cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Current status observation of a three‐state counting process with application to simultaneous accurate and diluted HIV test data

The authors examine multistate current status data defined by two survival times of interest where one only observes whether or not each of the individual survival times exceed a common observed monitoring time. An individual can therefore belong to one of three states. The authors are interested in whether current status information on the second event can be used to improve estimation of the distribution function of time to the first event. For both single and multiple monitoring time scenarios, in the fully nonparametric setting, one cannot improve the naive estimator, using information on the first event only, when estimating “smooth” functionals of the distribution of time to the first event (van der Laan & Jewell, 2003). Therefore, improving the naive estimator is examined when parametric assumptions about the waiting time between the two events are made. For situations where this waiting time is modifiable by design, the issue of determining the optimal length of the waiting time for estimation of the cumulative hazard of the distribution of time to the first event in the recent past is also addressed. The ideas are motivated by and applied to an example on simultaneous accurate and diluted assay HIV test data. The Canadian Journal of Statistics 39: 475–487; 2011 © 2011 Statistical Society of Canada Les auteurs etudient des donnees de statut present multietats definies par deux temps de survie pour lesquels nous observons seulement si les temps de survie individuels ont depasse ou non, un certain temps d'observation commun. Un individu peut ainsi appartenir a un des trois etats. Les auteurs s'interessent a savoir si l'information sur le statut present du second evenement peut etre utilisee pour ameliorer l'estimation de la fonction de repartition du temps au premier evenement. Pour les deux scenarios d'observation, unique ou multiple, et dans un cadre totalement non parametrique, il est impossible d'ameliorer l'estimateur “naif” en utilisant uniquement l'information sur le premier evenement lorsque nous voulons estimer une fonctionnelle lissee de la distribution du temps au premier evenement (van der Laan et Jewell, 2003). Par consequent, nous etudions les ameliorations possibles a l'estimateur “naif” lorsque nous faisons des hypotheses parametriques sur le temps d'attente entre les deux evenements. Lorsque le devis de l'etude nous permet de modifier le temps d'attente, nous etudions la determination de la longueur optimale du temps d'attente pour l'estimation du risque cumulatif de la distribution du temps au premier evenement dans un passe recent. Nos idees sont appliquees et motivees par un exemple de donnees provenant de tests de depistage du VIH fait a partir de dosages precis et dilues. La revue canadienne de statistique 39:475–487;2011 © 2011 Societe statistique du Canada
Urinary metabolites of Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate are associated with increased risk of implantation failure among women undergoing IVF

effect for each woman and a compound symmetry correlation structure for the multiple outcomes. We adjusted for age, previous live birth, gonadotropin dose, IVF protocol, intracytoplasmic sperm injection, number of embryos transferred, clinic, ethnic group, infertility diagnosis, body mass index, and smoking. RESULTS: Compared to the lowest HCB exposure group, quartile 1, the multivariable adjusted odds for failed implantation were 1.89 times higher for women in quartile 3, [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.17, 3.06], and 1.87 times higher for women in the highest HCB exposure group, quartile 4, [CI 1.15, 3.06] with a significant test for trend (p1⁄4 0.007). No statistically significant associations were found between DDT/DDE and IVF outcomes or between HCB and chemical pregnancy or SAB. CONCLUSION: There was a statistically significant trend toward increased implantation failure among women with higher serum levels of HCB. Supported by: NIEHS grant ES013967 and NICHD grant HD32153.
Hospital charges following simultaneous kidney–pancreas transplantation: enteric drainage versus bladder drainage

Background. Enteric drainage (ED) is associated with reduced morbidity compared with bladder drainage (BD) after simultaneous kidney-pancreas transplantation (SKPT) and is becoming increasingly common (more than 50% of SKPTs done in the US in 1998 were performed with enteric drainage). Although several studies have reported the morbidity and graft survival of ED compared with BD previously, there are limited data available comparing the length of stay and hospital charges between these two drainage procedures. Methods. Fourteen SKPTs were performed during the period January 1995-May 1998 using BD and 20 during June 1998-August 1999 using ED. Hospital charges analyzed included the following categories: pharmacy, inpatient room, laboratory, operating room, medical-surgical supply, radiology/nuclear medicine, and miscellaneous. Organ acquisition charges and professional fees were not included in this analysis. Results. The mean hospital stay for patients with ED was 7.8 ± 2.2 d (range 5-12 d; median 7.5 d) compared with 15.9 ± 7 d (range 8-38 d; median 15 d) for patients with BD (p = 0.002). The mean hospital charges during initial hospitalization for the ED group were $36 582 ± 11 424 compared with $64 555 ± 29 054 for the BD group (p = 0.005). There was a significant decrease in the charges relating to pharmacy, inpatient room, laboratory, radiology/nuclear medicine, and miscellaneous category in the ED group compared with the BD group, while the charges relating to operating room and medical-surgical supply were no different between the two groups. One-year actuarial kidney and pancreas graft survival rates were 83% and 93%, respectively, for the BD group and 90% and 80%, respectively, for the ED group (p = NS). Conclusions. SKPT patients with ED had a 43% reduction in hospital charges and equivalent pancreas and kidney graft survival rates compared with SKPT patients with BD. A shorter hospital stay and a reduction in pharmacy, radiology/nuclear medicine, and laboratory charges contributed to the decreased hospital charges in SKPT patients with ED.
STRATEGY RESEARCH: GOVERNANCE AND COMPETENCE PERSPECTIVES

Business strategy is a complex subject and is usefully examined from several perspectives. This paper applies the lenses of governance and competence to the study of strategy. Both the governance and the competence perspectives have had the benefit of distinguished antecedents. They have also had to deal with tautological reputations. I begin with the governance perspective, with emphasis on the six key moves through which it has been operationalized. I then examine the competence perspective in these same six respects. Governance challenges the competence perspective to apply itself more assiduously to operationalization, including the need to choose and give definition to one or more units of analysis (of which the ‘routine’ is a promising candidate). The research challenges posed by competence to which governance can and should respond include dynamic transaction costs, learning, and the need to push beyond generic governance to address strategy issues faced by particular firms (with their distinctive strengths and disabilities). A lively research future for these two perspectives, individually and in combination, is projected.Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Business strategy is an expansive enterprise. Not only do all of the functional areas in the business school relate, but strategy is, by nature, interdisciplinary. All of the social sciences— especially economics and organization theory— plus contract law are implicated. Indeed, in the high technology arena where some of the most difficult strategy issues reside, engineering and the law on intellectual property rights also have a bearing. Of the various approaches to the study of strategy, this paper focuses on the governance and competence perspectives. Both perspectives combine economic reasoning with organization theory. As between these two, the governance
Quantum Mechanical Metric for Internal Cohesion in Cement Crystals

Calcium silicate hydrate (CSH) is the main binding phase of Portland cement, the single most important structural material in use worldwide. Due to the complex structure and chemistry of CSH at various length scales, the focus has progressively turned towards its atomic level comprehension. We study electronic structure and bonding of a large subset of the known CSH minerals. Our results reveal a wide range of contributions from each type of bonding, especially hydrogen bonding, which should enable critical analysis of spectroscopic measurements and construction of realistic C-S-H models. We find the total bond order density (TBOD) as the ideal overall metric for assessing crystal cohesion of these complex materials and should replace conventional measures such as Ca:Si ratio. A rarely known orthorhombic phase Suolunite is found to have higher cohesion (TBOD) in comparison to Jennite and Tobermorite, which are considered the backbone of hydrated Portland cement.
Morphology and grafting in polybutylacrylate‐polystyrene core‐shell emulsion polymerization

The morphology of polybutylacrylate–polystyrene (PBA–PS) core-shell latex particles prepared by seeded emulsion polymerization was investigated as a function of the addition method of styrene (St). The thin layer chromatography/flame ionization detector (TLC–FID) technique was used to characterize the morphology of the core-shell latexes. It was found that grafting PS to the PBA core occurs during seeded emulsion polymerization. The percentage of grafting depended on the method of addition of St, being greatest for the batch reaction, less for the preswollen batch reaction, and least for the semibatch reaction. Upon aging the PBA core-polymer migrated out of the latex particles with a low degree of grafting to form dumbellshaped particles, whereas the PBA–PS core-shell particles with a high degree of grafting remained spherical because of the emulsifying ability of graft copolymer.
Embryonic Stem Cells in Tissue Engineering

Traditionally, approaches to restore tissue function have involved organ donation. However, despite attempts to encourage organ donations ( Niklason and Langer, 2001 ; Platt, 1998 ), there is a shortage of transplantable human tissues such as bone marrow, hearts, kidneys, livers, and pancreases. Currently, more than 74,000 patients in the United States are awaiting organ transplantation, and only 21,000 people receive transplants annually ( Petit-Zeman, 2001 ).
A model to predict employee compliance with employee coporate's safety regulations factoring risk perception

Industrial accidents are a critical problem affecting U.S. industry today. They account for 3.2 million disabling injuries and 9,000 deaths annually, costing upwards of $110 billion a year according to the National Safety Council's latest data. Reducing the incidence of industrial accidents is one of the primary concerns of safety engineers. To reduce accidents, workers are trained in safe procedures and provided with personal protective equipment (PPE) where necessary. However, training and PPE are only effective when workers comply with the trained procedures and use the PPE. Companies use various reward systems and negative reinforcement to encourage workers to comply. Several factors may affect compliance behavior. When workers perceive that management has a strong commitment to safety, they may be more influenced by safety policies. On the other hand, if the company's incentive system for productivity overshadows the safety program, they may sacrifice safety compliance to achieve greater production. ...
Miguel de Unamuno y su biblioteca danesa

“Me parece que ya es hora, mi excelente amigo, de que conteste a todos los que con usted contribuyeron en ese Copenhague –que tan vivo lo tengo sin conocerlo de vista– al homenaje que se me otorgo...ahi en ese Copenhague que conozco a traves de mis lecturas danesas...no se cuando podre realizar mi viejo deseo de conocer de vista y toque esas tierras escandinavas que tanto me han atraido desde hace anos.”
Outcome of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia with multiple ABL1 kinase domain mutations receiving tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy

We investigated the impact of carrying more than one BCR-ABL1 mutation in 207 patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (102 chronic, 61 accelerated, and 44 blast phase) post-imatinib failure. Seven (8%) of 92 patients carrying mutations had more than one mutation: 4 (4%) in chronic phase, 2 (2%) in accelerated phase, and one (1 %) in blast phase. The cytogenetic response rate to second generation TKIs for patients with no, one, or more than one mutation was 88%, 69%, 50% (P=0.03) in chronic phase, 54%, 42%, 50% in accelerated phase (P=0.67), and 35%, 25%, 0% (P=0.63) in blast phase, respectively. No differences were observed in event free survival or overall survival in accelerated or blast phase according to their mutational status. However, the 4-year event free survival rates among patients in chronic phase with no, one, or more than one BCR-ABL1 mutation were 56%, 49%, and 0%, respectively (P=0.02), with overall survival rates of 91%, 69%, and 75%, respectively (P=0.13). In conclusion, patients with more than one BCR-ABL1 mutation fare worse than those with no or one mutation.
Indian Fig Cactus (Opuntia Ficus-Indica (L.) Miller) in the Americas: an Uncertain History

Abstract: Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Miller is a globally important cactus species with a long history of human use. In addition to the importance of O. ficus-indica as a food for humans and livestock, it also has long served a role in the production of cochineal, a once important textile dye. This cactus also is intimately interwoven into the story of Cactoblastis cactorum (Berg) (South American cactus moth), one of the best-known examples of biological weed control. In this regard, O. ficus-indica has been a target weed as well as an unintended host in C. cactorum invasion. Although the distribution and human-assisted movement of this cactus throughout much of the world is well documented, surprisingly little has been written about its history and movement within the Americas. Literature associated with Opuntia and their phytophagous pests in North and South America was examined in an attempt to determine the history of O. ficus-indica in the Americas. Available information suggests with some certainty t...
Potential metabolites of phenolic disinfectants: Preparation and odour properties of some anisoles

As some chlorophenols present in wood shavings have been shown to be microbiologically methylated to form anisoles, which have caused taint in broiler chickens, the anisoles from a number of phenols used in formulations of broiler house disinfectants were prepared. The sensory properties of these compounds were investigated in order to determine their potential for producing taint. None of these anisoles were found to be likely to cause taint if formed within the broiler house.
Editorial: prevention and intervention science: contributions to developmental theory.

In a chapter on the historical roots of the discipline of developmental psychopathology, Cicchetti (1990) predicted that this then-emerging field would, among other integrative functions, help to bridge the gap between basic and applied research and between theoretical and clinical efforts for children, adolescents, and adults (see also Cicchetti & Toth, 1991, 1992, 1998). Despite this hopeful assertion, in the dozen years since its appearance, there has not been a complete closing of the gap (which, at worst, can resemble a chasm).
A methodology for evaluating the performance of dynamic range control algorithms for speech enhancement

This paper describes a system that has been developed for automatically measuring the enhancement in the peak/rms ratio that a given audio processor provides, and gives some preliminary results on the performance of three commercial audio processors and two rather simple processors. An important outcome of the results is the establishment of an engineering goal for an improved digital signal processing (DSP) speech enhancement algorithm.
Clock Generation and Distribution Using Traveling-Wave Oscillators with Reflection and Regeneration

We propose a novel traveling-wave oscillator (R2TWO) that uses reflection and regeneration of waves on a transmission line to generate multi-GHz square wave signals. We also propose a scalable, low-power, low-skew and low-jitter clock distribution network by tiling the basic R2TWO s in a regular fashion. Measurement results of a TSMC 0.18mum CMOS test chip show that it can generate and distribute near full-swing 6.5GHz global clock signals with power saving of more than 75% (compared with a traditional ring oscillator). The measured jitter is less than 0.84ps, and the skew less than 1.3ps
Nonlinear integral control

The paper introduces the concept of nonlinear integral controls. It is shown that by using a nonlinear integral transformation one may design stabilizing controls by resorting to the integration of the nonlinearities, a procedure at the core of this approach, as opposed to differentiation of the nonlinearities which characterizes most methods developed, or proposed in the past.
Simultaneous estimation of the location and scale parameters of the gamma distribution by linear functions of order statistics

Summary Large sample estimation of the origin (α1 and the scale parameter (α2 of the gamma distribution when the shape parameter m is known is considered. Assuming both parameters are unknown, the optimum spacings (0<λ1<λ2<...λ k <1) determining the maximum efficiences among other choices of the same number of observations are obtained. The coefficients to be used in computing the estimates, their variances and their asymptotic relative efficiencies (A.R.E.) relative to the Cramer Rao lower bounds are given.
Closed-form formulas for the outage probability of wireless communication systems with a minimum signal power constraint

Outage probability computation is investigated for the Nakagami/Rician and Rician/Nakagami fading combinations under the assumption of independent identical distributed interferers. We show that with the consideration of both a minimum carrier-to-interference ratio and a minimum carrier-to-noise ratio, closed-form expressions can still be obtained in these two particular scenarios if the Nakagami parameter is restricted to integer values. These expressions are given in terms of the Marcum Q-function and modified Bessel functions, and therefore readily allow numerical evaluation for various cases of practical interest. When applicable, the results obtained as special cases of the offered closed-form expressions have been compared to those previously reported in the literature. Some numerical examples have been provided and discussed.
Phase synchrony reveals organization in human atrial fibrillation

It remains unclear if human atrial fibrillation (AF) is spatially nonhierarchical or exhibits a hierarchy of organization sustained by sources. We utilize activation times obtained at discrete locations during AF to compute the phase synchrony between tissue regions, to examine underlying spatial dynamics throughout both atria. We construct a binary synchronization network and show that this network can accurately define regions of coherence in coarse-grained in silico data. Specifically, domains controlled by spiral waves exhibit regions of high phase synchrony. We then apply this analysis to clinical data from patients experiencing cardiac arrhythmias using multielectrode catheters to simultaneously record from a majority of both atria. We show that pharmaceutical intervention with ibutilide organizes activation by increasing the size of the synchronized domain in AF and quantify the increase in temporal organization when arrhythmia changes from fibrillation to tachycardia. Finally, in recordings from 24 patients in AF we show that the level of synchrony is spatially broad with some patients showing large spatially contiguous regions of synchronization, while in others synchrony is localized to small pockets. Using computer simulations, we show that this distribution is inconsistent with distributions obtained from simulations that mimic multiwavelet reentry but is consistent with mechanisms in which one or more spatially conserved spiral waves is surrounded by tissue in which activation is disorganized.
Laparoscopic Pyeloplasty for Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction Following Open Pyeloplasty in Children

Abstract Objective: Few studies have evaluated the role of laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty in the setting of recurrent ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction following open dismembered pyeloplasty in the pediatric population. We present our experience at a single institution. Patients and Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed of patients treated with laparoscopic pyeloplasty for secondary UPJ obstruction from March 2003 to August 2011 at a single institution. These patients were age and temporally matched with a control group of patients undergoing primary laparoscopic pyeloplasty. Results: In total, 5 patients were identified as having undergone laparoscopic pyeloplasty for secondary UPJ obstruction following open dismembered pyeloplasty. Operative time was longer in the secondary repair group compared with the control group (190 versus 141 minutes; P = .24), although this was complicated by 1 patient in the secondary repair group undergoing multiple procedures. Morphine equivalent use a...
Economic Analysis of Rehabilitation of Water Mains

Cleaning and relining of water transmission lines is economical if the costs are less than the savings in energy and pumping capacity which occur because of the increased carrying capacity of the pipe. Criteria are developed to determine if it is economical to clean and reline a pipe for two cases: (1) Flow not significantly changed by rehabilitation of pipe; or (2) system is looped so that change in carrying capacity significantly changes flow. The decision depends on the cost to clean and reline the pipe, the price of energy, the incremental cost of pumping capacity, the peak and average flow in the pipe, the nominal diameter, the interest rate, the year in which the pumping eguipment will be upgraded or replaced, and the Hazen-Williams C factor before and after rehabilitation. A sensitivity analysis of several of the variables is presented.
Effects of an Unlimited Estate Tax Exemption for Farmland

In this analysis, Aron-Dine finds that an unlimited estate tax exemption for farmland is uncessary, open to abuse, and likely to hurt, rather than help, family farmers.
The Walters-Lawson Affair and the Two Worlds of Communication: A Collision Course

Editors’ IntroductionOriginally published in Volume 35, Number 1, Spring 1991, pages 19-20. This paper recounts an interesting chapter in the life of The American Economist and its then Editor-in-Chief, Michael Szenberg. It is not often that an academic journal becomes the unwitting source of a “news scoop” resulting in an international political controversy. However, this is exactly what happened in 1989 when the British newspaper Financial Times ran a story quoting Sir Alan Walters’ opinion of a plan to integrate Britain into the European Monetary System. Walters was then serving as the personal economic advisor to Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and had prepared an article for Professor Szenberg’s commissioned series of papers on the lives of eminent economists. Walters’ quote from this article was seen by some as an affront to Nigel Lawson, Chancellor of the Exchequer, and an embarrassment to the Thatcher government. It made headlines on both sides of the Atlantic. After the affair faded from view, P...
Finding Children Without Toys: The Archaeology of Children at Shabbona Grove, Illinois

The idea that children's activities may be seen through traditionally adult material culture is rarely explored in archaeological analyses. This paper advocates a more nuanced interpretation of assemblages in archaeological datasets that highlights children and their activities. Discussions of children in the archaeological record are often restricted to material culture attributed specifically to them, such as toys and clothing. Archaeological research conducted in Shabbona Grove, rural Illinois, USA, revealed a concentration of non-child-specific artefacts, the context of which suggests the deliberate collection or curation by children in the latter part of the twentieth century. The concentration was diverse and included artefacts of ceramics, glassware, machinery metal and clothing. The Shabbona Grove study illustrates the potential of identifying children's actions without child-specific material culture. At this site, child-specific material culture recovered in excavation may be less informative ab...
Study on pharmacodynamics of Yimeier granules in the therapy of learning memory disorder of the mice

OBJECTIVE To study the effect of YiMeier granules on improving the ability of learning memory and functions of the brain.METHODS The effect of YiMeier granules on the mice's learning memory was evaluated by using the models of mice's obtained memory disorder,consolidated memory disorder and recovered memory disorder caused respectively by hyoscine hydrobromide,chloramphenicol and the 40% alcohol,and using step-down test as well as Y-type electric maze.RESULTS It showed that the YiMeier granules could antagonize the mice's memory disorder caused by the chemical medicines.CONCLUSION The YiMeier granules can have the effect of improving intellectual development and learning memory.
382 IMPACT OF PREOPERATIVE RADIOTHERAPY ON LYMPH NODE HARVEST IN RECTAL CARCINOMA.

Purpose Consensus guidelines indicate that the number of lymph nodes (LN) harvested in rectal carcinoma is critical to cancer staging accuracy and to subsequent treatment. Preoperative radiotherapy (PRT) has become a standard of care, yet its use may decrease the number of LN available for pathological evaluation. The aim of this investigation was to determine if PRT reduced the number of LN evaluated and assess how this might influence overall treatment and survival. Methods Regional data from a statewide tumor registry were obtained from 954 rectal carcinoma cases diagnosed between 1996 and 2003. A more recent data set was obtained from 24 patients treated at a university hospital (UH) between 2001 and 2005. Information gathered included tumor and patient characteristics as well as use of PRT, number of LN evaluated, and follow-up information when available. Statistical analysis was performed by Student9s t-test and chi-square where indicated. Results Lymph node information was available from 827 patients (86%). Of these, 104 patients (12%) received preoperative RT, whereas 728 patients (88%) did not. Significantly fewer LN were pathologically examined in patients who had received PRT (mean 5.5 nodes vs 9.9 nodes, p ≤ .01). In the UH study group 16 patients (67%) underwent PRT, whereas 8 patients (33%) did not. Significantly fewer LN were examined in patients who received PRT (8.4 nodes vs 13.3 nodes, p ≤ .05). However, there was no significant difference in numbers of positive LN discovered (PRT 2.5 nodes vs 3.6 nodes, p = .13). Tumor size was significantly smaller in the PRT group (2.8 cm vs 4.8 cm, p ≤ .05). PRT resulted in a reduction of T stage in 25% of patients. Conclusion PRT resulted in significantly smaller tumors, but at the cost of significantly fewer LN evaluated. The impact of this observation on overall survival awaits further analysis of long-term follow-up data.
A Monte Carlo Measure to Improve Fairness in Equity Analyst Evaluation

The Wall Street Journal’s “Best on the Street,” StarMine and many other systems measure analyst stock-rating performance using variations on a method we term the “portfolio method,” whereby a synthetic portfolio is formed to track the analyst’s ratings. At the end of the evaluation period, analysts are compared by their respective portfolio returns. Of the pitfalls to this method, one most troubling is that the analysts are generally covering different sets of stocks over different time periods. Thus, each analyst has access to different opportunities and just comparing portfolio values is unfair. In response, we present a Monte Carlo (MC) method where, for each analyst, we generate numerous “pseudo-analysts” with the same coverage over the same time periods as the real analyst. Using this method, we are better able to compare analysts, adjusted for their individual opportunities. We draw comparisons between our results and the results from existing systems, showing that those systems are less precise in reflecting analyst performance.
Annette von Droste-Hülshoff

(auch: Anna Elisabeth von Droste-Hulshoff) — Adliger Herkunft, auf Schloss Hulshoff geboren; erste lyrische Versuche ab 1804, Kontakt zu F. L. von Stolberg, Wilhelm Grimm, Beteiligung an der Sammlung von Marchen und Volksliedern; 1813 Arbeit am Trauerspiel Berta oder Die Alpen (Fragment), ab 1821 Arbeit am Prosawerk Ledwina (Fragment), u.a. auf Anregung ihres ersten Mentors A.M. Sprickmann; ab 1833 Versepen Das Hospiz auf dem Grosen St. Bernhard, 1837/38 Die Schlacht im Loener Bruch, enger Kontakt ab 1833 zu dem blinden katholischen Theologen C.B. Schluter, der 1838 ihre erste Gedichtsammlung herausgab; 1841 Novelle Die Judenbuche; 1840/41 anonyme Zuarbeiterin fur Levin Schucking (Balladen und kleine Prosastucke fur das Malerische und romantische Westphalen).
Compact simulation guides subnanometer, femtosecond measures of energy transfer between quasiparticles and hot carriers at interfaces between metals and two-dimensional materials

Compact computational structure-function relations are needed to examine energy transfer between confined fields and carrier dynamics at heterostructure interfaces. This work used discrete dipole approximations to analyze quasiparticle excitation and dephasing at interfaces between metals and van der Waals materials. Simulations were compared with scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) for energy electron loss spectroscopy (EELS) at sub-nanometer resolution and femtosecond timescale. Artifacts like direct electron-hole pair generation were avoided. Comparing simulation with experiment distinguished quasiparticle energy transfer to hot carriers at the interface, and supported development of structure-function relations between interface morphology and emergent discrete and hybrid modes.
The simulation of SAR echo-wave signals for natural target

Rugged indeterminacy of natural scenes and the characteristic of random distribution of various media are the difficulties to realize fast simulation of echo-wave signals and imaging of synthetic aperture radar. An echo-wave signal simulation method of SAR is presented. A simulation model is constructed using a real DEM. Based on the scattering model expressions of a random roughness surface and the electromagnetic wave shadowing theory, the radar cross section (RCS) simulation parameters of a terrain target is computed. The echo signal expression of SAR is reported and the simulation imaging test is finished.
A Stairway to Health Finance Built with Books by Louis Gapenski

What health management lacked, when I began to teach in the 1980s, was a compelling guide to finance. Lou Gapenski provided that guide. The application of financial theory and practice to healthcare is related to, but distinct from, accounting and economics. It places return on investment and cash flows at the forefront, rather than as a footnote. How to do so, and how to guide new MBA’s, MHA’s and MS’s through this process, was a real challenge. Lou Gapenski built the staircase upon which generations of graduate students ascended to become administrators, consultants and policy experts for the rapidly expanding field of health care. The 7 th edition of Understanding Health Care Financial Management was a 2015 milestone standing at the head of the many works he sent to the field (Gapenski and Pink, 2015). Rarely is an important area of educational practice so dominated by a single author. All of us who did research and teaching in the field owed a debt to him, a debt on which we did not have to pay interest since Lou generously gave his expertise freely to students and colleagues.
Interpersonal Practices: A Transformational Force in the MBIs

MBSR participants begin the program primarily as strangers. Over time, they become a vibrant community that discovers together each one’s uniqueness, commonality, and potential for transformation. As one participant stated: “This class is more than stress reduction—this class is about being human! And there are not many learning situations like this.”
A citation analysis of business librarianship: Examining the Journal of Business and Finance Librarianship from 1990–2014

ABSTRACTThis article is a bibliometric analysis of the Journal of Business & Finance Librarianship from 1990 through 2014. Authorship patterns, citations, article content, and collaboration efforts were examined and are discussed. The subgenre of business librarianship is surveyed from a bibliometric viewpoint, and the resources that helped contribute to the growth of this discipline are highlighted. Finally, content is analyzed, emphasizing some of the aspects of business librarianship that have been written about over this 24-year period.
Use of a Polytetrafluoroethylene-Coated Vascular Plug for Focal Intracranial Parent Vessel Sacrifice for Fusiform Aneurysm Treatment.

Background Fusiform intracranial aneurysms are challenging due to the circumferential nature of the disease. Endovascular parent vessel sacrifice with coils may be a treatment option, but typically requires a long vessel segment to induce complete cessation of flow. Objective We evaluate early clinical experience with the intracranial use of the microvascular plug (MVP; Medtronic, Dublin, Ireland) device and to compare to previous coil-only techniques for vertebral artery sacrifice for fusiform vertebral aneurysm. Methods We reviewed patients treated with the MVP for intracranial aneurysms at our institution. As a case-control study, we located 6 control patients who underwent coiling alone for vertebral artery sacrifice. The number of implants, fluoroscopy time, and procedural charges were compared using unpaired t -tests. Results Twelve patients underwent vessel sacrifices with MVP. Eight were for vertebral artery dissecting aneurysms. Comparing only vertebral aneurysms, the mean implants was 7 in the MVP group (n = 8) and 19.5 in the coiling group (n = 6; P = .0015). Mean fluoroscopy time was 17.62 min in the MVP group compared to 24.2 min in the coiling group ( P = .07). Procedural costs were less in the MVP group ($19 667.38) compared to coiling ($44 909.50, P = .05). There were no technical failures and no cases with persistent flow in the parent vessel at the end of the procedure. Conclusion The MVP is a cost-effective device for focal intracranial vessel occlusion in select patients. This is an important tool for cerebrovascular surgeons, particularly in cases of ruptured dissecting vertebral aneurysms.
Acetoin- und Diacetyl-Bildung einiger Lactobactetiaceae im Hinblick auf den Biologischen Säureabbau

Mit je zwei homo- und heterofermentativen Milchsaurebakterien wurde die Acetoin- und Diacetylbildung in Abhangigkeit von Substratveranderungen untersucht. L. citrovorum und L. mesenteroides bilden nur auf glucosefreiem Substrat Acetoin und Diacetyl. Malat, Pyruvat und Acetaldehyd steigern die Nebenproduktsynthese. St. diacetilactis bildet in glucosehaltigem Substrat nur Diacetyl, in glucosefreiem dagegen nur Acetoin. Die Zugabe von Metaboliten beeinflust in den verwendeten Konzentrationen die Nebenproduktbildung nicht. Lb. plantarum bildet in glucosehaltigem Medium bis zu 160 mg/l Acetoin und kein Diacetyl. Im Gegensatz zu den anderen Stammen ist die Acetoinbildung wachstumsabhangig. Durch Zugabe von Malat, Pyruvat und Acetaldehyd zu glucosefreiem Substrat nimmt das an sich stark reduzierte Wachstum zu und entsprechend Acetoin. Unter diesen Bedingungen wird Diacetyl synthetisiert. Fur die Acetoinbildung wird folgender Regulationsmechanismus diskutiert: Ein groser NAD/NADH-Quotient konnte einen Pyruvatstau verursachen, die Voraussetzung fur eine Acetoinsynthese. Uber die Grose des Quotienten entscheidet die Art des Glucoseabbaues. In glucosefreiem Substrat entscheiden Pyruvat-, Acetaldehyd- und Malatgehalt uber das Ausmas an Acetoin. Die Diacetylsynthese folgt einem anderen Regulationsschema. Extrem reduzierte Wachstumsbedingungen konnten auslosendes Moment sein. Praktische Gesichtspunkte werden diskutiert.
On a Nonlinear Multivariable Servomechanism Problem 1

Abstract Multivariable nonlinear plants with an unmeasured vector disturbance signal are considered. Output-feedback, dynamic control laws are designed for the problem of tracking a constant or slowly-varying reference input while rejecting a constant or slowly-varying disturbance.
Second Order Linear Equations with Constant Coefficients

We are beginning with the simpler equations and will try to develop methods which may be used for the more general cases. Consider then the second order linear equation with constant coefficients $$a{u_{xx}}\; + \;2b{u_{xy}}\; + \;c{u_{yy}}\; + \;2d{u_x}\; + \;2e{u_y}\; + \;fu\; = \;h(x,y)\,.\;$$ (1)
Green pastures: Do US real estate prices respond to population health?

We investigate whether communities with improving population health will subsequently experience rising real estate prices. Home price indices (HPIs) for 371 MSAs from 1990 to 2010 are regressed against life-expectancy five years prior. HPIs come from the Federal Housing Finance Agency. Life expectancy estimates come from the Institute of Health Metrics. Our analysis uses random and fixed effect models with a comprehensive set of controls. Life expectancy predicted increases in the HPI controlling for potential confounders. We found that, this effect varied spatially. Communities that invest their revenue from property taxes in public health infrastructure could benefit from a virtuous cycle of better health leading to higher property values. Communities that do not invest in health could enter vicious cycles and this could widen geospatial health and wealth disparities.
Does age affect response to quinidine in patients with KCNT1 mutations? Report of three new cases and review of the literature.

Abstract Purpose Gain-of-function mutations in the KCNT1 gene have been reported in a number of drug resistant epilepsy syndromes including Epilepsy of Infancy with Migrating Focal Seizures. Quinidine, a potassium channel blocker, has been proposed as a potential therapeutic agent with only a few patients reported in the literature to have received it. Here we report 3 additional children, with such KCNT1 mutations and refractory seizures, who received quinidine therapy. Methods Retrospective chart review of 3 children with KCNT1 mutations, of ages 3 months, 9 years and 13 years old. Video-EEG documented seizure type and frequency. Seizure frequency was compared before and after quinidine initiation. We then analyzed seizure response (defined as > 50% reduction in seizure frequency) as it related to age in our 3 reported children, an additional 2 previously seen by us in our center, and an additional 3 reported in the literature (total 8 cases). Results In our report, the 3-month-old infant responded to quinidine, while the two older children did not. Using a cutoff of 4 years of age, review of the total of 8 cases, five from our center, revealed that all patients younger than 4 years responded to quinidine (4/4), while none of the ones older than 4 years did (0/4). Conclusion The above-mentioned findings support performance of prospective controlled studies of quinidine efficacy in children with KCNT1 gain-of-function mutations that control for age as a possible variable affecting response.
The changing relationship between bronchopulmonary dysplasia and cognition in very preterm infants.

AIM To characterise the relationship between bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) severity and cognition in the post-surfactant era. METHODS This was a single-centre retrospective analysis of a cohort of infants born 2009-2012. Inclusion criteria were as follows: admission within 48 hours of birth, gestational age 22-0/7-31-6/7 weeks, birthweight 400-1500 g and Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development-III testing at 18-26 months corrected age. Infants (n = 151) were classified by BPD severity with the NIH Workshop definition. Generalised linear modelling and multivariate logistic regression were performed. RESULTS Bayley cognitive score was not associated with BPD severity in univariate (p = 0.053) or multivariate (p = 0.503) analysis. About 27% of infants with no/mild BPD, 33% of infants with moderate BPD and 40% of infants with severe BPD had a cognitive score <85. There was no difference in the odds of cognitive score <85 based on BPD severity in univariate (p = 0.485) or multivariate analysis (p = 0.225). All infants with cognitive score <70 had severe BPD, although the association between cognitive score <70 and BPD severity was not significant. CONCLUSION We found no independent effect of BPD severity level on cognition. The likelihood of a cognitive score <85 was not associated with BPD severity.
Experimental Modal Substructuring to Extract Fixed-Base Modes from a Substructure Attached to a Flexible Fixture

It is well known that fixed boundary conditions are often difficult if not impossible to simulate experimentally, but they are important to consider in many applications. Mayes and Bridgers ["Extracting Fixed Base Modal Models from Vibration Tests on Flexible Tables," IMAC XXVII, Orlando, Florda, 2009.] recently presented a method whereby one can determine the fixed base modes of a structure from measurements on the system and the fixture to which it is attached. They used modal constraints in conjunction with an admittance approach to perform the substructuring computation, demonstrating that the first fixed-base mode could be estimated accurately using the coupling procedure, even though the free fixture had a mode at almost the same frequency. This work builds on that by Mayes and Bridgers, but employs modal substructuring instead of frequency-response based methods to estimate the fixed-interface modes. The method is validated by applying it to a experimental measurements from a simple test system meant to mimic a flexible satellite on a shaker table. A finite element model of the subcomponents was also created and the method is applied to its modes in order to separate the effects of measurement errors and modal truncation. Excellent predictions are obtained for many modes of the fixed-base structure, so long as modal truncation is minimized, verifying that this modal substructuring approach can be used to estimate fixed-base modes of a structure without having to measure the connection point displacements and rotations and even with the limitations inherent to real measurements.
Mechanics of fluid-elastomer systems in soft robotics

Abstract In order to match the robust mechanics and rich multifunctionality of natural organisms, bio-inspired machines and robotics are typically engineered with soft actuators and stretchable circuitry. As with natural skin, muscle tissue, and organs, these systems are primarily composed of soft elastic materials and fluids that can support extreme deformation. Actuation, sensing, locomotion, and other system functionalities arise from the interplay between materials composition, mechanical loading, deformation, and thermodynamic energy. Examples of emerging applications range from the mechanics of pneumatic artificial muscles used to power the limbs of a bio-inspired soft robot to the electro-elastostatics of dielectric elastomer transducers used for robotic skin. For most of these soft material architectures, mechanics has a central role in device-level functionality. In this chapter, the underlying physics of several representative fluid-elastomer systems used in soft robotics will be examined. Theoretical insights obtained from principles in mechanics, thermodynamics, and electrostatics will be used to develop general guidelines that can inform how soft fluid-elastomer systems should be designed and incorporated into a robotic or autonomous platform.
How Do Ethics Translate? Identifying Ethical Challenges in Transnational Supervision Settings

This phenomenological study explores the ethical challenges experienced by both supervisors and supervisees in transnational settings. Thirty-two participants from sixteen countries completed an open-ended, short-answer survey of their experiences with ethical issues in supervision. Emerging themes were identified and results were sent to participants for review and additional responses. Findings revealed that multiple relationships, mandated reporting, and the lack of cultural discussions within supervisory settings were the most frequently cited ethical concerns identified by participants. The researchers propose specific practices for translating ethics in international supervision contexts that avoids a one-size-fits-all mindset through fostering ethical contextualization and acculturation.
Height functions for motives

We define various height functions for motives over number fields. We compare these height functions with classical height functions on algebraic varieties, and also with analogous height functions for variations of Hodge structures on curves over $${\mathbb C}$$ . These comparisons provide new questions on motives over number fields.
Effect of chemotherapy and longitudinal analysis of circulating extracellular vesicle tissue factor activity in patients with pancreatic and colorectal cancer

Introduction We conducted a longitudinal study in patients with pancreatic and colorectal cancer. We determined the effect of chemotherapy on extracellular vesicle tissue factor (EVTF) activity and the association of plasma EVTF activity with venous thromboembolism (VTE) and survival. Material and methods We enrolled 13 patients with pancreatic and 22 patients with colorectal cancer. Plasma samples were collected during the 85-day study period. Patients were followed for 3 months after the study period. We recorded symptomatic VTE during the study period (3 months) or asymptomatic deep vein thrombosis detected by ultrasound at day 85. We measured EVTF activity before and after chemotherapy. Results and conclusions In the pancreatic cancer group, 2 patients had elevated levels of EVTF activity. One of these patients developed symptomatic VTE and died, and the second patient did not have a VTE but died. Chemotherapy decreased EVTF activity in 2 pancreatic patients with high levels. In the colorectal cancer group, 4 patients developed VTE, but EVTF activity was not elevated in any patient and no patient died. We observed a borderline significant correlation between EVTF activity and D-dimer in the patients with pancreatic but not colorectal cancer. In this small descriptive study, 2 patients with pancreatic cancer had an elevated level of EVTF activity. Both patients died during the study period, and one had a VTE. Chemotherapy decreased EVTF activity in these patients. In contrast, elevated levels of EVTF activity were not observed in patients with colorectal cancer with or without VTE.
Clinical implications of loss of minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity in multiple myeloma.

8514Background: Attainment of MRD negativity in multiple myeloma (MM) patients is increasingly considered an optimal therapeutic endpoint, but little is known about the MRD evolution in those who a...
Leadership competencies and the essential role of human resource development in times of crisis: a response to Covid-19 pandemic

The aim of this paper is to investigate the roles of domestic and global leaders and organizations to COVID-19 and to consider the new role(s) of Human Resource Development (HRD) based on the ramif...