cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Development of Computer-Based System for the Temperature Monitoring of a Post-Tensioned Segmental Concrete Box-Girder Bridge

This paper describes the development and implementation of a computer-based remote monitoring system for temperature monitoring of an 11-span segmental, post-tensioned concrete box-girder bridge. Monitoring was carried out for 5 years. The extensive data collected is analyzed using software developed to provide engineers with information that can be used in the evaluation of the long-term behavior and performance of the bridge. The software was used to determine the maximum and minimum bridge temperatures, vertical temperature differences through the bridge cross section, and horizontal temperature differences in the transverse directions. Comparisons are made with design specification provisions and with recommendations proposed by previous researchers. In addition, software has been developed to determine the relationship between the daily maximum temperature differences and the air temperatures inside the box-girder. This approach is also used to develop the relationship between the maximum stresses due to temperature differences and the air temperature inside the box-girder. This paper shows the benefits from using a computer-based monitoring system to provide a continuous evaluation of data collected on the bridge.
Salivary function and glycemic control in older persons with diabetes

Objective. There is no consensus on the possible association between diabetes and salivary dysfunction in older persons with diabetes. This study’s purpose was to investigate the effect of diabetes and glycemic control on salivary function in an older population. Study design. Twenty nine persons with type 2 diabetes and 23 nondiabetic control subjects participated (age range, 54-90 years). Diabetic status was determined by a glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) test and a 2-hour glucose tolerance test. Poor glycemic control was defined as HbA1c >9%. Unstimulated whole saliva, unstimulated parotid, and stimulated parotid flow rates were measured, and subjects completed a standardized xerostomia questionnaire. Results. Persons with poorly controlled diabetes had lower (P = .01) stimulated parotid flow rates than persons with well-controlled diabetes and nondiabetic control subjects. There were no significant differences in xerostomic complaints based on diabetic or glycemic control status or salivary flow rates. Conclusions. These results provide some evidence that poorly controlled diabetes may be associated with salivary dysfunction in older adults who have no concomitant complaints of xerostomia. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2000;89:305-11)
Visual illusions based on single-field contrast asynchronies

A single-field contrast asynchrony refers to a stimulus configuration in which there is a single temporally modulated field and multiple sources of contrast information; the sources of contrast information modulate at different temporal phases or at different temporal frequencies. In this paper we show how single-field contrast asynchronies can lead to a wide variety of visual illusions. We investigate, in depth, the window shade/rocking disk configuration, in which a temporally modulated disk is surrounded by a split annulus (i.e., the top half is dark, and the bottom half is light). When the annulus is thick, the disk appears spatially inhomogeneous (shading); when the annulus is thin, the disk appears to rock back and forth (shifting). We measure the proportion of trials that a disk appears to shade or, on separate trials, appears to shift as a function of modulation amplitude, surround thickness, temporal frequency, and disk size. We account for the shading effects by postulating a combination of separate first- and second-order responses and/or a multi-scale spatial filtering process. We account for the shifting effects by examining four elemental motion conditions. For luminance modulation, the direction of the shift follows the same pattern as that produced by the rectified output of an array of spatial center-surround filters applied to the X, t plot. For equiluminant modulation, the direction of the shifts is consistent with a sequence-tracking (or third-order) motion response.
Effect of candidate gene polymorphisms on the course of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

article i nfo The main aim of this study was to examine the association between attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)-associated genes and the course of ADHD. Subjects were derived from identically designed case- control family studies of boys and girls with ADHD and a genetic linkage study of families with children with ADHD. Caucasian probands and family members with ADHD and with available genetic data were included in this analysis (N=563). The course of ADHD was compared in subjects with and without putative risk alleles (DRD4 7-repeat allele, DAT1 10-repeat allele, and 5HTTLPR long allele). The persistence of ADHD (full or subthreshold diagnosis in the last month) was plotted using Kaplan-Meier survival functions and tested with Cox proportional hazard models. Survival analyses revealed that by 25 years of age 76% of subjects with a DRD4 7-repeat allele were estimated to have significantly more persistent ADHD compared with 66% of subjects without the risk allele. In contrast, there were no significant associations between the course of ADHD and the DAT1 10-repeat allele (P=0.94) and 5HTTLPR long allele. Our findings suggest that the DRD4 7-repeat allele is associated with a more persistent course of ADHD.
Detection and removal of rain from videos

The visual effects of rain are complex. Rain consists of spatially distributed drops falling at high velocities. Each drop refracts and reflects the environment, producing sharp intensity changes in an image. A group of such falling drops creates a complex time varying signal in images and videos. In addition, due to the finite exposure time of the camera, intensities due to rain are motion blurred and hence depend on the background intensities. Thus, the visual manifestations of rain are a combination of both the dynamics of rain and the photometry of the environment. In this paper, we present the first comprehensive analysis of the visual effects of rain on an imaging system. We develop a correlation model that captures the dynamics of rain and a physics-based motion blur model that explains the photometry of rain. Based on these models, we develop efficient algorithms for detecting and removing rain from videos. The effectiveness of our algorithms is demonstrated using experiments on videos of complex scenes with moving objects and time-varying textures. The techniques described in this paper can be used in a wide range of applications including video surveillance, vision based navigation, video/movie editing and video indexing/retrieval.
Adaptive prismatic-tetrahedral grid refinement and redistribution for viscous flows

A hybrid grid adaptive algorithm that combines grid refinement and redistribution suitable for three-dimensional viscous flow simulations is presented. The flow domain is discretized with both prismatic and tetrahedral elements. The prismatic region comprises successive layers of semistructured prisms that encompass regions close to the wall where the viscous effects are dominant. The grid outside the prismatic region is tessellated with tetrahedra. A hybrid grid adaptation scheme that implements local refinement and redistribution strategies is developed to provide optimum meshes for viscous flow computations. Grid refinement on a hybrid grid is a dual adaptation scheme that couples isotropic division of tetrahedra and directional division of prisms. The directional division of prisms is essentially a two-dimensional grid refinement scheme that results in a significant reduction in required computing resources. The grid adaptive solver yields accurate results as compared with a globally refined grid with reduced computing resources.
Directing attention externally enhances agility performance: a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the efficacy of using verbal instructions to focus attention.

The primary purpose of this study was to investigate if focusing attention externally produced faster movement times compared to instructions that focused attention internally or a control set of instructions that did not explicitly focus attention when performing an agility task. A second purpose of the study was to measure participants’ focus of attention during practice by use of a questionnaire. Participants (N = 20) completed 15 trials of an agility “L” run following instructions designed to induce an external (EXT), internal (INT) attentional focus or a control (CON) set of instructions inducing no specific focus of attention. Analysis revealed when participants followed the EXT instructions they had significantly faster movement times compared to when they followed the INT and CON set of instructions; consistent with previous research the INT and CON movement times were not significantly different from each other. Qualitative data showed when participants were in the external condition they focused externally 67% of the time. When they were in the internal condition they focused internally 76% of the time, and when they were in the control condition they did not use an internal or external focus of attention 77% of the time. Qualitative data also revealed participants in the EXT, INT, and CON conditions switched their focus of attention at a frequency of 27%, 35%, and 51% respectively.
Oversampled channelized receiver for transmitted reference UWB system in the presence of narrowband interference

An oversampled frequency channelized receiver for UWB radio in a transmitted reference (TR) system is presented. Unlike previous work that assumes a white input noise, this paper includes the effects of the automatic gain controller (AGC) and the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) when large narrowband interference (NBI) is present. A detection method for the frequency channelized receiver when input noise is colored in the TR UWB system is proposed. The proposed receiver significantly outperforms the full band receiver.
A simulation study of the labor and delivery rooms at JMH

The paper presents a simulation model of the operations in the Labor and Delivery Rooms at Jackson Memorial Hospital (USA). A thorough analysis of the contents of the hospital's databases revealed that although there is a significant amount of data, some of it is not usable. Nonetheless, with the available data, it was possible to establish relatively good inputs for the simulation model. Furthermore, it was possible to do a correlation analysis to determine which factors affect the procedure service times in the OR and Recovery areas. The simulation model has yielded results to improve doctor scheduling and better staffing levels.
Type 1 diabetic akita mouse hearts are insulin sensitive but manifest structurally abnormal mitochondria that remain coupled despite increased uncoupling protein 3

OBJECTIVE— Fatty acid–induced mitochondrial uncoupling and oxidative stress have been proposed to reduce cardiac efficiency and contribute to cardiac dysfunction in type 2 diabetes. We hypothesized that mitochondrial uncoupling may also contribute to reduced cardiac efficiency and contractile dysfunction in the type 1 diabetic Akita mouse model (Akita). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS— Cardiac function and substrate utilization were determined in isolated working hearts and in vivo function by echocardiography. Mitochondrial function and coupling were determined in saponin-permeabilized fibers, and proton leak kinetics was determined in isolated mitochondria. Hydrogen peroxide production and aconitase activity were measured in isolated mitochondria, and total reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured in heart homogenates. RESULTS— Resting cardiac function was normal in Akita mice, and myocardial insulin sensitivity was preserved. Although Akita hearts oxidized more fatty acids, myocardial O2 consumption was not increased, and cardiac efficiency was not reduced. ADP-stimulated mitochondrial oxygen consumption and ATP synthesis were decreased, and mitochondria showed grossly abnormal morphology in Akita. There was no evidence of oxidative stress, and despite a twofold increase in uncoupling protein 3 (UCP3) content, ATP-to-O ratios and proton leak kinetics were unchanged, even after perfusion of Akita hearts with 1 mmol/l palmitate. CONCLUSIONS— Insulin-deficient Akita hearts do not exhibit fatty acid–induced mitochondrial uncoupling, indicating important differences in the basis for mitochondrial dysfunction between insulin-responsive type 1 versus insulin-resistant type 2 diabetic hearts. Increased UCP3 levels do not automatically increase mitochondrial uncoupling in the heart, which supports the hypothesis that fatty acid–induced mitochondrial uncoupling as exists in type 2 diabetic hearts requires a concomitant increase in ROS generation.
Vasa vasorum of the pulmonary artery of the rabbit.

In the rabbit, the arterial and venous vasa vasorum of the pulmonary artery from its origin to the entrance of the right and left pulmonary arteries into the lung were studied and described through the use of a specially prepared silicone rubber injection mass. The physical-chemical characteristics of this material allowed detailed filling of the vascular bed under physiological conditions. Special features of the rich arterial and venous vasa vasorum of the pulmonary artery include: (1) spiral palisading of small vessels and (2)arterial and venous vasal confluences that result from the junction of branches from multiple supply and drainage sites. Both of these may be special adaptations for the normal rapid stretch of the pulmonary artery.
Progress in the development of low-frequency quantum-based AC Power Standard at NRC Canada

Progress in the development of a new low-frequency quantum-based AC Power Standard at the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) is described in the paper. The power standard is based on programmable Josephson voltage standard (PJVS) for providing AC voltage with quantum accuracy, and includes electronic signal generators and amplifiers, inductive voltage dividers (IVDs) and current transformers (CTs) for scaling output signals to low levels. Differential digital sampling is used for comparison of low-level output signal replicas with the PJVS output.
Physical model synthesis with application to Internet acoustics

Distributed physical models of musical instruments have been used to acoustically “ping” Internet connections between two network hosts. Sound waves propagated through Internet acoustics behave just as in air, water or along a stretched string. In this case, a musical synthesis technique creates waves on the Internet path between two hosts. When waves recirculate between two endpoints, a musical tone is created if the round trip travel time lies within the range of our pitch sense (roughly 250µs to 50ms). The resulting tones provide a quick and intuitive evaluation of quality of service (QoS), displaying its significant aspects including latency, jitter and packet loss. Stable, clear tones with high pitch indicate good end-to-end capabilities that a path must support for immersive, real-time applications. A “network harp” recently demonstrated 320 synthesized strings oscillating across the Western half of the Internet2 Abilene Network.
Occurrence and value of the color Doppler "line sign" after radiofrequency ablation of solid abdominal organs.

OBJECTIVES The purposes of this study were to identify the frequency of the color "line sign" after track coagulation during electrode removal and to evaluate the usefulness of color Doppler sonography in predicting complications after radiofrequency ablation. METHODS A total of 104 consecution radiofrequency ablations of either the liver (n = 68) or the kidney (n = 36) were evaluated for hemorrhagic complications by color Doppler sonography. All radiofrequency ablations were performed in a similar fashion, including track coagulation during electrode removal. Follow-up computed tomography of the organ of interest was performed within 24-hours after the procedure. RESULTS The study included 32 patients with 36 renal radiofrequency ablations and 43 patients with 68 hepatic ablations. There were 1 arterial and 0 venous Doppler signals in the renal ablations and 2 arterial and 2 venous Doppler signals in the hepatic ablations. No major complications were observed, but a moderate hematoma occurred in 1 renal ablation. A statistically significant correlation was noted between the computed tomographic findings of hematomas and the presence of a color line sign (P = .048). We found a lower percentage of the color line sign compared to prior reports that identified this sign after biopsy of the liver or kidney. CONCLUSIONS There is a decreased frequency of the color line sign and hemorrhagic complications after radiofrequency ablation compared to their rates of occurrence with core biopsy. Identification of the color line sign may be useful for predicting hemorrhagic complications.
Recurrent Circuitry Dynamically Shapes the Activation of Piriform Cortex

In the piriform cortex, individual odorants activate a unique ensemble of neurons that are distributed without discernable spatial order. Piriform neurons receive convergent excitatory inputs from random collections of olfactory bulb glomeruli. Pyramidal cells also make extensive recurrent connections with other excitatory and inhibitory neurons. We introduced channelrhodopsin into the piriform cortex to characterize these intrinsic circuits and to examine their contribution to activity driven by afferent bulbar inputs. We demonstrated that individual pyramidal cells are sparsely interconnected by thousands of excitatory synaptic connections that extend, largely undiminished, across the piriform cortex, forming a large excitatory network that can dominate the bulbar input. Pyramidal cells also activate inhibitory interneurons that mediate strong, local feedback inhibition that scales with excitation. This recurrent network can enhance or suppress bulbar input, depending on whether the input arrives before or after the cortex is activated. This circuitry may shape the ensembles of piriform cells that encode odorant identity.
Further Notes on the Distribution of Endemic Bolivian Titi Monkeys, Callicebus modestus and Callicebus olallae

Abstract We present information on the distribution of the endemic Bolivian primates Callicebus olallae and C. modestus based on a series of site visits in the Beni Department. Callicebus olallae was registered at four localities and C. modestus at 11 localities, and in combination with negative data and localities for other Callicebus species in the region we defined the distributional boundaries for both endemics. Mean group size was 2.7 individuals for C. olallae and 3 individuals for C. modestus. The results highlight the restricted distribution of both species, with C. olallae having one of the highest levels of primate endemism in the world and an “occurrence area” of 400 km2, and considering forest fragmentation in the region, more realistically an “occupancy area” of 50 km2. Although C. modestus is found in slightly larger areas (1,800 km2 and 450 km2 respectively) the distribution area is still extremely restricted. The restricted distributions together with ongoing forest fragmentation due to ca...
Exploring a New Role in Policy Making: The British House of Commons in the 1970s

The British House of Commons is frequently used in comparative analysis as a model of the kind of legislative institution that ratifies and legitimizes public policy decisions taken by the government. It debates but rarely does it actually legislate. Examination of the House of Commons of the 1970s reveals a very different legislature, one that regularly overturns the government on significant policy matters. Furthermore, backbench members of the government's own parliamentary party frequently join coalitions to defeat the government in standing committee and on the floor. The research describes the development of the House of Commons as a decision-making unit in the 1970s, compares its record during the 1970s to the workings of the Commons over preceding decades, and examines various factors that help explain why the behavior of the House and its members changed so over the recent decade.
A fitted neoprene garment to cover dressings in swine models

Domesticated porcine species are commonly used in studies of wound healing, owing to similarities between porcine skin and human skin. Such studies often involve wound dressings, and keeping these dressings intact on the animal can be a challenge. The authors describe a novel and simple technique for constructing a fitted neoprene garment for pigs that covers dressings and maintains their integrity during experiments.
Displacement-based seismic design for RC frames retrofitted with FRP composites

With the target lateral stiffness as a control index,the displacement-based seismic design is introduced for RC frames retrofitted with FRP composite.The proposed method can be exactly used for FRP seismic design aimed at any beam,column and joint.The cross-section stiffness formulas of pre-yield and post-yield were given for RC components retrofitted with FRP composites.The formulas' accuracy is confirmed through a series of tests' results.Based on the component's cross-section stiffness,the frame lateral stiffness formula is determined.The nonlinear static analysis of RC frames retrofitted with FRP composites may be made by target stiffness and commercial software.The example shows that the proposed method is feasible.
Value of color Doppler ultrasonography in diagnosing biliary astresia

Objective To summary and analyze the early sonographic features of biliary atresia(BA)and the precautions during ultrasonic diagnosis. Methods The hepatobiliary ultrasonographic features of 58 cases of BA confirmed by surgery and pathology were retrospectively analyzed. Results Among 58 cases,there were 15 cases with abnormal shape of gallblader(25.9%),56 cases with gallbladder dysfunction(96.6%). 36 cases with irregular or cable stripe enhanced echo in front of portal vein(62.1%);49caseswith hepaticarteriesdilation(87.5%),33caseswithincreasedvascularresistanceindex(56.9%);50caseswith liver size40 mm below the costal margin(86.2%),32 cases with hepatosplenomegaly(55.2%),18 cases with ascites(34.6%).Conclusion Ultrasonography can be used as the routine imaging modality for biliary atresia. Integrated application of the indexes such as gallbladder abnormalities,positive TC signal,widening of hepatic artery may improve the diagnostic accuracy of BA.
Once a Jacobin Always a Jacobin

Coleridge first defended himself against the charge of Jacobinism in 1802, when, as a leading voice on the Morning Post, he came under increased attack from the Anti -Jacobin. But Coleridge’s involvement with the Morning Post had placed him at the centre of the increasingly dangerous political climate considerably earlier, beginning in the first months of 1798. The original Anti -Jacobin, or Weekly Examiner was founded in 1797 precisely to counter the perceived liberal bias of the London press, and in particular the Morning Post and her sister paper the Morning Chronicle. Under the political direction of George Canning, then a junior minister in the Pitt government, and the editorial direction of William Gifford, the Anti -Jacobin set out to ‘examine’ the newspapers each week, and to check the spread of Jacobin principles. Coleridge was an obvious target of this examination. One of his first pieces for the Morning Post was a reprint from The Watchman, entitled ‘Queries’, which asked a series of inflammatory questions including:
Classification of Visual Processes for the Control of Posture and Locomotion

Human observers have a multitude of information for the perception of observer motion through the environment. For example, the vestibular system provides information regarding accelerations of the observer through space (Benson, 1990). The somatosensory system provides proprioceptive information that can be used to determine changes in the body position of the observer (e.g., Allum et al., 1993; Dietz et al., 1991). In addition, gravitoreceptors exist which can be used to detect changes in the orientation of the observer with respect to gravity (Mittelstaedt, 1992). However, of all the different sources of information available, the visual system clearly is of central importance.
“Not in the Same Sandbox”: Cross-Systems Collaborations Between Early Intervention and Child Welfare Systems

Maltreatment and disability often coexist in the lives of young children, as children who are maltreated are at a higher risk for developing a disability, and, conversely, children with a disability are at a higher risk of being maltreated. Despite being supported by multiple service systems, young children with disabilities who have experienced maltreatment are often not optimally supported by these service systems. We utilized a mixed methods design to explore how early intervention and child welfare collaborate to support young children with disabilities who have experienced maltreatment. Implications and future directions for research, policy and practice are discussed.
Using Social Media and Targeted Snowball Sampling to Survey a Hard-to-reach Population: A Case Study

Response rates to the academic surveys used in quantitative research are decreasing and have been for several decades among both individuals and organizations. Given this trend, providing doctoral students an opportunity to complete their dissertations in a timely and cost effective manner may necessitate identifying more innovative and relevant ways to collect data while maintaining appropriate research standards and rigor. The case of a research study is presented which describes the data collection process used to survey a hard-to-reach population. It details the use of social media, in this case LinkedIn, to facilitate the distribution of the web-based survey. A roadmap to illustrate how this data collection process unfolded is presented, as well as several “lessons learned” during this journey. An explanation of the considerations that impacted the sampling design is provided. The goal of this case study is to provide researchers, including doctoral students, with realistic expectations and an awareness of the benefits and risks associated with the use of this method of data collection.
An approach for effective design space exploration

Design space exploration (DSE) refers to the activity of exploring design alternatives prior to implementation. The power to operate on the space of potential design candidates renders DSE useful for many engineering tasks, including rapid prototyping, optimization, and system integration. The main challenge in DSE arises from the sheer size of the design space that must be explored. Typically, a large system has millions, if not billions, of possibilities, and so enumerating every point in the design space is prohibitive. In this paper, we present a method for systematically exploring the design space in a cost-effective manner. The key idea is that many of the design candidates may be considered equivalent as far as the user is concerned, and so only a small subset of the space needs to be explored. Our approach takes the user-defined notion of equivalence, and generates symmetry breaking predicates to ensure that the underlying exploration engine does not sample multiple equivalent design candidates. We describe how the method is integrated into our DSE framework, FORMULA, which uses an SMT solver to solve a set of global design constraints and search for valid design instances.
Of Sea Lice and Superfood: A Comparison of Regional and National News Media Coverage of Aquaculture

As wild fisheries decline, aquaculture, or the cultivation of species in fresh and salt water, will provide the majority of seafood consumed worldwide. Given that aquaculture is an increasingly critical food “technology” – with implications for public opinion formation – we apply theory of social function systems and sustainability to a U.S. news media content analysis. We examine coverage of aquaculture (N = 493 articles) over a ten-year period (2005-2015), comparing four regional and four national newspapers for discussion of risks, benefits, science, economics, political/legal issues, and environmental sustainability. Results suggest the dominance of risk in regional and national news; however, we also find more recent attention to benefit and sustainability. Differences within and between regional and national newspaper coverage further suggest that the conversation about aquaculture varies within the U.S., is multi-dimensional, and involves frequent co-occurrence
Review of Hypoparathyroidism.

Hypoparathyroidism is a rare endocrine disorder in which parathyroid hormone (PTH) production is abnormally low or absent, resulting in low serum calcium and increased serum phosphorus. The most common cause of hypoparathyroidism is parathyroid gland injury or inadvertent removal during thyroid surgery. Current treatments include supplementation with calcium and active vitamin D, with goal albumin-corrected serum calcium level in the low-normal range of 8-9mg/dl. Complications of the disease include renal dysfunction, nephrocalcinosis, kidney stones, extracellular calcifications of the basal ganglia, and posterior subcapsular cataracts, as well as low bone turnover and increased bone density. Until January 2015, hypoparathyroidism was the only classic endocrine disease without an available hormone replacement. Recombinant human PTH 1-84, full length parathyroid hormone, is now available for a selected group of patients with the disease who are not well controlled on the current standard therapy of calcium and active vitamin D. In addition, the role of PTH replacement on quality of life, intracerebral calcifications, cataracts, improving bone turnover, and reduction of renal complications of the disease remains to be further investigated.
Geometric and analytic problems for a real submanifold in ℂ n with CR singularities

In this survey article, we present some known results and also propose some open questions related to the analytic and geometric aspects of Bishop submanifolds in a complex space. We mainly focus on those problems that the author and his coauthors have recently worked on. The article also contains an example of a Bishop submanifold in ℂ3 of real codimension two, which cannot be quadratically flattened at a CR singular point but is CR non-minimal at any CR point. This provides a counter-example to a question asked in a private communication by Zaistev (2013).
How many images are in an auditory scene

If an auditory scene consists of many spatially separated sound sources, how many sound sources can be processed by the auditory system? Experiment I determined how many speech sources could be localized simultaneously on the azimuth plane. Different words were played from multiple loudspeakers, and listeners reported the total number of sound sources and their individual locations. In experiment II the accuracy of localizing one speech source in a mixture of multiple speech sources was determined. An extra sound source was added to an existing set of sound sources, and the task was to localize that extra source. In experiment III the setup and task were the same as in experiment I, except that the sounds were tones. The results showed that the maximum number of sound sources that listeners could perceive was limited to approximately four spatially separated speech signals and three for tonal signals. The localization errors increased along with the increase of total number of sound sources. When four or more speech sources already existed, the accuracy in localizing an additional source was near chance.
Brief paper: Reduced order state estimation for linear systems with exact measurements

Necessary and sufficient conditions are derived for the existence of reduced order, steady state, optimal linear state estimators for continuous, linear, dynamical systems when some output measurements are noise free. These conditions are shown to be dual to the generalized, strengthened Legendre-Clebsch conditions for the extremal controls of a dual singular regulator when the order of singularity is at most two. The optimal estimators are designed without the use of Luenberger observers.
Direct oral anticoagulants in the treatment of pulmonary embolism.

AbstractObjective: The objective of this review is to examine the management strategies for pulmonary embolism (PE) with an emphasis of the role of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs).Methods: PubMed was searched to identify relevant journal articles published through April 2017. Additional references were obtained from articles discovered during the database search.Results: Initial heparinization followed by long-term anticoagulation with vitamin K antagonists has been considered the mainstay for the treatment of PE. However, DOACs now offer comparably effective and potentially safer alternatives for both acute and long-term treatment of PE using a monotherapy approach without the need for initial heparinization for rivaroxaban or apixaban. Advantages to using DOACs include oral availability, rapid onset of action, minimal drug and food interactions, predictable pharmacokinetics, and lack of need for routine monitoring. Limitations of using these agents include a limited availability of assays to quickly ...
One dimensional dynamic electromechanical constitutive relations of ferroelectric materials

We present a macroscopic theory for the dynamic response of a poled polycrystalline ferroelectric material describing its coupled electromechanical interactions. The treatment is restricted to an idealized material representing the simplest system capable of displaying ferroelectricity; it includes changes in both the magnitude of the electric dipoles and the orientation of the domains. Coupling between the electrical and mechanical properties of the material is considered and the constitutive equations are linearized to illustrate the resulting dynamic response.
Functional Recovery, Oncologic Outcomes and Postoperative Complications after Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy: An Evidence-Based Analysis Comparing the Retzius Sparing and Standard Approaches

Purpose: We report a 1-year update of functional urinary and sexual recovery, oncologic outcomes and postoperative complications in patients who completed a randomized controlled trial comparing posterior (Retzius sparing) with anterior robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.Materials and Methods: A total of 120 patients with clinically low-intermediate risk prostate cancer were randomized to undergo robot-assisted radical prostatectomy via the posterior and anterior approach in 60 each. Surgery was performed by a single surgical team at an academic institution. An independent third party ascertained urinary and sexual function outcomes preoperatively, and 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery. Oncologic outcomes consisted of positive surgical margins and biochemical recurrence-free survival. Biochemical recurrence was defined as 2 postoperative prostate specific antigen values of 0.2 ng/ml or greater.Results: Median age of the cohort was 61 years and median followup was 12 months. At 12 months in the anterior v...
Association of physical functioning of persons with dementia with caregiver burden and depression in dementia caregivers: an integrative data analysis.

Objectives: To determine whether caregiver relationship and race modify associations between physical functioning of persons with dementia (PWD) and their caregiver's burden and general depressive ...
Integration of Au nanoparticles with a g-C3N4 based heterostructure: switching charge transfer from type-II to Z-scheme for enhanced visible light photocatalysis.

Here, we demonstrate that a type-II g-C3N4 nanosheet (CNNS)/W18O49 heterostructure composite can be switched to Z-scheme through the deposition of Au nanoparticles (NPs) on the surface of CNNS. As a direct result, the designed Au/CNNS/W18O49 heterostructure shows enhanced photocatalytic performance for Cr(VI) reduction than the CNNS/W18O49 heterostructure and single components (CNNS and W18O49) under visible light irradiation.
New Strategies in Composite Tissue Allotransplantation

Over the last two decades, composite tissue allotransplantation (CTA), more recently referred to as vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA), has become a valid therapeutic and restorative option for patients with severe tissue defects. While functional outcomes are such that recipients’ quality of life is significantly improved and in some cases even dramatically enhanced, long-term risks are still difficult to evaluate in a precise fashion. Strategies have been devised, and new ones are being explored, in order to minimize or, if possible, eliminate the need for immunosuppression while keeping rejection under control. Success in these efforts would ultimately tilt the risk versus benefit balance, so that VCA may become widely adopted and a standard therapeutic option. This chapter introduces a brief historical perspective as well as a description of the current state of play within the discipline. It examines emerging challenges and then focuses on novel research avenues and clinical perspectives for the future.
Microbiology of Periprosthetic Joint Infection

Periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) are expected to become more common in the future as total joint arthroplasties increase in frequency. PJIs are difficult to differentiate from mechanical failure. The diagnosis and treatment of PJIs is often dependent on the results of cultures obtained from the joint or periprosthetic space. Criteria for diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection vary, but usually include one or more of the following: presence of a sinus tract, recovery of a typical organism from multiple joint fluid or tissue cultures, elevated joint fluid white cell count with neutrophil predominance, presence of pus at the time of surgery, histopathology consistent with acute inflammation and high erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C reactive protein. Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative staphylococci are the most common organisms associated with PJIs. Streptococci, gram-negative bacteria and anaerobes are seen less frequently. Mycobacterium tuberculosis, fungi, and other unusual organisms are rare but may be seen in cases where the routine bacterial cultures are negative.
Event Structure and Aspectual Roles

The internal structure of events described by predicates of natural language has been the subject of discussion in linguistic and philosophical literature for some time (Bach (1983, 1986), Dowty (1979), Hinrichs (1985), Jackendoff (1987), Kenny (1963), Parsons (1985), Platzack (1979), Reichenbach (1947), Ryle (1949), Vendler (1967), Verkuyl (1972)). Furthermore, the need for linguistic representations to make explicit reference to the events represented by linguistic expressions has been recognized by a number of authors (Davidson (1967), Bach (1983) (1986), and Higginbotham (1987) (1985)). However, it is only relatively recently that a large body of work has appeared by linguists attempting to articulate the internal structure of events as they are defined and composed through the grammars of natural language. This work assumes that the events represented by natural language predicates (verbs, generally speaking) may be decomposed into linguistically defined parts, employing linguistic structures which are intrinsic to natural language.
The Spiritual Dimension of Coping: Theoretical and Practical Considerations

In this chapter, I suggest that religion is designed first and foremost to facilitate spirituality—that is, to help people achieve spiritual goals. Building on this premise, I maintain that attempts to understand religion in purely biological, psychological, or social terms can provide, at best, an incomplete picture and, at worst, a distorted view of religious life. In this chapter, I present a model for understanding spirituality as a natural and normal part of life. I then examine the spiritual dimension of coping with life stressors within the context of this larger model of spirituality. I conclude the chapter with a discussion of the practical implications of spiritual coping.
Helping Clients Facing Behavior Problems in Their Companion Animals

Abstract This chapter begins with an overview of the frequency of behavior problems in companion animals, types of problems commonly seen, and potential outcomes of these problems (ranging from resolution to management to relinquishment). Potential impacts (emotional, logistical, financial) on the human members of the household are noted. Current behavioral modification approaches used in companion animal behavioral therapy (based on operant conditioning, classical conditioning and counterconditioning) are summarized. The chapter outlines “Best Practices” for helping clients address these problems, considering safety of all household members and the clients' ability to successfully comply with treatment recommendations. Best Practices range from referral to a qualified behavior specialist or trainer (and how to identify a qualified specialist) and to management and training techniques owners can put into place to improve the living situation for all involved. Sample scenarios and discussion questions are included, and the difficult issue of discussing euthanasia for behavior problems is addressed.
Examination of Regression-based Discrepancy Scores for the RBANS in Detecting Cognitive Impairment from an Archival Sample.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical utility of regression-based formulas for the RBANS indexes in screening for cognitive impairment. METHOD A database of neuropsychological test results was created from archival records in a memory assessment clinic. The sample consisted of 83 individuals (37 males/46 females) with an average age of 70.1 (SD = 9.8) and 14.6 years of education (SD = 2.8). Diagnostic accuracy of regression-based predictions provided by Duff and Ramezani (2015) (Duff, K., & Ramezani, A. (2015). Regression-based normative formulae for the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status for older adults. Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology, 30, 600-604.) and from regression of WTAR standard score were examined via receiver operator characteristic curves. Preliminary generalizability investigation was completed using two additional datasets. RESULTS The WTAR was found to mediate the relationship between education and all RBANS index scores. The WTAR standard score was also found to contribute uniquely and significantly to the prediction of RBANS performance. Results of diagnostic accuracy analyses showed similar discriminating accuracy for all scores. There was limited support for using the WTAR over demographic variables alone in the estimation of RBANS performance; however, the WTAR was found to be more predictive than education, indicating potential clinical utility to using the word-reading score over just years of attained education. CONCLUSIONS Use of these derived Total Scale score variants is recommended for the screening of cognitive impairment, particularly in individuals with superior or poor educational quality. Further research is required to evaluate the utility of these variations in more diverse samples.
Racism and Its Agents in China

This chapter further introduces various manifestations of discourses of race in contemporary China and analyzes their agents and how they address the issues in relation to domestic and international problems. As an ideology, racism or racial discourses do not exist for their own sake or by themselves but always reflect power relations that may be addressed in other social hierarchy-based or identity-related discourses. In China today, racial thinking can appear in various discourses addressed to political and ideological needs of the party-state, cultural and intellectual elites as well as ordinary citizens.
Engagement in rehabilitation therapy and functional outcomes among individuals with acquired brain injuries

Purpose: The purpose was to examine the role of therapy engagement as a potential mediator for the relationship between neuropsychological performance and functional outcomes.Materials and method: ...
Nonstandard Work Schedules and Father Involvement Among Resident and Nonresident Fathers

Due to large increases in rates of marital dissolution and nonmarital births in recent decades, many children today grow up living away from their biological father. Prior research finds that employed nonresident fathers and those with higher earnings tend to be more highly involved with their children. Yet, the timing of work may also influence their involvement. This study tests the hypothesis that fathersâ nonstandard work schedules are related to three dimensions of involvement â fatherâs accessibility to, engagement with, and responsibility for his child â and examine differences in these relationships between nonresident and resident fathers. Using data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study and OLS regression models with rich controls, we find that among nonresident fathers, working an evening shift or a weekend shift were each associated with lower levels of involvement with their three-year-old children. For resident fathers only, we found no associations between work schedules and involvement.
Carbon capture using nanoporous adsorbents

Abstract It is critical to reduce the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere to alleviate global warming effects and adsorption using solid adsorbent is a promising low energy-intensive approach for this challenge. Adsorbent development is the fundamental step to use the adsorption method for carbon capture particularly from power plant flue gases. The progress of the development of four main types of adsorbents including porous carbon, zeolites, metal-organic frameworks, and modified silica were included in this chapter. The important factors toward the CO2 adsorption capacity and selectivity for those adsorbents, such as pore structure, functionalization, water effect, and hydrothermal stability, were discussed. Some representative results were summarized in tables for each adsorbent for reference purposes. Some current challenges in the adsorbent development and application in the author’s perspective, including material cost and stability, energy consumption was provided as well.
Acute traumatic injury of the aorta: presentation, diagnosis, and treatment

Despite advances in detection and treatment, acute traumatic aortic injury (ATAI) is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Both physical and hemodynamic forces have been postulated as mechanisms of aortic injury during a traumatic event. For patients who survive the initial injury, rapid detection is critical for diagnosis and procedural planning, which requires a thorough knowledge of both its clinical presentation and the available diagnostic imaging modalities. Radiography, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can each have a role in the diagnosis of ATAI. After stabilization of the patient, the management of ATAI is guided by the severity of injury. Appropriately selected patients with low grade injuries may be managed non-operatively. When treatment is required, there are both open surgical and endovascular options. In current practice, endovascular approaches with stent-graft placement are preferred due to their high clinical success and low rates of complications. Complications from endograft placement can include: endoleak, endograft collapse, infection, endograft failure, and endograft migration. Open surgical repair is now reserved for patients with unfavorable anatomy for endovascular therapies. This review provides a comprehensive overview of ATAI including its epidemiology and demographics, mechanisms of injury, clinical and radiographic diagnosis, treatment options, and post-therapeutic follow-up.