cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reactive Ion Etching of GaSb, (Ai,Ga)Sb, and InAs for Novel Device Applications.

-Although a variety of novel device proposals for GaSb/(Al,Ga)Sb/InAs heterostructures have been made, relatively little is known about processing these materials. We have studied the reactive ion etching characteristics of GaSb, (AI,Ga)Sb, and InAs in both methane/ hydrogen and chlorine gas chemistries. At conditions similar to those reported elsewhere for RIE of InP and GaAs in CH4/H2, the etch rate of (AI,Ga)Sb was found to be near zero, while GaSb and InAs etched at 200A/minute. Under conditions where the etch mechanism is primarily physical sputtering, the three compounds etch at similar rates. Etching in Cl2 was found to yield anisotropic profiles, with the etch rate of (AI,Ga)Sb increasing with Al mole fraction, while InAs remains unetched. Damage to an InAs “stop layer” was investigated by sheet resistance and mobility measurements. These etching techniques were used to fabricate a novel InAs-channel FET composed of these materials. Several scanning electron micrographs of etching results are shown along with preliminary electrical characteristics.
Abstract MS1-2: Long Noncoding RNAs in Breast Cancer Progression

Long intergenic noncoding RNAs (lincRNAs) are pervasively transcribed in the genome, yet their potential involvement in human disease is not well understood. Recent studies of dosage compensation, imprinting, and homeotic gene expression suggest that individual lincRNAs can function as the interface between DNA and specific chromatin remodeling activities. We found that many lincRNAs become systematically dysregulated during breast cancer progression. A lincRNA termed HOTAIR is increased in expression in primary breast tumors and metastases, and HOTAIR expression level in primary tumors is a powerful predictor of eventual metastasis and death. Enforced expression of HOTAIR in epithelial cancer cells induced genome-wide re-targeting of Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2) to an occupancy pattern more resembling embryonic fibroblasts, leading to altered histone H3 lysine 27 methylation, gene expression, and increased cancer invasiveness and metastasis in a manner dependent on PRC2. Conversely, loss of HOTAIR can inhibit cancer invasiveness, particularly in cells that possess excessive PRC2 activity. A second long noncoding RNA, named PANDA, is part of the DNA damage response mediated by p53 and controls the balance between cell death and cell cycle arrest. Collectively, these findings suggest that lincRNAs play active roles in modulating the cancer epigenome and may be important targets for cancer diagnosis and therapy. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2010;70(24 Suppl):Abstract nr MS1-2.
Electrophoretic Patterns of Water-Soluble Proteins of Honeybee Larval Food

SummaryElectrophoretic patterns of water-soluble proteins from honeybee (Apis mellifera) worker, royal and drone jelly were examined hourly by using Polyacrylamide gel disc electrophoresis at pH 4·5 (the normal pH of brood food). The ages of larvae for which each jelly sample was taken were estimated in h ± 1 with the aid of larval growth curves. Each sample was adjusted to 50 μg total protein per electrophoretic tube. The number of protein bands in worker jelly gradually increased with larval age from 3 to a maximum of 8. This increase started at 36 ± 1 h of larval age and was completed at 76 ± 1 h. Electrophoretic protein patterns of royal jelly remained unchanged during the whole feeding period, while drone jelly showed the same increase in number of bands as worker jelly but only after 86 h of larval age. Protein patterns of worker jelly produced by field bees and worker jelly from queenless colonies with laying workers differed somewhat.
An Algorithm for Radar Emitter Recognition Based on Internally Recurrent Net

A radar emitter recognition algorithm based on Internally Recurrent Net (IRN)is presented .The latency incidence relation of radar parameters and radar threat type is studied.Statistic analysis and feature modeling techniques are used to conclude apriority knowledge and induce classifiers and fuzzy subjection functions. Considering radars' multi-feature characteristics, the algorithm integrates the classifying function of fuzzy subjection function and fast convergence characteristic of IRN to output expectation threat type and its reliability.
RISK FACTORS AND HORMONE LEVELS IN PATIENTS WITH SEROUS AND ENDOMETRIOID UTERINE CARCINOMAS

We performed a multi-institutional, incident case-control study of 328 endometrioid and 26 serous carcinomas to assess whether risk factors and circulating hormone levels in women with serous carcinoma differ from the expected profile for endometrial carcinoma We also evaluated exposures potentially related to endometrial cancer risk, anthropometric measurements, and circulating levels of sex hormones and related carrier proteins. Histopathologic specimens were reviewed without knowledge of the other data. As expected, a statistically significant association was observed for high body mass index (BMI) (relative risk, 3.5) and use of menopausal estrogens (relative risk, 2.4) in the endometrioid carcinoma cases, whereas serous carcinomas were not strongly associated with these factors. Smoking and oral contraceptive use decreased risk for both tumor types. For five of six sex hormones tested, age-adjusted mean serum levels in patients with serous carcinoma were significantly lower than those in women with endometrioid carcinoma. After adjustment for BMI, these differences were narrowed, but levels of albumin-bound estradiol and estrone remained significantly lower in the serous cases. Age and BMI-adjusted levels of sex hormone-binding globulin were significantly higher in patients with serous carcinoma than in women with endometrioid carcinomas. In conclusion, risk factors and sex hormone levels in patients with uterine serous carcinoma seem to differ from those in women with endometrioid carcinoma, suggesting that there may be at least two different pathways of endometrial carcinogenesis.
ZrO2 Nanofiber as a Versatile Tool for Protein Analysis

Phosphorylation is one of the most important post-translational modifications in proteins. Their essential roles in the regulation of cellular processes and alteration of protein-protein interaction networks have been actively studied. However, phosphorylated proteins are present at low abundance in cells, and ionization of the modified peptides is often suppressed by the more abundant species in mass spectrometry. Effective enrichment techniques are needed to remove the unmodified peptides and concentrate the phosphorylated ones before their identification and quantification. Herein, we prepared ZrO2 nanofibers by electrospinning, a straightforward and easy fabrication technique, and applied them to enrich phosphorylated peptides and proteins. The fibers showed good size homogeneity and porosity and could specifically bind to the phosphorylated peptides and proteins, allowing their separation from the unmodified analogues when present in either simple protein digests or highly complex cell lysates. The enrichment performance was superior to that of the commercially available nanoparticles. Moreover, modifying the solution pH could lead to selective adsorption of proteins with different pI values, suggesting the fibers' potential applicability in charge-based protein fractionation. Our results support that the electrospun ZrO2 nanofibers can serve as a versatile tool for protein analysis with great ease in preparation and handling.
Prostate cancer with solitary parotid metastasis correctly diagnosed with immunohistochemical stains

A case of prostate cancer in which the parotid gland was the sole site of metastatic disease is presented. Special immunohistochemical stains of the excisional biopsy allowed for rapid, accurate diagnosis and appropriately directed successful therapy.
Exanthem Subitum CNS Complications

Central nervous system (CNS) complications of exanthem subitum were analyzed in 21 infants examined at the Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Japan.
Synthesis of 5-(trifluoromethyl)cyclohexane-1,2,3-trione (cVTC): new trifluoromethyl building block

Abstract A simple synthesis of 5-(trifluoromethyl)cyclohexane-1,2,3-trione is demonstrated in one step, by reacting 5-(trifluoromethyl)cyclohexane-1,3-dione with cerium(IV)ammonium nitrate (CAN) in methanol. The compound represents a highly functionalized oxygen-rich reactive intermediate for the synthesis of organic and heterocyclic compounds containing fluorine.
Natural Extracellular Matrix for Cellular and Tissue Biomanufacturing.

Natural extracellular matrices (ECM) derived from native tissues or cultured cells are extensively employed to fabricate biocompatible scaffolds or living tissue constructs for the application in cellular and tissue engineering. The composition and structure of ECM are not only heterogeneous, but also tissue or cell specific. Recapitulating the unique cell or tissue niche, ECM-based products are promising to quickly integrate with host tissues and accelerate restoration of tissue function. A variety of natural ECM-based scaffolds and tissue constructs have been biomanufactured using different approaches. Native tissue derived ECM is typically grounded into powders that can be further processed into hybrid composites in the form of hydrogels, foams, nanofibers, and 3D-printed complex constructs. Cell-derived ECM follows different biomanufacturing methods. Usually, cells are seeded on a scaffold to deposit ECM resulting in ECM-ornamented materials. The employment of resolvable scaffolds and cell sheet engin...
Relationship between Glaucoma Drainage Device Size and Intraocular Pressure Control: Does Size Matter?

There is ambiguity in the literature regarding whether a larger glaucoma drainage device (GDD) achieves a lower long-term intraocular pressure (IOP). There is some evidence on both sides, but overall there seems to be an optimal surface area of approximately 200-250 mm2 beyond which there may be little advantage to increasing the plate size for most patients. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE Rodgers CD, Meyer AM, Sherwood MB. Relationship between Glaucoma Drainage Device Size and Intraocular Pressure Control: Does Size Matter? J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2017;11(1):1-2.
Vestibular Schwannoma Surgery in the Elderly

Objective: To compare the outcome among patients greater than 65 years old undergoing microsurgical resection of a sporadic, unilateral vestibular schwannoma (VS) to patients 65 years or younger.
Insulin modulates intestinal response of suckling mice to the Escherichia coli heat-stable enterotoxin.

Effect of insulin on the response of suckling mice to the enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli heat-stable enterotoxin (STa) was studied. Four groups (8–10 in each group) of two day old Swiss Webster suckling mice were used. Five, 10,25, and 50μg of insulin were given orally to half the mice in each group respectively. The rest of the mice in each group were given normal saline as intra-litter controls. After 7 days, the suckling mouse assay for STa was performed on three mice from each insulin-treated and control groups. Enterocyte suspensions were prepared from mice in all groups. Intestinal tissue samples were taken for electron microscopy. Interaction of STa with its putative receptor on the enterocytes was evaluated using indirect immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. The suckling mouse assay revealed a significant increase in the gut weight to body weight ratio in all mice in the insulin treated groups compared to control mice (p < 0.05). Flow cytometry and indirect immunofluorescence analyses suggested that insulin had an up-regulatory effect on the STa receptor level. Similarly, insulin was found to increase intestinal brush border membrane differentiation as indicated by the increase in the inward movement of milk particles through the intestinal mucosa. Insulin seems to modify the structure-function of the brush border membrane including the response of suckling mice to STa. This study may provide further insights into the mechanism of STa/receptor interaction in diarrhea in newborn animals and human infants.
Plant-associated odor perception and processing in two parasitoid species with different degrees of host specificity: Implications for host location strategies

Microplitis croceipes and Cotesia marginiventris (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) are parasitoids of lepidopteran larvae with different degrees of host specificity. Both parasitoid species rely on host-related plant volatiles as odor cues to locate their herbivore hosts. To better understand mechanisms of odor processing in parasitoids, we tested responses of olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) in the antennal sensilla placodea of female parasitoids to select plant volatiles and mixtures. The compounds tested include two green leaf volatiles (i.e., cis-3-hexenol and hexanal) and three herbivore-induced plant volatiles (i.e., cis-3-hexenyl butyrate, cis-3-hexenyl acetate and linalool). Single-sensillum recording showed that the test compounds elicited activity in large and small amplitude neurons housed in the short sensilla placodea of both parasitoid species. In general, C. marginiventris showed greater OSN responses to a low dose while M. croceipes showed greater responses to a high dose of test compounds. Binary mixtures of cis-3-hexenol and linalool inhibited OSN activity in M. croceipes, but not in C. marginiventris. These differences may have implications for odor discrimination in the two parasitoid species. In addition, anterograde neurobiotin stainings were performed to map glomerular projections of OSNs in the antennal lobe of the parasitoids. In M. croceipes, a mixture of cis-3-hexenol and linalool inhibited activity of the glomerulus activated by cis-3-hexenol alone. In C. marginiventris, a mixture of cis-3-hexenol and cis-3-hexenyl acetate showed intense labeling in their respective glomeruli, possibly suggesting a synergistic interaction. These differences in detection and coding of single compounds and mixtures may impact host location strategies in the two parasitoid species.
Topiramate-Induced Lithium Toxicity

This case report discusses a suspected case of lithium toxicity following the administration of topiramate (TPM). Our patient is a 47-year-old man who has been an inpatient for the past year and was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder bipolar type 1 for the past 20 years according to the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5). He manifested symptoms of lithium toxicity following administration of TPM to ameliorate the compulsive consumption of food and liquids. The patient was already being treated with lithium carbonate for mania, labile mood, and aggressive behavior for the past year. The patient developed symptoms of lithium toxicity on the fourth day of the TPM treatment. We transferred the patient to the emergency department where he was diagnosed and treated for renal insufficiency due to lithium toxicity. After halting the TPM and reintroducing lithium carbonate, the patient's laboratory results improved. This case illustrates the potential toxic interaction of medications with a narrow therapeutic index like lithium.
ATP Binding Enables Substrate Release from Multidrug Resistance Protein 1.

The multidrug resistance protein MRP1 is an ATP-driven pump that confers resistance to chemotherapy. Previously, we have shown that intracellular substrates are recruited to a bipartite binding site when the transporter rests in an inward-facing conformation. A key question remains: how are high-affinity substrates transferred across the membrane and released outside the cell? Using electron cryomicroscopy, we show here that ATP binding opens the transport pathway to the extracellular space and reconfigures the substrate-binding site such that it relinquishes its affinity for substrate. Thus, substrate is released prior to ATP hydrolysis. With this result, we now have a complete description of the conformational cycle that enables substrate transfer in a eukaryotic ABC exporter.
Development of an Algorithm for Treatment of Altered Mental Status in the Emergency Department (P2.202)

Objective: To characterize the population of patients presenting to the University of California Davis Medical Center Emergency Department (UCDMC ED) with a chief complaint of altered mental status (AMS) and develop an algorithm to guide evaluation and treatment with the goal of improving patient care. Background: The clinical presentation and cause of AMS is heterogeneous and there is no generally accepted algorithmic approach for this complaint. Design/Methods: UCDMC ED medical records were reviewed to identify patients presenting to the ED from July 2014 to June 2015 with a chief complaint (CC) of AMS acute, AMS stable nonacute, AMS with fever, confusion, or altered level of consciousness. The records were then reviewed to identify the most frequent admitting diagnoses. Results: We identified 707 patients with the above chief complaints with the most common admitting diagnoses of AMS (n = 119), Null/no change from CC (n = 101), Pneumonia (n = 36), Sepsis (n = 36), and UTI (n = 29). Less frequent diagnoses included hepatic encephalopathy, hypoglycemia, severe sepsis, healthcare associated pneumonia, and septic shock. Conclusions: Our preliminary data demonstrates the broad scope of diagnoses associated with an initial presentation of AMS and highlights the importance of an algorithmic approach to expedite the work-up and appropriate treatment. We are currently analyzing the data of patients presenting to the ED from January through June 2016 with an expanded list of CC’s associated with AMS. We will include demographic data, laboratory investigations, imaging and electrophysiology studies (EEG, EKG), and any procedures completed. We will look at the time course of their evaluation from investigations obtain in the ED to time of admission, hospital course, and discharge diagnoses. Ultimately, we aim to design an algorithm for the evaluation of an altered patient to improve patient care. Disclosure: Dr. Moreno has nothing to disclose. Dr. Bissig has nothing to disclose. Dr. Simpkins has nothing to disclose. Dr. Duffy has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kennedy has nothing to disclose.
Radiomics analysis of pulmonary nodules in low-dose CT for early detection of lung cancer.

Purpose To develop a radiomics prediction model to improve pulmonary nodule (PN) classification in low-dose CT. To compare the model with the American College of Radiology (ACR) Lung CT Screening Reporting and Data System (Lung-RADS) for early detection of lung cancer. Methods We examined a set of 72 PNs (31 benign and 41 malignant) from the Lung Image Database Consortium image collection (LIDC-IDRI). One hundred three CT radiomic features were extracted from each PN. Before the model building process, distinctive features were identified using a hierarchical clustering method. We then constructed a prediction model by using a support vector machine (SVM) classifier coupled with a least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO). A tenfold cross-validation (CV) was repeated ten times (10 × 10-fold CV) to evaluate the accuracy of the SVM-LASSO model. Finally, the best model from the 10 × 10-fold CV was further evaluated using 20 × 5- and 50 × 2-fold CVs. Results The best SVM-LASSO model consisted of only two features: the bounding box anterior-posterior dimension (BB_AP) and the standard deviation of inverse difference moment (SD_IDM). The BB_AP measured the extension of a PN in the anterior-posterior direction and was highly correlated (r = 0.94) with the PN size. The SD_IDM was a texture feature that measured the directional variation of the local homogeneity feature IDM. Univariate analysis showed that both features were statistically significant and discriminative (P = 0.00013 and 0.000038, respectively). PNs with larger BB_AP or smaller SD_IDM were more likely malignant. The 10 × 10-fold CV of the best SVM model using the two features achieved an accuracy of 84.6% and 0.89 AUC. By comparison, Lung-RADS achieved an accuracy of 72.2% and 0.77 AUC using four features (size, type, calcification, and spiculation). The prediction improvement of SVM-LASSO comparing to Lung-RADS was statistically significant (McNemar's test P = 0.026). Lung-RADS misclassified 19 cases because it was mainly based on PN size, whereas the SVM-LASSO model correctly classified 10 of these cases by combining a size (BB_AP) feature and a texture (SD_IDM) feature. The performance of the SVM-LASSO model was stable when leaving more patients out with five- and twofold CVs (accuracy 84.1% and 81.6%, respectively). Conclusion We developed an SVM-LASSO model to predict malignancy of PNs with two CT radiomic features. We demonstrated that the model achieved an accuracy of 84.6%, which was 12.4% higher than Lung-RADS.
Exploring the raspberry Pi for data summarization in wireless sensor networks: poster

Single board computers (SBCs) are a class of devices where the entirety of the computer is printed on a single circuit board. The Raspberry Pi is perhaps the most popular SBC on the market today. The Raspberry Pi version 3 (1.2 Ghz A53 CPU, 2 GB of RAM), and the Raspberry Pi Zero W (1.0 Ghz ARM11 CPU, 512 MB RAM), cost $35.00 and $10.00 respectively, and both include integrated wireless and Bluetooth. Unlike microcontrollers, SBCs are fully functioning computers with more memory and processing power than the typical sensor. Their powerful System-on-a-Chip (SoC) processors make SBCs good candidates for at-node data summarization tasks in a wireless sensor network [1]. Reducing data transfer in a wireless sensor network is critical for energy efficiency and improved latency [2]. In this poster, we explore the viability of a wireless sensor network composed of Raspberry Pis for video and audio summarization tasks. Our contributions include a i.) novel sensor and gateway node design and ii.) a user interface implemented as an Android App.
A novel diagnostic algorithm for heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.

Introduction While diagnostic algorithm using PF4-heparin enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) optical density (OD), and heparin neutralization assay (HNA), or 4T score have been proposed to replace serotonin-release assay (SRA) for heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), their performance against SRA is unclear. In this study, we proposed and validated the performance of a new algorithm combining PF4-heparin ELISA optical density (OD), HNA and 4T score against SRA for HIT diagnosis. Methods Heparin neutralization assays were performed on specimens submitted for HIT testing with positive PF4-heparin ELISA from December 2015 to September 2017, which were separated into a "training" and a "validation" data set. 4T scores were calculated for ELISA positive cases. Results A total of 123 consecutive unique patient samples had positive PF4-heparin ELISA with also HNA data, SRA data, and 4T scores available. Compared to SRA, a "laboratory criteria" (ELISA OD ≥ 1.4 and HNA ≥ 70%) had a sensitivity of 88% (14/16) and specificity of 91% (42/46), and a "combined criteria" (4T score = 8, or 4T score = 6 or 7 and ELISA OD ≥ 1.0, or 4T score = 4 or 5 and ELISA OD ≥ 2.0) had a sensitivity of 75% (12/16) and specificity of 98% (45/46) in the training data set. Laboratory and combined criteria had 90% (56/62) concordance rate. Importantly, for these concordant cases, the diagnostic specificity is 100% (46/46). Based on the data, a novel diagnostic algorithm combining these 2 criteria was proposed and validated prospectively. Conclusion A novel algorithm has high diagnostic accuracy and potentially could eliminate the need for SRA testing in at least 90% patients with suspected HIT.
Evaluating Internet drug information

For many consumers, the Internet has become a primary resource for health-related information. A study was conducted to evaluate the reliability and validity of consumer drug-information sites on the Internet. To assess reliability, the researchers identified sites with an "ask the pharmacist" option. Questions about the education and experience of the drug-information personnel, volume of inquiries received, reference utilization, and characteristics of inquirers were submitted to each of the sites. To assess validity, a drug information question was submitted to each of the sites. The responses received were evaluated by comparing them with responses from trained drug-information specialists working in established institutional services. Fewer than 70% of the sites answered the drug information question correctly. The conclusion: Drug information communicated via "ask the pharmacist"Internet sites may be unreliable.
Pore architecture effects on chondrogenic potential of patient-specific 3-dimensionally printed porous tissue bioscaffolds for auricular tissue engineering

Abstract Objective This study aims to determine the effect of auricular scaffold microarchitecture on chondrogenic potential in an in vivo animal model. Methods DICOM computed tomography (CT) images of a human auricle were segmented to create an external anatomic envelope. Image-based design was used to generate 1) orthogonally interconnected spherical pores and 2) randomly interspersed pores, and each were repeated in three dimensions to fill the external auricular envelope. These auricular scaffolds were then 3D printed by laser sintering poly- l -caprolactone, seeded with primary porcine auricular chondrocytes in a hyaluronic acid/collagen hydrogel and cultured in a pro-chondrogenic medium. The auricular scaffolds were then implanted subcutaneously in rats and explanted after 4 weeks for analysis with Safranin O and Hematoxylin and Eosin staining. Results Auricular constructs with two micropore architectures were rapidly manufactured with high fidelity anatomic appearance. Subcutaneous implantation of the scaffolds resulted in excellent external appearance of both anterior and posterior auricular surfaces. Analysis on explantation showed that the defined, spherical micropore architecture yielded histologic evidence of more robust chondrogenic tissue formation as demonstrated by Safranin O and Hematoxylin and Eosin staining. Conclusions Image-based computer-aided design and 3D printing offers an exciting new avenue for the tissue-engineered auricle. In early pilot work, creation of spherical micropores within the scaffold architecture appears to impart greater chondrogenicity of the bioscaffold. This advantage could be related to differences in permeability allowing greater cell migration and nutrient flow, differences in surface area allowing different cell aggregation, or a combination of both factors. The ability to design an anatomically correct scaffold that maintains its structural integrity while also promoting auricular cartilage growth represents an important step towards clinical applicability of this new technology.
Writing in the discipline and reproducible methods: A process-oriented approach to teaching empirical undergraduate economics research

The authors of this article describe an empirical research project as a component of an upper-level undergraduate economics writing-in-the-discipline course, thus aiming to reduce the high fixed co...
Blood Pressure Lowering and Sodium-Glucose Co-transporter 2 Inhibitors (SGLT2is): More Than Osmotic Diuresis

This is an update of data regarding changes in blood pressure using sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) for the treatment of diabetes. The mechanism of blood pressure lowering by SGLT2i was thought to be due to their osmotic diuretic effects. New data, however, has emerged from meta-analyses and studies of people with impaired kidney function demonstrating similar or greater magnitudes of blood pressure reduction in the absence of significant glycosuria. Potential additional mechanisms are proposed and reviewed. Two separate meta-analyses in over 10,000 participants combined demonstrate an average of 4/2 mmHg reduction in blood pressure by SGLT2i. This includes consistency between measurements of in-office and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. This reduction extends to decreases in nocturnal blood pressure of 2.6 mmHg systolic pressure. These reductions in blood pressure by SGLT2i are also present when added to ongoing treatment with ACE inhibitors or ARBs. In one study, dapagliflozin, when added to a regimen of a renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) antagonist and a diuretic, further lowered in-office systolic pressure by 2.4 mmHg. In contrast, when prescribed to those on a RAAS antagonist plus a calcium channel blocker or RAAS antagonist plus a beta blocker, systolic pressure decreased 5.4 mmHg. Lastly, post hoc analyses of major cardiovascular outcome trials across the spectrum of estimated glomerular filtration rates from 30 to 80 ml/min/1.73 m2 demonstrated similar magnitudes of BP reduction in spite of far less reduction in glucosuria among those with advanced kidney disease. Moreover, recent data implicate the potential for increased ketones associated with SGLT2i contributing to blood pressure lowering in advanced-stage kidney disease. SGLT2i are well established to lower blood pressure. Their mechanism appears to be multifactorial and has a hemodynamic as well as metabolic component contributing to this reduction.
Amyloid jams: Mechanical and dynamical properties of an amyloid fibrillar network.

Abstract Amyloid fibrils have well known pathological implications as well as a clear functional role in different biological systems due to their peculiar structural and mechanical properties. We had previously shown the appearance of elastic properties during the formation of a gel of insulin amyloid fibrils. Here, we study the morphological, rheological and dynamical behaviour of this jammed system. We observe different non-diffusive relaxation processes over a wide length and time interval, suggesting the formation of an elastic transient network of fibrils, and evidencing the structural heterogeneity of the gel matrix and the peculiarity of this potentially new material.
Dependable Policy Enforcement in Traditional Non-SDN Networks

Middleboxes are widely used in modern net-works for a variety of network functions in cybersecurity, performance enhancement, and monitoring. Middlebox policy enforcement is however complex and tedious with unreliable manual re-configuration of legacy routers. The existing solution on automated policy enforcement relies on software-defined networking and does not apply to the traditional non-SDN net-works, which remain popular today in enterprise deployment and core networks. This paper proposes a new architecture based entirely on software-defined middleboxes (instead of using software-defined switches in the prior art) to enable dependable and automated policy enforcement in non-SDN networks whose routers forward packets based on traditional routing protocols that are not policy-sensitive. We present a hot-potato enforcement strategy, which is then enhanced with two optimizations for load-balanced policy enforcement. Further enhancements are made to relieve middlebox processing overhead and avoid packet fragmentation due to policy enforcement.
Age-Associated B Cells

The age-associated B cell subset has been the focus of increasing interest over the last decade. These cells have a unique cell surface phenotype and transcriptional signature, and they rely on TLR7 or TLR9 signals in the context of Th1 cytokines for their formation and activation. Most are antigen-experienced memory B cells that arise during responses to microbial infections and are key to pathogen clearance and control. Their increasing prevalence with age contributes to several well-established features of immunosenescence, including reduced B cell genesis and damped immune responses. In addition, they are elevated in autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases, and in these settings they are enriched for characteristic autoantibody specificities. Together, these features identify age-associated B cells as a subset with pivotal roles in immunological health, disease, and aging. Accordingly, a detailed understanding of their origins, functions, and physiology should make them tractable translational targets in each of these settings.
Observations on mechanisms of poly and twin formation in the LEC growth of GaAs and GaP

Abstract Large crystals of GaAs and GaP grown by the liquid encapsulated Czochralski (LEC) technique have strong tendencies to form polycrystalline or twinned regions. In this report we will describe the results of our systematic study of the development of polycrystalline and twinned regions of 2” and 3” diameter GaAs and GaP crystals grown by the LEC technique. Close examination of boules of both GaAs and GaP that have experienced polycrystalline growth reveals that regions of polycrystal result when dislocations form and migrate into low angle grain boundries. With subsequent growth, polygonization into macroscopic cells occurs, finally leading to interface breakdown and the formation of gross polycrystalline regions. The various circumstances under which this occurs suggest that the mechanism is driven by thermal gradients and by segregation phenomena that result during growth from either doped or non-stoichiometric melts. The same techniques used to examine twinned ingots reveal that the twinning phenomena occur most often in reqions that experience excessive melt-back and regrowth and is most influenced by the cone angle and/or the presence of dopants.
Nuclear Excitation Functions and Thick-Target Yields F 19 , Na 23 , As 75 ( d , t ) , and Na 23 , As 75 ( d , p )

Excitation functions and thick-target yields have been determined for the ($d, p$) and ($d, t$) reactions which occur when sodium fluoride and arsenic targets are bombarded with deuterons of \ensuremath{\approx}15 MeV. The yields of ${\mathrm{F}}^{18}$, ${\mathrm{Na}}^{24}$, and ${\mathrm{Na}}^{22}$ from sodium fluoride, and ${\mathrm{As}}^{76}$ and ${\mathrm{As}}^{74}$ from arsenic targets were measured with a calibrated scintillation counter after appropriate chemical treatment. The range-energy relationship for deuterons in sodium fluoride was determined experimentally from 15.2 MeV to 5.3 MeV.Absolute cross sections were determined at 15.2 MeV for the following reactions: ${\mathrm{Na}}^{23}(d, p){\mathrm{Na}}^{24}$ (125.7\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}2.5 mb), ${\mathrm{Na}}^{23}(d, t){\mathrm{Na}}^{22}$ (12.2\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}2.0 mb), ${\mathrm{F}}^{19}(d, t){\mathrm{F}}^{18}$ (29.0\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}2.2 mb), ${\mathrm{As}}^{75}(d, p){\mathrm{As}}^{76}$ (140.3\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}6.6 mb), and ${\mathrm{As}}^{75}(d, t){\mathrm{As}}^{74}$ (16.5\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1.2 mb). The results are shown to be in qualitative agreement with available information on the relative contributions of compound nucleus formation and direct interactions.
Pt particles from the Pt15(CO)302$minus; cluster compound

Abstract Highly dispersed platinum particles were prepared by the pyrolysis of Pt 15 (CO) 30 2− on hydroxylated and dehydroxylated, high surface area γ-Al 2 O 3 Metal carbonyl decomposition was monitored by infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and hydrogen and carbon monoxide chemisorption experiments. The catalytic properties of these materials were examined for isomerization and hydrogenolysis of neopentane at 523–623 K and 1 atm pressure. The metal carbonyl cluster is weakly adsorbed on initial contact with the alumina surface showing CO stretching bands characteristic of the original cluster molecule. After several days of contact, or upon heating, the cluster rearranges to a more bulk-like platinum form. The original cluster compound cannot subsequently be regenerated with exposure to CO or mild reduction treatment. Metal particles originating from the Pt 15 cluster are highly dispersed. Preliminary neopentane reaction studies show high selectivity for hydrogenolysis, following treatment in hydrogen at 620 K, consistent with the selectivity of highly dispersed platinum catalysts. Following reduction at 1070 K, the selectivity shifted to favor isomerization. Since electron microscopy results indicated minor particle sintering, the selectivity change may be attributed to surface annealing of the defect crystallite structures from the initial cluster at the higher reduction temperature.
Addressing Imbalanced Data Problem with Generative Adversarial Network For Intrusion Detection

Machine learning techniques help to understand underlying patterns in datasets to develop defense mechanisms against cyber attacks. Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) technique is a machine learning technique used in detecting attack vs. benign data. However, it is difficult to construct any effective model when there are imbalances in the dataset that prevent proper classification of attack samples in data. In this research, we use UGR’16 dataset to conduct data wrangling initially. This technique helps to prepare a test set from the original dataset to train the neural network model effectively. We experimented with a series of inputs of varying sizes (i.e. 10000, 50000, 1 million) to observe the performance of the MLP neural network model with distribution of features over accuracy. Later, we use Generative Adversarial Network (GAN) model that produces samples of different attack labels (e.g. blacklist, anomaly spam, ssh scan) for balancing the dataset. These samples are generated based on data from the UGR’16 dataset. Further experiments with MLP neural network model shows that a balanced attack sample dataset, made possible with GAN, produces more accurate results than an imbalanced one.
Fabrication and Characterization of Piezoelectric PVDF-TrFE Sensor Fabricated Using Spin Coating Method for Biomedical Device Applications

Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) has been considered and received more favor since the last two decades by the physicians and researchers rather than traditional open surgery due to better healing conditions after the surgery, less physical pain, and faster recovery process. There are various types of force/pressure sensor technologies in the market. However, the fittest one is the piezoelectric transduction principle for the MIS’s devices like endoscopic grasper or biomedical insertion catheter. A common design and fabrication technique for these kinds of sensors is using PVDF with its copolymer, TrFE, as a piezoelectric material due to its biocompatibility and ease of implantation. In this study, PVDF-TrFE polymer is deposited between two aluminum electrodes via spin-coating method and gone under different post-fabrication processes in order to examine its piezoelectricity and amount of electroactive $\beta$-phase. These processes investigate the effect of various post thermal annealing temperatures, different number of layers of polymer deposition, and the effect of spin-coating speed. This research clearly presents an effective way to fabricate a PVDF-TrFE based tactile sensor and some enhancement techniques according to the author’s novel experimental design to obtain higher $\beta$-phase and, consequently, piezoelectric constant to get a better sense of touch at the end effector of biomedical devices.
‘Transitions in Context: Making Peace in 1814 – 1815; 1918 – 1920; 1945 – 1955ʹ

Frequently, peace settlements mark moments of systemic change in international politics. The object of this article is to examine how far these three major European peace settlements of the modern ...
A prospective study of long-term outcomes among hospitalized COVID-19 patients with and without neurological complications.

Abstract Background Little is known regarding long-term outcomes of patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Methods We conducted a prospective study of 6-month outcomes of hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Patients with new neurological complications during hospitalization who survived were propensity score-matched to COVID-19 survivors without neurological complications hospitalized during the same period. The primary 6-month outcome was multivariable ordinal analysis of the modified Rankin Scale(mRS) comparing patients with or without neurological complications. Secondary outcomes included: activities of daily living (ADLs;Barthel Index), telephone Montreal Cognitive Assessment and Neuro-QoL batteries for anxiety, depression, fatigue and sleep. Results Of 606 COVID-19 patients with neurological complications, 395 survived hospitalization and were matched to 395 controls; N = 196 neurological patients and N = 186 controls completed follow-up. Overall, 346/382 (91%) patients had at least one abnormal outcome: 56% had limited ADLs, 50% impaired cognition, 47% could not return to work and 62% scored worse than average on ≥1 Neuro-QoL scale (worse anxiety 46%, sleep 38%, fatigue 36%, and depression 25%). In multivariable analysis, patients with neurological complications had worse 6-month mRS (median 4 vs. 3 among controls, adjusted OR 1.98, 95%CI 1.23–3.48, P = 0.02), worse ADLs (aOR 0.38, 95%CI 0.29–0.74, P = 0.01) and were less likely to return to work than controls (41% versus 64%, P = 0.04). Cognitive and Neuro-QOL metrics were similar between groups. Conclusions Abnormalities in functional outcomes, ADLs, anxiety, depression and sleep occurred in over 90% of patients 6-months after hospitalization for COVID-19. In multivariable analysis, patients with neurological complications during index hospitalization had significantly worse 6-month functional outcomes than those without.
A sex-stratified analysis of suicidal ideation correlates among deployed post-9/11 veterans: Results from the survey of experiences of returning veterans.

Abstract Background Suicide rates are higher among veterans than non-veterans; this difference is particularly salient for females. Knowledge is sparse regarding correlates of suicidal ideation (SI) among female veterans, particularly in non-VHA samples. As such, and given that SI confers a strong risk for subsequent suicidal behavior, this study aimed to: (1) compare prevalence of recent SI by sex; and (2) determine whether deployment stressors, mental health symptoms, and recent psychosocial stressors are associated with recent SI, by sex, among post-9/11 veterans. Methods A sex-stratified analysis of cross-sectional data from 809 post-9/11, deployed veterans was conducted using the Survey of Experiences of Returning Veterans (SERV); statistical interactions between sex and correlates of interest were assessed. Results Self-reported prevalence of recent SI did not differ by sex. A statistically significant interaction between sex and combat was observed; greater combat experience was associated with increased SI for females only. While significant interactions were not observed for other correlates, differences in significant predictors and predictor effect sizes were noted across sex-stratified models. Recent housing and financial concerns were only associated with increased SI prevalence among females, whereas concern about other recent stressful life events was associated with increased SI prevalence only among males. Limitations This is a cross-sectional analysis of a national survey with limited power to detect statistical sex interactions. Conclusions While correlates of SI are relatively consistent for males and females notable differences suggest that tailored assessment and intervention based on sex may hold merit in mitigating SI among post-9/11 era Veterans.
A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Lung Cancer Screening With Low-Dose Computed Tomography and a Diagnostic Biomarker

Background The Lung Computed Tomography Screening Reporting and Data System (Lung-RADS) reduces the false-positive rate of lung cancer screening but introduces prolonged periods of uncertainty for indeterminate findings. We assess the cost-effectiveness of a screening program that assesses indeterminate findings earlier via a hypothetical diagnostic biomarker introduced in place of Lung-RADS 3 and 4A guidelines. Methods We evaluated the performance of the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendations on lung cancer screening with and without a hypothetical noninvasive diagnostic biomarker using a validated microsimulation model. The diagnostic biomarker assesses the malignancy of indeterminate nodules, replacing Lung-RADS 3 and 4A guidelines, and is characterized by a varying sensitivity profile that depends on nodules' size, specificity, and cost. We tested the robustness of our findings through univariate sensitivity analyses. Results A lung cancer screening program per the USPSTF guidelines that incorporates a diagnostic biomarker with at least medium sensitivity profile and 90% specificity, that costs $250 or less, is cost-effective with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio lower than $100 000 per quality-adjusted life year, and improves lung cancer-specific mortality reduction while requiring fewer screening exams than the USPSTF guidelines with Lung-RADS. A screening program with a biomarker costing $750 or more is not cost-effective. The health benefits accrued and costs associated with the screening program are sensitive to the disutility of indeterminate findings and specificity of the biomarker, respectively. Conclusions Lung cancer screening that incorporates a diagnostic biomarker, in place of Lung-RADS 3 and 4A guidelines, could improve the cost-effectiveness of the screening program and warrants further investigation.
A History of Czechs and Jews: A Slavic Jerusalem

Introduction 1 From Czech-German to Czech-Jewish National Friendship, 1780-1918 2 The Balfour Declaration, Czechoslovakia's Independence, and the Interwar period, 1917-1938 3 From the Partition of Czechoslovakia to the Partition of British Palestine, 1938-1948 4 Communist Czechoslovakia and Israel, 1948-1989 5 The Velvet Revolution, the breakup of Czechoslovakia and the Middle East Conflict, 1989-2012 Conclusion
Undergraduate Measurements of Neutron Cross Sections

Abstract Undergraduate students at the University of Dallas have investigated basic properties of nuclei through γ-ray and neutron spectroscopy following neutron scattering. The former has been used primarily for nuclear structure investigations, while the latter has been used to measure neutron scattering cross sections important for fission reactor applications. A series of ( n , n ’) and ( n , n ’γ) measurements have been made on 54 Fe and 56 Fe to determine neutron cross sections for scattering to excited levels in these nuclei. The former provides the cross sections directly and the latter are used to deduce inelastic neutron scattering cross sections by measuring the γ-ray production cross sections to states not easily resolved in neutron spectroscopy. All measurements have been completed at the University of Kentucky Accelerator Laboratory using a 7-MV Model CN Van de Graaff accelerator, along with the neutron production and neutron and γ-ray detection systems located there. Students participate in accelerator operation, experimental setup, data acquisition, and data analyses. An overview of the research program and student contributions is presented.