cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Influence of Sense of Coherence on Caregiver Burden and Depressive Symptoms at 12 Months Poststroke

AbstractPurpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of sense of coherence for informal stroke caregivers with sociodemographic variables and caregiving outcomes of depressive symptoms and burden. Method: Using path analysis, data 1 month after the stroke (stroke survivor and caregiver characteristics) from 87 dyads (stroke survivors and their caregivers) were used to predict caregiver outcomes of burden and depressive symptoms at 12 months poststroke. Results: Sense of coherence, although not predicted by sociodemographic variables, had a significant inverse relationship with caregiver burden and depressive symptoms, indicating that caregivers with a higher sense of coherence at 1 month experience less burden and depressive symptoms at 12 months. Caregiver burden was also predicted by stroke survivor comorbidities, caregiver gender, and time spent per day providing care. Caregiver depressive symptoms were predicted by race, gender, and hours spent providing care per day. Conclusion:...
Perforated diverticulum of the terminal ileum. A previously unreported cause of suppurative pylephlebitis and multiple hepatic abscesses.

We describe the case of a 58-year-old man who presented to the hospital with central abdominal pain, nausea, fever, chills, and dyspnea. While in the hospital, jaundice appeared and the liver function tests revealed features of both cholestasis and hepatocellular injury. He developed gram-negative septicemia and died on the sixth hospital day. Autopsy disclosed a perforated terminal ileal diverticulum and a contiguous mesenteric abscess. These was also severe phlebitis of mesenteric venous radicles which extended superiorly to the intrahepatic portal venules and veins. The portal veins were surrounded by multiple hepatic abscesses that varied in size from microscopic to 2.5 cm. This appears to be the first report in the world literature of suppurative pylephlebitis and hepatic abscesses resulting from a perforated ileal diverticulum. The subject of small bowel non-meckelian diverticulosis is reviewed because of the rarity of this condition and the diagnostic challenges it poses.
Retrograde cortical and axonal changes following lesions of the pyramidal tract

Following lesions of the pyramidal tract in hamsters, retrograde changes were studied in the sensorimotor cortex and in the pyramidal tract axons proximal to the lesion, at survival times ranging from 2 weeks to 14 months. Severe cell shrinkage occurred in layer 5 pyramidal neurons as early as 2 weeks, but there was no cell loss among these neurons even with long survival times. Use of the Fink-Heimer method for degenerating axons revealed that the pyramidal tract proximal to the lesion had undergone a retrograde axon degeneration which, in some respects, resembled anterograde degeneration. The retrograde axon degeneration began at the lesion site and advanced slowly rostralwards with time involving increasingly greater numbers of fibers. However, even at the longest survival times the degeneration fell off markedly at pontine levels. The results indicate that this process represents a true retrograde fiber degeneration (as opposed to an indirect Wallerian degeneration) which appears to reach a point of equilibrium such that a partially shrunken pyramidal cell is maintaining a partially degenerated axon.
Enhanced uniaxial anisotropy and two-step magnetization process along the hard axis of polycrystalline NiFe/NiO bilayers

Polycrystalline NiFe(10 nm)/NiO(1--8 nm) exchange-coupled bilayers show enhanced uniaxial anisotropy but no unidirectional anisotropy. Meanwhile, a two-step magnetization process was observed along the hard direction. These two phenomena cannot be simultaneously understood using the models for ferromagnetic/antiferromagnetic bilayers, in which a parallel alignment or a random distribution of the easy axes of antiferromagnetic grains is assumed. Therefore, a model, supposing a preferential distribution of the easy axes of antiferromagnetic grains, is proposed for understanding the mechanism of these phenomena.
Constrained Bayesian State Estimation Using a Cell Filter

Constrained state estimation in nonlinear/non-Gaussian processes has been the domain of optimization based methods such as moving horizon estimation (MHE). MHE has a Bayesian interpretation, but it is not practical to implement a recursive MHE without assumptions of Gaussianity and linearized dynamics at various stages. This paper presents the constrained cell filter (CCF) as an alternative to MHE, requiring no linearization, jacobians, or nonlinear program. The CCF computes a piecewise constant approximation of the state probability density function with support defined by constraints; thus, all point estimates are constrained. The CCF can be more accurate and orders of magnitude faster than MHE for problems of a size as investigated in this work.
Using analogical model formulation with sketches to solve Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test problems

One of the central problems of artificial intelligence is capturing the breadth and flexibility of human common sense reasoning. One way to evaluate common sense is to use versions of human tests that rely on everyday reasoning. The Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test consists of everyday reasoning problems posed via pictures and is used to evaluate technicians. This test is challenging because it requires conceptual knowledge spanning a broad range of domains, experience with a wide variety of everyday situations, and spatial reasoning. This article describes how we have extended our Companion Cognitive Architecture, which treats analogical processing as central, to perform well over a subset of the Bennett test. We introduce analogical model formulation as a robust method for reasoning about everyday scenarios, by analogy with cases that represent prior experiences. This enables a companion to perform qualitative reasoning (QR) without a complete domain theory, as typically required for QR. We introduce sketch annotations to communicate linkages between visual and conceptual properties in sketches. We introduce analogical reference frames to enable comparative analysis to operate over a broader range of problems than prior techniques. We show that these techniques enable a companion to score reasonably well on a difficult subset of the Bennett test.
Self-improving algorithms for delaunay triangulations

We study the problem of two-dimensional Delaunay triangulation in the self-improving algorithms model [1]. We assume that the n points of the input each come from an independent, unknown, and arbitrary distribution. The first phase of our algorithm builds data structures that store relevant information about the input distribution. The second phase uses these data structures to efficiently compute the Delaunay triangulation of the input. The running time of our algorithm matches the information-theoretic lower bound for the given input distribution, implying that if the input distribution has low entropy, then our algorithm beats the standard Ω(n log n) bound for computing Delaunay triangulations.Our algorithm and analysis use a variety of techniques: e-nets for disks, entropy-optimal point-location data structures, linear-time splitting of Delaunay triangulations, and information-theoretic arguments.
A method for examining steady state solutions of forced discrete systems with strong non-linearities

Abstract An analytical method is presented for computing the exact steady state motions of forced, undamped, discrete systems with strong non-linearities. By expressing the forcing as a function of the steady state displacements, the forced problem is transformed to an equivalent free oscillation and subsequently a matching procedure is followed which results in the uncoupling of the differential equations of motion at the steady state. General conclusions are made concerning the topological portrait of the steady state response curves and applications of the method are given for systems with two degrees of freedom and cubic non-linearities.
Group Work with Transgender Clients.

Drawing on the existing literature, the authors’ research and clinical experiences, and the first author's personal journey as a member and leader of the transgender community, this article offers a brief history of group work with transgender clients followed by suggestions for group work with transgender clients from a social justice perspective. The article includes specific information about the elements of groups, including types of groups, leader competencies, group members, location, and group format.
Line Absorption Spectra in Solids at Low Temperatures in the Visible and Ultra-violet Regions of the Spectrum

FROM extrapolation of X-ray data, it is known that the electrons in the N1 (and N2) shell of the ions of the rare earths possess less energy than those in the 0 shells. Expressed in terms of the Bohr-Stoner scheme, the electrons in the 44 shell are held less tightly than those of the 51 or 52, etc., shells. According to that scheme the electrons are arranged in the following manner:
Atmospheric effects in satellite imaging of mountainous terrain.

It is possible to obtain useful maps of surface albedo from remotely sensed images by eliminating effects due to topography and the atmosphere, even when the atmospheric state is not known. A simple phenomenological model of earth radiance that depends on six empirically determined parameters is developed given certain simplifying assumptions. The model incorporates path radiance and illumination from sun and sky and their dependencies on surface altitude and orientation. It takes explicit account of surface shape, represented by a digital terrain model, and is therefore especially suited for use in mountainous terrain. A number of ways of determining the model parameters are discussed, including the use of shadows to obtain path radiance and to estimate local albedo and sky irradiance. The emphasis is on extracting as much information from the image as possible, given a digital terrain model of the imaged area and a minimum of site-specific atmospheric data. The albedo image, introduced as a representation of surface reflectance, provides a useful tool to evaluate the simple imaging model. Criteria for the subjective evaluation of albedo images are established and illustrated for Landsat multispectral data of a mountainous region of Switzerland. The method exposes some of the limitations found in computing reflectance information using only the image-forming equation.
Carbon monoxide promoted reductive elimination of hydrogen from Tp' platinum complexes.

Acid-assisted reductive elimination of hydrogen from Tp‘PtH3 and of methane and hydrogen from Tp‘PtMeH2 (Tp‘ = hydridotris(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)borate) is examined herein. Loss of H2 is observed from solutions containing platinum(IV) complexes of the type Tp‘Pt(R)(H)2 (R = Me, H) upon protonation and addition of a ligand such as CO. Results of kinetic studies on reductive elimination of H2 and formation of [κ2-(HTp‘)Pt(R)(L)][BAr‘4] products from intermediates derived from Tp‘Pt(R)(H)2 precursors are described. Elimination appears to occur from cationic 6-coordinate [κ2-(HTp‘)Pt(R)(H)2(L)][BAr‘4] species.
In vivo localized ESR spectroscopy reflecting metabolism

Localized electron spin resonance spectroscopy in Live mice was performed using a surface coil operating at 1.1 GHz with sufficient sensitivity and stability to measure quantitatively the time course of the distribution, uptake, and reduction of nitroxides in selected organsfregions (liver, bladder, head) of mice. The ability to measure regional concentrations of nitroxides in vivo could be used for pharmacokinetic analysis of drugs labeled with nitroxides and for measurement of oxygen concentrations and redox metabolism. © 1989 Academic Press, Inc.
The supersymmetric Adler-Bardeen theorem and regularization by dimensional reduction

Abstract We examine the subtraction scheme dependence of the anomaly of the supersymmetric, gauge singlet axial current in pure and coupled supersymmetric Yang-Mills theories. Preserving supersymmetry and gauge invariance explicitly by using supersymmetric background field theory and dimensional reduction, we show that only the one-loop value of the axial anomaly is subtraction scheme independent, and that one can always define a subtraction scheme in which the Adler-Bardeen theorem is satisfied to all orders in perturbation theory . In general this subtraction scheme may be non-minimal, but in both the pure and the coupled theories, the Adler-Bardeen theorem is satisfied to two loops in minimal subtraction.
Should fearful individuals be instructed to proceed quickly or cautiously

Snake or cockroach phobic Ss were given opportunities to approach a live specimen. Those instructed to go "as far as they could" made significantly more progress in overcoming their fear than Ss asked to proceed cautiously. They also did better than the group especially urged to push themselves, although this difference was not significant. Implications for treatment strategies are discussed.
Tools and Components of Wound Healing Assessment

Chronic wound assessment and analysis has long been a major healthcare issue. Chronic wound management and treatment cost billions of dollars each year. The research to alleviate the burden of non-healing wounds and predicting when they will heal is progressing at incremental pace. Characteristics of a chronic wound are unique to both the patient and wound itself. Like a fingerprint, each wound has a unique set of properties that tell a story about its health and viability. Although each person’s wound is individual, there are a few underlying pathologies that are common amongst all wounds. For example, all wounds have a definite surface area, depth, and temperature at any given time. By knowing these common characteristics across all wounds, we can use both historical data and collected data to determine wound healing patterns and wound healing rates. The purpose of this study is to develop an algorithm that uses photography and statistical modeling to predict an approximate wound healing rate for lower appendage wounds. We focus on lower appendage wounds with a depth of 1–2 mm because lower appendage wounds account for approximately 70% of wounds seen at wound clinics.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
The problem of staphylococcal infection in newborn infants.

Summary The problem presented by Staphylococcus aureus to newborn infants is not a new one, but in recent years the emergence of strains of the organism uniquely adapted for survival in this group has greatly increased our difficulties in dealing with the parasite. A rational approach to the problem demands knowledge of the pathogenic, ecologic, and epidemiologic properties of the bacterium. It is probable that our present knowledge is sufficiently advanced that its proper and conscientious application can lead to a great reduction in staphylococcal infection and disease among newborn infants.
New light on Paolo dell'Abbaco.

title RIASSUNTO /title Attraverso una recente ricerca negli Archivi italiani l'A. ha tentato di approfondire le conoscenze sulla vita di Paolo dell'Abbaco (Paolo Dagomari) considerato uno dei maggiori matematici fiorentini del XIV secolo. Quest'articolo, basandosi su di un accurato nuovo esame delle fonti reperibili, corregge un certo numero di errori esistenti nella letteratura che riguarda il Dagomari e ne riassume la vita collocandolo nell'ambiente della societ fiorentina. L'A. termina concludendo che il Dagomari fu uno fra i tanti che attendevano l'insegnamento della matematica elementare ai figli dei mercanti e negozianti fiorentini del Rinascimento.
Studies of Plasma Heated in a Fast-Rising Axial Magnetic Field (Scylla)

The Scylla plasma experiment, which employs a rapidly rising magnetic field in a cylindrical mirror geometry to produce and heat a deuterium plasma, is described. Experimental studies of the reproducible neutron emission from the hot plasma show that the neutrons are emitted (1) in a symmetrical, bell-shaped time distribution centered on the maximum of the magnetic field, (2) from a limited region with a 2-cm axial length and a 1.5-cm diameter centered in the compression coil, and (3) in the radial direction with a narrow spread of energies and no significant anisotropy. The time distribution of the neutron emission is shown to be in agreement with a thermonuclear yield curve calculated for an adiabatic compression by the observed magnetic field. The neutron yield has been studied as a function of deuterium pressure, capacitor-bank voltage, and nitrogen impurity. Observations of the space-time distribution of the visible light emission with a streak camera show that (1) a strong radial "shock" occurs at the beginning of the second half-cycle, (2) very little light is emitted from the plasma "fireball" during the time of neutron emission, and (3) an intense luminous flux is produced during the later stages of the discharge. The energy absorbed in each half-cycle of the discharge by the gas is presented as calculated from the incremental damping of the driving magnetic field. Observations of hard x-ray emission (\ensuremath{\sim}200 kev) at times of maximum $\frac{\mathrm{dB}}{\mathrm{dt}}$ for operating pressures in the 5- to 50-micron range are contrasted with the characteristics of the neutron emission in regard to time distribution, pressure, impurities, and rf pre-excitation. Magnetic probe studies of the Scylla discharge are reported and evidence is given that the perturbing effects of the probe dominate the plasma temperature.
A COLLABORATIVE LEARNING LAB: DOES THE FORM MATTER?

A recent paper found that adding a collaborative learning lab (CLL) component to a traditional introductory microeconomics class significantly improved students' scores on a standardized final exam. Here, the authors reconsider these results in two fundamental ways. First, this article is able to include student-specific factors, such as standardized test scores and age, to control for a student's desire and ability to perform. These results suggest that they slightly underestimate the gains from CLL classes. The second question addressed concerns the implementation of the CLL component. In the original work, the CLL class contained only 24 students in class (small-CLL). This paper introduces the CLL component into a class with 48 students (largE-CLL). The authors found students attending a large in-class CLL failed to perform significantly better on a standardized test than students attending classes without an in-class CLL. They also performed significantly worse than students in a small-CLL environment. This article suggests that a CLL can improve scores if care is taken to both maintain an environment that maximizes student–instructor interaction and monitors student collaboration.
Mechanical stress during phonation in a self-oscillating finite-element vocal fold model

The stress information during phonation in the vocal folds is helpful in understanding the etiologies of vocal trauma and its related vocal diseases, such as nodules. In this paper, a self-oscillating finite-element model, which combines aerodynamic properties, tissue mechanics, airflow-tissue interactions, and vocal fold collisions, was used to simulate the vocal fold vibration during phonation. The spatial and temporal characteristics of mechanical stress in the vocal folds were predicted by this model. Temporally, it was found that mechanical stress periodically undulates with vibration of the vocal folds and that vocal fold impact causes a jump in the normal stress value. Spatially, the normal stress is significantly higher on the vocal fold surface than inside of the vocal folds. At the midpoint of the medial surface, the peak-to-peak amplitude of the normal stress reaches its maximum value. Using different lung pressures (0-1.5kPa) to drive the self-oscillating model, we found that lower lung pressure can effectively decrease the mechanical stress in the vocal folds. This study supports the fatigue damage hypothesis of vocal trauma. With this hypothesis and the numerical simulation in this study, the clinical observations of vocal fold trauma risk can be explained. This implies the mechanical stress predicted by this self-oscillating model could be valuable for predicting, preventing, and treating vocal fold injury.
Process Evaluation of a Promotora de Salud Intervention for Improving Hypertension Outcomes for Latinos Living in a Rural U.S.–Mexico Border Region

Hypertension is a growing public health problem for U.S.-Mexico border Latinos, who commonly experience low levels of awareness, treatment, and control. We report on a process evaluation that assessed the delivery of Corazon por la Vida, a 9-week promotora de salud-led curriculum to help Latinos manage and reduce hypertension risks in two rural/frontier counties in the New Mexico border region. Ninety-six adults participated in the program, delivered in three waves and in three communities. We assessed program delivery and quality, adherence, exposure, and participant responsiveness. Participant outcome measures included self-reported eating and physical activities and assessment of community resources. Findings suggest that the program was fully delivered (99%) and that most participants (81.7%) were very satisfied with the educational sessions. The average participant attendance for educational sessions was 77.47%. We found significant differences in self-reported behavioral changes depending on the number of sessions completed: The higher the dose of sessions, the better the self-reported outcomes. These findings suggest that a promotora-led curriculum may be useful for promoting self-management of chronic disease in rural/frontier border Latino populations. Future evaluation should focus on training and implementation adaptations within evidence-based chronic disease programs for diverse Latino communities.
An acoustic gap between the NICU and womb: A potential risk for compromised neuroplasticity of the auditory system in preterm infants

The intrauterine environment allows the fetus to begin hearing with low frequency sounds in a protected fashion, ensuring optimal development of the peripheral and central auditory system. However, the auditory nursery provided by the womb vanishes once the preterm newborn enters the high-frequency (HF) noisy environment of the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The present article draws a concerning line between auditory system development and HF noise in the NICU, which is not necessarily conducive to fostering this development. Overexposure to HF noise during critical periods disrupts the functional organization of auditory cortical circuits. As a result, we theorize, the ability to tune out noise and extract acoustic information in a noisy environment may be impaired, leading to a variety of auditory, language, and attention disorders. Additionally, HF noise in the NICU often masks human speech sounds potentially important to the preterm infant, whose exposure to linguistic stimuli is already restricted. Understanding the impact of the sound environment on the developing auditory system is an important first step in meeting the developmental demands of preterm newborns undergoing intensive care.
Games in Tetrads: Segregation, Recombination, and Meiotic Drive

The two alleles at a heterozygous locus segregate during meiosis, sometimes at meiosis I and sometimes at meiosis II. The timing of segregation is determined by the pattern of crossing-over between a locus and its attached centromeres. Genes near centro- meres can exploit this process by driving against spores from which the genes separated at meiosis I. Other genes, located distal to cen- tromeres, can benefit from driving against spores from which they separated at meiosis II. Asymmetric female meiosis is particularly susceptible to such forms of drive. Selection on modifiers of recom- bination favors changes in the location of chiasmata that increase the proportion of tetrads of high average fitness by changing the timing of segregation. Such changes increase the frequency of driving alleles. This source of selection on recombination does not depend on effects on linkage disequilibrium. Recombinational responses to meiotic drive may contribute to sex differences in overall recombi- nation and sex differences in the localization of chiasmata.
A Decentralized Model Predictive Control Approach to Power Management of a Fuel Cell-Ultracapacitor Hybrid

This paper presents an application of decentralized model predictive control (MPC) to a fuel cell-ultracapacitor hybrid. Dedicated subsystem level MPC controllers are developed that control a fuel cell and an ultracapacitor current and enforce point-wise-in-time constraints of each subsystem independently of each other. A simple supervisory scheme determines the power split between the fuel cell and the ultracapacitor. Nonlinear simulations show that the decentralized control design is successful in enforcing subsystem level constraints while achieving system-level power demand. The proposed decentralized approach has practical advantages over a centralized MPC design because of its potential to decrease online computations and more importantly because of its compatibility with a modular software/hardware architecture.
Characteristics of the H2Li− center in electron-irradiated NaF:Li+ as determined by ESR techniques

Abstract An ESR study shows that a center involving two fluorine interstitials is produced in NaF: Li + by electron irradiation near liquid nitrogen temperature. An angular dependence study of the ESR spectrum shows that the defect consists of an F 3 2− molecular ion. The molecule lies in a {110} plane and is tilted 19.5° from. the 〈100〉 axis which lies in the plane. Since the defect is produced only in lithium doped material, it is suggested that the center also contains a lithium impurity. The orientation of the defect and the magnitude of the hyperfine constants indicate that the F 3 2− molecule replaces a lattice fluorine ion and thus involves two interstitial fluorines. The center is therefore given the designation H 2Li − . The hyperfine parameters of the center are found to have a large temperature dependence which may be interpreted as indicating that the F 3 2− molecule contracts as the temperature is raised. This behavior may be qualitatively explained by the di-interstitial model of the H 2Li − . center. The production characteristics of the center are also found to be consistent with this di-interstitial model.
A tool for creating eye-aware applications that adapt to changes in user behaviors

A development tool is described that can be used to create eye-aware software applications that adapt in real-time to changes in a user's natural eye-movement behaviors and intentions. The research involved in developing this tool focuses on identifying patterns of eye-movement that describe three behaviors: Knowledgeable Movement, Searching, and Prolonged Searching. In the process of doing the research, two important features of eye-movement patterns were discovered-Revisits and Significant Fixations. Revisits and Significant Fixations complement the recognition of saccades, fixations, and blinks, and make easier the recognition of high-level patterns in users' natural eye-movements.
Incorporating situation awareness in service specifications

Service-oriented architecture has the major advantage of enabling rapid composition of distributed applications from various services, and has become increasingly popular for many large-scale service-based systems in various application areas, including scientific collaboration, e-business, health care, military, and homeland security. Situation awareness (SAW) is the capability of the entities in a service-based system to be aware of the situation changes and automatically adapt themselves to such changes to satisfy user requirements, including security and privacy. The continuing evolutions of the entities and environment makes SAW one of the most desired features to support dynamic adaptive computing in service-based systems. In this paper, the relationship between contexts/situations and services in situation-aware service-based systems is identified and an extension of OWL-S with situation ontology, called SAW-OWL-S, incorporates SAW in service specifications is presented. An approach to generating service specifications for situation-aware service-based systems using SAW-OWL-S and the system diagram of situation-aware service-based systems using SAW-OWL-S are presented.
The Martian grid system, continental blocks and continental drift.

Summary Mars possesses two grid systems—a diagonal grid made up of lineaments trending approximately NW-SE and NE-SW, and a meridian-latitude grid composed of lineaments trending approximately N-S and E-W. The distribution of angles between the two families of lineament planes in the diagonal grid implies the existence of a 4-cell asymmetric convection pattern within the Martian mantle. The convection pattern readily explains the distribution of the major dark features, considered to be elevated continental blocks, by a continental drift hypothesis. The equatorial maria are elevated regions composed of E-W overthrust structures, while Mare Acidalium, the only major dark feature in the northern hemisphere, is a ridge-and-trough system comparable to a terrestrial oceanic rise. The Martian maria bear structural resemblances to the lunar highlands and the Martian deserts are similar to the lunar maria. Mars has undergone extensive tectonic development over a geological time-scale.
Localization of UvrA and effect of DNA damage on the chromosome of Bacillus subtilis.

We found that the nucleotide excision repair protein UvrA, which is involved in DNA damage recognition, localizes to the entire chromosome both before and after damage in living Bacillus subtilis cells. We suggest that the UvrA2B damage recognition complex is constantly scanning the genome, searching for lesions in the DNA. We also found that DNA damage induces a dramatic reconfiguration of the chromosome such that it no longer fills the entire cell as it does during normal growth. This reconfiguration is reversible after low doses of damage and is dependent on the damage-induced SOS response. We suggest that this reconfiguration of the chromosome after damage may be either a reflection of ongoing DNA repair or an active mechanism to protect the cell’s genome. Similar observations have been made in Escherichia coli, indicating that the alteration of chromosome structure after DNA damage may be a widespread phenomenon.
Hormonal therapy options for patients with a rising prostate-specific antigen level after primary treatment for prostate cancer

At this time, many treatment options exist for primary androgen-deprivation therapy. "Standard" options with long-term results on outcome include orchiectomy, monotherapy with a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonist, and combined androgen blockade using an LHRH agonist and antiandrogen. All treatments are associated with some morbidity related to the reduction of circulating testosterone. For this reason, "alternative" regimens are under active study to determine whether equal outcomes can be achieved with lesser toxicity.
A Lumped Element Diode Phase Shifter

A digital phase shifter utilizing three PIN diodes in a tee configuration is described. The operation is explained in terms of low and high pass filter characteristics. Design expressions for phase change, insertion loss and VSWR as a function of element values are given. Frequency characteristics for 45, 90 and 180 degree units are shown in graphical form.
Schooling Mobile Phones: Assumptions about Proximal Benefits, the Challenges of Shifting Meanings, and the Politics of Teaching.

Mobile devices are increasingly upheld as powerful tools for learning and school reform. In this article, we prioritize youth voices to critically examine assumptions about student interest in mobi...
The Dynamic Structure Of Customer Relationship Management With Implications For Business Implementation

CRM (Customer Relationship Management) is a systematic business approach using information and on-going dialogue to build long lasting and mutually beneficial customer relationships. CRM integrates data, technology, analyses and marketing and communications processes across all customer touch-points. CRM can be an effective business strategy tool when used appropriately, especially now in our customer center business. To the end, a holistic view of the implementation of CRM should be made in order to discuss the pro and con about this strategy. This paper will review a number of CRM literatures and a conceptual systems thinking model will be built to explore these Customer Relationship Management related components to guide the administrators as they attempt to steer the Customer Relationship Management clear of these obstacles. Specifically, systems feedback loops as a tool to demonstrate the dynamic structure of Customer Relationship Management components and assist the management control policy scenario planning.
Observation and Observers for Systems from Delay Convoluted Observation

Abstract This paper analyzes finite dimensional linear time-invariant systems with observation of a delay, where that delay satisfies a particular implicit relation with the state variables, rendering the entire problem nonlinear. The objective is to retrieve the state variables from the measured delay. The first contribution involves the direct inversion of the delay, the second is the design of a finite dimensional observer, and the third presents properties of the delay - state relation. Realistic examples treat vehicles with ultrasonic position sensors.
Digitalis-induced cardiac arrhythmias: a report of 180 cases.

Digitalis is an essential drug in the treatment of congestive heart failure and various supraventricular arrhythmias. However, digitalis may produce or aggravate congestive heart failure and almost every known cardiac arrhythmia. A recognition of digitalis-induced arrhythmias is extremely important because cardiac arrhythmias may often indicate digitalis intoxication without any other signs.One hundred and eighty patients with digitalis intoxication studied by this author were presented. The total incidence of digitalis-induced arrhythmias was 346 episodes. The overall incidence of ventricular arrhythmias was highest (104 patients) and, among these, ventricular premature contractions predominated. The basic rhythm was atrial fibrillation in 87 patients and almost all of these patients showed either nonparoxysmal A-V nodal tachycardia or A-V nodal escape rhythm. This information is extremely important since A-V nodal arrhythmia in the presence of atrial fibrillation are frequently misinterpreted as uncomplicated atrial fibrillation. Frequent occurrence of A-V dissociation with A-V nodal arrhythmias was emphasized. Nineteen patients had atrial tachycardia and A-V conduction disturbances were encountered in 64 patients.Sudden appearance of rapid or slow heart action during digitalization should make one suspect digitalis toxicity rather than need for increased digitalis. Immediate recognition of digitalis toxicity particularly digitalisinduced arrhythmias and withdrawal of digitalis are essential to minimize the relatively high mortality.
Spectroscopic Studies of Light-driven Water Oxidation Catalyzed by Polyoxometalates

This review is focused on the spectroscopic studies of the charge transfer dynamics in polyoxometalate (POM)-catalyzed artificial photodriven water oxidation systems. We first describe the general challenges in solar fuel production, showing that water oxidation catalysts (WOCs) are of central importance. After the introduction of a new class of highly efficient WOCs based on all-inorganic polyoxometalates, we summarize the performance of these WOCs in homogeneous water oxidation systems. We show that the individual steps involved in the overall light-driven water oxidation reaction can be investigated by spectroscopic techniques (fluorescence quenching, transient absorption, and stopped flow). These studies provide important insight into the factors that limit the overall conversion efficiency in these systems and suggest possible approaches for improving these devices.
Hemochromatosis and Hemosiderosis

appendix contains some of the more unusual problems, such as electrocardiograms in patients with cardiac pacemakers or mag¬ netic -C interference, for which an ingenious "loop test" is described. Finally, a comparison is made of tracings registered on seven different machines on the same patient, and the per¬ formance of the machines is graded using a point system. To summarize, Dr. Bradlow's book contains
Technology mandate for greening brick industry in Bangladesh: a policy evaluation

For the last 9 years, the Government of Bangladesh has been trying to change the way bricks are produced in the country using a technology mandate that bans the widespread conventional technology. In a bid to control the severe air pollution emanating from the brick sector, mandating production technology was chosen to be the preferred policy instrument for regulating the sector. However, the regulatory history shows limited success in making the brick sector less polluting. This paper reviews and analyzes the shortcomings of this technology mandate to spur technology diffusion in the brick sector of Bangladesh. Whereas previous research studied the brick sector on the technological aspects and supply side economics, this paper focuses on the underlying factors hampering policy implementation on the part of the regulatory agency. In order to reorient the policy direction for this important manufacturing sector, this study outlines the policy history of the technological mandate and their shortcomings in generating an impact.
Quality of Life after Thoraco-Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair

For thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) repair, the focus on traditional perioperative outcomes has expanded to include investigations on quality of life. Additional impetus for such data comes from increased public awareness about the availability of healthcare resources and also from the introduction of new, less-invasive endovascular alternatives to TAAA repair. Although the amount of data on this topic is not extensive, a clear trend has emerged. In general, quality-of-life studies have shown that survivors of TAAA repair return to a functional level that is close to their pre-procedural baseline, a finding that needs to be confirmed with prospectively collected data.
Brazil’s PROFORMAÇÃO Project: A Case Study of an Integrated Virtual System for Delivering In-Service Teacher Education

A systems methodology was employed to design and deliver a highly successful demonstration of the effectiveness of distance education as a means of providing high quality training to tens of thousa...
Decreasing Hospital Readmission in Ileostomy Patients: Results of Novel Pilot Program

Background Nearly 30% of patients with newly formed ileostomies require hospital readmission from severe dehydration or associated complications. This contributes to significant morbidity and rising healthcare costs associated with this procedure. Our aim was to design and pilot a novel program to decrease readmissions in this patient population. Study Design An agreement was established with Visiting Nurse Health System (VNHS) in March 2015 that incorporated regular home visits with clinical triggers to institute surgeon-supervised corrective measures aimed at preventing patient decompensation associated with hospital readmissions. Thirty-day readmission data for patients managed with and without VNHS support for 10.5 months before and after implementation of this new program were collected. Results Of 833 patients with small bowel procedures, 162 were ileostomies with 47 in the VNHS and 115 in the non-VNHS group. Before program implementation, VNHS (n = 24) and non-VNHS patients (n = 54) had similar readmission rates (20.8% vs 16.7%). After implementation, VNHS patients (n = 23) had a 58% reduction in hospital readmission (8.7%) and non-VNHS patient hospital readmissions (n = 61) increased slightly (24.5%). Total cost of readmissions per patient in the cohort decreased by >80% in the pilot VNHS group. Conclusions Implementation of a novel program reduced the 30-day readmission rate by 58% and cost of readmissions per patient by >80% in a high risk for readmission patient population with newly created ileostomies. Future efforts will expand this program to a greater number of patients, both institutionally and systemically, to reduce the readmission-rate and healthcare costs for this high-risk patient population.
Switchable Hydrolase Based on Reversible Formation of Supramolecular Catalytic Site Using a Self-Assembling Peptide

The reversible regulation of catalytic activity is a feature found in natural enzymes which is not commonly observed in artificial catalytic systems. Here, we fabricate an artificial hydrolase with pH-switchable activity, achieved by introducing a catalytic histidine residue at the terminus of a pH-responsive peptide. The peptide exhibits a conformational transition from random coil to β-sheet by changing the pH from acidic to alkaline. The β-sheet self-assembles to form long fibrils with the hydrophobic edge and histidine residues extending in an ordered array as the catalytic microenvironment, which shows significant esterase activity. Catalytic activity can be reversible switched by pH-induced assembly/disassembly of the fibrils into random coils. At higher concentrations, the peptide forms a hydrogel which is also catalytically active and maintains its reversible (de-)activation.
Porous microspheres of polyaniline, poly(o-toluidine), and poly(m-toluidine) prepared from double emulsions stabilized by toluidine isomers as the single surfactant.

Abstract Hypothesis Porous spheres of the conducting polymer polyaniline (PANI) and its derivatives are promising materials for use as functional encapsulants for payload delivery and catalyst supports. Stable water-in-oil-in water (W/O/W) double emulsions can be used to obtain this morphology, but typically require multiple surfactants and stabilizers. A single surfactant system that uses a small amphiphilic molecule is desirable, as it can simplify the method, improve its efficiency, and reduce its cost. Experiments Granular poly( o -toluidine) (POT) was transformed into porous microspheres when ammonium hydroxide was added to an aqueous acidic dispersion containing the preformed polymer and amphiphilic o -toluidine (OT). The OT, POT, and ammonium hydroxide concentrations were varied to understand the formation mechanism. Conditions were optimized to obtain a narrowed size distribution. Findings The rapid change from acidic to alkaline surroundings produces a W/O/W double emulsion from POT and OT over a relatively narrow concentration range. Spheres form when POT dissolves in immiscible OT droplets, and entrapped water droplets form the pores. OT serves as the single amphiphilic surfactant and dissolved POT serves as a hydrophobic co-stabilizer. o -Toluidine, m -toluidine, or p -toluidine could be used as the single surfactant to obtain porous spheres from preformed POT, PANI and poly( m -toluidine).
Neural Changes Underlying Rapid Fly Song Evolution

The neural basis for behavioural evolution is poorly understood. Functional comparisons of homologous neurons may reveal how neural circuitry contributes to behavioural evolution, but homologous neurons cannot be identified and manipulated in most taxa. Here, we compare the function of homologous courtship song neurons by exporting neurogenetic reagents that label identified neurons in Drosophila melanogaster to D. yakuba . We found a conserved role for a cluster of brain neurons that establish a persistent courtship state. In contrast, a descending neuron with conserved electrophysiological properties drives different song types in each species. Our results suggest that song evolved, in part, due to changes in the neural circuitry downstream of this descending neuron. This experimental approach can be generalized to other neural circuits and therefore provides an experimental framework for studying how the nervous system has evolved to generate behavioural diversity.
Using smart materials to solve new challenges in the automotive industry

Ford has an extensive history of developing and utilizing smart and innovative materials in its vehicles. In this paper, we present new challenges the automotive industry is facing and explore how intelligent uses of smart materials can help provide solutions. We explore which vehicle attributes may provide most advantageous for the use smart materials, and discuss how smart material have had technical challenges that limit their use. We also look at how smart materials such as gecko inspired adhesion is providing opportunities during the vehicle assembly process by improving manufacturing quality, environmental sustainability, and worker safety. An emerging area for deployment of smart materials may involve autonomous vehicles and mobility solutions, where customer expectations are migrating toward a seamless and adaptive experience leading to new expectations for an enhanced journey. Another area where smart materials are influencing change is interior and exterior design including smart textiles, photochromatic dyes, and thermochromatic materials. The key to advancing smart materials in automotive industry is to capitalize on the smaller niche applications where there will be an advantage over traditional methods. Ford has an extensive history of developing and utilizing smart and innovative materials. Magnetorheological fluids, thermoelectric materials, piezoelectric actuators, and shape memory alloys are all in production. In this paper we present new challenges the automotive industry is facing and explore how intelligent uses of smart materials can help provide solutions. We explore which vehicle attributes may provide most advantageous for the use smart materials, and discuss how smart materials have had technical challenges that limit their use. An emerging area for deployment of smart materials may involve autonomous vehicles and mobility solutions, where customer expectations may require a seamless and adaptive experience for users having various expectations.
Biochemical Recurrence After Radiation Therapy

Our patient was considered intermediate risk status prior to his original treatment. At this point he has experienced a biochemical failure and has a very strong potential for disease recurrence. With a PSA of 4.5, metastasis is less likely, but imaging modalities are not adequately sensitive to eliminate the possibility of metastatic foci. At this point we have a very healthy gentleman with what appears to be local recurrence of previously intermediate risk prostate cancer. Without any treatment, this recurrence has the potential to metastasize and cause morbidity and even mortality in this patient. We recommend discussing the local salvage therapy options. We might recommend salvage radical prostatectomy in this case, ensuring the patient has a good understanding that the procedure has a significant risk of altering his quality of life and that these risks are elevated above the typical patient undergoing primary radical prostatectomy. If the patient selects this treatment option, we would recommend both a TRUS biopsy to confirm local disease and a fluciclovine PET scan to increase our confidence in the presence of both local recurrence and absence of nodal disease or metastasis. Other local salvage therapies are certainly options as well. The patient could also consider a watchful waiting approach with plans to initiate ADT at the time of detection of clinical metastasis. Note that ongoing studies will soon further our understanding of the role of newer ADT modalities in the BCR setting.