cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Investigating Rates of Food and Drug Administration Approvals and Guidances in Drug Development: A Structural Breakpoint/Cointegration Timeseries Analysis.

The number of original and supplemental ANDAs, BLAs, NDAs, and Biosimilars FDA drug/biologic approvals (Approvals) has risen dramatically in the recent years, incidentally, so has the number of issued FDA guidances (Guidances). It is hypothesized that if the structures of the two timeseries are similar and/or concomitantly co-evolving, then there is a relationship between the two variables that may be worthy of further investigation. Structural breakpoint (SBP) and cointegration (CI) analyses are used to provide insights into the relatedness of the two timeseries (Approvals, Guidances). Various descriptive statistics (e.g., nonparametric correlation testing, decomposition, unit testing, stationarity, and maximum order of integration) were also performed to better understand the nature of the timeseries understudy. Structural breaks were identified with the following dates: Approvals (1983, 1989, 1996, 2004, and 2012) and Guidances (1995 and 2012). Approvals and Guidances were (medium) correlative, nonstationary, and cointegrated with a maximum order of integration of one (I(1)). Descriptive statistical markers suggest additional similarities (e.g., seasonal variation) between the two timeseries. To the author’s knowledge, this is the first work to empirically investigate Guidances and their relationship with Approvals. The similarity in the structure of the timeseries (e.g., seasonal variation, SBPs and CI) suggests a deeper relationship between Guidances and Approvals, including the existence of a “long-run” equilibrium (wherein one or more exogenous factors restrain the divergence) between the two variables. This work offers an exciting opportunity for further research into the processes influencing the rates of Approvals and Guidances. A discussion on the limitations of the approach is also presented.
RETURN TO PLAY HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL IN PATIENT WITH HYPERTROPHIC CARDIOMYOPATHY

Guidelines for prevention of sudden cardiac death (SCD) and shared decision making (SDM) have evolved over past decades. Variation is now seen in decision making about implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) placement and competitive sports participation. In December of 2018, symptoms of
Persistent Mitral Regurgitation after Left Ventricular Assist Device: A Clinical Conundrum

Purpose Persistent mitral valve regurgitation (MR) after continuous flow left ventricular assist device implantation (cfLVAD) is associated with pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular (RV) failure with variable effects on survival across published studies. The aim of this study is to determine the incidence and predictors of persistent MR at 6-month follow up after cfLVAD implantation and its impact on survival, hemodynamics, RV function and morbidity. Methods Retrospective review of all adult cfLVAD recipients from January 2012 to June 2017 at a single tertiary university hospital. Primary outcome was to compare survival between patients with no-mild and persistent moderate-severe MR at 6-months. Secondary outcomes included right heart failure (RHF, defined as right atrial pressure >=14, cardiac index Results Final analytic sample was 111 patients. The incidence of persistent moderate or severe MR was 26%. Significant predictors of persistent MR were left atrium (LA) dimension and volume. The group with persistent moderate-severe MR at 6-months had higher incidence of RHF at 6months (45% vs 25% p=0.04). There was no difference in survival at 1-year between the groups (no-mild MR 85.5%, moderate-severe MR 87.9%, Wilcoxon p-value = 0.63). There was no difference in rehospitalizations, LOS, composite of death, transplant or pump exchange at 6-months. Conclusion Persistent moderate-severe MR after cf-LVAD implantation is present in one-fourth of patients and is associated with increased incidence of RHF with no effect on 1-year survival. Increased LA size was associated with persistent moderate-severe MR at 6 months.
Analysis of copy number variation from germline DNA can predict individual cancer risk

BACKGROUND: Twin studies suggest that inherited factors are responsible for a substantial portion of many different forms of cancer. However, most of these inherited factors have yet to be identified. Most analyses of genome wide association data focus on the additive effects of single nucleotide polymorphisms found in germline DNA. The objective of this study is to test whether germline DNA copy number variation data can be used to predict whether a person will develop cancer. METHODS: We tested this objective using data compiled by The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) project. The TCGA data consisted of information on DNA copy number variation extracted from the peripheral blood of 8,821 different patients, each of whom had one of 32 different types of cancer. We used a machine-learning algorithm to test how well we could classify whether or not a patient had a certain cancer based solely on this data. RESULTS: We found that all 32 different types of cancer tested could be predicted better than random chance using copy number variation data. Specifically, we measured the area under the receiver operator curve, known as the AUC, for ovarian cancer in women (0.89), glioblastoma multiforme (0.86), breast cancer in women (0.75), and colon adenocarcinoma (0.79), with a 95% confidence interval width of less than 0.01 in each case. CONCLUSIONS: All cancers have a substantial inherited component. This method should be applicable to developing predictive genetic tests for conditions known to have a substantial genetic component.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Disordered Eating Behavior: Qualitative Analysis of Social Media Posts.

Background: A growing body of evidence is suggesting a significant association between the COVID-19 pandemic and population-level mental health. Study findings suggest that individuals with a lifetime history of disordered eating behavior may be negatively affected by COVID-19–related anxiety, and prevention measures may disrupt daily functioning and limit access to treatment. However, data describing the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on disordered eating behaviors are limited, and most findings focus on individuals in treatment settings. Objective: The aim of this study is to characterize the experiences of Reddit users worldwide who post in eating disorder (ED)–related discussion forums describing the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on their overall mental health and disordered eating behavior. Methods: Data were collected from popular subreddits acknowledging EDs as their primary discussion topic. Unique discussion posts dated from January 1 to May 31, 2020 that referenced the COVID-19 pandemic were extracted and evaluated using inductive, thematic data analysis. Results: Six primary themes were identified: change in ED symptoms, change in exercise routine, impact of quarantine on daily life, emotional well-being, help-seeking behavior, and associated risks and health outcomes. The majority of users reported that the COVID-19 pandemic and associated public health prevention measures negatively impacted their psychiatric health and contributed to increased disordered eating behaviors. Feelings of isolation, frustration, and anxiety were common. Many individuals used Reddit forums to share personal experiences, seek advice, and offer shared accountability. Conclusions: Reddit discussion forums have provided a therapeutic community for individuals to share experiences and provide support for peers with ED during a period of increased psychiatric distress. Future research is needed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on disordered eating behavior and to evaluate the role of social media discussion forums in mental health treatment, especially during periods of limited treatment access.
Critical Ethics: How to Balance Patient Autonomy With Fairness When Patients Refuse Coronavirus Disease 2019 Testing

Objectives A cornerstone of our healthcare system's response to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic is widespread testing to facilitate both isolation and early treatment. When patients refuse to undergo coronavirus disease testing, they compromise not only just their own health but also the health of those around them. The primary objective of our review is to identify the most ethical way a given healthcare system may respond to a patient's refusal to undergo coronavirus disease 2019 testing. Data sources We apply a systematic approach to a true clinical case scenario to evaluate the ethical merits of four plausible responses to a patient's refusal to undergo coronavirus disease testing. Although our clinical case is anecdotal, it is representative of our experience at our University Tertiary Care Center. Data extraction Each plausible response in the case is rigorously analyzed by examining relevant stakeholders, facts, norms, and ethical weight both with respect to individuals' rights and to the interests of public health. We use the "So Far No Objections" method as the ethical approach of choice because it has been widely used in the Ethics Modules of the Surgical Council on Resident Education Curriculum of the American College of Surgeons. Data synthesis Two ethically viable options may be tailored to individual circumstances depending on the severity of the patient's condition. Although unstable patients must be assumed to be coronavirus disease positive and treated accordingly even in the absence of a test, stable patients who refuse testing may rightfully be asked to seek care elsewhere. Conclusions Although patient autonomy is a fundamental principle of our society's medical ethic, during a pandemic we must, in the interest of vulnerable and critically ill patients, draw certain limits to obliging the preferences of noncritically ill patients with decisional capacity.
An optimized protocol for isolation of S-nitrosylated proteins from C. elegans.

Summary Post-translational modification by S-nitrosylation regulates numerous cellular functions and impacts most proteins across phylogeny. We describe a protocol for isolating S-nitrosylated proteins (SNO-proteins) from C. elegans, suitable for assessing SNO levels of individual proteins and of the global proteome. This protocol features efficient nematode lysis and SNO capture, while protection of SNO proteins from degradation is the major challenge. This protocol can be adapted to mammalian tissues. For complete information on the generation and use of this protocol, please refer to Seth et al. (2019) .
Revolution and Political Violence in Central Europe: The Deluge of 1919

In the wake of the First World War and Russian Revolutions, Central Europeans in 1919 faced a world of possibilities, threats, and extreme contrasts. Dramatic events since the end of the world war seemed poised to transform the world, but the form of that transformation was unclear and violently contested in the streets and societies of Munich and Budapest in 1919. The political perceptions of contemporaries, framed by gender stereotypes and antisemitism, reveal the sense of living history, of 'fighting the world revolution', which was shared by residents of the two cities. In 1919, both revolutionaries and counterrevolutionaries were focused on shaping the emerging new order according to their own worldview. By examining the narratives of these Central European revolutions in their transnational context, Eliza Ablovatski helps answer the question of why so many Germans and Hungarians chose to use their new political power for violence and repression.
Low-temperature all-Cu interconnections formed by pressure-less sintering of Cu-pillars with nanoporous-Cu caps

Emerging high-performance computing systems have been aggressively driving down off-chip interconnection pitch in order to satisfy their high bandwidth needs while keeping package sizes compact. This pitch scaling is expected to be below 10 microns in the near future, pushing the limits of the existing Cu-pillar with solder-cap workhorse commonly used for chip-to-substrate (C2S) applications in terms of electrical performance and thermal stability. This highlights the need for the development of an all-Cu interconnection that can be used at the C2S level and bridge the gap between the existing direct Cu-Cu bonding technologies used extensively at the wafer-to-wafer scale. GT-PRC has been developing the Cu-pillar with nanoporous-Cu (NP-Cu) cap as a technology to enable chip-to-substrate Cu-Cu interconnections. Nanoporous-Cu is a highly-reactive, solid-state, 3D-interconnected network of Cu ligaments and nodes fabricated by the selective dealloying of a Cu-Zn alloy with 40-50% Zn content co-electrodeposited using standard semi-additive processes. The low-modulus NP-Cu cap provides solder-like compliance during assembly and addresses the key challenges associated with bonding stiff Cu-Cu at the C2S scale. Assembly requires only a low-pressure placement step followed by a pressure-less batch sintering of parts to below 300°C in a reducing atmosphere to yield a void-free all-Cu bond. This paper presents the continued development of this interconnection system. A flip-chip based, flux-free “tack-bond” assembly process using the NP-Cu has been developed, and a daisy-chain test-vehicle is used to demonstrate the preliminary electrical and reliability assessment of the Cu-pillar with nanoporous-Cu caps all-Cu interconnections.
Fast Algorithms for Signal Processing and Error Control

Algorithms for computation are a central part of digital signal processing and of decoders for error-control codes. When restricted to the study of their computational algorithms, there is not much to distinguish those two subjects. Only the arithmetic field is different; in one case the real or complex field, and a Galois field in the other. Even this distinction is hard to defend; signal processing problems may use Galois fields, and error-control codes in the real or complex field are now under study.
Day treatment: development of a model program and determination of its effects on 13-21 year olds

For decades there has been a need in communities to provide a collaborative series of services to the emotionally and behaviorally disordered adolescent. These services need to be provided in a lesser restrictive environment other than a residential setting but more restrictive that a mainstream educational setting. In this completed study, the purpose was to describe an ecological treatment program for Behavior Disorder/Severely Emotionally Disturbed adolescents. The question, "How did the development of this type of treatment program come about and how did the effects of the program make the coordinated efforts of various local agencies a state and national model?" was answered. The major outcomes were cost efficiency, youth being able to remain in the local community, and the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary approach. The research questions and the subsidiary questions were suggested by a collaborative effort in attempting to develop a day treatment program bringing together a multi-disciplinary team to address the educational and family needs of the emotionally and behaviorally disordered adolescent from the ages of 13-21. This study focused on the collaborative efforts to establish a lesser restrictive environment, but at the same time to be restrictive enough to produce effective outcomes for the students. Heaviest reliance for evidence in the study was placed on two sources: relevant literature pertaining to the needs for this type of programming, and the local
Residents’ Willingness-to-Pay for Attributes of Rural Health Care Facilities

Context As today's rural hospitals have struggled with financial sustainability for the past 2 decades, it is critical to understand their value relative to alternatives, such as rural health clinics and private practices. Purpose To estimate the willingness-to-pay for specific attributes of rural health care facilities in rural Kentucky to determine which services and operational characteristics are most valued by rural residents. Methodology We fitted choice experiment data from 769 respondents in 10 rural Kentucky counties to a conditional logit model and used the results to estimate willingness-to-pay for attributes in several categories, including hours open, types of insurance accepted, and availability of health care professionals and specialized care. Findings Acceptance of Medicaid/Medicare with use of a sliding fee scale versus acceptance of only private insurance was the most valued attribute. Presence of full diagnostic services, an emergency room, and 24-hour/7-day-per-week access were also highly valued. Conversely, the presence of specialized care, such as physical therapy, cancer care, or dialysis, was not valued. In total, respondents were willing to pay $225 more annually to support a hospital relative to a rural health clinic. Conclusion Rural Kentuckians value the services, convenience, and security that rural hospitals offer, though they are not willing to pay more for specialized care that may be available in larger medical treatment centers. The results also inform which attributes might be added to existing rural health facilities to make them more valuable to local residents.
OSO-8 X-Ray Polarimeter and Bragg Crystal Spectrometer Observations

The OSO-8 satellite contains a focusing mosaic graphite crystal X-ray polarimeter that is oriented along the spin axis of the wheel section of the satellite. The polarimeter operates at 2.6 and 5.2 keV. Polarization in a source appears as a modulation of the counting rate at twice the satellite spin frequency. The amplitude and phase of the modulation are simply related to the polarization and position angle, respectively. Two independent polarimeters are employed, and their axes are offset by 128°. Focusing is achieved by mounting the crystals on a parabolic sector, which reduces the background without reducing the sensitivity. The low background that results from the focusing not only improves the statistical quality of the data but also substantially reduces the danger that an asymmetry in the charged particle background may produce a spurious polarization result. This is particularly important in the case of weak sources. The instrument has been described in detail elsewhere (Novick 1975); here we will briefly discuss the results obtained on the Crab Nebula, Cyg X-1, and Cyg X-2.
Integrating answer set reasoning with constraint solving techniques

The paper introduces a collection of knowledge representation languages, ν(C), parametrised over a class C of constraints. ν(C) is an extension of both CR-Prolog and CASP allowing the separation of a program into two parts: a regular program of CR-Prolog and a collection of denials whose bodies contain constraints from C with variables ranging over large domains. We study an instance AC0 from this family where C is a collection of constraints of the form X - Y > K. We give brief implementation details of an algorithm computing the answer sets of programs of AC0 which does not ground constraint variables and tightly couples the "classical" ASP algorithm with an algorithm checking consistency of difference constraints. We present several examples to show the methodology of representing knowledge in AC0. The work makes it possible to solve problems which could not be solved by pure ASP or constraint solvers.
Generating Symbolic Business Processes in Support of Evaluating Process Optimization

Research in business process optimization is valuable in improving business process models. However, it is difficult to find real datasets of business processes to evaluate process improvement techniques and tools. In this paper, a symbolic process generator, namely G-DCBP, is introduced to stochastically generate symbolic data-centric business processes that can be used to analyze their properties and evaluate optimization approaches according to end-users' specification.
Abstract A44: S100A4 drives the invasive potential of non-small cell lung cancer cells and is targeted by FDA approved drugs

The metastatic nature of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), often associated with therapeutic resistance, accounts for the majority of cancer death with the 5-year survival rate less than 10%. This dismal outcome will remain the same until we gain better understanding of the crucial drivers of the metastatic process and gain the power to effectively target them. S100A4 is a tumor metastasis associated protein and an epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) marker. S100A4 contributes to several hallmarks of cancer such as anti-apoptosis, proliferation and therapeutic resistance, and has been implicated in the progression of different types of cancer, including breast, colon and pancreatic cancer. However, the impact of S100A4 signaling in lung cancer progression and its potential use as a target for therapy in lung cancer has not been properly explored. Here, by using established lung cancer cell lines, we demonstrate that S100A4 is upregulated in a subset of lung cancer cell lines both at the mRNA and protein levels. We further found that inhibition of S100A4 by shRNA in A549 and H460 lung cancer cell lines reduced cell proliferation and decreased 3D invasive growth, while exogenous overexpression of S100A4 in H1299 cells increased invasive potential. Interestingly, we showed that Niclosamide, an FDA-approved anti-tapeworm agent, suppressed S100A4 expression in A549 and H358 cells and led to decreased cell proliferation, invasion and invasive growth. Similarly, we found that a CDC25 inhibitor, NSC95397, disrupts the interaction of S100A4 and non-muscle myosin IIA and also decreased A549 cell invasion. Collectively, these data highlight the importance of S100A4 in lung cancer invasion and metastasis and provide the rationale for targeting S100A4 as a potential agent to combat lung cancer. Citation Format: Min Chen, Rachel Stewart, Teresa Knifley, Brittany L. Carpenter. S100A4 drives the invasive potential of non-small cell lung cancer cells and is targeted by FDA approved drugs. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Precision Medicine Series: Drug Sensitivity and Resistance: Improving Cancer Therapy; Jun 18-21, 2014; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2015;21(4 Suppl): Abstract nr A44.
Proton adsorption at the ferric oxide/aqueous solution interface: II. Analysis of kinetic data

Abstract A quantitative study of the time-dependent abstraction of H+ and OH− ions from solution by crystalline Fe2O3 precipitates is reported. The experimental information was gathered by potentiometric titrations of oxide suspensions, by observation of pH drift with time after rapid displacement of the pH of the solution initially equilibrated with the solid at the zpc, and by tritium exchange between the tritiated oxide and pure water. On the assumption that the slow step is controlled by diffusion of protons into or out of a hydrated surface region, an analysis of the pH drift experiments yields a diffusion coefficient for protons approximately equal to 10 −21 cm 2 sec and an activation energy of 20 kcal mole . The tritium exchange experiments confirm the presence of a hydrated surface layer with an estimated thickness not exceeding 26 A and yield a self-diffusion coefficient of about 10 −21 cm 2 sec. Although both these experimental approaches gave results in support of the proposed phenomenological description of the slow step, the magnitude of the observed abstractions cannot be completely accounted for by proton diffusion into the solid. Comparison with experimental studies on TiO2, ZnO and Al2O3 suggests that the diffusion model proposed by Onoda and de Bruyn1) is to be complemented by a surface anion exchange between OH− and other univalent inorganic anions in order to account for the experimental facts.
The Physiology of Pigmented Nevi

Melanocytes are pigment-producing cells derived from the neural crest. These specialized exocrine cells produce melanin, which is packaged and dispersed to neighboring keratinocytes in organelles called melanosomes. Within the melanocyte, tyrosine is converted to dopa, and then dopaquinone via the bifunctional enzyme tyrosinase. Dopaquinone is oxidized further to form the pigment melanin. Each epidermal melanocyte secretes melanosomes to approximately 36 adjacent keratinocytes, forming an epidermal melanin unit. Genetically programmed constitutive skin color is determined by the amount of cutaneous melanin pigmentation. The common mole or acquired melanocytic nevus (AMN) is a collection of nevomelanocytes grouped into nests located in the epidermis (junctional nevus), dermis (dermal nevus), or both (compound nevus). It is hypothesized that nevomelanocytes are derived from either epidermal melanoblasts or dermal Schwann cells. AMN first appear at approximately 1 year of age, peaking in number during the second or third decades of life, and disappearing by the seventh to ninth decades. AMN may appear suddenly or become more prominent in response to sun exposure, cortisone and corticotropin, blistering diseases, chemotherapy, immunosuppression, and other factors that are not well-defined. Reports of AMN increasing in size and darkening in color during puberty and pregnancy have been reported but not quantitated systematically.melanocytes, keratinocytes, acquired melanocytic nevi.
Palliative and end-of-life educational practices in US pulmonary and critical care training programs

Abstract Purpose To describe educational features in palliative and end-of-life care (PEOLC) in pulmonary/critical care fellowships and identify the features associated with perceptions of trainee competence in PEOLC. Methods A survey of educational features in 102 training programs and the perceived skill and comfort level of trainees in 6 PEOLC domains: communication, symptom control, ethical/legal, community/institutional resources, specific syndromes, and ventilator withdrawal. We evaluated associations between perceived trainee competence/comfort in PEOLC and training program features, using regression analyses. Results Fifty-five percent of program directors (PDs) reported faculty with training in PEOLC; 30% had a written PEOLC curriculum. Neither feature was associated with trainee competence/comfort. Program directors and trainees rated bedside PEOLC teaching highly. Only 20% offered PEOLC rotations; most trainees judged these valuable. Most PDs and trainees reported that didactic teaching was insufficient in communication, although sufficient teaching of this was associated with perceived trainee competence in communication. Perceived trainee competence in managing institutional resources was rated poorly. Program directors reporting significant barriers to PEOLC education also judged trainees less competent in PEOLC. Time constraint was the greatest barrier. Conclusion This survey of PEOLC education in US pulmonary/critical care fellowships identified associations between certain program features and perceived trainee skill in PEOLC. These results generate hypotheses for further study.
Teaching the Psychology of Women Courses in Another Discipline.

A survey of course titles in African American Studies departments and programs was conducted to examine the course offerings on the psychology of women, the psychology of African American women, and other areas of psychology as well as courses on gender from other disciplines. A total of 82 programs or departments of African American Studies and 182 courses were listed. The course discipline was stated in the majority of courses, with psychology having the most courses. Only a small percentage of the psychology courses listed gender in addition to race in the title. Of those courses listed in psychology, the majority were in social, developmental, or clinical psychology. The disciplines of English, sociology, history, and political science had listings of courses with both gender and race titles. This small survey indicates that the psychology of women has not had much influence on the curriculum of African American Studies. Possible reasons for this are discussed, as are solutions to this problem.
Ultrasonic sensor to measure the density of a liquid or slurry during pipeline transport

Abstract This paper describes the design and testing of a computer-controlled sensor for the real-time measurement of the density of a liquid or slurry. It is to be deployed at the US Department of Energy's Hanford Site in Richland, WA, to monitor slurry properties during radioactive waste transfers. To demonstrate the sensor performance, tests were carried out using non-radioactive waste simulants and the results will be presented. The sensor is mounted flush with the pipeline wall in a nominal 5-cm (2-in.) pipe spool piece. The design pressure is 2.8 MPa (400 psi). The probe wedge in contact with the slurry was selected to operate up to pH 14, and the probe components were radiation tested at exposures of 1×106 R. The sensor is applicable for process control of all types of liquids or slurries in pipelines or in vessels.
Toxicity of terpenoid deterrents to the leafcutting ant Atta cephalotes and its mutualistic fungus

Four natural products, of varying activity as deterrents of leafcutter attack, were tested for their effects on ant survival and on the growth of the mutualistic attine fungus. The substances were incorporated into an artificial liquid diet for bioassays on the ants or included in an agar culture medium for fungus growth-inhibition studies. Three of the four compounds exhibited deleterious effects on either adult leafcutting ants or their mutualistic fungus, and there appeared to be some correlation between deterrency and activity in these toxicity assays. The implications of these findings for leafcutting ant foraging patterns are discussed.
Techniques to measure force uniformity of electrostatic chucks for EUV mask clamping

Extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUVL) has stringent requirements on image placement (IP) errors in order to allow for the patterning of devices with critical dimensions (CD) in the sub-32 nm regime. A major contributor to IP error in EUVL is non-flatness of the mask. Electrostatic chucks are used to support and flatten masks in EUVL scanners. Proper operation requires that the electrostatic forces generated by the chuck be of sufficient magnitude and be uniform over the entire chucking area. Hence, there is a need to measure the clamping pressure distribution to properly characterize performance of electrostatic chucks. This paper discusses two methods to measure electrostatic pressure magnitude and uniformity by examining the distortion of thin substrates (wafers) during chucking. In the first method, a wafer with lithographically defined mesas is chucked with the mesas located at the interface between the wafer and the chuck and thus results in a void near the mesa after chucking. Analytical and finite element models were used to relate the resulting void radius to the electrostatic pressure and used to assess the feasibility of the technique. Measurements of pressure on a slab chuck were conducted to demonstrate the mesa measurement approach. The second measurement method examines the deflection of a wafer between pins on a pin chuck in order to estimate the local pressure. A 3D FE model was developed to predict the deformation of the wafer between the pins as a function of applied pressure. The model was used to assess the feasibility of the approach and provide guidance on selecting appropriate substrates for use in such experiments.
Gold nanostructures created by highly charged ions

Nanometer-sized structures produced by individual highly charged ion (HCI) impacts are now reported on a high-conductivity surface, and examined by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). Highly charged ions, e.g., ${\mathrm{Bi}}^{81+}$, represent an exotic form of terrestrial matter with neutralization energies that can exceed $375\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{keV}$ per ion, and velocities in excess of $1000\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{km}∕\mathrm{s}$ from only moderate electrostatic potentials $(15\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{kV})$. In the experiment presented here, a single-crystal $\mathrm{Au}(111)$ sample was irradiated with ${\mathrm{Xe}}^{25+}$ and ${\mathrm{Xe}}^{44+}$, which are vastly different in their neutralization energies. They have moderate velocities (slow compared to Bohr velocity) to maximize the likelihood of observing features and similar nuclear stopping powers. STM analysis indicates that the neutralization energy is less significant in forming features on gold than reported in low-free-electron-density systems. These results support the hypothesis that gold's high free-electron density enables efficient dissipation of the HCI's potential energy.
How obesity causes diabetes in Zucker diabetic fatty rats

Abstract The mechanisms of adipogenic diabetes in Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats, a model of obesity complicated by diabetes, are reviewed. In ZDF rats, a mutation in the leptin receptor, OB-R, is associated with leptin resistance, obesity, and increased fat content of islets. Exaggerated nitric oxide (NO) generation, attributed to high intracellular levels of long-chain fatty acids, impairs β-cell function and prevents their compensation for obesity-induced diabetes. The resulting diabetic hyperglycemia can be completely prevented by agents that inhibit NO production.
Naval applications of SC magnet systems

Abstract The US Navy continues to develop advanced systems that utilize superconducting (SC) magnets. Recent impetus toward the “all” electric ship is accelerating the desire to produce “engineering” prototypes that can be field tested to ascertain the overall impact of these new technologies toward meeting Navy mission requirements. SC magnets for motors, energy storage, mine sweeping, and RF amplifiers are all being built and tested. This article provides a brief description of these projects.
Protocols for highly-dynamic airborne networks

End-to-end communication in highly-dynamic airborne networks is challenging due to the presence of highly mobile nodes and the inherent nature of wireless communication channels. Domain-specific protocols are required that can address these challenges and enable reliable transmission of data in this environment. We develop the ANTP (airborne network and transport protocols) suite that operates in this highly-dynamic environment while utilising cross-layer optimisations between the physical, MAC, network, and transport layers. We show how each component in the ANTP suite outperforms the traditional TCP/IP and MANET protocols through simulation using ns-3. Having verified these protocols through simulation and analysis, the next step towards deployment of the ANTP suite is developing a cross-platform implementation of the protocols. Towards this end we present an architecture for the protocol stack to be implemented in the Python programming language.
Projection-based head-mounted displays for wearable computers

The projection based head-mounted display (HMD) constitutes a new paradigm in the field of wearable computers. Expanding on our previous projection based HMD, we developed a wearable computer consisting of a pair of miniature projection lenses combined with a beam splitter and miniature displays. Such wearable computer utilizes a novel conceptual design encompassing the integration of phase conjugate material (PCM) packaged inside the HMD. Some of the applications benefiting from this innovative wearable HMD are for government agencies and consumers requiring mobility with a large field-of-view (FOV), and an ultra-light weight headset. The key contribution of this paper is the compact design and mechanical assembly of the mobile HMD.
Optical Modes of Vibration in an Ionic Crystal Slab

The normal modes of vibration in an ionic crystal of finite thickness are found both by using lattice dynamics and by using electrodynamics, and neglecting retardation. If the wavelength is much larger than the lattice parameter, both methods give coupled integral equations involving the ionic displacements and the normal-mode frequencies. There are two classes of normal modes; those with an oscillatory spatial dependence and frequencies equal to ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{\mathrm{TO}}$ and ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{\mathrm{LO}}$, the usual transverse optical (TO) and longitudinal optical (LO) frequencies at $k\ensuremath{\approx}0$ in an infinite crystal, and those with an exponential dependence on distance across the slab and frequencies between ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{\mathrm{TO}}$ and ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{\mathrm{LO}}$. A qualitative connection between the normal modes and optical absorption in a slab is presented.
EQUINE DISTAL PHALANGEAL SEQUESTRATION

Sequestra of the right rear distal phalanx were diagnosed radiographically in four horses. The horses were treated by surgical debridement of the lesion with systemic and/or local antimicrobial therapy. Clinical signs of lameness subsided within days of surgery and all four horses returned to use.
Effect of spacer arm length on the performance of charge-modified ultrafiltration membranes

A series of novel charged ultrafiltration membranes that differed in spacer arm length and charge group functionality was developed using epichlorohydrin (EPI) activation of a commercially available regenerated cellulose membrane. Hydraulic permeability and protein retention data were obtained over a range of ionic strength using cytochrome c as a model protein. Membrane properties were also examined using dextran sieving, streaming potential, and counter-electro-osmosis measurements. The results clearly demonstrate that considerable improvements in membrane performance can be achieved by proper design of the membrane charge functionality, and in particular the spacer arm length, providing new opportunities for optimization of ultrafiltration membranes for bioprocessing applications.
Dis-function: Learning distance functions interactively

The world's corpora of data grow in size and complexity every day, making it increasingly difficult for experts to make sense out of their data. Although machine learning offers algorithms for finding patterns in data automatically, they often require algorithm-specific parameters, such as an appropriate distance function, which are outside the purview of a domain expert. We present a system that allows an expert to interact directly with a visual representation of the data to define an appropriate distance function, thus avoiding direct manipulation of obtuse model parameters. Adopting an iterative approach, our system first assumes a uniformly weighted Euclidean distance function and projects the data into a two-dimensional scatterplot view. The user can then move incorrectly-positioned data points to locations that reflect his or her understanding of the similarity of those data points relative to the other data points. Based on this input, the system performs an optimization to learn a new distance function and then re-projects the data to redraw the scatter-plot. We illustrate empirically that with only a few iterations of interaction and optimization, a user can achieve a scatterplot view and its corresponding distance function that reflect the user's knowledge of the data. In addition, we evaluate our system to assess scalability in data size and data dimension, and show that our system is computationally efficient and can provide an interactive or near-interactive user experience.
Dark Agouti and Fischer 344 rats: differential behavioral responses to morphine and biochemical differences in the ventral tegmental area.

Abstract We sought to identify behavioral and biochemical differences between Dark Agouti and Fischer 344 inbred rat strains to assess whether they could serve as a model of genetically determined differences in sensitivity to drugs of abuse. We compared the strains for the following traits: morphine-induced locomotor activity and sensitization; circadian variation in plasma levels of corticosterone, a hormone reported to affect sensitivity to drugs of abuse; and several biochemical parameters in the ventral tegmental area and nucleus accumbens, brain regions implicated in the locomotor activating and reinforcing actions of drugs of abuse. Fischer 344 rats exhibited greater initial locomotor responses to morphine but, unlike Dark Agouti rats, did not develop sensitization to a second morphine exposure. Fischer 344 rats displayed a marked rise in basal plasma corticosterone levels in the late light phase and early dark phase, whereas Dark Agouti rats showed no significant circadian variation in corticosterone levels. Relative to drug-naive Fischer 344 rats, drug-naive Dark Agouti rats showed higher levels of tyrosine hydroxylase and glial fibrillary acidic protein, and lower levels of neurofilament proteins, in the ventral tegmental area. In contrast, no strain differences were found in levels of tyrosine hydroxylase, specific G protein subunits or protein kinase A in the nucleus accumbens. Together, these results demonstrate that Dark Agouti rats and Fischer 344 rats exhibit differences in specific behavioral, endocrine and biochemical parameters related to sensitivity to drugs of abuse.
Delivery of neuroactive compounds to the brain: Potential utility of genetically modified cells

Several methods for chronic delivery of compounds to the central nervous system (CNS) now exist. Peripheral drug administration is generally safest, but not always effective. If direct CNS delivery of a substance is required, then CNS implantation of drug-delivery systems or grafting of various cell types to the brain can be performed, although none of these interventions are yet of consistent, proven benefit in Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. Grafting of genetically modified cells to the brain may be an alternative delivery system of some substances to the CNS.
Fermi resonance and solvent dependence of the CO moiety of 4‐(dimethylamino) benzaldehyde

The Raman spectra of 4-(dimethylamino)benzaldehyde in the 1550–1750 cm−1 region in seventeen solvents and as a molten liquid were measured. In all cases a multicomponent band was observed in the CO stretching region and these components were analyzed by the solvent variation method for Fermi resonance interactions. Unperturbed vibrational frequencies were calculated, and the frequencies attributed to ν(CO) were plotted against the solvent electron acceptor, number. A dual-trace plot was observed. These traces were attributed to extrinsic interactions involving both the carbonyl oxygen and the aldehydic hydrogen in solvents of low acceptor number and predominantly the carbonyl oxygen in solvents of high acceptor number. The spectrum of molten 4-(dimethylamino)benzaldehyde was used to predict an acceptor number of 14 for this molecule. This value was used to differentiate between high and low acceptor numbers for the solvents used in this study.
Neurogliaform cells dynamically regulate somatosensory integration via synapse-specific modulation.

GABAergic neurogliaform cells are thought to use volume transmission and provide widespread cortical inhibition, indiscriminately. To their surprise, Chittajallu et al. found that that neurogliaform cells exert a spatially restricted inhibitory influence on the mouse canonical thalamocortical circuit, as they selectively suppress feed-forward inhibition while sparing feed-forward excitation.
The monomial symmetric functions and the frobenius map

Abstract There is a well known isometry between the center Z(Sn) of the group algebra of the symmetric group Sn and the space of homogeneous symmetric functions Hn of degree n. This isometry is defined via the Frobenius map F: Z(Sn) → Hn, where F (ƒ)= 1 n! Σ σ ∈ S n ƒ(σ)ψ κ(σ) . Let Mλ = F−1(mλ) be the preimage of the monomial symmetric function mλ under F. We give an interpretation of Mλ in terms of certain combinatorial structures called λ-domino tabloids. Using this interpretation, a number of properties of Mλ can be derived. The combinatorial interpretation of the preimage of the so called forgotten basis of Doubilet and Rota can also be obtained by similar techniques.
Effect of intraventricular infusion of dopamine and norepinephrine on motor activity.

Abstract Dose-dependent increases in free-field activity resulted from intraventricular infusions of dopamine and norepinephrine in unrestrained rats. Norepinephrine was more potent than dopamine in producing this hyperactivity. Pretreatment with imipramine, which blocks neuronal uptake of catecholamines, prevented the activation induced by infused dopamine without affecting the response to norepinephrine. However, the effects of dopamine and norepinephrine infusions were not differentially altered by haloperidol, an alleged dopamine receptor blocker. These results suggested that the activity produced by dopamine was due to its conversion to or displacement of norepinephrine and consequent excitation of noradrenergic receptors.
The decimal effect: Behavioral and neural bases for a novel influence on intertemporal choice in healthy individuals and in adhd

We identify a novel contextual variable that alters the evaluation of delayed rewards in healthy participants and those diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). When intertemporal choices are constructed of monetary outcomes with rounded values (e.g., $25.00), discount rates are greater than when the rewards have nonzero decimal values (e.g., $25.12). This finding is well explained within a dual system framework for temporal discounting in which preferences are constructed from separate affective and deliberative processes. Specifically, we find that round dollar values produce greater positive affect than do nonzero decimal values. This suggests that relative involvement of affective processes may underlie our observed difference in intertemporal preferences. Furthermore, we demonstrate that intertemporal choices with rounded values recruit greater brain responses in the nucleus accumbens to a degree that correlates with the size of the behavioral effect across participants. Our demonstration that a simple contextual manipulation can alter self-control in ADHD has implications for treatment of individuals with disorders of impulsivity. Overall, the decimal effect highlights mechanisms by which the properties of a reward bias perceived value and consequent preferences.
Neointimal Hyperplasia and Vasoreactivity Are Controlled by Genetic Elements on Rat Chromosome 3

Neointimal hyperplasia (NIH) can lead to restenosis after clinical vascular interventions. NIH results from complex and poorly understood interactions between signaling cascades in the extracellular matrix and the disrupted endothelium, which lead to vessel occlusion. Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were reported previously on rat chromosomes 3 and 6 through linkage analysis of postinjury NIH in midiliac arterial sections. In the current study, substitution mapping validated the RNO3 NIH QTL but not the RNO6 NIH QTL. The SHR.BN3 congenic strain had a 3-fold increase in the percentage of NIH compared with the parental spontaneously hypertensive rat strain. A double congenic study of RNO3+RNO6 NIH QTL segments suggested less than additive effects of these 2 genomic regions. To test the hypothesis that changes in vessel dynamics account for the differences in NIH formation, we performed vascular reactivity studies in the Brown Norway (BN), spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR), SHR.BN3, and SHR.BN6 strains. De-endothelialized left common carotid artery rings of the SHR.BN3 showed an increased vascular responsiveness when treated with serotonin or prostaglandin F2(alpha), with significant differences in EC(50) and maximum effect (P<0.01) values compared with the spontaneously hypertensive rat parental strain. Because both vascular reactivity and percentage of NIH formation in the SHR.BN3 strain are significantly higher than the SHR strain, we postulate that these traits may be associated and are controlled by genetic elements on RNO3. In summary, these results confirm that the RNO3 NIH QTL carries the gene(s) contributing to postinjury NIH formation.