cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Phagocytosis of lectin-opsonized fungal cells and endocytosis of the ligand by insect Spodoptera exigua granular hemocytes: an ultrastructural and immunocytochemical study

Phagocytosis of blastospores of the fungal entomopathogen Paecilomyces farinosus by granular hemocytes from larvae of Spodoptera exigua (beet armyworm) was studied. Blastospores were opsonized with a galactose-specific lectin purified from S. exigua hemolymph or with peanut agglutinin prior to incubation with hemocytes. Observations of thin sections revealed that pseudopodia extending from granulocytes attached to ligands (lectins, lectin conjugates) on the blastospores, and that the ligands became detached from the fungal surfaces and were endocytosed by granulocytes via coated pits on the plasma membrane. Coated vesicles bearing the endocytosed molecules appeared to be transported to the hemocytic granules. In other cases, ligand still coated the blastospores after phagocytosis and may have later concentrated within the phagosome along with digested fungal cell wall components. Phagocytosis of blastospores and clustering of a biotinylated lectin conjugate on or within the granulocytes were inhibited by drugs targeting cytoskeletal elements. Actin was concentrated in the pseudopodia of phagocytic granulocytes and may be directly associated with lectin receptor(s). Microtubules were abundant in the granulocytes, sometimes in specific regions.
Effects of Glial Cells on Electrode Impedance Recorded from Neural Prosthetic Devices In Vitro

Neural prosthetic devices hold the potential to be used in the treatment of a variety of neurological disorders. However, their long-term clinical success is currently limited by the ability to achieve stable interfaces between devices and the CNS. Immunohistochemical analysis has shown that cellular responses occur in tissue surrounding implanted devices. These cellular responses have been correlated with the impedance measured from device electrodes, leading to the hypothesis that a possible mechanism resulting in inconsistent device performance is the formation of an electrically insulating glial sheath at the implantation site. However, little is known about what cellular and tissue changes affect impedance values and thus contribute to the decreases in electrode performance. We have designed an in vitro system in which cell conditions can be varied within an artificial tissue matrix surrounding a neural prosthetic device. In this study, high-density cultures of glial cells were analyzed by immunohistochemical methods and impedance spectroscopy. Astrocytes and microglia were cultured at various ratios within the matrix surrounding the probes, and were observed over a period of 2 weeks. Cell seeding conditions and confocal images were compared to impedance data to enable the effects of glial cell type on electrode impedance to be determined.
Androgen-promoted traits and intellectual abilities and interests

Androgens affect many physical traits, especially ones having to do with muscularity, voice timber, and hair growth. The present study was undertaken to assess the influence of androgens on human intellectual abilities and interests. A large sample of North American college students self-assessed their intelligence, academic interests, grade point averages, and achievement test scores. These traits were compared to scores on eight androgen-influenced traits. Numerous modest but statistically significant relationships were found between androgen-promoted physical traits and self-reported intelligence, especially among males. However, virtually no significant correlations were found between these androgen-promoted traits and grades, class rank, or ACT/SAT scores. Regarding academic interests, significant positive associations with androgen-promoted traits were found, with the strongest links involving the natural sciences and mathematics. This study suggests that androgens influence intelligence, but that they primarily do so by impacting intellectual interests in the physical environment and mathematical reasoning.
The Science of Sex Differences in Science and Mathematics

SUMMARY—Amid ongoing public speculation about the reasons for sex differences in careers in science and mathematics, we present a consensus statement that is based on the best available scientific evidence. Sex differences in science and math achievement and ability are smaller for the mid-range of the abilities distribution than they are for those with the highest levels of achievement and ability. Males are more variable on most measures of quantitative and visuospatial ability, which necessarily results in more males at both high- and low-ability extremes; the reasons why males are often more variable remain elusive. Successful careers in math and science require many types of cognitive abilities. Females tend to excel in verbal abilities, with large differences between females andmalesfound whenassessmentsincludewriting samples. High-level achievement in science and math requires the ability to communicate effectively and comprehend abstract ideas, so the female advantage in writing should be helpful in all academic domains. Males outperform females on most measures of visuospatial abilities, which have been implicated as contributing to sex differences on standardized examsin mathematics and science. An evolutionary account of sex differences in mathematics and science supports the conclusion that, although sex differences in math and science performance have not directly evolved, they could be indirectly related to differences in interests and specific brain and cognitive systems. We review the brain basis for sex differences in science and mathematics, describe consistent effects, and identify numerous possible correlates. Experience alters brain structures and functioning, so causal statements about brain differences and success in math and science are circular. A wide range of sociocultural forces contribute to sex differences in mathematics and science achievement and ability—including the effects of family,neighborhood,peer,andschoolinfluences;training and experience; and cultural practices. We conclude that early experience, biological factors, educational policy, and cultural context affect the number of women and men who pursue advanced study in science and math and that these effects add and interact in complex ways. There are no single or simple answers to the complex questions about sex differences in science and mathematics.
Inborn errors of sterol biosynthesis.

▪ Abstract The known disorders of cholesterol biosynthesis have expanded rapidly since the discovery that Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome is caused by a deficiency of 7-dehydrocholesterol. Each of the six now recognized sterol disorders—mevalonic aciduria, Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome, desmosterolosis, Conradi-Hunermann syndrome, CHILD syndrome, and Greenberg dysplasia—has added to our knowledge of the relationship between cholesterol metabolism and embryogenesis. One of the most important lessons learned from the study of these disorders is that abnormal cholesterol metabolism impairs the function of the hedgehog class of embryonic signaling proteins, which help execute the vertebrate body plan during the earliest weeks of gestation. The study of the enzymes and genes in these several syndromes has also expanded and better delineated an important class of enzymes and proteins with diverse structural functions and metabolic actions that include sterol biosynthesis, nuclear transcriptional signaling, regulation o...
Concurrent hepatic hemangioma and solitary fibrous tumor: diagnosis and management

Hepatic solitary fibrous tumor (HSFT) is a very rare benign liver tumor without well-defined findings on imaging. Even with multiphase advanced contrast-enhanced liver imaging, a definitive preoperative diagnosis is impossible. The diagnostic process can be further complicated when there are two concurrent lesions with different radiologic appearances. Here, we compare the findings of a commonly encountered liver lesion, hepatic hemangioma, with those of an exceedingly rare lesion, HSFT.
The dynamics of acentric chromosomes in cancer cells revealed by GFP-based chromosome labeling strategies.

Autonomous replicons, such as viral episomes and oncogene containing double minute chromosomes (DMs), lack centromeres and consequently should be lost rapidly when the nuclear membrane breaks down at mitosis. Surprisingly, they are not. This raises the important question of the mechanisms that enable their efficient transmission to daughter cells. We review recent developments in GFP-based chromosome labeling strategies that enable real time analyses using high resolution light microscopy to provide insights into this issue. The results reveal that episomes and DMs both adhere to host chromosomes, a process referred to as "chromosome tethering". Such association enables acentric molecules to use the chromosomal centromere in trans, thereby achieving efficient transmission to daughter cells. This unique mechanism of mitotic segregation also raises the possibility of developing a new class of anti-cancer drugs that work by selectively eliminating growth enhancing genes from cancer cells. J. Cell. Biochem. Suppl. 35:107-114, 2000.
Excitation of microseisms: views from the normal-mode approach

SUMMARY Non-linear interaction of ocean waves is a widely accepted mechanism of microseism excitation for frequencies approximately between 0.05 and 0.5Hz. Longuet-Higgins published the most influential paper on this subject in 1950 and his main contributions can be summarized in two points; the first is on the double-frequency mechanism and the second is on the dependency of excitation on ocean depth. The two results were derived for different media, the first point for an incompressible liquid (ocean) and the second point for a compressible liquid layer over an elastic half-space. The two features naturally come out in the normal-mode formulae. We note, however, that the use of the Longuet-Higgins formula, that showed efficiency of excitation based on ocean depth, is not suitable for interpreting land-based observations because his formula was for displacement at ocean bottom. Reevaluation of this dependency for a land-based observation shows similar results for the depth of maximum excitation, but the sharpness of this peak is reduced significantly. Some recent observational studies tried to identify the source area of excitation by using this ocean-depth dependency, but such a result needs to be revised to a larger source region according to our results. We confirm that the maximum excitation of microseisms exists and occurs when the ocean depth is about 2.7km. It is thus not surprising to find an efficient pelagic source for microseisms, although existence of the wave‐wave interaction in the source region is essential.
Corporatism in Decline? An Empirical Analysis of the Impact of Corporatism on Macroeconomic Performance and Industrial Disputes in 18 Industrialized Democracies

During the 1970s and early 1980s most studies on corporatism indicated that corporatist policies led to lower unemployment and inflation and higher economic growth rates. In the mid- and late 1980s, however, voices claiming that corporatism is in “decline” became more and more frequent although hardly any empirical examinations were undertaken. The purpose of this study is to estimate empirically the influence of corporatist arrangements on macroeconomic performance and industrial disputes in the 1980s as compared with the 1970s and 1960s. This pooled time-series/cross-sectional analysis provides evidence that corporatist policies have not lost their capacity to achieve the desired macroeconomic goals in the 1980s; in addition, corporatism significantly reduces the number of working days lost. However, no evidence was found that corporatism leads to increased economic growth. There is evidence that economic growth is adversely affected by government outlays.
Mutations in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae RPB1 Gene Conferring Hypersensitivity to 6-Azauracil

RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) in eukaryotic cells drives transcription of most messenger RNAs. RNAPII core enzyme is composed of 12 polypeptides where Rpb1 is the largest subunit. To further understand the mechanisms of RNAPII transcription, we isolated and characterized novel point mutants of RPB1 that are sensitive to the nucleotide-depleting drug 6-azauracil (6AU). In this work we reisolated the rpo21-24/rpb1-E1230K allele, which reduces the interaction of RNAPII-TFIIS, and identified five new point mutations in RPB1 that cause hypersensitivity to 6AU. The novel mutants affect highly conserved residues of Rpb1 and have differential genetic and biochemical effects. Three of the mutations affect the "lid" and "rudder," two small loops suggested by structural studies to play a central role in the separation of the RNA-DNA hybrids. Most interestingly, two mutations affecting the catalytic center (rpb1-N488D) and the homology box G (rpb1-E1103G) have strong opposite effects on the intrinsic in vitro polymerization rate of RNAPII. Moreover, the synthetic interactions of these mutants with soh1, spt4, and dst1 suggest differential in vivo effects.
Exogenous methyl jasmonate induces volatile emissions in cotton plants.

We investigated the effect of exogenous methyl jasmonate (MeJA) on the emission of herbivore-induced volatiles; these volatile chemicals can signal natural enemies of the herbivore to the damaged plant. Exogenous treatment of cotton cv. Deltapine 5415 plants with MeJA induced the emission of the same volatile compounds as observed for herbivore-damaged plants. Cotton plants treated with MeJA emitted elevated levels of the terpenes (E)-β-ocimene, linalool, (3E)-4,8-dimethyl-1,3,7-nonatriene, (E,E)-α-farnesene, (E),-β-farnesene, and (E,E)-4,8,12-trimethyl-1,3,7,11-tridecatetraene compared to untreated controls. Other induced components included (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate, methyl salicylate, and indole. Methyl jasmonate treatment did not cause the release of any of the stored terpenes such as α-pinene, β-pinene, α-humulene, and (E)-β-caryophyllene. In contrast, these compounds were emitted in relatively large amounts from cotton due to physical disruption of glands by the herbivores. The timing of volatile release from plants treated with MeJA or herbivores followed a diurnal pattern, with maximal volatile release during the middle of the photoperiod. Similar to herbivore-treated plants, MeJA treatment led to the systemic induction of (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate, (E)-β-ocimene, linalool, (3E)-4,8-dimethyl-1,3,7-nonatriene, (E,E)-α-farnesene, (E)-β-farnesene, and (E,E)-4,8,12-trimethyl-1,3,7,11-tridecatetraene. Our results indicate that treatment of cotton with MeJA can directly and systemically induce the emission of volatiles that may serve as odor cues in the host-search behavior of natural enemies.
When is a Message Decodable Over Fading Channels

We investigate the distribution of decoding times for frequency-flat fading channels when the information block size is fixed to a finite value a priori but codeword length is not. We characterize the distribution of decoding times for block-fading channels in a computable form and demonstrate that the resulting distribution is discontinuous at block boundaries. We make suggestions regarding coding strategies based on these distributions and discuss the benefits of rateless coding in this setting
An object-oriented knowledge representation for spatial information

An abstract formalism for the representation of spatial knowledge is suggested. The focus is on the development of a comprehensive representation scheme for pictorial information in which the knowledge model of the given world has a high degree of perceptual similarity to a typical user's view of the same world. The model that has been developed uses the object-oriented method of knowledge representation. The intention is that with this model any user of the system will be equipped to depict pictorial information easily and will be able to portray spatial as well as conceptual abstractions, generalizations, and rules at various levels. >
Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Effects of Atropine Reversal Oxymorphone-induced Bradycardia in Dogs

Oxymorphone was administered intravenously (IV) to 10 dogs (0.4 mg/kg initial dose followed by 0.2 mg/kg three times at 20-minute intervals). Four hours after the last dose of oxymorphone, heart rates were less than 60 bpm in six dogs. After atropine (0.01 mg/kg IV) was administered, heart rate decreased in five dogs and sinus arrhythmia or second degree heart block occurred in four of them. A second injection of atropine (0.01 mg/kg IV) was administered 5 minutes after the first and the heart rates increased to more than 100 bpm in all six dogs. Ten minutes after the second dose of atropine, heart rate, cardiac output, left ventricular minute work, venous admixture, and oxygen transport were significantly increased, whereas stroke volume, central venous pressure, systemic vascular resistance, and oxygen extraction ratio were significantly decreased from pre-atropine values. The PaCO2 increased and the PaO2 decreased but not significantly. The oxymorphone-induced bradycardia did not produce any overtly detrimental effects in these healthy dogs. Atropine reversed the bradycardia and improved measured cardiovascular parameters.
Control of nucleus accumbens activity with neurofeedback

The nucleus accumbens (NAcc) plays critical roles in healthy motivation and learning, as well as in psychiatric disorders (including schizophrenia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). Thus, techniques that confer control of NAcc activity might inspire new therapeutic interventions. By providing second-to-second temporal resolution of activity in small subcortical regions, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) can resolve online changes in NAcc activity, which can then be presented as "neurofeedback." In an fMRI-based neurofeedback experiment designed to elicit NAcc activity, we found that subjects could increase their own NAcc activity, and that display of neurofeedback significantly enhanced their ability to do so. Subjects were not as capable of decreasing their NAcc activity, however, and enhanced control did not persist after subsequent removal of neurofeedback. Further analyses suggested that individuals who recruited positive aroused affect were better able to increase NAcc activity in response to neurofeedback, and that NAcc neurofeedback also elicited functionally correlated activity in the medial prefrontal cortex. Together, these findings suggest that humans can modulate their own NAcc activity and that fMRI-based neurofeedback may augment their efforts. The observed association between positive arousal and effective NAcc control further supports an anticipatory affect account of NAcc function.
Risk evaluation of the enterprise's technological innovation based on extenics

Today enterprises are facing with the rapid development of information technology, fierce competition and complex business environment. So a large number of enterprises bear enormous risk pressure brought by the uncertainty. Therefore, it's of great significance to research on risk evaluation of technological innovation undoubtedly. This thesis describes the composition and index system of the enterprise's technological innovation risk, and adopts method of information entropy to define weight. Combining the established matter-element evaluation model and the calculating formula, it confirms the risky rank of enterprise's technological innovation and approves the scientific and feasibilities of this method, through the risk evaluation of enterprise's technological innovation.
Retrograde mesenteric stenting during laparotomy for acute occlusive mesenteric ischemia.

Introduction Acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) caused by arterial occlusive disease requires prompt diagnosis and revascularization to avoid the high mortality associated with this disease. In an attempt to minimize the magnitude of operation for arterial occlusive AMI, we have developed a new technique of endovascular recanalization and open retrograde stenting of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) during laparotomy so that the bowel can also be assessed and resected if necessary. Methods All emergent mesenteric revascularizations for arterial occlusive AMI performed at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center from 2001 to 2005 (n = 13) were retrospectively reviewed. Outcomes were analyzed with respect to the method of revascularization and other perioperative variables. Restenosis was evaluated with duplex ultrasound imaging. Results Three different revascularization methods were used: surgical bypass (n = 5), antegrade percutaneous stenting (n = 2), and retrograde open mesenteric (SMA) stenting (ROMS, n=6). Satisfactory revascularization was achieved in all cases and all methods. ROMS was successfully accomplished in three of six patients after antegrade attempts to cross the SMA from the arm were unsuccessful. At 17%, the ROMS group had the lowest hospital mortality compared with bypass at 80% ( P = .08) and percutaneous stent at 100% ( P = .11). All five of the surviving patients treated with ROMS were discharged to home after a mean hospital stay of 20 days (range, 6 to 38 days). During a mean follow-up of 13 ± 7 months, three patients died of unrelated causes, of which two were being followed with asymptomatic recurrent SMA stenosis detected by duplex scan. The two surviving patients are alive and well, but one has required percutaneous SMA stenting of a progressive asymptomatic restenosis. Conclusion Retrograde open SMA stenting during laparotomy for AMI has a high technical success rate and provides an attractive alternative to surgical bypass in these often critically ill patients. Because it is combined with open laparotomy, it honors the essential surgical principles of evaluating and resecting nonviable bowel. Restenosis rates appear to be high, so that patients must be followed closely. Further study and development of this new hybrid technique is warranted.
Earlier winter wheat heading dates and warmer spring in the U.S. Great Plains

Phenological change of plants is an indication of local and regional climate change, independent of the instrumentation records and associated bias/error. Although some phenological changes have been identified for native and perennial species and used to infer climate change in various regions of the world, little has been known for changes in agricultural plants/crops. In this study, heading or flowering dates of winter wheat cultivar Kharkof are examined from 70 years of data at six locations in the U.S. Great Plains. Results indicate a consistent trend of earlier heading or flowering dates across all sites, but rates of the trend differ (from 0.8 to 1.8 days per 10-year). Because the heading or flowering date is governed primarily by temperatures, the earlier heading or flowering dates indicate warming temperatures in the spring. Further examinations reveal increase in spring daily minimum temperatures. Findings of this study add a diverse species to the plant community for detecting the ‘‘fingerprint’’ of regional and global climate change. # 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
A cross-kingdom Nudix enzyme that pre-empts damage in thiamin metabolism

Genes specifying the thiamin monophosphate phosphatase and adenylated thiazole diphosphatase steps in fungal and plant thiamin biosynthesis remain unknown, as do genes for ThDP (thiamin diphosphate) hydrolysis in thiamin metabolism. A distinctive Nudix domain fused to Tnr3 (thiamin diphosphokinase) in Schizosaccharomyces pombe was evaluated as a candidate for these functions. Comparative genomic analysis predicted a role in thiamin metabolism, not biosynthesis, because free-standing homologues of this Nudix domain occur not only in fungi and plants, but also in proteobacteria (whose thiamin biosynthesis pathway has no adenylated thiazole or thiamin monophosphate hydrolysis steps) and animals (which do not make thiamin). Supporting this prediction, recombinant Tnr3 and its Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Arabidopsis and maize Nudix homologues lacked thiamin monophosphate phosphatase activity, but were active against ThDP, and up to 60-fold more active against diphosphates of the toxic thiamin degradation products oxy- and oxo-thiamin. Deleting the S. cerevisiae Nudix gene (YJR142W) lowered oxythiamin resistance, overexpressing it raised resistance, and expressing its plant or bacterial counterparts restored resistance to the YJR142W deletant. By converting the diphosphates of damaged forms of thiamin into monophosphates, the Tnr3 Nudix domain and its homologues can pre-empt the misincorporation of damaged diphosphates into ThDP-dependent enzymes, and the resulting toxicity.
DOWNWARD DEPARTURES FOR SERIOUS VIOLENT OFFENDERS: LOCAL COURT “CORRECTIONS” TO PENNSYLVANIA'S SENTENCING GUIDELINES*

We examine downward departures for serious violent offenders, using quantitative and qualitative data from Pennsylvania. We find that offense severity and prior record have negative direct effects on downward departures, but a positive interaction effect on them. Offenders convicted of aggravated assault, those who plead guilty, young black women, and offenders sentenced in large urban courts are more likely to receive downward departures, whereas those convicted by trial, young Hispanic males, and offenders sentenced in small rural courts are less likely to receive them. We argue that downward departures represent local “corrections” to guideline recommendations when there is a mismatch between guidelines and local court actors' definitions of key focal concerns of sentencing for serious violent offenders.
Social issues in the administration of information systems survey research

Survey responses differ between direct paper and pencil (manual) administration and Internet-based (electronic) survey data collection methods. Social dynamics (issues) play an important role in influencing respondent participation. A review of the existing literature suggests that the medium and administration context affect differences in instrument performance parameters, i.e., response rate, participation ease, attractiveness of survey, novelty effect, administrative costs, response flexibility, response time, population size, sample bias, instrument validity, the management of non-response data, and response error. This chapter attempts to identify, describe and map the differences between survey data collection media as a function of selected social variables.
Molecular epidemiology of endemic ciprofloxacin-susceptible and -resistant Enterobacteriaceae.

Objectives:To elucidate the epidemiology of widespread ciprofloxacin resistance in our Veterans Affairs medical center using whole cell DNA analysis.Design:In vitro study of ciprofloxacin resistant and susceptible Enterobacteriaceae isolated during the course of a clinical epidemiologic study of quinolone resistance.Setting:Veterans Affairs Medical Center with acute care and long-term care divisions.Results:We examined 40 ciprofloxacin-resistant strains of Serratia marcescens, Proteus mirabilis, and Providencia stuartii using restriction endonuclease analysis of whole cell DNA and compared them with concomitantly isolated ciprofloxacin sensitive strains. We sought to determine whether resistant strains were identical to susceptible strains, indicating in vivo emergence of resistant strains from susceptible strains, and whether resistant strains were shared among patients. All 26 ciprofloxacin-resistant S marcestens isolates shared a single ecoRI restriction pattern. Multiple patterns were seen in the ciprofloxacin-susceptible S marcescens isolates; however, several isolates had a pattern matching that of the resistant isolates. Similar results were seen among the P mirabilis isolates. Three different ecoRI patterns were found among the ciprofloxacin-resistant P stuartii isolates; none matched those found among the susceptible isolates. The frequency of spontaneous emergence of ciprofloxacin resistance in susceptible S marcescens strains with restriction pattern matching that of the resistant strains was significantly higher than that of nonmatching strains.Conclusions:Ciprofloxacin-resistant strains of Enterobacteriaceae became widespread within a short period of time. Resistant strains of S marcestens and P mirabilis arose from endemic susceptible strains. The resistant strain of S marcescens appeared to arise from a susceptible strain with a relatively high frequency of spontaneous ciprofloxacin resistance.
Techniques for blood administration in sickle cell patients.

Abstract Transfusion therapy provides many benefits to individuals with sickle cell disease but may lead to cardiovascular complications, alloimmunization, exposure to infection, and iron overload. Simple transfusion is used to increase oxygen-carrying capacity. Chronic simple transfusion is useful in preventing a number of complications in sickle cell disease. Acute erthrocyte exchange transfusion can reduce the percentage of cells containing sickle hemoglobin while decreasing volume overload and minimizing hyperviscosity. Chronic erythrocyte exchange transfusion reduces iron loading but increases donor exposure. Directed odnation may reduce alloimmunization and exposure to infection.
Molecular Testing for Solid Tumors

Solid tumors are neoplasms arising from nonhematopoietic tissues of the body, which may be either benign or malignant, although most solid tumors for which molecular diagnosis is applied are malignant. Malignant solid tumors are divided into two broad categories, sarcoma and carcinoma, based upon their tissue of origin.
Behavior Of Reinforced Concrete Shear Walls

Comparative studies are presented of one-story, plain and reinforced concrete shear walls subjected to shear forces applied in the plane of the wall. Panel and column proportions and reinforcing we...
Gastric eosinophilia in rats immunized with stomach.

SummaryEosinophilia in the rat stomach was produced by immunization with isologous, homologous, and heterologous stomach extracts in Freund's adjuvant. Immunization with isologous, homologous, and heterologous liver extracts failed to evoke stomach eosinophilia. It is possible that production of autoantibodies directed against organ-specific antigens in the stomach extracts and interaction of these antibodies with organ-specific antigen in the stomach wall may be responsible for the stomach eosinophilia.
Regulation of cytokine gene expression by orosomucoid in neonatal swine adipose tissue

Porcine adipose tissue expresses orosomucoid (ORM1) mRNA, a protein with anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. Previous research has demonstrated that porcine ORM1 can reduce insulin stimulated glucose metabolism in porcine adipose tissue in vitro. The present study was designed to examine the preweaning ontogeny of ORM1 mRNA abundance in porcine subcutaneous adipose and to determine if ORM1 can regulate mRNA abundance of inflammatory cytokines that contribute to insulin resistance in primary cultures derived from neonatal porcine subcutaneous adipose tissue. Cultures were differentiated in vitro and subsequently the adipocyte containing cultures were incubated for 24 h with 0–5000 ng porcine ORM1/mL medium. Cultures were then harvested, total RNA extracted for use in reverse transcription and the mRNA abundance of cytokine mRNA quantified by real-time PCR. ORM1 mRNA abundance within neonatal adipose tissue does not change from d 1 to d 21 of age and is a very small fraction relative to liver mRNA abundance. The ORM1 mRNA level in porcine adipocytes and stromal-vascular cells are similar (P > 0.05). Treatment with ORM1 did not affect TNFα (tumor necrosis factor α) mRNA level (P > 0.05), while interleukin 6 (IL6) mRNA abundance was reduced 32 % at 1,000 ng ORM1/mL (P 0.05). The reduction of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) mRNA abundance by ORM1 was dose dependent (P < 0.01). Monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP) mRNA level was reduced 27 % by 1,000 ng ORM1/mL (P < 0.05). The data suggest that ORM1 has limited effects TNFα, IL6, MIF or MCP expression at the concentrations tested. Secondly, these cytokines do not appear to contribute to the reported insulin resistance induced by ORM1 in porcine adipose tissue in vitro as an increase in the abundance of these inflammatory cytokines would be predicted during an insulin resistant state.
Management of skin grafts using negative pressure therapy: the effect of varied pressure on skin graft incorporation.

INTRODUCTION Optimal pressure settings have been suggested in the use of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in wound dressings. When used as a bolster for skin grafting, an NPWT setting of 125 mm Hg was initially suggested, but not validated through studies. The objective of this study is to report findings on the effect of varied pressure settings on the incorporation of split thickness skin grafts when using an NPWT bolster. METHODS From 2007 to 2010, 48 inpatients underwent split thickness skin grafting using a negative pressure system as a bolster under the care of 2 surgeons at 2 academic institutions. Twenty-two patients were evaluated retrospectively who were treated using NPWT bolsters at 75 mm Hg and 125 mm Hg based on the surgeon's discretion. Twenty-six patients were evaluated prospectively and were randomized to 50 mm Hg, 75 mm Hg, 100 mm Hg, and 125 mm Hg pressure settings. Graft incorporation was assessed at time of bolster removal, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks, per standard protocol. RESULTS At each assessment point, incorporation of each skin graft was > 95% in all study subjects, at all pressure settings. CONCLUSION Whereas initially postulated to be 125 mm Hg, ideal pressure settings for NPWT, when used as a bolster for split thickness skin grafts, may be lower. This study suggests that pressures as low as 50 mm Hg can be tolerated without compromise of skin graft incorporation. Study findings were presented at the Plastic Surgery Research Council Meeting in San Francisco, CA in April of 2010. ﻿﻿﻿.
On the role of initial void geometry in plastic deformation of metallic thin films: A molecular dynamics study

Abstract Void growth is usually considered one of the most critical phases leading to dynamic fracture of ductile materials. Investigating the detailed process of void growth at the nanoscale aids in understanding the damage mechanism of metals. While most atomistic simulations by far assume circular or spherical voids for simplicity, recent studies highlight the significance of the initial void ellipticity in mechanical response of voided metals. In this work, we perform large scale molecular dynamics simulations with millions of atoms to investigate the void growth in plastic deformation of thin films in face-centered cubic Cu. It is found that the initial ellipticity and the initial orientation angle of the void have substantial impacts on the dislocation nucleation, the void evolution, and the stress-strain response. In particular, the initial dislocation emission sites and the sequence of slip plane activation vary with the initial void geometry. For the void size evolution, three regimes are identified: (I) the porosity increases relatively slowly in the absence of dislocations, (II) the porosity grows much more rapidly after dislocations start to glide on different slip planes, and (III) the rate of porosity variation becomes much more slowly when dislocations are saturated in the model, and the void surface becomes irregular, non-smooth. In terms of the stress-strain response, the effects of the initial orientation angle are more pronounced when the initial void ellipticity is large; the influence of the initial void ellipticity is different for different initial orientation angles. The effects of the temperature, the strain rate, the loading direction, and the initial porosity in the void growth are also explored. Our results reveal the underlying mechanisms of initial void geometry-dependent plastic deformation of metallic thin films and shed light on informing more accurate theoretical models.
On Audre and Malcolm’s Advice

This chapter expounds on Harding and colleagues (Chapter “Families, Prisoner Reentry, and Reintegration”), to explore the possibilities and experiences researchers might capture through a sustained and increased focus on black LGBT Americans. Drawing on key insights from Audre Lorde (Sister outsider: Essays and speeches, 1984) and Malcolm X (The ballot or the bullet, 1964), this chapter expands the notion of family and familial support to include chosen families—the combined love and support drawn from fictive kinship ties. The chapter offers key questions and paths for continued exploration of the role of family and reentry in the context of incarceration.
Coordinating Traditional and Internet Supply Chains

The Internet has provided traditional manufacturers and retailers a new avenue to conduct their business. On one hand, utilizing the Internet channel potentially could increase the market for the firm and, due to synergies involved, reduce the costs of operations. On the other hand, a new channel threatens existing channel relationships through possible cannibalization. This chapter explores recent research on coordination opportunities that arise for firms that participate in both traditional channels as well as internet channels. Three areas of coordination are discussed: procurement, pricing, and the backend operations of distribution and fulfillment.
A Survey of Reduced Order Sensitivity Models

Abstract Techniques for reducing the order of sensitivity models are surveyed. Work on sensitivity points methods are described. Methods of obtaining reduced order models using state representations of systems are presented. Some recent results on controllability and observability of sensitivity models are presented.
Overview of Embryological and Fetal Development of the Ovary and Testis

The events that take place in the urogenital region during mammalian embryonal and fetal life represent ideal subjects of study for those interested in cellular differentiation and organogenesis. Within a short period of time, from a few hours in species with short gestational periods to no more than several days in those with longer ones, the urogenital region witnesses the arrival of the primordial germ cells (PGCs), their colonization of the genital folds, and the concomitant “activation” of the cells preexisting in the area, major phenomena that culminate in the development of a sexually indifferent gonad. The subsequent differentiation of the latter into a testis or an ovary is accompanied by the maturation of the PGCs into germinal elements with distinct sexually dimorphic characteristics, the development of a complex system of blood vessels and nerves, the differentiation of interstitial elements with important endocrine functions, the sexually dimorphic involution/transformation of the mesonephros, and the organization of the metanephros as the definitive excretory organ.
The Application of a Continuous Grignard Reaction in the Preparation of Fluconazole

The application of continuous methods in the synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients continues to receive significant attention in the academic as well as the industrial research communities. One of the major advantages of continuous methods is the ability to safely access kinetic synthons as well as highly reactive reagents that are typically unavailable through traditional batch methods. In this work, we report the high-yielding, clean formation of an aryl-turbo Grignard and its selective addition to a highly-enolizable 1,3-dichloroacetone, for the continuous synthesis of a key intermediate for fluconazole, a widely-prescribed anti-fungal agent. In addition, process optimization of the final API was also carried out to arrive at a semi-continuous method to this essential medicine.
At the Intersection of Social Entrepreneurship and Social Movements: The Case of Egypt and the Arab Spring

With a history of civic associations turned political, and an ongoing sociopolitical transformation in Egypt, social entrepreneurship (SE) has proliferated as an alternative to traditional forms of civic engagement such as charities on one hand and open activism on the other. Yet, situated between a desire for change, and the overpowering state and market logics, SE has been both limited and shaped by neoliberal and local-authoritarian visions. Using Egypt as the case, this study combines in-depth interviews with civil society practitioners, and field observation at an SE incubator, to examine how SE came to embody a desire for change using publicly sanctioned logics, all while enacting practices that preserve/revitalize a social movement in abeyance. By examining SE as part of a larger phenomenon in this particular moment of transition, this timely research allows us to investigate a link between social movements and SE not as two separate phenomena but as different ways of approaching the same thing: creating social transformation.
Effects of resource pulse magnitude on nutrient availability, productivity, stability, and food web dynamics in experimental aquatic ecosystems

Resource pulses provide short-duration, large-magnitude resources that influence ecosystem productivity, structure, and function. However, little empirical evidence is available evaluating how lake ecosystems respond to varying resource pulse magnitudes. We used mesocosms inoculated with primary producers and consumers to compare resource pulses of 0, 25, 50, 100, and 250 kg/ha of common carp Cyprinus carpio to simulate post-winterkill fish biomass in shallow lakes. Ecosystem responses to a gradient of resource pulse magnitudes typically had the greatest effects on nutrient availability and primary producers with fewer detectable effects for consumers. Total phosphorus, total Kjeldahl nitrogen, nitrate, phytoplankton, and periphyton productions increased as a result of the resource pulse, whereas copepods were the only consumer observed to elicit a positive response. In contrast, pulse magnitude had little effect on ecosystem stability, trophic position, or energy flow, potentially due to the low biomass of pulse magnitudes introduced. Resource pulses of moderate or large size generally increased nutrient availability and primary productivity while decreasing water clarity, suggesting that resource pulses can be an important factor influencing shallow eutrophic lakes but that effects may not be proportional to pulse size.
Bioreactors for evaluating cell infiltration and tissue formation in biomaterials

Abstract: Bioreactors allow for engineering complex three-dimensional tissues in vitro as well as understanding and controlling tissue assembly and function on a cellular level. There are numerous designs, configurations, and conditions that have been applied for cell and tissue culture of liver, heart, bone, cartilage, ligaments, blood vessels and other tissues. Computational fluid dynamics as well as other monitoring and sensing technologies can further optimize the mechanical, electrical and chemical conditions used in bioreactors. This chapter is a brief summary of technologies and conditions tested in bioreactor systems for cell infiltration and tissue formation, as well as a review of critical shortcomings and future developments that would allow for development of clinically relevant tissues.
Functional Neuroimaging of Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a chronic progressive neurological disorder that affects 1% of the world population with an incidence of 70 per 100,000 per year [1]. About 30% of the patients have drug-resistant epilepsy [2]. Recent technical advances in neuroimaging have made many previously undetectable lesions visible, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become the primary imaging modality in the epilepsy workup. Many patients with temporal lobe epilepsy due to hippocampal sclerosis or cortical dysplasia have had temporal lobe resection and gained successful seizure control [3]. With modern neuroimaging, the surgical indications have expanded, and surgery is now one of the important treatment options in both adult and pediatric intractable epilepsy. It is known that seizure control is improved when the preoperative imaging demonstrates the border of the lesion [4]. Epilepsy surgery includes temporal lobectomy, extratemporal lesionectomy, hemispherectomy, corpus callosotomy, and subpial transections. The etiologies of surgically treatable epilepsy include hippocampal sclerosis, focal cortical dysplasia (FCD), tuberous sclerosis, neoplasm, perinatal stroke, vascular malformations, and much rarer diseases such as Rasmussen encephalitis and hemimegalencephaly. The role of the neuroradiologist for presurgical evaluation is not only to demonstrate a structural abnormality using multimodality techniques but also to ­provide anatomical information about the lesion in order to obtain improved postsurgical outcomes without causing unnecessary neurological deficits. As epilepsy is a functional disease, the lesion found in MRI is not always equivalent to the epileptogenic region. The neuroradiologist must work as a member of a team with neurologists and neurosurgeons to understand the clinical and electrophysiological assessments an to interpret the ­functional neuroimaging. Co-registration of the MRI, ­positron emission tomography (PET), single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), functional MRI (fMRI), and magnetoencephalography (MEG) are fundamental to the presurgical evaluation. This multidisciplinary and multimodality approach is the key to the successful postsurgical outcomes. In this chapter, different techniques to explore intractable epilepsy are discussed, including fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET, MEG, and diffusion tensor imaging­ (DTI) in combination with structural MRI.
Fluoroaluminate- and GTP gamma S-induced stress, shortening, and myosin phosphorylation in airway smooth muscle.

GTP-binding proteins in bovine tracheal smooth muscle were activated by fluoroaluminate and guanosine 59-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTP gamma S), and the sensitivities of fluoroaluminate- and GTP gamma S-induced active stress and myosin phosphorylation to muscle shortening were compared. Relative to the value of myosin phosphorylation at L0, unloaded shortening induced a 63% decrease in fluoroaluminate-activated steady-state myosin phosphorylation, but had no significant effect on GTP gamma S-activated myosin phosphorylation. These results were consistent with the hypothesis that shortening-sensitive and shortening-insensitive signal-transduction pathways coexist in airway smooth muscle. However, unlike myosin phosphorylation, active stress induced by fluoroaluminate was actually less sensitive to shortening. The amount of shortening necessary to reduce active stress to half of that at Lo was 65% in fluoroaluminate-activated tissues, but was only 34% in GTP gamma S-activated tissues. The observation of different sensitivities of fluoroaluminate-activated myosin phosphorylation and active stress suggests that GTP-binding proteins modulate the dependence of active stress on muscle length in smooth muscle.
Community Detection as a Method to Control For Homophily in Social Networks

People tend to be very similar to their friends. Groups of friends often have similar political affiliations, exercise habits, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Is this similarity because people become friends and then start influencing each other, or because their friendship begins due to similar traits? If one person starts exhibiting similar behavior as their friend, is it because their friend caused them to behave that way or because their similar traits have caused them both to start exhibiting the trait? This question is difficult to answer, but researchers investigating how people interact with each other often encounter the issue. In this paper I put forth a method to help differentiate between one friend influencing another (contagion) and two friends behaving similarly because the cause of the behavior is the same reason they became friends in the first place (homophily).