The Neurotrophic Receptor Ntrk2 Directs Lymphoid Tissue Neovascularization during Leishmania donovani Infection

The neurotrophic tyrosine kinase receptor type 2 (Ntrk2, also known as TrkB) and its ligands brain derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf), neurotrophin-4 (NT-4/5), and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) are known primarily for their multiple effects on neuronal differentiation and survival. Here, we provide evidence that Ntrk2 plays a role in the pathologic remodeling of the spleen that accompanies chronic infection. We show that in Leishmania donovani-infected mice, Ntrk2 is aberrantly expressed on splenic endothelial cells and that new maturing blood vessels within the white pulp are intimately associated with F4/80hiCD11bloCD11c+ macrophages that express Bdnf and NT-4/5 and have pro-angiogenic potential in vitro. Furthermore, administration of the small molecule Ntrk2 antagonist ANA-12 to infected mice significantly inhibited white pulp neovascularization but had no effect on red pulp vascular remodeling. We believe this to be the first evidence of the Ntrk2/neurotrophin pathway driving pathogen-induced vascular remodeling in lymphoid tissue. These studies highlight the therapeutic potential of modulating this pathway to inhibit pathological angiogenesis

Strukturuntersuchungen amorpher Phasenwechselmaterialien Ge50-xCuxTe50 mittels Streuung und Absorption von Röntgenstrahlung

Die amorphe Struktur der Phasenwechselmaterialien (PCM) GCT-9110 (Ge45Cu5Te50), GCT-7310 (Ge35Cu15Te50) und GCT-112 (Ge25Cu25Te50) auf der pseudo-binären Linie zwischen GeTe und CuTe wurden mittels anomaler Röntgenstreuung (AXS) und Röntgen-Absorptions\-feinstruktur (XAFS) untersucht. Mit Hilfe von Simulationen der Nahkanten\-absorption (XANES) und experimentellen Daten als Randbedingungen wurden mittels reverser Monte-Carlo Simulationen (RMC) dreidimensionale Modelle dieser Zusammensetzungen erzeugt. Bei niedrigen Cu-Konzentrationen, GCT-9110 und GCT-7310, bilden sich Cu-Cluster, die in die amorphe Matrix eingebettet sind und mit dieser über Cu-Te Bindungen verbunden sind. Dadurch ergibt sich eine mit der Cu-Konzentration steigende relative Te-Konzentration in der die Cluster umgebenden amorphen Matrix, wodurch die in diesem Konzentrationsbereich gefundene steigende Kristallisationstemperatur erklärt werden kann. Die amorphe Matrix besitzt eine bimodale Topologie, es bilden sich tetraedrische und defekt-oktaedrische Bindungseinheiten. Dadurch ergibt sich eine schwach ausgeprägte Ordnung auf höheren Längenskalen. Mit steigender Cu-Konzentration nimmt der Anteil der defekt-oktaedrischen Einheiten ab. Im Gegensatz dazu ist GCT-112 durch ein Ge-Cu-Te Netzwerk charakterisiert, dass sich ausschließlich über tetraedrische Strukturen beschreiben lässt und eine deutlich langreichweitigere Ordnung aufweist als GCT-9110 und GCT-7310

Structure Determination in a New Class of Amorphous Cluster Compounds with Extreme Nonlinear Optical Properties

The microscopic structure of two new infrared-driven amorphous white light generators, namely [(PhSn)4S6] and [(CpSn)4S6] and a related amorphous material [(NpSn)4S6], showing 2nd harmonics generation instead, were explored by X-ray and neutron diffraction, EXAFS and Reverse Monte Carlo simulations to explore relations between their extreme nonlinear optical behavior and microscopic structural properties. The current state of research is reported and experimental and simulation results are discussed. The prominent observation is that the molecular units are distorted in the WLG materials which seems not to be the case for the 2nd harmonics generator. Associated is the formation of a net of similarly spaced intra- and intermolecular sulfur atoms which is interpreted as a vibrational network that could explain the high receptivity of the material for infrared radiation. It is also found that the molecules arrange in chains with staggered configuration regarding the arrangement of the organic ligands.</p

3D wind flow simulator

The current technology for 3-D modeling and simulations are expanding in an accelerated pace. Because of the availability of OpenGL technology, it is possible to create simulations regarding the aerodynamics of wind tunnel experiments that readily produce and acquire results. With a system that can simulate the wind tunnel experiment, the wind-model interaction can be seen. This system can be used as preparatory phase for actual wind flow experiments. This lessens the cost and minimizes the time for research and development. The proposed system performs 3-D geometric modeling, 3-D graphic rendering and wind simulation. The system is able to produce a graphical representation of how the wind behaves upon contract with geometric models

Content and structure of values in middle adolescence: Evidence from Singapore, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Australia

Schwartz\u27s theory of the content and structure of human values has been validated mostly with adult (teacher and university student) samples. The present study examines the content and structure of values of middle adolescents in Singapore, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Australia. The 40-item version of the Portrait Values Questionnaire was administered to 230 adolescents in each country (total N = 920; boys and girls were equal) and smallest space analysis was performed. Consistent with theory, the 10 first-order values and the four second-order values, organized in two bipolar dimensions, were identified in all samples. In support of the developmentally modified value model for young people, there was some evidence for the periphery of power to achievement. Interestingly, the location of benevolence and universalism were reversed across all cultural groups, and tradition values separated into self-restriction and faith. Overall, the findings support the claim that Schwartz\u27s theory of values is neither restricted to adults nor solely based on a particular instrument and is generalizable across diverse national contexts. © The Author(s) 2011

Cultural factors relevant to secondary school students in Australia, Singapore, the Philippines and Indonesia: Relative differences and congruencies

Waldrip and Fisher (2000) proposed seven culturally relevant factors that are salient in the educational setting (gender equity, collaboration, competition, deference, modelling, teacher authority, congruence). In relation to these factors, the present study examined differences and congruencies in factor structure (i.e., differences of kind) and mean scores (i.e., differences of degree) among secondary school students in Australia, Singapore, the Philippines and Indonesia. The Cultural Learning Environment Questionnaire (CLEQ; Waldrip & Fisher, 2000) was administered to 920 students (n = 230 for each country, with boys and girls equally represented; mean age = 16 years). Factor analyses showed congruencies across the four samples on five factors. Interestingly, items pertaining to students\u27 deference to and modelling of teachers and peers grouped into one factor for the Australian sample, but separated into two factors (peers and teacher) for the South-East Asian samples. In terms of mean scores on each factor, Australian students were higher than the Singaporean, Filipino and Indonesian students in their inclination to challenge or disagree with the teacher. On the other hand, the three groups of South-East Asian students scored higher than the Australian students in their preferences for collaboration and conformity in the classroom. Implications for counselling relevant to multicultural classroom and school contexts were discussed