cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Propensity Score-based Comparison of Long-term Outcomes With 3-Dimensional Conformal Radiotherapy vs Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy for Esophageal Cancer

Purpose Although 3-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) is the worldwide standard for the treatment of esophageal cancer, intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) improves dose conformality and reduces the radiation exposure to normal tissues. We hypothesized that the dosimetric advantages of IMRT should translate to substantive benefits in clinical outcomes compared with 3D-CRT. Methods and Materials An analysis was performed of 676 nonrandomized patients (3D-CRT, n =413; IMRT, n =263) with stage Ib-IVa (American Joint Committee on Cancer 2002) esophageal cancers treated with chemoradiotherapy at a single institution from 1998-2008. An inverse probability of treatment weighting and inclusion of propensity score (treatment probability) as a covariate were used to compare overall survival time, interval to local failure, and interval to distant metastasis, while accounting for the effects of other clinically relevant covariates. The propensity scores were estimated using logistic regression analysis. Results A fitted multivariate inverse probability weighted-adjusted Cox model showed that the overall survival time was significantly associated with several well-known prognostic factors, along with the treatment modality (IMRT vs 3D-CRT, hazard ratio 0.72, P P P =.0038). No difference was seen in cancer-specific mortality (Gray's test, P =.86) or distant metastasis ( P =.99) between the 2 groups. An increased cumulative incidence of cardiac death was seen in the 3D-CRT group ( P =.049), but most deaths were undocumented (5-year estimate, 11.7% in 3D-CRT vs 5.4% in IMRT group, Gray's test, P =.0029). Conclusions Overall survival, locoregional control, and noncancer-related death were significantly better after IMRT than after 3D-CRT. Although these results need confirmation, IMRT should be considered for the treatment of esophageal cancer.
Genome-wide mapping of RNA structure using nuclease digestion and high-throughput sequencing

RNA structure is important for RNA function and regulation, and there is growing interest in determining the RNA structure of many transcripts. Here we provide a detailed protocol for the parallel analysis of RNA structure (PARS) for probing RNA secondary structures genome-wide. In this method, enzymatic footprinting is coupled to high-throughput sequencing to provide secondary structure data for thousands of RNAs simultaneously. The entire experimental protocol takes ∼5 d to complete, and sequencing and data analysis take an additional 6-8 d. PARS was developed using the yeast genome as proof of principle, but its approach should be applicable to probing RNA structures from different transcriptomes and structural dynamics under diverse solution conditions.
The relaxation behavior of polyamides

Abstract The results from broad-line NMR and dynamic mechanical studies on solid polymers over a broad temperature range are compared in general terms. Measurements on specific polyamides are then presented and discussed. These polyamides include four synthetic aromatic materials: poly(1, 3-phenylene isophthalamide), poly(1, 4-phenylene terephthalamide), poly(diphenylene isophthalamide), and poly(diphenylene terephthalamide), three synthetic poly (α-L-amino acids): poly(γ-benzyl L glutamate) (PγBLG), poly(L-leucine)(PLL), and poly(L-proline) (PLP), and the naturally occurring material collagen. For the aromatic polyamides an NMR line-narrowing process at 210–370°K, attributed to phenyl and phenylene motion, is found to be dependent on the polymer structure –the origins of the mechanical loss peak found in that temperature region for all four materials are discussed. The onset of side-chain motion for synthetic poly (α-L-amino acids) such as PLL and PγBLG is discussed in terms of the changes in the broad-l...
Abstract 2274: RIP1-mediated sensitivity to SN38 induced by TNF in colon adenocarcinoma cell lines

BACKGROUND: TNF is a dual role cytokine involved both in cell death and survival that is expressed in the tumor microenvironment. However, little is known about the molecular events that mark the biological outcomes of such opposite biological events. Recently, the protein kinase RIP1 has been identified as a new intermediate involved in the responses activated after DNA damage induction. PURPOSE: In this study we investigated how TNF modulates the sensitivity to SN38 in colon cancer cell lines. We focused further on HT29- and HCT116-derived cell lines in which RIP1 or RIP3 proteins expression were stably downregulated. RESULTS: We found that TNF increases cellular sensitivity to different chemotherapeutic drugs under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions over a panel of different colon adenocarcinoma cell lines. Combinations with SN38 were highly synergistic. In HT29 and HCT116 cell lines (TNF resistant and TNF sensitive respectively), we analyzed this interaction by studying P-H2-AX induction, cell proliferation (clonogenic assays and BrdU incorporation) and cell cycle distribution. To study the role of RIP1 and RIP3 on the biological responses triggered by SN38, HT29- and HCT116-derived cell lines expressing low levels of RIP1 and RIP3 were analyzed. While knockdown of RIP3 had no effect on SN38 cytotoxicity, RIP1 down regulation produced a 2.5-fold increased resistance to SN38 under hypoxic conditions. This change in SN38 sensitivity also correlated with a reduction in the levels of P-H2-AX in the presence of TNF, suggesting dependence of DNA damage induction by SN38 on RIP1. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that RIP1 may be a key intermediate in determining cell death following SN38 treatment. Additional studies in tumor samples are in progress. Citation Format: Lucia Cabal-Hierro, Peter J. O9Dwyer. RIP1-mediated sensitivity to SN38 induced by TNF in colon adenocarcinoma cell lines. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 2274. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-2274
A brief retrospective and introspective on value

Purpose – Value as a research topic within marketing is not new. The purpose of this research note is to examine how value fits within marketing in the twenty‐first century. Specifically, the emergence of service‐dominant logic has brought the concept of co‐creation of value to the forefront. This paper comments on previous definitions of research and offers insight to stimulate future theoretical developments and serve as an aid in future research.Design/methodology/approach – The paper represents a conceptual overview of previous research and offers some logical derivatives of value from the previous work and from the emergence of a service‐dominant logic in marketing.Findings – Since the paradigm shift toward service‐dominant logic, few researchers have examined value as it specifically relates to marketing theory and practice. Value as a key outcome variable is typically overshadowed by other constructs such as satisfaction, word‐of‐mouth, and loyalty.Originality/value – Key value axioms are derived f...
Ion‐Neutral Coupling in Solar Prominences

Interactions between ions and neutrals in a partially ionized plasma are important throughout heliophysics, including near the solar surface in prominences. Understanding how ion-neutral coupling affects formation, support, structure, and dynamics of prominences will advance our physical understanding of magnetized systems involving a transition from a weakly ionized dense gas to a fully ionized tenuous plasma. We address the fundamental physics of prominence support, which is normally described in terms of a magnetic force on the prominence plasma that balances the solar gravitational force, and the implications for observations. Because the prominence plasma is only partially ionized, it is necessary to consider the support of the both the ionized and neutral components. Support of the neutrals is accomplished through a frictional interaction between the neutral and ionized components of the plasma, and its efficacy depends strongly on the degree of ionization of the plasma. More specifically, the frictional force is proportional to the relative flow of neutral and ion species, and for a sufficiently weakly ionized plasma, this flow must be relatively large to produce a frictional force that balances gravity. A large relative flow, of course, implies significant draining of neutral particles from the prominence. We evaluate the importance of this draining effect for a hydrogen-helium plasma, and consider the observational evidence for cross-field diffusion of neutral prominence material.
Nonradioactive alternative to clinical mixed lymphocyte reaction.

Abstract The MLR is used clinically as a functional assay for genetic HLA disparity. Traditionally this test relies on [ 3 H]thymidine incorporation to detect T-cell proliferation as an indicator of alloantigenicity. Environmental and administrative concerns regarding radioisotope use and disposal have encouraged the development of sensitive, nonradioactive assay for T-cell alloactivation. We describe a nonradioactive alternative to the clinical MLR which uses an IL-2-dependent cell line, CTLL20.3, and MTT reduction to detect IL-2 accumulation in MLC SNs as an index of T-cell alloactivation. We first determined (a) the optimal number of CTLL20.3 cells for the assay, (b) the optimal time of SN analysis for IL-2, and (c) additional manipulations that significantly increase the assay sensitivity for IL-2. Using this assay system with patient lymphocyte combinations, we demonstrated that the CTLL20.3-MTT assays correlate well with the [ 3 H]thymidine assays of T-cell proliferation for the detection of MHC incompatibility. Indeed, the CTLL20.3-MTT assay may be slightly more sensitive than the traditional clinical MLR. Human Immunology 43:38–44 (1995)
Strip grinding introduction for thin PoP

Due to rapid growth in the mobile industry, Package-on-Package (PoP) has been widely adopted for 3D integration of logic and memory devices within mobile handsets, and other portable multimedia products, etc. Typical PoP configuration includes a logic function in the bottom package while memory dice are assembled into the top package. The TMV solution is widely adopted to reduce package warpage, to achieve a fine pitch PoP, and to stabilize stacking performance. Another big benefit of the TMV is to generate a thin structure by exposing the back side of the die using a film assist mold system. However, the trend of mobile devices is going thinner and thinner, and there is a limitation to achieve the thin PoP structure. The most difficult barrier to generate the thin PoP structure is the warpage control. In this paper, a strip grinding process is introduced as a solution to generate thinner PoP structures in overmolded packages. Applying the strip grinding process to exposed die, reducing mold clearance, and exploring double sided mold structures to reduce die/package height were also investigated.
Female delinquency in the emancipation era: a review of the literature

By the mid-1970s studies began to indicate that the era of women's emancipation had been accompanied by changes in the volume and character of female lawbreaking. In this paper, I critically review the growing literature that has attempted to measure and explain the alleged changes in female delinquency. I examine whether females have remained traditional in their delinquency patterns, whether the observed changes (if they exist at all) are real or the result of changing societal reactions, and whether female delinquents have been “masculinized” or in other ways influenced by the women's liberation movement or changing gender roles. I also review explanations of female delinquency that are derived from social control, power-control, strain, and subcultural theories. Finally, I argue that more attention needs to be given to understanding the “role strain” inherent in females' attempts to negotiate ambiguous or contradictory gender roles, and that the concept of role strain offers a promising explanation of contemporary patterns of female delinquency.
Calculation of thermal-gradient-induced stress birefringence in slab Lasers-II

A thorough analysis of the losses due to thermal-gradient-induced stresses in slab lasers is presented in which depolarization losses due to thermal-gradient-induced stresses are calculated properly by treating the changes in the dielectric impermeability tensor. In previous analyses of this problem, the approach in which the index of refraction is treated as a tensor quantity is only applicable in the limit of very small changes. Issues of how to correctly write the reduced-suffix forms of the tensors are also considered. Our formalism is then applied to an edge-pumped Yb:YAG slab laser. We consider straight-through propagation as an example of the formalism and indicate its application to the case of zigzag propagation.
Effect of population size and yield level in selection of diagnosis and recommendation integrated system (DRIS) norms

Abstract A data bank comprising over 8000 observations of yield and tissue composition was assembled from a wide range of locations and conditions. DRIS norms were developed from parts of the data bank representing different sources and chronology in its development. The effects of population size and yield level used to discriminate between high and low yielding subpopulations on the DRIS norms are studied. The results indicate that the best banks are those which are large, random and have a substantial number of high yield observations.
The effects of osmotic stress on the structure and function of the cell nucleus

Osmotic stress is a potent regulator of the normal function of cells that are exposed to osmotically active environments under physiologic or pathologic conditions. The ability of cells to alter gene expression and metabolic activity in response to changes in the osmotic environment provides an additional regulatory mechanism for a diverse array of tissues and organs in the human body. In addition to the activation of various osmotically- or volume-activated ion channels, osmotic stress may also act on the genome via a direct biophysical pathway. Changes in extracellular osmolality alter cell volume, and therefore, the concentration of intracellular macromolecules. In turn, intracellular macromolecule concentration is a key physical parameter affecting the spatial organization and pressurization of the nucleus. Hyper-osmotic stress shrinks the nucleus and causes it to assume a convoluted shape, whereas hypo-osmotic stress swells the nucleus to a size that is limited by stretch of the nuclear lamina and induces a smooth, round shape of the nucleus. These behaviors are consistent with a model of the nucleus as a charged core/shell structure pressurized by uneven partition of macromolecules between the nucleoplasm and the cytoplasm. These osmotically-induced alterations in the internal structure and arrangement of chromatin, as well as potential changes in the nuclear membrane and pores are hypothesized to influence gene transcription and/or nucleocytoplasmic transport. A further understanding of the biophysical and biochemical mechanisms involved in these processes would have important ramifications for a range of fields including differentiation, migration, mechanotransduction, DNA repair, and tumorigenesis.
Justification as a teaching and learning practice: Its (potential) multifacted role in middle grades mathematics classrooms

Abstract Justification is a core mathematics practice. Although the purposes of justification in the mathematician community have been studied extensively, we know relatively little about its role in K-12 classrooms. This paper documents the range of purposes identified by 12 middle grades teachers who were working actively to incorporate justification into their classrooms and compares this set of purposes with those documented in the research mathematician community. Results indicate that the teachers viewed justification as a powerful practice to accomplish a range of valued classroom teaching and learning functions. Some of these purposes overlapped with the purposes in the mathematician community; others were unique to the classroom community. Perhaps surprisingly, absent was the role of justification in verifying mathematical results. An analysis of the relationship between the purposes documented in the mathematics classroom community and the research mathematician community highlights how these differences may reflect the distinct goals and professional activities of the two communities. Implications for mathematics education and teacher development are discussed.
HALO: wearable lighting

What if lighting were not fixed to our architecture but becomes part of our body? Light would be only where it is needed. Buildings would light up brightly when busy, and dim down when people leave. Lighting would become more energy efficient, more personal, and colorful, tailored to individual needs. What applications beyond illumination would be possible in such a scenario? Halo is a wearable lighting device that aims to investigate this question. More specifically Halo explores the potential of body-centered lighting technology to alter appearance and create a personal space for its wearer. A ring of colored LEDs frames the wearer's face, putting her into the light she desires. Borrowing from both theatrical and photographic lighting design, Halo has several different lighting compositions that make the wearer appear happy, sad, energetic, mysterious, etc. Using a smart phone application, the wearer can switch between these modes. She can also let the application adjust automatically depending on her activities. Halo is an experimental technology that combines function and fashion---a platform to probe the future of wearable lighting.
Physical and biological processes influencing zonation patterns of a subtidal population of the marine snail, Astraea (Lithopoma) undosa Wood 1828

The population density and size distribution of the marine gastropod, Astraea (Lithopoma) undosa Wood 1828, at Bird Rock, Santa Catalina Island, CA, reveal an inverse relationship between population density and mean individual size, over a depth gradient. This trend may be correlated with physical and biological differences between habitats for parameters such as water motion, competitive interactions, and predation. The potential effect of hydrodynamic forces on the zonation patterns of Astraea undosa was tested in laboratory and field experiments. Based on theoretical predictions of the relationship between shear force and water velocity on different-sized snails, large snails are subjected to greater shear forces, as a result of water motion, than medium or small snails. Results of dislodgment experiments conducted in the laboratory indicated that for a given force per unit area, all snails dislodged at nearly the same frequency, with 50% of snails predicted to dislodge at about 4 m/s, and 100% of snails predicted to dislodge at about 8 m/s velocity. These results suggest that hydrodynamic forces may be an important factor in the shallowest subtidal zones. A factorial-designed caging experiment was used to test the effects of snail population density on growth rates of snails of three different size classes. For small and medium size classes, results indicated an inverse relationship between population density and growth rates, which was especially pronounced for smaller snails. These data, in conjunction with long-term patterns of population density and size distribution in the field, suggest that intraspecific competition also plays a role in determining size-specific zonation patterns. Tethering experiments, used to estimate predation rates in different algal-cover zones, suggest that there are no differences in survival rates among different snail size classes; however, survival rates differ among zones and may contribute further to the observed zonation patterns. Overall, data indicate that a combination of physical and biological processes controls the population density and size-distribution of Astraea undosa over a depth gradient at Santa Catalina Island, California.
CTLA4-Ig: Progress with a Novel Immunosuppressive Agent in Experimental Solid Organ Transplantation.

The process of allograft rejection is a T cell-dependent phenomenon that occurs as a result of binding of foreign antigen and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) expressed on antigen-presenting cells to the T cell receptor/CD3 complex. Evidence suggests that binding of the alloantigen-MHC complex to the T cell receptor is insufficient by itself to initiate allograft rejection and induction of T cell responses, and a second or ;costimulatory' signal is required. This costimulatory response occurs as a result of activation of a distinct T cell surface molecule, CD28, by antigen-presenting cells that express a specific surface antigen, B7, that functions as a natural ligand to CD28. A similar T cell surface molecule, encoded on human chromosome 2 adjacent to CD28 and sharing 32% homology with CD28, has been cloned and termed CTLA4. CTLA4 is a member of the immunoglobulin gene superfamily, and exists as a complex on the surface of activated T cells. A fusion protein, CTLA4-Ig, consisting of the extracellular domain of CTLA4 in combination with the constant region of the human immunoglobulin Cgamma chain, has been developed to investigate the effects of inhibition of the B7/CD28 costimulatory pathway on transplant rejection. CTLA4-Ig acts as a competitive inhibitor of CD28 by specifically binding B7 and preventing the binding of CD28 to B7. CTLA4-Ig, administered alone, has been shown to prolong graft survival in in vivo models of allo- and xeno-transplantation, as well as to potentiate the effects of other immunosuppressive agents.
Personnel Reforms and Formal Participation Structures: the Case of the Biloxi Merit Councils:

This article attempts to demonstrate that personnel reform can be implemented much more smoothly if formal employee participation groups are established to ease system development and acceptance. Based on the experience of Biloxi, Mississippi, in its implementation of a merit pay plan, the utilization of employee merit councils appears to have had a very positive effect on employee attitudes toward management and merit system acceptance. Employees who participated on the merit councils were much more likely to perceive the system as fair and as one which actually in creased individual and team productivity — when compared to those employees who did not engage in formal group participation. These results, while not unexpected, provide further evidence support ive of participative management strategies.
The Cep192-organized aurora A-Plk1 cascade is essential for centrosome cycle and bipolar spindle assembly.

As cells enter mitosis, the two centrosomes separate and grow dramatically, each forming a nascent spindle pole that nucleates a radial array of microtubules. Centrosome growth (and associated microtubule nucleation surge), termed maturation, involves the recruitment of pericentriolar material components via an as-yet unknown mechanism. Here, we show that Cep192 binds Aurora A and Plk1, targets them to centrosomes in a pericentrin-dependent manner, and promotes sequential activation of both kinases via T-loop phosphorylation. The Cep192-bound Plk1 then phosphorylates Cep192 at several residues to generate the attachment sites for the γ-tubulin ring complex and, possibly, other pericentriolar material components, thus promoting their recruitment and subsequent microtubule nucleation. We further found that the Cep192-dependent Aurora A-Plk1 activity is essential for kinesin-5-mediated centrosome separation, bipolar spindle formation, and equal centrosome/centriole segregation into daughter cells. Thus, our study identifies a Cep192-organized signaling cascade that underlies both centrosome maturation and bipolar spindle assembly.
Mangroves in Taiwan: distribution management and values

Abstract The history of change in the extent and floristic diversity of the mangrove community in Taiwan is viewed in the context of rapid economic development. The example shows loss of both species and habitat before the emergence of a concern for conservation and improvement of environmental quality. Mangroves in Taiwan stand near the limit of their range; individual plants are stunted and communities have fewer species than those in lower latitudes. The most extensive and richest natural mangrove communities once existed along the coasts of southwestern Taiwan sheltered by offshore bars. The whole western coast is subject to rapid natural progradation which, coupled with human manipulation in the form of reclamation of mud flats and canalization of drainage, has produced a highly artificial intertidal zone. Old-growth mangroves have been almost completely replaced and two species have become locally extinct in Taiwan. The traditional practice of growing mangroves to reduce erosion has been largely discontinued. Tidal mud flats have been planted in an effort to hold sediments, and these make up a very significant proportion of its total extent in Taiwan. The question of mangrove preservation in Taiwan arose in 1980 and represents an important turning point for the environmental movement. It is argued that mangroves have special qualities which recommend them as models for explaining general justification for environmental protection.
Palinspastic Maps of Central Appalachians

A map showing pre-deformation sites of various Appalachian outcrops is extremely useful in reconstructing paleogeographic relations and other matters. This paper presents two such palinspastic maps for the central Appalachians; although constructed by different methods, these maps are remarkably similar. Both maps suggest approximately 40 per cent or more of foreshortening during the final deformation of the Ridge and Valley region, and indicate that to restore any point to its pre-folding position, one must transpose it east and south by a distance that may range between 25 and 65 miles. This means, in a general way, that an Appalachian trend which now strikes N-S was originally positioned NW-SE, and that many trends now striking NE-SW had an original direction nearly N- . Both advantages and disadvantages of using the palinspastic base are considered. The Appalachian geologist is urged to plot some of his critical data on a map of this kind to determine whether or not it may reveal features unnoticed when the data are studied on a normal map. He is finally reminded that a map on a present-day geographic base, even though it be familiar and presently correct, is really the one that has been distorted from the frame of geographic reference prior to regional deformation.
The Effect of Background Subtraction on the Temperature of EIT Coronal Loops

We have selected a sample of 10 coronal loops that were clearly visible in the 171 A passband of the SOHO EIT, five on the limb and five on the disk. Our analysis was limited to 171/195/284 image "triplets"—observations taken when the instrument cycles through the different passbands during routine operations. This cycle takes only a few minutes, so each of these nonflaring structures did not change significantly during the cycle. We chose five pixels along each loop and five carefully selected background pixels. Temperature analysis was done four different ways: (1) standard EIT analysis on the five loop pixels with no background subtraction; (2) constant background subtraction for each EIT image; (3) pixel pair background subtraction; and (4) radial background array subtraction (this method works only for loops observed above the limb). Each method produced two estimates of temperature for each loop pixel, one from the 171 : 195 ratio and the second for the 195 : 284 ratio. Both ratios produced loops with a uniform temperature, but each ratio results in a statistically different temperature value, perhaps indicating that the plasma along the line of sight was not isothermal. Background subtraction did not affect the EIT temperature analysis, i.e., the results were the same with and without background subtraction. The results for loops on the limb were "cleaner;" i.e., had less scatter, than for loops on the disk. Finally, we did a similar temperature analysis with five randomly chosen pixels for each data set. The results were the same as for the loop pixels: two statistically different, uniform temperature "structures." These findings indicate that EIT ratio analysis does not generate a physically meaningful value for the electron temperature.
Modeling and analysis of vias in multilayered integrated circuits

A method for modeling and analyzing vias the multilayered integrated circuits is presented. The model is based on microwave network theory. The whole via structure is divided into cascaded subnetworks, including a vertical via passing through different layers and transitions from the microstrip line and/or striplines to the vertical via. The parameters of each subnetwork are obtained from electromagnetic field analysis. Numerical results in the frequency domain and the time domain are presented. Validation of the model has been carried out by both measurements and finite-difference-time-domain (FDTD) modeling. The results show good agreement with the measurements in the frequency range for which the components of the experimental model are within specification. The time domain simulation results also agree well with the FDTD results. >
Low Sexual Desire — Is it All in Her Head? Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder

Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) is thought to be the most prevalent form of female sexual dysfunction (FSD), affecting up to 1 in 10 US women. Hypoactive sexual desire disorder is defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR) as persistent or recurrent deficiency or absence of sexual fantasies and thoughts, and/or desire for, or receptivity to, sexual activity, which causes personal distress or interpersonal difficulties and is not caused by a medical condition or drug. This definition has recently received criticism and recommendations for changes encompass the inclusion of duration, intensity, and frequency, and the elimination of distress as a diagnostic criterion. More recently, it has been suggested that arousal and desire be combined into one disorder for the upcoming DSM-V. Causes of low desire include chronic medical conditions, medications, surgeries, and psychosocial factors, but not necessarily increased age; both pre- and postmenopausal women can have HSDD, although the frequency appears to vary by age. Sexual function requires the complex interaction of multiple neurotransmitters and hormones, both centrally and peripherally, and sexual desire is considered the result of a complex balance between inhibitory and excitatory pathways in the brain. For example, dopamine, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone play an excitatory role, whereas serotonin and prolactin are inhibitory. Thus, decreased sexual desire could be due to a reduced level of excitatory activity, an increased level of inhibitory activity, or both. A number of validated self-report and clinician-administered instruments are available for assessing female sexual function; however, most have been used primarily in clinical research trials. The Decreased Sexual Desire Screener (DSDS) was developed for practicing clinicians who are neither trained nor specialized in FSD to assist in making an accurate diagnosis of generalized acquired HSDD. As our understanding of the pathophysiology of HSDD increases, it may become easier for physicians to identify and treat women with low sexual desire.
Variance of ventilation during exercise.

Expired gas concentrations were measured during a multibreath washin of He in one female and seven male subjects at rest (seated) and during cycle exercise at work rates of 70–210 W. In a computati...
A Practical System Approach for Fully Autonomous Multi-Dimensional Structural Health Monitoring

We present an SHM system integrating both the impedance and the Lamb wave propagation method on a single board, while sharing the same DSP (Digital Signal Processing) processor and the piezoelectric patches. Three functional blocks, such as signal excitation/generation, signal sensing, and data processing, were implemented to incorporate the Lamb wave method into our existing impedance-based SHM system. Both pitch-and-catch and pulse-and-echo schemes were implemented for damage detection and location, respectively. Through synergetic integration of the two methods, our SHM system can detect various types of simulated damages on aluminum plates.
Lights, Camera, Action! Learning about Management with Student-Produced Video Assignments.

In this article, we present a proposal for fostering learning in the management classroom through the use of student-produced video assignments. We describe the potential for video technology to create active learning environments focused on problem solving, authentic and direct experiences, and interaction and collaboration to promote student learning. We argue for the use of a student-produced video assignment as a way to achieve these outcomes and present an adaptation of a project known as the Newsroom Assignment. We present details on how instructors can implement the assignment, with suggestions for future research on the use of student-produced video projects in management courses.
Current distributions for barbed plate-to-plane coronas

Corona current distributions at the ground plane of barbed plane-to-plane negative discharge configurations are measured using an X-Y traversing ground plane containing an electrically isolated probe area. The effects of barb length, barb point radius of curvature, barb pattern, applied voltage, and plane-to-plane spacing on the current distribution are examined. The current distributions are visualized with oxidation patterns on a copper ground plane. Barb tip-to-plane spacing and applied voltage control maximum current density, whereas barb length, barb spacing, and pattern govern current density uniformity. A hexagonal barb pattern is suggested for use in electrostatic precipitators. >
Analysis and experimental results for an inductively coupled near-field power transmission system

An inductively coupled near-field wireless power transmission system, consisting of transmitter and receiver coils connected via appropriate impedance matching network to source and load respectively, is analyzed to address how the properties of antennas and impedance terminations impact on the performance of such a system. This is achieved by deriving the power transfer relationship of inductively coupled resonant loops based on their equivalent circuit model. It leads to a concise formulation called near-field power transfer equation, which expresses the transferred power as a function of dimensions and intrinsic quality factors of the loops, distance between the loops, and terminating impedances at both the transmitter and the receiver. Experimental results validate the derived near-field power transfer expression.
Three-pool model of the long-term turnover of plasma cholesterol in man

The long-term turnover of plasma cholesterol was examined in six men injected intravenously with (4-14C)choles- terol. The specific radioactivity-time curves were determined for periods of 32-41 wk and were analyzed by computer ac- cording to a two-pool and to a three-pool model. In each sub- ject, the three-pool model provided a significantly better description of the long-term turnover curve than did the two- pool model. No further improvement in fit between observed and computed curves was obtained with a four-pool model. The results indicate that the turnover curves of all six subjects conformed to, and could be satisfactorily described by, a three- pool model, as expressed by the equation: specific activity = The assumption was made that exit of cholesterol from the body occurs only by way of the tissue pools which comprise the rapidly exchangeable compartment, pool 1. With this assumption, the production rate in pool 1 (PR) is equivalent to the total body turnover rate. The parameters of the three- pool model which can be calculated include PR, the size of pool 1 (MI), and the rate constants for transfer between pools. Unique values cannot be obtained for the sizes of the more slowly exchangeable pools of body cholesterol, but their upper and lower limiting values can be determined. The observed values for PR and M1 (means f SEM) were 1.13 * 0.09 g/day and 23.4 zk 1.1 g, respectively. When only the first 12 wk of data were analyzed, the turn- over curves in all subjects conformed to the two-pool model. The results so obtained were compared with those obtained with the long-term data. The medium-term data provided a valid estimate for Ml, a slightly (8-9ojo) elevated value for PR, and a quantitatively unreliable (low) estimate of total exchangeable body cholesterol, as compared with the long- term data. Previous estimates of the production rate from studies of 10-1 2 wk duration can be considered valid if reduced + AS-"^' + Ase-"Z'. by 8-9%.
On Some Modifications of the Harmonic Wavelets of T. Morita

T. Morita, following earlier work of D. E. Newland, has shown how to construct a system of harmonic wavelets via a particular “re-orthogonalization” of the standard Fourier basis for the space L2[−π,π]. His wavelets, in real form, are based on two distinct types of scaling functions. In the present paper we consider different, but related, re-orthogonalizations leading to wavelet systems which, in real form, are based on translations of a single type of scaling function and, in addition, have very attractive properties from the viewpoint of trigonometric interpolation. The cases n even and n odd lead to distinctly different scaling functions and related trigonometric interpolation formulae.
Quantifying the Effect of Changes in the Hemodialysis Prescription on Effective Solute Removal with a Mathematical Model

One potential benefit of chronic hemodialysis (HD) regimens of longer duration or greater frequency than typical three-times-weekly schedules is enhanced solute removal over a relatively wide molecular weight spectrum of uremic toxins. This study assesses the effect of variations in HD frequency (F: per week), duration (T: min per treatment), and blood/dialysate flow rates (QB/QD: ml/min) on steady-state concentration profiles of five surrogates: urea (U), creatinine (Cr), vancomycin (V), inulin (I), and beta2-microglobulin (beta2M). The regimens assessed for an anephric 70-kg patient were: A (standard): F = 3, T = 240, QB = 350, QD = 600; B (daily/short-time): F = 7, T = 100, QB = 350, QD = 600; C/D/E (low-flow/long-time): F = 3/5/7, T = 480, QB = 300, QD = 100. HD was simulated with a variable-volume double-pool model, which was solved by numerical integration (Runge-Kutta method). Endogenous generation rates (G) for U, Cr, and beta2M were 6.25, 1.0, and 0.17 mg/min, respectively; constant infusion rates for V and I of 0.2 and 0.3 mg/min, respectively, were used to simulate middle molecule (MM) G values. Intercompartment clearances of 600, 275, 125, 90, and 40 ml/min were used for U, Cr, V, I, and beta2M, respectively, For each solute/regimen combination, the equivalent renal clearance (EKR: ml/min) was calculated as a dimensionless value normalized to the regimen A EKR, which was 13.4, 10.8, 6.6, 3.7, and 4.8 ml/min for U, Cr, V, I, and beta2M, respectively. For regimens B, C, D, and E, respectively, these normalized EKR values were U: 1.04, 0.96, 1.58, and 2.22; Cr: 1.03, 1.08, 1.80, and 2.55; V: 1.06, 1.32, 2.21, and 3.12; I: 1.05, 1.54, 2.57, and 3.62; beta2M: 1.00, 1.27, 1.73, and 2.19. The extent of post-HD rebound (%) was highest for regimens A and B, ranging from 16% (urea) to 50% (inulin), and lowest for regimen E, ranging from 6% (urea) to 28% (beta2M). The following conclusions can be made: (1) Relative to a standard three-times-weekly HD regimen of approximately the same total (weekly) treatment duration, a daily/short-time regimen results in modest (3 to 6%) increases in effective small solute and MM removal. (2) Relative to a standard three-times-weekly HD regimen, a three-times-weekly low-flow/long-time regimen results in comparable effective small solute removal and progressive increases in MM and beta2M removal. A daily low-flow/long-time regimen substantially increases the effective removal of all solutes.
Perseus: retrospective on a portable operating system

We describe the operating system Perseus, developed as part of a study into the issues of computer communications and their impact on operating system and programming language design. Perseus was designed to be portable by virtue of its kernel-based structure and its implementation in Pascal. In particular, machine-dependent code is limited to the kernel and most operating systems functions are provided by server processes, running in user mode. Perseus was designed to evolve into a distributed operating system by virtue of its interprocess communication facilities, based on message-passing. This paper presents an overview of the system and gives an assessment of how far it satisfied its original goals. Specifically, we evaluate its interprocess communication facilities and kernel-based structure, followed by a discussion of portability. We close with a brief history of the project, pointing out major milestones and stumbling blocks along the way.
Design, fabrication, and testing of a near constant pressure fuel delivery system for miniature fuel cells

This paper presents two alternative designs of near constant pressure, fuel delivery system for micro fuel cells and other microfluidic devices. They provide a zero power solution for fuel storage and delivery. Both the fuel delivery systems namely, linear actuation pump and rotary actuation pump, use passive spring-driven actuation mechanism to pressurize the fuel reservoir at pressure of 6.5 and 2.0 psig, respectively. Flexible parylene bellows of 1 ml capacity are used as a fuel reservoir. The bellows are fabricated using sacrificial wax based molding technique. The structural components of the pumps are fabricated using micro-stereolithography. Commercially available miniature bearings are used in the final assembly to minimize the frictional forces in the moving parts. The test results show that these pumps can be used in microfluidic devices to pump fluid continuously at near constant design pressure. They are small in size (in the order of tens of millimeter) and also function as a package for microfluidic components. The performance of the two pumps are evaluated and compared.
Vacuum sorption pumping studies with pure gases on molecular sieves

Low-pressure, low-temperature adsorption of N2 and CO2 were studied in beds of 4A molecular sieves. System parameters were estimated by a comparison of experimental results and a molecular-flow theoretical model. Nitrogen data followed theoretical prediction. Theory adequately represented pressure above the bed for CO2, while pressure drops deviated deviated significantly from the model.
Testing of a Sliding Gate Valve for Circulation Control Wind Turbines

The application of circulation control to vertical axis wind turbines is currently being investigated as a means to increase efficiency across a broad range of wind speeds. One of the key technical hurdles of this application is the valve mechanism for controlling the airflow out of the blowing slots on each of the blades. Due to the inherent nature of such a system, many conventional valves are ill fitted for this application, as an emphasis is placed on size, weight, response time and overall power requirements. A valve design consisting of a slotted, sliding gate mated to a slotted, fixed surface within the wind turbine blade is presented. The sliding gate is actuated via a solenoid, forcing the slots into alignment and allowing air to flow freely. The gate is returned via a spring, forcing the slots out of alignment and restricting the flow of air. A testing apparatus was fabricated so that the response time, power requirements and leakage rates could be measured. Response times of less than 20 ms to open the valve are achievable with 100 W of power at the solenoid, with a closing time of less than 14 ms. The leakage through this closed valve design was measured at up to 11% of the open condition, which will require a redesign of the seating arrangement.
Retrotransposition of a mouse L1 element

Abstract Long interspersed elements (LINEs) of the L1 family represent a major class of mammalian repetitive DNA and are present at copy numbers of between 10(4) and 10(5) elements per genome. Structural similarities between L1 elements and known retrotransposons have led to the suggestion that a subset of L1 elements may function as mobile genetic elements and have thus gained their prominent place in the mammalian genome. We describe a consensus mouse L1 element that was tagged with a heterologous intron and shown to transpose by way of an RNA intermediate when transfected into baby hamster kidney cells, formally establishing L1 elements as retrotransposons. When the putative reverse transcriptase-encoding region of this L1 element was deleted, the element still underwent retrotransposition in hamster cells, suggesting that reverse transcriptase activity can be supplied by an endogenous enzyme.
Advance care planning as a shared endeavor: completion of ACP documents in a multidisciplinary cancer program.

Objective We examined the roles of oncology providers in advance care planning (ACP) delivery in the context of a multidisciplinary cancer program. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 200 women with recurrent and/or metastatic breast or gynecologic cancer. Participants were asked to name providers they deemed important in their cancer care and whether they had discussed and/or completed ACP documentation. Evidence of ACP documentation was obtained from chart reviews. Results Fifty percent of participants self-reported completing an advance directive (AD) and 48.5% had named a healthcare power of attorney (HPA), 38.5% had completed both, and 39.0% had completed neither document. Among women who self-reported completion of the documents, only 24.0% and 14.4% of women respectively had documentation of an AD and HPA in their chart. Completion of an AD was associated with number (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.49) and percentage (AOR = 6.58) of providers with whom the participant had a conversation about end-of-life decisions. Participants who named a social worker or nurse practitioner were more likely to report having completed an AD. Participants who named at least one provider in common (e.g., named the same oncologist) were more likely to have comparable behaviors related to naming a HPA (AOR = 1.13, p = 0.011) and completion of an AD (AOR = 1.06, p = 0.114). Conclusions Despite the important role of physicians in facilitating ACP discussions, involvement of other staff was associated with a greater likelihood of completion of ACP documentation. Patients may benefit from opportunities to discuss ACP with multiple members of their cancer care team. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Review of “The New Academic Librarian: Essays on Changing Roles and Responsibilities”

Having served as an academic librarian for more than 20 years, I have lived through a great deal of change in the profession, so I was looking forward to reading this book, in order to see if what ...
Fast Packet Switch Architectures and the Tandem Banyan Switching Fabric

We first present a brief review of the various fast packet switch architectures proposed so far. We then introduce a new space-division switch architecture based on banyan interconnection networks, called the Tandem Banyan Switching Fabric. It consists of placing banyan networks in tandem, offering multiple paths from each input to each output, overcoming in a very simple way the effect of blocking in banyan networks. It is shown to be simpler and to perform better than the Batcher-banyan and buffered- banyan switching fabrics, and to perform as well as space-division architectures offering N 2 disjoint paths (such as the Knockout switching fabric) while remaining considerably simpler.