cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Randomized Clinical Trial of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) versus Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for Mixed Anxiety Disorders

Objective: Randomized comparisons of acceptance-based treatments with traditional cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for anxiety disorders are lacking. To address this gap, we compared acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) to CBT for heterogeneous anxiety disorders. Method: One hundred twenty-eight individuals (52% female, mean age 38, 33% minority) with 1 or more DSM–IV anxiety disorders began treatment following randomization to CBT or ACT; both treatments included behavioral exposure. Assessments at pre-treatment, post-treatment, and 6- and 12-month follow-up measured anxiety-specific (principal disorder Clinical Severity Ratings [CSRs], Anxiety Sensitivity Index, Penn State Worry Questionnaire, Fear Questionnaire avoidance) and non-anxiety-specific (Quality of Life Index [QOLI], Acceptance and Action Questionnaire–16 [AAQ]) outcomes. Treatment adherence, therapist competency ratings, treatment credibility, and co-occurring mood and anxiety disorders were investigated. Results: CBT and ACT improved similarly across all outcomes from pre- to post-treatment. During follow-up, ACT showed steeper linear CSR improvements than CBT (p .05, d 1.26), and at 12-month follow-up, ACT showed lower CSRs than CBT among completers (p .05, d 1.10). At 12-month follow-up, ACT reported higher AAQ than CBT (p .08, d 0.42; completers: p .05, d 0.56), whereas CBT reported higher QOLI than ACT (p .05, d 0.42). Attrition and comorbidity improvements were similar; ACT used more non-study psychotherapy at 6-month follow-up. Therapist adherence and competency were good; treatment credibility was higher in CBT. Conclusions: Overall improvement was similar between ACT and CBT, indicating that ACT is a highly viable treatment for anxiety disorders.
In Vitro–In Vivo Correlation for Low-Clearance Compounds Using Hepatocyte Relay Method

In vitro-in vivo correlation (IVIVC) of intrinsic clearance in preclinical species of rat and dog was established using the hepatocyte relay method to support high-confidence prediction of human pharmacokinetics for low-clearance compounds. Good IVIVC of intrinsic clearance was observed for most of the compounds, with predicted values within 2-fold of the observed values. The exceptions involved transporter-mediated uptake clearance or metabolizing enzymes with extensive extrahepatic contribution. This is the first assay available to address low clearance challenges in preclinical species for IVIVC in drug discovery. It extends the utility of the hepatocyte relay method in addressing low clearance issues.
Compression of neural signals using discriminative coding for wireless applications

One of the most critical tasks when designing a portable wireless neural recording system is to limit power consumption. This paper proposes a new compression technique applied to neuronal recordings in real-time. The signal is compressed before transmission using a discriminative vector quantization algorithm and then it is reconstructed on the receiver side. Results show that power consumption is decreased while more efficiently using the limited bandwidth. A discriminative Linde-Buzo-Gray algorithm (DLBG) preserves action potential regions of the neuronal signal where information is contained while efficiently filtering background activity. The compression algorithm has been tested in real time on a hardware platform (PICO DSP [3]) that has a Digital Signal Processor (DSP) which performs the algorithm before sending the compressed data to a wireless transmitter. The compression ratios obtained range between 20:1 and 70:1 depending on the embedding size of the signal and the number of code-vectors used.
Reasoning and identifying relevant matches for XML keyword search

Keyword search is a user-friendly mechanism for retrieving XML data in web and scientific applications. An intuitively compelling but vaguely defined goal is to identify matches to query keywords that are relevant to the user. However, it is hard to directly evaluate the relevance of query results due to the inherent ambiguity of search semantics. In this work, we investigate an axiomatic framework that includes two intuitive and non-trivial properties that an XML keyword search technique should ideally satisfy: monotonicity and consistency, with respect to data and query. This is the first work that reasons about keyword search strategies from a formal perspective.Then we propose a novel semantics for identifying relevant matches, which, to the best of our knowledge, is the only existing algorithm that satisfies both properties. An efficient algorithm is designed for realizing this semantics. Extensive experimental studies have verified the intuition of the properties and shown the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Progress with the JLC/NLC X-Band Linear Collider Design

An electron/positron linear collider with a center-of-mass energy between 0.5 and 1 TeV would be an important complement to the physics program of the LHC in the next decade. The Next Linear Collider (NLC) is being designed by a US collaboration (FNAL, LBNL, LLNL, and SLAC) which is working closely with the Japanese collaboration that is designing the Japanese Linear Collider (JLC). This paper will discuss the technical difficulties encountered as well as the changes that have been made to the NLC design over the last year. These changes include improvements to the X-band rf system as well as modifications to the beam delivery system. The net effect has been to reduce the length of the collider from about 32 km to 25 km and to reduce the number of klystrons and modulators by a factor of two. Together these lead to significant cost savings.
Optical surface resonance may render photonic crystals ineffective

In this work, we identify and study the presence of extremely intense surface resonances that frustrate the coupling of photons into a photonic crystal over crucial energy ranges. The practical utility of photonic crystals demands the capability to exchange photons with the external medium; therefore, it is essential to understand the cause of these surface resonances and a route to their elimination. We demonstrate that by modifying the surface geometry, it is possible to tune the optical response or eliminate the resonances to enable full exploitation of the photonic crystal.
ERK activation by the polyphenols fisetin and resveratrol provides neuroprotection in multiple models of Huntington's disease

Huntington's disease (HD) is an inherited, progressive and ultimately fatal neurodegenerative disorder that is characterized by psychiatric, cognitive and motor symptoms. Among the pathways implicated in HD are those involving mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling and particularly the Ras-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) cascade. Studies in both cells and animal models suggest that ERK activation might provide a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of HD but compounds that specifically activate ERK are few. To test the hypothesis that pharmaceutical activation of ERK might be protective for HD, a polyphenol, fisetin, which was previously shown to activate the Ras-ERK cascade, was tested in three different models of HD: PC12 cells expressing mutant Httex1 under the control of an inducible promoter, Drosophila expressing mutant Httex1 and the R6/2 mouse model of HD. The results indicate that fisetin can reduce the impact of mutant huntingtin in each of these disease models. Prompted by this observation, we determined that the related polyphenol, resveratrol, also activates ERK and is protective in HD models. Notably, although more than a dozen small molecule inhibitors of ERK activation are in clinical trials, very few small molecule activators of ERK signaling are reported. Thus, fisetin, resveratrol and related compounds might be useful for the treatment of HD by virtue of their unique ability to activate ERK.
Hypothyroidism induces Fos-like immunoreactivity in ventral medullary neurons that synthesize TRH

Altered thyroid statuses are associated with autonomic disorders. Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) in medullary nuclei regulates vagal efferent activity. Induction of Fos-like immunoreactivity (...
Estimating the order of moving average models: the max X2 method

The max X2 technique for estimating rhe order of autoregressive processes (McClave (1976)) is extended to moving average models. The autoregressive-moving average duality is exploited by using the inverse autocorrelation function and the subset autoregression algorithm. The technique is demonstrated via simulations, and is applied to Box and Jenkins (1970) Series A.
Backend-of-line reliability improvement options for 28nm node technologies and beyond

This paper reviews the most encouraging process options for improving backend-of-line reliability performance in advanced technology nodes. Metal capping yields the best electromigration performance; however, this process is most challenging with respect to integration and may also suffer from significantly decreasing grain sizes in trench bottoms for future technologies. Furthermore, time-dependent dielectric breakdown has to be carefully evaluated. Alloying or silicidation techniques are less challenging to implement but can result in unacceptably high resistance increases. We analyze the respective results for each option and compare the performance on 45, 32, and 28nm technology nodes. In addition to electromigration and time-dependent dielectric breakdown, the impact of the various process options on stress migration performance is discussed.
Completeness and Readability of 16 Learning Disabilities Introductory Texts

Sixteen introductory texts on learning disabilities published since 1973 were subjected to content and readability analysis. The contents of the texts were analyzed to determine their inclusion of material relevant to the major content areas of an introductory class on learning disabilities. No text was found to cover all content areas, but most included a large number of these areas. Reading ease scores were computed using the formula developed by Flesch, and these ranged from the college level to the college graduate level.
Lightning deaths: a retrospective review of New Mexico's cases, 1977-2009

To better understand lightning deaths, a retrospective review of electronic records from New Mexico's Office of the Medical Investigator database was performed between 1977 and 2009 to update and assess current risk factors. Information on demographics, circumstances, autopsy, and death certificates were collected and analyzed. Fifty-four decedents were identified, ages 2-71 years old (mean 34 years old), 42 males and 12 females. Common racial/ethnic groups were non-Hispanic Whites and American Indians (together comprising 72% of all cases). Physical findings were often related to the heat carried by the electrical current including clothing alterations (29.6%) and burning of skin (53.7%). Most deaths occurred on weekend afternoons in summer months, associated with recreational activities or agricultural work, and rural locations (77.8%). Utilizing the demographic information, clustered events, and associated outdoor activities will assist in creating public awareness and provide a framework to support targeted warnings in an attempt to prevent future deaths. Language: en
An Econometric Analysis of Exploration and Extraction of Oil in the U.K. Continental Shelf

This paper develops an econometric model for the analysis of exploration and production policies of "price-taking" suppliers, and derives theoretically consistent exploration and output equations for oil which explicitly take account of the oil discovery process and the intertemporal nature of exploration and production decision. The model is then applied to an empirical analysis of oil exploration and extraction on the United Kingdom Continental Shelf (UKCS) over the period 1978(1)-1986(4). The analysis explicitly takes account of the available engineering information concerning the pressure dynamics of the petroleum reserves and the geological knowledge pertinent to the discovery process, and presents formal statistical tests of the significance of these factors for the explanation of output and exploration in the North Sea. Copyright 1990 by Royal Economic Society.
Fibroblast growth factor receptor signaling dramatically accelerates tumorigenesis and enhances oncoprotein translation in the mouse mammary tumor virus-Wnt-1 mouse model of breast cancer

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) cooperates with the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway to promote mammary tumorigenesis. To investigate the mechanisms involved in FGF/Wnt cooperation, we genetically engineered a model of inducible FGF receptor (iFGFR) signaling in the context of the well-established mouse mammary tumor virus-Wnt-1 transgenic mouse. In the bigenic mice, iFGFR1 activation dramatically enhanced mammary tumorigenesis. Expression microarray analysis did not show transcriptional enhancement of Wnt/beta-catenin target genes but instead showed a translational gene signature that also correlated with elevated FGFR1 and FGFR2 in human breast cancer data sets. Additionally, iFGFR1 activation enhanced recruitment of RNA to polysomes, resulting in a marked increase in protein expression of several different Wnt/beta-catenin target genes. FGF pathway activation stimulated extracellular signal-regulated kinase and the phosphorylation of key translation regulators both in vivo in the mouse model and in vitro in a human breast cancer cell line. Our results suggest that cooperation of the FGF and Wnt pathways in mammary tumorigenesis is based on the activation of protein translational pathways that result in, but are not limited to, increased expression of Wnt/beta-catenin target genes (at the level of protein translation). Further, they reveal protein translation initiation factors as potential therapeutic targets for human breast cancers with alterations in FGF signaling.
A detailed examination of the difference between planned and treated margins in 125I permanent prostate brachytherapy

Abstract Purpose To determine whether potential extraprostatic extension (EPE) of prostate adenocarcinoma is covered by the prescribed dose when permanent 125 I implants are planned with a 5-mm treatment margin. Methods and materials The postimplant dosimetry of 60 consecutive 125 I prostate implants was analyzed to determine whether there was a residual 3-mm margin, adequate for treatment of potential EPE. The implants were peripherally loaded and planned with a nominal 5-mm symmetric dose margin. Extraprostatic seeds were not used at midgland, although extraprostatic seeds were placed at the base and apex. The radial distance between the edge of the prostate and the prescription isodose line (145 Gy) was measured at the left lateral, left posterolateral, posterior, right posterolateral, and right lateral positions at the base, midgland, and apex in both the preplan and postimplant dosimetry. Results The mean postimplant margin at the base (4±2 mm) was significantly less ( p p = 0.31 and p = 0.69, respectively). At the base, 69% of the measurements were ⩾3 mm compared with 89% and 91% at the midgland and apex, respectively. Overall, 83% of the margin measurements were ⩾3 mm. The prostate postimplant V 100 and D 90 were 96±4% and 193±27 Gy, respectively. Conclusions A 5-mm planning dose margin can potentially treat most EPE. However, the postimplant margin, like other dosimetric parameters, is sensitive to source placement errors and the percentage of EPE treated depends upon how well the plan is executed. Because implant quality is operator dependent, we would not recommend brachytherapy alone for patients with a high risk of EPE.
Transdermal Fentanyl Patches in Small Animals

Fentanyl citrate is a potent opioid that can be delivered by the transdermal route in cats and dogs. Publications regarding transdermal fentanyl patches were obtained and systematically reviewed. Seven studies in cats and seven studies in dogs met the criteria for inclusion in this review. Dogs achieved effective plasma concentrations approximately 24 hours after patch application. Cats achieved effective plasma concentrations 7 hours after patch application. In dogs, transdermal fentanyl produced analgesia for up to 72 hours, except for the immediate 0- to 6-hour postoperative period. In cats, transdermal fentanyl produced analgesia equivalent to intermittent butorphanol administration for up to 72 hours following patch application.
Visualization of Buffer Capacity with 3-D “Topo” Surfaces: Buffer Ridges, Equivalence Point Canyons and Dilution Ramps

BufCap TOPOS is free software that generates 3-D topographical surfaces (“topos”) for acid–base equilibrium studies. It portrays pH and buffer capacity behavior during titration and dilution procedures. Topo surfaces are created by plotting computed pH and buffer capacity values above a composition grid with volume of NaOH as the x axis and overall system dilution as the y axis. What emerge are surface features that correspond to pH and buffer behaviors in aqueous solutions. Topo surfaces are created for pH, log buffer capacity, and linear buffer capacity. Equivalence point breaks become pH cliffs and logarithmic buffer capacity canyons that grow shallower with dilution. Areas of high buffer capacity become rounded ridges. Dilution alone generates 45° ramps. Example systems include hydrochloric acid, HCl (a strong acid); acetic acid, CH3COOH (a weak monoprotic acid); oxalic acid, HOOCCOOH (a weak diprotic acid); and l-glutamic acid hydrochloride, C5H9NO4·HCl (a weak triprotic acid). The Supporting Informa...
Characterizing Solvent Dynamics in Nanoscopic Silica Sol–Gel Glass Pores by 2D-IR Spectroscopy of an Intrinsic Vibrational Probe

Porous sol–gel matrices were synthesized with IR-active Si–H vibrational chromophores integrated into the silica network. The Si–H vibrational mode was found to be highly accessible to solvents within the nanoscopic pores. Vibrational solvatochromism of the silane vibration was controlled largely by interactions between infiltrating solvents and the oxygen and hydroxide sites in the silica. Exchanging solvents in the silica matrices produced reversible solvatochromic shifts in some cases but led to irreversible shifts when strongly interacting solvents were tested, suggesting that a layer of solvent was not exchangeable. 2D-IR spectroscopy was used to monitor spectral diffusion and extract the homogeneous line widths of the Si–H mode for a range of infiltrating solvents as well as solvent-free aerogel samples. It was demonstrated that the silane vibration is sensitive to the nature of the infiltrating solvent, making these vibrationally active sol–gel films a general platform for solvent dynamics in nanos...
Blue light reduces organ injury from ischemia and reperfusion

Evidence suggests that light and circadian rhythms profoundly influence the physiologic capacity with which an organism responds to stress. However, the ramifications of light spectrum on the course of critical illness remain to be determined. Here, we show that acute exposure to bright blue spectrum light reduces organ injury by comparison with bright red spectrum or ambient white fluorescent light in two murine models of sterile insult: warm liver ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) and unilateral renal I/R. Exposure to bright blue light before I/R reduced hepatocellular injury and necrosis and reduced acute kidney injury and necrosis. In both models, blue light reduced neutrophil influx, as evidenced by reduced myeloperoxidase (MPO) within each organ, and reduced the release of high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), a neutrophil chemotactant and key mediator in the pathogenesis of I/R injury. The protective mechanism appeared to involve an optic pathway and was mediated, in part, by a sympathetic (β3 adrenergic) pathway that functioned independent of significant alterations in melatonin or corticosterone concentrations to regulate neutrophil recruitment. These data suggest that modifying the spectrum of light may offer therapeutic utility in sterile forms of cellular injury.
Outcome Evaluation of Family Eats An Eight-Session Web-Based Program Promoting Healthy Home Food Environments and Dietary Behaviors for African American Families

This article presents the results of a randomized clinical trial evaluating the eight-session Family Eats web-based intervention promoting healthy home food environments for African American families. African American families ( n = 126) with 8- to 12-year-old children completed online baseline questionnaires and were randomized into intervention or control groups. Data collection occurred at baseline, immediately postintervention (Post 1), and 4 months later (Post 2), for parents and children, separately. There were two group by time intervention effects: Control group parents reported a significantly greater frequency of drinking 100% fruit juice at Post 1 compared with intervention group parents. Parent menu planning skills were significantly higher at Post 2 for the intervention group compared with the control group. Significant positive changes overtime were noted for both groups for home fruit/vegetable availability, food preparation practices, and healthy restaurant selection. Intervention group children reported a significant increase in home juice availability at Post 1 compared with the control group; home fruit availability improved for both groups. There was no difference in log on rates by group: 84% and 86% for those who completed Post 1 and Post 2 measurements, respectively. Sixty-four participants completed the evaluation survey: 17 control (50%) and 47 intervention (51%) participants. All participants reported liking the program components; all but one gave it an A or B grade. An Internet-delivered nutrition intervention for families was successful in achieving change in some mediating variables, with good log on rates. Future research with Family Eats should include larger sample sizes, with longer follow-up and a more objective measure of diet.
Biological functionality and mechanistic contribution of extracellular matrix‐ornamented three dimensional Ti‐6Al‐4V mesh scaffolds

The 3D printed metallic implants are considered bioinert in nature because of the absence of bioactive molecules. Thus, surface modification of bioinert materials is expected to favorably promote osteoblast functions and differentiation. In this context, the objective of this study is to fundamentally elucidate the effect of cell-derived decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) ornamented 3D printed Ti-6Al-4V scaffolds on biological functions, involving cell adhesion, proliferation, and synthesis of vinculin and actin proteins. To mimic the natural ECM environment, the mineralized ECM of osteoblasts was deposited on the Ti-6Al-4V porous scaffolds, fabricated by electron beam melting (EBM) method. The process comprised of osteoblast proliferation, differentiation, and freeze-thaw cycles to obtain decellularized extra cellular matrix (dECM), in vitro. The dECM provided a natural environment to restore the natural cell functionality of osteoblasts that were cultured on dECM ornamented Ti-6Al-4V scaffolds. In comparison to the bare Ti-6Al-4V scaffolds, a higher cell functionality such as cell adhesion, proliferation, and growth including cell-cell and cell-material interaction were observed on dECM ornamented Ti-6Al-4V scaffolds, which were characterized by using markers for focal adhesion and cytoskeleton such as vinculin and actin. Moreover, electron microscopy also indicated higher cell-material interaction and enhanced proliferation of cells on dECM ornamented Ti-6Al-4V scaffolds, supported by MTT assay. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 2751-2763, 2016.
Resolution of Delusional Parasitosis within Complicated Grief Group Therapy: A Case Analysis

ABSTRACTIn this article, the authors present the case of a 71-year-old female suicide survivor in our Complicated Grief Group Therapy research study who presented with delusional parasitosis (DP) that resolved over the course of treatment. The authors describe Complicated Grief Group Therapy for survivors of suicide and the effect of therapy on her DP symptoms. The unique treatment elements of Complicated Grief Group Therapy addressed the trauma features of her grief, her relationship with her deceased son, her social isolation, health care adherence, and progression to a healthy grief process.
Historical perspectives on teaching with technology in K‐12 schools

New media are often promoted as crucial components in present day efforts at educational reform. Advocates argue, for example, that digital media can be used to develop students’ skills in accessing, analyzing, and using information in many forms and from many sources. Some educators believe that new media can help develop higher‐order thinking skills, or that they can make learning more exciting or more meaningful to students. Many of the hopes sound reasonable and desirable, but the history of educational media suggests educational reformers tend to have a difficult time achieving the results they desire. Some of the hopes that people have today for digital media mirror those that people had for such media as radio and television. A better understanding of this historical context might help guide the meaningful use of new educational media today.
Modular Immune Organoids with Integrin Ligand Specificity Differentially Regulate Ex Vivo B Cell Activation.

Germinal centers are dynamic structures within lymphoid tissues, which develop once B cells receive activating signals from surrounding immune cells. Germinal center B cells are small in number, heterogeneous, and prone to rapid apoptosis unless selected by the body to form memory B cells. Despite extensive research in the B cell differentiation process, the role of the lymphoid niche, in particular integrin ligands, in the development of early germinal center-like phenotype remains unclear. Here, we report a biomaterials-based modular immune organoid that enables development of early germinal-center phenotype in an integrin ligand-specific manner. We demonstrate the differential role of integrin α4β1- and αvβ3-binding ligands in the induction of GL7+ (GC-like) and GL7- (non-GC-like) phenotype in differentiating B cells while in the presence of CD40 ligand and interleukin-4. We further demonstrate the role of integrin ligand specificities in clustering of β3 integrin and B cell receptor on the surface of ...
Insights on the aerobic biodegradation of polymers by analysis of evolved carbon dioxide in simulated composting conditions

The development of novel biodegradable polymers as a way to create sustainable materials has required the development of methodologies to evaluate and understand their biodegradation. In this work, we first provide a critical summary of selected biodegradation tests performed in the last fifteen years for a number of biodegradable materials, providing relevant information about the materials tested, characteristics of the compost used and the method for testing. Then, we report a comparative analysis of the results obtained from eight different biodegradation tests performed in simulated composting conditions by analysis of evolved CO2 and carried out in an in-house built direct measurement respirometer. The materials evaluated for biodegradation were cellulose, starch, glycerol, polyethylene, and poly(lactic acid). Our results along with the information provided in the literature allowed us to identify that one of the main issues of biodegradation testing is the low reproducibility due to the number of variables involved in the biodegradation process. It is difficult to provide fair comparisons of samples that are not within the same test. Therefore, we provide a critical overview of the different factors affecting the biodegradability, biodegradation rate, and biodegradation mechanisms of polymeric materials. Furthermore, we share the experiences and insights gained during the performance of the different biodegradation tests, and identify areas of opportunity for improving biodegradation testing through evolved CO2. This information should create a common knowledge platform for people interested in studying the biodegradation of materials.
Immunotherapy: Hiding in plain sight: immune escape in the era of targeted T-cell-based immunotherapies.

Adoptive cellular therapy (ACT) is now considered a bona fide treatment modality within the evolving field of anticancer immunotherapy. Great advances have enabled the adoptive transfer of tumour-selective lymphocytes for the treatment of a variety of malignancies. Unfortunately, this selectivity has led to the emergence of antigen-loss variants. New strategies need to be employed to minimize the incidence of this phenomenon, enabling the full potential of ACT to be realized.
Is Perceived Need for Action Among Women in Violent Relationships Nonlinear and, If So, Why?

Despite the prevalence and impact of partner violence, we understand little about women’s action taking except that it seems an unpredictable, nonlinear process. This article determines the degree of nonlinearity in perceived need for help, legal action, or leaving among women in violent relationships. The participants included 143 women who experienced violence in the previous month, enrolled from six primary care clinics. Baseline surveys assessed background characteristics and factors which may affect perceived need for action. Multiple times series assessments of violence and need for action were collected daily for 8 weeks via telephone Interactive Voice Response. Measures of nonlinearity of violence, perceived need for help, legal action, and leaving were computed. Repeated measures ANOVA assessed differences across measures of nonlinearity. To identify factors contributing to nonlinearity, staged multiple regression assessed the relationship between nonlinearity measures and outcomes. Ninety-three ...
IT Architecture in strategic alliance negotiations: a case

In forming strategic alliances managers should consider information technological fit along with other business considerations among partners. The development of IT architecture for the new situation and its use in the negotiation process could potentially be rewarding for all the parties involved. This chapter uses a case study to describe the way in which the development of IT architecture for the proposed alliance between an information and communications technology (ICT) organisation and its partners helped in the negotiation process. A telecommunications organisation (TEL) intended to enter into the retail electricity distribution business in alliance with existing operators in the retail electricity industry so that TEL could improve its market position. An IT architecture for the new market situation was developed, which helped in understanding the future informational requirements and dependence of partners on each other.
A Low-Cost Modular Impact-Based Experimental Setup for Evaluation of EMI Based Structural Health Monitoring at High Rates

This paper investigates the use of the electromechanical impedance (EMI) method for detecting changes in the dynamic state of structures by presenting a low-cost, modular, instrumented, impact-based experimental setup. This experimental setup consists of a pneumatically actuated moving impacting aluminum bar, which will be launched to collide with a static incident bar at various impact velocities. The system allows for the use of different dimensions and materials for both the impacting bar and the incident bar. The boundary conditions of the incident bar can be changed by configuring the non-impacted side of the bar as clamped or free. The velocity of the impacting bar is measured using an array of two photoelectric sensors. A piezoelectric transducer attached to the incident bar is utilized for detecting the changes in dynamic state at the interface between the two bars by utilizing the EMI method. The impedance data is acquired and processed using a custom made measurement and analysis suite at very high-rate. Preliminary measurement results are presented to demonstrate the capability of the developed system to achieve repeatable and customizable impact events and also monitor the impedance response of the piezoelectric sensor. The long-term goal of this research is the use of this impact-based experimental setup for damage detection in structures operating in highly dynamic environments. This will be done by coupling the setup with a measurement system capable of microsecond data acquisition and processing.
The Madness(es) of Reading and Writing Ethnography

themselves and know they are being read. This is losing the senses not twice, but many times over, for just as in each writing (or writing about) there are senses lost and senses gained, so there are in every reading by every reader senses lost and gained. This article allows me to share my thoughts on some of the readings of Ways With Words (WWW)-specifically those of deCastell and Walker (Anthropology and Education Quarterly 22(1):3-20) and Assinck (this issue). In addition, I can here reflect on how both I and those who have read themselves over the years have come to face realities that are "multiple, equivocal, and ambiguous." In these reflections, I must point out how the book about the primarily oral cultures of Roadville and Trackton has not destroyed them, as has been the claim of some, who say that bringing a culture into writing both creates the culture as book and destroys it as oral life (Clifford 1986,1988). To make such claims of groups such as these, immersed within the media and literacy of contemporary life in a modern society, is to overstate the power of writing, academic research, and reading. A decade after WWW was finished, the people of Trackton and Roadville and I are still part of each other's lives. We chat on the phone, get together for weddings and funerals, call on each other for advice and help, and gossip about people and politics. With the now grown children of WWW's Roadville, most of our talk these days is about their worries
Steady Flow of Slightly Viscoelastic Fluids

A study is presented of the flow of fluids for which the stress-deformation relation departs only slightly from that of a Newtonian fluid. Incompressibility is assumed throughout and the analysis is limited to flows for which the nonlinear inertia terms in the equations of motion may be completely ignored. For flows of very viscous fluids, a method is presented whereby the effect of a small departure from the Newtonian constitutive equation can be examined. The fluid is assumed to be in a state of steady flow with fixed sources or sinks present within the volume occupied by the fluid or on fixed portions of its boundaries which are assumed to consist solely of rigid walls at rest or in steady motion parallel to themselves. General expressions are obtained for axisymmetric flows. Application is made to steady convergent flow in a right-circular cone.
Three-Dimensional Predominance Volume Diagrams: The Ni-As-S-O System

The 3D predominance volume diagram (PVD) for the Ni-As-S-O system at 700 K (427 °C) was constructed using independent gases O2, SO2, and As4O6. The system has 15 four-condensed-phase invariant points. Invariant points, fixed by any combination of boundaries and condensed phases totaling four, were determined by a Gibb’s minimization routine that searched from a corner of the PVD along each undetermined line emanating from this and subsequently-identified invariants. The search direction was determined from the cross product of the two independent planes’ normal direction vectors. The 0.25 atm and 1.00 atm isobaric surfaces intersect the Ni3As2O8, NiO, NiSO4, Ni1−xS, NiS2, and Ni11As8 phases. The 1.00 atm surface also intersects the NiAs phase. The PVD results agree with published ternary and quaternary phase diagram Alkemade lines. If the roasting of gersdorffite (NiAsS) parallels the roasting of enargite (Cu3AsS4), gersdorffite is expected to initially react irreversibly with O2 in the roasting gas to form NiS and NiSO4 topochemical layers with arsenic being expelled as As4O6 gas and perhaps As4 gas once a diffusion-controlled topochemical reaction sequence is established. Thermochemical calculations showed that the formation of NiO from NiSO4 and Ni3As2O8, if present, becomes more favorable as the temperature is increased with complete conversion to NiO above 1086 K and 1160 K (813 °C and 887 °C), respectively, at 1.00 atm.
The Role of Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography in Cardiology Consultation

Cardiac computed tomography (CCT) has rapidly become an integral part of noninvasive diagnostic cardiovascular imaging. Coronary artery calcium scoring using either electronic beam computed tomography (CT) or multidetector row CT is useful in the reclassification of coronary artery disease (CAD) risk when combined with the clinical CAD risk scoring in asymptomatic individuals. Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) has a very high negative predictive value for ruling out the presence of significant obstructive CAD in symptomatic patients with either chronic or acute chest pain. Newer generation of scanners and software algorithms allows CCT studies to be performed easily in more patients with much lower effective radiation exposure. CCTA allows infinite viewing angle of the heart and its associated vascular structure retrospectively and is thus an invaluable and unique diagnostic tool for the assessment of cardiac structure and morphology prior to invasive procedures. Moreover, CCT aids in the diagnosis and management of patients with complex congenital heart disease and suspected coronary anomalies. It often obviates the need for invasive coronary angiography prior to noncoronary cardiac surgery and early post-coronary artery bypass grafting or coronary stenting for evaluation of the patency of native, grafted, or stented coronary vessels. Novel research applications of CCTA in the assessment of stress and rest myocardial perfusion, cardiac viability, and atherosclerotic plaque imaging may further open the window of opportunity for CCT to be the ultimate multipurpose diagnostic imaging modality of the future.
Learning from partial observations

We present a general machine learning framework for modelling the phenomenon of missing information in data. We propose a masking process model to capture the stochastic nature of information loss. Learning in this context is employed as a means to recover as much of the missing information as is recoverable. We extend the Probably Approximately Correct semantics to the case of learning from partial observations with arbitrarily hidden attributes. We establish that simply requiring learned hypotheses to be consistent with observed values suffices to guarantee that hidden values are recoverable to a certain accuracy; we also show that, in some sense, this is an optimal strategy for achieving accurate recovery. We then establish that a number of natural concept classes, including all the classes of monotone formulas that are PAC learnable by monotone formulas, and the classes of conjunctions, disjunctions, k-CNF, k-DNF, and linear thresholds, are consistently learnable from partial observations. We finally show that the concept classes of parities and monotone term 1-decision lists are not properly consistently learnable from partial observations, if RP ≠ NP. This implies a separation of what is consistently learnable from partial observations versus what is learnable in the complete or noisy setting.
Motor System III: Cerebellum

A number of schemes for dividing the cerebellum into various lobes and lobules have been devised. From a functional standpoint, it is perhaps best for the student to visualize the cerebellum as composed of various longitudinal and transverse divisions. In order to visualize these subdivisions, it is necessary to unfold and to flatten the cerebellum as shown in Fig. 13.1.
Expanding Health Information Exchange Improves Identification of Frequent Emergency Department Users.

Study objective Frequent emergency department (ED) users are of interest to policymakers and hospitals. The objective of this study is to examine the effect of health information exchange size on the identification of frequent ED users. Methods We retrospectively analyzed data from Healthix, a health information exchange in New York that previously included 10 hospitals and then grew to 31 hospitals. We divided patients into 3 cohorts: high-frequency ED users with 4 or more visits in any 30-day period, medium-frequency ED users with 4 or more visits in any year, and infrequent ED users with fewer than 4 visits in any year. For both the smaller (10-hospital) and larger (31-hospital) health information exchanges, we compared the identification rate of frequent ED users that was based on hospital-specific data with the corresponding rates that were based on health information exchange data. Results The smaller health information exchange (n=1,696,279 unique ED patients) identified 11.4% more high-frequency users (33,467 versus 30,057) and 9.5% more medium-frequency users (109,497 versus 100,014) than the hospital-specific data. The larger health information exchange (n=3,684,999) identified 19.6% more high-frequency patients (52,727 versus 44,079) and 18.2% more medium-frequency patients (222,574 versus 192,541) than the hospital-specific data. Expanding from the smaller health information exchange to the larger one, we found an absolute increase of 8.2% and 8.7% identified high- and medium-frequency users, respectively. Conclusion Increasing health information exchange size more accurately reflects how patients access EDs and ultimately improves not only the total number of identified frequent ED users but also their identification rate.
Robotic-assisted Laparoscopic Subtrigonal Inlay of Buccal Mucosal Graft for Treatment of Refractory Bladder Neck Contracture

Abstract Objective To describe a novel surgical technique for reconstruction of a case of refractory bladder neck contracture (BNC) using a robotic-assisted laparoscopic (RAL) transvesical approach for subtrigonal inlay of buccal mucosal graft. BNC is a well-described yet uncommon adverse event after BPH surgery. Endoscopic management is successful in many patients but refractory cases may require reconstructive surgery. Materials and Methods A 70-year-old male presented with a history of prior photovaporization of the prostate 2 years prior to our initial consultation. He developed a refractory BNC that did not resolve after multiple endoscopic interventions. For definitive treatment of the BNC, he underwent RAL repair with subtrigonal inlay of buccal mucosal graft. The surgical approach is demonstrated in our video. Results The patient underwent RAL subtrigonal inlay of buccal mucosal graft without intraoperative complication or need to convert to an open procedure. The graft harvested for repair measured 5 × 5 × 4 cm. He was discharged home on postoperative day 2. Urethral catheter was left in place for 2 weeks and suprapubic catheter was removed 4 weeks postoperatively. Voiding cystourethrogram at time of suprapubic catheter removal demonstrated no evidence of obstruction or extravasation. Uroflow qmax improved from 2 to 27 mL/s. Postvoid residual urine volume improved from 200 to 3 mL. At last follow-up, there was no evidence of recurrence. Conclusion Refractory cases of BNC can be successfully managed with reconstructive surgery. In this case report, we describe a novel technique for RAL reconstruction with subtrigonal inlay of buccal mucosal graft.
In US veterans, PPIs were linked to increased all-cause and some cause-specific mortality compared with H2-blockers.

Source Citation Xie Y, Bowe B, Yan Y, et al. Estimates of all cause mortality and cause specific mortality associated with proton pump inhibitors among US veterans: cohort study. BMJ. 2019;365:l158...
Metallurgical Characterization of a Low Carbon Steel Microstructure Using Linear and Nonlinear Ultrasonics

In this study, linear and nonlinear ultrasonic (UT) methods are utilized to evaluate the microstructures of A572 low carbon steel samples that were intercritically heat-treated at three temperatures and quenched to room temperature. The microstructures were also qualitatively and quantitatively assessed using standard metallography. ImageJ software was used to measure the amount of the phases. Correlations between ferrite content and linear velocity and the acoustoelastic coefficient are established. The experiments show that the UT linear and nonlinear velocities are affected by varying the amounts of ferrite and martensite. The acoustoelastic coefficient is found to be more sensitive to small changes in ferrite volume fraction.
What does Jerome Powell know that William McChesney Martin did not—And what role did academic research play in that?

Much has changed over the past 50 years, both in central banking circles and in academic monetary economics. This paper inquires about the interaction between the two: how much and in what ways has academic research influenced the practice of monetary policy, especially by the Federal Reserve? More specifically, the paper takes up five issues: (a) the inflation target, (b) the monetary policy instrument (e.g., interest rate, money supply or “unconventional” instrument?), (c) the model of monetary policy transmission, (d) central bank communications and (e) rules versus discretion.
The Behavioral Response of Blattella germanica (Blattodea: Ectobiidae) Exposed to DEET Varies Throughout Its Life Cycle.

The German cockroach, Blattella germanica L., is a hemimetabolous insect pest of economical and medical importance. N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide (DEET) is an insect repellent whose effect on this species has received very little attention. The objective of this work was to determine whether the behavioral response of B. germanica to DEET varies along its life cycle. DEET repellence was assessed in small, medium, and large nymphs, and in adults of both sexes, all originated from the same laboratory colony (CIPEIN). The experimental arena consisted in a piece of filter paper treated with repellent on one half (195 µg/cm2) and solvent alone on the other half. A cockroach was placed on the filter paper, and its behavior was filmed. An image analyzer was used to quantify how long the insect spent on each side of the paper. As a control, a cockroach was exposed to a piece of filter paper treated with solvent (acetone) alone. Each assay was repeated independently six times. Distribution coefficient (DC) values were calculated, a parameter that ranges between 0 (attraction) and 1 (repellence). Small nymphs were more sensitive to DEET (mean DC = 0.93). The mean DC values of the other groups varied between 0.62 (medium nymphs) and 0.71 (male adults). The group of medium nymphs was the only one whose behavior was not significantly altered by exposure to DEET. The results show the importance of assessing insect repellents at different stages of the insect's life cycle in order to obtain a complete panorama of its effect.