cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Recent Azolla Bloom at Cheyenne Bottoms, Kansas

In October 2009, low-height aerial photographs taken from a helium blimp revealed the presence of Azolla sp. over substantial portions of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) marsh complex at Cheyenne Bottoms in central Kansas. Azolla is a small, aquatic fern that has worldwide distribution; the mostly likely species for the central Great Plains is A. cristata. Although recorded previously in central Kansas, Azolla had not been seen in TNC marshes before, so its sudden appearance is remarkable. Widespread flooding in 2007 is considered the most likely means for transporting Azolla spores or plant fragments into TNC marshes; however, several other mechanisms are possible. The long-term significance of Azolla in TNC marshes is difficult to gauge at this point; both positive and negative consequences may happen in future years.
Fiber specific differential phosphorylation of the α1-subunit of the Na+,K+-ATPase in rat skeletal muscle: the effect of aging

In skeletal muscle, the Na+,K+-ATPase maintains the Na+ and K+ gradients and modulates contractile functions. The different fibers of the skeletal muscle possess diverse properties and functions, and thus, the demands for the Na-pump activity might be different. Because phosphorylation of the α1-subunit of the Na+,K+-ATPase appears to serve a regulatory role in the activity of Na+,K+-ATPase, we postulated that a difference in the phosphorylation of the α1-subunit may be found among the fibers. We utilized two well-characterized specific antibodies for the α1-subunit, namely the McK1 and α6F, to determine, by immunofluorescence, if the α1-subunit in rat skeletal muscle fiber is differentially phosphorylated. McK1 has the unique property that its binding to the α1-subunit is greatly reduced when Ser-18 is phosphorylated. Our data show that, in red gastrocnemius muscle, only a small number of the fibers were stained on the sarcolemmal membrane by McK1, while other fibers were almost completely devoid of any staining. By contrast, the staining pattern by McK1 in the white gastrocnemius muscle was mostly uniform. Immunostaining of serial sections using the α6F antibody showed that the α1-subunit is expressed in all fibers. Dephosphorylation of the tissue sections by phosphatase partially restored immunostaining of the α1-subunit by McK1. Fiber typing results showed that, in red gastrocnemius, those fibers stained positive for α1-subunit by McK1 are the Type I fibers, whereas those stained negative are the Type IIA, IID, and IIB fibers. With age, the number of fibers in red gastrocnemius stained positive for McK1 increased markedly in 30-month old rats compared to 6-month old rats. In conclusion, our result suggests that, in rats, the α1-subunit of the Na+,K+-ATPase is differentially phosphorylated in the fibers of the red gastrocnemius muscle. Furthermore, advanced age is associated with an apparent decrease in the phosphorylation of the α1-subunit, in addition to the previously demonstrated increase in the levels of expression of the subunit.
Cities of Commerce: The Institutional Foundations of International Trade in the Low Countries. By Oscar Gelderblom. (Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 2013. Pp. xii, 293. $35.00.)

Scholars of late medieval and early modern Europe routinely point out the importance of the Low Countries for the development of trade and the rise of merchant capitalism. Along with the Italian ci...
Legitimacy, humanitarian intervention, and international institutions

The legitimacy of humanitarian intervention has been contested for more than a century, yet pressure for such intervention persists. Normative evolution and institutional design have been closely l...
X‐Ray Microanalysis of ZrO2 Particles in ZrO2‐Toughened A1203

Analytical electron microscopy of ZrO2 particles in a zirconia-toughened alumina was performed. Significant solute heterogeneities in these particles were found but did not seem to affect the particle size dependence of Ms.
Translational control of glial glutamate transporter EAAT2 expression.

Glutamate is the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. Its activity is carefully modulated in the synaptic cleft by glutamate transporters. The glial glutamate transporter EAAT2 is the main mediator of glutamate clearance. Reduced EAAT2 function could lead to accumulation of extracellular glutamate, resulting in a form of cell death known as excitotoxicity. In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Alzheimer disease, EAAT2 protein levels are significantly decreased in affected areas. EAAT2 mRNA levels, however, remain constant, indicating that alterations in EAAT2 expression are due to disturbances at the post-transcriptional level. In the present study, we found that some EAAT2 transcripts contained 5′-untranslated regions (5′-UTRs) greater than 300 nucleotides. The mRNAs that bear long 5′-UTRs are often regulated at the translational level. We tested this possibility initially in a primary astrocyte line that constantly expressed an EAAT2 transcript containing the 565-nt 5′-UTR and found that translation of this transcript was regulated by many extracellular factors, including corticosterone and retinol. Moreover, many disease-associated insults affected the efficiency of translation of this transcript. Importantly, this translational regulation of EAAT2 occurred in vivo (i.e. both in primary cortical neurons-astrocytes mixed cultures and in mice). These results indicate that expression of EAAT2 protein is highly regulated at the translational level and also suggest that translational regulation may play an important role in the differential EAAT2 protein expression under normal and disease conditions.
Ultra-wideband printed half-crescent patch antennas

In this paper, a miniaturized ultra- wideband half-crescent patch antenna is proposed and studied. Its radiating element consists of a semi-elliptical patch with a semi-circular cutout, and recedes into a semi-elliptical patch when the radius of the cutout is zero. The antenna is miniaturized, designed with a simple microstrip feeding, and is unique for its simple dipole-like configuration. The test results show 10 dB return loss within the 3.1-10.6 GHz band, with a good antenna gain and desirable radiation characteristics. Parametric study of the effects of the cutout radius on the antenna radiation characteristics is also presented. A spherical wave (or multi-pole) expansion analysis is used to characterize the antenna and gain physical insights into its radiation properties. A design formula of the antenna dimensions is also provided.
Babesia microti and Borrelia burgdorferi Follow Independent Courses of Infection in Mice

Reports of coinfection with Borrelia burgdorferi and Babesia microti in tick vectors, reservoir hosts, and patients have led to increased concern that synergism between the 2 organisms may result in illness more severe than that caused by either infection alone. In the present study, we investigated the impact of simultaneous Lyme disease and babesiosis in the mouse model. Young immunocompetent, young asplenic, and aged C3H/HeN mice, as well as young BALB/c mice, were coinfected with B. burgdorferi and B. microti, and disease severity was compared with that in singly infected and uninfected control mice. Babesiosis followed its normal course of infection in coinfected mice, without evidence for increased severity, as reflected by percentage of parasitemia, spleen weights, and hematologic and clinical chemistry parameters. Likewise, Lyme disease followed its established course and severity in coinfected mice, as reflected by the degrees of spirochete dissemination and arthritis. This study demonstrates that, in the mouse model, these 2 infections proceed independently.
The Past and Future of Political-Administrative Relations: Research from Bureaucrats and Politicians to In the Web of Politics—and Beyond

Abstract This article examines the changing nature of the relations between bureaucrats and politicians. Drawing on our earlier work with Robert D. Putnam (Bureaucrats and Politicians in Western Democracies, 1981) and our book published in 2000 (In the Web of Politics), plus additional works by others in this area, we consider the findings in these studies with particular emphasis on their implications for further research. One notable phenomenon is a retreat from what looked originally like a steady progression of bureaucratic influence in policymaking from Image I (politicians making decisions and bureaucrats implementing them) to Image IV (a deepening overlap of roles) back to Image II (with civil servants bringing facts and knowledge to the policy process and politicians defining values and representing interests). In a dynamic world, one should be cautious in suggesting a future research agenda. Despite this caution, however, we conclude the article with suggestions for work that we think will be imp...
The present use of liposomes in medical treatment.

Widely used in medical treatment,liposomes can be used as drug carriers and adjuvants and they can be used in mediated gene transfer.This article summarizes the use of liposomes in medical treatment.
Are We Learning More about Patient-centered Medical Homes (PCMHs), or Learning More about Primary Care?

The 1971 report by Millis[1][1] promoted family medicine as the remedy for an American health care system “designed to cure the acutely ill and available to those who could afford to pay.” More than 40 years later, the annual premium for family health coverage has risen to 34% of the average
Quantification of the accumulation and degradation of β-very-low-density lipoproteins in vivo using a 19F-containing residualizing label and n.m.r. spectroscopy

beta-Very-low-density lipoproteins (beta-VLDL)O were conjugated to the 19F-containing residualizing label, NN-dilactitol-3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzylamine (DLBA), to determine whether the metabolism of this lipoprotein fraction could be characterized in vivo with n.m.r. spectroscopy. Solution state 19F high-resolution n.m.r. spectroscopy of DLBA-beta-VLDL, containing either intact apoproteins or selectively enzymically digested products, demonstrated that the extent of degradation could be distinguished by differences in spin-spin relaxation times (T2 times). DLBA-beta-VLDL was injected intravenously into rabbits, and accumulation of 19F in hepatic tissue was quantified non-invasively by n.m.r. spectroscopy 5 and 30 h after injection. In addition to quantifying the accumulation of DLBA-beta-VLDL in hepatic tissue, a marked decrease (approx. 100 Hz) in the linewidth of 19F resonance from labelled lipoproteins was observed at 30 h compared with the 5 h interval in continuously monitored animals. The change in linewidth was consistent with a decrease in molecular size that occurred during protein degradation, resulting in increased T2 times. To demonstrate that T2 times can be used as an index to quantify apoprotein degradation in vivo, relaxation measurements were performed on livers excised 20 h after injection of DLBA-beta-VLDL into rabbits. Two molecular motional fractions were revealed by relaxation profiles representing either an intact or an extensively degraded form of apoprotein. The amplitudes of each component were compared with results from trichloroacetic acid precipitation of liver homogenates acquired from rabbits 20 h after injection of beta-VLDL labelled with the radioiodinated analogue of DLBA, dilactitol-125I-tyramine. The amount of degraded apoprotein determined by n.m.r. spectroscopy and acid precipitation was 68.6 +/- 7.0% and 58.7 +/- 7.5% (n = 4) respectively. The results of this study demonstrate that 19F n.m.r. spectroscopy can be used to define the temporal characteristics of the hepatic metabolism of lipoproteins in vivo by quantifying both the tissue-specific accumulation and extent of apoprotein degradation. The methodology developed offers promise for the non-invasive, sequential and longitudinal evaluation of lipoprotein metabolism in vivo.
Cortisone acetate and terramycin in polyarthritis of rats.

SummaryCortisone failed to prevent the development of the polyarthritis of rats when its administration was begun on the day of infection or to improve it when given therapeutically. The animals receiving cortisone gained less weight than the unmedicated controls. Terramycin given in 0.3% in the diet prevented the development, and 0.3% in the drinking water favorably altered the course of the rat polyarthritis.
Optimal Bayesian Experimental Design for Combustion Kinetics

Experimental diagnostics play an essential role in the development and refinement of chemical kinetic models, whether for the combustion of common complex hydrocarbons or of emerging alternative fuels. Questions of experimental design—e.g., which variables or species to interrogate, at what resolution and under what conditions—are extremely important in this context, particularly when experimental resources are limited. This paper attempts to answer such questions in a rigorous and systematic way. We propose a Bayesian framework for optimal experimental design with nonlinear simulation-based models. While the framework is broadly applicable, we use it to infer rate parameters in a combustion system with detailed kinetics. The framework introduces a utility function that reflects the expected information gain from a particular experiment. Straightforward evaluation (and maximization) of this utility function requires Monte Carlo sampling, which is infeasible with computationally intensive models. Instead, we construct a polynomial surrogate for the dependence of experimental observables on model parameters and design conditions, with the help of dimension-adaptive sparse quadrature. Results demonstrate the efficiency and accuracy of the surrogate, as well as the considerable effectiveness of the experimental design framework in choosing informative experimental conditions.
New Evidence for True Facultative Anaerobiosis in Two Members of the Rhipidiaceae with Notes on Occurrence Frequencies and Substratum Preferences

Rhipidium sp. and Mindeniella spinospora were repeatedly obtained on fruit baits from freshwater habitats in northern California. Systematic sampling of Lake Anza near Berkeley showed Rhipidium sp. to be restricted during warm months to the poorly-oxygenated hypolimnion. Mindeniella spinospora from Trapper Slough near Stockton occurred over a dissolved-oxygen range of from near zero to greater than 6 ppm. In laboratory studies, both species were capable of growth under strict anaerobic (leuco methylene blue) conditions. Leaves and immature acorns from Quercus agrifolia were colonized by Rhipidium sp. at Lake Anza, and may represent potential natural substrata.
Breeding Ecology of the Mississippi Kite in Arizona

The Mississippi Kite (Ictinia mississippiensis) recently has extended its breeding range into the southwestern United States and was first recorded nesting in Arizona in 1970. Approximately 25 regularly active nesting sites occur in Arizona in riparian forest-scrubland habitat along the tributaries of the Gila River. Nesting habitat consisted of a structurally diverse (patchy) arrangement of cottonwood (Populus fremontii) trees and salt cedar (Tamarix chinensis) understory. Cicadas, the principal prey of the kites studied, were captured frequently (41% of all prey captures) by hawking from cottonwood perches within 150 m of nests. Vegetation patchiness facilitated foraging and accounted for 71% of the variation in reproduction. Increased vegetation diversity in the more traditional breeding areas of the Great Plains and in migration and wintering habitats may have enhanced foraging, reproduction, and survival of kites, and may help to explain the recent population increase. Most nest sites were distributed among four groups. No movement between groups was noted during any one nesting season. Most adult kites attempted to nest, but up to 52% of all nesting attempts failed during courtship and nestbuilding (44% of all failures), incubation (40%), and nestling (16%) stages. Reproductive success was 0.60 fledglings per nesting attempt, similar to that estimated for kites in the Great Plains. Apparently, reproduction at a nest was not enhanced by close proximity to another active kite nest. The Mississippi Kite (Ictinia mississippiensis) nests in North America from Florida and South Carolina westward through the Great Plains south of Nebraska and, recently, into Arizona, New Mexico and Colorado. It has been reported during spring and summer irregularly from California to Massachusetts (Parker and Ogden 1979). Migration and wintering records for the neotropical region are scarce but show that most individuals may winter in tropical regions (Eisenmann 1963, Parker 1977). Levy (1971) first recorded the Mississippi Kite in southeastern Arizona in 1970 and estimated that as many as 10 pairs nested along the lower San Pedro River. Observations of Mississippi Kites and possible breeding activity along the Verde River in central Arizona during 1970 and 1973 were reported by Johnson and Carothers (1976). In this paper we examine the breeding ecology of the Mississippi Kite in Arizona and discuss the ecological relationships that influence the presence of this species in the southwestern United States.
An Options Pricing Theoretical Relation between Earnings and Stock Market Returns

This paper demonstrates a theoretical linkage between stock returns and accounting earnings based on option pricing theory. The advantage of this approach is a closed-form solution for the earnings response coefficient (ERC) that is a consequence of a partial equilibrium of investors' indifference between owning a firm's assets or its stock. The resultant ERC is defined in terms of four factors: earnings volatility, the length of the investment horizon, a leverage measure and the risk-free rate. The first order conditions indicate that: increases in debt reduce ERCs; increases in the risk-free rate increase ERCs; and the ERC is a convex function of both earnings volatility and the investment horizon.
Construction Technology of Micro-Pile for Power Transmission Tower in Loess Foundation

Combining with the field construction of micro-pile,the advantages,disadvantages and application conditions of three types of piling machines used for micro-pile in loess foundation were analyzed in detail,including engineering geology drilling rig,mechanical Luoyang shovel and artificial Luoyang shovel. According to China's conditions and the characteristics of transmission line engineering,the artificial Luoyang shove was recommended for pore-forming,under the premise of the pile length and diameter's design meeting requirements. Finally,the construction process and technique of three types of piling machines were studied,and the construction technology of micro-pile was proposed for transmission tower in loess foundation.
Analysis of dynamic performance of self-anchoring type suspension bridge and its test study

The paper chose an in-use self-anchored concrete suspension bridge as the object of study and introduced finite element method to analyse its dynamic performance.In the hope of verifying the results arrived,random ambient vibration test was conducted.By this means,the dynamic performance of the small-span self-anchored suspension bridge with single pylon was concluded,which provided a rough reference for quality monitoring and defect diagnosis.
Computer-simulated clinical encounter. II. Case flow and program content.

This report, a sequel to the preceding paper, describes the use of the computer-simulated case studies in the teaching of clinical skills in a coordinated undergraduate dietetic program.
IZO: applications of large-window compression to virtual machine management

The increased use of virtual machines in the enterprise environment presents an interesting new set of challenges for the administrators of today's information systems. In addition to the management of the sheer volume of easily-created new data on physical machines, VMs themselves contain data that is important to the user of the virtual machine. Efficient storage, transmission, and backup of VM images has become a growing concern. We present IZO, a novel large-window compression tool inspired by data deduplication algorithms, which provides significantly faster and better compression than existing large-window compression tools. We apply this tool to a number of VM management domains, including deep-freeze, backup, and transmission, to more efficiently store, administer, and move virtual machines.
The Effect of Supplemental Private Health Insurance on Health Care Use, Health and Welfare in Brazil

Health insurance programs in developing countries are often intended to allow citizens to gain access to health care, but according to conventional theory, this additional care-moral hazard-is welfare-decreasing. Adopting an alternative perspective that the welfare of this additional care is theoretically indeterminable, we use Brazilian data to estimate the improvement in health status associated with supplemental private health insurance and model the change in welfare based on these effectiveness results and parameters taken from the literature. We find the cost of a quality-adjusted life year gained through health insurance is consistent with cost-utility ratios that are likely welfare-increasing.
Reducing radiation-related morbidity in the treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma

While radiation therapy is the mainstay of treatment for nasopharyngeal carcinoma, the anatomic location of the nasopharynx in close proximity to radiation-sensitive organs such as the salivary glands, optic nerves and chiasm, cochlea, brainstem and temporal lobes presents a special challenge. Technological approaches to reducing the morbidity of nasopharyngeal cancer irradiation have been historically successful with the evolution from 2D techniques to increasingly conformal forms of radiation therapy. This report reviews normal tissue dose constraints and major considerations in target delineation for patients with nasopharyngeal cancer in the intensity-modulated radiation therapy era. Furthermore, this report discusses more contemporary approaches to toxicity reduction such as the judicious reduction or omission of radiation to low-risk regions and the potential role of particle beam therapy.
Early motion after extensor tendon surgery

Early motion programs for extensor tendon lacerations and repairs are relatively new and are proving to be extremely beneficial in the rehabilitation process. This article discusses when these programs are indicated and the details of how to provide a good early motion program.
Serrated Polyps and Serrated Polyposis Syndrome

Colorectal serrated polyps are intermediate lesions in the serrated neoplastic pathway, which account for up to 30% of colorectal cancers. This pathway is biologically distinct from the adenoma-to-carcinoma sequence, with associated cancers exhibiting mutations in the BRAF oncogene, DNA promoter hypermethylation, and microsatellite instability. An evolving understanding of these unique lesions has led to the development of a more accurate classification, improved endoscopic identification, and tailored clinical management guidelines. This article reviews serrated polyps and serrated polyposis syndrome.
Implementation of the DVB-RCS turbo codes

In this project, the hardware implementation of double-binary CRSC codes in the Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) for the Return Channel via Satellite (DVB-RCS) is investigated for use in satellite communication links. The simplified Max_Log_MAP algorithm is derived for the Non-binary convolutional turbo code, which follows the specifications of turbo coding/decoding in the DVB standard, for twelve different block sizes and seven coding rates, and the simulation results for AWGN channel show the performance of this coding scheme. The correction coefficient of the simplified Max_Log_MAP algorithm is discussed and considered in the simulation results. Moreover, an optimized 4-bit quantizer for in put data is designed for this turbo. The simulation results are very close to the unquantized results with a reasonable and good tradeoff between implementation complexity and decoding performance. The transformation from floating to fixed-point is done with the goal of performing the hardware implementations of the turbo code. The hardware implementation of DVB/RCS decoder presented in this project is designed according to the above mentioned algorithm. The design architecture is implemented in Very high speed integrated circuit Hardware Description Language (VHDL) and synthesized on a single chip FPGA (Xilinx Virtex-E). This hardware design adopts hierarchy, regularity, modularity and locality strategies. It is optimized in both speed and area by using parallel, pipeline and algorithm optimization. With Synopsys tools the RTL level simulation has been carried out. The results prove that the decoder works at a speed as high as 20 M bps (for Virtex II 200MHz) and 6 Mbps (for Virtex E 60 MHz).
Show Me the Point! A Response to 'Show Me the Money,' Comment on Fiscal Estimates

In another State Tax Notes article, a trade association criticized the revenue estimates of a noted state tax policy expert who proposed four tax reform proposals to a conference of legislators. This article vindicates the tax expert’s concerns and proposals, and debunks the trade association’s myths. Furthermore, the article explains that the tax expert’s estimates for new revenue were actually lower than the likely impact of legislation adopting his four proposals. The article concludes by calling for greater corporate transparency and intellectual honesty from the trade association.
LearningToQuestion at SemEval 2017 Task 3: Ranking Similar Questions by Learning to Rank Using Rich Features

This paper describes our official entry LearningToQuestion for SemEval 2017 task 3 community question answer, subtask B. The objective is to rerank questions obtained in web forum as per their similarity to original question. Our system uses pairwise learning to rank methods on rich set of hand designed and representation learning features. We use various semantic features that help our system to achieve promising results on the task. The system achieved second highest results on official metrics MAP and good results on other search metrics.
PrEP awareness and decision-making for Latino MSM in San Antonio, Texas

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) has been promoted among high-risk populations as an effective HIV biomedical intervention. However, limited research is available on the significance of culturally informed biomedical interventions for Latino MSM. A total of 159 self-administered Internet surveys were completed by Latino MSM ages 21-30 in San Antonio, Texas. The purpose of this research was to develop an instrument that measured Latino MSM attitudes and beliefs towards PrEP, identify associations between demographic factors and PrEP related factors and to suggest culturally appropriate strategies for the promotion of PrEP among the Latino MSM population. Research findings revealed implications for PrEP at the structural and individual level for Latino MSM. Structural level indicators emphasized the importance for raising PrEP awareness among Latino MSM in regards to PrEP related expenses, ameliorating stigmatization of high-risk populations, enhancing access to PrEP informed medical providers, and address mistrust of the government and medical providers role on addressing health disparities among Latino MSM. Overall, the findings for individual factors emphasize the need for patient-centered interventions for Latino MSM. Latino MSM currently on PrEP require supplemental resources to enhance PrEP adherence. Latino MSM not on PrEP require alternate options for PrEP delivery and/or cognitive behavioral approaches minimizing HIV risk behavior for Latino MSM concerned with PrEP toxicity, which may require non-biomedical interventions. Integration of Latino MSM currently on PrEP as peer educators provides a valuable resource for developing culturally informed PrEP interventions for Latino MSM. Peer educators are able to share their experiential knowledge of PrEP contextualized through cultural norms, beliefs, and values.
Measuring Up - Defining the Quality of PharmD Programs.

Objective. To define quality and associated metrics related to Doctor of Pharmacy degree programs. Methods. A three round Delphi process and online survey tool were employed to constitute and query an expert panel of randomly selected pharmacy deans representing a proportional share of public and private schools. Participants were asked about measures used to evaluate the quality of their schools; agreement was assessed for each quality category and metric identified; rankings were reported in order of importance. Results. Deans from 15 public pharmacy schools and 17 private pharmacy schools agreed to participate. Nine quality categories and 35 specific quality metrics were identified. Both public and private school leaders identified and agreed on nine categories of quality measures, with “placement” ranked as the most important measurement category. Conclusion. Identifying categories and metrics to assess quality may provide a foundation from which to compare quality across institutions.
Nonlinear Sections of Nonisolated Complete Intersections

By a series of discoveries during the past thirty years, a distinguished list of researchers have provided us with a marvelous vista of singularity theory as it applies to isolated singularities, especially isolated complete intersection singularities. This began with Milnor’s seminal monograph on isolated hypersurfaces singularities [72], which introduced as a principal tool in the study of isolated singularities the Milnor fibration of the singularity. The basic results were extended by Hamm [43] to isolated complete intersection singularities (ICIS). There has followed a succession of revelations concerning the topology, local geometry, and deformation theory of ICIS using: De Rham cohomology and Gauss- Manin connection, intersection pairing and monodromy, mixed Hodge structures and spectrum, structure of discriminants, equsingularity via multiplicities; and deformation theory. We refer to e.g. [60] and [7, vol 2] where many of these results are presented.
Modelling Correct Operation of Webcams for Security Purposes: (Abstract Only)

In October of 2016, we saw a Denial of Service (DoS) attack, the Mirai botnet, which made use of machines on a global scale, primarily targeting often-unprotected devices like webcams and routers. Due to the widespread use of the Internet of Things (IoT), and, specifically, webcams, the attack surface available to malicious actors has increased dramatically. Whereas some researchers tackle this problem by measuring and increasing the efficiency of existing Intrusion Detection Systems (IDSs) or by creating models for the purpose of characterizing cyber-attacks, such solutions do not investigate the problem of identifying when a system itself is behaving under incorrect operation. Through our research, we established a set of stochastic models that are able to accurately and efficiently model the correct operation and behavior of webcams. In order to verify the efficacy and validity of such models, we ran a multitude of normal-operation scenarios and cyber-attacks against webcams using an isolated network. Using the data from these emulated experiments, we correlated network traffic data and audit logs to verify the correctness and accuracy of our models.
Network Analysis of UBE3A/E6AP-Associated Proteins Provides Connections to Several Distinct Cellular Processes

Perturbations in activity and dosage of the UBE3A ubiquitin-ligase have been linked to Angelman syndrome and autism spectrum disorders. UBE3A was initially identified as the cellular protein hijacked by the human papillomavirus E6 protein to mediate the ubiquitylation of p53, a function critical to the oncogenic potential of these viruses. Although a number of substrates have been identified, the normal cellular functions and pathways affected by UBE3A are largely unknown. Previously, we showed that UBE3A associates with HERC2, NEURL4, and MAPK6/ERK3 in a high-molecular-weight complex of unknown function that we refer to as the HUN complex (HERC2, UBE3A, and NEURL4). In this study, the combination of two complementary proteomic approaches with a rigorous network analysis revealed cellular functions and pathways in which UBE3A and the HUN complex are involved. In addition to finding new UBE3A-associated proteins, such as MCM6, SUGT1, EIF3C, and ASPP2, network analysis revealed that UBE3A-associated proteins are connected to several fundamental cellular processes including translation, DNA replication, intracellular trafficking, and centrosome regulation. Our analysis suggests that UBE3A could be involved in the control and/or integration of these cellular processes, in some cases as a component of the HUN complex, and also provides evidence for crosstalk between the HUN complex and CAMKII interaction networks. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the cellular functions of UBE3A and its potential role in pathways that may be affected in Angelman syndrome, UBE3A-associated autism spectrum disorders, and human papillomavirus-associated cancers.
Closing the Gap: The Fourth Circuit's Narrowing of the Ex Parte Young Exception in Virginia v. Reinhard and the Implications for Administrative Law

The legal debate over state sovereign immunity has persisted practically since the founding. Under the sovereign immunity doctrine, states cannot be sued without their consent even for violations of the Constitution or federal law. Sovereign immunity, thus, kindles the lasting tension between the supposed supremacy of federal law and the separate sovereignty of the states. Since its initial recognition of state sovereign immunity in Hans v. Louisiana, the Supreme Court has recognized several exceptions to the doctrine designed to secure state compliance with federal law. One such exception is the Ex Parte Young doctrine. In Ex Parte Young, the Court announced that individual state citizens could bring suit against state officers in federal court for an ongoing violation of federal law. In recent decades, however, the Supreme Court has vastly expanded the bar of sovereign immunity as an integral part of the “federalist revival” begun by the Rehnquist Court. The Court recently has incorporated the “anti-commandeering” principles from parallel federalism cases into its sovereign immunity jurisprudence, resulting in a significant narrowing of federal judicial power to hear claims against the states. In Virginia v. Reinhard, the Fourth Circuit confronted a question of first impression about the applicability of the Ex Parte Young exception. That case presented the issue of whether a state administrative agency could bring suit in federal court against another state agency to secure its compliance with federal law. In holding that the agency could not bring suit under Ex Parte Young, the Court of Appeals issued a decision with major implications for administrative law and how state agencies may enforce state compliance with federal regulatory schemes. This paper ultimately concludes that Reinhard merely constitutes a natural extension of the sound theoretical principles announced in the Supreme Court’s most recent sovereign immunity cases. Moreover, the practical consequences for state agency enforcement of federal regulatory schemes will be minimal because of the remaining avenues available for enforcing federal rights.
Changes in births to foreign-born women after welfare and immigration policy reforms in California.

Objectives: To determine whether passage of welfare and immigration policies was followed in California by changes in births to foreign-born women in California with respect to total numbers, payer sources, prenatal care use, or health outcomes. Methods: Comparison of births to foreign-born and US-born women from 1990 to 1997 using adjusted odds ratios generated with multivariate logistic regression. Results: Policies passed in 1994 and 1996 were followed by decreases in adjusted odds of births to foreign-born women with prenatal Medicaid coverage, without a corresponding increase in uninsured foreign-born women. There was no decline in the use of prenatal care by foreign-born women, and no worsening of birth outcomes after passage of the reforms. Foreign-born women, however, remained more likely to have inadequate prenatal care than US-born women, and the improvement in outcomes that occurred for US-born women from 1994 to 1997 did not occur for foreign-born women. Conclusions: In spite of the fact that pregnant immigrant women remained eligible for Medicaid after passage of welfare and immigration policies in California, the volume of births to foreign-born women using Medicaid declined. The lack of a corresponding increase in births to uninsured foreign-born women appears to have prevented deterioration in the use of prenatal care or birth outcomes.
THE ROLE OF THE SURFACE COMPLEX IN THE CARBON–OXYGEN REACTION*†

Oxygen reacts with carbon to form CO, CO2, and a carbon–oxygen surface complex. The use of mass spectrometric techniques permits a study of this reaction at low pressures by continuously monitoring the O2, CO, and CO2 concentrations. Complex coverages as low as 0.02% of the BET surface area of a carbon can be measured. For this investigation Graphon, previously oxidized to 14.4% burnoff, was reacted in a static system between 300° and 675°C with O2 at initial pressures ranging from 30 to 500 μHg. The Graphon was outgassed at 950°C, in vacuo, prior to each run. The surface complex increases during the course of a reaction until a “saturation” coverage is reached; the saturation coverage decreases with increasing temperature. The complex constituting the saturation coverage is stable at the reaction temperature even under high vacuum. To decompose the complex, the carbon must be heated above the reaction temperature. The complex decomposes into CO and CO2, with ca. 95% being recovered following outgassing at 950°C. The amount of complex formed in a low temperature oxidation was used as a measure of the active site area of the Graphon.
Knitro: An Integrated Package for Nonlinear Optimization

This paper describes Knitro 5.0, a C-package for nonlinear optimization that combines complementary approaches to nonlinear optimization to achieve robust performance over a wide range of application requirements. The package is designed for solving large-scale, smooth nonlinear programming problems, and it is also effective for the following special cases: unconstrained optimization, nonlinear systems of equations, least squares, and linear and quadratic programming. Various algorithmic options are available, including two interior methods and an active-set method. The package provides crossover techniques between algorithmic options as well as automatic selection of options and settings.
Linear Noise Approximation for a Class of Piecewise Deterministic Markov Processes

Piecewise deterministic Markov processes (PDMP) are a class of mathematical models that integrates discrete stochastic events with continuous deterministic dynamics. The exact solution of PDMP is usually not available due to nonlinearities present in the physical systems at which are modeled via PDMP. Not surprisingly researchers use a variety of approximations to obtain analytical results of statistical moments of PDMP. In this paper we aim to extend the Linear Noise Approximation (LNA) method to PDMP. The LNA method is obtained by small noise approximation of the probability distribution solution of the master equation, and is widely used in discrete-state continuous-time models. We prove that LNA is only directly applicable to a small sub-class of PDMP, and we show that for this sub-class, LNA is equivalent to calculating moments directly by linearizing nonlinearities of the system. Finally for the systems where direct application of LNA via omega expansion fails to give meaningful results, we provide a novel method for approximating moments.
Long-Term Supplementation of Black Elderberries Promotes Hyperlipidemia, but Reduces Liver Inflammation and Improves HDL Function and Atherosclerotic Plaque Stability in Apolipoprotein E-Knockout Mice.

Scope HDL particles are protective against atherosclerosis, but may become dysfunctional during inflammation and chronic disease progression. Anthocyanin-rich foods, such as the black elderberry, may improve HDL function and prevent disease development via antioxidant and/or anti-inflammatory effects. This study investigates the long-term consumption of black elderberry extract (BEE) on HDL function and atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein (apo) E-/- mice. Methods and results ApoE-/- mice (n = 12/group) are fed a low-fat diet, supplemented with 0, 0.25%, or 1% (by weight) BEE (≈37.5-150 mg anthocyanins per kg body weight) for 24 weeks. Feeding 1% BEE increases total serum cholesterol (+31%) and non-HDL cholesterol (+32%) compared with the control diet. PON1 arylesterase (+32%) and lactonase (+45%) activities also increase with the 1% BEE diet. Both 0.25% BEE and 1% BEE diets strongly increase HDL cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC) by 64% and 85%, respectively. Further, BEE dose-dependently lowers serum liver enzymes and hepatic inflammatory gene expression. Although there is no change in neutral lipid accumulation in atherosclerotic lesions, BEE promotes connective tissue deposition in the aortic root. Conclusions Chronic BEE supplementation in apoE-/- mice dose-dependently improves HDL function. Despite BEE promoting hyperlipidemia, which likely offsets HDL effects, BEE increases connective tissue content, suggesting improved atherosclerotic plaque stability.
Survival after abdominal aortic aneurysm repair is affected by socioeconomic status

Abstract Objective The association between socioeconomic status (SES) and outcome after abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair is largely unknown. This study aimed to determine the influence of SES on postoperative survival after AAA repair. Methods Patients undergoing surgical treatment of AAA at a tertiary referral center between January 1993 and July 2013 were retrospectively collected. Thirty-day postoperative mortality and long-term mortality were documented through medical record review and the Michigan Social Security Death Index. SES was quantified using the neighborhood deprivation index (NDI), which is a standardized and reproducible index used in research that summarizes eight domains of socioeconomic deprivation and is based on census tracts derived from patients' individual addresses. The association between SES and survival was studied by univariable and multivariable Cox regression analysis. Results A total of 767 patients were included. The mean age was 73 years; 80% were male, 77% were white, and 20% were African American. There was no difference in SES of patients who underwent open vs endovascular repair of AAA (P = .489). The average NDI was −0.18 (minimum, −1.47; maximum, 2.35). After adjusting for the variables that were significant on univariable analysis (age, medical comorbidities, length of stay, and year of surgery), the association between NDI and long-term mortality was significant (P = .021; hazard ratio, 1.21 [1.05-1.37]). Conclusions Long-term mortality after AAA repair is associated with SES. Further studies are required to assess which risk factors (behavioral, psychosocial) are responsible for this decreased long-term survival in low SES patients after AAA repair.
Implications of Combined Infrastructure Concentration and Interdependency for Extreme Event Recovery

Infrastructure resilience in the context of extreme events is potentially affected positively or negatively by the combined effects of infrastructure concentrations and interdependence, occurring together. Concentration and interdependence are usually analyzed separately, and additionally, without reference to infrastructure resilience, an important need given the centrality of infrastructure to society. Concentration refers to density of facilities and/or operational controls and users at single points, extending the author’s previous research using broader geographic areas. Concentrations of economic activities, social settlements, and supporting infrastructures reflect traditional economies of scale. Alternatively, literature defines infrastructure interdependence as spatial, functional, or control connectivity. Resilience used here is recovery after destructive events, though the concept is broader. The methodology involves first, defining concepts and identifying actual, representative joint infrastructure concentration/interdependence combinations from cases. Second, key prototypes and typologies for concentrated, interdependent infrastructure combinations are developed and related to resilience (duration of postevent restoration and pre-event recovery), extending research considering them separately. Third, for quantitative analysis, databases are used to define and evaluate characteristics of different concentration/interdependence combinations e.g., recovery role (positive/negative), vulnerability to threats, tightness of combinations, and flexibility. Fourth, the role of adaptations, e.g., renewable resources and green infrastructure, in reducing or redirecting concentration/interdependence to promote positive impacts are discussed in terms of effectiveness at socioeconomic and technological interfaces. Finally, implications of concentration and interdependence combinations for infrastructure management and policy are presented. The methodology is applied and evaluated for transit ridership at NYC subway stations under normal conditions and disruptions such as an electric power outage. Results indicate that concentration and its effect on interdependence varies depending on assumptions about ridership redistribution during or following an outage.
Trends in the use of cigarettes, cigars, and marijuana among students with and without asthma, 2003-2017.

Aim: Asthma has symptoms that can be exacerbated by using combustible products such as tobacco and marijuana. This study assessed the prevalence and trends in current use of cigarettes, cigars, and...
Benign White Blood Cell and Platelet Disorders

Abstract Leukocytosis or elevated white blood cell (WBC) count is a common laboratory finding. Normal WBC differential also changes with age, and proper normal ranges must be established for each laboratory performing such tests. However, leukocytosis is also a feature of leukemias, and thus distinguishing leukemias from other causes of leukocytosis is very important for proper diagnosis and management of patient. Examination of peripheral blood smear along with review of complete blood count analysis is essential for such differentiation, and if necessary, further analysis such as flow cytometry, molecular studies, and possible bone marrow examination must be undertaken. Similarly, platelet disorder such as thrombocytopenia or thrombocytosis may be a benign condition or reflection of a serious condition such as severe thrombocytopenia observed in patients with acute leukemias. In this chapter, benign WBC and platelet disorders are reviewed.
Nicotine Dependence and the CHRNA5/CHRNA3/CHRNB4 Nicotinic Receptor Regulome

Abstract The nicotinic receptor cluster, located on chromosome 15q25.1, contains genes encoding the α5, α3, and β4 subunits that combine to form ligand-gated ion channels, present throughout the periphery and in brain regions important for addiction. Clinical studies have identified strong associations between nicotine dependence (ND) phenotypes and polymorphisms in this gene cluster, notably with a nonsynonymous polymorphism rs16969968 in CHRNA5. Polymorphisms in a master regulatory element influence messenger RNA expression for several genes in the cluster, while additional regulatory variants modify tissue-specific expression of each individual gene. Significant interactions between these regulatory polymorphisms and rs16969968 modulate ND risk, which cannot be correctly estimated from additive effects of single SNPs. Taken together, multiple variants combine to exert genetic influence of the gene cluster “regulome” on clinical phenotypes, critical to understanding trait heritability.