cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Statistical issues in the design, conduct and analysis of two large safety studies.

Background/Aims:The emergence, post approval, of serious medical events, which may be associated with the use of a particular drug or class of drugs, is an important public health and regulatory issue. The best method to address this issue is through a large, rigorously designed safety study. Therefore, it is important to elucidate the statistical issues involved in these large safety studies.Methods:Two such studies are PRECISION and EAGLES. PRECISION is the primary focus of this article. PRECISION is a non-inferiority design with a clinically relevant non-inferiority margin. Statistical issues in the design, conduct and analysis of PRECISION are discussed.Results:Quantitative and clinical aspects of the selection of the composite primary endpoint, the determination and role of the non-inferiority margin in a large safety study and the intent-to-treat and modified intent-to-treat analyses in a non-inferiority safety study are shown. Protocol changes that were necessary during the conduct of PRECISION are...
Disease prevention policy under Medicare: a historical and political analysis.

I review the history and politics of Medicare disease prevention policy and identify factors associated with the success or failure of legislative initiatives to add preventive services benefits to Medicare. Between 1965 and 1990, 453 bills for Medicare preventive services were introduced in the U.S. Congress, but not until 1980, after 350 bills had failed, was the first preventive service added to the Medicare program. Medicare currently pays for only four of the 44 preventive services recommended for the elderly by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (pneumococcal and hepatitis B vaccinations, Pap smears, and mammography). In addition, Congress has funded demonstration programs for the influenza vaccine and comprehensive preventive services. The preventive services added to Medicare reflect the bias of the biomedical model toward screening and immunizations. Counseling services have received the least legislative attention. Factors associated with successful enactment include single-benefit bills, incorporation into budget-deficit reduction legislation, documented evidence of cost-effectiveness, public hearings, sponsorship by chairs of key congressional committees, and persistent congressional leadership. Factors associated with failure include lack of support from Medicare beneficiaries, lack of professional support, impact on total Medicare expenditures, disagreement over or failure to address payment and financing mechanisms, and competing congressional priorities.
Case Study of Image-Guided Deep Brain Stimulation: Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Based White Matter Tractography Shows Differences in Responders and Nonresponders.

Background The caudal zona incerta (cZI) is an increasingly popular deep brain stimulation (DBS) target for the treatment of tremor-predominant disease. The dentatorubrothalamic tract (DRTT) is a white matter fiber bundle that traverses the cZI and can be identified using diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging fiber tractography to ascertain its precise course. In this report, we compare 2 patient cases of cZI DBS, a responder and a nonresponder. Case Description Patient 1 (responder) is a 65-year-old man with medically refractory Parkinson disease who underwent bilateral DBS lead placement in the cZI. Postoperatively he demonstrated >90% reduction in baseline tremor and was not limited by stimulation side effects. Postoperative imaging showed correct lead placement in the cZI. Tractography revealed a DRTT within the field of stimulation, bilaterally. Patient 2 (nonresponder) is a 61-year-old man with medically refractory Parkinson disease who also underwent bilateral DBS lead placement in the cZI. He initially demonstrated >90% reduction in baseline tremor but developed disabling dystonia of his left leg and significant slurring of his speech in the months after surgery. Postoperative imaging showed bilateral lead placement in the cZI. Right-sided electrode revision was recommended and resulted in relief of tremor and reduced dystonic side effects. Tractography analysis of the original leads revealed a DRTT with an atypical anterior trajectory and a location outside the field of stimulation. Tractography analysis of the revised lead showed a DRTT within the field of stimulation. Conclusions Preoperative diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging fiber tractography imaging of the DRTT has the potential to improve and individualize DBS planning.
The Case for Endothelial Preservation via Pressure-Regulated Distension in the Preparation of Autologous Saphenous Vein Conduits in Cardiac and Peripheral Bypass Operations.

The human saphenous vein (HSV) remains the most common conduit for peripheral and aortocoronary bypass operations in the United States (1, 2), with ever improving, though suboptimal long-term patency rates. The mishandling of vein grafts during explantation, preparation, and autotransplantation is gaining attention as a source of injury portending increased short-term thrombosis as well as acceleration of neointimal formation, the most common cause of vein graft failure from 2 months to 2 years postoperatively (3, 4). The handling of vein grafts during the explantation has been thoughtfully addressed, as “no-touch” open harvest has emerged as an approach stressing a minimization of trauma to tissue handling. In “no-touch” harvesting, the graft is removed with a pedicle of surrounding tissue. This has been shown to maintain structural and functional integrity of all cell layers, prevent spasm (5), and improve graft patency (6, 7), while conferring protection from subsequent intraoperative manipulations (8, 9). Nonetheless, once HSV has been fully explanted, manipulations to the conduit are routinely performed to make the anastomosis technically simpler and safer. The most well-characterized and injurious of these intraoperative manipulations is intraluminal radial distension (10). HSV is routinely cannulated and distended using a handheld syringe to infuse a solution or autologous blood, which dilates the vein. This procedure serves to disrupt any valves, increase the luminal diameter, identify leaks or injuries, prevent spasm, and ultimately, facilitate an easier anastomosis (11, 12). It is the opinion of the authors that this practice should be done with great care, emphasizing minimization of distension pressure using either controlled distension or a tool, such as a pressure release valve. While not conclusive, existing data strongly suggest that mitigation of distension-induced graft injury may prevent both early and delayed graft failure due to thrombosis and neointimal hyperplasia, respectively.
Electrostatic Interactions and Protein Competition Reveal a Dynamic Surface in Gold Nanoparticle-Protein Adsorption.

Gold nanoparticle– (AuNP−) protein conjugates are potentially useful in a broad array of diagnostic and therapeutic applications, but the physical basis of the simultaneous adsorption of multiple proteins onto AuNP surfaces remains poorly understood. Here, we investigate the contribution of electrostatic interactions to protein–AuNP binding by studying the pH-dependent binding behavior of two proteins, GB3 and ubiquitin. For both proteins, binding to 15-nm citrate-coated AuNPs closely tracks with the predicted net charge using standard pKa values, and a dramatic reduction in binding is observed when lysine residues are chemically methylated. This suggests that clusters of basic residues are involved in binding, and using this hypothesis, we model the pKa shifts induced by AuNP binding. Then, we employ a novel NMR-based approach to monitor the binding competition between GB3 and ubiquitin in situ at different pH values. In light of our model, the NMR measurements reveal that the net charge, binding associa...
Joint Exploration and Tracking: JET

Exploration and tracking by a team of robots have traditionally been considered as two separate problems solved in two phases: explore then track. This letter solves the multi-robot multi-object exploration and tracking problems simultaneously. A hierarchical architecture is used to coordinate robotic agents in the tracking of multiple objects of interest (OIs) while simultaneously allowing the task to remain computationally efficient. The primary contributions of this letter are probabilistic guarantees on tracking performance, automatic discovery of new OIs, a seamless transition from exploration to tracking, and the automatic balancing of exploration and tracking.
Physical and Chemical Characterization of In-Situ Burn Residue Encountered by a Deep-Water Fishery in the Gulf of Mexico

2017-185 ABSTRACT The response technique of in-situ burning was used to great effect during the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. An estimated 220,000-310,000 bbl of surface o...
Attitudes, perceptions, and use of marijuana in youth with multiple sclerosis

Studies have shown a negative impact on cognition and brain volume in marijuana-using adult multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and healthy adolescents. Given that onset of MS during childhood and adolescence negatively impacts brain growth and the normal maturation of neuronal networks, the addition of marijuana exposure in these youth may be even more harmful. Determine attitudes toward and prevalence of recreational marijuana use in MS youth. We surveyed 52 consecutive pediatric-onset MS patients from three pediatric MS centers in the United States. Participants answered a structured questionnaire to capture attitudes toward marijuana and personal use habits, if present. Nearly half reported use of marijuana, with the majority beginning to use in mid-to-late adolescence. The most popular reasons for using marijuana were relaxation (72%), improvement of medical problems (64%), and stress reduction (52%). Over half (64%) of marijuana users perceived it to have negative effects on memory and focus. Cost and access were not barriers to use, despite all respondents being less than age 21. Youth with MS endorse recreational marijuana as safe, and many use marijuana frequently despite appreciating a negative impact on memory. More detailed understanding of the long-term impact of marijuana use in youth with MS is needed.
In Pursuit of a Twenty-first Century Just City: The Evolution of Equity Planning Theory and Practice

A reexamination of the role of equity in planning is critical at this contentious period in US history. Racism and anti-immigrant sentiments have arisen in our public policy debates, cities have ag...
The Limits of Liberalism in South African Film: Recycling Black Stereotypes in Sarafina and Tsotsi

Twenty-two years into democracy, and South Africa is still producing white films for a black audience. In this film genre, black people participate as part of the cast but they are accorded questionable roles that distort important strides that the country has made to achieve racial reconciliation. Although black South Africans are participating in the production of films in South Africa, they have not been able to defeat the ghosts of liberalism that inform black films. The aim of this article is to draw attention to instances of stereotyping black children and young adults who are part of the casts of Sarafina! and Tsotsi. The article argues that, because people internalise the roles imposed on them, the cultural consequence of the creation of negative images is the production of a mentality among young black Africans that they are permanently disabled. Stereotyping is a pernicious mode of representing blacks because in the context of the post-1994 period, a numerical minority is a majority in terms of creating images and controlling the film industry, and a numerical majority is transformed into a numerical minority that assumes important role models and empowering images in films. This reality, which is informed by the ideology of white liberalism, has ensured that blacks remain marginalised in terms of the cultural creations offered through film in South Africa.
Rural Homeless Shelters: A Comparative Analysis

Although there has been some increased attention to the issue of homelessness and homeless shelter services, little effort has been made to understand the operation of rural homeless shelters. This situation persists despite decades of effort showing that the rural environment provides a very different context for the delivery of services than an urban environment. This study hypothesized that contextual differences in rural environments would produce various strategies of service delivery among homeless shelters. A typology of rural environments was created. Homeless shelters within each of four cells of the typology were selected. Comparative case study analysis provided partial support for the hypothesis.
Flows and Interface Shapes Near Structured Surfaces

Applications of structured surfaces are reviewed. Models of static liquid droplets on structured surfaces are discussed, followed by a model of flow in a channel with structured walls. The concept of the effective slip length is introduced. Electroosmotic flow in a channel with structured walls is discussed.
Conscience and the Common Good: Reclaiming the Space Between Person and State

Introduction Part I. The Relational Dimension of Conscience: 1. Conscience in law 2. Conscience in the person 3. Conscience's claims 4. Conscience and the common good Part II. Implications: 5. Voluntary associations 6. Pharmacies 7. Corporations 8. Schools 9. Families 10. The legal profession Conclusion.
A toolkit for caste differentiation.

The identification of a set of conserved genes that has had stable expression patterns over 120 million years of ant evolution provides a glimpse into the mechanisms that generate queen and worker castes in ants.
Immune-Mediated Central Nervous System Disease-Current Knowledge and Recommendations

Immune-mediated inflammation is responsible for about 25% of central nervous system disease in dogs. The disease can affect all ages and breeds, but young to middle-aged small breed dogs are over-represented for most forms. Diagnosis consists of advanced imaging (MRI), cerebrospinal fluid analysis, and infectious disease testing, but biopsy is required for definitive diagnosis and classification of the disease into one of the many subtypes. Treatment consists of immunosuppressive medication with the goal being to control and/or improve clinical signs. Current literature shows that prognosis is variable.
Pastoral Theology and Care: Critical Trajectories in Theory and Practice

While reading this book of trajectories, I was in Estes Park, Colorado, within easy sight of stunning mountains with names like Twin Sisters, Meeker Peak, and although shrouded with clouds, the out...
Physical activity participation and functional limitations in geriatric cancer survivors.

9009 Background: Functional limitations (FL) increase with age, as does cancer incidence. Treatments for cancer may exacerbate age-related FL. Physical activity (PA) reduces the risk of recurrence ...
Prebariatric surgery care and postoperative outcomes: increased number of visits associated with smaller weight losses over first 2 postoperative years

Abstract Background The prebariatric surgery assessment process can be challenging to patients and serve as a barrier to surgery. There is limited evidence to support its utility in improving postoperative outcomes for the majority of patients. Objectives To assess the relationship between preoperative care and postoperative weight loss and follow-up in the first 2 postoperative years. Setting University Hospital, United States. Methods Frequency and duration of preoperative assessment and medical weight management contacts were retrospectively collected and assessed in relation to percent weight change over the first 24 months postoperatively in adults who underwent an initial bariatric surgical procedure between 2009 and 2014. Results Patients (n = 1303) were 44.4 ± 11.9 years with a body mass index of 48 ± 8.6 kg/m2. The frequency of preoperative contacts (all types) and duration of preoperative care were not associated with postoperative weight loss or follow-up. A greater number of individual (one-to-one) visits with the bariatric surgery team and additional psychology visits were associated with smaller postoperative weight losses (individual = −.27%, 95% confidence interval −.47%, −.07%; P = .01; psychology=−1.46%, 95% confidence interval −2.79%, −.12%; P = .03). Conclusions These observations suggest the intensity and length of the preoperative assessment period is unrelated to early postoperative weight loss. Additional individual visits with the bariatric team and the psychologist before surgery were associated with smaller postoperative weight loss, suggesting that clinicians may be appropriately identifying complex patients and are making efforts to address this complexity with additional preoperative assessment and care.
Vertebral artery aneurysm rupture and hemothorax in a patient with neurofibromatosis Type-1: A case report and review of the literature

Neurofibromatosis type-1 (NF-1) is an autosomal dominant genetic condition caused by mutation in the neurofibromin gene. Classic symptoms include neurofibromas, hyperpigmented cutaneous spots (cafe-au-lait macules), axillary and/or inguinal freckling, iris hamartomas (Lisch nodules), and bone lesions [1]. Rarely, patients with NF-1 can have vascular abnormalities such as aneurysms, stenoses, and arteriovenous malformations. The exact pathogenesis of these abnormalities is unknown, but is thought to be due to alteration of neurofibromin expression in endothelial and smooth muscle cells of blood vessels [2]. Most patients remain asymptomatic. The most common site of involvement was reported to be the renal artery, which leads to renal artery hypertension [2]. We report a case of a 30-year-old female with NF-1 who presented with a spontaneous rupture of a vertebral artery (VA) aneurysm. A review of the literature by Oderich et al. found 46 reports of carotid, vertebral, and cerebral aneurysms, and noted that they occur most commonly in the third decade of life and are more frequent in women [3]. However, extracranial vertebral artery aneurysm in neurofibromatosis type 1 is very rare. Our review of the literature reveals 24 cases of extradural vertebral artery aneurysms in patients with NF-1, 12 of which ruptured and caused hemorrhage [4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24] (Table 1). Table 1 Cases of Vertebral Artery Aneurysm in association with NF-1.
Echad: A D’var Torah on Parshat Vaetchanan

This talk explores two mysteries about the Shema, the great motto of Judaism, which begins “Shema Yisrael, Adonai Eloheinu, Adonai Echad.” The first mystery is familiar. What does it mean to say “Adonai Echad”, which literally means something like “God One”? The most familiar translation of the phrase is “God is one,” thus understanding it as a declaration of monotheistic belief. But this customary interpretation is both trivial and misleading. Some Biblical scholars translate the phrase as “God alone” so that it is a vow of loyalty to only one God. Or it might mean “God is unique.” Jewish mystics have taken “Adonai Echad” to be a token of the Unity between God and the universe. Or, as I suggest, Echad might be one of the names of God, a descriptive name to be sure, but not merely a description. The second mystery is why the first paragraph of the Shema is the piece of scripture inscribed in mezuzot and included (along with other passages) in tefillin. The standard answer is that these are the very passages that describe the commandments of mezuzot and tefillin. But we’re so used to this that we might not realize how odd it is. These are instructions about how to remember and memorialize God’s commandments. And we claim to obey those instructions by reciting and inscribing and packaging the instructions. In some sense, the Shema is like a Quine, a self-replicating computer program, or like an Escher staircase that goes up and up and lands on itself. It is an infinite regress. The talk tries to connect these two mysteries of the Shema to each other, and then to the commandments to love God and love our neighbors as ourselves.
Misoprostol as an Adjunct to Overnight Osmotic Dilators Prior to Second Trimester Dilation and Evacuation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract Objective To understand effect of adjunct misoprostol on cervical preparation with overnight osmotic dilators for dilation and evacuation after 16 weeks gestation. Methods We searched on-line reference databases using search terms for second trimester, abortion, misoprostol, and dilators. Randomized controlled trials of cervical preparation for second trimester D&E using overnight osmotic dilators comparing adjunct misoprostol to placebo were included. Weighted mean with standard deviation (SD) and pooled binary outcomes were compared. Results Among 84 articles identified, three met inclusion criteria (n = 457 subjects) adjunct misoprostol did not significantly decrease mean procedure times (8.5 ± 4.6 vs 9.6 ± 5.8 min, p = 0.78) or manual dilation (18% vs 28%, p = 0.23) when compared to placebo. There was no difference in total complications (p = 0.61), major complications (p = 0.44), or cervical lacerations (p = 0.87). Conclusion Current limited evidence suggests adjunct misoprostol with osmotic dilators after 16 weeks does not affect procedure time or need for manual dilation. Implications Further research is needed to determine the effect of adjunct misoprostol on major complications and blood loss.
Chapter 2 – An Overview of Biological Basics

Cell chemistry and cell feed are important aspects of basic biology that interest bioprocess engineers. Cells are the basic unit of living organisms. Living organisms can be either single celled (unicellular) or multicellular. Living organisms are commonly cellular. The stem cell is the mother cell of multicellular organisms. All cells contain at least one of the three macromolecules: protein, ribonucleic acid (RNA), and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). The two major groups of cells are prokaryotic and eukaryotic, with eukaryotic cells being more complex. Both prokaryotes and eukaryotes contain both DNA and RNA. Viruses are replicating particles that obligate parasites. Some viruses use DNA to store genetic information, while others use RNA. Viruses specific to bacteria are called bacteriophages, or phages. A prion is an infectious agent composed of protein in a misfolded form. This is in contrast to all other known infectious agents, which must contain nucleic acids (DNA, RNA, or both). Other essential components of these cells are constructed from lipids and carbohydrates. The exception to the cellular living organism is the prion, which only consists of protein. Cells are usually very small, but big ones exist and can weigh over a kilogram. There are rich varieties of chemicals and materials associated with cells. These chemicals and materials present opportunities for bioprocess engineers to make sustainable products that meet the needs of humanity. This chapter introduces the various chemical compositions of cells, the structures of proteins, RNA, and DNA as well as the nutritional needs of cells.
A novel plant pathogen management tool for vector management.

Background Decision support systems often focus on insect control due to direct damage. However, when insects vector plant pathogens, these decision support systems must be tailored to disease management. However, a decision system that links diagnosticians to vector management is lacking and complicated by patterns of insect abundance over space and time. Here, we describe an approach that integrated monitoring of an insect pest (aster leafhopper; Macrosteles quadrilineatus, Forbes) that vectors aster yellows phytoplasma (Candidatus Phytoplasma spp.), with rapid disease diagnostics and web-based text messaging in two crops, carrots and celery. Results From 2014-2019, a total of 8,343 aster leafhoppers were collected, 99 of these were infected with phytoplasma. Text messaging reduced the number of infected leafhoppers. When we compared infected leafhopper density across crops, their temporal patterns were most similar at a 2-week delay. Comparisons within crop indicated that in celery uninfected and infected leafhopper density was most similar at a 2-week delay, but there was no similar pattern in carrots. Leafhopper density and infectivity were not similar beyond individual farms. Conclusion Our results suggest that farmers should account for these temporal and spatial patterns when managing leafhoppers infected with aster yellows phytoplasma to improve pest management. By combining extensive monitoring, with rapid disease diagnostics, and text messaging, we demonstrate the value of our decision support tool. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.
Software annotation of deﬁbrillator files: Ready for prime time?

Abstract Background High-quality chest compressions are associated with improved outcomes after cardiac arrest. Deﬁbrillators record important information about chest compressions during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and can be used in quality-improvement programs. Defibrillator review software can automatically annotate files and measure chest compression metrics. However, evidence is limited regarding the accuracy of such measurements. Objective To compare chest compression fraction (CCF) and rate measurements made with software annotation vs. manual annotation vs. limited manual annotation of deﬁbrillator ﬁles recorded during out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) CPR. Methods This was a retrospective, observational study of 100 patients who had CPR for OHCA. We assessed chest compression bioimpedance waveforms from the time of initial CPR until deﬁbrillator removal. A reviewer revised software annotations in two ways: completely manual annotations and limited manual annotations, which marked the beginning and end of CPR and ROSC, but not chest compressions. Measurements were compared for CCF and rate using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) analysis. Results Case mean rate showed no significant difference between the methods (108.1–108.6 compressions per minute) and ICC was excellent (>0.90). The case mean (±SD) CCF for software, manual, and limited manual annotation was 0.64 ± 0.19, 0.86 ± 0.07, and 0.81 ± 0.10, respectively. The ICC for manual vs. limited manual annotation of CCF was 0.69 while for individual minute epochs it was 0.83. Conclusion Software annotation performed very well for chest compression rate. For CCF, the difference between manual and software annotation measurements was clinically important, while manual vs. limited manual annotation were similar with an ICC that was good-to-excellent.
A review of psychosocial factors linked to adolescent substance use.

Abstract Purpose Informed by ecological theories and models of influence, this review discusses various psychosocial risk and protective factors that contribute to adolescent substance use behavior. Given typical patterns of substance use initiation during this developmental period, an emphasis is placed on alcohol, cigarette, and marijuana use. Findings Consistent with bioecological theories, peers and parents tend to have the strongest effect on adolescent substance use behavior. Influences can be both direct, such as offers and availability to use substances, as well as indirect influences, such as the perception of substance use approval. Schools and neighborhoods also contribute to adolescent substance use behavior, but this effect is often less direct. Moreover, the effect of neighborhoods on adolescent behavior reflects both structural components (e.g., neighborhood racial composition, teacher-student ratios) in addition to social process (e.g., neighborhood social cohesion, school connectedness). A review of parallel studies conducted with animals is also provided. Summary Adolescent substance use behavior does not occur in a vacuum. Investigations must encompass the relevant social ecologies that affect adolescent behavior, including family, peer, school, and neighborhood contexts to provide a more complete understanding of substance use etiology.
Resolving Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation for a Peptide Fused Monoclonal Antibody by Formulation Optimization.

Abstract Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) of protein solutions has been usually related to strong protein-protein interactions (PPI) under certain conditions. For the first time, we observed the LLPS phenomenon for a novel protein modality, peptide-fused monoclonal antibody (pmAb). LLPS emerged within hours between pH 6.0 to 7.0 and disappeared when solution pH values decreased to pH 5.0 or lower. Negative values of interaction parameter (kD) and close to zero values of zeta potential (ζ) were correlated to LLPS appearance. However, between pH 6.0 to 7.0, a strong electrostatic repulsion force was expected to potentially avoid LLPS based on the sequence predicted pI value, 8.35. Surprisingly, this is significantly away from experimentally determined pI, 6.25, which readily attributes the LLPS appearances of pmAb to the attenuated electrostatic repulsion force. Such discrepancy between experiment and prediction reminds the necessity of actual measurement for a complicated modality like pmAb. Furthermore, significant protein degradation took place upon thermal stress at pH 5.0 or lower. Therefore, the effects of pH and selected excipients on the thermal stability of pmAb were further assessed. A formulation consisting of arginine at pH 6.5 successfully prevented the appearance of LLPS and enhanced its thermal stability at 40 °C for pmAb. In conclusion, we have reported LLPS for a pmAb and successfully resolved the issue by optimizing formulation with aids from PPI characterization.
48 V-to-1 V Transformerless Stacked Active Bridge Converters with Merged Regulation Stage

Transformerless stacked active bridge (TSAB) converters are hybrid converters derived from switched capacitor converters by addition of small inductors. TSAB converters achieve the highest efficiency around a nominal conversion ratio because of "soft" charging/discharging of all flying capacitors, low rms currents and zero-voltage-switching of power switches. This paper introduces new configurations of TSAB converters with inductive filter as opposed to capacitive filter at the output port, which opens opportunities to merge a regulation stage at the output. The approach is applied to 48 V to 1 V point-of-load (PoL) conversion by merging a 6-to-1 Dickson TSAB with a multi-phase buck converter at the regulation stage, greatly reduced the need for a bulky intermediate bus capacitor. Experimental results are provided for a 48 V-to-1 V, 100 A prototype consisting of a 6-to-1 TSAB operating at 100-125 kHz using 120 nH inductors, and an off-the-shelf four-phase buck regulating stage operating at 500 kHz. The prototype has 91.5% peak efficiency at 25 A and greater than 85% efficiency up to 90 A.
Treatment of Psoriasis

The treatment of psoriasis has long been a challenge to the dermatologist on several levels. Psoriasis does not respond in any predictable fashion to topical or systemic agents, and to date there are no clinical or laboratory measures to predict response to therapy in an individual. In clinical practice, emphasis on impact of the disease and its treatment on a patient’s quality of life and health should guide treatment choices. Severity of disease, including location and body surface area, response to previous therapies, medical history, concomitant medications, treatment goals, convenience of administration, and financial limitations, must all be considered carefully when choosing initial therapy. Because in any given patient severity and impact of disease will fluctuate over time and with different therapies, frequent reassessment of symptoms, treatment satisfaction, and short- and long-term side effects of therapy is a necessary approach.
Vesicoureteral Reflux—Who Needs Ureteroneocystostomy?

Today the urologist treating a patient having recurrent urinary tract infections performs voiding cystourethrography almost as routinely as excretory pyelography (IVP) and cystoscopy. The high yield of vesicoureteral reflux, paraureteral diverticula, and bladder outlet obstruction has stimulated much creative work searching for cause and best treatment of these congential disorders.
A speculative essay on geniculate lamination and its development.

Publisher Summary Many different laminar patterns have been described and a number of suggestions have been made for schematizing the various laminar patterns. Two quite different approaches can be used for an analysis of these laminar patterns. This chapter discusses the functional analysis of these approaches and considers the developmental mechanisms. The laminae can be considered from a functional point of view by asking whether different laminae or laminar groupings subserve different functions, and this approach has made some significant advances recently; or they can be looked at from a developmental point of view by enquiring about the mechanisms that produce the adult laminated structure. These two approaches are complementary. The chapter shows how these approaches relate to each other and where each can help to understand the laminar structure. It focuses on problems that are as yet unsolved. Many of the developmental problems that have had to be solved in the production of a functionally adequate lateral geniculate relay are general problems for many other relays.
Captain Birdseye's Expedition

One day, it so happened, he unexpectedly received in the post a commission from Westminster notifying him that he of all others had been voted a bursary by Parliament to secure for Queen Victoria?the Widow of Windsor herself!? a certain gift (the existence of which, however, was questionable for none had ever been seen, none ever found) to be offered subsequently by her in memorial of the deceased Prince Albert, he of the chain.
In-Situ Wave Observations in the High Resolution Air-Sea Interaction DRI

Abstract : Ocean wave prediction models, based on a spectral energy balance, are widely used to obtain wind-wave forecasts and hindcasts on global and regional scales (e.g., Komen et al., 1994). However, these inherently stochastic models assume a Gaussian and homogeneous sea state and thus do not describe the nonlinear instability processes that can dramatically alter the structure of wave groups and produce anomalously large waves, also known as freak or rogue waves. Fully deterministic modeling capabilities are now becoming available that incorporate these nonlinear effects and provide the detailed phase-resolved sea surface predictions needed in many applications. Concurrent with the development of new models, advances in radar remote sensing techniques are enabling the detailed observation of the sea surface on the scales of wave groups and individual waves. The long-term goal of this research is to test these emerging new models and measurement technologies in realistic sea states and use them to better understand and predict the wave group structure and occurrence of extreme waves in the ocean. OBJECTIVES: observe the nonlinear evolution of wave groups in realistic broadband sea states; provide ground-truth data for testing the capabilities of shipboard wave radar systems; develop and test a prototype wave-resolving GPS drifter; develop models for nonlinear wave evolution in a varying medium; develop a statistical model for the evolution of inhomogeneous wave fields; and provide in-situ wave data for the verification of phase-resolving wave prediction models.
Home-based mindfulness therapy for lung cancer symptom management: a randomized feasibility trial.

Keywords: Cancer; Oncology; Symptom management; Health-related quality of life; Mindfulness Meditation
The Discrete Analog of the Malgrange–Ehrenpreis Theorem

One of the landmarks of the modern theory of partial differential equations is the Malgrange–Ehrenpreis theorem that states that every nonzero linear partial differential operator with constant coefficients has a Green function (alias fundamental solution). In this short note, I state the discrete analog and give two proofs. The first one is Ehrenpreis style, using duality, and the second one is constructive, using formal Laurent series.
Repurchase Agreements and Dollar Rolls

Access to short-term financing and the ability to borrow securities to cover short positions are essential elements to a liquid, well-functioning bond market. Repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements are mechanisms used by dealers to accomplish these needs. Repurchase agreements occupy a central position in the money market and provide a relatively safe investment opportunity for short-term investors. Structured repurchase agreements introduce variations on the basic agreement and are designed to accommodate specialized clienteles of users. Similarly, dollar rolls developed in the mortgage-backed securities market because of the need to borrow these more complicated securities to cover short positions. Keywords: repurchase agreement; reverse repurchase agreement; repo rate; overnight repo; repo term; repo margin; collateral; delivered out; hold-in-custody (HIC) repo; triparty repo; general collateral; special collateral; buy/sell-back agreement; structured repurchase agreements; dollar roll; pass-through; TBA (to be announced); collateralized mortgage obligation (CMO); forward drop; prepayment speed
Faulting and Fracturing of Planetary Surfaces

Investigation of faulting and fracturing of planetary surfaces involves the determination of past stress systems and their effect on the materials of those surfaces and to the upper layers of the planet. The stress tensor and its relationship to fault types using theories of E.M. Anderson are described. Fault systems, stress systems, and possible ways of dating and generating these stresses on regional and planetary scales are discussed. These principies are applied to the Alba Volcano of Mars. Examples of topographic lineaments may be related to the sigma 1 — sigma 2 plane using domain swarm analysis. Finally some implications for planetary tectonic models are presented.
Structural differentiation of the Bacillus subtilis 168 cell wall.

Abstract Exponential-growth-phase cultures of Bacillus subtilis 168 were probed with polycationized ferritin (PCF) or concanavalin A (localized by the addition of horseradish peroxidase conjugated to colloidal gold) to distinguish surface anionic sites and teichoic acid polymers, respectively. Isolated cell walls, lysozyme-digested cell walls, and cell walls treated with mild alkali to remove teichoic acid were also treated with PCF. After labelling, whole cells and walls were processed for electron microscopy by freeze-substitution. Thin sections of untreated cells showed a triphasic, fibrous wall extending more than 30 nm beyond the cytoplasmic membrane. Measurements of wall thickness indicated that the wall was thicker at locations adjacent to septa and at pole-cylinder junctions (P < 0.001). Labelling studies showed that at saturating concentrations the PCF probe labelled the outermost limit of the cell wall, completely surrounding individual cells. However, at limiting PCF concentrations, labelling was observed at only discrete cell surface locations adjacent to or overlying septa and at the junction between pole and cylinder. Labelling was rarely observed along the cell cylinder or directly over the poles. Cells did not label along the cylindrical wall until there was visible evidence of a developing septum. Identical labelling patterns were observed by using concanavalin A-horseradish peroxidase-colloidal gold. Neither probe appeared to penetrate between the fibers of the wall. We suggest that the fibrous appearance of the wall seen in freeze-substituted cells reflects turnover of the wall matrix, that the specificity of labelling to discrete sites on the cell surface is indicative of regions of extreme hydrolytic activity in which alpha-glucose residues of the wall teichoic acids and electronegative sites (contributed by phosphate and carboxyl groups of the teichoic acids and carboxyl groups of the peptidoglycan polymers) are more readily accessible to our probes, and that the wall of exponentially growing B. subtilis cells contains regions of structural differentiation.
Identification of residues critical for Ras(17N) growth-inhibitory phenotype and for Ras interaction with guanine nucleotide exchange factors

Abstract The Ras(17N) dominant negative antagonizes endogenous Ras function by forming stable, inactive complexes with Ras guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs; e.g., SOS1). We have used the growth-inhibitory phenotype of Ras(17N) to characterize two aspects of Ras interaction with GEFs. First, we used a nonprenylated version of Ras(17N), designated Ras(17N/186S), which no longer associates with the plasma membrane and lacks the growth-inhibitory phenotype, to address the importance of Ras subcellular location and posttranslational modification for its interaction with GEFs. We observed that addition of an N-terminal myristylation signal to Ras(17N/186S) restored the growth-inhibitory activity of nonprenylated Ras(17N). Thus, membrane association, rather than prenylation, is critical for Ras interaction with Ras GEFs. Second, we used a biological selection approach to identify Ras residues which are critical for Ras(17N) growth inhibition and hence for interaction with Ras GEFs. We identified mutations at residues 75, 76, and 78 that abolished the growth-inhibitory activity of Ras(17N). Since GEF interaction is dispensable for oncogenic but not normal Ras function, our demonstration that single-amino-acid substitutions at these three positions impaired the transforming activity of normal but not oncogenic Ras provides further support for the role of these residues in Ras-GEF interactions. Finally, Ras(WT) proteins with mutations at these residues were no longer activated by mammalian SOS1. Altogether, these results suggest that the Ras intracellular location and Ras residues 75 to 78 are critical for Ras-GEF interaction.
Estimation of actual evapotranspiration in winegrape vineyards located on hillside terrain using surface renewal analysis

Sensible and latent heat flux densities were estimated in a level vineyard, a northeast aspect vineyard and a southwest aspect vineyard in the Napa Valley of California using the eddy covariance and surface renewal methods. Surface renewal is theoretically not limited to level or extensively homogeneous terrain because it examines a more localized process of scalar exchange as compared with eddy covariance. Surface renewal estimates must be calibrated against eddy covariance data to account for unequal heating of the air parcels under a fixed measurement height. We calibrated surface renewal data against eddy covariance data in a level vineyard, and the calibration factor (α) was applied to the surface renewal measurements on the hillside vineyards. Latent heat flux density was estimated from the residual of the energy balance. In the level vineyard, the average daily actual evapotranspiration (ET a ) for the period of June through September was 2.4 mm per day. In the northeast aspect vineyard, the average daily ET a was 2.2 mm per day, while in the southwest aspect vineyard it was 2.7 mm per day. The net radiation values for the level vineyard, the northeast aspect vineyard, and the southwest aspect vineyard were compared against the Ecosystem Water Program with good agreement.
Evaluation of spin labeled tartaric and galactaric diamides as potential MRI contrast enhancing agents

Abstract Tartaric diamide (4) and galactaric diamide (7) were synthesized for evaluation as potential contrast enhancing agents for MRI. These compounds (10 mM) elicited excellent spin—lattice (T1) and spin—spin (T2) relaxations of protons in water and plasma. Compound 7 possessed an insufficient solubility (10 mM) to be further considered for studies in animals models. In contrast, compound 4 exhibited a high solubility in water (220 mM) and human plasma. The reducibility of the compound 4 was assayed in vitro using rat kidney and liver homogenates. The rates for 4 were found to be between those for PCA (8) and TES (9), two extensively investigated mononitroxyls. The pharmacokinetics of 4 were investigated in vivo on blood and urine samples of dogs using EPR and HPLC methodologies. The metabolic pathway of 4 gives only one metabolite, the diamagnetic reduced form of 4. During the first 4 hours 50% of 4 is exerted. The clearance of 4 from blood is rapid and higher than that of TES. The non-ionic 4 might then be useful in medicinal research using animal models but it can not be adapted at present to clinical use because of instrumental time constraints.
Interfacial effects on Ag: S nonstoichiometry in silver sulfide/alumina composites

Abstract The relative stoichiometry of Ag2S containing dispersions of 0.2 μm Al2O3 particles was measured as a function of the chemical potential of silver between 158 and 220°C using solid state coulometric titration. For composites consisting of 3.5 m2 of interface area per 1 cm3 of Al2O3Ag2S composite, the effective homogeneity range in comparison to the pure material was as much as 120 times greater for the low temperature phase (α-Ag2S) and 50% greater for the high temperature phase (β-Ag2S). The process was described as that of silver absorption at solid—solid interfaces. Absorption isotherms and partial molar quantities for the interface were determined at 158 and 200°C.
Acetivibrio cellulolyticus and Bacteroides cellulosolvens are members of the greater clostridial assemblage

The nucleotide sequences of the 16S rRNA genes of Acetivibrio cellulolyticus, A. cellulosolvens, and Bacteroides cellulosolvens were determined and shown to be affiliated with the low G+C members of Gram-positive bacteria. The sequences for A. cellulolyticus and A. cellulosolvens were revealed to be identical, supporting the proposal by W.D. Murray [Int. J. Syst. Bacteriol. (1986) 36, 314–316] that A. cellulosolvens be correctly classified as A. cellulolyticus. The closest relative to A. cellulolyticus is Clostridium aldrichii, related at 98.5% sequence similarity. B. cellulosolvens and A. cellulolyticus are related at 94.4% sequence similarity.
Analysis of the design and economics of molten carbonate fuel cell tri-generation systems providing heat and power for commercial buildings and H2 for FC vehicles

Abstract This study models the operation of molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC) tri-generation systems for “big box” store businesses that combine grocery and retail business, and sometimes gasoline retail. Efficiency accounting methods and parameters for MCFC tri-generation systems have been developed. Interdisciplinary analysis and an engineering/economic model were applied for evaluating the technical, economic, and environmental performance of distributed MCFC tri-generation systems, and for exploring the optimal system design. Model results show that tri-generation is economically competitive with the conventional system, in which the stores purchase grid electricity and NG for heat, and sell gasoline fuel. The results are robust based on sensitivity analysis considering the uncertainty in energy prices and capital cost. Varying system sizes with base case engineering inputs, energy prices, and cost assumptions, it is found that there is a clear tradeoff between the portion of electricity demand covered and the capital cost increase of bigger system size. MCFC Tri-generation technology provides lower emission electricity, heat, and H2 fuel. With NG as feedstock the CO2 emission can be reduced by 10%–43.6%, depending on how the grid electricity is generated. With renewable methane as feedstock CO2 emission can be further reduced to near zero.