cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization of the interfacial bond in paper-polypropylene-paper laminates†

The interfacial strength of two paper-polypropylene-paper laminates used for electrical power transmission cable insulation has been measured using a peel test after a variety of conditionings that simulate the service thermal stress conditions. Immersion in dielectric oil at 23°C causes little decrease in peel strength, but heating in the oil at 90°C causes a rapid initial loss followed by a slow loss of strength. Cyclic and static heating show that cyclic fatigue is not a factor as the initial loss of strength occurs in a time comparable to the first two test cycles and further heating causes much less loss of strength. Tensile and compressive stresses resulting from cable winding have no effect on the loss of bond strength during heating in oil. Vacuum drying of the laminate and oil (as in cable manufacture) before heating results in less decrease in peel strength than heating without prior drying. Optical and electron microscopy show minimal wetting of the paper fibrils by the polypropylene with only a few having been either normal to or at a steep angle to the polypropylene surface. That is, the fibrils appear to be parallel to the interface and only partially immersed in the polypropylene. Micrographs show little, if any, differences between the interfaces on the two sides as well as little paper on the polypropylene after delamination and vice versa. It is suggested that the bonding mechanism is a combination of weak mechanical interlocking and secondary bonds. It is also suggested that swelling of the polypropylene relative to the paper by the dielectric oil at 90°C weakens the interfacial bond.
"These young chaps think they are just men, too": redistributing masculinity in Kgatleng bars.

Abstract In the 19th century the BaKgatla polity was a chiefdom with a redistributional economy based on mixed agriculture. Sorghum beer was symbolic not only of the patrilineal core of their descent system and of the ideologies of reciprocity and redistribution, but also of masculinity and patriarchal control. With the establishment of a market economy, an industrial brewery and individual access to income, both beer and the act of drinking have been symbolically reconstructed. The ideology of redistribution was well suited to the support of the BaKgatla gerontocracy via alcohol production and consumption. The limits on production and consumption of beer inherent in the agricultural cycle and the control of young men's access by elders made alcohol an effective symbol of managerial competence from the limited context of household authority to that of the chiefdom as a whole. Today, young men's greater control of cash income has given them access to beer beyond the control of elders. As a result, the contrasting ideology of market exchange and competitive distribution of beer has contributed to the degradation of the power of seniors. After reviewing the historical background, this paper explores those changes. It argues that while the observed infrastructural changes have had a predictable impact on drinking behaviors and the symbolic structure of “seniority/masculinity”, constructions of the “masculine community” in BaKgatla bars demonstrate continuity in key areas of mens’ identities. If as anthropologists we see obvious discontinuities in behavior and ideology, the BaKgatla build selective bridges to “tradition” which seemingly ground the experience of change in relatively seamless continuity.
The effect of characteristic x-rays on the spatial and spectral resolution of a CZT-based detector for breast CT

In an effort to improve the early stage detection and diagnosis of breast cancer, a number of research groups have been investigating the use of x-ray computerized tomography (CT) systems dedicated for use in imaging the breast. Preliminary results suggest that dedicated breast CT systems can provide improved visualization of 3D breast tissue as compared to conventional mammography. However, current breast CT prototypes that are being investigated have limitations resulting in less than desirable spatial resolution, lesion contrast, and signal-to-noise (SNR) ratio. Another option is a CT breast imaging system that uses a cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) based detector operating in a photon counting mode. This paper uses a Monte Carlo simulation to evaluate the effect of characteristic x-rays on spatial and spectral resolution for a CZT detector used for breast CT. It is concluded that using CZT of 500-750 μm would not cause significant differences in spatial or spectral resolution, nor in stopping power as compared to using CZT with thickness 2-3 mm.
Irreducible unitary representations of SUp,q I: The discrete series

A class of irreducible unitary representations in the discrete series of SUp,q is explicitly determined in a space of holomorphic functions of three complex matrices. The discrete series, which is the set of all square integrable representations, corresponds to a compact subgroup of SUp,q. The relevant algebraic properties of the group SUp,q are discussed in detail. For a degenerate irreducible unitary representation an explicit construction of the infinitesimal generators of the Lie algebra ${\mathfrak s}u_{p,q}$ in terms of differential operators is given.
Parallel Gaussian Interference Channels Are Not Always Separable

It is known that the capacity of parallel (multicarrier) Gaussian point-to-point, multiple access and broadcast channels can be achieved by separate encoding for each subchannel (carrier) subject to a power allocation across carriers. In this paper we show that such a separation does not apply to parallel Gaussian interference channels in general. A counterexample is provided in the form of a 3 user interference channel where separate encoding can only achieve a sum capacity of 2 log(1+3 SNR) while the actual capacity, achieved only by joint encoding across carriers, is 3 log(1+2 SNR). As a byproduct of our analysis, we propose a class of multiple-access-outer bounds on the capacity of the 3 user interference channel.
CORRELATION OF RHEOMETRIC DATA AND HYDRAULIC CALCULATIONS USING RATIONAL POLYNOMIALS

A rational polynomial function, i.e., the ratio of two polynomials, is suggested as a general correlating equation for rheometric data. Using data from the literature, it is shown that the rational-polynomial model is capable of accurately representing the rheogram of virtually any time-independent fluid. The utility of the rational-polynomial model in hydraulic calculations is demonstrated using data for a variety of drilling fluids. It is shown that the pressure drop in circular pipes is more accurately predicted using the rational-polynomial model than with the standard fluid models used in the petroleum industry.
Quality of Life Considerations in Upper Limb Transplantation: Review and Future Directions

Purpose As reconstructive transplantation emerges as an increasingly viable option for upper limb amputees, a better understanding of quality of life (QOL) outcomes is needed to evaluate the benefits and risks of the procedure from the patient perspective. Methods To address this need, we searched PubMed (1998–2011) to characterize QOL outcomes among upper limb transplant recipients. We identified 27 articles reporting on QOL outcomes in hand transplantation. Common instruments to assess domains of QOL in hand transplantation include the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire, the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36, and the International Registry on Hand and Composite Tissue Transplantation's Hand Transplantation Score System. Results Preliminary reports using standardized measures indicate that most hand transplant recipients described improved QOL. Several studies also qualitatively reported that recipients expressed satisfaction with cosmetic, sensory, functional, and social outcomes after transplantation. However, our review suggests that the measurement of QOL in hand transplantation is limited, although it is largely driven by QOL considerations. Conclusions This review highlights the need for improved measurement of QOL in hand transplantation. The preliminary QOL findings across published hand transplantation articles will aid in improving the future assessment of QOL in hand transplantation. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic III.
Constituents of cannabis sativa L. XVI. A possible decomposition pathway of Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol to cannabinol

A pathway is proposed for the decomposition of Δ9-tetrahydroeannabinol (I) and its Δ8-isomer (IX) with the eventual formation of cannabinol (II) through epoxy and hydroxylated intermediates.
Dual Tasking and Working Memory in Alcoholism: Relation to Frontocerebellar Circuitry

Controversy exists regarding the role of cerebellar systems in cognition and whether working memory compromise commonly marking alcoholism can be explained by compromise of nodes of corticocerebellar circuitry. We tested 17 alcoholics and 31 age-matched controls with dual-task, working memory paradigms. Interference tasks competed with verbal and spatial working memory tasks using low (three item) or high (six item) memory loads. Participants also underwent structural MRI to obtain volumes of nodes of the frontocerebellar system. On the verbal working memory task, both groups performed equally. On the spatial working memory with the high-load task, the alcoholic group was disproportionately more affected by the arithmetic distractor than were controls. In alcoholics, volumes of the left thalamus and left cerebellar Crus I volumes were more robust predictors of performance in the spatial working memory task with the arithmetic distractor than the left frontal superior cortex. In controls, volumes of the right middle frontal gyrus and right cerebellar Crus I were independent predictors over the left cerebellar Crus I, left thalamus, right superior parietal cortex, or left middle frontal gyrus of spatial working memory performance with tracking interference. The brain–behavior correlations suggest that alcoholics and controls relied on the integrity of certain nodes of corticocerebellar systems to perform these verbal and spatial working memory tasks, but that the specific pattern of relationships differed by group. The resulting brain structure–function patterns provide correlational support that components of this corticocerebellar system not typically related to normal performance in dual-task conditions may be available to augment otherwise dampened performance by alcoholics.
CEREBRAL SALT-WASTING SYNDROME IN PEDIATRIC NEUROSURGICAL PATIENTS

Cerebral salt-wasting syndrome is a term first used incorrectly in the 1950's to describe patients who, in fact, experienced the syndrome of inappropriate ADH secretion. Many authors have subsequently questioned the existence of a true cerebral salt wasting (CSW) syndrome. We have observed 4 patients who have exhibited a true sodium wasting syndrome following pituitary surgery. Methods. All patients admitted to our ICU following pituitary surgery were studied carefully every six hours for details of sodium and water balance. In addition, all were evaluated for evidence of renal or adrenal dysfunction. Results. 14 patients were studied over 3 years. 4 exhibited significant hyponatremia associated with natriuresis and negative water balance (see table below) Conclusions. These data support the existence of a true CSW syndrome, characterized by polyuria and marked natriuresis associated with a hyponatremia reflecting total body sodium depletion. These features could not be explained by SIADH, DI, renal or adrenal dysfunction. Differences in the pathophysiology of this disorder mandate a unique therapeutic approach which may be essential to avoiding serious electrolyte disturbances.
Telemedicine: teleproctored endoscopic sinus surgery.

Objective/Hypothesis Teleproctored surgery projects a surgeon's expertise to remote locations. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of this technique as compared with the current standard of care. Study Design Prospective. Methods A study was conducted in a residency training program comparing conventionally proctored endoscopic sinus surgery cases with teleproctored cases, with the faculty surgeon supervising through audiovisual teleconferencing (VTC) in a control room 15 seconds from the operating room. Results Forty-two control patients (83 sides) and 45 teleproctored patients (83 sides) were evaluated. There were no internal differences between groups regarding extent of polypoid disease, revision status, procedures per case, degree of difficulty, general or local anesthesia, or microdebrider use. There were no cases of visual disturbance, orbital ecchymosis or hematoma, or cerebrospinal fluid leak. Orbital fat herniation and blood loss were equal between groups. Three teleproctored cases required faculty intervention: two for surgical difficulty, one for VTC problems. Teleproctored cases took 3.87 minutes longer per side (28.54 vs. 24.67 min, P <.024), a 16% increase. This was thought to be a result of nuances of VTC proctoring. Residents had a positive learning experience, with nearly full control of the operating suite combined with remote supervision through telepresence. Faculty thought such supervision was safe but had concerns regarding personal skills maintenance. Conclusions Teleproctored endoscopic sinus surgery can be safely performed on selected cases with an acceptable increase in time. Teleproctored surgery with remote sites may continue to be safely investigated. Incorporating remote supervision through telepresence into the curriculum of surgical residency training requires further study.
Effects of pertussis toxin-catalyzed ADP-ribosylation on interactions of transducin and the inhibitory GTP-binding protein of adenylate cyclase with guanyl nucleotides.

Summary Release of bound [3H]Gpp(NH)P from NG108-15 cell membranes was induced carbamylcholine, enkephalinamide, and norepinephrine, all of which inhibit adenylate cyclase. Release was blocked by antagonist, was greater with multiple agonists than with one, and required guanyl nucleotides. With membranes from pertussis toxin-treated cells, both total [3H] Gpp(NH)p binding and agonist-induced [3H]Gpp(NH)p release was decreased. ADP-ribosylation by toxin of transducin, the retinal GTP-binding protein which is similar in structure and function to that in cyclase, decreased [3H]Gpp(NH)p binding. Thus, the inability to demonstrate agonist-induced [3H]Gpp(NH)p release from toxin-treated NG108-15 membranes may result in part from absence of bound [3H]Gpp(NH)p.
Radial approach to right heart catheterization: early experience with a promising technique.

Transradial cardiac catheterization has been historically limited to arterial catheterization. Using small-diameter introducers and catheters, a technique of combined right and left heart catheterization is described using both the radial artery and its neighboring vein. Evaluation of 55 sequential right and left heart procedures showed that it could be accomplished in > 50% using venous access in the forearm. This approach has many potential advantages, although the ability to access routinely both venous and arterial vessels at the level of the wrist is unclear. Cathet Cardiovasc Intervent 2002;55:20–22. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Nonhermetic Encapsulation Materials for MEMS-Based Movable Microelectrodes for Long-Term Implantation in the Brain

In this paper, we have fabricated and tested several composite materials with a mesh matrix, which are used as encapsulation materials for a novel implantable movable-microelectrode microelectromechanical-system (MEMS) device. Since movable microelectrodes extend off the edge of the MEMS chip and penetrate the brain, a hermetically sealed encapsulation was not feasible. An encapsulation material is needed to prevent cerebral-spinal-fluid entry that could cause failure of the MEMS device and, at the same time, allow for penetration by the microelectrodes. Testing of potential encapsulation materials included penetration-force measurements, gross-leak testing, maximum-pressure testing, and biocompatibility testing. Penetration-force tests showed that untreated mesh matrices and silicone-gel-mesh composites required the least amount of force to penetrate for both nylon 6,6 and polypropylene meshes. The silicone-gel-, poly(dimethylsiloxane)-, polyimide-, and fluoroacrylate-mesh composites with the nylon-mesh matrix were all able to withstand pressures above the normal intracranial pressures. Fourier-transform infrared-spectroscopy analysis and visual inspection of the implanted devices encapsulated by the silicone-gel-mesh composite showed that there was no fluid or debris entry at two and four weeks postimplantation. We conclude that a composite of nylon and silicone-gel meshes will meet the needs of the new generation of implantable devices that require nonhermetic encapsulation.
Frame loss error concealment for spatial scalability using hallucination

We present a new error concealment algorithm for spatially Scalable Video Coding with frame loss in the enhancement layer, based on the technique of hallucination. For a lost enhancement layer frame, the error concealment is done as hallucinating its base layer frame, using the database trained from previously decoded frames nearby to the lost one. Simulation results show that the proposed method could out-perform the state-of-the-art error concealment algorithms of SVC significantly.
Improved constants for the 7820 Å and 7883 Å bands of CO2

Venus high dispersion spectra used for line positions and constants of carbon dioxide 7820 and 7883 A bands
Integrating requirements development and decision analysis

This paper describes and demonstrates how decision analysis can be used in the requirements development process of systems engineering. The requirements development process consists of the development of an operational concept, identification of the external systems that interact with the system and the context in which the system operates, an objectives hierarchy for the system's performance, and the requirements These requirements are divided into requirements categories of input/output, system-wide and technology, trade-off, and test. The focus of this paper is the input/output and trade-off requirements. Decision analysis includes multi-attribute utility analysis as the approach for defining the value model to be used by the decision maker in evaluating the available options. Implicit in this approach is an objectives hierarchy for defining the value space of the decision maker. Also included is the mathematical structure for the trade-off requirements. Throughout this article a system called the Mobile Protected Weapons System (MPWS) is used to describe the development of the system engineering and decision analysis concepts. The MPWS was to be a helicopter-transportable, direct-fire support weapons system for the US Marine Corps (USMC), with an initial operating capability of 1988. The basis of the example in this paper was a real application of decision analysis to the MPWS in 1980, prior to the complete development of the some of the ideas described in this paper.
Active GHz clock network using distributed PLLs

Most modern microprocessors use a balanced tree to distribute the clock. However, at gigahertz clock speeds an increasing fraction of skew and jitter comes from random variations in gate and interconnect delay. The majority of jitter in a clock tree is introduced by buffers and inter-line coupling to the clock wires. A relatively small amount comes from noise in the source oscillator. This distributed clock network generates the clock signal with phase locked loops (PLLs) at multiple points (nodes) across a chip, and distributes each only to a small section of the chip (tile). Phase detectors (PD) at the boundaries between tiles produce error signals that are summed by an amplifier in each tile and used to adjust the frequency of the node oscillator.
Behavior of white leghorn laying hens after withdrawal of feed

To approximate a commercially induced molt, feed was withdrawn (FW) from Hy-Line W-36 hens (65-wk-old) until they lost 35% of their initial body weight. Behaviors of 36 FW hens and 36 control hens were videorecorded on Days 1 to 3, 8 to 10, and 19 to 21 of FW, when FW hens reached 15, 25, and 35% body weight loss. The FW hens then were fed a pullet grower ration until Day 28 after the start of FW, whereupon they were provided a layer ration. Second cycle production of FW hens to 40 wk postmolt initiation averaged 15.5 dozen eggs/hen housed. The FW hens manifested increased aggression on the first d of FW, perhaps indicative of frustration, and then exhibited increased standing, head movement, and nonnutritive pecking on Day 2, followed by reduction of these actions on Day 3. Resting behavior was observed 24 and 40% of the time for FW hens on Days 8 to 10 and 19 to 21 of the FW period, respectively. Nonnutritive pecking was higher for FW hens than for control hens throughout the FW period. Preening was more frequent for FW hens on Days 8 to 10, probably due to skin sensitivity near the start of feather push out, which began on Day 11. Behavior during the feed withdrawal period was consistent with conservation of bodily reserves, but FW hens never lost their capability for alertness and reactivity. The FW hens had significantly lower mortality during the study than control hens (2 vs 12%, respectively).
Advances in ocular drug delivery: emphasis on the posterior segment.

Introduction: Recent advances in pharmacological therapies to treat ocular diseases such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema and retinal vascular occlusions have greatly improved the prognosis for these diseases. Due to these advances in pharmacological therapy, there is a great deal of interest in minimally invasive delivery methods, which has generated rapid developments in the field of ocular drug delivery.Areas covered: This review will summarize currently available and recent developments for ocular drug delivery to both the anterior and posterior segments. Modes of delivery, including topical, systemic, transcleral/periocular and intravitreal, will be discussed and corresponding examples will be given. This review will highlight the advantages and disadvantages of each mode of delivery and discuss strategies to address these issues.Expert opinion: An ideal therapy should maintain effective levels of drug for the intended duration of treatment following a single appl...
Pediatric T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia with an isolated 12(p13) deletion and aberrant CD117 expression

T-cell Prolymphocytic leukemia (T-PLL) is a rare post-thymic T-cell malignancy that follows an aggressive clinical course. The classical presentation includes an elevated white blood cell (WBC) count with anemia and thrombocytopenia, hepatosplenomegaly, and lymphadenopathy. T-PLL is a disease of the elderly and to our knowledge it has never been described in the pediatric age group. We report a case of T-PLL in a 9 year old male who was initially diagnosed with T-cell acute lymphoblastic lymphoma (ALL), the diagnosis was later refined to T-PLL following additional analysis of bone marrow morphology and immunophenotype. Two unusual findings in our patient included CD117 expression and an isolated chromosomal 12(p13) deletion. The patient failed to respond to standard ALL induction chemotherapy, but achieved complete remission following treatment with a fludarabine and alemtuzumab-based regimen.
Optimization of multijunction a-Si:H solar cells using an integrated optical/electrical model

An phenomenological model for multijunction amorphous silicon solar cells which integrates a detailed optical model and an equivalent circuit model with a voltage-dependent photocurrent was developed. The model equations accurately describe the light J-V curves for a-Si:H and a-SiGe:H single junction cells using carrier transport properties comparable to values reported in the literature and which agree closely with values derived from quantum efficiency measurements. Closed form expressions for collection efficiency are derived by approximating the carrier generation profile by an exponential distribution. This new model can be used to predict cell behavior with changes in i-layer thickness and bandgap, carrier mobility-lifetime, and illumination. The model has been combined with a powerful multivariable optimization routine to analyze alternative cell designs. The model is described and representative results are presented.
ETV5 regulates sertoli cell chemokines involved in mouse stem/progenitor spermatogonia maintenance.

Spermatogonial stem cells are the only stem cells in the body that transmit genetic information to offspring. Although growth factors responsible for self–renewal of these cells are known, the factors and mechanisms that attract and physically maintain these cells within their microenvironment are poorly understood. Mice with targeted disruption of Ets variant gene 5 (Etv5) show total loss of stem/progenitor spermatogonia following the first wave of spermatogenesis, resulting in a Sertoli cell–only phenotype and aspermia. Microarray analysis of primary Sertoli cells from Etv5 knockout (Etv5−/−) versus wild–type (WT) mice revealed significant decreases in expression of several chemokines. Chemotaxis assays demonstrated that migration of stem/progenitor spermatogonia toward Etv5−/− Sertoli cells was significantly decreased compared to migration toward WT Sertoli cells. Interestingly, differentiating spermatogonia, spermatocytes, and round spermatids were not chemoattracted by WT Sertoli cells, whereas stem/progenitor spermatogonia showed a high and significant chemotactic index. Rescue assays using recombinant chemokines indicated that C-C-motif ligand 9 (CCL9) facilitates Sertoli cell chemoattraction of stem/progenitor spermatogonia, which express C-C-receptor type 1 (CCR1). In addition, there is protein–DNA interaction between ETV5 and Ccl9, suggesting that ETV5 might be a direct regulator of Ccl9 expression. Taken together, our data show for the first time that Sertoli cells are chemoattractive for stem/progenitor spermatogonia, and that production of specific chemokines is regulated by ETV5. Therefore, changes in chemokine production and consequent decreases in chemoattraction by Etv5−/− Sertoli cells helps to explain stem/progenitor spermatogonia loss in Etv5−/− mice.
Using BI-RADS descriptors and ensemble learning for classifying masses in mammograms

This paper presents an ensemble learning approach for classifying masses in mammograms as malignant or benign by using Breast Image Report and Data System (BI-RADS) descriptors. We first identify the most important BI-RADS descriptors based on the information gain measure. Then we quantize the fine-grained categories of those descriptors into coarse-grained categories. Finally we apply an ensemble of multiple Machine Learning classification algorithms to produce the final classification. Experimental results showed that using the coarse-grained categories achieved equivalent accuracies compared with using the full fine-grained categories, and moreover the ensemble learning method slightly improved the overall classification. Our results indicate that automatic clinical decision systems can be simplified by focusing on coarse-grained BI-RADS categories without losing any accuracy for classifying masses in mammograms.
Design and implementation of double precision floating point division and square root on FPGAs

This paper presents the sequential and pipelined designs of a double precision floating point divider and square root unit. The pipelining of these units is based on partial and full unrolling of the iterations in low-radix digit recurrence algorithms. These units are synthesized to produce common-denominator implementations that can be mapped on any FPGA chip regardless of architectural differences between the chips. The implementations of these designs show that their performances are comparable to, and sometimes higher than, the performances of non-iterative designs based on high radix numbers. While the iterative divider and square root unit occupy less than 1% of an XC2V6000 FPGA chip, their pipelined counterparts can produce throughputs that reach the 100 MFLOPS mark by consuming a modest 8% of the chip area. The pipelining of these iterative designs target high throughput computations encountered in some space applications.
Expression of the Rho-GEF Pbl/ECT2 is regulated by the UBE3A E3 ubiquitin ligase

We applied genetic tools available in Drosophila to identify candidate substrates of the UBE3A ubiquitin ligase, the gene responsible for Angelman syndrome (AS). Human UBE3A was expressed in Drosophila heads to identify proteins differentially regulated in UBE3A-expressing versus wild-type extracts. Using two-dimensional gel and MALDI-TOF analysis, we detected 20 proteins that were differentially regulated by over-expression of human UBE3A in Drosophila heads. One protein responsive to UBE3A was the Rho-GEF pebble (pbl). Here, we present three lines of evidence suggesting that UBE3A regulates Pbl. First, we show genetic evidence that UBE3A and the Drosophila de-ubiquitinase fat facets (faf) exert opposing effects on Pbl function. Secondly, we find that both Pbl and ECT2, the mammalian orthologue of Pbl called epithelial cell transforming sequence 2 oncogene, physically interact with their respective ubiquitin E3 ligases. Finally, we show that Ect2 expression is regulated by Ube3a in mouse neurons as the pattern of Ect2 expression is dramatically altered in the hippocampus and cerebellum of Ube3a null mice. These results suggest that an orthologous UBE3A post-translational regulatory pathway regulates neuronal outgrowth in the mammalian brain and that dysregulation of this pathway may result in neurological phenotypes including AS and possibly other autism spectrum disorders.
Partitioned Hybrid Encoding to Minimize On-Chip Energy Dissipation ofWide Microprocessor Buses

Dynamic bus power dissipation, especially for long global signal buses, is becoming increasingly important with technology scaling due to several reasons: more pronounced interwire coupling effects, higher frequencies, greater traffic demands arising from higher levels of integration (e.g., as seen in system-on-chip and multi-core designs), and power density concerns, among others. While low-power dynamic bus encoding schemes, such as bus invert (BI) and odd-even bus invert (OEBI), have been proposed to reduce bus switching activities, they are not effective for wide microprocessor buses carrying correlated traffic found in typical workloads like SPEC CPU2000 benchmarks. To address this, we propose a partitioned hybrid bus encoding technique in which the bus is partitioned optimally and the most energy-efficient dynamic encoding scheme- we consider bus invert (BI), odd/even bus invert (OEBI), and not encoding as the possible options, but any other collection of schemes can be considered-is independently applied to each partition depending upon traffic value characteristics to minimize total bus (wire self and interwire coupling) dynamic energy. While BI and OEBI provide average energy reductions of only 5.27%/1.58% and 0.98%/1.97% for data/instruction buses, respectively, for SPEC CPU2k benchmarks, our hybrid encoding technique yields average energy savings of 22.07%/27.40% for the same traffic and buses-these results take into account the energy consumed by control lines, too
Abnormal cardiovascular response to exercise in patients with peripheral arterial disease: Implications for management.

Exercise is beneficial in improving claudication and functional capacity in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). However, the physiologic response during and after exercise testing in this patient population has not been fully described. This study examined the cardiovascular response to exercise and explored the potential contribution of vascular noncompliance to exercise-induced hypertension in 124 patients with PAD and claudication and 31 comparison (C) patients with PAD with no walking limitations. Maximal walking distance was determined by an exercise treadmill test. Heart rate and blood pressure were monitored before, during, and immediately after an exercise test. Vascular compliance of the small and large vessels was measured using pulse waveform analysis. Individuals with low supine resting heart rate had longer pain-free walking distance (r = −0.195, P = .019) and maximal walking versus the C group (62 beats/min, standard deviation [SD] = 10, P = .02). Systolic blood pressure during supine rest was significantly lower for the PAD group (mean = 141 mm Hg, ± SD=22) versus the C group (mean = 153 mm Hg, ± SD=20, P = .003). Vascular compliance of large vessels was higher in the C group (mean = 4.13 ± 4.13 mL/mm Hg × 100) compared with the PAD group (mean = 2.95 ± 1.6 mL/mm Hg × 100). This study describes the exaggerated exercise cardiovascular response and impaired vascular compliance in patients with PAD. These results provide further evidence supporting the importance of a monitored treadmill exercise test before initiation of an exercise program to ensure safe and accurate exercise recommendations, and to identify individuals that require more intensive pharmacotherapy to prevent exercise-induced hypertension and tachycardia.
Evaluation of reproductive compatibility of interstrain matings among plum curculio populations in the eastern United States.

Reproductive compatibility of interstrain matings in plum curculio, Conotrachelus nenuphar (Herbst), was studied during the summers of 2004 and 2006. There was a unidirectional incompatibility in the cross-matings along a rough north to south transect of the range of plum curculio (4 × 4 two-factorial design). There was significantly lower fertility in West Virginia males mated with New York and Virginia females (40 and 29%, respectively), and Florida males had a significantly lower fertility with Virginia and West Virginia females (46 and 37%, respectively), but Florida females were compatible with males of all four populations. Three northern populations were compatible with each other in all cross-mating combinations (New York, Massachusetts, and New Jersey; 3 × 3 two-factorial design). There was a unidirectional reproductive incompatibility in the combination of New Jersey males with Florida females (47%) and a bi-directional incompatibility between Florida and West Virginia reciprocal cross-mating (26 and 21%, respectively). The pattern of the reproductive incompatibility among geographic populations could help us to distinguish plum curculio strains and to clarify their strain distribution range to enrich our knowledge on their population ecology and biosystematics.
Viral Invasion: Morphological, Biochemical, and Biophysical Aspects

The first encounter of an infectious viral particle with the surface of a susceptible cell initiates a complex series of events, the outcome of which determines whether or not penetration and subsequent takeover of cellular machinery for viral replication ensue. Recognition of factors which govern these interactions derives from knowledge of the molecular structure of virus and target cell, as well as from the effects of the environment in which the interactions occur. This chapter will deal with animal viruses and will be limited to a consideration of the interactions at the cellular membrane which in sequence govern attachment and penetration of the virion up to the point at which the viral genome is uncoated. Early events in the viral replicative cycle have been the subject of several excellent reviews (Dales, 1973; Lonberg-Holm and Philipson, 1974, 1978).
Invited Commentary:Concepts Related to the Study of Reactive Oxygen and Cardiac Reperfusion Injury

The phenomenon of reperfusion injury remains poorly defined. Questions remain about whether injury occurs in addition to that produced by hypoxia or ischemia. or whether the observed changes simply reflect the unmasking of an underlying injury. Various pathological processes which occur upon the return of oxygen to hypoxic and ischemic heart tissue have been quantitated to assess the extent of reperfusion injury. yet it is not known if they reflect identical or different processes. In addition. the mechanism(s) responsible for these diverse changes may not be the same in the various model systems used to study reperfusion injury. Although reactive oxygen species clearly are formed at reperfusion. conclusive evidence that they are producing injury. particularly during the first seconds. is not available. Several sources of these reactive oxygen species have been proposed but none have been clearly linked with injury in several species or model systems. As research in the field of reperfusion injury continu...
How School Troubles Come Home: The Impact of Homework on Families of Struggling Learners

Homework is the focus of many versions of educational reform; yet research on the efficacy of homework as a means of raising student achievement is mixed at best. Even less certain is the impact of homework on the lives of families, particularly family relationships. This study used interviews to examine how a diverse group of parents whose children struggled academically perceived the effects of homework on their families. In general, the presence of homework had a disruptive effect on the lives of these families, reducing the time available for family activities and diminishing the quality of family interactions. In these families, homework was a carrier for school troubles, a means by which school troubles were transformed into family troubles.
Volatility Persistence and Apparent Scaling Laws in Finance

Recent evidence has shown possible scaling and self-similarity in high frequency financial time series. This paper demonstrates that many of these graphical scaling results could have been generated by a simple stochastic volatility model. This casts doubt on the power of these tests to discern between true scaling and simple highly dependent stochastic processes.
An Index of Community-Level Socioeconomic Composition for Global Health Research

Despite increasing recognition that community-level socioeconomic factors are critical to individual health outcomes globally, guidance on their measurement remains limited in low and middle income countries. We outline the steps needed to develop and validate a theory-based, multidimensional index of community-level socioeconomic composition using information that is often available in global settings. Census indicators describing human and social capital were analyzed using principal components analysis to construct a community socioeconomic composition index (CSCI) for 30 communities in the Southern plains of Nepal. The index was validated against subsequent child nutrition, household assets, and village infrastructure using data from 1822 children and their households. At the community-level, the CSCI was positively correlated with child height-for-age, and child weight-for-age, household assets, and community infrastructure (r = 0.54, 0.58, 0.85, 0.67, respectively). In multilevel analyses, +1SD of the CSCI was associated with +0.14SD of the household asset index (p < 0.01) after adjusting for confounders. These results suggest that an exclusively census-based strategy to measure socioeconomic composition has construct validity in this setting. This approach to measuring community-level socioeconomic composition may be feasibly reproduced in other resource-constrained settings where census data are available, potentially expanding the scope of place and health research globally.
EZ-scan–a method to achieve a sensitivity to induced phase distortions of λ/3000

The Z-scan1 has been widely used to measure optical nonlinearities including the nonlinear refractive index, π2. For the Z-acan technique, the laser is focused and an aperture is placed in front of a detector positioned in the far field. The transmittance is then measured as a function of the position of the sample with respect to the beam waist (i.e., with respect to Z).
Oxygen consumption by and blood flow across the portal-drained viscera and liver of pregnant ewes.

The energy requirement of ewes increases during pregnancy. In late pregnancy, approximately 40% of the increase in heat production can be attributed to increases in heat production by nonreproductive tissues. The objective of this study was to determine the pattern of oxygen consumption by the portal-drained viscera (PDV) and liver during pregnancy to allow for an estimation of the extent to which these tissues contribute to the increase in energy requirement. Nineteen multiparous ewes were individually penned and allowed ad libitum access to an alfalfa hay-based diet. Catheters were surgically placed in the portal vein, a branch of the hepatic vein, a mesenteric vein, and the abdominal aorta. Oxygen consumption by the PDV and liver were subsequently measured before breeding and at 6, 19, 39, 61, 82, and, 103 d before lambing. Hepatic arterial blood flow was not influenced by litter size (P = .89) or stage of pregnancy (P = .28). Portal and hepatic venous blood flow peaked 19 d before lambing. Oxygen consumption by the PDV and liver increased with increased ad libitum feed intake. The increase in hepatic oxygen consumption occurred approximately 63 d earlier in ewes with twins than in ewes with a single fetus independent of changes in feed intake. Hepatic oxygen consumption increased with duration of gestation and was estimated to account for 40% of the heat production not associated with the gravid uterus.
Stenting for obstructing colon cancer: fewer complications and colostomies.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Colonic stenting has been used in the setting of malignant obstruction to avoid an emergent colectomy. We sought to determine whether preoperative placement of a colonic stent decreases morbidity and the rate of colostomy formation. METHODS Cases of obstructing sigmoid, rectosigmoid, and rectal cancer from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2011, were identified in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database. All patients were treated at hospitals in the United States, and the database generated national estimates. Postoperative complications, mortality, and the rate of colostomy formation were analyzed. RESULTS Of the estimated 7891 patients who presented with obstructing sigmoid, rectosigmoid, or rectal cancer necessitating intervention, 12.1% (n = 956) underwent placement of a colonic stent, and the remainder underwent surgery without stent placement. Of the patients who underwent stenting, 19.9% went on to have colon resection or stoma creation during the same admission. Patients who underwent preoperative colonic stent placement had a lower rate of total postoperative complications (10.5% vs 21.7%; P < .01). There was no significant difference in mortality (4.7% vs 4.2%; P = .69). The rate of colostomy formation was more than 2-fold higher in patients who did not undergo preoperative stenting (42.5% vs 19.5%; P < .01). Preoperative stenting was associated with increased use of laparoscopy (32.6% vs 9.7%; P < .01). CONCLUSIONS Our study characterizes the national incidence of preoperative placement of a colonic stent in the setting of malignant obstruction. Preoperative stent placement is associated with lower postoperative complications and a lower rate of colostomy formation. The results support the hypothesis that stenting as a bridge to surgery may benefit patients by converting an emergent surgery into an elective one.
The salience of sport in cross-race friendship selection

In response to growing racial concerns, stakeholders have called for programs that facilitate positive cross-race interactions. Adolescence has been targeted as the most effective life stage to initiate programs promoting relationships. Since schools are one of the primary social influences on adolescent development, they have been emphasized as a particularly important setting for promoting intergroup contact. Sport plays an important role in the experiences of students, and contributes to intergroup relations within a school. The purpose of this study is to examine the unique effect of sport participation on cross-race friendship selection. Using data from Wave I of The National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health), mixed-effects regression models and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to assess the effects of sport participation on friendship heterogeneity. Overall, participation in sport activities did not significantly influence the racial heterogeneity of adolescent’s friendship networks.
Impact of floral feeding on adult Drosophila suzukii survival and nutrient status

Drosophila suzukii, spotted wing drosophila, is a serious pest of small fruits and cherries in many regions of the world. While host usage has been well studied at the ovipositional and larval feeding stages, little is known about the feeding ecology and nutrient requirements of adults. This study addressed the impact of feeding on the survival and nutrient reserves of adult D. suzukii in laboratory assays. First, access to cherry blossoms increased survival rates of both adult males and females compared to water only. This suggests that these early spring blossoms may provide a food source for D. suzukii in fields that may be devoid of other food sources. Second, D. suzukii reared on a standard laboratory diet as larvae emerged as adults with minimal glycogen and sugar levels. Adults with continued access to a carbohydrate–protein diet showed rapidly elevated carbohydrate reserves, and adults with continued access to only water showed a decline in total sugars. Third, females with access to cherry or blueberry blossoms showed elevated carbohydrate reserves when compared to those with access to water only. These results illustrate the importance of adult feeding in enhancing survival and carbohydrate reserves among D. suzukii.
Application of High-Strength Steel Q460 in 1000kV Transmission Towers

By means of theoretical calculation and experimental analysis,the overall stability and local buckling of 1000kV AC transmission tower,to which the high-strength steel marked as Q460 is applied,under axial and eccentric compression are researched. Comparing different methods dealing with local buckling instability of single angle columns listed in the Guide for Design of Transmission Tower enacted by American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) with those listed in two Chinese standards,i.e.,Technical Regulation of Design for Tower and Pole Structure of Overhead Transmission Line (standard number DL/T5154-2002) and Code for Design of Steel Structure (standard number GB50017-2003),it is pointed out that in current structural design of transmission towers the calculated strength of high-strength steel member by standard calculation method in DL/T5154-2000 is over-conservative. According to the research results,the authors suggest to amend several technical parameters such as the stability coefficient of axial compression member and the intensity subtraction coefficient of compression bar stability listed in DL/T5154-2002.