cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nurse executives' perceptions of end-of-life care provided in hospitals.

Abstract Context With the aging of our population, almost one in five adults, or 19% of the population, will be older than 65 years by 2030. Many persons have expressed concern about the inadequate preparation of hospitals to provide high-value end-of-life care for the current and anticipated population of older adults. Objectives The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of nurse executives about the provision of end-of-life care in the hospital setting. Methods We conducted a pilot, descriptive, naturalistic, qualitative study using in-person interviews to capture nurse executives' understandings, beliefs, and perceptions of end-of-life care in their facilities. Results Data were collected from 10 nurse executives. We identified five major factors, three barriers and two facilitators, in their descriptions of provision of end-of-life care provided in the hospital: 1) communication inadequacies, 2) education inadequacies, 3) hospital system constraints, 4) hospice services availability, and 5) nurse executive advocacy. Conclusion These findings highlight the need for interventions that focus on improving communication at the bedside and in transitions of care, enhancing educational interventions, and developing patient-centered care systems, which translate into a higher quality end-of-life experience for patients and their family members. Nurse executives are currently an underused resource in end-of-life care but are poised to be able to champion innovative models and a culture of change that integrates high-value care for patients with serious and chronic illnesses.
Direct measurement of crack shielding in ceramics by the application of Raman microprobe spectroscopy

Raman microprobe spectroscopy was employed to measure stresses in ceria partially stabilized zirconia/alumina (Ce-TZP/Al 2 O 3 ) composites toughened by transformation zone shielding. The near crack-tip stresses in in situ loaded compact specimens were measured by measuring stress-induced shifts in the frequency of a Raman peak corresponding to the tetragonal zirconia phase. The peak shift as a function of the applied stress was separately calibrated using a ball-on-ring flexure test. Both analytical function-fitting methods and numerical methods that determine centroids were evaluated for measuring the shift in the frequency with applied stress. A method based on locating the centroid of the intensity peak with a moving range of frequencies was selected because it gave the best correlation between the frequency shift and the applied stress. The stresses measured within an inner core of the transformation zone (∼30 μm), where the volume fraction of the transformed monoclinic phase was essentially constant, were used to estimate a local crack-tip stress intensity ( K l ). The amount of total crack shielding (Δ K s ) was then estimated from the applied stress intensity ( K a ) and the estimated local crack-tip stress intensity. Comparisons with the predictions of two different theories of zone shielding indicated that transformation toughening models can account for 80 to 89% of the measured crack shielding, depending upon the value of the crack-tip stress intensity assumed in the models.
Decreased insulin secretion by isolated pancreatic islets from rats fed 4% protein diet.

AbstractMale weanling rats were fed either 4 or 16% (control) protein diets for 10 to 12 weeks. The animals were administered an i.v. injection of 30% glucose solution (3 g/kg body wt) and glucose tolerance was determined. The glucose tolerance in rats fed low protein diets was not significantly different from that of the control rats, indicating that clearance of high blood glucose levels in the animals fed low protein diets was not affected.Using a collagenase digestion technique, islets of Langerhans were isolated from another set of animals fed 4% or control diets. When these islets were perifused with a medium containing glucose, there was a typical biphasic insulin secretory response. The isolated islets from low protein fed rats exhibited considerably low insulin secretory response when exposed to medium containing 16.7 mM glucose (300 mg/dl), although no difference was found in the pancreatic insulin content of normal and low protein fed rats. This indicates that decreased insulin secretion could ...
The Influence of Small Defects on Tensile Specimen Ductility and Symmetry of Deformation

Abstract : The quantitative translation of physical weld quality into structural integrity prediction depends on accurate characterization of weld material behavior in the presence of fabrication defects. The presence of such defects will, however significantly influence the response of common material test specimens. If the influence of such defects is fully understood, test specimen data may be interpreted in a more meaningful way. The role of a physically relevant geometric imperfection, in the form of a spherical void defect, on cylindrical tensile specimen response is computationally simulated for HY-100 weld metal. Defect radius and location along the specimen axis are treated as independent parameters. Asymmetry of specimen deformation (in terms of specimen neck location) and specimen ductility (in terms of the reduction of area at failure) are computationally predicted. Keywords: Weld metal, Tensile necking, Void defect, Energy density, Tensile specimen, Fracture toughness.
Use of home test kits for detection of lead and cadmium in ceramic dinnerware

Commercial home test kits are advertised as a convenient means for assessing heavy metal hazards in old ceramic dinnerware. This paper reports investigations carried out with four commercial kits for detection of lead (Pb) and one for detection of cadmium (Cd) on pre-1970s ceramic dishes subsequently subjected to 24-h leaching tests with 4% acetic acid to determine heavy metal release. With the lead kits, fewer than 10% of dishes leaching greater than 3.0 μg Pb/ml yielded negative results (i.e. false negatives). When the cadmium kit was used according to manufacturer's instructions, 29% of dishes leaching greater than 0.5 μg Cd/ml yielded false negatives. Home lead test kits appear to be useful for screening of old dinnerware, but the cadmium kit may not be suitable for this purpose.
The Role of Men in Chronic Supervisory Neglect

This study investigates whether parents' child care demand and resources, their capacity to provide adequate supervision, and their understanding of the supervision problem predict chronic supervisory neglect. A case-comparison design was used to compare families who had one isolated incident of supervisory neglect, who were involved with child protective services (CPS) because of a persistent supervision problem (2 years or less), and who were involved with CPS because of a chronic supervision problem (more than 2 years). When the mother's partner was not the father of her children or had a drug, alcohol, or mental health challenge, and when no one understood that there was a supervision problem or took responsibility for it, the problem was more likely to persist or become chronic. Therefore, when predicting whether a family will continue to provide inadequate supervision, it is important to also assess the mother's partner.
Measuring Multi-Joint Stiffness during Single Movements: Numerical Validation of a Novel Time-Frequency Approach

This study presents and validates a Time-Frequency technique for measuring 2-dimensional multijoint arm stiffness throughout a single planar movement as well as during static posture. It is proposed as an alternative to current regressive methods which require numerous repetitions to obtain average stiffness on a small segment of the hand trajectory. The method is based on the analysis of the reassigned spectrogram of the arm's response to impulsive perturbations and can estimate arm stiffness on a trial-by-trial basis. Analytic and empirical methods are first derived and tested through modal analysis on synthetic data. The technique's accuracy and robustness are assessed by modeling the estimation of stiffness time profiles changing at different rates and affected by different noise levels. Our method obtains results comparable with two well-known regressive techniques. We also test how the technique can identify the viscoelastic component of non-linear and higher than second order systems with a non-parametrical approach. The technique proposed here is very impervious to noise and can be used easily for both postural and movement tasks. Estimations of stiffness profiles are possible with only one perturbation, making our method a useful tool for estimating limb stiffness during motor learning and adaptation tasks, and for understanding the modulation of stiffness in individuals with neurodegenerative diseases.
Assessment of Patient and Family Needs During an Inpatient Oncology Experience

Little research has been conducted to discern the specific needs of patients with cancer and their family members, despite the number of oncology-related hospital admissions each year. The purpose of this descriptive study was to determine the specific needs of patients and family members during an inpatient oncology admission. A convenience sample of 54 participants (27 patients and 27 family members) was obtained. The most important needs identified by patients related to information and communication about their medical care, the competence of their caregivers, cleanliness of the care environment, and adequacy of pain management. Family members' most important needs were similar, with the addition of needs related to visitation and specific discharge information. The least important needs identified by both groups related to information about the hospital setting, having the same nurse provide care, support from nonfamily members, and speaking with the physician daily. Patients and family members look to establish a level of trust in their care providers. The trust does not seem to depend on consistency of practitioners, but rather on communication among caregivers, which enables patients and their families to feel better prepared for an unknown future. In addition, a need exists to improve communication among patients, families, and nursing staff through intentioned conversations.
Microvessel endothelial cells and pericytes increase proliferation and repress osteoblast phenotypic markers in rat calvarial bone cell cultures

To investigate the influence of microvessel cells on osteoblasts, we exposed osteoblast-enriched cultures of rat calvarial cells to cultured endothelial cells and pericytes using feeder-layer co-cultures, co-culture dish inserts, and conditioned media experiments. When co-cultured with growth-arrested feeder-layers of endothelial cells or pericytes for 10 days, bone cell cultures showed an increase in cell number and reduction in alkaline phosphatase activity. The response of bone cells to endothelial cells was nearly twice their response to pericytes. A similar response was demonstrated by exposure to microvessel cells in co-culture dish inserts and by exposure to media conditioned by microvessel cells. In long-term cultures of bone cells, the levels of osteocalcin and the number of mineralized nodules both were reduced by exposure to media conditioned by the microvessel cells. Transient exposure to conditioned media from the microvessel cell cultures for 3 days, during the period from initial plating to cell confluence, produced nearly the same effect on the cultures of bone cells as did continuous exposure to these conditioned media. The influence of isolated microvessel cells on osteoblast-enriched calvarial cells was found to be primarily mitogenic, mediated by soluble factors, independent of cell contact, and a cause of prolonged reduction in the expression of early and late markers of the osteoblast phenotype.
Degradation of the antineoplastic drug, clomesone (2-chloroethyl(methylsulfonyl) methanesulfonate, NSC-338947). A kinetic and mechanistic study

Clomesone (2-chloroethyl(methylsulfonyl)methanesulfonate) is a chloroethylating agent with known antineoplastic activity. The effects of pH, buffers (concentration and type), ionic strength, solvent isotopes and various nucleophiles on the kinetics of clomesone degradation have been investigated using a stability-indicating, high-performance liquid chromatographic assay. To probe the mechanism of degradation further, the kinetic experiments were supplemented by analysis of the products of degradation using gas chromatography, a chloride-specific electrode and mass spectrometry, as well as by solvent isotope studies. The pH-rate profile of clomesone was sigmoidal with a significant enhancement of the rate of degradation being observed at higher pH values. The change in rate observed with increasing pH was paralleled by a change in the nature of the reaction products. At low pH, hydrolysis of the sulfonate ester via cleavage of the CO bond and production of chloroethanol, appears to be the dominant pathway of degradation. At higher pH values, a mechanism involving intramolecular alkylation appears to operate, resulting in the production of a compound whose mass spectra is consistent with a cyclic sulfonate (sultone). The change in mechanism with changing pH was consistent with the acidic pKa value of 10.62 for clomesone which has been determined previously by spectrophotometry to be 10.71. The degradation of clomesone was found to be accelerated by added halide ions due to nucleophilic catalysis. Finally, the pH-rate profile of ethyl(methylsulfonyl)methanesulfonate, a structurally related compound, was determined and compared with that of clomesone.
Embankment reliability versus factor of safety: Before and after slide repair

Probabilistic slope stability analyses incorporate more information regarding the input variables than do traditional deterministic analyses. Consequently, more information is contained in the results. A probabilistic method for slope stability analysis for very general problems was presented by Wolff and Harr.1 The method allows analysis of a broad range of slope stability problems. In this Application Brief, the method is reviewed and used to illustrate the significant change in reliability of a dam slope from the time of an actual slide to the time the slide was repaired by the construction of a rock toe berm.
Ecological and Evolutionary Aspects of Integumentary Respiration: Body Size, Diffusion, and the Invertebrata

SYNOPSIS. Most animal phyla lack specialized respiratory surfaces and all phyla contain groups that, for some part of their life history, depend entirely upon integumental diffusion of respiratory gases. Animals that are diffusion-limited, yet function aerobically are generally small with large surface areas and there has been convergence for this among all phyla including the coelomate invertebrates. Acoelomates lack specialized respiratory structures but have highly modified integuments, functional specializations, and features ranging from symbioses to air gulping that compensate for diffusion limitation. The diversity of structures functioning for integumentary respiration is much greater among invertebrates than vertebrates. Among the higher invertebrates with respiratory surfaces, accessory integumentary O2 uptake is usually 20 to 50% of total respiration. The high diffusion constant of O2 in air minimizes boundary effects on gas transfer and permits larger body size, although this is limited by dry conditions. Terrestrial annelids and flatworms, both confined to moist habitats, are larger than aquatic forms which often have accessory gills. Size differences between terrestrial forms in these two phyla reflect the presence of a circulation in the annelids. Ontogenetic transitions from skin breathing to other respiratory structures occur among marine invertebrates and vertebrates. Vertebrates apparently exercise greater integratory control over integumental respiration through adjustment of ventilation and perfusion; however, it is not known if these processes occur in some invertebrates.
pH-sensing properties of poly(aniline) ultrathin films self-assembled on indium-tin oxide.

The structural and functional properties of ultrathin (<5 nm) poly(aniline) (PANI) films deposited on indium−tin oxide (ITO) have been investigated using electrochemical and attenuated total reflec...
The association between law enforcement encounters and syringe sharing among IDUs on skid row: a mixed methods analysis.

The legal environment is one factor that influences injection drug users’ (IDUs) risk for HIV and other bloodborne pathogens such as hepatitis C virus (HCV). We examined the association between law enforcement encounters (i.e., arrests and citations) and receptive syringe sharing among IDUs in the context of an intensified policing effort. We conducted a mixed methods analysis of 30 qualitative and 187 quantitative interviews with IDUs accessing services at a Los Angeles, CA syringe exchange program from 2008 to 2009. Qualitative findings illustrate concerns related to visibility, drug withdrawal, and previous history of arrest/incarceration. In quantitative analysis, the number of citations received, current homelessness, and perceiving that being arrested would be a “big problem” were independently associated with recent syringe sharing. Findings illustrate some of the unintended public health consequences associated with intensified street-level policing, including risk for HIV and HCV transmission.
Emerging Biological Therapies in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a prototypic inflammatory autoimmune disorder characterized by multisystem involvement and fluctuating disease activity. Symptoms range from rather mild manifestations such as rash or arthritis to life-threatening end-organ manifestations such as glomerulonephritis or thrombosis. Virtually every organ system is subject to potential damage. Symptoms typically wax and wane over the course of the disease; yet unfortunately, many patients will experience a slow decline in their health because of the ongoing systemic inflammation. Effective treatment must be individualized and is often based on the specific manifestations that are seen in each patient. In a similar manner, prognosis is also dependent on the severity and the specific organ systems involved.
A drawback of current anti-virus simulations: the need for background traffic

Although the most basic simulations of worm spread require the simulation of only the traffic generated by the malcode, when modeling the effects of antiworm techniques the results can be misleading if the background traffic is not taken into consideration. Despite the need for background traffic, no anti-worm simulation to date incorporates general traffic in the model.In this work I introduce a simple model of background traffic generation for arbitrary size networks. My approach builds on a traffic generation model for security testing and is validated against the predictions of the base model.
Incidence of Bartholin's duct occlusion after superficial localized vestibulectomy.

Objective The objective of the study was to analyze the incidence of occlusion of Bartholin's ducts after the procedure of superficial localized vestibulectomy for severe vulvar vestibulitis. Study Design One hundred fifty-five women underwent modified superficial vestibulectomy for severe primary or secondary vestibulitis between 1989 and 2007. Charts were reviewed and data were calculated regarding occlusion of Bartholin's ducts. Database software was FileMaker Pro 5 (FileMaker, Inc, Santa Clara, CA). SPSS 16.0 (SPSS, Inc, Chicago, IL) calculated means. Results Fourteen of 155 women (9%) had small blisters noted at a Bartholin's duct site after healing. Of these, 6 (43%) noted local symptoms related to sexual arousal. Surgical unroofing was attempted in 8 (62%) and corrected symptoms in all but 1. The subject with remaining symptoms notes deep pain with arousal suggestive of Bartholin's adenitis. Conclusion The incidence of duct ostium occlusion after superficial modified vestibulectomy was 9%, and only half had symptoms. Methods of surgical treatment of the occlusion are compared.
Hatching Jar That is Inexpensive and Simple to Assemble

Abstract Construction of an inexpensive hatching jar is described. The jar is made from a disposable plastic soft-drink bottle and plastic pipe components. Each unit can be assembled in approximately 5 min at a cost of less than $2.00.
Evans's 'The Turducken' And Chekhov's 'The Seagull'

In his article "Evans's The Turducken and Chekhov's The Seagull" Brian R. Johnson approaches The Turducken as a travesty of The Seagull, examining six iconic scenes from The Seagull, in order to explore the satirical effect of the altered scenes. In December of 2008, Bedlam Theatre of Minneapolis presented The Turducken, "a holiday dinner theater spectacular inspired by Anton Chekhov's The Seagull." Playwright Josef Evans takes Chekhov's 1895 work and turns the classic piece into a musical and farcical satire. The plot of The Turducken follows the plot of The Seagull, and some scenes in The Turducken are recognizable as scenes from Chekhov's play, albeit in a significantly altered form. The framing of The Seagull within The Turducken serves as meta-commentary on the misreception and misinterpretation of Chekhov in the United States and establishes a predominant line of satire within the piece. However, the greater part of the satire and humor in The Turducken stems from the liberal rewriting and reinterpretation of The Seagull. Brian R. Johnson, "Evans's The Turducken and Chekhov's The Seagull" page 2 of 10 CLCWeb: Comparative Literature and Culture 14.4 (2012):
National identity (de)construction in recent independent cinema: Kirill Serebrennikov’s Yuri’s Day and Sergei Loznitsa’s My Joy

This article examines two contrasting phenomena in the portrayal of Russian nationhood in recent independent film, what some have called ‘neo-chernukha’ and ‘neo-populist’ films. While films of the former continue to deconstruct and debunk myths of Russian nationhood prevalent in the media, the latter group reveals a new tendency among auteur and art-house filmmakers to construct affirmative, albeit fraught, narratives of social identification, often by recycling cultural tropes and traditions such as Christian collectivism and kenoticism. The article gives close analysis of a representative film from each group, Sergei Loznitsa’s My Joy (2010) and Kirill Serebrennikov’s Yuri’s Day (2008), as well as a number of other examples, and attempts to situate these films in the broader discourse of Russian nationhood.
Multislip spatial filtered pseudocolor holographic imaging

Abstract A technique of pseudocolor encoding of spatial holographic imaging by a multslit rainbow process is illustrated. The encoding takes place at the spatial frequency plane of a coherent optical processor. The pseudocolor hologram imaging is obtained by white light reconstruction of the multiplexed rainbow hologram. The basic advantage of this technique as compared with the multiwavelength technique is the elimination of multicoherent sources. This multislit technique provides a simple encoding process for which a broad range of pseudo-color holographic images can be easily obtained. The potential applications of this technique may range from aerial photography for remote sensing to X-ray transparencies for medical diagnosis.
Parathyroid hormone–related peptide (1 to 34) inhibits in vitro oxytocin-stimulated activity of pregnant baboon myometrium

Abstract OBJECTIVES: We sought to determine the in vitro effect of parathyroid hormone–related protein fragment 1 to 34 on oxytocin precontracted myometrium from baboons in late gestation and to explore possible regional uterine differences in responsiveness comparing muscle strips from the lower uterine segment, posterior and anterior corpus, and fundus. STUDY DESIGN: We used cumulative concentration response (1 to 100 nmol/L) curves to parathyroid hormone–related protein (1 to 34) in isolated strips of baboon myometrium obtained at cesarean hysterectomy of 6 pregnant baboons in the last third of pregnancy. RESULTS: Parathyroid hormone–related protein (100 nmol/L) decreased both amplitude and frequency of contraction. The maximum effect of parathyroid hormone–related protein on the amplitude of contractions was greater than saline solution (2-way analysis of variance, F ratio 424.0, P F ratio 1.342, P = .286). The maximum effect of parathyroid hormone–related protein on the frequency of contractions was greater than saline solution (2-way analysis of variance, F ratio 162.5, P F ratio=0.682, P = .572). CONCLUSION: Parathyroid hormone–related protein completely inhibited the contractile effect of high doses of oxytocin in the lower segment, corpus, and fundus of the baboon uterus. No difference in response of myometrium was obtained from different regions of the uterus. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1998;179:492-6.)
Use of remotely-sensed information in agricultural crop growth models

Abstract Four techniques are described for incorporating remotely-sensed information into agricultural crop growth models. The techniques are demonstrated using a simple model of the above-ground growth of a uniform maize monoculture. Use of remotely-sensed data as model input is relatively simple but requires frequent observations. Infrequent observations may be used to update the model simulation, but final results are sensitive only to the latest observation. Re-initialization and re-parameterization may be used to adjust model initial conditions and parameter values to fit simulated growth to remotely-sensed observations.
Molecular Characterization of hCTR1, the Human Copper Uptake Protein

Abstract We have expressed hCTR1, the human copper transporter, in Sf9 cells using a baculovirus-mediated expression system, and we observed greatly enhanced copper uptake. Western blots showed that the protein is delivered to the plasma membrane, where it mediates saturable copper uptake with aK m of ∼3.5 μm. We also expressed functional transporters where the N-linked glycosylation sites were substituted, and we provided evidence for the extracellular location of the amino terminus. Accessibility of amino-terminal FLAG epitope to antibody prior to permeabilization and of carboxyl-terminal FLAG only after permeabilization confirmed the extracellular location of the amino terminus and established the intracellular location of the carboxyl terminus. Tryptic digestion of hCTR1 occurred within the cytoplasmic loop and generated a 10-Da carboxyl-terminal peptide; cleavage was prevented by the presence of copper. hCTR1 mutants where Cys-161 and Cys-189, the two native cysteines, were replaced with serines also mediated copper uptake, indicating that neither cysteine residue was essential for transport. However, the mutants provided evidence that these residues may stabilize hCTR1 oligomerization. Western blots of hCTR1 in Sf9 cells showed expression levels 100-fold higher than in mammalian (HepG2) cells. The high level of functional expression and the low level of endogenous copper uptake will enable future structure-function analysis of this important protein.
Thermodynamics of polystyrene solutions. I. Interaction parameters and polymer order

Abstract The Maron theory was used to deduce from mostly osmotic pressure and light-scattering data the interaction parameters as a function of concentration, temperature, and polymer molecular weight for solutions of polystyrene in seven different solvents. These interaction parameters were then utilized to calculate the activity coefficients of the solvent in more concentrated solutions for comparison with experimental values deduced from vapor pressure measurements. When order was absent in the polymers (all cases but two), the agreement between calculated and observed activity coefficients was found to be very good. In the two cases where order was present, the activity coefficients observed in the concentrated solutions were higher than those calculated. These deviations were employed to find the degree of polymer order both in solution and in the original polymers.
A cross-validation procedure for general pedigrees and matched odds ratio fitness metric implemented for the multifactor dimensionality reduction pedigree disequilibrium test

As genetic epidemiology looks beyond mapping single disease susceptibility loci, interest in detecting epistatic interactions between genes has grown. The dimensionality and comparisons required to search the epistatic space and the inference for a significant result pose challenges for testing epistatic disease models. The Multifactor Dimensionality Reduction Pedigree Disequilibrium Test (MDR-PDT) was developed to test for multilocus models in pedigree data. In the present study we rigorously tested MDR-PDT with new cross-validation (CV) (both 5- and 10-fold) and omnibus model selection algorithms by simulating a range of heritabilities, odds ratios, minor allele frequencies, sample sizes, and numbers of interacting loci. Power was evaluated using 100, 500, and 1000 families, with minor allele frequencies 0.2 and 0.4 and broad-sense heritabilities of 0.005, 0.01, 0.03, 0.05, and 0.1 for 2 and 3-locus purely epistatic penetrance models. We also compared the prediction error measure of effect with a predicted matched odds ratio for final model selection and testing. We report that the CV procedure is valid with the permutation test, MDR-PDT performs similarly with 5 and 10- fold CV, and that the matched odds ratio is more powerful than prediction error as the fitness metric for MDR-PDT.
2π steradian coverage transmit-receive lasercom system using smart multiplexing of multiplexed optical scanners

Wide area (such as 2π steradian) coverage transmit-receive lasercom sub-system is proposed. The lasercom sub-system design utilizes recently proposed new beam scanning approach called Multiplexed Optical Scanner Technology (MOST) that promises high-speed reconfiguration, low power consumption, large aperture, and wide coverage desired for agile, low cost, and easy to install free-space optical link system. The stringent sub-system goals are met by introducing the concept of 'Multiplexing' at both the scanner interconnection level and the light property level . The scanner interconnections can be parallel or serial or both. The light properties that can be multiplexed include polarization, time, wavelength, space, and spatial codes. Manipulating the mentioned parameters of light, various multiplexed optical scanners (MOSs) can be realized. The highly sought after lasercom sub-system design will consist of two or more MOSs combined together in a smart fashion.
Efficient synthesis of the cyclopentanone fragrances (Z)-3-(2-oxopropyl)-2-(pent-2-en-1-yl)cyclopentanone and Magnolione®

Abstract This paper describes the selective syntheses of two cis-isomer-enriched cyclopentanone fragrances: ( Z )-3-(2-oxopropyl)-2-(pent-2-en-1-yl)cyclopentanone (four steps, 62% overall yield, 67% cis) and Magnolione ® (five steps, 60% overall yield, 55% cis). In addition, the asymmetric synthesis of (3a R ,7a S )-5-methyl-2,3,3a,4,7,7a-hexahydro-1 H -inden-1-one as well as (3a′ R ,7a′ S )-5′-methyl-2′,3′,3a′,4′,7′,7a′-hexahydrospiro[[1,3]dioxolane-2,1′-indene] has been realized by an efficient kinetic resolution, which enables the selective synthesis of the 2 S ,3 R -isomer-enriched 3 and 4 .
Heat capacities of pent-1-ene (10 K to 320 K), cis-hex-2-ene (10 K to 330 K), non-1-ene (10 K to 400 K), and hexadec-1-ene (10 K to 400 K)☆☆☆

Abstract Heat capacities and phase-transition enthalpies measured by adiabatic calorimetry are reported for pent-1-ene (10 K to 320 K), cis -hex-2-ene (10 K to 330 K), non-1-ene (10 K to 400 K), and hexadec-1-ene (10 K to 400 K). Entropies and enthalpies relative to the crystals at T → 0 are derived. Results are compared with published heat-capacity results for less pure samples of pent-1-ene and hexadec-1-ene.
Vibration-induced geometric patterns of persistent holes in Carbopol gels

Abstract New results are presented for the behavior of viscoplastic, aqueous polymer gels of Carbopol 940 when subjected to vertical, mechanical vibration. The vibrations were at frequencies in the range 40–100 Hz, and at accelerations of 5–35 times that of gravity. It is shown that, upon vibration, samples form persistent holes in a regular, geometric pattern. Because the gels are viscoplastic, the holes persist even when vibration ceases. Depending on the sample mass and vibration conditions, 1–7 holes form at regular angular intervals, and at a constant radial distance from the sample center. Increasing the sample mass can lead to the formation of a second ring of holes, at a larger radius, and at angular positions midway between those in the inner ring. The holes form reproducibly over a range of accelerations, with the critical acceleration for the onset of hole formation increasing linearly with the vibration frequency. Qualitatively the hole arrangement is surprisingly similar to two-dimensional surface shapes derivable from lubrication theory of a Newtonian fluid that has been modified to include a destabilizing rheological hysteresis in response to the vibration.
An Exploration of Students' Belongingness Beliefs in One Middle School.

In this study, the author explored students' conceptions of belongingness on the basis of past and current school contexts and analyzed how conceptions did or did not change over time and from one school context to another. The participants included 6th-, 7th-, and 8th-grade students (N = 45) who attended a newly formed charter school in a large metropolitan city in the Southwestern United States. The author used interview methods to obtain both closed- and open-ended student responses. Results suggested that students varied in their belongingness conceptions, with some students emphasizing the importance of interpersonal relationships and others emphasizing academic achievement or opportunity. The author used the results to generate a model of belonging that combines students' perceptions of the school climate for others with their perceived level of fit within it. The author also describes implications for future research on student belongingness.
Ethics in the technology industry

Summary form only given as follows. Ethical behavior appears to be the norm, at least in the firm studied, if respondent's indications can be taken as evidence of their behavior. The type of ethical dilemma faced appears to affect behavior with bribery being by far the most common unethical act. It is interesting to note that bribery is the only dilemma, which would appear to be beneficial to the firm, at least in the short run. The other four vignettes focused upon issues, which would tend to affect the respondent more than the firm. The analysis of the rationale for the response provided some insight into the respondents thought process. It also demonstrated that, in many cases at least, the vignettes were taken seriously by the respondents. Ethics, values and integrity appear to be important issues with many respondents. An interesting extension of this study would be to collect data from a manufacturing firm and a service firm. This would provide interesting comparisons of indicated actions and rationale among the three types of firms.
An Ensemble Study of Wet Season Convection in Southwest Amazonia: Kinematics and Implications for Diabatic Heating

Dual-Doppler radar data from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission Large Scale Biosphere‐Atmosphere Experiment in Amazonia (TRMM-LBA) field campaign are used to determine characteristic kinematic and reflectivity vertical structures associated with precipitation features observed during the wet season in the southwest region of Amazonia. Case studies of precipitating systems during TRMM-LBA as well as overarching satellite studies have shown large differences in convective intensity associated with changes that develop in low-level easterly flow [east regime (ER)] and westerly flow [west regime (WR)]. This study attempts to examine the vertical kinematic and heating structure of convection across the spectrum of precipitation features that occurred in each regime. Results show that convection in the ER is characterized by more intense updrafts and larger radar reflectivities above the melting level, in agreement with results from lightning detection networks. These regime differences are consistent with contrasts in composite thermal buoyancy between the regimes: above the boundary layer, the environment in the ER is characterized by a greater virtual temperature excess for near-surface rising parcels. Both regimes showed a peak in intensity during the late afternoon hours, as evidenced by radar reflectivity and
Solvent Reorganization Energy and Entropy in Hydrophobic Hydration

Monte Carlo simulations of methane in water at 25, 65, and 160 °C are used to obtain the water binding energy as a function of distance from the solute, average water pair interaction energies in the first and second solvation shell, the triplet solute−water oxygen−water oxygen correlation function, the water orientational distribution with respect to the solute as a function of distance from the solute, and water−water orientational correlation functions in the first and second solvation shells. The calculated correlation functions are used in conjunction with the inhomogeneous forms of the energy equation and the correlation expansion for the entropy [Lazaridis, J. Phys. Chem. 1998, 102, 3531] to calculate the solvent reorganization energy and entropy. It is shown that these quantities contain two large contributions of opposite sign: a positive contribution from the exclusion of solvent molecules by the solute and a negative contribution from the orientational arrangement of water next to the solute. ...
Detection of DNA damage induced in vivo following exposure of rats to carcinogens.

ABSTRACTAnalkalineelutionassaypreviouslyusedtodetectsingle-strandbreaksinDMAofculturedmammaliancellshasbeenmodifiedtoallowtheanalysisofDMAdamageinvariousorgansofratsfollowingexposuretochemicalcarcinogens.Priortoexposure,theDMAofneonatalanimalswaslabeledwith[3H]thymidine.DNAdamagewasassessedinliver,lung,thymus,brain,kidney,stomach,duodenum,colon,bonemarrow,andmammarygland.Dimethylnitrosamine,diethylnitrosamine,4-nitroquinolme1-oxide,2-acetylaminofluorene, N-hydroxyacetylamino-fluorene,aflatoxinB,,1,2-dimethylhydrazine,azoxymeth-ane,benzidine-HCI,and7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthraceneinducedthegreatestextentofDNAdamageintargetorgansforcarcinogenicity.Invivoexposuretoseveraldirect-actingalkylatingagents,includingW-methyl-N'-ni-tro-N-nitrosoguanidine, N-methyl-N-nitrosourea, N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea, methylmethanesulfonate, andethylmethanesulfonate, causedsignificantDNAdamageintargetandnon-targettissues.Dose-relatedincreasesintheDNAelutionpatternswereobserved.DNArepairtime,asmeasuredbythereturntoanormalelutionpattern,variedfromaslittleas24hrfor4-nitroquinoline1-oxidetoaslongas7daysfordimethylnitrosamine. TheinvivoDNAdamage-alkalineelutionassayoffersarapidandreliableassayforassessmentoftheabilityofacompoundtoinduceDNAdamage.INTRODUCTIONManycarcinogens havebeenshowntointeractwithcellularDNAinanumberofwaysincludingalkylation,intercalation,cross-linking,andphosphotriesterformation.Theseandothercarcinogen-macromolecule interactionshavebeenreviewedrecently(7,10,19).Invivoexposuretocarcinogensalsohasbeenshowntoinducesingle-strandbreaksinDNAfromseveralorgans.Inmostinvestigations,ASG's2wereusedtomonitorDNAdamageinratliverwhichhadbeenprelabeledwithradioactivethymidinefollowingpartialhepatectomy(1,4,5,18,21,22).Studiesdemonstrating carcinogen-induced DNAdamageinotherorgansutilizedrodentslabeledasneonates(2,3,8,13,30).Recently,nonradioactiveDNAassaysalsohavebeenmodifiedforassessmentoftheextentofobservedDNAdamage
Vocational Rehabilitation and Special Education Partners in Transition for Individuals with Learning Disabilities

A full range of transition services are now available to eligible individuals with learning disabilities through vocational rehabilitation agencies in each state. However, the differences in professional jargon and the academic focus of special education versus the employment outcome emphasis of vocational rehabilitation (VR) have created roadblocks to collaboration between these two agencies. This article describes the purpose of vocational rehabilitation and the service delivery process for individuals with learning disabilities in transition from school to work or postsecondary education settings. Suggestions are also made to prepare families and students with learning disabilities, VR counselors, and special educators to become effective partners in the transition process.
SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF MACROGLOSSIA IN CHILDREN

This report reviews the most common causes of macroglossia in children and discusses common treatment options. Surgical techniques are also presented.
Determinants of Hepatitis C Virus Treatment Completion and Efficacy in Drug Users Assessed by Meta-analysis

An estimated 170 million people globally and 5 million people in the United States are infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV), with injection drug use as the major transmission route [1]. Fifty percent to 80% of those exposed to HCV will develop chronic infection that can ultimately lead to hepatic fibrosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and cirrhosis [2]. Until recently, pegylated interferon/ribavirin (PEG-IFN/RBV) had been the standard treatment for all hepatitis C genotypes, resulting in viral eradication in approximately 50% of treated patients [3, 4]. Recent approval of boceprevir [5] and telaprevir [6] for HCV genotype 1–infected patients simultaneously increased treatment efficacy and its complexity, necessitating rigorous adherence to medication administration to mitigate development of resistant variants. In the United States, the majority of prevalent and incident HCV infections occur in drug users (DUs) [7]. Unfortunately, however, HCV treatment uptake remains low among DUs. Namely, less than one-third of patients referred to specialty clinics appear for evaluation and <20% of those evaluated initiate antiviral therapy [8–10]. DUs often cite discomfort encountered in conventional medical venues as a primary obstacle limiting pursuit of an HCV evaluation [8]. Consequently, HCV therapeutic effectiveness in DUs is an issue of treatment access, acceptance, and adherence rather than drug efficacy [11]. Understanding the factors that influence adherence of DUs to PEG-IFN/RBV has relevance to more complex treatment regimens, such as those that include boceprevir and telaprevir. While many factors that influence treatment outcome are unmodifiable, treatment approaches tailored to DUs could be pursued. To determine the influence of support services on HCV treatment completion and therapeutic success, we conducted a meta-analysis of studies on DUs treated with PEG-IFN/RBV. Because most of these studies have relatively small sample sizes, their aggregation through meta-analysis increases statistical power and facilitates generation of evidence-based conclusions.
In Vitro Global Gene Expression Analyses Support the Ethnopharmacological Use of Achyranthes aspera

Achyranthes aspera (family Amaranthaceae) is known for its anticancer properties. We have systematically validated the in vitro and in vivo anticancer properties of this plant. However, we do not know its mode of action. Global gene expression analyses may help decipher its mode of action. In the absence of identified active molecules, we believe this is the best approach to discover the mode of action of natural products with known medicinal properties. We exposed human pancreatic cancer cell line MiaPaCa-2 (CRL-1420) to 34 μg/mL of LE for 24, 48, and 72 hours. Gene expression analyses were performed using whole human genome microarrays (Agilent Technologies, USA). In our analyses, 82 (54/28) genes passed the quality control parameter, set at FDR ≤ 0.01 and FC of ≥±2. LE predominantly affected pathways of immune response, metabolism, development, gene expression regulation, cell adhesion, cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulation (CFTR), and chemotaxis (MetaCore tool (Thomson Reuters, NY)). Disease biomarker enrichment analysis identified LE regulated genes involved in Vasculitis—inflammation of blood vessels. Arthritis and pancreatitis are two of many etiologies for vasculitis. The outcome of disease network analysis supports the medicinal use of A. aspera, viz, to stop bleeding, as a cure for pancreatic cancer, as an antiarthritic medication, and so forth.
Sovereign Debt after NML v. Argentina

The conventional wisdom is that sovereigns repay their debts not because they fear litigation but because they wish to preserve their reputation in the capital markets or because they have some other incentive to repay. The ongoing case of NML Capital v. Argentina has the potential to shatter this consensus. A panel of the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit has approved a novel injunction, which requires Argentina to make full payment to holdouts who declined to participate in its post-2001 debt restructuring if the country intends to pay restructuring participants. The decision has caused market turmoil and may have broader systemic consequences. Most notably, if made broadly available to creditors, injunctions of this sort would increase bondholders’ incentives to hold out, undercutting official-sector efforts to encourage private sector involvement in debt restructurings.This brief article provides both modern and historical context to highlight the significance of NML v. Argentina. The case is important both for its interpretation of the pari passu clause — some version of which appears in nearly all sovereign bonds — and for the novelty of its injunctive remedy. The practical import of the court’s interpretation is that the pari passu clause represents a promise not to restructure, or at least not to restructure using common techniques that sovereigns have employed since the inception of the bond markets.
Histopathology of iatrogenic injury in the colorectum

Abstract Medical interventions may cause histologic changes and injury to the colorectal mucosa. Many of these changes overlap with one another and with medical gastrointestinal disease, such as inflammatory bowel disease. This review focuses on common causes of iatrogenic injury and the histologic patterns seen on mucosal biopsies. Topics covered include: 1. Endoscopy-induced artefacts, including mucosal pseudolipomatosis, pneumatosis coli, crush and cautery artefacts, and disinfectant colitis; 2. Changes induced by surgery and other therapies, including diversion colitis, radiation colitis, and graft versus host disease; and 3. Changes induced by drugs and toxins, including melanosis coli, chemotherapy, non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory drugs, mycophenolate, kayexalate, and bowel preparations.
Quantification of Wolbachia copy number in Trichogramma eggs (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae): Lysozyme treatment significantly improves total gene yield from the Gram-negative bacterium.

The Wolbachia bacterium is one of the most prevalent endosymbionts of arthropods. The bacterium is known to induce four distinct reproductive manipulations in its various hosts; namely, cytoplasmic incompatibility, feminization, male killing and parthenogenesis induction. The bacterial titer has been thought to have an important role in expression of these phenotypes. Although host eggs of the bacterium are the place where all of the manipulations take place, in most cases, they are not big enough to be subjected to mechanical disruption to extract genetic materials from them. Furthermore, DNA extraction protocols generally involve washing steps in which part of the DNA is lost. With the simple three step digestion protocol we developed, we were able to preserve the whole genome and measure the titer of Wolbachia in individual Trichogramma eggs by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which was comparable to the titer by visual observation.