cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Medium term virtual memory replacement

A measurement technique that is used to monitor memory usage is described, and two new algorithms for memory management are presented. The first is a virtual memory replacement algorithm that is partially based on periodic, sequential, and transient behaviors. The other is an approximation to the line replaceable unit (LRU), called the cluster LRU, that performs better on the programs measured than the usual clocl algorithm. The performance of various algorithms is compared by trace-drive simulation. The new algorithms seem to provide significant improvement over existing approaches. Faults decrease approximately 10-40% in the range of interest for the memory traces. >
Adaptive algorithms for choosing transmission parameters in dynamic channel conditions

Modern communication systems are designed to be robust while maximizing achieved capacity. To achieve this goal, many standards allow the use a variety of coding schemes, constellations, error coding capabilities and other transmission parameters. The transmission parameters in use should be tailored to the actual channel conditions. Hence, there is a need for algorithms that analyze channel impairments using digital signal processing methods and determine the optimal transmission parameters accordingly. Furthermore, as channel conditions vary over time, these algorithms should be adaptive. The capabilities of the receiver in use should be taken into consideration as well. We present the benefits of developing such adaptive algorithms and demonstrate them in several contemporary standards. In the case of cable modem communication, we present a solution that employs digital signal processor (DSP) based upstream channel analysis (DUCA) adaptive algorithms. Simulation results of such adaptive algorithms are included.
Smoking Cessation Outcomes Among Sexual and Gender Minority and Nonminority Smokers in Extended Smoking Treatments

Introduction Sexual and gender minority individuals (i.e., lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender [LGBT]) have a higher smoking prevalence than nonminority individuals. There is limited evidence of smoking abstinence success in nontailored smoking treatments among LGBT smokers. Methods This study is a secondary data analysis comparing the efficacy of extended, nontailored treatments among sexual and gender minority and nonminority smokers. Data from two clinical trials were combined to increase power and generalizability of the findings. Trials began with 12 weeks of counseling, nicotine replacement, and bupropion, after which participants were randomized to an extended treatment. Results Follow-up occurred at weeks 12, 24, 52, 64, and 104. Of the sample (n = 777), 17% identified as sexual and gender minority and 83% as nonminority. The sample was 75% non-Hispanic White, with 86% completing at least some college, and 68% were employed. Sexual and gender minorities were younger and indicated a greater desire to quit smoking than nonminority smokers. No other differences emerged on demographic, smoking, or mood variables. The average Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence score was 4.8, and mean daily cigarettes was 19.8. The generalized estimating equations model revealed no significant differences in abstinence between sexual and gender minority smokers and nonminority smokers at all follow-up assessments. Conclusions Sexual and gender minority smokers appear as likely to quit or abstain as nonminority smokers in extended, nontailored interventions. However, these findings may not generalize to other geographic areas, where access to treatment is limited or a higher stigma of sexual orientation exists.
Identification and characterization of ART-27, a novel coactivator for the androgen receptor N terminus.

The androgen receptor (AR) is a ligand-regulated transcription factor that stimulates cell growth and differentiation in androgen-responsive tissues. The AR N terminus contains two activation functions (AF-1a and AF-1b) that are necessary for maximal transcriptional enhancement by the receptor; however, the mechanisms and components regulating AR transcriptional activation are not fully understood. We sought to identify novel factors that interact with the AR N terminus from an androgen-stimulated human prostate cancer cell library using a yeast two-hybrid approach designed to identify proteins that interact with transcriptional activation domains. A 157-amino acid protein termed ART-27 was cloned and shown to interact predominantly with the AR153–336, containing AF-1a and a part of AF-1b, localize to the nucleus and increase the transcriptional activity of AR when overexpressed in cultured mammalian cells. ART-27 also enhanced the transcriptional activation by AR153–336 fused to the LexA DNA-binding domain but not other AR N-terminal subdomains, suggesting that ART-27 exerts its effect via an interaction with a defined region of the AR N terminus. ART-27 interacts with AR in nuclear extracts from LNCaP cells in a ligand-independent manner. Interestingly, velocity gradient sedimentation of HeLa nuclear extracts suggests that native ART-27 is part of a multiprotein complex. ART-27 is expressed in a variety of human tissues, including sites of androgen action such as prostate and skeletal muscle, and is conserved throughout evolution. Thus, ART-27 is a novel cofactor that interacts with the AR N terminus and plays a role in facilitating receptor-induced transcriptional activation.
Autonomous Regulation of Sex-Specific Developmental Programming in Mouse Fetal Germ Cells

In mice, unique events regulating epigenetic programming (e.g., genomic imprinting) and replication state (mitosis versus meiosis) occur during fetal germ cell development. To determine whether these processes are autonomously programmed in fetal germ cells or are dependent upon ongoing instructive interactions with surrounding gonadal somatic cells, we isolated male and female germ cells at 13.5 days postcoitum (dpc) and maintained them in culture for 6 days, either alone or in the presence of feeder cells or gonadal somatic cells. We examined allele-specific DNA methylation in the imprinted H19 and Snrpn genes, and we also determined whether these cells remained mitotic or entered meiosis. Our results show that isolated male germ cells are able to establish a characteristic ‘‘paternal’’ methylation pattern at imprinted genes in the absence of any support from somatic cells. On the other hand, cultured female germ cells maintain a hypomethylated status at these loci, characteristic of the normal ‘‘maternal’’ methylation pattern in endogenous female germ cells before birth. Further, the surviving female germ cells entered first meiotic prophase and reached the pachytene stage, whereas male germ cells entered mitotic arrest. These results indicate that mechanisms controlling both epigenetic programming and replication state are autonomously regulated in fetal germ cells that have been exposed to the genital ridge prior to 13.5 dpc. de novo methylation, genomic imprinting, germ cells, meiosis, sex differentiation
Capacitation-like changes in equine spermatozoa following cryopreservation.

Abstract The primary objective of this study was to assess plasma membrane characteristics and activation of signal transduction pathways in equine spermatozoa during both in vitro capacitation and cryopreservation. Significant plasma membrane restructuring, as assessed by measurement of plasma membrane lipid disorder and phospholipid scrambling, was not observed until after cryopreservation and subsequent thawing (P
Relations among EEGS from entorhinal cortex, olfactory bulb, somatomotor, auditory and visual cortices in trained cats

We are testing the hypothesis that a rapid exchange of corollary discharges and perceptual signals occurs between the limbic system and the primary sensory cortices (PSCs), in the 1 s time segments preceding a discriminated CS and between a CS+ and a CR in a fixed ITI appetitive bar release paradigm. We have focused on the entorhinal cortex (EN) owing to the bi-directional paths linking it to the PSCs. We also postulate that signals lasting on the order of 50 – 100 ms, which constitute a basis for implementing rapid shifts in attention, can be detected in EEGs simultaneously recorded from electrode arrays on the surfaces of the EN and PSCs.
Weitere Befunde zur Struktur und Funktion des Zwischenhirn-Hypophysensystems der Vögel

Our electron-microscopic studies (Oksche, 1965; Oehmke et al., 1969) on Passer domesticus have shown that the granules (diameters up to 1,000 A) of the tubero-infundibular tract are formed in the Golgi zone of the neurons of the infundibular nucleus (Fig. 5A). Except for the size of the granules, this process is cytologically indistinguishable from the formation of secretion in the supraoptic nucleus. If one applies electron-microscopic criteria, the neurons of the infundibular nucleus of birds have all of the characteristics of neurosecretory cells ; the secretory product is not selectively stainable but fluoresces on application of the technique of Falck (1962), and Falck and Owman (1965). The avian hypothalamus, therefore, in addition to the classical neurosecretory system of the supraoptic and paraventricular nucleus, contains at least a further, aminergic neurosecretory system involving the infundibular and ventromedial nucleus. With the introduction of the questions concerning the origin of the “ Gomori-positive”1 neurosecretory material in fibers leading to the rostral division of the median eminence and concerning the significance of the non-fluorescing neurones associated with the infundibular nucleus, the problem becomes substantially more complex. The infundibular nucleus consists of a mosaic of small cell groups which cytologically are conspicuously differentiated. Also, the rostral region of the avian hypothalamus in the vicinity of the optic recess may contain additional neuroendocrinologically active cell types. Still completely puzzling are the “Gomori-positive” nerve cells that are scattered in the optic tract and in the entopeduncular tract.
MOVEMENT AFTEREFFECTS AND FIGURAL AFTEREFFECTS.

Recent work on certain movement aftereffects has shown that the duration of such effects is greater in the lower half of the visual field than it is in the upper half. This finding is said to be op...
Accumulation of Amyloid-Like Aβ1–42 in AEL (Autophagy–Endosomal–Lysosomal) Vesicles: Potential Implications for Plaque Biogenesis:

Abnormal accumulation of Aβ (amyloid β) within AEL (autophagy–endosomal–lysosomal) vesicles is a prominent neuropathological feature of AD (Alzheimer's disease), but the mechanism of accumulation within vesicles is not clear. We express secretory forms of human Aβ1–40 or Aβ1–42 in Drosophila neurons and observe preferential localization of Aβ1–42 within AEL vesicles. In young animals, Aβ1–42 appears to associate with plasma membrane, whereas Aβ1–40 does not, suggesting that recycling endocytosis may underlie its routing to AEL vesicles. Aβ1–40, in contrast, appears to partially localize in extracellular spaces in whole brain and is preferentially secreted by cultured neurons. As animals become older, AEL vesicles become dysfunctional, enlarge and their turnover appears delayed. Genetic inhibition of AEL function results in decreased Aβ1–42 accumulation. In samples from older animals, Aβ1–42 is broadly distributed within neurons, but only the Aβ1–42 within dysfunctional AEL vesicles appears to be in an amy...
Unconjugated and Conjugated Bilirubin Transport in Normal and Mutant Corriedale Sheep with Dubin-Johnson Syndrome

SummaryBilirubin transport was studied in normal and mutant Corriedale sheep with Dubin-Johnson syndrome using 14C-labeled unconjugated and conjugated bilirubin. Inter-compartmental transfer rates and pool sizes of unconjugated bilirubin (UCB) and of conjugated bilirubin (CB) were calculated by observing the rates of disappearance of injected 14C-UCB and 14C-CB from the plasma. The transport efficiencies of UCB and CB from a mixing pool (primarily plasma) to a storage pool (primarily hepatic cells) in the mutants were 22% and 12%, respectively, that of normal sheep. Bilirubin excretion efficiency in mutants was approximately 33% that of normal sheep.Increased UCB and CB plasma concentrations in the mutant Corriedale sheep apparently result from a decreased transport efficiency of both UCB and CB from plasma to liver as well as the defective excretion of CB by the liver into bile.
Direct Observation of Kinetically Competent Surface Intermediates upon Ethylene Hydroformylation over Rh/Al2O3 under Reaction Conditions by Time-Resolved Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy

Time resolved Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy with millisecond resolution (rapid scan technique) has been employed to detect multiple kinetically relevant surface intermediates in heterogeneous catalytic hydroformylation of ethylene over alumina-supported Rh nanoparticles at 443 K (1 atm total pressure). While corresponding single component C2H4 hydrogenation over Rh/Al2O3 nanoparticle catalysts yields ethane, no hydrogenation of transient ethyl intermediate is observed in the presence of CO. Hence, complete product selectivity is observed with respect to branching between hydroformylation and direct ethylene hydrogenation to ethane. Surface ethyl intermediate (C2H5Rh: 2876, 2855, 1190 cm−1) is converted to propionyl intermediate (C2H5C(═O)Rh: 2869, 1675 cm−1) by reaction with CO with a time constant of 2.7 s. The spectral assignments of propionyl were confirmed by the observation of 13C shifts. Hydrogenation of propionyl to propionaldehyde with its characteristic C═O (1737 cm−1; 13C═O at 1...
A Use for the Densitometer in Insect Taxonomy

Insect taxonomists using comparative morphology to separate species and indicate their geographical variation rarely take advantage of instruments useful in other areas of study. Recently, there has been some progress in this direction. Standardized color charts and digital analytical balances are being used more and more, and digital linear measurement devices will soon be available for use (Sokal 1965). Such instruments are not only more accurate than the older measuring devices, but also are time saving. Methods for quantitatively delineating colors of the sclerites of the insect body and relative “lightness” or “darkness” of the wings, in particular, lag far behind those for separating easily measurable characters such as lengths, areas, and volumes. Devices more objective than the color charts being used are sorely needed for the exact gauging of colors. The use of the densitometer for measuring the “fuscosity” of the wings appears to be an improvement on previous methods.
Substance use disorder and the risk of open-angle glaucoma.

PURPOSE To test the hypothesis that cocaine use (abuse and/or dependency) is associated with open-angle glaucoma. METHODS A case-control study. Potential case patients were identified from the Veterans Health Administration national clinical database using International Classification of Disease, Version 9, Clinical Modification for open-angle glaucoma for fiscal year 2009. Inclusion criteria included consecutive prescriptions for 1 or more topical antiglaucoma medications. Cocaine exposure was identified through International Classification of Disease, Version 9, Clinical Modification codes. The odds of cocaine exposure were compared with the overall outpatient population of national Veterans Health Administration beneficiaries and adjusted for age and other illicit drug use. A nested case-control study was conducted to examine the confounding influence of race. RESULTS Age-adjusted odds ratios of cocaine exposure among patients with glaucoma were statistically significant for both men [3.52 (95% confidence interval, CI: 3.21-3.86)] and women [1.87 (95% CI: 1.79-1.96)], and did not change significantly when analyzed according to drug-dependency status. Subset analysis adjusted for age, other illicit drugs, and race remained significant for men [1.45 (95% CI: 1.27-1.66)], but not women. Persons with substance use disorder and glaucoma were nearly 18 years younger than glaucoma patients without a drug exposure history. CONCLUSIONS This pilot study suggests the use of cocaine and possibly other illicit drugs are predictive of glaucoma. Should the association of substance use disorder (cocaine or cocaine/poly-drug abuse) and open-angle glaucoma be verified, it represents a potentially modifiable risk factor for vision loss.
Multi-Objective Evolutionary Optimization Method for Thermal Protection System Design

A Thermal Protection System (TPS) is responsible for protecting the spacecraft’s components from melting due to high re-entry temperatures. In the design of TPS, both maximum thermal stress and minimum natural frequency must be considered due to the combined thermo-acoustic environment inherent in high-speed vehicle applications. In this work, a multi-objective structural optimization method for the three-dimensional acreage TPS design is developed using an Evolutionary Structural Optimization (ESO) algorithm. The static control parameter used to find the optimum in minimum thermal stress design is modified to address an irregular mode-switching phenomenon, as well as for improving the modal stiffness in dynamic analysis. Two objectives are optimized simultaneously; namely, the maximization of fundamental natural frequency and the minimization of maximum thermal stress. The proposed modified control parameter is demonstrated on the design of a metallic TPS using the method of weighted objectives. The results are then compared with the conventional ESO sensitivity approach. This work concludes by applying the methodology which makes use of both topology and shape optimization in the design of an acreage TPS.
The weekend effect alters the procurement and discard rates of deceased donor kidneys in the United States.

Factors contributing to the high rate of discard among deceased donor kidneys remain poorly understood and the influence of resource limitations of weekends on kidney transplantation is unknown. To quantify this we used data from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients and assembled a retrospective cohort of 181,799 deceased donor kidneys recovered for transplantation from 2000–2013. We identified the impact of the day of the week on the procurement and subsequent utilization or discard of deceased donor kidneys in the United States, as well as report the geographic variation of the impact of weekends on transplantation. Compared with weekday kidneys, organs procured on weekends were significantly more likely to be discarded than transplanted (odds ratio: 1.16; 95% confidence interval: 1.13–1.19), even after adjusting for organ quality (adjusted odds ratio: 1.13; 95% confidence interval: 1.10–1.17). Weekend discards were of a significantly higher quality than weekday discards (Kidney Donor Profile Index: 76.5% vs. 77.3%). Considerable geographic variation was noted in the proportion of transplants that occurred over the weekend. Kidneys available for transplant over the weekend were significantly more likely to be used at larger transplant centers, be shared without payback, and experienced shorter cold ischemia times. Thus, factors other than kidney quality are contributing to the discard of deceased donor kidneys, particularly during weekends. Policy prescriptions, administrative or organizational solutions within transplant programs may potentially mitigate against the recent increase in kidney discards.
Rotating Arc Sensor on the Structural Optimization

The basic principle of arc sensor and the structure of rotating arc sensor were introduced.According to the existing rotating arc sensor with the characteristic of heavy weight and big volume,the structure of rotating arc sensor was optimized.As the driver,the micro-motor drives the eccentric-installed conducting rod rotating through the gears,then the arc scans the groove along the circumference,and achieves the rotating arc.After optimized,the structure of the rotating arc sensor is simple and compact,the size and weight is reduced.It is beneficial to the application in industrial production.
Effect of Carbon Fiber on the Friction and Wear Behavior of Paper-Based Friction Material

A paper-based friction material reinforced by carbon fiber was prepared by dipping of the pulp composed of short cut carbon fiber, friction modifier, fillers, and water, in phenolic resin, and the successive compression of the dipped pulp at elevated temperature. The friction and wear behavior of the resulting paper-based friction material was evaluated using an MQ1000-Ⅱfriction and wear tester, with the effect of the carbon fiber mass fraction on the friction and wear behavior of the friction material to be focused on. Moreover, the thermal stability and mechanical strength of the paper-based friction material were also examined as the functions of the carbon fiber mass fraction. It was found that the dynamic friction coefficient, static friction coefficient, and wear rate of the friction materials were closely related to the content of the carbon fiber as the reinforcing agent. The dynamic friction coefficient increased with increasing content of the carbon fiber, while the static friction coefficient and wear rate decreased therewith. When the mass fraction of the carbon fiber was greater than 5%, the dynamic friction coefficient reached to about 0.13 and retained almost unchanged with further increase in the carbon fiber mass fraction. When the mass fraction of the carbon fiber rose over 10%, the static friction coefficient and wear rate reached to about 0.15 and 4.5×10~(-8) cm~3/J, respectively, and assumed little change with further increase of the carbon fiber mass fraction. The improved friction and wear behavior and stability of the friction coefficient of the paper-based friction materials reinforced with the carbon fiber were attributed to the increased thermal stability and mechanical strength and the solid lubricity of the carbon fiber.
Summary of results and conclusions

This chapter first summarizes the findings of the investigation described in the preceding chapters. The implications that these findings have for the kinds of policy questions posed in Chapter 1 are then briefly commented upon. Ways in which this investigation might be improved and extended are then discussed.
Tension-free vaginal tape-Abbrevo procedure for female stress urinary incontinence: a prospective analysis over 22 months

Introduction We aimed to study the efficacy and safety of the tension-free vaginal tape (TVT)-Abbrevo procedure for female stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Methods This was a prospective cohort study that aimed to determine the subjective and objective cure, improvement of SUI and incidence of complications among women who underwent TVT-Abbrevo for SUI during a period of 22 months from September 2011 to June 2013. Results A total of 76 patients, with a mean age of 48.2 ± 8.1 years, underwent TVT-Abbrevo during the study period. Among them, 86.8% had vaginal delivery and 5.3% had instrumental delivery. Mean parity was 2.3 ± 0.8 and mean body mass index was 27.0 ± 5.0 kg/m2. 11 (14.5%) patients had previously tried physiotherapy. Mean follow-up duration was 12.3 ± 5.6 months. The subjective cure rate for SUI at one-month, six-month and one-year follow-up was 95.7%, 90.8%, and 90.6%, respectively. Among the nine patients who completed the two-year follow-up, 88.9% reported either cure or improvement of SUI. At six months, the proportion of patients with objective cure was 86.8%, and the rates of postoperative groin pain and complications were low. In addition, overactive bladder symptoms disappeared in 76.3% of patients. Conclusion Our results are comparable with those of other studies, although long-term results remain to be seen.
Solenopsis Invicta Virus 3: Infection Tests with Adult Honey Bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

Abstract Solenopsis invicta virus 3 (SINV-3) is a positive sense, single-stranded RNA virus that has considerable potential as a self-sustaining or classical biocontrol agent against the invasive fire ant Solenopsis invicta Buren (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) because it can cause substantial mortality in colonies of this species. Based on extensive host specificity tests with other ants, we predicted that SINV-3 would not infect the honey bee, Apis mellifera L. (Hymenoptera: Apidae). Nevertheless, because of the economic importance of honey bees, it was necessary to confirm this prediction before proceeding with field release of SINV-3 into regions where it does not yet occur. To test our prediction, we 1) examined field bees for the presence of the virus, 2) conducted specific searches of the GenBank databases for sequences (amino acid and nucleotide) with identity to SINV-3, and 3) inoculated laboratory groups of honey bees with large doses of SINV-3. SINV-3 was not detected in field bees or in GenBank libr...
Abstract 175: Applying Toyota Lean Manufacturing Principles to Stroke Care: Accelerating Door-to-Needle times

Background: Recent analysis of National Get-with-the-Guidelines data has shown that less than one third of all patients treated with intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) had door-to-needle times (DTN) within the ‘Golden Hour’ recommended by current guidelines. Accumulating evidence indicates that shorter DTN is associated with improved outcomes. In March 2011, we began a fundamental transformation, employing Toyota Lean manufacturing principles to improve Emergency Department (ED) DTN in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients receiving IV tPA. Methods: A multi-disciplinary team of ED physicians, Neurologists, Radiologists, Nurses, Patient Care Technologists, Radiology Technologists and Lean Performance Management Engineers critically analyzed the chain of events required to evaluate and treat AIS patients with intravenous tPA. A “current state” value stream Map (VSM) was created to identify barriers and inefficiencies in the process. To address the identified inefficiencies, a “future state” VSM was created and implemented. Time metrics were prospectively collected prior to and after implementation of the “future state” VSM. Results: The “current state” VSM identified several barriers to rapid evaluation for treatment, including: 1) Inefficient patient flow, requiring patients to be routed by EMS to an ED room, then to CT, then back to the room; 2) Redundant procedures (patient was initially hooked up to cardiac monitors, then removed, and re-hooked up after imaging); 3) Serial processing of multiple tasks; 4) Inefficient use of available staff; 5) Difficulties locating witnesses to determine time of onset (TOO); 6) Delays due to laboratory sample processing; 7) Delays due to non-uniform organization of supplies within each room. A “future state” VSM was created, addressing many of the identified inefficiencies: 1) Patients were routed directly to the CT scanner by EMS; 2) A formal team of 6 members was created to initiate work after the stroke pager activation; 3) Each team member was assigned pre-arranged tasks (e.g. social worker to identify and contact witnesses to determine TOO, alternation of NIHSS and medical history duties between EM and Neurology); 4) Point of care tests were implemented for labs that were critical to the decision-making process; 5) Patient registration occurred in the CT suite. Median DTN prior to the “future state” VSM (N=132) was 60 min; after implementation (N=37), median DTN decreased to 37 min (0 Conclusion: Lean manufacturing principles can successfully be applied to improve stroke care in an acute hospital setting. We show in this study that DTN times can be dramatically reduced after a Lean intervention. Future analysis will be needed to examine if this intervention is safe, sustainable and leads to improved outcomes.
The Metabolic Constitution: Legitimate Compulsory Mobilization and the Limits of EU Legal Pluralism

The primary function of a constitution, whether written or unwritten, is not to constrain power but, in fact, to ‘constitute’ it. What does this mean? What are the normative or practical implications of this ‘constitutional’ phenomenon? At its core the constitution of power entails the sociopolitical emergence of mechanisms to extract and redirect (‘mobilize’) human and fiscal resources in a legitimate and compulsory fashion. Legitimate compulsory mobilization is the crucial element in the political metabolism of a community, converting social and economic resources into work for public ends. This ‘metabolic’ function, if you will, is the essential element of any genuinely ‘constituted’ public authority. It is also, as this chapter elaborates, crucial to understanding the nature and limits of the legal and political order of European integration. The European Union (EU) is marked by two features operating in persistent tension. First, the EU enjoys extensive rulemaking, enforcement and adjudicative powers conferred by the member states by way of the treaties. Second, the EU possess little or no autonomous capacity to mobilize fiscal and human resources in its own right. Consequently, even as the EU has come to enjoy extensive normative-regulatory power (hence giving rise to a highly pluralist legal system), the ultimate authority to mobilize fiscal and human resources in the EU system has remained stubbornly and overwhelmingly national. In the EU system, in other words, the metabolic function is still distributed among the governing bodies (notably legislatures) of the member states. This distribution of power – vertically ‘multilevel’ in a legal and regulatory (i.e., administrative) sense but horizontally ‘polycentric’ in a robustly democratic and constitutional sense – has had profound implications for the nature of the integration process since its inception. Moreover, this odd combination of autonomy from, yet dependence upon national forms of ‘constitutional’ government is also crucial to defining what the EU’s legal-pluralist regulatory system can realistically achieve. These limits, as well as the EU’s deeper ‘administrative, not constitutional’ character, have been especially clear in the various crises that have persistently confronted the integration process over the last decade.
Volterra Series and Geometric Control Theory

Abstract It is shown here that controlled differential equations which are analytic in the state and linear in the control have solutions which can be expanded in a Volterra series provided there is no finite escape time. The Volterra kernels are computed in terms of the power series expansion of the functions defining the differential equation. We also give necessary and sufficient conditions for a Volterra series to he realizable by a linear analytic system. These conditions are particularly easy to test if the Volterra series is finite; a complete theory is worked out for this case. In the final section some applications are considered to singular control, multilinear realization theory, etc.
Comparing Sample Means

In pathology and laboratory medicine, there are many tests that provide quantitative and continuous results. In fact, many qualitative, categorical test results are derived from quantitative results that are dichotomized for ease of interpretation. Continuous variables can assume any value in a real number interval. Statistical inference of continuous variables is very important, for example, comparing the quantitative results of a test between two groups of patients requires statistical tools that can deal with continuous variables.
Shifting characteristics of ecstasy users ages 12-34 in the United States, 2007-2014.

Abstract Background Ecstasy/MDMA has been one of the most prevalent party drugs for decades, and powder ecstasy recently increased in popularity. We examined trends in use to determine who to best target for prevention and harm reduction. Methods Secondary analysis of the 2007–2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, a repeated cross-sectional, nationally representative probability sample, was conducted. Linear trends in past-year ecstasy use and trends in demographic and other past-year substance use characteristics among ecstasy users were examined among participants ages 12–34 ( N = 332,560). Results Past-year prevalence of ecstasy use was stable across years at 2% ( P = 0.693). Over time, the proportion of ecstasy users with a college degree increased from 11.5% in 2007/08 to 24.5% in 2013/14 ( P P s P s P s P Conclusions Ecstasy use in the US appears to be increasing among those with college degrees and use of other substances among ecstasy users is growing—particularly use of otherwise rare substances such as tryptamines. Results inform prevention and harm reduction strategies in this increasingly shifting group of ecstasy users.
Observations of Intraspecific Interactions of Bobcats (Lynx rufus) in the Southern High Plains of Texas

Bobcats (Lynx rufus) are solitary felines, having minimal interaction between individuals except for mating or rearing of kittens by females. We report observations of nonaggressive interactions observed and photographed among bobcats in an impacted landscape of the Southern High Plains of Texas. These included the temporary mixing of bobcat litters with at least one adult female present, interactions involving related females and a juvenile, a male bobcat in the presence of a nursing female and her kittens, and several adult bobcats accompanied by a juvenile.
Magnetic Properties of Donors and Acceptors in Silicon: Similarities and Differences

We summarize experimental results we have obtained for the susceptibility and non-linear magnetization of insulating n-type and p-type silicon. The behavior of donors and of acceptors is found to be quite similar, and agrees with predictions of the scaling theory of Bhatt and Lee. We also present and discuss some interesting differences which are not yet fully understood.
Wnt Signaling in Hematological Malignancies

Leukemia and lymphoma are a wide encompassing term for a diverse set of blood malignancies that affect people of all ages and result in approximately 23,000 deaths in the United States per year (Siegel RL, Miller KD, Jemal A. Cancer statistics, 2016. CA Cancer J Clin. 2016;66(1):7-30.). Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are tissue-specific stem cells at the apex of the hierarchy that gives rise to all of the terminally differentiated blood cells, through progressively restricted progenitor populations, a process that is known to be Wnt-responsive. In particular, the progenitor populations are subject to uncontrolled expansion during oncogenic processes, namely the common myeloid progenitor and common lymphoid progenitor, as well as the myeloblast and lymphoblast. Unregulated growth of these cell-types leads to mainly three types of blood cancers (i.e., leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma), which frequently exhibit deregulation of the Wnt signaling pathway. Generally, leukemia is caused by the expansion of myeloid progenitors, leading to an overproduction of white blood cells; as such, patients are unable to make sufficient numbers of red blood cells and platelets. Likewise, an overproduction of lymphocytes leads to clogging of the lymph system and impairment of the immune system in lymphomas. Finally, cancer of the plasma cells in the blood is called myeloma, which also leads to immune system failure. Within each of these three types of blood cancers, there are multiple subtypes, usually characterized by their timeline of onset and their cell type of origin. Of these, 85% of leukemias are encompassed by the four most common diseases, that is, acute myeloid leukemia (AML), chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL); AML accounts for the majority of leukemia-related deaths (Siegel RL, Miller KD, Jemal A. Cancer statistics, 2016. CA Cancer J Clin. 2016;66(1):7-30.). Through understanding how HSCs are normally developed and maintained, we can understand how the normal functions of these pathways are disrupted during blood cancer progression; the Wnt pathway is important in regulation of both normal and malignant hematopoiesis. In this chapter, we will discuss the role of Wnt signaling in normal and aberrant hematopoiesis. Our understanding the relationship between Wnt and HSCs will provide novel insights into therapeutic targets.
The Historian’s Trial: John Demjanjuk and the Prosecution of Atrocity

This chapter argues that atrocity trials have revolutionized the relationship between jurists and historians. With the criminal proceedings against John (Ivan) Demjanjuk as my focus, I argue that in cases involving mass atrocity, basic legal questions are unanswerable without the insights of professional historians. Although some historians worry about what happens to history when enlisted in the service of the state, Demjanjuk’s historic Munich trial showed how prosecutors called upon historians as expert witnesses to offer a highly granular historical understanding of a complex exterminatory practice. This trial by history crucially clarified the role of the collaborator in Nazi genocide. Ultimately, this chapter argues that it is impossible to cabin history from law in trials of mass atrocity. Second, it insists that the state is capable of deploying history in a sophisticated fashion to frame a satisfactory juridical understanding of such crimes.
Assessment of NAMS members' prescription patterns of hormone therapy before and after the 2016 NAMS Annual Meeting.

OBJECTIVE Hormone therapy (HT) prescription patterns have varied enormously over time and across specialties. The present study attempts to look at practice variation in specific controversial scenarios and to determine if attendance at The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) 2016 Annual Meeting, where the draft of the 2017 NAMS HT Position Statement was presented, had any impact on members' HT prescribing patterns. METHODS An anonymous survey with 11 case scenarios was sent to all NAMS members before and after the 2016 NAMS Annual Meeting. Pre- and postmeeting responses were pooled into a single cohort. For those who responded to both surveys, only the postmeeting survey responses were included in the cohort. The impact of attendance at the 2016 NAMS Annual Meeting was investigated by comparing paired responses with "controversial questions" between pre- and postmeeting surveys in the matched population who either attended the 2016 NAMS Annual Meeting (intervention arm) or did not (control arm). "Controversial questions" were defined as those where 25% to 75% of responders answered "YES" to a question. McNemar's test was applied to analyze paired responses using SAS statistical software, with P ≤ 0.05 being considered statistically significant. RESULTS A total of 1,786 NAMS members were surveyed before and after the 2016 NAMS meeting, 234 (13%) completed the premeeting survey, 166 (9%) completed the postmeeting survey, and 52 completed both surveys. Of the 52, 27 attended the 2016 NAMS Annual Meeting and 25 did not. The pooled cohort contains 348 responses which represents a 20% response rate. Six complex case scenarios with "controversial questions" were identified from the pooled cohort and reexamined in the intervention and control arm, respectively. In the intervention arm, significant changes toward being more likely to prescribe HT in guideline-consistent cases were noted in four out of six cases, whereas significant changes in HT use were not seen in any of six complex cases in the control arm. CONCLUSIONS NAMS members' prescribing patterns of HT vary in complex clinical scenarios. After the 2016 NAMS Annual Meeting where a draft of the 2017 NAMS HT Position Statement was presented and discussed, in four challenging and complex clinical situations a significant number of practitioners changed their prescription patterns toward prescribing HT which was consistent with the new guideline.
CANONS OF MAYA PAINTING: A spatial analysis of Classic period polychromes

This paper presents an analysis of the size and spatial organization of text segments and anthropomorphic figures on Classic Maya polychrome vases. Based on a sample of 110 vases that contain both text and images and are complete enough to measure the relevant variables, I demonstrate that a single set of canons for the sizes and placements of text segments and images, separately and with respect to one another, characterizes vessels throughout the polychrome-producing area. Both texts and images exhibit a three-level hierarchy of sizes, with standardized ratios of the primary-to-secondary level and of the secondary-to-tertiary level. Concurrently, significance is added to these sizes through vertical and horizontal arrangement on the vessel surface. This analysis confirms statistically what visual analysis has broadly speculated about in terms of proportion, scale, and similarities between styles. Data are also provided that illuminate issues in the method and meaning of scene layout and the representation of active and inactive figure illustration.
Effect of thermotherapy on the acquisition of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus by the Asian citrus psyllid (Hemiptera: Liviidae)

The Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae), is the most detrimental insect pest of citrus crops due to its role as a vector of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (Las), the bacterial causal agent of huanglongbing, also known as citrus greening disease. Trees infected with Las decline rapidly and fruit production decreases until eventual tree death. Few treatment options for infected trees are available for disease management. A technique called “thermotherapy” is under development to reduce bacterial titers in infected trees; however, the effect of these treatments on the transmission cycle of Las is not known. Field and laboratory assays were conducted to determine whether thermotherapy treatment reduced Las acquisition by D. citri. Trees in the field were treated with a mobile heat treatment system. Potted trees in the laboratory were treated in a steam chamber. We monitored acquisition rates in D. citri following thermal treatment of Las-positive Citrus sinensis (L.) (Rutaceae). Psyllid acquisition and Las titer in thermotherapy-treated trees were compared with untreated Las-positive and untreated Las-negative trees. Our results confirmed the efficacy of whole-tree thermotherapy on Las in potted citrus trees. In contrast, thermotherapy did not significantly reduce plant Las titers or acquisition of Las by D. citri under field conditions. These results suggest that further development of field application methods is needed to determine the utility of thermotherapy as a tool for huanglongbing management.
Model-based learning of information diffusion in social media networks

Social networks have become widely used platforms for their users to share information. Learning the information diffusion process is essential for successful applications of viral marketing and cyber security in social media networks. This paper proposes two learning models that are aimed at learning person-to-person influence in information diffusion from historical cascades based on the threshold propagation model. The first model is based on the linear threshold propagation model. In addition, by considering multi-step information propagation in one time period, this paper proposes a learning model for multi-step diffusion influence between pairs of users based on the idea of random walk. Mixed integer programs (MIP) have been used to learn these models by minimizing the prediction errors, where decision variables are estimations of the diffusion influence between pairs of users. For large-scale networks, this paper develops approximate methods for those learning models by using artificial neural networks to learn the pairwise influence. Extensive computational experiments using both synthetic data and real data have been conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed models and methods.
Comprehensive analysis of HER2 status through genomic, transcription, and translation among 5,305 patients with diverse malignancies.

3632Background: HER2 alterations is a predictive biomarker for anti-HER2 regimen. Success in breast and gastric cancers with anti-HER2 therapies translated to explore their efficacy in other tumors...
When development is at stake: Fear the disease, not the vaccine.

Everyone has probably heard about the outbreak of measles in the undervaccinated orthodox Jewish community in New York in 2018 that later catalyzed 75% of US measles cases in 2019.1 Sadly, misinformation can change social behavior.2 Many of the children in this community had not been vaccinated because of personal exemptions. These nonmedical exemptions contribute to undervaccination of children in many different communities.3 Many parents choose not to vaccinate their children because of fears about postvaccination febrile seizures or poor neurodevelopmental outcomes. While febrile seizures have been associated with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine,4 there is ample evidence that vaccines do not cause autism, epilepsy, or epileptic encephalopathies.4–6 In this issue of Neurology ®, Deng et al.7 provide additional, timely evidence that vaccines do not lead to adverse neurologic outcomes.
Immunogenetics of Atherosclerosis—Link between Lipids, Immunity, and Genes

Atherosclerosis is a complex disease process with lipid as a traditional modifiable risk factor and therapeutic target in treating atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ACVD). Recent evidence indicates that genetic influence and host immune response also are vital in this process. How these elements interact and modify each other and if immune response may emerge as a novel modifiable target remain poorly understood. Numerous preclinical studies have clearly demonstrated that hypercholesterolemia is essential for atherogenesis, but genetic variations and host immune-inflammatory responses can modulate the pro-atherogenic effect of elevated LDL-C. Clinical studies also suggest that a similar paradigm may also be operational in atherogenesis in humans. More importantly each element modifies the biological behavior of the other two elements, forming a triangular relationship among the three. Modulating any one of them will have downstream impact on atherosclerosis. This brief review summarizes the relationship among lipids, genes, and immunity in atherogenesis and presents evidence to show how these elements affect each other. Modulation of immune response, though in its infancy, has a potential to emerge as a novel clinical strategy in treating ACVD.
DIKES VERSUS WINDMILLS: CLIMATE TREATIES AND ADAPTATION

This paper begins with a tribute to William Nordhaus, focusing on the two questions that have motivated his life’s work. The first is by how much carbon dioxide emissions should be reduced over tim...
Providing Choice Enhances Motor Performance under Psychological Pressure

The purpose of this present study was to examine whether providing choice would enhance motor performance under psychological pressure. Participants were asked to throw soft-golf balls toward a cir...
Mass production of human airway-like neutrophils via transmigration in an organotypic model of human airways.

Summary Neutrophils are difficult to study, particularly in tissues, due to their short half-life and propensity for activation. We describe an organotypic airway model that uses patient airway fluid to enable the transmigration of blood neutrophils to acquire an airway-like phenotype in order to better understand their contribution to airway diseases. In particular, we showcase how conditioned neutrophils modulate their bacteria-killing abilities. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Margaroli et al. (2021) .