cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rate aware Meta task Scheduling Algorithm for multi cloud computing (RAMTSA)

Multicloud attains a larger momentum by gratifying the needs of the more number of heterogeneous cloud users. The inherent parts that are used in the multicloud systems are analogous, scheduling and rescheduling. In the analogous aspect, requests from the first user are given more priority and tasks are delegated to the virtual machines. In the scheduling phase, round robin based mechanism is used to accomplish the tasks in all the clouds. Rescheduling is a mechanism of shifting the executed tasks of one cloud to the another cloud. The expenditure of exceution of the tasks around 15 % are merely reduced in the rescheduling phase. This article is merely focused to dwindle the exceution costs of the VMs in the clouds. The denouement of the propounded algorithm manifests better when it is compared with conventional min-min algorithm.
Predictors of In-Hospital Ambulatory Status Following Low-Energy Hip Fracture Surgery.

Introduction:Twenty-five percent to seventy-five percent of independent patients do not walk independently after hip fracture (HF), and many patients experience functional loss. Early rehabilitatio...
The Wireless Craze, the Unlimited Bandwidth Myth, the Spectrum Auction Faux Pas, and the Punchline to Ronald Coase's

In 1959 the Federal Communications Commission invited economist Ronald Coase to testify about his proposal for market allocation of radio spectrum rights. The FCC's first question: "Is this all a big joke?" Today, however, leading policy makers - including the current FCC Chair - decry the "spectrum drought" produced by administrative allocation and call for the creation of private bandwidth markets. This essay examines marketplace trends driving regulators' change of humor, and considers the path of spectrum policy liberalization in light of emerging technologies, theories of unlimited bandwidth, reforms such as FCC license auctions, and recent progress in deregulating wireless markets in the U.S. and around the globe.
Molecular rotation in 3 dimensions at an air/water interface using femtosecond time resolved sum frequency generation

This paper presents the first study of the rotations of rigid molecules in 3 dimensions at the air/water interface, using the femtosecond time resolved sum frequency generation (SFG) technique. For the purpose of this research, the aromatic dye molecule C153 was chosen as an example of a molecule having two functional groups that are SFG active, one being the hydrophilic -C=O group and the other the hydrophobic -CF3 group. From polarized SFG measurements, the orientations of the two chromophores with respect to the surface normal were obtained. On combining these results with the known relative orientation of the two chromophores in the molecule yields the absolute orientation of C153 at the air/water interface. It was found that the -CF3 axis projected towards the bulk air at an angle of 59° with respect to the interface normal and the -C=O group projected towards the bulk water at an angle of 144°. In order to observe the rotational motions of C153 at the air/water interface, the approach was used to perturb the ground electronic state equilibrium orientational distribution using a polarized resonant pump pulse, which preferentially excites ground state molecules that have their electronic S0 → S1 transition moment aligned closely to the electric field of the incident pump pulse. As a consequence of the photoselection perturbation, the orientational distribution of the remaining ground state molecules was not the equilibrium distribution. Similarly, the orientational distribution of the excited state molecules that were created by the polarized pump pulse was not in their final equilibrium orientational distribution. The rotational motions of the interfacial molecules towards equilibrium were obtained from time dependent measurements of the intensities of the SFG signal generated by the simultaneous incidence at the air/water interface of a visible probe pulse plus an IR probe pulse. In this way, the recovery times to achieve the orientational equilibrium of the two chromophores including the orientation of the normal of the C153 plane with respect to the interface were obtained. The photo-selection process shifts the average orientation angle of the hydrophilic -C=O group by an increase of 4° ± 0.6° with a rotational recovery time constant of 130 ± 20 ps, which is the time to return to an orientational equilibrium distribution. The hydrophobic -CF3 group undergoes a shift that increases its angle by 8° ± 1.5° with a rotational recovery time constant of 210 ± 38 ps. We find that the orientational change of the molecular normal is 4° ± 0.5° and has a rotational recovery time constant of 125 ± 26 ps. The interface-specific time-dependent polarized measurements allowed us to monitor the orientational motions of molecules at interfaces, both in 3 dimensions and in real time.
Towards an Augmented Reality-Based Mobile Math Learning Game System

Learning math is critical in every student’s life. Even though math educators designed many teaching and learning approaches, students’ low passing rates indicate that they have not found an effective methodology for studying math. In this paper, we propose an interdisciplinary approach to help students learn mathematics during and after classes, practice mathematics exercises, and increase the readiness for taking the exams in mathematics. Specifically, we design an Augmented Reality (AR) and mobile game-based mathematical learning approach for students to improve learning outcomes. Through the game, students gain the interest in the concepts of math and, at the same time, they have ongoing practice on the concepts and have gained the experience of solving math problems. The portability characteristic of the mobile game enables students to learn whenever and wherever they would like. The entertainment characteristic of the mobile game boosts and maintains students’ interest in learning and practicing mathematics. The integration of text, graphics, video, and audio into a student’s real-time environment by AR provides a rich enhancement comparing to the traditional learning and teaching approaches. Blended with our educational gamification techniques and pedagogical methodologies, our game will increase student motivation towards preparing for math exams by being highly engaging, and students will enjoy the game to help prepare for exams. We will collect experimental results and students’ feedback from our experimental study and conduct quantitative and qualitative analysis and report our findings. Eventually, this research will be a valuable avenue for mathematics teachers, students, and parents.
The Safety and Feasibility of Same-Day Discharge After Implantation of MICRA Transcatheter Leadless Pacemaker System.

Background Data suggests that same day discharge after implantation of trans-venous pacemakers is safe and feasible. We sought to determine whether same day discharge was feasible and safe following implantation of Medtronic MICRA leadless pacemakers. Methods We retrospectively identified all patients undergoing MICRA placement at our institution between April 2014 to August 2018 (n=167). Patients were stratified into two groups: those discharged on the same day as their procedure (SD, n=25), and those observed for at least one night in the hospital (HD, n=142). The primary endpoint included a composite of major complications including: access site complications, new pericardial effusion, device dislodgement, and need for device revision up to approximately 45 days of follow up. Results SD and HD had similar age (75±13 vs. 75±13 years, p=0.923), prevalence of male sex (49 vs. 44%, p=0.669), and frequency of high-grade heart block as an indication for pacing (38 vs. 32%, p=0.596). There were more Caucasians in the SD group (72 vs. 66%, p=0.038). The rate of the composite endpoint was statistically non-significantly higher in the HD group (3.5% vs. 0.0%, p=1.00). The rates of each individual components comprising the composite endpoint were similar between groups. Conclusions Our data suggest that in appropriately selected patients, same day discharge can occur safely following Micra leadless pacemaker implantation.
Concept Mapping: A Practical Process for Understanding and Conducting Art Education Research and Practice.

The newly adapted core arts standards emphasize students' thinking and learning processes that reflect critical 21st-century skills such as synthesizing, visualizing, and systematic thinking (Natio...
Workflow Differences Affect Data Accuracy in Oncologic EHRs: A First Step Toward Detangling the Diagnosis Data Babel

PURPOSEDiagnosis (DX) information is key to clinical data reuse, yet accessible structured DX data often lack accuracy. Previous research hints at workflow differences in cancer DX entry, but their...
Big Five personality traits, dispositional affect, and financial satisfaction among older adults

Abstract While previous studies have found that personality is one of the strongest predictors of life satisfaction, the associations between personality and financial satisfaction have not been assessed using large, nationally representative datasets. This study investigates relationships between personality (Big Five personality traits and dispositional positive/negative affect) and financial satisfaction using data from the 2012 wave of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS). Results from a three-block ordinal logistic regression model (n = 3984) indicate that personality traits are important predictors of financial satisfaction. When incorporating Big Five personality traits into a leading model of financial satisfaction, extraversion was positively associated with financial satisfaction, while neuroticism and agreeableness were negatively associated with financial satisfaction. However, when positive affect and negative affect were added to the model including Big Five traits, only agreeableness and negative affect were found to be negatively associated with financial satisfaction, while positive affect was positively associated with financial satisfaction. Additionally, this study examined the convergent validity, test-retest reliability, and presence of common method bias among the Big Five and dispositional affect measures used within the HRS, finding that the measures are reasonable for use in personality research.
Single-stage total endovascular therapy for an aberrant right subclavian aneurysm.

Abstract A 34-year-old woman who demonstrated an aberrant right subclavian artery aneurysm was referred to our hospital. Single-stage total endovascular therapy with preservation of the right vertebral artery using a surgeon-modified fenestrated stent graft was performed. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography on postoperative day 4 revealed the patency of the right vertebral artery with no evidence of endoleaks. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 6. Three years later, the patient had no adverse events. When an aberrant right subclavian artery aneurysm is anatomically suitable, single-stage total endovascular therapy for such an aneurysm is considered to be a feasible and appropriate minimally invasive treatment.
Why Do We Share? An Analysis of the Sources of Power-Sharing Agreements

Why do former belligerents institutionalize power-sharing arrangements after a civil war ends? What explains parties' desire to seek constitutional guarantees during peace negotiations rather than rely on electoral results alone to form governing coalitions? I suggest that elites create power-sharing institutions when the most significant threat to their political power comes from an outside group as opposed to from within their own group. That is, forward-looking and power-minded leaders of former belligerents push for the type of power-sharing at the negotiating table that affords them the greatest opportunity to influence national politics after the conflict has concluded in full. For elites facing competition from outside, this means securing power-sharing through institutional rules and guidelines in the settlement of the civil war to ensure that they are included in the governance of the state. By contrast, for elites fearing in-group rivals, complex governance institutions are at best unnecessary and, at worst, a significant concession to weaker opponents. I test my theory using a cross-national analysis of a dataset of all negotiated settlements since the end of the Second World War, coded for power-sharing variation. I complement the quantitative data with illustrative examples from cases of power-sharing negotiations that offer insight into the proposed theoretical mechanisms.
Online Appendix for 'Common Fund Flows: Flow Hedging and Factor Pricing'

This is the supplemental material to the paper titled "Common Fund Flows: Flow Hedging and Factor Pricing." It includes many useful and interesting additional empirical results. It also includes the detailed proofs for the theoretical results.
A Warning About Using Predicted Values From Regression Models for Epidemiologic Inquiry

In many settings, researchers may not have direct access to data on 1 or more variables needed for an analysis and instead may use regression-based estimates of those variables. Using such estimates in place of original data, however, introduces complications and can result in uninterpretable analyses. In simulations and observational data, we illustrate the issues that arise when an average treatment effect is estimated from data where the outcome of interest is predicted from an auxiliary model. We show that bias in any direction can result, under both the null and alternative hypotheses.
Phosphorylated alpha synuclein within cutaneous autonomic nerves of patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) – the implications of sample thickness on results (P1.107)

Objective: To compare phosphorylated alpha synuclein-s129 (P-syn) in cutaneous autonomic nerve fibers from Parkinson’s disease (PD) using tissues of varying thickness with fluorescent immunohistochemistry (IHC). Background: The detection of cutaneous P-syn in patients with PD has ranged from 30%–100%, depending on the study. We hypothesize that part of the variability in P-syn detection is due to differences in thickness of tissue sections. Therefore, a comparison of the rates of P-syn detecting using thin and thick skin sections is necessary. Design/Methods: Three punch skin biopsies were obtained from 30 individuals with PD, and 20 control subjects. Tissues were cut into 10, 20 and 50 μm sections, double stained with PGP 9.5 and P-syn. Nerve fibers with P-syn that co-localized with PGP in autonomic nerves of sweat glands (SG), pili muscles (PM) and blood vessels (BV) were imaged. Confocal digital images of autonomic structures were analyzed and autonomic structures containing one or more positive fibers were defined as positive. Results: The rates of P-syn positive autonomic nerve fibers detected in SG were (70% in 50μm, 67% in 20μm and 47% in 10μm; P Conclusions: We demonstrate that double immunostained 50μm skin biopsy tissue sections are superior to 20μm and 10μm tissue sections for the detection of P-syn in PD. The increased sensitivity is likely secondary to a combination of greater volume of tissue analyzed and improved visualization of nerve fiber architecture. Study Supported by: NIH U54NS065736, Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) Disclosure: Dr. Wang has nothing to disclose. Dr. Gibbons has received personal compensation for activities with Pfizer Inc and Lundbeck as a member of the scientific advisory board. Dr. Garcia has nothing to disclose. Dr. Freeman has received personal compensation for activities with Abide, Astellas, Biogen, Daiichi-Sankyo, Grunental, Lundbeck, Nestkem Novartis, Pfizer as a member of a scientific advisory board.
Enhancing the Dissolution of Nano-Silver Using a Multidirectional Magnetic Field in Water Systems

Nano-silver (nAg), and silver ions (Ag+), present unique properties that present both opportunities and challenges for different environmental engineering applications, such as disinfection and wat...
SARS-CoV-2 Structural Proteins Exposure Alter Thrombotic and Inflammatory Responses in Human Endothelial Cells.

We have experienced a pandemic induced by the interaction of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) structural proteins with innate structures. These interactions are especially prevalent for patients with underlying pathologies, such as cardiovascular diseases. However, there has been limited work to uncover the range of responses induced by SARS-CoV-2 structural proteins. Thus, our objective was to investigate how endothelial cell pro-thrombotic and pro-inflammatory responses are altered after exposure to SARS-CoV-2 spike, nucleocapsid, and membrane-envelope proteins. We hypothesized that after a short duration exposure, endothelial cells would have a heightened thrombotic and inflammatory potential. With longer exposures, this may lead to altered disease progression and the observed increased mortality and morbidity rates in patients with underlying vascular pathologies. To test this hypothesis, human endothelial cells were exposed to SARS-CoV-2 structural proteins. After the exposure, the expression of thrombomodulin, PECAM-1, connexin-43, and gC1qR were assessed. In parallel, standard cell culture readouts were assessed to determine if these incubations altered cell growth and metabolism. We observed significant increases in thrombotic and inflammatory marker expression, with no change to the cell culture parameters (with the exception of a reduction in cell density in response to one SARS-CoV-2 structural protein). Importantly, these observations were dependent on the viral structural protein the cells were exposed to, suggesting that the interactions of SARS-CoV-2 with innate cells is complex and must be uncovered. Combined, this suggests that SARS-CoV-2 structural proteins can regulate inflammatory and thrombotic responses that underlie common pathologies observed during COVID-19.
Evaluation of performance of hot mix asphalt contained various sizes of Reclaim asphalt pavement and polymer modified Bitumen

Abstract The present investigation intends to investigate the performance of Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) included Reclaim Asphalt Pavement (RAP) and Polymer Modified Bitumen (PMB) binder prepared with Novolac (phenol–formaldehyde solid resin)polymer. In order to assess the mechanical properties and performance of HMA with various RAP contents, several laboratory tests such as Marshall tests, indirect tensile strength testing, moisture damage evaluation, creep compliance test, and wheel track test was performed. The substitution was conducted in two stages: the first stage includes replacing the coarse aggregate with RAP up to 40percent with an increment of 10percent and the second stage includes the substitution of fine aggregate with the same percentages. The PMB binder was prepared by testing several mixes with various percentages of Novolac and its cross-linking agent (Hexamine). The findings of experimental work showed that the use of PMB binder significantly improves the mechanical properties and performance of HMA. Also, it shows that the substitution of coarse aggregate with RAP produces a substantial improvement in mechanical properties and performance of HMA compared with the substitution of fine aggregate or with control mix.
Ultrasound of the Prostate

Both benign and malignant prostatic disease are common in the aging male and may result in significant morbidity and mortality. Assessment until recently has depended upon clinical methods such as the digital rectal examination and laboratory tests, coupled with biopsy results. However, data suggest that 50% of the hard nodules found during digital examination are benign (Jewett 1956). In addition, transperineal and transrectal biopsies used to confirm a diagnosis have an accuracy of only between 50% and 90% (Abu-Yousef and Narayana 1985). Prostate imaging therefore has developed as a complementary diagnostic tool. Of all the modalities used in prostate evaluation, ultrasonography has probably received the most attention.
Nanoscale Mechanisms for Assembly of Biomaterials

Non-covalent interactions are a ubiquitous mechanism directing assembly of natural materials. Similarly, these types of interactions have become an important component of emerging approaches in biomaterials science. In view of the emerging importance of bio-inspired materials in medical applications, this chapter will be focused on describing the fundamentals of intermolecular interactions and their applications in biomaterials science. The particular focus will be on processes and structures that mimic the natural ECM.
Subjective and Objective Binge Eating in Relation to Eating Disorder Symptomatology, Depressive Symptoms, and Self‐Esteem among Treatment‐Seeking Adolescents with Bulimia Nervosa

This study investigated the importance of the distinction between objective (OBE) and subjective binge eating (SBE) among 80 treatment-seeking adolescents with bulimia nervosa. We explored relationships among OBEs, SBEs, eating disorder (ED) symptomatology, depression, and self-esteem using two approaches. Group comparisons showed that OBE and SBE groups did not differ on ED symptoms or self-esteem; however, the SBE group had significantly greater depression. Examining continuous variables, OBEs (not SBEs) accounted for significant unique variance in global ED pathology, vomiting, and self-esteem. SBEs (not OBEs) accounted for significant unique variance in restraint and depression. Both OBEs and SBEs accounted for significant unique variance in eating concern; neither accounted for unique variance in weight/shape concern, laxative use, diuretic use, or driven exercise. Loss of control, rather than amount of food, may be most important in defining binge eating. Additionally, OBEs may indicate broader ED pathology, while SBEs may indicate restrictive/depressive symptomatology.
Arcade Flare Models

Much of the recent work on magnetic arcades is motivated by eruptive phenomena such as coronal mass ejections, prominence eruptions, and large two-ribbon flares. Arcade models of these phenomena are based on a rapid release of magnetic energy stored in coronal currents. However, the mechanisms by which the energy release is triggered vary from model to model. Some models trigger the release by a loss of ideal-MHD equilibrium, while others use a non-ideal processes such as magnetic reconnection. Models which invoke reconnection require the presence of a current sheet prior to the eruption of the field, but models which are based on a loss of equilibrium do not. By examining the observational evidence for the existence of a current sheet prior to the eruption, it may be possible to determine the Type of mechanism which triggers an eruption.
Focal Fatty Change of the Liver, a Hitherto Poorly Recognized Entity

Fatty change of the liver is a well-recognized entity associated with many clinical situations. It is a diffuse lesion although it may show centrolobular or periportal accentuation. Focal fatty change, on the other hand, is a rarely recognized and poorly characterized entity. We are presenting 10 cases of this condition. The lesions were discovered incidentally at post mortem examination in patients ranging in ages from 26 mo to 79 yr. The nodules measured up to 4.0 cm in diameter, were predominantly subcapsular in location, and the majority occurred in livers with minimal diffuse steatosis. At autopsy some had been confused with abscesses and metastases. The underlying disease processes and therapy were examined to determine etiology. Focal ischemia superimposed upon conditions producing fatty change is postulated as a pathogenic mechanism for this entity. Focal fatty change may have importance in the differential diagnosis of space-occupying lesions of the liver.
Reverse-annealing phenomenon during the high-temperature implantation of Ar+ into GaN

A systematic investigation of the damage accumulation in GaN films induced by 150keV Ar ions as a function of implantation temperature and dose rate has been conducted. The depth distribution of the disorder in the Ga sublattice has been measured by RBS/channeling spectrometry with a glancing angle detector geometry to provide enhanced depth resolution. Two disordered regions were identified in the damage depth distribution: a near-surface peak and a bulk damage peak. These regions exhibit different behavior as a function of implantation temperature. The height of the near-surface peak, as expected, decreased with implantation temperature approaching the magnitude of the unimplanted sample. The displaced atomic density in the bulk damage peak also followed this tendency and decreased in the temperature range from room temperature to 500°C. The implantation at higher temperatures resulted in an increase in the amount of damage, reaching a maximum at about 700°C and displayed a characteristic “reverse annealing” behavior. Further increase of the implantation temperature to 1000oC reduced the disorder. The influence of the dose rate and implantation temperature on the radiation damage accumulation is discussed.
ATP-stimulated activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases through ionotrophic P2X2 purinoreceptors in PC12 cells. Difference in purinoreceptor sensitivity in two PC12 cell lines.

Extracellular purine nucleotides elicit a diverse range of biological responses through binding to specific cell surface receptors. The ionotrophic P2X subclass of purinoreceptors respond to ATP by stimulation of calcium ion permeability; however, it is unknown how P2X purinoreceptor activation is linked to intracellular signaling pathways. We report that stimulation of PC12 cells with ATP results in the activation of the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases ERK1 and ERK2 and was wholly dependent upon extracellular calcium ions. Treatment of the cells with adenosine, AMP, ADP, UTP, or α,β-methylene ATP was without effect; however, MAP kinase activation was abolished by pretreatment with suramin and reactive blue 2. The calcium-activated tyrosine kinase, Pyk2, acts as an upstream regulator of the MAP kinases and became tyrosine phosphorylated following treatment of the cells with ATP. We have ruled out the involvement of depolarization-mediated calcium influx because specific blockers of voltage-gated calcium channels did not affect MAP kinase activation. These data provide direct evidence that calcium influx through P2X2 receptors results in the activation of the MAP kinase cascade. Finally, we demonstrate that a different line of PC12 cells respond to ATP through P2Y2 purinoreceptors, providing an explanation for the conflicting findings of purine nucleotide responsiveness in PC12 cells.
The Effect of Gamma Irradiation on Optical Isolators

The effects of gamma radiation on optical isolators have been investigated. This study has included the simultaneous irradiation and measurement of the individual emitters and detectors making up the isolators. In this manner, the net effect of irradiation on the isolators could be attributed to the degradation of either the emitter or detector, or both. As expected, isolators containing photodiodes are more radiation resistant than those containing phototransistors. In the photodiode isolator the LED is responsible for essentially all the gamma-induced isolator degradation. The performance of phototransistor isolators depends strongly on the phototransistor bias, VCE, and the LED input current, ILED. At high ILED and low VCE where gamma-induced surface effects in the phototransistor are minimized, the degradation of the isolator is due primarily to the LED which is more sensitive than the LED in the photodiode isolator. In contrast, at low ILED and high VCE, gamma-induced surface damage in the phototransistor is the dominant effect and the isolator is quite sensitive to irradiation.
The Role of Buyer Sophistication in Competitive Bidding

The competitive bidding process is the method by which firms efficiently and effectively make purchases for necessary goods and services at a desired level of quality. Those firms with managers who understand the competitive bid process and are sufficiently sophisticated with regard to its implementation can create a tremendous competitive advantage in the marketplace. Explains the concept of buyer sophistication in terms of the skills necessary for successful competition in markets heavily influenced by the competitive bid process. Places particular emphasis on how the seller must map the sophistication level of the buyer in order to determine the most appropriate sales and negotiation strategy.
Conductive Wiring of Immobilized Photosynthetic Reaction Center to Electrode by Cytochrome c

The photosynthetic reaction center (RC) found in photosynthetic bacteria is one of the most advanced photoelectronic devices developed by nature. However, after immobilization on the electrode surface, the efficiency of electron transfer (ET) between the RC and the electrode is relatively low. This inefficiency has limited the possibility of using the RC for technological applications. Here we show that photoinduced electron transfer between the immobilized RC and a gold electrode can be increased by several tens-fold by incorporation of cytochrome c into the RC-self-assembled monolayer (SAM)-electrode complex. The effect does not depend on the initial redox state of the cytochrome and seems to be the result of the formation of a complex between the RC and the cytochrome c serving as an ET wire. This observation opens the possibility for electrochemical analysis of the special pair in the RC protein that is deeply buried inside the protein globe and is barely electrically addressable from the electrode su...
Synchronization phenomena for coupled delay-line oscillators

Two coupled delay-line oscillators are modeled by a system of delay differential equations, and their oscillations are analyzed by reducing the delay equations to a system of ordinary differential equations on a finite-dimensional center manifold in the corresponding infinite-dimensional state-space. After averaging the finite-dimensional system, a bifurcation analysis reveals a complex structure of oscillatory behavior. A complete bifurcation analysis is postponed in favor of a bifurcation analysis that is focused on applications to sensor design. In particular, the case of two adjacently mounted, identically built surface acoustic wave (SAW) delay-line oscillators is examined. A bifurcation analysis reveals the operation envelope for a dual SAW sensor based on measurements of frequency differences. The effective operating envelope of this design is limited due to synchronization caused by cross coupling. On the other hand, the operation envelope of a dual SAW sensor can be enlarged by constructing a sensor based on phase differences in the synchronization regime.
Influence of microbiota on viral infections.

Most pathogens gain access to the host through surfaces of the body that are exposed to the surrounding environment and rife with resident microorganisms, termed microbiota. Microbiota play an integral role in modulating host health. One significant benefit of the microbiota is that they provide protection against incoming bacterial pathogens [1]. Commensals make their immediate environment inhospitable to many pathogens by producing biosurfactants, by competing for sites of attachment and nutrients, and by excreting metabolites with antimicrobial effects [1]. Furthermore, the presence of commensals promotes maturation of secondary lymphoid organs in the intestine, which are the first line of defense in the intestinal mucosa [2]. Therefore, when a pathogen infiltrates the host, it is not entering a sterile environment, but one that has been shaped by a dynamic commensal community. Although many interactions between bacterial pathogens and the microbiota have been characterized [1], little is known about the interplay between viral pathogens and the natural flora of the host. Are viral pathogens blind to the commensal microbes surrounding them? Judging from recent publications, this appears not to be the case. There is strong evidence that the microbiota can either protect the host from virally induced disease or promote viral propagation/transmission, through direct or indirect mechanisms.
Amenorrhea and elevated level of serum cholesterol produced by a trifluoromethylated phenothiazine (SKF 5354-A).

ABSTRACT The administration of 1 Gm. per day of a trifluorinated phenothiazine (SKF 5354-A) resulted in amenorrhea in 6 of 7 female patients, without a rise in urinary gonadotropin excretion. The drug also produced a rise in the serum cholesterol level. There was a slight depression of 24-hour thyroidal I131 uptake, but not sufficient to account for the increase in serum cholesterol concentration. THE effects of several phrenotropic agents, particularly chlorpromazine (CPZ), on adrenal, thyroidal and gonadal function have been reported by several investigators (1–18) although the precise mechanisms involved have not been clearly elucidated. Most authors favor inhibiton of pituitary function by the hypothalamus, whereas Reiss (6) takes the view that CPZ inhibits the target glands directly, resulting first in stimulation and then in exhaustion of the pituitary. Suzuki et al. (5) offer evidence that CPZ exerts both a central and peripheral depressant effect on the endocrine system. Since more information wil...
Changes in calcineurin message, enzyme activity and protein content in the spinal dorsal horn are associated with chronic constriction injury of the rat sciatic nerve

Plasticity in the spinal dorsal horn is thought to underlie the development of neuropathic pain. Calcineurin (protein phosphatase 3) plays an important role in plasticity in the brain. Here we examined whether chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve modifies calcineurin expression in the spinal dorsal horn. Male rats were assigned to control (uninjured), sham-operated or CCI groups. CCI animals exhibited both a shift in weight bearing and a reduction in paw withdrawal latencies as signs of pain behavior. At 3 days (3D) the pain behavior was associated with a significant increase in calcineurin gene expression, enzyme activity and content of its Aα isoform in the ipsilateral spinal dorsal horn. In contrast, while the pain behavior persisted at 7 days (7D) calcineurin gene expression returned to control levels and activity and protein content decreased. A single intrathecal injection of MK-801 15 min before the ligation attenuated both signs of pain behavior in 3D but not 7D CCI animals. The same pre-treatment also prevented the CCI-associated increases in calcineurin in these animals. These data suggested an involvement of calcineurin in CCI-elicited neuropathic pain. The time-dependent divergent changes in calcineurin expression may underlie the different phases of neuropathic pain development.
Nanostructured chromium nitride films with a valley of residual stress

Abstract A series of chromium nitride films has been prepared by reactive DC magnetron sputtering onto multiple moving substrates. The films are characterized via an array of experimental techniques, including high-resolution synchrotron radiation X-ray scattering, transmission electron microscope (TEM), atomic force microscope (AFM) and double-crystal diffraction topography (DCDT). Chromium nitride films displays distinct phase structure, stress state and growth morphology, depending on nitrogen flows. The films deposited at very low nitrogen flows show significantly refined microstructures. The macrostructural refinement, accompanied by decreased surface roughness, takes place continuously with increasing nitrogen flow until a nanocrystalline film is obtained. The nanostructured film appears to occur only at the onset of transition from the hexagonal Cr 2 N to a distorted cubic lattice CrN x . Correspondingly, a deep stress valley (i.e. a sudden reversal of tensile stress to compressive stress) is observed by DCDT. Deposition at higher nitrogen flows leads to the formation of nearly stoichiometric CrN films, with slightly elongated grain structures. The elongated grains also align up crystallographically in a unique direction related to the deposition geometry, indicating the development of tri-axial texture in the CrN films.
More than Two Quantifiers

Comparative quantifiers, such as more than three books, cannot take scope over any quantifier in subject position if they occupy object position. This is clearly different from the behavior of other quantifiers (e.g., universal quantifiers). This paper argues that this scope puzzle is due to a more complex internal structure of comparative quantifiers than other quantifiers. In the decompositional approach that I pursue, comparative quantifiers are decomposed into two generalized quantifiers (i.e., in the case above, the comparative operator er than three and the DP many books). In this approach, obligatory narrow scope of comparative quantifiers in object position is a consequence of the interplay of the independently motivated principles of grammar that also constrain other quantifiers. On the basis of the scope puzzle, I specifically argue for two constraints on Scope Shifting Operations (SSOs) a locality condition on SSOs and Scope Economy, proposed by Fox (2000), which prohibits SSOs that have no effect on semantic interpretation. Thus, I argue that the apparently peculiar facts of comparative quantifiers are, in fact, additional evidence for the core properties of SSOs.
Biographic and psychobehavioral influences on body mass index in a nursing sample.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the direct influences of age, ethnicity, education, and number of children and the indirect influences of codependency and binge eating on increased bod...
RADIOGRAPHIC APPEARANCE OF THE EQUINE STIFLE FROM BIRTH TO 6 MONTHS

Lateromedial radiographs of 74 stifles from foals with no stifle swelling or lameness were evaluated to determine the range of normal variation. Foals ranged in age from 0 to 25 weeks with approximately one half of the foals being younger than 11 weeks of age. Nine breeds were represented, with Standardbred and Quarter horse being the most common. Femoral trochlear ridges and patellas were graded on a scale of 1–4 from regular and well defined (1) to very irregular (4). Femoral and tibial condyles were evaluated for irregularity. Twelve stifles were evaluated at necropsy. Irregular to very irregular patellas and trochlear ridges were found in foals up to 20 weeks of age. In foals younger than 11 weeks of age, 77% of bone borders were irregular or very irregular, whereas only 23% of bone borders from foals 11–25 weeks of age had irregular borders. A grade of very irregular was found in 33% of bone borders of foals younger than 11 weeks old, whereas only 1.25% of bone borders of older foals were graded very irregular. Asymmetry in the bone borders between left and right stifle was evident in 36% of the studies, but did not vary by more than one grade. Femoral and tibial condyles were nearly all regular and well defined regardless of age. These findings suggest that obvious irregularities of the femoral or tibial condyles in foals should be interpreted as pathologic. Patellas and trochlear ridges were ranked smooth in 3% of foals younger than 11 weeks of age and in 55% of bone borders of foals 11–25 weeks of age. Obvious irregularities of the patellas or femoral trochlear ridges may be well within normal limits in foals younger than 5 months. Consistent and diagnostic radiographic studies can be obtained safely in most standing foals with little or no sedation.
Nonminimal N=1 supergravity effective theories

We address the problem of the minimization of the scalar potential with respect to the hidden field in the framework of N = 1 supergravity with a particular class of nonminimal scalar couplings which leads to flat potentials and thus a sliding gravitino mass. We show that a tree-level determination of m/sub 3/2/ is possible through an interplay of both visible and invisible sectors. Different types of effective theories are finally derived.
Generic three-dimensional wavelength routers based on cross connects of multilayer diffractive elements

We report a generic method to construct 3D wavelength routers by adapting a novel design for multi-optical wavelength interconnects (MOWI's). Optical wavelength- selective (WS) interconnections are realized by resorting to layered diffractive phase elements. Besides, we simultaneously carry out several other integrated operations on the incident beams according to their wavelengths. We demonstrate an 4 X 4 inline 3D WS optical crossconnect and a 1D 1 X 8 WS perfect shuffler. The devices are well feasible for mass production by using current standard microelectronics technologies. It is plausible that the proposed WS MOWI scenario will find critical applications in module-to-module and board-to-board optical interconnect systems, as well as in other devices for short-link multi- wavelength networks that would benefit from function integration.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Modeling calcium wave oscillations in astrocytes

Calcium wave oscillations are utilized by astrocytes as a method of cellular communication. These waves are dependent on both an intracellular gap junction pathway involving [Ca^+^+]"i and [IP"3]"i and an extracellular pathway involving [ATP]"o and [Glu]"o. Our goal was to incorporate the extracellular pathway into a pre-existing mathematical model of the intracellular pathway. The model showed that during an [IP"3]"i-stimulated calcium wave, [ATP]"o controls the amplitude while [Glu]"o controls the duration of the wave. Also, our model implicated purinergic, PLCB and PLCG activating receptors as potential drug targets to modify glutamate release by astrocytes which may effect neural plasticity.
Deletion of chromosome 22 without bcr rearrangement and without juxtaposition of c-abl in a case of acute myeloid leukemia

We describe a patient with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who had a deletion of chromosome 22 at q11 as a sole chromosomal abnormality, resulting in the karyotype 46,XY,del(22)(q11). Southern blot analysis showed no bcr rearrangement and fluorescence in situ hybridization indicated no juxtaposition of c-abl. This study indicates that molecular events other than bcr rearrangement and c-abl juxtaposition were involved in leukemogenesis in this patient. We hypothesize that a tumor suppressor candidate gene may be located on the long arm of chromosome 22; its loss may lead to malignant transformation.
A Historical Overview of Liberation Theology Some Implications for the Christian Educator

What is it about the language of liberation theology that can inform and enrich our understanding of curriculum, leading to a pedagogical practice of hope and liberation? To understand that question, we must have an appreciation and realization of the historical roots of how liberation theology unfolded in the course of history in Latin America. To that end, this article gives a historical overview of the circumstances that led to the language and action of liberation theology. The article discusses how the theological praxis of liberation theology can inform the Christian educator, particularly when working with the poor.
Under- or Overtreatment of Pain in the Patient With Cancer: How to Achieve Proper Balance

Achieving balance in the appropriate use of opioids for the treatment of cancer pain is complex. The definition of "balance" is continually being modified. Palliative care professionals, pain specialists, and oncologists have long been advocating for the aggressive management of pain for patients with advanced cancer. Some progress has been made in this arena but barriers persist. Fear of addiction by patients, family members, and oncology professionals presents a serious obstacle to the provision of adequate pain control. This is further complicated by societal factors that receive extensive media coverage, such as diversion of prescribed opioids for recreational use and increasing deaths as a result of this inappropriate use of prescription opioids. This growing concern has led to more opioid regulation, which increases obstacles to pain management in this population. Another evolving concern is whether the long-term use of opioids is safe and effective. Data from the chronic nonmalignant pain literature suggest that toxicities may result and misuse has been underestimated, yet little information is available in the cancer population. These issues lead to serious questions regarding how balance might be successfully achieved for patients in an oncology setting. Can pain relief be provided while reducing negative consequences of treatment? Which patient should be prescribed what medications, in what situations, for what kind of pain, and who should be managing the pain?
The transcription profile of Aleutian mink disease virus in CRFK cells is generated by alternative processing of pre-mRNAs produced from a single promoter.

A reevaluation of the transcription profile of Aleutian mink disease parvovirus (AMDV)-infected CRFK cells at either 32°C or 37°C has determined that strain AMDV-G encodes six species of mRNAs produced by alternative splicing and alternative polyadenylation of a pre-mRNA generated by a single promoter at the left end of the genome. Three different splicing patterns are used, and each type is found polyadenylated at either the 3′ end of the genome (the distal site) or at a site in the center of the genome (the proximal site). All spliced species accumulate similarly over the course of infection, with the R2 RNA predominant throughout. The R2 RNA, which contains and can express the NS2 coding region, encodes the viral capsid proteins VP1 and VP2.
HIV-1 tropism for the central nervous system: Brain-derived envelope glycoproteins with lower CD4 dependence and reduced sensitivity to a fusion inhibitor

We previously described envelope glycoproteins of an HIV-1 isolate adapted in vitro for growth in microglia that acquired a highly fusogenic phenotype and lower CD4 dependence, as well as resistance to inhibition by anti-CD4 antibodies. Here, we investigated whether similar phenotypic changes are present in vivo. Envelope clones from the brain and spleen of an HIV-1-infected individual with neurological disease were amplified, cloned, and sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated clustering of sequences according to the tissue of origin, as expected. Functional clones were then used in cell-to-cell fusion assays to test for CD4 and co-receptor utilization and for sensitivity to various antibodies and inhibitors. Both brain- and spleen-derived envelope clones mediated fusion in cells expressing both CD4 and CCR5 and brain envelopes also used CCR3 as co-receptor. We found that the brain envelopes had a lower CD4 dependence, since they efficiently mediated fusion in the presence of low levels of CD4 on the target cell membrane, and they were significantly more resistant to blocking by anti-CD4 antibodies than the spleen-derived envelopes. In contrast, we observed no difference in sensitivity to the CCR5 antagonist TAK-779. However, brain-derived envelopes were significantly more resistant than those from spleen to the fusion inhibitor T-1249 and concurrently showed slightly greater fusogenicity. Our results suggest an increased affinity for CD4 of brain-derived envelopes that may have originated from in vivo adaptation to replication in microglial cells. Interestingly, we note the presence of envelopes more resistant to a fusion inhibitor in the brain of an untreated, HIV-1-infected individual.