cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Novel Gallium Phosphatooxalate with Pendant Oxalate Ligands: Preparation, Crystal Structure, NMR Spectroscopy, and Thermal Stability

A new gallium phosphatooxalate hybrid material, (C10H28N4)[Ga6(OH)2(PO4)2(HPO4)4(C2O4)3]·3.5H2O (1), has been synthesized under mild hydrothermal conditions (150 °C) in the presence of the amine 1,4-bis(3-aminopropyl)piperazine (APPIP) as a structure-directing agent. The compound was structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and 1H, 2H, 13C, 31P, and 71Ga solid-state NMR spectroscopy. The structure of (1) consists of gallium phosphate double layers formed of GaO6 octahedra, GaO4 tetrahedra, and HPO4 and PO4 groups sharing corners. The double layers are cross-linked by oxalate ligands to form a three-dimensional framework with intersecting channels where the amine and water molecules are located. The oxalate units play a dual role as nonbridging mono-bidentate ligands with two terminal C−O groups pendant inside the channels and bis-bidentate ligands bridging the double layers. Crystal data are as follows: triclinic P1 (No. 2), a = 9.0220(7) A, b = 9.1864(...
The mechanism of unfolding of globular proteins.

Abstract Kinetic studies on the unfolding of ribonuclease A and horse heart metmyoglobin show that under certain conditions, most of the absorbance change accompanying unfolding can occur in a fast phase. The temperature and pH dependence of the size of this fast phase are interpreted in terms of a recently proposed sequential model, to indicate a fast equilibrium between nucleated forms, which is followed by a slow reversal of the nucleation reaction.
The NICHD Consecutive Pregnancies Study: recurrent preterm delivery by subtype.

Objective Attention for recurrent preterm delivery has primarily focused on spontaneous subtypes with less known about indicated preterm delivery. Study Design In a retrospective cohort of consecutive pregnancies among 51,086 women in Utah (2002-2010), binary relative risk regression was performed to examine the risk of preterm delivery (PTD; Results There were 3836 women who delivered preterm in the first observed pregnancy (7.6%), of which 1160 repeated in the second (30.7%). Rate of recurrent PTD was 31.6% for prior spontaneous, 23.0% for prior indicated delivery, and 27.4% for prior elective delivery. Prior spontaneous PTD was associated with a relative risk (RR) of 5.64 (95% confidence interval [CI], 5.27–6.05) of subsequent spontaneous and RR of 1.61 (95% CI, 0.98–2.67) of subsequent indicated PTD. Prior indicated PTD was associated with an RR of 9.10 (95% CI, 4.68–17.71) of subsequent indicated and RR of 2.70 (95% CI, 2.00–3.65) of subsequent spontaneous PTD. Conclusion Prior indicated PTD was strongly associated with subsequent indicated PTD and with increased risk for subsequent spontaneous PTD. Spontaneous PTD had the highest rate of recurrence. Some common pathways for different etiologies of preterm delivery are likely, and indicated PTD merits additional attention for recurrence risk.
Cold-temperature and simultaneous aqueous environment related degradation of carbon/vinylester composites

Abstract The effects of non-cryogenic, cold temperature conditions especially as related to freeze–thaw cycling both in the presence of aqueous solutions, and just ambient humidity, on carbon fiber composites is not well understood. Based on processing characteristics and lower cost, vinylester resin systems are increasingly being used in civil infrastructure and in off-shore applications. The use of these systems with carbon fibers causes some concern due to the current lack of appropriate finish on the fibers. In addition the use of ambient cure processes such as wet layup and resin infusion raise concerns of durability since these resin systems typically do not achieve full conversion and are thus susceptible to moisture induced degradation. This paper reports on results of short-term exposure of thin ambient cured carbon/vinylester specimens, processed following wet layup procedures similar to those used in rehabilitation of structural components, to freeze and freeze–thaw cycling. It is shown that freeze–thaw can cause significant reduction in mechanical properties and in glass-transition temperature with immersion in salt water having a larger effect on fiber-matrix bond deterioration and matrix cracking than other exposures.
"La gentileza de los desconocidos": Postmodernidad, caos y diálogo de sistemas discursivos

"La gentileza de los desconocidos", de Antonio Munoz Molina, es un cuento que en principio desarrolla una subversion del genero detectivesco a traves de una inversion de los roles de sus personajes; mediante un desplazamiento del eje narrativo y por un cierre definido como un "antifinal". En este trabajo se sugiere que categorias de la teoria del caos, como efecto mariposa o atractor extrano, permiten interpretar no solo la resolucion del delito en este cuento sino que tambien en otros de este tipo. Asimismo, el relato presenta una yuxtaposicion entre generos literarios relativos a lo policial y al melodrama. Ademas, como estrategia narrativa, el discurso se presenta como un dialogo entre el relato escrito y el audiovisual (es decir, el lenguaje cinematografico). Lo interesante es que dicha tecnica narrativa, se manifiesta tanto en un nivel tematico de la obra como en la estructura sintactica de la historia.
Cardiopulmonary bypass after severe blunt hepatic injury: management of multi-system blunt trauma in an adolescent

A 16-year-old adolescent male sustained combined injuries to the tricuspid valve and liver. This injury is exceptional due to the mechanism and the circumstances in which it took place: a flying pumpkin thrown from a sport utility vehicle. An echocardiogram demonstrated a flail chordal apparatus associated with the posterior leaflet of the tricuspid valve, creating substrate for severe tricuspid regurgitation with preserved right heart function. He was treated with non-operative management for the liver injury; he remained hemodynamically stable and was discharged home. He underwent successful repair of the tricuspid valve 17 days following the initial injury necessitating systemic anticoagulation and was discharged home two days later. The patient recovered fully without residual valvular pathology or hepatic sequelae.
Vitamin B6 activity in photosynthetic reactions.

Abstract Pyridoxal 5-phosphate and analogs with an aldehyde in the four position of the pyridine ring support photosynthetic phosphorylation and the reduction of exogenous cytochrome c. The stoichiometry of adenosine triphosphate formed to cytochrome c reduced is near 1 ATP:2 electrons transferred. Active forms of vitamin B6 formed a Schiff base with the buffers commonly employed. Spectral data indicating an oxidation or reduction of pyridoxal 5-phosphate could not be obtained. Data on the polarographic oxidation-reduction potential of pyridoxal 5-phosphate is presented. Several mechanisms are discussed whereby vitamin B6 could act as a reversible redox reagent.
The Many Conformations of Epac2: A Cyclic-AMP Sensing Cellular Regulator Studied Via Solution X-Ray Scattering (SAXS) & Hydrogen Deuterium Exchange Mass Spectrometry

Epac2 is a guanine nucleotide exchange factor which is directly activated by cAMP. According to the model of Epac activation, a localized “hinge” motion is a major change in the Epac structure upon cAMP binding. in this study, we test the functional importance of hinge bending for Epac activation by targeted mutagenesis. We show that substitution of the conserved residue phenylalanine 435 by glycine facilitates the hinge bending, and is constitutively active, while tryptophan, impedes the hinge motion and results in a dramatic decrease in Epac2 catalytic activity. Structural parameters for wild type Epac and two of its mutants determined by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) further confirm the importance of hinge motion in Epac activation. in addition, peptide amide hydrogen/deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (DXMS) was used to probe the solution structural and conformational dynamics of full length Epac2. Our study also suggests that the side-chain size of the amino acid at the position 435 is a key to Epac functioning. It seems that phenylalanine at this position has the optimal size to prevent “hinge” bending and keep Epac closed and inactive in the absence of cAMP while still allowing the proper hinge motion for full Epac activation in the presence of cAMP. The DXMS results also support this mechanism in which cAMP-induced Epac2 activation is mediated by a major hinge motion centered on the C-terminus of the second cAMP binding domain. These results suggest that in addition to relieving the steric hindrance imposed upon the catalytic lobe by the regulatory lobe, cAMP may also be an allosteric modulator directly affecting the interaction between Epac2 and RAP1.
Relationships between Gender, Cognitive Ability, Preference, and Calculus Performance

In this research, we examined the relationships between gender, spatial ability, verbal-logical reasoning ability, calculus performance, and preference for visual or analytic processing. Data were collected from 150 calculus students at four high schools in two school districts. The results suggest that spatial and verbal-logical reasoning abilities are important factors of calculus performance. Preferred mode of processing was unrelated to spatial and verbal-logical reasoning abilities suggesting that cognitive abilities did not predict students’ preference for visual or analytic processing. There were no significant differences between the two sexes in cognitive abilities, preferred mode of processing, and calculus performance.
On the mechanism of energy-dependent contraction of swollen mitochondria

Abstract Electrophoretic cation permeability, as estimated by rates of passive swelling of mitochondria suspended in Na+ and K+ nitrate, increases with increasing temperature and elevated pH and is inhibited by Mg+ 2 . Mitochondria swollen in Na+ nitrate at 37° and pH 8.2 contract in an energy-dependent reaction. The efficiency of the contraction (absorbance change per O 2 or ATP consumed) decreases with increased electrophoretic cation permeability as established by either elevated pH or addition of gramicidin. Efficiency is increased by Mg+ 2 . This inverse relationship between electrophoretic cation permeability and efficiency of contraction is compatible with an osmotic contractile mechanism which depends on the Na + H + exchanger present in the mitochondrial membrane.
Potential of Corn Genotypes for Phosphorus Removal in Poultry Manure-Enriched Soils

The repeated application of poultry manure to agricultural lands in poultry-producing regions of the world has resulted in excess farm-level phosphorus (P) with various undesirable effects. To reduce high P accumulation in soil and its undesirable environmental consequences, plant-based P-remediation strategies have been suggested. Our objective was to determine the difference in P uptake in various genotypes of corn (Zea mays L.) harvested at the milk stage of grain formation in poultry manure-enriched soils. Field experiments were conducted during three growing seasons at two sites: One site had a history of heavy poultry manure applications during the past 10 years, and the other site had not received poultry manure applications. Results showed that genotypes 57K14 and DKC 64-11 exhibited superior P uptake in both amended and unamended soils. The superior P extraction of genotypes 57K14 and DKC 64-11 relative to that of other genotypes indicates that there is potential to improve P uptake in corn genot...
Communication practices on 4 Harvard surgical services: a surgical safety collaborative.

Background: Communication breakdowns between surgical residents and attending physicians in the pre- and postoperative setting are common contributors to patient injury. These communication transactions might offer an opportunity for safety improvement, but it remains unknown how often resident-attending communication fails, what the current level of attending involvement is, and how often attending input changes the plan for patient care. We conducted a prospective study at 4 Harvard teaching hospitals to address these issues. Methods: Three prospective data collection strategies were employed: (1) we randomly selected surgical services and queried residents for the occurrence of predefined critical patient events and the characteristics of attending communications that ensued, (2) on weekends, randomly selected patients were interviewed and their charts reviewed to identify the frequency of attending visitation and how such visits affected processes of care, and (3) on weekends, senior residents on randomly selected surgical services were queried regarding the occurrence of attending-resident discussion of patients in their care. Results: Of 80 critical patient events identified, 26 (33%) were not communicated to attending surgeons. Residents reported that, when contacted, all attending physicians were receptive to communication, whether they were the primary surgeon or providing cross-coverage. Although residents felt that attending contact was unnecessary for safe patient care in 61 (76%) of these events, discussions with attending physicians changed management in 33% (18/54) of cases in which they occurred. Attending surgeons were found to visit their patients on randomly selected weekend days 42% (n = 37) of the time, while 21% (n = 19) had not visited for 2 or greater days. When attending physicians visited patients, however, resident management was modified 46% (n = 36) of the time. Though residents frequently discussed patient management with attending physicians on randomly selected weekends, they failed to do so 16% (n = 58) of the time, which appeared to be related to service-specific variation (χ 2 = 269, P < 0.0001). Conclusions: In the context of both critical patient events and routine patient care, residents often fail to obtain attending surgeons' input for management decisions. These failures seem to derive more from residents' perception of necessity than from attending physicians' receptiveness or interest in being contacted. Once involved, attending physicians frequently modify resident's management decisions. It seems, therefore, that there is significant potential for communication failure and information loss among our 4 institutions.
Real-time neutron radiography at Texas A&M University

Abstract A real-time neutron radiography imaging system has been installed at the Texas A&M University Nuclear Science Center. The system employs a scintillating screen viewed by a low-light TV camera with a front surface mirror placed at 45° to the neutron beam. The key components of the system are the neutron camera and the image capture and processing unit. The neutron camera uses an NE 426 scintillating screen (ZnS), front surface mirror, remote focus and zoom lens, intensified relay optics (IRO) and monochrome CCD television camera. The image capture and processing unit consists of an IBM PC AT-compatible computer, arithmetic frame grabber, frame processor and high-resolution color monitor. The neutron camera is similar to others using a silicon intensified target (SIT) television camera to provide a TV image of the low-level light from a NE 426 screen. The IRO and CCD camera are used in place of the SIT camera. The computer digitizes the TV image (512 × 512 × 8 bit) at a rate of 30 frames/s and provides a variety of image processing functions. The neutron beam has a total neutron flux of 1.2 × 10 7 neutrons/cm 2 s with the TRIGA reactor operating at 1 MW. A remotely operated sample handling devices is used to position an object in the neutron beam.
To Portfolio or not to Portfolio: Helpful or Hyped?

Portfolios have received mixed but primarily positive reviews in colleges and universities. The portfolio offers a tool of authentic assessment as well as an opportunity for students to be reflective practitioners. Portfolio implementation and evaluation has become a feature of many university departments. The author describes different approaches to portfolios, as well as the origins of and research related to portfolio use.
An optimization-based assessment framework for biomass-to-fuel conversion strategies

We develop a framework for the identification and evaluation of biomass-to-fuel production strategies. We generate a technology superstructure that consists of a wide range of conversion technologies along with the corresponding feedstocks, intermediates, and final products. The superstructure includes both known technologies as well as technologies that can be developed based on results available in the literature. Technical (yields and energy requirements) and economic (production cost) parameters, for both existing and potential new technologies, are calculated from the literature or estimated using a systematic approach. The superstructure along with the associated data is used to develop optimization models which allow us to identify and evaluate new and existing biofuel strategies as well as to perform sensitivity analyses and identify the major cost drivers of these strategies. The proposed framework can be used to study a range of interesting questions: What is the best strategy for the production of a specific fuel? What is the best utilization strategy for a specific feedstock? We illustrate our methodology using the production of ethanol from hard woody biomass as a case study.
Mapping of the NEP receptor tyrosine kinase gene to human chromosome 6p21.3 and mouse chromosome 17C

Abstract The mouse receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) NEP, also called Ptk-3, is widely expressed, with high levels in proliferating neuroepithelia of mouse embryos. The recently described human discoidin domain receptor (DDR) has a predicted amino acid sequence 93% identical to that of murine NEP and may be its human homologue. We have mapped the gene encoding NEP in human and mouse by fluorescence in situ hybridization using a mouse cDNA probe. The NEP/Nep gene maps to human chromosome 6p21.3 and mouse chromosome 17C, respectively. This places the NEP/Nep gene at, or near, the major histocompatibility (MHC) locus—HLA in human and H2 in mouse, respectively. Based on its pattern of expression during development, NEP and Nep represent candidate genes for several MHC-linked developmental abnormalities in human and mouse.
Emulsion polymerization of styrene using reaction calorimeter. I. Above and below critical micelle concentration

Emulsion polymerizations of styrene were performed with different emulsifier and initiator concentrations, using an automated reaction calorimeter. The reactions were compared to the classical description of the emulsion polymerization process in terms of the shape of the rate of polymerization curves and other characteristic events such as the nucleation process. For reactions performed above the critical micelle concentration (cmc) of sodium lauryl sulfate, the absence of the constant rate period (Interval II) was evident. In all these cases, the heat of reaction (rate of polymerization) increased up to a maximum and then decreased. This maximum was determined to primarily indicate the disappearance of the monomer as a separate phase (i.e., droplets). For experiments carried out below the cmc, the kinetics and evolution of the number of particles can be described by the classical qualitative description of emulsion polymerization proposed by Harkins.
Audiology and speech-language pathology student service learning experience may enhance attitudes of students working with adults with dementia

This review provides a summary and appraisal commentary on the treatment review by Kaf, W. A., Barboa, L. S., Fisher, B. J., & Snavely, L. A. (2011). Effect of interdisciplinary service learning experience for audiology and speech-language pathology students working with adults with dementia. American Journal of Audiology, 20, S241-S249. Source of funding and disclosure of interest: Partial funding by the Citizen and Service-Learning Research Stipend grant at Missouri State University; the original authors of this research report no conflicts of interest.
Construction and properties of A ColE1::Tn3-cosλ plasmid for determining RNA polymerase binding sites on ColE1 and Tn3

Abstract To determine the location of the RNA polymerase binding sites on the ColE1 plasmid and Tn3 transposon, a special hybrid ColE1::Tn3- cos λ molecule was constructed which contains the left arm of phage λ DNA and the right λ terminal fragment. This permits orienting ColE1 molecules, since the RNA polymerase binding pattern of these two λ fragments are known to be distinct. ColE1 DNA contains seven binding sites and Tn3 binds three RNA polymerases, with some of the later probably involved in the expression of the transposition functions of this transposon. The relationship of these sites to the positions and orientations of known promoters, transcripts, genes and functions is discussed.
Antinociceptive actions of peripheral glucose administration.

The effects of intraperitoneal (ip) d-glucose administration on antinociception were studied in male Long–Evans rats. Rats were assessed for antinociception using the hot-water tail-withdrawal procedure (54 ± 0.2 °C) to determine if peripheral administration of d-glucose (300, 560, or 720 mg/kg) would enhance morphine-mediated antinociception (MMA) (1.0, 3.0, 4.2, 5.6, and 10.0 mg/kg cumulative-dosing regime) and if d-glucose (560, 720, or 1000 mg/kg) alone could produce antinociceptive activity that was naloxone (0.32 mg/kg) reversible. Additionally, the actions of d-glucose on MMA were compared with a stereoisomer, l-glucose, which is not metabolized. The results of these studies demonstrate that peripheral administration of d-glucose significantly enhances MMA and that d-glucose alone produces antinociceptive actions that are potentially mediated by the endogenous opioid system. Furthermore, l-glucose failed to have an effect on MMA suggesting that the alterations in antinociception seen with d-glucose are not due to stressors such as osmolality or injection. The current studies provide evidence that d-glucose alteration of antinociception is not simply a response to taste or gustation.
Celerinatantimonas diazotrophica gen. nov., sp. nov., a nitrogen-fixing bacterium representing a new family in the Gammaproteobacteria, Celerinatantimonadaceae fam. nov.

Five strains representing a novel family within the Gammaproteobacteria were isolated from the estuarine grasses Spartina alterniflora and Juncus roemerianus. All strains were facultatively anaerobic, Gram-negative, short, motile, polar monotrichous rods that were mesophilic, oxidase-negative, catalase-positive, had DNA G+C contents of 41.5–44.4 mol% and required seawater salts or NaCl. Growth was observed at pH 3.5–8.0. Polar lipids diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine, aminophospholipid, phospholipids and unidentified aminolipids were found in the representative strain S-G2-2T. The major menaquinone and ubiquinone were MK-8 (100 %) and Q-8 (93 %), respectively. Predominant fatty acids present were C12 : 0 aldehyde and/or unknown fatty acid 10.9525 (MIDI designation) and/or iso-C16 : 1 I/C14 : 0 3-OH, C16 : 1ω7c/C16 : 1ω6c, C16 : 0, C17 : 0 cyclo and C18 : 1ω7c and/or C18 : 1ω6c. The nearly full-length 16S rRNA gene sequences of the strains were very similar (99–100 % similarity), and the strains were identified as members of the same species by DNA–DNA relatedness measurements. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that the strains formed a monophyletic lineage within the order Alteromonadales. All five strains fixed N2. Analysis of partial nifH gene sequences also revealed a monophyletic lineage within the Gammaproteobacteria, and the sequences were dissimilar to those of any previously described diazotroph. Differences between the novel strains and other members of the Alteromonadales include the inability to produce cytochrome oxidase. The novel strains were metabolically versatile. On the basis of the information described above, the new genus and species Celerinatantimonas diazotrophica gen. nov., sp. nov. are proposed to accommodate the five strains within a new family, Celerinatantimonadaceae fam. nov. The type strain of Celerinatantimonas diazotrophica is S-G2-2T ( = ATCC BAA-1368T = DSM 18577T).
Heterogeneous liposome membranes with pH-triggered permeability enhance the in vitro antitumor activity of folate-receptor targeted liposomal doxorubicin.

The killing efficacy of doxorubicin from liposome-based delivery carriers has been shown to correlate strongly with its intracellular trafficking and, in particular, its fast and extensive release ...
Advanced larynx cancer.

Despite advances in diagnosis and treatment, the prognosis for patients with stage III–IV laryngeal cancer is not significantly different than it was four decades ago [1]. This failure to improve survival is multifactorial and is likely linked to controversy surrounding optimal treatment regimens for a heterogeneous patient and tumor population. At the root of this controversy is a lack of randomized controlled trials that compare different therapeutic options, personal and institutional treatment philosophies, and a paucity of standardized functional and quality-of-life outcome measures for specific treatment modalities. Therapeutic decision making is further complicated by the potential use of organ preservation approaches in some patients [2··,3·,4··]. Clearly, quality-of-life considerations are an integral part of treatment planning and a well-informed patient is necessary to achieve an optimal result. Philosophically, it is the physician’s responsibility to recommend the best treatment option and to explain the other viable treatment strategies. It is our opinion that conservation laryngeal surgery represents the mainstay of treatment for patients with advanced laryngeal carcinomas, whose tumors have characteristics amenable to these approaches and who functionally can tolerate such procedures. For those patients who would likely require a total laryngectomy or who are not suitable for surgical conservation, organ preservation should be used as a primary option in a controlled setting.
Voluntary-Threat Approaches to Reduce Ambient Water Pollution

This article considers the regulation of nonpoint source water pollution through the use of a voluntary-threat approach, which allows a polluter group to meet a standard voluntarily but imposes an ambient tax upon noncompliance. In particular, we develop an “endogenous” voluntary-threat approach that can be parameterized to induce compliance as a unique subgame perfect Nash equilibrium and eliminate zero-abatement equilibria. Experimental evidence on the proposed approach as well as the “exogenous” approach of Segerson and Wu (2006) suggests that the severity of the threatened tax and the opportunity for communication are critical in determining policy outcomes.
Optimizing lens-coupled digital radiographic imaging systems based on model observers' performance

Recent advances in model observers that predict human perceptual performance now make it possible to optimize medical imaging systems for human task performance. We illustrate the procedure by considering the design of a lens for use in an optically coupled digital mammography system. The channelized Hotelling observer is used to model human performance, and the channels chose are differences of Gaussians (DOGs). The task is detection of a lesion at a random but known location in a clustered lumpy background mimicking breast tissue. The entire system is simulated with a Monte Carlo application according to the physics principles, but the main system component under study is the lens that couples a fluorescent screen to a CCD detector. The bigger the aperture is, the larger the portion of light is coupled to the CDD, but the more severe the aberrations are, so the worse the image blue is. So when changing the stop size, the signal (lesion) detectability of human observers associated with this task also changes. The SNR of the channelized Hotelling observer is used to quantify this detectability. In this paper, plots of channelized Hotelling SNR between coupling efficiency and blur in a task-based manner. In this way he channelized Hotelling SNR is used as a merit function for lens design.
The income distribution frontier and taxation of migrants

Abstract The output distribution frontier, which traces out the economy's output and income distribution options, is used to confirm and explain intuitively the Bhagwati—Hamada results on the taxation of migrants from LDCs by their native country. It is shown that freedom of migration without taxation may reduce the welfare of those who remain in the LDC, but that taxation and free migration can be superior for them to either prevention of migration or freedom of migration without taxation. An externalities argument shows why even migrants may benefit.
Obituary and In-Memoriam Advertisements in Nigerian Newspapers

This article examines the obituary and in-memoriam advertisements in Nigerian newspapers to determine the dimensions of content used to manage grief. Ten dimensions of content were abstracted: pict...
Dyspnea: recognizing and managing an invisible problem.

925 D yspnea, from the Greek words for hard and breathing, is a frequent symptom among seriously ill patients that increases symptom burden and alters quality of life (Desbiens, Mueller-Rizner, Connors, Wenger, & Lynn, 1999). Despite its frequent occurrence, little research exists to support evidence-based care for dyspneic patients with cancer who frequently are underdiagnosed and inadequately managed (Farncombe, 1997). Patients with lung cancer are at greatest risk to develop breathlessness, followed by those with breast, colorectal, or prostate cancer (Desbiens et al.; Escalante et al., 1996; Reuben & Mor, 1986). However, virtually any patient who has a solid or hematologic malignancy Dyspnea: Recognizing and Managing an Invisible Problem
Development of a Standard Bond Test for Indented Prestressing Wires

An experimental testing program was conducted at Kansas State University (KSU) to test the bond characteristics of various 5.32 mm-diameter, Grade 270 low-relaxation steel wires used in prestressed concrete railroad ties. This un-tensioned pullout test could serve as a quality control test similar to the NASP (North American Strand Producers) Strand Bond Test that has been developed for pre-tensioned strands. A total of twelve (12) wires produced by six different steel manufacturers were used to develop the wire pullout test. All of the wires were tested in their “as-received” condition and have different indent geometries. It is generally accepted that indentations in the wire improve the bond between the steel and concrete. However, there are currently no commonly accepted quality control tests that accurately predict a wire’s bond characteristics in a pre-tensioned application.The un-tensioned pullout test developed is comparable to the NASP [Strand] Bond Test. The specimens consist of a 4 in. (100 mm) outer-diameter tube with a total length of 8 in. (200 mm) and a steel plate welded to the bottom. The 5.32 mm-diameter wire was centered in the tube and the sand-cement mortar was placed and allowed to cure. The flow of the mortar was measured for consistency and 2” × 2” (50 mm × 50 mm) mortar cubes were used to determine the compressive strength of the mortar. The specimens were tested when the compressive strength of the mortar was between 4500 and 5000 psi (31.0 MPa and 34.5 MPa). Each batch of mortar contained 12 pullout specimens; one with each wire type. Each wire was tested six times leading to a total of six batches and a total of 72 mortar specimens.During testing, the wires were loaded in force control at the bottom, while continuously monitoring and recording the movement (slip) of the wire with respect to the mortar at the opposite (top) end. The force verses end-slip data of the six tests for each wire type were numerically combined to obtain the average bond performance. These average results from the un-tensioned pullout tests were then compared to transfer length measurements from accompanying pre-tensioned concrete prisms. In general, the wire end slip measurements from the pullout tests were found to have good correlation with the measured transfer length. For all 12 wires, a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.872 was found between the average pullout force (at 0.10-inch (2.54 mm) of wire free-end slip) and average transfer length measurements from the accompanying concrete prism tests. However, when only the indented wires were considered, the R2 increased to 0.913.© 2013 ASME
HIV/AIDS related stigma: Delivering appropriate nursing care

Abstract Persons with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) often experience disease related stigma and nurses are likely to encounter them in a wide variety of health care settings. It may be difficult for nurses to adequately assume patient advocacy roles if they have personal angst or are apprehensive. The purpose of this literature review was to (a) consider published research on stigma and HIV/AIDS, (b) identify what findings indicate, and (c) describe implications for nursing practice. Nurses need to be better prepared to dispel myths linked with HIV/AIDS. Conscious efforts need to be taken to assure that practice is based upon current information, best practices, and evidence. The Internet provides valuable information sources to help educate oneself and others.
Use of hematopoietic growth factors in marrow transplantation

Results of clinical trials in bone marrow transplantation (BMT) patients have shown that morbidity associated with myelosuppressive chemo- or radiotherapy is reduced in patients receiving hematopoietic growth factors such as recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor or recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor. Recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration to speed neutrophil recovery, to reduce the severity and duration of infection, and to shorten hospital stays of patients with lymphoid malignancy who undergo autologous BMT. Recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration as therapy in BMT; however, results of phase I and phase II trials suggest similar beneficial effects in autologous BMT. Both molecules are well tolerated in patients undergoing autologous or allogeneic BMT. Other hematopoietic growth factors, such as recombinant Human macrophage colony-stimulating factor, recombinant human interleukin (rhIL)-3, rhIL-3-GM-CSF (rh-PIXY 321), rhIL-6, rhIL-1, rhc-kit ligand (rh-KL), and erythropoietin (rh-EPO), are also being studied singly or in combination in patients undergoing BMT. The use of hematopoietic growth factors in marrow transplantation is reviewed.
Golgi Outposts Shape Dendrite Morphology by Functioning as Sites of Acentrosomal Microtubule Nucleation in Neurons

Microtubule nucleation is essential for proper establishment and maintenance of axons and dendrites. Centrosomes, the primary site of nucleation in most cells, lose their function as microtubule organizing centers during neuronal development. How neurons generate acentrosomal microtubules remains unclear. Drosophila dendritic arborization (da) neurons lack centrosomes and therefore provide a model system to study acentrosomal microtubule nucleation. Here, we investigate the origin of microtubules within the elaborate dendritic arbor of class IV da neurons. Using a combination of in vivo and in vitro techniques, we find that Golgi outposts can directly nucleate microtubules throughout the arbor. This acentrosomal nucleation requires gamma-tubulin and CP309, the Drosophila homolog of AKAP450, and contributes to the complex microtubule organization within the arbor and dendrite branch growth and stability. Together, these results identify a direct mechanism for acentrosomal microtubule nucleation within neurons and reveal a function for Golgi outposts in this process.
GLOBAL DYNAMICAL ANALYSIS OF HIV MODELS WITH TREATMENTS

In this paper, we study HIV mathematical models with treatments. Two models with RT inhibitor and HIV protease inhibitor are studied. Local and global analysis is carried out. By identifying a critical number for both treatments, we show that if the treatment is at least effective, then the uninfected steady state P0 is the only equilibrium in the feasible region, and P0 is globally asymptotically stable. Therefore, no HIV infection persists and infected T cells and HIV virus are cleared over time. However, if the treatment is not effective enough, i.e. less than , then a unique infected steady state P* emerges in the interior of the feasible region. P0 becomes unstable and the system is uniformly persistent. Therefore, HIV infection persists. In this case, the unique infected steady state can be either stable or unstable. We show that it is locally stable only for r (the proliferation rate of T cells) small or large and unstable for some intermediate values. Global stability result is established for small values of r. Numerical simulation shows that once P* becomes unstable, periodic solution appears.
Liquid Metal Fuel Combustion Mechanics

Abstract : The modeling of the droplet formation at the gas/liquid boundary interface of a gaseous jet injected into a liquid metal bath and the turbulent mixing of the resultant two-phase (gas/liquid droplets) mixture is presented as a preliminary to the analysis of the liquid metal fuel combustion problem. The model is used to predict velocity and liquid droplet fraction distributions across the mixing zone and along the centerline of the jet. These results show that the distribution of the liquid fuel droplets peaks away from the region of maximum oxidizer concentrations.
EDDY COVARIANCE MEASUREMENTS OF CO2 AND ENERGY FLUXES OF AN ALASKAN TUSSOCK TUNDRA ECOSYSTEM

Eddy covariance was used to measure the net CO2 exchange and energy balance of a moist-tussock tundra ecosystem at Happy Valley, Alaska (69°08.54′ N, 148°50.47′ W), during the 1994–1995 growing seasons (June–August). The system operated for 75–95% of the time, and energy balance closure was within 5%, indicating good system performance. Daily rates of evapotranspiration (ET) were on average 1.5 mm/d, while seasonal ET ranged between 100 and 150 mm. Daily ET was strongly correlated with daily fluctuations in net radiation. However, the “omega factor” (an index of the relative importance of meteorological and physiological limitations to evapotranspiration) was generally <0.5 throughout June and early July, indicating that biological limitations to ET were relatively more important than meteorological limitations during the first half of the growing season. The biological limitation to ET was presumably due to bryophyte desiccation and subsequent reductions in canopy water-vapor conductance, especially under conditions of high evaporative demand. The moist-tussock tundra ecosystem was a net sink for atmospheric CO2 of −3.3 and −4.6 mol/m2 during the 1994 and 1995 growing seasons, respectively (negative flux depicts net CO2 accumulation). Over diel (24-h) periods, 60–90% of the variation in net CO2 exchange was explained as a hyperbolic function of photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD), while over seasonal time scales, model estimates of the estimated quantum yield and maximum gross assimilation indicate that daily variations in net CO2 uptake were driven more by the seasonal trend in ecosystem phenology than by meteorology. Approximately 70% of the variation in nighttime net CO2 exchange, an estimate of the whole-ecosystem respiration rate, was explained by variations in water-table depth and temperature. Although other environmental factors may be important, interannual differences in observed net CO2 exchange were almost completely explained by the interannual differences in estimated whole-ecosystem respiration.
GEN04-4: Improved Runlength Control When Using Low-Density Parity-Check Codes

In high-density magnetic recording systems, a runlength constraint (typically (0, k)) is imposed to aid then timing recovery system. However, the traditional encoding structure where the runlength limited (RLL) encoder follows the ECC encoder is not a good fit when using LDPC codes. The main difficulty is that the LDPC decoder requires soft information, which is incompatible the typical RLL decoders which output hard decoding decisions. In this paper, we propose a structure so that soft information can be delivered directly to the LDPC decoder while the runlength constraint is satisfied. By integrating the bit-flipping scheme proposed in [Vasic and Pedagani, IEEE Trans. Magn, vol. 40, no. 5, pp. 1738-1743, May 2004] and an interleaver into the system, we are able to take advantage of the near-capacity performance of the LDPC code given the runlength limit. The simulations show that the BER performance loss of the LDPC code (rate 8/9, length 4932) due to the RLL constraint is less than 0.1 dB. The error floor introduced by bit-flipping scheme is limited to bit error rate (BER) levels lower than 10-7.
An ACA Provision Increased Treatment For Young Adults With Possible Mental Illnesses Relative To Comparison Group

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) required that insurers allow people ages 19–25 to remain as dependents on their parents’ health insurance beginning in 2010. Using data from the 2008–12 National Surve...
Element free galerkin study of steady quasi-static crack growth in plane strain tension in elastic-plastic materials

Employing an extension of the convective mesh technique, an Element Free Galerkin (EFG) based formulation for steady quasi-static crack growth in elastic-plastic materials undergoing small scale yielding is established. In accordance with the steady state condition, a parallel path constitutive law integration scheme is implemented into the formulation and a body force type term is introduced for the contribution of crack tip plasticity. A detailed numerical analysis is performed for steady quasi-static growth of a mode I crack under plane strain conditions in elastic-perfectly plastic materials. The numerical solutions to this problem confirm the existence of an elastic unloading wedge. The computed near-tip stress distributions and the crack opening displacements for this problem provide good agreements with the corresponding asymptotic solutions and demonstrate the validity of the EFG based formulation. A rough estimate of the range of validity of the asymptotic solutions is also made based on the numerical solutions. In addition, the effect of strain hardening on the steady quasi-static crack growth is investigated. Both power hardening and linear hardening models are considered.
Desktop scanning to sRGB

To achieve high image quality throughout a digital imaging system, the first requirement is to ensure the quality of the device that captures real-world physical images to digital images, for example a desktop scanner. Several factors have influence on this quality: optical resolution, bit depth, spectral sensitivities, and acquisition noise, to mention a few. In this study we focus on the colorimetric faculties of the scanner, that is, the scanner's ability to deliver quantitative device-independent digital information about the colors of the original document. We propose methods to convert from the scanner's device-dependent RGB color space to the standard device-independent color space sRGB. The methods have been evaluated using several different desktop scanners. Our results are very good: mean CIELAB (Delta) E*ab color errors as low as 1.4. We further discuss advantages and disadvantages of a digital color imaging system using the sRGB space for image exchange, compared to using other color architectures.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Improving Protein and Proteome Coverage through Data-Independent Multiplexed Peptide Fragmentation

Performance differences in protein and proteome characterization achieved by data-independent acquisition (DIA) LC/MSE and data-dependent acquisition (DDA) LC/MS/MS approaches were investigated. LC/MSE is a novel mode of generating product ion data for all coeluting precursors in parallel as opposed to LC/MS/MS where coeluting precursors must be serially fragmented one at a time. During LC/MSE analysis, alternating MS scans of “normal” and “elevated” collision energy are collected at regular intervals, providing nearly a 100% duty cycle for precursor detection and fragmentation because all precursors are fragmented across their full chromatographic elution profile. This is in contrast to DDA-based MS/MS where serial selection of precursor ions is biased toward interrogation and detection of the highest abundance sample components by virtue of the intensity-driven interrogation scheme employed. Both modes of acquisition were applied to a simple four-protein standard mixture with a 16-fold dynamic range in ...
Differential Treatment of Phonological Disability in Children With Impaired Hearing Who Were Trained Orally

The efficacy of differential treatment of phonological disability was studied in children with moderate to severe sensorineural hearing impairments who presented with both phonetic and phonemic error types. Two treatments were administered to four subjects aged 5:0 to 10:5 with prelinguistic hearing impairment who had been trained orally. Phonetic treatment was modeled in accord with an articulation approach using syllable imitation. Phonemic treatment was modeled in accord with a phonological approach using meaningful minimal contrasts. Phonetic targets were consonant singletons; phonemic targets were phonological processes. Within each treatment, one target was trained; the other served as a control. Results indicated a tendency toward improved target production in training and generalization with phonemic treatment. Individual subject differences in training and in generalization were evident for the phonetic treatment. No between-treatment differences in training were found. However, between-treatment...
Optimal Numerical Methods for Direct and Inverse Problems in Hydrology

Many direct and inverse problems in hydrology re quire the efficient solution of parabolic partial differential equations which are characterized by stiffness and numerical dispersion. An optimal method for solving such equations uses the method of lines to discretize the spatial variables and a finite-difference scheme to discretize time. This method is asymptotically stable and minimizes the global error caused by discretization of time. The numerical performance of the method has been evaluat ed on test problems that realistically simulate aquifers.
Medicare Part D out-of-pocket costs, net present value of a PhD, and health literacy and self-care

Medicare Part D out-ofpocket costs Cutler et al.1 reported that “targeted outreach by trained pharmacy advocates can identify vulnerable Medicare populations in need of Part D counseling and reduce their expected annual OOP prescription drug costs.” A pharmacy-based outreach program was designed for underserved Medicare patients with annual incomes 300% or less of the federal poverty level. Sponsors used the prescription drug plan (PDP) finder tool available at the Medicare website to find the PDP with the lowest expected out-of-pocket (OOP) cost. Most low-income beneficiaries seen during the intervention were already enrolled in a PDP, but only 287 were already enrolled in the lowest-cost PDP plan available to them. Among those not enrolled in the least costly plan, 390 switched into the lowest-cost plan. The median savings was $260 among those who switched. Implications. Divining the lowest-cost PDP is confusing for Medicare beneficiaries. Pharmacists are among the most trusted professionals, and tangible services such as saving patients OOP costs will enhance trust in pharmacists. The profession should capitalize politically on this relationship and enlist patients’ aid in the call for pharmacists’ services in Medicare, Medicaid, and other programs on the federal radar.