cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Animal studies of amygdala function in fear and uncertainty: Relevance to human research

This article reviews research in both animals and humans on the considerable progress made in elucidating a brain circuitry of fear, particularly the importance of the amygdala in fear conditioning. While there is considerable agreement about the participation of the amygdala in fear in both animals and humans, there are several issues about the function of the amygdala raised by the human research that have not been addressed by or may be answered by animal research. Three of these are addressed in this article: (1) is the amygdala involved in or necessary for both fear learning and unconditioned fear? (2) Does the amygdala code for intensity of fear? (3) Is the amygdala preferentially involved in fear, or is it also activated when there are no overt fear or aversive stimuli, but where the situation can be described as uncertain? We present evidence indicating that the rodent amygdala is involved in some types of fear (conditioned fear), but not all types (unconditioned fear), and may therefore have significance for a differential neurobiology of certain anxiety disorders in humans. Further, similar to the human amygdala, the rodent amygdala responds to varying intensities of aversive stimulation. Finally, it is suggested that, similar to humans, the rodent amygdala is involved in the evaluation of uncertainty. We conclude that progress on elucidating the role of the amygdala in fear is facilitated by corroboration of findings from both animal and human research.
The use of semantic networking in teaching programming

The authors explored the use of computer-based semantic networks (semnets) as a learning tool in a programming class. They selected 40 students from an introductory C programming language class in the School of Electrical Engineering at Purdue University to build semantic networks on their knowledge of C. Students updated their networks biweekly and gave their feedback on the project at the end of the semester. In order to compare semnet quality with class achievement, the authors devised a quantitative method to evaluate semnets. In applying this method to a small number (five) of semantic networks they found a correlation of 0.55 between semnet weights and class grades. They found that traditional use of semnets in the programming language class is of limited benefit. In comparing 'semnet students' with the remaining students in the class, it was found that the 'semnet students' received higher letter grades but a careful analysis showed smaller differences in actual achievement. The authors conclude with student feedback in using semnets and suggestions for future use of semantic networks in a programming class. >
Adsorptive Stripping Analysis of Trace Nickel at Iridium‐Based Ultramicroelectrode Arrays

Lithographically fabricated iridium-based mercury microelectrode arrays are shown to be very suitable for adsorptive stripping measurements of trace nickel in the presence of the dimethylgloxime complexing agent. Variables affecting the response have been assessed and optimized. The sensor optimization has resulted in a favorable and highly stable response, with good linearity and precision (RSDa 1.7 %), and a low detection limit (0.5mg=L with 30 s adsorption). Such adsorptive stripping performance makes the iridium-based microelectrode array very attractive for on-site measurements of trace metals that cannot be plated electrolytically.
Lobe-specific mediastinal nodal dissection is sufficient during lobectomy by video-assisted thoracic surgery or thoracotomy for early-stage lung cancer.

Background Lobectomy with complete mediastinal lymphadenectomy is considered standard for patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the benefits of complete lymphadenectomy are unproven. There is evidence suggesting a predictable pattern of mediastinal nodal drainage. This study analyzed the frequency and pattern of mediastinal nodal disease and its impact on outcome in patients with early-stage NSCLC. Methods Patients with clinical N0/N1 NSCLC staged with CT scans and PET scans were identified. Disease involvement of resected nodal stations was recorded. Patterns of recurrence in patients who underwent lobectomy with complete mediastinal systematic lymph node sampling (SLNS) were compared with those who underwent lobe-specific mediastinal SLNS. Results From July 2004 to April 2011, 370 patients were identified. Complete SLNS was performed in 282 patients. Fifteen patients (5.3%) in the group with complete SLNS were found to have N2 disease after pathologic evaluation. Patients with left-sided tumors were more likely to have pathologic N2 disease than were patients with right-sided tumors (P = .03). Only one patient (0.36%) had positive N2 disease in the distal mediastinum while skipping lobe-specific mediastinal nodes. In addition, patients with complete SLNS had a rate of recurrence similar to that of the group that had lobe-specific mediastinal evaluation (20.6% vs 18.2%, P = .68). Conclusions Mediastinal N2 metastases follow predictable lobe-specific patterns in patients with negative preoperative CT scans and PET scans. Lobe-specific N2 nodal evaluation results in a recurrence rate similar to that of complete mediastinal evaluation. Lobe-specific mediastinal nodal evaluation appears acceptable in patients with early-stage NSCLC.
Late breakdown phenomena in vacuum interrupters

Late breakdown (LBD) phenomena in vacuum interrupters are being discussed for more than 20 years. This has led to several changes and amendments to the major international standards in the past ten years and thus to clear rules for the interpretation of these phenomena during type testing. The physical nature, however, is still being discussed with two schools of thoughts being pursued. One model is based on field electron emission effects whereas the other concept calls for particle induced breakdowns. This paper aims to widen the understanding of late breakdowns by correlating experimental results of a low-energy in-house test circuit with those obtained at high power test stations. The emphasis of the experimental work is put on the influence of dielectric performance, contact materials and micro-particles on the late breakdown behavior of the interrupters. The two explanation models will be discussed and guidelines on how to improve the design and performance of vacuum interrupters presented.
Quantification of steroid hormones with pheromonal properties in municipal wastewater effluent

Many fish use steroid hormones as pheromones to initiate behavioral and physiological changes during spawning. To assess the occurrence of steroid hormones with pheromonal properties in the aquatic environment and to evaluate the possibility that municipal wastewater discharges contain compounds that could affect fish reproduction by interfering with pheromones, several estrogens, androgens, and progestins were quantified by gas chromatography/tandem mass spectroscopy in effluent samples from 12 municipal wastewater treatment plants. Samples also were analyzed from an engineered treatment wetland, three groundwater wells, and one reservoir. Estrogens (17β-estradiol and estrone) were detected in wastewater effluent at maximum concentrations of 4 and 12 ng/L, respectively. Androgens (testosterone and androstenedione) were detected at concentrations as high as 6.1 and 4.5 ng/L, respectively, whereas the synthetic progestin medroxyprogesterone was detected at concentrations up to 15 ng/L. Data from an effluent-receiving engineered treatment wetland and shallow groundwater wells suggested that these compounds were not rapidly attenuated. The measured concentrations of steroids often exceeded olfactory detection thresholds at which fish detect these steroids, and in several cases, the steroid concentrations were comparable to levels at which pheromonal responses have been observed in fish.
Mechanical processes in biochemistry.

f Abstract Mechanical processes are involved in nearly every facet of the cell cycle. Mechanical forces are generated in the cell during processes as diverse as chromosomal segregation, replication, transcription, translation, translocation of proteins across membranes, cell locomotion, and catalyzed protein and nucleic acid folding and unfolding, among others. Because force is a product of all these reactions, biochemists are beginning to directly apply external forces to these processes to alter the extent or even the fate of these reactions hoping to reveal their underlying molecular mechanisms. This review provides the conceptual framework to understand the role of mechanical force in biochemistry.
Achieving interactive variable modeling through interpolation: a response to Gold's comments

This article, which is prepared in response to a question raised by Gold concerning use of the interpolation approach in modeling, describes how the interpolation approach achieves interaction among variables in a simulation. The theory underlying use of the approach is presented and a five-step algorithm is suggested for implementation. Application of the approach to nonmultiplicative models is also addressed. The article concludes that based on the principle of creating interpolation arrays in terms of percentages and given a starting base quantity, the interpolation methodology can effectively emulate interactions within any type of equation that contains multiple interacting variables.
INFLUENCE OF NOREPINEPHRINE ON MYOCARDIAL OXYGEN CONSUMPTION UNDER CONTROLLED HEMODYNAMIC CONDITIONS.

Abstract Studies were performed to ascertain the effect of norepinephrine on the contractility and myocardial oxygen consumption of the isolated, supported heart preparation with aortic pressure, heart rate and stroke volume held constant. Graded infusions of norepinephrine were given into the left main coronary artery and the fall of left ventricular end-diastolic pressure used as a measure of the increase in contractility obtained. Low doses of norepinephrine caused pronounced falls of left ventricular end-diastolic pressure with no change, a slight rise or a slight fall in myocardial oxygen consumption. Thereafter, increases in the infusion rate of norepinephrine had relatively little influence on left ventricular end-diastolic pressure but produced a marked increase in myocardial oxygen consumption. These data suggest that the concept of the so-called oxygen-wasting effect of norepinephrine may be attributable to either (1) the use of a dose which exceeds that required for a near maximal inotropic effect or (2) at low doses, an inadequate consideration of the influence of induced hemodynamic alterations (rise of heart rate and aortic pressure) on myocardial oxygen consumption.
Line depletion electromigration characterization of Cu interconnects

Specific details of both fabrication process and geometry of Cu interconnects result in different electromigration (EM) fail modes. This paper discusses EM characteristics of line depletion stress, i.e., for the case of electrons flowing from a via above into a Cu line through a Cu diffusion barrier to cause voiding in the line. For electrons flowing from a W via, for example to a Cu line above, electrical redundancy (i.e., a current shunt layer) exists due to the overlap of line bottom liner over the top of the via, such that a current path still exists in the event that the Cu is removed. When electrons flow from a via above down to a Cu line, the redundancy characteristics can be very different for different via/line layouts, and can result in different EM fail distributions. The solid contact between via above and the liner of the line below can result in tight fail distributions, while weak contact or lack of contact between the via above and the liner of the line below can cause broad (high sigma), or even multimode fail distributions. A few examples and their implications on robust interconnect design are presented. The relation between void size and liner redundancy characteristics is also discussed.
Information and Communication Technology in Combating Counterfeit Drugs

Pharma frauds are on the rise, counterfeit drugs are giving sleepless nights to patients, pharmaceutical companies and governments. The laws prohibiting the sales of counterfeit drugs cannot succeed without technological interventions. Several analytical techniques and tools including spectroscopy, holograms, barcoding, differentiated packing, radio frequency identification, fingerprints, hyperspectral imaging etc. have been employed over the years in combating this menace; however this challenge is becoming more sophisticated with the evolution of the World Wide Web and online pharmacies. This paper presents a review on the contribution of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as a drug counterfeit countermeasure.
Infectious Molecular Clones of Adeno-Associated Virus Isolated Directly from Human Tissues

Adeno-associated virus (AAV) replication and biology have been extensively studied using cell culture systems, but there is precious little known about AAV biology in natural hosts. As part of our ongoing interest in the in vivo biology of AAV, we previously described the existence of extrachromosomal proviral AAV genomes in human tissues. In the current work, we describe the molecular structure of infectious DNA clones derived directly from these tissues. Sequence-specific linear rolling-circle amplification was utilized to isolate clones of native circular AAV DNA. Several molecular clones containing unit-length viral genomes directed the production of infectious wild-type AAV upon DNA transfection in the presence of adenovirus help. DNA sequence analysis of the molecular clones revealed the ubiquitous presence of a double-D inverted terminal repeat (ITR) structure, which implied a mechanism by which the virus is able to maintain ITR sequence continuity and persist in the absence of host chromosome integration. These data suggest that the natural life cycle of AAV, unlike that of retroviruses, might not have genome integration as an obligatory component.
An Efficient TCP Mechanism to Reduce Out-of-Sequence Packets in Mobile IPv6

The handover latency may cause packet loss as well as packet disruption in standard Mobile IPv6. To mitigate such effects, Fast handover for Mobile IPv6 has been developed. Fast Mobile IPv6 can reduce a packet loss using tunnel based handover mechanism which relies on L2 triggers such as transmitting a packet from a previous access router (PAR) to a new access router (NAR). However, this mechanism may result in decreasing the performance of TCP due to the out-of-sequence packets between the tunneling packet from Home Agent (HA), PAR and directly transmitted packet from correspondent node (CN). In this paper, we propose a new scheme to prevent packet reordering problem using modified snoop protocol. This new scheme can prevent a sequence reordering of data packet and improve the performance of TCP. Simulation results demonstrate that managing the packet sequence in our proposed scheme greatly increases the overall TCP performance in Mobile IPv6 network.
Venturing into kinetics and mechanism of nanoconfined solid-state reactions: trimerization of sodium dicyanamide in nanopores

Research on nanoconfined chemical reactions has the potential of discovering novel means for controlling chemical reactivity which is a task of great fundamental and practical significance. This study is the first attempt to probe the effect of nanoconfinement on the kinetics and mechanism of reactions that occur entirely in the solid state. FTIR, NMR, pXRD, TGA and DSC were employed to analyze the thermally initiated trimerization of sodium dicyanamide in bulk and organically modified nanopores. Nanoconfinement did not cause apparent changes in the net reaction mechanism but decelerated the reaction kinetics dramatically. Kinetic analysis linked the deceleration to a dramatic decrease in the preexponential factor. This is an original effect which is especially noteworthy considering that for nanoconfined liquid state reactions the effect is opposite: significant acceleration due to an increase in the preexponential factor. We propose that the difference arises respectively from disordering of the solid reaction media compared to ordering of the liquid reaction media.
Pasteurization Treatment and Consumer Acceptance of Milk

Abstract Fifty randomly selected consumer house-holds evaluated the flavor of homogenized, standardized whole milk pasteurized for 17 sec at 72.2, 75.6, 78.9, 82.2, or 85.6 C. As a group, the consumers preferred the flavor of milk pasteurized at 78.9 C over that processed at the lower or higher temperatures. The tendency to note differences in flavor of milk processed at various temperatures appeared to increase with increasing age of the respondent. Those over 19 years of age exhibited the strongest preference for milk pasteurized at 78.9 C versus the other temperatures used. Children under 13 years of age were least discriminating in evaluating cooked flavor of milk. The intensity of the cooked flavor in milk stored at 1.7-4.4 C decreased within a few days after processing.
Two successful models for preparing competent critical care nurses. The Parkland Health and Hospital System Critical Care and Trauma Nurse Internship and Critical Care Residency.

The demand for experienced critical care nurses continues to exceed the supply in many areas, and the need for education programs that prepare nurses in this specialty seems unlikely to disappear. Parkland Health and Hospital System (PHHS) has a long and successful history of providing educational programs to prepare nurses (including new graduates) for practice in critical care areas. Two such programs are currently provided at PHHS: the Critical Care and Trauma Nurse Internship and the Critical Care Residency. In this article, a detailed discussion of these two models is intended to serve as a reference for those struggling to meet the demand for educating competent critical care nurses. This article includes information relative to the recruitment strategies, curriculum, faculty, admission criteria, resource requirements, and evaluation methods of the two models.
Multiorganizational Arrangements in the Governance of Unitary and Federal Political Systems

The longer-term agenda of the core participants in this conference has focused upon the problem of addressing multiorganizational and interorganizational arrangements as a level of analysis. At recent meetings in Bloomington (1981) and in Berlin (1982), we were concerned with efforts to identify the multiplicity of both public and private organizations that interact with one another to organize: (1) the demand and supply aspects of public-service delivery systems and (2) the implementation of public policies. Modern developed societies rely upon complexly organized networks of multiorganizational arrangements to accomplish social tasks and this requires a self-conscious effort to address such arrangements as distinct levels of analysis and to develop analytical methods that are appropriate for that level of analysis. Primary attention was given to the use of “industry structures” and “implementation structures” as modes of analysis developed by collegues at the Workshop in Political Theory and Policy Analysis (Bloomington) and the International Institute of Management (Berlin).
Field Evaluation of Fenitrothion for Prevention of Tree Mortality from Southern Pine Beetle Attack

Concentrations of 1 and 2% fenitrothion were evaluated vs. 0.5% lindane and a control for their ability to prevent tree mortality from attacking Dendroctonus frontalis Zimmermann. A 2% concentration of fenitrothion was as effective as lindane in prevention of attack, whereas the 1% fenitrothion concentration was not.
Si Film Growth by Supercooling of a Molten Si Alloy Film

A method is described for the deposition of large-grain polysilicon films at low substrate temperatures. This technique uses precipitation from a thin molten prelayer of Si-Au or Si-Au which is supersaturated with Si from a DC magnetron sputter gun. Typical growth temperatures are 600° C for the Si-Al layer, and 500° C for the Si-Au layer. Growth rates of 6 μm/hr have been achieved, though higher rates seem possible. Films of 20 μm thickness and grain size up to several hundred μm have been grown on SiO2 and sheet Mo substrates using Au and A1 as the “solvent” metals. The proposed model for film growth was confirmed by cross-section EDS studies of the film/substrate interface. Film crystallinity was confirmed by etching studies, X-ray diffraction, and selected area diffraction. Preferential nucleation has been achieved using a patterned silicide forming metal (Cr, Ni) on RuO2 coated oxidized wafer. A loss mechanism of the solvent metal during growth was observed.
Applied Magnetism: A Supply-Driven Materials Challenge

Permanent magnets are important in many green energy technologies including wind turbine generators and hybrid-electric vehicle motors. For these applications, volume and weight are important factors driving the overall design, and therefore a high energy density, or energy product, is an important figure of merit. This quantity defines the magnetic energy contained in a given volume of material, and so higher energy density magnets enable smaller, lighter applications. Currently, the most powerful magnets suitable for commercial purposes contain rare earth elements (REE), usually neodymium and dysprosium in the neodymium-iron-boride class of magnets. However, for select applications, often requiring high temperatures, samarium cobalt is the alloy of choice. These magnets have energy densities several times greater than their nearest non-REE-based competitor, which for some applications is the defining factor in creating a viable device. The global supply of these REE is overwhelmingly produced in China, which in 2015 mined more than ten times as much as the next largest producer (Australia). Such market domination effectively creates a single source of supply, leaving industries which rely on REE consumption susceptible to price shocks and supply disruptions of these critical materials. Furthermore, this supply sensitivity may act as a drag on the adaptationmore » rate of green energy technologies, particularly for large-scale users.« less
Can the privacy of primary networks in shared spectrum be protected

In an effort to meet growing demands on the radio frequency spectrum, regulators are exploring methods to enable band sharing among a diverse set of user devices. Proposed spectrum access systems would dynamically assign spectrum resources to users, maintaining databases of spectrum use information. While these systems are anticipated to increase the efficiency of spectrum sharing, incumbent users have raised concerns about exposing details of their operations and have questioned whether their privacy can be protected. In this paper, we explore whether primary users can retain a critical level of privacy when a system uses their information to enable dynamic access to the spectrum by other users. Under a variety of operational scenarios and user models, we examine adversary techniques to exploit the spectrum access system and obfuscation strategies to protect user privacy. We also develop analytical methods to quantify the performance of both the adversary and obfuscation strategies. To our knowledge, this is the first work that considers the privacy of a primary user in the setting of a highly dynamic spectrum access system. Privacy analysis of this kind will help to enable adoption of shared spectrum access systems by allowing incumbent users to quantify and mitigate risks to their privacy.
Abstract B136: Sox10 expression labels in vitro mammary stem cell activity

Molecular pathways that guide cell proliferation and programming events during embryonic development to generate specific organs may be aberrantly re-activated in the cancer state of those organs to drive tumor progression. Recently, our laboratory has successfully demonstrated the applicability of this tenet to studies of breast cancer. We have developed an enrichment protocol for fetal mammary stem cells (fMaSCs) from embryonic mammary rudiments, and verified that particular subtypes of breast cancers, including Basal-like triple-negative breast cancers for which targeted therapies do not exist, show strong correlation with expression signatures found in fMaSCs. This suggests that elucidation of the biology behind fMaSC function will yield important insight into better treatment of these aggressive breast cancers. To identify mechanisms that govern fMaSC function, we have performed transcriptome analyses on cell populations enriched for fMaSCs and their surrounding stroma. From this data, we have identified candidate signaling and transcription networks that we are currently validating. Here we describe ongoing work with one candidate to emerge from our analyses, Sox10. Sox10 is specifically expressed in the enriched fMaSC population, and is of particular interest given the well-documented roles for other Sox family transcription factors in: 1) regulating cell fate decisions in embryonic and adult tissue, and 2) mediating the progression of some types of cancer. We show that Sox10 expression specifically correlates with MaSC function in fetal and adult mammary. We further show that Sox10 expression can be utilized to identify the cells maintaining MaSC stem cell properties in culture. Importantly, incorporation of Sox10 into our existing fMaSC purification protocol results in a twofold improvement in fMaSC enrichment. Our discoveries with Sox10 thus represent a molecular focal point around which to build signaling and transcriptional networks underlying fMaSC state and function. They further demonstrate the promise of our approach in identifying novel targets for the development of new therapies for poorly treated cancers. Citation Format: Christopher Dravis, Claire Johns, Benjamin T. Spike, Michelle Southard Smith, Geoffrey M. Wahl. Sox10 expression labels in vitro mammary stem cell activity. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Advances in Breast Cancer Research: Genetics, Biology, and Clinical Applications; Oct 3-6, 2013; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Res 2013;11(10 Suppl):Abstract nr B136.
Moderation of nicotine effects on covert orienting of attention tasks by poor placebo performance and cue validity.

Abstract Introduction and rationale Given baseline-dependent effects of nicotine on other forms of attention, there is reason to believe that inconsistent findings for the effects of nicotine on attentional orienting may be partly due to individual differences in baseline (abstinence state) functioning. Individuals with low baseline attention may benefit more from nicotine replacement. Method The effects of nicotine as a function of baseline performance (bottom, middle, and top third of mean reaction times during placebo) were assessed in 52 habitual abstinent smokers (26 females/26 males) utilizing an arrow-cued covert orienting of attention task. Results Compared to a placebo patch, a 14 mg nicotine patch produced faster overall reaction times (RTs). In addition, individuals with slower RTs during the placebo condition benefitted more from nicotine on cued trials than did those who had shorter (faster) RTs during placebo. Nicotine also enhanced the validity effect (shorter RTs to validly vs. invalidly cued targets), but this nicotine benefit did not differ as a function of overall placebo-baseline performance. Conclusions These findings support the view that nicotine enhances cued spatial attentional orienting in individuals who have slower RTs during placebo (nicotine-free) conditions; however, baseline-dependent effects may not generalize to all aspects of spatial attention. These findings are consistent with findings indicating that nicotine's effects vary as a function of task parameters rather than simple RT speeding or cognitive enhancement.
Using Confusion Graphs to Understand Classifier Error

Understanding the nature of the errors of a machine learning system is often difficult for multiclass classification problems with a large number of classes. This is true even more so if the number of examples for each class is low. To interpret the performance of a multiclass classifier, we form a graph representing the errors, and use average-link clustering to find groups of classes which are confused with each other. We apply this idea to the QANTA question answering system (Iyyer et al., 2014), and provide a method of analysis of the clusters.
Exploiting ferroelectric FETs for low-power non-volatile logic-in-memory circuits

Numerous research efforts are targeting new devices that could continue performance scaling trends associated with Moore's Law and/or accomplish computational tasks with less energy. One such device is the ferroelectric FET (FeFET), which offers the potential to be scaled beyond the end of the silicon roadmap as predicted by ITRS. Furthermore, the I ds vs. V gs characteristics of FeFETs may allow a device to function as both a switch and a non-volatile storage element. We exploit this FeFET property to enable fine-grained logic-in-memory (LiM). We consider three different circuit design styles for FeFET-based LiM: complementary (differential), dynamic current mode, and dynamic logic. Our designs are compared with existing approaches for LiM (i.e., based on magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs), CMOS, etc.) that afford the same circuit-level functionality. Assuming similar feature sizes, non-volatile FeFET-based LiM circuits are more efficient than functional equivalents based on MTJs when considering metrics such as propagation delay (2.9×, 6.8×) and dyanmic power (3.7×, 2.3×) (for 45 nm, 22 nm technology respectively). Compared to CMOS functional equivalents, FeFET designs still exhibit modest improvements in the aforementioned metrics while also offering non-volatility and reduced device count.
Reaction mechanism of aqueous-phase conversion of γ-valerolactone (GVL) over a Ru/C catalyst

Abstract The present work explores the reaction pathways of γ-valerolactone (GVL) over a supported ruthenium catalyst. The conversion of GVL in aqueous phase over a 5% Ru/C catalyst was investigated in a batch reactor operating at 463 K under 500–1000 psi of H 2 . The main reaction products obtained under these conditions were 2-butanol (2-BuOH), 1,4-pentanediol (1,4-PDO), 2-methyltetrahydrofuran (2-MTHF) and 2-pentanol (2-PeOH). A complete reaction network was developed, identifying the primary and/or secondary products. In this reaction network, production of 2-BuOH via decarbonylation of a ring-opened surface intermediate CH 3 CH(O*) (CH 2 ) 2 CO* is clearly the dominant pathway. From the evolution of products as a function of reaction time and theoretical (DFT) calculations, a mechanism for the formation of intermediates and products is proposed. The high sensitivity of 2-BuOH production to the presence of CO, compared to a much lower effect on the production of the other products indicates that the sites responsible for decarbonylation are particularly prone to CO adsorption and poisoning. Also, since the decarbonylation rate is not affected by the H 2 pressure it is concluded that the direct decarbonylation path of the CH 3 CH(O*) (CH 2 ) 2 CO* intermediate does not required a previous dehydrogenation step, as is the case in decarbonylation of short alcohols.
Abstract POSTER-BIOL-1331: Nucleotide excision repair mutations confer sensitivity to platinum but not PARP-inhibitors in epithelial ovarian cancer

The marked platinum sensitivity of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is thought to be related to underlying defects in the homologous recombination (HR) DNA repair pathway, which are present in approximately 50% of tumors with high-grade serous histology. However, repair of platinum-induced DNA damage does not always involve the HR pathway. More than 90% of platinum-DNA lesions are intrastrand cross-links which are repaired by the nucleotide excision repair (NER) pathway. We curated the TCGA ovarian cancer dataset and identified 22 tumors (7%) with nonsynonymous or splice site NER gene mutations among the 316 sequenced high grade serous ovarian tumors. All NER mutations were mutually exclusive and 8 (36%) were accompanied by heterozygous loss of the respective NER gene. In 12 (55%) of the 22 cases, there were no concomitant HR alterations identified. In vitro functional evaluation of two NER mutations (ERCC6-Q524* and ERCC4-A583T), identified in patients with advanced stage tumors and extreme response to first-line platinum therapy, showed that both mutations conferred platinum, but not PARPi, or doxorubicin sensitivity, and did not affect HR activity. Interestingly, ERCC6-Q524* was not associated with heterozygous loss but sensitized cells to platinum in a dominant negative fashion. Our findings suggest a novel mechanism of platinum sensitivity in EOC that involves NER gene mutations, which may occur independently of HR alterations. Unlike tumors with defective HR, tumors harboring only NER mutations may be sensitive to platinum but not PARP inhibition. Dissociation of platinum and PARPi sensitivity in this setting may have important implications for PARPi trials for both HR-proficient and HR-deficient EOCs. Citation Format: Raphael Ceccaldi, Kevin O’Connor, Kent W. Mouw, Adam Y. Li, Ursula A. Matulonis, Alan D. D’Andrea, Panagiotis A. Konstantinopoulos. Nucleotide excision repair mutations confer sensitivity to platinum but not PARP-inhibitors in epithelial ovarian cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 10th Biennial Ovarian Cancer Research Symposium; Sep 8-9, 2014; Seattle, WA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2015;21(16 Suppl):Abstract nr POSTER-BIOL-1331.
Controlling risk of data exfiltration in cyber networks due to stealthy propagating malware

Infamous recent cyber attacks on businesses and governments have demonstrated that even the best contemporary security systems can not prevent well-resourced adversaries from infiltrating their networks and gaining access to sensitive information. Stealthy malware can spread through a network undetected by utilizing zero-day exploits to propagate and hiding malicious behavior in normal activity, potentially doing significant damage before exploited vulnerabilities can be identified or patches developed. In this work, we consider a scenario in which an attacker deploys propagating malware enabling the exfiltration of data from infected devices, and a defender deploys detection and recovery mechanisms designed to control malware spread while obeying network-wide resource constraints. We use a stochastic model to represent changes in the state of the network and analytically derive an upper bound on the total rate at which an optimal attacker can exfiltrate data from the network, expressed in terms of several network parameters, when the detection rate is proportional to the outgoing data rate at each infected device. Our results can help inform cybersecurity decision-makers in judiciously allocating resources to manage risk.
OSTEOPOROSIS DRUGS MARKETED IN THE UNITED STATES: GENERIC COMPETITION, PRICING STRUCTURE, AND DISPERSION AMONG PAYERS.

Background: Despite the cost of pharmaceuticals, studies assessing prices of osteoporosis drugs are lacking. This study examined trends in prices of osteoporosis drugs in the United States in the period 1988–2014, assessed pricing structure of osteoporosis drugs, and evaluated price trends before and after generic drugs market entry. Methods: Data were derived from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the RedBook, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and the Federal Supply Schedule (FSS). Descriptive statistics and segmented linear regression analyses were performed. Results: In the period 1988–2014, osteoporosis drug prices increased faster than the inflation. The average wholesale price (AWP) of generic products at market entry represented 90 percent of the AWP for the corresponding brand. Prices of brand products continued to increase after generic entry. Drug prices showed a significant variation when compared with the brand AWP. The brand wholesale acquisition cost (WAC) was typically set at 83.3 percent of the AWP. Community pharmacies acquired osteoporosis brand drugs at a median of 80.5 percent of the brand AWP. Significant reductions in brand AWP were observed for Medicare Part B (78.5 percent of the brand AWP), generic National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (33.7 percent), and FSS (22.5 percent). Conclusions: There are significant differences in the manufacturer prices, pharmacy acquisition costs and reimbursement rates of osteoporosis drugs. Pharmaceutical companies listed prices are higher than the pharmacy actual estimated acquisitions costs, and the prices used for reimbursement to providers. Generic drugs entry significantly drives down prices; still, prices of branded drugs facing generic competition continued to increase after generic market entry.
Stream-dependent development of higher visual cortical areas

Multiple cortical areas contribute to visual processing in mice. However, the functional organization and development of higher visual areas are unclear. Here we used intrinsic signal optical imaging and two-photon calcium imaging to map visual responses in adult and developing mice. We found that visually driven activity was well correlated among higher visual areas within two distinct subnetworks resembling the dorsal and ventral visual streams. Visual response magnitude in dorsal stream areas slowly increased over the first 2 weeks of visual experience. By contrast, ventral stream areas exhibited strong responses shortly after eye opening. Neurons in a dorsal stream area showed little change in their tuning sharpness to oriented gratings while those in a ventral stream area increased stimulus selectivity and expanded their receptive fields significantly. Together, these findings provide a functional basis for grouping subnetworks of mouse visual areas and revealed stream differences in the development of receptive field properties.
Managing Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) – Lessons from the Delta Model

Most of what we have discussed in this book applies without much adaptation to any kind of organization. After all, every firm, regardless of its nature and specific circumstances, has customers and competencies – the two pillars of the Delta Model. However, there are two types of organizations that, because of their importance and singularity, deserve special attention. They are the small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the not-for-profit organizations (NFPs). We will devote the next two chapters to the analysis of these institutions, examining what lessons can be derived if we approach them from the perspective of the Delta Model.
Use of selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitors and platelet aggregation inhibitors among individuals with co-occurring atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and depression or anxiety:

Objective:Medications commonly used to treat heart disease, anxiety, and depression can interact resulting in an increased risk of bleeding, warranting a cautious approach in medical decision makin...
Immigrant Enclaves and Inadequate Prenatal Care among Mexican-origin Mothers

Objectives This study is an investigation of the relationships between residing in different types of ethnic enclave neighborhoods and inadequate use of prenatal care among Mexican-origin mothers. Methods A unique dataset was created using National Center for Health Statistics 2008 restricted-use detailed natality files, the 2005-2009 American Community Survey, and the Department of Health and Human Services Area Resource file. Hierarchical modeling was used. Results Mexican-origin mothers' residential contexts are associated with the inadequacy of their prenatal care utilization beyond their individual characteristics. Specifically, residing in Mexican immigrant enclaves is associated with increased odds of having inadequate use of prenatal care. In contrast, residing in other types of ethnic enclaves (Mexican/Hispanic ethnic enclaves) and non-Hispanic white neighborhoods is associated with decreased odds of having inadequate utilization of prenatal care even after the inclusion of contextual-level controls for individual characteristics, neighborhood socioeconomic status, and the availability of healthcare infrastructure resources. Conclusions Residing in immigrant enclaves is important for understanding the inadequacy of prenatal care utilization for Mexican-origin mothers. These findings have policy implications for designing place-based programs to target certain residential contexts where women are at greater risk of having inadequate use of prenatal care.
Bringing Rigor to the Use of Evidence in Policy Making: Translating Early Evidence

Beyond the evidence provided by randomized controlled trials, there is a need for supplementing and contextualizing efficacy findings through early evidence. This may include evidence of program costs, quality implementation processes, and impact of programs on different groups. This article considers the Quality and Impact of Component Evidence Assessment and other exemplary efforts for translating early evidence for policy making within a common framework. This framework includes processes for strategic review, development of guiding standards on the quality of evidence, and active communication with policy makers.
From the Thymus to the Mucosa: A Three-Decade Journey

It was a great privilege for me to serve on the American Association of Immunologists (AAI) Council and to be President of the AAI during the 2015–16 cycle. I particularly appreciate this opportunity to reminisce a bit about how my early interest in immunology led to the studies in which my
Switchable and tunable band stop filter

In this paper, we present the design and fabrication of switchable and tunable thin film bulk acoustic wave resonator (FBAR) and stop band filter based on Barium Strontium Titanate (Ba .07 Sr 0.3 TiO 3 ) deposited by metalorganic decomposition method (MOD). FBAR filter was implemented using an acoustic Bragg reflector of alternating high impedance tantalum oxide and low impedance silicon dioxide layers. Filter consist of four FBARs, two series and two parallel. Without dc voltage, there is no frequency switching with high insertion loss. With applied dc bias (10 V) to the four resonator, the filter has exhibited stop band response with center at frequency 4.76 GHz with 13.5 dB insertion loss.
Treatment Selection in Depression

Mental health researchers and clinicians have long sought answers to the question "What works for whom?" The goal of precision medicine is to provide evidence-based answers to this question. Treatment selection in depression aims to help each individual receive the treatment, among the available options, that is most likely to lead to a positive outcome for them. Although patient variables that are predictive of response to treatment have been identified, this knowledge has not yet translated into real-world treatment recommendations. The Personalized Advantage Index (PAI) and related approaches combine information obtained prior to the initiation of treatment into multivariable prediction models that can generate individualized predictions to help clinicians and patients select the right treatment. With increasing availability of advanced statistical modeling approaches, as well as novel predictive variables and big data, treatment selection models promise to contribute to improved outcomes in depression.
Reporting to parents on children's exposures to asthma triggers in low-income and public housing, an interview-based case study of ethics, environmental literacy, individual action, and public health benefits.

Emerging evidence about the effects of endocrine disruptors on asthma symptoms suggests new opportunities to reduce asthma by changing personal environments. Right-to-know ethics supports returning personal results for these chemicals to participants, so they can make decisions to reduce exposures. Yet researchers and institutional review boards have been reluctant to approve results reports in low-income communities, which are disproportionately affected by asthma. Concerns include limited literacy, lack of resources to reduce exposures, co-occurring stressors, and lack of models for effective reporting. To better understand the ethical and public health implications of returning personal results in low-income communities, we investigated parents’ experiences of learning their children’s environmental chemical and biomonitoring results in the Green Housing Study of asthma. The Green Housing Study measured indoor chemical exposures, allergens, and children’s asthma symptoms in “green”-renovated public housing and control sites in metro-Boston and Cincinnati in 2011–2013. We developed reports for parents of children in the study, including results for their child and community. We observed community meetings where results were reported, and metro-Boston residents participated in semi-structured interviews in 2015 about their report-back experience. Interviews were systematically coded and analyzed. Report-back was positively received, contributed to greater understanding, built trust between researchers and participants, and facilitated action to improve health. Sampling visits and community meetings also contributed to creating a positive study experience for participants. Participants were able to make changes in their homes, such as altering product use and habits that may reduce asthma symptoms, though some faced roadblocks from family members. Participants also gained access to medical resources, though some felt that clinicians were not responsive. Participants wanted larger scale change from government or industry and wanted researchers to leverage study results to achieve change. Report-back on environmental chemical exposures in low-income communities can enhance research benefits by engaging residents with personally relevant information that informs and motivates actions to reduce exposure to asthma triggers. Ethical practices in research should support deliberative report-back in vulnerable communities.
Dual-Diagnosis Empirical and Developmental-Humanistic Approaches

The association between alcohol and/or drug dependence and major psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia has received increased attention from the professional community. Terms such as “dual diagnosis” used to designate these clinical occurrences have become common, reflecting the interest mentioned. This chapter reviews the prevalence of the association between substance abuse and psychiatric disorder, the nature of the interactions observed, and some of the implications for patient care and health policy. Following this empirical perspective, we present a developmental-humanistic approach that has been used in the psychotherapeutic management of these problems. Our review of information on dual diagnosis suggests that the association between the two processes—substance abuse and psychiatric disorder—is not fortuitous or just the result of environmental conditions. There are complex physiopathological links at the neurobiological level that deserve research attention.