cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neurotrophic signaling cascades are major long-term targets for lithium: clinical implications

Abstract Although mood disorders have traditionally been regarded as good prognosis diseases, a growing body of data suggests that the long-term outcome for many patients is often much less favorable than previously thought. Recent morphometric studies have been investigating potential structural brain changes in mood disorders, and there is now evidence from a variety of sources demonstrating significant reductions in regional CNS volume, as well as regional reductions in the numbers and/or sizes of glia and neurons. In this perspective paper, we discuss the preclinical and clinical evidence that lithium has neuroprotective and neurotrophic effects, and furthermore, show that these effects may have great relevance for the optimal treatment of severe mood disorders. Lithium has been noted to have neuroprotective effects in cell culture, and in animal models of neurodegeneration such as stroke, Huntington's disease and Alzheimer's disease. This may be due to the findings that lithium regulates the expression and/or activity of numerous molecules and enzymes involved in neuroplasticity, neuroprotection and mitochondrial function including bcl-2, GSK-3 and the ERK/MAP kinase pathway. Emerging clinical evidence additionally suggests that lithium may have similar effects in patients; these findings include an increase in N-acetyl aspartate (NAA) and gray matter in patients following long-term lithium treatment. Together, the data has implications not only for the optimal treatment of severe mood disorders, but potentially also for the treatment of other, more classical, neurodegenerative disorders.
Fire Resistant Cotton Blends Without Fire Retardant Finish

Cotton, a modacrylic (SEF), and polyester fibers were ground, blended, and made into pads weighing the equivalent of 4.8 oz. per square yard. The pads were treated with a durable press resin (DMDHEU), Sb2O3 or a combination of the two. The purpose was to develop technology for producing fire resistant durable press cotton blend textiles without the use of fire retardant chemical finishes. The pads were analyzed with and without the finishes for ease of ignition, rate of burning in the horizontal position, and Oxygen Index (01).Cotton and cotton/PE blends easily ignited, readily burned and ex hibited low Ols. The presence of SEF had a highly significant effect on all of the fire resistant test results. DMDHEU, Sb2O3 or DMDHEU plus Sb2O3 increased fire resistance of cotton and all blends. Considerable fire resistance, as measured by ignition, rate of burning, and 01 was obtained by application of the durable press resin to cotton/SEF and cotton/SEF/PE blands.
Internal constitution and evolution of the moon

The composition, structure and evolution of the moon's interior are narrowly constrained by a large assortment of physical and chemical data. Models of the thermal evolution of the moon that fit the chronology of igneous activity on the lunar surface, the stress history of the lunar lithosphere implied by the presence of mascons, and the surface concentrations of radioactive elements, involve extensive differentiation early in lunar history. This differentiation may be the result of rapid accretion and large-scale melting or of primary chemical layering during accretion; differences in present-day temperatures for these two possibilities are significant only in the inner 1000 km of the moon and may not be resolvable.
Variation in inhibitor sensitivity of NADH-menadione reductase from mitochondria☆

Abstract The presence of an amytal-sensitive NADH-menadione reductase in beef heart mitochondria has been previously reported (Cunningham, et al., 1965; Cunningham, et al., 1965b; Crane, et al., 1965). The enzyme described was found in the aqueous supernatant after extraction of beef heart mitochondria with diethyl ether. The enzyme has been further studied and purified and has been found to undergo changes during purification procedures, as shown by its response to different inhibitors. We present data which describe some of the characteristics of the enzyme and which suggest the enzyme is related to the electron transport chain activity in mitochondria.
Rethinking postgraduate education for marine conservation

Abstract Postgraduate education for marine conservation has failed to keep up with the field's most pressing needs. A growing body of literature has documented a chasm between the skills being taught at universities and the skills most needed for effective conservation. In addition to traditional disciplinary topics, postgraduate institutions should also deliver priority skills for successful ocean conservation. This paper examines survey responses from 30 marine conservationists who have been publicly recognized for achieving noteworthy success. Respondents provided quantitative rankings of skills that were most instrumental to their success, and which of these skills should be learned at university rather than on the job. Results focused on innovation (e.g., thinking creatively, developing a compelling vision), collaboration (e.g., organizational partnering, building and leading teams), and communication (e.g., the art of persuasion, listening well). The findings suggest a new direction in postgraduate education with potential implications for ocean conservation practitioners as well as university personnel engaged in training future marine leaders.
High-Frequency Oscillations in the Corona Observed at the 1983 Eclipse

We detected excess oscillatory power at 0.25–2.0 Hz in a coronal loop in the 1983 Indonesian total solar eclipse. In this second-generation experiment enlarging upon the work of Pasachoff and Landman (1984), we observed in two frequency channels, one coronal and one continuum, to monitor atmospheric and instrumental effects. We briefly discuss the effects of an oscillation near 1 Hz on the coronal heating problem.
Confronting human papilloma virus/oropharyngeal cancer: a model for interprofessional collaboration.

Abstract A collaborative practice model related to Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) associated oropharyngeal cancer highlights the role of the dental hygienist in addressing this condition. Background The incidence of HPV associated head and neck cancer is rising. Multiple professionals including the dental hygienist can work collaboratively to confront this growing public health concern. Methods A critical review applies the growth and utilization of interprofessional education (IPE) and interprofessional collaboration (IPC) to multi-disciplinary models addressing the human papilloma virus and oropharyngeal cancers. Conclusions A model related to HPV associated oropharyngeal cancer addresses an oral systemic condition that supports the inclusion of a dental hygienist on collaborative teams addressing prevention, detection, treatment and cure of OPC.
Comparison of experimental and calculational energy deposition profiles in calorimeters and other damage related data

Abstract A comparison between the experimental data known as the “hanging file” and calculated results obtained using CALOR89 on longitudinal “energy deposition” profiles (as modified for light emission) for various calorimeter configurations is presented.
Catalytic reduction of 1-bromooctane by nickel(I) salen electrogenerated at a mercury cathode in dimethylformamide

Abstract Cyclic voltammetry, controlled-potential electrolysis, and double-potential-step chronocoulometry have been used to characterize the catalytic reduction of 1-bromooctane by nickel(I) salen electrogenerated at a mercury cathode in dimethylformamide containing tetramethylammonium tetrafluoroborate. At a hanging mercury drop electrode, nickel(II) salen undergoes a reversible one-electron reduction. In the presence of excess 1-bromooctane, the peak current for reduction of nickel(II) salen is enhanced, whereas no current for oxidation of nickel(I) salen is observed. Controlled-potential electrolyses of solutions containing nickel(II) salen and 1-bromooctane lead to the production of n -octane, 1-octene, n -hexadecane, and di- n -octylmercury. Mechanistically, the formation of the various products involves the intermediacy of n -octyl radicals.
Guest-Host Cooperativity in Organic Materials Greatly Enhances the Nonlinear Optical Response

Some of the most highly active organic electro-optic (EO) materials developed recently rely on the combination of an EO-active (chromophore-containing) host material (dendrimer or side-chain polymer) and an EO-active (chromophore) guest. These new binary-chromophore materials exhibit EO coefficients (r33) in the range of 250 to greater than 300 pm/V (currently as high as 450 pm/V). The EO activity of these binary-chromophore materials is greater the sum of their individual components. The experimentally observed increase in the nonlinear optical response of two representative classes of EO chromophore−EO dendrimer and EO chromophore−EO polymer mixtures relative to the response of the isolated components is described quantitatively herein by a physical model that accounts for cooperativity in the guest−host interactions.
Mechanical properties of base-modified DNA are not strictly determined by base stacking or electrostatic interactions

This work probes the mystery of what balance of forces creates the extraordinary mechanical stiffness of DNA to bending and twisting. Here we explore the relationship between base stacking, functional group occupancy of the DNA minor and major grooves, and DNA mechanical properties. We study double-helical DNA molecules substituting either inosine for guanosine or 2,6-diaminopurine for adenine. These DNA variants, respectively, remove or add an amino group from the DNA minor groove, with corresponding changes in hydrogen-bonding and base stacking energy. Using the techniques of ligase-catalyzed cyclization kinetics, atomic force microscopy, and force spectroscopy with optical tweezers, we show that these DNA variants have bending persistence lengths within the range of values reported for sequence-dependent variation of the natural DNA bases. Comparison with seven additional DNA variants that modify the DNA major groove reveals that DNA bending stiffness is not correlated with base stacking energy or groove occupancy. Data from circular dichroism spectroscopy indicate that base analog substitution can alter DNA helical geometry, suggesting a complex relationship among base stacking, groove occupancy, helical structure, and DNA bend stiffness.
Decreasing NF-κB expression enhances odontoblastic differentiation and collagen expression in dental pulp stem cells exposed to inflammatory cytokines.

Inflammatory response in the dental pulp can alter the collagen matrix formation by dental pulp stem cells and lead to a delay or poor healing of the pulp. This inflammatory response is mediated by cytokines, including interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α. In this study, it is hypothesized that suppressing the actions of these inflammatory cytokines by knocking down the activity of transcription factor Nuclear Factor–κB will lead to dental pulp stem cell differentiation into odontoblasts and the production of collagen. Here, the role of Nuclear Factor–κB signaling and its reduction was examined during odontogenic behavior in the presence of these cytokines. The results showed a significant increase in Nuclear Factor–κB gene expression and p65 protein expression by interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α. Nuclear Factor–κB activation in the presence of these cytokines decreased significantly in a dose-dependent manner by a Nuclear Factor–κB inhibitor (MG132) and p65 siRNA. Down-regulation of Nuclear Factor–κB activity also enhanced the gene expression of the odontoblastic markers (dentin sialophosphoprotein, Nestin, and alkaline phosphatase) and displayed an odontoblastic cell morphology indicating the promotion of odontogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells. Finally, dental pulp stem cells exposed to reduced Nuclear Factor–κB activity resulted in a significant increase in collagen (I)-α1 expression in the presence of these cytokines. In conclusion, a decrease in Nuclear Factor-κB in dental pulp stem cells in the presence of inflammatory cytokines enhanced odontoblastic differentiation and collagen matrix formation.
Left ventricular filling patterns in aortic stenosis in patients older than 65 years of age.

Left ventricular (LV) filling patterns in 26 elderly (mean age 81 years) patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) were evaluated using pulsed-wave Doppler echocardiography. Parameters of LV filling, including the ratio of the peak atrial velocity to the peak early diastolic velocity (AE ratio) and the percent contribution of active atrial filling to total LV filling (%A), of these patients with AS (group I) were compared with 2 groups presumed to have abnormal LV filling: elderly patients (group II) and hypertensives with increased LV mass (group III), as well as with normal volunteers (group IV). The patients with AS had a broad range of LV inflow velocity patterns (AE = 0.91 ± 0.56, range 0.20 to 1.91; %A = 34.3 ± 16.4, range 3.0 to 65), as compared with the consistently low AE ratio (0.48 ± 0.13) and %A (25 ± 7) in the normal volunteers and the high AE ratio and %A in the elderly (AE = 1.48 ± 0.28, %A = 49 ± 11) and hypertensive (AE = 1.41 ± 0.32, %A = 49 ± 8) groups. When comparing the data obtained by Doppler with hemodynamics at catheterization, the patients with AS and a high AE ratio (AE ratio >1, n = 11) had lower LV mid-diastolic pressures (7 vs 18 mm Hg, p 1 identifies a subgroup of patients with AS who have lower LV diastolic pressures and less symptomatic heart failure.
Dynamical-Microphysical Evolution of a Convective Storm in a Weakly-Sheared Environment. Part I: Microphysical Observations and Interpretation

Abstract Aircraft measurements of microphysical thermodynamic, and vertical air motion properties supplemented by radar measurements of reflectivity structure are used to investigate precipitation development throughout much of the life cycle of a moderately intense convective storm in northeast Colorado. There was considerable variability of cloud properties such as updraft speed at scales of a few hundred meters early in the life of the storm. Greater organization was evident in the later, more mature stage. The earliest radar return from a major cell came from particles larger than 1 mm diameter in concentrations less than 10 m−3. It is suggested that these particles must have already followed complicated growth trajectories even at this early stage of the storm, including more than one ascent in updraft. In the more mature stage of the storm millimetric water drops and partially melted and refreezing ice particles were observed at 1 to 2 km above cloud base in both mixed and unmixed regions of the mai...
Electrochemical characterization of glucose bioanodes based on Tetramethylferrocene-modified linear poly(ethylenimine)

a b s t r a c t Tetramethylferrocene-modified linear(polyethylenimine) (FcMe4-C3-LPEI) was cross-linked with ethyl- ene glycol diglycidyl ether (EGDGE) in the presence of glucose oxidase (GOx) to form enzymatic glucose bioanodes capable of generating 1.034 ± 0.039 mA/cm2 with 3 mm glassy carbon electrodes and 15.1 ± 0.8 mA/cm 2 with 0.5 × 0.5 cm carbon felt electrodes at 25 ◦ C. FcMe4-C3-LPEI/GOx films were characterized by varying the amount of EGDGE, pH, and electrode material. The electrochemical potential was shown to vary with the amount of EGDGE used to cross-link the film, from 0.068 ± 0.016 V to 0.122 ± 0.003 V vs SCE using 4 mol% to 32 mol% EGDGE respectively. A similar trend occurred upon varying pH from 0.073 ± 0.004 V vs SCE at pH 4.0 to 0.118 ± 0.003 at pH 8.0. The optimized materials described herein have direct practical use as enzymatic bioanodes and as glucose biosensors. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
High‐speed line scan MR angiography

We describe a system which forms MR angiographic images at high speed. Multiple axial sections are imaged sequentially using a 2DFT GRASS sequence with TR/TE 50/15 ms, 64 phase encodings per image. Reconstruction and projection of each image are performed immediately (within 220 ms) after data for that image are acquired. The projection angiogram is constructed line by line as the scan progresses, thereby totally eliminating any additional time required for reconstruction and projection.
Endoscopic skull base surgery: Principles of endonasal oncological surgery

Endoscopic endonasal surgery can be applied to the management of benign and malignant sinonasal neoplasms with good results. For tumors that involve the skull base, an endoscopic "craniofacial resection" can be performed with en bloc excision of the involved dura. Preliminary experience with completely endoscopic excision of olfactory neuroblastomas indicates good local control and few complications. Advantages of endoscopic endonasal surgery include improved visualization and decreased morbidity compared to traditional approaches.
Dual response regulators (NarL and NarP) interact with dual sensors (NarX and NarQ) to control nitrate- and nitrite-regulated gene expression in Escherichia coli K-12.

Two sensor proteins, NarX and NarQ, mediate nitrate regulation of anaerobic respiratory gene expression. Either of these sensors is sufficient to signal the presence of nitrate to the response regulator protein, NarL, a transcriptional activator and repressor. Two observations suggested the existence of a second response regulator that is also involved in nitrate regulation. First, narL null mutants retain residual nitrate induction of fdnG operon expression; this residual induction is absent in narX narQ double-null strains. Second, nitrate induction of aeg-46.5 operon expression is substantially enhanced in narL null strains (M.H. Choe and W.S. Reznikoff, J. Bacteriol. 173:6139-6146, 1991). We found that this nitrate induction requires either the NarX or the NarQ protein, consistent with the existence of a second response regulator. We designate this second regulator NarP. We isolated insertion mutants that are defective in aeg-46.5 operon expression. These insertions are in the narP gene, which encodes a response regulator that is 44% identical to the NarL protein. Null alleles of narP abolished aeg-46.5 induction and also eliminated the residual NarL-independent nitrate induction of fdnG operon expression. Both the NarX and NarQ proteins communicate with both the NarP and NarL proteins. We found that the primary signal for NarP-dependent aeg-46.5 operon induction is nitrite rather than nitrate. By contrast, nitrite is a relatively weak signal for NarL-dependent induction. In narX null strains, nitrate was an efficient signal for NarL-dependent induction, and this induction required the NarQ protein. We conclude that, in wild-type strains, the NarQ protein communicates the presence of nitrite to both the NarP and NarL proteins and that the NarX protein inhibits this communication with the NarL protein.
A Locally Corrected Nyström Formulation for the Magnetostatic Volume Integral Equation

A locally corrected Nystrom discretization of the magnetostatic volume integral equation is derived for the analysis of magnetic materials. The integral equation formulation incorporates both higher-order meshes and higher-order basis functions. A set of arbitrary order, hexahedral basis functions are presented. The formulation is applied to a set of canonical problems as well as TEAM Workshop problem number 13. Error convergence with respect to basis function order, mesh density, and mesh order is investigated, and results corroborate the formulation.
Mechanism of action of bicarbonate on the mitochondrial ATPase: A new graphical analysis procedure based on a ligand substitution model

Abstract A graphical method for analyzing the effects of modifiers on enzymes that do not yield linear Lineweaver-Burk double-reciprocal plots is proposed. To test the validity of the method it was applied to data published by Ebel and Lardy [(1975) ( J. Biol. Chem. 250 , 191–196) for the activation of the rat liver mitochondrial ATPase by bicarbonate and other anions. It was concluded that bicarbonate acts by displacing the ADP product but that it cannot effectively displace ATP. A new index to compare the different anions is suggested.
One Year in Biological Anthropology: Species, Integration, and Boundaries in 2010

ABSTRACT The year 2010 in biological anthropology has been marked by continuing questions regarding temporal and geographical species boundaries and by queries into what it means to be human. The lines of evidence we use to reconstruct our biosocial past often exist in a state of dynamic tension; however, opportunities for integration do occur, and these collaborative endeavors were notable in 2010. Here I focus on boundaries and integration in four separate areas. First, I discuss recent genetic advances in our understanding of human evolution. Second, I review a virtual issue of the American Journal of Physical Anthropology that emphasized bioarchaeology in Asia. Third, I highlight several articles in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences that focus on speciation, human genetics, and the evolution of unique human characteristics. Last, I address the recent controversy over the language used in the American Anthropological Association's Long-Range Plan.
Two-Level Factorial and Fractional Factorial Designs in Blocks of Size Two

When two-level designs are split into blocks of size two, the traditional method is to use mirror-image (foldover) pairs of runs, in which the signs of the factors are completely changed in the second run of the pair. This enables the estimation of all ..
GENDERING WELFARE STATE THEORY A Cross-National Study of Women's Public Pension Quality

Feminist scholarship on the relative importance of working-class institutional strength in the economy and in the state has led to two divergent conclusions. Radical feminists argue that working-class institutions dominated by men produce male-biased outcomes; socialist feminists hold that working-class institutions promote classwide interests that benefit women as well as men. This article addresses this debate by applying generic and gendered working-class strength models of the welfare state in an examination of women's public pension quality. Quality is measured as women's average pension (1) compared with that of men, (2) relative to women's average earnings, and (3) compared with the average wage in the society. The authors find support for the socialist feminist view. Working-class institutions, having historically organized and represented the interests of working men, benefit women by improving the security and adequacy of their retirement incomes, but it is women's access to working-class econom...
An estrogen binding protein in the renal cytosol of intact, castrated and estrogenized golden hamsters.

An estrogen binding protein present in the renal cytosols of untreated normal, castrated and estrogen-treated hamsters has a sedimentation value of 4S by sucrose density gradient analysis when compared to ovalbumin and bovine serum albumin. The amount of binding was enhanced with prolonged estrogen treatment. The binding site exhibits specificity for estrogenic hormone (e.g., diethylstilbesterol, estrone, estriol, estradiol-17α) since 3H-estradiol binding is decreased markedly in the presence of these unlabeled estrogens but not with dihydrotestosterone, aldosterone, cortisol, progesterone and metabolites of progesterone. The nature of this estrogen binding macromolecule was further ascertained by its precipitation with protaminesulfate. Although this specific macromolecular binding by estrogens in the kidney is much less than in the hamster uterus, it is considerably greater than that in the plasma, lung or liver. The amount of specific estradiol binding in the kidney and liver cytosols of castrated rats...
Design of a very linear CMOS transconductance input stage for continuous-time filters

A CMOS differential input stage for transconductance amplifiers that combines a low noise excess factor, low input capacitance, and high common-mode rejection ratio with a very good linearity is described. The measured distortion is only 0.2% for a 1-V RMS input signal and only 1% for a 2-V RMS input signal on a test circuit implemented in a standard 3- mu m CMOS process, using +or-5-V supplies, resulting in over 85 dB of dynamic range. Applications include high-performance continuous-time filters and linear amplifiers. >
In vitro Evaluation of a Fluoride-releasing Orthodontic Resin

Decalcification around brackets is sometimes observed following orthodontic treatment. Fluoride-releasing orthodontic adhesives have been developed and used for reduction of the frequency and severity of decalcification. This study evaluated a light-activated, fluoride-releasing resin composite adhesive, FluorEver OBA. Our findings indicate that FluorEver OBA released small concentrations of fluoride ions over time. However, the adhesive had significantly lower tensile bond strengths than a conventional composite cement. Microhardness testing indicated that the resin underneath metal orthodontic brackets was not thoroughly polymerized, which may have contributed to cohesive failures of the resin composite. Despite its lower tensile bond strength, FluorEver OBA may be indicated for cases where decalcification is expected.
Predictors of recurrence in thymic tumors: Importance of invasion, World Health Organization histology, and size

Objective This study sought to define predictors of recurrence after resection of thymic tumors. Methods A single-institution retrospective study was performed of 179 patients who underwent resection of a thymic tumor from 1972 through 2003. Results Resection was complete in 90% (161/179) of patients. After a median follow-up of 115 months, the recurrence rate was 11% (20/179), the tumor-related death rate was 7.8% (14/179), and the overall death rate was 36.3% (65/179). Tumor recurrence correlated with advanced stage and histology ( P P P P P = .003), and size (odds ratio, 1.16; P = .001) were independent predictors of recurrence. Conclusion The Masaoka staging system could be collapsed to 3 degrees of invasion by combining stages I and II. The World Health Organization histologic type can be simplified for clinical use into A (A, AB), early B (B1, B2), advanced B (B3), and C tumors. Size of 8 cm or larger is an independent risk factor, even when patients with Masaoka stage III tumors are considered alone, and might identify candidates for preoperative therapy.
Noxious cardiac input onto neurons in medullary reticular formation.

Abstract Responses of reticular formation neurons to electrical stimulation of cardiopulmonary afferents as well as cardiac application of bradykinin were determined. Experiments were performed in chloralose anesthetized, vagotomized and sino-aortic denerated cats paralyzed with pancuronium. The medial reticular formation in the medulla was explored with microelectrodes until single neurons responding to electrical stimulation of the cardiac nerve were isolated. Electrical stimulation evoked an early (latency less than 40 ms) burst only (most common), both an early burst and a late burst, or a late (latency greater than 90 ms) burst only (least common) from medullary neurons. Cells were subsequently tested for responses to epicardial or intracardiac administration of bradykinin. Of the 62 neurons tested, one-third responded to bradykinin. Cells typically exhibited a bursting pattern of spontaneuos activity; bradykinin enhanced the duration and intensity of the bursts. Neurons were also tested for somatic, visual and auditory input. Most cells were excited by somatic as well as auditory stimuli, while a fewer number also received visual input. Furthermore, most cells responsive to epicardial bradykinin also received these other inputs. The neurons recorded in this study may mediate cardiac pain, cardiovascular reflexes, alerting responses, and/or arousal responses.
Immune responses of bison and efficacy after booster vaccination with Brucella abortus strain RB51.

Thirty-one bison heifers were randomly assigned to receive saline or a single vaccination with 1010 CFU of Brucella abortus strain RB51. Some vaccinated bison were randomly selected for booster vaccination with RB51 at 11 months after the initial vaccination. Mean antibody responses to RB51 were greater (P < 0.05) in vaccinated bison after initial and booster vaccination than in nonvaccinated bison. The proliferative responses by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from the vaccinated bison were greater (P < 0.05) than those in the nonvaccinated bison at 16 and 24 weeks after the initial vaccination but not after the booster vaccination. The relative gene expression of gamma interferon (IFN-γ) was increased (P < 0.05) in the RB51-vaccinated bison at 8, 16, and 24 weeks after the initial vaccination and at 8 weeks after the booster vaccination. The vaccinated bison had greater (P < 0.05) in vitro production of IFN-γ at all sampling times, greater interleukin-1β (IL-1β) production in various samplings after the initial and booster vaccinations, and greater IL-6 production at one sampling time after the booster vaccination. Between 170 and 180 days of gestation, the bison were intraconjunctivally challenged with approximately 1 × 107 CFU of B. abortus strain 2308. The incidences of abortion and infection were greater (P < 0.05) in the nonvaccinated bison after experimental challenge than in the bison receiving either vaccination treatment. Booster-vaccinated, but not single-vaccinated bison, had a reduced (P < 0.05) incidence of infection in fetal tissues and maternal tissues compared to that in the controls. Compared to the nonvaccinated bison, both vaccination treatments lowered the colonization (measured as the CFU/g of tissue) of Brucella organisms in all tissues, except in retropharyngeal and supramammary lymph nodes. Our study suggests that RB51 booster vaccination is an effective vaccination strategy for enhancing herd immunity against brucellosis in bison.
Combining compile-time and run-time support for efficient software distributed shared memory

We describe an integrated compile time and run time system for efficient shared memory parallel computing on distributed memory machines. The combined system presents the user with a shared memory programming model. The run time system implements a consistent shared memory abstraction using memory access detection and automatic data caching. The compiler improves the efficiency of the shared memory implementation by directing the run time system to exploit the message passing capabilities of the underlying hardware. To do so, the compiler analyzes shared memory accesses and transforms the code to insert calls to the run time system that provide it with the access information computed by the compiler. The run time system is augmented with the appropriate entry points to use this information to implement bulk data transfer and to reduce the overhead of run time consistency maintenance. In those cases where the compiler analysis succeeds for the entire program, we demonstrate that the combined system achieves performance comparable to that produced by compilers that directly target message passing. If the compiler analysis is successful only for parts of the program, for instance, because of irregular accesses to some of the arrays, the resulting optimizations can be applied to those parts for which the analysis succeeds. If the compiler analysis fails entirely, we rely on the run time maintenance of shared memory and thereby avoid the complexity and the limitations of compilers that directly target message passing. The result is a single system that combines efficient support for both regular and irregular memory access patterns.
Well-Being of Family Caregivers of Persons with Late-Stage Huntington's Disease: Lessons in Stress and Coping

The utility of a stress-process model in predicting health and quality-of-life outcomes for family caregivers of persons with Huntington's disease (HD) was tested. HD is an inherited neurodegenerative disease that poses particular challenges to patients and families. Seventeen family caregivers were interviewed and completed scales measuring stressors, appraisals, protective factors, and outcomes. No direct relationship between stress and caregiver well-being was found; the impact of stressors was mediated by appraisals and protective factors. Bivariate correlation analysis revealed significant positive relationships between satisfaction with emotionally supportive communication and life satisfaction. Significant positive correlations were found between positive appraisals of the benefits of the caregiving experience and life satisfaction and health. Mastery was significantly positively correlated with life satisfaction and negatively correlated with depressive symptoms; similar results were found between spirituality and outcome measures. Caregivers' interpretations appeared to have a more significant impact on well-being than did objective characteristics of the experience.
Identifying Critical Elements of Treatment: Examining the Use of Turn Taking in Autism Intervention

Evidence-based treatments for autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are comprised of components that identify therapist behavior necessary to implement the treatment with integrity. Some components are s...
Secondary Immunodeficiencies Related to Disease

Secondary Immunodeficiencies (SID) involve a loss of immune function in a previously normal person. They often occur in a hospitalized patient, and the immunodeficiency is secondary to treatment. SID can result from cytotoxic drugs, corticosteroids, x-rays, viruses, cancer, and fungal or bacterial diseases. …
Mapping of Fresnel’s interface reflection coefficients between normal and oblique incidence: results for the parallel and perpendicular polarizations at several angles of incidence

The functions, w = f(z), that describe the transformation of Fresnel’s reflection coefficients of parallel and perpendicularly polarized light between normal and oblique incidence, as well as their inverses, z = g(w), are studied in detail as conformal mappings between the complex z and w planes for angles of incidence of 15, 30, 45, 60, and 75°. New nomograms are obtained for the determination of optical properties of absorbing isotropic and anisotropic media from measurements of reflectances of s- or p-polarized light at normal and oblique incidence.
Geometric analysis of the b-dependent effects of Rician signal noise on diffusion tensor imaging estimates and determining an optimal b value

Abstract The optimal diffusion weighting (DW) factor, b, for use in diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) studies remains uncertain. In this study, the geometric relations of DW quantities are examined, in particular, the effects of Rician noise in the measured magnetic resonance signal. This geometric analysis is used to make theoretical predictions for selecting a b value to reduce the influence of noise. It is shown that the optimal b value for DTI studies in healthy human parenchyma is approximately b=1200 s mm−2, with a simple relation given as well for a given expected apparent diffusion coefficient. Monte-Carlo simulations on sets of realistic DTI measures are then performed, verifying the optimal DW for minimizing estimate errors. The effects of noise on various DTI parameters such as anisotropy indices (fractional anisotropy and scaled relative anisotropy), mean diffusivity, radial diffusivity, eigenvalues and the direction of the first eigenvector are investigated as well.
Mantle layering across central South America

[1] Imaging of seismic velocity discontinuities along a 3000 km profile across central South America at 20°S suggests that the depth variations of the 410-km (d410) and 660-km (d660) discontinuities are closely associated with the high-velocity Nazca slab and juxtaposed low-velocity oceanic mantle beneath the slab. The mantle transition zone thickness ranges from 220 km in the oceanic mantle to 270 km in a 600-km-wide area occupied by the deflected Nazca slab. The slab deflection has also been suggested by previous studies of seismic tomography and seismicity. This 50 km difference in the thickness corresponds to a lateral temperature variation of about 370°C between the two areas. The depth of d410 shows a gradual eastward decrease of about 10 km along the profile, corresponding to a temperature that is about 75°C cooler to the east. This variation is probably related to changes in the upper mantle geotherms associated with the transition from tectonically active to stable upper mantle. A low-velocity anomaly in the upper mantle and mantle transition zone beneath eastern Brazil, previously detected by seismic tomography and interpreted as a fossil plume, produced no detectable perturbation in transition zone thickness. It is thus unlikely to extend to the transition zone or alternatively is not thermal in origin. Finally, we have observed several possible second-order discontinuities at the depths of 230, 500, 600, 840, and 915 km beneath the western part of the study area.
Food Justice and Collective Food Relations

Food justice is commonly understood as the norm that everyone should have access to safe, healthy and culturally-appropriate foods no matter one’s national origin, economic statuses, social identities, cultural membership, or disability. A second dimension of food justice, as commonly understood, is the norm that everyone who works within a food system, from restaurant servers to farm workers, should be paid livable and fair wages and work in safe conditions no matter one’s national origin, economic statuses, social identities, cultural membership, or disability. Another dimension of food justice, which is found in the words and writing of advocates but is perhaps less commonly appreciated, is that food justice should account for the value of food in relation to the self-determination of human groups such as urban communities of color, Indigenous peoples and migrant farmworkers, among many other groups. Reflecting on the claims of food justice advocates, my goal in this essay is to outline a norm of food justice that is based on the value of food in relation to the self-determination of human groups. In the essay, I begin by describing the first two dimensions of food justice; I then discuss the role of food in collective self-determination and introduce the idea of collective food relations, discussing in particular the role of manoomin (wild rice) in the collective self-determination of the Anishinaabek in the Great Lakes region; I then explain how disrupting collective food relations can be a form of food injustice; lastly, I discuss some specific further examples that illustrate these ideas.
Information System for Research and Operation in a University Radiology Department

Several relational database management systems have been implemented in Fortran/Assembler on a Digital PDP 11/45 computer to store the patient data of diagnostic radiology Nuclear Medicine, and Therapeutic Radiology at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Medical Center. Each system involves its own on-line conversational input package and all systems utilize the same easy retrieval package. The former consists of various application programs for entering and updating the information. The latter is a general purpose MIRS (Medical Information Retrieval System) interpreter which executes the retrieving program to scan the data of interest and generates the summary listing. Data stored for each patient contains a set of general information and various sets of specific information for different kinds of studies which may only apply to selected group of patients. Data of each field within a set is defined by the type, length, and its offset to the beginning. Thus, new studies can easily be added to the system without moditying the existing programs. MIRS, a translator completely written in Assembler, uses the definitions in dictionary file to look up and convert the data that corresponds to the variable names in retrieving program, performs the relevant boolean operations, deciding whether criteria matched, and printing the results. Such system has been proven to be nighly satisfactory for its easy maintaining and fast retrieval.
An HLA-Transgenic Mouse Model of Type 1 Diabetes That Incorporates the Reduced but Not Abolished Thymic Insulin Expression Seen in Patients.

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease characterized by T cell-mediated destruction of the pancreatic islet beta cells. Multiple genetic loci contribute to disease susceptibility in humans, with the most responsible locus being the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). Certain MHC alleles are predisposing, including the common HLA-A∗02:01. After the MHC, the locus conferring the strongest susceptibility to T1D is the regulatory region of the insulin gene, and alleles associated with reduced thymic insulin expression are predisposing. Mice express two insulin genes, Ins1 and Ins2. While both are expressed in beta cells, only Ins2 is expressed in the thymus. We have developed an HLA-A∗02:01-transgenic NOD-based T1D model that is heterozygous for a functional Ins2 gene. These mice exhibit reduced thymic insulin expression and accelerated disease in both genders. Immune cell populations are not grossly altered, and the mice exhibit typical signs of islet autoimmunity, including CD8 T cell responses to beta cell peptides also targeted in HLA-A∗02:01-positive type 1 diabetes patients. This model should find utility as a tool to uncover the mechanisms underlying the association between reduced thymic insulin expression and T1D in humans and aid in preclinical studies to evaluate insulin-targeted immunotherapies for the disease.
Stimulated effects in N(2) and CH(4) gases.

Stimulated Brillouin scattering from N2 and CH4 using a giant-pulse laser has been observed in an arrangement whereby the laser cannot relase and amplify the back-scattered radiation. This allows a quantitative study of the parameters affecting stimulated Brillouin scattering. The back-scattered beam converges at the same angle at which the laser beam diverges. The Brillouin component can have a narrow spectral width, one-third that of the laser itself, and in some cases can have a duration of only a few nanoseconds. N2 at high pressure can back-scatter as much as 45% of the incident power. The speeds of sound in CH4 and N2 have been measured at lower pressures than were previously reported.
The Dynamics of Base State Coercion: Exploring the Relationship between Violent Groups and Their 'Hosts'

Violent non-state actors continue to present significant challenges within the international system. These groups create a base within a state’s sovereign territory, and with or without the support of this base state, proceed to mount conventional attacks, insurgencies, and terrorist campaigns against other states. These targeted states can potentially combat this threat by employing coercive tactics against the base state where these groups reside. This paper examines the dynamics of base state coercion and explores when and under what conditions states that base violent groups can be coerced to clean up their own backyard and contain the activity of these violent non-state actors. I argue that by exploring the relationship between the base state and the violent group, and assessing the magnitude of effort required by the base state to alter its relationship with the violent non-state group, it is possible to determine the likelihood of coercive success. The relationship between the base state and the violent group is shaped by two variables: the foreign and domestic interests of the respective actors. An analysis of these elements underscores the significant costs to be borne by the base state if it complies with the coercer’s demands. Ultimately, the magnitude of these costs greatly impacts the probability of success. Finally, this paper explores the larger policy implications for employing this distinctive coercive strategy.
Potential Boosters

Recent interpretations of the Adaboost algorithm view it as performing a gradient descent on a potential function. Simply changing the potential function allows one to create new algorithms related to AdaBoost. However, these new algorithms are generally not known to have the formal boosting property. This paper examines the question of which potential functions lead to new algorithms that are boosters. The two main results are general sets of conditions on the potential; one set implies that the resulting algorithm is a booster, while the other implies that the algorithm is not. These conditions are applied to previously studied potential functions, such as those used by LogitBoost and Doom II.
Potential Driven Chemical Expansion of La0.6Sr0.4Co1-xFexO3-δ Thin Films on Yttria Stabilized Zirconia

To better understand the response of oxygen vacancy concentration to applied potential, the lattice parameter of pulsed laser deposited La0.6Sr0.4Co1-xFexO3-δ thin films was monitored using in situ X-ray diffraction. We demonstrate that the chemical expansion under applied potential depends on the cathode morphology, which determines the contribution of different reaction pathways. We investigated applied potential dependent lattice expansion on La0.6Sr0.4Co1-xFexO3-δ with 3 different Co:Fe ratios in an attempt to connect bulk chemical expansion data to thin films. We find that the chemical expansion trends in thin films are different than expected from bulk data.
Model-Based Design and Evaluation of Electric Vehicle Powertrain With Independent Driving Motors

The transfer case based all-wheel drive electric vehicle (TCAWDEV) and dual-axle AWDEV have been investigated to balance concerns about energy consumption, drivability and stability of vehicles. An ideal AWDEV (IAWDEV) powertrain architecture is proposed by this research; the architecture has an independent driving motor at each wheel; in essence, the IAWDEV is a distributed powertrain that provides various combinations of torque vector control. This research also investigated the simplified methods to estimate the battery capacity and the operation envelope of motors, and employed model-based evaluation approaches to recursively identify the proper powertrain components. The model-based evaluation was conducted in LMS AMESim. The results show that the IAWDEV could reduce the complexity of drivetrain, and also can harvest more braking energy under poor road contact.Copyright © 2015 by ASME