cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A digital common-mode rejection technique for differential analog-to-digital conversion

A multibit /spl Delta//spl Sigma/ analog-to-digital converter can achieve high resolution with a lower order /spl Delta//spl Sigma/ modulator and lower oversampling ratio than a single-bit design, but it requires a multibit internal flash analog-to-digital converter rather than a simple comparator. In an implementation with a fully differential analog front end, the flash analog-to-digital converter must quantize a differential voltage relative to a set of differential reference voltages. Though analog techniques for differential analog-to-digital conversion exist, implementing them in a low-voltage single-poly CMOS process is a challenging circuit design problem. This paper presents a digital common-mode rejection technique for differential analog-to-digital conversion (ADC), which avoids the circuit complexity and die area requirements of analog common-mode rejection techniques. This technique was used to implement the internal quantizer in two high-performance single-poly CMOS ADC /spl Delta//spl Sigma/ modulator prototypes with over 98-dB peak signal-to-noise-and-distortion ratio and 105-dB spurious-free dynamic range. Implementation details, die area requirements, and measured common-mode rejection are presented for the prototype. Signal-processing details of digital common-mode rejection within the /spl Delta//spl Sigma/ modulator are presented, showing that injected common-mode noise results only in modulation of the quantization error power and does not create spurious tones.
The Structure of Leader Influence A Cross-National Comparison

This is an exploratory study examining the structure of leader influence among Australian, English, Japanese, and Taiwanese managers. The findings from these cultures are compared to a previous study of managers in the United States. This study demonstrates the utility of examining the factor structure of survey instruments rather than relying only on scale reliability scores in cross-cultural research. The leader influence strategies of Reason, Bargaining, Higher Authority, Sanctions, Friendliness, Assertiveness, and Coalition were found in each country and collectively accounted for at least half of the variance in leader influence with subordinates. However, the specific tactics defining these leader influence strategies were not uniform across cultures.
Analysis of Morning Commute Route Choice Patterns Using Global Positioning System–Based Vehicle Activity Data

This paper examines morning commute route choices of 182 drivers, with the use of disaggregated Global Positioning System-based vehicle activity data collected during a 10-day period. This paper attempts to describe how these commuters tend to behave in the real world. A binary logit model of morning commuters' choice between a single commute route and multiple routes was established on the basis of evidence of drivers' varying valuations of a number of route and trip characteristics as well as commuters' sociodemographic characteristics. The research results of this paper indicate a strong relationship between the morning commute route choice decision (single versus multiple routes) and commuters' work schedule flexibility, sociodemographic characteristics, and commute route attributes.
Evaluation of non-destructive methods for estimating biomass in marshes of the upper Texas, USA coast

The estimation of aboveground biomass is important in the management of natural resources. Direct measurements by clipping, drying, and weighing of herbaceous vegetation are time-consuming and costly. Therefore, non-destructive methods for efficiently and accurately estimating biomass are of interest. We compared two non-destructive methods, visual obstruction and light penetration, for estimating aboveground biomass in marshes of the upper Texas, USA coast. Visual obstruction was estimated using the Robel pole method, which primarily measures the density and height of the canopy. Light penetration through the canopy was measured using a Decagon light wand, with readings taken above the vegetation and at the ground surface. Clip plots were also taken to provide direct estimates of total aboveground biomass. Regression relationships between estimated and clipped biomass were significant using both methods. However, the light penetration method was much more strongly correlated with clipped biomass under these conditions (R2 value 0.65 compared to 0.35 for the visual obstruction approach). The primary difference between the two methods in this situation was the ability of the light-penetration method to account for variations in plant litter. These results indicate that light-penetration measurements may be better for estimating biomass in marshes when plant litter is an important component. We advise that, in all cases, investigators should calibrate their methods against clip plots to evaluate applicability to their situation.
Microstructural Evolution in Near‐Eutectic Yttrium Silicate Compositions Fabricated from a Bulk Melt and as an Intergranular Phase in Silicon Nitride

Near-eutectic composition Y2O3─SiO2 melts were formed as bulk samples or as an intergranular phase in Si3N4. Upon cooling to room temperature the bulk material partially crystallized to γ-Y2-Si2O7 whereas the intergranular phase was glass. On heat-treating at 1500°C the bulk material transformed to γ-Y2Si2O7 whereas the intergranular glass crystallized first to γ-Y2Si2O7 and then to β-Y2Si2O7. Possible reasons for the different behavior are discussed.
Dense type I collagen matrices that support cellular remodeling and microfabrication for studies of tumor angiogenesis and vasculogenesis in vitro

Type I collagen is a favorable substrate for cell adhesion and growth and is remodelable by many tissue cells; these characteristics make it an attractive material for the study of dynamic cellular processes. Low mass fraction (1.0-3.0 mg/ml), hydrated collagen matrices used for three-dimensional cell culture permit cellular movement and remodeling, but their microstructure and mechanics fail to mimic characteristics of many extracellular matrices in vivo and limit the definition of fine-scale geometrical features (<1 mm) within scaffolds. In this study, we worked with hydrated type I collagen at mass fractions between 3.0 and 20 mg/ml to define the range of densities over which the matrices support both microfabrication and cellular remodeling. We present pore and fiber dimensions based on confocal microscopy and longitudinal modulus and hydraulic permeability based on confined compression. We demonstrate faithful reproduction of simple pores of 50 μm-diameter over the entire range and formation of functional microfluidic networks for mass fractions of at least 10.0 mg/ml. We present quantitative characterization of the rate and extent of cellular remodelability using human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Finally, we present a co-culture with tumor cells and discuss the implications of integrating microfluidic control within scaffolds as a tool to study spatial and temporal signaling during tumor angiogenesis and vascularization of tissue engineered constructs.
Identification of Space Shuttle Main Engine Dynamics

System identification techniques are used to represent the dynamic behavior of the Space Shuttle Main Engine. The transfer function matrices of the linearized models of both the closed loop and the open loop system are obtained by using the recursive maximum likelihood method.
A limit law on the distance distribution of binary codes

An approximation is given of the distance distribution of a binary code by the binomial distribution with an exponentially decreasing error term. Specifically, the upper bound of the relative error term between the normalized distance distribution of a binary code and the binomial distribution has been asymptotically improved. In particular, the bound becomes exponentially small for large distances in families of codes with small sigma and rate >0.5. The approach used was based on an integral representation of Krawtchouk polynomials. Examples of interest are BCH codes of primitive length, duals of irreducible cyclic codes, and Preparata codes. >
Streamers in water filled wire-cylinder and packed-bed Reactors

Streamers in a coaxial reactor filled with tap water have been investigated. Up to six primary plasma channels originated simultaneously from a common point at the center electrode, from where they branched out radially, driven by the electric field. Points of origin were distributed over the wire with an average separation of 5 mm. The streamers propagated at above 60 km/s velocity near the center electrode and slowed to about 30 km/s when they reached the middle of the gap. The streamers accelerated again as they approached the outer electrode. Packing the reactor with silica gel beads generated more homogeneous plasma.
“The Big Mo”: The Early Days of Housing Policy Debate

On the occasion of the 25th anniversary year of Housing Policy Debate, this article details the circumstances and the political climate of the late 1980s that led to the origin of this journal. I review the influence and the confluence of the National Housing Task Force of 1987, Jim Rouse (CEO of the Rouse Corporation), the Senate Subcommittee on Housing and Urban Affairs, and David O. Maxwell, then the chairman of Fannie Mae, to create the Office of Housing Research (OHR) within Fannie Mae. The article also highlights the role of the National Housing Task Force and the first Fannie Mae Housing Conference in expanding high-quality housing research in the 1990s through the MIT Housing Policy Project and the research and convening efforts of the OHR in Fannie Mae, which included this journal and a continuance of the Annual Housing Conference thereafter.
Effect of Substituting Sesame Meal for Soybean Meal on Layer and Broiler Performance

Sesame meal (SM, 47.1% CP) has an amino acid composition similar to that of soybean meal (SBM, 47.7% CP) with the exception of lower lysine and higher methionine, but has been relatively underutilized in poultry feeds. Two experiments (1 and 2) were conducted to measure laying performance and hatchability of White Leghorn hens fed practical diets (17% CP), and two additional experiments (3 and 4) examined the performance of broiler chicks fed practical diets (22% CP) with varying substitution levels of screw-pressed SM for solvent-extracted SBM. In Experiment 1, SM contributed 0, 12.6, 25.3, 38, or 50.6% of dietary CP, and each diet was fed to hens for 6 wk. In Experiment 2, SM contributed 0, 4.7, 9.4, 14.1, 18.8, or 23.6% of dietary CP, and each diet was fed for 4 wk. In Experiment 3, SM contributed 0, 15, 30, 45, or 60% of dietary CP, and in Experiment 4, SM contributed 0, 38, or 76% of dietary CP; in these experiments, diets were fed to broiler chicks for 3 wk. There were no differences in egg production, egg weight, egg mass, daily feed intake, or body weight measurements among control hens fed SBM and hens fed SM at 12.6% (Experiment 1) or 4.7 to 18.8% of dietary CP (Experiment 2). Hens consuming these diets were able to satisfy their daily requirements for essential amino acids. Egg quality measurements were similar among hens fed the control SBM diet and those fed SM at 12.6 or 25.3% of dietary CP in Experiment 1, and at 4.7 to 23.6% of dietary CP in Experiment 2. All production variables were significantly depressed in hens that were fed SM at 38 or 50.6% of dietary CP, but Haugh units increased. In Experiment 3, the performance of broiler chicks fed the diet containing SM at 15% of dietary CP was not different from that of the control chicks fed the SBM diet, and both diets contained essential amino acids at required levels. Feed intake, body weight gain, and feed conversion were consistently depressed with increased SM substitution at 30, 45, or 60% of dietary CP. In Experiment 4, feed intake was not different between the control chicks fed the SBM diet and those fed the diet containing SM at 38% of dietary CP. However, body weight gain and feed conversion of chicks fed diets containing SM at 38 or 76% of dietary CP were significantly lower than those of the control chicks fed the SBM diet.
The combined action of two thyroidal proteases releases T4 from the dominant hormone-forming site of thyroglobulin

Thyroid hormones are synthesized within the thyroglobulin (Tg) molecule and must be released to reach the circulation and exert their metabolic effect. We have previously shown that three lysosomal endopeptidases, cathepsin B, D, and L, are active in the early stages of intrathyroidal degradation of Tg but do not themselves release free hormone. The current study examines the role of exopeptidases as the next step in thyroid hormone release. Human thyroidal cathepsin B and two partially purified exopeptidases, dipeptidyl peptidase II (DP-PII) and lysosomal dipeptidase I (LDPI), were used to digest the 20-kDa N-terminal peptide of rabbit Tg, which contains the dominant T4 site of Tg at residue 5. Cathepsin B acted as an endopeptidase initially, producing small T4-containing peptides. After more extended digestion, it also acted as an exopeptidase, producing the dipeptide T4-Gln, corresponding to residues 5 and 6 of Tg. Lysosomal dipeptidase I alone had no effect on 20 kDa but acted in combination with cath...
A continuous process for the conversion of vegetable oils into methyl esters of fatty acids

A continuous process for the transesterification of triglycerides to methyl esters was investigated in a pilot plant. The process was equipped with a motionless and a high-shear mixer. The experimental studies explored variations in the mixing intensity, stoichiometry, and catalyst concentration on the overall conversion. The combined as well as individual effect of mixers was examined. The developed process resulted in high conversions of vegetable oils into methyl esters. Conversion of triglycerides to methyl esters in excess of 98% was achieved. Larger excess amounts of alcohol favored higher conversions. The motionless and high-shear mixers each provided adequate mixing for the process. Higher catalyst concentrations resulted in higher conversions but increased the solubility of methyl esters in the glycerol layer. This reduced the amount of methyl esters separated by gravity settling.
Treatment with high-dose simvastatin reduces secretion of apolipoprotein B-lipoproteins in patients with diabetic dyslipidemia

HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) are effective lipid-altering drugs for the treatment of dyslipidemia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design trial to determine the effects of simvastatin, 80 mg/day, on plasma lipid and lipoprotein levels and on the metabolism of apolipoprotein B (apoB) in VLDL, intermediate density lipoprotein (IDL), and LDL and of triglycerides (TGs) in VLDL. Simvastatin therapy decreased TG, cholesterol, and apoB significantly in VLDL, IDL, and LDL. These effects were associated with reduced production of LDL-apoB, mainly as a result of reduced secretion of apoB-lipoproteins directly into the LDL density range. Statin therapy also reduced hepatic production of VLDL-TG. There were no effects of simvastatin on the fractional catabolic rates of VLDL-apoB or -TG or LDL-apoB. The basis for decreased VLDL-TG secretion during simvastatin treatment is not clear, but recent studies suggest that statins may activate peroxisomal proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα). Activation of PPARα could lead to increased hepatic oxidation of fatty acids and less synthesis of TG for VLDL assembly.
Evaluation of the conditioned reinforcing effects of phentermine and fenfluramine in the rat: Concordance with clinical studies

An unbiased place-preference conditioning procedure was used to characterize the conditioned reinforcing effects of phentermine (PHEN), fenfluramine (FEN), and their combination (PHEN/FEN) in previously drug-naive rats. Animals exhibited marked preferences for an environment previously associated with the administration of phentermine. The minimum dose producing a significant effect was 3.0 mg/kg. In contrast, FEN produced dose-related place aversions. In animals which received a subthreshold dose of FEN in combination with a dose of PHEN that produced a conditioned place preference, no preference or aversion for the drug-paired place was seen. Similarly, no significant conditioning in response to administration of PHEN (3.0 mg/kg) and FEN (3.0 mg/kg) was seen. The failure of PHEN/FEN to produce conditioned reinforcing effects is in line with recent clinical studies, and suggests that PHEN/FEN and drug combinations sharing the same neurochemical mechanisms of action will have low potential for abuse. Synapse 30:107–111, 1998. Published 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Maternal Age, Parity, and Reproductive Outcome in Captive Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)

As early as the 1970s, it was suggested that nonhuman primates may serve as models of human reproductive senescence. In the present study, the reproductive outcomes of 1,255 pregnancies in captive chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) were examined in relation to parity and its covariate, maternal age. The results show that the percentage of positive pregnancy outcomes was negatively correlated with increasing parity. In addition, spontaneous abortions, stillbirths, and caesarian sections (C-sections) were positively correlated with increasing parity. Maternal age, rather than parity, was found to be the most important predictor of negative birth outcome. This study supports research demonstrating reproductive decline and termination in nonhuman primates, and is the first to quantitatively account for this phenomenon in captive female chimpanzees.
Hexose shunt dehydrogenase activity in leukocytes isolated from bovine milk.

A spectrophotometric method for measuring small changes in light absorption at specific wavelengths from highly turbid suspensions of biological material (dual-beam spectrophotometry) has been used to measure glucose-6-phosphate oxidation and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (oxidized) reduction catalyzed by lysates of milk leukocytes. This reduction was correlated .84 with cellular protein concentration and, therefore, with cell concentration.
Cerebral arteriovenous malformations: issues of the interplay between stereotactic radiosurgery and endovascular surgical therapy

Intracranial arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are congenital lesions frequently diagnosed as a result of hemorrhage or other neurological symptoms. Prevention of such devastating neurological injury has promoted a variety of treatment strategies. The rich history of multimodal therapy in the treatment of AVMs includes microsurgery, endovascular embolization, and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). This article reviews the biology and natural history of AVMs, as well as their treatment with both SRS and endovascular neurosurgery. It considers various paradigms and goals of endovascular treatment, along with relevant issues such as the features of an AVM to be targeted. Issues of the interplay between SRS and endovascular neurosurgery include the compartments of an embolized AVM to contain within the radiosurgery plan, the radioprotective and radiosensitizing effects of the embolic agent, the durability of embolization, and the sequencing of embolization with respect to the radiosurgical treatment. Published literature on these topics is sparse, and the flimsiness of the data offers limited guidance.
Structured diet and physical activity programmes provide strong evidence of effectiveness for type 2 diabetes prevention and improvement of cardiometabolic health

Commentary on : Balk EM, Earley A, Raman G, et al. Combined diet and physical activity promotion programs to prevent type 2 diabetes among persons at increased risk: a systematic review for the community preventive services task force. Ann Intern Med 2015;163:437–51.[OpenUrl][1][CrossRef][2][PubMed][3] Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a significant and growing medical problem affecting close to 400 million people worldwide1 and almost 10% of the US population2 while imposing a major financial burden on society.3 Furthermore, an estimated 37% of the US adult population is at risk of T2DM, making primary prevention of T2DM a critical public health objective. Large clinical trials have shown that combined diet and physical activity promotion programmes … [1]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DAnn%2BIntern%2BMed%26rft.volume%253D163%26rft.spage%253D437%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.7326%252FM15-0452%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F26167912%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [2]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=10.7326/M15-0452&link_type=DOI [3]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=26167912&link_type=MED&atom=%2Febmed%2F21%2F1%2F18.atom
False Statements of Belief as Securities Fraud

This essay analyzes the potential for a false statement of belief to be actionable as a false statement of fact under § 10(b) and Rule 10b-5. In Omnicare, Inc. v. Laborers District Council Construction Industry Pension Fund, 135 S. Ct. 1318 (2015), the Court charted a new course for opinions actionable under § 11 of the Securities Act, but it is an open question whether Omnicare’s teachings apply equally to opinions actionable as securities fraud. In addition, the elements of scienter, materiality, reliance, and loss causation pose unique analytical challenges when applied to false statements of belief. Against this backdrop, this essay argues: (1) Omnicare’s test for distinguishing statements of fact from statements of opinion applies equally to securities fraud actions; (2) post-Omnicare, statements of opinion must be both disbelieved by the speaker and inaccurate in order to be actionable as false statements of fact under § 10(b) and Rule 10b-5; (3) the element of scienter is subsumed into the aforementioned disbelief requirement; (4) the materiality of a false statement of belief depends on (a) whether the subject matter addressed in the opinion would be important to a reasonable investor, and (b) whether the speaker’s expression of belief conveys meaningful information to a reasonable investor about the likelihood that the subject matter is accurate; and (5) disclosure of the truth about the matter addressed in the opinion (even if such disclosure does not admit the speaker’s prior disbelief) constitutes disclosure of the “truth” for the purposes of measuring price impact and demonstrating loss causation.
The Marshall-Brennan Constitutional Literacy Project: A Case Study in Law and Social Justice

This book chapter explains how the Marshall-Brennan Constitutional Literacy Project started, how it works, and how it has expanded. The piece shares lessons that can be applied to other civic learning efforts aimed at engaging youth in the process of active citizenship.
Circadian Phase-Shifting Effects of Bright Light, Exercise, and Bright Light + Exercise

Limited research has compared the circadian phase-shifting effects of bright light and exercise and additive effects of these stimuli. The aim of this study was to compare the phase-delaying effects of late night bright light, late night exercise, and late evening bright light followed by early morning exercise. In a within-subjects, counterbalanced design, 6 young adults completed each of three 2.5-day protocols. Participants followed a 3-h ultra-short sleep-wake cycle, involving wakefulness in dim light for 2h, followed by attempted sleep in darkness for 1 h, repeated throughout each protocol. On night 2 of each protocol, participants received either (1) bright light alone (5,000 lux) from 2210-2340 h, (2) treadmill exercise alone from 2210-2340 h, or (3) bright light (2210-2340 h) followed by exercise from 0410-0540 h. Urine was collected every 90 min. Shifts in the 6-sulphatoxymelatonin (aMT6s) cosine acrophase from baseline to post-treatment were compared between treatments. Analyses revealed a significant additive phase-delaying effect of bright light + exercise (80.8 ± 11.6 [SD] min) compared with exercise alone (47.3 ± 21.6 min), and a similar phase delay following bright light alone (56.6 ± 15.2 min) and exercise alone administered for the same duration and at the same time of night. Thus, the data suggest that late night bright light followed by early morning exercise can have an additive circadian phase-shifting effect.
Molecular systematics of the grackles and allies, and the effect of additional sequence (CYT B and ND2)

Within the New World blackbirds, the lineage of grackles and their allies contains several species that have been extremely well studied by avian biologists. Using mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences, we present a phylogeny for the grackles and allies that serves as a basis for comparative studies in this group. We compare two gene regions and determine that ND2 is evolving more rapidly than cytochrome b. However, this difference in evolutionary rate does not result in significant incongruence between phylogenies derived from the two gene regions independently. A combined weighted analysis provides a completely resolved phylogeny for this group. In general, this phylogeny has higher support than the phylogenies derived from the two genes independently. Two major clades are identified in this combined phylogeny (1) a completely South American clade, and (2) a largely North American/Caribbean/Central American clade. This phylogeny has important implications for the study of behaviors and morphology.
Zernike Polynomials and Beyond

We discuss why we use Zernike circle polynomials in optics, when to use them, and what to use in their place when not to use them.
LONGITUDINAL STUDY: EARLY IDENTIFICATION OF FAMILY DISORGANIZATION

Srudies of the origins of family disorganization have relied largely on retrospective data, i.e., official statistics and/or data gathered on crisis situations experienced by the family. The few longitudinal projects have focused mainly on the interactions of the marital pair. The present plan stems from two previous research efforts. The first, based upon a social functioning analysis of problem families, led to a conceptualization of family disorganization in terms of social role sets which form a Guttman scale and established the reliability and validity of the measuring insrrument (1, 2, 5). Then the insrrument was used to compare stable and disorganized low income families (3, 4). Here, retrospective data on the early funcrioning of the families generated hypotheses for the longitudinal research. The current longitudinal research will cover the first 5-yr. span of the life cycle of young urban families. Annual panel interviews will establish the nature of and change in familial role patterns following the birth of the first child. Family stabiliry will be measured on the basis of whether the roles of family members are integrated in the inclividual and whether the role sets are effective in fulfilling necessary family functions. Changes in family funcrioning will be noted as behavior patterns of family members show increasing or decreasing adequacy in relationships and task performances. The following three hypotheses are the core of propositions to be tested: (1) Family malfunctioning of the family of procreation is related to that of the family of orientation. (2) Family disorganizarion is a process that has its origin in problems of intra-familial relationships and proceeds over time to affect relationships beyond the family system and social functioning in the instrumental areas of family life. (3) Severe disorganization, appearing later in the family life cycle, can be identified early by a srudy of family interaction patterns and values. A preliminary analysis of data from the first set of interviews reveals a substantial correlation (7 & .50) between the malfunctioning of the young families and that of their families of orientation. Yet, the former show greater adequacy in role performance than did the latter at the time their children left home. Thus, family disorganization may be related to family life-cycle stages. These tentative findings and earlier research with retrospective data (4) suggest that social disorganization in families is less pronounced during the early and late life-cycle stages than during the middle stages. Substantiation of this and the early identification hypothesis has major implications for a program of interven tion.
The Transpubic Approach for Strictures of the Membranous Urethra

AbstractStrictures of the membranous urethra following pelvic fractures pose a challenge in management because of their relatively inaccessible position above the urogenital diaphragm and behind the pubic symphysis. The corrective procedures that pass up from the perineum through the urogenital diaphragm to reach the stricture have the real or theoretical disadvantage of defunctionalizing the external urethral sphincter and leaving continence dependent solely upon the competency of the bladder neck. On the other hand, transpubic surgery allows a direct attack upon the stricture without violating the sphincter. Our experience with 4 such cases has convinced us of the superiority of this approach.
Emergence of a Genetic Diagnosis: Case Presentation of a Preterm Infant With Cardiofaciocutaneous Syndrome.

Background Advanced prenatal screening and diagnostic testing have increased the number of newborns born with a confirmed diagnosis. Not all infants, however, are born with a known diagnosis. In fact, for some conditions, physical findings evolve over time and diagnosis can be further delayed because of premature birth. Purpose This article shares a case report of a dysmorphic preterm infant admitted to the intensive care nursery for routine care. The emergence of physical findings as the baby matured during the first weeks of life and the stepwise, diagnostic approach used to confirm a rare genetic condition, cardiofaciocutaneous (CFC) syndrome, is provided. Case findings/results Key physical differences apparent at birth prompted screening for several genetic syndromes and a number of inborn errors of metabolism. As the phenotype emerged, a type of RASopathy entered the differential, the most likely of which was CFC syndrome. Implications for practice Although CFC syndrome is rare, the combined incidence rate of RASopathies is greater, and as such, providers should be familiar with such conditions. Classic features may not be apparent in preterm infants so providers must remain astute to physical changes and communicate them with genetic consultants. Implications for research Gaining a better understanding of how providers can best support parents through the lengthy, diagnostic odyssey of genetic testing is important. In addition, ongoing research is needed to try to identify a genotype-phenotype correlation for CFC syndrome to guide patient surveillance and provide prognostic information to parents.
American Alcohol Photo Stimuli (AAPS): A standardized set of alcohol and matched non-alcohol images.

ABSTRACTBackground: Photographic stimuli are commonly used to assess cue reactivity in the research and treatment of alcohol use disorder. The stimuli used are often non-standardized, not properly validated, and poorly controlled. There are no previously published, validated, American-relevant sets of alcohol images created in a standardized fashion. Objectives: We aimed to: 1) make available a standardized, matched set of photographic alcohol and non-alcohol beverage stimuli, 2) establish face validity, the extent to which the stimuli are subjectively viewed as what they are purported to be, and 3) establish construct validity, the degree to which a test measures what it claims to be measuring. Methods: We produced a standardized set of 36 images consisting of American alcohol and non-alcohol beverages matched for basic color, form, and complexity. A total of 178 participants (95 male, 82 female, 1 genderqueer) rated each image for appetitiveness. An arrow-probe task, in which matched pairs were categori...
State and Parameter Estimation of Power Systems using Phasor Measurement Units as Bilinear System Model

In this paper, the development of a Parallel Kalman Filter for a bilinear model in the presence of correlation between process and measurement noise is discussed. The developed theory is implemented for estimation of both states and parameters of power system networks using measurements from synchronized Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs). Dynamics of states and parameters of power system networks comprise system dynamics for the bilinear model representation, and measurements coming from PMUs are represented as observation for bilinear system model. Correlation between noise in voltage phasor dynamics and noise in measurements as well as correlation between noises in parameter dynamics and measurement noise are considered. The developed theory is implemented as a method to estimate voltage phasors and network parameters in parallel with each other. The developed theory is tested on various example power grids to show the effects of relevant correlation matrices on estimation of system states and network parameters of the power system network.
The Interlenticulostriate Approach to Very High-Riding Distal Basilar Trunk Aneurysms.

Background Most high-riding distal basilar trunk aneurysms can be surgically approached via the transsylvian route and its orbitozygomatic variant. However, on rare occasions, the basilar bifurcation may be unusually high and an approach above the carotid terminus may be required. Objective In this cadaveric study, we sought to determine the feasibility and exposure limits of the interlenticulostriate approach (ILSA). Methods A standard transsylvian approach was performed in 10 cerebral hemispheres of 5 formalin-fixed, silicone-injected cadaver heads. The interpeduncular cistern was exposed via the opticocarotid window, carotid-oculomotor window, and supracarotid ILSA window. The latter was measured and an aneurysm clip or ventriculostomy stylet was placed as high as possible through each corridor. Using noncontrast 3-D rotational angiography, clip/stylet positions were measured relative to the dorsum sellae. Results ILSA provided a 9.4 × 4.6 mm mean surgical corridor, just enough room for a standard clip applier. This space was limited by the carotid bifurcation inferiorly, the lenticulostriate arteries medially and laterally, and the optic tract superiorly. There was no difference between opticocarotid and carotid-oculomotor windows, in terms of clip position (+8.9 vs +8.6 mm, respectively; P = .78). In contrast, ILSA provided significantly improved superior exposure, compared with either approaches (mean stylet position: +14.3 mm; P = .005). The exposure benefit afforded by ILSA was consistent across all 10 hemispheres, ranging from +2.5 to +8 mm. Conclusion For high-riding distal basilar trunk aneurysms that cannot be reached via the frontotemporal orbitozygomatic approach, ILSA can provide a viable route of access. Vascular neurosurgeons should be familiarized with this approach.
Sir William Gull (1819–1890) Limner of anorexia nervosa and myxoedema.

On Friday, October 24, 1873, at a meeting of the Clinical Society of London, Sir William Gull achieved a coup de maitre by delivering two seminal reports. The first was called, "Anorexia Nervosa, (Apepsia Hysterica, Anorexia Hysterica)". The second was entitled, "On a Cretinoid State supervening in Adult Life in Women." The manuscript on anorexia was regarded by Gull's peers to be significant, but of lesser importance. The essay on hypothyroidism was generally regarded to be Gull's chef d'oeuvre. One hundred and twenty-four years later, the situation has reversed itself: the anorexia paper is heralded, while the other manuscript is all but forgotten. Gull's life, death and contributions will be reviewed.
Commutators on (∑ℓq)ℓ1

Abstract Let T be a bounded linear operator on X = ( ∑ l q ) l 1 with 1 ⩽ q ∞ . T is said to be X -strictly singular if the restriction of T on any subspace of X that is isomorphic to X is not an isomorphism. It is shown that the unique proper maximal ideal in L ( X ) is the set of all X -strictly singular operators. With some more efforts, we prove that T is a commutator in L ( X ) if and only if for all non-zero λ ∈ C , the operator T − λ I is not X -strictly singular.
Intracavernous self-injection for impotence: a long-term therapeutic option? Experience in 78 patients.

AbstractA total of 78 patients 17 to 84 years old reported their experience via questionnaire with the papaverine-phentolamine injection technique for impotence. The mean number of injections used was 30.7. Penile induration occurred in 13 patients (16 per cent) and it was generally of limited extent. A higher incidence of induration was observed in those with vasculogenic impotence. Prolonged erection was reported by 23 per cent of the patients, 8 per cent of whom experienced erection for more than 12 hours. Priapism occurred exclusively in diabetic patients and patients with a neurological etiology of impotence. A total of 22 per cent of the patients reported moderate to severe pain with injection, 35 per cent indicated decreased quality of erection with time in response to the vasoactive agents and 28 per cent believed this therapy to be unsatisfactory. Among those who discontinued the injections 5 cited variability of erectile response (duration or quality) as the reason for discontinuation. A decreas...
AVR: Augmented Vehicular Reality

Autonomous vehicle prototypes today come with line-of-sight depth perception sensors like 3D cameras. These 3D sensors are used for improving vehicular safety in autonomous driving, but have fundamentally limited visibility due to occlusions, sensing range, and extreme weather and lighting conditions. To improve visibility and performance, not just for autonomous vehicles but for other Advanced Driving Assistance Systems (ADAS), we explore a capability called Augmented Vehicular Reality (AVR). AVR broadens the vehicle's visual horizon by enabling it to wirelessly share visual information with other nearby vehicles, but requires the design of novel relative positioning techniques, new perspective transformation methods, approaches to isolate and predict the motion of dynamic objects in order to hide latency, and adaptive transmission strategies to cope with wireless bandwidth variability. We show that AVR is feasible using off-the-shelf wireless technologies, and it can qualitatively change the decisions made by autonomous vehicle path planning algorithms. Our AVR prototype achieves positioning accuracies that are within a few percent of car lengths and lane widths, and is optimized to process frames at 30fps.
Texas A&M University anarchistic Key authorization (AKA)

At the Fourth USENIX Security Conference, we presented a paper on SRA Telnet, which was a simple Diffie-Hellman based system to defeat standard password sniffing, without requiring externally validated keys. Since that time, several projects, such as Secure Telnet (stel), have worked to extend this simple Diffie-Hellman model to add data encryption, larger keys, and resistance to man-in-the-middle attack. Other projects, such as SSL and SSH use validated RSA keys for full authentication. This project uses standard PGP keys as the basis of unified authentication, authorization, and encryption, combining both perfect forward secrecy and strong RSA authentication.
Effects of Exercise and training on Cardiovascular Function

Physical exercise can significantly alter health status and reduce the declines in cardiorespiratory function that are seen with aging and inactivity. This article provides an overview of the physiologic effects of exercise and various forms of training on cardiorespiratory function and physical performance.
Regulation of amniotic fluid volume: insights derived from amniotic fluid volume function curves.

Recent advances in understanding the regulation of amniotic fluid volume (AFV) include that AFV is determined primarily by the rate of intramembranous absorption (IMA) of amniotic fluid across the ...
The Historical Development of Constitutional Islamic Religious Text of the legal status of non-Muslims in Islam

This paper examines the question of the historical development of constitutional Islamic religious text of the legal status of non-Muslims in Islam from the beginning of the call of the Prophet up to the modern time. The paper follows and explores the nature of the religious foundations of the Dhimma system by shedding light on the constitutional religious texts that played a big role in the establishment of the legal status of non-Muslims in early Islam. This research based mainly on primary sources, particularly the classical works of Islamic law, but it will refer only to Maliki jurisprudence. This study will not look at the sources of Islamic law from the religious’ point of view. Second sources of data will be the secondary sources that are composed of specialized academic literature such as historical books, journal and magazine articles on this subject. This subject will be divided into through two sections. The first section, clarifies concepts such as Ahl al-Dhimma and dhimmis by drawing a picture on the development of the concept of Ahl al-Dhimma in Islamic classical fiqh. The second section, analyzes the historical development of the foundational texts that determine the status of non-Muslims in early Islam up to the modern time.
A Multi-Step Nonlinear Dimension-Reduction Approach with Applications to Big Data

In this paper, a novel dimension-reduction approach is presented to overcome challenges such as nonlinear relationships, heterogeneity, and noisy dimensions. Initially, the $p$ p attributes in the data are first organized into random groups. Next, to systematically remove redundant and noisy dimensions from the data, each group is independently mapped into a low dimensional space via a parametric mapping. The group-wise transformation parameters are estimated using a low-rank approximation of distance covariance. The transformed attributes are reorganized into groups based on the magnitude of their respective eigenvalues. The group-wise organization and reduction process is performed until a user-defined criterion on eigenvalues is satisfied. In addition, novel procedures are introduced to aggregate the transformation parameters when the data is available in batches. Overall performance is demonstrated with extensive simulation analysis on classification by employing 10 data-sets.
Safety of Creatine Supplementation in Active Adolescents and Youth: A Brief Review.

Creatine has been extensively researched and is well supported as one of the most effective dietary supplements available. There is overwhelming support within the literature regarding the ability of creatine to augment performance following short term (5-7 days) and long-duration supplementation periods. There is also strong support for creatine regarding its safety profile and minimal risk for adverse events or any negative influence on markers of clinical health and safety. Recent research has also highlighted the ability of creatine to confer several health-related benefits in select clinical populations in addition to offering cognitive benefits. Creatine is also a popular supplement of choice for adolescent athletes; however, research in this area is extremely limited, particularly when examining the safety and efficacy of creatine supplementation in this population. Therefore, the purpose of this review was to highlight the limited number of studies available in adolescent populations and systematically discuss the topic of safety of creatine supplementation in a younger population.
Association of state-level CPR training initiatives with layperson CPR knowledge in the United States

Abstract Study aim Recent work has demonstrated low rates of layperson CPR training across the US. In an attempt to increase rates, some states passed legislation that requires CPR training before high school graduation. We hypothesized laypeople in states with required training would exhibit a greater likelihood of being currently trained in CPR when compared with laypeople in states without required CPR training. Methods We used a previously conducted nationwide cross-sectional random-digit dial survey of the US adult population (09/2015–11/2015). Survey weighted descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used to assess the primary association of likelihood of CPR training and required CPR training by graduation. Results Of the 9022 participants, 677 healthcare workers were excluded. Among those living in states with required training, 17% of laypersons were currently trained, while 14% of laypersons in states without required training were currently trained (p Conclusions Individuals were more likely to be currently trained in CPR in states with mandatory CPR training for high school graduation, suggesting a need for additional research on this public policy.
Two Cases of Provoked Seizure Associated With Kratom Ingestion (P4.5-030)

Objective: To report two cases of provoked seizures associated with Kratom and promote awareness of potential complications of this readily available herbal supplement. Background: Comorbidities frequently complicate the care of individuals with Epilepsy. Substance abuse is a common comorbidity. Kratom is a psychoactive plant comprised of compounds primarily targeting the mu and delta opioid receptors with adrenergic and serotonergic effects. Its effects are stimulating at low doses and sedating at high doses. It is being used as an alternative medicine to treat chronic pain and opioid withdrawal. Hence, it has recently become a popular recreational drug in the United States with an estimated three to five million users. Design/Methods: Case reports with literature review Results: A 24 year-old man had a first time generalized tonic-clonic (GTC) seizure following Kratom ingestion. No epilepsy risk factors were reported. Laboratory studies, neuroimaging, and electroencephalography were normal. Over the next two months, he had two more GTC seizures in the setting of Kratom ingestion. He has since ceased Kratom use with no seizures after 6 months. A 33 year-old man with localization-related epilepsy secondary to a left temporal cavernoma presented with breakthrough seizures despite reported AED compliance. He reported antecedent Kratom ingestion. No additional provoking factors were identified. Laboratory studies were unremarkable and neuroimaging was unchanged. Conclusions: We present two cases of men with seizures associated with Kratom use. Kratom has been linked to neurological complications (e.g. PRES) as well as systemic illness (e.g. hepatic toxicity). The FDA has raised concerns that Kratom has addictive properties. Attempts by the DEA to place the drug in a scheduling category have failed and it remains readily available. With widespread use, we believe it is necessary to promote awareness in the neurological community and make providers aware that it may cause seizures in a population shown to be susceptible to substance abuse. Disclosure: Dr. Burke has nothing to disclose. Dr. Shearer has nothing to disclose. Dr. Van Cott has nothing to disclose.
A rare case of bleeding duodenal varices from superior mesenteric vein obstruction -treated with transhepatic recanalization and stent placement

Ectopic varices are complex and highly variable entities that are not fully understood. Duodenal varices from pancreatitis have rarely been reported. Ectopic varices have much higher bleeding rates than the more common gastro-esophageal varices, and are associated with higher mortality. The ideal management of this difficult problem is not only to ensure prompt hemostasis, but also address the etiology or hemodynamics of the ectopic varices. We discuss the endovascular management of bleeding duodenal varices, which developed from superior mesenteric vein occlusion, following repeated attacks of pancreatitis. This unusual case was managed by a multidisciplinary collaborative approach between the gastrointestinal service and Interventional radiology. The classification system for ectopic varices and management options has been discussed in some detail. Medium term follow-up (8 months), at the time of this writing, showed that the patient is doing well, without interval hematemesis, imaging findings of recurrent/new varices or stent occlusion.