cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Health resource utilization among US veterans with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures: A comparison before and after video-EEG monitoring.

Summary Objective Prior to establishing the correct diagnosis, patients with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) frequently endure significant costs and morbidities associated with utilization of health care resources. In this study of the US veterans population, we aimed to investigate for potential changes in health resource utilization before versus after video-EEG (VEEG) confirmation and disclosure of the PNES diagnosis. Methods We prospectively studied 65 veterans with VEEG confirmed diagnosis of PNES, and followed their health care utilization during the subsequent 3 years after the diagnosis. Primary outcomes entailed comparing the quantities of post-VEEG outpatient visits and diagnostic procedures versus those during the 3-year span prior to the diagnosis. Secondary outcome involved specifically the measures of seizure-related antiepileptic drug (AED) use from time points before and after VEEG. Results Within the category of non-psychiatric outpatient visits, we observed significant post-diagnostic decrease in the utilization of PNES-related outpatient visits ( p p =0.004). When examining exclusively for psychiatric outpatient visits, we further observed a trend toward increased attendance of outpatient visits ( p =0.056) after VEEG. Utilization of diagnostic procedures was not significantly different before versus after VEEG ( p =0.293). 52.3% of the patients were prescribed AEDs for seizure-related purpose during the one-year period leading up to VEEG. By comparison, only 7.7%, 12.3%, and 10.8% of the patients were still on AEDs for seizure-related purpose at the one-year, two-year, and three-year time points after VEEG, respectively. Conclusion We demonstrate new evidence that VEEG confirmation of the PNES diagnosis among US veterans can significantly reduce key measures of non-psychiatric/PNES-related resource utilization, while also potentially associating with appropriate enhancement of psychiatric outpatient visits. However, our results suggest that within this patient population, further efforts are necessary to address heightened demands for non-PNES-related outpatient visits after VEEG.
Position tracking control of a synchronous reluctance motor

The synchronous reluctance (SynR) motor is an attractive candidate for high-performance servo drive systems for various reasons. An integrator back-stepping technique is used to design a trajectory tracking control strategy for SynR motors driving inertial loads. A d-q model which describes the dynamic behavior of the SynR motor is introduced; based on this model, a voltage level controller is proposed which theoretically provides globally uniform asymptotically stable (GUAS) motor trajectory tracking given exact model knowledge and full state feedback (i.e., rotor position, velocity, and the per phase winding currents). The performance of the proposed voltage level controller is verified using computer simulation.
Near-miss events: a vastly missed opportunity.

Received December 5, 2012; accepted January 22, 2013.Living liver donation is arguably the most invasiveoperation that we as surgeons perform in willingpatients with no demonstrable medical beneﬁt. We dothis to allow a person to donate a portion of his or herliver to save the life of someone with end-stage liverdisease to whom the donor is somehow connected.Every time we perform living donor liver hepatectomy,we as surgeons violate the Hippocratic Oath becausewe cannot obey the tenet of “do no harm” in a settingin which complication rates are 40%
Some reflections on the Renewal-theory paradox in queueing theory

that the length of the renewal interval that covers a randomly-selected time epoch tends to be longer than an ordinary renewal interval. This paradox manifests itself in numerous interesting ways in queueing theory, a prime example being the celebrated Pollaczek-Khintchine formula for the mean waiting time in the M/G/1 queue. In this expository paper, we give intuitive arguments that "explain" why the renewal-theory paradox is ubiquitous in queueing theory, and why it sometimes produces anomalous results. In particular, we use these intuitive arguments to explain decomposition in vacation models, and to derive formulas that describe some recent
Transfinite electrical networks

This is a tutorial/survey paper that provides an explanation of "transfinite electrical networks." The theory of such networks has been developing only over the past decade, and undoubtedly much is yet to be discovered. It is quite abstract, and its mathematics is complicated. In this work we try to facilitate an understanding of its main ideas without encumbering comprehension with too much mathematical jargon. Instead, definitions and arguments are heuristically presented, and many examples are given. Transfiniteness for electrical networks is a radical generalization of conventional network theory, which opens up an entirely new area of research. It may be of interest to mathematical circuit theorists but will disappoint those looking for practical applications.
Hepatic Steatosis (Fatty Liver Disease) in Asymptomatic Adults Identified by Unenhanced Low-Dose CT

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of hepatic steatosis in an asymptomatic U.S. adult population using attenuation values at unenhanced CT as the reference standard. We also assessed the utility of known clinical risk factors for diagnosis.MATERIALS AND METHODS. For 3,357 consecutive asymptomatic adults (1,865 women and 1,492 men; mean age, 57.0 years), hepatic and splenic CT attenuation values (Hounsfield units) were obtained by unenhanced CT using a low-dose colonography technique for colorectal cancer screening. Multiple attenuation criteria for steatosis were applied, including liver thresholds and comparison of liver and spleen attenuation. Relevant clinical risk factors were compared against a CT liver attenuation ≤ 40 HU, which has been shown to exclude mild steatosis.RESULTS. Mean liver attenuation was 58.8 ± 10.8 (SD) HU. The prevalence of moderate-to-severe hepatic steatosis (defined by liver attenuation ≤ 40 HU) was 6.2% (208/3,357). For CT attenuation criter...
Physiology of genotypic differences in zinc and copper uptake in rice and tomato

Excised roots of rice (Oryzae sativa L.) cv IR26 absorbed both Zn2+ and Cu2+ from 0.01 mM to 0.50 mM external solutions at rates twice those of cv M101 over a 30-min period. However, the latter have a two-fold greater affinity (1/Km) for Zn2+ and Cu2+ than do those of the former. Zinc2+ and Cu2+ mutually and competitively inhibited uptake of each other, indicating that both micronutrient cations are absorbed through the same uptake mechanism or carrier sites. Further, these differences in uptake rates are restricted to roots but they cannot be explained by variations in root surface areas.
A mechanistic modeling of montmorillonite contamination by cesium sorption

Abstract The triple layer electrochemical adsorption model (TIM) was utilized to model adsorption of Cs+ onto Ca-montmorillonite. Input data for the model were obtained via batch adsorption experiments in which Cs+ and mixtures of Cs+ and Sr2+ were added to a Ca-montmorillonite suspension at various conditions of pH and background electrolytes. A best fit of the model was achieved after gradually adjusting the values of the equilibrium constants and adsorption site concentrations. Two types of adsorption sites were considered to be responsible for adsorption in the clay: interlayer and frayed edges. The dominant mechanism of adsorption was identified as specific adsorption in the frayed edge sites, which although composing only 5% of the adsorption sites, they accounted for about 94% of total Cs adsorption. The model predicted precipitation of CsOH at concentrations above 1 mmol Cs/1, this value depending strongly on pH. The TLM successfully represented the adsorption of Cs over a wide range of concentrations, pH, nature of background electrolytes, and presence of competing cations.
Is the Scariest Monster Also the Least Real? An Examination of Children’s Reality Classifications

Abstract This study examines the extent to which children (N m = 60) at different ages master the reality status of fantasy figures for “affective” as opposed to cognitive reasons—that is, as a defense against fright and uncertainty. Thus, pictures of monsters taken from a widely acclaimed children's book were used to elicit thoughts regarding the fantasy/reality distinction. Contrary to prediction, nonreality did not equate with scariness for younger subjects; nor was there an age difference in the extent to which subjects focused on global, affectively significant features when justifying their reality classifications of the fantasy figures. Overall, young children appeared no less “objective” when making judgments of this sort than did older children and adults (N = 20).
"My Heart's Indian for All That": Bollywood Film between Home and Diaspora

In the spring of 1995, I had just begun to work on issues having to do with the global reception of Indian popular film.2 I was particularly interested in the consumption of Bollywood films in Sout...
Preparation, Characterization and Conductivity of Li3N, Li3P and Li3As

The superionic conductors lithium nitride and lithium phosphide and the semi-metallic conductor lithium arsenide were synthesized through elemental reactions of lithium melt with nitrogen gas and phosphorus or arsenic powders. A high mobility of the lithium ion was found in this class of compounds. These compounds are hard and brittle and have a dark brown color. The structures of these compounds were studied using x-ray diffraction techniques. All three compounds crystallize in a hexagonal structure with a P6/mm space group. The lattice dimensions expand anisotropically as the size of the anion increases. The ionic and electronic conductivities of the compounds were studied using reversible lithium electrodes and an ion blocking molybdenum electrode. The temperature dependent conductivity measurements (Arrhenius plot) show a high ionic and a negligible electronic conductivity for both lithium nitride and lithium phosphide. However, lithium arsenide shows semi-metallic behavior with a high electronic conductivity. A higher degree of covalency in the ct direction and a more ionic character in x-y plane were observed. The anisotropic nature of the chemical bonds in these compounds provides a shallow potential well in x-y plane and allows the correlated motion of lithium ions. Lithium phosphide and nitride are superionic conductors and useful materials for application in batteries and sensors. Lithium nitride decomposes below 0.5 volts and can be used in low voltage and zero current devices. Lithium phosphide is stable up to 2.2 volts and can be used for higher voltage devices. These compounds decompose in contact with water and are air sensitive.
Facilities Competition and Local Network Investment: Theory, Evidence and Policy Implications

A new approach has emerged in the U.S. and elsewhere in the world for promoting investment in local communications networks. Competition, especially facilitiesbased entry, has become a principal means to encourage the efficient amount and timing of investment in local exchange infrastructure and adoption of advanced technologies. Despite the popularity of open entry policies, the logic underlying these policies has never been worked through. Nevertheless, we find preliminary and incidental studies that support the claim that facilities-based entry stimulates investment by both incumbents and entrants. The message for policy makers is, first, to remove artificial restrictions on facilities-based entry and on incumbent investment, both as a response to competition and in advance of entry, and second, to take account of the possibility of a virtuous cycle of investment deriving from incumbent-entrant interaction. These measures promise to supplement the ordinary benefits of facilities competition that will aid in building the next generation advanced communications network.
The Backus–Gilbert approach to the 3-D structure in the upper mantle – II. SH and SV velocity

Summary. Phase velocity variations obtained in the previous paper are inverted by the Backus–Gilbert method for the velocity structure of the upper mantle. Spheroidal modes and toroidal modes in the period range of 125–260 s are used in the inversion. The data cannot constrain all six parameters in a transversely isotropic medium and we chose to perturb only two parameters, SH and SV velocities. SV velocities are resolved between the depths of about 200 and 400 km and SH velocities between 0 and 200 km. Resolution kernels have half-peak widths of about 200–300 km in depth, becoming broader for deeper target depths. SV velocity kernels show secondary peaks near the surface of the Earth, with widths varying from 50 to 100 km. The deeper the target depths, the wider the secondary peaks near the surface. SH velocity kernels do not possess such secondary peaks. The trade-off between SV and SH velocities is small. SV velocity is essentially determined by spheroidal modes and SH velocity by toroidal modes. Because of the broad width of the resolution kernels, the structure in the resolved region is difficult to detect from our data set; for example the differences in SV velocity structure between 250 and 350 km or the differences in SH velocity between 100 and 200 km are difficult to distinguish. Considering the horizontal resolution of about 2000 km, obtained in the previous paper, averaging kernels for 3-D structure are quite elongated in the horizontal dimension.
Atrial natriuretic peptide protects against ischemia-reperfusion injury in rabbit hearts in vivo.

The aim of this study is to investigate whether atrial natriuretic peptide can mimic preconditioning to protect ischemia or reperfusion injury in rabbit hearts. New Zealand white rabbits were randomized into 3 groups: (1) Controls. Hearts received a 60 minute-occlusion of the left anterior descending artery, followed by a 180 minute-reperfusion. (2) Preconditioning. Two 5-minute periods of ischemia separated by a 10-minute reperfusion, followed by a 60-minute ischemia and a 180-minute reperfusion. (3) Atrial natriuretic peptide treatment. Bolus injection of exogenous atrial natriuretic peptide (2.5 µg/kg) given intravenously at 15 minutes prior to 60 minute-ischemia followed by a 180-minute reperfusion. Myocardial necrotic area and area at risk of necrosis were determined by triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining. Ratio of necrotic area to area at risk was 49.95% ± 1.15%, 7.95% ± 0.33%, and 8.36% ± 0.61% in the controls, preconditioning group, and atrial natriuretic peptide group, respectively. Both preco...
They Called Them Greasers: Anglo Attitudes Toward Mexicans in Texas, 1821-1900

* Preface * A Note on Terminology *1. Initial Contacts: Redeeming Texas from Mexicans, 1821-1836 *2. Niggers, Redskins, and Greasers: Tejano Mixed-Bloods in a White Racial State *3. An Indolent People *4. Defective Morality *5. Disloyalty and Subversion *6. Leyendas Negras *7. Frontier "Democracy" and Tejanos-the Antebellum Period *8. Frontier "Democracy" and Tejanos-the Postbellum Period *9. Epilogue: "Not the White Man's Equal * Notes * Bibliography * Index
Systems in development: motor skill acquisition facilitates three-dimensional object completion.

How do infants learn to perceive the backs of objects that they see only from a limited viewpoint? Infants’ 3-dimensional object completion abilities emerge in conjunction with developing motor skills— independent sitting and visual–manual exploration. Infants at 4.5 to 7.5 months of age (n 28) were habituated to a limited-view object and tested with volumetrically complete and incomplete (hollow) versions of the same object. Parents reported infants’ sitting experience, and infants’ visual–manual exploration of objects was observed in a structured play session. Infants’ self-sitting experience and visual–manual exploratory skills predicted looking at the novel, incomplete object on the habituation task. Further analyses revealed that self-sitting facilitated infants’ visual inspection of objects while they manipulated them. The results are framed within a developmental systems approach, wherein infants’ sitting skill, multimodal object exploration, and object knowledge are linked in developmental time.
Genetic maps of stem rust resistance gene Sr35 in diploid and hexaploid wheat

Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici is the causal agent of stem rust of wheat. A new race designated TTKSK (also known as Ug99) and its variants (TTKST and TTTSK) are virulent to most of the stem rust resistance genes currently deployed in wheat cultivars worldwide. Therefore, identifi cation, mapping, and deployment of effective resistance genes are critical components of global efforts to mitigate this threat. Multipathotype seedling tests demonstrated that resistance gene Sr35 is effective against the three TTKS variants and another broadly virulent race from Yemen, TRTTF. Two genetic maps of Sr35 are presented in diploid (Triticum monococcum) and two in hexaploid wheat (T. aestivum). The Sr35 resistance to TRTTF and RKQQC races was mapped in diploid wheat within a 2.2 to 3.1 cM interval on the long arm of chromosome 3A m between markers XBF483299 and XCJ656351. This interval corresponds to a 174-kb region in Brachypodium that includes 16 annotated genes. The Sr35 map location was confi rmed in two backcross-derived hexaploid populations segregating for Sr35. Recombination between diploid and hexaploid chromosomes was 10-fold lower than between homologous chromosomes, but was suffi cient to reduce the introgressed diploid segment. These maps provide markers closely linked to Sr35 that will be useful to accelerate its deployment and pyramiding with other stem rust resistance genes.
The role of calcium in the inhibition of cAMP accumulation in epiphyseal cartilage cells exposed to physiological pressure

A hydrostatic pressure of 60g/cm sq (0.85 psi) inhibits the accumulation of cAMP in cells isolated from the proliferative zone of chick-tibia epiphyseal cartilage. The following findings indicate that this effect is mediated by a translocation of calcium: (i) the pressure enhances the cellular uptake of radiocalcium; (ii) the pressure effect on cAMP can be simulated by the calcium-ionophore A23187; (iii) the effects of pressure and A23187 are non-additive; (iv) the pressure effect is not produced in the presence of ethylenebis-(oxyethylenenitrilo)-pressure effect is not produced in the presence of ethylenebis-(oxyethylenenitrilo)-tetraacetic-acid (EGTA); (v) the particulate adenyl cyclase activity of the proliferative zone is susceptible to non-competitive calcium inhibition. Throughout this study cells from the hypertrophic zone of the same epiphyses were used as controls. In these cells the calcium uptake was enhanced by pressure, but the cAMP level was not affected by pressure, A23187 or EGTA. This change in responsiveness, which accompanies the maturation of the cartilage cells, was shown to be due to a decrease in the calcium-inhibition of adenylate cyclase.
Optimal automatic periodic multiprocessor scheduler for fully specified flow graphs

The basic terminology, a review of the underlying theory, a detailed description, and the performance of an automatic multiprocessing scheduler are presented. This scheduler generates an optimal deterministic synchronous multiprocessor realization of a digital signal processing (DSP) algorithm. It provides a reasonable solution to the optimal multiprocessing scheduling problem for the class of digital filters commonly used in the DSP community. The experimental study of the performance of this scheduler emphasizes adaptive and nonadaptive digital filters. >
A Role for Topical Nitrite in Diabetic Wound Healing

INTRODUCTION: Impaired diabetic wound healing, a source of significant disability, has been attributed to the reduced bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO) and an overabundance of oxidative stress. We demonstrated that xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR), important in purine metabolism and reactive oxygen species production, is highly expressed in regenerating skin. It is also a strong nitrite reductase that can produce NO from nitrite. We hypothesized that XOR can be harnessed to generate NO from nitrite and may improve diabetic wound healing.
Hematologic observations on patients with sickle cell anemia sustained at normal hemoglobin levels by multiple transfusions.

(1) Three sickle cell patients were sustained at normal hemoglobin levels for 3-4 months by means of repeated transfusions of fresh blood. (2) In response to transfusions, there was a decline in reticulocytes to normal levels during the first 5-7 days of observation. During periods in which the hemoglobin was maintained at high-normal or super-normal levels, the reticulocyte values were depressed below the normal range. A distinct reticulocyte response was observed when the hemoglobin declined to approximately 11.0 Gm. per cent following cessation of transfusions. (3) Employing anti-M differential agglutination, a simple exponential decline was observed in the number of sickle cells in each patient’s circulation during the period of sustained normal hemoglobin concentration. (4) The continued production of new sickle cells during the first week of observation complicated the interpretation of the differential agglutination data, but provided indirect evidence for the presence of an especially short-lived proportion of the patient’s cells. Support for this concept was derived from the radioactive iron utilization studies performed in Case 1.
The role of multinationals in economic development: The benefits of FDI

Abstract During her five years at the World Bank, Harrison initiated four studies involving multinational enterprises in four developing countries: Ivory Coast, Mexico, Morocco and Venezuela. These studies measure the role of multinational enterprises in promoting technology transfer; test whether multinationals push up wages for local workers; and analyze the validity of the “pollution haven hypothesis,” which states that foreign investors flock to developing countries to take advantage of lax environmental standards. Harrison finds no evidence of pollution havens and shows that multinationals raise wages for local workers. However, she finds that technology transfer has generally been limited to the joint ventures who receive foreign equity participation.
Optical and Durability Evaluation for Silvered Polymeric Mirrors and Reflectors: Cooperative Research and Development Final Report, CRADA Number, CRD-08-316

3M is currently developing silvered polymeric mirror reflectors as low-cost replacements for glass mirrors in concentrating solar power (CSP) systems. This effort is focused on development of reflectors comprising both metallized polymeric mirror films based on improved versions of ECP-305+ or other durable mirror film concepts and appropriate mechanically robust substrates. The objectives for this project are to reduce the system capital and operating costs and to lower the levelized cost of energy for CSP installations. The development of mirror reflectors involves work on both full reflectors and mirror films with and without coatings. Mirror reflectors must meet rigid optical specifications in terms of radius of curvature, slope errors and specularity. Mirror films must demonstrate long-term durability and maintain high reflectivity. 3M would like to augment internal capabilities to validate product performance with methods and tools developed at NREL to address these areas.
Situational privacy concerns and antecedent factors.

ABSTRACTThis study examines the factors that contribute to context-based, or situational, privacy concerns drawing upon the theoretic lens of attribution theory. We posit that situational privacy concerns develop through individuals’ causal explanations of prior privacy incidents in addition to their trait-like, or dispositional, privacy concerns. Analysis of data from 156 participants confirms the significance of the relationships between a number of antecedent constructs and situational privacy concerns. The hypotheses developed to test these relationships were all supported through partial least squares, as were the psychometric properties of the scales used. The results further our understanding of context-based privacy concerns, particularly the mechanics of attribution in blaming, and holding online service providers responsible for privacy transgressions. Insights into situational privacy concerns help online service providers handle and ameliorate these concerns.
Body Composition of Female Mallards in Winter in Relation to Annual Cycle Events

Body mass and carcass composition were determined from 267 female Mallards (Anasplatyrhynchos) collected during the winters of 1980-1981, 1981-1982, and 19821983 in the Mingo Basin of southeastern Missouri. Changes in carcass composition were related to annual events, such as migration, molt, and pairing. Body and carcass masses were similar between adults and immatures within status groups. The first females arriving in the Mingo Basin in fall were mostly adults engaged in the prealternate molt; body (1,010 g) and lipid (65 g) masses of these females in mid-prealternate molt were low compared to females collected at other times during winter. Females gained body and lipid mass following the completion of the prealternate molt and most became paired in November and December. Paired females had greater lipid masses than unpaired females throughout fall and winter. Body and carcass masses of nonmolting females remained constant over winter. Females initiated the prebasic molt with relatively large body (1,118 g) and lipid (168 g) masses. Lipid mass declined curvilinearly through the middle of the prebasic molt but then increased to 188 g and 219 g by late prebasic molt and premigratory stages, respectively. Adults proceeded through annual events earlier than immatures and both immatures and adults proceeded through annual events earlier in the wet winter of 1982-1983 than in the drier winters of 1980-1981 and 1981-1982. Mallards complete annual events earlier than most other ducks and female Mallards that complete annual events early in winter may have, at least historically, realized survival and reproductive potential advantages, especially following wet winters.
Electrochemical Liquid–Liquid–Solid Crystal Growth of Germanium Microwires on Hard and Soft Conductive Substrates at Low Temperature in Aqueous Solution

Highly ordered crystalline Ge microwire arrays with individual diameters larger than 1 μm have been grown in aqueous solutions at ambient pressure and below the boiling point of water through an electrochemical liquid–liquid–solid (ec-LLS) crystal growth process. A pertinent feature of this work is the use of a liquid metal patterning strategy which combines the utility of photolithography with the simplicity of doctor blading to produce macroscopic (>1 cm2) arrays of liquid metal microelectrodes. Optical and electron micrographs showed the compatibility of the liquid metal patterning process and subsequent ec-LLS microwire growth with a wide assortment of different conductive substrates, including silicon, indium tin oxide, copper foil, titanium foil, stainless steel, and poly[(3,4-ethylenedioxy)thiophene]/poly(styrenesulfonate). Furthermore, a simple chemical bath lift-off procedure was developed to fully remove the Ge microwire arrays embedded in SU-8 photoresist without perturbing the order or quality...
Effects of ischemia on forelimb weight and lymph protein concentration.

SummaryThe aim of this study was to determine if edema develops in the canine forelimb after relief of prolonged ischemia. Two hours of ischemia was induced either by interrupting brachial artery inflow in collateral-free, innervated, naturally and constantly perfused preparations or by applying a pressure cuff in intact preparations. Changes in extravascular fluid volume were inferred from changes in limb weight. Relief of ischemia produced a transient 1.7% increase in weight in the collateral-free, naturally perfused preparation but had no effect on weight in the collateral-free, constantly perfused or intact preparations. Skin lymph flow failed to change significantly and total lymph protein concentration increased only slightly. Thus, relief of 2 hr of ischemia does not produce marked edema or a large increase in microvascular permeability to plasma proteins in the dog forelimb.
Imaging of Sarcoidosis : A Contemporary Review

Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous disorder with a variety of clinical presentations and radiological appearances. Although it primarily affects the lungs and lymphatics, sarcoidosis potentially involves essentially every organ system. On imaging, sarcoidosis can mimic different disease entities, including primary and metastatic neoplasms, vasculitis, and other granulomatous infections. Definitive diagnosis often requires a combination of clinical, radiological, and histologic information. Imaging plays a crucial role in diagnosis and evaluating response to therapy. This review covers imaging findings in sarcoidosis within each organ system, with an emphasis on the use of imaging in the diagnosis and management of this condition.
Structure of 16Ne(2+, Ex=6.18 MeV)

For several configurations that could be candidates for the structure of a recently-discovered narrow 2+ state at an excitation energy of 6.18 MeV in 16Ne, I present expected energies and widths. None is able to account for all the details of the data.
Knowledge Representation and Weight Learning based on Petri Network in the Tactical Decision Making

Through used Fuzzy Petri net to set up the knowledge representation and reasoning of the Tactics Decision Making Module of Pilot Assistant Artificial Intelligent System(PAAIS),a Fuzzy Neural Petri Network(FNPN) method whose parameters can be trained was proposed in this paper.The experimental result indicated that,the Neural Network and the Petri net combination can make the fuzzy production rule systems more effective,and also can be applied to most practical Petri net models and fuzzy systems.
Integrase strand transferase inhibitors: the preferred antiretroviral regimen in HIV-positive renal transplantation.

In the era of antiretroviral therapy, people living with HIV/AIDS live longer and are subject to co-morbidities that affect the general population, such as chronic kidney disease. An increasing num...
Making the Business Case for Sustainability Related Investments Through a Single Financial Metric

Most firms have set procedures or thresholds for evaluating capital-intensive projects, such as a minimum level for the payback period or ROI on the project investment. While there is often uncertainty involved in projecting the cost savings or increases in revenue associated with the proposed project, for the most part, reasonable estimates exist for the future unknown parameter values that are needed to make the business case. In today’s business environment, almost every firm is starting to include sustainability-related projects in their regular review cycles. Investments in sustainability-related projects often include some type of cost savings associated with a decrease in the use of a non-renewable commodity such as oil, ore, or water. In these situations, managers often struggle when presenting their business case, in a manner that is understood and consistent with other investment options. One aspect that makes it particularly difficult is fuel, energy, and raw materials are commodities, whose prices fluctuate considerably; thus the resulting yearly savings from the more sustainable technology depend on the underlying assumptions about these prices. In this chapter, we show how the price of options to purchase the commodity at various stages in the future at today’s cost can be used to place a financial value on the savings attributed to sustainability-related investment. This technique provides a single, bottom-line number that managers are more familiar with when evaluating where to allocate a fixed investment budget among competing project proposals.
Lessons Learned from Hospital Mergers

Publisher Summary Mergers or acquisitions are financially driven and are undertaken to create a more efficient entity. This efficiency is to be achieved through economies of scale, access to capital, group-purchasing benefits, greater negotiating power with health plans, and reduced duplication of service. In addition, they hold the promise of improving the quality of care. With mergers and acquisitions, one hospital combines with another hospital or joins its assets and forms a new entity. Health care analysts predict a shift away from hospitals owning system components to increased participation in strategic alliances and partnerships. It is predicted that hospitals will seek financially stable partners to bolster their own performance if the recession lasts longer than economists predict. Regardless, affiliations or dissolutions create great anxiety, upheaval, and pain for all in the organization. This chapter reviews lessons learned from successful as well as failed hospital mergers. Lessons from a successful merger include the need for a sense of purpose and commitment to the merger, good communication, active listening, willingness to compromise, participation in decision making and governance structures, staying mission focused and community centered, and the importance of organizational culture in a merger. Important lessons from the failed mergers include financial losses, community resistance, lack of “buy in,” lack of commitment to mission and core values, poor system development regarding integration, retention, and recruitment problems, and culture differences.
Enhanced neural function in highly aberrated eyes following perceptual learning with adaptive optics

Highly aberrated keratoconic (KC) eyes do not elicit the expected visual advantage from customized optical corrections. This is attributed to the neural insensitivity arising from chronic visual experience with poor retinal image quality, dominated by low spatial frequencies. The goal of this study was to investigate if targeted perceptual learning with adaptive optics (AO) can stimulate neural plasticity in these highly aberrated eyes. The worse eye of 2 KC subjects was trained in a contrast threshold test under AO correction. Prior to training, tumbling 'E' visual acuity and contrast sensitivity at 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24 and 28 c/deg were measured in both the trained and untrained eyes of each subject with their routine prescription and with AO correction for a 6mm pupil. The high spatial frequency requiring 50% contrast for detection with AO correction was picked as the training frequency. Subjects were required to train on a contrast detection test with AO correction for 1h for 5 consecutive days. During each training session, threshold contrast measurement at the training frequency with AO was conducted. Pre-training measures were repeated after the 5 training sessions in both eyes (i.e., post-training). After training, contrast sensitivity under AO correction improved on average across spatial frequency by a factor of 1.91 (range: 1.77-2.04) and 1.75 (1.22-2.34) for the two subjects. This improvement in contrast sensitivity transferred to visual acuity with the two subjects improving by 1.5 and 1.3 lines respectively with AO following training. One of the two subjects denoted an interocular transfer of training and an improvement in performance with their routine prescription post-training. This training-induced visual benefit demonstrates the potential of AO as a tool for neural rehabilitation in patients with abnormal corneas. Moreover, it reveals a sufficient degree of neural plasticity in normally developed adults who have a long history of abnormal visual experience due to optical imperfections.
Spreader Graft Injection with Calcium Hydroxylapatite

Narrowing and collapse of the internal nasal valve results from a variety of causes including trauma, post-rhinoplasty sequela, and inherent cartilage weakness. Remedies have traditionally been surgical and involve harvest of autologous cartilage and insertion of a graft between the nasal septum and the upper lateral cartilages. The technique described here involves the injection of a calcium hydroxylapatite gel into the apex region of the internal nasal valve to provide support for the valve while preventing its collapse thereby improving patency and nasal airflow.
Data mining tasks and methods: Equation fitting: multidimensional regression analysis

Multidimensional regression analysis relates a target outcome Y to a vector of predictors X through a variety of possible link functions depending on the distribution of Y. The predictors may be used in a linear fashion or given a more data-driven nonparametric functional form. These variations on the modeling paradigm cover the standard linear model, generalized linear model, and generalized additive model. This article details these connections and provides algorithms for model fitting. A database-marketing example illustrates the use of multidimensional regression models.
Optogenetic activation of amygdala projections to nucleus accumbens can arrest conditioned and unconditioned alcohol consummatory behavior

Following a Pavlovian pairing procedure, alcohol-paired cues come to elicit behavioral responses that lead to alcohol consumption. Here we used an optogenetic approach to activate basolateral amygdala (BLA) axonal terminals targeting the shell of nucleus accumbens (AcbSh) and investigated a possible influence over cue-conditioned alcohol seeking and alcohol drinking, based on the demonstrated roles of these areas in behavioral responding to Pavlovian cues and in feeding behavior. Rats were trained to anticipate alcohol or sucrose following the onset of a discrete conditioned stimulus (CS). Channelrhodopsin-mediated activation of the BLA-to-AcbSh pathway concurrent with each CS disrupted cued alcohol seeking. Activation of the same pathway caused rapid cessation of alcohol drinking from a sipper tube. Neither effect was accompanied by an overall change in locomotion. Finally, the suppressive effect of photoactivation on cued-triggered seeking was also evidenced in animals trained with sucrose. Together these findings suggest that photoactivation of BLA terminals in the AcbSh can override the conditioned motivational properties of reward-predictive cues as well as unconditioned consummatory responses necessary for alcohol drinking. The findings provide evidence for a limbic-striatal influence over motivated behavior for orally consumed rewards, including alcohol.
Image moment-based random hypersurface model for extended object tracking

In this paper, a novel image moment-based model for extended object shape estimation and tracking is presented. A method to represent and estimate an elliptical shape using its image moments is first developed. The model of representing the shape of an object falls under the category of random hypersurface model (RHM) for extended object tracking. The moments are estimated using an unscented Kalman filter (UKF). Measurements of 2D points sampled from the object are used to estimate the shape. A measurement model for the UKF is derived based on the 2D locations of the feature points sampled from the object. Simulation results of the proposed image moment-based model are presented to estimate the shape of static ellipse, and of the moving ellipse.
Stratigraphic evolution of the Late Jurassic Hanifa Formation along the Tuwaiq Escarpment, Saudi Arabia: Evidence for a carbonate ramp system

Abstract A sequence stratigraphic framework of the Late Jurassic (Oxfordian) Hanifa Formation at its exposure in Central Arabia is presented for the first time. This study offers the first high-resolution stratigraphic framework of the Hanifa along the Tuwaiq Escarpment by measuring 15 sections (~ 770 m total thickness) over an oblique-to-dip distance of 260 km and collecting 295 samples for petrographic analysis. On the basis of these data, the Hanifa Formation can be subdivided into eight facies; 1) tabular cross-bedded quartz-peloidal-skeletal grainstone, 2) cross-bedded skeletal-peloidal grainstone, 3) bioturbated foraminiferal wackestone/mud-dominated packstone, 4) oncolitic rudstone, 5) stromatoporoid-coral biostrome/bioherm, 6) peloidal/composite-grain grain-dominated packstone/grainstone, 7) bioturbated spiculitic wackestone/mud-dominated packstone, and 8) thinly-bedded argillaceous mudstone/wackestone. The vertical and lateral distributions of these facies along the exposure define their sequence setting using the principals of sequence stratigraphy. By recognizing erosional surfaces, facies offset, and changes in facies proportions, five third-order sequences, with an average duration of 1.1 Myr, are interpreted for the Hanifa Formation. The correlation of the sequences across the study area shows that only four sequences are preserved in the north where shallow-water deposits are well-developed. Facies trends within these sequences are further illustrated in depositional models representing the highstand systems tracts (HST) and the transgressive systems tracts (TST) of the Hanifa Formation. These proposed models represent depositional settings of a carbonate ramp with normal open-marine conditions. The HST depositional model is characterized by a high-energy shoreline and depicts the presence of an offshore, structurally controlled skeletal-peloidal shoal body described here for the first time at the Hanifa exposure in the Hozwa area. This work provides a predictive framework and outcrop analog for applications in hydrocarbon exploration and development. Furthermore, a basinal setting predicted to the south of the study area is a potential site for unconventional plays.
Doubly-Terminated LC Ladders

In this chapter, we have presented the method of realizing a ladder filter that is to be inserted between a source with an internal resistance and a resistive load. The source resistance usually represents the Thevenin’s equivalent impedance of the circuit before the input of the filter. The load resistance represents the input impedance of the circuit or device that is connected to the output of the filter. In practice, this situation occurs far more frequently than the singly-terminated configurations treated in the previous chapter.
The Methanol Economy: Methane and Carbon Dioxide Conversion

Need for clean energy is imminent and methanol is considered as a promising alternative energy source. Conventional process for the production of methanol has been achieved via syngas which is derived by the steam reforming of methane or naphtha and the gasification of coal. Methanol can also be prepared by direct oxidation of methane (natural gas) or reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) with hydrogen. In this way, carbon-neutral cycling can be achieved and world’s dependence on fossil fuels will be alleviated. In this minireview, we will address case by case some recent advancements in the conversion of methane and CO2 to methanol both homogeneously and heterogeneously with emphasis on the contribution from Professor George A. Olah’s and our group. In the end, a short outlook is provided towards existing problems and future opportunities.
Traumatic Aortic Injury

Traumatic aortic injuries are most commonly associated with rapid deceleration injuries and are the second most common cause of deaths due to blunt trauma. Only 10–20% of traumatic aortic injury patients make it to the emergency department alive, of those, only 60–70% survive. Prompt diagnosis of aortic injury is achieved with defined clinical presentations driving early CTA. In hemodynamically unstable patients, urgent aortic repair is key to survival. High technical success rate, low procedural complication rate, and low 30-day mortality rate can be expected with thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR), superior to the results previously obtained with open aortic repair.
Plane deformations in incompressible nonlinear elasticity

The substantially general class of plane deformation fields, whose only restriction requires that the angular deformation not vary radially, is considered in the context of isotropic incompressible nonlinear elasticity. Analysis to determine the types of deformations possible, that is, solutions of the governing systems of nonlinear partial differential equations and constraint of incompressibility, is developed in general. The Mooney-Rivlin material model is then considered as an example and all possible solutions to the equations of equilibrium are determined. One of these is interpreted in the context of nonradially symmetric cavitation, i.e., deformation of an intact cylinder to one with a double-cylindrical cavity. Results for general incompressible hyperelastic materials are then discussed. The novel approach taken here requires the derivation and use of a material formulation of the governing equations; the traditional approach employing a spatial formulation in which the governing equations hold on an unknown region of space is not conducive to the study of deformation fields containing more than one independent variable. The derivation of the cylindrical polar coordinate form of the equilibrium equations for the nominal stress tensor (material formulation) for a general hyperelastic solid and a fully arbitrary cylindrical deformation field is also given.
About Practice: Repetition, Spacing, and Abstraction

Abstract Practice takes many forms, but they all entail repeated learning opportunities. The effectiveness of practice is well known to depend on how these learning opportunities are distributed over time, but an explanation of this phenomenon has eluded researchers for over a century. In this chapter, we examined the relevant research literature on distributed-practice effects with respect to repeated studying, testing, and inductive learning. We found sufficient evidence to take seriously the possibility that different underlying processes may mediate the effect of distributing practice across very short interrepetition intervals (the spacing effect) and across longer interrepetition intervals (the lag effect). We found substantial evidence that a study-phase-retrieval mechanism contributes to distributed-practice effects. There also is considerable support for the hypothesis that an automatic deficient-processing mechanism may contribute to the spacing effect. We found, however, that encoding-variability mechanisms encountered serious difficulties with several well-documented findings. We propose a new theoretical framework in which repetition is thought to facilitate learning and memory through a process of abstraction based on study-phase retrieval.
Radiolytic H 2 Production in Martian Environments

Abstract Hydrogen, produced by water radiolysis, has been suggested to support microbial communities on Mars. We quantitatively assess the potential magnitude of radiolytic H2 production in wet mar...
The Cognitive Dimension of Institutions

Having pioneered the concept in economics that institutions structure incentives, Douglass North’s later work posed the question, in turn: what structures institutions? His approach explored the role of culture, norms, and ideas and eventually drew its focus on shared mental models as the basis of institutions. An ongoing literature takes up North’s fundamental question. In this paper, we contribute to this literature by bringing together North’s mental-models approach and the work of philosopher John Searle. Searle pioneered the concept in philosophy that institutions are constitutive rules, established through collective assignment of particular status to objects in the world. Drawing upon cognitive science research on knowledge, learning, and habituation, as well as computer science research on artificial intelligence, we develop Searle’s framework to pose a simple yet general account of the cognitive origins of institutions and the implications of this link for social theory. Our framework reconciles the social science approach to institutions as regulative rules with the philosophy approach to institutions as constitutive rules. It also provides a basis for considering impediments to social interaction that arise when individuals possess conflicting normative ideas and affiliate into groups whose shared understandings appear to conflict.