cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sedimentation on three caribbean atolls: Glovers reef, lighthouse reef and turneffe Islands, belize

The chief mode of carbonate sedimentation on the Belizean atolls Glovers Reef, Lighthouse Reef and Turneffe Islands is the accumulation of organically-derived particles. Variations in the distribution of the composition and grain-sizes of surface sediments, collected along transects across the atolls, are environmentally controlled. Two major sediment types may be distinguished. (1) Reef and fore reef sediments are dominated by fragments of coral, coralline algae andHalimeda. Mean grain-sizes range from 1–2 mm. (2) Back reef sediments contain more mollusk fragments, more fine-grained sediment (<125 μm) and appear to have fewerHalimeda fragments. In addition, sediments from inner platforms and shallow lagoonal parts of Glovers and Lighthouse Reefs comprise non-skeletal grains, namely fecal pellets. Sediments from lagoonal patch reefs may contain up to 20% coral fragments. Mean grain-sizes range from 0.1–1 mm and are finest on the inner platform and lagoon floor of the back reef environment. Within the reef and fore reef environments, it is not possible to distinguish sub-environments on the basis of textural and compositional differences of the sediments. Sediments from patch reefs contrast with those from back reef lagoons and inner platforms and are similar in terms of grain-sizes and compositions to reef and fore reef surface sediments. Non-skeletal grains forming in shallow parts of the back reef in Glovers and Lighthouse Reefs are interpreted to be indurated by interstitial precipitation of calcium carbonate from warm, supersaturated water flushing the sediment. The lack of hardened non-skeletal particles in the back reef sediments of Turneffe Islands is most probably due to the abundance of muddy, organic-rich sediment in the well-protected lagoon. Fine sediment is less permeable and organic films prevent cement overgrowth on particles.
Measurement of quantum noise in a single-electron transistor near the quantum limit

Operating a superconducting single-electron transistor near a double Cooper-pair resonance allows it to achieve a charge-detection sensitivity of just 3.6 times the ultimate quantum limit.
Blockade of Hsp90 by 17AAG antagonizes MDMX and synergizes with Nutlin to induce p53-mediated apoptosis in solid tumors

Strategies to induce p53 activation in wtp53-retaining tumors carry high potential in cancer therapy. Nutlin, a potent highly selective MDM2 inhibitor, induces non-genotoxic p53 activation. Although Nutlin shows promise in promoting cell death in hematopoietic malignancies, a major roadblock is that most solid cancers do not undergo apoptosis but merely reversible growth arrest. p53 inhibition by unopposed MDMX is one major cause for apoptosis resistance to Nutlin. The Hsp90 chaperone is ubiquitously activated in cancer cells and supports oncogenic survival pathways, many of which antagonize p53. The Hsp90 inhibitor 17-allylamino-17-demethoxygeldanamycin (17AAG) is known to induce p53-dependent apoptosis. We show here that in multiple difficult-to-kill solid tumor cells 17AAG modulates several critical components that synergize with Nutlin-activated p53 signaling to convert Nutlin's transient cytostatic response into a cytotoxic killing response in vitro and in xenografts. Combined with Nutlin, 17AAG destabilizes MDMX, reduces MDM2, induces PUMA and inhibits oncogenic survival pathways, such as PI3K/AKT, which counteract p53 signaling at multiple levels. Mechanistically, 17AAG interferes with the repressive MDMX–p53 axis by inducing robust MDMX degradation, thereby markedly increasing p53 transcription compared with Nutlin alone. To our knowledge Nutlin+17AAG represents the first effective pharmacologic knockdown of MDMX. Our study identifies 17AAG as a promising synthetic lethal partner for a more efficient Nutlin-based therapy.
Holographic interferometry for detection of breast lesions

Holographic Interferometry (HI) has been utilized in industry to inspect material for defects or the dynamic characteristics of a laminated structure. Application of the HI technique for biomedical diagnostic instrumentation was also reported. For detection of breast lesions, which could lead to breast cancer, we have utilized the HI technique to create a superficial fringe contour distortion over the underlying lesion. In the HI technique, an appropriate stressing mechanism is crucial to obtain proper density and contrast of fringe patterns. To apply pressure as the stressing mechanism, we have designed the Lucite pressure chamber to enclose both of the subject's breasts. Preliminary results have demonstrated the feasibility of fringe distortions occurring around breast lesions. The location of the possible lesions have been compared with an X-ray mammography.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
FUNCTIONAL DIFFERENCES OF MYOFIBRILLAR PROTEINS FROM FAST AND SLOW TWITCH MUSCLES1

Properties associated with fast twitch muscles are light color and biochemical factors associated with anaerobic metabolism, whereas slow twitch muscles are red and designed to metabolize aerobically. Twitch speed is regulated at the molecular level by isoforms of proteins involved in contraction. Isoforms are grouped into general classes of fast and slow; however, there are also different isoforms within each general group. Myofibrillar proteins are of primary importance to textural and water holding properties of meat products. Research on gelation of myofibrillar protein isoforms has shown that fast twitch myosin forms more rigid gels than slow twitch myosin. This trend is not universal in studies which used more complex proteins (e.g., myofibrils) and/or methods which determine mechanical properties other than rigidity. Possible mechanisms which explain these variations are discussed.
Generative naming in parkinson disease patients

The generative naming ability (verbal fluency) of 88 idiopathic Parkinson disease (PD) patients was evaluated and compared to that of 21 Alzheimer disease (AD) patients and 43 normal age- and education-matched normal control subjects. The PD patients were classified according to whether they scored within the normal range on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), a score of 27 or higher, or in the abnormal range, a score of 26 or lower. Semantic and letter generative naming tasks were administered to assess verbal fluency. Results of the study provide evidence that letter category naming is inherently more difficult than semantic category naming; that age significantly affects generative naming; that PD patients with normal MMSE scores were significantly inferior to normal control subjects in generative naming even after the effects of age and mental status are controlled; that PD patients with non-normal MMSE scores performed like AD patients after controlling for the effects of age and mental status; and, that ideational perseveration is the most common type of error response for all subject groups.
Revision of Hemoproteid Genera and Description and Redescription of Two Species of Chelonian Hemoproteid Parasites

Abstract: Pigmented hemosporidian parasites that do not exhibit erthyrocytic schizogony, and infect birds, chelonians, and squamates, have been classified in various genera over time. These classifications have reflected vertebrate hosts, insect vectors, and variations in morphology and life history observed in representative species. Side-necked turtles (Podocnemis spp.) from the Peruvian Amazon were screened for hemoparasites and 2 species of hemosporid parasites infecting these hosts were observed. Molecular phylogenetic analysis of these new isolates, along with parasites from lizards, a snake, and a variety of Haemoproteus species from birds from both the Haemoproteus and Parahaemoproteus subgenera, strongly support the separation of the non-avian parasites into a separate genus. The name with precedent for this group is Haemocystidium Castellani and Willey 1909, and we propose that subgeneric classification of Haemocystidium and Simondia be applied to parasites of squamates and chelonians, respecti...
A simple, non-invasive technique to monitor the biomechanical properties of ex vivo cultured blood vessels

In an effort to elucidate the mechanical and biochemical factors that play a role in the remodeling of blood vessels, researchers have developed ex vivo perfusion systems to study the response of blood vessels to various hemodynamic environments. While many of these studies have focused on the changes that occur at the cellular and molecular levels, few studies have focused on the tissue-level, or changes in the biomechanics of these vessels. We propose and validate a simple technique to non-invasively monitor the biomechanical properties of ex vivo cultured vessels that requires a slight modification to existing perfusion systems and provides real-time measurements of outer diameter and transmural pressure. Our system provides reproducible estimates of biomechanical properties of cultured vessels and allows for the implementation of a variety of biomechanical testing protocols. Furthermore, our results agree well with those from other studies in which more complicated systems designed solely for short-term experiments were used.
Population trends and late-life disability in Hispanics from the Midwest.

Objectives: To describe the growth of the Hispanic population in the Midwest states of the United States, to present disability levels in older Mexican and non-Mexican-origin Midwest Hispanics by place of birth and poverty status, and compare disability levels among older Midwest Hispanics with those among Southwest Hispanics as well as non-Hispanics Whites and African Americans in each region. Method: Population data come from decennial U.S. Census Bureau surveys. Disability data for adults ≥ 50 years old come from the 2008 American Community Survey. Results: The Hispanic population in the Midwest has tripled since 1980 and now constitutes 6.6% of the entire Midwest population. Older Midwest Hispanics are somewhat younger, have a higher male–female ratio, and are more likely to be born outside the continental United States than Southwest Hispanics. In the Midwest, foreign-born Mexican American men report the lowest disability levels. Foreign-born Hispanic women of non-Mexican origin report the highest di...
An integrated microfluidic system for affinity extraction and concentration of biomolecules coupled to MALDI-MS

We present an innovative microfluidic device that accomplishes integrated, all-aqueous realization of specific extraction, concentration, and coupling to mass spectrometric detection of biomolecular analytes. The device uses an aptamer (i.e., oligonucleotide that binds specifically to an analyte via affinity coupling) immobilized on microbeads to achieve highly selective analyte capture and concentration. Here, we demonstrate specific extraction and concentration of adenosine monophosphate (model analyte) by approximately 100x, while providing a reusable platform via sufficiently low temperature release and regeneration of the aptamer surface at 38 degC.
Iris pattern extraction using bit planes and standard deviations

Iris recognition has been shown to be very accurate for human identification. In this paper, we develop a technique for iris pattern extraction utilizing the least significant bit-plane: the least significant bit of every pixel in the image. Through binary morphology applied to the bit-plane, the pupillary boundary of the iris is determined. The limbic boundary is identified by evaluating the standard deviation of the image intensity along the vertical and horizontal axes. Because our extraction approach restricts localization techniques to evaluating only bit-planes and standard deviations, iris pattern extraction is not dependent on circular edge detection. This allows for an expanded functionality of iris identification technology by no longer requiring a frontal view, which leads to the potential for off-angle iris recognition technology. Initial results show that it is possible to fit a close elliptical approximation to an iris pattern by using only bit-planes and standard deviations for iris localization.
Relativistic many-body calculations of energy levels, hyperfine constants, electric-dipole matrix elements, and static polarizabilities for alkali-metal atoms

Removal energies and hyperfine constants of the lowest four $ns,$ ${\mathrm{np}}_{1/2},$ and ${\mathrm{np}}_{3/2}$ states in Na, K, Rb, and Cs are calculated; removal energies of the $n=7--10$ states and hyperfine constants of the $n=7$ and 8 states in Fr are also calculated. The calculations are based on the relativistic single-double (SD) approximation in which single and double excitations of Dirac-Hartree-Fock wave functions are included to all orders in perturbation theory. Using SD wave functions, accurate values of removal energies, electric-dipole matrix elements, and static polarizabilities are obtained; however, SD wave functions give poor values of the magnetic-dipole hyperfine constants for heavy atoms. To obtain accurate values of the hyperfine constants for heavy atoms, we include triple excitations partially in the wave functions. The present calculations provide the basis for reevaluating parity nonconserving amplitudes in Cs and Fr.
Master/worker parallel discrete event simulation

Recent advances in metacomputing such as volunteer and desktop grid computing that aggregate loosely coupled resources have transformed the execution of certain computational workloads that, in the past, were reserved for processing on dedicated clusters. Parallel discrete event simulations have different requirements than programs that can readily exploit loosely coupled resources such as embarrassingly parallel codes. Consequently, parallel discrete event simulations are typically run on tightly coupled machines providing the best opportunity for maximum speedup. However, these facilities may not be readily available to many users. The focus of this thesis explores the merging of these distinct computational domains involving the execution of parallel discrete event simulation across loosely coupled resources. A master/worker architecture for parallel discrete event simulation is proposed providing robust executions under a dynamic set of services with system-level support for fault tolerance, semi-automated client-directed load balancing, portability across heterogeneous machines, and the ability to run codes on idle or time-sharing clients without significant interaction by users. Results indicate that a master/worker approach utilizing loosely coupled resources is a viable means for high throughput parallel discrete event simulation by enhancing existing computational capacity or providing alternate execution capability for less time-critical codes. Research questions and challenges associated with issues and limitations with the work distribution paradigm, targeted computational domain, performance metrics, and the intended class of applications to be used in this context are analyzed and discussed. A portable web services approach to master/worker parallel discrete event simulation is proposed and evaluated. Optimizations to increase the efficiency of large-scale simulation execution through distributed master service design and intrinsic overhead reduction are proposed and evaluated. Finally, challenges for optimistic parallel discrete event simulation such as rollbacks and message unsending with an inherently different computation paradigm utilizing master services and time windows are addressed and evaluated.
Delayed car-following dynamics for human and robotic drivers

A general class of car-following models is analyzed where the longitudinal acceleration of a vehicle is determined bya nonlinear function of the distance to the vehicle in front, t heir velocity difference, and the vehicle’s own velocity. The dr iver’s response to these stimuli includes the driver reaction timethat appears as a time delay in governing differential equations . The linear stability of the uniform flow is analyzed for human-dr iven and computer-controlled (robotic) vehicles. It is shown th at the stability conditions are equivalent when considering ring -road and platoon configurations. It is proven that time delays res ult in novel high-frequency oscillations that manifest themse lves as short-wavelength traveling waves. The theoretical result s are illustrated using an optimal velocity model where the nonline ar behavior is also revealed by numerical simulations. The res ults may lead to better understanding of multi-vehicle dynamicsand allow one to design cooperative autonomous cruise control a gorithms.
Role of viral antigens in destructive cellular immune responses to adenovirus vector-transduced cells in mouse lungs.

Adenoviruses missing E1 have been used as gene delivery vectors to the lungs for the treatment of cystic fibrosis. Transient expression of the recombinant gene and the development of inflammation have been two major limitations to the application of first-generation recombinant adenoviruses for gene therapy. Studies with mouse models of liver- and lung-directed gene therapy suggested that CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) are effectors that contribute to extinction of transgene expression. The precise antigens responsible for activation of CTLs have not been identified. In this study, we examine the relative contributions of viral proteins versus the transgene product to the activation of CTLs which eliminate transgene-containing cells in mouse lungs. Instillation of a lacZ-expressing virus into the lungs of C57BL/6 mice elicited CTL responses to both viral proteins and the transgene product, beta-galactosidase, which collectively contribute to loss of trans-gene expression in mouse airways. Similar results were obtained in two experimental models in which the animals should be tolerant to the transgene, i.e., lacZ virus delivered to an animal transgenic for lacZ and a virus expressing the liver-specific enzyme ornithine transcarbamylase administered to the lungs of various strains of immune-competent mice. These data confirm the hypothesis that CTLs specific for viral antigens contribute to the problem of transgene instability in mouse lungs and indicate that CTLs specific for transgene product alone cannot account for the observed problem.
Study institute assesses the state of hydrogeophysics

A North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)-funded Hydrogeophysics Advanced Study Institute (ASI), held at the Trest Castle in the Czech Republic in July 2002, brought together for the first time a leading group of researchers and students active in this emerging discipline. Approximately 60 hydrogeologists interested in incorporating geophysical data into their subsurface characterization problems, and geophysicists involved in subsurface hydrogeological characterization, attended the institute. Hydrogeologists and geophysicists often use different yet complementary approaches to investigate subsurface problems. The new discipline of hydrogeophysics strives to reconcile information obtained using both hydrogeological and geophysical approaches to improve our understanding of subsurface parameters or processes. The NATO ASI was held to assess the state of the discipline, and to review recent research breakthroughs and obstacles associated with hydrogeophysics.
Physiological and Behavioral Stress Responses of Walleyes Transported in Salt and Buffered-Salt Solutions

Abstract To evaluate the value of transporting fingerling walleyes Stizostedion vitreum in buffered sodium chloride, we monitored blood chemistry, behavior, and water quality in conjunction with two 5-h transport trips. The control salt mixture was 0.50% sodium chloride (NaCl), and the buffered treatment was 0.45% NaCl and 0.05% sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3). We also collected posthaul blood samples from walleyes 2 h after they were placed into cages in East Okoboji Lake, as well as daily during a 72-h recovery period in hatchery raceways. Behavior was tested before and after hauls to quantify any disorientation that might occur as a result of hauling procedures. The addition of NaHCO3 to haulingtank water significantly increased the pH and alkalinity of the water compared with the unbuffered control. Overall, buffering produced significant effects on water chemistry but only minor effects on physiological measures of stress and the acid–base balance. In part, the effects of ram-air ventilation in removing ...
Effects of Same-Age Peer Tutoring on the Spelling Performance of a Mainstreamed Elementary LD Student:

The effects of a peer-tutoring procedure on the spelling behavior of a mainstreamed elementary-school learning disabled student were investigated in an AB single-subject design. Overall results indicated that the subject obtained greater accuracy on the spelling tests during the peer-tutoring condition than during the baseline condition. Self-reports and ratings on the treatment indicated that both the peer tutor and the tutored student felt they had improved their spelling performance.
On the Prospects of Whole-genome Association Mapping in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Advances in sequencing technology have enabled whole-genome sequences to be obtained from multiple individuals within species, particularly in model organisms with compact genomes. For example, 36 genome sequences of Saccharomyces cerevisiae are now publicly available, and SNP data are available for even larger collections of strains. One potential use of these resources is mapping the genetic basis of phenotypic variation through genome-wide association (GWA) studies, with the benefit that associated variants can be studied experimentally with greater ease than in outbred populations such as humans. Here, we evaluate the prospects of GWA studies in S. cerevisiae strains through extensive simulations and a GWA study of mitochondrial copy number. We demonstrate that the complex and heterogeneous patterns of population structure present in yeast populations can lead to a high type I error rate in GWA studies of quantitative traits, and that methods typically used to control for population stratification do not provide adequate control of the type I error rate. Moreover, we show that while GWA studies of quantitative traits in S. cerevisiae may be difficult depending on the particular set of strains studied, association studies to map cis-acting quantitative trait loci (QTL) and Mendelian phenotypes are more feasible. We also discuss sampling strategies that could enable GWA studies in yeast and illustrate the utility of this approach in Saccharomyces paradoxus. Thus, our results provide important practical insights into the design and interpretation of GWA studies in yeast, and other model organisms that possess complex patterns of population structure.
Terbinafine-Induced Acute Autoimmune Hepatitis in the Setting of Hepatitis B Virus Infection:

Objective:To report a case of terbinafine-induced autoimmune hepatitis in a patient with chronic hepatitis B infection.Case Summary:A 57-year-old Taiwanese male with chronic hepatitis 8 virus (HBV) began an oral regimen of terbinafine 250 mg once daily for dermatophyte toenail onychomycosis, despite the manufacturer's recommendation not to use the drug in patients with liver dysfunction. The patient's liver enzyme levels were within normal limits at initiation of therapy. Immediately prior to concluding the 12 week treatment course, he became anorexic with malaise and subsequently developed ascites and jaundice. After a visit to an outside emergency department and positively trending liver function test levels, he was referred to our liver clinic. The patient was taking no other medications or herbal supplements, did not drink alcohol, and did not appear to suffer a flare of HBV infection. The diagnosis was supported by the presence of transient autoantibodies and a liver biopsy consistent with acute auto...
Using the Dyadic Adjustment Scale in Marital Therapy: An Exploratory Study

This article begins by presenting a study that explored whether the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS) and each of its subscales could discriminate between those therapy couples who would divorce immediately after therapy and those who would not. The DAS was administered to 70 couples during the second session of marital therapy. Results of this study are then reviewed from a clinician’s perspective, and uses of the DAS as an instrument around which effective therapeutic intervention with couples can be structured are suggested. The authors present this article as an example of how clinicians can use research in their therapy, and how clinicians can contribute to the research of couples therapy.
Behavioral avoidance of contagion in childhood

Although there is a large literature on children's reasoning about contagion, there has been no empirical research on children's avoidance of contagious individuals. This study is the first to investigate whether children avoid sick individuals. Participants (4- to 7-year-old children) were invited to play with two confederates-one of whom was "sick." Afterward, their knowledge of contagion was assessed. Overall, children avoided proximity to and contact with the sick confederate and her toys, but only 6- and 7-year-olds performed above chance. The best predictor of avoidance behavior was not age but rather children's ability to make predictions about illness outcomes. This provides the first evidence of behavioral avoidance of contagious illness in childhood and suggests that causal knowledge underlies avoidance behavior.
Hydrocyanation of Alkenes and Alkynes

Hydrogen cyanide is an abundantly available feedstock that is useful for the synthesis of organonitrile intermediates, which serve as precursors for amines, amides, isocyanates, carboxylic acid, and esters. Many of these compounds are used in the manufacture of polymers, agrichemicals, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Hydrogen cyanide itself is relatively unreactive, but in the presence of a catalyst HCN adds to carbonyl compounds, alkenes, and alkynes offering a direct and economical way to such organonitrile intermediates. This chapter focuses primarily on the metal-catalyzed hydrocyanation of alkenes or alkynes. Acetone cyanohydrin and trimethylsilyl cyanide (TMSCN), both commercially available reagents, can be used for the in-situ generation of HCN. In some transition-metal catalyzed additions, TMSCN acts as a surrogate for HCN, giving products where the TMS group replaces the hydrogen. Preparatively, these reagents provide some advantages since the handling of toxic HCN is avoided. Reactions of these reagents are included here under appropriate substrate and direct comparison of yield and selectivity can be made. Keywords: Hydrocyanation; Alkenes; Alkynes; Asymmetric hydrocyanation; Metal catalysts; Norbornene; Vinylarenes; 1,3-Dienes; Safety; Hydrogen cyanide; Conjugate addition; Mechanisms; Experimental procedures
Superconductivity Due to the Softening of the Breathing Mode in Ba1−xKxBiO3Compounds

Recent experiments1–3seem to indicate that the superconductivity in Ba1−xKxBiO3compounds occurs in samples with stoichiometry close to the transition from metallic to charge density wave (CDW) state as the value of x decreases. The isotope effect has been measured for Ba0.625K0.375BiO3and was found to be large (α=0.41), indicating that the pairing interaction is predominantly phonon -mediated4. Although a later measurement5indicates a smaller isotope effect (α=0.2). Evidence of phonon softening has also been observed very recently by neutron scattering in this type of material6. The crystal structure of Ba1−xKxBiO3is similar to that of BaPbxBi1−xO 3 7 except the dopant K atom replaces Ba atom and leave the BiO3octahedral network intact. The BiO based compound has perovskite-type structure with one Bi-atom surrounded by six nearest neighboring oxygen atoms in three dimension. The lattice formed by the Bi atoms in the metallic phase is simple cubic. In this article we assume that local breathing mode due to the oxygen atoms around a Bi-atom is responsible for both CDW and superconducting states and study the enhancement of the superconducting transition temperature TCdue to the softening of this mode from the metallic side near the CDW instability as a function of carrier doping. In the next section, we shall adopt the band structure from the tight binding theory to describe the motion of charged carriers on Bi atoms and discuss how the phonon spectrum can be renormalized and softened. in section III, the phonon softening is demonstrated numerically and the superconducting transition temperature TCis calculated as a function of the doping parameter x. The obtained result yields the essential feature of the experimental measurements3. A summary and discussion weill be given by Section IV.
A Model of Moral Hazard with Inequity Aversion: An Experimental Test

This paper experimentally tests a moral hazard model with inequity aversion. In the model, the probability of high and low employer's revenues is determined by actions of the worker. The employer offers a revenue-dependent wage to an inequity-averse worker. In contrast to the models that assume self-centered preferences, this model explains non-negative wage offers and predicts a positive relationship between wage offers and the magnitude of the employer's revenues. A within-subject experiment is conducted with treatments corresponding to two levels of the employer's revenue. The results of the experiment are consistent with the model's predictions. In particular, an increase in the variability of the employer's revenue translates into a less stable worker compensation. Estimates of the inequity aversion and risk aversion parameters are reported.
Susceptibility of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) foliage and tubers to the US8 genotype of Phytophthora infestans.

Late blight is an important disease of potato(Solanum tuberosum L.) worldwide, and therefore, many potato-breeding programs have prioritized the development of late blight-resistant potato cultivars. Although the emphasis has been to enhance foliar resistance, it is also necessary to evaluate tuber late blight resistance in new breeding lines and new sources of late blight resistance. We report here on the assessment of foliar and tuber resistance and the correlation between these aspects of resistance in a sample of Michigan State University potato breeding lines. Two MSU breeding lines had significantly less infected foliage than the susceptible check cultivars. Tuber susceptibility was significantly different (P < 0.05) only between the most susceptible and the least susceptible breeding lines/cultivars. Foliar and tuber susceptibility to potato late blight were not correlated as low tuber susceptibility was associated both with extremely low (e.g., MSG274-3) and high (e.g., MSE202-3Rus) foliar susceptibility.
Promoting entry of high-quality workers through US immigration policy

ABSTRACTWe examine how US immigrants would be affected by applying a simple point system for admission, as Canada does. Since US immigration policy emphasizes family reunification, immigrants have lower education and earnings than natives, with unauthorized immigrants’ education below legal ones. Using American Community Survey data, and Center for Migration Studies data, which allows us to distinguish legal from unauthorized immigrants, we examine the effects of requiring immigrants to meet 2 of 3 conditions: (1) a high school or college degree, (2) being less than 40 years old and (3) working in a professional occupation, while admitting the same numbers of immigrants. This policy changes the source countries of immigrants and there are large positive effects on immigrant earnings. Immigrants’ use of government transfer programs is reduced to below natives and income inequality falls. Finally, with existing policy, immigrant earnings growth is not enough to overtake natives given immigrants’ entering ea...
Exploration and Practice of Innovation Education in Internship of Undergraduates Majoring in Hygiene Examination

This paper analyzed the importance and necessity of innovation education in internship of undergraduates majoring in hygiene examination,and established the innovation education system including the following aspects: building the thought and concept accommodating innovation education,establishing the goals of innovation education,constructing the training model beneficial to innovation education,setting up the system of organization facilitating innovation education,training qualified teachers for innovation education,creating the guarantee system of conditions for innovation education,and developing the system of evaluating performance of innovation education.After exploring and practice for nearly ten years,some performances were made.
New development of Deng Xiaoping's thought on modernization

Deng Xiaoping's thought on modernization was formed in the practice of the Chinese socialist modernization construction,which embodies theoretical characteristic of keeping with the times.It is also the inevitable outcome of adaption to the times and meeting the requirement of practical development.Standing at the new history starting point,Scientific development view systematically answered to a series of questions confronted with on modern china's development,which open up a new prospect for Marxism's development in China.
Exploiting Eye Tracking for Smartphone Authentication

Traditional user authentication methods using passcode or finger movement on smartphones are vulnerable to shoulder surfing attack, smudge attack, and keylogger attack. These attacks are able to infer a passcode based on the information collection of user’s finger movement or tapping input. As an alternative user authentication approach, eye tracking can reduce the risk of suffering those attacks effectively because no hand input is required. However, most existing eye tracking techniques are designed for large screen devices. Many of them depend on special hardware like high resolution eye tracker and special process like calibration, which are not readily available for smartphone users. In this paper, we propose a new eye tracking method for user authentication on a smartphone. It utilizes the smartphone’s front camera to capture a user’s eye movement trajectories which are used as the input of user authentication. No special hardware or calibration process is needed. We develop a prototype and evaluate its effectiveness on an Android smartphone. We recruit a group of volunteers to participate in the user study. Our evaluation results show that the proposed eye tracking technique achieves very high accuracy in user authentication.
Mindfulness based stress reduction adapted for depressed disadvantaged women in an urban Federally Qualified Health Center

Abstract Background In this study we examine the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of mindfulness based stress reduction adapted for delivery in an urban Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). Methods Thirty-one African- American adult women ages 18–65 with depressive symptoms enrolled to participate in an 8-week mindfulness group intervention. The primary outcome (depression) and secondary outcomes (stress, mindfulness, functioning, well-being, and depression stigma) were assessed at baseline, 8 and 16-weeks. Results Depressive symptoms significantly decreased from baseline to 16 weeks. A significant decrease in stress and significant increase in mindfulness was found from baseline to 8 weeks and baseline to 16 weeks. Additionally, aspects of well-being—self-acceptance and growth—significantly increased from baseline to 8-weeks. Stigma significantly increased from baseline to 8 weeks and significantly decreased from 8 to 16 weeks (all p's Conclusions Mindfulness-based interventions implemented in FQHCs may increase access to effective treatments for mental health symptoms.
Comorbidity Indices Predict Survival Among Elderly Patients with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia but Do Not Aid in Selecting Between Traditional Induction Chemotherapy and 5-Azacytidine Treatment.

Abstract 1040 Poster Board I-62 Treatment of the elderly patient with acute myelogenous leukemia remains problematic as many have poor performance status precluding aggressive therapy and others have high risk features including abnormal cytogenetics. The success of 5-azacitidine among patients with advanced myelodysplastic syndromes in controlling blast cells and prolonging survival has led to its use in AML. However choosing between potentially curative hospital-based induction chemotherapy and palliative outpatient hypomethylating treatments is difficult. The availability of predictive comorbidity scores may aid in guiding patients in this decision. Methods: Patients with a new diagnosis of AML, ages 60 and older, were offered traditional in-patient induction therapy (7 days cytarabine 100 mg/m2 CI with 3 days idarubicin 12mg/m2) or out-patient therapy (5-azacitidine 75 mg/m2 IV 5 days per month). We report a retrospective review of clinical outcomes among patients treated between June 2003 and August 1, 2009. A review of presenting clinical features, placing patients into prognostic groupings by the Charlson Comorbidity Index (J Chronic Dis 1987; 40:373) , Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation – Specific Comorbidity Index (Blood 2007; 110:4606) , and the Myelodysplastic Syndrome – Specific Comorbidity Index (Blood 2008; 112: abstr 2677) was performed. Points for a diagnosis of leukemia were excluded from the indices. Results: 99 patients with AML were treated at our center, all with leukemic blasts >20% (median 48%). 75 chose traditional 7+3 and 24 chose 5-aza. The median age was younger for those choosing 7+3 (67 vs 77 years, p Conclusions: Elderly patients with AML can achieve survivals approaching one year with current treatment options. 5-azacytidine is a reasonable option for patients declining aggressive hospital based treatments especially if cytogenetic features are favorable, however overall survival may be inferior to standard induction chemotherapy. Although comorbidity indices are able to stratify potential outcomes among elderly patients with AML choosing a particular treatment, in our series we could not identify a comorbidity score that would dissuade aggressive treatment in favor of less intensive therapy. Disclosures: Goldberg: Celgene: Speakers Bureau. Off Label Use: 5-azacytidine use in AML. Masood: Celegene: Speakers Bureau.
Requiem for the Dead Man Test

A popular measurement heuristic called the “Dead Man Test” predicts that behavior will be absent in vitality-challenged individuals. Unfortunately, the core idea behind the Test lacks empirical support, is hopelessly vague on several counts, and may be at odds with key aspects of behavior theory. This raises serious concerns about whether the Test should continue to be employed as a guide to behavioral measurement.
Comparing Modeling Methods for Predicting Forest Attributes Using LiDAR Metrics and Ground Measurements

Selected modeling methods are compared for predicting 5 forest attributes, basal area (BA), stem volume (VOL), Lorey's height (LOR), quadratic mean diameter (QMD), and tree density (DEN), from airb...
Performance analysis of extended target detection with radar waveforms designed using compressed sensing

In this paper we study the detection performance of a Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) radar that uses waveforms and receiver filters designed by a Compressed Sensing (CS) approach. The analysis considers the explicit presence of clutter as well as different detection thresholds, and indicates that the use of radar waveforms and receiver filters designed through CS significantly improves detection and false alarm performance.
The ideal class group and the unit group

Recall that the ideal class group of a number ring R consists of equivalence classes of nonzero ideals under the relation $$ I\sim J\quad iff\quad \alpha I = \beta J\quad for{\text{ }}some{\text{ }}non{\text{ }}zero{\text{ }}\alpha ,\beta \in R; $$ the group operation is multiplication defined in the obvious way, and the fact that this is actually a group was proved in chapter 3 (Corollary 1 of Theorem 15). In this chapter we will prove that the ideal class group of a number ring is finite and establish some quantitative results that will enable us to determine the ideal class group in specific cases.
A Near-peer Point-of-care Ultrasound Elective for Medical Students: Impact on Anatomy Knowledge, Perceptions About Ultrasound, and Self-reported Skill Level

Rationale and Objectives We aimed to assess the impact of our institution's recently created point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) course for preclinical medical students by examining its effect on first–year-level medical knowledge, self-reported skill level, and beliefs regarding the importance of ultrasound in future clinical practice. Materials and Methods A total of 18 first-year medical students completed a 5-month near–peer-led training program in POCUS consisting of 3-hour teaching sessions (7), 4-hour clinical sessions (10–12), and an independent study. Students completed pre- and postprogram assessments examining (1) student perceptions about ultrasound and its importance to future careers, (2) students' self-reported skill level with ultrasound, and (3) performance on an anatomy and physiology knowledge quiz. Scores and responses were compared to 20 controls. Results The majority of students believed that ultrasound was useful for learning anatomy and would be important in their future clinical practice. Students who completed our training program tended to perform better than controls on a test of medical knowledge. Despite reporting far fewer hours of formal ultrasound training, control students rated their skill level comparably to POCUS-trained students. Conclusions This study provides evidence that ultrasound is well received by medical students and may be useful for teaching basic anatomy concepts.
Modeling and mapping the current and future climatic-niche of endangered Himalayan musk deer

Abstract Identification of geographical space enveloped by suitable climatic conditions (i.e., climatic niche) that support species survival over space and time is crucial in conservation biogeography. Numerous algorithms (e.g., Maxent, GARP) with increasing accuracy have been devised and are being employed to overcome the challenges of forecasting climatic niche of species with incomplete information. The current study was conducted to map the distribution of current and future climatic niche of endangered Himalayan musk deer, a species endemic to Asia. Maxent and GARP modeling algorithms were individually employed to forecast current and future climatic niche of the species using randomly collected occurrence records of the species and bioclimatic variables with 30″ resolution from ‘WorldClim’ datasets. Both the modeling processes performed optimally with regard to AUC and TSS values and forecasted an increase/expansion of climatically-suitable geographical space in the future. A final climatic niche distribution map was produced by combining the binary maps generated from each of the processes to produce a relatively realistic and potentially accurate distribution of climatic niche of the species over space and time. Conservation of forecasted suitable geographical space is recommended and future survey efforts for potentially unexplored populations of the species in the forecasted suitable area are suggested.
Homogeneous changes in cofinalities with applications to HOD

We present a new technique for changing the cofinality of large cardinals using homogeneous forcing. As an application we show that many singular cardinals in V can be measurable in HOD. We also an...
Racial Differences in Plasma Levels of N-Terminal Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide and Outcomes: The Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) Study.

Importance Recent studies have suggested that the natriuretic peptide system may be endogenously suppressed in black individuals who are free of prevalent cardiovascular disease. Whether natriuretic peptide levels contribute to racial disparities in clinical outcomes is unknown. Objective To examine racial differences in N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP) levels and their association with all-cause mortality and cause-specific mortality in the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study. Design, Setting, and Participants Baseline NTproBNP levels were measured in a randomly selected sample of 4415 REGARDS study participants. Those with prevalent cardiovascular disease and renal dysfunction were excluded. From July 1, 2003, to September 12, 2007, among the remaining 1998 individuals, racial differences in NTproBNP levels were estimated, and the percentage difference in NTproBNP levels by race was meta-analyzed and compared with published results on participants free of prevalent cardiovascular disease from the Dallas Heart Study and Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study, using random effects modeling. The association of NTproBNP levels, race, all-cause mortality, and cause-specific mortality in the REGARDS study was studied using appropriate modeling techniques. Data analysis was conducted from July 1, 2003, to March 31, 2016. Main Outcomes and Measures Racial differences in NTproBNP levels and association with all-cause mortality and cause-specific mortality. Results Among the 1998 participants studied (972 women and 1026 men; median age, 63 years [interquartile range, 54-72 years]), median NTproBNP levels in black individuals were significantly lower than those in white individuals (46 pg/mL [interquartile range, 23-91] vs 60 pg/mL [interquartile range, 33-106];P Conclusions and Relevance Plasma NTproBNP levels are significantly lower in black individuals as compared with white individuals in the REGARDS study and in pooled results from the REGARDS study, Dallas Heart Study, and Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study. Higher NTproBNP levels were associated with higher incidence of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality in healthy black and white individuals, and this association did not differ by race.
Simultaneous slit rheometry and in situ neutron scattering

In situ measurement of fluid structure during flow, e.g., by neutron scattering, is key to understanding the relationship between structure and rheology. For some applications, structures at high shear rates previously unreachable are of particular interest. Here, we report development of a flow cell slit rheometer for neutron scattering (μRheoSANS). The devices were used to measure the structure of a semi-dilute surfactant solution of worm-like micelles during flow. Analysis of the rheometry and scattering data allows isolation of the scattering signal from the high-shear, near-wall region of the flow cell. The reported results agree with those from the existing Couette-based RheoSANS instrument. The worm-like micelles exhibit an alignment transition at Weissenberg number (Wi) ≈ 1, coinciding with the onset of shear thinning. This transition is followed by a peak in micelle alignment at a higher shear rate, after which the degree of alignment decreases moderately. This technique can achieve higher shear rates than existing RheoSANS techniques, expanding the ability to study the structure of complex fluids at elevated shear rates.
The enrollment status of patients with brain metastases in metastatic renal cell carcinoma: A query of clinicaltrials.gov.

e16070Background: Clinical trials routinely exclude patients with brain metastases in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). However, the degree to which such patients are excluded has not been do...
Evolution of the Global Coupled Climate Response to Arctic Sea Ice Loss during 1990–2090 and Its Contribution to Climate Change

AbstractThe role of transient Arctic sea ice loss in the projected greenhouse gas–induced late-twentieth- to late-twenty-first-century climate change is investigated using the Geophysical Fluid Dyn...