cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-2 (ICAM-2) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa Ocular Infection

In a previous study, ICAM-1-deficient knockout (KO) mice were able to recruit inflammatory cells into Pseudomonas aeruginosa-infected eyes and resolve the infection as well as wild-type (WT) mice. Based on this observation, it was hypothesized that ICAM-2 could serve as a surrogate receptor for leukocyte recruitment in lieu of ICAM-1. To test this hypothesis, ICAM-2 expression was first examined in both uninfected and P. aeruginosa-infected eyes (6 h postinfection) by immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR. Similar to ICAM-1, ICAM-2 was constitutively expressed on the vascular endothelium of the iris, ciliary body, and conjunctiva of uninfected eyes. Unlike ICAM-1, ICAM-2 was not expressed in the cornea nor upregulated following P. aeruginosa infection. The role of ICAM-2 in P. aeruginosa ocular infection was then addressed through a monoclonal antibody (MAb) blockade of ICAM-2 in infected ICAM-1 KO and WT mice. MAb blockade of ICAM-2 resulted in fewer infiltrating inflammatory cells (as ascertained by histopathology) in the anterior chamber of eyes of ICAM-1-KO and WT mice 24 h postinfection. However, a myeloperoxidase assay of infected corneas showed no statistical difference (P > 0.11) between the two groups in infiltrating PMN. Collectively, these data suggest that constitutively expressed ICAM-2 does play a role in recruiting inflammatory cells into the anterior chamber of the eye during P. aeruginosa infection. Furthermore, inflammatory cell recruitment into the P. aeruginosa-infected cornea appears to be mediated by an ICAM-independent pathway.
Do relations individuate

WIIAT iS it that renders two exactly similar material objects numerically different from one another? One possible answer to this question is that the two objects have different relational properties or stand in different relations. They stand in different spatial relations to some other material objects and, perhaps, to one another. For example, one object X may be to the left of the other, Y (this relation hereafter being called "Relation L"), while Y is to the right of X. E. B. Allaire rejects this answer on the grounds that X and Y first must be numerically different before they can stand in Relation L: "Relations-I'll stick with spatial ones-presuppose numerical difference; they do not account for it. The thisness and the thatness of things is presupposed in saying that the one is to the left of the other."' Allaire's own answer to the question stated above is that each of the two numerically different material objects contains a different "bare particular" (a particular of this sort being called "bare" because it itself has no properties): "Bare particulars are,
Feature extraction using PCA for VHR satellite image time series spatio-temporal classification

Image feature extraction is a challenging task as it directly affects analysis of Satellite Image Time Series (SITS) which tackles a huge amount of information (spatial and spectral resolution increase). Therefore, in this paper, Principle Component Analysis (PCA) is applied for feature extraction to improve a multitemporal classification approach for Very High Resolution (VHR) SITS. The improved multitemporal classification succeeds to discern between regions behaviors (stable, periodic etc.), which is very useful in land cover monitoring. Experimental tests have been conducted on both synthesized and real SITS. Performance comparison between PCA and Fisher Feature Selection (Fisher-FS) algorithms is established.
In-situ remediation of nitrate-contaminated ground water by electrokinetics/iron wall processes

The feasibility of using electrokinetics coupled with a zero valent iron (Fe) treatment wall to abiotically remediate nitrate-contaminated soils was investigated. Upon completion of each test run, the contaminated soil specimen was sliced into five parts and analyzed for nitrate-nitrogen, ammonia-nitrogen and nitrite-nitrogen. Nitrogen mass balance was used to determine the major transformation products. In control experiments where only electrokinetics was used at various constant voltages, 25 to 37% of the nitrate-nitrogen was transformed. The amount of nitrate-nitrogen transformed improved when a Fe wall (20 g or about 8-10% by weight) was placed near the anode. For test runs at various constant voltages, the amount of nitrate-nitrogen transformed ranged from 54 to 87%. By switching to constant currents, the amount of nitrate-nitrogen - transformed was about 84 to 88%. The major transformation products were ammonia-nitrogen and nitrogen gases. Nitrite-nitrogen was less than 1% in all experimental runs. Two localized pH conditions exist in the system, a low pH region near the anode and a high pH region near the cathode. Placing of an iron wall near the anode increases the pH in that area as time increases. Movement of the acid front did not flush across the cathode. This research has demonstrated that the electrokinetics/iron wall process can be used to remediate nitrate-contaminated groundwater.
The Sporting Paratext, Reception, and the Male Domain in CBS’s “One Shining Moment”:

Since 1987 CBS has ended its television coverage of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament with “One Shining Moment,” a sentimental highlight package that reflects on and celebrates the event. In 2010, CBS commissioned the popular vocalist Jennifer Hudson to sing “One Shining Moment’s” featured song, which had previously only been performed by men—most notably the R&B crooner Luther Vandross. Hudson’s performance elicited a flood of derision from critics and fans. In response, CBS reinstated Vandross’ version the following year. Building on Jonathan Gray’s theorization of media “paratexts”—the ancillary content that surrounds primary media texts—this essay considers how responses to Hudson’s 2010 performance and CBS's reaction to them secure the NCAA tournament as a male preserve while shoring up gendered anxieties about its commercialization. This instance of paratextual production, reception, and revision constructs “One Shining Moment” as a media ritual that can only be authentically conveyed and underst...
Endogenous nerve activity and behaviour in the mantis and cockroach

Abstract A decapitated male mantis makes co-ordinated movements of the legs, abdomen, and phallomeres. These movements continue for days and lead to rapid and effective copulation if a female mantis is encountered. The efferent nerve activity responsible for some of these movements is shown to be endogenous, continuing after all afferent connexions of the ganglion have been cut. This motor nerve activity is normally controlled by inhibition via descending pathways from centres in the suboesophageal ganglion. Many efferent neurons in the last abdominal ganglion and the metathoracic ganglion of the cockroach show similar endogenous rhythmic activity, and are likewise controlled by inhibition from other centres. The pattern of endogenous activity and the nature of the inhibition have been explored, although the behavioural significance of this system is less clear in the cockroach than in the mantis. The possible phylogeny and general significance of an endogenously active motor system controlled by parasegmental inhibition is examined and compared with the more generally recognized stimulus-response motor mechanism.
Efficacy of capmul and the dissolution of biliary stones

Abstract Cholesterol gallstones from six patients were matched and incubated in three different solutions. The Capmul 8210 solution, a monooctanoin, reduced the weight of the stones more rapidly than either sodium cholate or heparin.
Time-resolved intracavity laser spectroscopy: 266 nm photodissociation of acetaldehyde vapor to form HCO

Abstract Intracavity laser spectroscopy has been used to record time-resolved absorption spectra and to measure time-dependent concentrations of the formyl radical (HCO) formed in the 266 nm photolysis of acetaldehyde (CH 3 CHO) at pressures of 0.1–10 Torr. Instrumentally, pulsed excitation and gated observation methods were used in pumping a cw dye laser in order to control the sensitivity of intracavity detection by fixing the generation time. Vibronic spectra of HCO in the vibrationless level and in vibrationally excited levels were obtained. The ≈ 1 μs time resolution of these measurements provided an improved understanding of the HCO concentration at times less than 500 μs thereby altering the view of the HCO formation mechanism from acetaldehyde previously reported. The decay of HCO was dominated by radical recombination for the vibrationless level while energy transfer was the primary relaxation pathway for vibrationally excited HCO.
1,1′-ethylidenebis(L-tryptophan), structure determination of contaminant “97” - implicated in the Eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS)

Abstract The condensation of tryptophan and acetaldehyde affords a bisindolylaminal of tryptophan which is indistinguishable from contaminant “97.” The formation and decomposition of aminals is addressed in light of epidemiological evidence linking them to a recent outbreak of EMS.
A transition from bubble to shell sort

This paper describes a sorting method obtained by modifying bubble sort. This new sort, while still inefficient, sets the stage for Shell sort. It also raises some interesting questions which students can investigate.
Obesity and the metabolic syndrome in pediatric psoriasis

Psoriasis is a common, chronic inflammatory dermatosis that often has its onset during childhood. There is increasing evidence that psoriasis in adults is associated with obesity, the metabolic syndrome, and associated comorbidities, including insulin resistance/type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. This association is postulated to arise, at least in part, as a result of a systemic proinflammatory state that is mediated by adipose tissue. Several recent observational studies suggest that children and adolescents with psoriasis may be at increased risk of being overweight and obese as well as having an increased risk for features of the metabolic syndrome. Such an association raises concern with regards to the long-term health implications for children and adolescents with psoriasis and suggests that better awareness, evaluation, and management of overweight and obese patients and associated metabolic disease are warranted in this population.
Stem cells in sepsis and acute lung injury.

Introduction Critical illnesses continue to be major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Recent investigations show that stem cells may be beneficial as prognostic biomarkers and novel therapeutic strategies in these syndromes. This article reviews the use of stem cells in sepsis and acute lung injury as prognostic biomarkers and also as a potential for exogenous cell-based therapy.
α-TEA-induced death receptor dependent apoptosis involves activation of acid sphingomyelinase and elevated ceramide-enriched cell surface membranes

Background Alpha-tocopherol ether-linked acetic acid (α-TEA), an analog of vitamin E (RRR-alpha-tocopherol), is a potent and selective apoptosis-inducing agent for human cancer cells in vivo and in vitro. α-TEA induces apoptosis via activation of extrinsic death receptors Fas (CD95) and DR5, JNK/p73/Noxa pathways, and suppression of anti-apoptotic mediators Akt, ERK, c-FLIP and survivin in breast, ovarian and prostate cancer cells.
Preoperative nutritional supplementation for the orthognathic surgery patient

Orthognathic surgery patients were studied to determine the nutritional adequacy of a high-calorie liquid supplement. The supplements were given for one month before surgery in an attempt to achieve a 5% weight gain and/or for six weeks after surgery to approximate 50% of the estimated caloric requirements of the patients. It was concluded that preoperative supplementation to achieve weight gain before surgery is of no apparent value. However, balanced nutrient intake can be achieved for patients when supplementation is given postoperatively at a level of 50% of estimated caloric requirements, and can result in improved nitrogen retention and protein sparing.
Development of a retinal cell-column model of diabetic retinopathy

We have previously described a Chromatographie method for measuring permeability of bovine aortic endothelial cell (BAEC) monolayers grown on spherical Cytodex-3 (C-3) microcarriers. In designing a cell-column model relevant to diabetic retinopathy, a new macroporous microcarrier, CultiSpher-G (C-G), has been identified which supports superior growth of retinal capillary endothelial (RCE) cells. We observe that only BAEC grow on the external spherical surfaces of C-3 microcarriers, but both BAEC and RCE cells coat external surfaces and contiguous tunnels within C-G microcarriers. Elution profiles from cell-columns containing BAEC and RCE cells were analyzed and compared. BAEC and RCE permeabilities were similar and comparable to previously r eported BAEC values. This in vitro technique may prove useful in studies of permeability changes found in diabetic retinopathy.
Gene therapy for rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a painful chronic disorder. Conventional therapies are palliative, not curative. Advances in the understanding of the pathophysiology of RA have led to the development of new therapeutic strategies, including gene therapy. Multiple studies in several different animal models provide proof supporting the use of gene therapy in arthritis. A phase I clinical trial has already been performed successfully on nine women with end-stage RA in the United States, and two other trials are in progress. Limited duration of gene expression impedes the development of a clinically useful genetic treatment for arthritis.
Diminishing the risk of nonrelapse mortality in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: Prediction of exposure to the cyclophosphamide metabolite carboxyethylphosphoramide mustard.

Objectives Our objectives were (1) to develop a population pharmacokinetic model for cyclophosphamide, 4-hydroxycyclophosphamide, and carboxyethylphosphoramide mustard (a reporter for nonrelapse mortality) in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation patients and (2) to validate a Bayesian approach to dosing. Methods In this study 147 patients received intravenous infusions of 60 mg · kg−1 · d−1 cyclophosphamide for 2 days, followed by 12 to 14.4 Gy total body irradiation. A population model was developed to fit concentration-time data of cyclophosphamide and metabolites. Bayesian prediction of the area under the curve (AUC) was validated by dividing the data set into an index set (98 patients) and validation set (49 patients). Parameters from the index data set were used as priors. Results Cyclophosphamide elimination was best described by noninducible and inducible routes producing 4-hydroxycyclophosphamide. Induction was described by a zero-order maximum fold of induction–type increase in enzyme level. The prediction of the AUC of carboxyethylphosphoramide mustard was clinically accurate and precise (mean prediction error = −3.5% and root mean squared prediction error = 12.2%) with data limited to 5 to 6 points obtained in the first 16 hours. However, the AUC of 4-hydroxycyclophosphamide was overestimated (mean prediction error = 16.9%-23.6%). Several alternative models did not improve the result. Conclusion The integrated mechanism-based model describes the pharmacokinetics of cyclophosphamide and carboxyethylphosphoramide mustard. Accurate modeling of 4-hydroxycyclophosphamide is limited by its chemical instability. Exposure to carboxyethylphosphoramide mustard could be accurately and precisely predicted with minimal data obtained over a 16-hour period after the first dose, offering the potential of pharmacokinetically guided dosing to reduce the nonrelapse mortality rate. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2004) 76, 270–280; doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2004.05.006
Fortuitous rupture of aortic aneurysm: A catastrophic event affording time for surgical cure

The rupture of an aortic aneurysm is generally a fatal event, but occasionally the rupture will occur into an adjacent vascular structure, thereby preventing exsanguination and affording temporary survival. Three cases are presented illustrating the fortuitous nature of the rupture of an aortic aneurysm into a vascular structure. The first patient had an atherosclerotic abdominal aortic aneurysm that ruptured into the inferior vena cava and was successfully repaired. The second case demonstrates the formation of a fistula from the aorta to the left pulmonary artery in a patient with a syphilitic thoracic aortic aneurysm. In the third patient a dissecting aneurysm of the aortic root that communicated with the right ventricle after coronary bypass surgery was successfully repaired. Rarely, aortic aneurysms will rupture fortuitously into vascular capacitance structures. These three cases emphasize the need for early accurate diagnosis and the institution of appropriate surgical measures.
Divergent carbon dynamics under climate change in forests with diverse soils, tree species, and land use histories

Accounting for both climate change and natural disturbances—which typically result in greenhouse gas emissions—is necessary to begin managing forest carbon sequestration. Gaining a complete understanding of forest carbon dynamics is, however, challenging in systems characterized by historic over-utilization, diverse soils and tree species, and frequent disturbance. In order to elucidate the cascading effects of potential climate change on such systems, we projected forest carbon dynamics, including soil carbon changes, and shifts in tree species composition as a consequence of wildfires and climate change in the New Jersey pine barrens (NJPB) over the next 100 years. To do so, we used the LANDIS-II succession and disturbance model combined with the CENTURY soil model. The model was calibrated and validated using data from three eddy flux towers and the available empirical or literature data. Our results suggest that climate change will not appreciably increase fire sizes and intensity. The recovery of C stocks following substantial disturbances at the turn of the 20th century will play a limited but important role in this system. In areas characterized by high soil water holding capacity, reduced soil moisture may lead to lower total C and these forests may switch from being carbon sinks to becoming carbon neutral towards the latter part of the 21st century. In contrast, other areas characterized by lower soil water holding capacity and drought tolerant species are projected to experience relatively little change over the next 100 years. Across all soil types, however, the regeneration of many key tree species may decline leading to longer-term (beyond 2100) risks to forest C. These divergent responses were largely a function of the dominant tree species, and their respective temperature and soil moisture tolerances, and soil water holding capacity. In summary, the system is initially C conservative but by the end of the 21st century, there is increasing risk of de-stabilization due to declining growth and regeneration.
The response of histone fractions to x-irradiation in cultured Chinese hamster cells.

Abstract X irradiation of cultured Chinese hamster cells resulted in dissociation of small amounts of histones from chromatin. However, during the division delay period which followed irradiation, histones reassociated with the chromatin. Histone f3 accumulated in 50% excess over non-irradiated controls during this period. This excess f3 may contribute to death of x-irradiated cells. Part of the excess f3 deposited during the division delay period was synthesized 5 to 10 hours prior to its deposition in the chromatin and offers further evidence that there exists within the cell a non-chromatin pool of histomes.
Calcium signaling in lymphocytes and ELF fields: evidence for an electric field metric and a site of interaction involving the calcium ion channel.

Calcium influx increased during mitogen-activated signal transduction in thymic lymphocytes exposed to a 22 mT, 60 Hz magnetic field (E induced = 1.7 mV/cm, 37 degrees C, 60 min). To distinguish between an electric or a magnetic field dependence a special multi-ring annular cell culture plate based on Faraday's Law of Induction was employed. Studies show a dependence on the strength of the induced electric field at constant magnetic flux density. Moreover, exposure to a pure 60 Hz electric field or to a magnetically-induced electric field of identical strength resulted in similar changes in calcium transport. The first real-time monitoring of [Ca2+]i during application of a 60 Hz electric field revealed an increase in [Ca2+]i observed 100 s after mitogen stimulation; this suggests that the plateau phase rather than the early phase of calcium signaling was influenced. The hypothesis was tested by separating, in time, the early release of calcium from intracellular stores from the influx of extracellular calcium. In calcium-free buffer, 60 Hz field exerted little influence on the early release of calcium from intracellular stores. In contrast, addition of extracellular calcium during exposure enhanced calcium influx through the plasma membrane. Alteration of the plateau phase of calcium signaling implicates the calcium channel as a site of field interaction. In addition, an electric field exposure metric is mechanistically consistent with a cell-surface interaction site.
Adjectives in English: Attribution and predication

Abstract The traditional relative-clause transformation fails to account for many if not most instances of attributive adjectives. Its attractiveness has possibly been due to two factors: to our tendency to think up easy examples, which are apt to have semantically barren words like man whose reference systems are close to their grammatical categories, and to the suggestive power of classical syllogisms. One proof of failure is that instead of clearing up ambiguity the transformation creates it. There is a clear functional difference between predicative modification and attributive modification. Two solutions are offered to account for the restrictions. The first is that be predications in so far as they are involved at all are of the aspectual type be n temp which selects adjectives whose meanings can have a temporal spread. The second is that two types of generation be recognized, one, termed reference-modification, being in the kernel and allowing for a ‘kind of’ slot among the determiners, the other, termed referent-modification, being by way of a predication which is joined by conjunction rather than by subordination.
IL-2: fine-tuning the germinal center reaction.

T follicular cells help B cells to drive germinal center formation. In this issue of Immunity, Ballesteros-Tato et al. (2012) demonstrate that high amounts of interleukin-2 inhibit production of this critical T effector subset.
Cooperative Threat Reduction beyond Russia

Given the successes and political controversies that threat reduction cooperation with Russia has generated, how much of a role can these programs play in Iraq and Libya, India and Pakistan, or even eventually Iran or North Korea?
Apolipoprotein E restricts interleukin-dependent T lymphocyte proliferation at the G1A/G1B boundary

Apolipoprotein E (apoE), a lipid transport protein important in cholesterol homeostasis, inhibits the proliferation of interleukin-dependent lymphocytes. Growth factor-responsive cells are blocked in the G1A phase of the cell cycle. Suppression by apoE is independent of growth factor, as evidenced by the fact that interleukin-2 (IL2)- and IL4-dependent proliferation of HT-2 T lymphocytes is equally inhibited. apoE has no effect on IL2-augmented killing of target cells by cytotoxic T cells, indicating that it has no direct effect on signaling via interleukin receptors. The data are consistent with inhibition by apoE of an event or pathway distal to receptor signaling and required for G1A transition, or G1B entry.
Momentum distributions for Jψ photoproduction

Abstract The contributions to heavy quark pair production from the subprocesses γg → QQg and γq → QQq have been calculated using perturbative quantum chromodynamics. The results have been used to obtain predictions for the longitudinal and transverse momentum distributions for J ψ photoproduction. The comparison with data from a recent muon scattering experiment is encouraging.
Learning vocabulary in preschool: Social and discourse contexts affecting vocabulary growth

Teachers can enhance their students' vocabularies and provide a foundation for subsequent reading achievement by engaging them in discussions that include low-frequency words.
Respiratory effects on arterial pressure: a novel signal analysis approach

The authors previously determined that the transfer function between broadband respiratory activity and the heart-rate (HR) response can be used to elucidate the frequency-dependent phase and magnitude characteristics of the respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA). To understand the complex links between respiratory activity and arterial blood pressure (ABP), the authors determined the transfer function between instantaneous lung volume (ILV) and the systolic, diastolic, and pulse pressure (SBP, DBP, and PP) in healthy human volunteers during 6-minute periods in which the respiratory rate was voluntarily controlled in predetermined but erratic fashion. A pharmacologic autonomic blockage was used to separate the direct links between respiration and ABP from the effects of RSA and ABP. Results suggest that with HR fluctuations eliminated, respiration affects ABP in proportion to the rate of change in ILV; however, when neural control of HR remains intact, the RSA plays an important role in the genesis of ABP fluctuations. >
Development of isotropic conductive adhesives with improved conductivity

To improve the conductivity of electrically conductive adhesives, three short-chain dicarboxylic acids, malonic acid (acid M), adipic acid (acid A) and terephthalic acid (acid T), were used in a typical ICA formulation. Such acids can partially remove or can completely replace the C-18 stearic acid, which are commonly used as the surfactant in Ag flakes manufacturing process. Malonic acid and adipic acid, which only have single-bond short chain hydrocarbon between the dicarboxylic groups, increase the conductivity of conductive adhesives greatly. Terephthalic acid, however, deteriorates the conductivity due to the rigid aromatic structure in the molecule. The stabilized contact resistance has also been achieved with the introduction of dicarboxylic acids. Most importantly, the significant improvement of electrical properties is achieved without adversely affecting the physical and mechanical properties of the ICAs.
A miniature integrated device for automated multistep genetic assays

A highly integrated monolithic device was developed that automatically carries out a complex series of molecular processes on multiple samples. The device is capable of extracting and concentrating nucleic acids from milliliter aqueous samples and performing microliter chemical amplification, serial enzymatic reactions, metering, mixing and nucleic acid hybridization. The device, which is smaller than a credit card, can manipulate over 10 reagents in more than 60 sequential operations and was tested for the detection of mutations in a 1.6 kb region of the HIV genome from serum samples containing as few as 500 copies of the RNA. The elements in this device are readily linked into complex, flexible and highly parallel analysis networks for high throughput sample preparation or, conversely, for low cost portable DNA analysis instruments in point-of-care medical diagnostics, environmental testing and defensive biological agent detection.
The Use of Optimization Models in Public-Sector Planning

When applied to public-sector planning, traditional least-cost optimization models and their offspring, contemporary multiobjective models, have often been developed under the optimistic philosophy of obtaining “the answer.” Frequently, such models are not very useful because there is a multitude of local optima, which result from wavy indifference functions, and because important planning elements are not captured in the formulations. Omitted elements, in fact, may imply that an optimal planning solution lies within the inferior region of a multiobjective analysis instead of along the noninferior frontier. The role of optimization methods should be re-thought in full recognition of these limitations and of the relevant planning process. They should be used to generate planning alternatives and to facilitate their evaluation and elaboration; they should also be used to provide insights and serve as catalysts for human creativity. As illustrated by recent examples, these roles may require the use of several models as well as new types of optimization formulations and modified algorithms and computer codes.
Lexical tone recognition with spectrally mismatched envelopes.

It has been shown that frequency-place mismatch has detrimental effects on English speech recognition. The present study investigated the effects of mismatched spectral distribution of envelopes on Mandarin Chinese tone recognition using a noise-excited vocoder. In Experiment 1, speech samples were processed to simulate a cochlear implant with various insertion depths. The carrier bands were shifted basally relative to the analysis bands by 1–7 mm in the cochlea. Nine normal-hearing Mandarin Chinese listeners participated in this experiment. Basal shift of the carriers only slightly affected tone recognition. The resistance of tone recognition to spectral shift can be attributed to the overall amplitude contour cues that are independent from spectral manipulations. Experiment 2 examined the effects of frequency compression, where widened analysis bands by 2, 6, and 10 mm were compressively allocated to narrower carrier bands. Five of the 9 subjects participated in Experiment 2. It appears that the expanded frequency information especially on the low frequency end can compensate for the distortion from frequency compression. Thus, spectral shift might not pose a severe problem for tone recognition, and allocation of wider frequency range to include more low frequency information might be beneficial for tone recognition.
Immunohistochemical expression of the glucose transporters Glut-1 and Glut-3 in human malignant melanomas and benign melanocytic lesions

Background Reported data indicate that cancer cells have increased rates of glucose metabolism, as determined by 18FDG-PET imaging in patients with malignancies. The results of many studies have demonstrated that the expression of glucose transporters, especially Glut-1, is increased in a variety of malignancies. This study was undertaken to assess the differential expression of Glut-1 and Glut-3 by benign and malignant melanocytic lesions.
Split-Mode Evidence for No Ultraslow Component to the Source of the 2010 Maule, Chile, Earthquake

We present a comprehensive study of the Earth’s gravest spheroidal modes excited by the Maule, Chile, earthquake of 27 February 2010, using uninterrupted time series extending over a minimum of 19 and a maximum of 93 days. For each of 101 station–mode combinations, we use the formalism of Stein and Geller (1977) to compute the relative excitation of the 2 l +1 singlets in the relevant geometry and obtain an estimate of the seismic moment by best fitting the observed spectrum to that of the resulting synthetic computed for the same recording window. The average results for seven spheroidal and two radial modes deviate no more than 12% from the Global Centroid Moment Tensor moment of ![Graphic][1] , with no evident trend with frequency. In other words, we fail to document an ultralow‐frequency component (expressed as an increase of moment with period) in the source of the 2010 event. This result indicates that such components are not universal features of megaquakes, even though they had been documented for the 1960 Chilean, 2004 Sumatran, and 1964 Alaskan events (the only three events with larger moments in the past 50 years). In this respect, the 2010 earthquake is most comparable to the slightly smaller 2005 Nias event, which incidentally also featured a bilateral rupture. [1]: /embed/inline-graphic-1.gif
ERK/BCL-2 Pathway in the Resistance of Pancreatic Cancer to Anoikis

Background Anoikis is a special type of programmed cell death after loss of cell–cell and cell–extracellular matrix interactions. Resistance to anoikis is likely involved in the process of metastasis, specifically during the tumor cell migration through lymph or vascular channels. We have previously shown that BCL-2 confers resistance to other forms of programmed cell death (i.e., apoptosis); furthermore, the extracellular signaling-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway regulates BCL-2 expression. We therefore tested the hypothesis that pancreatic cancer cell lines are resistant to anoikis and this resistance is due to activation of ERK1/2 and subsequent overexpression of BCL-2. Materials and methods Pancreatic cancer cell lines (MIA-PaCa-2 and BxPC-3) were examined for cell death following loss of adherence to extracellular matrix. Subclones of the MIA-PaCa-2 cell line (either selected in vivo for increased metastatic potential [MIA-LM2] or overexpressing BCL-2 [MIA-BCL2]) were also examined for induction of anoikis following loss of extracellular matrix adherence. Finally, the effect of the ERK inhibitor (PD98059) on BCL-2 expression and induction of anoikis was examined. Results Under conditions of loss of cell–extracellular matrix interaction, pancreatic cancer cells undergo varying amounts of anoikis. Basal levels of activated ERK and BCL-2 paralleled the sensitivity to induction of anoikis. The highly metastatic cell line, MIA-LM2, was more resistant to anoikis than the parental cell line. Inhibition of ERK down-regulated BCL-2 and was associated with restoration of sensitivity to anoikis. Conclusions Activation of a signaling pathway from ERK to overexpression of BCL-2 may confer resistance to anoikis, a critical step in the development of metastasis. Targeting the ERK/BCL-2 pathway may lead to sensitization of pancreatic cancer to anoikis, thereby decreasing the ability of these cells to metastasize.
Crustal structure and possible anisotropy in Turkey from seismic surface wave dispersion

SUMMARY The velocity structure of two regions of Turkey are determined using single-station measurements of Rayleigh and Love wave group velocities in the period range 8-50s. A differential inversion scheme yields models for Turkey in which crustal and upper mantle shear-wave velocities are slower than those of most of Europe. Comparisons of upper mantle shear-wave velocities we have obtained with reported P,, velocities leads to Poisson's ratio values in the upper mantle between 0.29 and 0.30 for eastern Turkey and between 0.27 and 0.31 for western Turkey. Crustal velocities are slightly slower and upper mantle velocities are slightly faster in western Turkey than in eastern Turkey. The crust-mantle boundary obtained in our studies is gradational, but if a shear velocity of 4.2 km s-l is taken to define the upper mantle then the crust appears to be about 40 km thick throughout all of Turkey. A sharp crust-mantle boundary may occur, but cannot be resolved. The data of this study require neither a low-velocity zone in the upper mantle nor polarization anisotropy in the crust or upper mantle. Azimuthal variations of Rayleigh and Love wave group velocities in western Turkey are consistent with velocities predicted by an azimuthally anisotropic upper crust in which vertical cracks are orientated in an approximate E-W direction. This interpretation is consistent with geological information, fault-plane solutions, lineations mapped from satellite observations, and reported heat flow values, but the possibility that these variations are caused by lateral changes of velocity in the crust of western Turkey cannot be completely ruled out at the present time.
Dietary Boron Decreases Peak Pancreatic In Situ Insulin Release in Chicks and Plasma Insulin Concentrations in Rats Regardless of Vitamin D or Magnesium Status

Because dietary boron deprivation induces hyperinsulinemia in vitamin D-deprived rats, the influence of dietary boron on insulin metabolism as modified by nutritional stressors was examined in two animal models. Male weanling Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to each of four (Experiment 1) or 8 (Experiment 2) dietary groups for 35 d: the basal diet (< 0.2 mg B; <1.0 mg Mg/kg) was supplemented with boron (as orthoboric acid) to contain <0.2 or 2.0 (a physiologic amount) mg B/kg; with magnesium (as magnesium acetate), at 100 (inadequate) or 360-400 (adequate) mg/kg; and with cholecalciferol [vitamin D-3; 25 microg/kg for study length (Experiment 2), or, depleted for 16-17 d then repleted until end of experiment (Experiments 1 and 2)]. In the rat model, boron reduced plasma insulin (Experiment 1, P < 0.002; Experiment 2, P < 0.03), but did not change glucose concentrations regardless of vitamin D-3 or magnesium status. Cockerels (1 d old) were fed a ground corn, high protein casein and corn oil-based basal diet (low boron; 0.3 mg B/kg) supplemented with boron as orthoboric acid to contain 0.3 or 1.65 mg/kg (a physiologic amount) and vitamin D-3 at 3.13 (inadequate) or 15.60 (adequate) microg/kg. In the chick model, boron decreased (P < 0.045) in situ peak pancreatic insulin release at 26-37 d of age regardless of vitamin D-3 nutriture. These results suggest that physiologic amounts of boron may help reduce the amount of insulin required to maintain plasma glucose.
PMA-treated K-562 leukemia cells mediate a TH2-specific expansion of CD4+ T cells in vitro

Abstract Highly enriched preparations of human CD3+CD4+ T-lymphocytes were stimulated with mitogen or OKT3 to determine the capacity of K-562 cells to function as accessory cells. Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-treated K-562 cells were induced to differentiate along the megakaryocytic lineage and could supplant monocyte-accessory cell function. Intracytoplasmic analysis of interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) established that IL-4, and not IFN-γ, was preferentially produced by the activated lymphocytes. This polarized stimulation is compatible with a type 2 or humoral immune response of purified T cells co-cultured with differentiated K-562 cells in vitro, and may have implications in immunoregulation due to disease progression.
Alternative designs for construction of the class II transfer RNA tertiary core

The structural requirements for assembly of functional class II transfer RNA core regions have been examined by sequence analysis and tested by reconstruction of alternative folds into the tertiary domain of Escherichia coli tRNA(2)Gln. At least four distinct designs have been identified that permit stable folding and efficient synthetase recognition, as assessed by thermal melting profiles and glutaminylation kinetics. Although most large variable-arm tRNAs found in nature possess an enlarged D-loop, lack of this feature can be compensated for by insertion of nucleotides either 3' to the variable loop or within the short acceptor/D-stem connector region. Rare pyrimidines at nt 9 in the core region can be accommodated in the class II framework, but only if specific nucleotides are present either in the D-loop or 3' to the variable arm. Glutaminyl-tRNA synthetase requires one or two unpaired uridines 3' to the variable arm to efficiently aminoacylate several of the class II frameworks. Because there are no specific enzyme contacts in the tRNAGln core region, these data suggest that tRNA discrimination by GlnRS depends in part on indirect readout of RNA sequence information.
Great Sand Sea and Selima Sand Sheet, Eastern Sahara: Geochronology of Desertification

The relation of playa sediments and associated archeological sites with longitudinal dunes allows estimation of ages for the two uppermost strata of the Great Sand Sea. Active dune formation corresponds with interpluvial periods of hyperaridity; dune stability corresponds with semiarid pluvial periods. Archeological sites associated with truncated paleosols in the Selima Sand Sheet suggest a similar climatic relation and indicate that the isohyets of central Sudan shifted at least 400 kilometers northward during the peak of pluvials.
Biomaterials-Based Modulation of the Immune System

The immune system is traditionally considered from the perspective of defending against bacterial or viral infections. However, foreign materials like implants can also illicit immune responses. These immune responses are mediated by a large number of molecular signals, including cytokines, antibodies and reactive radical species, and cell types, including macrophages, neutrophils, natural killer cells, T-cells, B-cells, and dendritic cells. Most often, these molecular signals lead to the generation of fibrous encapsulation of the biomaterials, thereby shielding the body from these biomaterials. In this review we will focus on two different types of biomaterials: those that actively modulate the immune response, as seen in antigen delivery vehicles for vaccines, and those that illicit relatively small immune response, which are important for implantable materials. The first serves to actively influence the immune response by co-opting certain immune pathways, while the second tries to mimic the properties of the host in an attempt to remain undetected by the immune system. As these are two very different end points, each type of biomaterial has been studied and developed separately and in recent years, many advances have been made in each respective area, which will be highlighted in this review.
Greater diabetes-care contact frequency is associated with more rapid achievement of care goals but interpretation of finding requires consideration of patient adherence and motivation.

Commentary on: F Morrison, M Shubina, A Turchin. Encounter frequency and serum glucose level, blood pressure, and cholesterol level control in patients with diabetes mellitus.Arch Intern Med2011;171:1542–50.
Neuroophthalmological Signs of Hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus is an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the cranial cavity. In hydrocephalus ex vacuo, the amount of CSF increases in response to brain atrophy without an increase in intracranial pressure (ICP). In most cases, however, hydrocephalus is associated with increased CSF pressure.12 The usual cause is an obstruction of the flow of CSF at some point from its production at the choroid plexuses to its resorption by the arachnoid granulations. This syndrome is termed “noncommunicating hydrocephalus.” The lesion may be congenital, e.g., atresia of the aqueduct of Sylvius or the Arnold- Chiari or Dandy-Walker malformations, or it may be acquired, e.g., from tumors, infection, or hemorrhage.49 The site of obstruction determines which portion of the ventricular system will be affected. The obstruction may be within the basal cisterns, in which case the entire ventricular system dilates. If the obstruction is within the ventricular system itself, dilatation of the ventricular system occurs proximal to the site of obstruction.
Predicting Recidivism for Released State Prison Offenders: Examining the Influence of Individual and Neighborhood Characteristics and Spatial Contagion on the Likelihood of Reincarceration

We examined the influence of individual and neighborhood characteristics and spatial contagion in predicting reincarceration on a sample of 5,354 released Pennsylvania state prisoners. Independent variables included demographic characteristics, offense type, drug involvement, various neighborhood variables (e.g., concentrated disadvantage, residential mobility), and spatial contagion (i.e., proximity to others who become reincarcerated). Using geographic information systems (GIS) and logistic regression modeling, our results showed that the likelihood of reincarceration was increased with male gender, drug involvement, offense type, and living in areas with high rates of recidivism. Older offenders and those convicted of violent or drug offenses were less likely to be reincarcerated. For violent offenders, drug involvement, age, and spatial contagion were particular risk factors for reincarceration. None of the neighborhood environment variables were associated with increased risk of reincarceration. Reentry programs need to particularly address substance abuse issues of ex-offenders as well as take into consideration their residential locations.
A texture-based method for classifying cracked concrete surfaces from digital images using neural networks

Using a dSLR camera with macro LED light, 11 samples containing light and moderately cracked concrete surfaces were imaged with perpendicular and angled illumination. Textural features from gray level co-occurrence matrix statistics were derived, from which 3-6 salient features were selected. Cross validation accuracies were as high as 94% using neural network classifiers, indicating the feasibility of rapid, automatic concrete cracking assessment using COTS digital imaging.
From Involution to Revolution in Mexico: Liberal Development, Patriarchy, and Social Violence in the Central Highlands, 1870-1915

Forces loyal to Emiliano Zapata rose to demand land and community autonomy in the revolution that brought destruction and transformation to Mexico after 1910. Men fought to right historic wrongs, land losses that began in the colonial era and political exclusions that mounted during the nineteenth century. Yet those historic grievances were already deeply felt and clearly expressed during the political and social conflicts of the 1860s and 1870s. Revolutionary mobilization did not surge until 1911, after three decades of political stability and commercial development under the authoritarian liberal regime of Porfirio Diaz. This article examines the social consequences of that dynamic liberal development in the highland basins south of Mexico City, the Zapatista heartland after 1910. It argues that population growth, land concentration, and mechanization fueled a commercial expansion that led to proliferating insecurities among the rural majority, insecurities lived by young men as threats to the patriarchal roles they presumed their birthright – their one advantage in communities defined by dependence and hard labor. The first result was a rising tide of violent crime within families and communities during decades of political stability. Then, after the political break of 1910, villagers refocused their rage outward in revolutionary assaults on those who presumed to rule and profit. Young men from communities south of Mexico City turned to revolution only after successful liberal development undermined their chances to live as patriarchs, even as dependent laboring patriarchs. They fought for land, community – and patriarchy.