cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Utilizing spatial and spectral features of photoacoustic imaging for ovarian cancer detection and diagnosis

A composite set of ovarian tissue features extracted from photoacoustic spectral data, beam envelope, and co-registered ultrasound and photoacoustic images are used to characterize malignant and normal ovaries using logistic and support vector machine (SVM) classifiers. Normalized power spectra were calculated from the Fourier transform of the photoacoustic beamformed data, from which the spectral slopes and 0-MHz intercepts were extracted. Five features were extracted from the beam envelope and another 10 features were extracted from the photoacoustic images. These 17 features were ranked by their p-values from t-tests on which a filter type of feature selection method was used to determine the optimal feature number for final classification. A total of 169 samples from 19 ex vivo ovaries were randomly distributed into training and testing groups. Both classifiers achieved a minimum value of the mean misclassification error when the seven features with lowest p-values were selected. Using these seven features, the logistic and SVM classifiers obtained sensitivities of 96.39±3.35% and 97.82±2.26%, and specificities of 98.92±1.39% and 100%, respectively, for the training group. For the testing group, logistic and SVM classifiers achieved sensitivities of 92.71±3.55% and 92.64±3.27%, and specificities of 87.52±8.78% and 98.49±2.05%, respectively.
The Influence of Stimulus Discriminability on Young Children's Interference Control in the Stroop-Like Happy–Sad Task

The day–night paradigm, where children respond to a pair of pictures with opposite labels for a series of trials, is a widely used measure of interference control. Recent research has shown that a happy–sad variant of the day–night task was significantly more difficult than the standard day–night task. The present research examined whether the perceptual discriminability of the happy–sad task pictures impacts young children's interference control. When test card pairs were equally distinct between conditions, children performed similarly regardless of whether the happy–sad or day–night response terms were employed (Experiment 1). Two versions of the happy–sad task were administered in Experiment 2, and children experienced significantly more interference when the stimuli were perceptually similar than when they were distinct. Theoretical implications for the role attentional demands play in interference control in Stroop-like tasks for pre-readers are discussed.
Quality assurance and stage dynamics in multi-stage manufacturing. Part II

SUMMARY This is the second in a two-part report on control engineering considerations in quality assurance. The first paper introduced some basic concepts in the measurement of the ‘loss’ due to poor product quality, and approached the issue of parameter optimization of the control system through the modem of manipulating the PID constants, using an experimental approach coupled with simulation as the methodology to achieve the desired objective. This paper approaches the problem of parameter optimization via mathematical programming, and then addresses the issue of setting the standard of system performance through Markov decision processes.
Hierarchical Decomposition Considered Inconvenient: Self-Adaptation Across Abstraction Layers

Hierarchy may be difficult, if not impossible, to avoid either in natural or artificially engineered systems. Nevertheless, hierarchical decomposition can be considered inconvenient in a number of ways that interfere with the construction of adaptive systems capable of full exploitation of unexpected opportunities in an operational environment. This paper will briefly review some of those inconveniences and suggest principles by which to circumvent them while maintaining the obviously beneficial, and perhaps inevitable, paradigm of hierarchical decomposition of engineering designs. The paper will illustrate the introduced principles by appeal to an example auto-adaptive flight controller for an insect-scale flapping-wing micro air vehicle. The paper will conclude with discussion of possible future applications and methodological extensions.© (2012) COPYRIGHT Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Is the General Point of View the Moral Point of View

I focus on Garrett's account of Hume's theory of moral evaluation, which Garrett calls "a cognitive history." Before turning to his account, however, I briefly outline my own alternative reading of Hume's theory of moral evaluation. One way in which my account differs from Garrett's is that I follow Ardal, among others, in thinking that Hume takes the moral sentiments to be calm forms of love and hatred. Thus Hume says that approval and disapproval are "nothing but a fainter and more imperceptible love or hatred."' Morality, for Hume, is about what we love or hate, praise or blame, in people. Hume develops his theory of moral evaluation in response to two objections to his claim that the moral sentiments spring from sympathy. The first objection is that moral approval can't be based on sympathy because our moral approvals don't vary, but sympathy and the loves and hatreds resulting from sympathy do vary. (T 580-81) When Hume first explains the sympathy mechanism, he traces it to the more fundamental associative principles of resemblance, contiguity, and causation. Our ability to respond sympathetically to others varies with these variations in our relations. Thus I sympathize more easily and strongly with my friends and fellow citizens than with strangers and foreigners. The other objection is that "virtue in rags" is still esteemed. Sympathy, as Hume initially explains it, works by looking at the actual effects of a person's character traits, but "virtue in rags is still virtue; and the love which it procures attends a man into a dungeon or desart, where the virtue can no longer be exerted in action, and is lost to the world." (T 584)
Small‐molecule screen identifies modulators of EWS/FLI1 target gene expression and cell survival in Ewing's sarcoma

Ewing's sarcoma family of tumors (EFT) is characterized by the presence of chromosomal translocations leading to the expression of oncogenic transcription factors such as, in the majority of cases, EWS/FLI1. Because of its key role in Ewing's sarcoma development and maintenance, EWS/FLI1 represents an attractive therapeutic target. Here, we characterize PHLDA1 as a novel direct target gene whose expression is repressed by EWS/FLI1. Using this gene and additional specific well-characterized target genes such as NROB1, NKX2.2 and CAV1, all activated by EWS/FLI1, as a read-out system, we screened a small-molecule compound library enriched for FDA-approved drugs that modulated the expression of EWS/FLI1 target genes. Among a hit-list of nine well-known drugs such as camptothecin, fenretinide, etoposide and doxorubicin, we also identified the kinase inhibitor midostaurin (PKC412). Subsequent experiments demonstrated that midostaurin is able to induce apoptosis in a panel of six Ewing's sarcoma cell lines in vitro and can significantly suppress xenograft tumor growth in vivo. These results suggest that midostaurin might be a novel drug that is active against Ewing's cells, which might act by modulating the expression of EWS/FLI1 target genes.
Perception is reality: How patients contribute to poor workplace safety perceptions.

BACKGROUND:: Nurses and aides are among the occupational subgroups with the highest injury rates and workdays lost to illness and injury in North America. Many studies have shown that these incidents frequently happen during provision of patient care. Moreover, health care workplaces are a source of numerous safety risks that contribute to worker injuries. These findings identify health care as a high-risk occupation for employee injury or illness. PURPOSE:: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among patient care, employee safety perceptions, and employee stress. Using the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Model of Job Stress and Health as a foundation, we developed and tested a conceptual workplace safety climate-stress model that explicates how caring for high-risk patients is a safety stressor that has negative outcomes for health care providers, including poor workplace safety perceptions and increasing stress levels. We introduced the concept of "high-risk patients" and define them as those who put providers at greater risk for injury or illness. METHODOLOGY:: Using a nonexperimental survey design, we examined patient types and safety perceptions of health care providers (nurses, aides, and allied health) in an acute care hospital. FINDINGS:: Health care providers who care for high-risk patients more frequently have poor safety climate perceptions and higher stress levels. Safety climate was found to mediate the relationship between high-risk patients and stress. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS:: These findings bring insight into actions health care organizations can pursue to improve health care provider well-being. Recognizing that different patients present different risks and pursuing staffing, training, and equipment to minimize employee risk of injury will help reduce the staggering injury rates experienced by these employees. Moreover, minimizing employee stress over poor workplace safety is achievable through comprehensive workplace safety climate programs that include supervisor, management, and organizational commitment to safety enhancement. Language: en
Optimization of Fin Performance in a Laminar Channel Flow Through Dimpled Surfaces

The effect of the dimple shape and orientation on the heat transfer coefficient of a vertical fin surface was determined both numerically and experimentally. The investigation focused on the laminar channel flow between fins, with a Re =500 and 1000. Numerical simulations were performed using a commercial computational fluid dynamics code to analyze optimum configurations, and then an experimental investigation was conducted on flat and dimpled surfaces for comparison purposes. Numerical results indicated that oval dimples with their "long" axis oriented perpendicular to the direction of the flow offered the best thermal improvement, hence the overall Nusselt number increased up to 10.6% for the dimpled surface. Experimental work confirmed these results with a wallaveraged temperature reduction of up to 3.7 K, which depended on the heat load and the Reynolds number. Pressure losses due to the dimple patterning were also briefly explored numerically in this work.
Age, Sex, Reproduction, and Spatial Organization of Lynxes Colonizing Northeastern Minnesota

From 1972 through 1978, lynxes ( Felis lynx ) emigrating from Canada were studied in northeastern Minnesota. Fourteen individuals were radio-tracked, 8 were ear-tagged, and 49 carcasses were examined. Sex ratios of the samples were equal during the first years of the study, but females predominated later. At least half of the radio-tagged lynxes were killed by humans; no natural mortality was detected. Home range sizes ranged from 51 to 122 km2 for females and 145 to 243 km2 for males, up to 10 times the sizes of those reported by other workers. Ranges of females tended to overlap. Males and females appeared to be segregated in the population.
Effects of acetaldehyde on membrane potentials of sinus node pacemaker fibers.

Abstract The experiments reported here were performed to characterize the effects of acetaldehyde on membrane potentials (MP) of sinus node subsidiary pacemaker fibers in the absence and presence of adrenergic and cholinergic blockade. Guinea pig sinoatrial preparations were superfused with Tyrode's solution at 37°C while electrically stimulated at 5 Hz. Intracellular microelectrodes were used to record the MP of sinus node subsidiary pacemaker fibers. Acetaldehyde 3 × 10 −6 M and 3 × 10 −3 M had no effect on maximum diastolic potential (MDP), while 3 × 10 −5 M and 3 × 10 −2 M exerted a depolarizing effect on the MDP, without affecting the overshoot (OS). The fall in MDP was associated with a reduction in the amplitude of the action potential (AAP) and the maximum velocity of phase 0 (V max 0). The depressant effect of acetaldehyde on MDP was not abolished by adrenergic blockers or atropine. Concentrations of acetaldehyde between 3 × 10 −5 and 3 × 10 −2 M prolonged the action potential duration (APD). Acetaldehyde 3 × 10 −3 M did not affect MDP even in the presence of atropine or propranolol. The APD-prolonging effect of acetaldehyde was not abolished by adrenergic blockers. In summary, the actions of acetaldehyde on MDP and APD were independent of adrenergic and cholinergic mechanisms.
Absolute thermoelectric power of amorphous metallic glass Fe 80 B 20 between 300 and 1000 K

The absolute thermoelectric power ($S$) for amorphous ${\mathrm{Fe}}_{80}$${\mathrm{B}}_{20}$ has been measured in the temperature range from 300 to 1000 K. $S$ is nearly independent of temperature in this range and, in contrast to the electrical resistivity, shows no structure at either the crystallization temperature (\ensuremath{\sim} 620 K) or the glass temperature (\ensuremath{\sim} 714 K). These results can be understood in terms of the Evans, Greenwood, and Lloyd modification of the Ziman theory for liquid metals.
Grain Boundary Engineering in Non-Oxide Ceramics

The deliberate selection and control of composition, structure and processes occurring in the grain boundary, both during and after fabrication, with the aim of specific property modification may properly be defined as Grain Boundary Engineering. We will review various strategies for doing Grain Boundary Engineering and give examples of the use of these strategies in the development of hot pressed silicon nitride. Research needs for further development of Grain Boundary Engineering (GBE) in non-oxide systems are discussed.
Hydrolysis of a phosphonate ester catalyzed by an enzyme from Dictyostelium discoideum.

Abstract An activity capable of hydrolyzing the phosphonate ester, 4-nitrophenyl phenylphosphonate has been detected in the eucaryotic microorganism Dictyostelium discoideum. This activity (4-nitrophenyl phenylphosphonate-esterase) was found in both membrane-enriched and soluble fractions. Two other activities present in this fraction, namely cyclic AMP-diesterase and an ATP-hydrolase, did not copurify with the 4-nitrophenyl phenylphosphonate-esterase. Also while ATP and cAMP inhibited the hydrolysis of 4-nitrophenyl phenlyphosphonate, they did so in a noncompetitive manner and, furthermore, saturating concentrations of 4-nitrophenyl phenylphosphonate had no effect on the hydrolysis of either cyclic AMP or ATP. The partially purified preparation was more active at pH 7 than at either pH 5 or 9, more active with acetate than chloride, and more active at 22 °C than at either 12 or 30 °C. The activity is inhibited by AMP in a competitive manner, but is not affected by levamisole, an inhibitor specific for alkaline phosphatase activity.
Remapping the World After the Crisis in Area Studies

This volume consists of ten papers that analyze the crisis in area studies and its implications for the various social science disciplines. It is a welcome contribution to a debate—on the implicati...
Evaluating the performance of carboxylate platform fermentations across diverse inocula originating as sediments from extreme environments

To test the hypothesis that microbial communities from saline and thermal sediment environments are pre-adapted to exhibit superior fermentation performances, 501 saline and thermal samples were collected from a wide geographic range. Each sediment sample was screened as inoculum in a 30-day batch fermentation. Using multivariate statistics, the capacity of each community was assessed to determine its ability to degrade a cellulosic substrate and produce carboxylic acids in the context of the inoculum sediment chemistry. Conductance of soils was positively associated with production of particular acids, but negatively associated with conversion efficiency. In situ sediment temperature and conversion efficiency were consistently positively related. Because inoculum characteristics influence carboxylate platform productivity, optimization of the inoculum is an important and realistic goal.
The pulmonary arteriole

Abstract The terminal branches of the mammalian pulmonary arterial tree are called arterioles despite statements that these vessels in the adult have no smooth muscle. We examined these vessels in the cat (8 hr to 11 years) and man (24 hr to 76 years) by light microscopy and special staining to clarify the terminology problem. In both cat and man, the changes in arterioles from the newborn to the aged individual are similar and differ only in time course. At and shortly after birth, fetal pulmonary arterioles are found throughout the lung: Endothelial cells are polygonal and somewhat thickened, the smooth muscle of the media has plump nuclei with blunt ends and fine chromatin; the cytoplasm is pale and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) negative; internal and external elastic laminae are present. Mixed in with these fetal vessels are a few arterioles which show occasional areas of PAS-positive material and nuclei which are elongating. Occasional arterioles are more strongly PAS positive and show further elongation of nuclei and increased condensation of chromatin. After weeks to months (species variation) almost all arterioles show wall thinning, flattened endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells which occupy most of the media with deeply stained elongated nuclei and scant but persistent cytoplasm which is deeply PAS positive, and persistence of an internal and external elastic layer. Such vessels persist in the aged cat and human. We have called these sequential changes in the pulmonary arteriole maturation changes. The functional correlates of these arteriolar alterations for the adult mammal are discussed.
Connective tissue disease following hepatitis B vaccination; topiramate-associated fatal heat stroke; ramelteon-induced autoimmune hepatitis; acute oxaliplatin-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.

Chair and Clinical Professor, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Temple University School of Pharmacy, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Clinical Advisor, Institute for Safe Medication Practices, Horsham, Pennsylvania The purpose of this feature is to heighten awareness of specifi c adverse drug reactions (ADRs), discuss methods of prevention, and promote reporting of ADRs to the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) MedWatch program (800-FDA-1088). If you have reported an interesting, preventable ADR to MedWatch, please consider sharing the account with our readers. Write to Dr. Mancano at ISMP, 200 Lakeside Drive, Suite 200, Horsham, PA 19044 (phone: 215-707-4936; e-mail: mmancano@temple.edu). Your report will be published anonymously unless otherwise requested. This feature is provided by the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) in cooperation with the FDA’s MedWatch program and Temple University School of Pharmacy. ISMP is an FDA MedWatch partner.
Nicotine in the Control of Ecto-Parasites of Poultry

The results obtained with nicotine sulphate in controlling the feather mite, Liponyssus silviarum , and the common chicken mite, Dermanyssus gallinae , are summarized. A series of tests are detailed. The treatment is effective for the fowl tick, Argas miniatus . With reasonable care, there are no serious effects on the fowls.
Intensity transitions in Cyg XR-1 observed at high energies from OSO 8

The observed transitions at energies above 20 keV show that the spectrum of Cyg XR-1 exhibits the pivoting effect during intensity transitions expected from two-temperature accretion disk models of the X-ray emitting region. Cyg XR-1 was observed with the high-energy X-ray spectrometer on board the OSO-8 satellite from November 11-19, 1975 and from October 27 to November 15, 1976 (excluding the period from November 1 to November 7, 1976).
SUS/AAS abstracts: what is the scientific impact?

Aim To evaluate the scientific impact of presentations at the annual meetings of the Society of University Surgeons (SUS) and the Association for Academic Surgery (AAS). Methods All Abstracts presented at the 2002-2004 annual conferences were examined for publication rate (PR), publication citation (PC) and journal impact factor (IF). Results Overall, 1200 abstracts from the SUS (n = 543,45%) and AAS (n = 657,55%) were reviewed. One way ANOVA analysis of SUS results across session types demonstrated significant differences in PR (89% plenary, 81% parallel, 100% basic science, 47% resident conference, poster 76%, p p = 0.25561) or IF (4.17 plenary, 3.50 parallel, 2.66 basic science, 3.12 resident conference 3.13 poster, p = 0.3947). AAS results demonstrated significant differences for PR (81% plenary, 62% parallel and 43% poster, p p = 0.006) and IF (3.75 plenary, 2.64 parallel, and 2.73 poster, p = 0.0124). Comparison of abstracts between meetings demonstrated a higher overall PR, CR and IF for SUS publications ( p Conclusion These data suggest that SUS and AAS presentations constitute high-quality research, Trends towards higher PR, PC and IF for plenary sessions indicate that the review process properly stratifies research. Statistically higher impact measures for SUS presentations are consistent with the more mature research careers of SUS members.
The Correlation of Ultrasonic Attenuation and Shear Strength in Graphite-Polyimide Composites:

The buffer rod technique for measuring attenuation in thin specimens is modified here to apply to specimens having intermediate thicknesses and high attenuation. The described procedure, which requires only one accessible surface of the material, was used to determine the initial attenuation values of ultrasonic waves in short beam shear specimens of graphite-polyimide composite material. It is shown that there is good correlation between the initial attenuation values and the shear strengths of the specimens determined by the standard short beam shear test method. The modified ultrasonic buffer block technique offers much potential for service as a quantitative, nondestructive, quality assurance test for composite materials.
Transabdominal sonography of bile ducts

Ultrasound is considered to be the initial imaging modality of choice for evaluation of bile ducts. In this article, sonographic anatomy of the bile ducts and ultrasound findings in congenital, inflammatory, neoplastic, and other abnormalities of bile ducts are described. Roles of color Doppler ultrasound and newer applications, such as harmonic imaging and three-dimensional ultrasound, in evaluation of bile ducts are discussed.
Iterative optimal and adaptive control of a near isothermal liquid piston air compressor in a compressed air energy storage system

The power density and efficiency of high compression ratio (~200:1) air compressors/expanders are crucial for the economical viability of a Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) system such as the one proposed in [1]. There is a trade-off between power density and efficiency that is strongly dependent on the heat transfer capability within compressor/expander. In previous papers, we have shown that the compression or expansion trajectory can be optimized so that for a given power, the efficiency can be optimized and vice versa. Theoretically, for high compression ratios, the improvement over ad-hoc trajectories can be significant- for example, at the same efficiency of 90%, the power can be increased by 3-5 folds [2], [3], [4], [5]. Yet, the optimal trajectories depend on the heat transfer coefficient profile that is often unknown. In this paper, we focus on the experimental study of an iterative control algorithm to track a compression trajectory that optimizes the efficiency-power trade-off in a liquid piston air compressor. First, an adaptive controller is developed to track any desired compression trajectory characterized by the temperature-volume profile. The controller adaptively estimates the unknown heat transfer coefficient. Second, the estimated heat transfer coefficient from one iteration is then used to estimate the optimal compression trajectory for the next iteration. As the estimate of the heat transfer coefficient improves from one iteration to the next, the quality of the estimated optimal trajectory also improves. This leads to successively improved efficiency. The experimental results of optimal trajectories show up to 2% improvement in compression efficiency compared to linear trajectories in a same power density.
Density functional theory and the band gap problem

How can the fundamental band gap of an insulator be predicted? As a difference of ground-state energies, the fundamental gap seems to fall within the reach of density functional theory, yet the predicted gaps from band structure calculations within the local density approximation (LDA) are about 40% too small. It is argued here that even the exact Kohn-Sham potential veff(r), which generates the exact density in a self-consistent-field calculation, generates a band structure which underestimates the gap. Within the context of the band gap problem, several recent developments in the density-functional theory of many-electron systems are reviewed: (1) The Langreth-Mehl approximation to the Kohn-Sham exchange-correlation energy and potential, based upon the Langreth-Perdew wavevector analysis of the density gradient expansion. This functional leads to more accurate ground-state energies and densities than those of the LDA with little change in the calculated band structures of solids. (2) The derivative discontinuity of the exchange-correlation energy, which is responsible for substantial underestimation of the fundamental gap by even the exact Kohn-Sham potential. (3) The self-interaction correction, which yields accurate gaps in insulators only by virtue of its orbital-dependent potential. (4) The density response function of the uniform electron gas, which suggests that the LDA gives a good estimate of the exact Kohn-Sham potential for a semiconductor with a weak periodic potential. In short, several very different (but admittedly approximate) numerical calculations suggest that most of the error in the LDA fundamental gap would persist in the gap of the exact Kohn-Sham band structure. This error would persist in any attempt to calculate the gap from LDA total energy differences for clusters of increasing size.
The serial-parallel dilemma: A case study in a linkage of theory and method

The question as to whether humans perceive, remember, or cognize psychological items simultaneously (i.e., in parallel) or sequentially (i.e., serially) has been of interest to philosophers and psychologists since at least the 19th century. The advent of the information-processing approach to cognition in the 1960s reopened the inquiry, initiating a flood of experiments and models in the literature. Surprisingly for so elemental an issue, persuasive experimental tests have, until recently, proven rather elusive. Several decades of theoretical, methodological, and experimental effort, propelled and shaped by a meta-theoretical perspective, are leading to powerful strategies for assessing this and related cognitive issues. The present article reviews the theoretical and empirical history of these inquiries and details situations in which decisive experimental tests are possible.
Magnetic ordering and distribution of Co in GaN

Using the full potential linearized augmented plane wave method, we have explored the atomic distribution and the magnetic and optical properties of Co atoms in GaN. The Co atoms tend to form local compounds and a ferrimagnetic state.
Neurovascular hypersensitivity to symptoms and diseases.

(1953). Neurovascular Hypersensitivity to Symptoms and Diseases. Acta Oto-Laryngologica: Vol. 43, No. 2-3, pp. 271-280.
Repeated acquisition and discrimination reversal in the squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus)

Repeated acquisition and discrimination reversal tasks are often used to examine behavioral relations of, respectively, learning and cognitive flexibility. Surprisingly, despite their frequent use in cognitive neuroscience and behavioral pharmacology, variables that control performance under these two tasks have not been widely studied. The present studies were conducted to directly investigate the controlling variables in nonhuman primates. Squirrel monkeys were trained with a touchscreen variant of the repeated acquisition task in which a novel pair of S+/S− stimuli was presented daily. Subjects learned to discriminate the two stimuli (acquisition) and, subsequently, with the contingencies switched (reversal). Results indicate that rates of both acquisition and reversal learning increased across successive sessions, but that rate of reversal learning remained slower than acquisition learning, i.e., more trials were needed for mastery. Subsequent experiments showed this difference between the rate of learning novel discriminations and reversal was reliable for at least 5 days between acquisition and reversal and notwithstanding the interpolation of additional discriminations. Experimental analysis of the S+/S− elements of the tasks revealed that the difference in the rate of learning could not be attributed to a relatively aversive quality of the S− or to a relatively appetitive quality of the S+, but, rather, to contextual control by the S+/S− stimulus complex. Thus, if either element (S+ or S−) of the stimulus complex was replaced by a novel stimulus, the rate of acquisition approximated that expected with a novel stimulus pair. These results improve our understanding of fundamental features of discrimination acquisition and reversal.
Truthful group buying-based spectrum auction design for cognitive radio networks

Recent spectrum auction results have shown that the spectrum is usually sold at a very high unit price. Small network providers may not be able to afford it individually. Inspired by the group buying service on the Internet, group buying strategy has been introduced into the design for spectrum auctions to increase the buying power of small network providers as a whole. In this paper, we consider cognitive radio networks with multiple secondary networks, each of which consists of one secondary access point and a number of secondary users interested in accessing channels licensed to the primary user. We propose TRUBA, a truthful group buying-based auction to take advantage of the collective buying power of secondary users within each secondary network. We carefully design the budget extraction for each secondary access point within the secondary network to maximize the budget collected from the secondary users. In addition, we allow the primary user to assign its channels strategically so as to maximize its profit on each secondary network. These two features together make TRUBA significantly improve the system performance, compared to the existing group buying-based auction, in terms of the number of successful transactions (up to 105% in the evaluation results), the number of winning secondary users (up to 129%), the utility of secondary access points (up to 463%), and the utility of the primary user (up to 119%).
Steroidogenesis in testicular cells.

Abstract The current state of knowledge concerning steroid biosynthesis and metabolism in isolated testicular cells is discussed. Data demonstrating conversion of progesterone to testosterone and 5α-reduced androgens in cultures of pure Sertoli cells derived from adult rat testes is presented. The constant ratio of total progesterone metabolism to total C-19 steroids observed in these studies suggests that the rate of androgen formation in Sertoli cells depends primarily upon the activities of the various steroidogenic enzymes. The data also suggest that the principal site of conversion of progesterone to androgens in the seminiferous tubules is the Sertoli cell and that the principal site of 5α-reductase activity in the testis is also the Sertoli cell. The Sertoli cell was also shown to be able to convert [ 14 C]-testosterone to steroids with Chromatographic characteristics of oestrogens which were reactive in estradiol radioimmunoassay and their production was stimulated by FSH. However, they failed to crystallize to constant specific activity or constant ratio, while authentic [ 3 H]-oestradiol 17-β used as tracer did crystallize. Thus, our studies failed to demonstrate conversion of testosterone to oestradiol-17β by cultured Sertoli cells. The identity of the steroids formed is currently under investigation.
Understanding and implementing positive reinforcement as an intervention strategy for children with disabilities.

The intervention strategies associated with applied behavior analysis (ABA) repeatedly have been demonstrated as effective techniques for shaping behavior and teaching new skills to children with disabilities. While ABA has been a mainstay of early intervention in special education for decades, occupational therapists typically do not receive training in ABA or the instructional strategies associated with this discipline. Occupational therapists may be able to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of their practice by becoming familiar with the principles of ABA and learning to integrate them into their clinical work. This paper will describe briefly ABA and argue that occupational therapists could enhance their services for children with disabilities through conscientious integration of contingent positive reinforcement into practice.
The mineralization phenotype in Abcc6 ( -/- ) mice is affected by Ggcx gene deficiency and genetic background--a model for pseudoxanthoma elasticum.

Pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by ectopic mineralization of connective tissues and shows considerable intra- and inter-familial phenotypic variability. PXE is caused by mutations in the ABCC6 gene, and targeted ablation of Abcc6 in mouse recapitulates PXE. In this study, we examined the hypothesis that the GGCX gene encoding γ-glutamyl carboxylase may interfere with the mineralization process in Abcc6−/− mice. Thus, Abcc6−/− and Ggcx+/− mice were generated on 129S1;C57 and 129S1;129X1;C57 genetic backgrounds, respectively, and backcrossed with C57BL/6J for five generations. Thus, these strains differ by the 129X1 contribution to the background of the mice. We then generated Abcc6−/−;Ggcx+/+ and Abcc6−/−;Ggcx+/− mice by crossing Abcc6−/− and Ggcx+/− mice. The degree of mineralization of connective capsule of vibrissae, a biomarker of the mineralization process in PXE, was evaluated by computerized morphometric analysis and quantified colorimetrically by calcium and phosphate levels in tissues. The mineralization of the vibrissae in Abcc6−/− mice takes place at ∼5–6 weeks of age and is significantly enhanced at 3 months of age in comparison to wild-type mice (>10-fold, p < 0.001). However, the onset of mineralization in Abcc6−/−;Ggcx+/+ mice was delayed until between 3 and 4 months of age, suggesting that the genetic background plays a role in modifying the mineralization process. The mineralization in the Abcc6−/−;Ggcx+/− mice was accelerated in comparison with age-matched Abcc6−/−;Ggcx+/+ mice, with ∼3-fold difference at 3, 4, and 9 months of age (p < 0.01). The mineralization process was also accelerated in these mice by a special custom-designed diet with mineral modifications. These findings suggest a role for both the GGCX gene and the genetic background as well as dietary factors in modulating the phenotypic severity of PXE caused by loss-of-function mutations in ABCC6.
Correlates of Survival in Swainson's Hawks Breeding in Northern California

ABSTRACT We used a 30-year study of breeding Swainson's hawks (Buteo swainsoni) in northern California to examine correlates of adult apparent survival using multistate models in Program MARK. Specifically, we examined age-related patterns in adult apparent survival and how adult survival was correlated with average annual nest productivity, annual reproductive output, western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis) density around nest sites, distance to agriculture, and amount of agriculture within a territory. Annual estimates of adult survival varied from 0.85 to 0.9 (SE = 0.02). There were no indications of senescence or other patterns of age-related changes in adult apparent survival. Adult survival was inversely correlated with average reproductive output, with individuals producing >2 offspring having decreased survival, reflecting a possible trade-off between reproduction and survival. Conversely, reproduction in any year was positively correlated with survival, providing evidence of individual quality i...
BALANCE LAWS FOR DECOMPOSING COMPOSITES WITH MOISTURE

In this work, usable form of balance laws for chemically decomposing deformable materials with moisture is obtained based on the mixture theory by Green and Naghh. Balance laws of mass, linear momentum and energy are expressed in terms of physically measurable quantities. The formulation includes moisture vaporization, thermo-chemical decomposition, thermomechanical deformation, and gas flow. It is shown that the usual form of equilibrium equation, widely used in literature, is not applicable to the problems with phase change. The final form of the mass balance equation is identical to that based on Biot's pro-elasticity theory if appropriate modifications are made to include thermal expansion and thermo-chemical decomposition. Moisture vaporization is incorporated in mass and energy balance, and vaporization rate at each point of a continuum can be theoretically predicted.
Models for Iterative Multiattribute Procurement Auctions

Multiattribute auctions extend traditional auction settings to allow negotiation over nonprice attributes such as weight, color, and terms of delivery, in addition to price and promise to improve market efficiency in markets with configurable goods. This paper provides an iterative auction design for an important special case of the multiattribute allocation problem with special (preferential independent) additive structure on the buyer value and seller costs. Auction Additive&Discrete provides a refined design for a price-based auction in which the price feedback decomposes to an additive part with a price for each attribute and an aggregate part that appears as a price discount for each supplier. In addition, this design also has excellent information revelation properties that are validated through computational experiments. The auction terminates with an outcome of a modified Vickrey-Clarke-Groves mechanism. This paper also develops Auction NonLinear&Discrete for the more general nonlinear case-a particularly simple design that solves the general multiattribute allocation problem, but requires that the auctioneer maintains prices on bundles of attribute levels.
Inactivation of a ventricular tachycardia preventive algorithm during automatic mode switching for atrial tachyarrhythmia.

EGUIA, L.E., et al.: Inactivation of a Ventricular Tachycardia Preventive Algorithm During Automatic Mode Switching for Atrial Tachyarrhythmia. A patient with a dual chamber implantable defibrillator and pause dependent VT in whom a rate smoothing algorithm failed to operate during automatic mode switching due to device idiosyncrasy is reported. Preventive measures are discussed.
The patient is in: patient involvement strategies for diagnostic error mitigation

Although healthcare quality and patient safety have longstanding international attention, the target of reducing diagnostic errors has only recently gained prominence, even though numerous patients, families and professional caregivers have suffered from diagnostic mishaps for a long time. Similarly, patients have always been involved in their own care to some extent, but only recently have patients sought more opportunities for engagement and participation in healthcare improvements. This paper brings these two promising trends together, analysing strategies for patient involvement in reducing diagnostic errors in an individual's own care, in improving the healthcare delivery system's diagnostic safety, and in contributing to research and policy development on diagnosis-related issues.
Revision endoscopic frontal sinus surgery with surgical navigation.

Abstract Background Revision surgery of the frontal sinus remains one of the most difficult operations for the endoscopic surgeon. Most agree that knowledge and recognition of its complex anatomy and sparing of frontal recess mucosa are keys to a successful operation. The use of surgical navigation systems may allow for more precise dissections and greater rates of frontal recess patency. Methods Retrospective review of all patients undergoing revision endoscopic frontal sinus surgery with surgical navigation was performed with a minimum 24-month follow-up. Results Sixty-seven patients underwent revision endoscopic frontal sinus surgery with surgical navigation. The average follow-up was 32 months. Fifty-eight (86.6%) had a patent frontal recess and significant subjective improvement in symptoms. No patient underwent external frontal sinus obliteration, and there were no major complications. Conclusions Endoscopic techniques with surgical navigation are effective in revision frontal sinus cases. The dissection of remnant agger nasi, obstructing frontal and supraorbital cells are necessary to widen the anterior-posterior as well as the medial-lateral dimensions of the recess. Computer navigational systems appear to serve as a valuable adjunct in preoperative planning and safe intraoperative dissection.
Meckel's diverticulum complicated by axial torsion and gangrene

Meckel's diverticulum is a remnant of the omphalomesenteric duct and is the most common congenital anomalies of the gastrointestinal tract. It has been known to mimic different disease states making its diagnosis difficult. Common complications consist of bleeding, intestinal obstruction and inflammation. The patient discussed in this case study was a 29-year-old Hispanic female who presented with right lower quadrant abdominal pain. A CT scan showed a normal appendix, thickened terminal ileum and a high-grade distal small bowel obstruction with a possible closed-loop obstruction. Laparoscopy revealed Meckel's diverticulum with the rare complication of torsion. The mechanism of torsion has been postulated but with little evidence. The purpose of this case report is to discuss the apparent mechanism of axial torsion secondary to the presence of a mesodiverticular band, provide visual evidence at surgery and recommend all Meckel's diverticulum associated with a mesodiverticular band be resected to prevent further complications.
Evaluation of the Modified Diet in Renal Disease Equation for Calculation of Carboplatin Dose

Background:Serum creatinine (SCr)-based formulas are used to estimate glomerular filtration rate (GFR) when calculating a dosage for carboplatin using the Calvert equation, but these formulas often underestimate measured GFR. The Modified Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation appears to be a more accurate estimate of GFR in patients with chronic kidney disease, but this equation has not been studied extensively in patients with cancer.Objective:To determine the absolute difference between the dose of carboplatin administered (traditional SCr-based formulas used to estimate GFR) and the dose calculated using the MDRD equation to estimate GFR and compare the frequencies of thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, and dosage modifications between subjects in whom the difference in dose was 20% or more (divergent) or less than 20% (nondivergent).Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted using data from patients who received carboplatin. Inclusion criteria were receipt of at least 2 doses of carboplatin, either as ...
How traditional firms must compete in the sharing economy

Considering the evolving relationship between established companies and their sharing-economy counterparts.
A high-performance AlGaAs/InGaAs/GaAs pseudomorphic MODFET-based monolithic optoelectronic receiver

A monolithically integrated optoelectronic receiver based on the pseudomorphic InGaAs on GaAs material system has been fabricated and tested for the first time. Quarter-micrometer modulation-doped field-effect transistors (MODFETs) with f/sub t/'s of 66 GHz are used in the two-stage transimpedance amplifier design. The circuit utilizes all active components including a metal-semiconductor-metal (MSM) photodetector and a common-gate FET active feedback resistor. >
Informed decision-making among students analyzing their personal genomes on a whole genome sequencing course: a longitudinal cohort study

Multiple laboratories now offer clinical whole genome sequencing (WGS). We anticipate WGS becoming routinely used in research and clinical practice. Many institutions are exploring how best to educate geneticists and other professionals about WGS. Providing students in WGS courses with the option to analyze their own genome sequence is one strategy that might enhance students’ engagement and motivation to learn about personal genomics. However, if this option is presented to students, it is vital they make informed decisions, do not feel pressured into analyzing their own genomes by their course directors or peers, and feel free to analyze a third-party genome if they prefer. We therefore developed a 26-hour introductory genomics course in part to help students make informed decisions about whether to receive personal WGS data in a subsequent advanced genomics course. In the advanced course, they had the option to receive their own personal genome data, or an anonymous genome, at no financial cost to them. Our primary aims were to examine whether students made informed decisions regarding analyzing their personal genomes, and whether there was evidence that the introductory course enabled the students to make a more informed decision. This was a longitudinal cohort study in which students (N = 19) completed questionnaires assessing their intentions, informed decision-making, attitudes and knowledge before (T1) and after (T2) the introductory course, and before the advanced course (T3). Informed decision-making was assessed using the Decisional Conflict Scale. At the start of the introductory course (T1), most (17/19) students intended to receive their personal WGS data in the subsequent course, but many expressed conflict around this decision. Decisional conflict decreased after the introductory course (T2) indicating there was an increase in informed decision-making, and did not change before the advanced course (T3). This suggests that it was the introductory course content rather than simply time passing that had the effect. In the advanced course, all (19/19) students opted to receive their personal WGS data. No changes in technical knowledge of genomics were observed. Overall attitudes towards WGS were broadly positive. Providing students with intensive introductory education about WGS may help them make informed decisions about whether or not to work with their personal WGS data in an educational setting.