cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Blast Resistant Design of an Embassy Building

The paper presents a generic design study for a 2500 square meter, 4-storey embassy building. It is designed to resist blast loads from an assumed Design Basis Threat (DBT) that is provided by the owner. The building structure consists of reinforced concrete columns, beams and slabs supported on pile foundations. The exterior walls are concrete block with stone veneer. The windows are double glazed with aluminum frames. The building is situated within a compound with a perimeter wall. There is no basement.
How Does Media Choice Affect Hostile Media Perceptions? Evidence from Participant Preference Experiments

We investigate how selective exposure to various types of media shapes hostile media perceptions. We use an innovative experimental design that gauges the influence of viewers’ preferences for entertainment, partisan cable news, or mainstream broadcast news on their reactions to media content. This design represents a modification to the participant preference experiment used elsewhere, expanding a laboratory-based media environment to include partisan and mainstream news options, alongside entertainment programming. We find that people’s viewing preferences shape their reactions to news media content.
Commentary on Liu et al

Epidemiological studies demonstrate sexual dimorphism with respect to arterial blood pressure, incidence of vascular disease, and the rate of progression of renal disease. In this regard, in men age <60 years, arterial blood pressure is higher compared with that of age-matched women, and the incidence of coronary artery disease is 50% less in premenopausal women compared with age-matched men. Decline of kidney function in patients with chronic renal disease is slowed in premenopausal women compared with age-matched men. After the loss of ovarian function, sexual dimorphisms vis-a-vis hypertension, vascular disease, and rate of progression of kidney disease are no longer present. Arterial blood pressure increases in postmenopausal women, and the incidence of vascular disease and the rate of progression of renal disease equalizes between men and women. The association of loss of ovarian function and disappearance of sexual dimorphism with respect to hypertension and vascular and renal disease suggests that 17β-estradiol, the major estrogen produced by the human ovary, may importantly participate in the relative protection afforded to premenopausal women. The conclusion that 17β-estradiol protects against hypertension, vascular damage, and progression of renal disease is corroborated by animal studies demonstrating antihypertensive, vasculoprotective, and renoprotective effects of 17β-estradiol. Like 17β-estradiol, inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin system, such as ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), also reduce blood pressure, protect blood vessels against vascular injury, and have renoprotective effects. Whether these beneficial effects of inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin system are nonadditive, additive, or synergistic with 17β-estradiol is a critically important question that was addressed by Liu and coworkers1 in this issue of Hypertension . Liu et al1 induced vascular injury in mice by placing a cuff around the femoral artery, and 14 days later, they assessed the response to vascular injury morphometrically and histochemically. Drug treatments were begun 1 day …
Effect of side of lesion on neuropsychological performance in childhood stroke.

The purpose of the current study was to examine the effect of side of lesion on neuropsychological performance in childhood stroke. While laterality effects have been shown fairly consistently in adults who have experienced stroke, results from studies on children who have experienced childhood stroke are not as clear. Numerous methodological differences between previous studies on laterality effects in childhood stroke make it difficult to draw overall conclusions regarding laterality findings. The current study aimed to study a single group of children who experienced stroke in childhood across a number of cognitive domains. The participants were 13 children0adolescents with left hemisphere lesions and 16 children0adolescents with right hemisphere lesions, with a range of onset from prenatal to 13 years. All participants were administered a broad battery of neuropsychological tests including tests of intelligence, achievement, language skills, visuospatial skills, memory, and executive functioning. No significant differences were found between the groups on any of the measures and the calculated effect sizes were small for all but one of the measures examined. These results have implications for a greater understanding of the ability of the young brain to reorganize after childhood stroke. ( JINS, 2004, 10, 698‐708.)
The hydrogen ion and pulmonary vasomotricity

Abstract A short review has been presented of the present state of knowledge regarding the relationship of the dual stimulation of the hydrogen ion and hypoxia on pulmonary artery vasomotricity. These interacting stimuli are probably the major determinants of pulmonary hypertension in chronic obstructive lung disease.
Effects of anti-Ia sera on mitogenic responses. III. Mapping the genes controlling the expression of Ia determinants on concanavalin A-reactive cells to the I-J subregion of the H-2 gene complex.

We have shown that the Ia determinants expressed on nylon wool-purified T lymphocytes reactive to concanavalin A (Con A) in serum-free media are coded in a single I subregion of the H-2 gene complex. This region, I-J, is defined by two pairs of intra-H-2 recombinant haplotypes: H-2t3, H-2t4 and H-2i3, H-2i5, carried by B10.HTT, B10.S(9R), B10.A(3R), AND B10.A(5R), respectively. No activity against Con A-reactive T cells has been detected in any antiserum that was produced in strain combinations which shared a common I-J region. This suggests that Ia antigens expressed on Con A-reactive T cells are restricted to the I-J subregion.
Kepler’s Copernican Campaign and the New Star of 1604

In a letter of 27 October 1604, David Fabricius (1564–1617) eagerly reported to Johannes Kepler (1571–1630) his observations of a brilliant new luminary in the constellation of Sagittarius. Fabricius had first observed the new luminary “near the location of the great conjunction,”1 which had occurred just 10 months earlier. His eyes had been drawn to the area by the proximity of the three superior planets when “Mars and Jupiter were conjoined and Saturn had by then returned directly to the location of the great conjunction.”2 There, Fabricius had identified “a new star, with no motion of its own,” in the outer sphere encasing the cosmos.3 The star had surpassed Jupiter “in diameter and silvery splendor,”4 and its scintillation had proven incomparably swift.
A circuit characterization of graphic matroids

It is shown that a binary matroid is graphic if and only if it does not contain four circuits that interact is a particular way. This result generalizes a theorem of Little and Sanjith for planar graphs.
Demystifying the Use of Beta in the Determination of the Cost of Capital and an Illustration of its Use in Lazard's Valuation of Conrail

The discounted cash flow (DCF) method is commonly utilized by firms in determining whether to make an investment in a capital project, and involves calculating the valuation of a target firm in a merger or acquisition transaction. The determination of the appropriate cost of capital is a necessary element in the DCF method. One of the principal ways of determining the cost of equity capital is the capital asset pricing model (CAPM). CAPM posits that the cost of equity capital for a target firm is equal to the sum of (1) the risk-free rate of return and (2) the beta for the investment multiplied by the market risk premium. While the risk-free rate of return and the market risk premium are determined by observing market factors, the beta is specific to the target firm. The beta is an essential element in CAPM and therefore is often an essential element in the DCF method. The beta measures the sensitivity of the returns for a particular stock to the returns on the market. The concepts of covariance and variance and the use of regression analysis, including Excel's linear regression function, can be utilized to derive the beta. The beta for a target firm can be expressed as either levered or unlevered and, depending on the circumstances, the beta may sometimes be necessary to move from a levered to an unlevered beta, or vice versa. The Article first discusses the derivation of the beta and then illustrates how the beta and the CAPM were used by the investment banking firm of Lazard Freres & Co., LLC, in determining the cost of capital for Conrail and in valuing Conrail's free cash flows. Conrail was the target of competing bids in an acquisition by CSX and Norfolk Southern. The Article examines the formula for moving between unlevered and levered betas and elaborates on the use of the beta in the CAPM. The Article specifically analyzes Lazard's use of the CAPM and the beta in computing Conrail's weighted average cost of capital (WACC), as well as Lazard's use of this cost of capital in calculating the value of Conrail's cash flows. The analysis provided in this Article illustrates the computation of levered and unlevered betas and their use in a DCF model in a real life acquisition context.
Shear Strength of Fibrous Sheets: An Experimental Investigation:

This study of the shear strength of fibrous sheets first measures the in-plane shear strengths of various samples, including woven and nonwoven fabrics and paper, using a custom-made apparatus attached to an Instron tester. The structure of the apparatus and the measurement procedures are introduced in this article. The tested shear strength values are then compared with theoretical predictions from an earlier work. Discrepancies and possible causes are analyzed. Load-elongation curves for both tensile and shear are compared for individual fabrics and between fabrics. The relationship between the anisotropy of fabric tensile strength and the ratio of tested and predicted shear strength is explored. Also, the effect of fiber movement during textile deformation is examined. Finally, the original Tsai-Wu theory used for shear strength prediction of anisotropic materials is modified for application to the fibrous sheets, and the new predictions are provided for comparison.
Playing out loud: Videogame references as resources in friend interaction for managing frames, epistemics, and group identity

This study examines how friends in their mid-twenties appropriate texts from videogames they have played to serve particular functions in their everyday face-to-face conversations. Speakers use references to the videogames Papers, Please and The Oregon Trail to shift the epistemic territories of conversations when they encounter interactional dilemmas. These epistemic shifts simultaneously rekey formerly problematic talk (on topics like rent, money, and injuries) to lighter, humorous talk, reframing these issues as being part of a lived videogame experience. Overlapping game frames are laminated upon real-life frames, and are strengthened by embedded frames containing constructed dialogue. This study contributes to understanding how epistemic shifts relying on intertextual ties can shift frames during interactional dilemmas in everyday conversation, which is ultimately conducive to group identity construction. (Intertextuality, framing, epistemics, identity, interactional sociolinguistics, discourse analysis, humor, videogames)*
The method of property evaluating about period, multi-index and high-technology production

This paper put forward the idea of describing comprehensive property by First Using Time, and gave its methods and model of property evaluating, and gave its example by real sample about period, multi-index and high technology production.
Explore New Challenges of Wafer Level Die Attach Film for Wafer Preparation Process

This paper analyzes the large effect on wafer preparation and down stream assembly processesby application of Wafer Level Die Attach Film (WLDAF) in multi-die stack electronic packages. It willexplore new challenges associated with WLDAF lamination, wafer preparation and down stream processes.
Three years of in vitro fertilization at Norfolk

During the 3 years from 1981 to 1983, 319 consecutive patients in 560 cycles were treated in a program of in vitro fertilization at Norfolk. All patients were stimulated by human menopausal gonadotropin supplemented by human chorionic gonadotropin. There were transfers in 429 cycles, resulting in 105 pregnancies. Over the 3-year span, the pregnancy rate by cycle was 19%; by transfer, 25%; and by patient, 33%.
Detection and characterization of immune complexes in the circulation of infertile women

The incidence of circulating immune complexes (CICs) was evaluated in sera from 39 female partners of infertile marriages and from 38 fertile women. Fifteen (38%) of the infertile women had CICs, as determined by the Raji cell assay, in levels ranging from 300 to 8000 μ g/ml; whereas only 1 (3%) of the fertile women displayed CICs ( P
Aging in Place: Selecting and Supporting Caregivers of the Older Adult

Most older adults want to remain in their homes as long as humanly possible. In order to maintain their ability to age in place, older adults rely on caregivers to assist them in the activities for which they need assistance. Caregivers are usually classified into two realms: family caregivers and paid caregivers. Being a caregiver can be both a rewarding and a stressful burden. This chapter reviews key features of family and paid caregivers, provides resources for caregivers, and offers guidance on selecting and hiring paid caregivers.
Polymer Dynamics in Constrained Geometries

For the past 20 years, there has been a strong interest in understanding the dynamical response of polymers when they are placed in environments or physical geometries that create strong states of confinement. There are an incredible number of publications focused on quantifying how the dynamical properties of the polymer deviate from their bulk properties when the physical length scales of this confinement is on the order of 5 to 50 nm, length scales that begin to approach the dimensions of a single polymer coil. In this chapter we attempt to summarize many of the relevant and important contributions to this field, focusing on measurements that directly probe or quantify polymer dynamics. Our primary emphasis is on the measurement technique, describing the time and length scales of the measurements and the nature of the dynamic property that is being measured. This is to provide a better physical understanding of the measurements and better help the reader interpret the results. We do not attempt to present a unified picture of how polymer molecules dynamically respond to strong states of confinement. Such an understanding is beyond the scope of this text.
The Neotyphodium endophyte of wild barley (Hordeum brevisubulatum subsp. violaceum) grows and sporulates on leaf surfaces of the host

The Neotyphodium endophyte of wild barley (Hordeum brevisubulatum subsp. violaceum) has been demonstrated via stained leaf impressions, SEM, and the plating to agar media of leaf washes from the host, to grow and sporulate on leaf surfaces under laboratory conditions. Superficial mycelium was usually sparse, and mycelial nets were not observed on the leaf epidermis. ITS sequence data were identical for Neotyphodium isolates derived from surface-disinfested leaf tissue and from leaf washes, and the isolates were indistinguishable by morphometric analysis when grown in culture. Conidia of the endophyte were capable of germination and growth on nutrient agar.
A novel NERC compliant automatic generation control in multi-area power systems in the presence of renewable-energy resources

In this paper, a novel automatic generation control for a multi-area power system is developed. The proposed controller is based on the Immune-Reinforcement-Learning Algorithm and is capable of real-time adjustment to comply with North American Electric Reliability Council (NERC) control performance standards as well as decreasing the generators’ oscillations. High-renewable penetration, such as wind power, reduces the total inertia of the system which makes the system unable to recover from perturbation causing deterioration in the control performance standards. Because of the intermittency of the renewables, constant gain controllers do not perform well and tend to violate the NERC standards. The proposed algorithm acts in real time and adapts with changes in the renewable power as well as changes in the load to always comply with the standards while smoothly running the generators to reduce wear and tear. The proposed controller is implemented on a four-area power system and compared to different fixed value cases.
The significance of histologic examination of gastrectomy specimens: a clinicopathologic study of 511 cases

Abstract Background Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is quickly becoming the preferred procedure for bariatric surgery. According to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery guidelines, routine preoperative upper gastrointestinal endoscopies are not recommended universally for bariatric surgery. Some studies have shown that the histologic examination of SG specimens is insignificant and not a cost-effective practice. However, some speculate SG examination may unveil pertinent findings and prevent further progression of precursor lesions. Objectives This study aims to explore the clinically significant or actionable lesions that can be revealed with SG examination. Setting Tufts Medical Center, Boston, USA. Results We analyzed 511 SG specimens obtained during bariatric surgery. Incidental findings were grouped in 2 categories: clinically significant/actionable and minor lesions. The clinically significant lesions accounted for 5.8%. This category included 5 cases of gastrointestinal stromal tumor; one case of MALT lymphoma; 4 cases of autoimmune gastritis with concomitant pancreatic metaplasia or neuroendocrine dysplasia. Intestinal metaplasia without dysplasia was identified in 3 cases; 14 cases of Helicobacter pylori associated active gastritis; 1 case of iron pill induced gastritis and 1 case of gastric glandular siderosis. The minor lesions accounted for 6.3%, showing findings other than chronic gastritis. This category included 19 cases of fundic polyps and 1 case of hyperplastic polyp; one case of leiomyoma; 11 cases of H pylori negative active gastritis. Conclusions The majority of histopathology results after SG showed no significant changes. However, a few cases had clinically significant lesions in seemingly healthy patients, altering patient’s postoperative management.
Host determinants of adeno-associated viral vector entry

Viral vectors based on adeno-associated virus (AAV) are leading candidates for therapeutic gene delivery. Understanding rate-limiting steps in the entry of AAV vectors may be used in a rational approach to improve efficiency and specificity of transduction. This review describes our current understanding of AAV entry, a key step during infection. We discuss the identity and functions of AAV receptors and attachment factors, including the recently discovered multi-serotype receptor AAVR. We further provide an overview of other host factors that act during the trafficking stage of AAV vector transduction. In particular, we focus on cellular protein complexes associated with retrograde transport from endosomes to the trans-Golgi network. The novel insights in AAV-host interactions facilitated by technological advances in genetic screening approaches provide a greater depth in our understanding how AAV vectors exploit host factors to deliver its genetic cargo to the nucleus.
Characterization of a Downconverting, Phase-Modulated RF-Over-Fiber Link With a Single Modulator

We present and fully characterize a downconverting RF-over-fiber link that uses one dual-RF drive Mach–Zehnder modulator as a phase modulator. One RF input presents the signal and the other input presents the local oscillator to the modulator. A full link characterization and experimental comparison with the developed theory is presented for the first time, verifying the relevant RF metrics that can be immediately useful in a practical system design.
The slimmest arrangements of hyperplanes

We show how the results of Dowling and Wilson on Whitney numbers in ‘The slimmest geometric lattices’ imply minimum values for the numbers of k-dimensional flats and d-dimensional cells of a projective d-arrangement of hyperplanes and for the number of d-cells missed by an extra hyperplane. Their theorems also characterize the extremal arrangements. We extend their lattice results to doubly indexed Whitney numbers; thence we obtain minima for the number of k-dimensional cells and the number of pairs of flats with x\(\subseteq\)y and dim x=k, dim y=l. The lower bounds are in terms of the rank and number of points of the geometric lattice, or the dimension d and the number of hyperplanes of the arrangement. The minima for k-cells were conjectured by Grunbaum; R. W. Shannon proved the minima for k-dimensional flats and cells and characterized attainment for the latter by a more strictly geometric, non-latticial technique.
BioRhythm : a Biologically-inspired Audio-Visual Installation

BioRhythm is an interactive bio-feedback installation controlled by the cardiovascular system. Data from a photoplethysmograph (PPG) sensor controls sonication and visualization parameters in real-time. Biological signals are obtained using the techniques of Resonance Theory in Hemodynamics and mapped to audiovisual cues via the Five Element Philosophy. The result is a new media interface utilizing sound synthesis and spatialization with advanced graphics rendering. BioRhythm serves as an artistic exploration of the harmonic spectra of pulse waves.
Treating Conduct Problems, Aggression, and Antisocial Behavior in Children and Adolescents: An Integrated View

Conduct disorder (CD) consists of persistent engagement in behavior that violates the rights of others and/or exhibits clear disregard for the law or for age-appropriate social norms (American Psychiatric Association, 2000). To qualify for the diagnosis of CD, a youth must, within the year preceding assessment, have engaged in at least three behaviors drawn from four categories—aggression toward people or animals (e.g., physical cruelty, intimidation, forced sexual activity), property destruction (fire-setting or otherwise), deceitfulness or theft (e.g., breaking and entering, lying for instrumental gain), or serious developmentally based rule violations (e.g., truancy, staying out all night without permission). Further, one of those behaviors must have been present within the six months leading up to the diagnostic assessment. CD is associated with a variety of functional impairments or personal costs for the individual youth (e.g., academic failure, relationship disturbance, legal involvement, and comorbid psychopathology such as depression or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; Frick, 1998). However, the greater cost of CD in many ways accrues through consequences to other individuals and society in general (cf. Frick, 2001). Youth
Dairy Calf Pneumonia: The Disease and Its Impact

The author discusses the syndrome of respiratory disease in dairy calves, reviewing the disease and the causative agents. Attention is given to the epidemiology of the disease with discussion of morbidity, mortality, proportionate mortality and risk factors associated with dairy calf pneumonia. The economic impact of dairy calf pneumonia is discussed in detail and management options for calf rearing are suggested.
A post-genomic view of the mitochondrion in malaria parasites.

Mitochondria in Plasmodium parasites have many characteristics that distinguish them from mammalian mitochondria. Selective targeting of malaria parasite mitochondrial physiology has been exploited in successful antimalarial chemotherapy. At present, our understanding of the functions served by the parasite mitochondrion is somewhat limited, but the availability of the genomic sequences makes it possible to develop a framework of possible mitochondrial functions by providing information on genes encoding mitochondrially targeted proteins. This review aims to provide an overview of mitochondrial physiology in this post-genomic era. Although in many cases direct experimental proof for their mitochondrial functionsmay not be available at present, descriptions of these potential mitochondrial proteins can provide a basis for experimental approaches.
Processing of Al-Li-SiCp materials using co-deposition of multi-phased materials

ABSTRACT In the present study, the effect of matrix solidification on the resulting size and distribution of SiCp during spray atomization and co-deposition was investigated. The microstructure of the spray deposited materials was characterized as a function of cross-sectional thickness for a single experiment, as well as for different processing variables for distinct experiments. In order to assess the effect of SiCp particulates on the microstructural evolution during processing, the unreinforced Al-Li material was also studied. The microstructural studies were accomplished using scanning and optical microscopy. Finally, the observed microstructural features and the computed thermal and solidification conditions of the atomized matrix were discussed concurrently
The contribution of family leisure to family functioning and family satisfaction among urban Russian families

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this study was to examine how both family leisure involvement and family leisure satisfaction contributed to the explanation of variance in family functioning and satisfactio...
Polynuclear ruthenium organometallic complexes containing a 1,3,5-triazine ligand: synthesis, DNA interaction, and biological activity

It is now well established that ruthenium complexes are attractive alternatives to platinum-based anticancer agents. Most of the ruthenium compounds currently under investigation contain a single metal center. The synthesis of multinuclear analogues may provide access to novel complexes with enhanced biological activity. In this work, we have synthesized a set of three trinuclear complexes containing organometallic ruthenium fragments—(arene)RuCl—coordinated to a 2,4,6-tris(di-2-pyridylamino)-1,3,5-triazine core [(Arene = benzene (2), p-cymene (1), or hexamethylbenzene (3)]. The interaction of the complexes with DNA was extensively studied using a variety of biophysical probes as well as by molecular docking. The complexes bind strongly to DNA with apparent binding constants ranging from 2.20 to 4.79 × 104 M−1. The binding constants from electronic absorption titrations were an order of magnitude greater. The mode of binding to the nucleic acid was not definitively determined, but the evidence pointed to some kind of non-specific electrostatic interaction. None of the complexes displayed any significant antimicrobial activity against the organisms that were studied and exhibited anticancer activity only at high (> 100 μM) concentration.
Solitary wave impacts on vertical and overhanging near-coast structures

In this paper, we investigate short-duration solitary wave impacts on overhanging near-coast structures, which are represented here as rectangular blocks protruding out from a vertical wall. Wave t...
Ux and Your Library: A Scalable Model.

User experience is immeasurably important for your patrons as they access your Web site. This article presents tips and strategies for testing user experience, suggests a number of different popula...
Prevalence of Eight Phthalate Monoesters in Water from the Okavango Delta, Northern Botswana

Phthalate diesters are used in personal care products, plastics, and pesticides, resulting in widespread human and wildlife exposure. Phthalate diesters leach out of these products and ultimately enter biological systems where they are quickly metabolized to phthalate monoesters and glucuronides. As such, phthalate monoesters can serve as indicators of anthropogenic activity in wilderness areas. The Okavango Delta, an inland seasonal wetland covering 5000–12,000 km2 in Botswana, provides fresh water to many species of birds, fish, reptiles, and large mammals. Water samples (N = 46) were taken from across the Okavango water system, extracted, and analyzed for eight different phthalate monoesters using liquid chromatography and isotope dilution mass spectrometry. Seven of eight phthalate monoesters were detected from the low ng/L to low µg/L levels. Phthalate monoesters were found in samples from all five sampling regions. Sources of these contaminants are unknown, but their presence indicates encroachment of human activity on the Okavango Delta.
More sneezing, less crime? Health shocks and the market for offenses.

Abstract A large literature points out that exposure to criminal victimization has far-reaching effects on public health. What remains surprisingly unexplored is that role that health shocks play in explaining aggregate fluctuations in offending. This research finds novel evidence that crime is sensitive to health shocks. We consider the responsiveness of crime to a pervasive and common health shock which we argue shifts costs and benefits for offenders and victims: seasonal allergies. Leveraging daily variation in city-specific pollen counts, we present evidence that violent crime declines in U.S. cities on days in which the local pollen count is unusually high and that these effects are driven by residential violence. While past literature suggests that property crimes have more instrumental motives, require planning, and hence are particularly sensitive to permanent changes in the cost and benefits of crime, we find that violence may be especially sensitive to health shocks.
A Prospective Pilot Study of Ixazomib, Lenalidomide, and Dexamethasone for Patients with Newly Diagnosed or Relapsed/Refractory POEMS Syndrome

Background: POEMS syndrome is a rare paraneoplastic syndrome caused by an underlying plasma cell disorder. The combination of a proteasome inhibitor, an IMiD and corticosteroid is known to be highly effective among patients with myeloma. Methods: We conducted a pilot using a 28-day oral regimen of ixazomib (4 mg days 1, 8, 15), lenalidomide (25 mg days 1-21), and dexamethasone (20 mg days 1, 8, 15, 22). Aspirin and acyclovir were used for prophylaxis. Eligibility included a diagnosis of POEMS syndrome, a plasma VEGF 2x normal, a PS Conclusions: These preliminary results suggest that Ixa-Len-Dex is an effective and tolerable regimen for patients with POEMS syndrome. Longer follow-up will be important to determine durability of this approach and for neurologic assessment given the slow rate of remyelination. Download : Download high-res image (97KB) Download : Download full-size image Figure . Disclosures Dispenzieri: Akcea: Consultancy; Intellia: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy; Pfizer: Research Funding; Takeda: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; Alnylam: Research Funding. Lacy: Celgene: Research Funding. Kapoor: Cellectar: Consultancy; Janssen: Research Funding; Glaxo Smith Kline: Research Funding; Takeda: Honoraria, Research Funding; Sanofi: Consultancy, Research Funding; Celgene: Honoraria; Amgen: Research Funding. Leung: Takeda: Research Funding; Prothena: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Aduro: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Omeros: Research Funding. Dingli: alexion: Consultancy; Karyopharm: Research Funding; Rigel: Consultancy; Millenium: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy. Kumar: Takeda: Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding. Gertz: Proclara: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Springer Publishing: Patents & Royalties; Research to Practice: Consultancy; Physicians Education Resource: Consultancy; Abbvie: Other: personal fees for Data Safety Monitoring board; Ionis/Akcea: Consultancy; Alnylam: Consultancy; Prothena Biosciences Inc: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy; Spectrum: Consultancy, Research Funding; Annexon: Consultancy; DAVA oncology: Speakers Bureau; Pharmacyclics: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; i3Health: Other: Development of educational programs and materials; Amyloidosis Foundation: Research Funding; International Waldenstrom Foundation: Research Funding; Teva: Speakers Bureau; Johnson and Johnson: Speakers Bureau; Appellis: Consultancy; Amgen: Consultancy; Medscape: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau. OffLabel Disclosure: No drugs approved for POEMS syndrome. Ixazomib, lenalidomide and dexamethasone
Denial of ‘Fair Trial’ Safeguards and United States Forces

The purpose of this chapter is to consider what redress a United States serviceman may have under international law and United States domestic law if he is denied a “fair trial” safeguard by a NATO country. Its theme is best illustrated by considering the hypothetical case of a United States serviceman who is tried by the courts of a NATO country and during the trial is denied summarily the right to have compulsory process to obtain witnesses in his favor as provided by paragraph 9(d) of Article VII of the NATO SOF Agreement. The serviceman is convicted and sentenced to a fine. Under international law1 what action may be taken by the serviceman or the United States because of denial of this safeguard by the host state?
Hispanics have higher grade intracerebral hemorrhage compared to non-Hispanics

Background We set out to determine whether Hispanics have worse intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) as measured by the ICH score. Methods This was a prospective observational study of consecutive patients with an ultimate diagnosis of acute nontraumatic intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) presenting to a county emergency department (ED) with 53% Hispanic population (predominantly Puerto-Rican). Independent variables were Hispanic ethnicity, age and gender. Dependent variable was the ICH Score, composed of five variables including the Glasgow Coma Score, age, ICH volume, presence of intraventricular hemorrhage, and whether the hemorrhage was of infratentorial origin. Results The cohort consisted of 179 patients, of which 47% were Hispanic, 44% White, and 10% Black. The median age was 65 years (IQR 51-77). 53% were female. The baseline characteristics of Hispanics and non-Hispanics were not significantly different (P= non-significant, z test for proportions). ICH scores ranged from 0-5, (median =2, IQR 1-3.75). Median ICH score for Whites =1.5, for Blacks 2.25, and for Hispanics 2.5. Wilcoxon's nonparametric rank-sum test on ICH score demonstrated that Hispanics had significantly higher ICH scores, p =0.0102. In a multivariate linear regression model incorporating Hispanic ethnicity, age and gender, Hispanic ethnicity was significantly associated with higher ICH scores (P= 0.0065). Overall, this multivariate logistic regression model was robust, with an R2 statistic =17%. Furthermore, neither age nor gender were significant in the multivariate model or in univariate analysis. A univariate model accounting for only Hispanic ethnicity found that Hispanic ethnicity was significantly associated with higher ICH scores (P = 0.0057), with an R2 statistic =15.5%. Conclusion In this single center cohort of acute nontraumatic ICH, Hispanics had significantly worse ICH score, even after accounting for age and gender. These findings warrant further study and perhaps community education to address gaps.
A Modular, Fiberless, 3-D Aware, Flexible-circuit-based Wearable fNIRS System

We introduce, for the first time, a wearable, modular, and fiberless fNIRS system made of diamond-shaped flexible-circuit-based modules, capable of full-head coverage, acquisition of 3-D positions, utilizing inter-module channels, and high flexibility in connection re-configurations.
Data Compression Accelerator on IBM POWER9 and z15 Processors : Industrial Product

Lossless data compression is highly desirable in enterprise and cloud environments for storage and memory cost savings and improved utilization I/O and network. While the value provided by compression is recognized, its application in practice is often limited because it's a processor intensive operation resulting low throughput and high elapsed time for compression intense workloads. The IBM POWER9 and IBM z15 systems overcome the shortcomings of existing approaches by including a novel on-chip integrated data compression accelerator. The accelerator reduces processor cycles, I/O traffic, memory and storage footprint of many applications practically with zero hardware cost. The accelerator also eliminates the cost and I/O slots that would have been necessary with FPGA/ASIC based compression adapters. On the POWER9 chip, a single accelerator uses less than 0.5% of the processor chip area, but provides a 388x speedup factor over the zlib compression software running on a general-purpose core and provides a 13x speedup factor over the entire chip of cores. On a POWER9 system, the accelerators provide an end-to-end 23% speedup to Apache Spark TPC-DS workload compared to the software baseline. The z15 chip doubles the compression rate of POWER9 resulting in even much higher speedup factors over the compression software running on general-purpose cores. On a maximally configured z15 system topology, on-chip compression accelerators provide up to 280 GB/s data compression rate, the highest in the industry. Overall, the on-chip accelerators significantly advance the state of the art in terms of area, throughput, latency, compression ratio, reduced processor utilization, power/energy efficiency, and integration into the system stack. This paper describes the architecture, and novel elements of the POWER9 and z15 compression/decompression accelerators with emphasis on trade-offs that made the on-chip implementation possible.
Comultiplication in link Floer homology and transversely nonsimple links

For a word w in the braid group Bn, we denote by Tw the corresponding transverse braid in (ℝ3,ξrot). We exhibit, for any two g,h∈Bn, a “comultiplication” map on link Floer homology Φ:HFL˜(m(Thg))→HFL˜(m(Tg#Th)) which sends θ(Thg) to θ(Tg#Th). We use this comultiplication map to generate infinitely many new examples of prime topological link types which are not transversely simple.
The Impact of Center Volume on Outcomes in Lung Transplantation.

Abstract Background Studies in lung transplantation have shown variable association between hospital volume and clinical outcomes. We aimed to identify the pattern of effect of hospital volume on individual patient survival after lung transplantation. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis using the United Network for Organ Sharing national thoracic organ transplantation database. Adult patients who underwent lung transplantation between January 2013 and December 2017 were included. The association between mean annual center volume and 1-year overall survival was examined using restricted cubic splines in a random effects multivariable Cox model. The volume threshold for optimal 1-year overall survival was subsequently approximated by the maximum likelihood approach using segmented linear splines in the same model. Results The study included 10,007 patients at 71 transplant centers. Median annual center volume was 22 cases (interquartile range, 10.6 to 38). A center volume threshold was identified at 33 cases per year (95% confidence interval, 28 to 37). Higher center volume, to 33 cases per year, was associated with better 1-year survival (hazard ratio 0.989, 95% confidence interval, 0.980 to 0.999 every additional case). Further increase in center volume above 33 cases per year showed no additional benefit (hazard ratio 1.000, 95% confidence interval, 0.996 to 1.003 every additional case). Twenty-three centers (32.4%) reached the volume threshold of 33 cases per year. Conclusions One-year survival after lung transplantation improved with increasing center volume to as many as 33 cases per year. Low volume centers below the 33 cases per year threshold had large variations in their outcomes and had a higher risk of performing poorly, although many of them maintained good performance.
An exploration of the motivations and barriers to being a foster parent in Florida

Abstract Many states in the U.S. face increasing numbers of children in foster care, with high turnover and low foster parent retention rates. There is a large body of research that discusses the methods for successful foster parenting and effective foster parent retention; however, there is not much literature on perceived motivations and barriers to being a foster parent. This research adds to the literature by providing an understanding of why most families do not foster, as well as the average public knowledge and exposure to foster care issues. This study specifically identifies adult Floridian’s interest in being a foster parent, general knowledge level about fostering, exposure to fostering, and perceived motivations and barriers to fostering. The data collection was conducted using MTurk to recruit survey participants which gauged participants’ general knowledge about fostering, average exposure to fostering, and perceived motivations and barriers to fostering. Statistically significant relationships were identified between individual’s interest in fostering and respondent demographics, general knowledge, average exposure, and perceived motivations and barriers to fostering. Specifically, demographics including gender, religion, religiousness, marital status, children, and education each revealed statistically significant relationships between two or more indicators of average exposure to fostering. In addition, respondents; religious affiliations was associated with a higher self-perceived knowledge of foster care issues. These results can inform future research and guide targeted foster parent recruitment efforts that adapt education and recruitment to specific demographic characteristics. The researchers also recommend that future research explore treatments that may influence interest in fostering based on the general exposure, knowledge, motivations, and barriers identified.
Elementary Bayesian Biostatistics

PREFACE INTRODUCTION PROLOGUE: OPENING SALVOS BASIC PROBABILITY AND BAYES THEOREM Probability's Role Objective and Subjective Probability Relative Frequency and Collections of Events Counting and Combinatorics Simple Rules in Probability Law of Total Probability and Bayes Theroem COMPOUNDING AND THE LAW OF TOTAL PROBABILITY Introduction The Law of Total Probability: Compounding Proportions and the Binomial Distribution Negative Binomial Distribution The Poisson Process The Uniform Distribution Exponential Distribution Problems INTERMEDIATE COMPOUNDING AND PRIOR DISTRIBUTIONS Compounding and Prior Distributions The Force of Effect Size Epidemiology 101 Computing Distributions of Deaths The Gamma Distribution and ER Arrivals The Normal Distribution Problems COMPLETING YOUR FIRST BAYESIAN COMPUTATIONS Compounding and Bayes Procedures Introduction to a Simple Bayes Procedure Including a Continuous Conditional Distribution Working with Continuous Conditional Distributions Continuous Conditional and Prior Distributions Problems WHEN WORLDS COLLIDE Introduction DEVELOPING PRIOR PROBABILITY Introduction Prior Knowledge and Subjective Belief The Counterintuitive Prior Prior Information from Different Investigators Meta Analysis and Prior Distributions Priors and Clinical Trials Conclusions Problems USING POSTERIOR DISTRIBUTIONS: LOSS AND RISK Introduction The Role of Loss and Risk Decision Theory Dichotomous Loss Generalized Discrete Loss Functions Continuous Loss Functions The Need for Realistic Loss Functions Problems PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER Introduction Illustration 1: Stroke Treatment Illustration 2: Adverse Event Rates Conclusions BAYESIAN SAMPLE SIZE Introduction The Real Purpose of Sample Size Discussions Hybrid Bayesian-Frequentist Sample Sizes Complete Bayesian Sample Size Computations Conclusions Problems PREDICTIVE POWER AND ADAPTIVE PROCEDURES Introduction Predictive Power Adaptive Bayes Procedures Conclusions IS MY PROBLEM A BAYES PROBLEM? Introduction Unidimensional versus Multidimensional Problems Ovulation Timing Building Community Intuition CONCLUSIONS AND COMMENTARY Validity of the Key Ingredients Dark Clouds Recommendations APPENDICES Compound Poisson Distribution Evaluations Using the Uniform Distribution Computations for the Binomial-Uniform Distribution Binomial-Exponential Compound Distribution Poisson-Gamma Processes Gamma and Negative Binomial Distribution Gamma Compounding with Gamma Distribution Standard Normal Distribution Compound and Conjugate Normal Distributions Uniform Prior and Conditional Normal Distribution Beta Distribution Calculations for Chapter 8 Sample Size Primer Predictive Power Computations INDEX References appear at the end of each chapter.
Managing Complications of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy

The literature describing the merits of open and endovascular arterial therapy for lower extremity peripheral arterial occlusive disease is well represented with details of technique and operative results. Despite the robust data describing the efficacy and impact of infrainguinal arterial reconstruction on quality of life and limb salvage, little focus is placed on the potential complications that can befall patients who undergo these interventions. Frequently, revascularization strategies require complex considerations regarding a variety of variables, including the inflow vessel, distal target, hemodynamic impact of the involved lesion(s), conduit availability and quality, and perhaps most importantly, anticipated benefit to the patient. Even in the most optimal situation, the most experienced and competent vascular specialist will encounter a myriad of complications in the management of peripheral vascular arterial occlusive disease. These problems reflect the complexity of the anatomic and patient-specific covariates that invariably impact outcome. Over the last two decades, the contemporary vascular surgeon has seen a paradigm shift in the management of lower extremity occlusive disease due to the rapid proliferation and adoption of innumerable endoluminal therapies. With this change, more and more patients are undergoing revascularization because previous so-called “high-risk” or “no-option” patients receive hybrid or endoluminal salvage procedures. The impact of these new treatment strategies is under increasing scrutiny, and calls for comparative effectiveness research have been clearly vocalized. A number of previously unforeseen or unanticipated complications have been introduced into the care of these patients as a result of these novel techniques. Complications that result from the management of peripheral arterial disease frequently result in amputation or death. Accordingly, the contemporary vascular surgeon needs to be well versed in the management of complications that may occur with both open and endovascular treatment of peripheral vascular disease. This chapter highlights the technical complications and subsequent management strategies of infrainguinal bypass surgery, as well as, those resulting from endovascular treatment of lower extremity ischemia.
Do Current Recommendations for Upper Instrumented Vertebra Predict Shoulder Imbalance? An Attempted Validation of Level Selection for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis:

Background Shoulder balance for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients is associated with patient satisfaction and self-image. However, few validated systems exist for selecting the upper instrumented vertebra (UIV) post-surgical shoulder balance.