cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
STRESS: efficient multicast shared trees via restricted search

A shared tree with a lower end-to-end delay carries out multicast packet delivery more efficiently. This article introduces efficient multicast shared trees via restricted search (STRESS) realized by means of locating the closest on-tree nodes for new group members to join the trees. Such a tree ensures an end-to-end delay shorter than that in a tree built by connecting new members always to a fixed tree node (like CBT or PIM-SM). STRESS is shaped only by multicast group members to yield a tree as small as possible, totally avoiding the difficult task of determining a fixed tree node for member joining. It requires no centralized point to keep track of all on-tree nodes, therefore creating no performance or reliability bottleneck. Two mechanisms for restricted search over multicast trees plus local search are considered and evaluated by simulation. STRESS is shown to be more efficient than CBT, as a result of connecting new members to their nearest known on-tree nodes.
Obligations and frustrations with high-risk patients: Ethics of physicians' evaluations

A surgeon, Dr A. Droit, has been following a 97-year-old male with a type IV thoracoabdominal aneurysm, which became symptomatic this morning and is leaking. The patient is frail but active with no important comorbidities. The anatomy demands an open procedure. The patient is a former renowned physician who has been a longtime family friend of Dr Droit—like a grandfather. He presented incoherent with sagging blood pressure. A complicating factor is that Dr D. Rag, the chief anesthesiologist, decided that neither he nor any of his staff would provide anesthesia. Dr Droit knows an anesthesiologist who handles high-risk patients at another hospital in the medical center. The patient has worsened over the last hour, is becoming more unstable, and is unable to respond but his wife wishes to consent for surgery. What should Dr Droit do? A.Transfer to another facility. B.Consult the Ethics Committee C.Forget it. The risk is too great. D.Ask the Chief-of-Staff to order that anesthesia be provided. E.Ask the Chief-of-Anesthesia to reconsider.
Adjacent cysteine residues as a redox switch

Oxidation of adjacent cysteine residues into a cystine forms a strained eight-membered ring. This motif was tested as the basis for an enzyme with an artificial redox switch. Adjacent cysteine residues were introduced into two different structural contexts in ribonuclease A (RNase A) by site-directed mutagenesis to produce the A5C/A6C and S15C/S16C variants. Ala5 and Ala6 are located in an alpha-helix, whereas Ser15 and Ser16 are located in a surface loop. Only A5C/A6C RNase A had the desired property. The catalytic activity of this variant decreases by 70% upon oxidation. The new disulfide bond also decreases the conformational stability of the A5C/A6C variant. Reduction with dithiothreitol restores full enzymatic activity. Thus, the insertion of adjacent cysteine residues in a proper context can be used to modulate enzymatic activity.
Measuring cognitive insight in middle-aged and older patients with psychotic disorders

The study examined the psychometric properties, factor structure and validity of a recently developed measure of insight, the Beck Cognitive Insight Scale (BCIS) and tested the relationship between the BCIS and psychiatric symptoms in a sample of middle-aged and older patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. The BCIS measures the ability of respondents to observe and question their cognitive processes, whereas other insight scales focus primarily on knowledge about the presence of an illness and need for treatment. Participants were 164 middle-aged and older outpatients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder who completed a battery of measures assessing insight, symptoms of schizophrenia and symptoms of depression. The results of a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) supported the two-factor structure previously reported for the BCIS, with one factor labeled self-reflectiveness and the other labeled self-certainty. The BCIS showed adequate reliability and a moderate correlation with the Birchwood Insight Scale (IS). The BCIS correlated with some PANSS subscales measuring symptoms of schizophrenia, but did not correlate at a significant level with symptoms of depression. The findings suggest that middle-aged and older outpatients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder respond on the BCIS in a manner similar to a younger inpatient population. This instrument is a promising tool for measuring the role of cognitive change in a broad range of patients experiencing psychosis.
All-carbon-nanofiber electrodes for high-energy rechargeable Li–O2 batteries

Hollow carbon fibers with diameters on the order of 30 nm were grown on a ceramic porous substrate, which was used as the oxygen electrode in lithium-oxygen (Li–O2) batteries. These all-carbon-fiber (binder-free) electrodes were found to yield high gravimetric energies (up to 2500 W h kgdischarged−1) in Li–O2cells, translating to an energy enhancement ∼4 times greater than the state-of-the-art lithium intercalation compounds such as LiCoO2 (∼600 W h kgelectrode−1). The high gravimetric energy achieved in this study can be attributed to low carbon packing in the grown carbon-fiber electrodes and highly efficient utilization of the available carbon mass and void volume for Li2O2 formation. The nanofiber structure allowed for the clear visualization of Li2O2 formation and morphological evolution during discharge and its disappearance upon charge, where Li2O2 particles grown on the sidewalls of the aligned carbon fibers were found to be toroids, having particle sizes increasing (up to ∼1 μm) with increasing depth-of-discharge. The visualization of Li2O2 morphologies upon discharge and disappearance upon charge represents a critical step toward understanding key processes that limit the rate capability and low round-trip efficiencies of Li–O2 batteries, which are not currently understood within the field.
A novel technique and structure for the measurement of intrinsic stress and Young's modulus of thin films

A novel technique and test structure to measure the intrinsic stress and Young's modulus on thin films with better than 10% accuracy has been developed. The structure is a doubly supported beam that is driven electrostatically by a capacitive drive electrode in the middle of the beam. The characteristic pull-in voltage of the beam is used to measure the intrinsic stress and Young's modulus of thin films. An intrinsic stress of 1.83*10/sup 7/ Pa and a Young's modulus of 2.2*10/sup 11/ Pa for heavily boron-doped silicon structures have been measured. The technique can be easily applied to a number of other thin films including polysilicon and silicon nitride. The test structure occupies a small area. >
Twist1-induced dissemination preserves epithelial identity and requires E-cadherin

Dissemination of epithelial cells is a critical step in metastatic spread. Molecular models of dissemination focus on loss of E-cadherin or repression of cell adhesion through an epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). We sought to define the minimum molecular events necessary to induce dissemination of cells out of primary murine mammary epithelium. Deletion of E-cadherin disrupted epithelial architecture and morphogenesis but only rarely resulted in dissemination. In contrast, expression of the EMT transcription factor Twist1 induced rapid dissemination of cytokeratin-positive epithelial cells. Twist1 induced dramatic transcriptional changes in extracellular compartment and cell–matrix adhesion genes but not in cell–cell adhesion genes. Surprisingly, we observed disseminating cells with membrane-localized E-cadherin and β-catenin, and E-cadherin knockdown strongly inhibited Twist1-induced single cell dissemination. Dissemination can therefore occur with retention of epithelial cell identity. The spread of cancer cells during metastasis could similarly involve activation of an epithelial motility program without requiring a transition from epithelial to mesenchymal character.
αIIbβ3 Redistribution Triggered by Receptor Cross-Linking

Abstract Fibrinogen binding to αIIbβ3 on adherent, spread platelets triggers active, cytoskeletally-directed redistribution of fibrinogen/αIIbβ3 complexes on the platelet surface. Gold-conjugated fibrinogen, unlabeled, soluble fibrinogen, and individual fibrinogen molecules have been demonstrated to trigger receptor redistribution. Here we examine the respective roles of receptor cross-linking and ligand occupancy of receptors in initiating this movement. Monovalent, αIIbβ3-binding fibrinogen fragments RGDS and HHLGGAKQAGDV did not trigger receptor redistribution, suggesting that ligand binding to a single receptor is an insufficient stimulus. Binding of monoclonal antibodies 10E5, AP2, and AP3 to the receptor did not trigger receptor movement. However, cross-linking these receptor-bound monoclonal antibodies by polyclonal anti-mouse IgG or by conjugation of the anti-receptor antibody to large colloidal gold particles triggered receptor redistribution identical in rate, pattern, and final distribution to ...
Pattern‐Sensitive Epilepsy. I: A Demonstration of a Spatial Frequency Selective Epileptic Response to Gratings

Summary: Rare individuals suffer epileptic seizures when they view certain images, particularly stripes. Contrast-threshold functions (the ability to see faint stripes of various widths) were determined for two pattern-sensitive brothers, and the epileptogenicity of various patterns was assessed for one of them. Sine wave grating contrast-detection thresholds for the two subjects were essentially normal, with lowest thresholds at approximately 2 cycles/ degree (cldeg). Epileptiform discharges occurred maximally at 5 cldeg with a I-octave 50% bandwidth. Pattern epileptogenicity was increased by the addition of a third harmonic sine wave grating to its fundamental, but was unaffected by the phase relation of the two gratings. The frequency selectivity of epileptic responsiveness was quantitatively similar to a “spatial frequency channel.” Inhibitory interactions were not present. The findings suggest relations between the phenomena of pattern-sensitive epilepsy and hypothesized spatial frequency channels which merit further exploration.
In Autoimmune Diabetes the Transition from Benign to Pernicious Insulitis Requires an Islet Cell Response to Tumor Necrosis Factor α

The islet-infiltrating and disease-causing leukocytes that are a hallmark of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus produce and respond to a set of cytokine molecules. Of these, interleukin 1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interferon (IFN)-γ are perhaps the most important. However, as pleiotropic molecules, they can impact the path leading to β cell apoptosis and diabetes at multiple points. To understand how these cytokines influence both the formative and effector phases of insulitis, it is critical to determine their effects on the assorted cell types comprising the lesion: the effector T cells, antigen-presenting cells, vascular endothelium, and target islet tissue. Here, we report using nonobese diabetic chimeric mice harboring islets deficient in specific cytokine receptors or cytokine-induced effector molecules to assess how these compartmentalized loss-of-function mutations alter the events leading to diabetes. We found that islets deficient in Fas, IFN-γ receptor, or inducible nitric oxide synthase had normal diabetes development; however, the specific lack of TNF- α receptor 1 (p55) afforded islets a profound protection from disease by altering the ability of islet-reactive, CD4+ T cells to establish insulitis and subsequently destroy islet β cells. These results argue that islet cells play a TNF-α–dependent role in their own demise.
Nutrition in the Stroke Patient

Malnutrition is common both before and after stroke, with dysphagia adding to nutrition risk. Many patients require specialized nutrition support in the acute phase and beyond when swallowing function does not improve or return to allow for nutrition autonomy. When neurologic deficits improve, assessment of the swallowing function, introduction of dysphagia diets, and specialized swallowing techniques are used to transition away from enteral feeding tubes to oral diets. This article reviews the evaluation and treatment of dysphagia, use of specialized nutrition support, strategies for weaning enteral tube feedings, and the impact of nutrition on quality of life in the stroke patient population.
A hierarchy of pattern recognition algorithms for the diagnosis of sucker rod pumped wells

A useful pattern recognition method for sucker rod pumping diagnosis is presented in this paper. It has been developed in a hierarchical manner using a collection of very simple algorithms. To accurately and quickly diagnose the conditions at the sucker rod string, subsurface pump, or both, a precomputed library of downhole dynamometer cards is used. The techniques used incorporate new ideas such as separated upstroke and downstroke diagnosis. They allow us to detect simple and multiple problem cases with various degrees of severity and occurring at different locations. A graphical system called AGE provides a visual display of the diagnosis on the computer screen. The proposed algorithms can be easily incorporated into a more general automated system. >
Autonomic proactive runtime partitioning strategies for SAMR applications

Summary form only given. Dynamic structured adaptive mesh refinement (SAMR) techniques along with the emergence of the computational grid offer the potential for realistic scientific and engineering simulations of complex physical phenomena. However, the inherent dynamic nature of SAMR applications coupled with the heterogeneity and dynamism of the underlying grid environment present significant research challenges. We present proactive runtime partitioning strategies based on performance prediction functions that are experimentally formulated in terms of system parameters such as CPU load and available memory. These proactive partitioning strategies form a part of the GridARM autonomic framework which enables self-managing, self-adapting, and self-optimizing SAMR applications on the grid. Experimental evaluation of the proactive schemes using the 3D Richtmyer-Meshkov compressible fluid dynamics kernel for different system configurations and workloads demonstrates the improvement in overall runtime performance.
Modeling studies of chromatin fiber structure as a function of DNA linker length.

Chromatin fibers encountered in various species and tissues are characterized by different nucleosome repeat lengths (NRLs) of the linker DNA connecting the nucleosomes. While single cellular organisms and rapidly growing cells with high protein production have short NRL ranging from 160 to 189 bp, mature cells usually have longer NRLs ranging between 190 and 220 bp. Recently, various experimental studies have examined the effect of NRL on the internal organization of chromatin fiber. Here, we investigate by mesoscale modeling of oligonucleosomes the folding patterns for different NRL, with and without linker histone (LH), under typical monovalent salt conditions using both one-start solenoid and two-start zigzag starting configurations. We find that short to medium NRL chromatin fibers (173 to 209 bp) with LH condense into zigzag structures and that solenoid-like features are viable only for longer NRLs (226 bp). We suggest that medium NRLs are more advantageous for packing and various levels of chromatin compaction throughout the cell cycle than their shortest and longest brethren; the former (short NRLs) fold into narrow fibers, while the latter (long NRLs) arrays do not easily lead to high packing ratios due to possible linker DNA bending. Moreover, we show that the LH has a small effect on the condensation of short-NRL arrays but has an important condensation effect on medium-NRL arrays, which have linker lengths similar to the LH lengths. Finally, we suggest that the medium-NRL species, with densely packed fiber arrangements, may be advantageous for epigenetic control because their histone tail modifications can have a greater effect compared to other fibers due to their more extensive nucleosome interaction network.
Evaluation of Tendon Graft Fixation Using α-BSM Calcium Phosphate Cement

Purpose: Many ligament reconstruction procedures require tendon healing within a surgically prepared bone tunnel. The interface between the graft and tunnel wall is the "weak link" in the initial phase of this process. By providing additional fixation and serving as a carrier for bone-derived growth factors, calcium phosphate cements may augment healing. The purpose of this study was to evaluate α-BSM calcium phosphate cement as the sole method of fixation for tendon and bone-tendon-bone grafts in an in vitro porcine model. Methods: Ten tendon grafts and ten bone-tendon-bone grafts were fixed within porcine femoral and tibial bone tunnels by use of α-BSM calcium phosphate cement. The grafts were then loaded to failure. The ultimate pullout strength and the site of failure were recorded for each specimen. Results: The bone-tendon-bone grafts achieved a mean pullout strength of 224.8 N (±79.9 N). Of the grafts, 6 failed at the cement–bone plug interface, 2 failed because of fracture of the bone plug, and 2 failed at the tendon–bone plug interface. The tendon grafts had a mean load to failure of 81.2 N (±23.7 N), and all 10 failed at the tendon-cement interface. The difference in fixation strength between these graft types was significant ( P Conclusions: Though inadequate as the sole means of graft fixation, α-BSM calcium phosphate cement can help to augment bone plug fixation during the early phase of tendon-bone healing. In addition, α-BSM may provide added graft fixation and increased stiffness and act as a growth factor carrier for both tendon grafts and bone-tendon-bone grafts in ligament reconstruction surgery. Clinical Relevance: This study evaluated the ability of α-BSM cement to augment tendon-bone healing because it may play a role as a growth factor carrier in future tendon healing models.
341 Complications of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) by Level of Albuminuria and Proteinuria in the Irbesartan in Diabetic Nephropathy Trial (IDNT)

COMPLICATIONS OF CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE (CKD) BY LEVEL OF ALBUMINURIA AND PROTEINURIA IN THE IRBESARTAN IN DIABETIC NEPHROPATHY TRIAL (IDNT) Gautham Viswanathan, Hocine Tighiouart, Paul Muntner, Julia Lewis, Mark Sarnak, 1 and Lesley Stevens,. Tufts Medical Center; University of Alabama, Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Based on the improved prediction of cardiovascular and renal outcomes, it has been proposed to include levels of both albuminuria and Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) for the classification of CKD. However, it is not known whether albuminuria is associated with concurrent complications of CKD and whether these associations are different for proteinuria versus albuminuria. Cross-sectional analysis of 1576 participants enrolled in the IDNT trial and who had complete data ascertainment was conducted to evaluate the association of 24-hour albuminuria and proteinuria with anemia (hemoglobin 4.6 mg/dL). For comparability, albuminuria and proteinuria were categorized by tertiles. The median albuminuria and proteinuria were 1.9gm (IQR 2.4) and 2.9gm (IQR 3.4) respectively. The table shows the OR (95%CI) for the complications, adjusted by age, sex, race and eGFR Complication 24-hour Albuminuria, grams 3.5gm (n=392) ptrend Anemia 1 (ref) 1.3(1.0,1.7) 1.6(1.2,2.1) 5.2gm (n=394) ptrend Anemia 1 (ref) 1.4(1.0,1.8) 1.8(1.3,2.5) <0.01 Hyperphosphatemia 1 (ref) 1.4(0.8,2.2) 2.4(1.5,3.9) <0.01 Both albuminuria and proteinuria were significantly associated with anemia and hyperphosphatemia in patients with diabetic nephropathy. The magnitude of the association was similar for albuminuria and proteinuria. The implications of these findings in the management of CKD should be taken into account when considering including albuminuria level in the classification of CKD.
Two-photon Excitation Induced Fluorescence of a Trifluorophore-labeled DNA¶

Two-photon excitation of a trifluorophore (6-carboxyfluorescein, N,N,N',N'-tetramethyl-6-carboxyrhodamine and cyanine-5 monofunctional dye) labeled DNA, which has a scaffold of 26 nucleotides, was achieved using focused laser light of a Q-switched Nd-YAG laser (1064 nm). The observed fluorescence signature (emission ratio from the three fluorophores) of the labeled DNA after two-photon excitation is very different from the fluorescence signatures produced by one-photon excitation at different wavelength. The additional fluorescence signatures produced by two-photon excitation of the fluorescent oligonucleotides will facilitate their use as combinatorial fluorescence energy transfer tags for multiplex genetic analysis.
Mitochondrial protein kinase Cϵ (PKCϵ): emerging role in cardiac protection from ischaemic damage

Mitochondria mediate diverse cellular functions including energy generation and ROS (reactive oxygen species) production and contribute to signal transduction. Mitochondria are also key regulators of cell viability and play a central role in necrotic and apoptotic cell death pathways induced by cardiac ischaemia/reperfusion injury. PKC (protein kinase C) epsilon plays a critical role in cardioprotective signalling pathways that protect the heart from ischaemia/reperfusion. Emerging evidence suggests that the cardioprotective target of PKCepsilon resides at the mitochondria. Proposed mitochondrial targets of PKCepsilon include mitoK(ATP) (mitochondrial ATP-sensitive K(+) channel), components of the MPTP (mitochondrial permeability transition pore) and components of the electron transport chain. This review highlights mitochondrial targets of PKCepsilon and their possible role in cardioprotective signalling in the setting of ischaemia/reperfusion injury.
Influence of injection-current noise on the spectral characteristics of semiconductor lasers

The spectral characteristics of a semiconductor laser are altered by injecting additional noise current into its current-drive port. A continuously varying spectral linewidth from about 5 MHz to above 100 MHz is achieved experimentally in this semiconductor laser. The conditions under which the line shape changes from a standard Lorentzian shape to a Gaussian shape as functions of laser power and noise current are investigated and compared with an existing theoretical treatment.
Excitation of the gas-phase selenium by electron impact

Slow electron excitation of selenium in the gas-phase has been studied using an optical spectroscopy method. The emission spectra of selenium were recorded in the wavelength range of 200–590 nm at the incident electron energies of 20, 30 and 50 eV. In the above spectra, the molecular emissions within the wavelength range of 300–560 nm as well as the selenium atomic spectral lines were observed. The optical excitation functions for the most intense molecular emissions and atomic selenium spectral lines were measured.
A generalization of Sugeno integrals

In this paper, we generalize the definition of Sugeno integrals by utilizing the so-called median operations, which are a special kind of aggregation operations. The generalized integrals, which we call median integrals, possess almost all common properties of Sugeno integrals. The properties of median integrals are investigated and their significance is discussed. >
Molecular imaging by PET.

Positron emission tomography (PET) allows quantitative measurements of regional physiological and biochemical processes to be made in vivo in humans. PET determines the three-dimensional distribution of activity in the organ being studied after the subject is administered a tracer labeled with a positron emitting radionuclide. Quantitation of the parameter under study is accomplished by the use of a mathematical model that describes the biochemical or physiological process being examined.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder in Primary Care: The Precursor/Modifier Pathway to Increased Health Care Utilization

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is commonly seen in the primary care setting and is associated with disability, medically unexplained symptoms, and over utilization of health care resources. The authors review the rare occurrence of GAD uncomplicated by other psychiatric illness and the important relationship between GAD and depression. They suggest that GAD may exert its major effect on health care utilization not by a direct path, but by acting as a precursor or concurrent modifier of other psychiatric disorders that more directly affect health care costs.
Analysis of Measles IgM Antibody Test Result in Binchuan County during 2010-2011

Objective: To analyze detection results of measles IgM antibody and provide a scientific basis for the prevention and elimination of measles.Methods: A descriptive epidemiological method was used to make statistical analysis of the 2010～2011 measles IgM antibody detection date in Binchuan County.Results: A total of 781 blood samples in Binchuan county from 2010 to 2011 was for the detection of measles,among which measles IgM antibody positive rate was 95.51%,7-10 years old group the positive rate 96.36%,0-1 years old group the positive rate of the lowest 94.56%.Conclusion: In recent years,notable progress is made in measles vaccine immunization in Binchuan County.In the following days,we should continue to carry out measles immunization vaccination,focus on quality and effect of vaccination,eliminate blank of immunity,and improve measles antibody in population.
Cervical carcinoma rates among young females in the United States.

OBJECTIVE All national organizations now recommend that women be screened for cervical cancer beginning at age 21 years, regardless of age of sexual initiation; however, studies have shown that providers continue to screen much earlier than recommended. Two federal cancer surveillance systems were used to quantify the burden of invasive cervical carcinoma among women younger than 40 years of age.
An Empirical Study into Identifying Project Complexity Management Strategies

Abstract Complexity is a term that is used throughout the construction industry. When complexity is poorly understood and managed, project failure become the norm. However, there are limited number of studies which investigated best practices which could overcome the undesired outcomes of complexity challenges. This research focused on identifying strategies to manage complexity in order to increase the likelihood of project success. Initially, this paper reviewed different project complexity definitions and suggested a single definition. Furthermore, the differences between complexity, uncertainty and risk were explained. Moreover, complexity management strategies were collected and enhanced. For this purpose, two rounds of qualitative Delphi method were applied to identify and improve complexity management best practices. In the first round, Subject Matter Experts were asked to individually provide top complexity management strategies. In the second round of this study, the twelve experts were participated in a complexity management workshop to advance the identified strategies.
Utilization of group process in training oncology fellows.

(1977). Utilization of Group Process in Training Oncology Fellows. International Journal of Group Psychotherapy: Vol. 27, No. 1, pp. 105-111.
Light-Induced Changes in X-Ray Absorption (K-Edge) Energies of Manganese in Photosynthetic Membranes

This report describes our observations of the participation of manganese in electron transport and oxidation equivalent storage by the photosynthetic oxygen evolution complex of higher plants. The oxidizing potential produced by photosynthetic charge separation is stored near the site of water oxidation in a membrane-bound complex that contains manganese. Broken, washed chloroplast preparations typically contain 4–6 Mn per PSII reaction center, and approximately 2/3 of this quantity is released by mild treatments that specifically inactivate O2 evolution [1– 3]. Recent studies with inside out thylakoids [4] and photosystem II (PSII) preparations [5] have given rise to a reevaluation of the Mn content per photosynthetic unit, but it remains clear that a direct relation exists between Mn and O2 evolution.
Abstract 3889: An aptamer-based multiplexed proteomic technology reveals differential PKC ligand responses

Bryostatin 1 (Bryo 1) is in clinical trials for cancer and Alzheimer9s disease. Whereas Bryo 1, like the phorbol esters, binds to and activates protein kinase C (PKC), it paradoxically antagonizes many but not all phorbol ester responses. The mechanistic basis for this differential response is still unknown. In the LNCaP human prostate cancer cell line, the typical phorbol ester PMA causes growth inhibition whereas Bryo 1 does not. Previously, we showed that PMA induces dramatic changes in gene transcription in the LNCaP cells as determined by gene expression microarray analysis. The effects of Bryo 1 on gene expression were initially similar at 1 hr but were variably more transient, as seen at 6 hr, depending on the specific gene. We think that this transiency of action is a critical mechanistic feature of Bryo 1. The current study extends to the comparison of the effects of Bryo 1 and PMA on the level of global protein expression. Using a new generation of protein-capture SOMAmer (Slow Off-rate Modified Aptamer) reagents, the SOMAscan (Somalogic, Boulder, CO) proteomic assay simultaneously measures over one thousand analytes within a minute amount of protein sample. SOMAmer reagents are chemically modified single stranded DNA-based protein affinity reagents that recognize specific conformational epitopes of native 3D proteins with good specificity and dynamic range. The technology is emerging as a highly sensitive, multiplexed and quantitative proteomic tool for biomarker discovery and validation. 1,129 targets (covering major gene families including receptors, kinases, growth factors, and a diverse collection of secreted, intracellular and extracellular proteins or domains) were evaluated in both total cell lysate and nuclear extracts of LNCaP cells treated with DMSO, PMA and Bryo 1 for 60 minute and 6 hours. Compared to the DMSO control, the lysates of cells treated for 60 minute with either PMA and Bryo 1 had over three hundred targets that showed significant changes (p Citation Format: Jinqiu Chen, Noemi Kedei, David J. Goldstein, Mariam Q. Malik, Peter M. Blumberg. An aptamer-based multiplexed proteomic technology reveals differential PKC ligand responses. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 3889.
Control of flexible joint manipulators using only motor position feedback: A separation principle approach

We consider the problem of output feedback tracking of flexible joint manipulators where the link angle is the output to be controlled and the motor angle is the measured output. We allow the use of any globally stabilizing full state feedback control. We show recovery of the stability and trajectory performance of the state feedback by using a high gain observer-based output feedback control. Finally, we demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme in the single link case, where the zero dynamics are not asymptotically stable.
Assessing local progression after stereotactic body radiation therapy for unresectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma: CT versus PET.

Abstract Purpose Evaluation of local tumor progression (LP) has typically been defined by contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) imaging after stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for locally advanced pancreatic cancer (PDAC). The purpose of this study is to determine the benefit of adding 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) imaging to CT for LP assessment of PDAC after SBRT. Methods and materials We retrospectively reviewed pretreatment, follow-up images, and outcomes of all patients treated with definitive SBRT for unresectable PDAC between December 2002 and December 2015 at our institution. For each patient, we independently analyzed LP both by CT and by FDG-PET criteria, using the Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors version 1.1 and the FDG-PET Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors version 1.0, respectively. Results Among 206 patients treated with definitive SBRT for unresectable PDAC, we identified 30 with LP on follow-up. Four did not undergo follow-up FDG-PET. Median time to LP after SBRT was 7.5 months (range, 2-25 months). Of the 26 patients with LP who had follow-up FDG-PET, 21 were diagnosed by FDG-PET (80.7%), 14 by CT (53.8%), and 9 by both FDG-PET and CT (34.6%). Use of CT alone revealed only 53.8% of cases of LP detected when FDG-PET and CT were combined. The cumulative incidence of LP, based on competing risk of death, at 1 and 2 years after SBRT was 9.6% and 16.7% by CT and 11% and 29.1% by FDG-PET, respectively. Conclusion FDG-PET increases the chance of detecting LP of unresectable PDAC after SBRT and can have an important impact on reported outcomes. We recommend obtaining FDG-PET to assess treatment response when evaluating efficacy of SBRT and taking its use into account when comparing clinical data.
A Role for Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma Coactivator-1α in Nucleus Accumbens Neuron Subtypes in Cocaine Action

Abstract Background Molecules critically involved in cocaine behavioral plasticity are known to regulate and interact with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α (PGC-1α). In addition, the PGC-1α promoter has binding sites for early growth response 3 (Egr3), which plays a dynamic role in cocaine action in nucleus accumbens (NAc) medium spiny neuron (MSN) subtypes, those enriched in dopamine receptor D 1 (D1-MSN) versus D 2 (D2-MSN). However, the role of PGC-1α in NAc in cocaine action is unknown. Methods PGC-1α messenger RNA and protein were examined in NAc after repeated cocaine exposure. Binding of Egr3 to and histone methylation at the PGC-1α promoter was examined in NAc using chromatin immunoprecipitation after repeated cocaine. PGC-1α ribosome-associated messenger RNA in MSN subtypes was assessed after repeated cocaine using D1-Cre-RiboTag and D2-Cre-RiboTag lines. Finally, PGC-1α was expressed in NAc D1-MSNs versus D2-MSNs using a Cre-inducible adeno-associated virus and Cre lines during cocaine conditioned place preference and cocaine-induced locomotion. Results Repeated cocaine increased PGC-1α levels and increased Egr3 binding and H3K4me3 at the PGC-1α promoter in NAc. Increased PGC-1α occurred in D1-MSNs, while D2-MSNs showed reduced levels. Viral-mediated expression of PGC-1α in D1-MSNs enhanced behavioral responses to cocaine, while expression in D2-MSNs blunted these behaviors. Conclusions We demonstrate a novel role for PGC-1α in NAc in cocaine action. PGC-1α is enhanced in NAc D1-MSNs, specifically after cocaine exposure. These data are consistent with increased active methylation and Egr3 binding at the PGC-1α promoter. Finally, we demonstrate a bidirectional role for PGC-1α in mediating behavioral plasticity to cocaine through D1-MSNs versus D2-MSNs.
A Rapid Method for Comparing the Oncogenic Potential of Retroviral Vectors.

Abstract Retroviral gene transfer has successfully cured patients with X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency (X-SCID). Unfortunately, three of the treated patients developed leukemia at least in part due to insertional activation of a neighboring gene. Further advances of this exciting therapeutic modality will require safer viral vectors. Genotoxicity experiments in animals, although an important preclinical study, are not practical for screening large numbers of vectors. We have developed a rapid plasmid-based assay to compare downstream gene activation by retroviral vectors. We constructed a plasmid, pACT, that contains a minimal CMV promoter, an internal ribosome entry site (IRES) and a luciferase reported gene followed by a polyadenylation site. Four different proviral constructs containing identical internal PGK-EGFP expression cassettes were inserted upstream of the minimal promoter and nucleofected (Amaxa Biosystems) into K562 cells. The relative luciferase activation of each provirus was determined and compared to cells nucleofected with the basic pACT plasmid. The relative luciferase activation by a plasmid containing a Moloney murine leukemia virus (MLV) vector provirus with full length long terminal repeats (LTRs) was 144, 1230, and 4525 at 1, 2 and 4 days post nucleofection, respectively. Changing the orientation of the proviral DNA did not significantly change the results, consistent with an enhancer effect from the proviral LTRs. In comparison, the relative luciferase activation by a plasmid containing a self inactivating (SIN) MLV vector provirus with LTR deletions was only 59, 90 and 170, respectively, and was reduced by greater than 90% with the reverse orientation consistent with residual activation by read-through transcription. For plasmids containing the HIV SIN vector provirus, the relative luciferase activation was 48, 45 and 52, respectively at 1, 2 and 4 days post nucleofection, and decreased by >90% with the inverse orientation. The relative luciferase activation for plasmids containing the Foamy Virus (FV) vector provirus, also a “SIN” vector, was the least, only 3, 2 and 6, respectively, at 1, 2 and 4 days post nucleofection. Therefore, all three SIN vectors (MLV, HIV and FV) produced significantly less downstream gene activation than a conventional MLV vector, with the FV vectors being the lowest. Additional studies comparing various internal promoters and vectors will also be presented. These results demonstrate the usefulness of the pACT assay system to identify safer retroviral vectors.
Virtual Versus In-Person Focus Groups: Comparison of Costs, Recruitment, and Participant Logistics

Background: Virtual focus groups—such as online chat and video groups—are increasingly promoted as qualitative research tools. Theoretically, virtual groups offer several advantages, including lower cost, faster recruitment, greater geographic diversity, enrollment of hard-to-reach populations, and reduced participant burden. However, no study has compared virtual and in-person focus groups on these metrics. Objective: To rigorously compare virtual and in-person focus groups on cost, recruitment, and participant logistics. We examined 3 focus group modes and instituted experimental controls to ensure a fair comparison. Methods: We conducted 6 1-hour focus groups in August 2014 using in-person (n=2), live chat (n=2), and video (n=2) modes with individuals who had type 2 diabetes (n=48 enrolled, n=39 completed). In planning groups, we solicited bids from 6 virtual platform vendors and 4 recruitment firms. We then selected 1 platform or facility per mode and a single recruitment firm across all modes. To minimize bias, the recruitment firm employed different recruiters by mode who were blinded to recruitment efforts for other modes. We tracked enrollment during a 2-week period. A single moderator conducted all groups using the same guide, which addressed the use of technology to communicate with health care providers. We conducted the groups at the same times of day on Monday to Wednesday during a single week. At the end of each group, participants completed a short survey. Results: Virtual focus groups offered minimal cost savings compared with in-person groups (US $2000 per chat group vs US $2576 per in-person group vs US $2,750 per video group). Although virtual groups did not incur travel costs, they often had higher management fees and miscellaneous expenses (eg, participant webcams). Recruitment timing did not differ by mode, but show rates were higher for in-person groups (94% [15/16] in-person vs 81% [13/16] video vs 69% [11/16] chat). Virtual group participants were more geographically diverse (but with significant clustering around major metropolitan areas) and more likely to be non-white, less educated, and less healthy. Internet usage was higher among virtual group participants, yet virtual groups still reached light Internet users. In terms of burden, chat groups were easiest to join and required the least preparation (chat = 13 minutes, video = 40 minutes, in-person = 78 minutes). Virtual group participants joined using laptop or desktop computers, and most virtual participants (82% [9/11] chat vs 62% [8/13] video) reported having no other people in their immediate vicinity. Conclusions: Virtual focus groups offer potential advantages for participant diversity and reaching less healthy populations. However, virtual groups do not appear to cost less or recruit participants faster than in-person groups. Further research on virtual group data quality and group dynamics is needed to fully understand their advantages and limitations. [J Med Internet Res 2017;19(3):e80]
Applying nanotherapeutics to improve chemoradiotherapy treatment for cancer

Chemoradiotherapy (CRT) plays a key role in the curative treatment of many human cancers. The full utility of this paradigm is often restricted by limitations of conventional drug delivery. Nanotherapeutics have demonstrated great potential to overcome many of these issues. The potential benefits of nanotherapeutics in CRT include improved therapeutic efficacy, decreased toxicity, enhanced real-time in vivo tumor imaging, and the translation of novel small molecule drugs or nucleic acid therapies. Additionally, nanomedicines and radiation therapy exert distinct and complementary effects on the tumor microenvironment which can further enhance therapeutic efficacy compared with either modality alone. In this review, we highlight specific clinical and preclinical examples which demonstrate the potential benefits of nanotherapeutics in CRT.
Preface on Esophagus Cancer

Globally, esophageal cancer (including tumors of the gastroesophageal junction) is one of the most common cancers and is responsible for significant morbidity and mortality. While it is relatively uncommon in the United States and Western Europe, it is endemic in East Asia and parts of the developing world. The most common histology worldwide is squamous cell carcinoma, which predominates in countries where this cancer is common, while adenocarcinomas are the more common histology in the West. Irrespective of the histology or where it occurs, esophageal cancer is a virulent disease.
Improved Genetic Algorithm for Finite-Horizon Optimal Control of Nonlinear Systems

Optimal control has been a very attractive and desirable feature for many dynamic and static systems, An effective online technique for finite-horizon nonlinear control problem is offered in this paper. The idea of the proposed technique is to combine the differential State Dependent Riccati equation filter algorithm and the finite-horizon SDRE technique. Genetic algorithm is used to calculate the optimal weighting matrices. Unlike the linear techniques that are used for linearized systems, the proposed technique is effective for wide range of operating points. Simulation results are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the offered technique.
Welfare Agencies and Assistance: United States

This article describes the evolution of the US housing assistance system, key elements of the housing assistance system for the poor, and of the welfare system. It then examines the interrelationship between these two systems, highlighting the ways in which they are in alignment and the areas in which they may be working at cross-purposes. It also provides an overview of research findings on the effects of welfare on housing assistance recipients. It concludes with suggestions for future research.
Computer simulations of optical turbulence in the weak- and strong-scattering regime: angle-of-arrival fluctuations obtained from ray optics and wave optics

It is known that certain geometrical-optics predictions often agree well with optical turbulence field observations even though theoretical constraints for ignoring diffraction may be violated. Geometrical optics assumptions can simplify analyses, and ray optics can significantly reduce simulation computation time. Here, an investigation into angle-of-arrival fluctuations is presented involving wave optics and geometrical (ray) optics computer simulations of a plane wave of visible light propagating through a turbulent refractive-index field. The simulation and Rytov-based theory results for the variances of aperture-filtered angle-of-arrival fluctuations generally agree well for weak scattering (Rytov variance, σR2≲0.2), but for increasing Rytov variance, the simulation results demonstrate a positive slope that can be significantly shallower than that predicted by the theory. For weak-to-moderate scattering regimes (σR2≲2.67), a comparison of the ray and wave results show they match for aperture diameters greater than about two Fresnel lengths. This result is consistent with a previous theoretical analysis by Cheon and Muschinski. For the strongest scattering case studied (σR2=26.7), the wave and ray simulations match for aperture diameters greater than about 10 Fresnel lengths. For smaller apertures, we attribute the disparity between the wave and ray simulation results to a Fresnel filtering effect.
On the strong mixing and weak Bernoulli conditions

A strictly stationary random sequence is constructed which has exactly two states and satisfies the strong mixing condition but not the weak Bernoulli condition.
Operative Management of Vocal Fold Avulsion Following Pediatric Laryngotracheal Separation

Laryngotracheal disruption in children is rare but life-threatening, and endolaryngeal injuries may go overlooked. We present the case of a 10-year-old boy who sustained near-complete laryngotracheal separation, multiple laryngeal fractures, and arytenoid and vocal fold avulsion following blunt cervical trauma. These injuries were not identified radiographically and only became apparent intraoperatively. Following surgical repair, the patient was successfully decannulated, eating a normal diet, and had a serviceable speaking voice within 2 months. In children, the diagnosis of severe endolaryngeal injuries may be elusive and therefore require high degree of clinical suspicion. Surgical success requires accurate diagnosis and prompt intervention.
Do Common Carotid Artery Velocities Consistently Decrease With Proximity to the Bifurcation

Distal (near bifurcation) common carotid artery (CCA) peak systolic velocity (PSV) values are lower than near the origin (proximal). We investigate whether this applies to patients with internal ca...
Impact of the implementation of a therapy dog program on burn center patients and staff

Animal-assisted interventions have been implemented in both inpatient and outpatient settings and have demonstrated positive outcomes on patients and hospital staff. Animal-assisted interventions have not been previously reported in any burn center. A therapy dog program was established at our burn center with the intent of improving duration and quality of rehabilitation sessions and physical therapy. Satisfaction surveys were distributed to patients and staff. After one year, 14 patient surveys and 23 staff surveys were collected. Implementation of this program was feasible and patients worked with the therapy dogs in all environments of the burn center: outpatient, ward, and ICU. Most patients reported improved pain and anxiety after working with the therapy dogs. All patients reported that they would like more sessions with the therapy dogs. All staff members were satisfied or very satisfied with their therapy dog visit and all enjoyed having the therapy dogs present. Most reported an improved mood after seeing the therapy dogs and wanted that additional therapy dog visits. One year after the implementation of the therapy dog program, we have demonstrated feasibility, acceptability, and desirability of this type of program at our burn center. Given the paramount importance of rehabilitation in the recovery of burn patients, further investigation into therapy should be performed and longer term outcomes assessed.