MS 661 Urban Issues: Chicago

Breckenridge, James & Lillian (1995). What Color Is Your God? Multicultural Education in the Church. Baker Books, Grand Rapids: MI.https://place.asburyseminary.edu/syllabi/3046/thumbnail.jp

Shear Stress Induces the Release of an Endothelial Elastase: Role in Integrin alpha(v)beta(3)-Mediated FGF-2 Release

Background/Aims: Laminar shear stress is an important stimulus in the endothelium-dependent control of vascular tone and of vascular remodeling processes. Based on previous studies demonstrating integrin-mediated release of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2), we investigated whether shear stress-induced integrin activation requires the involvement of an extracellular protease. Methods: Cultured porcine aortic endothelial cells (PAEC) were exposed to laminar shear stress (16 dyn/cm(2)), whereas static cells served as controls. Results: Exposure of PAEC to shear stress led to an increased activity of a protease in supernatants. This protease could be characterized as elastase but was different from neutrophil and pancreatic elastases. The enhanced activity was accompanied by the activation of integrin alpha(v)beta(3) and p38 MAPK, and followed by an increased FGF-2 concentration in the supernatant. Pretreatment with inhibitors of either elastase or integrin alpha(v)beta(3) resulted in a reduction of FGF-2 release. The observed effects of shear stress on integrin alpha(v)beta(3) and p38 MAPK activation, as well as on FGF-2 release could be mimicked by application of pancreatic elastase to static endothelial cells. Conclusion: By inducing the release of an endothelial elastase, shear stress induces an integrin-dependent release of FGF-2 from endothelial cells. Copyright (C) 2011 S. Karger AG, Base

SIZING HYDRAULIC STRUCTURES IN COLD REGIONS TO BALANCE FISH PASSAGE, STREAM FUNCTION, AND OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE COST

The purpose of this research was to evaluate how characteristics of hydraulic structures, such as slope or size, used at crossings over waterways relate to operation and maintenance (O&M) effort, fish passage, and stream function. Data on O&M concerns, fish passage concerns, and crossing characteristics were collected from 45 road-stream crossings in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, during lower and higher water periods in both 2014 and 2015 (four events total). Logistic regression and generalized mixed models were used to examine relationships between O&M effort (response) and five explanatory variables. For all data from all years combined, there were no observable associations among O&M and culvert type or constriction ratio. However, lower constriction ratios were observed for sites with O&M needs in the June 2014 data set. The proportion of sites with both fish passage and O&M concerns was 0.52; comparatively, the proportion of sites with no fish passage concern but with O&M concern was 0.35

Gender perspective on older people’s exercise preferences and motivators in the context of falls prevention: a qualitative study

Background: Several factors have previously been identified to positively influence the uptake and adherence for fall prevention exercise programmes. There is, however, a lack of studies investigating if men and women differ in their views and preferences for fall prevention exercises. Aim: To explore exercise preferences and motivators of older community-dwelling women and men in the context of falls prevention from a gender perspective. Methods: Workshops including multistage focus group discussions were conducted with 18 older community-dwelling people with and without history of falls. Participants were purposively selected and divided into two groups. Each group met on six occasions over a period of five months. Participatory and Appreciative Action and Reflection methodology was used to guide the discussions. A qualitative content analysis approach was used in the analysis. Results: Older participants had many diverse preferences and confirmed that individually tailored exercise, in terms of mode, intensity, challenge, and social context, is important. Moreover, important factors for exercise adherence and maintenance included the experience of individual confirmation; different spirit lifters to increase enjoyment; and personal tricks to maintain exercise routines. The individual differences within genders were more diverse than the differences between women and men. Conclusion: Exercise interventions to prevent falls should be individually tailored, based on the specific needs and preferences of the older participant, and do not appear to require gender specific approaches. To increase adherence, intrinsic motivation for exercise may be encouraged by competence enhancing confirmations, energizing spirit lifters, and practical tips for exercise maintenance. The study provides an awareness about women's and men's preferences for fall prevention exercises, and this information could be used as guidance in designing inclusive exercise interventions

Generation of weed distribution maps based on automatic annotations in field images

Moderne Applikationstechnik, wie z. B. Mehrkammersysteme, ermöglicht inzwischen sowohl eine an die räumlich variable Unkrautverteilung angepasste Herbizidaufwandmenge als auch die Herbizidwahl. Für die Umsetzung einer solchen teilflächenspezifischen Applikation ist neben einem geeigneten Pflanzenschutzgerät auch die Integration von Metainformationen zur exakten Charakterisierung von Teilflächen und zur Berücksichtigung von Abstandsauflagen in Randbereichen sinnvoll. Dazu wird zurzeit ein Assistenzsystem entwickelt, das unter anderem auch Informationen über die Unkrautverteilung beinhaltet. Ein möglicher Ansatz, die für eine teilflächenspezifische Herbizidapplikation notwendigen Unkrautverteilungskarten zu generieren, ist die objektbasierte Analyse von georeferenzierten Bilddaten unter Verwendung von Modellen des maschinellen Lernens. Beispielhaft wurde ein Bag-of-Visual-Words (BoVW) Ansatz für die Erkennung von Unkrautarten in Luftbildaufnahmen aus UAV-Befliegungen (unmanned aerial vehicle) erfolgreich angewendet. Zur Erstellung von Unkrautverteilungskarten mit umfassenderem Unkrautartenspektrum ist jedoch die Analyse größerer Datensätze notwendig, für die die Verwendung von deep learning Algorithmen erforderlich ist. Die Eignung dieser Algorithmen wurde in dieser Studie unter Verwendung von convolutional neural nets (CNN)s anhand von Bildaufnahmen aus Feldversuchen überprüft. Dabei zeigte sich, dass die Präzision des verwendeten Klassifikators, mit Ausnahme von Ehrenpreis-Arten (VERSS), für die jeweiligen Klassen bei über 84 % lag. Bei Anwendung der CNN-Modelle auf Aufnahmen aus geringer Höhe konnte ermittelt werden, dass sich die getesteten Algorithmen grundsätzlich für eine Vorhersage der richtigen Pflanzen- bzw. Bodenkategorie eignen. Bei einem geringen Anteil von Acker-Fuchsschwanzpflanzen (ALOMY) in den Aufnahmen wurde jedoch der vorhergesagte Flächenanteil von ALOMY deutlich überschätzt.Modern application systems, e.g. multi-chamber systems, now allow the choice of herbicides and herbicide dose rates, which are adapted to a spatially variable weed distribution. Besides suitable plant protection equipment, the implementation of site-specific application requires the integration of the large amount of information that characterises an individual site. For this purpose an assistance system is being developed, which will also contain information about weed distribution. One approach to generate weed distribution maps, which are essential for site-specific herbicide application, is the use of models based on machine learning. Such a Bag-of-Visual-Word (BoVW) approach was already applied on UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) images and successfully used for the recognition of few weed species. To generate weed distribution maps with a larger weed spectrum, however, the analysis of larger data sets is necessary, which requires the use of deep learning algorithms. The suitability of these algorithms was tested in this study applying convolutional neural nets (CNN)s to images generated in field trials. The classifier showed an overall accuracy of >84%, except for speedwell species (VERSS). When applying the CNN models on images acquired at low altitudes, it was shown that the tested algorithms are generally suitable for a correct prediction of different plant and soil classes. However, if the amount of black-grass (ALOMY) present in the images was low, the predicted area size for ALOMY was significantly overestimated

PTPσ inhibitors promote hematopoietic stem cell regeneration.

Receptor type protein tyrosine phosphatase-sigma (PTPσ) is primarily expressed by adult neurons and regulates neural regeneration. We recently discovered that PTPσ is also expressed by hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Here, we describe small molecule inhibitors of PTPσ that promote HSC regeneration in vivo. Systemic administration of the PTPσ inhibitor, DJ001, or its analog, to irradiated mice promotes HSC regeneration, accelerates hematologic recovery, and improves survival. Similarly, DJ001 administration accelerates hematologic recovery in mice treated with 5-fluorouracil chemotherapy. DJ001 displays high specificity for PTPσ and antagonizes PTPσ via unique non-competitive, allosteric binding. Mechanistically, DJ001 suppresses radiation-induced HSC apoptosis via activation of the RhoGTPase, RAC1, and induction of BCL-XL. Furthermore, treatment of irradiated human HSCs with DJ001 promotes the regeneration of human HSCs capable of multilineage in vivo repopulation. These studies demonstrate the therapeutic potential of selective, small-molecule PTPσ inhibitors for human hematopoietic regeneration

Integration and potential of teaching communication skills in the study of veterinary medicine in Germany

Goal: Presentation of the current range of courses regarding communication at the five German educational institutions for veterinary medicine. In addition to learning objectives and individual solutions, possible potential for future developments are presented. Methods: Interviews with communication educators at the five German education institutions and subsequent synopsis. Results: To date, there are no binding education guidelines regarding communication in veterinary medicine. Nevertheless, communication education has been introduced at all five education institutions, albeit depth and formats vary considerably. The learning objectives are largely consistent and based on the recommendations for day-one-skills made by the European Association of Establishments for Veterinary Education. Communication is not recognized as a fully-fledged subject in the curricula of any of the education institutions. All education institutions clearly fall short of teaching the recommended 150 lecture hours. Conclusion: To ensure communication skills in veterinary medicine graduates, binding education guidelines should be agreed upon. Communication education should be integrated into all veterinary curricula as a fully-fledged subject with longitudinally increasing depth

Internet-based transdiagnostic treatment for emotional disorders in Arabic- and Farsi-speaking refugees: study protocol of a randomized controlled trial

Background Refugee populations have an increased risk for mental disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorders. Comorbidity is common. At the same time, refugees face multiple barriers to accessing mental health treatment. Only a minority of them receive adequate help. The planned trial evaluates a low-threshold, transdiagnostic Internet-based treatment. The trial aims at establishing its efficacy and cost-effectiveness compared with no treatment. Methods N = 131 treatment-seeking Arabic- or Farsi-speaking patients, meeting diagnostic criteria for a depressive, anxiety, and/or posttraumatic stress disorder will be randomized to either the intervention or the waitlist control group. The intervention group receives an Internet-based treatment with weekly written guidance provided by Arabic- or Farsi-speaking professionals. The treatment is based on the Common Elements Treatment Approach (CETA), is tailored to the individual patient, and takes 6–16 weeks. The control group will wait for 3 months and then receive the Internet-based treatment. Discussion The planned trial will result in an estimate of the efficacy of a low-threshold and scalable treatment option for the most common mental disorders in refugees. Trial registration German Registry for Clinical Trials DRKS00024154. Registered on February 1, 2021

Subunits of the Histone Chaperone CAF1 Also Mediate Assembly of Protamine-Based Chromatin

One of the most dramatic forms of chromatin reorganization occurs during spermatogenesis, when the paternal genome is repackaged from a nucleosomal to a protamine-based structure. We assessed the role of the canonical histone chaperone CAF1 in Drosophila spermatogenesis. In this process, CAF1 does not behave as a complex, but its subunits display distinct chromatin dynamics. During histone-to-protamine replacement, CAF1-p180 dissociates from the DNA while CAF1-p75 binds and stays on as a component of sperm chromatin. Association of CAF1-p75 with the paternal genome depends on CAF1-p180 and protamines. Conversely, CAF1-p75 binds protamines and is required for their incorporation into sperm chromatin. Histone removal, however, occurs independently of CAF1 or protamines. Thus, CAF1-p180 and CAF1-p75 function in a temporal hierarchy during sperm chromatin assembly, with CAF1-p75 acting as a protamine-loading factor. These results show that CAF1 subunits mediate the assembly of two fundamentally different forms of chromatin