cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Novel Fourier Transform Spectrometer

The novel spectrometer here scans the path difference that is introduced between two beams that are produced with wavefront division by variation of angle of incidence on a reflection lamellar grating of fixed groove depth--not variation of groove depth at normal incidence, which is impractical for the near infrared owing to friction. Performance of a shallow groove grating is presented, and performance of a deep groove grating is predicted. An application of transparent lamellar gratings, with telescope objectives, is described.© (1980) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Materials and Structures Research for Gas Turbine Applications Within the NASA Subsonic Fixed Wing Project

A brief overview is presented of the current materials and structures research geared toward propulsion applications for NASA s Subsonic Fixed Wing Project one of four projects within the Fundamental Aeronautics Program of the NASA Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate. The Subsonic Fixed Wing (SFW) Project has selected challenging goals which anticipate an increasing emphasis on aviation s impact upon the global issue of environmental responsibility. These goals are greatly reduced noise, reduced emissions and reduced fuel consumption and address 25 to 30 years of technology development. Successful implementation of these demanding goals will require development of new materials and structural approaches within gas turbine propulsion technology. The Materials and Structures discipline, within the SFW project, comprise cross-cutting technologies ranging from basic investigations to component validation in laboratory environments. Material advances are teamed with innovative designs in a multidisciplinary approach with the resulting technology advances directed to promote the goals of reduced noise and emissions along with improved performance.
The Speed of Sound and Isentropic Bulk Modulus of Biodiesel at 21°C from Atmospheric Pressure to 35 MPa

Biodiesel, an alternative diesel fuel consisting of the alkyl monoesters of fatty acids from vegetable oils and animal fats, can be used in existing diesel engines without modification. However, property changes associated with the differences in chemical structure between biodiesel and petroleumbased diesel fuel may change the engine's injection timing. These injection timing changes can change the exhaust emissions and performance from the optimized settings chosen by the engine manufacturer. This study presents the results of measurements of the speed of sound and the isentropic bulk modulus for methyl and ethyl esters of fatty acids from soybean oil and compares them with No. 1 and No. 2 diesel fuel. Data are presented at 21±1°C and for pressures from atmospheric to 34.74 MPa. The results indicate that the speed of sound and bulk modulus of the monoesters of soybean oil are higher than those for diesel fuel and these can cause changes in the fuel injection timing of diesel engines. Linear equations were used to fit the data as a function of pressure, and the correlation constants are given.
Biologically Induced Mineralization by Bacteria

Bacteria are small, prokaryotic, microorganisms that are ubiquitous in surface and subsurface terrestrial and aquatic habitats. Prokaryotes comprise two Domains (Superkingdoms) in the biological taxonomic hierarchy, the Bacteria and the Archaea. They exhibit remarkable diversity both genetically and metabolically even within the same microenvironment and they are thought to play a major role in the deposition and weathering of minerals in the earth’s crust. The synthesis of minerals by prokaryotes can be grouped into two canonical modes: 1) biologically induced mineralization (BIM) and 2) biologically controlled mineralization (BCM) (Lowenstam 1981; Lowenstam and Weiner 1989). In this chapter, we focus on biologically induced mineralization. Minerals that form by biologically induced mineralization processes generally nucleate and grow extracellularly as a result of metabolic activity of the organism and subsequent chemical reactions involving metabolic byproducts. In many cases , the organisms secrete one or more metabolic products that react with ions or compounds in the environment resulting in the subsequent deposition of mineral particles. Thus, BIM is a presumably unintended and uncontrolled consequence of metabolic activities. The minerals that form are often characterized by poor crystallinity , broad particle-size distributions, and lack of specific crystal morphologies. In addition , the lack of control over mineral formation often results in poor mineral specificity and/or the inclusion of impurities in the mineral lattice. BIM is, in essence, equivalent to inorganic mineralization under the same environmental conditions and the minerals are therefore likely to have crystallochemical features that are generally indistinguishable from minerals produced by inorganic chemical reactions. In some cases, the metabolic products diffuse away and minerals form from solution. However , bacterial surfaces such as cell walls or polymeric materials (exopolymers) exuded by bacteria, including slimes, sheaths, or biofilms, and even dormant spores, can act as important sites for the adsorption of ions …
Survival of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in Apple Cider as Affected by Dimethyl Dicarbonate, Sodium Bisulfite, and Sodium Benzoate

Survival of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in apple cider containing no preservatives, 0.025% dimethyl dicarbonate (DMDC), 0.045% sodium benzoate (SB), 0.0046% sodium bisulfite (NaS; 65.5% sulfur dioxide), or a combination of NaS and SB (NaS/SB) and stored at 4, 10, and 25°C was evaluated. E. coli O157:H7 survived for up to 18 days at 4, 10, and 25°C in unpreserved apple cider. At 4 and 10°C, DMDC was most efficient at inactivating E. coll O157:H7, generally followed by NaS/SB SB, and NaS (P<0.05). E. coli O157:H7 was more resistant to preservatives at 4°C than at 25°C (P < 0.05). E. coli O157:H7 was sublethally injured in cider containing preservatives, and to a lesser extent, in unpreserved cider. Generally, injury was more pronounced in cider containing DMDC, followed by NaS/ SB, SB, and NaS (P<0.05).
Teaching programming using embedded systems

Microcontrollers play an increasingly important role in applied computing systems ranging from your toaster to deep space probes. A myriad of objects are embedded with microcontrollers and sensors and have the ability to communicate. The resulting Internet of Things promises to revolutionize information pathways. Are we prepared for this new reality? Within universities, microcontroller courses are typically offered in engineering departments but not in computer science. In this paper, we argue that microcontrollers can be used effectively in a wide variety of computer science and engineering courses. Microcontroller-augmented courses offer a number of advantages as compared to conventional course presentations. A microcontroller is inexpensive and portable and its functionality is largely exposed. Working with a microcontroller helps to demystify the hardware involved in the computing process. These attributes make the microcontroller an “approachable” personable computing device ideally suited for project-based activities. We propose a microcontroller-augmented curriculum and describe a variety of existing course implementations.
Meshfree and finite element nodal integration methods

Nodal integration can be applied to the Galerkin weak form to yield a particle-type method where stress and material history are located exclusively at the nodes and can be employed when using meshless or finite element shape functions. This particle feature of nodal integration is desirable for large deformation settings because it avoids the remapping or advection of the state variables required in other methods. To a lesser degree, nodal integration can be desirable because it relies on fewer stress point evaluations than most other methods. In this work, aspects regarding stability, consistency, efficiency and explicit time integration are explored within the context of nodal integration. Both small and large deformation numerical examples are provided. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prevention of exercise-associated dysglycemia: a case study-based approach.

Regular physical activity is associated with many health benefits for people with type 1 diabetes, including improved quality of life, increased vigor, enhanced insulin sensitivity, and protection against cardiovascular disease and other diabetes-related complications (1). Despite its benefits, exercise can aggravate dysglycemia because it causes major changes to glucose production and utilization rates (2). For example, mild to intense aerobic exercise (e.g., walking, cycling, jogging, and most individual and team sports) increases the risk of hypoglycemia during the activity and in recovery because of impaired rates of glucose production, whereas very intense aerobic exercise (>80% of maximal aerobic capacity) and anaerobic exercise (e.g., sprinting and heavy weightlifting) can cause glucose levels to rise because of reduced rates of glucose disposal (3,4). Numerous strategies have been developed to help limit hypoglycemia during exercise in individuals with type 1 diabetes. One of the main reasons hypoglycemia occurs is the inability to naturally reduce insulin levels at the onset of exercise (1). Strategies to help limit hypoglycemia include exercising in the fasted state (5), reducing the insulin for the meal before exercise (6,7), interrupting basal insulin infusion for patients on insulin pump therapy (8–10), and increasing carbohydrate intake (11–14). Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) can also help to prevent hypoglycemia in people with type 1 diabetes (15). In contrast, very little has been done to develop strategies for exercise-associated hyperglycemia, even though the mechanisms for this effect are largely established (16). The inability to naturally raise insulin levels after intense exercise to combat a rise in catecholamines is the main reason why post-exercise hyperglycemia occurs (17), although excursions associated with aggressive insulin reductions or excessive carbohydrate intake also likely bear some blame (18). In instances of exercise-associated hyperglycemia caused by intense exercise, insulin concentrations …
Clinical Swallow Examination (CSE): Can We Talk?

The clinical swallow examination (CSE) is widely used by clinicians evaluating patients with dysphagia, yet this method remains controversial among many. The composition and purpose of the CSE are highly variable by region, facility, age group and individual clinician. This article will review literature on the topic and present clinical practice suggestions to further its usefulness and ongoing investigation.
Controversies in Timing of Dialysis Initiation and the Role of Race and Demographics

Dialysis remains the predominant form of renal replacement therapy in the United States, but the optimal timing for the initiation of dialysis remains poorly defined. Not only clinical factors such as signs/symptoms of uremia, co-existing cardiovascular disease, and presence of diabetes but also key demographic characteristics including age, gender, race/ethnicity, and socioeconomics have all been considered as potential modifying factors in the decision for the timing of dialysis initiation. The 2012 Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) Clinical Practice Guideline for the Evaluation and Management of chronic kidney disease (CKD) suggests that dialysis be initiated when signs/symptoms attributable to kidney failure such as serositis, acid-base or electrolyte abnormalities, pruritus, poorly controlled volume status or blood pressure, deteriorating nutritional status despite dietary intervention, or cognitive impairment are visible or noted. These signs/symptoms typically occur when the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is in the range of 5-10 ml/minute/1.73 m(2) , although they may occur at higher levels of GFR. We review recent data on the timing of dialysis initiation, their implications for managing patients with late-stage CKD, and the important role of considering key demographics in making patient-centered decisions for the timing of dialysis initiation.
STRUCTURAL GROUTING OF OROVILLE DAM COREBLOCK

A 290,000 cu yd concrete coreblock, a foundation structure for the impervious core of the 770-ft high Oroville Dame earth-fill embankment, was damaged by excessive deformations induced by embankment loads during construction. Structural cracking, more than 500 ft in length and with width varying from 1/4-in. to 6-in. impaired the hydraulic and structural performance of the coreblock. An exploratory core drilling operation and structural grouting program is described, including mix design and testing, grouting equipment and grouting performance. Over 6,000 bags of cement were injected in various grout mixes in several, continuous grouting operations to fill the cracks. Hydraulic plugging of an impaired drainage gallery was accomplished by intrusion grouting of preplaced gravel. Repairs were successfully carried out by the grouting program, and excellent hydraulic performance of the coreblock has been realized over the 8 yrs since the subsequent completion of embankment construction and reservoir filling. /Author/
Hydrogel biomaterials: A smart future?

Hydrogels were the first biomaterials developed for human use. The state-of-the-art and potential for the future are discussed. Recently, new designs have produced mechanically strong synthetic hydrogels. Protein-based hydrogels and hybrid hydrogels containing protein domains present a novel advance; such biomaterials may self-assemble from block or graft copolymers containing biorecognition domains. One of the domains, the coiled coil, ubiquitously found in nature, has been used as an example to demonstrate the developments in the design of smart hydrogels. The application potential of synthetic, protein based, DNA based, and hybrid hydrogels bodes well for the future of this class of biomaterials.
Infrasonic ambient noise interferometry from correlations of microbaroms

[1] We show that microbaroms, continuous infrasound fluctuations resulting from the interaction of the ocean with the atmosphere, have long-range correlation properties that make it possible to estimate the impulse response between two microphones from passive recordings. The processing is analogous to methods employed in the emerging field of ambient noise seismology, where the random noise source is the ocean coupling with the solid Earth (microseisms) instead of the atmosphere (microbaroms). We find that time-dependent temperature fields and temperature inversions determine the character of infrasonic impulse responses at Fourpeaked Volcano in Alaska. Applications include imaging and monitoring the gross structure of the Earth's atmospheric boundary layer.
Modeling wildfire potential in residential parcels: A case study of the north-central Colorado Front Range

a b s t r a c t This study evaluated if present-day wildfire potential (i.e. potential fireline intensity and percentage crown fire) differs for residential parcels developed at different time periods in the north-central Col- orado Front Range. To answer this question, a model of wildfire potential was built based on 2001 fuels and vegetation and compared the output to actual fire severity of the 2002 Hayman and 2004 Picnic Rock fires (measured by satellite imagery). Except for low-load fuel types such as grass, the modeled wild- fire potential corresponded well to observed fire severity. Wildfire potential was then evaluated within 7 classes: developed (1880-1944, 1945-1959, 1960-1974, 1975-1989, 1990-2005) and undeveloped (either zoned or not zoned for development). The results suggest that there is one class characterized by relatively low wildfire potential (developed 1880-1944) and three classes characterized by relatively high wildfire potential (developed 1960-1974 and the two undeveloped parcel classes). These results hold both for 99th percentile (extreme) and 50th percentile (average) fuel conditions. The results sug- gest that under current zoning regulations, future structures are likely to be built on parcels that, on average, have somewhat higher potential fireline intensity and higher percentage of crown fire com- pared to currently developed parcels. However, the location of future development may be influenced by forest changes, such as the visual degradation and perceived fire hazard of trees killed by the continuing mountain pine beetle outbreak. Overall, this study introduces an improved method for quantifying wild- fire potential in the rapidly developing wildland-urban interface that could be applied to other areas.
Monolithic Wavelength Converters for High-Speed Packet-Switched Optical Networks

This paper describes the design and demonstration of advanced 40-Gb/s return-to-zero (RZ) tunable all-optical wavelength converter technologies for use in packet-switched optical networks. The device designs are based on monolithic integration of a delayed interference Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) wavelength converter with a sampled-grating distributed Bragg reflector tunable laser and an on-chip waveguide delay. Experimental results are presented demonstrating error-free wavelength conversion with 1-dB power penalty at 40-Gb/s data rates. By incorporating label modulation functionality on-chip along with a fast tunable 40-Gb/s wavelength converter, fully monolithic packet-forwarding chips are realized that are capable of simultaneous error-free wavelength conversion of 40-Gb/s payloads, remodulation of 10-Gb/s packet headers, and data routing through fast wavelength switching
Higher iron pearl millet ( Pennisetum glaucum L.) provides more absorbable iron that is limited by increased polyphenolic content

Our objective was to compare the capacity of iron (Fe) biofortified and standard pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) to deliver Fe for hemoglobin (Hb)-synthesis. Pearl millet (PM) is common in West-Africa and India, and is well adapted to growing areas characterized by drought, low-soil fertility, and high-temperature. Because of its tolerance to difficult growing conditions, it can be grown in areas where other cereal crops, such as maize, would not survive. It accounts for approximately 50% of the total world-production of millet. Given the widespread use of PM in areas of the world affected by Fe-deficiency, it is important to establish whether biofortified-PM can improve Fe-nutriture. Two isolines of PM, a low-Fe-control (“DG-9444”, Low-Fe) and biofortified (“ICTP-8203 Fe”,High-Fe) in Fe (26 μg and 85 μg-Fe/g, respectively) were used. PM-based diets were formulated to meet the nutrient requirements for the broiler (Gallus-gallus) except for Fe (Fe concentrations were 22.1±0.52 and 78.6±0.51 μg-Fe/g for the Low-Fe and High-Fe diets, respectively). For 6-weeks, Hb, feed-consumption and body-weight were measured (n = 12). Improved Fe-status was observed in the High-Fe group, as suggested by total-Hb-Fe values (15.5±0.8 and 26.7±1.4 mg, Low-Fe and High-Fe respectively, P 0.05) in the Low-Fe group versus High-Fe group. In-vitro comparisons indicated that the High-Fe PM should provide more absorbable-Fe; however, the cell-ferritin values of the in-vitro bioassay were very low. Such low in-vitro values, and as previously demonstrated, indicate the presence of high-levels of polyphenolic-compounds or/and phytic-acid that inhibit Fe-absorption. LC/MS-analysis yielded 15 unique parent aglycone polyphenolic-compounds elevated in the High-Fe line, corresponding to m/z = 431.09. The High-Fe diet appeared to deliver more absorbable-Fe as evidenced by the increased Hb and Hb-Fe status. Results suggest that some PM varieties with higher Fe contents also contain elevated polyphenolic concentrations, which inhibit Fe-bioavailability. Our observations are important as these polyphenols-compounds represent potential targets which can perhaps be manipulated during the breeding process to yield improved dietary Fe-bioavailability. Therefore, the polyphenolic and phytate profiles of PM must be carefully evaluated in order to further improve the nutritional benefit of this crop.
Cognitive testing for dementia is adversely affected by administration in a foreign location

It is colloquially considered that cognitive tests can be adversely affected by administration in a foreign location. However, a definitive demonstration of this is lacking in the literature. To determine whether or not this is the case, we compared the results of cognitive testing in a familiar versus foreign environment by single test administrator of individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease randomized to placebo in a multi-site clinical study. Cognitive tests were administered to 6 long-term residents of an assisted living facility at their residence (the “Familiar” cohort). The identical tests were administered to a newly admitted resident and to 2 community-dwelling individuals who drove to the administrator’s office for the first time (the “Foreign” cohort). Secondary testing was administered 3 months later at the same respective locations. Caregivers of participants completed reports of mood, behavior and activities of daily living. The Familiar cohort performed equally well at both visits. The Foreign cohort performed significantly worse than the Familiar cohort at baseline. They improved statistically, and matched Familiar cohort performance, by their second visit. Caregiver reports for both cohorts were unchanged between visits. These findings support the notion that a foreign location can adversely affect performance on cognitive tests, and therefore support cognitive testing in a familiar location.
An expert system framework for forecasting method selection

A framework of an intelligent forecasting assistant is developed. A detailed discussion is included of one component of this system, the selector, which is written in Lisp. The knowledge base of the system, the inference strategy, and the selection heuristic used are discussed. >
Lifted probabilistic inference with counting formulas

Lifted inference algorithms exploit repeated structure in probabilistic models to answer queries efficiently. Previous work such as de Salvo Braz et al.'s first-order variable elimination (FOVE) has focused on the sharing of potentials across interchangeable random variables. In this paper, we also exploit interchangeability within individual potentials by introducing counting formulas, which indicate how many of the random variables in a set have each possible value. We present a new lifted inference algorithm, C-FOVE, that not only handles counting formulas in its input, but also creates counting formulas for use in intermediate potentials. C-FOVE can be described succinctly in terms of six operators, along with heuristics for when to apply them. Because counting formulas capture dependencies among large numbers of variables compactly, C-FOVE achieves asymptotic speed improvements compared to FOVE.
Regulation of animal biotechnology: Research needs

Livestock that result from biotechnology have been a part of agricultural science for over 30 years but have not entered the market place as food or fiber. Two biotechnologies are at the forefront as challenges to the world's systems for regulating the market place: animal clones and transgenic animals. Both technologies have come before the Food and Drug Administration in the United States and it appears that action is imminent for clones. The FDA has asserted principles for evaluation of clones and asserts that "... remaining hazard(s) from cloning are likely to be subtle in nature." The science-based principles recognize that in some areas related to developmental biology and gene expression in clones, additional scientific information would be useful. The role of science then is to use the genomic tools that we have available to answer questions about epigenetic regulation of development and reprogramming of genes to the state found in germ cells. Transgenics pose additional challenges to regulators. If the transgenics are produced using cloning from modified cells then the additional scientific information needed will be related to the effects of insertion and expression of the transgenes. Other approaches such as retrovirally vectored transgenesis will elicit additional questions. These questions will be challenging because the science will have to be related to the expression and function of each gene or class of genes. For the promises of animal biotechnology to be fulfilled, scientists will have to resolve many questions for regulators and the public but tools to answer those questions are rapidly becoming available.
rac-(Z)-2-(1-Naphthylmethylene)-1-azabicyclo[2.2.2]octan-3-ol

The title compound, C18H19NO, in racemic form, was obtained by the reaction of naphthalene-1-carboxaldehyde with 1-aza­bicyclo­[2.2.2]octan-3-one in the presence of methano­lic potassium hydroxide and subsequent reduction of the product with sodium borohydride to the secondary alcohol. The double bond linking the 1-naphthyl and 1-aza­bicyclo­[2.2.2]octan-3-ol moieties has Z geometry. The C=C—CH=C torsion angle [42.4 (2)°] indicates a deviation of the 1-naphthyl ring from the plane of the double bond connected to the aza­bicyclic ring. Part of the 1-aza­bicyclo­[2.2.2]octan-3-ol moiety is disordered, with the approximate ratio of occupancies being 63:37.
Efficient trajectory planning for two manipulators to deform flexible materials with experiments

Coordinating two robot manipulators to handle flexible materials has a wide range of applications in the manufacturing industry. However, this problem has not been seriously addressed until recently. The two robot manipulators have to follow complicated trajectories to maintain a minimum interaction force with the flexible beam. These trajectories are very complicated and not suitable for real time systems. In this paper, three approximation methods of the optimal trajectories are introduced. The first one uses a piecewise linear approximation of the optimal trajectories, while the second one uses adaptive piecewise linear approximation. The third method utilizes the behavior of the optimal trajectories and applies a continuous approximation of the optimal trajectories using an ellipsoid. The interaction moment under these approximations is investigated. The authors found that the first method produces a peak in the interaction moment which can damage the object. The second method controls the peaks in the moment to a prescribed limit. In the third method, the moment is very small and the force is very close to the optimal force.
Evaluating the application of dual X-ray energy absorptiometry to assess dissectible and chemical fat and muscle from the 9th-to-11th rib section of beef cattle

ability of the fat and muscle compositions using the DEXA values. The DEXA fat prediction explained 84 and 86% of the variation in the physical and chemical rib fats, respectively. For both predictions, the regression analysis indicated that the intercept and the slope were not different from zero and one (P < 0.001), respectively. The mean biases were significantly different from zero and underpredicted physical and chemical rib fats by 3.4 and 2.3%, respectively. The DEXA lean prediction explained 82 and 81% of the variation in the physically separable lean and chemical protein but overpredicted mean bias of −16 and −48%. These results indicate that DEXA scanners can precisely predict the 9th-to-11th rib section fat and lean tissue of beef cattle, but accuracy has to be improved.
Two Genera of Symphyla New to the United States, with Descriptions of Three New Species

As the symphylan fauna of the United States becomes better known, it is very probable that species will be found belonging to all of the genera now known. From California alone I have collected specimens belonging to the following genera: Scutigerella, Hanseniella, Symphylella, Geophilella , and Symphylellopsis .[1][1] Hilton (1931) has reported the genus Scolopendrellopsis from California, and has also named two new genera, Pseudoscutigerella and Scolopendrellina . The former I feel certain is a synonym of Geophilella the latter I have not yet recognized. [1]: #fn-1
7-Iodo-1H-indole-2,3-dione

The title compound, C8H4INO2, has a single planar mol­ecule in the asymmetric unit, with the non-H atoms possessing a mean deviation from planarity of 0.058 A. The mol­ecules dimerize in the solid state through N—H⋯O hydrogen bonds. There are inter­molecular I⋯O close contacts of 3.193 (4) A that link the mol­ecules into infinite chains along [20-1]. No π–π inter­actions were observed in the structure.
Novel Optimization Model and Efficient Solution Method for Integrating Dynamic Optimization with Process Operations of Continuous Manufacturing Processes

In this paper, we propose a novel mathematical model for the integrated optimization for production planning, scheduling, and dynamic optimization of continuous manufacturing processes. With a novel approach to estimate the inventory cost, the integrated problem is first formulated as a mixed-integer dynamic optimization (MIDO) problem, which is then reformulated into a large scale mixed-integer nonlinear program (MINLP). By using metamodeling to characterize the detailed linking information between different decision layers, we develop an efficient solution method to decompose the integrated MINLP into a mixed-integer linear program (MILP) for an integrated planning and scheduling problem with flexible recipes, and a set of dynamic optimization problems for generating metamodels. We further apply a bilevel decomposition algorithm to improve the computational efficiency of solving the integrated planning and scheduling problem with flexible recipes. The proposed models and algorithms are demonstrated thro...
Utilization of Patient Electronic Messaging to Promote Advance Care Planning in the Primary Care Setting

Background:Advance care planning (ACP) is an instrumental mechanism aimed at preserving patient autonomy. Numerous interventions have been proposed to facilitate the implementation of ACP; however, rates of completed advance directives (ADs) are universally low. Patient electronic portal messaging is a newer tool in patient–provider communication which has not been studied as a method to promote ACP. In this study, we hypothesized that the use of ACP-specific patient electronic messages would increase rates of AD completion in patients aged 65 years and older in an academic primary care practice.Methods:All primary care patients, aged 65+, who had previously enrolled in a patient electronic messaging system, within an academic primary care practice, were included for randomization. Two hundred patients were randomized to receive an electronic message. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients in each group who completed an AD, 3 months after intervention. Secondary outcomes included clinical util...
Bile salt-induced apoptosis of hepatocytes involves activation of protein kinase C.

Toxic bile salts induce hepatocyte apoptosis, a model relevant to liver injury during cholestasis. However, the signaling mechanisms culminating in bile salt-induced apoptosis remain unclear. Because protein kinase C (PKC) is activated by bile salts in hepatocytes and causes apoptosis in other cells, we tested the hypothesis that bile salt-induced hepatocyte apoptosis is mediated by PKC. The PKC inhibitors chelerythrine and Go-6976 reduced, whereas a PKC agonist, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), increased glycochenodeoxycholate (GCDC)-induced hepatocyte apoptosis. Membrane-associated total PKC activity was increased in GCDC-treated hepatocytes. Quantitative immunoblot analysis demonstrated membrane translocation of PKC-alpha, PKC-delta, and PKC-epsilon to hepatocyte membranes after administration of GCDC. Direct activation of PKC-alpha and PKC-delta by GCDC was also demonstrated using recombinant, baculovirus-expressed PKC isoforms in a medium of defined lipid composition. Chelerythrine and Go-6976 reduced, whereas PMA enhanced, cathepsin B activity during treatment of hepatocytes with GCDC, demonstrating coupling of PKC activity to the protease effector mechanisms of apoptosis. In conclusion, our data suggest for the first time that PKC-dependent signaling pathways play a critical role in bile salt-induced hepatocyte apoptosis.
Chemotherapy for disseminated testicular cancer.

SUMMARY Fifty patients with disseminated testicular cancer were treated with a three-drug combination consisting of cis-diaminedichloroplatinum, vinblastine, and bleomycin. Three patients were considered unevaluable due to early death. This chemotherapy regimen produced 74 per cent complete and 26 per cent partial remissions. Furthermore, five patients in partial remission became disease-free following the surgical removal of residual disease, producing an overall 85 per cent disease-free status. Toxicity, although significant during remission induction with cis-platinum, vinblastine, and bleomycin, was usually manageable. Maintenance therapy with vinblastine and BCG was very well tolerated, and only two patients in complete remission have experienced a relapse on maintenance therapy, one of whom had a central nervous system relapse. Thirty eight of these patients remain alive, and 32 remain alive and disease-free 6+ to 30+ months. We feel that this regimen represents a major advance in the management of patients with disseminated testicular cancer.
Posthumously Assessing a Homeless Population: Services Use and Characteristics.

Objective:Data on services use, characteristics, and geographic distribution of homeless individuals who died in Philadelphia from 2009 to 2011 provided perspective on assessments of the homeless population that rely on conventional counts and surveys.Methods:Data from the City of Philadelphia Medical Examiner’s Office were used to parse homeless decedents into three groups on the basis of use of homelessness services (known users, occasional users, and nonusers), and differences among the groups were assessed by using descriptive and multivariate methods.Results:Of 141 adult decedents, 49% made substantial use of the homelessness services system (known users), 27% made occasional use of these services (occasional users), and 24% had no record of use of homelessness services (nonusers). Compared with known users, nonusers and occasional users were less likely to have had a severe mental illness diagnosis or to have received either disability benefits or Medicaid coverage and were more likely to be white. ...
Sphingosine 1-Phosphate (S1P)/S1P Receptor 1 Pathway Has an Essential Role for Sickle Cell Disease

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a devastating hemolytic genetic disorder associated with high morbidity and mortality. In order to understand the pathogenesis of this disease, we have conducted non-biased metabolomic screening and found that circulating sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) was significantly elevated in mice and patients with SCD. S1P is an important bioactive lipid signaling molecule known to regulate inflammation. Our previous study demonstrated that reduced S1P level in plasma and erythrocytes by treatment with sphingosine kinase 1 (SPHK1) inhibitor, PF-543, significantly decreased sickling cells, hemolysis and inflammation in SCD mouse model, which indicated that S1P may play an important role in an SCD complication, especially in inflammation. S1P engages five G-protein coupled receptors known as S1PR1-5. Targeting S1P signaling has been successfully applied in the treatment of the autoimmune disease-multiple sclerosis with the compound named FTY720. In order to understand the roles of S1P/S1PRs signal pathway in pathophysiology of SCD, we treated SCD mice with S1P receptors antagonist FTY720. The results showed that FTY720 successfully inhibited S1P receptors, especially S1P1 expression on immune cells from thymus and lymph node (P Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
When poll is better than interrupt

In a traditional block I/O path, the operating system completes virtually all I/Os asynchronously via interrupts. However, performing storage I/O with ultra-low latency devices using next-generation non-volatile memory, it can be shown that polling for the completion - hence wasting clock cycles during the I/O - delivers higher performance than traditional interrupt-driven I/O. This paper thus argues for the synchronous completion of block I/O first by presenting strong empirical evidence showing a stack latency advantage, second by delineating limits with the current interrupt-driven path, and third by proving that synchronous completion is indeed safe and correct. This paper further discusses challenges and opportunities introduced by synchronous I/O completion model for both operating system kernels and user applications.
Entitlement to assort: Democracy, compromise culture and economic stability

Abstract We propose a simple model to support Rodrik’s (2000) conjecture that democracy lowers economic instability through breeding compromise culture. In the model, a population of compromisers and opportunists collectively bargain over the assortativity level of matching through a democratic political institution. We show that compromisers are able to achieve a positive level of assortativity which helps them to avoid matching with opportunists. This in turn raises compromisers’ payoffs above opportunists’ and eventually compromisers dominate the population through cultural evolution.
SEX DIFFERENCES AND ADENOSINE FREE CORONARY PRESSURE INDICES: A CONTRAST SUBSTUDY

Several adenosine-free coronary pressure wire indices have been proposed to assess the functional significance of coronary artery lesions. However, there is a theoretical concern that sex differences may affect diagnostic performance due to differences in resting flow. In the CONTRAST (Can Contrast
The impact and production of the Brazilian peppertree biological control agent Pseudophilothrips ichini (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae) is affected by the level of host-plant fertilization

Abstract Brazilian peppertree, Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi (Anacardiaceae) is an invasive weed of natural and agricultural areas of Florida, Hawaii, and Texas (USA). A thrips, Pseudophilothrips ichini (Hood) is being developed as a potential agent for biological control of this invasive weed. As field releases are planned, methods are needed for the mass production and to predict the impact of the thrips. Brazilian peppertree seedlings were grown in potting media amended with three fertilizer (24N-8P-16K) levels: low (0 g/l water), medium (1.8 g/l water) or high (3.6 g/l water). The greatest number of P. ichini thrips developed on the medium fertilized plants. To measure P. ichini thrips impact, we compared growth of these fertilized seedlings with or without thrips. While maintaining the number of P. ichini thrips adults constant (20 adults), we measured the impact of one or two generations of feeding. Fertilizer level had a significant effect on all plant responses. Both one and two generations of thrips significantly decreased plant height, number of branches, leaflets, leaves, and tips. Two generations of thrips feeding caused significant reductions in branch, leaf, and total biomass. Thrips feeding increased percent nitrogen in roots and decreased percent nitrogen in branches at the medium and high fertilizer levels. Percent nitrogen of field collected stems and leaves matched that of the low fertilizer level. These results suggest a medium fertilizer application is best for mass production of P. ichini thrips. Moreover, sustained damage for more than one generation of thrips feeding will have a significant impact on total biomass of S. terebinthifolia seedlings. The use of fertilized nursery sites may help in initial establishment and field mass production of P. ichini thrips.
Characterization of Mg-based bimetal treatment of insensitive munition 2,4-dinitroanisole

The manufacturing of insensitive munition 2,4-dinitroanisole (DNAN) generates waste streams that require treatment. DNAN has been treated previously with zero-valent iron (ZVI) and Fe-based bimetals. Use of Mg-based bimetals offers certain advantages including potential higher reactivity and relative insensitivity to pH conditions. This work reports preliminary findings of DNAN degradation by three Mg-based bimetals: Mg/Cu, Mg/Ni, and Mg/Zn. Treatment of DNAN by all three bimetals is highly effective in aqueous solutions (> 89% removal) and wastewater (> 91% removal) in comparison with treatment solely with zero-valent magnesium (ZVMg; 35% removal). Investigation of reaction byproducts supports a partial degradation pathway involving reduction of the ortho or para nitro to amino group, leading to 2-amino-4-nitroanisole (2-ANAN) and 4-amino-2-nitroanisole (4-ANAN). Further reduction of the second nitro group leads to 2,4-diaminoanisole (DAAN). These byproducts are detected in small quantities in the aqueous phase. Carbon mass balance analysis suggests near-complete closure (91%) with 12.4 and 78.4% of the total organic carbon (TOC) distributed in the aqueous and mineral bimetal phases, respectively. Post-treatment surface mineral phase analysis indicates Mg(OH)2 as the main oxidized species; oxide formation does not appear to impair treatment.
Intuition of Essence

The direct influence of Edmund Husserl’s theory of the intuition of essence is apparent in the content and method of Edith Stein’s philosophy. In this area, as in others, Stein studied the methods of phenomenology carefully in the light of knowledge theory of other times and other schools of thought, and she applied them critically in her own philosophizing. She treats the subject of intuition particularly in the Festschrift article, in which she compares Husserl’s phenomenology with the philosophy of Thomas Aquinas,1 and in some sections of Finite and Eternal Being. Her ideas on the subject appear also in the discussions, in which she participated, of the Societe Thomiste at Juvisy, which were published in 1932. In all of these, she insists that a large, separate work would be necessary for a comparison of Thomistic and phenomenological knowledge theory.2 In the course of the works mentioned and of those referred to in previous chapters, however, her position regarding intuition (Anschauung) emerges from her own methods of scientific analysis as well as in her exposition of theory.
Culture of echinoderm larvae through metamorphosis.

Publisher Summary This chapter outlines general methods for culturing larval food (unicellular algae), for caring and feeding larvae, and for inducing metamorphosis. The materials used for culturing algae and larvae are culture vessels, one or more aquarium air pumps, along with flexible plastic tubing, valves, connectors, and sea water. A critical component of success in rearing echinoderm larvae is low larval density. Another critical component of success in rearing echinoderm larvae is keeping cultures free of contamination. The most common problems are molds, bacteria, and ciliate protozoans. To lower the risks of contamination, culture larvae at low density should not be overfed with algae; algal cultures should themselves not be contaminated prior to feeding. Salt water (SW) is changed every 2 or 3 days (more often to optimize developmental rates, less often to save labor). SW is changed immediately if cultures become contaminated at least once per day thereafter for several days. Following SW changes, larvae are transferred to clean culture vessels to minimize the risk of contamination. Few echinoderm larvae will readily undergo settlement and metamorphosis in a clean glass culture jar, even when fully competent to do so. The chapter discusses a variety of methods used to induce metamorphosis.
Unconventional Shape Memory Mechanisms of Nanoporous Polymer Photonic Crystals: Implications for Nano-Optical Coatings and Devices

Shape memory photonic crystals may hold the key to the continuing development of smart optical coatings and next-generation all-optical integrated circuits. The reconfigurability of these materials in response to various external stimuli is not only aesthetically appealing but also fundamentally important in guiding the design of emerging reconfigurable nanophotonic devices. Here we report a new type of polymer shape memory photonic crystal (PSMPC) that shows autonomous Laplace pressure-driven, elastic modulus-dependent microstructural programming and solvent-swelling-triggered shape memory recovery, all occurring at room temperature. By varying the compositions of their constituent polymers, the elastic moduli of the PSMPCs can be systematically modulated, leading to different photonic bandgaps (i.e., diffractive colors) in response to different solvents, such as water, ethanol, and acetonitrile. The different diffractive colors represent varied strains stored in the semideformed nanoporous PSMPCs. A new...
Are They Really Reading? A Descriptive Study of First Graders During Independent Reading

AbstractThis article provides an analysis of how a large, diverse Title I class of 1st-grade students spent independent reading time when an exemplary teacher provided instructional supports to fos...
Fourier Management

There is a new approach to the management of complex organizations: the Fourier Technique. This essay illustrates the Fourier Technique and spells out its principles as they are conceived by a small, but growing, number of practitioners.
Incorporating Interprofessional Education to Distance Curricula through Online Simulation: A Pilot Project

Simulation is a vehicle to develop Interprofessional (IP) Education Collaboration. In a situation where hands-on simulation is not possible, especially with online and distance programs, learning may happen through observation, active participation in debriefing, and self-reflection. With the need to develop IP activities for the Laboratory Sciences distance track, an IP simulation was designed to immerse students in IP Education concepts by providing counseling regarding syphilis test results to a pregnant patient. Pre-readings were provided and IP student teams were assigned. Teams prepared before experiencing a standardized participant encounter. Following the encounter, teams participated in debriefing where they reflected on the team performance. Students completed pre- and post-activity evaluations of self-assessments of the learner9s perceptions of IPE and the simulation, using a Likert scale. Students from pharmacy, genetic counseling, medical laboratory sciences, cytotechnology, physician assistant, and public health participated. Results from both face-to-face and online evaluations were compared. There was statistical significance between the pre- and post- assessment scores in simulation experiences (p
Measuring Student Engagement to Inform Effective Interventions in Schools

Abstract This chapter provides an overview of measuring student engagement and describes how engagement data can inform interventions in schools. Specifically, we explain what engagement is, why it can be valuable to measure, and different methods educators can use to measure engagement in schools. To contextualize this information in practice, we present two case examples of how school systems, researchers, organizations, and educators have measured engagement, including chronic absenteeism in Connecticut and engagement in Chicago Public Schools. The chapter concludes with an analysis of the two examples and a summary of practical considerations for measuring engagement.