cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Signaling Events in Amyloid β-Peptide-induced Neuronal Death and Insulin-like Growth Factor I Protection

Amyloid beta-peptide (Abeta) is implicated as the toxic agent in Alzheimer's disease and is the major component of brain amyloid plaques. In vitro, Abeta causes cell death, but the molecular mechanisms are unclear. We analyzed the early signaling mechanisms involved in Abeta toxicity using the SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell line. Abeta caused cell death and induced a 2- to 3-fold activation of JNK. JNK activation and cell death were inhibited by overexpression of a dominant-negative SEK1 (SEK1-AL) construct. Butyrolactone I, a cdk5 inhibitor, had an additional protective effect against Abeta toxicity in these SEK1-AL-expressing cells suggesting that cdk5 and JNK activation independently contributed to this toxicity. Abeta also weakly activated ERK and Akt but had no effect on p38 kinase. Inhibitors of ERK and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathways did not affect Abeta-induced cell death, suggesting that these pathways were not important in Abeta toxicity. Insulin-like growth factor I protected against Abeta toxicity by strongly activating ERK and Akt and blocking JNK activation in a PI3K-dependent manner. Pertussis toxin also blocked Abeta-induced cell death and JNK activation suggesting that G(i/o) proteins were upstream activators of JNK. The results suggest that activation of the JNK pathway and cdk5 may be initial signaling cascades in Abeta-induced cell death.
Achieving induced transparency with one- and three-photon destructive interference in a two-mode, three-level, double- Λ system

We show that in a two-mode, three-level, double-{lambda} system an efficient multiphoton destructive interference involving one- and three-photon pumping pathways occurs, leading to a unique type of induced transparency. Unlike the conventional electromagnetically induced transparency achieved with a three-state {lambda} system, the induced transparency is critically dependent upon two distinctive relaxation processes involving the production and propagation of an internally generated field. When a two-mode probe field is injected under suitable conditions, we show that the two probe pulses, after a characteristic propagation distance, evolve into a pair of temporal, amplitude, and group velocity matched pulse, traveling loss free in a highly dispersive medium.
Covalent reactivity of phosphonate monophenyl esters with serine proteinases: an overlooked feature of presumed transition state analogs.

Abstract Phosphonate monoesters have been assumed to serve as noncovalent transition state analogs for enzymes capable of catalyzing transacylation reactions. Here, we present evidence for the covalent reaction of certain serine proteinases and peptidase antibody fragments with monophenyl amino(4-amidinophenyl)methanephosphonate derivatives. Stable adducts of the N-biotinylated monophenyl ester with trypsin and antibody fragments were evident under conditions that disrupt noncovalent interactions. The reaction was inhibited by the active-site-directed reagent diisopropyl fluorophosphate. Mass spectrometry of the fragments from monoester-labeled trypsin indicated phosphonylation of the active site. Irreversible inhibition of trypsin- and thrombin-catalyzed hydrolysis of model substrates was observed. Kinetic analysis of inactivation of trypsin by the N-benzyloxycarbonylated monoester suggested that the first-order rate constant for formation of covalent monoester adducts is comparable to that of the diester adducts (0.47 vs 2.0 min −1 ). These observations suggest that the covalent reactivity of phosphonate monoesters contributes to their interactions with serine proteinases, including certain proteolytic antibodies.
Burrow charaderistics and habitat assodations of armadillos in Brazil and the United States of America

We censused and measured armadillo burrows in ten 10 m x 40 m plots in each of four habitat types at a study site in northern Florida and one in the Atlantic coastal rainforest of Brazi!. The nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) was the only species of armadillo found in Florida, but several additional species were present in Brazil. Burrows were more numerous but smaller in Brazil than in the U. S., probably due to the inelusion of burrows dug by the smaller congener D. septemcinctus. In Brazil, burrows were larger and more numerous in swamp and forest habitats than in grass)and or disturbed areas, suggesting that D. novemcinctus is found primarily in forests and swamps while D. septemcinctus is located in the other areas. This was supported by data from sightings of live animals. In Florida, burrows were more numerous in hardwood hammocks than in wetlands, fields or upland pine areas, but burrow dimensions did not vary across habitat types. In Florida, armadillos were seen more frequently than expected in hammocks and wetlands and less frequently thlll1 expected in fields and upland pine areas. There were also age (juvenile versus adult), sex, and yearly differences in habita! use in Florida. Biomass, abundance, and species diversity of terrestrial invertebrates did not vary significantly between habitat types in Florida, suggesting that habitat associations of armadillos were not influenced by prey availability.
Neural Mechanisms of the Time-order Error: An MEG Study

The time-order error (TOE) refers to the influence of presentation order on performance accuracy in a discrimination task. Despite it being a well-documented perceptual bias, the underlying mechanisms have not been studied. In this study, observers were trained on a two-interval forced-choice procedure. The stimuli presented for discrimination were a standard, consisting of four tones presented at a 5-Hz rate, and targets, consisting of various rates higher than 5 Hz. Psychometric functions were measured for discrimination of the trained standard and targets, a novel standard of 13 Hz with higher target rates; and the trained 5 Hz standard with novel targets with rates below 5 Hz. Discrimination did not improve with training; in fact, accuracy declined when standard was presented in the first interval during the session, resulting in a TOE. The TOE was specific to the 5-Hz standard generalizing to the novel targets slower than 5 Hz, but not to the 13-Hz STANDARD. Analysis of the event-related magnetic field responses (ERFs) revealed a waveform to the whole stimulus, rather than to each tone in the train. Although ERFs in the second interval were attenuated independent of stimulus type, the M300 component in the second interval was attenuated only when the standard was first, but remained of equivalent magnitude when the standard was second. This was observed only in the two 5-Hz conditions. Combined, these results suggest that the TOE reflects the emergence of an internal representation of the standard, and that the M300 is potentially a neural correlate of plasticity.
Immunolocalization of Na-K-ATPase, Na-K-Cl and Na-glucose cotransporters in the conjunctival epithelium.

Purpose. To investigate possible regional expression of transport systems in the conjunctival epithelium given distinct differences in morphological appearance between the bulbar and palpebral epithelia as well as variations found in the proportions of Na absorptive versus Cl secretory activities in electrophysiological studies. Methods. Mouse monoclonal antibodies against the a1-subunit of Na-K-ATPase and Na-K-Cl cotransporter (NKCC1) and a rabbit polyclonal antibody against the Na-glucose cotransporter (SGLT1) were used in immunoblotting and immunofluorescent labeling of frozen fixed sections isolated from either the bulbar and palpebral regions of the conjunctiva. Results. Western blot analysis clearly demonstrated the presence of Na-K-ATPase, NKCC1 and SGLT1 proteins in both bulbar and palpebral conjunctiva. Indirect immunofluorescence studies on bulbar and palpebral conjunctival portions revealed intense staining by the anti-NKCC1 and anti-a1-Na-K-ATPase antibodies exclusively at the basolateral surf...
Implications of electrostatics and cohesion for asteroid surface exploration

Small regolith particles posed a significant challenge for surface operations during the Apollo program through abrasion of spacesuits and the covering of solar panels. Additionally, the observed lunar horizon glow and unexpected results of the Lunar Ejecta and Meteorites (LEAM) experiment have been attributed to the electrostatically-induced movement of dust grains. Electrostatically-controlled motion of dust grains on asteroids has also been hypothesized given the observed dust ponds filling craters on Eros. Recent improvements in our understanding of the plasma environment near the surface of airless bodies and of the inter-particle cohesion of dust particles have prompted a new model of dust particle motion. Our model is in agreement with experimental results from dust mitigation experiments that attempt to clear dust particles from spacecraft surfaces, indicating that cohesive forces dominate at small particle sizes. Our new understanding of the electrostatic and cohesive forces present in the asteroid and lunar environments provides opportunities for several engineering applications. We propose that electrostatic forces could be exploited in directing the motion of hopping exploration vehicles on the surface of small bodies. Additionally, new sample collection methods that take advantage of the electrostatic sensitivity of small particles could be developed. Surface vehicle mobility will be influenced by the geographic distribution and size range of dust particles. The electrostatic and cohesive forces relevant in the asteroid environment will be described. Potential engineering implications of this model will be discussed
The long road home: migratory experience and the construction of the self.

SUMMARY Using autobiographical narratives, this article explores the experience and role of childhood immigration in the ongoing construction of self-identity. A variety of border-crossings are considered in the child's journey from cultural marginalization to acculturation into American society. Continuing feelings of displacement and loss into adulthood-common tropes in adult narratives-are then examined, as are immigrants' efforts to creatively address aspects of a hybrid identity, e.g., via “return trips” to the homeland or through the deployment of a double vision in the interest of social and political inclusiveness.
Photoemission study of the rare earth intermetallic compounds: RNi2Ge2(R=Eu, Gd)

EuNi{sub 2}Ge{sub 2} and GdNi{sub 2}Ge{sub 2} are two members of the RT{sub 2}X{sub 2} (R = rare earth, T = transition metal and X = Si, Ge) family of intermetallic compounds, which has been studied since the early 1980s. These ternary rare-earth intermetallic compounds with the tetragonal ThCr{sub 2}Si{sub 2} structure are known for their wide variety of magnetic properties, Extensive studies of the RT{sub 2}X{sub 2} series can be found in Refs [ 1,2,3]. The magnetic properties of the rare-earth nickel germanides RNi{sub 2}Ge{sub 2} were recently studied in more detail [4]. The purpose of this dissertation is to investigate the electronic structure (both valence band and shallow core levels) of single crystals of EuNi{sub 2}Ge{sub 2} and GdNi{sub 2}Ge{sub 2} and to check the assumptions that the f electrons are non-interacting and, consequently, the rigid-band model for these crystals would work [11], using synchrotron radiation because, to the best of our knowledge, no photoemission measurements on those have been reported. Photoemission spectroscopy has been widely used to study the detailed electronic structure of metals and alloys, and especially angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) has proven to be a powerful technique for investigating Fermi surfaces (FSs) of single-crystal compounds.
Optimal Menu of Menus with Self-Control Preferences ⁄

Unlike consumers in standard economic models, the average consumer has to deal with temptation and go through a costly process of self-control. What if firms are aware of consumers’ self-control problems? Does it affect firms’ optimal selling strategies qualitatively? To answer this question, we use Gul‐Pesendorfer utility formulation and characterize a monopolist’s optimal selling scheme in the otherwise standard model of nonlinear pricing. With costly self-control, the firm can earn more profits by offering multiple menus (or plans). If the temptation of consumers is to buy a larger quantity (or a good of higher quality), a set of menus can be designed to extract all the surplus: with those menus, consumption choices appear as if the consumers’ preferences were observable. If the temptation is to choose a smaller quantity (or spend more on outside options), full surplus extraction is not possible. The optimal scheme in this case charges entry fees since they work as a commitment device for consumers.
Effects of self-efficacy on physical activity enjoyment in college-aged women.

This study examined the effects of exercise self-efficacy on enjoyment of physical activity in a sample of low to moderately active college-aged women (N= 28). Participants were randomized into a low- or high-efficacy condition, and efficacy beliefs for engaging in moderate intensity physical activity were manipulated by providing bogus feedback after a maximal incremental exercise test. All participants completed a 30-min moderate intensity cycling session 2–3 d after the efficacy manipulation. Enjoyment of physical activity was assessed after both the maximal exercise test and the moderate intensity cycling exercise session. Our results indicated that the efficacy manipulation significantly influenced enjoyment of the maximal incremental exercise test. Participants in the low-efficacy condition reported lower enjoyment scores relative to high-efficacy participants following the maximal exercise test. However, enjoyment after the moderate intensity exercise bout did not differ between the two conditions. These results imply that efficacy may be an important influence of physical activity enjoyment, particularly at higher intensities.
Molecular Mechanisms of the Control of Cell Growth in Cancer

Most cells in vivo are in a quiescent state. They metabolize and perform various functions. In adults they do not generally divide unless they are to be replaced. Some cells practically never divide (brain cells) or are terminally differentiated and cannot divide (red cells). Others divide quite frequently (skin, intestine, bone marrow cells); some divide after an insult such as wounding. Cells thus contain regulatory mechanisms that control their capacity to divide.
DNA topoisomerases: structure, function, and mechanism.

▪ Abstract DNA topoisomerases solve the topological problems associated with DNA replication, transcription, recombination, and chromatin remodeling by introducing temporary single- or double-strand breaks in the DNA. In addition, these enzymes fine-tune the steady-state level of DNA supercoiling both to facilitate protein interactions with the DNA and to prevent excessive supercoiling that is deleterious. In recent years, the crystal structures of a number of topoisomerase fragments, representing nearly all the known classes of enzymes, have been solved. These structures provide remarkable insights into the mechanisms of these enzymes and complement previous conclusions based on biochemical analyses. Surprisingly, despite little or no sequence homology, both type IA and type IIA topoisomerases from prokaryotes and the type IIA enzymes from eukaryotes share structural folds that appear to reflect functional motifs within critical regions of the enzymes. The type IB enzymes are structurally distinct from a...
A Novel High-Cell-Density Protein Expression System Based on Ralstonia eutropha

ABSTRACT We describe the development of a novel protein expression system based on the industrial fermentation organism Ralstonia eutropha (formerly known as Alcaligenes eutrophus) NCIMB 40124. This new system overcomes some of the shortcomings of traditional Escherichia coli-based protein expression systems, particularly the propensity of such systems to form inclusion bodies during high-level expression. Using a proteomics approach, we identified promoters that can be induced by simple process parameters or medium compositions in high-density cell culture or shake flasks, respectively. By combining newly developed molecular biological tools with a high-cell-density fermentation process, we were able to produce high levels (>1 g/liter) of soluble, active organophosphohydrolase, a model enzyme prone to inclusion body formation in E. coli.
Resonances and fluctuations in the unimolecular reaction of NO2

Fluctuations and oscillations in the unimolecular reaction of NO2, and their manifestations in photofragment yield (PHOFRY) spectra, NO rotational state distributions and decomposition rates are examined. Comparisons between experimental and simulated PHOFRY spectra show that extraction of rates from linewidths in state-selected spectra is unjustified in the regime of overlapping resonances. Measurements of the alignment parameter of the NO product in the excess energy range EE= 200–500 cm–1 evidence the existence of fluctuations in the decay rate. Changes in the patterns of fluctuations and oscillations in the NO rotational state distributions reveal the progressive tightening of the transition state (TS) as the excess energy increases and the importance of exit-channel interactions beyond the TS. Distributions well fit on the average by phase-space calculations can be obtained even when the transition state is tight.
WLC08-3: Prioritized Admission and Differentiated Services Media Access Control for Multi-Services CDMA Systems

To enable combined connection-level and application-level QoS support in future multi-class CDMA-based system characterized with highly non-stationary loading at both levels, this paper integrates two adaptive control mechanisms of prioritized admission and rate scheduling. The buffered adjusted multimode dynamic guard bandwidth (BAM-DGB) admission control enables connection-level prioritization via dynamic guard method with differentiated congestion controls that minimizes handoff droppings in non-stationary environment. The adaptive differentiated services medium access control (ADS-MAC) complements the admission control with the target-tracking weighted fair queuing (TT-WFQ) scheduler that adapts allocated transmission rates subject to constraints imposed by the admission control. It enables delay-bandwidth decoupling for maximum resource utilizations, and absolute delay target- tracking for balanced degradations during system congestions. Numerical results indicate that the proposed mechanisms are able to maintain consistent connection dropping probabilities and scheduling delay targets under non-stationary loading and congestion conditions.
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ: therapeutic target for diseases beyond diabetes: quo vadis?

The discovery that the insulin-sensitising thiazolidinediones (TZDs), specific peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) agonists, have antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects has led to the evaluation of their potential use in the treatment of diabetic complications and inflammatory, proliferative diseases in non-insulin-resistant, euglycaemic individuals. Apart from improving insulin resistance, plasma lipids and systemic inflammatory markers, ameliorating atherosclerosis and preventing coronary artery restenosis in diabetic subjects, currently approved TZDs have been shown to improve psoriasis and ulcerative colitis in euglycaemic human subjects. These data imply that the activation of PPAR-γ may improve cardiovascular risk factors and cardiovascular outcomes in both insulin-resistant diabetic and non-diabetic individuals. Through their immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory actions, TZDs and other PPAR-γ agonists may prove to be effective in treating diseases unrel...
Indoles from Anilines: Ethyl 2‐Methylindole‐5‐Carboxylate

Indoles from anilines: ethyl 2-methylindole-5-carboxylate intermediate: methylthio-2-propanone intermediate: ethyl 2-methyl-3-methylthioindole-5-carboxylate product: ethyl 2-methylindole-5-carboxylate Keywords: annulation, heterocyclic-[5]; esterification, of substituted monobasic acids; halogenation, chlorination; rearrangements; reduction, miscellaneous; chloroacetone, lachrymator; methanethiol, stench; Raney nickel catalyst; addition funnels, pressure-equalizing; addition funnels, with temperature-control jacket
Coupling of Dirichlet-to-Neumann boundary condition and finite difference methods in curvilinear coordinates for multiple scattering

The applicability of the Dirichlet-to-Neumann technique coupled with finite difference methods is enhanced by extending it to multiple scattering from obstacles of arbitrary shape. The original boundary value problem (BVP) for the multiple scattering problem is reformulated as an interface BVP. A heterogenous medium with variable physical properties in the vicinity of the obstacles is considered. A rigorous proof of the equivalence between these two problems for smooth interfaces in two and three dimensions for any finite number of obstacles is given. The problem is written in terms of generalized curvilinear coordinates inside the computational region. Then, novel elliptic grids conforming to complex geometrical configurations of several two-dimensional obstacles are constructed and approximations of the scattered field supported by them are obtained. The numerical method developed is validated by comparing the approximate and exact far-field patterns for the scattering from two circular obstacles. In this case, for a second order finite difference scheme, a second order convergence of the numerical solution to the exact solution is easily verified.
Scalable Utility Aware Scheduling Heuristics for Real-time Tasks with Stochastic Non-preemptive Execution Intervals

Time utility functions can describe the complex timing constraints of real-time and cyber-physical systems. However, utility aware scheduling policy design is an open research problem. Previously we solved a Markov Decision Process formulation of the scheduling problem to derive value-optimal scheduling policies for systems with periodic real-time task sets and stochastic non-preemptive execution intervals. However, the complexity of computing solutions and their policy storage requirements necessitate the exploration of scalable solutions. In this paper we generalize the Utility Accrual Packet Scheduling Algorithm. We compare several heuristics to Markov Decision Process policy evaluation under soft and hard real-time conditions, different load conditions, and different classes of time utility functions. Based on these evaluations we present guidelines for which heuristics are best suited to particular scheduling criteria.
Interpretation, Contradiction and Refusal: The Best Lack All Conviction?

This article proceeds on a number of levels?methodological, literary, and rhetorical? interpreting a contradictory poem as a warning for our practice, our scholarship, and our times.
Registry, Print, Identity: Data-Managing the Foe

This article is about technologies that arithmetize and data-manage the other and the foe. It undertakes a mini-genealogy of information technology used to identify and sort individuals. Information management technologies developed in libraries are identified as fundamental, yet overlooked, sources of a bio-political revolution. In particular, the library card registry and the smart number has led to a radicalization and standardization of the state’s capacities to know individuals. This article is also about a curious North-South symbiosis, or ‘boomerang effect’, where technologies first used on the other in illegible, securitized situations are then transported back to the metropole where they are initially deployed to capture the internal other and then, ultimately, the entire population. Finally, this article is about the global war on terror and how ‘knowing the enemy’ is intimately connected to a whole host of data-mining techniques and statistical knowledges.
Practical Implications of the "Memory Effect" on Imaging through Scattering Media

Most imaging techniques rely on ballistic light. Speckle correlations and the “memory effect” presents the possibility of using diffusive light. We investigate practical implications of the memory effect and present imaging strategies that rely on it.
Differential Type I Interferon Signaling Is a Master Regulator of Susceptibility to Postinfluenza Bacterial Superinfection

ABSTRACT Bacterial superinfections are a primary cause of death during influenza pandemics and epidemics. Type I interferon (IFN) signaling contributes to increased susceptibility of mice to bacterial superinfection around day 7 post-influenza A virus (IAV) infection. Here we demonstrate that the reduced susceptibility to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) at day 3 post-IAV infection, which we previously reported was due to interleukin-13 (IL-13)/IFN-γ responses, is also dependent on type I IFN signaling and its subsequent requirement for protective IL-13 production. We found, through utilization of blocking antibodies, that reduced susceptibility to MRSA at day 3 post-IAV infection was IFN-β dependent, whereas the increased susceptibility at day 7 was IFN-α dependent. IFN-β signaling early in IAV infection was required for MRSA clearance, whereas IFN-α signaling late in infection was not, though it did mediate increased susceptibility to MRSA at that time. Type I IFN receptor (IFNAR) signaling in CD11c+ and Ly6G+ cells was required for the observed reduced susceptibility at day 3 post-IAV infection. Depletion of Ly6G+ cells in mice in which IFNAR signaling was either blocked or deleted indicated that Ly6G+ cells were responsible for the IFNAR signaling-dependent susceptibility to MRSA superinfection at day 7 post-IAV infection. Thus, during IAV infection, the temporal differences in type I IFN signaling increased bactericidal activity of both CD11c+ and Ly6G+ cells at day 3 and reduced effector function of Ly6G+ cells at day 7. The temporal differential outcomes induced by IFN-β (day 3) and IFN-α (day 7) signaling through the same IFNAR resulted in differential susceptibility to MRSA at 3 and 7 days post-IAV infection. IMPORTANCE Approximately 114,000 hospitalizations and 40,000 annual deaths in the United States are associated with influenza A virus (IAV) infections. Frequently, these deaths are due to community-acquired Gram-positive bacterial species, many of which show increasing resistance to antibiotic therapy. Severe complications, including parapneumonic empyema and necrotizing pneumonia, can arise, depending on virulence factors expressed by either the virus or bacteria. Unfortunately, we are unable to control the expression of these virulence factors, making host responses a logical target for therapeutic interventions. Moreover, interactions between virus, host, and bacteria that exacerbate IAV-related morbidities and mortalities are largely unknown. Here, we show that type I interferon (IFN) expression can modulate susceptibility to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection, with IFN-β reducing host susceptibility to MRSA infection while IFN-α increases susceptibility. Our data indicate that treatments designed to augment IFN-β and/or inhibit IFN-α production around day 7 post-IAV infection could reduce susceptibility to deadly superinfections.
Dynamic grey incidence group decision making methodology based on interval two-tuple linguistic information processing and application

With respect to the problem that index value is ofter given in the form of interval linguistic assessment information in the dynamic multiple attribute group decision making,a novel dynamic grey incidence group decision making methodology based on interval two-tuple linguistic information is proposed.Firstly,the algorithms and properties of the interval two-tuple linguistic information are used to aggregate the information evaluation matrix.Secondly,the positive and negative ideal schemes for each time period are designed in order to deal with the problem that the expert weights and time weights are known,while index weights are unknown,so that the multi-objective programming model with the minimum deviation of the grey incidence degree between each scheme and the positive ideal scheme for each stage is built to determine the index weights.Thirdly,the grey incidence each stage degree with interval two-tuple linguistic information between each scheme and the positive and negative ideal scheme for each stage is calculated to establish the optimization model of the optimal membership degree for scheme,so that the expressions form of the optimal membership degree for scheme is determined to solve the optimal membership degree for scheme.Finally,an example validates the feasibility and effectiveness of the novel model.The results show that the proposed method can more precisely deal with the language information and avoid information distortion and loss based on the previous method of processing the language.
A Model for Transport Studies of the Blood–Brain Barrier

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is the cellular structure between the blood flowing through the brain and the parenchymal tissues of the brain. This physiological barrier is formed by the endothelial cells of the capillary walls. It exquisitely regulates the passage of substances into and out of the brain. Astrocytes (astroglial cells) signal the endothelial cells to adopt BBB characteristics. An in vitro BBB model can be very useful for the study of the nutrition, physiology, and pharmacology of the brain. We took advantage of numerous advances made by previous researchers in this field to develop a co-culture BBB model. Capillary endothelial cells and astrocytes are isolated from the brains of miniature swine and grown on permeable membranes suspended between two chambers of media: analogous to the capillary lumen and the interstitium of the brain, respectively. The endothelial cell isolation procedure includes mechanical and enzymatic digestion of the brain tissue followed by separation of the capillary fragments, based on size and density, from other brain cells. Astrocytes are purified from these "other" cells. The endothelial cells of the capillary fragments proliferate in culture flasks and are then seeded onto the upper surface of a polycarbonate semi-permeable membrane suspended between two chambers of fluid. Astrocytes are seeded on the underside of the membranes. Their close proximity enables the astrocytes to communicate with the endothelial cells and encourage their expression of BBB characteristics without disrupting the endothelial cell monolayer. Transport studies across the monolayer can be conducted by introducing test compounds into the media on one side and observing its appearance on the other side. Mechanisms of transport can also be studied.
Increased distal nephron EGF content and altered distribution of peptide in compensatory renal hypertrophy

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) precursor is synthesized within kidney in the thick ascending limbs of Henle's loop and in distal tubule. Under baseline conditions EGF precursor is localized to the luminal membrane. In contrast, functional EGF receptors are present in basolateral membranes of sensitive renal cells. Immunostainable EGF is increased in contralateral kidneys following uninephrectomy of rats. To confirm this increase and determine whether the distribution of EGF changes in this setting, we measured immunostainable EGF in kidneys originating from rats 1, 2, 5, or 14 days following unilateral nephrectomy or sham surgery. There was a suggestion of an increase in immunostainable EGF in distal tubules 5 days postnephrectomy and a definite increase 14 days postnephrectomy. At 1 or 2 days postnephrectomy, and following sham surgery, immunostainable EGF was present predominantly at luminal membranes. In contrast, immunostainable EGF was present more diffusely throughout distal tubular cells at 5 and 14...
What's new with common genetic skin disorders?

Purpose of reviewCommon genetic disorders such as neurofibromatosis type I (NF1), tuberous sclerosis, basal cell nevus syndrome (BCNS), incontinentia pigmenti, and X-linked ichthyosis have recognizable, cutaneous features. In children, cases often present without a prior diagnosis. This review highl
Characterization of primary human fetal dissociated central nervous system cultures with an emphasis on microglia.

Background We undertook a systematic examination of human fetal central nervous system dissociated cell cultures, particularly with respect to microglia and their dynamic interactions with other central nervous system cell components. Experimental design The growth and differentiation of astrocytes, microglia, and small immature neuronal cells in mixed and single cell type-enriched cultures were followed by phase contrast microscopy, immunocytochemistry, flow cytometry, electron microscopy and immunoelectron microscopy, in regard to their phenotype change, proliferation and class II major histocompatibility complex antigen expression. Results Both astrocytes and microglia expressed marked phenotype heterogeneity, but they were consistently positive for glial fibrillary acidic protein and CD68, respectively. Highly enriched astrocyte and microglial cultures suitable for biochemical or molecular biologic studies were obtained. Using double immunocytochemical labeling techniques with the proliferating cell nuclear antigen and cell-type specific markers, astrocytes grown in serum-containing media showed a high labeling index, whereas microglia seldom exhibited a similar degree of proliferative activity. Microglia, however, proliferated in response to certain growth factors, such as granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor. Both microglia and astrocytes expressed high basal levels of class II MHC antigens, which further increased with addition of interferon-gamma. The microglia in dissociated cultures existed in two forms, ameboid and ramified. Microglial ramification was induced when ameboid microglia were co-cultured with a monolayer of astrocytes, suggesting a role for astrocytes in microglial differentiation. In addition, lipopolysaccharide in nanogram amounts consistently enhanced microglial survival and morphologic differentiation. The small bipolar cells, the most frequent cell type in mixed culture, were glial fibrillary acidic protein (-) and CD68 (-), and their size and shape remained unchanged under our culture conditions. A subpopulation of small bipolar cells was stained positive with an antibody to surface ganglioside, A2B5. Electron microscopic examination showed that their processes contained parallel microtubules bearing side arms consistent with immature neurons. Conclusions Highly purified astrocyte and microglial cultures are obtained using the currently described technique. The current culture system is a valuable tool in studying human central nervous system biology and disease.
Cutting the Cost of Care: State Income Tax Relief for Child Care

As governors and state legislators across the country search for ways to address the budgetary imbalances that many of their states face following the Great Recession, reductions in individual income tax credits and deductions are being considered. Unfortunately, the casualties of that process may include the tax credits or deductions that many states offer for child and dependent care costs. Because those provisions offer tax relief for costs of earning taxable income and thereby promote economic efficiency, we recommend that state lawmakers leave them unimpaired.In this article, we first discuss the principles governing the appropriate income tax treatment of work-related costs and the application of those principles to child care. We then briefly describe the federal child care tax credit, on which many state child care tax provisions are based. We proceed to summarize the various states’ child care tax provisions and describe changes recently enacted or proposed in three states. We also report some basic results on factors associated with states’ decisions on whether to provide tax relief for child care costs. We conclude with policy recommendations.
Effect of conditioning times on resin-modified glass-ionomer bonding.

PURPOSE To evaluate in vitro the effect of different polyacrylic acid conditioning times on the shear bond strength of a resin-modified glass-ionomer bonded either to enamel to dentin surfaces. MATERIALS AND METHODS 36 flat enamel and 36 dentin bond sites were prepared to 600 grit on human incisors. Five groups (n = 6 per group) for each substrate (enamel or dentin) were conditioned using 20% polyacrylic acid and 3% aluminum chloride for either 10, 20, 40, 80, or 160 s before bonding with the resin-modified glass-ionomer. A non-conditioning group per substrate group was used as a control. A hybrid composite was placed in two increments in a 3 mm diameter matrix on the treated surfaces. The specimens were stored for 4 weeks in distilled water at 37 degrees C. Shear bond strengths were determined using an Instron testing machine with a load rate of 0.5 mm/min. Additionally, 15 enamel and 15 dentin samples were tested with a profilometer to quantify changes in surface roughness during the different conditioning times. RESULTS Dentin shear bond strength values were not significantly different among the different groups, including the unconditioned control group. For enamel, the unconditioned group was significantly weaker than any of the conditioned groups. No significant differences (P > 0.05) were found among the conditioned enamel specimens. No significant differences in surface roughness were found for either enamel or dentin.
Closing the contrast gap between testbed and model prediction with WFIRST-CGI shaped pupil coronagraph

JPL has recently passed an important milestone in its technology development for a proposed NASA WFIRST mission coronagraph: demonstration of better than 1x10-8 contrast over broad bandwidth (10%) on both shaped pupil coronagraph (SPC) and hybrid Lyot coronagraph (HLC) testbeds with the WFIRST obscuration pattern. Challenges remain, however, in the technology readiness for the proposed mission. One is the discrepancies between the achieved contrasts on the testbeds and their corresponding model predictions. A series of testbed diagnoses and modeling activities were planned and carried out on the SPC testbed in order to close the gap. A very useful tool we developed was a derived “measured” testbed wavefront control Jacobian matrix that could be compared with the model-predicted “control” version that was used to generate the high contrast dark hole region in the image plane. The difference between these two is an estimate of the error in the control Jacobian. When the control matrix, which includes both amplitude and phase, was modified to reproduce the error, the simulated performance closely matched the SPC testbed behavior in both contrast floor and contrast convergence speed. This is a step closer toward model validation for high contrast coronagraphs. Further Jacobian analysis and modeling provided clues to the possible sources for the mismatch: DM misregistration and testbed optical wavefront error (WFE) and the deformable mirror (DM) setting for correcting this WFE. These analyses suggested that a high contrast coronagraph has a tight tolerance in the accuracy of its control Jacobian. Modifications to both testbed control model as well as prediction model are being implemented, and future works are discussed.
Dynamic DNA methylation regulates neuronal intrinsic membrane excitability

Epigenetic modifications, such as DNA cytosine methylation, contribute to the mechanisms underlying learning and memory by coordinating adaptive gene expression and neuronal plasticity. Transcription-dependent plasticity regulated by DNA methylation includes synaptic plasticity and homeostatic synaptic scaling. Memory-related plasticity also includes alterations in intrinsic membrane excitability mediated by changes in the abundance or activity of ion channels in the plasma membrane, which sets the threshold for action potential generation. We found that prolonged inhibition of DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) activity increased intrinsic membrane excitability of cultured cortical pyramidal neurons. Knockdown of the cytosine demethylase TET1 or inhibition of RNA polymerase blocked the increased membrane excitability caused by DNMT inhibition, suggesting that this effect was mediated by subsequent cytosine demethylation and de novo transcription. Prolonged DNMT inhibition blunted the medium component of the after-hyperpolarization potential, an effect that would increase neuronal excitability, and was associated with reduced expression of the genes encoding small-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) (SK) channels. Furthermore, the specific SK channel blocker apamin increased neuronal excitability but was ineffective after DNMT inhibition. Our results suggested that DNMT inhibition enables transcriptional changes that culminate in decreased expression of SK channel-encoding genes and decreased activity of SK channels, thus providing a mechanism for the regulation of neuronal intrinsic membrane excitability by dynamic DNA cytosine methylation. This study has implications for human neurological and psychiatric diseases associated with dysregulated intrinsic excitability.
High-kVp Assisted Metal Artifact Reduction for X-Ray Computed Tomography

In X-ray computed tomography (CT), the presence of metallic parts in patients causes serious artifacts and degrades image quality. Many algorithms were published for metal artifact reduction (MAR) over the past decades with various degrees of success but without a perfect solution. Some MAR algorithms are based on the assumption that metal artifacts are due only to strong beam hardening and may fail in the case of serious photon starvation. Iterative methods handle photon starvation by discarding or underweighting corrupted data, but the results are not always stable and they come with high computational cost. In this paper, we propose a high-kVp-assisted CT scan mode combining a standard CT scan with a few projection views at a high-kVp value to obtain critical projection information near the metal parts. This method only requires minor hardware modifications on a modern CT scanner. Two MAR algorithms are proposed: dual-energy normalized MAR (DNMAR) and high-energy embedded MAR (HEMAR), aiming at situations without and with photon starvation respectively. Simulation results obtained with the CT simulator CatSim demonstrate that the proposed DNMAR and HEMAR methods can eliminate metal artifacts effectively.
Organic acids enhance the antilisterial activity of potassium sorbate.

Tryptose broth containing 0.0, 0.05, 0.15, or 0.3% potassium sorbate was acidified to pH 5.0 or 5.6 with acetic, tartaric, lactic or citric acid; inoculated to contain ca. 103 CFU Listeria monocytogenes /ml; and incubated at 13 or 35°C. The pathogen was inactivated in tryptose broth containing (a) 0.3% sorbate and acidified to pH 5.0 with acetic, tartaric, lactic, or citric acid although the time required for inactivation varied from ca. 30 h to > 10 d and (b) 0.15% sorbate and acidified to pH 5.0 with tartaric acid. Growth of the pathogen was inhibited to various degrees by other combinations of sorbate and organic acids. L. monocytogenes grew at pH 5.6 regardless of organic acid or incubation temperature used and at pH 5.0 in all instances except when acetic acid and incubation at 13°C were used.
DIFFERENTIAL AND DIFFERENCE EQUATIONS

In this chapter we treat various questions about ordinary differential and difference equations. We first define and give various properties of the exponential of a matrix, which allows us to express the solution of a system of differential equations in a concise way. The Jordan form is the main tool that allows us to obtain the basic properties of a matrix exponential, and through these properties we are able to express the solution of a system of differential equations ẋ = A x with constant coefficients in terms of the eigensystem of A. Higher-order equations can be reduced to a first-order system and, thus, treated in the same way. In Section 5.2 we ascertain the stability of solutions when the initial condition is changed, and in Section 5.3 we obtain corresponding results for difference equations. These stability results for difference equations can be interpreted also as convergence theorems for certain iterative methods. Finally, in Section 5.4, we treat Lyapunov’s criterion for stability as well as several related results.
Subjective-Objective Sleep Discrepancy Is Associated With Alterations in Regional Glucose Metabolism in Patients With Insomnia and Good Sleeper Controls.

Objectives Sleep discrepancies are common in primary insomnia (PI) and include reports of longer sleep onset latency (SOL) than measured by polysomnography (PSG) or "negative SOL discrepancy." We hypothesized that negative SOL discrepancy in PI would be associated with higher relative glucose metabolism during nonrapid eye movement (NREM) sleep in brain networks involved in conscious awareness, including the salience, left executive control, and default mode networks. Methods PI (n = 32) and good sleeper controls (GS; n = 30) completed [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) scans during NREM sleep, and relative regional cerebral metabolic rate for glucose (rCMRglc) was measured. Sleep discrepancy was calculated by subtracting PSG-measured SOL on the PET night from corresponding self-report values the following morning. We tested for interactions between group (PI vs. GS) and SOL discrepancy for rCMRglc during NREM sleep using both a region of interest mask and exploratory whole-brain analyses. Results Significant group by SOL discrepancy interactions for rCMRglc were observed in several brain regions (pcorrected PSG-measured SOL) was associated with significantly higher relative rCMRglc in the right anterior insula and middle/posterior cingulate during NREM sleep. In GS, more positive SOL discrepancy (self-reported < PSG-measured SOL) was associated with significantly higher relative rCMRglc in the right anterior insula, left anterior cingulate cortex, and middle/posterior cingulate cortex. Conclusions Although preliminary, these findings suggest regions of the brain previously shown to be involved in conscious awareness, and the perception of PSG-defined states may also be involved in the phenomena of SOL discrepancy.
Artificially Structured Incommensurate Materials

Modern ultrahigh vacuum deposition techniques such as Molecular Beam Epitaxy offer interesting opportunities for the fabrication of materials in which the incommensurate nature of the structure is expected to dominate the physical properties. We have recently demonstrated the MBE growth of heterostructures in which layers of GaAs and AlAs were deposited in a Fibonacci sequence. This yields a quasi-periodic structure with the ratio of incommensurate periods equal to the golden mean, τ. Here we present an overview of the unique structural, electronic, and vibrational properties of this new class of materials emphasizing the role of the incommensurate structure normal to the layers. Inevitably, defects are introduced by growth fluctuations but do not appear to disrupt significantly the special characteristics which originate from the quasiperiodic ordering.
Logic programming and uncertainty

In recent years Logic programming based languages and features-such as rules and non-monotonic constructs-have become important in various knowledge representation paradigms. While the early logic programming languages, such as Horn logic programs and Prolog did not focus on expressing and reasoning with uncertainty, in recent years logic programming languages have been developed that can express both logical and quantitative uncertainty. In this paper we give an overview of such languages and the kind of uncertainty they can express and reason with. Among those, we slightly elaborate on the language P-log that not only accommodates probabilistic reasoning, but also respects causality and distinguishes observational and action updates.