cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Syndromes of accelerated atherosclerosis: role of vascular injury and smooth muscle cell proliferation.

Abstract Vascular injury represents a critical initiating event in the pathogenesis of various vascular diseases, including atherosclerosis. This review discusses 1) the current understanding and a new pathologic classification of vascular injury; 2) the resultant cellular pathophysiologic responses, specifically, lipid accumulation, platelet aggregation, thrombus formation and smooth muscle cell proliferation; 3) the role of vascular injury in the pathogenesis of spontaneous and accelerated atherosclerosis; and 4) emerging therapeutic approaches in preventing these vascular diseases. The process of type I vascular injury (nondenuding functional injury) followed by lipid accumulation, monocyte and platelet adhesion, smooth muscle cell proliferation and resultant plaque formation represents the prevalent view of the early stages of spontaneous atherogenesis. The syndromes of accelerated atherosclerosis (namely, heart transplant atherosclerosis, coronary vein graft disease and restenosis after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty) appear to share etiologic mechanisms with spontaneous atherosclerosis by means of the “response to injury” hypothesis. However, type II and type III vascular injury (denuding endothelial and intimal injury with or without medial damage) followed by thrombus and its organization by smooth muscle cell proliferation and subsequent fibrosis appear to be responsible for the vascular process. This accelerated and premature occlusive process accounts for significant morbidity and mortality in patients with these conditions. Better understanding of the nature of vascular injury and its pathophysiologic responses in these clinical situations may aid in developing therapeutic strategies for preventing these vascular diseases.
Synthesis and purification of the anti-viral agent 1-(2-deoxy-2-fluoroβ-d-arabinofuranosyl)-5-iodocytosine (FIAC) labeled with iodine-125

The 125I labeled analog of 1-(2-deoxy-2-fluoro-beta-D-arabinofuranosyl)-5-iodocytosine (FIAC) has been prepared for studies on the imaging of herpes simplex virus (HSV) encephalitis infections in animals. Iodination of 1-(2-deoxy-2-fluoro-beta-D-arabinofuranosyl)cytosine X HCl (FAC X HCl) with Na 125I and NaI/HIO3 in aqueous acetic acid, and subsequent removal of residual iodine by CCl4 extraction and ion exchange chromatography, yielded [125I]FIAC in aqueous solution with a specific activity of 45.5 mCi/mmol in 44% radiochemical yield, and with a radiopurity of 96-97%. Methods for further purification are described.
iDISCO: A Simple, Rapid Method to Immunolabel Large Tissue Samples for Volume Imaging

The visualization of molecularly labeled structures within large intact tissues in three dimensions is an area of intense focus. We describe a simple, rapid, and inexpensive method, iDISCO, that permits whole-mount immunolabeling with volume imaging of large cleared samples ranging from perinatal mouse embryos to adult organs, such as brains or kidneys. iDISCO is modeled on classical histology techniques, facilitating translation of section staining assays to intact tissues, as evidenced by compatibility with 28 antibodies to both endogenous antigens and transgenic reporters like GFP. When applied to degenerating neurons, iDISCO revealed unexpected variability in number of apoptotic neurons within individual sensory ganglia despite tight control of total number in all ganglia. It also permitted imaging of single degenerating axons in adult brain and the first visualization of cleaved Caspase-3 in degenerating embryonic sensory axons in vivo, even single axons. iDISCO enables facile volume imaging of immunolabeled structures in complex tissues. PAPERCLIP:
Increase in circulating red cell volume of normal and hypophysectomized rats after treatment with ACTH.

Conclusions1. Administration of ACTH prevents the decrease in the total circulating red cell volume which is normally found in hypophysectomized rats. 2. Administration of ACTH for 116 days to normal rats elevates the total circulating red cell volume to approximately 1.3 times that of the normal untreated controls.
Risk management strategies via minimax portfolio optimization

Recent extreme economic developments nearing a worst-case scenario motivate further examination of minimax linear programming approaches for portfolio optimization. Risk measured as the worst-case return is employed and a portfolio from maximizing returns subject to a risk threshold is constructed. Minimax model properties are developed and parametric analysis of the risk threshold connects this model to expected value along a continuum, revealing an efficient frontier segmenting investors by risk preference. Divergence of minimax model results from expected value is quantified and a set of possible prior distributions expressing a degree of Knightian uncertainty corresponding to risk preference determined. The minimax model will maximize return with respect to one of these prior distributions providing valuable insight regarding an investor’s risk attitude and decision behavior. Linear programming models for financial firms to assist individual investors to hedge against losses by buying insurance and a model for designing variable annuities are proposed.
Application of an improved method for the analysis of pesticides and their metabolites in the urine of farmer applicators and their families

Abstract As the annual use of pesticides in the United States has escalated, public health agencies have become increasingly concerned about chronic pesticide exposure. However, without reliable, accurate analytical methods for biological monitoring, low-level chronic exposures are often difficult to assess. A method for measuring simultaneously the urinary residues of as many as 20 pesticides has been significantly improved. The method uses a sample preparation which includes enzyme digestion, extraction, and chemical derivatization of the analytes. The derivatized analytes are measured by using gas chromatography coupled with isotope-dilution tandem mass spectrometry. The limits of detection of the modified method are in the high pg/L - low μg/L range, and the average coefficient of variation (CV) of the method was below 20% for most analytes, with approximately 100% accuracy in quantification. This method was used to measure the internal doses of pesticides among selected farmer applicators and their families. Definite exposure and elimination patterns (i.e., an increase in urinary analyte levels following application and then a gradual decrease to background levels) were observed among the farmer applicators and many of the family members whose crops were treated with carbaryl, dicamba, and 2,4-D esters and amines. Although the spouses of farm workers sometimes exhibited the same elimination pattern, the levels of the targeted pesticides or metabolites found in their urine were not outside the ranges found in the general U.S. population (reference range). The farmer applicators who applied the pesticides and some of their children appeared to have higher pesticide or metabolite levels in their urine than those found in the general U.S. population, but their levels were generally comparable to or lower than reported levels in other occupationally exposed individuals. These results, however, were obtained from a nonrandom sampling of farm residents specifically targeted to particular exposures who may have altered their practices because they were being observed; therefore, further study is required to determine if these results are representative of pesticide levels among residents on all farms where these pesticides are applied using the same application techniques. Using this method to measure exposure in a small nonrandom farm population allowed differentiation between overt and background exposure. In addition, the important role of reference-range information in distinguishing between various levels of environmental exposure was reaffirmed.
Osteosarcoma of the soft tissue of the larynx. Report of a case with light and electron microscopic studies

A case of osteosarcoma arising in the soft tissue of the larynx in an elderly man is presented with light and electron microscopic documentation. The patient developed chronic hoarseness and a recurring polypoid laryngeal tumor, causing acute airway obstruction. He was treated by total laryngectomy, but he died with multiple pulmonary metastases within three months of laryngectomy. This is the third (or possibly fourth) recorded case of osteosarcoma arising in the soft tissues of the larynx, and the previous cases were clinically and pathologically similar to this one. The prognosis of sarcoma of the larynx is poor but may be improved with early recognition and adequate surgical excision.
Delivery sheath tear after modification for ASD closure

During transcatheter closure of an atrial septal defect with insufficient aortic rim, a standard delivery sheath was modified by cutting a bevel at the distal tip to improve device orientation. The sheath split longitudinally when attempting to recapture the closure device. Troubleshooting allowed a device to be implanted successfully. Pitfalls regarding our sheath modification and methods to overcome prolapse of the left atrial disk into the right atrium are discussed.
Positive selection focuses the VH12 B‐cell repertoire towards a single B1 specificity with survival function

B cells of varying antigen specificities are consistently present in the unmanipulated repertoire. These B cells appear to belong to the marginal zone (MZ) and B1 B-cell subsets and provide protection to the blood and lymph, respectively. Some are specific for self-antigens, suggesting that they are selected based on specificity for self but have a protective role against foreign pathogens. One of these specificities is for phosphatidylcholine (PtC). Anti-PtC B cells comprise 5-8% of the B1 repertoire and are protective against bacterial pathogens. In general, they are restricted to the expression of two VH/Vkappa combinations, VH11/Vkappa9 and VH12/Vkappa4/5H. This review focuses on the differentiation of VH12 anti-PtC B cells. They undergo a series of positive selection events beginning at the pre-B-cell stage that enriches for those with a VHCDR3 and L chain required for PtC binding and eliminating the majority of VH12 B cells that lack the ability to bind PtC. Thus, positive selection focuses the VH12 repertoire toward PtC, ensuring that anti-PtC VH12 B cells are a significant component of the B1-cell repertoire in all individuals.
A single molecule scaffold for the maize genome

About 85% of the maize genome consists of highly repetitive sequences that are interspersed by low-copy, gene-coding sequences. The maize community has dealt with this genomic complexity by the construction of an integrated genetic and physical map (iMap), but this resource alone was not sufficient for ensuring the quality of the current sequence build. For this purpose, we constructed a genome-wide, high-resolution optical map of the maize inbred line B73 genome containing >91,000 restriction sites (averaging 1 site/∼23 kb) accrued from mapping genomic DNA molecules. Our optical map comprises 66 contigs, averaging 31.88 Mb in size and spanning 91.5% (2,103.93 Mb/∼2,300 Mb) of the maize genome. A new algorithm was created that considered both optical map and unfinished BAC sequence data for placing 60/66 (2,032.42 Mb) optical map contigs onto the maize iMap. The alignment of optical maps against numerous data sources yielded comprehensive results that proved revealing and productive. For example, gaps were uncovered and characterized within the iMap, the FPC (fingerprinted contigs) map, and the chromosome-wide pseudomolecules. Such alignments also suggested amended placements of FPC contigs on the maize genetic map and proactively guided the assembly of chromosome-wide pseudomolecules, especially within complex genomic regions. Lastly, we think that the full integration of B73 optical maps with the maize iMap would greatly facilitate maize sequence finishing efforts that would make it a valuable reference for comparative studies among cereals, or other maize inbred lines and cultivars.
Collaborative use of individual search histories

Interaction history tools record interactions between users and systems, allowing users to annotate, edit, and replay their activities. Search history tools, a class of interaction history recorders, preserve search, browse, and other information-seeking steps. These tools include web browser histories and history lists in online full-text databases. Although search history tools were developed to support individuals in their information seeking, individuals often share their histories with one another collaboratively. This paper examines such sharing behaviors in two field studies of knowledge workers who routinely shared their individual search histories with their colleagues. While this practice is widespread, it is not supported by the design of contemporary interaction history tools. The results of the field research highlight core dimensions of this activity and inform considerations for the next generation of collaboration-sensitive interaction history tools.
Public Scholarship Student Projects for Introductory Environmental Courses

This paper presents a model project for introductory undergraduate courses that develops students as citizens contributing scholarship to public discussions of environmental issues. In this field-based project, students actively and independently engage with an environmental issue and present their project experience to a relevant public forum. In two implementations of the project, we find that the project succeeds at each of five goals: exposing students to public scholarship, connecting course material to environmental issues and students' lives, giving students experience with professional environmental work, building student enthusiasm and, finally, providing the public with insights from students' scholarship.
Cholesterol dependent recruitment of di22:6-PC by a G protein-coupled receptor into lateral domains.

Abstract Bovine rhodopsin was reconstituted into mixtures of didocosahexaenoylphosphatidylcholine (di22:6-PC), dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (di16:0-PC), sn -1-palmitoyl- sn -2-docosahexaenoylphosphatidylcholine (16:0, 22:6-PC) and cholesterol. Rhodopsin denaturation was examined by using high-sensitivity differential scanning calorimetry. The unfolding temperature was increased at lower levels of lipid unsaturation, but the highest temperature was detected for native disk membranes: di22:6-PC
A top-down approach to mechanistic biological modeling: application to the single-chain antibody folding pathway.

A top-down approach to mechanistic modeling of biological systems is presented and exemplified with the development of a hypothesis-driven mathematical model for single-chain antibody fragment (scFv) folding in Saccharomyces cerevisiae by mediators BiP and PDI. In this approach, model development starts with construction of the most basic mathematical model—typically consisting of predetermined or newly-elucidated biological behavior motifs—capable of reproducing desired biological behaviors. From this point, mechanistic detail is added incrementally and systematically, and the effects of each addition are evaluated. This approach follows the typical progression of experimental data availability in that higher-order, lumped measurements are often more prevalent initially than specific, mechanistic ones. It also necessarily provides the modeler with insight into the structural requirements and performance capabilities of the resulting detailed mechanistic model, which facilitates further analysis. The top-down approach to mechanistic modeling identified three such requirements and a branched dependency-degradation competition motif critical for the scFv folding model to reproduce experimentally observed scFv folding dependencies on BiP and PDI and increased production when both species are overexpressed and promoted straightforward prediction of parameter dependencies. It also prescribed modification of the guiding hypothesis to capture BiP and PDI synergy.
Genotypic analysis of infant macaques infected transplacentally and orally.

: The SIV-infected macaque provides an excellent model to study factors involved in maternal-fetal transmission of HIV. In our prenatal transmission studies, female macaques were inoculated intravenously during midgestation with either SIV/DeltaB670 or a combination of SIV/DeltaB670 and the macrophage-tropic molecular clone SIV/17E-Fr. The females harbored a genetically diverse virus population at parturition, whereas a single genotype from the maternal quasispecies was identified in the infants. One of two variants was transplacentally transmitted to the infants, SIV/17E-Fr or B670-Cl 12, a genotype contained within the SIV/DeltaB670 inoculum. Both of these variants have been identified in the central nervous system of macaques that have developed encephalitis and they replicate in vitro on primary rhesus macrophages. These results suggest a critical role for macrophages in fetal infection in utero. In our perinatal transmission studies we have evaluated the viral genotypes found in two newborn macaques infected orally with SIV/DeltaB670 and in one infant infected via amniotic inoculation in late gestation. More than one viral genotype was identified in each infant, moreover, each infant harbored different genotypes. These results suggest different mechanisms are responsible for viral infection via these routes.
The dependencies of phase velocity and dispersion on trabecular thickness and spacing in trabecular bone-mimicking phantoms

Frequency-dependent phase velocity was measured in trabecular-bone-mimicking phantoms consisting of two-dimensional arrays of parallel nylon wires (simulating trabeculae) with thicknesses ranging from 152 to 305μm and spacings ranging from 700 to 1000μm. Phase velocity varied approximately linearly with frequency over the range from 400 to 750 kHz. Dispersion was characterized by the slope of a linear least-squares regression fit to phase velocity versus frequency data. The increase in phase velocity (compared with that in water) at 500 kHz was approximately proportional to the (1) square of trabecular thickness, (2) inverse square of trabecular spacing, and (3) volume fraction occupied by nylon wires. The first derivative of phase velocity with respect to frequency was negative and exhibited nonlinear, monotonically decreasing dependencies on trabecular thickness and volume fraction. The dependencies of phase velocity and its first derivative on volume fraction in the phantoms were consistent with those ...
Elucidation of multiple forms of nephrocalcin by 31P-NMR spectrometer

Four forms of nephrocalcin have been routinely isolated from mammalian kidney tissues and urine using DEAE-cellulose column chromatography with a linear NaCl gradient. We have demonstrated that these four forms of nephrocalcin, isolated from bovine kidneys, contain different amounts of phosphate residues, and that alkaline phosphatase digestion converts these to only one form of nephrocalcin. The changes in the nephrocalcin before and after removal of phosphate residues were measured by 31P-NMR spectrometer. Loss of phosphate residues decreased the dissociation constant of nephrocalcin 10-fold toward calcium oxalate monohydrate crystals, suggesting the phosphate residues appear to be important in the inhibitory effects of calcium oxalate monohydrate crystal growth.
Androgen deprivation therapy increases cardiovascular morbidity in men with prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND. The use of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in the treatment of men with prostate cancer has risen sharply. Although cardiovascular disease is the most common reason for death among men with prostate cancer who do not die of the disease itself, data regarding the effect of ADT on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in men with prostate cancer are limited. In the current study, the authors attempted to measure the risk for subsequent cardiovascular morbidity in men with prostate cancer who received ADT. METHODS. A cohort of newly diagnosed men in a population-based registry who were diagnosed between 1992 and 1996 were identified retrospectively. A total of 22,816 subjects were identified after exclusion criteria were applied. Using a multivariate model, the authors calculated the risk of subsequent cardiovascular morbidity in men with prostate cancer who were treated with ADT, as defined using Medicare claims. RESULTS. Newly diagnosed prostate cancer patients who received ADT for at least 1 year were found to have a 20% higher risk of serious cardiovascular morbidity compared with similar men who did not receive ADT. Subjects began incurring this higher risk within 12 months of treatment. However, Hispanic men were found to have a lowered risk for cardiovascular morbidity. CONCLUSIONS. ADT is associated with significantly increased cardiovascular morbidity in men with prostate cancer and may lower overall survival in men with low-risk disease. These data have particular relevance to decisions regarding the use of ADT in men with prostate cancer in settings in which the benefit has not been clearly established. For men with metastatic disease, focused efforts to reduce cardiac risk factors through diet, exercise, or the use of lipid-lowering agents may mitigate some of the risks of ADT. Cancer 2007;110:1493–500. � 2007 American Cancer Society.
Evolution or revolution? the rise of UAVs

Evolutionary trends in pilotless aircraft need to be identified and put in context. Instead of focusing on trends in the technical development of pilotless aircraft, in this article the pilotless aircraft concept will be tracked through its various incarnations over time. Since unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are often included in the ongoing revolution in military affairs, they are seen as a new concept, created for the age of "information warfare" and "net-centric operations." Rather than being a new and revolutionary idea, pilotless aircraft are a tried and true branch of military research and development. All the arguments in this article will focus on the United States military and exclude unmanned platforms such as satellites, ground vehicles, and unpowered aircraft
A distributed-memory, parallel MLFMA for the solution of radiation and scattering problems in complex environments

A distributed-memory parallel MLFMA has been designed to handle simulation of electromagnetic radiation and scattering in the presence of complex objects. The code has been validated against previously-validated software, analytic solutions and physical optics approximations. For more complex problems, where reference data is not available, the resulting solutions conform to expectations based on physical reasoning.
Induction of cortical cataracts in cultured mouse lenses with H-89, an inhibitor of protein kinase A.

Purpose. To compare the effects of two serine-threonine protein kinase inhibitors in a mouse lens culture system previously designed to investigate cortical cataracts caused by L-buthionine sulfoximine (BSO), inhibitor of GSH biosynthesis. Methods. Cataract development in HL-1 medium was evaluated visually or by measurement of lens Na + /K + ratio through atomic absorption. Protein changes were evaluated by 32 P-labeling, 2D-gel electrophoresis, phosphorimaging and mass spectrometry. Results. H-7 (50µM), inhibitor of protein kinase A (PKA) and protein kinase C (PKC), did not cause cataracts, but inhibited BSO cataract development. By contrast, 25µM H-89, selective inhibitor of PKA, caused large annular cortical cataracts and 100-fold elevation of Na + /K + within 30 hr in day 10 lenses, in either the presence or absence of BSO. H-89 cataracts were also seen in day 12 and day 21 lenses. 32 P-labeling of day 12 lenses pretreated with H-89 displayed more than 80% decrease in phosphorylation of alphaA crystal...
A control-oriented model for cylinder pressure in internal combustion engines

The cylinder-pressure modeling problem is formulated and a perturbation solution is presented. Control-oriented perturbation models (COPMs) for cylinder pressure in spark-ignited internation combustion engines are novel in that the smallest regions of realistic interest already include nonlinear effects which may be neglected, so linear perturbation is not adequate. Moreover, the crank angle frame of reference leads to a perturbation on the independent variable as well. These features require higher order local representations of vector-valued functions of several vector-valued variables, in a form suitable for computation. A COPM for cylinder pressure in a 1.8-L Opel Family II engine, with inputs of spark advance and air-fuel ratio, demonstrates that increased accuracy and consistency result from the increasing model degree made possible with these models. >
Calibration of models using groundwater age

There have been substantial efforts recently by geo-chemists to determine the age of groundwater (time sincewater entered the system) and its uncertainty, and byhydrologists to use these data to help calibrate ground-water models. This essay discusses the calibration ofmodels using groundwater age, with conclusions thatemphasize what is practical given current limitationsrather than theoretical possibilities.From a research perspective, it can be argued that theconservation equations imposed in groundwater modelsmake them most useful for providing fundamental insightsinto how systems operate. Yet from a water-managerperspective, water-use decisions must be made, and thusmodels are created as mathematical representations ofaquifer systems in order to compile all of the availableinformation into a tool that honors the physics andchemistry of the system. The compiled information willinclude prior knowledge of hydrogeologic frameworkparameters, but as the values and spatial distribution ofthose parameters are never completely known, hydraulicdata are used to further constrain them during calibration.These hydraulic data can be divided into two categories:potentials (heads or water levels) and ﬂuxes (directmeasurements or indirect estimates). Having only headvalues will result in a nonunique answer with no optimalsolution; ﬂux information of some kind (whether pre-scribed or estimated) must be included during calibration.Direct measurements of ﬂuxes could include those ofrecharge, baseﬂow, or well pumpage. In many geographicregions (arid climates, for example), data or estimates forthe ﬁrst two are often not available. Pumpage data arefrequently available, but the ﬂow is often small comparedto regional ﬂow and, thus, although adding pumpage datamay reduce nonuniqueness, large uncertainties in theestimated parameters often remain. Indirect estimates ofﬂuxes could include those of recharge (using water budgetmethods) or environmental tracers. Tracers include datasuch as temperature, chemical concentrations, or apparentage interpreted from the chemistry. Age is proving to be awidely used (Kazemi et al. 2006; Bethke and Johnson2008) ﬂux indicator, although it is not independent of theeffective porosity, which will be discussed shortly.
Target repurposing for neglected diseases

Infectious diseases are an enormous burden to global health and ,since drug discovery is costly, those infectious diseases that affect the developing world are often not pursued by commercial drug-discovery efforts. Therefore, pragmatic means by which new therapeutics can be discovered are needed. One such approach is target repurposing, where pathogen targets are matched with homologous human targets that have been pursued for drug discovery for other indications. In many cases, the medicinal chemistry, structural biology and biochemistry knowledge around these human targets can be directly repurposed to launch and accelerate new drug-discovery efforts against the pathogen targets. This article describes the overarching strategy of target repurposing as a tool for initiating and prosecuting neglected disease drug-discovery programs, highlighting this approach with three case studies.
Effects of Growth Hormone and Thyroxine Replacement Therapy on Insulin Signaling in Ames Dwarf Mice

h and thyroxine (T4) replacement on various parameters related to insulin signaling in young and old male df/df mice. The results suggest that altered plasma adiponectin and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and hepatic IGF-1, insulin receptor (IR), IR sub - strate-1, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) g, and PPARg coactivator-1 a may contribute to increased insulin sensitivity in Ames dwarfs. The stimulatory effect of G h and T4 treatment on plasma insulin and inhibitory effect on expression of hepatic glucose transporter-2 were greater in old than in young dwarfs. These results indicate that G h
Chemical analysis and cellular imaging with quantum dots

Quantum dots are tiny light-emitting particles on the nanometer scale. They are emerging as a new class of biological labels with properties and applications that are not available with traditional organic dyes and fluorescent proteins. Their novel properties such as improved brightness, resistance against photobleaching, and multicolor light emission, have opened new possibilities for ultrasensitive chemical analysis and cellular imaging. In this Research Highlight article, we discuss the unique optical properties of semiconductor quantum dots, surface chemistry and bioconjugation, current applications in bioanalytical chemistry and cell biology, and future research directions.
Maternal-Fetal Endocrine Interrelations in the Rat: Effects of Cyclic and Dibutyryl Cyclic AMP on Pituitary-Thyroid and Adrenocortical Systems in Mother and Neonate

Summary and ConclusionsAdministration of the dibutyryl derivative of 3′,5′-cyclic adenosine monophosphate to virgin and pregnant rats induced significant change in the activity of the pituitary-thyroid system without major alteration in pituitary-adrenocortical function. Nucleotide treatment consistently resulted in elevation of TSH levels in plasma and pituitary. Thyroidal radioiodine uptake was decreased in nonpregnant rats, unaffected in mother and offspring and augmented during the first postnatal week of dbCAMP treatment. It is postulated that dbCAMP exerts (a) separate and independent in vivo effects on thyroid and adenohypophysis and (b) enhances TSH, but not ACTH, secretion from the fetal pituitary.
Thiophanate-methyl and propiconazole sensitivity in Sclerotinia homoeocarpa populations from golf courses in Wisconsin and Massachusetts.

Management of dollar spot, caused by the fungus Sclerotinia homoeocarpa, is dependent upon repeated fungicide applications in intensively managed turfgrass such as golf course putting greens and fairways. Repeated fungicide applications could potentially select for fungicide-resistant isolates and result in a reduction of disease control. The objectives of this study were to determine the degree of S. homoeocarpa in vitro sensitivity to the fungicides thiophanate-methyl and propiconazole using isolates collected from golf course putting greens, fairways, and roughs; and to determine the relationships of golf course age and fungicide history to the frequency of fungicide-insensitive isolates within the population. More than 1,400 S. homoeocarpa isolates were collected from putting greens, fairways, and roughs at six Wisconsin golf courses and one Massachusetts golf course and subjected to in vitro fungicide sensitivity assays with single discriminatory concentrations of thiophanate-methyl and propiconazole. Five of seven pathogen populations from rough areas were not significantly different from one another in propiconazole sensitivity. These populations were collectively the most sensitive to both fungicides and therefore, served as baseline populations for comparison with fungicide-exposed populations from putting greens and fairways. Greater propiconazole insensitivity was observed in populations collected from fairways and putting greens that received more frequent applications of the fungicide than those isolated from the roughs. In nearly all the golf courses, the frequency of thiophanate-methyl insensitivity was higher among isolates of S. homoeocarpa collected from fairways than from roughs regardless of the age of the golf course or history of benzimidazole use. Thus, while the development of resistance to propiconazole can be predicted in part by the relative frequency of demethylation inhibitor fungicide applications, the occurrence of populations resistant to thiophanate-methyl appears to be unrelated to recent use of the benzimidazole class of fungicides.
This Story Is Not for Everyone: Transportability and Narrative Persuasion

Across two studies, the authors examined the role of individual differences in transportability, the tendency to become transported into narratives, in predicting the degree of attitude change resulting from persuasive narratives. In Study 1 (N = 137), participants were persuaded by a story promoting tolerance toward homosexuals only to the extent that they self-rated as highly transportable. In Study 2 (N = 298), this finding was replicated using the topic of affirmative action. Study 2 further showed that the effects of transportability were unique to narratives and did not extend to rhetorical communications. Across both studies, the link between transportability and attitudes was found to be mediated by emotional, empathic responses as opposed to rationalistic appraisals. The theoretical and applied implications of this work are discussed.
Effect of Engineered Solid and Mesoporous Silica Particles Physical Properties on In Vitro Toxicity

Mesoporous silica is of current interest for therapeutic applications, such as drug delivery, because of its small size and internal pore structure into which small molecules can be adsorbed. However, while the toxicity literature is extensive for micron-sized crystalline silica due to occupational health concerns, there is relatively little information available for mesoporous silica. Here, solid silica and mesoporous silica particles are characterized using SEM, DLS, XRD, and BET analysis; and their toxicities assessed using a modified MTT assay for cell viability and DPPP assay for lipid peroxidation. On a mass basis, mesoporous silica reduces cell viability from 82 ± 8% to 73 ± 16% compared to solid silica, likely due to the decreased density and therefore increased number of particles and particle surface area. This modest increase in toxicity, compared to the dramatic 600X increase in total surface area for mesoporous silica, from both pore and particle surfaces, suggests that the toxicity mechanism depends on the surface area available to the cell and not the total surface area. DPPP results support this conclusion and indicate that membrane lipid peroxidation is involved.
F-16A/B improved REO display set modular architecture

The modular avionics architecture used in the F-16A/B Improved Radar Electro-Optical (REO) Display makes use of existing standards, both industry and military. The architecture uses the IEEE-1296 backplane bus to interconnect the modules performing multiprocessing, MIL-STD-1553, RS-232, and High Speed Data Bus communications with external digital subsystems, and EIA-RS-170A and RS-343 for interfacing with video sources and displays. This architecture permits insertion of additional modules providing new functionality and technology. Many of the shortcomings of Ada for an architecture of this type, such as indeterminacy and lack of scheduling methods other than the Pragma Priority, are avoided by using a run-time kernel and statically allocating the load modules. >
Concept mapping for the development of medical curricula

Increased use of problem-based approaches to medical education has highlighted the challenges of curricular revision and interdisciplinary development. Venturing beyond disciplinary boundaries can be difficult, despite a desire to create interdisciplinary courses and adopt new ways of teaching. Concept mapping is an effective tool for developing an integrated curriculum. This article includes examples of concept maps that represent an entire veterinary curriculum, specific courses, and case-based exercises. The author argues that concept mapping is a valuable tool for curriculum development of any scope or discipline, but is particularly helpful for creating interdisciplinary courses and case-based exercises.
Activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase in vivo selectively induces apoptosis of CD8(+) but not CD4(+) T cells.

CD4+ and CD8+ T cells play specific roles during an immune response. Different molecular mechanisms could regulate the proliferation, death, and effector functions of these two subsets of T cells. The p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase pathway is induced by cytokines and environmental stress and has been associated with cell death and cytokine expression. Here we report that activation of the p38 MAP kinase pathway in vivo causes a selective loss of CD8+ T cells due to the induction of apoptosis. In contrast, activation of p38 MAP kinase does not induce CD4+ T-cell death. The apoptosis of CD8+ T cells is associated with decreased expression of the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2. Regulation of the p38 MAP kinase pathway in T cells is therefore essential for the maintenance of CD4/CD8 homeostasis in the peripheral immune system. Unlike cell death, gamma interferon production is regulated by the p38 MAP kinase pathway in both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Thus, specific aspects of CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell function are differentially controlled by the p38 MAP kinase signaling pathway.
Supergain antennas and the Yagi and circular arrays

The characteristics of endfire, Yagi, and circular arrays of dipoles are reviewed with special reference to their directional properties and the possibility of supergain. The quantum-mechanical analog that suggested the investigation is described. The critical newly emphasized feature is the high-Q property of a correctly designed closed loop of coplanar dipoles when only one element is driven and all dimensions (the length of the elements, their cross-sectional size and shape, the number of elements, and the circumference of the closed loop array) are correctly chosen so that the entire array is adjusted to resonance. An immediate application to beam scanning is described. >
Beringian origins and cryptic speciation events in the fly agaric (Amanita muscaria).

Amanita muscaria sensu lato has a wide geographic distribution, occurring in Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and North, Central and South America. Previous phylogenetic work by others indicates three geographic clades (i.e. ‘Eurasian’, ‘Eurasian-alpine’ and ‘North American’ groups) within A. muscaria . However, the historical dispersal patterns of A. muscaria remained unclear. In our project, we collected specimens from arctic, boreal and humid temperate regions in Alaska, and generated DNA sequence data from the protein-coding beta-tubulin gene and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and large subunit (LSU) regions of the ribosomal DNA repeat. Homologous sequences from additional A. muscaria isolates were downloaded from GenBank. We conducted phylogenetic and nested clade analyses (NCA) to reveal the phylogeographic history of the species complex. Although phylogenetic analyses confirmed the existence of the three above-mentioned clades, representatives of all three groups were found to occur sympatrically in Alaska, suggesting that they represent cryptic phylogenetic species with partially overlapping geographic distributions rather than being allopatric populations. All phylogenetic species share at least two morphological varieties with other species, suggesting ancestral polymorphism in pileus and wart colour pre-dating their speciations. The ancestral population of A. muscaria likely evolved in the Siberian–Beringian region and underwent fragmentation as inferred from NCA and the coalescent analyses. The data suggest that these populations later evolved into species, expanded their range in North America and Eurasia. In addition to range expansions, populations of all three species remained in Beringia and adapted to the cooling climate.
Embedded Nash Bargaining: Risk Aversion and Impatience

In telling the tale of, and analyzing the decisions made by, an heir claimant to a large fortune, Lippman and McCardle (2004) introduce embedded Nash bargaining, an approach to modeling joint decision making. They embed several bargaining games in a joint decision tree and calculate the expected payoffs to the two sides if the Nash bargaining solution is used to generate the intermediate payoffs from bargaining. The purpose of the current paper is to provide theoretical underpinnings for that approach: we establish some general results regarding the existence, uniqueness, and comparative statics (with respect to costs, risk aversion, and time discounting) of the embedded Nash bargaining solution. In particular, when the disagreement payoff is random, we show that a decision maker's embedded Nash bargaining payoff decreases with both his risk aversion and impatience, and it increases with his opponent's risk aversion and impatience.
Transparency, Empowerment, and the Public Interest: A View on the Role of Publicly-Employed Agricultural Economists

I am honored to be invited to give the Fellows Address. I hope that what I have to say is useful in some small way. The subject of this discourse: what are those of us-agricultural economists-who are research, teaching, and extension employees of the publicly-supported institutions-paid by the taxpayers-supposed to do? Maybe the answer is simple; publicly-employed agricultural economists, like any other employees, should simply do whatever the institutions that employ them intend them to do. If that is the case, perhaps my real subject here is what should publicly-supported institutions that employ agricultural economists expect of them. My choice of topic has many roots, the most important of which is my thirty-one years of experience with the Economic Research Service (ERS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). During my tenure with that organization-funded solely by the nation's taxpayers-I struggled continuously with the question, do this agency and its people have some unique responsibility, some special opportunity? Out of the years of give and take, internal and external to ERS, I developed some views-or, if you prefer, biases. Let me offer a disclaimer in advance. On the
Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) show the isolation effect during serial list recognition memory tests

The isolation effect (or von Restorff effect) occurs when one item in a to-be-remembered list is distinctive from all remaining items, and memory for that item is enhanced. Four chimpanzees were presented with a serial list of four photographs. In the homogeneous condition, all list items were from the same semantic category (e.g., four fruits). In the isolate condition, three items were from the same category, but the fourth item (the isolate) was from a different category (e.g., three fruits and one toy). Then, two photographs were presented, and the chimpanzees had to select the one that was from the list. Two of four chimpanzees were significantly more likely to select a correct isolate item than an item from the same list position in the homogeneous condition for at least some list positions. This facilitation in performance was for isolate items only, as presenting an isolate item in a list did not facilitate greater recognition of other list items compared to the homogeneous condition. These results indicated that some chimpanzees perceived the semantic categories of the photographs, and categorization of photographs led to the isolation effect. Thus, chimpanzees may share with humans some aspects of memory organization that involve spontaneously categorizing visual stimuli and recognizing categorically unique stimuli.
Debate from the 2012 ASH Annual Scientific Sessions: Should blood pressure be reduced in hemodialysis patients? pro position

Among chronic hemodialysis patients with hypertension, blood pressure should be lowered. Blood pressure reduction with antihypertensive drugs does not increase mortality; in contrast, meta-analysis of randomized trials suggests that treatment of hypertension in this high-risk population may, in fact, improve cardiovascular outcomes. The association of low blood pressure with increased mortality in longitudinal studies should not be considered as evidence against lowering blood pressure. Lowering blood pressure among hypertensive patients should primarily be done by sodium restriction and dry-weight reduction. Treatment is perhaps better directed to home blood pressure than pre- or post-dialysis blood pressure recordings. Although no firm data are available, it appears that treating home blood pressure to <140/90 mm Hg appears reasonable. Nonetheless, all blood pressure recordings during dialysis are important to ensure patient safety. Adequately designed and powered randomized trials are needed to examine the notion that blood pressure lowering and, if so, to what level of blood pressure will improve clinically meaningful outcomes among chronic dialysis patients.
Trends in Fatty Acid Intake of Adults in the Minneapolis-St Paul, MN Metropolitan Area, 1980–1982 Through 2007–2009

Background Intake of dietary fatty acids has been linked to cardiovascular disease risk. However, data available to evaluate trends in fatty acid intake in the US population are limited, particularly with regard to trans fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Methods and Results The present analysis examined trends in fatty acid intake from 1980–1982 through 2007–2009 and compared levels of intake to those recommended in the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and by the American Heart Association. Twenty-four-hour dietary recalls were collected from 12 526 participants enrolled in the Minnesota Heart Survey, a series of 6 independent cross-sectional surveys designed to monitor cardiovascular risk factors in noninstitutionalized adults residing in the Minneapolis-St Paul, MN metropolitan area. Mean intake estimates were generated for each survey, and a generalized linear mixed model was used to test the null hypothesis of no difference in the age-adjusted, sex-specific means across survey years. Downward trends were observed for total, saturated, and trans fat as a percent of total energy in both men and women. However, mean intakes were still above recommended levels for both trans and saturated fatty acids. Mean intakes of DHA and EPA were also below recommended levels. Conclusions Despite promising trends, mean intakes of trans and saturated fatty acids do not meet current recommendations. Additional public health strategies are needed to promote recommended intakes of dietary fats.
Neutrophils augment recovery of porcine ischemia-injured ileal mucosa by an IL-1β- and COX-2-dependent mechanism

Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) play a critical role in intestinal mucosal injury and repair. To study effects of PMNs on acutely injured mucosa, we applied PMNs isolated from circulation or p...
Improving IBM Word Alignment Model 1

We investigate a number of simple methods for improving the word-alignment accuracy of IBM Model 1. We demonstrate reduction in alignment error rate of approximately 30% resulting from (1) giving extra weight to the probability of alignment to the null word, (2) smoothing probability estimates for rare words, and (3) using a simple heuristic estimation method to initialize, or replace, EM training of model parameters.