bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Information theory measures for the engineering validation of ground‐motion simulations
Authors: Tsioulou Alexandra , Galasso Carmine
Published: January 2018

This short communication introduces a quantitative approach for the engineering validation of ground‐motion simulations based on information theory concepts and statistical hypothesis testing. Specifically, we use the Kullback‐Leibler divergence to measure the similarity of the probability distributions of recorded and simulated ground‐motion intensity measures (IMs). We demonstrate the application of the proposed validation approach to ground‐motion simulations computed by using a variety of methods, including Graves and Pitarka hybrid broadband, the deterministic composite source model, and a stochastic white noise finite‐fault model. Ground‐motion IMs, acting as proxies for the (nonlinear) seismic response of more complex engineered systems, are considered herein to validate the considered ground‐motion simulation methods. The list of considered IMs includes both spectral‐shape and duration‐related proxies, shown to be the optimal IMs in several probabilistic seismic demand models of different structural types, within the framework of performance‐based earthquake engineering. The proposed validation exercise (1) can highlight the similarities and differences between simulated and recorded ground motions for a given simulation method and/or (2) allow the ranking of the performance of alternative simulation methods. The similarities between records and simulations should provide confidence in using the simulation method for engineering applications, while the discrepancies should help in improving the tested method for the generation of synthetic records.
Psychological well‐being and risk of dementia
Authors: Sutin Angelina R. , Stephan Yannick , Terracciano Antonio
Published: January 2018

Objective

Well‐being is a psychological resource that buffers against age‐related disease. We test whether this protective effect extends to dementia and whether it is independent of distress.

Methods

Participants (N = 10,099) were from the Health and Retirement Study. Five aspects of positive psychological functioning (life satisfaction, optimism, mastery, purpose in life, and positive affect) were tested as predictors of incident dementia over 6 to 8 years.

Results

Purpose in life was associated with a 30% decreased risk of dementia, independent of psychological distress, other clinical and behavioral risk factors, income/wealth, and genetic risk. After controlling for distress and other risk factors, the other aspects of well‐being were not associated with dementia risk.

Conclusions

After considering psychological distress, we found that measures of well‐being were generally not protective against risk of dementia. An exception is purpose in life, which suggests that a meaningful and goal‐driven life reduces risk of dementia.
Home away from home: Health and wellbeing benefits of men's sheds
Authors: Taylor Jane , Cole Rachel , Kynn Mary , Lowe John
Published: January 2018

Issue addressed

Improving the health of men is a national policy priority. The Men's Shed program is one health promoting initiative that seeks to improve the health and wellbeing of men. This study assessed Men's Shed members’ perceptions of the health and wellbeing benefits of Men's Shed activity in a large regional Queensland Men's Shed.

Methods

Data were collected via a self‐administered questionnaire from 147 and three group interviews with 17 shedders. Wilcoxon signed‐rank test was used to determine differences in shedders perceived health and wellbeing measures retrospectively just before joining the Men's Shed and currently. Thematic analysis was used to analyse qualitative data.

Results

There was no change in overall self‐assessed health of shedders before and after joining the Men's Shed. Shedders expanded their social networks, and experienced less felt need for social interaction. Shedders’ level of satisfaction with feeling part of the community and life as a whole increased. Health and wellbeing benefits of Men's Shed included fellowship, sense of belonging, access to equipment, and learning new and sharing their own skills.

Conclusions

The Men's Shed appeared to provide social health and wellbeing benefits to its members, and an environment for quality social interaction. The Men's Shed is seen as a place for and about members – men.

So what?

Men's Shed may have a unique role in supporting the social health and wellbeing of men beyond that already available from other community groups by providing an environment for the fellowship of men and activities of interest in an unstructured way.
Exercise at an onsite facility with or without direct exercise supervision improves health‐related physical fitness and exercise participation: An 8‐week randomised controlled trial with 15‐month follow‐up
Authors: Hunter Jayden R. , Gordon Brett A. , Lythgo Noel , Bird Stephen R. , Benson Amanda C.
Published: January 2018

Issue addressed

Physical activity and exercise participation is limited by a perceived lack of time, poor access to facilities and low motivation. The aim was to assess whether providing an exercise program to be completed at the workplace with or without direct supervision was effective for promoting health‐related physical fitness and exercise participation.

Methods

Fifty university employees aged (Mean ± SD) 42.5 ± 11.1 years were prescribed a moderate‐ to vigorous‐intensity aerobic and resistance exercise program to be completed at an onsite facility for 8 weeks. Participants were randomly allocated to receive direct exercise supervision or not. Cardiorespiratory fitness (V̇O2max) and maximal muscular strength were assessed at baseline and 8 weeks. Self‐report physical activity was assessed at baseline, 8 weeks and 15 months post‐intervention.

Results

Attendance or exercise session volume were not different between groups. Cardiorespiratory fitness (Mean ± 95% CI); +1.9 ± 0.7 mL·kg·min−1;P < .001), relative knee flexion (+7.4 ± 3.5 Nm·kg−1%;P < .001) and extension (+7.4 ± 4.6 Nm·kg−1%;P < .01) strength increased, irrespective of intervention group. Self‐reported vigorous‐intensity physical activity increased over the intervention (mean ± 95% CI; +450 ± 222 MET·minutes per week;P < .001), but did not remain elevated at 15 months (+192 ± 276 MET·minutes per week).

Conclusion

Providing a workplace exercise facility to complete an individually‐prescribed 8‐week exercise program is sufficient to improve health‐related physical fitness in the short‐term independent to the level of supervision provided, but does not influence long‐term participation.

So what?

Lower cost onsite exercise facility supervision is as effective at improving physical health and fitness as directly supervised exercise, however ongoing support may be required for sustained physical activity behaviour change.
Identifying the source of atmospheric moisture over arid deserts using stable isotopes (2H and 18O) in precipitation
Authors: Rao Wenbo , Zhang Wenbing , Yong Bin , Tan Hongbing , Meredith Karina T. , Jin Ke , Zheng Fangwen , Wang Shuai
Published: January 2018

Precipitation is a major component of the hydrologic cycle in arid desert areas. To date, however, few studies have been conducted on investigating the isotope characteristics and moisture sources of precipitation in arid desert environments. The Alxa Desert Plateau is a critical arid desert area in North China. This study is the first to analyse the stable isotopic composition of precipitation to identify the sources of atmospheric moisture over this plateau. Our results show that the δD and δ18O values of precipitation across the plateau change greatly at both daily and monthly timescales, and exhibit seasonal variations. Among the main meteorological parameters, atmospheric temperature is the most predominant factor controlling the isotopic composition and the δD–δ18O relationship of local precipitation. Analyses of the precipitation isotopes with the Hybrid Single Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) model reveal that (a) the westerly and polar moisture sources are the dominant controls on summer and winter precipitation and (b) the evaporation of local lake water significantly affects winter precipitation even though it only represents a small amount. Based on the isotope data of 2013–2016 precipitation, a local meteoric water line (LMWL) is derived: δD = (8.20 ± 0.22)·δ18O + (8.15 ± 2.16)‰ for the study site. Compared to the global meteoric water line, the LMWL has a greater slope and lower d‐excess. This can be explained by admixing of atmospheric moisture resulting from the evaporation of local lake water. Based on this LMWL, we are able to trace that groundwater of the Badain Jaran Desert originates from the surrounding mountains with altitudes of <4,000 m. The newly derived LMWL shows that the recharge altitudes of desert groundwater are overestimated on the basis of the previous LMWLs. This study not only provides insights into the hydrological cycle but also offers guidance for water resource management in arid desert areas of China. Additionally, this study provides techniques that can be applied to the analyses of precipitation isotopes in similar arid regions of the world.
Design and implementation of crossbar scheduler for system‐on‐chip network in quantum dot cellular automata technology
Authors: Thakur Gunjan , Sarvagya Mrinal , Sharan Preeta
Published: January 2018

System‐on‐chip (SoC) provides a comprehensive solution to the design challenges involved in the domain of telecommunication network, multimedia, and consumer electronics. One of the crucial components of any SoC network is the crossbar‐based switching circuit which synchronizes the network traffic and provides a congestion‐free path for communication. With the increase in number of on‐chip components the power consumed by crossbar schedulers takes a significant amount of the entire power budget. This indicates the need for techniques to reduce the area and energy consumption of on‐chip schedulers. In this article, we have proposed the design of on‐chip schedulers for implementation in quantum dot cellular automata (QCA) technology. QCA is the latest nano computation technology and emerging as an alternative to replace the conventional CMOS devices. The salient features of QCA are highly dense structure, extremely low power consumption, and very high processing speed. The proposed on‐chip scheduler circuit has been simulated using QCA designer tool. To perform a fair comparison, we also synthesized the proposed design in CMOS technology. The results obtained from comparison indicate that the QCA circuits occupy less area and power consumption than the traditional CMOS technology.
A call for action: Improve reporting of research studies to increase the scientific basis for regulatory decision‐making
Authors: Ågerstrand Marlene , Christiansen Sofie , Hanberg Annika , Rudén Christina , Andersson Lars , Andersen Sjur , Appelgren Henrik , Bjørge Christine , Clausen Ian Henning , Eide Dag Markus , Hartmann Nanna B. , Husøy Trine , Halldórsson Halldór Pálmar , van der Hagen Marianne , Ingre‐Khans Ellen , Lillicrap Adam David , Beltoft Vibe Meister , Mörk Anna‐Karin , Murtomaa‐Hautala Mari , Nielsen Elsa , Ólafsdóttir Kristín , Palomäki Jaana , Papponen Hinni , Reiler Emilie Marie , Stockmann‐Juvala Helene , Suutari Tiina , Tyle Henrik , Beronius Anna
Published: January 2018

This is a call for action to scientific journals to introduce reporting requirements for toxicity and ecotoxicity studies. Such reporting requirements will support the use of peer‐reviewed research studies in regulatory decision‐making. Moreover, this could improve the reliability and reproducibility of published studies in general and make better use of the resources spent in research.
Genipin‐cross‐linked type II collagen scaffold promotes the differentiation of adipose‐derived stem cells into nucleus pulposus‐like cells
Authors: Zhou Xiaopeng , Tao Yiqing , Chen Erman , Wang Jingkai , Fang Weijing , Zhao Tengfei , Liang Chengzhen , Li Fangcai , Chen Qixin
Published: January 2018

Adipose‐derived stem cells (ADSCs)‐based tissue engineering was a promising method to treat intervertebral disc degeneration. Type II collagen is a native component in the nucleus pulposus (NP), and has the ability to promote ADSCs to differentiate into NP‐like cells. In this article, we aimed to establish a genipin‐cross‐linked three‐dimensional (3D) type II collagen scaffold, and determine the biological effects of the scaffold on ADSCs differentiating into a NP‐like phenotype. Different concentrations of genipin were used to cross‐link the 3D type II collagen scaffold. Microstructure, surface topography, mechanical strength, porosity, swelling property, and biological stability of the scaffolds were detected to evaluate the scaffold properties. Cell proliferation, gene and protein expression were measured to access the biological effects of the scaffolds on ADSCs, and the related molecular mechanism was investigated. Cross‐linking by genipin increased the stability of the type II collagen scaffolds, but deformed the configuration of scaffolds and changed the intrinsic properties of type II collagen. scaffold cross‐linked with 0.1% genipin improved the biostability on the basis of maintaining the configuration of scaffold. In addition, the 0.1% genipin‐cross‐linked scaffold promoted ADSCs proliferation and differentiation into NP‐like cells, along with the increasing gene and protein expressions of Sonic Hedgehog (Shh). All these results suggested that 0.1% genipin was the optimal concentration to establish a bio‐stable 3D type II collagen scaffold, which inducing ADSC proliferation and differentiation toward a NP‐like phenotype through the activation of Shh signaling pathway. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 1258–1268, 2018.
Cdc42 Is Essential for Both Articular Cartilage Degeneration and Subchondral Bone Deterioration in Experimental Osteoarthritis
Authors: Hu Xinhua , Ji Xing , Yang Mengting , Fan Shihao , Wang Jirong , Lu Meiping , Shi Wei , Mei Liu , Xu Chengyun , Fan Xueying , Hussain Musaddique , Du Jingyu , Wu Junsong , Wu Ximei
Published: January 2018

Cdc42, a member of Rho family small guanosine triphosphatases (GTPases), is critical for cartilage development. We investigated the roles of Cdc42 in osteoarthritis and explored the potential mechanism underlying Cdc42-mediated articular cartilage degeneration and subchondral bone deterioration. Cdc42 is highly expressed in both articular cartilage and subchondral bone in a mouse osteoarthritis model with surgical destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) in the knee joints. Specifically, genetic disruption of Cdc42, knockdown of Cdc42 expression, or inhibition of Cdc42 activity robustly attenuates the DMM-induced destruction, hypertrophy, high expression of matrix metallopeptidase-13 and collagen X, and activation of Stat3 in articular cartilages. Notably, genetic disruption of Cdc42, knockdown of Cdc42 expression or inhibition of Cdc42 activity significantly restored the increased numbers of mesenchymal stem cells, osteoprogenitors, osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and neovascularized vessels, the increased bone mass, and the activated Erk1/2, Smad1/5 and Smad2 in subchondral bone of DMM-operated mice. Mechanistically, Cdc42 mediates interleukin-1β–induced interleukin-6 production and subsequent Jak/Stat3 activation to regulate chondrocytic inflammation, and also lies upstream of Erk/Smads to regulate subchondral bone remodeling during transform growth factor-β1 signaling. Cdc42 is apparently required for both articular cartilage degeneration and subchondral bone deterioration of osteoarthritis, thus, interventions targeting Cdc42 have potential in osteoarthritic therapy. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Retracted: Effects of S100A12 gene silencing on serum levels of anti‐inflammatory/pro‐inflammatory cytokines in septic rats through the ERK signaling pathway
Authors: Wen Xin , Han Xin‐Rui , Wang Yong‐Jian , Fan Shao‐Hua , Zhang Zi‐Feng , Wu Dong‐Mei , Lu Jun , Zheng Yuan‐Lin
Published: January 2018

We explored the effect of S100A12 gene on serum levels of anti‐inflammatory/pro‐inflammatory cytokines in septic rats by activating the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway. A total of 180 specific pathogen‐free (SPF) rats were purchased to establish cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) model. Rats were assigned into the sham, model, empty vector, S100A12 siRNA, epidermal growth factor (EGF), and S100A12 siRNA + EGF groups. The expressions of S100A12, ERK‐1, ERK‐2, cPLA2, and NF‐κB in liver tissues of rats among six groups were detected by RT‐qPCR and western blotting. ELISA was used to determine serum levels of IL‐1β, IL‐10, TNF‐α, procalcitonin (PCT), and C‐reactive protein (CRP). Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to measure correlations. Cell apoptosis of rats among six groups was detected by Tunel staining. The expressions of S100A12, ERK‐1, ERK‐2, cPLA2, and NF‐κB decreased in the S100A12 siRNA group while increased in the EGF group compared with the model group. S100A12 mRNA expression was positively correlated with mRNA expressions of related genes in the ERK signaling pathway (ERK‐1, ERK‐2, cPLA2, and NF‐κB) in the model and empty vector groups. Expressions of IL‐1β, IL‐6, TNF‐α, PCT, and CRP in the EGF group were higher than those in the model group, but were lower than those in the S100A12 siRNA group. Compared with the model group, cell apoptosis decreased in the S100A12 siRNA group but that increased in the EGF group. We demonstrates that S100A12 gene silencing decreases serum levels of anti‐inflammatory/pro‐inflammatory cytokines in septic rats by inhibiting the ERK signaling pathway.
A program for automatically predicting supramolecular aggregates and its application to urea and porphin
Authors: Sachse Torsten , Martínez Todd J. , Dietzek Benjamin , Presselt Martin
Published: January 2018

Not only the molecular structure but also the presence or absence of aggregates determines many properties of organic materials. Theoretical investigation of such aggregates requires the prediction of a suitable set of diverse structures. Here, we present the open‐source program EnergyScan for the unbiased prediction of geometrically diverse sets of small aggregates. Its bottom‐up approach is complementary to existing ones by performing a detailed scan of an aggregate's potential energy surface, from which diverse local energy minima are selected. We crossvalidate this approach by predicting both literature‐known and heretofore unreported geometries of the urea dimer. We also predict a diverse set of dimers of the less intensely studied case of porphin, which we investigate further using quantum chemistry. For several dimers, we find strong deviations from a reference absorption spectrum, which we explain using computed transition densities. This proof of principle clearly shows that EnergyScan successfully predicts aggregates exhibiting large structural and spectral diversity. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An efficient heterogeneous LiBr/γ‐Al2O3 catalyst for the cycloaddition of CO2 with diglycidyl ethers
Authors: Liang Hongguang , Wang Junwei , Wang Feng , Feng Yuelan , Kang Maoqing , Wang Zhijie
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND

The cycloaddition reaction of CO2 with diglycidyl ethers was an an effective way both to reduce CO2 and to obtain bis (cyclic carbonate)s, which were applied in the synthesis of green non‐isocyanate polyurethanes (NIPUs). In this reaction, it was highly important and desirable to develop an efficient heterogeneous catalyst. Sustainable supported LiBr catalysts were prepared by a simple impregnation method, and the structures and catalytic activities of catalysts were studied.

RESULTS

The work has discovered that with increase of the loading amount of LiBr/γ‐Al2O3 catalyst, the catalytic activity first increased and then decreased, and when the calcination temperature was increased, the catalytic activity increased first, then decreased and finally increased. The effects of loading amount and calcination temperature on the catalyst structure, interactions of components and surface properties were systematically studied by XRD, FT‐IR, BET, XPS, CO2‐TPD, NH3‐TPD techniques. Among the investigated LiBr/γ‐Al2O3 catalysts, the catalyst with 20 wt% LiBr and calcined at 450 °C for 4 h exhibited the highest catalytic activity.

CONCLUSION

It was found that the bifunctional catalysis system formed was highly important for the cycloaddition reaction. The heterogeneous LiBr/γ‐Al2O3 was advantageous in practical application for its good activity, sustainability and simplicity. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Interactive effects of algal level and predator density (Asplanchna sieboldi) on the life‐history strategy and morphology of Brachionus calyciflorus
Authors: Pan Ling , Xi Yi‐Long , Gu Jing , Jiang Shan , Zhu Han , Zhang Bing‐Xing
Published: January 2018

Predation plays an important role in mediating the coexistence and the community structure of rotifera. In response to predation stresses, prey rotifers develop morphological defenses and change their life‐history strategy for the reallocation of energy investment. Yet, how these changes respond to different total energy ingestion remains largely unknown. In the present study, we investigated the life‐table demographic, population growth and morphological parameters of Brachionus calyciflorus in response to various densities of Asplanchna sieboldi at two food levels (1.0  ×  106 and 2.0  ×  106 cells per ml of Scenedesmus obliquus). To resist predators, B. calyciflorus developed long postero‐lateral spines. The life‐table demographic results showed that predation only significantly shortened the generation time of B. calyciflorus at the algal level of 2.0  ×  106 cells per ml, but not affect other demographic parameters. The population growth tests revealed that predator density, algal level and their interactions all significantly influenced the population growth rate of prey rotifers. At 1.0  ×  106 cells per ml of S. obliquus, treatments with two, four, and eight A. sieboldi individuals per 50 ml significantly reduced the population growth rate of B. calyciflorus. In contrast, the population growth rate was not affected in response to two A. sieboldi individuals per 50 ml at 2.0  ×  106 cells per ml of S. obliquus. These results suggested that algal level probably affected the inhibitory effects of predation on the population growth of prey rotifers, and the underlying mechanisms should be further investigated.
Fate of egg proteins during the development ofColumba livia domesticaembryo
Authors: Shbailat Seba Jamal , Aslan Ibtisam Omar
Published: January 2018

The transfer of egg white into the yolk and consumption of yolk proteins by the embryo are largely unexplored in the pigeonColumba livia domestica. Here, we investigated the route of egg white transfer as well as the degradation and uptake of yolk proteins by the pigeon embryo. Initially, we tested the electrophoretic patterns of proteins in different egg compartments throughout development. Then, we used lysozyme as a reference protein to follow the egg white transfer, and we measured its activity usingMicrococcus lysodeikticusas a substrate. Moreover, we determined the general protease activity during different developmental stages in the yolk using casein. Finally, we examined the expression of aminopeptidase‐N (APN) and oligopeptide transporterPepT1genes in the yolk sac membrane (YSM) from incubation day 8 until day 17. Several electrophoretic bands of presumptive egg white proteins appeared in different egg compartments. Also, lysozyme activity was detected chronologically in the egg compartments. It appeared on day 12 in the amniotic and intestinal fluids and on day 14 in the yolk. Moreover, protease activity in the yolk increased significantly on day 14 and thereafter.APNexpression was largest on day 8 and reduced generally afterward, whereasPepT1expression peaked between days 13 and 15 but then reduced substantially. Our results suggest that the egg white proteins move through the amnion and intestine into the yolk where they undergo degradation by the activated proteases. Furthermore, the YSM appears to have a role in protein consumption, and this role decreases toward hatch.
One‐Pot Synthesis of New Thiadiazolyl‐Pyridines as Anticancer and Antioxidant Agents
Authors: Gomha Sobhi M. , Muhammad Zeinab A. , Abdel‐aziz Mohamad R. , Abdel‐aziz Hassan M. , Gaber Hatem M. , Elaasser Mahmoud M.
Published: January 2018

The reaction of one equivalents of 5‐acetylthiadiazole with one equivalent of aldehyde in acetic acid and ammonium acetate yielded thiadiazolyl‐pyridine derivatives in a multicomponent reactions. The structures of all the new compounds were elucidated on the basis of elemental analysis and spectral data. The anticancer activities of the synthesized compounds were screened for their activity against human lung carcinoma (A549) and human hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines (HepG2) comparable with cisplatin, and the results showed that most of such compounds exhibit considerable activities. The order of activity against A549 cell line was 4c, 4e, 4a, 6d, 8d, 11, 12, 4b, 4f, and 4d. However, compound 4e exhibited the highest activity against HepG2, followed by 4a, 4c, 6d, 8d, 11, 12, 4f, 4d, and 4b. On the other hand, compounds 11, 12, and 4b showed the highest 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging activities. Conclusively, the results of the current study approved the cytotoxic and antioxidant capabilities of the synthesized compounds.
Physiological and Pharmacological Regulation of Prostaglandin and Leukotriene Production by Macrophages
Authors: Bonney Robert J , Humes John L
Published: January 2018

The synthesis and secretion of prostaglandins and leukotrienes by mouse peritioneal macrophages is under several regulatory controls. Arachidonic acid must first be released from phospholipid stores by the action of phospholipases. Macrophages have the capacity to deacylate arachidonic acid directly from the SN2 position of phospholipids via the action of a phospholipase A2. In addition, these cells contain a phospholipase C capable of removing inositolphosphate from phosphatidylinositol generating diacylglycerol. Another enzyme, diacylglycerol lipase is present to then generate arachidonic acid. The free arachidonic acid then enters the cyclooxygenase pathway to generate prostaglandins, the lipoxygenase pathway to generate leukotrienes or both pathways. The nature of the inflammatory stimulus added to these cells determines which of the above pathways become operative. Zymosan and the Ca+ + ionophore, A23187 stimulate the synthesis of both prostaglandins and leukotrienes whereas phorbol myristate acetate and lipopolysaccharide induce only the synthesis of prostaglandins. In addition, the synthesis of these two products by macrophages can be regulated by certain antiinflammatory compounds. Indomethacin, aspirin, ibuprofen and benoxaprofen are only inhibitors of the prostaglandin pathway, whereas BW755C, 5,8,11 ETYA, NDGA and sulindac sulfide (high doses) are inhibitors of the synthesis of both prostaglandins and leukotrienes. Dapsone, an effective drug for leprosy, also inhibits the synthesis of both of these products.
Macrophage-Derived Growth Factor for Fibroblasts and Interleukin-1 Are Distinct Entities
Authors: Estes John E , Pledger W J , Gillespie G Yancey
Published: January 2018

P388D1, a mouse macrophagelike cell line, was adapted to grow continuously in an unsupplemented, serum-free culture medium and continued to elaborate substances that were mitogenic for quiescent mouse fibroblasts (BALB/c 3T3 cells) and for thymocytes suboptimally stimulated with lectins. We have previously described [37] the fibroblast mitogenic activity as a macrophage-derived competence factor (MDCF). Serum-free, macrophage-conditioned culture medium was concentrated 1,000-fold by a combination of ultrafiltration (hollow fiber) and lyophilization. Concentrates of medium were subjected to gel filtration (Sephadex G-75 or G-150), and the fractions were assayed for mitogenic activity (MDCF) on density-arrested BALB/c 3T3 cells and for Interleukin-1 (IL-1) activity in suboptimally stimulated (Con A) mouse thymocytes. The apparent molecular weight (MW) of MDCF activity was estimated at 56,000 daltons, whereas the peak of IL-1 chromatographed at an apparent MW of 14–16K daltons. There was no detectable IL-1 activity in the MDCF fractions and no detectable MDCF in the IL-1 fractions. These data indicate that P388D1 cells produce both MDCF and IL-1 activities under continuous serum-free conditions and that the two activities are not identical. Stimulation of responsive mononuclear phagocytes with lipopolysaccharide and/or lymphokine-rich supernates resulted in a differential modulation of MDCF and IL-1 activities. Finally, antibody-purified IL-1 had no significant ability to stimulate DNA synthesis in quiescent fibroblasts at concentrations that were mitogenic for thymocytes. However, IL-1 did augment the mitogenic activity of suboptimal amounts of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), another competence factor. Further studies revealed that neither the generation nor the activity of MDCF was modulated by the presence of various inhibitors of proteolytic enzymes.
Qualitative and Quantitative Differences Between Resident Peritoneal Mononuclear Phagocytes of Beige and Control Mice
Authors: Strausbauch Paul , Sehgal Nanda , Volkman Alvin
Published: January 2018

A qualitative and quantitative comparison of resident peritoneal macrophages (RPM) from beige (C57BL6Jbg/bg), (bg), and control black (C57BL/6J), (BL), mice has been made. Giant anomalous lysosomes as described for other leukocytes are inconsistently demonstrable. The principal morphological expression of the bg phenotype in RPM is the presence of elongated dumbbell-shaped, horseshoe-shaped, and ring-formed cytoplasmic lysosomes demonstrable by electron microscopy. Detailed analysis indicates that these are probably variations of the same basic structure, a deformed biconcave disc with differences in form resulting from their being cut in various planes of section. Additional structural complexity results from fusion between adjacent lysosomes. Thus the distinctive lysosomes of bg mouse RPM are not totally analogous to those structures described in other cell types.

A morphometric analysis of control RPM compared to those from bg animals shows a significant decrease in the lysosomal volume proportion from 5.8% to 5.0% (P < 0.02) with a corresponding increase in the mitochondrial volume proportion in cells from bg animals (P < 0.05). There are no differences between bg and controls in regard to cellular profile areas, nuclear profile areas, nuclear volume proportions, and the volume to surface ratios of either the average cell or nucleus. This study represents the first compilation by morphometric methods of total granule content in the bg animal and demonstrates the ability of these techniques to detect significant quantitative changes in cells as structurally complex as mononuclear phagocytes.
Killing of Listeria monocytogenes by Inflammatory Neutrophils and Mononuclear Phagocytes From Immune and Nonimmune Mice
Authors: Czuprynski Charles J , Henson Peter M , Campbell Priscilla A
Published: January 2018

Acquired resistance to the facultative intracellular bacterium Listeria monocytogenes is thought to require immunologically activated macrophages. Using peritoneal exudate cells from nonimmunized mice in a suspension bactericidal assay, however, we found that peritoneal neutrophils obtained early during the inflammatory process (4 hr after elicitation) and macrophages obtained later during inflammation (maximal listericidal activity at 48 hr after elicitation) were able to kill Listeria in vitro. The kinetics of expression of bactericidal activity by inflammatory neutrophils and macrophages against both L monocytogenes and E coli were similar. Although intraperitoneal immunization or intravenous hyperimmunization markedly enhanced resistance of mice to Listeria in vivo, immunization did not increase the ability of inflammatory peritoneal phagocytes to kill Listeria in vitro. However, in response to intraperitoneal injection of proteose-peptone or dead Listeria, immunized mice mobilized more neutrophils and monocytes into the inflamed peritoneum. These data suggest that, rather than systemic activation of mononuclear phagocyte bactericidal activity, increased mobilization of neutrophils and mononuclear phagocytes into sites of infection may be of prime importance in resistance to listeriosis.
Macrophage-Mediated Tumor Lysis Induced by Loach Egg Lectin
Authors: Yamazaki Masatoshi , Okutomi Takafumi , Sakakibara Fusao , Kawauchi Hiroaki , Mizuno Den'ichi
Published: January 2018

Vertebrate lectin purified from loach egg was tested for induction of tumor lysis mediated by macrophages. Loach egg lectin lysed tumor cells but not normal spleen cells in cooperation with BCG- or glucan (TAK)-elicited peritoneal macrophages of mice. Corynebacterium parvum-, OK432-, glycogen-, lipopolysaccharide-elicited or resident macrophages were not effective. Neither loach egg lectin nor BCG nor glucan macrophages alone had a cytolytic action on tumor cells. Thus, the vertebrate lectin from loach egg is a mediator in macrophage-mediated tumor lysis, inducing binding of macrophages to target cells. This lectin-dependent macrophage-mediated cytolysis (LDMC) was inhibited by galactose, N-acetylgalactosamine, fucose, or rhamnose. These results suggest that tumor cells can be recognized via glycoconjugates on cell membrane in addition to tumor-associated antigen and that some animal lectins participate in macrophage-mediated tumor lysis.
Macrophage Activation by Adjuvants in Aging Mice
Authors: Petrequin Pamela R , Johnson Arthur G
Published: January 2018

Peritoneal macrophages from young (3–8 mo) and aging (12–29 mo) mice of the C58, BALB/c, C3H/He, C57BI/6J, and B6D2F1 strains were compared for their capacity to become activated by various adjuvants in four assays. In chemiluminescence, activation by phorbol myristic acetate or zymosan of macrophages from aging mice of the C58, BALB/c, and C3H/He strains was increased approximately twofold greater than that of cells from young mice. A reversal of this was seen in the same three strains when measuring activation of phagocytosis by lipopolysaccharide, polyadenylate:polyuridylate (polyA:poly U), or muramyl dipeptide in that increased activity was induced readily in macrophages from young but not aging mice. Similarly, tumoricidal activity of macrophages from young but not aging mice was stimulated 6.0- and 4.4-fold by lipopolysaccharide and poly A:poly U, respectively, in the C58 strain (the only strain studied). Activation by lipopolysaccharide and poly A:poly U of the hexose monophosphate shunt in macrophages from the C58 and C3H/He strains also was significant in young but not aging mice, whereas it occurred in both age groups of the BALB/c and C57B1/6J mice. A reversal of response patterns was observed between aging female virgin and breeder C58 mice in the chemiluminescence and hexose monophosphate shunt assays in that the breeding mice mimicked the young virgin mice.
Monoclonal Antibody to Human Granulocytes: Cellular Specificity and Functional Studies
Authors: Martin Linda S , Gordon David S , Wilson Mark E , Browning Sandra W , Fritz Robert B
Published: January 2018

Antigenic specificity and functional studies of G2, a monoclonal antibody to human granulocytes, prepared by fusing spleen cells from immunized Balb/c mice to the nonimmunoglobulin (Ig) secretor line SP2/0, are described. The antibody was reactive with the HL60 and K562 cell lines and with human peripheral blood granulocytes; and unreactive toward human lymphocytes, erythrocytes, a variety of T and B cell lines, as well as toward leukemic cells obtained from patients with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and acute myelocytic leukemia (AML). The G2 monoclonal antibody identified cell surface antigens on cells from cases of acute myelomonocytic leukemia (AMMoL) and on cells from 2 of 12 cases of acute undifferentiated leukemia (AUL). G2 was capable of inhibiting oxygen consumption by human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) stimulated with aggregated human immunoglobulin (IgG), opsonized zymosan, f-met-leu-phe (FMLP), and the calcium ionophore A23187. Inhibition of the PMNL response to phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) and digitonin was dependent upon the dose of the stimulant. G2 should facilitate elucidation of the mechanisms of granulocyte membrane perturbation and subsequent activation of various functions via a selective interaction with key cell surface antigens.
High Incidence of Langerhans Cells in Lymph Nodes of Athymic Nude Mice: An Ultrastructural and Morphometric Study
Authors: Maruyama T , Hasegawa T , Kobayashi F , Tanaka S , Uda H
Published: January 2018

Cervical and axillary lymph nodes of athymic nude mice were compared morphometrically and ultrastructurally with those of normal littermates. The lymph nodes of the nude mice were larger and the volumes of the follicle, paracortex, and medulla of the lymph nodes were all larger. The paracortex of nude mice had few lymphocytes and a large number of interdigitating cells (IDC) and Langerhans cells (Lc). The results suggest that the high incidence of Lc and IDC in the lymph nodes of nude mice is due to cell accumulation and not lymphocyte depletion.
Stimulation of Diploid Fibroblast Growth With Serum-Free Medium Conditioned by Mezerein-Treated Monocytic Leukemia Cells
Authors: Gaffney Edwin V , Tsai Shiow-Chuan , Lingenfelter Susan E , Dell'Aquila Marie L , Gonda Janice E
Published: January 2018

Medium conditioned by mezerein-treated human acute monocytic leukemia cells (THP-1) stimulated human fibroblast replication. Maximum mitogenic activity was elaborated by THP-1 cells with a 24-hr incubation in 10–7 M mezerein (activator phase) followed by a 36-hr incubation in insulin-supplemented serum-free Roswell Park Memorial Institute (RPMI)-1640 medium (effector phase). Growth stimulation was not due to the presence of residual mezerein. We previously reported that leukemia cells also produced a growth inhibitor. Fibroblast stimulation was resolved by isoelectrofocusing into several active fractions separate from the growth inhibitory activity for malignant mammary cells. Conditioned medium was mitogenic for fibroblasts in the presence of high concentrations of fetal bovine and human whole blood sera. Growth stimulation was observed in plasma-derived serum only when supplemented with exogenous platelet-derived growth factor. Thus, this THP-1 cell product does not fulfill the role of a competence factor.
Scanning and Transmission Electron Microscopy As Tools for the Study of Phagocytosis of Bacteria Adherent to Hard Surfaces
Authors: Leake Eva S , Gristina Anthony G , Wright Mary J
Published: January 2018

A technique for studying the phagocytosis of bacteria colonizing hard surfaces is described. Rabbit peritoneal macrophages were allowed to settle on the surface of high-molecular-weight polyethylene which had been previously colonized by Escherichia coli. To ascertain the presence of bacteria on the surface of the polyethylene and the degree of spreading of the attached macrophages, the preparations were observed by scanning electron microscopy. The ingestion of E. coli by the macrophages was studied by transmission electron microscopy on ultrathin sections of resin-embedded monolayers after their separation from the polyethylene surface. Numerous intracellular bacteria were located near the area of attachment of the macrophages to the substrata, suggesting that the phagocytosis of bacteria adherent to the surface of the plastic had taken place.
Suppression of the In Vitro Specific Antibody Response by 12-O-Tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) in the Mouse
Authors: Shopp George M , Munson Albert E
Published: January 2018

The tumor promoter, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), has several effects on the immune system. The effect of TPA on the in vitro antibody response to sheep red blood cells (sRBC) was studied. Spleen cells treated in vitro with TPA resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition of the IgM antibody forming cell (AFC) response with an IC50 of 0.74 nM. Nontumor promoting analogs at concentrations up to 1000 nM had no effect on this system. 2-Mercaptoethanol (2ME), which is known to augment macrophage function in this assay, did not reverse the inhibition. Spleen cells were separated into plastic adherent cells (ADC) and nonadherent cells (NAC). When NAC were treated with TPA and cultured with untreated ADC, the inhibition was seen. However, treating the ADC alone did not result in an inhibition. These results show that TPA will suppress the in vitro antibody response in the mouse and that the suppression is due to a selective effect on the plastic nonadherent cell population. The study of these effects of TPA may allow us to gain insight into the mechanism of its tumor promoting activity and to use it as a tool to study the modulation of the immune system.
Reticuloendothelial System Response to Hyperlipidemia in Rhesus and Cynomolgus Monkeys
Authors: Davis Harry R , Vesselinovitch Dragoslava , Wissler Robert W
Published: January 2018

A detailed study of the effect of various periods of hyperlipidemia on the reticuloendothelial system (RES) lipid accumulation in rhesus and cynomolgus monkeys was conducted. The cynomolgus serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels were on the average more elevated than the rhesus levels throughout a 12-month period when both species were fed a diet containing 12.5% coconut oil, 12.5% butter fat, and 2% cholesterol. After cynomolgus monkeys were fed this diet, their reticuloendothelial system became more lipid laden than that of the rhesus monkeys, in both the liver and the spleen. This was also true for the circulating monocytes. Furthermore, the parenchymal cells of the cynomolgus livers also become more fat filled, and chemical analyses demonstrated more cholesterol (total, free, and esterified) and triglycerides in the liver and the spleen. Xanthomata development in the cynomolgus, although similar in type and distribution, was more extensive than that in the rhesus monkey after similar periods of experimental diet feeding. Therefore, the RES of two species of macaque monkeys are affected differently when challenged with the same high fat, high cholesterol diet, with the cynomolgus RES being much more involved with lipid and cholesterol storage than the rhesus RES.
Production of Growth Factor Activity for Fibroblasts by Human Monocyte-Derived Macrophages
Authors: Leslie Christina C , Musson Robert A , Henson Peter M
Published: January 2018

Macrophages, derived from human monocytes by in vitro culture, released a growth factor for rabbit lung fibroblasts. The release of growth factor was increased following stimulation with both soluble (lipopolysaccharide and phor-bol myristate acetate) and particulate (opsonized zymosan) substances. Production of the growth factor activity was dependent on the length of time the monocytes were in culture, the presence of serum during the period of monocyte maturation, and macrophage protein synthesis. The inability of serum-deprived monocytes to produce growth factor could be reversed by adding back serum. Eicosatetraynoic acid and dexamethasone but not indomethacin inhibited the production of growth factor suggesting that arachidonic acid metabolites other than prostaglandins may regulate growth factor production.
Fluorescent Markers for Studying Phagosome-Lysosome Fusion
Authors: Goren Mayer B , Swendsen C L , Fiscus Judith , Miranti Cynthia
Published: January 2018

Lysosomotropic fluorescent aminoacridines such as acridine orange and quin- acrine have achieved prominence as markers for studying lysosome-phago- some fusion, especially in macrophages. Experiments described demonstrate that because the aminoacridines traverse biological membranes with facility, they diffuse throughout the system, and ultimately accumulate intra- or extra- cellularly where they are most efficiently bound. Their presence or absence in phagosomes is therefore not unequivocally indicative of fusion or nonfusion. Alternative fluorescent lysosomal markers are described, and systems defined for which the aminoacridines may probably be used with confidence.
Fibronectin-Enhanced Attachment of Gelatin-Coated Erythrocytes to Isolated Hepatic Kupffer Cells
Authors: Cardarelli Pina M , Blumenstock Frank A , Saba Thomas M , Rourke F James
Published: January 2018

The phagocytic process is a combination of a sequence of events which includes a recognition attachment phase and a subsequent internalization phase. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of plasma fibronectin on the attachment and ingestion of gelatinized sheep erythrocytes to isolated rat Kupffer cells in a monolayer assay. Kupffer cells were isolated by sequential collagenase-pronase digestion followed by metrizamide density gradient centrifugation and subsequent adherence to plastic. Classification as Kupffer cells was confirmed by the presence of functional Fc receptors, a positive peroxidase reaction, and phagocytic activity. Purified plasma fibronectin as well as rat serum containing fibronectin promoted attachment of gelatinized fixed sheep erythrocytes to Kupffer cells in a dose-dependent manner, whereas fibronectin-deficient serum did not. Heparin did not enhance the fibronectin-mediated attachment or ingestion of gelatinized sheep erythrocytes at lower particle doses, whereas at higher particle doses heparin augmented the response. These results indicate that fibronectin can enhance the binding and ingestion of foreign gelatin-coated particulates by Kupffer cells.
Phospholipase A2 Activity of Fcγ2b Receptors of Thioglycollate-Elicited Murine Peritoneal Macrophages
Authors: Nitta Toshimasa , Saito-Taki Tatsuo , Suzuki Tsuneo
Published: January 2018

The detergent lysate of plastic adherent cell population of thioglycollate-elicited peritoneal exudate cells from 100 individual Swiss mice was subjected to affinity chromatography on two different media, Sepharose coupled to heat- aggregated human IgG (IgG-Sepharose) and Sepharose coupled to the phosphatidylcholine analog, rac-1 -(9-carboxyl)nonyl-2-hexadecy1glycero-3-phos- phorylcholine (PC-Sepharose). Both IgG- and PC-binding proteins were further purified by Sephadex G-100 gel filtration and isoelectric focusing in the presence of 6M urea. Both IgG- and PC-binding proteins thus purified appear to be homogeneous in size as well as charge properties. The IgG-binding proteins of a molecular weight of 25,000 had an isoelectric point of 4.8, whereas the PC-binding proteins of a molecular weight of 42,000 were more basic and had an isoelectric point of 6.0. Both materials retained their IgG-binding capabilities as judged by their inhibitory capacity of murine EAγ rosetting systems. The subclass specificities of the IgG- and the PC-binding proteins were for lgG2a and lgG2b, respectively. The PC-binding proteins possessed a typical phospholipase A2 activity, which was maximal at pH 9.5, depended on Ca++, and was specific for cleavage of fatty acid from the sn-2 position of phosphatidylcholine. The bindiong of aggregated lgG2b to the PC-binding proteins caused the ninefold increase in noted enzymatic activity in the presence of, but not in the absence of, Ca+ + (5mM). The IgG-binding proteins on the other hand, lacked any detectable phospholipase A2 activity. Thus, the biochemical and biological properties of the PC- and IgG-binding proteins isolated from murine peritoneal macrophages are essentially identical to those homologous proteins previously isolated from P388D1 cells [20].