cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Production of matrix metalloproteinase‐9 by activated human monocytes involves a phosphatidylinositol‐3 kinase/Akt/IKKα/NF‐κB pathway

Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is considered to be an important component in the progression of inflammation. Monocytes/macrophages are prominent at inflammation sites, and activation of these cells by stimulants, such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or tumor necrosis factor alpha and granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor, leads to the production of significant amounts of MMP-9. Here, we show that LPS stimulation of monocytes results in MMP-9 production through a phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI-3K)/Akt/inhibitor of kappaB (IkappaB) kinase-alpha (IKKalpha)/nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB pathway. This new role for Akt in signaling leading to MMP-9 production was demonstrated by inhibitor and immunoprecipitation studies. LY294002 or wortmannin, inhibitors of PI-3K, suppressed LPS-induced Akt activity and MMP-9 production. Evidence for the participation of Akt in monocyte MMP-9 synthesis was demonstrated by the inhibition of MMP-9 by SH-5, a specific inhibitor of Akt. The mechanism by which Akt regulates MMP-9 is through the activation of NF-kappaB, as shown by coimmunoprecipitation of the phosphorylated form of IKKalpha and Akt as well as the SH-5 suppression of the dissociation of IkappaB from NF-kappaB and the activation of NF-kappaB p65. The role of NF-kappaB in regulation of MMP-9 was demonstrated further by the inhibition of MMP-9 production by proteasome inhibitors, lactacystin and MG-132, which prevented the ubiquitination and dissociation of IkappaB from NF-kappaB. This is the first demonstration that Akt is involved in the signaling pathway leading to the production of monocyte MMP-9 and provides an additional approach in the regulation of this enzyme in human primary monocytes.
Calcium Influx Blockade as Cancer Therapy

Copyright: © 2012 Cox JL. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. Metastasis is the major reason for treatment failure when it comes to therapy for different cancers. Here I would like to give a brief overview of some research that has attempted to block metastasis through inhibition of calcium signaling and metabolism. This strategy to inhibit metastasis through blocking calcium channels/calcium function is not yet being applied clinically, but could be within several years following clinical trials. It remains an open question whether this calcium strategy will lead to durable improvements for the management of cancer. A number of recent advances in understanding calcium regulation in cancer cells has also brought us closer to possible clinical application of this strategy, as new calcium interfering drugs are being developed based on new molecular and cellular physiological information.
Zoospore Homing and Infection Events: Effects of the Biocontrol Bacterium Burkholderia cepacia AMMDR1 on Two Oomycete Pathogens of Pea (Pisum sativum L.)

Burkholderia cepacia AMMDR1 is a biocontrol agent that protects pea and sweet corn seeds from Pythium damping-off in field experiments. The goal of this work was to understand the effect of B. cepacia AMMDR1 on Pythium aphanidermatum and Aphanomyces euteiches zoospore homing events and on infection of pea seeds or roots. In vitro, B. cepacia AMMDR1 caused zoospore lysis, prevented cyst germination, and inhibited germ tube growth of both oomycetes. B. cepacia AMMDR1 also reduced the attractiveness of seed exudates to Pythium zoospores to nondetectable levels. However, when present at high levels on seeds, B. cepacia AMMDR1 had little net effect on zoospore attraction, probably because it also enhanced seed exudation. Seed-applied B. cepacia AMMDR1 dramatically reduced the incidence of infection by Pythium zoospores in situ compared with an antibiosis-deficient Tn5 mutant strain. This mutant strain also decreased Pythium infection incidence to some extent, but only when the pathogen inoculum potential was low. B. cepacia AMMDR1 did not affect attraction of Aphanomyces zoospores or Aphanomyces root rot incidence. These results suggest that B. cepacia AMMDR1 controls P. aphanidermatum largely through antibiosis, but competition for zoospore-attracting compounds can contribute to the effect. Differences in suppression of Aphanomyces and Pythium are discussed in relation to differences in the ecology of the two pathogens.
A multiple reference frame synchronous estimator/regulator

A synchronous regulator that accurately tracks three-phase commands with arbitrary balanced harmonic content is set forth. The regulator utilizes multiple reference frames to realize both a novel harmonic estimator and an integral feedback controller. The regulator is analyzed and demonstrated in the context of a permanent-magnet synchronous machine drive. The drive utilizes an optimized nonsinusoidal current command to achieve superior efficiency and torque ripple performance but which is dependent upon the commanded waveforms being precisely realized. The multiple reference frame synchronous current regulator proposed herein readily achieves this requirement. A computer simulation and a hardware prototype demonstrate validity of the regulator.
Hydrosalpinx in Postmenarchal Nonsexually Active Girls: A Review of 6 Cases in a Children's Hospital

Abstract Background The objective of the study was to identify the presence of hydrosalpinx in postmenarchal nonsexually active girls in a children's hospital and to review the available literature on hydrosalpinx in this population. Cases In a tertiary care children's hospital, we performed a retrospective review of charts from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2014 and identified six cases of hydrosalpinx in postmenarchal nonsexually active female adolescents ranging in age from 12 to 19 years old. The diagnosis of hydrosalpinx was made using imaging studies. Four of six patients were symptomatic at presentation, and two patients were diagnosed when seen for unrelated reasons. Five of these six girls had previous abdominopelvic surgery. Four girls were given empiric antibiotic treatment for presumed pelvic inflammatory disease related to hydrosalpinx. Two patients required surgical intervention that resulted in complete resolution of the hydrosalpinx. The oldest patient in the series underwent ultrasound-guided drainage of the pyo- and/or hydrosalpinx with subsequent recurrence with tubal ovarian abscess five months later. Summary and Conclusions The presence of hydrosalpinx might be discovered in the workup of pelvic pain in nonsexually active adolescents or on routine follow-up in patients with previous abdominal surgery, some of whom are asymptomatic. The underlying pathophysiology for hydrosalpinx in this population remains unclear. Among our cases, postsurgical adhesions appeared to be the most likely predisposing factor for tubular obstruction. Early detection and prompt diagnosis will allow for appropriate conservative or definitive treatment.
Passive RFID and BIM for Real-Time Visualization and Location Tracking

Finding the current location of a specific utility or oneself in an unfamiliar facility can be difficult and time consuming. The ability to visualize the location in real-time can reduce the time for manual searching and locating. The proposed research is to utilize commercially available RFID technology for real-time visualization and location tracking in a BIM model. The scope is the use of passive radio frequency identification (RFID) tracking technology and Building Information Modeling (BIM). A novel approach is presented that utilizes current localization techniques and algorithms. A prototype application has been developed that connects the RFID readers with a BIM model and database. Preliminary results demonstrate the feasibility of locating a user inside buildings in real-time. Significantly, the visualization will enable the user to pinpoint themselves and a utility in a model, saving time and money.
The role of phototrophic bacteria in the sulfur cycle of a meromictic lake1

During the summer months a dense population of green sulfur bacteria was observed in meromictic Knaack Lake, Wisconsin, at a depth where oxygen was not present. During the day, H/sub 2/S was also absent at this depth but built up at night. /sup 14/CO/sub 2/ studies revealed that in the light the green bacteria were photosynthetically active and oxidized the H/sub 2/S. The ratio of H/sub 2/S oxidized to CO/sub 2/ fixed was about 0.5, indicating that H/sub 2/S was completely oxidized to sulfate. In the dark, CO/sub 2/ fixation did not occur and H/sub 2/S accumulated. These results are related to the diurnal changes of H/sub 2/S in the lake and to sulfate reduction rates in the water column.
A New Species of Ponyfish (Teleostei: Leiognathidae: Photoplagios) from Madagascar, with a Phylogeny for Photoplagios and Comments on the Status of Equula lineolata Valenciennes

A new species of ponyfish in the genus Photoplagios is described from material collected in coastal waters of northeastern Madagascar. Photoplagios antongil, new species, is distinguished from congeners by the presence of a broad midlateral stripe and two darkly pigmented flank patches located ventral to the lateral midline, which are presumably translucent in life but darkly pigmented in preservative due to a concentration of melanophores. The new species is further distinguished from P. leuciscus, the only externally similar species occurring in the region, by the absence of a large translucent triangular patch on the flanks, a much shorter second dorsal-fin spine, a straight predorsal profile, pigmentation pattern on the upper flanks, absence of black pigment in the pectoral-fin axil, and exposed conical oral dentition in two distinct rows. A phylogeny for Photoplagios is provided based on the simultaneous analysis of anatomical features of the light-organ system and nucleotide characters. The taxonomic statu so fEquula lineolata Valenciennes, in Cuvier and Valenciennes, 1835 is discussed, and the species is herein concluded to be a nomen dubium of uncertain placement beyond the family level.
Toxicity Testing in the 21st Century: Using the New Toxicity Testing Paradigm to Create a Taxonomy of Adverse Effects

Distinguishing adaptive from adverse responses is fundamental to understanding toxicity and to implementing regulatory guidelines that are protective of human health. However, what we consider to be an adverse effect may change over time as the cultural acceptance of risk alters and new knowledge and insight accumulate. The fact that the identification of an adverse effect is subject to change is obvious, necessary, and uncomfortable. In this commentary, a framework for defining adverse effects is proposed for the emerging paradigm of toxicity testing in the 21st century—a paradigm that focuses on human cells, in vitro approaches, toxicity pathways, and high-throughput techniques. The traditional meaning of an adverse effect as a change at the organismal level is not compatible with this new system of toxicity testing. Instead, based on the experience of accident investigators, we propose that a Toxicological Factors Analysis and Classification System will use the database resulting from the high-throughput toxicity testing of the future to develop a Taxonomy of Adverse Effects. Similar to an accident, predisposing “latent failures” identified within categories of the toxicant response database will be associated with the “active failure” of an adverse effect.
Sine wave interaction with an in vivo model of bone development

The effect of various sine waves on the decalcified bone matrix (DBM)-induced endochondral ossification system has been studied. Two groups of ossicle-bearing animals were exposed to sinusoidally time-varying magnetic fields with a peak amplitude of five Gauss and a frequency of 15 Hz (corresponding to a mean electric field of 0.5 mV/m at a radius of 2.1 cm) for 1 and 8 hours, respectively. Two additional groups of animals were exposed to 45-Hz magnetic fields of the same amplitude (giving a mean induced electric field of 1.5 mV/m at a radius of 2.1 cm) and for the same time periods. The developing system is most sensitive to stimulation during the early phases of cell recruitment and chondrogenesis. However, indices of proliferation and cellularity are not increased in any phase of the system, suggesting an effect of electric and magnetic stimulation to increase differentiation or modulate synthesis of extracellular matrix. >
Doppler ultrasonography in obstetrics: from the diagnosis of fetal anemia to the treatment of intrauterine growth-restricted fetuses

After the adoption of the use of umbilical artery and middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity in high-risk pregnancies and in pregnancies that are at risk of having an anemic fetus, the main focus of Doppler ultrasonography in obstetrics today is intrauterine growth-restricted fetuses. What is most needed at this time are (1) training of sonographers and sonologists on how to perform a Doppler study, (2) an international classification of intrauterine growth-restricted fetuses, and (3) a study of the natural history of intrauterine growth-restricted fetuses that might contribute to a better understanding of the intrauterine growth-restriction process and to standard treatment of intrauterine growth-restricted fetuses. Future investigations, which would include randomized studies, could be designed from the results of such studies.
The Challenges of Pro-Poor Fisheries Reform

Abstract Small-scale artisanal fisheries account for an estimated 40 MMT of catch annually, employing approximately 40 million workers. The promise of rationalization, realized in developed countries, is that good management may generate significant rents. But an important issue for developing countries is: will the rents from rationalization accrue to the poor? I investigate connections between fisheries rationalization, income distribution, and poverty reduction drawing on a model from A.D. Scott (1957). Under open access, a fixed amount of labor is employed such that the value of marginal product (VMP) in agriculture is equal to the value of average product (VAP) in the fishery. Reform is then modeled with a dynamic optimization model, which identifies conditions that generate a high potential payoff to the poor. Whether potential payoffs are translated into actual gains to the poor depends upon political economy factors. I discuss the political economy barriers to pro-poor fisheries reform and potenti...
Molecular Characterization of MexL, the Transcriptional Repressor of the mexJK Multidrug Efflux Operon in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

The Pseudomonas aeruginosa mexJK efflux operon is constitutively expressed in mutants with defects in the upstream mexL gene, which encodes a repressor of the TetR family. MexL and a MexL A47D mutant protein were purified from Escherichia coli as fusion proteins with carboxy-terminal hexahistidine tags. Native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and size exclusion chromatography revealed that MexL is a tetramer in solution. MexL and MexL A47D oligomerization was confirmed using a genetic approach, and the MexL A47D mutant protein was not impaired in multimerization. Gel mobility shift and footprinting assays demonstrated that MexL, but not MexL A47D , binds specifically to the 94-bp mexL-mexJ intergenic region to sequences located between positions −84 and −20 from the mexJ initiation codon. MexL protected about 60 nucleotides on each strand, and the protected regions overlapped almost perfectly, a finding consistent with MexL regulating the expression of both mexL and mexJK , which was ascertained by gene fusion analyses. The protected region contains predicted −10 and −35 promoter sequences for both mexL and mexJ , with partially overlapping −10 regions. The mexL promoter assignment was verified by mapping the mexL transcription start site, and the mexJ promoter was localized to the predicted regions using lacZ fusions. The MexL-protected region contains two inverted GTATTT repeats, and their location in the protected region and overlap with the mexL and mexJ promoter sequences strongly support a role in MexL binding.
A theoretical analysis of the "let-go" phenomenon

A mathematical analysis is presented that provides a theoretical explanation for the "let-go" neuromuscular stimulation phenomenon. This analysis includes consideration of electrophysiological, bioelectrical, and anthropometric factors that are involved in accidental electrical stimulation of forearm musculature during "let-go". >
A Vital Rate Sensitivity Analysis for Nonstable Age Distributions and Short‐Term Planning

Abstract There are multiple approaches to sensitivity analysis used to identify the age- (or stage-) specific rate of reproduction or survival that most affects population growth—all of which involve evaluating effects on λ, the dominant eigenvalue of the Leslie matrix. Management recommendations generated by these approaches can be difficult to determine, in part because results are valid only for populations with stable age distributions (i.e., the age structure is constant across years). Although these analytical approaches can identify the quickest way to increase population size to carrying capacity, they cannot identify best management options for short-term goals such as increasing population size above some critical value. We present a perturbation analysis—Vital Rate Sensitivity Analysis (VRSA)—to identify the vital rate that most limits population growth over any specified period by determining which vital rate has the greatest effect on population growth. The VRSA is effective for stable and no...
1 – Overview of the OMVPE Process

Publisher Summary This chapter deals with the organometallic vapor-phase epitaxy (OMVPE) that is an epitaxial technique for the development of semiconductor materials. It begins with a comparison of several epitaxial techniques––such as, liquid-phase epitaxy (LPE), chloride vapor-phase epitaxy (CIVPE), hydride vapor-phase epitaxy (HVPE), molecular-beam epitaxy (MBE), and chemical-beam epitaxy (CBE). All crystal growth processes, including OMVPE, are highly complex. The design of the OMVPE process is considered in terms of––namely, (1) choice of precursor molecules, (2) design of the reactor hardware, (3) choice of growth parameters, (4) total system pressure, (5) temperature, and (5) growth rate. As an economic phenomenon, this revolution has resulted in an increase in the cost effectiveness of electronic functions at a rate unparalleled by any other technologies. The fundamental understanding of the OMVPE process is used as the basis of OMVPE process designing. The chapter also states that the optimum process design is related to the application––that is, the material, structure, and material properties desired.
Performance Metrics of Local Cloud Computing Architectures

Cloud Computing is a rapidly growing branch of distributed computing. There have been many proposed open source cloud architectures. The purpose of this paper is to look at three of the most popular open source architectures: Eucalyptus, OpenStack, and OpenNebula. These three architectures were compared by their ease of installation and performance. The benchmarks performed calculated CPU performance, Network performance, and I/O performance. The CPU performance was measured by a Python program that calculated Pi to a given digit and returned the time taken to complete the task. Our Network performance benchmark made use of two Virtual Machines (VMs) and the Iperf tool to send data over the network. The results were measured by network throughput between VMs. Finally, I/O performance made use of a MySQL table of 100,000 entries and the sysbench tool to benchmark varying amounts of threads by measuring the number of transactions per second. We also ran these benchmarks on a micro instance of Amazon's Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) to compare results.
LAXITY DIFFERENCES IN CRUCIATE-RETAINING AND POSTERIOR-STABILISED TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY

Introduction When performing total knee arthroplasty (TKA), surgeons often utilize a posterior-stabilized (PS) design which compensates for the loss of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). These designs attempt to replicate normal knee kinematics and loading using a cam and post to provide posterior restraint of the tibia during flexion. However, these designs may not be able to compensate for the increase in flexion space or the inherent loss of coronal stability after PCL release compared to a cruciate retaining (CR) design. This study aimed to compare stability of PS and CR TKA designs by assessing laxity in three planes. Methods The specimens utilized in this study were lower extremities from fresh cadavers of donors who had previously undergone a total knee replacement (Medical Education and Research Institute (Memphis, TN) and Restore Life USA (Johnson City, TN)). IRB approval was obtained prior to performing the study. Twenty-three knee specimens (8 left, 15 right) were retrieved and all skin, subcutaneous tissue and muscle was removed. The femur and tibia were cut transversely 180 mm superior and inferior to the knee joint line, respectively, and specimens were mounted in a custom knee testing machine. Specimens were tested with the knee joint at full extension and at 30, 60, and 90 degrees of flexion. Laxity was assessed at 1.5 Nm of internal and external torque and 10 Nm varus and valgus torque, as well as a 35 N anterior and posterior force. Laxity was expressed as degrees of tibial displacement in the coronal plane under a varus/valgus torque and degrees of displacement in the transverse plane under an internal/external torque, as well as mm of anterior or posterior displacement. TKA components were retrieved to determine PS or CR design and grouped accordingly. Results Of the 23 implants, 10 were PS designs and 13 were CR. PS posterior laxity was 1 mm greater in full extension (p = 0.02, Figure 1), and PS varus laxity increased by 6 degrees at 90 degrees of flexion over CR laxity (p = 0.04, Figure 3). Varus to valgus laxity range of PS knees was greater than CR knees for all flexion angles. PS external rotational laxity at 90 degrees of flexion was greater than that of CR laxity by 7 degrees (p = 0.02, Figure 2). Discussion Results indicate significant laxity differences between PS and CR designs in both full extension and 90 degrees of flexion. PS designs have decreased coronal stability compared to CR, but appear to mimic AP constraint in midflexion and flexion. Mihalko et al. (2000) showed that loss of the PCL during TKA leads to a decrease in coronal stability, which is confirmed here. The post and cam mechanism of the PS designs restores AP stability during flexion but does not restore this coronal stability. These results may be limited by variations in implant design.
Climate as a Complex Dynamical System

Climate is a complex dynamical system, whose understanding is a fascinating scientific challenge which has crucial implications on our society. Like any science, the study of climate is based on data, measurements and experiments, and requires the development of analysis and modeling tools to build a coherent view of climate and its variability. In such a framework, the role of Mathematics and of mathematical developments is essential. In the present contribution, I discuss the hierarchy of climate models, mentioning both the progress of the last thirty years, the role of mathematical approaches, and the many open questions which still need to be clarified. The need for a coherent theory of climate is advocated, as a world-wide effort to understand this fascinating manifestation of Planet Earth.
Intermolecular electron transfer from intramolecular excitation and coherent acoustic phonon generation in a hydrogen-bonded charge-transfer solid

Organic materials that produce coherent lattice phonon excitations in response to external stimuli may provide next generation solutions in a wide range of applications. However, for these materials to lead to functional devices in technology, a full understanding of the possible driving forces of coherent lattice phonon generation must be attained. To facilitate the achievement of this goal, we have undertaken an optical spectroscopic study of an organic charge-transfer material formed from the ubiquitous reduction-oxidation pair hydroquinone and p-benzoquinone. Upon pumping this material, known as quinhydrone, on its intermolecular charge transfer resonance as well as an intramolecular resonance of p-benzoquinone, we find sub-cm−1 oscillations whose dispersion with probe energy resembles that of a coherent acoustic phonon that we argue is coherently excited following changes in the electron density of quinhydrone. Using the dynamical information from these ultrafast pump-probe measurements, we find that the fastest process we can resolve does not change whether we pump quinhydrone at either energy. Electron-phonon coupling from both ultrafast coherent vibrational and steady-state resonance Raman spectroscopies allows us to determine that intramolecular electronic excitation of p-benzoquinone also drives the electron transfer process in quinhydrone. These results demonstrate the wide range of electronic excitations of the parent of molecules found in many functional organic materials that can drive coherent lattice phonon excitations useful for applications in electronics, photonics, and information technology.
Simulation of Spiral Turbulence

Results of three-dimensional direct numerical simulations are presented for the TaylorCouette system with counter-rotating cylinders at a radius ratio 0.89. The o w exhibits a pattern of banded alternating laminar and turbulent regions spiraling around the cylinder. We demonstrate that the turbulent spiral is composed of numerous small-scale azimuthallyelongated vortices, while the laminar region is essentially vortex-free.
EEG adaptation during prolonged periods of water deprivation

Twenty albino rats were deprived of water for 96 hr. and their EEG s were sampled at 24-hr. intervals. Analysis of both frequency and amplitude of EEG deflections revealed an initial period of desynchroni-zation followed by a period of resynchronization. A trend analysis revealed a significant quadratic component for both measures when plotted as a function of hours of deprivation.
Investigating the Structural Properties of Corn Stover at Macro and Fiber Levels

The purpose of this study is to analyze structural properties of biomass materials, namely corn stover. The structural properties of the biomass corn stover are examined at macro and fiber levels by performing a series of tests including three-point bending and tensile strength. Results of the stated tests are statistically analyzed. The goal of this analysis is to test the strength under loading from various directions to gather a full understanding of the structural properties of corn stalk fibers. Tests are performed using universal testing machines (UTMs). The results of these studies will be used to compile a database of the structural properties of biomass. These properties have the potential to be used in finite element computer simulations for structural analysis and bulk solid flows. The bulk fluid motion of the pulverized/chopped biomass can be simulated in storage and transportation equipment, including auguring screws and pneumatic conveyance systems, as well as devices for feeding biomass feedstocks in biorefineries. Traditional biochemical and thermochemical reactors operate as batch systems because of the difficulty of feeding the biomass feedstock in a continuous manner. Having a clearer background about the structural and rheological properties of biomass feedstock will help simulate and design the bulk-solid flows within storage bins and conveyance systems.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
5′-Noraristeromycin C-Nucleosides Based on Imidazo[1,2-a]pyrazine

The preparation of two C-5′-nor-3-deazaaristeromycin dia­stereomeric analogues possessing a bridgehead nitrogen is described from (3aR,4R,6S,6aS)-2,2-dimethyl-6-vinyltetrahydro-3aH-cyclopenta[d][1,3]dioxol-4-ol that served as the cyclopentyl unit of the target carbocyclic nucleosides and as the scaffold upon which the compounds were built. The process evolved via a de novo approach for constructing the requisite fused imidazo unit between the aforementioned cyclopentyl ring and a readily available 2,3-dichloropyrazine. The syntheses were accomplished in 11 and 8 steps depending on the diastereomer sought.
The Citizen, the Scholar and the Policymaker: Some Dissenting Views

The central concern of Mr. Barber's paper has impressive antecedents in political philosophy. The role of the intellectual in society? and more particularly, in the formulation of public policy?has engaged the attention of political scientists from Plato to Harold Lasswell and beyond. Mr. Barber addresses himself to an old issue, but the implications of foreign policy in the nuclear era add a new dimension of seriousness to his charges of irresponsibility within the academic community.
New species of Tricholoma from California and Oregon

Eight Tricholoma species from California and Oregon are described. New taxa, Tricholoma griseoviolaceum, Tricholoma muricatum, Tricholoma mutabile, Tricholoma nigrum and Tricholoma myomyces var. cy...
Bonding in SCln (n = 1-6): a quantum chemical study.

Following a previous study of bonding and isomerism in the SF n and singly chloro-substituted SF n―1 Cl (n = 1—6) series, we describe bonding in the ground and low-lying excited states of the completely substituted series, SCl n (n =1―6). All structures were characterized at least at the RCCSD(T)/aug-cc-pV(Q+d)Z level of theory. Both differences and similarities were observed between SCl n and our previous results on SF n―1 Cl and SF n . Several minimum structures that exist in SF n and SF n―1 Cl are absent in SCl n . For example, the optimized structure of SCl 2 ( 3 A 2 ) is a transition state in C s symmetry, whereas the analogous states are minima in SF n and SF n―1 Cl. Second, we found a continuation of a trend discovered in the SF n―1 Cl series, where Cl substitution has a destabilizing effect that weakens bonds with respect to SF n . This effect is much stronger in the SCl n series than it is in the SF n―1 Cl series, which is why SCl 2 is the most stable observed species in the family and why SCl 4 , SCl 5 , and SCl 6 are unstable (SCl n―2 + Cl 2 additions are endothermic for n = 4―6).
The changes on pathogens of severe hand-foot-mouth disease with ventilator-associated pneumonia between 2010 and 2012

Objective To analyze the kinds of pathogens and changes of drug resistance of severe hand-foot-mouth disease with ventilator associated pneumonia(VAP) patients between 2010 and 2012 years, and to provide a scientific basis for clinical anti-infective therapy. Methods A retrospective analysis on 120 cases of severe children admitted from ICU of our hospital with severe hand-foot-mouth disease, took sputum samples to isolate and identify, the drug resistance of pseudomonas aeruginosa(PAE) to 13antimicrobial drugs was detected full automatic drug sensitivity analyzer. Results Gram-negative bacteria accounted for 93.9% in66 clinical isolates of pathogenic bacteria. Primary pathogens of VAP were PAE in three years. A total of 8 kinds of antimicrobial drugs to PAE greater than 50% were found in 2010, 4 kinds of antimicrobial drugs in 2011, 2 kinds of antimicrobial drugs in 2012.Conclusion The distribution of pathogen and drug resistance exist to some extent differences in different periods, clinical anti-infective therapy should be based on the drug susceptibility results.
ALTERNATIVE FOR STUDENT LOANS:SOCIAL SECURITY FUNDS

The article discusses the basic reasons for difficulties in student loans,concluds the bottleneck lies in the institutional contradict between its political nature and commercial issue.Rather than establishment of social credit system which needs great economic and time cost,social security funds is a much better approach.The fund matches this role well in many features,which results in adequate feasibilities.
Extensile Lateral Approach for the Operative Management of a Displaced Intra-Articular Calcaneus Fracture.

Calcaneal fractures account for approximately 1.2% of all fractures and 60% of all tarsal bone fractures. Almost 75% present as displaced, intra-articular fractures. Because of the complex articular and osseous anatomy, the vulnerable soft-tissue envelope, and the technically challenging approach needed for fixation, these fractures are often treated nonoperatively, resulting in poor outcomes. These poor outcomes can include entrapment of the posterior tibial and sural nerves, impingement, dislocation or entrapment of peroneal tendons, a widened heel with a loss of height, hindfoot varus or valgus, formation of painful exostoses, development of posttraumatic arthritis of the subtalar and calcaneocuboid joints, and impingement of the ankle joint. The current scientific literature supports fixation of displaced, intra-articular fractures. The principles of surgical fixation consist of reconstructing the height (obtained by improving the Bohler angle), narrowing the width, reconstructing the length, correcting any varus deformity of the tuberosity, and anatomically reducing the joint. However, at the time of initial presentation, there is often substantial swelling, with or without fracture blisters, that needs to be resolved prior to surgical fixation. During this waiting period, radiographic and computed tomography (CT) evaluations should be performed to assess the fracture pattern. Once re-epithelialization of the blisters and wrinkling of the skin are noted, open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) can be performed. The steps to an ORIF consist of (1) the use of an extensile lateral incision, with a subperiosteal dissection, that develops a full-thickness fasciocutaneous flap; (2) removal of the lateral wall, to allow visualization of the impacted joint; (3) removal of the lateral third or half of the joint to allow visualization of the medial two-thirds or half of the joint; (4) disimpaction of the medial half of the joint to its normal height, along with medialization of the tuberosity; (5) anatomic reduction of the posterior facet and fixation with lag screw(s); (6) possible use of a bone graft and replacement of the lateral wall; (7) spanning the calcaneus with a plate and screws; and (8) closure of the fasciocutaneous flap and skin over a drain.
Student Advising and Retention Application in Cloud Computing Environment

This paper proposes a new user-friendly application enhancing and expanding the current advising services of Gradesfirst currently being used for advising and retention by the Athletic department of UMES with a view to implement new performance activities like mentoring, tutoring, scheduling, and study hall hours into existing tools. This application includes various measurements that can be used to monitor and improve the performance of the students in the Athletic Department of UMES by monitoring students’ weekly study hall hours, and tutoring schedules. It also supervises tutors’ login and logout activities in order to monitor their effectiveness, supervises tutor-tutee interaction, and stores and analyzes the overall academic progress of each student. A dedicated server for providing services will be developed at the local site. The paper has been implemented in three steps. The first step involves the creation of an independent cloud computing environment that provides resources such as database creation, query-based statistical data, performance measures activities, and automated support of performance measures such as advising, mentoring, monitoring and tutoring. The second step involves the creation of an application known as Student Advising and Retention (SAR) application in a cloud computing environment. This application has been designed to be a comprehensive database management system which contains relevant data regarding student academic development that supports various strategic advising and monitoring of students. The third step involves the creation of a systematic advising chart and frameworks which help advisors. The paper shows ways of creating the most appropriate advising technique based on the student’s academic needs. The proposed application runs in a Windows-based system. As stated above, the proposed application is expected to enhance and expand the current advising service of Gradesfirst tool. A brief demonstration of the proposed application will highlight the main features of the existing tool (Gradefirst).
Introduction: Local Governments and Immigration

Filomeno offers an introduction to the study of local immigration policy and proposes a relational approach to advance this field of inquiry. Most studies articulate a localist narrative in which local problems associated with immigration prompt local policies, shaped by local conditions and with local consequences. Other studies show that local immigration policies cannot be understood apart from their context, including inter-governmental relations, transnational economic processes and international norms. After discussing the limits of the localist approach, Filomeno describes the ontological, theoretical and methodological principles of a relational approach, which can explain the emergence, variation and effects of local immigration policy in a context of globalization.
Solicitations for Charity at Checkout and Consumer Responses: An Abstract

Despite its growing popularity, the implication of point-of-purchase solicitations is unclear. Some research has shown that CRM activities are positively viewed by shoppers (Ellen et al. 2000), and others have shown that it can backfire (Osterhus 1997). It is specifically unclear if point-of-purchase solicitations boost a retailer’s reputation, sales, and shopper loyalty or result in any other competitive lift. Although understanding the impact of point-of-purchase solicitations on retail performance is important, research to date has not addressed this issue in sufficient detail. We fill this gap with the goal of exploring how CRM activities which involve direct participation by the shopper impact retailers.
Leptospira seropositivity as a risk factor for Mesoamerican Nephropathy

AbstractBackground: Leptospirosis is postulated as a possible cause of Mesoamerican Nephropathy (MeN) in Central American workers.Objectives: Investigate job-specific Leptospira seroprevalence and its association with kidney disease biomarkers.Methods: In 282 sugarcane workers, 47 sugarcane applicants and 160 workers in other industries, we measured anti-leptospiral antibodies, serum creatinine, and urinary injury biomarkers, including neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), interleukin-18 (IL-18), and N-acetyl-D-glucosaminidase (NAG).Results: Leptospira seroprevalence differed among job categories and was highest among sugarcane cutters (59%). Seropositive sugarcane workers had higher NGAL concentrations (relative mean: 1.28; 95% CI: 0.94–1.75) compared to those who were seronegative, with similar findings among field and non-field workers.Conclusions: Leptospira seroprevalence varied by job category. There was some indication that seropositivity was associated with elevated biomarker levels, ...
Abstract 29: Fate-Tracing Demonstrates that Medial SMCs, but Not Mature ECs, Contribute to Neointimal Cell Population in Injured Arteries

It has been proposed that various groups of cells, such as medial SMCs (mSMCs), bone marrow progenitors, and mature ECs (mECs) hold the potential to become neointimal SMCs via phenotypic switching, differentiation, or endothelial-mesenchymal-transition (EMT). However, no definitive evidence has been provided to support these claims, which renders the in vivo significance of these events in question. Using an inducible Cre-loxP system, where the production of a reporter (e.g. β-gal) is driven by a highly definitive marker gene for mSMCs (e.g. SMC myosin heavy chain, SMMHC) or mECs (e.g. stem cell leukemia, SCL), we traced the fate of these cells during neointimal hyperplasia (NIH) in ligated common carotid and wire-injured femoral arteries. Tamoxifen induction resulted in a homogeneous labeling of mSMCs of the unmanipulated arteries of R26R;SMMHC-CreERtm mice. Following arterial injury, SMCs that were initially located in the medial layer presented in neointimal lesions; however, the fraction of these cell...
Indirect touch interaction with stereoscopic displays using a two-sided handheld touch device

We propose an indirect touch 3D interface using a two-sided handheld touch device for interactions with dense datasets on stereoscopic displays. Smartphones have been explored for virtual reality (VR) interaction with their touch and additional sensing capabilities. These capabilities are expanding, and this work explores the possibilities for a smartphone able to sense touch on both sides. To simulate this, two android mobile phones are combined back-to-back. The top touch surface is used for primary or fine interactions (selection/translation/rotation) and the bottom touch surface controls secondary or coarser aspects such as mode control or feature extraction. The two surfaces are programmed to recognize input from a total of 4 digits - two top and two bottom. The four touch areas enable 3D object selection, manipulation, and feature extraction using combinations of simultaneous touches. The users need not perform more complex gesture sequences or shift their focus to the handheld to pick a menu item (for example), unlike typical single-sided approaches.
Systematics and character evolution of the genus Yucca (Agavaceae): Evidence from morphology and molecular analyses

Yucca L. (the Desert Soaptree, Agavaceae) consists of 45 perennial species distributed primarily in the deserts of Mexico and the United States. Although several taxonomic treatments of yuccas exist; the-phylogeny of the group is poorly known. It is unclear which taxa retain primitive characters and how characters have evolved. In addition, relationships of taxa within the genus are uncertain. We compare our phylogeny based upon reproductive characters with a chloroplast phylogeny (Hanson and Rieseberg, 1991 ; Hanson, 1993) and with data from the ITS region of the nuclear genome (Bogler, this volume). The molecular analyses of the chloroplast genome by Hanson and Rieseberg (1991) led to a phylogeny only partially congruent with the traditional morphology-based phylogeny (McKelvey, 1938, 1947) because the cpDNA analysis indicated that chloroplast capture among distantly related, sympatric/parapatric species has been a factor in the evolution of the group. Our results indicate that Yucca in the traditional sense is paraphyletic, that sect. Chaenocarpa is more basal than sect. Yucca ( =Sarcocarpa), and that Yucca (=Hesperoyucca) whipplei falls outside of Yucca.
Microfluidic isolation of platelet-covered circulating tumor cells

The interplay between platelets and tumor cells is known to play important roles in metastasis by enhancing tumor cell survival, tumor-vascular interactions, and escape from immune surveillance. However, platelet-covered circulating tumor cells (CTC) are extremely difficult to isolate due to masking or downregulation of surface epitopes. Here we describe a microfluidic platform that takes advantage of the satellite platelets on the surface of these "stealth" CTCs as a ubiquitous surface marker for isolation. Compared to conventional CTC enrichment techniques which rely on known surface markers expressed by tumor cells, platelet-targeted isolation is generally applicable to CTCs of both epithelial and mesenchymal phenotypes. Our approach first depletes unbound, free platelets by means of hydrodynamic size-based sorting, followed by immunoaffinity-based capture of platelet-covered CTCs using a herringbone micromixing device. This method enabled the reliable isolation of CTCs from 66% of lung and 60% of breast cancer (both epithelial) patient samples, as well as in 83% of melanoma (mesenchymal) samples. Interestingly, we observed special populations of CTCs that were extensively covered by platelets, as well as CTC-leukocyte clusters. Because these cloaked CTCs often escape conventional positive and negative isolation mechanisms, further characterization of these cells may uncover important yet overlooked biological information in blood-borne metastasis and cancer immunology.
Large Deviation Property and Asymptotics of Integrals

The previous chapter treated three levels of large deviations for independent, identically distributed (i.i.d.) random variables with a finite state space. The main results show the exponential decay of large deviation probabilities. A level-1 example is P ρ {|S n /n − m ρ | ≥ e}, where S n is the nth partial sum of the random variables and m ρ is their common mean. Levels-2 and 3 treat analogous probabilities for the empirical measures {L n } and the empirical processes {R n }, respectively. One purpose of the present chapter is to expand the scope of large deviations and to prepare the groundwork for applications to statistical mechanics later in the book.1 This chapter extends the ideas of Chapter I by considering random vectors taking values in ℝ d , where d≥1 is a fixed integer. ℝ d is a natural state space for stochastic models, including models in statistical mechanics. The theory, which is somewhat technical and detailed, is presented in a manner that closely parallels the development in Chapter I, where elementary proofs based upon combinatorics were possible because of the finite state space. The reader who followed that development should find the new theorems familiar looking and plausible. In order to reach illuminating applications of the theory to statistical mechanical models, the proofs of the theorems will be postponed until Chapters VI–IX.
GeoRIPE: Efficiently Harvesting Field Measurements for Map-Based Path Loss Modeling

Ensuring cellular coverage is an important and costly concern for carriers due to the expense of in-field experimentation (i.e., drive testing). With the ubiquity of smartphones, apps, and social media, there has been an explosion of crowdsourcing to understand a vast array of trends and topics at a minimal cost to the organization. While cellular carriers might seek to replace the expensive act of drive testing with the nearly cost-free crowdsourcing, questions remain as to: (i) ~the accuracy of crowdsourcing, considering the lack of user control, (ii) ~the detection of when drive testing might still be required, and (iii) ~the quantification of how many additional in-field measurements to perform for a certain accuracy level. In this work, we use geographical features of a region to reduce in-field propagation experimentation by predicting the number of measurements required to accurately characterize its path loss. In particular, we study the path loss prediction accuracy of drive testing and crowdsourcing by taking millions of measurements in a suburban and downtown region. We then use statistical learning to build a relationship between these geographical features and the measurements required. In doing so, we find that the number of measurements collected to achieve a certain path loss accuracy over the entire region can be reduced by up to $58%$ in a high density drive testing scenario.