cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Grounding displacement: Uncivil urban spaces in postreform South China

This historical–ethnographic study of village enclaves in Guangzhou explores the intensified entrenchment of villagers in a Maoist past when they faced market fluidities of a postreform present. It underscores a rural–urban spatiality and a cultural divide between villagers, migrants, and urbanites that are simultaneously transgressed and reinforced. It highlights discursive categories and institutional practices that incarcerate the residents, who juggle lingering socialist parameters with compelling market forces and state development priorities. Connectivity and exclusion, agency and victimization, groundedness and dislocation as lived experience are captured by the historically thick social ethos in the enclaves. This article rethinks issues of emplacement and displacement, dichotomy, and process.
Dispersion in magnetostatic CoTaZr spin wave-guides

Magnetostatic spin wave dispersion and loss are measured in micron scale spin wave-guides in ferromagnetic, metallic CoTaZr. Results are in good agreement with model calculations of spin wave dispersion and up to three different modes are identified. Attenuation lengths of the order of 3 microns are several of orders of magnitude shorter than that predicted from eddy currents in these thin wires.
Interprocedural conditional branch elimination

The existence of statically detectable correlation among conditional branches enables their elimination, an optimization that has a number of benefits. This paper presents techniques to determine whether an interprocedural execution path leading to a conditional branch exists along which the branch outcome is known at compile time, and then to eliminate the branch along this path through code restructuring. The technique consists of a demand driven interprocedural analysis that determines whether a specific branch outcome is correlated with prior statements or branch outcomes. The optimization is performed using a code restructuring algorithm that replicates code to separate out the paths with correlation. When the correlated path is affected by a procedure call, the restructuring is based on procedure entry splitting and exit splitting. The entry splitting transformation creates multiple entries to a procedure, and the exit splitting transformation allows a procedure to return control to one of several return points in the caller. Our technique is efficient in that the correlation detection is demand driven, thus avoiding exhaustive analysis of the entire program, and the restructuring never increases the number of operations along a path through an interprocedural control flow graph. We describe the benefits of our interprocedural branch elimination optimization (ICBE). Our experimental results show that, for the same amount of code growth, the estimated reduction in executed conditional branches is about 2.5 times higher with the ICBE optimization than when only intraprocedural conditional branch elimination is applied.
The new global and urban order: legacies for the “Hip-Hop Generation”

Abstract This paper discusses the historical conditions confronting young Black political activists at the end of the 20th century. It argues that globalization, racism, and the suppression of progressive/radical social movements have left urban Black communities socially stigmatized, and economically isolated. These factors also have helped mold a contemporary political climate in Black America. This climate, the paper argues, is characterized in part by conservative nationalist thought, liberal electoralism and negotiation, and what some may term rampant “lumpenism.” The current political environment has shaped ideological and cultural trends among Black youth, with potentially debilitating effects. Nevertheless, activists of the so-called “Hip-Hop Generation” are rising to the challenges of the new millennium.
Callous-Unemotional Traits and Happy Victimization: Relationships with Delinquency in a Sample of Detained Girls

The current study examined associations between callous-unemotional (CU) traits (total CU, callousness, uncaring, and unemotional), happy victimization (i.e., the experience of positive emotions or absence of negative emotions following a transgression) and delinquency (total, violent, and nonviolent) in 59 detained girls (78% African American, 22% Caucasian) aged 12 to 18 years. Results indicated positive associations between happy victimization, CU traits, and delinquency. Happy victimization was also positively associated with delinquency, even when controlling for CU traits. Further, the callousness dimension of CU traits selectively moderated these relationships such that happy victimization was positively associated with total delinquency and violent delinquency only under high callousness conditions.
Association between obesity and vulnerability and serologic response to influenza vaccination in older adults.

Abstract Background Serologic response to influenza vaccination declines with age. Few other host factors are known to be associated with serologic response. Our objective was to determine whether obesity and vulnerability independently predicted serologic response to influenza vaccination. Methods Adults ≥50 years were recruited during the 2008–2009 influenza season. Subjects provided pre- and post-vaccination sera for measuring antibody titers to 2008–2009 vaccine components. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated as weight (kg)/height (m 2 ). Data were collected on vulnerability using the vulnerable elders survey (VES13). Logistic regression evaluated the associations between obesity and vulnerability and the serologic response to vaccination (both seroprotection and seroconversion), adjusting for gender, age, comorbidities, pre-vaccination titer, and site. Results Mean (±standard deviation) age of 415 study subjects was 65 ± 10 years; 40% were obese. Mean BMI was 29 ± 5.6 kg/m 2 ; mean VES13 was 1.6 ± 1.8. The proportions of subjects who seroconverted and had seroprotective titers were 40% and 49%, respectively, for A/Brisbane/59 (H1N1); 73% and 80% for A/Brisbane/10 (H3N2); and 34% and 94% for B/Florida. Modified VES-13 (score 0–10, with 10 being most vulnerable) was not associated with seroprotection against H1N1 or H3N2, and VES-13 was directly associated with seroconversion to H1N1 but not H3N2 or B. Obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m 2 vs. BMI 18.5–30 kg/m 2 ) was not associated with seroprotection for H1N1 or H3N2; obesity was directly associated with seroconversion to H3N2 but not H1N1 or B. Age was inversely associated with seroprotection and seroconversion against H1N1 and with seroconversion to influenza B. Conclusion Based on this sample of older healthy subjects, there were no consistent relationships between VES 13 or obesity and either seroprotection or seroconversion to three influenza vaccine antigens.
Superconducting quantum electronics

The quantum electronic properties of superconductors have been vividly demonstrated by means of experiments on Josephson tunneling junctions and small area superconducting contacts. Emphasis is placed on ring configurations where quantum state transitions corresponding to changes of magnetic flux of 2.07 \times 10^{15} webers are directly observed. Such systems can be used to make ultrasensitive measurements of magnetic fields, electric currents and voltages, cryogenic temperatures, and electro-magnetic radiation.
Effect of propranolol on mitochondrial morphology during acute myocardial ischemia.

Abstract The analysis of drug-induced alterations on the early ultrastructural changes of acutely ischemic myocardium may offer clues to mechanisms of action by which interventions such as propranolol reduce infarct size after coronary occlusion. The left main coronary artery was occluded in 27 rats; in 13 rats propranolol (20 mg/kg intraperitoneally) was administered 10 minutes before occlusion; 14 untreated rats served as controls. Three hours after occlusion samples for electron microscopy were taken from four sites, three ischemic and one nonischemic, of the left ventricle. Morphometric study of 1 μ thick sections of ischemic samples showed that 84 ± 5 percent (mean ± standard error of the mean) of myocardial cells and 61 ± 4 percent of vessels were damaged in untreated controls compared with 42 ± 6 percent (P
Layout of personnel accommodations for the SOFIA

The NASA Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) Observatory is based upon a refurbished and heavily modified Boeing 747 SP aircraft. The Observatory, which provides accommodations for the Deutsches Zentrum Fur Luftund Raumfahrt 2.5 m telescope, science investigator teams, scientific instruments, mission crew and support systems. The US contractor team has removed most of the aircraft original furnishings and designed a new Layout of Personnel Accommodations (LOPA) tailored to SOFIA's needs.
Enhancement of lung tumorigenesis in a Gprc5a Knockout mouse by chronic extrinsic airway inflammation

Although cigarette smoking is the principal cause of lung carcinogenesis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), an inflammatory disease of the lung, has been identified as an independent risk factor for lung cancer. Bacterial colonization, particularly with non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi), has been implicated as a cause of airway inflammation in COPD besides cigarette smoke. Accordingly, we hypothesized that lung cancer promotion may occur in a chronic inflammatory environment in the absence of concurrent carcinogen exposure. Herein, we investigated the effects of bacterial-induced COPD-like inflammation and tobacco carcinogen-enhanced tumorigenesis/inflammation in the retinoic acid inducible G protein coupled receptor knock out mouse model (Gprc5a-/- mouse) characterized by late-onset, low multiplicity tumor formation. Three-month-old Gprc5a-/- mice received 4 intraperitoneal injections of the tobacco-specific carcinogen, NNK, followed by weekly exposure to aerosolized NTHi lysate for 6 months. The numbers of inflammatory cells in the lungs and levels of several inflammatory mediators were increased in Gprc5a-/- mice treated with NTHi alone, and even more so in mice pretreated with NNK followed by NTHi. The incidence of spontaneous lung lesions in the Gprc5a-/- mice was low, but NTHi exposure led to enhanced development of hyperplastic lesions. Gprc5a-/- mice exposed to NNK alone developed multiple lung tumors, while NTHi exposure increased the number of hyperplastic foci 6-fold and the tumor multiplicity 2-fold. This was associated with increased microvessel density and HIF-1α expression. We conclude that chronic extrinsic lung inflammation induced by bacteria alone or in combination with NNK enhances lung tumorigenesis in Gprc5a-/- mice.
Effect of pH on binding and dissociation of colony-stimulating factor.

Abstract 125I-labeled colony-stimulating factor (CSF) binds to granulocytic and monocytic cells in the bone marrow in an irreversible manner. Addition of a 1000-fold excess of unlabeled CSF does not displace the bound material. The present studies showed that brief exposures to pH 2.7-5.0 caused a marked release of the bound material. Such treatments were nontoxic to the marrow cells as judged by trypan blue dye exclusion, assay of colony-forming cells, and by analysis of rebinding of fresh 125I-CSF to the acid-treated cells. The CSF released from marrow cells by low pH revealed two peaks of radioactivity on SDS-acrylamide gel. The first peak (67,500 Da) corresponded to native CSF; a second peak of 53,500 Da was observed. Despite this apparent mild degradation of CSF, the released material showed greater binding to marrow and greater precipitation by anti-CSF than the native 125I-CSF. Further studies showed that acid treatment of marrow cells led to stabilization of the CSF receptors. Pretreatment at pH 4.0 led to retention of binding sites after conversion of marrow cultures to pH 7.5 and incubation at 22-37 degrees C. In contrast, cells that were not exposed to low pH lost receptors rapidly at these temperatures. The extent of preservation of the binding sites was related to the duration of acid exposure. These studies indicate that CSF is retained on the cell surface after binding at 0 degree C and that the CSF can be eluted by acid conditions.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Planning of Groundwater Supply Systems Subject to Uncertainty Using Stochastic Flow Reduced Models and Multi-Objective Evolutionary Optimization

The typical modeling approach to groundwater management relies on the combination of optimization algorithms and subsurface simulation models. In the case of groundwater supply systems, the management problem may be structured into an optimization problem to identify the pumping scheme that minimizes the total cost of the system while complying with a series of technical, economical, and hydrological constraints. Since lack of data on the subsurface system most often reflects upon the development of groundwater flow models that are inherently uncertain, the solution to the groundwater management problem should explicitly consider the tradeoff between cost optimality and the risk of not meeting the management constraints. This work addresses parameter uncertainty following a stochastic simulation (or Monte Carlo) approach, in which a sufficiently large ensemble of parameter scenarios is used to determine representative values selected from the statistical distribution of the management objectives, that is, minimizing cost while minimizing risk. In particular, the cost of the system is estimated as the expected value of the cost distribution sampled through stochastic simulation, while the risk of not meeting the management constraints is quantified as the expected value of the intensity of constraint violation. The solution to the multi-objective optimization problem is addressed by combining a multi-objective evolutionary algorithm with a stochastic model simulating groundwater flow in confined aquifers. Evolutionary algorithms are particularly appropriate in optimization problems characterized by non-linear and discontinuous objective functions and constraints, although they are also computationally demanding and require intensive analyses to tune input parameters that guarantee optimality to the solutions. In order to drastically reduce the otherwise overwhelming computational cost, a novel stochastic flow reduced model is thus developed, which practically allows for averting the direct inclusion of the full simulation model in the optimization loop. The computational efficiency of the proposed framework is such that it can be applied to problems characterized by large numbers of decision variables.
Characterization of Enhancer Binding by the Vibrio cholerae Flagellar Regulatory Protein FlrC

The human pathogen Vibrio cholerae is a highly motile organism by virtue of a polar flagellum, and motility has been inferred to be an important aspect of virulence. It has previously been demonstrated that the σ 54 -dependent activator FlrC is necessary for both flagellar synthesis and for enhanced intestinal colonization. In order to characterize FlrC binding, we analyzed two FlrC-dependent promoters, the highly transcribed flaA promoter and the weakly transcribed flgK promoter, utilizing transcriptional lacZ fusions, mobility shift assays, and DNase I footprinting. Promoter fusion studies showed that the smallest fragment with wild-type transcriptional activity for flaAp was from positions −54 to +137 with respect to the start site, and from −63 to +144 for flgKp . Gel mobility shift assays indicated that FlrC binds to a fragment containing the region from positions +24 to +95 in the flaAp , and DNase I footprinting identified a protected region between positions +24 and +85. Mobility shift and DNase I footprinting indicated weak binding of FlrC to a region downstream of the flgKp transcription start site. These results demonstrate a relatively novel σ 54 -dependent promoter architecture, with the activator FlrC binding downstream of the σ 54 -dependent transcription start sites. When the FlrC binding site(s) in the flaA promoter was moved a large distance (285 bp) upstream of the transcription start site of either flaAp or flgKp , high levels of FlrC-dependent transcription resulted, indicating that this binding region functions as an enhancer element. In contrast, the relatively weak FlrC binding site(s) in the flgK promoter failed to function as an enhancer element at either promoter, suggesting that FlrC binding strength contributes to enhancer activity. Our results suggest that the differences in FlrC binding to various flagellar promoters results in the differences in transcription levels that mirror the relative requirement for the flagellar components within the flagellum.
Family therapy training: Current issues, future trends

This article extends the previous literature review of the family therapy training and supervision field (Liddle & Halpin, 1978) by organizing and discussing some of the dimensions most relevant to family therapy teachers. The five domains of focus include: (1) Personnel: who should teach and be taught family therapy? (2) Content and skills: what should be taught? (3) Methodology: how should the content and skills be taught? (4) Context: how do the setting and the training enterprise influence each other? (5) Evaluation: how should training be assessed? Finally, the article brings into focus several key aspects of family therapy training likely to have relevance for current and future trainers.
Implementing a cache for a high-performance GaAs microprocessor

In the near future, microprocessor systems with very high clock rates will use multichip module (MCM) pack- aging technology to reduce chip-crossing delays. In this paper we present the results of a study for the design of a 250 MHz Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) microprocessor t,lrat employs h4CM technology to improve performance. The design study for the resulting two-level split cache st.arts with a baseline cache architecture and then ex- amines the following aspects: 1) primary cache size and degree of associativity; 2) primary data-cache write pol- icy; 3) secondary cache size and organization; 4) pri- mary cache fetch size; 5) concurrency between instruc- tion and data accesses. A trace-driven simulator is used to analyze each design's performance. The results show that memory access time and page-size constraints ef- Cectively limit the size of the primary data and instruc- tion caches to 4I<W (16KB). For such cache sizes, a write-through policy is better than a write-back policy. Three cache mechanisms that contribute to improved performance are introduced. The first is a variant of the write-through policy called write-only. This write policy provides most of the performance benefits of sub- Ilod placernenl without extra valid bits. The second, is the use of a split secondary cache. Finally, the third mechanism allows loads to pass stores without associa- tive matching. Keywords-two-level caches, high performance pro- cessors, gallium arsenide, multichip modules, trace- driven cache simulation.
The plasma lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase reaction

Evidence for the existence of a plasma lecithin : cholesterol acyltransferase is reviewed with emphasis not only on the lipid reactants, but also on the lipoprotein "substrates" and "products." The cholesteryl esters of all major lipoprotein classes become labeled when plasma is incubated with cholesterol-(14)C. However, the smaller, lecithin-rich high density lipoproteins appear to be preferred substrates. Most studies of factors that influence the acyltransferase reaction have not adequately distinguished between effects on the enzyme and effects on the lipoprotein substrates. However, the fact that cholesterol esterification is diminished in plasma from eviscerated animals or from patients with reduced liver function suggests that the liver may regulate both the level of the enzyme and that of the substrates. Several indications exist that the acyltransferase reaction is the major source of plasma esterified cholesterol in man. Furthermore, the reaction may have a broader, extracellular function. One possibility is that it plays a role in the transport of cholesterol from peripheral tissues to the liver.
Cost-effective airway cultures in the cystic fibrosis patient.

Abstract Background Cystic fibrosis (CF) patients have a high incidence of multidrug-resistant infections, rendering CF patients a treatment challenge. Objective To evaluate culture protocols for CF patients and develop a cost-effective culture regimen that identifies clinically relevant pathogens. Study design Retrospective review. Methods At the time of endoscopic sinus surgery, CF patients underwent both sinus and bronchial lavage cultures. Medical records from 2002 to 2006 were reviewed. Results Twenty-four cases were identified; 12 had complete sets of cultures. Seven of 12 had sinus aerobic bacteria that were also present in bronchial culture. Anaerobic cultures from both sites were all negative (42%) or nondiagnostic (58%). Thirty-three percent of sinus fungal cultures and 91.6% of bronchial fungal cultures were positive. Sinus acid fast bacillus cultures were all negative. Conclusion CF culture protocols may be streamlined by eliminating all anaerobic cultures, as well as sinus acid fast bacillus and fungal cultures for a 52% reduction in cost.
Porphyry Copper Deposit Density

Estimating numbers of undiscovered mineral deposits has been a source of unease among economic geologists yet is a fundamental task in considering future supplies of resources. Estimates can be based on frequencies of deposits per unit of permissive area in control areas around the world in the same way that grade and tonnage frequencies are models of sizes and qualities of undiscovered deposits. To prevent biased estimates it is critical that, for a particular deposit type, these deposit density models be internally consistent with descriptive and grade and tonnage models of the same type. In this analysis only deposits and prospects that are likely to be included in future grade and tonnage models are employed, and deposits that have mineralization or alteration separated by less than an arbitrary but consistent distance—2 km for porphyry copper deposits—are combined into one deposit. Only 286 deposits and prospects that have more than half of the deposit not covered by postmineral rocks, sediments, or ice were counted. Nineteen control areas were selected and outlined along borders of hosting magmatic arc terranes based on three main features: (1) extensive exploration for porphyry copper deposits, (2) definable geologic settings of the porphyry copper deposits in island and continental volcanic-arc subduction-boundary zones, and (3) diversity of epochs of porphyry copper deposit formation. Porphyry copper deposit densities vary from 2 to 128 deposits per 100,000 km2 of exposed permissive rock, and the density histogram is skewed to high values. Ninety percent of the control areas have densities of four or more deposits, 50 percent have densities of 15 or more deposits, and 10 percent have densities of 35 or more deposits per 100,000 km2. Deposit density is not related to age or depth of emplacement. Porphyry copper deposit density is inversely related to the exposed area of permissive rock. The linear regression line and confidence limits constructed with the 19 control areas can be used to estimate the number of undiscovered deposits, given the size of a permissive area. In an example of the use of the equations, we estimate a 90 percent chance of at least four, a 50 percent chance of at least 11, and a 10 percent chance of at least 34 undiscovered porphyry copper deposits in the exposed parts of the Andean belt of Antarctica, which has no known deposits in a permissive area of about 76,000 km2. Measures of densities of deposits presented here allow rather simple yet robust estimation of the number of undiscovered porphyry copper deposits in exposed or covered permissive terranes.
Predictive subset testing: optimizing IC parametric performance testing for quality, cost, and yield

A formal methodology for IC parametric performance testing, called predictive subset testing, is presented. It is based on a statistical model of parametric process variation. In this Monte-Carlo-based approach, a statistical process simulation is used together with circuit simulation to determine the joint probability distribution of a set of circuit performances. By evaluating the joint probability distribution, rather than assuming the performances to be independent, correlations that exist between them are used to reduce the number of performances that need to be explicitly tested. Once a subset of performances for explicit testing has been identified, regression models are constructed for the untested performances, and from the confidence intervals test limits are assigned for the tested performances. In this manner, the values of the untested performances within desired quality levels are predicted, reducing test complexity and cost. >
Quadratic surface Lyapunov functions in global stability analysis of saturation systems

This paper considers quadratic surface Lyapunov functions in the study of global asymptotic stability of saturation systems (SAT), including those with unstable nonlinearity sectors. We show that quadratic surface Lyapunov functions can be applied to analyze piecewise linear systems with more than one switching surface. For that, we consider SAT. We present conditions in the form of LMIs that, when satisfied, guarantee global asymptotic stability of equilibrium points. A large number of examples was successfully proven globally stable, including systems of high dimension and systems with unstable nonlinearity sectors, for which classical methods like the small gain theorem, Popov criterion, Zames-Falb criterion, IQCs, fail to analyze. In fact, an existing example of SAT with a globally stable equilibrium point that cannot be successfully analyzed with this new methodology is still an open problem. The results from this work suggests that other, more complex classes of PLS can be systematically, globally analyzed using quadratic surface Lyapunov functions.
Compact based decoupled OPF for the reactive management problem in NGC

The ACCORD (a contingency-constrained optimal reactive despatch) algorithm is an improved optimal power flow-based voltage/VAr management algorithm which satisfies the National Grid Company (UK) requirements for maintaining pre- and post-fault voltages within operational limits. The developed algorithm is primarily intended for short-term operational planning applications but it could be adapted for use as an online facility. This paper reports on the practical experience of using such a tool in a real time environment.
Gender, poverty, family structure, and investments in children's education in Kinshasa, Congo

Abstract This paper examines school enrollment and educational attainment in Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo and second-largest city in sub-Saharan Africa. We focus on the impact of poverty, household structure, and economic well-being more generally on investments in children's education and differences by gender in such investments. These issues are addressed using data from a 1990 survey that provided information on the enrollment status and educational attainment of more than 8500 youths aged 6–25. We find that increased economic well-being translates into greater investments in children's education for both females and males. However, improved economic status does not necessarily result in reduced gender differences in school outcomes. In addition, family structure (as measured by the number of children in the household in different age groups) and a child's relationship to the head of the household are also found to be significant influences on investments in children's education.
Clinical Management of Multiple Melanoma Brain Metastases: A Systematic Review.

Importance The treatment of multiple brain metastases (MBM) from melanoma is controversial and includes surgical resection, stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), and whole-brain radiation therapy (WBRT). Several new classes of agents have revolutionized the treatment of metastatic melanoma, allowing some subsets of patients to have long-term survival. Given this, management of MBM from melanoma is continually evolving. Objective To review the current evidence regarding the treatment of MBM from melanoma. Evidence Review The PubMed database was searched using combinations of search terms and synonyms for melanoma, brain metastases, radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy published between January 1, 1995, and January 1, 2015. Articles were selected for inclusion on the basis of targeted keyword searches, manual review of bibliographies, and whether the article was a clinical trial, large observational study, or retrospective study focusing on melanoma brain metastases. Of 2243 articles initially identified, 110 were selected for full review. Of these, the most pertinent 73 articles were included. Findings Patients with newly diagnosed MBM can be treated with various modalities, either alone or in combination. Level 1 evidence supports the use of SRS alone, WBRT, and SRS with WBRT. Although the addition of WBRT to SRS improves the overall brain relapse rate, WBRT has no significant impact on overall survival and has detrimental neurocognitive outcomes. Cytotoxic chemotherapy has largely been ineffective; targeted therapies and immunotherapies have been reported to have high response rates and deserve further attention in larger clinical trials. Further studies are needed to fully evaluate the efficacy of these novel regimens in combination with radiation therapy. Conclusions and Relevance At this time, the standard management for patients with MBM from melanoma includes SRS, WBRT, or a combination of both. Emerging data exist to support the notion that SRS in combination with targeted therapies or immune therapy may obviate the need for WBRT; prospective studies are required to fully evaluate the efficacy of these novel regimens in combination with radiation therapy.
Interleukin 15 promotes antigen-independent in vitro expansion and long-term survival of antitumor cytotoxic T lymphocytes.

The survival and expansion of effector cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) during an immunological response are critical for the successful elimination of life-threatening attacks by microorganisms, parasites, or malignant cells. Among the numerous factors that regulate the immune response, interleukin (IL)-2, and its close relative, IL-15 are known to function as growth and survival factors for antigen-experienced T cells. However, major differences appear to exist between these lymphokines in their capacity to act on various T-cell types such as CD4+ versus CD8+ or effector versus memory T lymphocytes. Although several studies have been done in the mouse system, less information is available regarding the function of these lymphokines in the human system. Here, we report that IL-15 or high concentrations of IL-2 induced antigen-independent expansion of effector CD8+ CTLs. Neither IL-2 nor IL-15 induced the proliferation of CD4+ T cells. In the absence of antigen, at least one of these lymphokines was required for the long-term survival of the cells in tissue culture. Most significantly, the effector cytolytic activity of CTLs expanded and maintained in IL-15 for up to 60 days remained stable, indicating that these cells do not differentiate into a memory functional phenotype. The expression of IL-15Rα, which was detected on CD8+ CTLs but not on CD4+ helper T cells, suggests that this receptor subunit somehow participates in the transduction of the mitogenic signals of IL-15. The present findings have practical implications for the propagation of antigen-specific T-cell lines in vitro and could be useful for expansion of therapeutic T cells for adoptive transfer.
An open visual model for object-oriented operating systems

Flexibility and user-customizability are amongst the potential benefits of reorganizing and restructuring operating systems using object-orientation. However, operating systems are often designed as black boxes whose internals cannot easily be examined or tailored by the user or application. As a black box, the complexity of an operating system appears to grow as additional features and options are added, We present an "open" visual model for object-oriented operating systems that supports browsing, manipulation, and programming. The model exploits the reification of all operating system mechanisms and policies as classified objects to provide interactive visualization, evaluation, and configuration of specialized services and features. The model supports exploration of the dynamic interaction of subsystems within the operating system including comparisons between the abstract architectural properties of the system like its design patterns and specific specializations and customizations of the implementation. This paper describes various visualization experiments and actual experiences of using an implementation of our approach in the Choices object-oriented operating system. >
Lines of Power in Exchange Networks

Network exchange theory (NET) predicts differences in the resource accumulations of positions in interconnected groups of actors. The theory distinguishes between two types of networks-strong and weak power. To date only a few studies have tested the theory under weak power conditions. In the present research we investigate six line networks that contain elements of both strong and weak power. Line networks have been particularly important in theories of social exchange and the importance of linear exchange is frequently reflected in natural settings. Four of the investigated lines are longer than any previously studied. We introduce new experimental features designed to minimize extraneous factors, thereby optimizing the translation of structural power differences into observable profit differentials. Results generally support the idea that longer lines may contain elements of both strong and weak power. Most notably, while positions identified as high strong power do obtain approximately 70% or more of resources, there is evidence that a nonzero likelihood of exclusion in the central position of the 7-line may decrease its power.
Isolation and characterization of surfactant-like particles in rat and human colon

The source of a phospholipid-rich layer recovered from the surface of the mammalian colon has been obscure. This report describes the isolation of a low-density membrane from the surface of rat and human colons (d = 1.07-1.08 g/ml), with a low cholesterol-to-phospholipid ratio and phosphatidylcholine as its major phospholipid. Electron microscopy shows unilamellar and partially coiled membranes. Compared with microvillous membranes isolated from underlying mucosa, this extracellular membrane is enriched for tissue-unspecific alkaline phosphatase and surfactant protein A. It does not contain small intestinal marker proteins (intestinal alkaline phosphatase and sucrase-isomaltase). The human membrane contains only traces of the colonic microvillous membrane marker, carcinoembryonic antigen. Antiserum against the rat colonic membrane does not recognize colonic microvillous membrane or small intestinal surfactant-like particle proteins. Antiserum against human colonic membrane identifies one protein in the surfactant-like particle from the adjacent small intestine and two proteins in the colonic microvillous membrane. These data show that the colonocyte microvillous membrane is covered by another membrane with a different protein composition. Enrichment for surfactant protein A suggests that this colonic membrane is another example of a surfactant-like particle sharing proteins with pulmonary surfactant.
Redox control of skeletal muscle atrophy

Skeletal muscles comprise the largest organ system in the body and play an essential role in body movement, breathing, and glucose homeostasis. Skeletal muscle is also an important endocrine organ that contributes to the health of numerous body organs. Therefore, maintaining healthy skeletal muscles is important to support overall health of the body. Prolonged periods of muscle inactivity (e.g., bed rest or limb immobilization) or chronic inflammatory diseases (i.e., cancer, kidney failure, etc.) result in skeletal muscle atrophy. An excessive loss of muscle mass is associated with a poor prognosis in several diseases and significant muscle weakness impairs the quality of life. The skeletal muscle atrophy that occurs in response to inflammatory diseases or prolonged inactivity is often associated with both oxidative and nitrosative stress. In this report, we critically review the experimental evidence that provides support for a causative link between oxidants and muscle atrophy. More specifically, this review will debate the sources of oxidant production in skeletal muscle undergoing atrophy as well as provide a detailed discussion on how reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species modulate the signaling pathways that regulate both protein synthesis and protein breakdown.
A section of a curved pixelated NaI(Tl) detector for SPECT/TCT

Previously we described a small detector module as a basis for C-SPECT's detector system [1]. The detector module was based on a scintillator block comprised of an array of 36×17 of 2.25 × 2.75 × 10 mm3 NaI(Tl) pixels in a 2.5 × 3 mm pitch. The module was decoded by an array of 51-mm-diameter single-anode photo-multiplier tubes (PMTs). Here we present a prototype consisting of 3 large detector modules (each with an array of 36×56 pixels) with the same 2.5 × 3 mm pixel pitch, and decoded by 31 PMTs in a similar fashion as the small module. The analog signals from the PMTs were digitized by, and the events were processed with the initial release of OpenPET's [2] hardware and firmware, respectively. The 3-detector prototype was assembled and tested [3]. Preliminary experiments included taking intrinsic floods of the 3-detector module and qualitative demonstration of resolution/ sensitivity tradeoff performance using C-SPECT's slit-slat collimator [4], without pixel identification or detector corrections. The decoding maps for each detector module show good visual delineation of the pixels in majority of the detector's field of view (FOV). The preliminary resolution/sensitivity tradeoff data shows qualitatively expected behavior when switching between the high-resolution and the high-sensitivity mode of the collimators.
Increased Susceptibility to Mycoplasma Infection of SV40 Transformed Human Amnion Cells

SummaryThe effects of infection with mycoplasma (strain HT, mycoplasma fer-mentans) on cell morphology and growth were different for primary amnion cells and for SV40 transformed amnion cells before and after “crisis.” Post-“crisis” cells showed distinctly more growth reduction, cytopathic changes, and cell destruction than pre-“crisis” cells, although cell-associated mycoplasma was present in similar, high amounts. Pronounced resistance of primary amnion cells was correlated with a very low amount of cell-associated mycoplasma, even at high concentrations of free mycoplasma. The presence of the primary cells supported mycoplasma propagation, as determined in the culture fluid, much less than either pre- or post-acrisis” cells. There is indication that the primary cells may be responsible for a mechanism of inhibition of mycoplasma propagation. It is suggested that the differences in mycoplasma susceptibility among the three cell types are related to their different state of in vitro malignancy, and may s...
Health international non-governmental organizations, democracy, and tuberculosis mortality in developing nations: A longitudinal analysis

ABSTRACTUsing data from 1985 to 2005 for 74 developing nations, we conduct a longitudinal cross-national analysis examining the contentions of world polity theorists that health-related international non-governmental organizations (HINGOs) are effective at reducing tuberculosis mortality. We find support for this hypothesis in our models, yet we re-specify our models from a social movements perspective to examine any effects democracy may have on TB mortality. We do this by constructing an interaction term between HINGO concentration and level of democracy. As a result, we find that democracy moderates the effect of HINGOs on TB. Higher concentrations of HINGOs within developing nations are correlated with a larger beneficial effect on tuberculosis mortality in nations with high levels of democracy versus more repressive nations. This suggests that the effectiveness of HINGO programs in fighting TB mortality is contingent on the political opportunity structure within the countries where they operate.
Applying the Inverse Maximum Ratio-ź to 3-Dimensional Surfaces

The question of contour uniformity on a three-dimensional surface arises in various fields of study. Although many questions related to surface uniformity exist, there is a lack of standard methodology to quantify uniformity of a three-dimensional surface. Therefore, a sound mathematical approach to this question could prove to be useful in various areas of study. The purpose of this paper is to expand the previously validated mathematical concept of the inverse maximum ratio over a three-dimensional surface and assess its robustness. We will describe the mathematical approach used to accomplish this and use several simulated examples to validate the metric.
Comes the Revolution

‘Theory’, in the various ways it is written about and taught, is often, so it seems, a separate, self-sustaining set of practices. In the author’s view, however, theory is of no use except as ancillary to ‘reading’. Theory’s function is to serve as a handmaiden to concrete acts of reading texts or of interpreting works in other media. Theory-based readings may help those artefacts be constructively effective in the personal and social life of those who read a poem or play a video game. It should not be forgotten, however, that theory (often, but by no means always, in the form of unconscious presuppositions) guides reading. Seek and ye shall find.
Viruslike Particles Encapsidating Respiratory Syncytial Virus M and M2 Proteins Induce Robust T Cell Responses

Subunit vaccines provide a safe, focused alternative to conventional vaccines. However, these vaccines often require significant adjuvants and are particularly hard to target toward cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) immunity. Viruslike particles (VLPs) provide biomaterial scaffolds with pathogen-like polyvalent structures making them useful platforms for biomimetic antigen delivery to the immune system. Encapsidation of antigens within VLPs has been shown to enhance antigen availability for CD8 T cell responses. Here, we examine the potential to generate complex responses to multiple subunit antigens localized within the same VLP particle. Two proteins of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) with well-characterized CD8 T cell responses, the matrix (M) and matrix 2 (M2) proteins, were successfully coencapsidated within the P22 VLP. Upon intranasal administration in mice, the particles stimulated CD8 T cell memory responses against both antigens. In addition, vaccination elicited tissue-resident T cell populations....
The polyspermy block in fucoid algae

It is as important for an egg to be fertilized by only one sperm as to be fertilized at all. “Polyspermy” is the condition of an egg fertilized by more than one sperm, and it is lethal in many species including fucoid algae, sea urchins, frogs, and man (Jaffe & Gould, 1985; Brawley, 1987; Kola & Trounson, 1989). Polyspermic zygotes die, not because of extra genetic material per se, but due to the maldistribution of chromosomes caused by extra centrioles, paternally-inherited, which create a multi-polar spindle. Some organisms (e.g., birds, reptiles and many urodeles) are “physiologically polyspermic” (Wilson, 1925; Iwao, 1989). Eggs of these species sustain multiple fertilizations, but only one set of sperm organelles becomes functional; the others are destroyed within the egg cytoplasm by as yet unknown means.
Explaining the Effectiveness of the Integrated Model of Advice-Giving in Supportive Interactions: The Mediating Roles of Politeness and Normativeness

The current study examined the effect of the Integrated Model of Advice-giving (Emotional Support—Problem Inquiry and Analysis—Advice) on recipients’ responses to advice, exploring the mediating roles of perceived regard for face and normativeness. Participants read and responded to a conversation in which they received advice from a friend regarding a problematic situation. Results indicated that perceived regard for positive face mediated the relationship between the sequential placement of emotional support and recipients’ responses to advice. Neither perceived regard for face nor normativeness mediated the relationship between the sequential placement of problem inquiry and analysis and recipients’ responses to advice. Findings of this study suggest that the provision of emotional support has a primary role in IMA and is effective in addressing the positive face needs of advice recipient.
Polymer Dynamics and Relaxation: The primary transition region

Mechanical relaxation Scope of relaxation Although the primary transition temperature in a given polymer tends to be similar whether studied mechanically or dielectrically the characteristics in detail are quite different. The mechanical modulus eventually falls to zero with time at higher temperatures. If the molecular weight is above the entanglement length, the rubbery plateau region intervenes before the viscous flow region and the ensuing complete decay toward zero. However, the modulus in the plateau region is orders of magnitude less than the glassy modulus. Thus the mechanical relaxation is characterized by a large modulus change that is best represented by a logarithmic scale for modulus (as in Figure 1.9 for example). Because of the large range over which the modulus decay may be measured the time scale is also extremely wide. It is actually far too wide to be captured directly experimentally. In fact, in a single apparatus, mechanical measurements are usually restricted to a few decades of time or frequency. However, by measuring time or frequency responses at a number of temperatures various parts of the overall relaxation from the glassy to the rubbery state may be captured. Figure 6.1 shows a particularly elegant set of such data [1] in which the storage compliance of poly(n-octyl methacrylate) is plotted against log frequency at a number of temperatures. The complete transition region may then be described in alternative ways.