cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Kinematic rupture scenarios and synthetic displacement data: An example application to the Cascadia subduction zone

Scenario ruptures and ground motion simulation are important tools for studies of expected earthquake and tsunami hazards during future events. This is particularly important for large (Mw8+) and very large (Mw8.5+) events for which observations are still limited. In particular, synthetic waveforms are important to test the response of earthquake and tsunami warning systems to large events. These systems are not often exercised in this manner. We will show an application of the Karhunen-Loeve (KL) expansion to generate stochastic slip distributions of large events with an example application to the Cascadia subduction zone. We will discuss how to extend the static slip distributions obtained from the K-L expansion to produce kinematic rupture models and generate synthetic long-period displacement data at the sampling rates of traditional GNSS stations. We will validate the waveforms produced by this method by comparison to a displacement based ground motion prediction equation (GMPE) obtained from GNSS measurements of large earthquakes worldwide.
Der allgemeine Aufbau der Muskelfaser

Grundsatzlich ist der Aufbau der Muskelfaser des Herzens dem der Skelettmuskelfaser sehr ahnlich, zeigt aber in einigen Punkten wesentliche Unterschiede.
Synthesis and thermoelectric properties of (CuyMo6Se8)1−x(Mo4Ru2Se8)x alloys

Abstract The Chevrel phase solid solutions ( Cu y Mo 6 Se 8 ) 1 − x ( Mo 4 Ru 2 Se 8 ) x , with nominal y = 2 , 4 and x = 0 , 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1.0 have been investigated in efforts to find improved high temperature thermoelectric materials. The samples were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, and compositions were measured using quantitative electron microprobe analysis. The resistivity and Seebeck coefficient are reported from room temperature up to approximately 1100 K. From these measurements we estimate the thermoelectric figure of merit ZT, and the most promising compound had Z T ≈ 0.37 at 1000 K.
Genome reprogramming for synthetic biology

The ability to go from a digitized DNA sequence to a predictable biological function is central to synthetic biology. Genome engineering tools facilitate rewriting and implementation of engineered DNA sequences. Recent development of new programmable tools to reengineer genomes has spurred myriad advances in synthetic biology. Tools such as clustered regularly interspace short palindromic repeats enable RNA-guided rational redesign of organisms and implementation of synthetic gene systems. New directed evolution methods generate organisms with radically restructured genomes. These restructured organisms have useful new phenotypes for biotechnology, such as bacteriophage resistance and increased genetic stability. Advanced DNA synthesis and assembly methods have also enabled the construction of fully synthetic organisms, such as J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI)-syn 3.0. Here we summarize the recent advances in programmable genome engineering tools.
Abstract TP126: Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring in Carotid Endarterectomy: An Analysis of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample

Introduction: Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is an effective treatment for symptomatic carotid stenosis (CS) but the ischemic complications of the procedure can be detrimental. Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) is used to protect neural structures during surgery. The incidence, predictors, and in-hospital outcomes associated with the use of IONM in CEA have not previously been reported. Methods: The Nationwide Inpatient Sample from 2007 to 2011 was queried to identify cases of CEA procedures (ICD-9-CM code 38.12) accompanied by occlusion or stenosis of the precerebral arteries (ICD-9-CM codes 433.10-1). Independent predictors of IONM utilization (ICD-9-CM code 00.94), perioperative/postoperative stroke, prolonged length of stay (LOS; defined as ≥ 75th percentile), increased hospital costs (defined as ≥ 75th percentile), and in-hospital mortality were identified using multivariable logistic regression analyses. Results: A total of 518,685 CEA procedures for CS were identified. The utilization of IONM (0.74%) increased from 0.06% in 2007 to 1.74% in 2011 (P Conclusion: The use of IONM in CEA has increased over time. The utilization of IONM was shown to decrease perioperative/postoperative stroke and in-hospital mortality rates while increasing LOS and hospital costs.
Fiber-Optic Fabry-Perot Phase Shifted Interferometer Using Modal Demultiplexing

A fiber-optic phase-shifted Fabry-Perot interferometer (PS-FPI) using a modal phase shifter (MPS) and modal demultiplexing is demonstrated. The PS-FPI is used as a temperature sensor to obtain two output fringe sets as a result of a 6°C rise in temperature. A controllable phase shift between the fringe sets is obtained using the MPS and is beneficial in quadrature demodulation of measurand induced sensor signals which can extend the unambiguous range beyond half a fringe. Located before the sensing cavity, the MPS introduces a phase shift between the LP01 and LP11 modes. These modes travel to the FP cavity to produce interference fringes. This results in a few-mode sensor system having 2 orders of magnitude higher sensitivity than conventional few-mode systems, with a worst case voltage signal to noise ratio of 16.9 dB for a 0.5°C rise in temperature.
Firm Ownership and Corporate Social Responsibility: "Are All Politics Local?"

In this paper, we investigate how a firm’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) orientation is jointly associated with its ownership types as well as the local political leanings around its headqu...
Fractional-order modelling and simulation of human ear

Conventional integer-order lumped element models cannot fully describe the memory-dependent viscoelastic behaviour of bio-tissues. We propose a tunable and more predictive lumped element modelling ...
Airway Pressure Release Ventilation Letter-Reply.

We thank Dr Light for his insights on airway pressure release ventilation (APRV)[1][1] and will address his comments one by one below. However, we first re-emphasize that the purpose of our study[2][2] was not to address the clinical value of APRV—that can only be accomplished with randomized
Survival and Long-Term Outcomes of Thumb Metacarpal Extension Osteotomy for Symptomatic Carpometacarpal Laxity and Early Basal Joint Arthritis

Purpose To evaluate the survival and long-term outcomes of thumb metacarpal extension osteotomy for early carpometacarpal (CMC) arthritis. Methods Patients who underwent a thumb extension osteotomy between years 2000 and 2011 were identified. Patient demographics, complications, and reoperations were recorded. The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used with subsequent CMC surgery defined as failure. Patients who had undergone surgery 10 years or more before the study date underwent radiographic assessment, grip and pinch strength testing, and completed the Patient Rated Wrist/Hand Evaluation (PRWHE) and the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand ( Quick DASH) questionnaires. Results Thirty-two procedures in 7 males and 21 females were performed (mean age, 44.8 y). There were no cases of nonunion. Nine of 32 thumbs developed pin site erythema and were treated with oral antibiotics. Two thumbs developed osteomyelitis. Seven of 32 thumbs (22%) required reoperation. The Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated a 70% probability that patients who have this procedure will not require additional CMC surgery up to 14 years. Seven patients with a mean follow-up of 12.3 years (minimum 10 y) returned for clinical evaluation. The mean PRWHE and Quick DASH scores were 32.1 and 27.7, respectively. Examination revealed 124% pinch and 98% grip strength relative to the preoperative values. One thumb did not progress from stage II disease; 2 thumbs progressed from stage I to stage II; 1 thumb progressed from stage II to stage III; 1 thumb progressed from stage II to stage IV; 1 thumb did not have disease progression at the CMC joint, but developed scaphotrapeziotrapezoidal arthritis. Conclusions Although reoperation rates and superficial infections with the described method of fixation were relatively high, thumb metacarpal osteotomy provides some degree of pain relief and improvement of function. This procedure may have utility as a temporizing measure in younger patients as it does not compromise future reconstructive procedures. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic IV.
Evaluating a neonatal intensive care unit MRSA surveillance programme using agent-based network modelling.

Summary Background Surveillance for meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) is a commonplace infection prevention strategy, yet the optimal frequency with which to monitor the unit is unknown. Aim To compare various surveillance frequencies using simulation modelling. Methods One hundred NICU networks of 52 infants were simulated over a six-month period to assess MRSA transmission. Unit-wide surveillance occurred every N weeks where N ={1,2,3,4}, and was compared with the current NICU policy of dynamic surveillance (i.e. weekly when at least one positive screen, otherwise every three weeks). For each surveillance period, colonized infants received a decolonization regimen (56% effective) and were moved to isolation rooms, if available. Findings As the surveillance frequency increased, the mean number of MRSA-colonized infants decreased, from a high of 2.9 (four-weekly monitoring) to a low of 0.6 (weekly monitoring) detected per episode. The mean duration of colonization decreased from 307 h (four-weekly monitoring) to 61 h (weekly monitoring). Meanwhile, the availability of isolation rooms followed an inverse relationship: as surveillance frequency increased, the availability of isolation rooms decreased (61% isolation success rate for four-weekly monitoring vs 49% success rate for weekly monitoring). The dynamic policy performed similar to a biweekly programme. Conclusions An effective MRSA surveillance programme needs to balance resource availability with potential for harm due to longer colonization periods and opportunity for development of invasive disease. While more frequent monitoring led to greater use of a decolonization regimen, it also reduced the likelihood of isolation rooms being available.
¿Es la doble jornada igual para todas? Distribución y factores determinantes del trabajo doméstico y extradoméstico entre madres jefas de hogar y madres esposas

Esta investigacion provee un analisis de la desigual carga de trabajo domesticoy sus determinantes entre madres jefas de hogar y madres esposasde jefes de hogar. Analizamos: ?Cual es la diferencia en las horas detrabajo domestico entre madres esposas y jefas de hogar? ?Cuales son losdeterminantes sociodemograficos de estas diferencias? ?Influye el tipo deocupacion en la carga de trabajo domestico? Utilizando informacion deuso de tiempo, comparamos las horas dedicadas al trabajo domestico porlas esposas con las que le dedican las jefas de hogar. Los resultados muestranque la carga de trabajo domestico es cuatro horas mayor para las madresesposas y que entre los determinantes mas importantes estan la edadde las madres, el tipo de ocupacion y las condiciones laborales.
Psychological abuse: implications for adjustment and commitment to leave violent partners

The contribution of psychological abuse, beyond that of physical abuse, to battered women's psychological adjustment and their intentions to terminate their abusive relationships was examined. Sixty-eight battered women residing in shelters for battered women provided information on their: (1) physical and psychological abuse; (2) psychological symptomatology; (3) strategies for coping with and perceptions of control over partner violence; and (4) intentions to return to their abusive partners. Multiple regression analyses indicated that frequency and severity of physical abuse was not a significant predictor of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomatology nor of women's intentions to terminate their abusive relationships. However, psychological abuse was a significant predictor of both PTSD symptomatology and intentions to permanently leave abusive partners even after controlling for the effects of physical abuse. PTSD symptomatology moderated the relationship between psychological abuse and intentions to terminate the abusive relationships: resolve to leave the abusive partner as a function of level of psychological abuse was significant only among women characterized by low levels of PTSD symptomatology. Greater use of emotion-focused coping strategies, absolutely and relative to problem-focused coping, had direct effects on PTSD symptomatology. However, neither coping nor perceptions of control moderated the effects of psychological abuse on psychological adjustment. The results of the investigation suggested that psychological abuse and ensuing PTSD symptomatology are important variables to assess among physically battered women.
Adoption of Tobacco- and Smoke-Free Policies in a US National Sample of Postsecondary Educational Institutions.

Objectives. To examine the institutional characteristics associated with the adoption of tobacco- and smoke-free policies among US postsecondary educational institutions.Methods. In 2017, we collected information on tobacco policy types and institutional characteristics of a national sample of US postsecondary educational institutions (n = 605) attended by the participants of the NEXT Generation Health Study. We used logistic regression to examine the relationships between these variables.Results. Overall, 35.2% of these institutions adopted tobacco-free policies (i.e., prohibit all tobacco product use on campus), 10.1% had smoke-free policies (i.e., prohibit smoking but not other tobacco product use on campus), and 53.7% did not have tobacco- or smoke-free policies. Proprietary (privately owned, for-profit) institutions (vs public institutions) were the least likely to have tobacco- or smoke-free policies (P < .05), which were disproportionately attended by racial/ethnic minority students. Adoption of th...
Sluggish cognitive tempo: longitudinal stability and validity

Emerging research has identified sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT) as a construct separate from ADHD predominately inattentive presentation. The present study explores the longitudinal stability of SCT over a period of 7 years, specifically the independent effects of SCT on behavioural and academic outcomes concurrently over a 3-year period. A sample of 639 twins, aged 6–12 years, participating in the Western Reserve Reading and Math Project (WRRMP) were assessed at seven annual home visits. The WRRMP sample is an unselected sample of twins representative of the general population of typically developing school-age children. The current investigation will focus on parent and teacher reports which assess attention deficit hyperactive/impulsive disorder (ADHD) and standardized achievement measures which assess academic outcomes. Over periods longer than 1 or 2 years, SCT does not display good longitudinal stability (r < .60). SCT also does not have consistent significant independent effects on academic outcomes once the effects of ADHD were controlled for. Over a 7-year period, SCT does not demonstrate consistent longitudinal stability. SCT significantly predicts social problems, internalizing behaviours, and anxious/depressive behaviours after the effects of ADHD are controlled for. SCT has no significant independent effects on cognitive or educational outcomes after the effects of inattentive ADHD are controlled for.
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: Primary Decompression or Transposition of the Ulnar Nerve at the Elbow

Cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS) results from compression of the ulnar nerve within its fibroosseous tunnel at the elbow. It is the second most common nerve entrapment syndrome (carpal tunnel syndrome being the most common). Knowledge of the pathoanatomy in this region can allow an appreciation of patients’ symptoms and nerve pathology. Numbness and tingling in the ulnar nerve distribution may be intermittent, constant and/or associated with weakness of the forearm or hand muscles. The severity of the neuropathy can, in addition to careful physical examination, be evaluated by electrodiagnostic studies (EDS) and imaging (ultrasound (US) or magnetic resonance imaging MRI) of the nerve at the elbow. Deformity or enlargement of the nerve, the stability of the nerve with elbow flexion and changes in the fascicular arrangement of the nerve on US can be consistent with clinical symptoms and may aid in the diagnosis and selection of a treatment plan.
Educating for the 21st century perspectives, policies and practices from around the world

Those readers who have ever visited one of the Disney parks are familiar with the “It’s a small world” ride. This famed attraction features over 300 dolls with identical faces and in traditional co...
Efficient SpMV Operation for Large and Highly Sparse Matrices using Scalable Multi-way Merge Parallelization

The importance of Sparse Matrix dense Vector multiplication (SpMV) operation in graph analytics and numerous scientific applications has led to development of custom accelerators that are intended to over-come the difficulties of sparse data operations on general purpose architectures. However, efficient SpMV operation on large problem (i.e. working set exceeds on-chip storage) is severely constrained due to strong dependence on limited amount of fast random access memory to scale. Additionally, unstructured matrix with high sparsity pose difficulties as most solutions rely on exploitation of data locality. This work presents an algorithm co-optimized scalable hardware architecture that can efficiently operate on very large (~billion nodes) and/or highly sparse (avg. degree
The Absence of Calponin 2 in Rabbits Suggests Caution in Choosing Animal Models

While the rapid development of CRISPR/CAS9 technology has allowed for readily performing site-specific genomic editing in non-rodent species, an emerging challenge is to select the most suitable species to generate animal models for the study of human biology and diseases. Improving CRISPR/CAS9 methodology for more effective and precise editing in the rabbit genome to replicate human disease is an active area of biomedical research. Although rabbits are more closely related to humans than mice (based on DNA sequence analysis), our whole-genome protein database search revealed that rabbits have more missing human protein sequences than mice. Hence, precisely replicating human diseases in rabbits requires further consideration, especially in studies involving essential functions of the missing proteins. For example, rabbits lack calponin 2, an actin-associated cytoskeletal protein that is important in the pathogenesis of inflammatory arthritis, atherosclerosis, and calcific aortic valve disease. The justification of using rabbits as models for human biomedical research is based on their larger size and their closer phylogenetic distance to humans (based on sequence similarity of conserved genes), but this may be misleading. Our findings, which consider whole-genome protein profiling together with actual protein expressions, serve as a warning to the scientific community to consider overall conservation as well as the conservation of specific proteins when choosing an animal model to study a particular aspect of human biology prior to investing in genetic engineering.
Revisiting the tourism-inequality nexus: evidence from a panel of developed and developing economies

This paper investigates the tourism-inequality nexus across developed and developing economies. Using the data from 1995 through 2015, we apply a dynamic panel cointegration approach to examine the...
Surgical Treatment of Sinonasal Mucosal Melanoma in Patients Treated with Systemic Immunotherapy.

Objective Surgical resection is widely accepted as a critical component for definitive treatment of sinonasal mucosal melanoma. Systemic immunotherapy, including multiple newer agents, has been used to treat metastatic or unresectable disease. In this study, we examine its efficacy in locoregional control when used in conjunction with surgical resection for primary mucosal lesions. Design Present study is a retrospective review of all patients at a tertiary academic medical center with primary sinonasal mucosal melanoma and distant metastatic disease. Results A total of four patients were identified. In all cases, patients were treated with a combination of surgical resection of the primary tumor and systemic immunotherapy. Three patients were initially treated with surgery at the primary site followed by immunotherapy for distant metastases. Response to immunotherapy at the sites of primary and metastatic disease was seen in two patients. All four patients developed progression or recurrence at the primary site following initiation of immunotherapy for which they underwent surgical resection. One patient remains in follow-up without evidence of disease 20 months after initial treatment; three succumbed to the disease at 135, 37, and 16 months after initial treatment. Conclusion Surgical resection for local control plays a critically important role in the treatment of sinonasal mucosal melanoma regardless of the presence of metastases and whether immunotherapy will be given. This case series suggests that, though immunotherapy may demonstrate efficacy in managing distant disease, surgery should remain the first-line treatment for the primary site.
Patient-provider gender preference in colorectal surgery

Abstract Background Preference for a gender concordant surgeon has been demonstrated when the chief complaint is perceived as private. We aimed to investigate this phenomenon among colorectal patients. Methods A 3-week prospective, observational, quality improvement study was performed. Schedulers recorded all new patient calls and factors influencing patient selection of surgeon. Demographic information was obtained. Descriptive statistics were performed. Results There were 60 new patients scheduled; 35 (58.3%) female. Ten(16.7%) chose a surgeon based on gender; 70% of those with gender requests (GR) were female (70%), and 80% were gender-concordant. Seven (70%) of those with GR had anorectal complaints. Of all patients with anorectal complaints, 20.6% had a GR vs. 11.5% non-anorectal (p = 0.49). Conclusions A considerable percentage of patients make a GR when seeking treatment, especially for anorectal disease. Departments should be mindful of the sensitive nature of many colorectal diseases and strive to diversify accordingly in order to create safe environments for the optimal delivery of patient-centered care.
Country Risk: Determinants, Measures and Implications – The 2020 Edition

As companies and investors globalize, we are increasingly faced with estimation questions about the risk associated with this globalization. When investors invest in China Mobile, Infosys or Vale, they may be rewarded with higher returns, but they are also exposed to additional risk. When Siemens and Apple push for growth in Asia and Latin America, they clearly are exposed to the political and economic turmoil that often characterize these markets. In practical terms, how, if at all, should we adjust for this additional risk? We will begin the paper with an overview of overall country risk, its sources and measures. We will continue with a discussion of sovereign default risk and examine sovereign ratings and credit default swaps (CDS) as measures of that risk. We will extend that discussion to look at country risk from the perspective of equity investors, by looking at equity risk premiums for different countries and consequences for valuation. In the fourth section, we argue that a company’s exposure to country risk should not be determined by where it is incorporated and traded. By that measure, neither Coca Cola nor Nestle are exposed to country risk. Exposure to country risk should come from a company’s operations, making country risk a critical component of the valuation of almost every large multinational corporation. In the final section, we will also look at how to move across currencies in valuation and capital budgeting, and how to avoid mismatching errors.
Recurrence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Liver Transplant Recipients Treated with Pretransplant Direct-Acting Antiviral (DAA) Therapy.

Background Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) have revolutionized the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV). The impact of DAAs on recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after liver transplantation (LT) remains uncertain. Objective We aimed to evaluate the risk of HCC recurrence in LT recipients cleared of HCV with DAAs at the time of LT compared to a control group of LT recipients who were viremic at the time of LT. Methods The study was a single-center, retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing LT for HCV-related HCC from 2002 to 2017. We compared time to post-LT HCC recurrence in patients with a sustained virological response (SVR) from DAAs prior to LT (DAA group) to patients who were viremic at LT (HCV+ group) using Kaplan-Meier analysis. We performed a secondary analysis comparing post-LT HCC recurrence in the DAA group to LT recipients with SVR from interferon-based treatment prior to LT (IFN group). Results One hundred fifty-one patients underwent LT for HCC related to HCV: 34 patients in DAA group, 95 patients in HCV+ group, and 22 in IFN group. Kaplan-Meier estimates of being HCC free were 96.2, 96.2, and 78.8% at 6, 12, and 24 months in DAA group, respectively, and 100, 98.6, and 95.8% at 6, 12, and 24 months in the HCV+ group, respectively; p = 0.08. There was no difference observed for HCC recurrence between the DAA and IFN groups. In a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model, DAA use increased the risk of post-LT HCC recurrence (HR 5.2, 95% CI 0.9-29.81, p = 0.07). Conclusions A strong trend was observed on both Kaplan-Meier and multivariate analyses toward increased post-LT HCC recurrence in patients who achieved SVR prior to LT with DAAs compared to patients who were viremic at LT. Caution is required when considering pre-LT treatment of HCV with DAAs in patients with HCC.
Meaning-motivated community action: The need for meaning and prosocial goals and behavior

Abstract Meaning in life is a fundamental human need and recent research has begun to explore how individual differences in the need for meaning relate to beliefs and behaviors, particularly those involving religion and spirituality. In the present studies, we expanded on recent research to examine the relation between the need for meaning and community-focused motivation and behavior. In Study 1 (N = 399), we explored the relation between need for meaning and a wide range of aspirations, finding that this need is associated with intrinsic, but not extrinsic, goals and especially community-focused goals. In Study 2 (N = 611), we tested the effects of need for meaning on indicators of community-focused prosocial motivation and behavior, controlling for religiosity and other variables. The need for meaning positively predicted most indicators of prosocial motivation and behavior. These findings, combined with previous research, suggest that the meaning motive orients people toward community.
SARS-CoV-2 Spike Alterations Enhance Pseudoparticle Titers and Replication-Competent VSV-SARS-CoV-2 Virus.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent of the most recent global pandemic that has caused more than a million deaths around the world. The spike glycoprotein (S) drives the entry and fusion of this virus and is the main determinant of cell tropism. To explore S requirements for entry under BSL2 conditions, S has been pseudotyped onto vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) or retroviral particles with varied success. Several alterations to S were demonstrated to improve pseudoparticle titers, but they have not been systematically compared. In this study, we produced pseudotyped VSV particles with multiple modifications to S, including truncation, mutation, and tagging strategies. The main objective of this study was to determine which modifications of the S protein optimize cell surface expression, incorporation into pseudotyped particles, and pseudoparticle entry. Removal of the last 19 residues of the cytoplasmic tail produced a hyper-fusogenic S, while removal of 21 residues increased S surface production and VSV incorporation. Additionally, we engineered a replication-competent VSV (rVSV) virus to produce the S-D614G variant with a truncated cytoplasmic tail. While the particles can be used to assess S entry requirements, the rVSV∆G/SMet1D614G∆21 virus has a poor specific infectivity (particle to infectious titer ratio).
Learning from Unknown Information Sources

When an agent receives information from a source whose accuracy might be either high or low, standard theory dictates that she update as if the source has medium accuracy. In a lab experiment, subjects deviate from this benchmark by reacting less to uncertain sources, especially when the sources release good news. This pattern is validated using observational data on stock price reactions to analyst earnings forecasts, where analysts with no forecast records are classified as uncertain sources. A theory of belief updating where agents are insensitive and averse to uncertainty in information accuracy can explain these results.
Whole-genome Sequencing of SARS-CoV-2: Using Phylogeny and Structural Modeling to Contextualize Local Viral Evolution.

Introduction The outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has created a global pandemic resulting in over 1 million deaths worldwide. In the Department of Defense (DoD), over 129,000 personnel (civilians, dependents, and active duty) have been infected with the virus to date. Rapid estimations of transmission and mutational patterns of virus outbreaks can be accomplished using whole-genome viral sequencing. Deriving interpretable and actionable results from pathogen sequence data is accomplished by the construction of phylogenetic trees (from local and global virus sequences) and by the creation of protein maps, to visualize and predict the effects of structural protein amino acid mutations. Materials and methods We developed a sequencing and bioinformatics workflow for molecular epidemiological SARS-CoV-2 surveillance using excess clinical specimens collected under an institutional review board exempt protocol at Joint Base San Antonio, Lackland AFB. This workflow includes viral RNA isolation, viral load quantification, tiling-based next-generation sequencing, sequencing and bioinformatics analysis, and data visualization via phylogenetic trees and protein mapping. Results Sequencing of 37 clinical specimens collected at JBSA/Lackland revealed that by June 2020, SAR-CoV-2 strains carrying the 614G mutation were the predominant cause of local coronavirus disease 2019 infections. We identified 109 nucleotide changes in the coding region of the SARS-CoV-2 genome (which lead to 63 unique, non-synonymous amino acid mutations), one mutation in the 5'-untranslated region (UTR), and two mutations in the 3'UTR. Furthermore, we identified and mapped six additional spike protein amino acid changes-information which could potentially aid vaccine design. Conclusion The workflow presented here is designed to enable DoD public health officials to track viral evolution and conduct near real-time evaluation of future outbreaks. The generation of molecular epidemiological sequence data is critical for the development of disease intervention strategies-most notably, vaccine design. Overall, we present a streamlined sequencing and bioinformatics methodology aimed at improving long-term readiness efforts in the DoD.
Charge pumping source-drain current for gate oxide interface trap density in MOSFETs and LDMOS

In this paper, we obtained interface trap density through source-drain CP (charge pumping) current, instead of conventional substrate CP current in MOSFETs and LDMOS. We observed that interface density is same for both source drain CP current and substrate CP current when LOCOS (local oxidation of Silicon) field oxide is used to separate substrate (body) and source in different channel MOSFETs. However, source-drain CP current is higher than substrate CP current when modern STI (shallow trench isolation) is used to separate the substrate and source in different channel MOSFETs. The difference between I ds and I sub is independent on I base voltage. Furthermore, we showed that the source-drain CP current is a useful method for interface traps in LDMOS. We observed that interface traps density is higher in drift region than in channel region in LDMOS.
Segregation or use of separate milking unitsfor cows infected with Staphylococcus aureus reduced prevalence of infection andbulk tank somatic cell counts

Dairy herds (n = 76) with initial prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus IMI> 10% were included in this study, from among approximately 2800 herds visited between January 1992 and July 1994 by the Quality Milk Promotion Services at Cornell University. The farms were located in New York and Pennsylvania. Other inclusion criteria were that herds did not change teat dipping or dry cow treatment practices, were not segregating cows that were positive for S. aureus at the initial visit, and did not cull > 50% of those found positive on the initial visit. Paired t tests and Wilcoxon rank sum tests were methods of statistical analysis. Mean herd size was 59 lactating cows, and herd size ranged from 28 to 436 cows. Percentage of herds teat dipping, using dry cow treatment, and mean herd size were not different among segregation groups. Mean number of visits (3.5 per herd) did not differ among groups. During a follow-up period (6-to-24 mo), segregation or separate milking of cows (n=21 herds) that were positive for S. aureus resulted in reduction of prevalence from 29.5 to 16.3%, and bulk tank SCC from 600,000 to 345,000/ml. Prevalence of S. aureus mastitis was unchanged for herds (n=55 herds) not segregating S. aureus cows, 22.5 to 20.2%, and the change in SCC from 698,000 to 484,000 for nonsegregated herds was less of a reduction than for the segregating herds. Segregation or use of separate units for cows known to be positive for S. aureus is an effective mastitis control practice.
Audit Committees and Internal Control Quality: Evidence from Nonprofit Hospitals Subject to the Single Audit Act

This study examines the impact of audit committees on the internal control quality of nonprofit organizations. Based on resource dependency theory that stresses an entity's economic needs for internal control over administering federal funding, we select a sample of nonprofit hospitals subject to the Single Audit Act in the United States, from 2001 to 2008. Our results show that hospitals that had audit committees and also employed Big 4 auditors were associated with better internal control quality. In addition, we find that Big 4 auditors were negatively associated with reported deficiencies of internal control over administering major federal programs in the early years (2001–2004), but positively associated with reported deficiencies of the same kind in the later years (2005–2008), suggesting a possible effect of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
Populating Genomes in a Dynamic Grid

We study the behavior of a spatially distributed GA (Collins and Jefferson 1991) that has several unique features. First, individuals are allowed to move within a two dimensional grid over time. Such movement results in a continual change in the local environment in which each individual interacts. Second, selection is directly based on an individual’s energy value and indirectly based on fitness. The fitness of an individual determines its initial energy level, but an individual’s energy level at any point during a run reflects a combination of its fitness and its interactions in the environment. Third, the population size can change dynamically throughout a run.
Structures and energies of CnS+ (1 ≤ n ≤ 16) and CnS− (9 ≤ n ≤ 16) clusters

Abstract The structures and energies of ionic clusters of carbon and sulfur with up to 17 atoms have been investigated by density functional theory using the hybrid B3LYP functional and double-ζ plus polarization basis sets. Geometries are reported for the ground states of all isomeric clusters containing a single sulfur atom. Generally, linear structures, with a terminal sulfur atom, are the energetically favored clusters.
The Probability of Data’s Inherent Sexiness: A Review of Naked Statistics: Stripping the Dread from the Data

For many a researcher the rift between qualitative and quantitative inquiry is a division forged in the classroom. However, the animosity that many carry with them through their careers does not necessarily have to be an eternal one. Charles Wheelan, in his sharp and cleverly argued book Naked Statistics: Stripping the Dread from the Data (2013), works from the standpoint that, like him, many researchers were scarred from the start by improper instruction to the field of statistical analysis. Though a passing grade allowed many to continue with one's studies it did little to signal that an understanding or, perhaps more important, an endorsement for the field was picked up along the way. To be sure, statistics has suffered from an image problem and for the qualitative researcher who did not "get it" the first time around this might well be the book to reignite interest in the besieged field. With a title like Naked Statistics we could hope for no less. Wheelan manages to take the readers hand and walk through the main points of the discipline in a way that never feels condescending or overly reverent. He acknowledges that much of the more complicated work of statistics can now be done through computer programs and as such he holds little value in occupying the readers time in the how-to of doing the work by hand. Instead he works with the goal that by the end of the book the reader will find the concepts of statistics more intuitive and manageable. Wheelan is able to tap into the insecurity of former statistics students through his own experience and manages to create opportunities where the reader can follow along and feel bright for doing so. Perhaps what allows the book to be its most useful is that it presents the information in a buffet style, allowing for the reader to take from it what they require at that moment and return as needed. Careful not to give the impression of a textbook, Naked Statistics leaves much of the technical formulas and jargon to the book's sidelines; available if one so searches it out, but comfortably at arm's length for the skittish reader. The book works less with numbers and more with the concepts for understanding why we should care about how statistics work in processing the data we work so hard to cultivate. While the frazzled student of statistics might see red in trying to understand how complex systems of information can be collapsed into a seemingly meaningless measure of data, Wheelan works instead to get the reader to appreciate why that measure is useful in the hands of an ethical researcher and how it can be manipulated to different ends by others. …
Matthew Effects for Whom

Which children are most at risk of experiencing a Matthew effect in reading? We investigated this question using population-based methodology. First, we identified children entering kindergarten on...
Rings around kinetochore microtubules in yeast.

Two recent papers characterize a protein complex that is part of the budding yeast kinetochore, the specialization that links chromosomal DNA with one or more spindle microtubules. Both studies present convincing evidence that this complex can assemble into rings or helices that wrap around microtubules.
Physiological and behavioral control of heating and cooling rates in rubber boas, Charina bottae

Abstract 1. We examined the ability of rubber boas ( Charina bottae ) to physiologically and behaviorally control their heating and cooling rates between 5 and 35 °C with constrained and unconstrained postural treatments. 2. In both the unconstrained and constrained treatments, heating rates were faster than cooling rates (ANOVA; F =52.25; df=22; p 3. Our findings provide a greater understanding of physiological thermoregulation in rubber boas and insight into mechanisms of reptilian thermoregulation.
Sur certains systèmes dynamiques conservatifs par morceaux

Resume On etudie une classe de systemes dynamiques gouvernes par une equation differentielle dont le deuxieme membre est discontinu, et qui sont conservatifs par morceaux. On obtient une condition necessaire et une condition suffisante pour l'existence d'un cycle limite, que l'on generalise a des systemes presque conservatifs par morceaux.
An efficient nonlinear programming strategy for PCA models with incomplete data sets

Processing plants can produce large amounts of data that process engineers use for analysis, monitoring, or control. Principal component analysis (PCA) is well suited to analyze large amounts of (possibly) correlated data, and for reducing the dimensionality of the variable space. Failing online sensors, lost historical data, or missing experiments can lead to data sets that have missing values where the current methods for obtaining the PCA model parameters may give questionable results due to the properties of the estimated parameters. This paper proposes a method based on nonlinear programming (NLP) techniques to obtain the parameters of PCA models in the presence of incomplete data sets. We show the relationship that exists between the nonlinear iterative partial least squares (NIPALS) algorithm and the optimality conditions of the squared residuals minimization problem, and how this leads to the modified NIPALS used for the missing value problem. Moreover, we compare the current NIPALS-based methods with the proposed NLP with a simulation example and an industrial case study, and show how the latter is better suited when there are large amounts of missing values. The solutions obtained with the NLP and the iterative algorithm (IA) are very similar. However when using the NLP-based method, the loadings and scores are guaranteed to be orthogonal, and the scores will have zero mean. The latter is emphasized in the industrial case study. Also, with the industrial data used here we are able to show that the models obtained with the NLP were easier to interpret. Moreover, when using the NLP many fewer iterations were required to obtain them. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cost–Volume Relationship for Flows Through a Disordered Network

In a network where the cost of flow across an edge is nonlinear in the volume of flow, and where sources and destinations are uniform, one can consider the relationship between total volume of flow through the network and the minimum cost of any flow with given volume. Under a simple probability model (locally tree-like directed network, independent cost–volume functions for different edges) we show how to compute the minimum cost in the infinite-size limit. The argument uses a probabilistic reformulation of the cavity method from statistical physics and is not rigorous as presented here. The methodology seems potentially useful for many problems concerning flows on this class of random networks. Making arguments rigorous is a challenging open problem.
Thermal-neutron capture by magnesium isotopes.

We have studied the primary and secondary {gamma} rays (33 in {sup 25}Mg, 212 in {sup 26}Mg, and 35 in {sup 27}Mg) following thermal-neutron capture by the stable {sup 24}Mg, {sup 25}Mg, and {sup 26}Mg isotopes. Almost all of these {gamma} rays have been incorporated into the corresponding level schemes consisting of 9 excited levels in {sup 25}Mg, 55 in {sup 26}Mg, and 10 in {sup 27}Mg. In each case, the observed {gamma} rays account for nearly 100% of all captures. The measured neutron separation energies for {sup 25}Mg, {sup 26}Mg, and {sup 27}Mg are, respectively, 7330.65{plus minus}0.05, 11 093.18{plus minus}0.05, and 6443.40{plus minus}0.05 keV. The measured thermal-neutron capture cross sections for {sup 24}Mg, {sup 25}Mg, and {sup 26}Mg are, respectively, 54.1{plus minus}1.3, 200{plus minus}3, and 39.0{plus minus}0.8 mb. In all three cases, primary electric-dipole ({ital E}1) transitions account for the bulk of the total capture cross section. We have calculated these {ital E}1 partial cross sections using direct-capture theory. We have also speculated on the mechanism responsible for the magnetic-dipole ({ital M}1) transitions which are quite strong in {sup 26}Mg.
Validation of a two-dimensional gas chromatography mass spectrometry method for the simultaneous quantification of cannabidiol, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), 11-hydroxy-THC, and 11-nor-9-carboxy-THC in plasma

A sensitive analytical method for simultaneous quantification of sub-nanogram concentrations of cannabidiol (CBD), Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), 11-hydroxy-THC (11-OH-THC), and 11-nor-9-carboxy-THC (THCCOOH) in plasma is presented for monitoring cannabinoid pharmacotherapy and illicit cannabis use. Analytes were extracted from 1 mL plasma by solid-phase extraction, derivatized with N,O-bis(trimethylsilyl) trifluoroacetamide with 1% trimethylchlorosilane, and analyzed by two-dimensional gas chromatography mass spectrometry (2D-GCMS) with cryofocusing. The lower calibration curve was linear from 0.25–25 ng/mL for CBD and THC, 0.125-25 ng/mL for 11-OH-THC and 0.25-50 ng/mL for THCCOOH. A second higher linear range from 5–100 ng/mL, achieved through modification of injection parameters, was validated for THC, 11-OH-THC, and THCCOOH and was only implemented if concentrations exceeded the lower curve upper limit of linearity. This procedure prevented laborious re-extraction by allowing the same specimen to be re-injected for quantification on the high calibration curve. Intra- and inter-assay imprecision, determined at four quality control concentrations, were ≤7.8% CV. Analytical bias was within ±9.2% of target and extraction efficiencies were ≥72.9% for all analytes. Analytes were stable when stored at 22°C for 16 h, 4°C for 48 h, after three freeze–thaw cycles at −20°C and when stored on the autosampler for 48 h. This sensitive and specific 2D-GCMS assay provides a new means of simultaneously quantifying CBD, THC and metabolite biomarkers in clinical medicine, forensic toxicology, workplace drug testing, and driving under the influence of drugs programs.
Selecting a Web Content Management System for an Academic Library Website

This article describes the selection of a web content management system (CMS) at the Ohio State University Libraries. The author outlines the need for a CMS, describes the system requirements to support a large distributed content model and shares the CMS trial method used, which directly included content provider feedback side-by-side with the technical experts. The selected CMS is briefly described.
Reversible failure to sense ventricular tachycardia early after surgical implantation of the automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator

Abstract Failure to sense ventricular tachycardia (VT) or ventricular fibrillation (VF) is an important clinical problem associated with the use of the automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (AICD). The causes reported have been the use of unipolar pacemakers in conjunction with the AICD and the variability of bipolar epicardial electrograms. 1,2 The present report describes a patient whose AICD, after failing to sense VT following open-heart surgery, subsequently sensed it 6 weeks later.