Search

Recent, rapid arthropod declines have been tied to human activity. Yet, the propensity for human‐produced noise to disturb the substrate‐borne (vibratory) channel remains virtually untested despite arthropods' ubiquitous use of vibratory information. Characterizing the vibratory landscape at biologically relevant scales is an essential initial step. We aimed to measure vibratory noise across space and time to assess its potential overlap with the urban–rural range and season of a funnel‐weaving spider, Agelenopsis pennsylvanica (C.L. Koch) (Araneae: Agelenidae), a common urban arthropod. We assessed 24‐h ambient vibrations (hereafter vibratory "noise") at 23 sites across urban–rural Lincoln, Nebraska (NE, USA), during the adult season of A. pennsylvanica (August–October). Vibratory noise (amplitude, Leq) varied by ~15 dB across sites overlapping with frequencies within A. pennsylvanica's sensitivity (20–1000 Hz). Urban vibratory noise was positively correlated with the principal component containing estimates of traffic‐induced vibrations (e.g., traffic volume, road proximity, and impervious cover), whereas rural noise levels correlated with probable harvest times. Our findings indicate spatial variation in noise in urban areas and seasonal noise variability in rural areas. We also tested how A. pennsylvanica—collected from four distinct noise survey sites—use their vibratory microhabitat. We assessed daily spider position and dry silk mass within a microcosm that played loud and quiet vibrations (white noise differing by ~15 dB) in separate but connected chambers. Age affected the chamber choice (hereafter "microhabitat use") of spiders collected from the loudest site, as younger adults associated with and used more silk in the loud chamber, but this effect decreased with age. As our data demonstrate that vibratory noise varies with A. pennsylvanica's microhabitat and season with a high potential for impacting behavior, we hypothesize that this environmental noise likely impacts other arthropods as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

If environments stay relatively constant over an individual's lifetime, a juvenile that accurately perceives environmental conditions, like population density, may adjust adult traits to better match their environment, thereby increasing success. While previous studies have explored how adult exposure to population density affects physiological and behavioural plasticity, the influence of juvenile density experience on adult traits is less studied.Using the common house cricket, Acheta domesticus, we explored whether perceived acoustic population density during development affected adult physiology and behaviour. We simulated high‐ and low‐densities using live ambient male song. Upon maturation, we measured metabolic (resting respiration) rate, reproductive investment (testes and accessory gland masses), calling song characteristics and aggressive behaviours from pairwise contests between males from different densities.Male rearing density did not affect resting metabolic rates or reproductive organ masses. However, high‐density males had significantly faster, longer chirps, with more pulses—known to be preferred by females—and higher dominant frequency. Low‐density males won more aggressive contests and sang the aggressive song more. Initiation of aggressive behaviours or song and singing more aggressive song were the only other significant predictors of contest outcome.These results suggest that males may plastically adjust calling song characteristics and aggressive behaviour, but not physiology, based on perceived density during development. We hypothesize that alternative mating tactics—that is, territory guarding versus attractive song production—may underlie these observed patterns.Overall, our study highlights the significant influence of early‐life biotic environments on adult behavioural decisions to enhance success in diverse environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

This article describes students' emotional intelligence (EI) development when participating in the Trans-Atlantic and Pacific Project (TAPP) in two technical and professional communication (TPC) courses. The researchers used modified grounded theory to compile the emotions used for coding students' weekly reflections, and content analyzed how the TAPP experience affected students' EI development. Overall, the article emphasizes the importance of supporting TPC students' EI development in low-stakes environments since EI directly impacted their actions when collaborating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Summary: Maize is one of the world's most widely cultivated crops. As future demands for maize will continue to rise, fields will face ever more frequent and extreme weather patterns that directly affect crop productivity. Development of environmentally resilient crops with improved standability in the field, like wheat and rice, was enabled by shifting the architecture of plants to a short stature ideotype. However, such architectural change has not been implemented in maize due to the unique interactions between gibberellin (GA) and floral morphology which limited the use of the same type of mutations as in rice and wheat. Here, we report the development of a short stature maize ideotype in commercial hybrid germplasm, which was generated by targeted suppression of the biosynthetic pathway for GA. To accomplish this, we utilized a dominant, miRNA‐based construct expressed in a hemizygous state to selectively reduce expression of the ZmGA20ox3 and ZmGA20ox5 genes that control GA biosynthesis primarily in vegetative tissues. Suppression of both genes resulted in the reduction of GA levels leading to inhibition of cell elongation in internodal tissues, which reduced plant height. Expression of the miRNA did not alter GA levels in reproductive tissues, and thus, the reproductive potential of the plants remained unchanged. As a result, we developed a dominant, short‐stature maize ideotype that is conducive for the commercial production of hybrid maize. We expect that the new maize ideotype would enable more efficient and more sustainable maize farming for a growing world population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Detection of subsurface returns from the Cloud-Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP) on the Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation (CALIPSO) satellite were demonstrated. Despite the coarse range resolution of this aerosol lidar, evidence of subsurface scattering was observed as a delay and broadening of the cross-polarized signal relative to the co-polarized signal in the three near-surface range bins. These two effects contributed to an increased depolarization at the nominal depth of 25 m. These features were all correlated with near-surface chlorophyll concentrations. An increase in the depolarization was also seen at a depth of 50 m under certain conditions, suggesting that chlorophyll concentration at that depth could be estimated if an appropriate retrieval technique can be developed. At greater depths, the signal is dominated by the temporal response of the detectors, which was approximated by an analytical expression. The depolarization caused by aerosols in the atmosphere was calculated and eliminated as a possible artifact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Abstract: Astrocytes can be considered as signal integrators in central nervous system activity. These glial cells can respond to signals from the heterocellular milieu of the brain and subsequently release various molecules to signal to themselves and/or other neighboring neural cells. An important functional module that enables signal integration in astrocytes is exocytosis, a Ca2+-dependent process consisting of vesicular fusion to the plasma membrane. Astrocytes utilize regulated exocytosis to release various signaling molecules stored in the vesicular lumen. Here we review the properties of exocytotic release of three classes of gliotransmitters: (i) amino acids, (ii) nucleotides and (iii) peptides. Vesicles may carry not only lumenal cargo, but also membrane-associated molecules. Therefore, we also discuss exocytosis as a delivery mechanism for transporters and receptors to the plasma membrane, where these proteins are involved in astrocytic intercellular signaling. [Copyright &y& Elsevier] more...

In the decade following their initial discovery, the suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) proteins have been studied for their potential use as immunomodulators in disease. SOCS proteins, especially SOCS1 and SOCS3, are expressed by immune cells and cells of the central nervous system (CNS) and have the potential to impact immune processes within the CNS, including inflammatory cytokine and chemokine production, activation of microglia, macrophages and astrocytes, immune cell infiltration and autoimmunity. We describe CNS-relevant in vitro and in vivo studies that have examined the function of SOCS1 or SOCS3 under various neuroinflammatory or neuropathological conditions, including exposure of CNS cells to inflammatory cytokines or bacterial infection, demyelinating insults, stroke, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis and glioblastoma multiforme. [Copyright &y& Elsevier] more...

The tissue-specific drivers of neurosarcoidosis remain poorly defined. To identify cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specific, antigen-driven T and B cell responses, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing of CSF and blood cells from neurosarcoid participants coupled to T and B cell receptor sequencing. In contrast to pulmonary sarcoidosis, which is driven by CD4 T cells, we found CD8 T cell clonal expansion enriched in the neurosarcoid CSF. These CSF-enriched CD8 T cells were composed of two subsets with differential expression of EBI2, CXCR3, and CXCR4. Lastly, our data suggest that IFNγ signaling may distinguish neurosarcoidosis from other neurological disorders. [Display omitted] • The CSF from neurosarcoidosis contains consistent clonal expansion of CD8 T cells, but not CD4 T cells. • CSF-enriched CD8 T cell clones express CD27, EBI2, and Granzyme K in both the CSF and the blood. • An interferon signature marks CSF CD8 T cells in neurosarcoidosis. • Elevated CSF levels of IFNγ distinguish active neurosarcoidosis from other CNS disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Repeated cocaine administration to rats outside their home cage induces behavioral sensitization that is strongly modulated by the drug administration environment. We hypothesized that stimuli in the drug administration environment activate specific sets of striatal neurons, called neuronal ensembles, for further cocaine-enhanced activation, and that repeated activation of these neuronal ensembles underlies context-specific sensitization. In the present study, we repeatedly administered cocaine or saline to rats on alternate days in two distinct environments outside the home cage, one paired with cocaine and the other with saline. On test day, cocaine challenge injections in the cocaine-paired environment produced strongly enhanced levels of locomotor activity, while cocaine challenge injections in the saline-paired environment did not. The corresponding record of past neuronal activation in nucleus accumbens and caudate-putamen during repeated drug administration was assessed using FosB immunohistochemistry, while acute neuronal activation on test day was assessed using c-fos in situ hybridization. Although only 2% of striatal neurons were FosB labeled, 87% of these FosB-labeled neurons were co-labeled with c-fos when cocaine was injected in the cocaine-paired environment. The degree of co-labeling was significantly less following cocaine or saline challenge injections in the saline-paired environment. Furthermore, the total number of c-fos-labeled neurons was greater with either cocaine or saline challenge injections in the cocaine-paired environment than in the saline-paired environment. These findings demonstrate that the drug administration environment partly determines which striatal neuronal ensembles are activated, and to what extent, following context-specific sensitization to cocaine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Abstract: Induction of the immediate early gene protein product Fos has been used extensively to assess neural activation in the striatum after repeated amphetamine administration to rats in their home cages. However, this technique has not been used to examine striatal activation after repeated administration outside the home cage, an environment where repeated drug administration produces more robust psychomotor sensitization. We determined the dose–response relationship for amphetamine-induced psychomotor activity and Fos expression in nucleus accumbens and caudate-putamen 1 week after repeated administration of amphetamine or saline in locomotor activity chambers. Repeated administration of amphetamine enhanced amphetamine-induced locomotor activity and stereotypy and Fos expression in nucleus accumbens, but not in caudate-putamen. In comparison, levels of Fos expression induced by 1mg/kg amphetamine were not altered in nucleus accumbens or caudate-putamen by repeated amphetamine administration in the home cage. Double-labeling of Fos protein and enkephalin mRNA indicates that Fos is expressed in approximately equal numbers of enkephalin-negative and enkephalin-positive neurons in nucleus accumbens and caudate-putamen following injections outside the home cage. Furthermore, repeated amphetamine administration increased drug-induced Fos expression in enkephalin-positive, but not enkephalin-negative, neurons in nucleus accumbens. We conclude that repeated amphetamine administration outside the home cage recruits the activation of enkephalin-containing nucleus accumbens neurons during sensitized amphetamine-induced psychomotor activity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier] more...

Objectives: The purpose of this research was to assess the association between the metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) and cardiovascular events and mortality by meta-analyses of longitudinal studies. Background: Controversy exists regarding the cardiovascular risk associated with MetSyn. Methods: We searched electronic reference databases through March 2005, studies that referenced Reaven’s seminal article, abstracts presented at meetings in 2003 to 2004, and queried experts. Two reviewers independently assessed eligibility. Longitudinal studies reporting associations between MetSyn and cardiovascular events or mortality were eligible. Two reviewers independently used a standardized form to collect data from published reports. Authors were contacted. Study quality was assessed by the control of selection, detection, and attrition biases. Results: We found 37 eligible studies that included 43 cohorts (inception 1971 to 1997) and 172,573 individuals. Random effects meta-analyses showed MetSyn had a relative risk (RR) of cardiovascular events and death of 1.78 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.58 to 2.00). The association was stronger in women (RR 2.63 vs. 1.98, p = 0.09), in studies enrolling lower risk (<10%) individuals (RR 1.96 vs. 1.43, p = 0.04), and in studies using factor analysis or the World Health Organization definition (RR 2.68 and 2.06 vs. 1.67 for National Cholesterol Education Program definition and 1.35 for other definitions; p = 0.005). The association remained after adjusting for traditional cardiovascular risk factors (RR 1.54, 95% CI 1.32 to 1.79). Conclusions: The best available evidence suggests that people with MetSyn are at increased risk of cardiovascular events. These results can help clinicians counsel patients to consider lifestyle interventions, and should fuel research of other preventive interventions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier] more...

Human UDP-glucose dehydrogenase (UGDH) is a homohexameric enzyme that catalyzes two successive oxidations of UDP-glucose to yield UDP-glucuronic acid, an essential precursor for matrix polysaccharide and proteoglycan synthesis. We previously used crystal coordinates for Streptococcus pyogenes UGDH to generate a model of the human enzyme active site. In the studies reported here, we have used this model to identify three putative active site residues: lysine 220, aspartate 280, and lysine 339. Each residue was site-specifically mutagenized to evaluate its importance for catalytic activity and maintenance of hexameric quaternary structure. Alteration of lysine 220 to alanine, histidine, or arginine significantly impaired enzyme function. Assaying activity over longer time courses revealed a plateau after reduction of a single equivalent of NAD+ in the alanine and histidine mutants, whereas turnover continued in the arginine mutant. Thus, one role of this lysine may be to stabilize anionic transition states during substrate conversion. Mutation of aspartate 280 to asparagine was also severely detrimental to catalysis. The relative position of this residue within the active site and dependence of function on acidic character point toward a critical role for aspartate 280 in activation of the substrate and the catalytic cysteine. Finally, changing lysine 339 to alanine yielded the wild-type Vmax, but a 165-fold decrease in affinity for UDP-glucose. Interestingly, gel filtration of this substrate-binding mutant also determined it was a dimer, indicating that hexameric quaternary structure is not critical for catalysis. Collectively, this analysis has provided novel insights into the complex catalytic mechanism of UGDH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Background: The rate of stroke after myocardial infarction (MI) remains unclear. Objectives: To examine the rate of stroke after incident MI; compare it with that observed in the population of Rochester, Minnesota; determine how the rate of stroke after MI has changed over time; and examine the impact of stroke on survival after incident MI. Design: Community-based cohort. Setting: Olmsted County, Minnesota. Participants: Persons with incident (first-ever) MI between 1979 and 1998. Measurements: Ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke in hospitalized and nonhospitalized patients that was identified by screening of the medical record for stroke diagnostic codes and subsequent stroke confirmation by physician review of the recorded event. Medical record review was used to ascertain baseline characteristics and death. Results: A total of 2160 persons with incident MI were hospitalized between 1979 and 1998 and followed for a median of 5.6 years (range, 0 to 22.2 years). The rate of stroke was 22.6 per 1000 person-months (95% CI, 16.3 to 30.6 per 1000 person-months) during the first 30 days after MI, corresponding to a 44-fold increase (standardized morbidity ratio, 44 [95% CI, 32 to 59]) risk for stroke in the population of Rochester, Minnesota. The risk for stroke remained 2 to 3 times higher than expected during the first 3 years after MI. Older age, previous stroke, and diabetes increased the risk for stroke, which did not decline over the study period. Strokes were associated with a large increase in the risk for death after MI (hazard ratio, 2.89 [I, 2.44 to 3.43]). Limitations: Findings may not be generalizable to different populations. The authors measured outcomes by reviewing medical records. Conclusions: In the community, the risk for stroke is markedly increased after MI, particularly early after MI, compared with the expected risk in population without MI. Stroke is associated with a large increase in the risk for death after MI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Repeated cocaine administration to rats outside their home cages sensitizes the behavioral effects of the drug, and enhances induction of the immediate early gene product Fos in nucleus accumbens. We hypothesized that the same treatment regimen would also enhance cocaine-induced activation of intracellular signaling kinases that phosphorylate cyclic AMP-regulated element-binding protein (CREB), an important mediator of c- fos transcription. Phosphorylation levels of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), calcium/calmodulin kinases (CaMKs) II and IV, and CREB were used to assess endogenous functional activity of these signaling molecules in rats behaviorally sensitized outside their home cages. Protein kinase A (PKA)-specific phosphorylation of Ser845 in the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionate (AMPA) receptor subunit GluR1 was used to assess endogenous functional activity of PKA. Using western blots and immunohistochemistry, we detected cocaine-induced CREB phosphorylation after repeated cocaine administration, but not after repeated saline administration. Using western blots and MAPK activity assays, we found that cocaine-induced phosphorylation and activation of ERK, but not of CaMKs II or IV or GluR1, was augmented in nucleus accumbens of cocaine-sensitized rats. Unilateral infusions of the MAPK kinase inhibitor U0126 into nucleus accumbens attenuated cocaine-induced ERK and CREB phosphorylation in cocaine-sensitized rats. In contrast, unilateral infusions of the PKA inhibitor Rp-isomer of adenosine-3′,5′-cyclicmonophosphorothioate (Rp-cAMPs) did not affect cocaine-induced CREB phosphorylation. Therefore, enhanced activation of ERK, but not PKA, enables and mediates cocaine-induced CREB phosphorylation in nucleus accumbens of rats that are sensitized by repeated cocaine administration outside their home cages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

The aim of this study was to examine participation in cardiac rehabilitation after myocardial infarction (MI) by age and gender and the association of participation with survival.Lesser participation in cardiac rehabilitation has been reported for women and the elderly.All incident MIs in Olmsted County were validated. Baseline characteristics and outcomes were ascertained from the medical record. Logistic regression examined the association between participation, age, and gender. Propensity scores were used to examine the association between participation and outcome.Among 1,821 persons with incident MI (58% men, 46% age >70 years), 55% participated in cardiac rehabilitation. Participants were more likely to be men, younger, and have fewer comorbidities (p < 0.01 for all comparisons). After adjustment, women were 55% less likely to participate than men (odds ratio [OR] 0.45, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.34 to 0.60), and persons 70 years or older were 77% less likely to participate than persons younger than 60 (OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.16 to 0.33). Participants had a lower risk of death and recurrent MI at three years (p < 0.001 and p = 0.049, respectively). The survival benefit associated with participation was stronger in more recent years (relative risk [RR] for 1998 vs. 1982 0.28, 95% CI 0.18 to 0.43; RR for 1990 vs. 1982 0.41, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.52).Approximately half of the patients participated in cardiac rehabilitation after MI. Participation did not increase over time. Women and elderly persons were less likely to participate, independently of other characteristics. Participation in rehabilitation was independently associated with decreased mortality and recurrent MI, and its protective effect was stronger in more recent years. [Copyright &y& Elsevier] more...

UDP-glucose dehydrogenase (UGDH) catalyzes two oxidations of UDP-glucose to yield UDP-glucuronic acid. Pathological overproduction of extracellular matrix components may be linked to the availability of UDPglucuronic acid; therefore UGDH is an intriguing therapeutic target. Specific inhibition of human UGDH requires detailed knowledge of its catalytic mechanism, which has not been characterized. In this report, we have cloned, expressed, and affinity-purified the human enzyme and determined its steady state kinetic parameters. The human enzyme is active as a hexamer with values for Km and Vmax that agree well with those reported for a bovine homolog. We used crystal coordinates for Streptococcus pyogenes UGDH in complex with NAD+ cofactor and UDP-glucose substrate to generate a model of the enzyme active site. Based on this model, we selected Cys-276 and Lys-279 as likely catalytic residues and converted them to serine and alanine, respectively. Enzymatic activity of C276S and K279A point mutants was not measurable under normal assay conditions. Rate constants measured over several hours demonstrated that K279A continued to turn over, although 250-fold more slowly than wild type enzyme. C276S, however, performed only a single round of oxidation, indicating that it is essential for the second oxidation. This result is consistent with the postulated role of Cys276 as a catalytic residue and supports its position in the reaction mechanism for the human enzyme. Lys-279 is likely to have a role in positioning active site residues and in maintaining the hexameric quaternary structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Examines the differential preference of maternal female rats for cues associated with pups versus cues associated with cocaine at three different postpartum time points. Assessment of the expression of maternal behavior and locomotor activity; Preconditioning tests; Measurement of maternal nest building, retrieval of pups to the nest, grooming. more...

Rationale: There is little comparative information on the qualitative similarity, relative potency and reinforcing effects of oral cocaine versus cocaine administered via other routes. Methods: The present study used a within-subject, double-blind, double-dummy design to compare the physiological, subjective and reinforcing effects of placebo and oral (62.5, 125, 250 mg/70 kg) and intravenous (IV) (12.5, 25, 50 mg/70 kg) cocaine in volunteers with histories of cocaine abuse. Results: Cocaine produced dose-dependent increases on heart rate and blood pressure, with effects lasting longer after oral than IV cocaine. Subjective ratings (e.g., “rush,” “drug effect,” “liking”) were qualitatively similar and dose-dependently increased after oral and IV administration, and the duration of effects was similar under both routes. On a money versus drug choice measure of reinforcement, the monetary amounts at which participants chose drug over money increased as a function of cocaine dose under both routes of administration. At doses that produced comparable subjective, physiological, and reinforcing effects, oral cocaine was not identified as cocaine as frequently as IV cocaine. Across measures, the data suggested that IV cocaine was approximately 10 times more potent than oral cocaine. Conclusions: Overall, the results of this study support qualitatively similar effects of oral and IV cocaine and suggest that oral cocaine may be an effective tool for studying cocaine's effects in human laboratory studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Cancer neuroscience is a rapidly growing multidisciplinary field that conceptualizes tumors as tissues fully integrated into the nervous system. Recognizing the complexity and challenges in this field is of fundamental importance to achieving the goal of translational impact for cancer patients. Our commentary highlights key scientific priorities, optimal training settings, and roadblocks to translating scientific findings to the clinic in this emerging field, aiming to formulate a transformative and cohesive path forward. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Evaluates a cumulative dosing procedure for drug discrimination with human participants learning to discriminate triazolam from placebo. Comparison of results in single dosing procedure and cumulative dosing procedure; Determination of the dose-effect curve; Effect of cumulative dosing to human drug discrimination efficiency. more...

Healthy People 2020 supports the preparation of nurse graduates to assess emergency preparedness needs of defined populations and includes preparedness as one of its objectives. Natural disaster preparedness is addressed through the lens of community-centered care that meets the Quality and Safety Education for Nurses domains of patient-centered care and teamwork and collaboration. This article discusses the development of an authentic clinical experience through collaboration between the American Red Cross and a baccalaureate nursing program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

A distinct Russian Mammalian orthorubulavirus 5 (PIV5) was detected in cell culture exhibiting cytopathic effect and hypothesized to be contaminated by a scientist with respiratory symptoms. The identification of the divergent strain indicated a lack of knowledge on the diversity of PIV5 strains and calls for surveillance of global PIV5 strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

• Benzo[c]phenanthrene and its radical cation have a twisted, non-planar structure. • The energy required for H atom loss is 1.5 eV lower than for the planar tetracene ion. • The iPEPICO derived energy for C 2 H 2 loss from tetracene ions is 4.2 eV. • The double IE of tetracene was measured as 19.2 eV. Steric interference of two bay-hydrogen atoms causes the benzo[c]phenanthrene radical cation to be non-planar. The energy required to remove one of these H atoms (2.8 ± 0.1 eV, from iPEPICO spectroscopy) is 1.5 eV lower than that required from the planar tetracene ion due to the formation of a new C C bond. This low dissociation energy precludes benzo[c]phenanthrene ions losing C 2 H 2 (observed from tetracene with an energy of 4.2 eV). The B3-LYP/6-311++G(2d,p) reaction pathways to C 2 H 2 loss are presented and found to be mediated by azulene-containing intermediates. The second IE of tetracene was measured to be 19.0 ± 0.2 eV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Graphical abstract Highlights • MALDI FT-ICR imaging of aging human lens metabolites. • Metabolic spatial segmentation of human lenses. • Absolute quantitation of a lens antioxidant with MALDI imaging. Abstract Changes to cellular metabolism often precede changes to other biomolecules that in turn cause tissue pathologies. In the ocular lens, changes in the spatial distribution and concentration of metabolites that are associated with the aging process are implicated in the development of the primary lens pathology, lens cataract. The development of age-related nuclear cataract is characterised by regional changes to protein cross-linking and protein insolubilisation that subsequently results in cataract formation. In the present study, MALDI FT-ICR imaging mass spectrometry was used to map the metabolome of the aging human ocular lens, and a MALDI imaging mass spectrometry method developed to quantify regional changes to the primary lens antioxidant glutathione (reduced). Spatial segmentation of total metabolite signal intensities showed the lens contains distinct metabolic compartments that change with increasing age. Using the developed absolute quantitation method, glutathione concentrations throughout the lens were mapped with up to 100 μm spatial resolution, and showed that cortical concentrations (mean = 3.7 μmol/g tissue in 34 yo) were always higher than nuclear concentrations (mean = 2.8 μmol/g tissue in 34 yo). In addition, cortical concentrations decreased slightly with increasing lens age (mean = 2.7 μmol/g tissue in 74 yo), while the decrease in nuclear glutathione concentrations was more pronounced (mean = 0.8 μmol/g tissue in 74 yo). Finally, ceramides were localised to the lens region that was specifically depleted of glutathione. In summary, MALDI FT-ICR imaging mass spectrometry has allowed age-related changes to human lens metabolites to be mapped with higher spatial resolution than previously possible using alternative techniques. In addition, the multiplex capability of MALDI imaging mass spectrometry has allowed the spatial relationships of these lens metabolites to be established and explored. This approach should aid the development of spatially directed therapies to delay the onset of lens cataract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Abstract: Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial potential of proteins secreted by a new strain of Lactobacillus salivarius. Methods and Results: The secretome of L. salivarius SGL 03 strain was analysed by gel‐assisted fractionation and MS/MS to identify low‐molecular‐mass proteins. This strategy allowed us to identify 10 secreted proteins. Then, a combination of heterologous expression and agar well diffusion was used to characterize them as to their antimicrobial activity, mechanisms of action and stability. Our findings indicate that L27 and L30 proteins of the 50S ribosomal subunit have antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus uberis and Enterococcus faecium. In addition, both proteins are bactericidal against S. pyogenes and maintain their antimicrobial activity after different protease treatments, at acidic pH, after heat treatment, and if stored in a refrigerated ambient at least at 4°C. Conclusions: The overall results demonstrated that the L27 and L30 ribosomal proteins are of interest as new antimicrobial molecules to prevent the growth of S. pyogenes, S. uberis and E. faecium. Significance and Impact of the Study: Our results provide the first insight into the extra‐ribosomal activity of L27 and L30 secreted proteins of L. salivarius. This study demonstrated the capacity of L. salivarius SGL 03 to produce antimicrobial molecules and suggested this strain as a promising probiotic candidate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Abstract: Purpose: While the risk of stroke after myocardial infarction (MI) is increased compared with the risk among those without MI, the magnitude of this risk remains unclear. Although numerous clinical trials have reported the incidence of stroke following MI, these are among selected populations. We reviewed cohort studies reporting the incidence of stroke after MI to better define the risk of ischemic stroke in an unselected population. Methods: A computerized literature search (MEDLINE and PubMed) and manual review of reference lists of identified articles were conducted. Population-based studies published from 1978-2004 with at least 100 subjects that reported number or percent of ischemic strokes experienced by MI survivors were identified. Data were extracted using standardized forms, and study quality was assessed by 2 independent reviewers. Ischemic stroke rates were reported as number of events per 1000 MI with 95% confidence intervals (CI) calculated by Poisson distribution. A combined stroke rate was calculated for in-hospital, 30 days, and 1-year post-MI using weights of 1/variance. A random-effects model also was created to estimate in-hospital stroke rate. Variability in study designs and outcome definitions limit synthesis of available data. Results: During hospitalization for the index MI, 11.1 ischemic strokes occurred per 1000 MI compared with 12.2 at 30 days and 21.4 at 1 year. Using a random-effects model, 14.5 strokes occurred per 1000 MI. Positive predictors of stroke after MI included: advanced age, diabetes, hypertension, history of prior stroke, anterior location of index MI, prior MI, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and nonwhite race. Conclusions: The public health implications of stroke among MI survivors, as well as the large number of MI survivors, underscore the need to be aware of this devastating complication. Further research is needed to determine the optimal stroke prevention strategies for MI survivors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier] more...

Narrative theories of personality help elucidate the complexity of success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental conditions, such as the light-dark cycle and temperature, affect the display of circadian rhythmicity and locomotor activity patterns in mammals. Here, we tested the hypothesis that manipulating these environmental conditions would affect wheel-running activity patterns in a diurnal rodent, the Nile grass rat (Arvicanthis niloticus). Grass rats are diurnal in the field, however, a subset switch from a day-active pattern to a night-active pattern of activity after the introduction of a running wheel. The mechanism of this chronotype switch remains largely unknown. In the present study, grass rats were presented with running wheels in 12:12 light-dark conditions. First, subjects were exposed to 25 °C during the day and 21 °C at night, which resulted in 100% of grass rats expressing diurnal behavior. Subjects were then exposed to manipulations of elevated ambient temperature, which resulted in a significant reduction in wheel-running activity. Reducing ambient temperature below 21 °C, however, did not disrupt the expression of diurnality or overall activity. Next, lighting intensity was reduced, which resulted in a switch from a diurnal to a nocturnal chronotype in a subset of animals and reduced overall wheel-running activity. Upon return to baseline lighting intensity, patterns of diurnal activity were restored. Altogether, increases in ambient temperature and decreases in lighting intensity significantly reduced overall wheel-running activity. Importantly, dim light resulted in a temporal niche switch in a subset of grass rats, suggesting a critical role for lighting intensity on the expression of wheel-running activity patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Flying fishes (family Exocoetidae) are important components of epipelagic ecosystems and are targeted by fishing fleets in the Caribbean Sea and elsewhere. However, owing to their anti-predator behavior and habitats, their ecology, abundance, and distributions are only partially known. From September 20 to October 6,2011, we conducted a series of surveys over a large area (approximately 75,000 km2) of the northern Gulf of Mexico (87°W-90.5°W, 28°N-30°N). The surveys used an airborne lidar and vessel-based sampling, supported by near real time satellite observations of oceanic conditions. The aerial survey was conducted from a fixed wing aircraft that flew repeated surveys day and night, enabling data collection that was both broad-scale and synoptic. Vessel-based sampling included quantitative visual observations, trawl sampling, and qualitative dip-netting for species identifications. The combined surveys identified large aggregations of epipelagic organisms dominated by flying fishes. Large numbers of jellyfish (Aurelia sp.) and low numbers of numerous other species were also observed. The putative flying fish aggregations had an average length scale of 6.1 km and an average population estimated at 10,000 individuals. While always near the surface, flying fish aggregations were slightly deeper at night than during the day and found most often off the continental shelf in warm water with low chlorophyll concentrations. At least three species were present: Hirundichthys rondeletii (Valenciennes, 1847), Cheilopogon melanurus (Valenciennes, 1847), and Prognichthys occidentalis Parin, 1999. This combination of aerial and surface surveys afforded repeated synoptic, ground-truthed data collection over a large area and indicates that this method could be useful for surveying such mobile epipelagic fishes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Although the role of religion and spirituality in the lives of older adults is well documented, more research is needed to better understand the role of churches within the context of “age-friendly” cities. Qualitative data were collected (N = 60) from six ethnically diverse focus groups and individual interviews of homebound older adults. Study participants emphasized the importance of churches as a source of social connectivity, volunteering, and as a provider of health-related education and informal services. Findings underscore the importance of churches in age-friendly cities and address a critical gap in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER] more...

Objective The factors responsible for radiographic severity in African American patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are poorly understood. We sought to identify genes whose expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells is associated with radiographic severity in RA. Methods In the first phase of the study, we performed real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction to analyze the expression of 182 candidate genes in 40 African American RA patients with extremes of radiographic damage (low versus high radiographic scores) and disease duration (≤2 years versus >2 years) and 20 healthy African American control subjects; the genes were selected based on plausible immune pathways. In the second phase, we analyzed the expression of the genes that were shown to be significantly associated with radiographic scores in 576 African American patients with RA and 51 African American control subjects who had not been studied previously, accounting for autoantibody status and disease duration. Results We observed significant differences in IFNGR1 expression between patients with RA and control subjects (adjusted P [ Padj] = 6 × 10−14) and in IFNGR2 expression between RA patients with erosions and those with no erosions ( Padj = 0.01 by Wilcoxon's rank sum test). We also observed significant correlations between IFNGR2 expression and radiographic scores ( Padj = 0.03 for erosions, Padj = 0.04 for joint space narrowing, and Padj = 0.03 for total radiographic score [zero-inflated negative binomial regression model]) and annualized progression rate ( Padj = 0.0024 by Spearman's correlation analysis). Conclusion These findings have important implications with respect to the role of interferon-γ (IFNγ) in the pathogenesis of RA and may lead to identification of a biomarker for radiographic damage. Additional studies are needed to define the cell subsets responsible for the association of IFNγ receptor gene expression with radiographic findings, which downstream mechanisms are involved, and generalizability to other RA populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Background & Aims: Reported HBV drug resistance mutations among previously untreated patients with chronic hepatitis B are variable. Whether resistant HBV strains are transmitted in the acute setting is uncertain. We sought to document the presence of antiviral resistance (AVR) mutations in patients with acute HBV (AHB) infection. Methods: AHB infection was defined by HBsAg/IgM anti-HBc positivity, ALT>10X ULN and compatible clinical history. The TRUGENE HBV kit was used to perform genotyping and direct sequencing of the viral polymerase. INNO-LiPA HBV DRv2 and DRv3 were used to detect AVR mutations. Clonal sequencing was conducted on selected specimens. Results: Twenty-three patients were evaluated (mean age, 43years; 54% male; 39% African American, 39% Caucasian, 13% Hispanic and 4% Asian). The mean peak ALT was 1554.2IU/L and mean peak total serum bilirubin was 12mg/dl. The HBV DNA median viral load (N=15) was 5.14 log10 IU/ml. Nineteen patients were genotype A, and 1 each were genotype C, D, E and G. HBV drug resistance mutations were not detected by direct sequencing or INNO-LiPA. Clonal sequencing was conducted on 192 clones isolated from three patients and showed rtA181T, rtM250V and rtS202G mutations at an overall frequency of 1.54%, 1.39%, and 1.67% respectively. Conclusions: We detected adefovir/lamivudine and entecavir relevant mutations in a minor population (<2%) of viral clones by clonal sequencing only. The clinical significance of these mutations is uncertain and may represent small populations of quasi-species vs. transmission of drug resistant strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

An estimated quarter of the world's population possesses an infection caused by gastrointestinal nematodes, which induce a Th2 type immune response. Concomitant infection of nematodes with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which induces a predominantly Th1 type response, is very frequent in tropical and subtropical regions. This study examined immune responses of BALB/c mice infected with Strongyloides venezuelensis and then co-infected with Mycobacterium bovis. The number of worms in the intestine, eggs in feces, cytokine production in lungs and intestine and the expression of CD80, CD86, CTLA-4 and CD28 cell markers on pulmonary cells were analysed. Our results indicate that co-infected mice had an increased parasite burden, which correlates with elevated IFN-γ and IL-10 cytokine production and decreased IL-4 and IL-13. Moreover, decreased expression of CD80 and increased expression of CTLA-4 were observed in co-infected mice. Our data point out that susceptibility to Strongyloides venezuelensis infection is increased by Mycobacterium bovis co-infection, resulting in higher parasite survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Learned associations between effects of abused drugs and the drug administration environment are important in drug addiction. Histochemical and electrophysiological studies suggest that these associations are encoded in sparsely distributed nucleus accumbens neurons that are selectively activated by drugs and drug-associated cues. Although correlations have been observed between nucleus accumbens neuronal activity and responsivity to drugs and drug cues, no technique exists for selectively manipulating these activated neurons and establishing their causal role in behavioral effects of drugs and drug cues. Here we describe a new approach, which we term the 'Daun02 inactivation method', that selectively inactivates a minority of neurons previously activated by cocaine in an environment repeatedly paired with cocaine to demonstrate a causal role for these activated neurons in context-specific cocaine-induced psychomotor sensitization in rats. This method provides a new tool for studying the causal roles of selectively activated neurons in behavioral effects of drugs and drug cues and in other learned behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Previous studies of the low-level jet (LLJ) over the central Great Plains of the United States have been unable to determine the role that mesoscale and smaller circulations play in the transport of moisture. To address this issue, two aircraft missions during the International H2O Project (IHOP_2002) were designed to observe closely a well-developed LLJ over the Great Plains (primarily Oklahoma and Kansas) with multiple observation platforms. In addition to standard operational platforms (most important, radiosondes and profilers) to provide the large-scale setting, dropsondes released from the aircraft at 55-km intervals and a pair of onboard lidar instruments—High Resolution Doppler Lidar (HRDL) for wind and differential absorption lidar (DIAL) for moisture—observed the moisture transport in the LLJ at greater resolution. Using these observations, the authors describe the multiscalar structure of the LLJ and then focus attention on the bulk properties and effects of scales of motion by computing moisture fluxes through cross sections that bracket the LLJ. From these computations, the Reynolds averages within the cross sections can be computed. This allow an estimate to be made of the bulk effect of integrated estimates of the contribution of small-scale (mesoscale to convective scale) circulations to the overall transport. The performance of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model in forecasting the intensity and evolution of the LLJ for this case is briefly examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

The development of nematicides targeting parasitic nematodes of animals and plants requires the identification of biochemical targets not found in host organisms. Recent studies suggest that Caenorhabditis elegans synthesizes phosphocholine through the action of PEAMT (S-adenosyl-L-methionine:phosphoethanolamine N-methyltransferases) that convert phosphoethanolamine into phosphocholine. Here, we examine the function of a PEAMT from C. elegans (gene: pmt-1; protein: PMT-1). Our analysis shows that PMT-1 only catalyses the conversion of phosphoethanolamine into phospho-monomethylethanolamine, which is the first step in the PEAMT pathway. This is in contrast with the multifunctional PEAMT from plants and Plasmodium that perform multiple methylations in the pathway using a single enzyme. Initial velocity and product inhibition studies indicate that PMT-1 uses a random sequential kinetic mechanism and is feedback inhibited by phosphocholine. To examine the effect of abrogating PMT-1 activity in C. elegans, RNAi (RNA interference) experiments demonstrate that pmt-1 is required for worm growth and development and validate PMT-1 as a potential target for inhibition. Moreover, providing pathway metabolites downstream of PMT-1 reverses the RNAi phenotype of pmt-1. Because PMT-1 is not found in mammals, is only distantly related to the plant PEAMT and is conserved in multiple parasitic nematodes of humans, animals and crop plants, inhibitors targeting it may prove valuable in human and veterinary medicine and agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Induction of the immediate early gene protein product Fos has been used extensively to assess neural activation in the striatum after repeated cocaine administration to rats in their home cages but rarely after repeated administration outside the home cage, which produces more robust locomotor sensitization. In the present study, we found cocaine-induced Fos expression in nucleus accumbens, but not caudate-putamen, was enhanced 1 and 6 months after repeated drug administration in locomotor activity chambers. Double-labelling of Fos protein and enkephalin mRNA indicated that Fos expression in nucleus accumbens was enhanced in enkephalin-positive, but not enkephalin-negative, medium spiny neurons. In contrast, cocaine-induced Fos expression was absent altogether in nucleus accumbens and unaltered in caudate-putamen 1 month after repeated cocaine administration in the home cage. As cocaine-induced locomotor activity was also enhanced 1 and 6 months after repeated cocaine administration in locomotor activity chambers, we wanted to confirm that neuronal activity in nucleus accumbens mediates cocaine-induced locomotor activity using our particular treatment regimen. Bilateral infusions of the GABA agonists baclofen and muscimol (1 µg/side) into nucleus accumbens of sensitized rats blocked cocaine-induced Fos expression and locomotor activity. Thus, while neuronal activity in both D1- and D2-type neurons in nucleus accumbens can mediate acute cocaine-induced locomotor activity, the enhanced activation of enkephalinergic D2-type neurons suggests that these latter neurons mediate the enhancement of cocaine-induced locomotor activity for up to 6 months after repeated drug administration outside the home cage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Presents equations for predicting soil organic carbon using loss-on-ignition for North Central U.S. soils. Differences between predictive equations for individual major land resource areas; Recommendation to develop predictive equations for individual soil-geographic regions. more...

Presents a study which examined the inhibitory effect of dioxolane guanosine, an active form of diamopurine dioxolane, on HIV-1 isolates from patients for whom standard nucleoside therapy fails. Materials and methods; Results; Discussion. more...

Types and distributions of spelling patterns were identified in the invented spelling samples of 100 children in the second semester of their kindergarten year. Invented spellings were studied because they provide a valid measure of children's phonemic awareness in print a skill that is highly correlated with reading success in the early stages of literacy acquisition. The subjects' spelling errores were used to develop a taxonomy of 10 invented spelling patterns and 21 response types that characterized the children's most frequently occurring spellings of graphemes targeted for analysis in 12 words. The acquisition of spelling patterns was examined by dividing the children into three groups based on the phonemic accuracy of their spellings on a pre-reading instrument. A developmental ordering of spelling patterns is presented and relationships among phonological awareness, spelling, and reading are discussed as they re relevant to speech language-pathologists treating children who are-at risk for reading disabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

• Global learning promotes intercultural understanding among learners and their nodes. • Students use networked technologies to connect with other students located in various parts of the world. • Students interact to co-construct knowledge and respond to unique situations collaboratively. • Connectivism is a strategic theory that leverages the availability of distributed knowledge. Learning today is supported and made complex by ubiquitous technologies. To prepare students for global workforce and intercultural exchange, writing pedagogy must incorporate strategic networked learning approaches. In this article, we present three examples of international collaborations and intercultural learning by the means of connectivism—a learning theory for the digital age. Through assessing student projects and reviewing student and instructor feedback, we demonstrate the uses and implications of connectivism for writing pedagogy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Porcine deltacoronavirus (δ-CoV) is the object of extensive research in several countries including the United States. In contrast, the epidemiology of δ-CoVs in wild birds in the US is largely unknown. Our aim was to comparatively assess the prevalence of δ- and γ-CoVs in wild migratory terrestrial and aquatic birds in Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee and Wisconsin. A total of 1236 cloacal/fecal swabs collected during the period 2015–2018 were tested for γ- and δ-CoVs using genus-specific reverse transcription-PCR assays. A total of 61 (4.99%) samples were γ-CoV positive, with up to 29 positive samples per state. In contrast, only 14 samples were positive for δ-CoV (1.14%) with only 1–4 originating from the same state. Thus, unlike previous reports from Asia, γ-CoVs are more prevalent than δ-CoVs in the US, suggesting that δ-CoVs may spread in birds with lower efficiency. This may indicate δ-CoV emerging status and incomplete adaptation to new host species limiting its spread. Phylogenetic analysis of the partial N gene revealed that the newly identified δ-CoV strains were most closely related to the HKU20 (wigeon) strain. Further studies are necessary to investigate the role of aquatic bird δ-CoVs in the epidemiology of δ-CoVs in swine and terrestrial birds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...