cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neurosurgical patients admitted via the emergency department initiating comfort care measures: a prospective cohort analysis.

Given the serious nature of many neurosurgical pathologies, it is common for hospitalized patients to elect comfort care (CC) over aggressive treatment. Few studies have evaluated the incidence and risk factors of CC trends in patients admitted for neurosurgical emergencies. To analyze all neurosurgical patients admitted to a tertiary care academic referral center via the emergency department (ED) to determine incidence and characteristics of those who initiated CC measures during their initial hospital admission. We performed a prospective, cohort analysis of all consecutive adult patients admitted to the neurosurgical service via the ED between October 2018 and May 2019. The primary outcome was the initiation of CC measures during the patient’s hospital admission. CC was defined as cessation of life-sustaining measures and a shift in focus to maintaining the comfort and dignity of the patient. Of the 428 patients admitted during the 7-month period, 29 (6.8%) initiated CC measures within 4.0 ± 4.0 days of admission. Patients who entered CC were significantly more likely to have a medical history of cerebrovascular disease (58.6% vs. 33.3%, p = 0.006), dementia (17.2% vs. 1.5%, p = 0.0004), or cancer with metastatic disease (24.1% vs. 7.0%, p = 0.001). Patients with a presenting pathology associated with cerebrovascular disease were significantly more likely to initiate CC (62.1% vs. 35.3, p = 0.04). Patients who underwent emergent surgery were significantly more likely to enter CC compared with those who had elective surgery (80.0% vs. 42.7%, p = 0.02). Only 10 of the 29 (34.5%) patients who initiated CC underwent a neurosurgical operation (p = 0.002). Twenty of the 29 (69.0%) patients died within 0.8 ± 0.8 days after the initiation of CC measures. CC measures were initiated in 6.8% of patients admitted to the neurosurgical service via the ED, with the majority of patients entering CC before an operation and presenting with a cerebrovascular pathology.
Patient Portal, Patient-Generated Images, and Medical Decision-Making in a Pediatric Ambulatory Setting.

Background Electronic health record (EHR) patient portals are a secure electronic method of communicating with health care providers. In addition to sending secure messages, images, and videos generated by families can be sent to providers securely. With the widespread use of smart phones, there has been an increase in patient-generated images (PGI) sent to providers via patient portals. There are few studies that have evaluated the role of PGI in medical decision-making. Objectives The study aimed to characterize PGI sent to providers via a patient portal, determine how often PGI-affected medical decision-making, and determine the rate of social PGI sent via patient portal. Methods A retrospective chart review of PGI uploaded to a children's hospital's ambulatory patient portal from January 2011 to December 2017 was conducted. Data collected included patient demographics, number and type of images sent, person sending images (patient or parent/guardian), and whether an image-affected medical decision-making. Images were classified as medical related (e.g., blood glucose readings and skin rashes), nonmedical or administrative related (e.g., medical clearance or insurance forms), and social (e.g., self-portraits and camp pictures). Results One hundred forty-three individuals used the portal a total of 358 times, sending 507 images over the study period. Mean (standard deviation) patient age was 9.5 (5.9) years, 50% were females, 89% were White, and 64% had private insurance. About 9% of images were sent directly by patients and the rest by parents/guardians. A total of 387 (76%) images were sent for medical related reasons, 20% for nonmedical, and 4% were deemed social images. Of the 387 medical related images, 314 (81%) affected medical decision-making. Conclusion PGI-affected medical decision-making in most cases. Additional studies are needed to characterize use of PGI in the pediatric population.
A Reinforcement Learning Based Approach to Play Calling in Football.

With the vast amount of data collected on football and the growth of computing abilities, many games involving decision choices can be optimized. The underlying rule is the maximization of an expected utility of outcomes and the law of large numbers. The data available allows us to compute with high accuracy the probabilities of outcomes of decisions and the well defined points system in the game allows us to have the necessary terminal utilities. With some well established theory we can then optimize choices at a single play level.
Scaling theory of absorption in the frozen mode regime

A stationary inflection point (SIP) of the Bloch dispersion relation of a periodic system is a prominent example of an exceptional point degeneracy (EPD) where three Bloch eigenmodes coalesce. The scattering problem for a bounded photonic structure supporting a SIP features the frozen mode regime (FMR), where the incident wave is converted into the “frozen mode” with vanishing group velocity and diverging amplitude. We analyze the effect of losses and disorder on the FMR and develop a scaling formalism for the absorbance in the FMR that takes into consideration losses, disorder, and system size. The signatures of the EPD appear as an abrupt growth of absorbance for system sizes greater than a characteristic length that follows a parallel resistance law involving the absorption length and the Anderson localization length.
Rural Dermatology: Statistical Measures and Epidemiology

Between 10% and 28% of the United States population lives in rural areas. Significant disparities in access to dermatologic care exist between rural and urban residents. Dermatologist density is significantly lower in rural areas as compared to urban ones and this is seen across dermatologic subspecialties, including general dermatology, pediatric dermatology and Mohs surgery. Similarly, rural residents experience longer wait times and travel distance compared to their urban peers. Decreased dermatologist density per capita, as seen in rural regions, has been linked to poorer disease-specific outcomes for melanoma and Merkel cell carcinoma. In recent years, the density of dermatologists in rural areas has increased but the gap between urban and rural dermatologist density has also grown, belying the disparities that exist between rural and urban residents in access to dermatologic care.
Entertainment Utility from Skill and Thrill

This paper uses revealed preference methods to estimate demand for non-instrumental information in entertainment. I do this by examining the "thrill" associated with the trajectory of an event, which includes both suspense and surprise, and the "skill" of performers in an event. I apply the theory presented in Ely et al. (2015) to conduct an empirical analysis that examines the effect of thrill on consumer attention. I extend the Ely et al. (2015) framework by examining spectator preferences for characteristics of the performers themselves, which I call "skill." I use game-specific, high-temporal frequency television ratings data from the National Basketball Association (NBA) to measure spectator responses to skill and thrill. First, I find that a doubling of skill present in a game leads to an approximately 11% increase in initial viewer turnout, while the expected thrill of a game has no statistically significant impact. Next, I show that thrill during a game increases viewership by 7-30%, while a doubling of skill on the court during a specific portion of a game leads to a 1.9-2.4% increase in viewership, depending on specification. Interestingly, I find a negative interactive effect between suspense and skill, suggesting that heightened suspense leads to differentially higher viewership with lower skill on the court. The findings suggest that skill of information-conveying agents primarily impacts viewership on the extensive margin (across games), while thrill is highly time-dependent and primarily impacts viewership on the intensive margin (within games). These findings have important implications for entertainment media companies, including leagues and television broadcasters, and advertisers.
A.D.A.M. student atlas of anatomy

This new atlas features print anatomic images from the A.D.A.M. software program in a compendium of the fundamentals of human anatomy. Not intendend as a comprehensive reference, the A.D.A.M. atlas increases the student user's understanding of the essentials with a regional approach using both illustrations and actual cadaver views. After an introduction, each chapter uses A.D.A.M.'s layered artwork for a traditional guide to dissection format. This atlas aims to provide the beginner with key views from a variety of orientations.
The Environment and the People in American Cities, 1600s–1900s: Disorder, Inequality, and Social Change – By Dorceta E. Taylor

Concern for the environment has been something of a roller coaster in American history. Desire for expansion was so ferocious that few considered the implications of unrestricted and unregulated gr...
Lymphoblastic Conversion in Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia

A child presented with "acute leukemia" in which the blast cells resembled lymphoblasts and had negative cytochemical staining (PAS, Sudan black, and myeloperoxidase). Remission was induced and typical adult-type chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) followed. Cytogenetic studies initially and during remission and subsequent "acute leukemia" relapses revealed the presence of the Philadelphia chromosome abnormality. Terminal transferase assay performed on peripheral blood blast cells was markedly elevated and soft agar culture growth parameters were typical of acute lymphoblastic leukemia T and B cell marker studies revealed no markers. This case report with supportive laboratory studies suggests that a cell line with lymphoid characteristics may predominate during acute leukemic transformation. This type of subclassification of leukemia may be of importance in therapeutic planning.
Documentation: not yet implemented, but coming soon!

Dr. Brad Mehlenbacher Training & Development (ACCE), Ergonomics (PSYCH), Box 7801 College of Education, North Carolina State University Raleigh, NC 27695-8105 brad_m@unity.ncsu.edu [from Documentation: Not Yet Implemented but Coming Soon! (2003). In A. Sears & J. Jacko (Eds.). The Human-Computer Interaction Handbook: Fundamentals, Evolving Technologies and Emerging Applications (pp. 527-543). Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.]
Cutting Edge: Genetic Variation Influences FcεRI-Induced Mast Cell Activation and Allergic Responses

Mast cell responses are influenced by a diverse array of environmental factors, but little is known about the effect of genetic background. In this study, we report that 129/Sv mice had high levels of circulating IgE, increased expression of the high-affinity receptor for IgE (Fc epsilonRI), and greater sensitivity to anaphylaxis when compared with C57BL/6 mice. Bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs) from 129/Sv mice showed more robust degranulation upon the engagement of Fc epsilonRI. Deficiency of the Src family kinase Lyn enhanced degranulation in 129/Sv BMMCs but inhibited this response in C57BL/6 cells. C57BL/6 lyn(-/-) BMMCs had reduced expression of the Src family kinase Fyn, and increasing its expression markedly enhanced degranulation. In human mast cells the silencing of Lyn or Fyn expression resulted in hyperdegranulation or hypodegranulation, respectively. The findings demonstrate a genetic influence on the extent of a mast cell's response and identify Fyn kinase as a contributory determinant.
Hypoperfusion and acute traumatic coagulopathy in severely traumatized canine patients

Objective To determine the incidence of acute traumatic coagulopathy in dogs suffering severe trauma and to investigate the association of markers of hypoperfusion with coagulation abnormalities. Design A prospective observational study performed June, 2009 to February, 2011. Setting A university teaching hospital. Animals Thirty client-owned dogs weighing >5 kilograms that were presented to the Tuft's Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine following severe trauma as defined by an animal trauma triage score (ATT) ≥5 and having received no resuscitation with IV fluids or blood products prior to blood sampling. Interventions None. Measurements and Main Results Prior to resuscitation, data obtained at the time of admission to the emergency service included HCT, platelet count, lactate concentration, pH, base excess, thromboelastrogram (TEG), prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen level, and protein C activity. Rectal temperature and ATT were recorded for all dogs. Neither HCT nor platelet count was significantly decreased in any of the dogs. Based on G values as measured by TEG, 10/30 dogs (33%) showed evidence of hypercoagulability. Hypocoagulability as determined by prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, or TEG was not shown in any of the 30 dogs. Conclusion Dogs with severe trauma may experience hypercoagulability that is unrelated to fluid resuscitation or transfusion therapy. Future studies are warranted to better characterize coagulation changes in dogs with severe trauma, particularly in relationship to fluid therapies and/or hemorrhage.
Gene expression of enzymes in the O-GlcNAcylation pathway in type 2 diabetics vs. non-diabetics (LB540)

Protein O-GlcNAcylation has been shown to play a major role in the development of type 2 diabetes and diabetic complications. This study is investigating differences of gene expression of proteins ...
Enhancement of cytochrome oxidase activity in 60 Hz magnetic fields

Abstract 60 Hz magnetic fields accelerate the oxidation of cytochrome C , a reaction catalyzed by cytochrome oxidase, an electron transport enzyme of the mitochondrial redox chain. The effects of magnetic fields on this enzyme reaction are similar to effects on the Na,K-ATPase reaction. The acceleration due to the magnetic field, is inversely related to the basal enzyme rate. The greater the normal enzyme activity, the smaller the effect of an applied magnetic field. The acceleration varies with the magnetic field strength. The increase in the oxidation rate constant is 20–30% at field strengths below 3 μ T, and a factor of about 2 between 6–10 μ T. Data at low field strengths suggest that the threshold is below 0.5 μ T, in the same range as thresholds for Na,K-ATPase function (0.3 μ T) and stimulation of transcription ( μ T). The mobile charge interaction (MCI) model, which proposes that electric and magnetic fields interact with moving charges as they would in any conductor, was based on studies of the Na,K-ATPase enzyme reaction. Similar results with cytochrome oxidase support the MCI model in the interaction of magnetic fields with electron transfer during this oxidation reaction.
The role of enkephalins in the production of epileptogenic activity and autonomic dysfunction: Origin of arrhythmia and sudden death in the epileptic patients?

Abstract Autonomic dysfunction, including arrhythmias, has been shown to be associated with epileptogenic activity. This study examines the potential role for enkephalins in this process. A long lasting elevation of immunoreactive methionine (met)-enkephalin content in the septum, hypothalamus, amygdala, and hippocampus of rats occurs after pentylenetetrazol-induced convulsions (Brain Research 297: 121–125, 1984). Brennan et al (Life Sciences 27:1097–1101 1980) reported a greater percent inhibition of potassium-stimulated GABA release with increasing concentrations of met-enkephalin. Snead and Bearden (Science 210:1031–1033, 1980) found that leucine-enkephalin in the central nervous system may induce epileptogenic activity. In addition, (d-alanine 2 ) met-enkephalin has been shown to produce a centrally mediated vasopressor response as well as attenuation of the baroreceptor reflex in conscious cats (Hypertension 3:395–407, 1981), possibly leading to autonomic imbalance. The latter may precipitate arrhythmias and sudden unexplained death in the epileptic patient. Resolution of the question of whether enkephalins elicit epileptogenic activity and autonomic dysfunction via inhibition of GABA release is important since an understanding of this mechanism should eventually allow the design of pharmacologic agents to prevent the epileptogenic activity, autonomic dysfunction and the associated sudden death.
Transportation Policy in Mexico City The Politics and Impacts of Privatization

The impacts of privatization in transportation for Mexico City are examined through a cost-and-benefit analysis. Privatization in transportation has reduced direct government spending in some areas but has exacerbated economic inequities, political corruption, traffic congestion, and traffic injuries and fatalities as well as air pollution and related illness and mortality. Transport policy has benefited the Federal District, affluent residents, and service providers, but the users and poor who live in marginal zones have received less benefits from these policies.
Analysis of CdS/CdTe Devices Incorporating a ZnTe:Cu/Ti Contact

Abstract High-performance CdS/CdTe photovoltaic devices can be produced using a ZnTe:Cu/Ti back contact deposited onto the CdTe layer. We observe that prolonged exposure of the ZnTe:Cu and Ti sputtering targets to an oxygen-containing plasma significantly reduces device open-circuit voltage and fill factor. High-resolution compositional analysis of these devices reveals that Cu concentration in the CdTe and CdS layers is lower for devices with poor performance. Capacitance–voltage analysis and related numerical simulations indicate that the net acceptor concentration in the CdTe is also lower for devices with poor performance. Photoluminescence analyses of the junction region reveal that the intensity of a luminescent peak associated with a defect complex involving interstitial Cu (Cui) and oxygen on Te (OTe) is reduced in devices with poor performance. Combined with thermodynamic considerations, these results suggest that oxygen incorporation into the ZnTe:Cu sputtering target reduces the ability of sputtered ZnTe:Cu film to diffuse Cu into the CdTe.
The Performance of a Hybrid Ceramic Ball Bearing Under High Speed Conditions with the Under-Race Lubrication Method

Large bore (150 mm) hybrid ceramic ball bearings and all-M50 steel bearings were tested with under-race lubrication to compare the heat generation and the temperature rise at speeds up to 2.25 million DN. Furthermore, oil shut-off tests were carried out with both bearings over 2.25 million DN. The experimental results of the heat generation for both bearings were nearly the same at an axial load of 19.6 kN. at 34.3 kN, the heat generation of the hybrid bearing was lower than that of the M50 steel bearing at low speed. The heat generation of both bearings gradually approached each other with increasing speed and became nearly equal at a speed of 15,000 rpm. The survivability of the hybrid bearing in the oil shut-off test was superior to that of the M50 bearing. These experimental results were explained by the calculation results using a computer analysis software which simulates the kinematics and the performance of ball bearings. Presented at the 52nd Annual Meeting in Kansas City, Missouri May 18–22, 1997
“A Dirty Place for Americans to Be”: Images of the Russian Civil War in Siberia from the Robert L. Eichelberger Collection at Duke University Libraries

The article describes the contents of a substantial and little‐known collection of Russian Civil War photographs currently held at the Rare Books, Manuscripts, and Special Collections Library, Duke University. The images come from the personal archive of General Robert L. Eichelberger (1886–1961), Assistant Chief of Staff, Operations Division, and Chief Intelligence Officer with the American Expeditionary Forces in eastern Siberia, 1918–1920. The article analyzes the scholarly research value of this collection, which has been scanned as part of the Duke University Libraries digital collections project called Americans in the Land of Lenin: Documentary Photographs of Early Soviet Russia.
Influence of estradiol on duration of anestrus and incidence of short estrous cycles in postpartum cows

The influence of exposure to exogenous estradiol on the interval from parturition to first ovulation, luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion and luteal function was examined in cows. Cows were assigned at parturition to one of three treatments. Cows received either a 3.0 (1-E; n = 30) or .75 cm (14-E; n = 28) implant containing 17β-estradiol or served as untreated control animals (C; n = 33). Implants were administered within 2 days following parturition and removed on day 40 postpartum (day 0 = day of parturition). Single blood samples were collected twice weekly and analyzed for progesteone to determine length of postpartum anestrus and duration of the initial increase in progesterone. Sequential blood samples were collected on day 35 ± .1 postpartum (15 min intervals for 18 hrs) from 5 cows in each treatment and analyzed for LH. Concentrations of estradiol were higher (P<.01) in the 1-E (5.3 ± .24) than in C (3.9 ± .23) or 14 E (3.9 ± .25) cows on day 35 postpartum. The interval from parturition to the first estrous cycle of normal duration was similar for cows in the C and 1-E treatment (53 ± 2.4 and 56 ± 2.4 days, respectively). Cows in the 14-E treatment had a longer (P<.05) interval (68 ± 2.5 days). Secretion of LH was similar among treatments on day 35 postpartum. The first normal luteal phase after parturition was preceded by a transient rise in progesterone in 81, 64 and 85% of the cows in the C, 1-E and 14-E treatments, respectively. In cows that ovulated before implant removal (≤ day 40 postpartum), incidence of shortened luteal phases was lower (P<.05) in the 1-E than in C or 14-E cows (20 versus 60 or 67%, respectively). After implant removal, the incidence of short cycles was similar among treatments (89%). Fertility was unaffected by treatment. In conclusion, duration of postpartum anestrus was unaffected, or prolonged, by administration of exogenous estradiol, depending on the dose. Exogenous estradiol, at the higher dose, reduced the incidence of short estrous cycles if ovulation occurred during the period of administration.
The experience factor in early programming education

Like most computing departments, the Information Technology (IT) Department of the Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences (GCCIS) at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) offers an introductory programming sequence. Students typically spend their first three quarters completing the sequence. We have found that students enter the sequence with varying degrees of experience ranging from none at all to significant programming experience. Those with previous exposure to programming could have received this experience in many different ways: programming courses in high school, programming that is tangential to other high school courses, clubs, self study, and work experience. In 2003, the authors discussed the preliminary results of a study examining the impact of prior experience on students entering an introductory programming sequence [6]. The preliminary results indicated that prior programming experience did have an impact on student performance in the first course in the programming sequence; however it did not seem to have a significant impact on student performance in subsequent courses. By the end of the sequence, students seemed to have equivalent performance. The data, however, were incomplete. Not all students had completed the sequence by the end of the school year. This paper will reexamine the data now that students have completed the courses.
A Study of Help Requested Online by Spreadsheet Users

The software used by organizations can have a substantial effect on employees' productivity. One of the dominant kinds of software in the workplace today is the spreadsheet, which has proven useful for performing numeric computations as well as for organizing, manipulating, and visualizing data. The authors present an analysis of the problems reported online by users of different spreadsheet editors, in order to guide the selection and enhancement of those editors. They've found that most requests for help were related to operations that the authors refer to as "foundational," such as with configuring the editor and setting up real-world problems in the form of spreadsheets, rather than with using particular formulas or features. They have identified a number of key similarities and differences in questions about different spreadsheet editors and versions of Excel, ultimately leading to several challenging opportunities for future research.
Surface Roughness Measurement by Ultrasonic Sensing for In-Process Monitoring

This paper presents a new surface roughness measurement technique suitable for in-process monitoring in production machining processes. The technique is based on the utilization of focused ultrasonic beams with non-zero incidence angle and measurement of reflected intensities. Fundamental principles and the measurement system developed are described along with experimental results. The tests were conducted to test the sensitivity and robustness of the proposed technique with various milled surfaces and materials. The results show excellent correlations with those obtained by a profilometer. In addition, it is shown that the periodicities of the surface profile corresponding to feed marks can be extracted from the measured ultrasonic signals, thus providing the possibility of profiling. Finally, in-process monitoring of surface roughness during machining is demonstrated with the proposed technique.
Comparison of statistical theories of spot overlap in two-dimensional separations and verification of means for estimating the number of zones

Abstract Several theories appropriate to the modeling of zone overlap in two-dimensional (2D) separations are reviewed. One of these, with specific applications to chromatography, was recently proposed by one of the authors. The others are summarized in a book published over two decades ago. These latter theories addressed various problems of overlap (none of which was chromatographic), which were once of interest in the biological and hygienic sciences. Several hundred computer simulations of 2D beds containing various numbers of randomly distributed zones were generated to evaluate these theories. One theory shows exceptional promise in correctly predicting the numbers of singlet and multiplet spots expected in 2D beds over a wide range of chromatographic saturations. This theory predicts that only one sixth of the spot capacity in a 2D bed can be used to resolve spots. A procedure based on this theory is proposed, by which one can estimate the number of detectable zones in a 2D bed from the distribution of distances between the observed spots. The procedure was tested and verified by its application to about 200 computer simulations of 2D beds containing various numbers of randomly distributed zones.
One-dimensional turbulence-based closure with extinction and reignition

Abstract Scalar statistics from stand-alone one-dimensional turbulence (ODT) simulations are constructed to develop a doubly conditioned table based on the mixture fraction and temperature for the prediction of extinction and reignition in piloted methane–air jet diffusion flames. The ODT-based closure approach is formulated to predict scalar statistics coupled with the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) approach. Comparison with experimental correlations of reactive scalars with the two conditioning variables show that double conditioning may be adequate to prescribe scalar statistics in the jet diffusion flames. The results also show that the ODT model may be used to construct these statistics. The 2D conditioning table is coupled with RANS to compute Sandia flames D, E, and F, which exhibit increasing rates of extinction followed by reignition as the Reynolds numbers are increased. The coupling also requires the transport of the means and variances of the mixture fraction and temperature. Closure terms in the temperature mean and variance equations are obtained by using the 2D table for reaction source terms and by assuming a presumed PDF shape for the temperature PDF. Comparisons show adequate predictions of axial and radial profiles of the mixture fraction, the streamwise velocity, and the reactive scalars for flames D and E and mixed results for flame F. Nonetheless, qualitative trends of increasing the jet Reynolds numbers resulting in more pronounced extinctions are obtained with the RANS-ODT approach. The discrepancy between computation and experiment may be attributed primarily to the closure for the temperature and its variance and to the presumed PDF shape for the temperature.
The Access Principle: The Case for Open Access to Research and Scholarship

Emerging Infectious Diseases helped pioneer open-access publishing by launching free online and print editions simultaneously in 1995. A decade later, perhaps half of the 50,000 scholarly journals are available online; however, access to the contents generally requires a subscription. Although many journals are experimenting with enhanced-access models, such as offering open access to a small selection of articles (e.g., Lancet) or making archived articles freely available 6–12 months after publication (e.g., New England Journal of Medicine), only ≈20% of all research articles are open access, and many of these are available only as self-archived manuscripts on authors' personal websites. Meanwhile, journal subscription rates continue to escalate, strapping library budgets and restricting circulation.
Timing-Dependent Septal Cholinergic Induction of Dynamic Hippocampal Synaptic Plasticity

Cholinergic modulation of hippocampal synaptic plasticity has been studied extensively by applying receptor agonists or blockers; however, the effect of rapid physiological cholinergic stimuli on plasticity is largely unknown. Here, we report that septal cholinergic input, activated either by electrical stimulation or via an optogenetic approach, induced different types of hippocampal Schaffer collateral (SC) to CA1 synaptic plasticity, depending on the timing of cholinergic input relative to the SC input. When the cholinergic input was activated 100 or 10 ms prior to SC stimulation, it resulted in α7 nAChR-dependent long-term potentiation (LTP) or short-term depression, respectively. When the cholinergic stimulation was delayed until 10 ms after the SC stimulation, a muscarinic AChR-dependent LTP was induced. Moreover, these various forms of plasticity were disrupted by Aβ exposure. These results have revealed the remarkable temporal precision of cholinergic functions, providing a novel mechanism for information processing in cholinergic-dependent higher cognitive functions.
Field experiments with attractants for the face fly.

Various kinds of chemicals and synthesized and naturally occurring products of animal and plant origin were applied experimentally in the field in an attempt to discover an effective attractant for Musca autumnalis De Geer. The experimental materials were applied on steers and in petri dishes placed on elevated platforms along the edge of a pasture. Actual fly counts were taken from each test site at 15-minute intervals during a 2-hour observation period for each application date. The comparative effectiveness evaluations were determined from these data. Attractants were more effective when applied on the animals than when placed in petri dishes. The materials applied on the steers which proved to be most attractive to face flies were in 1963, SF-50 (gut slime) 25.0% liquid; in 1964, placenta powder, dry concentrate; in 1965, blood hydrolysate, dry concentrate plus an equal volume of dimethyl disulphide, 5.0% liquid. The more effective attractants applied in petri dishes were in 1963, casein hydrolysate 10.0% liquid plus an equal volume of SF-50, 10.0% liquid; in 1964 lymphatic powder, dry concentrate plus an equal volume of whole soluble bovine blood; in 1965 bone phosphate, dry concentrate.
Synthesis of mixed halogenated trihalomethanes labelled with the stable isotopes 2H or 13C

2 H and 13 C-labelled bromodichloromethane and chlorodibromomethane were obtained in yields of 20 and 12% (for 2 H) and 6 and 3% (for 13 C) respectively from a convenient aluminum chloride-catalyzed reaction of bromoethane with commercially-available isotopically-substituted chloroform. The products were purified by preparative gas chromatography and characterized by MS and 13 C NMR, and by 13 C for the 13 C-labelled material ; mass and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy data are reported.
Beyond Zuccotti Park: Freedom of Assembly and the Occupation of Public Space. Ron Schiffman, Rick Bell, Lance Jay Brown and Lynn Elizabeth with Anastassia Fysyak and Anusha Venkataraman (eds.), Oakland, CA: New Village Press, 2012. xviii and410 pp. $19.95 paper. (ISBN: 978-1-61332-009-9)

Occupy Wall Street was an inspiring movement. One of the things it inspired was this book. Two of the editors chanced into each other on a Manhattan street and, intrigued by the “intense” issues of...
Time and Distance Barriers to Mammography Facilities in the Atlanta Metropolitan Area

To a great extent, research on geographic accessibility to mammography facilities has focused on urban–rural differences. Spatial accessibility within urban areas can nonetheless pose a challenge, especially for minorities and low-income urban residents who are more likely to depend on public transportation. To examine spatial and temporal accessibility to mammography facilities in the Atlanta metropolitan area by public and private transportation, we built a multimodal transportation network model including bus and rail routes, bus and rail stops, transfers, walk times, and wait times. Our analysis of travel times from the population-weighted centroids of the 282 census tracts in the 2-county area to the nearest facility found that the median public transportation time was almost 51 minutes. We further examined public transportation travel times by levels of household access to a private vehicle. Residents in tracts with the lowest household access to a private vehicle had the shortest travel times, suggesting that facilities were favorably located for women who have to use public transportation. However, census tracts with majority non-Hispanic black populations had the longest travel times for all levels of vehicle availability. Time to the nearest mammography facility would not pose a barrier to women who had access to a private vehicle. This study adds to the literature demonstrating differences in spatial accessibility to health services by race/ethnicity and socioeconomic characteristics. Ameliorating spatial inaccessibility represents an opportunity for intervention that operates at the population level.
Scavenger hunt: computer science retention through orientation

This paper describes Scavenger Hunt, a team-based orientation activity for incoming freshmen in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Like many large research universities, Illinois has struggled with the high attrition rate of first-year students in computing disciplines. Scavenger Hunt, which has been held each of the past three years, is intended to foster a sense of community within the department and acclimate new students to undergraduate life as computer science majors. A unique aspect of the activity is the use of handheld computers to manage most aspects of the competition, which enables physically handicapped students to participate on an equal footing with their able-bodied peers. Thus far, Scavenger Hunt has been directly responsible for the increased participation of new students in departmental activities and organizations. In addition, we have observed a significant correlation between student participation in Scavenger Hunt and retention rates in the department. Along with other retention-oriented activities, Scavenger Hunt is measurably improving the attitude of new students towards computer science.
The treatment of febrile neutropenia: from the Dark Ages to the present

Developments in the treatment of infection in neutropenic patients are traced from the 1950s up to the present. In addition to the various antobiotics applied at different times, the varying predominance of different groups of pathogens is discussed. Finally, future prospects are considered.
Metallic Nanohole Arrays on Fluoropolymer Substrates as Small Label-Free Real-Time Bioprobes

We describe a nanoplasmonic probing platform that exploits small-dimension (≤20 μm2) ordered arrays of subwavelength holes for multiplexed, high spatial resolution, and real-time analysis on biorecognition events. Nanohole arrays are perforated on a super smooth gold surface (roughness rms < 2.7 A) attached on a fluoropolymer (FEP) substrate fabricated by a replica technique. The smooth surface of gold provides a superb environment for fabricating nanometer features and uniform immobilization of biomolecules. The refractive index matching between FEP and biological solutions contributes to ∼20% improvement on the sensing performance. Spectral studies on a series of small-dimension nanohole arrays from 1 μm2 to 20 μm2 indicate that the plasmonic sensing sensitivity improves as the gold−solution contact area increases. Our results also demonstrate that nanohole arrays with a dimension as small as 1 μm2 can be used to effectively detect biomolecular binding events and analyze the binding kinetics. The future...
Radiation-induced Soft Errors: A Chip-level Modeling Perspective

Chip-level soft-error rate (SER) estimation can come from two sources: direct experimental measurement and simulation. Because SER mitigation decisions need to be made very early in the product design cycle, long before product Si is available, a simulation-based methodology of chip-level radiation-induced soft error rates that is fast and reasonably accurate is crucial to the reliability and success of the final product. The following contribution summarizes selected publications that are deemed relevant by the author to enable a truly chip-level radiation-induced soft error rate estimation methodology. Although the strategies and concepts described have microprocessors manufactured in bulk CMOS technologies in mind, there is no fundamental reason why they cannot be applied to other technologies and different types of integrated circuits (ICs).
Hot-spotting in the Pacific

Combining the geometry of plate tectonics, and the computational advantage of digital sea-floor topography, provides a new method for locating plumes rising from the Earth's deep mantle and for tracing the history of plate motions.
A rapidly moving spot on Jupiter's north temperate belt

Rapid drift in longitude of small dark spot on south edge of Jupiter North Temperate Belt, noting sinusoidal displacement characteristics and measurement with blue and UV photography
“Repulsive as the multitudes by whom I am surrounded”: Constructing the contact zone in the writings of Mount Holyoke Missionaries, 1830–1890

(1994). “Repulsive as the multitudes by whom I am surrounded”: Constructing the contact zone in the writings of Mount Holyoke Missionaries, 1830–1890. Women's Studies: Vol. 23, No. 4, pp. 365-384.
Introduction to the Special Section on the 2008 Compound Semiconductor Integrated Circuit Symposium (CSICS'08)

The five papers in this special issue were originally presented at the 2008 Compound Semiconductor Integrated Circuit Symposium, held in Portland, Oregon, October 14-17.
Akt-directed metabolic alterations in cancer

Members of the Akt family of serine/threonine kinases are often activated as a result of oncogenic alterations in growth factor receptor signaling. Activation of Akt kinases promotes increased nutrient uptake, converting cells to a glucose-dependent metabolism that redirects lipid precursors and amino acids to anabolic processes that support cell growth and proliferation. An understanding of the metabolic phenotype of Akt-transformed cells can aid in the design of antineoplastic strategies against malignancies that display a metabolic conversion to aerobic glycolysis (the Warburg effect).
Chemical, Physical, and Mineralogical Properties of Certain Soil Profiles in the Lower Mississippi Delta

The soils of the lower Mississippi Delta are derived from the Mississippi or Red River depositions or some combination of these two. Profiles of the Iberia, Baldwin, Buxin, Sharkey, and Mhoon were selected for the study. The comparative results indicate that the Sharkey was highest in cation exchange capacity and exchangeable calcium and magnesium. Base saturation was highest in the Iberia and lowest in the Baldwin. The variation in cation exchange capacity was possibly due, in general, to the differences in texture, except for the Iberia. The clay fraction of the Iberia contained slightly larger quantities of high cation exchange capacity minerals than the other soil series of the study. Silica was highest in the Baldwin while the oxides of aluminum, iron, magnesium, and potassium were highest in the Buxin. Iberia was highest in calcium oxide. Silica-sesquioxide and silica-ferric oxide ratios were highest in the Sharkey and lowest in the Buxin. The silica-alumina ratio was highest in the Baldwin and lowest in the Buxin. The comparison of the Buxin with soils of the Mississippi River deposition indicates that the Red River depositions were generally lower in silica-sesquioxide ratios and total calcium oxide and higher in total magnesia and potash. The X-ray patterns indicate that montmorillonite and illite were the dominant clay minerals present. The greatest quantities of montmorillonite were generally found in the Iberia profiles, although this was not always true. Also, in general, the content of montmorillonite increased and illite decreased with profile depth. Secondary minerals were halloysite, kaolinite, vermiculite, and chlorite. The cation exchange capacity of the clay fraction also indicated the higher content of montmorillonite or associated minerals in the Iberia than in the Buxin, Baldwin, Sharkey or Mhoon soils.
Social Dominance and Cerebral Hemisphericity: Discriminating Race, Socioeconomic Status, and Sex Groups by Performance on Two Lateralized Tests

A neurosociological argument is presented which hypothesizes that persons in positions of social subdominance-black racial status, low and middle socioeconomic status (SES), and female sexual status will, in comparison to persons in positions of dominance-white, high SES, and male, be right-hemispheric, i.e., will perform best on a test lateralized to the right cerebral hemisphere and its appositional mode of thought as opposed to a test lateralized to the left hemisphere and its propositional mode of thought. Data from 1058 adults from two probability samples (excluding left-handers, housewives and unemployed persons) are analyzed. Appositional performance is measured by the Street Gestalt-Completion Test (A), propositional performance by the WAIS Similarities Subtest (P), and right-hemisphericity by (a-p)/(a + p). Multigroup discriminant function analysis and three-way analyses of variance produced the following results: (1) blacks are more right-hemispheric than are whites, with lower similarities perf...
Metal screen-film detector MTF at megavoltage x-ray energies.

The MTF of metal screen filmdetectors used in radiation treatment verification has been measured at 4 and 8 MV x‐ray energies. The results show that lead screens provide better resolution than copper screens, and a single‐emulsion film offers considerable advantage over the traditional double‐emulsion film. A rear lead screen was found to seriously degrade the resolution properties of a front lead screen single‐emulsion filmdetector. The detectorMTF was found to be energy dependent. In general, both the low and the high spatial frequency response decreased with increasing x‐ray energy. This, in part, accounts for the noticeable image quality difference between 4 and 8 MV radiographs.
The effects of reinforcement and response-cost on a delayed response task in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a research note.

Abstract Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are more inattentive, active, and impulsive than normal children. Some researchers have postulated that these symptoms can all be explained as a result of reduced sensitivity to reinforcement. In order to evaluate this hypothesis, we tested 20 ADD-H children and 18 matched normal controls, 41/2 — 11 years of age, on a delayed response task, a measure of impulsiveness, under conditions of positive reinforcement, and punishment in the form of response-cost. The contingencies each improved performance compared to baseline but did not differ significantly from each other. Neither contingency affected the groups differentially, thus failing to provide support for the reinforcement hypothesis
Anxiety: current practices in assessment and treatment of anxiety of burn patients

Anxiety is an affective response commonly experienced by persons after emotional and physical trauma, as well as associated with aversive medical treatments. The scientific information related to the conceptualization, assessment, and treatment of anxiety is limited. In order to develop a pilot protocol for anxiety management, nursing directors at 64 burn centers were surveyed. At 89% of the centers, anxiety measures were not used. Most of the teams assess informally through observation of patient (n=21), dialogue with patient (n=12), or both observation and dialogue with patient (n=15). Assessors of anxiety range in breadth from nurse only to the entire burn team, including pastoral care representatives and family. The class of medication most frequently endorsed in treating anxiety is the benzodiazipine, most often lorazepam (Ativan). A number of non-pharmacologic techniques are used to manage anxiety, e.g., muscle relaxation, breathing, imagery. Consideration should be given to assessing anxiety systematically, so knowledge can be gleaned and applied to conceptualization of symptom presentation and application of treatment resources.
The measurement of ambulatory impairment in multiple sclerosis

The objective of this study was to examine the relationships between continuous measures of ambulatory impairment in MS patients and their ordinal counterparts. Much of the disability caused by MS is due to ambulatory impairment. The Expanded Disability Severity Scale (EDSS) and the Ambulation Index (AI) are ordinal measures of MS severity based largely on the maximal distance subjects can walk (Dmax) and the time to walk 8 m (T8), respectively. At EDSS levels 6.0 to 7.0 and AI levels 3 to 6, scores are defined more by the use of ambulatory aids, rather than by Dmax or T8. We determined Dmax (up to 500 m), T8, the EDSS score, and the AI in 237 ambulatory MS patients. The maximal distance subjects could walk and T8 were strongly related to their ordinal counterparts (Spearman r = 0.65 and 0.91, respectively), but the continuous measures showed considerable variability within EDSS and AI levels that the ordinal scales did not reflect. Most of the variability occurred at EDSS levels 6.0 to 7.0 and AI levels 3 to 6. Because the use of an aid did not clearly predict Dmax or T8, many patients in these ranges had better ambulatory function based on the continuous measures than those with less disability according to the ordinal scales. We found that Dmax and T8 provide more precise information about ambulatory impairment in MS than do the EDSS and AI, allowing better discrimination of differences between patients and potentially greater sensitivity to detect therapeutic effects in clinical trials.