cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Left Ventricular Apex Ablation Decreases the Upper Limit of Vulnerability

Background —After shocks with an ≈50% probability of success for the upper limit of vulnerability (ULV50) of strength, the first few activations appear focally on the epicardium at almost the same site at the left ventricular (LV) apex in both successful and failed induction of ventricular fibrillation (VF). We tested the hypothesis that subendocardial ablation at this early site would decrease the shock strength required for the ULV50. Methods and Results —Ten S1 stimuli were delivered from the right ventricular apex at a 300-ms coupling interval in 5 pigs. Biphasic shocks were delivered from right ventricular–superior vena cava electrodes after the last S1 stimulus. The ULV50 was determined using an up/down protocol with T-wave scanning. Radiofrequency ablation was performed endocardially at the apical LV. The ULV50 was determined again 30 minutes after ablation. To determine the importance of the ablation region, this protocol was repeated in another 5 pigs with ablation at the LV base. Delivered voltage (401±60 versus 323±50 V) and energy (11±3 versus 7±2 J) for the ULV50 were significantly decreased after LV apex ablation by 19% and 34%, respectively. However, no difference existed in ULV50 before and after LV base ablation. Lesions at both the LV apex and base were subendocardial and ranged from 0.8 to 1.1 cm in diameter. Conclusions —Subendocardial ablation at the apical LV markedly decreases ULV50, which suggests that the activation originating from this postshock early site is responsible for VF initiation and that interventions to electrically silence this site can influence the outcome of VF induction by ULV shocks.
Assembly of the human signal recognition particle (SRP): Overlap of regions required for binding of protein SRP54 and assembly control

Assembly of the human signal recognition particle (SRP) entails the incorporation of protein SRP54, mediated by a protein SRP1 9-induced conformational change in SRP RNA. To localize the region that controls this crucial step in the assembly of human SRP RNA, four chimeras, Ch-1 to Ch-4, composed of portions of human and Methanococcus jannashii SRP RNAs, were generated by PCR site-directed mutagenesis from a larger precursor. Protein-binding activities of the hybrid RNAs were determined using purified human SRP19 and a polypeptide (SRP54M) that corresponded to the methionine-rich domain of human SRP54. Mutant Ch-1 containing the large domain of M. jannashii SRP RNA, as well as mutant Ch-2 RNA in which helices 6 and 8 were replaced, bound SRP54M independently of SRP19. Mutant Ch-3 RNA, which contained M. jannashii helix 6, required SRP19 for binding of SRP54M, but mutant Ch-4 RNA, which possessed M. jannashii helix 8, bound SRP54M without SRP19. We concluded that the formation of a stable ternary complex did not rely on extensive conformational changes that might take place throughout the large domain of SRP, but was controlled by a smaller region encompassing certain RNA residues at positions 177 to 221. Five chimeric RNAs altered within helix 8 were used to investigate the potential role of a significant AA-to-U change and to determine the boundaries of the assembly control region. Reduced protein-binding activities of these chimeras demonstrated a considerable overlap of regions required for SRP54 binding and assembly control.
The association between light rail transit and satisfactions with travel and life: evidence from Twin Cities

Rail transit has been touted as a way to enhance livability, quality of life or satisfaction with life (SWL). However, the connections between transit and SWL are mainly conceptual, and little empirical evidence is available in the literature. Using the Hiawatha line in Minneapolis as a case, this study develops structural equations models on a 2011 dataset to explore the impacts of light rail transit (LRT) on SWL. We corroborate that the Hiawatha LRT positively influences SWL through enhanced access to different activities, and through improved transit service, enhanced accessibility, and their impacts on satisfaction with travel. The size of the impacts is marginal.
Illusions in the spatial sense of the eye: Geometrical–optical illusions and the neural representation of space

Differences between the geometrical properties of simple configurations and their visual percept are called geometrical–optical illusions. They can be differentiated from illusions in the brightness or color domains, from ambiguous figures and impossible objects, from trompe l’oeil and perspective drawing with perfectly valid views, and from illusory contours. They were discovered independently by several scientists in a short time span in the 1850’s. The clear distinction between object and visual space that they imply allows the question to be raised whether the transformation between the two spaces can be productively investigated in terms of differential geometry and metrical properties. Perceptual insight and psychophysical research prepares the ground for investigation of the neural representation of space but, because visual attributes are processed separately in parallel, one looks in vain for a neural map that is isomorphic with object space or even with individual forms it contains. Geometrical–optical illusions help reveal parsing rules for sensory signals by showing how conflicts are resolved when there is mismatch in the output of the processing modules for various primitives as a perceptual pattern’s unitary structure is assembled. They point to a hierarchical ordering of spatial primitives: cardinal directions and explicit contours predominate over oblique orientation and implicit contours (Poggendorff illusion); rectilinearity yields to continuity (Hering illusion), point position and line length to contour orientation (Ponzo). Hence the geometrical–optical illusions show promise as analytical tools in unraveling neural processing in vision.
Factors Contributing to Perceptions About Policies Regarding the Electronic Monitoring of Sex Offenders The Role of Demographic Characteristics, Victimization Experiences, and Social Disorganization

The purpose of this article is to explore factors contributing to perceptions about electronic monitoring policies governing sex offenders. Guided by Tannenbaum's theory of attribution and Shaw and McKay's theory of social disorganization, the authors examine the influence of demographic characteristics, victimization experiences, and neighborhood characteristics on perceptions about policies regarding the electronic monitoring of sex offenders. Ordinary least squares regression and logistic regression analyses of stratified telephone survey data reveal that factors associated with favorable views on the use of global positioning satellite monitoring for registered sex offenders appear to stem primarily from individuals' demographic characteristics. Experiential and neighborhood factors do provide some influence over individuals' views of electronic monitoring policies for sex offenders. Theoretical and policy implications are discussed.
Intersession variability compensation for language detection

Gaussian mixture models (QMM) have become one of the standard acoustic approaches for Language Detection. These models are typically incorporated to produce a log-likelihood ratio (LLR) verification statistic. In this framework, the intersession variability within each language becomes an adverse factor degrading the accuracy. To address this problem, we formulate the LLR as a function of the QMM parameters concatenated into normalized mean supervectors, and estimate the distribution of each language in this (high dimensional) supervector space. The goal is to de-emphasize the directions with the largest intersession variability. We compare this method with two other popular intersession variability compensation methods known as Nuisance Attribute Projection (NAP) and Within-Class Covariance Normalization (WCCN). Experiments on the NIST LRE 2003 and NIST LRE 2005 speech corpora show that the presented technique reduces the error by 50% relative to the baseline, and performs competitively with the NAP and WCCN approaches. Fusion results with a phonotactic component are also presented.
High performance gated lateral polysilicon PIN diodes

This paper investigates the characteristics of high performance lateral polysilicon diodes. Low leakage currents and high ON currents were achieved using a gated PIN diode structure. An independent control gate terminal was placed over the intrinsic region of the diodes to improve the properties of the polysilicon diodes. The addition of the control gate was found to improve both the ON resistance and the leakage current by an order of magnitude. The gated PIN diodes had leakage currents less than 0.05 pA lm ˇ1 width at 5 V of reverse bias, and ON resistance less than 1 M Xl m ˇ1 width for an intrinsic region length of 2 lm. A gated PIN diode model is presented that models the diode as an ideal diode in series with a thin film transistor. This model is used to explain the impact of the control gate on the ON resistance and the leakage current of the gated PIN lateral polysilicon diodes. ” 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Moderate Religious Liberty: John Calvin and the Geneva Experiment

This chapter argues that John Calvin (1509-1564), the Protestant reformer of Geneva, developed a complex theory of (religious) liberty that lies at the heart of modern Protestant political theology. In his early years, Calvin's views of religious liberty were influenced strongly by Martin Luther's understanding of the freedom of the Christian in the heavenly kingdom and the bondage of the Christian in the earthly kingdom. In his mature writings, Calvin abandoned much of this framework, and worked out a detailed understanding of liberty vis-a-vis the moral laws of God, the civil laws of the state, and the spiritual laws of the church. Particularly novel and important was Calvin's call to integrate the principles of rule of law, democratic process, and individual liberty within the church, a theory with obvious implications for the state. Also important was his call to balance liberty and authority, rights and duties, within church, state, and family alike.
Dose reduction in nuclear imaging and therapy: Where do we stand in 2013?

1277 Learning Objectives An approach for best imaging and therapy practice centered on dose reduction will be explored. Multiple examples of imaging studies are also provided to demonstrate the effect of count rate changes on image quality. Literature review will provide evidence based medicine examples of change in thyroid therapy outcome with various therapy dose protocols. Dose reduction is desired for reasons of patient safety. But image quality may suffer with too great a reduction. In therapy, we run the risk of the therapy being ineffective below certain dose levels. Balancing the need for diagnostic image quality and therapeutic benefit with the desire for dose reduction requires great clinical skill. In some cases national regulatory policies also effect decision making. Individualization of patient procedures is vital in nuclear imaging and therapy.
Factors associated with biopsy site identification, postponement of surgery, and patient confidence in a dermatologic surgery practice

Background Biopsy site identification is critical to avoid wrong-site surgery and may impact patient-centered outcomes. Objective We sought to evaluate risk factors for biopsy site misidentification, postponement of surgery, and patient confidence in surgical site selection and to assess the near-miss rate for wrong-site surgeries. Methods This was a prospective observational cohort study. Results Near-miss wrong-site surgeries were detected and averted in 1.3% (3 of 239) of patients with biopsy site photographs. Risk factors for biopsy site misidentification by patients were 6 weeks or longer between biopsy and surgery (odds ratio [OR] 2.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.12-4.27; P = .028) and patient inability to see biopsy site (OR 3.95, 95% CI 1.50-10.37; P = .002). Risk factors for physician misidentification were 6 or more weeks between biopsy and surgery (OR 3.68, 95% CI 1.40-9.66; P = .007) and biopsy specimens from multiple sites (OR 4.39, 95% CI 1.67-11.54; P = .003). Postponement of surgery was associated with absence of a biopsy site photograph (OR 12.5, 95% CI 2.79-62.21; P P = .001). Limitations This was a single-site observational study. Conclusion Biopsy site photography is associated with reduced rates of postponed surgeries and improved rates of patient confidence in surgical site selection. Risk factors for biopsy site misidentification should be considered before definitive treatment.
Dopamine Does Double Duty in Motivating Cognitive Effort

Cognitive control is subjectively costly, suggesting that engagement is modulated in relationship to incentive state. Dopamine appears to play key roles. In particular, dopamine may mediate cognitive effort by two broad classes of functions: (1) modulating the functional parameters of working memory circuits subserving effortful cognition, and (2) mediating value-learning and decision-making about effortful cognitive action. Here, we tie together these two lines of research, proposing how dopamine serves "double duty", translating incentive information into cognitive motivation.
Influence of pesticide seed treatments on rhizosphere fungal and bacterial communities and leaf fungal endophyte communities in maize and soybean

Abstract Insecticide and fungicide seed treatments are commonly used to control pests and pathogens in conventional maize and soybean culture, but little is known about their effects on the communities of non-target microbes that inhabit the rhizospheres or leaves of these crops. Because rhizosphere bacterial and fungal communities influence carbon and nutrient turnover, nutrient transformation, nutrient uptake and disease suppression, and because leaf endophyte fungal communities influence many aspects of stress tolerance in plants, any effect of a pesticide seed treatment on these microbial communities could have unintended and possibly adverse effects on seedling performance. We conducted a three-year field experiment in which maize (2013, 2015) and soybean (2014) were grown in rotation from seeds that were either coated or not coated with common pesticide treatments, which included contact and systemic fungicides and systemic insecticides. We sampled seedling rhizosphere soil (maize in 2013, soybean in 2014) and seedling leaves (soybean in 2014, maize in 2015) and characterized their microbial communities. For maize, the rhizosphere fungal and bacterial communities were significantly affected by the seed treatment, but leaf endophytic fungal communities were not. For soybean, the rhizosphere fungal community was significantly affected, as was the leaf endophytic fungal community, but not the rhizosphere bacterial community. These results show that pesticide seed treatments may affect rhizosphere soil microbial communities and endophytic leaf fungal communities more than one month after planting and, therefore, may have significant, unintended effects on non-target organisms. Additional research must determine the consequences of these effects and the nature of their context dependency.
59 LENGTH OF STAY FOR NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT INFANTS

The records of all infants admitted to The Children's Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) during a seven month period were reviewed to determine their lengths of stay. Infants were grouped according to the following birth weight categories: <1000 grams, 1000-1499 grams, 1500-1999 grams, 2000-2499 grams, and ≥ 2500 grams. These five weight groupings were subdivided by outcome; that is, survive or expire. An analysis of the infants who survived revealed an inverse relationship between median length of stay and birth weight. The median length of stay for infants under 1000 grams was 100 days; whereas, for infants 2500 grams and above, it was 9 days. Infants under 1500 grams, who represented 24.3% of the sample, required approximately 50% of the total patient days for all infants. Length of stay for NICU infants cannot be accurately described by any one number. Rather, median length of stay by specific weight groups and outcomes provides a more comprehensive description of this variable. This methodology has potential use for health planners in projecting bed needs and personnel requirements for NICU infants.
The Effects of Estradiol Valerate upon the Serum and Bone of the Lizard Sceloporus cyanogenys

SummaryAdult Sceloporus cyanogenys were treated with 250 μg of estradiol valerate for 5, 11, 15 and 42 days. The bones were studied histologically and the plasma chemistry was determined. No morphological changes were observed in the bones. The plasma calcium and inorganic phosphorus were significantly elevated from the controls within 5 days after the injection. The proteins did not increase significantly until 11 days after injection, and the elevation occurred only in the “gamma globulin” component. It is suggested that estrogen induces increased “gamma globulin” synthesis whose origin is in part in the reticuloendothelial system.
A Novel Technique to Treat Air Leak Following Lobectomy: Intrapleural Infusion of Plasma

BACKGROUND Persistent air leak following pulmonary lobectomy can be very difficult to treat and results in prolonged hospitalization. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a new method of postoperative air leak management using intrapleurally infused fresh frozen plasma via the chest tube. MATERIAL AND METHODS Between June 2008 and June 2014, we retrospectively reviewed 98 consecutive patients who underwent lobectomy for lung cancer and postoperatively developed persistent air leak treated with intrapleural instillation of fresh frozen plasma. RESULTS The study identified 89 men and 9 women, with a median age of 65.5 years (range 48-77 years), with persistent postoperative air leak. Intrapleural infusion of fresh frozen plasma was successful in stopping air leaks in 90 patients (92%) within 24 hours, and in 96 patients (98%) within 48 hours, following resumption of the procedure. In the remaining 2, air leak ceased at 14 and 19 days. CONCLUSIONS Intrapleural infusion of fresh frozen plasma is a safe, inexpensive, and remarkably effective method for treatment of persistent air leak following lobectomy for lung cancer.
Slow conductances in neurons from cat sensorimotor cortex in vitro and their role in slow excitability changes

1. The electrophysiological and pharmacological properties of slow afterpotentials in large layer V neurons from cat sensorimotor cortex were studied in an in vitro slice preparation using intracel...
Advances in electrical nerve stimulation techniques to manage chronic pain: an overview.

Abstract Pharmacologic treatments to manage chronic intractable pain have long been sought. Neuropathic pain is usually resistant to analgesics. At present, no analgesic drug totally relieves pain without producing significant unwanted side effects. Electrical stimulation can offer a degree of relief to some sufferers without risk. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) has a long clinical history. Stimulation parameters have been studied to improve the efficacy of this method. TENS is inadequate for extensive and bilateral pain, and epidural spinal cord stimulation is indicated. Dorsal column stimulation (DCS) initially was used to manage pain, but recent clinical reports show that it also can be effective in vascular disease and movement disorders. This review article reports on improvements in the electrical parameters used in neurostimulation and advances in research to overcome methodologic problems of DCS.
Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Treatment Progress and Prospects

Although small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) represents only 20% of all lung cancer cases in the United States, it is the most lethal subtype. Combination chemotherapy unequivocally offers the best chance for improved survival in
Emphatically stressed demonstratives

Unlike pronouns stressed demonstratives do not require disjoint reference, but only expressive NPs can be stressed (2). ( Jack kissed Mary ) (1) a. I hate that PIG. b. ? I hate that DOCTOR. (2) Every intern who works for a senator ends up disliking that CREEP. In (2) the demonstrative can corefer with the indefinite so long as the indefinite scopes over the quantified subject, i.e. all the interns work for the same senator. Emphatic stress predicates an attitude of the speaker on an individual provided by the DP which rules out the non-referential donkey interpretations.
The limiting roles of nitrogen and moisture on Sphagnum angustifolium growth over a depth to water table gradient

Boreal peatlands are projected to face numerous stressors in the future, including changes in precipitation and nitrogen cycle perturbations. Nitrogen is currently believed to be the limiting factor to peatlands of western Canada, including to Sphagnum, however new insights suggest the possibility of multiple limiting factors. Growth, nitrogen assimilation, and annual retention of Sphagnum angustifolium, a species with a broad niche, were observed across a depth to water table gradient for three years to further understand the partitioning of key limiting factors. Within each year differences of linear growth were responsible for variations in net primary production (NPP), yet yearly differences of NPP were attributed to annual differences in bulk density. Sphagnum angustifolium on the wet end of the depth to water gradient is characterized as nitrogen limited with high growth and low N concentrations, compared to less growth and high N concentrations at the water limiting dry end. Of the nitrogen that is annually assimilated by S. angustifolium, approximately 1.3 g N m-2 is lost from biomass one year subsequent to assimilation, demonstrating the rapid turnover of this nutrient. The depth to water table gradient is strongly related to many S. angustifolium growth parameters and is a pivotal mechanism in delineating limiting factors within a single complex peatland ecosystem.
The Promise of Molecularly Targeted and Immunotherapy for Advanced Melanoma.

Advanced melanoma, rarely diagnosed at the time of primary melanoma excision but most often occurring later via lymphatic or hematogenous dissemination, is the cause of death for approximately 10,000 people in the USA each year, with the rate of incidence and death increasing yearly. Its causes are multifactorial and depend in large part on solar ultraviolet damage to DNA as well as underlying genetic predisposition. Cutaneous melanoma is the most common, but other subsets of importance are mucosal and uveal primaries, with different biology and treatment considerations. Mutational oncogenic “drivers” may be targeted with chronically administered, oral kinase inhibitors, currently consisting of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor combinations of BRAF plus MEK-targeted drugs. These agents work quickly to relieve symptoms and induce remissions but generally have limited durations of disease control. Immunotherapies include the immune checkpoint inhibitors that block CTLA4 or PD-1-negative immune signaling as well as interleukin-2, a cytokine that stimulates T lymphocytes and natural killer cells. A combination of CTLA4 plus PD-1 blockade has the highest activity ever reported for metastatic melanoma, at the cost of high autoimmune-like toxicities. However, immunotherapies of this type may provide durable responses and even cure a subset of patients. Thus, these immunotherapeutic agents are recommended as first-line therapy for most patients with advanced melanoma. Patients with rapidly progressive, symptomatic melanoma whose tumor carries a BRAF mutation may benefit more from initial therapy with combined MAPK inhibitors.
An Overview of Crime Scene Photography and Composition

The reader is introduced to the multiple concepts related to composition in a crime scene photography context. Just as an image can be considered to be properly exposed and properly focused, an image can be considered to be properly composed—or not. The elements of proper composition as related to crime scene photography are explained.
Depiction of drought over sub-Saharan Africa using reanalyses precipitation data sets

Reanalysis precipitation is routinely used as a surrogate for observations due to its high spatial and temporal resolution and global coverage, and it has been widely used in hydrologic and agricultural applications. The resultant product and analysis are largely dependent on the accuracy of the reanalysis precipitation data set. In this study, we analyze the impact of reanalysis precipitation uncertainties on drought depiction. Five reanalyses precipitation data sets (Climate Forecast System Reanalysis, R1: National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP)/National Center for Atmospheric Research reanalysis, R2: NCEP/Department of Energy reanalysis II, 20CR: The Twentieth Century Reanalysis version 2 and Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications) are evaluated from 1979 to 2012 over sub-Saharan Africa against an observational-based reference: The Princeton Global Meteorological Forcing data set. Results show that all the reanalyses precipitation data sets provide a relatively good representation of the long-term statistics of spatiotemporal drought characteristics in sub-Saharan Africa. However, deficiencies are found in the estimation of drought severity, the spatial pattern, and temporal persistency of droughts. Drought depiction over central Africa appears more problematic due to a lack of observational data. A comparison of drought depiction based on the Standardized Precipitation Index reveals higher monthly to seasonal precipitation variability that further increases after ~1999 due to changes in the observations included in the reanalyses assimilation systems.
A classroom observation instrument to assess student response to active learning

Student resistance is often cited as a major barrier to faculty's use of active learning, but there are few research-based strategies for reducing this barrier. To address the need for such strategies, we have initiated a project to identify specific, research-based strategies to significantly reduce student resistance to faculty's use of active learning practices. In this work-in-progress paper, we describe the first phase of our research — the development and pilot testing of a classroom observation instrument to assess student responses to faculty's use of active learning. This instrument, which draws upon other published observation protocols, will allow us to capture data about faculty's use of and students' response to active learning as we undertake our larger research project.
The SMAP level 4 carbon product for monitoring terrestrial ecosystem-atmosphere CO 2 exchange

The NASA Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) mission Level 4 Carbon (L4_C) product provides model estimates of Net Ecosystem CO 2 exchange (NEE) incorporating SMAP soil moisture information as a primary driver. The L4_C product provides NEE, computed as total respiration less gross photosynthesis, at a daily time step and approximate 14-day latency posted to a 9-km global grid summarized by plant functional type. The L4_C product includes component carbon fluxes, surface soil organic carbon stocks, underlying environmental constraints, and detailed uncertainty metrics. The L4_C model is driven by the SMAP Level 4 Soil Moisture (L4_SM) data assimilation product, with additional inputs from the Goddard Earth Observing System, Version 5 (GEOS-5) weather analysis and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) satellite data. The L4_C data record extends from March 2015 to present with ongoing production. Initial comparisons against global CO 2 eddy flux tower measurements, satellite Solar Induced Canopy Florescence (SIF) and other independent observation benchmarks show favorable L4_C performance and accuracy, capturing the dynamic biosphere response to recent weather anomalies and demonstrating the value of SMAP observations for monitoring of global terrestrial water and carbon cycle linkages.
Population pharmacokinetics of temsirolimus and sirolimus in children with recurrent solid tumours: a report from the Children's Oncology Group.

Aims Temsirolimus is an inhibitor of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Pharmacokinetic (PK) characterization of temsirolimus in children is limited and there is no paediatric temsirolimus population PK model available. The objective of this study was to simultaneously characterize the PK of temsirolimus and its metabolite sirolimus in paediatric patients with recurrent solid or central nervous system (CNS) tumors and to develop a population PK model. Methods The PK data for temsirolimus and sirolimus were collected as a part of a Children's Oncology Group phase I clinical trial in paediatric patients with recurrent solid tumors. Serial blood concentrations obtained from 19 patients participating in the PK portion of the study were used for the analysis. Population PK analysis was performed by nonlinear mixed effect modeling using NONMEM. Results A three-compartment model with zero-order infusion was found to best describe temsirolimus PK. Allometrically scaled body weight was included in the model to account for body size differences. Temsirolimus dose was identified as a significant covariate on clearance. A sirolimus metabolite formation model was developed and integrated with the temsirolimus model. A two-compartment structure model adequately described the sirolimus data. Conclusion This study is the first to describe a population PK model of temsirolimus combined with sirolimus formation and disposition in paediatric patients. The developed model will facilitate PK model-based dose individualization of temsirolimus and the design of future clinical studies in children.
Impact of the Ga/In ratio on defects in Cu(In, Ga)Se 2

The impact of the composition of a 3-stage-process deposited CIGS on the deep level spectrum was investigated using deep level transient and optical spectroscopies to probe defects throughout the bandgap to have a complete picture of the defect spectrum. It is shown that the defect spectra depend strongly on the Ga/In ratio with both higher numbers of trap levels and higher trap concentrations (by >65%) on average in the higher Ga content films. These facts can likely explain the reduced CIGS solar cell efficiency at higher Ga content.
Tunneling-based heterostructure devices for millimeter-wave and THz sensing

Sensing and imaging at millimeter-wave and THz frequencies is promising for a wide range of applications, including security, industrial control, healthcare, and scientific metrology. The development of high-sensitivity, low noise detectors based on interband tunneling in III-V heterostructure devices, and their integration into subsystems is promising for realizing the potential of these applications. This paper describes recent work on both heterostructure backward diodes and tunneling field-effect transistors as sensitive detectors in the microwave through THz frequency ranges, as well as their integration into tunable pixel elements and focal plane arrays for imaging and sensing applications.
Marrow Infiltrating Lymphocytes and Vaccines in Myeloma

Despite several decades of research with limited clinical successes, immunotherapy is now establishing a permanent presence in the clinical arena for several malignancies including multiple myeloma. The ability to understand the mechanisms mediating tumor-induced tolerance as well as the availability of reagents to target them have facilitated the clinical development of several immune-based strategies. The efficacy of adoptive cell therapies has already been demonstrated by the clinical benefit observed with allogeneic bone marrow transplantation where the immune-mediated graft vs. tumor effect accounts for the deeper and more durable clinical responses when compared to autologous stem cell transplantation. Recently, adoptive T cell approaches have focused on ex vivo manipulation of cells with the goal of increasing their tumor specificity. To date, the approaches can be divided into three groups: unmodified cells; T cells expressing transgenic T cell receptors; and cells modified with chimeric antigen receptors (CARs). Each has its own benefits. Historically, adoptive T cell therapy utilized peripheral blood lymphocytes in large part because of their ease of access. Early studies in myeloma demonstrated their ability to augment immune reconstitution and effectively transfer vaccine-specific responses. However, their lack of tumor specificity has prompted our group to evaluate the role of marrow infiltrating lymphocytes (MILs). These cells possess a broad endogenous tumor specificity and are enriched for central memory T cells that make them a more suitable source of cells for adoptive T cell approaches. The properties and potential benefits of this approach will be discussed. Another immunotherapeutic approach with potential appeal is the use of myeloma vaccines to address the issue of minimal residual disease. In light of the fact that patients with myeloma rarely have long-term sustained remissions, it is reasonable to integrate a novel approach that is capable of eradicating the remaining disease burden by generating a broad, myeloma-specific, systemic immune response. We have developed a cellular, GM-CSF-based, myeloma vaccine which has been administered in the combination with the immunomodulatory agent, lenalidomide, to patients in a near complete remission (negative M-spike but with a positive immunofixation). We have demonstrated priming of a tumor-specific immune response which correlates with a durable clinical benefit. With the ever-increasing development of immune-based approaches, combining them with various agents in different disease setting to improve the overall outcomes of myeloma patients. Disclosures Borrello:Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; BMS: Honoraria, Research Funding; WindMIL Therapeutics: Equity Ownership, Patents & Royalties, Research Funding.
The Designer Identity, Identity Evolution, and Implications on Design Practice

This chapter describes the preliminary results of a study of designer identity, including what a designer identity is, how it evolves as a result of ongoing work-related interactions, and how it may influence design work practice. In our ethnographic research, we closely observed 12 in-house designers as they did their work in a major Chinese communication technology company. We found that designers identified with the design occupation in different yet non-mutual-exclusive ways, and that the way in which designers identified themselves influenced their creative thinking, brainstorming processes, and interactions with clients.
A Cyber-Based Data-Enabled Virtual Organization for Wind Load Effects on Civil Infrastructures: VORTEX-Winds

Despite many advances in the area of wind effects on structures in recent decades, research has been traditionally conducted within limited resources scattered geographically. With the trend toward increasingly complex designs of civil infrastructure combined with the escalating potential for losses by extreme wind events, a new culture of research needs to be established based on innovative and collaborative solutions for better management of the impact of extreme wind events. To address this change, this paper presents a new paradigm of a multi-scale cyber based laboratory framework for the analysis/design, modeling and simulation of wind load effects based on an ongoing collaborative cyberinfrastructure based platform, VORTEX-Winds: Virtual Organization for Reducing the Toll of EXtreme Winds (https://vortex-winds.org), and discusses its current status since its inception in 2007 and ongoing developments. This collaborative framework as it evolves would enable a paradigm shift by offering advanced cyber-enabled modules (e-modules) for accelerating advances in research and education to achieve improved understanding and better modeling of wind effects on structures. Accordingly, it will enhance wind community’s analysis and design capabilities to address next generation challenges posed by wind. Through empowering those without computational or experimental resources, the e-modules will encompass a large set of subject areas and topics categorized as Database-enabled design, Full-scale/Field site data repository, Statistical/Stochastic toolboxes, Tele-experimentation, Uncertainty modeling, Damage assessment, and Computational platforms. This prototype will allow access to the individual e-module, while it is envisaged that next level of development in VORTEX-Winds will have the capability for an automated and integrated analysis/design through a nexus of e-modules. A highlight of the e-modules currently completed or in development is presented not only to show the efficacy of the framework to enhance and supplement the limitation of traditional off-line approaches, but also to describe architecture and features of e-modules to promote additional cyber-enabled data-driven developments in the field.
O18 Smartphone technology for assessing thigh motion deficits in participants with a history of ankle sprains

Study Design Case-control. Objectives Our purpose was to identify sagittal thigh angular motion deficits during a stepping-in-place task between healthy controls and participants with a history of recurrent ankle sprains. Background Ligamentous laxity and self-reported ankle ‘giving way’ resulting in modified proximal joint movement patterns have been noted in individuals with recurrent ankle sprains and instability. However, few clinical evaluation tools are used to assess potential altered movement patterns. We propose using smartphone technology to identify sagittal thigh motion deficiencies. Methods and Measures Subjects with (22±3 year, 171±10 cm, 76±11 kg; 14 females, 8 males; Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool=21±5) and without (23±4 year, 168±2 cm, 69±12 kg; 14 females, 8 males; Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool=29±1) a history of ankle sprains. Participants were outfitted with a smartphone on each thigh. Healthy participants were matched to ankle sprain participants and were assigned an affected and unaffected limb. Three trials of a stepping-in-place task were performed for 70 s. The angular thigh position in the sagittal plane was collected by a customised App on a smartphone. Two repeated measures ANOVAs (alpha=0.05) with one between factor (group: sprain, no sprain) and one within factor (limb: affected, unaffected) analysed maximum and average sagittal thigh angular motion (degrees). Results Significant interactions (maximum: F(1,42)=5.016; p=0.03; average: F(1,42)=6.17; p=0.02) were found that indicated the unaffected limb of the ankle sprain group (maximum=40.73±11.33°; average=13.06±4.01°) had less motion than its affected limb (maximum=44.26±12.52°; average=15.02±5.78°) and the unaffected limb of the healthy group (maximum=46.29±14.78°; average=16.41±6.01°). Conclusions We established that a smartphone App identifies thigh motion deficits for a clinical pathology. A history of ankle sprains may facilitate compensatory thigh movement strategies when stepping-in-place. This novel finding demonstrates the need to examine the role that the unaffected proximal extremity might have in recurrent sprains of the contralateral ankle.
“We Don't Want Freaks”: Performing Disability in Mahesh Dattani's Tara

Mahesh Dattani's dramatic works are celebrated for highlighting “invisible issues,” such as gender-based oppression. In Tara, Dattani accomplishes this goal through the attention-getting device of ...
Digital Footprint of Neurological Surgeons.

Background Patients are increasingly turning to online resources to inquire about individual physicians and to gather health information. However, little research exists studying the online presence of neurosurgeons across the country. This study aimed to characterize these online profiles and assess the scope of neurosurgeons' digital identities. Methods Medicare-participating neurologic surgeons from the United States and Puerto Rico were identified using the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Physician Comparable Downloadable File. Each physician was characterized by his or her medical education, graduation year, city of practice, gender, and affiliation with an academic institution. Using a Google-based custom search tool, the top 10 search results for each physician were extracted and categorized as 1 of the following: 1) physician, hospital, or healthcare system controlled, 2) third-party or government controlled, 3) social media–based, 4) primary journal article, or 5) other. Results Among the physicians within the CMS database, 4751 self-identified as being neurosurgeons, yielding a total of 45,875 uniform resource locator search results pertinent to these physicians. Of the 4751 neurosurgeons, 2317 (48.8%) and 2434 (51.2%) were classified as academic and nonacademic neurosurgeons, respectively. At least 1 search result was obtained for every physician. Hospital, healthcare system, or physician-controlled websites (18,206; 39.7%) and third-party websites (17,122; 37.3%) were the 2 most commonly observed domain types. Websites belonging to social media platforms accounted for 4843 (10.6%) search results, and websites belonging to peer-reviewed academic journals accounted for 1888 (4.1%) search results. The frequency with which a third-party domain appeared as the first search result was higher for nonacademic neurosurgeons than for academic neurosurgeons. Conclusions In general, neurosurgeons lacked a controllable online presence within their first page of Google Search results. Third-party physician rating websites constituted about half of the search results, and a relative lack of social media websites was apparent. Still, numerous opportunities exist for neurosurgeons to address this disparity.
Abstract 12669: Identification of Novel Genetic Modifiers of LQT2 by Combining Patient Derived iPS Derived Cardiomyocytes and Exome Sequencing

Background: Long QT Syndrome Type 2 (LQT2) is caused by autosomal dominant loss-of-function in hERG, but often with incomplete penetrance. We investigated the mechanisms underlying genotype-phenotype discordance seen in a large LQT2 family by studying cardiac myocytes derived from induced pluripotent stem cells from affected and unaffected mutation-positive family members. We hypothesize that the presence of disease modifying genes contributes to this phenotype. Methods: Two family pairs displaying this genotype-phenotype discordance were studied. iPS cells were generated from skin biopsies and differentiated into ventricular cardiomyocytes (iPS-CM) that were studied electrophysiologically. Exome sequencing was also performed on the four subjects. Results: hERG R752W mutation-positive cardiomyocytes exhibited reduced I Kr compared to control cells. Further, cardiomyocytes from the affected individuals displayed prolonged action potentials as well as greater L-type calcium current (LTCC) compared to cells from control subjects and an unaffected mutation-positive family member. Whole exome sequencing identified two potential disease-modifying genes. The first is a single nucleotide variant (SNV) in KCNK17 encoding a 2-pore potassium channel. When expressed in Chinese Hamster Ovary cells, this variant potassium channel, which was found only in asymptomatic mutation-positive individuals, leads to increased current density compared to the nonvariant channel. The second SNV was identified in a Ras-like GTPase and was present exclusively in symptomatic mutation-positive individuals. Overexpression of this variant protein in iCells © resulted in a significant increase in LTCC. Conclusion: We have successfully recapitulated the genotype-phenotype discordance seen in a LQT2 family using patient-derived iPS-CMs. We postulate that the difference in the currents conferred by the 2-pore potassium channel variant could partially protect hERG R752W mutation-positive subjects by mitigating the severity of the hERG mutation. However, it appears that ultimately the inheritance of a SNV in a Ras-like GTPase in tandem with the primary mutation in hERG is the permutation that drives the complete disease phenotype.
An Estimate of Natural Gas Methane Emissions from California Homes.

We estimate postmeter methane (CH4) emissions from California’s residential natural gas (NG) system using measurements and analysis from a sample of homes and appliances. Quiescent whole-house emissions (i.e., pipe leaks and pilot lights) were measured using a mass balance method in 75 California homes, while CH4 to CO2 emission ratios were measured for steady operation of individual combustion appliances and, separately, for transient operation of three tankless water heaters. Measured quiescent whole-house emissions are typically 10 g CH4/day. Most operating appliances yield undetectable CH4 to CO2 enhancements in steady operation (<0.01% of gas consumed), though storage water heaters and stovetops exhibit long-tailed gamma distributions containing high values (∼1–3% of gas consumed), and transients are observed for the tankless heaters. Extrapolating results to the state-level using Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo sa...
Sarcoidosis presenting with facial swelling (Heerfordt syndrome)

Sarcoidosis is one of the "great masqueraders" of medicine and can present with atypical facial swelling. Imaging and biopsy confirm the diagnosis.
Droop-Controlled Rectifiers That Continuously Take Part in Grid Regulation

In this paper, a generic framework for a rectifier to continuously take part in the regulation of grid voltage and frequency is proposed. It can automatically change the power consumed to support the grid, without affecting the normal operation of the load. Such a rectifier has a built-in storage port, in addition to the normal ac and dc ports. The flexibility required by the ac port to support the grid is provided by the storage port without affecting the dc port. The grid support of the ac port is achieved through the recently proposed universal droop controller (UDC). A dc-bus voltage controller cascaded to the UDC is proposed to regulate the dc-bus voltage of the storage port within a wide range so as to provide the flexibility needed, while the dc-port voltage is maintained constant. An illustrative example is presented with the recently proposed $\theta$ -converter, which consists of three ports with only four switches. Experimental results are provided to verify the capability of the rectifier to regulate the grid voltage and frequency without affecting the load.