cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mediated relationships between the constituents of service quality and behavioural intentions: a study of women's college basketball fans

Although service quality research has been widely conducted in sport and leisure settings, there has been relatively little research examining consumers' perceptions of service quality in collegiate sporting events, particularly women's sports. In addition, much scrutiny has been given to the servicescape and its effect on consumer satisfaction, but relatively little attention has been given to other constituents of service quality in the context of spectator sports. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the effects of service attributes on perceived service quality, and to explore how consumer satisfaction in women's college basketball mediates the relationship between consumers' perceived service quality and their behavioural intentions to attend future games. The results provide important information about service evaluation in sport settings which can be considered by sport marketers when developing their overall strategy to deliver higher service quality to achieve a competitive advantage in the marketplace.
Can We Trust Social Capital

This essay looks at the literature on social capital from the perspective of game theory. It reviews Bowling Alone by Robert Putnam and Social Capital: A Multifaceted Approach edited by Partha Dasgupta and Ismail Serageldin.
Quantitative considerations to self-centering magnetic suspensions with permanent magnets

Center containment and simultaneous support of rotating bodies by forces between two permanent magnets has become a technical reality due to high-coercive force magnets. The Self-Centering principle is described and experimental results are reported as examples for the advantages of the new arrangement over conventional magnetic bearings. Performance tests of prototype units are described concerning the damping conditions and the centering functions. Centering forces and supporting forces can be adjusted independently to meet changing requirements by positioning of the axle by an end bearing or by ac-forces. The actual forces measured for barium ferrite units are compared with the forces measured for samarium cobalt units. Typical values show the samarium cobalt units to be up to 25 times stronger (by weight) and up to 40 times better (per unit volume) than barium ferrite bearings, forces were measured in excess of 100 times the weight of the magnets. Analytical, computerized studies for the basic forces have been made for optimization and the design for combinations of many units for high stiffness requirements.
Diabetes increases excretion of urinary malonaldehyde conjugates in rats

The effect of streptozotocin-induced diabetes on the urinary excretion of thiobarbituric acid test-positive materials was examined. In diabetic rats, urinary excretion of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances was increased 5-fold over that in nondiabetic animals. High-performance liquid chromatography of urine samples revealed that five of the six fractions previously found to be increased in vitamin E deficiency [Lee, H.-S., Shoeman, D.W., and Csallany, A.S. (1992)Lipids 27, 124–128] were also significantly increased in streptozotocin-induced diabetes. The data suggest that a high level of oxidative stress is induced by uncontrolled diabetes in rats.
Managing the patient with diabetes mellitus and heart failure: issues and considerations.

Heart failure affects nearly 5 million Americans and is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. It is now recognized that activation of multiple neurohormonal systems is intrinsic in the pathophysiology of heart failure. Patients with diabetes mellitus are at high risk for heart failure, and some of the complications of diabetes (e.g., insulin resistance) contribute to the development and progression of heart failure, partly because of their effects on neurohormonal systems. Pharmacologic intervention directed toward these systems (i.e., angiotensin-converting enzyme [ACE] inhibition, use of aldosterone antagonists, and β-adrenergic blockade) has been shown to decrease the morbidity and mortality associated with heart failure. Despite this knowledge, ACE inhibitors, aldosterone antagonists, and β-blockers are grossly underused, and deaths and hospitalizations due to heart failure have steadily increased. Guidelines for the management of heart failure recommend the use of ACE inhibitors and β-blockers in patients with mild, moderate, or severe disease. Aldosterone antagonists are recommended in severe heart failure, and recent data also support their use in mild to moderate heart failure. Concerns about the increased incidence of hypoglycemia, worsening dyslipidemia, and decreased insulin sensitivity with β-blocker use may be preventing physicians from prescribing these agents for patients with diabetes with heart failure. Although evidence from earlier clinical trials justifies some of these concerns, newer vasodilating β-blockers (e.g., carvedilol) have been shown to have a neutral or positive effect on dyslipidemia and insulin resistance. β-Blockade in conjunction with ACE inhibition should be standard therapy for all patients with diabetes who have heart failure. Furthermore, early in-hospital initiation of neurohormonal intervention can provide earlier benefit to these patients.
A survey of vector optimization in infinite-dimensional spaces, Part 2

The present survey deals with the state of vector optimization as a mathematical discipline. In this context, the optima are generally defined as maximal pointsy 0 with respect to a partial order on the criteria space. The survey is restricted to a discussion of that literature which deals with pointsy 0 which satisfy a maximality condition with respect toy 0-comparable criteria values; papers which are based on a maximality condition satisfied for all admissible criteria values are included only in a supplementary bibliography. For the former, all aspects of the optimization process are surveyed, ranging from questions of existence to the treatment of duality. Particular attention is paid to questions of proper maximality. The discussion is based on a broad range of definitions and selected theorems from the literature.
Design of a multimodality breast-like phantom for combined diffuse optical tomography and ultrasound tomography (DOT-UST)

The initial steps in fabricating a multimodality imaging phantom for combined diffuse optical tomography and ultrasound tomography (DOT-UST) are completed. Phantoms are intended to mimic the optical and acoustic properties of breast tissue for near infrared light and ultrasound in the vicinity of 2 MHz. So far, a prototype ultrasound tomography system has been designed and the acoustic attenuation coefficient of glass beads has been characterized. Furthermore, 8 cm diameter homogeneous cylindrical phantoms have been successfully constructed and it has been shown that an inclusion with object to background contrast of three can be comfortably detected with the prototype system.
Mechanics of Transcription Elongation Through The Nucleosome Using Single-Molecule and Biochemical Methods

Transcription initiation and elongation in the eukaryotic nucleus occur in the context of chromatin. DNA wrapped around the histone core in the nucleosome constitutes a major obstacle to transcription. For transcription to occur, nucleosomes must be removed from the downstream DNA template. Numerous biochemical data indicate that this nucleosome disruption is a temporary event, with nucleosomes quickly reforming in the already transcribed portion of the template. We use a combination of single-molecule approaches (Magnetic Tweezers) and biochemical methods to investigate the mechanics of transcription elongation through nucleosomes. Specifically, we have performed real-time transcription experiments with chromatin templates (208-18 DNA based) and T7 RNA Polymerase. The disassembly of 18 nucleosomes is expected to increase tether length by ∼700 nm (each nucleosome is replaced by naked DNA of ∼146 bp). We observe changes in tether length, the size of which corresponds to diassembly of single nucleosomes. We can say so far that transcription through the nucleosomal array results in disassembly of the nucleosomes. Some additional lengthening occurs as a result of changes in the geometry of the fiber (mutual disposition of nucleosomes, DNA entry-exit angles, etc.)
A Historical Addendum to Billow’s (2005) Review of Lipgar and Pines’ Edited Volumes on W.R. Bion

(2006). A Historical Addendum to Billow’s (2005) Review of Lipgar and Pines’ Edited Volumes on W.R. Bion. International Journal of Group Psychotherapy: Vol. 56, No. 4, pp. 495-500.
Willy Loman and the "Soul of a New Machine": Technology and the Common Man

As Death of a Salesman opens, Willy Loman returns home “tired to the death” (p. 13). Lost in reveries about the beautiful countryside and the past, he's been driving off the road; and now he wants a cheese sandwich. But Linda's suggestion that he try a new American-type cheese — “It's whipped” (p. 16) — irritates Willy: “Why do you get American when I like Swiss?” (p. 17). His anger at being contradicted unleashes an indictment of modern industrialized America:The street is lined with cars. There's not a breath of fresh air in the neighborhood. The grass don't grow any more, you can't raise a carrot in the back yard. (p. 17).In the old days, “This time of year it was lilac and wisteria.” Now: “Smell the stink from that apartment house! And another one on the other side…” (pp. 17–18). But just as Willy defines the conflict between nature and industry, he pauses and simply wonders: “How can they whip cheese?” (p. 18).The clash between the old agrarian ideal and capitalistic enterprise is well documented in the literature on Death of a Salesman, as is the spiritual shift from Thomas Jefferson to Andrew Carnegie to Dale Carnegie that the play reflects. The son of a pioneer inventor and the slave to broken machines, Willy Loman seems to epitomize the victim of modern technology.
White Button Mushroom Phytochemicals Inhibit Aromatase Activity and Breast Cancer Cell Proliferation

Estrogen is a major factor in the development of breast cancer. In situ estrogen production by aromatase/estrogen synthetase in breast cancer plays a dominant role in tumor proliferation. Because natural compounds such as flavones and isoflavones have been shown to be inhibitors of aromatase, it is thought that vegetables that contain these phytochemicals can inhibit aromatase activity and suppress breast cancer cell proliferation. Heat-stable extracts were prepared from vegetables and screened for their ability to inhibit aromatase activity in a human placental microsome assay. The white button mushroom (species Agaricus bisporus) suppressed aromatase activity dose dependently. Enzyme kinetics demonstrated mixed inhibition, suggesting the presence of multiple inhibitors or more than one inhibitory mechanism. "In cell" aromatase activity and cell proliferation were measured using MCF-7aro, an aromatase-transfected breast cancer cell line. Phytochemicals in the mushroom aqueous extract inhibited aromatase activity and proliferation of MCF-7aro cells. These results suggest that diets high in mushrooms may modulate the aromatase activity and function in chemoprevention in postmenopausal women by reducing the in situ production of estrogen.
Periostin promotes renal cyst growth and interstitial fibrosis in polycystic kidney disease.

In renal cystic diseases, sustained enlargement of fluid-filled cysts is associated with severe interstitial fibrosis and progressive loss of functioning nephrons. Periostin, a matricellular protein, is highly overexpressed in cyst-lining epithelial cells of autosomal-dominant polycystic disease kidneys (ADPKD) compared with normal tubule cells. Periostin accumulates in situ within the matrix subjacent to ADPKD cysts, binds to α V β 3 and α V β 5 integrins, and stimulates the integrin-linked kinase to promote cell proliferation. We knocked out periostin ( Postn ) in pcy/pcy mice, an orthologous model of nephronophthisis type 3, to determine whether periostin loss reduces PKD progression in a slowly progressive model of renal cystic disease. At 20 weeks of age, pcy/pcy : Postn -/- mice had a 34% reduction in kidney weight/body weight, a reduction in cyst number and total cystic area, a 69% reduction in phosphorylated S6, a downstream component of the mTOR pathway, and fewer proliferating cells in the kidneys compared with pcy/pcy : Postn +/+ mice. The pcy/pcy Postin knockout mice also had less interstitial fibrosis with improved renal function at 20 weeks and significantly longer survival (51.4 compared with 38.0 weeks). Thus, periostin adversely modifies the progression of renal cystic disease by promoting cyst epithelial cell proliferation, cyst enlargement, and interstitial fibrosis, all contributing to the decline in renal function and premature death.
5.5.3 Predicting USMC SBIR Phase I to II Transition Success by Evaluating Use of Systems Engineering Capabilities

Defense research & development budget cuts, increased pressure from the acquisition community to find research funding, and a congressional directive enforced by the under secretary of defense for acquisition and technology have created a climate where the u.s. marine corps SBIR program must improve its ability to transition technology it develops into acquisition programs. One approach to accomplishing this is by applying systems engineering to the SBIR process. Though no formal systems engineering process exists for its SBIR program, the marine corps wishes to understand the relationship between the systems engineering capability of phase I SBIR projects and their likelihood of transition to phase ii. This study seeks to shed light on that question.
Optimal power allocation in distributed multiple-radar configurations

A performance driven power allocation scheme is proposed for target localization in widely distributed multiple-radar architectures. For a total transmitted power goal, power may be uniformly allocated among all transmit stations. This will result with a specific target location estimation mean-square error (MSE) that may be evaluated using the Cramer-Rao bound (CRB). However, in the case of target tracking, where previous knowledge of the system exists, uniform allocation might not be the most energy efficient method. In this paper, the following optimization problem is considered: find an optimal power allocation among the transmit radar stations, such that the total transmitted energy is minimized for a given performance objective. To address this problem, the Karush-Kuhn-Tucker (KKT) conditions for the resulting nonconvex optimization problem are formulated and a set of parallel, non-overlapping, optimization problems is derived. This approach supports distributed processing of the optimal power allocation. Additionally, the analytical expressions provide imperative understanding of the relation between the system characteristics and the manner in which power is allocated. It is shown that uniform power allocation is not in general optimal and that considerable power savings may be attained through power adaptation.
High-Resolution Mutation Mapping Reveals Parallel Experimental Evolution in Yeast

Understanding the genetic basis of evolutionary adaptation is limited by our ability to efficiently identify the genomic locations of adaptive mutations. Here we describe a method that can quickly and precisely map the genetic basis of naturally and experimentally evolved complex traits using linkage analysis. A yeast strain that expresses the evolved trait is crossed to a distinct strain background and DNA from a large pool of progeny that express the trait of interest is hybridized to oligonucleotide microarrays that detect thousands of polymorphisms between the two strains. Adaptive mutations are detected by linkage to the polymorphisms from the evolved parent. We successfully tested our method by mapping five known genes to a precision of 0.2–24 kb (0.1–10 cM), and developed computer simulations to test the effect of different factors on mapping precision. We then applied this method to four yeast strains that had independently adapted to a fluctuating glucose–galactose environment. All four strains had acquired one or more missense mutations in GAL80, the repressor of the galactose utilization pathway. When transferred into the ancestral strain, the gal80 mutations conferred the fitness advantage that the evolved strains show in the transition from glucose to galactose. Our results show an example of parallel adaptation caused by mutations in the same gene.
Microwave spectrum and molecular structure parameters for the 1,2-cyclohexanedione (monoenolic)–formic acid dimer

Abstract The microwave spectrum for the 1,2-cyclohexanedione (monoenolic)–formic acid dimer was measured for four isotopologues in the 4.5–9 GHz range using a Flygare–Balle type spectrometer. Rotational and distortion constants ( A , B , C , D J , D JK ) were obtained. Measured rotational constants were used in a least squares fit to determine some of the gas phase structural parameters of the dimer. Rotational constants and distortion constants of the parent isotopologue are A = 2415.044(18) MHz, B = 543.6907(2) MHz, C = 451.6663(2) MHz, D J = 0.0220(13) kHz, and D JK = 0.119(31) kHz. The experimental hydrogen bond lengths are 1.97 A, somewhat longer than the values calculated using gaussian 09 with MP2/6-311++G**.
Geographical Acts: Place, Performance, and Pedagogy

The idea that New York dominates American theater is something of an uncritical commonplace. Despite the original work produced in diverse venues from mainstream regional theaters to improvised performance spaces in cities with distinctive performance cultures such as Los Angeles, Chicago, or Minneapolis, the idea that this work can be legitimated only once it hits the Great White Way or points just off persists, reinforced not only by critics in the New York papers, especially the New York Times, but also by scholars based elsewhere in the US. Even those documenting theater that could not have emerged in New York often seem obliged to end there. A recent review in this journal of three books on theaters of color includes two that privilege the arrival in New York of Asian American and Latino writers and performers, despite the fact that theaters associated with both groups have closer relations with writers and audiences in California and other points in the Southwest. To be sure, one of these books, Jose, Can You See? (1999), by Alberto Saindoval-Sanchez, notes that the "visibility of Latino theatre began... with the establishment in 1965 of Teatro Campesino in California" (105), but his book focuses, as its subtitle indicates, on Latinos on and off Broadway instead of on the more varied Chicano performances that have emerged in California, Texas, New Mexico, and Chicago since Teatro Campesino. Furthermore, rather than engaging the critique of the mainstreaming of founding institutions such as the formerly activist Teatro Campesino, articulated by scholars such as Yvonne Broyles-Gonzalez, Jose, Can You See? follows what reviewer Rena Fraden calls, with a certain irony, an "uplifting trajectory" from "negative stereotypes" to "agency and empowerment" (Fraden 203). While Sandoval-Sanchez allows that "nationalist and ethnic labels are no longer capable of completely representing...identities that are plural, hybrid, and in flux," he nonetheless asserts unequivocally that "through theater," US Latino/ as "can articulate new forms of identity" that offer "models for agency and empowerment" (Sandoval-Sinchez 123) and implies at
Nonlinear Evolution of Large-Scale Density Structure

The current observational facts on the very nonlinear regions of the universe on scales < 1 Mpc may be summarized as follows: (1) The peak density contrast is always of order δρ/ρ ~104±1 (2) The velocity dispersion in these regions is normally distributed, with a remarkably constant σ(v) ~ 700 X (2) ±1 km s−1 (1–dim). (3) The systematic velocity deviation from pure Hubble flow (infall) near these regions (at least in one case—the Local Supercluster) is of the order of 300 km s −1 at radii of Hor ~ 1500 km s −1. (4) The radial density profiles appear to be power-laws “softened” at the origin. Typically δρ/ρ ∞ (const. + r) −2.5±.5. (5) The velocity dispersion very far from the highly nonlinear regions is of order σ(v) ~ 100 X (2) ±1 km s −1 (1–dim).
Collection of autologous peripheral blood stem cells in steady state

Cells normally present in the circulation are capable of providing sustained haematopoietic function in a manner similar to cells normally present in the bone marrow, when transplanted to an autologous or allogeneic recipient. The function of these circulating cells is not known, but they may serve as a reservoir of haematopoietic stem cells which can migrate via the blood stream to sites of need when called upon, thereby providing a protective role. In the past, these cells were collected from the blood during steady-state marrow function to serve as both autologous and allogeneic graft products for transplantation. While this application has since been abandoned in favour of mobilized blood stem-cell transplantation, laboratory investigation of non-mobilized circulating stem cells will be needed if a full understanding of their purpose and function is to be learned.
Is There an Association Between Left Sided Radiation Therapy and Breast Arterial Calcification on Long-term Cardiac Events in Patients with Breast Cancer?

Purpose: There are multiple studies suggesting association between left sided breast radiation therapy (RT) and increased incidence of coronary artery disease. Most of these studies are older and it is presumed the risk may be lower with modern radiation planning techniques. The aim of this study is to evaluate the association between the left sided RT and cardiac events in patients with breast cancer (BC) who underwent RT in more recent times and also to evaluate if breast arterial calcifications (BAC) seen on mammogram in this cohort of group would predict for cardiac events.
On the Design of Loss Functions for Classification: theory, robustness to outliers, and SavageBoost

The machine learning problem of classifier design is studied from the perspective of probability elicitation, in statistics. This shows that the standard approach of proceeding from the specification of a loss, to the minimization of conditional risk is overly restrictive. It is shown that a better alternative is to start from the specification of a functional form for the minimum conditional risk, and derive the loss function. This has various consequences of practical interest, such as showing that 1) the widely adopted practice of relying on convex loss functions is unnecessary, and 2) many new losses can be derived for classification problems. These points are illustrated by the derivation of a new loss which is not convex, but does not compromise the computational tractability of classifier design, and is robust to the contamination of data with outliers. A new boosting algorithm, SavageBoost, is derived for the minimization of this loss. Experimental results show that it is indeed less sensitive to outliers than conventional methods, such as Ada, Real, or LogitBoost, and converges in fewer iterations.
A Comprehensive Strategy for Accurate Mutation Detection of the Highly Homologous PMS2

Germline mutations in the DNA mismatch repair gene PMS2 underlie the cancer susceptibility syndrome, Lynch syndrome. However, accurate molecular testing of PMS2 is complicated by a large number of highly homologous sequences. To establish a comprehensive approach for mutation detection of PMS2, we have designed a strategy combining targeted capture next-generation sequencing (NGS), multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification, and long-range PCR followed by NGS to simultaneously detect point mutations and copy number changes of PMS2. Exonic deletions (E2 to E9, E5 to E9, E8, E10, E14, and E1 to E15), duplications (E11 to E12), and a nonsense mutation, p.S22*, were identified. Traditional multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification and Sanger sequencing approaches cannot differentiate the origin of the exonic deletions in the 3′ region when PMS2 and PMS2CL share identical sequences as a result of gene conversion. Our approach allows unambiguous identification of mutations in the active gene with a straightforward long-range-PCR/NGS method. Breakpoint analysis of multiple samples revealed that recurrent exon 14 deletions are mediated by homologous Alu sequences. Our comprehensive approach provides a reliable tool for accurate molecular analysis of genes containing multiple copies of highly homologous sequences and should improve PMS2 molecular analysis for patients with Lynch syndrome.
UNIT OPERATIONS FOR GENERATION OF INTACT OR UNIT KERNELS OF SWEET CORN

The mechanical removal of sweet-corn kernels from the cob by cutting or scraping leads to waste, loss of nutritional value, and loss of yield. Solutions to this problem are being developed by food engineers and plant breeders by modifying the mechanical separation method and by modifying the raw product processing characteristics. The goal of this work is to achieve the removal of intact kernels (“unit” kernels) from the cob. Preliminary tests comparing processing of conventional cut corn with unit kernel corn indicate the latter can result in a reduction in the effluent during washing (up to 80% reduction based on total carbon analysis) and water blanching (50% reduction), in increased yields which approach the total available edible portion (20% greater yield than cut corn on a per kernel basis), and in increased opportunity for in-field processing. Two mechanical techniques are under investigation. One of these employs a cutter which breaks away the kernel pedicel from presorted ears. A second removes kernels by applying a rubbing action to rows of kernels on ears which have been split lengthwise. Inherited modifications of the cob such as development of vestigial glume varieties with kernels that are easily detached from the cob may complement the improved technology for processing intact or unit kernel sweet corn.
Helix breakers in block copolypeptides

The ability of residues of type Y to disrupt the helix formed by residues of type X has been studied in X-Y-X-block copolypeptides. The degree of polymerization of each X-block is so large that it can be considered to be infinite. Matrix methods are used to obtain a general expression for the helix content of the central residue in the Y-block. The resulting expression is specialized to the case where the statistical-weight matrix is of dimensions 2 × 2, with elements, 1, 1, σs, and s. The behavior is evaluated for physically realistic values of σ and s. Two useful generalizations emerge: (1) The ability of the Y-block to disrupt the helix is determined primarily by the value of s for residues of type Y. Helix disruption does not correlate well with the helix content of a Y-homopolymer of infinite degree of polymerization. (2) In contrast, the ability of the X-block to resist the influence of the Y-block is determined primarily by the helix content of the X-block. It does not correlate well with s for residues of type X. A random-coil region in a Y-block that continues into the following X-block is more stable if residues of type X have a large value of σ because there is helix initiation in the X-block. It is this influence of σ that prevents a correlation between s and the ability of the X-block to resist the disruptive influence of the Y-block.
Reply to: Turner, R.E., 2014. Discussion of: Olea, R.A. and Coleman, J.L., Jr., 2014. A Synoptic Examination of Causes of Land Loss in Southern Louisiana as Related to the Exploitation of Subsurface Geologic Resources, Journal of Coastal Research, 30(5), 1025–1044; Journal of Coastal Research, 30(6), 1330–1334.

INTRODUCTION To a large extent, geology is a science of solving inverse problems based on some data and scientific principles. Solutions to these types of problems are not unique, especially when using different data, invoking different principles, or both. It is not surprising that the discussant and we have reached different conclusions on the same specific issue of land loss along the coast of Louisiana because we use different observations and view those observations in a different context. The objective of this reply is to orient the reader, who then can decide which approach is more likely to be the correct analysis.
Training for the Next Generation of Coastal Management Practitioners

Abstract Vinhateiro, N.; Sullivan, K.A., and Mcnally, C.G., 2012. Training for the next generation of coastal management practitioners. The complex and interconnected problems facing the world's coastal zones require solutions that bridge science and policy and integrate a range of stakeholder perspectives. The next generation of coastal practitioners will therefore need a wide-ranging set of problem-solving skills and the ability to collaborate across disciplines. As graduates of the Coastal Institute Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship (IGERT) Project at the University of Rhode Island, we were participants in a multidisciplinary curriculum for students interested in the complex issues of coastal ecosystem management. Here we discuss aspects of the curriculum that were transformative from a graduate student perspective, as well as aspects that presented challenges. Fundamentally, the training provided us: (i) the opportunity to gain multidisciplinary knowledge working with a broad net...
Algae-P relationships, thresholds, and frequency distributions guide nutrient criterion development

We used complementary information collected using different conceptual approaches to develop recommendations for a stream nutrient criterion based on responses of algal assemblages to anthropogenic P enrichment. Benthic algal attributes, water chemistry, physical habitat, and human activities in watersheds were measured in streams of the Mid-Atlantic Highlands region as part of the Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program of the US Environmental Protection Agency. Diatom species composition differed greatly between low- and high-pH reference streams; therefore, analyses for criterion development were limited to a subset of 149 well-buffered streams to control for natural variability among streams caused by pH. Regression models showed that TP concentrations were ;10 lg/L in streams with low levels of human activities in watersheds and that TP increased with % agriculture and urban land uses in watersheds. The 75 th percentile at reference sites was 12 lg TP/L. Chlorophyll a and ash-free dry mass increased and acid and alkaline phosphatase activities decreased with increasing TP concentration. The number of diatom taxa, evenness, proportion of expected native taxa, and number of high-P taxa increased with TP concentration in streams. In contrast, the number of low-P native taxa and % low-P individuals decreased with increasing TP. Lowess regression and regression tree analysis indicated nonlinear relationships for many diversity indices and attributes of taxonomic composition with respect to TP. Thresholds in these responses occurred between 10 and 20 lg/L and helped justify recommending a P criterion between 10 and 12 lg TP/L to protect high- quality biological conditions in streams of the Mid-Atlantic Highlands.
Mapping applications to the RaPiD configurable architecture

The goal of the RaPiD (Reconfigurable Pipelined Datapath) architecture is to provide high performance configurable computing for a range of computationally-intensive applications that demand special-purpose hardware. This is accomplished by mapping the computation into a deep pipeline using a configurable array of coarse-grained computational units. A key feature of RaPiD is the combination of static and dynamic control. While the underlying computational pipelines are configured statically, a limited amount of dynamic control is provided which greatly increases the range and capability of applications that can be mapped to RaPiD. This paper illustrates this mapping and configuration for several important applications including a FIR filter, 2-D DCT, motion estimation, and parametric curve generation; it also shows how static and dynamic control are used to perform complex computations.
Policies related to opioid agonist therapy for opioid use disorders: The evolution of state policies from 2004 to 2013

ABSTRACTBackground: State Medicaid policies play an important role in Medicaid enrollees' access to and use of opioid agonists, such as methadone and buprenorphine, in the treatment of opioid use disorders. Little information is available, however, regarding the evolution of state policies facilitating or hindering access to opioid agonists among Medicaid enrollees. Methods: During 2013–2014, we surveyed state Medicaid officials and other designated state substance abuse treatment specialists about their state's recent history of Medicaid coverage and policies pertaining to methadone and buprenorphine. We describe the evolution of such coverage and policies and present an overview of the Medicaid policy environment with respect to opioid agonist therapy from 2004 to 2013. Results: Among our sample of 45 states with information on buprenorphine and methadone coverage, we found a gradual trend toward adoption of coverage for opioid agonist therapies in state Medicaid agencies. In 2013, only 11% of states in...
Accurate and Efficient BER Calculation by Statistical Simulation Based on Physical Transmit Jitter Model

Statistical analysis provides an efficient alternative to the traditional Monte Carlo simulation for extremely low BER calculation in high speed serial link designs. Transmitter (TX) jitter posts a huge challenge in statistical simulation due to its pattern- and time-dependent nature and the resulting computational complexity. This paper presents a fast yet rigorous approach to calculate TX jitter in statistical simulation based on physical models of various jitter components. The approach accurately captures effects of uncorrelated random jitters, jitter amplification by channel dispersion, frequency dependency of periodic jitter and data duty-cycle-distortion.
Clinical Trial Insurance Coverage for Cancer Patients under the Affordable Care Act

Abstract Background Participation in cancer clinical trials has been shown to increase overall survival with minimal increase in cost, but enrollment in adult cancer clinical trials remains low. One factor limiting enrollment is lack of insurance coverage, but this barrier should be reduced under the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), which includes a provision requiring coverage for clinical trial participation as of 2014. Methods To assess the number of Kansas adults aged 19–64, newly covered with health insurance for participation in oncology clinical trials as a result of the ACA, a cross sectional design using extracted data from the 2012 American Community Survey, Public Use Microdata Sample to estimate the number of individuals covered by insurance and data from the 2014 Department of Health and Human Services Health Insurance Marketplace enrollment to estimate those newly enrolled through ACA. Results In 2014, there was an estimated increase of 3% (54,397; 95% CI: 44,149–64,244) for a total of 72% (1,171,041) of Kansans aged 19 to 64 with health insurance coverage for clinical trial participation. Conclusion Three main factors limit the effectiveness of the ACA provisions in expanding clinical trial coverage: 1) ‘grandfathered’ self-funded employer plans not subject to state Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) regulations, 2) Medicaid coverage limits not addressed under the ACA, 3) populations that remain uninsured. Kansas saw a negligible increase in insurance coverage as a result of the ACA thus lack of insurance coverage is likely to remain a concern for cancer patients.
An Application of Evidence Theory to Subject Matter Expert based Technology Portfolio Analysis

Technology portfolio management remains a challenging problem, especially in the context of gas turbine component design. The future performance of yet-to-be designed components is inherently uncertain, necessitating statistical methods and subject matter expert knowledge. Estimates of the appropriate parameter settings often must come from disciplinary experts, who may disagree with each other due to varying experience and background. Components interact non-linearly through their aerodynamic, thermal, and mechanical linkages. Because of these linkages, new technologies in one component may induce secondary impacts in other engine components. Thus, technology portfolio analysis for gas turbines is further complicated by the dynamics of component interaction. Various techniques have been proposed to solve the technology portfolio analysis problem for gas turbine engines. Many of these techniques are deterministic or require the user to make many assumptions regarding the probability distributions of future technologies’ performance. This paper explores the application of a newly proposed evidence theory based technique to subject matter expert driven technology portfolio planning. Authors of this paper recently proposed this technique that offsets some of the problems faced by using deterministic or traditional probabilistic approaches in such cases. One focus of this paper is the demonstration of the steps required to setup a modeling and simulation environment, formulate the multiobjective problem, and produce results using current modeling and optimization tools. Another focus of this paper is a description of the subject matter expert elicitation process, an evaluation of the subject matter expert data required, and a sensitivity analysis of the portfolio solution results with respect to subject matter expert error.
A simple light-scattering method for detecting soluble immune complexes in human serum.

A simple assay based on molecular light scattering was developed to detect soluble immune complexes. In this assay the percentage of relative light scattering (% RLS) caused by complexes in buffer containing polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG) was measured with a laser nephelometer. In low concentrations of PEG (3%-5%), IgG-anti-IgG complexes formed in antigen excess scattered light more effectively than those formed in antibody excess or equivalence. Since normal serum proteins caused minimal %RLS at 3%-5% PEG, we expanded this assay to screen patient sera. For each test, the serum was used at a 1:20 dilution. The results were expressed by the defined parameter Δ%RLS = (Σ%RLS 3%-5% PEG - Σ%RLS 0%-2% PEG). For 58 normal sera Δ%RLS = 15.4%±11.3%, while for 12 sera from patients who had systemic lupus erythematosus and hypocomplementemia, Δ%RLS = 40.5%±20.0% ( P <0.001). In a comparative study of 18 sera positive for immune complexes in the Clq deviation assay, 12 were positive by %RLS.
Protection efficacy of gloves against components of the solvent in a sprayed isocyanate coating utilizing a reciprocating permeation panel.

Objectives: Determine protection effectiveness of 5-mil natural rubber latex (0.13-mm), 5-mil nitrile rubber (0.13-mm), and 13-mil butyl rubber (0.33-mm) glove materials against solvents present in a commonly used automotive clear coat formulation using a novel permeation panel. The latex and nitrile gloves were the type commonly used by local autobody spray painters. Methods: Glove materials were tested by spraying an automotive clear coat onto an automated reciprocating permeation panel (permeation panel II). Temperature, relative humidity, and spray conditions were controlled to optimize clear coat loading homogeneity as evaluated by gravimetric analysis. Solvent permeation was measured using charcoal cloth analyzed by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health 1501 method. Results: Natural rubber latex allowed 3–5 times the permeation of solvents relative to nitrile rubber for all 10 solvents evaluated: ethyl benzene, 2-heptanone, 1-methoxy-2-propyl acetate, o-xylene, m-xylene, p-xylene, n-butyl acetate, methyl isobutyl ketone, petroleum distillates, and toluene. There is a distinct behavior in solvent permeation before and after the coating dry time. Solvent permeation increased steadily before coating dry time and remained fairly constant after coating dry time. Butyl was not per meated by any of the solvents under the conditions tested. Conclusions: Commonly used 5-mil thick (0.13-mm) latex and nitrile gloves were ineffective barri ers to solvents found in a commonly used clear coat formulation. Conversely, 13-mil (0.33-mm) butyl gloves were found to be protective against all solvents in the clear coat formulation. KeywOR ds: automotive clear coats; butyl rubber; gloves; natural rubber latex; nitrile rubber; permeation; personal protective equipment; solvent
Reactive Oxygen Species Controllable Nonthermal Atmospheric Pressure Plasmas Using Coaxial Geometry for Biomedical Applications

We used a coaxial geometry to create novel nonthermal and high oxygen-rich helium plasmas to enhance the reactive oxygen species concentrations under low-voltage driving conditions. The optical emission spectra of the plasma showed that the oxygen flow affected the plasma properties, without generating oxygen plasmas. Spectra intensities of oxygen peaks of 777 and 845 nm created from helium plasmas under oxygen-rich conditions were approximately two times greater than plasmas not under oxygen rich conditions. Results indicate the efficacy of oxygen-rich helium plasma jets in biomedical applications.
Adoption of robotic sacrocolpopexy at an academic institution.

Objectives: To describe the introduction of robotic sacrocolpopexy (RSC) in a urogynecology fellowship program, including operative times and patient outcomes. Methods: Data were retrospectively extracted from all women who underwent RSC between May 1, 2009 and December 31, 2011 by a single urogynecologist with fellow and resident assistance. Patient demographics, operative times, intraoperative complications, length of hospital stay, and postoperative course were analyzed. Cases were grouped chronologically in blocks of 10 for analysis. Trend analysis of operative time was done with linear and negative binomial regression. Fisher’s exact test was used to compare complications among blocks. Results: Fifty-two patients (mean age 58.5 8.4 years) underwent RSC. The majority (75%) had stage III prolapse. Forty-one patients (79%) had concomitant procedures, including supracervical hysterectomy (44%), bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (9.6%), midurethral sling (9.6%), and lysis of adhesions (40.4%). There was no trend toward decreased operative time with increased surgical experience (linear regression P .453, negative binomial regression P .998). Mean operative time was 301.1 53.1 minutes (range 205–440). Overall complication rate was not associated with number of robotic cases performed (P .771). Nine cases (17.3%) were converted to laparotomy. Five of these occurred in the first 15 cases. There were 2 bladder injuries (3.8%) and no bowel injuries. Conclusions: Although a learning curve was not demonstrated, the adoption of RSC into a urogynecology fellowship program yields similar rates of bladder/bowel injuries, postoperative complications, and operative times when compared with other published studies.
The Role of Nano Silica in Modifying the Early Age Hydration Kinetics of Binders Containing High Volume Fly Ashes

This paper outlines the development of several sustainable binders made with 70 % replacement of ordinary portland cement (OPC) with class F and C fly ashes. The early age strength and hydration kinetics of high-volume fly ash (HVFA) binders formulated with water/binder mass ratio of 0.3 were evaluated. Additions of nano-silica (NS) were used to modify the early-age hydration kinetics, microstructure, and strength development of HVFA binders. Nano-silica-modified HVFA binders developed 1-day compressive strengths nearly double those of un-modified HVFA binders. Modification with nano-silica promoted faster nucleation and higher heat of hydration over un-modified binders. The 28-day compressive strength and density of the microstructure at late age were also improved by nano-silica modification.
Design of Temperature Measurement System for Fishing Refrigerator

In allusion to the requirement for the accuracy of temperature measurement for fresh frozen in the fishery production,this paper designs a network temperature measurement and a recording sys- tem based on embedded system,which consists of temperature measurements part and man-machine interaction management software. The temperature measurements circuit is constituted by the PT100 platinum resistance and ADT70 chip,with the LPC2109 ARM processor to implement the embedded device,and the communication between upper computer and lower computer is by means of RS-485 bus. The system design and joint debugging show that the system can be fast and efficient to measure the temperature and achieve the expected goals.
THINKING IN THE MAKING: 3D DESIGNING AND PRINTING WITH YOUNG CHILDREN AND THE CREATION OF THRESHOLDS FOR LEARNING

THINKING IN THE MAKING: 3D DESIGNING AND PRINTING WITH YOUNG CHILDREN AND THE CREATION OF THRESHOLDS FOR LEARNING