Differential regulation of macrophage phenotype by mature and pro-nerve growth factor

To characterize the role of neurotrophin receptors on macrophages, we investigated the ability of nerve growth factor (NGF) and its precursor, proNGF, to regulate human macrophage phenotype. The p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) and TrkA were concentrated within overlapping domains on membrane ruffles. NGF stimulation of macrophages increased membrane ruffling, calcium spiking, phagocytosis and growth factor secretion. In contrast, proNGF induced podosome formation, increased migration, suppressed calcium spikes and increased neurotoxin secretion. These results demonstrate opposing roles of NGF and proNGF in macrophage regulation providing new avenues for pharmacological intervention during neuroinflammation

A new high-resolution direction finding architecture using photonics and neural network signal processing for miniature air vehicle applications

This paper investigates the design of an interferometric direction finding receiver using photonic components for signal mixing and a multi-layer perceptron for data analysis. The complete system was tested with a 2.4 GHz continuous signal in an anechoic chamber. Test results showed that the compact antenna and receiver design was capable of measuring direction of arrival with 1° resolution over a 180° field of view while keeping mean error below 0.5°. It was also demonstrated that the design is insensitive to phase alignment of receiver channels, thus simplifying future receiver design. Improvements were recommended for a design theoretically capable of providing 0.25° angle resolution.http://archive.org/details/anewhighresoluti1094547276Outstanding ThesisCaptain, Swedish ArmyApproved for public release; distribution is unlimited

The Influence of Stress, Gender, and Culture on Type 2 Diabetes Prevention and Management Among Black Men: A Qualitative Analysis

This study used focus-group methodology to seek understanding about the unique influence of stress, gender, and culture on type 2 diabetes mellitus (t2dm) prevention and management among Black men. Twenty men from Iowa were recruited from a larger longitudinal study on Black families; each of these men participated in one of three focus groups. Ninety-five percent of the men in the sample were Black and all were either diagnosed with t2dm (n = 10), were prediabetic (n = 1), or had experience with t2dm through family and friends (n = 9). Our results revealed the existence of significant stress and some pessimism with respect to perceived ability to prevent and manage t2dm. The participants made it clear that, while their families are primary sources of support for managing stress, including t2dm, they can also be a source of stress, particularly with respect to parenting. Black men had mixed opinions on their relationships with respect to their health care providers; some had positive, long-standing relationships while others reported little or no relationship with their providers. In response to life stress, Black men reported experiencing inadequate and disrupted sleep as well as consuming too much alcohol at times. Some of the participants reported engaging in physical activity to manage their stress. The study concluded that, as researchers develop t2dm prevention and management programs, they should continue to consider the unique role that stress in its various forms, plays in the lives of Black men.this is a manuscript for an article from American Journal of Men's Health, 2015; doi: 1557988315580132. Posted with permission.</p