cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of a serotonin transporter (SERT) PET radiotracer: MeOHOMADAM

1823 Objectives Implication of SERT in neuropsychiatric disorders is well reported. [11C]N,N-dimethyl-2-(2’-amino-4’-hydroxy-methyl-phenylthio)-benzylamine ([11C]HOMADAM, [11C]1) has been successfully used to image humans using positron emission tomography (PET). It showed impressive kinetics and signal to background ratios. [11C]2, [11C]3, and [11C]4 (with a 5-halogen) have been developed to study the influence of a ring B substituent on HOMADAM SERT binding affinity. To further explore HOMADAM structure, [11C]N,N-dimethyl-2-(2’-amino-4’-hydroxymethylphenylthio)-5-methoxy-benzylamine ([11C]MeOHOMADAM, [11C]5) was evaluated in monkeys by microPET. [Image] Methods 5 synthesis started by coupling 2-bromo-5-acetoxy-nitrobenzene and 2-mercapto-5-methoxybenzoic acid. In vitro competition assays were performed in cells expressing human SERT, DAT and NET. [11C]5 was prepared by 11C methylation of 6 with 11CH3I in a solution of 0.1 M Bu4NOH in DMF. [11C]5 uptake and kinetics in brain regions of interest were determined in anesthetized cynomolgus monkeys using a MicroPET Focus 220 scanner. Results 5 exhibited high affinity and selectivity for the SERT (Ki = 0.86 nM) over the DAT (Ki > 2000 nM) and NET (Ki = 149 nM). After HPLC purification, [11C]5 was obtained in 36% radiochemical yield and radiochemical purity > 99% after 60 min from end of bombardment. [11C]5 microPET images showed high uptake in the hypothalamus, pons, midbrain, thalamus (Thal), putamen (Put), caudate (Caud), occipital (Occip Cx) and frontal cortexes with tissue to cerebellum ratios of 2.06, 1.86, 1.88, 1.87, 1.79, 1.50, 1.16 and 1.30 respectively at 45 min post-injection, comparing to 3.60 (midbrain), 2.76 (pons), 2.28 (Thal), 1.92 (Put), 1.91 (Caud), and 1.40 (Occip Cx) for [11C]1 at the same time point. A state of quasi-equilibrium was established between 25-35 min after [11C]5 injection while [11C]1 reached equilibrium around 25 min post-injection. Conclusions These preliminary results suggest that MeOHOMADAM did not replicate the prototypical kinetic behavior of [11C]1 to be translated to human imaging. Research Support Research supported by Award Number K01MH090278 from NIMH/NIH.
P-023 computational modeling of postoperative flow and thrombosis in cerebral aneurysms

Introduction Giant intracranial aneurysms present a danger of hemorrhage, mass effect, and thromboembolism. Fusiform or wide-necked aneurysms not amenable to clipping or coiling can be sometimes treated by indirect trapping or by deployment of a flow-diverter device. Such interventions are aimed at reducing the flow through the aneurysm in the hope that this would inhibit its progression. Patient-specific computational models based on medical imaging data can predict postoperative flow fields resulting from alternative interventional options and thus may help avoid complications related to thrombotic occlusion of distal arteries emanating from the aneurysmal vessel. Methods Contrast-enhanced MR angiography data acquired prior to intervention were used to generate computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models of the preoperative geometries. The inflow conditions were measured in the proximal arteries with 2D phase-contrast MRI. Preoperative flow computations were validated in comparison to in vivo 4D Flow MRI measurements, providing time-resolved flow fields. The models were modified according to the proposed interventions, e.g. clipping of proximal or distal vessels and adding bypasses, or deploying flow-diverter devices. Postoperative flows were computed and used to simulate transport of a virtual contrast agent. This allowed evaluation of the changes in filling and washout times caused by different interventions. Results We illustrate this approach with retrospective analyzes of two intracranial aneurysms. In the first case, a fusiform basilar aneurysm was treated by placing a clip across the superior cerebellar arteries, leaving one SCA attached to the basilar apex and the other to the basilar trunk. A bypass was performed to supply the basilar apex from the anterior circulation. The CFD model showed that this intervention would result in substantial increase of the flow residence time in the distal basilar trunk (Figure 1). This indicated a high likelihood of pontine perforators thrombosis, which was observed following the procedure. In the second case, a giant internal carotid aneurysm was treated by placing a flow-diverter. The image-based computational model incorporated the device modeled as a porous tube. The flow field predicted with CFD (Figure 2a) is in agreement with that measured postoperatively with 4D Flow MRI (Figure 2b) and show a region of slow, recirculating flow with increased washout time which will facilitate thrombotic occlusion of the lesion. Conclusions The study indicates that computational models constructed from medical imaging data can be used to predict postoperative flow in cerebral aneurysms. This information, available prior to intervention, may help improve the outcome of surgical procedures. Disclosures V. Rayz: 1; C; NHLBI R01 HL115267. O. Zaidat: None. V. Halbach: None. D. Saloner: None. M. Lawton: None.
Student ability to distinguish between superposition states and mixed states in quantum mechanics

Interactive lecture tutorials can help sophomore physics students understand of the difference between superposition states and mixed states that is needed for more advanced quantum mechanics classes.
Unraveling the etiology of ovarian cancer racial disparity in the deep south: Is it nature or nurture?

Abstract Background Our objective was to evaluate racial treatment and survival disparities in black women with ovarian cancer in the Deep South and to determine how environmental factors / socioeconomic status (SES) influence survival. Methods A retrospective study of ovarian cancer patients from 2007 to 2014 was performed. Socioeconomic status (SES) was obtained though U.S. Census block data and compared using Yost scores. Comparisons were performed using standard statistical approaches. Results A total of 393 patients were evaluated, 325 (83%) white and 68 (17%) black. Demographic information and surgical approach were similar in each racial group. However, compared to whites, black patients had lower rates of optimal debulking [89% vs. 71%, respectively ( p =0.001)] and intraperitoneal chemotherapy (19% vs. 11%, p =0.01). Black women had lower SES parameters including education, income, and poverty. As a result, more black patients had the lowest SES (SES-1) when compared to white patients (17% vs. 41%, p p =0.003) and overall survival (42 vs. 88months, p Conclusions Despite controlling for clinical and environmental factors, a survival disadvantage was still observed in black patients with ovarian cancer in the Deep South. Black women had lower optimal debulking rates and more platinum resistant disease. These data suggest other factors like tumor biology may play a role in racial survival differences, however, more research is needed to determine this causation.
Plasticity in Dopamine Neurons

Dopamine (DA) neurons in the ventral midbrain can act as a point of convergence for information arriving from various glutamate and GABA afferents. The synaptic inputs from these afferents to midbrain DA neurons undergo various forms of plasticity. Both excitatory and inhibitory afferents can undergo different forms of long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) in response to different experiences such as stress and exposure to drugs, and similar plasticity can be induced in vitro to selectively change currents mediated by AMPA, NMDA, GABA, and DA receptors. Plasticity can also be induced by specific afferents without eliciting changes in other afferents onto the same neuron. This input-specific synaptic plasticity in DA neurons could work with changes in intrinsic plasticity on different dendrites for local coincidence detection. Plasticity in midbrain DA neurons may underlie the association of cues and rewards, which would require the integration of information from separate sources (eg, sensory, motor, cognitive).
Statistically informed static pressure control in multiple-zone VAV systems

Abstract The proliferation of Building Automation Systems (BAS) has enabled the development of and use of more complex algorithms for controlling HVAC systems and increase energy efficiency in commercial buildings. One such complex algorithm, static pressure reset, which is associated with minimization of the static pressure in the supply air duct at all times while still maintaining zonal comfort—is a proven low cost means to reduce fan power consumption in Variable Air Volume (VAV) systems. Here we explore the possibility of utilizing historical BAS data to estimate annual energy savings from static pressure reset in any facility. The approach employed first establishes a statistical relationship between the effective system loss coefficient as a function of the mean VAV damper position using the measured duct static pressure, VAV damper positions and airflows. Observed is that the system loss coefficient decreases with an increase in mean VAV damper position. Thus, the desired control algorithm for minimizing fan power should seek to maximize the individual VAV damper positions needed for comfort. However, for a given duct static pressure, control sensitivity is diminished as more dampers are opened fully. Application of Static Pressure Reset in a number of buildings reveals that there is a maximum number of zonal dampers that can be fully opened before control robustness diminishes. In this condition, any additional increase in damper position has little effect on the system and zonal flowrates. If more flow is required, the static pressure must be increased. In this context, given the system loss relationship with mean damper position and the estimated maximum number of dampers that can be opened, the potential increase in the mean damper position to a value achievable if the maximum number of dampers are opened can be estimated at all times in the study period. This permits estimation of the minimal static pressure required. Savings can be estimated for the historical conditions based upon comparison of the predicted fan power based upon the optimal static pressure with the actual fan power. This methodology was tested on three different buildings with varying system characteristics. Savings estimates correlated well to the savings actually realized from static pressure reset. This result has significant implications for energy service providers, who could use the predictions to guarantee savings from static pressure reset.
Perspectives of Occupational Therapists on the Challenges of Early Intervention Practice: A Pilot Study.

ABSTRACTOccupational therapists in the field of early intervention (EI) are challenged with limited opportunities for communication and collaboration with colleagues and other EI team members. One hundred and two occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants with early intervention experience completed a descriptive survey. Questions on the survey pertained to the challenges in early intervention practice and proposed solutions to these challenges. According to the study, 39.74% of respondents reported that communication is the greatest challenge in EI. Descriptive data was summarized and coded for themes pertaining to challenges and proposed solutions.
Vaccine-Related Encephalopathy Rediagnosed as Dravet Syndrome

Five patients with a history of seizures in the first year of life, occurring within 24 hours of DPT vaccination, were subsequently tested positive for SCN1A, and with support of genetic testing were diagnosed with Dravet syndrome, in a report from San Antonio Military Medical Center; Northwestern University School of Medicine, Children's Memorial Epilepsy Center, Chicago; Baylor College of Medicine, and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX.
Integrating Spiritual Care into Palliative Consultation: A Case Study in Expanded Practice

Recognizing and addressing spiritual needs has long been identified as a key component of palliative care (PC). More often than not, the provision of spiritual care involves referral to a hospital chaplain. In this study, we aim to describe the role of a PC chaplain embedded within the interdisciplinary PC team and demonstrate how this palliative chaplain role differs from that of a traditional hospital chaplain. We postulate that integrating spiritual care provision into a PC team may offer a broader spiritual care experience for patients receiving PC and begin to delineate expanded clinical roles for the palliative chaplain.
An Early Warning Method for Safety-Critical Software Development

Abstract Measurement and specification are important aspects of the ‘classical’ engineering disciplines, so why not software engineering? This question is particularly pertinent when considering the development of safety-critical systems. This paper describes a technique which, via the use of specification, measurement and basic statistics, can provide the project manager with a useful aid for controlling such complex and costly developments. The concept of an early warning method is proposed.
Stacking approach for CNN transfer learning ensemble for remote sensing imagery

In this paper we propose a stacking approach for Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) transfer learning ensemble for remote sensing imagery, in particular for the task of scene classification. We propose to use a combination of features produced by an ensemble of CNNs as one feature vector for classification. At the same time the original data set can be processed with different up-sampling and image enhancement methods and then used to obtain more features from pretrained networks. We investigate both fine-tuning and non fine-tuning approaches for transfer learning. We have selected Brazilian Coffee Scenes data set as a benchmark to measure the classification accuracy. Proposed method in case of a non fine-tuned model shows 89.18% classification accuracy. For a fine-tuned model the best classification rate is 96.11%. We analyzed how networks that have appeared recently (VGG-19 and SqueezeNet), can be applied to the task of transfer learning for remote sensing. Also we describe a method of decreasing processing time and memory consumption while preserving classification accuracy by using feature selection based on feature importance.
Abstract #SY14-2: What can we learn about self renewal and drug resistance from the isolation of epithelial tumor stem cells?

Most common cancers, such as cancers of the breast and colon, arise in organs such as the breast that contain a small population of stem cells that constantly replenish the mature cells of the tissue. Stem cells are defined by the ability to divide and give rise to a new stem cell (self-renewal), as well as the ability to give rise to the differentiated cells of an organ, and thus are the only long-lived cell population in many tissues[1]. Epithelial tumors consist of a heterogeneous population of cancer cells that differ in their apparent state of differentiation, suggesting that solid tumors might represent aberrant organs containing a cancer stem cell population that maintains the ability to self-renew. Indeed, using a xenograft model of human breast, colon and head and neck cancers, a phenotypically-distinct subset of the cancer cells (cancer stem cells) has been found to have the exclusive ability to form tumors[2-4]. The remaining cancer cells, which often form the bulk of the tumor, are unable to self-renew or sustain tumorigenesis. Recently, it has become apparent that some oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes also regulate self-renewal, the process by which both normal and malignant stem cells maintain themselves. The process of self-renewal is de-regulated in cancer stem cells resulting in tumor formation. Extensive molecular and cellular analyses of normal and malignant mouse and human breast, head and neck, and colon stem cells will be discussed[5, 6]. These analyses have revealed new pathways that regulate self renewal as well as resistance to cytotoxic therapies in normal and cancer stem cells. 1.%9Akala, O.O. and M.F. Clarke, Hematopoietic stem cell self-renewal. Curr Opin Genet Dev, 2006. 16(5): p. 496-501. 2.%9Al-Hajj, M., et al., Prospective identification of tumorigenic breast cancer cells. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 2003. 100(7): p. 3983-8. 3.%9Prince, M.E., et al., Identification of a subpopulation of cells with cancer stem cell properties in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 2007. 104(3): p. 973-8. 4.%9Dalerba, P., et al., Phenotypic characterization of human colorectal cancer stem cells. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 2007. 104(24): p. 10158-63. 5.%9Cho, R.W., et al., Isolation and Molecular Characterization of Cancer Stem Cells in MMTV-Wnt-1 Murine Breast Tumors. Stem Cells, 2007. 6.%9Liu, R., et al., The Prognostic Role of a Gene Signature from Tumorigenic Breast-Cancer Cells. N Engl J Med, 2007. 356(3): p. 217-226. Citation Information: In: Proc Am Assoc Cancer Res; 2009 Apr 18-22; Denver, CO. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; 2009. Abstract nr SY14-2.
Metabolism of cortisone-4-14C by rat lung tissue

Abstract The metabolism of cortisone-4- 14 C has been studied in male rat lung tissue preparations. Data indicate the presence of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, Δ 4 -5α-reductase, 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and 20α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity in this tissue. Metabolites identified were hydrocortisone, 17α, 20α, 21-trihydroxy-4-pregnene-3, 11-dione and 3α, 17α, 21-trihydroxy-5α-pregnan-11,20-dione.
Religious Identity, Expression, and Civility in Social Media: Results of Data Mining Latter-Day Saint Twitter Accounts

This study explores religious self-identification, religious expression, and civility among projected Latter-Day Saint Twitter accounts (201,107 accounts and 1,542,229 tweets). Novel methods of data collection and analysis were utilized to test hypotheses related to religious identity and civility against social media data at a large scale. Results indicated that (1) projected LDS Twitter accounts tended to represent authentic (rather than anonymous or pseudonymous) identities; (2) local minority versus majority status did not influence users’ willingness to religiously self-identify; (3) isolation stigma did not occur when users religiously self-identified; (4) participants exhibited much lower degrees of incivility than was anticipated from previous studies; and (5) religious self-identification was connected to improved civility. Results should be of interest to scholars of religion for better understanding participation patterns and religious identity among Latter-Day Saints and for exploring how these results may transfer to other groups of religious people.
Determination of 16 Kinds of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Atmospheric Fine Particles by Accelerated Solvent Extraction Coupled with High Performance Liquid Chromatography

Abstract A method for determination of 16 kinds of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in atmospheric fine particles (PM2.5) was developed based on accelerated solvent extraction-direct injection coupled with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). PM2.5 sample was collected by glass fiber membrane filter and pretreated with acetonitrile by accelerated solvent extraction. The extract was separated by ZORBAX Eclipse PAH column with acetonitrile and water as mobile phase, and then detected by ultraviolet and fluorescence detectors. The result showed that the 16 kinds of PAHs were well extracted, separated and detected with good linear relationships (r = 0.9998) in the concentration range of 0.025-5.00 μg mL−1. The recoveries were from 78.3% to 113.2%. The relative standard deviations ranged from 0.5% to 9.5%. The detection limits were 0.007-0.062 ng m−3. The method was simple, rapid, accurate and sensitive, and suitable for the simultaneous determination of 16 kinds of PAHS in PM2.5.
The Rab-effector protein RABEP2 regulates endosomal trafficking to mediate vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR2)-dependent signaling

As a master regulator of endothelial cell function, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR2) activates multiple downstream signaling pathways that are critical for vascular development and normal vessel function. VEGFR2 trafficking through various endosomal compartments modulates its signaling output. Accordingly, proteins that regulate the speed and direction by which VEGFR2 traffics through endosomes have been demonstrated to be particularly important for arteriogenesis. However, little is known about how these proteins control VEGFR2 trafficking and about the implications of this control for endothelial cell function. Here, we show that Rab GTPase–binding effector protein 2 (RABEP2), a Rab-effector protein implicated in arteriogenesis, modulates VEGFR2 trafficking. By employing high-resolution microscopy and biochemical assays, we demonstrate that RABEP2 interacts with the small GTPase Rab4 and regulates VEGFR2 endosomal trafficking to maintain cell-surface expression of VEGFR2 and VEGF signaling. Lack of RABEP2 also led to prolonged retention of VEGFR2 in Rab5-positive sorting endosomes, which increased VEGFR2's exposure to phosphotyrosine phosphatase 1b (PTP1b), causing diminished VEGFR2 signaling. Finally, the loss of RABEP2 increased VEGFR2 degradation by diverting VEGFR2 to Rab7-positive endosomes destined for the lysosome. These results implicate RABEP2 as a key modulator of VEGFR2 endosomal trafficking, and demonstrate the importance of RABEP2 and Rab4 for VEGFR2 signaling in endothelial cells.
Risk assessment in e-commerce: How sellers' photos, reputation scores, and the stake of a transaction influence buyers' purchase behavior and information processing

Abstract Guided by Nickel's (2009) model of risk assessment and the literature on facial trustworthiness, this study investigates how the stake of a transaction interacts with information on buyers' profiles in influencing buyers' purchase decisions and information processing. Participants played buyers in a trust game and made purchase decisions based on a series of seller profiles while their eye movements on the stimuli were recorded. Results revealed that the three factors examined exerted influences on buyers' decision-making in a hierarchical fashion: Sellers' reputation exerted a primary influence on buyers' decision-making, followed by sellers' profile photos, which is further followed by the stake of a transaction. The results confirm Nickel's (2009) model of risk assessment and inform e-marketing strategies in terms of building consumers' trust.
Disability or Language Difference: How Do We Decide?

Increased globalization has resulted in increased attendance of language minority students in schools worldwide. These language differences confound efforts to identify students with disabilities. This case study provides a hypothetical example of interaction between language, social, and academic difficulties in determining existence of a disability and planning appropriate academic programming for a recently immigrated elementary school student named Filipe. Users of this case must analyze and synthesize cultural, behavioral, academic, and linguistic information as well as apply knowledge of legal requirements and best practices to determine an appropriate course of action for Felipe. This case study clarifies the need for additional research regarding how to distinguish between presence of a disability and normal challenges of adapting to a new language and culture in academic settings.
Using the Galileo Solid-State Imaging Instrument as a Sensor of Jovian Energetic Electrons

We develop a technique to quantitatively characterize the high-energy electron environment using the Galileo spacecraft solid-state imaging (SSI) instrument and results from 3-D Monte Carlo particle transport simulations in Geant4, validating our findings with the Galileo energetic particle detector (EPD). We postprocess raw SSI images to obtain frames with only the radiation contribution. The camera settings (gain state, filter, and so on) are used to compute the intensity of the observed radiation hits. Simulating the response of the SSI instrument to mono-energetic electron environments, we find that the SSI is capable of detecting ≥10-MeV electrons (>90% of 11-MeV integral flux channel. We find agreement within $3\sigma $ of the EPD data for 43 out of 43 (100%) of the SSI images evaluated. 62% of fluxes are also within $1\sigma $ of the EPD data. This approach can be applied to other sets of imaging data (star trackers) in energetic electron environments, such as those found in geostationary Earth orbit.
FTS - NASA's first dexterous telerobot

NASA development and use of the Space Station Flight Telerobotic Servicer (SSFTS) is described. The SSFTS is a robotic device that combines the capability to be teleoperated (operates under the constant command of a human operator) and to be autonomous (performs mostly by itself but under the supervision of a human operator). Plans call for the SSFTS to assist the astronauts in the assembly, maintenance, servicing, and inspection of Space Station Freedom. The project forms the basis for combining teleoperational and robotics technologies and for rapidly applying the evolving technologies to government and commercial ventures in space and on earth.
Serotonin 5-HT2A receptor activation potently inhibits TNF-α mediated inflammation in vivo, and blocks the development of asthma

Here, we show that activation of serotonin 5-HT2A receptors has potent anti-inflammatory effects in whole animal models of inflammation. Systemic administration of the 5-HT2A agonist, R-DOI, potent...
Percent Plan Admissions: Their Strengths and Challenges in Furthering an Equity Agenda

United States has a history of discrimination against non-whites. Colleges and universities have played an important role against segregation and promoting equal opportunities. Within these actions, this article highlights the case of experiments in admissions to college in Texas, California and Florida, through percent plans that offer an alternative “race-neutral”. This paper seeks to serve four purposes. First, it provides a broad overview of the college choice and admissions processes as well as the most commonly considered “race-neutral” strategies. Next, it provides a detailed description of the three percent plan policies in place in the United States, noting the similarities and, importantly, the distinctions between and among them. Third, it summarizes the empirical literature produced over more than a decade describing the effectiveness of these percent plans on various outcomes of interest. Finally, in the context of that research base, the paper reflects on the strengths and challenges of a percent plan in furthering an equity agenda.
Benzodiazepine Prevention of Swim Stress-Induced Sensitization of Cortical Biogenic Amines: An in Vivo Microdialysis Study

In vivo microdialysis was used to determine the effect of diazepam, flumazenil and FG-7142 upon the biogenic amine response to acute and repeated swim stress in the medial prefrontal cortex of the rat. Acute swim stress increased norepinephrine levels, although dopamine and serotonin levels remained stable. Upon re-exposure to swim stress twenty-four hours later, sustained increases (200–300% of baseline) in all three biogenic amines were detected. This enhanced response to re-stress was not seen in rats pretreated with either a benzodiazepine agonist (diazepam, 2 mg/kg), an antagonist (flumazenil, 10 mg/kg), or an inverse agonist (FG-7142, 10 mg/kg) given prior to the first swim stress. Therefore, the sensitization of biogenic amine response to re-stress may be prevented by compounds which differ in their activity at the benzodiazepine receptor.
Induction chemoradiotherapy for esophageal cancer: Comparing CROSS regimen with cisplatin/5-FU.

4070Background: While trimodal therapy with neoadjuvant carboplatin/paclitaxel (CP) has demonstrated superiority over surgery alone for treatment of locally advanced esophageal cancer (LAEC), its s...
Degree sum and graph linkage with prescribed path lengths

Abstract Given a fixed graph H , we provide a sharp degree-sum condition such that if a graph G is sufficiently large with sufficiently large minimum degree sum, then it contains a spanning H -subdivision in which the ground vertices and lengths of the corresponding edge paths are specified.
A Three-Dimensional Atom Probe Microscope Incorporating a Wavelength-Tuneable Femtosecond-Pulsed Coherent Extreme Ultraviolet Light Source

Pulsed coherent extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiation is a potential alternative to pulsed near-ultraviolet (NUV) wavelengths for atom probe tomography. EUV radiation has the benefit of high absorption within the first few nm of the sample surface for elements across the entire periodic table. In addition, EUV radiation may also offer athermal field ion emission pathways through direct photoionization or core-hole Auger decay processes, which are not possible with the (much lower) photon energies used in conventional NUV laser-pulsed atom probe. We report preliminary results from what we believe to be the world’s first EUV radiation-pulsed atom probe microscope. The instrument consists of a femtosecond-pulsed, coherent EUV radiation source interfaced to a local electrode atom probe tomograph by means of a vacuum manifold beamline. EUV photon-assisted field ion emission (of substrate atoms) has been demonstrated on various insulating, semiconducting, and metallic specimens. Select examples are shown.
Spatial Distribution of Lycorma delicatula (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae) Egg Masses on Tree-of-Heaven, Black Walnut, and Siberian Elm in North America

The spatial distribution of Lycorma delicatula (White) egg masses on three species of trees were studied in Pennsylvania. Five tree-of-heaven, five black walnut, and one Siberian elm trees were felled in early spring 2019 to sample for egg masses. Each egg mass was marked for its cardinal direction, position in the tree, height above ground, and spread from the bole. A total of 214 egg masses were found on tree-of-heaven and black walnut, with 38.3, 29.4, 22.0, and 10.3% on the north, west, south, and east quadrant, respectively. No significant difference in cardinal direction was found for either species. Equal number of egg masses were found on branches and boles on tree-of-heaven. However, significantly more egg masses were found on branches (96.5%) compared to boles (3.5%) on black walnut. Egg masses were laid at 0.30-12.92 and 0.70-17.00 m above ground, with most on boles/higher branches and middle/lower branches for tree-of-heaven and black walnut, respectively. Significant effect of height above ground was found for black walnut, with more egg masses found at 4-6 m compared to 0-2, 12-14, and 14-16 m. Significant effect of spread from the bole was found for tree-of-heaven, with more egg masses found at 0-2 m compared to 2-4 and 4-6 m. The 24 egg masses on the Siberian elm were mostly found on east quadrant branches 0-2 m above ground and within 2 m from the bole. Variation in tree branching patterns and difference in egg mass distribution of other forest pests were discussed.
Force-and-Motion Constrained Planning for Tool Use

The use of hand tools presents a challenge for robot manipulation in part because it calls for motions requiring continuous force application over a whole trajectory, usually involving large joint-angle excursions. The feasible application of a tool, such as pulling a nail with a hammer claw, requires careful coordination of the choice of grasp and joint trajectories to ensure kinematic and force limits are not exceeded - in the grasp as well as the robot mechanism. In this paper, we formulate this type of problem as choosing the values of decision variables in the presence of various constraints. We evaluate the impact of the various constraints in some representative instances of tool use. To aid others in further investigating this class of problems, we have released materials such as printable tool models and experimental data. We hope that these can serve as the basis of a benchmark problem for investigating tasks that involve many kinematic, actuation, friction, and environment constraints.
MoO3 Nanobelts Embedded Polypyrrole/SIS Copolymer Blends for Improved Electro-Mechanical Dual Applications.

This research endeavor aimed to develop thin film blends of polypyrrole (PPy) and poly (styrene-isoprene-styrene) (SIS) with MoO3 as a nanofiller for improved mechanical and electrical properties to widen its scope in the field of mechatronics. This study reports blends of polypyrrole (PPy) and poly (styrene-isoprene-styrene) (SIS) tri-block copolymer showing improved mechanical and electrical attributes while employing MoO3 nanobelts as nanofillers that additionally improves the abovementioned properties in the ensuing nanocomposites. The synthesis of PPy/SIS blends and MoO3/PPy/SIS nanocomposites was well corroborated with XRD, SEM, FTIR, and EDS analysis. Successful blending of PPy was yielded up to 15 w/w% PPy in SIS, as beyond this self-agglomeration of PPy was observed. The results showed a remarkable increase in the conductivity of insulating SIS copolymer from 1.5 × 10−6.1 to 0.343 Scm−1 and tensile strength up to 8.5 MPa with the 15 w/w% PPy/SIS blend. A further enhancement of the properties was recorded by embedding MoO3 nanobelts with varying concentrations of the nanofillers into 15 w/w% PPy/SIS blends. The mechanical strength of the polymeric nanocomposites was enhanced up to 11.4 MPa with an increase in conductivity up to 1.51 Scm−1 for 3 w/w% MoO3/PPy-SIS blends. The resultant product exhibited good potential for electro-mechanical dual applications.
The discursive construction of East Asian identities in an era of globalization and internationalization: the linguistic landscape of East Asian departments at a U.S. university

This study explores the linguistic landscape of the departments that teach East Asian languages and cultures in a university in the U.S. Midwest. By investigating promotional materials produced by ...
What can a Pandemic Teach Us about Competency Based Medical Education

Medical education is moving towards competency-based medical education (CBME) where learning and assessment are focused on predefined abilities and outcomes. While medical student and residency training have defined competencies and objectives that trainees need to achieve, training remains time -based. Students and residents graduate based on a preset length of training. The COVID -19 pandemic is disrupting educational and clinical environments and in some regions the workforce may not be adequate to respond to the needs of the community. This, therefore, presents an opportunity for the medical education community to reconsider time-based training and embrace a competency-based progression to accelerate entry into the workforce. This commentary discusses undergraduate and graduate medical education response to workforce pressures of COVID-19. On one hand, some medical schools are moving towards competency-based (early) graduation from medical school. On the other hand, residency programs have generally held to time -based completion of training. In the context of this clinical and educational disruption, there are two challenges to CBME progression of trainees. The first challenge is whether there is trust in competency-based assessment to permit time independent progression. The second involves a number of logistical issues to competency-based progression.
Multistage Model Predictive Control based on Data-Driven Distributionally Robust Optimization.

In this article, a novel distributionally robust optimization (DRO) based multistage model predictive control (MPC) framework is proposed to hedge against the uncertainty in control problems. Without a priori knowledge of the exact uncertainty distribution, an ambiguity set, constructed based on principal component analysis, incorporates the first-order moment information instead. A linear performance measure is chosen so that the worst-case expected problem can be exactly dualized by adopting the affine decision rule. By considering input and state constraints robustly with respect to a support set, which specifies the domain of the uncertainty, the DRO-based MPC model is developed as a robust optimization problem. The proposed framework is illustrated on a two-mass-spring system and results show the improved control performance compared to traditional control strategies.
A cohesin-independent mechanism modulates recombination activity along meiotic chromosomes

Meiotic chromosomes organize around a cohesin-dependent axial element, which promotes meiotic recombination and fertility. In the absence of cohesin, axial-element proteins instead accumulate in poorly understood genomic regions. Here, we show in S. cerevisiae that these regions are particularly enriched for axis proteins even on wild-type chromosomes and thus reflect a cohesin-independent recruitment mechanism. By contrast, other organizers of chromosome structure, including cohesin, condensin, and topoisomerases, are depleted from the same regions. This spatial patterning is observable before meiotic entry and therefore independent of meiotic recombination. Indeed, the regional density of gene-coding sequences is sufficient to predict a large fraction of cohesin-independent axis protein binding, suggesting that the gene-associated chromatin landscape plays a role in modulating axis protein deposition. The increased accumulation of axis proteins in these regions corresponds to a greater potential for initiation of recombination and progression to crossovers.
Predicting As $$_{x}$$x Se $$_{1-x}$$1-x Glass Transition Onset Temperature

The As–Se glass is a large subgroup in the class of chalcogenide glass, which is widely used in electronics and photonics. Glass transition onset temperature, $$T_{g}$$ , is an important thermal parameter that needs to be considered during manufacturing and practical applications. Numerous experimental and theoretical approaches have been conducted to investigate $$T_{g}$$ , but they tend to be resource-intensive and complicated. In this study, we develop the multivariate linear regression model to shed light on the relationship between physical attributes and As $$_{x}$$ Se $$_{1-x}$$ $$T_{g}$$ . The model is simple and highly accurate that contributes to fast estimations of $$T_{g}$$ .
Temporal patterns of Campylobacter contamination on chicken and their relationship to campylobacteriosis cases in the United States

The proportion of Campylobacter contaminated food and water samples collected by different surveillance systems often exhibit seasonal patterns. In addition, the incidence of foodborne campylobacteriosis also tends to exhibit strong seasonal patterns. Of the various product classes, the occurrence of Campylobacter contamination can be high on raw poultry products, and chicken is often thought to be one of the leading food vehicles for campylobacteriosis. Two different federal agencies in the United States collected samples of raw chicken products and tested them for the presence of Campylobacter. During the same time period, a consortium of federal and state agencies operated a nationwide surveillance system to monitor cases of campylobacteriosis in the United States. This study uses a common modeling approach to estimate trends and seasonal patterns in both the proportion of raw chicken product samples that test positive for Campylobacter and cases of campylobacteriosis. The results generally support the hypothesis of a weak seasonal increase in the proportion of Campylobacter positive chicken samples in the summer months, though the number of Campylobacter on test-positive samples is slightly lower during this time period. In contrast, campylobacteriosis cases exhibit a strong seasonal pattern that generally precedes increases in contaminated raw chicken. These results suggest that while contaminated chicken products may be responsible for a substantial number of campylobacteriosis cases, they are most likely not the primary driver of the seasonal pattern in human illness.
An Innovative Interdisciplinary Undergraduate Data Science Program: Pathways and Experience

The paper is part of the Difference Makers Track of FIE 2020.Many institutions of higher learning are in the process of defining and implementing Data Science programs. The emerging field is revolutionizing scientific discovery and many industries. Broad availability of data sets and emerging analytical techniques for their processing are changing our economies and societies. While there is a broad agreement about underlying principles in this new discipline, defining data science as a pedagogically independent discipline has proven to be a challenge.In this paper, we present the university-wide effort that led to the creation of a new undergraduate interdisciplinary Data Science program. In particular, we point to the critical role of inclusive pedagogical design and broadening participation criteria in program development. Current and projected job market data clearly indicate that data science programs need to expand traditional STEM workforce and attract students with varying backgrounds and degrees or preparation. Such a focus has led to a broad agreement across our campus regarding the new program and its curriculum.
Randomized approaches to accelerate MCMC algorithms for Bayesian inverse problems

Abstract Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) approaches are traditionally used for uncertainty quantification in inverse problems where the physics of the underlying sensor modality is described by a partial differential equation (PDE). However, the use of MCMC algorithms is prohibitively expensive in applications where each log-likelihood evaluation may require hundreds to thousands of PDE solves corresponding to multiple sensors; i.e., spatially distributed sources and receivers perhaps operating at different frequencies or wavelengths depending on the precise application. We show how to mitigate the computational cost of each log-likelihood evaluation by using several randomized techniques and embed these randomized approximations within MCMC algorithms. The resulting MCMC algorithms are computationally efficient methods for quantifying the uncertainty associated with the reconstructed parameters. We demonstrate the accuracy and computational benefits of our proposed algorithms on a model application from diffuse optical tomography where we invert for the spatial distribution of optical absorption.
Hypothesis Testing for Two Sample Comparison of Network Data

Network data is a major object data type that has been widely collected or derived from common sources such as brain imaging. Such data contains numeric, topological, and geometrical information, and may be necessarily considered in certain non-Euclidean space for appropriate statistical analysis. The development of statistical methodologies for network data is challenging and currently at its infancy; for instance, the non-Euclidean counterpart of basic two-sample tests for network data is scarce in literature. In this study, a novel framework is presented for two independent sample comparison of networks. Specifically, an approximation distance metric to quotient Euclidean distance is proposed, and then combined with network spectral distance to quantify the local and global dissimilarity of networks simultaneously. A permutational non-Euclidean analysis of variance is adapted to the proposed distance metric for the comparison of two independent groups of networks. Comprehensive simulation studies and real applications are conducted to demonstrate the superior performance of our method over other alternatives. The asymptotic properties of the proposed test are investigated and its high-dimensional extension is discussed as well.
Earthquake and Postearthquake Fire Testing of a Midrise Cold-Formed Steel-Framed Building. II: Shear Wall Behavior and Design Implications

AbstractComplementing a companion paper that summarizes the building global response and physical damage of a midrise cold-formed steel (CFS) framed building during an earthquake and postearthquake...
The postnatal leptin surge in mice is variable in both time and intensity and reflects nutritional status.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES The murine postnatal leptin surge occurs within the first 4 weeks of life and is critical for neuronal projection development within hypothalamic feeding circuits. Here we describe the influence of nutritional status on the timing and magnitude of the postnatal leptin surge in mice. METHODS Plasma leptin concentrations were measured 1-3 times per week for the first 4 weeks of life in C57BL/6J pups reared in litters adjusted to 3 (small), 7-8 (normal), or 11-12 (large) pups per dam fed breeder chow or raised in litters of 7-8 by dams fed high-fat diet (HFD) ad libitum starting either prior to conception or at parturition. RESULTS Mice raised in small litters become fatter than pups raised in either normal or large litters. The leptin surge in small litter pups starts earlier, lasts longer, and is dramatically larger in magnitude compared to normal litter pups, even when leptin concentrations are normalized to fat mass. In mice reared in large litters, weight gain is diminished and the surge is both significantly delayed and lower in magnitude compared to control pups. Pups reared by HFD-fed dams (starting preconception or at parturition) are fatter and have augmented leptin surge magnitude compared to pups suckled by chow-fed dams. Surge timing varies depending upon nutritional status of the pup; the source of the surge is primarily subcutaneous adipose tissue. At peak leptin surge, within each group, fat mass and plasma leptin are uncorrelated; in comparison with adults, pups overproduce leptin relative to fat mass. Plasma leptin elevation persists longer than previously described; at postnatal day 27 mice continue overproducing leptin relative to fat mass. CONCLUSIONS In mice, small litter size and maternal HFD feeding during the perinatal period augment the plasma leptin surge whereas large litter size is associated with a delayed surge of reduced magnitude.
Uncertainty shocks in a model with mean-variance frontiers and endogenous technology choices

Abstract This paper builds a model to show how increases in aggregate uncertainty – an uncertainty shock – can generate recessions. Uncertainty shocks in the model are able to both account for a significant portion of business cycle fluctuations observed in data and generate positive comovements between output, consumption, investment, and hours. The key assumption of the model is that firm managers endogenously choose what projects to undertake and that the menu of these projects lies on a positively sloped mean-variance frontier – high-return projects are also high-risk projects. In times of high aggregate uncertainty, managers choose to undertake low-risk projects, and thus low-return projects, which in turn leads to a recession. Moreover, the model also matches various stylized facts about time series and cross-sectional variations in TFP and suggests shortcomings in using TFP data to calculate exogenous TFP shocks.
Update of the Treatment Guidelines for Well-Differentiated Thyroid Cancer

The goals of clinical practice guidelines are to improve patient care by providing consensus on stage-specific therapies, reduce the use of unnecessary or harmful interventions, and to maximize the chance of treatment benefit at accepted societal costs. The American Thyroid Association (ATA) has published three prior versions of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) recommendation guidelines, and is set to release a fourth iteration in the upcoming year. The volume of research that has been performed in the field of thyroid cancer over the past decade has been immense. Therefore, in order to continue to maintain clinical excellence and state-of-the-art practice patterns, guidelines must be frequently updated and controversies perpetually reexamined. In this chapter, we discuss some relevant controversies and we examine some of the more significant updates in the treatment of well-differentiated thyroid cancer, as described by the ATA.