cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Incremental Value of Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Identification of Apical Pouch in Patients with Apical Variant of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.

Background The development of a left ventricular (LV) apical pouch in patients with apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (aHCM) has been thought to be the transition point that can become an apical aneurysm, which is linked to higher risk of adverse events. In our study, we sought to compare the ability of transthoracic echocardiography (echo) and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI) to accurately identify the presence of an apical pouch or aneurysm in patients with aHCM. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the charts of all consecutive patients that had features of aHCM on imaging. Data from cMRI and echo examinations were abstracted, and the ability of these diagnostic modalities to identify the presence of a LV apical pouch and aneurysm was analyzed. Results Of 31 patients with aHCM, 17 (54.8%) had an apical pouch and 2 were found to have apical aneurysm (6.5%) on cMRI. Echo with and without perflutren contrast was able to accurately identify both aneurysms, but only 47.1% (8/17) of apical pouches seen by cMRI. Two patients had apical thrombus that was identified by cMRI, but not by echo. Conclusion Our findings indicate that cMRI is superior to echo in identifying apical pouches in patients with aHCM. Our results also suggest that in patients undergoing echo, the use of perflutren contrast for LV opacification increases the diagnostic yield. Further study is necessary to delineate whether earlier identification of an apical pouch will be of clinical benefit for patients with aHCM by altering clinical management and avoiding adverse cardiovascular events.
Visualizations to Facilitate Online Tabular Presentation of Product Data

In a growing number of domains, users are presented with huge volumes of data that they are required to parse in order to accomplish their goals. Interface designers are experimenting with a variet...
An Entry Trajectory Design Methodology for Lunar Return

A methodology for exploring the desi gn space for lunar return entry trajectories and vehicle design is proposed, using the Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle as an example. This methodology simplifies the vehicle and trajectory design space by focusing on two entry parameters: flight -path angl e at entry interface and hypersonic lift -to -drag ratio. Flight -path angle is a governing trajectory design parameter, while lift -to -drag ratio captures entry vehicle performance. Landed accuracy, aeroheating, deceleration, other entry constraints are addre ssed within the design space. Several entry trajectory scenarios are examined, consistent with the current Orion concept of operations. Analysis and evaluation of parameters is accomplished through high -fidelity six -degree -of -freedom simulation using NASA’ s ANTATRES simulation. Monte Carlo analysis indicates that the proposed methodology provides a valid means of designing entry trajectories to maximize performance margin while satisfying constraints for a given vehicle capability. Additionally, results ind icate that, while performance margin decreases with increasing entry range and lower lift -to -drag ratios, adequate performance margin exists for the Orion Crew Module for the current lunar return concept of operations and vehicle design.
Persistence of Pneumococcal antibodies in human subjects following vaccination.

AbstractAdult persons who were given a pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine containing 50 μg each of 12 serotypes showed an average 10-fold increase in amount of antibody to the 12 antigens (range 6- to 20-fold) 1 month after vaccination and there was an approximate average 50% decline in antibody 31/2 years later. Children who were 2 to 12 years old at the time of vaccination showed about the same antibody response to the vaccine but this was less persistent and there was about a 55% decline, on the average, after only 21 months, The findings are discussed in the light of need for revaccination and of the nature of antibody responses to polysaccharide antigens.
Difficult Diaphragmatic Closure

Tension-free closure of the esophageal hiatus is a key step to laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair. In the majority of patients, tension-free closure of the hiatus is achieved with the placement of simple interrupted sutures (i.e., posterior hiatoplasty). However, when the diaphragmatic crura are non-compliant and radial tension at the hiatus is elevated, primary closure of the hiatus may be impossible or only achievable under significant tension. Closure of the hiatus under tension is thought to be a contributing factor to the development of recurrent hiatal hernia, which is seen in >50 % of patients who undergo laparoscopic paraesophageal hernia repair. When faced with a challenging diaphragmatic closure, surgeons have several options: (1) Use mesh or an autologous tissue flap (e.g., falciform ligament or left triangular ligament) to reinforce the hiatal closure under tension or bridge the hiatus if it cannot be closed; (2) Create intentional pneumothorax or diaphragmatic (crural) relaxing incisions to reduce hiatal tension and allow primary closure of the hiatus; and (3) Perform a gastropexy without closure of the hiatus. When performed by experienced laparoscopic gastroesophageal surgeons, these techniques appear to be safe. However, systematic long-term clinical and radiographic follow-up are needed to assess their long-term ability to prevent recurrent hiatal hernia.
Ploidy Levels and Relative Genome Sizes of Species, Hybrids, and Cultivars of Dogwood (Cornus spp.)

Dogwoods (Cornus spp.) are valuable nursery crops grown as landscape plants throughout much of the world. Although there has been considerable work on breeding and selecting dogwoods, there is little information available on genome sizes (DNA content) and ploidy levels within the genus, particularly for specific clones and cultivars. Our objective was to conduct a survey of relative genome sizes and ploidy levels of dogwood taxa representative of the big-bracted, cornelian cherry, and dwarf dogwood clades. Flow cytometry was used to determine relative genome sizes and ploidy levels of 94 accessions of various species, hybrids, and cultivars. Traditional cytology was performed on root cells of representative taxa to calibrate genome sizes with ploidy level. All dogwood accessions tested were diploid with the exception of C. canadensis that was tetraploid and the hybrid cultivar C. KN30-8 that was triploid. Relative genome sizes varied by clade, subgenus, and species with 1Cx values ranging from 1.07 pg for C. canadensis to 5.08 pg for C. eydeana. Relative genome sizes were also valuable for confirming hybridity of interspecific crosses in cases in which parents varied substan- tially in relative genome size and hybrids were intermediate. A broad range of inter- specific hybrids was documented including C. capitata 3 florida, C. capitata 3 kousa, C. elliptica 3 florida, C. hongkongensis 3 florida, C. kousa 3 elliptica, and C. kousa 3 florida. These results provide further insights into the cytogenetics, reproductive biology, crossability, and relative genome sizes of dogwoods.
Regulation of the Apelinergic System and Its Potential in Cardiovascular Disease: Peptides and Small Molecules as Tools for Discovery.

Apelin peptides and the apelin receptor represent a relatively new therapeutic axis for the potential treatment of cardiovascular disease. Several reports suggest apelin receptor activation with apelin peptides results in cardioprotection as noted through positive ionotropy, angiogenesis, reduction of mean arterial blood pressure, and apoptosis. Considering the potential therapeutic benefit attainable through modulation of the apelinergic system, research is expanding to develop novel therapies that limit the inherent rapid degradation of endogenous apelin peptides and produce metabolically stable small molecule agonists and antagonists to more rigorously interrogate the apelin receptor system. This review details the structure–activity relationships for chemically modified apelin peptides and recent disclosures of small molecule agonists and antagonists and summarizes the peer reviewed and patented literature. Development of metabolically stable ligands of apelin receptor and their effects in various mod...
The Defining Characteristics of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) is a multifactorial progressive cardiopulmonary disease characterized by smooth muscle cell proliferation, hypertrophy of the vascular medial layer, arteriolar muscularization and endothelial cell proliferation. The persisting challenge in understanding the pathobiology of PAH is to define how the structural, cellular and molecular characteristics of the normal pulmonary circulation are disrupted in the disease setting. Although the exact pathophysiology remains unknown, there is increasing evidence to suggest an important role for inflammation and metabolic reprograming in the development of PAH. In this review, we highlight the known characteristic pathological features of human and experimental PAH. Additionally, we discuss how inflammatory signaling, including various chemokines, cytokines, immune cells, macrophages and TGF-β contribute to the PAH phenotype. Finally, we review emerging evidence that disordered cellular energetics and hypoxia signaling is characteristic in PAH. This chapter highlights the complexity and multiple pathobiologic disturbances that are defining characteristics of PAH.
Analysis of the Cluster and Principal Component of Cotton Germplasm by ISSR Markers

The genetic diversity among 48 lines of cotton germplasm was analyzed by ISSR(inter-simple sequence repeat) markers.From 36 pairs of primers,10 pairs of polymorphic primers were selected.A total of 112 bands were amplified from 10 pairs of primers by ISSR,of which 101 bands(about 90.18%) were polymorphic.Each primer amplified 4 to 21 polymorphic bands with the average of 10.10.The average value of allelic polymorphism information content(PIC) and the percentage of polymorphic bands(PPB) were 0.76 and 87.88%,respectively.The 48 lines of cotton germplasm were clustered into two groups at GS(genetic similarities) = 0.66 and the link map was set up by UPMGA method in NTSYSpc 2.1.Principal component analysis(PCA) for ISSR data showed that PCA supported UPGMA clustering result.The results indicated that lower genetic diversity and narrow genetic basis were presented in the 48 lines of cotton germplasm.
Single institution results of radical antegrade modular pancreatosplenectomy for adenocarcinoma of the body and tail of pancreas in 78 patients

Background The purpose of this report is to present results of the radical antegrade modular pancreatosplenectomy (RAMPS) procedure in 78 patients from a single center. Methods Seventy-eight patients had RAMPS procedure over 13 years. A database dealing with RAMPS for adenocarcinoma of the pancreas was constructed so that it could be converted into a set of tables. Each table covered one element of the subject. The database was populated from clinical records of patients who had a RAMPS procedure from 1999 to 2013. Results Fifty-six patients had anterior RAMPS and 22 had posterior RAMPS. Negative tangential margins were obtained in 94% of specimens. Overall the R0 rate was 85%. Mean lymph node count was 20. There were no 30-day or in-hospital mortalities but two patients died within 90 days. Pancreatic fistula and need for postoperative transfusion were the most common complications. Median survival was 24.6 months and 5-year overall actuarial survival was 25.1%. Conclusions The RAMPS technique resulted in high negative tangential margin rates and good lymph node retrieval. The long-term survival result in 78 patients is probably an accurate reflection of what is possible with this tumor using this technique at this time.
Pelvic pain and infections.

SUMMARY Infectious etiologies of both acute and chronic pelvic pain are common and may involve multiple organ systems. In the evaluation of the acute pain, it is important to remember that rapidity of diagnosis is important because of the possibility of significant morbidity and even death if a condition is not attended to rapidly. In recent years, laparoscopic evaluation of the pelvis has provided a better understanding of the pathophysiology of some of these infections, as well as possible therapeutic maneuvers. The evaluation of chronic pelvic pain requires a thorough attempt at careful diagnosis with minds open to the possibility that other organ systems besides the genital tract may be involved. Laparoscopy also may be an important diagnostic and therapeutic tool in the evaluation of the sequelae of pelvic inflammation leading to chronic pelvic pain. All therapeutic modalities that are instituted on the basis of the diagnostic evaluation must take into consideration that a strong emotional component is generally associated with chronic pelvic pain. Such components must be addressed in order to achieve the best possible results for the patient.
Catalytic Asymmetric Addition of Alkyl and Aryl Alkynes to N-(Diphenylphosphinoyl)imines.

A 3,3′-di(1-diphenylmethylpiperazinyl)methyl H8BINOL compound, (S)-11, was prepared from the Mannich-type reaction of (S)-H8BINOL with paraformaldehyde and 1-(diphenylmethyl)piperazine. This compound can catalyze the asymmetric reaction of alkyl and aryl alkynes with N-(diphenylphosphinoyl)imines in the presence of Et2Zn and Ti(OiPr)4. It exhibits unprecedented high enantioselectivity (up to 85% ee) for a simple alkyl alkyne addition to the N-(diphenylphosphinoyl)imines. The easy removal of the N-(dipehenylphosphinoyl) protecting groups makes this method practically useful for the asymmetric synthesis of chiral propargyl amines.
A novel approach for robotic mobilization of the splenic flexure

The techniques of robotic splenic flexure mobilization in the colorectal surgery setting are not well defined and have been challenging due to limited range of motion of the second-generation robotic platform in multiple quadrants. This report describes a novel technique for robotic splenic flexure mobilization with medial-to-lateral approach without a need for robotic cart repositioning during left-sided colon and rectal surgery. The dissection is started with ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery and vein. Unique in this approach, entering the lesser sac is accomplished by extension of the dissection cranially by lifting up the mesocolon from the anterior surface of the pancreatic body toward the stomach. This technique presented in the video allows the mobilization of the splenic flexure without excessive tractions and avoidance of potential splenic injuries. The described novel approach demonstrates total robotic splenic flexure takedown without excessive traction, with improved visualization, and reduction of potential risk of splenic injury. This approach provides totally robotic mobilization of the splenic flexure at single docking without changing the patient’s position.
The Livermore Valley, California, sequence of January 1980

abstract At 19 h 00 m 09.46 s UTC, on 24 January 1980, a strong earthquake ( M L = 5.5) that caused a surprising amount of damage occurred north of Livermore Valley about 12 km to the southeast of Mt. Diablo, and was associated with surface rupture along the Greenville Fault. There was a foreshock ( M L = 2.7) a minute and a half earlier and a sequence of 59 events ( M L ≧ 2.5) in the ensuing 6 days. On 27 January at 02 h 33 m 35.96 s , a larger magnitude earthquake occurred in the sequence ( M L = 5.6). This second principal shock was located 14 km to the south of the first principal earthquake toward the southern end of the Greenville Fault. Preliminary estimates of the seismic moments of the two principal shocks are 5.3 × 10 24 and 1.3 × 10 24 dyne-cm, respectively. In addition to the lower seismic moment, the M L = 5.6 shock on 27 January exhibits a clearly focused radiation pattern, with large amplitudes toward the northeast. Field investigations after the first principal shock indicated surfaced rupture along the Greenville fault zone for at least 6 km, with both right-lateral strike-slip and some dip-slip motion with the northeast side up. Variable offsets on surface cracks suggested displacements of a few centimeters (with evidence of increases in some places after the second 27 January earthquake). There were eight earthquakes with M L ≧ 4.0 in the sequence up to 5 February 1980. No foreshocks near the Greenville Fault ( M L ≧ 1.5) were observed by the University of California Seismographic Stations in the prior 3 months. Rapid deployment of field seismographs by a number of seismological organizations permitted precise locations and fault-plane solutions. Some results on seismicity are as follows. 1. The rupture propagated over 15 km to the southeast along the Marsh Creek-Greenville faults on 24 January and stopped in the vicinity of Highway 580. This southern progression may have had some causal connection with the relatively high intensities reported near the southwest end of the Greenville Fault. 2. The two principal shocks of the sequence have slight but significant differences in the fault-plane solutions; both are predominantly right-lateral strike-slip, but the strike of the northern one is N13°W, whereas the strike of the southern one is N39°W. This change in strike is not evident in the mapped strikes of the Marsh Creek and the Greenville faults. 3. In contrast to the second principal earthquake, the first principal shock was followed by two others ( M L > 4.0) in rapid succession, one 53 sec and the other 97 sec after. This repetition gave a relatively long duration to the shaking on 24 January, and was commented on in felt reports. It may explain the greater intensity reported in many localities on 24 January compared to 27 January. 4. The b value (0.64 ± 0.13) for the sequence is somewhat lower than the b = 0.70 ± 0.17 for the recent Coyote Lake earthquake sequence on the Calaveras Fault on 5 August 1979. There are fewer earthquakes than normal in the range 3.0 M L
The Cyprinodon variegatus genome reveals gene expression changes underlying differences in skull morphology among closely related species

Understanding the genetic and developmental origins of phenotypic novelty is central to the study of biological diversity. In this study we identify modifications to the expression of genes at four developmental stages that may underlie jaw morphological differences among three closely related species of pupfish (genus Cyprinodon) from San Salvador Island, Bahamas. Pupfishes on San Salvador Island are trophically differentiated and include two endemic species that have evolved jaw morphologies unlike that of any other species in the genus Cyprinodon. We find that gene expression differs significantly across recently diverged species of pupfish. Genes such as Bmp4 and calmodulin, previously implicated in jaw diversification in African cichlid fishes and Galapagos finches, were not found to be differentially expressed among species of pupfish. Instead we find multiple growth factors and cytokine/chemokine genes to be differentially expressed among these pupfish taxa. These include both genes and pathways known to affect craniofacial development, such as Wnt signaling, as well as novel genes and pathways not previously implicated in craniofacial development. These data highlight both shared and potentially unique sources of jaw diversity in pupfish and those identified in other evolutionary model systems such as Galapagos finches and African cichlids. We identify modifications to the expression of genes involved in Wnt signaling, Igf signaling, and the inflammation response as promising avenues for future research. Our project provides insight into the magnitude of gene expression changes contributing to the evolution of morphological novelties, such as jaw structure, in recently diverged pupfish species.
Behavior variability and reactive inhibition in human stylus maze behavior

In previous experiments with small animals, paramecia and mealworms followed the predictions of IR in their maze behavior while flatworms did not. In the present experiment, 300 undergraduate psychology students in general did behave largely as would be predicted by IR in a multisectional stylus maze. When the distance between a forced turn and a choice point was short (2 cm.), students turned in the direction opposite to that of the forced turn more often than chance would predict. In the longer distances, they did not turn in the predicted direction significantly more often than in the non-predicted direction with the single exception of the longest (18 cm.) distance in the one forced turn condition.
Wearing humanism on your sleeve.

Two years ago, like many of my peers, the years of preparation to become a medical student culminated in one single act: the white coat ceremony. After awkwardly lowering myself before my dean with arms extended behind me, my ephemeral initiation into medicine passed as we both wrestled the coat on. I did not think much about the white coat after the white coat ceremony, but something began to itch my neck every time I wore my coat. It was not the tag, but the words printed on it; ‘Made In Pakistan’. The tag was not bothersome because of a jingoistic need for American-made goods, but instead because of the incongruity between the Oath of Geneva’s pledge to ‘maintain the utmost respect of human life’ and the known human rights transgressions of the Pakistani garment industry. In 2012, a factory fire in Karachi claimed the lives of nearly 300 workers.1 Nearly 3 years after the fire, many families are still awaiting long-term compensation for their losses.2 Unfortunately, these poor standards are globally pervasive in the garment industry. The garment supply chain is so convoluted by subcontracting that production may …
A Tale of Two Presidents: The Rise and Fall of Division I Athletics at Birmingham-Southern College

AbstractIn 1999, Birmingham-Southern College (BSC) announced that they were leaving the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics to join the highest rank of the National Collegiate Athletic Association-Division I. While competing in Division I, the size of BSC’s athletic budget was in the bottom 10 per cent. By 2006, the Board of Trustees at Birmingham-Southern voted to reclassify to Division III. Why did Birmingham-Southern decide to enter Division I? How did the academic mission of Birmingham-Southern play a role in the rise to Division I or the fall to Division III? What role, if any, did the presidents of Birmingham-Southern play in its joining and leaving Division I? One reason Birmingham-Southern decided to compete at the Division I level was because their leaders believed in the ‘Flutie Factor’, which is the concept that athletic success will benefit the entire institution. BSC’s transition into Division I during 1999 suggests that the commercialization of big-time college athletics encour...
Automated Assistance for Creative Writing with an RNN Language Model

This work demonstrates an interface, Creative Help, that assists people with creative writing by automatically suggesting new sentences in a story. Authors can freely edit the generated suggestions, and the application tracks their modifications. We make use of a Recurrent Neural Network language model to generate suggestions in a simple probabilistic way. Motivated by the theorized role of unpredictability in creativity, we vary the degree of randomness in the probability distribution used to generate the sentences, and find that authors' interactions with the suggestions are influenced by this randomness.
Evaluating the use of an electronic inclinometer in correcting rotational disorders of the hip in children.

Abstract Background Femoral derotation osteotomies are commonly performed to correct rotational disorders of the hip in children. Surgical correction is typically assessed visually with the use of a goniometer or osteotomy template, but these methods have been shown to be inaccurate. In this study, we aimed to determine the accuracy of an electronic inclinometer in performing derotation osteotomies of 2 different magnitudes in comparison to commonly used visual techniques. Methods We performed derotation osteotomies of 15°and 30° in a synthetic femur model using a goniometer, triangle osteotomy template, and electronic inclinometer. The degree of derotation was assessed by computed tomography (CT) and measured by a musculoskeletal radiologist. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, as well as t-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Fisher’s exact test to determine differences between osteotomy techniques. Results We performed 40 proximal femoral derotation osteotomies. The mean difference from the planned derotation was 5.9° for the goniometer technique, 3.8° for the osteotomy triangle technique, and 3.2° for the electronic inclinometer technique (p-value = 0.048). There was no difference between the techniques for 15° derotation osteotomies (p-value = 0.28); however, there was a trend towards significance for 30° derotation osteotomies (p-value = 0.07). Fewer osteotomies had a difference greater than 3° from the planned derotation using the electronic inclinometer technique (p-value = 0.04). Conclusions The accuracy of derotation osteotomies can be improved with the use of an electronic inclinometer. This technology has the potential to improve surgical technique, minimize surgical error, and possibly improve patient outcomes.
Non-Covalent Complexes of Oligonucleotides Observed Using Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry

The development of electrospray (ESI) and matrix-assisted laser desorption (MALDI) ionization techniques for the transformation of proteins and nucleic acids into gas phase ions has reinvigorated mass spectrometry in the biological sciences. Gas-phase ions generated using electrospray ionization are believed to retain their solution structures during the desolvation process.(1) As a result, it is now possible to detect and characterize the structure and properties of molecules too large for study via solution techniques such as NMR spectroscopy. ESI and MALDI ionization provide high sensitivity and transmission efficiency for detection of fmole quantities using FTICR, quadrupole ion trap, or conventional quadrupole mass spectrometers.
Unsolved Problems of Regeneration

Facts without hypotheses are dead, but hypotheses which cannot be verified might as well be.
Management of Severe Asthma in Children

Severe asthma is a highly heterogeneous disorder associated with significant morbidity. The management of severe asthma in children is multifaceted and complicated by psychosocial factors, difficulties and barriers to medication adherence, difficulties of medication delivery, and comorbid diseases. This article aims to review the approach to the management of childhood severe asthma and examine the recent literature in the advances in phenotype-directed management of severe asthma in children. Recently, more focus has been placed on the development of multidisciplinary clinics, school medication management programs, home management programs, and other interventions in order to optimize asthma management and care. Furthermore, there has been a shift in the paradigm of asthma management in children towards phenotype-directed management, especially in children with severe difficult-to-control or treatment-resistant asthma. Current treatment of pediatric severe asthma includes three approved targeted biologic phenotype-directed therapies. There are some targeted therapies that are approved for adults which may prove to be beneficial in children with asthma as ongoing research continues. Further investigation into identifying predictors of treatment response and biomarkers that can lead to precision and personalized management for children with severe asthma is ongoing and will be imperative in determining the optimal treatment strategies for pediatric severe asthma.
Adaptable Fabrication Techniques for Mechanically Durable Superliquiphobic/philic Surfaces

Superliquiphobic and superliquiphilic surfaces have attracted interest within the scientific community and industry for various applications such as self-cleaning, anti-icing, anti-fogging, anti-fouling, finger print resistance, and drag reduction. The surfaces should be wear resistant. For some applications, such as oil-water separation, surfaces with a combination of water and oil repellency and affinity are required.
Densification behavior of yttria-stabilized zirconia powders for solid oxide fuel cell electrolytes

Yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) is the most common electrolyte material for solid oxide fuel cells. Herein, we conducted a comparative study on the densification behavior of three different kinds of commercial 8 mol% YSZ powders: (i) TZ-8Y (Tosoh, Japan), (ii) MELox 8Y (MEL Chemicals, UK), and (iii) YSZ-HT (Huatsing Power, China). The comparison was made on both the self-supporting pellets and thin-film electrolytes coated onto a NiO–YSZ anode support. For the pellets, MELox 8Y showed the highest densification at lower sintering temperatures with 93% and 96% of the theoretical density at 1250 and 1300 °C, respectively. Although YSZ-HT showed a higher sintering rate than TZ-8Y, a sintering temperature of 1350 °C was required for both the powders to reach 95% of the theoretical density. For the thin-film electrolytes, on the other hand, YSZ-HT showed the highest sintering rate with a dense microstructure at a co-sintering temperature of 1250 °C. Our results indicate that besides the average particle size, other factors such as particle size distribution and post-processing play a significant role in determining the sintering rate and densification behavior of the YSZ powders. Additionally, a close match in the sintering shrinkage of the electrolyte and anode support is important for facilitating the densification of the thin-film electrolytes.
Stochastic resonance stimulation improves balance in children with cerebral palsy: a case control study

Stochastic Resonance (SR) Stimulation has been used to enhance balance in populations with sensory deficits by improving the detection and transmission of afferent information. Despite the potential promise of SR in improving postural control, its use in individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) is novel. The objective of this study was to investigate the immediate effects of electrical SR stimulation when applied in the ankle muscles and ligaments on postural stability in children with CP and their typically developing (TD) peers. Ten children with spastic diplegia (GMFCS level I- III) and ten age-matched TD children participated in this study. For each participant the SR sensory threshold was determined. Then, five different SR intensity levels (no stimulation, 25, 50, 75, and 90% of sensory threshold) were used to identify the optimal SR intensity for each subject. The optimal SR and no stimulation condition were tested while children stood on top of 2 force plates with their eyes open and closed. To assess balance, the center of pressure velocity (COPV) in anteroposterior (A/P) and medial-lateral (M/L) direction, 95% COP confidence ellipse area (COPA), and A/P and M/L root mean square (RMS) measures were computed and compared. For the CP group, SR significantly decreased COPV in A/P direction, and COPA measures compared to the no stimulation condition for the eyes open condition. In the eyes closed condition, SR significantly decreased COPV only in M/L direction. Children with CP demonstrated greater reduction in all the COP measures but the RMS in M/L direction during the eyes open condition compared to their TD peers. The only significant difference between groups in the eyes closed condition was in the COPV in M/L direction. SR electrical stimulation may be an effective stimulation approach for decreasing postural sway and has the potential to be used as a therapeutic tool to improve balance. Applying subject-specific SR stimulation intensities is recommended to maximize balance improvements. Overall, balance rehabilitation interventions in CP might be more effective if sensory facilitation methods, like SR, are utilized by the clinicians. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02456376; 28 May 2015 (Retrospectively registered); https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02456376 .
Exploring the structure of narcissism: Toward an integrated solution.

Objective Despite decades of work on narcissism, there remain many active areas of exploration and debate including a clear and consensual description of its underlying components. Understanding narcissism's factor structure is necessary for the precise measurement and investigation of specific psychological and behavioral processes. The aim of the current study was to explore the structure of narcissism by examining it at varying hierarchical levels. Method Participants recruited from Amazon's Mechanical Turk (N = 591) completed 303 narcissism items encompassing 46 narcissism scales and subscales. Criterion variables measuring the five-factor model, self-esteem, aggression, and externalizing behavior were also collected. Results A series of factor analyses reveal the factor structure of narcissism at a range of specificities. No more than five meaningful factors (i.e., Grandiosity, Neuroticism, Antagonism, Distrustful Self-reliance, Attention-seeking) were identified and the most parsimonious model appears to be a three-factor structure. Narcissism scales that effectively capture each of the identified factors are identified. Factors diverged in their associations with criterion variables. Conclusions A three-factor model (i.e., Agentic Extraversion, Narcissistic Neuroticism, Self-centered Antagonism) seems to be the most parsimonious conceptualization. Larger factor solutions are discussed, but future research will be necessary to determine the value of these increasingly narrow factors.
An updated measure for investigating basic knowledge of Alzheimer’s disease in underserved rural settings

Objective: Older rural adults face a higher burden of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and delayed detection. This risk is heightened in rural populations that are ethnically diverse. Patients and provider...
Age and cognitive decline in the UK Biobank.

Objectives Age-related cognitive decline is a well-known phenomenon after age 65 but little is known about earlier changes and prior studies are based on relatively small samples. We investigated the impact of age on cognitive decline in the largest population sample to date including young to old adults. Method Between 100,352 and 468,534 participants aged 38–73 years from UK Biobank completed at least one of seven self-administered cognitive functioning tests: prospective memory (PM), pairs matching (Pairs), fluid intelligence (FI), reaction time (RT), symbol digit substitution, trail making A and B. Up to 26,005 participants completed at least one of two follow-up assessments of PM, Pairs, FI and RT. Multivariable regression models examined the association between age (<45[reference], 45–49, 50–54, 55–59, 60–64, 65+) and cognition scores at baseline. Mixed models estimated the impact of age on cognitive decline over follow-up (~5.1 years). Results FI was higher between ages 50 and 64 and lower at 65+ compared to <45 at baseline. Performance on all other baseline tests was lower with older age: with increasing age category, difference in test scores ranged from 2.5 to 7.8%(P<0.0001). Compared to <45 at baseline, RT and Pairs performance declined faster across all older age cohorts (3.0 and 1.2% change, respectively, with increasing age category, P<0.0001). Cross-sectional results yielded 8 to 12-fold higher differences in RT and Pairs with age compared to longitudinal results. Conclusions Our findings suggest that declines in cognitive abilities <65 are small. The cross-sectional differences in cognition scores for middle to older adult years may be due in part to age cohort effects.
Proximal-row carpectomy. An end-result study of twenty-two cases.

Twenty-two cases of proximal-row carpectomy are presented. After follow-up periods of from three to seventeen years the results were excellent in fourteen, good in five, and fair in three. Degenerative changes did not seem to develop with time and prolonged use. Changes of this type were observed in only one wrist ten years after operation. Although some weakness of grasp and loss of motion occur after this procedure, these disabilities are not as severe as previously believed. All of the patients were pleased with their results.
UV-induced vesicle to micelle transition: a mechanistic study

The morphology of self-assembled block copolymer aggregates is highly dependent on the relative volume fraction of the hydrophobic block. Thus, a dramatic change in the volume fraction of the hydrophobic block can elicit on-demand morphological transitions. Herein, a novel hydrophobic monomer containing a photolabile nitrobenzyl (Nb) protecting group was synthesized and incorporated into a block copolymer with poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate. This motif allows for the hydrophobic volume fraction of the amphiphilic block copolymer to be dramatically reduced in situ to induce a morphological transition upon irradiation with UV light. Two amphiphilic block copolymers, Nb 94 and Nb 176, with hydrophobic weight fractions of 80% and 86%, respectively, were synthesized and their self-assembly in water studied. Nb 94 assembled into vesicles with Rh = 235 nm and underwent a morphological transition after 21 minutes of UV irradiation to spherical micelles with Rh = 27 nm, determined by dynamic light scattering and confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. At intermediate irradiation times (14–20 min), Nb 94 vesicles swelled to a larger size, but underwent a morphological transition over the course of hours or days, depending on the exact irradiation time. Nb 176 assembled into large compound vesicles with a hydrodynamic radius (Rh) of 973 nm, as determined by dynamic light scattering (DLS), which decreased to ca. 700 nm after 300 minutes of UV irradiation with no apparent morphological transition. This study elucidates the mechanism and kinetics of the morphological transitions of block copolymer assemblies induced by a change in the hydrophobic volume fraction of the polymer.
A Comparison of Backscattering, EM, and Power Side-Channels and Their Performance in Detecting Software and Hardware Intrusions

Side-channel analysis is a powerful tool from both an attacker’s and defender’s perspective. Understanding similarities and differences among types of side-channels is a necessary step in better utilization of side-channels. This paper addresses this problem by modeling and quantitatively comparing backscattering, electromagnetic (EM), and power side-channels and discusses the performance of these three side-channels for detecting software malware and hardware Trojans (HT). The results show that for larger changes in the signals, such as those caused by malware intrusions, all three side-channels perform similarly. However, when smaller changes need to be observed, such as those caused by HTs, the backscattering side-channel outperforms EM and power side-channels.
Electron Scattering Cross Section Data of Supercritical CO 2 Clusters

Density fluctuations caused by clustering occurs during phase transition near the critical point, beyond which is the supercritical phase. Supercritical phase is the intermediate state where fluids show both liquid and gas properties. The high dielectric strength provided by the high density of supercritical fluid exhibits a steep degradation at the phase change due to the so-called clustering effect. In this paper, the dielectric properties of SC CO 2 have been studied. Based on the dielectric strength analysis method used for gas mixtures, the electron-scattering cross section data of SCF CO 2 clusters is utilized, which are modified from those of gaseous CO 2 assuming various cluster sizes, to estimate the density-fluctuation-dependent dielectric strength of SCF CO 2 . The electron energy loss models of distinct electron energy levels have been utilized to determine the geometrical electron scattering cross section data of SCF CO 2 clusters with various cluster sizes and impinging electron energies.
Why effective spreads on NASDAQ were higher than on the New York stock exchange in the 1990s

Abstract Two hypotheses have been advanced to explain why spreads on NASDAQ were substantially higher than those on the NYSE in the 1990s: “collusion” and “preferencing and payment for order flow.” We present data on all actively traded stocks in these markets of relative effective spreads (RES), aggregated monthly over 1987–1999 and advance a third hypothesis: NASDAQ “SOES-day-trading.” We estimate NASDAQ and NYSE informed-trade losses and gains to market makers and other liquidity providers on six trade sizes, and find that losses on trades we ascribe to SOES day traders were substantially greater than those on other trades, offset somewhat by gains from small-trade-size investors. NASDAQ market makers' response to these losses and additional operations costs incurred to reduce the losses resulted in greater RES and increased trading within the best quotes, predominantly on larger trade sizes. The data are consistent with the “SOES-day-trading” hypotheses, but not with the other two. Furthermore, the mandatory SOES “experiment” provides insights into the negative effects of automated trading systems (such as ECNs, which now dominate NASDAQ) when their design does not adequately consider opportunistic traders.
The clinical significance of receiving a kidney allograft from deceased donor with chronic histologic changes.

Allograft survival of deceased donor kidneys with suboptimal histology (DRTx/suboptimal histology: >10% glomerulosclerosis, >10% tubulointerstitial scarring, or >mild vascular sclerosis) is inferior to both DRTx with optimal histology (DRTx/optimal histology) and living donor kidneys irrespective of histologic changes (LRTx). In this report, we explored the reasons behind this guarded outcome with a special focus on the role of alloimmunity. We initially assessed gene expression in 39 time-zero allograft biopsies using the Nanostring 770 genes PanCancer Immune Profiling Panel. Subsequently, we studied 696 consecutive adult kidney allograft recipients that were grouped according to allograft type and histology at time-zero biopsy [DRTx/suboptimal histology (n = 194), DRTx/optimal histology (n = 166), and LRTx (n = 336)]. Part-1: Several immune pathways were upregulated in time-zero biopsies from DRTx/suboptimal histology (n = 11) compared to LRTx (n = 17) but not to DRTx/optimal histology (n = 11). Part-2: Amongst the three groups of recipients, DRTx/suboptimal histology had the highest incidence of acute rejection episodes, most of which occurred during the first year after transplantation (early rejection). This increase was mainly attributed to T cell mediated rejection, while the incidence of antibody-mediated rejection was similar amongst the three groups. Importantly, early acute T cell mediated rejection was a strong independent predictor for allograft failure in DRTx/suboptimal histology (adjusted HR: 2.13, P = 0.005) but not in DRTx/optimal histology nor in LRTx. Our data highlight an increased baseline immunogenicity in DRTx/suboptimal histology compared to LRTx but not to DRTx/optimal histology. However, our results suggest that donor chronic histologic changes in DRTx may help transfer such increased baseline immunogenicity into clinically relevant acute rejection episodes that have detrimental effects on allograft survival. These findings may provide a rationale for enhanced immunosuppression in recipients of DRTx with baseline chronic histologic changes to minimize subsequent acute rejection and to prolong allograft survival.
The Relationships Among Managerial Discretion, Firm Performance, And Chief Executive Officer Compensation: A Simultaneous Equations System Approach

Prior executive compensation studies overlooked the endogeneity of firm performance and the simultaneity of managerial discretion, firm performance, and CEO pay. To overcome these two shortcomings, we propose a novel simultaneous equations system model to investigate the cause-and-effect relationships among research & development (R&D), advertising, firm performance, and CEO compensation, which are jointly affected by CEO’s tenure, age, ownership, firm size, risk, and industry. Although the feedback loops are positive between firm performance and CEO pay and between advertising and firm performance, the feedback loop is negative between R&D and firm performance. Firm size has a direct and indirect effect on R&D, advertising, firm performance, and CEO pay. Large firm size may entice CEOs to invest excessively in R&D, leading to poor performance and low pay. Our study implies that the positive relationship between firm performance and CEO pay depends upon the appropriateness of the strategic choices that CEOs make.
A Global Multi-Standard/Multi-Band 17.1-52.4 GHz Tx Phased Array Beamformer with 14.8 dBm OP1dB Supporting 5G NR FR2 Bands with Multi-Gb/s 64-QAM for Massive MIMO Arrays

This paper presents a 4-channel 17.1-52.4 GHz (101.5% fractional bandwidth) Tx phased array front-end designed in SiGe BiCMOS SBC18S5 process. A wideband RF beamforming architecture employing 2-stage resistive-feedback power amplifier and active phase shiftier with T-coil wideband matching network results in an ultra wideband operation with high output power. Each channel has a 5-bit phase control and 15 dB gain control. The input signal is distributed to the 4 channels using a two-stage wideband compact Wilkinson network. The measured gain is 22 dB with 12-14.8 dBm OP1dB at 17-52 GHz. Each channel consumes 240-250 mW at P1dB from 2 and 3 V voltage supplies. The chip is tested with a 28 GHz 64-QAM signals and achieved a data-rate of 6Gb/s at −25 dBm EVM and 9.5 dBm average output power. To author's knowledge, this work achieves the widest bandwidth beamformer covering 5G NR FR2 bands and enabling the construction of multi-standard wideband phased arrays.
Rigid and cylindrical boxes and composite containers

Rigid-paperboard boxes are also called ‘setup’ boxes. Unlike folding cartons, they are delivered to the packager, set up and ready to use.
Is Targeted Therapy of Prostate Cancer Ready for Prime Time

The urology community in the late 1990s enthusiastically adopted prostate cancer (PCa) screening and curative treatment of screen-detected cancers. The subsequent decline in PCamortality rates provided validation of progress in the war on PCa. However, over time, many of us who embraced aggressive screening and treatment began to recognize the need to reassess how we screen, detect, and treat PCa. The bottom line is that we need smarter screening and smarter diagnosis; only then will we be able to achieve smarter treatment. Will there be a role for targeted treatment in the evolving paradigm for treating PCa? The primary argument against targeted treatment of PCa is that the disease is multifocal, which mandates excision or destruction of the entire gland to achieve oncologic control. However, in most cases there is a single index or dominant lesion that drives PCa risk [1]. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the prostate has been a game changer, enabling targeted therapy. Recent studies provide compelling evidence that multiparametric MRI reliably identifies significant PCa [2]. MRI-targeted biopsy improves the ability to localize and risk-stratify PCa [3,4]. The cancers missed by MRI are typically Gleason 6 disease [3,4]. We have reported that no men with pathologic Gleason 6 disease developed metastasis following radical prostatectomy, which raises the question of whether Gleason 6 is a cancer [5]. Now that we can find significant disease, we can utilize the multitude of energy sources at our disposal to destroy prostate tissue [6]. Today there is an emerging and compelling rationale for targeted treatment of PCa. The study by Feijoo et al [7] in this issue of European Urology contributes to an increasing body of evidence that targeted therapy safely achieves early oncologic disease control with minimal adverse impact on functional