cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spontaneous firing patterns of epileptic neurons in the monkey motor cortex.

Abstract We recorded the activity of single cells in an alumina-induced epileptogenic focus in precentral cortex of an awake monkey. The firing patterns of 12 units exhibiting the “long first interval” burst pattern were studied in detail. When the monkey was quiescent, the spontaneous activity of these cells consisted of repeated bursts in which the initial spike was followed by a long first interval and then by a high-frequency afterburst. If the interval between the long first interval burst and the preceding activity was less than 100 msec, an inverse relationship between the duration of afterburst and the interburst interval was observed. When cell activity increased sufficiently (sometimes accompanied by overt motor activity) these cells fired at a tonic rate characteristic of normal precentral cells. In all cells, single pyramidal tract shocks elicited a short latency (0.6–1 msec) antidromic spike which could be followed after a long first interval by an afterburst. In most cells the afterburst spikes were slightly larger and longer than the initial spikes (and the spikes occurring during tonic activity). In two cells the afterburst spikes were clearly compounded of two parts, which varied independently as a function of electrode depth and probably represented activation of two regions of the cell. These observations suggest that the afterburst may be triggered by a pacemaker mechanism in a remote region of the same cell.
MGITC Facilitated Formation of AuNP Multimers

Malachite green isothiocyanate (MGITC) is frequently used as a surface bound Raman reporter for metal nanoparticle-enabled surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). To date, however, no study has focused on the application of MGITC for the formation of stable "hot-spot" aggregates for Raman imaging applications. Herein we report a method to produce a series of suspensions of MGITC functionalized gold nanoparticles (MGITC-AuNPs) that at one extreme consist primarily of monomers and at the other extreme as mixtures of multimers and monomers. Monomer and multimer morphologies were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy using a reliable spin-coating deposition sampling method. The multimers generally include 2, 3, or 4 individual AuNPs with an average number of 3 ± 1. The number of multimers produced in a given suspension was found to be dependent on the volume and concentration of MGITC initially applied. The surface binding of MGITC to both monomeric and multimeric MGITC-AuNPs was investigated by Raman and SERS, and the degree of aggregation in the multimer suspension was evaluated based upon the measured variation of the MGITC SERS intensity of the AuNPs. Using an estimated extinction coefficient of 1.22 ± 0.41 × 10(11) M(-1) cm(-1) at ≈850 nm for the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) band of the MGITC-AuNP multimers, the multimer concentrations were calculated by Beer's Law.
The evolution of macrosegregation in statically cast binary ingots

A recently developed continuum model has been used to investigate macrosegregation in a statically cast NH4Cl-H2O ingot. Mushy region dendrite erosion and the formation of channel type “A” segregates have, for the first time, been predicted by fully coupling the species conservation equation with equations governing the conservation of energy and momentum. Previous qualitative experimental observations for the NH4Cl−H2O system have been used extensively to verify the present numerical results.
H-Bonding in Alcohols Is Reflected in the Cα−H Bond Strength: Variation of C−D Vibrational Frequency and Fractionation Factor

The variation of the C−D vibrational stretching frequency in primary and secondary alcohols containing the D−C−O−H functionality has been examined for cases in which the alcohol functions as a proton donor in an H-bond. The C−D stretching frequency is a function of the H-bond enthalpy of formation determined by Hartree−Fock calculations, decreasing by approximately 5 cm-1 per kcal/mol. This decrease in frequency is attributed to the increase in the overlap of the O−H bonding electrons with the C−D antibonding orbital as the H-bond is strengthened. The Raman spectra of [1-D]trifluoroethanol and [1-D]trifluoroethoxide in aqueous solution serve as an example; the alcohol has two separate C−D stretches that differ by 45 cm-1 and deprotonation results in an average 78 cm-1 decrease in the C−D stretching frequency. A measured deuterium equilibrium isotope effect on the acid ionization constant of [1-D2]trifluoroethanol of 1.13 is consistent with a decreased fractionation factor of the C-1 protons due to the dec...
The Future of Work and Retirement

The trend toward early retirement of men began in the 20th century and has continued throughout the 1980s. A comparable trend has not emerged for women. In this article Clark examines the determinants of retirement and the expected changes in these factors. The decline in work rates began with men aged 65 and over. The proportion of these men in the workforce declined from 50% in 1950 to 1 in 6 in 1986. Beginning in the 1960s the labor force participation rates of men aged 55-64 began to decline; in the 1970s the decline in the work rates extended into the 45-54 age group. In contrast the work rates of women younger than 55 have continued to rise. In 1950 37.9% of women age 45-54 were in the work force; this increased to 65.9% in 1986. The work rates of older women have remained relatively constant. 27% of women 55-64 were working in 1950. This increased to 43% in 1970 and is expected to remain in the low-to-mid 40s until the year 2000. 9.7% of women worked in 1950; this decreased to 8.1% in 1980 and is expected to decrease to 5.4% in the year 2000. This rising participation rate of younger women may be due to the more permanent attachment of women to the labor force. Labor participation of women was primarily influenced in the past by the presence of small children. Women are now more likely to stay in the labor force during their childbearing years and to have fewer children. As a result the pattern of decline in labor force participation of women as they age is starting to look more like the life cycle pattern of men. (authors modified)
The Influence of Accounting and Auditing on a Country's Economic Development

Prior studies have identified several factors associated with economic growth including a country's: legal system, banking system, stock markets, and accounting standards. This research examines cross‐country differences in accounting and auditing to assess their role in a country's economic development. We investigate the effects of the per capita number of practicing accountants, auditors, and tax preparers on economic wealth per capita. In addition, we investigate whether economic wealth results from the source of accounting standard setting (i.e., government, private sector or both). Finally, we investigate whether the professionalism of a country's internal audit activity, as measured by its ability to achieve the status of a chapter in the Institute of Internal Auditors (HA) relates to economic growth. The dependent variable for all tests, per capita GNP, was regressed on these variables to determine the type and strength of association between them. The results indicate that on average, countries with larger per capita numbers of accountants and auditors, and number of chapters of the IIAhad greater wealth per capita than those with smaller per capita number of accountants and auditors and number of chapters of the IIA. Also, countries that had input from both the private and public sectors in setting standards had higher per capita wealth.
Progressive Gray Matter Changes in Patients with Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome

Progressive gray matter changes in patients with congenital central hypoventilation syndrome
Development of mitochondrial pyruvate metabolism in rat brain.

The activities of a number of mitochondrial enzymes involved in the metabolism of pyruvate during development of the rat brain were investigated. The rates of decarboxylation of [1-14C]pyruvate to 14CO2 via pyruvate dehydrogenase and the fixation of H14CO3− in the presence of pyruvate via pyruvate carboxylase by brain homogenates were very low in newborn rats. These rates increased markedly by about four-fold and 15-fold respectively during 10–35 postnatal days. The rates of the fixation of H14CO3− by cerebral homogenates were supported by the development of the activity of pyruvate carboxylase in rat brain. The activities of citrate synthase, aconitase, NAD-malate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and phosphoenol-pyruvate carboxykinase were very low in the particulate fraction of the newborn rat brain. The activities of all these enzymes increased makedly by about three- to 10-fold during 10–35 days after birth. The activity of mitochondrial phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase from rat brain was not precipitated by an antibody prepared against rat liver cytosolic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase suggesting that cerebral mitochondrial enzyme is immunologically different from that of the cytosolic form in hepatocytes. The significance of the development of the cerebral mitochondrial metabolism is discussed in relation to biochemical maturation of the brain.
A RECONSIDERATION OF GALTON'S PROBLEM (USING A TWO-SEX POPULATION)

Abstract The main purposes of this paper are to promote and expound the bisexual Galton–Watson branching process as a relevant model for the consideration of Francis Galton's problem regarding the extinction of surnames of “men of note.” A scheme for adapting the bisexual process to consider Galton's problem is introduced. A necessary and sufficient condition for the certain extinction of a male-induced property in a two-sex species is presented. An approach for calculating the extinction of a male-generated characteristic in the two-sex species is proposed. That approach is then used to find the probability of the extinction of surnames in a bisexual population for Alfred Lotka's data based on an United States Census. Finally, these results are then compared with the classic extinction probabilities (from Lotka) associated with the traditional Galton–Watson branching process using asexual reproduction.
Dynamics of earnings inequality among female-headed households in the United States

Abstract The labor market in the United States has gone through a number of noticeable changes, one of which is a rise participation of women in the labor force. A number of studies have investigated the consequences of these changes on wage, income, or earnings inequality in a static framework. This study investigated the consequences of these changes on earnings inequality over time. The earnings inequality among male- and female-headed households is compared. I further considered the factors that might have influenced the earnings inequality among female-headed households. Short-term and long-term inequality was measured from 1978–1986. It was found that short-term inequalities generally have a rising trend and contain transitory components; long-term inequalities declined in the early years because of a smoothing of transitory components; and within-group inequalities are the principle determinant of overall inequality. Education, race, age, and marital status were considered as possible contributors to the overall inequality. Education and race were shown to be the most influential factor explaining inequality among female-headed households and explained a third of the observed inequality. Earnings stability profiles reveal the existence of permanent and chronic inequality.
A fully Bayesian approach for combining multi-level information in multi-state fault tree quantification

This paper presents a fully Bayesian approach that simultaneously combines non-overlapping (in time) basic event and higher-level event failure data in fault tree quantification with multi-state events. Such higher-level data often correspond to train, subsystem or system failure events. The fully Bayesian approach also automatically propagates the highest-level data to lower levels in the fault tree. A simple example illustrates our approach.
Using support vector machines to optimally classify rotator cuff strength data and quantify post-operative strength in rotator cuff tear patients

Shoulder strength data are important for post-operative assessment of shoulder function and have been used in diagnosis of rotator cuff pathology. Support vector machines (SVM) employ complex analysis techniques to solve classification and regression problems. A SVM, a machine learning technique, can be used for analysis and classification of shoulder strength data. The goals of this study were to determine the diagnostic competency of SVM based on shoulder strength data and to apply SVM analysis in efforts to derive a single representative shoulder strength score. Data were taken from fourteen isometric shoulder strength measurements of each shoulder (involved and uninvolved) in 45 rotator cuff tear patients. SVM diagnostic proficiency was found to be comparable to reported ultrasound values. Improvement of shoulder function was accurately represented by a single score in pairwise comparison of the pre-operative and the 12 month post-operative group (P<0.004). Thus, the SVM-based score may be a promising metric for summarizing rotator cuff strength data.
Carbon-13 and lead-207 NMR studies of some organolead compounds

Abstract The 13 C and 207 Pb NMR spectra of several substituted aliphatic and aromatic organolead compounds of type R 4− n PbX n have been obtained in order to determine how various factors are reflected in the NMR parameters. Carbon chemical shifts vary as expected, with the largest change observed for the carbon attached to lead. 1 J CPb varies by a factor of greater than 10 in the compounds examined and depends on both substituent and solvent. A correlation between the s character of the orbitals in the carbon-lead bond and 1 J CPb exists only if it is assumed that lead has a coordination number greater than 4 in many cases. A linear correlation exists between 1 J CPb of aromatic lead compounds and the coordination number of lead where the coordination number is known from other studies, or can otherwise be reasonably ascertained. 207 Pb chemical shifts vary over a 1000-ppm range and are dependent on substituent and solvent. It appears that both 1 J CPb and 207 Pb chemical shifts are sensitive probes for the solution structure of organolead compounds.
Management assistance needs of small food and kindred products processors

Business researchers have long argued that a gap exists between the management assistance needs of small businesses and the information and services being provided. Management of small businesses in the food and kindred products industry in Wyoming were surveyed to identify impediments of management assistance information/services and were asked to rank their management assistance needs. A Chi-square test was employed to determine whether significant relationships exist between the impediments identified and suggested management assistance needs. Policy and program opportunities for management assistance agencies, based upon the data, are discussed.
Is there a financial disincentive to perform partial nephrectomy

Purpose: Despite the explicit endorsement of the American Urological Association guidelines of partial nephrectomy as the treatment of choice for T1a renal cell carcinoma, a considerable underuse of nephron sparing surgery characterizes general practice patterns in the United States. We explored possible financial disincentives associated with partial nephrectomy that may contribute to this important quality of care deficit.Materials and Methods: A PubMed® query on perioperative outcomes identified 10 series on open or laparoscopic radical nephrectomy and 16 on open, laparoscopic or robot-assisted partial nephrectomy. Mean operative time and hospital length of stay were calculated for each group. Using these data in conjunction with Health Care Financing Administration data on physician work time, which guides the current Resource-Based Relative Value Scale Medicare fee schedule, we calculated global physician time expenditure and hourly Medicare reimbursement rates for each of these 5 surgical services.R...
Equation of state in a strong magnetic field - Finite temperature and gradient corrections

The equation of state for condensed matter in a strong magnetic field is constructed. The regime for which statistical models and spherical Wigner-Seitz lattice cells are valid approximations is treated. The equation of state for a free nonrelativistic homogeneous electron gas in a uniform magnetic field is examined as a function of temperature, after which this treatment is refined by incorporating Coulomb interactions in a magnetic Thomas-Fermi model which allows for finite temperature. Gradient corrections to the zero-temperature equation of state are then evaluated by constructing a magnetic Thomas-Fermi-Dirac-Weizsaecker model, these corrections having a considerable effect on the zero-pressure density for matter in strong magnetic fields. Finally, the hydrostatic equilibrium equation for the surface structure of a neutron star is integrated using the presently computed equations of state. 52 refs.
Perforin plays an unexpected role in regulating T-cell contraction during prolonged Listeria monocytogenes infection

After infection or vaccination, antigen-specific T cells proliferate then contract in numbers to a memory set point. T cell contraction is observed after both acute and prolonged infections although it is unknown if contraction is regulated similarly in both scenarios. Here, we show that contraction of antigen-specific CD8 and CD4 T cells is markedly reduced in TNF/perforin-double deficient (DKO) mice responding to attenuated Listeria monocytogenes infection. Reduced contraction in DKO mice was associated with delayed clearance of infection and sustained T cell proliferation during the normal contraction interval. Mechanistically, sustained T cell proliferation mapped to prolonged infection in the absence of TNF, however, reduced contraction required the additional absence of perforin since T cells in mice lacking either TNF or perforin (singly-deficient) underwent normal contraction. Thus, while T cell contraction after acute infection is independent of peforin, a perforin-dependent pathway plays a previously unappreciated role to mediate contraction of antigen-specific CD8 and CD4 T cells during a prolonged L. monocytogenes infection.
Feasibility and preliminary efficacy data from a computerized cognitive intervention in children with chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome

Children with chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS) are significantly impaired in their academic performance and functionality due to cognitive deficits, especially in attention, memory, and other facets of executive function. Compounding these cognitive deficits is the remarkably high risk of major psychoses, occurring in 25% of adolescents and adults with the disorder. There are currently no evidence-based interventions designed to improve the cognitive deficits in these individuals. We implemented a neuroplasticity-based computerized cognitive remediation program for 12 weeks in 13 adolescents with 22q11DS, assessed feasibility, and measured changes in cognition before and after the intervention compared to a control group of 10 age- and gender-matched children with 22q11DS. Our results indicated that despite their cognitive impairments, this intervention is feasible in children with 22q11DS, with high rates of adherence and satisfaction. Our preliminary analyses indicate that gains in cognition occur with the intervention. Further study in a larger randomized controlled trial would enable assessment of efficacy of this novel intervention.
Heart failure training: care for older adults with chronic heart failure.

Studies by Adamson et al. ([1][1]) and Konstam ([2][2]) eloquently highlight the need for heart failure (HF) specialists. As drug and device therapies for HF are rapidly evolving, it is difficult even for cardiologists to stay abreast of. Internists, family physicians, and geriatricians, who treat
Computer science for the many

People read in the newspapers about computer chips, supercomputers, artificial intelligence, and myriad new technologies, and they want to understand them. Is there a better way to give them a grasp of computing than by providing the superficial view a typical of ordinary "computer literacy" courses, without making them struggle through the rigorous curriculum required in a computer science education? Yes, there is. This article describes a first course for nonmajors that covers a surprisingly broad set of topics in substantial depth. Advances in teaching methods involving an appropriate selection of topics, proper coverage of those topics, and the use of animated simulations can significantly ease the teaching of computer science to nonspecialists. The course described enables students to develop skill in programming, learn the fundamental mechanisms of computer hardware and software, and gain a substantial understanding of important topics such as computational intractability, noncomputability, parallel architectures, and artificial intelligence. >
Rutherford B. Hayes and the Politics of Discord

(2006). Rutherford B. Hayes and the Politics of Discord. The Historian: Vol. 68, No. 3, pp. 519-540.
Recruitment for health disparities preventive intervention trials: the early childhood caries collaborating centers.

Author(s): Tiwari, Tamanna; Casciello, Alana; Gansky, Stuart A; Henshaw, Michelle; Ramos-Gomez, Francisco; Rasmussen, Margaret; Garcia, Raul I; Albino, Judith; Batliner, Terrence S; Early Childhood Caries Collaborating Centers | Abstract: BackgroundFour trials of interventions designed to prevent early childhood caries are using community-engagement strategies to improve recruitment of low-income, racial/ethnic minority participants. The trials are being implemented by 3 centers funded by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research and known as the Early Childhood Caries Collaborating Centers (EC4): the Center for Native Oral Health Research at the University of Colorado, the Center to Address Disparities in Children's Oral Health at the University of California San Francisco, and the Center for Research to Evaluate and Eliminate Dental Disparities at Boston University.Community contextThe community contexts for the EC4 trials include urban public housing developments, Hispanic communities near the US-Mexican border, and rural American Indian reservations. These communities have a high prevalence of early childhood caries, suggesting the need for effective, culturally acceptable interventions.MethodsEach center's intervention(s) used community-based participatory research approaches, identified community partners, engaged the community through various means, and developed communication strategies to enhance recruitment.OutcomeAll 3 centers have completed recruitment. Each center implemented several new strategies and approaches to enhance recruitment efforts, such as introducing new communication techniques, using media such as radio and newspapers to spread awareness about the studies, and hosting community gatherings.InterpretationUsing multiple strategies that build trust in the community, are sensitive to cultural norms, and are adaptable to the community environment can enhance recruitment in underserved communities.
Validity of Self-reported Weights Following Bariatric Surgery

Obtaining standardized weights in long-term studies can be difficult. Self-reported weights are more easily obtained, but less accurate than those from a calibrated scale and may be inaccurately reported. Previous studies have reported that women tend to under-report their weight more than men with the degree of misreporting related to body mass index (BMI) whereby overweight individuals tend to under-report while under-weight individuals tend to over-report.1–4 However, in a study of female gastric bypass candidates, self-reported pre-surgical weights averaged 0.3 kg more than measured weights and misreporting was not significantly related to BMI.5 This study investigated whether self-reported weights following bariatric surgery differed from weights obtained by study personnel using a standard scale.
Protein serine/threonine phosphatase PPM1A dephosphorylates Smad1 in the bone morphogenetic protein signaling pathway.

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are secreted polypeptides belonging to the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily that activates a broad range of biological responses in the metazoan organism. The BMP-initiated signaling pathway is under tight control by processes including regulation of the ligands, the receptors, and the key downstream intracellular effector Smads. A critical point of control in BMP signaling is the phosphorylation of Smad1, Smad5, and Smad8 in their C-terminal SXS motif. Although such phosphorylation, which is mediated by the type I BMP receptor kinases in response to BMP stimulation, is well characterized, biochemical mechanisms underlying Smad dephosphorylation remain to be elucidated. In this study, we have found that PPM1A, a metal ion-dependent protein serine/threonine phosphatase, physically interacts with and dephosphorylates Smad1 both in vitro and in vivo. Functionally, overexpression of PPM1A abolishes BMP-induced transcriptional responses, whereas RNA interference-mediated knockdown of PPM1A enhances BMP signaling. Collectively, our study suggests that PPM1A plays an important role in controlling BMP signaling through catalyzing Smad dephosphorylation.
Henry Parker and the English Civil War: The Political Thought of the Public's 'Privado'

This is the first full study in fifty years of the author of the most celebrated political tract of the early years of the English Civil War, Observations upon Some of His Majesties Late Answers and Expresses. Professor Mendle situates each of Parker's significant tracts in its polemical, intellectual, and political context. He also views Parker's literary work in the light of his career as privado, or intimate adviser, to leading figures of the parliamentary leadership. Parker emerges as a fierce opponent of clerical prevention from any quarter, a strikingly brutal critic of the common law mind, and a leading proponent of parliament's most uncompromising position, a claim to a species of executive power so encompassing (and so like the claims of Charles I) that it can fitly be called parliamentary absolutism.
cDNA encoding a functional feline liver/bone/kidney-type alkaline phosphatase.

Abstract Feline alkaline phosphatase (FeALP) was copurified with the putative 70-kDa feline leukemia virus subgroup-A (FeLV-A) receptor protein from feline T-lymphhocyte cells (FeT) by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. The sequence of the N-terminal 17 amino acids and five other internal tryptic peptides revealed that it is homologous to the liver/bone/kidney (L/B/K)-type alkaline phosphatase of other mammalian species. Corresponding oligonucleotides were synthesized and used for amplification of a 1.2-kb segment of the FeALP gene by polymerase chain reaction, using phage DNA from a FeT cell cDNA library as template. The 1.2-kb FeALP gene fragment generated was then used as a probe to isolate a 2127-bp L/B/K-type FeALP cDNA clone from the same library harboring a large, intact open reading frame. This cDNA possessed an open reading frame encoding a 524-amino-acid protein including a putative signal peptide of 17 amino acids followed by 14-amino-acid residues identical to the N-terminal sequence determined from the purified protein. Sequences closely related to five tryptic peptides from the purified protein were also contained within the cDNA-encoded protein. Homology with the human, bovine, rat and mouse L/B/K-type ALP was found to be 88-90% at both the nucleotide and the amino acid levels. The cDNA was transferred into a eukaryotic expression vector and expressed following transfection into murine and mink lung fibroblast cell lines. High levels of enzymatically active ALP were detected, along with a 70-kDa protein reactive in immunoblot assay using a polyclonal antibody against the original crude FeALP preparation. FeALP was specifically released from intact cells by treatment with phosphoinositol-specific phospholipase-C. By Northern blot analysis, only one species of mRNA was detected using a 32 P-labeled cDNA probe. These results indicate that the 2127-bp cDNA encodes a functional feline L/B/K-type ALP expressed on cell surfaces via phosphatidylinositol-glycan linkage. Despite electrophoretic comigration in two dimensions and following deglycosylation in a third dimension, FeALP failed to function as an FeLV receptor since its expression failed to provide for attachment or entry of virus into cells.
Environmental effect on mechanical properties of L12-ordered (Fe22Co78)3V

Recently, environmental embrittlement has been investigated in many ordered intermetallics including Co[sub 3]Ti, Ni[sub 3]Al, Ni[sub 3]Si, FeAl, Fe[sub 3]Al, and (Fe,Co)[sub 3]V. At ambient temperatures, the embrittlement is caused mainly by hydrogen released from moisture in air. A number of intermetallics also show a reduction in ductility at elevated temperatures; however, the cause of the ductility reduction is not well understood at the present time. Oxygen is identified as an embrittling agent in Ni[sub 3]Al and Ni[sub 3]Si alloys but apparently not in other alloys such as Ni[sub 3][Si,Ti] and Co[sub 3]Ti. L1[sub 2]-ordered intermetallic alloys with compositions (Fe[sub 22]Co[sub 78])[sub 3]V exhibited moisture-induced hydrogen embrittlement when tested in air at ambient temperatures. Their ductility also decreases with increasing temperature above 500 C and reaches a minimum around the critical ordering temperature [[Tc] = 910 C] when tested in vacuum. At present, there is no detailed study of the environmental effect in (Fe,Co)[sub 3]V at elevated temperatures. In this study, the environmental effect on the ductility and fracture in (Fe,Co)[sub 3]V is investigated at various temperatures and in various atmospheres, and the results are compared with those from other intermetallic alloys.
An analysis of a pre-engineering program model used to predict a student's persistence to graduation

This paper presents the evolution and implementation of the pre-engineering program at the joint Florida A&M University-Florida State University College of Engineering. The program was initiated in 2004. It was revised several times between 2004 and 2009. These revisions were made to accommodate unexpected or unattended consequences in the program's implementation. The current program consists of five courses taken by engineering students including First-Year Engineering Laboratory, Calculus I, Calculus II, General Chemistry I, and General Physics I. Chemical engineering students replace General Physics I with General Chemistry II Between 2004 and 2008, almost 2000 first-time in college (FTIC) engineering students participated in the program. The analysis suggests that students who successfully complete the pre-engineering program graduate from the college with a degree in engineering at a very high rate. Additionally, it appears there are no statistically significant differences in graduation rates among pre-engineering program completers with respect to home institution, gender, and race/ethnicity.
EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT MANAGEMENT OF PULMONARY EMBOLISM

There are several points that bear repetition. First, consider the diagnosis of PE in all patients presenting with chest pain, dyspnea, syncope, oxygen desaturation, or unexplained hypotension. Evaluate these patients in a rational manner. At any individual hospital, develop algorithms with consultants so that when one is faced with a patient with a PE, the flow of both diagnostics and therapeutics flows smoothly and rapidly. Consider the concept of risk stratification, and remember that not all patients with PE are created equal. In particular, be on the same page with all consultants regarding the use of right heart echocardiography, both for its potential diagnostic capabilities and for its ability to identify patients who could be at greater risk for bad outcomes.
SURVIVAL OF THE SCALY-FEATHERED FINCH SPOROPIPES SQUAMIFRONS WITHOUT DRINKING WATER

(1965). SURVIVAL OF THE SCALY-FEATHERED FINCH SPOROPIPES SQUAMIFRONS WITHOUT DRINKING WATER. Ostrich: Vol. 36, No. 3, pp. 131-132.
Effect of pH and dye concentration on the extraction of a thiamine dye salt by an organic solvent

The effect of pH and dye concentration on the extraction of thiamine dye salt by an organic solvent has been studied. An equation which expresses the dependence of the thiamine dye salt extracted with changes in pH was derived. The theoretical and experimental data were found to be in good agreement.
Collecting comic books for an academic library

Comic books are finally being recognized as a scholarly medium in literature, art, history, popular culture, and many other fields of study. Blanket disapproval of comic books, however, continues in all but a few academic libraries. Librarians do face philosophical and practical challenges to acquiring comic books, but it is both possible and desirable to do so. Valuable selection tools and Internet resources are examined, along with annotations of significant comic book creators.
Primary chondroid melanoma

Background: Malignant melanoma is notorious for the wide range of histologic patterns it can assume, among the least frequent of which is chondroid melamona. Methods: Two cases of primary chondroid melanoma of the distal lower extremity were studied. Tissue for light microscopy was fixed in formalin, embedded in paraffin, and processed routinely. In one case, transmission electron microscopy and immunohistochemical evaluation were performed. Results: Both cases exhibited melanoma in-situ, a conventional (non-chondroid) invasive component, and areas of chondroid differentiation, as confirmed by strongly positive staining with Alcian blue at pH 2.5 and Safranin O. Immunohistochemically, one case expressed S-100 protein and vimentin, and did not express gp100 (HMB-45), tyrosinase, MART-1, the Mel-5 antigen, the NKI/C3 antigen, CD45Ro, cytokeratin, or desmin. Electron microscopy of the chondroid component revealed occasional tumor cells with rare, membrane-bound, electron-dense organelles; the extracellular compartment showed amorphous ground substance consistent with cartilaginous differentiation. Conclusions: Chondroid change in the absence of osteogenic differentiation is extremely rare in malignant melanoma. Melanoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of primary cutaneous neoplasms exhibiting cartilaginous differentiation.
Modeling and analysis of cross-session search tasks

The information needs of search engine users vary in complexity, depending on the task they are trying to accomplish. Some simple needs can be satisfied with a single query, whereas others require a series of queries issued over a longer period of time. While search engines effectively satisfy many simple needs, searchers receive little support when their information needs span session boundaries. In this work, we propose methods for modeling and analyzing user search behavior that extends over multiple search sessions. We focus on two problems: (i) given a user query, identify all of the related queries from previous sessions that the same user has issued, and (ii) given a multi-query task for a user, predict whether the user will return to this task in the future. We model both problems within a classification framework that uses features of individual queries and long-term user search behavior at different granularity. Experimental evaluation of the proposed models for both tasks indicates that it is possible to effectively model and analyze cross-session search behavior. Our findings have implications for improving search for complex information needs and designing search engine features to support cross-session search tasks.
Completing the Counts of Radio Sources at 8.5 GHz

Most currently available counts of radio sources at frequencies >5 GHz are restricted to relatively bright sources. Observations made at NRAO's VLA have, however, provided counts of very faint sources (S 1 mJy) at 8.5 GHz. Here we extend the 8.5 GHz VLA source counts to higher flux densities using both archival data and a brief, blind VLA survey at 8.5 GHz. We thus link the faint source counts to earlier source counts at S 30 mJy. The new counts of radio sources at 8.5 GHz hold no surprises.
Learning About Internal Capital Markets From Corporate Spinoffs

This paper examines the investment behavior of firms before and after they are spun off from their parent companies. We show that investment after the spinoff is significantly more sensitive to measures of investment opportunities (e.g. industry Tobin's Q or industry investment) than it is before the spinoff. Spinoffs tend to cut their investment in low Q industries and increase their investment in high Q industries. These changes are observed only in spinoffs of firms in industries unrelated to the parents' industries and in spinoffs where the stock market reacts favorably to the spinoff announcement. Our findings point to the possibility that one effect of spinoffs is to improve the allocation of capital.
Pediatric hydrocephalus: systematic literature review and evidence-based guidelines. Part 8: Management of cerebrospinal fluid shunt infection.

Object The objective of this systematic review was to answer the following question: What is the optimal treatment strategy for CSF shunt infection in pediatric patients with hydrocephalus? Methods The US National Library of Medicine and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were queried using MeSH headings and key words relevant to the objective of this systematic review. Abstracts were reviewed, after which studies meeting the inclusion criteria were selected and graded according to their quality of evidence (Classes I–III). Evidentiary tables were constructed that summarized pertinent study results, and based on the quality of the literature, recommendations were made (Levels I–III). Results A review and critical appraisal of 27 studies that met the inclusion criteria allowed for a recommendation for supplementation of antibiotic treatment using partial (externalization) or complete shunt hardware removal, with a moderate degree of clinical certainty. However, a recommendation regarding whether c...
It's still simple: signal plus response equals communication.

I was fortunate to have been in on the ground floor of insect pheromone research “back in the day” when only a handful of pheromone structures had been identified. During these ensuing 42 years, I was privileged to have been able to witness many advances in our understanding of insect pheromone communication systems. Yet, I have been perplexed by the continued inattention of researchers, both young and old, to the concept of “communication”. With the many advances in analytical techniques that have occurred over these decades, it has become easier to isolate and chemically identify many more compounds from pheromone glands or airborne volatile collections than in earlier times. But it also has become easier to make the mistake of assuming that all of the identified compounds contribute to the behavioral response, i.e., that they all comprise the signal between the sexes that evokes the optimal behavioral response.
Photonic network design issues and applications to the IP backbone

This paper overviews network design issues of the photonic transport network (PTN), which employs wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) and wavelength routing. The design issues are considered on the level of newly created high-speed transmission access paths, i.e., optical paths (OPs). These include the routing and wavelength assignment (RWA) problems involved in making the best use of network resources such as wavelengths and fibers. With this objective, design issues for ring and meshed type PTN are addressed by presenting the results of case studies in which existing heuristic RWA algorithms were employed. By utilizing the design tools, the possible network scale is then estimated, while considering state-of-the-art hardware realization technologies. Further consideration is given assuming an environment where PTN serves as a high-speed IP-backbone. An extensive case study shows the cost-effectiveness of IP-over-PTN over other scenarios such as IP-over-(point-to-point) WDM.
Abdominal fat distribution and peripheral and hepatic insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes mellitus

We examined the relationship between peripheral/hepatic insulin sensitivity and abdominal superficial/deep subcutaneous fat (SSF/DSF) and intra-abdominal visceral fat (VF) in patients with type 2 d...
Integration without Unification: An Argument for Pluralism in the Biological Sciences

In this article, we consider the tension between unification and pluralism in biological theory. We begin with a consideration of historical efforts to establish a unified understanding of evolution in the neo-Darwinian synthesis. The fragmentation of the evolutionary synthesis by molecular evolution suggests the limitations of the general unificationist ideal for biology but not necessarily for integrating explanations. In the second half of this article, we defend a specific variety of pluralism that allows for the integration required for explanations of complex phenomena without unification on a large scale.
Incubation of antigen-sensitized T lymphocytes activated with bryostatin 1 + ionomycin in IL-7 + IL-15 increases yield of cells capable of inducing regression of melanoma metastases compared to culture in IL-2.

Regression of established tumors can be induced by adoptive immunotherapy (AIT) with tumor draining lymph node (DLN) lymphocytes activated with bryostatin and ionomycin (B/I). We hypothesized that B/I-activated T cells cultured in IL-7 + IL-15 might proliferate and survive in culture better than cells cultured in IL-2, and that these cells would have equal or greater anti-tumor activity in vivo. Tumor antigen-sensitized DLN lymphocytes from either wild-type or T cell receptor transgenic mice were harvested, activated with B/I, and expanded in culture with either IL-2, IL-7 + IL-15 or a regimen of alternating cytokines. Cell yields, proliferation, apoptosis, phenotypes, and in vitro responses to tumor antigen were compared for cells grown in different cytokines. These T cells were also tested for anti-tumor activity against melanoma lung metastases established by prior i.v. injection of B16 melanoma cells. IL-7 + IL-15 or alternating cytokines resulted in much faster and prolonged proliferation and much less apopotosis of B/I-activated T cells than culturing the same cells in IL-2. This resulted in approximately tenfold greater yields of viable cells. Culture in IL-7 + IL-15 yielded higher proportions of CD8+ T cells and a higher proportion of cells with a central memory phenotype. Despite this, T cells grown in IL-7 + IL-15 had higher IFN-γ release responses to tumor antigen than cells grown in IL-2. Adoptive transfer of B/I-activated T cells grown in IL-7 + IL-15 or the alternating regimen had equal or greater efficacy on a “per-cell” basis against melanoma metastases. Activation of tumor antigen-sensitized T cells with B/I and culture in IL-7 + IL-15 is a promising modification of standard regimens for production of T cells for use in adoptive immunotherapy of cancer.
Hardware-based image processing for high-speed inspection of grains

A high-speed, low-cost, image-based sorting device was developed to detect and separate grains having slight color differences or small defects. The device directly combines a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) color image sensor with a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) which was programmed to execute image processing in real-time, without the need of an external computer. Spatial resolution of the imaging system is approximately 16pixels/mm. The system includes three image sensor/FPGA combinations placed around the perimeter of a single-file stream of kernels, so that most of the surface of each kernel is be inspected. A vibratory feeder feeds kernels onto an inclined chute that kernels slide down in a single-file manner. Kernels are imaged immediately after dropping off the end of the chute and are diverted by activating an air valve. The system has a throughput rate of approximately 75kernels/s per channel which is much higher than previously developed image inspection systems. This throughput rate corresponds to an inspection rate of approximately 8kg/h of wheat and 40kg/h of popcorn. The system was initially developed to separate white wheat from red wheat, and to remove popcorn having blue-eye damage, which is indicated by a small blue discoloration in the germ of a popcorn kernel. Testing of the system resulted in accuracies of 88% for red wheat and 91% for white wheat. For popcorn, the system achieved 74% accuracy when removing popcorn with blue-eye damage and 91% accuracy at recognizing good popcorn. The sorter should find uses for removing other defects found in grain, such as insect-damaged grain, scab-damaged wheat, and bunted wheat. Parts for the system cost less than $2000, suggesting that it may be economical to run several systems in parallel to keep up with processing plant rates.
Second Life, a Simulation: Barriers, Benefits, and Implications for Teaching

Simulations are a part of our social and cultural environment; some children grow up playing simulated online games and continue the practice throughout college. However, few educators are experimenting with simulations. Simulations might be used in schools and are particularly important for educators teaching subjects in the natural, physical, and sciences. This paper begins by defining what a simulation is, presents barrier that prevents educators from exploring simulations, argues for the potential of learning through simulations, introduce Second Life (Linden Lab, 2006) as an online simulation, and concludes by presenting implications for educators. Purpose With the availability of Web and computers, many universities are integrating new delivery platform into course curricula, both to enhance conventional classroom-based learning and to enable geographically bound students to overcome barriers of time and distance. The rise of computers also means the increase of programming, blogging, digital cameras, web quests, wikipedias (online encyclopedia), virtual field trips, and e- portfolios (Polin, 2000). However, most current on-line instruction typically focuses on a well-defined task; a large number of users who browse a Web site or post messages to course management systems such as the Blackboard or WebCT — and only minimally reflects new notions of technology (Polin, 2000). While these tools are useful for discussions, they provide little, if any, support needed to bring forth the kinds of cognitive, collaborative, and social interactions that are characteristic of successful instructional technology like gaming and simulations (Schaffer & Clinton, 2006). The purpose of the present paper is to explore the use of simulations by addressing each of the following questions: What are simulations? What are the barriers that prevent the successful integration of simulations in the formal school environment? What are the benefits of learning through simulations? Is Second Life a simulation? Finally, what are the implications for educators in using simulations for their teaching?