cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Induction of Immune-Mediated Glomerulonephritis in Normal Mice Immunized with Bacterial DNA

Normal mice immunized with bacterial DNA produce high titers of anti-DNA antibodies and represent a new model for autoantibody production in systemic lupus erythematosus. To determine whether DNA immunization can also provoke clinical manifestations of lupus, the occurrence of nephritis in immunized mice was assessed and correlated with levels of anti-DNA as well as antibodies to glomerular antigens. BALB/c mice immunized with Escherichia coli single-stranded DNA in complexes with methylated bovine serum albumin in adjuvant showed increased proteinuria compared to control mice immunized with mBSA alone. Furthermore, DNA immunized mice had significantly greater glomerular proliferative changes and immunoglobulin deposition than control mice. In an in vitro assay, sera from DNA immunized mice exhibited greater binding to glomerular antigens than sera from control mice. Compared to sera, renal eluates from DNA-immunized mice were enriched for anti-DNA and glomerular binding activity. These data indicate that immunization of normal mice with E. coli DNA induces an immune-mediated proliferative glomerulonephritis that is likely secondary to the renal deposition of anti-DNA antibodies.
Comparative inhibition of yeast glutathione reductase by arsenicals and arsenothiols.

Tri(γ-glutamylcysteinylglycinyl)trithioarsenite (AsIII(GS)3) is formed in cells and is a more potent mixed-type inhibitor of the reduction of glutathione disulfide (GSSG) by yeast glutathione (GSH)...
A systematic method for designing depth-fused multi-focal plane three-dimensional displays

Lack of accurate focus cues in conventional stereoscopic displays has potentially significant effects on depth perception accuracy and visual fatigue. Recently several multi-focal plane display prototypes have been demonstrated with the promise of improving the accuracy of focus cue rendering in stereoscopic displays. In this paper, we present a systematic method to address two fundamental issues in designing a multi-focal plane display: (1) the appropriate dioptric spacing between adjacent focal planes; and (2) the depth-weighted fusing function to render a continuous three-dimensional (3-D) volume using a sparse number of focal planes placed in the space. By taking account of both ocular factors of the human visual system (HVS) and display factors of a multi-focal plane system, we determine that an appropriate spacing between two adjacent focal planes should be ~0.6 diopter (D) while a smaller spacing may be necessary for further improving retinal image quality. We further develop a set of nonlinear depth-weighted fusing function with the promise of balancing perceptual continuity of a 3-D scene and retinal image quality. Our method was based on quantitative evaluation of the modulation transfer functions (MTF) of depth-fused images formed on retina.
Adipose tissue and vascular phenotypic modulation by voluntary physical activity and dietary restriction in obese insulin resistant OLETF rats

Adipose tissue (AT)-derived cytokines are proposed to contribute to obesity-associated vascular insulin resistance. We tested the hypothesis that voluntary physical activity and diet restriction-induced maintenance of body weight would both result in decreased AT inflammation and concomitant improvements in insulin-stimulated vascular relaxation in the hyperphagic, obese Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima fatty (OLETF) rat. Rats (aged 12 wk) were randomly assigned to sedentary (SED; n = 10), wheel running (WR; n = 10), or diet restriction (DR; n = 10; fed 70% of SED) for 8 wk. WR and DR rats exhibited markedly lower adiposity (7.1 ± 0.4 and 15.7 ± 1.1% body fat, respectively) relative to SED (27 ± 1.2% body fat), as well as improved blood lipid profiles and systemic markers of insulin resistance. Reduced adiposity in both WR and DR was associated with decreased AT mRNA expression of inflammatory genes (e.g., MCP-1, TNF-α, and IL-6) and markers of immune cell infiltration (e.g., CD8, CD11c, and F4/80). The extent of these effects were most pronounced in visceral AT compared with subcutaneous and periaortic AT. Markers of inflammation in brown AT were upregulated with WR but not DR. In periaortic AT, WR- and DR-induced reductions in expression and secretion of cytokines were accompanied with a more atheroprotective gene expression profile in the adjacent aortic wall. WR, but not DR, resulted in greater insulin-stimulated relaxation in the aorta; an effect that was, in part, mediated by a decrease in insulin-induced endothelin-1 activation in WR aorta. Collectively, we show in OLETF rats that lower adiposity leads to less AT and aortic inflammation, as well as an exercise-specific improvement in insulin-stimulated vasorelaxation.
Determination of Cotton Fiber Transverse Geometry by Optical Attenuation

Mathematics and techniques are described for determining the transverse geometry of cotton fibers using the Fibrograph. Data obtained with the technique are compared to data obtained with the Arealometer. Correlation coefficients and standard estimates of error using projected mass, respec tively, are 0.969 and 15.0 mm-1 for specific area and 0.978 and 5.4 μm 2 for cross-sectional area. Calcu lated values of maturity index compared with values of the Causticaire maturity index had a correlation coefficient of 0.891 and a standard estimate of error of 3.0 when projected mass was used in the calcula tion.
Synthesis of thin film AuPd alloys and their investigation for electrocatalytic CO2 reduction

We synthesize and investigate AuPd alloys for the electrocatalytic reduction of CO2. Thin films of AuPd were synthesized using an electron-beam co-deposition method, which yields uniform, phase-pure metal alloys with composition control. Scanning electron microscope images show that the thin films are relatively uniform and flat in morphology. X-ray diffraction showed alloying and phase homogeneity within the AuPd thin films. Elemental mapping of Au and Pd with scanning transmission electron microscopy shows that AuPd thin films are uniform in composition on the nanometer scale. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy characterization indicates that AuPd alloys are slightly Au-rich on the surface and follow a similar trend to the bulk composition as determined by Vegard's Law. CO2 reduction activity and selectivity were investigated across the AuPd system. All AuPd alloys were found to be more active and selective for formate production than either of the pure metals, indicating that Au and Pd can act synergistically to yield new electrocatalytic properties.
Pharmacology of antidepressants--characteristics of the ideal drug.

Objective To describe the clinical and basic pharmacologic properties of antidepressants and thus define the pharmacologic criteria for the ideal antidepressant. Design A review of the pharmacologic characteristics of the newer second-generation antidepressants is presented in relationship to those of the older compounds. Material and Methods Clinical pharmacologic and in vitro data on the synaptic effects of antidepressants (inhibition of synaptosomal uptake and blockade of neurotransmitter receptors) were obtained for the older antidepressants and for the more recently marketed and approved drugs. The group of antidepressants includes six new antidepressants approved for marketing since 1988 and two additional drugs marketed outside the United States as antidepressants but approved for use in the United States for obsessive-compulsive disorder. Thus, 18 antidepressant drugs are discussed. Results All antidepressants seem to be equally efficacious in treating depression, and no drug seems to work more rapidly than another. Nonetheless, antidepressant drugs differ substantially in pharmacokinetic variables (elimination half-lives); in their effects on the metabolism of other drugs (by inhibiting the cytochrome P450 system); in their potencies for blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine; and in their affinities for blocking histamine H1, muscarinic acetylcholine, α-adrenergic, and dopamine D2 receptors. Most side effects of antidepressants can be explained by their effects on blocking uptake and on blocking neurotransmitter receptors. Conclusion The newer second-generation antidepressants have distinct pharmacologic advantages in comparison with the tricyclic antidepressants and the older second-generation compounds. These advantages are clearly seen from their synaptic effects, in which most newer second-generation antidepressants are practically devoid of blocking effects at neurotransmitter receptors. Although the newer second-generation antidepressants are much closer to being the ideal antidepressant than are the older compounds, none completely fulfills the criteria for being the ideal drug.
Recovering asynchronouswatermark tones from speech

A new, low complexity method facilitates low burden embedding and recovery of tonal watermarks in speech. A watermark composed of a periodically extended sequence of sub-audible DTMF tones is added to speech asynchronously, without regard to momentary speech characteristics. It is detected through a combination of a bit manipulation enhancement and a data-directed correlation, ideal for simple hardware implementations. Three methods of bit manipulation enhancement were auditioned and the best selected for further investigation. It showed an average 26 dB processing gain vs. correlation alone, sufficient to detect the asynchronous sub-audible tones by a comfortable margin.
The use of the diving reflex to terminate supraventricular tachycardia in a 2-week-old infant

The use of the diving reflex to terminate a case of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PST) is described in a 2-week-old infant who presented in severe congestive heart failure with supraventricular tachycardia at a rate of 300. The infant's face was placed in a basin of ice water at 5 degrees C. for 5 seconds with manual occlusion of the infant's nostrils to prevent aspiration. The PST converted to a sinus rhythm of 120 within 3 seconds of facial immersion. The physiology of the diving reflex is reviewed and the uses and hazards of this reflex in terminating attacks of PST in infants is discussed.
Do consumers benefit from tighter price cap regulation

Abstract This paper examines whether consumers necessarily benefit from tightening the price cap. We find that a tighter price cap always increases consumer welfare when demands are independent. Conversely, when demands are interdependent a tighter price cap may reduce consumer welfare.
Trials stopped early for benefit? Not so fast!

Montori VM, Devereaux PJ, Adhikari NK, Burns KE, Eggert CH, Briel M, Lacchetti C, Leung TW, Darling E, Bryant DM, Bucher HC, Schunemann HJ, Meade MO, Cook DJ, Erwin PJ, Sood A, Sood R, Lo B, Thompson CA, Zhou Q, Mills E, Guyatt GH: Randomized trials stopped early for benefit: a systematic review. JAMA 2005, 294:2203-2209
Dendritic Cells in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) persists as a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease and is characterized by the production of autoantibodies and immune complexes that affect multiple organs. The underlying mechanism that triggers and sustains disease are complex and involve certain susceptibility genes and environmental factors. There have been several immune mediators linked to SLE including cytokines and chemokines that have been reviewed elsewhere [ 1-3 ]. A number of articles have reviewed the role of B cells and T cells in SLE [ 4-10 ]. Here, we focus on the role of dendritic cells (DC) and innate immune factors that may regulate autoreactive B cells.
Enhancement of cell surface expression and receptor functions of membrane progestin receptor α (mPRα) by progesterone receptor membrane component 1 (PGRMC1): evidence for a role of PGRMC1 as an adaptor protein for steroid receptors.

A variety of functions have been proposed for progesterone receptor membrane component 1 (PGRMC1), including acting as a component of a membrane progestin receptor and as an adaptor protein. Here we show that stable overexpression of human PGRMC1 in nuclear progesterone receptor (PR)-negative breast cancer cell lines causes increased expression of PGRMC1 and membrane progesterone receptor α (mPRα) on cell membranes that is associated with increased specific [3H]progesterone binding. The membrane progestin binding affinity and specificity were characteristic of mPRα, with a Kd of 4.7 nM and high affinity for the mPR-specific agonist, Org OD 02–0, and low affinity for corticosteroids. Progestin treatment caused activation of G proteins, further evidence for increased expression of functional mPRs on PGRMC1-transfected cell membranes. Immunocytochemical and coimmunoprecipitation studies showed a close association of PGRMC1 with mPRα in cell membranes. Transfection of PGRMC1 into spontaneously immortalized rat granulosa cells was associated with membrane expression of PGRMC1 and mPRα as well as antiapoptotic effects of progestins that were abolished after cotransfection with small interfering RNA for mPRα. These data demonstrate that PGRMC1 can act as an adaptor protein, transporting mPRα to the cell surface, and that the progestin binding and apoptotic functions previously ascribed to PGRMC1 are dependent on cell surface expression of mPRα. Collectively, the results suggest PGRMC1 and mPRα are components of a membrane progesterone receptor protein complex. Increased expression of estrogen receptor β was also observed in the membranes of PGRMC1-transfected cells, suggesting that PGRMC1 can act as an adaptor protein for multiple classes of steroid receptors.
Long-term implications of T-cell receptor gene rearrangement analysis by Southern blot in patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.

Abstract Background: T-cell clonality analysis by Southern blot (TSB) in skin biopsy specimens suggestive of mycosis fungoides may be helpful in confirming the diagnosis of a cutaneous lymphoma. However, there are no data available regarding the long-term prognostic implication of such results. Objectives: We sought to determine the long-term prognostic significance of TSB results from skin biopsy specimens of patients with mycosis fungoides. Methods: We reviewed the records from the Cleveland Clinic Foundation and Northwestern University Medical Center for cases of biopsy-proven mycosis fungoides with results available for skin biopsy TSB from 1987 to 1990. Results: The detection of clonality by TSB correlates with a higher TNM stage (median stage for positive TSB, IIb vs negative TSB, Ib; P Conclusions: Detection of clonality with TSB requires a significant clonal burden. Although clonality can be detected in patients with patches and plaques (T1 and T2) most cases with positive results were obtained from patients with advanced disease (T3 and T4). In our experience, detection of clonality by TSB does not correlate with disease progression and does not carry long-term prognostic implications. (J Am Acad Dermatol 2003;48:775-9.)
Post-translational glutamylation and tyrosination in tubulin of tritrichomonads and the diplomonad Giardia intestinalis

Glutamylated and tyrosinated tubulin were localized in Giardia intestinalis and selected trichomonads of the Tritrichomonadinae subfamily, using specific monoclonal antibodies directed at each of the post-translational modifications. Analysis was carried out using indirect immunofluorescence microscopy. Although trichomonad tubulins remained unlabeled by anti-tyrosine tubulin (TUB-1A2), the presence of the glutamylation motif (GT 335) was confirmed and found to differ in distribution among tritrichomonads. Tritrichomonas muris was most heavily labeled with GT 335, while T. foetus was the least so. Like trichomonads, Giardia was unreactive to anti-tyrosine tubulin; however, the GT 335 antibody produced marked fluorescence in Giardia trophozoites. This study is the first to report immunofluorescent localization of tubulin glutamylation in Giardia and confirms previously reported mass spectrometry data.
Ammonia oxidation kinetics determine niche separation of nitrifying Archaea and Bacteria

The discovery of ammonia oxidation by mesophilic and thermophilic Crenarchaeota and the widespread distribution of these organisms in marine and terrestrial environments indicated an important role for them in the global nitrogen cycle. However, very little is known about their physiology or their contribution to nitrification. Here we report oligotrophic ammonia oxidation kinetics and cellular characteristics of the mesophilic crenarchaeon 'Candidatus Nitrosopumilus maritimus' strain SCM1. Unlike characterized ammonia-oxidizing bacteria, SCM1 is adapted to life under extreme nutrient limitation, sustaining high specific oxidation rates at ammonium concentrations found in open oceans. Its half-saturation constant (K(m) = 133 nM total ammonium) and substrate threshold (<or=10 nM) closely resemble kinetics of in situ nitrification in marine systems and directly link ammonia-oxidizing Archaea to oligotrophic nitrification. The remarkably high specific affinity for reduced nitrogen (68,700 l per g cells per h) of SCM1 suggests that Nitrosopumilus-like ammonia-oxidizing Archaea could successfully compete with heterotrophic bacterioplankton and phytoplankton. Together these findings support the hypothesis that nitrification is more prevalent in the marine nitrogen cycle than accounted for in current biogeochemical models.
Interprofessional education in U.S. and Canadian dental schools: an ADEA Team Study Group report.

The state of interprofessional education (IPE) in U.S. and Canadian dental schools was studied by the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) Team Study Group on Interprofessional Education. The study group reviewed the pertinent IPE literature, examined IPE competencies for dental students, surveyed U.S. and Canadian dental schools to determine the current and planned status of IPE activities, and identified best practices. Members of the study group prepared case studies of the exemplary IPE programs of six dental schools, based on information provided by those schools; representatives from each school then reviewed and approved its case study. Six reviewers critiqued a draft of the study group’s report, and study group members and reviewers met together to prepare recommendations for schools. This report identifies four domains of competence for student achievement in IPE and summarizes responses to the survey (which had an 86 percent response rate). It also includes the case descriptions of six schools’ IPE programs and the study group’s recommendations for dental schools. The report concludes that there is general recognition of the goals of IPE across U.S. and Canadian dental schools, but a wide range of progress in IPE on the various campuses. Challenges to the further development of IPE are discussed.
Treatment of Drug Abusers in Malaysia: A Comparison

The purpose of this paper is to compare two forms of treatment for heroin abusers in Malaysia--traditional medicine and institutional--and to evaluate which form of treatment the drug abusers consider more effective. The study involved interviewing 100 male drug abusers in Malaysia who had had treatment from an institution and from a traditional healer. The data revealed that traditional medicine was better for some abusers, but institutional treatment was better for others, depending upon an individual's own needs and personality. Advantages and disadvantages of both forms of treatment were given by those interviewed. The data can be used as guidelines for the development of a more flexible, individualized program within an institutional setting in Malaysia.
Incremental hierarchical construction of modular supervisors for discrete-event systems

Adoption of the supervisory control framework introduced by Ramadge and Wonham has been slowed somewhat by the problem of state space explosion that arises in systems of the scale common to most industrial applications. Hierarchical and modular approaches have been explored historically as means for addressing this problem. The limitations of these approaches include that a ‘consistent’ hierarchy is often difficult to achieve, and that modular supervisors often conflict with each other when acting in conjunction. This paper offers an approach that addresses some of these issues by incrementally building modular supervisors that are nonconflicting by construction. Abstractions are employed to make the procedure more computationally feasible. Proof is given showing the set of modular supervisors generated in this manner meet given specifications without blocking. Furthermore, examples are provided that demonstrate the reduction in complexity that this approach provides.
SEAS: a system for early analysis of SoCs

Systems-on-chip (SoC) continue to be very complex to design and verify, despite extensive component reuse. Although reusable components are pre-designed and pre-verified, when they are assembled in an SoC there is no guarantee that the whole system will behave as expected from a performance, cost and integration point of view. In many cases this is because of faulty early design decisions regarding the architecture, core selection, floorplanning, etc. This paper presents a system for early analysis of SoCs which helps designers make early design decisions regarding performance, area, timing and power; and allows them to quickly evaluate cross-domain effects, such as the effect that an architectural decision may have on the performance and chip area.
Speckle Tracking in 3D Echocardiography with Motion Coherence

Tracking of speckles in echocardiography enables the study of myocardium deformation, and thus can provide insights about heart structure and function. Most of the current methods are based on 2D speckle tracking, which suffers from errors due to through-plane decorrelation. Speckle tracking in 3D overcomes such limitation. However, 3D speckle tracking is a challenging problem due to relatively low spatial and temporal resolution of 3D echocardiography. To ensure accurate and robust tracking, high level spatial and temporal constraints need to be incorporated. In this paper, we introduce a novel method for speckle tracking in 3D echocardiography. Instead of tracking each speckle independently, we enforce a motion coherence constraint, in conjunction with a dynamic model for the speckles. This method is validated on in vivo porcine hearts, and is proved to be accurate and robust.
Rapid 3-D track reconstruction with the BABAR trigger upgrade

A new hardware trigger system based on tracks detected by a stereo drift chamber has been developed for the BABAR experiment at the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center. The z/sub 0/p/sub T/ Discriminator (ZPD) is capable of fast, three-dimensional reconstruction of charged particle tracks and provides rejection of background events due to beam particles interacting with the beam pipe at the first-level trigger. Over 1 gigabyte of data is processed per second by each ZPD module. Rapid track reconstruction has been realized using Xilinx Virtex-II FPGAs.
Effects of Closed-Loop Commutation Delay for Various Types of Motors

In a recent paper by Krishnamurthy, P. and Khorrami, F. (2006), we reported the occurrence of interesting phenomena that were observed experimentally during closed-loop commutation experiments with a planar (Sawyer) stepper motor and showed that the phenomena were caused due to time delays in the sensor and actuator. The observed dynamical phenomena included introduction of multiple solution trajectories with sensitive dependence on initial conditions (possibly yielding steady-state velocities with opposite signs) and saturation of velocity. We also showed that these phenomena can be exploited to estimate parameters such as closed-loop delay, sensor offset, and toothpitch. The analysis in Krishnamurthy, P. and Khorrami, F. (2006) was applicable to a permanent-magnet stepper motor (and any other motor that shares the same form of the mechanical dynamics and torque expression). In this paper, we continue the work of Krishnamurthy, P. and Khorrami, F. (2006) and investigate the effect of closed-loop commutation delay on other types of motors including variable reluctance (VR) stepper motors, brushless DC (BLDC) motors, and three-axis planar Sawyer stepper motors
Direct determination of the electron-electron mean free path in diffusive mesoscopic samples using shot noise

Using the ``drift-diffusion-Langevin'' equation, we have recently shown that finite-frequency shot noise in diffusive mesoscopic conductors is very sensitive to the ratio $\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{\equiv}{L/l}_{\mathrm{ee}}$ between the sample length $L$ and the electron-electron mean free path ${l}_{\mathrm{ee}}.$ In this work we present numerical calculations of the noise at arbitrary value of \ensuremath{\gamma}. If coupled with accurate noise measurements, the results presented here could serve as a new and independent way of determining ${l}_{\mathrm{ee}}$ in a given sample.
Response of Serum Corticosterone to ACTH and Stress in the Zinc-Deficient Rat

SummaryThe effect of zinc deficiency on in vivo synthesis and release of corticos-terone was examined under three conditions, stimulation by exogenous and two types of physiological stress. The serum concentrations of corticosterone were elevated by intraperitoneal injections of ACTH, but were not influenced by the zinc status of young male rats. Zinc-deficient male rats given an acute stress stimulus, exposure to diethyl ether vapors, responded with elevated levels of serum corticosterone that were not different from those of controls. Pregnant rats fed zinc-deficient diets throughout gestation and then subjected to an acute stress stimulus, surgery under anesthesia, after parturition had serum corticosterone concentrations 50% lower than control rats treated similarly. Zinc-deficient pregnant rats given zinc on the 19th day of gestation had corticosterone levels midway between the deficient and control rats. It was concluded that young zinc-deficient male rats respond with the normal release of corticos...
OPINION: The Importance of the Physician-Scientist to Healthcare Advancement

Today, there is a daunting disconnect at the core of biomedical research and patient care. At one end of the spectrum, the basic life sciences and healthcare research have made dramatic and celebratory leaps forward. True scientific inquiry has led to exciting advances in our understanding of
The Analyze of the Devotion of Higher Vocational Teaching in Hunan

Translation of trademark is of great significance. There exist close connections between trademark's translation of imported and exported articles, market popularity of the corresponding products and market sales volume of these articles and products. Translation of trademark is so special that we can't imitate the principle "faithfulness, smoothness and elegance" mechanically, and should adopt the principle of "domestication" in order to make consumers accept greatly. This paper attempts to analyze some examples of the translation of trademarks in the following respects: the beauty of harmonious sounds, briefness, image, meaning, form and creation. Application of aesthetics used in the translation of trademark strengthens psychological impact on people, thus reaches certain commercial effect.
Teaching Software Estimation through LEGOs

Software Estimation is an important part of every Software Engineers' skill set. At Stevens Institute of Technology, estimation has been taught as a core course on "Software Estimation and Metrics" in our Software Engineering Masters Program since 2001. Over the past few years, we have evolved a more experiential and engaging teaching style. This paper presents an experimental framework of a new pedagogical method using LEGOs for teaching software estimation and measurement concepts and methods. The framework is evaluated through two case study sessions: one on experienced industry part-time students, one on inexperienced on-campus students. Results from both sessions indicate a positive impact on student learning. This teaching technique, since it appears to reinforce software engineering estimation heuristics and models, has the potential to be extended for other software estimation experiential education and experimentation, such as demonstrating the impact of anchoring on estimations. Students enjoy these exercises and become very engaged.
Security Keys: Practical Cryptographic Second Factors for the Modern Web

“Security Keys” are second-factor devices that protect users against phishing and man-in-the-middle attacks. Users carry a single device and can self-register it with any online service that supports the protocol. The devices are simple to implement and deploy, simple to use, privacy preserving, and secure against strong attackers. We have shipped support for Security Keys in the Chrome web browser and in Google’s online services. We show that Security Keys lead to both an increased level of security and user satisfaction by analyzing a two year deployment which began within Google and has extended to our consumer-facing web applications. The Security Key design has been standardized by the FIDO Alliance, an organization with more than 250 member companies spanning the industry. Currently, Security Keys have been deployed by Google, Dropbox, and GitHub. An updated and extended tech report is available at https://github.com/google/u2f-ref-code/docs/SecurityKeys_TechReport.pdf.
Differential Expression of Hedgehog and Snail in Cutaneous Fibrosing Disorders: Implications for Targeted Inhibition.

Objectives: To examine Hedgehog signaling in cutaneous fibrosing disorders for which effective approved therapies are lacking, expand our knowledge of pathophysiology, and explore the rationale for targeted inhibition. Methods: Stain intensity and percentage of cells staining for Sonic hedgehog (Shh), Indian hedgehog (Ihh), Patched (Ptch), glycogen synthase kinase 3 β (GSK3-β), β-catenin, and Snail were evaluated in human skin biopsy specimens of keloid, hypertrophic scar (Hscar), scleroderma, nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF), scar, and normal skin using a tissue microarray. Results: Ihh, but not Shh, was detected in a significantly larger proportion of cells for all case types. Ptch, GSK3-β, and β-catenin showed a gradient of expression: highest in NSF and keloid; moderate in normal skin, scar, and Hscar; and lowest in scleroderma. Snail expression was binary: low in normal skin but high in all fibrosing conditions studied. Conclusions: Differential overexpression of Hedgehog and Snail in cutaneous fibrosing disorders demonstrates a role for targeted inhibition. Ptch, GSK3-β, and β-catenin can help differentiate scleroderma from NSF in histologically subtle cases. Differences in expression between keloid and hypertrophic scar support the concept that they are pathophysiologically distinct disorders. Our findings implicate Snail as a target for the prevention of fibrogenesis or fibrosis progression and may offer a means to assess response to therapy.
Impact Investing as a Form of Lobbying and its Corporate-Governance Effects

Impact investment is attractive to many because it seems to combine support for progressive causes with an apparent commitment to the principles of a market economy. In fact, however, a rational impact investor is not simply creating demand for certain types of corporate actions; he/she is attempting to use corporate governance mechanisms to influence fiduciary decisions of the management. The cost of this tactic for the health of the capitalist economy is potentially very considerable. The American capitalist system relies heavily on a relatively fragile corporate governance arrangement in which the agency problems of a modern corporation are minimized by making shareholder value into the ultimate objective of the management. A crucial assumption in this model is that shareholders are a homogenous group interested in the maximization of financial returns, which makes market price into a reliable criterion of corporate performance. The injection of a more complex corporate objective function – an inevitable consequence of impact investment – raises the potentially insoluble problem of aggregating the diverse interests of the shareholders and seriously weakens the ability of the shareholders to monitor management performance.
Prostate cancer bone metastases are associated with a decreased serum sRANKL/OPG ratio

Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, Volume 45, 2004 1912 Histomorphometric evaluation of prostate cancer (CaP) bone metastases reveals a mixture of osteoblastic and osteolytic lesions. The receptor activator of NFκB ligand (RANKL)/RANK/osteoprotegerin (OPG) group of proteins form a critical system that control bone remodeling equilibrium and has been shown to be active in CaP bone metastases. RANKL induces osteolysis upon binding to RANK, and OPG, a soluble decoy receptor, blocks RANKL pro-osteoclastic activity. The ratio of RANKL/OPG is important in regulating the ultimate balance between bone formation and bone resorption. To determine if the presence of CaP bone metastases alters the ratio of soluble RANKL to OPG we measured levels of these factors in serum of men without bone metastases (n=24) or with bone metastases (n=50) using commercially available ELISAs. Of the men without bone metastases, 11 had early recurrent disease (PSA rising after primary therapy) and 13 had advanced disease (highly elevated PSA levels). Of the men with bone metastases, 4 had early recurrent disease and 46 had advanced disease. Levels of sRANKL were 0.69±0.21 pmol/l and 0.32±0.07 pmol/l in patients without bone metastases vs. those with bone metastases, respectively (p=0.05). Levels of OPG were and 5.45±0.66 pg/ml and 9.32±1.51 pg/ml in patients without bone metastases vs. those with bone metastases, respectively (p=0.10). The ratio of sRANKL/OPG was decreased by 71% in men with bone metastases (p=0.007); the altered ratio is the result of an increase of ∼50% in OPG concentration and ∼50% decrease in sRANKL concentration. It has been reported that osteoclastic factors such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) may promote RANKL expression. IL-6 has been reported to be increased with advanced CaP; therefore, we measured serum levels of IL-6 and its soluble receptor (sIL-6R). Serum IL-6 increased from 4.95±1.50 pg/ml in men without bone metastases to 29.12±8.83 pg/ml in men with bone metastases (p=0.07); whereas sIL-6R was not significantly different between these groups. A caveat in interpreting our results is that serum levels of sRANKL, OPG, IL-6 and sIL-6R may not reflect the levels and activities of these factors in the bone. In conclusion, bone remodeling and the development of osteoblastic or osteolytic lesions in CaP patients is under the control of multiple factors. Increased levels of serum IL-6 suggest that there is stimulation of osteoclastic activity in bone, as demonstrated on histomorphometry of CaP bone metastases, but the decrease in the sRANKL/OPG ratio is consistent with inhibition of osteoclastogenesis and a shift towards an osteoblastic phenotype associated with CaP bone metastases.
Control of an input delayed uncertain nonlinear system with adaptive delay estimation

A partial differential equation (PDE) based controller is developed for a nonlinear system with bounded external disturbances and unknown time-varying input delay. Motivated by predictor-based delay compensation methods, a linear transformation is used to map the time-varying input to a control input which varies both in time and space. This technique separates the delay magnitude and derivative terms, and gives added flexibility of control gain selection over traditional robust control methods. Unlike existing literature on predictor-based controllers, which inherently depend on system dynamics, an auxiliary error signal is defined which does not require exact model knowledge. Further, a nonlinear mapping is used to map the non-compact time domain to a compact spatial domain, and then a neural network (NN) is used to estimate the unknown time-varying input delay. A Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional is used to prove uniform ultimately bounded tracking. Simulation results validate the controller performance for an Euler-Lagrange system with unknown input delay.
Denitrification along the Stream-Riparian Continuum in Restored and Unrestored Agricultural Streams.

Although floodplain restoration may improve stream-riparian connectivity and increase channel stability through cross-vane installation, stream bank regrading, and buffer revegetation, the impact of these geomorphic alterations on denitrification across the aquatic-terrestrial interface is poorly understood. Seasonal denitrification enzyme activity (DEA) was compared in stream-riparian ecotones of four streams with varying hydrologic connection, riparian vegetation composition, and agricultural influence. Riparian and stream DEA was generally higher in sites adjacent to agricultural fields due to proximity to nitrate source. Mean DEA was higher in the dormant season (riparian: 928 ± 116 ng N g⁻¹ dry mass [DM] h⁻¹, stream: 108 ± 149 ng N g⁻¹ DM h⁻¹) than in the growing season (riparian: 355 ± 55 ng N g⁻¹ DM h⁻¹, stream: 45 ± 40 ng N g⁻¹ DM h⁻¹) and was influenced by antecedent precipitation, soil texture, and landscape characteristics (land use, vegetation type, topography) in multivariate models. Hot spots of denitrification occurred at the confluence of fine soil textures with high organic matter and moisture, often at low-lying areas of the landscape. At the restored site, we observed enhanced denitrification in the reconnected floodplain but decreased stream denitrification capacity in pools. Across all sites, streams had lower DEA than riparian zones, stressing the importance of restoration approaches designed to conserve riparian areas and maintain hydrologic connectivity. Easily obtainable data including precipitation, adjacent land use, vegetation, and stream and floodplain geomorphology reasonably predicted denitrification potential compared with more complex models, showing potential for application in water resources and nitrogen management.
Should Piperacillin-Tazobactam Be Used as Definitive Therapy against Enterobacteriaceae Harboring Inducible AmpC β-Lactamases?

We read the recent paper by Cheng et al. with interest and commend the authors for assessing the clinically important question of whether piperacillin-tazobactam can be used as definitive therapy for bacteremia caused by Enterobacteriaceae harboring inducible AmpC β-lactamases ([1][1]). However, we
Neurocognitive performance profile postparathyroidectomy: a pilot study of computerized assessment.

Background Neurocognitive symptoms attributable to primary hyperparathyroidism are important diagnostic criteria, yet the basic characterization and assessment of neurocognitive deficits in primary hyperparathyroidism are not defined fully. Methods In this prospective pilot study, patients with unequivocal biochemical diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism were evaluated for neurocognitive performance preoperatively and postparathyroidectomy (2 weeks, 6 months) using a battery of computerized modular tests designed by LUMOSITY. The individual test scores and aggregate scores representing a subject's total neurocognitive performance profile were calculated. Statistical comparisons between groups were performed using univariate analysis and repeated measures of analysis of variance. Results In the study, 34 participants were assessed preoperatively; 18 completed all 3 assessments, 2 completed pretest and 6-month assessments, and 30 completed preoperative and 2-week postparathyroidectomy assessments. Primary hyperparathyroidism patients demonstrated significant deficits in memory, attention, mental flexibility, and speed of processing when compared with controls. Total neurocognitive performance profile score was significantly lower at the preoperative (P = .0001) and 2-week postparathyroidectomy (P = .0004) time points when compared with controls; this difference was bridged by 6 months postparathyroidectomy. Conclusion Computerized neurocognitive performance profile assessment validated the neurocognitive benefits of parathyroidectomy. Additional study is needed to determine if this novel method provides long-term, objective, quantifiable, and accessible neurocognitive performance profile assessment in primary hyperparathyroidism patients and can serve as a valuable diagnostic and prognostic tool.
d-Serine is a potential biomarker for clinical response in treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder using (R,S)-ketamine infusion and TIMBER psychotherapy: A pilot study.

Abstract Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a chronic and debilitating condition that is often refractory to standard frontline antidepressant therapy. A promising new approach to PTSD therapy is administration of a single sub-anesthetic dose of (R,S)-ketamine (Ket). The treatment produces rapid and significant therapeutic response, which lasts for only 4–7 days. In one of our studies, the mean duration of response was increased to 33 days when Ket administration was combined with a mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, Trauma Interventions using Mindfulness Based Extinction and Reconsolidation (TIMBER). We now report the results from a 20-patient study, which examined the duration of sustained response with combined TIMBER-Ket therapy, TIMBER-K arm, relative to the response observed in a placebo-controlled arm, TIMBER-P. A significant difference in the duration of response was observed between TIMBER-K and TIMBER-P arms: 34.44 ± 19.12 days and 16.50 ± 11.39 days, respectively (p = 0.022). Previous studies identified a negative correlation between antidepressant response to Ket and basal plasma concentrations of d -serine (DSR). In this study, the basal DSR levels positively correlated with the pre-treatment severity of PTSD symptoms (Pearson's r = 0.42, p = 0.07) and patients with basal DSR level ≥ 3.5 μM displayed not only higher PTSD severity but also shorter duration of response. The data indicate that basal DSR levels may serve as a biomarker of the severity of PTSD symptoms and as a predictor of clinical response. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: d -Amino acids: biology in the mirror, edited by Dr. Loredano Pollegioni, Dr. Jean-Pierre Mothet and Dr. Molla Gianluca.
Global Best Practice or Regulating Fiction? Street Vending, Zero Tolerance and Conflicts Over Public Space in New York, 1980–2000

Abstract: In global urban studies, different cities often serve as stand‐ins for various policy approaches. New York is closely associated with zero tolerance/quality of life policing—specifically the ways this crime‐fighting technique was used to manage and regulate public space in support of broader urban redevelopment goals. Whether celebrated or criticized, the image of New York as a city that was successful in ‘cleaning up’ public space has been exported across the globe, and has been invoked by a number of cities as they embark on their own projects to clear street vendors and other unwanted actors from public space. This article will challenge this established narrative through an examination of struggles over street vending and public space in New York during the 1980s and 1990s. It will show how the revanchist project of public space management was challenged and ultimately limited by vendors using discourses of free market populism and entrepreneurship. It demonstrates the ways in which the image of New York as a city of settled and well‐regulated public space does not tell the complete story, and how New York, like many other ordinary cities across the globe, is a city of contested spaces and uncertain regulatory effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Mosaicism for Deletion 15q11q13 in Sporadic and Familial Cases

An interstitial deletion of 15(q11q13) has been well documented in some patients with Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) and Angelman Syndrome (AS) (Ledbetter et al, 1981; Kaplan et al, 1987; Magenis et al, 1987). Although a majority of the PWS or AS cases occur sporadically, a few families with two or more relatives have been reported (Burke et al, 1987; Lubinsky et al, 1987; Baraitser et al, 1987; Willems et al, 1987). No deletion was detected in these familial cases, suggesting either an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance or a new autosomal dominant mutation.
Abstract 254: The Bromo and Extraterminal Domain Protein (BET) Family Drives Endothelial-To-Mesenchymal Transition and Contributes to Vein Graft Stenosis

Background: Vein graft bypass remains the most commonly used open procedure for flow-limiting cardiovascular diseases. However, vein grafts are prone to stenosis, which ultimately leads to graft fa...
Adaptive Backstepping Control of PWM DC-DC Boost Power Converter Considering Parasitic Elements Effect

On the basis of the continuing need for reliable converters in order to interface low voltage dc sources to medium and high voltage ac systems. This paper presents a recursive adaptive backstepping design methodology and Lyapunov theory to control dc-to-dc switched mode boost converter taking into consideration the effect of parasitic elements. Although there have been many developments in this area, this method considers the effects of parasitic parameters that are uncertain or change occasionally. Designed controller was simulated using MATLAB/Simulink and results indicate the stability and fast response under a possible variation in the load or input voltage.
The imperative of struggle: feminist and gender geographies in the United States

AbstractThe groundbreaking work of feminist and gender geographies has substantially advanced the nature of inquiry in the United States. In centering gendered ways of knowing, geographers have ref...
Nanoplasmonic Interferometric Sensor for Multiplex Detection of MMP-9 and TIMP-l

The secretion of MMP-9 and TIMP-l was detected simultaneously using a nanoplasmonic interferometric sensor. Dynamic and multiplexed sensing of two secretory proteins suggests the biosensor holds good promise for cell function analysis.
Carbon and nitrogen accumulation within four black walnut alley cropping sites across Missouri and Arkansas, USA

Agroforestry systems that integrate useful long-lived trees have been recognized for their potential in mitigating the accumulation of atmospheric fossil fuel-derived carbon (C). Black walnut (Juglans nigra) is frequently planted and cultivated in North America for its valuable lumber and edible nuts, and is highly amenable to the integration of understory crops or livestock in agroforestry systems. However, little is known about C content in black walnut trees, including the amounts of C assimilated into lignocellulosic tissues within different tree compartments. Therefore, allometric equations for above- and below-ground compartments of 10-year-old black walnut trees across diverse locations were developed. Ten grafted black walnut trees from each of four sites across the midwestern USA were destructively harvested for above- and below-ground biomass, and dry biomass weight (DWw), C (Cw) and nitrogen (N; Nw) stocks were quantified. Soils surrounding the harvested trees were sampled and analyzed for soil organic C (SOC) and total N (TN). Total DWw ranged from 27 to 54 kg tree−1, with woody tissues containing an average of 467 g kg−1 C and 3.5 g kg−1 N. Woody tissues differed in Cw and Nw across location, and above-ground sections contained more C and less N compared with most root tissues. The slopes of the allometric equations did not differ significantly among locations, while intercepts did, indicating that trees only differed in initial size across locations. SOC and TN did not vary in distance from the trees, likely because the trees were not yet old enough to have impacted the surrounding soils. Our results establish a foundation for quantifying C and N stocks in newly established black walnut alley cropping systems across diverse environments.