cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Opportunities and challenges in developing deep learning models using electronic health records data: a systematic review.

Objective To conduct a systematic review of deep learning models for electronic health record (EHR) data, and illustrate various deep learning architectures for analyzing different data sources and their target applications. We also highlight ongoing research and identify open challenges in building deep learning models of EHRs. Design/method We searched PubMed and Google Scholar for papers on deep learning studies using EHR data published between January 1, 2010, and January 31, 2018. We summarize them according to these axes: types of analytics tasks, types of deep learning model architectures, special challenges arising from health data and tasks and their potential solutions, as well as evaluation strategies. Results We surveyed and analyzed multiple aspects of the 98 articles we found and identified the following analytics tasks: disease detection/classification, sequential prediction of clinical events, concept embedding, data augmentation, and EHR data privacy. We then studied how deep architectures were applied to these tasks. We also discussed some special challenges arising from modeling EHR data and reviewed a few popular approaches. Finally, we summarized how performance evaluations were conducted for each task. Discussion Despite the early success in using deep learning for health analytics applications, there still exist a number of issues to be addressed. We discuss them in detail including data and label availability, the interpretability and transparency of the model, and ease of deployment.
Decomposing Mortality Disparities in Urban and Rural U.S. Counties.

Objective To understand the role of county characteristics in the growing divide between rural and urban mortality from 1980 to 2010. Data source Age-adjusted mortality rates for all U.S. counties from 1980 to 2010 were obtained from the CDC Compressed Mortality File and combined with county characteristics from the U.S. Census Bureau, the Area Health Resources File, and the Inter-University Consortium for Political and Social research. Study design We used Oaxaca-Blinder decomposition to assess the extent to which rural-urban mortality disparities are explained by observed county characteristics at each decade. Principal findings Decomposition shows that, at each decade, differences in rural/urban characteristics are sufficient to explain differences in mortality. Furthermore, starting in 1990, rural counties have significantly lower predicted mortality than urban counties when given identical county characteristics. We find changes in the effect of characteristics on mortality, not the characteristics themselves, drive the growing mortality divide. Conclusions Differences in economic and demographic characteristics between rural and urban counties largely explain the differences in age-adjusted mortality in any given year. Over time, the role these characteristics play in improving mortality has increased differentially for urban counties. As characteristics continue changing in importance as determinants of health, this divide may continue to widen.
Blackstone’s “Newtonian” Dissent

The contribution of the sciences to the law is today so well established that one may wonder how courts ever managed to reach decisions without the special wisdom of physicists and chemists, biologists and ecologists, psychologists, sociologists, engineers of the most arcane expertise, an occasional mathematician, and, of course, physicians beyond counting. For plaintiff and defendant, for state and accused, through deposition and testimony, for fee and for free, a legion of learned professors and practitioners expound the abstruse technicalities of scientific truth in the most simple or the most impenetrable language depending upon whether the purpose of their assistance is to clarify or confuse, to enlighten or astound. Let an airplane fall down or a tooth-filling fall out, let an electronic computer or an adjustable wrench be mysteriously duplicated, and the courtroom will fill with projectors and blackboards, diagrams and displays, taking on the appearance of a class in anything from remedial arithmetic to advanced fluid dynamics.
Management of Shoulder Instability in the Collision Athlete

Glenohumeral instability is a common problem in the athletic population. Instability can range from microinstability to dislocation and the mechanism of injury often varies between sports. Collision athletes are often subjected to isolated traumatic events resulting in the humeral head being displaced either anteriorly or posteriorly with resultant instability. In contrast, throwing athletes can develop instability resulting from repetitive ‘microtrauma’ to the labrum and capsule. Management decisions for the athlete with shoulder instability must take into consideration their age, hand dominance, sport, position, level of activity, timing of season, expectations, and recovery timetable [1]. The sizable loads transferred to shoulders in collision athletes result in an incidence of traumatic shoulder instability double that of the general population, and make this a significant problem in sports medicine [2]. Also, the risk of recurrence after anterior shoulder dislocation is higher in young, active patients, and approaches 90–95 % in patients younger than 20 years [3]. For these reasons, special consideration must be given to treating the collision athlete with shoulder instability. This chapter will discuss the management of shoulder instability in collision athletes with a focus on evaluation, indications, techniques, outcomes, and current evidence on this topic. Evaluation of all types of shoulder instability will be covered in this chapter, however management will focus on traumatic anterior glenohumeral instability as this is most common among collision athletes. Management of posterior instability will be covered in different chapter.
The Changing Paradigm of Treatment for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Intracranial Metastases

Evaluate safety and efficacy of newer systemic therapies for intracranial metastases (IM) from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) when given alone and with concurrent radiation therapy (RT) and determine which patients with IM may benefit from upfront systemic therapy while withholding RT. In NSCLC, chemotherapy regimens are associated with approximately 20% intracranial overall response rates (ORRs) and immunotherapies 30–50% intracranial ORRs. However, tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapies for EGFR-mutated patients provide ORRs ranging from 50 to 90%. Prospective data suggest erlotinib, when combined with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and whole-brain radiation therapy (WBRT), substantially increases grade 3–5 toxicities. For immunotherapy, retrospective studies suggest increased intracranial control rates with concurrent RT, though possibly with increased radiation necrosis rates. Upfront TKIs may allow appropriately selected patients to avoid or delay RT and possible resultant RT side effects. However, delayed RT is counterbalanced by retrospective data that suggests upfront RT prolongs overall survival (OS) when performed before starting TKI therapy.
Dye-coupling between neonatal spinal motoneurons and interneurons revealed by prolonged back-filling of a ventral root with a low molecular weight tracer in the mouse

We investigated dye-coupling between motoneurons in the L6 segment of the neonatal mouse spinal cord that contains limb-innervating motoneurons and sexually dimorphic motor nuclei. Using an isolated spinal cord preparation, we back-filled the cut, L6 ventral root with the small molecule Neurobiotin, or the much larger dextran-conjugated fluorophores for 16–24 hours. Motoneurons and parasympathetic preganglionic neurons were filled with both markers, but dye-coupling was only seen with Neurobiotin fills. Following a neurobiotin fill, fluorescence was observed in contralateral motoneurons, in motoneurons innervating adjacent ventral roots, and in ChAT-negative, putative interneurons outside of the motoneuron pools in addition to the directly back-labeled L6 motoneurons. It is known that the gap junction protein connexin-36 is widely expressed in the sexually dimorphic motoneurons of the L6 segment, suggesting that the dye-coupling is mediated by gap junctions. The technique has revealed previously unknown connections of motoneurons in the neonatal mouse cord that are likely to play important roles in the development and function of spinal circuits.
Ensuring Proof-of-Authenticity of IoT Edge Devices Using Blockchain Technology

Imposter devices pose serious threats. The majority of low-cost edge devices can easily be counterfeited or cloned; the supply chain is insufficiently secure. Reliability of deployed devices can be called into question simply because they might be counterfeit or cloned. It is a must to identify edge devices' sourcing uniquely and verify their validity periodically at runtime. We integrate blockchain technology to authenticate resource-constrained, low-cost edge devices. We use SRAM-based physically unclonable functions (PUFs)to generate unique “digital fingerprints” (device IDs). Registered manufacturers upload a cryptographic hash of each device ID to a “globally accessible” blockchain instance (key-value store or smart contract). While registering/designating a device locally, the end-user verifies whether the hash is present in that blockchain. We utilize a “locally permissioned” blockchain infrastructure (which is still a globally managed blockchain or, in future, a sidechain)to authenticate edge devices for a defense-in-depth approach. Devices can authenticated periodically to prevent device cloning. Target environments can be large and have varied trust among users and lack a specific perimeter; this “local” blockchain methodology is thus pertinent, especially since blockchains gain security over time. Our approach reduces the potential for classes of information leakage and types of sabotage in a critical infrastructure or large-scale deployment (such as a smart city)arising from imposter devices. This methodology protects against such imposters in mobile settings within an IoT infrastructure too.
Oromandibular Dystonia Causing Recurrent Mandibular Open Lock in Two Adolescents Managed with Botulinum Toxin.

Mandibular open lock is a condition in which the patient is unable to close his/her mouth. This is an uncommon condition in children and adolescents that, when recurrent, can severely affect their quality of life. It can also prove to be a challenge for the clinician. When a mandibular open lock is caused by a sustained, recurrent, and involuntary muscle contraction of the inferior lateral pterygoid muscle, it is considered a oromandibular dystonia (OMD). A thorough understanding of the anatomy and function of the temporomandibular joint and the associated masticatory and orofacial muscles is essential to establish the correct diagnosis, allowing the selection of proper treatment. The purpose of this report is to present two cases of OMD in 13-year-old girls managed with onabotulinum toxin A injections into the inferior lateral pterygoid muscle. (J Dent Child 2019;86(1):47-52) Received May 9, 2018; Last Revision September 3, 2018; Accepted September 4, 2018.
Discovery of phenanthridine analogues as novel chemical probes disrupting the binding of DNA to ΔFosB homodimers and ΔFosB/JunD heterodimers

The transcription factor ΔFosB accumulates in response to chronic insults such as drugs of abuse, L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (l-DOPA) or stress in specific regions of the brain, triggering long lasting neural and behavioral changes that underlie aspects of drug addiction, dyskinesia, and depression. Thus, small molecule chemical probes are urgently needed to investigate biological functions of ΔFosB. Herein we describe the identification of a novel phenanthridine analogue ZL0220 (27) as an active and promising ΔFosB chemical probe with micromolar inhibitory activities against ΔFosB homodimers and ΔFosB/JunD heterodimers.
John Horton Conway FRS: 26 December 1937 – 11 April 2020 : Honorary Member of The Mathematical Association 2017

John Horton Conway lived to discover the Mathematics behind problems, always working to isolate a pure, essential kernel of truth. He loved to communicate these simple truths to others, often changing the way they thought. Everything John touched turned to Mathematics, and to very beautiful Mathematics. John was generous with his mathematical riches; he gave them to everyone that showed interest — whether at the coffee house, at the sushi restaurant, or in Mathematics departments. He was a magnet for all mathematicians, and he welcomed all who came to him. John would find a way to start with some simple calculation, a game or puzzle and turn it into whatever he wanted to explain. John often chose problems about games and recreational topics, but the insights he derived changed our understanding of several very serious branches of Mathematics.
Distances between oriented curves in geometric modeling

We consider the choice of a functional to measure the distance between two parametric curves. We identify properties of such a distance functional that are important for geometric design. Several popular definitions of distance are examined, and new functionals are presented which satisfy the desired properties.
Trajectories of Dysregulation in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Objective: This study determined whether child and family environment factors are associated with differences in developmental trajectories of emotional and behavioral dysregulation in children wit...
Background + Signal Modeling and Statistical Methods

In the previous chapter we discussed how the energy of an ER event is reconstructed, along with the detection efficiency and event selection. Here we discuss the sources of background present in the SR1 dataset, having survived the event selection cuts described the previous chapter. We use the inputs from Chap. 2 regarding the efficiency and resolution to construct models for the energy spectra of all backgrounds and possible signals presented in Chap. 1. Armed with these background and signal models we can then search for signs of new physics using a statistical analysis, the details of which are discussed at the end of this chapter. We report the results of the statistical inference on the real XENON1T data in Chap. 4.
Extraterritorial Enforcement of National Laws in Connection with Online Commercial Activity

Online commercial activity is subject to laws that are mostly the laws of individual countries, even if some of the laws happen to be highly harmonized among the countries. In the online context, the enforcement of national laws is problematic: A country may lack the ability to enforce its laws against actors who are located outside the country and who locate their assets outside the country. The internet makes it extremely easy for actors to act from remote locations, including from outside the country in which their internet acts cause effects, and to locate their assets outside the country. Although alternative means of enforcement exist that target other persons and entities, such as intermediaries, the alternative means also present challenges. This chapter discusses the enforcement of national laws on the internet, including enforcement against absent actors, and considers whether that enforcement can be improved.There are at least three significant reasons to improve the enforceability of national laws on the internet and their enforceability against absent actors. First, as a general rule, effective laws require the possibility of effective enforcement; to the extent that laws should be followed, countries have to be able to enforce the laws, including laws in the online context and against absent actors. Second, skepticism about the enforceability of laws on the internet permeates legislative and policy debates; doubts about the feasibility of effectively enforcing laws on the internet seem – at least in some areas of law – to impede progress on substantive issues. Improvements in enforceability would bring clarity to the debates on substantive issues and contribute to better substantive policy choices. Third, improvements in the enforceability of national laws against absent actors are also desirable because alternative enforcement mechanisms have specific problems and cannot fully replace direct enforcement against absent actors.
CHAPTER 7 – Germ Cell Tumors of the Ovary

Germ cell tumors are the second most common group of ovarian neoplasms. Germ cell tumors are encountered at all ages, but are seen most frequently from the first to the sixth decade. Majority of ovarian germ cell tumors are benign and consist of mature cystic teratomas. Mature cystic teratoma with malignant transformation usually occurs in peri- and postmenopausal women and malignant germ cell tumors with rare exceptions occur from birth to menopause in patients aged less than 35 years. The ovarian germ cell tumors are classified as per World Health Organization (WHO) classification. Germ cell tumors are derived from primitive germ cells. Embryonal carcinoma is considered as a morphologic and a conceptual entity. Recent immunocytochemical studies have revealed the presence of occasional low molecular weight cytokeratin positive cells in some seminomas, thus, supporting that dysgerminoma is capable of further differentiation.
The Existence of Strong Complete Mappings

A strong complete mapping of a group $G$ is a bijection $\theta\colon G\to G$ for which both mappings $x\mapsto x\theta(x)$ and $x\mapsto x^{-1}\theta(x)$ are bijections. We characterize finite abelian groups that admit strong complete mappings, thus solving a problem posed by Horton in 1990. We also prove the existence of strong complete mappings for countably infinite groups.
Terminology: near-miss SIDS.

The Public Health authorities in Britain have decided that pertussis vaccine is less risky at early ages than the whooping cough infection. This vaccine is usually given together with diphtheria, tetanus, and poliomyelitis vaccine. Only the pertussis component involves a significant risk of reaction; however, its use at an early age is believed to protect against the greater severity of the disease in infancy. Because of the severity of the adverse reactions, this vaccine is not recommended for routine use past ages 5 to 7 years.
Slip Flow and Constant Flux Heat Transfer in Isosceles Triangular Ducts

The Ritz method for slip flow and constant flux heat transfer in ducts of general shape is established. The efficient Ritz method is applied to the isosceles triangular duct, yielding useful tables for the Poiseuille number and the Nusselt numbers. The results are generic, such that they can be applied to both rarefied gas flows and superhydrophobic flows.
Augmenting Exercise Systems with Virtual Exercise Environment

Adhering to an exercise program is a challenge for everybody who wants to build a healthier body and lifestyle through physical exercise. We have developed an Virtual Exercise Environment (VEE) that augments stationary exercise equipment with virtual reality techniques to make exercising more enjoyable. Our VEE system consists of a recording system to capture video, distance and incline data about real trails, and a playback system which "displays" both video and terrain data in the form of video speed and resistance. Trails are played back according to the speed the user generates on the stationary exercise equipment. The system uses commodity capture and display devices and supports standard interfaces for existing exercise equipment. User studies have shown that users enjoy the ability to guage their progress and performance via their progress through trail playback in the VEE.
The worst-case output harmonic content of a AC PWM auxiliary power source

A method of predicting the worst-case harmonic content of the output of a static PWM 400 Hz auxiliary power source is presented for each of the three major choices of power switching semiconductors: HEXFET, IGBT, and bipolar. The harmonics were calculated using a C language computer routine written for this purpose, and the tabulation printed out to the 27th harmonic is given. It is shown that the output waveform quality is strongly dependent on the switching parameters of the device used and the choice of carrier frequency. >
Physiologic Effects of Raised Airway Pressure

Clinicians frequently adopt an empirical approach to the respiratory care of patients with pulmonary failure. As a result, only the symptomatology is treated, which often fails to restore normal pulmonary function. Now, more than at any other time in the past, it is possible to direct care towards specific pulmonary derangements and accurately evaluate the effects of therapy. The following pages will emphasize a goal-oriented approach to the treatment of patients requiring respiratory support, through appropriate adjustment of mechanical ventilation, inspired oxygen and airway pressure. Because therapeutic interventions may have variable physiologic consequences and rational application of therapies requires an understanding of such effects, applied cardiopulmonary physiology also will be reviewed.
Low energy positron scattering from atoms in and on solids observed with low energy positron diffraction and reemission microscopy

The present status of low energy positron diffraction (LEPD) and positron reemission microscopy (PRM) is reviewed in the context of unanswered questions regarding the elastic scattering of positrons in the 1–300 eV energy range from atoms in solids and at solid surfaces. Recent LEPD studies yield an agreement between theoretical and experimental diffraction intensities for semiconductors that has never been equalled in electron diffraction studies. This situation is discussed in terms of the repulsive interaction between the positron and the embedded atomic potential and the lack of exchange with the nonspherically distributed valence electrons. The scattering of re-emitted positrons in PRM from atoms chemisorbed or physisorbed on the re-emitting surface has not yet received the same theoretical attention as scattering from embedded atoms in LEPD. Possible ways in which positron scattering from overlying atomic structures manifests itself in PRM as well as positron re-emission holography are discussed, both from the practical viewpoint of observing these structures and in the context of fundamental questions regarding the positron re-emission process itself.
An Inverse Function Theorem for Metrically Regular Mappings

We prove that if a mapping F : X → → Y , where X and Y are Banach spaces, is metrically regular at ¯ x for ¯ y and its inverse F −1 is convex and closed valued locally around (¯ x, ¯), then for any function G : X → Y with lip G(¯ x) � reg F(¯ x|¯ y)) < 1, the mapping (F + G) −1 has a continuous local selection x(� ) around (¯ x, ¯ + G(¯ x)) which is also calm.
Theory of defect complexes

Most methods that are used to describe point defects become cumbersome and impractical for defect complexes. Here, we review these methods and describe a simple alternative, which can provide both qualitative and semiempirical quantitative descriptions of the localized states associated with defect complexes. It is similar in spirit with the “defect-molecule” model which has sometimes been used for qualitative work, but is defined in a way that allows quantitative calculations. The method is particularly powerful for classes of complexes such as aggregates of identical point defects when the electronic structure of the primary point defect is known and for defects in wide-gap materials. lie review results obtained for multivacancies in Si and for several defects in SiO2.
Dynamics-based extraction of information sparsely encoded in high dimensional data streams

A major roadblock in taking full advantage of the recent exponential growth in data collection and actuation capabilities stems from the curse of dimensionality. Simply put, existing techniques are ill-equipped to deal with the resulting volume of data. The goal of this paper is to show how the use of simple dynamical systems concepts can lead to tractable, computationally efficient algorithms for extracting information sparsely encoded in extremely large data sets. In addition, as shown here, this approach leads to non-entropic information measures, better suited than the classical, entropy-based information theoretic measure, to problems where the information is by nature dynamic.
RTGs for space exploration at the end of the 20th century

The use of radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) as energy conversion devices for spacecraft designed for weak-sunlight environments is discussed. The two upcoming missions Galileo and Ulysses will both use general-purpose heat source (GPHS) RTGs. Two other missions that are planned for the mid-nineties and will carry RTGs onboard are the comet rendezvous asteroid flyby (CRAF) and Cassini. Another mission that might become a program start in the last decade of the 20th century is Solarprobe, which is most likely to use modular RTGs. Several other missions that are in different planning stages that are in need of RTGs to meet their power requirements are the Mars rover sample return, planetary (Mars) penetrators, microspacecraft, and the Mars Egg. All of these missions are discussed, stressing their RTG requirements. >
A framework for text processing and supporting access to collections of digitized historical newspapers

Large quantities of historical newspapers are being digitized and OCRd. We describe a framework for processing the OCRd text to identify articles and extract metadata for them. We describe the article schema and provide examples of features that facilitate automatic indexing of them. For this processing, we employ lexical semantics, structural models, and community content. Furthermore, we describe visualization and summarization techniques that can be used to present the extracted events.
Discovery of a Potent Small Molecule IL-2 Inhibitor through Fragment Assembly

Using a site-directed fragment discovery method called tethering, we have identified a 60 nM small molecule antagonist of a cytokine/receptor interaction (IL-2/IL2Rα) with cell-based activity. Star...
Mini-open lateral retroperitoneal lumbar spine approach using psoas muscle retraction technique. Technical report and initial results on six patients

Purpose The main aim of this paper was to report reproducible method of lumbar spine access via a lateral retroperitoneal route.
Significance of androgen deprivation prior to radical prostatectomy, with special reference to prostate-specific antigen.

A total of 37 selected patients with clinical stage T2b or T3 prostate cancer received androgen deprivation prior to radical retropubic prostatectomy. A luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) analog alone was given to 15 individuals; 19 received an LHRH analog with flutamide. Three underwent bilateral orchiectomy instead of chemical castration. The duration of androgen deprivation prior to radical prostatectomy varied from 3 to 16 months, with 31 individuals undergoing induction therapy for 3–6 months. Three received androgen deprivation for more than 1 year. In all, 15 patients had clinical stage T2b disease and 22, stage T3 prostate cancer. The prostate size decreased approximately 30%–50% following induction therapy. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) values decreased in all 19 instances where this was obtained. In all, 6 of 15 (40%) patients with clinical T2b lesions and 9 of 22 (41%) with clinical T3 tumors had a positive surgical margin; 5 (13%) had 1 or more positive lymph nodes. Androgen deprivation was continued following surgery in 13 cases. Only one patient received postoperative radiation therapy. After a mean follow-up period of 33 months, 35 (95%) patients are alive. Two patients died, one of poorly differentiated prostate cancer with subsequent metastasis and one of a myocardial infarction 33 months after surgery without showing any evidence of disease. Of 23 patients without postoperative adjuvant therapy, 6 (26,1%) progressed (PSA level, >0.4 ng/ml). None of the patients who underwent adjuvant therapy progressed over a follow-up period of 6–75 months (mean, 38 months). Although the low incidence of positive lymph nodes and the apparent reduction in tumor size after androgen deprivation are encouraging, the benefits of this approach must await the completion of ongoing randomized trials.
Design and Performance of a Microengine Realized with Arrays of Asymmetrical Electrothermal Polysilicon Surface Micromachined Microactuators

This research focuses on the design and experimental characterization of two types of MEMS asymmetrical electrothermal microactuators. Both microactuator design variants use resistive (Joule) heating to generate thermal expansion and movement. Deflection and force measurements of both microactuators as a function of applied electrical power are presented. Also described is the practical integration of the electrothermal microactuators in a monolithic microengine that is capable of rotating a set of gears.
The Revealing Science of Cod

Geoffrey C. Bowker is assistant professor in the Graduate School of Library and Information Science, University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign. His recent book Science on the Run: information management and industrial geophysics at Schlumberger, 1920-1940 was published by MIT Press. He is currently working on organizational memory and the production of knowledge in medical classification systems. Author's address: Graduate School of Library and Information Science, University of Illinois at UrbanaCampaign, 501 Daniel Street, Champaign, Illinois, 51820-6212, USA. Fax: +1 217 244 3302; email: bowker@alexia..lis.uiuc.edu
Atlantic evaporites formed by evaporation of water spilled from Pacific, Tethyan, and Southern oceans

The distribution of salt diapirs around the Atlantic Ocean, both onshore and offshore, when plotted on a closed Atlantic indicates that there are four main areas without salt and three with salt. The occurrence of massive salt deposits formed at the opening of an ocean appears to depend on (1) proximity to saline ocean waters, (2) graben structure and related occurrences of hot-spot volcanism, and (3) climatic zonation, because there are no salt deposits at equatorial or high paleolatitudes. The salt is interpreted to have formed by evaporation of intermittent spills into sub-sea-level graben over periods of a few million years.
Successful excimer laser angioplasty following unsuccessful primary balloon angioplasty.

We report five patients where excimer laser coronary angioplasty facilitated successful balloon dilatation of heavily calcified lesions that could not be dilated by conventional angioplasty techniques alone. In each case, the lesion was crossed successfully with a guide wire. Conventional angioplasty failed because of inability to cross the lesion with a balloon (four lesions) or inability to dilate the lesion with balloon inflation (two lesions). These cases illustrate an indication for excimer laser coronary angioplasty as an adjunctive procedure in heavily calcified coronary stenoses. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
ACCUMULATION, LEGITIMATION, AND THE PROVISION OF PUBLIC SERVICES IN THE AMERICAN METROPOLIS

The provision of public services by the local state involves the full range of politics, structural forces, and actors at work in the world system. Materialist theory provides a means by which these disparate elements can be integrated as the state performs its two primary functions: maintaining conditions favorable for the accumulation of capital and ensuring the legitimacy of the economic and political systems. National and local governments attempt to provide conditions in specific places that will foster growth; the politics of production characterize these efforts. On the local level the state also provides a forum in which the demands of less organized and powerful interests can be heard, as it attempts to maintain the loyalty of the public; the politics of consumption characterize this activity. An empirical analysis of local government expenditures for public services in the United States indicates the role that public services play in the performance of these two functions of the capitalist state.
Endogenous Interleukin-1β in Neuropathic Rats Enhances Glutamate Release from the Primary Afferents in the Spinal Dorsal Horn through Coupling with Presynaptic N-Methyl-d-aspartic Acid Receptors

Excessive activation of glutamate receptors and overproduction of proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in the spinal dorsal horn, are key mechanisms underlying the development and maintenance of neuropathic pain. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms by which endogenous IL-1β alters glutamatergic synaptic transmission in the spinal dorsal horn in rats with neuropathic pain induced by ligation of the L5 spinal nerve. We demonstrated that endogenous IL-1β in neuropathic rats enhances glutamate release from the primary afferent terminals and non-NMDA glutamate receptor activities in postsynaptic neurons in the spinal dorsal horn. Myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88) is a mediator used by IL-1β to enhance non-NMDA glutamate receptor activities in postsynaptic neurons in the spinal dorsal horn. Presynaptic NMDA receptors are effector receptors used by the endogenous IL-1β to enhance glutamate release from the primary afferents in neuropathic rats. This is further supported by the fact that NMDA currents recorded from small neurons in the dorsal root ganglion of normal rats are potentiated by exogenous IL-1β. Furthermore, we provided evidence that functional coupling between IL-1β receptors and presynaptic NMDA receptors at the primary afferent terminals is mediated by the neutral sphingomyelinase/ceramide signaling pathway. Hence, functional coupling between IL-1β receptors and presynaptic NMDA receptors at the primary afferent terminals is a crucial mechanism leading to enhanced glutamate release and activation of non-NMDA receptors in the spinal dorsal horn neurons in neuropathic pain conditions. Interruption of such functional coupling could be an effective approach for the treatment of neuropathic pain.
Superconducting transition temperature in martensitic titanium-base transition-metal binary alloys

Quenched, martensitic, titanium-base, transition-metal-binary (Ti-T2) alloys exhibit unusually rapid increases in superconducting transition temperature, Tc, with solute concentration. Indeed, in Ti-Mo it has been proved that Tc is much higher than would be expected on a purely density-of-states basis. The general enhancement of Tc in the martensitic alloys is thought to be a result of a lattice-disorder-induced “soft-phonon” mechanism. Among the various Ti-T2 alloys, the rates of increase of Tc with electronatom ratio (ζ) vary inversely as the “distance” between Ti and T2 in the Periodic Table. This is believed to be due to variation in lattice (solution) strengthening, which tends to offset lattice disorder as a promotor of superconductive electron coupling.
Modulation of aberrant CDK5 signaling rescues impaired neurogenesis in models of Alzheimer's disease.

Recent studies show that in Alzheimer's disease (AD), alterations in neurogenesis contribute to the neurodegenerative process. Neurodegeneration in AD has been associated with aberrant signaling through the cyclin-dependent kinase-5 (CDK5) pathway via its activators p35/p25; however, the role of CDK5 in the mechanisms of defective adult neurogenesis in AD is unknown. First, to study AD-like abnormal activation of CDK5 signaling in an in vitro model of neurogenesis, neuronal progenitor cells (NPCs) were infected with a viral vector expressing p35, and exposed to amyloid-β protein (Aβ1−42). These conditions resulted in impaired maturation and neurite outgrowth in vitro, and these effects were reversed by pharmacological or genetic inhibition of CDK5. Similarly, neurogenesis was impaired in a transgenic mouse model of AD that expresses high levels of amyloid precursor protein (APP), and this effect was reversed in transgenic mice crossed with a CDK5 heterozygous-deficient mouse line. A similar rescue effect was observed in APP transgenic mice treated with Roscovitine, a pharmacological inhibitor of CDK5. Taken together, these data suggest that the CDK5 signaling pathway has a critical role in maintaining the integrity of NPCs and neuronal maturation in the adult hippocampus. Moreover, potential therapeutic approaches could focus on modulating the aberrant activity of CDK5 to target the neurogenic and neurodegenerative alterations in AD.
A METHOD FOR THE RAPID DIALYSIS OF LARGE VOLUMES OF PROTEIN SOLUTIONS

A method is described by which moderately large quantities of protein solutions can be dialyzed relatively free of salts within 12 to 24 hours. The use of "Visking" tubes instead of collodion bags is recommended, for speed of dialysis as well as ease of manipulation.
The evolution of sub-mesoscale, coherent vortices on the β-plane

An investigation is made of the evolution of small-scale, axisymmetric vortices in a stratified fluid with spatially variable Coriolis parameter. The criteria for smadness are a horizontal scale le...
An experimental framework for email categorization and management

Many problems are difficult to adequately explore until a prototype exists in order to elicit user feedback. One such problem is a system that automatically categorizes and manages email. Due to a myriad of user interface issues, a prototype is necessary to determine what techniques and technologies are effective in the email domain. This paper describes the implementation of an add-in for Microsoft Outlook 2000 TM that intends to address two problems with email: 1) help manage the inbox by automatically classifying email based on user folders, and 2) to aid in search and retrieval by providing a list of email relevant to the selected item. This add-in represents a first step in an experimental system for the study of other issues related to information management. The system has been set up to allow experimentation with other classification algorithms and the source code is available online in an effort to promote further experimentation.
An experimental approach to the cooling of transformer coils by natural convection

The paper describes the experimental work and results of a study of the heat-transfer properties of cooling ducts in transformer coils under natural convection. The data for layer windings of various vertical duct sizes and coil heights are generalized in terms of empirical copper-to-oil temperature gradients. Consideration of the vertical coil leads to a method of treating an assembly of disc coils individually, and it is shown that the individual disc-coil variables are represented conveniently by a correlation type of formula. Finally, it is indicated how the data may be used to predict the hot-spot temperature of a transformer in service.
Americans’ Attitudes toward War: Trend Analysis of Public Opinion for the Iraq War

This article presents the results of an analysis of public attitudes toward war for the contemporary Iraq War. In total, 23 surveys conducted by the Gallup Organization starting March 2003 and ending in February 2006 were analyzed. This article examines the social characteristics of those people who are more or less likely to oppose war. The research reported here was arrived at answering the following question: Are there some groups (e.g., women) who are more likely to oppose the war? Using binary logistic regression methods, this research analyzes why some groups are more likely than others to oppose or support war. This cross-sectional analysis studies groups by age, education, gender, race, religion, party identification, and political ideology, in their general likelihood to oppose war. Several traditional expectations on war attitudes, including a “gender gap” and an “education gap,” were unfounded. In some cases where correlations were found, the relationship could be explained predominately by the...
The role of varying risk attitudes in an auction with a buyout option

An auction with a buyout option is modelled. Such an option allows a bidder to purchase the item being auctioned at a pre-specified buyout price, instead of attempting to obtain the item through the traditional auction procedure. This analysis is motivated by internet auctions where such options are present. If all auction participants are risk neutral, the seller will choose a buyout price high enough so that the option is never exercised. However, a risk averse seller facing risk neutral bidders will choose a price low enough so that the option is exercised with positive probability. Further, if bidders are risk neutral and the seller is risk averse, this option may result in a Pareto improvement compared to a sealed bid second price auction.
Workstation interface for ROC studies in digital mammography

The goal of this project was the development of a workstation-user interface for evaluating computer assisted diagnosis (CAD) methods for digital mammography in receiver operating characteristic (ROC) experiments. Digital mammography poses significant and unique difficulties in the design and implementation of such an interface because multiple, large size images need to be handled at high- speeds. Furthermore, controls such as contrast, pan and zoom, and tools such as reporting forms, case information, and analysis of results need to be included. The software and hardware used to develop such a workstation and interface were based on Sun platforms and the Unix operating system. The software was evaluated by radiologists, and found to be user friendly, and comparable to standard mammography film reading in terms of display layout and speed. The software, as designed, will work on entry level workstations as well as high-end workstations with specialized hardware, thus being usable in either an educational, training, or clinical environment for annotation purposes using CAD techniques as well as primary diagnosis.
Detailed observations of the source of terrestrial narrowband electromagnetic radiation

Detailed observations are presented of a region near the terrestrial plasmapause where narrowband electromagnetic radiation (previously called escaping nonthermal continuum radiation) is being generated. These observations show a direct correspondence between the narrowband radio emissions and electron cyclotron harmonic waves near the upper hybrid resonance frequency. In addition, electromagnetic radiation propagating in the Z-mode is observed in the source region which provides an extremely accurate determination of the electron plasma frequency and, hence, density profile of the source region. The data strongly suggest that electrostatic waves and not Cerenkov radiation are the source of the banded radio emissions and define the coupling which must be described by any viable theory.
Patterns in the Diffusion of Strategies Across Organizations: Insights from the Innovation Diffusion Literature

Firms often adopt strategies in spite of mixed evidence about the strategy's performance and of evidence that the strategy leads to inefficient outcomes. Here, we describe the conditions prompting the spread of inefficient strategies through a population of firms, as well as the characteristics of individual firms that affect their propensity to adopt efficient and inefficient strategies. We focus on one pattern that appears common to strategic adoptions: a pattern where the number of unsuccessful adoptions exceeds the number of successful adoptions. We note how the failure to consider diffusion patterns in empirical strategic research limits use of that research as a source of prescriptive theory.
Problems with Avian Point Counts for Estimating Density of Northern Bobwhite—A Case Study

Abstract Point count data are used increasingly to provide density estimates of bird species. A favored approach to analyze point count data uses distance sampling theory where model selection and model fit are important considerations. We used uniform and half normal models and assessed model fit using χ2 analysis. We were unsuccessful in fitting models to 635 northern bobwhite Colinus virginianus observations from 85 avian point locations spanning 6 y (P ≤ 0.05). Most observations (74%) occurred in the outermost (>100-m) distance radius. Our results violated the assumptions that all observations at the point are detected. The assumption that birds were assigned to the correct distance interval also was probably violated. We caution managers in implementing avian point counts with distance sampling when estimating northern bobwhite population density. We recommend exploring other approaches such as occupancy-estimation and modeling for estimating detection probabilities.
What A Piece Of Work Is Man

Arguing that there is much more to motivation than seeking pleasure and avoiding pain, Higgins points to the importance of desires for value, truth, and control.
Studies on pH Regulatory Mechanisms in Cultured Astrocytes of DBA and C57 Mice

pH regulatory mechanisms in primary cultures of astrocytes from the cerebral cortex of neonatal audiogenic-seizure-susceptible DBA/2J (DBA) and genetically controlled C57BL/6J (C57) mice were studied with [14C]dimethyloxazolidine-2-4-dione (DMO) and [3H]-methyl-D-glucose (MDG). Effects of changing the concentration of Na+, K+, HCO3- or Cl- in medium, and/or of different transport blockers and metabolite inhibitor on intracellular pH (pHi) of cultured astrocytes were also studied. In nominal HCO3(-)-free HEPES-buffered Hanks' balanced salt solution (HEPES HBSS), when the pH of medium (pHo) was maintained at 7.4, the steady-state pHi of cultured astrocytes from DBA mice was 6.98 +/- 0.03, and that from C57 mice was 7.01 +/- 0.03. When the cells were incubated in HBSS containing 25 mM HCO3- and equilibrated with 5% CO2 (HCO3- HBSS, pHo = 7.4), pHi of both DBA and C57 astrocytes was approximately 0.1-0.15 pH units higher than that in HEPES HBSS. Reducing the pH or the Na+ concentration in media (pHo, [Na+]o) of either HEPES HBSS or HCO3- HBSS, pHi of both DBA and C57 astrocytes decreased markedly (0.25-0.45 pH units lower than the controls). The decrease in pHi was greater in HEPES HBSS than in HCO3- HBSS. Reducing the Cl- concentration ([Cl-]o) in either HEPES or HCO3- HBSS, pHi of astrocytes increased by 0.05-0.1 pH units. Increasing the K+ concentration ([K+]o) of or adding Ba2+ to the media increased the pHi of both DBA and C57 astrocytes accordingly. SITS, an anion transport inhibitor, decreased the pHi of both DBA and C57 astrocytes in HCO3- HBSS but not in HEPES HBSS. It enhanced the response of pHi to reduction in pHo. Amiloride, a Na(+)-H+ exchange inhibitor, decreased the pHi of both DBA and C57 astrocytes more in HEPES HBSS than in HCO3- HBSS. It enhanced the response of pHi to reduction in pHo and [Na+]o. Ouabain, an Na+,K(+)-ATPase inhibitor, decreased the pHi of cultured astrocytes in HEPES HBSS, but not in HCO3- HBSS. It also enhanced the response of pHi to changing pHo and [Na+]o in HEPES HBSS. Acetazolamide, a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, decreased the pHi of astrocytes in both HEPES and HCO3- HBSS. Both bumetanide, an Na+,K+/Cl- cotransport blocker, and KCN, a metabolic inhibitor, produced no significant effect on the steady-state pHi or the response of pHi to changing ionic concentration in media in both DBA and C57 astrocytes.
Mast cells in the estrogen-induced transplantable renal tumor of the hamster.

Mast cells are frequently seen in and around a variety of malignant tumors. However, mast cells have not been seen in the transplantable estrogen-induced renal tumor of the hamster. In this study the subcutaneously transplanted renal tumor of Kirkman was examined using a variety of fixation techniques. All tissues were stained in toluidine blue (0.5% solution at a pK of 3.8). Mast cells were seen in great numbers only in tumor tissue frozen in isopentane cooled with liquid nitrogen at −155 C and cut on a cryostat at −20C. This would indicate the importance of the method of preparation of such fastidious cells. The hamster tumor provides, then, an excellent source of mast cells for study in a tumor environment.