cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ab initio study of group II-VI semiconductor nanocrystals

The structures, densities of electronic states, and HOMO-LUMO gaps of surface-passivated ZnSe and CdTe nanocrystals are calculated using a first principles density functional pseudopotential method. The calculations are performed in real space without an explicit basis. The surfaces of the nanocrystals are passivated using fictitious partially charged hydrogen atoms. The value of the fractional charge is selected according to the type of covalent bond. The results of these calculations show that the fractional charge approach effectively removes the electronic states associated with the surface hydrogen atoms from the gap of group II-VI semiconductor nanocrystals. At the same time, the energies of the other electronic states are not significantly affected by the presence of partially charged hydrogen atoms on the nanocrystalline surface.
It's War Over There

Carla was an experienced Marine Corps sergeant who had seen service in Iraq and Afghanistan on three tours of duty. She was invited to the eating disorders evening group at the local community cent...
Experimental tests of lepton universality in tau decay from CLEO

The branching fractions for τ→eνντ, μνντ, and hντ are measured using data collected with the CLEO detector at the CESR e+e− collider: Be= 0.1776±0.0006±0.0017, Bμ=0.1737±0.0008±0.0018, and Bh=0.1152±0.0005±0.0012, where the first errors are statistical, the second systematic, and h refers either to a charged π or K. Also measured is the tau mass, mτ=(1778.2±1.4) MeV. Lepton universality is affirmed by the resulting relative branching fractions (Bμ/Be=0.9777±0.0063±0.0087, Bh/Be=0.6484±0.0041±0.0060) and the charged-current gauge coupling-constant ratios (gμ/ge=1.0026±0.0055, gτ/gμ=0.9990±0.0098). The tau mass result may be recast as a tau neutrino mass limit, mντ,
Harmonic Analysis of Fractal Processes via C* ‐ Algebras

We construct a harmonic analysis of iteration systems which include those which arise from wavelet algorithms based on multiresolutions. While traditional discretizations lead to asymptotic formulas, we argue here for a direct Fourier duality; but it is based on a non - commutative harmonic analysis, specifically on representations of the Cuntz C* -algebras. With this approach the waling from the wavelet takes the form of an endomorphism of B(H), H a Hilbert space derived from the lattice of translations. We use this to describe, and to calculate, new invariants for the wavelets. those iteration systems which arise from wavelets and from Julia sets, we show that the associated endomorphisms are in fact Powers shifts.
Evaporative water loss: thermoregulatory requirements and measurements in the deer mouse and white rabbit

Using a physical model of the capacity for non-evaporative heat loss and measurements of metabolic heat production, I evaluated the evaporative requirements for thermoregulation in the deer mouse,Peromyscus maniculatus, and the white rabbit,Oryctolagus cuniculus. The physical limit to non-evaporative heat loss was calculated from the heat transfer properties of the two animals and expressed as a maximum thermal conductance (C max). Two physiologically-based thermal conductances were derived from evaporative water loss, respiratory gas exchange and core temperature measurements made between 8 and 34°C on the deer mouse, and taken from published data for the white rabbit. The thermal conductance for non-evaporative heat loss (C) was calculated from net heat production, whereasC m represented the thermal conductance required to dissipate metabolic heat production. Evaporation is required when metabolic heat production exceeds the capacity for non-evaporative heat loss (as shown byC m>C max). However, evaporation increased in both animals although additional capacity to lose heat remained (i.e.,C<C max). Evaporation increased withC above 30°C for the mouse and at each 5°C measurement interval from 15 to 30°C for the rabbit. Thus, evaporation was greater than that required for thermoregulation for both animals as determined from a physical model of heat loss because both evaporation andC increased together to regulate heat loss.
3-D object recognition using bipartite matching embedded in discrete relaxation

The authors show how large efficiencies can be achieved in model-based 3-D vision by combining the notions of discrete relaxation and bipartite matching. The computational approach presented is capable of pruning large segments of search space-an indispensable step when the number of objects in the model library is large and when recognition of complex objects with a large number of surfaces is called for. Bipartite matching is used for quick wholesale rejection of inapplicable models and for the determination of compatibility of a scene surface with a potential model surface taking into account relational considerations. The time complexity function associated with those aspects of the procedure that are implemented via bipartite matching is provided. The algorithms do not take more than a couple of iterations, even for objects with more than 30 surfaces. >
“They Took Out the Wrong Context”: Uses of Time‐Space in the Practice of Positioning

Time-space is not merely a backdrop to social in- teraction; rather, individuals use particularforms of time-space to discursively position themselves and others. This article ana- lyzes how several adolescents interpreted a previous classroom interaction, which was rife with social positioning. Responding to a videotape of this interaction, the adolescents were in general agreement that one of them ("Latayna") acted "ghetto. "An anal- ysis of the interview data reveals how participants use typified forms of time-space, or particular chronotopes, in the practice of positioning. These chronotopes index the relative changeability of the social world, the possibilities of individual agency, and the relations of social and individual development. The analy- sis also makes visible how individual actors, including Latanya, creatively and strategically shape subjectivities by transforming and laminating diverse chronotopes.
Single-photon generation from stored excitation in an atomic ensemble.

Single photons are generated from an ensemble of cold Cs atoms via the protocol of Duan et al. [Nature (London) 414, 413 (2001)]. Conditioned upon an initial detection from field 1 at 852 nm, a photon in field 2 at 894 nm is produced in a controlled fashion from excitation stored within the atomic ensemble. The single-quantum character of field 2 is demonstrated by the violation of a Cauchy-Schwarz inequality, namely w(1(2),1(2)\ to1(1))=0.24+/-0.05 not greater than or equal to 1, where w(1(2),1(2)\1(1)) describes the detection of two events (1(2),1(2)) conditioned upon an initial detection 1(1), with w-->0 for single photons.
Antiretroviral treatment of US children with perinatally acquired HIV infection: Temporal changes in therapy between 1991 and 2009 and predictors of immunologic and virologic outcomes

Background: Advances in therapy have allowed children with perinatal HIV infection in the United States to survive into adolescence. We sought to describe the disease status of a large cohort of such children and identify predictors of their current CD4 count and HIV viral load (VL). Methods: The Pediatric HIV/AIDS Cohort Study AMP Protocol is an ongoing prospective study conducted at 15 sites in the United States. Between 2007 and 2009, we enrolled a population-based sample of 451 children with perinatal HIV who were 7―16 years of age at entry. Results: The median age of subjects at entry was 12.2 years, 53% were female, 70% were African-American, and 24% Hispanic. Their median entry CD4% was 33%, and 78% had a CD4% ≥25%; 68% had a suppressed VL. The more recent birth cohorts (1994-2002) had a significantly higher CD4% over time than the earliest birth cohort (1991-1993). The significant independent predictors of a higher CD4% at entry were a suppressed entry VL, a higher nadir CD4%, and starting antiretroviral therapy at a younger age. The mean CD4% at entry for children with a nadir CD4% ≥25% was 9.5% higher than for those with a nadir CD4% <15% (P < 0.001). Independent predictors of a suppressed entry VL were membership in a recent birth cohort, male gender, highly active combination antiretroviral therapy use at entry, and fewer prior antiretroviral therapy regimens. Conclusions: Most children with perinatal HIV maintain virologic suppression and good CD4 values. Earlier treatment results in better immune outcome.
Energy integral description of the development of Kelvin-Helmholtz billows

DOI: 10.1111/j.2153-3490.1976.tb00669.xIn this paper we study the development of instability waves in a stratified shear flow which occurs, for instance, in frontal zones and on large scale internal waves where the Richardson number is sufficiently low. The model is based on splitting the flow into the mean flow and instability wave components. The basis for the interaction between the mean flow and the wave is their respective vertically integrated energy flux equations. The wave description is obtained through a shape assumption: the time dependent wave amplitude is determined by its energy equation solved jointly with the mean flow and the vertical shape function is given by the local linear theory. The instability wave kinetic energy development is determined by the balance between energy production from the mean flow and the conversion of fluctuation kinetic to potential energy. From the energy integral considerations, the numerical results show moderately good agreement with observations in our estimate of the lifetime of the wave and the doubling of the thickness of the mean shear layer during this time. The modification of the mean flow velocity and temperature profiles is explained via the effects of the wave generated vertical momentum and heat (or buoyancy) fluxes, respectively. DOI: 10.1111/j.2153-3490.1976.tb00669.x
Lawrence Bragg, microdiffraction and X-ray lasers

We trace the historical development of W. L. Bragg's `law' and the key experimental observation which made it possible using polychromatic radiation at a time when neither X-ray wavelengths nor cell constants were known. This led, through his phasing and solving large mineral structures (without use of a computer), to work on metals, proteins, bubble rafts and his X-ray microscope. The relationship of this to early X-ray microdiffraction is outlined, followed by a brief review of electron microdiffraction methods, where electron-probe sizes smaller than one unit cell can be formed with an interesting `failure' of Bragg's law. We end with a review of recent femtosecond X-ray `snapshot' diffraction from protein nanocrystals, using an X-ray laser which generates pulses so short that they terminate before radiation damage can commence, yet subsequently destroy the sample. In this way, using short pulses instead of freezing, the nexus between dose, resolution and crystal size has been broken, opening the way to time-resolved diffraction without damage for a stream of identical particles.
Dynamics of the Van der Pol equation

This paper is a review of approaches to understanding "chaotic" dynamics in the forced Van der Pol equation. In addition, it discusses the phenomena of entrainment and phase locking from the point of view of dynamical systems theory. There are two principal regions of the parameter space where chaotic motion has been analyzed. The first occurs in a nearly linear system near resonance. Here one uses the method of averaging to initially reduce the problem to a two-dimensional one. This two-dimensional problem is analyzed by using bifurcation theory and topological methods. The appearance of homoclinic orbits in the averaged equations signals the presence of more complicated dynamics for the original problem. The second region of parameter space one examines is the one in which the Van der Pol equation describes a relaxation oscillation. In this situation one can approximate the dynamics by the iteration of a noninvertible one-dimensional mapping. This process is described together with the use of symbolic dynamics in parametrizing the resulting limit sets.
Epidural Contrast Flow Patterns of Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injections Stratified by Commonly Used Final Needle-Tip Position

Objective. To evaluate the relationship between commonly used final needle-tip positions and subsequent contrast flow and patient-reported pain relief in transforaminal epidural steroid injections (TFESIs). Design. Retrospective cross-sectional study. Methods. Medical records of subjects (N = 83) having undergone a TFESI between January 2008 and January 2009 were reviewed to compare TFESIs using the superior-anterior (SA) vs. the superior-posterior (SP) quadrant. Outcome Measures. Outcome measures included ventral and dorsal epidural contrast flow as well as near-to-complete pain relief as measured by numerical rating scale pain score pre- and post-procedure. Results. SA TFESIs were associated with greater ventral epidural contrast flow as compared with SP TFESIs (100% vs 61.4%, P < 0.001). SA TFESIs with ventral epidural contrast flow were also associated with flow to a greater number of vertebral levels than SP TFESIs with ventral epidural contrast flow (41% vs 14.8%, P < 0.001). SP TFESIs were associated with greater dorsal epidural contrast flow than SA TFESIs (95.5% vs 43.6%, P < 0.05). SA TFESIs were also associated with a larger proportion of patients who achieved near-to-complete pain relief ( P < 0.05) and greater reduction than SP TFESIs in post-procedure pain score relative to pre-procedure (3.3 vs 1.5, P < 0.01). Discussion. The evolution of TFESIs must balance both safety and efficacy. The efficacy of SA TFESIs is demonstrated to be superior to that of SP TFESIs with regards to ventral epidural flow and patient-reported pain relief. Further efforts should focus on demonstrating efficacy while optimizing safety.
The social determinants of health: moving beyond justice.

In 2005, the relative risk of death was 30% higher for African Americans than White Americans, with differences in cardiovascular mortality accounting for the largest portion of this disparity (Cen...
A Paradigm Shift in Law Enforcement Training in the Bahamas: Teacher-Centered to Learner-Centered

This study focused on determining whether the learning preference of law enforcement officers in the Bahamas was either pedagogical (teacher-centered) or andragogical (student-centered). Law enforcement personnel in a Bahamian police department were administered the Student Orientation Questionnaire (SOQ) developed by Christian (1982). One hundred and sixty-eight individuals completed the SOQ. Chi square statistics were calculated on the variables of educational level and gender. The preferred learning orientation was primarily andragogical; those with higher education levels tended to have a higher andragogical orientation. There were no differences by gender. As a result of the findings, a three-step approach is proposed to transition the training environment from one that is teacher-centered to one that is learner-centered.
There's Something About AI Exercises

Problems and methods encountered in artificial intelligence hold great promise for inspiring interest in computer science in general and AI in particular. The challenge faced in using such problems in introductory computer science courses is three-fold: to prune the complexity that is beyond beginning students, but to preserve the engaging nature of the problems, and still exercise the topics or skills from the beginning courses. In this paper, I present a number of extended exercises that attempt to balance those three challenges. These projects have been used multiple times in CS1 and CS2 courses; the projects include: animated swarming of multiple critter types, cellular automata, neural networks, searching game trees, and a simple genetic algorithm. Lessons learned from employing these projects, drawn from personal reflection and anecdotal reports from students, suggests using AI problems benefits both the students and the instructor.
The injury metabolism of the Cecropia silkworm—I: Biological amplification of the effects of localized injury

Abstract If the integument of a diapausing Cecropia pupa is incised or perforated, the rate of oxygen consumption rapidly increases to levels characteristic of the nondiapausing insect. The QO2 persists at this high level for a few days and then, over a period of several weeks, slowly returns to the pre-injury level. The magnitude of the ‘injury metabolism’ is a function of the circumference of the wound; after large injuries, the QO2 undergoes a 5- to 10-fold increase. The effects of the localized injury spread in a decremental manner throughout the insect as a whole—apparently by means of an ‘injury factor’ which is released into the blood. The factor seems to be released until the wound is sealed off by a deposit of blood cells. If the latter are prevented from reaching the wound, the injury metabolism is enhanced and greatly prolonged. The hypothetical injury factor causes a speeding up of the heart and a mobilization of blood cells into the circulating haemolymph; it also provokes striking chemical and cytological changes in most other cells. The biochemical and metabolic responses to injury closely resemble the changes induced by the prothoracic gland hormone (ecdyson) at the outset of adult development. Despite this fact, ecdyson is apparently not involved in the injury response. Moreover, the pupa shows no developmental reactions aside from the healing of the wound. This accomplished, the chemical, cytological, and metabolic components of the injury response gradually disappear and the pupa continues to diapause. According to the theory here presented, the fundamental action of the injury factor is to disturb and disrupt the conservative devices of the diapausing cells and, thereby, to enforce a temporary, compensatory, and obligatory increase in the ‘cost of maintenance’.
Video-Based Tracking and Incremental Learning Applied to Rodent Behavioral Activity Under Near-Infrared Illumination

This paper describes a noninvasive video tracking system for measurement of rodent behavioral activity under near-infrared (NIR) illumination, where the rodent is of a similar color to the background. This novel method allows position tracking in the dark, when rodents are generally most active, or under visible light. It also improves current video tracking methods under low-contrast conditions. We also manually extracted rodent features and classified three common behaviors (sitting, walking, and rearing) using an inductive algorithm-a decision tree (ID3). In addition, we proposed the use of a time-spatial incremental decision tree (ID5R), with which new behavior instances can be used to update the existing decision tree in an online manner. These were implemented using incremental tree induction. Open-field locomotor activity was investigated under ldquovisiblerdquo ( ), 880- and 940-nm wavelengths of NIR, as well as a ldquodarkrdquo condition consisting of a very small level of NIR illumination. A widely used NIR crossbeam-based tracking system (Activity Monitor, MED Associates, Inc., Georgia, VT) was used to record simultaneous position data for validation of the video tracking system. The classification accuracy for the set of new test data was 81.3%.
Supporting semantic-based multimedia data access in ad hoc networks

Mobile ad hoc networks have attracted more and more research attention by providing of wireless communications without location limitations and pre-built infrastructures. Due to the lack of static supporting structures, ad hoc networks are prone to several limitations, such as bandwidth, connectivity and power. Multimedia retrieval is a challenging task in ad hoc networks due to the multiple limitations. To provide an efficient platform for multimedia retrieval, we propose to cluster multimedia data based on their semantic content, then construct a virtual hierarchical infrastructure overlaid on the ad hoc network. The rationale of semantic-based clustering is discussed. The effectiveness of the proposed scheme was investigated through theoretical analysis and simulation.
Explicit asymmetric bounds for robust stability of continuous and discrete-time systems

The problem of robust stability in linear systems with parametric uncertainties is considered. Explicit stability bounds on uncertain parameters are derived and expressed in terms of linear inequalities for continuous systems and inequalities with quadratic terms for discrete-time systems. Cases where system parameters are nonlinear functions of an uncertainty are also examined. >
High-accuracy wave-number measurements in molecular iodine

Absolute wave-number measurements, with an accuracy of 2–11 parts in 109, are presented for 27 127I2 hyperfine-structure lines in the range 5763–6563 A. Individual components were resolved by saturation spectroscopy and their wave numbers measured by a comparison with wavelength standards made using a temperature-stabilized Fabry–Perot interferometer. Good consistency is found among the four accepted 127I2 wavelength standards. The result of a previous measurement at 6563 A, which was used as the basis for a Rydberg-constant determination, is also confirmed.
Thermal destruction of the canine prostate by high intensity microwaves

Abstract Following urinary diversion by bilateral cutaneous ureterostomy, canine prostates were exposed to localized intense microwave radiation (2450 MHz), and the tissue left in situ for observation. Structures adjacent to the prostate were shielded using microwave reflectors. Temperatures at or above 60°C for 15 min were maintained throughout the prostate. The temperature of the rectal lumen did not exceed 38°C. The procedure was well tolerated by all (eight) animals. The dogs were sacrificed 1 week (four animals) and 6 months (four animals) after radiation of the prostate. At sacrifice the bladder, prostate, distal urethra, and underlying rectum were removed en bloc , and examined by serial microscopic sections taken from the area of radiation. Prostate tissue showed thermal necrosis at 1 week and was totally reabsorbed at 6 months leaving only a small fibrous scar at the site of the previous prostate location. Shielded adjacent lateral tissues showed minimal scarring, and the rectal wall was normal. Marked localized tissue heating by exposure to microwave radiation, the development of sterile tissue necrosis in tissue thus exposed, and the ability of the body to absorb this tissue has been demonstrated. Microwave-induced localized hyperthermia in the treatment of malignant tissue for experimental and possible clinical use deserves further investigation.
Religion and functional health among the elderly: is there a relationship and is it constant?

Objectives: Religion significantly influences a variety of health outcomes, especially among the elderly. Fewstudies have examined howthe relationship may differ by age within this age group. It is possible that increasing levels of religiosity within the elderly, or other age-related differences, may strengthen the influence of religion on functional limitations. Method: This study used the Assets and Health Dynamics Among the Oldest Old Survey, a nationally representative, longitudinal data set, to estimate the effects of religious attendance and salience on functional ability. Results: More frequent attendance is associated with fewer functional limitations, whereas higher levels of salience are associated with more limitations. No significant age interactions were found. Discussion: Attendance and salience predict the number of functional limitations in the elderly but in different directions. These effects tend to be stable within the elderly population, indicating that further age divisions may not ...
Sorbitol Dehydrogenase and Hepatocellular Injury: An Experimental and Clinical Study

Summary Serum and liver sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH) and glutamic-oxalacetic transaminase (GOT) activities were studied in rats after carbon tetrachloride (CCI 4 ) injections. An inverse relationship was observed between the increased serum and decreased liver SDH activities. The extent of hyperenzymemia was proportional to the dose of CCI 4 . Outside of the skeletal muscle mass SDH was found predominantly in the liver in animal and human autopsy material. As a rule there is no detectable SDH activity in the serum of patients who do not have liver disease or in normal volunteers. At the most they may have up to 3 units of activity per milliliter of serum. Elevated serum SDH activity has been detected in 26 of 30 determinations on 22 patients with acute viral hepatitis (87 per cent), in 21 of 48 studies with cirrhosis of the liver (44 per cent), and 3 of 8 patients with malignancy in the liver (37.5 per cent). In 6 patients with extrahepatic obstruction there was no significant serum SDH activity detectable although the patients were markedly jaundiced and although several of the other serum enzymes studied, such as SGOT, SGPT, and SLDH, were elevated. No elevation of serum SDH activity was found in 166 determinations on 102 patients with acute myocardial infarction. Of the 66 determinations on the patients with various clinical illness, the incidence of abnormal SDH serum activity was 4.6 per cent. A comparison was made of 8 "liver specific enzymes" as they were reported in the literature with our observations of serum SDH activity.
Vitamin A requirements of infants under six months of age.

Infants are born with negligible liver stores of vitamin A. To enable some storage of the vitamin the infant needs to be predominantly breastfed with milk containing at least 30 µg/dl. Where vitamin A in breastmilk is low maternal supplementation with a single postpartum high dose increases milk vitamin A for three to eight months. The current cutoff levels for serum retinol and the modified relative dose response (MRDR) ratio probably need to be revised for young infants. Kinetic analyses of infants retention of vitamin A from breastmilk and supplements indicate that the doses of vitamin A given with immunizations in the World Health Organization (WHO) multicenter trial were inadequate to maintain adequate normal stores for more than a few months. The recommendation to double the doses currently given to mothers and infants in the Expanded Program in Immunization should prevent the depletion of liver vitamin A stores for most of the first year of life. (authors)
Radiation-Induced Dimensional Changes in Large Graphite Bars*

The radiation-induced contraction of large graphite bars irradiated at high temperatures is approximately twice that of the small cylindrical samples that are conventionally studied. Although the r...
Ohio's parent teacher partnership program

This manuscript describes the design and implementation of a personnel preparation statewide change initiative for teacher educators and parents of students in over 90 school districts and 20 higher education institutions in Ohio. This training program is designed to create positive changes in the skills, attitudes and dispositions of families, teachers and administrators about effective parent/teacher partnerships. In this program, teachers and families of students with disabilities are trained together as a learning community sharing the goal of supporting the success of students. This manuscript describes: (a) the research base and the theoretical framework of the training program, (b) the core concepts and the components of the training program, and (c) the implementation process of the training program throughout the state. This initiative provides a formal, systematic support for school districts and families of children with disabilities in Ohio and is expected to make a significant change in student achievement.
Alfred Weber, ‘The Sociological Concept of Culture’:

Alfred Weber (1868–1958) was one of the early German formulators of cultural sociology. The address that he gave before the Second Congress of German Sociologists in 1912 was his first formal prese...
Patient knowledge and expectations in endoscopic sinus surgery.

Background The potential for patient misconceptions about endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) has implications for the informed consent process. An understanding of patients’ baseline knowledge and sources of information regarding ESS would improve surgeons’ ability to counsel patients preoperatively and provide effective educational materials. Methods A prospective patient survey was performed at 2 independent tertiary care medical centers. Patients who were offered ESS as part of routine rhinology care were queried about expectations, knowledge, and sources of information regarding ESS before preoperative counseling. Results Of the 30 patients who completed the survey, 70% of patients reported doing research on ESS before the visit. The most common sources of information were friends and family (40%), YouTube (30.0%), and WebMD (26.7%). The most important factors researched included risks (95%), benefits (85%), and recovery related issues (70%). Patients in the younger group used healthcare and physician rating websites whereas none of the patients older than the median age of 44 years reported using them (33.3% vs 0%, p = 0.028). The older group more often relied upon healthcare providers than the younger group (71.5% vs 18.8%, p = 0.011). A range of responses were noted regarding early postoperative symptoms and recovery time. Conclusion This study identified a varied understanding of ESS including significant misconceptions about risks, anesthesia, and need for ongoing therapy, among others. Patients obtain their information from a variety of sources including peers, other doctors, and the Internet. Awareness of the gaps in patient knowledge and the sources of information will improve preoperative counseling.
BKCa channel regulates calcium oscillations induced by alpha-2-macroglobulin in human myometrial smooth muscle cells

The large-conductance, voltage-gated, calcium (Ca(2+))-activated potassium channel (BKCa) plays an important role in regulating Ca(2+)signaling and is implicated in the maintenance of uterine quiescence during pregnancy. We used immunopurification and mass spectrometry to identify proteins that interact with BKCain myometrium samples from term pregnant (≥37 wk gestation) women. From this screen, we identified alpha-2-macroglobulin (α2M). We then used immunoprecipitation followed by immunoblot and the proximity ligation assay to confirm the interaction between BKCaand both α2M and its receptor, low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1), in cultured primary human myometrial smooth muscle cells (hMSMCs). Single-channel electrophysiological recordings in the cell-attached configuration demonstrated that activated α2M (α2M*) increased the open probability of BKCain an oscillatory pattern in hMSMCs. Furthermore, α2M* caused intracellular levels of Ca(2+)to oscillate in oxytocin-primed hMSMCs. The initiation of oscillations required an interaction between α2M* and LRP1. By using Ca(2+)-free medium and inhibitors of various Ca(2+)signaling pathways, we demonstrated that the oscillations required entry of extracellular Ca(2+)through store-operated Ca(2+)channels. Finally, we found that the specific BKCablocker paxilline inhibited the oscillations, whereas the channel opener NS11021 increased the rate of these oscillations. These data demonstrate that α2M* and LRP1 modulate the BKCachannel in human myometrium and that BKCaand its immunomodulatory interacting partners regulate Ca(2+)dynamics in hMSMCs during pregnancy.
THE ACCURACY OF PHYLOGENETIC ESTIMATION USING THE NEIGHBOR-JOINING METHOD.

We studied the factors affecting the accuracy of the neighbor-joining (NJ) method for estimating phylogenies by simulating character change under different evolutionary models applied to twenty different 8-OTU tree topologies that varied widely with respect to tree imbalance and stemmineEs. The models incorporated three evolutionary rates-constant, varying among lineages, varying among characters-and three evolutionary contexts concerning patterns of character change relative to speciation events-phyletic, speciational, and punctuational. All combinations of the rate and context models were studied. In addition, three different absolute rates of change were investigated. To measure the accuracy, the strict consensus index was computed between the estimated tree and the tree topology along which the data had been generated. The results were analyzed by analysis of variance and compared to a previous study that evaluated UPGMA clustering and maximum parsimony (MP) as phylogenetic estimation techniques. We found evo- lutionary context and tree imbalance to be the most important factors affecting the accuracy of the NJ method. NJ was more accurate than UPGMA or MP in terms of the average strict consensus index over all treatments. However, no one method was more accurate than the other two for all combinations of treatments. Higher absolute rate of change generally resulted in higher accuracy for all three methods.
On the challenge and chance faced by moral education at college level

There are at least three serious challenges to be faced by the Chinese high education now: challenge from science and technology in the world, challenge from the competition in international economy, challenge from the political struggle in the world and from the international new layout. The challenges faced by high education are similar to those faced by moral education at college level. These challenges contain some developmental chances for moral education at college level too. New chances and challenge finally lead to the result that some concepts, thoughts, and theories accepted formerly have been unsatisfactory to the requirement of this time. Therefore, moral education at college level must further enforce reform, incessantly innovate itself, take the chances timely, and actively meet any challenge.
Platelet-activating factor is a renal vasodilator in the anesthetized rat.

In view of the potent vasoactive properties of platelet-activating factor (PAF), we investigated the renal hemodynamic effects of this lipid. C16-PAF (0.5-10 ng/kg) given as a bolus into the renal arterial circulation of pentobarbital sodium-anesthetized male Wistar rats produced a dose-dependent increase in renal blood flow (6-15%), before causing systemic hypotension. The PAF-induced renal vasodilation and systemic hypotension was independent of renal innervation, unaltered by eicosanoid synthesis inhibition with indomethacin or dexamethasone, unchanged by the nonselective dopamine-receptor antagonist haloperidol, but was abolished by the PAF-receptor antagonist, L-659,989. Non-hypotensive intrarenal PAF infusion at 0.5 ng.min-1.kg-1 caused an increase in renal blood flow. Thus PAF can cause renal vasodilation in the rat kidney that is PAF-receptor mediated and does not involve the sympathetic nervous system or the release of vasodilatory arachidonic acid metabolites or dopamine.
Myocardial Infarction Risk in Arthroplasty vs Arthroscopy: How Much Does Procedure Type Matter?

Abstract Background This study aimed at assessing short-term risk of serious cardiac events after elective total joint arthroplasty (TJA) as compared to a less-invasive procedure, knee arthroscopy (KA). Methods Patients who underwent elective primary total hip arthroplasty (THA), total knee arthroplasty (TKA), or KA from 2011 to 2014 were identified in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. A 1:1 propensity matching was used to generate 2 control cohorts of KA patients with similar characteristics. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were assessed using perioperative variables. Results A total of 24,203 THA, 21,740 TKA, and 45,943 KA patients were included. Bivariate analysis revealed significantly higher rates of serious 30-day cardiac events (myocardial infarction or cardiac arrest) among THA (0.15% vs 0.05%, P P P ≤ .03 for both). Additional independent predictors of serious 30-day cardiac events included age, smoking, cardiac disease, and American Society of Anesthesiologists class 3/4. In the THA and TKA cohorts, serious cardiac events occurred within the first 3 days postoperation compared to 4 days in controls. Conclusion After controlling for patient characteristics and comorbidities, TJA increased the short-term risk of serious cardiac event compared to a less-invasive procedure. This information better quantifies the risk differential for patients considering surgery as they engage in shared decision making with their providers. In addition, our data may have an impact on perioperative management of antithrombotic medications used in patients with cardiac disease. The median time in days to serious cardiac event was 2 in THA and 3 in TKA vs 4 in KA, which may have implications in postoperative monitoring of patients after surgery.
Slow inactivation of Na(+) channels.

Prolonged depolarizing pulses that last seconds to minutes cause slow inactivation of Na+ channels, which regulates neuron and myocyte excitability by reducing availability of inward current. In neurons, slow inactivation has been linked to memory of previous excitation and in skeletal muscle it ensures myocytes are able to contract when K+ is elevated. The molecular mechanisms underlying slow inactivation are unclear even though it has been studied for 50+ years. This chapter reviews what is known to date regarding the definition, measurement, and mechanisms of voltage-gated Na+ channel slow inactivation.
What of the Future

We now have a fairly clear picture of the structure of the United States economy since 1929, even if the brushstrokes are broad and important details are missing. We certainly have a much more accurate and detailed picture than we have for the 60 years before 1929. The question arises therefore of whether this picture of the United States economy gives any insights into its possible future. We have no experience of the future. Our images of it can only be derived from our images of the past, but it is on images of the future that all our decisions depend. We cannot make decisions about the past, although we can improve our images of it. It is the decisions that we make now that are going to affect the future, and if these are unrealistic they are likely to make the future worse than it otherwise might have been. Our images of the future are more likely to be realistic if our images of the past are accurate and if we become skilled in the art of deducing our images of the future from our images of the past. Images of the past will be the more accurate the more accurate and well sampled the records, and also the better we are able to interpret and understand these records in terms of perceived patterns, relationships, necessary connections and structures that are likely to go forward into the future.
A Surface Hopping View of Electrochemistry: Non-Equilibrium Electronic Transport through an Ionic Solution with a Classical Master Equation

We use a recent flavor of surface hopping dynamics to investigate the nonequilibrium transport of electrons as carried by a few ions through a solution of Lennard-Jones spheres across a finite voltage. We analyze our nonequilibrium results through a combination of equilibrium simulations and steady state rate equations. While the nonequilibrium dynamics approach in this paper is computationally demanding and likely limited to reasonably small simulation sizes (or short time scales), the present study does provide a simple means for us to understand the interplay between nuclear motion near a metal surface and charge injection into/from the metal surface. This interplay is especially interesting when the system of interest is far from the linear response regime (which might well be very common in electrochemistry).
Second Autologous Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation with High Dose Melphalan (HDM/SCT) in Patients Relapsing After An Initial Course of HDM/SCT for the Treatment of AL Amyloidosis.

Abstract Abstract 2318 Poster Board II-295 High-dose melphalan and autologous stem cell transplant (HDM/SCT) can induce complete hematologic responses (CR), defined as disappearance of the underlying monoclonal gammopathy from serum and urine by immunofixation electrophoresis, and of the clonal plasma cell dyscrasia by bone marrow immunohistochemistry, and extend survival in patients with AL amyloidosis. HDM/SCT results in a CR in 40% of patients, and leads to clinical improvements in organ function in >70% of those who achieve a CR. However, hematologic and clinical relapses occur in ∼8% of patients who initially achieve a CR. Tandem cycles of HDM/SCT, which are typically performed within 12 months of each other, have been shown to achieve a higher ultimate CR rate of >60%. Among patients who do not achieve a CR following a single cycle of HDM/SCT, 30% nonetheless experience improvement in organ function. However, in this latter group, clinical improvement is not durable. We designed a study to explore the feasibility, and efficacy, of a second cycle of HDM/SCT in patients who relapse after initially responding to a first cycle of HDM/SCT. Results: Eleven patients, median age 55 (range 39-62), M:F 7:4, who had achieved hematologic and clinical responses after an initial cycle of HDM/SCT, were treated with a second cycle of HDM/SCT when a hematologic and/or clinical relapse occurred after a median time interval of 34 months (range 12-63). Five patients underwent a second course of G-CSF mobilization and a mean of 5.1 million (range 3.4-7.6 million) CD34 cells/kg was collected in a median of 2 days; the other patients had cells saved from the first mobilization. Six patients received 200 mg/m2 HDM; 5 patients received modified high-dose HDM at 140 mg/m2. Engraftment occurred at a median of 10 days for neutrophils, and 12 days for platelets (two days without platelet transfusion support); this engraftment timing is similar to that following the initial transplants (10 days for neutrophils, 13 days for platelets). There was no treatment-related mortality, but toxicity was moderate; almost all patients (except one) experienced grade III/IV non-hematologic toxicities. Of the 11 patients, 3 achieved hematologic CR at one year; these patients are alive and in continuous remission at 2-6 yr after the second transplant, including one patient who received a subsequent renal transplant. Three patients died of progressive disease at 1-2 years after the second transplant. Five patients are alive at 1-3 years post second transplant, in partial remission. Conclusion: 27% (3/11) of patients with AL amyloidosis who experience a hematologic or clinical relapse after responding to initial HDM/SCT can achieve a hematologic CR with a second course of HDM/SCT. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Abstract 293: c-Myc Inactivation by PP2A is Necessary for Dopaminergic Activity in the Proximal Tubule

We have previously shown that c-Myc regulates the expression of G protein-coupled receptor kinase 4 (GRK4). The inhibition of c-Myc can revert a dopamine-1 receptor (D1R) uncoupled renal proximal tubule cell (uRPTC) to normal (nRPTC). The c-Myc inhibitor, 10074-G5 (30 μM, 3 hr), restored coupling of D1R mediated adenylyl cyclase stimulation in uRPTCs, causing a significant increase in cAMP levels (16.21% + 0.97; p<0.01; n=47) in response to the dopamine D1R/D5R agonist, fenoldopam (FEN), than when compared to cells pre-treated with DMSO vehicle (VEH). We have also shown that FEN leads to PP2A activation. Therefore we tested the hypothesis that an inhibitory role of PP2A on c-Myc may play a role in regulating dopaminergic function. PMA (100 nM) was added to either nRPTC or uRPTC for 3hrs. In nRPTC, the total c-Myc from immunoprecipitation increased by 138.7% + 4.1%; p<0.01; n=3 with respect to VEH, while in uRPTC the total c-Myc increased by 214.5% + 11.3%; p<0.01; n=3. The PP2A/Myc association decreased by 46.0% + 1.16%; p<0.05; n=3 with respect VEH in nRPTC and decreased in uRPTC by 46.9% + 8.71%; p<0.05; n=3. These data suggest that c-Myc is activated only when PP2A binding is low. Addition of FEN (3 hrs) decreased the total c-Myc in nRPTC by 22.6% + 9.1%; p=0.06; n=3 but not in uRPTC. In nRPTC, the PP2A/Myc association increased by 56.6% + 15.1%; p <0.05; n=3 when compared to VEH, but showed no response in uRPTC. Addition of natriuretic peptide angiotensin-III (Ang III, 10 nM) decreased the expression of c-Myc by 29.4% + 16.8%; p<0.05; n=3, but showed no response in uRPTC. The PP2A/Myc binding increased by 109.3% + 30.1%; p<0.05; n=3 in nRPTC, with no increase in uRPTC. Here we show for the first time in nRPTC that both FEN and Ang III decrease total c-Myc while increasing PP2A/Myc co-immunoprecipitation, leading to inactivation of c-Myc. In uRPTC, no significant change in the total c-Myc or the association of PP2A/Myc was detected in response to FEN or Ang III. This suggests that both a lack of expressional control of c-Myc, in addition to a lack of inhibition of c-Myc by PP2A in uRPTC, may have a role in the etiology of D1R uncoupling and human renal proximal tubule-related hypertension. Therefore, c-Myc inhibitors may provide a new approach for treating hypertension.
Virtual Reality Games, Therapeutic Play and Digital Healing

This paper aims to explore the concept of “digital healing,” in which the authors use current virtual reality technology to change the medium in which traditional play therapy practices are delivered. This paper discusses the history of play therapy and the history of virtual reality technology, and how these two concepts can be combined to create digital sand trays. The paper cites current Virtual Reality trends, and explores impacts these current trends can have on other play therapy practices. The paper also explores the author’s current research and future implications of this research.
The Scope and Limitations of the Presumption against Extraterritoriality

In RJR Nabisco v. European Community, the Supreme Court addressed the extraterritorial application of U.S. law for the third time in six years—in this case examining the geographic scope of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO). The decision consolidates and in certain respects expands upon the test for analyzing extraterritoriality issues that the Court had introduced in Morrison v. National Australia Bank and refined in Kiobel v. Royal Dutch Petroleum. It also provides further evidence of the Court’s continuing quest to identify categorical, territory-based rules governing the application of U.S. statutes in cases involving significant foreign elements. As I will argue, however, like other recent decisions, RJR raises doubt as to the sufficiency of such rules to address the messy and often unpredictable patterns of transnational economic activity.
Fast modeling of SAM layers for electronics

Self-Assembled Monolayers (SAM) are ordered structures formed by adsorption of an active agent to a solid surface. In general, SAM can be designed to have extreme high functional density. However chemical reactions and perturbations can create variety of structures which are energetically stable. Direct DFT periodic calculations are expensive. We show that extended sampling method combined with dimensionality reduction scheme can be used for identification of preferable adduct conformations obtained under specific thermodynamics conditions at a fraction of the computational cost.