cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Need for Psychological Services as Perceived by Urban Police Departments

Police departments use psychologists in a variety of different ways. In a national survey of police departments, Parisher, Rios, and Reilley (submitted) found a wide range of services offered by psychologists employed by police departments. Although these results indicate what is now in practice, they do not address either possible areas of growth or existing needs in psychological services as seen by police department personnel. This problem is the focus of the present report. The Parisher survey was sent to 174 urban police departments randomly selected and stratified into four population categories (over 500,000; 250,000-500,000; 125,000250,000; 50,00&125,000). Over 50% ( n = 89) of the selected police departments answered the section of the questionnaire which asked, "for what services do you feel there is a need in your deparunent?" This section was analyzed separately from the major report since it was basically a statement of opinion from the respondents and subjective in narure. The results, though, give some insight into what the police consider to be needed services in their departments. Three services were listed substantially more often than others. The most requested was personal and family counseling for officers (82%) , followed by screening for job applicants ( 7 9 % ) , and workshops in special problems of police work (72%). Other desired services in descending order were development of curriculum for training purposes (51%) , workshops in alcohol and drug abuse (49% ), testing (47%) , workshops in abnormal behavior (44% ), workshops in cultural awareness (40%) , personal and family counseling for victims ( 3 9 % ) , workshops in individual growth (38%), and teaching continuing education courses ( 3 6 % ) . The selections of needs of services were ranked in relatively the same order for all four population categories. Another section of this same survey showed that screening of applicants was most often mentioned as a primary duty of psychologists already working in police departments. It appears that screening is not only a major present responsibility, but also a growing need. Several police deparrments commented on screening, pointing out that competent and impartial selection of police officers is not only desired by the department, but a legal necessity. The research seems to point out that additional psychological services are desired by police departments and that this could conceivably become an area of involvement for psychologists.
The Teaching of Mathematics in Summer Sessions of Universities and Normal Schools

(1911). The Teaching of Mathematics in Summer Sessions of Universities and Normal Schools. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 18, No. 8-9, pp. 147-157.
Electrocardiographic Left Ventricular Hypertrophy as a Predictor of Cardiovascular Disease Independent of Left Ventricular Anatomy in Subjects Aged ≥65 Years.

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) diagnosed by electrocardiography (ECG-LVH) and echocardiography (echo-LVH) are independently associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events. However, it is unknown if ECG-LVH retains its predictive properties independent of LV anatomy. We compared the risk of CVD associated with ECG-LVH and echo-LVH in 4,076 participants (41% men, 86% white) from the Cardiovascular Health Study, who were free of baseline CVD. ECG-LVH was defined with Minnesota ECG Classification criteria from baseline ECG data. Echo-LVH was defined by gender-specific LV mass values normalized to body surface area (male: >102 g/m 2 ; female: >88 g/m 2 ). ECG-LVH was detected in 144 participants (3.5%) and echo-LVH in 430 participants (11%). Over a median follow-up of 10.6 years, 2,274 CVD events occurred. In a multivariate Cox regression analysis adjusted for common CVD risk factors, ECG-LVH (hazard ratio [HR] 1.84, 95% CI 1.51 to 2.24) and echo-LVH (HR 1.35, 95% CI 1.19 to 1.54) were associated with an increased risk for CVD events. The association between ECG-LVH and CVD events was not substantively altered with further adjustment for echo-LVH (HR 1.76, 95% CI 1.45 to 2.15). In conclusion, the association of ECG-LVH with CVD events is not dependent on echo-LVH. This finding provides support to the concept that ECG-LVH is an electrophysiological marker with predictive properties independent of LV anatomy.
Forging Greater Xi’an: The Political Logic of Metropolitanization

The trend of metropolitanization—rapid growth of the largest cities, horizontal sprawl, and pursuit of economic competitiveness—in China has attracted much attention from scholars. Whereas existing research generally portrays local governments as the key agents behind metropolitan-style development, this article emphasizes the active role higher-level governments play in shaping urban growth. I use the case of the Xi’an-Xianyang area in Shaanxi province to explore the political forces behind metropolitanization, tracing efforts since 2000 to build a larger, more integrated Greater Xi’an. I argue that provincial-level authorities in particular favor urban development that is focused on leading cities but crosses different jurisdictions, which helps them reap economic benefits from urban scale while limiting its political costs. Driving development from above is contentious, however, and requires significant clout on the part of provincial governments. In Xi’an, metropolitan growth has accelerated as Shaanx...
Vasopressin-induced increase in renal lymph flow and natriuresis in dogs.

1. Renal lymph flow and composition as well as renal haemodynamics and electrolyte excretion were studied in dogs during three experimental periods: control [endogenous antidiuretic hormone (ADH)], water diuresis (low ADH) and during exogenous ADH administration. 2. During water diuresis C PAH and C Cr were significantly increased although lymph flow and urinary sodium excretion were unchanged. 3. Infusion of ADH significantly increased renal lymph flow and sodium excretion. However, when compared with values obtained during water diuresis, ADH infusion did not significantly change clearance for p -aminohippurate (C PAH ), creatinine (C cr ) and osmolal clearance (C osm ), filtration fraction or net capillary colloid osmotic pressure in dogs forming concentrated urine. 4. It is suggested that a shift of blood flow from vasa recta to outer medullary capillaries, with increased capillary protein leakage and medullary interstitial volume, is responsible for the changes observed in lymph flow and sodium excretion.
Thylakoid Structure and Function in Relation to Leaf Phosphate Status in Sugar Beet

Based largely on in vitro studies, the level of orthophosphate (Pi) in plant tissues is thought to be involved in the regulation of photosynthesis (1–3). The in vivo role of Pi in photosynthetic regulation may be explored by varying Pi levels in leaves nutritionally and then monitoring changes which occur in various aspects of photosynthesis (4–7). The objective of the present work was to investigate the effects of leaf P status on the structure and function of the thylakoid membrane.
Comprehensive School Physical Activity Programs in Middle Schools

Physical activity declines among children in their tweens and teens. To address physical inactivity as a health risk, national organizations are endorsing the implementation of comprehensive school physical activity programs (CSPAPs). The purpose of this article is to describe the history of school-coordinated approaches to addressing health issues and to provide steps for implementing CSPAPs in middle-school settings. The current need, theoretical-based rationale, how-to steps, and strategies for overcoming barriers are included. The article also includes sample artifacts from effective middle school CSPAPs and identifies multiple resources for CSPAP implementation.
The Global Health Nursing Imperative: Using Competency-Based Analysis to Strengthen Accountability for Population Focused Practice, Education, and Research

Abstract Background The Quad Council Competencies for Public Health Nurses are used to guide community and public health nursing course development in baccalaureate nursing programs. As clinical practice has expanded to global settings, the appropriateness of the 2011 Quad Council Public Health Nursing (PHN) Competencies to guide global clinical practice and evaluation was questioned. Objective To describe a comparison and analysis of three sets of competencies: PHN competencies, competencies for global health nurses, and interprofessional competencies for health professionals. Method A literature review identified the most current guidelines and competencies for global health practice. Two seminal articles, “Global Health Competencies for Nurses in the Americas” and “Identifying Interprofessional Global Health Competencies for 21st-Century Health Professionals,” were reviewed and compared with the 2011 Quad Council Public Health Nursing Competencies. A six-member multi-site team conducted a qualitative thematic approach to competency analysis. A four column crosswalk spreadsheet grid was used for comparison of the three sets of competencies. Column four was created to identify possible exemplars for clinical practice. Findings Gaps exist in the PHN competencies for specific global and interprofessional competencies. Recommendations Enhanced and consistent emphasis on population/global health, and interprofessional content throughout nursing curricula is necessary to prepare providers for practice in global settings. Incorporation of global and interprofessional competencies should be considered in the revision of competencies for PHN practice to enhance productive contributions to community health outcomes. Consideration of proper placement of content gaps within basic and advanced nursing education as well as leveling for community/public health nursing practice needs to be addressed by nursing education and practice. In the interim, a special course or elective may be appropriate, especially for schools having clinical nursing practicums in international settings. Clinical evaluation in low-resource settings needs to be enhanced and aligned with competencies.
Lithology and coarse fraction adjusted bulk density estimates for determining total organic carbon stocks in dryland soils

Abstract Pedotransfer functions (PTFs) have been developed to estimate soil fine fraction bulk density (BDFF) using the relationships with soil organic carbon content (SOC) and particle size distribution. Current PTF's overlook the influence of lithology on BDFF estimations. In this study, we examine this influence by developing two PTF's for total bulk density (BDT), which includes both fine (FF) and coarse fragments (CF), using measured percent SOC in soils derived from felsic and mafic lithologies (90 felsic and 52 mafic, 142 total). Our results show that SOC is highly correlated with BDT in soils derived from felsic (R2 value of 0.79, p 2 mm) to determine estimated BDFF. We use an independently collected validation subset of 70 samples to compare our model against 23 published PTFs. When accounting for lithological differences in BDT and adjusting for site-specific CF content, which is highly variable vertically and horizontally within the watershed, we observe substantial improvements (average of 10.05 ± 4.89%) in BDFF estimation and associated errors compared to other PTFs. Findings from our study demonstrate that incorporating both lithology and CF content into site-specific empirical relationships can provide reliable BDFF and consequently soil carbon stock estimates.
Species effects and seasonal trends on plant efflux quantity and quality in a spruce swamp forest

We aimed to compare seasonal exudate quality and quantity between Sphagnum moss, Eriophorum vaginatum (graminoid) and Vaccinium myrtillus (ericoid shrub). Exudates were collected in May, July and September 2014 using a culture-based method and characterized by total organic carbon (TOC) and nitrogen (TN) contents with exudation fluxes expressed on a root-mass basis. Organic acids, sugars and amino acids in the exudates were identified by ion exchange chromatography. C and N exudate fluxes, in situ exudation fluxes and exudate contribution to soil dissolved organic matter (DOM) were estimated. Differences in exudate biodegradability were assessed by 13C pulse labeling. E. vaginatum had the largest exudation fluxes, Sphagnum the lowest, and V. myrtillus intermediate, being the greatest in July. All species mostly exuded organic acids except Sphagnum in September when sugars (allose, xylose) and amino acids (cystine) dominated. Sphagnum exudates were more C-rich and less degradable than the vascular species exudates, which released both organic and inorganic N forms. E. vaginatum exudates were richer in amino acids and citrate especially in July. Exudates contributed up to 20% to soil DOM. Plant species composition greatly affects exudate quantity, quality and timing. Plant exudates represent considerable contributions to soil DOM.
Revitalizing History: Recognizing the Struggles, Lives, and Achievements of African American and Women Art Educators

“Perhaps as the result of Bolin and Kantawala’s tutelage... many of the authors are emerging historians who challenge, question, and represent untold histories in a new light.”In Revitalizing Histo...
The Language and Structure of Social Cognition: An Integrative Process of Becoming the Other

Abstract Social cognition is more than recognizing the equivalency between actions perceived and the body’s own felt movements. It is more than mimicking, imitating, or simulating. It is a deep “becoming” that with whom we wish to connect, interact, and understand. As such, it is an adaptive, integrative, and dynamic activity that occurs at every level of the central nervous system. The central thesis of this chapter is that means relevant to social cognition, from simple to complex, are regulated by cortical and subcortical mechanisms in the context of “becoming” and “knowing” the other. Supportive evidence from psychological, sociological, and neuroscientific studies is integrated and presented with respect to empathy as the canonical example. Using an evolutionary approach, social cognitive mechanisms are conceptualized as hierarchically and heterarchically organized, interdependent, and interpenetrating, with the most sophisticated aspects localized to higher order structures in the frontal cortex but modulated and influenced by lower level representations.
Social support and recovery from sexual assault: A review

This article reviews empirical studies of social support and sexual assault in order to evaluate the empirical evidence for the role of support in recovery from mental health and physical health consequences of this crime. Evidence is mixed with regard to the effect of social support, with some studies showing no significant effect and others showing positive effects of support on postassault recovery. Negative aspects of social relations (e.g., negative social reactions), while less studied, show consistent and strong negative effects on sexual assault victims. Factors that may modify the relationship of support and sexual assault outcomes are reviewed, including: assault characteristics, specific support provider factors, victim coping and functioning, preassault support network, and other postassault experiences, such as criminal justice system involvement. Limitations of existing research are noted. Suggestions for future research on the relationship of social support and sequelae of sexual assault are provided, with a focus on development of support network interventions for victims.
Pay, Compensation, and Performance, Psychology of

This article is a revision of the previous edition article by H. Thierry, volume 16, pp. 11130–11134, © 2001, Elsevier Ltd.
Genome Mapping and Analysis

The present chapter is aimed to build on, and update, an earlier comprehensive review (Quiros 2001) by providing the latest information on gene mapping, its analysis and application in Brassica crops.
Manipulating Ergodic Bodies through Gentle Guidance

This paper proposes methods for achieving basic tasks such as navigation, patrolling, herding, and coverage by exploiting the wild motions of very simple bodies in the environment. Bodies move within regions that are connected by gates that enforce specific rules of passage. Common issues such as dynamical system modeling, precise state estimation, and state feedback are avoided. The method is demonstrated in a series of experiments that manipulate the flow of weasel balls (without the weasels) and Hexbug Nano vibrating bugs.
The importance of nutrient supply by fish excretion and watershed streams to a eutrophic lake varies with temporal scale over 19 years

Animals transform and translocate nutrients at ecologically relevant rates, contributing to eutrophication in aquatic ecosystems by mobilizing otherwise unavailable nutrients. Yet we know little about how animal-mediated nutrient cycling compares with external abiotic nutrient sources over long periods (years–decades) and at multiple timescales. To address this, we conducted a 19-year study in a eutrophic reservoir examining nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) inputs from watershed streams versus excretion by an abundant fish (gizzard shad, Dorosoma cepedianum) at weekly, monthly and seasonal timescales. Over the entire time period, watershed N and P loading was 33- and 3-fold greater than fish N and P excretion, respectively. However, fish N excretion exceeded watershed nutrient loading in 36% of weeks and 43% of months, and fish P excretion in 68% of weeks and 58% of months during the growing season. Fish excretion had lower temporal variability in both supply rate and N:P ratio than watershed loading. Fish excretion also supplied nutrients at a much lower molar N:P ratio than the watershed (mean of daily N:P supply ratios were 15 and 723, respectively). In eutrophic lakes with high fish biomass, fish excretion can strongly influence algal biomass and community composition. Eutrophication management efforts should consider removal of benthivorous fish, like gizzard shad, in addition to other watershed management practices to improve water quality. Future climate change will modulate the interplay between fish- and watershed-mediated nutrient dynamics by altering the geographic distribution of detritivorous fish and the frequency and severity of storm and drought events.
Normal and fibrotic liver parenchyma respond differently to irreversible electroporation.

Abstract Background The safety and efficacy of irreversible electroporation (IRE) in treating hepatic, biliary, and pancreatic malignancies are active areas of clinical investigation. In addition, recent studies have shown that IRE may enable regenerative surgery and in vivo tissue engineering. To use IRE effectively in these clinical applications, it is important to understand how different tissue microenvironments impact the response to IRE. In this study, we characterize the electrical and histological properties of non-fibrotic and fibrotic liver parenchyma before and after IRE treatment. Methods Electrical resistivity and histology of fibrotic liver from C57BL/6 mice fed a 0.1% 3,5-diethylcarbonyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine (DDC) diet were compared to those of non-fibrotic liver from matched control mice before and after IRE treatment. Results At baseline, the electrical resistivity of fibrotic liver was lower than that of non-fibrotic liver. Post-IRE, resistivity of non-fibrotic liver declined and then recovered back to baseline with time, correlating with hepatocyte repopulation of the ablated parenchyma without deposition of fibrotic scar. In contrast, resistivity of fibrotic liver remained depressed after IRE treatment, correlating with persistent inflammation. Conclusion Non-fibrotic and fibrotic liver respond to IRE differently. The underlying tissue microenvironment is an important modifying factor to consider when designing IRE protocols for tissue ablation.
Prospective Study of the Radiolabeled GRPR Antagonist BAY86-7548 for Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography Imaging of Newly Diagnosed Prostate Cancer

Abstract Background Current imaging techniques may not detect all prostate cancer (PCa) lesions. Objective To evaluate positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) using the radiolabeled GRPR antagonist probe BAY86-7548 (68Ga-RM2) for localization of newly diagnosed PCa in comparison with multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI), histopathology, and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Design, setting, and participants This was a prospective study of 16 men with biopsy-proven PCa (2 low, 8 intermediate, and 6 high risk). 68Ga-RM2 PET/CT was performed within 4 wk after mpMRI and within 2 wk before radical prostatectomy and extended bilateral pelvic lymph node dissection. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis The presence of cancer was evaluated by blinded specialists using a 5-point Likert scale, with lesions scoring 4 or 5 considered positive, on 68Ga-RM2 PET/CT, mpMRI, and 68Ga-RM2 PET/CT-mpMRI fused images for each of 12 anatomic areas of the prostate. Whole-mount, step-section pathology served as the reference standard. Expression of GRPR and prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) was analyzed via IHC of tumor paraffin sections. Results and limitations Of 192 areas analyzed, 128 contained cancer. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 68Ga-RM2 PET/CT imaging and mpMRI did not differ significantly; fusing the images maximized the sensitivity and accuracy (85.2% and 83.9%, respectively) and averaged the specificity (81.3%). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.76 for PET visual analysis, 0.72 for PET quantitative analysis, 0.76 for mpMRI, and 0.85 for combined PET/CT and mpMRI analysis. 68Ga-RM2 uptake did not correlate with Gleason score. IHC analysis revealed weaker staining for GRPR than for PSMA, and the expression of these markers was not correlated (r = 0.3882). The major limitation is the small sample size. Conclusions 68Ga-RM2 PET/CT is promising for detection and localization of primary PCa, and complements mpMRI. GRPR expression appears to be independent from PSMA expression, suggesting that GRPR- and PSMA-targeted PET imaging may be complementary. Patient summary This pilot prospective study shows that a positron emission tomography probe that binds to a marker of prostate cancer, GRPR, improves the ability of magnetic resonance imaging to detect prostate cancer.
Tumor volume delineation: A pilot study comparing a digital positron-emission tomography prototype with an analog positron-emission tomography system

We evaluated the potential differences of a digital positron-emission tomography (PET) prototype equipped with photon-counting detectors (D-PET, Philips Healthcare, Cleveland, Ohio, USA) in tumor volume delineation compared with the analog Gemini TF PET system (A-PET, Philips). Eleven oncologic patients first underwent clinical fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/computed tomography (CT) on A-PET. The D-PET ring was then inserted between the PET and CT scanner of A-PET and the patient was scanned for the second time. Two interpreters reviewed the two sets of PET/CT images for image quality and diagnostic confidence. FDG avid lesions were evaluated for volume measured at 35% and 50% of maximum standard uptake value (SUV) thresholds (35% SUV, 50% SUV), and for SUV gradient as a measure of lesion sharpness. Bland–Altman plots were used to assess the agreement between the two PET scans. Qualitative lesion conspicuity, sharpness, and diagnostic confidence were greater at D-PET than that of A-PET with favorable inter-rater agreements. Median lesion size of the 24 measured lesions was 1.6 cm. The lesion volume at D-PET was smaller at both 35% SUV and 50% SUV thresholds compared with that of A-PET, with a mean difference of − 3680.0 mm3 at 35% SUV and − 835.3 mm3 at 50% SUV. SUV gradient was greater at D-PET than at A-PET by 49.2% (95% confidence interval: 34.1%–60.8%). Given the smaller volume definition, coupled with improved conspicuity and sharpness, digital PET may be more robust and accurate in tumor rendering compared with analog PET not only for radiotherapy planning but also in prognostication and systemic treatment monitoring.
SCOUTS: A Smart Community Centric Urban Heat Monitoring Framework

Due to the rapid growth of buildings, depletion of green cover, and climate change, extreme heat events are posing an increasing threat to many urban communities around the world. To date, urban heat vulnerability research has mostly focused on generating coarse-grained heat maps of cities using satellite images with low spatio-temporal resolutions to quantify the heat hazard. While some recent works propose incorporating data from nearby static weather stations, they fail to reflect the spatial variations of air temperature in urban areas due to the limited availability of weather stations. In this paper, we present our vision for a multi-layer approach to tracking the actual heat experienced by individuals and communities with very high spatio-temporal resolution. The proposed framework, Smart Community-centric Urban Thermal Sensing (SCOUTS), seamlessly support a variety of human, and vehicle-borne sensors in conjunction with satellite and weather station data to accurately map the heat hazards of urban regions and communities.
Enhanced Activity of Heterogeneous Pd(II) Catalysts on Acid-Functionalized Metal-Organic Frameworks

Single-site heterogeneous catalysts (SSHCs) play important roles in fundamental science and technology, owing to the molecular level control of structure–support interactions that is possible in th...
Redefining Science: The Impact of Complexity on Theory Development in Social and Behavioral Research:

Disciplinary differences in the development of scientific generalizations and explanations are reviewed in this article. The social and behavioral sciences have identified fewer laws, established fewer "paradigms," and developed "worse" theories than the physical sciences. We argue that the variability in the theoretical attainments of disciplines is due primarily to differences in the complexity of the topics studied. Accounts suggesting that differences in the maturity of disciplines are responsible for the variability are dismissed. In the study of complex phenomena, there is an extreme trade-off between generality and precision in which basic theories do not make the precise predictions needed for the development of applications and in which applied models are lacking in generality. The examination of proximal determinants and the generation of context-specific mathematical models are essential for prediction and application in complex disciplines. The impossibility of developing exacting theories of complex phenomena suggests that we need to redefine our conceptions of "good" and "bad" theories and "real" and "fake" science.
Unearthing Valuable Macro Level Insights from Medical Data Using Time Series Methodologies

This study applies time series methodologies, such as the Autoregressive Conditional Heteroscedasticity (ARCH) or Vector Error Correction (VEC) models to medical data for unearthing of valuable insights into trends in medical welfare of a population. Using data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), study findings show three out of the four fastest growing cancers in the United States are cancers of the digestive system. These cancers are not the glamorously discussed cancers, such as lung cancer, or breast cancer. These are thyroid cancer, liver cancer, and pancreas cancer, cancers of the digestive system. ARCH models show the fastest growing cancer, thyroid cancer possesses characteristics of a progressive, yet randomly occurring series, a finding that ought to be worrying to policy makers, medical personnel, and researchers in realm of medicine. Application of VEC models to the data show incidence of thyroid cancer increases probability of each of lung cancer, and cancer of the uterus. In absence of a cointegration relation, this causal relation is shown to be unidirectional, with outcome risks of lung cancer cannot be dissociated from the digestive system. Study findings reveal cancers that are glamorized in the media have some of the lowest growth rates of all cancers, and perhaps are not the cancers deserving of the most attention. Regardless of demonstrated importance of micro level control studies for improvements to health outcomes, study findings provide evidence that studies of macro level data can yield valuable insights for policy initiatives, and directionality of micro level studies.
A type IV collagenase inhibitor, N-hydroxy-3-phenyl-2-(4-phenylbenzenesulfonamido) propanamide (BiPS), suppresses skin injury induced by sulfur mustard

Abstract Sulfur mustard (SM) is a highly toxic blistering agent thought to mediate its action, in part, by activating matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in the skin and disrupting components of the basement membrane zone (BMZ). Type IV collagenases (MMP-9) degrade type IV collagen in the skin, a major component of the BMZ at the dermal-epidermal junction. In the present studies, a type IV collagenase inhibitor, N-hydroxy-3-phenyl-2-(4-phenylbenzenesulfonamido) propanamide (BiPS), was tested for its ability to protect the skin against injury induced by SM in the mouse ear vesicant model. SM induced inflammation, epidermal hyperplasia and microblistering at the dermal/epidermal junction of mouse ears 24–168 h post-exposure. This was associated with upregulation of MMP-9 mRNA and protein in the skin. Dual immunofluorescence labeling showed increases in MMP-9 in the epidermis and in the adjacent dermal matrix of the SM injured skin, as well as breakdown of type IV collagen in the basement membrane. Pretreatment of the skin with BiPS reduced signs of SM-induced cutaneous toxicity; expression of MMP-9 mRNA and protein was also downregulated in the skin by BiPS. Following BiPS pretreatment, type IV collagen appeared intact and was similar to control skin. These results demonstrate that inhibiting type IV collagenases in the skin improves basement membrane integrity after exposure to SM. BiPS may hold promise as a potential protective agent to mitigate SM induced skin injury.
Islamic Philosophies of Education in Africa

All pedagogy, or the practice of education, relies upon, whether implicitly or explicitly, an epistemology: a philosophy of what knowledge is, how it is acquired, and what its function is. This chapter will explore some of the philosophies that have structured Islamic education on the African continent, how they have been put into practice in different pedagogical programs and environments, as well as their historical developments, adaptations, and interactions with other philosophies and educational traditions, both “Indigenous” or African and “Western” or European. The chapter concludes with a discussion of the current state and future of Islamic education on the continent and the increasingly influential diaspora.
Use of a MeSH-based index of faculty research interests to identify faculty publications: an IAIMSian study of precision, recall, and data reusability.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To determine whether MEDLINE searches based on an existing automated faculty research interest index or on author name entities can be used to automate construction of accurate online lists of faculty publications. METHODS: Curricula vitae (CVs) for 36 faculty members were selected at random. Their lists of journal publications were used to determine recall and precision of two MEDLINE search strategies. OUTCOME: Most faculty publications in the CVs (86%) were indexed in MEDLINE. The research-interest-enhanced MEDLINE searches retrieved citations in the CVs that were also in MEDLINE with a recall of 0.53 and precision of 0.85. For every 10 citations in the research interest-enhanced search, on average 8.5 were in the CVs. The name entity searches retrieved a higher proportion of citations in the CVs (recall 0.94, precision 0.59) with a higher rate of citations not in the CVs: For every 10 citations in the faculty name searches, 7.3 citations were in the CVs. Name commonness or clinical or basic sciences appointment did not change these results. CONCLUSION: MEDLINE searches, especially those based on research interests, can be used to populate faculty publication lists with high rates of accuracy. Author based searches can also be used, but they retrieve a higher proportion of irrelevant citations. This study confirms a successful instance of data reusability and integration at a large health academic sciences institution.
Firearm Purchasing and Firearm Violence in the First Months of the Coronavirus Pandemic in the United States

Importance. Firearm violence is a significant public health and safety problem in the United States. A surge in firearm purchases following the onset of the coronavirus pandemic may increase rates of firearm violence. Objective. To estimate the association between changes in firearm purchasing and interpersonal firearm violence during the coronavirus pandemic. Design. Cross-sectional time series study. We estimate the difference between observed rates of firearm purchases and those predicted by seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average models. Using negative binomial models, we then estimate the association between excess firearm purchases and rates of interpersonal firearm violence within states, controlling for confounders. Setting. The 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia. Hawaii and Alaska are excluded due to missing or incomplete data. Exposure. The difference between observed and expected rates of firearm purchases in March through May 2020, approximated by National Instant Criminal Background Check System records. Main Outcome and Measure. Fatal and nonfatal injuries from interpersonal firearm violence, recorded in the Gun Violence Archive. Results. We estimate that there were 2.1 million excess firearm purchases from March through May 2020--a 64.3% increase over expected volume, and an increase of 644.4 excess purchases per 100,000 population. We estimate a relative rate of death and injury from firearm violence of 1.015 (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.005 to 1.025) for every 100 excess purchases per 100,000, in models that incorporate variation in purchasing across states and control for effects of the pandemic common to all states. This reflects an increase of 776 fatal and nonfatal injuries (95% CI: 216 to 1,335) over the number expected had no increase in purchasing occurred. Conclusions and Relevance. We find a significant increase in firearm violence in the United States associated with the coronavirus pandemic-related surge in firearm purchasing. Our findings are consistent with existing research. Firearm violence prevention strategies may be particularly important during the pandemic.
Promoting the 50 Million Strong Agenda through Sport Education

The purpose of this article is to provide information on how to teach a Sport Education fitness season with the intent to improve students’ physical activity, fitness development, and health-relate...
Non-invasive label-free assessment of contraction induced damage to skeletal muscle structure using second harmonic generation (SHG) microscopy

Second harmonic generation (SHG) microscopy is a second-order nonlinear optical scattering process that can nondestructively image myosin filament microarchitecture up to 500 μm in depth due to its high spatial resolution, optical sectioning capabilities, and elastic scattering properties. The distribution, alignment, and spatial orientation of myosin filaments largely dictates the mechanical properties of skeletal muscle. Noninvasive quantification of these metrics in-vivo or in-vitro could be indicative of skeletal muscle function and viability. Here, we present a novel algorithm to quantitate sarcomere length with high spatial resolution and accuracy when compared to traditional approaches. Our approach runs in real-time and is less sensitive to instrumental noise and artifacts that shade regions of the image. We have tested this technique on ex-vivo SHG images of rat lumbrical muscles that have been damaged following standardized lengthening contraction protocols. Our approach shows accurate quantitation of sarcomere lengths within 1% compared to manual calculations. This algorithm can be used to reliably analyze SHG images in realtime to assess the structure and function of skeletal muscle tissue in a non-invasive, quantitative, and sterile manner.
Tumor-stromal interactions assessed by co-injection of pancreatic stellate and cancer cells

Over the past several decades, the importance of the stroma to cancer progression has become increasingly recognized. Rather than existing in isolation, cancer cells are surrounded by a tumor microenvironment that is largely the product of pancreatic stellate cells (PSC) that are sometimes referred to as stromal or cancer-associated fibroblasts. The tumor microenvironment also includes other cells such as immune cells and adipocytes as well as vascular and lymphatic networks and prominent extracellular matrix. In both chronic pancreatitis and in pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAC) the stroma is problematic because it is quite extensive. In particular, the desmoplastic nature of PAC contributes to the limited surgical options for most patients at the time of diagnosis. Furthermore, recent evidence indicates that in PAC the stroma influences chemoresistance and metastasis.(2, 5)
Differential and graphical approaches to multistability theory for chemical reaction networks

The use of mathematical models has helped to shed light on countless phenomena in chemistry and biology. Often, though, one finds that systems of interest in these fields are dauntingly complex. In this paper, we attempt to synthesize and expand upon the body of mathematical results pertaining to the theory of multiple equilibria in chemical reaction networks (CRNs), which has yielded surprising insights with minimal computational effort. Our central focus is a recent, cycle-based theorem by Gheorghe Craciun and Martin Feinberg, which is of significant interest in its own right and also serves, in a somewhat restated form, as the basis for a number of fruitful connections among related results.
The TRPC channel blocker SKF 96365 inhibits glioblastoma cell growth by enhancing reverse mode of the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger and increasing intracellular Ca2+

Background and Purpose SKF 96365 is well known for its suppressing effect on human glioblastoma growth by inhibiting pre-activated transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) channels and Ca2+ influx. The effect of SKF 96363 on glioblastoma cells, however, may be multifaceted and this possibility has been largely ignored. Experimental Approach The effects of SKF 96365 on cell cycle and cell viability of cultured human glioblastoma cells were characterized. Western blot, Ca2+ imaging and patch clamp recordings were used to delineate cell death mechanisms. siRNA gene knockdown provided additional evidence. Key Results SKF 96365 repressed glioblastoma cell growth via increasing intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) irrespective of whether TRPC channels were blocked or not. The effect of SKF 96365 primarily resulted from enhanced reverse operation of the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX) with an EC50 of 9.79 μM. SKF 96365 arrested the glioblastoma cells in the S and G2 phases and activated p38-MAPK and JNK, which were all prevented by the Ca2+ chelator BAPTA-AM or EGTA. The expression of NCX in glioblastoma cells was significantly higher than in normal human astrocytes. Knockdown of the NCX1 isoforms diminished the effect of SKF 96365 on glioblastoma cells. Conclusions and Implications At the same concentration, SKF 96365 blocks TRPC channels and enhances the reverse mode of the NCX causing [Ca2+]i accumulation and cytotoxicity. This finding suggests an alternative pharmacological mechanism of SKF 96365. It also indicates that modulation of the NCX is an effective method to disrupt Ca2+ homeostasis and suppress human glioblastoma cells.
Distributed computing and organizational change enable concurrent engineering

Concurrent Engineering is the latest buzzterm for bringing products to market faster. This paper explores how a distributed computing environment can enable concurrent engineering. The following topics are covered: • Definition of concurrent engineering and how it applies to non-technical as well as technical companies. • Case studies of companies who have harnessed their distributed computing environment to foster multi-departmental teamwork and thereby reduce design cycles. • Suggestions for overcoming organizational and technological barriers to concurrent engineering.
Mice Bearing Late-Stage Tumors Have Normal Functional Systemic T Cell Responses In Vitro and In Vivo

Immune suppression in tumor-bearing hosts is considered to be one factor causally associated with the growth of antigenic tumors. Support for this hypothesis has come from reports that spleen T cells in tumor-bearing mice are deficient in either priming or effector phase functions. We have reexamined this hypothesis in detail using multiple murine tumor models, including transplantable adenocarcinoma, melanoma, sarcoma, and thymoma, and also a transgenic model of spontaneous breast carcinoma. In both in vitro and in vivo assays of T cell function (proliferation, cytokine production, induction of CD8+ alloreactive CTL, and development of anti-keyhole limpet hemocyanin CD4+ T cells, rejection of allogeneic or syngeneic regressor tumors, respectively) we show that mice bearing sizable tumor burdens are not systemically suppressed and do not have diminished T cell functions. Therefore, if immune suppression is a causal function in the growth of antigenic tumor, the basis for escape from immune destruction is likely to be dependent upon tumor-induced T cell dysfunction at the site of tumor growth.
Induction of Capsular Polysaccharide Synthesis by p-Fluorophenylalanine in Escherichia coli Wild Type and Strains with Altered Phenylalanyl Soluble Ribonucleic Acid Synthetase

Abstract Escherichia coli K-12 strain AB259 can be induced to form capsular polysaccharide (mucoid clones) by dl-p-fluorophenylalanine (FPA; 5 × 10−6m on agar plates at 37 C or 8 × 10−5m in liquid medium at 30 C). The change was shown to be phenotypic. An increase in enzymes probably involved in capsular polysaccharide synthesis [phosphomannose isomerase (3.3-fold), uridine diphosphate-d-galactose-4-epimerase (2.5-fold), and guanine diphosphate-l-fucose synthetase] was demonstrated as a result of growth in FPA. These increases appear sufficient to account for the increased synthesis of capsular polysaccharide due to growth in FPA. FPA-resistant derivatives of strain AB259 were obtained by selecting mutants on FPA-containing agar or by transducing in an altered phenylalanyl soluble ribonucleic acid synthetase that activates FPA poorly. Mucoid clones were formed by these strains only in the presence of 30 to 1,000 times as much FPA. Among these strains, there was a close correlation between incorporation of FPA-C14 and induction of capsular polysaccharide synthesis. The results are thus consistent with the following model: FPA is incorporated into the protein product of the R1 gene (repressor) and alters it sufficiently to allow derepression of several enzymes.
Magnitude, Origin, and Implications of the Discrepancy between Blood Ethanol Concentrations of Tail Vein and Arterial Blood of the Rat

The rat is widely used as an animal model for experiments involving ethanol, and alcohol concentrations in blood obtained from the tail routinely are used to monitor ethanol exposure and metabolism. The present study demonstrates that during periods of rising and declining ethanol levels, the alcohol concentrations in tail vein blood lags far behind that of arterial, jugular, or femoral vein blood. As a result, tail vein ethanol concentrations markedly underestimate the concentration in arterial blood and rapidly perfused tissue during periods of increasing body ethanol, whereas the reverse is true as body ethanol declines. This discrepancy, which appeared to result from the low blood perfusion:tissue water ratio in the tail, disappeared when the tail was heated to 37 degrees C. Compared with arterial blood, alcohol measurements performed on tail vein blood yielded a much higher apparent Km for ethanol clearance and a somewhat lower estimate of ethanol reaching the peripheral circulation. We conclude that, for a variety of studies, analyses of arterialized blood from the heated tail should yield a more accurate and reproducible measure of ethanol exposure and/or metabolism than does the conventional collection from the unheated tail.
Does Dopamine Contribute to Striatal Damage Caused by Impaired Mitochondrial Function

Huntington’s disease (HD) is a heredofamilial disorder characterized clinically by involuntary and often incapacitating “choreiform” movements, dementia, and psychiatric disturbances.1 Neuropathological changes include neuronal loss and inclusions, gliosis, and atrophy. Although several brain regions including the cerebral cortex, hypothalamus, and cerebellum show these changes, the basal ganglia are predominantly affected. There is increasing evidence that diminished energy metabolism is a factor in the pathophysiology of HD. In rodents, administration of 3 nitropropionic acid (3NP) and intrastriatal injections of malonate (both inhibitors of the mitochondrial enzyme succinate dehydrogenase) replicate many of the neuropathological abnormalities seen in HD and have thus been used to model this disorder.2,3 The mechanism of action of these compounds has been postulated to occur via the indirect activation of excitatory amino acid (EAA) receptors and induction of “cell death” pathways. Despite the insights gained from studies investigating 3NP and malonate toxicity, the preferential vulnerability of the striatum is unclear. We hypothesize that one factor contributing to the preferential striatal damage is the presence of the neurotransmitter dopamine (DA). DA is present in high concentrations in the striatum and under certain circumstances may be neurotoxic. In this study, we have investigated the effects of (1) dopamine deafferentation and (2) MAO inhibition on the striatal damage produced by 3NP and malonate. We also evaluated whether mitochondrial inhibition altered dopamine uptake into synaptosomes.
Jolt from the Blue

Examines the issue of whether patient safety can be compromised by hacking wireless signals from defibrillators.