cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interferon-γ-inducible endothelial cell class II major histocompatibility complex expression correlates with strain- and site-specific susceptibility to experimental allergic encephalomyelitis

Abstract The interaction between encephalitogenic lymphocytes and the cerebral microvascular lining is considered to be an important initial step in the recruitment of immune cells into the central nervous system (CNS) under pathological conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and its investigative analog, experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE). This study was conducted in order to examine whether differences in microvascular endothelial cell expression of several molecules involved in lymphovascular interactions correlate with the strain and organ-specific development of EAE. Cerebral and epididymal microvascular endothelial cells (EC) were isolated from SJL and B10.S mice, which, despite MHC-compatibility (H-2s), differ in their ability to develop EAE. The subcultured cells were then analyzed by flow cytometry for their ability to express class I MHC, class II MHC and ICAM-1 molecules in response to treatment with murine recombinant interferon-γ (IFN-γ). Over a range of doses and times, cerebral EC cultures derived from EAE-susceptible SJL mice expressed two-fold higher levels and higher cell surface densities of class II molecules than cerebral EC cultures derived from EAE-resistant B10.S mice, whereas class I and ICAM-1 molecules were comparably upregulated on both SJL and B10.S cerebral EC. In contrast, both SJL and B10.S epididymal EC cultures expressed lower but comparable levels of class II molecules in response to IFN-γ. Class I and ICAM-1 molecules, however, were upregulated to at least the same degree as that observed on cerebral EC derived from both strains. The strain and site-dependent variations in microvascular endothelial cell inducible class II expression suggest a potential role for this molecule at the cerebral vascular lining in determining susceptibility to the development of EAE in this murine model.
Wireless langasite resonator as a force sensor

Langasite (La 3 Ga 5 SiO 14 ), a promising new piezoelectric crystal, has attracted interest from piezoelectric communities around the world for its superior behavior such as having a high Q, stable frequency-temperature behavior, high electrical-mechanical coupling coefficient and no phase transition to a high temperature form. The combination of these superior properties makes it ideal for high temperature sensor applications. This article presents a system for a wireless langasite resonator force sensor. The system uses frequency conversion techniques to convert the sensor's ultrasonic signal to a microwave signal in order to transmit the signal wirelessly without digitization. The sensor is able to transmit the ultrasound signal by using passive components that modulate and transmit the full waveform. A specially designed loading device is constructed in order to measure the frequency shifts of the langasite resonator caused by a pair of diametric forces. The wireless transmission system was tested using a doubly rotated plano-plano langasite resonator (YXlw)θ/Ф 45°/85° operating on its third overtone (6.304844 MHz) as its sensor. Wireless system data obtained using a network analyzer was compared with similar wired system data. The force-frequency effect at different azimuth angles was measured for both wired and wireless configurations as well. The result shows a good agreement between the wired and wireless signals. The wireless langasite resonator force sensing system has a large variety of possible applications, and the wireless transmission system has the potential to be used with other types of sensors as well.
The Impact of Wire Environment on Electro-Explosive Fuse Performance

The environment surrounding an exploding wire is known be a controlling factor in electro-explosive fuse performance. Recent experiments have shown that the application of an insulating surface coating to the fuse wire can significantly increase the rate of impedance transition and impedance magnitude of the exploding wire. This paper discusses the performance of surface coated fuses tested in commonly used solid and gaseous media. For comparison, these experiments are compared to bare wire fuse experiments in identical environments. Previously developed exploding wire models are utilized to aid in the interpretation of the experimental fuse behavior. Differential wire voltage, voltage pulse length, and degree of post vaporization conduction (i.e., restrike) are discussed for each experiment.
Thirty years of management on a small longleaf pine forest

Charles Mohr wrote in 1897, “the Longleaf Pine is the tree of widest distribution and of greatest commercial importance in the Southern Atlantic forest region of North America, covering, with scarcely any interruption, areas to be measured by tens of thousands of square miles and furnishing material ....T he greatest danger threatening the existence of the forests of Longleaf Pine must be ascribed to the agency of man, since their destruction is caused chiefly by the reckless manner in which they are depleted without heed to recuperation.” These words of caution are also reflected in the later writing of Wahlenberg (1946) indicating that mismanagement of longleaf pine (Pinus palustris Mill.) may have been the rule rather than the exception across much of its range. This was often due to ignorance of the unique life history of the species and lack of regard for regenerating the original longleaf pine forests over much of the South after they were cut over in the early 1900s. According to Outcalt and Sheffield (1996), longleaf pine stands cover some 3 million widely distributed and fragmented acres in the South, of which 2.7 million ac (91%) support natural stands and contain 94% of the growing stock volume of the species. These natural stands are a very important source of high-value wood products, provide unique multipleuse benefits, maintain biological diversity, and supply necessary habitat for several rare and endangered species. In response to the decline in longleaf forest acres, the US Forest Service, in association with T.R. Miller Mill Company of Brewton, AL, established the Escambia Experimental Forest in 1947 to study
PHYLOGENETICS OF SPINY POCKET MICE (GENUS LIOMYS): ANALYSIS OF CYTOCHROME b BASED ON MULTIPLE HEURISTIC APPROACHES

We examined phylogenetic relationships among species of Liomys, including L. adspersus (Panamanian spiny pocket mouse), L. irroratus (Mexican spiny pocket mouse), L. pictus (painted spiny pocket mouse), L. salvini (Salvin’s spiny pocket mouse), and L. spectabilis (Jaliscan spiny pocket mouse), several species of Heteromys, as well as representatives of other genera of heteromyids and 2 geomyids by using 1,140 base pairs of the mitochondrial cytochrome-b gene. Gene sequences analyzed under maximum-parsimony (MP), maximumlikelihood (ML), and Bayesian inference optimality criteria converged on essentially identical gene tree topologies. Liomys is paraphyletic relative to Heteromys and this relationship is well supported, with L. adspersus and L. salvini arranged as basal taxa relative to Heteromys. Our gene trees also recovered L. pictus as paraphyletic relative to L. spectabilis and these 2 taxa formed the sister group to L. irroratus. Constraint trees that held the genera Heteromys and Liomys as monophyletic (MP and ML criteria) were significantly longer or less likely (P , 0.009 and 0.046, respectively) than our optimal trees, whereas trees that arranged L. pictus as monophyletic relative to L. spectabilis were not significantly longer (P , 0.101) under the MP criterion, but were significantly less likely under the ML criterion (P , 0.020).
Redefining Mexican Masculinity in Twenty-First Century Telenovelas

AbstractTelenovelas are the most widely viewed television format in Mexico, and their storylines and characters reveal important clues about how different identities are understood and negotiated in a Mexican context. Gender identity in Mexico has traditionally been understood as a strict binary in which stereotypically feminine behaviour is attributable only to women and homosexual men, while stereotypically masculine behaviour is the exclusive domain of heterosexual men. This binary has a special significance in Mexico because of the historical importance placed upon exaggerated forms of masculinity as a key ingredient in the national character. In recent years, the addition of openly gay and bisexual male characters has in some ways reinforced and in other ways challenged the gender/sexuality binary. This investigation offers a genealogy of the evolving representation of masculinity in Mexican telenovelas and highlights the importance of the characterization of gay and bisexual male characters in this ...
HIV Testing in the Nation’s Opioid Treatment Programs, 2005–2011: The Role of State Regulations

HIV testing among the nation’s opioid treatment programs (OTPs) is critically important because opioid use is strongly associated with injection drug use and other HIV risk behaviors (Santibanez et al. 2006; Des Jarlais and Semaan 2008). Furthermore, OTPs account for about 26 percent of all individuals enrolled in substance abuse treatment programs across the nation (NSDUH 2009). To be sure, OTPs are not the only site that should be providing HIV testing for individuals with opioid use problems. Indeed, an integrated primary care system that included substance abuse treatment and HIV health services would likely lead to better testing rates and outcomes. In our current health care system, primary care clinics, emergency rooms, physicians’ offices, and local public health departments all should be important, if not focal, sites for HIV testing among the population of opioid users. Nonetheless, OTPs can play a critical role in HIV prevention efforts: they often serve individuals who otherwise have little or no contact with mainstream providers of health care and public health services. As a result, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National AIDS Strategy, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) all encourage routine HIV testing in OTPs (Volkow and Montaner 2011). Yet there has not been a recent nationally representative study that examines HIV testing rates among OTPs.
Accuracy of routine postoperative swallow study in predicting leak or obstruction after gastric bypass

Abstract Background Many bariatric surgeons use a routine postoperative day 1 swallow study after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass to rule out leak or obstruction. The authors' practice adheres to this dictum, but the aim of this study was to determine how accurate this testing is in properly predicting complications. Methods A retrospective chart review of all patients undergoing gastric bypass in the past 5 years (2008–2012) was performed; the results of their swallow study was examined and compared with their actual clinical outcome within 30 days of operation. Results The records of 501 patients were reviewed, and there were 15 leaks and 29 obstructions for a total prevalence rate of 9%. When the swallow study was negative, 33 complications were missed and 433 reports were correct. When the swallow study was positive, only 11 complications were correctly identified and 24 of the reports were false positive. The sensitivity of the test was only 25%. The positive predictive value was only 31%. The result of the swallow study was incorrect 12% of the time. Conclusion Routine postoperative swallow study after gastric bypass was a poor method of accurately detecting clinically significant obstruction or leak. This test may be unnecessary for all patients and might best be used when clinically indicated.
The Impact of Attorney Gender on Decision Making in the United States Courts of Appeals

Despite a growing recognition of the influence of gender in the policymaking arena, few scholars have studied the relationship between lawyer gender and decision making on appellate courts. This article examines this relationship in the context of the United States Courts of Appeals, where there have been a greater number of female judges for a longer period of time. The results of the analysis suggest that, in the average Courts of Appeals case, judges are generally more likely to side with female attorneys, even in the absence of a “women's issue.” In addition, both male and female judges are equally supportive of female lawyers even when the circuit is not particularly gender diverse. However, circuit judges are less likely to support female attorneys in cases in which the circuit reverses the lower court, indicating a notable disadvantage for female advocates in the very cases in which advocacy might be most crucial at the circuit court level.
Pale and Normal Turkey Breast Enhancement Through the Utilization of Turkey Collagen in a Chunked and Formed Turkey Breast Roll

SUMMARY Six trials of 4 treatments (pale, pale + 1.5% collagen, normal, and normal + 1.5% collagen) were utilized to test the effects of raw material and turkey collagen inclusion on the quality of deli turkey breast. The raw material was chunked and formed to increase surface area for collagen interactions and to allow for thorough mixing of pale and normal raw material into the product. Inclusion of collagen improved product texture through increasing the protein’s ability to bind with each other in pale meat and was effective in decreasing cook and purge loss in both pale and normal treatments. Furthermore, purge loss was similar for the pale treatment with collagen and the normal treatment without collagen. Collagen inclusion did not affect color, but normal treatments were both darker and redder than pale treatments. Turkey collagen is effective in increasing water-holding capacity and improving texture when either pale or normal raw material is incorporated into the product. Therefore, turkey collagen demonstrates the potential to add value to turkey breast deli products.
Design Approach for Minimizing Sound Power from Vibrating Shell Structures

A design approach for minimizing sound power radiation from vibrating thin shell structures is presented. The method couples finite element analysis for determining structural modes and vibrations with a boundary element/wave superposition code for determining sound power radiation. Noise reduction is accomplished herein by optimal placement and sizing of small point masses on the structure. These masses alter the critical mode shapes so as to reduce sound power. The simulated annealing technique is used to determine the location and/or magnitude of the point masses. A computer program has been developed for design. Design examples are presented with the use of the computer program.
Landscapes and Riverscapes: The Influence of Land Use on Stream Ecosystems

▪ Abstract Local habitat and biological diversity of streams and rivers are strongly influenced by landform and land use within the surrounding valley at multiple scales. However, empirical associations between land use and stream response only varyingly succeed in implicating pathways of influence. This is the case for a number of reasons, including (a) covariation of anthropogenic and natural gradients in the landscape; (b) the existence of multiple, scale-dependent mechanisms; (c) nonlinear responses; and (d) the difficulties of separating present-day from historical influences. Further research is needed that examines responses to land use under different management strategies and that employs response variables that have greater diagnostic value than many of the aggregated measures in current use. In every respect, the valley rules the stream. H.B.N. Hynes (1975)
Role of entanglements and bond scission in high strain-rate deformation of polymer gels

A key factor that limits the practical implementation of polymer gels is low gel toughness. Here, we present coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations of the effects of solvent molecular weight on the toughness of entangled and non-entangled polymer gels in the ballistic impact regime. Our results demonstrate that higher molecular weight solvents enhance gel toughness, and that mechanical properties including strength and toughness can be influenced by bond scission. Further, we find a remarkable two-step gel fracture mechanism on the molecular level: network chains undergo scission first (and well before fracture), followed by scission of solvent chains. For strain rates greater than inverse relaxation time of the solvent, long, highly entangled solvent chains provide fracture resistance even after the network chains break by effectively increasing the number of chains that must be broken as a crack propagates.
Coupling into photonic crystal slab waveguides

An adiabatic taper method is presented for coupling light into photonic crystal defect waveguides in a square lattice of circular dielectric rods. The taper consists of two coupling stages.
CB2 cannabinoid receptor is a novel target for third-generation selective estrogen receptor modulators bazedoxifene and lasofoxifene.

The purpose of the current study was to investigate the ability of the third-generation selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) bazedoxifene and lasofoxifene to bind and act on CB2 cannabinoid receptor. We have identified, for the first time, that CB2 is a novel target for bazedoxifene and lasofoxifene. Our results showed that bazedoxifene and lasofoxifene were able to compete for specific [3H]CP-55,940 binding to CB2 in a concentration-dependent manner. Our data also demonstrated that by acting on CB2, bazedoxifene and lasofoxifene concentration-dependently enhanced forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation. Furthermore, bazedoxifene and lasofoxifene caused parallel, rightward shifts of the CP-55,940, HU-210, and WIN55,212-2 concentration–response curves without altering the efficacy of these cannabinoid agonists on CB2, which indicates that bazedoxifene- and lasofoxifene-induced CB2 antagonism is most likely competitive in nature. Our discovery that CB2 is a novel target for bazedoxifene and lasofoxifene suggests that these third-generation SERMs can potentially be repurposed for novel therapeutic indications for which CB2 is a target. In addition, identifying bazedoxifene and lasofoxifene as CB2 inverse agonists also provides important novel mechanisms of actions to explain the known therapeutic effects of these SERMs.
Increased Expression of α1A Ca2+Channel Currents Arising from Expanded Trinucleotide Repeats in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 6

The expansion of polyglutamine tracts encoded by CAG trinucleotide repeats is a common mutational mechanism in inherited neurodegenerative diseases. Spinocerebellar ataxia type 6 (SCA6), an autosomal dominant, progressive disease, arises from trinucleotide repeat expansions present in the coding region of CACNA1A (chromosome 19p13). This gene encodes α 1A , the principal subunit of P/Q-type Ca 2+ channels, which are abundant in the CNS, particularly in cerebellar Purkinje and granule neurons. We assayed ion channel function by introduction of human α 1A cDNAs in human embryonic kidney 293 cells that stably coexpressed β 1 and α 2 δ subunits. Immunocytochemical analysis showed a rise in intracellular and surface expression of α 1A protein when CAG repeat lengths reached or exceeded the pathogenic range for SCA6. This gain at the protein level was not a consequence of changes in RNA stability, as indicated by Northern blot analysis. The electrophysiological behavior of α 1A subunits containing expanded (EXP) numbers of CAG repeats (23, 27, and 72) was compared against that of wild-type subunits (WT) (4 and 11 repeats) using standard whole-cell patch-clamp recording conditions. The EXP α 1A subunits yielded functional ion channels that supported inward Ca 2+ channel currents, with a sharp increase in P/Q Ca 2+ channel current density relative to WT. Our results showed that Ca 2+ channels from SCA6 patients display near-normal biophysical properties but increased current density attributable to elevated protein expression at the cell surface.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Metabolism, Health, and Nutrition and for Modified Animal Product Foods

ABSTRACT Fatty acids, n-3 as well as n-6, are essential for normal physiological functioning and for the health of humans and all domestic species. It is important to emphasize an adequate linolenic acid (LNA) intake; the n-6:n-3 fatty acid ratio is not a useful concept, and it detracts from increasing absolute intakes of n-3 PUFA. In humans, when LNA is consumed in adequate amounts and without excessive n-6 fatty acids, conversion to eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids can maintain normal physiological functioning and health. However, conversion of LNA to EPA is more limited in humans than in rodent models, and conversion to DHA is even more limited. Stearidonic acid bypasses the limiting step in synthesis of EPA, but not DHA, from LNA. Therefore, development of gene-modified oil crops to increase content of stearidonic acid supply holds promise to increase EPA synthesis in humans. Quantitative synthesis of EPA and DHA from LNA in domestic animals has not been reported, but conversion is limited in these as well, although perhaps not for some aquatic species. In humans, evidence is clear that increased intake of the fish oil fatty acids, especially DHA, will improve physiological and health outcomes during pregnancy and lactation, stresses of the immune system, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and some mental and emotional conditions. At least 200 mg DHA should be consumed daily by pregnant and lactating women. Certain feed supplements increase the n-3 fatty acid content of animal products, including eggs, meat from major domestic species, and milk. Feeding flax (linseed or linseed oil) increases LNA content of products 2- to 3-fold, and in some products, EPA is also increased, with the exception of eggs, in which DHA, but not EPA, is increased. The increase is adequate to have a positive effect on the n-3 fatty acid intake of the general public. To change EPA, and especially DHA, significantly in animal products, fish oil or marine algae products must be fed. To achieve 2- to 3-fold increases in ruminant tissues and milk, supplementation with rumen-protected linseed or marine oil products is necessary. At higher levels of n-3 PUFA incorporation, effects on product quality (oxidative stability, sensory characteristics) and costs of production and segregation of modified from conventional products in the production and distribution streams must be considered. It seems possible that niche markets for products containing greater amounts of n-3 fatty acids can be developed without expensive protection processes and risks of decreased product quality.
MAX WEBER'S CONTRIBUTION TO THE ECONOMIC SOCIOLOGY OF LAW

▪ Abstract During recent years, a few scholars have advocated that more attention be paid to the intersection of law, economics, and sociology—what may be called the economic sociology of law. This review suggests that a theoretical foundation for such a field of study, or parts of such a foundation, may be found in the work of Max Weber. It also provides an introduction to those parts of Weber's work that are relevant in this context. Weber especially emphasizes the role that law plays in raising the probability that actions will take place, in the economy and elsewhere, and that this probability has to be established while taking the motives of the actors into account. The main contribution of the legal system to modern capitalism, Weber also argues, is to make economic life more calculable. This review also discusses which factors account for the increasing rationalization of law, including economic factors.
Effect of paclobutrazol and chilling on leaf membrane lipids in cucumber seedlings

The effects of paclobutrazol on the leaf membrane lipid composition of seedlings of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L. cv. Victory) subjected to chilling temperatures were assessed. At a non-injurious temperature (12.5°C), there was no difference in the polar lipid fatty acid composition or in the glycolipid, phospholipid or free sterol content of leaves from treated vs untreated seedlings, regardless of whether paclobutrazol was administered 1 or 7 days prior to analysis. In the latter case (7 days pretreatment), there were clear effects of the bioregulator on plant growth and morphology as well as on leaf chlorophyll content. At an injurious chilling temperature (5°C), desaturation of leaf polar lipid fatty acids was markedly reduced in both treated and untreated seedlings. Chilling at 5°C resulted in losses of fresh weight and membrane lipids in leaves of both groups of plants. These losses were either reversible or irreversible, depending upon the duration of chilling and of pretreatment with paclobutrazol. Seedlings pretreated with 10 μg ml−1 paclobutrazol generally sustained less chilling injury than untreated controls, as judged by the extent of wilting, necrosis and desiccation. This correlated with reduced losses of leaf fresh Weight and membrane lipids.
Paraphrasing Using Given and New Information in a Question-Answer System

The design and implementation of a paraphrase component for a natural language question-answer system (CO-OP) is presented. A major point made is the role of given and new information in formulating a paraphrase that differs in a meaningful way from the user's question. A description is also given of the transformational grammar used by the paraphraser to generate questions.
Early-Stage Memory Loss Support Groups: Outcomes from a Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Objectives. This article describes results of a randomized controlled trial comparing a time-limited early-stage memory loss (ESML) support group program conducted by a local Alzheimer’s Association chapter to a wait-list (WL) control condition. Methods. One hundred and forty-two dyads were randomized in blocks to ESML (n = 96) or WL (n = 46). Mean age of participants was 74.9 years, and mean Mini-Mental State Examination was 23.4. The primary outcome was participant’s quality of life; secondary outcomes included mood, family communication, and perceived stress. Results. On the intent-to-treat (ITT) pre–post analysis, significant differences were seen in participant quality of life (p < .001), depression (p < .01), and family communication (p < .05). Within the care partner groups, there was no significant difference between ESML and WL in the ITT analysis. A post hoc exploratory examination of changes that were associated with improved quality of life in ESML participants revealed significant reductions of depressive symptoms and behavior problems (p < .05), improved family communication (p < .05), self-efficacy ( p < .01), Medical Outcomes Study short form (SF-36) role—emotional (p < .05), SF-36 social functioning (p < .05), and SF-36 mental health components (p < .01) in improvers.
A National Analysis of the Complications, Cost, and Mortality of Percutaneous Lung Ablation

Abstract Purpose To perform a national analysis of the safety and cost of percutaneous image-guided lung malignancy ablation. Materials and Methods Using the National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample, we evaluated complications, need for further intervention, in-hospital mortality, length of hospitalization, and hospital charges for patients undergoing inpatient percutaneous image-guided lung ablation in the United States during the period 2007–2011. Additionally, an analysis of the relationship between specific patient factors, procedural complications, and mortality was performed. Results The study group consisted of 3,344 patients, including 2,072 (61.9%) patients treated for primary lung carcinomas and 1,277 (38.1%) patients treated for pulmonary metastatic disease. In-hospital mortality occurred after 43 (1.3%) ablation procedures. A Charlson comorbidity index score ≥ 4 was associated with higher mortality (odds ratio [OR], 2.84; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.16–6.91). Pneumothorax was the most common complication (38.4%), followed by pneumonia (5.7%) and effusion (4.0%). Neither pneumothorax nor chest tube insertion was associated with higher in-hospital mortality rates (pneumothorax, OR, 1.10; 95% CI, 0.59–2.04, and chest tube insertion, OR, 1.45; 95% CI, 0.78–2.68). Surgical reintervention via thoracoscopy or thoracotomy occurred in 31 cases (0.9%). Median length of hospitalization was 1 day (interquartile range, 1–3 d), and median hospital charges were $22,320 (interquartile range, $13,705–$43,026). Conclusions Percutaneous image-guided lung ablation of primary and metastatic disease has an acceptable safety profile, and surgical reintervention is rarely required. The most frequent complications of percutaneous lung ablation were not associated with increased in-hospital mortality.
A peripheral CD4+ T cell precursor for naive, memory, and regulatory T cells

Mechanisms that control the size of the T cell pool, the ratio between naive cells and memory cells, the number and frequency of regulatory T cells, and T cell receptor (TCR) diversity are necessary to maintain immune integrity and avoid disease. We have previously shown that a subset of naive CD4+ T cells, defined by the expression on their surface of a very low density of CD44 (CD44v.low cells), can inhibit wasting and wasting-associated lymphopenia in mice with cancer. In this study, we further investigate the properties of CD44v.low cells and show that they are significantly more efficient than the remaining naive (CD44low or CD44int) and memory CD4+ cell subsets in reconstituting the overall size of the CD4+ T cell pool, creating a T cell pool with a diverse TCR repertoire, generating regulatory T cells that express forkhead box P3 (FoxP3), and promoting homeostatic equilibrium between naive, memory, and Foxp3+ regulatory T cell numbers. T cell population reconstitution by CD44v.low cells is thymus independent. Compared with CD44int cells, a higher percentage of CD44v.low cells express B cell leukemia/lymphoma 2, interleukin-7 receptor, and CD5. The data support a key role for CD4+ CD44v.low cells as peripheral precursors that maintain the integrity of the CD4+ T cell pool.
High performance matrix multiply using fused datapath operators

The numerous resources on current FPGA devices make them attractive for the implementation of high performance computing and scientific algorithm acceleration. Floating point arithmetic is required for many of these applications, which can be more easily supported by the newer generation of embedded blocks such as larger memories and multipliers. This paper describes a high performance, scalable, dense matrix multiply implementation based on a vector operator function generated with an experimental floating point datapath compiler. Either single precision or double precision datapaths can be compiled, providing in excess of 50 GFLOPs double precision or 100 GFLOPs single precision in Altera Stratix reg III devices. In particular, the contribution of this work is to demonstrate that using fused datapath synthesis for linear algebra applications will allow the entire theoretical floating point capability of the FPGA to be used, and to introduce a benchmark for the correct embedded multiplier to soft logic ratio for these devices.
Global Retrospective Estimation of Soil Moisture Using the Variable Infiltration Capacity Land Surface Model, 1980–93

Abstract A daily set of surface meteorological forcings, model-derived surface moisture fluxes, and state variables for global land areas for the period of 1979–93 is described. The forcing dataset facilitates global simulations and evaluation of land surface parameterizations without relying heavily on GCM output. Daily precipitation and temperature are based on station observations, daily wind speeds are based on National Centers for Environmental Prediction–National Center for Atmospheric Research reanalysis data, and the remaining meteorological forcing variables (shortwave radiation, longwave radiation, and vapor pressure) are derived from the precipitation and temperature series. The Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) land surface model is used to produce a set of derived fluxes and state variables, including snow water equivalent, evapotranspiration, runoff, and soil moisture storage. The main differences between the new dataset and other, similar datasets are the daily time step, the use of a sp...
Paternal Child-Rearing Style and Child Social Anxiety: Investigation of Child Perceptions and Actual Father Behavior

This study examined associations among perceived and actual father behavior and child social anxiety. Forty-eight children (22 high socially anxious, 26 low socially anxious) completed self-report measures of social anxiety, general anxiety, and depression. Children also completed a measure of perceived parental style and subsequently collaborated with their fathers on a challenging task (origami). After controlling for general anxiety and depression, fathers of high socially anxious children exhibited more controlling behavior during the origami task; high and low socially anxious children, however, did not differ behaviorally from one another. Perceptions of father child-rearing style did not differ as a function of child social anxiety, nor were significant relations found between perceived parenting and specific father behaviors. Findings underscore the importance of assessing various types of internalizing symptoms (i.e., controlling for shared construct variance), obtaining children's perceptions of parental style in conjunction with conducting behavioral observations, and including fathers in psychopathology research.
A preliminary investigation into whether early intervention can improve weight loss among those initially non-responsive to an internet-based behavioral program.

This study examined whether providing additional support to individuals with poor initial weight loss improves 12-week outcomes. Participants were randomized to a 12-week internet-delivered behavioral weight loss program (IBWL; n = 50) or the identical internet program plus the possibility of extra support (IBWL + ES; n = 50). IBWL + ES participants losing 0.05). Providing additional intervention to early non-responders in an Internet program improves treatment outcomes.
Research Perspectives for Bioconversion of Scrap Paper

Avenues for effective research using cellulose as a substrate for bioconversion that can lead to commercialization are discussed.
Novel 4He Circulator for Cooling of Large Space Superconducting Magnets

Large superconducting magnets are used in various space science applications (that is, particle detectors designed to search for antimatter, dark matter, and the origin of cosmic rays in space). To prevent or recover from a potential magnet quench, it is extremely important to control the operating temperature of superconducting magnets. One effective method for maintaining superconducting coils at sufficiently low temperatures while in application is to exchange heat with He-II, which exhibits an abnormally high, effective thermal conductivity (≥80,000 W/m·K) under certain conditions. In this work, a novel superfluid magnetic pump with no moving parts is discussed as a new method for maintaining magnet coils below their superconducting transition temperature Tc. Unlike traditionally used thermomechanical pumps, the superfluid magnetic pump will have minimal superfluid helium depletion and will be able to provide flow rates that enable maintaining of the superconducting magnet coils at low temperatures.
A calibrated tissue phantom for small animal fluorescence imaging

Tissue phantoms have been in use for decades in the quality control and calibration of x-ray, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography. Such phantoms are necessary in clinical imaging, insuring the accuracy and calibration of acquired images and allowing for artifact correction. In addition, phantoms allow image comparison and/or registration between multiple instruments at different clinics and temporal comparison of the same animal. Recently, optical tissue phantoms have received much attention as it has become apparent that optical imagers pose many of the same requirements for quality control and calibration as clinical imagers. Small animal fluorescence imaging is a rapidly growing field that could benefit greatly from the implementation of a standardized reference phantom. We present our results in developing optical tissue phantoms for quality control and calibration of small animal fluorescence imagers. To accurately simulate in vivo imaging conditions, the phantom provides absorption, scatter, and fluorescence information, in known amounts and varying with spatial distribution. This allows us to monitor day-to-day variability and system response as a function of different optical path components in hyperspectral imaging technologies for small animal fluorescence imaging. The phantom has also enabled us to assess the actual, or practical, sensitivity of a small animal fluorescence imager in terms of imaging a dye concentration through an equivalent tissue depth. By combining an understanding of system response with theoretical optical raytrace modeling, this calibration tool can be applied to the majority of small animal fluorescence imagers currently in production.
A framework for performance evaluation and optimization of parallel applications

Today’s high performance and parallel computer systems provide substantial opportunities for concurrency of execution and scalability that is largely untapped by the applications that run on them. Under traditional frameworks, developing efficient applications can be a labor-intensive process that requires an intimate knowledge of the machines, the applications, and many subtle machine-application interactions. Optimizing applications so that they can achieve their full potential on target machines is often beyond the programmer’s or the compiler’s ability or endurance. This paper argues for addressing the performance optimization problem by providing a framework for tuning application codes with substantially reduced human intervention by dynamically exploiting information gathered at compile time as well as run time so that the optimization is responsive to actual run time behavior as data sets change and installed systems evolve. Reducing performance tuning to a sufficing strategy, guided by goal-directed and model-driven methodologies, should greatly reduce the development cost of producing highly tuned parallel codes. By supporting these methodologies with a range of appropriate tools, we hope to pave the way for the incorporation of this method within future generation compilers so that it can be fully automated. Such compilers could then afford to incorporate very elaborate tuning techniques since they would be called upon only when and where needed, and applied there only to the necessary degree.
Convex polyhedra quantum billiards in R n

"S-quantum billiards" are defined in Rn. These billiards include the regular convex polyhedra as a subset. The "first-excited-state theorem" states that for such quantum billiards: (a) a first excited state (second eigenstate of the Laplacian) exists whose nodal surface is a plane of bisecting symmetry of the billiard; (b) the degeneracy of this state is equal to the dimension in which the billiard exists. It is shown that for such billiards, its bisecting nodal surface is one of minimum energy. The (a) component of the preceding theorem is proved with the latter proof and a conjecture that is based on recent theorems of Lin, Melas, and Alessandrini and a described smoothing procedure. Components of group theory, as well as an ansatz addressing the higher dimensions, come into play in establishing the (b) component of the theorem. An appendix is included describing properties of nodal intersection with a boundary.
A STREAM-GRADIENT INDEX APPLIED TO SUBHUMID MONTANE STREAMS

Hack (1973) introduced the stream-gradient index as a measure to analyze longitudinal stream profiles. It is derived from the channel slope at a point and channel length as measured along the longest stream above that point. In the eastern United States, empirical evidence shows the stream-gradient index to be a rough approximation of stream power or competence. Validity of this relationship in other geomorphic and climatic regions was unproven. Eight canyon drainages in the Bear River Range, north-central Utah, provide a basis for testing the validity of stream-gradient index analysis in a subhumid montane area. These drainages are found to have a drainage area to discharge function, rate of increase in channel width downstream, and coverging stream network with an average length proportional to a power of the drainage similar to Hack's original study area. These similarities indicate that use of stream-gradient indices as approximations of stream power are valid in subhumid montane areas. Stream-gradien...
Comparison of anti-TNF alpha autoantibodies in plasma and from EBV transformed lymphocytes of autoimmune and normal individuals

To examine the ability of normal and autoimmune individuals to produce circulating anti-TNF alpha antibodies, plasma samples from 10 RA patients, 10 SLE patients and 5 normal subjects were assessed for anti-TNF alpha antibody. While every individual tested demonstrated circulating IgM anti-TNF alpha antibody, IgG anti-TNF alpha autoantibody was seen predominantly in autoimmune patients. Only 1 of 5 normal individuals, but 15 of 20 autoimmune individuals had plasma IgG anti-TNF alpha antibodies. To examine the ability of normal and autoimmune individuals to produce anti-TNF alpha autoantibody from their circulating lymphocytes, EBV transformation was performed. Oligoclonal immortal cell lines were successfully established from 13 patients and each one secreted detectable IgM anti-TNF alpha autoantibody. Transformed cells from only 1 of 5 normal individuals secreted IgM anti-TNF alpha autoantibody. These results indicate a higher prevalence of anti-TNF alpha autoantibody production among autoimmune individuals although normal individuals are also capable of producing these autoantibodies.
Are You Prepared for Tomorrow?: Developing and Offering Technology Repair Services

In order to align with the University's goal of providing best-in-class technology and information-based services, to meet the increased needs for our students, we have developed a repair shop which provides a cost-effective method for repairing students' computers, tablets, and smartphones. By our students' constant need for hardware/software repair and replacement, we were able to utilize the student technology fee in order to provide them with three repairs on personal laptops and desktops per semester free of charge. In addition, tablet and smartphone repairs are available for a flat fee of $50. By choosing the repair shop over local competitors, students have saved over $200,000 over the past 18 months. Due to promotion, successful repairs, and student feedback via social media, we noticed an increase in the demand of repairs over the past few years which has led us to improve our methods and increase efficiency internally. This paper intends to examine our repair shop from the beginning until now and inform other university-based help desks on the benefits of providing this service to their students.
Diabetes risk, diagnosis, and control: do psychosocial factors predict hemoglobin A1c defined outcomes or accuracy of self-reports?

Objective: To evaluate the accuracy of self-reported diabetes among multi-ethnic older adults by psychosocial factors and assess predictors of diabetes risk, diagnosis, and control. Design and Methods: The 2006 Health and Retirement Study (N=55,594) was used to determine agreement between self-reported diabetes and measured diabetes (HbA1c ≥ 6.5%) by age, sex, race/ethnicity, nativity, education, health insurance coverage, body mass index, depressive symptoms, and prior report of racial discrimination. We also examined associations between these factors and pre-diabetes (HbA1c ≥6.0–<6.5%) among individuals without diabetes, and those with undiagnosed and poorly controlled (HbA1c ≥8.0%) diabetes. Results: Accuracy of self-reported diabetes was good (ie, sensitivity ≥ 80% and specificity ≥ 95%) among all demographic subgroups and across most social strata. Among those who reported racial discrimination, sensitivity of self-reported diabetes was lower among Blacks who reported racial discrimination in comparison to Blacks who did not report racial discrimination (82.7% vs 89.0%) an association that was marginally statistically significant (P=.05). Blacks and Hispanics had higher odds of pre-diabetes, undiagnosed diabetes, and poor glycemic control. Conclusions: Self-reported diabetes corresponded well with HbA1c assessed disease for all social strata examined in this sample of multi-ethnic older adults. Blacks with a history of racial discrimination may be less likely to know diabetes status. (Ethn Dis. 2014; 24[1]:19–27)
LIFE-HISTORY VARIATION WITHIN A POPULATION OF THE COLONIAL ASCIDIAN BOTRYLLUS SCHLOSSERI. I. THE GENETIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL OF SEASONAL VARIATION.

Many empirical analyses of life-history tactics are based on the assumption that demographic variation ought to be greatest among populations or species living in different environments. However, in a single population of the sessile colonial sea squirt Botryllus schlosseri, there are two discrete life-history morphs. Semelparous colonies are characterized by a) death immediately following the production of a single clutch, b) early age at first reproduction, c) rapid growth to first reproduction, and d) high reproductive effort. In contrast, iteroparous colonies a) produce at least three clutches before dying, b) postpone sexual reproduction until they are nearly twice the age of semelparous colonies, c) grow at about half the rate of semelparous colonies, and d) invest roughly 75% less in reproductive effort than semelparous colonies. Semelparous colonies numerically dominate the population through midsummer; later in the summer, iteroparous colonies are most numerous. Field and laboratory common-garden experiments, along with breeding studies, indicate that the demographic differences between the morphs are genetically determined. Consequently, the seasonal switch from dominance by semelparous colonies to dominance by iteroparous colonies may be an evolved response to a seasonally changing environment. On theoretical grounds, temporal variation in selection is thought to play a relatively unimportant role in maintaining genetic polymorphism; nonetheless, the seasonally recurrent life-history polymorphism shown in this study indicates that temporal variation in selection can lead to the maintenance of genetic polymorphism for traits strongly affecting fitness.
The effect of X irradiation on immunity of the mouse to Trypanosoma duttoni.

on immunity have been most recently reviewed by Taliaferro and Taliaferro.' In general, the results of these and subsequent investigations indicated that X irradiation in large doses inhibits antibody formation and increases susceptibility to infection. In the present investigation the course of infection by Trypanosome duttoni, a nonpathogenic hemoflagellate of the mouse, was followed in irradiated mice. This parasite offers several advantages in the study of immunity. Among these are : (1) The parasite is large enough for morphological study. (2) The parasite is limited to the blood stream; therefore, changes in the parasitic population may be observed daily without sacrificing the host. (3) The extent of reproductive activity of the parasite may be followed by daily examination of blood smears for division forms. The last gives a measure of the rate of reproduction irrespective of the number of organisms killed. Measurement of the basic rate of parasite reproduction in conjunction with change in numbers of the surviving population permits a sharp distinction between reproductioninhibiting and parasiticidal effects.