cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Receptor-mediated cardioprotective effects of endogenous adenosine are exerted primarily during reperfusion after coronary occlusion in the rabbit

BACKGROUND We hypothesized that: (1) endogenous adenosine released during ischemia/reperfusion reduces infarct size and preserves postischemic myocardial blood flow by receptor-mediated mechanisms and (2) this cardioprotection is exerted predominantly during reperfusion. METHODS AND RESULTS Sixty-one anesthetized open-chest rabbits subjected to 30 minutes of coronary occlusion and 120 minutes of reperfusion were randomized to six groups: group 1, saline (Vehicle) (n = 10) to allow receptor interaction of endogenous adenosine (Ado) during ischemia/reperfusion; group 2, Ado-receptor blockade during both ischemia and reperfusion with intravenous 8-p-sulfophenyltheophyl-line (10 mg/kg) (SPTIR, n = 10); group 3, Ado-receptor blockade in multiple doses during both ischemia and reperfusion (MSPTIR, n = 11); group 4, blockade during reperfusion (SPTR, n = 10); group 5, blockade during reperfusion with PD115,199 (6 mg/kg) (PDR, n = 10); and group 6, blockade after 30 minutes of reperfusion (SPT30R, n = 10) to allow adenosine receptor interaction during early reperfusion. Transmural myocardial blood flow in the area at risk (Ar) (15-microns radiolabeled microspheres) was reduced by 96.7% in all groups, from 137.9 +/- 15.5 to 4.5 +/- 1.4 mL.min-1 x 100 g-1 (P CONCLUSIONS We conclude that: (1) endogenous adenosine released from the myocardium during ischemia/reperfusion reduces infarct size by receptor-mediated mechanisms and (2) Ado-mediated cardioprotection is most pronounced during the early phase of reperfusion.
Artificial insemination with frozen, thawed semen and pregnancy diagnosis in addax (Addax nasomaculatus)

Nonsurgical artificial insemination (AI) procedures were performed using frozen, thawed semen in two adult female addax. Pregnant mares' serum gonadotropin (PMSG) (300 IU) and prostaglandin (PG) (125 μg) was administered intramuscularly to female 1 on days −3 and −1, respectively, where day 1 was the first day of AI. Only one injection of PG was used, as a low serum progesterone (PROG) concentration (0.5 ng/ml) and a low pregnanediol glucuronide (PdG) concentration (0.36 ng PdG/mg creatinine) had been recorded on day −13. A total of 219 × 106 motile sperm was deposited in the os cervix or anterior vagina on days 1–4. High serum PROG levels (9.4–15.8 ng/ml) and high urinary PdG levels (1.35–1.63 ng PdG/mg creatinine) were observed on days 23, 31, and 39, and the fetal heart was seen beating during an ultrasound exam on day 45. A male calf was born on day 266, 8.7 mo after insemination. This is the first live birth resulting from AI of an antelope with frozen, thawed semen. The Synchro-mate-B system of estrous control was used in female 2. The implant was inserted, and the injection was given on day −11 per the manufacturer's instructions. The implant was removed on day −1, and a total of 220 × 106 motile sperm was deposited in the os cervix or anterior vagina on days 1 and 2. High serum PROG levels (17.5–24.5 ng/ml) were observed on days 13, 21, and 29. Although the fetal heartbeat was observed during an ultrasound examinataion on day 42, the fetus was not carried to term. Details of the radioimmunoassay used to determine the luteinizing hormone immunoreactivity of urine samples are presented.
Radiolabelling diverse positron emission tomography (PET) tracers using a single digital microfluidic reactor chip

Radiotracer synthesis is an ideal application for microfluidics because only nanogram quantities are needed for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. Thousands of radiotracers have been developed in research settings but only a few are readily available, severely limiting the biological problems that can be studied in vivo via PET. We report the development of an electrowetting-on-dielectric (EWOD) digital microfluidic chip that can synthesize a variety of 18F-labeled tracers targeting a range of biological processes by confirming complete syntheses of four radiotracers: a sugar, a DNA nucleoside, a protein labelling compound, and a neurotransmitter. The chip employs concentric multifunctional electrodes that are used for heating, temperature sensing, and EWOD actuation. All of the key synthesis steps for each of the four 18F-labeled tracers are demonstrated and characterized with the chip: concentration of fluoride ion, solvent exchange, and chemical reactions. The obtained fluorination efficiencies of 90–95% are comparable to, or greater than, those achieved by conventional approaches.
Imploding Liner Compression of Plasma: Concepts and Issues

Several plasma targets have been proposed for compression by imploding liners, ranging from magnetically-confined to wall-supported concepts. In all cases, a critical issue remains one of preventing the high atomic-number material of the liner from penetrating the plasma and countering the gain in plasma temperature sought by compression. Two factors foster development of such deleterious penetration: the creation of a liquid/vapor layer at the liner surface at high magnetic fields, and disruption of this layer by Rayleigh-Taylor instability in the final stages of plasma compression. Within a general consideration of issues of liner compression of plasma, we discuss reactor cost optimization by use of plasma at pressures intermediate between the values of conventional magnetically-or inertially-confined fusion concepts. We also describe the development of an equilibrium layer of vapor adjacent to the liner surface at high magnetic fields, the instability of such a thin layer, and the consequences of liner deceleration and rebound for reactor concepts and research progress.
A thermodynamic framework for analyzing and improving manufacturing processes

In this paper, we present the formulation of a framework for the quantitative thermodynamic analysis of manufacturing processes and systems. Since manufacturing typically involves the input of high-quality material/energy and/or dissipation of low-quality energy/waste to manipulate a material, an approach that combines both the first and the second laws of thermodynamics is appropriate. This formulation helps emphasize that the improvement of manufacturing processes and systems is more a question of both utilizing the quantity and conserving the quality of energy than merely conserving energy. We conclude with two examples of its application, the first a comparison of metal casting technologies and the second a contrast between high-throughput CNC machining and a slower process rate grinding operation.
Optimal and suboptimal frame synchronizers for optical multi-pulse PPM

We investigate the problem of packet synchronization for the direct detection optical multi-pulse PPM (MPPM) systems with known symbol boundaries. The ML rule for locating packets is derived, various approximations to the optimal rule that are easier to implement are identified, and an upper bound on the correct synchronization probability is obtained. >
Students’ Physical Activity Levels and Teachers’ Active Supervision during Fitness Instruction

Active supervision patterns of 18 elementary physical educators were studied in relation to physical activity levels of 3 students per teacher (n = 54) during allotted fitness time. Activity level was measured using the system for observing fitness instruction time (SOFIT) activity categories. Results showed that during fitness instruction teachers spent over 90% of the time in peripheral areas of the gym, actively moved about (7.9 sector changes per minute), and provided augmented feedback to students (3.7 total rpm). Students’ most predominant activity levels were very active, standing, and walking, respectively. Students’ moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) levels averaged 51.9%. Higher percentages of peripheral positioning and demonstrating by teachers correlated with lower amounts of standing still and higher amounts of very active and MVPA behavior. Higher rates of corrective feedback correlated with higher levels of students’ walking and MVPA behavior.
Cellular morphometry in nongynecologic thin-layer and filter cytologic specimens.

OBJECTIVE To determine the feasibility and utility of thin-layer cytology preparations for morphometric analysis of nuclear and cytoplasmic area in cells from nongynecologic cytology specimens. STUDY DESIGN Identical paired samples from nongynecologic specimens (bronchial aspirate, urine, pleural and peritoneal fluid) were used to prepare thin-layer preparations and corresponding traditional membrane filter preparations. The paired preparations were analyzed by static image morphometry measuring eight nuclear and cytoplasmic parameters that allowed calculation of nuclear area, cytoplasmic area and total cell size. Hepatocytes and bronchial columnar, mesothelial, squamous and transitional cells were studied, as was a single case of high grade transitional cell carcinoma. Sufficient numbers of each cell type were measured to allow statistical analysis. RESULTS Both thin-layer and membrane filter preparation techniques yielded individual cells suitable for morphometric analysis, and there were no consistent morphologic measurement differences between the two methods. The thin-layer preparation had the following significant technical advantages: more numerous easily measured single cells, lack of interfering background and superior specimen stability. Benign oval to round nuclei from a variety of cell types have a mean nuclear area in a narrow range from 29 to 55 microns 2. The mean nuclear area of malignant cells studied was significantly larger (78 microns 2), and there was a significant decrease in absolute cytoplasmic profile area in the malignant population studied. CONCLUSION Thin-layer cytology preparations have significant advantages for morphometric studies over traditional membrane filter cytologic preparations. The morphometric measurement of nuclear area in benign and malignant cell populations has great potential as a generic screening tool for malignancy in cytologic specimens. Simultaneous measurement of cytoplasmic area adds a powerful dimension. The subsequent calculation of a true nuclear/cytoplasmic ratio may yield a sensitive and specific discriminator for detecting malignant cell populations in human nongynecologic cytology specimens.
Geometry, Iterated Quantization and Filtered Voice-Leading Spaces

A recent special issue of the Journal of Mathematics and Music on mathematical theories of voice leading focused on the intersections of geometrical voice-leading spaces (GVLS), filtered point-symmetry (FiPS) and iterated quantization, and signature transformations. In this paper I put forth a theoretical model that unifies all of these approaches. Beginning with the basic configuration of FiPS, allowing the n points of a filter or beacon to vary arbitrarily yields the continuous chord space of n voices (\(T^n/S_n\)). Each point in the filter space induces a quantization or Voronoi diagram on the beacon space. The complete space of filter and beacon is a singular fiber bundle, combining the power and generalization of GVLS with the central FiPS insight of iterated filtering by harmonic context. Additionally, any of the sixteen types of generalized voice-leading spaces described by Callender, Quinn, and Tymoczko can be used as filters/beacons to model different contexts.
Charting the coevolution of cyberprotest and counteraction: The case of former Soviet Union states from 1997 to 2011

The authors systematically investigate the evolution of the modern information and communication technologies (ICTs) and the associated changes in protest – related tactics employed by two main stakeholders in the contemporary contentious political processes – dissenters and incumbent political authorities. Through in-depth investigation of the cyberprotest cases in the former Soviet states of Belarus, Moldova, Russia, and Ukraine, which occurred during the last decade, a coherent outline is developed of the co-evolution of the ICT-enabled protest tactics of the main counterparts in the contemporary political struggle in these countries. Particularly, it was found that there were at least three highly distinguishable levels of development of modern ICTs and the associated types of protest-related tactics employed by the main stakeholders in these events. It was established that as soon as the authorities were able to effectively counteract the previous ICT-enabled tactics by the dissenters, new developments in modern ICTs always empowered the latter to devise new effective strategies to overcome previously successful counterrevolutionary measures of the political authorities.
Recurrence in Crohn's colitis: the numbers game.

There has been great controversy about the proper role of operation in the management of colonic Crohn's disease because of disagreement about the frequency of recurrence. Since, in our retrospective studies, the majority of patients with colonic Crohn's disease had a previous diagnosis of ulcerative colitis, accurate determination of the recurrence rate in colonic Crohn's disease requires review of all patients with colonic inflammatory bowel disease in order to define the population at risk. Using objective means for diagnosis and for the assessment of outcome, we have found that recurrent disease after ileostomy and colectomy occurred in a minority (approximately 16%) of the patients. Both Crohn's colitis and ulcerative colitis followed a generally favorable postoperative course after this procedure, since even those patients who developed recurrent disease usually were rehabilitated by one or more revisions of the ileostomy. We believe that needed operations should not be avoided solely because of a diagnosis of colonic Crohn's disease, since the high recurrence rates and poor prognoses reported in many studies are based on faslely low numbers of those at risk.
Study on the Protective Effect of Flaxseed Lignan Extract on Kidney in Diabetic Mice

Objective:To investigate the protective effect of of Flaxseed Lignan Extract(FLE)on kidney in diaetic mice. Methods:ICR mice were randomly divided into 6 groups:normal mice control,STZ diabetic mice control,STZ diabetic mice fed with FLE at dose of [600mg/(kg·d),1.2g/(kg·d),3.6g/(kg·d)],and STZ diabetic mice fed with metformin. The above components were administed intragastrically for 8 weeks. Then their blood glucose,kidney weight to body weight,24-hour urinary protein,the content of MDA and the activities of SOD,GSH-Px of kidney were detected. Glomerular structure of kidney were examined by light microscopy. Results:The kidney weight to body weight,24-hour urinary protein in high,middle dose of FLE groups were significantly lower than those in diabetic control group(P0.05). The content of MDA in all dose of FLE groups were significantly lower than those in diabetic control group(P0.05). And the activities of SOD,GSH-Px in high,middle dose of FLE groups were significantly higher than those in diabetic control group(P0.05). Conclusion:Flaxseed Lignan Extract can ameliorate the kidney damage,which has a protective effect maybe by inhibiting the oxidative stress of kidney.
Is Advanced Imaging in Early-Stage Breast Cancer Ever Warranted? Reconciling Clinical Judgment With Common Quality Measures.

BACKGROUND The American Board of Internal Medicine Foundation's Choosing Wisely initiative aims to reduce unnecessary advanced imaging for early-stage breast cancer (ESBC). Additionally, NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology for Breast Cancer permit such images when oncologists perceive clinical clues of advanced disease. The utility of advanced imaging in ESBC is not known. PATIENTS AND METHODS We analyzed all patients with ESBC from January 2010 to June 2012 at a large tertiary cancer center. Early-stage was defined as stage IIb or less. We included advanced imaging within 60 days after diagnosis. Three independent reviewers manually abstracted a sample of charts to determine reason for ordering. RESULTS A total of 1,143 ESBC cases were identified; 21.8% of which had at least one advanced imaging procedure performed. Imaging modalities varied widely (38% CT, 21% PET, 34% bone scans, and 6% MRI). Patients who underwent advanced imaging were more likely to have triple-negative disease, be younger (age <50 years), and have higher stage disease (stage IIb vs ≤ stage IIa; all P<.001). A total of 100 cases (40%) were abstracted; 5 were excluded due to bilateral disease. Of the 95 cases remaining, 62% of the imaging studies were performed for staging, 17% for significant concurrent disease, and 22% for findings atypical of ESBC. Of the studies performed for staging, 15% produced clinically meaningful findings. Overall, 45% of studies were ordered for suspicious findings, complex history, or produced a meaningful result. CONCLUSIONS Of patients with ESBC, 21.8% had at least one advanced imaging procedure within 60 days of diagnosis; almost half were clinically useful. Chart abstraction helped clarify intent. Conversations between clinicians and patients are needed to balance patient preferences and clinician judgment.
Risk and Predictors of Variceal Bleeding in Cirrhosis Patients Receiving Primary Prophylaxis With Non-Selective Beta-Blockers.

Risk and Predictors of Variceal Bleeding in Cirrhosis Patients Receiving Primary Prophylaxis With Non-Selective Beta-Blockers
Supervised semantic classification for nuclear proliferation monitoring

Existing feature extraction and classification approaches are not suitable for monitoring proliferation activity using high-resolution multi-temporal remote sensing imagery. In this paper we present a supervised semantic labeling framework based on the Latent Dirichlet Allocation method. This framework is used to analyze over 120 images collected under different spatial and temporal settings over the globe representing three major semantic categories: airports, nuclear, and coal power plants. Initial experimental results show a reasonable discrimination of these three categories even though coal and nuclear images share highly common and overlapping objects. This research also identified several research challenges associated with nuclear proliferation monitoring using high resolution remote sensing images.
Semi-Active Friction Damping for Suspension Control: Experimental Verification

Abstract The concept of using semi-active friction damping for suspension control is experimentally verified using a scale model quarter car assembly. Tlie semi-active suspension force is generated using an actively controlled electromagnetic friction clutch. Shock isolation as well as low bandwidth performance are demonstrated- Performance comparisons of a pure viscous controller and a low bandwidth viscous controller indicate that little penalty is incurred when the bandwidth of the suspension system controller is quite low.
Heart disease: Putative medicines that mimic mutations.

Molecules that block the activity or production of the protein ANGPTL3 have now been found to lower blood levels of lipoproteins and cholesterol in mice and healthy humans, mimicking the protective effects of genetic mutations in ANGPTL3.
Causal Inference in Cancer Clinical Trials

This chapter focuses on causal inference in the setting of a randomized clinical trial (RCT) with a subsequent nonrandomized treatment. It often happens in cancer clinical trials that a surrogate outcome rather than overall survival is used to compare two randomized treatments, for the practical purpose of shortening the duration of the trial and to avoid dilution, by subsequent nonrandomized treatment, of the treatment effect under study in the RCT. However, overall survival is nevertheless often of primary interest rather than a surrogate outcome. The difficulty that ensues is that subsequent to the assessment of the surrogate outcome and hence the end of the RCT, patients enroll in a nonprescribed fashion into subsequent trials or may be given additional treatment as part of routine practice. Thus it becomes exceedingly hard to disentangle the effect of the randomized treatment from the effects of the subsequent, nonrandomized (from the point of view of the original trial) treatments. We will describe and compare several methods for attempting to disentangle these effects, first when applied to a hypothetical example for which all answers are known, and second when applied to the analysis of Children’s Oncology Group study P9462.
Why should Energy Models Form a Significant Policy Input in an Uncertain Political World

Models have been and are being used by the U.S. Department of Energy to provide inputs into the decision process. The question is often asked as to the accuracy of their forecasts and the methods used for validation. It is asserted that energy models cannot be predictive, and that validation based on experience with models of physical systems is inappropriate. Asking the question as to the accuracy or validity of an energy system model is not useful. The usefulness of energy models for policy analysis or technology assessment lies in the comparative results generated for alternative scenarios, initiatives, and actions.
Prepectoral Versus Subpectoral Tissue Expander Placement: A Clinical and Quality of Life Outcomes Study

Background:Traditionally, tissue expanders (TEs) for breast reconstruction have been placed beneath the pectoralis major muscle with or without acellular dermal matrix. More recently, full acellular dermal matrix coverage has been described for prepectoral TE placement. Our study aims to explore dif
LCRD optical ground station 1

NASA's Laser Communications Relay Demonstration (LCRD) will demonstrate and study bi-directional space-to-ground optical links. Optical Ground Station 1 (OGS-1) for LCRD will be developed at the Optical Communications Telescope Laboratory (OCTL), a 1-meter telescope in the San Gabriel Mountains northeast of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. This paper will present an updated overview of OGS-1, its systems and capabilities, and its preparations for integrating and verifying readiness of the completed system. It will conclude with predicted performance of the OGS-1 system.
DISSOLUTION OF METALS BY AC ELECTROLYSIS.

A method has been developed for dissolving noble metals and metals resistant to hydrochloric acid. This method employs the use of either half-wave or full-wave alternating current electrolysis in h...
Children's Difficulties in Subtraction: Some Causes and Cures.

Even when they are presented with basic addition combinations (1 + 1, 2 + 1, up to 8 + 9, 9 + 9) and basic subtraction combinations (1 1,2 1, upto 17 9, 18 9), primary-age children tend to rely on informal counting strategies to obtain sums or differences (Ginsburg 1982; Resnick and Ford 1981 ; Steffe, Thompson, and Richards 1982). Indeed, without instruction, children invent increasingly sophisticated counting strategies for adding and subtracting (Baroody 1984a; Carpenter and Moser 1982; Groen and Resnick 1977). Moreover, informal arithmetic provides a developmental basis for more advanced strategies, such as reasoning out or recalling combinations of numbers (e.g., Brownell [1935]). As a result of their informal experience, children discover numerical relationships that can later be used to deduce sums and differences, for example, 5 + 4 = 9 because 4 + 4 = 8 and 5 is 1 more than 4, or 6 4 = 2 because 2 added to 4 makes 6 (Baroody, Berent, and Packman 1982; Baroody, Ginsburg, and Waxman 1983; Rathmell 1978; Suydam and Weaver 1975). Only gradually are these relationships internalized,
US–Russia Relations in the Post-Western World

This chapter describes US–Russia relations since the end of the Cold War, with special attention to the period after September 11, 2001. Although the two nations have learned to cooperate on some issues, their relationship can be described as limited engagement with elements of rivalry, rather than cooperation. The United States’ support for expansion of NATO, competition for energy resources in Central Asia and the Caspian Sea, and methods of fighting terrorism in the region – among other issues – continue to put the two nations at odds with each other. Pressing the “reset button” in relations with Moscow, as suggested by US President Barack Obama, will therefore not be easy.
Extrudability analysis of drug loaded pastes for 3D printing of modified release tablets.

Abstract The rheological characteristics of pastes for 3D printing of tablets may not be described fully by the traditional rheological tests generally used for other pastes. In the present study, extrudability testing of carbopol based 3D printing pastes was performed to establish a constitutive rheological model for micro-extrusion. This model was developed for pastes that exhibit a non-linear plasto-viscoelastic behavior and follow the generalized Herschel–Bulkley flow rule. An analytical model was applied to extrudability data obtained by micro-extrusion through nozzles of 0.4 and 0.6 mm diameters. For this purpose, nineteen pastes were prepared per a fractional factorial design using various concentrations of the active ingredient and soluble and insoluble excipients. Critical material parameters (σ0, k and n) of the pastes were then calculated by analyzing extrudability data using a constitutive equation relating flow rate, nozzle and cartridge diameters, printing pressure and slip-flow angle. The accuracy of the constitutive model to predict paste yield stress, consistency and flow indices was evident by low RMSE values of 0.0691 bar, 0.034 and 6.3 bar/sn, respectively. Yield stress, flow and consistency parameters of the pastes were significantly affected by percentages of soluble and swellable excipients. The nozzle diameter had significant effect on flow index (n) but not on the consistency index (k). Hence, this study provides a mechanistic model to characterize the complex rheological behavior of pastes for 3D printing of tablets by a micro-extrusion process.
Neurologic Complications of Fat Embolism Syndrome

Fat embolism syndrome (FES) is a rare disorder with potentially devastating neurologic complications. This article reviews the history, pathophysiology, clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of FES with a focus on its neurologic aspects. The neurologic complications of FES are more commonly recognized with current diagnostic testing and increase awareness of the disorder. FES may present initially with neurologic manifestations. Prompt diagnosis of FES and of its neurologic manifestations could be lifesaving. This includes respiratory support and management of neurological complications. The classic clinical triad of pulmonary insufficiency, neurologic disturbances, and petechial skin rash typically presents 24 to 72 h following an initial insult, most commonly a traumatic long bone fracture. Early onset ( 72 h) have been described. Neurologic manifestations may include ischemic/hemorrhagic strokes, retinal ischemia, seizures, autonomic dysfunction, and diffuse brain injury. Diagnosis remains clinical. Management consists mainly of supportive care.
Designing a Parallel Memory-Aware Lattice Boltzmann Algorithm on Manycore Systems

Lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) is an important computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approach to solving the Naiver-Stokes equations and simulating complex fluid flows. LBM is also well known as a memory bound problem and its performance is limited by the memory access time on modern computer systems. In this paper, we design and develop both sequential and parallel memory-aware algorithms to optimize the performance of LBM. The new memory-aware algorithms can enhance data reuses across multiple time steps to further improve the performance of the original and fused LBM. We theoretically analyze the algorithms to provide an insight into how data reuses occur in each algorithm. Finally, we conduct experiments and detailed performance analysis on two different manycore systems. Based on the experimental results, the parallel memory-aware LBM algorithm can outperform the fused LBM by up to 292% on the Intel Haswell system when using 28 cores, and by 302 % on the Intel Skylake system when using 48 cores.
The sensitivity of transgenic spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss) cotyledonary somatic embryos and somatic seedlings to kanamycin selection

Transformed white spruce cultures containing immature Stage I somatic embryos, were developed after particle bombardment of somatic embryos with pBI 426, carrying an expression cassette with a gus::nptII fusion gene. These Stage I cultures did not show tolerance to kanamycin concentrations above 3 to 5 mg l−1, although assays for GUS and NPTII showed that functional enzymes were present in the transgenic tissue. Embryonic liquid suspension cultures were initiated from this transformed tissue. After treatment on agar-solidified maturation medium with 48 μm (±)-ABA high numbers of Stage III (cotyledonary) somatic embryos were produced. When subjected to an embryogenesis re-induction process with 2,4-D and BA, these Stage III embryos produced a new generation of Stage I embryogenic tissues which could tolerate 5--10 mg l−1 kanamycin. Stage III somatic embryos could alternatively be placed onto germination medium for the development of somatic seedlings. When germinated in the presence of 20 mg l−1 kanamycin, 77% of inoculants were resistant. The stability of integration of the gus::nptII fusion gene in the genome of white spruce Stage III somatic embryos and somatic seedlings was confirmed through Southern blot analysis
Boundedness properties of the generalized Todd's difference equation

We consider the third-order difference equation xn+1=α+βxn+xn−1xn−2 with α≥0 and β>0. We show that if β≠1, then there exist positive initial conditions such that the solutions are unbounded except ...
Neuroscience research, training, and practice: adding to or subtracting from counselor identity?

The purpose of this exploratory and descriptive study was to explore the awareness, perceived competence, and application of an emerging framework to guide neuroscience research among professional ...
G2Q: Haskell constraint solving

Constraint solvers give programmers a useful interface to solve challenging constraints at runtime. In particular, SMT solvers have been used for a vast variety of different, useful applications, ranging from strengthening Haskell's type system to verifying network protocols. Unfortunately, interacting with constraint solvers directly from Haskell requires a great deal of manual effort. Data must be represented in and translated between two forms: that understood by Haskell, and that understood by the SMT solver. Such a translation is often done via printing and parsing text, meaning that any notion of type safety is lost. Furthermore, direct translations are rarely sufficient, as it typically takes many iterations on a design in order to get optimal -- or even acceptable -- performance from a SMT solver on large scale problems. This need for iteration complicates the translation issue: it is easy to introduce a runtime bug and frustrating to fix said bug. To address these problems, we introduce a new constraint solving library, G2Q. G2Q includes a quasiquoter that allows solving constraints written in Haskell itself, thus unifying data representation, ensuring correct typing, and simplifying development iteration. We describe the API to our library and its backend. Rather than a direct translation to SMT formulas, G2Q makes use of the G2 symbolic execution engine. This allows G2Q to solve problems that are out of scope when directly encoded as SMT formulas. Finally, we demonstrate the usability of G2Q via four example programs.
Experiences in Russia of Kyrgyz and Ukrainian labor migrants: ethnic hierarchies, geopolitical remittances, and the relevance of migration theory

Many aspects of labor migration to Russia are consistent with different strands of general social science theories of migration. We illustrate how based on an account of migrant experiences drawn f...
Comparison of DNA analysis, targeted metabolite profiling, and non-targeted NMR fingerprinting for differentiating cultivars of processed olives

Abstract Genetic and metabolite analyses have been frequently employed in food traceability studies, although their effectiveness in heavily-processed products such as canned olives is uncertain. A robust method for identifying cultivars of processed table olives is necessary to ensure product authenticity and economic fairness. This study compared microsatellite analysis, fatty acid profiling, phenolic profiling, and NMR fingerprinting for differentiating cultivars of California-style olives. Methods were tested on domestic Manzanilla, domestic Sevillano, imported Hojiblanca, and imported Gordal olives. Microsatellites were successfully amplified in all cultivars except Hojiblanca, and Sevillano/Gordal were found to be genetically-related, possibly synonyms for the same genetic cultivar. Coupled with multivariate statistics, fatty acid profiling differentiated the three genetically-distinct cultivars, and NMR fingerprinting differentiated all four cultivars. Phenolic profile showed too much variability for effective discrimination. Future work includes expanding current models by size, cultivars, and type of table olive.
Aortic Stiffness and White Matter Microstructural Integrity Assessed by Diffusion Tensor Imaging: The ARIC-NCS.

Background Changes in white matter microstructural integrity are detectable before appearance of white matter lesions on magnetic resonance imaging as a manifestation of cerebral small‐vessel disea...
Differential Effects of Nicotine and Nicotine Withdrawal on Fear Conditioning in Male Rats

BACKGROUND Tobacco use is prevalent in individuals who are routinely exposed to stress. However, little is known about how nicotine affects responses to trauma. We examined in rats how nicotine exposure affects fear conditioning, a procedure often used to study stress-related psychiatric illness. METHODS We examined 2 methods of nicotine exposure: self-administration, modeling voluntary use, and experimenter-programmed subcutaneous administration, modeling medicinal administration (nicotine patch). For self-administered nicotine, rats trained to self-administer nicotine i.v. were fear conditioned (via light cue preceding foot-shock) either immediately after a 12-hour self-administration session or 12 hours later during a period with somatic signs of nicotine withdrawal. For experimenter-delivered nicotine, rats were conditioned after 1-21 days of nicotine delivered by programmable (12 hours on) subcutaneous mini-pumps. Tests to evaluate acoustic startle responses to the conditioning environment (context-potentiated startle) and in the presence or absence of the light cue (fear-potentiated startle) occurred after a 10-day period. RESULTS Rats fear conditioned immediately after nicotine self-administration showed reduced responses to the shock-associated context, whereas those trained during nicotine withdrawal showed exaggerated responses. Experimenter-programmed nicotine produced effects qualitatively similar to those seen with self-administered nicotine. CONCLUSIONS Self-administration or experimenter-programmed delivery of nicotine immediately before exposure to aversive events can reduce conditioned fear responses. In contrast, exposure to aversive events during nicotine withdrawal exacerbates fear responses. These studies raise the possibility of developing safe and effective methods to deliver nicotine or related drugs to mitigate the effects of stress while also highlighting the importance of preventing withdrawal in nicotine-dependent individuals.
Racial and Gender Disparity in Aortoiliac Disease Open Revascularization Procedures

Abstract Background The impact of race and gender on surgical outcomes has been studied in infrainguinal revascularization for peripheral arterial disease. The aim of this study is to explore how race and gender affect the outcomes of suprainguinal bypass (SIB) for aortoiliac occlusive disease. Materials and methods Patients who underwent SIB were identified from the procedure-targeted National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data set (2011-2016). Patients were stratified into four groups: nonblack males, black males (BM), nonblack females, and black females (BF). Primary outcomes were 30-d major adverse cardiac events, a composite of myocardial infarction, stroke, or death; postoperative bleeding requiring transfusion or intervention; major amputation and prolonged length of stay (>10 d). Predictors of outcomes were determined by multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results About 5044 patients were identified. BM were younger, more likely to be smokers, less likely to be on antiplatelet drug or statin, and to receive elective SIB (all P ≤ 0.01). BFs were more likely to be diabetic and functionally dependent (all P ≤ 0.02). Major adverse cardiac events were not significantly different among all groups. BM had a threefold higher risk of amputation (adjusted odds ratio [OR] [95% confidence interval (95% CI)], 3.10 [1.50-6.43]; P Conclusions In this large retrospective study, we demonstrated the racial and gender disparity in SIB outcomes. BM had more than threefold increase in amputation risk as compared with nonblack males. Severe bleeding risk was more than doubled in BF. Race and gender consideration is warranted in risk assessment when patients are selected for aortoiliac disease revascularization, which in turn necessitate preoperative risk modification and optimization in addition to enhancing their access to primary preventive care measures.
Neutrophil-Macrophage Imbalance Drives the Development of Renal Scarring during Experimental Pyelonephritis.

Background In children, the acute pyelonephritis that can result from urinary tract infections (UTIs), which commonly ascend from the bladder to the kidney, is a growing concern because it poses a risk of renal scarring and irreversible loss of kidney function. To date, the cellular mechanisms underlying acute pyelonephritis-driven renal scarring remain unknown. Methods We used a preclinical model of uropathogenic Escherichia coli-induced acute pyelonephritis to determine the contribution of neutrophils and monocytes to resolution of the condition and the subsequent development of kidney fibrosis. We used cell-specific monoclonal antibodies to eliminate neutrophils, monocytes, or both. Bacterial ascent and the cell dynamics of phagocytic cells were assessed by biophotonic imaging and flow cytometry, respectively. We used quantitative RT-PCR and histopathologic analyses to evaluate inflammation and renal scarring. Results We found that neutrophils are critical to control bacterial ascent, which is in line with previous studies suggesting a protective role for neutrophils during a UTI, whereas monocyte-derived macrophages orchestrate a strong, but ineffective, inflammatory response against uropathogenic, E. coli-induced, acute pyelonephritis. Experimental neutropenia during acute pyelonephritis resulted in a compensatory increase in the number of monocytes and heightened macrophage-dependent inflammation in the kidney. Exacerbated macrophage-mediated inflammatory responses promoted renal scarring and compromised renal function, as indicated by elevated serum creatinine, BUN, and potassium. Conclusions These findings reveal a previously unappreciated outcome for neutrophil-macrophage imbalance in promoting host susceptibility to acute pyelonephritis and the development of permanent renal damage. This suggests targeting dysregulated macrophage responses might be a therapeutic tool to prevent renal scarring during acute pyelonephritis.
Single-Cell Gene Regulatory Network Analysis Reveals Potential Mechanisms of Action of Antimalarials Against SARS-CoV-2

The efficiency of antimalarials, chloroquine (CQ) and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), in the prevention and treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is under intense debate. The mechanisms of action of antimalarials against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have not been fully elucidated. Here, we applied a network-based comparative analysis, implemented in our machine learning workflow—scTenifoldNet, to scRNA-seq data from COVID-19 patients with different levels of severity. We found that genes of the Malaria pathway expressed in macrophages are significantly differentially regulated between patients with moderate and severe symptoms. Our findings help reveal the mechanisms of action of CQ and HCQ during SARS-CoV-2 infection, providing new evidence to support the use of these antimalarial drugs in the treatment of COVID-19, especially for patients who are mildly affected or in the early stage of the infection.
Absence of CD47 maintains brown fat thermogenic capacity and protects mice from aging-related obesity and metabolic disorder

Brown and beige adipocytes burn energy to produce heat and could serve as a therapeutic target to counteract metabolic diseases including obesity and type 2 diabetes. Aging is associated with reduced brown fat mass and thermogenic capacity and a risk factor for metabolic diseases. Our previous studies implicated a role for CD47 in regulating brown fat function and energy balance in young adult animals. In this study, we further determined its role in natural aging related metabolic disorders. The results demonstrated that aged CD47 deficient mice (under normal chow diet) had reduced body weight and fat mass, and improved glucose tolerance as compared to aged wild type (WT) mice. Indirect calorimetry result showed that food intake and total activity were comparable between two genotypes. However, CD47 deficient mice had increased energy expenditure and better cold tolerance, accompanied by increased white adipose tissue browning and well-maintained juvenile morphology of brown adipose tissue (BAT). Moreover, transcriptome (RNA-seq) and pathway enrichment analysis revealed that BAT from aged CD47 deficient mice had upregulated genes involving in mitochondria oxidative phosphorylation, thermogenesis, fatty acid metabolism, and valine, leucine and isoleucine (BCAA) degradation, indicating the activated BAT status in aged CD47 deficient mice. Collectively, these data suggest that blocking CD47 signaling protects mice from natural aging-associated obesity and glucose intolerance, partially though activation and expansion of the thermogenic machinery, further supporting that CD47 maybe a potential target for aging related metabolic disorder.
Multiple ways to incorporate Oracle's database and tools into the entire curriculum (conference workshop)

It is not uncommon for students to view the curriculum as pieces instead of an integrated whole. This can hinder them from applying knowledge learned previously in one course to the course they are currently taking. In addition there are a number of recurring concepts in computer science that students need to recognize. The concepts associated with the management of large amounts of information is one such area.
Prospective radial artery study following induction of reactive hyperemia looking at degree of diameter growth in healthy subjects.

Objectives This “proof of concept” study sought to determine the magnitude of radial artery diameter change in 20 healthy subjects by induction of flow mediation dilatation (FMD) via reactive hyperemia. Background Transradial access in the cardiac catheterization laboratory is becoming more commonplace due to lower bleeding complications and increase in patient comfort. However, access to the radial artery can be challenging due to small vessel size. We sought to examine whether FMD can be used to increase radial artery diameter, potentially allowing improved transradial access. Methods We obtained baseline radial artery diameter via a high frequency ultrasound probe on 20 healthy subjects. A standard reactive hyperemia protocol was employed in the right arm, followed by successive measurements of the subject's radial artery at pre-specified intervals. Radial artery diameter measurements were performed offline by the sonographer and also a blinded reader to which agreement was sought. Results We found a mean increase in radial artery size of 0.48 ± 0.13 mm at peak reactive hyperemic states. This correlated to a mean increase in overall radial artery diameter of 21.7 ± 6.7%. The median time to peak dilation was 30 seconds (95% CI; 15–45 seconds), and the median duration of maximal dilation was 60 seconds (95% CI; 45–75 seconds). Conclusions Among healthy subjects, we demonstrated a mean maximal increase in radial artery diameter of 21.7 ± 6.7% via FMD. This finding supports the notion that radial artery diameter can be increased noninvasively via a reactive hyperemia protocol. (J Interven Cardiol 2013;26:310–316)
Creating Spaces for the Development of Democratic School Leaders: A Case of Program Redesign in the United States.

Architecture deals with the creation and definition of space expressed in buildings and other physical structures. Pre‐service preparation programs and on‐going professional development for school leaders similarly are built structures designed to help aspiring and practicing administrators acquire critical knowledge, dispositions, and competencies as democratic educational leaders. Building on earlier work on the architecture of professional development, this paper argues that the pre‐service preparation of school leaders is a particular type of professional development; one that is formalized and routinely delivered in departments of educational administration. Next, current state and national standards documents are reviewed for evidence of explicitly or implicitly expressed democratic principles. The paper ends with a description of how the redesign of administrator preparation and professional development programs in the authors department, Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis at the University of Wisconsin‐Madison, created spaces for professional learning and community building anchored in democratic principles.
Expression of α1b Adrenoceptor mRNA in Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone-Containing Cells of the Rat Hypothalamus and Its Regulation by Corticosterone

Considerable evidence supports a role for brainstem adrenergic and noradrenergic inputs to corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) cells of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN), in the control of hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenocortical (HPA) axis function. However, little is known about specific adrenoceptor (ADR) subtypes in CRH-containing cells of the PVN. Here we demonstrate, using dual in situ hybridization, that mRNA encoding α1b ADR is colocalized with CRH in the rat PVN. Furthermore, we confirm that these α1b ADR mRNA-containing cells are stress-responsive, by colocalization with c-fos mRNA after restraint, swim, or immune stress. To determine whether expression of α1b ADR mRNA is influenced by circulating glucocorticoids, male rats underwent bilateral adrenalectomy (ADX) or sham surgery, and were killed after 1, 3, 7, or 14 d. In situ hybridization revealed levels of α1b ADR mRNA were increased in the PVN 7 and 14 d after ADX, but were not altered in the hippocampus, amygdala, or dorsal raphe. Additional rats underwent ADX or sham surgery and received a corticosterone pellet (10 or 50 mg) or placebo for 7 d. Corticosterone replacement (10 mg) reduced the ADX-induced increase in PVN α1b ADR mRNA to control levels, whereas 50 mg of corticosterone replacement resulted in a decrease in PVN α1b ADR mRNA as compared with all other groups. Furthermore, levels of plasma corticosterone were significantly correlated (inverse relationship) with α1b ADR mRNA in the PVN. We conclude that α1b ADR mRNA is expressed in CRH-containing, stress-responsive cells of the PVN and is highly sensitive to circulating levels of corticosterone. Because activation of the α1B adrenoceptor is predominantly excitatory within the brain, we predict that this receptor plays an important role in facilitation of the HPA axis response.