cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Hierarchical VLSM-Based Demand Response Strategy for Coordinative Voltage Control Between Transmission and Distribution Systems

This paper presents a two-stage hierarchical voltage-load sensitivity matrix (VLSM)-based demand response (DR) algorithm for regulating the voltage at distribution feeders while fulfilling the transmission system DR requests. This allows distributed energy resources to be aggregated to provide transmission-level services without causing operational issues in the distribution grids. At the beginning of each operation interval, a transmission system controller will issue DR commands to distribution system controllers. In the first stage, the distribution system controller uses a VLSM-based dispatch algorithm to dispatch the available DR resources on the distribution feeder with an objective to minimize the total voltage deviations at the lowest cost. Then, power flow studies are conducted assuming that the DR commands have been executed. If voltage violations are detected, a second-stage VLSM-based DR dispatch is performed to remove those violations. After that, the upper and lower DR limits calculated for the next operation interval are sent back to the transmission system controller so the transmission optimization algorithm can use them as operational constraints to make subsequent decisions. The DR resources include smart photovoltaic (PV) inverters that can curtail real power and provide reactive power support, controllable loads and capacitor banks. The IEEE 123-bus test system with 5-min PV and load data is used to evaluate the performance of the algorithm. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can fulfill the transmission-level DR requests while maintaining the voltage in the distribution system within limits.
Top-down alteration of functional connectivity within the sensorimotor network in focal dystonia.

Objectives To determine the directionality of regional interactions and influences of one region on another within the functionally abnormal sensorimotor network in isolated focal dystonia. Methods A total of 40 patients with spasmodic dysphonia with and without dystonic tremor of voice and 35 healthy controls participated in the study. Independent component analysis (ICA) of resting-state fMRI was used to identify 4 abnormally coupled brain regions within the functional sensorimotor network in all patients compared to controls. Follow-up spectral dynamic causal modeling (DCM) estimated regional effective connectivity between patients and controls and between patients with spasmodic dysphonia with and without dystonic tremor of voice to expand the understanding of symptomatologic variability associated with this disorder. Results ICA found abnormally reduced functional connectivity of the left inferior parietal cortex, putamen, and bilateral premotor cortex in all patients compared to controls, pointing to a largely overlapping pathophysiology of focal dystonia and dystonic tremor. DCM determined that the disruption of the sensorimotor network was both top-down, involving hyperexcitable parieto-putaminal influence, and interhemispheric, involving right-to-left hyperexcitable premotor coupling in all patients compared to controls. These regional alterations were associated with their abnormal self-inhibitory function when comparing patients with spasmodic dysphonia patients with and without dystonic tremor of voice. Conclusions Abnormal hyperexcitability of premotor-parietal-putaminal circuitry may be explained by altered information transfer between these regions due to underlying deficient connectivity. Identification of brain regions involved in processing of sensorimotor information in preparation for movement execution suggests that complex network disruption is staged well before the dystonic behavior is produced by the primary motor cortex.
Patterns of geographic variability in mortality and eligible deaths between organ procurement organizations.

Eligible deaths are currently used as the denominator of the donor conversion ratio to mitigate the effect of varying mortality patterns in the populations served by different organ procurement organizations (OPOs). Eligible death is an OPO-reported metric rather than a product of formal epidemiological analysis, however, and may be confounded with OPO performance. Using Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data, patterns of mortality and eligible deaths within each OPO were analyzed with the use of formal geostatistical analysis to determine whether eligible deaths truly reflect the geographic patterns they are intended to mitigate. There was a 2.1-fold difference in mortality between the OPOs with the highest and lowest rates, with significant positive spatial autocorrelation evident in mortality rates (Moran I = .110; P < .001), meaning geographically proximate OPOs tended to have similar mortality rates. The eligible death ratio demonstrated greater variability, with a 4.5-fold difference between the OPOs with the highest and lowest rates. Contrary to the pattern of mortality rates, the geographic distribution of eligible deaths among OPOs was random (Moran I = -.002; P = .410). This finding suggests geographic patterns do not play a significant role in eligible deaths, thus questioning its continuing use in OPO performance comparisons.
Novel Use of the Epic Electronic Medical Record Platform to Identify Lost Ureteral Stents

Abstract Introduction and Objective: Ureteral stents are utilized in the management of many urologic conditions including nephrolithiasis, ureteral strictures, ureteral injuries, and malignant obst...
An Alzheimer’s-disease-protective APOE mutation

Homozygous APOE3-Christchurch (R136S) mutation protects a presenilin 1 (PSEN1) mutation carrier from developing Alzheimer’s disease until her seventies.
SparseTrain: Leveraging Dynamic Sparsity in Training DNNs on General-Purpose SIMD Processors.

Our community has greatly improved the efficiency of deep learning applications, including by exploiting sparsity in inputs. Most of that work, though, is for inference, where weight sparsity is known statically, and/or for specialized hardware. We propose a scheme to leverage dynamic sparsity during training. In particular, we exploit zeros introduced by the ReLU activation function to both feature maps and their gradients. This is challenging because the sparsity degree is moderate and the locations of zeros change over time. We also rely purely on software. We identify zeros in a dense data representation without transforming the data and performs conventional vectorized computation. Variations of the scheme are applicable to all major components of training: forward propagation, backward propagation by inputs, and backward propagation by weights. Our method significantly outperforms a highly-optimized dense direct convolution on several popular deep neural networks. At realistic sparsity, we speed up the training of the non-initial convolutional layers in VGG16, ResNet-34, ResNet-50, and Fixup ResNet-50 by 2.19x, 1.37x, 1.31x, and 1.51x respectively on an Intel Skylake-X CPU.
The Brain–Heart Axis: Alzheimer’s, Diabetes, and Hypertension

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a debilitating neurodegenerative disorder affecting millions worldwide. Currently, there are only four approved treatments for AD, which improve symptoms modestly. AD is believed to be caused by the formation of intercellular plaques and intracellular tangles in the brain, but thus far all new drugs which target these pathologies have failed clinical trials. New research highlights the link between AD and Type II Diabetes (T2D), and some believe that AD is actually a brain specific form of it termed Type III Diabetes (T3D). Drugs which are currently approved for the treatment of T2D, such as metformin, have shown promising results in improving cognitive function and even preventing the development of AD in diabetic patients. Recent studies shed light on the relationship between the brain and cardiovascular system in which the brain and heart communicate with one another via the vasculature to regulate fluid and nutrient homeostasis. This line of research reveals how the brain-heart axis regulates hypertension and diabetes, both of which can impact cognitive function. In this review we survey past and ongoing research and clinical trials for AD, and argue that AD is a complex and systemic disorder which requires comprehensive approaches beyond the brain for effective prevention and/or treatment.
From Buzzword to Critical Psychology: An Invitation to Take Intersectionality Seriously

In this paper, I introduce a framework that invites psychologists to take intersectionality seriously. First, I revisit some primary tools of intersectional analysis and underscore their relevance ...
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor use patterns among commercially insured US pregnancies (2005–2014)

The goal of this study was to describe patterns of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) use during pregnancy in a US cohort (2005–2014) of > 1 million commercially insured women using administrative claims. We used international classification of disease (ICD-9) diagnosis and procedure and current procedural terminology codes in the OptumLabs® Data Warehouse to identify deliveries (including losses) among US women aged 15–45 (n = 1,061,023). SSRI dispensings that overlapped with the timing of pregnancy were identified using national drug codes in linked pharmacy claims. Demographic characteristics were imputed based on residential location, census data, and consumer information. We investigated patterns by trimester, agent, and demographic subgroups. A total of 46,087 of women (4.34%) were dispensed SSRIs during the estimated pregnancy period. Sertraline was the most common overall and had the highest initial use after trimester 1, including women who switched from another SSRI, although dispensing for > 1 SSRI during pregnancy was uncommon. Use of vilazodone was rare and had the highest discontinuation after trimester 1, followed by paroxetine. SSRI use was more common among women who were older, White, college-educated, higher income (≥ $100,000), or resided in the Midwest. Paroxetine and dispensings for > 1 SSRI were more common in lower education subgroups. White women had the highest proportion of use in all trimesters of pregnancy, whereas Hispanic women had the lowest. Among commercially insured US women, SSRI use during pregnancy differed by agent and demographics. More research is needed to understand whether these differences are due to symptom reporting, cultural beliefs, and/or physician preferences.
Alternative Qualitative Fit Testing Method for N95 Equivalent Respirators in the Setting of Resource Scarcity at the George Washington University

Abstract The 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) has caused an acute shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) globally as well as shortage in the ability to test PPE such as respirator fit testing. This limits not only the ability to fit PPE to medical practitioners, but also the ability to rapidly prototype and produce alternative sources of PPE as it is difficult to validate fit. At the George Washington University, we evaluated an easily sourced method of qualitative fit testing using a nebulizer or “atomizer” and a sodium saccharin solution in water. If aerosolized saccharin entered candidate masks due to poor fit or inadequate filtration, then a sweet taste was detected in the mouth of the user. This method was tested against previously fit tested Milwaukee N95 and 3D Printed Reusable N95 Respirator as a positive control. A Chinese sourced KN95, cotton cloth material, and surgical mask were tested as other masks of interest. Sensitivity testing was done with no mask prior to fit test. A sweet taste was detected for both the surgical mask and cotton cloth, demonstrating a lack of seal. However, there was no sweet taste detected for the Milwaukee N95, 3D Printed Reusable N95 Respirator, or Chinese KN95. These results demonstrate this could be a valuable methodology for rapid prototyping, evaluation, and validation of fit in a non-clinical environment for use in creation of PPE. This method should be not be used without confirmation in a formal qualitative or quantitative fit test but can be used to preserve those resources until developers are confident that potential new N95 comparable respirators will pass. We strongly suggest validation of masks and respirators with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) approved fit testing prior to use in a clinical environment.
Child restraint use and hospital-reported injuries among crash-involved child passengers

Several states have enacted legislation addressing child passenger restraint use. In New Jersey (NJ), children <2 years are required to remain in rear-facing child restraints and passengers <4 year...
A Harm Reduction Approach to Treating Opioid Use Disorder in an Independent Primary Care Practice: a Qualitative Study.

Stigma is a barrier to the uptake of buprenorphine to treat opioid use disorder. Harm reduction treatment models intend to minimize this stigma by organizing care around non-judgmental interactions with people who use drugs. There are few examples of implementing buprenorphine treatment using a harm reduction approach in a primary care setting in the USA. We conducted a qualitative study by interviewing leadership, staff, and external stakeholders at Respectful, Equitable Access to Compassionate Healthcare (REACH) Medical in Ithaca, NY. REACH is a freestanding medical practice that provides buprenorphine treatment for opioid use disorder since 2018. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 17 participants with the objective of describing REACH’s model of care. We selected participants based on their position at REACH or in the community. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed for themes using content analysis, guided by the CDC Evaluation Framework. REACH provided buprenorphine, primary care, and mental health services in a low-threshold model. We identified three themes related to delivery of buprenorphine treatment. First, an organizational mission to provide equitable and low-stigma healthcare, which was a key to organizational identity. Second, a low-threshold buprenorphine treatment approach that was critical, but caused concern about over-prescribing and presented logistical challenges. Third, creation and retention of a harm reduction-oriented workforce by offering value-based work and by removing administrative barriers providers may face elsewhere to providing buprenorphine treatment. A harm reduction primary care model can help reduce stigma for people who use drugs and engage in buprenorphine treatment. Further research is needed to evaluate whether this model leads to improved patient outcomes, can overcome community stakeholder concerns, and is sustainable.
Quantification of myocardial oxygen extraction fraction: A proof-of-concept study.

PURPOSE To demonstrate a proof of concept for the measurement of myocardial oxygen extraction fraction (mOEF) by a cardiovascular magnetic resonance technique. METHODS The mOEF measurement was performed using an electrocardiogram-triggered double-echo asymmetric spin-echo sequence with EPI readout. Seven healthy volunteers (22-37 years old, 5 females) were recruited and underwent the same imaging scans at rest on 2 different days for reproducibility assessment. Another 5 subjects (23-37 years old, 4 females) underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance studies at rest and during a handgrip isometric exercise with a 25% of maximal voluntary contraction. Both mOEF and myocardial blood volume values were obtained in septal regions from respective maps. RESULTS The reproducibility was excellent for the measurements of mOEF in septal myocardium (coefficient of variation: 3.37%) and moderate for myocardial blood volume (coefficient of variation: 19.7%). The average mOEF and myocardial blood volume of 7 subjects at rest were 0.61 ± 0.05 and 11.0 ± 4.3%, respectively. The mOEF agreed well with literature values that were measured by PET in healthy volunteers. In the exercise study, there was no significant change in mOEF (0.61 ± 0.06 vs 0.62 ± 0.07) or myocardial blood volume (12 ± 6% vs 13 ± 4%) from rest to exercise, as expected. CONCLUSION The implemented cardiovascular magnetic resonance method shows potential for the quantitative assessment of mOEF in vivo. Future technical work is needed to improve image quality and to further validate mOEF measurements.
Diastolic Function and Ambulatory Hypertension in Children With Chronic Kidney Disease

Diastolic dysfunction is one of the earliest cardiac abnormalities in patients with chronic kidney disease. We analyzed echocardiographic markers of left ventricular function from 786 children and ...
Clinical accuracy and initial experience with augmented reality-assisted pedicle screw placement: the first 205 screws.

Objective Augmented reality (AR) is a novel technology which, when applied to spine surgery, offers the potential for efficient, safe, and accurate placement of spinal instrumentation. The authors report the accuracy of the first 205 pedicle screws consecutively placed at their institution by using AR assistance with a unique head-mounted display (HMD) navigation system. Methods A retrospective review was performed of the first 28 consecutive patients who underwent AR-assisted pedicle screw placement in the thoracic, lumbar, and/or sacral spine at the authors' institution. Clinical accuracy for each pedicle screw was graded using the Gertzbein-Robbins scale by an independent neuroradiologist working in a blinded fashion. Results Twenty-eight consecutive patients underwent thoracic, lumbar, or sacral pedicle screw placement with AR assistance. The median age at the time of surgery was 62.5 (IQR 13.8) years and the median body mass index was 31 (IQR 8.6) kg/m2. Indications for surgery included degenerative disease (n = 12, 43%); deformity correction (n = 12, 43%); tumor (n = 3, 11%); and trauma (n = 1, 4%). The majority of patients (n = 26, 93%) presented with low-back pain, 19 (68%) patients presented with radicular leg pain, and 10 (36%) patients had documented lower extremity weakness. A total of 205 screws were consecutively placed, with 112 (55%) placed in the lumbar spine, 67 (33%) in the thoracic spine, and 26 (13%) at S1. Screw placement accuracy was 98.5% for thoracic screws, 97.8% for lumbar/S1 screws, and 98.0% overall. Conclusions AR depicted through a unique HMD is a novel and clinically accurate technology for the navigated insertion of pedicle screws. The authors describe the first 205 AR-assisted thoracic, lumbar, and sacral pedicle screws consecutively placed at their institution with an accuracy of 98.0% as determined by a Gertzbein-Robbins grade of A or B.
OEIS Syndrome: Omphalocele, Exstrophy of the Cloaca, Imperforate Anus, and Spinal Defects.

* Abbreviations: AFI: : amniotic fluid index BEEC: : bladder exstrophy epispadias complex CPAP: : continuous positive airway pressure HRQOL: : health-related quality of life MFCC: : maternal fetal care center MRI: : magnetic resonance imaging OEIS: : omphalocele, exstrophy of the cloaca, imperforate anus, and spinal defects OR: : operating room A 26-year-old gravida 1, para 0 pregnant woman was referred to the maternal fetal care center (MFCC) at 19 weeks’ gestation because of concern for bladder exstrophy. Fetal ultrasonography followed by fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed at 18 4/7 weeks’ gestation (Fig 1) showed a large cyst of the inferior anterior abdominal wall, an absent bladder, bilateral clubfoot, suspicion for pelvic left kidney, a small right kidney, and a 2-vessel umbilical cord. This was a naturally conceived and uneventful pregnancy. Amniocentesis before referral showed a normal female karyotype, 46,XX, elevated α-fetoprotein, and normal acetylcholinesterase level. The microarray was normal. The maternal medical history was noncontributory. The family history was notable for a maternal grandmother with cleft palate. The patient was a nonsmoker without a history of past or current drug use, and her only medication was prenatal vitamins. Her prenatal laboratory findings were remarkable for group B Streptococcus positivity. Figure 1. Imported T2 magnetic resonance imaging performed at referring hospital of female fetus at 18 4/7 weeks’ gestation depicting early appearance of an anterior abdominal wall cyst that is simple and fluid-filled (green arrow). Also notable is oligohydramnios. The first MFCC visit was at 21 5/7 weeks’ gestation and included fetal echocardiography, fetal MRI, and fetal ultrasonography. Fetal echocardiography showed normal cardiac structure and function. The fetal MRI (Fig 2) was significant for oligohydramnios, an empty left renal fossa, a left-sided low pelvic kidney crossed fused to the right kidney without hydroureter or hydronephrosis, no identified urinary bladder, a 2-vessel cord with a large cyst emanating from the lower pelvis, bilateral clubfoot, low termination of the spinal cord, and differential signal intensity of the left lung suggesting possible nutmeg lung or lymphangiectasia. The fetal brain was normal. Fetal ultrasonography confirmed the aforementioned findings with the addition of a small intrapelvic fluid …
The Science of Leadership: A Theoretical Model and Research Agenda

I review the empirical literature on leadership, focusing on papers published since 2010. To do so, I introduce a framework composed of two features: whether theories (a) involve the study of leade...
Pressure distributions and TMAC measurements in near unity aspect ratio, anodically bonded microchannels

We present pressure distributions as well as mass flow measurements of air flows in near unity aspect ratio, anodically bonded microchannels using Deep RIE and anodic bonding. Using the first order slip formulas and experimental data, we also extracted Tangential Momentum Accommodation Coefficient (TMAC) of 0.204 for the case of air flowing through a microchannel of Pyrex glass and silicon at atmospheric conditions. Increased mass flow over the incompressible flow case is due to both compressibility and rarefaction. Deviations from the linear incompressible distributions get larger with the inlet to outlet pressure ratio. The dimensionless streamwise location of the maximum deviations is slightly less than 0.6, which is skewed slightly downstream of the middle of the channel. It is notable that these experimental data are much closer to the simulation results of 0.55 than those of Pong et al.(2002), 0.4 , which have been the most frequently cited experimental data for the pressure distribution in uniform and straight micro channels.
CHANGES IN EPINEPHRINE (E) AND MEAN ARTERIAL BLOOD PRESSURE (MABP) DURING HYPERCARBIA (HC): EFFECTS ON BRAIN BLOOD FLOW (BBF) IN THE NEWBORN PIGLET

We have previously shown that HC results in spontaneous elevations of MABP and pressure passive increases in brain blood flow (BBF) in the newborn piglet. We further analyzed the mechanism of this phenomena by correlating these changes with acid base and plasma E data in 20 awake newborn piglets where HC (PaCO2:50-60 mmHg) was induced by breathing 15% CO2. During HC, E, MABP, and BBF increased significantly (p<0.05). The increase in MABP was directly related to E (r=.71 p<0.001). However, both E and MABP also demonstrated a significant correlation with the decrease in arterial blood pH (pH vs E:r=-.91, p<0.001; pH vs MABP:r=-.84 p<0.001) and the increase in base deficit (BD) (BD vs E:r=0.83, p<0.001), BD vs MABP:r=0.84 p<0.001). PaCO2 was not related to the E or MABP increase. The increase in total BBF (TBBF) and regional BBF were directly related to the elevations of MABP (TBBF:r=0.58 p<0.01 cerebrum r=0.57 p<0.01, cerebellum:r=0.67 p<0.01, boundary zone r=0.62 p<0.01 and periventricular area r=.76 p<0.001). We conclude that HC induced hypertension and brain hyperperfusion is partly due to catecholamine (epineprine) release which in turn is mediated through concurrent metabolic acidosis.
A manganese oxyiodide cathode for rechargeable lithium batteries

The increasing demand for portable electronic devices is driving the development of compact lightweight batteries of high energy density1. Lithium-ion batteries tend to be the systems of choice, as they offer higher energy densities and longer operational lifetimes than other rechargeable battery systems1,2. But commercially available lithium-ion batteries make use of layered LiCoO2 cathodes3,4, and the high cost and toxicity of cobalt therefore motivate the development of cheaper and environmentally benign cathode materials. In this regard, manganese oxides are attractive alternatives, and the spinel LiMn2O4 has been investigated intensively as a cathode5,6; however, the fading on cycling of its energy-storage capacity poses problems. More recently, attention has been focused on the synthesis of layered LiMnO2 as a cathode material, but its cycling characteristics remain to be established7,8,9. Here we report the synthesis and electrochemical performance of a new manganese oxide cathode, the oxyiodide Li1.5Na0.5MnO2.85I0.12. Our material exhibits a high reversible capacity of 260 mA h g−1 in the range 1.5–4.3 V with excellent cycling characteristics. Furthermore, the amorphous nature of the material (as determined by X-ray diffraction) and smooth discharge behaviour may help to overcome the problems associated with lattice distortions that have plagued manganese oxides with more crystalline structures5,6,7,8,9
Protein-Deficient Pigs Cannot Maintain Reduced Glutathione Homeostasis When Subjected to the Stress of Inflammation

The mechanisms responsible for depletion of systemic glutathione levels in nutritional deprivation and/or in infective and inflammatory conditions have not been fully established. We quantified the effects of protein undernutrition and experimental inflammation on the concentration and synthesis of reduced glutathione in the erythrocytes, liver and jejunal mucosa of young pigs. Two groups of five piglets consumed diets containing either 23 or 3% protein and, after 4 wk, were infused intravenously with [13C2]glycine before and 48 h after subcutaneous injections of turpentine. Erythrocyte, hepatic and intestinal mucosal reduced glutathione was quantified as the monobromobimane derivative by HPLC. Reduced glutathione synthesis was determined by measurements of the tracer/tracee ratio of reduced glutathione-bound glycine. In well-nourished piglets, turpentine injection had no effect on erythrocyte reduced glutathione concentrations or rate of synthesis. Protein undernutrition was associated with lower erythrocyte reduced glutathione concentrations (1.05 +/- 0.04 vs. 1.32 +/- 0.06 mmol/L, P < 0.01) and synthesis (42 +/- 5 vs. 60 +/- 5%/d), and turpentine inflammation caused a further fall in erythrocyte reduced glutathione concentration to 0.96 +/- 0.05 mmol/L, despite a significant (P < 0.05) increase in reduced glutathione synthesis. The combination of protein undernutrition and inflammation had a marked effect on mucosal reduced glutathione concentration (37 +/- 3% of control) and synthesis (65 +/- 5% of control). Hepatic reduced glutathione concentration and synthesis did not differ in the two groups. We conclude that the biosynthetic supply of reduced glutathione is sufficient to withstand an inflammatory challenge in well-nourished piglets but not in protein-deficient animals.
Structural Equation Modeling

This article is a revision of the previous edition article by D. Kaplan, volume 22, pp. 15215–15222, © 2001, Elsevier Ltd.
An Experimental Study of Data Migration Algorithms

The data migration problem is the problem ofc omputing a plan for moving data objects stored on devices in a network from one configuration to another. Load balancing or changing usage patterns might necessitate such a rearrangement ofda ta. In this paper, we consider the case where the objects are fixed-size and the network is complete. We introduce two new data migration algorithms, one ofwh ich has provably good bounds. We empirically compare the performance of these new algorithms against similar algorithms from Hall et al. [7] which have better theoretical guarantees and find that in almost all cases, the new algorithms perform better. We also find that both the new algorithms and the ones from Hall et al. perform much better in practice than the theoretical bounds suggest.
Direct Percutaneous Tumour Therapy

First page of article Keywords: chemical ablation; computed tomography; cryotherapy; hepatocellular carcinoma; magnetic resonance imaging; metastases; malignancy; radiofrequency ablation; thermal ablation
Art therapy in mental health: A systematic review of approaches and practices

Abstract This systematic review aims to develop a bridge between what art therapists know and what they do in supporting those with mental health issues. Research undertaken between 1994 and 2014 was examined to ascertain the art therapy approaches applied when working with people who have mental health issues, as well as to identify how art therapy approaches were used within the clinical mental health system. Thirty articles were identified that demonstrated an art therapy approach to a particular mental health issue. The search strategy resulted in articles being grouped into four diagnostic terms: depression, borderline personality disorder, schizophrenia, and post-traumatic stress disorder. A synthesis of the identified articles resulted in the identification of research areas that need advancement. Future studies could incorporate more details on the art therapy approaches used to enhance transferability of practice. Moreover, adding art therapists’ critique about the art therapy approach from their applied perspective, would assist in the development of evidence-based practice that is not just current, but feasible, too. Finally, the client voice needs to be incorporated in future studies to address questions of the relationship between client expectations and the perceived success of art therapy.
Enhancing incremental learning in MLP networks using ensemble encoding of network inputs

Local learning techniques associated with multilayer perceptron (MLP) networks typically employ receptive fields as an integral part of the network. However, data representation schemes that employ multiple, overlapping receptive fields to preprocess network inputs can be another source of local learning in MLP networks. Earlier work has shown that ensemble encoding, a distributed data representation scheme, promotes local learning and can accelerate learning in MLP networks. We demonstrate that networks using ensemble encoding display an enhanced capacity for incremental learning.
Isolation of RRM-type RNA-binding protein genes and the analysis of their relatedness by using a numerical approach.

Abstract Proteins with RNA recognition motifs (RRMs) have important roles in a great many aspects of RNA metabolism. However, this family has yet to be systematically studied in any single organism. In order to investigate the size of the RRM gene family in Drosophila melanogaster and to clone members of this family, we used a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with highly degenerate oligonucleotides to amplify DNA fragments between the RNP-1 and RNP-2 consensus sequences of the RRM proteins. Cloning and sequencing of 124 PCR products revealed 12 different RRM sequences (RRM1 to RRM12). When PCR products were used as probes in genomic Southern and Northern (RNA) analyses, 16 restriction fragments and 25 transcripts, respectively, were detected. Since the combinations of nucleotide sequences represented in the PCR primers correspond to only 4% of the RRM sequences inferred to be possible from known RRM sequences, we estimate the size of the RRM gene family in the order of three hundred genes in flies. In order to gain insight into the possible functions of the genes encoding the RRMs, we analyzed the sequence similarities between the 12 RRMs and 62 RRM sequences of known proteins. This analysis showed that the RRMs of functionally related proteins have similar sequences and are clustered together in the RRM gene tree. On the basis of this observation, the RRMs can be divided into three groups: a heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein type, a splicing regulator type, and a development-specific factor type. This result suggests that we have isolated good candidates for both housekeeping and developmentally important genes involved in RNA metabolism.
Capacity of listeriolysin O, streptolysin O, and perfringolysin O to mediate growth of Bacillus subtilis within mammalian cells.

Abstract The Listeria monocytogenes hemolysin listeriolysin O (LLO) plays a major role in mediating the escape of L. monocytogenes from a vacuolar compartment. In a previous report, it was shown that Bacillus subtilis expressing LLO could escape from a host vacuolar compartment and grow in the cytoplasm (J. Bielecki, P. Youngman, P. Connelly, and D. A. Portnoy, Nature [London] 345:175-176, 1990). In the present study, two related thiol-activated hemolysins, streptolysin O (SLO) and perfringolysin O (PFO), were expressed in B. subtilis and their ability to mediate intracellular growth was monitored by visual inspection and by assaying for CFU. Like LLO, PFO was active within the vacuolar environment, whereas SLO showed negligible activity. However, expression of PFO seemed to damage the host cells. The pH of the vacuole probably had little to do with these results, since all three hemolysins showed full or enhanced activity at pH 5.5, although LLO showed greatly reduced activity at pH 7. In addition, neutralization of the pH within host vacuoles by using weak bases had little effect on the lysis of the vacuole. The lack of SLO activity is probably caused by its lower specific activity; the purified protein had 10-fold less activity on a molar basis. These results suggest that LLO is not unique in its capacity to mediate intracellular growth of B. subtilis.
Structure-based design of combinatorial mutagenesis libraries.

The development of protein variants with improved properties (thermostability, binding affinity, catalytic activity, etc.) has greatly benefited from the application of high-throughput screens evaluating large, diverse combinatorial libraries. At the same time, since only a very limited portion of sequence space can be experimentally constructed and tested, an attractive possibility is to use computational protein design to focus libraries on a productive portion of the space. We present a general-purpose method, called “Structure-based Optimization of Combinatorial Mutagenesis” (SOCoM), which can optimize arbitrarily large combinatorial mutagenesis libraries directly based on structural energies of their constituents. SOCoM chooses both positions and substitutions, employing a combinatorial optimization framework based on library-averaged energy potentials in order to avoid explicitly modeling every variant in every possible library. In case study applications to green fluorescent protein, β-lactamase, and lipase A, SOCoM optimizes relatively small, focused libraries whose variants achieve energies comparable to or better than previous library design efforts, as well as larger libraries (previously not designable by structure-based methods) whose variants cover greater diversity while still maintaining substantially better energies than would be achieved by representative random library approaches. By allowing the creation of large-scale combinatorial libraries based on structural calculations, SOCoM promises to increase the scope of applicability of computational protein design and improve the hit rate of discovering beneficial variants. While designs presented here focus on variant stability (predicted by total energy), SOCoM can readily incorporate other structure-based assessments, such as the energy gap between alternative conformational or bound states.
Electromagnetic noise coupling and mitigation in dynamic tests of high power switching devices

During the dynamic test of high power switching devices, it can be challenging to measure both high speed and low amplitude signals accurately. This paper uses fast response on-die temperature sensing as an example to investigate the electromagnetic interference control of a typical double pulse test (DPT) setup. Three common noise sources are identified: 1) Conductive common-mode noise caused by multiple grounds, 2) Inductive coupled noise caused by capacitors with unbalanced cells, and 3) Inductive coupled noise caused by constant di/dt field during the device's conducting period. Their propagation paths are also identified and discussed in detail. Corresponding diagnosis and noise mitigation methods are proposed. Proposed mitigation methods do not have a negative impact on the differential impedance of measurement systems. Furthermore, a step-by-step noise identification and mitigation procedure is presented. General guidelines on the electromagnetic noise coupling control of DPT setups has also been summarized. It should be noted that even though this paper uses on-die temperature sensor measurement as an example, the identified noise coupling mechanism and proposed noise mitigation methods can be applied to most dynamic tests of high power switching devices.
Passive RF Receiver Design for Wireless Sensor Networks

The design and implementation of an RF-passive 915 MHz ISM-band receiver front-end for a "wake-up" radio is presented. The detector has a tangential sensitivity of -69 dBm, and zero RF power consumption in standby mode. Fundamental limits on RF performance, range data, and optimum waveform for minimizing false detection are described.
Protein-losing enteropathy in dogs is associated with decreased fecal proteolytic activity.

BACKGROUND Measurement of proteolytic activity in feces is a traditional method for the diagnosis of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI). A drawback of this method is the occurrence of falsely low results that may lead to a false-positive diagnosis of EPI. We hypothesized that intestinal loss of serum proteinase inhibitors in protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) may inhibit fecal proteolytic activity and be a potential source of false low results. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to determine the effect of PLE on fecal proteolytic activity in dogs. METHODS Fecal proteolytic activity was measured using a radial diffusion casein digestion assay in 12 samples from 4 clinically healthy control dogs and 30 samples from 16 dogs with PLE. Gastrointestinal protein loss was assessed using an ELISA to determine fecal canine alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor concentration. The relationship between the concentration of canine alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor in the feces and the diameter cleared in the casein digestion assay was determined. The mean clearing diameter was compared between control dogs and dogs with PLE. RESULTS A significant negative correlation was observed between fecal canine alpha1-proteinase inhibitor concentration and casein clearing diameter (P <.001, Pearson r =.6317, r2 =.3999). Mean clearing diameter was significantly lower in dogs with PLE than in control dogs (12.63 vs 16.83 mm, P <.001, two-tailed Student's t-test). CONCLUSION Increased fecal loss of alpha1-proteinase inhibitor in dogs with PLE is associated with a significant decrease in fecal proteolytic activity and may result in a false positive diagnosis of EPI.
Training in Endovascular Surgical Neuroradiology

Background During the past few years, the field of endovascular surgical neuroradiology has been expanding. Neurosurgeons, radiologists, and neurologists are currently being trained. We analyzed data from a national survey of endovascular training programs to assess the current training status and future projections. Methods Survey participation requests were sent out to program directors and members of the Society of Endovascular Neurosurgery, the Society of Neurointerventional Surgery, and the Society of Vascular and Interventional Neurology. The format was an on-line survey designed by the authors, and completed through the SurveyMonkey.com website. Forty-three programs were identified and invited to participate. Results We achieved a response rate of 81% (n = 35). Twenty-seven (79%) of the 35 respondents listed their training program as academic, and 7 (20%) listed it as a mixture of academic with private practice. The training program faculty consisted of 57 radiologists, 39 neurosurgeons, and 10 neurologists. Length of fellowship offered was the same for all specialties in 43%, and differed based on clinical experience/background in 51%. Of the programs, 86% offered a 2-year fellowship, 49% had a mandatory resident rotation, 17% offered an infolded complete fellowship for residents, and 34% offered an infolded partial fellowship. Only 9% reported no resident exposure at all. There were 12% of respondents who reported to have knowledge of vascular surgeons or cardiologists performing intracranial procedures. At the time of the survey, there were 68 fellows in training, and most entered training immediately after residency (38%), whereas 26% entered after a fellowship and another 26% trained while in residency. There will be a 14% increase of graduates within the next 5 years. Comparing the past 5 years (2003–2007) with future 5-year projections (2008–2012), the number of radiologists is declining by 37% (73 vs. 46), whereas the number of neurosurgeons (74 vs. 106) and neurologists (20 vs. 37) is increasing by 42.5% and 112%, respectively. Conclusions This survey suggests that there is a strong interest in endovascular surgical neuroradiology. The overall number of graduates is increasing, particularly in neurosurgery and neurology. Although the majority of current faculty is still comprised of neuroradiologists, the number of graduates in radiology will be decreasing during the next 5 years, reflecting a trend toward greater subspecialization within the fields of neurosurgery and neurology. Peer-Review Article
Disabling effects of chronic disease and impairment. II. Functional capacity limitations.

Abstract This study has examined the effect of functional capacity limitations on the severity of disability. Ideally, measures of disability take into account not only residual impairments and capacity limitations, but also residual capacities and adaptive capabilities of the individual. Personal, social and vocational factors affect individual capacity for adaptation to functional limitations. Attributes such as age, sex, education, and occupational experience, for example, are indicators of residual and adaptive capacity. Women, older people, the under-educated, and the unskilled appear to have less adaptive capacity or to face more demanding requirements; their ability to work was more affected by activity limitations. Young disabled people were more likely to adapt to work limitations than older people, regardless of extent of functional limitation; relatively slight functional limitations had more effect on the work capacity of women than of men; men appear to be more able than women to cope with impairment by accommodations on the job. The social consequence of disability were also directly related to activity and independence limitations. Work, household and social participation declined with increased functional limitations; reduced participation was closely reflected in increased severity of disability. The Functional Limitations Index also showed the selectivity of the public wage replacement and income support programs in relationship to disability criteria. Social security disability beneficiaries, for example, were concentrated among those with more severe activity limitations. The program was highly selective in terms of functional limitations and severity of disability. Entitlement to other income-maintenance programs tended to be less closely associated with functional limitations; program entitlement, however, was more closely related to functional limitation than to severity of disability. These findings clearly indicate that functional limitations are a primary consideration in the evaluation of disability. The index of functional limitations developed in this study showed a close relationship between the severity of disability and functional limitations. Data on activity limitations provide better prediction of the severity of disability than impairment indicators, such as chronic conditions or orthopedic aids. In combination with social indicators of capacity and adaptability, functional limitations indicators provide useful measures for the examination and prediction of disability and of behavioral changes in family and work activity.
Understanding the work of academic development

In the previous issue of this journal, Brenda Leibowitz critically reflects on the ‘definitional quagmire’ of the term ‘academic development’ (2014, p. 359). Because the use of that phrase has shif...
Power system harmonic state estimation

A power system state estimation based on (a) multiphase model, (b) voltage and current waveform measurements, (c) synchronized measurements and (d) multifrequency model (i.e. the approach accounts for waveform distortion or harmonics) is formulated. The paper focuses on the following: (a) modeling, (b) implementation, (c) observability and (d) performance. Sensitivity analysis is used to show how transmission line modeling and measurement schemes affect the performance of harmonic state estimation. The overall performance of the system is described in terms of confidence level versus error. These concepts are illustrated with simple systems. The overall harmonic measurement system is scheduled for installation and field evaluation on the NYPA/New York Power Pool transmission system by the end of 1993. >
All-halide superionic glasses

Abstract To date all the highest-conducting Ag + and alkali cation glasses have involved admixture of a halide, usually the iodide, with some oxyanion salt of the same cation. In this paper we report cases where the oxyanion can be omitted. Instead, a second cation (Cs + or Rb + ) is introduced to provide, together with a mixture of anions, the inmobile quasi-lattice through which the mobile cations, Ag+ or Cu+, can migrate. The materials are evidently vitreous state analogs of the well-known superionic crystals CsAg 4 I 5 and RbCu 4 I 5 . In these new systems, conductivities at 25°C can reach record values. Glass transition temperatures, however, are lower than for oxyanion- containing glasses of the same conductivity. Since they contain only heavy monovalent ions, the far IR transparency of the new glasses is unprecedented. The characteristics of stress relaxation for both electrical and mechanical stresses are studied and are compared with those of the oxyanion + halide glasses. The all-halide glasses show less exponential relaxation (broader distributions of relaxation times) despite equivalence of all Ag + . They nevertheless show smaller deviations from the Arrhenius law in their temperature dependences.
New approach to image coding using 1-D subband filtering

ABSTRACT Conventional subband coding for image data compression uses two-dimensional (2-D) sep-arable QMF banks in which the analysis and synthesis filters are composed of 1-D filters. Suchan implementation produces a large size output image as a result of the convolution process.Various signal extension methods have been proposed to solve this problem. However, thesemethods have one or more of the following drawbacks: generation of boundary noise, inability to guarantee aliasing cancellation, and increased computational complexity. In this paper, we present an alternative solution to the problem by converting a 2-D image array to a 1-Darray and then using an 1-D QMF bank to process the 1-D signal. In our approach, most ofthe above drawbacks mentioned above are eliminated. In addition, our approach offers moreflexibilities in the type of the filter that can be implementated. 1. INTRODUCTION The subband coding (SBC) approach is an effective method for coding images at low bit rates {1]. The basic idea behind this method is to split up the original image into several