cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On spectrum allocation strategies in Cognitive Radio Networks

Due to the temporal and spatial underutilization of licensed spectrum bands, as well as the crowdedness of unlicensed bands, a new spectrum access paradigm has been recently proposed namely, Cognitive Radio (CR). CR enables users to adjust their transceivers’ frequencies depending on the availability of licensed frequency bands which are otherwise unused by their licensees, called Primary Users (PUs). Thus, unlicensed wireless users, called Secondary Users (SUs) can dynamically and opportunistically access unused licensed bands in order to improve their throughput and service reliability. Whenever the licensed users, or the PUs, become active, SUs must vacate their bands. This dissertation is concerned with the operation of Cognitive Radio Networks (CRNs), and deals with four important problems. First, a performance model to study heterogeneous channel access in CRNs is presented. In this model, there are two types of licensed channels, where one type has a larger bandwidth, and hence a higher service rate for SUs. Therefore, SUs prefer to use such channels, if available, over channels in the second type which have a lower service rate. SUs may also switch from the second to the first type of channels when they become available, even if their current channels are still available. We also model the SUs’ sensing process, and derive several SUs’ performance metrics including average waiting time. Numerical results show that our proposed operational model outperforms a baseline model that does not support prioritized access. Second, we introduce a low overhead scheme for the uplink channel allocation within a single cell of CRNs operating as Wireless Mesh Networks (CR-WMNs). The scheme does not rely on using a Common Control Channel (CCC). The proposed mechanism is based on the use of Physical Layer Network Coding (PNC), in which two (or three) Secondary Users (SUs) who are requesting uplink channel allocation are allowed to transmit synchronously over a
Molecular heterogeneity of hereditary pyropoikilocytosis: identification of a second variant of the spectrin alpha-subunit

In hereditary pyropoikilocytosis (HPP), the red cell membrane skeletons exhibit a mechanical instability that can be correlated to defective self-association of spectrin heterodimers. To determine the underlying molecular defect, we have subjected HPP spectrin to limited tryptic digestion, followed by one- and two-dimensional separations of the peptides. Two of the HPP kindreds exhibited a marked decrease in 80,000-dalton peptide (previously identified as the spectrin dimer-dimer contact domain of the alpha-subunit) and a concomitant increase of the 74,000-dalton polypeptide (presumably derived from the 80,000-dalton domain) and a decrease in a 22,000-dalton polypeptide. We now report tryptic digests of two other HPP kindred that are characterized by a decrease or complete absence of the 80,000-dalton tryptic fragment, with a concomitant increase in fragments at 46,000 and 17,000 daltons. The 46,000-dalton fragment separated into multiple spots on isoelectric focusing, ranging in isoelectric point from 5.25 to 5.35, and the 17,000-dalton fragment focused to a single spot at 5.4. Minor fragments at 56,000 and 22,000 daltons were also decreased, while a 38,000-dalton fragment increased. Limited tryptic digestion of the separated alpha- and beta-subunits revealed that the 74,000-dalton fragment in the first group of patients and the 46,000-dalton fragment in the second group of patients were derived from the alpha-subunit. Both subtypes exhibited a similar defect of spectrin self-association, with 30%-38% of spectrin dimers in O degrees C extracts. The results indicate that at least two distinct forms of structurally defective spectrin may give rise to the clinical presentation of HPP.
Relationships between Deep Convection Updraft Characteristics and Satellite-Based Super Rapid Scan Mesoscale Atmospheric Motion Vector–Derived Flow

AbstractRapid acceleration of cloud-top outflow near vigorous storm updrafts can be readily observed in Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-14 (GOES-14) super rapid scan (SRS; 60 s) m...
Occupational Health and Safety Management: A Practical Approach, Second Edition

Reflecting changes in the current health and safety landscape, Occupational Health and Safety Management: A Practical Approach, Third Edition includes examples and tools to facilitate development and implementation of a safety and health management approach. This how-to book is not just an information providing text. It shows you how to write a program and identify hazards as well as involve workers and attain their cooperation. It emphasizes the need for better and more effective communication regarding safety and health. See What’s New in the Third Edition: Chapters on workers’ compensation, terrorism, and Lean safety/sustainability Additional coverage of flammable liquids and ventilation, accident reporting, and accident investigation New compliance requirements as well as expanded accident investigation, environmental, and risk analysis guidelines PowerPoint presentation slides for each chapter A complete and practical guide for the development and management of occupational safety and health programs in any industry setting, the book supplies a management blueprint that can be used for occupational safety and health in any organization, from the smallest to the largest, beginning to develop or wanting to improve its safety and health approach. It includes comprehensive guidelines for development of occupational health and safety programs to a variety of industries and is especially useful for start-up companies. The author takes a total management approach to the development of written programs, the identification of hazards, the mitigation of hazards by the use of common safety and health tools, the development of a safe workforce through communications, motivational techniques, involvement, and training. He addresses the tracking and acceptable risk from both safety and health hazards. He also discusses how to work with and within the OSHA compliance approach as well as how to deal with the OSHA regulations, workers’ compensation, terrorism, and Lean safety. As you understand and apply the guidelines in each chapter, you can put your company on the way toward building a successful and effective safety and health effort for its employers and employees.
Dietary intake of nutrients involved in folate-mediated one-carbon metabolism and risk for endometrial cancer.

Background Studies disagree as to whether intakes of folate-mediated one-carbon metabolism nutrients are associated with endometrial cancer. Methods Using data from the large, prospective NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study, we used Cox proportional hazards models to evaluate endometrial cancer risk associated with calorie-adjusted dietary intake of several B vitamins and methionine. All models accounted for age, race, body mass index (BMI), smoking, oral-contraceptive use, menopausal hormone therapy use and caloric intake. We estimated associations by time from baseline (≤3 or >3 years) and stratified models by BMI ( Results After adjustment for confounding, we observed increased risk for endometrial cancer with greater consumption of dietary total folate, natural folate, B2, B6 and B12 [hazard ratios (HRs) ranging from 1.14 to 1.24 for the highest quintile (Q5) vs the lowest (Q1)]. Higher intakes of total folate, natural folate, B6 and B12 continued to be associated with increased risk when limiting follow-up to >3 years from baseline. We observed risks for the highest intakes of B2 [Q5 vs Q1: HR 1.27 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07-1.50], B12 (Q5 vs Q1: HR 1.38 CI 1.17-1.63) and methionine (Q5 vs Q1: HR 1.26 CI 1.07-1.48) among women who were overweight/obese, but not among normal/underweight women. Conclusions Our findings indicate that one-carbon metabolism plays a role in endometrial carcinogenesis and exploration of this role in tissue and cellular biology studies is warranted.
Vapor-Phase Stabilization of Biomass Pyrolysis Vapors Using Mixed-Metal Oxide Catalysts

Mixed-metal oxides possess a wide range of tunability and show promise for catalytic stabilization of biomass pyrolysis products. For materials derived from layered double hydroxides, understanding...
Kinetic-equation approach to nonequilibrium superconductivity

We have studied thin films driven out of equilibrium under spatially uniform steady-state conditions by thermal phonon injection, microwave and optical irradiations, and quasiparticle tunneling injection. The linearized coupled kinetic equations for the quasiparticle and phonon distributions were solved numerically. Results for the change in the energy distributions of quasiparticles and phonons are given for a variety of nonequilibrium situations. Using these distributions, the changes in the ultrasonic attenuation, electrical conductivity and the superconductor-insulator-superconductor tunneling $I(V)$ characteristic in various nonequilibrium states are obtained.
Enantioselective, Lewis Base-Catalyzed, Intermolecular Sulfenoamination of Alkenes.

A method for the catalytic, enantioselective, intermolecular, 1,2-sulfenoamination of alkenes is described. Functionalization is achieved through the intermediacy of an enantioenriched, configurationally stable thiiranium ion generated by Lewis base activation of a readily available sulfur electrophile. A diverse set of anilines and benzylamines react with different styrenes to afford products in good yield and stereoselectivity. Downstream manipulation of the products is facilitated by deprotonation of the amines to enable carbon–sulfur bond cleavage.
Partitioning of oxygen isotopes during the aqueous solvation of nitric acid

Abstract Mixtures of water and inorganic acids show differences in isotopic composition between the vapor and liquid phases, reportedly even at an azeotrope. A recent reactive azeotropy analysis rationalized this by allowing for differences in stable isotope composition between bound solvation complexes and the bulk liquid. The objective of this study is to determine whether or not significant differences in stable isotope composition exist between bound solvation complexes involving inorganic acids and the bulk solution. Rayleigh distillation of a solution of nitric acid and water was conducted. During the distillation, it was expected that bulk water would be vaporized first while (bound) water involved with hydrating the acid would be vaporized at later times along with the acid. Samples of both distillate and residual liquid were collected over time intervals and analyzed to determine oxygen and nitrogen stable isotope composition using isotope ratio mass spectrometry. As a reference, comparative samples were collected from Rayleigh distillation of water alone. The measured oxygen fractionation factors suggest that the acid is preferentially hydrated with 18O-enriched water, compared to the unbound, or bulk, water. Preferential coordination of 18O-enriched water with the dissolved acid is consistent with heavier water forming stronger bonds relative to light water. The results, although obtained under non-equilibrum conditions, suggest that isotope-dependent partitioning between bulk solvent and dissolved complexes may prove necessary in developing accurate descriptions of isotope fractionation during vapor-liquid equilibrium.
PURTSCHER'S[FIGURE DASH]LIKE RETINOPATHY SECONDARY TO GRANULOMATOSIS WITH POLYANGIITIS FOLLOWING AUTOLOGOUS STEM CELL TRANSPLANTATION.

PURPOSE The authors describe a man undergoing autologous stem cell transplant, who developed granulomatosis with polyangiitis and Purtscher's[FIGURE DASH]like retinopathy. METHODS A 25-year-old man underwent fundus photography, optical coherence tomography, and fluorescein angiography to obtain a diagnosis and follow the treatment course. RESULTS The initial ophthalmic presentation and imaging confirmed the findings of Purtscher's[FIGURE DASH]like retinopathy. Throughout his course, he had progressive neovascularization and vitreous hemorrhages in both eyes, requiring vitrectomy and endolaser, and bevacizumab injections. CONCLUSION The authors describe a patient who underwent autologous stem cell transplantation, and subsequently developed granulomatosis with polyangiitis. The presentation of Purtscher's[FIGURE DASH]like retinopathy suggests that microvascular occlusion in the retina was likely the result of granulomatosis with polyangiitis-driven vasculitis of the precapillary arterioles.
Reaction He-3 (gamma, 2p) n at intermediate photon energies

Proton energy distributions and the differential cross section for the reaction He3(γ, 2p)n for incident photon energies between 80 and 120 MeV have been calculated. In order to compare with available experimental data, we consider the situation in which both protons emerge close to a direction perpendicular to the incident photon beam. It is shown that in that case the dominant contribution is given by the direct breakup of He3 into a free neutron and an interacting singlet p−p pair. The nucleon momentum distribution in He3 used in the calculation is obtained from a phenomenological fit to momentum distributions observed in quasifree (p, 2p) scattering experiments on He3. If the Coulomb interaction between protons is ignored, the calculated energy distribution agrees, at lower photon energies (∼ 50 MeV), with previous calculations in which the nuclear interaction was included fully in the final state, but only the dipole electromagnetic operator was included. The Coulomb interaction changes the shape of the proton energy distribution completely, bringing it and the differential cross section into agreement with the experimental data. NUCLEAR REACTIONS Three-nucleon photodisintegration of He3; intermediate energy calculation; Coulomb effects.
Can quantifying morphology and TMEM119 expression distinguish between microglia and infiltrating macrophages after ischemic stroke and reperfusion in male and female mice

Background: Ischemic stroke is an acquired brain injury with gender dependent outcomes. A persistent obstacle in understanding the sex-specific neuroinflammatory contributions to ischemic brain injury is distinguishing between resident microglia versus infiltrating macrophages, both phagocytes, and determining cell population specific contributions to injury evolution and recovery processes. Our purpose was to identify microglial and macrophage populations regulated by ischemic stroke using morphology analysis and the presence of microglia transmembrane protein 119 (TMEM119). Second, we examined sex and menopause differences in microglia/macrophage cell populations after an ischemic stroke. Methods: Male and female, premenopausal and postmenopausal, mice underwent either 60-min of middle cerebral artery occlusion and 24-h of reperfusion or sham surgery. The accelerated ovarian failure model was used to model post-menopause. Brain tissue was collected to quantify infarct area and for immunohistochemistry and western blot methods. Ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule, TMEM119, and confocal microscopy were used to analyze microglia morphology and TMEM119 area in ipsilateral brain regions. Western blot was used to quantify protein quantity. Results: Post-stroke injury is increased in male and female post-menopause mice versus pre-menopause female mice (p<0.05) with differences primarily occurring in caudal sections. After stroke, microglia underwent a region, but not sex group, dependent transformation into less ramified cells (p<0.0001). However, the number of phagocytic microglia were increased in distal ipsilateral regions of postmenopausal mice versus the other sex groups (p<0.05). The number of TMEM119 positive cells was decreased in proximity to the infarct (p<0.0001) but without a sex group effect. Two key findings prevented distinguishing microglia from systemic macrophages. First, morphological data were not congruent with TMEM119 immunofluorescence data. Cells with severely decreased TMEM119 immunofluorescence were ramified, a distinguishing microglia characteristic. Second, whereas TMEM119 immunofluorescence area decreased in proximity to the infarcted area, TMEM119 protein quantity was unchanged in ipsilateral hemisphere regions using western blot methods. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that TMEM119 is not a stable microglia marker in male and female mice in the context of ischemic stroke. Until TMEM119 function in the brain is elucidated, its use to distinguish between cell populations following brain injury with cell infiltration is cautioned.
CardioMEMS Sensor Detects Pulmonary Embolism Before Clinical Decompensation

Background The CardioMEMS sensor is approved for volume management in patients with CHF. To our knowledge, there are no reports of the sensors's pressure tracing waveform correlating to a patient presenting with an acute pulmonary embolism (PE) nor time needed for the pressure tracing to return to its baseline morphology. Results The patient is a 56 yo female implanted with a CardioMEMS PA pressure sensor for monitoring of diastolic dysfunction in September 2016. Her comorbidities include paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, for which she is on warfarin. After sustaining a traumatic fall, her warfarin was discontinued. Her CardioMEMS readings were followed closely, especially during subsequent hospitalizations which were complicated by orthostasis. Approximately 3 months after discontinuing warfarin, the patient presented with increasing dyspnea. Her troponin was negative and proBNP 873. CardioMEMS tracing at the time displayed a markedly dampened waveform, clearly different from her baseline morphology. She was treated for a presumed URI. The next day, her dyspnea dramatically worsened, troponin now 0.475, and proBNP 10,696. Her sensor tracing appeared further dampened, and she was admitted for a presumed pneumonia. However, she complained of increasing chest discomfort and worsening dyspnea. A left heart cath was performed, revealing no significant disease. A CT angiogram was then performed, documenting bilateral lobar and left main PE. Six months later, her tracing returned to baseline morphology. Conclusions In our experience, the CardioMEMS sensor has been an additional important tool in the management of CHF. The etiology of worsening dyspnea in this complex case yields a broad differential. However, her CardioMEMS sensor did not display a typical increase in PA pressures one would expect with worsening diastolic heart failure. Indeed, her pressure tracing was markedly different, suddenly dampened and distorted. In retrospect, in this case, this abrupt change was a signal of reduced PA blood flow and a critical clue to the underlying diagnosis of PE. Discussion Although not an approved use for this device, we believe the case highlights the need for a heightened sense of awareness for the possible diagnosis of PE when a patient presents with worsening dyspnea and a new, sudden change in their PA pressure waveform morphology.
Feature Extraction, Selection, and K-Nearest Neighbors Algorithm for Shark Behavior Classification Based on Imbalanced Dataset

This paper presents the feature extraction, selection and K-Nearest Neighbors (K-NN) algorithm to classify behaviors of sharks based on the data collected by tri-axial acceleration data loggers (ADLs). Because these behaviors are hard to observe in the wild and do not occur frequently, being able to adequately classify them is extremely challenging. In the proposed scheme, we first employ several transformations to enrich the static and dynamic acceleration data. Then, the enhanced data is converted from time to the frequency domain through the fast Fourier transform (FFT) for noise removal. A modified K-NN approach integrated with feature selection is developed and conducted on the frequency domain data to improve the F1-score for minority classes. The acceleration data of California horn sharks ( Heterodontus francisci ) gathered through ADLs mounted on the first dorsal fin is used to demonstrate our algorithm. A comparison study shows that the features extracted and selected by our proposed scheme can significantly improve the performance of classification on the imbalanced dataset.
Quantitative metric for assessment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma treatment response in T1-weighted gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging

Background We theoretically derived a new quantitative metric reflecting the product of T1 signal intensity and contrast media concentration (T1C) using first principles for the signal provided by the gradient echo sequence. This metric can be used with conventional gadolinium contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (CE-MRI) exams. We used this metric to test our hypothesis that gadolinium enhancement changes with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) treatment response, and that this metric may differentiate responders from non-responders. Methods Out of 264 initially identified patients, a final total of 35 patients with PDA were included in a retrospective study of responders (n=24) and non-responders (n=11), which used changes in cancer antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) and tumor size as reference standards. T1C was computed for the pancreatic mass in the arterial, portal venous, and delayed phases in pre-treatment and post-treatment MRIs. Changes in measurements and correlations with treatment response were assessed by repeated measures analysis of variance and paired t-tests. Results In the treatment responder group, T1C significantly increased in the arterial, portal venous, and delayed phases (P=7.57e-5, P=3.25e-4, P=1.75e-4). In the non-responder group, T1C did not significantly change in any phase (P>0.58). Post-treatment T1C significantly differed between responders and non-responders (P=0.044) by repeated measures analysis of variance. Conclusions T1C significantly increases in all phases of CE-MRI in responders to treatment, but does not change in non-responders. T1C correlates with treatment response, can be computed from clinical MRI exams, and may be useful as an additional metric to stratify patients undergoing treatment.
AS REGRAS DO DIREITO INTERNACIONAL HUMANITÁRIO, OS INCESSANTES CONFLITOS ARMADOS E A POSSÍVEL SOLUÇÃO À LUZ DA FRAGMENTAÇÃO DO DIREITO INTERNACIONAL

Este estudo trata de algumas conclusoes acerca do Direito Internacional Humanitario sob a otica de uma eventual fragmentacao do direito, [1] considerando os historicos dos conflitos armados no seculo XXI e a aplicacao do direito humanitario internacional, como possivel especializacao do direito internacional. Parte do conceito de direito internacional humanitario e reflete se sua aplicacao especializada seria suficiente para apaziguar ou solucionar tais conflitos, questionando-se pontualmente se deve ser definido como area especial do direito internacional. Avalia a doutrina contemporânea que trata das definicoes de unidade e fragmentacao do direito internacional e conclui ponderando em que aspectos o Direito Internacional pode se aproximar da realidade belica e aplicar efetivamente as regras humanitarias. Pondera-se: ha autossuficiencia para esse direito? [1] Estudos desenvolvidos conforme as orientacoes e muitas referencias apresentadas na disciplina Direito Internacional e Fragmentacao, do programa de pos-graduacao em direito da Universidade de Brasilia em 2013, por orientacao do Professor Doutor George Rodrigo Galindo.
Seeing the trees through the forest: training generalizable denoising neural networks using simulated data

Deep Networks trained on one kind of data tend to perform poorly, on data that is beyond its training set. We believe this is because data sets tend to focus too directly on a specific task. We circumvent this by simulating various sinusoidal signal sums, with and without envelopes, along with blurred spike trains. We then add various noise to these signals during training to allow the networks to learn a denoising technique. Without using any real Raman or Brillouin data, our network successfully denoises and removes low frequency drifts from real experimentally acquired Raman and Brillouin data.
Utilizing JANUS for Very High Frequency Underwater Acoustic Modem

JANUS is a physical layer communication standard for underwater acoustic communications published by North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in 2017. Instead of the nominal frequency band of 9440 – 13600 Hz specified in the standard, we adopt the JANUS packet for a very high frequency band spanning from 100 kHz to 130 kHz. We also add cargo packets in the same frequency band using JANUS fast mode with a symbol rate of 23 ksps and with either Binary Phase shift Keying (BPSK) or Quadrature PSK (QPSK) modulation. Experiments conducted in swimming pools show that the adopted JANUS packet can successfully achieve carrier and frame synchronization in all cases but the tolerance of different time of arrival of the signal needs to be improved in the receiver program. In addition, the decoding of the 64-bit JANUS baseline packet may suffer in severe multipath environment, which in turn degrades the detection of cargo packets.
Barriers to antigen detection and avoidance in chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis in the United States.

Background Chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (CHP) is an interstitial lung disease (ILD) caused by long term exposure to an offending antigen. Antigen avoidance is associated with improved outcomes. We are unable to identify the antigen source in approximately half of patients. When an antigen is successfully identified, patients have difficulty with avoidance. Methods We conducted three structured group discussions with US based ILD specialists utilizing the nominal group technique (NGT). Participants listed barriers to antigen detection and avoidance in CHP. Each participant ranked what they perceived to be the top three barriers in the list in terms of importance. The master list of barriers was consolidated across the three groups into themes that were prioritized based on receiving the highest rankings by participants. Results Twenty-five physicians participated; 56% had experience caring for CHP patients for ≥ 16 years. Sixty barriers to antigen detection were categorized into seven themes of which the top three were: 1. unclear significance of identified exposures; 2. gaps in clinical knowledge and testing capabilities; 3. there are many unknown and undiscovered antigens. Twenty-eight barriers to antigen avoidance were categorized into five themes of which the top three were: 1. patient limitations, financial barriers and lack of resources; 2. individual patient beliefs, emotions and attachments to the antigen source; and 3. gaps in clinical knowledge and testing capabilities. Conclusions This study uncovered challenges at the individual patient, organizational, and societal levels and ranked them in terms of level of importance. These findings provide information to guide development and validation of multidisciplinary support and interventions geared towards antigen identification and avoidance in CHP.
Distribution of chromosomal proteins in polytene chromosomes of Drosophila.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the distribution of chromosomal proteins in polytene chromosomes of Drosophila . The gene regulation is facilitated by the identification and characterization of proteins that interact with DNA. The chapter identifies and characterizes proteins specifically associated with either euchromatin or heterochromatin. Techniques that allow establishing the pattern of interaction between a given protein and the genome as a whole are used. In Drosophila , many of the chromosomal proteins are studied by using the technique described in the chapter, that of immunolocalization of proteins on polytene chromosomes. The chapter presents a technique for determining the in situ distribution of chromosomal proteins in polytene chromosomes with the emphasis on a procedure using formaldehyde fixation followed by squashing in acetic acid. The chapter also discusses the characteristics for ideal polytene chromosomes for immunofluorescent microscopy. To localize the positions of chromosomal proteins on the polytene chromosomes, the chromosome spreads are reacted with a primary antibody against a particular protein, followed by reaction with a fluorescent or other secondary antibody against the primary antibody.
MITOCHONDRIA AND NA+/CA2+ EXCHANGE BUFFER GLUTAMATE-INDUCED CALCIUM LOADS IN CULTURED CORTICAL NEURONS

Utilizing Indo-1 microfluorimetry, we have investigated the role of mitochondria and Na+/Ca2+ exchange in buffering calcium loads induced by glutamate stimulation or depolarization of cultured rat forebrain neurons. A 15 sec pulse of 3 microM glutamate or 50 mM potassium with veratridine was followed by a 2 min wash with a solution containing either Na(+)-free buffer or the mitochondrial uncoupler carbonyl cyanide p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone (FCCP), or both. For glutamate-induced Ca2+ loads, a Na(+)-free wash delayed recovery to baseline by twofold, mitochondrial uncoupling delayed recovery by greater than fourfold, and the combined treatment essentially prevented recovery of [Ca2+]i for the duration of the wash. Although the depolarization stimulus was able to elicit a larger peak [Ca2+]i, the neurons required significantly less time to recover from depolarization-induced Ca2+ loads after identical wash manipulations, indicating a fundamental difference between calcium loads induced by glutamate as opposed to those induced by depolarization. We show evidence that the delayed recovery is not primarily the result of perturbations in intracellular pH regulation and have also demonstrated that a substantial portion of the delayed recovery is independent of Ca2+ entry during the washout phase. We conclude that glutamate and depolarization both induce Ca2+ loads whose buffering is critically dependent on functional mitochondria and secondarily reliant on Na+/Ca2+ exchange. The two systems overlap and seem to be responsible for buffering most of the glutamate-induced Ca2+ load, because manipulations that compromised both systems completely disabled the neurons' ability to recover [Ca2+]i to baseline.
Kressel, Herbert Y.: Early Experience with CT and MR Imaging: Diagnosis of “the Point, the Line, and the Area”

Detailed radiologic–pathologic correlation has served as the basis for many of the MRI applications in the abdomen, pelvis and musculoskeletal system developed by our multidisciplinary research group at the University of Pennsylvania. Following the analysis of surgical and pathologic specimens, we frequently modified MR technology to enhance visualization of the region, analyzed the relative utility of imaging findings, and finally assessed diagnostic performance using receiver operating characteristic methodology. This article describes the history of our use of this approach. Keywords: MRI abdomen; MRI pelvis; musculoskeletal MRI; MRI applications development; radiologic pathologic correlation
Chapter 43 Labor markets in developing countries

This chapter covers selected topics for the 80% of the world's labor force that works in the developing countries. These topics are ones that have: (1) received relatively great attention in developing countries compared to developed economies (i.e., family enterprises, missing labor markets, geographical mobility, health/nutrition effects on productivity) because of their greater importance in developing countries; (2) been considered more extensively for developing than developed labor markets because the nature of institutions, behaviors and available data permit more extensive empirical examination of these topics (i.e., labor adjustments to shocks in the presence of imperfect markets, information problems in labor markets), and (3) been considered extensively for both developing and developed economies but with some different approaches and results for part of the developing country literature (e.g., determinants of and labor market returns to schooling). The discussion is organized around five broad topics: (1) The household enterprise model, surplus labor, disguised employment and unemployment, complete markets and separability, and labor supplies; (2) labor contracts, risks and incentives; (3) determinants of and returns to human capital investments (including health and nutrition in addition to schooling); (4) urban labor markets, labor-market regulations, international trade policies and manufacturing; and (5) distribution and mobility.
Learning a Statistical Model for Performance Prediction in Case-Based Reasoning

This chapter is concentrated with the performance characterization of a case-based reasoning (CBR) system. Based on the match score and nonmatch score computed from the cases in the case library, we develop a statistical model for prediction. We estimate the size of a subset of cases, called gallery size, that can generate the optimal error estimate and its confidence on a large population (relative to the size of the gallery). The statistical model is based on a generalized two-dimensional prediction model that combines a hypergeometric probability distribution model with a binomial model explicitly and considers the data distortion problem in large populations. Learning is incorporated in the prediction process in order to find the optimal small gallery size and to improve the prediction performance. During the prediction, the expectation-maximization (EM) algorithm is used to learn the match score and the nonmatch score distributions that are represented as mixture of Gaussians. By learning, the optimal size of small gallery is determined and at the same time the upper bound and the lower bound for the prediction on large populations are obtained. Results are shown using a real-world database with the increasing size of the case library.
Negotiation differences between two diverse cultures

Describes an investigation into the individual, organization, and demographic‐related ante‐cedents to industrial negotiation encounters in two culturally diverse countries. Focuses in particular on antecedent factors that influence sellers’ co‐operative orientation. Two con‐current surveys were conducted among Philippine and American industrial exporters. Our results suggest that the antecedents leading to co‐operative negotiation behaviours differ between Filipino and American sales representatives.
Political Knowledge and the 2004 Presidential Election

Political knowledge is an important factor in understanding voting behavior, particularly when voterspolicy positions conict with those of their favored candidate. In this paper, we use the National Annenberg Election Survey (NAES) for the 2004 U.S. election to directly estimate votersideological positions, candidatesideological positions, and voters knowledge of candidatesideological positions. We then analyze the relationship between these estimates and the individuals vote in the 2004 presidential election. The NAES asks voters for their own stances and for the candidatesstances on speci c policy issues. Because candidates stances on these policies are known, the data allow us to (1) estimate votersknowledge levels using item response theory, and (2) simultaneously estimate the positions of voters and candidates on the same spectrum. Typically, in the empirical literature, individualsideological positions are taken from self-reported placement on an ideological spectrum. Here, we use Poole and Rosenthals (1985, 2000) spatial model to estimate ideological positions, treating individualsopinions as Poole and Rosenthal treat roll-call data for legislators. This method recovers the underlying ideological space while avoiding the perception issues associated with self-placement. Assuming that voters prefer to vote for the candidate whose ideological position is closer to their own, we nd that more knowledgeable individuals are far less likely to vote for the candidate farther from them. Moreover, signi cantly more voters vote "mistakenly" for Bush than for Kerry. Though a majority of voters have ideological positions closer to Kerry, Bush receives more votes due to this pattern of mistakes. JEL classi cation: C13, D72, D82, D83. We are indebted to Antonio Merlo for his guidance and support. We would also like to thank Arianna Degan, Keith Poole, Howard Rosenthal, Ken Wolpin, Flavio Cunha, Nirav Mehta, Shalini Roy, participants at the 2008 Society of Economic Dynamics (SED) Annual Meeting in Cambridge, MA and seminar participants at the University of Pennsylvania for helpful comments. All errors are our own.
Assessment of a training curriculum for emergency ultrasound for pediatric soft tissue infections.

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2011; 18:174–182 © 2011 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine Abstract Objectives: The objective was to evaluate a training protocol for pediatric emergency physicians (EPs) learning emergency ultrasound (EUS) for the evaluation of skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) by assessing technical ability and interrater reliability. Methods: Pediatric emergency medicine (EM) fellows and attending physicians completed a 1-day training course taught by an expert emergency sonologist. After the course, EPs performed proctored examinations on patients with SSTIs until they reached predefined performance criteria, after which they performed independent EUS examinations. All EUS examinations were recorded using still images and video clips that were reviewed and rated by the expert sonologist on four technical measures and combined into a composite score. The expert’s opinion regarding the presence or absence of an abscess was also compared to the study sonologist’s opinion and analyzed for interrater reliability. Results: Seven EPs performed 107 EUS examinations. The mean (±SD) composite score for the evaluation of technical ability for the first EUS was 3.3 ± 0.14 (on a 4-point scale), indicating a high level of quality following the training course. There was a small amount of improvement in the quality score (0.015, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.0003 to 0.03) with each consecutive EUS examination. The interrater reliability between the sonologist and the expert for the presence of an abscess as measured by the kappa statistic was 0.80 (95% CI = 0.63 to 0.97), indicating substantial agreement. Conclusions: After a brief training program, pediatric EPs can perform technically successful emergency EUS examination of SSTIs, with excellent agreement with an expert sonologist.
A combined focusing X-ray diffractometer and nondispersive X-ray spectrometer for lunar and planetary analysis.

An instrument is described which is intended to perform a dual purpose (elemental—structural) analysis consistent with the environmental conditions implied by lunar or planetary operation. The diffractometer section is based on a modified Seeman—Bohlin focusing principle in which a sharp-line focus target, a powdered sample, and a movable detector slit all lie on the focusing circle. The convolution of the projections on the focal circle, of a narrow receiving slit on the detector, the line focus target, combined with a high dispersion produce higher resolution and intensity than is common with Bragg focusing diffractometers with similar instrumental parameters. The range of d-spacings covered is from 1 to 7 A (chromium target). The chemical analysis section of the instrument utilizes the fluorescent X-rays produced in the specimen by the primary beam. A proportional counter and pulse-height analyzer accomplish detection and energy discrimination. Resolution is low, but the analysis can distinguish between elements in the range of atomic numbers 11 to 29. Data from a breadboard model is presented. The entire unit, although primarily intended to meet the requirements of space, performs equally well as a routine laboratory analyzer. The horizontal, stationary nature of the specimen holder suggests several specific applications.
Occurrence and paleocologic significance of Halimeda in late Miocene reefs, southeastern Spain

Facies mapping of a late Miocene reef complex near the town of Nijar (Almeria Province, southeastern Spain) demonstrated that Halimeda-rich beds compose about 20% of the proximal-slope sedimets. Halimeda segments are unbroken, preserved as molds, randomly oriented to layered, and concentrated in beds that commonly contain few fossils other than Halimeda. The associated biota (a laminar form of the coral Porites, articulated bivalves, small gastropods, and in-situ branching coralline algae) and sediment texture suggest possible insitu formation of the Halimeda. Repetitive stratigraphy characterizes the proximal reef-slope sediments at Nijar. Each repetition consists of the following idealized succession: an eroded base, mixed-fossil hash, Halimeda-rich beds, and mixed-fossil beds that contain little if any Halimeda. Although Halimeda beds do not dominate in the proximal-slope environment, their local abundance may signify changed environmental conditions. The concentration of Halimeda in beds suggests spatial segregation of Halimeda from many reef-dwelling organisms. The repetitive stratigraphy suggests temporal segregation as well. Episodic upwelling may have been responsible for the repetitive stratigraphy. The occurrence of Halimeda-rich beds in reef complexes of similar age throughout the Spanish Mediterranean region, and the occurrence of possibly correlative cyclic basinal sequences, is consistent with an upwelling mechanism. If responsive to upwelling episodes, Halimeda beds may represent event strata of regional significance.
Friction and energy dissipation mechanisms in adsorbed molecules and molecularly thin films

This review provides an overview of recent advances that have been achieved in understanding the basic physics of friction and energy dissipation in molecularly thin adsorbed films and the associated impact on friction at microscopic and macroscopic length scales. Topics covered include a historical overview of the fundamental understanding of macroscopic friction, theoretical treatments of phononic and electronic energy dissipation mechanisms in thin films, and current experimental methods capable of probing such phenomena. Measurements performed on adsorbates sliding in unconfined geometries with the quartz crystal microbalance technique receive particular attention. The final sections review the experimental literature of how measurements of sliding friction in thin films reveal energy dissipation mechanisms and how the results can be linked to film-spreading behavior, lubrication, film phase transitions, superconductivity-dependent friction, and microelectromechanical systems applications. Materials s...
Muscle architecture in relation to function

Animal muscles generate forces and induce movements at desirable rates. These roles are interactive and must be considered together. Performance of the organism and survival of the species also involve potential optimization of control and of energy consumption. Further, individual variability arising partly via ontogeny and partly from phylogenetic history often has pronounced and sometime conflicting effects on structures and their uses. Hence, animal bodies are generally adequate for their tasks rather than being elegantly matched to them. For muscle, matching to role is reflected at all levels of muscular organization, from the nature of the sarcoplasm and contractile filaments to architectural arrangements of the parts and whole of organs. Vertebrate muscles are often analyzed by mapping their placement and then "explaining" this on the basis of currently observed roles. A recent alternative asks the obverse; given a mass of tissue that may be developed and maintained at a particular cost, what predictions do physical principles permit about its placement. Three architectural patterns that deserve discussion are the classical arrangement of fibers in pinnate patterns, the more recent assumption of sarcomere equivalence, and the issue of compartmentation. All have potential functional implications. 1. The assumption of equivalence of the sarcomeres of motor units allows predictions of the fiber length between sites of origin and insertion. In musculoskeletal systems that induce rotation, the observed (but not the pinnation-associated) insertion angle will differ with the radial lines on which the fibers insert. In a dynamic contraction inducing rotation, a shift of moment arm has no effect for muscles of equal mass. 2. Classical pinnate muscles contain many relatively short fibers positioned in parallel but at an angle to the whole muscle, reducing the per fiber force contribution. However, the total physiological cross-section and total muscle force are thus increased relative to arrangements with fibers parallel to the whole muscle. Equivalent muscles may be placed in various volumetric configurations matching other demands of the organism. The loss of fiber force due to (pinnate, not equivalent) angulation is compensated for by the reduced shortening of fibers in multipinnate arrays. 3. Compartmentation, i.e., the subdivision of muscles into independently controlled, spatially discrete volumes, is likely ubiquitous. Differential activation of the columns of radial arrays may facilitate change of vector and with this of function. Compartmentation is apt to be particularly important in strap muscles with short fiber architecture; their motor units generally occupy columnar, rather than transversely stacked, subdivisions; this may affect recovery from fiber atrophy and degeneration.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Simplified Approach to Air Drilling Operations

Traditionally, air requirements during an air drilling operation involve the utilization of the Angel's chart(s). The values from the mentioned chart(s) are generally 20-25% below the acutal field's requirements/needs. Recent studies in this area have provided more reliable results, however, the tedious calculations, the lack of proper charts, and the absence of the user-friendly programs have prevented their practical applications. The authors of this paper have developed a simplified model that takes into account both the material balance and momentum balance for the annulus. Air and cuttings have been treated independently in these balances. Multiphase momentum balance equation is adopted. This model will also accommodate the air lifting capacity in the annulus to be the dominant factor in deciding the air requirements.
A new playground experience: going digital?

We explore how an interactive pathway impacts children's play patterns in outdoor playgrounds. The paper describes our experience designing and testing the prototype at various stages of development with twenty children age three to five enrolled in a preschool childcare center. We provide examples of the children's diverse play patterns and conclude with initial reflections on the design of responsive playground elements.
Development of methodology for the optimal operation of soil aquifer treatment systems

Soil aquifer treatment (SAT) systems are used for reclamation of sewage effluent by groundwater recharge. Increasing demand on water supplies has stimulated the production or planning of many SAT systems that will use reclaimed wastewater for groundwater recharge. These systems are comprised of a series of infiltration basins. The design and operation of soil aquifer treatment systems presently relies primarily upon judgment and experience. This research effort is developing a methodology for determining the optimal operation of SAT systems that is based upon mathematically describing the problem as a discrete-time optimal control problem. The resulting mathematical problem is a large-scale nonlinear programming problem. Solution of the problem is being accomplished by interfacing a nonlinear programming optimizer, which is solved by a differential dynamic programming algorithm, with a simulator that describes the infiltration process, unsaturated flow, effects of surface clogging and biological clogging, biological removal of nitrogen and organics. Major efforts are devoted to numerical performance of the optimization model solution, and development of the simulator. Initial results of interfacing the optimizer with the simulator without water quality concern show high convergence rate. The operation pattern determined by this method is reasonable. This new methodology will be a tool for engineers to evaluate choices regarding the potential of the design and operation of SAT systems.