cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Investigation of composition, structure and bioactivity of extracellular polymeric substances from original and stress-induced strains of Thraustochytrium striatum.

Abstract This paper was the first to study extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) of Thraustochytrium striatum on composition, structure and bioactivities. Two strains of T. striatum including original (ori) and high-biomass (mut) strains (induced by high-nitrogen stress) were compared. The EPSs from both strains mainly contained polysaccharide (41–64%, w/w, dry basis) and protein (25–40%, w/w, dry basis), which was shown by the morphology study with an AFM. The monosaccharide profile of the EPS polysaccharide was consisted of glucose, galactose, arabinose, and trace amount of xylose. Glucose and arabinose took up to 82–90% (w/w, dry basis) of the total polysaccharide. The structure and functional groups of EPSs were determined by FTIR and NMR. The NMR results revealed that the major structural linkages of the polysaccharides of both ori and mut EPSs were 1 → 6-β-glucan and 1 → 4-α-galactan branched with l -α-arabinose. The EPSs were found to have anti-tumor activities against mouse melanoma B16-F0, human prostate carcinoma DU145, human cervical carcinoma HeLa, and human lung carcinoma A549. The EPSs also showed antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities and antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Regulation of collagen gene expression

The mechanisms responsible for the increased hepatic connective tissue deposition in cirrhosis remain unknown, and there is no established therapy for hepatic fibrosis. Fibrogenesis plays an important role in the accumulation of hepatic connective tissue (Chojkier, 1993). In cirrhotic livers, whatever the etiology, fibrogenesis results in a several-fold increase in collagen content. Collagen types present in normal livers (I, III, IV, V and VI) increase together in hepatic fibrogenesis (Seyer, Hutchenson and Kang, 1977; Rojkind, Rojkind and Cordero-Hernandez, 1983; Clement, Grimaud and Champion, 1986; Martinez-Hernandez, 1986), suggesting a co-ordinated regulation of collagen gene expression.
Parental perceptions of prenatal whole exome sequencing (PPPWES) study.

Objective The objective of the study is to investigate the experiences of couples who underwent prenatal whole-exome sequencing (WES) for fetal anomalies and the amount/type of information couples want from prenatal WES. Method Participants in the Fetal Sequencing Study who had genetic testing for fetal anomalies were invited for a semistructured interview about their experience with prenatal WES. A constructivist grounded theory approach with an inductive coding style was used for coding and analysis. Results We interviewed 29 participants from 17 pregnancies. Two pregnancies had positive prenatal WES results, and 4 were terminated prior to receipt of WES results. The main themes were anxiety and stress around the time of diagnosis, education and consent for WES, coping and support while waiting for results, and receiving genetic testing results. In response to hypothetical scenarios probing the desire for uncertain results, 86% would like to be told about results for which the provider had some degree of uncertainty, and the percent desiring results decreased as the certainty of the results decreased. Conclusion Participants' experience with exome sequence was similar to other prenatal genetic diagnostic tests, except for the longer wait time for results. When probed with hypothetical scenarios, participants desired more results than were provided in the study, including uncertain results that might diagnose the fetal condition. This highlights the need for specialized prenatal genetic counseling to have nuanced discussions of multiple dimensions of uncertainty with implementation of prenatal WES.
Correlates of Patient-Centered Medical Home Recognition in School-Based Health Centers

BACKGROUND The patient-centered medical home (PCMH) is promoted as a way to improve access to care, health care outcomes, and control costs. The organizational, environmental, and patient characteristics associated with school-based health centers (SBHCs) obtaining PCMH recognition is currently unknown. A multitheoretical approach was used to explore the correlates of formal PCMH recognition in SBHCs. METHODS The 2013-2014 National Census of School-Based Health Centers was used as the primary data source for this analysis. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the odds of an SBHC obtaining any type of PCMH recognition, and obtaining national PCMH recognition. RESULTS Only 29% of SBHCs had received any type of recognition as a PCMH and 17% reported receiving national-level recognition. School-based health centers that were managed care preferred providers, received Health Resources and Services Administration SBHC Capital Funding, and based in schools without adolescents had greater odds of both types of PCMH recognition outcomes. High levels of revenue from patient billing and more staff were also associated with national PCMH recognition. CONCLUSIONS Financial and personnel resources are needed for national-level PCMH recognition, and managed care is supportive of PCMH implementation. Efforts should be made to increase medical home activity in SBHCs that serve adolescents.
Empty Homes and Acquisitive Crime: Does Vacancy Type Matter?

Research suggests that vacant homes are associated with a variety of negative outcomes for communities, including higher rates of some crimes. A few studies in this vein have examined the effects of particular types of vacancy, such as abandoned homes, empty occupiable residences, seasonal housing, and undeveloped lots. However, these works have focused on a single state or urban area. The present study sought to advance the understanding of vacancy’s relationship to acquisitive crime (burglary, robbery, and larceny) by including several vacancy rates (homeowner, rental, seasonal, and overall) as distinct predictors and by using a sample of large cities from across the United States. The analysis also controlled for social, demographic, and economic factors relevant to crime and vacancy. Results from negative binomial regression models indicated that the relationship between empty residences and crime varied depending upon the particular form of vacancy and upon the type of criminal offense.
Histamine, cyclic AMP, and activation events in piglet gastric mucosa in vitro

Abstract The involvement of cyclic adenosine 5′-monophosphate as a second messenger for histamine-induced acid secretion was studied in a physiologically active in vitro preparation, piglet gastric mucosa. Transepithelial voltage, resistance, acid secretion, and tissue cAMP content were measured at different times after stimulation with histamine and/or isobutylmethylxanthine. We have found: (a) During the first 5–10 min of stimulation, increases in tissue cAMP content were well-correlated with decreases in resistance; these changes precede acid secretion by 5–10 min. (b) Once the cells had been fully activated (5–30 min), there was no apparent correlation between tissue cAMP content and the secretory events. With histamine alone, cAMP content decreased to low levels after 45 min, but with isobutylmethylxanthine, cAMP content remained high. Secretory parameters were equivalent in the 2 cases. (c) Experiments with graded doses of histamine on top of a low isobutylmethylxanthine content indicated that the transient nature of the histamine-induced cAMP response might be partially accounted for by the presence of an active phosphodiesterase. Measurements of the cAMP content of the mucosal fluid also indicate that the decrease in cAMP content after histamine stimulation is due primarily to synthesis-degradation mechanisms and not the result of a leak of cAMP from the cell. (d) Control experiments with antral mucosa indicated that most of the histamine and isobutylmethylxanthine-induced changes in cAMP content were due to changes in the parietal cells and not the surface epithelial cells. (e) Dibutyryl-cAMP caused increases in acid secretion and decreases in resistance, which were similar to those observed with histamine or isobutylmethylxanthine. (f) In a separate set of experiments we have isolated two cell fractions: One fraction was rich in parietal cells (60%), and the other was rich in surface epithelial cells (95%). The parietal cell-rich fraction contains a histamine (H 2 )-sensitive adenylate cyclase that has 10-fold higher activity than that of the surface cell-rich fraction (H 1 ). We conclude that cAMP is intimately involved in histamine stimulation of piglet gastric mucosa during initial stages of activation, i.e., the rise in cAMP content is a second messenger for the triggering of acid secretion, but the maintenance of acid secretion is not dependent on sustained increases of cAMP content.
Stability analysis and stabilization of DC microgrids

This chapter discusses the effects of constant power loads ( CPLs) in DC-microgrids. Such loads are commonly observed in DC microgrids because of the extensive use of power electronic circuits to interface loads. As it is explained, due to their nonlinear nature, CPL creates a complex dynamic system that present two possible behaviors with an unstable equilibrium point unless power source convertor interfaces are properly controlled. In this chapter, both time domain and geometric control approaches that achieve stable equilibrium points in the presence of CPLs are explained. Passive approaches to compensate the destabilizing effect of CPLs are also discussed, but these approaches often lead to costly and bulky designs. Complex dynamics are also observed in rectifiers with CPLs, which often present excessively large output voltage variations.
1962 Ecological measures of fitness

Abstract By 1962 the development of population genetic theory was well advanced. Fitness in these models was assumed constant and acted as a measure of relative survival of a genotype from zygote to sexually mature adult. MacArthur (1962) proposed measuring the fitness of genotypes in the neighborhood of a population-size equilibrium or carrying capacity. With this theory MacArthur derived the equivalent of Fishers Fundamental Theorem of Natural Selection which suggests natural selection will increase a population's carrying capacity.
Using dental enamel to uncover the impact of childhood diet on mortality in Petra, Jordan

Abstract Isotopic investigations of diet can provide unique perspectives into food acquisition in addition to dietary choices and shifts through the human life course. Here we examine childhood diet at first century B.C. and first century A.D. Petra through carbon and oxygen isotope ratios (δ13C and δ18O) in dental enamel apatite. Isotope values from the first molars (n = 31), first premolars (n = 20), and second molars (n = 29) were compared to track dietary shifts and characterize water sources from birth until approximately 7 years of age. These isotope values also were assessed by age-at-death to outline the life history impacts of childhood feeding strategies. The childhood diet at Petra generally contained a higher contribution of C4 sources than adults, represented by 29 bone apatite samples, although the level of this contribution and/or the age they were incorporated and removed from the childhood diet varied greatly within the sample. Similarly, heterogeneity in δ18O across tooth classes seems to reflect variation in water source and potential heat alteration rather than a mother-infant isotopic offset. However, these different strategies did not contribute to varied childhood mortality.
Evaluation of canonical Hedgehog signaling pathway inhibition in canine osteosarcoma

Canine osteosarcoma (OSA), the most common canine primary bone malignancy, has a highly aggressive biologic behavior. Despite current standard of care therapies, including amputation and adjuvant chemotherapy, most dogs still succumb to metastatic disease. Further investigations into molecular mechanisms and pathways driving OSA are needed to improve therapeutic options. The Hedgehog (HH) cell-signaling pathway has demonstrated involvement in human OSA. Several studies in canine OSA have found changes in expression of some HH pathway genes and demonstrated a role for HH transcription factors. However, the role of this pathway as well as the translational value of its targeting in canine OSA are still undefined. The objectives of this study were to determine the expression of HH components directly in canine OSA tissues and to evaluate the biologic impact of HH signaling inhibition in canine OSA cells. In situ hybridization was used to detect HH family mRNA expression in archived canine OSA tissues and revealed variable expression levels of these mRNAs in canine OSA tissues. The effect of a commercially available Smoothened inhibitor, vismodegib, was studied in established canine OSA cell lines. Alterations in cellular growth as well as assessment of downstream HH targets were evaluated. Although changes in cell growth were noted following Smoothened inhibition, inconsistent decreases in target gene expression were found. While treatment with vismodegib had a negative impact on canine OSA cell growth and viability, the mechanism remains unclear. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the clinical significance of canonical HH signaling in canine OSA.
Strategic determinants of performance of family businesses in the USA and Canada

The research explores the relationship among accounting-based performance indices measured in terms of return on assets (ROA), return on equity (ROE), and return on investment (ROI), and market-bas...
Partitioning of time trends in prevalence and mortality of bladder cancer in the United States

Abstract Purpose The aim of the study was to evaluate the relative contributions of incidence, stage-specific relative survival, and stage ascertainment to changes in bladder cancer (BC) prevalence and incidence-based mortality. Methods Partitioning of prevalence and incidence-based mortality trends into their epidemiologic components. Results BC prevalence estimated from our model increased but at monotonically decreasing rates until 2007, after which it decreased again. The main forces underlying observed trends in BC prevalence were relative BC survival, which improved throughout the period, and BC incidence, which increased at a decreasing rate until 2005 and declined thereafter. Mortality of persons ever diagnosed with BC increased at an increasing rate until 1997, increased at a decreasing rate from 1997 to 2005, and decreased thereafter. The primary forces accounting for mortality trends were changes in mortality in the general population, which improved at an increasing rate during most of 1992–2010, the most important factor, and changes in incidence. Stage ascertainment did not improve during 1992–2010. Conclusions Although mortality rates improved, these gains largely reflected improvements in U.S. population survival rather than from improvements in BC-specific outcomes.
The truth about snitches: an archival analysis of informant testimony

Informants are witnesses who often testify in exchange for an incentive (i.e. jailhouse informant, cooperating witness). Despite the widespread use of informants, little is known about the circumst...
Black Women at War: A Comprehensive Framework for Research on the Strong Black Woman

The “strong Black woman” image has historically served as a justification for Black women’s oppression. While the image persists as a measure of control, it also serves as a powerful agent for Blac...
The impact of race on metabolic, graft, and patient outcomes after pancreas transplantation.

Abstract Background Racial disparities following pancreas transplantation (PTX) are poorly defined. Methods This was a large-scale, single-center, longitudinal cohort study including adult PTX recipients. Patients were grouped by race to allow for comparisons. Results 287 PTX recipients were included; 125 (43.5%) were African American (AA). At baseline, AAs had a significantly higher proportion of T2DM (19.4% vs. 5.7%, p = 0.001), were younger, and more likely to be female. AAs experienced significantly higher rates of pancreatic leaks and post-operative bleeding. PTX rejection was comparable, however, kidney rejection tended to be higher among AA SPKs. Long-term mean HgbA1C levels were significantly higher among AAs (6.9% vs. 6.3%, p = 0.039). Patient and graft survival was comparable between groups, but early patient survival tended to be lower in AAs. Conclusions This study demonstrated significant perioperative health disparities among AA PTX recipients, including poorer glycemic control and more early deaths, despite similar long-term patient and graft survival.
The Impact of No-Loan Policies on Student Economic Diversity at Public Colleges and Universities

To improve college access for low-income students, an increasing number of public colleges and universities have implemented no-loan policies, where student loans are replaced with institutional grant aid that does not require repayment. Using detailed income measures provided by Mobility Report Card data, this study examines the effect of no-loan policies on student economic diversity at public 4-year institutions. Using a difference-in-differences design and the synthetic control method, we found that the adoption of no-loan policies at public institutions increased enrollment shares of low-income students (bottom two family income quintiles). However, the increase was minimal for students from the lowest income quintile, particularly at the most selective institutions. Our findings suggest that although no-loan policies may help improve affordability at public colleges and universities, further efforts are needed to address underrepresentation of students from the lowest part of the income distribution.
Mapping antibody binding using multiplexed epitope substitution analysis.

Abstract A more complete understanding of antibody epitopes would aid the development of diagnostics, therapeutic antibodies, and vaccines. However, current methods for mapping antibody binding to epitopes require a targeted experimental approach, which limits throughput. To address these limitations, we developed Multiplexed Epitope Substitution Analysis (MESA) which can rapidly characterize various distinct epitopes using millions of antibody-binding peptides. We screened peptides from a random 12-mer library that bound to human serum antibody repertoires and determined their sequences using next-generation sequencing (NGS). Computationally, we divided target epitope sequences into overlapping k-mer subsequences and substituted the positions in each k-mer with all 20 amino acids, mimicking a saturation mutagenesis. We then determined enrichments of the substituted k-mers in the screened peptide dataset and used these enrichments to identify substitutions favored for binding at each position in the target epitope, ultimately revealing the precise binding motif. To validate MESA, we determined binding motifs for monoclonal antibodies spiked into serum, recovering the expected binding positions and amino acid preferences. To characterize epitopes bound by a population, we analyzed 50 serum specimens to determine the binding motifs within various target epitopes from common pathogens. Additionally, by analyzing various HSV-1 glycoprotein epitopes, MESA revealed unique binding signatures for HSV-1 seropositive specimens and demonstrated the variability of binding signatures within a population. These results demonstrate that MESA can rapidly identify and characterize binding motifs for an unlimited number of epitopes from a single experiment, accelerating discoveries and enhancing our understanding of antibody-epitope interactions.
Mathematical Programming based Heuristics for Scheduling the General Batch Plant

In this paper we present heuristic strategies for scheduling the generalized batch processing plant. These heuristics use a mixed integer linear programming (MILP) formulation of the scheduling problem and are based on employing different modifications to the exact solution procedure to efficiently obtain sub-optimal solutions to the problem. All of these heuristics exploit the structure of the scheduling problem and consist of an initial phase that identifies a feasible schedule and a final phase that improves upon this schedule. The quality of these heuristics has been experimentally tested on a number of case studies. The computational effort required was only a small fraction of that of the exact procedure and the solutions obtained by the most effective heuristics were consistently close to the optimum.
Caspase activation and amyloid precursor protein cleavage in rat ocular hypertension.

PURPOSE Retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death in glaucoma involves apoptosis. Activation of caspases and abnormal processing of amyloid precursor protein (APP) are important events in other chronic neurodegenerations, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). The retinal expression and activation of caspases and the patterns of caspase-3-mediated APP processing in ocular hypertensive models of rat glaucoma were investigated. METHODS RGC death was produced in one eye by chronic exposure to increased intraocular pressure (IOP) or by optic nerve transection. Elevated IOP was produced by obstruction of aqueous humor outflow with laser coagulation or limbal hypertonic saline injection. Caspase activity and APP processing in the retina were examined by RNase protection assay (RPA), immunocytochemistry, immunoblot assay, and colorimetric assay. RESULTS RPA revealed elevations of caspase-3 mRNA, as well as other apoptosis-related mRNAs. Immunocytochemistry showed caspase-3 activation in RGCs damaged by ocular hypertension. The generation of the caspase-3-mediated APP cleavage product (DeltaC-APP) was also increased in ocular hypertensive RGCs. Western immunoblot assay and colorimetry revealed significantly more activated caspase-3 in ocular hypertensive retinas than in control retinas. The activated form of caspase-8, an initiator caspase, and amyloid-beta, a product of APP proteolysis and a component of senile plaques in AD, were detected in RGCs by immunohistochemistry significantly more often in ocular hypertensive than in control retinas. The amounts of full-length APP were reduced and amyloid-beta-containing fragments were increased in ocular hypertensive retinas by Western immunoblot assay. CONCLUSIONS Rat RGCs subjected to chronic ocular hypertension demonstrate caspase activation and abnormal processing of APP, which may contribute to the pathophysiology of glaucoma.
Induction of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) by interleukin‐12 p40 monomer and homodimer in microglia and macrophages

The present study was undertaken to explore the role of interleukin-12 (IL-12) p40 in the expression of TNF-alpha in microglia. Interestingly, we have found that IL-12 p70, p402 (the p40 homodimer) and p40 (the p40 monomer) dose-dependently induced the production of TNF-alpha and the expression of TNF-alpha mRNA in BV-2 microglial cells. In addition to BV-2 microglial cells, p70, p402 and p40 also induced the production of TNF-alpha in mouse primary microglia and peritoneal macrophages. As the activation of both NF-kappaB and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein beta (C/EBPbeta) is important for the expression of TNF-alpha in microglial cells, we investigated the effect of p40 on the activation of NF-kappaB as well as C/EBPbeta. Activation of NF-kappaB as well as C/EBPbeta by p40 and inhibition of p40-induced expression of TNF-alpha by Deltap65, a dominant-negative mutant of p65, and DeltaC/EBPbeta, a dominant-negative mutant of C/EBPbeta, suggests that p40 induces the expression of TNF-alpha through the activation of NF-kappaB and C/EBPbeta. In addition, we show that p40 induced the activation of both extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). Interestingly, PD98059, an inhibitor of ERK, inhibited p40-induced expression of TNF-alpha through the inhibition of C/EBPbeta, but not that of NF-kappaB, whereas SB203580, an inhibitor of p38 MAPK, inhibited p40-induced expression of TNF-alpha through the inhibition of both NF-kappaB and C/EBPbeta. This study delineates a novel biological function of p40 in inducing TNF-alpha in microglia and macrophages.
Chapter 20 Zero-sum two-person games

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the zero-sum two-person games. Given a two-person game with just one move for each player, the players independently and simultaneously select one among the finitely many actions resulting in a payoff for each player. If i , j are their independent choices in a play, then the game is defined by a pair of real matrices A = ( a ij ), B = ( b ij ), where a ij is the payoff to player I and b ij is the payoff to player II. The game is called zero sum if a ij + b ij = 0. Thus, in zero-sum games, what one player gains, the opponent loses. In such games, A suffices to determine the payoff. The chapter describes the equivalence of the minimax theorem and the duality theorem. To prove minimax theorems in greater generality, Kakutani's theorem is further extended to arbitrary locally convex topological vector spaces. These are real vector spaces with a Hausdorff topology admitting convex bases, where vector operations of addition and scalar multiplication are continuous.
Whole exome sequencing analysis of inter-participant cortisol response: strategies for matching phenotype to genotype (983.1)

The overarching goal of this project is to identify genetic variants that are indicative of an individual’s systemic and intracellular responses to corticosteroids. We previously observed inter-par...
“The Meaning of ‘Meaning is Normative’ ”

This paper defends the thesis that meaning is intrinsically normative. Recent anti-normativist objectors have distinguished two versions of the thesis – correctness and prescriptivity – and have attacked both. In the first two sections, I defend the thesis against each of these attacks; in the third section, I address two further, closely related, anti-normativist arguments against the normativity thesis and, in the process, clarify its sense by distinguishing a universalist and a contextualist reading of it. I argue that the anti-normativist position is successful only against the universalist reading but point out that normativists do not require this reading of the thesis; the contextualist one is both possible and desirable for them. Furthermore, I argue that anti-normativists require the contextualist reading of the normativity thesis to make their case, as well as to avoid meaning relativism. In the final two sections of the paper, I explain how a contextualist understanding of the normativity thesis is compatible with Quine's elimination of analyticity, thus undermining a key underlying reason for anti-normativism, and I respond to the objection that a contextualist reading of the normativity thesis is either self-contradictory or else trivial.
Early Diagnosis and Treatment of Hinge Abduction in Legg-perthes Disease

A review of 106 cases of Legg-Perthes disease disclosed 26 in whom a particularly poor radiographic appearance was seen. Hinge abduction was detected in 19 of these patients and was suspected but not proven in the remainder. Hinge abduction was found to occur early in the course of Legg-Perthes, and hinging frequently occurred about an unossified portion of femoral head, making detection difficult. Failure of movement of the lateral corner of the epiphysis under the edge of the acetabulum on an internally rotated and abducted radiograph is prima facie evidence of hinge abduction. Confirmation is easily obtained by arthrography. Hinging must be relieved if guidance of femoral head growth by the healthy acetabulum is to be possible. Both clinical and radiographic outcomes were worse in patients with unrelieved hinge abduction. Relief of hinging can frequently be accomplished by traction, and containment can then be maintained by appropriate surgery.
Reproducibility of Microbiological Counts on Frozen Cod: A Collaborative Study

Reproducibility of aerobic plate count (APC), coliform and fecal coliform counts in frozen cod was examined by 14 laboratories (3 government, 4 university and 7 industry) using primarily FDA recommended procedures. In order to assure homogeneity of samples, the fish was comminuted and thoroughly mixed. The 35°C and the “room temperature” (26°C) APC on Sample A (a good quality product) were 1.3 × 105/g and 2.6 × 105/g, respectively, and for Sample B (a questionable quality product) the counts were 2.9 × 105/g and 6.4 × 105/g, respectively. Standard deviations among counts (log10 values) were 0.26 and 0.32 for the 35°C counts and 0.24 and 0.40 for the 26°C counts of Sample A and B, respectively. The std. dev. were reduced to 0.19, 0.22, 0.17 and 0.25, respectively, when counts that did not show significant overlap (based on Dur can's New Multiple Range Test) were excluded from the calculations. Coliform counts on Sample A (not inoculated) ranged from <30 to 4.6 × 105/100g. Coliform and fecal coliform counts for Sample B (inoculated at estimated level of 1 × 104/100g) were 5.8 × 103/100g and 5.5 × 103/100g, with a std. dev. of 0.43 and (.37, respectively. The std. dev. for the coliform counts was reduced to 0.30 when counts from one laboratory were excluded, based on Duncan's New Multiple Range Test.
Regulation of hippocampal 5-HT1A receptor gene expression by dexamethasone

The effect of dexamethasone, a selective GR agonist, on hippocampal, 5-HT1A receptor mRNA expression and 5-HT1A binding was examined using in situ hybridization histochemistry and in vitro receptor autoradiography. One week after adrenalectomy, both 5-HT1A receptor mRNA expression and 5-HT1A binding were increased throughout the hippocampus. Administration of dexamethasone at the time of adrenalectomy significantly attenuated the increases in 5-HT1A mRNA expression in all hippocampal subfields (p < .05, Fisher Test), although 5-HT1A mRNA levels remained significantly higher than sham levels in all subfields with the exception of CA1. However, 5-HT1A binding levels were responsive to dexamethasone administration only within particular hippocampal subfields, CA1, and dentate gyrus. We conclude that GR occupation negatively regulates 5-HT1A receptor mRNA expression within the hippocampus and that 5-HT1A receptor sites are most sensitive to modulation in those hippocampal subfields expressing higher levels of GR receptors.
Ensuring Inclusion of Research Reports in Systematic Reviews

Rehabilitation is supported by research evidence that is limited in both number and quality. In order for more and better evidence to be published, researchers need to improve their reports of randomized controlled trials and other interventional research. Making it likely that these reports can contribute to the cumulation of scientific knowledge through their inclusion in systematic reviews imposes some special requirements. This article discusses the following steps that investigators should follow: trial registration; reliance on Consolidated Standards for Reporting Trials guidelines in protocol development and report writing; use of recommendations by authoritative groups for the use of specific measures or data sets; adherence in writing to the style and other guidelines offered by the American Medical Association, the American Psychological Association, the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors, and the target journal's instructions for authors; clear declarations of deviations from commonly accepted study methods; and use of informal peer review.
Nuclear Receptors Orchestrate Detoxification Pathways

Two nuclear receptors of xenobiotic drugs, PXR and CAR, are central regulators of detoxification enzymes. New studies extend the role of these receptors to a natural detoxification process. They coordinate induction of proteins for storage, glucuronidation, and canalicular transport of bilirubin.
Integration host factor stimulates both FimB- and FimE-mediated site-specific DNA inversion that controls phase variation of type 1 fimbriae expression in Escherichia coli

Summary The site-specific DNA inversion that controls phase variation of type 1 fimbriation in E. coli is catalysed by two recombinases, FimB and FimE. Efficient inversion by either recombinase also requires the leucineresponsive regulatory protein (Lrp). In addition, FimB recombination is stimulated by the integration host factor (IHF). The effect of IHF on FimE inversion has not previously been reported. Here it is shown that IHF stimulates FimE recombination; in strain MG1655, mutants containing lesions in either the a (ihfA )o r b ( ihfB) subunits of IHF show a marked decrease in both FimB- (100-fold) and FimE (15 000-fold)-promoted switching. IHF is shown to bind with high affinity to sites both adjacent to (site I) and within (site II) the fim invertible element. Furthermore, mutations in site I or site II that lower the affinity of IHF binding in vitro were found to lower the frequency of FimE and/ or FimB recombination in vivo. Although site I and site II mutations in combination have an effect on FimBpromoted switching comparable to that of IHF knockout mutations (100-fold), the cis site mutations have a much less marked effect (100-fold) on FimE-promoted switching.
Capital Intensity and US County Population Growth During the Late 19th Century

The United States witnessed substantial growth in manufacturing and urban populations during the last half of the 19th century. To date, no convincing evidence has been presented to explain the shift in population to urban areas. We find evidence that capital intensity, particularly new capital in the form of steam horsepower, played a significant role in drawing labor into counties and by inference into urban areas. This provides support for the hypothesis that the locational decisions of manufacturers and their placement of capital in urban areas fueled urban growth in the 19th century.
Identification of ATP8B1 as a Blood–Brain Barrier-Enriched Protein

In order to define the molecular anatomy of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) that may be relevant to either barrier or transport function, proteins that are overexpressed in the cerebral microvessels should be identified. We used differential display to identify novel proteins that are overexpressed or unique to the BBB. DNA sequence analysis is one of the differentially expressed transcripts showed that it is highly homologous with the ATPase class I, type 8B, and member 1 (ATP8B1) protein and contains an ATPase domain and a phospholipid-binding domain. ATP8B1 is expressed in the BBB microvessels but not brain tissue lacking microvessels. Likewise, ATP8B1 was enriched in BBB microvessels similar to glucose transporter 1. Immunohistochemistry using an ATP8B1-specific antibody demonstrated preferential staining of the microvessels within the cerebral tissue. These results suggest that ATP8B1, a P-type aminophospholipid translocase, is enriched in cerebral microvessels and may have a role in plasma membrane lipid transport.
Evaluation of a test using saralasin to differentiate primary aldosteronism due to an aldosterone-producing adenoma from idiopathic hyperaldosteronism

We evaluated a new method utilizing saralasin to differentiate primary aldosteronism due to an aldosterone-producing adenoma from idiopathic hyperaldosteronism. The test is based on the marked difference in sensitivity to angiotensin II of aldosterone-producing adenomas and hyperplastic adrenal glands and the partial angiotensin II agonist property of saralasin in low-renin states. Saralasin was infused into 14 patients with primary aldosteronism and the plasma aldosterone responses determined. Plasma aldosterone concentration increased in all eight patients with idiopathic hyperaldosteronism, whereas there was no increase in plasma aldosterone in six patients who had a solitary adenoma. We concluded that saralasin may be a clinically useful, noninvasive tool to distinguish patients with an aldosterone-producing adenoma from those who have idiopathic hyperaldosteronism.
The Dialogic Reality of Meaning

This paper offers a non-representational alternative to semiotic notions of meaning as the designatum of signs, the content of messages, or what a text is about. It derives from considerations of how things — artifacts and objects of nature — could mean something to somebody. Rather than treating things as signs of themselves and thereby undermining the two-world ontology of semiotics, it explores the cultural roles that artifacts acquire in the lives of their users and when questions of their meanings arise and how they are answered in conversation. The paper presents a dialogical conception of meaning, which relies on Bateson’s recognition of the importance of multiple descriptions, Wittgenstein’s "seeing as", theories of embodied narratives, and bricolages involving technology. This journal article is available at ScholarlyCommons: http://repository.upenn.edu/asc_papers/51
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Involving the Nervous System: Presentation, Pathogenesis, and Management

Neuropsychiatric syndromes in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have a wide range of severity and phenotype and are fairly common. Presentations are seen involving both central and peripheral nervous systems. Pathogenic mechanisms are thought to include vascular occlusion and hemorrhage, antineuronal antibodies, cytokine effects, choroid plexus dysfunction, neuroendocrine-immune effects, and direct central nervous system (CNS) tissue injury. Work-up includes serum, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and imaging studies. Treatment is based on severity and phenotype and includes steroids, anticoagulants, antidepressants, and cytotoxic approaches. Much remains to be done in terms of further elucidation of pathologic processes, correlation of these mechanisms with specific phenotypes, and management of the most severe presentations of neuropsychiatric lupus erythematosus.
Base analysis of ribopolynucleotides by chemical tritium labeling: a methodological study with model nucleosides and purified tRNA species.

Abstract 1. (1) A method for determining the major and minor base composition of ribopolynucleotides is described, which consists of the following steps: 1.1. ( a ) Enzymic digestion of the ribopolynucleotide to a mixture of nucleosides. 1.2. ( b ) Oxidation of the digest with periodate. 1.3. ( c ) Reduction with tritiated borohydride to labeled nucleoside derivatives. 1.4. ( d ) Two-dimensional thin-layer chromatography on cellulose. 1.5. ( e ) Liquid scintillation counting. 2. (2) The method is extremely sensitive: tritium-labeled digest derived from less than 1 μg of polynucleotide is required to evaluate the base composition, including most of the so-called minor or modified bases which are natural constituents of RNA. 3. (3) The method has been studied by using both ribonucleosides and tRNA's of known structure as model compounds. 4. (4) Conditions have been chosen for the overall procedure under which RNA constituents are preserved that are partially or completely destroyed under the usual conditions for alkaline hydrolysis of RNA. 5. (5) In the course of this investigation, molar absorptivities were determined for dihydrouridine, 1-methylguanosine, and N 2 , N 2 -dimethylguanosine.
Management of periprosthetic fractures: The hip

Treatment of periprosthetic fractures around a total hip arthroplasty is based on fracture timing (intraoperative or postoperative) and fracture location (acetabulum or femur). Most intraoperative fractures are treated by ensuring that the implant and fracture are stable and employing minor technique modifications to ensure that the fracture remains stable postoperatively. Major intraoperative fractures require more complex reconstruction. Postoperative fractures associated with well-fixed implants typically are treated with open reduction and internal fixation. Postoperative fractures associated with loose implants are treated with revision and fracture stabilization, usually with specialized revision implants.
Effects of ghrelin administration on endocrine and metabolic parameters in obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Introduction: The novel peptide ghrelin displays multiple endocrine and non-endocrine actions. Its strong GH-releasing activity in humans has long been recognized. However, in obesity, ghrelin administration induces a blunted GH secretion, enhances glucose and reduces insulin levels. The effects of ghrelin administration have not been investigated in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which can be associated with obesity, hyperinsulinism, and GH hyposecretion. Leptin is a mediator for energy balance opposed to ghrelin; both of them are supposed to act as regulators of reproductive functions. Aim of the study: Evaluate the endocrine and metabolic response to ghrelin administration in PCOS obese patients compared to body mass index (BMI)-matched and normal weight women. Materials and methods: Nine obese PCOS patients (BMI: 35.4±1.2 kg/m2) (OB PCOS), 6 obese controls (BMI: 38.4±1.1 kg/m2) (Ob), and 6 normal-weight women (BMI: 23±0.6 kg/m2) (NW) were enrolled in the study. In all patients we performed: 1) basal hormonal evaluation including FSH, LH, estradiol, testosterone, androstenedione, DHEAS, SHBG, 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP), IGF-I, free T3 (FT3), free T4 (FT4) and ghrelin levels; 2) metabolic evaluation as follows: concentration of non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) (75 g); homeostasis model assessment (HOMA); glucose and insulin response to ghrelin administration (1 µg/kg); 3) measurement of GH, PRL, TSH, and leptin levels after infusion of ghrelin. Results: Administration of ghrelin increased glucose and reduced insulin levels in both Ob and OB PCOS. Moreover, ghrelin enhanced GH and PRL levels in all groups but it did not modify TSH and leptin levels. GH peak and area under the curve (AUC) in OB PCOS and Ob were lower than controls (p<0.05). Similar PRL peak and AUC values were observed in all groups. Conclusions: In both obese and PCOS obese patients, leptin levels are not influenced by ghrelin administration. Moreover, the GH response after ghrelin administration is blunted. However, ghrelin exerts glucose-enhancing and insulin-lowering effects, the latter absent in NW.
Sarcopenia as a Prognostic Factor among Patients with Stage III Melanoma

Background Several hypotheses proposed to explain the worse prognosis for older melanoma patients include different tumor biology and diminished host response. If the latter were true, then biologic frailty, and not age, should be an independent prognostic factor in melanoma.
14. An animal model of recurrent depression: Sensitized depression-like behavior when rats are re-exposed to chronic mild stress

Major depression is a debilitating disorder, characterized by feelings of worthlessness, persistent sadness and lack of motivation. Depression is also recognized to be a chronic, recurrent disorder, and each depressive episode increases an individual’s susceptibility to future occurrences. The current study aimed to develop an animal model of recurrent depression in order to examine possible biological mechanisms responsible for this increased susceptibility. We hypothesized that animals with a prior depressive episode would be sensitive to future stressors, causing the animals to display depressive-like behaviors more rapidly or to a greater extent. Fisher rats (n = 15) were exposed to chronic mild stress for 35 days or remained in their home cage as controls. During the initial stress, animals showed a slow decrease in sucrose consumption. Following the 35 days, animals went through a 20 day recovery phase where no stressors were present and animals showed a steady increase in sucrose consumption back to baseline levels. At this time animals were re-exposed to the chronic mild stress for 15 days. A rapid decline in sucrose consumption was observed. Linear regression lines were calculated for each animal’s sucrose consumption during the first and second stressor exposure and a paired t-test of the slope of each line revealed re-exposure to stress resulted in a significantly more rapid decline in sucrose consumption compared to that observed during the initial stressor exposure.
ADAPTING TO STRAIN: AN EXAMINATION OF DELINQUENT COPING RESPONSES*

Strain theories have conceptualized delinquency as a form of adaptive, problem-solving behavior, usually committed in response to problems involving frustrating and undesirable social environments. The most recent version of strain theory, Agnew's general strain theory, provides the most complete formulation of this argument by suggesting that delinquent behavior enables adolescents to cope with the socioemotional problems generated by negative social relations. To date, however, the actual coping effectiveness of delinquency remains unexamined. This study explores the ways that delinquency may enable adolescents to cope with strain, and it uses national survey data to test the coping effectiveness of delinquent behavior. The findings indicate that delinquency enables adolescents to minimize the negative emotional consequences of strain, and they provide empirical support for the interpretation of delinquency as an adaptive response to aversive environments. Implications for criminological theory are discussed.
A decision space compression approach for model based parallel computing processes

Currently there are many DOD applications where warfighters are asked to make critical decisions based on environmental conditions that are highly complex and where there is incomplete knowledge of the local conditions. An example of such a situation is that of the theater commander who must deploy his C2/ISR assets such as communications and sensing platforms without complete knowledge of the local electromagnetic environment and its effect on his ability to maintain good information exchange and reconnaissance data for his forces. This type of situation falls into a broad class of problems where decision theory and complex physical models must interact for optimal performance such as investment analysis, weather prediction, and organizational dynamics. Such problems have been cast in the mathematical framework of "partial observability" where only some components of the environment are known. We thus we need to model the uncertainty of the environment and weigh our actions accordingly. The approach conventionally used for such optimization is a Partially Observable Markov Decision Process (POMPD) where we can model both our situational knowns and unknowns and come up with the best actions to take based on our model of what we know and do not know. We propose to develop a distributed computational framework that manages the complexity of such a process for large system optimization and provide an approach to parallelize and maintain operation for the system as more information and updates to our underlying environmental models change.
Coming to consensus on competencies for petascale computing education and training

We propose a set of educational competencies for a graduate minor in computational science. Our goal is to reach a consensus on topics that students must understand to successfully use petascale computing.