cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A linear, single-stage, nanosecond pulse generator for delivering intense electric fields to biological loads

A compact pulse generator capable of producing high voltage pulses with halfmaximum widths as short as 2.5 ns and amplitudes as high as 5 kV has been developed to enable current and future in vivo and in vitro research into the effects of ultra-short, intense electric fields on biological matter. This pulse generator is small, simple, and free of saturable magnetic cores, which frequently introduce amplitude jitter and an undesirable correlation between amplitude and pulse width. In place of a non-linear pulse-forming network is a single-stage resonant network that drives a bank of junction recovery diodes. The diodes function as an opening switch that commutes current from an inductor to a resistive load. The use of air-core inductors in the resonant network results in a stable output pulse with an amplitude that scales linearly with input voltage and a pulse width that is independent of amplitude. The ability to scale the output amplitude independently of the pulse width simplifies the setup for experiments that require pulses with different electric field strengths but the same rise time and duration. Jurkat T lymphoblast cells exposed to 2.5 ns fields produced by this pulse generator showed an increasing degree of electropermeabilization with increasing pulse dosage and electric field intensity.
Calcium and phosphorus digestibility: Metabolic limits1

SUMMARY Calcium and phosphorus are the two most abundant macro minerals required for proper performance, growth, and production of poultry. Feed ingredients from plant sources are inadequate in meeting requirements for these minerals. To meet Ca and P requirements, inorganic sources of Ca and P are usually added to poultry diets. The potentially negative effects of excessive mineral excretion, especially P, have necessitated the need to minimize the amount of P that is excreted into the environment. One of the ways this has been addressed is through source reduction from exogenous phytase supplementation to diets that are marginally deficient in these minerals. A better understanding of the mechanisms involved in Ca and P metabolism in poultry is essential. Such information will help in formulating diets that closely meet the Ca and P needs of the bird with minimal excretion into the environment. This, however, will require a slightly different approach. One approach is diet formulation on a digestible Ca and P basis. Unlike for amino acids where digestion and absorption is minimally affected by physiological factors, parathyroid hormone and vitamin D3 play important roles in Ca and P metabolism. The critical roles played by vitamin D3 in Ca and P metabolism are enormous, and taking advantage of this could enhance Ca and P utilization. Therefore, a need to generate critical data that could expand our understanding of the important role vitamin D3 plays in Ca and P metabolism and the site of their absorption in the gut exists. Finally, the metabolic limits of Ca and P utilization in poultry will depend on many dietary and physiological factors that influence digestion, absorption, retention, and excretion of these minerals. The potential metabolic limit is expected to keep changing with the genetic improvement of birds.
The value of computed tomography angiography in determining treatment allocation for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Background and Purpose Computed tomography (CT) and CT angiography (CTA) are frequently the initial imaging modalities used in the evaluation of patients with suspected aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). It remains unclear whether CTA can provide adequate information to determine best treatment modality (endovascular versus surgical) for ruptured intracranial aneurysms.
A Workflow Model for Earth Observation Sensor Webs

An Earth science sensor web consists of a distributed collection of sensors, Earth science models, human scientists and information technologists, and data archives. The scientific use of the sensor web consists broadly of seeking to improve the understanding of natural processes occurring on the Earth’s surface or in the atmosphere. Sensor measurements serve to quantify aspects of these processes that allow Earth science models to make predictions of scientific and social value. The management problem for sensor webs considered here is the problem of reconfiguring the sensor web in order to answer new science questions. The notion of reconfiguration is used broadly here to describe a set of actions for retargeting sensors, querying databases for image data, or executing functions for analyzing acquired data. This paper describes a workflow model and architecture for a workflow management system for reconfiguring sensor webs.
A functional analysis of depression.

Depression, like infantile autism (Ferster, 1961), appears to be an especially appropriate field for the behavioral psychologist because of the missing items of behavior that are so prominent. The behavioral style of analysis emphasizes the frequency of behavior as the primary datum, while the particular categories of behavior whose frequency is to be accounted for are sought from the clinical literature or from common experience. A behavioral approach is useful for communicating, clarifying, and making objective knowledge of human behavior that has been discovered clinically or experientially. Thus, the behavior analysis may be used to complement rather than substitute for clinical knowledge (Ferster, 1972). This approach is derived from Skinner's functional analysis of behavior, particularly in his book Science and Human Behavior (Skinner, 1957). Especially in the chapters analyzing self-control, education, religion, government and law, and social behavior, Skinner defines the major kinds of activities that characterize various performances and seeks the variables that account for and influence their frequency. Ferster has provided more details of a functional analysis of self-control (Ferster, 1962) and childhood psychosis (Ferster, 1961). The first task in a behavioral analysis is to define behavior objectively, emphasizing functional (generic) classes of performances consistent with prevailing clinical facts, the component behaviors of which can be observed, classified, and counted. Then, the basic behavioral processes can be applied to discover the kinds of circumstances that can increase and decrease the frequency of particular
Chromatin remodeling of the interleukin-2 gene: distinct alterations in the proximal versus distal enhancer regions

Known transcription factor-DNA interactions in the minimal enhancer of the murine interleukin-2 gene (IL-2) do not easily explain the T cell specificity of IL-2 regulation. To seek additional determinants of cell type specificity, in vivo methodologies were employed to examine chromatin structure 5' and 3' of the 300 bp IL-2 proximal promoter/enhancer region. Restriction enzyme accessibility revealed that until stimulation the IL-2 proximal promoter/enhancer exists in a closed conformation in resting T and non-T cells alike. Within this promoter region, DMS and DNase I genomic footprinting also showed no tissue-specific differences prior to stimulation. However, DNase I footprinting of the distal -600 to -300 bp region revealed multiple tissue-specific and stimulation-independent DNase I hypersensitive sites. Gel shift assays detected T cell-specific complexes binding within this region, which include TCF/LEF or HMG family and probable Oct family components. Upon stimulation, new DNase I hypersensitive sites appeared in both the proximal and distal enhancer regions, implying that there may be a functional interaction between these two domains. These studies indicate that a region outside the established IL-2 minimal enhancer may serve as a stable nucleation site for tissue-specific factors and as a potential initiation site for activation-dependent chromatin remodeling.
Narrow-band low-noise amplifier synthesis for high-performance system-on-chip design

In this paper, we present a systematic synthesis methodology for fully integrated narrow-band CMOS low-noise amplifiers (LNAs) in high-performance system-on-chip (SoC) designs. The methodology is based on deterministic gradient-based numerical nonlinear optimization and the normal boundary intersection (NBI) method for Pareto optimization. We simultaneously optimize transistor widths, bias voltages, and input and output matching network passive components, which yields integrated inductor values that are more than one order of magnitude less than those generated by several existing equation-based LNA design techniques. By generating significantly smaller inductor values, we enable the SoC integration of the complete LNA. When the synthesized LNAs are characterized using circuit-level simulation, our methodology yields up to 35% and 58% improvement in noise figure and gain, respectively.
Intraneoplastic Polymer-based Delivery of Cyclophosphamide for Intratumoral Bioconversion by a Replicating Oncolytic Viral Vector

rRp450 is an oncolytic herpesvirus that expresses the CYP2B1 cDNA, responsible for bioconverting cyclophosphamide (CPA) into the active metabolites 4-hydroxyCPA/aldophosphamide (AP). However, formal proof of prodrug activation is lacking. We report that activation of CPA in cells infected with rRp450 generates a time-dependent increase of diffusible 4-hydroxyCPA/AP. For in vivo applications, a CPA-impregnated polymer was implanted into human tumor xenografts inoculated with rRp450. The area under the curve for 4-hydroxyCPA/AP was 806 μg/g of tumor tissue/h when CPA was administered via intraneoplastic polymer and 3 μg/g of tumor tissue/h when CPA was administered i.p. Therefore, ( a ) a lytic virus expressing a “suicide” gene can activate a prodrug; and ( b ) within rRp450-infected tumor, more prolonged and higher concentrations of activated metabolites are generated by intraneoplastic compared with systemic administration of prodrug.
Introduction of Total Quality Management (TQM) into the Process of Teaching Management: A Discussion of Initial Applications:

In management education, Total Quality Management (TQM) has primarily been presented as a course topic or framework for organizational change, and TQM applications at the course level are limited. This article discusses the design, development, and operation of a course-based TQM model built upon students as internal customers plus continuous course improvement through: (a) student advisory committees, (b) regular evaluation surveys, and (c) course evaluation surveys. The article integrates TQM principles with details on course application and instructor experiences. Observations and recommendations are presented that highlight difficulties and opportunities for implementing a continuous improvement process for instructional excellence.
Information delivery in large wireless networks with minimum energy expense

Energy efficient communication is a critical research problem in large-scale multihop wireless networks because of the limited energy supplies from batteries. We investigate in this paper the minimum energy required to fulfill various information delivery goals that correspond to the major communication paradigms in large wireless networks. We characterize the minimum energy requirement in two steps. We first derive the lower bounds on the energy consumption for all the possible solutions that deliver the information as required. We then design routing schemes that accomplish the information delivery tasks by using an amount of energy comparable to the lower bounds. Our work provides the fundamental understandings of energy needs and the efficient solutions for energy usages in major communication scenarios, which contribute to the rational dimensioning and wise utilization of the energy resources in large wireless networks.
Relationship between stimulation train characteristics and dynamic human skeletal muscle performance.

Aim: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of activation frequency on dynamic human muscle performance for a range of train durations and number of pulses during free limb movement. Methods: The quadriceps femoris muscles of 10 subjects were activated with stimulation trains with different activation frequency, train durations and number of pulses. The peak excursion produced in response to each train was the dependent measure of muscle performance. Results: The excursion–frequency (for a 300-ms train duration) and excursion–train duration (for trains with frequencies of 10, 30 or 59 Hz) relationships could each be fit with a two-parameter exponential equation (R2 values > 0.97). Because the number of pulses in a stimulation train is a function of both train duration and frequency, the excursion produced as a function of the number of pulses was characterized by a three-parameter exponential equation that represented this combined relationship. The relationship between the measured and predicted excursions in response to a wide range of stimulation trains had a R2 = 0.96. In addition, one-way repeated measures analyses of variance (anovas) showed that the frequency at which the maximum excursion was produced increased with an increase in the number of pulses in the trains tested. Conclusion: These results show the importance of train duration and the number of pulses contained within a train on the relationship between activation frequency and human skeletal muscle performance.
Balanced Approach and Restorative Justice Efforts in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania

On November 17, 1995, the governor of Pennsylvania signed into law Special Session Act 33 of 1995, which redefined the purpose of Pennsylvania's juvenile justice system to incorporate the principle...
Seismic Response of Reservoir-Dam Systems

A numerical method is presented to model the transient response of a reservoir when subjected to vertical or horizontal boundary displacements. The procedure assumes the reservoir may be represented by a latticework of line elements and that motion in the continuum may be modeled by solving the one-dimensional transient flow equations in the elements. Thus the two-dimensional behavior is computed by motions in a combination of one-dimensional elements interconnected at nodes. A calibration of the latticework is made to assure accurate predictions of transient response. Comparisions with exact solutions of the two-dimensional hydrodynamic problem are presented for a step function input and for actual earthquake excitations. The temporal variation of hydrodynamic forces are computed on a vertical faced dam in both a confined reservoir and in a semi-infinite reservoir. The interaction between a flexible tapered concrete gravity dam and a confined reservoir is studied. A shear-beam onedimensional model of the dam is analyzed when loaded with the simultaneous hydrodynamic response of the reservoir.
SUPPRESSION OF IMMUNE RESPONSES BY PRODUCTS OF ACTIVATED T CELLS

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the characteristics of several selected T-cell factors that suppress immune responses. These factors, although apparently distinct in methods of production, biochemical characteristics, and biological activities, share interesting common properties. In a study described in the chapter, the soluble immune response suppressor (SIRS) was secreted into culture supernates by mouse T cells incubated 6–48 h with mitogenic concentrations of ConA. SIRS-containing supernates, when assayed in a final concentration of 1:40 to 1:100, are not cytotoxic but, if added to cultures at initiation, suppress both IgM and IgG PFC responses to a large extent. The SIRS has little effect when added 24 h after culture initiation, and when added at 48 h or later, it does not significantly alter day 5 PFC responses. Physicochemical studies of SIRS have revealed striking similarities to murine migration inhibitory factor.
Capital Access Barriers to Government Procurement Performance: Moderating Effects of Ethnicity, Gender and Education

This article expands on barriers to entry and repositioning theory by examining the moderating effects of small firm owner/manager characteristics on the relationship between their perceptions of capital access barriers and their firm's market penetration. How these effects varied between government and commercial market segments as well as Industrial (commodity and service) sectors was of particular interest. Hierarchical regression analyses were conducted on survey data from 915 small firms to test whether firms owned and managed by individuals who are ethnic minorities, female, and/or have less education will have relatively lower market penetration as perceptions of capital access barriers increase. The results indicate that the interaction of gender and education with capital access barriers, respectively, influences market penetration for firms in the government market. The ethnicity of the owner/manager directly influenced market penetration for service firms. The results suggest important implications for public policy. (Publication abstract)
Risk factors for preterm delivery with placenta previa

AIMS To identify factors associated with preterm delivery in cases of sonographically identified placenta previa. METHODS Pregnancies with sonographic evidence of placenta previa at ≥ 28 weeks were identified. Demographic information, antepartum course, and delivery information were extracted from electronic medical records. Statistical analysis was performed with Fisher's exact test, Mann-Whitney U, Spearman's ρ (correlation), and logistic regression. Continuous data are presented as median (interquartile range). RESULTS Of 113 singleton pregnancies with placenta previa, 54 (48%) delivered at term and 59 (52%) delivered preterm. Fifty-one (45%) experienced antepartum bleeding at a median gestational age of 31 weeks (29-33 weeks) with a median interval of 20 days (11-33 days) between first bleeding episode and delivery. Women with antepartum bleeding were more likely to be delivered for hemorrhage (36 of 51 vs. 8 of 62, P<0.001) and delivered emergently (40 of 51 vs. 14 of 62, P<0.001). Antepartum bleeding before 34 weeks had a positive predictive value of 88% for preterm birth and 83% for emergent delivery. CONCLUSION In pregnancies with placenta previa, antepartum bleeding is a strong predictor of preterm delivery.
Employing Music in the History Classroom: Four Models

Music has been a source of inspiration, of protest, of wisdom, and of emotion for millennia. In the United States, music became woven into the fabric of the culture well before it became a nation and it remains so today. Songs have expressed a range of emotions and informed listeners of historical, social, and political issues at every level of sophistication. Yet our passion for music, coupled with its significance as an artifact of history, has not found its way into classrooms in any prominent way. This article explores four models of using music in the history classroom, each of which ventures to encourage history teachers to consider music, its analysis, and even its creation as integral to history curricula. Each model uses various instructional strategies grounded in tenets of historical thinking and range from a teacher-centered Close Reading Model to inquiry and discovery-based approaches, concluding with a student-centered model of Creative Development.
Application of Panel Method Aerodynamics to Rotor Aeroelasticity in Hover

The linear stability of a hingeless rotor in the hovering flight condition is examined. The present study is focused on the effects of three-dimensional lifting surface aerodynamics on coupled flap-lag-torsion aeroelasticity. The rotor blade is represented by a number of flat quadrilateral panels with piecewise constant source and doublet. The tip-vortex geometry is prescribed and the inner wake geometry is iteratively calculated. Calculations show that the three-dimensional tip effect is important to accurately predict the steady-state deflections, particularly in torsion. Although the present approach yields values for the lead-lag damping a t low pitch angles that are in good agreement with previously published results, a significant drop-off of the lead-lag damping values from the two-dimensional theory predictions is obtained at high pitch angles. The present results edhibit a trend at high pitch angles similar to that found in a recent experimental study of lead-lag damping of hingeless rotors. The drop-off has usually been attributed to stall, but it is shown in the paper that it is due to the three-dimensional tip loss effect which is neglected in two-dimensional aerodynamic approaches and the unsteady fluctuation of wake inflow. Slight changes have been noticed in torsional damping values and frequencies in both lead-lag and torsion.
Perspectives on Migration Theory – Sociology and Political Science

Migration has long been a topic of research in sociology, and its popularity has increased within political science over recent decades. Whether internal or international, migration has continued to expand and our prevailing notions as to the structure and characteristics of migration have likewise expanded. In this chapter, we present a brief overview of the theoretical contribution of sociology and political science to the study of migration. In the presentation of migration from a sociological perspective, we describe migrants as individuals, connections within a network, and members of a community. Recognizing the complex social world in which migrants interact has allowed us to not only to refine our understanding of individual-level decision-making but also widen our scope to include familial and transnational connections. As a result of this research, we are also able to better characterize migration demographically at the macro level. We also include insights from political science to extend our theoretical understanding of migration to the state. Migration has become a mainstream political issue in most countries in the world, creating new electoral fault lines in many democracies. Our review describes possible effects migration has on the politics of the respective society, as well as the ways through which the state seeks to shape its migration policy, typically with the intent to control the flows of migration. In light of the advances made in migration theory from both disciplines, we also reflect on new pathways for future research.
Direct determination of 32 elements in heparin sodium by ORS ICP-MS

Objective To develop a method for determination of B,Mg,Al,Ca,Co,Zn,Se,Ti,Ag,Fe,Sr,Si,Ba,K,P,Cr,Mn,Ni,Cu,As,Cd,Hg,Pb,V,Mo,Sn,Sb,Ir,Pd,Pt,Ru and Rh in heparin sodium by octopole reaction system inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry,so as to provide scientific methods for quality supervision of heparin sodium.Methods Accurately weighed sample 0. 25 g,ultrasonic dissoluted with 1% HNO3+ 1% HCl,and then constant volume to10 ml. The samples were directly determined by octopole reaction system inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Mix-internal solution of Sc,Ge,In and Re were used for elimination the non-spectroscopic interference,and the octopole reaction system was used for elimination of the mass spectroscopic interference. Results The detection limits of the method were0. 01 μg / kg-50 μg / kg except Si whose detection limit was 2. 0 mg / kg). The RSDs were 0. 2%-3. 4% and the recoveries were 93. 5%-104. 0%. Conclusion This method can be applied for determination of 32 elements in heparin sodium,which is simple,sensitive and accuracy.
Functional Anatomy of an Artificial Fish

As we discussed in the preceding chapter, there are diverse aspects to the realistic modeling of an artificial animal, from superficial appearance to internal functionality. It is helpful to think of the artificial fish model as consisting of three sub-models: 1. A graphical display model that uses geometry and texture mapping to capture the form and appearance of any specific real fish. 2. A biomechanical model that captures the physical and anatomical structure of the fish’s body, including its muscle actuators, and simulates its deformation and physical dynamics. 3. A brain model that is responsible for motor control, perception control and behavior control of the fish.
Preliminary evaluation of a measure for reliable assessment of need for constant visual observation in adults with traumatic brain injury.

AbstractPrimary objective: To develop and provide initial validation of a measure for accurately determining the need for Constant Visual Observation (CVO) in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) admitted to inpatient rehabilitation.Research design: Rating scale development and evaluation through Rasch analysis and assessment of concurrent validity.Methods and procedures: One hundred and thirty-four individuals with moderate–severe TBI were studied in seven inpatient brain rehabilitation units associated with the National Institute for Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) TBI Model System. Participants were rated on the preliminary version of the CVO Needs Assessment scale (CVONA) and, by independent raters, on the Levels of Risk (LoR) and Supervision Rating Scale (SRS) at four time points during inpatient rehabilitation: admission, Days 2–3, Days 5–6 and Days 8–9.Outcomes and results: After pruning misfitting items, the CVONA showed satisfactory internal consistency ...
Quantification of tumor-derived cell free DNA(cfDNA) by digital PCR (DigPCR) in cerebrospinal fluid of patients with BRAF V600 mutated malignancies

// Parisa Momtaz 1 , Elena Pentsova 1 , Omar Abdel-Wahab 1 , Eli Diamond 1 , David Hyman 1 , Taha Merghoub 1 , Daoqi You 1 , Billel Gasmi 1 , Agnes Viale 1 , Paul B. Chapman 1, 2 1 Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, USA 2 Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, USA Correspondence to: Parisa Momtaz, email: momtazp@mskcc.org Keywords: cell free DNA, digital PCR, BRAF mutated melanoma, erdheim-chester disease, cerebrospinal fluid Abbreviations: cell free DNA, cfDNA; digital PCR, DigPCR; erdheim-chester disease, ECD; cerebrospinal fluid, CSF; central nervous system, CNS Received: October 04, 2016 Accepted: October 25, 2016 Published: November 16, 2016 ABSTRACT Tumor-derived cell free DNA (cfDNA) can be detected in plasma. We hypothesized that mutated BRAF V600 cfDNA could be quantified in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with central nervous system (CNS) metastases. We collected CSF from patients with BRAF V600E or K-mutated melanoma (N=8) or BRAF V600E mutated Erdheim-Chester Disease (ECD) (N=3) with suspected central nervous system (CNS) involvement on the basis of neurological symptoms (10/11), MRI imaging (8/11), or both. Tumor-derived cfDNA was quantified by digital PCR in the CSF of 6/11 patients (range from 0.15-10.56 copies/μL). Conventional cytology was negative in all patients except in the two patients with markedly elevated levels of tumor-derived cfDNA. In 2 patients with serial measurements, CSF tumor-derived cfDNA levels reflected response to treatment or progressive disease. CSF tumor-derived cfDNA has the potential to serve as a diagnostic tool that complements MRI and may be more sensitive than conventional cytology.
Prior knowledge-based approach for associating contaminants with biological effects: A case study in the St. Croix River basin, MN, WI, USA.

Evaluating potential adverse effects of complex chemical mixtures in the environment is challenging. One way to address that challenge is through more integrated analysis of chemical monitoring and biological effects data. In the present study, water samples from five locations near two municipal wastewater treatment plants in the St. Croix River basin, on the border of MN and WI, USA, were analyzed for 127 organic contaminants. Known chemical-gene interactions were used to develop site-specific knowledge assembly models (KAMs) and formulate hypotheses concerning possible biological effects associated with chemicals detected in water samples from each location. Additionally, hepatic gene expression data were collected for fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) exposed in situ, for 12 d, at each location. Expression data from oligonucleotide microarrays were analyzed to identify functional annotation terms enriched among the differentially-expressed probes. The general nature of many of the terms made hypothesis formulation on the basis of the transcriptome-level response alone difficult. However, integrated analysis of the transcriptome data in the context of the site-specific KAMs allowed for evaluation of the likelihood of specific chemicals contributing to observed biological responses. Thirteen chemicals (atrazine, carbamazepine, metformin, thiabendazole, diazepam, cholesterol, p-cresol, phenytoin, omeprazole, ethyromycin, 17β-estradiol, cimetidine, and estrone), for which there was statistically significant concordance between occurrence at a site and expected biological response as represented in the KAM, were identified. While not definitive, the approach provides a line of evidence for evaluating potential cause-effect relationships between components of a complex mixture of contaminants and biological effects data, which can inform subsequent monitoring and investigation.
A34 Session 10: Adjunctive Therapeutic Approaches

The physiological reaction of tumor tissue and the progression of normal vascular and cellular repair processes in the body after thermal ablation suggest specific ways that adjuvant therapies may improve tumor control. This is a topic of growing importance as thermal ablation techniques are being used more than ever yet continue to have significant and unpredictable recurrence rates in clinical settings. We hypothesized that incomplete ablation of tumor tissue near the margin and around major blood vessels allows re-oxygenation and repopulation of the tumor. Microvessel functionality after partial thermal ablation of experimental murine tumors has been investigated after both high and low temperature thermal ablations. Interestingly, the oxygenation in the tumor margin increased from 1.2 ± 0.98 mmHg to 10.4 ± 6.3 mmHg during and for the first 20–30 min after a typical hot or cold ablation session, suggesting that the vascular response is a common feature to all of ablative medicine. Vessels with active blood flow in the peripheral regions of the tumor were seen to persist at varying levels from 24–72 h post-ablation. The level of hypoxia detected by pimonidazole binding was inversely related to the number of functional vessels detected. Our results suggest that simultaneous or tightly sequenced ablation and ionizing radiation therapy may have merit as an efficient means to completely sterilize tumor volume since radiation is most cytotoxic in areas of improved oxygenation and ablation most effectively debulks volumes with low or impaired perfusion. Furthermore, nanomedicine or other vascular-targeted drugs that can selectively impair the vasculature of the tumor may significantly increase the volume of complete ablation obtained and improve reproducibility of the ablation zone from tumor to tumor. A vascular sensitizing/damaging agent may also increase the overall effect of radiotherapy and thus improve tumor control. We have also documented a contribution of progenitor cells in repairing sublethally damaged tissue after ablation and promoting establishment of a vascular niche capable of regenerating the tumor mass which suggests agents that block the mobilization of bone marrow derived cells could also serve to improve the results of thermal ablative therapy for a variety of tumor types. These aspects of combined treatments will be discussed for both high temperature ablations and cryosurgery. Supported by NCI CA44114, Arkansas Breast Cancer Research Program and the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute at UAMS.
80-P : DETECTION OF A NOVEL HLA-C∗04 ALLELE CONTAINING SEQUENCES FROM THE C∗07:02 ALLELE GROUP IN EXON 3

Aim HLA typing of two siblings of Asian descent, using sequence-specific oligonucleotide probes (SSOP) and sequence-based typing (SBT), resulted in the detection of a new allele. Detailed analysis of the probe and sequence data showed the new allele to be a recombination of sequences from HLA-C∗04 and HLA-C∗07 alleles. To confirm these results, the DNA samples were tested using sequence-specific primers (SSP) and an alternate sequencing-based method. Methods DNA was extracted from whole blood using the QIAGEN EZ1 DNA Blood 350 μ l kit and BioRobot® EZ1 instrument. Low resolution HLA typing was obtained by performing DNA amplification and probe hybridization using the One Lambda LABType SSO HLA-C Locus kit. High resolution HLA typing was achieved by the sequencing of amplified DNA using the Celera AlleleSEQR® HLA-C PLUS SBT reagents. Confirmation testing of the novel C∗04 allele was performed by amplifying the DNA samples using the Olerup SSP HLA-C∗04, C∗07 kits and Invitrogen AllSet+™ Gold SSP Cw Locus High Res kits. Finally, HLA-C∗04 group specific DNA amplification (GSA) was performed and sequenced using the Texas BioGene HLAssure™ SBT HLA-C Typing Kit. Results Results from all SSP, SSOP and SBT testing confirmed the loss of heterozygosity somewhere between positions 1084 and 1282 in exon 3. The sequence in this region matches exactly to a group of C∗07:02-related alleles. Positions in exon 3 specific for C∗04:03 (4 snps) and C∗04:06 (5 snps) were completely homozygous. Outside this region, there were heterozygous positions detected in exon 3. Conclusions C∗07:02 is the most common HLA-C allele amongst Asian/Pacific Islanders. C∗04:03 and C∗04:06 are also common allele types in this population. In the two DNA samples we tested, exon 2 contains the sequences for C∗04:03/06. The recombination event between HLA-C∗04 and HLA-C∗07 likely occurred somewhere between positions 1084 and 1282 in exon 3. This case illustrates the need for use of differing technologies for the identification of new alleles.
Gender Bias in the Job Market: A Longitudinal Analysis

For millions of workers, online job listings provide the first point of contact to potential employers. As a result, job listings and their word choices can significantly affect the makeup of the responding applicant pool. Here, we study the effects of potentially gender-biased terminology in job listings, and their impact on job applicants, using a large historical corpus of 17 million listings on LinkedIn spanning 10 years. We develop algorithms to detect and quantify gender bias, validate them using external tools, and use them to quantify job listing bias over time. We then perform a user survey over two user populations (N1=469, N2=273) to validate our findings and to quantify the end-to-end impact of such bias on applicant decisions. Our findings show gender-bias has decreased significantly over the last 10 years. More surprisingly, we find that impact of gender bias in listings is dwarfed by our respondents' inherent bias towards specific job types.
We are healthier together: designing for technology-mediated health coproductions by older adults

Engagement in social activities and participation in community, allows people to coproduce their own health and wellbeing. This paper reports an ongoing design study that uses an email listserv to support older adults to organize and enact more coproductions together. Email is a tool that our participants are familiar with and already use. We augment their daily practices and past experience of this simple technology for promoting health coproductions. We discuss the rationale for using email as a tool, the design of the listserv, and how the older adults use the new technology.
Neuroprotection and Physical Preconditioning: Exercise, Hypothermia, and Hyperthermia

Exercise, hypothermia, and hyperthermia are preconditioning methods that vastly differ in terms of the physical properties of their respective stimuli. Despite their differences, these varying physical stimuli provide different value in terms of potential clinical utility. This chapter reviews the features and mechanisms underlying the cerebral protection that is conferred through the utilization of exercise, hypothermia, and hyperthermia. The neuroprotection derived from these various treatment modalities underlies their use in clinical settings, and it provides necessary background information for potential therapeutic and pharmaceutical interventions in the future.
SAT-Based Algorithms for Bayesian Network Inference

We provide a novel method for Bayesian network inference based upon the idea of pre-compiling a given Bayesian network into a series of SAT instances. We show that this approach allows us to exploit the numerical structure of the problem domain represented by the Bayesian network and that it can be combined with the paradigm of dynamic programming to exploit both the topology and the numerical structure of the network. Because these SAT-based methods exploit both, they are assured of performing better than traditional methods that exploit only the topology of the network (sometimes referred to as “structure-based methods”). A surprising result that follows from our approach is that in domains that exhibit “high” numerical structure, we can remove the “hardness” of the Bayesian inference task into a one-time precompilation phase that is independent of any query, thereby achieving a fully polynomial-time randomized approximation scheme (FPRAS) for query-answering. We expect SAT-based approaches to be successful in many practical domains that exhibit good numerical structure (like the presence of monotonic/qualitative relationships between the variables of the domain).
Your Heart Won't Lie: PPG-based Continuous Authentication on Wrist-worn Wearable Devices

This paper presents a photoplethysmography (PPG)-based continuous user authentication (CA) system, which especially leverages the PPG sensors in wrist-worn wearable devices to identify users. We explore the uniqueness of the human cardiac system captured by the PPG sensing technology. Existing CA systems require either the dedicated sensing hardware or specific gestures, whereas our system does not require any users' interactions but only the wearable device, which has already been pervasively equipped with PPG sensors. Notably, we design a robust motion artifacts (MA) removal method to mitigate the impact of MA from wrist movements. Additionally, we explore the characteristic fiducial features from PPG measurements to efficiently distinguish the human cardiac system. Furthermore, we develop a cardiac-based classifier for user identification using the Gradient Boosting Tree (GBT). Experiments with the prototype of the wrist-worn PPG sensing platform and 10 participants in different scenarios demonstrate that our system can effectively remove MA and achieve a high average authentication success rate over $90%$.
Parallel Processing of Graphs

Graphs play an indispensable role in a wide range of application domains. Graph processing at scale, however, is facing challenges at all levels, ranging from system architectures to programming models. In this chapter, we review the challenges of parallel processing of large graphs, representative graph processing systems, general principles of designing large graph processing systems, and various graph computation paradigms. Graph processing covers a wide range of topics and graphs can be represented in different forms. Different graph representations lead to different computation paradigms and system architectures. From the perspective of graph representation, this chapter also briefly introduces a few alternative forms of graph representation besides adjacency list.
Optically inducible membrane recruitment and signaling systems

Optical induction of intracellular signaling by membrane-associated and integral membrane proteins allows spatiotemporally precise control over second messenger signaling and cytoskeletal rearrangements that are important to cell migration, development, and proliferation. Optogenetic membrane recruitment of a protein-of-interest to control its signaling by altering subcellular localization is a versatile means to these ends. Here, we summarize the signaling characteristics and underlying structure-function of RGS-LOV photoreceptors as single-component membrane recruitment tools that rapidly, reversibly, and efficiently carry protein cargo from the cytoplasm to the plasma membrane by a light-regulated electrostatic interaction with the membrane itself. We place the technology-relevant features of these recently described natural photosensory proteins in context of summarized protein engineering and design strategies for optically controlling membrane protein signaling.
Multivariate Analysis of Consumer Preference Structures Across Multiple Categories

That consumers’ purchase behavior varies across categories is being documented actively by the marketing science community. The variation in such behavior can be attributed to the heterogeneity in consumer preferences across categories as well as the nature of categories (e.g., perishable goods). In this research, we implement a multivariate probit model specification that helps deduce how the nature of a category influences a consumer’s preference structure not only for that category but across multiple categories. We use scanner panel data across multiple categories to calibrate the model. Over and above critically evaluating the results from this model, we derive marketing metrics using customer survey data from the same panel of customers. We then deduce the (i) effectiveness of a retailer’s pricing and promotional policies, and (ii) suggest directions for improving customer relationship management. Given the complex nature of the modeling approach, we use Hierarchical Bayesian methods (MCMC) to obtain model parameters.
Surgical anatomy of the larynx

This article provides a review of the surgical anatomy of the larynx. The external cartilaginous and bony framework of the larynx are described in relation to how these structures can be used as landmarks to identify internal features of the larynx. The overlying musculature of the larynx is also detailed. The spaces of the internal larynx are explained including the pre-epiglottic, paraglottic, and cricoid area by their borders and contents to assist in orienting the surgeon. The course of vasculature and nerves within the larynx is described in detail. This includes the anatomical variants of the External Branch of the Superior Laryngeal nerve described by both Cernea and Friedman as well as variations in the Recurrent Laryngeal nerve. Finally, the musculature, mucosa, and cartilaginous structures of the internal larynx are described.
Defects in Antiviral T Cell Responses Inflicted by Aging-Associated miR-181a Deficiency.

Summary Generation of protective immunity to infections and vaccinations declines with age. Studies in healthy individuals have implicated reduced miR-181a expression in T cells as contributing to this defect. To understand the impact of miR-181a expression on antiviral responses, we examined LCMV infection in mice with miR-181ab1-deficient T cells. We found that miR-181a deficiency delays viral clearance, thereby biasing the immune response in favor of CD4 over CD8 T cells. Antigen-specific CD4 T cells in mice with miR-181a-deficient T cells expand more and have a broader TCR repertoire with preferential expansion of high-affinity T cells than in wild-type mice. Importantly, generation of antigen-specific miR-181a-deficient CD8 effector T cells is particularly impaired, resulting in lower frequencies of CD8 T cells in the liver even at time points when the infection has been cleared. Consistent with the mouse model, CD4 memory T cells in individuals infected with West Nile virus at older ages tend to be more frequent and of higher affinity.
Abstract 17544: Utilization of Intensive Lipid-Lowering Therapy After an Acute Coronary Syndrome: Insights From the Triton-TIMI 38 Trial

BACKGROUND: Reduction of LDL cholesterol with intensive lipid-lowering therapy (I-LLT) reduces CV ischemic events after an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Data suggest that despite benefits, I-LLT i...
Therapeutic groups via video teleconferencing and the impact on group cohesion

Background: The use of synchronous telemental health for therapy group is a relatively new area of exploration. While telegroups have demonstrated they can be helpful in providing psychoeducation, there is less known about whether synchronous remote groups can develop group cohesion and whether patients can receive the benefit of a supportive group setting. Methods: A pilot study was conducted comparing group cohesion between patients who participated in a dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) group via video teleconferencing (VTC) and patients who participated in an in-person group. Results: Findings indicate that while both groups felt equally connected to the facilitator, there were significant differences between the online and in-person groups on the group cohesion scale. Those in the online group did not feel as connected to other group members as those in the in-person group. Qualitative statements indicate that while an in-person group may have been preferable, the convenience of the online group outweighed any negative effects. Attendance was significantly better in the online group, suggesting that use of this technology may help to overcome barriers preventing treatment participation. The focus of this study was on group cohesion and changes in psychiatric symptoms were not evaluated. Conclusions: The use of telemental health for group therapy appears to be a viable alternative to traditional in-person groups, especially when no other treatment options are available. However, facilitators may need to take extra steps to build group cohesion when members are participating remotely.
A Cascade Reaction of Cinnamyl Azides with Acrylates Directly Generates Tetrahydro-Pyrrolo-Pyrazole Heterocycles.

Developing reactions to generate complex and modular building blocks in a concise and direct fashion remains a contemporary synthetic challenge. This work describes a stereoselective cascade reacti...
Amorphous Clay Constituents of Soils

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses recent progress in studies of the amorphous clay constituents of soils during the past ten years and focuses on their nature, properties, and genesis. Effort is made to collect analytical data on natural clay systems, although they often have been inconclusive and to indicate similarities and differences between different kinds of amorphous clay materials. The amorphous clay constituents in soils derived from volcanic ash have been studied most extensively and intensively because they are predominating in the clay fraction and have predominating influence on the physical and chemical properties of the soils. Considerable progress has been made in characterization of amorphous clay constituents such as allophane, imogolite, and opaline silica, by application of selective dissolution techniques combined with physical methods as represented by infrared spectroscopy and electron microscopy. A better understanding of the processes of soil development from volcanic ash has been obtained by applying advanced methods of mineralogical analysis and by relating the formation and transformation of the amorphous clay constituents to crystalline clay constituents and to accumulation of organic matter.