cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
"But then i learned…": weight loss surgery patients negotiate surgery discourses.

This research explores commonplace discursive depictions of obesity surgery and individual patients’ reactions to these depictions. Data come from a content analysis of weight loss surgery representations in periodical articles (n = 32) and open-ended surveys (n = 55) and interviews (n = 44) with surgery patients from 34 US states. This study reveals that mainstream periodicals frequently stigmatized patients as obesity surgery is cast as (1) medically risky, (2) extravagant and (3) an overly easy escape from obesity. Surgery is only portrayed as (4) acceptable when multiple other weight loss techniques had been tried unsuccessfully. In contrast, interview and survey data show individual patients are aware of, yet frequently refute, these surgical stigmas. Findings demonstrate the importance of weight loss surgery patients’ personal experiences, interactions and education in shaping their responses to stigma. Patients view themselves as expert insiders who negotiate dominant discourses and, consequently, assert that surgery and surgery patients are ethical. Research results reveal the importance of perceived expert insider status and interpretive practice in managing obesity surgery stigma.
Induction of mitochondrial swelling by the fungicide captan.

Abstract The fungicide captan induces large-amplitude swelling in rat liver mitochondria. In the absence of an energy source, initial swelling, but not later swelling, can be inhibited by 2,4-dinitrophenol and KCN, suggesting two phases in the process—the first energy-linked, the second passive. Sucrose inhibits both phases of swelling. Though sucrose prevents swelling, it does not prevent captan inhibition of state 3 respiration. Captan does not prevent Pi-induced swelling, indicating that captan inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation is not due to interference with the transport of Pi into the mitochondria. Two moieties of the captan molecule (trichloromethylthiol moiety and tetrahydrophthalimide) were tested for their abilities to induce swelling; only the former compound proved active. The results suggest that captan interacts with mitochondrial membranes, presumably with sulfhydryl groups, altering their permeability to endogenous and exogenous ions.
Association of aldosterone concentration and mineralocorticoid receptor genotype with potassium response to spironolactone in patients with heart failure

Study Objective. To identify patient-specific factors associated with spironolactone-induced potassium level elevation in patients with heart failure. Design. Prospective cohort study. Setting. Two adult heart failure clinics. Patients. Sixty-two adult (mean ± SD age 54 ± 16 yrs) aldosterone antagonist-naive patients with heart failure. Intervention. Patients received spironolactone 12.5 mg/day, titrated to 25 mg/day if tolerated. Measurements and Main Results. Blood samples were obtained at baseline, 1 week after spironolactone initiation, and 1 week after spironolactone dose titration for assessment of baseline aldosterone level, serum chemistry, and angiotensinogen (AGT) c.-6G>A and p.M268T and mineralocorticoid receptor (NR3C2) c.215C>G and p.I180V genotypes. Patient characteristics, laboratory values, and genotypes were compared between those whose potassium levels increased by more than 0.5 mEq/L (15 patients) and those with lower potassium level elevations (47 patients) after spironolactone initiation and dose titration. Patients with a greater potassium level elevation had a higher mean ± SD aldosterone concentration (178 ± 92 vs 102 ± 57 pg/ml, p=0.007) and NR3C2 215G allele frequency (50% vs 22%, p<0.01). Aldosterone concentrations positively correlated with diuretic dose (r=0.313, p=0.014) and negatively correlated with serum potassium level (r=-0.319, p=0.012). On regression analysis, factors predictive of potassium level increases greater than 0.5 mEq/L with spironolactone were aldosterone level greater than 150 pg/ml (odds ratio [OR] 30, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.2–287] and NR3C2 215G carrier status (OR 17, 95% CI 1.6–167). Conclusion. Our data suggest that potassium should be monitored with particular caution when spironolactone is started in patients with heart failure who have evidence of elevated aldosterone levels, such as high diuretic requirements, or the NR3C2 215G allele.
Extended field irradiation for carcinoma of the uterine cervix with positive periaortic nodes.

Abstract Forty-three patients were treated with extended field irradiation for periaortic metastasis from carcinoma of the uterine cervix (FIGO stages IB-IV). Twelve patients (28%) remained continuously free of disease to the time of analysis or death from intercurrent disease, 20 (46%) had persistent cancer within the pelvis, 11 (26%) had persistent periaortic disease, and 23 (53%) developed distant metastasis. The actuarial 5-year survival rate was 32%. The results correlated well with the periaortic tumor burden at the time of irradiation. None of 19 patients (0%) with microscopic or small ( 5 cm) periaortic metastasis. Similarly, the 5-year survival rates were 50% (612) with microscopic disease, 33% (26) with small gross disease, 23% (313) with moderate-sized disease, and 0% (010) with massive periaortic metastases. Only 10% (110) of patients whose tumor extended to the L1–2 level survived 5 years, compared with 31% (929) of those whose disease extended no higher than the L3–4 level. The periaortic failure rates correlated to some extent with the dose delivered through extended fields, although the difference was not statistically significant. Only 8% (113) of those who had undergone extraperitoneal lymphadenectomies developed small bowel complications, compared with 25% (729) of those who had had transperitoneal lymphadenectomies. The incidence of small bowel obstruction was 8% (113) following periaortic doses of 4000–4500 cGy, 10% (110) after 5000 cGy, and 32% (619) after ∼5500 cGy. From this, we concluded that the subset of patients who would benefit most from extended field irradiation are those in whom the residual disease in the periaortic area measures less than 2 cm in size at the time of treatment, whose disease extends no higher than L3, and whose cancer within the pelvis has a reasonable chance of control with standard radiation therapy techniques.
Fighting back: Vulnerabilities, blunders, and countermobilization by the targets in three animal rights campaigns

Among the determinants of social movement success, the characteristics and responses of nonstate organizations under attack by protestors have been overlooked. We examine three campaigns by animal rights groups against experimentation, in 1976–1977, 1987–1988, and 1988–1989. The first two campaigns stopped the research, while the third did not. One influential set of factors was the preexisting vulnerabilities—e.g., unpopular practices, internal factions—on the part of targeted organizations. Another was the strategic responses of these organizations, especially the avoidance of “blunders.” A growing countermovement, thirdly, affected the organizations' ability to respond effectively and avoid blunders. As a social movement expands and strengthens, it encourages counterorganizing and a hardening of resistance, so that many social movements may actually be less successful as they become larger and more visible.
Cross-plane and in-plane porous properties measurements of thin metal felts: applications in heat pipes

Abstract Measurements of the porous media character of sintered micro-fibrous metallic felts are reported for both the in-plane (longitudinal) and cross-plane (transverse) orientation liquid permeability and effective pore size. The family of samples tested included felts fabricated from 316L stainless steel or Haynes 188 fibers, between 6 and 50 μm in diameter, with bulk porosities from 0.55 to 0.91, and aspect ratios ranging from 80:1 to 5000:1. Both random lay and parallel lay materials are included in this sample set. The samples tested resided in four distinct classifications depending on the fiber size and resulting fiber lay orientation (parallel or random). A large range in effective pore size (6.1–281 μm radius) and liquid permeability (1.2–925 μm2) was found in addition to a noticeable anisotropic feature (in-plane versus cross-plane) to these felts. Finally, the application of these materials for use as heat pipe wicking materials is evaluated by comparing the existing property data for competing porous media materials, such as sintered powders and stacked screens. This evaluation is based upon comparing the effective pore size versus liquid permeability for each of the four sample classes tested. It is found that these felt materials perform as good or better than traditional wicking materials (screens and powders) while offering the additional benefits of a flat and conformal geometry.
Oxygen atom transfer with niobocene ketenes; Baeyer-Villiger chemistry with unusual Rrgioselectivities

Abstract Niobocene ketene complex 1 has been utilized as an oxygen atom transfer reagent, converting ketones and aldehydes to esters and carboxylic acids. The steric properties of compound 1 give rise to a series of relative migratory aptitudes that differs from those seen for peracids. The process may be rendered catalytic in 1 with methyltrifluoromethyldioxirane ( 4 ).
Millennium as Opportunity: Chaos, Creativity, and Guilford's Structure of Intellect Model

In this new millennium, our prospects for creative change may be particularly fluid. Chaos theory is used metaphorically to address aspects of creative process we therefore might note well, linking these both with (a) the operations, products, and contents dimensions of J. P. Guilford's structure of intellect (SI) model and (b) healthier balances we can create between Guilford's divergent and convergent production, both within individuals and cultures. Divergent production, a key operation in Guilford's model, may be viewed both as the major departure it was half a century ago and via the dramatic emergences we see today using a nonlinear dynamic of creativity. The intersection of divergent production with Guilford's products dimension might be linked to multiple creative processes we can ponder metaphorically as strange attractors, and attractor complexes, in a dynamic phase space of mind. Such attractors might trap as well as free us, however, and potential examples are given involving abstraction, unco...
European policies in West Africa: who benefits from fisheries agreements?

Abstract Fishery cooperation agreements with the Sub-Saharan West African coastal states are considered by the European Union as purely commercial deals that are designed to maximize access to coastal state fishery resources, secure employment for European harvesting and processing industries and supply European seafood consumption markets at the lowest possible cost. Financial compensation paid by Brussels to the West African countries for fishing rights covers two-thirds or more of the license fees and is a subsidy for European vessel owners. This subsidy puts EU in position of a preferred user of the coastal resources. That displaces foreign investors and local entrepreneurs in the coastal states, distorts economics of the European fishing enterprises and promotes excessive pressure on the resources that greatly harms the marine environment in the West African region. Analysis of EU's relations with Guinea-Bissau shows that together with manipulation of the size of fishing fleet used by EU in this country's waters, there were significant irregularities resulting from excessive by-catch, underpayment of tuna license fees and denial of timely statistical information for the coastal state. Continuation of this type of relations with Sub-Saharan West Africa is against the long-term interests of the coastal states and sustainability of the coastal resources. Unless significant changes in fishing policies of the EU are made, West African coastal countries will face severe overexploitation of their resources and subsequent drop in license revenues. The EU's departure from purely business approach in fisheries relations with the West African coastal countries and termination of subsidization of the European fleets should be considered as important steps toward new fisheries relations with the region On other hand, coastal states should undertake more coordinated approach in dealing with foreign pressures on their resources and harmonize negotiation of the fisheries agreements with the EU. They also must improve the investment climate so foreign fleet operators would be encouraged to integrate their offshore activity with the coastal states’ economies.
Vertical-gradient-freeze growth of GaP

Abstract A detailed description is given of an apparatus for growing GaP by the vertical-gradient-freeze technique of Blum and Chicotka. A number of seeded single-crystal ingots have been grown and some of the properties of these ingots are described. Consistent single-crystal growth remains a definite but apparently solvable problem.
A method for measuring secretions from the palatal minor salivary glands

This study investigated the secretory pattern of unstimulated minor salivary glands in 10 contiguous specified areas of the hard palate in 12 healthy unmedicated adult men and women. Each participant was assessed twice at each of two visits in the same specific palatal areas from the distal portion of the second molar to 30 mm anterior. The 10 areas were isolated, dried, and sampled with a paper strip for 60 seconds. The strips were read with a Periotron device. The rates of flow were significantly influenced by position; higher values were noted posteriorly and medially during testing and retesting at both visits. The rates of flow from the palatal glands were greatest in the area between the maxillary second molars. This method proved to be simple, accurate, and reliable for measuring the secretions of the palatal glands. This method may prove useful for investigating how the relationship between the pattern and the secretory rate of minor salivary glands influences retention of the complete maxillary denture.
Origins of the Human Brain

This book is the resulting work of the fifth interdisciplinary Fyssen symposium held in 1990. The volume comprises 18 chapters organized in four parts and explores the evolution of the human brain from anatomical, genetic, cultural and cognitive viewpoints. Each chapter is followed by a general discussion.
Breast Cancer Screening among Employed American Women

AbstractFrom the 1990 National Health Interview Survey Health Promotion and Disease Prevention supplement, the authors estimated the 1990 baseline prevalence of breast cancer screening among employed U.S. women aged 50–70 years. Proportions of women screened for breast cancer were calculated by occupational category and demographic characteristics, and were compared with the Healthy People 2000 objective that 60% of women aged 50 and older have had mammography and a clinical breast examination within the preceding two years. The objective was exceeded for white-collar workers (61.8%) and workers with some college (64.1%), but was not met by any blue-collar/service workers (40.8%); or any workers with only a high school diploma (54.7%) or less than a high school diploma (38.5%). Identification of occupational categories and demographic subgroups among working women will be helpful to those planning breast cancer screening program, in both the public and the private sectors.
Mitochondrial evolution across lineages of the vampire barnacle Notochthamalus scabrosus.

AbstractEight whole mitochondrial genomes from the barnacle Notochthamalus scabrosus, with one from the northern lineage and seven from the divergent southern lineage, are presented. The annotated and aligned data were analyzed for signals of non-neutral evolution. Overall, these data are consistent with purifying selection operating on the protein-coding regions of the mitochondrion. However, a notable region of nonsynonymous substitution at the 3′ end of the ND2 gene region, along with unusual site frequency spectra in two other gene regions, was identified.
Catalytic transformations of individual naphthene hydrocarbons and cyclohexene in presence of benzene

1. An investigation was made of the transformations of some individual naphthene hydrocarbons and of cyclohexene in presence of benzene over synthetic aluminum silicates. 2. At 525–530° and 10–15 atm, the transformations of these cyclic hydrocarbons in presence of benzene are directed mainly toward the formation of aromatic hydrocarbons of low molecular weight: toluene, xylenes, and others. The presence of benzene has a favorable effect on the aromatization of cyclohexanes and cyclohexene. 3. In the catalytic treatment of naphthenes, aromatization is accompanied, to some extent, by the destructive alkylation of benzene and by the cracking and isomerization of the original cycloalkanes.
Low-Rank Matrix Fitting Based on Subspace Perturbation Analysis with Applications to Structure from Motion

The task of finding a low-rank (r) matrix that best fits an original data matrix of higher rank is a recurring problem in science and engineering. The problem becomes especially difficult when the original data matrix has some missing entries and contains an unknown additive noise term in the remaining elements. The former problem can be solved by concatenating a set of r-column matrices that share a common single r-dimensional solution space. Unfortunately, the number of possible submatrices is generally very large and, hence, the results obtained with one set of r-column matrices will generally be different from that captured by a different set. Ideally, we would like to find that solution that is least affected by noise. This requires that we determine which of the r-column matrices (i.e., which of the original feature points) are less influenced by the unknown noise term. This paper presents a criterion to successfully carry out such a selection. Our key result is to formally prove that the more distinct the r vectors of the r-column matrices are, the less they are swayed by noise. This key result is then combined with the use of a noise model to derive an upper bound for the effect that noise and occlusions have on each of the r-column matrices. It is shown how this criterion can be effectively used to recover the noise-free matrix of rank r. Finally, we derive the affine and projective structure-from-motion (SFM) algorithms using the proposed criterion. Extensive validation on synthetic and real data sets shows the superiority of the proposed approach over the state of the art.
Impact of multi-packet transmission and reception on the throughput capacity of wireless ad hoc networks

We study the capacity of random wireless ad hoc networks when nodes are capable of multi-packet transmission and reception (MPTR). This paper extends the unified framework of (n, m, k)-cast by Wang et al. [6] for single-packet reception (SPR) at each node to the case of MPTR. (n, m, k)-cast considers all types of information dissemination including unicast routing, multicast routing, broadcasting and anycasting. In this context, n, m, and k represent the total number of nodes in the network, the number of destinations for each communication group and the actual number of destinations that receive the packets, respectively. We show that the capacity of a wireless ad hoc network of n nodes in which nodes have a communication range of r(n) and engage in an (n, m, k) -casting scales as Θ(n√mr3(n)/k), Θ(nr2(n)/k) and Θ(nr4(n)) bits per second when m = O(1/r2(n)), Ω(k) = 1/r2(n) = O(m) and k = Ω(1/r2(n)), respectively. We show that the use of MPTR leads to a gain of Θ(logn) compared to the capacity attained with multi-packet reception (MPR), and to a gain of Θ((logn)2) compared to the capacity attained with SPR, when Ω(√logn/n) = r(n) = O(√loglogn/3logn).
Gastropexy for Prevention of Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus in Dogs: History and Techniques

Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) is a common and catastrophic disease of large and giant-breed dogs. Treatment of GDV includes medical stabilization followed by prompt surgical repositioning of the stomach in its normal anatomic position. To prevent reoccurrence, gastropexy is used to securely adhere the stomach to the body wall. Effective gastropexy decreases the recurrence of GDV from as high as 80% to less than 5%. The purpose of this article is to describe the history, indications, and techniques for gastropexy. Gastropexy was first reported in veterinary medicine in 1971 for the management of gastric reflux, and later in 1979 for treating and preventing the recurrence of GDV. Gastropexy is indicated in all dogs that undergo surgical correction of GDV. Additionally, prophylactic gastropexy should be strongly considered at the time of surgery in dogs undergoing splenectomy for splenic torsion and potentially other splenic pathology, and in dogs of at-risk breeds, such as Great Danes, that are undergoing exploratory celiotomy for any reason owing to evidence for increased risk of GDV in these patients. Although there are numerous techniques described, gastropexy is always performed on the right side of the abdomen, near the last rib. Ensuring an anatomically correct gastropexy location is vital to prevent postoperative complications such as partial pyloric outflow obstruction. Gastropexy can be performed as part of an open surgical approach to the abdomen or using a minimally invasive technique. When combined with surgical correction of GDV, gastropexy is almost always performed as an open procedure. The stomach is repositioned, the abdomen explored, and then a permanent gastropexy is performed. Techniques used for open gastropexy include incisional, belt-loop, circumcostal, and incorporating gastropexy, as well as gastrocolopexy. Each of these has been described later. Incisional gastropexy is currently the most commonly performed method of surgical gastropexy in dogs; it is quick, relatively easy, safe, and effective. Minimally invasive techniques for gastropexy are often used when gastropexy is performed as an elective, isolated procedure. Minimally invasive techniques include the grid approach, endoscopically guided miniapproach, and laparoscopic gastropexy. Laparoscopic gastropexy is the least invasive alternative; however, it requires special equipment and significant surgical expertise to perform. The authors consider it a veterinarian׳s responsibility to educate the owners of at-risk large and giant dog breeds about prophylactic gastropexy given such a favorable risk-benefit profile.
Reoperative Surgery for Anal Incontinence

The plague of fecal incontinence with its associated social and economic encumbrances has fueled a drive over the past few decades to find new innovations in its management. Numerous surgical therapies have been developed and advanced to help ameliorate this problem and improve the quality of life of the patients who suffer from it. Despite these advances, the need for reoperation exceeds 50% of patients who undergo these procedures. Therefore, the colorectal surgeon must have surgical options to restore or improve anal continence after failure of a primary, secondary, or tertiary repair. Indications include obstetric and other iatrogenic trauma, noniatrogenic trauma, imperforate anus and other congenital abnormalities, as well as neurogenic and idiopathic fecal incontinence.
Clustered principal components for precomputed radiance transfer

We compress storage and accelerate performance of precomputed radiance transfer (PRT), which captures the way an object shadows, scatters, and reflects light. PRT records over many surface points a transfer matrix. At run-time, this matrix transforms a vector of spherical harmonic coefficients representing distant, low-frequency source lighting into exiting radiance. Per-point transfer matrices form a high-dimensional surface signal that we compress using clustered principal component analysis (CPCA), which partitions many samples into fewer clusters each approximating the signal as an affine subspace. CPCA thus reduces the high-dimensional transfer signal to a low-dimensional set of per-point weights on a per-cluster set of representative matrices. Rather than computing a weighted sum of representatives and applying this result to the lighting, we apply the representatives to the lighting per-cluster (on the CPU) and weight these results per-point (on the GPU). Since the output of the matrix is lower-dimensional than the matrix itself, this reduces computation. We also increase the accuracy of encoded radiance functions with a new least-squares optimal projection of spherical harmonics onto the hemisphere. We describe an implementation on graphics hardware that performs real-time rendering of glossy objects with dynamic self-shadowing and interreflection without fixing the view or light as in previous work. Our approach also allows significantly increased lighting frequency when rendering diffuse objects and includes subsurface scattering.
The seebeck coefficients of antimony and arsenic single crystals

Abstract The Seebeck coefficients along the binary and trigonal axes of single crystals of antimony and arsenic have been measured and found to be positive in sign between 80°K and 320°K. The data together with recently determined Fermi surface parameters and mobilities suggest that either Chandrasekhar's theory of isotropic partial Seebeck coefficients as developed for bismuth is not applicable to antimony or our knowledge of the Fermi surface is incomplete.
Reductively degradable polyester-based block copolymers prepared by facile polycondensation and ATRP: synthesis, degradation, and aqueous micellization

Well-defined reductively degradable amphiphilic block copolymers having disulfide linkages positioned repeatedly on hydrophobic chains, thus exhibiting fast degradation, were prepared by a combination of polycondensation and ATRP. The new method consists of three synthetic steps including, (1) polycondensation of commercially available diols and diacids through carbodiimide coupling or high temperature processes to synthesize degradable polyesters with disulfides labeled on the main chain at regular intervals (ssPES–OH), (2) bromination of ssPES–OH to ssPES–Br, and (3) ATRP for chain extension of ssPES–Br with water-soluble polymethacrylate, yielding ssPES-b-polymethacrylate block copolymers (ssABPs). The reductive cleavage of disulfide linkages in reducing conditions resulted in the degradation of ssPES homopolymers; their degradation rate was significantly enhanced with the increasing amounts of disulfide linkages in ssPES–OH and reducing agents. For ATRP, gel permeation chromatography and 1H-NMR results confirmed the synthesis of well-defined ssABPs and revealed that polymerizations were well controlled. Because of their amphiphilic nature, ssABPs self-assembled in water toward the formation of core/shell micelles consisting of a hydrophobic ssPES core surrounded with polymethacrylate coronas. The effects of the corona's chain length on thermal properties and micellization in water of well-defined ssABPs were examined. Moreover, reductive (or thiol-responsive) degradation of ssABP-based micelles enabled fast release of encapsulated model drugs. Cell culture experiments confirmed nontoxicity and biocompatibility of well-defined ssABPs as effect candidates for targeted delivery applications.
Stream-dashboard: a framework for mining, tracking and validating clusters in a data stream

Clustering data streams is a challenging problem that has received significant attention in the recent decade. In this paper, we address the hitherto inadequately addressed challenge of managing the output of stream clustering. This task comprises the continuous cluster model validation, monitoring, trend and change detection, and summarization of the cluster mining output. For this purpose, we propose a complete framework to mine, track and validate the clusters in a data stream. The proposed framework keeps track of each discovered cluster model of the stream through time, while quantifying, modeling and summarizing the cluster evolution trends, and storing a summary of the cluster models and the evolution trends only at milestones corresponding to the occurrence of significant changes. Our experiments demonstrate the accuracy of the proposed framework in tracking cluster evolution over time, while generating a concise summary of the evolution trends over the lifetime of the stream.
Maintenance and Regulation in Brain of Neurotransmission, Trophic Factors, and Immune Responses

The sections in this article are: 1 The Imbalance Hypothesis of Aging 2 Neurotransmitter Systems 2.1 Glutamate Receptors 2.2 GABA Receptors 2.3 Summary 3 Neurotrophic Factors 3.1 Nerve Growth Factor 3.2 Fibroblast Growth Factor 3.3 Cytokines as Neurotrophic Factors 4 The Immune System in the CNS 4.1 The Immune System and Alzheimer's Disease 4.2 Cytokines and the Immune System 5 Summary and Conclusions
Synthesis, characterization, and solution properties of 5-ethyl-substituted poly(L-prolines). Synthesis of cis- and trans-5-ethyl-L-proline and optically active poly(cis-5-ethyl-D-proline)

This article reports a continuation of our work on the substituent effects on the preferred helical conformations and the mutarotation of substituted poly(L-prolines). The size of the substituent has been increased from a methyl group to an ethyl group in the 5 position. The purpose is twofold: (i) according to our theoretical conformational energy calculations, an ethyl group in the 5 position can exert a greater steric effect than can a methyl group; and (ii) the rotation-isomerization of the ethyl group introduces a new intriguing fact to the problem. The cis isomer of 5-ethylproline was synthesized by catalytic hydrogenation of Δ′-2-ethylpyrroline-5-carboxylic acid, whereas for trans-5-ethylproline, a chemical separation method involving p-toluenesulfonyl chloride was used. The resolution of cis-5-ethylproline and the assignment of absolute configurations have been carried out by fractional crystallization and circular dichroism spectroscopic techniques, respectively. Poly(cis-5-ethyl-D-proline) was obtained from its corresponding N-carboxyanhydrides via a ring opening polymerization.
Reducing the Data Switching Activity on Serial Link Buses

On-chip serial link buses have been previously proposed as a strong solution to reduce the complexity and/or the energy dissipation of on-chip interconnect fabrics. However, it was noticed that serializing m-bits on a single interconnect (serial-link) increases the overall data switching activity. This paper presents a quantitative analysis of the switching activity of serial links, and provides closed form expressions for the average activity factors. Two transition encoding schemes, to reduce the activity factor of serial links, are discussed and analyzed. The impact of the impact of the encoding schemes on the MCF between neighboring interconnects is also discussed. The analysis shows that both of the schemes provide significant reduction in the average activity factor and energy dissipation reduction, but each in a different range of input activity factors. The two encoding bus schemes were modeled in a 70nm CMOS technology, and compared to an unencoded serial link bus and a parallel line bus. Simulation results show that the transition encoded bus schemes reduce the overall energy dissipation of the unencoded serial link bus by up to 96%.
Structural properties of a low Earth orbit satellite constellation - the Walker delta network

The Walker (1984) delta satellite constellation appears to be practical to serve as a low Earth orbit satellite network to provide world-wide networking. The structural properties of the Walker delta network, including diameter, mean message traversal, traffic density, and network saturation conditions are investigated and presented. Three different traffic patterns are used in this study. It has been found that for a fixed number of satellites, the Walker delta network can provide minimum mean message traversal, minimum traffic density and maximum traffic injection rate provided that the number of orbital planes is equal to the number of satellites in each orbital plane. Regarding the injection of messages from ground stations to the satellite network, the network with a smaller size can accept more messages than a network with a larger size before the network saturates. Furthermore, an adaptive routing algorithm, which always routes the message to its destination through one of several available minimal paths, is also presented. >
Chlamydomonas reinhardtii selenocysteine tRNA[Ser]Sec

Eukaryotic selenocysteine (Sec) protein insertion machinery was thought to be restricted to animals, but the occurrence of both Sec-containing proteins and the Sec insertion system was recently found in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, a member of the plant kingdom. Herein, we used RT-PCR to determine the sequence of C. reinhardtii Sec tRNA[Ser]Sec, the first non-animal eukaryotic Sec tRNA[Ser]Sec sequence. Like its animal counterpart, it is 90 nucleotides in length, is aminoacylated with serine by seryl-tRNA synthetase, and decodes specifically UGA. Evolutionary analyses of known Sec tRNAs identify the C. reinhardtii form as the most diverged eukaryotic Sec tRNA[Ser]Sec and reveal a common origin for this tRNA in bacteria, archaea, and eukaryotes.
3,4He(e,e'p) Experiments in Jefferson Lab's Hall A

Coincidence experiments have proven to be very useful tools in studying specific aspects of the nucleus. In particular the (e,e′p) reaction has been used not only to study the single-nucleon structure of nuclei but also to study the behavior of nucleons embedded in the nuclear medium. In this paper, the results of the Jefferson Lab 3He(e,e′p) measurements will be presented along with a discussion of recent and upcoming 4He(e,e′p) measurements.
Quantize-map-and-forward relaying: Coding and system design

Quantize-map-and-forward (QMF) is a relaying scheme that has been shown to achieve the capacity of Gaussian relay networks to within a constant gap. Under QMF the compression indices forwarded by relays are not decoded explicitly. Instead, the message is decoded jointly with the compression indices. In this work we present a practical coding and signaling framework that captures this aspect of QMF. We outline the framework for a simple Gaussian network with a single half-duplex relay. We propose a scheme where binary LDPC codes are used for encoding at the source and at the relay. For suitable choice of codes and quantizer we show that the joint decoding operation for QMF can be reduced to belief propagation over a Tanner graph. Simulation results are given to justify the proposed coding scheme. The proposed framework can be extended for use with high order signal constellations.
Baroclinic Eddy Interaction with Isolated Topography

Point vortex and finite-difference methods are used to study baroclinic eddies advected into weak and strong encounters with topography. It is argued that weak interactions often scatter radially symmetric eddies into generalized hetons. The dipole moments so generated within the eddy result in eddy propagations at various angles to the current. Strong interactions can result in the complete separation of the upper- and lower-layer circulations. Subsequent evolution in this case depends on many factors, although strong topographic obstacles (i.e., seamounts) permit a reorganization of the centers into a coherent structure. Weaker topography, confined to the deep ocean, can disrupt the lower center, although the upper center typically survives. Disassociation of the centers with both retaining their integrity is also possible. Heton generation can occur for eddies with weak lower-layer expressions, demonstrating a potentially strong control of shallow eddy propagation by deep sea bathymetry. Analytical and numerical estimates of the induced propagation speeds are sizable, arguing topographic scattering is a potentially powerful mechanism influencing eddy propagation.
Exploring the Mentoring Relationship among African American Women in Psychology

Historically, there has been a scarcity of available mentors for African American women in psychology. The diminished presence of African American female psychologists in higher education limits the availability of same-race mentors for African American students, which decreases opportunities for African American students to pursue and succeed in this field, which in turn reduces the number of African Americans pursuing teaching, research, and clinical careers within psychology. We assert that same-race/same-gender mentorship is imperative in increasing the recruitment, retention, and training of African American women in psychology. In this literature review, we seek to address the unique issues related to the mentoring experience among African American women in psychology across three different stages of professional development (i.e., undergraduate, graduate, and faculty). Finally, we provide recommendations for mentors, mentees, and academic organizations in order to foster the growth and presence of African American women psychologists.
Establishing a targeted plan for prophylactic dental extractions in patients with laryngeal cancer receiving adjuvant radiotherapy.

Objective The purpose of this study was to determine dose delivered to individual mandibular tooth-bearing regions during adjuvant intensity-modulated radiotherapy for laryngeal cancers. Study Design Twenty patients with laryngeal cancer treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy were included. Individual mandibular tooth-borne areas were manually contoured. Average doses were calculated for individual teeth. Results Doses to individual teeth increased with more posterior location. Highest dose was observed for third molar (M3) (43.1 Gy; P Conclusions T- and N-stage drive dose to individual mandibular tooth-borne areas. With the exception of the posterior molars, particularly in node-positive patients, radiation exposure falls below the threshold reported for pre-RT tooth extractions (50 Gy). We concluded that a more conservative approach to prophylactic tooth extraction with a greater emphasis on dental management may be warranted for the prevention of osteoradionecrosis in patients with laryngeal cancer receiving adjuvant RT.
Super Stretchy Polymer Multilayer Thin Film with High Gas Barrier

Unlike ionically bonded or clay-loaded gas barrier thin films, which easily crack when moderately stretched, hydrogen-bonded poly(acrylic acid) (PAA)/poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) multilayer thin films remain crack-free. Even after 100% strain, these nanocoatings provide more than a 5× reduction in oxygen transmission rate. This study shows that the lowest modulus PAA/PEO thin film is obtained at pH 3, but maintains a high barrier. A total of 20 PAA/PEO bilayers (367 nm thick) on 1.58 mm rubber reduced the oxygen transmission rate by 1 order of magnitude. Stretching from 25–100% caused plastic deformation and reduced gas barrier, but the oxygen transmission rate remained at least 5× lower than the uncoated rubber. The ability to prevent cracking and preserve the gas barrier up to 100% strain provides a tremendous opportunity for reducing weight and improving the barrier of elastomeric materials.
Electrochemical Performance of Lithium-Ion Hybrid Supercapacitors based on Activated Carbon and Nanoplatelet Li4Ti5O12 Insertion Electrode Synthesized by Nanoscission Technique

Electrochemical performance of hybrid supercapacitor (HSC) utilizing surface sculpted Li4Ti5O12 (LTO) insertion electrode having nanoplatelet-like morphology and activated carbon (AC) electrode is investigated for energy storage application. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) at variable scan rates 0.5 to 60 mV.s-1 in the 0-3.2 V range show pseusocapacitive behavior and fast rate of current change indicating rapid Faradaic kinetics. Nyquist impedance study show charge transfer resistance due to kinetic effects of electron transfer and Li+ de-intercalation process at the LTO anode. Low capacity (0.2 C-1C) charge-discharge (CD) curves show high Coulomb efficiency with marginal reduction at high 5-10 C rates due to irreversibility of adsorbed PF6 anions at the electrolyte-AC interface. Galvanostatic CD cycling tests over 50 cycles at different C-rates show decline in storage capacity due to electrode polarization effects. Reduction, broadening and shift of the Raman line at 678 cm-1 from Ti-O bonds in TiO6 octahedra after cycling indicates Li insertion reactions in functioning of hybrid supercapacitor. The hybrid supercapacitor cells have shown energy density, 29 Wh.kg-1 and power density, 350 W.kg-1.
Direct visualization of cross-links in the primary plant cell wall

We have investigated the structure of the onion primary cell wall at high resolution, using shadowed replicas of rapidly frozen deep-etched specimens. We have sequentially extracted polymers from the wall and have visualized both these and the remaining structures at each extraction step. By viewing the structures in as near their native state as possible, an accurate three-dimensional picture of wall construction has been assembled, facilitated by viewing stereo pairs of micrographs. Our observations show that the physical links between cellulose microfibrils that we observe in the intact wall are generally shorter (20–40 nm) than the isolated molecules we extract (30->700nm), suggesting that lateral interactions must occur between linking polymers and cellulose in muro . These cross-links are hemicellulosic and we believe them to be xyloglucans: their removal allows increased lateral association of microfibrils. Na2CO3-extractable pectic fractions form a separate coextensive network, the removal of which does not affect basic cellulose/ hemicellulose architecture. Preliminary evidence for a lamellate model of wall construction has been obtained. In addition, we propose a positive role for hemicellulose in maintaining the ordered spacing of cellulose micronbrils, perhaps regulating wall porosity and strength. The basic wall parameters that we derive impose constraints on possible cell wall models.
The use of total arch space analysis in molar extraction design.

Objective:Application of total arch space analysis involving molar extraction and retention in extraction design. Method:31 adult cases were selected,10 male,21 female,aged 18 to 30 years old,with an average age of 24. Final extraction design were obtained with total arch space analysis,combined with crown width and the clinical conditions. Result:The average space of 21±4.5 mm in mandibular arch and 19±3.5 mm in maxillary arch were needed. Conclusion:Total arch space analysis should be used in molar extraction cases. Molar spaces should be reasonable allocated,in order that anterior and posterior arch problems be both concerned.
GLUCOSE-CONTAINING PHOSPHOLIPIDS IN MYCOPLASMA LAIDLAWII, STRAIN B.

Three major phospholipid fractions were isolated from Mycoplasma laidlawii, strain B, grown in lipid-free medium. Two of these fractions were shown to contain covalently bound glucose, and had molar ratios of P:sugar:glycerol:fatty acid close to 1:1:1:2. They differed somewhat in their fatty acid compositions. Products of mild deacylation and of partial acid hydrolysis indicated both to be salt forms of phosphatidyl glucose. Another major fraction not structurally identified yielded data suggestive of a compound resembling cardiolipin or of a phosphatidyl glycerophosphate. Small amounts of nitrogen-containing phospholipids, but no sulfolipids, were detected.
Effects produced by trypsin on certain properties of the human red cell.

Human red cells treated with trypsin in such a way as to become agglutinable in the presence of incomplete antibodies are affected in certain other respects. Their volume is slightly increased, their ghosts are unusually rigid or "volume-occupying," their osmotic and mechanical fragilities are slightly increased and their electrophoretic mobility is reduced. These changes are probably due to effects on the protein components of the red cell surface ultrastructure. Similar effects are also produced by the related enzyme mexacain.
Resources for Teaching Discrete Mathematics: Pascal's Treatise on the Arithmetical Triangle: Mathematical Induction, Combinations, the Binomial Theorem and Fermat's Theorem

Introduction Blaise Pascal (1623–1662) was born in Clermont-Ferrand in central France. Even as a teenager his father introduced him to meetings for mathematical discussion in Paris run by Marin Mersenne, who served as a primary conduit for transmitting mathematical ideas widely at that time, before the existence of any research journals. He quickly became involved in the development of projective geometry, the first in a sequence of highly creative mathematical and scientific episodes in his life, punctuated by periods of religious fervor. Around age twenty-one he spent several years developing a mechanical addition and subtraction machine, in part to help his father in tax computations as a local administrator. It was the first of its kind ever to be marketed. Then for several years he was at the center of efforts to understand vacuum, which led to an understanding of barometric pressure. In fact the scientific unit of pressure is named the pascal . He is also known for Pascal's Law on the behavior of fluid pressure. Around 1654 Pascal conducted his studies on the Arithmetical Triangle (“Pascal's Triangle”) and its relationship to probabilities. His correspondence with Pierre de Fermat (1601–1665) in that year marks the beginning of probability theory. Several years later, Pascal refined his ideas on area problems via the method of indivisibles already being developed by others, and solved various problems of areas, volumes, centers of gravity, and lengths of curves.
Impact of clinical trial on survival outcomes

The number of patients with breast cancer who participate in therapeutic clinical trials remains low. One reason is a lack of opportunity; another is health care providers who do not recommend trials because they fear poorer outcome from the use of new drugs. Thus, we compared survival outcome in patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) who participated in first-line therapeutic clinical trials with outcome in patients who had never enrolled in a clinical trial and received only standard care. We hypothesized that first-line therapeutic clinical trials does not have a negative survival outcome. We reviewed the records of patients with MBC who were treated at MD Anderson Cancer Center between January 2000, and December 2010. The medical records of 5501 patients with MBC were screened, and 652 patients—285 in the trial arm and 367 in the control arm—met our specific eligible criteria. The median follow-up of our cohort was 7.16 years (95 % confidence interval [CI] 6.53–7.64 years). Among the global population, no significant differences in progression-free survival (PFS) or overall survival (OS) were observed between the treatment arms: for the clinical trial cohort, median PFS was 7 months (95 % CI 5.72–8.71 months), and median OS was 28.48 months (95 % CI 22.70–34.60 months). For the control cohort, median PFS was 10.02 months (95 % CI 7.13–11.99 months), and median OS was 28.71 months (95 % CI 24.41–31.31 months) (P = .089 and .335, respectively). Enrollment in first-line MBC therapeutic clinical trials does not result in less favorable survival outcome than that in MBC patients who never enrolled in a clinical trial.
Uncooled Infrared Imaging Face Recognition Using Kernel-Based Feature Vector Selection

This study considers an approximation to the Generalized Discriminant Analysis (GDA) and its applications to an uncooled infrared image face recognition problem. We consider the feature vector selection approach recently proposed by Baudat and Anouar, and combine it with the Linear Discriminant Analysis method (FVS-LDA). The resulting scheme is applied to the fifty-subject uncooled IR face database developed locally in an earlier project for comparison purposes. Identification and verification experiments are reported and compared to those obtained with the GDA implementation. Results indicate that similar recognition performances may be obtained when using well- tuned FVS parameters for a significantly reduced computational effort.