cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stem Cell Therapies in Neurology

Cells of the central nervous system were once thought to be incapable of regeneration. This brain repair limitation makes neurological disorders particularly devastating as the associated degeneration was thought to be irreversible. However, recent advances in the understanding of stem cells and endogenous repair systems of the central nervous system have led to the development of potential neuroregenerative therapies. Pluripotent embryonic stem cells have shown promise in alleviating deficits associated with Parkinson’s disease and cerebral ischemia. However, their substantial capacity for proliferation also puts them at a high risk of becoming tumorigenic. Multipotent adult stem cells, such as mesenchymal stem cells derived from adult bone marrow, are more limited in their differentiating capacity, but do not possess the same risk of teratoma formation as embryonic and fetal stem cells. While embryonic and adult stem cell therapies commonly focus on cell replacement, recent studies are also evaluating the efficacy of using stem cells to stimulate endogenous neuroprotective mechanisms via secretion of therapeutic molecules. While substantial progress in the use of stem cells has been made, potential cell-based therapies remain hindered by numerous optimization challenges associated with translation of the cell transplant regimen from the laboratory to the clinic. In order to optimize stem cell therapy, translational factors such as cell dosage, route of administration, type of transplant (autologous or allogenic), and the use of immunosuppression require critical assessment of safety and efficacy for clinical applications.
General Lyman L. Lemnitzer and NATO, 1948–69: a deferential leader

The Supreme Allied Commander, Europe (SACEUR), General Lyman L. Lemnitzer, was an unlikely hero who rose to the challenge of France’s expulsion of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) from...
TMD and Occlusion

Historically, the role occlusion plays in TMD has proven controversial and inconclusive. Some studies demonstrate an association between TMD and occlusion (Pullinger et al., J Prosthet Dent 59:363, 1988), and others find no connection (Dworkin et al., J Am Dent Assoc 120:273, 1990). Given this lack of consensus and clear causal relationship between occlusion and TMD, the idea of treating TMD by making modifications to the occlusion seems unmerited. On the other hand, as a major component of the stomatognathic complex, the occlusion is of course an important consideration when formulating a diagnosis and treatment plan for the TMD patient. Specifically, it is critical to develop a stable and reproducible occlusion to achieve a stable result of various surgical and nonsurgical manipulations aimed at directly treating the TMD. Additionally, as discussed below, the goals of obtaining a mutually protected occlusion and minimizing the centric relation/centric occlusal variance may very well, either directly or indirectly, contribute to a decrease in TMD symptoms and improvement in function. Regardless, the reality is that the restorative dentist will be called to provide dental care for the TMD patient and this necessitates that the clinician possesses an understanding of TMD and the dental considerations involved. Thus, the purpose of this chapter is to demonstrate a conservative diagnostic and treatment protocol that can be used as a guideline to provide appropriate dental care to the TMD patient.
Introduction to the special section: innovative perspectives on systems of sustainable consumption and production

This introductory article to the special section first provides a cursory overview of the history of sustainable consumption and production as a policy issue dating back to the Rio Earth Summit in ...
Same-sex marriage and gains in employer-sponsored insurance for US Adults, 2008-2017

Objectives. To estimate the effects of same-sex marriage recognition on health insurance coverage.Methods. We used 2008–2017 data from the American Community Survey that represent 18 416 674 adult ...
The multifunctional nature of mitochondrial contact site proteins

Abstract Mitochondria make physical contact with nearly every other membrane in the cell, and these contacts have a wide variety of functions that are carried out by proteins that reside at the sites of contact. Over the past decade, tremendous insight into the identity and functions of proteins localized to mitochondrial contact sites has been gained. In doing so, it has become clear that one protein or protein complex can contribute to contact site formation and function in a wide variety of ways. Thus, complex and often surprising relationships between the roles of a mitochondrial contact site and its multifunctional resident proteins continue to be unraveled.
Exploration of the Role of Packaging Design for Multi-tier Private Brands: An Abstract

Retailers have increasingly implemented multi-tier private brands (PBs hereafter), making them one of the hottest trends in the retail industry. However, multi-tier PBs are surprisingly under-researched, and specifically, few researchers have investigated the role of visual cues such as packaging design. Thus, this paper investigates how packaging design employed in multi-tier PBs drive differing consumers’ perceptions, evaluation, and responses.
New Redox Strategies in Organic Synthesis by Means of Electrochemistry and Photochemistry

As the breadth of radical chemistry grows, new means to promote and regulate single-electron redox activities play increasingly important roles in driving modern synthetic innovation. In this regard, photochemistry and electrochemistry-both considered as niche fields for decades-have seen an explosive renewal of interest in recent years and gradually have become a cornerstone of organic chemistry. In this Outlook article, we examine the current state-of-the-art in the areas of electrochemistry and photochemistry, as well as the nascent area of electrophotochemistry. These techniques employ external stimuli to activate organic molecules and imbue privileged control of reaction progress and selectivity that is challenging to traditional chemical methods. Thus, they provide alternative entries to known and new reactive intermediates and enable distinct synthetic strategies that were previously unimaginable. Of the many hallmarks, electro- and photochemistry are often classified as "green" technologies, promoting organic reactions under mild conditions without the necessity for potent and wasteful oxidants and reductants. This Outlook reviews the most recent growth of these fields with special emphasis on conceptual advances that have given rise to enhanced accessibility to the tools of the modern chemical trade.
Benchmarking GPCR homology model template selection in combination with de novo loop generation

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) comprise the largest family of membrane proteins and are of considerable interest as targets for drug development. However, many GPCR structures remain unsolved. To address the structural ambiguity of these receptors, computational tools such as homology modeling and loop modeling are often employed to generate predictive receptor structures. Here we combined both methods to benchmark a protocol incorporating homology modeling based on a locally selected template and extracellular loop modeling that additionally evaluates the presence of template ligands during these modeling steps. Ligands were also docked using three docking methods and two pose selection methods to elucidate an optimal ligand pose selection method. Results suggest that local template-based homology models followed by loop modeling produce more accurate and predictive receptor models than models produced without loop modeling, with decreases in average receptor and ligand RMSD of 0.54 A and 2.91 A, respectively. Ligand docking results showcased the ability of MOE induced fit docking to produce ligand poses with atom root-mean-square deviation (RMSD) values at least 0.20 A lower (on average) than the other two methods benchmarked in this study. In addition, pose selection methods (software-based scoring, ligand complementation) selected lower RMSD poses with MOE induced fit docking than either of the other methods (averaging at least 1.57 A lower), indicating that MOE induced fit docking is most suited for docking into GPCR homology models in our hands. In addition, target receptor models produced with a template ligand present throughout the modeling process most often produced target ligand poses with RMSD values ≤ 4.5 A and Tanimoto coefficients > 0.6 after selection based on ligand complementation than target receptor models produced in the absence of template ligands. Overall, the findings produced by this study support the use of local template homology modeling in combination with de novo ECL2 modeling in the presence of a ligand from the template crystal structure to generate GPCR models intended to study ligand binding interactions.
Contra Instrumentalism: A Translation Polemic: by Lawrence Venuti, Lincoln, University of Nebraska Press, 2019, 219 pp., $20.00 (paperback/eBook), ISBN 9781496205131/9781496215949

As interest in translation continues to spread across the Humanities, this book appears as a timely intervention. In keeping with the nature of the book series Provocations, the volume begins with ...
18Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography Spinal Cord Hypermetabolism Discriminates Neoplastic from Inflammatory Myelopathy (P06.142)

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the use of spinal cord 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose positron-emission tomography (FDG-PET) in patients with myelopathy of uncertain etiology. BACKGROUND: Spinal cord FDG-PET is a possible tool in assessing myelopathies of uncertain etiology. We hypothesized that FDG-PET hypermetabolism could discriminate neoplastic myelopathies from inflammatory etiologies. DESIGN/METHODS: We retrospectively identified all Mayo Clinic patients from 1996-2011 with myelopathy due to intramedullary spinal cord lesion where diagnostic FDG-PET was performed. Patients with compressive extramedullary myelopathies, radiation myelopathy or chronic myelopathies with known etiologies were excluded. Fifty-one patients were included (53% female) with a median age of 60 years (range 20-82 years). Patients were dichotomized to neoplastic or non-neurosarcoid inflammatory etiologies. Neurosarcoid myelopathies are known FDG-PET hypermetabolic a priori therefore were analyzed separately. Two radiologists independently assessed FDG-PET for hypermetabolism and maximum standardized uptake values (SUVmax) blinded to the underlying myelopathic etiology. RESULTS: Spinal cord hypermetabolism was more common with neoplastic myelopathy (17/21; 81%) than inflammatory myelopathy (6/24; 25%) (p CONCLUSIONS: Spinal cord FDG-PET hypermetabolism is more common in neoplastic myelopathies than in inflammatory myelopathies and may be useful in evaluating myelopathy of uncertain etiology to discriminate neoplastic from inflammatory etiologies. Disclosure: Dr. Flanagan has nothing to disclose. Dr. Hunt has nothing to disclose. Dr. Lowe received personal compensation for consulting from Bayer Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Lowe received research grants from GE Health Care, Siemens Molecular Imaging, and AVID Radiopharmaceuticals, Inc. Dr. Mandrekar has nothing to disclose. Dr. Pittock and Mayo Clinic have a financial interest in the technology entitled "Neuromyelitis Optica Autoantibodies as a Marker for Neoplasia." This technology has been licensed to a commercial entity but no royalties have been received. Dr Sean Pittock has received research support from Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Dr. O9Neill has received personal compensation for activities with McGraw-Hill. Dr. O9Neill has received personal compensation in an editorial capacity for Neuro-oncology. Dr. O9Neill has received compensation for serving on the Board of CellDex Data Safety Monitoring Board. Dr. O9Neill holds stock and/or stock options in Johnson & Johnson. Dr. Keegan has received personal compensation for activities with BIONEST Partners and Glaxo-Smith-Klein as a consultant. Dr. Keegan received compensation as a section editor for Neurology. Dr. Keegan has received research support from Caridian BCT.
Screening of chemicals migrating from plastic food contact materials for oven and microwave applications by liquid and gas chromatography - Orbitrap mass spectrometry

Contamination of food with chemicals migrating from food contact materials (FCMs) is an important area of food safety. This study was aimed to investigate migration of chemicals from plastic FCMs used for microwave and conventional oven heating. Migration tests were conducted for samples of microwave trays, microwave oven bags, and oven bags. GC- and LC-Orbitrap mass spectrometry (MS) was used for non-targeted screening and identification of chemicals with mass error <5 ppm. A non-targeted identification approach was validated with isotopically labeled chemicals to establish acceptable criteria for identification of migrated compounds. A total of 74 migrated compounds were tentatively identified: 24 chemicals by GC-Orbitrap MS with electron ionization (EI), plus 35 and 19 by LC-Orbitrap MS electrospray ionization (ESI) with positive and negative polarities, respectively. Four migrated chemicals were identified by more than one instrumental analysis. Both intentionally added substances (IAS), i.e. additives used in the production of polymeric materials and plastics, and non-intentionally added substances (NIAS), i.e. derivatives and degradation/oxidation products of IAS, were identified among the migrated chemicals. The levels of 25 migrated chemicals were significantly different (p < 0.05) between microwave treatments and conventional oven treatments, where 20 migrants had higher levels for microwave compared with 5 for conventional oven treatments. For several identified chemicals, no previous reports on their migration from FCMs were found.
SAC: A Novel Multi-hop Routing Policy in Hybrid Distributed IoT System based on Multi-agent Reinforcement Learning

Energy harvesting (EH) IoT devices have attracted vast attention in both academia and industry as they can work sustainably by harvesting energy from the ambient environment. However, due to the weak and transient nature of harvesting power, EH technology is unable to support power-intensive IoT devices such as IoT edge servers. Therefore, the hybrid IoT system where the EH IoT devices and non-EH IoT devices co-exist is forthcoming. This paper explored the routing problem in such a hybrid distributed IoT system. We first proposed a comprehensive multi-hop routing mechanism of this hybrid system. After that, we proposed a distributed multi-agent deep reinforcement learning algorithm, known as spatial asynchronous advantage actor-critic (SAC), to optimize the system routing policy and energy allocation while maximizing the total amount of transmitted data and the overall data delivery to the sink node. The experiments indicate that SAC can averagely complete at least $\sim 1.5 \times$ transmission rate and $\sim 12.9\times$ Sink packet delivery rate compared with the baselines.
Evolution of Gross Forelimb and Fine Digit Kinematics during Skilled Reaching Acquisition in Rats.

Abstract The ability to learn dexterous motor skills is a fundamental aspect of human behavior. However, the underlying neural circuit mechanisms for dexterous skill learning are unclear. Advancing our understanding of motor skill learning requires the integration of modern neuroscientific techniques with a rigorously characterized dexterous task. The development of automated rodent skilled reaching with paw tracking allows detailed analysis of how reach-to-grasp kinematics evolve during learning. We assessed how both “gross” forelimb and “fine” digit kinematics changed as rats learned skilled reaching. Rats whose success rates increased (learners) consistently reduced the variability in their reach trajectories. Refinement of fine digit control generally continued after consistency in gross hand transport to the pellet plateaued. Interestingly, most rats whose success rates did not increase (non-learners) also converged on consistent reach kinematics. Some non-learners, however, maintained substantial variability in hand and digit trajectories throughout training. These results suggest that gross and fine motor components of dexterous skill are, on average, learned over different timescales. Nonetheless, there is significant intersubject variability in learning rates as assessed by both reaching success and consistency of reach kinematics.
Carotenoids : Physical, Chemical, and Biological Functions and Properties

THE STRUCTURAL PROPERTIES, CHARACTERISTICS, AND INTERACTIONS OF CAROTENOIDS The Orange Carotenoid Protein of Cyanobacteria, C. A. Kerfeld, M. Alexandre, and D.Kirilovsky Carotenoids in Lipid Membranes, W.I. Gruszecki Hydrophilic Carotenoids: Carotenoid Aggregates, H-R Sliwka, Vassilia Partali, and S.F. Lockwood ANALYTICAL METHODOLOGIES FOR THE MEASUREMENT OF CAROTENOIDS The Use of NMR Detection of LC in Carotenoid Analysis, K.Holtin and K. Albert Quantitative Methods for the Determination of Carotenoids in the Retina, R.A. Bone, W. Schalch, and J.T. Landrum Application of Resonance Raman Spectroscopy to the Detection of Carotenoids In Vivo, I.V. Ermakov, M. Sharifzadeh, P.S. Bernstein, and W. Gellermann APPLICATIONS OF SPECTROSCOPIC METHODOLOGIES TO CAROTENOID SYSTEMS Identification of Carotenoids in Photosynthetic Proteins: Xanthophylls of the Light Harvesting Antenna, A.V. Ruban Effects of Self-Assembled Aggregation on Excited States, T. Polivka Applications of EPR Spectroscopy to Understanding Carotenoid Radicals, L.D. Kispert, L. Focsan, and T. Konovalova EPR Spin Labeling in Carotenoid-Membrane Interactions, W. K. Subczynski and J. Widomska CHEMICAL BREAKDOWN OF CAROTENOIDS IN VITRO AND IN VIVO Formation of Carotenoid Oxygenated Cleavage Products, C.Caris-Veyrat Thermal and Photochemical Degradation of Carotenoids, C.D. Borsarelli and A.Z. Mercadante Antioxidant and Photoprotection Functions and Reactions Involving Singlet Oxygen and Reactive Oxygen Species The Functional Role of Xanthophylls in the Primate Retina, W. Schalch, R.A. Bone, and J.T. Landrum Properties of Carotenoid Radicals and Excited States and Their Potential Role in Biological Systems, R. Edge and G. Truscott Carotenoid Uptake and Protection in Cultured RPE, M. Rozanowska and B. Roz The Carotenoids of Macular Pigment and Bisretinoid Lipofuscin Precursors in Photoreceptor Outer Segments, J.R. Sparrow and S.R. Kim CELL CULTURE METHODS APPLIED TO UNDERSTANDING CAROTENOID RECOGNITION AND ACTION Mechanisms of Intestinal Absorption of Carotenoids: Insights from In Vitro Systems, E. H. Harrison Competition Effects on Carotenoid Absorption by Caco- Cells, E. Reboul and P. Borel THE CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY OF CAROTENE OXIDASES, CELL REGULATION, AND CANCER Diverse Activities of Carotenoid Cleavage Oxygenases, E. K. Marasco and C. Schmidt-Dannert Oxidative Metabolites of Lycopene and Their Biological Functions, J.R. Mein and X-D Wang Lycopene Oxidation, Uptake, and Activity in Human Prostate Cell Culture, P.E. Bowen Carotenoids as Modulators of Molecular Pathways Involved in Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis, P. Palozza, A. Catalano, and R. Simone CAROTENOIDS AND CAROTENOID BIOCHEMISTRY IN ANIMAL SYSTEMS Control and Function of Carotenoid Coloration in Birds: Selected Case Studies, K.J. McGraw and J. D. Blount Transport of Carotenoids by a Carotenoid-Binding Protein in the Silkworm, T. Sakudoh and K. Tsuchida Specific Accumulation of Lutein within the Epidermis of Butterfly Larvae, J.T. Landrum, D. Callejas, and F. Alvarez-Calderon
Effects of language experience and stimulus context on the neural organization and categorical perception of speech

Abstract Categorical perception (CP) represents a fundamental process in converting continuous speech acoustics into invariant percepts. Using scalp-recorded event-related brain potentials (ERPs), we investigated how tone-language experience and stimulus context influence the CP for lexical tones—pitch patterns used by a majority of the world's languages to signal word meaning. Stimuli were vowel pairs overlaid with a high-level tone (T1) followed by a pitch continuum spanning between dipping (T3) and rising (T2) contours of the Mandarin tonal space. To vary context, T1 either preceded or followed the critical T2/T3 continuum. Behaviorally, native Chinese showed stronger CP as evident by their steeper, more dichotomous psychometric functions and faster identification of linguistic pitch patterns than native English-speaking controls. Stimulus context produced shifts in both groups' categorical boundary but was more exaggerated in native listeners. Analysis of source activity extracted from primary auditory cortex revealed overall stronger neural encoding of tone in Chinese compared to English, indicating experience-dependent plasticity in cortical pitch processing. More critically, “neurometric” functions derived from multidimensional scaling and clustering of source ERPs established: (i) early auditory cortical activity could accurately predict listeners' psychometric speech identification and contextual shifts in the perceptual boundary; (ii) neurometric profiles were organized more categorically in native speakers. Our data show that tone-language experience refines early auditory cortical brain representations so as to supply more faithful templates to neural mechanisms subserving lexical pitch categorization. We infer that contextual influence on the CP for tones is determined by language experience and the frequency of pitch patterns as they occur in listeners' native lexicon.
Enterprise transformation research approach and strategy

Enterprise transformation inevitably requires knowledge that is neither resident in nor immediately available from outside the enterprise. Among the alternatives for obtaining this required knowledge is a collaborative research relationship between a university-based research team and the stakeholders involved in transformation. This chapter discusses some of the key issues in creating and sustaining such a relationship.
Kinetic aspects of the aggregation of Clostridium perfringens theta-toxin on erythrocyte membranes. A fluorescence energy transfer study.

Abstract Fluorescence resonance energy transfer was used to monitor aggregation kinetics of the "thiol-activated" cytolysin (perfringolysin O (PFO) or theta-toxin) of Clostridium perfringens on erythrocyte membranes. PFO was labeled with the isothiocyanate derivatives of either fluorescein or tetramethylrhodamine. No detectable change in the hemolytic activity of PFO was detected after modification with either fluorophore at a ratio of 1:2 fluorophore molecules/cytolysin molecule. Fluorescence energy transfer (FET) between the donor (fluorescein.PFO or PFOD) and the acceptor (tetramethylrhodamine.PFO or PFOA) was detected by both quenching of donor fluorescence (520 nm) and by enhancement of acceptor fluorescence (575 nm) upon aggregation of labeled cytolysin molecules. FET was only observed when PFOD and PFOA were incubated in the presence of membranes. FET was not observed when PFOD and PFOA were incubated in a membrane-free solution or when unlabeled toxin was substituted for PFOA. FET was also found to be temperature-dependent. The temperature-dependent rates of change in FET upon mixing labeled toxin with erythrocyte membranes proceeded without a lag phase and displayed an activation energy of 18.7 kcal/mol. At all temperatures aggregation of PFO was virtually complete before the onset of hemolysis, the latter exhibiting a distinct lag phase. The lag period before onset of hemolysis was temperature-dependent and exhibited an activation energy of 23.2 kcal/mol. These results suggest that the aggregation of membrane-associated PFO is necessary to initiate the hemolytic process, and the lag phase which occurs before onset of hemolysis reflects the kinetics of PFO monomer to polymer conversion.
Effect of Hypoxia on Spontaneous Contractions of the Adult Rabbit Isolated Testicular Capsule and Duodenum

Spontaneous contractions of the adult rabbit isolated testicular capsule have been found to adversely affected by short exposures to hypoxia. The data of the present study suggest that acute exposure of the testicular capsule to hypoxia, resulting in a prolonged contracture, may interfere with normal testicular capsular function and possibly sperm transport. The finding that the testicular capsule possesses smooth muscle morphology similar to that of duodenum, but showing an opposite response in tissue tone upon exposure to hypoxia, may further suggest new factors in the stimulus-contraction coupling process of smooth muscle.
A Mixed Methods Content Analysis of Military Family Literature

Mixed methods research designs are becoming a popular methodology used to investigate the unique circumstances, stressors, and needs of military families. Mixed methods military family research lacks intentionality in the design of the study, and adherence to formal design types by Creswell and Plano Clark (2011) and Green, Caracelli, and Graham (1989). This content analysis of mixed methods research of military families is an initial inquiry into the current state of this research. We analyzed the methodology of 12 (n = 12) mixed methods studies for adherence to typologies created by Creswell and Plano Clark (2011) and Greene and colleagues (1989). No articles mentioned that their research was conducted using a specific methodological design. We recommend intentionality in designing mixed methods research and in preparing mixed methods manuscripts. Intentionality is an indication of high caliber mixed methods research, ensuring the advancement of the field and legitimizing it as a third methodology.
Assessing Tank-to-Wheel Efficiencies of Advanced Technology Vehicles

This paper analyzes four recent major studies carried out by MIT, a GM-led team, Directed Technologies, Inc., and A. D. Little, Inc. to assess advanced technology vehicles. These analyses appear to differ greatly concerning their perception of the energy benefits of advanced technology vehicles, leading to great uncertainties in estimating full-fuel-cycle (or "well-to-wheel") greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction potentials and/or fuel feedstock requirements per mile of service. Advanced vehicles include, but are not limited to, advanced gasoline and diesel internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) with gasoline, diesel, and compressed natural gas (CNG) ICEs, and various kinds of fuel-cell based vehicles (FCVs), such as direct hydrogen FCVs and gasoline or methanol fuel-based FCVs. We focus on variations in estimates of vehicle gasoline-equivalent fuel energy use, glider and powertrain masses, and introduce powertrain effectiveness as a new surrogate measure for tank-to-wheel vehicle efficiency. We conclude that, while the degree of uncertainty across studies is considerable, it is not as great as a summary investigation and direct comparison implies. Our investigation suggests that there are logical and systematic reasons for variations among the studies. Further studies are required to improve both assessment and understanding of technical potentials of these advanced technologies, and to narrow the range of uncertainty currently present.
Land Reform and Agricultural Reform Policies in Romania's Transition to the Market Economy

This article explores in depth the key legislative and policy ele- ments of the Romanian agrarian reform, surveys their historical and social context, articulates the ideas and beliefs that guided them, and assesses their success and repercussions. This detailed overview reveals that above and be- yond any structural constraints, legacies of the past, or interest group pres- sures, the relative failure of the Romanian agriculture reform could be largely traced to a set of assumptions and beliefs that inspired the policymakers in charge of the process: (a) The erroneous assumption that land restitution and private ownership of the land could by themselves solve the problems of low productivity; (b) the paradoxical resilience of the idea that large farm size was the ideal form of organization of production in agriculture; (c) the mis- placed belief that rural markets were to emerge naturally as a result of the reintroduction of private property rights over land; and (d) the notion that agricultural policies can be designed in isolation from the overall develop- ment of the other sectors of the economy. The two pillars of the post-communist structural reform in the Romanian case, as in the case of all other transition countries, were the privatization of the industrial sector and the land reform in agriculture. Both processes radically
Response to Comment on “Flagellin Induces Antibody Responses through a TLR5- and Inflammasome-Independent Pathway”

We appreciate Dr. J.P. Pandey's interest and comments about our recent manuscript describing a novel pathway that contributes to the immunogenicity of bacterial flagellin and is independent of the known innate recognition pathways that use TLR5, the Naip5 inflammasome, and the signaling adapter
Responses of inflammatory markers to a low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet: effects of energy intake.

BACKGROUND Inflammation contributes to atherogenesis. Dietary fats may be proinflammatory. OBJECTIVE The objective was to determine whether energy intake modulates the effects of low-fat, high-carbohydrate intakes on inflammatory markers. DESIGN Twenty-two healthy postmenopausal women with a mean (+/-SD) age of 61 +/- 11 y, who were not receiving hormone replacement therapy, were fed eucaloric diets to reduce their fat intake from 35% to 15% of energy. Next, the women consumed a 15%-fat ad libitum diet under free-living conditions. Serum highly sensitive C-reactive protein, interleukin 6, HDL serum amyloid A, and adiponectin concentrations were measured at the end of the eucaloric and ad libitum low-fat, high-carbohydrate intakes. RESULTS The eucaloric diet decreased adiponectin from 16.3 +/- 2.1 to 14.2 +/- 2.0 mg/L (P < 0.05) and increased triacylglycerol from 131 +/- 11 to 164 +/- 14 mg/dL (P < 0.01). The ad libitum low-fat diet caused 6 kg weight loss and decreased highly sensitive C-reactive protein from 4.3 +/- 0.6 to 2.5 +/- 0.5 mg/L (P < 0.01), decreased HDL serum amyloid A from 10.3 +/- 1.8 to 5.7 +/- 1.3 mg/L (P < 0.001), increased adiponectin from 14.2 +/- 2.0 to 16.3 +/- 1.7 mg/L (P < 0.05), and decreased triacylglycerol from 164 +/- 14 to 137 +/- 15 mg/dL (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION During the eucaloric phase, the low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet exerted unfavorable effects on the inflammatory markers. In contrast, the ad libitum low-fat, high-carbohydrate intake caused weight loss and affected inflammatory markers favorably. Thus, the energy content of a low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet determines changes in inflammatory markers.
Urological diseases of the Byzantine emperors (330-1453).

Objectives To offer historical evidence of Byzantine urology and the variety of operations or other healing techniques as applied on the selected group of the Emperors who presented with diseases of the kidney and the urinary tract. Methods The health problems of all 87 Byzantine Emperors have been reviewed and focus has been made on the urological diseases, followed by an analysis of the diagnostic and therapeutic processes. Results Byzantine medicine is the heir of the Ancient Greek and Roman scientific knowledge, enriched by the personal experience of the physicians of the era and the evolution in anatomic researches. In the field of urology, various operative techniques were applied and the surgeons attempted to cure problems of the bladder, urethra, and external genitalia, aiming to restore the health of the State leader. The healing methods applied to the urological problems of the Emperors represent the highest level of this branch of Byzantine surgery, because the best quality of surgeons performed their profession in the capital of the Empire, Constantinople, and were also responsible for the health of the Royal Family. The descriptions of all of these well-known diseases of the urological system and their therapies are contained in the extended compilations of the medical authors of the era, and historical and other nonmedical sources complete the panoramic view of Byzantine urology. Conclusions The diagnosis and the healing methods for the urological diseases of the Emperors represent the general level of Byzantine Surgery and especially of urology, as well as the anatomic knowledge of the genital and the urological systems.
Multicolor Polarimetry of the Dust Disk Candidate BD +31°643

The tentative detection of a dust disk around the main-sequence star BD +31°643 was recently announced by Kalas & Jewitt and represents only the second such object ever to be imaged. Here, we present multiband visual polarimetry of this object. Our single-aperture polarimetry also strongly suggests the presence of a disk. We find that the poles of the disk are oriented parallel to the polarization of the majority of background sources in the region and, hence, probably to the magnetic field in the cloud, as would be expected from star formation theory. The polarization observed toward BD +31°643 can be modeled as a combination of Rayleigh scattering from material in the polar regions of the disk and a term due to the disk itself.
Anion Separation with Metal–Organic Frameworks (Eur. J. Inorg. Chem. 10/2007)

The cover picture shows the concept of selective anion separation using metal–organic frameworks. Functionalization of the coordination polymers with hydrogen-bonding groups for specific anion binding and recognition results in highly selective separations by direct anion exchange or competitive crystallization processes. The diagram in the lower-left corner depicts a qualitative model for anion separation selectivity, captured in three orthogonal concepts: complementarity (strength and number of anion-binding interactions), organizational rigidity of the framework, and softness (or degree of covalency for anion binding). The solvation-controlled (Hofmeister) selectivity that is normally observed in anion separations can be reversed (anti-Hofmeister) or completely replaced by peak selectivity (non-Hofmeister) when rigid, structurally constrained frameworks having a sufficient number of complementary anion-binding groups are employed, or when the anion is bound with a strong degree of covalency (soft–soft interactions). The background shows a structurally rigid metal–organic framework functionalized with –COOH anion-binding groups that exhibit peak selectivity for the Cl(H2O)4− anionic cluster. Details are presented in the Microreview by R. Custelcean and B. A. Moyer on p. 1321 ff.
Substance Abuse or Substance Dependence

(1998). Substance Abuse or Substance Dependence? Journal of Health Education: Vol. 29, No. 3, pp. 193-194.
The effects of intracranial administration of hallucinogens on operant behavior in the rat. II. 2,5-Dimethoxy-4-methylamphetamine (DOM).

Abstract 2,5-Dimethoxy-4-methylamphetamine (DOM) was infused into discrete brain regions of rats trained to press a bar for food reinforcement on a fixed ratio-40 (FR-40). Sites were chosen as major areas of the brain 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) system: the dorsal and median raphe nuclei, dorsal hippocampus, lateral habenular nuclei and the prefrontal cortex. Following training in a fixed ratio-40 (FR-40) operant behavior rats were implanted with stainless steel cannulae into the brain area to be examined. Bilateral cannulae were implanted for the lateral habenular nuclei, dorsal hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex. Following recovery from surgery, DOM (20–300 μg) was tested on operant behavior by infusing the drug immediately before the operant session. Infusion of vehicle was inactive. DOM produced a dose-dependent decrease in reinforcements and a concomitant increase in 10-sec periods of non-responding (pause intervals). DOM was more potent when infused into the median raphe nucleus than following intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration. DOM was less potent when infused into the dorsal raphe, prefrontal cortex or dorsal hippocampus. Infusion of DOM into the lateral habenular nuclei produced a biphasic dose-response curve. ED50s for increases in pause intervals were 47, 77, 92, 103, and 114 μg for infusion into the median raphe, dorsal raphe, prefrontal cortex, lateral habenulae, and dorsal hippocampus, respectively. The ED50 for ICV administration in a previous study was 58 μg. The effects of DOM in the lateral habenulae could be divided into two curves; one curve had an ED50 of 69 μg, whereas the other had an ED50 of 176 μg. Furthermore, the dose-response curve for IP administration of DOM was shifted to the left in animals with cannulae placed into the lateral habenular nuclei. No change was seen in the response to IP administration of DOM in animals cannulated in the remaining sites or in animals with ICV cannulae. Therefore, the effects of DOM in disrupting operant behavior may be more critical with regard to its actions in the lateral habenulae and median raphe. Nonetheless, actions at multiple brain sites probably contribute to the total behavioral effects of the drug.
DOUBLE SPIN ASYMMETRIES AND NUCLEON STRUCTURE AT CLAS

Inclusive and exclusive double spin asymmetries have been measured in Hall B at Jefferson Lab using the CLAS spectrometer. The data cover the resonance region for 0.15 < Q2 < 1.5 GeV2. They were taken using longitudinally polarized electron beams of 2.6 and 4.3 GeV and longitudinally polarized 15NH3 and 15ND3 targets. The data provide information on the helicity amplitudes of specific resonances as well as on the Q2-evolution of the generalized Gerasimov-Drell-Hearn Sum Rule.
Heterogeneous nanometer-scale Joule and Peltier effects in sub-25 nm thin phase change memory devices

We measure heterogeneous power dissipation in phase change memory (PCM) films of 11 and 22 nm thin Ge2Sb2Te5 (GST) by scanning Joule expansion microscopy (SJEM), with sub-50 nm spatial and ∼0.2 K temperature resolution. The heterogeneous Joule and Peltier effects are explained using a finite element analysis (FEA) model with a mixture of hexagonal close-packed and face-centered cubic GST phases. Transfer length method measurements and effective media theory calculations yield the GST resistivity, GST-TiW contact resistivity, and crystal fraction of the GST films at different annealing temperatures. Further comparison of SJEM measurements and FEA modeling also predicts the thermopower of thin GST films. These measurements of nanometer-scale Joule, thermoelectric, and interface effects in PCM films could lead to energy-efficient designs of highly scaled PCM technology.
A simple method for separation of the intrinsic and peripheral junction capacitances in bipolar transistors

A simple technique for extracting the intrinsic and peripheral capacitances from measurements on transistors that are fabricated in the same process but have different emitter areas is presented. The technique has the advantage that no calibration is needed to remove the contact pad and other parasitic capacitances from the measured data. A three-step approach for extracting the zero-bias intrinsic and peripheral junction capacitances, the built-in potential and power dependence for the equivalent bias-dependent capacitances, and the corner capacitance of the peripheral transistor and the parasitic capacitance using transistors with different emitter areas is outlined. The underlying assumptions in this approach are given. The accuracy of the technique is verified by simulations of junction capacitance as a function of bias for individual transistors. >
Role of Carbonate Speciation on the Oxidation Rate of Fe(II) in Aquatic Systems

A unified model for Fe(II) speciation and oxidation by molecular oxygen is described. This model combines Pitzer's concept of specific interaction with classic ion pair formation theory to describe ferrous iron speciation under conditions typical of natural waters. Using this model, it was determined that ferrous carbonate complexes [Fe(CO3), Fe(CO3)22-, and Fe(CO3)(OH)-] dominate the speciation of Fe(II) in natural waters containing greater than 1 mM carbonate alkalinity. The speciation data were then utilized to evaluate the species-specific rates of Fe(II) oxidation by molecular oxygen for a range of media compositions and ionic strength. At pH values below 6.0, the oxidation rate of Fe(II) is well described in terms of the Fe2+ and FeOH+ species. However, for pH values above 6, the Fe(CO3)22- complex is the most kinetically active species. The combined speciation/oxidation model for Fe(II) was successful at predicting observed oxidation rates in lake water, well-defined salt solutions, and seawater.
Anatomical and physiological observations on synapses formed on isolated autonomic neurons in tissue culture

Abstract Neurons from the superior cervical ganglion of perinatal rats were freed of their supporting cells and established in culture by the method of Bray. To these were added meninges-free explants of embryonic rat thoracic spinal cord to allow interaction between the outgrowing cord neurites and the isolated autonomic neurons. Electron microscopic observations on the autonomic neurons in these preparations revealed the presence of axon terminals of two types. One type (presumably adrenergic) contained pleomorphic vesicles after aldehyde fixation; these vesicles contained dense cores after KMnO4 fixation. The second type of terminal (at least some of which were presumably cholinergic) contained uniform round vesicles without demonstrable dense cores. Extirpation of the cord explant demonstrated that the latter (but not the former) were of spinal cord origin. Intracellular recordings indicated that the electrical properties of dissociated superior cervical ganglion neurons were comparable to observations made in vivo. In ganglion neurons, grown with cord, spontaneous, small local depolarizations were frequently observed and these were sometimes associated with the generation of action potentials. The synaptic nature of the local potentials was suggested by increases in their amplitude during hyperpolarization of the postsynaptic membrane (discussed in ref. 18), and their reduction in amplitude and frequency in the presence of 15 m M MgCl2.
Normal spontaneous cortisol secretion in children after autologous bone marrow transplantation.

Aim: To describe spontaneous cortisol secretion in children after autologous bone marrow transplantation (BMT) for acute leukaemia and lymphoma. Methods: Spontaneous cortisol secretion was analysed in 39 children before and after BMT. Thirteen patients were conditioned with chemotherapy only (group 1), and 26 patients also with total body irradiation (TBI). In the TBI group, 14 patients had received no additional irradiation (group 2), whereas 12 patients had received cranial irradiation (CRT) previously (group 3). Results: Before BMT, in comparison with group 1, mean morning cortisol was significantly lower in group 2 (252 vs 415 mmol/l, p=0.004), but not in group 3 (vs 312 mmol/l, p=0.12). There was no change in group 1 six months after BMT (to 379 nmol/l), whereas morning cortisol increased significantly in group 2 and group 3 (to 386 and 343 nmol/l, respectively; p<0.05). The change in mean morning cortisol correlated negatively with pretransplant morning cortisol (r=−0.63, p<0.001). Neither TBI nor CRT were associated with changes in morning cortisol. Conclusion: Spontaneous cortisol secretion is maintained after BMT irrespective of whether cranial or total body irradiation has been given or not.
Design and Testing of a Prototype Atmospheric Gas Collection Apparatus for a Mission to Mars

A novel spacecraft, the Sample Collection for Investigation of Mars (SCIM), was proposed for the collection and return of atmospheric gas and dust samples from the martian atmosphere. The SCIM mission, part of NASA's Mars Exploration Strategy, would allow scientists to greatly enhance our understanding of Mars' water, climate, and geological evolution by studying the element and isotopic composition of the gas and dust. The SCIM spacecraft was proposed to collect its samples during a single high-speed pass through the martian atmosphere at an altitude of 37 km and return the samples back to earth. For the atmospheric gas sampling aspect the SCIM employs the Atmospheric Collection Experiment (ACE), a dual-component apparatus consisting of a passive and a cryogenic sorption gas collection system. Each of these systems possesses a collection vessel that is initially under high vacuum. At the time of entry into the martian atmosphere, valves on SCIM open and gas flows into the parallel-plumbed passive and cryogenic sorption gas collection systems. The passive system simply allows the incoming gas to fill an initially evacuated 1 Liter vessel. The cryogenic sorption system employs a Joule-Thompson cryocooler and sorption medium that initially condenses and captures the incoming gas. As the SCIM begins to exit the atmosphere isolation valves close and trap the gas samples in their collection systems for the return journey back to earth. The minimum SCIM mission goal was to collect 100 cm3 @STP(≈ 0.2 g) of martian atmospheric gas and the ACE was being designed to gather 1000 cm3 @STP (≈ 2.0 g) using both the passive and cryogenic systems. The volumes referred to above correspond to standard temperature and pressure on Earth (e.g., STP). The goals of this study were to prove the gas collection concepts mentioned above and develop the numerical and experimental tools to allow for the optimization of a flight worthy ACE. This paper discusses the design, analysis, and testing of a prototype ACE. First, more specific details on the design and testing methodology for the prototype are presented. Next, the development of a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model is discussed. Finally, empirical pressure data from the prototype tests are used to assess the performances of the passive and cryogenic sorption gas collection systems and are compared to numerical pressure predictions to provide a benchmark for the CFD model. Results indicate that the prototype ACE is capable of meeting the design goal of 1000 cm3 @STP (2.0 g) of total gas collection.© 2006 ASME
Characterization of Progenitor Cells in Pulps of Murine Incisors

The continuous growth of rodent incisors requires the presence of stem cells capable of generating ameloblasts and odontoblasts. While epithelial stem cells giving rise to ameloblasts have been well-characterized, cells giving rise to the odontoblasts in incisors have not been fully characterized. The goal of this study was to gain insight into the potential population in dental pulps of unerupted and erupted incisors that give rise to odontoblasts. We show that pulps from unerupted incisors contain a significant mesenchymal-stem-cell (MSC)-like population (cells expressing CD90+/CD45-, CD117+/CD45-, Sca-1+/CD45-) and few CD45+ cells. Our in vitro studies showed that these cells displayed extensive osteo-dentinogenic potential, but were unable to differentiate into chondrocytes and adipocytes. Dental pulps from erupted incisors displayed increased percentages of CD45+ and decreased percentages of cells expressing markers of an MSC-like population. Despite these differences, pulps from erupted incisors also displayed extensive osteo-dentinogenic potential and inability to differentiate into chondrocytes and adipocytes. These results provide evidence that continuous generation of odontoblasts and dentin on the labial and lingual sides of unerupted and erupted incisors is supported by a progenitor population and not multipotent MSCs in the dental pulp.