cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SEQUENTIAL RADIATIONS AND PATTERNS OF SPECIATION IN THE HAWAIIAN CRICKET GENUS LAUPALA INFERRED FROM DNA SEQUENCES.

The tremendous diversity of endemic Hawaiian crickets is thought to have originated primarily through intraisland radiations, in contrast to an interisland mode of diversification in the native Hawaiian Drosophila. The Hawaiian cricket genus Laupala (family Gryllidae) is one of several native genera of flightless crickets found in rain-forest habitat across the Hawaiian archipelago. I examined the phylogenetic relationships among mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences sampled from 17 species of Laupala, including the 12S ribosomal RNA (rRNA), transfer RNA (RNA)val and 16S rRNA regions. The distribution of mtDNA variants suggests that species within Laupala are endemic to single islands. The phylogenetic estimate produced from both maximum likelihood and maximum parsimony supports the hypothesis that speciation in Laupala occurred mainly within islands. The inferred biogeographical history suggests that diversification in Laupala began on Kauai, the oldest rain-forested Hawaiian island. Subsequently, colonization to younger islands in the archipelago resulted in a radiation of considerable phylogenetic diversity. Phylogenetic patterns in mtDNA are not congruent with prior systematic or taxonomic hypotheses. Hypotheses that may explain the conflict between the phylogenetic patterns of mtDNA variation and the species taxonomy are discussed.
Transcriptional regulation of hepatic sterol 27-hydroxylase by bile acids

The study objective was to determine whether and to what extent sterol 27-hydroxylase, the initial step in the "acidic" pathway of bile acid biosynthesis, is regulated by bile acids. Rats were fed ...
Appendiceal mixed adeno-neuroendocrine carcinoma: A population-based study of the surveillance, epidemiology, and end results registry

Introduction Mixed adeno-neuroendocrine carcinoma (MANEC) is a rare pathologic diagnosis recently defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2010. Prior to definition by the WHO, tumors with both adenocarcinoma and neuroendocrine components were given multiple pathologic designations making it difficult to characterize the disease. The aim of our study is to better characterize MANEC to better understand it’s natural history to influence patient care and positively impact outcomes. Materials and Methods The Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) program database was queried for all patients age 18 years of age or older between 1973-2012 who had the diagnosis composite carcinoid (n=249) of the appendix. Composite carcinoid tumors refer to tumors that have both adenocarcinoma and carcinoid tumor components present, consistent with that pathologic diagnosis MANEC. For comparison, the database was also queried for carcinoid tumor of the appendix (n=950), signet ring cell carcinoma of the appendix (n=579) and goblet cell carcinoid (GCC) tumors of the appendix (n=944). The data was retrospectively reviewed and clinicopathologic characteristics, treatment regimens and survival data were obtained. Results The median age of diagnosis of MANEC tumors was 58 years of age. Eighty percent of patients were white and 49% were female. Fifty-four percent of patients underwent hemicolectomy and 31% had partial/subtotal colectomy as their surgical management. Median overall survival for MANEC was 6.5 years (95% CI 4.5-9.7), which was statistically significantly shorter (p<0.0001) in comparison to 13.8 years (95% CI 12.1-16.5) for GCC, 2.1 years (95% CI 1.8-2.3) for signet ring cell carcinoma and 39.4 years (95% CI 37.1 – NA) for carcinoid tumors. Discussion MANEC is a more aggressive clinical entity than both GCC of the appendix and carcinoid tumors of the appendix. Based on these findings, patients with MANEC tumors should undergo aggressive multidisciplinary cancer management.
Drivers of Profitability in the Service Sector

This final chapter’s primary goal is to demonstrate how empirical models may be constructed using the data sources listed along with the data presented in this book. To do this, a model to access the various drivers of profitability of firms in the service sector is presented. The chapter is structured into four sections. First, the logic of the model is presented briefly using the strategic management framework along with its theoretical underpinnings. Second, the variables in each model are presented, along with the expected relationships. Third, the specific empirical methodologies used in the testing of the relationships and the sample used are discussed. Fourth, the results of the study as well as the supplemental analysis and design constraints are presented before closing.
Meteor trail footprint statistics

Footprint statistics derived from field test data are presented. The statistics are the probability that two receivers will lie in the same footprint. The dependence of the footprint statistics on the transmitter range, link orientation, and antenna polarization are examined. Empirical expressions for the footprint statistics are presented. The need to distinguish the instantaneous footprint, which is the area illuminated at a particular instant, from the composite footprint, which is the total area illuminated during the lifetime of the meteor trail, is explained. The statistics for the instantaneous and composite footprints have been found to be similar. The only significant difference lies in the parameter that represents the probability of two colocated receivers being in the same footprint. The composite footprint statistics can be used to calculate the space diversity gain of a multiple-receiver system. The instantaneous footprint statistics are useful in the evaluation of the interference probability in a network of meteor burst communication nodes. >
PSTN/ISDN Platform integration — a case history

This paper describes the service platform systems integration approach adopted for number portability, and explains how this helped to ensure that the set of systems and operational processes which make up the PSTN/ISDN Platform work together seamlessly to deliver the number portability service. The paper then discusses how the service platform approach to systems integration is being used to expedite the successful delivery of other services on the PSTN/ISDN Platform.
Theory of an Elastic Rod with Extension and Shear

We now consider a generalization of Kirchhoff’s rod theory to a theory which can accommodate extensibility of the centerline and transverse shear of the cross sections. The theory is constructed by allowing the rod to extend and shear. Consequently, the only significant change to the balance laws lies in the strain energy function. Theories of this type were developed in the early 1970s by various authors including Antman [10], Green and Laws [130], and Reissner [299, 300]. Antman’s papers discussing this theory have been hugely influential. This theory has several aspects which has made it popular in the applied mathematics, biophysics, computational mechanics, and mechanics communities (see, e.g., [12, 86, 158, 199, 327]). In addition to discussing applications of the theory to the stretching of DNA molecules, the linearized version of the theory is shown to include Timoshenko’s beam theory. We also take this opportunity to discuss a treatment of material symmetry for rods.
Removal of a consensus proline is not sufficient to allow tetratricopeptide repeat oligomerization

Tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR) domains are ubiquitous protein interaction domains that adopt a modular antiparallel array of α-helices. The TPR fold typically adopts a monomeric state, and consensus TPRs sequences successfully fold into the expected monomeric topology. The versatility of the TPR fold also supports different quaternary structures, which may function as regulatory switches. One example is yeast mitochondrial fission 1 (Fis1) that appears to interconvert between monomer and dimer states in regulating division of peroxisomes and mitochondria. Whether human Fis1 can also interconvert like the yeast molecule is unknown. A TPR consensus proline residue present in human Fis1 is absent in the yeast molecule and, when added, prevents yeast Fis1 dimerization suggesting that the TPR consensus proline might have persisted to prevent TPR oligomerization. Here, we address this question with human Fis1 and the consensus TPR protein CTPR3. We demonstrate that human Fis1 does not form a noncovalent dimer via its TPR domain, despite conditions that favor dimerization of the yeast protein. We also show that the presence of the consensus proline is not sufficient to forbid TPR dimerization. Lastly, an analysis of all available TPR protein structures (22 nonredundant structures, totaling 64 TPRs-42 with the consensus proline and 22 without) revealed that the consensus proline is not necessary for turn formation, but does favor shorter turns. This work suggests the TPR consensus proline is not to prevent oligomerization, but to favor tight turns between repeats.
Interpolatory Model Reduction of Large-Scale Dynamical Systems

Large scale dynamical systems are a common framework for the modeling and control of many complex phenomena of scientific interest and industrial value, with examples of diverse origin that include signal propagation and interference in electric circuits, storm surge prediction before an advancing hurricane, vibration suppression in large structures, temperature control in various media, neurotransmission in the nervous system, and behavior of micro-electro-mechanical systems. Direct numerical simulation of underlying mathematical models is one of few available means for accurate prediction and control of these complex phenomena. The need for ever greater accuracy compels inclusion of greater detail in the model and potential coupling to other complex systems leading inevitably to very large-scale and complex dynamical models. Simulations in such large-scale settings can make untenable demands on computational resources and efficient model utilization becomes necessary. Model reduction is one response to this challenge, wherein one seeks a simpler (typically lower order) model that nearly replicates the behavior of the original model. When high fidelity is achieved with a reduced-order model, it can then be used reliably as an efficient surrogate to the original, perhaps replacing it as a component in larger simulations or in allied contexts such as development of simpler, faster controllers suitable for real time applications.
The Effect of Steroids on Complications, Readmission, and Reoperation After Posterior Lumbar Fusion.

Background The effects of chronic corticosteroid therapy on complications, readmission, and reoperation after posterior lumbar fusion (PLF) remain underinvestigated, and were examined to determine differences in outcomes. Methods We analyzed patients undergoing PLF between 2006 and 2013 using the National Surgery Quality Improvement Program database (NSQIP). Patients taking steroids for a chronic condition were compared with those not taking steroids. Multivariable regression identified factors independently associated with complications, readmission, and reoperation. A risk score was calculated for predicting complications. Results A total of 8492 patients were identified, of whom 353 used steroids. The patients using steroids were older (mean age, 65.4 years vs. 61.0 years; P Conclusions The use of corticosteroid therapy is associated with a moderately increased risk of overall complications, but no association was found with readmission or reoperation.
Abstract 17885: Pulmonary Vascular Compliance Predicts Mortality in the Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Introduction: Novel markers of prognosis in the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are needed. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that pulmonary vascular compliance would predict outcome in ARDS, and that higher left heart filling pressure would be associated with increased pulsatile loading of the right ventricle manifested as reduced RC time. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of 392 subjects with a complete hemodynamic data set on trial day 0 in the ARDS Network Fluid and Catheter Treatment Trial of PA catheter use in ARDS. Pulmonary vascular compliance (Cpa) was calculated as stroke volume divided by PA pulse pressure. Pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) was calculated as mean PA pressure minus pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP) divided by cardiac output. The RC time was calculated as the product of PVR and Cpa. Cox proportional hazard modeling and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis were performed with primary outcome of death. Results: The mean age was 50 ± 16 years. Mean PA pressure and PAWP were both elevated (29 ± 8 mmHg and 15 ± 5 mmHg, respectively) as was cardiac output (7.7 ± 2.7 L/m). The mean PVR was 2.1 ± 1.2 Wood units and Cpa 4.6 ± 2.5 ml/mmHg. Mean RC time was 0.47 ± 0.24 seconds (s). With each 5 mmHg increase in PAWP, RC time decreased by 0.06 s (p Conclusion: Pulmonary vascular compliance predicts mortality in ARDS. Higher wedge pressure is associated with lower RC time in ARDS consistent with increased RV pulsatile loading.
A group is more than the average of its parts: Why existing stereotypes are applied more to the same individuals when viewed in groups than when viewed alone:

Categorizing people into groups is fundamental to stereotype formation. Thus, across four studies, we hypothesize that perceiving people in the context of groups (vs. alone) will amplify the applic...
Use of the Scales

This chapter provides suggestions for item wording if using the nine scales as a 360-degree evaluation. The chapter also recommends both bar graphs and radar charts to graphically present the results. Finally, the chapter gives two hypothetical examples of managers’ results from the nine scales and how to interpret the charts. These examples may be useful for conducting leadership development programs.
Trends in Medical Use of Opioids in the U.S., 2006-2016.

Introduction The U.S. is experiencing an opioid epidemic which is at least partially iatrogenic and fueled by both prescription and illicit misuse. This study provides a nationwide examination of opioid distribution patterns during the last decade. Methods Data were obtained from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s Automation of Reports and Consolidated Orders System for 2006–2016. Analyses include quantities of ten opioids legally dispensed nationwide by weight and converted to Morphine Milligram Equivalents. Geospatial and state-level analyses were also completed in 2017. Results The total for ten opioids peaked in 2011 (389.5 metric tons Morphine Milligram Equivalents) relative to both 2006 (286.1) and 2016 (364.6). Changes in the volume of opioids by weight over the decade were agent specific. Since 2011, there were decreases in hydrocodone (–28.4%); oxymorphone (–28.0%); fentanyl (–21.4%); morphine (–18.9%); oxycodone (–13.8%); and meperidine (–58.0%) and an increase in buprenorphine (75.2%) in 2016. There were substantial inter-state variations in rates with a fivefold difference between the highest Morphine Milligram Equivalents in 2016 (Rhode Island=2,623.7 mg/person) relative to the lowest (North Dakota=484.7 mg/person). An association was identified between state median age and per capita Morphine Milligram Equivalents (r =0.49, p Conclusions With the exception of buprenorphine, used to treat an opioid use disorder, prescription opioid use has been decreasing over the past 5 years in the U.S. Further efforts are needed to continue to optimize the balance between appropriate opioid access for acute pain while minimizing diversion and treating opioid addiction.
Relationship Testing: Kinship Statistics

Abstract This chapter will explore the calculations and challenges involved with several applications of DNA evidence from related individuals. These include traditional parentage testing that usually involves addressing questions of paternity (i.e. who is the father?) and missing persons and mass disaster investigations that involve reverse parentage analysis (i.e. could these sets of remains have come from a child of these biological reference samples?). Immigration cases also involve kinship testing to determine whether an individual could have a proposed relationship to reference samples.
La prospettiva da Albuquerque

Non era difficile per Jerrie Cobb mantenersi occupata mentre aspettava l’arrivo del giorno di San Valentino del 1960. Dopo tutto, aveva sempre il lavoro alla Aero Design and Engineering di Oklahoma City, che riempiva fin troppo le sue giornate tra voli dimostrativi, viaggi promozionali e raduni aeronautici. Durante una settimana tipo, per esempio, Jerrie portava in volo degli acquirenti in giro per il Southwest, per mostrare loro il funzionamento dell’Aero Commander. Poi, dopo un rapido salto in Oklahoma, giusto il tempo di svuotare le valige e riempirle di nuovo di abiti puliti, decollava alla volta di New York. Qui si intratteneva amichevolmente con i pezzi grossi dell’aviazione al banchetto annuale dello Wings Club, presso il Waldorf-Astoria [1]. Il fascino pacato che sapeva sfoggiare in quelle occasioni mondane stupiva alcuni dei suoi amici. La giornalista Ivy Coffey pensava che Miss Cobb intuisse istintivamente molto piu di quanto ammettesse riguardo all’importanza delle pubbliche relazioni [2]. In qualche modo era riuscita a trovare la maniera di adattare i discorsi da hangar dei piloti al chiacchiericcio da cocktail party di Manhattan.
Development and Application of an Integrated Fuel Performance and Subchannel Model for Analysis of Sodium Fast Reactors

A metal fuel performance code was coupled to a subchannel analysis code to predict, in a computationally efficient way, critical phenomena that could lead to pin failure for steady-state and transi...
Principles of musculoskeletal biopsy.

The appropriate treatment of any musculoskeletal tumor is based on a correct diagnosis. In some instances, a patient’s history and imaging studies provide sufficient information to guide definitive treatment. However, in many cases, a biopsy may be necessary. A biopsy, although technically simple, must be conducted in a thoughtful manner in order to obtain an accurate tissue sample while avoiding complications. Some potential complications include inaccurate sampling, improperly placed incision that complicates future surgeries, and healthy tissue contamination that can add morbidity to the definitive surgery or preclude the chance of limb salvage. This chapter will review the considerations for planning and performing a biopsy of musculoskeletal tumors.
Fertility Numbers

A nonnegative integer is called a fertility number if it is equal to the number of preimages of a permutation under West's stack-sorting map. We prove structural results concerning permutations, allowing us to deduce information about the set of fertility numbers. In particular, the set of fertility numbers is closed under multiplication and contains every nonnegative integer that is not congruent to $3$ modulo $4$. We show that the lower asymptotic density of the set of fertility numbers is at least $1954/2565\approx 0.7618$. We also exhibit some positive integers that are not fertility numbers and conjecture that there are infinitely many such numbers.
Analog Optical RF-Links for Large Radio Telescopes

Radio astronomy faces very specific, systematic and environmental challenges regarding signal transport from individual antenna elements to the signal processing station. Here we present how with analog optical links these requirements can be met, specifically for the low-frequency receiver of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA), which will be the world's largest radio telescope when finished. It will comprise more than 100'000 individual antennas, which need to be connected over a distance of up to 10 kilometers.
Current Feedback-Based High Load Current Low Drop-Out Voltage Regulator in 65nm CMOS Technology

This paper features a current feedback-based capacitor-less low drop-out (LDO) voltage regulator with a bandgap voltage reference (BGR) performing an average temperature coefficient (TC) of 13.34 ppm/°C in the range of -40 to 125 °C in accordance with military standard and thus gain higher stability and power supply rejection ratio (PSRR). The proposed capacitor-less LDO achieves a 200 mA load current with an error percentage of 0.246 % and a -21.47 dB PSRR at 100 KHz with current based structure implemented in TSMC 65-nm CMOS technology for internet of things (IoT) system on chip (SoC) applications.
The Impact of Microelectrode Recording on Lead Location in Deep Brain Stimulation for the Treatment of Movement Disorders.

Objective During deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery, microelectrode recording (MER) leads to target refinement from the initial plan in 30% to 47% of hemispheres; however, it is unclear whether the DBS lead ultimately resides within the MER-optimized target in relation to initial radiographic target coordinates in these hemispheres. This study aimed to determine the frequency of discordance between radiographic and neurophysiologic nucleus and whether target optimization with MER leads to a significant change in DBS lead location away from initial target. Methods Consecutive cases of DBS surgery with MER using intraoperative computed tomography were included. Coordinates of initial anatomic target (AT), MER-optimized target (MER-O) and DBS lead were obtained. Hemispheres were categorized as “discordant” (D) if there was a suboptimal neurophysiologic signal despite accurate targeting of AT. Hemispheres where the first MER pass was satisfactory were deemed “concordant” (C). Coordinates and radial distances between 1) AT/MER-O; 2) MER-O/DBS; and 3) AT/DBS were calculated and compared. Results Of the 273 hemispheres analyzed, 143 (52%) were D, and 130 (48%) were C. In C hemispheres, DBS lead placement error (mean ± standard error of the mean) was 0.88 ± 0.07 mm. In D hemispheres, MER resulted in significant migration of DBS lead (mean AT-DBS error 2.11 ± 0.07 mm), and this distance was significantly greater than the distance between MER-O and DBS (2.11 vs. 1.09 mm, P Conclusions Discordance between radiographic and neurophysiologic target was seen in 52% of hemispheres, and MER resulted in appropriate deviation of the DBS lead toward the appropriate target. The actual value of the deviation, when compared with DBS lead placement error in C hemispheres, was, on average, small.
The Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Indolactam Alkaloids

In this work, we execute a general synthetic strategy to access novel indolactam alkaloids, which are agonists of protein kinase C. This protocol allowed for the most efficient reported syntheses of indolactam V (ILV) stereoisomers, while also affording the large-scale production of natural product (–)-ILV. Structure–activity studies were conducted with these compounds to elucidate the elements necessary to promote PKC-mediated cellular response. EC50 measurements in leukemia and lymphoma cell lines, as well as molecular docking analyses with the PKCδ C1B domain, provided the foundation for these studies. A distinct correlation between in vitro activity and the conformation of the macrocyclic lactam ring was discovered, which can guide design efforts for therapeutics that target the PKC regulatory domain.
The doctor in my pocket: examining mobile approaches to personal wellbeing.

Aims:Today’s democratized media access, online engagement, and digital clout offer global opportunities for individual influence and customized messaging strategies. As such, public health initiati...
Streptococcus pyogenes Endocarditis Associated With Varicella-Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Infection with varicella zoster virus (VZV) is usually a benign and self-limiting disease. Serious complications by bacterial pathogens do occur, such as necrotising fasciitis (NF). One of the most important is Streptococcus pyogenes (or Group A Streptococcus, GAS), which colonizes epithelial surfaces, primarily of the throat and skin. In rare instances, varicella may also be associated with S. pyogenes endocarditis. Review of the literature reveals only 18 children with infective endocarditis (IE) caused by GAS since 1942. VZV as antecedent illness was found in five (28%). Fourteen (78%) had no pre-existing cardiac abnormalities. Death occurred in three (17%) children. Infective endocarditis with acute deterioration secondary to rupture of mitral valve chordae tendineae necessitating cardiac surgery has not been reported in the literature yet. We present this rare and instructive paediatric case and the results of a literature search on S. pyogenes endocarditis in children.
Management of congenital heart disease

The past couple of decades have been a very exciting time for providers taking care of patients with congenital heart disease. We have made tremendous progress in almost all aspects and facets, ranging from early detection, better understanding of the basis of such defects, single ventricle palliation, cardiopulmonary bypass and heart transplantation. This has led to better survival and such survivors reaching adulthood, giving rise to a new and exploding field of adult congenital heart disease!
Progesterone Receptor Gene Variants in Metastatic Estrogen Receptor Positive Breast Cancer

Tumor mutations in the gene encoding estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1) have been identified in metastatic breast cancer patients with endocrine therapy resistance. However, relatively little is known about the occurrence of mutations in the progesterone receptor (PGR) gene in this population. The study objective was to determine the frequency and prognostic significance of tumor PGR mutations for patients with estrogen receptor (ER)-positive metastatic breast cancer. Thirty-five women with metastatic or locally recurrent ER+ breast cancer were included in this IRB-approved, retrospective study. Targeted next-generation sequencing of the PGR gene was performed on isolated tumor DNA. Associations between mutation status and clinicopathologic factors were analyzed as well as overall survival (OS) from time of metastatic diagnosis. The effect of the PGR variant Y890C (c.2669A>G) identified in this cohort on PR transactivation function was tested using ER−PR− (MDA-MB-231), ER+PR+ (T47D), and ER+PR− (T47D PR KO) breast cancer cell lines. There were 71 occurrences of protein-coding PGR variants in 67% (24/36; 95% CI 49–81%) of lesions. Of the 49 unique variants, 14 are single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Excluding SNPs, the median OS of patients with PGR variants was 32 months compared to 79 months with wild-type PGR (p = 0.42). The most frequently occurring (4/36 lesions) non-SNP variant was Y890C. Cells expressing Y890C had reduced progestin-stimulated PR transactivation compared to cells expressing wild-type PR. PGR variants occur frequently in ER+ metastatic breast cancer. Although some variants are SNPs, others are predicted to be functionally deleterious as demonstrated with Y890C PR.
MatchMesh: Knowledge-based 3D Point Cloud Meshing Using Divide-and-conquer Deformation

The reconstruction of surface mesh from point cloud is compute-intensive but also very important step in the remanufacturing and personalization industries. With more 3D scanners providing lower cost and higher resolution, further detailed point clouds can be gathered without so much effort as before. In manufacturing, there are databases which contain the origin 3D design models of the products. How to utilize the design model data for swift production of related products remains a problem for remanufacturing and customization. In order to develop a knowledge-based way of handling this problem, editing or deforming an existing mesh to match the target is an effective way of easing the workload. In this paper, we introduce a divide-and -conquer process which segments the depth scan data and then find the best match in the database as its source of deformation. The segmentation is performed on 3D point level using global features extracted by 3D CNN. After that we find best match to our knowledge with the same features to acquire a fast meshing of the target object by deforming the existing parts from the match. The deformation of parts are being done sequentially. For further performance improvement, we present a deformation training method employing transfer learning on segment editing process.
The Democracy versus Democracy: Representation and Politics in Odessa during the 1912 State Duma Election

This article explores how Russians in the Duma period (1905–17) understood issues of democratic politics and representation through a microhistory of the 1912 Duma election in Odessa. It focuses on...
Energy Efficient Strategy for Uninterrupted Mission Execution via Automatic Drone Replacement

The study of drones is attractive to both researchers and enterprises due to the potential for increased efficiency in mission execution for packet delivery, structural inspection, disaster monitoring, border surveillance, etc. The limited battery capacity of drones restricts the operation time; without an effective plan for drone replacement, mission execution will be negatively impacted. In this paper, we propose an energy-aware replacement strategy coupled with two battery-level examination approaches to enable uninterrupted mission execution. Differing from previous work, the task duration considered in our study is not binary; each task takes more than one time-unit to complete. Therefore, a drone is allowed to execute a part of a task in our research. We focus on targeting the most efficient moments to initiate a drone replacement request, thereby reducing energy spent on unnecessary travel. The primary contribution of this paper is two-fold: first, our energy efficient strategy for drone replacement enables the cooperation among drones in mission completion, and second, we inspect the upper and lower bounds of drone battery capacity needed for mission execution.
Clinical next-generation sequencing reveals aggressive cancer biology in adolescent and young adult patients.

The aggressive biology of cancers arising in adolescent and young adult (AYA; ages 15-39 years) patients is thought to contribute to poor survival outcomes.We used clinical next-generation sequencing (NGS) results to examine the molecular alterations and diverse biology of cancer in AYA patients referred to the Phase 1 program at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center.Among the 28 patients analyzed (14 female and 14 male), 12 had pediatric-type cancers, six had adult-type cancers, and ten had orphan cancers. Unique, hitherto unreported aberrations were identified in all types of cancers. Aberrations in TP53, NKX2-1, KRAS, CDKN2A, MDM4, MCL1, MYC, BCL2L2, and RB1 were demonstrated across all tumor types. Five patients harbored TP53 aberrations; three patients harbored MYC, MCL1, and CDKN2A aberrations; and two patients harbored NKX2-1, KRAS, MDM4, BCL2L2, and RB1 alterations. Several patients had multiple aberrations; a patient with wild-type gastrointestinal stromal tumor harbored five alterations (MDM4, MCL1, KIT, AKT3, and PDGRFA).This preliminary report of NGS of cancer in AYA patients reveals diverse and unique aberrations. Further molecular profiling and a deeper understanding of the biology of these unique aberrations are warranted and may lead to targeted therapeutic interventions.
MSW Students in Private Practice

The increasing number of MSW students engaged in private psychotherapy practice concurrent with their graduate studies has received little attention in literature on social work education. This article examines the educational, ethical, and legal dilemmas effected by this trend, and describes the policy developed at the University of Denver to address these problems. More broadly, it argues that schools of social work in general have a legitimate interest in adopting policies to prohibit or discourage MSW students from conducting private practice.
Particle Mass from Planck-Scale Fluctuations

In this article we present a theory of particle mass formation. The theory is conceptually based on the ideas that space time fluctuations of very high Planck-scale energy form mass if they exceed a certain threshold value that is a characteristic of the universe. The fluctuations at the length scales that are orders of magnitude smaller than what is currently accessible by direct or indirect experimental methods and of a quantum phenomenonological nature, much inference has to be made of the Planck length scale dynamics that form the observed created particles and their mechanics. Therefore a minimalistic theory should be the starting point, and it is what is proposed here in this rapid communication. Fluctuations of coupled space and time occur, are described statistically and in phase space and therefore are as conjugate variables related by an uncertainty principle the relativistic analogue of the Heisenberg uncertainty principle familiar in low energy quantum mechanics. An information-entropy argument is made for the derivation of the statistical distributions of the fluctuations, that are parametrized by the inverse temperature in order to conveniently connect to thermodynamics. In analogy with 3D 1p time or thermodynamical parameterized condensed matter Schroedinger - like quantum mechanical systems where fluctuations of the system obtain self-energy additional terms to the dispersion relation that describe stable and metastable excitations with mass - like or effective mass, the resulting minimally coupled 4D 1p or 4D-1p equations describing the observed worm-hole mouths obtain self-energy terms to the dispersion relation that derive massive Klein-Gordon - like equations.
Abstract 19483: Assessment of Outcome in Patients With Acute Minor Ischemic Stroke Treated With Intravenous TPA

Introduction: Minor acute stroke (NIHSS≤4) within 4.5 hours from symptom onset is a common reason for withholding intravenous (iv) Thrombolysis (TPA), due to potential risk of major bleeding with such treatment and assumed good outcome without intervention. This subgroup of patients was excluded from the landmark NINDS iv tPA trial as per the prespecified protocol and also from various recent clinical trials involving acute stroke. In a recent study of patients with Rapid Improving symptoms and Minor stroke who did not receive IV tPA, 28.3% could not be discharged home and 28.5% could not ambulate independently at the time of discharge (Smith et al 2011). The efficacy of iv TPA in Minor stroke has not been previously studied. Method: Retrospective review of consecutive patients with Minor stroke (NIHSS ≤4) arriving within 4.5 hours between January 2009-July 2013 was done. Outcome in patients who received IV TPA was compared with patients who did not receive any IV tPA. Good outcome was defined as mRS ≤2. Results: 186 patients were identified out of which 20 received iv tPA. The baseline median NIHSS was 2 in the non-intervention group vs 3 in the intervention group (p =0.001), more cardioembolic, cryptogenic and lacunar stroke in tPA group (40% vs 35.53%, 20% vs 14.46% and 30% vs 22.89% respectively) there was no other statistically significant difference between the baseline characteristics of the two groups. Median change in NIHSS from admission to discharge was 1 for non-tPA vs 2.5 for tPA(p Conclusion: Acute intervention in Minor stroke appears to be safe. We did not find any statistically significant difference in clinical outcome between the two groups; this is likely due to small sample size, short follow-up period, and other confounding factors that we cannot fully account for in a retrospective study. A prospective randomized control study is warranted to clearly delineate the effect of iv TPA in patients with Minor stroke.
Caring for Persons with Serious Mental Illness: Policy and Practice Suggestions

This article places evidenced-based knowledge of practice within the social context of care and proposes five policy objectives and specific policy and program changes to address care needs of people with serious mental illness. In spite of demonstration programs that provide the basis for proposed policy initiatives throughout the United States, treatment provision for this population remains inadequate and their safety and well-being continues to be at risk. The authors suggest that treatment initiatives need to be tied to stable policies protecting the mentally ill from adverse social context changes. The authors conclude that policies are needed that will enhance housing assistance, independent social functioning, personal empowerment, and treatment engagement. In addition, efforts are needed to make better use of inpatient hospital care, to better understand the role of assisted treatment, and to better develop consistent long-term fiscal support for the seriously mentally ill. They offer specific policy recommendations for changes in HUD programs, Medicaid and Medicare funding, and treatment programming that address these needs.
Trend Test for Counts and Proportions

Trend tests evaluate whether counts or proportions Y1, …, Yk increase (or decrease) with respect to some ordered covariate, x1, …, xk. This section reviews the general development of trend tests, and then describes specific applications for the case of binomial, Poisson, and multinomial random variables. The null and alternative hypotheses are provided, appropriate link functions are discussed, and both asymptotic and exact tests are described. An illustrative example is included for each type of random variable (binomial, Poisson, and multinomial). Choice of scores for trend tests are discussed, as are various extensions, such as incorporation of historical control data, tests for goodness of fit, isotonic regression, stratified data, multiple outcomes, and clustered data. Keywords: dose–response; ordered categorical data; logistic regression; chi-square tests; maximum likelihood estimate; minimax tests; isotonic regression; binomial; Poisson; multinomial distribution
Programmed environment management of confined microsocieties

A programmed environment is described that assists the implementation and management of schedules governing access to all resources and information potentially available to members of a confined microsociety. Living and work schedules are presented that were designed to build individual and group performance repertoires in support of study objectives and sustained adaptation by participants. A variety of measurement requirements can be programmed and standardized to assure continuous assessment of the status and health of a confined microsociety.
ESTIMATING DENSITY FROM SURVEYS EMPLOYING UNEQUAL-AREA BELT TRANSECTS

Abstract Fixed-width belt transects employed in surveys of irregular shaped regions will differ in length and, therefore, in area. When estimating density from such a sample, the unequal transect areas must be taken into account.A density estimator dividing the mean number of objects (e.g., plants or animals) per transect by the mean transect area is recommended. An alternative estimator, the mean density per transect, is applicable for equal-area transects but often has undesirable properties for unequal-area transects. The recommended density estimator is identified as a ratio estimator, and its standard error is derived from ratio estimation theory.
The HSC niche concept has turned 31. Has our knowledge matured

The hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) niche is currently defined as the specific microenvironment in the bone marrow (BM) which anatomically harbors HSCs and governs their fate. It plays a pivotal role in regulating the survival and self-renewal ability of HSCs, protecting them from exhaustion while preventing their excessive proliferation. Many different stromal cell types have been proposed as putative constituents of the niche, but their integrated function is still unrevealed. Mechanisms by which stem/progenitor cell behavior is regulated in the niche include cell-to-cell interaction and the production of growth factors, cytokines, and extracellular matrix proteins. The HSC niche is a dynamic entity reflecting and responding to the needs of the organism. An understanding of how the niche participates in the maintenance of tissue homeostasis and repair offers new opportunities for the development of novel therapeutic tools.
Sustainability transitions: A political coalition perspective

In the case of technology transitions to low-carbon sources of energy, there is growing evidence that even in countries with a strong political consensus in favor of a transition, the pace has been slow in comparison with the need to reduce greenhouse gases. One factor that affects the slowness of the transition is political resistance from the incumbent industrial regime. Using data on the mobilization of resistance from the fossil-fuel industry in the United States, the study builds on the growing literature on the political dimensions of sustainability transitions by drawing attention to the role of incumbent regime coalitions, grassroots coalitions in support of green transition policies, and countervailing industrial power. Case studies of political coalitions for ballot propositions in the U.S. are used to show how countervailing industrial power, especially from the technology and financial sector, can tip the balance of electoral spending in favor of grassroots organizations.
The long term effects of radiation on T and B lymphocytes in the peripheral blood after regional irradiation

The long term alterations of T and B lymphocytes in the peripheral blood of patients treated with regional irradiation for various malignancies were examined. Eighty patients were tested at various intervals after the completion of irradiation. Absolute lymphocyte counts, the percentages of T cells and B cells, and the blastogenic response to phocyte reaction (MLR) were determined. Nearly all patients initially had absolute lymphocytopenia and one-third of the patients tested 3 years after completion of irradiation had lymphocyte counts which were more than two standard deviations below the normal range. The depression was not specific for either the T-or B-lymphocyte subpopulations. The PHA response was impaired for extended periods of time after the completion or irradiation. Differences in the mean response of lymphocytes to PHA were noted for all concentrations of the mitogen, but were most marked with suboptimal concentrations of PHA. The MLR was below the lower limits of normal in 70% of the recently irradiated patients. There was a gradual recovery of the ability to respond in the MLR, and all patients tested more than 4.5 years after the completion of therapy had a normal response. These results were compared with those obtained in patients treated with total lymphoid irradiation for Hodgkin's disease. Although three appeared to be a difference in the effect of radiation on lymphocyte subpopulations in the two groups, the effects on lymphocyte function were similar.
Two-Dimensional Orthotropic Plate Analysis for an Integral Thermal Protection System

plate theory. The two-dimensional plate deformations are used to obtain local integrated thermal protection system stresses through reverse homogenization. In addition, simple beam models are used to obtain local facesheet deformations and stress. The local stresses and deflections computed using the analytical method were compared with those from a detailed finite element analysis of the integrated thermal protection system. For the integrated thermal protection system examples considered in this paper, the maximum error in stresses and deflections is less than 5%. This was true for both mechanical and thermal loads acting on the integrated thermal protection system.
Robust Adaptive Dynamic Programming and Feedback Stabilization of Nonlinear Systems

This paper studies the robust optimal control design for a class of uncertain nonlinear systems from a perspective of robust adaptive dynamic programming (RADP). The objective is to fill up a gap in the past literature of adaptive dynamic programming (ADP) where dynamic uncertainties or unmodeled dynamics are not addressed. A key strategy is to integrate tools from modern nonlinear control theory, such as the robust redesign and the backstepping techniques as well as the nonlinear small-gain theorem, with the theory of ADP. The proposed RADP methodology can be viewed as an extension of ADP to uncertain nonlinear systems. Practical learning algorithms are developed in this paper, and have been applied to the controller design problems for a jet engine and a one-machine power system.
Two-dimensional transient simulation of the high electron mobility transistor

We develop a model for the High Electron Mobility Transistor (HEMT) which simulates conduction both inside and outside the quantum-well subbands and includes hot electron effects within the framework of average-energy-dependent parameters in macroscopic transport equations. At 77K we see significant velocity overshoot and bulk conduction. From transient simulations it is seen that the current-switching speed is a function of the electron transit time. From this we conclude that the advantage of the excellent conduction in the quantum well is not in a high saturation velocity at pinch-off but rather in a low access resistance. We also conclude that for the HEMT current saturation cannot be explained in terms of a velocity saturation mechanism at the drain edge of the gate. Finally, from steady-state calculations at 300K, we find that although velocity overshoot is reduced, the basic effects are similar to those seen at 77K.
Complex relationships between structural and functional brain connectivity

In recent work, O'Reilly and colleagues demonstrate relatively intact interhemispheric functional connectivity in a macaque brain in the absence of major commissural fibers. This work adds to a growing body of literature challenging the notion that structural and functional brain connectivity metrics are related in a straightforward manner.
Controversy, citizenship, and counterpublics: developing democratic habits of mind

A wealth of research suggests the importance of classroom discussion of controversial issues for adequately preparing students for participation in democratic life. Teachers, and the larger public, however, still shy away from such discussion. Much of the current research seeking to remedy this state of affairs focuses exclusively on developing knowledge and skills. While important, this ignores significant ways in which students’ beliefs about the concept or nature of controversy itself might affect such discussions and potentially, the sort of citizen that educators are fostering. We argue that examining the concept of ‘controversy’ is central to conducting such discussions and propose a framework of four crucial virtues or habits of mind that can be developed through such an examination. We illustrate how these four habits of mind are essential for establishing classroom ‘counterpublics’ that aim to develop more justice-oriented democratic citizens.
Low pressure ultraviolet studies for inactivation of Giardia muris cysts

Aims: The research was initiated to confirm earlier ultraviolet (u.v.) light inactivation studies performed on Giardia cysts using excystation as the viability indicator. Following this, a comparison of in vitro excystation and animal infectivity was performed for assessing cyst viability after exposure to low-pressure u.v. irradiation. Methods and Results: Cysts of Giardia muris were inactivated using a low-pressure u.v. light source. Giardia muris was employed as a surrogate for the human pathogen Giardia lamblia. Cyst viability was determined by both in vitro excystation and animal infectivity. Cyst doses were counted using a flow cytometer for the animal infectivity experiments. Using in vitro excystation as the viability indicator, fluences as high as approximately 200 mJ cm−2 did not prevent some cysts from excysting, thus verifying earlier work. Using animal infectivity, u.v. fluences of 1·4, 1·9 and 2·3 mJ cm−2 yielded log10 reductions ranging from 0·3 to ≥ 4·4. Conclusions: Results indicate that in vitro excystation is not a reliable indicator of G. muris cyst viability after u.v. disinfection. Very low doses of u.v. light rendered G. muris cysts non-infective in the mouse model employed. Significance and Impact of the Study: Data presented represent the only complete u.v. inactivation curve for G. muris. This research provides evidence that u.v. can be an effective barrier against Giardia spp. in the treatment of drinking water supplies.