cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Maturation of the glomerular visceral epithelium and capillary endothelium in the puppy kidney

The present study describes the development and maturation of the glomerular visceral epithelium and capillary endothelium in an attempt to clarify kidney function in the neonate. The puppy kidney undergoes nephrogenesis for at least two weeks after birth, and thus possesses nephrons of different ages and levels of maturation. Since nephron development varies considerably from inner to outer cortex, renal corpuscles were examined within three arbitrary zones (outer, middle and inner cortex). The visceral epithelium of the smallest glomeruli, i.e., those of the outer cortex, is composed of cuboidal cells which are densely clustered and rests directly upon the limited number of small capillaries. More deeply within the outer cortex, broad, flat epithelial processes extend around the capillary, but lack any visible pedicels. Mid cortical glomerular capillaries undergo an increase in diameter and length, and at the same time the podocytes flatten and separate from one another. Pedicels begin to appear in this zone as thickened, disorganized processes. Juxtamedullary glomeruli are the largest, due primarily to their extensive capillary branching (looping). Podocytes are nearly adult-like in appearance, with many long primary processes and pedicels. The endothelial morphology of glomerular capillaries varies from one loop to another, as well as within a single loop. The immature endothelium of outer glomeruli is initially characterized by extensive expanses lacking pores, multiple cellular layers and small, scattered pinholes. Greater capillary maturity is apparent in the mid cortex, due to an increase in pore number and diameter as well as greater attenuation of endothelial cells. However, evidence of remodeling and a lack of pores still exists in some capillaries. The glomerular capillaries of the inner cortex appear the most mature, but possess regions that are still immature when compared to the adult.
Minimally Supervised Instance Matching: An Alternate Approach

Instance matching concerns identifying pairs of instances that refer to the same underlying entity. Current state-of-the-art instance matchers use machine learning methods. Supervised learning systems achieve good performance by training on significant amounts of manually labeled samples. To alleviate the labeling effort, this poster The work presented herein is also being published as a full conference paper at ESWC 2015. This poster provides a more high-level overview and discusses supplemental experimental findings beyond the scope of the material in the full paper. presents a minimally supervised instance matching approach that is able to deliver competitive performance using only 2i¾ź% training data. As a first step, a committee of base classifiers is trained in an ensemble setting using boosting. Iterative semi-supervised learning is used to improve the performance of the ensemble classifier even further, by self-training it on the most confident samples labeled in the current iteration. Empirical evaluations on real-world data show that, using a multilayer perceptron as base classifier, the system is able to achieve an average F-Measure that is within 2.5i¾ź% of that of state-of-the-art supervised systems.
Direct Articulation of AD Nursing Students Into an RN-to-BSN Completion Program: A Research Study

A study was undertaken to investigate the educational validity of direct articulation for AD students into an upper division RN-completion program through transfer of nursing credit. The results suggested that there is a common core of content in both associate- and baccalaureate-level nursing curricula, and that transferring associate degree nursing (ADN) credit into an RN-to-BSN upper division program is defensible. Statistical analysis revealed no significant difference between ADN seniors graduating from National League for Nursing (NLN)-accredited programs and candidates for university admission in composite scores on the ACT-PEP validation battery if the student achieved a final GPA of 2.75 or above. Based on these results, the faculty has recommended the adoption of a general policy of direct articulation for students from state-approved, NLN-accredited ADN programs into the RN-to-BSN program at La Salle University.
A Review of “The Kingdom and the Glory: For a Theological Genealogy of Economy and Government,” and “Adam Smith as Theologian”

The Scottish Enlightenment is very much in vogue. Studies of Thomas Reid have mushroomed, and Hume is like a juggernaut sweeping aside most other thinkers, at least in contemporary Anglo-American p...
Grade Labeling for Canned Fruits and Vegetables

THERE has been a great deal of controversy in recent years over the relative merits of grade labeling as an aid in the marketing of canned fruits and vegetables. Misunderstanding of the grade labeling problem has arisen from three principal sources: first, a misunderstanding of this particular program of the Agricultural Marketing Service; second, the lack of concrete evidence based on a thorough statistical investigation to prove or disprove a given hypothesis; and, third, opposition of groups to the entire idea of federal grades, based on a sincere belief that other methods of labeling are inherently superior to this method. In this article the author attempts to clarify certain of these misunderstandings.
Effect of Spatial Segregation on Commensalistic Cultures—Series Reactors

A comprehensive analysis of static and dynamic behavior of a mixed culture in two bioreactors in series is presented considering anaerobic digestion involving acidogens (X) and methanogens (Y) as the example bioprocess. A single continuous culture may operate at up to seven steady states, including up to four coexistence steady states, with only one coexistence steady state being locally stable. The bioreactors in the two-reactor system are identical in terms of composition of and dilution rate with respect to fresh feed. A two-reactor system may admit up to forty nine steady states, which are comprised of up to forty coexistence steady states, at least at very low interaction rates (R). When physically realizable, up to five coexistence steady states are locally stable. The static and dynamic analysis of the two-reactor system is facilitated by appropriate grouping of large number of steady states arising for very low R into nine clusters and grouping of the clusters into three cluster groups. Numerical ...
Toward Rare Cell In Vivo Flow Cytometry

In this talk, I will discuss our development of new technology for non-invasive detection, enumeration and tracking of very rare circulating cells in the bloodstream, and prospects for this technology in enabling new biomedical research.
Investigation on the first human brucellosis in Hubei Province,2011

To clarify the infection source and risk factors of transmission in a brucellosis outbreak in Dawu County,Xiaogan City during the periods from October 2010 to August 2011 which was the first outbreak in Hubei Province since 1950s,we conducted case searching,epidemiologic investigation and retrospective case-control study.There were 9 brucellosis patients in the same village in this outbreak,including 1 suspected case and 8 laboratory-confirmed cases.Two strains of B.melitensis biovar 3 were cultured in the blood of 2 confirmed cases.The case-control study showed that OR value of contacting sheep was 7(1.02-52.59)and the ways of contacting were feeding the introduced sheep and cleaning the sheepfold.The current goats in the same village were detected positive for Brucella antibody.Because the feeding of introduced goats flock was the source of this brucellosis outbreak,we should strengthen the surveillance of the population at high risk and quarantine of the sheep or goats flock.
Perturbed bone marrow monocyte development following burn injury and sepsis promote hyporesponsive monocytes.

The mechanism of monocyte deactivation in critically injured burn patients remains unresolved. Two functionally distinct F4 /80 + Gr-1 + and F4 /80+Gr- 1- monocyte subsets have been characterized based on their homing to inflammatory or noninflammatory tissues, respectively. We hypothesized that the posttraumatic milieu in the bone marrow (BM) blunts the production of "inflammatory" monocytes. C57Blk/J male mice were divided into sham (S), burn (B), and burn sepsis (BS) groups. B and BS received a 15% dorsal scald burn and BS was inoculated with 15K colony forming units Pseudomonas aeruginosa at the burn site. Animals were killed and blood and femoral BM were collected 48, 72, and 96 hours after injury. ER-MP20 + monocyte progenitors were isolated from BM and differentiated into macrophage (MO) or dendritic cells (DCs) and characterized by the cell surface expression of F4 /80 and CDllc, respectively. In both cell types, TLR-4 agonist induced cytokine levels were determined. Results showed a 2-fold increase in the F4 /80 + Gr-1 + subset at 48 hours in BS that started to decline at 72 hours and remained low at 96 hours. ER-MP20 + progenitors isolated at 48 hours exhibited robust MO differentiation potential but a significant decline in the percentage of the F4/80+Gr-1 + subset (P <.05 vs S) with a concomitant decrease in tumor necrosis factor a production. DC development from ER-MP20 + progenitors and LPS-stimulated tumor necrosis factor a production were impaired. Therefore, BM progenitor derived MO will replace the transient hyper-responsive circulating monocytes later during the course of the septic insult. Hypo-reactivity of the developing monocytes and DC in the BM and their subsequent egress to the periphery provide a plausible explanation for the immunosuppression that ensues a critical burn injury and sepsis.
COSTAL CHONDRITIS WITH ASSOCIATED OSTEOMYELITIS.

SUMMARY Costal chondritis occurs relatively infrequently but is severely disabling and has significant mortality. It is usually associated with osteomyelitis, generally of the sternum, which is often the result of delayed or inadequate treatment of the chondritis. Injury to the perichondrium during operations that are complicated by infection is an important cause of costal chondritis and care should be taken to avoid this by utilizing alternate drainage routes and by avoiding undue contact with the cartilage. Chondritis has been caused by many of the pathogenic bacteria and fungi. These agents may infect by hematogenous routes or by spread from nearby infections, usually in the mediastinum or regional nodes or adjacent bone. Early diagnosis may be difficult. It is important to differentiate costal chondritis from other lesions, such as tumors and aneurysms. The only sure method of cure is the removal of the entire involved cartilage along with excision of the diseased bone. If one of the upper five cartilages is involved, only that cartilage need be removed. If any cartilage contiguous with the costal arch is involved, the entire arch must be removed. In situations in which both costal arches or large sections of the sternum are involved, it may be prudent to stage the procedure to reduce the hazard of embarrassment of pulmonary ventilation. The case reports of patients have been presented which emphasize the need for prompt and adequate treatment, and the necessity of protecting costal cartilage during surgical procedures.
Preparing Hospitality Professionals to Serve the Multicultural Market: Creating an Internationalized Curriculum

Hospitality management faculty are facing the challenge of developing a comprehensive international program using theory from the field of international education. The vision and goals, the hierarchical framework upon which actions plans have been implemented, progress to date, and future objectives are presented as a model for other programs.
Comparison of second-line immunosuppressants for childhood refractory nephrotic syndrome: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

Although, most patients respond initially to therapy for nephrotic syndrome, about 70% of patients have a relapse. Currently, there is no consensus about the most appropriate second-line agent in children who continue to suffer a relapse. This network meta-analysis was designed to compare the efficacy and safety of the commonly used immunosuppressive agents in second-line therapeutic agents (ie, cyclophosphamide, cyclosporine, tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil) for refractory childhood nephrotic syndrome. MEDLINE, Cochrane, EMBASE and Google Scholar databases were searched until October 17, 2015 using the following search terms: cyclophosphamide, cyclosporine, tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil and childhood nephrotic syndrome. Randomized controlled trials, prospective 2-arm studies and cohort studies were included. 7 studies with 391 patients were included. Bayesian network meta-analysis found that treatment with mycophenolate mofetil had the greatest odds of relapse compared with tacrolimus (pooled OR=49.72, 95% credibility interval (CrI) 1.65 to 2483.32), cyclophosphamide (pooled OR=72.05, 95% CrI 1.44 to 13633.33) and cyclosporine (pooled OR=11.42, 95% CrI 1.03 to 131.60). Rank probability analysis found cyclophosphamide was the best treatment with the lowest relapse rate as compared with other treatments (rank probability=0.58), and tacrolimus was ranked as the second best (rank probability=0.38). Our findings support the use of cyclophosphamide and tacrolimus in treating children with relapsing nephrotic syndrome.
Optimal Deadlock Free Buffer Allocation in Multiple Chain Blocking Networks of Queues

Blocking can lead to a deadlock state due to the finite buffer capacities in queueing network models. In this paper deadlock freedom is investigated in multiple chain queueing networks with blocking, and necessary and sufficient conditions are given. An algorithm is presented for finding a deadlock free buffer allocation with the least number of buffers, thus the optimal allocation. The algorithm maps the queueing network into a directed graph. A procedure for finding a subset of all cycles in the directed graph is used to generate the conditions for deadlock freedom of the network. Finally, the optimal buffer allocation is obtained from these conditions by applying linear programming techniques.
Purkinje Cells Directly Inhibit Granule Cells in Specialized Regions of the Cerebellar Cortex

Inhibition of granule cells plays a key role in gating the flow of signals into the cerebellum, and it is thought that Golgi cells are the only interneurons that inhibit granule cells. Here we show that Purkinje cells, the sole output neurons of the cerebellar cortex, also directly inhibit granule cells via their axon collaterals. Anatomical and optogenetic studies indicate that this non-canonical feedback is region specific: it is most prominent in lobules that regulate eye movement and process vestibular information. Collaterals provide fast, slow, and tonic inhibition to granule cells, and thus allow Purkinje cells to regulate granule cell excitability on multiple timescales. We propose that this feedback mechanism could regulate excitability of the input layer, contribute to sparse coding, and mediate temporal integration.
Gait deviations associated with plantar heel pain: A systematic review

Abstract Background Plantar heel pain is a common foot disorder associated with significant pain and gait-related disability. The aim of this systematic review was to identify gait deviations associated with plantar heel pain. Methods A systematic review of articles with quantitative gait variables in individuals with plantar heel pain was conducted using the CINAHL, MEDLINE, Scopus, and Embase databases. Methodological quality was assessed using the modified Downs and Black criteria and used along with the number of studies per gait variable to determine level of evidence. Findings Nineteen articles were included. There was strong evidence that stance phase duration is unchanged. There was moderate to strong evidence of decreased rearfoot center of pressure duration, impulse, and peak vertical ground reaction force at loading response. In compensation there was increased contact time of the midfoot and forefoot, increased midfoot and forefoot impulse, delayed time to the mid-stance vertical ground reaction force valley, and decreased peak force at terminal stance. The only quantitative measure of pronation/supination included limited evidence of increased medial forefoot and rearfoot inversion-eversion total mobility, and medial forefoot plantar flexion. Interpretation Studies included in this review identified specific foot and ankle gait deviations in individuals with plantar heel pain compared to asymptomatic cases or limbs. The variables identified in this review may be used to assist in identifying movement-related gait dysfunction for treatment decisions or as outcome measures of recovery. Additional research is needed to increase confidence and clinical relevance of gait variables used to assess and treat individuals with PHP.
Role of Marital Quality in Explaining Depressive Symptoms After Marital Termination Among Older Adults

ABSTRACTThis study assesses whether prior marital quality moderates the impact of divorce or widowhood on subsequent depression. Poor marital quality may buffer depression associated with divorce/widowhood; conversely, the effect of divorce/widowhood on depression could be exacerbated by previous marital quality. Three waves from the National Survey of Families and Households based on respondents, ages 50 and older, (N = 2,570) included eight marital quality measures. We find limited evidence suggesting higher marital quality elevates, while lower marital quality decreases, depression after divorce. No moderating effects were found for widowhood. Additionally, health condition is more important than current marital status for elders’ well-being after divorce or widowhood. Heterogeneity in the context of the marriage before divorce should be considered when examining marital termination effects on elders’ depression.
Social Ecological Correlates of Polyvictimization among a National Sample of Transgender, Genderqueer, and Cisgender Sexual Minority Adolescents

Polyvictimization is a common experience for youth in the United States, with 20% nationally experiencing five or more different forms of victimization in the last year. Utilizing a large, national convenience sample of sexual and gender minority adolescents (N = 1177, 14-19 years old), the current study aimed to (a) generate the first estimates of last year polyvictimization (including nine victimization subtypes) for transgender, genderqueer, and cisgender (i.e., assigned birth sex aligns with gender identity) sexual minority adolescents and (b) identify social ecological correlates of last year polyvictimization. The study utilized an online survey advertised through Facebook and community organizations across the United States. Approximately, 40% of participants experienced ten or more different forms of victimization in the last year and were classified as polyvictims. A significantly higher percentage of transgender female (63.4%), transgender male (48.9%), genderqueer assigned male at birth (71.5%) and genderqueer assigned female at birth (49.5%) were polyvictimized in comparison to cisgender sexual minority males (33.0%). Polyvictimization rates for cisgender sexual minority females (35.1%) were not significantly different from male counterparts (33.0%). Several significant risk factors for polyvictimization were identified: genderqueer identity for participants assigned male at birth and higher-levels of posttraumatic stress, family-level microaggressions, and peer rejection. The manuscript concludes with recommendations for future research including the exploration of factors (e.g., lack of community support, gender-role policing) associated with higher polyvictimization rates for genderqueer adolescents. Additionally, professionals (e.g., foster care, homeless shelters, schools) require new tools to assess for polyvictimization among sexual and gender minority adolescents.
Design of a longitudinal railway vehicle suspension system to ensure the stability of a wheelset

To facilitate the design of the longitudinal suspension of a wheelset a method has been proposed with which it is possible to draw stability boundaries on a parameter plane. Using this method the stability boundaries for a conventional wheelset on a log k2 (k2 is the longitudinal stiffness) and log c2 (c2 is the longitudinal damping coefficient) plane for four values of α (conicity) are drawn. It is concluded that the designer has to select very carefully the values of k2 and c2 to ensure the stability of the wheelset at high speeds. It is shown that when the conicity, α, is increased the area of the stable region of operation is decreased. The stability boundaries for a damper coupled wheelset on a Log k2 and log c2 plane for four different values of α and for four different values of ct (ct is the torsional damping coefficient between the two wheels) are drawn. The results indicate that a damper coupled wheelset can be made stable at high speeds. An increase in the value of α will result in a decrease in the area of the stable region of the parameter plane. An increase in the value of ct has also resulted in a decrease in the area of the stable region of the parameter plane.
Hospital-Acquired Conditions Are Associated with Worse Outcomes in Crohn’s Disease-Related Hospitalizations

Crohn’s disease (CD) is a chronically relapsing condition that frequently requires hospitalization. In 2008, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services selected ten conditions that were deemed healthcare-acquired conditions (HACs). Costs related to HACs are not reimbursed as they are considered to be preventable. To determine the prevalence and impact of HACs on hospital outcomes of hospitalized CD patients. This was a cross-sectional study using data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample between 2007 and 2011 with an extended time frame between 2002 and 2013 to specifically evaluate the prevalence of HACs. CD-related hospitalizations and HACs were identified using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth revision, Clinical modification codes. The trend of HACs between 2002 and 2013 was assessed using a Cochran–Armitage test. Primary outcomes, including hospital mortality, length of stay, and hospital charges, were analyzed using univariate and multivariate analyses. The prevalence of HACs initially increased between 2002 and 2008, remained stable between 2008 and 2011, than significantly decreased from 2011 to 2013. CD patients with HACs had higher hospital mortality, prolonged LOS, and higher hospital charges compared to patients without HACs. The prevalence of HACs among hospitalized CD patients initially increased from 2002 to 2008; however, rates began to decrease between 2011 and 2013. In addition, HACs were associated with worse healthcare outcomes in hospitalized CD patients.
INTERLOC: An interference-aware RSSI-based localization and sybil attack detection mechanism for vehicular ad hoc networks

Vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs) are designed to provide traffic safety by exploiting the inter-vehicular communications. Vehicles build awareness of traffic in their surroundings using information broadcast by other vehicles, such as speed, location and heading, to proactively avoid collisions. The effectiveness of these VANET traffic safety applications is particularly dependent on the accuracy of the location information advertised by each vehicle. Therefore, traffic safety can be compromised when Sybil attackers maliciously advertise false locations or other inaccurate GPS readings are sent. The most effective way to detect a Sybil attack or correct the noise in the GPS readings is localizing vehicles based on the physical features of their transmission signals. The current localization techniques either are designed for networks where the nodes are immobile or suffer from inaccuracy in high-interference environments. In this paper, we present a RSSI-based localization technique that uses mobile nodes for localizing another mobile node and adjusts itself based on the heterogeneous interference levels in the environment. We show via simulation that our localization mechanism is more accurate than the other mechanisms and more resistant to environments with high interference and mobility.
Conclusion: Constructing American Girlhood

Zaslow reflects upon the central questions of this book: How does American Girl imagine, represent, and ultimately construct femininity, race, ethnicity, and national identity for girl audiences? How does a brand that is politically and socially motivated operate within an industry and company that is profit driven? How do we understand the consumptive and meaning-making practices of mothers and daughters who seek out American Girl because they crave representations of “smart, independent, powerful, wholesome” girls who teach them to “advocate” for themselves and to “stand up for what is right,” while also recognizing that the “company as a whole is not representing the full diversity of what America is and what American is becoming” and that the level of consumption can be “ridiculous”?
A Review of Current Methods to Develop Empowering Service-Learning Programs for Latina/O College Students.

This review of research suggests a need for service-learning programs that empower Latina/o students. Research on the status of Latina/os in higher education and key challenges to Latina/o student ...
Swarm Intelligence: A Primer

Swarm intelligence is the emergent collective intelligence of groups of simple agents. It belongs to the emerging field of bio-inspired soft computing. It is inspired from the biological entities such as birds, fish, ants, wasps, termites, and bees. Bio-inspired computation is a field of study that is closely related to artificial intelligence. This paper provides a brief introduction to swarm intelligence.
STUDIES ON HUMAN LYSOSOMAL β-D-N-ACETYL HEXOSAMINIDASE AND ARYLSULFATASE ISOZYMES

ABSTRACT. Studies on the structural, functional and genetic relationships among the isozymes of β-hexosaminidase and arylsulfatase may contribute to the understanding of the basic biochemical defect in Gm 2 gangliosidosis and metachromatic leukodystrophy.
ION IRRADIATION STUDIES OF OXIDE CERAMICS

Ion implantation is a useful tool for modifying the near-surface mechanical properties of ceramic materials. Depending on the implantation conditions, the near-surface region may become hardened or softened (amorphized) relative to the substrate (1). This may in turn exert a strong influence on the fracture toughness, strength, and wear resistance. It is now established that many ceramics can be made amorphous if the lattice damage exceeds some critical level (1–3). Burnett and Page (1) have shown that the near-surface hardness of ceramics typically increases with dose during the initial stages of implantation, then peaks and eventually shows softening due to the formation of an amorphous layer. The conditions for amorphization are material-dependent. For oxide ceramics such as MgO and Al203, amorphization has been observed in some cases when the damage energy level exceeds a value of ∽5 keV per substrate atom for a room-temperature implantation (1,2). However, it is also established that chemical effects associated with the implanted ion species can have a large effect on the critical dose required for amorphization (2). The specimen temperature is also very important. The ion dose required for amorphization increases with increasing temperature (2). It is uncertain whether any ceramic can be amorphized if the implantation temperature is significantly higher than room temperature.
APL2 und Relationale Datenbanken

Fur dieses Kapitel stutzen wir uns auf die Sprachversion IBM-APL2, da nur diese Version ein Interface zu den Relationalen Datenbanken DB2 bzw. SQL-DS besitzt. Ich verwende allerdings weiterhin den Namen APL, wenn dies nicht zu Irrtumern fuhren kann, auch wenn ich nur auf die Sprache abheben will.
The Value of an Incomplete Degree: Heterogeneity in the Labor Market Benefits of College Non-Completion

ABSTRACTMany undergraduates leave college without completing a degree or credential. Some researchers characterize this as a waste of the student’s time because (they assert) college short of a deg...
Cross-talk between SIM2s and NFκB regulates cyclooxygenase 2 expression in breast cancer

Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related death for women in the USA. Thus, there is an increasing need to investigate novel prognostic markers and therapeutic methods. Inflammation raises challenges in treating and preventing the spread of breast cancer. Specifically, the nuclear factor kappa b (NFκB) pathway contributes to cancer progression by stimulating proliferation and preventing apoptosis. One target gene of this pathway is PTGS2, which encodes for cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) and is upregulated in 40% of human breast carcinomas. COX-2 is an enzyme involved in the production of prostaglandins, which mediate inflammation. Here, we investigate the effect of Singleminded-2s (SIM2s), a transcriptional tumor suppressor that is implicated in inhibition of tumor growth and metastasis, in regulating NFκB signaling and COX-2. For in vitro experiments, reporter luciferase assays were utilized in MCF7 cells to investigate promoter activity of NFκB and SIM2. Real-time PCR, immunoblotting, immunohistochemistry, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays were performed in SUM159 and MCF7 cells. For in vivo experiments, MCF10DCIS.COM cells stably expressing SIM2s-FLAG or shPTGS2 were injected into SCID mice and subsequent tumors harvested for immunostaining and analysis. Our results reveal that SIM2 attenuates the activation of NFκB as measured using NFκB-luciferase reporter assay. Furthermore, immunostaining of lysates from breast cancer cells overexpressing SIM2s showed reduction in various NFκB signaling proteins, as well as pAkt, whereas knockdown of SIM2 revealed increases in NFκB signaling proteins and pAkt. Additionally, we show that NFκB signaling can act in a reciprocal manner to decrease expression of SIM2s. Likewise, suppressing NFκB translocation in DCIS.COM cells increased SIM2s expression. We also found that NFκB/p65 represses SIM2 in a dose-dependent manner, and when NFκB is suppressed, the effect on the SIM2 is negated. Additionally, our ChIP analysis confirms that NFκB/p65 binds directly to SIM2 promoter site and that the NFκB sites in the SIM2 promoter are required for NFκB-mediated suppression of SIM2s. Finally, overexpression of SIM2s decreases PTGS2 in vitro, and COX-2 staining in vivo while decreasing PTGS2 and/or COX-2 activity results in re-expression of SIM2. Our findings identify a novel role for SIM2s in NFκB signaling and COX-2 expression.
Validity and correlates of the Brief Satisfaction With Appearance Scale for patients with limited and diffuse systemic sclerosis: Analysis from the University of California, Los Angeles Scleroderma Quality of Life Study:

Objective:The Brief Satisfaction With Appearance Scale measures two dimensions (Dissatisfaction with Appearance and Social Discomfort) of body image dissatisfaction in systemic sclerosis. This stud...
Stability Criterion for Inertial and Primary Frequency Droop Control in MTDC Grids With Implications on Ratio-Based Frequency Support

Multiple strategies have been proposed to exchange frequency support amongst asynchronous AC areas through Multiterminal DC (MTDC) grid. Majority of these strategies rely on basic droop control mechanisms involving either inertial or primary frequency droop, or both. This paper addresses the requirements on those droop coefficients, which ensure small-signal stability. To that end, a stability criterion is hypothesized based on certain observations. Using a reduced Nth-order model, the hypothesis is analytically proved for the cases when either inertial droop or primary frequency droop control is active. Moreover, implication of this hypothesis on a recently proposed ratio-based frequency support method is analyzed to derive new stability constraints over and above the existing performance requirements. To support the stability hypothesis, numerically constructed stability boundaries in the droop coefficient space are studied. The stability boundary obtained from small-signal analysis of the full-order nonlinear model is shown to approximately match the boundary obtained from the Nth-order model, which further strengthens the hypothesis. Finally, various time-domain simulation studies are performed on full-order model to validate the stability hypothesis.
Mucinous eccrine nevus: Case report of a rare entity

Abstract A 23-year-old patient presented with a vague three centimeter plaque in the umbilical region, associated with local hyperhidrosis. Histopathology of the excision specimen showed an increase in the number of sweat coils embedded in abundant mucinous stroma, typical of mucinous eccrine nevus. An unusual finding was hyperplasia of the sweat coil epithelium, reminiscent of ductal hyperplasia in the mammary gland. This is the 15th reported case of mucinous eccrine nevus.
Introduction: Mass Violence and Memory in the Digital Age—Memorialization Unmoored

This chapter introduces the themes of the edited volume, Mass Violence and Memory in the Digital Age: Memorialization Unmoored. States have long sought to monopolize the narrative-producing functions of memorialization. The advent of new technologies, particularly in the digital realm, have permitted non-state actors to engage in greater and more public participation in memorialization, and thereby in the narrative production function it entails. The chapter offers an overview of the types of ‘unmooring’ of memorialization from state control that have occurred more prominently in recent years, and it explores how the internet, artificial intelligence, and other technologies have altered the dynamics—and ethics—of memorialization. It concludes with a summary of the contributions to the rest of the volume.
Ethics in Agriculture and Other Disciplines

Ethical standards promulgated by several disciplines (medicine, law, psychology) are contrasted with some agricultural disciplines. Several major agricultural disciplines are explicit about the role of ethics especially related to professional conduct. Almost no disciplines have specific statements of how their practitioners are to deal with the most difficult ethical questions—the meta-ethical questions.
Mesenchyme modulates three-dimensional, collective cell migration of liver cells in vitro - a role for TGFß pathway

ABSTRACT Three dimensional (3D) collective cell migration (CCM) is critical for improving liver cell therapies, eliciting mechanisms of liver disease, and modeling human liver development/ organogenesis. Here, we modeled liver organogenesis to induce 3D CCM and improve existing models. The liver diverticulum, normally surrounded by septum transversum mesenchyme (STM) at E8.5, was modeled with a miniature liver spheroid surrounded by mesenchymal cells and matrix. In mixed spheroid models with both liver and uniquely MRC5 (fetal lung) fibroblasts, we observed co-migration of cells, and a significant increase in length and number of liver spheroid protrusions, and this was highly sensitive to TGFB1 stimulation. To understand paracrine effects between MRC-5 cells and liver, we performed conditioned medium (M-CM) experiments. Interestingly, the addition of M-CM increased liver 3D CCM, with thin, 3D, dose-dependent branching morphogenesis, an upregulation of Twist1, and a sensitivity to a broad TGFB inhibitor. To test the effects of cell-cell interactions of 3D CCM, the STM was modeled with a spheroid of MRC-5 cells, and we performed co-spheroid culture of liver with MRC-5. We observed a complex morphogenesis, whereby thin, linear, 3D liver cell strands attach to the MRC-5 spheroid, anchor, and thicken to form permanent and thick anchoring contacts between the two spheroids. We also observed spheroid fusion, a form of interstitial migration. In conclusion, we present several novel cultivation systems that induce distinct features of 3D CCM, as judged by the presence of branching, linearity, thickness, and interstitial migration. These methodologies will greatly improve our molecular, cellular, and tissue-scale understanding of liver organogenesis, liver diseases, and liver cell therapy, and will serve as a tool to bridge conventional 2D studies and preclinical in vivo studies.
Priorities and Diversities in Language and Thought

Philosophers have long debated the relative priority of thought and language, both at the deepest level, in asking what makes us distinctively human, and more superficially, in explaining why we find it so natural to communicate with words. The “linguistic turn” in analytic philosophy accorded pride of place to language in the order of investigation, but only because it treated language as a window onto thought, which it took to be fundamental in the order of explanation. The Chomskian linguistic program tips the balance further toward language, by construing the language faculty as an independent, distinctively human biological mechanism. In Ignorance of Language, Devitt attempts to swing the pendulum back toward the other extreme, by proposing that thought itself is fundamentally sentential, and that there is little or nothing for language to do beyond reflecting the structure and content of thought. I argue that both thought and language involve a greater diversity of function and form than either the Chomskian model or Devitt’s antithesis acknowledge. Both thought and language are better seen as complex, mutually supporting suites of interacting abilities.
In older patients with permanent AF and HF, digoxin and bisoprolol did not differ for QoL at 6 mo.

SOURCE CITATION Kotecha D, Bunting KV, Gill SK, et al. Effect of digoxin vs bisoprolol for heart rate control in atrial fibrillation on patient-reported quality of life: the RATE-AF randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2020;324:2497-508. 33351042.
The Periostin Activation of Integrin Receptors on Sensory Neurons Induces Allergic Itch

Chronic allergic itch is a major symptom that affects millions of people and animals, but its pathogenesis is not fully explained. Here, we show that one of the mediators abundantly present in the skin of patients with atopic dermatitis, periostin, induces itch via sensory neurons in mice, dogs, and monkeys. We identified the periostin receptor, the integrin αvβ3 expressed on a subset of sensory neurons. Using pharmacological and genetic approaches, we inhibited the function of this neuronal integrin αvβ3, which significantly reduced periostin-mediated itch in mice. Furthermore, we showed that the cytokine TSLP, and the application of the AD-causing MC903 (calcipotriol) and house dust mites induced periostin secretion. Finally, we established that the JAK/STAT pathway is a key regulator of periostin secretion in keratinocytes. Overall, our results identified a TSLP-periostin reciprocal activation that links the skin to the central nervous system via peripheral sensory neurons, and we characterized the non-canonical functional role of a neuronal integrin in itch behavior.
Abstract LB250: Development of organoid raft cultures of cervical, breast and glioblastoma tumors as quick economical ex vivo human cancer models for pre-clinical drug evaluation

Background: In the past few years, 3D organoid cultures of patient-derived tumors or patient-derived xenografts have gained significant attention as faster and more economical ex vivo alternatives to animal models for the pre-clinical evaluation of therapeutics. We reported previously that raft cultures of ex vivo epithelial warts, normal human epithelia from various anatomic sites, as well as cancer cell lines (cervical and melanoma) grown at the liquid:air interface recapitulate parental tissue phenotypes. Here we describe adaptation of the above technique to develop Organoid Raft Culture (ORC) of tumors of various origin and validation as preclinical models for drug evaluation. Methods: A stromal equivalent (SE) consisting of buffered rat-tail collagen and J2 mouse fibroblasts was prepared in 24-well tissue culture plates. Freshly harvested tumors from patients or patient-derived xenografts of cervical cancers were minced to Citation Format: Nilam Sanjib Banerjee, Dianne W. Moore, Abhisek Gangrade, Donald J. Buchsbaum, Luise Burt Nabors, Thomas R. Broker, Louise T. Chow. Development of organoid raft cultures of cervical, breast and glioblastoma tumors as quick economical ex vivo human cancer models for pre-clinical drug evaluation [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr LB250.
Using UAV-based hyperspectral imaging and functional regression to assist in predicting grain yield and related traits in wheat under heat-related stress environments for the purpose of stable yielding genotypes

Quantifying certain physiological traits under heat-stress is crucial for maximizing genetic gain for wheat yield and yield-related components. In-season estimation of different physiological traits related to heat stress tolerance can ensure the finding of germplasm, which could help in making effective genetic gains in yield. However, estimation of those complex traits is time- and labor-intensive. Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) based hyperspectral imaging could be a powerful tool to estimate indirectly in-season genetic variation for different complex physiological traits in plant breeding that could improve genetic gains for different important economic traits, like grain yield. This study aims to predict in-season genetic variations for cellular membrane thermostability (CMT), yield and yield related traits based on spectral data collected from UAVs; particularly, in cases where there is a small sample size to collect data from and a large range of features collected per sample. In these cases, traditional methods of yield-prediction modeling become less robust. To handle this, a functional regression approach was employed that addresses limitations of previous techniques to create a model for predicting CMT, grain yield and other traits in wheat under heat stress environmental conditions and when data availability is constrained. The results preliminarily indicate that the overall models of each trait studied presented a good accuracy compared to their data’s standard deviation. The yield prediction model presented an average error of 13.42%, showing the function-on-function algorithm chosen for the model as reliable for small datasets with high dimensionality.
Indigenous Research Methodologies: X-Marks in the Age of Community Accountability and Protection:

In an ongoing exchange about the potency and promise of Indigenous Research Methodologies (IRMs) for academic knowledge production, I respond in this article to Windchief and Cummins. I do so by co...
Psychophysiological Study of Bleeding and Adaptation in Young Hemophiliacs

Robert Louis Stevenson, a victim of pulmonary tuberculosis, once wrote, “Life is not a matter of holding good cards, but of playing a poor hand well.” Children with a chronic physical disorder, such as hemophilia, who have mastered the physical, social, and emotional hardships associated with their illness, well illustrate this point. This chapter describes a six-year study of the psychophysiological aspects of hemophilia that began with an investigation of the common forms of emotional stress experienced by the hemophilic child and his family and the major coping techniques enabling them to achieve a satisfactory psychosocial adaptation. This investigation was followed by a group therapy project with the parents of young hemophiliacs that provided further information about parental adjustment to chronic childhood illness. The study ended with a long-term psychoendocrine study aimed at examining the possible correlation between the urinary excretion of stress hormones and the degree of adaptation in hemophilic boys. From its beginning our project was of a naturalistic nature and was service-oriented. Many short-term psychotherapeutic interventions took place involving both the boys and their parents. The longitudinal scope of the study allowed for certain conclusions regarding children’s coping with long-term physical illness in general.
The Twentieth Century as War

At the core of Jan Patocka’s formulation of his concept of the “solidarity of the shaken” in the Heretical Essays is a reflection, inspired by Ernst Junger and Martin Heidegger (among others), on what has become a central metaphor of war in the twentieth century: the front line experience. Patocka’s reflections are characteristic of a relatively small but significant trend within philosophy – and phenomenological or existential philosophy in particular – to interpret the trauma, shock, and extremity of the front line experience as paradigmatic of the spiritual reality of the twentieth century, as if war itself had become the fundamental phenomenon that had brought to light the metaphysical essence of the age. This paper argues that this insistence on the centrality of war as “the line” is a key, if often undeveloped aspect of the phenomenological tradition, and that it has played an important role in the orientation of phenomenology as a reflection on the spiritual condition of the age. To understand what is at stake in these “reflections on violence,” and come to terms with the questions and problems they have raised for us, is essential to any assessment of the legacy of phenomenological philosophy in general, and perhaps of Jan Patocka in particular.
Brain-Based Parenting: The Neuroscience of Caregiving for Healthy Attachment, by Daniel A. Hughes and Jonathan Baylin

One of the challenges faced by clinicians in this time of incredible growth and discovery about the human brain is how to apply the vast array of new discovery and research to the actual practice o...
Penicillin spikes in rats. Limitations of a simple model for the study of anticonvulsants.

Abstract Direct GABA agonists that suppress spikes induced by penicillin in cats failed to do so in rats. Phenytoin and large doses of THIP increased the rate of spiking activity of the penicillin focus. Only progabide caused marked, initial, short-lasting suppression and a modest reduction of frequency of spikes for 1 hr. Homotaurine (3APS) reduced the amplitude and changed the morphology of the contralateral “mirror” spike. Antagonism of penicillin-induced spikes in rats is considered to be an unsuitable parameter for the screening of anticonvulsant agents.
Composite transducers and actuators

Composite materials have found a number of structural applications but their use in the electronics industry has been relatively limited. As the advantages and disadvantages of electroceramic composites are better understood, we can expect this picture to change. In this paper we review some of the composite sensor and actuator studies carried out in our laboratory during the past decade. These functional composites make use of a number of underlying ideas including connectivity patterns leading to field and force concentration; the use of periodicity and scale in resonant structures; the symmetry of composite structures and its influence on physical properties; polychromatic percolation and coupled conduction paths. Varistor action and other interfacial effects; sum, combination, and product properties; coupled phase transformation phenomena; and the important role that porosity and inner composites play in composite materials. These ideas provide a basic understanding of functional composites and have been discussed previously. In this paper, we describe several composite piezoelectrics and thermistors which utilize some of these principles.