cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Resources, Rationality and War: Inferences from the Chaco War

Under what circumstances do South American countries decide to go war? What is the proper role of material resources in the explanations for the causes of war? The empirical puzzle that motivates this paper is the pattern of use of force among South American countries and the role played by resources in those disputes. What explains the fact that Peru and Ecuador, for example, have been engaged in several instances of border clashes and “mini-wars” throughout the century, but not in any “war”? And what explains that Chile was involved in disputes and wars in the nineteenth century, but was not involved in any war in the twentieth century? Or why does the dispute between Bolivia and Paraguay over the Chaco region, which dates back to the 1850s, is only militarized in the late 1880s, and then again in the 1920s, eventually becoming one of the bloodiest wars in Latin America? This paper hypothesizes that the timing when and degree to which a state will use force internationally depends on two variables: (a) the degree of the elite factions and (b) the degree of elite fragmentation. This hypothesis is examined in the light of a longitudinal study of the rivalry over the Chaco region between Bolivia and Paraguay, which began in the 1850s and culminated in the Chaco War (1932-1935).
Learning About and From a Distribution of Program Impacts Using Multisite Trials

The present article provides a synthesis of the conceptual and statistical issues involved in using multisite randomized trials to learn about and from a distribution of heterogeneous program impac...
Viewer Recall of Television Commercials: Prediction from the Propositional Structure of Commercial Scripts:

The authors investigate a model for using what is said in a television commercial to predict what viewers recall of it. The psycholinguistically based ad language model (ALM) was applied to analysis of the propositional structure of 19 commercial scripts and 941 associated viewer recall protocols. The protocols came from either day-after telephone interviews by market research agencies or immediate free recall after forced exposure. Stepwise regressions with ALM script measures as predictors accounted for significant portions of the variance in ALM measures of how many ideas viewers would generate when recalling, how much information about execution and product characteristics they would recall, and their use of brand name and descriptive words. ALM script measures also predicted the day-after recall scores available for 16 of the commercials. Linking of the propositional structures of commercials with their recall leads to an improved foundation for use of recall in the evaluation of advertising messages.
Research on the Top-k Optimization Method of 95% Probability Values for the Power Quality Monitoring System

According to the issues of the mass data processing and the computation characteristics of the 95% probability values in the power quality online monitoring system, this paper proposes a top-k optimization algorithm, which imports a temporary table to adjust the multi-row data into a single-row data in the space dimension and imports the threshold to make all row data sorting into the top 5% row data sorting by analyzing the space and time complexity of the 95% probability values computation method. Experimental results show that the optimized algorithm can effectively reduce the memory overhead and speed up the mass data processing, and can not only apply to the 95% probability values computation, but also apply to the 90% or 99% probability values computation for the power quality online monitoring system.
Biomechanical Evaluation of Internal Fixation with Mono-Cortical Bone Plate and Screw

Objective: To evaluate the biomechanical features of mono-cortical bone fixation through comparing the stability of the mono-cortical and dipl-cortical bone plate and screw fixation.Methods: Twelve fresh femurs of corpse were used and made into defect fracture model of midpiece femur and then devided into two groups equally.Mono-cortical and dipl-cortical bone plate internal fixation was done in experimental group and control group,respectively.Defatigation test was done in both groups,and the biomechanical stability of real time and after defatigation was studied.Results: At the same load,there was no significant difference between stability of real time and after defatigation when flexion/ extension and bending in mono-cortical and dipl-cortical bone plate internal fixation,but the difference was significant when rotating.Conclusion:Mono-cortical bone plate internal fixation is stable in some degree,but cannot completely take the place of dipl-cortical bone plate internal fixation.
Hemoglobin/hematocrit and other erythrocyte parameters

The authors review erythrocyte physiology, blood collection, and laboratory methodology for enumerating blood cells. The clinical interpretation of abnormal erythrocyte parameters is discussed, and the emergency department approach to anemia and polycythemia is detailed.
SU-F-J-77: Variations in the Displacement Vector Fields Calculated by Different Deformable Image Registration Algorithms Used in Helical, Axial and Cone-Beam CT Images of a Mobile.

Purpose: To investigate quantitatively the displacement-vector-fields (DVF) obtained from different deformable image registration algorithms (DIR) in helical (HCT), axial (ACT) and cone-beam CT (CBCT) to register CT images of a mobile phantom and its correlation with motion amplitudes and frequencies. Methods: HCT, ACT and CBCT are used to image a mobile phantom which includes three targets with different sizes that are manufactured from water-equivalent material and embedded in low density foam. The phantom is moved with controlled motion patterns where a range of motion amplitudes (0–40mm) and frequencies (0.125–0.5Hz) are used. The CT images obtained from scanning of the mobile phantom are registered with the stationary CT-images using four deformable image registration algorithms including demons, fast-demons, Horn-Schunk and Locas-Kanade from DIRART software. Results: The DVF calculated by the different algorithms correlate well with the motion amplitudes that are applied on the mobile phantom where maximal DVF increase linearly with the motion amplitudes of the mobile phantom in CBCT. Similarly in HCT, DVF increase linearly with motion amplitude, however, its correlation is weaker than CBCT. In ACT, the DVF's do not correlate well with the motion amplitudes where motion induces strong image artifacts and DIR algorithms are not able to deform the ACT image of the mobile targets to the stationary targets. Three DIR-algorithms produce comparable values and patterns of the DVF for certain CT imaging modality. However, DVF from fast-demons deviated strongly from other algorithms at large motion amplitudes. Conclusion: In CBCT and HCT, the DVF correlate well with the motion amplitude of the mobile phantom. However, in ACT, DVF do not correlate with motion amplitudes. Correlations of DVF with motion amplitude as in CBCT and HCT imaging techniques can provide information about unknown motion parameters of the mobile organs in real patients as demonstrated in this phantom visibility study.
Focus, Salience, and Priming in Cyber-Physical Intelligence

Information and language processing in a growing variety of computer applications can achieve the accuracy/precision and reliability that human users require if based on human-like understanding. While statistical and/or machine learning methods in text processing have been perfected in the last two decades (see, for instance, [1, 2] and references there), their successes have been limited in scope, primarily to the clustering tasks, and even there, the applications have excelled better in recall than in precision, leading to customer disappointments with commercial products.
Comparative Trends in Evolution Across Correlated Geological Strata

While many Devonian correlated stratigraphic units are yet to be tested for species evolution, the middle Devonian Hamilton Group and Traverse Group have been studied to investigate the same. Fossil brachiopods were used as tools that allowed close investigation of the evolutionary response of these species across correlated strata in Eastern America. Results show that their evolutionary patterns are uncoordinated in nature. Thus, this study reveals that evolutionary patterns in brachiopod species lineages do not seem to match in correlated strata at the regional scale in the United States. Abrupt change was noted in the upper strata of the Traverse Group of Michigan samples from the lower ones. This could be interpreted as the origin of a new species, either from environmental selection pressure or by an immigration event. Comparison of Michigan Basin sections with the contemporary Appalachian Basin sections suggests that evolutionary patterns are not linked in nature. Morphologies from the uppermost units in the Traverse Group show sudden deviation from the lowermost units, unlike Hamilton Group where morphological overlap was prominent between the lowermost and uppermost units. Thus, morphological trend in a fossil brachiopod species lineage in the Michigan Basin appears to be local in scope. Other correlated Devonian strata like the Silica Shale of Ohio and the Arkona Shale of Ontario are yet to be tested for species evolution.
FGFR signaling maintains a drug persistent cell population following epithelial-mesenchymal transition.

// Wells S. Brown 1 , Saeed Salehin Akhand 1 , Michael K. Wendt 1 1 Purdue University Center for Cancer Research, Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA Correspondence to: Michael K. Wendt, email: mwendt@purdue.edu Keywords: breast cancer, Her2 resistance, FGFR, EMT, covalent kinase inhibitor Received: August 25, 2016 Accepted: October 13, 2016 Published: November 04, 2016 ABSTRACT An emerging characteristic of drug resistance in cancer is the induction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). However, the mechanisms of EMT-mediated drug resistance remain poorly defined. Therefore, we conducted long-term treatments of human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (Her2)-transformed breast cancer cells with either the EGFR/Her2 kinase inhibitor, Lapatinib or TGF-β, a known physiological inducer of EMT. Both of these treatment regimes resulted in robust EMT phenotypes, but upon withdrawal a subpopulation of TGF-β induced cells readily underwent mesenchymal-epithelial transition, where as Lapatinib-induced cells failed to reestablish an epithelial population. The mesenchymal population that remained following TGF-β stimulation and withdrawal was quickly selected for during subsequent Lapatinib treatment, manifesting in inherent drug resistance. The Nanostring cancer progression gene panel revealed a dramatic upregulation of fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) and its cognate ligand FGF2 in both acquired and inherent resistance. Mechanistically, FGF:Erk1/2 signaling functions to stabilize the EMT transcription factor Twist and thus maintain the mesenchymal and drug resistant phenotype. Finally, Lapatinib resistant cells could be readily eliminated using recently characterized covalent inhibitors of FGFR. Overall our data demonstrate that next-generation targeting of FGFR can be used in combination with Her2-targeted therapies to overcome resistance in this breast cancer subtype.
Reduced order modeling of a data center model with multi-Parameters

Abstract Although full-field simulations using computational fluid dynamics and heat transfer (CFD/HT) tools can be applied to predict the flow and temperature fields inside data centers, their running time remain the biggest challenge to most modelers. In this paper, a reduced order modeling method is used to drastically reduce the running time (up to 600 times faster) while still acceptably preserving the accuracy of the model. The results obtained from Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (POD) method are in good agreement with the results obtained from CFD/HT model simulation. The sensitivity analysis of some of the design parameters in the POD model is evaluated. In addition, a 3-D temperature profile of the data center model constructed from 2D slices are generated with a linear interpolation technique. Tradeoff between accuracy and running time is observed and discussed.
Improving the therapeutic efficacy of mesenchymal stromal cells to restore perfusion in critical limb ischemia through pulsed focused ultrasound.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are promising therapeutics for critical limb ischemia (CLI). Mechanotransduction from pulsed focused ultrasound (pFUS) upregulates local chemoattractants to enhance homing of intravenously (IV)-infused MSC and improve outcomes. This study investigated whether pFUS exposures to skeletal muscle would improve local homing of iv-infused MSCs and their therapeutic efficacy compared to iv-infused MSCs alone. CLI was induced by external iliac arterial cauterization in 10–12-month-old mice. pFUS/MSC treatments were delayed 14 days, when surgical inflammation subsided. Mice were treated with iv-saline, pFUS alone, IV-MSC, or pFUS and IV-MSC. Proteomic analyses revealed pFUS upregulated local chemoattractants and increased MSC tropism to CLI muscle. By 7 weeks post-treatment, pFUS + MSC significantly increased perfusion and CD31 expression, while reducing fibrosis compared to saline. pFUS or MSC alone reduced fibrosis, but did not increase perfusion or CD31. Furthermore, MSCs homing to pFUS-treated CLI muscle expressed more vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) than MSCs homing to non-pFUS-treated muscle. pFUS + MSC improved perfusion and vascular density in this clinically-relevant CLI model. The molecular effects of pFUS increased both MSC homing and MSC production of VEGF and IL-10, suggesting microenvironmental changes from pFUS also increased potency of MSCs in situ to further enhance their efficacy.
Genome-wide association study of sepsis in extremely premature infants

Objective To identify genetic variants associated with sepsis (early-onset and late-onset) using a genome-wide association (GWA) analysis in a cohort of extremely premature infants. Study design Previously generated GWA data from the Neonatal Research Network9s anonymised genomic database biorepository of extremely premature infants were used for this study. Sepsis was defined as culture-positive early-onset or late-onset sepsis or culture-proven meningitis. Genomic and whole-genome-amplified DNA was genotyped for 1.2 million single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs); 91% of SNPs were successfully genotyped. We imputed 7.2 million additional SNPs. p Values and false discovery rates (FDRs) were calculated from multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusting for gender, gestational age and ancestry. Target statistical value was p −5 . Secondary analyses assessed associations of SNPs with pathogen type. Pathway analyses were also run on primary and secondary end points. Results Data from 757 extremely premature infants were included: 351 infants with sepsis and 406 infants without sepsis. No SNPs reached genome-wide significance levels (5×10 −8 ); two SNPs in proximity to FOXC2 and FOXL1 genes achieved target levels of significance. In secondary analyses, SNPs for ELMO1, IRAK2 (Gram-positive sepsis), RALA, IMMP2L (Gram-negative sepsis) and PIEZO2 (fungal sepsis) met target significance levels. Pathways associated with sepsis and Gram-negative sepsis included gap junctions, fibroblast growth factor receptors, regulators of cell division and interleukin-1-associated receptor kinase 2 (p values Conclusions No SNPs met genome-wide significance in this cohort of extremely low birthweight infants; however, areas of potential association and pathways meriting further study were identified.
A high precision gas flow cell for performing in situ neutron studies of local atomic structure in catalytic materials.

Gas-solid interfaces enable a multitude of industrial processes, including heterogeneous catalysis; however, there are few methods available for studying the structure of this interface under operating conditions. Here, we present a new sample environment for interrogating materials under gas-flow conditions using time-of-flight neutron scattering under both constant and pulse probe gas flow. Outlined are descriptions of the gas flow cell and a commissioning example using the adsorption of N2 by Ca-exchanged zeolite-X (Na78−2xCaxAl78Si144O384,x ≈ 38). We demonstrate sensitivities to lattice contraction and N2 adsorption sites in the structure, with both static gas loading and gas flow. A steady-state isotope transient kinetic analysis of N2 adsorption measured simultaneously with mass spectrometry is also demonstrated. In the experiment, the gas flow through a plugged-flow gas-solid contactor is switched between N215 and N214 isotopes at a temperature of 300 K and a constant pressure of 1 atm; the gas flo...
Theology and Thriving: Teleological Considerations Based on the Doctrines of Christology and Soteriology:

Notions of human thriving are abundant in psychological literature. Christian theology provides resources for shaping these notions by emphasizing particular aspects of thriving. The present paper ...
Emergent Properties in the Honey Bee Superorganism

For scientists, the superorganism concept is not so much a theory as it is a tool for studying how organisms evolve. There is a vector in evolution toward lower levels of biological organization be...
The Outlook for Agricultural Exports

"An increase in agricultural exports from the United States from the low levels reached during the depression is to be expected with a recovery in world economic conditions. The prospects are, however, that the aggregate of our agricultural exports during the next 10 years will be smaller than in the decade of the twenties and that there will be an increase in the pressure of foreign agricultural products on the domestic markets. It is probable that the exports of grain and animal products from the United States will be considerably smaller, both absolutely and in relation to total agricultural exports. On the other hand, we should be able to continue to export large quantities of cotton, fruit, tobacco, and possibly lard..."
Genesis of Pre-Hurricane Felix (2007)

This is the second of a two-part study examining the simulated formation of Atlantic Hurricane Felix (2007) in a cloud-representing framework. Here several open issues are addressed concerning the formation of the storm's warm core, the evolution and respective contribution of stratiform versus convective precipitation within the parent wave's pouch, and the sensitivity of the development pathway reported in Part I to different model physics options and initial conditions. All but one of the experiments include ice microphysics as represented by one of several parameterizations, and the partition of convective versus stratiform precipitation is accomplished using a standard numerical technique based on the high-resolution control experiment. The transition to a warm-core tropical cyclone from an initially cold-core, lower tropospheric wave disturbance is analyzed first. As part of this transformation process, it is shown that deep moist convection is sustained near the pouch center. Both convective and stratiform precipitation rates increase with time. While stratiform precipitation occupies a larger area even at the tropical storm stage, deep moist convection makes a comparable contribution to the total rain rate at the pregenesis stage, and a larger contribution than stratiform processes at the storm stage. The convergence profile averaged near the pouch center is found to become dominantly convective with increasing deep moist convective activity there. Low-level convergence forced by interior diabatic heating plays a key role in forming and intensifying the near-surface closed circulation, while the midlevel convergence associated with stratiform precipitation helps to increase the midlevel circulation and thereby contributes to the formation and upward extension of a tropospheric-deep cyclonic vortex. Sensitivity tests with different model physics options and initial conditions demonstrate a similar pregenesis evolution. These tests suggest that the genesis location of a tropical storm is largely controlled by the parent wave's critical layer, whereas the genesis time and intensity of the protovortex depend on the details of the mesoscale organization, which is less predictable. Some implications of the findings are discussed.
Abstract TP332: Neuro-QOL Measures Have Improved Statistical Power versus the Dichotomized Modified Rankin Scale in Stroke Thrombolysis

Introduction: The modified Rankin scale (mRS) is a reliable objective measure of disability and is widely applied in clinical trials. Health-related quality of life (QOL) measurements using Neuro-Q...
Degree and neighborhood conditions for hamiltonicity of claw-free graphs

For a graph H, let σt(H)=min{Σi=1tdH(vi)|{v1,v2,…,vt}is an independent set in H} and let Ut(H)=min{|⋃i=1tNH(vi)||{v1,v2,⋯,vt}is an independent set in H}. We show that for a given number ϵ and given integers p≥t>0, k∈{2,3} and N=N(p,ϵ), if H is a k-connected claw-free graph of order n>N with δ(H)≥3 and its Ryjacek’s closure cl(H)=L(G), and if dt(H)≥t(n+ϵ)∕p where dt(H)∈{σt(H),Ut(H)}, then either H is Hamiltonian or G, the preimage of L(G), can be contracted to a k-edge-connected K3-free graph of order at most max{4p−5,2p+1} and without spanning closed trails. As applications, we prove the following for such graphs H of order n with n sufficiently large: (i) If k=2, δ(H)≥3, and for a given t (1≤t≤4) dt(H)≥tn4, then either H is Hamiltonian or cl(H)=L(G) where G is a graph obtained from K2,3 by replacing each of the degree 2 vertices by a K1,s (s≥1). When t=4 and dt(H)=σ4(H), this proves a conjecture in Frydrych (2001). (ii) If k=3, δ(H)≥24, and for a given t (1≤t≤10) dt(H)>t(n+5)10, then H is Hamiltonian. These bounds on dt(H) in (i) and (ii) are sharp. It unifies and improves several prior results on conditions involved σt and Ut for the hamiltonicity of claw-free graphs. Since the number of graphs of orders at most max{4p−5,2p+1} are fixed for given p, improvements to (i) or (ii) by increasing the value of p are possible with the help of a computer.
Forensic Aspects of Biologic Toxins

Publisher Summary Biologic toxins are molecules produced by living organisms that are poisonous to other species; such as humans. Some biologic toxins are so potent and relatively easy to produce that they are classified as bio-threat agents. These are classified as; category A: botulinum neurotoxin and category B: ricin, staphylococcal enterotoxin B, and Clostridia perfringens epsilon toxin. This chapter focuses on these four bio-threat toxins and their forensic aspects. The common forensic threat for these agents is the first indication of a bio-terror event that is the appearance of intoxicated patients at local hospitals. Rapid appreciation that a biothreat event has occurred is dependent on astute clinicians and a reporting system that can recognize the clustering of cases, with a common clinical presentation consistent with intoxication. They are not contagious, as the threat agent is not a living organism. For the same reason, these agents cannot be routinely cultured, from either the patients or environment after exposure, making forensic detection more difficult. The toxins are all proteins composed of amino acid building blocks, therefore, it is not possible to amplify and detect their presence using PCR, or by any type of classic DNA hybridization technology. Rather, detection typically relies on the use of antibodies and serologic testing. Environmental and patient sampling followed by serologic testing is likely to provide the greatest amount of forensic information.
FIER: Software for analytical modeling of delayed gamma-ray spectra

Abstract A new software package, the Fission Induced Electromagnetic Response (FIER) code, has been developed to analytically predict delayed γ -ray spectra following fission. FIER uses evaluated nuclear data and solutions to the Bateman equations to calculate the time-dependent populations of fission products and their decay daughters resulting from irradiation of a fissionable isotope. These populations are then used in the calculation of γ -ray emission rates to obtain the corresponding delayed γ -ray spectra. FIER output was compared to experimental data obtained by irradiation of a 235U sample in the Godiva critical assembly. This investigation illuminated discrepancies in the input nuclear data libraries, showcasing the usefulness of FIER as a tool to address nuclear data deficiencies through comparison with experimental data. FIER provides traceability between γ -ray emissions and their contributing nuclear species, decay chains, and parent fission fragments, yielding a new capability for the nuclear science community.
Heuristics and the Axiomatic Method

Over the last 100 years a variety of arguments have been given for using the axiomatic method in mathematics and in science. There is not uniform agreement that the method is always appropriate or useful. However, there is, I think, general agreement that the use of such methods has revolutionized the presentation of mathematics and has had significant impact in the empirical sciences as well.
Evaluation of the shock absorption performance of construction helmets under repeated top impacts.

Abstract It is accepted in industries that an industrial helmet should be disposed of when it is subjected to a significant impact. There is no scientific evidence that supports this well-accepted belief. The current study was intended to evaluate the shock absorption performance of industrial helmets under repeated impacts. Common industrial or construction helmets are categorized as Type I according to ANSI Z89.1 and they are designed to mainly protect top impacts. A representative basic Type I construction helmet model was selected in the study. Helmets were repeatedly impacted ten times using a commercial drop tower tester with an impactor (mass 3.6 kg) at different drop heights from 0.30 to 2.03 m. A total of 80 impact trials were performed in the study. The relationships of the transmitted force with the drop height and with impact number were analyzed. A new parameter – the endurance limit – was proposed to evaluate the shock absorption performance of a helmet. The helmets were observed to experience cumulative structural damage with increasing impact number, resulting in a degrading shock absorption performance, when being impacted repeatedly with magnitudes greater than the endurance limit. Repeated impacts with magnitudes smaller than the endurance limit did not cause measurable cumulative structural damage to the helmets in our study.
Congress and Trump Administration China Policy: Overlapping Priorities, Uneasy Adjustments and Hardening toward Beijing

Republican-led congressional interaction with the Donald Trump campaign and administration on China-related matters during the 2016 US election campaign and the first year of the new administration...
Non-opioid Management of Chronic Abdominal Pain

According to recent guidelines, opioids should be avoided in the treatment of chronic pain. Chronic abdominal pain is a challenge as analgesics may be ineffective, and an underlying cause is often difficult to discern. Emergency medicine providers should recognize the potential harm in treating chronic abdominal pain with opioids, including narcotic bowel syndrome, and be aware of the more common causes and their non-opioid treatment options.
UNIT 6.15 Whole Blood Analysis of Leukocyte-Platelet Aggregates

In inflammatory and thrombotic syndromes, platelets aggregate with circulating leukocytes, especially monocytes and neutrophils. This leukocyte-platelet aggregate formation is initiated primarily through platelet surface expression of P-selectin (CD62P), following activation-dependent degranulation of α-granules, binding to its constitutively expressed counter-receptor, P-selectin glycoprotein ligand 1 (PSGL-1), on leukocytes. Monocyte-platelet aggregates are a more sensitive marker of platelet activation than platelet surface P-selectin. Detection of leukocyte-platelet aggregates is relatively simple by whole-blood flow cytometry. Light scatter and at least one leukocyte-specific antibody are used to gate the desired population, and the presence of associated platelets is detected by immunostaining for abundant platelet-specific markers. © 2016 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Keywords: flow cytometry; leukocytes; platelets; P-selectin; PSGL-1; coronary artery disease; activation-dependent receptors
The Code of Capital: How the Law Creates Wealth and Inequality

A compelling explanation of how the law shapes the distribution of wealth Capital is the defining feature of modern economies, yet most people have no idea where it actually comes from. What is it, exactly, that transforms mere wealth into an asset that automatically creates more wealth? The Code of Capital explains how capital is created behind closed doors in the offices of private attorneys, and why this little-known fact is one of the biggest reasons for the widening wealth gap between the holders of capital and everybody else. In this revealing book, Katharina Pistor argues that the law selectively "codes" certain assets, endowing them with the capacity to protect and produce private wealth. With the right legal coding, any object, claim, or idea can be turned into capital and lawyers are the keepers of the code. Pistor describes how they pick and choose among different legal systems and legal devices for the ones that best serve their clients' needs, and how techniques that were first perfected centuries ago to code landholdings as capital are being used today to code stocks, bonds, ideas, and even expectations?assets that exist only in law. A powerful new way of thinking about one of the most pernicious problems of our time, The Code of Capital explores the different ways that debt, complex financial products, and other assets are coded to give financial advantage to their holders. This provocative book paints a troubling portrait of the pervasive global nature of the code, the people who shape it, and the governments that enforce it.
Highly spinning and aligned binary black hole merger in the Advanced LIGO first observing run

We report a new binary black hole merger in the publicly available LIGO first observing run (O1) data release. The event has a false alarm rate of one per six years in the detector-frame chirp-mass range Mdet∈[20,40]M⊙ in a new independent analysis pipeline that we developed. Our best estimate of the probability that the event is of astrophysical origin is Pastro∼0.71. The estimated physical parameters of the event indicate that it is the merger of two massive black holes, Mdet=31-3+2M⊙ with an effective spin parameter, χeff=0.81-0.21+0.15, making this the most highly spinning merger reported to date. It is also among the two highest redshift mergers observed so far. The high aligned spin of the merger supports the hypothesis that merging binary black holes can be created by binary stellar evolution.
Room Temperature Direct Writing of Ultrathin Zinc Oxide Piezoelectric Films Via Near-Field Electrohydrodynamic Jetting for High-Frequency Flexible Electronics

Using near-field electrohydrodynamic deposition (NFEHD) at atmospheric pressure and room temperature, we demonstrate, for the first time, ultrathin ceramic piezoelectric films that are capable of GHz level actuation. Through optimization of the zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticle printable feedstock and the deposition parameters, uniform, continuous traces as narrow as 198 µm and as thin as 128 nm were created on rigid and flexible substrates. The net orientation of the imprint’s polar axis in the direction parallel to the substrate, i.e., the [100] direction, is augmented by increasing the charge density of the jet and the rastering speed of the nozzle, achieving ~10 GHz laterally excited resonators and ~5 GHz thickness-excited resonators; the estimated acoustic speed for the later resonator (i.e., ~2,000 m/s) is close to the velocity of transverse waves in ZnO. Our novel technology makes possible to additively manufacture high-frequency piezoelectric devices in low-temperature, e.g., flexible, substrates.
Abortion is incommensurable with fetal alcohol syndrome

A recent article argued for the immorality of abortion regardless of personhood status by comparing the impairment caused by fetal alcohol syndrome to the impairment caused by abortion. I argue that two of the premises in this argument fail and that, as such, one cannot reasonably attribute moral harms to abortion on the basis of the moral harms caused by fetal alcohol syndrome. The impairment argument relies on an inconsistent instantiation, which undermines the claim that personhood is irrelevant, and it does not fulfill its own ceteris paribus clause, which demands that no additional benefit be gained from abortion that would not be gained from causing fetal alcohol syndrome.
Allergic and Respiratory Symptoms in Employees of Indoor Cannabis Grow Facilities.

Background While little is known about the occupational hazards associated with Cannabis cultivation, both historical research in the hemp industry and preliminary data from modern grow houses, suggest that Cannabis workers may be at increased risk of respiratory and allergic diseases. Objectives We sought to investigate the association between workplace exposures and health symptoms in an indoor Cannabis grow facility in Washington State, USA. Methods We performed a cross-sectional study with all consenting employees in an indoor Cannabis grow facility in Seattle, WA using a questionnaire. The questionnaire gathered data on respiratory, ocular, nasal, and dermal symptoms. A subset of employees with work-related symptoms underwent repeated cross-shift and cross-week measurement of spirometry, fractional exhaled nitrogen oxide (FeNO), and skin prick testing for Cannabis sensitization. Exposure to Cannabis dust was classified based on self-described tasks, expert opinion, and exposure monitoring of particulate matter. Multivariable logistic regression was undertaken to examine associations between exposure to Cannabis dust (classified as low, medium, and high) and health symptoms. Linear mixed effects models examined the relationship between cross-shift and cross-week changes in spirometry and FeNO. Results Ninety-seven percent (97%) of the employees (n = 31) surveyed were recreational cannabis users, with 81% (n = 25) smoking cannabis multiple times per day. Twenty-two (71%) employees reported one or more work-related symptoms: 65% respiratory, 39% ocular, 32% nasal, and 26% dermal symptoms. There was a trend toward increased likelihood of work-related symptoms with increasing exposure to Cannabis dust, although none of these results were statistically significant. Of the 10 employees with work-aggravated symptoms, 5 had borderline-high or high FeNO, 7 had abnormal spirometry, and 5 had evidence of Cannabis sensitization on skin prick testing. FeNO increased by 3.78 ppb (95% confidence interval 0.68-6.88 ppb) across the work-week and there was a trend toward cross-week and cross-shift reduced airflow. Conclusions We found a high prevalence of work-related allergic- and particularly respiratory symptoms in the employees of one indoor Cannabis grow facility in Washington State. A high proportion of employees with work-aggravated symptoms had findings consistent with probable work-related asthma based on high FeNO, airflow obstruction on spirometry, and Cannabis sensitization on skin prick testing. However, due to the high incidence of recreational cannabis use among these workers, the relative influence of occupational versus recreational exposure to Cannabis dust on the respiratory health and sensitization status of these workers could not be resolved in this study.
3D-printed graphene/polymer structures for electron-tunneling based devices

Designing 3D printed micro-architectures using electronic materials with well-understood electronic transport within such structures will potentially lead to accessible device fabrication for ‘on-demand’ applications. Here we show controlled nozzle-extrusion based 3D printing of a commercially available nano-composite of graphene/polylactic acid, enabling the fabrication of a tensile gauge functioning via the readjustment of the electron-tunneling barrier width between conductive graphene-centers. The electronic transport in the graphene/polymer 3D printed structure exhibited the Fowler Nordheim mechanism with a tunneling width of 0.79–0.95 nm and graphene centers having a carrier concentration of 2.66 × 1012/cm2. Furthermore, a mechanical strain that increases the electron-tunneling width between graphene nanostructures (~ 38 nm) by only 0.19 Ǻ reduces the electron flux by 1e/s/nm2 (from 18.51 to 19.51 e/s/nm2) through the polylactic acid junctions in the 3D-printed heterostructure. This corresponds to a sensitivity of 2.59 Ω/Ω%, which compares well with other tensile gauges. We envision that the proposed electron-tunneling model for conductive 3D-printed structures with thermal expansion and external strain will lead to an evolution in the design of next-generation of ‘on-demand’ printed electronic and electromechanical devices.
Microstructural dependence of the incipient to homogeneous flow transition in metallic glass composites

Abstract As ductile derivatives of amorphous alloys, metallic glass composites balance high strength with the ability to mitigate catastrophic shear localization, which has long plagued monolithic metallic glasses. In this study, we employ a bonded-interface indentation technique coupled with strain field mapping to identify the governing yield criterion in metallic glass composites as a function of their microstructural length scales. A crossover from the shear plane to maximum shear stress yield criterion is uncovered at a crystalline fraction of approximately 60%, thus signaling an effective transition from incipient to homogeneous flow as the dominant deformation mode of the composite microstructure.
Selection of Potent Inhibitors of Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase for Usage in Veterinary Medicine

The veterinary pharmacopeia available to treat pain and inflammation is limited in number, target of action and efficacy. Inhibitors of soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) are a new class of anti-inflammatory, pro-resolving and analgesic drugs being tested in humans that have demonstrated efficacy in laboratory animals. They block the hydrolysis, and thus, increase endogenous concentrations of analgesic and anti-inflammatory signaling molecules called epoxy-fatty acids. Here, we screened a library of 2,300 inhibitors of the sEH human against partially purified feline, canine and equine hepatic sEH to identify inhibitors that are broadly potent among species. Six very potent sEH inhibitors (IC50 < 1 nM for each enzyme tested) were identified. Their microsomal stability was then measured in hepatic extracts from cat, dog and horse, as well as their solubility in solvents suitable for the formulation of drugs. The trans-4-{4-[3-(4-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-ureido]-cyclohexyloxy}-benzoic acid (t-TUCB, 1,728) appears to be the best compromise between stability and potency across species. Thus, it was selected for further testing in veterinary clinical trials of pain and inflammation in animals.
Proactive Integration of Mental Health Care in Hospital Medicine: PRIME Medicine.

Background Proactive consultation-liaison (C-L) psychiatry has been shown to reduce hospital length of stay (LOS), increase psychiatric C-L consult rate, and improve hospital staff satisfaction. Nursing attrition has not been studied in relation to proactive C-L. Objective Our primary aim in evaluating the proactive C-L service called Proactive Integration of Mental Health Care in Medicine (PRIME Medicine) is to analyze change in LOS over 10 months using historical and contemporary comparison cohorts. As secondary aims, we assess change in psychiatric consultation rate, time to consultation, and change in nurse attrition. Methods PRIME Medicine was implemented in 3 hospital medicine units as a quality-improvement project. Team members systematically screened patients arriving to assigned units for psychiatric comorbidity. Identified patients were reviewed with hospitalist teams and nurses with the goal of early intervention. Results Including historical and contemporary comparison cohorts, the mean sample age was 62.4 years (n = 8884). Absolute LOS was unchanged, but difference-in-difference analysis trended toward reduced LOS by 0.16 day (P = 0.08). Consultation rate increased from 1.6% (40 consults) to 7.4% (176 consults). Time to consultation was unchanged (4.0–3.8 d). Annual per-unit nursing turnover increased from 4.7 to 5.7 in PRIME units but from 8.5 to 12.0 in comparison units. Nurses citing “population” as the reason for leaving decreased from 2.7 to 1.7 in PRIME units but increased from 1.5 to 4.5 in comparison units. PRIME Medicine led to increased consultation rate, and our unit-wide outcomes provide a conservative estimate of effect. Factors that may have influenced effect size include our cohort's advanced age, considerable emergency department boarding times, increasing proportion of patients discharged to skilled nursing facilities, and concurrent LOS-reduction initiatives on all units. The favorable trends in nursing attrition on PRIME units may be explained in part by our prior finding that PRIME Medicine was associated with enhanced nursing satisfaction. Conclusions While PRIME Medicine had no more than a modest effect on LOS, it was associated with a markedly increased psychiatric consult rate and favorable trends in nursing retention. This analysis highlights important factors that should be considered when implementing and determining value metrics for a proactive C-L service.
Alteration of drug metabolism by the use of prodrugs.

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the effects of prodrug structure on pathways of metabolism that involve the formation of highly reactive and sometimes toxic products. When a prodrug is developed from a compound with documented therapeutic and toxicological properties, the effects of prodrug structure on both of these properties should be investigated. Two basic requirements for such investigations are choosing an appropriate animal model and accurate methods for metabolite analysis. The structural modification to drug structure that is imparted by development of a prodrug needs to be assessed in regards to potential drug interactions. For example, the mutual prodrug benorylate (V) has the potential for drug interactions between its two-hydrolysis products, aspirin and acetaminophen, both pharmacokinetically and pharmacodynamically. Metabolite profiles of each in the presence of the other need to be compared with those generated by the prodrug. Subtle changes brought about by prodrug structure can markedly influence the metabolism of the prodrug itself, the products of its metabolism, and the metabolism of other drugs. Therefore, metabolism studies of prodrugs need to be carefully designed and performed.
Successful Management of a Breast Surgery Practice

While some surgeons’ work occurs primarily in the hospital, the heart of most breast surgeons’ practice is their office. This is where most of the coding, billing, and collections occur. It is also where breast surgeons see their patients and perform diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. The office is also where a patient gets her first look at how the surgeon’s business is conducted. Surgeons are often viewed by the patient as the natural leader of their practice, and therefore, are somehow “in charge” of the performance of the office. If your office is well run, helpful, and organized, she will think well of your surgical practice. However, if the office is disorganized, makes frequent mistakes, and does not display “the customer always comes first” spirit, that experience negatively reflects upon you, the surgeon, as well as the office. These observations apply equally to private practice and academic settings. Helpful suggestions for managing your practice are provided.
Non-rigid Curve Correspondence for Estimating Heart Motion

The boundaries of many biological objects are two-dimensional curves which evolve non-rigidly with time. This paper contains a theory and experiments for estimating motion of such curves using local shape. Beginning from first principles, a symmetric and explicitly non-rigid formulation is developed. The formulation uses the topology of correspondences and its associated geometry.
Reaction Time Measurements in the Study of Memory Processes: Theory and Data1

Publisher Summary This chapter demonstrates how the study of choice reaction times in continuous (serial) information processing tasks can be very useful in investigating human short-term memory. The subtractive method of Donders and the additive factors method of Sternberg are briefly reviewed. A third method involving the construction and testing of specific process models, which make clear-cut quantitative predictions for carefully designed experiments that fall within the boundary conditions of the process models is presented. The chapter presents a serial, self-terminating memory scanning model to account for human behavior in stimulus identification, naming, choice-reaction, and (memory scanning) character classification tasks. The model assumes that after stimulus information is input, it makes contact very soon with long-term memory, where the information is interrogated and the stimulus is identified. The identification process operates in parallel, the evidence in support of this is that the time to name a character is independent of stimulus ensemble size and stimulus probability.
A new, more sensitive tube test for pregnancy evaluated with a selected hospital population

Abstract A new tube test for pregnancy, having a sensitivity of 0.5 I.U. of human chorionic gonadotropin per milliliter, was evaluated, along with two other commercially available kits, in a hospital patient population. Of 586 patients in the study, 302 were in nonobstetric services and many were acutely ill. Approximately one fourth of the women were age 40 or older. The medical records of 66 per cent of the patients were retrieved to obtain information on the drugs administered prior to pregnancy testing. A small number of problems did occur in the pregnancy test procedures. Inconclusive results were recorded for both pregnant and nonpregnant patients and could not be correlated with disease states and/or medications. The importance of a reagent control for tube test procedures is discussed.