cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 496: Inhibition of the Rna Binding Protein Hur Protects Against Cardiac Ischemia/reperfusion Injury by Reducing Inflammatory Gene Expression

Despite medical advances, cardiac ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury remains a leading cause of morbidity and a huge economic burden in the United States. RNA binding proteins are becoming recognize...
Physics-Guided Deep Learning for Time-Series State Estimation Against False Data Injection Attacks

The modern power grid is a cyber-physical system. While the grid is becoming more intelligent with emerging sensing and communication techniques, new vulnerabilities are introduced and cyber security becomes a major concern. One type of cyber-attacks - False Data Injection Attacks (FDIAs) - exploits the limitations in traditional power system state estimation, and modifies system states without being detected. In this paper, we propose a physics-guided deep learning (PGDL) approach to defend against FDIAs. The PGDL takes real-time measurements as inputs to neural networks, outputs the estimated states, and reconstructs measurements considering power system physics. A deep recurrent neural network - Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) - is employed to learn the temporal correlations among states. This hybrid learning model leads to a time-series state estimation method to defend against FDIAs. The simulation results using IEEE 14-bus test system demonstrate the accuracy and robustness of the proposed time-series state estimation under FDIAs.
Modified P-Median Model with Minimum Threshold for Average Family Similarity

Abstract In cellular manufacturing systems, parts and machines are grouped into families and cells, respectively. Forming families and cells has been an essential issue to attain the benefit of grouping in terms of providing flexible and efficient production. In this paper, two scenarios are generated to identify part families and examine the goodness of their formation. In the first scenario, the original p-median model proposed by Kusiak [1] is used to identify families without specifying the desired number of families. The input to the model is the similarity matrix established based on the binary part-machine matrix of the system studied. The results of the model are extensively analyzed to explore how the model works to identify families. The original model is modified by imposing the similarity coefficient threshold values for families. Afterward, the results of the original model and the modified model are compared. In the second scenario, the desired number of families is specified and then results of both models are analyzed. Results of scenario 1 showed that both models perform the same in terms of the goodness of the family’s formation or the similarity coefficient average for families. However, in scenario 2, the modified model achieved slightly better results in terms of the average of the similarity coefficient averages of families.
Facial Nerve Outcomes After Vestibular Schwannoma Microsurgical Resection in Neurofibromatosis Type 2

ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to investigate facial nerve outcomes after microsurgical resection in neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) compared to sporadic tumors.Study DesignSingle institutional r...
The Signature and Elimination of Sediment Reverberations on Submarine Receiver Functions

While the receiver function technique has been successfully applied to high-resolution imaging of sharp discontinuities within and across the lithosphere, it has been shown, however, that it suffer...
A User's Guide to Giant Floor Maps: A Colorado Case Study.

When a student remembers an educational geography activity involving a map twelve months later, the events count as a step toward spatial understanding. “Weren’t you at my old school last year?” as...
Zebrafish as a Neuroblastoma Model: Progress Made, Promise for the Future

For nearly a decade, researchers in the field of pediatric oncology have been using zebrafish as a model for understanding the contributions of genetic alternations to the pathogenesis of neuroblastoma (NB), and exploring the molecular and cellular mechanisms that underlie neuroblastoma initiation and metastasis. In this review, we will enumerate and illustrate the key advantages of using the zebrafish model in NB research, which allows researchers to: monitor tumor development in real-time; robustly manipulate gene expression (either transiently or stably); rapidly evaluate the cooperative interactions of multiple genetic alterations to disease pathogenesis; and provide a highly efficient and low-cost methodology to screen for effective pharmaceutical interventions (both alone and in combination with one another). This review will then list some of the common challenges of using the zebrafish model and provide strategies for overcoming these difficulties. We have also included visual diagram and figures to illustrate the workflow of cancer model development in zebrafish and provide a summary comparison of commonly used animal models in cancer research, as well as key findings of cooperative contributions between MYCN and diverse singling pathways in NB pathogenesis.
Chronic sinonasal symptoms due to retained bullet fragments in the skull base

Abstract Intranasal foreign bodies (FB) are a rare cause of chronic rhinosinusitis in adults. This report describes a unique case of bullet fragments embedded in the sphenoid bone and clivus for 34 years after a gunshot wound (GSW) to the face, leading to chronic rhinosinusitis. Recurrent acute infections were managed with antibiotics; however long-term cure required surgical intervention and removal of the largest bullet fragment. Surgery had been avoided on the patient for decades because of the proximity to critical neurovascular structures in the paracentral skull base, more specifically the sphenoid bone and clivus. Conservative endoscopic sinus surgery with left partial posterior ethmoidectomy and left maxillary antrostomy, followed by drilling of the sphenoid bone and clivus was performed to remove the FB. Bacterial cultures of surgical specimens revealed the presence of Proteus Mirabilis. The patient reported complete resolution of symptoms following surgery, which was maintained at six months follow-up. This case presents a patient with a metallic foreign body in the skull base for greater than 30 years. Removal of the retained metallic fragment addressed the patient's symptoms effectively. Despite the risks of the procedure related to the location of the foreign body, this case highlights the importance of addressing foreign bodies as underlying cause of chronic rhinosinusitis-like symptoms. Endonasal sinus surgery primarily for removal of a foreign body, also allows opening sinus outflow tracts and removing chronically infected bone and soft tissue.
Epidemiology and Outcomes of Alcohol Use Hospitalizations in People With Gout, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Osteoarthritis, or Low Back Pain: A National US Study

Objective To examine the incidence, time trends, and outcomes of alcohol use disorder (AUD) hospitalizations in people with gout, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, or low back pain (LBP). Methods We used the US National Inpatient Sample data from 1998 to 2016. We examined the rates of AUD hospitalizations in musculoskeletal diseases (MSDs), based on the presence of diagnostic codes for AUD in the primary and MSDs in a secondary position. Multivariable-adjusted (age, sex, race, and income) health care utilization and in-hospital mortality were compared by the presence/absence of MSDs, using linear or logistic regression. Results Alcohol use disorder hospitalizations increased over the 19-year study period from 1998 to 2014 to 3-fold higher in gout, osteoarthritis, or LBP; 3.5-fold in RA; and 4.5-fold in fibromyalgia. Compared with AUD hospitalizations in people without each respective MSD, adjusted total hospital charges were $3913 higher in people with gout and $1368 to $1614 lower for osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, or LBP over the study period (all significant) and not significantly different for RA. The adjusted odds of hospital stay of more than 3 days were significantly higher for all 5 MSDs, with odds ratio ranging 1.10 for LBP to 1.34 for gout. The adjusted odds of in-hospital mortality were significantly lower for all 5 MSDs, with odds ratio ranging from 0.21 for fibromyalgia to 0.50 for gout. Conclusions In a national US study, the rate of AUD hospitalizations increased in all 5 MSDs. Providers and patients with MSDs should be counseled regarding the risk and impact of alcohol use. Interventions to reduce AUD hospitalization-associated health care burden in MSD are needed.
¡Venceremos!: Challenging School Barriers with Latinx Youth Participatory Action Research

The purpose of this paper is to utilize systematic review methodology to describe how Latinx youth engage in youth participatory action research (YPAR) in the secondary school context. Of the 961 a...
Classic polymorphous adenocarcinoma: Fine needle aspiration cytopathology of eight cases.

Introduction The cytopathology and diagnostic accuracy of salivary gland (SG) polymorphous adenocarcinoma (PAC) is the subject of a limited number of reports. We undertook a review of our experience with fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy and PAC. Materials and methods A search was made of our cytopathology files for PAC cases that also had histopathological confirmation. FNA biopsy smears and cell-blocks were performed and examined using standard techniques. Results Eight FNA biopsy cases of histologically proven PAC from 7 patients [F:M = 1.3:1, age 39-75 years, mean = 58] met study inclusion. Metastatic aspirates were most common (4), followed by 3 primary cases and 1 locally recurrent neoplasm. Primary FNA sites included hard palate (1 case), lip (1), and lateral tongue (1); all metastatic sites were in the neck. A precise cytologic diagnosis was made in 38% of cases; however, when applying the Milan classification system, 100% could be categorised as either malignant or of uncertain malignant potential. Ancillary immunohistochemical testing performed in 44% of the cases was non-specific. Cytologic smears showed cellular uniformity and structural variety of cell groups with tubular, branching, cribriform, and convex patterns as well as variable, but occasionally abundant globular myxoid stroma leading to confusion with adenoid cystic carcinoma. Conclusion The imitative cytopathology of PAC with other SG neoplasms as well as its infrequency in routine FNA biopsy practice makes specific interpretation difficult, but using a classification system allows for appropriate patient management. Molecular testing in future specimens holds promise for enhancing diagnostic accuracy.
It’s Complicated: Negotiations and Complexities of Being a Lesbian in Sport

Through the lens of feminist post-structuralism, identities of sex, gender, and sexuality are socially-constructed and fluid as a result of discourse and language. From this perspective, the purpose of this paper is to examine the negotiated and often complex experiences of lesbian athletes and coaches within sport, primarily in the United States of America. After highlighting tenets of feminist post-structuralism, I posit a dominant discourse in sport, which I call the myth of the lesbian athlete. Here, myth is used as the prevalent ideologies used to validate practices of social inequality. The myth of the lesbian athlete is re/produced in the sport environment through institutional practices of exclusion, marginalization, and the silencing of sexual minorities. However, because power is reciprocal, lesbian athletes and coaches are not powerless victims. There are multiple tactics lesbian athletes and coaches use to resist and disrupt the myth of the lesbian athlete. The paper concludes with strategies to make women’s sport more inclusive for all in order to respect and value all individuals, and their identities, on the team and within the organization. The current paper adds to the existing knowledge by proposing the existence of the myth of the lesbian athlete and by re/producing and resisting the myth, creates complexities to being a lesbian in sport.
Sector Fund Performance

Sector funds have grown into a nearly quarter-trillion dollar industry. This paper analyzes the performance of 607 actively managed stock sector funds listed on the CRSP Survivor-Bias Free US Mutual Fund Database during 1990-2000. We use a five-factor model and a portfolio regression technique to control for the look-ahead bias in performance measurement. We document three main results. First, sector funds as a group neither outperform nor underperform their benchmarks. Second, there is no evidence of persistence in sector fund performance. Third, sector fund investors as a group do not possess the ability to pick the winning sector funds or the winning sectors of the stock market.
The reproducibility crisis in science: A statistical counterattack

More people have more access to data than ever before. But a comparative lack of analytical skills has resulted in scientific findings that are neither replicable nor reproducible. It is time to invest in statistics education, says Roger Peng
Dexamethasone modulation of MUC5AC and MUC2 gene expression in a generalized model of middle ear inflammation

Objectives/Hypothesis To examine the effect of dexamethasone on basal and proinflammatory cytokine-induced gel-forming mucin expression in human middle ear epithelial cell line (HMEEC-1). Methods HMEEC-1 was exposed to proinflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-), and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) to identify optimal mucin induction. The HMEEC-1 was incubated with dexamethasone in the steady state and in the presence of proinflammatory cytokine stimulation. Expression of MUC2 and MUC5AC was determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results Proinflammatory cytokines, TNF-α and IL-1β, induced MUC2 and MUC5AC expression in HMEEC-1. Dexamethasone reduced steady state mRNA level of MUC5AC in a time-dependent (P < 0.05) and dose-dependent (P < 0.0001) manner. MUC2 was effectively suppressed at all time points tested (P < 0.05). Temporal difference between dexamethasone suppression of MUC2 and MUC5AC was demonstrated. Dexamethasone inhibits the proinflammatory cytokine-induced expression of both MUC2 and MUC5AC. Conclusion This work provides a conclusive picture of the ability of using glucocorticoids to downregulate mucin gene expression in human MEE using a generalizable model of inflammation that is applicable to multiple potential causes of MEE mucosal hypertrophy. This data adds to the promising potential of future interventions for patients with chronic otitis media. Level of Evidence N/A. Laryngoscope, 2015
Packet switching in digital cellular systems

One of the goals of digital cellular radio communication systems is described as reducing frequency spectrum congestion, for which the implementation of cellular packet switched data is considered. Due to the bursty nature of many data applications, one solution for conserving RF spectrum is to multiplex packet data from multiple mobile stations into RF channels. In essence, the packet-switched RF channels become an additional traffic concentration point. The author proposes such an adaptation to digital cellular mobile telephone systems and points to necessary extensions of the existing US cellular signaling standard to make such an implementation possible. >
Socioeconomic status, hostility, and risk factor clustering in the Normative Aging Study: any help from the concept of allostatic load?

To examine the relationships between socioeconomic status (SES), psychosocial vulnerability (hostility), and allostatic load. Allostatic load refers to the cumulative physiological cost of adaptation to stress. We examined the relationships, between SES (as measured by educational attainment), hostility, and allostatic load in the Normative Aging Study, a longitudinal study of community-dwelling men aged 21 to 80 years and free of known chronic medical conditions at entry in the 1960s. In 1986, the revised Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory was administered by mail, from which a hostility measure was derived by summing the scores from three Cook-Medley subscales: Hostile Affect, Hostile Attribution, Aggressive Responding. An index of allostatic load was constructed from data collected during physical exams conducted between 1987 and 1990 (i.e. measures reflecting “wear and tear” on the cardiovascular, endocrine, and metabolic systems). Cross-sectional relationships between education, hostility, and allostatic load were examined in 818 men. Separate linear regression analyses indicated that lower levels of educational attainment and greater hostility were both associated with higher allostatic load scores (p<.05 andp<.01, respectively). Less education was also associated with higher hostility (p<.001). When allostatic load was regressed simultaneously on education and hostility, the effect of education was attenuated, while hostility (p<.05) maintained an independent affect. Our findings suggest that lower levels of education and greater hostility are associated with greater “wear and tear” on the body. The effects of education on allostatic load may be mediated by hostility.
Hardware assists for high performance computing using a mathematics of arrays

Work in progress at the University of Missouri-Rolla on hardware assists for high performance computing is presented. This research consists of a novel field programmable gate array (FPGA) based reconfigurable coprocessor board (the Chameleon Coprocessor) being used to evaluate hardware architectures for speedup of array computation algorithms. These algorithms are developed using a Mathematics of Arrays (MOA). They provide a means to generate addresses for data transfers that require less data movement than more traditional algorithms. In this manner, the address generation algorithms are acting as an intelligent data prefetching mechanism or special purpose cache controller. Software implementations have been used to provide speedups on the order of 100% over classical methods to the solution of heat transfer equations on a uniprocessor. We extend these methods to application designs for the Chameleon Coprocessor.
Rate Distortion Performance Analysis of Compressive Sensing

Although there are some work focusing on rate distortion analysis of compressive sensing (CS), some studied the distortion performance at a particular data rate and some only show the related figures without an expression. Different from all the others, in this paper, we study the performance of rate distortion function R(D) of CS with a distortion D and give a clear relationship between rate and distortion. Besides, we specify both uniform and non-uniform quantization for CS, and get the corresponding rate distortion functions in these two cases. Then, we compare their performance and analyze the results. In addition, we get the rate distortion function R(D) in the case of combining channel coding with CS, as channel coding process can make our final recovery of the original signal more accurate.
Best Angle to Orient Two Intersecting Lines

Fiducials in the form of intersecting straight lines are used to align the target in the final target chamber of the National Ignition Facility of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. One of the techniques used to locate these lines is the Hough transform. When two lines intersect at a 90 degree angle, it is tempting to orient the lines to horizontal and vertical directions. There are other possible angles at which the lines may be oriented. One question that arises while designing the fiducials is whether there is a preferred angle or range of angles that leads to higher accuracy. This work attempts to answer this question through detailed computer simulation.
Response to nicotine dependence treatment in smokers with current and past alcohol problems.

Smoking prevalence among alcoholics is high, and evidence indicates that smokers with a history of alcohol abuse may have more difficulty quitting cigarette smoking. This study is a post hoc analysis comparing the smoking cessation rates of smokers with active or past alcohol problems to the rates in smokers with no history of alcohol problems who were participants in a randomized, controlled trial of smoking cessation therapy. Subjects received either 44 mg/24 hour or 22 mg/24 hour nicotine patch for 4 or 6 weeks, respectively, followed by a tapering schedule to complete 8 weeks of therapy and a randomly assigned behavioral intervention (minimal, brief individual counseling, group therapy). The Self-Administered Alcoholism Screening Test (SAAST) score was used to determine alcohol group assignment (no alcohol problems <7; active alcohol problems ≥7 and still drinking; past alcohol problems if not drinking due to a past history of alcohol problems). Among 382 subjects (171 men and 211 women), 281 had no alcohol problems (74%), 53 had past alcohol problems (14%), and 48 had active alcohol problems (13%). Smoking cessation rates assessed at both weeks 4 and 8 were significantly different across groups (p=0.026 and 0.002 at weeks 4 and 8, respectively) with lower rates in the groups with past and active alcohol problems when compared to the “no problem” group. At week 26, subjects with past alcohol problems were less likely to be abstinent from smoking than no problem group subjects, but this was not statistically significant (odds ratio =0.49, 95% confidence interval 0.22→1.08). In the short term, smokers with past or active alcohol problems are less likely to quit smoking compared to those with no alcohol problems when treated with nicotine patch therapy for smoking cessation.
Decomposition rates of buried substrates increase with altitude in the forest-alpine tundra ecotone

Decomposition rates were measured across the forest-alpine tundra ecotone on two mountains in the Colorado Front Range. Cotton strips decomposed in the surface soils of forest, krummholz, and tundra plots for one year. We expected decomposition rates to decline with altitude or be most rapid in the krummholz. Surprisingly, decomposition rates increased from forest to tundra on Mt. Evans and remained constant across the ecotone on Niwot Ridge, highlighting differences in biogeochemical processes between two nearby mountains with otherwise similar alpine and subalphine ecosystems. Our results support the concept that decomposition rates exhibit a curvilinear relationship with soil temperature and moisture. However, soil moisture was found to be the primary factor controlling cellulose decomposition rates in soils in the forest-alpine tundra ecotone. Cellulose decomposition rates increased with soil depth indicating greater microbial activity in the mineral soil than in the organic horizon due to greater soil moisture. In addition to microbial activity, decomposition rates in the tundra may be enhanced by physical degradation from freeze-thaw events and vigorous root growth.
Biomechanics of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty

Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty is an effective procedure for treatment of glenohumeral joint disease among patients with severe rotator cuff deficiency. Improvements in prosthetic design are the result of an evolved understanding of both shoulder and joint replacement biomechanics. Although modern generations of the reverse shoulder prosthesis vary in specific design details, they continue to adhere to Grammont's core principles demonstrated by his original Delta III prosthesis. This review article discusses the biomechanics of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty with a focus on elements of implant design and surgical technique that may affect stability, postoperative complications, and functional outcomes.
Total displacement functions for SiC

Abstract Numerical solutions for the displacement functions in SiC are determined from the coupled integro-differential equations governing the total number of type- j atoms displaced in the collision cascade initiated by a primary knock-on atom (PKA) of type- i and energy E . Atomic scattering cross sections based on either the inverse power law screening potentials or the Ziegler, Biersack, and Littmark (ZBL) universal screening potential are used in the calculation of the displacement functions. The electronic stopping powers used in the calculations are either derived from the LSS and Bethe-Bloch theories or generated from the SRIM-96 electronic stopping power data base. The displacement functions determined using LSS/Bethe-Bloch electronic stopping powers are 25 to 100% larger than the displacement functions determined using the electronic stopping powers generated by SRIM-96. The total number of displaced atoms determined numerically for each PKA type, based on ZBL scattering cross sections and SRIM-96 electronic stopping powers, is in excellent agreement, over the entire range of PKA energies (10 eV to 10 MeV), with the total number of displacements determined by full cascade Monte Carlo simulations using the TRIM code in SRIM-96.
A practical self-adaptive rendezvous protocol in cognitive radio ad hoc networks

In cognitive radio ad-hoc networks, two users rendezvous on a common available channel to realize communications. Most existing rendezvous papers focus on successguaranteed channel-hopping sequence design. However, the theoretical rendezvous successful rate may suffer from the available channel status changing, collisions on channels, congestion at users, and target users unavailability in practical scenarios. Thus, a practical rendezvous framework that can address these issues is highly demanded. In this paper, we develop analytical models for each possible factor which may influence the performance of rendezvous. Then, based on the analysis of each factor, we propose corresponding schemes and integrate them into a self-adaptive protocol which can adjust its reaction and optimize system parameters to adapt to the dynamic network. Simulation results demonstrate that our proposed protocol gains better performance in terms of true rendezvous successful rate, short rendezvous delay, and low congestion. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first rendezvous protocol that addresses practical issues in realistic communication scenarios in cognitive radio networks.
Esophageal hypersensitivity may be a major cause of heartburn

Abstract OBJECTIVE: Little is known about esophageal nociceptive thresholds in chronic heartburn sufferers with normal clinical findings. The aim of this study was to evaluate and to characterize the pathogenesis of heartburn in subjects who chronically use antacids and had not sought medical attention. METHODS: Subjects (N = 152) with chronic heartburn of ≥3 months duration underwent endoscopic grading of the esophagus, esophageal manometry, Bernstein testing, intraesophageal balloon distention (IEBD), and 24-h esophageal pH monitoring. RESULTS: Normal acid contact time (ACT ≤6%) was observed in 43% of these subjects with recurrent heartburn. Of subjects with normal ACT, 64% had normal LES pressure (≥10 mm Hg), 79% had normal esophageal endoscopy, 89% developed heartburn during Bernstein acid infusion, and 52% perceived IEBD as painful. CONCLUSIONS: Approximately 30% of individuals chronically using antacids for heartburn had esophageal sensitivity to mechanical or chemical stimuli despite negative endoscopy and pH monitoring. Our findings suggest that a significant subset of typical heartburn sufferers have a lower threshold for esophageal sensation and pain, which may influence options for pharmacological intervention in such subjects.
Birkhoff's theorem and convex hulls of Coxeter groups

We formulate and partially prove a general conjecture regarding the facial structure of convex hulls of finite irreducible Coxeter groups.
Evaluation of amphetamine-induced in vivo electrochemical response

A carbon fiber microelectrode is shown to give a potential-dependent dopamine-selective response in rat brain tissue. However, distinct evidence for dopamine release is not obtained with intraperitoneal amphetamine administration (1.8 or 3.7 mg · kg−1). In rats which habe been unilaterally depleted of dopamine, the change in electrochemical signal obtained in the lesioned striatum is very similar to that measured on the non-lesioned side following amphetamine administration. This indicates that substances other than dopamine contribute to the observed signals.
Developmentally regulated alternative splicing of densin modulates protein-protein interaction and subcellular localization.

Densin is a member of the leucine-rich repeat (LRR) and PDZ domain (LAP) protein family that binds several signaling molecules via its C-terminal domains, including calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII). In this study, we identify several novel mRNA splice variants of densin that are differentially expressed during development. The novel variants share the LRR domain but are either prematurely truncated or contain internal deletions relative to mature variants of the protein (180 kDa), thus removing key protein–protein interaction domains. For example, CaMKIIα coimmunoprecipitates with densin splice variants containing an intact C-terminal domain from lysates of transfected HEK293 cells, but not with variants that only contain N-terminal domains. Immunoblot analyses using antibodies to peptide epitopes in the N- and C- terminal domains of densin are consistent with developmental regulation of splice variant expression in brain. Moreover, putative splice variants display different subcellular fractionation patterns in brain extracts. Expression of green fluorescent protein (GFP)-fused densin splice variants in HEK293 cells shows that the LRR domain can target densin to a plasma membrane-associated compartment, but that the splice variants are differentially localized and have potentially distinct effects on cell morphology. In combination, these data show that densin splice variants have distinct functional characteristics suggesting multiple roles during neuronal development.
Self-aligned double patterning process for 32/32nm contact/space and beyond using 193 immersion lithography

State of the art production single print lithography for contact is limited to ~43-44nm half-pitch given the parameters in the classic photolithography resolution formula for contacts in 193 immersion tool (k1 ≥ 0.3, NA = 1.35, and λ = 193nm). Single print lithography limitations can be overcome by (1) Process / Integration based techniques such as double-printing (DP), and spacer based self-aligned double patterning (SADP), (2) Non-standard printing techniques such as electron-beam (eBeam), extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUVL), nano-imprint Lithography (NIL). EUV tools are under development, while nanoimprint is a developmental tool only. Spacer based SADP for equal line/space is well documented as successful patterning technique for 3xnm and beyond. In this paper, we present an adaptation of selfaligned double patterning process to 2-D regular 32/32nm contact/space array. Using SADP process, we successfully achieved an equal contact/space of 32/32nm using 193 immersion lithography that is only capable of 43-44nm resolvable half-pitch contact printing. The key and unique innovation of this work is the use of a 2-D (x and y axis) pillar structure to achieve equal contact/space. Final result is a dense contact array of 32nm half-pitch in 2-D structure (x and y axis). This is achieved on simplified stack of Substrate / APF / Nitride. Further transfer of this new contact pattern from nitride to the substrate (e.g., Oxide, APF, Poly, Si...) is possible. The technique is potentially extendible to 22/22nm contact/space and beyond.
Inpatient management of violent behavior: nursing prevention and intervention

Psychiatric nurses in inpatient settings play a critical role in the management of potentially violent patients. One of their primary objectives is to ensure the safety of patients and staff 24 hours a day. This requires skillful observation of patients' motor behavior, verbal clues, and change in mental status, which may indicate an increase in agitation or possible aggressive behavior. It requires experience in prevention strategies and skill in acute crisis intervention techniques. To effectively intervene with potentially violent patients, psychiatric nurses must be able to work well under stress and be able to organize and execute a plan of immediate action. After the acute stage of the patient's illness, nurses should focus their work on assisting patients to manage their own behavior and supporting their newly acquired skills.
Synaptic organization of type 2 catecholamine amacrine cells in the rhesus monkey retina.

Two types of amacrine cell immunoreactive for tyrosine hydroxylase, the rate-limiting enzyme in the catecholamine synthetic pathway, are present in the retina of the rhesus monkey,Macaca mulatta. The well-known dopaminergic, or type 1 catecholamine amacrine cells have relatively large cell bodies almost exclusively in the inner nuclear layer with processes that densely arborize in the outermost stratum of the inner plexiform layer and fine, radially-oriented fibres in the inner nuclear layer. Type 2 catecholamine amacrine cells, in contrast, have smaller cell bodies in the inner nuclear layer, the inner plexiform layer and the ganglion cell layer, and have sparsely-branching processes ramifying in the centre of the inner plexiform layer. Although type 2 catecholamine cells are more numerous than type 1 catecholamine amacrines, type 2 cells contain less than one-third the amount of tyrosine hydrolase as the type 1 cells. Electron microscopy of retinal tissue immunoreacted for tyrosine hydrolase by the peroxidase-antiperoxidase method revealed synaptic input from amacrine cells at conventional synapses, and bipolar cells at ribbon synapses onto the type 2 catecholamine amacrine cells. Curiously, although the synaptic input is comparatively easily found, the output synapses, or synapses of the type 2 catecholamine amacrine cells onto other neuronal elements, are rarely found. Some synapses of the type 2 catecholamine cells onto non-immunoreactive amacrine cells have been identified, however. This unusual pattern of synaptic organization, with many identifiable input synapses but few morphologically characterizable output synapses, suggests a paracrine function for the dopamine released by the type 2 catecholamine amacrine cells in the primate retina.
In vitro and other alternative approaches to developmental neurotoxicity testing (DNT)

To address the growing need for scientifically valid and humane alternatives to developmental neurotoxicity testing (DNT), we propose that basic research scientists in developmental neurobiology be brought together with mechanistic toxicologists and policy analysts to develop the science and policy for DNT alternatives that are based on evolutionarily conserved mechanisms of neurodevelopment. In this article we briefly review in vitro and other alternative models and present our rationale for proposing that resources be focused on adapting alternative simple organism systems for DNT. We recognize that alternatives to DNT will not completely replace a DNT paradigm that involves in vivo testing in mammals. However, we believe that alternatives will be of great value in prioritizing chemicals and in identifying mechanisms of developmental neurotoxicity, which in turn will be useful in refining and reducing in vivo mammalian tests for exposures most likely to be hazardous to the developing human nervous system.
Interactions of the ring gland, ovaries, and juvenile hormone with brain neurosecretory cells in Musca domestica

Abstract The staining intensity (median neurosecretory cell index) of the median neurosecretory cells (MNC) in Musca domestica increased as oogenesis progressed from stages 2 to 10. The amount of neurosecretory material within the MNC was dependent upon the presence of ovaries with developing or mature follicles. Ovariectomized flies had a median neurosecretory index that was 50 per cent less than that of control flies with mature eggs. In addition, we found that ring gland removal decreased the staining frequency of three different neurosecretory cell groups; increased staining frequency in another; increased the amount of neurosecretory material within the MNC fibre tract; increased the cytoplasmic area of types A and A′ MNC. Furthermore, neither the juvenile hormone analogue nor the ring gland had a direct effect on the median neurosecretory cell index but did influence neurosecretory activity indirectly by activating the ovaries. We hypothesize that an ovarian hormone—the oostatic hormone—regulates either the release from or synthesis of neurosecretory material within the MNC.
Why is the Four Corners a hotspot for hantavirus

Abstract. Sin Nombre virus (SNV) is a hantavirus hosted almost exclusively by deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) that causes high (∼40%) mortality in humans. Transmission patterns of SNV in natural host populations are not well understood and, as such, represent a knowledge gap that has significant implications for human health. Since its identification in the early 1990s, the Four Corners region of the southwestern United States (i.e. geographic area encompassing southeastern UT, northeastern AZ, southwestern CO and northwestern NM) has remained a “hotspot” for SNV infections in both deer mice and humans; however, the reason for this skewed geographic distribution of SNV remains unclear. Therefore, our objective was to observe regional patterns of SNV prevalence in deer mice along a latitudinal gradient in the Four Corners region and determine the extent to which prevalence is influenced by factors including deer mouse density, small mammal diversity, vegetation cover, plant moisture content, soil pH and...
Abstract 139: MicroRNA-375 and microRNA-221: Potential noncoding RNAs associated with antiproliferative activity of benzyl isothiocyanate in pancreatic cancer

The deregulated presence or absence of microRNAs (miRNAs) might play an important role in molecular pathways leading to neoplastic transformation. At present, it is also thought that the approaches to interfere miRNA functions should be helpful for developing novel therapeutic opportunities for human cancer. In this study, we provide evidence that the anticancer agent benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) has the ability to modulate the level of miRNAs such as miR-221 and miR-375, known to be abnormally expressed in pancreatic cancer patients. Interestingly, ectopic expression of miR-375 or the enforced silencing of miR-221 in cultured pancreatic cancer cells attenuates cell viability and sensitizes antiproliferative action of BITC. We also show that the expression of putative tumor suppressor miR-375 is more abundant in nonpathological mice pancreata than those with Kras G12D -driven pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN). To the contrary, the expression of oncogenic miR-221 is significantly elevated in the mouse pancreas with PanIN lesions. Although miR-375 has been shown to be aberrantly expressed in pancreatic cancer patients, there has not been a comprehensive study to investigate the molecular pathways targeted by this miRNA in pancreatic cancer cells. Further analysis by gene expression microarray revealed that IGFBP5 and CAV-1, potential biomarkers of pancreatic cancer, were significantly downregulated in cells transfected with miR-375. Correlatively, elevated expression of IGFBP5 and CAV-1 was evident in the mouse pancreas with preneoplastic lesions in which the expression of miR-375 wanes. Taken together, our findings suggest that anticancer agent BITC might target the expression of miR-221 and miR-375 to switch hyperproliferative pancreatic cancer cells to a hypoproliferative state.
Activation of Reverse Na+-Ca2+ Exchange by the Na+ Current during an Action Potential Augments the Calcium Transient: Evidence from NCX Knockout Mice

The hypothesis that Na+ influx during the action potential activates reverse Na+-Ca2+ exchange (NCX) and subsequent entry of trigger Ca2+ is controversial. To test this hypothesis, we monitored intracellular Ca2+ with fura-2 before and after selectively inactivating INa just prior to a simulated action potential in patch clamped ventricular myocytes isolated from adult wild-type (WT) and NCX knockout (KO) mice (Circ Res.2004;95:604-611). We inactivated INa using a slow ramp prepulse to −45mV to avoid rapid Na+ influx. In WT cells, inactivation of INa decreased the Ca2+ transient amplitude by 52.6 ± 5.3% (p<0.001, n=14) and reduced its release flux (measured as the maximum rate of rise) by 47.0 ± 4.6% (p<0.001, n=14). There was no effect on diastolic Ca2+. In striking contrast, Ca2+ transients in NCX KO myocytes were unaffected by the presence or absence of INa (n=5). We next investigated the effect of INa on the extent of transsarcolemmal Ca2+ influx in WT and KO myocytes after depleting SR Ca2+ using thapsigargin and ryanodine. In WT cells, inactivation of INa decreased Ca2+ influx by 37.8 ± 6.0% and reduced the flux of Ca2+ entry (maximum rate of rise) by 30.6 ± 7.7%. This effect was absent in the KO cells. We conclude that Na+ current and reverse NCX modulate Ca2+ release in murine WT cardiomyocytes by augmenting the pool of diadic cleft Ca2+ that triggers ryanodine receptors. This may be an important mechanism for Ca2+ release and therefore regulation of contractility in the heart. The use of cardiac-specific NCX KO myocytes provides a unique opportunity to demonstrate a role for NCX in the initiation of cardiac excitation-contraction coupling.
Mg2Ni hydride: In situ heat conduction calorimetry of the phase transition near 510 K

Abstract Precision twin-cell heat conduction (Tian-Calvet) calorimetry has been used to study the thermal effects associated with the solid state transition exhibited by Mg2Ni hydride at approximately 510 K. Hydrides have been prepared in situ, at temperatures below and above that of the transition, and the products subjected to slow temperature scans through the transition, with hydrogen pressure being continuously monitored. The low temperature (LT) and high temperature (HT) hydrides have, within error, the same stoichiometry: Mg2NiH3.91 ± 0.03. Calorimetric data distinguishes three LT and two HT modifications, the predominating phase system depending on the thermal history of the hydride. Transition enthalpies for hydrides prepared in the LT and HT regions are significantly different with values of ΔHtr = 3.99 ± 0.05 kJ (mol H2)−1 and 4.16 ± 0.04 kJ (mol H2)−1 respectively.
Equalities for the Nonequilibrium Work Transferred from an External Potential to a Molecular System. Analysis of Single-Molecule Extension Experiments

Nonequilibrium work equalities are investigated for a system that experiences both an intrinsic potential energy function, V(x), and an externally controlled time-dependent potential energy function, u(x,t). The work, w T (t) = f dx t ' <(-)∂u(x t ' ,t')/∂x t ' , is transferred from the external potential to the bare system, defined by V(x), as the system moves along its trajectory, x t , in response to the forces generated by V(x) + u(x,t). As observed by Hummer and Szabo, this transferred work, w T (t), differs in several ways from the so-called accumulated work, w A (t) = f dt' ∂u(x t ' ,t')/∂t', considered by Jarzynski, which represents the work transferred from the external agent controlling u(x,t) into the composite system, defined by V(x) + u(x,t). The system is assumed to evolve according to an isothermal stochastic dynamics that maps the canonical distribution for the current potential function, V(x) + u(x,t), into itself in any arbitrarily short time interval. New nonequilibrium work equalities involving exp(-βw T (t)) are derived and compared with related equalities involving exp(-βw A (t)). Whenever the external potential initially vanishes, an average over all canonically weighted initial conditions and subsequent trajectories gives (exp(-βw T (t))) = 1.0, even though (w T (t)) is typically positive and time dependent. For a reversible process, (w r e v T) is the work required to achieve a particular fluctuated macrostate of the bare system and governs its relative probability. In the case of single-molecule extension experiments, the external potential function, u(z(x),t), typically depends on the system coordinates via an extensional parameter z(x). The relevant nonequilibrium work equality involving w T (t) = f z a z b dz t ' (-)∂u(z t ' ,t')/∂z t ' , for cases wherein both initial and final extensions are specified, is derived under conditions pertaining to the experiments of Liphardt et al. This new equality is shown to agree rather well with their experimental results. This new equality is also contrasted with the somewhat different relation conjectured by Liphardt et al., the conditions required for validity of the latter are discussed, and errors arising from its use are estimated to be small. A protocol is suggested to determine the free energy profile of the constrained bare system as a function of its extension, and a possible method to assess the adequacy of trajectory sampling simultaneously from the same nonequilibrium force vs extension data is also presented. Finally a connection between the nonequilibrium equality (involving exp(-βw T (t))) for extending the system from z a to z b and macroscopic thermodynamics is briefly discussed.
Repeated Neonatal Phencyclidine Treatment Impairs Performance of a Spatial Task in Juvenile Ratsa

: The present study was designed to determine whether repeated postnatal blockade of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) channel produces cognitive deficit in juvenile rats. Rats received phencyclidine (PCP) intraperitoneally (i.p.) from postnatal Day 5 and continued daily till Day 15. On Day 28, saline- and PCP-treated rats were trained in the Morris water maze task. PCP-treated rats performed as well as the saline-treated rats on the first day of testing, but on the second day of testing they did significantly poorly compared to saline-treated controls. These data suggest that chronic postnatal NMDA channel blockade by PCP impairs processes that enable rats to retain spatial information.
Calculation of plasma fibrin fiber mass-length ratios utilizing platelet aggregometers

We report a technique for measuring plasma gel fiber size utilizing optical platelet aggregometers. Three aggregometers were used to measure gelation kinetics and final gel turbidity: Sienco Model DP247E, Bio-Data Model PAP-2A, and Chrono-log Model 500-VS aggregometer. Each aggregometer was calibrated using dilutions of latex microspheres. Optical densities of microsphere solutions were measured at 626, 670 and 945 nm. Calibration curves were plots of aggregometer readings versus absorbance. Gels of various fiber size were prepared by varying thrombin concentrations and ionic strength. Fiber mass-length ratios were calculated from the wavelength dependence of gel turbidity. Gel optical densities at 640 nm and 945 nm were shown to be linear functions of fiber mass-length ratio. Aggregometer study gels were formed directly in aggregometer cuvettes. Gel formation kinetics were easily measured in the Sienco and Chrono-log instruments. Gelation kinetics in the Bio-Data instrument did not allow measurement of maximum turbidity. The latter value could be measured, however, once gelation was complete. Final aggregometer readings were made one hour after thrombin addition, and were converted to absorbance values using calibration curves. Absorbencies were then converted to mass-length ratios using the optical density versus mass-length ratio plots. Fiber mass-length ratios measured with aggregometers were in good agreement with those measured spectrophotometrically. This technique may allow routine quantification of plasma clot structure utilizing equipment ordinarily available in clinical laboratories.
Combined Aortic and Mitral Valve Replacement in an Adult with Scheie's Disease

Mitral, aortic, and coronary arterial disease have been described in the various mucopolysaccharidoses. We report the first successful combined aortic and mitral valve replacement in an adult female patient with severe aortic and mitral stenosis due to Scheie's syndrome, a mucopolysaccharide storage disease. Both annulae were of sufficient integrity for good prosthetic placement, and the patient had an uneventful postoperative recovery.