cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Local control with pre-operative radiotherapy alone versus "sandwich" radiotherapy for rectal carcinoma.

Abstract Forty-nine patients with primary adenocarcinoma of the rectum, clinically localized to the pelvis were treated with pre-op radiotherapy (RT) 1500 cGy/5 fx with AP/PA fields, followed by immediate curative resection. Patients staged as Astler-Coller B2, C1, or C2 were considered for post-op RT, 4140 cGy/23 fxs with a 4-field technique. There were 47 evaluable patients in this non-randomized study. Two groups of patients were analyzed, namely pre-op RT only (24 patients) and combined pre- and post-op ("sandwich") RT (23 patients). Two patients with pre-op RT only were considered inevaluable for recurrence because they died NED at 1 and 7 mo. All patients have been followed for >1 year; 77% have been followed for >2 yr. There has been only one local recurrence (LR), surprisingly in a Stage A pre-op RT patient who had no residual tumor in the final operative specimen. In the pre-op group which included 10 B2s, and 1 C2,1500 cGy in 5 days (equivalent to 1940 cGy by the NSD formulation) was associated with no local recurrence. No distant metastases (DM) have developed in this group. In the "sandwich" RT group, which included 3 B2s, 1 C1, 17 C2s, and 1 D (localized to the pelvis, i.e. ovary), there were no LRs and 7 DMs (1 B2 and 6 C2s). Actuarial survival is 92% in the pre-op RT group at 2 and 3 yr, and 82% in the "sandwich" group at 2 and 3 yr. There have been no serious early or late complications related to RT in our pre-op group. The use of 1500 cGy in 5 days as pre-op RT with immediate surgery may prove, upon longer follow-up, to be sufficient for increasing local control, with minimum morbidity, in patients with B2 disease. Patients with C2 disease are being controlled locally with the "sandwich" regimen, but it is not clear whether pre-op RT alone may be adequate in this group as well. We are now addressing this question in a randomized study.
The residue identification algorithm and constrained least squares applied to space shuttle main engine data

The residue identification algorithm (RID) is applied to flight data taken from the space shuttle main engine (SSME). Given spectral estimates of the SSME test data and the poles of the system, RID calculates a model of the spectral quantities using a least-squares technique. Application of RID to an SSME spectral estimate is shown. RID is also modified to use constrained least squares (CLS) instead of least squares. This technique is used to obtain models which more tightly fit the data within a user specified frequency range. A contrived example using RID with CLS is included to illustrate the advantages of using this method.
Generalized Sampling-Based Motion Planners

In this paper, generalized versions of the probabilistic sampling-based planners, i.e., probabilistic roadmaps and rapidly exploring random tree, are presented. The generalized planners, i.e., generalized probabilistic roadmap and the generalized rapidly exploring random tree, result in hybrid hierarchical feedback planners that are robust to the uncertainties in the robot motion model and in the robot map or workspace. The proposed planners are analyzed and shown to probabilistically be complete. The algorithms are tested on fully actuated and underactuated robots on several maps of varying degrees of difficulty, and the results show that the generalized methods have a significant advantage over the traditional methods when planning under uncertainty.
Simultaneous segmentation and figure/ground organization using angular embedding

Image segmentation and figure/ground organization are fundamental steps in visual perception. This paper introduces an algorithm that couples these tasks together in a single grouping framework driven by low-level image cues. By encoding both affinity and ordering preferences in a common representation and solving an Angular Embedding problem, we allow segmentation cues to influence figure/ground assignment and figure/ground cues to influence segmentation. Results are comparable to state-of-the-art automatic image segmentation systems, while additionally providing a global figure/ground ordering on regions.
Role of endoscopy for primary prophylaxis of variceal bleeding

Varices are seen in one-third of unselected patients with cirrhosis and of these approximately one-third will bleed within 2 years from the time of diagnosis. The mortality with each bleeding episode ranges from 20% to 40% depending on the severity of liver disease. Although cost-effective, universal prophylaxis without endoscopic confirmation of large varices or varices with red signs is not recommended because of the treatment associated side effects. All cirrhotic patients should be screened and staged in a consistent and reproducible manner. Those with small varices or no varices should be re-screened every 1 to 2 years, respectively, thereafter. All high-risk (large esophageal or gastric varices, and those with red signs) patients should be treated with adequate doses (target heart rate of 60 per minute or less) of nonselective β-blockers. Endoscopic sclerotherapy has no role for primary prophylaxis. Endoscopic band ligation is as effective as β-blockers, but it should be reserved for those who are noncompliant or intolerant of β-blockers.
An Experiment Of The Effect Of Teaching Different Computational Methods Of Operating Cash Flows On Student Understanding

This study uses an experimental approach to determine if student understanding of the association between depreciation and cash flows differs based on which method of computing operating cash flows is presented to students. The participants are undergraduate and graduate students in business at a major university in the southwest United States. The participants attended sessions where they heard a brief lecture explaining operating cash flows using either the direct or indirect methods.
State of the Science: The Relationship Between Nurse Staffing and Patient Outcomes

Over a decade of research on the relationship between nurse staffing and patient outcomes has demonstrated the important role of nurses in the provision of high-quality, safe care, yet currently, no evidence-based nurse staffing guidelines exist. A systematic review of reviews was conducted to explore reasons why this is the case and recommend directions for future research to improve upon this gap. Authors of the 29 included reviews reported variability in methods and measurement approaches, lack of incorporation of nurse processes and system factors that potentially affect relationships among variables, and overall inconsistencies in results across primary studies. We propose use of an Integrated Framework for a Systems Approach to Nurse Staffing Research to inform the development of applicable conceptual models. Future studies that use a systems approach and focus on establishing causal relationships among variables will potentially strengthen the evidence and advance the science in this area.
The Application of Hilbert-Huang Transforms to Meteorological Datasets

Recently a new spectral technique as been developed for the analysis of aperiodic and nonlinear signals - the Hilbert-Huang transform. This paper shows how these transforms can be used to discover synoptic and climatic features: For sea level data, the transforms capture the oceanic tides as well as large, aperiodic river outflows. In the case of solar radiation, we observe variations in the diurnal and seasonal cycles. Finally, from barographic data, the Hilbert-Huang transform reveals the passage of extratropical cyclones, fronts, and troughs. Thus, this technique can flag significant weather events such its a flood or the passage of a squall line.
Estimating the Nationwide, Hospital Based Economic Impact of Pediatric Urolithiasis

Purpose: The incidence of urolithiasis is increasing in children and adolescents but the economic impact of this problem is unclear. We examined 2 large databases to estimate the nationwide economic impact of pediatric urolithiasis.Materials and Methods: We analyzed the 2009 NEDS and KID, used ICD-9-CM codes to identify children 18 years or younger diagnosed with urolithiasis and abstracted demographic and charge data from each database.Results: We identified 7,348 weighted inpatient discharges in KID and 33,038 emergency department weighted encounters in NEDS. Of the patients 32% and 36% were male, respectively. Inpatients were younger than those who presented to the ED (mean age 13.9 vs 15.7 years). Most patients had private insurance (52.9% to 57.2%) and the South was the most common geographic region (39.5% to 44.4%). The most common procedures were ureteral stent placement in 20.4% to 24.1% of cases, followed by ureteroscopy in 3.8% to 4.4%. Median charges per admission were $13,922 for a weighted to...
Acute renal allograft rejection with intimal arteritis: histologic predictors of response to therapy and graft survival.

Acute renal allograft rejection with intimal arteritis: Histologic predictors of response to therapy and graft survival. Background Acute renal allograft rejection with intimal arteritis is designated by the widely used Banff 97 classification as type 2A or 2B depending on the extent of arteritis, without regard to interstitial inflammation or tubulitis. We examined whether the distinction between type 2A and 2B is relevant to short- and long-term clinical outcomes, and if outcomes in this subset of acute rejection also are affected by tubulitis, interstitial inflammation, and several additional histologic and clinical parameters. Methods Pathology records were searched to identify cases of acute renal allograft rejection with intimal arteritis diagnosed between January 1985 and September 2000. For each case, the patient's chart was reviewed to determine the response of the rejection episode to therapy, type(s) of therapy given, and length of graft survival. All biopsies were reviewed and Banff acute and chronic indices recorded by a pathologist blinded to these data. Biopsies not showing type 2A or 2B rejection were excluded, as were repeat biopsies from the same patient and cases with recurrent glomerular disease, viral infection, donor-specific antibodies, or more than mild chronic change. Results The initial response to anti-rejection therapy was significantly worse in patients with type 2B acute rejection ( N = 29) than in those with type 2A ( N = 102) by univariate and multivariate analyses, despite more aggressive treatment of type 2B rejection. In a Cox proportional hazards model the hazard ratio for graft failure for 2B versus 2A was 1.9 ( P = 0.05), but this was not significant when adjusted for the initial response to therapy. Cases with minimal or mild tubulitis responded better to therapy than those with moderate or severe tubulitis, although graft survival was not significantly affected by the tubulitis score. Conclusions The distinction between types 2A and 2B acute rejection in the Banff 97 classification has significant prognostic value with regard to both short- and long-term clinical outcomes, although the difference in long-term graft survival is mainly related to the initial response to therapy. Reports of biopsies showing type 2A or 2B rejection also should specify the degree of tubulitis present, as the latter may significantly influence the initial response to therapy.
Scapular Orientation During Planar and Three‐dimensional Upper Limb Movements in Individuals with Anterior Glenohumeral Joint Instability

Background and purpose The purpose of the study was to investigate whether individuals with anterior glenohumeral joint (GHJ) instability exhibit different scapular orientation from individuals with healthy shoulders in a planar shoulder movement and a functional three-dimensional (3D) reaching task. Methods This is a between-groups study with repeated measures. Ten people with anterior GHJ instability and 15 people with healthy shoulders participated in the study. For the planar shoulder movement task, participants were asked to abduct the shoulder from the resting position to pre-determined target angles (45°, 90°, and 135° of shoulder abduction) in the frontal plane. For the 3D reaching task, participants were asked to move the unconstrained arm to a remembered target location in space. Scapular orientation about three rotational axes was analysed at the target location and compared between the two groups of subjects. Results For planar abduction, participants with GHJ instability and those with healthy shoulders exhibited similar scapular orientation changes in upward–downward rotation, anterior–posterior tipping and medial–lateral rotation. For 3D reaching, participants with GHJ instability and those with healthy shoulders also exhibited similar scapular orientation changes pointing to targets at various locations. Conclusions Results of this study show that scapular orientation changes associated with shoulder abduction and functional reaching activities were similar in people with GHJ instability and those with healthy shoulders. The current study suggests that anterior GHJ instability has little impact on scapular kinematics during upper limb movements in a chronic condition without pain, muscle weakness or limited range of motion. Altered scapular kinematics may not contribute to the high recurrence rate of anterior GHJ dislocation. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reconstruction of Hip Joint Function in Extant and Fossil Primates

The strepsirhines engage in a variety of locomotor behaviors, including vertical clinging and leaping, active arboreal quadrupedalism and deliberate climbing and suspension. In each of these locomotor modes, hip abduction plays a role in enabling an animal to move in the complex, three-dimensional arboreal realm (Figure 1). For instance, hip abduction characterizes clinging postures prior to leap take-off in galagos, indriids and Lepilemur (Anemone, 1990; Demes et al., 1996; Demes, pers. com.). Abducted hip postures also occur among above-branch quadrupeds such as cheirogaleids and many lemurids who primarily walk, run and leap, but who also climb and engage in hindlimb suspension (Oxnard et al., 1990), both of which require moderate hip abduction. In turn, lorisids, such as the potto, frequently use highly abducted hip postures and even on the ground progress slowly with limbs abducted (Walker, 1969, 1979; Oxnard et al., 1990). Since hip abduction is such an important and variable component of hindlimb locomotion in extant small-bodied primates, the ability to reconstruct this behavior in small-bodied fossil primates should prove useful in determining their overall locomotor profile.
What's End of Life Got to Do With It? Research Ethics With Populations at Life's End

Purpose: This study addressed key concerns that gave rise to the question of whether special guidelines were needed to monitor research at the end of life. Design and Methods: Summary of established ethical and legal guidelines that govern the conduct of research with human subjects, with discussion of issues relevant to populations at life’s end. Discussion of whether special guidelines are indicated focuses on four questions concerning: (a) time periods; (b) methods and approaches; (c) informed consent; and (d) obligations of researchers. Results: Although research involving patients at end of life does present important ethical and moral challenges to researchers and should be scrutinized carefully by institutional review boards (IRBs), special guidelines are not required. Implications: Closer examination of the dimensions discussed will enhance the research endeavor and model the qualities for which end-of-life research should become known.
Effect of Radiation on Survival for Patients with Uterine Leiomyosarcoma: Review of the SEER Database

Purpose/Objective(s): Uterine leiomyosarcomas (LMS) are rare and often aggressive malignancies comprising 30% of all patients with uterine sarcomas. Primary treatment includes surgery, however the role of adjuvant radiation therapy remains controversial. This study aims to evaluate the role of adjuvant radiation therapy in women with LMS using the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End results (SEER) database.
New Species and Notes on Begonia (Begoniaceae) from Middle America, I

Abstract. Four new species for the Begoniaceae, Begonia campanensis Burt-Utley & Utley and B. fortunensis Burt-Utley & Utley from Panama; B. matudae Burt-Utley & Utley from Chiapas, Mexico; and B. makrinii Burt-Utley & Utley from Oaxaca, Mexico, are described and illustrated. Begonia mucronistipula C. DC. from Panama is evaluated and synonymized with B. davidsoniae Standl. ex L. B. Sm. & B. G. Schub. and B. brevicyma C. DC.
Measuring the level of medical technology in hospitals

To determine the appropriate level of clinical engineering support for a hospital, it is important to know both the size of the hospital (number of staffed beds) and the level of medical technology provided by the hospital (relative to other hospitals of the same size). A study of medium-to-large community hospitals has shown that a measure using published data regarding the availability of various high-technology facilities and services is a reliable and valid indicator of the level of medical technology in a hospital. Detailed findings are presented, including a comparison of this measure with two subjective ratings. >
How do Hospice Staff Prepare Family Caregivers for Death

I. Background. While there is widespread agreement that families need to be prepared for care giving in the final days, there is very little research about such preparation. At present, hospice staff visits are the primary means of providing preparatory information. Additional means of providing information would assist in meeting family informational needs in a timely manner and may reduce the costs of care. II. Research Objectives. This study was designed to describe how hospice staff prepare families for care giving in the final days and for the patient’s death including: (i) What is the content of preparatory information given by hospice staff? (ii) What is the timing of such information? and (iii) Does the timing or content differ between situations, and if so, what factors change the information or delivery? III. Methods. This qualitative study used purposeful sampling for maximum variation with 20 out of 40 volunteers selected. Interviews were conducted, audio-recorded, transcribed, and then coded by at least two researchers. A conventional content analysis approach was used. IV. Results. Participants included all hospice staff that provided care in the home setting. Preparatory messages most often included: signs and symptoms (s/sx) observed, causes of s/sx, information on projected time to death, what to do to maintain comfort and what to expect next. Common s/sx and contradictions related to timing will be described. Staff tailored content and delivery of messages on both patient and family factors. V. Conclusion. Hospice staff differed in how they prepare families for care giving in the final days. Despite these differences, the content of the preparatory messages was very similar across disciplines and agencies. VI. Implications for Research, Policy, or Practice. Better understanding of the content, timing, and tailoring of preparatory information for families providing care in the final days will allow us to (i) training new staff to better prepare families, and (ii) develop and test methods of providing preparatory information other than face-to face visits.
The Effect of Pretransplant Depression and Anxiety on Survival Following Lung Transplant: A Meta-analysis.

Background Current lung transplant allocation guidelines recommend considering psychological function when assessing candidacy despite limited data on whether patients with conditions, such as anxiety and depression, have reduced benefit from transplant because of decreased survival after transplant. Objective The aim of this article was to determine whether pretransplant depression and anxiety are associated with worse posttransplant survival. Methods We searched Medline, Journal Storage, and Embase for original articles that assessed the effect of pretransplant depression and anxiety on survival following lung transplant published up to November 2015. We calculated a summary estimate of hazard ratios for death using a random effects model. Results In total, 6 prospective longitudinal cohort studies were included in the meta-analysis, 4 of which used continuous scores on validated instruments to measure anxiety and depression. There were 711 patients of whom 345 (48.5%) died during the available follow-up time (mean = 7.8 years). Pretransplant anxiety and depression were not associated with posttransplant survival (hazard ratio=1.009; 95% CI: 0.998–1.019). Heterogeneity was not detected ( I 2 = 0.00%, Q = 5.87, p = 0.66) and the results did not differ whether anxiety or depression was treated as the exposure of interest. Conclusions There is sufficient evidence to conclude that scores on indices of depression and anxiety pretransplant are not associated with worse survival following lung transplant.
Sentencing in the US: An Inquisitorial Soul in an Adversarial Body?

This article is a chapter in a book celebrating the contributions of Mirjan Damaska to the field of comparative criminal procedure. One of points that Professor Damaska makes in his writings is that it is difficult to divide national systems of criminal procedure into either-or categories whereby a system is either adversarial or inquisitorial. As he notes, when one looks closely at a national system, one often finds adversarial aspects in those systems one might initially be inclined to consider inquisitorial and inquisitorial features in some systems we normally would consider adversarial. The article builds on this insight by looking at sentencing in the United States, a country that is rather outspoken in its claim to have an adversarial trial system and not an inquisitorial system. The article agrees with this claim if you look at a trial as only concerned with the issue of guilt. At trials in the U.S., even compared to other common law systems, the parties have almost complete control over the evidence and the neutral role assigned trial judges doesn't permit them to ask questions or summarize the evidence. But when one considers trial in the European sense where a trial is concerned both with guilt and possible sentence, the U.S. looks quite different. The article shows that the sort of raw sentencing power possessed by judges in the U.S. has no analog on the continent where sentencing in all but very minor cases will be a shared decision by a mixed panel of judges or a panel of professional judges. It will also be fully reviewable on appeal. By contrast, sentencing in the U.S is highly "inquisitorial" in the perjorative sense of vesting nearly unreviewable power in a single personage and allowing this judge to base the sentencing decision on evidence that has not been subject to the traditional scrutiny that is required for evidence supporting the trial verdict. In short, the U.S. is not the rigorously adversarial model it claims to be - it is schizophrenic in that it is so rigorously adversarial on the issue of guilt and so completely inquisitorial in its approach to sentencing.
Phylogenetically resolving epidemiologic linkage

Although the use of phylogenetic trees in epidemiological investigations has become commonplace, their epidemiological interpretation has not been systematically evaluated. Here, we use an HIV-1 within-host coalescent model to probabilistically evaluate transmission histories of two epidemiologically linked hosts. Previous critique of phylogenetic reconstruction has claimed that direction of transmission is difficult to infer, and that the existence of unsampled intermediary links or common sources can never be excluded. The phylogenetic relationship between the HIV populations of epidemiologically linked hosts can be classified into six types of trees, based on cladistic relationships and whether the reconstruction is consistent with the true transmission history or not. We show that the direction of transmission and whether unsampled intermediary links or common sources existed make very different predictions about expected phylogenetic relationships: (i) Direction of transmission can often be established when paraphyly exists, (ii) intermediary links can be excluded when multiple lineages were transmitted, and (iii) when the sampled individuals' HIV populations both are monophyletic a common source was likely the origin. Inconsistent results, suggesting the wrong transmission direction, were generally rare. In addition, the expected tree topology also depends on the number of transmitted lineages, the sample size, the time of the sample relative to transmission, and how fast the diversity increases after infection. Typically, 20 or more sequences per subject give robust results. We confirm our theoretical evaluations with analyses of real transmission histories and discuss how our findings should aid in interpreting phylogenetic results.
A legal perspective

The unique information control provisions of the Atomic Energy Act have led to the present irrational dual security program in which atomic energy matters are treated differently from everything else.
Banaschewski Functions and Ring-Embeddings

The examples of totally ordered abelian groups which are most easily constructed are the lexicographically ordered products of copies of the real numbers. If the unordered product is formed over a totally ordered index set, then the lexicographically ordered product consists of the functions in the unordered product with inversely well-ordered supports. These functions are added coordinatewise, and a function is greater than zero if its value at its maximal supporting element is greater than zero. The resulting structure is a totally ordered abelian group.
Characteristic of Sports and Some Ideas on System of Administration of Sports

The function of sport is multivariant,and the system of administration of sports must be brought new ideas according to the era,which adapts to the requirement of sports enterprise' development.
Determination of Ferulic acid in health food by high performance liquid chromatography

Objective:A method has been established for the determination of Ferulic acid in health food by high performance liquid chromatography.Methods:The separation was carried out on a Xterra RP18(4.6×250 mm,5 μm) RP-column with 2487 UV detection at 322 nm,the mobile phase were acetonitrile and 0.5% acetic acid(28:72 v/v) with the flow rate at 1.0 ml/min.Results:When the ferulic was at 0.005 μg/ml~80 μg/ml,the perfect linearity between concentration and peak area ratio was obtained(r=0.9999).The detection limit was 5.0 μg/L,the recovery was 98.0%~100.8% and the RSD for the within-run precision was between 1.10%~1.81%.Conclusion:This method is simple,rapid and accurate,so that can be used for the determination of Ferulic acid in health food.
Superior bioavailability of digoxin solution in capsules

The bioavailability of various formulations of digoxin was assessed after single and multiple doses in a series of crossover studies in human volunteers. Digoxin tablets that were 97% dissolved in 1 hr in vitro were not significantly better absorbed than tablets with a dissolution rate of 78%. A solution given in capsule form had greater bioavailability than tablets of 97% dissolution rate; serum and urinary glycoside levels after 0.4 mg doses of the encapsulated solution were similar to those attained after 0.5 mg doses of tablets with dissolution rates of 78% and 97%. The bioavailability of the solution in capsule form exceeded that of equal doses of the same solution given as a liquid or that of a standard elixir. No increase in gastrointestinal or cardiac toxicity was detected. Inter- and intrasubject variation in bioavailability was not decreased. Above a certain level, dissolution rate is no longer the limiting factor in digoxin absorption. The mechanism of the enhanced bioavailability of concentrated liquid digoxin in capsule form remains to be determined. Such a preparation deserves further consideration as a possible replacement for digoxin tablets.
Determination of Forces and Moments of Force Transmitted by the Wheel of a Mobile Robot During Motion

This paper is concerned with a mechanical system for determination of forces and moments of force transmitted by a wheel of a mobile robot during its motion. At the beginning, the importance of the knowledge of forces and moments of force acting on a wheel of the vehicle are highlighted. Such knowledge may be useful during designing and optimizing the construction of a vehicle and also can be the basis for development of tire models which are used, for example, in vehicle dynamics simulations. Next, the concept of a solution enabling determination of forces and moments of force transmitted by the wheel of a robot is described in detail. The method of determination of those forces and moments of force takes into account the motion of the vehicle and properties of the drive units. The developed solution is based on the measurement of the forces transmitted by force sensors located near bearings mounted on the axle of each wheel. Finally, implementation of the proposed system in the four-wheeled mobile robot with independently driven nonsteered wheels is presented.
Pelizaeus-Merzbacher Disease

Publisher Summary This chapter outlines the historical perspective of Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease (PMD). Zeman and coworkers suggested that the defect in PMD resided in the proteolipid protein (PLP), commonly known as lipophilin or Folch-Lees protein, the major protein component of myelin. This chapter also discusses the genetics of PMD/SPG2. PLP is one of nature's most hydrophobic proteins. The extra hydrophobic character of this integral membrane is because of an unusual degree of fatty acid acylation. The exceptional nature of PLP as a protein is echoed in the gene, which is extremely well conserved. PLP gene structure is preserved among tetrapods and readily discernible in the primordial gene of the lipophilin family present in invertebrates. Mammals share a nearly identical coding capacity for PLP. Moreover, no amino acid polymorphisms have been detected in the thousands of coding regions sequenced in the human PLP gene. PLP is encoded by a single gene that is composed of seven exons located on the X chromosome. Furthermore, this chapter illustrates how mutations result in overexpression, or loss-of-function or gain-of-function of PLP. Molecular pathogenesis of PMD has also been described.
Optimal charging of batteries via a single particle model with electrolyte and thermal dynamics

This paper seeks to derive insight on battery charging control using electrochemistry models. Directly using full order complex multi-partial differential equation (PDE) electrochemical battery models is difficult and sometimes impossible to implement. This paper develops an approach for obtaining optimal charge control schemes, while ensuring safety through constraint satisfaction. An optimal charge control problem is mathematically formulated via a coupled reduced order electrochemical-thermal model which conserves key electrochemical and thermal state information. The Legendre-Gauss-Radau (LGR) pseudo-spectral method with adaptive multi-mesh-interval collocation is employed to solve the resulting nonlinear multi-state optimal control problem. Minimum time charge protocols are analyzed in detail subject to solid and electrolyte phase concentration constraints, as well as temperature constraints. The optimization scheme is examined using different input current bounds, and an insight on battery design for fast charging is provided.
CLIMATE AND CLIMATE CHANGE | Climate Variability: Decadal to Centennial Variability

This article is reproduced from the previous edition, volume 1, pp 418–424, © 2003, Elsevier Ltd.
Analysis of thulium fiber laser induced bubble dynamics for ablation of kidney stones.

Image of bubble formation during fiber optic delivery of Thulium fiber laser energy in saline (35 mJ, 500 μs). The Thulium fiber laser (TFL) is being explored as an alternative to the Holmium : YAG laser for lithotripsy. TFL parameters differ in several fundamental ways from Holmium laser, including smaller fiber delivery, more strongly absorbed wavelength, low pulse energy/high pulse rate operation, and more uniform temporal pulse structure. High speed imaging of laser induced bubbles was performed at 105,000 frames per second and 10 μm spatial resolution to determine influence of these laser parameters on bubble formation and needle hydrophone data was also used to measure pressure transients. The TFL was operated at 1908 nm with pulse energies of 5–65 mJ, and pulse durations of 200–1000 μs, delivered through 105-μm-core and 270-μm-core silica optical fibers. Bubble dynamics using Holmium laser at a wavelength of 2100 nm with pulse energies of 200–1000 mJ and pulse duration of 350 μs was studied, for comparison. A single, 500 μs TFL pulse produced a bubble stream extending 1200 ± 90 μm and 1070 ± 50 μm from fiber tip, with maximum bubble widths averaging 650 ± 20 μm and 870 ± 40 μm (n = 4), for 105 μm and 270 μm fibers, respectively. These observations are consistent with previous studies which reported TFL ablation stallout at working distances beyond 1.0 mm. TFL bubble dimensions were four times smaller than for Holmium laser due to lower peak power and smaller fiber diameter used. The maximum pressure transients measured 0.6 bars at 35 mJ pulse energy for TFL and 7.5 bars at 600 mJ pulse energy for Holmium laser. These fundamental studies of bubble dynamics as a function of specific laser and fiber parameters may assist with optimization of the TFL parameters for safe and efficient lithotripsy in the clinic.
Orgasmolepsy-Presenting Symptom of Narcolepsy (P05.029)

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of narcolepsy with the presenting symptom of orgasmolepsy. BACKGROUND: Cataplexy, a hallmark symptom of narcolepsy, is typically triggered by strong emotional state. The usual triggers include laughter, crying and other high emotional state. Orgasmolepsy (cataplexy during orgasm and sexual intercourse) is a rare phenomenon, which has been described in patients with narcolepsy and daytime cataplexy. Poryazova et al, in a series of narcoleptic-cataplectic patients, orgasmolepsy was present in 3 out of 75 patients. We report a case of orgasmolepsy where it was not only the presenting symptom but also was not accompanied by any daytime cataplectic events. DESIGN/METHODS: We report a 27 year old right handed Caucasian lady referred to the neurology clinic for evaluation of episodes of seizures. The episodes started about 4 years ago. During sex with her husband, she noticed that her heart would be pounding and suddenly she would be unable to move her whole body. She was unable to vocalize but was aware of her surroundings. The episodes would last for 3-4 minutes. She did complain of excessive daytime sleepiness occurring for the past year or so. She had difficulty initiating as well as maintaining sleep. She did give history suggestive of hypnagogic hallucinations. She was taking naps during the day and also dreaming during the naps. RESULTS: Her neurological examination was unremarkable. Her Epworth sleepiness scale was 15/24. Her sleep efficiency was 91.7%, REM latency 154 minutes, RDI 2.7/hour and PLMS 0.6/hour. Her MSLT showed severely reduced sleep latency at 2.6 minutes. She had one sleep onset REM period. She was started on Modafinil and venlafaxine. Her episodes completely resolved after venlafaxine and sleepiness improved after modafinil. CONCLUSIONS: Cataplexy after positive emotional triggers is the diagnostic feature of narcolepsy. Cataplexy during orgasm and sexual intercourse (orgasmolepsy) can be the presenting feature of narcolepsy. Disclosure: Dr. Siddiqui has nothing to disclose.
Are Lg spectra from NTS explosions self-similar?

Abstract Network-averaged L g spectra for 106 underground Nevada Test Site (NTS) nuclear explosions (recorded at the four broadband seismic stations operated by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory) are shown to be approximately self-similar and to scale with cavity radius and scaled-cavity radius. Composite spectra produced by superimposing the spectra of individual tests of nearly identical yields conducted in a single geologic unit (e.g., Tunnel Beds tuff, Yucca Flat, below the water table) have amplitude variability of about a factor of 2. If a master spectrum is chosen that resembles the shape of a particular subgroup of nearly identical NTS explosions, the spectra of all other tests in the database can be superimposed on the master spectrum through the application of a shot-specific amplitude shift and a shot-specific frequency shift. The amplitude shift basically measures the difference between the low-frequency asymptotes of the individual spectrum and the master spectrum, and the frequency shift measures the difference in corner frequencies. We show that, for explosions producing cavities with a narrow range of measured scaled-cavity radii, the amplitude shifts scale with cavity volume. Further, if cavity volume scaling is applied to the amplitude shifts, the residuals are shown to depend on scaled-cavity radius or gas-filled porosity. The residuals (a measure of seismic coupling) appear to show slightly reduced scatter when plotted versus scaled-cavity radius as opposed to gas-filled porosity. The frequency shifts scale approximately as cavity radius to the 3/4 power. Although the NTS L g spectra are approximately self-similar, differences in high-frequency decay and other shape parameters exist. For example, the rate of high-frequency decay is observed to progressively decrease as explosions approach the static water level from above. These differences do not have a significant effect on the connections established between the amplitude and frequency shifts with cavity radius and other source parameters but do suggest source differences of potential interest in discrimination studies.
64Cu-DOTA-trastuzumab PET/CT to predict response to ado-trastuzumab emtansine (TDM1) in HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer.

e12525Background: Having demonstrated that 64Cu-DOTA trastuzumab is an effective PET imaging agent for HER2 positive (HER2+) breast cancer, we now evaluate the methodology for prediction of response and benefit from TDM1 in women with metastatic disease. Methods: Patients eligible to receive TDM1 as therapy were chosen on the basis of biopsy confirmed HER2+ disease, and at least 1 site of metastasis ≥ 2.0 cm outside the biopsy site. Pretreatment staging included 18F-FDG PET/CT. Prior to injection of 64Cu-DOTA-trastuzumab, patients received 45 mg of cold trastuzumab to reduce liver uptake. PET-CT scans were obtained at 16-28 h (Day1) and 39-49 h (Day 2) over fields of view chosen in reference to the 18F-FDG scans. TDM1 (3.6 mg/kg) was administered every 3 weeks. Restaging 18F-FDG PET/CT was performed every 2 cycles, and response to therapy was determined by PERCIST (solid tumor) criteria. Radiolabel uptake was measured in terms of maximum voxel, standardized uptake value (SUVmax). Results: Ten women betwee...
Race, migration and neoliberalism: distorted notions of Romani migration in European public discourses

ABSTRACTThis article analyzes the migration of Roma based on recent public, academic, policy and political debates in connection with two specific case studies in France and Italy. Moreover, it aims to understand how contemporary racialized discourses and neoliberal social and political forces (re)create Roma as a racialized internal ‘other’ to legitimize subtle anti-Romani politics in Europe. By doing that, it argues that the current migration of Roma cannot be understood apart from the proliferation of the hegemonic neoliberal ideology that facilitates the racialization of Roma and normalizes their social exclusion in Europe. Moreover, it explores the role of neoliberalism in the racialization and subjugation of Roma in Europe.
Needle-Localized Breast Biopsy

Needle-localized breast biopsy or lumpectomy is performed for biopsy or removal of nonpalpable breast lesions. This chapter lists the indications, essential steps, common technical variations, and complications of the procedure. A detailed template operative dictation note is included.
Abstract 19861: Spatial Thermodynamics and Characteristics of Cavo-Tricuspid Isthmus and Mitral Isthmus Lesions Created by a Novel Cryo Linear Ablation Catheter in a Canine in Vivo Model

Introduction: Cryo energy balloon catheters have been widely accepted as a tool for isolation of the pulmonary veins. However, mitral annulus and tricuspid annulus have never been assessed for cryo ablation. This study was conducted to investigate spatial thermodynamics and lesions created by a newly developed linear cryo energy ablation catheter. Methods: Fourteen normal dogs underwent catheter ablation using a novel cryo linear ablation catheter which has cooling elements and a length of 35mm. Cryo ablation for cavo-tricuspid isthmus (CTI) and the mitral isthmus (MI) were performed using deliveries of 180 sec and 300 sec freeze. Catheter position was assessed by intracardiac ultrasound (ICE). The tissue temperature was monitored during cryo ablation using thermocouples implanted to the epicardium of the ablation site. Gross and microscopic pathologic characteristics of the lesions were examined. Results: The lesion characteristics was not different between 180 and 300sec freezes (Table), however, the gap sites were consistent with poor catheter contact on ICE. The lowest temperature of a site, located 10mm 35.3±1.3 °C (30.4 to 36.7 °C) (Figure). Three collateral lesions in right lungs, where just next to CTI region, were observed. Conclusions: This study showed feasibility to create continuous, transmural lesions for CTI, and MI ablation using this novel cryo catheter. ICE imaging is helpful to achieve lesion transmurality and continuity. The safety margin for ablation should be about 10mm to avoid collateral damage.
Comparison of curved prestressed concrete bridge population response between area and spine modeling approaches toward efficient seismic vulnerability analysis

Abstract This paper presents two finite element modeling approaches for seismic evaluation of curved precast-prestressed concrete (PSC) I-girder bridges and compares the results in a statistical and graphical manner. These approaches, including area and spine models, were applied to a simply-supported, curved PSC I-girder bridge under an ensemble of 3D synthetic ground motions. Along with performing non-linear time history (NLTH) analyses of the bridge to capture its separate seismic response, the efficiency of each approach was evaluated with respect to execution time and each was compared. This comparison reveals that the seismic responses that were computed at low computational cost from the spine approach are reasonably analogous to those from the area model. Seismic fragility curves of a portfolio of curved PSC bridges using the spine approach are also created to assess their vulnerability and then compared to those gained from past studies. This comparison shows a reasonable agreement for the PSC portfolio.
Creating Your Own Budget-Impact Analyses Today and Tomorrow

This chapter summarizes the importance of budget-impact analysis as a tool to assess the impact on population health and payer budgets of new health care interventions. We discuss the complementary nature of budget-impact analysis and cost-effectiveness analysis and provide a reminder about differences in purpose, structure, assumptions, and inputs between these two types of analysis. We also provide a brief overview of this book’s recommendations for budget-impact analysis, both in terms of essential components and calculations as well as strategies to design analyses that are credible and useful to budget holders. Example budget-impact analyses are presented to demonstrate how components have been added to these analyses to make them more credible and useful for the budget holder. Finally, areas are suggested where future development in budget-impact analysis methods is needed.
Elemental sulfur reduction to H 2 S by Tetrahymena thermophila

Eukaryotic nucleocytoplasm is believed to be descended from ancient Archaea that respired on elemental sulfur. If so, a vestige of sulfur reduction might persist in modern eukaryotic cells. That was tested in Tetrahymena thermophila, chosen as a model organism. When oxygenated, the cells consumed H2S rapidly, but when made anoxic they produced H2S mostly by amino acid catabolism. That could be inhibited by adding aminooxyacetic acid, and then H2S production from elemental sulfur became more evident. Anoxic cell lysates produced H2S when provided with sulfur and NADH, but not with either substrate alone. When lysates were fractionated by centrifugation, NADH-dependent H2S production was 83% in the soluble fraction. When intact cells that had just previously oxidized H2S were shifted to anoxia, the cells produced H2S evidently by re-using the oxidized sulfur. After aerobic H2S oxidation was stopped, the oxidation product remained available for H2S production for about 10 min. The observed H2S production is consistent with an evolutionary relationship of nucleocytoplasm to sulfur-reducing Archaea. Mitochondria often are the cellular site of H2S oxidation, suggesting that eukaryotic cells might have evolved from an ancient symbiosis that was based upon sulfur exchange.
The impact of age on radium-223 distribution and an evaluation of molecular imaging surrogates

Abstract Introduction Radium-223 dichloride is the first alpha-particle emitting therapeutic agent approved by FDA and EMA for bone metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. We studied its age-dependent biodistribution in mice, and compared it with [ 99m Tc]Tc-MDP and [ 18 F]NaF aiming to identify a potential imaging surrogate to predict [ 223 Ra]RaCl 2 whole-body localization. Methods Male C57Bl/6 mice dosed with [ 223 Ra]RaCl 2 were sacrificed at different time points to explore [ 223 Ra]RaCl 2 whole-body distribution. In another experiment, mice at different ages were dosed with [ 223 Ra]RaCl 2 to evaluate the aging impact. Finally, [ 99m Tc]Tc-MDP and [ 18 F]NaF were administered to mice, and we compared their biodistributions with [ 223 Ra]RaCl 2 . Detailed micro-localization of each tracer was visualized using autoradiography and histochemical staining. Results [ 223 Ra]RaCl 2 uptake in bone was rapid and stable. We observed persistent localization at bone epiphyses, as well as the red pulp of the spleen, while its uptake in most soft tissues cleared within 24 h. [ 223 Ra]RaCl 2 distribution in soft tissues is similar in all age groups tested, while bone activity significantly decreased with aging. Although the diagnostic tracers cleared much faster from soft tissues than the therapeutic radionuclide, [ 99m Tc]Tc-MDP and [ 18 F]NaF both co-localized with [ 223 Ra]RaCl 2 in the skeletal compartment. Conclusions Radium-223 localization to the bone is dependent on age-varying factors, which implies that radium-223 dosimetry should take patient age into account. [ 99m Tc]Tc-MDP shows a different biodistribution from [ 223 Ra]RaCl 2 , both in soft tissues and in bone. [ 18 F]NaF presents a high similarity with [ 223 Ra]RaCl 2 in skeletal uptake, which validates the potential of [ 18 F]NaF as an imaging surrogate to predict radium-223 radiotherapeutic distribution in bone.