cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A methodology and design tools to support system-level VLSI design

System-level design involves making major design decisions without having accurate information on the eventual system characteristics. This paper presents a novel constraint-driven methodology to support system-level design. The software assists a designer or a tool in partitioning behavioral specifications onto multiple VLSI chips and in system design while satisfying hard constraints such as individual chip areas, chip pin counts, system throughput (inverse of system initiation interval) and system latency (delay). The software uses search and estimation techniques to perform comprehensive design-space exploration and evaluates partitions supplied by the user or by other synthesis software. The technique determines what design characteristics each partition must possess in order to satisfy area, pin, throughput and latency constraints. The paper also includes results of extensive experiments with the methodology. >
A Rapid Assessment Tool for Space Vehicles in Guidance and Control Performance during Powered Reentry

A guidance and control (G&C) design tool to rapidly assess the necessary control effort, and level of fault-tolerance of a conceptual space access vehicle to track its flight trajectory during powered reentry with engine gimbal control is described. For a space access vehicle, a powered reentry with a gimbaled engine provides the vehicle an additional control effector to accommodate unanticipated control effector failures. As a result, control actions and their accompanying trajectories during contingencies are greatly different from those of unpowered reentry. The G&C law has an inner-loop/outer-loop structure. The innerloop control law, based on dynamic inversion with a non-linear control allocator, is used to linearize the vehicle dynamics over its flight envelope and assign control tasks over the available control effectors to track the desired roll rate p ,p itch rateq ,a nd yaw rater .T he outer-loop guidance law is based on backstepping method that transforms the trajectoryrelated flight path angle γ and desired bank angle φ into commands in roll rate pdes ,p itch rate qdes ,a nd yaw raterdes. Assessment of the vehicle’s tracking performance and associated aero-control usage can be made. This tool can be used as part of the preliminary design cycle in configuration, trajectory planning, structural analysis, aerodynamic modeling, control effector choice and sizing, and mode of reentry. Such integrated approach early in the design helps to ensure that the conceptual vehicle will achieve the overall optimal objectives such as high payload fraction, fault-tolerance to control effector failures, and mode of reentry.
Presidential Source Cues and Policy Appraisals, 1981-2000

To gain efficiency in political decision making, citizens rely on a great number of simplifying devices. One especially significant approach involves attention to elite political signals, or source cues. Although the nature of individual-level cue-based processing has been examined in numerous studies, less is known about the effects of elite signals on collective opinion. In this article, we expand on past quasi-experimental research in this area. Whereas previous research focused on the impact of source cues during the Reagan era, we broaden the analysis to include data from the Reagan, Bush, and Clinton administrations. Furthermore, we advance and test the thesis that the effects of presidential cues are contingent on baseline levels of policy support. Results reveal very strong effects of presidential approval on opinion about policy, findings that highlight the potential significance of presidential leadership of public opinion.
Adiabatically tapered periodic segmentation of channel waveguides for mode-size transformation and fundamental mode excitation.

We report modeling, fabrication, and characterization of tapered waveguides, using periodically segmented annealed proton exchange in LiNbO3. For a taper transforming the 1/e full width (intensity) mode size from 6.0 μm × 4.4 μm to 2.0 μm × 1.3 μm, 0.4-dB excess loss was observed. The large, slightly elliptical mode can ease coupling to single-mode fibers and circular free-space beams. The same taper structure was used to excite a highly multimoded (13 modes) waveguide with more than 95% of the power stably launched into the lowest-order mode. This function is useful for nonlinear waveguide devices, such as difference-frequency generators, in which modes at highly disparate wavelengths interact.
Multiple mechanisms shape selectivity for FM sweep rate and direction in the pallid bat inferior colliculus and auditory cortex

The inferior colliculus and auditory cortex of the pallid bat contain a large percentage of neurons that are highly selective for the direction and rate of the downward frequency modulated (FM) sweep of the bat’s echolocation pulse. Approximately 25% of neurons tuned to the echolocation pulse respond exclusively to downward FM sweeps. This review focuses on the finding that this selectivity is generated by multiple mechanisms that may act alone or in concert. In the inferior colliculus, selectivity for sweep rate is shaped by at least three mechanisms: shortpass or bandpass tuning for signal duration, delayed high-frequency inhibition that prevents responses to slow sweep rates, and asymmetrical facilitation that occurs only when two tones are presented at appropriate delays. When acting alone, the three mechanisms can produce essentially identical rate selectivity. Direction selectivity can be produced by two mechanisms: an early low-frequency inhibition that prevents responses to upward sweeps, and the same asymmetrical two-tone inhibition that shapes rate tuning. All mechanisms except duration tuning are also present in the auditory cortex. Discussion centers on whether these mechanisms are redundant or complementary.
The behavioral neurology of cerebral white matter

Behavioral neurology has primarily focused on brain-behavior relations as revealed by disorders of the cerebral cortex and subcortical gray matter. Disorders of cerebral white matter have received less attention. This article considers the contribution of cerebral white matter to normal behavioral function and the effects of white matter disorders on behavior. Diffuse dysfunction is more common than focal impairment, and the term white matter dementia has been proposed as a clinical entity. Conventional neuroimaging has enabled more accurate identification of white matter regions participating in neurobehavioral operations, and newer imaging techniques may define white matter connectivity within and between the hemispheres. As an essential component of neural networks, cerebral white matter contributes to cognitive and emotional functions, and lesions of white matter disconnect these networks to produce neurobehavioral syndromes.
Tunable light sources in the visible and near infrared based on fiber taper coupled photonic crystal nanocavities

Photoluminescence at 1.53 um from Er: SiN x on silicon photonic crystal cavities was extracted via fiber tapers with 2.5x greater collection efficiency compared to free space emission. Fibers were also used to demonstrate a 10 nm tuning range of 750nm SHG emission from GaP cavities.
Setting the stage: early child and family characteristics as predictors of later loneliness in children with developmental disabilities.

Abstract Children with developmental disabilities often report having few friends. Researchers have tended to focus on social skill deficits, neglecting other potent predictors of children's feelin...
Consumer attitudes towards firms' marketing activities: the implications for marketing communications strategies

Understanding how consumers perceive corporate marketing activities is important for academic researchers and practitioners alike. Using a cross-national survey in the USA and South Korea, we examine the effects of country, gender, urbanisation and marketing communications (i.e., TV advertising) on consumers' attitudes towards firms' various marketing activities (i.e., advertising, products, pricing). The results suggest that there are no significant differences between the US and Korean consumers' attitudes towards advertising. However, the US consumers have more favourable attitudes towards products and pricing than the Korean consumers. Furthermore, we find that gender is an important predictor of the attitudes towards firms' advertising in both countries. Finally, the results suggest that there is a positive relationship between the Korean consumers' television exposure and their attitudes towards pricing and advertising.
Interference effects in the counting statistics of electron transfers through a double quantum dot

We investigate effects of quantum interferences and Coulomb interaction on the counting statistics of electrons crossing a double quantum dot in a parallel geometry by using a generating function technique based on a quantum master equation approach. The skewness and the average residence time of electrons in the dots are shown to be the quantities most sensitive to interferences and Coulomb coupling. The joint probabilities of consecutive electron transfer processes show characteristic temporal oscillations due to interference. The steady-state fluctuation theorem that predicts a universal relation between the number of forward and backward transfer events is shown to hold even in the presence of the Coulomb coupling and interference.
Some aspects of the polymerization of fibrinogen

The polymerization of activated fibrinogen takes place in two stages. First, the monomer units form intermediate polymers with twice the original cross-section area and about eight times the original length. The polymers have been detected under a variety of conditions between pH 6.1 and 10. The polymerization geometry is believed to be lateral dimerization with a staggered configuration, determined by a pattern of electrical charges. The negatively charged groups, though unidentified, appear to be near histidine residues, as deduced from the dependence of polymerization on pH. The positively charged groups, from this and other evidence, appear to be α-amino groups. Second, the intermediate polymers unite to form the strands of the fibrin network. This association appears to involve nonpolar groups, and the width of the final strands, unlike that of the intermediate polymer, depends markedly on the net charge as determined by the pH.
Copper IUDS: a review of the literature.

Abstract Published and unpublished data, 1971–1974, on copper intrauterine devices are reviewed. Based on results of 16 clinical reports, the copper T and copper 7 devices are shown to have net cumulative pregnancy rates of approximately 1–2 (range 0–3) per 100 woman-years after one year of use. The problem of increased menstrual bleeding following insertion is less with copper IUDs than with either the Lippes loop, Saf-T-Coil, or Dalkon shield. Data and evaluation so far suggest that nulliparous or low parity women in countries where follow-up medical care is available will be the principal beneficiaries of this new contraceptive method.
Identifying spawning behavior in Pacific halibut, Hippoglossus stenolepis, using electronic tags

Identifying spawning behavior in Pacific halibut, Hippoglossus stenolepis, is particularly challenging because they occupy a deep, remote environment during the spawning season. To identify spawning events, a method is needed in which direct observation by humans is not employed. Spawning behavior of seven other flatfish species has been directly observed in their natural environment by investigators using SCUBA. All of these flatfish species display almost identical spawning behavior that follows a routine. Therefore, it is reasonable to believe that this spawning behavior occurs in other flatfish species, including Pacific halibut. As part of a larger study, we recaptured two Pacific halibut on which Pop-up Archival Transmitting (PAT) tags had been attached during the winter spawning season. Because the tags were physically retrieved, we were able to collect minute-by-minute depth records for 135 and 155 days. We used these depth data to tentatively identify spawning events. On seven separate occasions between 20 January 2001 and 9 February 2001, one fish displayed a conspicuous routine only seen during the spawning season of Pacific halibut and the routine parallels the actions of other spawning flatfish directly observed by humans using SCUBA. Therefore, we propose this routine represents spawning behavior in Pacific halibut. The second tagged fish did not display the conspicuous routine, thus challenging the assumption that Pacific halibut are annual spawners. PAT tags may prove to be a useful tool for identifying spawning events of Pacific halibut, and that knowledge may be used for improved management in the future.
Observers for stabilization and disturbance attenuation in uncertain systems

Examines the ability to recover the robust disturbance attenuation properties of full state controllers when observers are used to estimate the state. The main emphasis is placed on identifying structural properties of the nominal system or the uncertainty, that guarantee full recovery. Such information can be used for control law design - by separating the controller and observer design - or for improving the system performance by identifying the appropriate number and location of the sensors. The results presented extend the results of (Jabbari and Schmitendorf, 1993, and Peterson and Hollot, 1988). The uncertainty structure here allows time variations in the uncertain parameters and cross terms in the controlled output vector. These terms arise naturally in many practical problems, such as structural control in earthquake applications. The effects of sensor noise are also included. In particular, the authors develop sufficient conditions under which full recovery is possible in the presence of sensor noise. All results have elementary proofs, based on the bounded real lemma and standard Lyapunov stability theory. The relationship to control design with linear matrix inequalities is also discussed. >
Generic invertibility of multidimensional FIR multirate systems and filter banks

We study the invertibility of M-variate polynomial (respectively : Laurent polynomial) matrices of size N by P. Such matrices represent multidimensional systems in various settings including filter banks, multiple-input multiple-output systems, and multirate systems. The main result of this paper is to prove that when N − P ≥ M, then H(z) is generically invertible; whereas when N − P ≪ M, then H(z) is generically noninvertible. As a result, we can have an alternative approach in design of the multidimensional systems.
A Call for the Inclusion of Spirituality in Yoga Research

In this brief article, the author draws attention to the fact that much of the current scientific research on yoga has tended to exclude spirituality as a focus of study. In response, he presents arguments and information regarding the value of incorporating spiritual constructs in yoga investigations and makes suggestions for future studies.
On Becoming a Prosecutor: Observations on the Organizational Socialization of Law Interns

All formal organizations are faced with the problem of securing and retaining qualified, competent employees. For the office of the criminal prosecutor, this problem is exacerbated by the values, attitudes, and motives that define the duties and responsibilities of the job. In a study of the organizational socialization of law school interns, we observed that some of the students were assimilated quickly and completely into the role of prosecutor, while others were less socialized. We believe that the organizational structure and level of control exercised over the interns accounted for these discrepancies. These factors, in turn, delimited the level of intern involvement in the prosecutorial role. The better-integrated interns were considered to be “apprentice recruits” in their respective offices; the more poorly socialized interns were looked upon as temporary help with limited skills, or “pseudo-recruits.”
Advances in the Treatment of Food Allergy: Sublingual and Epicutaneous Immunotherapy

Food allergies continue to increase in prevalence. Standard care is a strict elimination diet, but life-threatening reactions still occur. Allergen immunotherapy has the most potential in treating food allergy. Subcutaneous immunotherapy has not been adopted into food allergy therapy. Oral immunotherapy has a high rate of adverse reactions. Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) uses the tolerogenic environment of the oral mucosa and epicutaneous immunotherapy (EPIT) uses the immune cells of the epidermis to transport antigens to afferent lymph nodes to activate immune responses. SLIT and EPIT can successfully desensitize patients. More research is needed to define optimal doses and administration protocols.
Intestinal polyposis associated with mucocutaneous melanin pigmentation Peutz-Jeghers syndrome; review of literature and report of six cases with special reference to pathologic findings.

Summary A review of the literature disclosed 69 cases of intestinal polyposis associated with mucocutaneous melanin pigmentation (Peutz-jeghers syndrome). Six new cases are reported herein, bringing the total to 75 cases in the world literature. The diagnosis should be entertained in any instance in which there are areas of unusual pigmentation on the lips or the buccal mucosa or both. Suitable x-ray studies will reveal the presence of polyps in the small bowel in almost 100 per cent of cases. The stomach, colon and rectum are involved less frequently. Eighty per cent of these polyps are benign adenomas and 20 per cent may show low-grade malignant changes. The evidence for establishing truly malignant transformation in the polyps is not completely convincing and warrants more careful investigation in the future. Our findings suggest that these polyps are developmental abnormalities (hamartomas) rather than neoplasms. A hereditary tendency is found in 55 per cent of the subjects. The chief symptoms are those of intussusception and gastrointestinal bleeding.
“Save our students”: contesting discourses of racist attacks against Indians down under

This paper seeks to understand the dominant civic discourses of accusation of racism leveled against the Australians as expressed by the victims of racist attacks and Indian Government officials in the Times of India and Outlook India news magazines. The aim of the paper is to understand how the logics of the discourses have constituted the racially motivated attacks on the Indian diaspora in Australia, and how the nationalistic sentiments are fostered among the diasporic Indians and the Indians in India. The paper argues that there is a mutual production of diasporic and homeland nationalism in the face of a crisis that hits the Indian diaspora in Australia. This analysis also brings to fore the ideology of multiculturalism in Australia.
Implementation of statistical tools to support identification and management of persistent Listeria monocytogenes contamination in smoked fish processing plants.

Listeria monocytogenes persistence in food processing plants is a key source of postprocessing contamination of ready-toeat foods. Thus, identification and elimination of sites where L. monocytogenes persists (niches) is critical. Two smoked fish processing plants were used as models to develop and implement environmental sampling plans (i) to identify persistent L. monocytogenes subtypes (EcoRI ribotypes) using two statistical approaches and (ii) to identify and eliminate likely L. monocytogenes niches. The first statistic, a binomial test based on ribotype frequencies, was used to evaluate L. monocytogenes ribotype recurrences relative to reference distributions extracted from a public database; the second statistic, a binomial test based on previous positives, was used to measure ribotype occurrences as a risk factor for subsequent isolation of the same ribotype. Both statistics revealed persistent ribotypes in both plants based on data from the initial 4 months of sampling. The statistic based on ribo...
AIDS Bereavement Supports in an African American Church: A Model for Facilitator Training:

There has been very little (if any) attention given to the training needs of lay leaders to develop and facilitate AIDS bereavement support groups in an African American church. This article descri...
Megaloblastic anemia in pregnancy; remission following combined therapy with ascorbic acid and vitamin B12.

SummaryFive cases of megaloblastic anemia in pregnancy are reported. The relation of this anemia to a deficiency in ascorbic acid is suggested by the effectiveness of combined ascorbic acid and vit. B12 therapy where vit. B12 alone was ineffective. Two patients were refractory to adequate trial with vit. B12. One of these patients later had a complete remission when ascorbic acid was added to the therapy. The other responded adequately to folic acid therapy and blood transfusions. Two patients were treated for short periods of time with ascorbic acid alone. A minimal response in reticulocytes was observed in one. Subsequent addition of vit. B12 to the therapy after saturation with ascorbic acid produced a complete hematologic remission. One patient had a spontaneous remission after delivery. In 3 patients combined therapy with ascorbic acid and vit. B12 produced a complete remission.
Modification of a Compact Refrigerator for Bio-Ecological Studies Under Controlled Physical Parameters

The need for dependable control of environmental parameters in bio-ecological studies has long been recognized. Many custom-built laboratory environmental chambers have been reported in the literature, and some are commercially available. The custom-built chambers are usually modified refrigerators (White and DeBach 1960) or they are fabricated from plywood, sheet metal, or plastic (Flitters and Messinger 1956; MacPhee and Patterson 1958; Jackson 1961). Most chambers are designed to produce constant temperatures with supplemental humidity control, air circulation, and light control (MacPhee and Patterson 1958; Jackson 1961, Scott 1968). Some are capable of programmed temperature control (Flitters and Messinger 1956; White and DeBach 1960). Commercial chambers are usually less specialized in function and more elaborate in design than custom chambers. This apparently is an attempt to maximize the adaptability of the chamber to a wider range of research programs.
VARIATIONS IN FREQUENCY OF HAND GESTURES

Hand gestures increased significantly in a dyadic interview of 37 students when the interviewer was a male or an intimate topic was discussed. Gestures occurred most frequently in the first 2 min. of the interview, regardless of topic.
Amylase in Fresh Water Fish.

SummaryAmylase levels of the gastro-intestinal tract and other visceral organs of bluegill and largemouth black bass were relatively high, ranging from 1000-8000 units/100 g, considerably above serum levels. Amylase levels of gills, heart, kidney and muscle were relatively low. Amylase was found in isolated liver cells from the bluegill.
Chronic aspiration as a risk factor of acute respiratory distress syndrome in childhood

嚥下協調障害,胃食道逆流による慢性誤嚥を呈する患者群では,軽微な気道感染症から急性呼吸窮迫症候群(acute respiratory distress syndrome, ARDS)への進展を経験することが少なくないが,その病態は十分には解明されていない。慢性誤嚥が小児ARDSの発症に関与している実態の把握を目的として後方視的検討を行った。小児集中治療室全収容患者570症例中ARDS症例は15症例であり,そのうち慢性誤嚥が発症,増悪に関与したと推定された症例は3症例(0.53%)であった。これら3症例では,従来のARDSの危険因子は関与しておらず,基礎疾患として慢性誤嚥を認め,軽微な気道感染症に伴って急激に悪化した。なお,こうした症例群ではARDS再発の危険性が残るため,遠隔期まで見込んだ治療計画が求められる。
644 RED CELL SEQUESTRATION IN PRETERM INFANTS

No previous studies have evaluated the response of red cell volume (RCV) to blood transfusion (Tx) in hypotensive preterm infants. We measured RCV in 69 hypotensive infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) using Tc-99m and 51 Cr red cell leveling. All patients received Tx in amounts estimated by initial RCV to be sufficient to restore the volume to normal (55-60 ml/kg). Following Tx, RCVs were repeated in 27 patients; 2-7 serial values were obtained. Sixty-five infants responded to Tx with a rise in blood pressure (BP) and/or RCV; 4 had no rise in RCV (3 expired). Serial measurements in non-asphyxiated infants demonstrated a rise to expected RCV. However, the rise observed in asphyxiated preterm infants was disproportionate to the volume Tx, and only 37% of the Tx appeared in the circulating RCV, as shown in the table: Conclusions: Asphyxiated preterm infants have RCVs lower than those born without asphyxia. Tx to all hypotensive preterm infants produces a rise in BP and/or RCV but infants subjected to asphyxia may sequester a portion of the Tx. We speculate that the hypotension observed in patients with RDS results from red cell sequestration as a result of perinatal asphyxia.
Military surgery: certification is long overdue.

Abstract Military surgery is a complex discipline that has progressed far beyond triage and the debridement of battle wounds. The evolution of modern warfare now demands that the combat surgeon be knowledgeable in military tactics, logistics, transport of personnel, trauma surgery, tropical medicine, public health, industrial medicine, and special weapons, as well as have a familiarity with the organizational structure and culture of the military services. This complexity qualifies military surgery as a subspecialty of surgery according to the criteria of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). Accreditation of military surgery as a defined specialty should be sought because that recognition will produce better care for our troops, improve education of military medical personnel, and stimulate research.
ANALYSIS AND IMPLEMENTATION OF TCP/TP BASED SPECIFIC COMMUNICATION SERVICE MAPPING MMS IN IEC 61850

IEC61850, which is drafted by IECTC57, is an international communication standard about substation automation system and represents future development trend of substation automation, and the. Manufacturing Message Specification (MMS) is the kernel communication protocol stack of specific communication service mapping (SCSM) in IEC61850 standard. Here, around the profile of MMS based on TCP/TP, its object model and related service, and the developed key technology to implement the specific protocol set of MMS are presented.
Study on content of ethyl carbamate in yellow rice wine and its change in Zhejiang province

Objective To understand the content status of ethyl carbanate (EC) in yellow rice wine and the changes in storage period and shelf life in Zhejiang province.Methods A total of 475 samples of yellow rice wine purchased randomly from supermarkets and food stores in Zhejiang province during 2008-2012,and 49 samples collected from manufacturers were measured for EC content.The sample collected from manufacturers by filter sterilization was placed at 4 ℃,room temperature and 37 ℃ for 400 d,respectively;a bottled wine and a wine in bag were bought from market were placed for 400 d in room temperature to conduct shelf life storage test,and measure the content in every point in 2011.The EC of the samples was determinated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry after the samples were diluted with D5-EC isotope dilution technique,and purified by alkaline diatomite solid phase extraction column.Results The overall detection rate of EC was 99％ (472/475) in yellow rice wine of Zhejiang province in 2008-2012,the median value was 70-112 μg/kg,the 90th percentile was 190-333 μg/kg,the 95th percentile was 214-393 μg/kg,and the maximum value was 430-515 μg/kg.The content of EC was increased gradually along with the increasing of storage age in commercially yellow rice wine,and the average content of EC were positively correlated with storage age (r =0.988).The contents of EC in yellow rice wine after sterilization increased from 74 μg/kg to 86 μg/kg,127 μg/kg and 509 μg/kg at 4 ℃,room temperature and 37 ℃,respectively for 400 d storage,the differences had statistical significance(F =14.73,P ＜ 0.01).The content of EC in yellow rice wines in shelf life,which stored in room temperature with bottle and bag package,was decreased slightly with increasing storage time in the beginning,from 215 to 184 μg/kg and 196 to 158 μg/kg,respectively,and increased again with increasing storage time after 250 d,with 252 μg/kg and 210 μg/kg in bottle and bag package after 400 d,respectively,the differences had statistical significance(Z =2.37,P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion EC is widespread in rice wine,the content of EC was correlated with storage time and temperature. Key words: Alcoholic beverages; Ethyl carbamate; Storage; Yellow rice wine
Determination of the prime electrostatic endothelial cell transplantation procedure for e-PTFE vascular prostheses.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the extent of cellular adhesion (density and morphological maturation), cellular membrane damage, and cellular viability after an electrostatic transplantation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) onto 6-cm segments of 4-mm I.D. e-PTFE (GORE-TEX) vascular prostheses using a prototype electrostatic endothelial cell transplantation device (EECTD). The electrostatic transplantation parameters evaluated were the apparatus-applied voltage and transplantation time. By our definition, the combination of applied voltage and transplantation time that met the a priori criteria of: 1) maximum transplanted cellular viability, 2) maximum transplantation density, 3) maximum morphological maturation (degree of cellular flattening), and 4) minimal cellular membrane damage would be the prime transplantation procedure. The results of the experimentation indicated that the prime conditions for HUVEC transplantation were obtained when +1.0 V was applied for a transplantation time of 16 min. These conditions achieved an average viable graft surface coverage of 97.4+/-1.6% with an average transplantation density of 73,540+/-8.514 HUVECs/cm2. Furthermore, the transplanted HUVECs were morphologically mature (flattened) with minimal apparent cellular membrane damage (lysis or pitting). The overall clinical significance of this study is that viable endothelial cell transplantation to synthetic vascular grafts can be accomplished at high cellular densities and morphological maturation in 16 min using the EECTD. With the promising in vitro transplantation results, the next logical investigations will include additional in vitro evaluations (cellular retention upon shear stress exposure and biochemical assays) followed by in vivo evaluations to examine thromboresistance and influence on intimal/anastomotic hyperplasia.
'Nothing of chemistry disappears in biology': the Top 30 damage-prone endogenous metabolites.

Many common metabolites are intrinsically unstable and reactive, and hence prone to chemical (i.e. non-enzymatic) damage in vivo Although this fact is widely recognized, the purely chemical side-reactions of metabolic intermediates can be surprisingly hard to track down in the literature and are often treated in an unprioritized case-by-case way. Moreover, spontaneous chemical side-reactions tend to be overshadowed today by side-reactions mediated by promiscuous ('sloppy') enzymes even though chemical damage to metabolites may be even more prevalent than damage from enzyme sloppiness, has similar outcomes, and is held in check by similar biochemical repair or pre-emption mechanisms. To address these limitations and imbalances, here we draw together and systematically integrate information from the (bio)chemical literature, from cheminformatics, and from genome-scale metabolic models to objectively define a 'Top 30' list of damage-prone metabolites. A foundational part of this process was to derive general reaction rules for the damage chemistries involved. The criteria for a 'Top 30' metabolite included predicted chemical reactivity, essentiality, and occurrence in diverse organisms. We also explain how the damage chemistry reaction rules ('operators') are implemented in the Chemical-Damage-MINE (CD-MINE) database (minedatabase.mcs.anl.gov/#/top30) to provide a predictive tool for many additional potential metabolite damage products. Lastly, we illustrate how defining a 'Top 30' list can drive genomics-enabled discovery of the enzymes of previously unrecognized damage-control systems, and how applying chemical damage reaction rules can help identify previously unknown peaks in metabolomics profiles.
Significance of Striated Muscle in Curettings of the Prostate

The histological specimens from 70 patients who underwent transurethral resection of the prostate were reviewed to determine the presence of striated muscle. The patients were evaluated prospectively with preoperative and postoperative symptom analysis and uroflowmetry. Striated muscle was found in 22 of the 70 specimens (31 per cent), generally only in small amounts. No significant morbidity, such as incontinence, was associated with the presence of striated muscle in the specimens. Small amounts of striated muscle in curettings from transurethral prostatectomy can be regarded as incidental and clinically insignificant.
Environmental temperature effect on the far-infrared absorption features of aromatic-based Titan's aerosol analogs

Abstract Benzene detection has been reported in Titan's atmosphere both in the stratosphere at ppb levels by remote sensing ( Coustenis et al., 2007 ; Vinatier et al., 2007 ) and in the thermosphere at ppm levels by the Cassini's Ion and Neutral Mass Spectrometer (Waite et al., 2007). This detection supports the idea that aromatic and heteroaromatic reaction pathways may play an important role in Titan's atmospheric chemistry, especially in the formation of aerosols. Indeed, aromatic molecules are easily dissociated by ultraviolet radiation and can therefore contribute significantly to aerosol formation. It has been shown recently that aerosol analogs produced from a gas mixture containing a low concentration of aromatic and/or heteroaromatic molecules (benzene, naphthalene, pyridine, quinoline and isoquinoline) have spectral signatures below 500 cm−1, a first step towards reproducing the aerosol spectral features observed by Cassini's Composite InfraRed Spectrometer (CIRS) in the far infrared ( Anderson and Samuelson 2011 , and references therein). In this work we investigate the influence of environmental temperature on the absorption spectra of such aerosol samples, simulating the temperature range to which aerosols, once formed, are exposed during their transport through Titan's stratosphere. Our results show that environmental temperature does not have any major effect on the spectral shape of these aerosol analogs in the far-infrared, which is consistent with the CIRS observations.
The Pharmacokinetics of Cadmium in the Dually Perfused Human Placenta

Cadmium is reported to be a significant occupational hazard to over 100,000 workers employed in the mining and processing of this metal (NIOSH publication number 76–192). Because cadmium is released into the environment by mining and numerous manufacturing processes, the general population is exposed to cadmium in air, food, and water (Friberg et al., 1974; Nriagu, 1982). Cigarette smoking is, in addition, an important route of exposure to cadmium (Friberg et al., 1974). The occurrence of exposure to cadmium in the general population has been documented by analyses of the cadmium content in human tissue (Gross et al., 1976). Cadmium is found in human placentae at levels from 0.04 to 1.6 nmole Cd/g (Miller and Shaikh, 1983)
Big changes, but are they big enough? Healthcare professionals’ attitudes toward transgender persons

ABSTRACTMedia interest in transgender issues has increased substantially, yet empirical studies are lacking. Little is known about the attitudes of healthcare professionals regarding transgender identity and transgender persons. Previous studies are decades old or did not differentiate sexual orientation from gender identity. This study fills a gap in the literature and addresses shortcomings seen in previous research on healthcare professionals’ attitudes toward the LGBT population. The authors surveyed 243 healthcare workers, including 83 nurses, 60 doctoral-level healthcare professionals, and 100 other healthcare workers using the Transgender Attitudes and Beliefs Scale (TABS). Results of two-way ANOVAs showed that healthcare professionals on the whole hold generally favorable attitudes toward transgender persons with no differences in attitudes across professions. The current study found gender differences in attitudes consonant with previous findings, with females displaying more-accepting attitudes ...
Synthesis and biological evaluation of a water-soluble phosphate prodrug salt and structural analogues of KGP94, a lead inhibitor of cathepsin L

The magnitude of expression of cathepsin L, often upregulated in the tumor microenvironment, correlates with the invasive and metastatic nature of certain tumors. Inhibition of cathepsin L represents an emerging strategy for the treatment of metastatic cancer. A potent, small-molecule inhibitor (referred to as KGP94) of cathepsin L, and new KGP94 analogues were synthesized. (3,5-Dibromophenyl)-(3-hydroxyphenyl) ketone thiosemicarbazone (22), with an IC50 value of 202nM, exhibited similar inhibitory activity against cathepsin L compared to KGP94 (IC50=189nM). Due to limited aqueous solubility of KGP94, a water-soluble phosphate salt (KGP420) was prepared in order to facilitate future in vivo studies. Enzymatic hydrolysis with alkaline phosphatase (ALP) demonstrated that the phosphate prodrug, KGP420, was readily converted to the parent compound, KGP94.
Effect of alloy substituents on soft magnetic properties and economics of Fe-based and Co-based alloys

Amorphous and nanocrystalline soft magnetic alloys have garnered interests in academia and industry due to their potentials for applications, such as power transformers, electric motors, and sensors. To achieve good glass formability, thermal stability, and prevent grain overgrowth, elements such as B, Nb, Ta, and Hf are used in many soft magnetic systems. However, the high price of these precursors results in expensive soft magnetic alloys. Herein, we report on substituting Ta and Hf with TaC and HfC, respectively, to significantly reduce the cost of Fe-based FINEMET and Co-based HTX005 alloys. Soft magnetic properties of these alloys are studied. The effect of thermal annealing and strain annealing on TaC and HfC substituted alloys are also investigated. Lastly, we discuss the cost analysis on these alloys. Using the synthesis route presented here, a cost reduction of up to 74% can be achieved.
HPLC Methods for Determination of d -Aspartate and N -methyl- d -Aspartate

D-Amino acids are stereoisomers or optical isomers of naturally occurring L-amino acids and thus possess the same chemical structure, but may differ in their biological/physiological properties. Until a half century ago, D-amino acids had been considered to be unnatural substances found only in microorganisms. However, improvements in analytical instruments and methods have revealed that D-amino acids are present in invertebrates and vertebrates, including humans, and that they possess important physiological functions. D-Aspartate (D-Asp) and its methylated form N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) possess neuroendocrine properties in many species. Several methods have been developed for determination of D- and L-enantiomers of amino acids by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). We report here improved HPLC methods for the specific determination of D-Asp and NMDA in biological tissues.
Network Architectures and Overlay Networks

In recent years, there have been many new approaches to data networking protocols, both industry standard and vendor proprietary. In this chapter, we will begin with an overview of conventional networking protocols, such as the Spanning Tree Protocol and multichassis link aggregation, and network design approaches like equal cost multipath spine–leaf. We will then review several more recent proposals for addressing the requirements of a flattened, Layer 2 network infrastructure. We discuss Transparent Interconnection of Lots of Links (TRILL) and Shortest Path Bridging, as well as both industry standard and proprietary network options including Open Data Center Interoperable Network (ODIN), Qfabric, FabricPath, and Virtual Cluster Switching (VCS). Overlays including Virtual Extensible LAN (VXLAN), Network Virtualizaation Generic Routing Encapsulation (NVGRE), Distributed Overlay Virtual Ethernet (DOVE), and others will also be discussed.
Radiographic Investigation of the Distal Extension of Fractures Into the Articular Surface of the Tibia (The RIDEFAST Study).

OBJECTIVE To determine whether radiographic measurements are predictive of involvement of the distal tibia articular surface in tibial shaft fractures. DESIGN Retrospective review. SETTING Academic Level-I trauma hospital. PATIENTS Two-hundred seventeen patients with tibial shaft fractures distal to the isthmus (OTA/AO: 42-A1-3; 42-B1-3; 42-C1-3; and 43-A1-3). INTERVENTION Analysis of anteroposterior (AP) and lateral radiographs. The following parameters were measured: (1) angle between the predominant fracture line and the plane of the tibial plafond (α-angle), (2) length of the shaft fracture, (3) distance from the most inferior extent of the shaft fracture to the tibial plafond (DTP), (4) width of the tibial plafond, (5) width of the tibial isthmus, (6) ratio of fracture length to DTP (FTP), and (7) fibular fracture distance. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Distal intra-articular involvement (DIA). RESULTS A total of 217 patients were identified, 56 (26%) with DIA. The FTP ratio as measured on both the AP (odds ratio: 8.20, confidence interval, 4.26-17.22, P < 0.0001) and lateral radiographs (10.00, 4.78-23.23, <0.0001) was the most effective screening measurement for DIA. AP and lateral FTP ratios of 0.224 and 0.255, respectively, achieved a negative predictive value of 100%, eliminating the need for computed tomography in 16%-23% of injuries. CONCLUSION Involvement of the distal articular surface in patients with distal tibial shaft fractures is significantly associated with fracture geometry and pattern. The FTP ratio may be used as an effective screening tool to rule out of intra-articular involvement. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Diagnostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Implementation and Evaluation of Near-Peer Facilitated Journal Club Activities in a Required MLE Course Series

Objective. To describe and evaluate the implementation of multiple, content-integrated journal club activities into a large, required medical literature evaluation (MLE) two-semester course series using near-peer student facilitators. Methods. Using near-peer, third-year (P3) students as a significant source of instructional personnel, 10 journal club activities were incorporated annually into the second-year (P2) MLE series. Activities included preparation, quiz, journal club, and debriefing. Each activity divided the P2s into groups of 8-12 students. In the fall semester, journal clubs were facilitated by faculty members and near-peers as P2s participated. In spring, P2s also facilitated, while faculty members' and near-peers' roles shifted to providing rubric-facilitated feedback and mentoring. Near-peers and P2s provided feedback on the experiences. Results. Over four years, two course faculty members and 62 near-peers facilitated (fall) or provided feedback/mentoring (spring) for 346 P2 MLE I/II students in 419 individual journal clubs. Course faculty members covered 80 journal clubs, while near-peers covered 339. Faculty and near-peer ratings of P2 facilitators demonstrated good P2 preparation. P2 facilitators were best at facilitating discussion of implications and results, while being most challenged by introduction and methods. P2 survey responses highly favored the addition of journal club activities and the use of P3 near-peer facilitators. Conclusion. The use of near-peers in the implementation of integrated journal club activities in a large, required MLE course series was successful. Future study will include refining formative feedback processes, exploring benefit to near-peers, and exploring near-peer use in other didactic settings.
Long-Wavelength Laser Source

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the long-wavelength laser source. It deals with the fabrication, performance characteristics, current state of the art, and research directions for semiconductor lasers and integrated laser with modulators. Laser sources needed for fiber optic transmission systems are fabricated using the indium phosphide material system. The chapter discusses the tremendous advances in semiconductor lasers that have occurred over the past decade. The advances in research and many technological innovations have led to the worldwide deployment of fiber optic communication systems that operate near 1.3 μm and 1.55 μm wavelengths and compact storage disks that utilize lasers for read/write purposes. WDM technology is currently being considered for increasing the transmission capacity. This chapter illustrates a typical double heterostructure used for laser fabrication. The double heterostructure material can be grown by liquid phase epitaxy (LPE), gas source molecular beam epitaxy (GSMBE), or metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) growth technique.
Apparent Mineralocorticoid Excess – Update

Apparent mineralocorticoid excess (AME) is a rare inherited form of hypertension caused by 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11β-HSD) deficiency. The disorder was first described biochemically and hormonally in 1977 by New et al. in a Native American girl with severe hypertension [1]. The syndrome is caused by non-functional mutations in HSD11B2 on chromosome16q22. More than 40 causative mutations have been described. AME defined an important “pre-receptor” pathway in steroid hormone action and their specificities to the receptor.
Narrating Political Lives: Theory and Practice of Womenâ€™s Autobiography in South Africa

â€œNarrating Political Livesâ€ examines how South African womenâ€™s personal stories become part of their politics and how activism influences their personal lives by analyzing memoirs of four anti-apartheid activists: Ellen Kuzwayoâ€™s Call Me Woman (1985), Frances Baardâ€™s My Spirit is Not Banned (1986), Winnie Mandelaâ€™s Part of My Soul Went With Him (1984) and Mamphela Rampheleâ€™s Across Boundaries (1995). These memoirs reveal the ways in which African womenâ€™s personal stories shape arguments about their political ideologies and the strategies they employ in navigating both gendered and racial double binds of South African politics during the twentieth century. How do these womenâ€™s personal narratives help us to understand the construction of gendered identity under apartheid, the relationship between individual agency and personal memory and the power of collective memory via memoir? Above all, how do these memoirs broaden our understanding of African womenâ€™s contributions to Pan-Africanism in Africa?
Approximation with Rates by Kantorovich–Choquet Quasi-interpolation Neural Network Operators

In this chapter we present univariate and multivariate basic approximation by Kantorovich–Choquet type quasi-interpolation neural network operators with respect to supremum norm. This is done with rates using the first univariate and multivariate moduli of continuity. We approximate continuous and bounded functions on \(\mathbb {R}^{N},\) \(N\in \mathbb {N}\). When they are also uniformly continuous we have pointwise and uniform convergences. It follows [11].