cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Outcome of extremely low gestational age newborns (ELGANs) following a pro-active treatment approach: a Swiss single centre experience over 10 years.

QUESTIONS UNDER STUDY To determine the impact of a pro-active treatment approach on outcome of extremely low gestational age neonates (ELGANs; gestational age [GA] <28 weeks) born at the perinatal centre of Lucerne, Switzerland. METHODS We assessed rates of survival, severe neonatal morbidity and neuro-developmental impairment (NDI) of all ELGANs born alive and treated at our centre between 2000 and 2009. The results were compared with published data from contemporary national and international cohorts. RESULTS Over the 10-year study period, a total of 216 ELGANs were born alive at the perinatal centre of Lucerne. The survival rate was 74% for all live-born infants, and 81% for those admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. Among the 160 survivors, 25% sustained at least one major neonatal morbidity; severe brain injury (i.e., periventricular/intraventricular haemorrhage grade 3 or 4 and/or cystic periventricular leukomalacia) affected 10%; moderate or severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia 16%; retinopathy of prematurity ≥ stage 3 1%; and necrotising enterocolitis 2%. Neuro-developmental outcome data at 18 to 24 months was available for 92% of all survivors: 88% had no or mild NDI, whereas moderate and severe NDI were present in 10% and 2%, respectively. CONCLUSION When compared with published national or international data, our pro-active treatment approach to ELGANs was associated with higher or equal survival rates without increasing rates of severe neonatal morbidity or neuro-developmental impairment at the age of 18 to 24 months.
Manometric studies on guinea pig choline oxidase.

Summary1. The enzyme system, choline oxidase, is present in the liver and kidneys of the guinea pig. Activity is low but measurable, as shown using standard manometric technics. 2. Optimum substrate concentration, pH, and assay conditions are presented. 3. The enzyme response versus enzyme concentration was found to be linear over the range tested. 4. The enzyme system in both liver and kidney of the guinea pig is insoluble as shown by centrifugal separation of the soluble and insoluble components of the homogenates in isotonic sucrose. 5. In kidney betaine was found to be an oxidation product by the action of the enzyme on choline.
Streptomycin in experimental ocular infections.

Summary1. The penetrability of streptomycin through the cornea may be increased by abrasion, inflammation, ion-transfer and wetting agents. 2. No local toxic effects were noted when saline solutions of streptomycin containing up to 10,000 μg per ml were used. With concentrations of 50,000 μg or as a dry powder, delayed healing occurred. 3. Intraocular injection, in amounts up to 1,000 μg of streptomycin in 0.1 ml saline were well tolerated. Smaller amounts (25 to 300 μg) were therapeutically effective up to 6 to 8 hours against a virulent strain of Str. pyogenes, though transient or negligible vitreous opacities occurred with these concentrations. 4. Experimental corneal ulcers produced by injection of B. pyocyaneus were prevented when treatment was started within 6 hours after inoculation by 3 applications at 2-hour intervals of a saline solution of streptomycin containing 10,000 μg per ml.
Preliminary regression models for estimating first-order rate constants for removal of BOD and COD from landfill leachate

The increasing production of municipal solid waste (MSW) has direct consequences on leachate generation and its contamination of the environment. Leachate contains organic and inorganic pollutants that have been extensively studied in the last four decades. Most BOD and COD leachate models in the past have been based on data from single or regionally specific landfills. In this study, preliminary models for first-order rate constants for BOD and COD removal from leachate were developed. The models represent a first step to estimate BOD and COD concentrations over time for any conventional municipal solid waste landfill, given information about the landfill’s precipitation rate, temperature, and percents of different types of waste. Data was collected from 27 lab-scale anaerobic reactors, with temperatures of, 70, 85, and 100 °F; average rainfall rates of, 2, 6, and 12 mm/day; and waste compositions, food, paper, yard, textile, and inorganics, varying from 0 to 100%, according to a statistical experimental design. Leachate was collected regularly and analyzed for BOD and COD. Multiple linear regression (MLR) equations were developed for estimating first-order rate constants for BOD and COD. Scale-up factors were calculated to convert lab-scale reaction rates to field-scale rates. Future work will include development of additional scale-up factors and model validation. The best models developed in this study showed that increasing rainfall and temperature leads to higher BOD and COD concentrations. The kCOD model indicated that only paper and textile waste were significant at a 90% confidence level in estimating COD concentration, while paper, yard, and food waste were significant in the kBOD model.
Abstract 1422: Abrogation of prostate cancer cell metastatic phenotype by cathepsin-L inhibition

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in North America and the second leading cause of cancer death in men. Although highly curable in early stages, ∼90% of patients with advanced prostate cancer develop skeletal metastases; an occurrence that results in a substantial reduction in the quality of life and a drastic worsening of the prognosis. Tumor cells rely on proteolytic enzymes for successful establishment of metastases. Cathepsin-L (Cts-L) is a lysosomal endopeptidase of the papain super family of cysteine protease that is up regulated in a wide range of human cancers including prostate cancer. Cts-L over expression can enhance the invasive/metastatic potential of cancer cells through two distinct mechanisms: (i) degradative proteolysis of extracellular matrix and basement membrane components by secreted Cts-L and (ii) enhanced expression of genes involved in EMT and migration by nuclear Cts-L. The goal of the present studies was to elucidate whether the administration of the specific small molecule CtsL inhibitor 3-bromophenyl-3-hydroxyphenyl-ketone thiosemicarbazone (KGP-94) could inhibit the metastatic phenotype in prostate cancer cells. PC-3 and its sublines PC-3-ML and PC-3-N which possess moderate, high, and low metastatic potential, respectively, were used. In response to treatment with 25uM of KGP-94, PC-3 and PC-3-ML showed a 45 and 55% decrease in migratory potential respectively as determined by transwell and wound healing assays. KGP-94 also significantly affected the invasive potential of PC-3 and PC-3-ML at 10uM and 25uM dose concentrations. These results occurred in the absence of cytotoxicity as determined using a clonogenic cell survival assay. Cell cycle analysis by flow cytometry did show that KGP-94 treatment induces a G1 arrest but this effect was insufficient to account for the pronounced inhibition of migration and invasion.In order to elucidate whether KGP-94 treatment affected nuclear Cts-L, presence of the nuclear isoform was validated in PC-3 cells through immunoblot analysis of nuclear extracts and confocal imaging. Nuclear Cts-L has been reported to induce epithelial to mesenchymal transition through increasing expression of Vimentin, N-Cadherin with concomitant suppression of E-Cadherin. However, quantitative PCR analysis failed to show an effect on the expression of these genes in response to KGP-94 treatment. These data therefore suggest that the abrogation of migratory and invasive potential observed in the prostate cancer models is a consequence of an inhibitory effect on secreted and not nuclear Cts-L. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1422. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-1422
Effectiveness of Intervention Measure of AIDS Prevention on Prostitutes in Futian District in Shenzhen During 2004 Through 2007

[Objective] To investigate the effectiveness of health education of AIDS prevention as an intervention measure on prostitutes.[Methods]Health education of AIDS prevention among prostitutes was practiced in Futian District during 2004-2007.50-65 prostitutes were selected randomly to be surveyed by questionnaire every year,serum examination for HIV and syphilis antibody as well as behavioral surveillance were conducted.[Results] There were 232 prostitutes altogether took part in the investigation.After health education intervention the awareness rates about AIDS raised from 70.15% to 80.33%, and the percentage of using condom raised from 35.71% to 65.57% recently,morever the rate of seeking medical aid raised from 24.00% to 64.71%.One cases were found HIV antibody positive,the positive rate was 0.43%.10 cases of positive syphilis antibody were detected,the positive rate was 4.31%.[Conclusion]After intervention,the AIDS awareness rate and the rate of those possessing the intention of using condom was significantly raised in prostitutes.
Process Parameter Design of Production by Intermittent Gas Lifting

The distribution and parameters of a gas lift valve are designed based on percentage load method. Gas laws are used to determine gas injection rate and annulus pressure needed in each circulation, and times of circulation calculating method is obtained by using maximum production as an object. Practical application is described with examples.
Societal Collapse and Reorganization

The disaggregation of complex societies can have significant biological, social, and cultural implications for the people who emerge from such transformations. As society is reconfigured, communities, groups of people therein, and individual human bodies are both conceptually and physically altered. This study centers on the disaggregation of an enigmatic ancient Andean empire known as Wari, and two chiefdoms—the Chanka and the Quichua—that coalesced after Wari's collapse in what is now the Andahuaylas Region of south-central Peru. A social bioarchaeological approach is marshaled to comprehensively evaluate shifts in several key domains that would have been profoundly affected by archaic state collapse. Osteological, ethnohistoric, archaeological, ethno-bioarchaeological, and bio-geochemical methods are employed to test hypotheses related to mortuary practices and community organization, ethno-social identity, violence, medico-cultural innovations, migration, health, and diet.
Electronic transport and scattering times in tungsten-decorated graphene

The electronic transport properties of a monolayer graphene device have been studied before and after the deposition of a dilute coating of tungsten adatoms on the surface. For coverages up to 2.5% of a monolayer, we find tungsten adatoms simultaneously donate electrons to graphene and reduce the carrier mobility, impacting the zero- and finite-field transport properties. Two independent transport analyses suggest the adatoms lie nearly 1 nm above the surface. The presence of adatoms is also seen to impact the low-field magnetoresistance, altering the signatures of weak localization.
“π-Hole−π” Interaction Promoted Photocatalytic Hydrodefluorination via Inner-Sphere Electron Transfer

We describe a metal-free, photocatalytic hydrodefluorination (HDF) of polyfluoroarenes (FA) using pyrene-based photocatalysts (Py). The weak “π-hole−π” interaction between Py and FA promotes the electron transfer against unfavorable energetics (ΔGET up to 0.63 eV) and initiates the subsequent HDF. The steric hindrance of Py and FA largely dictates the HDF reaction rate, pointing to an inner-sphere electron transfer pathway. This work highlights the importance of the size and shape of the photocatalyst and the substrate in controlling the electron transfer mechanism and rates as well as the overall photocatalytic processes.
Quantitative PET Reporter Gene Imaging with [11C]Trimethoprim.

There is a need for improved methods to image genetically engineered cells, including immune cells used for cell-based therapy. Given the genetic manipulation inherent to gene therapy, the use of a reporter protein is a logical solution and positron emission tomography (PET) can provide the desired sensitivity and spatial localization. We developed a broadly applicable PET imaging strategy based on the small bacterial protein E. coli dihydrofolate reductase (Ec dhfr) and its highly specific small molecule inhibitor, trimethoprim (TMP). The difference in TMP affinity for bacterial compared to mammalian DHFR suggests that a TMP radioligand would have a low background in unmodified mammalian tissues and high retention in Ec dhfr engineered cells, providing high contrast imaging. Here, we describe the in vitro properties of [11C]TMP and show over 10-fold increased signal in transgenic Ec dhfr cells compared to control. In a mouse xenograft model, [11C]TMP rapidly accumulated in Ec dhfr carrying cells within minutes of intravenous administration. Moreover, [11C]TMP can identify less than a million xenografted cells in a small volume in tissues other than the abdominal compartment. This limit of detection is a clinically relevant number and bodes well for clinical translation especially given that [11C]TMP is an isotopologue of clinically approved antibiotic.
Calcitonin in osteoporosis

Abstract Calcitonin has been used for the treatment of osteoporosis for the past three decades, based on evidence that parenteral or intranasal calcitonin increases bone mass in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. Efficacy of intranasal calcitonin (200 IU/day) in reducing the risk of new vertebral fractures has been shown in a controlled clinical trial. However, lack of evidence on nonvertebral fractures places calcitonin as a second-line therapy for osteoporosis. Oral calcitonin formulations may be superior to intranasal sprays in improving bone mass, but based on preliminary results from a fracture prevention trial, have failed to not reduce vertebral fracture incidence in postmenopausal women at high risk. Although calcitonin is generally safe and vasomotor adverse events are minimized with oral administration, a review by the European Medicines Agency has disclosed a higher incidence of cancer with long-term use of calcitonin, thus leading to removal of the product from the market.
Space, hope, and brutalism: English architecture, 1945–1975

Hulking, uncompromising, gorgeous: Elain Harwood has produced a book worthy of her subject. Space, Hope, and Brutalism takes readers on a tour through the buildings of England’s welfare state, from...
A miniaturized, wirelessly-powered, reflector-coupled single channel opto neurostimulator

We report a free-floating, wirelessly-powered, single channel opto neurostimulator consisting of a reflector-coupled microscale light emitting diode (μLED) and a mm-sized receiver (Rx) coil for untethered optogenetics neuromodulation. An optimized two-coil inductive link delivers over 4 mW instantaneous power at a low operating frequency to continuously drive the μLED while minimizing device invasiveness and tissue exposure to electromagnetic radiation. The reflector-coupled μLED enables significantly enhanced light intensity compared to a bare μLED. The temperature increase of the activated stimulators is <1 °C, well below the safety limit of biomedical implants. In vivo experiment and histological analysis verify the efficacy of wireless optical stimulation in the rat cortex, using c-Fos as a report of light-evoked neuronal activity.
Community-Based Recommendation for Cold-Start Problem: A Case Study of Reciprocal Online Dating Recommendation

Online dating services often use recommender systems to help people find their dates. When recommending dates to existing users who have already interacted with other users, such recommender systems tend to work well. However, recommending dates to new users who have made few interactions with others yet, the so-called “cold start” problem, still poses a problem. To address this challenge, in this paper, we propose a novel community-based recommendation framework (CBR) that can recommend dates for new users better. By detecting communities to which existing users belong and matching new users to these communities, our method is able to recommend existing users who are more likely to reply a date request from new users. Empirical validation using real data from a popular US online dating site reveals that our reciprocal online dating recommendations are significantly better than other traditional methods, achieving 5–100% improvements on average in different evaluation metrics.
Friends with Benefits: Vermont's Relationship Classifications and the Common Benefit Clause

Vermonters share a variety of personal, emotional, and economic bonds. They forge these bonds by choice and by chance. Platonic friends live together for companionship; strangers live together for economic convenience. Onto this panoply of relationships the State of Vermont imposes three mutually exclusive classifications for legal recognition. Every relationship, no matter how diverse, is eligible for one set of benefits or none at all. This unequal distribution of benefits does not comport with the Vermont Supreme Court's interpretation of the common benefit clause of the Vermont Constitution. This paper argues that it is time for Vermont to recognize and support close personal relationships, whatever form they take.
Organization of the Hypothalamus

Maintenance of homeostasis represents a key component of biological adaptation and depends upon integration of endocrine, visceral, and somatomotor control mechanisms. The hypothalamus plays a key role in mediating this integration and is generally viewed as an essential interface between endocrine, autonomic and somatomotor systems. Of fundamental importance to the function of the hypothalamus is its intimate relationship with the pituitary gland and established pathways for neural control of endocrine secretion patterns. The hypothalamus also has extensive connections with the major ascending and descending fiber systems that allow it to sample and influence activity in all major parts of the brain and spinal cord. Thus, the unique relationship between the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland, together with its position in the neuraxis, make the hypothalamus the logical neurological substrate for the integration of diverse and dynamic environmental cues with the biological requirements of the individual.
Cardiac resynchronization therapy: antiarrhythmic or proarrhythmic?

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has become a well-established and important therapeutic option in the management of patients with symptomatic systolic heart failure. Improvement in quality of life and exercise tolerance as well as reduction in hospitalizations for heart failure have been
Engaging Teacher Identities in Teacher Education: Shifting Notions of the “Good Teacher” to Broaden Teachers’ Learning

It is widely accepted that how teachers identify with the profession influences how they think about teaching. In this chapter, we synthesize two sets of interpretive case studies to theorize the relationship between teacher identity and teacher learning. First, we examine how pre-service and novice teachers’ conceptions of a “good teacher” activate particular motivational filters through which they weigh whether to learn instructional practices in constructing their emerging teacher identities. Second, we explore how interactions with actors playing a standardized parent in a simulation cycle influence pre-service teachers’ understanding of their social positioning in relation to other people. Foregrounding teachers’ positional identities in this way can lead teachers to revise the way they filter instructional practices and thus, what they choose to learn as they aspire to become “good teachers.”
The Montgomery bus boycott and the women who started it : the memoir of Jo Ann Gibson Robinson

The Montgomery Bus Boycott, which ignited the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s, has always been vitally important in southern and black history. With the publication of this book, the boycott becomes a milestone in the history of American women as well. ""This autobiographical account of the creation of the boycott is the most important document on that highly significant episode since Martin Luther King's own version, Stride Towards Freedom. I feel certain that scholars and students will refer to this unique historical source for generations to come."" --J. Mills Thornton, University of Michigan ""This valuable first-hand account of the historic Montgomery Bus Boycott, written by an important, behind-the-scenes organizer, evokes the emotional intensity of the civil rights struggle. It ought to be required reading for all Americans who value their freedom and the contribution of black women to our history."" --Coretta Scott King ""A sharply remembered addition to the literature on what has become an event of mythic proportions, and a sound primer for those interested in community organizing. The author is scrupulously honest, modest, and gives unsung heroes much deserved praise."" --Kirkus ""This fascinating memoir provides new evidence on the origins and sustaining force of the Montgomery Bus Boycott (1955-56)."" --Anthony O. Edmonds, Library Journal ""There's no substitute for this intimate memoir; it provides an immediacy and graphic intensity never before available."" --Marge Frantz, San Jose Mercury News ""This powerful memoir is a milestone in the history of that boycott and in the American Civil Rights Movement."" --American History Illustrated ""This absorbing study may become a minor classic in the literature of the Montgomery bus boycott. . . . Garrow correctly states in his Foreword that this book is the most important participant-observer account of the Montgomery protest available to students and scholars of the black freedom movement. . . . This straightforward, sensitive memoir is must reading for students of the civil rights movement. It is a powerful commentary on how a woman and the group she led rose up to throw off an injustice thrust upon them. When Jo Ann Robinson and other Montgomery women decided no longer to play the role of contented black Southerners, they gave blacks everywhere renewed hope, and they helped to create a national leader who took them closer to the promised land."" --Jimmie L. Franklin, The Alabama Review ""In an absorbing, first-hand narrative, the dignified and unassuming Robinson focuses on the role of the Women's Political Council (WPC) and details the WPC's plans to engineer a boycott months before the heralded arrest of Rosa Parks. . . . The value of this primary source will endure long after many best-selling, secondary accounts of national politics during this period have disappeared."" --Keith D. Miller and Elizabeth Vander Lei, Explorations in Sight and Sound
Strategies for cDNA Cloning and Mapping RNA Transcripts

The mapping of RNA transcripts is of fundamental importance to research in molecular biology. Thus, the determination of transcript boundaries and splicing patterns is most often the first task to be performed after the initial discovery of a transcription unit. The information obtained from transcript mapping studies can then be used to design other investigations concerning the relevant gene. Assuming that the transcript in question encodes a protein product, a definitive identification of structural motifs in the translation product can only be made after determination of the primary structure of the transcript. Attempts to define structural or functional motifs in proteins without mapping of the 5′ and 3′ ends of the transcript, as well as determining any splicing (including alternative splicing) patterns can lead to erroneous conclusions. Investigations such as the identification of promoters or enhancers also require that the primary structure of the transcript be previously determined.
The Winners of Socialism: Fighting Infertility in Pronatalist Romania

Drawing from interviews and life histories, I consider the singular reproductive trajectories of women who fought infertility during the enforced pronatalist policies of the late communist ...
Maternal metabolic profile predicts high or low risk of an autism pregnancy outcome

Abstract Background Currently there is no test for pregnant mothers that can predict the probability of having a child that will be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Recent estimates indicate that if a mother has previously had a child with ASD, the risk of having a second child with ASD is ∼18.7% (High Risk) whereas the risk of ASD in the general population is ∼1.7% (Low Risk). Methods In this study, metabolites of the folate-dependent transmethylation and transsulfuration biochemical pathways of pregnant mothers were measured to determine whether or not the risk of having a child with autism could be predicted by her metabolic profile. Pregnant mothers who have had a child with autism before were separated into two groups based on the diagnosis of their child whether the child had autism (ASD) or not (TD). Then these mothers were compared to a group of control mothers who have not had a child with autism before. A total of 107 mothers were in the High Risk category and 25 mothers in the Low Risk category. The High Risk category was further separated into 29 mothers in the ASD group and 78 mothers in the TD group. Results The metabolic results indicated that among High Risk mothers, it was not possible to predict an autism pregnancy outcome. However, the metabolic profile was able to predict with approximately 90% sensitivity and specificity whether a mother fell into the High Risk group (18.7% risk) or Low Risk group (1.7% risk). Conclusions Based upon these measurements it is not possible to determine during a pregnancy if a child will be diagnosed with ASD by age 3. However, differences in the folate-dependent transmethylation and transsulfuration metabolites are indicative of the risk level (High Risk of 18.7% vs. Low Risk of 1.7%) of the mother for having a child with ASD.
Radiofrequency ablation versus surgical resection of hepatocellular carcinoma: contemporary treatment trends and outcomes from the United States National Cancer Database

To compare utilization and effectiveness of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and surgical resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The 2004–2015 United States National Cancer Database was queried for HCC patients treated by RFA and surgical resection. Patients were 1:1 propensity score matched. Duration of hospital stay, unplanned readmission rates, and overall survival (OS) were compared in the matched cohort via multivariable regression models. Eighteen thousand two hundred ninety-six patients were included (RFA, n = 8211; surgical resection, n = 10,085). RFA was more likely in young male whites with high degree of hepatic fibrosis, high bilirubin levels, high INR, and multifocal HCC; resection was more likely in those with private insurance, high income, high cancer grade and stage, and larger HCC. RFA rates varied between 32.3% (East South Central) and 58.5% (New England). Post-treatment outcomes were superior for RFA versus resection regarding duration of hospital stay (median 1 vs. 5d, p 65 years old (5-year OS 21.9% vs. 26.5%, p = 0.47), and for HCC < 15 mm (5-year OS 49.7% vs. 52.3%, p = 0.78). OS in the full cohort was superior for surgical resection (5-year OS 29.9% vs. 45.7%, p < 0.01). RFA for HCC shows substantial variation by geography, socioeconomic factors, liver function, and tumor extent. RFA offers superior post-treatment outcomes versus surgical resection and may be an alternative for older patients with cirrhosis and/or small HCC. • Duration of hospital stay, unplanned readmissions, and 30-/90-day mortality are lower for RFA versus surgical resection. • RFA and surgical resection show similar survival in severe hepatic fibrosis. • In HCC < 15 mm, RFA and surgical resection yield similar survival.
Diagnosis of Rectus Sheath Hematoma by Point-of-Care Ultrasound.

Abstract Background Rectus sheath hematoma is a rare but dangerous cause of undifferentiated hypotension and abdominal pain in the emergency department (ED). Point-of-care ultrasound is a useful tool in its identification. Case Report A 75-year-old woman presented to the ED with hypotension of an unclear etiology. She was found, via point-of-care ultrasound, to have a large and expanding rectus sheath hematoma. She ultimately had embolization of a lacerated epigastric artery, likely caused by enoxaparin injection. Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This? Rectus sheath hematomas are a dangerous and often unrecognized source of abdominal pain and shock in anticoagulated patients. Commonly applied point-of-care ultrasound algorithms to assess hypotension may miss this entity.
Dissemination of an evidence-based prevention innovation for aggressive children living in culturally diverse, urban neighborhoods: the Early Risers effectiveness study.

This study evaluated the effectiveness of the Early Risers “Skills for Success” Program when implemented by neighborhood family resource centers available to urban children and their families. Kindergarten and first-grade children (n=327) enrolled in 10 schools were screened for aggressive behavior, and randomized to two model variations of the Early Risers Program or a no-intervention control condition. The full-strength model (CORE + FLEX) included child and parent/family components whereas the partial model (CORE-only) offered only the child component. The intervention was delivered over two continuous years. CORE + FLEX children showed higher levels of program attendance than their CORE-only counterparts but no differences on outcomes measures were observed between models. When both program models were collapsed and compared to controls, program children showed significant gains on measures of school adjustment and social competence, the most aggressive program children showed reductions in disruptive behavior, and program parents reported reduced levels of stress.
Modeling and Comparison of Passive Component Volume of Hybrid Resonant Switched-Capacitor Converters

Hybrid and resonant switched-capacitor (ReSC) converters enable efficient utilization of both active and passive components, and have the potential to achieve higher efficiency and higher power density than conventional SC and magnetic-based converters. One or more added inductors offer an additional degree of freedom in the design space, and it is of great interest to understand the trade-offs between capacitor and inductor allocation, for different circuit topologies. In this work, we present a method to analyze and optimize the total passive component volume from the energy/power transfer perspective. It is shown that the passive volume can be expressed and optimized as a function of flying capacitor voltage ripple, and no detailed operating conditions (e.g., P out , f sw , L and C values) are needed. Moreover, a normalized passive volume parameter is proposed for simple and fair topology comparison. Along with the normalized switch stress parameter (based on switch VA ratings), a framework to showcase the relative performance of ReSC topologies is created. The metrics proposed in this work can be used to visualize and compare the passive and active component utilizations among different topologies.
An assessment of urine THC immunoassay in healthy volunteers receiving an oral proton-pump inhibitor

Introduction: Limitations of urine drug-screening (UDS) by immunoassay include false-positive results. Pantoprazole, a proton-pump inhibitor (PPI), is reported to cause false-positive results for T...
Null hypotheses for developmental evolution.

ABSTRACT How much evolutionary change in development do we expect? In this Spotlight, we argue that, as developmental biologists, we are in a prime position to contribute to the definition of a null hypothesis for developmental evolution: in other words, a hypothesis for how much developmental evolution we expect to observe over time. Today, we have access to an unprecedented array of developmental data from across the tree of life. Using these data, we can now consider development in the light of evolution, and vice versa, more deeply than ever before. As we do this, we may need to re-examine previous assumptions that appeared to serve us well when data points were fewer. Specifically, we think it is important to challenge assumptions that change is very rare for all developmental traits, especially if this assumption is used to sustain an erroneous view that evolution always optimizes adaptive traits toward increasing complexity.
Crowdfunding the Front Lines: An Empirical Study of Teacher-Driven School Improvement

The US K--12 public education system has been notoriously hard to improve. Some argue new education technologies (EdTech) can help transform schools for the better. Yet, as large-scale policy reforms have had only limited success, it seems unlikely that small changes due to EdTech could have any measurable impact. In this paper, we study DonorsChoose, a nonprofit that operates a teacher crowdfunding platform. We ask whether DonorsChoose improves educational outcomes, specifically at low-income schools. Combining DonorsChoose data with data on student test scores in Pennsylvania from 2012--2013 to 2017--2018, we find an increase in the number of DonorsChoose projects funded at a school leads to higher student performance, after controlling for selection biases. For a school with zero funded projects, one funded project---of about \$400 in value---translates to between 2 to 9 more students scoring basic and above in all subjects in high school and science and language arts in primary and middle school. We find this effect is driven mostly by low-income schools, indicating funded projects help close the gap in educational outcomes between students at low- versus high-income schools. Based on a textual analysis of 20,000 statements from all funded teachers describing how project resources are used, we find two channels of improvement most effective in the lowest income schools. We demonstrate that although DonorsChoose projects are small, they improve outcomes and reduce inequality because they come directly from frontline workers---teachers---who know most intimately the obstacles their students face and how to help.
The Syncope Evaluation Unit: Essential Features, Current Status

Syncope/Collapse is a common syndrome in the general population caused by various etiologies. Given the often, complex presentations, there is a wide variability in the management of patients with syncope/collapse resulting in significant differences in outcome and high cost burden. Syncope units (SUs) have been developed with the intent of ensuring a systematic approach toward the evaluation of patients with transient loss of consciousness from risk stratification to diagnosis, therapy, and follow-up. Several studies have shown that SUs improve the rate of diagnosis and decrease rates of admissions and unnecessary tests utilization. The ideal SU should have resources for interdisciplinary testing and consultations available in a timely manner. In this chapter, we discuss the several models of successful SUs available in addition to future perspectives in addressing this ongoing challenge.
Some but Not Too Much: The Impact of Diversification on Corporate Payout Policy

This paper examines the relationship between diversification and corporate payout policy. Given the ambiguous link between diversification and firm performance, I propose that managers could use th...
Outcomes of a novel alloplastic technique for external auditory canal repair in tympanomastoidectomy.

Objective To analyze surgical outcomes of a novel alloplastic reconstruction technique for partial external auditory canal (EAC) defects in tympanomastoidectomy. Methods Retrospective study of 51 patients with cholesteatoma who underwent repair of partial EAC defects during tympanomastoidectomy at a tertiary referral center over 8 years. Nineteen patients were treated with a novel alloplastic graft technique using hydroxyapatite cement and bone pâte for EAC repair. Thirty-two patients treated with traditional cartilage repair of the EAC served as a control group. The primary outcomes measured were postoperative cholesteatoma recurrence rates, infection rates, and mean air-bone gap (ABG). Results Twenty of the 51 cases (39.2%) were revision surgeries for cholesteatoma recidivism, with a greater proportion of revision surgeries in the alloplastic group (57.9% vs 28.1%, P = .04). There was no significant difference in postoperative cholesteatoma recurrence (P = 1.00) or infection rates (P = .64) between the two techniques, with the alloplastic group experiencing slightly lower rates of recurrence (36.8%) and infection (5.3%) than cartilage repair (37.5% recurrence, 12.5% infection). Mean postoperative ABGs were comparable between the alloplastic (21.5 dB) and cartilage group (26.0 dB, P = .10). Conclusions Composite alloplastic and bone pâte reconstruction is an effective technique to repair partial EAC defects in tympanomastoidectomy, with comparable postoperative hearing outcomes and no increased risk of cholesteatoma recurrence or infection compared to traditional cartilage repair. Recidivism rates were relatively high in both groups, likely due to the high rate of revision surgeries and aggressive nature of cholesteatoma within the cohort. Level of Evidence Level 3B.
Natural history and clinical significance of isolated complete left bundle branch block without associated structural heart disease

OBJECTIVE Left bundle branch block (LBBB), which is associated with underlying cardiac disease, is believed to play a role in the pathogenesis of cardiomyopathy through delays in interventricular conduction, leading to dyssynchrony. However, this has not been established in previous studies. It is unclear whether LBBB indicates clinically advanced cardiac disease or is an independent factor responsible for increased mortality and the development of heart failure. We investigated the natural history of isolated LBBB without any associated structural heart disease in order to determine its clinical significance. METHODS We performed a retrospective chart review on consecutive patients who fulfilled the 12-lead electrocardiographic (ECG) criteria for complete LBBB and had a normal echocardiogram with no evidence of structural heart disease and left or right ventricular systolic dysfunction within three months of the initial ECG between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2009. We excluded patients with documented coronary artery disease (CAD) at any time, any structural heart disease, or cardiac devices. We evaluated the primary endpoints of mortality and incidence of cardiomyopathy, as well as any heart failure hospitalizations over a 1- and 10-year period. RESULTS We identified 2522 eligible patients. The mean follow-up duration was 8.4±3.2 years. The one-year mortality rate was 7.8%, with a 10-year mortality rate of 22.0%. The incidence of cardiomyopathy over one year was 3.2% and over 10 years was 9.1%. There was no significant difference in QRS duration between patients who were alive and those that were deceased at 10 years (141+/-18 vs. 141+/-17 ms; p=0.951) and patients with and without cardiomyopathy at 10 years (142±17 vs. 141±17 ms; p=0.532). CONCLUSION Isolated LBBB occurring without structural heart disease, ventricular dysfunction, or CAD is associated with a low mortality rate and incidence of cardiomyopathy.
Scaling and relative size of the human, nonhuman ape, and baboon calcaneus

Among human and nonhuman apes, calcaneal morphology exhibits significant variation that has been related to locomotor behavior. Due to its role in weight-bearing, however, both body size and locomotion may impact calcaneal morphology. Determining how calcaneal morphologies vary as a function of body size is thus vital to understanding calcaneal functional adaptation. Here, we study calcaneus allometry and relative size in humans (n = 120) and nonhuman primates (n = 278), analyzing these relationships in light of known locomotor behaviors. Twelve linear measures and three articular facet surface areas were collected on calcaneus surface models. Body mass was estimated using femoral head superoinferior breadth. Relationships between calcaneal dimensions and estimated body mass were analyzed across the sample using phylogenetic least squares regression analyses (PGLS). Differences between humans and pooled nonhuman primates were tested using RMA ANCOVAs. Among (and within) genera residual differences from both PGLS regressions and isometry were analyzed using ANOVAs with post hoc multiple comparison tests. The relationships between all but two calcaneus dimensions and estimated body mass exhibit phylogenetic signal at the smallest taxonomic scale. This signal disappears when reanalyzed at the genus level. Calcaneal morphology varies relative to both body size and locomotor behavior. Humans have larger calcanei for estimated body mass relative to nonhuman primates as a potential adaptation for bipedalism. More terrestrial taxa exhibit longer calcaneal tubers for body mass, increasing the triceps surae lever arm. Among nonhuman great apes, more arboreal taxa have larger cuboid facet surface areas for body mass, increasing calcaneocuboid mobility.
Truncation of the otoferlin transmembrane domain alters the development of hair cells and reduces membrane docking

Release of neurotransmitter from sensory hair cells is regulated by otoferlin. Despite the importance of otoferlin in the auditory and vestibular pathways, the functional contributions of the domains of the protein have not been fully characterized. Using a zebrafish model, we investigated a mutant otoferlin with a stop codon at the start of the transmembrane domain. We found that both the phenotype severity and the expression level of mutant otoferlin changed with the age of the zebrafish. At the early developmental time point of 72 h post fertilization, low expression of the otoferlin mutant coincided with synaptic ribbon deficiencies, reduced endocytosis, and abnormal transcription of several hair cell genes. As development proceeded, expression of the mutant otoferlin increased, and both synaptic ribbons and hair cell transcript levels resembled wild type. However, hair cell endocytosis deficits and abnormalities in the expression of GABA receptors persisted even after up-regulation of mutant otoferlin. Analysis of membrane-reconstituted otoferlin measurements suggests a function for the transmembrane domain in liposome docking. We conclude that deletion of the transmembrane domain reduces membrane docking, attenuates endocytosis, and results in developmental delay of the hair cell.
Evolution of brilliant iridescent feather nanostructures

Abstract The brilliant iridescent plumage of birds creates some of the most stunning color displays known in the natural world. Iridescent plumage colors are produced by nanostructures in feathers and have evolved in a wide variety of birds. The building blocks of these structures—melanosomes (melanin-filled organelles)—come in a variety of forms, yet how these different forms contribute to color production across birds remains unclear. Here, we leverage evolutionary analyses, optical simulations and reflectance spectrophotometry to uncover general principles that govern the production of brilliant iridescence. We find that a key feature that unites all melanosome forms in brilliant iridescent structures is thin melanin layers. Birds have achieved this in multiple ways: by decreasing the size of the melanosome directly, by hollowing out the interior, or by flattening the melanosome into a platelet. The evolution of thin melanin layers unlocks color-producing possibilities, more than doubling the range of colors that can be produced with a thick melanin layer and simultaneously increasing brightness. We discuss the implications of these findings for the evolution of iridescent structures in birds and propose two evolutionary paths to brilliant iridescence.
Clinical efficacy of direct or indirect left ventricular unloading during venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for primary cardiogenic shock.

Abstract Objective Left ventricular (LV) distention is a feared complication in patients receiving venoarterial (VA) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). LV unloading can be achieved indirectly with intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) or directly with an Impella device (Abiomed, Danvers, Mass). We sought to assess the clinical and hemodynamic effects of IABP and Impella devices on patients supported with VA ECMO. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of VA ECMO patients at our institution from January 2015 to June 2020. Patients were categorized as either ECMO alone or ECMO with LV unloading. LV unloading was characterized as either ECMO with IABP or ECMO with Impella. We recorded baseline characteristics, survival, complications, and hemodynamic changes associated with device initiation. Results During the study, 143 patients received ECMO alone whereas 140 received ECMO with LV unloading (68 ECMO with IABP, 72 ECMO with Impella). ECMO with Impella patients had a higher incidence of bleeding events compared with ECMO alone or ECMO with IABP (52.8% vs 37.1% vs 17.7%; P Conclusions Concomitant support with IABP might help reduce morbidity and improve 180-day survival in patients receiving VA ECMO for cardiogenic shock.
Conscious intention and human action: Review of the rise and fall of the readiness potential and Libet’s clock

Is consciousness-the subjective awareness of the sensations, perceptions, beliefs, desires, and intentions of mental life-a genuine cause of human action or a mere impotent epiphenomenon accompanying the brain's physical activity but utterly incapable of making anything actually happen? This article will review the history and current status of experiments and commentary related to Libet's influential paper (Brain 106:623-664, 1983) whose conclusion "that cerebral initiation even of a spontaneous voluntary act …can and usually does begin unconsciously" has had a huge effect on debate about the efficacy of conscious intentions. Early (up to 2008) and more recent (2008 on) experiments replicating and criticizing Libet's conclusions and especially his methods will be discussed, focusing especially on recent observations that the readiness potential (RP) may only be an "artifact of averaging" and that, when intention is measured using "tone probes," the onset of intention is found much earlier and often before the onset of the RP. Based on these findings, Libet's methodology was flawed and his results are no longer valid reasons for rejecting Fodor's "good old commonsense belief/desire psychology" that "my wanting is causally responsible for my reaching.".