cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and Predictors of Delayed Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) Among Survivors of Adults with Hematologic Malignancies

Abstract Introduction: Advances in treatment strategies and supportive care have resulted in a growing number of long-term survivors of hematologic malignancies. In the general U.S. population, CVD (heart failure, stroke, myocardial infarction) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, and cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs: diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidemia) are well-established modifiers of CVD risk. Childhood (Circulation 2013 22;128) and young adult ( Methods: Using a retrospective cohort study design, 2,993 2+y survivors of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), lymphocytic leukemia (LL), and multiple myeloma (MM) diagnosed at age ≥40y between 2000 to 2007 and treated at Kaiser Permanent Southern California (KPSC) were included in the study. KPSC is the largest integrated managed care organization in Southern California, with documented 10-year insurance retention rates for cancer survivors exceeding 70% (JAYAO 2013 2:59). A non-cancer comparison group (N=6,272) was constructed by selecting individuals enrolled in KPSC and matched to cancer survivors (1:2) on age at diagnosis, sex, and zip-code. Cumulative incidence of CVD (ICD-9 definition: congestive heart failure, stroke, or myocardial infarction) was calculated, taking into consideration the competing risk of death. Definition of CVRFs (hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia) was per the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to calculate hazard ratio (HR) estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CI), adjusted for relevant covariates. Results: Median age at cancer diagnosis was 63y (range: 40-96); 53.6% were male; 68% were non-Hispanic white; diagnoses: NHL (N=1,787 [59.7%]), LL (N=705 [23.6%], MM (N=501 [16.7%]). In cancer survivors, median time from cancer diagnosis to end of follow-up was 6.2 years (range: 2-10), representing 12,622 person-years of follow-up. Comparison with non-cancer cohort: The 8y cumulative incidence of CVD was significantly higher for NHL survivors (17% vs. 14%, p Conclusions: Survivors of adult-onset NHL, LL and MM are at increased risk for developing cardiovascular disease when compared to a matched non-cancer cohort. Cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension and diabetes are independent modifiers of risk of delayed cardiovascular disease. Taken together these data form the basis for identifying high-risk individuals for targeted surveillance, as well as aggressive management of cardiovascular risk factors. Download : Download high-res image (74KB) Download : Download full-size image Figure 1 . Download : Download high-res image (71KB) Download : Download full-size image Figure 2 . Download : Download high-res image (67KB) Download : Download full-size image Figure 3 . Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Promoting Public Protection Through an 'Attorney Integrity' System: Lessons from the Australian Experience with Proactive Regulation of Lawyers

This essay uses the Australian proactive approach to regulating attorneys as a springboard to discussing the role of proactive regulation of lawyers in advancing public protection. The essay provides information on the genesis and implementation of “proactive management-based regulation, the system in Australia. The essay reviews key research findings from empirical studies on the impact of the new system on complaints registered against lawyers and the conduct of lawyers in firms. The essay suggests possibilities for using management-based principles to improve lawyer regulation and conduct in the United States and other jurisdictions. The author concludes with a challenge for regulators and regulated persons to transform the heavy reliance on a “disciplinary” approach that largely swoops in after alleged misconduct to an “integrity” system in which lawyers and regulators work in partnership to raise the ethical bar in the interest of public protection.
A Cross-cultural Comparison of Mate Preferences among University Students; The United States Vs. The People’s Republic of China (PRC)*

In this study, college students from both North America (n = 648) and People’s Republic of China (n = 735) completed a questionnaire that asked about their preferences for characteristics in a mate...
Changes in Everyday and Digital Health Technology Use Among Seniors in Declining Health.

Background U.S. seniors' digital health and everyday technology use when their health declines are unknown. Methods Longitudinal cohort using the National Health and Aging Trends Study, a nationally representative, annually administered sample of community-dwelling Medicare beneficiaries (n = 4,037). We used difference-in-differences to assess the adjusted difference (AD) in technology use from 2011 to 2014 between those with and without health declines. Health decline measures included new-onset dementia; new-onset depression; decreases in activities of daily living (ADLs), short physical performance battery (SPPB), grip strength, and self-reported health; relocation to nursing facility; increased hospitalizations; and new-onset comorbidity. Digital health included use of the Internet to research health conditions, contact clinicians, fill prescriptions, and address insurance matters. Results Between 2011 and 2014, seniors experiencing health decline used various digital health technologies at low absolute rates (range: 1%-20%). Between 2011 and 2014, use of everyday technology decreased significantly among seniors with new-onset dementia (from 73% to 51%; AD, -26%), decreased ADLs (from 76% to 67%; AD, -10%), decreased SPPB (from 88% to 86%; AD, -3%), and relocation to a nursing facility (from 49% to 22%; AD, -31%) compared to seniors without comparable decline (all p < .05). Use of digital health decreased significantly among seniors with new-onset probable dementia (from 9% to 4%; AD, -6%) and decreased SPPB (from 24% to 25%; AD, -4%; all p < .05). Conclusions The type of health decline a senior experiences predicts technology use, which may allow better targeting of digital health to specific seniors. Seniors with new dementia, relocation to a nursing home, and declining physical performance seem especially poor candidates for technology interventions.
Effects of Sulfide Concentration and Dissolved Organic Matter Characteristics on the Structure of Nanocolloidal Metacinnabar

Understanding the speciation of divalent mercury (Hg(II)) in aquatic systems containing dissolved organic matter (DOM) and sulfide is necessary to predict the conversion of Hg(II) to bioavailable methylmercury. We used X-ray absorption spectroscopy to characterize the structural order of mercury in Hg(II)-DOM-sulfide systems for a range of sulfide concentration (1-100 μM), DOM aromaticity (specific ultraviolet absorbance (SUVA254)), and Hg(II)-DOM and Hg(II)-DOM-sulfide equilibration times (4-142 h). In all systems, Hg(II) was present as structurally disordered nanocolloidal metacinnabar (β-HgS). β-HgS nanocolloids were significantly smaller or less ordered at lower sulfide concentration, as indicated by under-coordination of Hg(II) in β-HgS. The size or structural order of β-HgS nanocolloids increased with increasing sulfide abundance and decreased with increasing SUVA254 of the DOM. The Hg(II)-DOM or Hg(II)-DOM-sulfide equilibration times did not significantly influence the extent of structural order in nanocolloidal β-HgS. Geochemical factors that control the structural order of nanocolloidal β-HgS, which are expected to influence nanocolloid surface reactivity and solubility, should be considered in the context of mercury bioavailability.
Mining Historical Data towards Interference Management in Wireless SDNs

WiFi networks often seek to reduce interference through network planning, macroscopic self-organization (e.g. channel switching) or network management. In this paper, we explore the use of historical data to automatically predict traffic bottlenecks and make rapid decisions in a wireless (WiFi-like) network on a smaller scale. This is now possible with software defined networks (SDN), whose controllers can have a global view of traffic flows in a network. Models such as classification trees can be used to quickly make decisions on how to manage network resources based on the quality needs, service level agreement or other criteria provided by a network administrator. The objective of this paper is to use data generated by simulation tools to see if such classification models can be developed and to evaluate their efficacy. For this purpose, extensive simulation data was collected and data mining techniques were then used to develop QoS prediction trees. Such trees can predict the maximum delay that results due to specific traffic situations with specific parameters. We evaluated these decision/classification trees by placing them in an SDN controller. OpenFlow cannot directly provide the necessary information for managing wireless networks so we used POX messenger to set up an agent on each AP for adjusting the network. Finally we explored the possibility of updating the tree using feedback that the controller receives from hosts. Our results show that such trees are effective and can be used to manage the network and decrease maximum packet delay.
Does use of the POLST form implicate overall care for patients with advanced cancer syndromes

15Background: The POLST “Practitioner Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatments” form addresses patient goals, scope of therapies, artificial nutrition, and resuscitation status. In New Jersey, Section...
Isolation design considerations for power supply of medium voltage silicon carbide gate drivers

Single switch capable of blocking 10 kV and higher voltages are presently being developed and demand improved gate drivers for their functioning. Induction based gate drivers have been the foremost solutions in this regard. Design challenges that have been outlined for these drivers are low coupling capacitance, strong magnetic coupling and smaller dimensions with isolation not considered in depth. In this paper, first isolation requirements and its physical realization guidelines are provided from IEC 61800-5-1 for electric drives application. Based on study, two system insulation designs: single and double PCB are derived for lower MV and higher MV system respectively. Current loop gate driver with double PCB design is found to be practical and economical solution for higher MV power electronics systems. Afterwards, shortcomings of three state of art induction solutions at both system and magnetic link level is discussed. Improved transformers with primary MV cable providing mandatory solid insulation are fabricated. It is shown through impedance measurements that the cable has negative effect on the magnetizing inductance and coupling capacitance compared to state of art transformer solution. At the end, both set of transformers are tested with 64 kV impulse and 32 kV overvoltage with only improved transformers showing positive results.
Dependence of multipath propagation effects on the UWB pulse characteristics

Measurements on ultra-wideband (UWB) pulse propagation over the ground show the presence of three distinct propagation regimes: (1) in the first regime, the signal power decreases as ∼ d−2, where d is the separation distance between the transmitter and the receiver; (2) in the second regime, the signal power decreases on the average as ∼ d−2 with distance, but exhibits interference maxima and minima; (3) in the third regime, the signal power decreases as ∼ d−4. Theoretical analysis indicates two characteristic length scales d i and d 2 , called first and second breakpoint distances, determine the sizes of the three propagation regimes. These characteristic lengths depend both on the geometrical parameters such as the heights of the transmitter (h 1 ) and the receiver (h 2 ) over the ground as well as on UWB pulse properties such as pulse duration (t p ) and cycle time (t c ). Simple expressions for break points exist when h i , h 2 >> ct p and d >> h 1 : d 1 ≈ 4h 1 h 2 /cT p ≈ 4h 1 h 2 B/c, and d 2 ≈ 4h 1 h 2 /cT c ≈ 4h 1 h 2 f c /c, where B ∼ 1/t p is the bandwidth and f c ∼ 1/t c is the center frequency of the UWB pulse. For a given transmitter height h i , the loci of first and second breakpoints in the (d, h 2 ) plane are hyperbolas with the transmitter and its image as the foci. Based on the propagation results presented here, we suggest that waveform diversity can effectively be used to improve the performance of a UWB based adaptive communication or navigation system.
Spinal Fixation: Long-Term Alterations in Spinal Reflex Excitability with Altered or Sustained Sensory Inputs

The mammalian spinal cord has long been known to contain a rich variety of reflex pathways, in addition to providing the pathways for transmission of neural signals to and from the body and the higher nervous system. For many years, these reflexes were assumed to be essentially unchanging, hard-wired entities that provided the underpinnings for response to stimuli. Sherrington (1905)) noted that reflex activity could be increased or decreased with activation, but that these effects were transient. In the 1960s and 1970s work by investigators such as Thompson (e.g., Thompson and Spencer, 1966) began to study the ability of sensory inputs to the reflex pathways to alter reflex activity. Soon, the work of Kandel (e.g., Carew, Pinsker and Kandel, 1972) and his associates showed in Aplysia that reflex alterations could have a longer-lasting component. This led to the realization that in the mammalian cord there could be longer lasting aspect of reflex excitability alterations. However, this fact had been shown to occur with learning paradigms much earlier. Shurrager and his colleagues (e.g., Shurrager and Culler, 1940) had demonstrated that spinal reflexes responded with increased activity to a classical conditioning paradigm and that the increased responsiveness lasted for hours in spinalized animals. While controversial, these data set the stage for increased interest in the possibility that spinal reflexes were not simply relatively unchanging neural networks left over from the distant past and superceded by increasing encephalization of function in higher animals.
Doppler Velocimetry in Maternal Alloimmunization

Obstetrical management of isoimmunized pregnancy is determined by the severity of fetal anemia. Early and accurate diagnosis of anemia makes safe and effective clinical management. In fetal Rh disease, fetal anemia leads to cardiovascular changes in blood flow through the major fetal vessels, detectable by Doppler velocimetry is particularly attractive since examination can be quick, safe and cost-effective.
The benefits of saying YES

The writer acknowledges his debt to Freeman Dyson for pointing out the deleterious effects of eco-freaks and neo-Luddites on technological innovation and scientific creativity.
Overcoming detector limitations of x-ray photon counting for preclinical microcomputed tomography.

Spectral computed tomography (CT) using photon counting detectors (PCDs) can provide accurate tissue composition measurements by utilizing the energy dependence of x-ray attenuation in different materials. PCDs are especially suited for K-edge imaging, revealing the spatial distribution of select imaging probes through quantitative material decomposition. We report on a prototype spectral micro-CT system with a CZT-based PCD (DxRay, Inc.) that has 16 × 16 pixels of 0.5 × 0.5 mm2, a thickness of 3 mm, and four energy thresholds. Due to the PCD’s limited size (8 × 8 mm2), our system uses a translate-rotate projection acquisition strategy to cover a field of view relevant for preclinical imaging (∼4.5 cm). Projection corrections were implemented to minimize artifacts associated with dead pixels and projection stitching. A sophisticated iterative algorithm was used to reconstruct both phantom and ex vivo mouse data. To achieve preclinically relevant spatial resolution, we trained a convolutional neural network to perform pan-sharpening between low-resolution PCD data (247-μm voxels) and high-resolution energy-integrating detector data (82-μm voxels), recovering a high-resolution estimate of the spectral contrast suitable for material decomposition. Long-term, preclinical spectral CT systems such as ours could serve in the developing field of theranostics (therapy and diagnostics) for cancer research.
An Electron‐Rich Calix[4]arene‐Based Receptor with Unprecedented Binding Affinity for Nitric Oxide

Calixarenes have found widespread application as building blocks for the design and synthesis of functional materials in host-guest chemistry. The ongoing desire to develop a detailed understanding of the nature of NO bonding to multichromophoric π-stacked assemblies led us to develop an electron-rich methoxy derivative of calix[4]arene (3), which we show exists as a single conformer in solution at ambient temperature. Here, we examine the redox properties of this derivative, generate its cation radical (3+. ) using robust chemical oxidants, and determine the relative efficacy of its NO binding in comparison with model calixarenes. We find that 3/3+. is a remarkable receptor for NO+ /NO, with unprecedented binding efficacy. The availability of precise experimental structures of this calixarene derivative and its NO complex, obtained by X-ray crystallography, is critically important both for developing novel functional NO biosensors, and understanding the role of stacked aromatic donors in efficient NO binding, which may have relevance to biological NO transport.
Using in operando diffraction to relate lattice strain with degradation mechanism in a NMC battery

Crystallographic structural changes in a commercial 5 Ah prismatic graphite–NMC battery were investigated during its operation using energy-dispersive X-ray diffraction. The characteristic diffraction peaks for the anode and cathode were identified, and their peak positions were linked to the charge–discharge cycle of the battery. The edge of the negative terminal of battery was shown to undergo irregular cycling behavior. Stresses developed at the battery layer interfaces were proposed to be the source for this deterioration, which limits the lifetime of the battery. The effect of pulse discharge on strain in cathode has also been studied.
Damping Perception During Active Ankle and Knee Movement

The mechanical impedance of the leg governs many important aspects of locomotion, including energy storage, transfer, and dissipation between joints. These mechanical properties, including stiffness and damping, have been recently quantified at the ankle joint during walking. However, little is known about the human ability to sense changes in impedance. Here, we investigate the ability to detect small changes in damping coefficients when interacting with a mechanical system coupled to the ankle or knee joint. Using a psychophysical experiment (adaptive, weighted staircase method) and an admittance-controlled dynamometer, we determined the 75% minimum detectable change by tasking subjects to compare the damping values of different virtual spring–mass–damper systems. The Weber fraction for damping coefficient ranged from 12% to 31%, with similar performance across the ankle and knee. Damping perception performance was similar to previous stiffness perception results, suggesting that both the stiffness and damping of the environment are important for the human sensorimotor system and motivating further investigation on the role of damping in biomechanics, motor control, and wearable robotic technologies.
Poly(alkyl glycidyl ether) hydrogels for harnessing the bioactivity of engineered microbes

Herein, we describe a method to produce yeast-laden hydrogel inks for the direct-write 3D printing of cuboidal lattices for immobilized whole-cell catalysis. A poly(alkyl glycidyl ether)-based triblock copolymer was designed to have three important features for this application: (1) a temperature response, which allowed for facile processing of the material; (2) a shear response, which facilitated the extrusion of the material through a nozzle; and (3) UV light induced polymerization, which enabled the post-extrusion chemical crosslinking of network chains, and the fabrication of robust printed objects. These three key stimuli responses were confirmed via rheometrical characterization. A genetically-engineered yeast strain with an upregulated α-factor production pathway was incorporated into the hydrogel ink and 3D printed. The immobilized yeast cells exhibited adequate viability of 87.5% within the hydrogel. The production of the upregulated α-factor was detected using a detecting yeast strain and quantified at 268 nM (s = 34.6 nM) over 72 h. The reusability of these bioreactors was demonstrated via immersion of the yeast-laden hydrogel lattice in fresh SC media and confirmed by the detection of similar amounts of upregulated α-factor at 259 nM (s = 45.1 nM). These yeast-laden materials represent an attractive opportunity for whole-cell catalysis of other high-value products in a sustainable and continuous manner.
Retrospective review of 11C-choline detected thoracic lesions in prostate cancer.

325Background: Prostate cancer recurrence is detected by serum measurements of prostate specific antigen (PSA). Upon PSA elevation, locating sites of recurrence is important to guiding treatment an...
Using iNaturalist in a Coverboard Protocol to Measure Data Quality: Suggestions for Project Design

We evaluated the accuracy of data records generated by citizen scientist participants using iNaturalist in a coverboard sampling scheme, a common method to detect herpetofauna, involving 17 species of amphibians and reptiles. We trained and observed 10 volunteers working over an eight-month period at a study site in Sonoma County, California, USA. A total number of 1,169 observations were successfully uploaded to the iNaturalist database by volunteers including a new locality for Black Salamander. Volunteers were generally successful in collecting and uploading data for verification but had more difficulties detecting smaller, camouflaged salamanders and photographing quick-moving lizards. Errors associated with uploading smartphone data were reduced with volunteer experience. We evaluated all observations and determined that 82% could be verified to the species level based on the photograph. Forty-five percent of the observations made it to the iNaturalist “research grade” quality using their crowdsourcing tools. Independently we evaluated the crowdsourcing accuracy of the research grade observations and found them to be 100% accurate to the species level. A variety of factors (herpetofauna group, species, photograph quality) played a role in determining whether observations were elevated to research grade. Volunteer screening and training protocols emphasizing smartphones that have appropriate battery and data storage capacity eliminated some issues. Our results suggest that a variety of factors can help scientists and resource managers improve the experiences and quality of the data in citizen science biodiversity programs.
MAPPING INTERIOR ADJACENCIES

Film and photography successfully mimic the way we occupy the interior. both give views to the placement of furniture, objects, and characters that move between them. Often small details such as a jacket resting on a chair or a glass filled with coffee or wine tells us if it is morning or evening and brings with it the element of time. These ephemeral details provide entry points into a narrative that we visually complete.
Ultrasound-Guided Serratus Anterior Plane Block for Intractable Herpes Zoster Pain in the Emergency Department.

Abstract Background Herpes zoster (HZV) is a painful vesicular rash that occurs after reactivation in immunosuppressed patients. Analgesia in this patient population has been notoriously difficult. The serratus anterior and erector spinae plane block have both been described as effective thoracic analgesic techniques, but data are limited on their use in HZV. Case Report A middle-aged man with a history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia presented to the emergency department (ED) with chest and back pain associated with cutaneous rash. Traditional pain regimens were not effective; therefore, a serratus anterior plane block was performed using 25 mL of 0.25% of bupivacaine. The patient's pain decreased from 10 to 2 in 20 min and the patient was discharged without further analgesia. Why Should An Emergency Physician Be Aware of This? As opiate use decreases in prevalence and utility in the ED, alternatives to analgesia are sought. We describe the technique of regional anesthesia using a serratus anterior plane block as another modality that physicians can use to address HZV-related pain.
Examining Implementation Feasibility of a Multicomponent Parenting and Health Promotion Program for Military Families

Promoting military child well-being is imperative for enhancing resiliency and public health within military families and the United States. Providing military families with parent-focused interven...
Afterhyperpolarization amplitude in CA1 pyramidal cells of aged Long-Evans rats characterized for individual differences

Altered neural excitability is considered a prominent contributing factor to cognitive decline during aging. A clear example is the excess neural activity observed in several temporal lobe structures of cognitively impaired older individuals in rodents and humans. At a cellular level, aging-related changes in mechanisms regulating intrinsic excitability have been well examined in pyramidal cells of the CA1 hippocampal subfield. Studies in the inbred Fisher 344 rat strain document an age-related increase in the slow afterhyperpolarization (AHP) that normally occurs after a burst of action potentials, and serves to reduce subsequent firing. We evaluated the status of the AHP in the outbred Long-Evans rat, a well-established model for studying individual differences in neurocognitive aging. In contrast to the findings reported in the Fisher 344 rats, in the Long-Evan rats we detected a selective reduction in AHP in cognitively impaired aged individuals. We discuss plausible scenarios to account for these differences and also discuss possible implications of these differences.
Revisiting the Mesoproterozoic

Abstract Many of the peculiar features of the Mesoproterozoic (1.6–1.0 Ga) are related to the assembly of the first supercontinent Nuna, and some may not be distinctive of this time period. A high frequency of A-type granites at 1.6–1.4 Ga may be due, in part, to sampling biases. The overall increase in frequency in A-type granites beginning at 1.9 Ga may track the propagation of plate tectonics especially in the Great Proterozoic Accretionary Orogen. Increases in alkali and related elements in granitoids at 2.4–2.0 Ga may reflect widespread propagation of subduction as plate tectonics spread around the globe, and increases in HREE, Nb, Ti and Sc in granitoids may be related to decreasing importance of restitic garnet in granitoid sources as Earth transitioned from TTG to calc-alkaline magmatic regimes. Related to possible global mantle events at 1.9, 1.0 and 0.6 Ga are peaks in frequency of LIP and zircon ages related to supercontinent assembly. Mesoproterozoic paleomagnetic data that require at least 12 passive margins during this time. An increase in plate speed with time since 2 Ga may reflect a decreasing viscosity contrast across the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary in response to a cooling mantle or/and thinning of the lithosphere and corresponding increases in heat flux with time. A relatively constant 87Sr/86Sr of seawater between 1.9 and 1.0 Ga may have resulted from a balance between weathered juvenile and reworked crustal sources as well as enhanced seafloor weathering of oceanic basalts. Mostly positive eHf(t) in detrital zircons and eNd(t) granitoids during the Mesoproterozoic suggest significant juvenile crustal input. However, the sparsity of crust of this age today probably results from recycling of large volumes of continental crust into the mantle in peripheral accretionary orogens during the breakup of Nuna at 1.4–1.2 Ga.
Sequential anomaly detection with observation control under a generalized error metric

The problem of sequential anomaly detection is considered under sampling constraints and generalized error control. It is assumed that there is no prior information on the number of anomalies. It is required to control the probability at least k errors, of any kind, upon stopping, where k is a user specified integer. It is possible to sample only a fixed number of processes at each sampling instance. The processes to be sampled are determined based on the already acquired observations. The goal is to find a procedure that consists of a stopping rule and a decision rule and a sampling rule that satisfy the sampling and error constraints, and have as small as possible average sample size for every possible scenario regarding the subset of anomalous processes. We characterize the optimal expected sample size for this problem to a first order approximation as the error probability vanishes to zero, and we propose procedures that achieve it. The performance of those procedures is compared in a simulation study for different values of k.
Vaccine Confidence and Vaccine Hesitancy

Parental vaccine attitudes contribute to overall immunization rates. An increase in vaccine hesitancy, with a spectrum ranging from accepting all vaccines with questions or concerns to declining all vaccines, leads to pockets of un- or under-immunized individuals, increasing the risk of vaccine-preventable diseases in these communities. Factors associated with vaccine hesitancy include a perceived higher risk than benefit of vaccination, concerns regarding vaccine safety, mistrust in health and governmental institutions, and the desire for autonomy in medical decision-making. Approaches to combat vaccine hesitancy and maintain vaccine confidence should be tailored to individual and group vaccine concerns with the goal of maintaining community-wide immunity against vaccine-preventable diseases.
The European Court of Justice, state noncompliance, and the politics of override

In an article previously published by the APSR, Carrubba, Gabel, and Hankla claim that the decision making of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) has been constrained—systematically—by the threat of override on the part of member state governments, acting collectively, and by the threat of noncompliance on the part of any single state. They also purport to have found strong evidence in favor of intergovernmentalist, but not neofunctionalist, integration theory. On the basis of analysis of the same data, we demonstrate that the threat of override is not credible and that the legal system is activated, rather than paralyzed, by noncompliance. Moreover, when member state governments did move to nullify the effects of controversial ECJ rulings, they failed to constrain the court, which continued down paths cleared by the prior rulings. Finally, in a head-to-head showdown between intergovernmentalism and neofunctionalism, the latter wins in a landslide.
Violence Here and Violence There: How Compound Violence Drives Undocumented Mexicans’ Migration to and Settlement in the United States

Contemporary Mexican migration to the United States is conventionally interpreted as voluntary economic migration, which obscures violence as a driver of migration and settlement. This shortcoming ...
Broadcasting and Optical Communication Technology

COMMUNICATIONS Broadcasting . Modulation and Demodulation Richard C. Dorf and Zhen Wan . Radio Broadcasting Jerry C. Whitaker . Television Systems Jerry C. Whitaker . High-Definition Television Martin S. Roden . Digital Audio Broadcasting Stanley Salek and Almon H. Clegg Equalization Richard C. Dorf and Zhen Wan Optical Communication . Lightwave Technology for Video Transmission Thomas E. Darcie . Long Distance Fiber Optic Communications Joseph C. Palais . Photonic Networks Alan E. Willner and Reza Khosravani Computer Networks . Computer Communication Networks John N. Daigle . Local Area Networks Sarhan M. Musa and Matthew N.O. Sadiku . The Intelligent Network Richard B. Robrock II . Mobile Internet Apostolis K. Salkintzis and Nikos Passas . Quality of Service in Packet-Switched Networks Stan McClellan and Remzi Seker Ad Hoc Wireless Networks Mohammad Ilyas Information Theory . Signal Detection H. Vincent Poor . Noise Carl G. Looney . Stochastic Processes Carl G. Looney . The Sampling Theorem Robert J. Marks II . Channel Capacity Sergio Verdu . Data Compression Joy A. Thomas and Thomas M. Cover Satellites and Aerospace Daniel F. DiFonzo Digital Video Processing Todd R. Reed Low Sample Support Adaptive Parameter Estimation and Packet-Data Detection for Mobile Communications Haoli Qian, Stella N. Batalama, and Dimitri Kazakos Bandwidth Efficient Modulation in Optical Communications Moncef B. Tayahi and Banmali S. Rawat Phase-Locked Loop Steven L. Maddy Telemetry Stephen Horan Computer-Aided Design and Analysis of Communication Systems William H. Tranter and Kurt L. Kosbar MATHEMATICS, SYMBOLS, AND PHYSICAL CONSTANTS Introduction Ronald J. Tallarida . Greek Alphabet . International System of Units (SI) . Conversion Constants and Multipliers . Physical Constants . Symbols and Terminology for Physical and Chemical Quantities . Credits . Probability for Electrical and Computer Engineers Charles W. Therrien INDEX
Variations in technique of solid meal gastric emptying study: Importance of procedure execution and compliance

1275 Learning Objectives Delayed gastric emptying results from a variety of mechanical and functional etiologies. The radionuclide method of determining gastric emptying is the standard methodology because of its noninvasive, physiological and quantitative assessment of gastric function. Recent data suggest that a 4-hour test is more sensitive than 90 or 120 minute test for detection of a delay. Normal values are established for the 4-hour test with ingestion of entire meal(1). Variations in technique and execution of study result in misinterpretation of study results. Technique: Ingestion of Standardized meal consisting of scrambled egg substitute (120 g Egg Beater) cooked with Tc-99m sulfur colloid (0.5 - 1.0 mCi), slices of bread (2), strawberry jam (30 g), and water (120 ml) with caloric value of 255 kcal (72% carbohydrate, 24% protein, 2% fat and 2% fiber). Acquisition Protocol: 1. Ingestion of the test meal within a 10-15 minute period followed by water with detailed documentation of amount of meal eaten. 2. Imaging of the upper abdomen to include the entire stomach is done with the patient standing between the two camera heads in ANTERIOR and POSTERIOR views or in sequential imaging. 3. One minute images are obtained in a 128 x 128 matrix immediately after ingestion of the meal, hour 0, then at hour 1, 2, 3 and 4. 4. The test can be discontinued prior to 4 hours if greater than 90% of stomach contents have been emptied. Investigation of variations in components of standardized meal, execution of the test and instructions given to the patient amongst 5 metropolitan hospitals along with potential pitfalls and solutions will be discussed in a problem based format.
Simulating the Motion of a Nonholonomic Robot and Its Trailer

This paper describes an algorithm for simulating the motion of a nonholonomic robot vehicle and its trailer. The algorithm assumes that both the vehicle and its trailer move along circular arcs when the incremental time step used to update position and heading is small. The purpose of the simulation is to accurately represent the motion of a Navigation Test Vehicle (NTV) so that the ability of a vehicle’s control algorithm to track an explicit path can be evaluated. An auto-tuning algorithm is currently being developed in simulation to autonomously tune the control parameters for a nonholonomic robot vehicle, and this will require an accurate representation of the kinematics of the NTV. An accurate representation of the trailer motion is necessary to develop an autonomous backing-up control algorithm and path tracking control algorithms where the control point is on the trailer. As with the NTV, the positioning subroutine of the simulation program provides the control algorithm with vehicle and trailer pose data at 10 Hz. Locally, the positioning subroutine updates this data at 0.01 second intervals. The simulation currently runs on a Silicon Graphics IRIS Crimson/VGX workstation.
Radiation Transport in Type Ia Supernovae

It has been said more than once that the critical link between explosion models and observations is the ability to accurately simulate cooling and radiation transport in the expanding ejecta of Type Ia supernovae. It is perhaps frustrating to some of the theorists who study explosion mechanisms, and to some of the observers too, that more definitive conclusions have not been reached about the agreement, or lack thereof, between various Type Ia supernova models and the data. Although claims of superlative accuracy in transport simulations are sometimes made, I will argue here that there are outstanding issues of critical importance and in need of addressing before radiation transport calculations are accurate enough to discriminate between subtly different explosion models.
Upper Limits of Iron in Infant Formulas

Iron-fortified infant formula is effective in preventing iron deficiency at levels of iron that are compatible with an upper limit of 3 mg/100 kcal. However, lower levels of fortification may prove to be adequate. There are theoretical concerns about the effects of high levels of dietary iron on the absorption of other trace minerals and on resistance to infection. These considerations make it desirable to determine whether lower levels of iron fortification in infant formula will be equally effective in preventing iron deficiency in infants.
Towards real-time under-ice acoustic navigation at mesoscale ranges

This paper describes an acoustic navigation system that provides mesoscale coverage (hundreds of kilometers) under the ice and presents results from the first multi-month deployment in the Arctic. The hardware consists of ice-tethered acoustic navigation beacons transmitting at 900 Hz that broadcast their latitude and longitude plus several bytes of optional control data. The real-time under-ice navigation algorithm, based on a Kalman filter, uses time-of-flight measurements from these sources to simultaneously estimate vehicle position and depth-averaged local currents. The algorithm described herein was implemented on Seagliders, a type of autonomous underwater glider (AUG), but the underlying theory is applicable to other autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). As part of an extensive field campaign from March to September 2014, eleven acoustic sources and four Seagliders were deployed to monitor the seasonal melt of the marginal ice zone (MIZ) in the Beaufort and northern Chukchi Seas. Beacon-to-beacon performance was excellent due to a sound duct at 100 m depth where the transmitters were positioned; the travel-time error at 200 km has a standard deviation of 40 m when sound-speed is known, and ranges in excess of 400 km were obtained. Results with the Seagliders, which were not regularly within the duct, showed reliable acoustic ranges up to 100 km and more sparse but repeatable range measurements to over 400 km. Navigation results are reported for the real-time algorithm run in post-processing mode, using data from a 295-hour segment with significant time spent under ice.
Selective retention of activated CD8+ T cells by the normal liver.

Activation-induced cell death resulting in peripheral deletion of CD8 + T cells is associated with the accumulation of large numbers of apoptotic T cells in the liver. The hypothesis that this accumulation results from the intrahepatic trapping of T cells from the circulating pool predicts that the liver should retain T cells, which subsequently undergo apoptosis. Here we test this prediction. Perfusion of the liver with lymphocyte mixtures showed retention of activated, but neither resting nor apoptosing, T cells. This trapping was selective for CD8 + cells and was mediated primarily by ICAM-1 constitutively expressed on sinusoidal endothelial cells and Kupffer cells. T cells trapped in the liver became apoptotic. The normal liver is therefore a “sink” for activated T cells.
A new in-loop filter for depth map coding in HEVC

A depth-map is used to synthesize virtual texture views in the multi-view plus depth (MVD) format. In conventional video coding, a coded depth-map often suffers from compression artifacts along object boundaries, which have a negative effect on the quality of rendered images in the view synthesis process. To address this problem, we propose a depth-map boundary filtering technique to eliminate coding artifacts while preserving sharp edges. This can be mathematically formulated as a L0-norm minimization problem. This filtering process is cascaded with the de-blocking filter in the emerging HEVC video coding standard to result in a new in-loop filter. Experimental results are given to show that the subjective and objective quality of the synthesized views is enhanced by the introduction of the new in-loop fitler.
DEGRADATION OF PYRUVATE BY MICROCOCCUS LACTILYTICUS II. Studies of Cofactors in the Formate-Exchange Reaction

McCormick, N. G. (University of Washington, Seattle), E. J. Ordal, and H. R. Whiteley. Degradation of pyruvate by Micrococcus lactilyticus . II. Studies of cofactors in the formate-exchange reaction. J. Bacteriol. 83: 899–906. 1962.—Enzyme preparations from Micrococcus lactilyticus 2 are rendered inactive with respect to formate exchange by treatment with charcoal or Dowex-50, by dialysis, or by fractionation with ammonium sulfate. The activity may be completely restored by a “kochsaft” preparation (BES) obtained from M. lactilyticus and partially restored by similar BES preparations from Escherichia coli and Clostridium butyricum . Diphosphothiamine is required for formate exchange but full activity cannot be restored by known cofactors. Brief exposure to increased temperatures, air, extremes of pH, and absorption with charcoal and Dowex-50 decrease the cofactor activity of BES preparations. The addition of BES preparations from E. coli and Streptococcus faecalis causes a shift in the degradation of pyruvate by extracts of M. lactilyticus from the phosphoroclastic cleavage (to acetyl phosphate and formate) to the dismutation of pyruvate (to lactate, acetate, and carbon dioxide). C. cylindrosporum was found to mediate the formate-exchange reaction; the activity of crude extracts was stimulated by M. lactilyticus and C. butyricum BES preparations. M. lactilyticus BES also increased the formate-exchange activity of extracts of E. coli .
STAT Signaling in the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Cancer

Exceptional advances have been made recently in our understanding of the signaling pathways that control cellular growth, differentiation, and survival. These processes are regulated by extracellular stimuli such as cytokines, cell-cell interactions, and cell-matrix interactions, which trigger a series of intracellular events culminating in the modulation of specific genes. STATs are a highly homologous group of transcription factors that are activated by various pathways and regulate many of the genes controlling cellular function. STATs are activated by tyrosine phosphorylation and modulated by serine phosphorylation, placing them at a convergence point for numerous intracellular signaling pathways. Given the importance of STATs in the control of normal physiologic processes, it is not surprising that inappropriate activation of these proteins has been found in human malignancies. A number of distinct mechanisms have been elucidated by which STATs are activated inappropriately, including autocrine or paracrine stimulation of normal receptors and increased activity of tyrosine kinases through enhanced expression, mutations, or the presence of activating proteins. Furthermore, inappropriate STAT serine phosphorylation has been found in several tumors as well. The increased understanding of signaling pathways in tumors can be translated into therapeutic strategies that have the potential to be more selective and less toxic than current anti-cancer treatments. Approaches which may be effective include the development of antagonists of receptors that can trigger STAT activation, inhibitors of the tyrosine and serine kinases that phosphorylate and activate STATs, agents that decrease STAT levels or inhibit their recruitment to kinases, and molecules that can prevent the binding of STATs to target DNA sequences. Thus, elucidation of cellular and biochemical processes in tumors has enhanced our understanding of the pathogenesis of malignancies and may provide the basis for significant advances in therapy.
Catalogue Raisonné of the Alaska Commercial Company Collection; A Legacy of Arctic Art

Catalogue Raisonne of the Alaska Commercial Company Collection. Nelson H. H. Graburn. Molly Lee. and Jean-loup Rousselot. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1996. University of California Publications in Anthropology, Volume 21. 582 pp. illus., bibliographical references, index, concordanc. . Legacy of Arctic Art. Dorothy Jean Ray. Foreword by Aldona Jonaitis. photographs by Barry McWayne. Seattle: University of Washington Press, 1996.196 pp., bibliographical references, appendix, notes, index.
Ubiquitination of histone H2B regulates H3 methylation and gene silencing in yeast

In eukaryotes, the DNA of the genome is packaged with histone proteins to form nucleosomal filaments, which are, in turn, folded into a series of less well understood chromatin structures. Post-translational modifications of histone tail domains modulate chromatin structure and gene expression. Of these, histone ubiquitination is poorly understood. Here we show that the ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme Rad6 (Ubc2) mediates methylation of histone H3 at lysine 4 (Lys 4) through ubiquitination of H2B at Lys 123 in yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). Moreover, H3 (Lys 4) methylation is abolished in the H2B-K123R mutant, whereas H3-K4R retains H2B (Lys 123) ubiquitination. These data indicate a unidirectional regulatory pathway in which ubiquitination of H2B (Lys 123) is a prerequisite for H3 (Lys 4) methylation. We also show that an H2B-K123R mutation perturbs silencing at the telomere, providing functional links between Rad6-mediated H2B (Lys 123) ubiquitination, Set1-mediated H3 (Lys 4) methylation, and transcriptional silencing. Thus, these data reveal a pathway leading to gene regulation through concerted histone modifications on distinct histone tails. We refer to this as 'trans-tail' regulation of histone modification, a stated prediction of the histone code hypothesis.
Ontogeny of chemospecific control of ingestive behavior in the rat

Abstract A total of 865 rat pups of the Sprague-Dawley strain were tested during the first 40 days of life for feeding responses to alterations in carbohydrate metabolism as measured by body-weight gain. Suckling pups were separated from mothers and postweanling pups were food and water deprived for three hours. Pups were then administered either glucose, galactose, 2-deoxy-D-glucose, phloridzin, insulin, or isotonic saline and deprived of food for an additional three hours. Animals were subsequently allowed to refeed for a two-hour period, and the measure of ingestive behavior was body-weight gain during the two hours of behavioral testing. Results indicate that rat pups suppress feeding following galactose and glucose intubations by the end of the first and second weeks of life, respectively, but do not increase feeding to glucoprivic stimuli until five weeks of age. A possible explanation is provided by the temporal correlation between the development of the suppressive effects of the saccharides and the peripheral enzymes necessary for their metabolism and incorporation into body nutrient reserves.