Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A cocktail of antibodies to multiple tumor-specific neoantigens increases binding and inhibits tumor growth

Background: Antibodies that target a single tumor antigen fail to cure stage IV cancer patients due to tumor heterogeneity resulting in variable expression of antigen. Tumor cells with insufficient binding of antibody will not undergo antibody induced cytotoxicity. We describe targeting multiple tumor-specific antigens that resulted in homogeneous dense binding to mouse melanoma cells and significant tumor growth inhibition. Methods: Surface-related tumor-specific mutations on B16-F10 cells were identified. Peptides containing the single amino acid mutation were synthesized for 9 different neoantigens. Rabbits were vaccinated with each of these peptides and high affinity polyclonal antibodies to each peptide were obtained. The 9 antibodies were combined as a cocktail and mice with implanted B16-F10 cells were treated with and without PD1 inhibitor. Results: Even a single dose of the antibody cocktail inhibited tumor growth and prolonged survival. PD1 inhibitor alone had little effect on tumor growth. The antibody cocktail plus PD1 inhibition increased tumor response and 4 doses of the cocktail completely prevented tumor growth in 50% of the mice. Complete responses were durable. The complete responders were highly resistant to tumor re-challenge at 6 months. No adverse events were identified in the antibody treated mice. Conclusions: Multiple tumor-specific cell surface-related neoantigens were abundant in B16-F10 cells. Antibodies to 9 of these neoantigens had variable binding but when combined had dense homogeneous binding. Even one dose of this cocktail of 9 antibodies improved survival and when multiple does were combined with PD1 inhibition 50% of the mice were rendered permanently tumor free.
Tritium concentrations in bees and honey at Los Alamos National Laboratory

Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) has maintained a network of honey bee colonies at LANL, perimeter (Los Alamos townsite and White Rock/Pajarito Acres) and regional (background) areas for over 15 years; the main objective of this honey bee network was to help determine the bioavailability of certain radionuclides in the environment. Of all the radionuclides studied ({sup 3}H, {sup 57}Co, {sup 7}Be, {sup 22}Na, {sup 54}Mn, {sup 83}Rb, {sup 137}Cs, {sup 238}Pu, {sup 239}Pu, {sup 90}Sr and total U), tritium was consistently detected in bees and was most readily transferred to the honey. In fact, honey collected from hives located at TA-21, TA-33, TA-50, TA-53, and TA-54 and from White Rock/Pajarito Acres contained significantly higher concentrations of {sup 3}H than regional background hives. Based on the average concentration of all radionuclides measured over the years, the effective dose equivalent (EDE) from consuming 5 kg (11 lb) of honey collected from Los Alamos (townsite) and White Rock/Pajarito Acres, after regional background has been subtracted, was 0.0186 ({+-}0.0507) and 0.0016 ({+-}0.0010) mrem/yr, respectively. The highest EDE, based on the mean + 2SD (95% confidence level), was 0.1200 mrem/y; this was <0.2% of the International Commission on Radiological Protection permissible dose limit ofmore » 100 mrem/yr from all pathways. « less
Model-Based Design of Coordinated Traffic Controllers

Modern transportation systems optimize traffic flows in road networks by allowing intersection-level traffic controllers to communicate and synchronize. Typically they are distributed systems, with multiple nodes (intersections) communicating with each other in real time. This paper proposes a design process for traffic coordination systems using model driven engineering (MDE), a paradigm used to design complex embedded systems in automotive and aerospace. The approach combines a conventional micro-simulator (AIMSUN) with a state of the art control modelling tool (Simulink) following a model-view-controller approach. The MDE approach allows for both micro-simulation (on a PC) and emulation (using embedded controllers). Once the model is validated, automatic code generation can be used to generate the implementation of the system on embedded devices. As a case study, the authors designed a SCATS-inspired coordinated intersection control system. To the authors' knowledge, the proposed approach is the first, fully automated approach for the design of complex intelligent transportation systems (ITS).
Restoration potential of threatened ecosystem engineers increases with aridity: broad scale effects on soil nutrients and function

Species extinctions alter ecosystem services, and the magnitude of this impact is likely to change across environmental gradients. In Australia, soil-disturbing mammals that are now considered ecologically extinct are thought to be important ecosystem engineers. Previous studies have demonstrated microsite-level impacts of reintroduced soil-disturbing mammals on soil functions, but effects are yet to be tested across larger scales. Further, it is unclear how impacts vary across environmental gradients and if the restoration potential of reintroductions changes with climate. We examined the effects of soil-disturbing mammal reintroductions across a large rainfall gradient in Australia to test the hypothesis that ecosystem engineering effects on soil function depend on climate. We compared soil labile carbon, available nitrogen and the activity of four enzymes associated with nutrient cycling in three microsite types with and without soil-disturbing mammals in five sites along a large rainfall gradient (166–870 mm). Soil enzyme activity was greatest in the presence of soil-disturbing mammals and increased with rainfall, but soil available carbon and nitrogen varied across the gradient and among microsites. Microsite effects were often stronger than any effects of soildisturbing mammals, with soil beneath vegetated patches (shrubs and trees) having greater enzyme activity, carbon and nitrogen than bare soils. However, soil-disturbing mammals homogenised nutrient distributions across microsites. The impacts of soildisturbing mammals on soil function previously detected at micro-scales was detected at a landscape-scale. However, the overall effects of soil-disturbing mammals on soil functions varied with productivity (rainfall). The context of soil-disturbing mammal reintroductions is thus likely to be critical in determining their effectiveness in restoring soil function.
Implementation of tank volume measurement equipment at the Mayak Production Association

One goal of the program to improve nuclear material protection, control, and accounting (MPC and A) in Russian facilities is to computerize material accounting techniques for bulk materials. Such materials include liquid solutions at radiochemical plants: dissolver, intermediate product, and waste. Material accounting techniques for tank volume measurements (TVM`s) are needed to determine the nuclear material content of these solutions (chemical and isotopic analysis are also required). The content is required to close the material balance in a radiochemical plant. Computerization of these techniques can provide unattended measurements of material flows, improved precision and accuracy, reduced operator effort, and lower radiation exposure of operators--with equipment that is predominantly remote from high radiation areas. This paper describes the technical activities that contributed to the successful integration of the BNL-developed TVM system into the Mayak facility conducted under the US-Russian Cooperative MPC and A Program.
A Review of Strategic Mobility Models and Analysis

Abstract : The U.S. military doctrine adheres to a strategy of forward defense and flexible response. One basic premise of the U.S. global strategy is to defend the nation by fighting our foes on foreign soil. To accomplish this objective, the United States relies on its strategic mobility system to deploy and sustain military forces worldwide. To provide airlift and sealift assets to move large numbers of personnel, equipment, and support materiel from the continental United States (CONUS) to foreign locations, the U.S. military either procures and operates such assets or enters into agreements with commercial organizations to provide them.
How real are observed trends in small correlated datasets?

The eye may perceive a significant trend in plotted time-series data, but if the model errors of nearby data points are correlated, the trend may be an illusion. We examine generalized least-squares (GLS) estimation, finding that error correlation may be underestimated in highly correlated small datasets by conventional techniques. This risks indicating a significant trend when there is none. A new correlation estimate based on the Durbin–Watson statistic is developed, leading to an improved estimate of autoregression with highly correlated data, thus reducing this risk. These techniques are generalized to randomly located data points in space, through the new concept of the nearest new neighbour path. We describe tests on the validity of the GLS schemes, allowing verification of the models employed. Examples illustrating our method include a 40-year record of atmospheric carbon dioxide, and Antarctic ice core data. While more conservative than existing techniques, our new GLS estimate finds a statistically significant increase in background carbon dioxide concentration, with an accelerating trend. We conclude with an example of a worldwide empirical climate model for radio propagation studies, to illustrate dealing with spatial correlation in unevenly distributed data points over the surface of the Earth. The method is generally applicable, not only to climate-related data, but to many other kinds of problems (e.g. biological, medical and geological data), where there are unequally (or randomly) spaced observations in temporally or spatially distributed datasets.
IMP-2005: an injury mortality prediction according to the Abbreviated Injury Scale 2005

Background: It has been 45 years since the injury severity score (ISS) was first introduced. The method is flawed in traumatic death prediction but still widely used. Based on the abbreviated injury scale 1998 (AIS_98), there is a relatively more accurate trauma scoring method that assesses the injury mortality prediction (IMP) and trauma mortality prediction model (TMPM) with the regression model. Currently, AIS 2005 (AIS_05) is widely used around the world for trauma scores. This article assesses whether the IMP-2005, an AIS_05 based model, is better than the ISS in predicting trauma results. Methods: Retrospective cohort study is based on the data of 1,198,885 injured patients in the National Trauma Data Bank hospitalized from 2012 to 2014. We established an injury mortality prediction (IMP-2005) model using AIS trauma codes (version 2005) and compared its performance with that of ISS by examining area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, the Hosmer-Lemeshow (HL) statistic, and the Akaike information criterion.Results: IMP-2005 behaves significantly both better discrimination (ROCIMP-2005, 0.904; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.900 to 0.908 and ROCISS, 0.844; 95% CI, 0.839 to 0.850) and calibration (HLIMP-2005, 37.7; 95% CI, 19.8 to 53 and HLISS, 221; 95% CI, 167 to 268) compared with ISS. Both models showed changes after the inclusion of gender, age, GCS, mechanism of injury, and mechanical ventilator, but the expansion of IMP-2005 still dominated ISS in every performance.Conclusions: The IMP-2005 provides far more improvement in discrimination and calibration compared with the ISS and accurate predictions of mortality. Therefore, we believe that this is a new and feasible scoring method of trauma research and should replace the ISS.
Study on a modified multilevel cascade inverter with hybrid modulation

Traditional multilevel inverters in high voltage high power applications have some problems associated with their low frequency switching which produces high harmonic distortion. To solve the problem, this paper presents a topology of a modified multilevel cascade voltage source inverter (VSI) with different DC voltage sources. Also, the modified multilevel cascade VSI using H-bridge is modeled and analyzed with circuit DQ transform in detail. To implement the novel multilevel Inverter, a hybrid modulation strategy is presented through theoretical analysis. The simulation and experimental results are given to verify the feasibility.
Effectiveness of R&D project selection in uncertain environment: An empirical study in the German automotive supplier industry

This paper presents results of an empirical large-scale study on uncertainty reduction of R&D projects and R&D project selection. The empirical field is the German automotive supplier industry. We explore R&D project selection practices in this specific industry and briefly contrast our findings with the academic research and management literature in this field. We concentrate on answering three research questions (with focus on questions no. 1 and 2): I. Which information and related uncertainties are crucial for the product selection decision to the R&D decision makers? II. How do R&D decision makers today cope with typical challenges related to reducing uncertainty? Where do they face major problems and how effective are they? III. What are major implications for managing the Fuzzy Front End (FFE) of innovation process in industry practice and respectively for further academic research in this field? Key findings are that on the one hand certainty about fields of product applications, target markets and production feasibility are most important criteria for initial product selection decisions. On the other hand market and cost related uncertainties (e.g. sales volume, product price, cost per unit) cannot be satisfyingly reduced in practice before project approval for development or definite termination of projects. Although different uncertainty profiles exist within the process of project evaluation, most companies do not systematically choose available product selection methods and tools according to specific uncertainty situations. Intuition still plays a major role in R&D product selection. Some first conclusion drawn from this research are: A sufficient level of resources (including financial and methodological know-how), a systematic use of suitable project selection instruments, and a fit with the company specific as well as the OEMs' product/brand strategies can be potential levers for more effective uncertainty reduction before product decision.
Developing optimal methods for theta burst prefrontal brain stimulation

Theta burst stimulation (TBS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique which has the ability to alter brain activity in humans. Due to its rapid administration duration, TBS has gained popularity both in research and clinical trials. Despite its benefits, wide adoption of this technique in the treatment of psychiatric disorders has been limited due to the lack of understanding of its effects when it is applied to the prefrontal. In addition, little is known about the effect of different stimulation parameters. The aim of this thesis was to develop the optimal method of TBS application in the prefrontal cortex.
Tactical urbanism, public policy reform, and 'innovation spotting' by government : from Park(ing) Day to San Francisco's parklet program

This thesis examines the prospects and impacts of tactical urbanism (TU). While tactical urbanism remains primarily a subcultural movement, it is beginning to gain traction in popular culture in traditionally politically liberal cities, and in some cases, with their respective city governments. However, little data and formal research exists on TU. I employ a comparative case study approach. This thesis examines the urban legend surrounding San Francisco's parklet program, as many assume it a result of the TU intervention, PARK(ing) Day. By looking at the process of formalization of the parklet program, the thesis seeks to uncover creative methods of policy reform, for example through "innovation spotting" by local government. I also examine three other TU projects in Dallas, Texas; Brooklyn, New York; and Raleigh, North Carolina. I argue that tactical urbanism is a play on the physical and political landscape, manifested as a design intervention. While interventions play on the two landscapes-not one-urban tacticians tend to focus primarily on the physical play and miss the opportunities presented by playing off the political and institutional bodies as well. Tacticians that relate their projects to interest groups and government have a better chance to formalize their intervention. Interventions capture these efforts with varying levels of success and sophistication, with each project different in context and texture. TU poses a host of risks and potential rewards. Like traditional acts of civil disobedience, TU can be very generative, allowing players to pilot projects on a small-scale, minimizing risk and cost. TU can go beyond spotlighting problems to produce solutions. Both are good, I argue, for government and good for would-be innovators in civil
Realizing thin electromagnetic absorbers for wide incidence angles from commercially available planar circuit materials

In this study, recent work on engineering R-card surface resistivity with printed metallic patterns is extended to the design of thin electromagnetic absorbers. Thin electromagnetic absorbers for wide incidence angles and both polarizations have recently been computationally verified by Luukkonen et al. These absorbers are analytically modeled high-impedance surfaces with capacitive arrays of square patches implemented with relatively high dielectric constant and high loss substrate. However, the advantages provided by the accurate analytical model are largely negated by the need to obtain high dielectric constant material with accurately engineered loss. Fig. I(c) illustrates full-wave computational results for an absorber without vias engineered as proposed by Luukkonen et al. Unique values for the dielectric loss are required for different center frequencies. Parameters for the capacitive grid are D=5.0 mm and w=O.l mm for a center frequency of 3.36 GHz. The relative permittivity and thickness is 9.20(1-j0.234) and 1=3.048 mm. Consider a center frequency of5.81 GHz and again 1=3.048 mm, the required parameters for the capacitive grid are D=2.0 mm and w=0.2 mm where the required relative permittivity is now 9.20(1-j0.371) Admittedly, engineered dielectrics are themselves a historically interesting and fruitful research area which benefits today from advances in monolithic fabrication usingmore » direct-write of dielectrics with nanometer scale inclusions. However, our objective in the present study is to realize the advantages of the absorber proposed by Luukkonen et al. without resort to engineered lossy dielectrics. Specifically we are restricted to commercially available planer circuit materials without use of in-house direct-write technology or materials engineering capability. The materials considered here are TMM 10 laminate with (35 {mu}lm copper cladding with a complex permittivity 9.20-j0.0022) and Ohmegaply resistor conductor material (maximum 250 {Omega}/sq.). A thin electromagnetic absorber for incidence angles greater than 30deg. but less than 60deg. and both polarizations is computationally demonstrated. This absorber utilizes high-permittivity, low-loss microwave substrate in conjunction with an engineered lossy sheet impedance. The lossy sheet impedance is easily engineered with simple analytical approximations and can be manufactured from commercially available laminate materials on microwave substrate. « less
LC-MS/MS based targeted metabolomics method for analysis of serum and cerebrospinal fluid

Introduction. Recent instrumentation and software advancement enabled to develop new, high‑throughput targeted metabolomics methods for in‑depth exploration of metabolome in a quantitative manner.Material and Methods. The presented targeted metabolomics approach allows to analyze both of serum and CSF in the same way, with identical sample preparation procedures. The analyses were carried out using high‑performance liquid chromatography system coupled to triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer with electrospray ion source (LC‑ESI‑QqQ‑MS/MS). Results. The applied targeted metabolomics approach enabled to determine a wide panel of metabolites from different chemical classes of compounds including: acylcarnitines, amino acids and biogenic amines, glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids and sum of hexoses. Finally, 148 metabolites in serum and 57 in cerebrospinal fluid were determined.Conclusions. Here we presented the results of successful implementation of the method of analysis of low‑molecular weight compounds in human serum and CSF using targeted metabolomics. The evaluation of selected groups of metabolites resulted in obtaining the mean concentrations of panel of metabolites in serum and CSF, which gives a valuable information about the metabolome of these matrices.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT CHALLENGES AND DIFFICULTIES: A CASE STUDY OF INFORMATION SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT

The successful development of Information System (IS) is not high even with enormous interest and fund committed by organizations on this new technology. It has been revealed that a combination of insufficient and unsuitable project management issues are responsible for this low rate of IS development. This paper presents the findings of the fieldwork and interview conducted on the challenges and difficulties of system development project. The study employed both personal interview and observation methods. The findings revealed that fund, infrastructures (hardware and software), manpower, management commitment, monitoring and inspection were the critical challenges and difficulties faced by organizations during their system development. Therefore, the study concludes that fund, infrastructures (hardware and software), manpower, management commitment, monitoring and inspection play crucial role for an effective system development. Our study recommends that there should be sufficient budget to procure the right system hardware and software for right requirements. Secondly, training of staff for both IS development and management should be given urgent attention.
Alleviation of injuries by use of seat belts

Between 1974 and 1976, an in-depth study was made of a representative sample of injuries to vehicle occupants in 1,126 accidents. The accidents were those in which at least one person had attended one, large, accident hospital i.e., they included all injury accidents in the locality except the very minor ones. By identifying all vehicle occupants in these accidents (whether injured or not), their seating positions, and their seat-belt-usage, it was possible to assess relative risks of injury and different characteristics of injury for belted and unbelted persons. The total sample amounts to 2,879 vehicle occupants, including 1,100 who were uninjured. For the assessment of seat-belt injuries, the comparisons were restricted to front-seat occupants of cars, of whom 490 were wearing seat belts and 1,163 were not, with 303 cases in which belt wearing was not known. The injuries were classified according to the internationally used 'Abbreviated Injury Scale' (AIS) and, where possible, the vehicles involved were examined to establish causes and mechanisms of injury.