cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Social stress enhances IL-1β and TNF-α production by Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide-stimulated CD11b+ cells

Psychological stress is associated with an increased expression of markers of peripheral inflammation, and there is a growing literature describing a link between periodontal pathogens and systemic inflammation. The hypothesis of the present work is that exposing mice to the social stressor, called social disruption (SDR), would enhance the inflammatory response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) derived from the oral pathogen, Porphyromonas gingivalis. Mice were exposed to SDR for 2 h per day on 6 consecutive days. On the morning following the last cycle of SDR, mice were tested for anxiety-like behavior in the open field test and novel object test. The mice were sacrificed the following day and their spleens harvested. Spleen cells were stimulated with LPS derived from P. gingivalis in the absence or presence of increasing doses of corticosterone. Social disruption resulted in anxiety-like behavior, and the production of IL-1β and TNF-α was significantly higher in spleen cells from mice exposed to SDR in comparison to levels from non-stressed control mice. In addition, the viability of spleen cells from mice exposed to SDR was significantly greater than the viability of cells from non-stressed control mice, even in the presence of high doses of corticosterone. The use of cultures enriched for CD11b+ cells indicated that the stressor was affecting the activity of splenic myeloid cells. This study demonstrates that social stress enhances the inflammatory response to an oral pathogen and could provide a critical clue in the reported associations between stress, inflammation, and oral pathogens.
A Monomeric Variant of Insulin Degrading Enzyme (IDE) Loses Its Regulatory Properties

Background Insulin degrading enzyme (IDE) is a key enzyme in the metabolism of both insulin and amyloid beta peptides. IDE is unique in that it is subject to allosteric activation which is hypothesized to occur through an oligomeric structuture.
Hsp27 phosphorylation in experimental glaucoma.

PURPOSE. The role of heat shock proteins (Hsp) in injury response has been well established, but it is now becoming apparent that the phosphorylation state of Hsp27 may be a critical determinant of its ability to act in a protective capacity. In this study, the expression of Hsp27 and its phosphorylation were evaluated in an experimental glaucoma model in Brown Norway rats and in a spontaneous model of glaucoma in the DBA/2J mouse. METHODS. The intraocular pressure (TOP) of one eye was elevated by injecting 1.9 M saline into the episcleral vein, as previously described in Brown Norway rats. IOP was measured in awake Brown Norway rats before surgery and every other day after saline injection. After 10 days of elevated IOP, the retinas were either removed for Western blot analysis or fixed for immunohistochemistry (IHC). IOP measurement in 7-month-old female DBA/2J mice was performed by direct cannulation. Retinas of eyes with and without elevated IOP were collected for Western blot analysis. RESULTS. Western blot results showed a significant increase in total Hsp27 (3.9-fold; P < 0.05; n = 8) and phosphorylated Hsp27 (pHsp27) (2.1-fold; P < 0.05; n = 6) in high IOP eyes in the experimental rat glaucoma model, and similar increases were observed in DBA/2J mice with elevated IOP (3.1-fold and 2.2-fold for Hsp27 and pHsp27, respectively; P < 0.05; n = 5). In rats, increased Hsp27 and pHsp27 immunoreactivity were observed in the nerve fiber layer of elevated IOP eyes and colocalized with glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and with vimentin staining, suggesting that glial cells contribute to the increase in Hsp27 and pHsp27 seen in experimental glaucoma. No change in Hsp70 or Hsp90 was observed. CONCLUSIONS. These results confirm previous reports of elevated Hsp27 in experimental glaucoma and extend them to the DBA/2J mouse. In addition, a significant increase occurred in Hsp27 phosphorylation with elevated IOP in both models of glaucoma. IHC studies show that the increases in Hsp27 and pHsp27 occur primarily in glial cells.
A new type of lesion-induced synaptogenesis: II. The effect of aging on synaptic turnover in non-denervated zones

Partial denervation of the dentate molecular layer causes sprouting and reinnervation by undamaged afferents within the denervated zones of young adult animals and to a lesser extent in aged animals. We have previously reported a non-degenerative remodeling of the dentate molecular layer in areas outside the primary denervated zone of young adult rats after a unilateral entorhinal lesion. In this study, we evaluate the response of aged rats under the same conditions, to see if aged animals also respond to injury in non-denervated zones. After a unilateral entorhinal lesion, the outer two-thirds of the ipsilateral dentate molecular layer loses about 85% of its input, while the outer two-thirds of the contralateral molecular layer loses less than 5% of its input (crossed temporo-dentate path). Denervation does not occur in the inner one-third of the molecular layer on either side. Within the ipsilateral inner molecular layer, the synaptic density rapidly drops 21% in the absence of degeneration and then recovers by 10 days post-lesion, as is the case in young adult animals. On the contralateral side, young adult animals show synapse turnover similar to the ipsilateral inner molecular layer. In contrast, no significant response in the total synaptic density was observed in the non-denervated contralateral inner molecular layer or the partially denervated outer two-thirds of the contralateral molecular layer. Thus, in aged animals, synaptic turnover is restricted to the massively denervated ipsilateral side. The small loss of input to the contralateral side apparently is not sufficient to initiate quantifiable turnover of synaptic contacts. This steady-state situation may be the result of an on-going stabilization of neuronal circuitry, which may limit restoration of function after injury in aged animals.
OPTIMALITY OF GLS FOR ONE-STEP-AHEAD FORECASTING WITH REGARIMA AND RELATED MODELS WHEN THE REGRESSION IS MISSPECIFIED

We consider the modeling of a time series described by a linear regression component whose regressor sequence satisfies the generalized asymptotic sample second moment stationarity conditions of Grenander (1954, Annals of Mathematical Statistics 25, 252–272). The associated disturbance process is only assumed to have sample second moments that converge with increasing series length, perhaps after a differencing operation. The model's regression component, which can be stochastic, is taken to be underspecified, perhaps as a result of simplifications, approximations, or parsimony. Also, the autoregressive moving average (ARMA) or autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model used for the disturbances need not be correct. Both ordinary least squares (OLS) and generalized least squares (GLS) estimates of the mean function are considered. An optimality property of GLS relative to OLS is obtained for one-step-ahead forecasting. Asymptotic bias characteristics of the regression estimates are shown to distinguish the forecasting performance. The results provide theoretical support for a procedure used by Statistics Netherlands to impute the values of late reporters in some economic surveys.The author thanks two referees and the co-editor for comments and suggestions that led to substantial improvements in the exposition and also thanks John Aston and Tucker McElroy for helpful comments on an earlier draft. Any views expressed are the author's and not necessarily those of the U.S. Census Bureau.
Formation and structure of ramified charge transportation networks in an electromechanical system

We present findings in an experiment where we obtain stationary ramified transportation networks in a macroscopic nonbiological system. Our purpose here is to introduce the phenomenology of the experiment. We describe the dynamical formation of the network which consists of three growth stages: (I) strand formation, (II) boundary formation, and (III) geometric expansion. We find that the system forms statistically robust network features, like the number of termini and the number of branch points. We also find that the networks are usually trees, meaning that they lack closed loops; indeed, we find that loops are unstable in the network. Finally, we find that the final topology of the network is sensitive to the initial conditions of the particles, in particular to its geometry.
RENAL HAEMODYNAMICS IN CONSCIOUS EXPERIMENTALLY HYPERTENSIVE RATS

The integrity of renal haemodynamics is essential for the maintenance of normal renal function in the normotensive and hypertensive state. Systemic and renal haemodynamics have been determined by the radioactively labelled microspheres technique in normotensive, Goldblatt I, Goldblatt II and deoxycorticosterone (DOC)-saline-treated hypertensive rats. Cardiac output was similar between normotensive and hypertensive rats, while total peripheral resistance was similarly higher in all hypertensive animals when compared to normotensive animals. Renal blood flow per weight unit was similarly decreased in all hypertensive animals (3.77 ml/min . g (S.D. 0.85, n = 11); the unclipped kidneys of Goldblatt II rats, 3.76 ml/min . g (S.D. 0.89, n = 11); the clipped kidneys of Goldblatt II rats, 3.62 ml/min . g (S.D. 0.78, n = 9); the kidneys of Goldblatt I rats and 2.95 ml/min . g (S.D. 0.83, n = 10) the kidneys of DOC-saline rats). It is concluded that kidneys from experimentally hypertensive rats fail to preserve normal renal blood flow, even at elevated arterial blood pressures, regardless of the pathophysiology of hypertension.
The impact of oncologists' behaviors on patient satisfaction with morning rounds

Morning rounds are the major focus of physician-patient interaction for hospitalized cancer patients. To determine the impact of specific physician behaviors on patient satisfaction with these rounds, the authors examined 401 such individual interactions using a previously developed Physician Behavior Check List (PBCL) and several visual analogue scales that assessed patient satisfaction. Patient satisfaction for the entire group was high (X = 8.56 on a 10 cm scale) and failed to correlate significantly with specific physician behaviors. By splitting at the median, high and low satisfaction groups were obtained. For the high satisfaction group older age, a poorer prognosis, and a positive quality of the day's news were associated with higher satisfaction. Use of the patient's first name and attempts to establish privacy during an exam were positively correlated with satisfaction, whereas discussing the role of the family and examining nontruncal areas had a negative impact. For the lower satisfaction group, a series of routine social skills behaviors (e.g., sitting while talking to patients, not interrupting) and two medically related behaviors correlated best with patient satisfaction. There was little significant impact on satisfaction of behaviors related to the provision of either medical information or emotional support.
Correlation between cord insertion type and superficial choriovasculature in diamniotic-monochorionic twin placentas.

Abstract Background Non-central cord insertion has been associated with diminished chorionic vascular distribution in singleton placentas. The choriovascular correlates of peripheral cord insertion in diamniotic-monochorionic twin placentas remain undetermined. Aim To study the association between type of cord insertion and choriovascular distribution of both twin territories in diamniotic-monochorionic twin placentas. Design A prospective cohort of 138 monochorionic placentas was examined at Women and Infants Hospital between 2009 and early 2011. Thirty-five cases (25%), including disrupted placentas, placentas from higher order multiples and placentas from pregnancies complicated by twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, were excluded. The correlation between cord insertion type and superficial choriovascular distribution was studied in the remaining 103 dye-injected diamniotic-monochorionic placentas. Cord insertion was categorized as paracentral, marginal or velamentous. The choriovascular distribution of each individual twin territory was assessed by analysis of number and density (number per surface area) of perforating chorionic arteries (PCA). Results In contrast with singleton placentas, there was no correlation between cord insertion type and a twin’s own choriovascular distribution in diamniotic-monochorionic placentas. However, a strong correlation was found between the choriovascular distribution of one twin and the cord insertion type of the opposite twin. For a twin with paracentral or marginal cord insertion, the PCA density was significantly higher if the co-twin had a velamentous cord insertion than if the co-twin had a paracentral cord insertion (P Conclusions This is the first study to suggest that in diamniotic-monochorionic twin gestations, the choriovascular architecture correlates with the cord insertion type of the co-twin. In general, velamentous cord insertion is associated with expanded choriovascular distribution in the opposite twin territory. Our observations may reflect novel manifestations of twin interdependence in monochorionic pregnancies.
Regulation of varicella zoster virus gene 27 translation in vitro by upstream sequences.

Abstract Northern blot analysis revealed the presence of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) gene 27 transcripts in infected cells. The SalI-G DNA fragment, located in the unique long segment of the VZV genome and containing overlapping genes 26 and 27, was analyzed in an in vitro transcription-translation system. Translation of RNA transcribed from these open reading frames showed prominent expression of gene 27. Four different subclones were constructed to contain gene 27 with and without 100 base pairs (bp) of upstream sequences. Translation of RNA from these constructs using wheat germ extract or rabbit reticulocyte lysate indicated that the sequences upstream from the predicted intiation codon (AUG) of gene 27 downregulated the expression of this gene at the level of translation and that the predicted AUG within gene 27 was preferentially used.
Power spectra of nonlinearly coupled waves

Swinney et al. (1977) have found that turbulence in rotational Couette flow results from a small number of instabilities. They have raised the question of whether these instabilities conform with the ideas of Ruelle and Takens (1971). We show that a simple model of the Couette flow yields power spectra similar to those seen in the experiments. The model is consistent with the Ruelle and Takens picture.
Calculations of Drag Forces Acting on Particle Dendrites

The drag force acting on particle dendrites attached to spherical collectors was calculated by considering the dendrites as slender bodies. The results were compared with calculations based on a previously developed empirical method and were found to agree with their predictions as long as the slender-body condition was valid.
Self-Rigidizable Space Inflatable Boom

Development of inflatable structures for space applications has progressed rapidly in the past few years. Noticeable advances have been achieved in several key technology areas, such as system concepts, analysis tools, material selection and characterization, and inflation deployment control. However, many challenges remain to be overcome before the inflatable structures can be actually incorporated into space flight systems. One of these challenges is the development of suitable in-space rigidization methods, and many researchers in the space inflatables community are currently working toward this goal. The concept and development of a new type of space inflatable/self-rigidizable structures, called the spring-tape-reinforced aluminum laminate booms is described. Analysis and test results related to buckling capability, effects of stowage, modal characteristics, and dynamic responses of spring-tape-reinforced aluminum laminate booms are presented and discussed.
On the Dual of the Procesi–Formanek Lattice

Let G be the symmetric group on n letters. Procesi and Formanek have shown that C n , the center of the generic division algebra of degree n defined over a field F, is stably isomorphic to $F(B_{n})^{G}$ where B n is a specific ZG-lattice. We refer to B n as the Procesi–Formanek lattice. The question of the stable rationality of C n is a long standing problem for which few results are known. Let F be an algebraically closed field of characteristic zero, let p be an odd prime, and let $B_{p}^{*}=Hom_{Z}(B_{p},Z)$ be the dual of the Procesi–Formanek lattice. We show that $F(B_{p}^{*})^{G}$ is stably rational over F. An interesting question is whether there exists a connection between C p and $F(B_{p}^{*})^{G}$ .
Experimental Exchange-Split Energy-Band Dispersions for Fe, Co, and Ni

Using angle-resolved photoemission with single-crystal Fe(111) and Co(0001), we have determined accurate exchange-split energy-band dispersions $E(\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{k}})$ along symmetry lines. For Fe, Co, and Ni, respectively, occupied $d$-band widths are 3.1 eV ($P$), 3.8 eV ($L$), and 3.4 eV ($L, X$), while exchange splittings are \ensuremath{\sim}1.5 eV ($P$), \ensuremath{\sim}1.1 eV ($\ensuremath{\Gamma}$), and 0.3 eV (near $L$). Comparison with theory shows that state-of-the-art ab initio calculations describe the strong ferromagnets Fe and Co much better than Ni.
Hard-Cooking and Pickling Eggs as Teaching Aids

Abstract A single laboratory experiment was used to teach several egg-use and preservation practices. Students in a poultry products technology class were asked to hard-cook eggs, observing the effect of age of eggs, shell piercing, initial egg temperature, starting water temperature, and severity of hard-cooking on cracked shells, peelability, and color of the yolk exterior. After the eggs were peeled, some were placed loosely into glass jars. Several pickling solutions were prepared by the students based on available recipes. The effect and role of the individual ingredients were discussed during preparation of the solutions. The heated pickling solutions were then poured over the eggs for seasoning. A final requirement of the class was that of formulating their own pickling solution based on what had been learned in the class. The students were evaluated on their interest, participation, and knowledge of the cooking and preservation practices in an exam.
The amino terminal F-box domain of Petunia inflata S-locus F-box protein is involved in the S-RNase-based self-incompatibility mechanism

Background and aims Pistils of flowering plants possessing self-incompatibility (SI) can distinguish between self and non-self pollen, and only allow non-self pollen to effect fertilization. For Petunia inflata, the S-RNase gene encodes pistil specificity and multiple S-locus F-box (SLF) genes encode pollen specificity. Each SLF produced in pollen interacts with a subset of non-self S-RNases to mediate their ubiquitination and degradation by the 26S proteasome. Rationale S-locus F-box has been proposed to function as a component of the conventional SCF (SKP1-CULLIN-F-box protein) complex, based on the finding that two SKP1-like proteins, AhSSK1 (Antirrhinum hispanicum SLF-interacting SKP1-like1) and PhSSK1 (Petunia hybrida SSK1), interact with the F-box domain of some allelic variants of SLF. However, we previously showed that PiSLF (P. inflata SLF) did not interact with any SKP1 of P. inflata or Arabidopsis thaliana, but instead interacted with a RING-finger protein, PiSBP1 (P. inflata S-RNase-Binding Protein1), which may also play the role of SKP1. Thus, the biochemical nature of the SLF-containing complex is as yet unclear. Principal results To examine whether the F-box domain of PiSLF is required for SI function, we expressed a truncated PiSLF(2) (S(2) allelic variant) without this domain in S(2)S(3) plants and showed that, unlike the full-length PiSLF(2), it did not cause breakdown of SI in S(3) pollen. We identified PiSSK1 (P. inflata SSK1) and found that it did not interact with PiSLF(1), PiSLF(2) or PiSLF(3). Conclusions The finding that the truncated PiSLF(2) did not cause breakdown of SI in S(3) transgenic pollen suggests that the F-box domain of PiSLF(2) is required for mediating degradation of S(3)-RNase, a non-self S-RNase, in S(3) pollen, and thus is required for SI function. The finding that PiSSK1 did not interact with three allelic variants of PiSLF is consistent with our previous finding that PiSLF might not be in a conventional SCF complex.
Artificial feeding of adult and nymphal Dermacentor andersoni (Acari: Ixodidae) during studies on bovine anaplasmosis.

Procedures and apparatus for in vitro feeding of adult and nymphal stages of the ixodid tick Dermacentor andersoni are described. After prefeeding for 4 to 6 days on rabbits, both stages of the tick completed engorgement in artificial feeding devices using rabbit or mouse skin as the attachment surface and packed bovine red blood cells (RBC) as food. Nymphs completed engorgement during 2 days using a single mouse skin for attachment and 6 aliquots of packed RBC as food. Adult females in the presence of males reattached to rabbit skin 2 to 4 times during a 2- to 4-day period and completed engorgement. The residual RBC (and tick saliva) in the feeding device after artificial feeding of Anaplasma marginale -infected adult ticks was not infectious when inoculated into susceptible calves. Probable reasons for failure to transmit anaplasmosis are discussed. Detmacentor andersoni nymphs were readily infected by in vitro feeding on Anaplasma marginale -infected blood and transmitted the parasite during the adult stage.
Composite grating for moire interferometry

This paper presents the theoretical background and experimental verification of a new composite grating with two different grating frequencies, which was developed for simultaneous measurements of small and large displacements in a single specimen using moire interferometry. A composite grating with line frequencies of 1200 and 300 lines/mm was used to study the changes in the displacement field and the approximate J-integral values of a 5152-H32 aluminum, single-edge-notched specimen under increasing load.
40Ar/39Ar geochronology of the Eocene Green River Formation, Wyoming

The deposits of Eocene Lake Gosiute that constitute the Green River Formation of Wyoming contain numerous tuff beds that represent isochronous, correlatable stratigraphic markers. Tuff beds selected for 40Ar/39Ar analysis occur within laminated mudstone, are matrix supported, and lack evidence of reworking. These tuffs contain 2%–15% euhedral phenocrysts of quartz, plagioclase, sanidine, biotite, and minor amphibole, pyroxene, and zircon, encased in a matrix of altered glassy ash. Air abrasion and handpicking under refractive- index oils were required to obtain clean, unaltered phenocrysts of sanidine. 40Ar/39Ar age determinations from single-crystal and <1 mg multigrain aliquots of sanidine and biotite allowed the identification and exclusion of xenocrystic contamination. Laser-fusion experiments on phenocrysts from the Rife, Firehole, C Bed, Grey, Main, Sixth, and Analcite tuff beds from the Tipton, Wilkins Peak, and Laney Members yielded weighted-mean ages (±2σ analytical uncertainties) of 51.25 ± 0.31 Ma, 50.70 ± 0.14 Ma, 50.56 ± 0.26 Ma, 50.39 ± 0.13 Ma, 49.96 ± 0.08 Ma, 49.70 ± 0.10 Ma, and 48.94 ± 0.12 Ma, respectively. Ages for sanidine and biotite from the Main tuff are indistinguishable when presumably xenocrystic contaminants are excluded from the age calculation. Moreover, the 40Ar/39Ar ages are consistent with the stratigraphic order of the tuff beds and with provenance in the Absaroka and Challis volcanic fields. Our 40Ar/39Ar-based age model indicates that sediment accumulated three times more rapidly (327 ± 86 μm/yr) during the evaporative Wilkins Peak phase than the freshwater to saline Tipton (88 ± 34 μm/yr) and Laney (104 ± 18 μm/yr) phases. The much lower accumulation rates for the Tipton and Laney Members are permissive of an annual origin for <1-mm-thick laminae and precessional forcing of 1–3-m-thick depositional cycles in these units. However, previously described cycles in the Wilkins Peak Member have average durations that are significantly shorter than the 19–23 k.y. precessional modes. The Green River Formation encompasses an ∼5 m.y. period between ca. 53.5 and 48.5 Ma, spanning magnetic chrons 24n through 21r. The Green River Formation was therefore deposited during the warmest period of the Cenozoic corresponding to the early Eocene climatic optimum as defined by the global marine O isotope record. Deposition of bedded evaporites (trona) of the Wilkins Peak Member began at ca. 51 Ma, or ∼2 m.y. after the onset of the highest inferred temperatures of the climatic optimum. The Bridgerian–Wasatchian faunal turnover occurred subsequently during Wilkins Peak time, at ca. 50.6 Ma. Thus, our 40Ar/39Ar ages strongly suggest that Wilkins Peak evaporite deposition and the turnover from Wasatchian to Bridgerian fauna were not directly caused by the initiation of maximum greenhouse conditions.
Endoscopic therapy for Barrett's oesophagus

Barrett's oesophagus (BO) is thought to progress through the development of dysplasia (low grade and high grade) to oesophageal adenocarcinoma, a lethal cancer with poor survival. The overall goal of endoscopic therapy of BO is to eliminate metaplastic and dysplastic epithelium, to prevent and/or reduce the risk of progression to OAC. Endoscopic therapy techniques can be divided into two broad complementary techniques: tissue acquiring (endoscopic mucosal resection and endoscopic submucosal dissection) and ablative. Endoscopic therapy has been established as safe and effective for the subjects with intra-mucosal cancer (IMC), high-grade dysplasia (HGD) and more recently in treating low-grade dysplasia (LGD). Challenges to endoscopic therapy are being recognized, such as incomplete response and recurrence. While eradication of intestinal metaplasia is the immediate goal of endoscopic therapy, surveillance must continue after complete elimination of intestinal metaplasia, to detect and treat recurrences.
The Pseudomonas aeruginosa pilK gene encodes a chemotactic methyltransferase (CheR) homologue that is translationally regulated

Summary A new locus, designated pilK, located immediately adjacent to the previously described Pseudomonas aeruginosa pilG–J gene cluster, has been identified. Sequence analysis of a 1.3 kb region revealed the presence of a single open reading frame of 291 amino acid residues (Mr, 33 338) that contained significant homology to the chemotactic methyltransferase proteins of Escherichia coli. Bacillus subtilis and the gliding bacterium Myxococcus xanthus. The 60 bp pilJ–pilK intergenic region was devoid of promoter consensus sequences, suggesting that pilj and pilK are contained within the same transcriptional unit. The intergenic region did contain, however, a large, highly GC-rich, inverted repeat that prevented PilK production in expression studies. To investigate the regulatory role of these sequences, pilK-lacZ gene fusions, as well as derivatives containing sequence alterations in the potential stem-loop region, were constructed and analysed in E. coli and P. aeruginosa. Modification of the inverted repeat region in pilK-lacZ protein fusion constructs resulted in as much as a 24'fold increase in β-galactosidase activity, whereas similar modifications in pilK-lacZ transcriptional fusions had only a marginal effect on β-galactosidase levels. These results indicated that PilK production may be largely regulated at the level of translation. In stark contrast to pilG-J mutants, which are dramatically impaired in pilus production and/or function, a PAO1 pilK deletion mutant was indistinguishable from the wild type. In addition, complementation studies suggested that the PilK and E. coli CheR proteins are not functionally interchangeable.
Fractalkine-mediated signals regulate cell-survival and immune-modulatory responses in intestinal epithelial cells

Abstract Background & Aims: In this study, we determined the signal transduction and functional consequences after ligand-specific activation of the fractalkine receptor CX3CR1 in human intestinal epithelial cells. Methods: CX3CR1 expression in human colonic tissues and intestinal epithelial cell lines was determined by immunohistochemistry, immunoblotting, and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. The regulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation was assessed by immunoblotting. Regulation of chemokine messenger RNA (mRNA) expression was determined by Northern blotting. NF-κB and p53 activation was assessed by electromobility shift assays. Results: Fractalkine mediated the MEK-1 and Gαi-dependent but phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase–independent activation of extracellular signal–regulated kinase–MAPK. Fractalkine activated NF-κB and p53 resulting in interleukin 8 and fractalkine mRNA expression. CX3CR1-mediated activation of intestinal epithelial cells was able to induce migration of human neutrophils into but not through the intestinal epithelial cell monolayer. Conclusions: CX3CR1 mediates distinct functional responses in intestinal epithelial cells, which include the autocrine regulation of cell-survival signals and activation of immune modulators, indicating a role of CX3CR1 in host defense mechanisms originating from the intestinal epithelium. GASTROENTEROLOGY 2002;122:166-177
Content-Related Interactions in Self-initiated Study Groups

The central goal of the present exploratory study was to investigate the nature of the content-related interactions in study groups independently organized by college organic chemistry students. We were particularly interested in the identification of the different factors that affected the emergence of opportunities for students to co-construct understanding and engage in higher levels of cognitive processing. Our results are based on the analysis of in situ observations of 34 self-initiated study sessions involving over a 100 students in three academic semesters. The investigation revealed three major types of social regulation processes, teaching, tutoring, and co-construction in the observed study sessions. However, the extent to which students engaged in each of them varied widely from one session to another. This variability was mostly determined by the specific composition of the study groups and the nature of the study tasks in which they were engaged. Decisions about how to organize the study ses...
A decision tree classifier design for high-dimensional data with limited training samples

Advances in sensor technology have increased the spectral resolution of remote sensing data significantly. Higher spectral resolution for each pixel should make possible the discrimination of a larger number of classes in more detail. However, due to the scarcity of training samples in remote sensing applications, the increase in spectral dimensionality only complicates the design of classifiers which, if not properly done, may cause the deterioration of classification accuracy. In this work, we propose a new design procedure for a hybrid decision tree classifier which improves the classification efficiency and accuracy for classifying high-dimensional data with a small training sample size. We further propose to use a feature extraction technique based on maximizing the statistical distance between two subgroups. Experimental results show that the proposed tree classifier is more effective in classifying high-dimensional data with limited training samples than a single-layer classifier and a previously proposed hybrid tree classifier.
Paleoecological Analysis of Corals and Stromatoporoids in a Devonian Biostrome, Falls of the Ohio, Kentucky–Indiana

A single broadly exposed bedding surface in the coral zone of the Middle Devonian Jeffersonville Limestone at the Falls of the Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana, displays a virtually in situ contemporary population of colonial corals and Stromatoporoids. The positions, sizes, shapes, orientations, and subfamilial or generic identities of 14,233 unbroken colonial coelenterates were recorded by detailed quadrat mapping of the bedding surface. The colonial coelenterate fauna (exclusive of branching Favositinae) consists of 70.8 per cent tabulate corals, 25.5 per cent Stromatoporoids, and 3.7 per cent compound rugose corals. These coexisted with numerous solitary rugose corals and pelmatozoans. Stromatoporoids and some tabulate corals concentrated in north–south linear bands in response to ecological conditions, whereas colonial rugose corals were apparently randomly distributed Concentrations of branching Favositinae fragments mark the growth-sites of large colonies. Significant positive and negative linear correlations of paired taxonomic groups indicate tendencies of preferred distribution and concentration among numerically abundant groups. The preferred orientation of the long axes and distal ends of recumbent elongate and massive corals is east–west. Combined evidence suggests that a gentle east–west tidal current, with a stronger easterly component, was responsible for the orientation. The distribution of colonies in the Devonian biostrome is in some ways analogous to the distribution patterns of modern non-reef corals on the South Florida carbonate platform.
N-aralkylpolyamine complexes—VIII: Complexes of copper(II) with N,N,N′,N′-tetrabenzylethylenediamine and N,N,N′-tribenzylethylenediamine☆

Abstract Five new complexes of N,N,N′,N′-tetrabenzylethylenediamine (TBEn) and N,N,N′-tetrazylethylenediamine (TriBEn) are reported: Cu(TBEn)X2 (X  Cl, Br, NO3), and Cu(TriBEn)X2 (X  Cl, Br). Their structures were deduced from room and liquid nitrogen temperature reflectance spectra, visible spectra, i.r. spectra, X-ray powder patterns, magnetic susceptibilities and conductivities. TBEn was characterized by its NMR spectrum. The unexpected degradation of TBEn to TriBEn in the presence of copper(II) halides in hot and cold solutions was investigated. The decomposition products were isolated and characterized by u.v., visible and i.r. spectra. The oxidative production of benzaldehyde is catalyzed by the copper(II) halides but not by the nitrate.
Protection against influenza infection by cytokine-enhanced aerosol genetic immunization.

Background Conventional vaccine development for newly emerging pandemic influenza virus strains would likely take too long to prevent devastating global morbidity and mortality. If DNA vaccines can be distributed and delivered efficiently, genetic immunization could be an attractive solution to this problem, since plasmid DNA is stable, easily engineered to encode new protein antigens, and able to be quickly produced in large quantities. Methods We compared two novel genetic immunization methods in a mouse model of influenza to evaluate protective effects: aerosol delivery of polyethylenimine (PEI)-complexed hemagglutinin (HA)-expressing plasmid and intravenous (IV) delivery of the plasmid complexed with macroaggregated albumin/PEI. Serial serum samples were obtained for assay of neutralizing antibodies against HA. Mice were then challenged in the airway with influenza virus, and production of infectious virus in the lungs was titered. Results Most mice immunized with HA plasmid alone by aerosol and all mice immunized IV developed protective immune responses, whereas none administered control plasmid were protected. Aerosol co-administration of HA plasmid with plasmids encoding the cytokines interleukin 12 (IL12) and granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) markedly increased neutralizing antibody responses, so that all aerosol immunized mice were protected from high level virus proliferation. Conclusions Cytokine-enhanced aerosol delivery of plasmid vaccines can elicit robust protective immune responses against influenza. Thus, aerosol delivery has the potential to address the need for rapid widespread immunization against new influenza virus strains, and may have applications for other infectious and toxic disease processes. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Generic simulation of automotive assembly for interoperability testing

Computer simulation is effective in improving the efficiency of manufacturing system design, operation, and maintenance. Most simulation models are usually tailored to address a narrow set of industrial issues, e. g., the introduction of a new product. If generic data-driven simulations could be developed they would be reusable for wider application including interoperability testing of standards for exchange of data across the supply chain in manufacturing. To facilitate future interoperability testing and training, scientists at the National Institute of Standards and Technology are currently developing distributed, integrated manufacturing simulations for automotive manufacturing. These simulations are being developed at four different levels: the supply chain, the assembly plant, the engineering systems, and the shop floor level. This paper describes the development of a simulation model of the final assembly plant. Future efforts will increase the versatility of the model, run it on neutral data and extend integration with supply chain simulation.
Experimental and Finite Element Analytical Guidelines for Fabricating Continuous Fiber (SCS-6) Metal Matrix (Ti-6A1-4V) Composites via the Foil/Fiber/Foil Technique

The consolidation behavior of Ti-6A1-4V matrix SCS-6 silicon carbide fiber metal matrix composites fabricated using the foil/fiber/foil technique was studied by both experimental physical modeling and finite element analysis. The experiments were carried out at 8750C (T/Tm = 0.597 for the matrix material) for varying levels of uniaxial compressive stress and times to characterize the stages of consolidation observed prior to reaching full density. Three stages of consolidation were identified: (1) instantaneous plasticity, (2) time-dependent foil deformation prior to establishing contact between neighboring foils, and (3) time dependent consolidation to close the pores at each side of the fiber that remain after neighboring foils have contacted between the fibers. Finite element analysis using the commercial code ABAQUS was employed to model the process and to examine the role of fiber spacing and applied stress level on the time required to densify the composite. The simulation predictions for the times ...
The Neural Foundations of the Invisible Hand

In this chapter the consilient social brain takes on an icon of economic lore—the invisible hand. As a staple of economic theory, it appears in every economics textbook and in many books on free enterprise and business. We even hear about it on television talk shows. Libertarians, conservative Republicans, and even Democrats invoke it, sometimes reverently and mysteriously. It is generally reported to go back to Adam Smith.
Replication of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) loci for fasting plasma glucose in African-Americans

Aims/hypothesis Chronically elevated blood glucose (hyperglycaemia) is the primary indicator of type 2 diabetes, which has a prevalence that varies considerably by ethnicity in the USA, with African-Americans disproportionately affected. Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have significantly enhanced our understanding of the genetic basis of diabetes and related traits, including fasting plasma glucose (FPG). However, the majority of GWASs have been conducted in populations of European ancestry. Thus, it is important to conduct replication analyses in populations with non-European ancestry to identify shared loci associated with FPG across populations.
The ability of the Gaussian-2, Gaussian-3, Complete Basis Set–QB3, and Complete Basis Set–APNO model chemistries to model the geometries of small water clusters

The Gaussian-2, Gaussian-3, Complete Basis Set-QB3, and Complete Basis Set-APNO methods have been used to calculate geometries of neutral clusters of water, (H2O)n, where n 2-6. The structures are in excellent agreement with those determined from experiment and those predicted from previous high-level calculations. These methods also provide excellent thermochemical predictions for water clusters, and thus can be used with confidence in evaluating the structures and thermochemistry of water clusters. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem 100: 1065-1070, 2004
Atypical ventricular tachycardia as a manifestation of disopyramide toxicity

An unusual ventricular tachyarrhythmia developed in a 57 year old woman with recurrent ventricular tachycardia and toxic disopyramide plasma concentrations. The rhythm was similar to the patient's previous ventricular tachycardia, but the rate was slower and the QRS complex was markedly widened, mimicking the electrocardiographic changes associated with electrolyte abnormalities. Disopyramide, which has electrophysiologic properties similar to those of quinidine, probably caused the arrhythmia and should be added to the list of drugs associated with atypical ventricular tachycardia.
Explaining the Under-Representation of Women in Leadership Positions of Sport Organizations: A Symbolic Interactionist Perspective

Research suggests that females are vastly under-represented in the upper echelons of sport organizations. As such, the purpose of the current article was to apply a symbolic interactionist perspective to the lacking presence of women in leadership positions of sport organizations. The model proposes that gender-role meanings and stereotypes associated with social and sport ideology may function to limit the capacity of females within the sport context. Specifically, in response to the lower levels of societal power and status afforded to women, females within sport organizations may fail to view themselves as adequate and appropriate leaders and/or coaches thus preventing them from acting as such (i.e., self-limiting behavior). Identity theory and the identity control process are applied to support the linking of these macro and micro processes, respectively. The proposed model also suggests the presence of a moderator; one's self-concept, that may provide a protective mechanism to the potential detriment...
IDENTIFYING FITNESS AND OPTIMAL LIFE-HISTORY STRATEGIES FOR AN ASEXUAL FILAMENTOUS FUNGUS

Filamentous fungi are ubiquitous and ecologically important organisms with rich and varied life histories, however, there is no consensus on how to identify or measure their fitness. In the first part of this study we adapt a general epidemiological model to identify the appropriate fitness metric for a saprophytic filamentous fungus. We find that fungal fitness is inversely proportional to the equilibrium density of uncolonized fungal resource patches which, in turn, is a function of the expected spore production of a fungus. In the second part of this study we use a simple life history model of the same fungus within a resource patch to show that a bang-bang resource allocation strategy maximizes the expected spore production, a critical fitness component. Unlike bang-bang strategies identified in other life-history studies, we find that the optimal allocation strategy for saprophytes does not entail the use of all of the resources within a patch.
Imagery and the Threatened Self: Perspectives on Mental Imagery and the Self in Cognitive Therapy.

Lusia Stopa (Ed.), East Sussex, UK: Routledge, 2009, ISBN: 978-0-415-4930-4 In Imagery and the Threatened Self: Perspectives on Mental Imagery and the Self in Cognitive Therapy, Stopa and her contr...
Popular Media Portrayals of Inequity and School Reform in The Wire and Waiting for “Superman”

Two popular media forms are examined—the documentary film Waiting for “Superman” and the HBO television series, The Wire—that present distinct, and at times conflicting, depictions of how to address educational inequity. Qualitative media content analysis was used to analyze the two media documents and to situate them within broader popular media representations of school failure. Waiting for “Superman” depicted school choice and dismantling unions as one way to address school failure. The Wire, in contrast, suggested a more complex and uncomfortable portrayal of school failure where blame is not directed at teachers and schools exclusively, but instead encompasses a complex web of inequity due to bureaucracy, economics, culture, politics, and media coverage. The analysis suggests that media sources such as film and television can play a role informing the public on issues of school reform and should be critically examined as pieces of the larger puzzle of improving schools and addressing school inequity.
Out with the old (myelin), in with the new

Old macrophages do not clear myelin debris as efficiently as young cells. In chronic demyelinating diseases like multiple sclerosis, the rate of remeylination decreases with age. Myelin debris inhibits the differentiation of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells. Thus, clearance of myelin debris by phagocytic macrophages is crucial for creating an environment where oligodendrocytes can differentiate into cells that will remyelinate nerve lesions. In a new study, Natrajan and colleagues investigate the differences in clearance of myelin debris between old and young macrophages and identify down-regulation of the retinoid X receptor (RYR) pathway as a key event in the age-related decrease in myelin debris clearance. These authors used a variety of in vitro and in vivo techniques to achieve their aims. These included isolation of peritoneal and bone-derived macrophages from young (2-month-old) and old (15- to 20-month-old) mice, and isolation of human blood-derived monocytes from young (≤35 years old) and old (≥55 years old) healthy volunteers and patients with multiple sclerosis. The authors also commandeered microarray and quantitative PCR gene profiling, as well as two mouse models: an RYRα knockout mouse and a macrophage-specific RYR conditional knockout mouse. They found decreased myelin debris clearance by macrophages from old mice, which was confirmed in blood-derived monocytes from healthy volunteers of different ages. Gene profiling of monocytes from healthy volunteers suggested a key role for downregulation of the RYR pathway in these age-related changes. The investigators then confirmed these observations in vivo in their mouse models. They observed an overall decrease in myelin debris clearance in their RYRα knockout mice, and delays in remyelination at 14 days post-lesion in their conditional macrophage-specific RYR knockout mice. Most intriguing, they were able to demonstrate a partial correction of the decreased clearance of myelin debris using an RYR agonist, bexarotene, in blood-derived monocytes from patients with multiple sclerosis. This study suggests a key role for the RYR pathway in the age-related decrease in myelin debris clearance with RYRα involved as both a receptor and a transcriptional regulator. The authors have identified a new pathway that may have important therapeutic implications for patients with chronic demyelinating diseases. M. S. Natrajan et al ., Retinoid X receptor activation reverses age-related deficiencies in myelin debris phagocytosis and remyelination. Brain 10.1093/brain/awv289 (2015). [[Abstract]][1] [1]: http://brain.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2015/10/10/brain.awv289.long