cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mechanochemical aspects of repetitive impacts and sliding on polymers

Scattered data exist in the literature on the chemical reactions which occur during mechanical contact. It is our contention that these reactions occur as a direct result of the high temperatures generated at the contact interface, due to the dissipation of mechanical energy. A theoretical analysis is used to identify and rank the various sources of heat generation during repetitive impact or sliding. New data, on both filled and unfilled polymers and elastomers, supported by data from the literature, are used to show that the resultant temperature rise causes reactions at the interface; the extents of these reactions depend on the polymer structure and the magnitude of the temperature rise. Several ways of reducing the magnitude of this temperature rise are discussed.
A study of candida esophagitis in elderly patients attending a district general hospital in the UK

Candida esophagitis in elderly patients is an entity that has not been investigated. We studied candida esophagitis in a population older than 65 years comparing them with an age and sex matched control sample. Diagnosis was made by histological identification of candida associated with inflammation from biopsy material taken during endoscopy. Fifty-six cases and 56 controls were analysed aiming to identify presentation, upper gastrointestinal pathologies associated with candida esophagitis, risk associations and to see whether it was a marker of poor outcome. Classical features clinically associated with esophageal disease were relatively uncommon: dysphagia 14%, oropharyngeal candidiasis 2%, dyspepsia 2%, while anaemia and loss of weight were the main indications for endoscopy (70%). No gastrointestinal pathologies were significantly associated with candida esophagitis. Malignancy, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and antibiotic use were significantly associated, while there was no association between candida esophagitis and diabetes mellitus, stroke disease or dementia. Survival was significantly less in those with candida esophagitis with a mortality at 6 months of 47% compared to 5% in controls and a 1 year survival of 38% compared to 93% in the control sample. This was independent of disability measured by the modified Rankin scale and patients' residence.
Motivational and Cultural Variations in Mortality Salience Effects: Contemplations on Terror Management Theory and Consumer Behavior

Terror management theory provides a viable framework to examine the effects of mortality salience (MS) and related coping behaviors. We explore the utility of viewing MS effects from an information processing perspective and discuss the implications for understanding consumer behavior. We suggest that a better understanding of the motivational nature of MS and the underlying processes could provide additional insights on the persuasive impact of MS. We also anticipate effects of MS to differ across cultures and predict some novel outcomes. Finally, we outline several potential avenues for investigating MS effects in consumer domains such as branding and advertising.
INTEGRATED PROJECT SUPPORT IN AN OBJECT-ORIENTED 87-2760 FRAMEWORK IMPLEMENTED IN ADA

The next generation of engineering environments will consist of two principal components: a toolset and a framework. Tools are automated mechanisms, such as editors and compilers. which aid in the development and maintenance of systems. A framework provides a common set of object management and user interface services that support the integration of tools to automate a large slice of the lifecycle. We have designed an object-oriented framework and implemented it using the Ada' programming language. It currently runs under \ax/VMS2 and sun-33. This paper presents an overview of the framework and its underlqing concepts for integrated project support. LVe also describe future plans for extending our framework's functionalitj.
Transformation of yeast by agitation with glass beads

We have found that agitation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae with glass beads and plasmid DNA using a vortex mixer results in genetic transformation of the yeast cells. This method is less efficient, but considerably more convenient, than other yeast transformation procedures. The fact that the minimal requirements for transformation are simply physical damage and the presence of DNA in an osmotically supportive environment suggests that this process may occur in nature.
In Vivo Analysis of Human T-Cell Leukemia Virus Type 1 Reverse Transcription Accuracy

Several studies have indicated that the genetic diversity of human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1), a virus associated with adult T-cell leukemia, is significantly lower than that of other retroviruses, including that of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). To test whether HTLV-1 variation is lower than other retroviruses, a tractable vector system has been developed to measure reverse transcription accuracy in one round of HTLV-1 replication. This system consists of a HTLV-1 vector that contains a cassette with the neomycin phosphotransferase (neo) gene, a bacterial origin of DNA replication, and the lacZa peptide gene region (the mutational target). The vector was replicated by trans-complementation with helper plasmids. The in vivo mutation rate for HTLV-1 was determined to be 7 3 10 26 mutations per target base pair per replication cycle. The majority of the mutations identified were base substitution mutations, namely, G-to-A and C-to-T transitions, frameshift mutations, and deletion mutations. Mutation of the methionine residue in the conserved YMDD motif of the HTLV-1 reverse transcriptase to either alanine or valine (i.e., M188A or M188V) led to a factor of two increase in the rate of mutation, indicating the role of this motif in enzyme accuracy. The HTLV-1 in vivo mutation rate is comparable to that of bovine leukemia virus (BLV), another member of the HTLV/BLV genus of retroviruses, and is about fourfold lower than that of HIV-1. These observations indicate that while the mutation rate of HTLV-1 is significantly lower than HIV-1, this lower rate alone would not explain the low diversity in HTLV-1 isolates, supporting the hypothesis that HTLV-1 replicates primarily as a provirus during cellular DNA replication rather than as a virus via reverse transcription. Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is a member of the human T-cell leukemia virus/bovine leukemia virus (HTLV/BLV) genus of the Retroviridae family. HTLV-1 has been shown by epidemiology to be associated with adult T-cell
Predicting coverage in wireless local area networks with obstacles using kriging and neural networks

In this paper, a new approach based on ordinary kriging is proposed to predict network coverage in wireless local area networks. The proposed approach aims to reduce the cost of active site surveys by estimating path loss at points where no measurement data is available using samples taken at other points. To include the effect of obstacles on the covariance among points, a distance measure is developed based on an empirical path loss model. The proposed approach is tested in a simulated wireless local area network. The results show that ordinary kriging is able to estimate path loss with acceptable error levels.
The dynamics of 'micro' sliders using laser doppler vibrometrix

The dynamics of the 70% (micro) slider were studied using laser Doppler vibrometry. Variations of air-bearing frequency in the vertical, pitch, and roll modes were investigated as a function of disk velocity using two different methods of slider excitation, i.e., excitation by flying the slider over a disk defect or, alternately, by shaking at the base of the suspension with a piezoelectric shaker. It is shown that the microslider exhibits independent pitch and roll modes. The frequencies of these oscillations are higher than those of the standard slider and shift with changes in the air-bearing stiffness due to changes in disk velocity, suspension load, and yaw angle. The slider may be excited using either the scratch method or the piezoelectric shaker method; however, the power distribution and coupling among the modes is dependent on the method of excitation. >
Web process inspection using neural classification of scattering light

Web process inspection requires rapid examination of vast amounts of data. The two resulting issues, the sensory system and the computer processing required to detect faults in the sheet material accurately, were examined. It was found that scattered coherent light from the surface of the material being processed could be directly conditioned by a photodetector so as to produce a small set of features which are then examined by a neural network trained to find unsatisfactory surface conditions. A surface inspection system using measurement of the angular distribution over a 25 degrees C cone angle of the scattering was constructed, calibrated, and evaluated for inspection of coated sheet and steel samples. Features, created by a simulated segmented photodetector, were inputs to a neural network which used classification based upon T. Kohonen's (1989) learning vector quantization (LVQ2). The system was evaluated with CrO/sub 2/ coated steel samples. Classification by fault or no-fault categorized 133 samples corrected out of 135, while there were seven errors in one attempt at classification by the various common types of surface fault out of the same number of test samples and nine in another. >
Feminist theory, feminist psychology: a bibliography of epistemology, critical analysis, and applications

A selection of recent (post-1980) works on feminist theory and method, this bibliography includes literature from psychology and other social sciences, feminist studies, and philosophy of science. The first of its four sections concerns epistemology and metatheory. The second lists works that offer reformulations or critical analyses of key concepts in gender studies; many of these are grounded in social constructionist and feminist standpoint epistemologies. The third section cites writings that illustrate the potential of new epistemological stances or exemplify new ways of working. The last section lists related bibliographies. (232 entries.)
A County and Its Cities: The Impact of Hennepin Community Works

Hennepin Community Works (HCW) is a county-led Twin Cities' redevelopment program. It offers a model for county involvement in urban improvement efforts, leading with the infrastructure work that counties typically perform routinely. Since the early 1990s, HCW initiatives have put close to $200 million of new investment into parkways, rail-to-trail programs, corridor reconstruction amenities, environmental remediation, and new housing throughout Hennepin County, with the bulk going to Minneapolis, the largest city. The quality of life enhancements produced by this program would be unattainable without the county's leadership.
Applying multidisciplinary logistic techniques to improve operations productivity at a mine

This case study uses a surface mine to investigate multidisciplinary logistics analysis methods for improving refinery operations. Existing resource scheduling, inventory forecasting, and economic production quantity procedures have not been able to identify how to improve productivity. The objective was to locate and demonstrate proven techniques from operations research (and other related disciplines) which could be applied to solve logistics problems. Historical operations data along with a new sample (n = 140) were utilized for the analysis. Preliminary parametric tests failed, but later a multiple server queue model was developed by integrating nonparametric techniques, waiting line theory, stochastic probabilities, and break-even scenario analysis. Quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed, resulting in a solution to increase truck arrival rates by 10% which was projected to increase refinery utilization by 7–77%, thereby generating a potential productivity savings of $161,223.31 per year.
Minimizing the sum of absolute lateness in single‐machine and multimachine scheduling

Kanet addressed the problem of scheduling n jobs on one machine so as to minimize the sum of absolute lateness under a restrictive assumption on their common due date. This article extends the results to the problem of scheduling n jobs on m parallel identical processors in order to minimize the sum of absolute lateness. Also, a heuristic algorithm for a more general version with no restriction on the common due date, for the problem of n-job single-machine scheduling is presented and its performance is reported.
Keep your friends close: the necessity for updating an anomaly sensor with legitimate environment changes

Large-scale distributed systems have dense, complex code-bases that are assumed to perform multiple and inter-dependent tasks while user interaction is present. The way users interact with systems can differ and evolve over time, as can the systems themselves. Consequently, anomaly detection (AD) sensors must be able to cope with updates to their operating environment. Otherwise, the sensor may incorrectly classify new patterns as malicious (a false positive) or assert that old or outdated patterns are normal (a false negative). This problem of "model drift" is an almost universally acknowledged hazard for anomaly sensors. However, relatively little work has been done to understand the process of identifying and seamlessly updating an operational network AD sensor with legal modifications like changes to a file system or back-end database.In this paper, we highlight some of the challenges of keeping an anomaly sensor updated, an important step toward helping anomaly sensors become a practical intrusion detection tool for real-world network and host environments. Our goal is to eliminate needless false positives arising from the gradual de-synchronization of the sensor from the environment it is monitoring. To that end, we investigate the feasibility of automatically deriving and applying a "data" or "model patch" that describes the changes necessary to update a "reasonable" AD behavioral model (i.e., a model whose structure follows the core design principles of existing anomaly models). We propose an update procedure that is holistic in nature: specifically, we present preliminary results on how to update a sensor that monitors the request and response messages for non-dynamic HTTP requests and software patches. In addition, we propose extensions for dynamic, database-driven requests and responses.
On optimal dynamic scheduling for sum-queue minimization in trees

We investigate the problem of minimizing the sum of the queues of all the nodes in a wireless network with a tree topology. Nodes send their packets to the tree's root (sink). We consider a time-slotted system, and a primary interference model. We first consider the case where the root has only one child while the rest of the tree is arbitrary, and provide a causal sample-path delay optimal scheduling policy, i.e., at each time slot, for any traffic arrival pattern, the sum of the queues of all the nodes is minimum among all policies. We are able to fully characterize tree structures for which such policies exist. In particular, when the root has multiple children, there exists a causal sample-path delay optimal policy as long as only one child is not a leaf node. We also show that for any other tree structure there exists no causal sample-path delay optimal policy, thus underscoring the inherent limitation of using sample-path optimality as a performance metric and implying that other weaker metrics of delay performance should be investigated.
Understanding the links between social ties and health On building stronger bridges with relationship science

Social relationships have been reliably related to physical health outcomes. More specifically, relationship positivity and negativity have been associated with disease morbidity and mortality. Our program of research has also highlighted the potential value of considering both positivity and negativity (ambivalence) in linking relationships to health. However, stronger links are needed between relationship science and health researchers – especially to ask important "second-generation" questions. I argue that systematic attention to two basic questions is of importance. Firstly, what are the health-relevant antecedent processes that influence relationship positivity and negativity from a relationship science perspective? Secondly, what are the coordinated biological processes responsible for such links? Future interdisciplinary training and research in these areas can help to stabilize and strengthen the crucial bridge between relationship science and health.
Expression of neuregulin 1, a member of the epidermal growth factor family, is expressed as multiple splice variants in the adult human cornea.

Purpose To determine whether neuregulin 1 (Nrg-1) is expressed in the normal adult human cornea. Methods cDNA for Nrg-1 was obtained by direct amplification of RNA isolated from human corneal cell cultures. After sequencing, the likely exon/intron structure was determined by comparison to genomic sequence. RNA was purified from isolated corneal epithelium, corneal stroma, and primary cultures of both epithelial cells and stromal fibroblasts. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reactions (qPCR) were performed to determine the overall levels of Nrg-1. A combination of fluorescent primers, restriction endonucleases, and image analysis was used to determine the proportion of each splice variant. Finally, the receptor family known to interact with Nrg-1 was examined to confirm its expression in corneal tissue. Results RT-PCR and Western blot analyses demonstrated that Nrg-1 and its receptor are expressed in adult corneal tissue and cultured cells derived from this tissue. qPCR suggested that epithelial cells and stromal cells produce equivalent levels of Nrg-1, but distinct variants were present that differ in proportion with each source of RNA. Conclusions Eight distinct forms of Nrg-1 were expressed in the adult human cornea that differ by the alternate use of four exons. This altered the predicted coding sequence in three domains of Nrg-1. These domains are known to direct ligand/receptor interaction and the trafficking, processing, and release of Nrg-1 from the cell. Finally, there was a preference of exon usage that varied by location in the cornea and this pattern changed when cells were placed into culture.
Pediatric Medical Device Consortia: A Novel Pathway for Pediatric Device Development for Pediatric Urologists and Other Pediatric Specialists

Abstract Introduction A great need currently exists for medical devices designed specifically for children. This gap is most likely a result of economic, clinical and regulatory challenges as well as a lack of established mechanisms for joining pediatric device ideas with qualified individuals/programs and industry partners. We describe our experience with forming a pediatric medical device consortium that originated from the pediatric urology division and the technology transfer office of a university affiliated children’s hospital. Methods We reviewed the developmental history of a pediatric medical device consortium at a university affiliated children’s hospital from March 2011 to June 2013 with emphasis on the organizational aspects of the consortium. Results A pediatric medical device consortium was formed with the assistance of university seed funding to encourage faculty collaboration across multiple campuses. The consortium continued its progress as a resource for pediatric device projects to become a Food and Drug Administration supported pediatric device consortium in 2013. This allows the consortium to expand its activities through the P50 PDC Grant Program. Conclusions Pediatric urologists can have a major role in organizing pediatric device consortia. Consortia can combine academic centers with the local business, investment, higher education and philanthropic communities to rapidly advance pediatric medical device projects. Novel approaches are necessary for pediatric device projects to overcome current barriers to commercialization, including an extended stay in the academic setting.
Machine Settings and Technique of Image Optimization

Ultrasound machine settings may be adjusted in order to obtain a good quality image. Knowledge of physical properties of ultrasound and judicious use of basic instrumental controls such as gain, time-gain compensation, frequency, focal zones, depth and field of view will allow the clinician to maximize the diagnostic capability of this modality of imaging in evaluating pelvic floor disorders. This chapter describes the common instrumental controls on ultrasound machines with explanation for how to adjust machine settings to optimize image quality during scanning.
G0S2 Suppresses Oncogenic Transformation by Repressing a MYC-Regulated Transcriptional Program

Methylation-mediated silencing of G0-G1 switch gene 2 (G0S2) has been detected in a variety of solid tumors, whereas G0S2 induction is associated with remissions in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia, implying that G0S2 may possess tumor suppressor activity. In this study, we clearly demonstrate that G0S2 opposes oncogene-induced transformation using G0s2-null immortalized mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEF). G0s2-null MEFs were readily transformed with HRAS or EGFR treatment compared with wild-type MEFs. Importantly, restoration of G0S2 reversed HRAS-driven transformation. G0S2 is known to regulate fat metabolism by attenuating adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL), but repression of oncogene-induced transformation by G0S2 was independent of ATGL inhibition. Gene expression analysis revealed an upregulation of gene signatures associated with transformation, proliferation, and MYC targets in G0s2-null MEFs. RNAi-mediated ablation and pharmacologic inhibition of MYC abrogated oncogene-induced transformation of G0s2-null MEFs. Furthermore, we found that G0S2 was highly expressed in normal breast tissues compared with malignant tissue. Intriguingly, high levels of G0S2 were also associated with a decrease in breast cancer recurrence rates, especially in estrogen receptor-positive subtypes, and overexpression of G0S2 repressed the proliferation of breast cancer cells in vitro. Taken together, these findings indicate that G0S2 functions as a tumor suppressor in part by opposing MYC activity, prompting further investigation of the mechanisms by which G0S2 silencing mediates MYC-induced oncogenesis in other malignancies.
New poetics in China: A review of experimental Chinese literature

A new study of modern Chinese poetry has been published that deserves the attention of linguists working in both the applied and theoretical fields. The focus of the book is experimental and avant-garde literature, and as such it raises questions that are different than the ones we are accustomed to considering in the field of poetics. This review essay considers proposals for understanding poetic ability and sensibility from the point of view of applications of cognitive science.
Dental student perceptions of case-based educational effectiveness

This study investigated the effects of a case-based education course on second-year dental students. It explored what impact the small-group environment had on the participants professionally, communicatively, and personally and also analyzed their performance evaluations of the facilitators. The study employed a pretest-posttest survey design. Students' professional development consistently showed a positive significant change as a result of the course, especially regarding perceived skills. The course was found to have impacted the students' confidence in their own team contribution, and their ability to discuss and present treatment plans also significantly increased. This study did not find evidence of influence on the students' personal benefit. The students reported perceiving that the facilitators' abilities were stronger at the beginning of the course, but then the ratings decreased over time. Overall, the case-based education course was found to have positively affected students' knowledge and skills acquisition as well as their communication skills.
Fixity and fluidity - circulations, children, and childhood

Circulation is often essentialized as a prescribed, limited, and closed form of movement, ‘fixed’ in origins and destination, in intent and outcome. However, circulation may also be understood as a...
Synthesis and Insertion Chemistry of Monoalkyl and Monoaryl Uranium(IV) Heteroleptic Metallocene Complexes

The utility of [(C5Me5)(C8H8)U]2(μ-η3:η3-C8H8), 1, as a precursor to monoalkyl and monoaryl heteroleptic pentamethylcyclopentadienyl cyclooctatetraenyl U4+ metallocene complexes, (C5Me5)(C8H8)UR (R = alkyl, aryl), has been explored. Complex 1 reacts with AgOTf (OTf = OSO2CF3) to form [(C5Me5)(C8H8)U(μ-OTf)]2, 2, which contains readily displaceable triflate ligands. Complex 2 reacts with KN(SiMe3)2, LiCH(SiMe3)2, LiPh, and Li[iPrNC(Me)NiPr] to form (C5Me5)(C8H8)U[N(SiMe3)2], 3, (C5Me5)(C8H8)U[CH(SiMe3)2], 4, (C5Me5)(C8H8)UPh, 5, and (C5Me5)(C8H8)U[iPrNC(Me)NiPr-κ2N,N′], respectively. The insertion reactivity of 5 with tert-butyl isocyanide and the carbodiimide iPrN═C═NiPr was investigated, and (C5Me5)(C8H8)U[η2-C(Ph)═NtBu], 6, and (C5Me5)(C8H8)U[iPrNC(Ph)NiPr], 7, were isolated, respectively.
Immunotherapy targets in critical care.

Advances in our understanding of the immune system and the body’s normal response to injury have allowed for the development of innovative new therapies for critically ill patients. In the area of sepsis, significant information is being generated to support the concept that adjunctive immunotherapy can improve both morbidity and mortality. Investigational agents directed at immunotherapy targets that are currently being studied include colony stimulating factors, immunoglobulins, anticytokines, and opioid antagonists. This article reviews the basis for the use of such adjunctive immmunotherapy in the critically ill patient.
Invited Article: A precise instrument to determine the Planck constant, and the future kilogram

A precise instrument, called a watt balance, compares mechanical power measured in terms of the meter, the second, and the kilogram to electrical power measured in terms of the volt and the ohm. A direct link between mechanical action and the Planck constant is established by the practical realization of the electrical units derived from the Josephson and the quantum Hall effects. We describe in this paper the fourth-generation watt balance at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and report our initial determination of the Planck constant obtained from data taken in late 2015 and the beginning of 2016. A comprehensive analysis of the data and the associated uncertainties led to the SI value of the Planck constant, h = 6.626 069 83(22) × 10(-34) J s. The relative standard uncertainty associated with this result is 34 × 10(-9).
The impact of aging out of WIC on food security in households with children

Abstract Correlational research suggests that disadvantaged families with young children who are food insecure often participate in the Women Infants and Children program (WIC). While there has been a considerable amount of research on the association between WIC participation and food insecurity, these studies have reported mixed findings and do not explore the effects of WIC at a critical age, when children turn five years old. This paper estimates the effects of aging out of WIC on rates of household food insecurity using the exogenous rule that children are eligible for the WIC program until the day before they turn 61 months old. Using a regression discontinuity design and the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study Birth-cohort dataset, we find that there is an increase in rates of food insecurity for children who become age-ineligible for WIC (i.e., reach 61 months of age) and who have not yet started kindergarten. Furthermore, this effect is robust under different models, bandwidths and analytic samples.
Transcriptome response of Lolium arundinaceum to its fungal endophyte Epichloë coenophiala

Tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum) is one of the primary forage and turf grasses in temperate regions of the world. A number of favourable characteristics of tall fescue are enhanced by its seed-transmissible fungal symbiont (endophyte) Epichloe coenophiala. Our approach was to assemble the tall fescue transcriptome, then identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) for endophyte-symbiotic (E+) vs endophyte-free (E-) clones in leaf blades, pseudostems, crowns and roots. RNA-seq reads were used to construct a tall fescue reference transcriptome and compare gene expression profiles. Over all tissues examined, 478 DEGs were identified between the E+ and E- clones for at least one tissue (more than two-fold; P E- and 240 E- > E+), although no genes were differentially expressed in all four tissues. Gene ontology (GO) terms, GO:0010200 (response to chitin), GO:0002679 (respiratory burst during defence response) and GO:0035556 (intracellular signal transduction) were significantly overrepresented among 25 E- > E+ DEGs in leaf blade, and a number of other DEGs were associated with defence and abiotic response. In particular, endophyte effects on various WRKY transcription factors may have implications for symbiotic stability, endophyte distribution in the plant, or defence against pathogens.
Pegloticase failure and a possible solution: Immunosuppression to prevent intolerance and inefficacy in patients with gout.

Abstract Introduction Pegloticase is a highly effective therapy for patients with refractory and/or tophaceous gout, but has a high discontinuation rate (30–50%) due to development of anti-drug antibodies causing loss of efficacy and risk of infusion reactions. Objective To describe the use of azathioprine or other immunosuppressive therapies as a pegloticase adjunct to prevent pegloticase immunogenicity when treating gout. Methods Case report of azathioprine use in a patient receiving pegloticase therapy for refractory tophaceous gout, and review of the literature for the impact of immunosuppressive agents on development of anti-drug antibodies. Results A 56-year-old man with severe refractory tophaceous gouty arthritis was placed on low-dose azathioprine (50mg daily) in combination with pegloticase, with successful treatment after 98 weeks illustrated by significant improvement of caliper-measured tophi (77% decrease), resolution of gouty attacks, maintenance of low serum urate (sUA) level, absence of infusion reactions, and good toleration of the treatment by the patient. Two transient increases in sUA (maximal sUA 1.0 and 6.2mg/dL, respectively), were associated with azathioprine non-compliance and resolved with azathioprine reinstitution. Literature review confirmed successful use of DMARDs for prevention of anti-drug antibodies to anti-TNF-α therapies in RA, spondyloarthropathies, and inflammatory bowel disease. Additionally, one open-label trial of pegloticase for refractory tophaceous gout included 7 organ transplant recipients on immunosuppressive medications (mycophenolate mofetil, cyclosporine, azathioprine, and/or tacrolimus), only one of whom (14%) was noted to experience treatment failure (anti-pegloticase antibodies and loss of urate-lowering efficacy without infusion reaction), versus 52% ( n =12) of non-immunosuppressed subjects ( n = 23). Conclusions Low doses of oral immunosuppressive therapy may provide a safe, cost-effective adjunct to prevent the development of anti-drug antibodies associated with infusion reactions and high rate of pegloticase failure in patients with refractory gout. Controlled studies to assess an immunosuppressive strategy when using pegloticase are warranted.
Use of frozen-time H ∞ controllers in time-varying applications

This paper considers the use of frozen-time H/sub /spl infin// optimal controllers for time-varying applications. It is shown that, under suitable requirements on the plant, this method will result in an internally stable time-varying plant. This is done by first showing that the algebraic Riccati equations associated with the H/sub /spl infin// control problem are analytic with respect to the plant data. Classical results of Desoer (1970) on the stability of frozen-time systems are then invoked.
Joint assessment and evaluation of senior design projects by faculty and industry

Most engineering programs culminate in a capstone senior design project that are often evaluated only by faculty despite the fact that the majority of the graduating seniors will be transitioning to careers in industry. In this paper, we demonstrate an innovative educational assessment tool for simultaneously integrating industry and faculty in-person evaluations of senior design projects. Two rubrics were created and aligned to evaluate how well the students satisfied expected student outcomes for senior design: one for use by faculty members and the other for use by industry judges. These rubrics enable in-person in-depth evaluations of the senior design projects at the end-of-semester project showcase. These rubrics were aligned using ABET student learning outcomes. Roughly 30 senior design projects received a combined total of 200 evaluations from both faculty and industry to ensure that each project was evaluated across all criteria by both groups of evaluators. In our assessment tool, industry and faculty scores for each project were plotted in two dimensions to visualization of the degree of correspondence. The strength of alignment between faculty and industry is indicated by the slope of the mean line and the sample variance from this line. Additionally, the Cohen's kappa inter-rater reliability statistic is used. This assessment tool can be used to highlight areas of improvement for departments and senior design programs.
Der historische Besen oder über die Geschichtsauffassung in E. T. A. Hoffmanns Serapionsbrüdern und in der Katholischen Tübinger Schule

Eine umfassende Darstellung der Beziehungen zwischen der Romantik und der katholischen deutschen Theologie des ausgehenden 18. und beginnenden 19. Jahrhunderts gibt es bis heute nicht. Sie zu erarbeiten, ist ein dringendes Desiderat. Denn einerseits haben eine ganze Reihe von verdienstvollen Einzeluntersuchen z.B. uber den Sailerkreis1 und uber die Katholische Tubinger Schule2 deutlich gezeigt, wie sehr die theologischen Neuaufbruche jener Zeit mit der kunstlerischen und philosophischen Bewegung verflochten sind, fur die das Wort “Romantik” ein Sammelbegriff ist. Fur die theologiegeschichtlichen Untersuchungen zu Autoren jener Zeit hat sich geradezu die historische Kategorie “im Ubergang von der Aufklarung zur Romantik” eingeburgert.3 Andererseits scheinen in der literarischen und philosophischen Romantik religionsphilosophische Aspekte und theologische Motive eine erhebliche Rolle zu spielen. Ja mehr noch: Ein durchgangiger Zug der Romantik scheint das “Katholisierende” zu sein. Man wendet sich dem “Mittelalter” zu. Die Figur der “einen Kirche” erscheint als der Inbegriff des Sinnens und Trachtens.
Biomedical Ethics and Clinical Pastoral Education

Presents a rationale and method for integrating into Clinical Pastoral Education matters concerning applied ethics and the pastor's role in medical ethic matters. Describes student case studies and evaluations of biomedical ethics education within Clinical Pastoral Education and provides an outline and selected bibliography for an ethics presentation.
Relationship of SULT1A1 copy number variation with estrogen metabolism and human health

Abstract Human cytosolic sulfotransferase 1A1 ( SULT1A1 ) is considered to be one of the most important SULT isoforms for metabolism, detoxification, and carcinogenesis. This theory is driven by observations that SULT1A1 is widely expressed in multiple tissues and acts on a wide range of phenolic substrates. SULT1A1 is subject to functional common copy number variation (CNV) including deletions or duplications. However, it is less clear how SULT1A1 CNV impacts health and disease. To better understand the biological role of SULT1A1 in human health, we genotyped CNV in 14,275 Marshfield Clinic patients linked to an extensive electronic health record. Since SULT1A1 is linked to steroid metabolism, select serum steroid hormones were measured in 100 individuals with a wide spectrum of SULT1A1 CNV genotypes. Furthermore, comprehensive phenome-wide association studies (PheWAS) were conducted using diagnostic codes and clinical text data. For the first time, individuals homozygous null for SULT1A1 were identified in a human population. Thirty-six percent of the population carried >2 copies of SULT1A1 whereas 4% had ≤ 1 copy. Results indicate SULT1A1 CNV was negatively correlated with estrone-sulfate to estrone ratio predominantly in males (E1S/E1; p = 0.03, r = −0.21) and may be associated with increased risk for common allergies. The effect of SULT1A1 CNV on circulating estrogen metabolites was opposite to the predicted CNV-metabolite trend based on enzymatic function. This finding, and the potential association with common allergies reported herein, warrants future studies.
Antidepressants and Sleep

Insomnia is one of the most common complaints in primary and psychiatric care. And although sleep hypnotics and benzodiazepines are first-line treatment choices, they may not be right for every patient. Antidepressants have a well-established history in treating depression and mood-related insomnia and may have a role in treating chronic insomnia in nondepressed patients. Research has shown that while the sedating tricyclics, the atypicals, and the serotonin-2A receptor antagonist/serotonin reuptake inhibitors can improve sleep and normalize disturbed sleep architecture, the selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors – with the possible exception of escitalopram – disturb sleep architecture and impair restorative sleep. For most antidepressants, dosing for sleep remains undetermined, but antidepressants, when properly selected and administered, can be used to improve sleep and restore effective sleep architecture.
Female Sexual Dysfunction

Wide publicity prior to FDA panel meetings and the subsequent approval of flibanserin as the first specific medication for treatment of female sexual desire disorder has created a heightened awareness of women’s sexual concerns. Low libido and complaints about sexual dysfunction are common. They are often non-specific. Patients and providers may be uncomfortable talking about sexuality which makes addressing this important health issue problematic. First, it is useful to understand research models of female sexual function. The classical linear model with progression from stimulation to arousal, plateau, and orgasm is not all that helpful clinically in determining etiology and treatment for our patients. The biopsychosocial model considers physical, psychological, relational, and situational determinants. Focusing on the history (or understanding “her” story) as it relates to these four components will generally uncover the source and inform the treatment for the patient’s complaints. Secondly, considering the patient’s age and physiological status will direct further investigation. DSM V has reclassified female sexual dysfunction into three domains: female sexual interest/arousal disorder, genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder, and female orgasmic disorder. Superimposing this framework on the biopsychosocial model makes identification of the etiology and formulation of a treatment plan for specific complaints considerably easier than most of us fear. Finally, it is important to be sensitive to the patient’s social and medical history. We should not assume that she has a male partner – or any partner at all.
Untargeted Metabolomics Identifies Novel Potential Biomarkers of Habitual Food Intake in a Cross-Sectional Study of Postmenopausal Women

Background Recent studies suggest that untargeted metabolomics is a promising tool to identify novel biomarkers of individual foods. However, few large cross-sectional studies with comprehensive data on habitual diet and circulating metabolites have been conducted. Objective We aimed to identify potential food biomarkers and evaluate their predictive accuracy. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of consumption of 91 food groups or items, assessed by a 152-item food-frequency questionnaire, in relation to 1186 serum metabolites measured by mass spectrometry-based platforms from 1369 nonsmoking postmenopausal women (mean age = 68.3 y). Diet-metabolite associations were selected by Pearson's partial correlation analysis (P 0.2). The predictive accuracy of the selected food metabolites was evaluated from the area under the curve (AUC) calculated from receiver operating characteristic analysis conducted among women in the top and bottom quintiles of dietary intake. Results We identified 379 diet-metabolite associations. Forty-two food groups or items were correlated with 199 serum metabolites. We replicated 63 metabolites as biomarkers of habitual food intake reported in previous cross-sectional studies. Among those not previously shown to be associated with habitual diet, several are biologically plausible and were reported in acute feeding studies including: banana and dopamine 3-O-sulfate (r = 0.34, AUC = 76%) and dopamine 4-O-sulfate (r = 0.33, AUC = 74%), garlic and alliin (r = 0.24, AUC = 69%), N-acetylalliin (r = 0.27, AUC = 70%), and S-allylcysteine (r = 0.23, AUC = 69). Two unannotated metabolites were the strongest predictors for dark fish (X-02269, r = 0.51, AUC = 94%) and coffee intake (X-21442, r = 0.62, AUC = 98%). Conclusion In this comprehensive, cross-sectional analysis of habitual food intake and serum metabolites among postmenopausal women, we identified several potentially novel food biomarkers and replicated others. Our findings contribute to the limited literature on food-based biomarkers and highlight the significant and promising role that large cohort studies with archived blood samples could play in this field. This study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03282812.
Light Propagation in Two Dimensional Plasmonic Arrays

We present results on the dynamics of light beams propagating in two dimensional dielectric/metallic waveguides. We show how different configurations provide a rich dynamics of localization, solitary wave formation and instabilities.
Corneal Epithelium: Cell Biology and Basic Science

This article summarizes the cell biology and basic science underlying the specialized anatomy of the cornea with a special emphasis on the corneal epithelium. The retina could not function in vision if light could not reach the fovea and if light were refracted randomly when it strikes the cornea, images would be blurry and difficult to focus. The anatomy of the cells and tissues of the cornea provide a path for light to focus on the retina. The healthy cornea is clear, smooth, and the refraction of light by the cornea focuses light on the most sensitive part of the retina at the fovea. To accomplish this, the cornea must be avascular. This article describes how the cells that make up the cornea all work together to create this important organ which is absolutely vital to vision.
Effects of Nonsubstrate Lipids on Acylhydrolase Activities of Lipoprotein and Hepatic Lipases Using Defined Emulsion Particles

Hydrolysis of triolein (TO) and egg phosphatidylcholine (PC) in emulsion particles by purified bovine milk lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and by rat hepatic lipase (HL) was studied as a function of the particle cholesterol (C) and/or ether-PC content. Methods included the formation and characterization of emulsion particles. A computer program calculated the particle surface and core lipid composition and average diameter. Negative stain electron microscopy verified morphology. Enzyme assays were designed to mimic physiological conditions. Independent of particles C content, LPL hydrolysis of the core was faster than the surface. With HL the surface was hydrolyzed much faster than the core. Increasing the particle C content from 0 to 4 mole% progressively stimulated TO hydrolysis and slowly inhibited PC hydrolysis by LPL, while the hydrolysis of both these lipids by HL was gradually inhibited. Ether-PC hardly affected TO hydrolysis by LPL, but HL was 60% inhibited. Thus non-substrate lipids in chylomicrons may aid its catalysis by LPL while impeding HL.
Effects of Nicotine on the Development of an Invertebrate Embryonic System

The Cnidarians have traditionally been used as model systems for the study of cell genealogies, cell lineages, cell differentiation, cell-cell interactions, establishment and maintenance of polarity, regeneration, and the factors which control and govern these processes. These animals display a simple architecture. They have a small number of cell lineages and cell types, and they exhibit exceptional morphogenetic plasticity and adaptability. Hydrozoan embryos provide good systems in which to examine the effects of toxic substances on development. These embryos have been used to validate a teratogenic risk assessment bioassay system. Adult lethal and developmentally toxic doses have been determined for a number of chemicals using the hydrozoan system, and the A/D ratios obtained are compatible with those from mammals. Once these dosages are known, one can predict with some certainty those chemicals selectively toxic to the hydrozoan embryo and of probable teratogenic risk to higher animals. The hydrozoan system is being promoted as a system that could effectively predict the teratogenic risk potential of a large number of newly developed or yet untested chemicals in a rapid and cost-effective manner. The research focuses on identifying peak exposure periods (gastrulation), length of test article exposure, and determining endpoints which may be predictive of developmental toxicity.