cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Solvent extraction of divalent metal ions by lipophilic di-ionizable acyclic polyethers: effect of end group variation

Three series of lipophilic acyclic di-ionizable polyethers are synthesized to probe the effect of structural variation within the acidic end groups on the solvent extraction selectivity and efficiency for divalent metal cations. Common polyether spacers of –O(CH2CH2O)3– connect the two aromatic carboxylic acid or N-(X)sulfonyl carboxamide end groups. For the latter, variation of the X group from methyl to phenyl to 4-nitrophenyl to trifluoromethyl serves to ‘tune’ the acidity of the ionizable group. Results for competitive solvent extractions of alkaline earth metal cations and single species extractions of Hg2+ and of Pb2+ from aqueous solutions into chloroform are reported.
CD4+ T Cell Effects on CD8+ T Cell Location Defined Using Bioluminescence

T lymphocytes of the CD8+ class are critical in delivering cytotoxic function and in controlling viral and intracellular infections. These cells are “helped” by T lymphocytes of the CD4+ class, which facilitate their activation, clonal expansion, full differentiation and the persistence of memory. In this study we investigated the impact of CD4+ T cells on the location of CD8+ T cells, using antibody-mediated CD4+ T cell depletion and imaging the antigen-driven redistribution of bioluminescent CD8+ T cells in living mice. We documented that CD4+ T cells influence the biodistribution of CD8+ T cells, favoring their localization to abdominal lymph nodes. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that this was associated with an increase in the expression of specific integrins. The presence of CD4+ T cells at the time of initial CD8+ T cell activation also influences their biodistribution in the memory phase. Based on these results, we propose the model that one of the functions of CD4+ T cell “help” is to program the homing potential of CD8+ T cells.
THE DEVELOPMENT OF A LAMBDA PHAGE VECTOR FOR RECOMBINATION CLONING OF MAMMALIAN GENES

Top of pageAbstract The successful cloning of genes of higher organisms depends on the development of a simple and safe organism for recombination. In the Edinburgh Laboratory of Ken and Noreen Murray the Lambda phage was altered to permit the insertion of eucaryotic DNA. This phage has been modified to prevent lysogeny and recombination with the host E. coli. In addition, we have added three amber mutations to the phage (in genes for lysis, head formation, and capsid protein). This prevents growth of the phage in any wild-type, non-suppressor host. This phage is useful for cloning DNA because of the limited number of endonuclease restriction sites and the presence of a tryptophan gene. It has two targets for the endonuclease Hind III which are on each side of the tryptophan gene. The Hind III nuclease cuts the phage DNA into 3 separate fragments which can be rejoined with DNA ligase. The presence of the trp gene can be detected on a trp deficient E. coli host. The trp gene can also be replaced with a mammalian DNA of a molecular weight up to 15 × 106. In exchanging a new DNA for the trp DNA, the phage phenotype changes to permit easy selection of recombinant phage. We have recombined this phage with Xenopus ribosomal genes. This cloned DNA was labeled and used for mapping the human ribosomal genes and for in situ hybridization with human chromosomes.
When an Instructor Swears in Class: Functions and Targets of Instructor Swearing from College Students’ Retrospective Accounts

Via a communication competence lens, students’ accounts of instructor swearing were inductively analyzed to understand students’ perceptions of the swear word's function and target. Coding revealed seven functions of teacher swearing: emphasize/elaborate, accommodate students, be humorous, show frustration, gain attention, instructor personality/disposition, and accidental. Six targets of teacher swearing were also found: swearing directed toward course content, noncourse content, the self (instructor), students, course assignments, and job tools. Swearing directed at course content, swearing used to emphasize/elaborate, to gain attention, and to be humorous were perceived as more appropriate than other categories. Classroom implications and instructor recommendations are offered.
Heteroepitaxial Growih and Characterization of Titanium Films on Alpha (6H) Silicon Carbide

In the present study we report the first results pertaining to the heteroepitaxial growth of Ti films on 6Hs-SiC (0001). The Ti epitaxial films of typically 400s-1000 A thickness have been deposited at room temperature in ultras-high vacuum (< 10−9 torr) using both thermal and electron beam evaporation sources. Ins-vacuo techniques of low energy electron diffraction (LEED) and xs-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) have been used to monitor the surface structure and interface chemistry during growth. An unreconstructed (1×1) ordered LEED pattern corresponding to that of the SiC (0001) surface was observed for all Ti coverages. Epitaxial growth of Ti has been confirmed from crosss-sectional TEM diffraction patterns and images, which indicate the presence of threading dislocations to relieve a 4% lattice mismatch strain. Rutherford backscattering (RBS) with channeling of 2 MeV He+ ions gave X = 0.71 for Ti deposited at room temperature. Currents-voltage measurement for both uns-annealed and annealed Ti contacts displayed rectifying characteristics with low leakage currents (≈ 6 nA at −10V) and low ideality factors (1.02−1.08).
Senna barnebyana (Leguminosae: Caesalpinioideae), a new “Cassia” from Peru

Cassia aurantia Benth. sensu auct. is not the species to which Bentham referred, but is an undescribed entity herein namedSenna barnebyana.
Open and almost shut case for explosive eruptions: Vent processes determined by SO2 emission rates at Karymsky volcano, Kamchatka

Vent processes were examined at Karymsky volcano, Kamchatka, by measuring SO2 emissions using a correlation spectrometer (COSPEC). Continuous high-sensitivity COSPEC measurements and physical observations were collected on 11 and 12 September 1999, when Karymsky was producing small ashy eruptions every 5‐20 min. Each eruptive event began with an explosion and audible rumbling (lasting ;30 s) followed in some cases by audible chugging (lasting to 2 min). Gas plumes accompanied each event, and almost without exception the plumes dissipated and became invisible despite significant SO2 emissions. Variations in SO2 output show distinctive patterns that correlate with eruption activity. Maximum SO2 output occurred following each explosion and then declined rapidly to low, but detectable levels. In contrast, a second type of event, often associated with audible chugging, was characterized by high SO2 output long after the initial ash blast. Variations in degassing at Karymsky can be explained by secondary boiling, gas-pressure accumulation, and vent resealing. We developed a new application of the COSPEC technique to study the dynamic vent processes of erupting volcanoes. This application provides insights into the processes that occur at the otherwise inaccessible vents of erupting volcanoes particularly when a volcano changes from passive degassing and small explosions to degassing patterns that may precede a larger and more dangerous eruption.
Temporal coupled-mode theory for resonant apertures

We develop the coupled-mode theory for nanoscale resonant apertures. We show that the maximum transmission and absorption cross sections for subwavelength resonant apertures are only related to the wavelength of the incident light and the directivity of the aperture’s radiation pattern. A general relation between the transmission cross section and the directivity is proven from the coupled-mode theory. As a specific example, we apply the theory to a nanoslit aperture in a metallic film and obtain excellent agreement with direct numerical simulations.
Third Generation Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors and Their Development in Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma

Angiogenesis in general and the VEGF signaling axis in particular is a validated target in renal cell carcinoma. Clear cell carcinoma of the kidney is now recognized as a malignancy that is sensitive to inhibitors of the vascular endothelial growth factor pathway. Treatment options for patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma have evolved in dramatic fashion over the past six years, and a new paradigm has developed. The cytokines interferon-α and interleukin-2 were previously utilized for therapy, but since December 2005, six new agents have been approved in the United States for the treatment of advanced RCC. Three are tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI’s) including sunitinib, sorafenib, and recently pazopanib. The current review examines the evolving data with the next generation of TKI’s, axitinib and tivozanib being developed for the treatment of advanced RCC. These agents were synthesized to provide increased target specificity and enhanced target inhibition. The preclinical and clinical data are examined, an overview of the development of these TKI’s is provided, and discussion plus speculation concerning their potential roles as RCC therapy is provided.
The design and implementation of a computer interface for a Raman spectrometer using the LabVIEW software package

A user-friendly computer interface was created for the SPEX 1403 Raman spectrometer using the LabVIEW computer package. The interface allows the user to align the spectrometer easily, produce a graph of the Raman spectra, and save the file to a format readable by a spreadsheet program. The program has three screens: the first allows the user to set initial settings, the second allows the user to read from a particular wavelength for proper alignment, and the third allows the user to set scan settings and perform the scan. The interface was successful in reading Raman spectra easily and efficiently.
Cutaneous analgesic, respiratory and cardiovascular effects, and beta-endorphin concentration in CSF and plasma of horses after electro-acupuncture.

We tested the hypothesis that electro-acupuncture (EAP) can activate the horse's pain modulation system (pituitary or brain stem) to release beta-endorphin in spinal fluid and plasma which provides pain relief in horses. Eight adult healthy mares (510 ± 40 kg) were used in a randomized-crossover design study of 2 hours of EAP (test) and needle placement without electrical stimulation (sham-controls) with at least 3 weeks between experiments. Catheters were aseptically placed in the lumbar subarachnoid space, left carotid artery, and jugular vein of mares, using local anesthesia (2% lidocaine). Cerebrospinal fluid (3 mL) and venous blood (10 mL) were collected for radioimmunoassay of beta-endorphin (Tejwani et al., Life Sci. 1985). Arterial blood pressure, blood pH, PO2, PCO2, PCV, and TS concentrations were determined. Hwato acupuncture needles (28 gauge, 12.5 cm) were inserted at BL 18, 23, 25, and 28 on both sides of the spinal column of mares and were stimulated by an EAP stimulator (ITO IC 4107) using 15 and 30 Hz alternating frequencies, 4 V, 1 mA, and 0.1 ms biphasic square pulses in the test mares. Nociceptive skin pain threshold was measured by skin twitch reflex latency (STRL) and avoidance to radiant heat (48.5 °C cut-off) at the paralumbar fossa. Numerical scores of STRL, sedation, ataxia, respiratory and cardiovascular function, and beta-endorphin concentration in CSF and venous plasma were determined before (time 0), and 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes after beginning and cessation of EAP and sham-controls. Two-way anova with repeated measures and Dunnett's post test were used. EAP significantly (p < 0.001) increased STRL [12.4 ± 2.1 seconds (mean ± SD) at baseline; 17.3 ± 2.2 seconds at 2 hours after EAP] and concentration of CSF beta-endorphin [17.5 ± 3.9 pg mL−1 (mean ± SD) at baseline; 26.1 ± 6.2 pg mL−1 at 2 hours after EAP], and minimally affected behavior and respiratory and cardiovascular systems of adult mares during and after the 2 hour-testing period.
Decadal Variability of the ENSO Teleconnection to the High-Latitude South Pacific Governed by Coupling with the Southern Annular Mode

Decadal variability of the El Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) teleconnection to the high-latitude South Pacific is examined by correlating the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) 40-yr Re-Analysis (ERA-40) and observations with the Southern Oscillation index (SOI) over the last two decades. There is a distinct annual contrast between the 1980s and the 1990s, with the strong teleconnection in the 1990s being explained by an enhanced response during austral spring. Geopotential height anomaly composites constructed during the peak ENSO seasons also demonstrate the decadal variability. Empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis reveals that the 1980s September–November (SON) teleconnection is weak due to the interference between the Pacific–South American (PSA) pattern associated with ENSO and the Southern Annular Mode (SAM). An in-phase relationship between these two modes during SON in the 1990s amplifies the height and pressure anomalies in the South Pacific, producing the strong teleconnections seen in the correlation and composite analyses. The in-phase relationship between the tropical and high-latitude forcing also exists in December–February (DJF) during the 1980s and 1990s. These results suggest that natural climate variability plays an important role in the variability of SAM, in agreement with a growing body of literature. Additionally, the significantly positive correlation between ENSO and SAM only during times of strong teleconnection suggests that both the Tropics and the high latitudes need to work together in order for ENSO to strongly influence Antarctic climate.
Pathophysiology and treatment of alien hand syndrome.

Background : Alien hand syndrome (AHS) is a disorder of involuntary, yet purposeful, hand movements that may be accompanied by agnosia, aphasia, weakness, or sensory loss. We herein review the most reported cases, current understanding of the pathophysiology, and treatments. Methods : We performed a PubMed search in July of 2014 using the phrases “alien hand syndrome,” “alien hand syndrome pathophysiology,” “alien hand syndrome treatment,” and “anarchic hand syndrome.” The search yielded 141 papers (reviews, case reports, case series, and clinical studies), of which we reviewed 109. Non‐English reports without English abstracts were excluded. Results : Accumulating evidence indicates that there are three AHS variants: frontal, callosal, and posterior. Patients may demonstrate symptoms of multiple types; there is a lack of correlation between phenomenology and neuroimaging findings. Most pathologic and functional imaging studies suggest network disruption causing loss of inhibition as the likely cause. Successful interventions include botulinum toxin injections, clonazepam, visuospatial coaching techniques, distracting the affected hand, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Discussion : The available literature suggests that overlap between AHS subtypes is common. The evidence for effective treatments remains anecdotal, and, given the rarity of AHS, the possibility of performing randomized, placebo‐controlled trials seems unlikely. As with many other interventions for movement disorders, identifying the specific functional impairments caused by AHS may provide the best guidance towards individualized supportive care.
Local Pentity and Language Issues in Switzerland's Education System

This article examines the effects of local identity and regional linguistic diversity on Swiss education policy within the context of Switzerland's multiethnic and multilingual society. I argue that identity and language issues have an important influence on education policy at the national, state, and local level. Based on a case study of the introduction of second language instruction in Swiss public schools, the paper shows how regional linguistic and cultural differences, coupled with Switzerlands decentralized political system and mechanisms of direct democratic citizens' participation, reinforce the significant regional and local variations in educational systems andpolicies across the 26Swiss cantons.Education is one of the most important areas of Swiss cantonal sovereignty and local autonomy. But increasingly, educational issues require action at the national level. Although the education system will likely remain firmly anchored in its local context, and local identities will continue to shape th...
Chemokines, selectins and intracellular calcium flux: temporal and spatial cues for leukocyte arrest.

Leukocyte trafficking to acute sites of injury or infection requires spatial and temporal cues that fine tune precise sites of firm adhesion and guide migration to endothelial junctions where they undergo diapedesis to sites of insult. Many detailed studies on the location and gradient of chemokines such as IL-8 and other CXCR ligands reveal that their recognition shortly after selectin-mediated capture and rolling exerts acute effects on integrin activation and subsequent binding to their ligands on the endothelium, which directs firm adhesion, adhesion strengthening and downstream migration.. In this process, GPCR signaling has been found to play an integral role in activating and mobilizing intracellular stores of calcium, GTPases such as Rap-1 and Rho and cytokeletal proteins such as Talin and F-actin to facilitate cell polarity and directional pseudopod formation. A critical question remaining is how intracellular Ca2+ flux from CRAC channels such as Orai1 synergizes with cytosolic stores to mediate a rapid flux which is critical to the onset of PMN arrest and polarization. Our review will highlight a specific role for calcium as a signaling messenger in activating focal clusters of integrins bound to the cytoskeleton which allows the cell to attain a migratory phenotype. The precise interplay between chemokines, selectins, and integrins binding under the ubiqutious presence of shear stress from blood flow provides an essential cooperative signaling mechanism for effective leukocyte recruitment.
Power Posing Brief Nonverbal Displays Affect Neuroendocrine Levels and Risk Tolerance

Humans and other animals express power through open, expansive postures, and they express powerlessness through closed, contractive postures. But can these postures actually cause power? The results of this study confirmed our prediction that posing in high-power nonverbal displays (as opposed to low-power nonverbal displays) would cause neuroendocrine and behavioral changes for both male and female participants: High-power posers experienced elevations in testosterone, decreases in cortisol, and increased feelings of power and tolerance for risk; low-power posers exhibited the opposite pattern. In short, posing in displays of power caused advantaged and adaptive psychological, physiological, and behavioral changes, and these findings suggest that embodiment extends beyond mere thinking and feeling, to physiology and subsequent behavioral choices. That a person can, by assuming two simple 1-min poses, embody power and instantly become more powerful has real-world, actionable implications.
Lewy body pathology in fetal grafts.

Although fetal nigral transplants have been shown to survive grafting into the striatum, increased [ 18 F]6-flurorol-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine ( 18 F-DOPA) uptake and improved motor function in open-label assessments have failed to establish any clinical benefits in double-blind, sham-controlled studies. To understand morphological and neurochemical alterations of grafted neurons, we performed postmortem analyses on six Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients who had received fetal tissue transplantation 18‐19 months, 4 years, and 14 years previously. These studies revealed robust neuronal survival with normal dopaminergic phenotypes in 18-month-old grafts and decreased dopamine transporter and increased cytoplasmic α-synuclein in 4-year-old grafts. We also found a decline of both dopamine transporter and tyrosine hydroxylase and the formation of Lewy body‐like inclusions in 14-year-old grafts, which stained positive for α-synuclein and ubiquitin proteins. These pathological changes suggest that PD is an ongoing process that affects grafted cells in the striatum in a manner similar to how resident dopamine neurons are affected in the substantia nigra.
Silver dielectric stack with near-zero epsilon at a visible wavelength

Measurements from reflection and transmission from a glass slab with a plasmonic thin film coating are presented. The coating consists of nano-metric silver layers separated by nano-metric layers of polyimide. Maxwell Garnett calculation of the effective dielectric function of the coating for the light propagating normal to the coating predicts a zero crossing of the real part of this function at a visible wavelength. The measured behavior of the reflectivity as a function of the wavelength is in agreement with the behavior of the reflectivity of a glass slab coated with a material with the Maxwell Garnett effective dielectric function. The concurrence of the experimental and theoretical results demonstrates that filter properties of the stack may be tuned by varying the stack geometry.
The Krisis of Aisthesis

The most obsessive image, haunting during all his life one of the obsessed authors of the last century, Georges Bataille, was the image of a Chinese prisoner tortured to death. What Bataille saw in fact was a series of photographs of the public execution lingchi, »the death by a thousand cuts«01. In late-Qing Dynasty China, lingchi was still an ongoing practice: criminals were stripped and then methodically hacked to death. The images of this execution marked Bataille, and it is not by chance that he referred to them on numerous occasions. His fragments tell a singular and horrifying experience, which have set the senses in a state of crisis, perhaps irreversible:
Welcoming the Student on the Autistic Spectrum into the Legal Writing Classroom

As the increasing incidence of autistic spectrum conditions makes its way into the United States consciousness, educators turn their thoughts to the process of teaching these differently-abled students. Students on the autistic spectrum, primarily with Asperger’s Syndrome, are entering law schools at an increasing rate. While having above-normal or normal intelligence, these students may experience difficulties interacting socially and interpreting communications, which presents challenges to the student entering law school and for those teaching him or her. In this Article, the author shares techniques she has developed in her endeavor over the past few years to become a better teacher to students with Asperger’s Syndrome.
Inactivation of erythropoietin by hepatic lysosomes.

SummaryStudies were performed to determine the effects of liver homogenates and subcellular fractions on the inactivation of ESF. ESF was assayed using the percentage of 59Fe incorporation into the erythrocytes of exhypoxic polycythemic mice. Liver inactivation of ESF was found to correlate with the activity of β-glucuronidase, a lysosomal marker enzyme. Incubation of ESF with hepatic lysosomal fractions resulted in a reduction in erythropoietic activity which was significant after 15 min. Further progressive inactivation occurred over a period of 6 hr. Decreasing the content of the lysosomal protein in the reaction flasks or heat denaturation of the lysosomal fraction substantially reduced the amount of ESF inactivation, providing additional evidence that this process is enzymatic.The authors acknowledge the excellent technical assistance of Mr. Jesse Brookins, Mr. Rene Stiaes and Miss Pat Dargon.
Methods for local induction and quantitative analysis of human sweat.

SummaryProcedures are described for the stimulation of sweat by local injection of a cholinergic drug, the quantitative collection of the output from a definite area during consecutive periods, the determination of the volume and of either the sodium or the urea concentration in each sample. In their present form, these procedures are applicable to quantities of sweat between 10 and 200 mg; with slight modifications of the methods, these limits could be extended.
Bionomics of Anthropophilic Simuliidae (Diptera) from the Adirondack Mountains of New York State, USA 1. Adult dispersal and longevity

Mark-recapture experiments were conducted in 1982 and 1983 in the northern Adirondack Mountain Region of New York State, USA. Day-Glo fluorescent dusts were used to mark anthropophilic Simuliidae collected adjacent to the North Branch of the Saranac River in the town of Franklin, Franklin Co. Black-fly dispersal was monitored at 47 recapture sites in a 154-km2 study area surrounding and including the central release site. In 1982 an estimated 11,415 flies were marked and released, and 40 (0.35%) Prosimulium mixtum/fuscum were recaptured. Marked P. mixtum/fuscum were collected at sites as far as 7 km from the release site and as long as 10 days after release. In 1983 an estimated 14,050 flies were marked and released and 1267 (9.02%) were recaptured. While only P. mixtum/fuscum were recaptured in 1982, six species of Simuliidae were recaptured in 1983, of which 88% were P. mixtum/fuscum. This complex dispersed an average distance of 3 km and up to 7 km at a rate of up to 1.5 km/h.
Control of the interdigestive myoelectric activity in dogs by the vagus nerves and pentagastrin.

In healthy, conscious, intact fasted dogs, infusion of pentagastrin interrupted the interdigestive myoelectric complex in the stomach and small bowel and replaced it with activity that closely resembled that seen after feeding. After bilateral transthoracic vagotomy, pentagastrin infusion still interrupted the complex but now, in addition, upon stopping the pentagastrin, a premature activity front (phase III) of the complex was initiated in the stomach and duodenum from where it migrated in a normal fashion distally along the small bowel. Vagotomy was also followed by a reduction in the temporal regularity of the cycles of the complex. Fewer cycles per 10 hr occurred in most dogs after vagotomy, and the complexes were not as regularly interrupted by feeding a small meal of 50 g of meat as they had been before vagotomy. The results indicate that both neural and humoral influences have a role in controlling the interdigestive motor complex of dogs.
Epilogue: a manifesto for teaching public speaking

The authors in this volume have taught me much and inspired me even more. In a discipline that often treats its first-year courses with a combination of negligence and disdain, for these scholars a...
Demonstration of a quiescent period for feeding controls in the developing rat

Feeding behaviour of rats during development was assessed by weighing pups before and after a 4 h feeding session. During the first postnatal week, fasted pups gained significantly more weight than fed pups. This difference disappeared during the second week, but reappeared during the third week and persisted through the fourth week. In another series, pups were weighed at 2 and 4 h after beginning feeding. This showed that fasted pups aged 6 days compensate by suckling longer than fed pups. At 10 and 14 days of age there were no differences between fed and fasted pups at either 2 or 4 h, but from 16 days onward, fasted pups had eaten significantly more than fed pups at both times. A control experiment showed that the lack of compensation by fasted pups aged 10-14 days did not reflect lack of availability of milk. Video-analysis of suckling behaviour at ages 6, 10 and 15 days provided further evidence for lack of feeding controls during the second postnatal week: at 6 and 15 days fasted pups spent more time actively sucking than did fed pups. Whereas at 10 days, there were no differences between fed and fasted pups. It is concluded that feeding controls are present during the first postnatal week, become quiescent during the second week and reappear during the third week.
Analysis of apolipoprotein genes and their involvement in disease response of channel catfish after bacterial infection.

Apolipoproteins are protein component of plasma lipoproteins. They exert crucial roles in lipoprotein metabolism and serve as enzyme cofactors, receptor ligands, and lipid transfer carriers in mammals. In teleosts, apolipoproteins are also involved in diverse processes including embryonic and ontogenic development, liver and digestive system organogenesis, and innate immunity. In this study, we identified a set of 19 apolipoprotein genes in channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus). Phylogenetic analysis and syntenic analysis were conducted to determine their identities and evolutionary relationships. The expression signatures of apolipoproteins in channel catfish were determined in healthy tissues and after infections with two major bacterial pathogens, Edwardsiella ictaluri and Flavobacterium columnare. In healthy channel catfish, most apolipoprotein genes exhibited tissue-specific expression patterns in channel catfish. After ESC and columnaris infections, 5 and 7 apolipoprotein genes were differentially expressed respectively, which presented a pathogen-specific and time-dependent pattern of regulation. After ESC infection, three exchangeable apolipoproteins (apoA-IB, apoC-I, and apoE-B) were suppressed in catfish intestine, while two nonexchangeable apolipoproteins (apoB-A and apoB-B) were slightly up-regulated. After columnaris infection, apoB-B, apoD-B, and apoE-A were significantly down-regulated in catfish gill, while apoF, apoL-IV, apoO-like, and apo-14 kDa showed significantly up-regulation. Taken together, these results suggested that apolipoprotein genes may play significant roles in innate immune responses to bacterial pathogens in channel catfish.
EssE Promotes Staphylococcus aureus ESS-Dependent Protein Secretion To Modify Host Immune Responses during Infection.

Staphylococcus aureus, an invasive pathogen of humans and animals, requires a specialized ESS pathway to secrete proteins (EsxA, EsxB, EsxC, and EsxD) during infection. Expression of ess genes is required for S. aureus establishment of persistent abscess lesions following bloodstream infection; however, the mechanisms whereby effectors of the ESS pathway implement their virulence strategies were heretofore not known. Here, we show that EssE forms a complex with other members of the ESS secretion pathway and its substrates, promoting the secretion of EsxA, EsxB, EsxC, EsxD, and EssD. During bloodstream infection of mice, the S. aureus essE mutant displays defects in host cytokine responses, specifically in the production of interleukin-12 (IL-12) (p40/p70) and the suppression of RANTES (CCL5), activators of TH1 T cell responses and immune cell chemotaxis, respectively. Thus, essE-mediated secretion of protein effectors via the ESS pathway may enable S. aureus to manipulate host immune responses by modifying the production of cytokines. IMPORTANCE Staphylococcus aureus and other firmicutes evolved a specialized ESS (EsxA/ESAT-6-like secretion system) pathway for the secretion of small subsets of proteins lacking canonical signal peptides. The molecular mechanisms for ESS-dependent secretion and their functional purpose are still unknown. We demonstrate here that S. aureus EssE functions as a membrane assembly platform for elements of the secretion machinery and their substrates. Furthermore, S. aureus EssE-mediated secretion contributes to the production or the suppression of specific cytokines during host infection, thereby modifying immune responses toward this pathogen.
Sexual function after cervical spine surgery: Independent predictors of functional impairment

Sexual function (SF) is an important component of patient-focused health related quality of life (HRQoL), but it has not been well studied in spine surgery. This study aims to assess SF after cervical spine surgery and identify predictors of SF. This single-center retrospective study evaluates SF of adults who underwent cervical spine surgery 2007-2012. Predictor variables included demographics, medical/surgical history, operative information, HRQoL measures (Neck Disability Index, SF-12), validated SF surveys [Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and Brief Sexual Function Inventory (BSFI) for males], and a study-specific SF questionnaire. 59 patients (31M, 28F; mean age=56±8.4) had significantly lower SF scores compared to age-matched peers: average BSFI = 2.26±1.22 (vs. 06±0.74), average FSFI=13.05±11.42 (<26.55 indicating sexual dysfunction). In men, lower mental SF-12 and higher NDI, back pain, and number of operated levels were associated with lower BSFI scores (all p<0.05). In women, higher total number of medications and pain medications were associated with lower FSFI scores (both p<0.05). 46% of patients reported difficulty performing a sexual position after surgery that they had previously enjoyed. 39% of men had difficulty on top during intercourse, and 32% of participants reported difficulty performing oral sex. 39% of patients reported worse SF, while only 5% reported an improvement in postoperative SF. Men and women who underwent cervical spine surgery had lower SF scores than age-matched peers, likely attributable to general mental health, regional neck disability, back pain, and medications. A large portion of patients reported subjectively worsened SF after surgery.
Simultaneous life extension and crack monitoring of fatigue-damaged steel members using multifunctional carbon nanotube based composites

Steel structures including bridges are susceptible to cracking, particularly due to fatigue-sensitive details found in older designs. Therefore, one of the major challenges to keep those steel bridges in service is to rehabilitate existing and potential fatigue damage. There are several conventional approaches to extend the fatigue-life of damaged steel members, e.g., drilling a crack stop-hole to reduce the stress concentration at the crack tip as well as welding and bolting of steel plates or adhesive-bonding of fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP) to reduce the overall stresses. Improvement in material properties of FRP and adhesives make them a viable candidate to apply for extending the fatigue-life of steel members. However, drawbacks include the potential for debonding of the adhesive layer and/or interfaces between adhesive and adherents as well as difficulty in monitoring fatigue crack growth after rehabilitation. In this research, a holistic approach is proposed and evaluated for simultaneous extension of fatigue-life and monitoring by integrating a carbon nanotube (CNT)-based sensing layer with an adhesively-bonded FRP reinforcement. CNT-based sensing layers have a nerve-like electric resistance network, which enables distributed sensing capabilities to monitor stress levels, crack growth, and damage progression. Using laboratory-scale experiments, the simultaneous fatigue-life extension and crack monitoring capability of multifunctional CNT-based composites was evaluated. This paper introduces the fundamental concept of integrated fatigue-rehabilitation and monitoring of steel members, presents a laboratory-scale experiment to demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness, and discusses challenges for implementation in real structures.
Molecular and Functional Properties of Regional Astrocytes in the Adult Brain

The molecular signature and functional properties of astroglial subtypes in the adult CNS remain largely undefined. By using translational ribosome affinity purification followed by RNA-Seq, we profiled astroglial ribosome-associated (presumably translating) mRNAs in major cortical and subcortical brain regions (cortex, hippocampus, caudate-putamen, nucleus accumbens, thalamus, and hypothalamus) of BAC aldh1l1-translational ribosome affinity purification (TRAP) mice (both sexes). We found that the expression of astroglial translating mRNAs closely follows the dorsoventral axis, especially from cortex/hippocampus to thalamus/hypothalamus posteriorly. This region-specific expression pattern of genes, such as synaptogenic modulator sparc and transcriptional factors (emx2, lhx2, and hopx), was validated by qRT-PCR and immunostaining in brain sections. Interestingly, cortical or subcortical astrocytes selectively promote neurite growth and synaptic activity of neurons only from the same region in mismatched cocultures, exhibiting region-matched astrocyte to neuron communication. Overall, these results generated new molecular signature of astrocyte types in the adult CNS, providing insights into their origin and functional diversity.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT We investigated the in vivo molecular and functional heterogeneity of astrocytes inter-regionally from adult brain. Our results showed that the expression pattern of ribosome-associated mRNA profiles in astrocytes closely follows the dorsoventral axis, especially posteriorly from cortex/hippocampus to thalamus/hypothalamus. In line with this, our functional results further demonstrated region-selective roles of cortical and subcortical astrocytes in regulating cortical or subcortical neuronal synaptogenesis and maturation. These in vivo studies provide a previously uncharacterized and important molecular atlas for exploring region-specific astroglial functions.
Leveraging Coupled Agent-Based Models to Explore the Resilience of Tightly-Coupled Land Use Systems

This chapter argues that agent-based models (ABMs) possess an inherent advantage for modeling and exploring the general and specified resilience of social-ecological systems. Coupled systems are often complex adaptive systems, and the ability of ABMs to integrate heterogeneous actors, dynamic couplings, and processes across spatiotemporal scales is vital to understanding resilience in the context of complexity theory. To that end, we present the results of a preliminary stylized model designed to explore resilience concepts in an agricultural land use system. We then identify strengths and opportunities for further ABM development, and outline future work to integrate empirically-parameterized agent behavioral rules with robust biophysical models to explore resilience and complexity.
Evaluation of AAPM Reports 204 and 220: Estimation of effective diameter, water-equivalent diameter, and ellipticity ratios for chest, abdomen, pelvis, and head CT scans.

Purpose To confirm AAPM Reports 204/220 and provide data for the future expansion of these reports by: (a) presenting the first large-scale confirmation of the reports using clinical data, (b) providing the community with size surrogate data for the head region which was not provided in the original reports, and additionally providing the measurements of patient ellipticity ratio for different body regions. Method A total of 884 routine scans were included in our analysis including data from the head, thorax, abdomen, and pelvis for adults and pediatrics. We calculated the ellipticity ratio and all of the size surrogates presented in AAPM Reports 204/220. We correlated the purely geometric-based metrics with the “gold standard” water-equivalent diameter (DW). Results Our results and AAPM Reports 204/220 agree within our data's 95% confidence intervals. Outliers to the AAPM reports’ methods were caused by excess gas in the GI tract, exceptionally low BMI, and cranial metaphyseal dysplasia. For the head, we show lower correlation (R2 = 0.812) between effective diameter and DW relative to other body regions. The ellipticity ratio of the shoulder region was the highest at 2.28 ± 0.22 and the head the smallest at 0.85 ± 0.08. The abdomen pelvis, chest, thorax, and abdomen regions all had ellipticity values near 1.5. Conclusion We confirmed AAPM reports 204/220 using clinical data and identified patient conditions causing discrepancies. We presented new size surrogate data for the head region and for the first time presented ellipticity data for all regions. Future automatic exposure control characterization should include ellipticity information.
Teaching Social Inequality Through Analysis of Hidden Assumptions in Non-Academic Publications

As much as instructors wish it were different, college students receive far more information from non-academic than academic sources. As a result, they are inundated by over-information mixed with distortions and contradictions that are confusing. This paper discusses strategies to help students distinguish between information and misinformation regarding economic and social inequality in non-academic publications. The goal is to develop critical thinking skills that detect flawed popular arguments. The first strategy addresses evidence-based arguments. It helps students identify how the hidden assumptions about an argument and its supporting evidence mislead the reader. The second strategy deals with reason-based arguments. These tools help students develop questions to uncover an argument’s flawed implications and emphasize the importance of analyzing hidden messages in debunking popular misinformation.
Neural Circuit Mechanisms of Social Behavior

We live in a world that is largely socially constructed, and we are constantly involved in and fundamentally influenced by a broad array of complex social interactions. Social behaviors among conspecifics, either conflictive or cooperative, are exhibited by all sexually reproducing animal species and are essential for the health, survival, and reproduction of animals. Conversely, impairment in social function is a prominent feature of several neuropsychiatric disorders, such as autism spectrum disorders and schizophrenia. Despite the importance of social behaviors, many fundamental questions remain unanswered. How is social sensory information processed and integrated in the nervous system? How are different social behavioral decisions selected and modulated in brain circuits? Here we discuss conceptual issues and recent advances in our understanding of brain regions and neural circuit mechanisms underlying the regulation of social behaviors.
Characteristics of the paracellular pathway of rabbit cortical collecting duct

The nature of the paracellular pathway of the rabbit cortical collecting duct (CCD) was examined under conditions designed to eliminate all cellular ion transport. Transcellular conductive pathways were blocked by addition of amiloride and Ba2+ to the perfusate. Cl self-exchange was eliminated by removing Cl from the bath solution, and HCO3 transport was eliminated by omitting HCO3 and CO2 from the solutions. The residual transepithelial conductance (GT) and radioisotopic tracer flux under these conditions probably occur via the paracellular pathway. The GT measured in nontransporting CCD bathed in NaCl solutions was 1.1-1.2 mS/cm2. When Na or Cl was replaced by a less mobile ion, the GT decreased by an amount commensurate with the decrease in solution conductivity. The Na-to-Cl permeability ratio determined by NaCl dilution voltages ranged from 0.55 to 0.82. An independent estimate of paracellular selectivity was obtained by comparing the lumen-to-bath tracer rate coefficients for Na (kNa) and Cl (kCl). The ratio kNa:kCl was 0.75. These observations suggest that the paracellular pathway displays a Na:Cl permselectivity not substantially different from the ratio of their mobilities in water (0.65). Additional experiments demonstrated that the summed partial ionic conductances of Na and Cl calculated from the tracer fluxes were in close agreement with the measured GT. We conclude that the paracellular conductance of CCD is nonselective in character and approximately 1-2 mS/cm2 in magnitude.
Approaching critical service-learning: A model for reflection on positionality and possibility

Mitchell (2008) asks faculty to adopt “a ‘critical’ approach to community service learning” (p. 50), one that focuses on social change, redistribution of power, and the development of authentic relationships. However, the path of transformation from traditional to critical service-learning practices remains unexplored. In this autoethnographic reflective essay, five individuals share their journey from higher education institutions as they engaged in a community of practice examining their own questions, assumptions, experiences, and positionality to more fully understand critical service-learning (CSL). This essay documents self-discovery through an iterative reflection process, detailing the approach used to examine CSL and interrogate the relationship between positionality and critical theory. This process provides a roadmap for service-learning practitioners interested in developing their own critical consciousness. Key outcomes include a conceptual model positioning CSL on a spectrum, in which one may approach without necessarily achieving social change, and the development of a toolkit of CSL resources.
Impact of hospital volume on patterns of care and outcomes in soft tissue sarcoma.

e23550Background: Given the rarity and nuance of soft-tissue sarcoma management, current clinical guidelines call for treatment at experienced treatment facilities. However, the actual impact of sa...
FLUCTUATIONS IN DOSE LEVELS BASED ON PHANTOM LOCATION AND CBCT SCANNER SETTINGS

Background Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) has been widely used in dental imaging and became an essential imaging modality for many specialties, such as periodontology, oral surgery, oral diagnosis, orthodontics, and endodontics.1,2 It has been reported that CBCT involves a low amount of radiation exposure compared with multidetector computed tomography (MDCT); however, advanced CBCT units have a variety of scan settings that have to be considered with regard to patient exposure.3 Objectives The aim of this study was to assess the dosimetry levels in a CBCT device (i-CAT FLX, Imaging Sciences, Hatfield, PA, USA) when operating on various scan protocols (e.g., voxel sizes and fields of view [FOV]). Materials and Methods Exposure doses resulting from all combinations of scan protocols available on the CBCT machine were recorded with a Radcal MDH 1015, using a 10x5-3CT pencil ionization chamber and a 16-cm cylindrical polymethylmethacrylate phantom. Measurements performed on different field sizes and scan settings at different phantom locations were used in the study. The phantom was exposed 3 times at the same location to calculate a reliable measurement of the radiation by the ionization chamber. Doses were read by an oral and maxillofacial radiology resident. Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's test were performed to identify any significant differences at an α-value of P = 0.05. Results The dosimeter reading values increased as the size of FOV increased. The Quick scan+ protocol presented the least exposure among all scan protocols. There were no statistically significant differences among voxel sizes at the same scan settings. Discussion/Conclusions The exposure doses from the studied scanner are substantially dependent on the selected scan protocol and location within the phantom. The reduction of the dose with acceptable clinical image quality should be obtained by a proper selection of the scan settings in the CBCT machine.
Determination of DC equivalent hot carrier stress times in scaled CMOS devices using novel AC stress methodology

Abstract A new AC hot carrier injection (HCI) test methodology replicating the switching in digital CMOS circuits is introduced to correlate HCI in discrete scaled CMOS devices to HCI in logic circuits. This technique allows us to demonstrate that the historic 50× reduction for definition of DC HCI lifetime targets for mid-Vg stress in scaled devices should be uplifted to 1000× based on the correlation with RO degradation for poly-Si/SiON and 14 nm FinFET data. This brings significant HCI relief for device optimization in scaled technology nodes.
Aerodynamic Sails for Passive Guidance of High-Altitude Balloons: Static-Stability and Equilibrium Performance

Balloon trajectory control remains a sought-after goal for the current scientific ballooning community. In this work, a trajectory control system capable of passively guiding a high-altitude balloo...