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Using the sharpened Helgason–Johnson bound, this paper classifies all the irreducible unitary representations with non-zero Dirac cohomology of E 7 (− 5) . As an application, we find that the cancellation between the even part and the odd part of the Dirac cohomology continues to happen for certain unitary representations of E 7 (− 5) . Assuming the infinitesimal character being integral, we further improve the Helgason–Johnson bound for E 7 (− 5) . This should help people to understand (part of) the unitary dual of this group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale and Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented changes in radiology practice worldwide. There is a need for a framework of pediatric radiology resource allocation for future acute resource-limited settings.The aim of this study is to quantify and analyze changes in pediatric radiology practice during the COVID-19 pandemic considering demographic and clinical characteristics.Materials and Methods: We retrospectively searched our institution's electronic health record for pediatric imaging exams from 09/15/19 to 05/01/20, with 03/15/20 as the dividing date between baseline and pandemic periods. Age, modality, exam indication, need for anesthesia/sedation, and exam completion or cancellation were recorded. All exams were compared between baseline and pandemic periods using a chi-square test and a logistic regression multivariate analysis.Results: 15,424 exams were included for analysis [13,715 baseline period (mean age 10±5 years; 7440 males); 1047 COVID-19 period (mean age 9±5 years; 565 males)]. A statistically significantly lower proportion of adolescent exams (45.5% vs 53.3%), radiography modality (62.4% vs 70.4%) and non-traumatic pain indication (39.1% vs 46.3%) was observed during the COVID-19 period. Conversely, we found a higher proportion of neonatal (5.8% vs 3.8%), infant (5.6% vs 4.1%) and early childhood patients (12.9% vs 9.8%), CT (7.4% vs 5.9%) and ultrasound modalities (18.3% vs 13.5%), oncologic (8.8% vs 6.5%) and congenital/development disorder indications (6% vs 3.9%), and studies performed under anesthesia (2.7% vs 1.3%). Regarding exam completion rates, the neonatal age group (OR 1.960 [95% CI 0.353 - 0.591]; p <0.020) and MRI modality (OR 1.502 [95% CI: 0.214 - 0.318]; p <0.049) had higher odds of completion during the COVID-19 pandemic, while fluoroscopy modality was associated with lower odds of completion (OR 0.524 [95% CI: 0.328 - 0.839]; p = 0.011).Conclusion: The composition and completion of pediatric radiology exams changed substantially during the COVID-19 pandemic. A sub-set of exams resilient to cancellation was identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates comprehensively the resonance and cancellation conditions for the free vibration of elastically-supported (ES) beams subjected to successive moving loads. Focus is placed on application of the cancellation condition to minimize bridge vibrations, considering particularly the effect of elastic supports. In terms of the modal amplitude R of free vibration of the ES beam, both resonance and cancellation conditions are identified. This paper is featured by the fact that the cancellations are classified into two types as the external (load-related) and internal (structure-related) ones. Through the (internal) cancellation function, the criterion for selecting the optimal support stiffness ratio (SSR) is derived for the first time for suppressing the resonance of short to medium-span railway bridges. It depends solely on the bridge/vehicle length ratio L / d , and can be utilized to achieve near-perfect cancellation. The theoretical findings are validated by the finite element method (FEM) for various parameters. The results reveal that for beams with lengths in the ranges of (0.5 d , d ] and (1.5 d , 2 d ], an SSR closer to the lower bound of the acceptable range should be selected to achieve the best effect. And for beams with lengths in the range of (d , 1.5 d ], the SSR should be selected as close to the optimal value as possible. Besides, it was found that damping in the beam and supports contributes to further suppression of vibration for bridges designed with optimal SSR. • Derive new resonance and cancellation conditions for elastically supported beams. • Classify cancellations as external (load-related) and internal (structure-related) ones. • Optimal support stiffness ratio (SSR) for near-perfect cancellation of resonance. • Optimal SSR relies solely on the bridge/vehicle length ratio and is easy to use. • Verify the effectiveness of SSR criterion for various factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh has made many changes in practice and processes to impact patient satisfaction in our radiology department. The primary aim of this article is to show changes made related to the preparation and care of outpatients to this department focusing on sedation, phone calls, staff impact, and effective patient care. A task force was developed to review and devise scheduling success opportunities. Results included an increase in staff engagement, and many changes have been made and upheld to provide an opportunity to increase satisfaction in the outpatient setting of radiology department. • Staff led patient scheduling ideas. • Changes in practice and processes to impact patient satisfaction in our radiology department. • Minimizing the delay of sedation and anesthesia scan start times. • The scheduling success group has made positive changes to aspects of scheduling and patient experiences. • Changes in protocoling examinations, revision of time slots, and pre–phone calls to parents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Post-alert messages are, ideally, notifications that alert individuals that a threat has passed or ended, and the initial protective actions can conclude. Not all post-alert messages communicate these elements, leaving message receivers who have evacuated, sheltered in place, or been on heightened awareness to search for more information before concluding their safety-related behaviors. The contents included in such messages has not yet been quantified or assessed for the language used that may affect effective communication to persons previously at risk. To remedy this, we conducted quantitative and qualitative content analysis of 471 post-alert messages issued via the U.S. Wireless Emergency Alert system from June 2012–April 2022. We assess every post-alert message for its inclusion of contents that follow the recommendations found in the Warning Response Model (i.e., source, hazard, location, guidance, time) and code each message to identify the terminology used by risk communicators to communicate the end of a hazardous event. We find that most post-alert messages are incomplete, routinely lacking content about the message source, the event time, and recommended protective actions. We also find that terminology includes words that are resolution-focused, action-focused, and message-focused. The first two are likely to reduce message receiver uncertainty; the third, which focuses on the message (such as ending the "orders" contained in a message) uses statutory language and jargon to convey technical information. Future research is necessary to determine the effects of these contents on message receiver uncertainty reduction and other factors, such as organizational reputation, trust, and credibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Utilizing the distinctive context of hotel bookings, where fees hold notable prominence, this study investigates the impact of partitioned pricing on consumer booking intentions. Our findings reveal that partitioned pricing in the hotel industry adversely influences booking intentions due to the perception of unfairness, rather than the perception of price, as observed in retail studies. Furthermore, this research confirms that temporal distance moderates the negative impact of partitioned pricing on booking intentions, while also uncovering asymmetrical consequences of payment timing across varying booking windows. These insights contribute to a deeper understanding of the conditional effects of partitioned pricing, thereby expanding the current pricing literature and offering valuable guidance for hotel industry professionals. • Partitioned pricing reduces hotel booking intention through perceived unfairness, not perceived price. • Partitioning decreases booking intentions more when booking window is short than long. • Free cancellation improves booking intention in both long and short booking windows. • Delayed payment improves booking intention more in long booking window than short booking window. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • A new theory was given for the coupled vertical and rotational motions of the two-axle asymmetric vehicle, which was rarely studied before. • The coupled two-axle asymmetric vehicle can degenerate into the uncoupled one under some conditions, which however cannot exist in practice due to perturbation. • Resonance and cancellation conditions can be deduced from the frequency response function of the asymmetric vehicle. • The cancelation phenomenon distinguishes the two-axle asymmetric vehicle from the two-DOF symmetric vehicles and single-DOF vehicles. • Two-axle asymmetric vehicle and its contact-point response show advantages for application to scanning bridge dynamic properties. Abstract A closed-form solution is presented for the dynamic response of a two-axle asymmetric vehicle moving over bridges, along with potential applications highlighted. First, by modeling the vehicle as two concentrated loads moving over the bridge, closed-form solutions for the responses of the contact points are obtained. Second, by treating the vehicle as a two degree-of-freedom (DOF) system, closed-form solutions for the coupled vertical and rotational responses of the vehicle due to contact-point excitations are obtained. From vehicle's frequency response functions (FRFs), various phenomena are studied, including coupling, uncoupling, beat, resonance and cancellation. Resonance occurs when any excitation frequency coincides with any of the vehicle frequencies. No cancellation is observed when the two-DOF asymmetric vehicle degenerates into the uncoupled mode or a single-DOF vehicle. The results obtained are verified by an independent finite element analysis with virtually no assumptions. The advantage of using the two-axle asymmetric vehicle to scan the frequencies of the sustaining bridge is explored theoretically and numerically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Visuospatial neglect (VSN) can manifest in peripersonal or extrapersonal space. • Overlapping brain areas were associated with peripersonal and extrapersonal neglect. • Several brain areas were specifically involved in extrapersonal attention processes. • We found evidence against the peripersonal/extrapersonal dorsal/ventral hypothesis. • Future studies could focus on remote effects of lesions on distant brain areas. Abstract Introduction Visuospatial neglect can occur in peripersonal and extrapersonal space. The dorsal visual pathway is hypothesized to be associated with peripersonal, and the ventral pathway with extrapersonal neglect. We aimed to evaluate neural substrates of peripersonal versus extrapersonal neglect, separately for egocentric and allocentric frames of reference. Methods This was a retrospective study, including stroke patients admitted for inpatient rehabilitation. Approximately 1 month post-stroke onset, computerized cancellation (egocentric) and bisection tasks (egocentric and allocentric) were administered at 30 cm and 120 cm. We collected CT or MRI scans and performed voxel-based lesion-symptom mapping for the cancellation, and subtraction analyses for the line bisection task. Results We included 98 patients for the cancellation and 129 for the bisection analyses. The right parahippocampal gyrus, hippocampus, and thalamus were associated with egocentric peripersonal neglect as measured with cancellation. These areas were also associated with extrapersonal neglect, together with the right superior parietal lobule, angular gyrus, supramarginal gyrus, lateral occipital cortex, planum temporale and superior temporal gyrus. Lesions in the right parietal, temporal and frontal areas were associated with both peripersonal and extrapersonal egocentric neglect as measured with bisection. For allocentric neglect no clear pattern of associated brain regions was observed. Discussion We found right hemispheric anatomical correlates for peripersonal and extrapersonal neglect. However, no brain areas were uniquely associated with peripersonal neglect, meaning we could not conclusively verify the ventral/dorsal hypothesis. Several areas were uniquely associated with egocentric extrapersonal neglect, suggesting that these brain areas can be specifically involved in extrapersonal, but not in peripersonal, attention processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite 25 years of research on the topic, there is still no consensus on whether prism adaptation is an effective therapy for visuospatial neglect. We have addressed this question through a meta-analysis of the most well-controlled studies on the topic. Our main meta-analytic model included studies with a placebo/sham/treatment-as-usual control group from which data from right hemisphere stroke patients and left-sided neglect could be aggregated. The short-term treatment effects on the two commonly used standard tests for neglect, the conventional Behavioural Inattention Test (BIT-C) and cancellation test scores were combined into one random effect model justified by the fact that 89% of the BIT-C score is determined by cancellation tasks. With this approach, we were able to obtain a larger and more homogeneous dataset than previous meta-analyses: sixteen studies including 430 patients. No evidence for beneficial effects of prism adaptation was found. The secondary meta-analysis including data from the Catherine Bergego Scale, a functional measure of activities of daily living, also found no evidence for the therapeutic effects of prism adaptation, although half as many studies were available for this analysis. The results were consistent after the removal of influential outliers, after studies with high risk-of-bias were excluded, and when an alternative measure of effect size was considered. These results do not support the routine use of prism adaptation as a therapy for spatial neglect. • We present the largest meta-analytic model on prism adaptation for neglect to date. • We combined the most often used neglect measures, BIT-C and cancellation scores. • We found no evidence of short-term effects of prism adaptation for spatial neglect. • The outcomes are robust to removal of outliers and studies with high risk-of-bias. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most serials reviews have focused on the cancellation of currently held resources with high cost per use. In contrast, the latest serials review at Manhattan College employed a more fundamental indicator of cost-effectiveness and did not use the library's initial holdings as a starting point. After compiling a list of 2717 wanted journals—those identified by departmental faculty—we evaluated several thousand full-text journal resources (online databases and single-journal subscriptions) to identify those that provide the most cost-effective access to the wanted journals. Our iterative process led to a 50% increase in the percentage of wanted journals held, a 35% reduction in cost per wanted journal, a 3% reduction in total expenditures on full-text journal resources, and a substantial reduction in inequality of holdings across academic departments. Because costs are low in the initial rounds of the process, the same general method can be used to reduce expenditures. Two-thirds of the selected journals could have been acquired for just one-third of the total expenditure, and 80% could have been acquired for just 53%. Our results demonstrate that objective methods based on cost per wanted journal can achieve good results, and that commercial publishers' databases can be central to a cost-effective journal collection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Railway induced vibrations on short-to-medium span simply-supported (SS) bridges is addressed in this contribution. Such structures may experience high levels of vertical acceleration at the platform, leading to adverse consequences such as a premature degradation of the ballast layer and passenger discomfort. In the present study, the evolution of the bridge dynamic response when soil-structure interaction (SSI) is taken into account is investigated. To this end a coupled three-dimensional (3D) Boundary Element-Finite Element model (BEM-FEM) formulated in the time domain is implemented to reproduce the soil and structural behaviour, respectively. First, a set of soil-bridge systems of interest is defined, covering a wide range of lengths and natural frequencies for the structures, and an interval of expectable elastic properties and damping levels for the soil. Then, different types of analyses are performed on the soil-bridge systems extracting conclusions regarding the effect of including SSI in numerical models for predicting the bridge behaviour under railway traffic. In particular natural frequencies and modal damping levels are identified, and the structure amplification after the passage of a moving load in free vibration is investigated. Conclusions regarding how resonance and cancellation conditions may be affected by soil properties are extracted. Finally, the dynamic response of a real bridge, belonging to the Spanish railway network, is evaluated under the circulation of trains that induce second and third resonances of the bridge fundamental mode. The effect of the soil flexibility, soil material damping and the bridge resonance order are evaluated. Conclusions regarding the appropriateness of the results provided by common models which do not include SSI effects are extracted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We introduce properties of consequence relations that provide abstract counterparts of different notions of finite-valuedness in logic. In particular, we obtain characterizations of logics that are determined (i) by a single finite matrix, (ii) by a finite set of finite matrices, and (iii) by a set of n -generated matrices for some natural number n . A crucial role is played in our proofs by two closely related notions, local tabularity and local finiteness . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an active cancellation method based on repeater jamming to weaken the incident wave rather than to weaken the scattered wave in conventional method. The method works well on chirp-subpulse stepped frequency (CSSF) signal. The incident plane wave is interfered by a spherical wave which is generated by a horizontal electric dipole. The analysis and simulation show that the plane wave can be reduced obviously via this method. By incorporating frequency and phase modulation, the backscattering of the target is reduced significantly. Numerical experiments also show that with greater wavelength, the cancellation performance gets better. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Line bisection has long been a routine test for unilateral neglect, along with a range of tests requiring cancellation, copying or drawing. However, several studies have reported that line bisection, as classically administered, correlates relatively poorly with the other tests of neglect, to the extent that some authors have questioned its status as a valid test of neglect. In this article, we re-examine this issue, employing a novel method for administering and analysing line bisection proposed by McIntosh et al. (2005). We report that the measure of attentional bias yielded by this new method (EWB) correlates significantly more highly with cancellation, copying and drawing measures than the classical line bisection error measure in a sample of 50 right-brain damaged patients. Furthermore when EWB was combined with a second measure that emerges from the new analysis (EWS), even higher correlations were obtained. A Principal Components Analysis found that EWB loaded highly on a major factor representing neglect asymmetry, while EWS loaded on a second factor which we propose may measure overall attentional investment. Finally, we found that tests of horizontal length and size perception were related poorly to other measures of neglect in our group. We conclude that this novel approach to interpreting line bisection behaviour provides a promising way forward for understanding the nature of neglect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Suppose X and Y are compact connected topological 4-manifolds with fundamental group π . For any r ⩾ 0 , X is r -stably homeomorphic to Y if X # r ( S 2 × S 2 ) is homeomorphic to Y # r ( S 2 × S 2 ) . How close is stable homeomorphism to homeomorphism? When the common fundamental group π is virtually abelian, we show that large r can be diminished to n + 2 , where π has a finite-index subgroup that is free-abelian of rank n . In particular, if π is finite then n = 0 , hence X and Y are 2-stably homeomorphic, which is one S 2 × S 2 summand in excess of the cancellation theorem of Hambleton–Kreck [12] . The last section is a case study of the homeomorphism classification of closed manifolds in the tangential homotopy type of X = X − # X + , where X ± are closed nonorientable topological 4-manifolds with order-two fundamental groups [13] . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article addresses the dynamic behaviour of double track simply supported bridges of short to medium span lengths (10 m < L < 25 m) belonging to conventional railway lines. These structures are susceptible to experience inadmissible levels of vertical vibrations when traversed by trains at high speeds, and in certain cases their dynamic performance may require to be re-evaluated in case of an increase of the traffic velocity above 200 km/h. In engineering consultancies, these structures have been traditionally analysed under the passage of trains at different speeds using planar models, neglecting the contribution of transverse vibration modes and also the flexibility of the elastomeric bearings. The study presented herein endeavours to evaluate the influence of these two aspects in the verification of the Serviceability Limit State of vertical accelerations, which is of great interest in order to guarantee a conservative prediction of the dynamic behaviour. In the present study, the dynamic response of representative slab and girder bridges has been evaluated using an orthotropic plate finite element model, leading to practical conclusions regarding the circumstances under which the above mentioned factors should be considered in order to adequately evaluate the transverse vibration levels of the deck. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This letter examines diagrammatic cancellations for Quantum Electrodynamics (QED) in the general linear gauge. These cancellations combine Feynman graphs of various topologies and provide a method to reconstruct the gauge dependence of the electron propagator from the result of a particular gauge by means of a linear Dyson–Schwinger equation. We use this method in combination with dimensional regularization to demonstrate how the 3-loop ε -expansion in the Feynman gauge determines the ε -expansions for all gauge parameter dependent terms to 4 loops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For decades, classic theories of action control and action awareness have been built around the idea that the brain predictively 'cancels' expected action outcomes from perception. However, recent research casts doubt over this basic premise. What do these new findings mean for classic accounts of action? Should we now 'cancel' old data, theories and approaches generated under this idea? In this paper, we argue 'No'. While doubts about predictive cancellation may urge us to fundamentally rethink how predictions shape perception, the wider pyramid using these ideas to explain action control and agentic experiences can remain largely intact. Some adaptive functions assigned to predictive cancellation can be achieved through quasi-predictive processes, that influence perception without actively tracking the probabilistic structure of the environment. Other functions may rely upon truly predictive processes, but not require that these predictions cancel perception. Appreciating the role of these processes may help us to move forward in explaining how agents optimise their interactions with the external world, even if predictive cancellation is cancelled from theory. • Can theories of action and agency survive if we cancel the idea of cancellation? • Here, we consider how they can incorporate new evidence challenging the classic view. • Some crucial processes influence perception without tracking probabilities. • Predictive functions may be necessary but not cancel perception. • Understanding the specific role of these processes is crucial for explaining action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In May 2019, a false earthquake alert message was sent to the city of Ridgecrest, CA, in the U.S.A., an area that just 10 months prior had experienced a significant series of earthquake events. The false alert was followed by a post-alert message, indicating that the message was cancelled and under investigation. This event, the first of its kind in the U.S.A., provided an opportunity to learn about public perceptions of the post-alert message, including what individuals understood about the threat and their safety, and what actions they should take as a result. We conducted individual interviews with 40 persons in the Ridgecrest community, followed by a series of focus groups in Southern California to discuss post-alert messages, and to learn about information people most needed following false earthquake alerts. We found that individuals with and without prior earthquake experience expressed confusion about content describing the investigatory actions of the organization and had a largely negative response toward content that complimented those who took action in response to the initial earthquake early warning. While current post-alert messages are intended to reinforce the good intentions of the organization and the protective actions taken by message receivers, the message issued was perceived by members of the public to be largely ineffective in achieving either objective because it did not provide the information they desired most—an explicit statement about their safety. Instead, message receivers need information that primarily affirms their current level of safety so they can return to normal functioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dynamic transverse response of beam type bridges under railway traffic is addressed in this contribution. In particular, how soil-structure interaction may affect the critical or resonant velocities and the associated vibratory amplitudes is evaluated in detail. Resonance in beams, due to the circulation of equidistant loads, is highly influenced by the free vibration response that every single load leaves after traversing the structure. On this basis a numerical investigation is carried out analysing the effects of the wave propagation problem on the free vibration response of simply-supported beams in a wide range of travelling velocities. To this end a coupled three-dimensional boundary element-finite element model formulated in the time domain is used to reproduce the soil and structural behaviour, respectively. A catalogue of bridge deck typologies is defined, covering lengths, associated linear masses and fundamental frequencies that may experience high levels of transverse accelerations under resonant conditions, for nowadays existing trains and design velocities. Lengths ranging from 12.5 to 25 m are evaluated, along with fundamental frequencies covering most common typologies. A homogeneous soil is considered with shear wave velocities in the interval 150 to 365 m/s. From the single load free vibration parametric analysis conclusions are derived regarding the conditions of maximum free vibration and cancellation of the deck response. These conclusions are used afterwards to justify how resonant amplitudes of the bridge under the circulation of railway convoys may be affected by the soil properties, leading to substantially amplified responses or to almost imperceptible ones, and a numerical example is included to show the aforementioned situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the resonance and cancellation phenomena occurring in a periodic structure-- a pile-supported periodic viaduct subjected to multiple equidistant moving loadings (MEML) are investigated. For this purpose, the representation for the dynamic response of the periodic viaduct to a single moving loading (SML) is introduced first. In order to take account of the pile-soil-structure interaction when evaluating the response of the periodic viaduct to a SML, a wavenumber domain boundary element method (WDBEM) model for the pile-row-soil system is employed to determine the compliances of the piles. By superposing the responses of the viaduct to all SMLs constituting the MEML, the representation for the dynamic response of the periodic viaduct to the MEML is obtained. With the representation for the MEML response of the viaduct, the resonance and cancellation conditions for the viaduct are derived. For the high speed MEML, when the time interval between two neighboring moving loadings is equal to the integer or half-integer multiples of the period of one of the dominant resonance peaks of the corresponding SML response of the viaduct, resonance or cancellation occurs. The predicted resonance and cancellation phenomena are confirmed by the numerical results presented in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancellation tasks are widely used for diagnosis of lateralized attentional deficits in stroke patients. A disorganized fashion of target cancellation has been hypothesized to reflect disturbed spatial exploration. In the current study we aimed to examine which lesion locations result in disorganized visual search during cancellation tasks, in order to determine which brain areas are involved in search organization. A computerized shape cancellation task was administered in 78 stroke patients. As an index for search organization, the amount of intersections of paths between consecutive crossed targets was computed (i.e., intersections rate). This measure is known to accurately depict disorganized visual search in a stroke population. Ischemic lesions were delineated on CT or MRI images. Assumption-free voxel-based lesion-symptom mapping and region of interest-based analyses were used to determine the grey and white matter anatomical correlates of the intersections rate as a continuous measure. The right lateral occipital cortex, superior parietal lobule, postcentral gyrus, superior temporal gyrus, middle temporal gyrus, supramarginal gyrus, inferior longitudinal fasciculus, first branch of the superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF I), and the inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus, were related to search organization. To conclude, a clear right hemispheric dominance for search organization was revealed. Further, the correlates of disorganized search overlap with regions that have previously been associated with conjunctive search and spatial working memory. This suggests that disorganized visual search is caused by disturbed spatial processes, rather than deficits in high level executive function or planning, which would be expected to be more related to frontal regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unique decomposition has been a subject of interest in process algebra for a long time (for example in BPP [1] or CCS [2,3] ), as it provides a normal form and useful cancellation properties. We provide two parallel decomposition results for subsets of the applied π -calculus: we show that every closed normed (i.e. with a finite shortest complete trace) process P can be decomposed uniquely into prime factors P i with respect to strong labeled bisimilarity, i.e. such that P ∼ l P 1 | … | P n . Moreover, we prove that closed finite processes can be decomposed uniquely with respect to weak labeled bisimilarity. We also investigate whether efficient algorithms that compute the unique decompositions exist. The simpler problem of deciding whether a process is in its unique decomposition form is undecidable in general in both cases, due to potentially undecidable equational theories. Moreover, we show that the unique decomposition remains undecidable even given an equational theory with a decidable word problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional and more modern conceptualizations of psychopathy cite problems with impulse control. However, the extent to which these problems represent a cardinal feature of the disorder has been debated. In this study, we conducted a preregistered systematic review and meta-analysis, searching Embase, Medline, PsycINFO, and PubMed, for studies from inception to January 6th, 2022. We included 21 studies, published between 2009 and 2021, that reported on the relationship of psychopathy with performance on the go/no-go or stop signal task. A multilevel random-effects meta-analysis, including 43 effect sizes from 17 studies (total N = 1394), showed a significant pooled association between psychopathy and response inhibition r = −0.143 (95 % CI: −0.250 to −0.034). The relatively small effect size, although statistically significant, calls in to question the extent to which difficulties in response inhibition should be considered a cardinal feature of psychopathic personality. The strength of the relationship did not significantly differ between non-criminal and criminal samples, gender, task type, tasks with or without an affective component, or by psychopathy trait dimension. • We reviewed the relationship between psychopathy and response inhibition. • Psychopathy was modestly associated with response inhibition problems (r = −0.143). • Effects were similar in criminal and non-criminal samples. • Associations were similar for distinct psychopathy trait dimensions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Knowledge about the utilization of the operation theater (OT) is essential to improve its efficiency. This study evaluated the neurosurgical operation theater utilization in a neurosciences teaching hospital. Methods Data collected included OT start time, delay in start, anesthesia induction time, surgical preparation time, anesthesia recovery time, operating time, time between cases, and theater closing time. Results Five hundred thirty-seven surgeries were performed during the study period. The percentage of time used for anesthesia induction, actual surgical procedure, recovery from anesthesia, and theater preparation between the two cases were 8%, 70%, 6% and 5%, respectively. Fourteen percent of scheduled cases were cancelled. On 220 occasions (70.51%), theater was over-run. Late start contributed to loss of 8370 minutes (140 hours) of theater time. Conclusions This study identified the proportion of time spent on each activity in the neurosurgical OT. This knowledge is likely to facilitate better planning of neurosurgical theater schedule and result in optimal utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dynamic behaviour of simply supported uniform beams subjected to a single moving point load is analysed in this paper. A simple closed-form expression for free vibration response, valid for both lightly and heavily damped beams, is formulated. A detailed investigation of the cancellations of free responses is carried out. New interpretations for the cancellation mechanism, from the perspectives of free vibration amplitude and phase angle, are presented. Expressions for cancellation speed ratios are formulated based on the initial velocity and displacement conditions for free vibration. The effect of damping on the cancellations of free responses is also studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To assess endometriosis-associated infertility trends among assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycles, and to compare cancellation and hyperstimulation risks and pregnancy and live birth rates among women using ART for endometriosis-associated vs. male factor infertility. Design Descriptive and multivariable analyses of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National ART Surveillance System data. Setting Fertility centers. Patient(s) All reported fresh autologous ART cycles in the United States between 2000 and 2011 (n = 1,589,079). Intervention(s) None. Main Outcome Measure(s) Oocyte yield, hyperstimulation, cancellation, implantation, pregnancy, live birth. Result(s) The absolute number of ART cycles with an endometriosis diagnosis fell in recent years, from 16,751 (2000) to 15,311 (2011); the percentage fell over time, from 17.0% (2000) to 9.6% (2011) of all cycles. Compared with male factor (n = 375,557), endometriosis-associated cycles (n = 112,475) yielded fewer oocytes (50.5% vs. 42.5% of cycles with only 0–10 oocytes retrieved), lower risk of hyperstimulation (1.1% vs. 1.3%, adjusted risk ratio [aRR] 0.82, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.74–0.91), and an increased risk of cancellation (12.9% vs. 10.1%, aRR 1.30, 95% CI 1.25–1.35). Endometriosis was associated with a statistically decreased but likely clinically insignificant difference in the following outcomes: chance of pregnancy per transfer (43.7% vs. 44.8%, aRR 0.96, 95% CI 0.95–0.98) among couples who did not also have tubal factor infertility and live birth per transfer (37.2% vs. 37.6%, aRR 0.96, 95% CI 0.94–0.98). Conclusion(s) The percentage of endometriosis-associated ART cycles has decreased over time. As compared with male factor infertility, endometriosis is associated with increased cancellation and decreased hyperstimulation risks. Despite decreased oocyte yield and higher medication dose, the difference in pregnancy and live birth rates may be of limited clinical significance, suggesting comparable pregnancy outcomes per transfer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

If n ≡ 0 , 1 m o d 4 , we prove a sum formula V θ 0 (a 0 , a R n) = n ⋅ V θ 0 (a 0 , a R) for the generalized Vaserstein symbol whenever R is a smooth affine algebra over a perfect field k with c h a r (k) ≠ 2 such that − 1 ∈ k × 2. This enables us to generalize a result of Fasel-Rao-Swan on transformations of unimodular rows via elementary matrices over normal affine algebras of dimension d ≥ 4 over algebraically closed fields of characteristic ≠2. As a consequence, we prove that any projective module of rank 3 with trivial Chern classes over a smooth affine algebra of dimension 4 over an algebraically closed field k with c h a r (k) ≠ 2 , 3 is cancellative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To identify risk factors for breakthrough LH surge despite GnRH antagonist (GnRH-ant) suppression in IVF cycles. Design: Case-control study. Setting: Academic medical center. Patient(s): All patients undergoing IVF from August 2004 through July 2012 in whom GnRH-ant pituitary suppression (0.25 mg/d) was used in a flexible protocol. Intervention(s): GnRH-ant–based IVF. Main Outcome Measure(s): Breakthrough LH surges as evidenced by an increase in LH (minimum 2.5-fold increase from baseline above a threshold of 17 mIU/mL) associated with a decrease in E2, and free fluid on ultrasound. Result(s): Breakthrough LH surges despite GnRH-ant administration occurred in 37 (0.34%) of the 10,809 antagonist cycles during the study period. Compared with all patients remaining suppressed, patients with breakthrough surges were significantly older and had significantly increased FSH and decreased antral follicle counts. Compared with age-matched controls (allocation ratio, 1:50), significant differences in ovarian reserve remained evident. Conclusion(s): The occurrence of a breakthrough LH surge despite GnRH-ant treatment is a reassuringly rare event. However, patients with diminished ovarian reserve are at risk for this outcome despite GnRH-ant down-regulation. Further studies are needed to determine whether these patients can be prospectively identified and whether they may benefit from higher doses of GnRH-ant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A cancelling system for the four nonlinear frequency modulated (NLFM) signal (i.e. Taylor window, Tangent-based, Combination linear frequency modulation (LFM) and tan-FM, Stepped NLFM) is presented. It is mainly composed of a digital radio frequency memory (DRFM) and a field programmable gate array (FPGA) chip etc. The received signals are stored and reproduced by DRFM, and the system delay time is controlled by the FPGA chip. According to the target's radar cross section (RCS), the radar echo cancelling wave will be generated by the FPGA and DRFM on signal processing. The effect of error on the cancelling wave is analysed and the method for reducing nonlinear phase errors is presented. Theoretical analysis and simulation show that the system effectively reduces the signal power received by the radar receiver. Numerical simulation results show that about 11.3dB target gain reduction can be achieved under the condition of large deviation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Cancelability is one of the main tests to identify conversational implicatures in general, and scalar implicatures in particular. Despite this fact, cancelability itself is a phenomenon rarely looked at. This paper presents an account of when the cancellation of a scalar implicature is an acceptable discourse move and provides experimental evidence to support our proposal. Our main claim is that the felicity of a scalar implicature cancellation depends on the discourse structure. More specifically, cancellation is acceptable only if it addresses a Question Under Discussion that differs from the previous one. As will be shown, this proposal has the additional benefit of permitting us to tease apart cancellations from self-repairs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Based on a comprehensive data set of German railway customers we analyze consumers’ choices and particularly subsequent changes of two-part pricing contracts (loyalty cards). In a competing risks framework, we simultaneously estimate effects on three types of contractual events: cancellations, upgrades, and downgrades. Focusing on customer relationship management (CRM) practices, we find several factors affecting these events, some of which railway companies can influence to their advantage. Intuitively, installing auto-renewal procedures for loyalty cards decreases cancellation hazards. However, automated electronic mailings (e.g., reminders and account statements) and advertising (e.g., ticket offers) can be counterproductive and increase the risk of cancellation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In response to Robyn Carston''s (2010) defence of explicature as cancellable, the paper examines what Grice meant by ‘cancellable’. It offers reasons for thinking that only generalised conversational implicatures are cancellable, not relevance theory''s explicatures and not particularised conversational implicatures. It concludes by questioning relevance theory''s re-analysis of Grice''s GCIs as explicatures. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist rescue is performed by replacing a GnRH agonist with a GnRH antagonist in patients with rapidly rising serum oestradiol who are at risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) during stimulation. It results in a rapid reduction in serum oestradiol, allowing for the avoidance of cycle cancellation and the continuation of exogenous gonadotrophin administration. A total of 387 patients who underwent GnRH antagonist rescue for ovarian hyperresponse were compared with 271 patients who did not receive GnRH antagonist rescue and had oestradiol concentrations >4000 pg/ml on the day of human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) administration. GnRH antagonist rescue decreased the mean oestradiol concentration by 35% on the first day of use. There was no difference in oocyte maturity (82% versus 83%) or fertilization rate (69% versus 67%) between the antagonist rescue and comparison groups, respectively. The percentage of high-grade embryos on day 3 and the blastocyst development rate were also similar between groups. The live-birth rate was 41.9% in the antagonist rescue group and 36.9% in the comparison group. GnRH antagonist rescue enabled cycle completion with high live-birth rates in patients at risk for OHSS. GnRH antagonist was associated with high oocyte quality, blastocyst development and pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study is focused on the seat allocation problem with stochastic demands airlines to determine booking limits by fare classes in airlines. In this paper, we consider the additional constraints such as customers’ booking cancellations and airlines’ refund policy. Our problem can be modeled as a probabilistic non-linear programming model, which is difficult to solve optimally. Applying a linear approximation technique with some assumptions on the demand distribution functions, we can formulate the complex probabilistic non-linear programming model as a simple Integer Linear Programming model. Using randomly generated demands from a simulation program, the model demonstrates that revenue can be increased in a practical and effective manner. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We are motivated by the following question concerning the direct product of graphs. If , what can be said about the relationship between and ? If cancellation fails, what properties must and share? We define a structural equivalence relation (called similarity) on graphs, weaker than isomorphism, for which implies . Thus cancellation holds, up to similarity. Moreover, if is bipartite, then if and only if . We conjecture that the prime factorization of connected bipartite graphs is unique up to similarity of factors, and we offer some results supporting this conjecture. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The direct product of graphs obeys a limited cancellation property. Lovász proved that if has an odd cycle then if and only if , but cancellation can fail if is bipartite. This note investigates the ways cancellation can fail. Given a graph and a bipartite graph , we classify the graphs for which . Further, we give exact conditions on that guarantee implies . Combined with Lovász’s result, this completely characterizes the situations in which cancellation holds or fails. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Unilateral neglect involves deficits of spatial exploration and awareness that do not always affect a fixed portion of extrapersonal space, but may vary with current stimulation and possibly with task demands. Here, we assessed any ‘top-down’, task-related influences on visual neglect, with novel experimental variants of the cancellation test. Many different versions of the cancellation test are used clinically, and can differ in the extent of neglect revealed, though the exact factors determining this are not fully understood. Few cancellation studies have isolated the influence of top-down factors, as typically the stimuli are changed also when comparing different tests. Within each of three cancellation studies here, we manipulated task factors, while keeping visual displays identical across conditions to equate purely bottom-up factors. Our results show that top-down task demands can significantly modulate neglect as revealed by cancellation on the same displays. Varying the target/non-target discrimination required for identical displays has a significant impact. Varying the judgement required can also have an impact on neglect even when all items are targets, so that non-targets no longer need filtering out. Requiring local versus global aspects of shape to be judged for the same displays also has a substantial impact, but the nature of discrimination required by the task still matters even when local/global level is held constant (e.g. for different colour discriminations on the same stimuli). Finally, an exploratory analysis of lesions among our neglect patients suggested that top-down task-related influences on neglect, as revealed by the new cancellation experiments here, might potentially depend on right superior temporal gyrus surviving the lesion. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: A recent meta-analysis covering 21 studies shows that, when taken in isolation, the basal FSH level (commonly used to assess the ovarian reserve) is a poor indicator of successful in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcome. Patients and methods: We present a personal series of 3,592 IVF procedures. Analysis of the results compares the age and basal FSH values, based on a statistical analysis that is essentially descriptive. Results: When FSH levels are high, the pregnancy rate remains acceptable in young women (<38 years); it drops sharply, however, in older women. In each age group, the rate of spontaneous miscarriage does not increase according to the FSH level. The pregnancy rate is better in young women with high FSH levels than in older women with normal FSH levels. Discussion and conclusion: The results presented agree with the studies published in the literature, which suggest that FSH is a prognostic factor for the quantity of oocyte obtained (ovarian reserve) while age defines the quality of the oocyte: it is this difference in quantity, and not in quality, which makes the difference between cases of poor and normal response to IVF. In young women at least, a high FSH level is not a contra-indication in principle for IVF. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: Mirror image electrocardiograms (ECGs), obtained by inverting the original signals, and additional precordial leads have been proposed as means to improve ECG diagnosis. The theoretical backgrounds of these proposals are discussed. Methods: In 746 body surface potential maps, the mirror areas of the 6 precordial leads, V3R, and 2 more leads higher up and 1 lower down the thorax have been determined. The similarity between the original signal and its mirror image was expressed by a similarity index. This was done separately for QRS and ST-T; for the first and second parts of QRS; and for the categories normal, left ventricular hypertrophy, and infarct. Results: In general, high similarity scores were obtained. The mirror images of V1 and V2 are almost diametrically located on the back. Inverting these leads could render the V8 and V9 leads. The other mirror areas may deviate considerably from where generally expected. Conclusion: Mirror images can be obtained consistently from all locations, supporting the dipole representation of cardiac electrical activity. Neither mirror image ECGs nor additional chest leads contribute essentially to ECG diagnosis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study explores the use of discrete choice methods for airline passenger cancellation behavior. A discrete time proportional odds model with a prospective time scale is estimated based on the occurrence of cancellations (defined as refund and exchange events) in a sample of tickets provided by the Airline Reporting Corporation. Empirical results based on 2004 data from eight domestic US markets indicate that the intensity of the cancellation process is strongly influenced by both the time from ticket purchase and the time before flight departure. Higher cancellations rates are generally observed for recently purchased tickets, and for tickets whose associated flight departure dates are near. Cancellations rates are influenced by several other covariates, including departure day of week, market, and group size. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Prism adaptation to rightward optical shifts during visually guided pointing is considered a promising intervention in right-hemisphere stroke patients with left spatial neglect. Conventionally, prism adaptation is assessed via aftereffects, on subjective straight ahead (SSA) pointing with eyes closed; or by visual open-loop pointing (VOL), i.e. pointing to a visual target without seeing the hand. Previous data suggest indirectly that prism aftereffects in neglect patients may be larger (pathologically so) when assessed by SSA than by VOL. But these measures have never been directly compared within the same patients after identical prism exposure. Accordingly we implemented both measures here within the same group of 13 neglect patients and 13 controls. Prism aftereffects were much larger for SSA than VOL in neglect patients, falling outside the normative range only for SSA. This may arise because the SSA task can itself involve aspects of neglect that may be ameliorated by the prism intervention, hence showing abnormal changes after prisms. The extent of SSA change after prisms varied between patients, and correlated with improvements on a standard cancellation measure for neglect. The lesions of patients who did versus did not show neglect improvement immediately after prisms provide an initial indication that lack of improvement may potentially relate to cortical damage in right intraparietal sulcus and white matter damage in inferior parietal lobe and middle frontal gyrus. Future studies of possible rehabilitative impact from prisms upon neglect may need to consider carefully how to measure prism adaptation per se, separately from any impact of such adaptation upon manifestations of neglect. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To evaluate and compare IVF outcomes of patients within different age categories who had a normal basal FSH level with outcomes of patients with an elevated day 3 FSH level. Design: Retrospective analysis. Setting: Large, private IVF center. Patient(s): We analyzed 2,708 patients. Of these, 2,477 had normal basal FSH levels, and 231 had elevated basal FSH levels (≥13.03 IU/L). Patients were segregated into various age groups. Intervention: Follow-up. Main Outcome Measure(s): Outcomes of IVF overall, including cancellation rates, oocyte yield, and fertilization, implantation, and clinical pregnancy rates (PRs). Result(s): Cancellation rates were significantly higher in patients with elevated day 3 FSH levels compared with patients with normal FSH levels in all age groups. A significantly lower oocyte yield was observed in patients with elevated basal FSH. Fertilization rates were not affected by FSH levels. A significant decrease in the number of embryos available for transfer in patients ≥38 with an elevated day 3 FSH level was found. Implantation and clinical PRs were lower in patients >40 years of age who had an elevated day 3 FSH level when compared to same age patients with a normal day 3 FSH level. Loss rates were not significantly different. Conclusion(s): Young women with an elevated basal FSH level should be counseled differently than older women, and should be given adequate counseling and granted the opportunity to undergo an IVF cycle. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Introduction: The purpose of this study was to investigate the magnitude and time course of fibrillatory wave dynamics during spontaneous onset of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods: We studied fibrillatory waves in Holter recordings of paroxysmal AF with regard to the fibrillation-free interval (FFI) preceding each episode. Results: For 38 episodes of paroxysmal AF in 20 patients, dominant frequency (DF) ranged from 4.4 to 6.8 Hz (5.5 ± 0.5 Hz). Long-FFI episodes showed a gradual increase in DF over the first 4 minutes (P < .0001). Short-FFI episodes showed an increase only from the first to the second minute (P < .003). For all 7 patients exhibiting both long-FFI and short-FFI episodes, short-FFI episodes had a higher initial DF (P < .002). Conclusion: The dynamics during onset and their relation to the FFI are consistent with the influence of short-term electrophysiological changes and their reversal. These findings have implications for the timing of antifibrillatory interventions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper we point out some interesting properties of a class of decision rules located between simple and unanimous majorities. These majority rules are based on difference of votes: an alternative wins when the difference between the number of votes obtained by this alternative and that obtained by the other is greater than a previously fixed quantity. We also give some characterizations of these majority rules by means of two properties well known in the literature: cancellation and decisiveness. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The differential performance on a line bisection and a cancellation task in near and far space was studied. A group of 10 patients with severe left-sided visuospatial neglect and a group of 10 right-brain damaged patients without neglect were examined. The stimuli were presented at a distance of 60cm (near space) and 160cm (far space), respectively, and corrected for visual angle. In the line bisection task, patients were asked to point to the estimated line centre with a pencil (near space) or a stick (far space). In the cancellation task, patients pointed to all target stimuli they could detect using either a pencil (near space) or a stick (far space). Most patients with left hemineglect showed a more prominent neglect in far space as compared to near space for the line bisection task, whereas no difference of performance between near and far space was found in the control patients. In contrast, no group showed a distance effect in the cancellation task. The observation that only line bisection is influenced by the distance of the stimulus suggests that line bisection and cancellation are processed differentially. It is proposed that line bisection requires an allocentric reference system focusing attention on objects, whereas cancellation tasks are based on an egocentric reference system responsible for visuospatial attention. Our results indicate that distance changes perception within the allocentric but not within the egocentric system. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A compensated polarization-effect tuning technique is used to suppress the mechanical vibration-induced phase noise of quartz crystal oscillators. Unlike the earlier approach, the tuning signal is filtered by a dynamic function that provides both varying magnitude and phase compensation of the nonlinear distortion of the accelerometer and the phase delay of the tuning mechanism thus improving noise cancellation. Laboratory tests demonstrate that vibration-induced phase noise of a crystal oscillator under mechanical vibration is significantly suppressed after using this approach. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The two cerebral hemispheres in humans have been suggested to control contralaterally opposed attentional biases. These biases may be revealed by unilateral hemispheric damage, which often causes contralesional spatial neglect, particularly when the right hemisphere (RH) is affected. Subtle attentional biases have also been observed in normal observers in tasks requiring judgements of horizontal spatial extent, brightness, numerosity and size. Here, we examined attentional biases for judging the darker of two left–right mirror-reversed brightness gradients under conditions of free viewing (the greyscales task). We compared performances of patients with damage to the RH (n=78) and left hemisphere (LH; n=20) with those of normal controls (n=20). Controls showed a small but significant leftward bias, implying a subtle asymmetry favouring the RH. In contrast, RH and LH patients showed extreme rightward and leftward biases, respectively, both of which differed significantly from that of controls. For the patient groups, performance on clinical tests of neglect (cancellation and line bisection) did not predict their greyscales scores. Pathological biases were present in patients without clinical neglect or visual field defects, suggesting that the attentional bias measured by the greyscales task can be dissociated from clinical neglect and visual sensory loss. The greyscales task offers an efficient means of quantifying pathological attentional biases in unilateral lesion patients; it is easy to administer and score, and may be particularly useful for clinical trials of recovery and rehabilitation following stroke. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]