cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Application of frequency modulated chirp stimuli for rapid and sensitive ABR measurements in the rat

Rodents have proven to be a useful model system to screen genes, ototoxic compounds and sound exposure protocols that may play a role in hearing loss. High-throughput screening depends upon a rapid and reliable functional assay for hearing loss. This study describes the use of a frequency modulated (FM) chirp stimulus as an alternative to the click to derive a rapid assessment of auditory brainstem response (ABR) threshold in the rodent. We designed a rising frequency A-chirp based upon the spatial mapping of preferred frequency along the rat basilar membrane to provide a more synchronous and equipotent input across the length of the cochlea. We observed that the ABR wave I and wave IV amplitudes evoked by the A-chirp were significantly greater than the click and that A-chirp minimum response thresholds were lower than the click. Subsequent analyses compared the efficacy of the A-chirp to linear, time-reversed and amplitude-reversed chirps and confirmed that the A-chirp was most effective chirp configuration. These data suggest that the A-chirp may be optimally suited as a single screening broad-frequency stimulus for rapid ABR threshold estimations in the rodent and could serve to complement more detailed frequency-specific physiologic and behavioral estimates of hearing threshold.
West Nile Virus and Greater Sage-Grouse: Estimating Infection Rate in a Wild Bird Population

Abstract Understanding impacts of disease on wild bird populations requires knowing not only mortality rate following infection, but also the proportion of the population that is infected. Greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) in western North America are known to have a high mortality rate following infection with West Nile virus (WNv), but actual infection rates in wild populations remain unknown. We used rates of WNv-related mortality and seroprevalence from radiomarked females to estimate infection rates in a wild greater sage-grouse population in the Powder River basin (PRB) of Montana and Wyoming from 2003 to 2005. Minimum WNv-related mortality rates ranged from 2.4% to 13.3% among years and maximum possible rates ranged from 8.2% to 28.9%. All live-captured birds in 2003 and 2004 tested seronegative. In spring 2005 and spring 2006, 10.3% and 1.8% respectively, of newly captured females tested seropositive for neutralizing antibodies to WNv. These are the first documented cases of sage-gro...
Three siblings with scleroderma (systemic sclerosis) and two with raynaud's phenomenon from a single kindred

A kindred is reported which contains 3 siblings with scleroderma, 2 siblings with Raynaud's phenomenon, and 2 first-degree relatives with histories suggestive of connective tissue syndromes. Studies of microvascular morphology and flow, serum endothelial cytotoxic activity, antinuclear antibodies, and HLA haplotypes in 18 relatives and 6 spouses revealed that 4 of 5 affected siblings expressed the HLA-DRw4 antigen, which was also present in 2 of 3 asymptomatic relatives whose serum contained endothelial cytotoxic activity. The evidence for an inherited susceptibility to scleroderma is reviewed.
THE EFFECT OF A CHALCOGENAPYRYLIUM DYE WITH AND WITHOUT PHOTOLYSIS ON MITOCHONDRIAL FUNCTION IN NORMAL AND TUMOR CELLS

A chalcogenapyrylium dye 8b, which is under investigation for the photodynamic therapy of malignant gliomas (brain tumors), was evaluated for inhibition of mitochondrial function both before and after exposure to laser light of 800 nm. Neoplastic and normal cells forced to use mitochondrial substrates were killed by the light-activation of intracellular 8b as well as exposure to classic mitochondrial inhibitors, rotenone and sodium azide. Correspondingly, cells in glucose-rich media showed little decrease in viability due to the photolysis of intracellular 8b or the presence of mitochondrial toxins. The toxicity of 8b without light activation was found to be the same regardless of the cell's energy source. Measurement of cellular ATP generated during treatment also showed the photolysis of intracellular 8b to be more inhibitory towards mitochondrial function than the unactivated parent compound. We conclude that the chalcogenapyrylium dyes localize to the mitochondrion and that photoactivation results in mitochondrial injury.
On the estimation of buffer overflow probabilities from measurements

We propose estimators of the buffer overflow probability in queues fed by a Markov-modulated input process and serviced by an autocorrelated service process. These estimators are based on large-deviations asymptotics for the overflow probability. We demonstrate that the proposed estimators are less likely to underestimate the overflow probability than the estimator obtained by certainty equivalence. As such, they are appropriate in situations where the overflow probability is associated with quality of service (QoS) and we need to provide firm QoS guarantees. We also show that as the number of observations increases to infinity the proposed estimators converge with probability one to the appropriate target, and thus, do not lead to underutilization of the system in this limit.
How Do Campaigns Matter

A review of the evidence leaves no doubt election campaigns do matter in a variety of important ways. The serious questions concern when, where, why, how, for what, and for whom they matter. This essay reviews a selection of high-quality studies that address these questions, focusing on several distinct lines of research that have been particularly productive in recent years: on the effects of events and advertising in presidential elections; on the effects of campaign spending in elections for down-ballot offices; on the effects of mobilization campaigns on voting turnout; on campaign influences on the vote choice (with special attention to the effects of negative campaigns); and on the nature of persuadable voters. It also offers some suggestions of areas where additional research should be productive.
Testing the Theoretical Design of a Health Risk Message: Reexamining the Major Tenets of the Extended Parallel Process Model

This study examined the fear control/danger control responses that are predicted by the Extended Parallel Process Model (EPPM). In a campaign designed to inform college students about the symptoms and dangers of meningitis, participants were given either a high-threat/no-efficacy or high-efficacy/no-threat health risk message, thus testing the extreme assumptions of the EPPM. Although the study supports the main predictions of the EPPM in the context of meningitis, the results provide new evidence that only a marginal amount of threat is necessary in a health risk message to move the target audience toward the desired protective measures. In addition, the results also suggest that the messages containing only threat may only scare the target audience further into fear control. Implications and future research are discussed.
Plantar fascia release for chronic plantar fasciitis in runners

Plantar fascia release has been suggested to be of benefit for patients with symptoms of chronic unre sponsive plantar fasciitis. However, results of this pro cedure have not been published. We performed 11 releases in 9 long-distance runners whose symptoms had been present for an average of 20 months and had not responded to nonsurgical treatment. The results of these operations were excellent in 10 feet and good in 1 foot at an average follow-up time of 25 months. Eight out of nine patients returned to desired full training at an average time of 4.5 months. Histologic examination of surgical biopsy specimens from these patients showed collagen necrosis, angiofibroblastic hyperpla sia, chondroid metaplasia, and matrix calcification. Plantar fascia release was an effective procedure for these patients.
Tuberculosis vaccine development: goals, immunological design, and evaluation.

A third of the world's population is infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and 2 million people die from tuberculosis every year even though the bacille Calmette Guerin (BCG) vaccine has been available for more than 75 years. In order to reduce the immense burden of tuberculosis, new vaccines or vaccination strategies, or both, are urgently needed. Why BCG vaccination has not reduced disease prevalence, especially in the developing world, is not yet understood. Important contributing factors might include background immunity induced by non-tuberculous environmental mycobacteria, diversity of BCG strains, and overattenuation of presently used strains. This review provides a summary of the immune responses thought to be important for protective tuberculosis immunity; various mycobacterial antigens that seem to be promising targets for vaccine-induced immunity; different vaccination approaches being developed for use in people; and the key issues involved in the selection of new vaccines for expanded phase II or III testing.
EFFECTS OF PROTECTION OF BUTYRYLCHOLINESTERASE ON REGENERATION OF GANGLIONIC ACETYLCHOLINESTERASE

— The regeneration of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) was followed in the superior cervical (SCG), stellate (StG), and ciliary (CG) ganglia and inferior oblique (IO) muscle of cats for the 3-day period following their inactivation by isopropylmethylphosphonofluoridate (sarin; 2.0 μmol/kg intravenously), with and without preservation of over half the butyrylcholinesterase activity by the prior intravenous infusion of 10-(α-diethylaminopropionyl) phenothiazine HCl (Astra 1397; 100 or 200 μmol/kg). Rates of regeneration of AChE in the three ganglia exhibited the same sequence as their relative proportions of AChE-containing cholinergic ganglion cells (SCG < StG < CG); no such difference was found in the rates of butyrylcholinesterase regeneration. The mean AChE levels in all three ganglia were higher at 48 h in the cats that had received Astra 1397 (100 μmol/kg) prior to sarin. This finding is interpreted as evidence that BuChE may function as a precursor in the synthesis of AChE.
Astroglial nuclear factor‐κB regulates learning and memory and synaptic plasticity in female mice

Astrocytes play a pivotal role in regulating synaptic plasticity and synapse formation. The nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-jB) family of transcription factors has recently been demonstrated to be an important modulator of synaptic plasticity and learning/memory. In this study, we investigated the role of astroglial NF-jB in synaptic plasticity and learning/memory using transgenic mice over-expressing an N-terminal truncated form of inhibitor of NF-jB alpha (IjBa) in astrocytes (GFAP-IjBadn). We demonstrated that female transgenic mice, but not males, have robust deficits in hippocampal and extra-hippocampal-dependent learning and memory. We also determined that there are significant deficits in LTP and expression of metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 and post-synaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) in female transgenic mice. These findings indicate that astroglial NF-jB is an important regulator of
Discrete event distributed simulator for Sun networks

A novel discrete event distributed simulator (DEDS) is presented to assist in simulation of very large scale systems on Sun networks. With this DEDS, simulation tasks are automatically distributed onto networked computers without the user's intervention. To evaluate the performance of the DEDS, an abstract multiprocessor system with 64 processors is modeled and simulated. >
Solar Surface Albedo Estimation Using Remotely Sensed Spectral Data

A solar albedo model based on converting narrow-band satellite-derived reflectance to four major spectral regions (ultraviolet, visible, near-infrared, and shortwave middle-infrared) and weighted by the relative supply of global solar radiation is studied and developed. Narrow-band to broad-band conversions within visible and near-infrared regions are shown to be accurate; however, the transformations are indicated to be surface-feature dependent. Atmospheric aerosol and illumination effects are indicated to be nearly insensitive to spectral region integrations for solar albedo estimation, but are shown to be significant factors affecting the spectral and canopy albedo. The erectophile and spherical canopy albedos were sensitive to atmospheric and illumination condition, whereas the planophile was relatively insensitive. The contribution of a shortwave middle-infrared reflectance to the canopy albedo is shown to be an important component, accounting for albedo changes to 16 percent with increasing vegetation.
ReachMedia: on-the-move interaction with everyday objects

Mobile and wearable interfaces try to integrate digital information into our everyday experiences but usually require more attention than is appropriate and often fail to do so in a natural and socially acceptable way. In this paper we present "ReachMedia", a system for seamlessly providing just-in-time information for everyday objects, built around a wireless wristband with an RFID reader to detect objects that the user is interacting with. It enables hands- and eyes-free interaction with relevant information using a unique combination of audio output and gestural input, allowing socially acceptable, on-the-move interaction. This paper focuses on the general merits of the design, and the novel gesture recognition technique used, showing 95% classification rate using the realtime online classification system.
The Development of an Areal Interpolation ArcGIS Extension and a Comparative Study

Areal interpolation has been an active research area, but its wide adoption in the general GIS community is limited due to the lack of implementation tools in commercial software. To bridge this gap, an areal interpolation extension is developed in ArcGIS with 4 popular algorithms, 10 raster and vector implementations, and 4 commonly used error measures. A comparative case study utilizing the extension shows that it provides general users with a user-friendly interface for performing areal interpolation without dealing with the complexities of the underlying algorithms and their implementation details.
Psychological Science and Safety Large-Scale Success at Preventing Occupational Injuries and Fatalities

The traditional fault-finding enforcement approach toward addressing the human dynamics of injury prevention is contrasted with behavior-based safety, which is based on applied behavior analysis. Behavior-based safety is flourishing worldwide and having measurable success, because it activates interdependent engagement of employees in identifying hazardous conditions and risky behaviors and designing interventions to reduce them, and increase the frequency of safe behaviors. People-based safety, which evolved from behavior-based safety, adds cognition (or self-talk), perception, and person states to behavior-based safety and has been developed for application in health care and industrial settings. With more widespread and long-term adoption of this application of psychological science, more injuries and fatalities from vehicle collisions, medical errors, and monumental disasters like the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill will be prevented.
Radiological Aspects of Deep-Burn Fusion-Fission Hybrid Waste in a Repository

The quantity, radioactivity, and isotopic characteristics of the spent fission fuel from a hybrid fusion-fission system capable of extremely high burnups are described. The waste generally has higher activity per unit mass of heavy metal, but much lower activity per unit energy generated. The very long-term radioactivity is dominated by fission products. Simple scaling calculations suggest that the dose from a repository containing such waste would be dominated by {sup 129}I, {sup 135}Cs, and {sup 242}Pu. Use of such a system for generating energy would greatly reduce the need for repository capacity.
An investigation of aspects of mine waste from a kyanite mine, Central Virginia, USA

Kyanite Mining Corporation, located in Dillwyn, Virginia has been in operation for over 50 years and their local operation is the largest kyanite mine in the world. As part of the processing at this location, a magnetic separate is generated and a minimum estimation of 3.57 million tons of waste has accumulated. Currently no use for the magnetic separate has been identified. We investigated eight representative samples of the magnetic mine waste which varied in color from a dark tan to black, to determine if the waste could be recycled as an ore or could be used as an environmental media. Mineralogical investigations indicate the composition of the magnetic mine waste is dominated by magnetite, kyanite, lesser amounts of hematite and charcoal. Magnetite occurs as fine grained crystals and as inclusions in kyanite. Hematite occurs largely as botryoidal textures, as discrete grains, and as coatings on kyanite grains. Fe-oxide spheres ranging in diameter from approximately 5–100 µm are common and may compose up to 10% in some samples. Titanium dioxide was rarely observed as coatings on silicate mineral grains. Energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis on magnetite crystals indicates they have end-member compositions. Bulk property investigations indicate that grain size distributions of samples are primarily unimodal with 20–40% of material being between 0.600 and 0.250 mm. Hydraulic conductivity values of samples investigated vary between 0.0036 and 0.0077 cm/s and are broadly consistent with those expected of sands with similar grain size distributions. In addition to the magnetic waste stream a light blue, water soluble, amorphous Cu sulfate occurs as a coating on surfaces of boulders. The coating is composed of rounded interlocking particles 5–60 μm in diameter. This material is of some environmental concern for freshwater invertebrates, but can be managed using sorption media. Hyperspectral data were gathered of the magnetic separate, kyanite ore samples, and the light blue Cu sulfate. The signatures of the kyanite ore, the blue mineral coating, and a mixture of the two provide spectral fingerprints that an imaging spectrometer could exploit for rapid detection and subsequent environmental monitoring.
The New Social History: Implications for Archivists

According to a recent survey by the Organization of American Historians, the fastest growing field of historical research is social history. Although many social historians use computers, this is not the most significant feature of the New Social History (NSH). More important implications for archivists and manuscripts curators arise from the use of new kinds of source materials and from a new approach to social inquiry and interpretation. Archivists who have attempted to respond to the challenges posed by NSH have tended to attack the problem piecemeal, dealing only with isolated aspects. Recognizing the highly interactive nature of archival functions, this study provides an overview of NSH's impact on all major aspects of archival practice and management. Traditional archival concerns such as solicitation strategies, appraisal criteria, provenance, and arrangement and description options are re-examined to assess the impact of NSH, point out some serious implications for archivists, and provide a starti...
Promoting Supportive Contexts for Minority Youth in Low-Resource Rural Communities: The SEALS Model, Directed Consultation, and the Scouting Report Approach

In this chapter, we discuss school and community challenges that impact the school adjustment and academic engagement of minority youth in rural communities that have high rates of poverty and associated factors that may impact students’ educational attainment. We begin by reviewing research on educational and developmental contexts in rural areas that serve high concentrations of minority youth from low-resource family and community backgrounds, and we consider how these contexts may constrain students’ educational experiences, achievement, and outcomes. Next, we present a professional development model that we have created to support teachers in the use of instructional and classroom management strategies aimed at enhancing the academic engagement and school success of early adolescents, including those who are at risk for school adjustment difficulties. This is followed by a review of the use of this professional development program in rural, low-resource communities and a summary of the impact of this model on a variety of indicators of students’ school engagement and achievement. We conclude with a discussion of next steps in research to enhance the educational opportunities, engagement, and attainment of minority youth from poor rural communities.
A variation on the game Set

Set is a very popular card game with strong mathematical structure. In this paper, we describe “anti-Set”, a variation on Set in which we reverse the objective of the game by trying to avoid drawing “sets”. In anti-Set, two players take turns selecting cards from the Set deck into their hands. The first player to hold a set loses the game. By examining the geometric structure behind Set, we determine a winning strategy for the first player. We extend this winning strategy to all nontrivial affine geometries over F3, of which Set is only one example. Thus we find a winning strategy for an infinite class of games and prove this winning strategy in geometric terms. We also describe a strategy for the second player which allows her to lengthen the game. This strategy demonstrates a connection between strategies in anti-Set and maximal caps in affine geometries.
Insights into chromatin fibre structure by in vitro and in silico single-molecule stretching experiments

The detailed structure and dynamics of the chromatin fibre and their relation to gene regulation represent important open biological questions. Recent advances in single-molecule force spectroscopy experiments have addressed these questions by directly measuring the forces that stabilize and alter the folded states of chromatin, and by investigating the mechanisms of fibre unfolding. We present examples that demonstrate how complementary modelling approaches have helped not only to interpret the experimental findings, but also to advance our knowledge of force-induced events such as unfolding of chromatin with dynamically bound linker histones and nucleosome unwrapping.
Simultaneous targeted alteration of the tyrosinase and c-kit genes by single-stranded oligonucleotides.

We have shown that various forms of oligonucleotides, chimeric RNA–DNA oligonucleotide (RDO) and single-stranded oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN), are capable of chromosomal gene alterations in mammalian cells. Using two ODNs we corrected an inactivating mutation in the tyrosinase gene and introduced an activating mutation into the c-kit gene in a single albino mouse melanocyte. Relying on a pigmentation change caused by tyrosinase gene correction, we determined the frequency of gene targeting events ranging from 2×10−4 to 1×10−3, which is comparable to our previously published data using RDO. However, ODN showed more reproducible gene correction than RDO and produced pigmented cells among 60% of experiments, in comparison with 10% by RDO. DNA sequence analysis of the converted cells revealed that two out of eight individual pigmented clones harbored the mutated c-kit gene. Targeted modification of both genes resulted in the ability of the tyrosinase to convert tyrosine to melanin, and in the constitutive activation of the Kit receptor kinase. Thus, for the first time, we demonstrate the feasibility of simultaneous targeting of two genes in a single cell and show that a selection strategy to identify cells that have undergone a gene modification can enrich the targeted cells with the desired gene alteration.
Comparison of Pellets versus Collected Birds for Sampling Diets of Double-Crested Cormorants

For many fish-eating birds, two types of samples can be used to determine diets of adults during both breeding and nonbreeding periods: esophagus and gizzard contents of birds collected at feeding sites, and pellets (indigestible residue) cast up at roosts or breeding colonies. We compared these two methods for Double-crested Cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus) collected on the North Platte River, Wyoming and nesting at a nearby colony both before and after fingerling trout were stocked in the river. Before stocking, there were no significant differences between pellets and collected birds in percent masses of different fish types in different length classes. After stocking, the two methods yielded similar results for different length classes, but differed in relative proportions of suckers and trout. Patterns in percent occurrence of crayfish in the diet suggest that the time of day adults are collected might affect comparability of the two methods.
Heat shock protein response in alcoholic liver disease

Exposure of cells to various (physical and chemical) forms of stress results in increased synthesis of a set of highly conserved polypeptides termed heat shock proteins (HSPs), among which the 85 kd (HSP 85) and the 70 kd (HSP 70) proteins are the most characteristic. HSPs apparently complement a nonlysosomal, adenosine triphosphate-dependent proteolytic system that helps cells digest stressgenerated abnormal proteins after their conjugation with ubiquitin, a small HSP. Ubiquitin has been demonstrated immunocytochemically in Mallory bodies (MBs), which represent mainly degenerated intermediate filaments accumulated in hepatocytes of alcoholic-diseased liver. We have recently reported our findings on the immunocytochemical localization of the HSP 70 in alcoholic liver disease. In this study, we immunostained histological sections from cases of alcoholic-diseased livers with a polyclonal antibody raised against HSP 85. Cytoplasmic immunoreactivity was observed in hepatocytes, including those cells without MBs or fatty degeneration. This finding suggests a possible involvement of HSP 85 in the pathogenesis of alcoholic liver disease. It also suggests that immunocytochemical detection of HSPs may serve as a “marker” of hepatocellular injury.
Nonconservative fuzzy reliability design of integral flange

Start from the angle of safety-ness of strength and applying synthetically the united integral method of probability density function and the integral method of functional density function,the nonconservative fuzzy reliability computation formula of integral flange was sorted out and derived.That is namely the parameters of stress,strength and geometric dimensions of component parts etc.all are statistics normal distribution and the fuzzy reliability computation formula when the subordinative-degree function is of k ordered parabolic distribution.The calculation of numerical value solution for the nonconservative fuzzy reliability design of the integral flange was achieved by means of VB programming.In accordance with the inputted initiative data and the characteristics of original function and integral route section to carrying out integral transformation and then carrying out integral calculation by the use of integral method of midpoint formula and Romberg method of integration.This program can be applied directly in the calculation of design so as to enhance the designing level of integral flange.
Effect of Lysolecithin, Digitonin, and Phospholipase a Upon the Dog’s Gastric Mucosal Barrier

The effects of lysolecithin, digitonin, and phospholipase A in breaking the gastric mucosa barrier were studied by irrigating separated, vagally denervated pouches of the oxyntic gland area of the dog’s stomach first with a test solution of 100 mN HC1 and 54 mN NaCl, then with a solution of the agent in 30 mM phosphate buffer, pH 7.4, and again with the acid test solution. Fluxes of Na+ and H+ were measured, and changes over fluxes found in control tests were taken as evidence that the barrier had been broken. Lysolecithin (20 to 160 mg per 100 ml) and digitonin (1.56 to 100 mg per 100 ml) broke the barrier. Solutions of lyophilized venom of Naja naja (50 mg per 100 ml) were also effective. Phospholipase A and barrierbreaking activities of N. naja venom survived 15-min heating to 100 C at pH 5.5. Lyophilized venom of Russell’s viper and human pancreatic juice, both of which had phospholipase A activity, did not break the barrier. The effects of the agents upon the gastric mucosa are similar to their action on the erythrocytes membrane.
Strategic choices for a primary care advantage: re-engineering osteopathic medicine for the 21st century.

The rapidly growing area of osteopathic medicine takes us beyond high technology, life-saving equipment, or at least the most accurate diagnostic test. Whether it is called ‘alternative’, ‘complementary’ or ‘holistic’ medicine, it cannot be ignored as a legitimate healthcare choice, with well-defined benefits for healthcare consumers. This paper examines the history, development, philosophy of practice and challenges facing the viability of osteopathic medicine. More specifically, we address the following key questions: What is osteopathy medicine? What role does osteopathic medicine play in the provision of health services? What challenges face this professional group? And is osteopathic medicine an alternative approach to healthcare?
Disabled Women Sexually Abused in Childhood: Treatment Considerations

There is a dearth of literature addressing the issues presented in the treatment of adult disabled women who were victims of childhood sexual abuse. This article focuses on the pertinent issues involved in clinically treating this population, such as the meaning of the traumatic event of sexual abuse for the individual, the disability and how it may have impacted her in terms of dependence, body integrity, and sexuality. Coping strategies and case examples are presented and possible countertransferential reactions are examined.
The Long Arm of Maternal Differential Treatment: Effects of Recalled and Current Favoritism on Adult Children’s Psychological Well-Being

Objectives In this article, we draw from classic theories of social psychology and the life course to compare the effects of current and recalled perceived maternal differential treatment (MDT) on the depressive symptoms of adult children in midlife. Method To address this question, we used data collected from 746 adult children nested within 293 later-life families as part of the Within-Family Differences Study. Results Multilevel regression revealed that both recollections of maternal differentiation from childhood and perceptions of mothers' current disfavoritism regarding conflict predicted depressive symptoms, whereas perceptions of current favoritism regarding emotional closeness did not. Discussion Taken together, the findings from this investigation reflect principles of theories of social comparison and the life course in that both perceptions of current MDT and MDT recalled from childhood affect children's well-being in midlife. These findings contribute to a growing body of literature highlighting the role of within-family differences in parent-child relationships on well-being across the life course.
Interplay of Toll-Like Receptor 9, Myeloid Cells, and Deubiquitinase A20 in Periodontal Inflammation

Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9)-deficient (TLR9-/-) mice are resistant to periodontitis, a disease characterized by a dysbiotic microbiota and deregulated immune response and resulting in tooth loss and various systemic conditions. However, the mechanisms and biological pathways by which TLR9 instigates periodontal inflammation are yet to be identified. In a ligature-induced model of periodontitis, we demonstrate that TLR9-/- mice exhibited significantly less alveolar bone loss than their wild-type (WT) counterparts. Consistent with the disease phenotype, gingival tissues showed significantly more inflammatory cell infiltration in the WT ligated but not in the TLR9-/- ligated mice compared to the unligated controls. The peritoneal infection model using Porphyromonas gingivalis, a keystone pathogen for periodontitis, revealed reduced neutrophils in TLR9-/- mice on day 1 postinfection compared to the levels in WT mice. Transcriptomics analyses showed increased expression of A20 (tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-α]-induced protein 3 [TNFAIP3]), an inhibitor of the NF-κB pathway and a negative regulator of TLR signaling, in ligated TLR9-/- mouse gingival tissues compared to its expression in the WT. Ex vivo, TLR9-/- bone marrow-derived macrophages produced more A20 than WT cells following P. gingivalis challenge. Clinically, A20 was modestly upregulated in human gingival tissue specimens from chronic periodontitis patients, further confirming the biological relevance of A20 in periodontal inflammation. We conclude that TLR9 modulates periodontal disease progression at both the cellular and molecular level and identify A20 as a novel downstream signaling molecule in the course of periodontal inflammation. Understanding the regulation of the TLR9 signaling pathway and the involvement of A20 as a limiting factor of inflammation will uncover alternative therapeutic targets to treat periodontitis and other chronic inflammatory diseases.
Passive-Voice References in Statutory Interpretation

The Supreme Court regularly references grammar rules when interpreting statutory language. And yet grammar references play a peculiar role in the Court’s statutory cases— often lurking in the background and performing corroborative work to support a construction arrived at primarily through other interpretive tools. The inevitable legisprudential question triggered by such references is, why does the Court bother? If grammar rules provide merely a second, third, or fourth justification for an interpretation reached through other interpretive canons, then what does the Court gain—or think it gains—by including such rules in its statutory analysis? This essay examines these questions through the lens of a little-noticed grammar reference that has reared its head in a handful of Supreme Court cases: inferences based on a statute’s use of the passive voice. The essay argues that the Supreme Court’s framing of passive-voice arguments suggests both legitimating and harmonizing roles for grammar references in statutory interpretation. Larry Solan has argued that judges employ linguistic analysis in statutory interpretation because they are under pressure to write decisively and to limit what they say to certain acceptable argument forms. Linguistic arguments, Solan theorizes, lend a (false) sense of neutrality and inevitability to a court’s
Bimodal regulation of Dishevelled function by Vangl2 during morphogenesis.

Convergent extension (CE) is a fundamental morphogenetic mechanism that underlies numerous processes in vertebrate development, and its disruption can lead to human congenital disorders such as neural tube closure defects. The dynamic, oriented cell intercalation during CE is regulated by a group of core proteins identified originally in flies to coordinate epithelial planar cell polarity (PCP). The existing model explains how core PCP proteins, including Van Gogh (Vang) and Dishevelled (Dvl), segregate into distinct complexes on opposing cell cortex to coordinate polarity among static epithelial cells. The action of core PCP proteins in the dynamic process of CE, however, remains an enigma. In this report, we show that Vangl2 (Vang-like 2) exerts dual positive and negative regulation on Dvl during CE in both the mouse and Xenopus. We find that Vangl2 binds to Dvl to cell-autonomously promote efficient Dvl plasma membrane recruitment, a pre-requisite for PCP activation. At the same time, Vangl2 inhibits Dvl from interacting with its downstream effector Daam1 (Dishevelled associated activator of morphogenesis 1), and functionally suppresses Dvl → Daam1 cascade during CE. Our finding uncovers Vangl2-Dvl interaction as a key bi-functional switch that underlies the central logic of PCP signaling during morphogenesis, and provides new insight into PCP-related disorders in humans.
Breast imaging two years post-breast conserving therapy (BCT): Do more frequent mammograms (MMG) yield benefits?

9602 Background: High level evidence defining the optimal timing and frequency of MMG surveillance (6-monthly vs. annually) after breast-conserving therapy (BCT) is lacking. The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine the value of 6-monthly MMG in detecting cancer events after BCT. Methods: AJCC stage 0 to IIIC breast cancer and ductal carcinoma in-situ (DCIS) patients (n=492) treated with BCT from 2005-2009 who had two years of surveillance MMG were selected. MMG-associated events, additional imaging and biopsies (Bx) triggered by abnormal mammograms, and tumor recurrences were analyzed by time intervals. A 6-monthly MMG group (n=400) was compared with annual MMG group (n=92). MMG yield was defined as MMG detected events divided by total MMG. We analyzed results using simple frequencies and Fisher’s exact test. Results: Of 1591 total MMG, 144 were pre-radiation; 69 additional imaging tests (38 ultrasounds, 22 magnification MMG and 9 MRIs) were performed. 1407 and 182 MMGs were performed in 6...
Sympatry and syntopy of cichlids (Teleostei: Cichlidae) in the Selva Central, upper Ucayali river basin, Peru

Sympatry and syntopy are rare among congeneric cichlids in the Neotropics. Among Peruvian Amazonian cichlids congeneric syntopy has so far been reported in only 1 case known from a single locality. Based on thorough exploration of a new locality I refute the syntopy of the 2 species involved: Bujurquina robusta (Kullander, 1986) is a mouth-bay species while B. labiosa (Kullander, 1986) is an upland species. I demonstrate the generality of this ecological allotopy with further examples from a second study area including a different set of species.
Reading world society phenomenologically: an illustration drawing upon the cultural heritage of humankind

Despite being one of three primary conceptual pillars of the English School, world society has been overshadowed by attention devoted to international society’s origins, agents, structure, expansion, institutions, regional development, and normative depth as captured by the pluralist–solidarist debate. Given empirical developments in world politics, however, world society has attracted incremental attention. This paper reads world society phenomenologically: initially, it does not exist independently of the intentionality and perception of agents. But programmatic initiative, normative diffusion, and cognitive commitments to worldly spaces spur the development of social relations and hence the emergence of world society in discrete issue areas. To illustrate, I draw upon cultural heritage, assaults on which have spurred construction of a global international architecture and associated practices to protect, conserve, and protect cultural heritage, while later developments have sought to (re)produce the very globality such practices presume.
A Treatise on the Valuation of Annuities and Assurances on Lives and Survivors

The general theorems throughout the work are adapted to any law of mortality whatever, and even to different laws, for all the different lives that may be involved; but they cannot be applied to practical purposes, unless one or more tables of mortality, adapted to the lives proposed, be given. The construction of such tables, although one of the most important parts of the subject, has remained the longest imperfect; principally from the want of data, and partly from its having occupied but little of the attention of mathematicians.
Analytical Rigor in Studies of Disparities in Criminal Case Processing

Studies of racial/ethnic disparities in criminal case processing have yielded mixed results. Some differences in findings have probably resulted from analyses of different social settings, but some could be attributable to differences in analytical rigor between studies. Contextual analyses are pointless unless the research yields unbiased estimates of the true relationships between a defendant's race/ethnicity and case dispositions. This goal may be furthered by conducting analyses that simultaneously incorporate the following: (a) corrections for sample bias, (b) analyses of several stages of case processing, (c) measures of prior record and offense seriousness which maximize “explained” variation in the dependent variables examined, (d) statistical controls for extralegal variables that correlate with case dispositions, and (e) more rigorous statistical tests for interactions. To demonstrate potential differences in findings from analyses with and without these characteristics, results from a study of 1586 Mexican- and Anglo-American defendants from Dona Ana County, New Mexico, are presented.
Reductionism in Biology: Prospects and Problems

Explications of what it means for one science to be reduced to another have been the focus of considerable interest in recent years, and when the reducing science is physics (and chemistry) and the reduced science is biology, additional concerns seem to arise. In this paper I wish to represent a model for theory reduction which has occupied my attention for some years now, and consider its applicability in the area of the biological sciences.1
Ontogeny of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy in Amygdala-Kindled Kittens

This chapter addresses three topics. First, we depict the features of a unique developmental model of spontaneous temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) in amygdala-kindled kittens. Second, we report recent advances in potential treatment alternatives via focal and extra-focal microinfusion of anti-epileptic agents as well as mechanisms which could explain them. Third, we suggest mechanisms that could account for the spontaneous increase in seizure discharge propagation during non-rapid-eye-movement (NREM) sleep, including the transition into rapid-eye-movement (REM).
Towards Scalable Planning of Wireless Networks

Current methods for planning wireless networks rely on a mixture of on-site measurements and predictive modeling. Unfortunately, such methods can be expensive and time-consuming when it comes to planning for venues of large dimension, or those with a vast number of wireless devices.In this short paper, we focus on an important aspect of scalable network planning: estimating the number of source devices (e.g., access points, base stations) needed to meet traffic demands. We propose a coarse-grained approach that models aggregate demands and interference sources. Minimizing the number of source devices is shown to be NP-complete. However, our coarse-grained approach permits an integer linear program that solves for the optimum while remaining tractable; an approximation result is also derived. Preliminary experiments using QualNet and Ekahau support our approach.
Pathologists’ Knowledge, Experience, and Judgment in Diagnostic Error Prevention (Pathologists’ Competence)

Making a diagnosis in surgical pathology is dependent on a pathologist’s knowledge, experience, and judgment. In this chapter, pathologists’ training and certification are addressed as well as how they are evaluated to be competent. Furthermore, the systems are in place that address how pathologists’ skills are measured throughout their carrier to assure their ongoing competence is examined. There are intrinsic problems with defining errors, but these problems are not insurmountable, and ultimately a system can be devised to show that pathologists can be compared and judgments made on competence.
Image-Guided Mastoidectomy with a Cooperatively Controlled ENT Microsurgery Robot:

Mastoidectomy is a common surgical procedure within otology. Despite being inherently well suited for implementation of robotic assistance, there are no commercially available robotic systems that have demonstrated utility in aiding with this procedure. This article describes a robotic technique for image-guided mastoidectomy with an experimental cooperatively controlled robotic system developed for use within otolaryngology-head and neck surgery. It has the ability to facilitate enhanced operative precision with dampening of tremor in simulated surgical tasks. Its kinematic design is such that the location of the attached surgical instrument is known with a high degree of fidelity at all times. This facilitates image registration and subsequent definition of virtual fixtures, which demarcate surgical workspace boundaries and prevent motion into undesired areas. In this preliminary feasibility study, we demonstrate the clinical utility of this system to facilitate performance of a cortical mastoidectomy by a novice surgeon in 5 identical temporal bone models with a mean time of 221 ± 35 seconds.
Brands in Society, Society in Brands

After offering a summary of what the book deals with, I discuss grid-group theory, which argues that there are four competing lifestyles/taste cultures that exist in any society: elitists, individualists, egalitarians, and fatalists. I suggest how each of these lifestyles shapes our choices in automobiles, smartphones, wine, and so on, and our choices in media and popular culture. This leads to a consideration of class differences in societies and the role class differences play, according to the French sociologist Pierre Bourdieu, in determining our taste preferences. These preferences involve objects we buy but also political parties with which we identify.
Vascular function is related to blood flow during high-intensity, but not low-intensity, knee extension exercise.

While substantial evidence indicates that individuals with lower vascular function are at greater risk for cardiovascular disease, with many redundant vasodilator pathways present during exercise, ...
International diversification of family-dominant firms: Integrating socioemotional wealth and behavioral theory of the firm

Abstract Drawing on the behavioral theory of the firm, we shed light on an extant debate about whether family firms are more or less likely to diversify internationally. In an analysis of firm-level data from 93 countries over 2011–2018, we find that family-dominant firms—with their established preference for low breadth-high depth international diversification—will seek to increase their breadth when performance falls below aspiration level, but that doing so can hurt their performance stability. Our study advances the literature by identifying important boundary conditions to their prioritization of socioemotional wealth and micro-foundational mechanisms that underlie strategic change in family-dominant firms.
Role of Electron-Deficient Olefin Ligands in a Ni-Catalyzed Aziridine Cross-Coupling To Generate Quaternary Carbons.

We previously reported the development of an electron-deficient olefin (EDO) ligand, Fro-DO, that promotes the generation of quaternary carbon centers via Ni-catalyzed Csp3–Csp3 cross-coupling with...
Chapter 7 – Strength

This chapter first presents the different empirical methods for estimating the unconfined compressive and tensile strengths of intact rocks and discusses the representative two-dimensional (2D) strength criteria for them. Then the methods for evaluating the shear strength of rock discontinuities are presented. After addressing the intact rocks and discontinuities, the methods for determining the unconfined compressive and/or tensile strengths of rock masses and the representative 2D strength criteria for them are described and discussed. The representative three-dimensional strength criteria for rocks are also presented. Since rock masses usually exhibit a strain-softening postpeak behavior, the evaluation of residual strength of rock masses is briefly discussed. The effects of different factors such as scale, water content and temperature on rock strength and the anisotropy of rock strength are also addressed in this chapter.