cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ovarian Activity and Reproductive Performance of Dairy Cows Fed Different Amounts of Phosphorus

Fifty-four multiparous Holsteins were utilized to determine the effect of dietary P on ovarian activity and reproductive performance. Cows were assigned at calving to diets containing 0.35 or 0.47% P. Ovarian activity was monitored 3 times weekly by ultrasonography, beginning 10 d after parturition until the end of a 60-d voluntary waiting period. After this period, cows were synchronized and bred using the Ovsynch protocol. During wk 2 of lactation, the number of small (3 to 5 mm in diameter) and large (>9 mm) follicles was similar between groups, but the number of medium (6 to 9 mm) follicles was lower for 0.35% P than for 0.47% P (1.2 vs. 1.9). Dietary P did not affect the number of days to first postpartum ovulation or the diameter of dominant and ovulating follicles. The multiple ovulation rate and the proportion of cows that were anovulatory or developed follicular cysts did not differ between groups. Dietary P amount did not influence corpus luteum development or blood progesterone concentration during the voluntary waiting period. The first service conception rate and pregnancy loss from 30 to 60 d after breeding were not affected. The overall pregnancy rate during the first 200 d of lactation (60.9 and 60.0%) and the number of services per pregnancy (2.1 and 1.9) did not differ between groups. Serum inorganic P was elevated from 6 to 7 mg/dL during the first 3 mo postpartum as dietary P was increased. Fecal P content measured during the first 16 wk of lactation averaged 0.63 and 0.89%, 29% lower for the 0.35% P group. Mean milk yield during the first 40 wk of lactation did not differ, averaging 40.5 and 39.0 kg/d for the 0.35 and 0.47% P groups, respectively. Overall, varying dietary P from 0.35 to 0.47% did not affect postpartum ovarian activity, reproductive performance, or milk production.
Insulin Insensitivity of Large Fat Cells

Large insulin-insensitive adipocytes from adult rats have normal binding capacities and affinities for insulin. Diminished insulin-like responses to spermine and reduced rates of glucose oxidation are also evident in these cells. The results indicate that the defect responsible for this insulin-resistant state exists in a step subsequent to insulin binding, possibly in transmission of the insulin-receptor "signal" since insensitivity occurs under conditions where glucose transport and oxidative processes are not apparently impaired.
On Extensions of Modules

In this paper we study closely Yoneda’s correspondence between short exact sequences and the Ext 1 group. We prove a main theorem which gives conditions on the splitting of a short exact sequence after taking the tensor product with R=I, for any ideal I of R. As an application we prove a generalization of Miyata’s Theorem on the splitting of short exact sequences and we improve a proposition of Yoshino about ecien t systems of parameters. We introduce the notion of sparse module and we show that Ext 1 (M; N) is a sparse module provided that there are nitely many isomorphism classes of maximal Cohen-Macaulay modules having multiplicity the sum of the multiplicities of M and N. We prove that sparse modules are Artinian. We also give some information on the structure of certain Ext 1 modules.
DNA replication in synchronized cultured mammalian cells: IV. Replication of african green monkey component α and bulk DNA

Abstract Tissue culture cells of the African green monkey, Cercopithecus aethiops , were synchronized by release from contact inhibition and pulse-labeled with [ 3 H]thymidine at intervals throughout the ensuing DNA synthetic (S) period. Rapidly reassociating component α DNA, amounting to about 20 % of the total nuclear DNA, was separated from the bulk, non-reassociating DNA by centrifugation in Hg 2+ -Cs 2 SO 4 density gradients. The specific radioactivity of component α DNA was lower than that of bulk DNA early in S, and higher than bulk DNA at the end of S. Diploid African green monkey kidney cells showed the same pattern of DNA synthesis as heteroploid CV-1 cells. CV-1 cells were also pulse-labeled with [ 3 H]thymidine and the mitotic cells collected for DNA analysis at selected time intervals thereafter. Component α DNA, which has a G+C content equal to, or slightly greater than the bulk DNA, again showed its highest specific radioactivity compared to bulk DNA at the end of S. Earlier work has shown that the S period in several types of mammalian cells is characterized by a progressive shift from the early synthesis of DNA having a high average G+C content to the synthesis of DNA having a low average G+C content late in S. The synthesis of C. aethiops bulk non-reassociating DNA conformed to this pattern.
The African Diaspora in Europe: African Germans Speak out

As we begin the 21st century, references to the African diaspora in scholarly literature are on the rise. According to Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary (1989), the term diaspora is defined as "a people settled far from their ancestral homelands" (p. 351). The African diaspora came about as the result of the European conquest and colonization of the continent of Africa and its peoples. Those of us who trace our roots back to the continent of Africa are spread across every country around the globe. African people, both diasporan and continental, find ourselves now facing specific and difficult tasks of survival in the next century to come, and we must come to recognize our similarities as well as our differences. To achieve this goal, it is crucial for us to determine precisely where we all live. The time has now finally arrived for all African people to find out who we are, where we are, and began to see that we represent the world as a result of our international presence. Regardless of whether we live in North America, South America, the Caribbean, the South Seas, or on the continent, as African people we approach our living influenced by an African mode. We see our life and the lives of the ancestors as experiences to be learned and not as merely problems to be solved. Our existence is based on the belief of inclusion and to seek what is fruitful for all people, not just a select few. Furthermore, our tradition is based on both a spiritual and physical plane: Less hunger for our children means less hunger for the many generations yet to come. But one
Capitalism or Democracy? Not So Fast

I welcome the request to comment on the three intriguing articles in this issue by Gartzke and Hewitt, McDonald, and Mueller. 1 Space and time constraints mean that much more theory and research wi...
A CMOS amplifier with digital gain control for the hearing impaired

This CMOS transadmittance amplifier is designed for use in either an in-the-ear (ITE) or a behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid. It will be driven by a pressure-to-voltage transducer (microphone), and it will provide an output current to drive either a current-to-pressure transducer (speaker) or a current-to-magnetic field transducer (coil). It can be used to transduce an input sound pressure level (SPL) into an amplified SPL or into a proportional magnetic field. Amplified sound signals can thus be applied to the middle ear by either acoustic or magnetic coupling. A unique gain control activated by means of a pressure-sensitive capacitance switch provides an advantage over existing rotary gain controls. >
Superpixel Endmember Detection

Superpixels are homogeneous image regions comprised of multiple contiguous pixels. Superpixel representations can reduce noise in hyperspectral images by exploiting the spatial contiguity of scene features. This paper combines superpixels with endmember extraction to produce concise mineralogical summaries that assist in browsing large image catalogs. First, a graph-based agglomerative algorithm oversegments the image. We then use segments' mean spectra as input to existing statistical endmember detection algorithms such as sequential maximum angle convex cone (SMACC) and N-FINDR. Experiments compare automatically detected endmembers to target minerals in an Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS) scene of Cuprite, Nevada. We also consider a planetary science data set from the Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer (CRISM) instrument that benefits from spatial averaging due to higher noise. In both cases, superpixel representations significantly reduce the computational complexity of later processing while improving endmembers' match to the target spectra.
Clinical Care Providers’ Perspectives on Body Size and Weight Management Among Long-Term Cancer Survivors

Objective. To examine clinical care providers’ perspectives on cancer survivors’ body size and weight management. Study Design. In-depth, semi-structured, qualitative interviews. Methods. Interviews were conducted with 33 providers (eg. oncologists, surgeons, primary care providers, nurses, dietitians) across academic and community clinical settings. They were transcribed, coded, and analyzed thematically using constant comparative analysis. Results. Providers conceptualized weight in relation to acute treatment, cancer outcomes, or overall health/comorbidities. These patterns were reflected in their reported framing of weight discussions, although providers indicated that they counsel patients on weight to varying extents. Perspectives differed based on professional roles and patient populations. Providers reported that survivors are motivated to lose weight, particularly due to comorbidity concerns, but face numerous barriers to doing so. Conclusion. Providers described survivor-level and capacity-level factors influencing survivors’ weight management. Differences by provider type highlighted the role of provider knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs in clinical encounters. Opportunities for research and intervention include developing and disseminating evidence-based clinical resources for weight management among cancer survivors, addressing capacity barriers, and exploring communication strategies at interpersonal and population levels.
Hybrid coexpression link similarity graph clustering for mining biological modules from multiple gene expression datasets

Advances in genomic technologies have enabled the accumulation of vast amount of genomic data, including gene expression data for multiple species under various biological and environmental conditions. Integration of these gene expression datasets is a promising strategy to alleviate the challenges of protein functional annotation and biological module discovery based on a single gene expression data, which suffers from spurious coexpression. We propose a joint mining algorithm that constructs a weighted hybrid similarity graph whose nodes are the coexpression links. The weight of an edge between two coexpression links in this hybrid graph is a linear combination of the topological similarities and co-appearance similarities of the corresponding two coexpression links. Clustering the weighted hybrid similarity graph yields recurrent coexpression link clusters (modules). Experimental results on Human gene expression datasets show that the reported modules are functionally homogeneous as evident by their enrichment with biological process GO terms and KEGG pathways.
Online distribution: a taxonomy of channel structures, determinants of outcome, and determinants of strategy

We have created a taxonomy of e-commerce channel structures and analyzed the strategic implications of these structures. We have identified the drivers of market outcomes in each channel structure and analyzed several business models that have failed because of channel conflict and the notable few that have survived and succeeded. Finally, we recommend strategies that can be successfully pursued in each channel context.
Evaluation of electrical nerve stimulation for epidural catheter positioning in the dog.

Abstract Objective To evaluate the accuracy of epidural catheter placement at different levels of the spinal cord guided solely by electrical nerve stimulation and resultant segmental muscle contraction. Study design Prospective, experiment. Animals Six male and two female Beagles, age (1 ± 0.17 years) and weight (12.9 ± 1.1 kg). Methods Animals were anesthetized with propofol and maintained with isoflurane. An insulated epidural needle was used to reach the lumbosacral epidural space. A Tsui epidural catheter was inserted and connected to a nerve stimulator (1.0 mA, 0.1 ms, 2 Hz) to assess positioning of the tip at specific spinal cord segments. The catheter was advanced to three different levels of the spinal cord: lumbar (L2–L5), thoracic (T5–T10) and cervical (C4–C6). Subcutaneous needles were previously placed at these spinal levels and the catheter was advanced to match the needle location, guided only by corresponding muscle contractions. Catheter position was verified by fluoroscopy. If catheter tip and needle were at the same vertebral body a score of zero was assigned. When catheter tip was cranial or caudal to the needle, positive or negative numbers, respectively, corresponding to the number of vertebrae between them, were assigned. The mean and standard deviation of the number of vertebrae between catheter tip and needle were calculated to assess accuracy. Results are given as mean ± SD. Results The catheter position in relation to the needle was within 0.3 ± 2.0 vertebral bodies. Positive predictive values (PPV) were 57%, 83% and 71% for lumbar, thoracic and cervical regions respectively. Overall PPV was 70%. No significant difference in PPV among regions was found. Conclusion and clinical relevance Placement of an epidural catheter at specific spinal levels using electrical nerve stimulation was feasible without radiographic assistance in dogs. Two vertebral bodies difference from the target site may be clinically acceptable when performing segmental epidural regional anesthesia.
94 GHz integrated monopulse antennas

A monolithic direction-finding monopulse antenna for applications at 94 GHz has been designed. The structure consists of a single-dipole suspended in one plane of an integrated horn cavity to obtain the sum pattern, and an anti-parallel pair of dipoles suspended in a different plane of the same horn cavity to achieve the difference pattern. The resonant input impedances of the sum and difference antennas were measured using a microwave model. The resonant input impedances are 53 Omega and 43 Omega , respectively. with a bandwidth +or-8% of the center frequency for a voltage standing wave ratio of 2. Microwave patterns of each antenna were measured at 3.3 GHz, and the difference antenna produced a sharp null below -25 dB across at +or-10% bandwidth. >
Engaging the aging workforce: the relationship between perceived age similarity, satisfaction with coworkers, and employee engagement

Business publications and the popular press have stressed the importance of creating conditions for meaningful employee expression in work roles, also known as engagement. Few empirical studies, however, have examined how individual or situational factors relate to engagement. Consequently, this study examines the interplay between employee age, perceived coworker age composition, and satisfaction with older (older than 55) and younger (younger than 40) coworkers on engagement using a sample of 901 individuals employed in the United Kingdom. Results indicated that satisfaction with one's coworkers related significantly to engagement. Moreover, perceived age similarity was associated with higher levels of engagement among older workers when they were highly satisfied with their coworkers over 55 and lower levels of engagement when they were not.
Metabolism of 3H- and 14C-labelled lactate in starved rats.

1. [2- 3 H,U- 14 C]- or [3- 3 H,U- 14 C]-Lactate was administered by infusion or bolus injection to overnight-starved rats. Tracer lactate was injected or infused through indwelling cannulas into the aorta and blood was sampled from the vena cava (A–VC mode), or it was administered into the vena cava and sampled from the aorta (V–A mode). Sampling was continued after infusion was terminated to obtain the wash-out curves for the tracer. The activities of lactate, glucose, amino acids and water were followed. 2. The kinetics of labelled lactate in the two modes differed markedly, but the kinetics of labelled glucose were much the same irrespective of mode. 3. The kinetics of 3 H-labelled lactate differed markedly from those for [U- 14 C]lactate. Isotopic steady state was attained in less than 1h of infusion of [ 3 H]lactate but required over 6h for [U- 14 C]lactate. 4. 3 H from [2- 3 H]lactate labels glucose more extensive than does that from [3- 3 H]lactate. [3- 3 H]Lactate also labels plasma amino acids. The distribution of 3 H in glucose was determined. 5. Maximal radioactivity in 3 HOH in plasma is attained in less than 1min after injection. Near-maximal radioactivity in [ 14 C]glucose and [ 3 H]glucose is attained within 2–3min after injection. 6. The apparent replacement rates for lactate were calculated from the areas under the specific-radioactivity curves or plateau specific radioactivities after primed infusion. Results calculated from bolus injection and infusion agreed closely. The apparent replacement rate for [ 3 H]lactate from the A–VC mode averaged about 16mg/min per kg body wt. and that in the V–A mode about 8.5mg/min per kg body wt. The apparent rates for [ 14 C]lactate (‘rate of irreversible disposal’) were 8mg/min per kg body wt. for the A–VC mode and 5.5mg/min per kg body wt. for the V–A mode. Apparent recycling of lactate carbon was 55–60% according to the A–VC mode and 35% according to the V–A mode. 7. The specific radioactivities of [U- 14 C]glucose at isotopic steady state were 55% and 45% that of [U- 14 C]lactate in the A–VC and V–A modes respectively. We calculated, correcting for the dilution of 14 C in gluconeogenesis via oxaloacetate, that over 70% of newly synthesized glucose was derived from circulating lactate. 8. Recycling of 3 H between lactate and glucose was evaluated. It has no significant effect on the calculation of the replacement rate, but affects considerably the areas under the wash-out curves for both [2- 3 H]- and [3- 3 H]-lactate, and calculation of mean transit time and total lactate mass in the body. Corrected for recycling, in the A–VC mode the mean transit time is about 3min, the lactate mass about 50mg/kg body wt. and the lactate space about 65% of body space. The V–A mode yields a mass and lactate space about half those with the A–VC mode. 9. The area under the wash-out curve for [ 14 C]lactate is some 20–30 times that for [ 3 H]lactate, and apparent carbon mass is 400–500mg/kg body wt. and presumably includes the carbon of glucose, pyruvate and amino acids, which are exchanging rapidly with that of lactate.
Hopscotch Building: a Model for the Generation of Qualitative Research Designs

In this article we describe the process followed in the creation of the "Hopscotch Model," a tool to help novice researchers thoroughly design qualitative research studies while learning the philosophical underpinnings of this particular form of research. The model helps to incorporate the theoretical background behind any qualitative study, as well as the intrinsic complexity of the multiple technical procedures that could be followed within the many different traditions in the field. Hopscotch is supported by an easy to use web-tool that drives potential users through the design of qualitative studies. In this article we describe the phases followed to generate the conceptual model and the web-tool. We conceived the Hopscotch model as a "boundary object," plastic-enough to adapt to local needs and constraints of the stakeholders using it, yet robust enough to maintain a common identity across different communities, frameworks and possible scenarios in which it could be employed. Therefore, the proposed model is not intended to be complete nor prescriptive, but a flexible tool that can evolve and be completed by anyone. Even though a formal evaluation of the model and web-tool has not been conducted, in this work we present usage data supporting the usefulness of our proposal.
The Rise and Fall of Bad Judge: Lady Justice is No Tramp

Much of the fabric of the modern world is woven on the loom of popular culture. While scholars have defined pop culture differently, there is a general consensus as to its strong influence on modern society. As television has become our society's principal means of storytelling, its offerings concerning the world of lawyers have become a staple of the popular culture consumed by Americans. There is a "feedback loop" between law and popular culture which is self-perpetuating: popular culture influences the viewing public's perception of the law, which in turn affects the public's expectations, which are reinforced by the misconduct of actual members of the legal profession, which affects what the networks will portray as popular legal culture. This cause and effect scenario is the result of what might be referred to in dance parlance as the "Popular Legal Culture Two-Step."In light of the self-perpetuating nature of the Popular Legal Culture Two-Step, the burning inquiry must be whether there is any way to interrupt or ameliorate the ramifications of the relationship between law and televised legal popular culture in instances where what is broadcast defaces the law as an honorable profession. The urgency of addressing this query was highlighted with the airing of a new series during the fall of 2014, Bad Judge. Bad Judge serves as a prototype for the type of legal shows which television should not be broadcasting and is a perfect platform on which to illustrate the harm which may result from the cultivation effect. To delve a bit deeper into the underpinnings of the Popular Legal Culture Two-Step put forth in this piece, Part II of the article discusses the "cultivation theory," "heuristic processing", and the cultivation process known as "resonance," the lynchpins for the premise that television viewing does affect the viewer's perception of reality. It also examines the influence of "resonance" in the context of both "syndi-court" shows and actual incidents of judicial misconduct. Part III critiques a number of episodes of Bad Judge and evaluates the actions and conduct of Judge Rebecca Wright in light California's Canons of Judicial Ethics. It also focuses upon a written entreaty to NBC made by the Miami-Dade chapter of the Florida Association for Women Lawyers requesting cancellation of the show. Finally, the article explores possible responses to the demeaning portrayal of the judicial system and female judges and attorneys conveyed in Bad Judge in order to ameliorate the influence of television's cultivation of viewer perceptions of the legal world and to prevent such perceptions from becoming viewer reality.
Combined cataract extraction and Baerveldt glaucoma drainage implant: indications and outcomes.

Abstract Purpose To report the indications and outcomes of simultaneous cataract extraction (CE) and Baerveldt glaucoma drainage implant surgery. Design Noncomparative, interventional, retrospective, consecutive case series. Participants Thirty-three eyes of 33 patients. Intervention Combined phacoemulsification CE and Baerveldt glaucoma drainage implant (BGI) surgery at two tertiary care referral centers. Main outcome measures Visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), and complications. Results The study included 33 eyes of 33 patients followed for an average of 15.4 months (range, 3.0–46.9). The most common indication for combined CE and Baerveldt glaucoma drainage implant surgery was a history of prior failed trabeculectomy. Postoperative visual acuity at last follow-up was ≥20/40 in 12 of 33 patients (36%). IOP was reduced from a mean (± standard deviation) of 21 ± 7.3 mmHg preoperatively to 13.1 ± 3.5 mmHg at last follow-up visit ( P P Conclusions Combined CE and Baerveldt glaucoma drainage implant placement seems to be a safe and effective surgical option and may be preferred in certain clinical situations.
The Difficulty of Social Research from an American Research Perspective

As an extension based on the panel discussion in a symposium of the 2001 Annual Meeting of the Japan Sociological Society, I focus on the following five issues that I consider are relevant to the difficulty of social research. They are : (1) the concept of “the difficulty of social research;” (2) the necessity of panel surveys and its relation to the objective of social research; (3) the handling of imperfect data; (4) getting cooperation from survey subjects; and (5) informed consent and the protection of subjects' human rights.
Study on the network load in distributed interactive simulation

This paper studies the dead-reckoning equations used in Distributed Interactive Simulation. Deadreckoning equations of orders zero, one, two, and three are derived. These equations are then used in the dead reckoning of a test flight trajectory. The update rates against various thresholds are used to compare the effectiveness of the equations. The conclusions are: (1) For the dead-reckoning equations of order one and two, the most effective equations are the ones that utilize the latest update information on position, velocity, and acceleration. (2) The update rate reduces as the order of the dead-reckoning equation increases. However, the update rate differences between the second-order and third-order equations for position, and between the first-order and secondorder equations for orientation are relatively small. Hence, a combination of second-order equation for position and first-order equation for orientation is a better choice.
The propagation of "coronaviruses" in tissue-culture.

The conditions for the cultivation of the 229-E respiratory virus in tissue culture are described. The virus multiplies only in human tissue culture systems, but a variety of cell types are sensitive to it. The virus has been isolated in three continuous cell lines and a plaque assay has been developed in one of these. This cell line (L 132) derived from human embryo lung, was also used to isolate three other viruses of similar morphology which had previously been cultivated only in organ cultures of human respiratory epithelium.
Mobilization During ECLS

For much of its brief history, extracorporeal life support (ECLS) has been accompanied by endotracheal intubation, supine positioning, deep sedation, and therapeutic paralysis—treatments that prevent, or greatly impede, mobilization. Yet, for many modern ECLS patients, especially those with single-organ lung failure treated with venovenous support, these are no longer necessary, opening the door to early physical therapy. Moving the ECLS patient is no small task. Nevertheless, modern technology; an attentive, well-trained team; and a culture of liberation join to get the carefully selected ECLS patient moving. This chapter explores the impact of newer circuits, pumps, and cannulas; accumulating data on the ravages of sedation and bed rest during critical illness; and early experiences with mobilization. Together, these offer a novel vision for ECLS; one in which extracorporeal gas exchange frees the patient from a range of noxious interventions, potentially improving outcomes.
Validating the optimal phosphorous and potassium application rates for rice based on soil testing and fertilizer recommendation by ASI

In this study the systematic approach for soil nutrient status evaluation(ASI) was used to test soil and recommend fertilizer rates for rice,and then plot experiments were carried out to validate the effect of the optimal phosphorus and potassium application rates on rice yield component.The results showed that at the optimal fertilization rates of other nutrients,the number of effective tiller,heavy kernel,thousand grain weight and yield of rice were the best at the optimal fertilization rates of phosphorus and potassium(P2O5 90 kg/hm2,K2O 105 kg/hm2) recommended by ASI,and applying phosphorus fertilizer could significantly increase the number of effective tiller(p0.01),and applying potassium fertilizer could significantly increase the number of heavy kernel and thousand grain weigh,and at last achieve the high yield object.So that using ASI soil testing and fertilizer recommend method for rice in the marine foreland is greatly feasible.
A Hyperalimentation Manual for the Small Hospital

Limitations of resources and personnel in the small hospital need not preclude the institution of a safe and effective program of total parenteral nutrition. The manual shows how a smooth team effort may be established, with strict protocols for administration, asepsis, and monitoring.
Noninvasive Image-Guided Breast Brachytherapy (NIBB)

Noninvasive image-guided breast brachytherapy (NIBB) is a novel APBI technique and holds potential advantages over other APBI techniques. Similar to interstitial and intracavitary brachytherapy, NIBB has the advantage of delivering radiation to the tumor bed with a high degree of precision. This is accomplished by employing breast immobilization and mammographic-like image guidance for each radiation treatment. However, unlike interstitial and intracavitary brachytherapy, NIBB is completely noninvasive making this approach more acceptable to patients not willing to undergo percutaneous catheter placement. The inconvenience and discomfort of managing an indwelling catheter or catheters is eliminated, as is the risk of instrumentation-related infection. Also, oncoplastic reconstruction to enhance the cosmetic outcomes of surgery can be performed with NIBB as long as the tissues at risk are appropriated marked with surgical clips or other fiducials. Furthermore, unlike the 3D-CRT technique, NIBB does not require an additional large margin expansion. With breast immobilization and image guidance, the inaccuracies related to set-up errors and patient or breast motion are essentially eliminated. Additionally, the breast compression used for immobilization displaces nontarget breast tissue out of the irradiation field. This results in further reduction in target and irradiated volumes, thereby reducing the risk of toxicities associated with larger treatment volumes. Altogether, this makes NIBB an attractive and promising approach for the delivery of APBI [9].
Single-Agent Rituximab in Treatment-Refractory or Poor Prognosis Patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia.

Abstract Abstract 2380 Poster Board II-357 Background: Rituximab in combination with fludarabine and cyclophosphamide (R-FC) is the new standard therapy for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Rituximab in combination with FC or any other chemotherapy is indicated for first-line treatment of patients with CLL by the EMEA. However, the FC component of this treatment is myelosuppressive, and patients with CLL who refuse or are not candidates for myelosuppressive therapy have few treatment options. We investigated the effect of single-agent rituximab in patients with treatment-refractory or poor prognosis CLL. Method: 23 patients with progressing CLL received single-agent rituximab at an initial weekly dose of 375 mg/m2. Patients were progressively escalated to 3 g/m2 at the fourth weekly dose and remained on this dose for the remainder of their treatment cycle. Clinical responses, adverse events and treatment history were recorded and analyzed. A patient with mantle cell variant CLL was included in this series but is omitted from the group analysis. Results: 13 previously treated patients received a median of 1.5 (range 1–6) prior lines of therapy; 8 of these patients were fludarabine refractory. Nine patients had received no previous treatment for CLL. Overall response rate (ORR) and complete response (CR) rate were 90.9% and 54.5%, respectively. Even in patients who were fludarabine refractory ORR was 75% with 37.5% CR. Responses by population are summarized in table 1 . As of August 2009, median progression-free survival (PFS) was 12.5 months (range 0-48), with a median response duration (DR) of 8.5 months (range 0-46) (fludarabine-refractory median PFS = 8 months). Patients with high-risk Binet stage C disease had less durable responses and shorter PFS compared with Binet stage A/B patients (DR= 8 vs. 9 months, PFS= 8 vs. 17 months). Patients ≥65 years had more durable responses and longer PFS compared with patients Conclusions: Single-agent rituximab was an effective treatment for treatment-refractory or poor prognosis CLL, and was well tolerated. High ORR and CR rates were seen even in patients who were fludarabine refractory. Encouraging responses were seen with rituximab maintenance and in older patients. These data suggest that there is a role for single-agent rituximab in the treatment of patients with difficult-to-treat CLL, and that the concept should be studied further. Table 1 . Patient demographics and response rates. Overall (n = 22) Previously treated (n=13) Fludarabine refractory (n =8) Demographics (no. of patients) 14/8 9/4 5/3 Male/female 15/7 8/5 6/2 Binet A/B/Binet C 11/11 6/7 3/5 ORR (%) 90.9 84.6 75 CR (%) 54.5 53.8 37.5 PR (%) 36.7 30.8 37.5 Median PFS (months) 12.5 8 8 Disclosures: Off Label Use: Rituximab is a monclonal antibody licenced for the treatment of NHL as a single-agent. Rituximab is CLL currently under review by the FDA as treatment for relapsed/refractory CLL in combination with chemotherapy. Here it is used as a single-agent treatment for CLL.
Sphingosine and Sphingosine Kinase 1 Involvement in Endocytic Membrane Trafficking

The balance between cholesterol and sphingolipids within the plasma membrane has long been implicated in endocytic membrane trafficking. However, in contrast to cholesterol functions, little is still known about the roles of sphingolipids and their metabolites. Perturbing the cholesterol/sphingomyelin balance was shown to induce narrow tubular plasma membrane invaginations enriched with sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1), the enzyme that converts the bioactive sphingolipid metabolite sphingosine to sphingosine-1-phosphate, and suggested a role for sphingosine phosphorylation in endocytic membrane trafficking. Here we show that sphingosine and sphingosine-like SphK1 inhibitors induced rapid and massive formation of vesicles in diverse cell types that accumulated as dilated late endosomes. However, much smaller vesicles were formed in SphK1-deficient cells. Moreover, inhibition or deletion of SphK1 prolonged the lifetime of sphingosine-induced vesicles. Perturbing the plasma membrane cholesterol/sphingomyelin balance abrogated vesicle formation. This massive endosomal influx was accompanied by dramatic recruitment of the intracellular SphK1 and Bin/Amphiphysin/Rvs domain-containing proteins endophilin-A2 and endophilin-B1 to enlarged endosomes and formation of highly dynamic filamentous networks containing endophilin-B1 and SphK1. Together, our results highlight the importance of sphingosine and its conversion to sphingosine-1-phosphate by SphK1 in endocytic membrane trafficking.
Decomposition of Ionic Liquids at Lithium Interfaces. 1. Ab Initio Molecular Dynamics Simulations

This work is Part 1 in a two part series that investigates the interfacial decomposition chemistry of [pyr14][TFSI] and [EMIM][BF4] ionic liquids (IL) at Li metal interfaces. Here, the decomposition is probed primarily through ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations. For single ion pairs adsorbed on a Li(100) surface, hybrid ion states are found to emerge about the Fermi level. Interestingly, these states have a significant contribution from both ions, which suggests that the cathodic (reductive) stability could in part be governed by the anions. Room temperature AIMD simulations reveal rapid decomposition of the TFSI anion initiated by C–S and/or S–N bond cleavage due to charge transfer from Li to the anion. The unusual phenomenon of reductive decomposition of the anion is supported by recent experimental reports. The reaction products observed included LiF, LiO, Li2F, Li2O, SO2, NSO2, NSO2CF3, etc., which are all in excellent agreement with the XPS results. Initial decomposition reactions for bo...
Control of functional differential equations with function space boundary conditions

The results of various authors dealing with problems involving functional differential equations with terminal conditions in function space are reviewed. The review includes not only very recent results, but also some little known results of Soviet mathematicians prior to 1970. Particular attention is given to results concerning controllability, existence of optimal controls, and necessary and sufficient conditions for optimality.
Low computational complexity and minimizing training overhead for hybrid precoding in millimeter wave systems

Millimeter wave (mmWave) hybrid precoding systems are likely to have large antenna arrays to overcome the high channel path loss. In such circumstances, low cost hardware and power consumption are the main challenges. Furthermore, the hardware is tasked with computation of high dimensional optimal matrices of hybrid precoding design using Orthogonal Matching Pursuit (OMP). This paper addresses two algorithms to enhance the efficiency of the OMP reconstruction algorithm in mmWave precoding design. The spectral efficiency of the mmWave system using the proposed algorithms is compared with previous works and the optimal case (a fully digital precoder). The results show that the performance of the proposed algorithms is very close to that of the optimal design even though the complexity of the design is reduced.
Vasovasostomy and Vasoepididymostomy

Vasovasostomy almost always is performed for the reversal of an elective vasectomy. Vasoepididymostomy, which involves anastomosis of the vas deferens to the epididymal tubule, is required to bypass an obstruction in the epididymis that may result from congenital conditions, infection or from obstruction within the epididymis after a vasectomy. Patients who consider these procedures should be counselled about the possibility of undergoing surgical or percutaneous needle aspiration to obtain spermatozoa for in vitro fertilization (IVF) with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) as an alternative to surgical reconstruction.
Anisotropic Photoluminescence from Isotropic Optical Transition Dipoles in Semiconductor Nanoplatelets

Many important light-matter coupling and energy-transfer processes depend critically on the dimensionality and orientation of optical transition dipoles in emitters. We investigate individual quasi-two-dimensional nanoplatelets (NPLs) using higher-order laser scanning microscopy and find that absorption dipoles in NPLs are isotropic in three dimensions at the excitation wavelength. Correlated polarization studies of the NPLs reveal that their emission polarization is strongly dependent on the aspect ratio of the lateral dimensions. Our simulations reveal that this emission anisotropy can be readily explained by the electric field renormalization effect caused by the dielectric contrast between the NPLs and the surrounding medium, and we conclude that emission dipoles in NPLs are isotropic in the plane of the NPLs. Our study presents an approach for disentangling the effects of dipole degeneracy and electric field renormalization on emission anisotropy and can be adapted for studying the intrinsic optical ...
DEVELOPMENTAL CHANGES IN CATECHOLAMINE DRUG RESPONSES

Neonatal rats injected with the indirect acting catecholaminergic drug amphetamine show protracted responses to its stimulant effects compared to adult animals. These age-dependent differences in drug response are related to maturational changes in the rates at which the drug is metabolized and excreted, thus allowing greater concentrations of it to reach brain catecholaminergic target sites in young animals.
A Secure Framework for OTA Smart Device Ecosystems Using ECC Encryption and Biometrics

As we move towards a world where all the traditional household appliances and basic industrial devices are being transformed into interactive high-computing devices, an ecosystem of these smart devices is emerging. With this impending revolution, often coined the Internet of Things, one of the understated challenges is the security infrastructure that must accompany the deployment of this ecosystem. In this paper we propose a security framework that leverages hierarchical hardware memory mapping, modularity of the Operating System, and an efficient biometric aided ECC cryptosystem to work together towards this security need. We focus on the secure and efficient implementation of OTA updates and inter-device communication. Our work shows that by integrating several novel improvements based on real system considerations with state-of-the art techniques, we can build a commercially feasible security framework for these devices that is 35% faster and 5% more load efficient than current state-of-the-art ECC-based cryptosystems and OTA compression schemes.
Statistical Considerations in the Evaluation of Graded Responses in Carcinogenesis Studies

In the evaluation of laboratory animal carcinogenicity studies, primary emphasis is given to whether or not increased incidences of site-specific neoplasms are observed in treated groups relative to controls (International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1980; Office of Science and Technology Policy, 1985). Related nonneoplastic lesions are also considered in the overall interpretation of the data.
Receptance coupling model for variable dynamics in fixed-free thin rib machining

Abstract An analytical approach for predicting thin rib, fixed-free beam dynamics with varying geometries is presented. The proposed method uses receptance coupling substructure analysis (RCSA) to predict the stepped thickness beam receptances (or frequency response functions) at the fixed-free beam’s free end and at the change in thickness. The assembly receptances are calculated by rigidly connecting receptances that describe the individual stepped beam sections, where the section receptances are computed using the Timoshenko beam model. Comparisons with finite element calculations are completed to verify the technique. It is observed that the RCSA predictions agree closely with finite element results. Experiments are also performed, where the stepped beam thickness is changed by multiple machining passes, and receptance measurements are carried out between passes. The RCSA predictions are compared to experimental results for natural frequency and stiffness. Agreement in natural frequency to within two percent is reported.
Inequalities in Young Adult Health Insurance Coverage Post-federal Health Reform

Uninsurance for young adults (YAs) was greatly reduced by the Affordable Care Act (ACA). However, reforms may not be equally beneficial for all YAs and certain policies may exacerbate, rather than resolve, pre-existing disparities. To investigate inequalities in YAs’ insurance coverage pre- (2000–2010) and post-federal health reforms (dependent coverage expansion, 2010–2013, and Medicaid/Marketplace expansions, 2014–2016), among a nationally representative sample. A difference-in-differences estimator (controlling for sociodemographics) was used to determine the effects of the ACA for young adults (ages 19–25) compared to adolescents (ages 13–18) and older YA (ages 26–30) counterparts; triple-difference estimators quantified differential policy effects by sociodemographics. Three hundred eighty-seven thousand six hundred thirty-five participants in the 2000–2016 National Health Interview Survey. Respondents reported their health insurance coverage types during the last 12 months, reasons uninsured, and detailed sociodemographics. An adjusted difference-in-differences estimator quantified a 12.3 percentage point increase (p < 0.0001) in full-year coverage post-ACA for YAs compared to older counterparts, driven by increases in employer-sponsored private insurance while younger and older youth saw larger gains in Medicaid coverage. Triple-difference estimators identified subgroups experiencing less beneficial dependent coverage expansion effects, including females, lower socioeconomic status, non-citizens, non-English speakers, and several racial/ethnic minority groups. Later ACA reforms (Marketplace/Medicaid expansions) mitigated many of these widening disparities. While the ACA significantly impacted YA insurance coverage, these gains were not of equal magnitude for all YAs and disparities remain. As such, more work needs to be done to ensure optimal and equitable access to high-quality, affordable insurance for all YAs.
TruZ-View: Developing TrustZone User Interface for Mobile OS Using Delegation Integration Model

When OS and hypervisor are compromised, mobile devices currently provide a hardware protected mode called Trusted Execution Environment (TEE) to guarantee the confidentiality and integrity of the User Interface (UI). The present TEE UI solutions adopt a self-contained design model, which provides a fully functional UI stack in the TEE, but they fail to manage one critical design principle of TEE: a small Trusted Computing Base (TCB), which should be more easily verified in comparison to a rich OS. The TCB size of the self-contained model is large as a result of the size of an individual UI stack. To reduce the TCB size of the TEE UI solution, we proposed a novel TEE UI design model called delegation model. To be specific, our design reuses the majority of the rich OS UI stack. Unlike the existing UI solutions protecting 3-dimensional UI processing in the TEE, our design protects the UI solely as a 2-dimensional surface and thus reduces the TCB size. Our system, called TruZ-View, allows application developers to use the rich OS UI development environment to develop TEE UI with consistent UI looks across the TEE and the rich OS. We successfully implemented our design on HiKey board. Moreover, we developed several TEE UI use cases to protect the confidentiality and integrity of UI. We performed a thorough security analysis to prove the security of the delegation UI model. Our real-world application evaluation shows that developers can leverage our TEE UI with few changes to the existing app's UI logic.
Measurements of soil profiles in the vadose zone using the high-frequency surface waves method

Abstract For soil exploration in the vadose zone, a high-frequency multi-channel analysis of surface waves (HF-MASW) method with three enhanced techniques has been developed. In this paper, we apply this enhanced HF-MASW method to re-process field testing data that were collected over the past several years on five different sites. These sites are selected for their different soil properties and data acquisition configurations. The derived overtone images, extracted dispersion curves, and inverted soil profiles of these soil sites are shown and discussed. Penetration tests were conducted and comparisons are made between the soil profiles taken from the HF-MASW tests and those from the penetration tests. One of the objectives of the paper is to determine the optimal data acquisition parameters, including the source parameters and sensor array geometric configuration through the discussions of these case studies. Practical concerns of the HF-MASW method and lessons learnt from these tests are addressed. Recommendations for data acquisition, signal processing, and inversion are provided.
Circular Proofs as Session-Typed Processes: A Local Validity Condition.

Proof theory provides a foundation for studying and reasoning about programming languages, most directly based on the well-known Curry-Howard isomorphism between intuitionistic logic and the typed lambda-calculus. More recently, a correspondence between intuitionistic linear logic and the session-typed pi-calculus has been discovered. In this paper, we establish an extension of the latter correspondence for a fragment of substructural logic with least and greatest fixed points. We describe the computational interpretation of the resulting infinitary proof system as session-typed processes, and provide an effectively decidable local criterion to recognize mutually recursive processes corresponding to valid circular proofs as introduced by Fortier and Santocanale. We show that our algorithm imposes a stricter requirement than Fortier and Santocanale's guard condition, but is local and compositional and therefore more suitable as the basis for a programming language.