cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The choices we make: An examination of situation selection in younger and older adults.

The current study examined the effects of age and control beliefs on the use of situation selection. Younger and older adults spent 15 min in a room containing multiple affective streams that varied in emotional valence, and were given free choice to engage with whatever they wanted. No significant main effect of age emerged on the number of choices of, or time spent with, material of each valence. However, age and beliefs interacted such that older adults with strong emotion regulation self-efficacy and general control beliefs chose fewer negative stimuli, whereas younger adults with strong beliefs chose more negative stimuli. Results are discussed from aging and individual differences perspectives.
Origin and diversity of North American hard spring wheats

Genetic diversity is an important safeguard against crop vulnerability to biotic and abiotic stresses. Coefficient-of-parentage (COP) values of 248 North American hard spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L. em. Thell) cultivars released from 1901 to 1991 were used to estimate the genetic similarity of cultivars. COP values were used: to (1) quantify germ plasm sources and their contributions to the North American hard spring wheat gene pool; (2) measure changes in genetic diversity through time; and (3) identify major groupings of related cultivars. Landraces and local cultivars that contributed to the formation of the gene pool were: spring wheat (64%), winter wheat (16%), T. turgidum var. durum L. (10%), and T. turgidum var. emmer L. (8%). ‘Fife’, ‘Hard Red Calcutta’, and ‘Turkey Red’ accounted for 18%, 13%, and 8%, respectively, of the hard spring wheat origins. ‘Era’ and ‘Butte’ in the US, and ‘Neepawa’ and ‘HY 320’ in Canada, were the most commonly used named parents of cultivars released from 1981 to 1991. Both Canada and US had the greatest level of similarity among new cultivar releases in the 1930s (Canada: r=0.39, US: r=0.34). Genetic similarity in the US declined to r=0.14 in the 1940s and remained relatively constant thereafter. Similarity among released Canadian cultivars remained relatively high until the 1970s when the introduction of new market classes resulted in a 50% reduction in genetic similarity to approximately the same level of similarity found in the US. Cluster analysis was used to group cultivars released after 1941 into 13 clusters of similar genotypes. The cultivar clusters may have value for the stratified sampling of spring wheat germ plasm or in identifying diverse germ plasm for intermating.
Orientation-averaged light-extinction characteristics of compound particles including aggregate effects

Orientation-averaged light-extinction characteristics of compound sulfate–carbon-soot particles have been analyzed with a discrete-dipole algorithm (ddscat code) for r1/r2 (ratio of primary-particle radius to secondary-particle radius) in the range 7 to 1 and for wavelengths from 0.4 to 0.8 μm. It was found that compound particles above a particle radius of approximately 0.2 μm exhibit light-extinction characteristics that closely match those of a pure sulfate particle. The shielding of the carbon particle by the primary particle apparently reduces the absorption effect of the soot particle over the range of all possible orientations. In light of the fact that soot particles tend to be small in comparison with host sulfate particles, the light-extinction characteristics of compound particles are dictated by the optical properties of the host particles. This result has been applied for aerosol aggregates with log-normal size distributions. For r1/r2≥2 the aggregate extinction coefficient of a group of compound particles remains within 12% of that of a group consisting only of sulfate particles. This allows for effective calculation of the overall aerosol light extinction on the basis of the optical and geometrical properties of the constituent particles without having to include a compound-geometry effect.
An Oct-1 binding site mediates activation of the gata2 promoter by BMP signaling

The gata2 gene encodes a transcription factor implicated in regulating early patterning of ectoderm and mesoderm, and later in numerous cell-specific gene expression programs. Activation of the gata2 gene during embryogenesis is dependent on the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling pathway, but the mechanism for how signaling controls gene activity has not been defined. We developed an assay in Xenopus embryos to analyze regulatory sequences of the zebrafish gata2 promoter that are necessary to mediate the response to BMP signaling during embryogenesis. We show that activation is Smad dependent, since it is blocked by expression of the inhibitory Smad6. Deletion analysis identified an octamer binding site that is necessary for BMP-mediated induction, and that interacts with the POU homeodomain protein Oct-1. However, this element is not sufficient to transfer a BMP response to a heterologous promoter, requiring an additional more proximal cooperating element. Based on recent studies with other BMP-dependent promoters (Drosophila vestigial and Xenopus Xvent-2), our studies of the gata2 gene suggest that POU-domain proteins comprise a common component of the BMP signaling pathway, cooperating with Smad proteins and other transcriptional activators.
Permian and Triassic rocks near Quinn River Crossing, Humboldt County, Nevada

Permian and Triassic rocks near Quinn River Crossing, Humboldt County, Nevada, consist of four structural blocks: (1) a Lower Permian volcanic block; (2) a Permian(?) chert-arenite block; (3) a Lower Permian limestone block; and (4) a Permian and Triassic block. The contacts between the Permian volcanic block and the others are interpreted as thrust faults or glide surfaces. None of these rocks are metamorphosed, in contrast to those of the surrounding mountain ranges. Each of the blocks is lithically similar in some respects to rocks of the Osgood Mountains area 80 km to the southeast. The fusulinid and brachiopod faunas of two of the blocks display affinities to those of the McCloud Limestone of northern California and the Coyote Butte Limestone of central Oregon, and the fauna of another block has elements in common with autochthonous rocks of eastern Nevada and Utah. All four blocks probably are allochthonous with respect to the rocks exposed in the surrounding mountain ranges, but their points of origin remain obscure. The rocks at Quinn River Crossing provide a link among the Permian rocks of north-central Nevada, northern California, and central Oregon and a possible key to their original relations, but more comparative data are needed.
Conceptualizing Research on Adolescent Development in the Family: Four Root Metaphors

This paper analyzes contemporary conceptual approaches to the investigation of adolescent development in the family. As a way of clarifying the current conceptual disarray in the field, a framework developed by philosopher Stephen Pepper is presented of four fundamental metaphors that have formed the basis for scientific investigation. Research on adolescent development in the family exemplifying each metaphor is used to illustrate its distinctive contributions and limitations. Possibilities for reconciliation among the metaphors are then considered. Investigators are encouraged to see the implications of their choices in the context of this wider conceptual perspective.
The effects of equal and unequal exposures on the Mach-Dvorak stereoillusion

An onset to onset rule predicts the direction and the magnitude of the displacement in depth that accompanies the successive and equal exposures of a moving object to the two eyes. This rule is ambiguous with respect to identifying the points or regions that are actually “fused”; the disparities of onsets, offsets, and average visual directions are all equal and therefore predict the same illusory displacement. Unequal exposures were used in the present experiment to determine which points or regions do define this disparity. The results revealed that neither onset locations nor offset locations predict the illusion; rather, the fusion of the entire exposed traverses (or their average visual directions) determines the displacement. Because this displacement seems exclusively determined by spatial characteristics, the similarity of this illusion to the Pulfrich effect was questioned.
Valvular interstitial cells express angiotensinogen and cathepsin D, and generate angiotensin peptides

Cells capable of de novo angiotensin (Ang)II generation in the heart remain unidentified. High-density angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) binding has been localized to sites of high collagen turnover, such as heart valve leaflets and their valvular interstitial cells (VIC). VIC express ACE mRNA and their membrane-bound ACE utilizes AngI as substrate. Whether VIC also express angiotensinogen (Ao) and an aspartyl protease, and whether they generate AngI and II de novo, is presently unknown. We sought to address these questions in serum-deprived cultured VIC. Ao, renin and cathepsin D (Cat-D) mRNA expression was addressed by RT-PCR. Production of Ao, AngI and AngII peptides were measured in VIC-culture media by radioimmunoassay (RIA). Immunoreactive Cat-D was detected by immunofluorescein labeling and Western blotting. Cat-D and renin activities were determined by spectrofluorometric and autoradiographic methods and AngI generation by RIA. Results showed (a) expression of Ao and Cat-D both at mRNA and protein levels; (b) AngI and AngII peptides in culture media; (c) acceleration of AngII production by exogenous AngI (1 nmol/l), which was blocked by lisinopril (0.1 mumol/l); (d) that dexamethasone (0.1 mumol/l) increased AngII production; (e) a 46 kDa immunoreactive Cat-D protein by Western blotting; (f) aspartyl protease activity, using chromogenic and 125I-labeled Ao as substrates, inhibited by pepstatin-A; and (g) the absence of renin mRNA and activity. It is concluded that at both the mRNA and protein levels, cultured VIC express Ao and Cat-D, and can generate AngI and AngII peptides by the action of a non-renin protease Cat-D and ACE, respectively. VIC therefore appear to represent a constitutive nonendothelial cell found in adult rat heart valve leaflets, which are capable of de novo Ang peptide generation.
Rethinking radiology informatics.

OBJECTIVE. Informatics innovations of the past 30 years have improved radiology quality and efficiency immensely. Radiologists are groundbreaking leaders in clinical information technology (IT), and often radiologists and imaging informaticists created, specified, and implemented these technologies, while also carrying the ongoing burdens of training, maintenance, support, and operation of these IT solutions. Being pioneers of clinical IT had advantages of local radiology control and radiology-centric products and services. As health care businesses become more clinically IT savvy, however, they are standardizing IT products and procedures across the enterprise, resulting in the loss of radiologists' local control and flexibility. Although this inevitable consequence may provide new opportunities in the long run, several questions arise. CONCLUSION. What will happen to the informatics expertise within the radiology domain? Will radiology's current and future concerns be heard and their needs addressed? Wh...
Low profile cooling solutions for advanced packaging based on ultra-thin heat pipe and piezo fan

In this paper, heat pipes and piezo fan, in combination as well as individually, has been proposed to provide very thin thermal solutions for high density electronic packaging. Ultra-thin heat pipes with thickness in range of 0.6 to 2 mm have been developed to transfer maximum heat load of 0.8 to 68W respectively. These heat pipes have been fabricated from copper-water combination with center fiber copper wick. Different type of piezo fans (low frequency flapping type, high flow rate type and high velocity impingement type) with small thickness ~ 0.8 to 2 mm, low power consumption and high reliability has been proposed and characterized. These fans can provide direct cooling system or can be combined with thin heat pipe to provide remote heat exchanger. Using these thin advanced thermal technologies, cooling modules with thermal capability of 3 to 10 W and maximum thickness of 0.7 to 6 mm respectively has been designed and characterized. In summary, thermal technologies and cooling modules developed in this research work will provide energy efficient and thin thermal management solutions for space conservative high density electronics.
The Equal Additions Method of Subtraction Taught with a Modeling Technique

Via a dmonstration-plus-modl technique, the equal additions method of subtraction was used to teach subtraction requiring regmuping. A multiple baseline design acmss elementary aged studnts labeled learning disabled was med to evaluate the equal adfitions method. Within subjects, a multiple probe design across problem types was utilized to determine generalization to new problem types and maintenance of trained problem types. Results suggest that instruction in the equal adfitions method of subtraction was effective in pducing an increase in student's computation of subtraction with regmuping. In adfition, all studnts showed some generalization to untrained pblem gpes.
Plasma analysis of a large-bore, arc-driven railgun

Some recent experimental data obtained from the large-bore railgun CHECMATE are analyzed to determine the electrodynamic and thermodynamic properties of the plasma armature. Experimental values of the arc length and muzzle voltage, as well as an experimentally fitted current-density profile, are used in the analysis. With these data used as input, model calculations are undertaken to determine the remaining properties of the arc. Results of the data analysis are ten compared with some purely theoretical calculations, and possible reasons for the differences are noted and discussed. Among other findings it appears that thetotal mass of the arc remains nearly constant over the acceleration time. >
Compiler-directed selection of dynamic memory layouts

Compiler technology is becoming a key component in the design of embedded systems, mostly due to increasing participation of software in the design process. Meeting system-level objectives usually requires flexible and retargetable compiler optimizations that can be ported across a wide variety of architectures. In particular, source-level compiler optimizations aiming at increasing locality of data accesses are expected to improve the quality of the generated code. Previous compiler-based approaches to improving locality have mainly focused on determining optimal memory layouts that remain in effect for the entire execution of an application. For large embedded codes, however, such static layouts may be insufficient to obtain acceptable performance. The selection of memory layouts that dynamically change over the course of a program's execution adds another dimension to data locality optimization. This paper presents a technique that can be used to automatically determine which layouts are most beneficial over specific regions of a program while taking into account the added overhead of dynamic (run time) layout changes. The results obtained using two benchmark codes show that such a dynamic approah brings significant benefits over a static state-of-the-art technique.
Empirical Risk Minimization with Approximations of Probabilistic Grammars

Probabilistic grammars are generative statistical models that are useful for compositional and sequential structures. We present a framework, reminiscent of structural risk minimization, for empirical risk minimization of the parameters of a fixed probabilistic grammar using the log-loss. We derive sample complexity bounds in this framework that apply both to the supervised setting and the un-supervised setting.
Retrenchment's Impact on Service for Young Handicapped Children:

This paper reports a pilot survey of administrators' and professionals' perceptions of the impact of recent economic constraints and retrenchment on the nature and quality of special education services for young, severely handicapped children. The survey assessed changes relative to staff issues, educational environment, individualized programs, interagency activity, services to families, and training. Important decreases in staff morale, availability of therapeutic services, funds for replacement and purchase of materials, and level of service to families were noted. To a lesser extent, respondents reported an increase in the number of skills taught and increased involvement with outside agencies, especially for family and therapeutic services. Comparison of teacher and administrator responses showed major overlap but some important discrepancies. The findings are discussed in terms of short-term and long-term implications for early childhood special education and teacher training.
SAGA BigJob: An Extensible and Interoperable Pilot-Job Abstraction for Distributed Applications and Systems

The uptake of distributed infrastructures by scientific applications has been limited by the availability of extensible, pervasive and simple-to-use abstractions which are required at multiple levels -- development, deployment and execution stages of scientific applications. The Pilot-Job abstraction has been shown to be an effective abstraction to address many requirements of scientific applications. Specifically, Pilot-Jobs support the decoupling of workload submission from resource assignment, this results in a flexible execution model, which in turn enables the distributed scale-out of applications on multiple and possibly heterogeneous resources. Most Pilot-Job implementations however, are tied to a specific infrastructure. In this paper, we describe the design and implementation of a SAGA-based Pilot-Job, which supports a wide range of application types, and is usable over a broad range of infrastructures, i.e., it is general-purpose and extensible, and as we will argue is also interoperable with Clouds. We discuss how the SAGA-based Pilot-Job is used for different application types and supports the concurrent usage across multiple heterogeneous distributed infrastructure, including concurrent usage across Clouds and traditional Grids/Clusters. Further, we show how Pilot-Jobs can help to support dynamic execution models and thus, introduce new opportunities for distributed applications. We also demonstrate for the first time that we are aware of, the use of multiple Pilot-Job implementations to solve the same problem, specifically, we use the SAGA-based Pilot-Job on high-end resources such as the TeraGrid and the native Condor Pilot-Job (Glide-in) on Condor resources. Importantly both are invoked via the same interface without changes at the development or deployment level, but only an execution (run-time) decision.
The dependence of lexical relatedness effects on syntactic connectedness.

Context effects on lexical decision were analyzed by manipulating lexical relatedness and syntactic connectedness. Related and unrelated word pairs were embedded in syntactic (e.g., "the author of this book/floor") and in scrambled (e.g., "the author the and book/floor") phrases. The sequences were presented serially and subjects made lexical decisions to the terminal targets. In four experiments, relatedness effects were substantial in syntactic phrases but only marginal in scrambled sequences. This result was unaffected by presentation rate or by blocking manipulations. A fifth experiment showed that the relatedness effect in syntactic phrases involved both facilitation of responses to related words and inhibition of responses to unrelated words. These results argue against a role for intralexical priming in on-line reading. They highlight the role of syntactic connectedness and suggest that contextual facilitation depends on the ease of integration of new words with the current text-level representation.
Solar wind plasma injection at the dayside magnetospheric cusp

Two mechanisms have been proposed for solar wind particle injection at the dayside magnetospheric cusps: magnetic merging and cross-field diffusion. These two mechanisms are experimentally distinguishable in that they produce different latitudinal distributions of particles penetrating to the low-altitude cusp. An examination of proton and electron measurements obtained by the AE-C satellite in the low-altitude dayside cusp reveals evidence of both types of injection processes. A majority of the injection events, especially the more intense fluxes, are best explained by a merging injection model in which cusp particles are confined to the poleward side of the last closed field line and have a characteristic energy that decreases with increasing latitudinal distance from the last closed field line. Less frequent and less intense injection events are better explained in terms of a diffusive injection of cusp particles onto closed dayside field lines with a characteristic energy that increases with increasing latitudinal distance from the last closed field line. Although diffusion appears to be quantitatively less important than merging in terms of the instantaneous particle injection rate, cross-field diffusion nevertheless appears to proceed at an unexpectedly fast rate, possibly exceeding the Bohm diffusion limit.
Graphene–sponges as high-performance low-cost anodes for microbial fuel cells

A high-performance microbial fuel cell (MFC) anode was constructed from inexpensive materials. Key components were a graphene–sponge (G–S) composite and a stainless-steel (SS) current collector. Anode fabrication is simple, scalable, and environmentally friendly, with low energy inputs. The SS current collector improved electrode conductivity and decreased voltage drop and power loss. The resulting G–S–SS composite electrode appears promising for large-scale applications.
Development and Implementation of a Cyberinfrastructure Framework for Research in Nondestructive Evaluation using Acoustic Emission Data

AbstractThis paper presents the development and validation of a cyberinfrastructure architecture for research in nondestructive evaluation (NDE) using acoustic emission (AE) data. Existing cyberinf...
Sea-Level Rise and Storm Surges High Stakes for a Small Number of Developing Countries

As the climate changes during the 21st century, larger cyclonic storm surges and growing populations may collide in disasters of unprecedented size. As conditions worsen, variations in coastal morp...
Rationality in the Slum: An Essay on Interpretive Sociology

The peripheral slum population in urban Latin America is still characterized, despite much research to the contrary, as a focus of discontent and political disruptiveness. The resilience of this approach lies in its being imbedded in a more general and unquestionably accepted definition of the slum population as culturally primitive and, hence, most frequently irrational.
Microbiological study of streptococcal bacteremia.

During a 2.5-year study, streptococci were isolated from 280 patients (19% of those with bacteremia). Of this number, 54 had group D streptococci (45 were enterococci), 218 had α- or γ-hemolytic nongroup D streptococci, and 49 had β-hemolytic streptococci.
Membership Functions and Probability Measures of Fuzzy Sets

The notion of fuzzy sets has proven useful in the context of control theory, pattern recognition, and medical diagnosis. However, it has also spawned the view that classical probability theory is unable to deal with uncertainties in natural language and machine learning, so that alternatives to probability are needed. One such alternative is what is known as “possibility theory.” Such alternatives have come into being because past attempts at making fuzzy set theory and probability theory work in concert have been unsuccessful. The purpose of this article is to develop a line of argument that demonstrates that probability theory has a sufficiently rich structure for incorporating fuzzy sets within its framework. Thus probabilities of fuzzy events can be logically induced. The philosophical underpinnings that make this happen are a subjectivistic interpretation of probability, an introduction of Laplace's famous genie, and the mathematics of encoding expert testimony. The benefit of making probability theo...
A novel network model for molecular prognosis

Network-based genome-wide association studies (NWAS) utilize the molecular interactions between genes and functional pathways in biomarker identification. This study presents a novel network-based methodology for identifying prognostic gene signatures to predict cancer recurrence. The methodology contains the following steps: 1) Constructing genome-wide coexpression networks for different disease states (metastatic vs. non-metastatic). Prediction logic is used to induct valid implication relations between each pair of gene expression profiles in terms of formal logic rules. 2) Identifying differential components associated with specific disease states from the genome-wide coexpression networks. 3) Dissecting network modules that are tightly connected with major disease signal hallmarks from the disease specific differential components. 4) Identifying most significant genes/probes associated with clinical outcome from the pathway connected network modules. Using this methodology, a 14-gene prognostic signature was identified for accurate patient stratification in early stage lung cancer.
Mechanical Properties of Carbon-Implanted Niobium

Polycrystalline niobium specimens were implanted with either 200 keV carbon ions or a combination of 50, 100, and 200 keV carbon ions to peak concentrations of 0.6 to 50 at. {percent}. Microindentation techniques were used to measure the hardness and elastic modulus of the implanted layer. Both the hardness (H) and modulus (E) showed dramatic increases due to the carbon implantation. The measured peak hardness and modulus following uniform implantation with 16 at. {percent} C were 15{times} and 3{times} that of niobium, respectively, which is comparable to the literature values for NbC. The peak hardness and modulus for the implanted specimens were observed at an indent depth of {approximately}40 nm, which is about one-eighth of the depth of the implanted carbon layer. The decrease in the indentation mechanical properties at deeper indent depths is due to the interaction of long-ranging strain fields underneath the indenter with the niobium substrate. 17 refs., 6 figs.
Central Nervous System Tumors

The cause of childhood brain tumors remains largely unknown, although there is correlation with a family history of cancer, and there may be hereditary factors as well. Children with neurofibromatosis have an increased risk of developing optic gliomas and those with tuberous sclerosis have an increased risk of astrocytoma or other benign brain tumors.
Fairness, Benefiting by Lottery and the Chancy Satisfaction of Moral Claims

This article offers a new theory about how using lotteries to distribute scarce benefits satisfies beneficiaries' claims. In the first section of the article I criticize John Broome's view and on the basis of these criticisms set out four desiderata for a philosophically adequate account of claim satisfaction by lottery. In section II I propose and defend a new view called the dual structure view, so called because it posits that claimants have two types of claims in the relevant scarce benefit distribution cases under discussion. This view meets all the desiderata set out in section I. Section III draws out the practical implications of my view for a variety of temporally extended cases, including the distribution of corneas to patients who have suffered corneal degeneration.
Beyond the Monolith: The Role of Bonding, Bridging, and Linking Social Capital in the Cycle of Adaptive Capacity

ABSTRACTA case-study approach was used to understand the role of social capital in the cycle of adaptive capacity in three rural, forest communities in Washington State. The study reveals social capital to be a critical ingredient in the resolution of diverse community development events. The findings enhance our understanding of the impacts of social capital on community outcomes by dividing the concept into three types—bonding, bridging, and linking social capital. Social capital does not translate linearly into community outcomes. Generally, community members stressed the importance of bridging social capital to achieve community-wide desired outcomes. Yet strong bridging social capital had no potency when linking social capital with key power brokers was absent. Finally, the case-study approach reveals how social capital is created and can be built up or depleted. The findings are applicable to community development practitioners, rural community leaders, and public land managers that interface with f...
Ultra-compact mid-IR spectroscopic source based on frequency converted Yb - Er/Yb fiber amplified cw diode lasers

A novel narrow-linewidth mid-IR source based on difference frequency generation of fiber coupled diode laser seed sources at 1.08 µm and 1.56 µm mixed in periodically poled LiNbO3 is reported. Both seed pump wavelengths are amplified by a cascaded Yb and Er/Yb amplifier combination to generate coherent radiation of up to 0.1 mW at 3.5 µm. Furthermore, PPLN crystals of 0.5 mm and 1 mm thickness of 20 mm and 50 mm length have been compared in terms of their respective conversion efficiencies. Up to 1 mW at 3.5 µm of stable, tunable mid-infrared light was generated using separate Yb and Er/Yb amplifiers and a 50 mm long PPLN crystal.
Queen-Rearing and the Age of Nurse Bees

It has been established (Haydak 1961) that royal jelly produced by older nurse bees contains considerably less vitamins of the B group than that elaborated by the nurse bees of normal age. Vitamins of the B group play an important part in the coenzyme system of the cellular metabolism of living organisms. Queen larvae have a considerably higher metabolism than the worker larvae (Melampy and Willis 1939, Shuel and Dixon 1959). Therefore, it was of interest to establish whether older nurse bees can rear queens and how such queens would differ from those produced by the nurse bees of normal age.
Discrimination between the Pupae of Tribolium confusum Duv. and T. castaneum (Hbst.) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

Tribolium confusum Duv. closely resembles T. castaneum (Hbst.) in the pupal stage as well as in the adult stage. Methods of distinguishing the adults of the two species have been presented by Good (1936) and Hinton (1948). However with respect to the discrimination between the pupae, no dependable methods are available at the present time.
Visualization Design Using an Integrated Joint Cognitive System Development Methodology

We describe the development of a visualization-based decision support system for operational effects assessment. The system was developed using the Integrated Methodology for Joint Cognitive Systems (IMJCS). The IMJCS is designed to integrate cognitive system engineering (CSE) throughout system development by addressing four areas: Content, communication, risk management and traceability. Development phases in IMJCS will be presented as context within which the development of the visualization system was carried out. The IMJCS is distinguished from other approaches to human-centered design in that it is designed to integrate into existing system engineering processes and to make contributions throughout the entire system engineering development cycle.
Impact of Physician Training on Diagnosis and Counseling of Overweight and Obese Asian Patients.

Obesity is widely underdiagnosed among Asians, due in part to a lack of physician awareness of the modified diagnostic criteria for Asians. This study investigated the effect of a physician training on accurately diagnosing obesity among and providing weight counseling to overweight and obese Asian patients. Physicians (N = 16) from five primary care practices received 1 h of face-to-face training and other reminder resources (e.g., wallet card) describing the guidelines for the diagnosis of overweight/obesity among Asians, as well as weight counseling instruction. Chart reviews of overweight/obese Asian patients were conducted for the 12 months before the training (n = 198) and 3 months following the training (n = 163). Physician race (Asian/non-Asian) and clinic setting (private/academic) were included as outcome moderators. Patients were predominantly male (63.1 %), with a mean age of 46.0 years (SD = 14.9) and an average BMI of 28.2 (SD = 3.8). Across all physicians, 26.8 and 45.1 % of patients were accurately diagnosed as overweight or obese before and after the training, respectively (p < 0.05). The odds of a physician correctly diagnosing Asian patients as overweight or obese were 102 % higher at post-training after accounting for nesting of patients within physicians. Similarly, weight counseling was higher (65.0 %) following training compared to pre-training levels (43.9 %) but failed to reach significance (p = 0.06). Accurate identification and counseling of overweight/obese Asian patients can be improved by education and training. Universal adoption of race-specific guidelines will ensure more successful weight management and reduced morbidity in a rapidly growing Asian population.
Community Colleges Should Help Improve the Quality of Migrant Workers

Migrant workers are important construction forces in the urbanization and modernization process of the modern society.They are also the main force of the full realization of a well-off society.They help promoting the sustainable development of China,but they are also a disadvantaged group.Migrant workers have played and will play an important role in the development of urbanization and industrialization.China′s future development is closely related to the over 200 million migrant workers as well as their qualities.Thus,based on the demands of workers′ development and the progress of society,the focus of community education and the main task of community colleges should be the improvement of migrant workers′ qualities.
Implementing psychological therapies for functional GI disorders in children and adults.

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Functional GI disorders (FGIDs) are common in adults and children. Psychological factors play an important role in the onset and maintenance of FGIDs and in explaining the associated disability. Psychological treatments such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Hypnotherapy have been found efficacious in FGIDs but Integrating psychological treatments into traditionally medically-oriented care can be challenging.Areas covered: This review outlines the case for integrating psychological therapies into medical care for FGIDs and examine various models of integrated care that can be adapted to fit specific practice scenarios.Expert commentary: We advise integrating a psychologist in the care and treatment planning of every patient. Clinic-specific needs dictate how integrated care for patients with FGIDs can be delivered.
Understanding Ecosystems and Their Services Through Apollo 13 and Bottle Models

Recognizing that an ecosystem’s components are interconnected is an important step in understanding ecosystem dynamics. Collectively, the world’s diverse ecosystems provide numerous life-sustaining goods and services such as food, air purification, and pollination yet their worth is generally undervalued. The goal of the learning activity described in this chapter is to (1) help students define ecosystems, (2) identify biotic and abiotic components of an ecosystem, (3) identify the ecosystem goods and services valued by humans, and (4) understand how ecosystem components affect each other. This will be accomplished with movie clips from Apollo 13, examining a model ecosystem and creating a visual web of an ecosystem’s interconnectedness, all of which prompt a discussion of connections between biotic and abiotic elements and how ecosystems relate to human well-being. The knowledge gained from these activities should help students better understand how human actions can positively and negatively impact ecosystems.
Rod outer segment-associated N-acetylgalactosaminylphosphotransferase.

PURPOSE To determine the exact location of a cell surface glycosyltransferase (N-acetylgalactosaminylphosphotransferase, (GalNAcPTase) immunochemically identified in mammalian rod outer segments (ROS), to determine whether anti-GalNAcPTase antibody recognizes retinal molecules that possess transferase activity and to characterize ROS transferase enzyme activity and acceptors. The GalNAcPTase is known to be associated with the adhesion molecule N-cadherin in embryonic avian retinas and with E-cadherin in mammalian pancreatic islet cells. METHODS Purified, fixed ROS were reacted with anti-chick GalNAcPTase antibody followed by secondary antibody conjugated to colloidal gold and were examined by electron microscopy. Fractions of retinal and ROS proteins enriched in the transferase were obtained through batch adsorption on Sepharose, separated by gel electrophoresis, transferred to nitrocellulose, and either reacted with anti-GalNAcPTase antibody or assayed for transferase activity. Interphotoreceptor matrix (IPM) was examined for the presence of immunoreactive GalNAcPTase by gel electrophoresis and immunoblot. The kinetics and endogenous acceptors of the cow ROS transferase were characterized. RESULTS ROS are specifically labeled by anti-GalNAcPTase antibody at the cell surface. The immunogold label was associated with the cell surface and with flocculent material adherent to the cell surface. In addition, soluble and particulate fractions of the IPM showed GalNAcPTase-like immunoreactivity. The transferase appears as single immunoreactive band at or near 220 kd. Transferase enzyme activity was present at this position on Western transfers of retinal and ROS proteins. In whole ROS, transferase activity was directed toward endogenous acceptors of very high molecular mass. CONCLUSIONS The GalNAcPTase is localized on ROS in association with the cell surface and with components of the IPM. The molecule recognized by the anti-GalNAcPTase antibody possesses transferase activity toward itself and a few other proteins, but mostly toward very large molecules that may be IPM proteoglycans. It is not yet known whether the enzyme of the adult retina specifically transfers sugar or sugar-phosphate groups to its acceptors. It is proposed that the ROS GalNAcPTase is involved in the modulation of adhesive phenomena between or within photoreceptors or between photoreceptors and the interphotoreceptor matrix.
TP53 Gene Expression, Correlated with 17p13 Deletion, Is a Significant and Independent Adverse Prognostic Factor in Multiple Myeloma Treated with High-Dose Therapy and Auto-Transplants.

Deletion of chromosome 17p13 is a poor risk feature in MM, presumably resulting from a loss-of-hetrozygosity of the TP53 locus. However, details on the role of TP53 in the pathogenesis of MM and its relevance as a prognostic variable remain uncertain. We determined TP53 mRNA expression, DNA sequence integrity and copy number in newly diagnosed and relapsed disease and correlated these features with disease progression and outcome. Among 351 newly diagnosed cases treated on TT2, a randomized trial of high-dose chemotherapy and autotransplants +/− thalidomide. TP53 gene expression, as determined by Affymetrix microarray of CD138-selected cells, varied from a high of 5,241 to a low of 10 (mean 1,460). TP53 expression lower than 727, present in 10% of tumors, was associated with shorter event-free survival (EFS: P=0.0012) and overall survival (OS: P=0.0006) with a median follow-up of 40 months. Short EFS (P 4.1 mg/L), creatinine (>221 umol/L), and LDH (>191 IU/L), Amp1q21, del13, MRI lesions (>3), and high-risk molecular groups (PR, MS, and MF) (P 4 mg/L), albumin ( 33%). On multivariate regression analysis, low TP53 expression was an independent variable predicting shorter survival (EFS: P=0.044; OS: P=0.019), even in the context of high-risk molecular entities and ISS. We next used interphase FISH to correlate TP53 gene copy number with expression in randomly selected cases from the TT2 cohort. 17p13 deletion was observed in 88% (27% with bi-allelic deletion) of 17 cases from the group of 35 (10% of total) with the lowest TP53 expression, while deletion was present in 36% in 22 cases with low-, 12% in 17 cases with mid-level, and 6% in 17 samples with high-expression of TP53 (P
Combining Phototherapy with Biologic Agents

Although several biologic agents showing excellent efficacy for the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis have been developed in the last decade, phototherapy appears to play an important role in a subset of patients with severe, recalcitrant psoriasis despite treatment with a biologic agent. Several studies have investigated the combination of NB-UVB and excimer laser with biologic agents such as etanercept, adalimumab, and ustekinumab and found that it is very well tolerated with no additional side effects. However, long-term studies are needed.
Rural Development in the Poyang Lake Region amid Floods

This chapter provides an introduction to the Poyang Lake Region, including local agriculture, flood history, and the levee system around Poyang Lake. The chapter also describes China’s broader policy and development context, under which rural households develop their livelihoods. The PLR possesses unique social, economic, and environmental characteristics but also confronts the same issues for rural development as other rural areas in China. These issues include continued low levels of rural income and agriculture decline associated with increasing nonfarm income.
The Complexity of Public-Key Cryptography

We survey the computational foundations for public-key cryptography. We discuss the computational assumptions that have been used as bases for publickey encryption schemes, and the types of evidence we have for the veracity of these assumptions.
Generation of a microglial developmental index in mice and in humans reveals a sex difference in maturation and immune reactivity

Evidence suggests many neurological disorders emerge when normal neurodevelopmental trajectories are disrupted, i.e., when circuits or cells do not reach their fully mature state. Microglia play a critical role in normal neurodevelopment and are hypothesized to contribute to brain disease. We used whole transcriptome profiling with Next Generation sequencing of purified developing microglia to identify a microglial developmental gene expression program involving thousands of genes whose expression levels change monotonically (up or down) across development. Importantly, the gene expression program was delayed in males relative to females and exposure of adult male mice to LPS, a potent immune activator, accelerated microglial development in males. Next, a microglial developmental index (MDI) generated from gene expression patterns obtained from purified mouse microglia, was applied to human brain transcriptome datasets to test the hypothesis that variability in microglial development is associated with human diseases such as Alzheimer's and autism where microglia have been suggested to play a role. MDI was significantly increased in both Alzheimer's Disease and in autism, suggesting that accelerated microglial development may contribute to neuropathology. In conclusion, we identified a microglia-specific gene expression program in mice that was used to create a microglia developmental index, which was applied to human datasets containing heterogeneous cell types to reveal differences between healthy and diseased brain samples, and between males and females. This powerful tool has wide ranging applicability to examine microglial development within the context of disease and in response to other variables such as stress and pharmacological treatments.
Carrier transport dynamics in Mn-doped CdSe quantum dot sensitized solar cells.

In this work quantum dot sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs) were fabricated with CdSe and Mn-doped CdSe quantum dots (QDs) using the SILAR method. QDSSCs based on Mn-doped CdSe QDs exhibited improved incident photon-to-electron conversion efficiency. Carrier transport dynamics in the QDSSCs were studied using the intensity modulated photocurrent/photovoltage spectroscopy technique, from which transport and recombination time constants could be derived. Compared to CdSe QDSSCs, Mn–CdSe QDSSCs exhibited shorter transport time constant, longer recombination time constant, longer diffusion length, and higher charge collection efficiency. These observations suggested that Mn doping in CdSe QDs could benefit the performance of solar cells based on such nanostructures.
An Inter-regional US Blood Supply Simulation Model to Evaluate Blood Availability to Support Planning for Emergency Preparedness and Medical Countermeasures.

Objectives Planning for a response to threats like pandemics or mass casualty events is a national priority. The US blood supply system can be particularly vulnerable to such events. It is important to understand the impacts of emergency situations on blood availability and the resiliency of the US blood supply system. Methods On the basis of the Stock-and-Flow simulation model of the US blood supply system, we developed an inter-regional blood transfer system representing the action of multiple blood collectors and distributors to enable effective planning of strategies to minimize collection and donation disruptions to the blood supply system in the event of a national emergency. Results We simulated a pandemic or mass casualty event on both a national and an inter-regional blood supply system. Differences in the estimated impacts demonstrated the importance of incorporating spatial and temporal variations of blood collection and utilization across US regions. The absence of blood shortage in both emergency scenarios highlighted the resilience of the inter-regional system to meet the potential associated blood demand. Conclusions Our inter-regional model considered complex factors and can be a valuable tool to assist regulatory decision-making and strategic planning for emergency preparedness to avoid and mitigate associated adverse health consequences. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2018;12:201-210).
A phase II study of combined therapy with a BRAF inhibitor (vemurafenib) and interleukin-2 (aldesleukin) in patients with metastatic melanoma.

Background: Approximately 50% of melanomas harbor BRAF mutations. Treatment with BRAF +/- MEK inhibition is associated with favorable changes in the tumor microenvironment thus providing the rationale for combining targeted agents with immunotherapy. Methods: Patients with unresectable Stage III or IV BRAFV600E mutant melanoma were enrolled in a single-center prospective study (n = 6). Patients were eligible to receive two courses of HD-IL-2 and vemurafenib twice daily. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS) with secondary objectives including overall survival (OS), response rates (RR), and safety of combination therapy as compared to historical controls. Immune profiling was performed in longitudinal tissue samples, when available. Results: Overall RR was 83.3% (95% CI: 36%-99%) and 66.6% at 12 weeks. All patients eventually progressed, with three progressing on treatment and three progressing after the vemurafenib continuation phase ended. Median PFS was 35.8 weeks (95% CI: 16-57 weeks). Median OS was not reached; however, the time at which 75% of patients were still alive was 104.4 weeks. Change in circulating BRAFV600E levels correlated with response. Though combination therapy was associated with enhanced CD8 T cell infiltrate, an increase in regulatory T cell frequency was seen with HD-IL-2 administration, suggesting a potential limitation in this strategy. Conclusion: Combination vemurafenib and HD-IL-2 is well tolerated and associated with treatment responses. However, the HD-IL-2 induced increase in Tregs may abrogate potential synergy. Given the efficacy of regimens targeting the PD-1 pathway, strategies combining these regimens with BRAF-targeted therapy are currently underway, and the role of combination vemurafenib and HD-IL-2 is uncertain. Trial Registration: Clinical trial information: NCT01754376; https://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT01754376.