2,156 research outputs found

    Terminology for psychogenic nonepileptic seizures: making the case for "functional seizures"

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    PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to review the literature on the terminologies for psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) and make a proposal on the terminology of this condition. This proposal reflects the authors' own opinions. METHODS: We systematically searched MEDLINE (accessed from PubMed) and EMBASE from inception to October 10, 2019 for articles written in English with a main focus on PNES (with or without discussion of other functional neurological disorders) and which either proposed or discussed the accuracy or appropriateness of PNES terminologies. RESULTS: The search strategy reported above yielded 757 articles; 30 articles were eventually included, which were generally of low quality. "Functional seizures" (FS) appeared to be an acceptable terminology to name this condition from the perspective of patients. In addition, FS is a term that is relatively popular with clinicians. CONCLUSION: From the available evidence, FS meets more of the criteria proposed for an acceptable label than other popular terms in the field. While the term FS is neutral with regard to etiology and pathology (particularly regarding whether psychological or not), other terms such as "dissociative", "conversion", or "psychogenic" seizures are not. In addition, FS can potentially facilitate multidisciplinary (physical and psychological) management more than other terms. Adopting a universally accepted terminology to describe this disorder could standardize our approach to the illness and facilitate communication between healthcare professionals, patients, their families, carers, and the wider public

    Our Savior and King: Theology proper in 1 Timothy

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    In this dissertation the author seeks to present a holistic theology proper (hereafter, simply "theology") for the first epistle to Timothy, with special regard to the letter's doxologies (King) and divine title, Savior. Chapter 1 identifies the problem, includes a history of research, and describes the method and procedure of the dissertation. The method of inquiry consists of determining the meaning and function of the letter's theology. Thus, the author seeks to understand the background and character of 1 Timothy's theology, while also wishing to discern why the author of 1 Timothy chose to emphasize these peculiar theological themes. Chapter 2 explores the meaning and function of the theological descriptions found in the doxologies of 1 Timothy 1:17 and 6:15-16. By thorough comparison to Greco-Roman, early Jewish, and OT literature, the author suggests a basically OT-informed view of God. The doxologies depict God as the only Sovereign who rules over all. The writer then determines that the doxologies function as a support and encouragement for Timothy to heed Paul's charge. This conclusion is largely based on the positioning of the doxologies and the macrostructure of the letter. Chapter 3 examines the meaning and function of the divine epithet Savior. After comparing this term to its occurrences in Greco-Roman, early Jewish, and OT literature, the author again favors an OT background for Savior. This term depicts God as one who mercifully and indiscriminately reconciles sinners who trust in Christ. While also recognizing other functions, the author suggests that God as Savior may have been aimed at the primary implied reader, Timothy, as well. Accordingly, the idea of Savior informs and strengthens Timothy, so that he might continue to labor in presenting the life-giving gospel of God. Chapter 4 considers every remaining theological description in 1 Timothy, as well as themes that significantly relate to the letter's theology, such as Christology. The author suggests that the entire theology of 1 Timothy either coheres with or supports the predominant ideas of God as King and Savior. Chapter 5 summarizes the dissertation's findings and concludes with suggested implications for NT studies

    Roma, magistra mundi. Itineraria culturae medievalis. Mélanges offerts au Père L.E. Boyle à l\u27occasion de son 75e anniversaire

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    R. James Long (with Timothy B. Noone) is a contributing author, Fishacre and Rufus on the Metaphysics of Light: Two Unedited Texts , Volume 2, pp. 517-548

    Increasing Distributed Generation Penetration using Soft Normally-Open Points

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    This paper considers the effects of various voltage control solutions on facilitating an increase in allowable levels of distributed generation installation before voltage violations occur. In particular, the voltage control solution that is focused on is the implementation of `soft' normally-open points (SNOPs), a term which refers to power electronic devices installed in place of a normally-open point in a medium-voltage distribution network which allows for control of real and reactive power flows between each end point of its installation sites. While other benefits of SNOP installation are discussed, the intent of this paper is to determine whether SNOPs are a viable alternative to other voltage control strategies for this particular application. As such, the SNOPs ability to affect the voltage profile along feeders within a distribution system is focused on with other voltage control options used for comparative purposes. Results from studies on multiple network models with varying topologies are presented and a case study which considers economic benefits of increasing feasible DG penetration is also given

    The diagnostic accuracy of a single CEA blood test in detecting colorectal cancer recurrence: Results from the FACS trial

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    Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of a single CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen) blood test in detecting colorectal cancer recurrence. Background: Patients who have undergone curative resection for primary colorectal cancer are typically followed up with scheduled CEA testing for 5 years. Decisions to investigate further (usually by CT imaging) are based on single test results, reflecting international guidelines. Methods: A secondary analysis was undertaken of data from the FACS trial (two arms included CEA testing). The composite reference standard applied included CT-CAP imaging, clinical assessment and colonoscopy. Accuracy in detecting recurrence was evaluated in terms of sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios, predictive values, time-dependent area under the ROC curves, and operational performance when used prospectively in clinical practice are reported. Results: Of 582 patients, 104 (17.9%) developed recurrence during the 5 year follow-up period. Applying the recommended threshold of 5µg/L achieves at best 50.0% sensitivity (95% CI: 40.1-59.9%); in prospective use in clinical practice it would lead to 56 missed recurrences (53.8%; 95% CI: 44.2-64.4%) and 89 false alarms (56.7% of 157 patients referred for investigation). Applying a lower threshold of 2.5µg/L would reduce the number of missed recurrences to 36.5% (95% CI: 26.5-46.5%) but would increase the false alarms to 84.2% (924/1097 referred). Some patients are more prone to false alarms than others – at the 5µg/L threshold, the 89 episodes of unnecessary investigation were clustered in 29 individuals. Conclusion: Our results demonstrated very low sensitivity for CEA, bringing to question whether it could ever be used as an independent triage test. It is not feasible to improve the diagnostic performance of a single test result by reducing the recommended action threshold because of the workload and false alarms generated. Current national and international guidelines merit re-evaluation and options to improve performance, such as making clinical decisions on the basis of CEA trend, should be further assessed

    Obsessive-compulsive symptoms and the covid-19 pandemic: a rapid scoping review

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    Background: there has been much speculation about untoward effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on psychological symptoms. OCD may be expected to be especially impacted. Our aim was to distil the current evidence base on relationships between the pandemic and obsessive-compulsive symptoms, in patients, and general population samples.Methods: we conducted a rapid scoping review, in the form of a systematic literature search, coupled with narrative review. 32 relevant papers were identified. Results and Interpretation: (1) A sizable proportion of people with OCD (but not all) experienced/reported symptom worsening during the pandemic, especially during initial restrictions (approximately 20-65% of cases in longitudinal studies); (2) contamination/washing symptoms appeared particularly susceptible; and (3) OCD symptoms in general population samples were associated with trait compulsivity and pandemic-related-stress. The literature was heterogeneous with various methodological issues being commonplace. Future Directions: the review identified important unaddressed issues: how should exposure based therapy be adapted during pandemics? How can we minimise harm from exacerbation of OCD in vulnerable individuals arising from public health messaging? Why do some but not all OCD patients experience worsening? And does Covid-19 infection affect (or lead to) OCD symptoms? <br/

    Reading Barcodes from Digital Imagery

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    This document was prepared for Dr. John Loomis as part of the written PhD. candidacy exam by Timothy R. Tuinstra. This report provides a look at the automatic detection and decoding of barcodes found within imagery. Such techniques could conceivably be used in the retail, manufacturing, inventory and travel industries as well as others. A general description of barcodes is included as well as a review of some of the techniques used to automatically locate barcodes within larger images containing additional objects. The author will also present some results from implementing a variant of these techniques. I

    Clarinet quintet in A major, K. 581 ; Horn quintet in E-flat major, K. 407 ; Divertimento in D major, K. 251

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    More Author/Title Info: Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus Physical Description: 1 audio disc : digital ; 4 3/4 in. Performers: Stanley Drucker, clarinet (1st work) ; Joseph Robinson, oboe (3rd work) ; L. William Kuyper (2nd & 3rd works), R. Allen Spanjer (3rd work), horns ; Timothy Cobb, double bass (3rd work) ; Elysium String quartet (Jennifer Tiboris, Gary Levinson, violins ; Veronica R. Salas, viola ; Lutz Rath, violoncello). Event Details: Recorded at the American Academy of Arts and Letters, New York City, Sept. 21, Dec. 2 and 6, 1998

    AN INVESTIGATION OF DIFFERENTIAL REINFORCEMENT OF ALTERNATIVE BEHAVIOR WITHOUT EXTINCTION

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    We manipulated relative reinforcement for problem behavior and appropriate behavior using differential reinforcement of alternative behavior (DRA) without an extinction component. Seven children with developmental disabilities participated. We manipulated duration (Experiment 1), quality (Experiment 2), delay (Experiment 3), or a combination of each (Experiment 4), such that reinforcement favored appropriate behavior rather than problem behavior even though problem behavior still produced reinforcement. Results of Experiments 1 to 3 showed that behavior was often sensitive to manipulations of duration, quality, and delay in isolation, but the largest and most consistent behavior change was observed when several dimensions of reinforcement were combined to favor appropriate behavior (Experiment 4). Results suggest strategies for reducing problem behavior and increasing appropriate behavior without extinction.Peer reviewedFinal article publishedAttention deficit hyperactivity disorderAutismConcurrent schedulesDifferential reinforcementExtinctionProblem behavio
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