cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Muscarinic potentiation of GABA(A) receptor currents is gated by insulin signaling in the prefrontal cortex.

Cholinergic neurotransmission and insulin signaling in cognitive areas, such as the prefrontal cortex (PFC), play a key role in regulating learning and memory. However, the cellular mechanisms by which this regulation occurs are unclear. Because GABAergic inhibition in the PFC controls the timing of neuronal activity during cognitive operations, we examined the potential regulation of GABA transmission by cholinergic and insulin signaling in PFC pyramidal neurons. Activation of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) with carbachol produced an enhancement of GABA A receptor currents in acutely dissociated cells after a short treatment with insulin. Inhibiting phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI3K), a downstream target of insulin signaling, eliminated this effect as well as the carbachol-induced enhancement of GABAergic miniature IPSC amplitudes in PFC slices. The muscarinic potentiation of GABA A currents was blocked by PKC inhibitors, broad-spectrum protein tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and specific inhibitors of the nonreceptor tyrosine kinase Src. Additionally, muscarinic receptors in PFC slices activated PKC and the focal adhesion kinase Pyk2 (a potential molecular link between PKC and Src) in a PI3K-dependent manner. Together, our results show that mAChR activation in PFC pyramidal neurons enhances GABA A receptor functions through a PKC-dependent, Src-mediated signaling cascade that is gated by an insulin/PI3K pathway. Given the significance of GABAergic transmission in regulating PFC functions, our results provide a novel mechanism for understanding the role of cholinergic systems and insulin signaling in learning and memory.
Steel foam for structures: A review of applications, manufacturing and material properties

The objective of this paper is to provide a state-of-the-art review for the structural application, manufacturing, material properties, and modeling of a new material: steel foam. Foamed steel includes air voids in the material microstructure and as a result introduces density as a new design variable in steel material selection. By controlling density the engineering properties of steel components may be altered significantly: improvement in the weight-to-stiffness ratio is particularly pronounced, as is the available energy dissipation and thermal resistivity. Full-scale applications of steel foams in civil structures have not yet been demonstrated. Therefore, existing applications demonstrating either proof-of-concept for steel foam, or full-scale use of aluminum foams in situations with clear civil/structural analogs are highlighted. Adoption of steel foam relies on the manufacturing method, particularly its cost, and the resulting properties of the steel foam. Therefore, published methods for producing steel foam are summarized, along with measurements of steel foam structural (modulus, yield stress, etc.) and non-structural (thermal conductivity, acoustic absorption, etc.) properties. Finally, existing models for predicting foamed steel material properties are summarized to highlight the central role of material density. Taken in total the existing research demonstrates the viability of steel foams for use in civil/structural applications, while also pointing to areas where further research work is required. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
The Shape of Things to Come? On the Dynamics of Suicide Attacks and Targeted Killings ∗

In this paper we examine the dynamics of suicide attacks and targeted killings in the Second Intifada. We find evidence that the targeted killings of Palestinian leaders by Israel reduce realized Palestinian violence. We find, however, that intended Palestinian violence is increasing at low levels of targeted killings, but decreasing at higher levels. We find that suicide bombings that kill at least one Israeli lead to a subsequent increase in the incidence and levels of Palestinian fatalities. Our results do not support the notion that suicide attacks and targeted killings follow the “tit-for-tat” pattern that is commonly postulated in the literature.
Interior Point Methods for Large-Scale Linear Programming

We discuss interior point methods for large-scale linear programming, with an emphasis on methods that are useful for problems arising in telecommunications. We give the basic framework of a primal-dual interior point method, and consider the numerical issues involved in calculating the search direction in each iteration, including the use of factorization methods and/or preconditioned conjugate gradient methods. We also look at interior point column generation methods which can be used for very large scale linear programs or for problems where the data is generated only as needed.
Two formal analyses of attack graphs

An attack graph is a succinct representation of all paths through a system that end in a state where an intruder has successfully achieved his goal. Today Red Teams determine the vulnerability of networked systems by drawing gigantic attack graphs by hand. Constructing attack graphs by hand is tedious, error-prone, and impractical for large systems. By viewing an attack as a violation of a safety property, we can use off-the-shelf model checking technology to produce attack graphs automatically: a successful path from the intruder's viewpoint is a counterexample produced by the model checker In this paper we present an algorithm for generating attack graphs using model checking as a subroutine. Security analysts use attack graphs for detection, defense and forensics. In this paper we present a minimization analysis technique that allows analysts to decide which minimal set of security measures would guarantee the safety of the system. We provide a formal characterization of this problem: we prove that it is polynomially equivalent to the minimum hitting set problem and we present a greedy algorithm with provable bounds. We also present a reliability analysis technique that allows analysts to perform a simple cost-benefit trade-off depending on the likelihoods of attacks. By interpreting attack graphs as Markov Decision Processes we can use the value iteration algorithm to compute the probabilities of intruder success for each attack the graph.
Oligomycin inhibits HIF-1α expression in hypoxic tumor cells

Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) is a key regulator of cellular responses to reduced oxygen availability. The contribution of mitochondria in regulation of HIF-1α in hypoxic cells has received re...
Autoinducer 2 Is Required for Biofilm Growth of Aggregatibacter (Actinobacillus) actinomycetemcomitans

Autoinducer 2 (AI-2) is required for the growth of Aggregatibacter (Actinobacillus) actinomycetemcomitans in culture under conditions of iron limitation. However, in vivo this organism thrives in a complex multispecies biofilm that forms in the human oral cavity. In this report, we show that adherent growth of A. actinomycetemcomitans on a saliva-coated surface, but not planktonic growth under iron-replete conditions, is defective in a LuxS-deficient background. Biofilm growth of the luxS mutant exhibited lower total biomass and lower biofilm depth than those for the wild-type strain. Normal biofilm growth of the luxS mutant was restored genetically by introduction of a functional copy of luxS and biochemically by addition of partially purified AI-2. Furthermore, introduction of S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase, which restores the metabolism of S-adenosylmethionine in the absence of LuxS, into A. actinomycetemcomitans did not complement the luxS mutation unless AI-2 was added in trans. This suggests that AI-2 itself is required for biofilm growth by A. actinomycetemcomitans. A biofilm growth deficiency similar to that of the LuxS-deficient strain was also observed when a gene encoding the AI-2-interacting protein RbsB or LsrB was inactivated. Biofilm formation by A. actinomycetemcomitans was virtually eliminated upon inactivation of both rbsB and lsrB. In addition, biofilm growth by wild-type A. actinomycetemcomitans was reduced in the presence of ribose, which competes with AI-2 for binding to RbsB. These results suggest that RbsB and LsrB function as AI-2 receptors in A. actinomycetemcomitans and that the development of A. actinomycetemcomitans biofilms requires AI-2.
3-D finite element grid generation in electromagnetics

A 3-D grid generator for finite-element solutions of electromagnetic field problems is discussed. The method of dividing an entire configuration into smaller regions provides a high degree of flexibility in defining the characteristics of the different portions of the problem. The software is capable of handling a wide variety of objects and is easy to use. It only requires the information about geometries and characteristics of the different regions in the volume. The grid generator algorithm is discussed. The algorithm was applied to a general 3-D example. The example includes most of the items which create difficulty in 3-D discretization of a general volume. This example utilizes thin plates, air-gaps, and curved surfaces, as well as volume variations in all directions. >
Rings and Fields

We are all familiar with the natural, rational, real, and complex number systems and their arithmetic, but other mathematical systems exhibit similar arithmetic properties. The previous chapter, for instance, introduced the set of integers modulo n, and its addition, subtraction, and multiplication. In high school algebra you worked with polynomials, and saw how to add, subtract, and multiply them. In linear algebra you saw how arithmetic operations are performed on matrices, and might have seen vector spaces, with their addition, subtraction, and scalar multiplication. Many of the functions you studied in precalculus and calculus can be combined by addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and also composition.
Working the Boardwalk Trust in a Public Marketplace

This article argues that trust emerges as a key interactional mechanism through which vendors, artists, and performers that work in a public marketplace turn daily conditions of uncertainty into enduring stability. Drawing on four years of ethnographic data, I empirically illustrate a process of building, maintaining, and protecting trust. Following trust from the level of one-on-one interaction through to the level of a community, I expose the particular interactional work trust does for different people across different situations. In the end, the way a social psychological mechanism plays out over time has significant social and material consequences for people working under highly uncertain conditions.
Exercise as Medication

Sedentary lifestyle accelerates the aging process, and causes or contributes to many chronic diseases. Exercise is a powerful medication that aids in decelerating the aging process, preventing chronic as well as many other cardiovascular diseases, and provides musculoskeletal benefits. Motivating patients to exercise is a complex challenge. The challenge includes both patient and clinician barriers to implementing an effective exercise plan. Frustration, knowledge deficit, difficulty in motivating and being motivated, and a general lack of enthusiasm for exercise are some of the barriers. This chapter presents information about exercise, its benefits, patient and clinician barriers, and strategies to overcome the barriers. Good evidence now exists that the observations of Hippocrates were correct. Sedentary lifestyle leads to accelerated aging and the following physiological changes:
Disorder of Systemic Inflammation in Sepsis and Trauma: A Systems Perspective

The inflammatory response is highly integrated and involves regulatory elements released from the cells of the immune system, humoral factors, the endothelium, and endogenous danger signals. Once activated, the goal of the inflammatory response is to activate the cellular immune response to ward off penetrating pathogens and to initiate tissue repair mechanisms. The magnitude of the systemic response is proportional to the severity of the initial insult on the background of the genetic milieu of the individual. The inflammatory response is closely regulated and a counter anti-inflammatory response keeps it in check. When excessive or sustained, this immuno-inflammatory response gives way to prolonged immune suppression, leaving the individual susceptible to nosocomial infections and prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) stay. Only by understanding how the immune–inflammatory response becomes disordered can we devise strategies to limit the deleterious consequences.
Automated Network Repair with Meta Provenance

When debugging an SDN application, diagnosing the problem is merely the first step -- the operator must still implement a solution that works, and that does not cause new problems elsewhere. However, most existing SDN debuggers focus exclusively on identifying the problem and offer the network operator little or no help with finding an effective fix. Finding a fix is challenging because the number of potential repairs can be enormous.In this paper, we propose a first step towards automated repair for SDN applications. Our approach consists of two elements. The first is a data structure we call meta provenance, which can be used to efficiently find good candidate repairs. Meta provenance is inspired by the provenance concept from the database community. However, whereas standard provenance can only reason about changes to data, meta-provenance can also reason about changes to programs. The second element is a system that can efficiently back-test a set of candidate repairs using historical data from the network. This is used to eliminate candidate repairs that do not work well, or that cause other problems. We present initial results from a case study, which suggest our approach is able to efficiently find high-quality repairs.
Dermatologic therapies you've probably never heard of.

This article presents numerous alternative therapies for stubborn dermatologic conditions. Agents include hypertonic saline, mexile-tine, alpha-acetoxymandelic acid, deladumone, emulsified steroids, activated charcoal, azelaic acid, silymarin, and dexamethasone. Several surgical tips are also included for the practitioners consideration.
Analysis on Monitoring Results of Drug Users in AIDS Sentinel Point in Jiujiang in 2010

Objective To find out the infection status of human immunodeficiency virus(HIV),hepatitis C virus(HCV) and syphilis among drug users in Jiujiang. Methods Individual interviews and a uniform questionnaire were used to survey the drug users,and the blood samples were collected to test for HIV antibody,HCV antibody,and syphilis antibody. Results Totally 1,885 drug addicts were monitored in 2010,and 1,882 were tested.The antibody-positive rates of HIV,HCV and syphilis were 0.32%(6/1,882),14.40%(271/1,882) and 1.75%(33/1,882). Conclusions The prevalence of HIV infection is still low among the drug users,but the infection rates of HCV and syphilis are significantly higher than those of general population.To prevent the spread of HIV/HCV and syphilis,strengthening public education and behavioral intervention about AIDS,hepatitis and STDs among drug users is a work which can not be ignored.
Epidemiology of visceral leishmaniasis before and after the Wenchuan earthquake in Longnan City,China,2005-2013

Visceral leishmaniasis(VL)is a parasitic disease,which is still endemic in western China.An earthquake struck south-western China on May 12 th,2008,which affected Longnan City of Gansu Province considerably.The objective of this survey is to determine the effect of the Wenchuan earthquake on the Kala-azar epidemic in Longnan City.In this study,VL cases were collected from 2005 to 2013and diagnosed on positive test for anti-rK39 IgG antibodies by the Kala-azar Detect rK39dip-stick(InBios,USA).The incidence rates were calculated among various counties of Longnan City with SPSS 19.0software.The epidemiological characteristics of the disease were analyzed before and after the Wenchuan earthquake.From 2005to2013,there were 825 VL cases in Longnan City,with an annual incidence of 3.36/100 000 and a significantly higher incidence in males than that in females(P0.001).All age groups were affected.During this period,there was an obvious upward trend from 2005 to 2008,and a distinct downward tendency since 2010.The incidences of VL between 2008 and 2010were significantly different with that in other years(P0.01).Results revealed that VL was widespread in Longnan City,which was likely exacerbated by the earthquake in 2008.Earthquake created diverse natural environment and social circumstances,which may contribute to the spread of the VL epidemic.Together,our data strongly suggest that the epidemic of VL should be closely monitored after earthquake.
STUDY OF DEHYDRATION MECHANISM OF SEC-ONDARY CROSS-LINKED GELS

In this paper, the microcosmic characteristic of performed gels and secondary cross -linked gels with the same concentration has been studied by atomic force microscopy (AFM). By comparing the images of performed gels with those of secondary cross- linked gels, results indicated that the microstructure of secondary cross- linked gels presented thick network in which very small holes and bigger irregularly holes were embedded. The width of the biggest irregularly holes was 200 nm. The experimental results were analyzed, and the formation mechanism of bigger irregularly holes and the mechanism of easier dehydration has been discussed.
Extrusion of nuclei of transfused avian erythrocytes in the mammalian spleen.

1. Duck erythrocytes have been injected intravenously into rabbits, mice, and guinea pigs and at intervals thereafter microscopic examination of certain organs has been made. 2. In the guinea pig spleen extrusion of the nuclei of the duck cells has been observed with great regularity. 3. Attempts to reproduce this phenomenon in vitro have failed. 4. It is suggested that nuclear extrusion of this kind is conditioned by (a) the species into which the cells are transfused and (b) an intact spleen.
A Homolog Pentameric Complex Dictates Viral Epithelial Tropism, Pathogenicity and Congenital Infection Rate in Guinea Pig Cytomegalovirus

In human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), tropism to epithelial and endothelial cells is dependent upon a pentameric complex (PC). Given the structure of the placenta, the PC is potentially an important neutralizing antibody target antigen against congenital infection. The guinea pig is the only small animal model for congenital CMV. Guinea pig cytomegalovirus (GPCMV) potentially encodes a UL128-131 HCMV PC homolog locus (GP128-GP133). In transient expression studies, GPCMV gH and gL glycoproteins interacted with UL128, UL130 and UL131 homolog proteins (designated GP129 and GP131 and GP133 respectively) to form PC or subcomplexes which were determined by immunoprecipitation reactions directed to gH or gL. A natural GP129 C-terminal deletion mutant (aa 107–179) and a chimeric HCMV UL128 C-terminal domain swap GP129 mutant failed to form PC with other components. GPCMV infection of a newly established guinea pig epithelial cell line required a complete PC and a GP129 mutant virus lacked epithelial tropism and was attenuated in the guinea pig for pathogenicity and had a low congenital transmission rate. Individual knockout of GP131 or 133 genes resulted in loss of viral epithelial tropism. A GP128 mutant virus retained epithelial tropism and GP128 was determined not to be a PC component. A series of GPCMV mutants demonstrated that gO was not strictly essential for epithelial infection whereas gB and the PC were essential. Ectopic expression of a GP129 cDNA in a GP129 mutant virus restored epithelial tropism, pathogenicity and congenital infection. Overall, GPCMV forms a PC similar to HCMV which enables evaluation of PC based vaccine strategies in the guinea pig model.
Introductory Paper to the Session on “Systems and Models”

All evidence from diverse analytical studies of the dynamics of life processes proves undeniably that their fundamental methods of operation are systemic rather than rigidly mechanic. Only man’s practical necessities and the abstractive powers of his brain have let him segregate from nature’s ‘wholism’ those componental fractions whose temporal constancy lets them imitate separate independence.
Activity settings in full-day kindergarten classrooms and children’s early learning

Abstract Using data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study Kindergarten Class of 2010–2011 ( n = 10,620), we examined the diversity in full-day kindergarten activity settings across the nation. Recognizing that patterns of activity use may be more important than any single activity, we used person-centered modeling to identify five activity profiles: high whole group, high small group, high individual, distributed activities, and high child selected. Children enrolled in the high whole group classrooms demonstrated the greatest gains in literacy skills during kindergarten, whereas for mathematics, children in both the high small group and high whole group classrooms demonstrated greater gains. Classrooms that had more opportunities for child-selected activities, however, promoted greater improvements in children’s cognitive flexibility. These findings point to the potential of person-centered methods in identifying different groups of classrooms that share common practices.
The Hakalama: The ʻAha Pūnana Leo’s Syllabic Hawaiian Reading Program

Hawaiian is the first indigenous language recognized as official in a state of the United States. It is also a highly endangered language and the object of a school-based revitalization movement. At the base of the movement are the Pūnana Leo preschools. Hawaiian literacy is taught in them through the Hakalama, a syllabary using the Roman alphabet. Contemporary research has established that childhood cognitive development necessary to break words into syllables precedes the ability to break words into phonemes by approximately 2 years. The ʻAha Pūnana Leo seeks to take advantage of that research to produce a high level of literacy upon graduation from preschool. The Hakalama as developed by the ʻAha Pūnana Leo has similarities with the Japanese hiragana chart. The ʻAha Pūnana Leo has also developed a series of Hakalama mastery steps to produce the ability to read and write novel Hawaiian words and sentences. Assessments of students using the Hakalama shows that they are reaching a relatively high level of literacy by the end of preschool and that literacy in Hawaiian is transferring to literacy in English even before instruction in English.
Spin flip loss in magnetic confinement of ultracold neutrons for neutron lifetime experiments

We analyze the spin flip loss for ultracold neutrons in magnetic bottles of the type used in experiments aiming at a precise measurement of the neutron lifetime, extending the one-dimensional field model used previously by Steyerl et al. [Phys. Rev. C 86, 065501 (2012)] to two dimensions for cylindrical multipole fields. We also develop a general analysis applicable to three dimensions. Here we apply it to multipole fields and to the bowl-type field configuration used for the Los Alamos $\mathrm{UCN}\ensuremath{\tau}$ experiment. In all cases considered the spin flip loss calculated exceeds the Majorana estimate by many orders of magnitude but can be suppressed sufficiently by applying a holding field of appropriate magnitude to allow high-precision neutron lifetime measurements, provided other possible sources of systematic error are under control.
Dissolution of used nuclear fuel using recycled nitric acid

ABSTRACTAn evaluation was performed on the feasibility of using HB-Line anion exchange column waste streams from Alternate Feedstock 2 (AFS-2) processing for the dissolver solution for used nuclear fuel (UNF) processing. The targeted UNF for dissolution using recycled solution are fuels similar to the University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR) fuel. The objectives of this experimental program were to validate the feasibility of using impure dissolver solutions with the MURR dissolution flowsheet to verify they would not significantly affect dissolution of the UNF in a detrimental manner.
Explanation of anomalous shock temperatures in shock-loaded Mo samples measured using neutron resonance spectroscopy

Neutron resonance spectrometry (NRS) has been used to measure the temperature inside Mo samples during shock loading. The temperatures obtained were significantly higher than predicted assuming ideal hydrodynamic loading, a discrepancy which we now explain. The effects of plastic flow and nonideal projectile behavior were assessed. Plastic flow was calculated self-consistently with the shock jump conditions: this is necessary for a rigorous estimate of the locus of shock states accessible. Plastic flow was estimated to contribute a temperature rise of $53\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{K}$ compared with hydrodynamic flow. Simulations were performed of the operation of the explosively driven projectile system used to induce the shock in the Mo sample. The simulations, and related experiments, indicated that the projectile was significantly curved on impact, and still accelerating. The resulting spatial variations in load, including radial components of velocity, should increase the apparent temperature that would be deduced from the width of the neutron resonance by $160\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{K}$. These corrections are sufficient to reconcile the apparent temperatures deduced using NRS with the accepted properties of Mo, in particular, its equation of state.
Fatalities in General Aviation: From Balloons to Helicopters

General Aviation (GA) has shown the highest proportion of accidents and fatalities in aviation. The countries with the highest number of GA flights (USA, UK, and Australia) all show high accident rates for this category. The developments in the approaches to aviation safety, in particular in relation to GA, show an increasing understanding of the determining factors of fatalities and the most promising strategies to prevent them.Occurrences in aviation that involve fatalities are universally classified as accidents. Accidents are in contrast with incidents, which only feature minor injury and minor damage to the aircraft. Accident statistics have dominated the study of aviation safety and have benefitted from new approaches from organizational psychology. The relevance of these approaches to GA accident investigations is limited due to the highly diversified operations and the limited organizational structure of this industry.
Experimental study on micromachining of CFRP/Ti stacks using micro ultrasonic machining process

Carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) composite is one of the most sought after material owing to its superior physical and mechanical properties such as high durability and high strength-to-weight ratio. CFRP composites are often used by stacking up with titanium (Ti) to form multi-layered material stacks for applications involving extreme mechanical loads such as in aerospace and automotive industries. However, the machining of CFRP/Ti multi stacks is quite complex and challenging task since both materials are difficult-to-machine materials and show completely different machinability properties. The challenge is further escalated when there is a need to machine the CFRP/Ti stacks at micron level. Several problems arise during the machining process due to the non-homogeneous structure and anisotropic and abrasive properties of composites. Traditional methods of micromachining the CFRP/Ti stacks result in several issues including high cutting force and high tool wear, composite delamination, large groove depth in composites, and poor surface quality. Ultrasonic machining (USM) process has been successfully used to machine titanium, CFRP, and CFRP/Ti stacks at macro scale. Micro ultrasonic machining is a downsized version of macro USM process that is developed to machine hard and brittle materials such as quartz, glass, and ceramics at micron scale. This research explores the possibility of using the micro USM process to conduct micromachining of CFRP/Ti multi stacks. The effects of various process parameters including abrasive grit size, tool material and type on the material removal rate and surface quality are studied. The study found that micro ultrasonic machining process is capable of successfully micromachining CFRP/Ti stacks. In comparison with conventional processes, micromachining of CFRP/Ti stacks using micro ultrasonic machining process resulted almost zero CFRP delamination, minimal variation in CFRP and Ti hole sizes, and longer tool life.
Hydrothermal single crystal growth and second harmonic generation of Li2SiO3, Li2GeO3 and Li2Si2O5

Abstract The growth of large high quality single crystals of three lithium silicates and germanates Li 2 SiO 3 , Li 2 SiO 5 , and Li 2 GeO 3 is described. The crystals are all grown using hydrothermal fluids at 650 °C and 1 kbar using simple oxide feedstock and 3–6 M LiOH serving as both the lithium ion source and mineralizer. The crystals could be grown by spontaneous transport without any specific seeding, and grew between 2 and 10 mm/edge and without evidence of cracking, physical twinning or multiple domain structures. The crystals were characterized by single crystal diffraction, UV–vis spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. All the crystals are acentric and polar. Preliminary nonlinear optical properties were investigated using the Kurtz method and indicate that the crystals exhibit Type-1 phase matching ability, and Li 2 SiO 3 demonstrates a significant nonlinear optical conversion efficiency, making it of potential interest as a UV NLO crystal.
Abstract 10855: Impact of Race/Ethnicity, Sex, and Socio-Economic Status on the Risk for Heart Failure Readmission: The Importance of Context

Background: Though Hispanics (H) have higher heart failure (HF)-related readmission rates compared to non-Hispanics (NH), their in-hospital mortality is reported as lower. Social determinants of health (e.g. educational attainment, annual income and geographic location) are associated with health outcomes regardless of ethnicity. The state of New Mexico has a large Hispanic community accounting for 47% of the population and is one of the poorest states in the country with low literacy levels. These factors make New Mexico a unique venue to assess health outcomes and the impact of ethnicity, sex, and social factors. Methods: We analyzed data from 1608 consecutive patients discharged from the University of New Mexico Hospital between 2010-2014 with a principle diagnosis of heart failure. We explored the associations between race/ethnicity, age, sex, level of poverty, education level, and distance from hospital and risk for 30 day readmission using univariable and multivariable statistical analysis. Results: Mean age on admission was 63.0 ± 14.1. Men represented 58.4% and 48.8% of the sample population were H. The overall 30 day readmission rate (30dRR) was 13.4%. 30dRR for H was 17.5% compared to 9.6% of NH (p>0.00); for females, regardless of race/ethnicity, 30dRR was 16.7% compared to 10.9% for males (p=0.001). All selected socioeconomic variables were significantly associated with 30dRR on univariable analysis. However, on multivariable analysis only H ethnicity, sex, poverty level and distance from hospital were associated with readmission. Poverty level was strongly associated with higher 30dRR (OR 2.8; 95% CI 1.58-5.19; p>0.001). Living furthest from hospital was associated with lower readmission rate (OR 0.5; 95% CI 0.3-0.8; p>0.007). The rates of clinical characteristics (e.g., diabetes, hypertension, etc.) were similar between groups and did not associate with 30dRR. Conclusion: In this unique, less ethnically and socio-economically diverse environment where poverty rates are high and education attainment is low, Hispanic ethnicity, female sex, and living in poverty is associated with higher risk for 30dRR in patients with HF.
Rheumatic Complications of Streptococcus pyogenes

Acute rheumatic fever remains one of the major autoimmune disorders known to occur as a result of a specific pathogen, group A Streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes), even though the precise mechanism is incompletely understood. Post-streptococcal reactive arthritis and post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis similarly follow group A streptococcal infections. Group A streptococcus-induced autoimmunity via suspected molecular mimicry has ramifications for future microbiome research and management and prevention of rheumatologic diseases.
A POSSIBLE ROLE OF OXYGENASES IN THE REGULATION OF CEREBRAL BLOOD FLOW

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the effect of arterial hypoxemia on cerebral blood vessels. Hypoxemia produces cerebral vasodilation and an increase in cerebral blood flow (CBF). However, the precise mechanism by which hypoxemia produces vasodilation is unclear. There is evidence that low PO2 act directly on cerebral vascular smooth muscle, resulting in vasodilation. It has also been suggested that other local factors such as cerebral parenchymal acidosis secondary to anaerobic metabolism and adenosine release caused by hypoxemia are responsible for cerebral dilation. Neurogenic mechanisms are involved in the cerebral vasodilator response to hypoxemia, and it has been suggested that the carotid chemoreceptor is responsible for all, or at least a major part, of the cerebral vasodilation in response to hypoxemia. The the cerebral vasodilation to hypoxemia is not affected by denervation of the carotid or aortic chemoreceptor and is not modified by the denervation of the carotid or aortic baroreceptor. Data suggests that arterial oxygen content is important than arterial oxygen tension in the mechanism of cerebral vasodilation. This chapter presents a study to test the hypothesis that oxygen substrates such as metyrapone and imipramine could alter the responses of the cerebral vasculature to hypoxemia.
Neutron Diffusion Lengths of Graphite-Absorber Mixtures Between 200 and 2000°K

The neutron diffusion length of graphite with an added 1/v absorber has been calculated for temperatures from 200 to 2000°K. At each temperature, the entire range of absorption for which a diffusio...
Biologic and Glucocorticoid Use after Methotrexate Initiation in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Objective. Biologic therapies can improve disease control for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) but may be both overused and underused. We aimed to identify predictors of greater use of biologic therapies and to identify factors associated with persistent glucocorticoid use. Methods. Using national US Veteran’s Affairs databases 2005–2016, we identified patients with RA receiving a first-ever prescription of methotrexate (MTX), requiring ≥ 6 months of baseline data. We evaluated predictors of biologic therapy initiation within 2 years of starting MTX and factors associated with baseline and persistent glucocorticoid use at 6–12 months using multivariable models. Results. Among 17,415 patients starting MTX, 3263 patients received biologic therapy within 2 years (20.6% 2-yr incidence). In adjusted analyses, biologic use was substantially lower in older patients [e.g., aHR 0.20 (95% CI 0.16, 0.26) for patients ≥ 80 vs Conclusion. Biologic therapy is initiated less frequently in patients with RA who are older, have more comorbidities, and who are nonwhite. While biologics may be avoided in older and sicker patients because of safety concerns, glucocorticoid use is similar regardless of age and is more frequent in patients with comorbidities, with implications for patient outcomes.
Freshwater Mussels of the Powell River, Virginia and Tennessee: Abundance and Distribution in a Biodiversity Hotspot

The Powell River, located in southwestern Virginia and northeastern Tennessee, is a tributary of the Clinch River in the headwaters of the Tennessee River system. Historically, the Powell River had a diverse freshwater mussel fauna of 46 species. Various surveys conducted over the past century have recorded a decline in mussel densities and diversity throughout much of the river, due to historical and on-going anthropogenic impacts. In 2008 and 2009, random timed-search, systematic search, and quadrat sampling of 21 sites were completed to document species richness, relative abundance, density, and size-class structure of resident mussel populations. During the random timed search (10 sites) and systematic search (10 additional sites) portions of the survey (n=1,399 person-h), surveyors collected 15,084 mussels of 29 species. Catch-per-unit-effort ranged from 0.33 to 22.12 mussels/person-h. We observed living individuals (n = 412) of 9 of the 17 federally endangered species previously reported in the river (Dromus dromas, Epioblasma brevidens, E. triquetra, Fusconaia cor, Lemiox rimosus, Plethobasus cyphyus, Quadrula cylindrica strigillata, Q. intermedia, and Q. sparsa) and two candidate species for federal protection (Pleuronaia dolabelloides and Ptychobranchus subtentum). We recorded 19 species from 18 sites, including 5 endangered species during quadrat sampling efforts. Mean densities ranged from 0.00 to 2.25 mussels/m2 among sites sampled. Relatively recent recruitment was also evident for 16 of 29 species; including 4 endangered species (D. dromas, E. brevidens, Q. intermedia, and Q. sparsa). The mussel fauna of the lower Powell River continues to represent one of the most diverse in the United States. Outside of the Powell River, only 2 or 3 populations remain for most of the listed species extant in the river. Given these qualities, the Powell River deserves recognition as a location for focused conservation efforts to protect its diverse mussel assemblage.
Prevention of HIV/AIDS

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic is a biomedical phenomenon given the viral etiology of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). However, the HIV epidemic is equally, if not more so, a psychosocial and cultural phenomenon. It is not only the virus per se, but an individual’s behavior, more specifically, the lack of appropriate health-promoting behavior that propels the epidemic (DiClemente & Peterson, 1994a). Moreover, much of the behavior associated with HIV exposure is of an interpersonal nature resulting from intimate sexual interaction; and, precisely because HIV infection links sexuality with disease, it is inextricably a psychosocial and cultural phenomenon.
Gene- and Pathway-Based Deep Neural Network for Multi-omics Data Integration to Predict Cancer Survival Outcomes

Data integration of multi-platform based omics data from biospecimen holds promise of improving survival prediction and personalized therapies in cancer. Multi-omics data provide comprehensive descriptions of human genomes regulated by complex interactions of multiple biological processes such as genetic, epigenetic, and transcriptional regulation. Therefore, the integration of multi-omics data is essential to decipher complex mechanisms of human diseases and to enhance treatments based on genetic understanding of each patient in precision medicine. In this paper, we propose a gene- and pathway-based deep neural network for multi-omics data integration (MiNet) to predict cancer survival outcomes. MiNet introduces a multi-omics layer that represents multi-layered biological processes of genetic, epigenetic, and transcriptional regulation, in the gene- and pathway-based neural network. MiNet captures nonlinear effects of multi-omics data to survival outcomes via a neural network framework, while allowing one to biologically interpret the model. In the extensive experiments with multi-omics data of Gliblastoma multiforme (GBM) patients, MiNet outperformed the current cutting-edge methods including SurvivalNet and Cox-nnet. Moreover, MiNet’s model showed the capability to interpret a multi-layered biological system. A number of biological literature in GBM supported the biological interpretation of MiNet. The open-source software of MiNet in PyTorch is publicly available at https://github.com/DataX-JieHao/MiNet.
Gold Nanoparticle Modified Carbon Fiber Microelectrodes for Enhanced Neurochemical Detection

For over 30 years, carbon-fiber microelectrodes (CFMEs) have been the standard for neurotransmitter detection. Generally, carbon fibers are aspirated into glass capillaries, pulled to a fine taper, and then sealed using an epoxy to create electrode materials that are used for fast scan cyclic voltammetry testing. The use of bare CFMEs has several limitations, though. First and foremost, the carbon fiber contains mostly basal plane carbon, which has a relatively low surface area and yields lower sensitivities than other nanomaterials. Furthermore, the graphitic carbon is limited by its temporal resolution, and its relatively low conductivity. Lastly, neurochemicals and macromolecules have been known to foul at the surface of carbon electrodes where they form non-conductive polymers that block further neurotransmitter adsorption. For this study, we modify CFMEs with gold nanoparticles to enhance neurochemical testing with fast scan cyclic voltammetry. Au3+ was electrodeposited or dipcoated from a colloidal solution onto the surface of CFMEs. Since gold is a stable and relatively inert metal, it is an ideal electrode material for analytical measurements of neurochemicals. Gold nanoparticle modified (AuNP-CFMEs) had a stability to dopamine response for over 4 h. Moreover, AuNP-CFMEs exhibit an increased sensitivity (higher peak oxidative current of the cyclic voltammograms) and faster electron transfer kinetics (lower ΔEP or peak separation) than bare unmodified CFMEs. The development of AuNP-CFMEs provides the creation of novel electrochemical sensors for detecting fast changes in dopamine concentration and other neurochemicals at lower limits of detection. This work has vast applications for the enhancement of neurochemical measurements. The generation of gold nanoparticle modified CFMEs will be vitally important for the development of novel electrode sensors to detect neurotransmitters in vivo in rodent and other models to study neurochemical effects of drug abuse, depression, stroke, ischemia, and other behavioral and disease states.
On fallibility and perfection: Boettke’s Hayek vs. mainline economics

Peter Boettke’s F.A. Hayek Economics, Political Economy, and Social Philosophy (Palgrave 2019) is a nuanced treatment that examines the historical context of Hayek’s work as well as its contemporary context. Boettke’s major argument is worth emphasizing at the outset: Hayek, he argues, is an epistemic institutionalist. To Boettke, I would add that economists moved away from a preoccupation with institutions earlier than Boettke allows. For Hayek, people are fallible but they learn within the context of various institutional arrangements. For the early neoclassical economists, by contrast, the theorists who know better have the authority to ensure that the inferiors optimize.
Property Rights for Landless Agricultural Workers and the Flexibility of Hanafi Land Law Jurisprudence: A Solution for Rural Displacement?

With one stroke of a pen and a simple rule-change, landless agricultural workers on military-operated farms in Pakistan have found themselves facing eviction from lands their families have worked for generations. While exploring the dynamics of this legal change of status from share-croppers to cash renters I explore whether a rule of classical Islamic Hanafi land law that gave tillers responsibility for paying a tax to the state for lands they worked, creating a common interest between lessors and tillers, can be a legal mechanism for vesting land ownership. In the process I examine the broader dynamics of the pressures for norm change as well as evaluate the roles and capacities of classical jurists and judges in the modern era. The historical protections in the pre-classical and classical periods of Hanafi law flowed from a complex set of interconnected assumptions about the needs of different social classes and the particular need to integrate the least powerful into society by giving them a stake in its functioning and future outcomes. At a time of increasing social pressures and rising resource inequality the process is proof of the great power of the law to shape the legal, social and economic conceptualization of particular groups and to be able to change the way that particular groups are viewed in society.
A Wolf in Wolf’s Clothing: The Trumpian Style™ in American Politics

Arguments about where to situate Trump’s politics seem to identify Trump as a fundamentally new phenomenon: either a radical departure from classical conservative commitments or a neo-fascistic threat to the American democracy. In any case, such approaches foster an ‘end is nigh’ kind of anxiety that is rooted in willful forgetting about how deeply America’s history of white supremacy runs. I argue instead, that the politics of the right have not substantively changed because of Trump, but that they reflect Trump’s distinctive style—one rooted in the Trump brand, which Trump has developed over several decades. The politics of ‘draining the swamp’ or ‘making American great again’ has clear connections to classical liberalism, exceptionalism, white supremacy, and nativism, and these are not new politics in the United States. What is new is how this politics is presented. It has been re-packaged, in Trumpian style, to produce a viscerally violent politics that appears new and is designed to feel threatening to those who oppose it.
Cannula migration through an undiagnosed patent foramen ovale and embolic cerebrovascular accident in a patient with femoral venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

We present a case report of a patient with a pulmonary embolus placed on venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation who developed venous cannula migration through an undiagnosed patent foramen ovale causing an ischemic stroke due to a thrombus and requiring thrombectomy and device closure of the atrial defect.
Institutional Differences in the Stewardship and Research Output of United States Herbaria

Public policy decisions regarding institutional frameworks that govern the stewardship of biodiversity data at public and private institutions are an area of increasing importance. Museums, government agencies, and academic institutions across the United States maintain collections of biological specimens and information critical to scientific discovery. One subset of these natural history collections are herbaria, or collections of preserved plant matter and their associated data. In this study, I evaluate the current state of the digitization and databasing of herbariums contributing data to the SEInet Regional Network of North American Herbaria, and assess the impact of characteristics, particularly institution type (cultural sector institutions, public universities, private universities, or public land institutions), on the metrics of herbaria richness, digitization, and research usage. The results of this study suggest that institution type is significantly associated with the size, diversity, and digitization efforts of a herbarium collection. Specifically, cultural sector institutions tend to have larger and more diverse collections, followed by public and private universities, and finally public land institutions. Additionally, as herbarium size and richness increases, the research output of associated staff also increases. These results highlight that some institutions, particularly larger institutions located at universities or cultural sector institutions, may be better supported in the curation, stewardship, and digitization of large collections, allowing long-term access to the associated biodiversity data. Smaller institutions at public land institutions may need additional support in these endeavors, and may represent an area of unmet needs for digitization and curatorial funding and resources.