cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Activation of Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase p38 and Extracellular Signal-regulated Kinase Is Involved in Glass Fiber-induced Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Production in Macrophages

In a previous study, we demonstrated that the length of glass fibers was a critical determinant of fiber potency in induction of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and that activation of NF-κB was an important factor in this response. In the present study, we analyzed the role of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases in the induction of TNF-α by glass fibers. Glass fibers induced phosphorylation of MAP kinases, p38, and ERK in primary rat alveolar macrophages, and this phosphorylation was associated with TNF-α gene expression. Long fibers were more potent than short fibers in activation of MAP kinases. Results from mechanistic analysis support that MAP kinases activate transcription factor c-Jun. The activated c-Jun acts on the TNF-α gene promoter through two binding sites, the cyclic AMP response element and the activator protein 1-binding site. These results suggest that in addition to the NF-κB pathway for TNF-α production, glass fibers are able to activate c-Jun through MAP kinase pathways that lead to induction of TNF-α expression.
A sera-epidemiological study on pertussis immunity levels among community populations and an analysis of the underlying factors in Tianjin China.

Abstract Background The aim of this study is to characterize the sera-epidemiology of pertussis immunity levels among community populations and to identify the underlying factors. Moreover, our study will help resolve new issues encountered during the control and prevention of pertussis reemergence. Methods The anti-pertussis antibody levels among community populations were examined using enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) over three years. Comparative studies were carried out to assess the efficacy of different types of vaccines. Meanwhile, the duration of protection provided by DTaP within the under-7 age group was subjected to further analysis. Results The average positive rate for anti-pertussis antibody was 49.15% across all community populations, among which the 4–12 age group showed a rate substantially lower than those of other groups (P Conclusions The anti-pertussis antibody levels were not only relatively low among community populations, but also dropped excessively rapidly among vaccinated populations. Natural infection is an important contributor to the high pertussis immunity levels seen in adolescents and adults. The efficacy of DTaP remains to be improved.
HIV risk behavior and internalizing/externalizing psychopathology among adolescents in court-ordered treatment.

ABSTRACTBackground: The confluence of drug use behaviors, sexual risk, and psychopathology may complicate human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention intervention for adolescents engaging in substance use and criminal behavior. However, few studies have examined these risk associations. Objective: This study identified HIV risk behavior subgroups among adolescents in court-ordered substance abuse treatment and examined linkages with dimensions of internalizing and externalizing psychopathology. Methods: Internalizing and externalizing behaviors were assessed with the Millon Adolescent Clinical Inventory (MACI). Latent class analysis was used to identify subgroups on the basis of involvement in substance use proximal to sex, number of partners, and consistency of condom use. Results: Participants (n = 301) were identified as demonstrating high, medium, or low levels of sexual risk behavior. Greater externalizing psychopathology distinguished the high risk class from the medium risk class and from the low...
The Price is Right?: Statistical evaluation of a crowd-sourced market information system in Liberia

Many critical policy decisions depend upon reliable and up-to-date information on market prices. Such data are used to construct consumer price indices, measure inflation, detect food insecurity, and influence macroeconomic policy. In developing countries, where many of these problems are most acute, reliable market price information can be hard to come by. Here, we evaluate data from Premise, a new technology for measuring price information using crowd-sourced data contributed by local citizens. Our evaluation focuses on Liberia, a country with a history of economic and political instability. Using data from Premise, which recently began data collection in Liberia, we analyze tens of thousands of individual price observations collected at hundreds of different locations in Monrovia. We illustrate how these data can be used to construct composite market price indices, and compare these constructed indices and prices for individual products to "ground truth" data from the Central Bank of Liberia and the United Nations World Food Programme. Our results indicate that the crowd-sourced price data correlates well with traditional price indices. However, we find statistically and economically significant deviations from traditional measures that require deeper investigation. We conclude by discussing how indices based on Premise data can be further improved with simple supervised learning methods that use traditional low-frequency data to calibrate and cross-validate the high-frequency Premise-based indices.
The Orientalist-Literati Relationship in the Northwest G.W. Leitner, Muhammad Hussain Azad and the Rhetoric of Neo-orientalism in Colonial Lahore

Lahore emerged as a new intellectual centre in northwest India for British Orientalists and Indian intellectuals after the destruction of Delhi during the Great Revolt of 1857. Two prominent individuals who moved to Lahore at this time were Gottlieb Leitner, a philologist and Orientalist scholar, and Maulana Muhammad Hussain Azad, an Urdu poet, literary critic and teacher. Leitner, a naturalised British citizen who studied in Istanbul and completed higher education in Arabic and Turkish in London, became principal of the new Government College in Lahore in 1864. In this position, he exercised a deep influence on education in the northwest by promoting the development and study of vernacular (Urdu language) education, founding and leading a major scientific and literary organisation, the Anjuman-e Punjab. Having aroused strong British opposition, both to his ideas and his combative personality, Leitner’s support and assistance from the local literati allowed him to develop and implement his ideas. Leitner’...
Experimental Bacterial Endocarditis in the Opossum (Didelphis virginiana).II. Induction of Endocarditis with a Single Injection of Streptococcus viridans

The adult male opossums (2.5-3.6 kg) used in this study were kept in individual stainless steel cages (22 inches X 20 inches X 15 inches) in a room with a constant temperature of 24 C and the humidity at a level of 5096-6096. Alphahemolytic streptococci isolated from a spontaneous case of bacterial endocarditis in an opossum served as the infectious agent. The l-ml bacterial inoculum used in each animal was derived from a freshly grown culture and contained 52 X 106 viable organisms. The cellular concentration was measured as total wet volume with a Hopkins tube, and viability of the bacteria was estimated by colony-counts. Twenty-one animals made up the test group, and 12 others were controls. The jugular vein was approached aseptically for the intravenous injection of bacteria and for collection of blood
Partial Maintenance of Adrenal Weight in Hypophysectomized Immature Male Rats by Testosterone Injections.

SummaryTnjections of large doses of male hormone partially prevent the atrophy of the adrenal cortex which normally follows hypophysectomy in the immature male rat.
Evolutions and characteristics on PB2 gene of human avian H_5N_1 strain in Guangdong

AIM:To reveal characteristics and evolutions of PB2 genes of human avian H5N1 influenza strains by analysis on sequences of PB2 gene.METHODS:The PB2 gene of human avian H5N1 influenza in Guangdong was sequenced and the global PB2 genes of strains were searched out from internet.They were analyzed by DNAStar 5.0 by means of studying the revolutionary speeds combining the epidemiological data.RESULTS:PB2 genes of 48 strains during 1997-2006 were homologously classified into two groups:strains during 1997-1998(G1),strains during 2003-2006(G2).There were 101 substitutions of amino acids in PB2 in all strains,accounting for 13.3%(101/759).In the variation,Kss in PB2 were 39.4×10-6～63.4×10-6 Nt/d and Kas in PB2 were 3.36×10-6～5.11×10-6 Nt/d,which indicated that evolution of PB2 genes obviously resulted from spontaneously mutation.The PB2 genes of strains during 2003-2006(including GD-01-06)only remained a glycoprotein domain(NPT301-303)and deleted other three glycoprotein domains,which might have an impact on the strain pathogenicity.CONCLUSION:PB2 genes are classified into two groups and they evolve rapidly in genes by spontaneously mutation.The deletion of three glycoprotein domains in PB2 genes might result in variation of the strain pathogenicity,including the probability of human-human transmission and initiating a new pandemic of human avian H5N1 influenza.
Accuracy of Balancing at Total Knee Surgery Using an Instrumented Tibial Trial.

Abstract Background Balancing is an important part of a total knee procedure, and in recent years, more emphasis has been given to quantifying the process. Methods During 101 total knee surgeries, initial bone cuts were made using navigation. Lateral and medial contact forces were determined throughout flexion using an instrumented tibial trial. Balancing was defined as a ratio of the medial and total force, the target being 0.5 (equal lateral and medial forces). Based on the initial values, surgical corrections were selected to achieve balancing. The most common corrections were soft tissue releases (63 incidences), including MCL, posterolateral corner, posteromedial corner, and changing tibial insert thicknesses (34 incidences). Results After final balancing, the mean ratio was 0.52 ± 0.14, between 0.35 and 0.65 being achieved in 80% of cases. In 84% of cases, only 0-2 corrections were required. The average total force on the condyles was 215 ± 86 N. Conclusion Our study provides data to surgeons on the results to expect when balancing a knee, which can enhance both accuracy and consistency of the procedure.
Effects of conventional and organic feed on the mineral composition of cultured European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax)

European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) is a widely consumed marine fish in Mediterranean areas, and different farming techniques are applied for fish culturing to satisfy the growing demand for seafood. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of conventional and organic feed on the quality of cultured European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) collected during the growth period. The concentrations of ash, moisture, essential macro-elements (Ca, K, Mg, Na and P), micro-elements (Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni and Zn) and toxic elements (As, Cd, and Pb) were determined in feeds and in fillets of cultured fish. The results were compared to those obtained from wild sea bass. Results showed that the differences between organic diet-fed and conventional diet-fed sea basses varied in relation to the specific element measured and the growth period. The former showed higher concentration of Fe, Mg and Cr, and lower Na content. The amount of P, Na, Fe, Cu and Cr in wild sea bass was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher than that found in farmed fish. The levels of toxic elements in cultured sea bass were always within the allowed limit for fishery products. Wild samples had significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher content of arsenic and lead than farmed sea bass. Cultured fish represent a valuable dietary source of essential macro- and micro-elements. Controlled rearing systems and feedings were related to a decrease in the presence of some toxic metals in cultured fish compared with wild fish.
Reconstructing Beauty: Edward Hopper, Jackson Pollock, and Ornette Coleman

Given the mostly unopposed dominance of liberalism in America, beauty’s connection to survival—the focus of the liberal enterprise—is especially strong. The classic coupe is elegant, but traversing wide expanses at freeway speeds is exhilarating. The wilderness is pristine, but overcoming its dangers and exploiting its bounty are rewarding. And the Nightingale is ethereal, but taming her exotic seductions with child rearing and wholesomeness is reaffirming. Restricting beauty to domains that retain a strong connection to survival concerns compromises its experience with instrumentality. American beauty resembles, then, the roses in the Beast’s garden—a cultivated beauty, manicured and safe.
Cam — Another Viewpoint

In the area of Computer Aided Manufacturing so far little effort has been devoted to the on-line process control aspects of manufacturing processes. In the paper an attempt is being made to offer a possible approach based on the Dynamic Data Systems methodology for this purpose. The mathematical essentials for on-line process identification and control based on stochastic principles are introduced, and the impact of the availability of such a method for CAM is emphasized. The proposed concept is demonstrated on the examples of form accuracy control, chatter suppression and on-line tool life monitoring.
Against the new Cartesian Circle

AbstractIn two recent papers, Michael Della Rocca accuses Descartes of reasoning circularly in the Fourth Meditation. This alleged new circle is distinct from, and more vicious than, the traditional Cartesian Circle arising in the Third Meditation. We explain Della Rocca’s reasons for this accusation, showing that his argument is invalid.
An air of injustice? An integrated approach to understanding the link between police injustices and neighborhood rates of violence

ABSTRACTThis article asks if an “air of injustice,” created by the disproportionate (and often negative) encounters with police in African American communities, leads to violence? An integrated theoretical model drawing upon social disorganization, collective efficacy, and macro strain theories as well as the recent theory of African American offending, is presented as a new theory of violence in African American communities. The primary tenants are then assessed with the community survey of the Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods. Findings support the integrated model and significance of an “air of injustice” as an additional predictor of neighborhood violence beyond community characteristics and social conditions, particularly for African American communities. Theoretical and empirical implications are discussed.
The effect of task role on Vietnamese EFL learners' collaboration in mixed proficiency dyads

Previous peer interaction research has shown that proficiency not only plays a role in how second language (L2) learners talk about language form, but also influences their pair dynamics. The current study focuses on peer interaction involving mixed-proficiency dyads, specifically whether task role affects the nature of L2 learners' discussions or their pair dynamics. Sixty English L2 learners at a Vietnamese university were assigned to mixed-proficiency dyads to carry out a story retell task. Task role was manipulated by assigning either information holder or information receiver status to the lower-proficiency learner. After retelling the story, the learners worked together to create a story ending and then collaboratively wrote the entire story. Audio-recordings of their interactions were transcribed and analyzed in terms of the amount, type, and resolution of language-related episodes (LREs) and pair dynamics. The results indicated that the learners produced more LREs and engaged in interactions with greater mutuality when the lower-proficiency learner had the task role as information holder. The findings shed light on ways to promote attention to language form and collaborative interactions when L2 learners from different proficiency levels carry out communicative tasks.
Spectral contrast-enhanced optical coherence tomography for improved detection of tumor microvasculature and functional imaging of lymphatic drainage

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is well-suited to study in vivo dynamics of blood circulation and lymphatic flow because of the technique’s combination of rapid image acquisition, micron spatial resolution, and penetration depth in turbid tissues. However, OCT has been historically constrained by a dearth of contrast agents that are readily distinguished from the strong scattering intrinsic to biological tissues. In this study, we demonstrate large gold nanorods (LGNRs) as optimized contrast agents for OCT. LGNRs produce 32-fold greater backscattering than GNRs previously tested for contrast-enhanced OCT. Furthermore, LGNRs exhibit 110-fold stronger spectral signal than conventional GNRs when coupled with custom spectral detection algorithms. This signal enhancement enables picomolar OCT detection sensitivity in vivo and single-particle detection against optically-clear backgrounds. Moreover, the ability to synthesize LGNRs with tunable spectral peaks provides a viable platform for multiplexed imaging studies. To explore the advantages of LGNRs as OCT contrast agents, we implemented them for noninvasive 3D imaging of tumor blood supply and active lymphatic drainage in mice. Spectral detection of LGNRs enabled 100% improvement in imaging depth for detecting microvasculature (vessels ∼ 20 μm in diameter) in U87MG glioblastoma xenografts in mice pinnae. We also demonstrated our approach’s ability to map the spatial dependence of lymph drainage and flow directionality within lymphatic capillaries. Using LGNRs with distinct spectra, we further identified the functional states of individual lymphatic valves in vivo. Thus, this approach provides a powerful new platform for functional imaging that may be extended for future molecular imaging studies with OCT.
The domestic and international impact of national electronics policies

Over the last decade, electronics policies have proliferated among both the developed and developing countries. Some governments have created rigid frameworks for guiding their industries into the 'information age', while others have limited themselves to so–called 'infant' industry policies. Although many of these policies may serve short–term national goals, the author notes that their cumulative effects can be detrimental to the international economy.
Local environmental and meteorological conditions influencing the invasive mosquito Ae . albopictus and arbovirus transmission risk in New York City

Ae. albopictus, an invasive mosquito vector now endemic to much of the northeastern US, is a significant public health threat both as a nuisance biter and vector of disease (e.g. chikungunya virus). Here, we aim to quantify the relationships between local environmental and meteorological conditions and the abundance of Ae. albopictus mosquitoes in New York City. Using statistical modeling, we create a fine-scale spatially explicit risk map of Ae. albopictus abundance and validate the accuracy of spatiotemporal model predictions using observational data from 2016. We find that the spatial variability of annual Ae. albopictus abundance is greater than its temporal variability in New York City but that both local environmental and meteorological conditions are associated with Ae. albopictus numbers. Specifically, key land use characteristics, including open spaces, residential areas, and vacant lots, and spring and early summer meteorological conditions are associated with annual Ae. albopictus abundance. In addition, we investigate the distribution of imported chikungunya cases during 2014 and use these data to delineate areas with the highest rates of arboviral importation. We show that the spatial distribution of imported arboviral cases has been mostly discordant with mosquito production and thus, to date, has provided a check on local arboviral transmission in New York City. We do, however, find concordant areas where high Ae. albopictus abundance and chikungunya importation co-occur. Public health and vector control officials should prioritize control efforts to these areas and thus more cost effectively reduce the risk of local arboviral transmission. The methods applied here can be used to monitor and identify areas of risk for other imported vector-borne diseases.
Watching accessible cartoons: The speed of closed captions for young audiences in the United States

Closed captions facilitate access of the deaf and hard of hearing community to mass media communication. Contrary to other countries that edit and shorten the subtitles to adjust them to the averag...
The Play's the Thing: A Theory of Taxing Virtual Worlds

Taxation is shadow life. As our culture monetizes more and more life activities, the shadow grows. This article looks at the potential tax issues arising from a new life activity: online role-playing games in virtual worlds. Currently, some 12 million people regularly play such games and the number is growing. Exploring the reach of the Tax Code into virtual world transactions not only responds to the potentially practical needs of millions of U.S. taxpayers, it also permits a reevaluation of core principles of income tax as they interplay with life activities in the context of 21st century American culture. This article's central thesis is that while player activity in virtual worlds produces measurable economic value to the player, player activity that occurs solely within the online virtual world is not gross income under the law. The article argues for a "cash out" rule. Players whose added wealth consists solely in what are defined as "units of play" should not be taxed unless and until they convert those units into cash or property that is something other than a unit of play. Conversely, when the play ceases, taxation begins. The resulting line-drawing difficulties have nothing to do with player intent nor with "fun" and "games." Instead, the issue presented is as old as the Tax Code itself: at what point does economic gain become legal gain? The new context of virtual words allows for a renewed exploration of how and why the legal concept of "income" differs, and indeed must differ, from the economic concept. The article proceeds in three parts. Part I describes the relevant facts of online role-playing games. It describes two popular virtual worlds which sit at opposite ends of the spectrum of online gaming - World of Warcraft and Second Life - and describes how game-related activity produces economic income. Part II reviews the basic rules of income tax, focusing on the broadness of the theory of gross income under section 61. Part II argues that the limits of section 61, whether imposed by Congress, the courts, or the IRS, are best described as operational limits. Part III applies the basic tax rules to virtual worlds and advances a theory based on "units of play" to distinguish between virtual worlds that are games and virtual worlds that are the equivalent of bingo halls or barter clubs. Using the concept of imputed income, Part III discusses the circumstances under which economic activity in-world involving only trade of virtual goods or services for virtual money will cast a real world tax shadow.
Role of CD44 in Regulating TLR2 Activation of Human Macrophages and Downstream Expression of Proinflammatory Cytokines.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a low-grade chronic inflammatory joint disease. Innate immunity contributes to OA progression, mediated by TLR2 and TLR4. We evaluated the role of cluster determinant 44 (CD44), a transmembrane glycoprotein, in regulating TLR2-linked macrophage activation and resultant proinflammatory responses. TLR2 stimulation was performed on differentiated THP-1 macrophages in the presence or absence of a CD44-specific Ab or hyaluronan (HA). NF-κB nuclear translocation, IL-1 β and TNF-α gene expression, and protein concentrations were determined. Anti-CD44 Ab and HA treatments reduced NF-κB translocation, IL-1β and TNF-α expression, and production (p < 0.001). Inhibition of proinflammatory response in macrophages by HA was mediated by CD44. Protein phosphatase 2A mediated the reduction in NF-κB translocation by HA. CD44 knockdown reduced NF-κB nuclear translocation and downstream IL-1β and TNF-α protein production following TLR2 receptor stimulation (p < 0.001). CD44+/+ murine bone marrow-derived macrophages produced higher TNF-α compared with CD44-/- macrophages following TLR2 stimulation (p < 0.01). HA dose-dependently inhibited TLR2-induced TNF-α production by murine bone marrow-derived macrophages (p < 0.001). OA synovial fluids (SF) stimulated TLR2 and TLR4 receptors and induced NF-κB translocation in THP-1 macrophages. Anti-CD44 Ab treatment significantly reduced macrophage activation by OA SF (p < 0.01). CD44 regulated TLR2 responses in human macrophages, whereby a reduction in CD44 levels or engagement of CD44 by its ligand (HA) or a CD44-specific Ab reduced NF-κB translocation and downstream proinflammatory cytokine production. A CD44-specific Ab reduced macrophage activation by OA SF, and CD44 is a potentially novel target in OA treatment.
The electrochemical behavior of poly 1-pyrenemethyl methacrylate binder and its effect on the interfacial chemistry of a silicon electrode

The physico-chemical properties of poly (1-pyrenemethyl methacrylate) (PPy) are presented with respect to its use as a binder in a Si composite anode for Li-ion batteries. PPy thin-films on Si(100) wafer and Cu model electrodes are shown to exhibit superior adhesion as compared to conventional polyvinylidene difluoride (PVdF) binder. Electrochemical testing of the model bi-layer PPy/Si(100) electrodes in a standard organic carbonate electrolyte reveal higher electrolyte reduction current and an overall irreversible cathodic charge consumption during initial cycling versus the uncoated Si electrode. The PPy thin-film is also shown to impede lithiation of the underlying Si. XAS, AFM, TGA and ATR-FTIR analysis indicated that PPy binder is both chemically and electrochemically stable in the cycling potential range however significant swelling is observed due to a selective uptake of diethyl carbonate (DEC) from the electrolyte. The increased concentration of DEC and depletion of ethylene carbonate (EC) at the Si/PPy interface leads to continuous decomposition of the electrolyte and results in non-passivating behavior of the Si(100)/PPy electrode as compared to pristine silicon. Consequently, PPy binder improves the mechanical integrity of composite Si anodes but it influences mass transport at the Si(100)/PPy interface and alters electrochemical response of silicon during cycling in an adverse manner.
Increased Neighbor Interaction and Fear of Social Sanctions: Associations with Resident Action to Control the Invasive Little Fire Ant

Motivating and sustaining community action to combat invasive species is crucial for reducing the impacts of invasive species on private lands. However, much is still unknown about how organizations seeking to promote natural resource conservation can effectively inspire, support, and help maintain community action over time. To address this gap, we explored factors associated with resident engagement in control of the invasive little fire ant (Wasmannia auropunctata) in Hawaii, with a focus on the role of neighborhood social capital (i.e. norms, reciprocity, and relations) in affecting action. Based on data derived from a survey of 246 residents and regression models, we found that increased neighbor interaction, fear of social sanctions from neighbors, and several psychosocial variables were associated with resident action to control the little fire ant. We suggest that organizations seeking to motivate resident engagement in invasive species control may benefit from building social norms and enhancing neighborhood interaction.
UNUSUAL FORMS OF PULMONARY EMBOLISM

The first word of the title, unusual, captures the theme of this article. The entities discussed here: fat embolism, tumor embolism, venous air embolism, and amniotic fluid embolism, as well as other unusual embolic events are uncommon disorders that occur in specific circumscribed clinical settings. We have attempted to provide a cognitive jolt to remind the reader to consider these unusual events in appropriate differential diagnoses. No laboratory test, physical finding, or patient complaint will yield a timely diagnosis. Yet, these entities can be acutely life threatening; swift recognition is imperative. Timely and effective therapy rests on the clinical certainty that a test is not likely to establish. It is, perhaps, the greatest demand placed upon the agile clinical mind--to think of it!
Low energy electrical defibrillation of human hearts during cardiac surgery.

The effectiveness of low energy electrical shock for direct defibrillation of human ventricles was determined in 9 patients who underwent surgery with extracorporeal bypass and induced hypothermia. Only 2 patients required more than 5 watt-seconds of energy for defibrillation. Threshold energy doses were therefore lower than those reported for animals. This fact may result from the use of hypothermia, administration of lidocaine, better coronary perfusion, or species differences. We feel that lower currents for defibrillation would reduce the risk of myocardial damage from electrical shock.
Those touchy-feely tasks

The third in a series of articles that will explore the classic five senses, introduces ways to investigate and explore each sense alongside cross-curricular activities – this month, touch.
Fertility and Ovarian Reserve among Women with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Objective. We sought to identify causes for infertility in women with and without rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods. Women with RA were matched to healthy controls. Differences in anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) and anovulation were analyzed. Results. Women with RA had lower AMH (β −1.05, 95% CI −2.09 to −0.005), but no difference was observed when AMH was log-transformed. No difference in anovulation was observed. Infertility prevalence was similar between groups, primarily attributable to polycystic ovary syndrome in healthy controls but largely unexplained in women with RA. Conclusion. AMH was lower in women with RA, but reasons for infertility among women with RA remain unknown.
288 Phenotypic subgroups in systemic lupus erythematosus: an exploratory cluster analysis

Background Lupus is a complex, heterogeneous disease. We have developed a conceptual model to characterize SLE activity using two dimensions: Type 1 SLE includes active inflammatory manifestations of SLE, including arthritis, nephritis, and rashes; Type 2 SLE includes fatigue, myalgia, mood disturbance, and cognitive dysfunction, which can persist in the absence of inflammatory findings. We have grouped SLE patients into phenotypic clusters based on the extent of Type 1 and 2 SLE features. Methods Consecutive SLE patients meeting ACR or SLICC criteria in a university rheumatology clinic were included. Patients completed the Systemic Lupus Activity Questionnaire (SLAQ) and the ACR Fibromyalgia (FM) Diagnostic Criteria. The Fibromyalgia Severity Score (FSS) is the sum of the widespread pain (0–19) and symptom severity (0–9) scores. The physicians global assessment (PGA) was also recorded. Patients were grouped into clusters based on PGA (Type I SLE) and FSS (Type 2 SLE) using hierarchical clustering with Wards minimum variance method. Differences were estimated by ANOVA and Fishers exact test. Results The 419 SLE patients (92% female; mean age: 45 years) were classified into 7 clusters (figure 1). Minimal SLE: Clinical Remission (n=85): minimal Type 1 and 2 SLE. Clinical Remission with Fatigue (n=113): minimal Type 1 and mild Type 2 symptoms of fatigue (70%) and waking unrefreshed (58%). Predominantly Type 1: Moderate Type 1 SLE (n=56): active Type 1 SLE (43% arthritis, 55% anti-dsDNA+) and minimal Type 2 symptoms. Severe Type 1 SLE (n=31): severe Type 1 SLE, with active nephritis (39%), arthritis, new rashes, dsDNA+, and low C3/C4, with mild Type 2 symptoms, primarily fatigue (61%). Predominantly Type 2: Type 2 SLE (n=58): minimal Type 1 SLE and significant Type 2 symptoms including high widespread pain scores, fatigue (97%), waking unrefreshed (86%), depression (67%), cognitive dysfunction (59%). Mixed SLE: Moderate Mixed SLE (n=52): active Type 1 SLE (69% arthritis, 35% anti-dsDNA+) and active Type 2 SLE, with moderate widespread pain scores, fatigue (90%), waking unrefreshed (96%), forgetfulness (52%), and depression (49%). Severe Mixed SLE (n=24): active Type 1 SLE (54% arthritis, 25% proteinuria) combined with severe Type 2 SLE, with high widespread pain scores, depression (86%), fatigue (100%), and waking unrefreshed (100%). Conclusions Patient-reported measures can be identifying distinct clusters of patients with higher and lower levels of Type 1 and 2 SLE features. We have already found this approach useful in direct clinical care and are working to identify immunologic differences between clusters and optimal management protocols. Funding Source(s): None
REVISITING GENDERED STATES: FEMINIST IMAGININGS OF THE STATE IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS.

To honor the 25th anniversary of the conference that ultimately produced Gendered States, a group of feminist International Relations (IR) scholars convened a workshop in Melbourne, Australia, and ...
Using Passenger Elicitation for Developing Gesture Design Guidelines for Adjusting Highly Automated Vehicle Dynamics

Highly Automated Vehicles (HAVs) could benefit safety, accessibility, energy conservation and so on. Realizing the potential benefits depends on the extent of usage, which is significantly related to whether HAV driving behavior matches passenger preference. This study explores gesture interaction guidelines for adjusting HAV dynamics using passenger elicitation. Inspired by user-elicited gesture design, we conducted user testing with virtual reality simulation that can present author-created HAV ride plots. The outcomes of the previous study include knowledge of passengers' gesture interaction with HAVs for adjusting vehicle dynamics in aspects of intentions, gesture collections, consensus extent among the participants, gesture characteristics, gesture design mental models, and initial gesture interaction design guidelines. Based on gained knowledge, we will conduct further research exploring, practicing and evaluating the whole-body gesture interaction guidelines for adjusting HAV driving behaviors.
Food habits of the smooth dogfish, Mustelus canis, dusky shark, Carcharhinus obscurus, Atlantic sharpnose shark, Rhizoprionodon terraenovae, and the sand tiger, Carcharias taurus, from the northwest Atlantic Ocean

Diet and feeding habits of the smooth dogfish, Mustelus canis, Atlantic sharpnose, Rhizoprionodon terraenovae, dusky, Carcharhinus obscurus, and the sand tiger, Carcharias taurus sharks, were investigated through analysis of stomach contents. Diet in M. canis was relatively homogeneous and was dominated by crustaceans, consisting mostly of rock crabs, Cancer irroratus. Diet in R. terraenovae was more heterogeneous and consisted largely of crustaceans and teleosts, in similar levels of prey importance. Use of cumulative prey curves as a measure of precision indicated that data were insufficient to fully describe the diets of C. obscurus and C. taurus. Nonetheless, these data suggested that both species are generalized feeders and consume a variety of teleost and elasmobranch prey. Further studies are necessary to fully characterize diet in these two species.
Presenteeism: Nurse perceptions and consequences.

Aims To describe factors leading to and consequences of nurse presenteeism. Background Presenteeism is more prevalent among nurses than other occupational groups. Existing literatures focuses on prevalence and consequences of presenteeism for patients, health care organizations, and nurses. However, we lack understanding of nurse perceptions of factors leading to and consequences of presenteeism. Methods A total of 295 free responses to a cross-sectional survey were analysed using conventional content analysis. Results Nurses consider multiple factors in deciding how to respond when presentee. These include illness, staffing, availability of leave time, patients, financial constraints and guilt. Consequences of presenteeism identified were decreased mental acuity and attitude leading to lessened communication both in-person and in documentation, transmission of illness, and decline in unit culture, patient care, and nurse health and well-being. Conclusions Multiple factors lead to nurse presenteeism and there are negative consequences to nurses' health, work environment and patient care outcomes. Implications for nursing management This study leads to key discoveries to the reasons for and consequences of nurse presenteeism. Many of the factors leading to presenteeism can be addressed through culture and policy changes within organizations. The consequences to patient care outcomes and the work environment emphasize the importance of addressing presenteeism.
Interferon-γ enhances the antifibrotic effects of pirfenidone by attenuating IPF lung fibroblast activation and differentiation

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) pathogenesis involves multiple pathways, and combined antifibrotic therapy is needed for future IPF therapy. Inhaled interferon-γ (IFN-γ) was recently shown to be safe and without systemic effects in patients with IPF. To examine the in vitro effects of individual and combined treatment with IFN-γ and pirfenidone (PFD) on normal and IPF fibroblast activation and extracellular matrix remodeling after TGF-β1 and PDGF-BB stimulation. IPF and normal human lung fibroblasts (NHLF) were treated with IFN-γ, PFD or a combination of both drugs in the presence of either TGF-β1 or PDGF-BB. The effects of TGF-β1 and PDGF-BB treatment on cell viability, proliferation, differentiation and migration were examined. The expression of collagen 1, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of MMP (TIMPs) was analyzed using qPCR, Western blotting and gelatin zymography. Total collagen content in conditioned media was also measured using a Sircol assay. Compared to that of PFD, the effect of IFN-γ in downregulating normal and IPF lung fibroblast differentiation to myofibroblasts in response to TGF-β1 was more potent. Importantly, the combination of IFN-γ and PFD had a possibly synergistic/additive effect in inhibiting the TGF-β1- and PDGF-BB-induced proliferation, migration and differentiation of normal and IPF lung fibroblasts. Furthermore, both drugs reversed TGF-β1-induced effects on MMP-1, − 2, − 3, − 7, and − 9, while only PFD promoted TIMP-1 and-2 expression and release. Our findings demonstrate that the antifibrotic effects of IFN-γ and PFD on normal and IPF lung fibroblasts are different and complementary. Combination therapy with inhaled IFN-γ and PFD in IPF is promising and should be further explored in IPF clinical trials.
Transit Prediction in a College Setting

A college transit system is both important, and different from a general transit system. In this paper, we present a model to predict the arrival time of a college transit vehicle every second to provide information at each stop. The prediction model is divided into two separate modules that make the prediction of the moving time and the stopping time, respectively. The results of the two modules are then combined to obtain the final arrival time prediction. The method can be employed along with the V2I communication to inform the current location of the vehicle to predict the arrival time and can be easily extended to obtain the transit priority at the intersections. The presented model has better results in comparison to the existing work and is expected to be equally useful for any general transit system.
Associations between neighborhood built environment and cognition vary by apolipoprotein E genotype: Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

We examined whether neighborhood built environment (BE) and cognition associations in older adults vary by apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype, a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD). We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 4091 participants. Neighborhood characteristics included social and walking destination density (SDD, WDD), intersection density, and proportion of land dedicated to retail. Individuals were categorized as APOE e2 (lower AD risk), APOE e4 (higher AD risk), or APOE e3 carriers. Among APOE e2 carriers, greater proportion of land dedicated to retail was associated with better global cognition, and greater SDD, WDD, intersection density, and proportion of land dedicated to retail was associated with better processing speed. These associations were not observed in APOE e3 or e4 carriers. APOE e2 carriers may be more susceptible to the potentially beneficial effects of denser neighborhood BEs on cognition; however, longitudinal studies are needed.
Inference of Gas-liquid Flowrate using Neural Networks.

The metering of gas-liquid flows is difficult due to the non-linear relationship between flow regimes and fluid properties, flow orientation, channel geometry, etc. In fact, a majority of commercial multiphase flow meters have a low accuracy, limited range of operation or require a physical separation of the phases. We introduce the inference of gas-liquid flowrates using a neural network model that is trained by wire-mesh sensor (WMS) experimental data. The WMS is an experimental tool that records high-resolution high-frequency 3D void fraction distributions in gas-liquid flows. The experimental database utilized spans over two orders of superficial velocity magnitude and multiple flow regimes for a vertical small-diameter pipe. Our findings indicate that a single network can provide accurate and precise inference with below a 7.5% MAP error across all flow regimes. The best performing networks have a combination of a 3D-Convolution head, and an LSTM tail. The finding indicates that the spatiotemporal features observed in gas-liquid flows can be systematically decomposed and used for inferring phase-wise flowrate. Our method does not involve any complex pre-processing of the void fraction matrices, resulting in an evaluation time that is negligible when contrasted to the input time-span. The efficiency of the model manifests in a response time two orders of magnitude lower than the current state-of-the-art.
A RARE CASE OF CONGENITAL STENOSIS OF THE COMMON RIGHT PULMONARY VENOUS OSTIUM

Pulmonary vein stenosis refers to a variety of congenital and acquired disorders characterized by narrowing of the one or more of the pulmonary veins. Pulmonary vein stenosis is challenging to diagnose and thus is associated with high mortality. A 20 year-old Caucasian female with scoliosis
Trends in open shoulder surgery among early career orthopedic surgeons: who is doing what?

Background The incidence of various open shoulder procedures has changed over time. In addition, various fellowships provide overlapping training in open shoulder surgery. There is a lack of information regarding the relationship between surgeon training and open shoulder procedure type and incidence in early career orthopedic surgeons. Methods The American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery Part-II database was queried from 2002 to 2016 for reported open shoulder procedures. The procedures were categorized as follows: arthroplasty, revision arthroplasty, open instability, trauma, and open rotator cuff. We evaluated procedure trends as well as their relationship to surgeon fellowship categorized by Sports, Shoulder/Elbow, Hand, Trauma, and “Other” fellowship as well as no fellowship training. We additionally evaluated complication data as it related to procedure, fellowship category, and volume. Results Over the 2002-2016 study period, there were increasing cases of arthroplasty, revision arthroplasty, and trauma (P Conclusion The type and incidence of open shoulder surgery procedures continues to change. Among early career surgeons, those with more specific shoulder training are now performing the majority of arthroplasty-related procedures, and early career volume inversely correlates with complications.
Hyperprogression in cancer patients on immunotherapeutic agents.

3575Background: Patients (pts) treated with checkpoint inhibitors (CPI) may uncommonly experience accelerated progression in their tumor burden when compared to their rate of progression prior to r...
Current Status of Zika Virus Vaccines: Successes and Challenges

The recently emerged Zika virus (ZIKV) spread to the Americas, causing a spectrum of congenital diseases including microcephaly in newborn and Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) in adults. The unprecedented nature of the epidemic and serious diseases associated with the viral infections prompted the global research community to understand the immunopathogenic mechanisms of the virus and rapidly develop safe and efficacious vaccines. This has led to a number of ZIKV vaccine candidates that have shown significant promise in human clinical trials. These candidates include nucleic acid vaccines, inactivated vaccines, viral-vectored vaccines, and attenuated vaccines. Additionally, a number of vaccine candidates have been shown to protect animals in preclinical studies. However, as the epidemic has waned in the last three years, further development of the most promising vaccine candidates faces challenges in clinical efficacy trials, which is needed before a vaccine is brought to licensure. It is important that a coalition of government funding agencies and private sector companies is established to move forward with a safe and effective vaccine ready for deployment when the next ZIKV epidemic occurs.
Praxiseinblick: Wohnst du schon oder wirst du noch untergebracht? Wohnraumvermittlung in Augsburg

Stadte wachsen, Spekulationen und Privatisierung lassen die Mieten explodieren – Wohnen wird vielerorts zu einem Privileg Wohlhabender. Das Recht auf privaten Wohnraum ist oft nur theoretisch vorhanden, denn insbesondere in Ballungsgebieten sind preiswerte Wohnungen auf dem privaten Wohnungsmarkt, aber auch geforderte Sozialwohnungen knapp. Aufgrund von Mehrfachdiskriminierungen und einer Reihe institutioneller und burokratischer Hurden stehen Gefluchtete dabei oft am Ende der Reihe der Interessent_innen. Ausgehend von den Erfahrungen des ‚Wohnprojekts Augsburg‘, eines Projekts, das in Augsburg Menschen mit Flucht- und Migrationshintergrund bei der Wohnungssuche unterstutzt, beleuchtet der Beitrag den Zugang zum Wohnungsmarkt im Spannungsverhaltnis der kommunalen Integrationsarbeit. Er geht dabei der Frage nach, welche Schritte notig sind, um die selbststandige Orientierung und gleichberechtigte Teilhabe von Menschen mit Flucht- oder Migrationshintergrund auf einem immer angespannteren Wohnungsmarkt zu fordern.
Feeling for Fate: Karma and the Senses in Buddhist Nuns’ Ordination Narratives

In Vietnam, the decision for young women to ordain as Mahayana Buddhist nuns is navigated through careful interpretations of feeling. Nuns state their decisions to “go forth” ( đi tu ) in youth were precipitated by feelings of peace and comfort in monasteries even before they understood Buddhist teachings. Such feelings are interpreted as indicators of past-life karmic bonds, which create “predestined affinities” in this life (nhân duyen ). Youth determine pre-inclination for monasticism early in life by reading their bodily reactions to Buddhist spaces with or without adults’ assistance. Nuns reclaim local cultural concepts of femininity by declaring that women have special capacities for discerning these predestined affinities and that they must assume unequal monastic rules because of their innate gendered nobility. This article nuances understandings of women’s agency in global Buddhism by exploring how Vietnamese nuns interpret local concepts of the feminine body as resources for pursuing Buddhist ordination.