cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Barriers to improving health care value in emergency general surgery: A nationwide analysis.

INTRODUCTION There is a growing need to improve the quality of care while decreasing health care costs in emergency general surgery (EGS). Health care value includes costs and quality and is a targeted metric by improvement programs. The aim of our study was to evaluate the trend of health care value in EGS over time and to identify barriers to high-value surgical care. METHODS The (2012-2015) National Readmission Database was queried for patients 18 years or older who underwent an EGS procedure (according to the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma definition). Health care value (V = quality metrics/cost) was calculated from the rates of freedom from readmission, major complications, reoperation, and failure to rescue (FTR) indexed over inflation-adjusted hospital costs. Outcomes were the trends in the quality metrics: 6-month readmission, major complications, reoperation, FTR, hospital costs, and health care value over the study period. Multivariable linear regression was performed to determine the predictors of lower health care value. RESULTS We identified 887,013 patients who underwent EGS. Mean ± SD age was 51 ± 20 years, and 53% were male. The rates of 6-month readmission, major complications, reoperation, and FTR increased significantly over the study period. The median hospital costs also increased over the study period (2012, US $9,600 to 2015, US $13,000; p < 0.01). However, the health care value has decreased over the study period (2012, 0.35; 2013, 0.30; 2014, 0.28; 2015, 0.25; p < 0.01). Predictors of decreased health care value in EGS are age 65 years or older (β = -0.568 [-0.689 to -0.418], more than three comorbidities (β = -0.292 [-0.359 to -0.21]), readmission to a different hospital (β = -0.755 [-0.914 to -0.558]), admission to low volume centers (β = -0.927 [-1.126 to -0.682]), lack of rehabilitation (β = -0.004 [-0.005 to -0.003]), and admission on a weekend (β = -0.318 [-0.366 to -0.254]). CONCLUSION Health care value in EGS appears to be declining over time. Some of the factors leading to decreased health care value in EGS are potentially modifiable. Health care value could potentially be improved by reducing fragmentation of care and promoting regionalization. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Economic, level IV.
Patterns of self-reported symptom distress among survivors of head and neck cancers.

e24073Background: Head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors are known to experience debilitating disease-related symptoms and late effects. Patterns of symptoms among HNC survivors who have transitioned...
Applied Statistical Learning in Python

This chapter is based on a workshop I have conducted at several datathons introducing clinicians to popular statistical methods used in machine learning. It is primarily aimed at beginners who want a gentle, succinct guide to jumpstart their journey into practical machine learning and its applications in medicine. Thus, it is by no means a comprehensive guide on machine learning or Python. Rather, my hope is to present basic concepts in a simple, creative way, and demonstrate how they can be applied together.
Energy as a Service

Energy as a product is a commodity. Differentiation is very difficult, customer loyalty and brand values are low, competition is based primarily on price, and sustainable advantage comes from cost leadership. Energy as a product is subject to the typical commodity dynamics – recurring cycles in investment, capacity utilization, price competition, and profitability. Energy as a service (EaaS) offers opportunities to escape from the commodity game. It creates value by solving important problems for a segment of customers; The experience is key. Examples of EaaS include energy management for data centers, charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, fuel cost optimization for airlines, and energy risk management. EaaS often involves innovative business models that use customer information to create value. Trust plays a central role in the implementation of EaaS. It determines what you can do with information, i.e., observe, capture, analyze, and use to create value. Customer information has become the most valuable asset, especially in commoditized markets. This paper presents examples of EaaS including results from projects undertaken by teams of graduate students at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. It discusses the implementation of EaaS and describes the way forward with a new generation of EaaS. The next generation of EaaS is redefining the relationship between energy consumers and suppliers in a more fundamental way.
Intersectional Barriers to Tenure

Law professors seeking to earn tenure must demonstrate excellence in three areas: scholarship, service, and teaching. Each requirement of the trifecta brings unique barriers for women of color striving to climb the law faculty ranks. These barriers contribute to the lower rate of success for women of color seeking to attain tenure. Combined, they block meaningful diversification of legal academia. This article draws from the landmark Diversity in Legal Academia (“DLA”) project to empirically investigate intersectional (race/gender) experiences with promotion and tenure that contribute to a lack of diversity among law faculty. The data show that by removing particular obstacles and replacing them with meaningful advancement opportunities for all faculty, institutions can maximize success.
A flight mechanics-based justification of the unique range of Strouhal numbers for avian cruising flight:

In this paper, analytical expressions for cycle-averaged aerodynamic forces generated by flapping wings are derived using a force model and flapping kinematics suitable for the forward flight of av...
Diagnostic accuracy of lung ultrasound for SARS-CoV-2: a retrospective cohort study

As medical infrastructures are strained by SARS-CoV-2, rapid and accurate screening tools are essential. In portions of the world, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing remains slow and in limited supply, and computed tomography is expensive, inefficient, and involves exposure to ionizing radiation. Multiple studies evaluating the efficiency of lung point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) have been published recently, but include relatively small cohorts and often focus on characteristics associated with severe illness rather than screening efficacy. This study utilizes a retrospective cohort to evaluate the test characteristics (sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios, predictive values) of lung POCUS in the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2, and to determine lung score cutoffs that maximize performance for use as a screening tool. Lung POCUS examinations had sensitivity 86%, specificity 71.6%, NPV 81.7%, and PPV 77.7%. The Lung Ultrasound Score had an area under the curve of 0.84 (95% CI 0.78, 0.90). When including only complete examinations visualizing 12 lung fields, lung POCUS had sensitivity 90.9% and specificity 75.6%, with NPV 87.2% and PPV 82.0% and an area under the curve of 0.89 (95% CI 0.83, 0.96). Lung POCUS was less accurate in patients with a history of interstitial lung disease, severe emphysema, and heart failure. When applied in the appropriate patient population, lung POCUS is an inexpensive and reliable tool for rapid screening and diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 in symptomatic patients with influenza-like illness. Adoption of lung POCUS screening for SARS-CoV-2 may identify patients who do not require additional testing and reduce the need for RT-PCR testing in resource-limited environments and during surge periods.
Paper spray ionization-high-resolution mass spectrometry (PSI-HRMS) of peroxide explosives in biological matrices.

Mitigation of the peroxide explosive threat, specifically triacetone triperoxide (TATP) and hexamethylene triperoxide diamine (HMTD), is a priority among the law enforcement community, as scientists and canine (K9) units are constantly working to improve detection. We propose the use of paper spray ionization–high-resolution mass spectrometry (PSI-HRMS) for detection of peroxide explosives in biological matrices. Occurrence of peroxide explosives and/or their metabolites in biological samples, obtained from urine or blood tests, give scientific evidence of peroxide explosives exposure. PSI-HRMS promote analysis of samples in situ by eliminating laborious sample preparation steps. However, it increases matrix background issues, which were overcome by the formation of multiple alkali metal adducts with the peroxide explosives. Multiple ion formation increases confidence when identifying these peroxide explosives in direct sample analysis. Our previous work examined aspects of TATP metabolism. Herein, we investigate the excretion of a TATP glucuronide conjugate in the urine of bomb-sniffing dogs and demonstrate its detection using PSI from the in vivo sample.
Efficient vortex beam generation using gradient refractive-index microphase plates.

Vortex beams were theoretically demonstrated by patterning a fiber facet with $N$-segment microphase plates. By changing the aluminum oxynitride material composition of each segment, gradient refractive-index phase plates (GRPs) were designed and introduced a ${{2}}\pi l$ azimuthal optical phase difference. The gradient index profile was able to convert a fiber Gaussian mode to a Laguerre–Gaussian mode with varieties of topological charge $l$. A three-dimensional finite-difference time-domain method was applied to calculate the near-field optical phase maps and the far-field beam profiles projected from the micro-GRPs. A uniform vortex beam with a symmetrical doughnut shape was obtained by optimizing the GRPs’ radii and the number of segments. The micro-GRPs enabled flat optical components for efficient vortex beam generation.
Review of Methods to Accelerate Electromagnetic Transient Simulation of Power Systems

Converter-based generators are increasingly replacing classical synchronous generation, resulting in significant challenges to the operation and planning of modern power systems. Power electronics (PE)-based equipment, along with non-linear PE-driven loads, introduce time-varying characteristics and fast switching behavior that increases the complexity of the power system model. Faster control actions are needed to overcome the fast switching dynamics to ensure the reliability and stability of future power systems. Thus, this requires advanced and detailed simulation methods and tools with highly accurate equivalent models to embody the relatively slower electromechanical to faster electromagnetic transient (EMT) phenomena. Conventional transient stability analysis using positive-sequence simulators has become inadequate for representing converter-dominated power systems, while EMT simulators suffer from the high computational burden. This review paper presents accelerated EMT simulation methods and tools that are categorized and discussed in three topics: system equivalents, simulation methods, and accelerating tools. Dynamic system equivalent techniques are discussed to model small to large interconnected external systems of the grid network. Moreover, a systematic review is made for existing EMT simulation methods, along with advanced co-simulation methods, for addressing simulation speed and accuracy issues in large power system networks. Emerging hardware-based simulation tools are reviewed that reduce the computational burden and increase the simulation efficiency of the power system model. Challenges and trends in EMT simulation are also presented and concluded by providing perspectives on this research topic.
Vague numbers

If there are vague numbers, it would be easier to use numbers as semantic values in a treatment of vagueness while avoiding precise cut-off points. When we assign a particular statement a range of values (less than 1 and greater than 0) there is no precise sharp cut-off point that locates the greatest lower bound or the least upper bound of the interval, I should like to say. Is this possible? “Vague Numbers” stands for awareness of the problem. I do not present a serious theory of vague numbers. I sketch some reasons for using a many-value semantics. These reasons refer to my earlier treatments of determinacy and definitions of higher-order borderline cases. I also sketch how definitions of independence use the determinacy operator. The distinction between actually assigned values and values whose assignments are acceptable helps avoid unwanted precise cut-off points.
Canonical ratings

The concept of canonical ratings is introduced in which each S describes all the visual sensations produced by signal and noise trials in the expected spatial and temporal location of the stimulus. After many practice sessions, the S assigns one and only one numerical rating to each visual sensation. These canonical ratings are determined by the S, not the E, and are a, bbreviations for verbal descriptions of subjectively distinct visual sensations. The data consisted of canonical ratings at absolute visual detection for dim visual stimuli (signal) and blank (noise) trials containing no light at all. The physical stimulus is discrete since it is made up of absorptions of quanta of light that result in isomerizations of rhodopsin molecules or thermal decompositions of rhodopsin which are discrete noise events that mimic the action of quantal absorptions. Under these conditions, it is known from the laws of physics that these quantum-like events labsorptions plus thermal decompositions) follow a Poisson distribution. Previously, it had been shown that the canonical ratings follow the same Poisson distributions that the quantum-like events do. It was also shown that the data for one S were consistent with the hypothesis that the rating on any trial was equal to the number of quantum-like events that had occurred and for two other Ss, either one less or two less than this number. A signal detection theory analysis of these canonical ratings is performed, resulting in ROC curves and estimates of d’. In addition, it is shown that the Poisson canonical rating distributions can be approximated by cutoff Gaussian distributions. Hence it is possible to use a probit analysis, which is computationally simple, to calculate the maximum likelihood solutions for all means, standard deviations, d’, and b, as well as the standard errors of all these estimates. The rating is shown to be a linear function of the internal decision variable. The internal criteria are all greater than the mean of the noise distribution and they are all separated by steps of equal size. The probit analysis may be used whenever all the individual rating distributions are Gaussian in order to obtain the maximum likelihood estimates and standard errors of all parameters for each Gaussian distribution. Thus, this analysis may be applied to rating experiments, other than the one described here.
Effects of Chemomechanical Polishing on CdZnTe X-ray and Gamma-Ray Detectors

Mechanically polishing cadmium zinc telluride (CdZnTe) wafers for x-ray and gamma-ray detectors often is inadequate in removing surface defects caused by cutting them from the ingots. Fabrication-induced defects, such as surface roughness, dangling bonds, and nonstoichiometric surfaces, often are reduced through polishing and etching the surface. In our earlier studies of mechanical polishing with alumina powder, etching with hydrogen bromide in hydrogen peroxide solution, and chemomechanical polishing with bromine–methanol–ethylene glycol solution, we found that the chemomechanical polishing process produced the least surface leakage current. In this research, we focused on using two chemicals to chemomechanically polish CdZnTe wafers after mechanical polishing, viz. bromine–methanol–ethylene glycol (BME) solution, and hydrogen bromide (HBr) in a hydrogen peroxide and ethylene–glycol solution. We used x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), current–voltage (I–V) measurements, and Am-241 spectral response measurements to characterize and compare the effects of each solution. The results show that the HBr-based solution produced lower leakage current than the BME solution. Results from using the same chemomechanical polishing solution on two samples confirmed that the surface treatment affects the measured bulk current (a combination of bulk and surface currents). XPS results indicate that the tellurium oxide to tellurium peak ratios for the mechanical polishing process were reduced significantly by chemomechanical polishing using the BME solution (78.9% for Te 3d 5/2O2 and 76.7% for Te 3d 3/2O2) compared with the HBr-based solution (27.6% for Te 3d 5/2O2 and 35.8% for Te 3d 3/2O2). Spectral response measurements showed that the 59.5-keV peak of Am-241 remained under the same channel number for all three CdZnTe samples. While the BME-based solution gave a better performance of 7.15% full-width at half-maximum (FWHM) compared with 7.59% FWHM for the HBr-based solution, the latter showed a smaller variation in performance of 0.39% FWHM over 7 days compared with 0.69% for the BME-based solution.
Pursuit of a Faster Evader

This paper is concerned with coplanar pursuit-evasion problems with constant speeds, in which the evader is faster than the pursuer or pursuers, but is handicapped by the requirement either to escape from more than one pursuer or to move within a. specified boundary. The “payoff” is in every case the distance of closest approach between evader and pursuer (or pursuers).
SU-E-I-03: Lateral Truncation Artifact Correction for 4DCBCT-Based Motion Modeling and Dose Assessment

Purpose: To allow accurate motion modeling and dose assessment based on 4DCBCT by addressing the limited field of view (FOV) and lateral truncation artifacts in current clinical CBCT systems. Due to the size and geometry of onboard flat panel detects, CBCT often cannot cover the entire thorax of adult patients. We implement method to extend the images generated from 4DCBCT-based motion models and correct lateral truncation artifacts. Methods: The method is based on deforming a reference 4DCT image containing the entire patient anatomy to the (smaller) CBCT image within the higher quality CBCT FOV. Next, the displacement vector field (DVF) derived inside the CBCT FOV is smoothly extrapolated out to the edges of the body. These extrapolated displacement vectors are used to generate a new body contour and HU values outside of the CBCT FOV. This method is applied to time-varying volumetric images (3D fluoroscopic images) generated from a 4DCBCT-based motion model at 2 Hz. Six XCAT phantoms are used to test this approach and reconstruction accuracy is investigated. Results: The normalized root mean square error between the corrected images generated from the 4DCBCT-based motion model and the ground truth XCAT phantom at each time point is generally less than 20%. These results are comparable to results from 4DCT-based motion models. The anatomical structures outside the CBCT FOV can be reconstructed with an error comparable to that inside the FOV. The resulting noise is comparable to that of 4DCT. Conclusions: The proposed approach can effectively correct the artifact due to lateral truncation in 4DCBCT-based motion models. The quality of the resulting images is comparable to images generated from 4DCT-based motion models. Capturing the body contour and anatomy outside the CBCT FOV makes more reasonable dose calculations possible.
Bonding of Foreign Species at the Solid Surface

In this and all subsequent chapters, we will be concerned with foreign species at the surface of a solid and how these foreign species affect the chemical and electrical properties of the surface. Here and in the next chapter the emphasis will be on describing the energy levels associated with the steady state system, rather than on describing rate processes. In Chapters 7–10 the emphasis will be switched to the kinetics of adsorption and desorption, of electron transfer, and of chemical reaction.
AN ANALYTICAL MODEL TO EVALUATE ALTERNATIVE METHODS FOR DISTANCE CALCULATION IN GIS-BASED VEHICLE ROUTING DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEMS

Most commercial vehicle-routing decision support systems employ network optimization methods for calculating inter-stop distances over digital street data. Although potentially more accurate, these optimization methods are computationally intensive, increase overall problem complexity and require more sophisticated and expensive GIS systems to support the functions. Alternative approaches for calculating inter-stop street distances have been re-emerging in the literature as software developers seek to increase efficiency when solving these types of complex problems allowing larger problems to be solved in real-time. This research in progress describes an analytical model to determine if approximation methods are comparable, in terms of the quality of solutions generated, to computationally expensive optimization methods which have been generally adopted by software vendors.
Modeling of OH Product Distributions Using QCT-MD and BL Models in a Bow Shock

The quasiclassical trajectory (QCT) method enables one to obtain reaction probabilities and cross sections for fundamental reactions and to simulate strongly nonequilibrium flows. We examine the formation of vibrationally hot OH for a rarefied flow about a sphere at 80 and 100 km altitudes using the direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method. The main objective is to apply new chemistry models in the DSMC simulations of OH formation mechanisms in hypersonic flows at high altitudes. Using a parallel MD code, we calculate the reaction cross sections and OH product rotational and vibrational distributions for H + O2 → OH + O exchange reaction, as well as the post‐collisional OH internal modes. The reaction probabilities are used in a DSMC computational tool to study the H+O2 exchange reaction, the main OH production mechanism at 100 km altitude. Approximately an order of magnitude difference is observed between the MD and TCE rates, and differences in the predicted vibrational OH temperature were also obtained.
Numerical analysis of dynamic debonding under anti-plane shear loading

We present an efficient numerical scheme specially developed to simulate a wide variety of dynamic debonding problems under anti-plane shear loading conditions. The algorithm is based on an exact spectral representation of the elastodynamic relations between the interface stresses and displacements. It involves an explicit time stepping scheme with, for each time step, the use of FFT to link the spatial and spectral domains, and the computation of a convolution over the past displacement or velocity history. Two versions of the spectral algorithm are presented: in the first one, the elastodynamic response of each half space is investigated separately before the two solutions are linked with the aid of the interface continuity conditions. In the second approach, the interface conditions and the modulus mismatch are combined in a single bimaterial elastodynamic relation. Various problems involving stationary or rapidly moving interfacial cracks are investigated and contrasted with existing analytical results.
Detection of Regional Trends in Salmonid Habitat in Coastal Streams, Oregon

Abstract Freshwater habitat quality is broadly recognized as fundamental to the viability of salmonid populations. Temporal trends in freshwater habitat have rarely been quantified, however, perhaps owing to a lack of methodical and rigorous time series data sets. We present an approach for evaluating change in freshwater habitat using data from a long-term program to monitor salmonid populations and their habitats in coastal drainages of Oregon. Our goals were to (1) evaluate the presence and magnitude of an underlying linear trend in freshwater habitat condition across coastal watersheds in Oregon and (2) determine the effectiveness of the current sampling design for meeting the monitoring objectives. Four features were selected to characterize freshwater habitat: percent of pool area, large wood volume, quantity of fine sediment, and stream size. We developed a statistical model to describe the trend in these features that incorporated an error structure to account for site, year, and site-by-year vari...
Internal resorption following gold-foil insertion: Report of two cases

Abstract Chronic inflammation of the pulp has often been held responsible for the initiation of internal resorption. 5, 9, 10 While some authors have indicated that gold foil insertion is traumatic to the pulp, others have concluded that gold foil procedures are biologically sound. Two cases are presented in which rapid internal resorption developed in maxillary central incisors following placement of gold-foil restorations. One can only conjecture that the resorption in these cases is a direct result of pulpal trauma following the gold-foil procedures.
Diode-pumped dysprosium laser materials

ABSTRACT We are investigating materials for direct blue solid-state lasers assuming UV excitation with GaN based laser diodes. Room temperature spectroscopy is reported relevant to a proposed quasi-three level laser from the 4F 9/2 level in trivalent dysprosium. Modeling based on these measurements suggests this is a promising new laser transition. Keywords: Rare earth, spectroscopy, laser materials, diode pumping 1. INTRODUCTION Oceanic transmission presents an optimal band in the blue-green portion of the visible. Naval operations desire compact and practical laser sources in the band from 450 to 500nm. Of particular interest are solid-state sources capable of moderate average powers as well as high peak powers. The conventional approach to this type of source has been frequency conversion of a near-IR laser. While much progress has been made using this approach, the resulting laser systems lack the desired ruggedness and efficiency. Toward that goal, we are exploring direct diode-pumped laser materials in the blue-green. These laser systems are no w possible with the advent of blue-UV GaN laser diodes. Optical pumping with GaN laser diodes is similar in most respects to near-IR pumping with conventional GaAs laser diodes; however there are some important differences. The shorter wavelengths lead to higher intrinsic brightness from the GaN devices. The larger band gaps result in higher operating voltages (5-6V) as well as weaker temperature tuning rates (50-60pm/degC). Impressive wavelength agility (320-500nm) has already been demonstrated. Average power is currently limited to less than 1W from a single emitter with efficiencies around 20%. Multiple emitters can be combined to increase power and fiber coupling is possible. Significant improvements in performance and cost are expected as this technology matures.[1,2] Rare earth transitions in the UV-blue range have been studied principally as phosphors or scintillators. Laser based studies have largely focused on IR pumped upconversion excitation. This study attempts to fill in the information gaps required for blue laser modeling and design. This paper pres ents our experimentation and analysis of dysprosium doped YAG and YLF.
VAAI HANGA KAINGA giving care to the motherland: conflicting narratives of Rapanui

This paper retells the story of Rapanui from the perspective of the ‘insider’. Particular attention is paid to cultural mistranslations of pertinent historical documents and the ambiguous and arbitrary nature of popular Rapanui legends and histories in some published texts. The paper examines the conflicting translations of the Rapanui and Spanish versions of the Treaty and Proclamation and their long‐term ramifications in terms of land rights and self‐determination of the Rapanui.
Pythagorean euclidean four point properties

Characterizations of real inner product spaces among a class of metric spaces have been obtained based on homogeneity of metric pythagorean orthogonality, a metrization of the concept of pythagorean orthogonality as defined in normed linear spaces. In the present paper a considerable weakening of this hypothesis is shown to characterize real inner product spaces among complete, convex, externally convex metric spaces, generalizing a result of Kapoor and Prasad [9], and providing a connection with the many characterizations of such spaces using euclidean four point properties.
Using Traffic Microsimulation to Assess Deployment Strategies for the Connected Vehicle Safety Pilot

The Connected Vehicle Safety Pilot Model Deployment is a major test of safety applications that are based on vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) dedicated short range communications (DSRC). Approximately 3000 vehicles in a mid-sized city (Ann Arbor, MI) will be equipped with devices in order to assess safety benefits in a naturalistic environment. To ensure that sufficient data are collected, participants will be chosen so that their vehicles will interact frequently with each other and with the roadside equipment. Since the 3000 vehicles are a small fraction of all vehicles in the city, choosing a deployment strategy requires careful analysis of the network and traffic flows. This research describes the development of a regional traffic microsimulation model that was used to estimate the number and spatial/temporal locations of V2V interactions under various deployment strategies. Steps taken to develop the model included the following: (a) converted the existing network planning...
HVC lesions modify immediate early gene expression in auditory forebrain regions of femalesongbirds

It is well established that auditory forebrain regions of oscine birds are essential for the encoding of species-typical songs and are, therefore, vital for recognition of song during sociosexual interactions. Regions such as the caudal medial nidopallium (NCM) and the caudal medial mesopallium (CMM) are involved in perceptual processing of song and the formation of auditory memories. There is an additional telencephalic nucleus, however, that has also been implicated in species recognition. This nucleus is HVC, a prominent nucleus that sits at the apex of the song system, and is well known for its critical role in song learning and song production in male songbirds. Here, we explore the functional relationship between auditory forebrain regions (i.e., NCM and CMM) and HVC in female canaries (Serinus canaria). We lesion HVC and examine immediate early gene responses to conspecific song presentation within CMM and NCM to explore whether HVC can modulate auditory responses within these forebrain regions. Our results reveal robust deficits in ZENK-ir in CMM and NCM of HVC-lesioned females when compared with control- and sham-lesioned females, indicating that functional connections exists between HVC and NCM/CMM. Although these connected regions have been implicated in song learning and production in males, they likely serve distinct functions in female songbirds that face the task of song recognition rather than song production. Identifying functional connections between HVC and auditory regions involved in song perception is an essential step toward developing a comprehensive understanding of the neural basis of song recognition. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2013
Congressional Budget Office publications

Abstract This article briefly discusses the history and functions of the Congressional Budget Office. It describes the scope, availability and value of CBO publications. The publications catalogs of the four Congressional support agencies are examined and it is argued that there is a need for a combined, cumulative index to the documents of the support agencies. Included are a bibliography about the CBO and a listing of CBO publications.
Steroid immunosuppression in kidney transplantation: a passing era.

The use of corticosteroids (for simplicity, the term “steroids” is used from this point forward), in combination with other immunosuppression agents, has been the traditional strategy for preventing allograft rejection in organ transplant recipients ever since first suggested by Starzl et al. [1] more than 40 years ago. Although steroid undoubtedly have contributed greatly to the successes that have been achieved in organ transplantation, particularly in the pre-cyclosporine and tacrolimus eras, chronic steroid use comes with a very high price, namely a significant morbidity from their well-known side effects [2, 3]. These include adverse effects on normal physiology such as increased appetite, hypernatremia and the resultant water retention, hypertension, glaucoma, glucose intolerance, and suppression of the adrenal cortex. In addition, long-term steroid use may adversely affect tissue morphology by causing peptic ulcers, cataracts, osteoporosis, acne, hirsutism, growth retardation in children, aseptic necrosis of the femoral and humeral heads, and dermal atrophy. Moreover, steroid-induced hypertension, hyperlipidemia, glucose intolerance, and immunosuppression also contribute significantly to posttransplant patient mortality due to cardiovascular disease and infection. Because of this potential for increased morbidity and mortality, transplant clinicians around the world have been experimenting with steroid elimination strategies over the past two decades. At our institution, we began evaluating the process of steroid withdrawal in the late 1980s and have performed numerous studies of its safety, efficacy, and impact on other aspects of transplantation biology in our kidney transplant population.
Free radical production during ethanol intoxication, dependence, and withdrawal.

Indices of free radical production and cell damage were examined in male Sprague-Dawley rats chronically exposed to either ethanol (ETOH) or water vapor. In experiment 1, rats experienced either 1 or 11 cycles of ETOH exposure and withdrawal. Brain tissue was harvested 12 hr after ETOH exposure, and 1 hr after being injected with sodium salicylate as a scavenger. Brain tissue was analyzed for the formation of salicylate hydroxylation products as a measure of OH production during withdrawal. Significant group differences for OH production were demonstrated for 2,3- and 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid in the single cycle ETOH exposed rats compared with their water cohorts. A significant between group difference for 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid, only, was demonstrated for the multiple cycles of ETOH exposure. Spontaneous seizures were shown to correlate with increased production of OH in ETOH exposed rats. In experiment 2, brain tissue was harvested from different groups of rats after removal from the chambers, at 0, 2, 12, 24, 36, and 48 hr after a single exposure cycle. Tissue was analyzed for (1) salicylate hydroxylation (as above), (2) glutamine synthetase activity, (3) whole brain glutamate concentration, and (4) oxidized protein. A multiple regression analysis was conducted on the five dependent variables and found they could be predicted by specific behavioral and neurological ratings. These data suggest that cell damage during withdrawal may have multiple time-dependent components.
Maternal separation alters later consumption of novel liquids in the squirrel monkey

The consumption of novel, fruit-flavored drinks was measured in juvenile squirrel monkeys that had either had their mother removed from the home cage for 2 h on 80 occasions prior to weaning or had not undergone this separation procedure. Among previously separated animals, males drank more than did females during the first 30 min following presentation, whereas there was no difference in the drinking of nonseparated males and females at this time. Further, the amount of liquid consumed during the 20 h following presentation increased across days of exposure in the nonseparated, but not in the previously separated monkeys. These results show that brief maternal separation can affect the later behavior of squirrel monkeys, and are consistent with findings in rhesus macaques that maternal separation alters later exploratory behavior.
Durable and regenerable antimicrobial textiles: Synthesis and applications of 3‐methylol‐2,2,5,5‐tetramethyl‐imidazolidin‐4‐one (MTMIO)

A new precursor of halamine compounds, 3-methylol-2,2,5,5-tetramethylimidazolidin-4-one (MTMIO), was synthesized by methylolation of 2,2,5,5-tetramethylimidazolidin-4-one (TMIO) and characterized by 1H-NMR and FTIR. By chemically reacting MTMIO with cellulose, TMIO rings were successfully grafted onto cellulose-containing fabrics. After a subsequent chlorination, the treated fabrics were converted to halamine structures, which then demonstrated effective antibacterial efficacy. As expected, the halamine structure generated from TMIO is much more stable, and therefore, the biocidal functions of the finished materials are more durable. The results indicated that this halamine structure could survive repeated home laundering and would require less frequent chlorine recharging to maintain the biocidal properties. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 89: 2418–2425, 2003
Crashing the party: catalogers as digital librarians

Catalog librarians have been slow to take an active role in the development and execution of digital library projects. Catalogers have a unique combination of experience and skills that would be valuable in the digital library world. Catalogers are encouraged to take the initiative to overcome stereotypes and their own fears in order to become active partners and collaborators. Suggestions are given for initial steps to take in order to move into the digital library arena.
The sensitivity of opioid receptor types to regulation by sodium and GTP.

Abstract The effects of Na + and GTP on agonist binding to μ, δ, and κ opioid binding sites in membranes from guinea pig cortex have been studied. All incubations were in a modified Krebs-Hepes buffer at 37°; effects of Na + were evaluated by replacement with an equal concentration of K + . μ binding sites appeared more sensitive than δ sites, while κ sites were the least sensitive to both regulators. However, even at κ sites, Na + induced a significant reduction in agonist affinity and GTP caused a significant reduction in maximum binding.
Substrate specificity and kinetic mechanism of Escherichia coli ribulokinase.

Abstract l -Ribulokinase is unusual among kinases since it phosphorylates all four 2-ketopentoses with almost the same kcat values. The Km's differ, however, being 0.14 mM for l - and 0.39 mM for d -ribulose and 3.4 mM for l - and 16 mM for d -xylulose. In addition, l -arabitol is phosphorylated at C-5 (Km 4 mM) and ribitol (adonitol) is phosphorylated to d -ribitol-5-phosphate (Km 5.5 mM), but d -arabitol, xylitol, and aldopentoses are not substrates. The Km's for MgATP depend on the substrates, being 0.02 mM with l -ribulose, 0.027 mM with d -ribulose and l -xylulose, and 0.3–0.5 mM with the other substrates. In the absence of a sugar substrate there is an ATPase with Km of 7 mM and kcat 1% of that with sugar substrates. The initial velocity pattern is intersecting, and MgAMPPNP is competitive vs MgATP and uncompetitive vs l -ribulose. l -Erythrulose is competitive vs l -ribulose and when MgATP concentration is varied induces substrate inhibition which is partial. These data show that the mechanism is random, but there is a high level of synergism in the binding of sugar and MgATP, and the path in which the sugar adds first is strongly preferred.
Changes in 24-hour heart rate variability during normal pregnancy.

Abstract Objective: We studied the effects of normal pregnancy on heart rate variability as a noninvasive index of maternal cardiovascular autonomic modulation. Study Design: Twenty-four–hour Holter recordings were obtained for 8 healthy pregnant volunteers during early pregnancy (≤6 weeks after conception); at 10, 18, and 34 weeks after conception; and while the subjects were not pregnant. Another 12 subjects underwent 2 to 4 recordings in the sequence. Heart rate variability and nighttime respiratory rates were determined. Results: Maternal heart rate variability declined during pregnancy. Virtually all indexes were significantly decreased with respect to the nonpregnant state in early pregnancy, and respiratory rate was increased. Changes in heart rate, heart rate variability, and respiratory rates between subsequent stages were modest. Individual changes in heart rate, heart rate variability, and respiration during pregnancy varied in both magnitude and direction. Conclusion: Most of the change in cardiac autonomic modulation and respiration during pregnancy occurs within the first 6 weeks after conception. There is considerable variability in individual heart rate and heart rate variability changes during a normal pregnancy. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1999;180:978-85.)
Preprocessing an undirected planar network to enable fast approximate distance queries

We describe a method for preprocessing a weighted planar undirected graph and representing the results of the preprocessing so as to facilitate subsequent approximate distance queries. For any 0
A simple and inexpensive system for continuous monoxenic mass culture of marine microalgae.

Abstract A continuous monoxenic culture system for marine phytoplankters was set up utilizing low-cost and easily available materials. It consists of one or more 50-l polyethylene bags equipped with novel closing devices and tubing attachments. Supply of culture medium and air is automated, a culture-density feed-back being the controlling parameter. Illumination is obtained with a vertical series of fluorescent lamps of two types: Osram Fluora and Daylight. The intensity is about 5 klux at the bag surface. Routine operations are limited to harvesting which is achieved by periodic removal of algae suspension. The system is intended to produce adequate algae inoculum for large-volume batch cultures in hatcheries using microalgae as food for fish larvae or for invertebrates.
EHV Application of Autotransformers

The universal method of voltage transformation from EHV levels to lower voltage systems is through the use of the autotransformer. The characteristic of the autotransformer is profoundly influenced by the tertiary winding or the lack of it. This paper discusses the influence of the tertiary winding and its placement, fault magnitude and short circuit duty, autotransformer loading, overexcitation, protection of unloaded tertiaries, loading of paralleled autotransformers, and the use of single-phase units while presenting a circuit for studying unequal impedances in paralleled banks.
Electrical contacts to ultrananocrystalline diamond

The contact behavior of various metals on n-type nitrogen-doped ultrananocrystalline diamond (UNCD) thin films has been investigated. The influences of the following parameters on the current-voltage characteristics of the contacts are presented: (1) electronegativity and work function of various metals, (2) an oxidizing acid surface cleaning step, and (3) oxide formation at the film/contact interface. Near-ideal ohmic contacts are formed in every case, while Schottky barrier contacts prove more elusive. These results counter most work discussed to date on thin diamond films, and are discussed in the context of the unique grain-boundary conductivity mechanism of the nitrogen-doped UNCD.
On-chip Plasmonic Interferometer Array for Portable Multiplexed Biosensing System

We report a multiplexed intensity-modulated sensing platform using a plasmonic interferometer array with the resolution of 1.6t10-5 RIU. This sensing mechanism is then integrated with a smartphone imaging system to demonstrate a portable biosensing device.
A second-order phase transition in V0.54Ir0.46

Abstract The composition V/Ir = 1.17 in the VIr homogeneity range was studied by high temperature X-ray diffraction. The known phases, tetragonal with P 4/ mmm symmetry and orthorhombic with Cmmm symmetry and a = 2 a tet , b = c tet and c = a tet , were found to be related by a second-order phase transition.
Enhanced reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction for prostate specific antigen as an indicator of true pathologic stage in patients with prostate cancer

Background. As up to 50% of all patients with prostate cancer who have undergone radical prostatectomy are found to be understaged subsequent to surgery, a more sensitive early staging modality currently is needed. A molecular assay that detects prostate specific antigen (PSA)-synthesizing cells in the peripheral circulation of patients with prostate cancer is described. Methods. An enhanced reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay specific for PSA mRNA was performed on RNA extracted from blood drawn from 94 patients before radical prostatectomy. Surgical specimens were examined to determine the extent of tumor spread. The assay was compared with imaging modalities, digital rectal examination, and serum PSA level as predictors of pathology. Additionally, patients were monitored postoperatively by serum PSA level to determine any potential correlation between patient RT-PCR scores and subsequent tumor recurrence. Results. Postoperative pathology revealed that 36 of the 94 patients had extraprostatic disease at the time of surgery. Enhanced RT-PCR identified 26 of these patients from preoperative blood specimens (72% sensitivity). The test was negative for 51 of the 58 patients with organ-confined disease (88% specificity). An odds ratio analysis showed that no other preoperative staging modality was related more strongly to extraprostatic or organ-confined disease. Follow-up PSA determinations revealed that RT-PCR positive patients were at higher risk for a recurrence. At 6 months after surgery, the rates for an increased PSA were 19 and 2% for RT-PCR-positive and -negative patients, respectively. Conclusions. The data from this follow-up study continue to support the utility of enhanced RT-PCR as an early staging modality for radical prostatectomy candidates. Cancer 1995;75:1642-8.
A strategic model for agile virtual enterprise partner selection

Purpose – This paper aims to provide a practical model usable by organizations to help form agile virtual enterprises. The model helps to integrate a variety of factors, tangible and intangible, strategic and operational, for decision‐making purposes.Design/methodology/approach – A comprehensive development of factors is determined from the literature and an analytical network process (ANP) methodology is introduced for decision model development. An illustrative example is presented.Findings – The results provide a robust model that will aid decision makers and agile virtual enterprise brokers form partnerships within these organizational structures.Research limitations/implications – The paper introduces a conceptual model with an illustrative validating example. A practical application and reapplication of the model are required to further validate the model. ANP can require significant managerial input for its application, potentially causing fatigue for decision makers.Practical implications – Practi...
Prior mating experience modulates the dispersal of Drosophila in males more than in females.

Cues from both an animal’s internal physiological state and its local environment may influence its decision to disperse. However, identifying and quantifying the causative factors underlying the initiation of dispersal is difficult in uncontrolled natural settings. In this study, we automatically monitored the movement of fruit flies and examined the influence of food availability, sex, and reproductive status on their dispersal between laboratory environments. In general, flies with mating experience behave as if they are hungrier than virgin flies, leaving at a greater rate when food is unavailable and staying longer when it is available. Males dispersed at a higher rate and were more active than females when food was unavailable, but tended to stay longer in environments containing food than did females. We found no significant relationship between weight and activity, suggesting the behavioral differences between males and females are caused by an intrinsic factor relating to the sex of a fly and not simply its body size. Finally, we observed a significant difference between the dispersal of the natural isolate used throughout this study and the widely-used laboratory strain, Canton-S, and show that the difference cannot be explained by allelic differences in the foraging gene.