cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Global optimization of grey-box computational systems using surrogate functions and application to highly constrained oil-field operations

Abstract This work presents recent advances within the AlgoRithms for Global Optimization of coNstrAined grey-box compUTational problems (ARGONAUT) framework, developed for optimization of systems which lack analytical forms and derivatives. A new parallel version of ARGONAUT (p-ARGONAUT) is introduced to solve high dimensional problems with a large number of constraints. This development is motivated by a challenging case study, namely the operation of an oilfield using water-flooding. The objective of this case study is the maximization of the Net Present Value over a five-year time horizon by manipulating the well pressures, while satisfying a set of complicating constraints related to water-cut limitations and water handling and storage. Dimensionality reduction is performed via the parametrization of the pressure control domain, which is then followed by global optimization of the constrained grey-box system. Results are presented for multiple case studies and the performance of p-ARGONAUT is compared to existing derivative-free optimization methods.
Extension theorem and majorana representation

Some unitary irreducible representations of the Lorentz groupO3,1 are constructed from the inhomogeneous rotation groupIO3 and they are of the form (h, 0) whereh is either a nonnegative integral or a half-integral number. From these representations the now wellknown Majorana representation (1/2, 0) ofO3,1 corresponding to the Casimir invariant valuesC1=−3/4 andC2=0 is deduced. It is shown that a set of 4 Hermitian matrices transforming as a four-vector under the (h, 0) representations ofO3.1 exists only for (1/2, 0) and these four-vector matrices with the (1/2, 0) ofO3,1 form a unitarity irreducible representation of the De Sitter groupO3,2 corresponding to the Casimir-operator valuesC1=−5/4 andC2=0. Thus, a link among the «nonrelativistic»IO3, «relativistic»O3,1 and the «cosmological»O3,2 in an ascending fashion is established.
Dispersion Aerosol Indirect Effect in Turbulent Clouds: Laboratory Measurements of Effective Radius.

Cloud optical properties are determined not only by the number density n d and mean radius r¯ of cloud droplets but also by the shape of the droplet size distribution. The change in cloud optical depth with changing n d , due to the change in distribution shape, is known as the dispersion effect. Droplet relative dispersion is defined as d=σr/r¯ . For the first time, a commonly used effective radius parameterization is tested in a controlled laboratory environment by creating a turbulent cloud. Stochastic condensation growth suggests d independent of n d for a nonprecipitating cloud, hence nearly zero albedo susceptibility due to the dispersion effect. However, for size-dependent removal, such as in a laboratory cloud or highly clean atmospheric conditions, stochastic condensation produces a weak dispersion effect. The albedo susceptibility due to turbulence broadening has the same sign as the Twomey effect and augments it by order 10%.
Questionando o Complexo de Atlas: O Papel do Professor no Processo de Aprendizagem do Aluno Adulto em Língua Estrangeira

O presente artigo analisa qual o papel desempenhado pelo professor de Lingua Inglesa junto ao contexto de aquisicao e aprendizagem do aluno adulto, atraves de uma revisao bibliografica de teoricos que buscaram compreender tais aspectos de aprendizagem do aluno adulto. Como resultado, pode-se perceber que, movidos por incertezas e insegurancas de seus alunos adultos, muitos professores tendem a assumir total responsabilidade durante o processo de ensino e aprendizagem, ou seja, o professor e o centro deste processo e tudo a ele esta voltado. Tal comportamento revela-se prejudicial ao desenvolvimento da autonomia do aluno quando o mesmo necessitara usa-la “longe dos olhos do professor.” Concluiu-se dessa maneira que o aluno adulto, assim como qualquer outro aluno em processo de aprendizagem, necessita ser ativo em seu aprendizado, permitindo-se descobrir maneiras de como superar os obstaculos inerentes a aprendizagem de uma lingua estrangeira.
IoT-enabled Capstone

This paper presents the result of a multi-year effort to incorporate Internet of Things (IoT) into projects of the Information Technology senior capstone class at Brigham Young University. Over the past eight years, the instructors and department faculty sought out research collaborators and industry partners to create and design capstone projects that include IoT technology. Roughly one-third of the 58 projects since year 2010 can be considered IoT-enabled. A detailed analysis of these projects could give insights to simple and meaning ways for students to gain experience and skills in this emerging field.
Muscarinic m2 receptor-mediated actin polymerization via PI3 kinase γ and integrin-linked kinase in gastric smooth muscle.

Background Actin polymerization plays an important role in smooth muscle contraction. Integrin-linked kinase (ILK) was shown to mediate actin polymerization in airway smooth muscle. The role of ILK in actin polymerization in response to m2 receptor activation was not in gastric smooth muscle. Methods Phosphorylation of paxillin, neuronal Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (N-WASp), and association of paxillin with GEF proteins (Cool2/αPix [Cool2/PAK-interacting exchange factor alpha], Cool1/βPix [Cool1/PAK-interacting exchange factor beta], and DOCK 180 [Dedicator of cytokinesis]) and N-WASp with Arp2/3 complex were measured by western blot. Activation of Cdc42 was determined using an antibody for activated Cdc42. Actin polymerization was measured as an increase in F-actin/G-actin ratio. Results Phosphorylation of paxillin, an association of paxillin with GEF proteins, Cdc42 activity, and actin polymerization were increased in response to m2 receptor activation in gastric smooth muscle cells. The increases in paxillin phosphorylation, Cdc42 activity, and actin polymerization were inhibited by a PI3Kγ inhibitor (AS-605240), ILK siRNA, and ILK dominant negative mutant (ILK [R211]). Increase in actin polymerization was also inhibited by Cdc42 dominant negative mutant (Cdc42 [T17N]). Increases in the association of paxillin with GEF proteins, phosphorylation of N-WASp and its association with Arp2/3 complex were inhibited by ILK (R211). Conclusion In gastric smooth muscle cells, activation of PI3Kγ by muscarinic m2 receptors causes ILK-dependent phosphorylation of paxillin, an association of paxillin with Cdc42 GEF proteins and activation of Cdc42, which, in turn, causes phosphorylation of N-WASp and its association with Arp2/3 complex leading to actin polymerization.
Thermophilic Saccharide Fermentations

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews the organismal, metabolic, and potential process features of the thermophilic saccharide fermentations. Saccharides comprise the major form of biomass on earth with cellulose quantitatively representing the most significant chemical substituent of biospheric carbon. Biotransformation of renewable saccharides to chemicals or other vend worthy products is of tremendous importance to the fermentation industry because of the increasing costs and eventual depletion of petroleum and other fossil sources of carbon substrates. Thermophilic saccharide fermentations have been a recognized microbiological research topic since the 1920 s. Furthermore, thermophilic saccharide fermentations are of interest to biotechnology because of biological properties inherent to thermophilic anaerobes or their enzymes, and process features associated with high temperature, anaerobic conditions. Thermophilic saccharolytic anaerobes are cosmopolitan and are readily isolated from self-heating or volcanic features in nature. At present, species diversity of thermophilic anaerobes that optimally degrade saccharides at temperatures ≥ 60°C appears limited. Thermophilic biological processes often appear more stable and rapid, and facilitate reactant activity and product recovery. Anaerobic biological processes often enable larger volume reactor design, simpler fermentation design, and less energy intensive process technology than occurs with aerobic microbial systems.
Ain't nobody got time for dad? Racial-ethnic disproportionalities in child welfare casework practice with nonresident fathers.

Abstract Background Given fathers’ potential role in bringing about desired child welfare case outcomes, researchers have begun to identify factors that impact agency efforts to identify and involve fathers. Racial-ethnic inequality and bias are not among factors studied, despite longstanding evidence that racial-ethnic minority children make up a disproportionate share of the child welfare population. Objective We set out to identify racial-ethnic patterns in initial casework activity with nonresident fathers and explore whether select factors explain racial-ethnic differentials. Participants and Setting Caseworkers of 1,754 children in foster care in four U.S. states were surveyed. Methods Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with whether agencies identified, located, and contacted nonresident fathers. Results Agencies were less likely to identify nonresident fathers of Black, Latinx, and Multiracial children, relative to those of White children. Among fathers whom agencies identified, Black and Latinx fathers were less likely to be located. Among fathers whom agencies located, Black and Latinx fathers were less likely to be contacted. Whereas greater rates of international mobility among Latinx fathers explained agencies’ disproportionately low rates of contact, no other factor explained racial-ethnic differentials. Conclusion We find evidence of historical racial-ethnic disproportionalities across the three initial stages of casework practice with nonresident fathers in U.S. child welfare systems. Though more recent data are needed, this research suggests that racial-ethnic minority foster children are more likely than White foster children to be denied the benefits of agency-father contact, whether due to societal or systemic racial inequalities.
From Criminalized Patients to Risk-Exposed Agents: Reconceptualizing Carceral Involvement among Individuals with Psychiatric Diagnoses.

Individuals with serious mental disorder diagnoses (SMD) are overrepresented in U.S. jails and prisons, returning to custody more often and more quickly than those without these diagnoses. This pap...
Development of Donor Cell Derived Leukemia After Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant

Background Donor cell derived leukemia (DCL) is a rare event after allogeneic stem cell transplantation. First described in 1971, several cases of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or myelodysplasia (MDS) arising from donor cells have been reported. The true incidence of DCL is difficult to ascertain, however the European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation survey reported in 2005 an estimated rate of 124 cases per 100,000 transplants (Hernstein et al., Hematologica 2005;90:969-975). The aim of our study was to determine the incidence and natural history of DCL after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-HCT). Methods We retrospectively reviewed patients that received an allo-HCT at MD Anderson from 1/1997 to 6/2012 for hematologic malignancy (n=2148) and chose to study two groups: (1) patients who had a sex mismatched allo-HCT for AML /MDS (n=433) and (2) those who received an allo-HCT for non-hodgkins lymphoma (NHL) (n=773) – subsequently these cases were reviewed for a diagnosis of AML/MDS post transplant. Donor origin of leukemic cells was confirmed by presence of donor specific sex chromosomes on conventional cytogenetic analysis or FISH studies and by donor specific microsatellite polymorphic markers on DNA analysis (chimerism studies). Demographic and disease-related data are presented in [table 1][1]. View this table: Results 9 cases of DCL were identified out of 1206 allo-HCTs done (0.7%) from 1997-2012. 4 cases were patients who received sex mismatched allo-HCTs for AML/MDS while the other 5 were patients after allo-HCT for NHL. Median age at transplant was 59 years (range 25-66 years) and median time to diagnosis of DCL was 19 months (range 4-103 months). Only 1 patient was actively treated for GVHD with corticosteroids at diagnosis of DCL. Four of 9 had monosomy 7, 1 of 9 had trisomy 8 while the remainder of patients had diploid cytogenetics. The outcome of DCL was poor with a median survival from diagnosis of 5 months (range 1-89 months). Conclusions Our analysis suggests that DCL occurs in no less than 0.7% of patients receiving allogeneic stem cell transplants for AML/MDS or NHL. While the mechanism of leukemogenesis is unclear, monosomy 7 was demonstrated in 45% of these cases. Although the number of cases analyzed is low, the overall prognosis for DCL seems poor. Cytogenetics (cyto) Recipient (R) Donor (D) Follicular lymphoma (FL) Mantle cell lymphoma(MCL) Large cell lymphoma(LCL) Overall survival (OS) Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare. [1]: #T1
Treatment of children with relapsed and refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia with mitoxantrone, vincristine, pegaspargase, dexamethasone, and bortezomib

BACKGROUND The treatment of relapsed or refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in children is challenging and new treatment options are needed. Bortezomib is a proteasome inhibitor with activity in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Adding bortezomib to standard reinduction chemotherapy in relapsed and refractory pediatric ALL has produced very good response rates in prior studies. METHODS We evaluated bortezomib in combination with reinduction therapy (ALL R3) in 10 children with relapsed or refractory ALL. Bortezomib (1.3 mg/m2 /dose) was administered to patients on days 1, 4, 8, and 11. In addition, patients received mitoxantrone, dexamethasone, pegaspargase, vincristine, and intrathecal methotrexate over 4 weeks. RESULTS Of the 10 patients, eight (80%) achieved a complete remission (CR) or complete remission with incomplete recovery (CRi). Of the patients in CR, two had undetectable minimal residual disease by flow cytometry (<0.01%). Five patients were subsequently treated with a stem cell transplant. All eight patients that achieved CR or CRi eventually relapsed. One patient remains alive following treatment with tisagenlecleucel after relapse. Grade 3 or higher infections occurred in four out of 10 patients, and other toxicities commonly associated with bortezomib were not seen. CONCLUSIONS In children with relapsed or refractory ALL, the addition of bortezomib to reinduction chemotherapy that includes mitoxantrone produces a complete response in the majority of cases and does not lead to excessive toxicity.
Alternative Farnsworth-Munsell Scoring Methodology for Testing Eyewear:

The Farnsworth-Munsell 100 Hue Test (FM100) has been used in clinical and ophthalmic settings for many years. It is a sensitive test for determining individual color defects and is one tool availab...
Deep generator priors for Bayesian seismic inversion

Abstract Earth scientists and exploration geophysicists aim to infer plausible reconstruction of subsurface medium parameters, as a way to discover Earth's internal structures. One celebrated approach for this task is Bayesian inference method, which integrates statistical information from the forward modeling function, observed data, and experts’ prior knowledge into a posterior probability density function (PDF). Conventional prior knowledge is based on empirical observations of subsurface structures like the smoothness of the subsurface image. However, such hand-designed priors are too generic to describe detailed subsurface structures. In this work, we focus on a learning-based prior knowledge generator, and address the important caveats that arise in the context. Unlike hand-designed priors, we use existing subsurface velocity models to train a deep generative adversarial network (GAN) that generates artificial models from a low-dimensional latent space. We test the proposed deep generator prior by applying it to traveltime tomography and full waveform inversion. Benefits of the proposed deep generator priors include: (1) the generated models share a similar spatial distribution with the existing models; (2) the latent space is much smaller than the model space yielding a significant reduction in the computational complexity for the inversion. Despite these benefits, the generality of the training set has a strong influence on the robustness of the deep generator prior. We propose a quantitative criterion to assess the generality and help establish the adequacy of the deep generator. Like most deep learning applications, a diverse training set (here, containing different spatial velocity distributions) is necessary and essential to make the deep generator prior effective.
Contributions to the dark matter 3-Point function from the radiation era

We consider the contribution to the three-point function of matter density fluctuations from nonlinear growth after modes re-enter the horizon, and discuss effects that must be included in order to predict the three-point function with an accuracy comparable to primordial nongaussianities with fNL ~ few. In particular, we note that the shortest wavelength modes measured in galaxy surveys entered the horizon during the radiation era, and, as a result, the radiation era modifies their three-point function by a magnitude equivalent to fNL ~ (4). On longer wavelengths, where the radiation era is negligible, we find that the corrections to the nonlinear growth from relativistic effects become important at the level fNL ~ few. We implement a simple method for numerically calculating the three-point function, by solving the second-order equations of motion for the perturbations with the first order perturbations providing a source.
Community Medication Education, Data, & Safety (C-MEDS): Findings from a Pilot Project

OBJECTIVES Medication-related problems remain one of the largest health risks for older adults, yet there are few resources available to effectively reduce medication-related problems for community dwelling older adults. The aim of this pilot program was to determine the effectiveness of a multifaceted medication intervention on medication adherence and self-efficacy in medication use. DESIGN A single sample, pre-post-test design. SETTING This pilot study was conducted at Independence at Home, a Senior Care Action Network (SCAN) community service in Southern California. PARTICIPANTS One hundred and eighty community-dwelling, diverse older adults with potential medication-related problems and their caregivers. INTERVENTION The Community Medication Education, Data, & Safety (C-MEDS) Program identified community-dwelling older adults with potential medication-related problems and provided in-depth personalized medication safety, management and support, based on an in-home assessment and interventions delivered by trained geriatrics experts including pharmacists, nurses, a community health worker, and a pharmacy technician. MEASUREMENTS The primary outcomes included medication use self-efficacy, measured by the MUSE, and select medication adherence measures. Adherence was measured via pill count and via the MedAdhIR tool, a scale that measures risk for medication non-adherence. RESULTS Following participation in the C-MEDS program, community-dwelling older adult C-MEDS graduates (n = 105) had higher self-efficacy in managing medications (P < .001). Additionally, C-MEDS graduates also exhibited increased adherence to three types of medications (statins, diabetes-related, and certain hypertension drugs; P < .001). Moreover, risk of non-adherence declined significantly following C-MEDS graduation (P < .001). CONCLUSION C-MEDS holds promise as an effective intervention among community-dwelling older adults in improving medication self-efficacy, medication adherence among select medications, and reducing risk for non-adherence. Additional studies are needed to assess replicability and impact on clinical outcomes.
On the Dirac operator for a test electron in a Reissner-Weyl-Nordström black hole spacetime

The present paper studies the Dirac Hamiltonian of a test electron with a domain of bi-spinor wave functions supported on the static region inside the Cauchy horizon of the subextremal RWN black hole spacetime, respectively inside the event horizon of the extremal RWN black hole spacetime. It is found that this Dirac Hamiltonian is not essentially self-adjoint, yet has infinitely many self-adjoint extensions. Including a sufficiently large anomalous magnetic moment interaction in the Dirac Hamiltonian restores essential self-adjointness; the empirical value of the electron’s anomalous magnetic moment is large enough. In the subextremal case the spectrum of the self-adjoint Dirac operator with anomalous magnetic moment is purely absolutely continuous and consists of the whole real line; in particular, there are no eigenvalues. The same is true for the spectrum of any self-adjoint extension of the Dirac operator without anomalous magnetic moment interaction, in the subextremal black hole context. In the extremal black hole sector the point spectrum, if non-empty, consists of a single eigenvalue, which is identified.
Sensorized tissue analogues enabled by a 3D-printed conductive organogel

State-of-the-art tissue analogues used in high-fidelity, hands-on medical simulation modules can deliver lifelike appearance and feel but lack the capability to provide quantified, real-time assessment of practitioner performance. The monolithic fabrication of hybrid printed/textile piezoresistive strain sensors in a realistic Y/V plasty suture training pad is demonstrated. A class of 3D-printable organogels comprised of inexpensive and nonhazardous feedstocks is used as the sensing medium, and conductive composite threads are used as the electrodes. These organogels are comprised of a glycol-based deep-eutectic solvent (DES) serving as the ionic conductor and 3-trimethoxysilylmethacrylate-capped fumed silica particles serving as the gelating agent. Rheology measurements reveal the influence of fumed silica particle capping group on the mixture rheology. Freestanding strain sensors demonstrate a maximum strain amplitude of 300%, negligible signal drift, a monotonic sensor response, a low degree of hysteresis, and excellent cyclic stability. The increased contact resistance of the conductive thread electrodes used in place of wire electrodes do not make a significant impact on sensor performance. This work showcases the potential of these organogels utilized in sensorized tissue analogues and freestanding strain sensors for widespread applications in medical simulation and education.
Audit Committee Chair Succession And Financial Reporting Quality: Does Firm-Specific Knowledge Matter?

We investigate whether new audit committee (AC) chairs provide more effective monitoring of the financial reporting process when they have firm-specific knowledge, proxied for by prior service on the firm’s AC. Consistent with practitioner and governance experts’ views on the importance of firm-specific knowledge, we find that firms are less likely to misstate their financial statements when new AC chairs previously served on the AC. This effect is stronger in the first two years of the AC chair’s succession period and when the incoming AC chair has more prior service on the AC. AC chair industry, accounting, and supervisory expertise, as well as prior experience as an AC chair at a different firm, do not compensate for a lack of firm-specific knowledge. These findings contribute to the literature on the AC chair’s role in the financial reporting process, suggesting that AC chair succession planning is important for financial reporting outcomes.
Acute Respiratory Distress in Cattle

Acute respiratory distress is a common problem to the bovine practitioner. Acute respiratory distress can be categorized into upper respiratory disease or lower respiratory disease. Since dyspnea is the primary clinical sign in cases of acute respiratory distress, any condition that can cause dyspnea can cause clinical signs suggestive of respiratory disease. There are also nonrespiratory causes of apparent acute respiratory disease in cattle.
Management of pancreatic cysts and guidelines: what the gastroenterologist needs to know.

The prevalence of pancreatic cysts has increased significantly over the last decade, partly secondary to increased quality and frequency of cross-sectional imaging. While the majority never progres...
Morphology of hair of two-and three-toed sloths (Edentata: Bradypodidae)

Micromorphological differences between hairs of the two-toed sloth (Choloepus hoffmanni) and of the three-toed sloth (Bradypus variegatus) were observed by means of scanning electron microscopy. Hairs of the two-toed sloth had longitudinal grooves which exposed a uniform cortex when viewed in cross section. Hairs of the three-toed sloth have irregular transverse fissures and a cortex that contains scattered fusi. These morphological differences support the placement of the two sloth genera into separate familes. Hairs of four other xenarthran species are al so illustrated.
Soluble adhesion molecules and unstable coronary artery disease

Leukocyte adhesion and transendothelial migration, prerequisites in the development of atherosclerosis, are largely mediated by adhesion molecules. In addition, unstable coronary syndromes usually involve platelet activation and thrombus formation at the site of atherosclerotic plaque. Therefore, we compared plasma levels of soluble P-selectin, a measurement of platelet activation, as well as E-selectin, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) in patients with atherosclerosis undergoing coronary angiography (n=76). Soluble P-selectin levels, as measured by ELISA, were significantly elevated in patients with unstable (n=44) vs stable (n=32) atherosclerotic disease (73.0 +/- 2.5 ng/ml vs 52.3 +/- 3.0 ng/ml, respectively, P<0.01). By logistic regression analysis, plasma level of soluble P-selectin was an independent predictor of an unstable coronary syndrome (OR 4.2, CI 1.4-12.9, P<0.01). Soluble E-selectin level, a marker of endothelial activation, was associated with extent of atherosclerosis but did not correlate with disease stability. Interestingly, soluble P-selectin was inversely correlated with plasma levels of the antioxidant alpha-tocopherol (R=-0.443, P<0.001), a known inhibitor of platelet function. In summary, amongst the soluble adhesion molecules, only P-selectin is significantly increased in patients with unstable coronary syndromes. This study suggests that platelet activation persists in patients with unstable coronary syndromes despite concurrent aspirin therapy. In addition, the beneficial effects of alpha-tocopherol in patients with cardiovascular disease may be related to inhibition of platelet function.
Comparison of the mechanism of dissolution of hydrocortisone in simple and mixed micelle systems

Lecithin, a major phospholipid component of human bile, is instrumental in the formation of mixed micelles in vivo, with implications for the dissolution and absorption of poorly soluble compounds administered orally. Hydrocortisone, a poorly aqueous soluble drug (S aq = 1.08 × 10−3 M), was chosen to compare the rate and mechanism of dissolution in a NaTC/lecithin (mixed micelle) system with its NaTC-only (simple micelle) counterpart. Surface tension, solubility studies, contact angles, rotating disk dissolution rates, and powder dissolution rates were compared for hydrocortisone between solutions containing NaTC/lecithin (4:1) and NaTC-only under conditions representative of the small intestine (0–30 mM NaTC, pH 5.5, 0.1 M NaCl). At all concentrations, the solubility of hydrocortisone in NaTC/lecithin was slightly higher (up to twofold) than in the corresponding NaTC-only solutions. At low NaTC concentrations, initial powder dissolution rates were faster in the NaTC/lecithin solutions than in corresponding NaTC-only solutions. In contrast, at high NaTC concentrations, initial powder dissolution rates in the NaTC-only solutions were faster. Results indicated that in the NaTC-only system wetting effects predominated for dissolution, while in the NaTC/lecithin system, the dissolution rate of hydro-cortisone was enhanced mainly via solubilization.
Path Planning among Movable Obstacles: A Probabilistically Complete Approach

In this paper we study the problem of path planning among movable obstacles, in which a robot is allowed to move the obstacles if they block the robot’s way from a start to a goal position. We make the observation that we can decouple the computations of the robot motions and the obstacle movements, and present a probabilistically complete algorithm, something which to date has not been achieved for this problem. Our algorithm maintains an explicit representation of the robot’s configuration space. We present an efficient implementation for the case of planar, axis-aligned environments and report experimental results on challenging scenarios.
Gender Differences in Service Utilization among OEF/OIF Veterans with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder after a Brief Cognitive–Behavioral Intervention to Increase Treatment Engagement: A Mixed Methods Study

Abstract Purpose Women veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan (Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom [OEF/OIF]) have a moderately higher risk of developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than male veterans. However, gender disparities in treatment engagement may prevent women veterans from initiating the care they need. Understanding gender differences in predictors of and barriers to treatment is essential to improving engagement and mental health outcomes. The purpose of this study was to examine gender differences in treatment utilization after a brief, cognitive–behavioral therapy (CBT) intervention among male and female OEF/OIF veterans. Methods Participants were assigned randomly to either the intervention or control conditions. Intervention participants received the telephone-based CBT intervention. Participants were 35 female and 238 male OEF/OIF veterans who screened positive for PTSD and had never initiated PTSD treatment. Participants were asked about treatment utilization, beliefs about PTSD treatment, and symptoms at months 1, 3, and 6 months subsequent to the baseline telephone assessment. The PTSD Checklist—Military Version was used to assess PTSD and the Patient's Health Questionnaire was used to assess symptoms of depression. Findings Female veterans who received an intervention were significantly more likely to have attended treatment over the 6-month follow-up period than male veterans who received an intervention (χ 2 = 7.91; df = 3; odds ratio, 3.93; p = .04). Conclusions The CBT intervention may be a critical mechanism to engage female veterans in treatment. Further research is needed to understand how to engage male veterans with PTSD in treatment.
Focusing construction and selection of abductive hypotheses

Many abductive understanding systems explain novel situations by a chaining process that is neutral to explainer needs beyond generating some plausible explanation for the event being explained. This paper examines the relationship of standard models of abductive understanding to the case-based explanation model. In case-based explanation, construction and selection of abductive hypotheses are focused by specific explanations of prior episodes and by goal-based criteria reflecting current information needs. The case-based method is inspired by observations of human explanation of anomalous events during everyday understanding, and this paper focuses on the method's contributions to the problems of building good explanations in everyday domains. We identify five central issues, compare how those issues are addressed in traditional and case-based explanation models, and discuss motivations for using the case-based approach to facilitate generation of plausible and useful explanations in domains that are complex and imperfectly understood.
The representation of numbers as sums of unlike powers. II

n= Zx,+ i=1 The principal tool in the proof is the Hardy-Littlewood circle method, incorporating results and techniques of a powerful new iterative method developed by Vaughan and Wooley ([Va3], [Va4], [VW1], [Wol], [VW2]). In section 2, an algorithm developed in [Fo] for optimizing the parameters in mixed power mean value theorems is generalized and analyzed. Section 3 details a more sophisticated method of generating mixed power mean value theorems, by a limited adaptation of the iterative method itself. The form of these estimates offers many advantages over those of section 2, and provides the key to the elimination of the 16th power from (1.1). These mean value theorems are then applied to the proof of Theorem 1 in section 4. The tools developed here are applicable to a wide range of mixed power representation problems, and we briefly illustrate in section 5 the application to the problem of determining the number of terms required to represent all large n, when the lowest power used is a kth power instead of a square. Throughout, n is a large natural number whose representation as a sum of mixed powers is at issue, and E is an arbitrarily small positive real number. Constants implied by the Landau Oand Vinogradov <<-symbols may depend on E or k. For a real number x, write e(x) for e27iX, [x] for the greatest integer not exceeding x and llxll for the distance from x to the nearest integer. Unless otherwise specified, lowercase Latin letters denote natural numbers and Greek letters denote real numbers. Let A(P, R) denote the set of natural numbers not exceeding P with no
Soft tissue sarcomas: Staging principles and prognostic nomograms

Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are a rare and heterogenous group of tumors that often represent a management challenge. The American Joint Committee on Cancer system is currently used to stage tumors and direct treatment. Limitations of the current STS staging system, future potential direction for pre-operative staging, as well as the benefit of predictive nomograms for filling current knowledge gaps are all discussed. J. Surg. Oncol. 2015 111:532-539. Published 2014. This article has been contributed to by US Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
Alternative futures of global governance: scenarios and perspectives from the Global South

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a critical and informative exploration of the emerging roles and rising influence of the Global South in shaping the future of global governance. Specifically, it inquires into the following questions: How is the Global South impacting the way we govern globally? What are the pushers, pulls and weights to the futures of global governance? Using Jim Dator’s alternative futures archetype, what is the future of global governance? What are the emerging issues and trends? Design/methodology/approach – It uses Sohail Inayatullah’s futures triangle to map the drivers – the pushes, pulls and weights of global governance and Jim Dator’s archetypes – continued economic growth, collapse, conserver and transformation – to imagine and construct alternative futures of global governance. Findings – The futures triangle analysis maps and reveals three diverse but causally linked Global South narratives of global governance. The pulls of the future include the Brazil, Russ...
AC thin film electroluminescence, filamentary emission and its memory effect

Abstract A ZnS:Mn ac thin film electroluminescence device can exhibit a brightness vs. voltage hysteresis loop or “memory effect”. We show that this “memory effect” is associated with the filamentary nature of the dissipative current. The filaments show a bistability in their conductive state, i.e., the nature of the “ac negative resistance” involved is current controlled. Experimental results on single filament switching under voltage, pulse width and light address are presented.
A Multiscale Model of Thermal Contact Resistance Between Rough Surfaces

A new multiscale model of thermal contact resistance (TCR) between real rough surfaces is presented, which builds on Archard's multiscale description of surface roughness. The objective of this work is to construct the new model and use it to evaluate the effects of scale dependent surface features and properties on TCR. The model includes many details affecting TCR and is also fairly easy to implement. Multiscale fractal based models often oversimplify the contact mechanics by assuming that the surfaces are self-affine, the contact area is simply a geometrical truncation of the surfaces, and the pressure is a constant value independent of geometry and material properties. Concern has grown over the effectiveness of frequently used statistical rough surface contact models due to the inadequacies in capturing the true multiscale nature of surfaces (i.e., surfaces have multiple scales of surface features). The model developed in this paper incorporates several variables, including scale dependent yield strength and scale dependent spreading resistance to develop a new model that can be used to evaluate TCR. The results suggest that scale dependent mechanical properties are more influential than scale dependent thermal properties. When compared to an existing TCR model, this very inclusive model shows the same qualitative trend. Results also show the significance of capturing multiscale roughness when addressing the thermal contact resistance problem.
Experimental Procedures for Fluorescent Lifetime Measurements with Customized Embedded DSP Systems and Adaptive Algorithms

This paper describes a method of utilizing UV lasers, detectors, and a high-speed digital signal processor (DSP)-based digitizer to measure the fluorescence lifetime of fluorophores. The aim of the design is to create a low cost compact device which guarantees ease of use while not compromising performance. An ultrafast photomultiplier tube coupled with an excitation light filter is used to characterize accurately the fluorescence emission from the sample. The results obtained from several material specimens are presented.
Influence of delayed isotopic equilibration in urine on the accuracy of the 2H2 18O method in the elderly

Isotopic determination of total energy expenditure (TEE) by the doubly labeled water (DLW) method may be affected by urine retention in the elderly. The isotopic enrichments in urine and plasma sam...
Calcium-regulated parathyroid hormone secretion in adynamic renal osteodystrophy

Calcium-regulated parathyroid hormone secretion in adynamic renal osteodystrophy. Hypercalcemia and low serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels are features of the adynamic lesion (AD) of renal osteodystrophy, but there is little information about parathyroid gland function in this disorder. Therefore, the four parameter model was used to evaluate calcium-regulated PTH release in patients with either adynamic bone or secondary hyperparathyroidism (OF) as documented by bone biopsy and in normal volunteers (NL). Patients had undergone CCPD for 20 ± 4.2 months, and all received calcium carbonate as the sole phosphate-binding agent. During two hours infusions of sodium citrate, the rate of decline in serum ionized calcium levels did not differ among groups; serum PTH levels rose from 136 ± 38 to 342 ± 140 pg/ml in AD and from 691 ± 99 to 869 ±121 pg/ml in OF. Maximum PTH levels were 322 ± 42% of baseline values in AD but only 146 ± 9.7% of baseline in OF (P
Association of multivariate phase-type distributions, with applications to shock models

A random vector is said to be of (multivariate) phase-type if it can be represented as the vector of random times until absorptions into various stochastically closed subsets of the finite state space in an absorbing Markov chain. The phase-type distributions are useful since Markovian methods may be applicable in the situations where one adopts a (univariate or multivariate) phase-type distribution for time intervals that are needed in setting up a stochastic model. This paper studies the dependence nature of multivariate phase-type distributions and some related shock models, and it shows that under some mild conditions, the multivariate phase-type distributions are positively associated. The association properties for the lifetimes of components operating in some common shock environments are also obtained.
The effect of tungsten on the mechanical properties of tantalum

This paper reports a study of the mechanical behavior of Ta and Ta-W alloys. The results show that tungsten additions increase the yield strength and the rate of work hardening of tantalum. These additions also cause a change in the deformed microstructure from one that is primarily cellular to one that consists mostly of dislocation tangles. It is proposed that the increase in yield strength arises from solid solution hardening and that the increase in the work hardening can be correlated with an increase in the density and arrangement of dislocations present in the material.
An Interdisciplinary Behavioral Treatment Program for Depressed Geriatric Rehabilitation Inpatients

Depression is known to be associated with increased functional dependence both in the community and in a hospital setting. An innovative interdisciplinary behavioral treatment of depression protocol is described here. Occupational therapists were trained to deliver a protocol of behavioral treatment techniques during their individual occupational therapy treatment sessions. Methods of training the occupational therapists and a description of the treatment are provided in this article. These methods insure that behavioral treatment is delivered accurately and regularly. An outline of each session is provided, and two case examples are described. Early results indicate that this form of treatment can be reliably and accurately carried out.
Comprehensive empirical model for evaluation of the series resistance of a solar cell

This paper reports on the empirical model for series resistance (R s ) of a screen-printed silicon solar cell with segmented metal grids. Due to the quasi-Gaussian shape of gridline cross section, a mathematical expression of the practical cross section of gridline was implemented instead of the simple rectangular shape. And segmentations of gridlines and busbars were introduced to assess the impact on series resistance and solar cell performance. The advantage of this evaluation can be taken to determine the optimal metal grid design in terms of grid geometries and distributions of metal electrodes. It was found that for an industrial size monocrystalline silicon solar cell with 3 busbars having a width of 1.5 mm, and 92 gridlines of ∼50 °m width, the optimal segmentation for gridlines should be ∼0.67 mm, and for busbars should be the line spacing. A further study reveals that the segmentations in busbars has much larger impact on efficiency than gridlines.
Transvenous Pulmonary Embolectomy for Acute Massive Pulmonary Embolism

Transvenous pulmonary embolectomy employing a vacuum-cupped directionally controlled catheter is a relatively new technique used in the management of major pulmonary embolism. We present the findings in a patient with acute massive pulmonary embolism who underwent transvenous pulmonary embolectomy, with immediate and marked improvement in hemodynamic function and survival. Insertion of a new intracaval filter at the same time provided protection against recurrent thromboembolism.
Seasonal parasitism of cornstalk borers (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) by indigenous and introduced parasites in northeastern Mexico.

Parasitism of cornstalk borers was evaluated near Rio Bravo, Tamaulipas, Mexico, from 1984 to 1988. Additional surveyswere made on grain sorghum and johnsongrass. A total of 12,897 larvae and pupae of Diatraea lineolata (Walker), D. saccharalis (F.), and Eoreuma loftini (Dyar) was collected from 10,820 host plants. Total parasitism throughout this study was 6.8%, with no small larval or pupal parasites detected in corn. Six indigenous parasites were reared from all borer species and host plants. Chelonus sonorensis Cameron attacked only E. loftini and was the most common native parasite with 18% overall parasitism. Percentage of parasitism by Chelonus sonorensis was highest (34%) during the fall seasons, particularly at the vegetative corn stage. The remaining indigenous parasites appeared sporadically at very low levels of parasitism and included Digonogastra sp., Orgilus gelechiaevarus (Cushman), Glyptapanteles sp., Spilochalcis sp., and Eucelatoria sp. The exotic parasites Cotesia fiavipes (Cameron) and Allorhogas pyralophagus Marsh were field released during the fall of 1985. A. pyralophagus was not recovered from field collections. Cotesia fiavipes was recovered from D. saccharalis and D. lineolata immediately after releasesbegan and became the most abundant parasite of those borer species thereafter. Cotesia fiaoipes was recovered most frequently during the fall during the reproductive and senescent corn stages. Average parasitism by Cotesia flavipes during the fall was 13% on D. saccharalis and 5% on D. lineolata with the highest parasitism (53% on D. saccharalis ) during the fall of 1987. The consistent recoveries of Cotesia fiavipes from 1985 to 1988 suggest that this parasite is permanently established in northern Tamaulipas, Mexico
A study of DNA tube formation mechanisms using 4-, 8-, and 12-helix DNA nanostructures.

This paper describes the design and characterization of a new family of rectangular-shaped DNA nanostructures (DNA tiles) containing 4, 8, and 12 helices. The self-assembled morphologies of the three tiles were also investigated. The motivation for designing this set of DNA nanostructures originated from the desire to produce DNA lattices containing periodic cavities of programmable dimensions and to investigate the mechanism of DNA tube formation. Nine assembly scenarios have been investigated through the combination of the three different tiles and three sticky end association strategies. Imaging by atomic force microscopy (AFM) revealed self-assembled structures with varied cavity sizes, lattice morphologies, and orientations. Six samples show only tube formation, two samples show both 2D lattices (>2 μm) and tubes, and one sample shows only 2D lattices without tubes. We found that a lower tile dimensional anisotropy, weaker connection, and corrugated design favor the large 2D array formation, while th...
Effects of ethylp-chlorophenoxyisobutyrate on biliary secretion of bile acids, cholesterol and phosphatidyl choline

The effect of chronic administration of ethylp-chlorophenoxyisobutyrate (CPIB) on the secretion of bile lipids was studied in four dogs with surgically implanted Thomas cannulae for periods of 2–7 months. The concentration of cholesterol, triglycerides andp-chlorophenoxyisobutyric acid in serum and of bile acids, cholesterol and phospholipids (phosphatidyl cholines) in bile were measured. Chronic administration of CPIB resulted in a marked increase in the concentration of cholesterol, bile acids and phosphatidyl cholines in the bile of all dogs, and a decrease in serum cholesterol and triglyceride concentration in serum in three of the four dogs. Serum concentrations ofp-chlorophenoxyisobutyric acid were monitored to insure the presence of the drug in the dogs; however, no correlation between serum levels ofp-chlorophenoxyisobutyric acid and the concentration of biliary lipids was noted. The bile acids andp-chlorophenoxyisobutyric acid were determined by gas chromatographic procedures and the structures were confirmed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.