cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Leader selection in multi-agent systems subject to partial failure

This paper studies the structural controllability of a leader-follower multi-agent system. A controllability condition is first provided based on the topology of the information flow graph. Conditions for controllability preservation in a multiple-leader system subject to failure in the agents and communication links are then investigated. The problem of optimal leader selection is introduced, which is concerned with finding the minimum number of agents whose selection as leaders increase the reliability of the network in terms of controllability. A polynomial-time algorithm is subsequently presented to solve the problem for undirected information flow graphs.
Low Reynolds number equi-bifurcation flow in a two-dimensional channel.

Abstract The fluid flow in some physiological vessels such as the blood flow in blood vessels and the air flow through bronchi and bronchioles in the lungs undergoes a large number of bifurcations. The understanding of the bifurcation flow is of importance for a better comprehension of its effect in the blood and the air circulatory systems of the living body. The Reynolds number of flow in large blood vessels and bronchi is high and fluid inertia plays a dominant role in the bifurcation flow in such vessels. In small caliber blood vessels such as arterioles and capillaries, and bronchioles, the Reynolds number of flow is quite low and the effect of fluid inertia is negligible compared to the pressure and shear forces. In order to have a quantitative understanding of the bifurcation flow at low Reynolds numbers, the low Reynolds number equi-bifurcation flow in a two-dimensional channel at zero bifurcation angle is studied based on the Stokes approximation. The solution of the problem is posed as an infinite series, where the truncated version is used in numerical calculations. The results of this analysis is discussed in connection with the bifurcation flow of blood in small caliber blood vessels and that of the air in bronchioles in the lung.
Diabetes Among Recipients of Home Health Services in the United States

The 2007 National Home and Hospice Care Survey was used to generate representative data on diabetic home health patients in the United States. Approximately 30% of home health patients have diabetes (11% have diabetes as the primary diagnosis), 28% were <65, 62% were women, and diabetic patients were more likely to be non-White. Nearly 75% received services immediately following a hospital or emergency room stay, 32% lived alone and nearly 20% did not have a primary caregiver. More than 40% of these patients needed assistance with ≥4 activities of daily living, 38% needed assistance with medication management and more than two thirds of families of diabetic patients received services from the agency that was serving the patient. The cost of services for home health patients with a primary diagnosis of diabetes is US$17.9 million/day.
A low-complexity eigenfilter design method for channel shortening equalizers for DMT systems

We present a new low-complexity method for the design of channel shortening equalizers for discrete multitone (DMT) modulation systems using the eigenfilter approach. In contrast to other such methods which require a Cholesky decomposition for each delay parameter value used, ours requires only one such decomposition. Simulation results show that our method performs nearly optimally in terms of observed bit rate.
Feeding Ecology and Growth of Young‐of‐the‐Year Paddlefish in Hatchery Ponds

Abstract Young paddlefish Polyodon spathula raised in hatchery ponds graduated from particulate feeding to filter feeding as they grew past 120 mm. At this body length, gill rakers are about 2 mm long and about 0.1 mm apart, which is sufficient to retain the majority of zooplankton. Particulate feeders were selective for large, slow-moving prey such as Daphnia spp. Filter feeders did not show a similar selectivity for large prey but tended to consume agile prey (for example, calanoid copepods and copepod nauplii) in lesser proportion than their abundance. Growth of particulate feeders slowed markedly when Daphnia spp. became rare in the ponds. Growth rates later increased when fish reached a size at which they could filter-feed. Availability of large, slow zoo-plankton appears important for the propagation of young paddlefish.
Traumatic atlanto-occipital dislocation in children.

Background: Traumatic atlanto-occipital dislocation in children and adolescents is a rare and often fatal injury. Although historically most reported cases have been fatal, the advent of modern prehospital care has led to an increase in survival following this injury. As a consequence, some patients may achieve or maintain satisfactory neurologic function following early intervention, stabilization, and definitive management. We analyzed the data on children and adolescents in whom traumatic atlanto-occipital dislocation had been treated with modern resuscitation techniques at our institution. Methods: Atlanto-occipital dislocation is defined as disruption of the ligaments and other supporting soft tissues as indicated by displacement in either a transverse or vertical direction. With use of the Trauma Registry database at our institution, we identified sixteen such injuries that had occurred between 1986 and 2003. The hospital charts, clinic notes, and radiographs were reviewed. A careful neurological evaluation was performed for all of the survivors at the time of the latest follow-up. Results: The mean age of the sixteen patients at the time of the injury was 7.6 years. The mechanisms of injury were diverse. The mean Glasgow Coma Scale score was 7.4 points. Eleven of the sixteen patients underwent intubation in the field, two were intubated in the emergency department, and three were not intubated. Eight of the sixteen patients were declared dead on arrival in the emergency department. The eight surviving patients initially were immobilized with either a halo vest or another orthosis. All patients except one received intravenous steroids in the emergency department. Three of the patients who survived the initial injury subsequently died while undergoing neurosurgical procedures for the treatment of extensive intracranial injuries. Four of the remaining five survivors underwent occiput-C2 fusion, and one was managed with a Minerva cast. At the time of the final follow-up, at a mean of 4.2 years after the injury, one patient was neurologically normal, three had mild spastic hemiparesis and were very functional, and one had spastic quadriplegia and was ventilator-dependent. Conclusions: Prompt recognition and treatment of traumatic atlanto-occipital dislocation in children and adolescents can result in improved survival. Early diagnosis, prompt intubation, early and adequate immobilization of the head and neck, and the use of intravenous steroids appear to facilitate survival. We recommend arthrodesis from the occiput to C2 (or the nearest adjacent intact and stable vertebra caudad to C2) for all children who survive a traumatic atlanto-occipital dislocation, particularly those with an incomplete spinal cord injury. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
CHROMagar Candida Medium for Direct Susceptibility Testing of Yeast from Blood Cultures

An evaluation was performed on 95 blood cultures positive for Candida spp. to determine the correlation of direct susceptibility testing of fluconazole versus both standardized disk diffusion and MIC methods. For direct testing, an aliquot taken from BD BACTEC Plus and/or BD BACTEC Lytic/10 bottles (Becton Dickinson [BD], Sparks, MD) positive by gram stain for yeast was subcultured to CHROMagar Candida (BD), and a 25-μg fluconazole disk (BD) was placed on the plate. The area of growth inhibition surrounding the disk was measured at 24 and 48 h. In addition, a subculture of the isolate was tested by a microdilution MIC using YeastOne (TREK Diagnostics Systems Inc., OH) and disk diffusion (NCCLS M44-A) using a standardized inoculum plated onto CHROMagar Candida as well as Mueller-Hinton agar to which 2% glucose and 0.5 μg/ml methylene blue dye was added (MH-GMB). The categorical interpretation derived from the MIC was used as the reference to which the disk diffusion results were compared. There were a total of 41 Candida albicans, 23 Candida glabrata, 20 Candida parapsilosis, 9 Candida tropicalis, and 1 each of Candida krusei and Candida lusitaniae tested. At 24 h there was full agreement among the methods for all C. albicans, C. tropicalis, C. lusitaniae, and C. krusei isolates. For the C. parapsilosis isolates at 24 h there was one very major discrepancy using the direct CHROMagar and one major error with the standardized MH-GMB. The majority of the errors were seen at 24 h with the C. glabrata isolates. Of the 23 C. glabrata isolates at 24 h by direct CHROMagar, there were 10 minor and 1 very major error; by MH-GMB there were 12 minor and 2 very major errors; and by standardized CHROMagar Candida there were 13 minor and 2 major errors. There were no very major errors with C. glabrata when all plates were read at 48 h. At 24 h by the direct and standardized CHROMagar the majority of C. glabrata isolates were more resistant, whereas by MH-GMB they were more susceptible than the reference MIC interpretation. In summary, subculturing yeast directly from blood cultures onto CHROMagar to which a fluconazole disk has been added may provide a presumptive identification at 24 h and, with the exception of C. glabrata, was able to predict the susceptibility to fluconazole with the majority of Candida isolates examined in this evaluation.
P-SLAM: Simultaneous Localization and Mapping With Environmental-Structure Prediction

Traditionally, simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) algorithms solve the localization and mapping problem in explored regions. This paper presents a prediction-based SLAM algorithm (called P-SLAM), which has an environmental-structure predictor to predict the structure inside an unexplored region (i.e., look-ahead mapping). The prediction process is based on the observation of the surroundings of an unexplored region and comparing it with the built map of explored regions. If a similar environment/structure is matched in the map of explored regions, a hypothesis is generated to indicate that a similar structure has been explored before. If the environment has repeated structures, the mobile robot can use the predicted structure as a virtual mapping, and decide whether or not to explore the unexplored region to save the exploration time. If the mobile robot decides to explore the unexplored region, a correct prediction can be used to speed up the SLAM process and build a more accurate map. We have also derived the Bayesian formulation of P-SLAM to show its compact recursive form for real-time operation. We have experimentally implemented the proposed P-SLAM on a Pioneer 3-DX mobile robot using a Rao-Blackwellized particle filter in real time. Computer simulations and experimental results validated the performance of the proposed P-SLAM and its effectiveness in indoor environments
Multicolor operation and spectral control in a gain-modulated x-ray free-electron laser

We show that the spectral properties of a self-amplified spontaneous emission x-ray free-electron laser can be controlled by modulating the gain in magnetic undulators, thus producing one or several spectral lines within a single few femtosecond pulse. By varying the magnetic field along the undulator and the electron beam transport line, the system we demonstrate can tailor the x-ray spectrum to optimally meet numerous experimental requirements for multicolor operation.
Can Spent Nuclear Fuel Decay Heat Prevent Radionuclide Release

Heat generated by radioactive decay of spent fuel represents a potentially important barrier to water accumulation on commercial spent nuclear fuel in breached waste packages. In the absence of water, fuel degradation and radionuclide release will be negligible. Thermal models for the proposed Yucca Mountain Repository suggest that, after a period of approximately 1000-4000 years (depending on loading and ventilation conditions), the repository drift walls may decline to sub-boiling temperatures, thus allowing humidity in the drift to increase. The question thus arises, is the thermal gradient between the fuel and the drift sufficient to prevent water accumulation in a humid drift environment throughout the regulatory period? The answer depends on the balance between processes that oppose water condensation onto the fuel (decay heat) and those that promote condensation such as the deliquescence of hygroscopic phases within the fuel. Our experimental results indicate that deliquescence could lead to the condensation of water onto spent fuel despite the thermal “self-drying” effect if the following criteria are met: (1) the fission product salt Csl is present in the fuel or in the fuel-cladding gap, (2) the relative humidity in the drift exceeds 80% while temperatures in the waste package are around 90oC. Previous work suggests that these criteria may be met for some fuel pins within the proposed Yucca Mountain Repository. However, experiments that account for the role of U(VI) alteration phases suggest that deliquescence may be a self-limiting process in the sense that deliquescent components (e.g. Cs, Ba, Sr) may be incorporated into nondeliquescent U(VI) phases that form from the corrosion of spent fuel.
Aggregate organischer Moleküle mit Kollektiveigenschaften

Ein „chemisches System” ist definiert als eine Ansammlung von Molekulen, die gemeinsam, d. h. im Kollektiv, etwas Interessantes oder Nutzliches bewirken. Das Schlusselwort dieser Definition ist das Wort Kollektiv, das fur eine gegenseitige Abhangigkeit und ein Verhalten der Gruppe steht, das sich von dem der individuellen Molekule erheblich unterscheiden kann. Batterien, Computerchips, Beton, Mayonnaise, Shampoo, Malerfarbe, Flussigkristallanzeigen, Verbundwerkstoffe und Viren sind alles Beispiele fur derartige chemische Systeme. Dagegen zahlen Wirt-Gast-/supramolekulare Komplexe nach dieser Definition nicht zu den chemischen Systemen, da sie aus nur zwei Elementen bestehen. Ein chemisches System ist multimolekular, d. h. es besteht aus vielen Molekulen, die uber ein Netzwerk von Abhangigkeiten in Verbindung stehen. Diese Ubersicht befast sich mit einer Vielfalt von uns untersuchten chemischen Systemen wie Micellen, „water pools”, Filmen, Vesikeln und porosen Polymeren. All diese Systeme gehoren in die Kategorie selbstorganisierender Systeme, d. h. aus den Komponenten entstehen durch nichtkovalente Krafte spontan definierte Strukturen. Derartige Systeme sind fur eine Vielzahl von Anwendungen von Nutzen, z. B. fur die Beseitigung umweltgefahrdender Stoffe, die Freisetzung von Wirkstoffen und die Trennung organischer Verbindungen.
Abstract 207: Angiotensin -II (Ang-II) Induces Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) Stress-mediated Overproduction of Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species (mROS) and Alterations in Mitochondria-associated Membrane (MAM) in Neural Cells

ER stress and mROS are identified as key mediators of Ang-II-induced neurogenic hypertension. Although ER and mitochondria are linked both structurally and functionally, the interplay between these two organelles in neural cells and in the subfornical organ (SFO), a key forebrain region in Ang-II hypertension, is unknown. Previously we reported that Ang-II causes mitochondrial fragmentation in murine SFO neurons. Here we tested the hypothesis that Ang II-induced mitochondrial dysfunction is mediated by ER stress and disruption of the MAM. Neuro-2A cells were incubated with Ang-II (300 nM, 24 h) and real-time PCR was performed to examine expression of key molecular markers of MAM (n=3-5). Dynamin related peptide 1 (drp1), a MAM marker and mitochondrial fission protein, was increased in the presence of Ang-II (1.77±0.17-fold vehicle, p<0.05).This effect was blocked when cells were co-treated with the chemical ER stress inhibitor TUDCA (0.77 ± 0.27 fold vs. Ang-II; p<0.05). Ang-II also increased the expression of phosphofurin acidic cluster sorting protein 2 (pacs2, another MAM marker) and the co-administration of TUDCA was able to block this effect (Ang-II: 1.5 ± 0.02-fold vs. vehicle; TUDCA+Ang-II: 0.9 ± 0.03 fold vs. Ang-II; p<0.05). Ang-II-induced mROS production, measured by MitoSox Red dye (n=11-15), was decreased in the presence of TUDCA (12 ± 4% increase from vehicle compared to a 58 ± 2% increase with Ang-II alone ; p<0.05). BD-1047, a chemical disruptor of MAM, also prevented the Ang-II-induced increase in MitoSox fluorescence (9.6 ± 0.2 % vs. Ang-II alone; p<0.05). Furthermore, when MDivi-1, a selective drp-1 blocker, was added, a similar blockade of mROS production was observed (11.9 ± 0.8 %; p < 0.05) In dissociated SFO cells from adult male C57Bl/6 mice (n=8-23), Ang-II-induced mROS production (12.9 ± 2% increase from vehicle, p< 0.05) was blocked by TUDCA (0.8 ± 0.01%, p<0.05) and by losartan (2.2 ± 1.6%, p<0.05). These data demonstrate that induction of ER stress by Ang-II leads to mitochondrial fragmentation mediated by MAM disruption, which then results in mROS overproduction. Collectively, our data suggest a novel role for ER-MAM interaction in Ang-II-mediated hypertension.
Dobutamine and the coronary vasomotion paradox

Dobutamine, a structural relative of dopamine, acts directly on alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptors without the release of norepinephrine or activation of dopaminergic receptors. For clinical use, dobutamine is a racemic mixture of a levo-isomer acting as a potent alpha-1 agonist and a dextro-
Quantum Computing since Democritus: Skepticism of quantum computing

Last chapter, we talked about whether quantum states should be thought of as exponentially long vectors, and I brought up class BQP/qpoly and concepts like quantum advice. Actually, I’d say that the main reason why I care is something I didn't mention last time, which is that it relates to whether we should expect quantum computing to be fundamentally possible or not. There are people, like Leonid Levin and Oded Goldreich, who just take it as obvious that quantum computing must be impossible. Part of their argument is that it's extravagant to imagine a world where describing the state of 200 particles takes more bits then there are particles in the universe. To them, this is a clear indication something is going to break down. So part of the reason that I like to study the power of quantum proofs and quantum advice is that it helps us answer the question of whether we really should think of a quantum state as encoding an exponential amount of information. So, on to the Eleven Objections. Works on paper, not in practice. Violates Extended Church–Turing Thesis. Not enough “real physics.” Small amplitudes are unphysical. Exponentially large states are unphysical. Quantum computers are just souped-up analog computers. Quantum computers aren't like anything we've ever seen before. Quantum mechanics is just an approximation to some deeper theory. Decoherence will always be worse than the fault-tolerance threshold. We don't need fault-tolerance for classical computers. Errors aren't independent. What I did is to write out every skeptical argument against the possibility of quantum computing that I could think of. We'll just go through them, and make commentary along the way. Let me just start by saying that my point of view has always been rather simple: it's entirely conceivable that quantum computing is impossible for some fundamental reason. If so, then that's by far the most exciting thing that could happen for us. That would be much more interesting than if quantum computing were possible, because it changes our understanding of physics. To have a quantum computer capable of factoring 10000-digit integers is the relatively boring outcome – the outcome that we'd expect based on the theories we already have.
Can we build a better allograft

Compelling evidence has been accumulating recently implicating disruption of CXCR4/CXCL12 signaling as a key step in the mobilization of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) induced by G-CSF and other agents.[1][1],[2][2] This knowledge formed the rationale for the clinical development
Paleoecology of scalpellomorph cirripeds in the Fairport Member, Carlile Shale (middle Turonian), of central Kansas

Scalpellomorphs were a major component of the benthic marine fauna that flourished during deposition of pelagic and hemipelagic muds that today comprise chalky and marly sediments of the Fairport Member, Carlile Shale, in Kansas. Primary inhabitants of oozy Fairport sediments were inoceramic bivalves, among which recumbent, meter-sized Inoceramus cuvieri furnished stable platforms upon which most epizoic macroinvertebrates depended for survival
Effect of thyroxine on liver tyrosine-glutamic acid transaminase.

SummaryThyroxine in concentrations as low as 5.10-5M has been shown to markedly inhibit transaminase-tautomerase activity of the liver tyrosine oxidase system. The transaminase enzyme appears to be the most directly involved in the inhibition as determined by difference studies. The authcr is indebted to Dr. J. B. Seilands for the use of his facilities and for stimulating discussions in the course of the work.
C-reactive protein exacerbates renal ischemia-reperfusion injury: are myeloid derived suppressor cells to blame?

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a CD11b(+)Gr1(+) population in mice that can be separated into granulocytic (g-MDSC) and monocytic (m-MDSC) subtypes based on their expression of Ly6G and Ly6C. Both MDSC subtypes are potent suppressors of T cell immunity, and their contribution has been investigated in a plethora of diseases including renal cancer, renal transplant, and chronic kidney disease. Whether MDSCs contribute to the pathogenesis of acute kidney injury (AKI) remains unknown. Herein, using human C-reactive protein (CRP) transgenic (CRPtg) and CRP-deficient mice (CRP(-/-)) subjected to bilateral renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI), we confirm our earlier finding that CRP exacerbates renal IRI and show for the first time that this effect is accompanied in CRPtg mice by a shift in the balance of kidney-infiltrating MDSCs toward a suppressive Ly6G(+)Ly6C(low) g-MDSC subtype. In CRPtg mice, direct depletion of g-MDSCs (using an anti-Gr1 monoclonal antibody) reduced the albuminuria caused by renal IRI, confirming they play a deleterious role. Remarkably, treatment of CRPtg mice with an antisense oligonucleotide that specifically blocks the human CRP acute-phase response also led to a reduction in renal g-MDSC numbers and improved albuminuria after renal IRI. Our study in CRPtg mice provides new evidence that MDSCs participate in the pathogenesis of renal IRI and shows that their pharmacological depletion is beneficial. If ongoing investigations confirm that CRP is an endogenous regulator of MDSCs in CRPtg mice, and if this action is recapitulated in humans, then targeting CRP or/and MDSCs might offer a new approach for the treatment of AKI.
Some Fleas (Siphonaptera) from Sulawesi Selatan, with the Description of Three New Species

New species of fleas belonging to the genera Sigmactenus, Gryphopsylla, and Stivalius are described; in each case the generic keys are updated to include the new taxa. In addition, Pulex irritans, Ctenocephalides orientis, Xenopsylla cheopis, and Xenopsylla astia are established as faunal elements of the island of Sulawesi (Celebes).
The PartoPen in Training and Clinical Use - Two Preliminary Studies in Kenya

This paper presents the findings from two studies of the PartoPen system – a digital pen software application that enhances the partograph, a paper-based labor-monitoring tool used extensively in developing regions. The PartoPen provides nurses with real-time decision support, instructions, and patientspecific reminders by playing short audio clips when a nurse records data on the existing paper partograph form. Previous studies have shown that correct use of the partograph significantly reduces pregnancy complications; however, the partograph is not always reliably or correctly completed due to resource and training challenges commonly found in developing world clinics. The PartoPen system addresses several significant barriers to correct partograph use in developing countries. The preliminary studies described in this paper examine how the PartoPen system affects classroom-based partograph training among nursing students at the University of Nairobi, and partograph completion and accuracy in actual labor and delivery situations by nurse-midwives at Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya. The initial results of these studies indicate that using the PartoPen system enhances student performance on partograph worksheets, and that use of the PartoPen system in labor wards positively affects partograph completion rates and nurses’ level of expertise using the partograph form.
Mechanisms of control of skin blood flow during prolonged exercise in humans

Exercise in a warm environment raises internal temperature and leads to a rapid increase in skin blood flow (SkBF). As exercise continues, and internal temperature approaches 38 degrees C, the rate of rise of SkBF is markedly attenuated despite further significant increases in internal temperature. To find whether this attenuation is mediated by increased cutaneous active vasoconstrictor activity or by a reduced rate of rise of active vasodilator activity, each of 12 male subjects had 0.64 cm2 forearm skin sites iontophoretically treated with bretylium tosylate for selective local blockade of noradrenergic vasoconstrictor nerves. SkBF was monitored there and at adjacent untreated control sites by laser-Doppler blood flowmetry (LDF). Whole body skin temperature (Tsk) was controlled by water-perfused suits, and esophageal temperature (Tes) was monitored as an index of internal temperature. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) was monitored and cutaneous vascular conductance was calculated as LDF/MAP. Sweat rate was also monitored by dew point hygrometry in 11 subjects. Tsk was raised to 38 degrees C, after which subjects began 20-30 min of exercise on a bicycle ergometer. The rate of the initial rapid increase in SkBF with increasing Tes was not altered by bretylium treatment (P > 0.05 between sites). The attenuation of the rate of rise during the latter phase of exercise was not abolished by bretylium treatment (P > 0.05 between sites); instead, there was a trend for the attenuation to be enhanced at those sites. We conclude that the attenuated rate of rise of SkBF is due to limitation of active vasodilator activity and not due to increased vasoconstrictor tone.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The composition of immune cells serves as a predictor of adaptive immunity in a cohort of 50- to 74-year-old adults

Influenza causes significant morbidity and mortality annually. Although vaccination offers a considerable amount of protection, it is far from perfect, especially in aging populations. This is due to age-related defects in immune function, a process called immunosenescence. To date, there are no assays or methods to predict or explain variations in an individual's level of response to influenza vaccination. In this study, we measured levels of several immune cell subsets at baseline (Day 0) and at Days 3 and 28 post-vaccination using flow cytometry. Statistical modelling was performed to assess correlations between levels of cell subsets and Day 28 immune responses - haemagglutination inhibition (HAI) assay, virus neutralizing antibody (VNA) assay, and memory B cell ELISPOT. Changes in several groups of cell types from Day 0 to Day 28 and Day 3 to Day 28 were found to be significantly associated with immune response. Baseline levels of several immune cell subsets, including B cells and regulatory T cells, were able to partially explain variation in memory B-cell ELISPOT results. Increased expression of HLA-DR on plasmacytoid dendritic cells after vaccination was correlated with increased HAI and VNA responses. Our data suggest that the expression of activation markers (HLA-DR and CD86) on various immune cell subsets, as well as the relative distribution of cell subsets, both have value in predicting immune responses to influenza vaccination in older individuals.
Comprehensive Analysis of Ovarian Gene Expression During Ovulation Using Differential Display

Mammalian ovulation is a normal biological process that is initiated when a gonadotropic hormone stimulates G protein-coupled receptors in the plasma membrane of cells in ovarian follicles. This article outlines differential display (DD) protocols and associated methods that have been used to discover more than 30 genes that are expressed in the rat ovary during the ovulatory process. Details are provided regarding the methods for total RNA extraction, reverse transcription (RT), DD-polymerase chain reaction (PCR), polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE), Northern analysis of the differentially expressed cDNA fragments, cloning of the cDNA fragments, sequencing of the cDNA, and in situ hybridization of the cDNA fragments with sections of ovarian tissue. These methods provide clear evidence of the temporal and spatial patterns of expression of ovulation-specific genes in the ovary. Most of the genes that have been discovered to date have been associated previously with cascades of gene expression in acute inflammatory reactions. Therefore, the data support the working hypothesis that the ovary becomes inflamed at the time of ovulation, and this acute condition softens local connective tissues and causes ovarian follicles to rupture and release fertile eggs.
Abstract 232: Bendavia, a Novel Mitochondria Targeting Peptide, Improves Mitochondrial Function in Circulating Blood Monocytes From Dogs With Chronic Heart Failure

Background: Mitochondrial (MITO) function is abnormal in heart failure (HF) as evidenced by reduced MITO respiration and rate of ATP synthesis. We showed that MITO dysfunction can be normalized in HF dogs after therapy with Bendavia (BEN), a novel MITO targeting peptide. This study tested the hypothesis that BEN will also reverse abnormalities of MITO function present in blood monocytes (MCs) of HF dogs. Methods: Blood samples obtained from 6 normal (NL) dogs and 6 dogs with coronary microembolizations-induced HF (LV ejection fraction ~30%) were used to isolate MCs by sequential Ficoll and Percoll density gradients. An XFe/XF96 analyzer (Seahorse Bioscience) was used to measure oxygen consumption rates (OCR) in MCs in the presence and absence of 1 μM oligomycin, 0.5 μM FCCP, or 1 μM each rotenone and antimycin. MITO proton leak, maximal respiration (MAXresp) and spare respiratory capacity (SRC) were measure in the presence and absence of 0.1, 1.0 and 10 μM concentrations of BEN and results expressed in pmols OCR/min/μg protein. Results: Proton leak, MAXresp and SRC were abnormal in MCs of HF dogs compared to NL. Incubation with BEN had no effect on measures of MCs MITO function of NL dogs but nearly normalized MITO function of MCs of HF dogs as evidenced by a dose-dependent increase MAXresp and SRC and dose-dependent decrease in proton leak (Table). Conclusions: MITO function is abnormal in blood MCs of HF dogs. BEN had no effect on MITO function of MCS from NL dogs but normalized MITO function in MCs from HF dogs. These findings support the use of circulating blood MCs as means of assessing MITO dysfunction in HF and as a marker of potential benefits derived from treatment with MITO targeted therapies.
DEVELOPMENT, GENDER EQUALITY AND EMPOWERMENT: A CRITIQUE ON THE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS AND STATUS OF WOMEN IN INDIA

The paper tries to critically analyze the development process and the status of women in India. More specifically, the paper takes up the issues of gender equality and empowerment and the way these are perceived and operationalised in the development process followed in independent India. The paper argues that the development policy pursued and implemented failed to bring fundamental changes in the status of women in general, and the marginalized in particular. The women continue to be in perpetual subjugation, marginalization, and unequal socio-economic status; and are struggling for their basic survival, self-respect, and autonomy. It is significant that the Indian State has of late been trying to build hope by taking recourse to globalization, the results of which are already perceivable vis-a-vis women. Although the policies and strategies, aimed at women empowerment followed in India, have caused some improvement in the condition of women, what we see today is only a semblance of women empowerment rather than real empowerment.
Abstract 520: Thromboxane Receptors in Smooth Muscle Promote Hypertension, Vascular Remodeling and Sudden Death

The prostanoid thromboxane (TxA2) is a potent vasoconstrictor and platelet aggregant that has been implicated in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases including hypertension. Actions of thromboxane (TP) receptors in platelets and the vasculature have both been implicated in cardiovascular pathogenesis. To distinguish the contributions of vascular TP receptors in isolation, we generated mice with cell-specific deletion of TP receptors in smooth muscle cells (TP-SMKOs) using Cre/Loxp technology. We used the KISM22α-Cre transgenic mouse line, with Cre recombinase “knocked-in” to the Sm22α gene locus, to excise the conditional Tp receptor allele specifically in smooth muscle. mRNA for the TP-receptor was easily detected in aortae from control mice, but not from TP-SMKOs (P
Taxes, Transfers, and Women’s Labor Supply in the United States

The U.S. tax and transfer system generates revenue and provides safety net programs that move millions out of poverty. Since women are more likely to live in poverty, they are more likely to qualify for means-tested transfers. The structure of taxation in the U.S. often penalizes secondary earners, who are usually women. These programs alter work incentives and consequently may affect labor supply decisions. In this chapter, we examine the empirical evidence on the effects of taxes and transfers on the labor supply of women in the U.S. We show that much has changed since 1990, with the biggest shift being a change from cash transfers via welfare to refundable tax credits to workers. Overall, the evidence we review shows women have higher labor force participation and are less responsive to changes in after-tax wages than they were before 1990, but the labor supply effects vary substantially by program considered.
Exertional dyspnoea in a 28-year-old woman

Clinical introduction A 28-year-old woman with a history of critical pulmonic stenosis, status postsurgical valvotomy and subsequent pulmonary valve replacement, presented to the cardiology clinic with 1 year of progressive exertional dyspnoea. She has a heart rate of 75 bpm and blood pressure of 110/55 mm Hg. Cardiac auscultation reveals a 1/6 systolic ejection murmur along the left sternum and an early 3/6 diastolic decrescendo murmur. A transthoracic echocardiogram is obtained (figure 1). Questions Which of the following would be most likely found during right heart catheterisation? Ratio of pulmonary to systemic blood flow (Qp:Qs) >1.5 Pulmonary vascular resistance >3 Wood units Right atrial pressure >10mm Hg Pulmonary artery systolic pressure >45mm Hg E. Pulmonary artery diastolic pressure
From Designing to Organizing New Social Futures: Multiliteracies Pedagogies for Today

AbstractMore than 20 years ago, literacy pedagogies informed by the emerging networked world defined by local diversity and global connectedness, new digital media and fast capitalism. Modern people now fully inhabit the world they described, but the contours of that world’s racial dynamics and growing inequality call for a refinement of pedagogies that embrace a more activist metaphor than that of design. Our pedagogies of multiliteracies must now embrace the ‘organizing of social futures’ in ways that apprentice young people to repertoires of collective action, in which literacy becomes more fully a means of supporting community efforts to promote and bring about more just futures.
Formation of He4+ via electron impact of helium droplets

Electron impact ionization of superfluid helium droplets containing several thousand atoms produces a broad distribution of Hen+ ions that peaks at n = 2 and decreases monotonically toward larger n. In larger droplets (say 105 or more atoms), however, the He4+ signal intensity is anomalously large. We have studied the mechanism for the formation of He4+ ions in large helium droplets by varying the duration of the electron impact excitation pulse. Droplets of different average sizes were generated using the expansion of helium at 20 bars and 9-20 K through a pulsed valve nozzle. The resulting ions were analyzed by time-of-flight mass spectroscopy (TOFMS) and quadrupole mass spectroscopy (QMS). The intensity distributions obtained with the TOFMS technique initially showed much smaller He4+ signals than those obtained using QMS. However, we discovered that the intensity anomaly is associated with the duration of the electron bombardment pulse in the TOFMS instrument. Measurements with different electron bombardment pulse durations enabled us to discern a characteristic time of ∼10 μs for enhanced He4+ production in large droplets under our experimental conditions. A qualitative model is presented in which metastables interact on droplet surfaces, yielding two He2+ cores that share a Rydberg electron while minimizing repulsion between the cores. This is the He4+(4A2) state suggested by Knowles and Murrell.
Improving Mortality in End-Stage Renal Disease Due to Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis (Wegener's) From 1995 to 2014: Data From the United States Renal Data System.

Introduction Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) often affects the kidneys, frequently leading to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and infections are common causes of death in GPA and ESRD. Our objective was to examine temporal trends in the mortality of GPA-ESRD in a large nationwide cohort. Methods We identified ESRD due to GPA in the US Renal Data System (USRDS) between 1995 and 2014, using nephrologists’ coding for the ESRD etiology. The cohort was divided into four five-year subcohorts based on year of ESRD onset (1995-1999; 2000-2004; 2005-2009; 2010-2014) to assess trends in mortality rates and hazard ratios (HRs) for overall death and cause-specific death, adjusting for potential confounders. Results Between 1995 and 2014, there were 5,929 incident cases of GPA-ESRD. The mortality rate (per 100 patient-years) declined from 19.0 in 1995-1999 to 15.3 in 2010-2014 (P=0.01). The adjusted mortality HR of the 2010-2014 cohort was 0.77 (95% CI, 0.66-0.90), compared with the 1995-1999 cohort (P-for-trend <0.001). The corresponding cause-specific mortality HRs after accounting for competing risk were 0.61 (95% CI, 0.47-0.80) for CVD death and 0.42 (95% CI, 0.28-0.63) for infection death (both P-for-trends <0.001). Conclusion In this study of nearly all patients who developed ESRD due to GPA in the US over two decades, we found significant improvements in mortality among GPA-ESRD patients. Cause-specific death due to CVD and infections each declined significantly during the study period. These findings are encouraging and likely reflect improved management of both GPA and ESRD. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Nitrogen use efficiency and crop production: Patterns of regional variation in the United States, 1987-2012

National-level summaries of crop production and nutrient use efficiency, important for international comparisons, only partially elucidate agricultural dynamics within a country. Agricultural production and associated environmental impacts in large countries vary significantly because of regional differences in crops, climate, resource use and production practices. Here, we review patterns of regional crop production, nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), and major inputs of nitrogen to US crops over 1987-2012, based on the Farm Resource Regions developed by the Economic Research Service (USDA-ERS). Across the US, NUE generally decreased over time over the period studied, mainly due to increased use in mineral N fertilizer above crop N requirements. The Heartland region dominates production of major crops and thus tends to drive national patterns, showing linear response of crop production to nitrogen inputs broadly consistent with an earlier analysis of global patterns of country-scale data by Lassaletta et al. (2014). Most other regions show similar responses, but the Eastern Uplands region shows a negative response to nitrogen inputs, and the Southern Seaboard shows no significant relationship. The regional differences appear as two branches in the response of aggregate production to N inputs on a cropland area basis, but not on a total area basis, suggesting that the type of scaling used is critical under changing cropland area. Nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) is positively associated with fertilizer as a percentage of N inputs in four regions, and all regions considered together. NUE is positively associated with crop N fixation in all regions except Northern Great Plains. It is negatively associated with manure (livestock excretion); in the US, manure is still treated largely as a waste to be managed rather than a nutrient resource. This significant regional variation in patterns of crop production and NUE vs N inputs, has implications for environmental quality and food security.
Depression in Humans: The Ventral Capsule/Ventral Striatum

The use of deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the ventral capsule/ventral striatum (VC/VS) for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) stems from pioneering work in obsessive–compulsive disorder. Understanding the rationale for the VC/VS target chosen for investigation of MDD requires an appreciation of the neuroanatomical structures and their positioning relative to each other. Presently, there are no consensus guidelines or algorithms for DBS patient selection, surgical implantation, or programming in depression. DBS of the VC/VS for the treatment of depression remains investigational and not approved by the Food and Drug Administration. With our experience over the past decade in 16 patients who underwent DBS electrode implantation at the VC/VS for the treatment of depression at our clinic, we have been able to delineate trends and common responses that may assist in the programming of this population. The development of this emerging therapy depends on advances in neurosurgical technique and patient selection, as well as furthering our understanding of the circuitry involved in the targeted region.
Future Biochar Research Directions

Abstract Biochars are used in the agronomic sector as soil amendments. Intensification of farming practices for higher crop yields is projected to degrade soil quality. Biochars can improve degraded soils because they contain organic carbon compounds and plant nutrients in their ash. There is not a “one-size-fits all” biochar amendment. So, an alternate paradigm was introduced whereby the biochar is designed to have specific chemical properties to suit different applications. Designer Biochars have been vetted using agricultural soils; however, this principal can also be applied to the environmental and electronic sectors. In this chapter, we describe the application of designer biochar to eroded sand dunes to enhance plant growth and expedite dune stabilization, as well as optimization of its unique conductive properties for electrochemical batteries and capacitors.
Spatial, Temporal, and Phylogenetic Scales of Microbial Ecology

Microbial communities play a major role in disease, biogeochemical cycling, agriculture, and bioremediation. However, identifying the ecological processes that govern microbial community assembly and disentangling the relative impacts of those processes has proven challenging. Here, we propose that this discord is due to microbial systems being studied at different spatial, temporal, and phylogenetic scales. We argue that different processes dominate at different scales, and that through a more explicit consideration of spatial, temporal, and phylogenetic grains and extents (the two components of scale) a more accurate, clear, and useful understanding of microbial community assembly can be developed. We demonstrate the value of applying ecological concepts of scale to microbiology, specifically examining their application to nestedness, legacy effects, and taxa-area relationships of microbial systems. These proposed considerations of scale will help resolve long-standing debates in microbial ecology regarding the processes determining the assembly of microbial communities, and provide organizing principles around which hypotheses and theories can be developed.
Modeling the competing effects of the immune system and EMT on tumor development

Abstract Preceding and during cancer progression, the immune system is engaged in complex sets of interactions with epithelia that affect tumor incidence and prognosis. Inflammation also has significant effects on gastrointestinal and pancreatic tumors. Moreover, epithelial cell plasticity can significantly alter disease trajectories (for better or worse) via epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Several of the same pathways that regulate EMT are involved in tumor-immune interactions, yet little is known about the mechanisms and consequences of these regulatory processes. Here we introduce a multiscale evolutionary model to describe the interplay between tumor-immune-EMT interactions and their impact on epithelial tissues. Through in silico analysis of large patient cohorts, we found controllable regimes that maximize cancer-free survival. Delaying tumorigenesis depended crucially on properties of the mesenchymal phenotype: its growth rate and its immune-evasiveness. We performed analysis of pancreatic cancer data from The Cancer Genome Atlas to compare clinical measurements with model predictions. We found, in broad agreement with the model, that association with EMT worsened the survival probabilities of inflammation-associated cancer. These results offer novel means to delay disease onset by regulating properties of EMT, and demonstrate the importance of studying cancer-immune interactions in light of EMT.
Achiral Counterion Control of Enantioselectivity in a Broensted Acid-Catalyzed Iodolactonization.

The combination of a chiral ammonium cation and the achiral triflimide anion present in catalyst (I) affords the highest enantioselectivity in the iodolactonization reaction of acid (IIa) compared to eight other combinations of the cation with achiral sulfonate counterions.
The role of value perceptions in intergroup conflict and cooperation

Democratic politics, at its core, consists of competition between group interests. What brings groups into social and political conflict with each other, and what may instead drive them to cooperat...
Illegal Military Recruitment and Constitutional Law: The Judicial Protection of Forced Recruits in Late Nineteenth-Century Mexico

Juana Tapia did not know how to sign her own name. Yet, on September 12, 1900, Tapia successfully initiated a suit in federal district court for her son's release from military service. Her son, Miguel Alvarez, had been imprisoned by a local prefect during the recent municipal elections in the city of Hermosillo, Sonora, for alleged criminal activities. Instead of consigning Alvarez to a criminal judge to be prosecuted for these alleged crimes, the local prefect had ordered Tapia's son to nearby Torim to serve in the Mexican army's twelfth battalion.
Bacterial Pneumonia in Dogs and Cats: An Update

Bacterial pneumonia is a common clinical diagnosis in dogs but seems to occur less often in cats. Underlying causes include viral infection, aspiration injury, foreign body inhalation, and defects in clearance of respiratory secretions. Identification of the specific organisms involved in disease, appropriate use of antibiotics and adjunct therapy, and control of risk factors for pneumonia improve management.
Sonographic Evaluation of a Unique Meso-Rex Shunt: A Case Study:

Portal hypertension is a result of an increase in intrahepatic resistance in the main portal vein. The Meso-Rex shunt is used to bypass the obstructed portal vein and restore the venous flow into t...