cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Laser thermal preconditioning enhances dermal wound repair

ABSTRACT Preconditioning tissues with an initial mild thermal stress, thereby eliciting a stress response, can serve to protect tissue from subsequent stresses. Patients at risk for impaired healing, such as diabetics, can benefit from therapeutic methods which enhance wound repair. We present a laser thermal preconditi oning protocol that accelerates cutaneous wound repair in a murine model. A pulsed diode laser ( = 1.86 µm, 2 p =2 ms, 50 Hz, H = 7.64 mJ/cm 2 ) was used to precondition mouse skin before incisional wounds were made. The preconditioning protocol was optimized in vitro and in vivo using hsp70 expression, cell viability, and temperature measurements as benchmarks. Hsp70 expression was non-invasively monitored using a transgenic mouse strain with the hsp70 promoter driving luciferase expression. Tissue temperature recordings were acquired in real time using an infrared camera. Wound repair was assessed by measuring hsp70 expression, biomechanical properties, and wound histology for up to 24 d. Bioluminescence (BLI) was monitored with the IVIS 200 Syst em (Xenogen) and tensile properties with a tensiometer (BTC-2000). The in vivo BLI studies indicated that the optimized laser preconditioning protocol increased hsp70 expression by 15-fold. The tensiometer data revealed that laser preconditioned wounds are ~40% stronger than control wounds at 10 days post surgery. Similar experiments in a diabetic mouse model also enhanced wound repair strength. These results indicate that 1) noninvasive imaging methods can aid in the opti mization of novel laser preconditioning methods; 2) that optimized preconditioning with a 1.86 µ m diode laser enhances early wound repair. Keywords : Preconditioning, heat shock protein 70 ( hsp70 ), wound healing, chronic wounds, adaptive response, hormesis, diabetes
How Can We Determine if the Sense of Presence Affects Task Performance

The question of whether the sense of presence in virtual environments (or telepresence with respect to teleoperator systems) is causally related to task performance remains unanswered because the appropriate studies have yet to be carried out. In this brief report, the author describes a strategy for resolving this issue and the results of a pilot study in which this strategy was implemented.
A framework for assessing patient crossover and health information exchange value.

Objective To evaluate the benefit of a health information exchange (HIE) between hospitals, we examine the rate of crossover among neurosurgical inpatients treated at Emory University Hospital (EUH) and Grady Memorial Hospital (GMH) in Atlanta, Georgia. To inform decisions regarding investment in HIE, we develop a methodology analyzing crossover behavior for application to larger more general patient populations. Design Using neurosurgery inpatient visit data from EUH and GMH, unique patients who visited both hospitals were identified through classification by name and age at time of visit. The frequency of flow patterns, including time between visits, and the statistical significance of crossover rates for patients with particular diagnoses were determined. Measurements The time between visits, flow patterns, and proportion of patients exhibiting crossover behavior were calculated for the total population studied as well as subpopulations. Results 5.25% of patients having multiple visits over the study period visited the neurosurgical departments at both hospitals. 77% of crossover patients visited the level 1 trauma center (GMH) before visiting EUH. Limitations The true patient crossover may be under-estimated because the study population only consists of neurosurgical inpatients at EUH and GMH. Conclusion We demonstrate that detailed analysis of crossover behavior provides a deeper understanding of the potential value of HIE.
Statistical discrimination in health care

This paper considers the role of statistical discrimination as a potential explanation for racial and ethnic disparities in health care. The underlying problem is that a physician may have a harder time understanding a symptom report from minority patients. If so, even if there are no objective differences between Whites and minorities, and even if the physician has no discriminatory motives, minority patients will benefit less from treatment, and may rationally demand less care. After comparing these and other predictions to the published literature, we conclude that statistical discrimination is a potential source of racial/ethnic disparities, and worthy of research.
Improving Quality in Early Childhood Environments Through On-Site Consultation

The implementation of early childhood inclusion has been challenged by the lack of adequate staff development and high-quality community programs. Although consultation is a viable option for providing teachers with new knowledge, skills, and support to facilitate inclusion, few models use as their foundation assessing and improving global program quality. This article presents one model for preparing community-based consultants to work on-site alongside the staff of early care and education programs to improve the quality of their early childhood environments. We provide measures of global quality in the participating community-based programs, including infant-toddler, early childhood, and family childcare home settings, to determine the quality of care that children were receiving before and after consultation.
Flexible inter-enterprise workflow management using e-services

This paper presents a solution to achieve dynamic Inter-enterprise workflow management using the e-services provided by collaborative e-business enterprises. E-services are distributed services that can be accessed programmatically on the Internet, using SOAP messages and the HTTP protocol. We categorize e-services according to their business types and manage them in an UDDI-enabled Broker Server. By E-service requests are specified in the activities of a process model according to some standardized e-service templates and are bound to the proper service providers at run-time by using a constraint-based, dynamic service binding mechanism. The workflow management system is dynamic in the sense that the actual business organizations that take part in a business process are not determined until run-time.
Performance optimization of multi-level control networks in a fast circuit/packet switching system

The performance of a fast packet/circuit switching system using internal out-of-band signaling and a multilevel control network is evaluated in the paper. By using both analytical and simulation approaches, the authors show that for a given traffic condition there exists an optimal cluster size which minimizes the connection setup service time. Because of the dependency of the optimal cluster size on the input traffic rate, they propose a reconfigurable control architecture in which the cluster size dynamically adapts to the traffic load. Using this control structure, the system throughput is optimized over a wider range of operating conditions as compared to those with fixed cluster size. >
Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone receptor targeted agents for prostate cancer.

Introduction: Receptors for luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) are expressed on a variety of human cancer cells with relatively limited expression in normal tissues. The selective and persistent expression of these receptors in prostate cancer cells is the rationale for LHRH receptor targeted agents. With many agents in development and one entering early clinical study, it is important to be familiar with the concept of LHRH receptor targeting and the evidence supporting its use. Areas covered: This manuscript reviews the expression of LHRH receptors and the rationale for LHRH receptor targeted therapy in prostate cancer. Several different classes of agents targeting the LHRH receptor are discussed. The preclinical evidence supporting these agents is also reviewed and the clinical trial testing one of these agents is detailed. Expert opinion: LHRH receptor expression on prostate cancer cells has led to the rational design of many new compounds. The preclinical evidence is encouraging for these a...
Role of NF-Y in In Vivo Regulation of the γ-Globin Gene

The duplicated CCAAT box is required for γ gene expression. We report here that the transcriptional factor NF-Y is recruited to the duplicated CCAAT box in vivo. A mutation of the duplicated CCAAT box that severely disrupts the NF-Y binding also reduces the accessibility level of the γ gene promoter, affects the assembly of basal transcriptional machinery, and increases the recruitment of GATA-1 to the locus control region (LCR) and the proximal promoter and the recruitment of transcription cofactor CBP/p300 to the LCR. These findings suggest that recruitment of NF-Y to the duplicated CCAAT box plays a role in the chromatin opening of the γ gene promoter as well as in the communication between the γ gene promoter and the LCR.
The Nature of Leadership

Trait/characteristic theories and empirical approaches to the study of leadership have been supported by mounds of data, graphic models, and regression statistics. While there has been criticism of these mainstream approaches, there has been little in the way of meta-physical support developed for either side of the argument. This paper attempts to address the `science' of leadership study at its most fundamental level.
New component of ESCRT-I regulates endosomal sorting complex assembly

The endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) complexes play a critical role in receptor down-regulation and retroviral budding. Although the crystal structures of two ESCRT complexes have been determined, the molecular mechanisms underlying the assembly and regulation of the ESCRT machinery are still poorly understood. We identify a new component of the ESCRT-I complex, multivesicular body sorting factor of 12 kD (Mvb12), and demonstrate that Mvb12 binds to the coiled-coil domain of the ESCRT-I subunit vacuolar protein sorting 23 (Vps23). We show that ESCRT-I adopts an oligomeric state in the cytosol, the formation of which requires the coiled-coil domain of Vps23, as well as Mvb12. Loss of Mvb12 results in the disassembly of the ESCRT-I oligomer and the formation of a stable complex of ESCRT-I and -II in the cytosol. We propose that Mvb12 stabilizes ESCRT-I in an oligomeric, inactive state in the cytosol to ensure that the ordered recruitment and assembly of ESCRT-I and -II is spatially and temporally restricted to the surface of the endosome after activation of the MVB sorting reaction.
Regionalism in the Asia Pacific: is Geography destiny?

The renaissance in geographical 'bloc' development in the 1990s has generated expecta tions that prevailing international regionalism is compatible with the dominant global integration model. Nascent regionalism in the Asia Pacific best captures this trend with regional initiatives being established on the basis of 'open' regionalism as opposed to 'closed' regionalism that is associated potentially with institution building and regional governance. In this paper, I examine the shape and nature of Asia Pacific regionalism. I show how countries here favour a process of regime building that is centred on network building among state and private actors without any goal towards institution building. Asia Pacific regionalism is less concerned with the production and governance of regional space than the assertion of a collective Asian political culture that preserves state sovereignty.
Devices used to expose the posterior coronary artery in OPCABG surgery may cause ischemia

Off-pump coronary artery bypass graft (OPCABG) surgery is commonly used to revascularize diseased hearts. In order to graft a posterior artery in this procedure, the heart must be lifted from the chest cavity using an apical suction device to expose the surgical field. In the process, this device may cause unwanted myocardial ischemia. We measured myocardial electrical impedance (MEI), a parameter that responses to myocardial ischemia, as well as ST-segment changes during OPCABG surgery in five patients undergoing revascularization of the left anterior descending (LAD) and posterior descending coronary artery (PDA). MEI increased with the application of the suction device in these patients, suggesting myocardial ischemia. ST-segment changes were negligible while the heart was raised from the chest cavity but increased immediately when the heart was returned to the normal position. Our data suggest that the apical suction device causes ischemia that is virtually undetected with ST-segment monitoring while the heart is raised and electrically disconnected from the body. MEI has the potential to detect intra-operative ischemia monitor.
Responses to song playback vary with the vocal performance of both signal senders and receivers

Mating signals of many animal species are difficult to produce and thus should indicate signaler quality. Growing evidence suggests that receivers modulate their behaviour in response to signals wi...
Effects of woody debris on anadromous salmonid habitat, Prince of Wales Island, southeast Alaska

Abstract The effects of woody debris on anadromous salmonid habitat in eight streams on Prince of Wales Island, southeast Alaska, were investigated by comparing low-gradient (1-9%) first- or second-order streams flowing through either spruce-hemlock forests or 6-10-year-old clear-cuts, and by observing changes after debris was selectively removed from clear-cut reaches. Woody debris decreased the rate of shallowing as discharge decreased, thus helping to preserve living space for fish during critical low-flow periods. Debris dams were more frequent in clear-cut streams (14.9/100 m), which contained more debris, than in forested streams (4.2/100 m). As a result, total residual pool length (length when pools are filled with water but there is no flow) and length of channel with residual depth greater than 14 cm—the depth range occupied by 84% of coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch)—were greater in clear-cut streams than in forested streams. Greater volumes of woody debris in clear-cut streams produced greater...
Engaging Conversation: Evaluating the Contribution of Library Instruction to the Quality of Student Research

The study discussed in this article compared research papers before and after implementation of an inquiry-based library instruction program to assess the program’s effectiveness and consider its future development. The new program appears to have made a small difference in the types of materials students chose and how they found them. Little change was seen in how students used their sources. The evaluation has fostered increased collaboration between the library and the English department, and suggests that the programs can be further improved by providing more training for instructors and placing greater emphasis on the rhetorical approach to research.
Keratinocyte Dysplasia in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients in the Day 28 to 84 Post Transplant Period.

Severe keratinocyte dysplasia (SKD) has been reported in the early post-transplant period of hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HCST) patients, with a frequency as high as 47.4%. In the period less than 3 weeks post-transplant it was associated with cyclophosphamide conditioning. The purpose of our study was to determine the prevalence of SKD in a later post-transplant period, from 28 days to 84 days, and study the possible causes. The 2003 slide file (227 slides) of Seattle Cancer Care Alliance was examined for skin biopsies from patients who had undergone HCST. Twenty-two cases (9.7%) showed SKD. A control group of 22 biopsies matched for days post-transplant and age were selected from the remaining 205 biopsies. SKD was associated with a busulfan conditioning regimen, 72.7% in the SKD group and 36.3% in the control group (p = 0.016). SKD was not associated with cyclophosphamide (p = 0.174), fludarabin (p = 0.263) or total body irradiation (p = 0.50). Although active GVHD (grade 2 or 3) was more commonly seen in SKD group (45.5%) than the control group (22.2%), it did not show significant difference (p = 0.052). Our study showed that SKD developed in 9.7% of the skin biopsies from days 28 to 84 post-transplant, and was associated with busulfan conditioning regimen.
Heat Stress-Induced Life Span Extension in Yeast

The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has a limited life span that can be measured by the number of times individual cells divide. Several genetic manipulations have been shown to prolong the yeast life span. However, environmental effects that extend longevity have been largely ignored. We have found that mild, nonlethal heat stress extended yeast life span when it was administered transiently early in life. The increased longevity was due to a reduction in the mortality rate that persisted over many cell divisions (generations) but was not permanent. The genes RAS1 and RAS2 were necessary to observe this effect of heat stress. The RAS2 gene is consistently required for maintenance of life span when heat stress is chronic or in its extension when heat stress is transient or absent altogether. RAS1, on the other hand, appears to have a role in signaling life extension induced by transient, mild heat stress, which is distinct from its life-span-curtailing effect in the absence of stress and its lack of involvement in the response to chronic heat stress. This distinction between the RAS genes may be partially related to their different effects on growth-promoting genes and stress-responsive genes. The ras2 mutation clearly hindered resumption of growth and recovery from stress, while the ras1 mutation did not. The HSP104 gene, which is largely responsible for induced thermotolerance in yeast, was necessary for life extension induced by transient heat stress. An interaction between mitochondrial petite mutations and heat stress was found, suggesting that mitochondria may be necessary for life extension by transient heat stress. The results raise the possibility that the RAS genes and mitochondria may play a role in the epigenetic inheritance of reduced mortality rate afforded by transient, mild heat stress.
Functional Assessment of the Medicago truncatula NIP/LATD Protein Demonstrates That It Is a High-Affinity Nitrate Transporter

The Medicago truncatula NIP/LATD (for Numerous Infections and Polyphenolics/Lateral root-organ Defective) gene encodes a protein found in a clade of nitrate transporters within the large NRT1(PTR) family that also encodes transporters of dipeptides and tripeptides, dicarboxylates, auxin, and abscisic acid. Of the NRT1(PTR) members known to transport nitrate, most are low-affinity transporters. Here, we show that M. truncatula nip/latd mutants are more defective in their lateral root responses to nitrate provided at low (250 μm) concentrations than at higher (5 mm) concentrations; however, nitrate uptake experiments showed no discernible differences in uptake in the mutants. Heterologous expression experiments showed that MtNIP/LATD encodes a nitrate transporter: expression in Xenopus laevis oocytes conferred upon the oocytes the ability to take up nitrate from the medium with high affinity, and expression of MtNIP/LATD in an Arabidopsis chl1(nrt1.1) mutant rescued the chlorate susceptibility phenotype. X. laevis oocytes expressing mutant Mtnip-1 and Mtlatd were unable to take up nitrate from the medium, but oocytes expressing the less severe Mtnip-3 allele were proficient in nitrate transport. M. truncatula nip/latd mutants have pleiotropic defects in nodulation and root architecture. Expression of the Arabidopsis NRT1.1 gene in mutant Mtnip-1 roots partially rescued Mtnip-1 for root architecture defects but not for nodulation defects. This suggests that the spectrum of activities inherent in AtNRT1.1 is different from that possessed by MtNIP/LATD, but it could also reflect stability differences of each protein in M. truncatula. Collectively, the data show that MtNIP/LATD is a high-affinity nitrate transporter and suggest that it could have another function.
State of the Science: Does the Theory of Maternal Role Attainment Apply to African American Motherhood?

Introduction This article reviews the current state of knowledge of the theory of maternal role attainment (MRA) and its relevance in describing African American motherhood. EBSCOhost Research Databases that included PubMed, CINAHL plus, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, SCOPUS, and Web of Science were searched for journal articles that examined maternal identity and MRA. Keyword searches included maternal identity, maternal role attainment, becoming a mother, prenatal attachment, maternal-fetal attachment, and maternal-infant attachment. Inclusion criteria for this review were published journal articles of studies conducted in the United States, with a clear delineation of the theoretical framework of MRA. Journal articles that measured MRA among women with depression or medically fragile infants were excluded. Two hundred and twelve studies were reviewed; 25 studies, published between 1975 and 2007, met the inclusion criteria. Nine articles described the theory of MRA, 11 articles measured variables thought to influence MRA, and 6 articles described maternal-fetal attachment, a construct of MRA. Methods Studies were reviewed, categorized, and analyzed to determine current knowledge of how the theory of MRA describes African American motherhood. Categories included studies describing the theoretical framework of maternal identity and MRA, studies measuring key variables thought to impact MRA, and studies measuring maternal-fetal attachment and maternal-infant attachment. Results The studies were limited by homogenous samples of upper-middle-class white women and low-income, single, African American adolescents. Study results of MRA cannot be generalized to African American women. Discussion Further research is essential to identify attributes influencing MRA, specifically among larger samples of African American women with demographics similar to that of the white populations that have been included in studies thus far.
Damage Identification of Existing Structures

In the classical theory of structural reliability as given by Freudenthal (1947), a structure is said to fail whenever the applied force exceeds its corresponding resistance. Although much progress has been made in the theory of structural reliability in recent years [e.g., Freudenthal et al (1975), Shinozuka and Yang (1969), Yang and Shinozuka (1971, 1972), and Shinozuka and Yao (1981)], it is still difficult to assess the damage of existing structures. As an example- of research activities in this important subject matter, a symposium has been organized for presentation in June 1982 dealing with structural reliability, and damage assessment of existing (a) building and bridge structures [Bresler and Hanson (1982); Yao, Toussi and Sozen (1982)], (b) aircraft structures [Gallagher and Berens (1982); Yang, Mannings, and Rudd (1982)], (c) nuclear Structures [Wells and Rau (1982)] and ocean structures [Marshall (1982)].
Framing, Persuasion, Messaging, and Messengers How the Death Penalty Abolition Movement Succeeded in New Jersey

The New Jersey Death Penalty Abolition Movement (DPAM) developed a pragmatic strategy that effectively communicated the argument for replacing capital punishment with life without parole, and the state of New Jersey repealed the death penalty by legislative action, on December 17, 2007. This case study analyzes the issue frames and messages used by the movement, and the possible lessons for movements in other states working to repeal the death penalty. Interviews with key stakeholders in the movement indicated which frames were used most frequently and effectively. Implications for the broader DPAM nationally include the power of the issue frames of murder victims’ families who oppose the death penalty, innocent people on death row, and law enforcement opposition to the death penalty, among others.
Values of color Doppler ultrasound in diagnosis of inguinal mass in children

Objective: To evaluate values of color Doppler ultrasound in diagnosis of inguinal mass in children(IMC).Methods: Totally 605 patients with pathologically or clinically conformed IMC were analyzed by 2-D and color Doppler ultrasound.Results: 2-D and color Doppler ultrasound reflected structures and blood supply status clearly,and both had very important diagnostic values in the diagnosis of IMC.Conclusions: 2-D and color Doppler ultrasound can provide abundant data for the diagnosis of IMC,and therefore it has important clinical values.
Digital Adaptive Calibration of Data Converters Using Independent Component Analysis

The theory and practice of applying a neural network model and learning algorithm—Independent Component Analysis (ICA)—to the online adaptive calibration of analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) is covered in this chapter. Exploiting the independence between the input signal and an injected pseudorandom bit sequence (PRBS), the technique attempts to blindly separate the two in the digital conversion output, and while doing so, an equivalent model of the ADC non-idealities is identified, resulting in the subsequent linearization of the conversion process. The ICA framework offers new signal-processing insights into the widely used correlation-based error-parameter identification method for the background calibration of multistage ADCs. In addition, it provides a useful technique to minimize the analog overhead associated with the calibration by simultaneously identifying multiple model parameters using a single PRBS, improving the efficiency and potentially the application regime of the online calibration approach for data converters.
Adrenal Hormone and Metabolic Biomarker Responses to 30 min of Intermittent Cycling Exercise in Breast Cancer Survivors.

The aim of this study was to explore the effect of one bout of aerobic exercise on epinephrine, norepinephrine, cortisol, glucose, lactate, and free fatty acid (FFA) responses in breast cancer survivors and healthy controls. 9 female breast cancer survivors and 9 women without a history of cancer completed 30 min of cycle ergometry exercise at 60% of VO2peak. Blood samples were taken pre-exercise, immediately post-exercise, and 2 h post-exercise from which plasma concentrations of study variables were measured. Immediately and 2 h post-exercise, increases were observed in epinephrine (control group only) norepinephrine (both groups), lactate (both groups), and FFA (both groups immediately post-exercise; breast cancer survivor group only at 2 h post-exercise) (p<0.05). Cortisol decreased immediately and 2 h post-exercise in the control group while glucose decreased immediately post-exercise in the breast cancer survivor group (p<0.05). In conclusion, breast cancer survivors appeared to display attenuated epinephrine, cortisol, and lactate responses while displaying larger magnitude changes in glucose and FFA responses compared to controls. These preliminary findings may have implications for the regulation of metabolism during exercise in breast cancer survivors.
Threshold of Spearcon Recognition for Auditory Menus

The present study examined aspects of a type of auditory feedback that aims at making interactions with menus more efficient. Specifically, manipulations were made to the auditory counterparts of c...
Recombination rate variation in mice from an isolated island

Recombination rate is a heritable trait that varies among individuals. Despite the major impact of recombination rate on patterns of genetic diversity and the efficacy of selection, natural variation in this phenotype remains poorly characterized. We present a comparison of genetic maps, sampling 1,212 meioses, from a unique population of wild house mice (Mus musculus domesticus) that recently colonized remote Gough Island. Crosses to a mainland reference strain (WSB/EiJ) reveal pervasive variation in recombination rate among Gough Island mice, including sub-chromosomal intervals spanning up to 28% of the genome. In spite of this high level of polymorphism, the genome-wide recombination rate does not significantly vary. In general, we find that recombination rate varies more when measured in smaller genomic intervals. Using the current standard genetic map of the laboratory mouse to polarize intervals with divergent recombination rates, we infer that the majority of evolutionary change occurred in one of the two tested lines of Gough Island mice. Our results confirm that natural populations harbor a high level of recombination rate polymorphism and highlight the disparities in recombination rate evolution across genomic scales. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Pareto-Optimal Model Selection via SPRINT-Race

In machine learning, the notion of multi-objective model selection (MOMS) refers to the problem of identifying the set of Pareto-optimal models that optimize by compromising more than one predefined objectives simultaneously. This paper introduces SPRINT-Race, the first multi-objective racing algorithm in a fixed-confidence setting, which is based on the sequential probability ratio with indifference zone test. SPRINT-Race addresses the problem of MOMS with multiple stochastic optimization objectives in the proper Pareto-optimality sense. In SPRINT-Race, a pairwise dominance or non-dominance relationship is statistically inferred via a non-parametric, ternary-decision, dual-sequential probability ratio test. The overall probability of falsely eliminating any Pareto-optimal models or mistakenly returning any clearly dominated models is strictly controlled by a sequential Holm’s step-down family-wise error rate control method. As a fixed-confidence model selection algorithm, the objective of SPRINT-Race is to minimize the computational effort required to achieve a prescribed confidence level about the quality of the returned models. The performance of SPRINT-Race is first examined via an artificially constructed MOMS problem with known ground truth. Subsequently, SPRINT-Race is applied on two real-world applications: 1) hybrid recommender system design and 2) multi-criteria stock selection. The experimental results verify that SPRINT-Race is an effective and efficient tool for such MOMS problems. 1 1 MATLAB code of SPRINT-Race is available at https://github.com/watera427/SPRINT-Race .
Solving Phase-Field Models with Fourier Spectral Methods

As described in Chap. 2, finite difference and finite element methods have local character and the unknown functions are interpreted by usually low-order polynomials over small sub-domains. In contrast, spectral methods make use of global representation, usually with high-order polynomials or Fourier series. The rate of convergence of spectral approximations depends only on the smoothness of the solution. They achieve much higher accuracy with much smaller number of sampling points in comparison to other two methods. This fact is known in the literature as “spectral accuracy.” The spectral methods most often are successful with domains in periodic nature, which is the case in most of the phase-field modeling simulations. Again, the application of the Fourier spectral method will be demonstrated to the solution of one-dimensional transient heat conduction in this section. This source code, solving this simple problem given below, forms the foundation of the algorithms that will be developed in this chapter.
Abstract PR01: Blocking Colony Stimulating Factor 1 Receptor (CSF-1R) and Tropomyosin Receptor Kinase (Trk) improves antitumor efficacy of immunotherapy

The tumor microenvironment can provide a strong limitation to the antitumor activity of immunotherapy. Established tumors can escape immune responses by creating an inflammatory milieu that supports and recruits tumor-infiltrating myeloid cells (TIMs) with immune suppressive functions. Colony stimulating factor-1 (CSF-1) is a cytokine that is secreted by various cancer types including melanoma. It binds to colony stimulating factor-1 receptor (CSF-1R) on the myeloid cells. It stimulates the proliferation and recruitment of immunosuppressive M2-macrophages and myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSC) into the tumor microenvironement. In addition, neurotrophins are a family of growth factors that includes nerve growth factor (NGF). NGF is the ligand for a family of tyrosine kinase receptors (Trks) that includes Trk-A, -B, and -C. Signal transduction through the Trk receptors regulates tumor growth. Trk receptors have been shown to be overexpressed in different cancer types. For example, Trk-C is overexpressed in 60% of patients with melanoma at various stages. PLX7486 is a novel orally bioavailable small molecule Trk and CSF-1R dual-inhibitor that is now being studied in Phase I clinical trials. PLX7486 can target Trks directly on cancer cells and block myeloid cell recruitment to the tumor microenvironement through CSF-1R. We hypothesize that PLX7486 would synergize with immunotherapies to result in a greater antitumor effect by inhibiting the recruitment of immunosuppressive macrophages. In order to block the Trk receptors on cancer cells with PLX7486, we first confirmed the expression of Trk receptors in murine cancer cell lines, such as MC38, SA1N, MB49, 4T1, B16F10, and 3LL. These cancer cell lines have also been exposed to PLX7486 with a broad range of concentrations (0.1 to 10 μM). We have shown that PLX7486 has a direct cytotoxic effect with IC50 of 5-8μM on most of the cancer cell lines at a 72 hour time point. Futher, the exposure of MC38 to PLX7486 resulted in the expected effects of inhibiting downstream AKT pathway signaling. In addition, PLX7486 has also been shown to have cytotoxic direct effect on bone marrow-derived macrophages and murine macrophage cell line RAW264.7 with IC50 In conclusion, our promising data derived from in vivo models combining Trk/CSF-1R blockade and immunotherapy supports the rationale for further testing of such combination in patients with cancer. This abstract is also being presented as Poster A06. Citation Format: Stephen Mok, Colm Duffy, Reginald Du, James P. Allison. Blocking Colony Stimulating Factor 1 Receptor (CSF-1R) and Tropomyosin Receptor Kinase (Trk) improves antitumor efficacy of immunotherapy. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy; 2016 Oct 20-23; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2017;5(3 Suppl):Abstract nr PR01.
Advocacy Recruits: Demographic Predictors of Volunteering for Advocacy-Related Organizations

Empirical studies of volunteering assume that the similar individuals are drawn equally to different kinds of volunteer-using organizations. The purpose of this article is to explore the demographic predictors of volunteering for several types of advocacy-related organizations, including political parties, labor and business organizations, immigrant/refugee-serving groups, civic organizations, and environmental/animal organizations. Data from the Current Population Survey’s volunteering supplement (pooled 2006–2012) indicate that the demographic profiles of volunteers drawn to advocacy-related organizations differ in specific ways from the demographic profile of those volunteering for other types of organizations. In particular, veterans are more likely than non-veterans to volunteer for political/advocacy groups and civic organizations. Being a minority veteran is associated with volunteering for immigrant organizations and environmental/animal-related organizations. Foreign-born individuals—both US citizens and non-citizens—are more likely to volunteer for immigrant/refugee organizations than the native born. The demographic profiles of volunteers for advocacy-related organizations vary in some ways from the demographic profiles of those who volunteer for service delivery organizations.
Quantitative measurements of dielectrophoresis in a nanoscale electrode array with an atomic force microscopy

Nanoelectronic devices integrated with dielectrophoresis (DEP) have been promoted as promising platforms for trapping, separating, and concentrating target biomarkers and cancer cells from a complex medium. Here, we visualized DEP and DEP gradients in conventional nanoelectronic devices by using multi-pass atomic force microcopy techniques. Our measurements directly demonstrated a short range DEP only at sharp step edges of electrodes, frequency dependent DEP polarity, and separation distance dependent DEP strength. Additionally, non-uniform DEP along the edges of the electrodes due to a large variation in electric field strength was observed. The strength and apparent working distance of DEP were measured to be an order of a few nN and 80 nm within the limited scale of particles and other parameters such as an ionic strength of the medium. This method provides a powerful tool to quantify the strength and polarity of DEP and allows optimizing and calibrating the device's operating parameters including the...
Classification of Markov Chains

We assume that we have a Markov chain with transition matrix P and stochastic digraph D, as described in the last chapter. The digraph can be assumed to be weakly connected since, otherwise, the chain can be split into several noninteracting parts.
Fighting Fire with Fiber: Preventing T Cell Infiltration in Diabetes

Diet can alter the gut microbiota and shift its production of metabolites, which affect systemic immune function. In Nature Immunology, Marino et al. (2017) explore diet-gut microbiome interactions in type 1 diabetes and identify mechanisms by which short-chain fatty acids prevent T cell destruction of pancreatic β-cells.
An Investigation of a Novel Tendon Transfer Surgery for High Median-Ulnar Nerve Palsy in a Chicken Model.

Purpose: The state-of-the-art tendon transfer surgery for high median-ulnar nerve palsy involves directly suturing four finger flexor tendons to one wrist extensor muscle. This couples finger flexi...
Li (Ritual) in Early Confucianism

Li 禮 (translated variously as “ritual”, “etiquette”, or “propriety”) plays a central role in early Confucianism, but its complexity is not always fully understood. At first glance, it may seem as if li behaviors are merely attempts to promote conservative practices from the idealized Chinese past. However, by examining the nature and function of li, as described the Analects (Lunyu 論語) and the Xunzi 荀子 (two key texts in the early Confucian tradition), it becomes overwhelmingly apparent that li is a much more complicated phenomenon. Li actually plays key roles within the interconnected fields of Confucian ethics, religion, and politics and often adds aesthetic elements to these areas of thought. As such, it is as much a source of Confucian innovation as it is a tool for promoting reverence for the past.
Development of a live virtual constructive (LVC) common data model and development roadmap

An effort was recently undertaken by PEO STRI to examine simulation-based training system data model representations across a number of separate Army LVC programs. The objective of this examination was to obtain and analyze data model representations within these programs, and to develop the genesis of a common data model for Army LVC training systems. An LVC common data model will provide the Army with a unified training simulation data model for representing common data state across a number of separate Army LVC domain programs, and better support interoperability across those programs. A second goal was to establish an Army LVC roadmap, describing recommended steps needed for moving from the current state of LVC-supported training to a future where a common data model is applied. This paper provides a description of this effort and presents summary results and conclusions.
Diagnosis and endoscopic endonasal management of nontraumatic pseudoaneurysms of the cranial base.

Background Nontraumatic pseudoaneurysms of the cranial base are rare and present unique diagnostic and treatment dilemmas compared with both true aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms outside of the cranial base. There is a dearth of knowledge regarding the management of these complicated lesions. Methods Nontraumatic pseudoaneurysms of the cranial base internal carotid artery (ICA) were retrospectively identified at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center through a key word search of cranial base cases from 2010 to 2017. Results Three cases were identified, demonstrating pseudoaneurysms of the cavernous and petrous ICA. Each patient underwent diagnostic work-up with computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and angiography, followed by endovascular occlusion and endoscopic endonasal surgery, which resulted in relief of presenting complaints and ablation of the pseudoaneurysm. Conclusion Symptomatic cranial base pseudoaneurysms should undergo treatment to obliterate the aneurysm and relieve the mass effect. First, formal angiography is necessary for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. Next, endovascular occlusion is performed, with a preference for coiling or endoluminal reconstruction with a flow diverter. Last, endoscopic intervention follows in cases where: (1) decompression of vital structures is indicated; (2) diagnosis of the pseudoaneurysm cannot be definitively confirmed with angiography; or (3) the etiology of the confirmed pseudoaneurysm requires further investigation.
Toward Augmented Radiologists: Changes in Radiology Education in the Era of Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence

Radiology practice will be altered by the coming of artificial intelligence, and the process of learning in radiology will be similarly affected. In the short term, radiologists will need to understand the first wave of artificially intelligent tools, how they can help them improve their practice, and be able to effectively supervise their use. Radiology training programs will need to develop curricula to help trainees acquire the knowledge to carry out this new supervisory duty of radiologists. In the longer term, artificially intelligent software assistants could have a transformative effect on the training of residents and fellows, and offer new opportunities to bring learning into the ongoing practice of attending radiologists.
Automatic Prediction of Perceptual Video Quality: Recent Trends and Research Directions

Objective video quality assessment (VQA) refers to evaluation of the quality of a video by an algorithm. The performance of any such VQA algorithm is gaged by how well the algorithmic scores correlate with human perception of quality. Research in the area of VQA has produced a host of full-reference (FR) VQA algorithms. FR VQA algorithms are those in which the algorithm has access to both the original reference video and the distorted video whose quality is being assessed. However, in many cases, the presence of the original reference video is not guaranteed. Hence, even though many FR VQA algorithms have been shown to correlate well with human perception of quality, their utility remains constrained. In this chapter, we analyze recently proposed reduced/no-reference (RR/NR) VQA algorithms. RR VQA algorithms are those in which some information about the reference video and/or the distorting medium is embedded in the video under test. NR VQA algorithms are expected to assess the quality of videos without any knowledge of the reference video or the distorting medium. The utility of RR/NR algorithms has prompted the Video Quality Experts Group (VQEG) to devote resources towards forming a RR/NR test group. In this chapter, we begin by discussing how performance of any VQA algorithm is evaluated. We introduce the popular VQEG Phase-I VQA dataset and comment on its drawbacks. New datasets which allow for objective evaluation of algorithms are then introduced. We then summarize some properties of the human visual system (HVS) that are frequently utilized in developing VQA algorithms. Further, we enumerate the paths that current RR/NR VQA algorithms take in order to evaluate visual quality. We enlist some considerations that VQA algorithms need to consider for HD videos. We then describe exemplar algorithms and elaborate on possible shortcomings of these algorithms. Finally, we suggest possible future research directions in the field of VQA and conclude this chapter.
EFFECT OF ALTERATIONS IN SERUM CALCIUM ON ADRENAL TYROSINE HYDROXYLASE INDUCTION

Publisher Summary The increased requirements for norepinephrine, which develop when the sympathoadrenal system is stimulated, are met by an increase in the rate of tyrosine hydroxylation with subsequent increase in the synthesis of the neurotransmitter. This increased tyrosine hydroxylase activity (TH) is brought about by an adjustment of the effective activity of cofactor and substrates for the enzyme, as a result of decreased feedback inhibition of the enzyme. A gradual adaptation to prolonged cell activation results in an increased in vitro activity of the enzyme, apparently the result of an increased amount of catalytically active enzyme protein. Attempts have been made to elicit the biochemical sequence of the events that couple the initial nicotinic stimulation of the cell and the subsequent induction of TH. It has been suggested that an early increase in cyclic adenosine monophosphate (AMP) might be related to the subsequent enzyme induction in the adrenal medulla and sympathetic ganglion cells.
Reasons military patients with primary care access leave an emergency department waiting room before seeing a provider.

Abstract : Objectives: Our objective was to assess patients understanding of emergency department (ED) wait times and why patients may leave the waiting room before seeing a provider. Methods: Survey of patients in the ED waiting room of an urban tertiary care military hospital where civilian and military patients are treated. Results: A total of 508/517 surveys (98%) were completed. Age ranges were 18 to 35 years (49%), 36 to 60 (31%), or older than 60 (20%). Education levels were high school (20%), some college (37%), or college graduate (39%). Of 503 respondents, 125 (25%) had left an ED waiting room before seeing a provider. The reasons included excessive wait times (91%) and family responsibilities (5%). Five hundred eight reported the factors that would motivate them to wait to see the physician (not leave without being seen [LWOBS]) were the severity of illness (64%), and if they received an update of wait times (26%); 82% (391/480) understood that severely ill patients were seen first. Patients attributed long wait times to doctors and nurses caring for other patients (292/583, 50%) and insufficient physician and nurse staffing (245, 42%). Of 802 responses for ideas to improve the wait, 34% said regular updates on estimated wait times, 21% said television shows or movies to view, 20% said books and magazines to read, and 11% said computers to access. Conclusions: Long wait times were the primary reason that patients left before seeing a provider, despite having ready access to care. Respondents attributed long wait times to patient volume and inadequate staffing. Regular updates on wait times and material for entertainment may improve the waiting experience and reduce LWOBS.