cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of growth hormone-releasing hormone agonists (GHRH‐A) in chronic kidney disease-induced heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

Background: Therapies that improve morbidity and mortality in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) are lacking. Growth hormone releasing hormone analogues (GHRH-A) reverse fibrosis and improve cardiac function in ischemic and non-ischemic animal models. We tested the hypothesis that GHRH-A treatment ameliorates chronic kidney disease (CKD)-induced HFpEF in a large animal model. Methods: Female Yorkshire pigs (n=16) underwent 5/6 nephrectomy via renal artery embolization, which induced HFpEF, and 12-weeks later received daily subcutaneous injections of GHRH-A (n=8) or placebo (n=8). Kidney function, renal and cardiac MRI, pressure-volume loops, and electrical stimulation were assessed at baseline, 12-weeks, and 16-18 weeks post-embolization. Results: The CKD model was confirmed by increased creatinine and BUN. HFpEF was demonstrated at 12 weeks by maintenance of ejection fraction associated with increased left ventricular mass, relative wall thickening, end-diastolic pressure (EDP), end-diastolic pressure-volume relationship (EDPVR), and tau. After 6 weeks of treatment, diastolic function improved in the GHRH-A group, evidenced by normalization of EDP (p=0.03) associated with improved diastolic compliance as measured by EDP/EDV ratio (p=0.018). Conclusion: A beneficial effect of GHRH-A in diastolic function was observed in a CKD large animal model that manifests the characteristics of HFpEF. These findings have important therapeutic implications for the HFpEF syndrome.
Infection and Activation of B Cells by Theiler’s Murine Encephalomyelitis Virus (TMEV) Leads to Autoantibody Production in an Infectious Model of Multiple Sclerosis

Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) induces immune-mediated inflammatory demyelinating disease in susceptible mice that is similar to human multiple sclerosis (MS). In light of anti-CD20 therapies for MS, the susceptibility of B cells to TMEV infection is particularly important. In our study, direct viral exposure to macrophages and lymphocytes resulted in viral replication and cellular stimulation in the order of DCs, macrophages, B cells, and T cells. Notably, B cells produced viral proteins and expressed elevated levels of CD69, an activation marker. Similarly, the expression of major histocompatibility complex class II and costimulatory molecules in B cells was upregulated. Moreover, TMEV-infected B cells showed elevated levels of antigen-presenting function and antibody production. TMEV infection appeared to polyclonally activate B cells to produce autoantibodies and further T cell stimulation. Thus, the viral infection might potentially affect the outcome of autoimmune diseases, and/or the development of other chronic infections, including the protection and/or pathogenesis of TMEV-induced demyelinating disease.
cAMP AND SECRETAGOGUE INTERACTIONS IN ISOLATED GASTRIC GLANDS

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses cAMP and secretagogue interactions in isolated gastric glands. While most evidence supports the hypothesis that the gastric histamine receptor is linked to the formation of cAMP, it is not yet clear whether the increase in cAMP is a necessary and sufficient condition for stimulation of acid secretion. A study described in the chapter characterizes the effect of IMX on cAMP and secretion-related parameters in isolated gastric glands. Isolated gastric glands were prepared from rabbit gastric mucosa by the collagenase digestion method. Oxygen consumption and aminopyrine accumulation were measured and cAMP was assayed with a modified protein-binding assay. It was found that in the absence of added secretagogues, IMX produces increases in tissue cAMP, respiration, and aminopyrine accumulation in a dose-dependent manner with a mean ED50 value (5 × 10−5 M), which appears to be the same for all the three responses. This result supports the view that cAMP levels are a primary determinant of acid secretory activity.
Pulse Dosing of Antibiotic Enhances Killing of a Staphylococcus aureus Biofilm

Biofilms are highly tolerant to antibiotics and underlie the recalcitrance of many chronic infections. We demonstrate that mature Staphylococcus aureus biofilms can be substantially sensitized to the treatment by pulse dosing of an antibiotic - in this case, oxacillin. Pulse (periodic) dosing was compared to continuous application of antibiotic and was studied in a novel in vitro flow system which allowed for robust biofilm growth and tractable pharmacokinetics of dosing regimens. Our results highlight that a subpopulation of the biofilm survives antibiotic without becoming resistant, a population we refer to as persister bacteria. When oxacillin was continuously present the persister level did not decline, but, importantly, providing correctly timed periodic breaks decreased the surviving population. We found that the length of the periodic break impacted efficacy, and there was an optimal length that sensitized the biofilm to repeat treatment without allowing resistance expansion. Periodic dosing provides a potential simple solution to a complicated problem.
Cultural competence in social work practice: Exploring the challenges of newly employed social work professionals

The Council of Social Work Education (CSWE) and the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) mandate that social workers engage diversity and difference to practice cultural competence. Becaus...
The chemokine CX3CL1/fractalkine regulates immunopathogenesis during fungal-associated allergic airway inflammation

Individuals that present with difficult-to-control asthma and sensitivity to one or more fungal species are categorized as a subset of severe asthma patients belonging to a group herein referred to...
Cell Transformation: State of the Art

With the recent demonstrations that asbestos and other mineral dusts can directly induce morphological and neoplastic transformation of mammalian cells in culture (DiPaolo et al. 1983; Hesterberg and Barrett 1984; Lechner et al. 1985; Paterour et al. 1985; Poole et al. 1984), the utility of cell transformation assays to study the mechanisms of carcinogenicity by mineral dusts is apparent. The purpose of this chapter is to give a brief overview of cell transformation. The reader is referred to more comprehensive reviews of this topic for a detailed discussion of specific systems (Heidelberger et al. 1983; IARC 1980; Barrett and Thomassen 1984).
Data Feminism: Teaching and Learning for Justice

As data are increasingly mobilized in the service of governments and corporations, their unequal conditions of production, their asymmetrical methods of application, and their unequal effects on both individuals and groups have become increasingly difficult for data scientists--and others who rely on data in their work--to ignore. But it is precisely this power that makes it worth asking: "Data science by whom? Data science for whom? Data science with whose interests in mind? These are some of the questions that emerge from Data Feminism (D'Ignazio & Klein, MIT Press, 2020), a way of thinking about data science and its communication that is informed by the past several decades of intersectional feminist activism and critical thought. Illustrating data feminism in action, this talk will show how challenges to the male/female binary can help to challenge other hierarchical (and empirically wrong) classification systems; it will explain how an understanding of emotion can expand our ideas about effective data visualization; how the concept of invisible labor can expose the significant human efforts required by our automated systems; and why the data never, ever "speak for themselves." Drawing from data feminism, this talk will focus on implications for teaching and learning. It features examples from the book which connect intersectional feminist theory to data literacy and innovative pedagogy for diverse audiences. This goal of this talk, as with the project of data feminism, is to model how scholarship can be transformed into action: how feminist thinking can be operationalized in order to imagine more ethical and equitable data education practices.
Demonstrated Preferences as the Middle Ground Between Revealed Preferences and Modern Behaviorism

Behavioral economics rejects the Samuelsonian concept of revealed preferences, which, in turn, is a cornerstone for the development of modern neoclassical micro theory. This paper aims at criticizing the behavioral charge against revealed preferences, arguing that, while accepting the fact that neoclassical micro theory is in part not plausible, the behavioral critique is misleading and thus does not solve the problem of neoclassical microeconomics stemmed from its essence. This paper also develops a case for the Austrian concept of demonstrated preference as a middle ground between neoclassical micro theory and behavioral economics.
Day Trading International Mutual Funds: Evidence and Policy Solutions

Daily pricing of mutual funds provides liquidity to investors but is subject to valuation errors due to the inability to observe synchronous, fair security prices at the end of the trading day. This mayhurt fund investor if speculatior strategiclly seek to exploit mispricing or if the net flow of money into funds is correlated with these pricing eerrors. We show that mutual funds are exposed to speculative traders by using a simple day trading rule that yields large profits in a sample of 391 U.S.-based open-end international mutual funds. We propose a simple “fair pricing” mechanism that alleviated these concerns by correcting net asset values for stale prices. We argue that fund companies and regulatiors should look at alternatives that allow funds to offer fair prciing to investors, which, in turn, decreases the need to resort to monitoring for day traders and redemption penalties.
Exercise 6: Clearance of Bacteria from Mouse Blood by the Reticuloendothelial System (RES)

The reticuloendothelial system (RES) also known as the mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS) is a functional network of phagocytic tissue macrophages. Mononuclear phagocytes include tissue phagocytes located primarily in the reticular connective tissue framework of the spleen, liver, and lymphoid tissues. The most easily obtainable form is the immature peripheral blood monocyte, found circulating in the blood system. The RES system is responsible for the removal of foreign particulate material or other debris from the blood system. These include old or injured erythrocytes, leukocytes and platelets, bacteria, antigen-antibody complexes and degenerated or damaged cell membranes. The most active phagocytic cells in the RES system are the Kupffer cells of the liver and the splenic macrophages. Others include the alveolar (pulmonary) macrophages, histiocytes, mesangial cells (kidney), microglial cells (brain) and macrophages of the lymph nodes and peritoneum.
Brillouin Scattering in the Isotropic Phase of MBBA

We report here the results of our study of Brillouin scattering in the isotropic phase of the nematic liquid crystal para-methoxybenzylidene p-n-butylaniline (MBBA). In the nematic phase the anisotropic molecules of this material exhibit long range orientational order with their long axes tending to align parallel, while in the isotropic phase the molecular axes are randomly oriented. Although the isotropic phase shows no net order, the mean squared amplitude of fluctuations in the order becomes large near the nematic-isotropic transition1. In this paper we predict the effect of these fluctuations on the spectrum of Brillouin scattered light in the isotropic phase of a nematic liquid crystal. We show the spectrum obtained for Brillouin scattering in the isotropic phase of MBBA, give values of the hypersonic velocity and attenuation measured in the temperature region just above the nematic-isotropic phase transition, and compare these values with ultrasonic data.
Multichain immune recognition receptor signaling from spatiotemporal organization to human disease. Preface.

Foreword William Paul Preface Alexander B. Sigalov Section I. MIRRs: Structure and Physiological Function 1. T-Cell Receptor Jose M. Rojo, Raquel Bello and Pilar Portoles Abstract Introduction Minimal Components and Stoichiometry of the TCR/CD3 Complex TCR Clusters on the Cell Surface Topology of Chain Interactions within TCR/CD3 Complexes Interactions between the TCR and Antigen-Role of CD4 and CD8 Coreceptors Other TCRs Are All TCRs Equal, or Are Some TCRs More Equal Than Others? Future Directions 2. B-Cell Receptor Randall J. Brezski and John G. Monroe Abstract Introduction Structure of the BCR B-Cell Development Molecular Aspects of Ligand-Induced BCR Signal Transduction Membrane Compartmentalization of the BCR Balance between Positive and Negative Regulators of BCR Signaling Ligand-Independent BCR-Induced Tonic Signaling Conclusion 3. Fc Receptors Maree S. Powell and P. Mark Hogarth Abstract Introduction Human receptors for immunoglobulin Interaction between Fc receptor and immunoglobulin Spatial organization of FcRs Physiological function of Fc receptors Concluding comments 4. Natural Killer Cell Receptors Roberto Biassoni Abstract Introduction Inhibitory Receptors Activating Receptors Conclusions 5. Platelet Glycoprotein VI Stephanie M. Jung and Masaaki Moroi Abstract Introduction Structure of GPVI Interaction of GPVI with collagen GPVI-mediated signal transduction Physiological Function of GPVI Summary and perspectives Section II. MIRR Signaling:Possible Mechanisms and the Techniques to Study and Visualize 6. Clustering Models Wolfgang W.A. Schamel and Michael Reth Abstract Introduction Homoclustering Heteroclustering Pseudodimer Model Homo- and Heteroclustering and Lipid Rafts The PreTCR and PreBCR 7. Segregation Models Elaine P. Dopfer, Mahima Swamy, Gabrielle M. Siegers, Eszter Molnar, Jianying Yang and Wolfgang W.A. Schamel Abstract Introduction Lipid Rafts Segregation by Raft Clustering Kinetic-Segregation Model Immune Synapse and Microclusters 8. Kinetic Proofreading Model Byron Goldstein, Daniel Coombs, James R. Faeder and William S. Hlavacek Abstract Introduction Kinetic proofreading illustrated through FceRI signaling The extent of kinetic proofreading in FceRI signaling Some responses may escape kinetic proofreading McKeithan's mathematical formulation T-Cell activation and the competition between kinetic proofreading and serial engagement Concluding remarks 9. Serial Triggering Model Jacob Rachmilewitz Abstract T-Cell Receptor Signaling Cascade Serial Triggering Model Flexible and hierarchical T-Cell Activation Thresholds Temporal Summation as a mechanism for Signal Integration Summary 10. Conformational Model Ruth M. Risueno, Angel R. Ortiz and Balbino Alarcon Abstract Introduction Evidence in Favour of Conformational Changes in MIRRs Consequences for Ligand Recognition Model for Transmission of Conformational Changes Conclusions 11. Permissive Geometry Model Susana Minguet and Wolfgang W.A. Schamel Abstract Introduction The clustering model of
Protein surface labeling reactivity of N-hydroxysuccinimide esters conjugated to Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 magnetic nanoparticles

The N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) ester moiety is one of the most widely used amine reactive groups for covalent conjugation of proteins/peptides to other functional targets. In this study, a cleave-analyze approach was developed to quantify NHS ester groups conjugated to silica-coated iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4@SiO2 MNPs). The fluorophore dansylcadaverine was attached to Fe3O4@SiO2 magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) via reaction with NHS ester groups, and then released from the MNPs by cleavage of the disulfide bond in the linker between the fluorophore and the MNPs moiety. The fluorophore released from Fe3O4@SiO2 MNPs was fluorometrically measured, and the amount of fluorophore should be equivalent to the quantity of the NHS ester groups on the surface of Fe3O4@SiO2 MNPs that participated in the fluorophore conjugation reaction. Another sensitive and semiquantitative fluorescence microscopic test was also developed to confirm the presence of NHS ester groups on the surface of Fe3O4@SiO2 MNPs. Surface-conjugated NHS ester group measurements were primarily performed on Fe3O4@SiO2 MNPs of 100–150 nm in diameter and also on 20-nm nanoparticles of the same type but prepared by a different method. The efficiency of labeling native proteins by NHS ester-coated Fe3O4@SiO2 MNPs was explored in terms of maximizing the number of MNPs conjugated per BSA molecule or maximizing the number of BSA molecules conjugated per each nanoparticle. Maintaining the amount of fresh NHS ester moieties in the labeling reaction system was essential especially when maximizing the number of MNPs conjugated per protein molecule. The methodology demonstrated in this study can serve as a guide in labeling the exposed portions of proteins by bulky multivalent labeling reagents.
Supporting Information: Reconstructing the History of Marriage and Residence Strategies in Indo-European-Speaking Societies

This file provides additional information on the data and methods used in Fortunato (2011a,b), and discussion of the results of the fossilization of nodes Proto-Indo-Hittite (PIH) and Proto-Indo-European (PIE) for marriage and residence strategies.
Social networks on both sides of the transition point A research commentary on "Critical mass and willingness to pay for social networks" by J. Christopher Westland

Abstract Westland’s article provides an excellent foundational understanding of the percolation theory and how it can be applied to understand achieving “critical mass” in social networks. This commentary introduces extensions to the percolation theory that have been developed while studying sea ice, and describes how these extensions can further our understanding of social networks. Specifically, additional factors are identified that will influence achieving critical mass. Additionally, as with sea ice, which can change between liquid and solid several times, the social media model could be extended to include longitudinal insights. If possible, then our understanding of where the transformation point occurs will be further refined, and will enable us to more fully understand the effort necessary after the initial critical mass has been reached. Finally, Westland’s article provides an excellent framework for empirical researchers to test the theories that are developed, and to begin to understand some additional factors to be tested that are also discussed in this paper.
The USA at the 9th World Food Council: Testing the bureaucratic model

Abstract The US government's preparation for, and involvement in, the 9th session of the World Food Council are used as source material for testing the utility of the bureaucratic model in this paper. The results, based solely on this case study, indicate that the model is useful in terms of ‘who decides’, but for a special set of reasons. The Reagan-Block administration has decided not to initiate or support international policies relating to a renewed emphasis on development assistance, food aid or food security. Consequently, the author argues, the middle-range bureaucracy in the USDA, the Department of State, and AID became the principal architects of US policy positions at World Food Council meetings. However, the original bureaucratic model was designed to explain strategy for ‘high politics’ decisions; ‘low politics’ decision making, as in this instance, needs a different kind of analytical framework.
Collagens of oral soft tissues. I. The influence of age on the synthesis and maturation of collagen in rat palatal mucosa as determined in vitro.

The rate of collagen synthesis in rat palatal mucosa decreased markedly from 2.5 to 13 weeks of age when determined by an in vitro labelling technique. Beyond 13 weeks of age, the rate of collagen synthesis remained unchanged and at a relatively low level. These results were not a consequence of isotope-dilution arising from an increase of tissue collagen mass. For other connective tissues an age-dependent decrease in net collagen synthesis has been observed and, therefore, is not unique for palatal mucosa. The principal finding of this study was that the rate of conversion of salt-soluble to salt-insoluble collagen in palatal mucosa increased with age and remained at a high level in adult rats. In contrast, the rate of conversion of salt-soluble to -insoluble collagen has been reported to decline in adult rat skin. Collectively, the data suggest that collagen in soft oral connective tissues undergoes fibrillogenesis with a rapidity that may be more characteristic of tissues during rapid growth or during healing, rather than tissues during a normal adult stage of metabolism.
4D flow measurements in the superior cerebellar artery at 7 Tesla: feasibility and potential for applications in patients with trigeminal neuralgia

Background Trigeminal Neuralgia is characterized by episodic severe facial pain possibly the result of “pulsatile” compression of the nerve Root Entry Zone (REZ) of the Trigeminal Nerve (TN) by the adjacent superior cerebellar artery (SCA). The exact role of pulsatility of SCA remains unknown and currently no methods are available to measure the pulsatility of the SCA. Herein we investigate the feasibility of measuring blood flow and the Pulsatility Index (PI) within SCA and within the nearby posterior cerebral artery (PCA) using 4D-flow in a normal volunteer at 7T.
Fluoxetine Facilitates Fear Extinction Through Amygdala Endocannabinoids

Pharmacologically elevating brain endocannabinoids (eCBs) share anxiolytic and fear extinction-facilitating properties with classical therapeutics, including the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, fluoxetine. There are also known functional interactions between the eCB and serotonin systems and preliminary evidence that antidepressants cause alterations in brain eCBs. However, the potential role of eCBs in mediating the facilitatory effects of fluoxetine on fear extinction has not been established. Here, to test for a possible mechanistic contribution of eCBs to fluoxetine's proextinction effects, we integrated biochemical, electrophysiological, pharmacological, and behavioral techniques, using the extinction-impaired 129S1/Sv1mJ mouse strain. Chronic fluoxetine treatment produced a significant and selective increase in levels of anandamide in the BLA, and an associated decrease in activity of the anandamide-catabolizing enzyme, fatty acid amide hydrolase. Slice electrophysiological recordings showed that fluoxetine-induced increases in anandamide were associated with the amplification of eCB-mediated tonic constraint of inhibitory, but not excitatory, transmission in the BLA. Behaviorally, chronic fluoxetine facilitated extinction retrieval in a manner that was prevented by systemic or BLA-specific blockade of CB1 receptors. In contrast to fluoxetine, citalopram treatment did not increase BLA eCBs or facilitate extinction. Taken together, these findings reveal a novel, obligatory role for amygdala eCBs in the proextinction effects of a major pharmacotherapy for trauma- and stressor-related disorders and anxiety disorders.
Demonstration and Characterization of two Classes of Cardiac Glycoside Binding Sites to Rat Heart Membrane Preparations Using Quantitative Computer Modeling

AbstractCardiac glycoside binding to rat heart membrane preparations was measured by rapid filtration technique. The binding data were analyzed using quantitative computer analysis. The experimental results using [3H]-ouabain as the labeled ligand were consistent with a model in which cardiac glycoside specific binding occurs at two independent classes of sites. The high affinity sites were characterized by a dissociation constants of 40 nM, 50 nM, and 61 nM for ouabain, digoxin and digitoxin, respectively, with a binding capacity of 1.3 pmoles/mg protein. The lower affinity sites for ouabain were characterized by dissociation constants of 2.3 µM, 67 nM and 71 nM for ouabain, digoxin and digitoxin, respectively, with a binding capacity of 3 pmoles/mg protein. Potassium ions inhibit [3H]-ouabain binding in a dose dependent manner with an IC50 of 500 µM. Quantitative computer modelling indicated that potassium inhibits ouabain binding at both binding sites.
Pneumococcal Vaccine in the Elderly

Excerpt To the Editor:There may be a bias in the ascertainment of vaccination status affecting the results of the study by Sims and colleagues on the effectiveness of pneumococcal vaccine (1). Beca...
Atmospheric Turbulence-Degraded Image Restoration Using Principal Components Analysis

Our earlier work revealed a connection between blind image deconvolution and principal components analysis (PCA). In this letter, we explicitly formulate multichannel and single-channel blind image deconvolution as a PCA problem. Although PCA is derived from blur models that do not contain additive noise, it can be justified on both theoretical and experimental grounds that the PCA-based restoration algorithm is actually robust to the presence of white noise. The algorithm is applied to the restoration of atmospheric turbulence-degraded imagery and compared to an adaptive Lucy-Richardson maximum-likelihood algorithm on both real and simulated atmospheric turbulence blurred images. It is shown that the PCA-based blind image deconvolution runs faster and is more robust to noise.
Neuroimaging and genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease and addiction-related degenerative brain disorders.

Neuroimaging offers a powerful means to assess the trajectory of brain degeneration in a variety of disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Here we describe how multi-modal imaging can be used to study the changing brain during the different stages of AD. We integrate findings from a range of studies using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), functional MRI (fMRI) and diffusion weighted imaging (DWI). Neuroimaging reveals how risk genes for degenerative disorders affect the brain, including several recently discovered genetic variants that may disrupt brain connectivity. We review some recent neuroimaging studies of genetic polymorphisms associated with increased risk for late-onset Alzheimer’s disease (LOAD). Some genetic variants that increase risk for drug addiction may overlap with those associated with degenerative brain disorders. These common associations offer new insight into mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration and addictive behaviors, and may offer new leads for treating them before severe and irreversible neurological symptoms appear.
Effects of antipsychotic drugs on neurogenesis in the forebrain of the adult rat.

The generation of new cells in the adult mammalian brain may significantly modify pathophysiological processes in neuropsychiatric disorders. We examined the ability of chronic treatment with the antipsychotic drugs (APDs) olanzapine and haloperidol to increase the number and survival of newly generated cells in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and striatal complex of adult male rats. Animals were treated with olanzapine or haloperidol for 3 weeks and then injected with 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine (BrdU) to label mitotic cells. Half of the animals continued on the same APD for two more weeks after BrdU challenge, with the other half receiving vehicle during this period. Olanzapine but not haloperidol significantly increased both the total number and density of BrdU-labeled cells in the PFC and dorsal striatum; no effect was observed in the nucleus accumbens. Continued olanzapine treatment after the BrdU challenge did not increase the survival of newly generated cells. The newly generated cells in the PFC did not express the neuronal marker NeuN. Despite the significant increase in newly generated cells in the PFC of olanzapine-treated rats, the total number of these cells is low, suggesting that the therapeutic effects of atypical APD treatment may not be due to the presence of newly generated cells that have migrated to the cortex.
Molecular population genetic analysis of a Streptococcus pyogenes bacteriophage-encoded hyaluronidase gene: recombination contributes to allelic variation.

Abstract Many strains of the human pathogenic bacterium Streptococcus pyogenes produce hyaluronidase, an enzyme that degrades hyaluronic acid, a major component of the extracellular matrix. Degradation of hyaluronic acid is thought to aid in host tissue invasion and dissemination of S. pyogenes . The molecular population genetics of the bacteriophage-encoded hyaluronidase gene ( hyl ) was analysed by sequencing the gene from 13 streptococcal strains representing seven well-differentiated multilocus enzyme electrophoretic types and eight M or T protein serotypes. Substantial levels of allelic polymorphism were identified, and the analysis found strong statistical evidence that recombinational processes have contributed to the generation of molecular variation in this gene. A 111 base pair segment of hyl encoding a collagenous motif, that may bind collagen, was absent in a serotype M14 isolate and 13 serotype M18 multilocus enzyme electrophoretic type 20 strains examined. The analysis provides a molecular population genetics framework for studies examining the role of naturally occurring hyaluronidase variation in host–pathogen interactions.
Cooks training for Faith, Activity, and Nutrition project with AME churches in SC.

Abstract Purpose This study describes the development and evaluation of a participatory training for cooks in African American churches. The 8-h training focused on providing healthy meals within the church food program. It enlisted cooks in hands-on “cooking with the chef” training and menu building exercises, and demonstrated development of flavor in foods through healthy ingredients. Cook ratings from pre- to post-training (possible range: 1–10) were evaluated with the Wilcoxon signed rank test. Results 114 cooks from 57 churches over the period from 7/21/07 to 3/21/11 participated in trainings. Self-rated cooking skill increased from pre- (6.5 ± SD) to post-training (7.9 ± SD), p = 0.0001. Self-rated confidence in preparing meals also increased significantly (pre: 7.3 ± SD; post: 8.3 ± SD), p = 0001. Qualitative feedback from the cooks’ training has been positive. Two of the more frequently stated changes cooks report are using less salt and using more vegetables and fruits in menus. Lessons learned include: choosing the right church to host the training, teamwork as a key component, need for support system for church cooks, allocation of time for planning as well as shopping for healthy ingredients, and incorporation of flexibility into the training plan.
Marriage, Social Networks, and Health at Older Ages.

Social relationships in older adulthood have strong connections to health and wellbeing. Connections with social network members and with spouses and long-term partners in particular, have an especially important impact on health. We highlight recent research from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP), a nationally representative, longitudinal study of aging in America, to describe the different ways health is produced in social contexts. We first discuss how social network characteristics and marital relationships influence health outcomes and sexuality, and then move on to recent findings about the ways health shapes an individual’s social world. We find that features of a social network, apart from simply its size, have strong effects on health behaviors, and that changes in network composition are associated with changes in health. We show that marriage is uniquely protective against damaging biological processes, and that the quality of a marriage influences health and well-being in nuanced ways. Finally we find that health status is associated with the ability to manage one's social network, and that health status affects the quality of one's marriage. We focus our discussion on new data from Wave 2 that enables researchers to explore how changes in social networks and partner relationships affect health and well-being during the last third of life.
Synaptic Organization of Cone Cells in the Turtle Retina

The intercellular junctions of cone pedicles in the turtle retina were studied electronmicroscopically in tissue prepared by conventional techniques or impregnated by the method of Golgi. Dendritic branchlets of bipolar cells make specialized contacts with the basal surface of the pedicles. Processes ending laterally to wedge-shaped projections (synaptic ridges) of the pedicles probably belong always to horizontal cells, and make proximal and distal (to the synaptic ridges) junctions with the pedicles. Processes ending opposite the apex of the synaptic ridges are engaged also in two kinds of specialized contacts, termed apical and distal junctions. Basal processes of the cone pedicles make specialized contacts with adjacent pedicles, and with unidentified processes at the outer plexiform layer; their endings abut upon horizontal cell processes lodged within the pedicles of other cone cells.
Lipid Tubules: A Paradigm for Molecularly Engineered Structures

The use of molecular self-assembly to fabricate microstructures suitable for advanced material development is described. Templating techniques that transform biomolecular self-assemblies into rugged and stable nano- and microstructures are described. By using a lipid-based microcylinder (tubule) as a paradigm, the path followed from research and development to emerging technological applications is detailed. This process includes modification of the lipid molecular structure, the formation and subsequent characterization of cylindrical microstructures, the use of these structures as templates for metallization, and the characterization and assessment of these hollow metal microcylinders for several potential applications.
Reconsideration of the electron--neutron scattering length as measured by the scattering of thermal neutrons by noble gases

Our value for the electron-neutron scattering length has been corrected on the basis of new measurements of some neutron scattering lengths and now is (-1.30\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.03) \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}16}$ cm, which is 3% lower than our original result. (The equivalent figure in the Fermi convention is -3630\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}70 eV and at $q=0$, $\frac{d{G}_{\mathrm{En}}}{d{q}^{2}}=0.0189\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.0004$ ${\mathrm{fm}}^{2}$.) A check on the worrisome possibility of an ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ impurity in the scattering gases showed that is quite unlikely to be a significant source of error. The difference between our result and the Munich measurement and also the Foldy calculation thus continues unexplained.
SALTY: a FORTRAN program to calculate compositions of fluid inclusions in the system NaC1-KC1-H 2

An algorithm for estimating compositions of fluid inclusions approximated by the NaClKClH2O system has been developed using recently published data for phase equilibrium properties of vaporsaturated NaClKClH2O solutions. The algorithm satisfactorily reproduces experimental results for all compositions in the ternary system and requires only the temperatures of two phase changes to calculate the total salinity and the NaCl/(NaCl + KCl weight fraction of the inclusion fluid. The required input data are the temperatures at which the final two solid phases dissolve during heating. These data are obtainable easily during standard microthermometric analysis of the inclusions.
Polarized-Tirf-Based Monitoring of Sub-Resolution Membrane Curvature Dynamics during Clathrin-Mediated Endocytosis

Our understanding of clathrin-mediated endocytosis is derived from analysis of live-cell protein recruitment kinetics in combination with static ultrastructure images of coated pit progression. These analyses however, cannot directly correlate membrane curvature dynamics with the arrival and activities of the endocytic machinery. Polarized Total Internal Reflection (pol-TIR) fluorescence microscopy can visualize membrane topology in cells labeled with lipophilic fluorophores whose dipoles align relative to the plasma membrane. We describe a new approach for creating s-pol and p-pol TIR fields in a commercial microscope utilizing a 2-dimensional scan head to position polarized lasers at orthogonal azimuthal positions in the back focal plane of a high numerical aperture TIR objective lens. This configuration reduces interference fringing of the coherent laser light. Ratio imaging of the two excitation polarizations permits visualization of subresolution membrane curvature with subsecond temporal resolution. By monitoring membrane topology relative to the arrival of chromosomally-tagged GFP-dynamin in skin melanoma cells, we were able to define the kinetics of membrane curvature relative to vesicle scission. Blocking the catalytic GTPase cycle of dynamin with the drug, Dynasore permitted visualization of striking curved invaginations, consistent with expected “frozen” clathrin coated pits. Tracking of single dynamin recruitment events provided a region in which to quantify membrane topology. Surprisingly, regions of high curvature were often observed adjacent to clathrin pits. This observation is consistent with a model for actin-mediated membrane protrusions that could drive pit closure. The role for actin was assessed using CFP-LifeAct, and perturbed with the drug, Latrunculin. These studies provide insight into the sequential topological changes during clathrin-mediated endocytosis and move toward a comprehensive understanding of this mechanism.
Perceived workplace harassment experiences and problem drinking among physicians: broadening the stress/alienation paradigm

Sociologists who embrace the stress or alienation paradigms generally focus on explaining problem drinking in low status occupations. By contrast, this paper argues that a broadened conceptualization of stress and alienation which incorporates abusive work relationships has utility for explaining male and female drinking outcomes in both high and low status occupations. We provide empirical data on the relationship between perceived abusive experiences and drinking outcomes in a cohort of male and female physicians in their internship year of training. The data show that perceived sexual harassment, discriminatory treatment and psychological humiliation relate to various drinking outcomes in men and women, controlling for drinking prior to the internship year. While females were more likely to report experiencing abuse, these perceived experiences had deleterious effects on drinking outcomes for both genders. Personal vulnerability (narcissism) brought into the training environment somewhat influenced the later reporting of abusive experiences by males but not by females. Regression analyses showed that, for both males and females, work-place abusive experiences in interaction with personality vulnerability best explained drinking outcomes. The implications of these results for the design of future alcohol-related work-place studies are discussed.
Chapter 11’s invisible men

Chapter 11 can be thought of as a Ring of Gyges, protecting corporate executives from past or prospective misdeeds and missteps. The Manville Case is an example.
Substance abuse and adolescent suicidal behavior.

Evidence suggests a significant association between use of psychoactive substances among adolescents and suicidal behavior among adolescents during the past two decades. Accumulating evidence, although not unanimous, supports the hypothesis of psychoactive substance abuse among adolescents as a risk factor for a range of suicidal behavior—ideation, attempted suicide, and completed suicide. With increasing rates of psychoactive substance abuse for the adolescent population during the past 20 years, this appears to be an increasingly important factor. It is not known if the association is causal. Psychoactive substance abuse appears to be associated with a greater frequency and repetitiveness of suicide attempts, more medically lethal attempts, a measured seriousness of intention, and greater suicidal ideation. Additional data support a specific association between alcohol intoxication and suicide by firearms among adolescents. Adolescents who abuse psychoactive substances, particularly those with any type of depressive disorder, appear to be at higher risk for suicidal behavior and may need appropriate psychiatric treatment. (JAMA. 1990;263:3051-3056)
On the use of the finite element method and classical approximation techniques in the non-linear dynamics of multibody systems

Abstract The dynamic formulations for deformable bodies based on the finite element method and classical approximation techniques are compared. The finite element method and classical approximation techniques such as Rayleigh-Ritz methods are used to develop a set of generalized Newton-Euler equations for deformable bodies that undergo large translational and rotational displacements. In the finite element formulation, a stationary (total) Lagrangian approach is used to formulate the generalized Newton-Euler equations for each finite element in terms of a set of invariants that depend on the assumed displacement field. The deformable body invariants are obtained by assembling the invariants of the finite elements using a standard finite element Boolean matrix approach. This leads to the non-linear generalized Newton-Euler equations for the deformable bodies. These equations are presented in a simple closed form which is useful in developing recursive formulations for multibody systems consisting of interconnected deformable bodies. Both lumped and consistent mass formulations are discussed. Numerical results are presented for comparison of the finite element method and classical approximation methods in the non-linear dynamics of multibody systems.
Predictors of moderate-severe functional limitation after primary Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA): 4701 TKAs at 2-years and 2935 TKAs at 5-years.

Summary Objective Investigate whether body mass index (BMI), comorbidity, gender and age predict patient-reported functional limitation 2- and 5-years after primary Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA). Methods Overall moderate–severe activity limitation was defined as ≥2 activities (walking, stairs, rising from chair) with moderate–severe limitation. Complete dependence on walking aids or inability to walk was assessed (reference, no dependence). Multivariable logistic regression models were adjusted additionally for income, diagnosis, distance from medical center, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score and implant type. Results Overall moderate–severe activity limitation was reported by 20.7% at 2-years and 27.1% at 5-years. Significantly predictors of overall moderate–severe activity limitation 2-years post-TKA (odds (95% confidence interval)) were: BMI 30–34.9, 1.5 (1.0, 2.0), 35–39.9, 1.8 (1.3, 2.7) and ≥40, 3.0 (2.0, 4.5) vs BMI≤25; higher Deyo–Charlson index, 1.7 (1.4, 2.2) per 5-point increase; female gender, 2.0 (1.7, 2.5); age 71–80, 2.1 (1.5, 2.8) and age>80, 4.1 (2.7, 6.1) vs age≤60. At 5-years post-TKA, significant predictors of overall moderate–severe activity limitation were: BMI 35–39.9, 2.1 (1.4, 3.3) and ≥40, 3.9 (2.3, 6.5); higher Deyo–Charlson index, 1.4 (1.0, 1.8); female gender, 2.2 (1.7, 2.7); age 71–80, 2.4 (1.7, 3.5) and age>80, 4.7 (2.8, 7.9). Complete dependence on walking aids was significantly higher at 2- and 5-years, respectively, in patients with: higher comorbidity, 2.3 (1.5, 3.3) and 2.1 (1.4, 3.2); female gender 2.4 (1.5, 3.9) and 1.7 (1.1, 2.6); age 71–80, 1.4 (0.8, 2.6) and 1.5 (0.8, 2.8); and age>80, 3.2 (1.6, 6.7) and 5.1 (2.3, 11.0). Conclusions Modifiable (BMI, comorbidity) and non-modifiable predictors (age, gender) increased the risk of functional limitation and walking-aid dependence after primary TKA. Interventions targeting comorbidity and BMI pre-operatively may positively impact function post-TKA.
Dormant spores of Bacillus thuringiensis contain an inhibitor of RNA polymerase

Summary RNA polymerase activity of B . thuringiensis vegetative cells is inhibited by a substance (1 × 104 − 2 × 104 daltons) contained in dormant spore extracts. Experimental evidence indicates that the inhibitor is not DNAase, RNAase or protease because neither the template, the transcript RNA nor the enzyme is degraded. Enzyme inhibition appears to be first order with respect to concentration. Furthermore, dormant spore extracts do not exhibit RNA polymerase activity of their own on any of 6 otherwise competent templates.
Inhibitors of anthrax lethal factor based upon N-oleoyldopamine.

Abstract The structural features of an anthrax lethal factor inhibitor, N-oleoyldopamine (OLDA, 1) have been probed. The oleic acid moiety is critical, but, more interestingly, the presence of the double bond and its geometry were found to play an essential role. One compound, 5, was found to be an uncompetitive inhibitor of lethal factor (LF) with a Ki value of 2.2 μM and a cell-based IC50 value of 4.3 μM.
The automation of a commercial Fourier transform mass spectrometer to provide a quick and robust method for determining exact mass for the synthetic chemist.

Automation of a commercially available Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR) mass spectrometer for the routine analysis of the synthetic products from high-speed chemistry is described. The automation includes software written by the instrument manufacturer as well as in-house-developed software that allows electronic submission of samples by the chemist and e-mailing of results back to the chemist. The use of samples of relatively high concentration (approx. 1 mg mL−1) is possible due to the protocol that has been developed, which includes dilution by the autosampler during sample injection. Though high concentrations are used for speed and convenience, the amount of sample consumed is still small at approx. 15 μg per injection. The results from this method have been shown to be both accurate (typical error range – 2.29 to 2.36 ppm, average error 1.07 ppm) and precise (standard deviation of the order of 0.3 ppm). The system is capable of analysing up to 800 samples per 24 hours. As high-speed...
Heat transfer through gases contained between two vertical cylinders at different temperatures

Abstract Heat transfer through gases contained between vertical concentric cylinders was investigated when the radius of the inner cylinder is small compared to the radius of the outer cylinder. Experiments were performed in a modified hot wire type thermal conductivity cell in which end effects could be evaluated in addition to the overall heat transfer between the cylinders. Measurements were made with argon, helium and neon in the pressure range 0·1–620 mmHg, for the temperature differences between the cylinders of 10, 50 and 100 degC, and for the length to the outer diameter ratios between 3·3 and 6·7. The results show that below certain Rayleigh numbers and length to diameter ratios heat is transferred from the hot to cold boundary by conduction only. End effects contribute only in the corner regions. The distance to which these end effects penetrate was determined experimentally, and compared to analytical results obtained from a simple heat balance in the corner region. Relationships, based on the experimental data, were also obtained for the average heat transfer both in the corner regions and over the entire length of the cylinders. It is shown that these results may be used to estimate the error introduced in thermal conductivity and thermal accommodation coefficient measurements by neglecting end effects.