cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Forced Motion of Cylindrical Shells

An exact, formal solution is presented for the dynamic response of a circular cylindrical shell of finite length subjected to time-dependent, arbitrarily distributed surface loading. The solution accounts for the effects of shear deformation and rotatory inertia as well as membrane, bending and translational inertia effects. The theory is applied to the case of a freely supported shell subjected to a moving shock, pressure discontinuity. The shock moves with constant speed in a direction which is normal with respect to the shock front, and the angle between the shell axis and the shock front, plane, is arbitrary. The solution so obtained is compared to the corresponding solution within the framework of Flugge shell theory, and significant differences are noted for shells of moderate thickness.
Water Use and Management in the Bakken Shale Oil Play in North Dakota

Oil and natural gas development in the Bakken shale play of North Dakota has grown substantially since 2008. This study provides a comprehensive overview and analysis of water quantity and management impacts from this development by (1) estimating water demand for hydraulic fracturing in the Bakken from 2008 to 2012; (2) compiling volume estimates for maintenance water, or brine dilution water; (3) calculating water intensities normalized by the amount of oil produced, or estimated ultimate recovery (EUR); (4) estimating domestic water demand associated with the large oil services population; (5) analyzing the change in wastewater volumes from 2005 to 2012; and (6) examining existing water sources used to meet demand. Water use for hydraulic fracturing in the North Dakota Bakken grew 5-fold from 770 million gallons in 2008 to 4.3 billion gallons in 2012. First-year wastewater volumes grew in parallel, from an annual average of 1 135 000 gallons per well in 2008 to 2 905 000 gallons in 2012, exceeding the ...
Detection and prediction of adverse and anomalous events in medical robots

Adverse and anomalous (A&A) events are a serious concern in medical robots. We describe a system that can rapidly detect such events and predict their occurrence. As part of this system, we describe simulation, data collection and user interface tools we build for a robot for small animal biopsies. The data we collect consists of both the hardware state of the robot and variables in the software controller. We use this data to train dynamic Bayesian network models of the joint hardware-software state-space dynamics of the robot. Our empirical evaluation shows that (i) our models can accurately model normal behavior of the robot, (ii) they can rapidly detect anomalous behavior once it starts, (iii) they can accurately predict a future A&A event within a time window of it starting and (iv) the use of additional software variables beyond the hardware state of the robot is important in being able to detect and predict certain kinds of events.
Parallelization of Minimum Probability Flow on Binary Markov Random Fields

We introduce a parallelized version of the minimum probability flow algorithm for learning the parametrization of pairwise Markov random fields. Our algorithm is embarrassingly parallel over arbitrary subgraphs, making it a useful alternative to direct approaches when an underlying structure of the graph is known. Unlike competing parallel approaches, the objective function for learning the parameters of a Markov random field is convex and efficiently solvable using a gradient descent method. We present a theory that explains why factorizing a graph can lead to computational tractability without sacrificing much estimator performance and show results for learning the parameters of binary Markov random fields. We compare the efficiency of minimum probability flow to maximum likelihood on tractable Markov random fields and present wall-clock estimation times for both approaches.
The uptake rate and selectivity of dissolved nitrogen by Oocystis borgei in prawn pond

The uptake rate of nitrogen source by Oocystis borgei was studied in this paper through adding four dissolved nitrogens and 15N in algal culture solution.The result indicated that effect of salinity on uptake rate(ρ) of nitrogen by algae was significant.When salinity was 15,the values of ρNH+4-N,ρNO-3-N and ρNO-2-N up to the maximum,were 1.691 μgN/(g·h),0.028 μgN/(g·h),0.112 μgN/(g·h) respectively,while ρUrea-Nreached maximum 0.074 μgN/(g·h) when salinity was 30.Meanwhile,the order of selective uptake of dissolved nitrogen was ammonium,nitrite,urea and nitrate.Therefore,we can improve the water quality of prawn pond by anding Oocystis borgei to remove ammonium and nitrite nitrogen.
Glucose transport in the short loop of Henle of the rat kidney. Its characterisation by transport constants.

Short loops of Henle in rat kidneys were perfused with proximal tubular equilibrium solutions containing radioactived-glucose. The transport rates follow 2-parameter kinetics:K m =5.7 mmol/l.V max=145×10−12 Mol/min−1; Phlorrhizin inhibits transport almost completely, indicating little passive diffusion ofd-glucose. The glucose transport capacity in the short loops of Henle, presumably in the pars recta, is much smaller than that in superficial segments.
China’s Green Revolution: Technology in West Africa

From a distance, Makali, Kpatawee, and the other Chinese agrotechnical stations looked strikingly like patches of rural China transplanted into African rainforests and savannah: the intense green of paddy rice, flocks of long-necked, white cattle egrets, and rows of hard working farmers, faces hidden under Chinese straw hats. Propped against the wall of Sierra Leone’s Makali station headquarters, a peeling and faded blue sign welcomed visitors (in English) to ‘Makali Commune.’ The Chinese carved a bit of Africa into a green and fertile reminder of the fields and villages they knew in Sichuan, Fujian, and Guangzhou. Some of what they transferred took root in this alien setting; much did not.
Essential tremor: an overview

Essential tremor (ET) is typically 4 to 12 Hz frequency, absent at rest, maximal during maintenance of a posture, attenuated during movement and often accentuated at the termination of movement. Prevalence in Americans is 300 to 415 per 100,000 population, and it is frequently disabling. There is controversy about the central or peripheral origin of ET. There is no specific diagnostic test for ET; the diagnosis is made clinically. Ethanol is the most effective suppressor of ET. Treatment is with beta-adrenergic blockers, primidone, and benzodiazepines. The first systematic description of essential tremor (ET) was 100 years ago by Dana in 1887, who regarded the disorder as a hereditary tremor that was a form of "motor neurosis." Most subsequent contributions to the English literature consisted predominantly of case reports until Critchley's exhaustive survey of the subject in 1949. The disorder has been variously termed essential, benign essential, hereditary, familial, idiopathic, juvenile, presenile or senile tremor.
Energy shift and state mixing of Rydberg atoms in ponderomotive optical traps

We present a degenerate perturbation analysis in the spin–orbit coupled basis for Rydberg atoms in an optical trap. The perturbation matrix is found to be nearly the same for two states with the same total angular momentum j, and orbital angular momentum number l differing by 1, The same perturbation matrices result in the same state-mixing and energy shift. We also study the dependence of state mixing and energy shift on the periodicity and symmetry of the ponderomotive potentials induced by different optical traps. State mixing in a one-dimensional lattice formed with two counterpropagating Gaussian beams is studied and yields a state-dependent trap depth. We also calculate the state-mixing in an optical trap formed by four parallel, separated and highly focused Gaussian beams.
Making Autocracy Work: Representation and Responsiveness in Modern China

Can meaningful representation emerge in an authoritarian setting? If so, how, when, and why? Making Autocracy Work identifies the trade-offs associated with representation in authoritarian environments and then tests the theory through a detailed inquiry into the dynamics of China's National People's Congress (NPC, the country's highest formal government institution). Rory Truex argues that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is engineering a system of 'representation within bounds' in the NPC, encouraging deputies to reflect the needs of their constituents, but only for non-sensitive issues. This allows the regime to address citizen grievances while avoiding incendiary political activism. Data on NPC deputy backgrounds and behaviors is used to explore the nature of representation and incentives in this constrained system. The book challenges existing conceptions of representation, authoritarianism, and the future of the Chinese state. Consultative institutions like the NPC are key to making autocracy work.
Current Concepts Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Capitellum and the Role of Osteochondral Autograft Transplantation

Background: Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the capitellum is a painful condition, which often affects young throwing athletes. Our current understanding regarding the etiology, risks factors, diagnosis, and efficacy of the available treatment options has expanded over recent years, however remains suboptimal. Recent data on patient-reported outcomes following osteochondral autograft transplantation (OAT) for the treatment of large osteochondral lesions of the capitellum have been promising but limited. This review seeks to critically analyze and summarize the available literature on the etiology, diagnosis, and reported outcomes associated with OCD of the capitellum and the use of OAT for its treatment. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted. Unique and customized search strategies were formulated in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and CENTRAL. Combinations of keywords and controlled vocabulary terms were utilized in order to cast a broad net. Relevant clinical, biomechanical, anatomic and imaging studies were reviewed along with recent review articles, and case series. Results: Forty-three articles from our initial literature search were found to be relevant for this review. The majority of these articles were either review articles, clinical studies, anatomic or imaging studies or biomechanical studies. Conclusions: Current evidence suggests that OAT may lead to better and more consistent outcomes than previously described methods for treating large OCD lesions of the capitellum.
Comparison of Synthetic Pseudoabsolute Response Spectral Acceleration (PSA) for Four Crustal Regions within Central and Eastern North America (CENA)

Abstract This study contributes to the development of a new ground‐motion model for Central and Eastern North America (CENA). We evaluate the impact of the seismic‐velocity structure for different crustal regions on ground‐motion measures. We present an overview of the regionalization of the crustal structure of CENA, the physical parameters used for the simulation codes, and the statistical method applied for the comparison of pseudoabsolute response spectral accelerations (PSAs) of four crustal regions defined within CENA. The four crustal regions are (1) the Atlantic Coastal Plain (ACP), (2) the Appalachians (APP), (3) Central North America (CNA), and (4) the Mississippi Embayment/Gulf Coast (MEM). For each region and its statistically representative velocity structure, PSA matrices were computed, covering response oscillator frequencies from 0.5 to 20 Hz and hypocentral distances up to 500 km. PSA matrices for earthquakes at four different focal depths (5, 10, 20, and 30 km) were calculated. The developed method of the normed mean differences gives a meaningful measure for inter‐regional differences of ground motions in comparison with intra‐regional variability. In this study, we compare the ln(PSA) of the APP, ACP, and MEM region with the reference region CNA, respectively. The percentage of ln(PSA) mean difference values that are smaller than the ln(PSA) standard deviation of the reference region CNA lies between 73% and 91% for the APP region, dependent on the focal depth. For the ACP region, it is about 70% for all focal depths, except for the 20 km source depth, which was excluded because a layer boundary at 20.5 km causes unrealistically strong reflections. The percentage for the MEM region is less than 50% for each of the focal depths. This analysis demonstrates that there are two distinct ground‐motion groups for CENA: Group 1: CNA, APP, and ACP Group 2: MEM. Electronic Supplement: Figures of crustal velocity structures, table of Q studies, and Q studies illustrated for one region.
WHAT DRIVES TORT REFORM LEGISLATION? AN ANALYSIS OF STATE DECISIONS TO RESTRICT LIABILITY TORTS

This article studies the timing of state‐level tort reform enactments between 1971 and 2005. Using discrete‐time hazard models, we find the level of litigation activity—as measured by incurred liability insurance losses, the number of lawyers, and tort cases commenced—to be the most important and robust determinant of tort reform adoption. Political‐institutional factors and regional effects—such as Republican control of the state government, single‐party control of the legislature and governorship, and a (relatively) conservative political ideology among a state's Democrats—are also associated with quicker reform adoption.
Sideshow Bobby: Images of the Police in Flemish Film and Television

Images of Law Enforcement in Flanders have actually moved away from culture-specific stereotypes, which may have been typical of Flemish storytelling or myth, towards storylines and ways of telling the story which resemble the mainstream of what is internationally distributed.
Single IRBs in Multisite Trials: Questions Posed by the New NIH Policy.

On June 21, 2016, the US government announced changes that are arguably the most significant of the last quarter century concerning the protection of human research participants—a requirement for use of central or single institutional review boards (IRBs) in multisite National Institutes of Health (NIH)–funded research. Specifically, the NIH announced a new policy (effective September 25, 2017) to mandate that nonexempt multisite research with humans funded by the NIH be reviewed by a single IRB.1 On January 19, 2017, final amendments to the federal human research participant protection regulations (the Common Rule) were also published, requiring use of a single IRB,2 although implementation will be delayed until January 20, 2020. The NIH directive seems straightforward, but effective implementation will require that institutions, researchers, and policy makers decide how to address a number of critical issues. The Common Rule amendments explicitly recognize that further guidance will need to be developed, necessitating that these stakeholders confront several dilemmas.
"Tropical deforestation - why bother?" (An Irish foresters perspective).

A former and esteemed member of this society, the late Dr. Eileen McCracken informs us in the introduction to her book "The Irish Woods since Tudor Times" that in 1600 about 12.5% of Ireland was under forest, this had reduced to 2% by 1800. When the inquiry committee was set up in 1907 under T.P. Gill, Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction, to examine the problems associated with the deforestation of Ireland the area under forest had reduced to less than 1.6%. The ready availability of Irish woods and forests to help the 1914 - 1918 war effort reduced this cover even more, a reduction which continued for another eleven years...
Thyroglossal Duct Cysts

The evaluation of cysts on the neck requires an appreciation of the embryological development of this region. Differentiating thryoglossal duct cysts from branchial and bronchogenic cysts is based predominantly on clinical criteria; increasingly, however, imaging studies are being utilized in evaluating these lesions. Although thyroglos-sal duct cysts are characteristically observed in the pediatric population, they may also present in adults as infected cysts, sinus tracts, or rarely as malignancies. It is essential that clinicians be certain that these cysts are distinguished from ectopic thyroid tissue, which on occasion may be the only functioning thyroid tissue present. Knowledge of the presentation, complications, and issues regarding surgical excision of these lesions is essential for endocrinologists, dermatologists, and head and neck surgeons.
The Power Within: How Individual Interest Promotes Domain-Relevant Task Engagement

Individual interest is a relatively enduring motivation to acquire knowledge and experience within a particular domain for the purpose of having that knowledge and experience. As such, the decision to select tasks within a domain of individual interest is essential to its nature. This chapter lays out a theoretical causal model that attempts to explain how the components of individual interest—stored knowledge and stored value—put into motion other key processes that lead to the selection of domain-relevant tasks. These key processes have been developed in somewhat diverse research traditions, and they include desired possible selves, mastery goals, implicit and explicit goal schemas, and level of construal, among others. All of these processes focus on how experiences with the domain contribute to the developing self-concept. Moreover, once task engagement begins, these key processes can also support task engagement in the moment because they promote individuals’ willingness and ability to care about doing well, perceive themselves as sufficiently competent, and become absorbed in the task. Finally, we speculate about how memories of past task engagement contribute to the recognition of a domain of individual interest as a feature of the self.
Study on the effect of anisotropy on a propagating beam

General anisotropy leads to different effects along the horizontal axis of a propagating beam than along the vertical axis. To better understand these effects, we developed theoretical models for beam diameter, mean intensity, and scintillation index of a Gaussian-beam wave. Two methods, valid in both weak and strong fluctuation regimes, are compared to determine beam diameter. Scintillation-index contours exhibit an elliptical shape corresponding to anisotropy while mean-intensity contours vary with path length and have no such obvious correspondence. The mean-intensity and scintillation-index analyses are based on weak-irradiance-fluctuation theory.
Establishing Effective Health Care Partnerships with Sexual and Gender Minority Patients: Recommendations for Obstetrician Gynecologists

Sexual and gender minority patients have historically experienced high rates of inappropriate and low-quality care, disrespect, and discrimination in health care settings, as well as significant health disparities. Obstetricians and gynecologists can take action on multiple fronts if they wish to improve the quality of care for their sexual and gender minority patients. Examples include improving their relationships with sexual and gender minority patients and family members by purposefully reflecting upon individual and team biases, engendering empathy for sexual and gender minority patients, and creating effective working health care partnerships with them. They can also take steps to improve their cultural competency by improving their knowledge base about sexual orientation and gender identity, using welcoming language and creating health care environments that signal to sexual and gender minority patients that they are welcomed and understood. This article documents multiple suggestions and resources that health care teams can use to improve the health and health care of their sexual and gender minority patients.
Intelligent Automation Tools and Software Engines for Managing Federal Agricultural Data

Abstract This chapter dives deep into the technical forest of data management at the government. The main purpose of this chapter is to provide step-by-step technical processes and guidelines for implementing data science and Artificial Intelligence projects at the federal government. The presented systems and intelligent methods were successfully implemented at the US Department of Agriculture. Federal analysts are currently using the mentioned federal tools, validation engine, math engine, and other parts of an intelligent data system that is fully presented in this chapter. The chapter also presents best practices and code snippets to help federal software developers regenerate what is proposed. The work presented here could be used by any software development team at any federal agency. The proposed methods and automated systems aim to override many known challenges that injecting data science at a federal agency might cause. The engines, tools, technical details, and experiments are presented and evaluated.
Accidental ingestion of sustained release calcium channel blockers in children

We examined the effects of small ingestions of sustained release calcium channel blockers (SR-CCBs) in young children and characterized current recommendations regarding monitoring after a suspected ingestion. A 2-part study was performed of pediatric calcium channel blocker (CCB) ingestion: first a telephone survey of 33 randomly selected Poison Control Centers (PCCs) from around the US concerning their recommended management of a small ingestion of sustained release calcium channel blocker in a child, and then a 5-y retrospective review of local cases of CCB ingestions in children under 4 y-of-age. The number of hours of medical observation recommended by the PCCs varied from > or = 24 h (n = 15, 45%) to 24 h to < 6 h in the 17 cases seen in an emergency department. No symptoms or vital sign abnormalities were reported in any case. Recommendations regarding duration of observation varied from < 6 h to 24 h. Ingestion of a few SR-CCB tablets was not associated with symptoms, suggesting that admission and 24-h monitoring may not be necessary under those circumstances.
Grandparents' Affectionate Communication toward Grandchildren and Grandchildren's Mental Health Difficulties: The Moderating Role of Future Time Perspective.

Given that grandparent-grandchild relationships often last for several decades of grandchildren’s lives, it becomes important to examine how grandparents’ affectionate communication might be associ...
Strangulated Inguinal Hernia

Strangulated inguinal hernia is a surgical emergency commonly encountered by nearly all general surgeons. If not recognized and treated promptly, mortality may be as high as 30%. A wide array of open and laparoscopic approaches can be employed to treat suspected strangulated hernias. Primary repair, permanent prosthetic mesh, absorbable prosthetic mesh, and biologic meshes have all been successfully used in the treatment of strangulated inguinal hernias, and all play a role in current treatment. We review the issues surrounding the diagnosis and treatment of strangulated inguinal hernia and propose an algorithm for surgical management.
Cirugía robótica multicuadrante concomitante para prostatectomía radical y nefrectomía parcial izquierda. Dos procedimientos mediante un solo abordaje

Resumen Introduccion Presentar el primer caso de cirugia multicuadrante concomitante —prostatectomia radical robotica y nefrectomia parcial robotica izquierda— realizadas con tecnica de puerto unico utilizando el sistema quirurgico da Vinci SP® (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale CA, EE. UU.). Paciente y metodologia Varon de 66 anos con diagnostico de cancer de prostata localizado y lesion sospechosa en rinon izquierdo encontrada en tomografia axial computarizada (TAC) durante la evaluacion del cancer de prostata. Ambos procedimientos se realizaron usando una sola incision de 3 cm, y un puerto laparoscopico adicional; utilizando un Gelpoint® estandar (Applied Medical, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, EE. UU.) y replicando la tecnica previamente descrita de puerto unico para prostatectomia radical robotica y nefrectomia parcial con el uso de la plataforma robotica puerto unico prostatectomia SP®. Resultados Tiempo operatorio total fue 256 min, con un tiempo de consola de 108 min para la prostatectomia radical, y 101 min para la nefrectomia parcial, respectivamente, incluyendo un tiempo de isquemia de 26 min. La perdida sanguinea estimada fue de 250 cc. No se necesito transfusion. La enfermedad final de prostata fue adenocarcinoma Gleason 7 (4 + 3) y para la lesion renal fue carcinoma de celulas renales. Despues de 2 meses de seguimiento, PSA fue indetectable, sin recurrencia o complicaciones. Conclusiones La tecnica de puerto unico presenta ventajas como: mas facil planificacion quirurgica y transicion para cirugias combinadas y multicuadrantes, recuperacion mas rapida, dolor postoperatorio minimo y menor uso de opioides, ademas de excelentes resultados cosmeticos. Sugerimos que procedimientos combinados deberian ser realizados solo en instituciones con un alto volumen de pacientes, por cirujanos con amplia experiencia en cirugia robotica y con pacientes seleccionados.
Sex differences in substance use from adolescence to young adulthood: Tests of increases in emergent adulthood and maturing out in later young adulthood.

Abstract Introduction This study evaluated sex differences in substance use changes across two transitions: from adolescence (age 17 yrs.) to emergent adulthood (age 23 yrs.), and maturing out from emergent to later young adulthood (ages 28 and 33 yrs.). Methods Four-wave longitudinal data (N = 1004) from adolescence to young adulthood were used and five substance outcomes were assessed (cigarette, alcohol, and marijuana use, heavy drinking episodes (HDEs), and alcohol problems). A longitudinal mixed model tested Sex × Time interactions to determine if sex moderated changes in substance outcomes. Results Findings supported both increases in substance outcomes from adolescence to emergent adulthood and decreases in substance outcomes from emergent adulthood to later young adulthood. Sex moderated these relationships, with males increasing their use of substances more than females across the transition from adolescence to emergent adulthood. Findings were partially robust across substance outcomes, although sex specificity was indicated for some substance outcomes (e.g., males’ greater acceleration than females for HDEs) for the adolescent to emergent adult interval (from ages 17–23 years) and sex differences in maturing out for some outcomes (e.g., females’ matured out earlier than males for cigarette and marijuana use). Conclusions These findings provide support for developmental changes associated with significant increases in substance use during the early twenties and decreases (maturing out) in the late twenties and early thirties. Sex moderated the strength of these relationships and these sex differences may be associated with changes in young adult social roles (e.g., marriage, parenting, and occupational roles).
Quantifying treatment effects of hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin for COVID-19: a secondary analysis of an open label non-randomized clinical trial (Gautret et al, 2020)

Abstract Human infections with a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) were first identified via syndromic surveillance in December of 2019 in Wuhan China. Since identification, infections (coronavirus disease-2019; COVID-19) caused by this novel pathogen have spread globally, with more than 250,000 confirmed cases as of March 21, 2020. An open-label clinical trial has just concluded, suggesting improved resolution of viremia with use of two existing therapies: hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) as monotherapy, and in combination with azithromycin (HCQ-AZ). [3, 4]. The results of this important trial have major implications for global policy in the rapid scale-up and response to this pandemic. The authors present results with p-values for differences in proportions between the study arms, but their analysis is not able to provide effect size estimates. To address this gap, more modern analytical methods including survival models, have been applied to these data, and show modest to no impact of HCQ treatment, with more significant effects from the HCQ-AZ combination, potentially suggesting a role for co-infections in COVID-19 pathogenesis. The trial of Gautret and colleagues, with consideration of the effect sizes, and p-values from multiple models, does not provide sufficient evidence to support wide-scale rollout of HCQ monotherapy for the treatment of COVID-19; larger randomized studies should be considered. These data also suggest further randomized-controlled studies of HCQ-AZ combination therapy should be undertaken.
COVID-19 outbreak and surgeons’ response at a Cancer Center in the United States

In the pandemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome due to coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), United States (U.S.) also experienced the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Here, we report the current status of Houston, Texas and the response to COVID-19 at MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC) and in the Department of Surgical Oncology. MDACC has taken the institutional measures in order to prevent its employees and patients from COVID-19. Furthermore, surgeons have also responded aggressively in the outpatient setting, operating room and inpatient care. The predicted peak in Texas is on April 29 and our mitigation measures appear to be effective at the time of writing, however there still remain a lot of unknowns about SARS-CoV-2 and the performance of cancer operations remains an ongoing and delicate issue. In order to minimize the risks to patients, our healthcare system, and our community, MDACC has navigated the countering pressures through honest and open communication with patients, judicious use of alternative treatment strategies, and thoughtful selection of surgical cases.
Gene Editing for CF

Cystic fibrosis therapeutics have advanced steadily over the past half century, increasing life expectancy from pre-school ages into the fourth and fifth decades of life. New, small molecule pharmacologic therapies that modulate CFTR biosynthesis or activity are proving to be quite effective for many CF patients, indicating that intervention at the level of the basic defect is an effective therapeutic strategy. However, there are over 2000 different mutations documented in the CFTR gene of persons with cystic fibrosis. This is a difficult scenario for developing the minimal number of therapeutic approaches that will service the greatest number of affected individuals. Molecular therapies that can alter the genome, repairing or circumventing a CFTR mutation, are becoming more feasible with recent advances in molecular biology along with technologies to deliver these genome editing systems to cells in the body. These new technologies precisely target DNA editing machinery to single sites in the genome and allow one to pursue a variety of strategies. Those that are mutation-specific include homology-dependent repair of DNA breaks, base editing by nucleotide deamination and peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) to actually change a specific mutation. There are also strategies that would circumvent many or all mutations by insertion, such that a complete or partial cDNA is introduced into the CFTR gene at a position that will override mutations. It is unclear which of these or future strategies will prevail, but there is great optimism with such technologies available.
New Verse for a Familiar Song: Small Molecule Inhibitors for MET exon 14 Skipping Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

MET exon 14 skipping alterations (METex14) represent one of the newest discovered driver oncogene alterations for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which serve to define a distinct elderly patient population. New challenges in detection and treatment have emerged. In the last 15 years, the successes of tumor molecular profiling and therapeutic stratification in patients with advanced-stage disease have made NSCLC a poster child in the era of precision medicine. Each of the oncogenic drivers defines a distinct patient population. The selection of treatments based on oncogenic drivers such as EGFR, ALK, and ROS1, among others, has been transformative in terms of the duration and quality of life for patients with NSCLC receiving effective inhibitors. METex14 have emerged as one of the newest additions of driver oncogenes for NSCLC.
The projected impacts of smart decline on urban runoff contamination levels

There has been mounting interest about how the repurposing of vacant land (VL) through green infrastructure (the most common smart decline strategy) can reduce stormwater runoff and improve runoff quality, especially in legacy cities characterized by excessive industrial land uses and VL amounts. This research examines the long-term impacts of smart decline on both stormwater amounts and pollutants loads through integrating land use prediction models with green infrastructure performance models. Using the City of St. Louis, Missouri, USA as the study area, we simulate 2025 land use change using the Conversion of Land Use and its Effects (CLUE-S) and Markov Chain urban land use prediction models and assess these change’s probable impacts on urban contamination levels under different smart decline scenarios using the Long-Term Hydrologic Impact Assessment (L-THIA) performance model. The four different scenarios are: (1) a baseline scenario, (2) a 10% vacant land re-greening (VLRG) scenario, (3) a 20% VLRG scenario, and (4) a 30% VLRG scenario. The results of this study illustrate that smart decline VLRG strategies can have both direct and indirect impacts on urban stormwater runoff and their inherent contamination levels. Direct impacts on urban contamination include the reduction of stormwater runoff and non-point source (NPS) pollutants. In the 30% VLRG scenario, the annual runoff volume decreases by 11%, both physical, chemical, and bacterial pollutants are reduced by an average of 19%, compared to the baseline scenario. Indirect impacts include reduction of the possibility of illegal dumping on VL through mitigation and prevention of future vacancies.
Controlling 2D PDEs using mobile collocated actuators-sensors and their simultaneous guidance constrained over path-dependent reachability regions

Employing mobile actuators and sensors for control and estimation of spatially distributed processes offers a significant advantage over immobile actuators and sensors. In addition to the control performance improvement, one also comes across the economic advantages since fewer devices, if allowed to be repositioned within a spatial domain, must be employed. While simulation studies of mobile actuators report superb controller performance, they are far from reality as the mechanical constraints of the mobile platforms carrying actuators and sensors have to satisfy motional constraints. Terrain platforms cannot behave as point masses without inertia; instead they must satisfy constraints which are adequately represented as path-dependent reachability sets. When the control algorithm commands a mobile platform to reposition itself in a different spatial location within the spatial domain, this does not occur instantaneously and for the most part the motion is not omnidirectional. This constraint is combined with a computationally feasible and suboptimal control policy with mobile actuators to arrive at a numerically viable control and guidance scheme. The feasible control decision comes from a continuous-discrete control policy whereby the mobile platform carrying the actuator is repositioned at discrete times and dwells in a specific position for a certain time interval. Moving to a subsequent spatial location and computing its associated path over a physics-imposed time interval, a set of candidate positions and paths is derived using a path-dependent reachability set. Embedded into the path-dependent reachability sets that dictate the mobile actuator repositioning, a scheme is proposed to integrate collocated sensing measurements in order to minimize costly state estimation schemes. The proposed scheme is demonstrated with a 2D PDE having two sets of collocated actuator-sensor pairs onboard mobile platforms.
Market forces determine the distribution of a leaky function in a simple microbial community

Many biological functions are leaky, and organisms that perform them contribute some of their products to a community "marketplace" in which nonperforming individuals may compete for them. Leaky functions are partitioned unequally in microbial communities, and the evolutionary forces determining which species perform them and which become beneficiaries are poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that the market principle of comparative advantage determines the distribution of a leaky antibiotic resistance gene in an environment occupied by two "species"-strains of Escherichia coli growing on mutually exclusive resources and thus occupying separate niches. Communities comprised of antibiotic-resistant cells were rapidly invaded by sensitive cells of both types. While the two phenotypes coexisted stably for 500 generations, in 15/18 replicates, antibiotic sensitivity became fixed in one species. Fixation always occurred in the same species despite both species being genetically identical except for their niche-defining mutation. In the absence of antibiotic, the fitness cost of resistance was identical in both species. However, the intrinsic resistance of the species that ultimately became the sole helper was significantly lower, and thus its reward for expressing the resistance gene was higher. Opportunity cost of resistance, not absolute cost or efficiency of antibiotic removal, determined which species became the helper, consistent with the economic theory of comparative advantage. We present a model that suggests that this market-like dynamic is a general property of Black Queen systems and, in communities dependent on multiple leaky functions, could lead to the spontaneous development of an equitable and efficient division of labor.
Characterization and Simulation of a Unit Injector

The characteristics of the diesel engine unit injector were studied both theoretically and experimentally. The transient fuel pressure in the unit injector was indirectly measured by using strain gauges placed in different locations on the drive train, between the cam and plunger. The events which take place during the injection process were analyzed and the effects of several design and operating variables on the different injection parameters were determined. Computer simulation showed a fairly good agreement between computed and experimental results.
Age and the Risk of Warfarin‐Associated Hemorrhage: The Anticoagulation and Risk Factors In Atrial Fibrillation Study

OBJECTIVES To assess whether older age is independently associated with hemorrhage risk in patients with atrial fibrillation, whether or not they are taking warfarin therapy.
Spatial QRS curves of the newborn infant. Spatial magnitude, velocity, and orientation (Frank system).

Abstract Spatial curves, derived by digital computational procedures from Frank lead system recordings on the first day of life in thirteen term newborn infants have been presented. Although these data are not considered definitive, they do illustrate some interesting aspects of the spatial characteristics of electrocardiograms recorded at this age and the curves reflect the unique anatomic characteristics of the heart for this period of life. Of interest also is the great normal variability in time course of force orientation characteristic of this age.
Serologic and mucosal immune response to rotavirus infection in the rabbit model.

Abstract We examined the humoral immune response to rotavirus infection in specific pathogen-free rabbits inoculated and challenged orally with rabbit Ala rotavirus (7.5 x 10(5) to 1 x 10(7) PFU). The humoral immune response in both serologic and mucosal samples was monitored by using total antibody enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), isotype-specific ELISAs, and plaque reduction neutralization assays. Following a primary infection, all rabbits shed virus and serologic and mucosal antibody responses were initially detected by 1 week postinoculation. Intestinal immunoglobulin M was detected by 3 days postinoculation, and secretory immunoglobulin A was detected by 6 days postinoculation. Following challenge, rabbits were protected (no detectable virus shedding) from infection. An anamnestic immune response was observed only with mucosal neutralizing antibodies, and all serologic and mucosal immune responses persisted at high levels until at least 175 days postchallenge (204 days postinoculation). Detection of neutralization responses was influenced by the virus strain used in the neutralization assay; all inoculated rabbits developed detectable serum and intestinal neutralizing antibodies against the infecting (Ala) virus strain. Neutralization activity in both serum and mucosal samples was generally, but not exclusively, homotypic (VP7 serotype 3) after both primary and challenge inoculations with Ala virus. Heterotypic serum neutralization activity was observed with serotype 8 (9 of 12 rabbits) and 9 (12 of 12 rabbits) viruses and may be based on reactivity with the outer capsid protein VP4 or on a shared epitope in the C region of VP7. Comparisons of heterologous (serotype 3) and heterotypic neutralizing responses in mucosal and serologic samples revealed that 43% (21 of 49) of the responses were discordant. In 19 of 49 (39%) of these cases, a heterotypic serologic response was seen in the absence of a heterotypic mucosal response, but in 2 of 49 (4%) instances, a heterotypic mucosal response was seen in the absence of a concomitant serologic response. These results provide insight into factors which may affect detection of heterotypic responses.
Infrasound from the 2007 fissure eruptions of Kīlauea Volcano, Hawai'i

[1] Varied acoustic signals were recorded at Kīlauea Volcano in mid-2007, coincident with dramatic changes in the volcano's activity. Prior to this time period, Pu'u 'Ō'ō crater produced near-continuous infrasonic tremor and was the primary source of degassing and lava effusion at Kīlauea. Collapse and draining of Pu'u 'Ō'ō crater in mid-June produced impulsive infrasonic signals and fluctuations in infrasonic tremor. Fissure eruptions on 19 June and 21 July were clearly located spatially and temporally using infrasound arrays. The 19 June eruption from a fissure approximately mid-way between Kīlauea's summit and Pu'u 'Ō'ō produced infrasound for ∼30 minutes—the only observed geophysical signal associated with the fissure opening. The infrasound signal from the 21 July eruption just east of Pu'u 'Ō'ō shows a clear azimuthal progression over time, indicative of fissure propagation over 12.9 hours. The total fissure propagation rate is relatively slow at 164 m/hr, although the fissure system ruptured discontinuously. Individual fissure rupture times are estimated using the acoustic data combined with visual observations.
NSF Geosciences Committee Focuses on Program and Budget Issues

The spring meeting of the National Science Foundation's (NSF) Advisory Committee for the Geosciences (AC GEO), held on 3–4 April, was filled with firsts. It was the first time that AC GEO met as a body after merging with NSF's polar advisory committee in 2012. In addition, it was the first time that France Cordova, sworn in as the new NSF director on 31 March and sworn in again during a special ceremony in the atrium at NSF headquarters on 3 April, met with AC GEO in her new capacity. Cordova, who is president emerita of Purdue University, previously was a distinguished professor of physics and astronomy at the University of California, Riverside, and NASA chief scientist.
Visually-controlled leg movements embedded in a walking task.

Accurate control of alternating leg movements in walking was considered as a visually controlled target aiming task. Nine subjects aimed alternate feet at targets along a walkway, using nine combinations of amplitude and target width giving index of difficulty values between 2.59 and 6.16. Movement time was compared to the same subjects performing reciprocal tapping tasks with arm and leg. Alternating target aiming tasks were the most rapid of all tasks studied. Explanations of this effect in terms of learning and elimination of direction changes were consistent with the data from all conditions. Visual control can be expected in normal walking only for target sizes smaller than about 300 mm, i.e., under unusual accuracy requirements.
Inclusive Schooling: Fostering Citizenship among Immigrant Students in Europe.

Growing ethnic and cultural diversity within Europe has brought increased attention to the impact and inclusion of immigrant populations and has also presented societies with valuable opportunities for intercultural learning between diverse groups. Using the International Civic and Citizenship Study data from 24 European education systems, in this paper we explore whether fostering an atmosphere of inclusion in schools relates to select attitudes and behaviours typically associated with an inclusive society, particularly among immigrant students. Our study is able to tease out some of the differences related to social class among immigrant students, opening up important avenues for discussion and future research. According to our findings, first generation immigrant students from higher socio-economic status backgrounds tended to have significantly more negative attitudes toward their resident country. Findings also collectively suggest that local-level practices, such as improving immigrant student parti...
Structure of phospholipid suspensions under negative pressure

Abstract Liquid crystalline suspensions of the phospholipid diolcoylphosphatidylethanolamine in water were subjected to negative pressures (tensions) of up to -150 bar. Small-angle X-ray scattering measurements of the unit cell spacing in the inverted hexagonal phase have a sensitive dependence on both pressure and temperature which varies smoothly through zero pressure. We conclude that the interactions that control the unit cell spacing are such that the change in unit cell spacing with pressure is the same for both positive and negative pressure throughout the range of pressure and temperature studied.
QoI in DTN-based directional networks

Due to high traffic demands, networks are increasingly required to implement techniques which support prioritization. Internet Quality of Service (QoS) approaches such as Differentiated Services (Diffserv) and Integrated Services (Intserv) can function in a traditional provider network. However, in some domains these techniques are not straightforward to implement. Wireless networks are increasingly using directional networking capabilities to handle increased traffic demands. However, prioritization techniques for such networks are in the research phase. In this paper we propose an approach to prioritize traffic in these types of networks using the principles of Quality of Information (QoI). We build on previous work which established topology control and routing approaches for directional networks using Delay/Disruption-Tolerant Networking (DTN). We extend this framework to support varied information quality.