cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dialyzer Reuse and Outcomes of High Flux Dialysis

Background The bulk of randomized trial evidence for the expanding use of High Flux (HF) hemodialysis worldwide comes from two randomized controlled trials, one of which (HEMODIALYSIS, HEMO) allowed, while the other (Membrane Outcomes Permeability, MPO) excluded, the reuse of membranes. It is not known whether dialyzer reuse has a differential impact on outcomes with HF vs low flyx (LF) dialyzers. Methods Proportional Hazards Models and Joint Models for longitudinal measures and survival outcomes were used in HEMO to analyze the relationship between β2-microglobulin (β2M) concentration, flux, and reuse. Meta-analysis and regression techniques were used to synthesize the evidence for HF dialysis from HEMO and MPO. Findings In HEMO, minimally reused (< 6 times) HF dialyzers were associated with a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.67 (95% confidence interval, 95%CI: 0.48–0.92, p = 0.015), 0.64 (95%CI: 0.44 – 0.95, p = 0.03), 0.61 (95%CI: 0.41 – 0.90, p = 0.012), 0.53 (95%CI: 0.28 – 1.02, p = 0.057) relative to minimally reused LF ones for all cause, cardiovascular, cardiac and infectious mortality respectively. These relationships reversed for extensively reused membranes (p for interaction between reuse and flux < 0.001, p = 0.005) for death from all cause and cardiovascular causes, while similar trends were noted for cardiac and infectious mortality (p of interaction between reuse and flux of 0.10 and 0.08 respectively). Reduction of β2M explained only 1/3 of the effect of minimally reused HF dialyzers on all cause mortality, while non-β2M related factors explained the apparent attenuation of the benefit with more extensively reused dialyzers. Meta-regression of HEMO and MPO estimated an adjusted HR of 0.63 (95% CI: 0.51–0.78) for non-reused HF dialyzers compared with non-reused LF membranes. Conclusions This secondary analysis and synthesis of two large hemodialysis trials supports the widespread use of HF dialyzers in clinical hemodialysis over the last decade. A mechanistic understanding of the effects of HF dialysis and the reuse process on dialyzers may suggest novel biomarkers for uremic toxicity and may accelerate membrane technology innovations that will improve patient outcomes.
Clinical correlates and baseline predictors of progressive brain atrophy in progressive supranuclear palsy: results from the AL-108-231 davunetide trial (P5.006)

Objective: To determine if volumetric MRI (vMRI) brain changes can serve as a biomarker for progressive supranuclear palsy disease (PSP) progression, and whether baseline clinical traits predict brain atrophy rates. Background: The AL-108-231 study was a phase 2/3 double-blind, placebo-controlled trial for PSP. It was conducted at 48 centers on three continents and randomized 313 patients to davunetide (neurotrophic peptide) or placebo for one year with serial MRI scans and clinical data. This study evaluated the clinical correlates of vMRI changes in PSP. Design/Methods: Patients with baseline and week 52 MRI scans, Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Rating Scale (PSPRS) (n=192), Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) (n=190) and color trails 1, 2 (n = 190, 183) test scores were included for analysis. Brain volumes derived by label propagation in SPM5. Linear regression was used to investigate the relationship between baseline, changes in PSPRS, RBANS, color trails scores and whole brain, ventricular, midbrain and superior cerebellar peduncle (SCP) volume changes. Age, sex, disease duration, H1 haplotype, CoQ10 status, treatment group and total intracranial volume were used as covariates. Results: Change in PSPRS, RBANS and color trails were correlated with brain volume changes (p<0.01). Baseline RBANS memory, language, total scores and color trails scores significantly predicted whole brain, midbrain volume changes respectively (p<0.01). Baseline PSPRS did not predict brain volume changes. The rate of whole brain, midbrain and ventricular volume changes per annum were similar to and confirm previous findings Conclusions: Our data suggest PSP brain volume changes on vMRI capture disease progression and cognitive changes. vMRI changes may serve as a valuable biomarker or outcome to support disease modifying therapeutic efficacy in future PSP clinical trials. Baseline neuropsychological testing may be useful for patient selection for more efficient future clinical trials. Study supported by: Tau Consortium, Allon Pharmaceuticals, NIH Disclosure: Dr. Tsai has nothing to disclose. Dr. Lobach has nothing to disclose. Dr. Whitwell has nothing to disclose. Dr. Senjem has nothing to disclose. Dr. Jack has received personal compensation for activities with Janssen Pharmaceuticals as a consultant. Dr. Jack has received research support from the National Institutes of Health. Dr. Boxer has received personal compensation for activities with Archer Pharmaceuticals, EnVivo Pharmaceuticals, Grifols, and iPerian as a consultant.
Chapter VIII Part II The Morphine Alkaloids. II

Publisher Summary This chapter presents information on morphine alkaloids. The chapter discusses the reactions of morphine, codeine, and neopine, reactions of thebaine and related products, the stereochemistry of morphine and sinomenine, and others. The Mannich reaction, when applied to dihydrocodeinone, leads to anomalous results, while sulfoacetic acid introduces an aceto group at C 1 in morphine, codeine, and their dihydro derivatives. The catalytic hydrogenation of thebaine to dihydrocodeine methyl ether is sufficient to assign unambiguously a configuration to C 14 of both codeine and dihydrocodeine. The oxidation of the four codeine isomers clearly shows that codeine and isocodeine are epimeric alcohols about C 6 , while pseudocodeine and allopseudocodeine (CCXLIX) bear the same relationship at C 8 with the allylic double bond at Δ 6(7) . Dihydro- α -chlorocodide is obtained either by catalytic hydrogenation of α-chlorocodide or by the action of phosphorus pentachloride on dihydrocodeine and has already been shown to be correctly represented by CCLXV. A significant reaction of the dihydrocodeine series of bases that should still be considered is the conversion of dihydropseudocodeine and dihydroallopseudocodeine to the same dihydrochlorocodide. The compounds in which complete loss of the ethanamine chain is expected to occur most readily are those in which the nitrogen atom is detached from C 9 .
Interference and Proximity Effects

Severe aeroelastic problems arise in Wind Engineering as a result of close spacing between parallel, slender structures such as stacks, towers and overhead electric power cables. Oscillation amplitude of the structure can be considerably greater than for single isolated structures. The motion can be caused by vortex shedding, buffeting or aerodynamic instabilities. The effect of proximity on the flow around the structures and on their dynamic response is described. Analytical considerations are discussed and case histories from wind tunnel and full scale observations are presented.
Alexander Dalgarno Contributions to Atomic and Molecular Physics

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the contributions of Alexander Dalgarno to atomic and molecular physics. Alex Dalgarno's contributions to the understanding of the quantum mechanical structure of atomic and molecular systems tend to cluster around the development of new perturbation and variational methods and new and efficient techniques for applying them to complex systems. At large separations, the interactions between atomic and molecular systems are dominated by polarization and dispersion forces that arise from the mutual perturbations of transient or permanent multipole moments of the electronic charge distributions of the interacting systems. The short-range interactions of such systems, on the other hand, are strongly influenced by electron exchange effects. Alex Dalgarno has had a major impact on essentially all areas of atomic and molecular physics through the discovery of the basic principles that underlie atomic and molecular phenomena, the development of powerful theoretical and computational methods, and the explication of a vast array of atomic and molecular processes through applications.
Population pharmacokinetics of pregabalin in healthy subjects and patients with chronic pain or partial seizures.

Summary Purpose: Pregabalin, a high-affinity ligand for α2δ subunits of voltage-gated calcium channels, is a novel pharmacotherapy for chronic pain, partial seizures, and other disorders. The present study investigated the population pharmacokinetics of pregabalin following single and multiple doses in healthy volunteers and patient populations. Methods: Using nonlinear mixed-effect modeling, 5,583 plasma pregabalin concentration–time samples from 1,723 subjects were analyzed: 2,868 samples from healthy volunteers or subjects with renal impairment (n = 123), 1,513 from patients with partial seizures (n = 626), and 1,202 from patients with chronic pain (n = 974). A one-compartment model with first-order elimination and absorption processes and absorption lag time was used. Key Findings: This pharmacostatistical model showed that: (1) pregabalin oral clearance (CL/F) was directly proportional to creatinine clearance (CLcr), but was independent of gender, race, age, female hormonal status, daily dose, and dosing regimen; (2) apparent volume of distribution was dependent on body weight and gender; (3) absorption rate was decreased when given with food; and (4) coadministration with marketed antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) had no significant effect on pregabalin CL/F. Significance: Pregabalin CL/F is related to CLcr, and this relationship is similar among healthy volunteers and patients with either partial seizures or chronic pain disorders. The only factor having a clinically significant influence on steady-state plasma pregabalin concentrations is renal function.
Dietary control of hypertension: what should we be teaching?

(1988). Dietary Control of Hypertension: What Should We Be Teaching? Health Education: Vol. 19, No. 5, pp. 61-63.
When do women respond against discrimination? Exploring factors of subtlety, form, and focus

We examined the personal-group discrimination discrepancy (PGDD), the tendency for women to recognize that others encounter sexism while simultaneously minimizing their own personal experiences with sexism, and the degree to which it (a) applies to all manifestations of discrimination, and (b) extends beyond perceptions of discrimination to taking action against it. Our findings replicated the PGDD when it comes to perceptions of discrimination, but this effect was reversed for behavioral action such that women were more likely to take action against discrimination when it was directed at them personally. We also disentangled the factors of subtlety (subtle vs. overt) and form (formal vs. interpersonal) by showing that women can reliably distinguish between these factors when determining their reactions to discrimination.
Anti-anemic properties of thymine.

Three patients with Addisonian pernicious anemia were selected, hospitalized and given a diet devoid of meat and meat products. After baseline hematological studies were made and checked repeatedly, daily large doses of thymine were given orally. The clinical and hematological improvement in these three patients was in every way similar to that which follows the administration of folic acid to patients with pernicious anemia in relapse. The exact mode of action of thymine is obscure, but it is possible that folic acid may act as an enzyme or co-enzyme in the synthesis of thymine or a thymine-like compound. Such synthesis may take place in the gastro-intestinal tract. The present findings indicate that thymine has anti-anemic properties and a profound effect on the general metabolism of patients with Addisonian pernicious anemia in relapse.
Transovarial Transmission of Yellow Fever Virus in Stegomyia Mosquitoes

Transovarial transmission of two strains of yellow fever virus was demonstrated in three colonized geographical strains of Aedes aegypti following infection by intrathoracic inoculation. Infected progeny were detected in F1 offspring from only the first three ovarian cycles (OVC). The overall minimum filial infection rate for the first three OVC was 1:596; rates were loser in the second and third OVC. Virus survived in eggs for longer than 4 months and was recovered from progeny of three immersions of first OVC eggs. Infected progeny averaged a longer time to pupation than noninfected siblings. Transovarial transmission of virus was also demonstrated in first OVC progeny of Aedes mascarensis.
Reuse-Driven Tiling for Data Locality

This paper applies unimodular transformations and tiling to improve the data locality of a loop nest. Due to data dependences and reuse information, not all loops will and can be tiled. Therefore, the approach proposed in this paper attempts to capture as much data reuse in the cache as possible while tiling as few loops as possible. By using cones to represent the data dependences and vector spaces to represent the reuse information in the program, a reuse-driven approach is presented to improve the data locality of the program. In the special case of a singly fully permutable loop nest, the data locality problem is formulated as an optimisation problem and solved optimally. In the general case, an algorithm is presented that attempts to construct the tiled loop nest in such a way that as much reuse as possible is carried in the innermost tiled loops.
Additive spanners in nearly quadratic time

We consider the problem of efficiently finding an additive C-spanner of an undirected unweighted graph G, that is, a subgraph H so that for all pairs of vertices u,v, δ H (u,v) ≤ δ G (u,v) + C, where δ denotes shortest path distance. It is known that for every graph G, one can find an additive 6-spanner with O(n 4/3) edges in O(mn 2/3) time. It is unknown if there exists a constant C and an additive C-spanner with o(n 4/3) edges. Moreover, for C ≤ 5 all known constructions require Ω(n 3/2) edges.
Low Energy Beta-Ray Spectra: Pm 147 S 35

The beta-spectra of ${\mathrm{S}}^{35}$ and $_{61}\mathrm{Pm}^{147}$ have been measured in order to study further the nature of any low energy deviation from the Fermi theory of beta-decay. Measurements were made with thin, relatively uniform sources in both the 40-cm radius of curvature spectrometer and also in a small 180 degree focusing Helmholtz coil spectrometer designed specifically for low energy spectra. The thinnest sources were less than 10 micrograms/${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$. Using Zapon counter windows ranging from 15 to 3 micrograms/${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ and also a windowless counter technique, Fermi plots were obtained which showed how the measured distribution of particles at low energy depends on both source and counter window thickness.
Structural organization of nuclear gene for subunit Vb of mouse mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase

We have reported recently the isolation of a cDNA for nuclear encoded subunit Vb of mouse cytochrome c oxidase by screening mouse bone marrow and kidney cDNA libraries. In the present study, this cDNA was used as a probe to screen a mouse genomic library and isolate the complete gene encoding subunit Vb. Southern blot hybridization of mouse genomic DNA with the cDNA probe suggested the occurrence of multiple genes including many retroinserts. Restriction analysis followed by Southern blot hybridization of genomic clones was used to identify the putative retroinserts from the intron containing genes. Of the 10 initial genomic clones isolated, one clone (MG3) showing the most complex hybridization pattern was found to contain the complete gene for subunit Vb. The DNA sequence analysis show that the subunit Vb gene contains four exons of 149, 73, 99, and 189 bases interrupted by three relatively small introns of 520, 165, and 648 nucleotides in a gene spanning about 2.5 kilobase pairs. As determined by a combination of primer extension and S1 protection analyses, the major transcription start site appears to be located 49 nucleotides upstream of the translation initiation codon. The ability of the 5' upstream DNA to initiate transcription was studied using the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) expression plasmids in NIH 3T3 cells. Using this system we observed that a segment of the gene spanning nucleotides -574 to +45 can drive the transcription of CAT gene in an orientation dependent manner. The upstream region of subunit Vb gene lacks the TATA and CAAT elements, although it contains several GC rich elements and a pyrimidine rich stretch around the transcription start site.
Effect of Prior Anti-VEGF Injections on the Risk of Retained Lens Fragments and Endophthalmitis after Cataract Surgery in the Elderly.

Purpose To investigate the effect of prior intravitreal anti–vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections on surgical and postoperative complication rates associated with cataract surgery in a nationally representative longitudinal sample of elderly persons. Design Retrospective, longitudinal cohort analysis. Participants A total of 203 643 Medicare beneficiaries who underwent cataract surgery from January 1, 2009, to December 31, 2013. Methods By using the 5% sample of Medicare claims data, the study assessed risks of 3 adverse outcomes after receipt of cataract surgery for beneficiaries with a history of intravitreal injections. Risks of these outcomes in beneficiaries with a history of intravitreal injections relative to those without were calculated using the Cox proportional hazard model. Main Outcome Measures The primary outcome was the risk of subsequent removal of retained lens fragments (RLFs) within 28 days after cataract surgery. Secondary outcomes were a new diagnosis of acute ( Results Prior intravitreal anti-VEGF injections were associated with a significantly increased risk of subsequent RLF removal within 28 days after cataract surgery (hazard ratio [HR], 2.26; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.19–4.30). Prior injections were also associated with increased risk of both acute (HR, 2.29; 95% CI, 1.001–5.22) and delayed-onset endophthalmitis (HR, 3.65; 95% CI, 1.65–8.05). Prior injections were not a significant indicator of increased risk of a new POAG diagnosis. Conclusions A history of intravitreal injections may be a risk factor for cataract surgery–related intraoperative complications and endophthalmitis. Given the frequency of intravitreal injections and cataract surgery, increased preoperative assessment, additional intraoperative caution, and postoperative vigilance are recommended in patients with a history of intravitreal injections undergoing cataract extraction.
Rapid improvement of acute pulmonary edema with sublingual captopril.

Objective: To test the hypothesis that sublingual captopril produces a more rapid improvement of acute pulmonary edema (APE) than does placebo, when added to a standard regimen of O2, nitrates, morphine, and furosemide. Methods: Prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial in an urban teaching hospital ED. Adults brought to the ED with APE were given captopril or placebo sublingually Every 5 minutes a clinical APE distress score (APEX) was obtained. Results: Over the first 40 minutes of treatment, the mean APEXs were significantly better for the patients given captopril [p < 0. 001, F = 14. 5, one-way (repeated-measures) analysis of variance (ANOVA)]. At 30 minutes, the patients given captopril had a mean APEX improvement of 43% (i. e., to 57% of initial distress); the group given the current standard regimen plus placebo improved only 25% (i. e., to 75% of initial distress; p = 0. 03, multiway ANOVA). In addition, there was less respiratory failure necessitating mechanical ventilation in the captopril patients (9%) vs the placebo patients (20%), which did not achieve significance (p = 0. 10, Fisher's exact test). Conclusion: In APE, the addition of sublingual captopril to the standard regimen of O2, nitrates, morphine, and furosemide produces more rapid clinical improvement than does the standard regimen alone.
ELEVATED LEVELS OF ENDOTHELIN-1 ARE ASSOCIATED WITH HIV-ASSOCIATED PULMONARY ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION

Infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is an independent risk factor for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), but the underlying pathogenesis remains unclear. Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a robust vasoconstrictor and key mediator of pulmonary vascular homeostasis. In other forms of PAH,
Contemplating Alzheimer’s Disease and the Contribution of White Matter Hyperintensities

As the older adult segment of the population increases, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has emerged as a significant public health epidemic. Over the past 3 decades, advances in the understanding of the biology of AD have led to a somewhat unified hypothesis of disease pathogenesis that emphasizes the precipitating role of beta amyloid protein. However, several lines of evidence suggest that multiple pathologies are necessary for clinical manifestation of the disease. Our focus over the past several years has been on the contribution of small vessel cerebrovascular disease, visualized as white matter hyperintensities (WMH) on magnetic resonance imaging, to AD. White matter hyperintensity volume, particularly in parietal regions, is elevated among individuals with and at risk for AD, predicts future diagnosis of AD, predicts the rate of progression of cognitive symptoms among individuals with AD, and increases over time among individuals destined to develop AD. White matter hyperintensities may represent an independent source of impairment and/or may interact more fundamentally with “primary” AD pathology. Future work should focus on more inclusive models of that better define “normal” vs “pathological” aging.
Short-term effects of exercise and music on cognitive performance among participants in a cardiac rehabilitation program

Abstract Objective Exercise has been associated with improved cognitive performance among patients with coronary artery disease. Music listening has been associated with enhanced cognitive functioning among healthy adults. This study evaluated the combined influence of exercise and music listening on cognitive performance among patients in cardiac rehabilitation (CR). Design and setting Using a within-subjects repeated measures design, this study was conducted in an outpatient University-based CR facility. Sample Thirty-three men and women (mean age = 62.6 ± 10.5 years) participated in this study. Methods Participants completed 1 exercise session accompanied by music and a second exercise session without music. Order of conditions was assigned randomly. Before and after each exercise session, participants completed a brief assessment of depression and anxiety, and a cognitive test of verbal fluency. Results The music condition was associated with significant improvements in verbal fluency, but the no-music control condition was not associated with cognitive change. Conclusion The study provides preliminary evidence of the combined benefit of exercise and music listening for cognitive performance among patients in CR.
‘Barneyworld’: the cultural imaginary of the global factory

‘“Barneyworld”: the cultural imaginary of the global factory’ is a unique theorization of the work of Matthew Barney within the context of contemporary debates over materiality and materialism that includes readings of Frederic Jameson, Antonio Negri, and Slavoj Žižek. These figures, I argue, represent a new ‘historical’ materialism that has become more prominent since the fading of ‘theory’ (‘poststructuralism’ to be more specific). This new materialism claims to provide explanations of culture which take the material economic and class relations into account and returns the cultural agent to its active historical role. Jameson, for instance, critiques the segregation of culture from the economic in cultural materialism as being itself ‘a symptom and a reinforcement of the reification and privatization of contemporary life’ [Fredric Jameson, The Political Unconscious: Narrative as a Socially Symbolic Act (Ithaca, NY: Cornell UP, 1988), p. 20] by capital. And yet, his own analysis of culture provides a th...
Person-to-person transmission of Pseudomonas cepacia between patients with cystic fibrosis

Ribotyping, a method of strain identification based on analysis of bacterial genomic restriction fragment length polymorphisms, was used to investigate the acquisition of Pseudomonas cepacia by a patient with cystic fibrosis. Analysis of isolates recovered from the index patient and his contacts showed person-to-person transmission of this opportunist organism. This documentation of the transmission of P cepacia from one cystic fibrosis patient to another suggests that measures to limit the acquisition of the pathogen by patients with cystic fibrosis may be worth while.
Separation of inorganic anions in acidic solution by capillary electrophoresis

Abstract Inorganic anions are almost always determined by capillary electrophoresis (CE) at an alkaline pH, so the analytes will be fully ionized. However, a long-chain quaternary ammonium salt usually must be added as a flow modifier to the carrier electrolyte to reverse the direction of the electroosmotic flow. By working at a sufficiently acidic pH, the electroosmotic flow in fused-silica capillaries is virtually eliminated, and anions can be separated simply by differences in their electrophoretic mobilities. Excellent separations were obtained for AuCl 4 − and the chloro complexes of platinum group elements in HCl solution at pH 2.0 to 2.4. No additional buffer or flow modifier was needed. This CE technique is an excellent way to follow slow hydrolytic reactions in which one or more of the chloride ligands is replaced by water. Sharp peaks and good separations were also obtained for MnO 4 − , VO 3 − , chromate, molybdate, ferrocyanide, ferricyanide and stable complex ions such as chromium oxalate (CrO 3 3− ).
Valence-band x-ray photoemission from Ir(001) with high angular resolution and high-energy resolution.

High angular resolution and high-energy-resolution x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements of the Ir valence bands are presented. Valence-band XPS spectra are reported for Ir(001) as a function of the polar angle in the (100) and (110) mirror planes, with an angular resolution of ±1.7 o and an energy resolution of 0.41 eV full width at half maximum. Although some relative intensity variations are observed, the same spectral peaks appear at all angles with only very small (≤0.1 eV) variations in binding energy
Retrospective follow‐up study of foundry and engine plant workers

A retrospective follow-up study of 21,013 workers employed at a foundry and two engine manufacturing plants was conducted to determine if these workers had an unusual mortality experience. A total of 2,235 deaths occurred during the follow-up period of 1970–1987. Mortality from all causes was lower than expected. Men experienced a 6–13% excess of lung cancer deaths, depending on the choice of the comparison group. The data displayed evidence of a positive trend between lung cancer mortality and increasing duration of employment (p = 0.008). White men experienced a statistically significant excess of deaths from stomach cancer (standardized mortality ratio [SMR] = 158; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 101–234). Black men had increased mortality from pancreatic cancer, especially among engine plant workers (SMR = 303; CI = 121–624), and an excess of prostate cancer, concentrated among foundry workers (SMR = 234; CI = 112–430). © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Infrared studies of chain folding in polymers. IX. amylopectin and amylose

Abstract Infrared studies of amylopectin complexes show the presence of the 1295-cm−1 band which has been assigned to the regular fold conformation in amylose. Although no crystallinity was found on the basis of X-ray diffraction, regular folding does occur in amylopectin. These results indicate that the structure of the regular fold in amylopectin complexes is the same as in amylose. Aging studies showed an increase in the fold band intensity with time in both amylose and amylopectin complexes. Swelling of amylopectin films demonstrates that initial attack of the swelling agent occurs at the folded portions of the polymer.
OPEN- AND CLOSED-LOOP DC AND SMALL-SIGNAL CHARACTERISTICS OF PWM BUCK-BOOST CONVERTER FOR CCM

DC and small-signal circuit models of the PWM buck-boost converter for the continuous conduction mode (CCM) are derived. The models take into account parasitic components, such as the equivalent series resistance (ESR) of the filter capacitor, the ESR of the inductor, the transistor on-resistance, and the diode forward resistance and offset voltage. The component values and the parasitics were measured for a prototype converter. The dc voltage transfer function and the efficiency of the converter are derived from the dc model. Small-signal open-loop transfer functions are derived from the small-signal model. The derivation of the transfer function for an integral-lead controller with the loading effect of the voltage divider network in the feedback loop is given. Small-signal closed-loop transfer functions are derived. Bode plots are given for various transfer functions of the converter.
Scaffolding Complex Learning: The Mechanisms of Structuring and Problematizing Student Work

There has been much interest in using software tools to scaffold learners in complex tasks, that is, to provide supports that enable students to deal with more complex content and skill demands than they could otherwise handle. Many different approaches to scaffolding techniques have been presented in a broad range of software tools. I argue that two complementary mechanisms can explain how a diversity of scaffolding approaches in software act to support learners. Software tools can help structure the learning task, guiding learners through key components and supporting their planning and performance. In addition, tools can shape students' performance and understanding of the task in terms of key disciplinary content and strategies and thus problematize this important content. Although making the task more difficult in the short term, by forcing learners to engage with this complexity, such scaffolded tools make this work more productive opportunities for learning. I present arguments for these mechanisms...
A Graph Based Approach Toward Network Forensics Analysis

In this article we develop a novel graph-based approach toward network forensics analysis. Central to our approach is the evidence graph model that facilitates evidence presentation and automated reasoning. Based on the evidence graph, we propose a hierarchical reasoning framework that consists of two levels. Local reasoning aims to infer the functional states of network entities from local observations. Global reasoning aims to identify important entities from the graph structure and extract groups of densely correlated participants in the attack scenario. This article also presents a framework for interactive hypothesis testing, which helps to identify the attacker's nonexplicit attack activities from secondary evidence. We developed a prototype system that implements the techniques discussed. Experimental results on various attack datasets demonstrate that our analysis mechanism achieves good coverage and accuracy in attack group and scenario extraction with less dependence on hard-coded expert knowledge.
Abstract A3: A chemical screen in Tuberin-null cells identifies potential therapies for mTORC1 hyperactive cancers

Introduction: Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an autosomal dominant disorder with multisystem manifestations including seizures, mental retardation, autism, and tumors in the brain, heart, skin, and kidney. TSC is caused by germline inactivating mutations in the TSC1 or TSC2 genes, which encode hamartin (TSC1) and tuberin (TSC2). The TSC1 and TSC2 proteins function as a heterodimer to inhibit Rheb, which is the target of tuberin9s GTPase activating domain. Rheb activates the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) complex 1 (mTORC1). Therefore, tumors from TSC patients have hyperactivation of mTORC1. Rapamycin, an allosteric mTORC1 inhibitor, shrinks kidney angiomyolipomas in TSC patients. However, the impact of rapamycin is cytostatic and discontinuation of treatment leads to tumor regrowth. Our goal was to identify compounds that synergize with rapamycin to induce the death of tuberin-null, mTORC1 hyperactive cells. Methods: We screened the ICCB-Longwood Known Bioactives collection (6,671 compounds which include FDA-approved compounds and clinical trial level compounds) in 621-101 cells. 621-101 cells are patient-derived from a renal angiomyolipoma and have bi-allelic TSC2 inactivation. 1,250 cells per well were plated in 384-well plates and grown overnight followed by pretreatment with rapamycin (20 nM) or DMSO for two hours. Compounds (10-20 uM) were added and allowed to incubate for 48-72 h. ATP levels (CellTiter Glo, Promega) were used as an indicator of cell viability. Staurosporine (1-2 uM) was used as a positive control for cell death. Results: We identified and confirmed 5 compounds that synergize with rapamycin compared to drug treatment alone. Compound 1, a selective B-Raf inhibitor, induces a 2-fold decrease in ATP levels (n=4, p Additionally, we identified 14 compounds that decrease ATP levels more effectively alone than in combination with rapamycin, which we have classified as potential single agent therapies. Of these, Compound 6 a protein kinase-C inhibitor, has been confirmed to decrease cell viability in 621-101 cells and Tsc2-null mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) compared to 621-101 cells treated with rapamycin and Tsc2 wild-type MEFs, respectively. Conclusions: We identified novel therapeutic agents for mTORC1 hyperactive cells, including 5 that synergize with rapamycin and several with potential single-agent efficacy. Their biologic mechanisms of action may reveal novel cellular pathways that participate in the pathogenesis of TSC and other mTORC1 hyperactive cancers. Note: This abstract was not presented at the conference because the presenter was unable to attend. Citation Format: Doug Medvetz. A chemical screen in Tuberin-null cells identifies potential therapies for mTORC1 hyperactive cancers [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Chemical Systems Biology: Assembling and Interrogating Computational Models of the Cancer Cell by Chemical Perturbations; 2012 Jun 27-30; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(13 Suppl):Abstract nr A3.
Preparation and magnetic properties of iron(3+) spin-crossover complexes bearing a thiophene substituent: toward multifunctional metallopolymers.

The synthesis of a new 3-ethynylthienyl-substituted QsalH ligand (QsalH is the short form for N-(8-quinolyl)salicylaldimine) (ThEQsalH 3), and the preparation, electronic, and magnetic properties of three homoleptic and cationic iron(3+) complexes containing this ligand with PF6− 4, SCN− 5, and ClO4− 6 counteranions are reported. In all three complexes a spin-crossover is observed in the solid state by variable temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements and Mossbauer spectroscopy, indicating that the synthetic modification of the QsalH ligand has not significantly altered the electronics at the metal center. This includes the observation of a very rare S = 5/2 to 3/2 spin-crossover in a non-porphyrin iron(3+) complex 5. The molecular structure and magnetic properties of an unusual iron(2+) complex 7 generated by reduction of complex 6 serendipitously during a recrystallization attempt in aerobic acetone solution is also reported. Complexes 4−6 feature iron(3+) reduction and oxidation of the thiophen...
Women and Alcohol in a Highland Maya Town: Water of Hope, Water of Sorrow

Women and Alcohol in a Highland Maya Town: Water of Hope, Water of Sorrow. Christine Eber. Austin: University of Texas Press, 1995. xiv + 303 pp. $40.00 (cloth), $18.95 (paper). ISBN 0-292-72089-0, ISBN 0-292-72090-4.
Pulsed laser deposition of oxide superconducting thin films

Pulsed laser deposition (PLD) is emerging as a popular thin film deposition technique for complex materials, especially metal oxides such as high temperature superconductors. Advantages over other thin film techniques are ease of stoichiometric deposition, high deposition rates, and processing pressure independence. Furthermore, multilayer deposition can be accomplished by simply switching different targets into the laser beam. Two common problems associated with PLD are particle deposition and target modification. In this paper we summarize some of the advantages, difficulties, and future directions of PLD.
Plasma Growth Hormone and Prolactin Response to FK 33-824, a Synthetic Opioid Agonist, in Broiler Chickens,

Abstract A synthetic opioid agonist, FK 33-824 ([D-Ala2, N-Me-Phe4, Met-(O)5-ol]-enkephalin), was administered intramuscularly at levels of 0, 1, 25, or 625 μ g/kg of body weight to 4-wk-old Arbor Acres × Arbor Acres broiler cockerels. All levels of FK 33-824 caused the birds to be sedated, with the highest dose causing deep sedation over the 240-min test period. A significant time by treatment interaction was seen for plasma growth hormone (GH). At 30 min after treatment, a significant increase in GH occurred, but this transitory increase returned to control levels at 60 min. A secondary GH peak was observed in the 240-min samples from cockerels given the 625 μ g/kg dose. Significant treatment and time effects and a time by treatment interaction were seen in the plasma prolactin (PRL) response to FK 33-824. Prolactin was increased at 30 and 60 min after treatment with 1 μ g/kg, whereas higher doses seemed to suppress PRL concentrations. Over the 240-min experimental period, PRL concentrations tended to increase in all treatments except in the treatment with the lowest FK 33-824 dose, but the largest transitory increase was observed at 240 min in the birds given the 625 μ g/kg dose. These results suggest that FK 33-824 affected GH and PRL secretion in chickens in a manner different from other opioid agonists. This difference was probably due to the ability of FK 33-824 to bind to multiple opiate receptors, with the highest affinity for μ receptors and lesser affinity for δ receptors, whereas other opioids have high affinity for δ receptors. Effects mediated by μ receptors may be stimulatory for GH and PRL secretion in chickens, whereas δ receptors may cause inhibitory responses.
Fan noise reduction of household refrigerator

The authors describe the method of reducing the fan noise, especially the impeller noise, of a household refrigerator. The fan in the refrigerator tested is a propeller fan, and the fan unit consists of an impeller, which has four blades, a rear board, which covers the evaporator, and a front board, which has a number of openings. The flow through the openings freezes food in the freezer. By measuring the internal flow with a laser Doppler velocimeter, it was made clear that the flow through the impeller was not symmetrical to the axis. The unsymmetrical flow seems to be caused by the restrictions of flow passages, and it might produce the impeller noise. The search for the sound source by the sound intensity method indicated that the noise was radiated through the openings of the front board. Guiders were installed on the rear board in the fan unit to guide the flow away from the openings. As a result, the impeller noise was reduced, whereas the flow was kept almost the same. >
A comparison of two phase III multicenter, placebo-controlled studies of tamsulosin in BPH.

In two large, multicenter, double-blind, parallel, US phase III clinical trials, men with benign prostatic hyperplasia were randomized to receive tamsulosin, either 0.4 or 0.8 mg daily, or placebo for 13 weeks. Efficacy was determined by changes from baseline in American Urological Association (AUA) symptom scores and peak urinary flow and by percentages of responders with clinically meaningful (> 25%) AUA score improvement and at least 30% increase in peak urinary flow. Secondary efficacy parameters were AUA and Boyarsky irritative, obstructive, and individual scores; investigators’ global assessment; and a total quality-of-life evaluation. Also analyzed were laboratory test results and adverse events, including orthostatic and antihypertensive effects. A trend toward statistically significant improvement occurred in all primary and secondary efficacy endpoints at both dosages versus placebo, except for peak urinary flow rate at endpoint in one trial with 0.4 mg of tamsulosin (P = .064). Urinary flow rates increased within hours after first tamsulosin dose. No clinically or statistically meaningful sitting blood pressure or symptomatic orthostatic changes were seen, and no physical findings or alterations in laboratory or electrocardiographic results were attributable to treatment. Tamsulosin 0.4 and 0.8 mg daily had a rapid onset of action and was effective and well tolerated, with minimal differences observed between dosage groups. The incidence of side effects was similar to that with placebo, and efficacy was sustained with 0.4 mg daily.
Muscle contraction and fatigue : The role of adenosine 5'-diphosphate and inorganic phosphate

Though many explanations are offered for the fatigue process in contracting skeletal muscle (both central and peripheral factors), none completely explain the decline in force production capability because fatigue is specific to the activity being performed. However, one needs to look no further than the muscle contraction crossbridge cycle itself in order to explain a major contributor to the fatigue process in exercise of any duration. The bypdoducts of adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP) hydrolysis, adenosine 5′-diphosphate (ADP) and inorganic phosphate (Pi) are released during the crossbridge cycle and can be implicated in the fatigue process due to the requirement of their release for proper crossbridge activity. Pi release is coupled to the powerstroke of the crossbridge cycle. The accumulation of Pi during exercise would lead to a reversal of its release step, therefore causing a decrement in force production capability. Due to the release of Pi with both the immediate (phosphagen) energy system and the hydrolysis of ATP, Pi accumulation is probably the largest contributor to the fatigue process in exercise of any duration. ADP release occurs near the end of the crossbridge cycle and therefore controls the velocity of crossbridge detachment. Therefore, ADP accumulation, which occurs during exercise of extended duration (or in ischaemic conditions), causes a slowing of the rate constants (and therefore a decrease in the maximal velocity of shortening) in the crossbridge cycle and a reduced oscillatory power output. The combined effects of these accumulated hydrolysis byproducts accounts for a large amount of the fatigue process in exercise of any intensity or duration.
Effect of membrane capacitance on the induced electric field for the magnetic peripheral nerve stimulation

Magnetic stimulation is an evolving, non-invasive neural stimulation technology used for clinical applications, including brain mapping, treatment of mood disorders, epilepsy, and chronic pain. Based on the induction principle, magnetic stimulation induces electric fields in the conductive tissue due to the time-varying current in the magnetic coil. It requires the magnetic coil to be in close proximity to the stimulation site to produce neural activation. The stimulation threshold of magnetic stimulation depends on the magnitude and the pulse width of the induced electric field. Traditionally, the efficacy of the magnetic stimulation is studied using analytical formulations based on the coil parameters and operating conditions (Roth, B. J. et. al., IEEE TBME 1990). Several studies were performed to include the tissue boundaries in the simulation model of the induced electric field (Nagarajan, S.S. et al., IEEE TBME 1996). However, these models were over simplified and do not include the tissue heterogeneity found in the nerve bundle.
Apolipoprotein E dose-dependent modulation of β-amyloid deposition in a transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease

Susceptibility to the development of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is increased for individuals harboring one or more apolipoprotein E4 (apoE4) alleles. Even though several isoform-specific effects of apoE have been identified, the relationship between biochemical function and risk factor assessment remains unknown. Our previous studies have demonstrated that there is an equilibrium between cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) and plasma β-amyloid (Aβ) and that amyloid plaques can modify this equilibrium. Trafficking of soluble central nervous system (CNS) Aβ is a very dynamic system that almost certainly is modulated by Aβ-binding proteins. Altered trafficking of the Aβ peptide might have a dramatic consequence as to whether the peptide is metabolized or begins to deposit within the brain. To gain a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which apoE influences AD pathogenesis and/or Aβ trafficking, we developed PDAPP transgenic mice that express different levels of human apoE3. Analysis of the soluble CNS pools of Aβ in young mice showed an apoE3 dose-dependent decrease in Aβ levels (E3−/−>E3−/−>E3+/+). In addition to the dose-dependent effects on soluble Aβ, by 15 mo of age there were highly significant differences in the amount of deposited Aβ between the genotypes (E3−/−>E3−/−>E3+/+). These data indicate that apoE3 provides a dose-dependent protective effect against Aβ deposition. This study suggests that increasing human apoE levels in brain might be a possible therapeutic target for preventing AD.
Electronic reflective student portfolios to demonstrate achievement of ability-based outcomes during advanced pharmacy practice experiences.

Objectives. To demonstrate achievement of ability-based outcomes through a structured review of electronic student portfolios in an advanced pharmacy practice experience (APPE) program. Design. One hundred thirty-eight students produced electronic portfolios containing select work products from APPEs, including a self-assessment reflective essay that demonstrated achievement of course manual-specified ability-based outcomes. Assessment. Through portfolio submissions, all students demonstrated the achievement of ability-based outcomes for providing pharmaceutical care, evaluating the literature, and managing the medication use system with patient case reports most frequently submitted. The rubric review of self-reflective essays addressed student learning through APPEs and continuing professional development plans. Conclusion. The electronic portfolio with reflective essay proved to be a useful vehicle to demonstrate achievement of ability-based outcomes.