cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A CMOS op amp with fully-differential gain-enhancement

A fully-differential folded-cascode op amp design is presented which achieves both high dc gain and high unity-gain frequency. The high dc gain is attained using an active cascode circuit to increase the output resistance of the amplifier. In contrast to previous work, the gain-enhancement is implemented using only two fully-differential op amps instead of four single-ended amplifiers. Implementation of common mode feedback for these internal amplifiers is achieved with a single device made possible due to the local unity-gain feedback around the amplifiers. Simulation results indicate that the fully-differential technique results in superior performance over the conventional technique in terms of area, power, and settling behavior. >
Use of optical coherence tomography to monitor biological tissue freezing during cryosurgery

The use of optical coherence tomography (OCT) for imag- ing skin during cryosurgery is evaluated. OCT provides high spatial resolution (5-10 mm) images of optical backscattering due to local variations in refractive index, such as the boundary between liquid and frozen water in tissue. Time resolved OCT images were acquired during freezing of water, Intralipid™, and in vivo hamster skin. Sub- surface morphological changes were evident only during freezing of Intralipid and skin. A simple thermal model was applied which pre- dicted freezing times on the same order of magnitude as those ob- served in OCT images. OCT can be used as a feedback tool during cryosurgical procedures to monitor progression of the freezing front.
Decline of photopic multifocal electroretinogram responses with age is due primarily to preretinal optical factors

Age-related changes in photopic retinal function were evaluated topographically with the multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG). Thirty-two subjects between the ages of 16 and 69 participated. There was a strong dependence on age for all mfERG response measures that was strongest for the group of central retinal responses (i.e., within 5 deg eccentricity) and approximately equal for responses between 5 and 20 deg. After adjustment for crystalline lens optical density and pupil diameter, significant effects of age were limited to central first-order (i.e., within 5 deg) and second-order response kernels. Simulation studies support an optical basis for the observed age-related changes. It is concluded that mfERG changes between the ages of 20 and 70 are due predominantly to preretinal optical factors.
Using Office Discipline Referral Data for Decision Making About Student Behavior in Elementary and Middle Schools: An Empirical Evaluation of Validity

In this evaluation we used Messick's construct validity as a conceptual framework for an empirical study assessing the validity of use, utility, and impact of office discipline referral (ODR) measures for data-based decision making about student behavior in schools. The Messick approach provided a rubric for testing the fit of our theory of use of ODR measures with empirical data on reported and actual use. It also facilitated our demonstration of Messick's principle that validation is both a developmental and an ongoing collaborative process among developers of educational and psychological measures, researchers interested in theories underlying such measures, and educators who use these measures in professional practice. We used a single-group, nonexperimental evaluation design to survey users of ODR measures from the standardized School Wide Information System in 22 elementary and 10 middle schools; respondents included school staff involved exclusively with data entry and staff actively involved in da...
The Effect of SOA Enhancement on Device Ruggedness Under UIS for the LDMOSFET

This paper presents a unified study on the relationship between safe operating area (SOA) enhancement and unclamped inductive switching (UIS) behavior in an LDMOS. Popularized methods of SOA enhancement techniques are implemented, including a highly doped p+ bottom layer, n-adaptive layer, and drift extension. The effect that each enhancement has on SOA is first analyzed and shown, followed by the impact that it has on device ruggedness as measured through the UIS test. The energy absorbed during UIS, time in avalanche, and peak lattice temperature are each considered in evaluating ruggedness. Off-state breakdown voltages and on -resistances are also analyzed. The results indicate varying behavior during UIS, depending on each SOA enhancement technique used.
Carotid Endothelial VCAM-1 Is an Early Marker of Carotid Atherosclerosis and Predicts Coronary Artery Disease in Swine

Objective: The aim was to determine if endothelial VCAM-1 (eVCAM-1) expression in the common carotid artery (CCA) would correlate with predictive markers of atherosclerotic disease, would precede reduction of markers of endothelial cell function and would predict coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods and results: Carotid arterial segments (bifurcation, proximal and distal CCA) were harvested from 14 and 24 month-old male castrated familial hypercholesterolemic (FH) swine, a model of spontaneous atherosclerosis. Quantification of local expression of eVCAM-1, intimal macrophage accumulation, oxidative stress, intima-media (I/M) ratio, intima-media thickness (IMT), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and phosphorylated eNOS (p-eNOS) in selected regions of the carotids revealed a relationship between local inflammation and atherosclerotic plaque progression. Importantly, inflammation was not uniform throughout the CCA. Endothelial VCAM-1 expression was the greatest at the bifurcation and increased with age. Finally, eVCAM-1 best estimated the severity of CAD compared to blood levels of glucose, hypercholesterolemia, carotid IMT, and p-eNOS. Conclusion: Our data suggested that eVCAM-1 was closely associated with atherosclerotic plaque progression and preceded impairment of EDD. Thus, this study supported the use of carotid VCAM-1 targeting agents to estimate the severity of CAD.
Synthesis of a-factor peptide from Saccharomyces cerevisiae and photoactive analogues via Fmoc solid phase methodology

a-Factor from Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a farnesylated dodecapeptide involved in mating. The molecule binds to a G-protein coupled receptor and hence serves as a simple system for studying the interactions between prenylated molecules and their cognate receptors. Here, we describe the preparation of a-factor and two photoactive analogues via Fmoc solid-phase peptide synthesis using hydrazinobenzoyl AM NovaGel™ resin; the structure of the synthetic a-factor was confirmed by MS-MS analysis and NMR; the structures of the analogues were confirmed by MS-MS analysis. Using a yeast growth arrest assay, the analogues were found to have activity comparable to a-factor itself.
Efficient VLSI Architecture for Soft-Decision Decoding of Reed–Solomon Codes

Reed-Solomon (RS) codes have very broad applications in digital communication and storage systems. The developed algebraic soft-decision decoding (ASD) algorithms of RS codes can achieve substantial coding gain with polynomial complexity. Among the ASD algorithms with practical multiplicity assignment schemes, the bit-level generalized minimum distance (BGMD) decoding algorithm can achieve similar or higher coding gain with lower complexity. ASD algorithms consist of two major steps: the interpolation and the factorization. In this paper, novel architectures for both steps are proposed for the BGMD decoder. The interpolation architecture is based on the newly proposed Lee-O'Sullivan (LO) algorithm. By exploiting the characteristics of the LO algorithm and the multiplicity assignment scheme in the BGMD decoder, the proposed interpolation architecture for a (255, 239) RS code can achieve 25% higher efficiency in terms of speed/area ratio than prior efforts. Root computation over finite fields and polynomial updating are the two main steps of the factorization. A low-latency and prediction-free scheme is introduced in this paper for the root computation in the BGMD decoder. In addition, novel coefficient storage schemes and parallel processing architectures are developed to reduce the latency of the polynomial updating. The proposed factorization architecture is 126% more efficient than the previous direct root computation factorization architecture.
Resistance of temperate Chinese elms (Ulmus spp.) to feeding by the adult elm leaf beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae).

Newly acquired Ulmus species from the temperate regions of China growing at The Morton Arboretum, Lisle, IL, were evaluated in laboratory bioassays for feeding preference and suitability for larvae and adults of the elm leaf beetle, Pyrrhalta luteola (Muller). Larval and adult no-choice and adult multiple-choice feeding studies revealed that U. changii, U. lanceaefolia, U. prunifolia, U. pseudopropinqua, and U. taihangshanensis were the least suitable for feeding and reproduction by the elm leaf beetle. Ulmus wallichiana and the highly preferred U. pumila were more suitable for feeding and reproduction. Suitability had no significant effect on male and female longevity. The least suitable species of U. changii, U. lanceaefolia, U. prunifolia, U. pseudopropinqua, and U. taihangshanensis show promise for future elm breeding programs.
Age-Related Phasic Patterns of Mitochondrial Maintenance in Adult Caenorhabditis elegans Neurons

Aging is associated with cognitive decline and increasing risk of neurodegeneration. Perturbation of mitochondrial function, dynamics, and trafficking are implicated in the pathogenesis of several age-associated neurodegenerative diseases. Despite this fundamental importance, the critical understanding of how organismal aging affects lifetime neuronal mitochondrial maintenance remains unknown, particularly in a physiologically relevant context. To address this issue, we performed a comprehensive in vivo analysis of age-associated changes in mitochondrial morphology, density, trafficking, and stress resistance in individual Caenorhabditis elegans neurons throughout adult life. Adult neurons display three distinct stages of increase, maintenance, and decrease in mitochondrial size and density during adulthood. Mitochondrial trafficking in the distal neuronal processes declines progressively with age starting from early adulthood. In contrast, long-lived daf-2 mutants exhibit delayed age-associated changes in mitochondrial morphology, constant mitochondrial density, and maintained trafficking rates during adulthood. Reduced mitochondrial load at late adulthood correlates with decreased mitochondrial resistance to oxidative stress. Revealing aging-associated changes in neuronal mitochondria in vivo is an essential precedent that will allow future elucidation of the mechanistic causes of mitochondrial aging. Thus, our study establishes the critical foundation for the future analysis of cellular pathways and genetic and pharmacological factors regulating mitochondrial maintenance in aging- and disease-relevant conditions. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Using Caenorhabditis elegans as a model, we address long-standing questions: How does aging affect neuronal mitochondrial morphology, density, trafficking, and oxidative stress resistance? Are these age-related changes amenable to genetic manipulations that slow down the aging process? Our study illustrates that mitochondrial trafficking declines progressively from the first day of adulthood, whereas mitochondrial size, density, and resistance to oxidative stress undergo three distinct stages: increase in early adulthood, maintenance at high levels during mid-adulthood, and decline during late adulthood. Thus, our study characterizes mitochondrial aging profile at the level of a single neuron in its native environment and establishes the critical foundation for the future genetic and pharmacological dissection of factors that influence long-term mitochondrial maintenance in neurons.
Subsequent Cancer in Patients With Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia—A Possible Immunologic Mechanism

Among 4,869 patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) from the series of the End Results Program of the National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, second primary cancers developed in 234 patients, compared to 204.9 expected. The risk was significantly elevated for malignant melanoma, soft-tissue sarcomas, and lung cancer. The frequency of rectal cancer was also elevated, but not significantly. The excess risk for these specific sites persisted throughout the period of follow-up, suggesting a susceptibility state that complicated the leukemic process rather than suggesting methodologic, diagnostic, or therapeutic effects. Immunologic defects to CLL may be involved in the etiology of excess risk for these sites, because a similar array of nonlymphoid tumors was seen following therapeutic immunosuppression among renal transplant recipients.
Mechanisms of vascular preservation by a novel NO donor following rat carotid artery intimal injury

We studied the effects of a novel organic nitric oxide (NO) donor, 4-hydroxymethyl-furazan-3-carboxylic acid-2-oxide (CAS-1609), in a rat carotid artery intimal injury model. The NO donor, CAS-1609, or its non-NO-donating control compound, 4-hydroxymethyl-furazan-3-carboxylic acid (C-93-4845), was infused intravenously at 30 micrograms/day. Seven days after injury, carotid artery rings contracted only 56 +/- 6 mg to NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester in C-93-4845-treated rats, compared with 120 +/- 17 mg in CAS-1609-treated rats (P < 0.02), indicating a preservation of endogenous NO release. Improved responses to the endothelium-dependent dilator, acetylcholine, also occurred in injured arteries treated with CAS-1609. Morphometric analysis of injured carotid arteries given the inactive compound showed marked intimal thickening with an intimal-to-medial ratio (I/M) of 0.76 +/- 0.02, compared with a significantly lower I/M of 0.32 +/- 0.04 (P < 0.01) in injured carotid arteries given CAS-1609. Additionally, CAS-1609 was found to have a concentration-dependent stimulatory effect on cultured rat aortic endothelial cell proliferation (P < 0.01) but and inhibitory effect on platelet-derived growth factor-BB (10 ng/ml)-stimulated rat aortic smooth muscle cell proliferation (P < 0.01). This is the first study to demonstrate that NO plays a dual role in vascular cell proliferation, stimulating endothelial cells but inhibiting smooth muscle cell proliferation. This dual effect of NO on cell proliferation is associated with an in vivo reduction in neointimal thickening and an acceleration of endothelial recovery determined by both anatomic and functional methods.
Blunt injuries to branches of the aortic arch.

Blunt injuries to branches of the aortic arch are not unusual and must be considered in any patient surviving deceleration or crush injury. Review of 36 case reports, including own own case, revealed 22 injuries to the innominate artery (4 with injuries to other arch branches), seven to the right subclavian, seven to the left subclavian, and eleven associated injuries to the thoracic aorta. Thirty patients (83 per cent) survived. Mediastinal widening (92 per cent) was the most frequent manifestation of vascular injury and is an indication for immediate aortography to delineate the entire thoracic aorta. Distal circulation was clinically decreased in less than 50 per cent, with symptomatic ischemia in only a few instances. Death was due to associated head injury in 3 of 6. cases. Earlier operation would have avoided exsanguination (one death) and late complications of false aneurysm or vascular insufficiency (10 patients).
Neural Stem Cells in Stroke: Intracerebral Approaches

Stem cell therapy is a promising treatment strategy for stroke that has been shown to improve functional recovery in preclinical stroke models and is currently being investigated in clinical trials. In this chapter, we review the development of intracerebral (IC) transplantation as a strategy for targeted cell delivery to the stroke-injured brain, and discuss the use of neural stem cells (NSCs) as a candidate therapeutic cell type. We explore the different types of NSCs that have been shown to improve stroke outcome, and consider how these cells might act in vivo to alter brain repair and recovery. Finally, we summarize current progress towards clinical translation of IC delivery of NSCs, and discuss remaining challenges for developing this approach as an effective treatment for stroke.
Phospholipase D is activated by G protein and not by calcium ions in vascular smooth muscle

We assessed the sensitivity of phospholipase D (PLD) activity in vascular smooth muscle to cytosolic Ca2+ by increasing cytosolic Ca2+ levels independently of agonist stimulation. When rat tail artery was preloaded with the Ca2+ indicator fluo 3 pentaacetoxymethyl ester, the addition of high extracellular K+, caffeine, or norepinephrine rapidly enhanced cytosolic Ca2+ levels. Neither increased extracellular K+ nor caffeine addition increased phosphatidylethanol production, indicating that cytosolic Ca2+ elevation alone did not stimulate PLD. In contrast, norepinephrine stimulated phosphatidylethanol production in this tissue. In strips of tail artery permeabilized with alpha-toxin and incubated in solutions containing free Ca2+ concentrations observed during physiological stimulation (pCa 6.4), PLD was not stimulated, whereas incubation with guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) at pCa 7.0 activated this enzyme. Aluminum fluoride (AlF4-) stimulated PLD, and this activity was insensitive to pertussis toxin after stimulation by either norepinephrine or AlF4-. These results indicate that PLD in vascular smooth muscle is activated by norepinephrine via stimulation of a pertussis toxin-insensitive G protein and not via an increase in intracellular Ca2+ levels.
Raumverträglicher Ausbau von erneuerbaren Energien – ein alternativer Standortplanungsansatz für eine nachhaltige Energiewende

Abstract. By now, there are numerous high-quality studies discussing the incompatibility of the development of renewable energies with the preservation of landscape. However, no further insight is provided as to how a holistic spatial integration of renewable energies may be achieved. Yet the ambitious aim of Germany's government of increasing the percentage of energy obtained from renewable energies to 45 % by 2025 and to 60 % by 2035 will lead to an even greater spatial strain on Germany's rural areas as it has been the case so far. Therefore, this study aims to critically investigate the currently established paradigm of site planning for renewable energies using GIS analysis. Based upon the findings, an alternative, holistic concept of site planning will be developed and exemplified.
Eect of Turbulence Fluctuations on Surface Heating Rate in Hypersonic Turbulent Boundary Layers

In this paper, we investigate the eect of turbulence uctuations on surface heating rate by conducting direct numerical simulations (DNS) of reacting hypersonic turbulent boundary layers at conditions typical of reentry vehicles. Surface heat uxes, including conductive heat ux and catalytic heat ux, are computed and compared for both supercatalytic and noncatalytic walls. At all conditions considered, it is found that turbulence uctuations cause large uctuations in surface heat ux. The instantaneous heat load on the surface can be as large as about 1:7 times the mean value for the condition considered. Turbulence uctuations have subtle inuence on the mean heating rate. We also nd that the eect of turbulence-chemistry interaction on surface heating rate is insignican t at all conditions considered.
Colorectal Cancer Screening Among Chinese Americans: A Community-Based Study of Knowledge and Practice

Abstract This study examined knowledge and practices regarding screening for colorectal cancer among 312 male and 332 female Chinese Americans in Chicago's Chinatown. A Chinese translation and cultural adaptation of the Cancer Control Supplement Questionnaire from the National Health Interview Survey was used to interview the respondents, who ranged in age from 40 to 69 years. Approximately 85% of the respondents had never been screened with the fecal occult blood test (FOBT), compared with 70% of the general population-far below the 50% target set by the Healthy People 2000 program. The majority of respondents had never heard of the digital rectal examination (DRE), and approximately 20% of respondents had never had one. Fewer than half the respondents knew about the FOBT and thus had never had one, and only a third were able to identify at least one warning sign of cancer. Multiple logistic regression analyses identified educational level and knowledge of the warning signs as the significant factors inf...
Development of a Rotatable Optical Probe for Trans-rectal Ultrasound Coupled Diffuse Optical Tomography imaging of Prostate Cancer

We present a novel design of a rotatable endo-rectal optical probe for prostate cancer imaging, which allows for simultaneous bimodal imaging of diffuse optical tomography (DOT) and trans-rectal ultrasound (TRUS).
Permeability, Sintering Behavior and Grain Growth of Low Temperature Sintered NiCuZn Ferrite Prepared by Sol-Gel Method

The fine powder of Ni1-a-xZnxCuaFe2O4 (0.15≤a0.25, 0.1≤x≤0.65) ferrite was prepared by sol-gel method. The measurements in electromagnetic properties for the sintered specimens were carried out, including the initial permeability μi,loss factor tanδ/μi, temperature curve of μi , Curie temperature TC and saturation magnetization Ms. The plots of initial permeability μi, the density d and the shrinkage factor η vs sintering temperature are shown and discussed. The SEM photographs of sintered specimens for various sintering temperatures and duration times are presented. The NiCuZn ferrites with μi1000 at sintering temperature 880±20℃ were obtained.
A Research Agenda for Examining the Role of Compensation Consultants in the Executive Pay Process

Executive compensation has risen dramatically during the past several years. In some cases, organizations have lost money and value, while their executives have received generous if not excessive compensation. The business press has brought this issue to the attention of the American public and Congress, resulting in increasing examination of all parties involved in the pay-setting process. The selection and use of compensation consultants has come under particular scrutiny. Critics have argued that these firms suffer from serious conflicts of interest, such that they may be partly responsible for the rise in pay and the decoupling of pay from performance. Academic attention to the impact of compensation consultants in the pay-setting process, however, has been lacking, and thus most of the analysis of the subject is based on anecdotal evidence and superficial arguments. In the interest of fostering a more rigorous approach, this paper presents several theoretical perspectives that could be used to examine and explain the influence of compensation consultants on executive compensation. We present these theories in light of a specific case and suggest directions for future research.
Child Care Utilization Among Working Mothers Raising Children with Disabilities

Using data from the Survey of Income and Program Participation, this study investigates factors associated with utilization of child care among working mothers raising children with disabilities. Results provide a national-level description of the use of nonparental child care among working mothers raising children with disabilities. Multivariate analyses show that the hours of day care or relative-provided child care used by mothers raising children with disabilities are influenced by demographic and economic factors and by the specific nature of the childhood disability. The study also finds that a child's disability status is less important in a mother's decision to enter the labor force than other factors, such as the mother's own disability status.
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass for GERD and Morbid Obesity

The patient is a 33-year-old morbidly obese man with a BMI of 45. Comorbidities include gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with daily heartburn and regurgitation, hypertension, asthma, sleep apnea, and degenerative osteoarthritis. A workup showed the following findings:
Maternal and paternal genomes function independently in mouse ova in establishing expression of the imprinted genes Snrpn and Igf2r: No evidence for allelic trans-sensing and counting mechanisms

It has often been suggested that the parental-specific expression of mammalian imprinted genes might be dependent on maternal-paternal intergenomic or interallelic interactions. Using quantitative allele-specific RT-PCR single nucleotide primer extension assays developed for two imprinted genes, Snrpn and Igf2r, we demonstrate: (i) No role for maternal-paternal allelic interactions: the modes of parental-specific expression of Snrpn and Igf2r in normal ova were unchanged in gynogenetic and androgenetic ova; the latter contain two maternal and two paternal genomes respectively, and cannot undergo maternal-paternal interactions. (ii) No role for allelic counting or exclusion mechanisms: in individual blastomeres of androgenetic ova, both paternal Snrpn alleles were active (Snrpn was not expressed in gynogenetic ova), and in individual gynogenetic and androgenetic blastomeres, both maternal and paternal Igf2r alleles, respectively, were active. (iii) No role for ploidy: the mode of parental-specific expression of Snrpn and Igf2r in normal diploid ova was unchanged in individual blastomeres of triploid and tetraploid ova. Thus, the maternal and paternal genomes function independently in establishing the pre-implantation mode of parental-specific expression of Snrpn and Igf2r, with no role for trans-allelic/genomic interaction phenomena. In addition, the results show that inactive and biallelic modes of expression of imprinted genes are potential mechanisms for the death of gynogenones and androgenones at the peri-implantation stage.
Review of Sanchez, Deafening Modernism: Embodied Language and Visual Poetics in American Literature

In Deafening Modernism: Embodied Language and Visual Poetics in American Literature , Rebecca Sanchez engages a range of methodologies—literary and historical analysis, linguistics, ethics, and queer, cultural, and film studies—to probe the relationship between images, bodies, and texts as revealed in canonical American modernist works.
Leptin, Leptin Soluble Receptor, and the Free Leptin Index following a Diet and Physical Activity Lifestyle Intervention in Obese Males and Females.

Leptin (LEP) is associated with appetite regulation and metabolism. Concentration is linear with adiposity, suggesting LEP resistance. LEP circulates freely and bound with its soluble receptor (sOB-r); the ratio is the free leptin index (FLI), an index of leptin resistance; lower FLI suggests reduced biological action. Purpose. The aim was to determine the effect of changes in adipose tissue distribution on LEP, sOB-r, and FLI following 6 months (6 M) of a diet/exercise weight loss program (WLP). In addition, we aim to identify predictors of the FLI. Methods. 6 M WLP consisted of diet/lifestyle interventions following ADA guidelines. Body composition was assessed by DXA. LEP and sOB-r analysis were done via ELISA. Results. 10 adults completed the WLP. Significant reductions were seen in total fat percentage (% fat), nontrunk fat, (NTF), and trunk fat (TF) from base to 3 m and 6 M ( ). The FLI were reduced at 3 M and 6 M for males and 6 M for females. Total body fat and body weight predicted the FLI in both sexes. Conclusions. LEP and FLI reductions following 6 M of WLP were achieved independent of sOB-r changes. We also demonstrate that the FLI can be predicted noninvasively through total fat mass and body weight in kilograms.
Introducing new material for a standardized exam: a controlled, prospective, double-blinded test of student learning

Do multiple choice unit tests reflect what students have learned during the unit? The day before the administration of a county-mandated multiple choice test, two classes were shown a topic they had not previously seen, and told it would be on the test. One class was shown the same material and told it was not important, and two classes were not shown the material. There was one question on the test concerning this material. The first two classes (n=54) had 83% correct on the question. The next class (n=32) had 81% correct. The last two classes (n=43), who did not see the material, had 63% correct on the question. The results were statistically significant, p=0.045. There was no difference between the class averages on the test overall. The results appear to indicate that one can prepare for multiple choice tests independently of other aspects of learning.
Prenatal surgery for myelomeningocele: review of the literature and future directions

Open spina bifida or myelomeningocele (MMC) is one of the most common serious congenital malformations. Historically, this condition has been treated with closure of the MMC defect shortly after birth. The goal of postnatal closure is to cover the exposed spinal cord and prevent infection. However, postnatal surgery does not reverse or prevent the neurologic injury seen in MMC, reverse hindbrain herniation, or prevent hydrocephalus. The neurologic defects result from primary incomplete neurulation and secondary chronic prenatal damage to the exposed neural elements through mechanical and chemical trauma. In a hope to reduce the numerous surgical procedures, medical complications, and lifelong disabilities associated with MMC, the proposal of prenatal closure was put forth more than two decades ago. After promising results in animal models and some clinical series, a randomized controlled trial, the Management of Myelomeningocele Study (MOMS), was conducted. The MOMS trial demonstrated that closure during the prenatal period could be performed relatively safely and can result in significant benefit to the child. Specifically, prenatal closure results in improved motor function, reduced hindbrain herniation, and reduced need for a cerebral spinal fluid diversion. Long-term outcomes of the patients in the MOMS trial continues in the MOMS 2 study as these children grow. Additionally, investigations are underway on modifications to the open fetal MMC closure techniques.
Experimental Design: Measures, Validity, Sampling, Bias, Randomization, Power

This chapter covers a variety of issues of experimental design, which are critical for obtaining findings that are not only valid (that is, they give an accurate account of what happened) but are also robust (they apply to other similar situations and contexts) and reproducible (they can be replicated by other investigators working at other times and places). We discuss the importance (and surprising difficulty) of choosing measures that are appropriate for a given experiment. Inferred measures are proxies for underlying entities or concepts that cannot be directly measured. Derived measures are defined in terms of changes observed relative to an assay's baseline level. Measures can be characterized in terms of their accuracy, precision, and susceptibility to systematic and random errors and can be evaluated according to many different (sometimes competing) types of validity. We survey strategies of sampling, emphasizing the need to have adequate numbers of datapoints that are representative of the overall population of interest. Power estimation allows you to ensure that adequate numbers are being examined, whereas random sampling is one way to ensure that the samples are representative. Finally, we discuss how to anticipate and deal with several types of bias that can creep into experiments.
Findings From a Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial of an Individualized Music Listening Program for Persons With Dementia.

Music & Memory (MM however, few studies have evaluated the program's effect on PWDs' outcomes. In the present study, a randomized controlled crossover design was used to examine the impact of the M&M program on 59 PWDs in 10 nursing homes over a 14-week period. Residents' evaluated outcomes included agitation, behavioral symptoms, and use of psychotropic medications. Although trends supported the positive effects of M&M, no statistically significant differences were found in any of the outcomes measured over time. Methodological limitations withstanding, these findings call into question the effectiveness of the M&M program and the ability of facility staff to implement this intervention with fidelity.
Information Theory on Lie Groups

Classical inequalities used in information theory such as those of de Bruijn, Fisher, Cramer, Rao, and Kullback carry over in a natural way from Euclidean space to unimodular Lie groups. The extension of core information-theoretic inequalities defined in the setting of Euclidean space to this broad class of Lie groups is potentially relevant to a number of problems relating to information-gathering in mobile robotics, satellite attitude control, tomographic image reconstruction, biomolecular structure determination, and quantum information theory. In this chapter, several definitions are extended from the Euclidean setting to that of Lie groups (including entropy and the Fisher information matrix), and inequalities analogous to those in classical information theory are derived and stated in the form of more than a dozen theorems. In all such inequalities, addition of random variables is replaced with the group product, and the appropriate generalization of convolution of probability densities is employed.
Encapsulation of Transition Metals into Carbon Nanoclusters

Fourteen transition metals were co-deposited with carbon in the conventional arc discharge. A composite anode that contained the transition metal or its oxide stuffed into central bores of the graphite rods was used. Both soot sample at the reactor walls and slag at the cathode were characterized using scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and x-ray diffraction. Encapsulation occurs mainly in the slag samples. The arc discharge was modified by having metal in molten form in graphite crucible anode and a helium jet stream flowing perpendicular to the electrodes. The process produces mostly spherical particles. The criteria determining the encapsulation tendency are discussed. A modified arc discharge combined with the decomposition of methane is used to obtain encapsulation of Cu and TiC into carbon cages. The effects of preparation parameters, including the size of the metal pool, flow rate of the gas jet, static pressure, and annealing on the particle morphology and their size distribution were investigated. Ferromagnetism and its dependence on the particle size of Fe, Co, and Ni nanoclusters were identified both in the macroscopic and the microscopic scales.
Anesthetic management of patients with an anterior mediastinal mass: continuing professional development.

Purpose Many cases have been reported of hemodynamic and airway collapse induced by general anesthesia in patients with an anterior mediastinal mass. We examined the literature for predictors of perioperative risk, guidelines for preoperative investigations, and strategies for management of the patient with a mediastinal mass.
Transmission Blackouts: Risk, Causes, and Mitigation

Power system blackouts result in complete interruption of electricity supply to all consumers in a large area. While it may be possible to trace a blackout’s beginning to a single incident (e.g., transmission line sagging into a tree), cascading outages are the result of multiple low-probability events occurring in unanticipated or unintended sequence. The likelihood of power system disturbances escalating into a large-scale cascading outage increases when the grid is already under stress.
Hyperbilirubinemia, Phototherapy, and Childhood Asthma.

OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to quantify the associations of both hyperbilirubinemia and phototherapy with childhood asthma using a population-based cohort with total serum bilirubin (TSB) levels. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of infants born at ≥35 weeks’ gestation in the Kaiser Permanente Northern California health system (n = 109 212) from 2010 to 2014. Cox models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) for a diagnosis of asthma. RESULTS: In the study, 16.7% of infants had a maximum TSB level of ≥15 mg/dL, 4.5% of infants had a maximum TSB level of ≥18 mg/dL, and 11.5% of infants received phototherapy. Compared with children with a maximum TSB level of 3 to 5.9 mg/L, children with a TSB level of 9 to 11.9 mg/dL, 12 to 14.9 mg/dL, and 15 to 17.9 mg/dL were at an increased risk for asthma (HR: 1.22 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.11–1.3], HR: 1.18 [95% CI: 1.08–1.29], and HR: 1.30 [95% CI: 1.18–1.43], respectively). Children with a TSB level of ≥18 mg/dL were not at an increased risk for asthma (HR: 1.04; 95% CI: 0.90–1.20). In propensity-adjusted analyses, phototherapy was not associated with asthma (HR: 1.07; 95% CI: 0.96–1.20). CONCLUSIONS: Modest levels of hyperbilirubinemia were associated with an increased risk of asthma, but an association was not seen at higher levels. No dose-response relationship was seen. Using phototherapy to prevent infants from reaching these modest TSB levels is unlikely to be protective against asthma.
Yoga and body image: How do young adults practicing yoga describe its impact on their body image?

Abstract This study explored the perceived impact of yoga on body image. Young adults (n= 34 female, 12 male; Mage = 30.6 [SD = 1.6]) practicing yoga were interviewed and data were analyzed for emerging themes across weight status. In general, participants discussed the positive impact of yoga on their body image, but some described both a positive and negative impact. Yoga was perceived as having a positive impact on body image via perceived physical changes, gratitude for one’s body, a sense of accomplishment within one’s yoga practice, self-confidence, and witnessing different types of bodies practicing yoga. Yoga was perceived to have a negative impact on body image via comparative critique (e.g., upward comparisons with others) and inner critique (e.g., negative self-talk). Themes were generally similar across weight status; exceptions were that participants at higher weight status were more likely than those at lower weight status to discuss accomplishment within one’s yoga practice as a positive impact on body image and comparative critique as a negative impact on body image. Yoga studios and instructors can take steps to further enhance the positive impact of yoga and to provide environments that are inclusive of participants with diverse body shapes and sizes.
Triploidy in white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus): Effects of acute stress and warm acclimation on physiological performance.

Previous studies have demonstrated reduced performance in triploid fish when reared under suboptimal conditions, which may be the result of a higher susceptibility to stressors when compared to diploids. The goal of this project was to investigate differences in the capacity of diploid (8 N) and triploid (12 N) white sturgeon, Acipenser transmontanus, to respond to both warm acclimation (6-weeks of acclimation to either 18 or 22 °C) and a subsequent acute stress (10-min low water stress). Following the 6-week acclimation, fish were sampled either before or following an acute low water stress. Bioindices of the primary and secondary stress response, hematology and cellular metabolic status were measured. We also sought to determine if time to peak cortisol levels were similar between diploid and triploid sturgeon after exposure to a severe acute stressor (netting stress). While both ploidies had similar primary and secondary responses to acute stress, both with and without warm acclimation, warm acclimation impacted the ability of diploid and triploid white sturgeon to mount a typical stress response to an acute stressor. In response to warm acclimation, triploids exhibited little change in branchial lactate dehydrogenase activity, while diploids increased activity. After exposure to an acute water reduction stress, diploids increased citrate synthase activity, yet triploids showed a decrease in activity. Differences in metabolic enzyme activity in response to warm acclimation and acute stress suggest triploid white sturgeon may have a reduced cellular metabolic capacity under chronic and acute stress, which may impact performance of triploid sturgeon in suboptimal conditions.
The function of oligomerization-incompetent RDS in rods.

The photoreceptor-specific tetraspanin glycoprotein RDS (retinal degeneration slow) is associated with many forms of inherited retinal disease. RDS shares features in common with other tetraspanin proteins, including the existence of a large intradiscal D2 loop containing several cysteines. While these cysteines are used only for intramolecular disulfide bonds in most tetraspanins, RDS expresses a seventh, unpaired cysteine (C150) used for intermolecular disulfide bonding in the formation of large RDS oligomers. To study oligomerization-dependent vs. oligomerization-independent RDS functions in rods, we generated a transgenic mouse line harboring a point mutation that replaces this Cys with Ser (C150S), leading to the expression of an RDS protein that cannot form intermolecular disulfide bonds. The mouse opsin promoter (MOP) was used to direct C150S RDS expression specifically in rods in these transgenic mice (MOP-T). Here we report improvement in scotopic ERGs in MOP-T/rds +/– mice (compared to non-transgenic rds +/– controls) and the appearance of malformed outer segments (OSs) in MOP-T mice that do not express native RDS (MOP-T/rds –/– ). These results suggest that while normal OS structure and function require RDS oligomerization, some RDS function is retained in the absence of C150. Since one of the functions of other tetraspanin proteins is to promote assembly of a membrane microdomain known as the “tetraspanin web”, future studies may investigate whether assembly of this web is one of RDS’s oligomerization-independent functions.
Disability Orientation and Regulatory Focus in the Assistive Technology Context: A Study of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Consumers

With people with disabilities (PwDs) representing 15% of the United States population, the PwD market demonstrates significant potential as a lucrative target market for businesses. Yet, empirical data is lacking on consumer behaviour among PwDs considering assistive technology products to enhance accessibility. The purpose of this study is to understand the purchase decision process through the lens of a major theory of consumer behaviour, regulatory focus. 171 deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals primarily aged 18-29 were surveyed on two empirically tested scales that measure regulatory focus and disability orientation. This survey included the viewing of a fictional advertisement about an assistive technology product. The findings supported the evidence of a relationship between disability orientation and regulatory focus. A sense of exclusion, social model acceptance, and disability pride were statistically significant predictors of either or both regulatory focus orientations with regard to assistive technology products. Also, whether the subject did/did not have a second disability was partly determinative of prevention focus. Segmentation by disability identity and regulatory focus is suggested. The findings are an important contribution to the established literature on regulatory focus, and fill a major empirical gap in marketing literature for the PwD market. The limitations to this study include the continuing theoretical evolution of disability orientation, and the limitation of the sample to a single disability type (deafness) within a single age group. Similar studies on other disability types could better establish the findings of this study.
Altered Mental Status as the Primary Presentation of Intussusception in a 3-Month-Old Child Diagnosed by Point-Of-Care Ultrasonography

Abstract Background Intussusception can lead to significant morbidity in affected children secondary to tissue ischemia and necrosis. When a child outside of the classic age range presents with symptoms other than intermittent abdominal pain, the diagnosis of intussusception can be difficult and is often delayed. Case Report We present the case of a three-month-old boy who presented to the emergency department with waxing and waning mental status and seizure-like activity who was ultimately diagnosed with intussusception. The effective use of bedside ultrasonography, by the attending pediatric radiologist, enabled an interdisciplinary team to explore abdominal etiologies in parallel with testing for more commonly seen causes of altered mental status. This led to an expedited diagnosis and successful definitive management. Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This? Intussusception is a common pediatric emergency encountered by emergency physicians where a timely diagnosis can have a profound impact on patient outcomes. Previous case reports highlight how easily intussusception can be overlooked with this atypical neurologic presentation. Furthermore, because patients with profound altered mental status are often too ill to leave the emergency department for diagnostic testing, bedside abdominal ultrasonography may be helpful in these patients.
Langerhans cell histiocytosis: clinical analysis of 126 cases

Objective To analyze lesional and clinical characteristics of Langerhans cell histiocytosis in children.Methods A clinical retrospective study was performed on 126 patients with Langerhans cell histiocytosis collected from 2006 to 2011 at the Hunan Children's Hospital.Results Of the 126 patients,the youngest was 2months old,and the oldest was 9 years old.The ratio of male to female was 2.5 ∶ 1.Clinical manifestations included eczematid,seborrheic lesions,hemorrhagic maculopapules,yellow nodules and white macules.Of the three clinical phenotypes of Langerhans cell histiocytosis,Letter-Siwe disease was the most prevalent,and most cases of LetterSiwe disease were associated with hepatosplenomegaly,abnormal chest X-ray,impaired hematopoietic function and multifocal bone injuries.The clinical grade was mainly Ⅲ and Ⅳ in patients with Letter-Siwe disease,Ⅰ in patients with eosinophilic granuloma,and varied from Ⅰ to Ⅳ in patients with Hand-Schuller-Christian disease with Ⅱ as the most common.Of these patients,those with eosinophilic granuloma had the oldest average age with bone as the only affected organ,while those with Letter-Siwe disease had the youngest average age with the greatest number of affected organs.The treatment of Langerhans cell histiocytosis included surgical operation and combined chemotherapy.Conclusions Langerhans cell histiocytosis has characteristic skin lesions and diverse clinical manifestations.Pathology has diagnostic significance to Langerhans cell histiocytosis.Therapy strategies and curative effects are dependent on the severity of,and the organs affected by Langerhans cell histiocytosis.