cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Visual comparison by preschool children: effects of age, sex, and cognitive style.

Investigations of children's selective attention and problem-solving abilities demonstrate clear developmental trends towards greater efficienq in visual search strategies with age (3). Other investigators have suggested that individual differences within age groups may affect visual attention and other information-gathering processes (1). The present study was designed to investigate the effects of sex, age, and cognitive style on the visual-search strategies required to locate stimulus discrepancies. Forty children were assigned to one of eight groups on the basis of age, sex, and cognitive style. The mean ages of younger and older children were 3.14 and 4.92 yr., respectively. The apparatus allowed presentation of slides of familiar figures, and each child was tested individually in a single session (2). Pre-task slides were employed, and the child was taught to locate and point to the end of figures where the differences were located. Errors were followed by verbal correction from the experimenter. (The trial tasks were the same.) The dependent variables (total looks, middle looks, and nonhomologous, homologous, and informative homologous comparisons. Homologous comparisons were defined as those looks to suucturally corresponding stimulus parts), were examined in an analysis of variance. The reliability for all data on each subject averaged 91 %. The results indicate chat older children looked more at the figures than younger children (p1.32 29.92, p < .001) and took longer to locate differences (P1.32 = 4.83, p < .05) but made fewer errors in locating differences than did younger children (P1.n~ = 61.02, P < .001). See Table 1. The older children also made more of all three types of visual comparisons than did younger children: nonhomologous (F1.31 = 10.27, P < .005), informative homologous (PI.= = 6.79, p < .025), and homologous (R.32 = 15.83, p < .001). Younger children tended to look more at the uninformative middles of the figures than did older children (P1,sa = 8.50, P < .01). The main effects for cognitive style indicated that reflective children made fewer errors in locating differences than impulsive children (P1,na = 6.63, P < ,025). Reflective children also made more homologous comparisons than impulsive children (R.32 = 4.50, p < .05). The main effects of sex showed g~rls made more homologous comparisons than boys (Pi.= = 5.83. 9 < .025). - Significant main effects for these three variables were also found for the proportion of informative homologous comparisons per stimulus: style (P1.31 = 7.10, p < .025),
Computer Measurement of Line Strengths with Application to the Methane Spectrum

Computer-aided measurement of absorption line strengths from high resolution spectra greatly improves the accuracies to which relative line strengths can be determined. This article describes a computer program written for interactive use on a Prime minicomputer to fit simultaneously absorption line positions, strengths, linewidths, and continuum parameters. Application to the methane spectrum indicates that relative line strengths have been measured with accuracies of 2% or better for single isolated absorptions. Line strengths from the Q branches of the v4 and v1 + v4 bands of methane are reported and compared to calculated values given in the 1980 Air Force Geophysical Laboratory (AFGL) Compilation of Molecular Parameters.
Chaotic orbits for spinning particles in Schwarzschild spacetime

We consider the orbits of particles with spin in the Schwarzschild spacetime. Using the Papapetrou-Dixon equations of motion for spinning particles, we solve for the orbits and focus on those that exhibit chaos using both Poincare maps and Lyapunov exponents. In particular, we develop a method for comparing the Lyapunov exponents of chaotic orbits. We find chaotic orbits for smaller spin values than previously thought and find chaotic orbits with astrophysically relevant spin values.
Rubbercycle : a bioprocess for surface modification of waste tyre rubber

Abstract Microorganisms exhibiting biological activity towards sulfur were screened for use in producing surface-modified ground tyre rubber (GTR) that exhibits improved compounding characteristics with virgin rubber stocks. The degradation of dibenzothiophene (DBT) was used as a model compound to screen strains of Thiobacillus , Rhodococcus and Sulfolobus . The strains that were capable of degrading the model compounds were studied in more detail in small bench-scale degradation experiments, where the source of organically bound sulfur was finely ground waste tyre rubber (74 micron particle diameter). Ion chromatography (IC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and X-ray analysis of near-edge surfaces (XANES) were used to chemically characterize process effluents and products of these bioprocesses. IC was used to characterize spent processing media and showed that bound sulfur was released as sulfate ions when the bioreaction was allowed to run to completion, which agrees with the proposed progressive sulfur oxidation degradation model. The surface chemistry of biotreated GTR was characterized by infrared spectroscopy FT-IR and XANES. These analyses revealed that sulfur present in the GTR was oxidized, which corroborates the proposed biodegradative pathway. Physical properties were determined on rubber samples compounded with various loadings of the surface-modified GTR. Results showed significant increases in the tensile strength and elongation properties for compounds containing up to 15% GTR processed with S. acidocaldarius . The results of the screening experiments, bench-scale process optimization studies and physical properties characterization identified Sulfolobus acidocaldarius as the best microorganism to use in developing a commercially viable bioprocess.
Discrimination of Changes of Latency during Voluntary Hand Movement of Virtual Objects

Eight subjects' abilities to detect changes in system latency during voluntary lateral hand movement of virtual objects were studied in an immersing virtual environment. A two-alternative forced choice procedure was used in which discrimination of latency was studied with respect to three reference latencies: 27, 94, and 194 msec. Results show that subjects are able to reliably detect changes definitely less than 33 msec and probably less than 16.7 msec. Strikingly, for the short latencies we examined, subjects' ability to detect latency changes does not depend upon the base latency we used as a reference. Thus, the discrimination we studied does not appear to follow Weber's law and may provide evidence for quick adaptation to the reference latencies used.
The Relationship between Inflammatory Biomarkers and Telomere Length in an Occupational Prospective Cohort Study

Background Chronic inflammation from recurring trauma is an underlying pathophysiological basis of numerous diseases. Furthermore, it may result in cell death, scarring, fibrosis, and loss of tissue function. In states of inflammation, subsequent increases in oxidative stress and cellular division may lead to the accelerated erosion of telomeres, crucial genomic structures which protect chromosomes from decay. However, the association between plasma inflammatory marker concentrations and telomere length has been inconsistent in previous studies. Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the longitudinal association between telomere length and plasma inflammatory biomarker concentrations including: CRP, SAA, sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, VEGF, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10. Methods The longitudinal study population consisted of 87 subjects. The follow-up period was approximately 2 years. Plasma inflammatory biomarker concentrations were assessed using highly sensitive electrochemiluminescent assays. Leukocyte relative telomere length was assessed using Real-Time qPCR. Linear mixed effects regression models were used to analyze the association between repeated-measurements of relative telomere length as the outcome and each inflammatory biomarker concentration as continuous exposures separately. The analyses controlled for major potential confounders and white blood cell differentials. Results At any follow-up time, each incremental ng/mL increase in plasma CRP concentration was associated with a decrease in telomere length of −2.6×10−2 (95%CI: −4.3×10−2, −8.2×10−3, p = 0.004) units. Similarly, the estimate for the negative linear association between SAA and telomere length was −2.6×10−2 (95%CI:−4.5×10−2, −6.1×10−3, p = 0.011). No statistically significant associations were observed between telomere length and plasma concentrations of pro-inflammatory interleukins, TNF-α, and VEGF. Conclusions Findings from this study suggest that increased systemic inflammation, consistent with vascular injury, is associated with decreased leukocyte telomere length.
Volatile amines in mouse brain: A radioassay with picogram sensitivity

Abstract An isolation procedure and a radioassay for volatile amines in gram quantities of brain tissue are described. The radioassay utilizes 3 H-2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene to form radioactive diphenylamine derivatives which are separated by thin-layer chromatography. The limit of sensitivity of the radioassay is in the picogram range. Seven volatile amines, including two not previously reported, are quantitated in adult mouse brain.
No evidence for chromosomal mosaicism in multiple tissues of 10 patients with 45, XO Turner syndrome.

Why the frequency of spontaneous abortions among monosomy X conceptuses is 98 % while the postnatal course of Turner syndrome is relatively benign has not been understood. One explanation could be that mosaicism for a euploid cell line confers viability and that those 2 % of 45, XO zygotes surviving in utero have some degree of mosaicism. We thus reasoned that if the non-mosaic 45, XO karyotype is lethal, a thorough study of living Turner syndrome patients might reveal a much higher frequency of mosaicism than the 30–40 % reported. Ten adult women with a45, XO leukocyte karyotype were investigated, looking at five tissue types from all three germ layers: buccal mucosa and hair from ectoderm, urinary epithelium from endoderm and ectoderm, and lymphocytes and skin fibroblasts from mesoderm. We were unable to confirm mosaicism in these patients, although in 2 out of 10 there was the suggestion of a small percentage of euploid cells in skin and blood karyotypes.
Multivariate analysis of EEG coherence: Stability of the metric, individual differences in patterning and response to arousal

When coherence is computed among all pairs of a multichannel EEG, the resultant matrix can be de-structured with conventional multivariate analysis procedures to characterize the patterning of electrophysiologic information at each frequency band of the EEG across brain regions. Six right-handed young men had EEG data recorded from left and right frontal, temporal, parietal, and occipital locations during three visits to the laboratory at one week intervals. During each session, data were recorded during a relaxation period, an alert resting period, and as loud white noise was presented. Factor analysis of coherence matrices showed a modal pattern of a large posterior factor and an anterior factor, both of which were right-lateralized, plus a residual factor that was most often left-lateralized. Four of the six men showed this pattern on each occasion, particularly for the delta and the theta bands. Two men showed variant patterns, which were also stable over time. A priori de-structuring of the matrix into partial multiple intrahemispheric and inter-hemispheric coherences also showed generally higher coherences on the right side. with the exception of left occipital inter-hemispheric values. Effects of arousal manipulations were not striking, but the factor patterns suggested increases in right hemisphere coherence for the alpha and beta bands during high arousal.
Rethinking the Practicum in the Professional Development School Partnership

The reemergence of the professional development school movement in North America may mark the beginning of a paradigm shift in clinical teacher education. Conceptual and structural obstacles to student teacher learning in practicums that must be addressed if the professional development school is to achieve its goals are discussed. The conceptual barriers result from inadequate conceptions of reflection that neglect teachers' practical theories, values, the social conditions of schooling, and the social aspects of reflection. The structural barriers include the placement of student teachers in single classrooms rather than schools, the selection of placements, supervisory relations, and the lack of multicultural placements. Professional development schools offer an opportunity to overcome these obstacles by altering the power and role relationships in the practicum.
Broadband-noise spectrum in sliding-charge-density-wave conductors

Une correlation frappante est trouvee dans O-TaS 3 , conducteur a onde de densite de charge entre son spectre du bruit de la bande large du regime de glissement et sa reponse ac du regime de blocage. Les deux presentent un processus de relaxation active thermiquement avec l'energie d'activation egale au parametre Δ de la bande interdite, impliquant qu'ils sont tous deux controles par le retour du flux electronique normal qui ecrante les fluctuations de l'onde de densite de charge
Development of voice recognition: parallels with face recognition.

Abstract Encoding and subsequent recognition of unfamiliar voices was examined in children, aged 6 to 16, and in adults. Performance changed markedly with age, improving sharply between ages 6 and 10, with 10-year-olds approaching adult levels. After age 10 accuracy declined significantly but returned to the adult level by age 14. The course of development closely matches that recently documented for the ability to encode and recognize unfamiliar faces. Several parallels between voice recognition and face recognition are discussed.
Potassium transport: from clearance to channels and pumps.

Potassium transport: From clearance to channels and pumps. Potassium (K) homeostasis depends on the separate and interrelated regulation of K distribution between the intra- and extra-cellular fluid compartments and adequate renal excretion. This brief review focuses on the regulation of internal K distribution and the renal mechanisms of K handling. Based on clearance, micropuncture, and microperfusion studies, a large body of evidence supports the view that normally, renal secretion of K determines excretion and that the principal tubule cells in the initial and cortical collecting tubule secrete K, whereas K reabsorption may occur in intercalated cells. Studies of the electrochemical driving forces, of intracellular ion activities, the characterization of several ATPases, and patch clamp investigations have provided insight into the role of pumps and channels in those tubule cells that regulate K secretion and reabsorption.
Flow Boiling Heat Transfer in Microgravity: Recent Results

Flow boiling heat transfer (FBHT) allows high performance heat transfer due to latent heat transportation and its use is therefore important to reduce size and weight of space platforms and satellites. Its knowledge is also important for the safe operation of existing single-phase systems in case of accidental increase of heat generation rate. The number of existing researches on flow boiling in reduced gravity is very small due to both larger heat loads and available room in a 0-g apparatus for experiments. Consequently, coherence in existing data is somewhat missing. This lecture will summarize the results of the few research carried out on FBHT in microgravity, with special emphasis to the recent research carried out at ENEA, in the frame of an ESA (European Space Agency) project.
Risks and benefits of bladder antimuscarinics among elderly residents of Veterans Affairs Community Living Centers.

Abstract Objectives To evaluate risks and benefits of bladder antimuscarinics (BAMs) among elderly long term care nursing home residents. Design Retrospective cohort study using a new user design and propensity score matching. Setting Veterans Affairs (VA) Community Living Centers (Nursing Homes). Participants Older adults (65 and older) admitted for long term care between October 1, 2002, and September 30, 2009. Measurements The study used multiple VA data sources (Minimum Data Set [MDS], inpatient, outpatient, and pharmacy prescriptions administrative files). The following outcomes were evaluated: (1) fractures (hip fracture and “any” fracture) identified from inpatient and/or outpatient data (ICD-9-CM codes) and from MDS; (2) cognitive performance measured using the validated MDS Cognitive Performance Scale; (3) improvement in urinary incontinence measured from MDS; (4) quality of life measured from MDS using 2 validated instruments: Index of Social Engagement and Health Status Index. Covariates included demographic characteristics, baseline continence status (bladder and bowel) and continence management, preexistent urinary tract infections, body mass index, comorbidities, other medication use, cognitive status, and mobility at baseline. These variables were used to calculate the predicted probability (propensity score) of being initiated on a BAM; the resulting propensity scores were used to match new users and nonusers. Outcomes were compared with Cox proportional hazards regression and generalized estimating equations methodology. Results BAMs were used by 9.8% of the residents 65 years and older admitted for long term care; 44% (1195) were new users. Of these, all but 53 received nonselective immediate release preparations, predominantly oxybutynin chloride (75%). BAM initiation resulted in improved urinary continence status (odds ratio = 1.27, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07–1.5) and better social engagement (difference in mean index of social engagement score = 0.2074, 95% CI 0.055–0.3598). The risk of fractures was significantly increased in new users as compared to nonusers (hip fracture: hazard ratio [HR] = 3.67, 95% CI 1.46–9.34; “any” fracture: HR = 2.64, 95% CI 1.37–5.10). The number needed to treat (NNT) to obtain improvement in urinary incontinence after 90 days of treatment (NNT = 32, 95% CI 17–125) was similar to the number needed to harm (NNH) at 90 days in the hip fracture analysis (NNH = 36, 95% CI 12–209). There were no differences in cognitive performance or overall quality of life scores associated with BAM use. Conclusion These results question the continued use of BAMs, particularly immediate-release oxybutynin chloride in elderly nursing home residents.
Voluntary voting: Costs and benefits

We compare voluntary and compulsory voting in a Condorcet-type model in which voters have identical preferences but dierential information. With voluntary voting, all equilibria involve sincere voting and positive participation. Thus, in contrast to situations with compulsory voting, there is no con‡ict be- tween strategic and sincere behavior. When voting is costless, voluntary voting is welfare superior to compulsory voting. Even when voting is costly, participa- tion rates are such that, in the limit, the correct candidate is elected— that is, information fully aggregates.
The RAND-36 measure of health-related quality of life

The RAND-36 is perhaps the most widely used health-related quality of life (HRQoL) survey instrument in the world today. It is comprised of 36 items that assess eight health concepts: physical functioning, role limitations caused by physical health problems, role limitations caused by emotional problems, social functioning, emotional well-being, energy/fatigue, pain, and general health perceptions. Physical and mental health summary scores are also derived from the eight RAND-36 scales. This paper provides example applications of the RAND-36 cross-sectionally and longitudinally, provides information on what a clinically important difference is for the RAND-36 scales, and provides guidance for summarizing the RAND-36 in a single number. The paper also discusses the availability of the RAND-36 in multiple languages and summarizes changes that are incorporated in the latest version of the survey.
Parental Acceptance‐Rejection: Theory, Methods, Cross‐Cultural Evidence, and Implications

This article summarizes concepts, methods, cross-cultural evidence, and implications of parental acceptance-rejection theory (PARTheory). The theory focuses primarily on parental love—its expressions, impact, and origins. Nearly 2,000 studies in the United States and cross-culturally confirm the widely held belief that children everywhere need acceptance (love) from parents and other attachment figures. Evidence has shown that when this need is not met, children worldwide—regardless of variations in culture, gender, age, or ethnicity—tend to self-report a specific form of psychological maladjustment. Additionally, individuals who perceive themselves to be rejected appear to be more disposed than accepted persons to develop behavior problems, depression or depressed affect, substance abuse, and other mental health-related issues. Finally, children and adults appear universally to organize their perceptions of acceptance-rejection around the same four classes of behavior. These include warmth/affection (or coldness/lack of affection), hostility/aggression, indifference/neglect, and undifferentiated rejection.
Finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) analysis using distributed computing

This paper describes an implementation of the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) calculations using PVM [Parallel Virtual Machine] 3.2 and a cluster of workstations for a test problem involving a three-dimensional rectangular cavity. It is found that the speedup factors achieved in FDTD calculations can approach the maximum values for large problem sizes if the computation-to-communication ratios are maintained at values significantly greater than unity. It is also found that in order to achieve linear speedups, the problem sizes should be increased with the number of processors while adequate computation-to-communication ratios are maintained in the individual processors. The results demonstrate the potential of parallel distributed computing for FDTD calculations in electromagnetics. >
TWO MILLIPEDS OF THE GENUS RHYSODESMUS FROM MEXICO

The type specimens of the two species of Rhysodesmus described below were collected by Mr. Phil Rau, through whose courtesy the author received them for study. The specimens are at present in the author's collection.
Metatriangulation: Building Theory from Multiple Paradigms

Multiparadigm approaches aid exploration of particularly complex and paradoxical phenomena by helping theorists employ disparate theoretical perspectives. In this article we provide an extensive guide to multiparadigm exemplars and then link their varied approaches within a metatriangulation theory-building strategy. Our process addresses the challenges theorists face as they select a research topic, collect and analyze data, theorize, and evaluate resulting theory using multiple paradigms. A concluding discussion of the advantages, limitations, and potential applications of metatriangulation positions it within the wider realm of organization theory.
Update on buffer sizing in internet routers

In the past two years, several papers have proposed rules that suggest two to five orders of magnitude reduction in Internet core router buffers. Others present scenarios where buffer sizes need to be significantly increased. So why the different rules? In this paper we briefly compare the different results and proposals, and summarize some recent preliminary experiments to validate the proposals. We'll see that different results apply to different parts of the network, and depend on several assumptions. For example, we believe that buffers can be safely reduced by an order of magnitude in the routers in service provider backbone networks; but it would be premature to reduce them in routers closer to the edge.
Complete septate uterus, obstructed hemivagina, and ipsilateral renal anomaly: pregnancy course complicated by a rare urogenital anomaly.

Background Abnormalities of the female reproductive tract are associated with a multitude of intrapartum complications. In the case that follows, we report the complicated pregnancy course of a woman diagnosed postpartum with the uncommon syndrome of obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal anomaly (OHVIRA) associated with a complete septate uterus.
Substrate-induced allosteric change in the quaternary structure of the spermidine N-acetyltransferase SpeG

The spermidine N-acetyltransferase SpeG is a dodecameric enzyme that catalyzes the transfer of an acetyl group from acetyl coenzyme A to polyamines such as spermidine and spermine. SpeG has an allosteric polyamine-binding site and acetylating polyamines regulate their intracellular concentrations. The structures of SpeG from Vibrio cholerae in complexes with polyamines and cofactor have been characterized earlier. Here, we present the dodecameric structure of SpeG from V. cholerae in a ligand-free form in three different conformational states: open, intermediate and closed. All structures were crystallized in C2 space group symmetry and contain six monomers in the asymmetric unit cell. Two hexamers related by crystallographic 2-fold symmetry form the SpeG dodecamer. The open and intermediate states have a unique open dodecameric ring. This SpeG dodecamer is asymmetric except for the one 2-fold axis and is unlike any known dodecameric structure. Using a fluorescence thermal shift assay, size-exclusion chromatography with multi-angle light scattering, small-angle X-ray scattering analysis, negative-stain electron microscopy and structural analysis, we demonstrate that this unique open dodecameric state exists in solution. Our combined results indicate that polyamines trigger conformational changes and induce the symmetric closed dodecameric state of the protein when they bind to their allosteric sites.
The Demand For Tourism: Japanese Visitors In The United States

This paper uses the supply-and-demand framework to explore Japanese citizens’ demand for U.S. exported tourism services. The time period chosen analyzes Japanese demand for tourism following Japan’s banking crisis and the subsequent changes in the nature of Japan’s labor market. Traditionally, the literature has found that real GDP is a significant factor in the demand for tourism services. We find that changes in Japan’s real GDP does not appear to explain changes in the Japanese citizens’ demand for U.S. tourism services following Japan’s 1997 banking crisis. However, the structural changes to Japan’s labor market following the banking crisis caused real wages to fall, despite a continued increase in aggregate GDP. We argue that using aggregate measures of income, such as real GDP, is only appropriate when those aggregate measures of income exhibit trends similar to disaggregated measures of income. Other factors of demand, such as the price, the availability of substitutes, and tastes and preferences are shown to operate as economic theory would predict.
Saturn's ionosphere: A corona of ice particles?

There is an order-of-magnitude discrepancy between the observations and theoretical calculations of electron density in Saturn's ionosphere. Since the lower observed values are prevalent regardless of latitude, there must be a loss process operating over the entire planet which is missing from current theoretical considerations. A corona of ice particles is suggested here as a possible explanation.
Lower Cretaceous lacustrine source rocks in northern Gabon: effect of organic facies and thermal maturity on crude oil quality

Abstract Organic facies variation, which is a key factor affecting the quality of hydrocarbon accumulations, is characterized for the pre-salt freshwater lacustrine source rocks in the Interior Basin and N'Komi Rift areas in northern Gabon by integrating geochemical and geological data. The Kissenda shales have 0.59–2.23% total organic carbon (TOC) and hydrogen indices (HI) from 458-93 mgHC/gOC. Pyrolysis of isolated kerogen and gas chromatography on rock extracts indicate that these samples are, overall, more waxy than those from the overlying Melania shales which have 0.77–4.79% TOC and HI from 896-212. In addition, hopane/sterane ratios and C30 4-methyl sterane indices increase systematically with depth. It is proposed that the early Cretaceous lacustrine system in northern Gabon was initially oligotrophic and contained primarily bacteria and cyanobacteria with a small population of dinoflagellates and Botryococcus. As trophic level increased through time, the food chain length increased, eukaryotic organisms became more abundant and diversified, steroids increased relative to hopanoids in the sediment, and the preserved organic matter became less waxy. Burial history modeling shows that the Onal-1 structure is charged primarily by waxy oils generated from the lower Kissenda shales. Lower wax, better quality oils are expected to the southwest where the Kissenda shales are more mature and the less waxy Melania shales also become effective source rocks. Thus, variation in organic facies and thermal maturity in the Cretaceous pre-salt source rocks result in commercial production from the Rabi Field vs the subcommercial discovery in the Onal-1 structure.
Synthesizing procedural abstractions from formal specifications

A description is presented of the development of the SEED system, which demonstrates that the building blocks of a large software system can be correctly synthesized from user-supplied formal specifications using techniques amenable to automation. SEED accepts a formal specification of a problem written in predicate logic and generates annotated program source code satisfying the specification. In addition to primitive programming language constructs, SEED is capable of synthesizing recursive and nonrecursive procedures and functions, and abstract data types. >
Blind channel estimation in MIMO OFDM systems with multiuser interference

This paper proposes a blind channel estimation method in the context of a multiuser orthogonal-frequency-domain-multiplexing (OFDM) system, where each user transmits utilizing all available subcarriers. A linear nonredundant block precoding scheme is applied at the input of the OFDM system. The precoding spreads the symbols of each user over all subcarriers, thus increasing multipath diversity. At the same time, it introduces a structure to the transmitted symbols, which is exploited at the receiver to estimate the channel in a blind fashion. The proposed channel estimation approach employs computationally simple cross-correlation operations and yields the channel up to a diagonal ambiguity. It does not require channel length information and is not sensitive to additive stationary noise. The precoding does not increase transmission power and maintains even distribution of power between OFDM blocks. A general description of precoding matrices is provided as well as analytical expressions of symbol error probability and signal-to-interference ratio, which could be used to obtain optimum precoding schemes.
Optimal Competitive Algorithms for Opportunistic Spectrum Access

We consider opportunistic spectrum access (OSA) strategies for a transmitter in a multichannel wireless system, where a channel may or may not be available and the transmitter must sense/probe the channel to find out before transmission. Applications for this work include joint probing and transmission for a secondary user in a cognitive radio network. Limited by resources, e.g., energy and time, the transmitter must decide on a subset of a potentially very large number of channels to probe and can only use for transmission those that have been found to be available. In contrast to previous works, we do not assume the user has a priori knowledge regarding the statistics of channel states. The main goal of this work is to design robust strategies that decide, based only on knowledge of the channel bandwidths/data rates, which channels to probe. We derive optimal strategies that maximize the total expected bandwidth/data rate in the worst-case, via a performance measure in the form of a competitive regret (ratio) between the average performance of a strategy and a genie (or omniscient observer). This formulation can also be viewed as a two-player zero-sum game between the user and an adversary which chooses the channel state that minimizes the useriquests gain. We show that our results correspond to a Nash equilibrium (in the form of a mixed strategy) in this game. We examine the performance of the optimal strategies under a wide range of system parameters and practical channel models via numerical studies.
Late Medieval Self-Portraiture and Patronage in Pietro da Pavia’s Ambrosiana Pliny

In the late Trecento Fra Pietro da Pavia, a miniaturist in the court-city of the dukes of Milan, illuminated a copy of Pliny's Natural History for Pasquino Capelli, a famous bibliophile and one of the most powerful chancellors to Duke Giangaleazzo Visconti. In the illuminated letter M that begins book XXXV, which contains Pliny's discussion on ancient artists, Fra Pietro signs and dates the manuscript Frater Pietro da Papia me fecit, 1389. Within the framing curves of the letter the illuminator further commemorates his involvement in the manuscript's creation by means of a small but exquisitely detailed self-portrait in which Pietro shows himself industriously at work. Although created in an era in which art patrons possessed and sometimes exercised the right of refusal should a commissioned work of art not meet their standards, this self-portrait has hitherto not been interrogated for either the purpose behind its presence or how its original audience might have understood it. This essay attempts to shed light on both issues by examining the historical context surrounding the creation and format of Pietro's self-image, and by considering Pietro's signature inscription in relation to Pliny's discourse on the meaning behind the use of the word "fecit" in an artist's signature. It further considers the influence exerted by Francesco Petrarca [Petrarch] on the Milanese court in order to suggest that the presentation of Fra Pietro's self-image drew upon Petrarch's model of authorial identity in a way that the illuminator's important patron would have appreciated and perhaps encouraged.
A new Eimeria sp. from the plumbeous central American caecilian, Dermophis mexicanus (Amphibia: Gymnophiona) from Volcán Tajumulco, department of San Marcos, Guatemala.

Fresh fecal samples from 5 caecilians (Dermophis mexicanus) were collected and examined for coccidia in the summer of 1998. The caecilians were collected in the Department of San Marcos, Guatemala. Two of the 5 (40%) specimens of caecilians contained an Eimeria species that is described here as new. This represents the first coccidia described from a gymnophionian host. Sporulated oocysts are spheroidal to subspheroidal, 19.5 × 17.7 (16–23 × 15–21) µm, micropyle and oocyst residuum are absent, and 3 (or more) polar granules are always present. Sporocysts are ovoidal, 11.0 × 7.2 (10–12 × 6–9); a Stieda body and sporocyst residuum are present.
Education: The Impact of Mock Code Simulations in Pediatrics

Background: Mock code simulation is an area of practice that is growing throughout health care. Numerous references support the validity of this method of education. However, what is lacking in these references is the effect mock codes have on nurses. Objective of Study: This project was conducted in a freestanding children's hospital in a PICU (pediatric intensive care unit). The facilitator aspired to learn the effect of interventions that measure teamwork, confidence, and comfort level among nurses. Methodology: Inthisprojectthenursesweregivenapretestandposttest to evaluate their attitudes and comfort level for different aspects of a code. Answers on the pretest were compared to posttest answers following the mock code simulation. Questions included comfort level with drawing up code medications, performing compressions, administering medications, documentation, debriefing, MD-RN communication, RN to RN communication, one MD leading a code, overall comfort in a code and mock codes help with real-life codes. Framework/Model: Patricia Benner's theory on novice to expert lays the foundation for moving nurses effectively through mock code scenarios by providing firsthand experience with high-risk situations. The objective in a mock code is to move a nurse further along this model towards an expert nurse.
Chiral helix in AdS/CFT correspondence with flavor

The D3/D7 holographic model aims at a better approximation to QCD by adding to $N=4$ SYM theory ${N}_{f}$ of $N=2$ supersymmetric hypermultiplets in the fundamental representation of $SU({N}_{c})$---the ``flavor fields'' representing the quarks. Motivated by a recent observation of the importance of the Wess-Zumino-like (WZ) term for realizing the chiral magnetic effect within this model, we revisit the phase diagram of the finite temperature, massless D3/D7 model in the presence of external electric/magnetic fields and at finite chemical potential. We point out that the A-V-V triangle anomaly represented by the WZ term in the D7 brane probe action implies the existence of new phases that have been overlooked in the previous studies. In the case of an external magnetic field and at finite chemical potential, we find a ``chiral helix'' phase in which the $U(1{)}_{A}$ angle of D7 brane embedding increases monotonically along the direction of the magnetic field---this is a geometric realization of the chiral spiral phase in QCD. We also show that in the case of parallel electric and magnetic fields ($E$, $B$) there exists a phase in which the D7 brane spontaneously begins to rotate, so that the $U(1{)}_{A}$ angle changes as a function of time---this may be called the ``spontaneous rotation'' phase; it is a geometrical realization of a phase with nonzero chiral chemical potential. Our results call for a more thorough study of the ($T$, $B$, $E$, $\ensuremath{\mu}$) phase diagram of the massless D3/D7 model taking a complete account of the WZ term. We also speculate about the possible phase diagram in the massive case.
A new look at Markov processes of G/M/1-type

AbstractWe present a new method for deriving the stationary distribution of an ergodic Markov process of G/M/1-type in continuous-time, by deriving and making use of a new representation for each element of the rate matrices contained in these distributions. This method can also be modified to derive the Laplace transform of each transition function associated with Markov processes of G/M/1-type.
The role of probabilistic design analysis methods in safety and affordability

For the last several years, NASA and its contractors have been working together to build space launch systems to commercialize space. Developing commercial affordable and safe launch systems becomes very important and requires a paradigm shift. This paradigm shift enforces the need for an integrated systems engineering environment where cost, safety, reliability, and performance need to be considered to optimize the launch system design. In such an environment, rule based and deterministic engineering design practices alone may not be sufficient to optimize margins and fault tolerance to reduce cost. As a result, introduction of Probabilistic Design Analysis (PDA) methods to support the current deterministic engineering design practices becomes a necessity to reduce cost without compromising reliability and safety. This paper discusses the importance of PDA methods in NASA's new commercial environment, their applications, and the key role they can play in designing reliable, safe, and affordable launch systems. More specifically, this paper discusses: 1) The involvement of NASA in PDA 2) Why PDA is needed 3) A PDA model structure 4) A PDA example application 5) PDA link to safety and affordability.
Faith and Coping: Spiritual Beliefs and Religious Practices After Hurricanes Katrina and Rita

In August and September of 2005, Hurricanes Katrina and Rita brought catastrophic destruction to the US Gulf Coast. In this chapter, we examine spiritual beliefs and religious practices as resilience resources for directly affected individuals coping with Hurricanes Katrina and Rita at least 5 years after the deadly storms. A total of 125 adults from two coastal parishes (counties) in south Louisiana participated in the study. All had experienced catastrophic property damage and storm-related displacement in 2005. This chapter focuses on current and former coastal residents’ responses to an open-ended question concerning whether religious beliefs and practices helped them cope with the challenges they faced after the storms. Qualitative grounded theory methods were employed to analyze these data. Using team-based coding, five emergent themes were identified, which we present with numerous supporting and illustrative data excerpts. We conclude this chapter by considering new insights on spiritual beliefs and religious practices, especially prayer, in coping with the immediate and long-term aftermath of two catastrophic hurricanes.
Relative Importance of Baseline Pain, Fatigue, Sleep, and Physical Activity: Predicting Change in Depression in Adults With Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract Objective To determine whether baseline levels of pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance, and physical activity measured at the initial assessment predicted the development of or improvement of depression 3.5 years later, while controlling for sex, age, and disease severity. Design Observational, longitudinal survey study. Setting A community-based population sample. Participants Adults with multiple sclerosis (MS) (N=489). Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measure Primary outcome was classification of depression group measured using a Patient Health Questionnaire-9 cutoff score ≥10, indicating probable major depression. Results Fatigue severity (odds ratio, 1.19; 95% confidence interval, 1.12–1.26; P P =.001) predicted probable major depression 3.5 years later among those not depressed at the initial assessment. An effect of age (odds ratio, .96; 95% confidence interval, .92–.99; P =.008) was found among those who developed depression, indicating that younger adults were more likely to develop depression. Pain, fatigue, sleep, and physical activity at baseline were not significantly associated with recovery from depression among those depressed at the initial assessment. Conclusions Fatigue and sleep may contribute to the development of depression. Clinical trial research targeting these variables to determine their influence on depression is warranted.
Health behaviors and perceptions of cancer survivors harvesting at an urban garden.

Objectives To gather information about perceptions of personal health behavior change in cancer survivors following participation in an urban gardening program. Methods This qualitative study used focus groups of adult cancer survivors with an open-ended question thread format. Data were transcribed and analyzed by identifying, coding, and categorizing primary patterns/themes. Results Four overarching themes were identified: (1) greater dietary intake of produce; (2) improved mental and physical health; (3) enhanced sense of community and social support; and (4) challenges to long-term maintenance. Conclusions Perceptions of positive behavior changes associated with harvesting at an urban garden targeting cancer survivors may inform future community and health promotion interventions aimed at improving adherence to evidence-based lifestyle behavior guidelines for cancer survivorship.
Influence of Gambel oak on breeding birds in ponderosa pine forests of northern Arizona

Gambel oak (Quercus gambelii) is widely distributed in the Southwestern United States, where it frequently occurs in association with ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa). Fire suppression and fuelwood harvest likely have reduced oak abundance within the pine-oak type. Gambel oak occurs in multiple age-related growth forms, from small shrubs to large, old trees, and may provide important foraging and nesting habitat for breeding birds. I compared attributes of breeding bird communities in 16 northern Arizona ponderosa pine stands from 1993-1995, that were structurally similar except for the presence or absence of Gambel oak. Overlap in bird species composition was high; pine and pineoak stands had a mean Jaccard similarity value of 0.67. Five species were unique to pine stands, whereas 10 species were largely restricted to or only found in pine-oak stands. Overall bird diversity was significantly higher in pine-oak stands, which also had more species of Neotropical migrants, ground nesters, primary cavity excavators, and secondary cavity users than did pine stands. Pine and pine-oak stands had similar species evenness and similar rates of annual species turnover. Total bird abundance did not differ between cover types; however, primary cavity excavators were more abundant in pine-oak stands. Because of the apparent positive influence of oak on breeding birds, forest managers are encouraged to use treatments that retain and enhance the various growth forms of Gambel oak found in pine-oak stands.
A Review of “Library Automation and OPAC 2.0: Information Access and Services in the 2.0 Landscape”

Since the concept of Web 2.0 was first discussed at a brainstorming conference led by Tim O’Reilly in 2001, other movements labeled with anything “2.0” came into the forefront. In particular, we no...
Relative entropy as model selection tool in cluster expansions

Cluster expansions are simplified, Ising-like models for binary alloys in which vibrational and electronic degrees of freedom are coarse grained. The usual practice is to learn the parameters of the cluster expansion by fitting the energy they predict to a finite set of ab initio calculations. In some cases, experiments suggest that such approaches may lead to overestimation of the phase transition temperature. In this work, we present a novel approach to fitting the parameters based on the relative entropy framework which, instead of energies, attempts to fit the Boltzmann distribution of the configurational degrees of freedom. We show how this leads to $T$-dependent parameters.
The Burgeoning Field of Ablatogenomics

Guidance of medical therapy on the basis of genetic carrier status, termed pharmacogenomics, has been increasingly used with success in other fields of medicine.1,2 Despite relatively modest results thus far,3,4 gene-guided therapy holds great promise in cardiac electrophysiology owing to the importance of genetics in atrial fibrillation (AF) and the more rare inherited arrhythmia syndromes. In the context of AF, genetic factors play a critical role in modulating the risk of the arrhythmia in both rare families with Mendelian patterns of AF inheritance and the general population.5,6 Insights gleaned from genetic discoveries among rare families with Mendelian inheritance patterns have highlighted substantial interindividual heterogeneity in the pathophysiology governing AF, suggesting the presence of subphenotypes of the arrhythmia.7 This phenomenon not only likely accounts for the variable response to therapy among patients with similar clinical phenotypes, but also suggests that greater efficacy might be achieved if specific therapies were appropriately targeted to particular mechanistic subphenotypes. Article see p 296 A personalized approach to therapy targeting the culprit pathophysiology in an individual patient carries the promise of optimizing outcomes, whereas concomitantly minimizing adverse events. Genome-wide association studies have identified multiple single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), a type of common genetic variant, associated with an increased risk of AF.8 The mechanism through which these SNPs affect AF predisposition is unclear, owing partly to their presence in noncoding areas of the genome with no known effect on protein expression or function. Although the biological role of these SNPs remains elusive, this does not preclude evaluating their influence on treatment outcomes. Catheter ablation is highly effective as a rhythm control strategy, however, upwards of 30% to 40% derive limited to no benefit, even among ideal candidates with paroxysmal AF.9 Given this invasive procedure associated with …