cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The GFDL Hurricane Prediction System and Its Performance in the 1995 Hurricane Season

Abstract The Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL) Hurricane Prediction System was adopted by the U.S. National Weather Service as an operational hurricane prediction model in the 1995 hurricane season. The framework of the prediction model is described with emphasis on its unique features. The model uses a multiply nested movable mesh system to depict the interior structure of tropical cyclones. For cumulus parameterization, a soft moist convective adjustment scheme is used. The model initial condition is defined through a method of vortex replacement. It involves generation of a realistic hurricane vortex by a scheme of controlled spinup. Time integration of the model is carried out by a two-step iterative method that has a characteristic of frequency-selective damping. The outline of the prediction system is presented and the system performance in the 1995 hurricane season is briefly summarized. Both in the Atlantic and the eastern Pacific, the average track forecast errors are substantially red...
Use of Strain Gauges in the Study of Primate Locomotor Biomechanics

The strain gauge technique is a relatively recent addition to the catalogue of experimental methods available for functional analyses, especially locomotor studies. Strain gauges track the deformation of objects they are attached to, thus allowing the reconstruction of external forces and loads that cause these deformations. They are restricted to surface use, but extrapolations allow us to reconstruct strain patterns through the object (e.g., Gross et al., 1992; see also example in Figure 8). In the field of biomechanics there are two major applications: the measurement of bone deformations and the instrumentation of force measuring devices. The data in both fields can be used in interpreting musculoskeletal morphology. Functional interpretations of bony morphology have been historically based on correlations between shape and activity. The interface is the mechanical environment into which behaviors translate and in which bone develops, maintains and/or changes its shape. The mechanical demands of particular locomotor modes are commonly derived from behavioral observations in combination with biomechanical models. Measuring the external forces acting on limbs with force transducers is a first step in testing the numerous assumptions inherent in this process. Even with this background information, however, actual loadings of a bone can only be deduced with a certain degree of plausibility. In vivo measurement of bone strain is currently the only method of directly determining the major loading regimes caused by the external forces acting on the bone.
Optimization of the Cross-Correlation Algorithm for Two-Component Wind Field Estimation from Single Aerosol Lidar Data and Comparison with Doppler Lidar

AbstractNumerical and field experiments were conducted to test an optimized cross-correlation algorithm (CCA) for the remote sensing of two-component wind vectors from horizontally scanning elastic backscatter lidar data. Each vector is the result of applying the algorithm to a square and contiguous subset of pixels (an interrogation window) in the lidar scan area. Synthetic aerosol distributions and flow fields were used to investigate the accuracy and precision of the technique. Results indicate that in neutral static stability, when the mean flow direction over the interrogation window is relatively uniform, the random error of the estimates increases as the mean wind speed and turbulence intensity increases. In convective conditions, larger errors may occur as a result of the cellular nature of convection and the dramatic changes in wind direction that may span the interrogation window. Synthetic fields were also used to determine the significance of various image processing and numerical steps used i...
From rules to efficient algorithms for cyber trust applications

Cyber trust applications require correct and efficient algorithms for solving complex analysis problems. We address this challenge by generating efficient algorithms and implementations from high-level specifications of these problems expressed using rules. We use extended Datalog rules to intuitively specify analysis problems in the areas of model checking, information flow analysis, and trust management, and then generate efficient algorithms and implementations systematically from the rules. Our work resulted in new and more efficient algorithms for some problems and new and improved time and space complexity analysis for others. In the model checking area, we describe an efficient algorithm with improved complexity analysis for linear temporal logic model checking of pushdown systems. This model checking framework can express and check many practical properties of programs, including many dataflow properties and general correctness and security properties. For secure information flow analysis, we describe the development of the first linear-time algorithm for inferring information flow types of programs for a formal type system. We also extend the algorithm with informative error reporting to facilitate error detection and corrections. In the area of trust management, we describe efficient algorithms for analysis of trust management policies specified in SPKI/SDSI, a well-known trust management framework designed to facilitate the development of secure and scalable distributed computing systems. Our approach of expressing policy analysis problems as rules is much simpler than previous techniques, in addition to deriving better, more precise time complexities. We show the efficiency of these algorithms by performing precise time and space complexity analysis and confirming them through experiments. Lastly, we describe a method to generate efficient algorithms for answering rule-based queries. The method is based on the well-known magic set transformation. We apply the method to query problems for graph reachability, as well as in model checking, information flow analysis, and security policy frameworks.
PKA Anchoring and Synaptic Tagging and Capture

Synaptic tagging and capture (STC) hypothesis has been receiving increasing attention because it reflects heterosynaptic association of information processing during memory formation in the brain. Indeed, electrophysiological and behavioral studies suggest that STC is a better cellular model for memory formation than the conventional homosynaptic experiment. In STC, a short-lasting potentiation in one pathway becomes persistent when it is paired with a long-lasting potentiation in the other independent pathway. It has been proposed that the setting of synapse-specific tag and capture of non-synapse-specific diffusible gene products by the tag determines the fate of each pathway. However, the mechanism of STC is still elusive and three major questions should be answered: (1) What is the tag and how does it modulate synapse-specific plasticity? (2) How does the tag capture gene products? (3) What are the gene products and how are they produced? Although several molecules and processes have been suggested to answer to these questions, they only provide partial explanations about the phenomenon. Here, this article will discuss how PKA modulates synapse-specific neuronal processing by coordinating signaling molecules and processes through PKA anchoring proteins, and how anchored PKA is involved in the generation and capture of plasticity-related gene products. Having PKA as a key molecule, the goal of this article is to provide a unified model of STC that addresses the key questions.
The effects of intermittent androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and zoledronic acid administration on bone density in patients with prostate cancer

15593 Background: Intermittent ADT is commonly used in men with recurrent prostate cancer. Bone loss associated with ADT is well described. Bisphosphonate use in men undergoing ADT results in impro...
SEISMIC CHARACTERIZATION OF NEAR-SURFACE ANISOTROPIC STRUCTURE

In many geophysical applications, the neglect of anisotropy is somehow an oversimplification. The mismatch between the theory and the observation of near-surface seismics indicates the need for the inclusion of medium anisotropy. In this paper, surface wave (Love wave) dispersion properties are used to estimate the anisotropic structure of the near-surface layered earth, which is modeled as vertical transverse isotropy (VTI), a reasonable assumption for the vertically symmetric anisotropic medium. First, the dispersion curves, which are the numerical solutions of the dispersion equation, are obtained by a graphic-based method. Compared with traditional root-finding algorithms, this graphic-based method is simpler, faster, and more precise. Then, very fast simulated annealing (VFSA) algorithm is used to invert velocity structure and anisotropy structure simultaneously. The advantages of VFSA are two-fold: 1) high capability to find global minimum, and 2) independence to the initial model. The proposed algorithm is verified by the synthetic dispersion curve generated by a VTI medium model. Finally, the estimation of shear wave velocity and anisotropy structure of the field data at a site of sediments in the Connecticut River Valley shows this approach’s feasibility and efficiency.
Tunable optical delay with on-chip analogue to EIT

We measure group delay in a silicon based coupled-resonator device with transmission properties analogous to those of electromagnetically-induced-transparency system. We demonstrate thermal tuning of the group delay in this device.
A Managerial Approach to Advertising Measurement

This article is based on the findings of a continuing study of advertising measurement that the author is conducting under the auspices of the Planning and Evaluation Committee of the Association o...
Measurement-Based Real-Time Security-Constrained Economic Dispatch

In this paper, we propose a measurement-based approach to the real-time security-constrained economic dispatch (SCED). The real-time SCED is a widely used market scheduling tool that seeks to economically balance electricity supply and demand and provide locational marginal prices (LMPs), while ensuring system reliability standards are met. To capture network flows and security considerations, the conventional SCED formulation relies on sensitivities that are typically computed from a linearized power flow model, which is vulnerable to phenomena such as undetected topology changes, changes in the system operating point, and the existence of incorrect model data. Our approach to the formulation of the SCED problem utilizes power system sensitivities estimated from phasor measurement unit (PMU) measurements. The resulting measurement-based real-time SCED is robust against the aforementioned phenomena. Moreover, the dispatch instructions and LMPs calculated with the proposed measurement-based SCED accurately reflect real-time system conditions and security needs. We illustrate the strengths of the proposed approach via several case studies.
A Synthetic Evaluation Model Based on Fuzzy-AHP on C~4ISR's Trustworthiness

Serving the demands of coming Command and Control,this paper applies Fuzzy theory and multi-model theories to the evaluating on C 4 ISR's trustworthiness.It presents the index system configuration of trustworthiness evaluating,integrates AHP and multilevel fuzzy evaluation based on evaluating flow,and puts forward a synthetic evaluation model based on Fuzzy-AHP.According to living example validating,the model solves problems from fuzziness and variety of trustworthiness indexes,combines quantity with quality logically and satisfies the needs of the evaluating on C4ISR's trustworthiness successfully.
Life Satisfaction and Schooling

The study of LS in psychological and social indicators research has been largely infl uenced by Diener (Diener, 1984) and his work on positive subjective well-being (SWB).Although defi nitions of SWB have been controversial, it is widely accepted that global LS is a major component along with the experience of frequent positive emotions and infrequent negative emotions (Diener, 1984). A commonly used defi nition in the literature provided by Shin and Johnson (1978) states that it is “a global assessment of a person’s quality of life according to his (sic) own chosen criteria” (p. 478). Thus, global or overall LS can be thought of as a cognitive judgment made by individuals about the quality of their lives as a whole. Because individuals differ in the degree to which specifi c domains of their life affect their global LS (e.g., the importance of family relationships, economic resources, and physical health), these cognitive judgments are often measured using domain-free items (e.g., “I have a good life”) rather than using items addressing specifi c domains. Nevertheless, assessment of satisfaction within specifi c domains can and has been assessed, with these judgments closely tied to concrete experiences (e.g., “I have a good family life”). Research has shown that LS judgments extend beyond momentary experiences, yielding more stable measures of SWB (Kim-Prieto, Diener, Tamir, Scollon, & Diener, 2005). Global LS judgments are also distinguishable from measures of positive affect, negative affect, and related constructs (e.g., self-esteem) in students as early as third grade (Huebner, 1991a).
Parenting as a Mechanism of Change in Psychosocial Treatment for Youth with ADHD, Predominantly Inattentive Presentation

We investigated whether parenting and child behavior improve following psychosocial treatment for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Predominantly Inattentive Presentation (ADHD-I) and whether parenting improvements mediate child outcomes. We analyzed data from a randomized clinical trial investigating the efficacy of a multicomponent psychosocial intervention (Child Life and Attention Skills, CLAS, n = 74) in comparison to Parent-Focused Treatment (PFT, n = 74) and treatment as usual (TAU, n = 51) for youth with ADHD-I (average child age = 8.6 years, range 7–11 years, 58 % boys). Child and parent/family functioning were assessed prior to treatment, immediately following treatment, and at follow-up into the subsequent school year using parent and teacher reports of inattention, organization, social skills, academic competency (teachers only), parenting daily hassles, and positive and negative parenting behaviors (parents only). Both treatment groups improved on negative parenting and home impairment, but only CLAS families also improved on positive parenting as well as academic impairment. Improvements in positive and negative parenting mediated treatment effects on child impairment independent of improvements in child inattention, implicating parenting as an important mechanism of change in psychosocial treatment for ADHD-I. Further, whereas parent-focused training produces improvements in negative parenting and impairment at home for children with ADHD-I, a multicomponent approach (incorporating child skills training and teacher consultation) more consistently produces improvements at school and in positive parenting, which may contribute to improvements in social skills into the next school year.
Case III: Foot Drop 1

A 40-year-old male progressively developed a right foot drop 4 months ago. He has decreased sensation on the dorsum of the foot. This was associated with occasional mild low back pain and some outer leg pain. PMH significant for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma treated by radiation and chemotherapy in full remission, asthma, and hypercholesterolemia. He works as a carpenter and does a lot of lifting. He has smoked a pack of cigarettes a day for 22 years and does not drink alcohol.
Insulin Release and K+-Induced Depolarization in Mouse Pancreatic β-Cells

Ca influx through the β-cell membrane represents an important step in the triggering of glucose-induced insulin secretion. The way in which β-cells recognize the glucose concentration and subsequently regulate Ca2+ influx has been the focal point of much of the research in islet physiology over the last two decades. We have studied Ca-channel activity in the β-cell using high external potassium [K+]0 to depolarize the membrane.1 The analysis of the resulting membrane noise revealed that the conductance of a single channel was about 6 pS with a mean open time of about 20 msec at 0 mV.1 Thus, β-cell Ca-channels behave similarly to Ca-channels described in other cells.6
Abstract IA13: Deconvoluting the molecular circuitry of cancerous cells with high-throughput experimentation

Developmentally important signal transduction pathways such as those controlled by the secreted Wnt and Hedgehog (Hh) ligands are frequently exploited in cancerous cells to promote unfettered growth. We describe functional and chemical genomics-based efforts to recover actionable mechanisms sustaining cancer-associated Wnt and Hh signaling. Our findings extend the portfolio of druggable enzymes with anti-cancer relevance and reveal novel prosurvival mechanisms in cancerous cells. Citation Format: Lawrence Lum. Deconvoluting the molecular circuitry of cancerous cells with high-throughput experimentation. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Translation of the Cancer Genome; Feb 7-9, 2015; San Francisco, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(22 Suppl 1):Abstract nr IA13.
Information Technology in Pharmacy: An Integrated Approach

By Stephen Goundrey-Smith, MSc., Cert Clin Pharm, MRPharmS. Published by Springer, 233 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013, 2013. 240 p. Price $89.95 (hard cover) This overview of the current state of pharmacy informatics discusses the applications and limitations of all aspects of this field, as
Measurement and Resonance Analysis of Neutron Transmission Through Uranium-238

Neutron transmissions through 0.076-, 0.254-, 1.080-, and 3.620-cm-thick samples of isotopically enriched 238U have been measured from 0.88 to 100.0 keV using a time-of-flight technique over a path...
P007 Transfusion-induced HLA antibodies are transient and do not rebound following heart transplantation

Aim To determine the impact of blood transfusions (BTf) given at the time of ventricular assist device (VAD) implantation on HLA antibody (Ab) production, and the clinical relevance of BTf-induced HLA Abs in heart transplantation (HTx). Methods This study includes 54 patients that received a VAD implant between 03/2012 and 05/2016. The amount and type of BTf given during VAD procedure were obtained from patient charts. Multiple sera collected during pre-VAD, post-VAD, and post-HTx periods were analyzed for HLA Abs using One Lambda single antigen beads. Results Of the 54 VAD-implanted patients, 19 (35%) showed a significant increase in HLA Ab specificities and/or strength in post-VAD samples compared to pre-VAD samples; 26 (48%) did not show any significant change in HLA Ab profile; 9 (17%) remind negative for all HLA Abs. Patients who showed significant changes in HLA Abs received more BTf (across all blood components) compared to those displayed little/no change in HLA Abs.BTf-induced HLA Abs are transient and disappear in 5–6 months, while pregnancy-induced HLA Abs are persistent (see figure). Majority of these VAD patients ( n = 37; 69%) received HTx, and 29 HTx recipients had no detectable donor-specific HLA antibodies (DSA) in pre- and post-VAD sera, and remained to be DSA negative following HTx. Three recipients had no DSA in pre-VAD samples, but developed DSA in post-VAD samples, then completely negative following HTx; 5 recipients had DSAs (∼2000 MFI) in both pre- and post-VAD samples, and persistent in post-HTx sera with similar MFIs. The average wait time for a HTx differs among the 3 groups: patients with no HLA Abs waited for ∼5 months, patients with little/no change waited for ∼9 months, and those showed significant change waited for a year. Conclusions HLA Ab production after VAD implantation is common and correlates with amount of BTf a patient receives. This sensitization does not affect HTx as well as post-tx DSA development. Therefore, the BTf-induced HLA Abs appear to be transient and clinically irrelevant in HTx. Download high-res image (446KB) Download full-size image
Short-Term Preoperative Weight Loss and Postoperative Outcomes in Bariatric Surgery.

Background Preoperative weight loss is often encouraged before undergoing weight loss surgery. Controversy remains as to its effect on postoperative outcomes. The aim of this study was to determine what impact short-term preoperative excess weight loss (EWL) has on postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing primary vertical sleeve gastrectomy (SG) or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Study Design All patients who underwent SG (n = 167) or RYGB (n = 188) between 2014 and 2016 and who completed our program-recommended low calorie diet (LCD) for 4 weeks immediately preceding surgery were included. These patients (N = 355) were then divided into 2 cohorts and analyzed according to those who achieved ≥8% EWL (n = 224) during the 4-week LCD period and those who did not (n = 131). Primary endpoints included percent excess weight loss (% EWL) at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Results Patients achieving ≥8% EWL preoperatively experienced a greater % EWL at postoperative month 3 (42.3 ± 13.2% vs 36.1 ± 10.9%, p Conclusions Based on these data, preoperative weight loss of ≥8% excess weight, while following a 4-week LCD, is associated with a significantly greater rate of postoperative EWL over 1 year, as well as shorter operative duration and hospital length of stay.
Simulating Radiative Fluxes through Southeastern Pacific Stratocumulus Clouds during VOCALS-REx

ABSTRACTTime series of solar and thermal infrared radiative flux profiles are simulated with the Rapid Radiative Transfer Model (RRTM) using a hierarchy of constraints from radar reflectivity and passive microwave cloud remote sensing measurements collected over a ship in the southeastern tropical Pacific Ocean (20°S) during the second leg of the Variability of American Monsoon Systems (VAMOS) Ocean–Cloud–Atmosphere–Land Study Regional Experiment (VOCALS-REx). Incorporating additional constraints results in simulations of physically consistent radiative profiles throughout the atmosphere, especially within the cloud, where they are difficult to observe precisely. Simulated surface radiative fluxes are compared with those observed on the ship and by aircraft.Due to the strong Rayleigh scattering of drizzle drops compared to cloud droplets that absorb, emit, and scatter natural radiation, cloud radar reflectivity overestimates cloud liquid water content (LWC). As a result, clouds are optically too thick and...
A Review and Analysis of Constructivism for School-Based Practice.

Constructivism, a multifaceted philosophical position on the nature of knowledge and educational practice, has recently emerged both in the literature on learning and in school reform efforts, desp...
CIRCULATION | Circulatory System Design: Roles and Principles

The vertebrate cardiovascular system is designed to move a variety of molecules over considerable distances throughout the body faster than they would move by diffusion alone. It uses blood flow, which is movement by convection. In this article the basic design of the cardiovascular system is described using the analogy of a city water supply. Definitions and examples of various pressures and physical elements that contribute to vascular resistance are combined to illustrate the properties that regulate fluid flow. The sophisticated role of the venous system is presented through stepwise development of a prototypical cardiovascular system. This article provides the background necessary to understand the detailed aspects of fish cardiovascular function described elsewhere.
Function of Acetylcholine Receptors in Reconstituted Liposomes

The nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AChR) from the electric organ of various Torpedo species is the best-characterized neurotransmitter receptor and one of the best-characterized integral membrane proteins. The relative ease with which AChR can be isolated and purified from Torpedo californica electroplax in large quantities, coupled with the similarity between Torpedo AChR and mammalian skeletal muscle AChR, makes the Torpedo receptor an ideal model protein for studies of receptors, ion channels, and membrane proteins in general. The function of the AChR can be divided into four subfunctions, each of which reveals an intriguing facet of the receptor protein: (1) ligand recognition and binding; (2) coupling of ligand binding to a cation-specific ion channel; (3) cation permeation; and (4) desensitization, a complex process by which the ion channel is reversibly inactivated in the prolonged presence of activating ligands. Under normal physiological conditions, the acetylcholine-induced opening of AChR ion channels leads to a transient increase in cation permeability that results in membrane depolarization. The depolarization can ultimately lead to muscle contraction, signal conduction, or voltage changes depending on the tissues involved.
Ethical Considerations in the Care of Unconscious Patients

Care of the unconscious patient highlights many ethical dilemmas that face modern society. Most unconscious patients either die or recover mental function within a few days, and this rapid resolution avoids appreciable ethical problems. Many, however, linger for months or years in the vegetative state (Jennett and Plum, 1975; Levy et al., 1978), in which the eyes usually open but the patient remains unaware of his environment; this vegetative state, together with prolonged coma and other related conditions, has recently (President’s Commission, 1983) been designated permanent unconsciousness. Still other patients regain consciousness, but with only the rudiments of psychological awareness. All these patients pose particularly troublesome ethical issues: the problem, stated simply, is whether or not to limit lifesustaining treatment for a patient who cannot participate in the decision.
Incorporating Multiple Uncertainties into Projections of Chinese Private Car Sales and Stock

China is in a fast-growing stage of mobility development, and its increasing demand for private cars comes with growing energy consumption and pollutant emissions. Uncertainty in Chinese parameteri...
Do we need more physicians

ABSTRACT: A reexamination of physician productivity can resolve the current workforce debate. If the improvement of patients' health and well-being is the goal of medicine, then physician productiv...
What is Operations Management

This technical note outlines some basic concepts in operations management. This includes defining exactly what operations management is all about, explaining the key components of operations management, and understanding the types of decisions that are typically taken in operations management settings. The technical note is appropriate for an operations management course at the advanced undergraduate or graduate level. Excerpt UVA-OM-1586 Dec. 7, 2017 What Is Operations Management? In this note, we are going to outline some basic concepts in operations management. This includes defining exactly what operations management is all about, explaining the key components of operations management, and understanding the types of decisions that are typically taken in operations management settings. Operations Management: Definition Operations management is the design, management, and improvement of the systems that create and deliver products and services to customers. Why is operations management important? Operations is a core function in almost every organization, whether manufacturing or service oriented, profit or nonprofit. In addition, operations management provides a systematic way of looking at any organization. The decisions taken by operations managers, or general managers, with respect to operations interact with every other functional area of the organization from finance, to marketing, to strategy. . . .
Managing religious tourism: edited by Maureen Griffiths and Peter Wiltshier, Oxfordshire, UK and Boston, MA, USA, CABI, 2019, 188 pp., $113.70 (hard cover), $128.00 (Ebook), ISBN-13: 9781786393197

This 188-page book is part of the CABI Religious Tourism and Pilgrimage Series. It has 14 chapters from 27 contributors plus an index and presents an interesting collection of readings and cases. A...
Self-reported Secondhand Marijuana Smoke (SHMS) Exposure in Two New York City (NYC) Subsidized Housing Settings, 2018: NYC Housing Authority and Lower-Income Private Sector Buildings.

The percentage of adults in the United States reporting current marijuana use has more than doubled, from 4 to 9% between 2002 and 2018, suggesting that exposure to secondhand marijuana smoke (SHMS) has probably increased. Few studies have characterized the extent to which residents experience SHMS, particularly those living in multi-unit housing. It remains unknown how recently-implemented smoke-free housing policies (SFH) targeting cigarette smoke in public housing authorities (PHAs) will affect SHMS exposure. We sought to characterize prevalence of self-reported SHMS exposure among residents living in two different subsidized housing settings prior to SFH policy implementation in PHAs: New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) buildings and private sector buildings where most residents receive Section 8 subsidy vouchers (herein ‘Section 8’ buildings). Residents were recruited from 21 purposefully-selected buildings: 10 NYCHA and 11 Section 8 buildings (> 15 floors). Survey responses were collected during April-July 2018 for NYCHA residents (n = 559) and August-November 2018 for Section 8 residents (n = 471). Of 4628 eligible residents, 1030 participated (response rates, 35% NYCHA, 32% Section 8). Overall, two-thirds of residents reported smelling marijuana smoke (67%) in their home over the past year, higher than reports of smelling cigarette smoke (60%). Smoking status and smelling SHS were both strong predictors of smelling SHMS (p < 0.05). Nearly two thirds of residents perceived smoking marijuana and smelling SHMS as harmful to health. Our findings suggest that, immediately prior to SFH rule implementation in PHAs, SHMS was pervasive in low-income multi-unit housing, suggesting SFH policies should expand to cover marijuana use.
Differences in Performance Characteristics Among Four High-Throughput Assays for the Detection of Antibodies Against SARS-CoV-2 Using a Common Set of Patient Samples.

Objectives Serologic testing for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has experienced a changing landscape of available assays coupled with uncertainty surrounding performance characteristics. Studies are needed to directly compare multiple commercially available assays. Methods Residual serum samples were identified based on SARS-CoV-2 reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing, clinical test results, and collection dates. Serum samples were analyzed using assays from four different manufacturers: DiaSorin anti-SARS-CoV-2 S1/S2 IgG, EUROIMMUN anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG ELISA, Roche Elecsys anti-SARS-CoV-2, and Siemens SARS-CoV-2 Total antibody assays. Results Samples from SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR-positive patients became increasingly positive as time from symptom onset increased. For patients with latest sample 14 or more days after symptom onset, sensitivities reached 93.1% to 96.6%, 98.3%, and 96.6% for EUROIMMUN, Roche, and Siemens assays, respectively, which were superior to the DiaSorin assay at 87.7%. The specificity of Roche and Siemens assays was 100% and superior to DiaSorin and EUROIMMUN assays, which ranged from 96.1% to 97.0% and 86.3% to 96.4%, respectively. Conclusions Laboratories should be aware of the advantages and limitations of serology testing options for SARS-CoV-2. The specificity and sensitivity achieved by the Roche and Siemens assays would be acceptable for testing in lower-prevalence regions and have the potential of orthogonal testing advantages if used in combination.
Implicit and explicit fat bias among adolescents from two US populations varying by obesity prevalence

BACKGROUND Research shows that explicit (reported) and implicit (unconscious) bias are distinct constructs varying by socioecological context. Implicit bias better predicts poor health outcomes related to chronic psychosocial stress. OBJECTIVES Variation in fat bias was identified in two populations of adolescents in Indiana counties with relatively high (Lawrence) and low (Monroe) obesity prevalence. METHODS Adolescents (n = 185) aged 14-18 years were recruited October 2017-2018. Explicit fat bias was measured using the Attitudes Towards Obese Persons (ATOP) scale. Implicit fat bias was measured using the obesity attitude implicit association test (IAT). RESULTS Both samples scored high on the ATOP, indicating more positive reported attitudes towards persons with obesity, and scores did not differ between counties (P > .05) after adjusting for age, sex, ethnicity, and BMI-for-age percentile. Both samples demonstrated unconscious anti-fat bias, with Monroe exhibiting significantly higher IAT scores (ie, greater anti-fat bias) than Lawrence after controlling for confounders (P = .039). CONCLUSION Differences between explicit and implicit fat-bias were observed. Both samples reported positive attitudes towards obesity but also demonstrated unconscious anti-fat bias. Unconscious anti-fat bias was significantly higher in the county with lower prevalence of obesity, suggesting epidemiological context may influence implicit fat bias. Higher obesity prevalence may reduce unconscious anti-fat bias in a population or, alternatively, lower obesity prevalence may increase such bias.
Hodgkin Lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is a key treatment modality in the management of advanced Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Autologous HCT (autoHCT) can be curative for relapsed or refractory HL and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. In low-grade lymphoma, autoHCT also improves outcomes, and allogeneic HCT (alloHCT) can be curative in multiply relapsed disease. HCT is also effective in less common lymphomas like peripheral T-cell lymphoma and primary central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma. Maintenance therapy after transplant improves outcomes in HL, follicular lymphoma, and mantle cell lymphoma.
De-escalation Strategies in Human Papilloma Virus-Positive Oropharyngeal Cancer

Human papilloma virus (HPV) is now attributable to most of the oropharyngeal squamous cell cancers (OPSCCs) occurring in western world. The HPV-associated OPSCC effect younger, otherwise healthy population and is typically associated with better outcome. Traditional treatment strategies, while successful, are associated with significant long-term morbidity and poorer quality of life. This has led to various trials and investigations to de-escalate the treatment in this patient population while maintaining excellent outcome. The objective of this review is to discuss various de-escalation strategies and trials.
Estimating extreme characteristics of stochastic non-linear systems

Abstract The nature of the ocean is random and, as a result, marine structures face extreme, non-linear load effects. Estimating extreme responses of said structures often reduces to purely probabilistic approaches involve a considerable amount of conjecture. A method is developed in this paper to conserve original system information without the need for high fidelity Monte Carlo Simulations. Here, an iterative linearization of a non-linear system is developed to estimate extremes for the non-linear system. The Matched Upcrossing Equivalent Linear System (MUELS) method finds linear systems with zero-upcrossing periods equivalent to that of the non-linear system under a specified forcing spectrum. These linear systems are used as input into the Design Loads Generator, where ensembles of extreme linear realizations at the exposure period of interest, and the input time series that lead to those extremes, are generated. These input time series are valid inputs into the non-linear system and create a set of non-linear realizations that approximate the set of non-linear extremes at the exposure period of interest. As an example, this paper introduces and applies this method to the Duffing Oscillator at various levels of increasing cubic stiffness, forced by an ITTC wave spectrum, for exposure periods as long as 1 0 8 hours representing O ( 1 0 10 ) zero-crossing maxima. Quantitative comparisons are made with Monte Carlo simulations, GEVD estimates, and expected values of time series near extreme local maxima.
Complex conductivity signatures of compressive deformation and shear failure in soils

Abstract The mechanical properties of soils play a crucial role in site assessment for construction and infrastructure. Soils with low shear strength can become unstable as a result of natural and/or anthropogenic induced forces. Standard geotechnical methods, such as compressive strength tests, quantify the mechanical properties of soils, but these methods have low spatiotemporal resolution and may involve disruption of existing infrastructure. In contrast, the complex conductivity geophysical method can provide information on spatiotemporal changes in the subsurface in a minimally invasive manner. We investigated complex conductivity signatures resulting from soil deformation and failure during an unconfined compression test. A synthetic soil composed of silica sand (98%) and kaolin powder (2%) was saturated below its liquid limit and packed inside a flexible sample holder custom-equipped with four electrodes under zero confining stress to simulate an unconfined condition. This soil sample underwent a constant and slow rate of compression. Soil stress, strain, effluent volume, along with the frequency dependent real and imaginary parts of the complex conductivity were recorded over distinct time intervals. The first experiment focused on the sensitivity of complex conductivity to soil failure. Imaginary conductivity (equivalent to surface conductivity) abruptly decreased at the failure point (similar to the decrease in stress) compared to the real conductivity signal. The square of the dominant geophysical length scale L determined from the complex conductivity spectra (related to pore size) exhibits an inverse linear dependence on compression. The second experiment focused on the complex conductivity during shearing (beyond failure). In this case, the imaginary (or surface) conductivity closely tracked changes in the sample stress. In both experiments, imaginary (or surface) conductivity is highly sensitive to changes caused by rearrangement of soil structure under stress (i.e., deformation and failure). In contrast, the real conductivity is minimally sensitive, and the electrolytic conductivity is insensitive to these changes. Our findings indicate that complex conductivity is capable of tracking mechanical changes of soils under stress and during failure foremost through the surface conductivity.
An Atypical Presentation of Soft Tissue Metastasis in a Patient With Lung Cancer

Soft tissue metastasis in patients with lung cancer is infrequently reported in the literature. Primary lung carcinomas have been shown to exhibit evidence of metastasis to soft tissue in 2.3% of cases. A 75-year-old Caucasian female presented with clinical signs of anemia and the appearance of several soft tissue masses on her back. The patient was a former smoker with a 20-pack-year history. Further workup revealed a diagnosis of adenocarcinoma of the lung with soft tissue metastasis. Recognizing the early signs of metastasis is crucial to providing the patient the best treatment available, and the importance of a thorough physical examination cannot be emphasized enough.
Venture Capital, the Right Mix!

There is, surprisingly, a paucity of current (American) academic literature on why certain capital markets have been more conducive to the growth of venture-capital, whereas in other (advanced) capital markets venture-capital has not been able to secure a foothold. Writing almost two decades ago, Gilson suggested a link between an active stock market and a strong venture-capital market. A different viewpoint was presented by Curtis Milhaupt in his article published in 1997, where he explored the linkage between corporate governance and innovation by examining the legal rules and institutional settings in Japan and the US for venture-capital. For Milhaupt, the differences between the US and Japanese venture-capital markets could not be explained simply as a function of market liquidity, and depended on the different corporate governance characteristics of the two systems. Fast forward to 2019, and whilst venture-capital investment in Japan continues to remain low, Germany (a bank-centered capital market system) is the new hot-bed for venture-capital activity. This article explores both Gilson's and Milhaupt's viewpoints and presents an alternative explanation. As growth of venture-capital in India and Germany have shown, so long as there is a conducive environment for a pool of entrepreneurial talent to develop (be it because of proximity of educational institutions such as the IITs in India, or because of affordability and hip sub-culture, as in Berlin), there is fodder for venture-capitalists for spurring innovative enterprise.
Douglas McGregor: theoretician, moral philosopher or behaviorist?

Purpose – McGregor was the consummate process consultant, but his behavior was derived not from his philosophy of participation but from his theory of human behavior. He was a Theory Y person who found in an academic setting that the managerial style resulting from this set of assumptions was ideally suited to what an academic environment needed. Douglas McGregor was a theoretician, moral philosopher or behaviorist. This reflection aims to provide an analysis of the interconnections between assumptions, values and behavior and an analysis of how his behavior impacted both his theory and value system.Design/methodology/approach – This paper provides an analysis of the interconnections between assumptions, values and behavior.Findings – Some of the misunderstanding of McGregor's views is based on the failure to see him above all as a theoretician.Originality/value – McGregor displayed the patience to wait for the right time, to lead by asking the gentle questions, to focus on small changes in process rather...
Miro semantics for security

The Miro project comprises designing and implementing a visual language for specifying properties of large software systems. The authors are designing the language in tandem with giving it a formal semantics. They present the semantics of the language as applied to the security domain. >
Generic medication utilization policies in the United States and Medicaid sustainability

Objectives Our goal was to describe the history and expansion of generic drug utilization policies and their critical role in the US Medicaid system in an era of budget depletion. Methods We pursued a focused review of the regulatory and medical literature pertaining to Medicaid, generic medications, and medication utilization strategies in the United States. This included discussions with experts and decision makers in the Medicaid system of Washington State. Key findings Medicaid clients are among the most at-risk members of society for poor health outcomes and Medicaid coverage is a critical safety net program for ensuring continuous access to medical care. Medicaid coverage obviates the consumption of billions of public dollars paying the healthcare bills for catastrophic outcomes for the uninsured poor. Curtailing unnecessary drug spending has already been a goal for commercial plans and generic utilization mechanisms have been applied by these payers. A historic opportunity to arrest unsustainable drug spending has been presented due to the recent patent losses of manifold blockbuster medications. The Drug Price Competition and Patent Term Restoration Act (‘Hatch-Waxman Act') provides a framework for the stimulation of a robust and safe generic drug marketplace in the USA. Early findings have been encouraging in terms of improvements in generic use rates and reduced costs via generic utilization policies. Conclusions Generic utilization policies are a necessary component for preservation of the Medicaid system and the 60 million lives that rely on safety net health care. Given the tenuous fiscal climate and the wealth of first-line generic agents now marketed, reckless spending on branded drugs is indefensible.
Application of the enzyme linked immunospecific assay (ELISA) for the detection of platelet antibodies

Many methods have been described to identify platelet antibody, but they are either not very sensitive or too complex for general use. Therefore, we have developed an enzyme immunoassay for the detection of platelet antibodies in serum. The method involves incubating platelets with serum antibody; any attached antibody is shown by the addition of an enzyme (alkaline phosphatase) labeled anti-human IgG, followed by assay of the enzyme reaction with its substrate. The reaction product is indicated by a color change, which is proportional to the antibody concentration. Assay conditions such as the use of paraformaldehyde fixed versus unfixed platelets, conjugate dilutions, and substrate concentration and incubation time were investigated. Positive results were obtained in 16 of 19 sera of patients with various diseases including 2 of 4 patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, 2 of 2 with post-transfusion purpura, 2 of 3 with neonatal purpura, and all 9 polytransfused patients. Sensitivity and specificity were 84% and 98%, respectively. Also, enzyme linked immunospecific assay (ELISA) was found to be superior to the lymphocytotoxicity (LCT) and platelet immunofluorescence test (PIIFT) for platelet antibody identification.
A multiscale finite element method for modeling fully coupled thermomechanical problems in solids

SUMMARY This article proposes a two-scale formulation of fully coupled continuum thermomechanics using the finite element method at both scales. A monolithic approach is adopted in the solution of the momentum and energy equations. An efficient implementation of the resulting algorithm is derived that is suitable for multicore processing. The proposed method is applied with success to a strongly coupled problem involving shape-memory alloys.Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Review of: “Kate Kenski, Bruce W. Hardy, and Kathleen Hall Jamieson, The Obama Victory: How Media, Money, and Message Shaped the 2008 Election.”

Plenty of books have been written about the historic 2008 presidential election, and more will come. John Heilemann and Mark Halperin called the election “the race of a lifetime” in their bestselle...