cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An adaptive state feedback control scheme with sensor failure compensation

In this paper, a new adaptive control tracking problem, with uncertain plant dynamics and uncertain state sensor failures, is addressed. A new nominal compensation controller structure, constructed by the state sensor output directly, is developed. The new controller structure has the capability of ensuring plant-model matching while compensating all possible uncertain sensor failures, which relaxes some requirements of traditional fault-tolerant control techniques. The new adaptive control scheme guarantees asymptotic output tracking and closed-loop signal boundedness, in the presence of the various uncertainties. A simulation study is conducted to verify the effectiveness of the adaptive control scheme.
Development, Characterization, and In Vitro Testing of Co-Delivered Antimicrobial Dry Powder Formulation for the Treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilms.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic bacteria responsible for recurrent lung infections. Previously, we demonstrated that certain materials improved the activity of tobramycin (Tob) against P. aeruginosa biofilms in vitro. We aimed to develop prototype dry powder formulations comprising Tob and a mixture of excipients and test its aerodynamic properties and antimicrobial activity. First, we evaluated different combinations of excipients with Tob in solution against P. aeruginosa biofilms. We selected the compositions with the highest activity, to prepare dry powders by spray drying. The powders were characterized by morphology, bulk density, water content, and particle size distributions. Finally, the antimicrobial activity of the powders was tested. The combinations of Tob (64 μg/mL) with l-alanine and l-proline (at 10 and 20 mM; formulations 1 and 2, respectively) and with l-alanine and succinic acid (at 20 mM; formulation 3) showed the highest efficacies in vitro and were prepared as dry powders. Formulation 1 had the best aerodynamic performance as indicated by the fine particle fraction and the best in vitro activity against P. aeruginosa biofilms. Formulation 3 represents a good candidate for further optimization because it demonstrated good dispersibility potential and optimization of the particle size distribution may achieve high delivery efficiencies.
A Farm Bill for the Agriculture We Want

First paragraphs: The United States farm bill expires in 2018 and is scheduled to be replaced by new legislation approved by the U.S. Congress and implemented by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The USDA has already announced its farm bill prefer­ences and the legislative principles it hopes will guide the 2018 legislative process (USDA, 2018). Its policy agenda for 2018 seems to be pretty much the same as those for past farm bills—at least for those over the past 50 years. Regardless of whether we like what we have been getting, the USDA apparently plans to give us more of the same. “We can have any kind of agriculture we want, if we choose the right agricultural policies.” This was a frequent statement of Harold Breimyer, one of the most respected agricultural economists in the U.S. during the last half of the 20th century. He was my professional mentor in that he was an unabashed advocate of traditional family farming. He also continued to be active professionally for as long as he lived—17 years after retiring from the University of Missouri.
Preliminary evaluation of the efficacy, safety, and costs associated with the treatment of chronic pain with medical cannabis.

Abstract Introduction: Medical cannabis (MC) is commonly claimed to be an effective treatment for chronic or refractory pain. With interest in MC in the United States growing, as evidenced by the 29 states and 3 US districts that now have public MC programs, the need for clinical evidence supporting this claim has never been greater. Methods: This was a retrospective, mirror-image study that investigated MC's effectiveness in patients suffering from chronic pain associated with qualifying conditions for MC in New York State. The primary outcome was to compare European Quality of Life 5 Dimension Questionnaire (EQ-5D) and Pain Quality Assessment Scale (PQAS) scores at baseline and 3 months post-therapy. The secondary outcomes included comparisons of monthly analgesic prescription costs and opioid consumption pre- and post-therapy. Tolerability was assessed by side effect incidence. Results: This investigation included 29 subjects. Quality of life and pain improved, measured by change in EQ-5D (Pre 36 – Pos...
Reliability and Expected Use of Dynamic Devices in a Water Distribution System

A water distribution system that is properly designed and maintained should operate for an extended length of time with minimal unscheduled repairs and operational problems. Proper analysis, selection, operation and maintenance of the control devices, especially pumps and valves, is an important factor for satisfactory performance and long life of a piping system. For a valve, principles related to proper selection and operation will be demonstrated with examples. Several applications will be discussed to demonstrate the effect of design choices on the operation and life of the system. These examples will cover flow control, torque requirements, prevention of reverse flow, pressure reduction, cavitation control and transient control. Examples are also given to demonstrate proper selection of single and multiple pumps in series and in parallel. The discussion includes the role of future demands on the selection of the valves and pumps. When demand exceeds the original design conditions, or if significant changes are required in the operation of the system, each important control device should be analyzed to see if it can operate safely at the new conditions or determine if modification or replacement is required.
Mouse ER+/PIK3CAH1047R breast cancers caused by exogenous estrogen are heterogeneously dependent on estrogen and undergo BIM-dependent apoptosis with BH3 and PI3K agents.

Estrogen dependence is major driver of ER + breast cancer, which is associated with PI3K mutation. PI3K inhibition (PI3Ki) can restore dependence on ER signaling for some hormone therapy-resistant ER + breast cancers, but is ineffective in others. Here we show that short-term supplementation with estrogen strongly enhanced Pik3caH1047R-induced mammary tumorigenesis in mice that resulted exclusively in ER + tumors, demonstrating the cooperation of the hormone and the oncogene in tumor development. Similar to human ER + breast cancers that are endocrine-dependent or endocrine-independent at diagnosis, tumor lines from this model retained ER expression but were sensitive or resistant to hormonal therapies. PI3Ki did not induce cell death but did cause upregulation of the pro-apoptotic gene BIM. BH3 mimetics or PI3Ki were unable to restore hormone sensitivity in several resistant mouse and human tumor lines. Importantly however, combination of PI3Ki and BH3 mimetics had a profound, BIM-dependent cytotoxic effect in PIK3CA-mutant cancer cells while sparing normal cells. We propose that addition of BH3 mimetics offers a therapeutic strategy to markedly improve the cytotoxic activity of PI3Ki in hormonal therapy-resistant and ER-independent PIK3CA-mutant breast cancer.
The Segmental Distribution Of Cervical Range Of Motion: A Comparison Of Acdf Versus Tdr-C

Abstract This study was a retrospective radiographic evaluation of patients after cervical total disc replacement (TDR-C) or anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) for one-level cervical disc disease. Our objective was to evaluate (1) total cervical (C1–C7) range of motion (ROM) during dynamic imaging, and (2) relative contribution to total cervical ROM from operative and adjacent levels. Radiographic review of 64 patients who underwent TDR-C (n = 30) or ACDF (n = 34) for one-level cervical disc disease. ROM measurements were performed independently using a vertebral motion analysis system to evaluate total cervical ROM and relative contribution to total ROM from each level (C1–C7) preoperatively and at 12-month follow-up. At follow-up, TDR-C patients had significantly greater improvement in total cervical ROM (+5.67°, 1.15 mm) than ACDF patients (−0.96°, 0.12 mm) (P = 0.001). In TDR-C patients, relative contributions to total cervical ROM from operative and adjacent caudal and cranial levels were statistically equivalent to baseline values. ACDF patients had a significantly reduced contribution to total cervical ROM from the operative level (−22.5%, P
Mnemonics for the Middle Grades

Mnemonics represent a diverse group of research-based instructional methods with wide application for middle school teachers and students. Teachers can model how to use mnemonics and infuse them in...
Older Age at Diagnosis and Initial Disease Volume Predict Grade Reclassification Risk on Confirmatory Biopsy in Patients Considered for Active Surveillance.

OBJECTIVE To identify which active surveillance candidates benefit most from confirmatory biopsies to exclude grade underclassification. MATERIALS AND METHODS This observational study includes 556 men diagnosed between 2002 and 2015 with Gleason 3 + 3 (GG1) disease on initial diagnostic biopsy, of whom 406 received a confirmatory biopsy within 12 months for active surveillance. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to determine clinicopathologic features associated with Gleason 7 or higher (GG2+) on a confirmatory biopsy. Regression tree analysis was employed to stratify patients into select risk groups. RESULTS Eighty-five of 406 patients (20.9%) with initially GG1 disease were reclassified to GG2+ on a confirmatory biopsy. On multivariable analysis, increasing age (per year odds ratio 1.07; 95% confidence interval 1.02-1.12; P <.01) and more positive cores at diagnosis (per core, odds ratio 1.37, 95% confidence interval 1.09-1.72; P <.01) were significantly associated with reclassification, independent of prostate volume, clinical stage, initial PSA, or confirmatory biopsy type (including magnetic resonance imaging-targeted approaches or transrectal saturation random sampling). Recursive partitioning demonstrated that age over 73 and 5 or more positive cores were factors associated with the greatest reclassification risk. CONCLUSION In our cohort, both advancing age and additional positive cores were associated with increased odds of reclassification to GG2+ on confirmatory biopsy. In men over age 73 or with 5 or more positive cores, a repeat biopsy within 12 months may be particularly beneficial to minimize tumor grade underclassification.
The Secret of the Hardy Boys: Leslie MacFarlane and the Stratemeyer Syndicate by Marilyn Greenwald Athens: Ohio University Press, 2004. 166 Pp.

(2005). The Secret of the Hardy Boys: Leslie MacFarlane and the Stratemeyer Syndicate by Marilyn Greenwald Athens: Ohio University Press, 2004. 166 Pp. American Journalism: Vol. 22, No. 1, pp. 119-120.
Bottom-Up State-Building

In failed states, many crises are institutional ones in which political institutions, economic institutions, and public infrastructure are weak or nonexistent. Despite these challenges posed by institutional crises in failed states, decentralized responses to institutional crises remain an important option. In such contexts, individuals and communities often find solutions to complex problems. Self-governance therefore provides an important option for state-building. We clarify under what conditions self-governance is expected to provide a framework for state-building. We use evidence from Afghanistan to illustrate the capacity for decentralized response and the limitations of centralized responses to institutional crises.
Investigation of Optically Dense Systems by Internal Reflection Spectroscopy: Experimental Considerations

Many materials of importance in natural waters and waste-water systems—e.g., sediments, suspensions, and precipitates—are optically opaque. The application of transmission spectroscopy for purposes of analysis and identification of such materials is therefore usually precluded. For cases in which conventional transmission spectroscopy is not feasible because of scattering effects and/or extensive attenuation of incident light, the technique of internal-reflectance spectroscopy (IRS) often provides a means for obtaining characteristic spectral data. Several specific examples are presented to indicate that IRS provides high contrast spectra comparable to the best transmission spectra for “clean” systems, provided appropriate IRS geometry, components, and techniques are selected. Examples include active carbons and carbon blacks, marine sediments, freshwater sediments, and extremely turbid suspensions. Experimental considerations involved in the application of IRS to such systems are discussed. Interpretation of IRS spectra, and the differences to be expected between IRS and transmission spectra are also considered.
CRISPR-Cas9 Ribonucleoprotein-Mediated Genomic Editing in Mature Primary Innate Immune Cells

Summary CRISPR genome engineering has become a powerful tool to functionally investigate the complex mechanisms of immune system regulation. While decades of work have aimed to genetically reprogram innate immunity, the utility of current approaches is restricted by poor knockout efficiencies or limited specificity for mature cell lineages in vivo. Here, we describe an optimized strategy for non-viral CRISPR-Cas9 ribonucleoprotein (cRNP) genomic editing of mature primary mouse innate lymphocyte cells (ILCs) and myeloid lineage cells that results in an almost complete loss of single or double target gene expression from a single electroporation. Furthermore, we describe in vivo adoptive transfer mouse models that can be utilized to screen for gene function during viral infection using cRNP-edited naive natural killer (NK) cells and bone-marrow-derived conventional dendritic cell precursors (cDCPs). This resource will enhance target gene discovery and offer a specific and simplified approach to gene editing in the mouse innate immune system.
Results of 50 adultpatients treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for refractory postoperativecardiogenic shock

：Objective Extracorporealmembrane oxygenation is a cardiopulmonary supportive therapy. Since 2004, our institutionhas adopted venoarterial ECMO for adult patients who otherwise could not be weaned fromcardiopulmonary bypass and patients experiencing postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock and/orpulmonary dysfunction unresponsive to conventional treatment algorithms. In this study, wereviewed our experience with ECMO support and tried to identify measurable values whichmight predict in-hospital mortality. Methods From January 2004 through December 2008, 50of 21,298 adult patients received VA ECMO. We retrospectively analyzed clinical records ofthese 50 consecutive patients. Demographics, preoperative measurements, clinicalcharacteristics at the time of ECMO implantation, ECMO related complications andin-hospital mortality were collected. Logistic regression analyses were performed toinvestigate predictors of mortality. A p value ≤0. 05 was accepted as significant. Results Mean ECMOduration was ( 110 ± 17 ) hours. 38 patients were weaned from ECMO and 33 patientssurvived upon discharge. The overall survival was 66%. In univariate analyses, duration ofECMO support, receiving cardiopulmonary resuscitation prior to ECMO setup, ECMO setup inICU, pre-ECMO plasma lactate level, infection, lower limbs ischemia, renal failure,experiencing at least one ECMO related complications were all associated with in-hospitaldeath. In a multiple logistic regression adjusted for other factors mentioned above, bloodlactate level before initiation of ECMO was a risk factor associated with in-hospitalmortality (OR 1. 27 95% CI 1. 042-1. 542 ). To evaluate the utility of pre-ECMO lactate inpredicting mortality, a conventional receiver operating characteristic curve was produced.Sensitivity and specificity were optimal at a cut-off point of 12.6 mmol/L, with an AUC of0. 752. The positive and negative predictive values were 73.3% and 83.9% respectively.Conclusion ECMO is a justifiable alternative treatment for postoperative refractorycardiac and pulmonary dysfunction which could rescue more than 60 percent of otherwisefatal patients. Patients with pre-ECMO lactate above 12.6mmol/L are at higher risks forin-hospital death. Evidence based therapy for this group of high risk patients is needed. Key words: Cardiac surgical procedures; Extracorooreal membraneoxygenation; Mortality
Etiology of obesity

Abstract Obesity is a chronic disease and an increasing problem globally. The prevalence is increasing in all ages—children, adolescents, and adults—and is now considered an epidemic. Obesity affects almost all physiological functions of the body and has major health consequences including, but not limited to, mental health, cancer, cardiovascular disorders, and musculoskeletal disorders. All the above have negative effects on the individual, the economy, the quality of life, and work productivity.
Cigarette smoking and cognitive function among older adults living in the community

Background. The present study aimed to examine the long-term impact of CS on Executive Function (EF) and memory among older adults living in the community. Methods. Clock Drawing Test (CDT) and Delayed Word Recall Test (DWRT) were used to examine EF and memory, respectively, using four waves of National Health and Aging Trend Study. The respondents were asked whether they have ever smoked, length of smoking, and age of start and quit smoking. Results. CS can have a long-term impact on both EF and memory. However, current smoking can increase the risk of EF impairment compared to former smokers. Lung disease and current smoking can have a synergic effect of impairment in EF. Conclusion. In the long-term, smoking can negatively affect cognitive. Lung diseases and smoking can synergize their impacts on EF. The impact of smoking on cognition varies across ethnic groups; hence, educational programs targeting minorities can reduce discrepancies.
Social Anxiety as a Consequence of Non-consensually Disseminated Sexually Explicit Media Victimization.

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore consequences of the non-consensual dissemination of sexually explicit media (NCDSEM) for survivors, with an emphasis on how NCDSEM may impact so...
Using genetic path analysis to control for pleiotropy in a Mendelian randomization study

Abstract Background When a randomized experimental study is not possible, Mendelian randomization studies use genetic variants or polygenic scores as instrumental variables to control for gene-environment correlation while estimating the association between an exposure and outcome. Polygenic scores have become increasingly potent predictors of their respective phenotypes, satisfying the relevance criteria of an instrumental variable. Evidence for pleiotropy, however, casts doubt on whether the exclusion criteria of an instrumental variable is likely to hold for polygenic scores of complex phenotypes, and a number of methods have been developed to adjust for pleiotropy in Mendelian randomization studies. Method Using multiple polygenic scores and path analysis we implement an extension of genetic instrumental variable regression, genetic path analysis, and use it to test whether educational attainment is associated with two health-related outcomes in adulthood, body mass index and smoking initiation, while estimating and controlling for both gene-environment correlations and pleiotropy. Results Genetic path analysis provides compelling evidence for a complex set of gene-environment transactions that undergird the relations between educational attainment and health-related outcomes in adulthood. Importantly, results are consistent with education having a protective effect on body mass index and smoking initiation, even after controlling for gene-environment correlations and pleiotropy. Conclusions The proposed method is capable of addressing the exclusion criteria for a sound instrumental variable and, consequently, has the potential to help advance Mendelian randomization studies of complex phenotypes.
Global Crises and Popular Protests: Protest Waves of the 1930s and 2010s in the Global South

This chapter compares the scope and characteristics of protest waves of the 1930s and the 2010s in the global South using events reported in The New York Times. By mapping out world-historical patterns of protest events, this chapter demonstrates key juxtapositions between the two protest waves: in both eras, global protest waves occurred in periods of world hegemonic transition and capitalism-in-crisis, but at different locations within the capitalist world-economy. During the rise of US hegemony and the period of the Great Depression, many protests happened in the global semiperiphery, while during the decline of US hegemony after the Great Recession, most protest events emerged within the global periphery. This suggests that popular protests’ links to economic and geopolitical crises and revolutionary regions in the global South were changing along with world-historical contexts. The most common shared theme in popular protests—struggles against exclusion—was consistent in both protest waves across regions.
Negative affect-associated drug refusal self-efficacy, illicit opioid use, and medication use following short-term inpatient opioid withdrawal management.

Abstract Introduction Persons with opioid use disorder (OUD) are prone to frequent relapse following brief inpatient medically managed withdrawal. This longitudinal, naturalistic study examines associations among illicit opioid use, use of medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD), and one's confidence in the ability to resist drug use in the face of negative emotions (i.e., negative affect–associated drug refusal self-efficacy). Method Participants were 220 adults with OUD who recently completed a short-term inpatient program and the study followed for 6 months. At baseline, participants reported demographics, illicit opioid use, recent engagement with MOUD, and negative affect–associated drug refusal self-efficacy. At follow-up (1 week and 1-, 3-, and 6-months following discharge), participants reported illicit opioid use and MOUD. Results Participants averaged 30.7 years of age, 63.2% were male, and 84.1% were white. Both illicit opioid use and rates of MOUD increased during the 6-month follow-up period, although only 34.1% received MOUD. At baseline, participants reported less than 50% self-confidence to resist using opioids during negative emotional states. Baseline negative affect–associated drug refusal self-efficacy inversely predicted illicit opioid use (p = .01) at follow-up but was not associated with follow-up MOUD. Conclusion Among persons with OUD, lower confidence to resist using opioids in negative emotional states predicts greater use of illicit opioids in the months following medically managed withdrawal, even with receipt of MOUD.
Nikolai Karazin’s civilian project: Russians in Turkestan

Chapter four is dedicated to Karazin’s “civilian project” and explains how Karazin praises “Russian” Tashkent and other “Russian cities,” the Transcaspian railroad, the construction of new post stations in the desert, and the “civilizing” impact of the sedentary agricultural lifestyle. Devoted, honest, and humane Russian men and women, both nobility and commoners, are at work to make sure the people of Turkestan are benevolently assisted on their way towards what is seen as progress. At the same time, the artist presents a gallery of shockingly incompetent, corrupt, greedy, and cruel Russian newcomers, ranging from officials to merchants, peasants, and even priests. Their behavior undermines the moral justification of the “civilizing mission” of Russia since often it is unclear who is supposed to “civilize” whom.
Electrically tunable and reversible magnetoelectric coupling in strained bilayer graphene

The valleys in hexagonal two-dimensional systems with broken inversion symmetry carry an intrinsic orbital magnetic moment. Despite this, such systems possess zero net magnetization unless additional symmetries are broken since the contributions from both valleys cancel. A nonzero net magnetization can be induced through applying both uniaxial strain to break the rotational symmetry of the lattice and an in-plane electric field to break time-reversal symmetry owing to the resulting current. This creates a magnetoelectric effect whose strength is characterized by a magnetoelectric susceptibility, which describes the induced magnetization per unit applied in-plane electric field. Here, we predict the strength of this magnetoelectric susceptibility for Bernal-stacked bilayer graphene as a function of the magnitude and direction of strain, the chemical potential, and the interlayer electric field. We estimate that an orbital magnetization of $\ensuremath{\sim}5400\phantom{\rule{0.28em}{0ex}}{\ensuremath{\mu}}_{\text{B}}/\ensuremath{\mu}{\text{m}}^{2}$ can be achieved for 1% uniaxial strain and a $10\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{A}$ bias current, which is almost three orders of magnitude larger than previously probed experimentally in strained monolayer ${\mathrm{MoS}}_{2}$. We also identify regimes in which the magnetoelectric susceptibility switches sign not only upon reversal of the interlayer electric field, but also in response to small changes in the carrier density. Taking advantage of this reversibility, we further show that it is experimentally feasible to probe the effect using scanning magnetometry.
MRTFA: a critical protein in normal and malignant hematopoiesis and beyond.

Myocardin-related transcription factor A (MRTFA) is a coactivator of serum response factor, a transcription factor that participates in several critical cellular functions including cell growth and apoptosis. MRTFA couples transcriptional regulation to actin cytoskeleton dynamics, and the transcriptional targets of the MRTFA-serum response factor complex include genes encoding cytoskeletal proteins as well as immediate early genes. Previous work has shown that MRTFA promotes the differentiation of many cell types, including various types of muscle cells and hematopoietic cells, and MRTFA's interactions with other protein partners broaden its cellular roles. However, despite being first identified as part of the recurrent t(1;22) chromosomal translocation in acute megakaryoblastic leukemia, the mechanisms by which MRTFA functions in malignant hematopoiesis have yet to be defined. In this review, we provide an in-depth examination of the structure, regulation, and known functions of MRTFA with a focus on hematopoiesis. We conclude by identifying areas of study that merit further investigation.
Burosumab for Pediatric X-Linked Hypophosphatemia

X-Linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) is the most common genetic cause of rickets. This review describes advances in the management of XLH using burosumab which was FDA approved for treating children with XLH in 2018. Elevated FGF23 in XLH leads to systemic hypophosphatemia and several musculoskeletal manifestations, including rachitic bone deformities, impaired growth, dental abscesses, insufficiency fractures, osteoarthritis, and enthesopathy, with lifelong consequences for physical function and quality of life. Burosumab treatment has demonstrated clinical improvement of rickets and growth in children, including during a randomized controlled trial compared with conventional therapy. Burosumab also improved pseudofracture healing in adults. Burosumab led to greater improvement in rickets and growth than conventional therapy. However, many questions remain regarding the impact of burosumab on several outcomes, including final height, nephrocalcinosis, dental disease, enthesopathy, and surgical interventions.
Gender bias in resident evaluations: Natural language processing and competency evaluation.

BACKGROUND Research shows that female trainees experience evaluation penalties for gender non-conforming behaviour during medical training. Studies of medical education evaluations and performance scores do reflect a gender bias, though studies are of varying methodology and results have not been consistent. OBJECTIVE We sought to examine the differences in word use, competency themes and length within written evaluations of internal medicine residents at scale, considering the impact of both faculty and resident gender. We hypothesised that female internal medicine residents receive more negative feedback, and different thematic feedback than male residents. METHODS This study utilised a corpus of 3864 individual responses to positive and negative questions over the course of six years (2012-2018) within Yale University School of Medicine's internal medicine residency. Researchers developed a sentiment model to assess the valence of evaluation responses. We then used natural language processing (NLP) to evaluate whether female versus male residents received more positive or negative feedback and if that feedback focussed on different Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) core competencies based on their gender. Evaluator-evaluatee gender dyad was analysed to see how it impacted quantity and quality of feedback. RESULTS We found that female and male residents did not have substantively different numbers of positive or negative comments. While certain competencies were discussed more than others, gender did not seem to influence which competencies were discussed. Neither gender trainee received more written feedback, though female evaluators tended to write longer evaluations. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that when examined at scale, quantitative gender differences are not as prevalent as has been seen in qualitative work. We suggest that further investigation of linguistic phenomena (such as context) is warranted to reconcile this finding with prior work.
Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometric Analysis of Derivatives of Dibenzalacetone Aldol Products

The aldol condensation reaction is one of the many synthesis reactions carried out in second semester organic chemistry laboratories. This reaction was integrated into a novel experiment requiring students to synthesize dibenzalacetone derivatives using the crossed-aldol condensation by reacting different types of benzaldehyde derivatives with acetone, followed by analyzing those products using spectrometric and spectroscopic methods, especially gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The main objective of this 2 week lab experiment compared to other procedures in the literature was the analysis of the final aldol product using GC–MS methods rather than solely nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic methods. During the first week’s 3 h laboratory period, students completed the reaction with a known benzaldehyde derivative and acetone to synthesize their aldol product. In the second week, students calculated the percent yield of their product, determined the product’s melting point range, and analyzed the product by thin-layer chromatography, NMR, and GC–MS methods. Students also strengthened their skills of spectral interpretation using NMR spectroscopy, especially distortionless enhancement by polarization transfer NMR, an NMR technique rarely covered in undergraduate organic laboratory sections. Students spent more classroom time during week two, analyzing GC–MS data. Students were shown how to use molecular model kits to understand the fragmentation of compounds in the mass spectrum. As a result, the students who performed this experiment increased their general knowledge of GC–MS spectrometric techniques, including identification of compounds based on their fragmentation pattern.
When the Timing is Right: Is There an Association Between Willingness to Discuss Palliative Care and the Severity of ALS? (2788)

Objective: To assess palliation topic preferences amongst ALS patients attending a multidisciplinary clinic. Background: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), is a rapidly progressive, neurodegenerative disease. Advanced care planning (ACP), palliation, and psychosocial needs must be discussed early. Literature recommends introducing palliation at dynamic points in a multidisciplinary clinic; however, this is inconsistently practiced. There are no guidelines for when, with whom, or how palliation is discussed. Our QI study surveyed patients at our ALS clinic to assess palliative needs and preferences. Design/Methods: A nine question survey was given to 30 ALS patients attending a multidisciplinary clinic over one year. Descriptive statistics were performed. Results: 30 patients (15 males 27 Caucasians, mean age 66, age range 51–84) enrolled. Patients were “very open” to their provider discussing: ACP 21(70%), planning for when more help is likely needed 20(66.7%), likely disease complications 19(63.3%), end-of-life discussion 20(66.7%). 14(50%) patients ranked planning for when more help is likely needed as most important. 20(71%) patients chose “my neurologist” as their preferred healthcare provider to initiate topics. 17(61%) patients preferred their physician to present topics. 16(53%) patients wanted their neurologists to decide to initiate these topics. Partial correlations showed a positive significant correlation between the ALS-FRS score and importance of discussing life complications (p=0.08, r=0.539) and a trending negative correlation between the ALS-FRS score and discussing end of life care (p=0.051, r=0.411). Conclusions: ALS patients want to plan for their future. ACP, needing more help, and end-of-life discussions were ranked highest. Scoring higher on the ALS-FRS is associated with less impairment leading to planning for complications and also less likely to discuss advanced directives until disease progression. Our patients want initiation and discussion by their neurologist, this may be a selection bias, as other providers are unavailable in our clinic. By understanding our patients’ preferences we hope to appropriately introduce this service. Disclosure: Dr. Yogendran has nothing to disclose. Dr. Barcelo has nothing to disclose. Dr. Mortel has nothing to disclose. Dr. Shane has nothing to disclose. Dr. Ibarra has nothing to disclose. Dr. Horak has nothing to disclose. Dr. Johnston has nothing to disclose. Dr. Scherer has nothing to disclose.
Translations of Authority in Medieval English Literature: Chaucer and the relics of vernacular religion

Having asked Harry Bailly to ‘com forth’ and be the first to ‘kisse’ his spurious ‘relikes everychon’, the Pardoner suffers what is probably the most robust put-down in the entire Canterbury Tales . ‘Nay, nay!’ quod he [i.e. Bailly], 'thanne have I cristes curs! Lat be', quod he, 'it shal nat be, so theech! Thou woldest make me kisse thyn olde breech, And swere it were a relyk of a seint, Though it were with thy fundament depeint! But, by the croys which that Seint Eleyne fond, I wolde I hadde thy coillons in myn hond In stide of relikes or of seintuarie. Lat kutte hem of, I wol thee helpe hem carie; They shal be shryned in an hogges toord!’ ( vi (c) , 946–50) This passage has been the subject of substantial exegesis recently, particularly by those who wish to claim that the Pardoner's alleged homosexuality does indeed matter. Monica McAlpine, whose 1980 article on that subject set the course of much subsequent criticism, saw it as the result of the Pardoner's assault on ‘Harry's heterosexual sensibilities’. Following up on this initial outing of the Host as a homophobe, Steven Kruger argued that at this point he ‘could not stand farther from Christian spirituality’. That is to say, Harry ‘is drawn strongly away from the spiritual’ as he ‘fully involves himself in the debased physical world presented by the Pardoner as his own’.
The Astrophysical Plasma Emission Database: Progress and Plans

The Astrophysical Plasma Emission Database (APED) contains atomic data for the 14 most abundant astrophysical elements, collected from the literature. Although APED was originally designed for use in calculating a collisional-equilibrium X-ray spectrum suitable for analysis of high-resolution data, it is in a general format which can be efficiently used to calculate absorption spectra, photoionization models, and non-equilibrium collisional models. We emphasize original sources; each transition, rate, and energy level in APED contains a bibliographic reference. The APED can be downloaded from http://cxc.harvard.edu/atomdb /, or our website WebGUIDE ( http://obsvis.harvard.edu/WebGUIDE/ ) can be used to search for individual lines or transitions. We are continually working to expand APED (current version 1.3.1) and regularly issue updated collections.
Plant genetics: RNA cache or genome trash?

Arising from: S. J. Lolle, J. L. Victor, J. M. Young & R. E. Pruitt Nature 434, 505–509 (2005); see also communication from Chaudhury ; Lolle et al. reply . According to classical mendelian genetics, individuals homozygous for an allele always breed true. Lolle et al.1 report a pattern of non-mendelian inheritance in the hothead (hth) mutant of Arabidopsis thaliana, in which a plant homozygous at a particular locus upon self-crossing produces progeny that are 10% heterozygous; they claim that this is the result of the emerging allele having been reintroduced into the chromosome from a cache of RNA inherited from a previous generation. Here I suggest that these results are equally compatible with a gene conversion that occurred through the use as a template of DNA fragments that were inherited from a previous generation and propagated in archival form in the meristem cells that generate the plant germ lines. This alternative model is compatible with several important observations by Lolle et al.1.
Integrative advances for OCT-guided ophthalmic surgery and intraoperative OCT

Microscope-integrated intraoperative OCT (iOCT) allows live cross-sectional imaging concurrent with ophthalmic surgery and dynamic visualization of tissue-instrument interactions. However, limited volumetric data acquisition rates and three-dimensional rendering and display remain critical barriers to iOCT-guided surgical maneuvers. We present a microscope-integrated iOCT system with heads-up display (HUD) and novel semi-transparent ophthalmic surgical instruments. Cross-sectional iOCT imaging of surgical maneuvers using real-time HUD feedback and novel instrumentation is used to demonstrate the utility of real-time cross-sectional imaging for surgical guidance.
Passively acquired immunity in the newborn of a marsupial (Monodelphis domestica).

: A colony of fully pedigreed Monodelphis domestica has been used to investigate the maternal-fetal relationship in this unique marsupial species. To determine how immunity is transferred from mothers to young in M. domestica, we hyperimmunized females with sheep red blood cells (SRBC) before and during gestation. Offspring from these females were collected at various times after birth, and saline extracts of the neonates were assayed for hemolysins against SRBC. Antibodies were present in extracts of newborn that had been allowed to suckle their mothers; none were detected in extracts of infants that were not allowed to suckle. Antibodies were present in the milk of immunized mothers, but were not detected in the milk of nonimmunized mothers. The titer of antibodies in the extracts of newborns generally increased proportionately to the time that the newborn had been allowed to suckle. We conclude that the transfer of passive immunity from mothers of M. domestica to their offspring occurs primarily via the milk.
Improving memory performance of embedded Java applications by dynamic layout modifications

Summary form only given. Unlike desktop systems, embedded systems use different user interface technologies; have significantly smaller form factors; use a wide variety of processors; and have very tight constraints on power/energy consumption, user response time, and physical space. With its platform independence and secure execution environment, Java is fast becoming the language of choice for programming embedded systems. In order to extend its use to array based applications from embedded image and video processing, Java programmers need to employ several optimizations. Unfortunately, due to its precise exception mechanism and bytecode distribution form, it is not generally possible to use classical loop based optimization techniques for array based embedded Java applications. Observing this, this paper proposes a dynamic memory layout optimization strategy for Java applications. The strategy is based on observing the cache behavior dynamically and transforming memory layouts of arrays, when necessary, during the course of execution. This is in contrast to many previously proposed memory layout optimization strategies, which are static in nature (i.e., they are applied at compile time). Our results indicate large performance improvements on a suite of seven array based applications.
U.S. Potato Consumption

Abstract Despite the importance of potatoes in America, very little is known about the factors that affect potato consumption. This study will identify who, what, where and why Americans choose and eat potatoes. The study uses the USDA Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals in 1994 to 1998. All forms of potato consumption such as chips, fries, baked and others are considered. The study will also forecast consumption in its various forms over the next two decades.
How far have we come in predicting high temperature crack growth and the challenges that remain ahead

Abstract Extending the operating life of high temperature components beyond their original design life has considerable advantages. Fracture mechanics is used extensively to predict the remaining life and safe inspection intervals as part of maintenance programs for these systems. The presence of creep deformation and time-dependent damage accumulation presents very significant challenges in accurately predicting life of these components. Therefore, the emphasis in this paper is on time-dependent fracture mechanics (TDFM) concepts. A critical assessment of the current state-of-the-art of TDFM concepts, test techniques, and analytical procedures is made to demonstrate the potential of this technology. In addition, future developments that are needed to enhance the application of this technology are also described and limitations of the current approaches are also discussed.
Academic Tenure and Higher Education in the United States: Implications for the Dental Education Workforce in the Twenty-First Century

This article reviews the literature related to the evolution and implementation of academic tenure (AT) in U.S. higher education. It is intended to highlight AT implications for the recruitment, retention, and development of the dental education workforce in the twenty-first century and the need for this workforce to implement change in dental education. The dental education workforce is shrinking, and a further decrease is projected, yet the demand for dental education is increasing. AT is becoming increasingly controversial, and the proportion of tenured to nontenured (i.e., contingent) faculty is declining within an already shrinking faculty pool. Confusion regarding the definition of scholarship and its relationship to research and publishing further confounds discussions about AT. Whether the principles of academic freedom and due process require tenure for their preservation in a democratic society is open to question. In view of competing time demands and increasing pressure to publish and apply for grants, factors including the seven-year probationary period for tenure, the decreased availability of tenured positions, and the often perceived inequities between tenured and contingent (i.e., nontenured track) faculty may pose an obstacle to faculty recruitment and retention. These factors may severely limit the diversity and skill mix of the dental education workforce, resulting in a decrease in staffing flexibility that appears to be needed in the twenty-first century. Politics, increasing dependence on grant funding by some institutions, resistance to change, and insufficient mentoring are all stimulating discussions about the future of tenure and its implications for U.S. dental education.
Do Women Somatize More Than Men?: Gender Differences in Somatization

Reviewing the literature of the latter half of the twentieth century, the authors consider the question: do women somatize more than men? The literature review begins with work done in the 1950s in order to look at the phenomenon of somatization as a constellation of symptoms. It encompasses work done in the general community and in the medical arena. The critique of the literature shows why the role of gender in somatizing remains unclear, elucidates inconsistencies, notes the confounding variables, and points out the degree of variable interaction and observer bias. Possible explanations or causes of gender differences are explored. In the present body of literature, women do somatize more than men; however, some of the studies in the literature are flawed. The changing gender difference in medical literature implies that the inquiry at hand concerns the etiology and expression of somatization itself.
Cross- vs. within-racial judgments of attractiveness

Subjects from two pairs of ethnic groups (Chinese and White in Experiment 1, Black and White in Experiment 2) judged the attractiveness of faces in yearbook pictures of persons that belonged to their own or to the other ethnic group. This was to see whether: (1) a given group would perceive more variation in the attractiveness of faces belonging to its own vs. the other ethnic group, as suggested by the cross-racial literature, for example, Malpass and Kravitz (1969), and (2) the two groups would use the same or different rules to define attractiveness. There were essentially no differences in perceived variation for cross- vs. within-racial judgments, but there were differences in the criteria used to define attractiveness. As expected, Black and White aesthetic criteria were more like one another than were Chinese and White criteria. Discussion centered around reconciling these findings with the recognition literature.
Decision making to support local emergency preparation, response, and recovery

Effective emergency management depends upon accurate information, especially in the case of disaster scale preparation, recovery, and response. As recent experience demonstrates, leveraging situational information is critical to community recovery. Critical incident management involves the fusion of variant informational sources leveraged through collection technologies onto a common organizational platform. Fusion of information requires a clear delineation of informational needs, flows, and interactions. Variability and uncertainty in the data must be addressed and accounted for. The compatibility and reliability of the data must also be fully defined. In the best circumstances, the platform would also guide the decision-maker in action by guiding the method by which the decision is executed. This paper discusses decision support system model development and demonstrates applicability to regional emergency management operations.
A theoretical study of acoustic cavitation produced by “positive-only” and “negative-only” pressure waves in relation to in vivo studies

Abstract This study investigated the responses of gas bubbles in water, "viscous water" or "lung surfactant" exposed to "positive-only" or "negative-only" pressure pulses. The computational results obtained were compared to the in vivo experimental findings of Bailey et al. (1996), for the thresholds for, and extents of, biological damage endpoints in Drosophila larvae and mouse lungs exposed to similar pressure pulses. It is shown that, if cavitation were the mechanism responsible for these biologic effects, the two pulse types would be expected to produce very different thresholds and amounts of damage unless: 1. the bubbles involved were larger than the linear resonance radius, or 2. the cavitational activity were located within a fraction of a wavelength of an air-tissue interface. A noncavitational, acoustic force mechanism for the effects also is considered. Finally, it is suggested that the mechanical index may require modification when the focus of the acoustic field lies near an air-tissue interface. (E-mail: cchurch@olemiss.edu)