and Chinese Chess as Xiangqi. Since Xiangqi and Chess are both purely strategic games (without random moves), it should conceptually be possible to decide whether there is a winning strategy for the first or the second player, or the game always ends with a draw, if both the players play perfect strategies. Such games are called combinatorial games, and combinatorial game theory (CGT) is the branch of mathematics devoted to their analysis [3]. In recent times a rich theory on how to evaluate/analyze game positions has been developed. This theory has successfully been applied to certain endgame positions of Chess [6] and Go [2]. Unfortunately, CGT cannot be directly applied to Xiangqi. Therefore in this paper, we will make a few simplifying assumptions about the game to make it better accessible to CGT. These assumptions will of course affect the actual value of a game position but we will still be able to correctly identify the winner, which is the foremost important part in analysis of combinatorial board games. In Chess, pawn endgames can be easily analyzed if there are no higher order pieces present on the board [6]. By higher order pieces we mean all pieces except pawns, e.g. Bishop, Rook, etc. In Xiangqi this is not an easy job, since pure pawn endgames are rare because higher order pieces usually survive until the end, leading to loopy games with more complex values [3]. Another problem in strategic games is to find a winning move for a given game position. Since the search space usually becomes astronomically huge with every move, finding the best move by exhaustive search is not a good idea at all. Actually, most interesting games are PSPACEor
The exposome--exciting opportunities for discoveries in reproductive and perinatal epidemiology.

Understanding the mechanisms that underlie successful human reproduction and development is an ambitious goal, given the many unique methodologic challenges surrounding such study. These challenges are well understood by reproductive and perinatal epidemiologists and include its conditional nature, unobservable yet informative outcomes such as conception, multi-scale missing data, correlated or non-independent outcomes, interval censoring, and a hierarchical data structure. Novel methodologies for overcoming these challenges and for answering critical data gaps are needed if we are to better understand the inefficiency that currently characterizes human reproduction with the goal of improving population health. The exposome is an emerging paradigm that offers promise for understanding the natural history of human reproduction and development, and its many associated impairments that develop later in child- or adult-hood. This novel paradigm recognizes the need to identify and measure the totality of environmental (non-genetic) exposures from preconception through sensitive windows, and to identify patterns associated with healthy and adverse outcomes. The exposome accommodates research focusing on unique subpopulations, such as couples undergoing assisted reproductive technologies, so that methodologic limitations such as unobservable and conditional outcomes can be better addressed. Reproductive and perinatal epidemiology is uniquely suited for proof-of-concept exposome research, given the intricate relations between fecundity, gravid health and later onset disease and the narrow and interrelated sensitive windows that characterize the conditional nature of human reproduction and development. Bold new conceptual frameworks such as the exposome are needed for designing research that may lead to discovery and improve population health.
Exploiting Punctuations along with Sliding Windows to Optimize STREAM Data Manager

Data stream processing has found enormous use in real time applications such as financial tickers, network and sensor monitoring, manufacturing processes and others. STREAM is Data Stream Management System which implements sliding window query model in its architecture. We explore the existing architectural model in an effort to achieve faster results and improve the overall system functionality. In this paper, we analyze the STREAM data manager for the possible optimization of the query processing. We discuss the potential inadequacies of the current query model and put forward the use of punctuations along with sliding windows to improve the memory utilization and query processing.
Nonparametric confidence interval estimators for heritability and expected selection response.

Statistical methods have not been described for comparing estimates of family-mean heritability (H) or expected selection response (R), nor have consistently valid methods been described for estimating R intervals. Nonparametric methods, e.g., delete-one jackknifing, may be used to estimate variances, intervals, and hypothesis test statistics in estimation problems where parametric methods are unsuitable, nonrobust, or undefinable. Our objective was to evaluate normal-approximation jackknife interval estimators for H and R using Monte Carlo simulation. Simulations were done using normally distributed within-family effects and normally, uniformly, and exponentially distributed between-family effects. Realized coverage probabilities for jackknife interval (2) and parametric interval (5) for H were not significantly different from stated probabilities when between-family effects were normally distributed. Coverages for jackknife intervals (3) and (4) for R were not significantly different from stated coverages when between-family effects were normally distributed. Coverages for interval (3) for R were occasionally significantly less than stated when between-family effects were uniformly or exponentially distributed. Coverages for interval (2) for H were occasionally significantly less than stated when between-family effects were exponentially distributed. Thus, intervals (3) and (4) for R and (2) for H were robust. Means of analysis of variance estimates of R were often significantly less than parametric values when the number of families evaluated was 60 or less. Means of analysis of variance estimates of H were consistently significantly less than parametric values. Means of jackknife estimates of H calculated from log transformed point estimates and R calculated from untransformed or log transformed point estimates were not significantly different from parametric values. Thus, jackknife estimators of H and R were unbiased. Delete-one jackknifing is a robust, versatile, and effective statistical method when applied to estimation problems involving variance functions. Jackknifing is especially valuable in hypothesis test estimation problems where the objective is comparing estimates from different populations.
Impact of genomics and genetics on the elucidation of bacterial metabolism.

In the last few years, the emergence of complete genome sequences has had profound effects on all fields of biology. While the existence of these genome sequences has served to facilitate experimental work, it has also highlighted the gaps in our knowledge of bacterial metabolism. Our current knowledge of metabolism is primarily the result of data accumulated from decades of study by biochemists and geneticists. In general these studies focused on discrete pathways and their regulation. The technical innovations of the last decade, culminating with the sequencing of complete genomes, provide us with the ability to address the next frontier in physiology, metabolic integration. Herein we describe current approaches that can be used to complement classic genetic approaches and further our understanding of both novel metabolic functions and metabolic integration in microorganisms.
Design and implementation of handheld and desktop software for the structured reporting of hepatic masses using the LI-RADS schema.

Rationale and Objectives The Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) can enhance communication between radiologists and clinicians if applied consistently. We identified an institutional need to improve liver imaging report standardization and developed handheld and desktop software to serve this purpose. Materials and Methods We developed two complementary applications that implement the LI-RADS schema. A mobile application for iOS devices written in the Objective-C language allows for rapid characterization of hepatic observations under a variety of circumstances. A desktop application written in the Java language allows for comprehensive observation characterization and standardized report text generation. We chose the applications' languages and feature sets based on the computing resources of target platforms, anticipated usage scenarios, and ease of application installation, deployment, and updating. Results Our primary results are the publication of the core source code implementing the LI-RADS algorithm and the availability of the applications for use worldwide via our website, http://www.liradsapp.com/ . The Java application is free open-source software that can be integrated into nearly any vendor's reporting system. The iOS application is distributed through Apple's iTunes App Store. Observation categorizations of both programs have been manually validated to be correct. The iOS application has been used to characterize liver tumors during multidisciplinary conferences of our institution, and several faculty members, fellows, and residents have adopted the generated text of Java application into their diagnostic reports. Conclusions Although these two applications were developed for the specific reporting requirements of our liver tumor service, we intend to apply this development model to other diseases as well. Through semiautomated structured report generation and observation characterization, we aim to improve patient care while increasing radiologist efficiency.
Analysis of a hybrid algorithm for packing unequal bins

We consider a bin-packing problem where the sizes of the bins are allowed to vary and where the goal is to maximize the number of pieces packed. This problem is NP-Hard. We examine a new efficient approximation algorithm for its solution which is a hybrid of two algorithms reported earlier, First-Fit Decreasing (FFD) and Best-Two Fit (B2F). The hybrid is iterative: it attempts to pack smaller and smaller suffixes of its list of pieces until it succeeds in packing an entire suffix. During each attempt, the hybrid operates by partitioning the current list of pieces and packing one part by B2F and afterward packing the other part of its list by FFD. We prove that no instance of the problem exists where an optimal algorithm can pack more than 4/3 the number of pieces the hybrid can pack. We also give a sequence of examples for which the ratio of the number of pieces optimally and by our algorithm increases asymptotically to 4/3. The hybrid, B2F and FFD were programmed and sets of instances were generated randomly for various distributions of piece and bin sizes. The estimates of expected behavior computed by applying the algorithms to these instances are only a few percent from optimality, which suggests that the worst-case behavior of the hybrid is evoked only by comparatively rare instances. In all the kinds of problems examined, our hybrid and the unelaborated B2F were superior to the simpler FFD.
A theoretical analysis of heat transfer due to particle impact

Abstract The heat exchange between impacting spherical particles or a particle and a surface is analyzed. The purpose of the study is to obtain a quantitative understanding of the direct conductive contribution of heat transfer between particles and surfaces in suspension flows and fluidized beds. The mechanism under investigation is the conduction through the time varying contact area during impact. It is shown that the impact Fourier number based on the maximum contact area radius and the contact duration is inversely proportional to the particle Peclet number and independent of mechanical properties. For small Fourier numbers, an analytical solution is presented. For large Fourier numbers, the solution is obtained numerically and presented in terms of a correction factor which is used with the analytical results.
Facile interfacial electron transfer through n-alkyl monolayers formed on silicon (111) surfaces

Abstract Electron transfer (ET) kinetics through alkyl monolayers, formed on n-type Si(111) surface by the direct reaction of alkylmagnesium bromide (n-CnH2n+1MgBr, n=2, 6, 10, and 15) with hydrogen-terminated Si(111), was investigated in acetonitrile (MeCN) with anthraquinone (AQ) as the electrochemical probe. Cyclic voltammetric measurements indicate that the ability of the monolayer to block interfacial electron transfer increases with increasing alkyl chain length. In particular, the voltammetric behavior changes from non-rectifying (i.e., chemically reversible redox couple), to rectifying (i.e., diode-like when the reverse wave is pushed into the gap) with increasing chain length. The dependence of the logarithm of the electron transfer rate constant as a function on the number of carbons in the alkyl chain is not consistent with electron tunneling through the full thickness of the film. In fact, the measured constant, 0.05 ± 0.03 per methylene, is much smaller than the well-established tunneling constant, ∼1.0/CH2 in the closely packed alkanethiol monolayers on gold suggesting permeation of the AQ into the film.
Teaching medical informatics a la carte: a curriculum for the professional palate.

Abstract Health professionals as well as students vary greatly in their appetite for medical informatics and evidence-based medicine. The information professional is challenged by the need for instructional programs that support the use of medical informatics to a diverse audience. For teaching programs to be successfully received, the information professional must be able to offer an adaptable curriculum that can be arranged to meet the differing needs of a wide range of health professionals. The Educational Services Department at New York University Medical Center has designed and implemented a multidisciplinary curriculum that serves as a model for health and information professionals to meet a variety of goals and objectives. This paper describes how the curriculum evolved. It is presented as a menu of offerings that may be coordinated and adapted to meet the varying skills and needs of clinicians, basic scientists, residency training programs, medical student clerkships, and nursing and allied health...
A brief introduction to expert systems

Abstract Recent interest in the topic of expert systems has been enormous, and continues to grow. This allegedly new tool has been proposed for implementation in an incredibly diverse array of problems, including a host of problem types that are (or should be) of interest to the operations researcher. In this tutorial, we present a very brief overview of expert systems. In particular, we examine its relationship and usefulness to the operations research profession.
Analytical solution of a refined shear deformation theory for rectangular composite plates

Abstract The Levy type solution procedure in conjunction with the state-space concept is used to determine the deflections and stresses for symmetric laminated composite plates with rectangular geometries by using a refined shear deformation theory. Combinations of simply supported, clamped and free boundary conditions are considered. Numerical results are presented for rectangular plates with different edge conditions, aspect ratios, lamination schemes and loadings. The solution should serve as a reference for designers and practitioners of numerical/computational methods.
Heat and cold denatured states of monomeric lambda repressor are thermodynamically and conformationally equivalent.

Although the denaturation of proteins by low temperatures is a well-documented phenomenon, little is known about the molecular details of the process. In this study, the parameters describing the denaturation thermodynamics of residues 6−85 of the N-terminal domain of λ repressor have been determined by fitting the three-dimensional thermal-urea denaturation surface obtained by circular dichroism. The shape of the surface shows cold denaturation at low temperatures and urea concentrations above 2 M, which allows accurate determination of the apparent heat capacity of denaturation (ΔCp). Denaturation curves based on aromatic 1H NMR spectra give identical denaturation curves, confirming purely two-state folding under all conditions studied. The denaturation surface can be fit with constant ΔCp and δ ln KD/δ[urea] (KD is the equilibrium constant for denaturation), consistent with a thermodynamically invariant denatured state. In addition, the aromatic 1H NMR spectrum of the cold denatured state at 0 °C in 3 ...
Charge-injection device detection for improved performance in atomic-emission spectroscopy

Abstract Studies into the use of simultaneous multiwavelength detection over a broad wavelength region (220–520 nm) demonstrate the power and flexibility offered by a charge-injection device for detection in atomic-emission spectrometry. An echelle monochromator and a charge-injection device utilizing the general electric CID17B array detector are used in conjunction with a direct current plasma source to perform multi-line analysis for Mg, Sr, Fe, Dy, Ho and Yb, increasing the sensitivity and limits of detection. By monitoring the 341-nm OH band and background Ar emission lines, changes in the nebulization and excitation conditions are easily detected. The presence of an organic matrix component not present in the standards is detected by observing the C(I) emission at 247.8 nm. These diagnostic tools can be combined with the use of an internal standard to obtain a reliability not previously available in automated AES instrumentation.
Identification of SNPs in Closely Related Temperate Japonica Rice Cultivars Using Restriction Enzyme-Phased Sequencing

Very low polymorphism in the germplasm typically used by breeding programs poses a significant bottleneck with regards to molecular breeding and the exploitation of breeding materials for quantitative trait analyses. California rice cultivars, derived from a very small base of temperate japonica germplasm and having a relatively brief breeding history, are a good example. In this study, we employed a reduced representation sequencing approach called Restriction Enzyme Site Comparative Analysis (RESCAN) to simultaneously identify and genotype single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in forty-five rice cultivars representing the majority of the 100 year-old breeding history in California. Over 20,000 putative SNPs were detected relative to the Nipponbare reference genome which enabled the identification and analysis of inheritance of pedigree haplotypes. Haplotype blocks distinguishing modern California cultivars from each other and from the ancestral short grain temperate japonica cultivars were easily identified. Reduced representation sequencing methods such as RESCAN are a valuable alternative to SNP chip genotyping and low coverage whole genome sequencing.
Literature-based recommendations for suicide assessment in the emergency department: a review.

Abstract Background Suicidal ideation and attempted suicide are important presenting complaints in the Emergency Department (ED). The Joint Commission established a National Patient Safety Goal that requires screening for suicidal ideation to identify patients at risk for suicide. Objectives Given the emphasis on screening for suicidal ideation in the general hospital and ED, it is important for Emergency Physicians to be able to understand and perform suicide risk assessment. Methods A review of literature was conducted using PubMed to determine important elements of suicide assessment in adults, ages 18 years and over, in the ED. Four typical ED cases are presented and the assessment of suicide risk in each case is discussed. Results The goal of an ED evaluation is to appropriately determine which patients are at lowest suicide risk, and which patients are at higher or indeterminate risk such that psychiatry consultation is warranted while the patient is in the ED. Emergency clinicians should estimate this risk by taking into account baseline risk factors, such as previous suicide attempts, as well as acute risk factors, such as the presence of a suicide plan. Conclusion Although a brief screening of suicide risk in the ED does not have the sensitivity to accurately determine which patients are at highest risk of suicide after leaving the ED, patients at lowest risk may be identified. In these low-risk patients, psychiatric holds and real-time psychiatric consultation while in the ED may not be needed, facilitating more expeditious dispositions from the ED.
JC virus induces a vigorous CD8+ cytotoxic T cell response in multiple sclerosis patients

We sought to compare the ongoing CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) immune response of MS patients to self and viral antigens. Using 51Cr release and tetramer staining assays, we found that the CTL response against VP1, the major capsid protein of the polyomavirus JC (JCV), was significantly higher than the one against epitopes of MBP and PLP. The JCV-specific CTL response was also significantly stronger in MS patients than healthy control subjects. These findings may shed a new light on the recent events related to the development of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy in three natalizumab-treated patients.
Advancing the profession of clinical neuropsychology with appropriate outcome studies and demonstrated clinical skills.

Healthcare economics and politics require clinical neuropsychologists to clearly document the value of their services. Therefore, advancing clinical neuropsychology as an economically viable profession requires carefully designed outcome studies and clear demonstration of the value of neuropsychologists’ judgment in various patient care matters. In this paper we propose steps for achieving these two goals.
Wearable computing for image-based indoor navigation of the visually impaired

In this paper, an image-based non-obtrusive indoor navigation system for the visually impaired is presented. The system makes use of image processing algorithms to extract floor regions from images captured from a wearable eye-mounted heads-up display device. A prototype system called VirtualEyes is presented, where floor regions are analyzed to provide the user with voiced guidance for navigation. The floor detection algorithm was tested against over 200 images captured from indoor corridors of various lighting conditions and achieved up to 81.8% accuracy.
Electronic states of solid C60: Symmetries and photoionization cross sections.

Synchrotron-radiation photoemission studies of the occupied electronic states of condensed phase-pure ${\mathrm{C}}_{60}$ show sharp, well-defined features, and comparison with the calculated density of states shows excellent agreement. Studies of the emission intensities as a function of photon energy reveal remarkable modulation due to transitions to final states that retain distinct molecular character and symmetry to \ensuremath{\sim}100 eV above the highest occupied level.
Sociology: Drivers of climate change beliefs

Direct experience of global warming is expected to increase the number of people who accept that it is real and human-caused. A study now shows that people's perceptions about abnormal temperatures mostly match actual measurements but do not affect climate change beliefs.
Relaxation kinetics in gaseous lewis acid/base systems*: the prototype, (CH3)2O+BF3⇋(CH3)2O:BF3*,

Abstract When a gaseous mixture of ether, boron trifluoride and their complex, at equilibrium (temperature range 290–335 K), is slightly perturbed by the imposition of a rapid temperature jump ≈3 to 6°, the system relaxes to a new equilibrium. From the dependence of the measured relaxation time on the pressure of the reagents, the initial temperature and the pressure of a diluent gas (argon), we derived rate constants for the dissociation and association processes, based on published values of the equilibrium constant, K eq ( T ). The temperature dependence of the dissociation rate constant leads to an activation energy (2nd order regime), for comparison with the OB (donor-acceptor) bond dissociation energy.
Measurements of the Cesium Flow from a Surface-Plasma H- Ion Source

We have constructed a surface ionization gauge (SIG) and have used it to measure the Cs0 flow rate through the emission slit of a surface-plasma source (SPS) of H- ions with Penning geometry. The equivalent cesium density in the SPS discharge is deduced from these flow measurements. For dc operation the optimum H- current occurs at an equivalent cesium density of ~7 × 1012 cm-3 (corresponding to an average cesium consumption rate of 0.5 mg/h). For pulsed operation the optimum H- current occurs at an equivalent cesium density of ~2 × 1013 cm-3 (1-mg/h average cesium consumption rate). We observe cesium trapping by the SPS discharge for both dc and pulsed operation. A cesium energy of ~0.1 eV is deduced from the observed time of flight to the SIG. In addition to providing information on the physics of the source, the SIG is a useful diagnostic tool for source startup and operation.
Sensitivity of circular dichroism to protein tertiary structure class

Circular dichroism (CD) spectra of proteins are particularly sensitive to protein secondary structure1–7. Proteins have been divided into four classes on the basis of their secondary structures8; all-α (predominantly α-helical), all-β (predominantly β-sheet), α + β (separate α-helix- and β-sheet-rich regions), and α/β (intermixed segments of α-helix and β-sheet). In principle, CD should be able to distinguish between all-α, all-β and α-β (α + β and α/β) proteins. We show here that, in fact, CD can distinguish between all four classes of protein, and that the CD spectra of members of each class have certain common features.
Framework for modeling durability cost of structural systems

A building materials durability model has been developed using a framework that encompasses environmental stimuli, material degradation, structural performance criteria, and maintenance strategies. The model takes a global viewpoint, rather than a microscopic focus, to produce predictions of life-cycle costs of building materials for structural applications. The model is completely general and capable of either simple or complex simulations depending upon the sophistication of the damage models used, the repair strategies considered, and the economic conditions assumed. The current study applies the model to a simple beam to compare painted structural steel and reinforced concrete in different climates and economic environments. The life-cycle cost model allows the engineer to compare the economics of two candidate materials for a given application, assess the consequences of repair strategy, compare durability of a material in different environments, and choose the best durability strategy for short- and long-term applications.
Ni(II) Sorption on Biogenic Mn-Oxides with Varying Mn Octahedral Layer Structure

Biogenic Mn-oxides (BioMnOx), produced by microorganisms, possess an extraordinary ability to sequester metals. BioMnOx are generally layered structures containing varying amounts of Mn(III) and vacant sites in the Mn layers. However the relationship between the varying structure of BioMnOx and metal sorption properties remains unclear. In this study, BioMnOx produced by Pseudomonas putida strain GB-1 was synthesized at either pH 6, 7, or 8 in CaCl2 solution, and Ni(II) sorption mechanisms were determined at pH 7 and at different Ni(II) loadings, using isotherm and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopic analyses. Our data demonstrate that Ni(II) sorbs at vacant sites in the interlayer of the BioMnOx and the maximum Ni(II) sorption capacity increases as the formation pH of BioMnOx decreases. This relation indicates that the quantity of BioMnOx vacant sites increases as formation conditions become more acidic, which is in good agreement with our companion study. Contents of the vacan...
Purely elastic scattering theories and their ultraviolet limits

Abstract We use the thermodynamic Bethe ansatz to find the finite-size corrections to the ground-state energy in an arbitrary (1 + 1)-dimensional purely elastic scattering theory. The leading finite-size effects are characterized by c = c − 12d 0 , where c and d 0 are the central charge and the lowest scaling dimension, respectively, of the (possibly nonunitary) CFT describing the ultraviolet limit of the massive scattering theory. After presenting the purely elastic S -matrix theories that emerged in recent discussions of perturbed CFTs, we calculate their finite-size scaling coefficient c . Our results show that the UV limits of the “minimal” S -matrix theories are the unperturbed CFTs in question. On the other hand, the S -matrices which have been suggested to describe affine Toda field theories, differing from the minimal S -matrices by coupling-dependent factors, are seen to have free bosonic CFTs as their UV limits. We also discuss some interesting properties of c . In particular, we suggest that c is a measure of the number of degrees of freedom of an arbitrary two-dimensional CFT.
A radiochemical method for determination of carbon monoxide in chemical combination.

Abstract Carbon monoxide in chemical combination can be determined by an indirect analytical procedure involving the determination of the sum of bound and dissolved carbon monoxide and subsequent elimination of the fraction dissolved by one of two methods: (1) extrapolation of total carbon monoxide to zero partial pressure; (2) subtraction of carbon monoxide found in a sample with the compound in a non-carbon monoxide binding form. 14C-Labeled carbon monoxide was used to attain greater sensitivity. Standardization was based on the combining ratio of hemoglobin (1 carbon monoxide for 1 heme).
Statins are associated with improved outcomes of bloodstream infection in solid-organ transplant recipients

Among recipients of intra-abdominal solid-organ transplants, bloodstream infections (BSIs) are a major cause of mortality. We undertook a retrospective cohort study of recipients of kidney, pancreas, and/or liver transplants with BSIs at a single center over an 11-year period. Multivariate analysis using logistic regression was used to determine independent predictors of 15-day mortality and clinical cure, with a focus on the use of statins. Three hundred and eleven recipients of solid-organ transplants had 604 episodes of BSI. Forty-four (14%) died within 15 days of BSI. Sixteen percent did not achieve clinical cure. In the multivariate model, each one point increase in the APACHE score was associated with a 1.09-fold increased risk of death (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00-1.18, P = 0.03). The lack of appropriate antibiotic therapy was associated with a four-fold higher risk of death within 15 days (odds ratio [OR] 4.65, 95% CI 1.46-14.78, P = 0.009). Statin use was protective (OR 0.18, 95% CI 0.04-0.78). Patients with high APACHE scores, nosocomial rather than community source of BSI, lack of appropriate antibiotic therapy, and mental status changes were less likely to achieve clinical cure of their BSIs. In conclusion, appropriate antibiotic therapy and statin use are associated with lower risk of mortality from BSIs in this patient population.
Concomitant Hepatitis B Surface Antigen and Antibody

Excerpt To the editor: Recently, Foutch and associates (1) reported the presence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and its antibody (anti-HBs) in 13 patients. The authors thought that this fin...
Lightness Perception: Seeing One Color through Another

A newly described and dramatic visual illusion suggests that the retinal image is decomposed by the brain into overlapping layers, not into contiguous frameworks of illumination.
The reliability of FeRAMS with 2T/2C or 1T/1C type cell structure

Abstract Ferroelectric Random Access Memory (FeRAM) provides some advantages such as non-volatility, high endurance on write/read cycles, high radiation hardness and low power consumption compared to conventional memories. However, in order to realize a commercial FeRAM, it is important to overcome the limitation in various reliability items such as retention, imprint, and fatigue failure at high operation temperature. In this paper, the retention characteristic of FeRAM related with imprint degradation of ferroelectric capacitors at high temperature is evaluated on the level of 8” wafer. Both cell configurations of 2T/2C and 1T/1C are discussed in terms of imprint reliability. General reliability items of the FeRAM after TSOP-I type package, such as fatigue endurance, early failure rate (EFR), humidity acceleration stress test (HAST), and temperature cycle (TC), are also evaluated.
Binding of [3H]serotonin to skeletal muscle actin.

Abstract: We previously observed that the neurotransmitter 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT, serotonin) binds with high‐ and low‐affinity interactions to an actin‐like protein prepared from rat brain synaptosomes. In this study, we examined its binding to highly purified actin obtained from rabbit skeletal muscle. Monomeric G‐actin bound serotonin with high and low affinities, exhibiting equilibrium dissociation constants (KD values) of 5 × 10−5M and 4 × 10−3M, respectively. The serotonin binding site on actin was distinct from those sites previously characterized for divalent cations, nucleotides, and cytochalasin alkaloids. The binding of serotonin (1 μM) to G‐actin was increased as much as 26‐fold by divalent cations. Potassium iodine (KI) increased the affinity of G‐actin for serotonin, KD values for this binding being 3 × 10−7M and 6 × 10−5M. Serotonin bound with even higher affinity to polymerized F‐actin, with KD values of 2 × 10−8M and 2 × 10−5M. However, the total number of binding sites on F‐actin was only about 4% of the number of G‐actin. The binding of serotonin (0.1 μM) to G‐actin could be inhibited by phenothiazines (1 μM) or reserpine (10 μM), but not by classical antagonists of serotonin receptors or by drugs that release serotonin or inhibit its uptake. The binding of serotonin to actin in vivo may participate in a contractile process related to neurotransmitter release. Copyright © 1985, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved