cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation attenuates blood pressure increase at onset of isometric handgrip exercise in healthy young and older humans

Aging is associated with alterations of autonomic nerve activity, and dietary intake of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) found in fish oil (FO), can modulate autonomic nerve activity. However, the effect of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid consumption on age-related cardiovascular responses at the onset of isometric handgrip exercise, a time of rapid autonomic adjustments, is unknown. Accordingly, 14 young (25 ± 1 years; mean ± SE) and 15 older (64 ± 2 years) healthy subjects ingested 4 g FO daily for 12 weeks. On pre- and postintervention visits, participants performed 15-sec bouts of isometric handgrip at 10%, 30%, 50%, and 70% maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) while beat-to-beat systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressure (SBP, DBP, MAP; Finometer) and heart rate (HR; electrocardiogram) were recorded. All baseline cardiovascular variables were similar between groups and visits, except DBP was higher in older subjects (P < 0.05). FO increased erythrocyte EPA and DHA content in both groups (P < 0.05). FO attenuated MAP and DBP increases in response to handgrip in both age groups (change from baseline during 70% MVC handgrip pre- and post-FO: young MAPΔ 14 ± 2 mmHg versus 10 ± 2 mmHg, older MAPΔ 14 ± 3 mmHg versus 11 ± 2 mmHg; young DBPΔ 12 ± 1 mmHg versus 7 ± 2 mmHg, older DBPΔ 12 ± 1 mmHg versus 7 ± 1 mmHg; P < 0.05). FO augmented the PP (SBP-DBP) increase with 70% MVC handgrip in both groups (P < 0.05), but did not alter SBP or HR increases with handgrip. These findings suggest that FO supplementation attenuates MAP and DBP increases at the onset of isometric handgrip exercise in healthy young and older humans.
Effects of cell surface charge and hydrophobicity on attachment of 16 Salmonella serovars to cantaloupe rind and decontamination with sanitizers.

Adherence of bacteria to cantaloupe rind is favored by surface irregularities such as roughness, crevices, and pits, thus reducing the ability of washing or sanitizer treatments to remove or inactivate attached cells. In this study, we compared the surface charge and hydrophobicity of two cantaloupe-related outbreak strains of Salmonella Poona (RM2350 and G-91-1595) to those of 14 additional Salmonella strains using electrostatic and hydrophobic interaction chromatography. The relative abilities of the 16 strains to attach to cantaloupe surfaces and resist removal by washing with water, chlorine (200 ppm), or hydrogen peroxide (2.5%) for 5 min after a storage period of up to 7 days at 5 to 20 degrees C also were determined. Whole cantaloupes were inoculated with each pathogen at 8.36 log CFU/ml, dried for 1 h inside a biosafety cabinet, stored, and then subjected to the washing treatments. Only the positive surface charge of the two cantaloupe-related strains of Salmonella Poona was significantly higher (P 0.05). Chlorine and hydrogen peroxide treatments caused an average 3-log reduction when applied 20 to 40 min postinoculation. However, sanitizer treatments applied 60 min or more postinoculation were less effective (approximately 2.5-log reduction). No significant differences were noted in sanitizer efficacy against the individual strains (P > 0.05). The two cantaloupe-related outbreak Salmonella Poona strains did not significantly differ from the other Salmonella strains tested in negative cell surface charge or hydrophobicity, were not more effective in attaching to whole melon surfaces, and were not more resistant to the various washing treatments when present on rinds.
Mimicking Natural Photosynthsis: Ultrafast Charge Transfer in PpcA Ru(bpy)3 Complexes

Converting light energy into its electrochemical equivalent requires precise control and fine tuning of relevant kinetic and thermodynamic parameters, including primary charge separation. To this end, we developed a series of 22 cysteine mutants of PpcA, a 3-heme cytochrome from Geobacter sulfurreducens as a model system to study short distance photo-induced electron transfer. These proteins were successfully expressed in E.coli and isolated for covalent labeling with Ru(bpy)2(bpy-Br). Protein purity and successful posttranslational modifications were confirmed with HPLC-MS. Time-resolved nanosecond and ultrafast transient absorbance characterization was performed at Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) and identified 6 constructs with apparent photo-induced charge transfer time constants of 20 ps or faster, including 2 constructs with 1-2 ps time constants. The latter is a significant result as up to this point only natural photosynthetic systems demonstrated such a fast initial charge separation, while all artificial covalent constructs exhibited charge transfer rates 3 or more orders of magnitude slower. To understand molecular principles responsible for such a dramatic acceleration of electron transfer rates, we conducted small- and wide angle X-ray scattering data collection at the Advanced Photon Source at ANL. Further, we are currently attempting to obtain X-ray crystallographic and NMR structures of the ultrafast constructs. Finally, we performed triplicate 250-300 ns all-atom molecular dynamics simulations of all 6 ultrafast constructs. Based on the obtained results we conclude that that photo-induced ultrafast charge transfer requires van der Waals contact between heme vinyl groups and photosensitizers while contacts with propionates or short covalent donor-acceptor distances play a much less significant role.
Extent of Hematologic Response Is Important in Determining Outcome in Transplanted Patients with Primary Amyloidosis AL. Importance of Achieving CR.

Abstract INTRODUCTION Stem cell transplant has been increasingly used in the initial therapy of newly diagnosed systemic AL. Introduction of the free light chain assay has made it easier to quantify responses in patients with AL. It is unclear whether the goal of therapy should be a hematologic response or, as in multiple myeloma, a complete response. This paper addresses the impact of the degree of response on outcome. PATIENTS AND METHODS 282 consecutively transplanted patients are included in this analysis. None of the patients were excluded. There were 169 men (59%). 28% of the cohort have died. 69% had renal involvement, 51% cardiac involvement, 11% peripheral nerve involvement, 16% hepatic involvement. The median percentage of plasma cells at the time of transplant was 7. Echocardiographic analysis revealed a median septal thickness of 12 and a median ejection fraction of 65%. Patients ranged in age from 31 to 71 with a median of 57 years and were transplanted at a median of 4.2 months following histologic diagnosis of amyloidosis. 27% of patients received reduced intensity conditioning usually due to moderate cardiomyopathy or renal insufficiency. 201 patients achieved a hematologic response and 93 of these achieved a complete response. The criteria for response were reported in accord with the consensus definition for response established at The Xth International Symposium on Amyloid and Amyloidosis. A complete response required immunofixation negativity of serum and urine with a normal free light chain ratio. A hematologic objective response required a 50% reduction of serum and urine monoclonal protein with a 50% reduction in the free light chain value. Figure 1 shows the Kaplan Meier curves demonstrating the survival of all patients based on whether they achieved a complete response, partial response, or failed to achieve response. There were 93 CR, 108 PR, and 81 nonresponders. The differences in all three curves are significant at P CONCLUSION Patients who achieve a hematologic complete response following sct for AL do better than other patients. Patients who achieve an objective response have a superior outcome than patients who fail to achieve a hematologic response, in a landmark analysis at six months. It is unclear if consolidation chemotherapy should be offered to partial responders in an attempt to convert them into CR's. Download : Download high-res image (72KB) Download : Download full-size image Download : Download high-res image (70KB) Download : Download full-size image
Knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of parents toward whole-genome sequencing in pediatric cancer.

10090 Background: Introducing whole genome sequencing (WGS) in pediatric cancer patients at diagnosis poses a unique set of issues. We investigated parental knowledge, attitudes and beliefs about t...
Effects of Changes in Test Temperature on Tensile Properties and Notched Vs Fatigue Precracked Toughness of a Zr-Based BMG Composite

Tensile and fracture toughness behavior of a Zr-based bulk metallic glass matrix composite (BMGMC) containing a body-centered cubic crystalline phase was examined over temperatures from 77 K to 653 K (−196 °C to 380 °C). The BMGMC exhibited tensile plasticity at all test temperatures. The sample tested in tension at 173 K (−100 °C) exhibited work hardening but the remaining samples tested at higher temperatures exhibited work softening. EBSD analysis of the crystalline phase after tensile testing provides insight into active deformation mechanisms in the crystalline phase. At 603 K (330 °C), the dendrites exhibit significant plastic strain, with the dendrites oriented {101} parallel to the loading direction exhibiting the least amount of strain. Schmid factor analysis leads to the hypothesis that {110}〈111〉 dislocation mechanisms are active at this temperature. Additionally, measurements of dendrite shape as a function of macroscopic strain state in the tension experiments provide insight into cooperative deformation mechanisms in the composite. At low temperatures, the fracture toughness of the notch toughness samples exceeded that of fatigue precracked samples; but at and above room temperature, the toughness values of notched and fatigue precracked samples converge. These observations are rationalized based on the changes to the flow and fracture behavior of the glass and the crystalline phases over this temperature range. At low temperatures, the crystalline phase is sensitive to defects and changes in stress state that reduce its energy absorbing ability. At higher temperatures, both constituents possess lower strength and are less sensitive to defects, enabling more significant crack tip blunting in the fatigue precracked samples. This produces toughness values that are similar to those obtained for the notched samples.
Using Multiple High-Impact Practices to Reduce Bottlenecks and Improve Student Learning in an Undergraduate Health Science Program

Problem-based learning can be an effective educational approach for students entering the health care field. While broadly used in graduate and professional education in the health sciences, it is less widely used in undergraduate programs. We discuss the use of problem-based learning as part of an approach to address failure rates in select Health Sciences courses, poor critical thinking skills and bottlenecks in enrollment. While our results were mixed, we saw an overall improvement in student outcomes. Problem-based learning experiences prepare students successfully for demands of the real world.
Moderate and vigorous physical activity patterns among marijuana users: Results from the 2007–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys

The relationship between marijuana use and recreational physical activity has yet to be explored in the United States. Our aim was to examine this relationship in a population-based sample of 20-to-59-year olds (N=12,618) using 2007-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. Marijuana use was categorized as never (reference group), past (previously but not within the last 30-days), and current (>1day in the last 30-days) use. Current users were further categorized based on frequency of use (light, moderate, and heavy users). Physical activity was self-reported as moderate (small increase in heartrate/breathing for >10min; MPA) and vigorous (large increase in heartrate/breathing for >10min; VPA). Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) for the relationship between marijuana use and physical activity were estimated via logistic regression models. The majority of the overall sample reported either past (40.5%) or current (12.6%) marijuana use. Marijuana users had a lower prevalence of moderate physical activity than never users (current: 51.9%, past: 50.4%, never: 55.3%, p=0.001). Current (66.8%) and past (67.9%) marijuana users also had a lower prevalence of vigorous physical activity than never users (71.9%, p=0.001). Current and past users had lower odds of recreational MPA (current user AOR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.50-0.87; past user AOR: 0.78, 95% CI: 0.62-0.98) than never users. As the frequency of marijuana use increased, time spent on MPA decreased. Results suggest that current and past marijuana users were less likely to report recreational MPA than never users. Future studies should examine the potential mechanisms and temporality of this relationship.
Time to Pray: Devotional Rhythms and Space Sacralization Processes at the Mexico–US Border

This essay uses the Gateway to the Americas International Bridge at the Port of Laredo to examine Catholic parish life at la Parroquia Santo Nino in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico. Considering ho...
Leisure and Human Behavior By Gene Bammel & Lei Lane Burrus-Bammel

(1982). Leisure and Human Behavior By Gene Bammel & Lei Lane Burrus-Bammel. Journal of Leisure Research: Vol. 14, No. 4, pp. 364-364.
Environmental Contributions to Language and Literacy Outcomes in Bilingual English-Arabic Children in the U.S.

Recent research supports the potent role of the environment in the development of language and literacy. While substantiated in research addressing language and literacy of many young children from various cultural and linguistic backgrounds, the role of the environment has received scant attention in research focusing on children who learn Arabic, a Semitic language characterized by diglossia. This chapter examines the role of environmental variables (parent education, beliefs, and home language use and literacy practices) in language and literacy outcomes of 64 bilingual English-Arabic children in the US. Results reveal a strong relationship between parent home language use and participantsʼ Arabic word reading, morphological awareness, and vocabulary skills; and between Arabic home literacy practices and Arabic reading comprehension skills. These findings corroborate previous cross-linguistic research and point to the importance of experience, namely parent language use and literacy practices, in predicting language and literacy outcomes in bilingual children. Implications for research, instruction, early intervention, and prevention of language and reading disorders in children acquiring Arabic are highlighted.
Electron Microscopy of Individual Atoms

Thirty years ago in a classic paper, Otto Scherzer calculated the contrast expected from a single atom in an electron microscope and concluded that with the resolution about 2A, individual heavy atoms should be visible if they were supported on very thin, low atomic number substrates, [SCHERZER, (1949)]. Since that time, the attempt to visualize individual atoms has been one of the main themes of modern electron microscopy. The goal was ellusive until this decade when the use of dark field techniques enabled such visualization to be achieved in a number of different instruments, albeit not necessarily on a routine basis. [For example, see CREWE, et al. (1970); HENKELMAN and OTTENSMEYER, (1971); HASHIMOTO, et al. (1971); THON and WILLASCH, (1972); WALL, et al. (1974); RETSKY, (1974); DORIGNAC and JOUFFREY, (1976); COLE, et al. (1977). For a more comprehensive list of attempts at the visualization of individual atoms (prior to 1977) the reader is referred to the review by LANGHORE, (1978)].
IMAGING | SPECT in Epilepsy Research

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder, often chronic, that afflicts millions of people worldwide. While frequently treatable through medication, over 25% of cases require surgical intervention. Surgical success is best achieved through detailed presurgical localization of epileptogenic foci. Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) is a highly useful imaging modality for seizure localization. Analysis of ictal and interictal SPECT images has produced results that are over 90% concordant with postsurgical outcomes in temporal and extratemporal epilepsy. SPECT also plays an important role in epilepsy research as a tool for investigating anatomy and physiology of fundamental epilepsy. It has provided important data in the understanding of epileptic unconsciousness, ictal dystonia, hypothalamic hamartoma, and infantile spasm (West syndrome).
Mountain or Molehill? The Pervasiveness of Overstated Earnings Through the Expected Rate of Return on Defined Benefit Pension Plan Assets

Using a sample of firms over the period of 1991 through 2005, we examine the expected rate of return (ERR) assumption associated with defined benefit pension plans. The evidence suggests that contrary to suggestions in the business press, the ERR is not overstated relative to several benchmarks including contemporaneous actual returns, historical cumulative actual returns and expected future returns based on asset allocation within the pension. We also find that changes in the ERR are infrequent, typically have less than a 1% impact on operating income and are positively related to differences between estimated and actual ERRs. When we examine firms with the highest ERRs or with the most opportunity to inflate earnings, we find they are no more likely to boost earnings through the ERR than other firms. We conclude that the evidence suggests overstated earnings through the ERR is not pervasive or material, which helps regulators assess the costs and benefits of eliminating this discretion in financial reporting.
Disease incidence and yield loss in rice due to grain discolouration

Grain discolouration is an emerging disease of rice that has potential to cause huge losses if favourable conditions are available. The disease is caused by a pathogen complex and was reported from few places of India. During rabi season in 2019, a survey was undertaken at the paddy fields of NRRI, Cuttack, and found heavy incidences of grain discolouration in the cultivated rice genotypes with symptoms in the form of brown-/black-/ash-coloured grains mostly accompanied with chaffiness. The grain discolouration incidence ranged from 25 to 92% in different rice genotypes. The high disease incidence may be due to abrupt climate change, thereby increasing the virulence of the once minor pathogen(s) to gain fitness and causing devastation in rice crop. The mean yield loss due to grain discolouration was 18.9% and ranged between 0.1 and 60.2%. All the rice genotypes examined were susceptible to the disease. However, yield loss was not very devastating because only few genotypes showed higher yield loss while the remaining genotypes have much lower values. During the investigation, the temperature ranging from 25 to 37 °C, moderate rainfall, high relative humidity of 70–76% and high wind speed were observed that played a critical role in the disease outbreak. Therefore, epidemiology and management of grain discolouration should be the current concerns in order to halt the disease from affecting rice production in the country.
New distribution records and plant associations for Crophius scabrosus (Uhler, 1904) (Hemiptera: Lygaeoidea: Oxycarenidae)

Previous distribution records and plant associations are reviewed for the little-known oxycarenid Crophius scabrosus (Uhler, 1904). Based on fieldwork in the western United States, Kansas and Wyoming are reported as new state records. Adults were found on diverse plants in Nebraska, including juniper (Juniperus; Cupressaceae), pine (Pinus; Pinaceae), and composites (Compositae = Asteraceae); they were common in crowns of bunchgrasses (Poaceae), especially Panicum virgatum and Schizachyrium scoparium. Despite extensive fieldwork, nymphs were not found; a mating pair was observed on P. virgatum. Host plants—those supporting nymphal development— remain unknown, but composites such as species of Artemisia are suggested as potential hosts.
Negative Attitudes Toward Menstruation

Abstract In this article, we draw from a body of research in the last 20 years, our own included, to suggest a framework for thinking about how attitudes toward and experience with menstruation contribute to girls' and women's notions of whatitmeans to be female, to be awoman. Building on the current relational framing of psychotherapy, that a client's conception of herself is tied to her efforts to connect with others, we argue that negative attitudes toward menstruation can cause females to be “disconnected” from one another. Taking a life span perspective, we discuss how adolescent girls receive mixed messages about menstruation, how college women reflect negative attitudes about menstruation, and how adult women's differing experiences with menstruation can lead to disconnection between women. Specifically, we find that negative attitudes toward menstruation can result in mother-daughter disconnection and put women at odds with one another with regard to how to manage menstrual distress, PMS, and meno...
Evaluating Prospective Patient-Reported Pain and Function Outcomes After Ankle and Hindfoot Arthrodesis

Background:Hindfoot and ankle fusions are mechanically limiting procedures for patients. However, patient-reported outcomes of these procedures have not been well studied. This study assessed outco...
Feasibility of Population-Based Input Function for Kinetic Analysis of [11C]-DPA-713

Quantitative PET studies of neurodegenerative diseases typically require the measurement of arterial input function (AIF), an invasive and risky procedure. The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of population-based input function (PBIF) for [11C]DPA-713 PET kinetic analysis. The final goal is to possibly eliminate the need for AIF. Eighteen subjects from two [11C]-DPA-713 PET protocols, including six (6) healthy and twelve (12) Parkinson Disease (PD) subjects, were included in this study. Each subject underwent 90min dynamic PET imaging on a Siemens Biograph mCT™ scanner. Five of the six healthy subjects underwent a Test/Retest within the same day to assess the reproducibility of the kinetic parameters. Kinetic modeling was carried out with 2-tissue compartment model (2TCM) as well as with the Logan V T model using the PBIF, and again with the patient-specific AIF (PSAIF, gold standard). Using the leave-one-out cross validation method, we generated a PBIF for each subject from the remaining 17 subjects after normalizing the PSAIFs by three techniques: (a) patient weight×injected dose (b) Area Under AIF Curve (AUC), and (c) weight×AUC. The variability in the total distribution volume (VT) and non-displaceable binding potential (BPND) due to the use of PBIF was assessed for some brain regions of interest using Bland-Altman analysis, and for the three normalization approaches. Systematic bias was noticed with the test-retest scans, but this was removed by normalizing with gray matter. Better repeatability was obtained with the Logan V T model where the 95% limits of agreement (LoA) lie within ±20% for all the brain regions. Also, % relative difference between PBIF and PSAIF is significantly different across the normalization techniques, with the normalization by weight×AUC yielding the least % relative difference. For the Bland-Altman analysis, the mean % difference for V T lies within ±2% and the 95% LOA lies within ±40%. For the BPND, the mean difference lies within ±4% and the corresponding 95% LOA is ±80%. In all cases, the variability between PBIF and PSAIF lie within the test-retest repeatability. This study shows that PBIF-based kinetic modelling is feasible, and that better repeatability is achieved with Logan V T modelling.
Lysolipids in Vascular Development, Biology, and Disease.

Membrane phospholipid metabolism forms lysophospholipids, which possess unique biochemical and biophysical properties that influence membrane structure and dynamics. However, lysophospholipids also...
Inspiring Excellence and Nurturing Potential Through Partnership and Collaboration: It’s a Wonderful Life

The invitation to write a brief summary highlighting Belin-Blank Center partnerships that support talent development in youth led my mind to channel the 1946 Frank Capra movie, “It’s a Wonderful Li...
Hospital-Based Health Care Worker Perceptions of Personal Risk Related to COVID-19.

Background: Health care workers treating Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients face significant stressors such as caring for critically ill and dying patients, physically demanding care requiring new degrees of personal protective equipment use, risk of contracting the disease, and putting loved ones at risk. This study investigates the stress impact from COVID-19 exposure and how nurses and medical providers (eg, physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants) experience these challenges differently. Methods: An electronic, self-administered questionnaire was sent to all hospital staff over 6 weeks surveying exposure to COVID-19 patients and degree of stress caused by this exposure. Responses from medical providers and nurses were analyzed for significant contributors to stress levels, as well as comparing responses from medical providers versus nurses. Results: Stress levels from increased risk of disease contraction while on the job, fear of transmitting it to family or friends, and the resulting social stigma were highest in medical staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. Compared with medical providers, nurses had nearly 4 times the odds of considering job resignation due to COVID-19. However, most health care workers (77.4% of medical providers and 52.9% of nurses) strongly agreed or agreed with the statements indicating high levels of altruism in their desire to treat COVID-19 patients. Conclusion: The significant stress burden placed on nurses likely contributes to increased thoughts of job resignation. However, health care providers displayed high levels of altruism during this time of extreme crisis, despite their personal risks of caring for COVID-19 patients.
Cartography: The Ideal and Its History

Informed by Steven Shapin’s The Scientific Revolution (1996), Matthew H. Edney opens his Cartography with “There is no such thing as cartography, and this is a book about it” (p. 1). The author the...
Patient and caregiver perspectives on a tool to increase recognition of undiagnosed dementia: a qualitative study.

Early detection of dementia may improve patient care and quality of life, yet up to half of people with dementia are undiagnosed. Electronic health record (EHR) data could be used to help identify individuals at risk of having undiagnosed dementia for outreach and assessment, but acceptability to people with dementia and caregivers is unknown. We conducted five focus groups at Kaiser Permanente Washington (KPWA), an integrated healthcare system in Washington State, to explore people’s feelings about timing of dementia diagnosis, use of EHR-based tools to predict risk of undiagnosed dementia, and communication about risk. We recruited people enrolled in KPWA who had dementia or mild cognitive impairment, people enrolled in KPWA who had neither diagnosis, and caregivers (i.e., loved ones of people with dementia who assist with various tasks of daily life). People who were non-white or Hispanic were oversampled. Two team members analyzed transcripts using thematic coding. Forty people (63% women; 59% non-white or Hispanic) participated in the focus groups. Themes that arose included: perceived pros and cons of early dementia diagnosis; questions and concerns about a potential tool to assess risk of undiagnosed dementia; and preferences related to patient-provider conversations disclosing that a person was at high risk to have undiagnosed dementia. Participants supported early diagnosis, describing benefits such as time to adjust to the disease, plan, involve caregivers, and identify resources. They also acknowledged the possible psychosocial toll of receiving the diagnosis. Participants supported use of an EHR-based tool, but some people worried about accuracy and privacy. Participants emphasized that information about risk of undiagnosed dementia should be communicated thoughtfully by a trusted provider and that the conversation should include advice about prognosis, treatment options and other resources when a new dementia diagnosis was made. People with dementia or mild cognitive impairment, people with neither diagnosis, and caregivers of people with dementia supported using EHR-based tools to help identify individuals at risk of having undiagnosed dementia. Such tools must be implemented carefully to address concerns and ensure that people living with dementia and their caregivers are adequately supported.
The Pharmacology of Interactions Between Medical and Psychiatric Drugs

Drug interactions are clinical responses from a combination of two or more drugs that cannot be explained by only one drug. The clinical responses may be beneficial or harmful. A drug may facilitate the action of another drug in a clinically useful way, or may interact with another drug to produce an adverse reaction or simply reduce the clinical efficacy of one or both drugs. Some drug interactions are commonly encountered, whereas others are infrequent (1,2).
Intracytosolic Sensing of Pathogens: Nucleic Acid Receptors, NLRs, and the Associated Responses during Infections and Autoinflammatory Diseases

This chapter discusses the current knowledge concerning the cytosolic pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), the responses they trigger, their physiological role during infection, and their regulation. It describes the diseases associated with mutations in several of these PRRs or associated proteins. Viruses can be detected through recognition of their nucleic acids either extracellularly or in the endosomes by Toll-like receptors (TLRs). The host cell signaling pathways that lead to caspase-1 activation in macrophages infected with three bacterial pathogens that replicate in the host cell cytosol-the gram-positive bacterium L. monocytogenes and the gram-negative bacteria S. flexneri and F. tularensis-have been studied so far. The various responses triggered after engagement of cytosolic PRRs are critical to fight infections, but some pathogens have virulence factors that block the innate immune signaling. The chapter reviews some recent examples of positive and negative regulation of cytosolic PRR signaling. It is likely that as we gain more insight into the different intracellular signaling pathways, we will find that many pathogens have evolved mechanisms to modulate and evade these pathways. While these pathways are highly regulated, some PRR mutations lead to a number of autoinflammatory diseases. A better understanding of the role of these PRRs during the normal innate immune response to intracellular pathogens is likely to give us a better understanding of the autoinflammatory diseases and will lead to the development of new therapeutics.
Plastic Analysis of Shells

A shell is a thin-walled structure in which the material fills the space between two parallel or nearly parallel surfaces, the mean surface that halves the shell thickness being known as the middle surface of the shell. When the shell is loaded to the point of plastic collapse, the deformation proceeds in an unrestricted manner under constant load, provided geometry changes are disregarded and the material is considered as ideally plastic. As in the case of thin plates, the incipient deformation mode of the shell will be described in terms of that of the middle surface, and the associated stress field will be specified in terms of the stress resultants, acting across the shell thickness. The usual assumptions of rigid/plastic material will be made for the estimation of the collapse load.
A Hierarchical Vision Architecture for Robotic Manipulation Tasks

Real world manipulation tasks vary in their demands for precision and freedoms controlled. In particular, during any one task the complexity may vary with time. For a robotic hand-eye system, precise tracking and control of full pose is computationally expensive and less robust than rough tracking of a subset of the pose parameters (e.g. just translation). We present an integrated vision and control system in which the vision component provides (1) the continuous, local feedback at the required complexity for robot manipulation and (2) the discrete state information needed to switch between control modes of differing complexity.
The Indian Princes and their States

List of illustrations General editor's preface Acknowledgements List of abbreviations Map 1. Introduction: Indian princes and British imperialism 2. Princely states prior to 1800 3. The British construction of indirect rule 4. The theory and experience of indirect rule in colonial India 5. Princes as men, women, rulers, patrons and Oriental stereotypes 6. Princely states: administrative and economic structures 7. Princely states: society and politics 8. Federation or integration? Epilogue Bibliographical essay Glossary Index.
The evolution of the Sin1 gene product, a little known protein implicated in stress responses and type I interferon signaling in vertebrates.

In yeast, birds and mammals, the SAPK-interacting protein 1 (Sin1) gene product has been implicated as a component of the stress-activated protein kinase (SAPK) signal transduction pathway. Recently, Sin1 has also been shown to interact with the carboxyl terminal end of the cytoplasmic domain of the ovine type I interferon receptor subunit 2 (IFNAR2). However, the function of Sin1 remains unknown. Since SAPK pathways are ancient and the IFN system is confined to vertebrates, the organization of the Sin1 gene and the sequences of the Sin1 protein have been compared across a wide taxonomic range of species. Sin1 is represented, apparently as a single gene, in all metazoan species and fungi but is not detectable in protozoa, prokaryotes, or plants. Sin1 is highly conserved in vertebrates (79–99% identity at amino acid level), which possess an interferon system, suggesting that it has been subjected to powerful evolutionary constraint that has limited its diversification. Sin1 possesses at least two unique sequences in its IFNAR2-interacting region that are not represented in insects and other invertebrates. Sequence alignment between vertebrates and insects revealed five Sin1 strongly conserved domains (SCDs I-V), but an analysis of any of these domains failed to identify known functional protein motifs. SCD III, which is approximately 129 amino acids in length, is particularly highly conserved and is present in all the species examined, suggesting a conserved function from fungi to mammals. The coding region of the vertebrate Sin1 gene encompasses 11 exon and 10 introns, while in C. elegans the gene consists of 10 exons and 9 introns organized distinctly from those of vertebrates. In yeast and insects, Sin1 is intronless. The study reveals the phylogeny of a little studied gene which has recently been implicated in two important signal transduction pathways, one ancient (stress response), one relatively new (interferon signaling).
HYPEROSMOLALITY AND SPERM STORAGE IN HIBERNATING BATS : PROLONGATION OF SPERM LIFE BY DEHYDRATION

Osmolalities of epididymal fluids obtained by micropuncture from hibernating species of bats (Myotis lucifugus) rise during sperm storage periods to as high as 1,523 mmol/kgH2O (approximately 5 times that of plasma). In vitro studies establish that hyperosmolality can preserve viability and prevent initiation of progressive motility in bat epididymal spermatozoa as well as induce their quiescence by reducing respiration. Reduction of osmolality (to 500-600 mmol/kgH2O) induces swelling of sperm and allows the initiation of motility and increased metabolic rate; further reduction of osmolality to < 300 mmol/kgH2O compromises permeability barriers and causes loss of motility. We hypothesize that seasonal establishment of hyperosmotic conditions driven by those cells that constitute the limits of the epididymal lumen dehydrates the compliant spermatozoa and thereby minimizes their metabolic needs. A novel form of cell storage dependent on unique adaptations of the epididymal epithelium for solute and water transport is implicated. To date, the operative osmolyte or osmolytes responsible for elevating osmolality in this system remain elusive.
Exercise After Renal Transpantation

Renal transplant recipients experience troublesome side effects of the immunosuppression medication, many of which may be attenuated or ameliorated with regular physical activity. Preliminary data show that exercise training after transplantation increases exercise capacity and muscle strength and may contribute to higher quality of life after transplantation.
Stream communities across a rural–urban landscape gradient

Rapid urbanization throughout the world is expected to cause extensive loss of biodiversity in the upcoming decades. Disturbances associated with urbanization frequently operate over multiple spatial scales such that local species extirpations have been attributed both to localized habitat degradation and to regional changes in land use. Urbanization also may shape stream communities by restricting species dispersal within and among stream reaches. In this patch-dynamics view, anthropogenic disturbances and isolation jointly reduce stream biodiversity in urbanizing landscapes. We evaluated predictions of stream invertebrate community composition and abundance based on variation in environmental conditions at five distinct spatial scales: stream habitats, reaches, riparian corridors and watersheds and their spatial location within the larger three-river basin. Despite strong associations between biodiversity loss and human density in this study, local stream habitat and stream reach conditions were poor predictors of community patterns. Instead, local community diversity and abundance were more accurately predicted by riparian vegetation and watershed landscape structure. Spatial coordinates associated with instream distances provided better predictions of stream communities than any of the environmental data sets. Together, results suggest that urbanization in the study region was associated with reduced stream invertebrate diversity through the alteration of landscape vegetation structure and patch connectivity. These findings suggest that maintaining and restoring watershed vegetation corridors in urban landscapes will aid efforts to conserve freshwater biodiversity.
CHARACTERIZATION OF PATHWAYS OF ENDOGENOUS SYNTHESIS OF LONG CHAIN POLYUNSATURATED (LC-PUFA) FATTY ACIDS IN PIGLETS. ▴ 1903

CHARACTERIZATION OF PATHWAYS OF ENDOGENOUS SYNTHESIS OF LONG CHAIN POLYUNSATURATED (LC-PUFA) FATTY ACIDS IN PIGLETS. ▴ 1903
Role of infection in the development and exacerbation of asthma

Respiratory infections are associated with wheezing illnesses in all ages and may also impact the development and severity of asthma. Respiratory tract infections caused by viruses, Chlamydophila or Mycoplasma have been hypothesized to have significant roles in the pathogenesis of asthma. Progress is being made toward establishing the mechanisms by which these agents can cause acute wheezing and impact the pathophysiology of asthma. Host factors probably contribute to the risk of asthma inception and exacerbation, and these contributions may also vary with respect to early- versus adult-onset disease. This review discusses these various associations as they pertain to the development and exacerbation of asthma.
Daily Hassles and African American Adolescent Females’ Psychological Functioning: Direct and Interactive Associations with Gender Role Orientation

Given that stressors may accumulate across the life span, the extent to which daily hassles are associated with African American females’ psychological functioning during the adolescent years remains an important question. Understanding the potential impact of daily hassles is important due to indications that African American women report greater daily hassles and have higher incidence rates of stress-related disorders. The current study examines the relationship between daily hassles and psychological functioning (e.g., depression and anxiety symptoms) among 103 U.S. African American adolescent females (M = 15.50; SD = 1.70) residing in a moderately-sized Midwestern city. Additionally, this investigation explores gender role orientation as a moderator of this relationship. Results indicated that increased daily hassles were associated with greater depressive and anxiety symptoms. Also, this investigation provides some support for the direct and moderating role of gender role orientation. A greater feminine or androgynous role orientation was associated with fewer depressive and anxiety symptoms. In addition, although not directly associated, this investigation indicated that a masculine role orientation moderated the association between daily hassles and girls’ psychological outcomes. Specifically, among African American adolescent females with a greater masculine role orientation, increased daily hassles were associated with reduced psychological functioning (e.g., greater depressive and anxiety symptoms). Neither feminine nor androgynous role orientation, however, moderated the relationship between daily hassles and psychological functioning (e.g., depressive and anxiety symptoms). Implications of findings are discussed.
Color Doppler flow mapping of the patent ductus arteriosus in very low birthweight neonates: Echocardiographic and clinical findings

Forty-eight preterm infants (mean birthweight 1.0±0.3 kg; mean gestational age 28±3 weeks) underwent serial echocardiograms and physical examinations in order to determine the correlation between color Doppler flow mapping (CDFM) results and physical findings of a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), the predictive value of early CDFM as an indicator of subsequent requirement for treatment of a PDA, and to determine the direction and duration of ductal shunting and the rate of ductal closure and opening. CDFM analysis and cardiac physical examination of left-to-right ductal shunting were usually concordant in infants with a large PDA shunt, the most reliable physical finding being increased precordial activity. CDFM studies on day 2 or 3 of postnatal life had prognostic value with regard to subsequent need for closing the PDA. Additional findings included the absence of right-to-left PDA shunting in infants <1 kg and <28 weeks gestation and the absence of ductal reopening in infants in whom it had closed spontaneously. After complete PDA closure using indomethacin, subsequent ductal reopening is uncommon, except in infants <25 weeks gestation and <700 g bodyweight.
Pleasantness of Food Sounds

Fifty-two subjects judged the pleasantness of the sounds produced when they ate 16 different food samples or of tape recorded sounds produced by biting and chewing the same food samples. The tape recorded sounds were also scored for nine other acoustical descriptors. Pleasantness scores of the sounds of foods when eaten were closely related to the scores of the recorded sound with the exception of two outliers. The pleasantness of a sound showed the largest positive correlation with the descriptors crisp and crunchy. Pleasantness did not appear to be useful in interpreting either the one- or two-dimensional multidimensional scaling representations of the 16 food sounds.
Visuomotor deficits produced by cryogenic lesions of the caudate

Abstract A test was devised to study visuomotor integration in monkeys in relation to basal ganglia function. In order to try and mimic the type of motor deficits exhibited by Parkinsonian patients, as e.g. their micrographia, a visuomotor tracking task was constructed. Four monkeys were trained to follow for 10 sec a light that moved at random on a screen. They were also trained to hold on to a stationary light for 10 sec. In two monkeys, depth freezing probe sleeves were implanted bilaterally into the caudates and in two control monkeys, the probes penetrated through the frontal cortex to just above the caudates. Subcortical electrodes were implanted alongside the probes, as well as an array of epidural electrodes. When criteria performance had been reached of 80 per cent correct on both the stationary and tracking tasks, freeze lesions were made in all animals. The two monkeys with bilateral caudate lesions showed a systematic misreaching above the target, as well as a marked deficit in tracking. The monkey that developed an electrographic abnormality at the site of the freeze lesions in the caudates never improved in his ability to track the moving target. The control animals with frontal freeze lesions showed a transient drop in their tracking behavior.
Roots of inequity and injustice: the challenges for music education

Equity and justice are human constructs; the inventions of human imagination. They exist nowhere in nature, in which inequality—the root cause of inequity and injustice—is essential for survival. Our history as a race traces back some two million years, when survival had to trump justice, the latter being an historically recent conception. Music educators in our times have the same obligation as all other citizens, and all other educators—to support and promote ideals of equity and justice in all we do. But we have the particular obligation to relate those ideals to the field—music—in which we are professionals. Attention to equity and justice need not and should not contradict our responsibility to musical learnings, the two seemingly different concerns being entirely compatible. Enhanced musical experience and enhanced moral behavior are reciprocal contributions we uniquely can make to human welfare.
Selecting landmarks in novel environments

People use salient landmarks when learning a route through a novel environment. However, it is not clear what makes a given landmark salient. In two experiments, subjects learned a route through a virtual museum, performed a recognition memory test for objects in the museum, and provided spatial descriptions and drew maps of the learned route. Objects with strong perceptual features occurred at decision points or at non-decision points along the route. Objects with both of these features were recognized faster and were included more often in the maps and written directions. When these features were separated, perceptual features maintained a strong influence on the recognition task, but had no influence on the spatial tasks, which were influenced only by spatial features. These findings challenge the idea that either a recognition task or descriptive task alone provides a complete account of landmark representation.
Calibration techniques for digital phased arrays

Several techniques for calibrating and aligning different aspects of a digital phased array are demonstrated using a 16-element, panelized, vertically-polarized S-band subarray with element-level digitization on both transmit and receive. These techniques make use of the element-level functionality not only to expedite the process of initial alignment and calibration but to enhance the ability of the array to maintain and enforce this calibration over time as RF/analog system variations occur. A method for maintaining element amplitude and phase over time in fully digitized arrays is demonstrated as well as a technique for element-level self-calibration of quadrature mismatches.