cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optimization of the temporal pattern of radiation: an IMRT based study.

Purpose: To investigate how the temporal pattern of dose applied during a single-intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) fraction can be arranged to maximize or minimize cell kill. Methods and Materials: Using the linear-quadratic repair-time model and a simplified IMRT delivery pattern model, the surviving fraction of cells for a single fraction was calculated for all permutations of the dose delivery pattern for an array of clinically based IMRT cases. Maximization of cell kill was achieved by concentrating the highest doses in the middle of a fraction, while minimization was achieved by spreading the highest doses between the beginning and end. The percent difference between maximum and minimum cell kill (%Diff min/max ) and the difference between maximum and minimum total doses normalized to 2 Gy/fx (ΔNTD 2 Gy ) was calculated for varying fraction durations (T), α/β ratios, and doses/fx. Results: %Diff min/max and ΔNTD 2 Gy both increased with increasing T and with decreasing α/β. The largest increases occurred with dose/fx. With α/β = 3 Gy and 30 min/fx, %Diff min/max ranged from 2.7–5.3% for 2 Gy/fx to 48.6–74.1% for 10 Gy/fx, whereas ΔNTD 2 Gy ranged from 1.2 Gy–2.4 Gy for 30 fractions of 2 Gy/fx to 2.3–4.8 Gy for 2 fractions of 10.84 Gy/fx. Using α/β = 1.5 Gy, an analysis of prostate hypofractionation schemes yielded differences in clinical outcome based on the pattern of applied dose ranging from 3.2%–6.1% of the treated population. Conclusions: Rearrangement of the temporal pattern of dose for a single IMRT fraction could be used to optimize cell kill and to directly, though modestly, affect treatment outcome.
Implementing a long-term computerized remedial reading program with synthetic speech feedback: Hardware, software, and real-world issues

This paper discusses hardware choices, software developments, implementation issues, and preliminary results from an ongoing long-term remedial reading study. Reading-disabled children read books on microcomputers linked to speech synthesizers, obtaining speech feedback on difficult words at whole-word, syllable, or subsyllable levels of segmentation. Word-recognition ability and attitude about reading improved for children using the system. In addition, segmented feedback especially benefited phonological word-decoding skills for most of the children.
C. elegans FOG-3/Tob can either promote or inhibit germline proliferation, depending on gene dosage and genetic context

Vertebrate Tob/BTG proteins inhibit cell proliferation when overexpressed in tissue-culture cells, and they can function as tumor suppressors in mice. The single Caenorhabditis elegans Tob/BTG ortholog, FOG-3, by contrast, was identified from its loss-of-function phenotype as a regulator of sperm fate specification. Here we report that FOG-3 also regulates proliferation in the germline tissue. We first demonstrate that FOG-3 is a positive regulator of germline proliferation. Thus, fog-3 null mutants possess fewer germ cells than normal, a modest but reproducible decrease observed for each of two distinct fog-3 null alleles. A similar decrease also occurred in fog-3/+ heterozygotes, again for both fog-3 alleles, revealing a haplo-insufficient effect on proliferation. Therefore, FOG-3 normally promotes proliferation, and two copies of the fog-3 gene are required for this function. We next overexpressed FOG-3 by removal of FBF, the collective term for FBF-1 and FBF-2, two nearly identical PUF RNA-binding proteins. We find that overexpressed FOG-3 blocks proliferation in fbf-1 fbf-2 mutants; whereas germ cells stop dividing and instead differentiate in fbf-1 fbf-2 double mutants, they continue to proliferate in fog-3; fbf-1 fbf-2 triple mutants. Therefore, like its vertebrate Tob/BTG cousins, overexpressed FOG-3 is ‘antiproliferative’. Indeed, some fog-3; fbf-1 fbf-2 mutants possess small tumors, suggesting that FOG-3 can act as a tumor suppressor. Finally, we show that FOG-3 and FBF work together to promote tumor formation in animals carrying oncogenic Notch mutations. A similar effect was not observed when germline tumors were induced by manipulation of other regulators; therefore, this FOG-3 tumor-promoting effect is context dependent. We conclude that FOG-3 can either promote or inhibit proliferation in a manner that is sensitive to both genetic context and gene dosage. The discovery of these FOG-3 effects on proliferation has implications for our understanding of vertebrate Tob/BTG proteins and their influence on normal development and tumorigenesis.
25Gb/s 3.6pJ/b and 15Gb/s 1.37pJ/b VCSEL-based optical links in 90nm CMOS

Future high-performance computing systems require sub-2pJ/bit power efficiencies at >10Gb/s [1–2]. The best reported optical link efficiencies at these data rates are ≥2.5pJ/bit [1–4]. This paper describes two VCSEL-based multimode (MM) fiber optical links achieving sub-2pJ/bit power efficiency from 15Gb/s to 22Gb/s. The links realized in 90nm CMOS share the same TX but use two different RXs that explore different aspects of the power/BW/area tradeoff.
Scanning electron microscope studies of some skink papillae basilares.

The papilla basilaris of scincid lizards is relatively long, slightly curved or bowed, and characteristically has an apical terminal expansion. A limbus-attached tectorial membrane is present but is apparently not continuous with the tectorial material covering the hair cells of the papilla. The hair cells of the apical expansion are covered by a thick spongy mass of tectorial material, while the hair cells above (dorsal to) the apical region are covered by thickened tectorial material that is in the form of uniquely sculptured, twisted or folded drape-like masses (sallets). The surface of the basal (dorsal) quarter of the papilla is unusual in that it is concave rather than convex. The expanded terminals of the hair cell kinocilia are also unusual in being arrowhead-shaped.
MP70-15 INCREASING COMPLEXITY OF TUMOR THROMBI IN RENAL CELL CARCINOMA OVER 40 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Our objective was to report determinants of oncologic outcome and temporal changes in presentation of patients treated with surgical intervention for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with venous tumor thrombus (VTT). METHODS: We identified 845 patients with RCC and VTT treated with nephrectomy and tumor thrombectomy from 1970-2009. Perioperative complications and mortality were assessed in early (1970-89), mid (1990-99), and late (2000-09) time periods. Following pathological re-review, clinicopathologic features and outcomes were compared. Cancer-specific survival (CSS) was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional multivariate modeling was used to determine factors prognostic of cancer specific mortality (CSM). Median follow-up was 7.9 years. RESULTS: There were 510 (60%), 91 (11%), 139 (16%), 57 (7%), and 48 (6%) patients with levels 0, I, II, III, and IV VTT, respectively. The proportion of level III-IV VTT increased between 1970-89 (5.5%), 1990-99 (14.6%), and 2000-09, (18.9%, p<0.001). In total, 717 patients died, of whom 550 died from RCC. Although 30-day Clavien IIIIV complications (overall n1⁄447, 5.6%) have increased over time (early: 4.6% to late: 8.7%, p 1⁄4 0.03), 30-day perioperative mortality (overall n 1⁄4 25, 3%) decreased from 4.6% (early) to 1.9% (late, p 1⁄4 0.04). Median CSS for patients with levels 0-IV VTT occurred at 4.9, 2.2, 2.4, 2.0, and 1.7 years (p<0.001). Patients with levels I-IV VTT had increased CSM compared to level 0 VTT (HR 1.59, p<0.001); however, no incremental risk in CSS was noted within levels I-IV (p1⁄40.81). Median CSS by pNM status occurred at 7.4, 1.9, 1.2, and 0.8 years in pNx/0M0, pN1M0, pNx/ 0M1, and pN1M1 disease (p<0.001). Independent predictors of CSM (table) include increasing tumor thrombus level (Level II e IV, HR 1.4 e 1.55, p < 0.05), surgery in 2000-09 (HR 0.5, p < 0.001), fat invasion (HR 1.5, p < 0.001), pN1 (HR 1.7, p < 0.001) or M1 disease (HR 2.7, p < 0.001), coagulative tumor necrosis (HR 1.7, p < 0.001), and sarcomatoid differentiation (HR 1.7, p 1⁄4 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: CSS is inferior in patients with IVC VTT compared to renal vein VTT alone and in those with simultaneous nodal and metastatic disease at presentation. Despite increasing rates of level III-IV VTT in recent years, perioperative mortality and cancer-specific mortality has declined. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards model evaluating predictors of cancer-specific mortality among patients with tumor thrombus treated with radical nephrectomy and tumor thrombectomy (n 1⁄4 845, treated 1970 2009).
Re-defining response and treatment effects for neuro-oncology immunotherapy clinical trials

In much of medical oncology, including neuro-oncology, there is great interest to evaluate the therapeutic potential of immune-based therapies including vaccines, adoptive T cell strategies and modulators of immune checkpoint regulators such as cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 and programmed death 1. Immune-based treatments exert an indirect anti-tumor effect by generating potent, tumor-targeting immune responses. Robust anti-tumor immune responses have been shown to achieve encouraging radiographic responses across the spectrum of applied immunotherapeutics which are felt to be indicative of a bona fide anti-tumor effect. Conversely, worsening of imaging findings, particularly early in the course of immunotherapy administration, can be challenging to interpret with growing evidence demonstrating that at least a subset of such patients ultimately will derive meaningful clinical benefit. The immune related response criteria were generated to provide guidance regarding the interpretation of such complex imaging findings, for general medical oncologists prescribing immunotherapeutics. An analogous effort that addresses challenges associated with imaging assessment and incorporates nuances associated with neuro-oncology patients is underway and is referred to as the immunotherapy response assessment in neuro-oncology criteria.
Motion aftereffect as a function of the contrast of sinusoidal gratings.

Abstract The motion aftereffect resulting from adaptation to moving vertical gratings has been measured as a function of the grating contrast from threshold up to 10.5%. The gratings consisted of spatial sinusoidal intensity modulations which were generated on the face of an oscilloscope. The contrasts of the adapting grating and of the test grating could be varied independently. Both the duration and the initial apparent speed of the aftereffect were measured. When the test grating contrast was held constant, the motion aftereffect magnitude increased rapidly with the contrast of the adapting grating up to about 3%; for higher contrasts incremental increases in contrast resulted in much smaller aftereffect increases than at the lower contrasts. When the adapting grating contrast was held constant, the aftereffect was found to be strongest for the lowest test contrasts and became weaker as the test contrast was increased. These psychophysical results support the hypothesis that foveal direction-specific motion detecting mechanisms show only a limited or compressed response to stimulus contrast.
SU-FF-T-67: Implementation of the TG-128 Recommendations for Quality Assurance of Prostate Brachytherapy Ultrasound Systems

Purpose: The purpose of this work is to assess several aspects of the implementation of the recommended TG‐128 quality assurance tests, including the time to perform the tests, the general range of parameters for several ultrasound systems, and correlation of QA components with treatment technique. Method and Materials: The TG‐128 tests were performed on a selection of ultrasound units and biplane transducers commonly used in prostate brachytherapy. The author used the following ancillary equipment to conduct the tests: the CIRS Model‐45 Prostate Brachytherapy Phantom, a container of distilled water, brachytherapy needles, a needle template, a stepper/stabilizer for the probe, and a computerized treatment planning system. Each test was independently timed and notes were made of any deviations in terms of equipment limitations and expected results. Results: The typical time to complete all required tests was approximately ninety minutes. Once the user establishes baseline data and develops a system for conducting the tests, this duration can readily be shortened to one hour. The measurements generally fell well within the tolerances recommended in TG‐128 with the exception of needle template/electronic grid alignment (Test 7), where discrepancies approached the action level of 3 mm and the tissue/water correction factor was important. Care must be exercised in performing the volume measurements, as it can be difficult (a) to get acoustic coupling across the angle subtended by the target to be measured, and (b) to move the probe longitudinally without losing coupling. Based on the experience gained performing these tests, a standard form has been developed for recording the results. Conclusion: The quality assurance tests recommended by TG‐128 for prostate brachytherapyultrasound systems can be completed in a reasonable amount of time. Consideration must be given by the user as to how these tests relate to the overall quality assurance of the prostate brachytherapy program.
Andrew Dalby , Language in danger: The loss of linguistic diversity and the threat to our future . New York: Columbia University Press. 329 pages. Hb $27.95.

Recent years have seen several general introductions to the study of endangered languages, aimed primarily at readers with no special training in linguistics. This is true of Dalby's book as well, and he succeeds in providing the general public with a highly readable account of a current and important linguistic topic.
The Virtues of a Passionate Life: Erotic Love and “the Will to Power”

I would like to defend a conception of life that many of us in philosophy practice but few of us preach, and with it a set of virtues that have often been ignored in ethics. In short, I would like to defend what philosopher Sam Keen, among many others, has called the passionate life. It is neither exotic nor unfamiliar. It is a life defined by emotions, by impassioned engagement and belief, by one or more quests, grand projects, embracing affections. It is also sometimes characterized (for example, by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe in Faust, by Soren Kierkegaard and Friedrich Nietzsche) in terms of frenzy, vaulting ambition, essentially insatiable goals, impossible affections. I want to contrast this conception of life with ordinary morality and “being a good person,” although for obvious reasons I do not want to say that one must give up the latter in pursuing the former. This is a mistake that Nietzsche often suggests with his “immor-alist” posturing and warrior metaphors, but I am convinced—on a solid textual basis—that he intended no such result. Nor do I want to dogmatically assert any superiority of a passionate, engaged life over a life that is more calm and routine (“bourgeois” in the standard cant of Bohemian rebellion). On the other hand, I do want to raise the question whether mere proper living, obedience to the law, utilitarian “rational choice” calculations, respect for others' rights and for contracts, and a bit of self-righteousness is all there is to a good life, even if one “fills in” the nonmoral spaces with permissible pleasures and accomplishments. Even a greatly enriched version of Kant, in other words, such as that recently defended by Barbara Herman, unfairly denigrates a kind of life that many of us deem desirable.
How useful are olfactometer experiments in chemical ecology research

Olfactometer experiments, in which arthropods are given the choice between two or more odor sources to test behavioral preferences, are commonly used in chemical ecology research. Results of such often lead to conclusions on behavior in an ecologically relevant setting. However, it is widely unknown how well these experiments reflect actual behavior in nature. Recently, we used natural insect herbivores of wild lima bean plants to evaluate their behavior in Y-tube olfactometer experiments compared with feeding experiments. We demonstrated that depending on volatile concentration, insect sex significantly determined preference, and that independent of sex, the actual feeding choice of insects depended on defensive short-distance cues, which did not correlate with volatile cues emitted by the plants. Thus, our study shows that olfactory decisions do not reflect actual feeding choice and that olfactometer experiments may only provide a limited and simplified picture of actual decision making by insects.
Influence of Age at First Breeding on Growth, Reproduction, and Production of Well-Fed Holstein Heifers,

Summary Thirty-six purebred Holstein heifers were divided into three equal groups (I, II, and III) and bred the first estrus on or after 18, 14, and 10 months of age, respectively. All heifers were uniformly well-fed and managed under loose housing conditions throughout the entire experimental period. Although there were marked within-group differences in breeding efficiency during the first service period, between-group differences were not statistically significant. Difficulties occurred more frequently at first calving and were significantly more severe in the youngest group of heifers. There were no adverse effects of early breeding on reproductive performance during the second service period. Growth, as measured by a comparison of body weight gains during specific stages of pregnancy and lactation and average height at withers at 18, 24, and 30 months of age, was not adversely affected by early first breeding and subsequent lactation. The average 305-day, 4% FCM yields of the heifers which calved at average ages of 27.9, 24.2, and 20.4 months were 11,087, 9,590, and 9,500 lb, respectively. Differences between these first lactation yields were not statistically significant.
Knock, knock! who's there? Putting the user in control of managing interruptions

The abundance of communication technology, such as the omnipresence of cell phones, has not only increased our ability to reach people anytime anywhere, but also the likelihood of being interrupted. As a result, there is value in understanding how to design technology so that gains are realized from desired interruptions, while the losses from unwanted interruptions are minimized. This paper presents the findings of two complementary field studies, one quantitative and the other qualitative, exploring how the provision of additional incoming cell phone call information impacts people?s interruption decision making. These studies were enabled by, Telling Calls, a research application built to enable users to provide and receive information such as what the call is about and the caller?s circumstances. The qualitative study showed how the additional call information helps people make informed call handling decisions and acts as an aid to effective conversation. The quantitative study elucidated these findings and showed that reducing the uncertainty about the nature of an incoming call improves people?s ability to predict the value of an interruption. By combining these diverse research approaches: (1) theory instantiation through tool building; (2) context-aware surveys; and (3) semi-structured interviews, we were able to gain unique insights into the nature of interruption management in the wild, and related design implications. Presents 2 field studies of people?s interruption handling behavior in cell phones.Explores the value of providing additional caller and call related information.Having additional information enables informed call handling decisions.Provides implications for design of interpersonal interruption management tools.
Cortisol Inhibits and Adrenocorticotropin Has No Effect on Luteinizing Hormone-Releasing Hormone-Induced Release of Luteinizing Hormone from Bovine Pituitary Cells in Vitro*

Suckling causes a delay in onset of estrus and ovulation in cattle postpartum. In addition, the suckling stimulus causes the release of corticoids presumably via ACTH. Since any hormone released by suckling is a potential inhibitor of gonadotropin secretion and/or ovulation, we investigated the effects of ACTH and cortisol on LHRH-induced LH release from bovine pituitary cells in vitro. Anterior pituitary glands were obtained from cows killed during the luteal phase of an estrus cycle (days 5-15). Pituitary cells, disaggregated enzymatically, were grown in Dulbecco's medium containing 10% dextran charcoal-stripped fetal calf serum. On day 5, cultures were washed and reincubated in serum free medium containing the hormone being tested. After 6 h of incubation, LHRH was added in 10 microliters medium and incubation continued for an additional 6 h. ACTH at 4.3 X 10(-9), 4.3 X 10(-8), and 4.3 X 10(-7) M had no effect on basal or LHRH-induced LH release. Cortisol at 12.1 ng/ml decreased (P less than 0.001) the slope of LHRH response curve (b1 = 2.9 vs. 5.5 for controls). To determine if this effect was specific for cortisol, we compared cortisol, dexamethasone, and progesterone. LHRH-induced LH release (percent of control) was decreased (P less than 0.001) by 12.1 ng/ml cortisol (98%), 1, 5, and 10 ng/ml dexamethasone (60%, 71%, and 88%), but not by 3.1 ng/ml progesterone. The inhibitory effect of cortisol was reversible. Thus, LHRH-induced LH release (percent of controls) at 0, 24, 48, and 72 h after a 24-h exposure to 12.1 ng/ml cortisol was 19%, 89%, 100%, and 115%, respectively. We have demonstrated that cortisol at concentrations found normally in blood of cows postpartum will inhibit LHRH-induced LH release from bovine pituitary cells. This observation is consistent with the hypothesis that cortisol released by suckling may inhibit gonadotropin secretion postpartum and as such may prolong the anovulatory interval postpartum.
Shrinking retrograde amnesia.

Frank Benson and I decided to publish this case not because the phenomenon was new — Ritchie Russell and Peter Nathan had described it in 1946 — but because it had been neglected. Thus many animal experimenters had attempted to study the time course of consolidation of memory traces by such experiments as teaching the animal a task and after a variable interval using chemical or physiological methods to ‘erase’ the unconsolidated memory. The presumption in these experiments was that a failure of performance was equivalent to loss of the unconsolidated memory. This presumption failed, however, to take into account the possibility that such an experiment might merely reflect the production of a transient difficulty in retrieval. Only in recent years have animal experimenters come to be aware of this phenomenon and to study it.
Reduced collateral perfusion is a direct consequence of elevated right atrial pressure

In the present study we determined quantitatively the effects of increased right atrial pressure (RAP) on coronary and collateral flows. In an isolated, blood-perfused, maximally vasodilated dog heart preparation in which the left ventricle was vented, we used the retrograde flow method to assess collateral flow. When RAP was elevated from 5 +/- 1 (control) to 13 +/- 1 and 23 +/- 1 mmHg, retrograde flow from the left circumflex coronary artery (which was open to atmospheric pressure) increased 29 +/- 8 and 97 +/- 21% relative to control while left anterior descending flow decreased 5 +/- 1 and 14 +/- 2%, respectively (P < 0.01; n = 7). The increase in retrograde flow could be due to 1) an increase in collateral flow due to increased pressure at the origin of the collaterals or 2) the elevated RAP (venous outflow pressure), which forces the antegrade collateral flow component in the retrograde direction. To distinguish between these possibilities we embolized the circumflex with 30-microns spheres to eliminate the antegrade flow component. After embolization there was no significant change in retrograde flow with elevated RAP, indicating that the second supposition was correct. We conclude that increased RAP 1) results in a reduction of flow to the collateral-dependent myocardium and 2) reduces perfusion of the unoccluded coronary vessel. Furthermore, we found that under conditions of varying venous outflow pressure, retrograde flow may not serve as a reliable index of collateral flow.
Solution of Sparse Weighted and Equality Constrained Least Squares Problems

We give a survey of current results in the solution of sparse and weighted equality constrained least squares problems. Three different methods are featured: direct elimination of the constraints, weighting, and a deferred correction improvement of weighting.
Pharmacokinetic Evidence for Possible Renal Accumulation of Model Organic Anions in Rats

The urinary excretion and blood level kinetics of p-methylbenzoylformic acid (I) after intravenous infusion for 1 hr were studied in rats. The determined first-order half-lives were compared with those determined in studies in which a single intravenous dose of I was administered rapidly to rats that previously were infused with normal saline for 1 hr. While the blood t1/2 or body clearance of I determined in the 1-hr infusion studies was similar to that determined in the single intravenous dose studies, the urinary t1/2 of I determined in the 1-hr infusion studies was significantly greater than that determined in the single intravenous dose studies. In infusion studies where the half-lives of I were determined in the presence of renal tubular secretion inhibitor, DL-tropic acid (II), the ratio of (urinary t1/2>/)II present/ (urinary t1/2)II absent was almost twice the ratio of (blood t1/2)II present/(blood t1/2)II absent The urinary t1/2 value of I determined after infusion for only 10 min was intermediate between values obtained in the single intravenous dose studies and the 1-hr infusion studies. These data provide pharmacokinetic evidence to support the hypothesis that I and other organic anions temporarily accumulate in the surface-lying renal tubular cells after a single intravenous dose, but they tend to penetrate into the deeper renal tubular cells upon intravenous infusion, with depth of penetration increasing with increasing infusion time.
Leveraging multiple query logs to improve language models for spoken query recognition

A voice search system requires a speech interface that can correctly recognize spoken queries uttered by users. The recognition performance strongly relies on a robust language model. In this work, we present the use of multiple data sources, with the focus on query logs, in improving ASR language models for a voice search application. Our contributions are three folds: (1) the use of text queries from web search and mobile search in language modeling; (2) the use of web click data to predict query forms from business listing forms; and (3) the use of voice query logs in creating a positive feedback loop. Experiments show that by leveraging these resources, we can achieve recognition performance comparable to, or even better than, that of a previously deploy system where a large amount of spoken query transcripts are used in language modeling.
Hydrolysis of γ:ϵ Isopeptides by Cytosolic Transglutaminases and by Coagulation Factor XIIIa

Abstract Nϵ-(γ-glutamyl)lysine cross-links, connecting various peptide chain segments, are frequently the major products in transglutaminase-catalyzed reactions. We have now investigated the effectiveness of these enzymes for hydrolyzing the γ:ϵ linkage. Branched compounds were synthesized, in which the backbone on the γ-side of the cross-bridge was labeled with a fluorophor (5-(dimethylamino)-1-naphthalenesulfonyl or 2-aminobenzoyl) attached through an ϵ-aminocaproyl linker in the N-terminal position, and the other branch of the bridge was constructed with Lys methylamide or diaminopentane blocked by 2,4-dinitrophenyl at the Nα position. Hydrolysis of the cross-link could be followed in these internally quenched substrates by an increase in fluorescence. In addition to the thrombin and Ca2+-activated human coagulation Factor XIIIa, cytosolic transglutaminases from human red cells and from guinea pig liver were tested. All three enzymes were found to display good isopeptidase activities, with Km values of 10−4 to 10−5 M. Inhibitors of transamidation were effective in blocking the hydrolysis by the enzymes, indicating that expression of isopeptidase activity did not require unusual protein conformations. We suggest that transglutaminases may play a dynamic role in biology not only by promoting the formation but also the breaking of Nϵ-(γ-glutamyl)lysine isopeptides.
Investigation of appropriate pole number combinations for brushless doubly-fed machines applied to pump drives

Brushless doubly-fed machines have the capability of precise (synchronous) speed control over a wide speed range through the use of a bi-directional power converter due to the magnetic coupling of two different pole numbered stator windings through a specifically configured rotor. The application of a brushless doubly-fed machine, with different pole-pair combinations is investigated for use as a limited speed range pump drive by using a steady state equivalent model developed in a companion paper. The proposed brushless doubly-fed machine designs when compared to an equivalent induction motor drive show the advantages of operation at close to unity power factor and reduced power converter rating. These results from the simulation demonstrate the substantial economic advantage of using the brushless doubly-fed machine in limited speed-range operations. >
On-chip induction modeling: basics and advanced methods

Modeling magnetic interactions for on-chip interconnect has become an issue of great interest for integrated circuit design in recent years. This paper describes the basic concepts of magnetic interaction, loop and partial inductance, along with some of the high frequency effects such as skin and proximity effect. We also discuss and contrast options for stable and accurate window-based extraction of large-scale magnetic coupling. We analyze the required window sizes to consider the possibilities for pattern-matching style solutions, and propose three schemes for determining coupling values and window sizing for extraction via on-the-fly field solution.
P2Y12 antagonists in non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes: latest evidence and optimal use:

Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT), which includes the combination of aspirin and a P2Y12 platelet receptor inhibitor, is a well-established antiplatelet regimen in the treatment of patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS). Three P2Y12 inhibitor options (clopidogrel, prasugrel and ticagrelor) are currently available, all having different efficacy and safety profiles along with contrasting contraindications, special warnings and precautions for use. This review compares and contrasts the unique P2Y12 antagonists in the NSTE-ACS setting, covering the latest evidence and their optimal use.
Wildlife feeding in parks: methods for monitoring the effectiveness of educational interventions and wildlife food attraction behaviors

Opportunities to view and interact with wildlife are often an important part of high quality recreational experiences. Such interactions frequently include wildlife feeding, resulting in food-conditioned behaviors that may cause harm to both wildlife and visitors. This study developed and applied efficient protocols for simultaneously evaluating wildlife feeding–related behaviors of visitors and related foraging behaviors of chipmunks along a trail in Zion National Park. Unobtrusive observation protocols permitted an evaluation of educational messages delivered, and documentation of wildlife success in obtaining human food and the strength of their food attraction behavior. Significant improvements were documented for some targeted visitor behaviors and human food available to chipmunks, with minor differences between treatments. Replication of these protocols as part of a long-term monitoring program can help protected area managers evaluate and improve the efficacy of their interventions and monitor the strength of food attraction behavior in wildlife.
Rate-based degradation modeling of lithium-ion cells

Accelerated degradation testing is commonly used as the basis to characterize battery cell performance over a range of stress conditions (e.g., temperatures). Performance is measured by some response that is assumed to be related to the state of health of the cell (e.g., discharge resistance). Often, the ultimate goal of such testing is to predict cell life at some reference stress condition, where cell life is defined to be the point in time where performance has degraded to some critical level. These predictions are based on a degradation model that expresses the expected performance level versus the time and conditions under which a cell has been aged. Usually, the degradation model relates the accumulated degradation to the time at a constant stress level. The purpose of this article is to present an alternative framework for constructing a degradation model that focuses on the degradation rate rather than the accumulated degradation. One benefit of this alternative approach is that prediction of cell life is greatly facilitated in situations where the temperature exposure is not isothermal. This alternative modeling framework is illustrated via a family of rate-based models and experimental data acquired during calendar-life testing of high-power lithium-ion cells.
Fundamental Limits of Wideband Cooperative Localization via Fisher Information

Determination of position accuracy for geolocation is a fundamental issue in wireless sensor networks. In a dense obstacle environment, anchors (or base stations) may not be able to provide sufficient localization information to agents because of radio blockage or limited range. In such cases, cooperation among agents (or mobile stations) can be very helpful. In this paper, we develop a model for cooperative localization based on time-of-arrival (TOA) ranging information and derive the position error bound (PEB) for agents in the network using information inequality. Equivalent Fisher information (EFI), which has been applied in the single agent localization case (Sen and Win, 2007), is employed to characterize the localization accuracy. From analysis, we also show that anchors and agents are essentially equivalent in our unified cooperative localization model.
Serum Lipoproteins in Atherosclerosis-Susceptible and Resistant Pigeons.∗†

Summary1) Using the agar precipitation method and low temperature fractionation for determination of beta-lipoproteins, amounts of beta-lipoproteins, total lipides, phospholipides, and cholesterol in serum of atherosclerosis-susceptible and resistant breeds of pigeons were compared. The agar precipitation method seems a reliable method for estimating levels of beta-lipoprotein cholesterol in serum. 2) No significant differences were seen when male birds of the 2 breeds were compared. Lipoprotein levels of females varied within wide limits, probably due to phospholipemia associated with egg-laying activity. Such activity is accompanied by increased proportion of cholesterol in beta-lipoproteins. At time of egg-laying, total lipides and total phospholipides (but not total cholesterol) are increased in the serum. Thus, such cyclic changes appear to produce a more “favorable” (i.e., lowered) cholesterol/phospholipide ratio. In contrast to cholesterol-fat fed chicks, female pigeons of susceptible breed are not...
General Introduction to the Symposium on Evolutionary Developmental Biology: Paradigms, Problems, and Prospects

This symposium undertakes to examine some historical background relevant to the renaissance in biological studies linking evolution and development, to review the current status of research in this rapidly changing area (especially the problem of forging links between disciplines that have gone in divergent directions), to address the benefits and difficulties that arise from molecular studies of the relationship between evolution and development, and to help set the research agenda in evolutionary developmental biology in the next few years. Rather than introducing the individual contributions that follow, this paper aims to set some historical background for the topics they cover. I argue that old questions about the relationship of development to evolution, raised by such figures as William Bateson and Richard Goldschmidt, remain relevant to contemporary work, though they require major reformulation in light of subsequent developments. Many older questions, long set aside as intractable, remain open. Recently developed techniques may enable us to answer some of them. Accordingly, I suggest, it is worth reviewing the work of several historical figures in setting current research agendas.
Palliative Care and Symptom Management in Older Patients with Cancer

Older patients with cancer are best served by a multidisciplinary approach with palliative care (PC) playing an integral role. PC focuses on symptom control irrespective of its cause and should not be associated only with terminal care. It provides an additional layer of support in the care of patients with cancer with an emphasis on quality of life. This article discusses the evaluation and management of pain and other common nonpain symptoms that occur in elderly patients with cancer, as well as end-of-life care.
Age and Gender Moderate the Impact of Early Palliative Care in Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

BACKGROUND Studies demonstrate that early palliative care (EPC) improves advanced cancer patients' quality of life (QOL) and mood. However, it remains unclear whether the role of palliative care differs based upon patients' demographic characteristics. We explored whether age and gender moderate the improvements in QOL and mood seen with EPC. METHODS We performed a secondary analysis of data from a randomized controlled trial of patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer. Patients received either EPC integrated with oncology care or oncology care alone. We assessed the degree to which QOL (Trial Outcome Index [TOI]) and mood (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HADS] and Patient Health Questionnaire 9 [PHQ-9]) outcomes at week 12 varied by patient age (<65) and gender. The week 12 data of 107 patients are included in this analysis. RESULTS At 12 weeks, younger patients receiving EPC reported better QOL (TOI mean = 62.04 vs. 49.43, p = .001) and lower rates of depression (HADS-Depression = 4.0% vs. 52.4%, p < .001; PHQ-9 = 0.0% vs. 28.6%, p = .006) than younger patients receiving oncology care alone. Males receiving EPC reported better QOL (TOI mean = 58.81 vs. 48.30, p = .001) and lower rates of depression (HADS-Depression = 18.5% vs. 60.9%, p = .002; PHQ-9 = 3.8% vs. 34.8%, p = .008) than males receiving oncology care alone. At 12 weeks, QOL and mood did not differ between study groups for females and older patients. CONCLUSION Males and younger patients who received EPC had better QOL and mood than those who received oncology care alone. However, these outcomes did not differ significantly between treatment groups for females or older patients. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE This study found that early palliative care improves patients' quality of life and mood differentially based on their age and gender. Specifically, males and younger patients receiving early palliative care experienced better quality of life and mood than those receiving oncology care alone. Conversely, females and older patients did not experience this treatment effect. Thus, palliative care interventions may need to be tailored to patients' age- and gender-specific care needs. Studying how patients' demographic characteristics affect their experience with palliative care will enable the development of interventions targeted to the distinct supportive care needs of patients with cancer.
Spatially-explicit water balance implications of carbon capture and sequestration

Implementation of carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) will increase water demand due to the cooling water requirements of CO2 capture equipment. If the captured CO2 is injected into saline aquifers for sequestration, brine may be extracted to manage the aquifer pressure, and can be desalinated to provide additional freshwater supply. We conduct a geospatial analysis to determine how CCS may affect local water supply and demand across the contiguous United States. We calculate baseline indices for each county in the year 2005, and project future water supply and demand with and without CCS through 2030. We conduct sensitivity analyses to identify the system parameters that most significantly affect water balance. Water supply changes due to inter-annual variability and projected climate change are overwhelmingly the most significant sources of variation. CCS can have strong local effects on water supply and demand, but overall it has a modest effect on water balances. We model county-level water impacts of CCS implementation in the USA through 2030.CCS increases water demand due to cooling water requirements of CO2 capture equipment.Brine from saline sequestration aquifers can be desalinated to provide additional freshwater.Inter-annual variability and climate change are most significant sources of variation.CCS and brine recovery can have significant local effects on water balance.
Nitric oxide-releasing polyurethanes

Polyurethanes (PUs) are widely used polymers for a variety of biomedical devices, but their utility is limited by associated foreign body response, thrombosis, and infection. Due to its inherent properties, nitric oxide (NO) provides a promising solution for overcoming problems associated with long-term use of medical devices. Nitric oxide has been known to play a crucial role in regulating a wide range of biological functions such as angiogenesis, tissue remodeling, inflammation, wound healing, vasodilation, thrombosis, tumor formation, and infection. Therefore, NO-releasing PUs offer great potential in terms of their biomedical applications. In this chapter, the various applications, advantages, and challenges associated with NO-releasing PUs are discussed.
Immunoproteomics technologies in the discovery of autoantigens in autoimmune diseases

Proteomics technologies are often used for the identification of protein targets of the immune system. Here, we discuss the immunoproteomics technologies used for the discovery of autoantigens in autoimmune diseases where immune system dysregulation plays a central role in disease onset and progression. These autoantigens and associated autoantibodies can be used as potential biomarkers for disease diagnostics, prognostics and predicting/monitoring drug responsiveness (theranostics). Here, we compare a variety of methods such as mass spectrometry (MS)-based [serological proteome analysis (SERPA), antibody mediated identification of antigens (AMIDA), circulating immune complexome (CIC) analysis, surface enhanced laser desorption/ionization-time of flight (SELDI-TOF)], nucleic acid based serological analysis of antigens by recombinant cDNA expression cloning (SEREX), phage immunoprecipitation sequencing (PhIP-seq) and array-based immunoscreening (proteomic microarrays), luciferase immunoprecipitation systems (LIPS), nucleic acid programmable protein array (NAPPA) methods. We also review the relevance of immunoproteomic data generated in the last 10 years, with a focus on the aforementioned MS based methods.
Clinical Analysis of Community Acquired Pneumonia in the Elderly Patients

Objective:To study the clinical and epidemic characteristics of community acquired pneumonia(CAP) in the elderly patients. Methods:Retrospective analysis was used to analyze The clinical data of 3 502 elderly patients with CAP from 25 hospitals in Baoshan District of Shanghai was analyzed retrospetively. Rexults:Age was from 60 to 105 (75.03±8.42).There were 1 831 (52.3%) male and female 1 671 (47.7%).2 406 cases (68.7%) in winter and spring,1 096 cases(31.3%) in summer and autumn.1 578(45.1%) cases had fever,1 986(56.7%) had cough and expectoration,2 001(57.1%) had fatigue and anorexia.White blood cells increased in 708 (20.2%) cases,neutrophil increased in 1 209 (34.5%) cases,both were normal in 1497(42.7%) cases.996(28.4%) cases had double pneumonia,913(26.1%) had left pneumonia,and 1 593(45.5%) had right pneumonia.1935 cases (55.3%) were accompanied with other diseases,518 patients(14.8%)developed compilcations.The mean hospitalization duration was 18.3±2.4 days and expense 4823.36±251.24 RMB.291 cases (9.3%) died during treatment,Conclusion:Symptoms and signs of CAP in the elderly were atypical.It is more often for them to have double pneumonia and be accompanied with other diseases or compilcations .Hospitalization duration of them was long,and expense was high.
Toxicological Evaluation of Hubei R. Chingii Hu

BACKGROUND AIM:R.chingii Hu is a newly identified herbal source in Hubei Province,although it has been used to prevent and help treat hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia for hundreds of years by local people.Rubusoside is thought to be its special ingredient.In order to develop and utilize this new resource,toxicology tests of this new herb were conducted.MATERIALS AND METHODS:The safety of Hubei R.chingii Hu was evaluated systematically by a series of acute,mutagenic and sub-chronic toxicological tests.RESULTS:The acute toxicity test showed that the maximum tolerated oral dose of R.chingii Hu was more than 20.0 g/kg body weight in mice.No mutagenicity was found,as judged by mouse bone marrow cell micronucleus test,Ames test and mouse sperm abnormality test.In the subchronic study,no deaths or clinical signs,or abnormal hematological,biochemical and histopathological changes were found in rats after gavaging 2.5,5.0 and 10.0 g/(kg· d)of Hubei R.chingii Hu for 90 days.CONCLUSION:The results indicated that Hubei R.chingii Hu may be safely used as a source of health food.
Realtime Data and Data Placement and Their Switching Strategies

Theoffice versionof main memory database must be in main memory, but not excludes the case where main memory can't include all the data of the whole databaseHow to design a storage structure and place the data in this structure is discussedA storage structure based on an active realtime database system is presented, and strategies to place and switch data are put forward in consideration of features of the realtime transaction's data and orienteddealers
Eyebrow Loss, Eyelash Loss, and Dermatochalasis

Eyebrow and eyelash loss can be due to a variety of causes, including alopecia areata, trauma, infections, endocrinopathies, inflammatory dermatoses, collagen vascular diseases, tumors, and congenital anomalies. Replacement of the eyebrows and eyelashes can be achieved through the application of camouflaging cosmetics or by surgical means. Loss of structural integrity of the eyebrow and eyelid often requires surgical intervention to reestablish normal tissue relationships and to enhance cosmesis.
Stability in Role Based Hedonic Games.

In the hedonic coalition formation game model Roles and Teams Hedonic Games (RTHG), agents view teams as compositions of available roles. An agent's utility for a partition is based upon which role she fulfills within the coalition and which additional roles are being fulfilled within the coalition. Goals for matchmaking in this setting include forming partitions which optimize some function of the utility. Optimization problems related to finding Perfect, MaxSum and MaxMin partitions in RTHG are all known to be NP-hard. In this paper, we introduce a Role Based Hedonic Game model (RBHG) which has no fixed team size and a more relaxed set of compositions. We consider the related problem of stability in RBHG. Given a set of available movements for agents, a partition is stable iff no agent would choose to move from the partition to another partition. We show NP-completeness for several RBHG stability problems and coNP-completeness for two verification problems.