cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Systemic TLR2 tolerance enhances central nervous system remyelination

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a central nervous system (CNS) autoimmune disease characterized by both inflammatory demyelination and impaired remyelination. Studies indicate that Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) signaling contributes to both the inflammatory component and the defective remyelination in MS. While most MS therapeutics target adaptive immunity, we recently reported that reducing TLR2 signaling in innate immune cells by inducing TLR2 tolerance attenuates adoptively transferred experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Given that previous reports suggest TLR2 signaling also inhibits myelin repair, the objective of this study was to assess how reducing TLR2 signaling through TLR2 tolerance induction affects CNS myelin repair. Chow containing 0.2% cuprizone was fed to male and female wild-type (WT) C57BL/6 mice or TLR2-deficient (TLR2−/−) mice for 5 weeks to induce demyelination. During a 2-week remyelination period following discontinuation of cuprizone, WT mice received either low dose TLR2 ligands to induce systemic TLR2 tolerance or vehicle control (VC). Remyelination was evaluated via electron microscopy and immunohistochemical analysis of microglia and oligodendrocytes in the corpus callosum. Statistical tests included 2-way ANOVA and Mann-Whitney U analyses. Inducing TLR2 tolerance in WT mice during remyelination significantly enhanced myelin recovery, restoring unmyelinated axon frequency and myelin thickness to baseline levels compared to VC-treated mice. Mechanistically, enhanced remyelination in TLR2 tolerized mice was associated with a shift in corpus callosum microglia from a pro-inflammatory iNOS+ phenotype to a non-inflammatory/pro-repair Arg1+ phenotype. This result was confirmed in vitro by inducing TLR2 tolerance in WT microglia cultures. TLR2−/− mice, without TLR2 tolerance induction, also significantly enhanced myelin recovery compared to WT mice, adding confirmation that reduced TLR2 signaling is associated with enhanced remyelination. Our results suggest that reducing TLR2 signaling in vivo by inducing TLR2 tolerance significantly enhances myelin repair. Furthermore, the enhanced remyelination resulting from TLR2 tolerance induction is associated with a shift in corpus callosum microglia from a pro-inflammatory iNOS+ phenotype to a non-inflammatory/pro-repair Arg1+ phenotype. While deletion of TLR2 would be an impractical approach in vivo, reducing innate immune signaling through TLR2 tolerance induction may represent a novel, two-pronged approach for treating both inflammatory and myelin repair components of MS.
Effect of Water on CO2 Capture by Aprotic Heterocyclic Anion (AHA) Ionic Liquids

The reaction between three aprotic heterocyclic anion (AHA) ionic liquids (ILs) (triethyl(octyl)phosphonium 2-cyanopyrrolide [P2228][2CNPyr], triethylphosphonium benzimidazolide [P2222][BnIm], and ...
Asian immigrant parents’ experiences and coping strategies while using services for their child with Developmental Disability (DD): a meta-synthesis study

Date Presented 04/06/19 Asian immigrant parents face multiple barriers when they access and use health and education services for their child with developmental disabilities (DD). This meta-synthesis study describes parents’ experiences of role enactment while using services for their child with DD and explores if and how they address perceived cultural differences along the process. Findings may help OT better support Asian immigrant parents to negotiate cultural differences and enact their desired parental roles. Primary Author and Speaker: I-Ting Hwang Contributing Authors: Jessica Kramer, Ellen Cohn, Linda Barnes, Yuewu Wen
The Fists of My Perfect Teacher: A Queer Analysis of Male Siddha Violence

This paper adopts a queer hermeneutic to interrogate the gendered implications of violent behavior enacted by male tantric accomplished masters, known as siddhas (Tib. grub thob), toward their disciples. Using a 19 th -century case study, it examines a notorious moment in the guru-disciple relationship between the renowned Do Khyentse (1800-1866) and Patrul Rinpoche (1808-1887), when Do Khyentse confers a tantric transmission through a drunken beating. Siddhas, known for their aberrant, shocking, and subversive behavior, often justify their antinomianism as an expression of their high degree of spiritual realization and attendant liberation from the orderly structures of communal life. Thus, disciples interpret any violent conduct, either explicitly or implicitly, as a provocative upāya, or skillful means, to provoke soteriological insight. When viewed in this light, the siddha’s behavior is rendered immune to ethical critique or evaluation by the devoted disciple. Using David DiValerio’s notion of tantric fundamentalism (the strategic performance of siddha qualities), this paper suggests a possible tension in Tibetan biographies between representing siddha identity within legible tropes of antinomian behavior and the authenticity ascribed to ‘enlightened spontaneity.’ This tension is a fruitful site for queer analysis of the gendered dynamics of siddha violence. If the text configures Do Khyentse as a character implicated in the trope of tantric transgression, the informed reader could interpret his behavior as a religiously justified re-inscription of hegemonic masculine violence. In contrast, if Do Khyentse’s behavior is read as authentic enlightened spontaneity, he becomes a queer champion: harnessing the potency of gendered expectation to disrupt Patrul Rinpoche’s fixation on normatively ‘good’ behavior, effectively catalyzing his enlightenment. Through a close reading of this encounter, this paper suggests that the tension surfaced in the text is only partially resolved, charging the reader to reflect on the ethics of tantric subject formation.
Effect of a Schlemm's Canal Microstent on Early Postoperative Intraocular Pressure after Cataract Surgery: An Analysis of the HORIZON Randomized Controlled Trial.

Purpose To compare early postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients who underwent cataract surgery alone with those who underwent cataract surgery combined with implantation of a Hydrus Microstent (HMS) (Ivantis, Irvine, CA). Design Subanalysis of data from the randomized controlled HORIZON trial, a multicenter trial including 26 US and 12 international sites. Participants Participants with mild/moderate primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and visually significant cataract with mean modified diurnal IOP between 22 and 34 mmHg after washout of IOP-lowering medications. Methods A total of 556 subjects were randomized in a 2:1 ratio to undergo cataract surgery with placement of the HMS versus cataract surgery alone (no microstent [NMS]). All eyes were washed out of IOP-lowering medications before surgery and remained unmedicated until surgery. No IOP-lowering prophylaxis was used postoperatively. Comprehensive eye examination including measurement of intraocular pressure was conducted on postoperative day (POD) 1, week 1, and month 1. Main Outcome Measures Postoperative IOP >40 mmHg was analyzed as the primary outcome. Incidence of IOP increase >10 mmHg above baseline, unmedicated IOP, and mean IOP were analyzed as secondary outcomes. Results A total of 369 eyes were randomized to the HMS group, and 187 eyes were randomized to cataract surgery alone. The HMS and NMS groups did not differ with respect to baseline demographic or ocular characteristics. On POD1, the incidence of IOP spike >40 mmHg was significantly higher at 14.4% in the NMS group compared with 1.4% in the HMS group (P 40 mmHg, whereas the presence of HMS was associated with a lower likelihood of postoperative IOP spike. Conclusions The addition of an HMS at the time of cataract surgery lowered the risk of markedly elevated IOP in the early postoperative period in patients with glaucoma.
CEO influence on the board of directors: Evidence from corporate spinoffs

We utilize a sample of spinoff firms that need to form a new board of directors, to shed light on the chief executive officer (CEO) influence hypothesis. We find spinoff boards with a CEO who was the parent firm CEO to be similarly structured to the boards of industry and size‐matched peers, whereas spinoff boards with nonparent CEOs are structured for greater monitoring. Consistent with our board structure results, the CEO compensation and replacement decisions of parent CEO spinoff boards are more lenient toward spinoff CEOs, whereas those of nonparent CEO spinoff boards are more consistent with protecting shareholder benefits.
Practical Synchronization in Networks of Nonlinear Heterogeneous Agents With Application to Power Systems

In this article, we consider the synchronization problem in a network of nonlinear multiagent systems having the same relative degree $r$ . The agents do not have access to their state or output and only have relative output information from their neighbors. The controller structure is decentralized in nature and, therefore, depends only on the relative information available to it. The agent dynamics are transformed into relative dynamics by a change of coordinates where the agent dynamics are coupled. Extended high-gain observers are used to estimate the nonlinear coupling at each agent and then cancel them using feedback control. Therefore, the problem changes to a stabilization problem of $N$ nonlinear systems in the relative coordinates. It is shown that the agents achieve practical synchronization and the synchronization error can be made arbitrarily small by tuning the high-gain observer parameter. Finally, simulations are done with a network of power systems to show the efficacy of the proposed controller.
The Stenting versus Aggressive Medical Therapy for Intracranial Arterial Stenosis Trial: Reanalysis Using the FDA “On Label” Criteria

Background and purpose Due to higher rates of 1-month stroke and death with Wingspan intracranial stent placement observed in SAMMPRIS, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a more limited indication for Wingspan stent. Methods We compared the results of intracranial stent placement with best medical treatment in patients recruited in SAMMPRIS who met the new "on label" criteria with those who were categorized as "off label." The primary endpoint was any stroke or death occurring within 30 days of enrollment, or an ischemic stroke in the territory of the symptomatic intracranial artery from day 31 after study entry to completion of follow-up. Results A total of 31 (7%) among 451 recruited patients met the "on label" criteria. The relative risk of primary endpoint was lower in "on label" patients treated with stent placement compared with best medical treatment (relative risk .61, 95% confidence interval .2-1.7) but higher in "off label" patients (relative risk 1.81, 95% confidence interval 1.2-2.6). Primary endpoint was seen in 20% and 23.4% of patients treated with stent placement in "on label" and "off label" patients, respectively. Primary endpoint was seen in 25% and 14.2% of patients treated with best medical treatment in "on label" and "off label" patients, respectively. Conclusion The new FDA "on label" criteria may identify a small group of people, who may benefit from intracranial stent placement due to higher risk of primary endpoint in those treated with best medical treatment.
Laparoscopic Versus Ultrasound-Guided Visualization of Transversus Abdominis Plane Blocks (LUV-TAP Study)

Background: Ultrasound-guided (US) transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is commonly utilized as part of a multi-modal approach for postoperative pain management. In adult patients, surgeon performed laparoscopic guided TAP blocks have been demonstrated to provide equally effective analgesia. This study seeks to determine whether laparoscopic-guided TAP blocks are as efficient as US-guided TAP blocks. Method: …
Bosom Friends: The Intimate World of James Buchanan and William Rufus King: by Thomas J. Balcerski, New York: Oxford University Press, 2019, Pp. 352, $34.95 (hbk), ISBN 9780190914592

While same-sex love in the American past attracts increasing popular and scholarly interest, the intimate bond between James Buchanan and William Rufus King has sparked perennial speculation. Was B...
Being Properly Improper.

In today's ML, data can be twisted (changed) in various ways, either for bad or good intent. Such twisted data challenges the founding theory of properness for supervised losses which form the basis for many popular losses for class probability estimation. Unfortunately, at its core, properness ensures that the optimal models also learn the twist. In this paper, we analyse such class probability-based losses when they are stripped off the mandatory properness; we define twist-proper losses as losses formally able to retrieve the optimum (untwisted) estimate off the twists, and show that a natural extension of a half-century old loss introduced by S. Arimoto is twist proper. We then turn to a theory that has provided some of the best off-the-shelf algorithms for proper losses, boosting. Boosting can require access to the derivative of the convex conjugate of a loss to compute examples weights. Such a function can be hard to get, for computational or mathematical reasons; this turns out to be the case for Arimoto's loss. We bypass this difficulty by inverting the problem as follows: suppose a blueprint boosting algorithm is implemented with a general weight update function. What are the losses for which boosting-compliant minimisation happens? Our answer comes as a general boosting algorithm which meets the optimal boosting dependence on the number of calls to the weak learner; when applied to Arimoto's loss, it leads to a simple optimisation algorithm whose performances are showcased on several domains and twists.
The impact of a clinical coaching education on faculty's coaching behavior

Abstract Background Inconsistent clinical educator preparation to guide students’ thinking, engage reflection, and provide immediate feedback impacts student's decision-making. Clinical coaching, a teaching framework, promotes one-to-one teaching, questioning, and feedback between the educator and student. There are limited studies measuring the impact of clinical coaching education on educators. Methods A quasi experimental design was conducted in 2019 with 36 clinical nursing instructors from two undergraduate programs. Data were collected using the Clinical Coaching Interactions Inventory: Educator Group Version. A match-paired Wilcoxon test was used for analysis of responses. Results Clinical educators reported a statistical increase in the use of one higher-order question—asking students to synthesize clinical knowledge and reasoning. Conclusions The findings suggest that a clinical coaching education program improves clinical nurse educators’ ability to engage students in synthesizing knowledge, which can help in prioritizing care. These findings may promote clinical coaching strategies for clinical faculty to improve clinical reasoning skills in students.
Forbidden Scalar Dark Matter and Dark Higgses

As experimental searches for WIMP dark matter continue to yield null results, models beyond the WIMP paradigm have proliferated in order to elude ever improving observational constraints, among them that of sub-GeV dark matter mediated by a massive vector portal (a dark photon) associated with a new dark $U(1)$ gauge symmetry. It has been previously noted that for a significant range of the parameter space of this class of models, the annihilation of dark matter particles into a pair of dark photons can dominate the freeze-out process even when this process is kinematically forbidden for dark matter at rest -- this is known as the "forbidden dark matter" (FDM) regime. Prior studies of this regime, however, assume that any "dark Higgs" associated with breaking the dark $U(1)$ and imparting mass to the dark photon is decoupled from the dark matter and as such plays no role in the freeze-out process. In this paper, we explore the effects of a dark Higgs on sub-GeV dark matter phenomenology in this FDM regime by considering the simplest possible construction in which there exist non-trivial dark matter-dark Higgs couplings: a model with a single complex scalar DM candidate coupled directly to the dark Higgs field. We find that for a wide range of parameter space, the dark Higgs can alter the resulting relic abundance by many orders of magnitude, and that this effect can remain significant even for a small dark matter-dark Higgs coupling constant. Considering measurements from direct detection and measurements of the CMB, we further find that points in this model's parameter space which recreate the appropriate dark matter relic abundance suffer only mild constraints from other sources at present, but may become accessible in near-future direct detection experiments.
Accumulation of Astaxanthin by Co-fermentation of Spirulina platensis and Recombinant Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

This study aimed to explore an effective, simple, and time-saving method for astaxanthin accumulation. Wild-type Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a bioreactor, the SpcrtR gene was first ligated with the signal peptide S to construct pYES2/NT-A-S-SpcrtR plasmid in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The detection of SDS-PAGE and Western blotting protein proved that SpCRTR was successfully extracellular expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The target product astaxanthin was produced by co-fermentation of Spirulina platensis and recombinant Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The test results showed that after 18 h of fermentation, the astaxanthin concentration was highest in the mixed fermentation broth with 4% Spirulina platensis and recombinant Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and the content of astaxanthin was 0.25 ± 0.02 μg/mL. In addition, the source of astaxanthin was explored. During the fermentation process of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain, SpCRTR enzyme catalyzed the Spirulina platensis canthaxanthin, which almost completely converted into astaxanthin, providing a simple method for astaxanthin synthesis. Compared with culture of Haematococcus pluvialis, this culture route not only shortens culture time, but also eliminates the limitation of the conditions in the culture process.
On the Feasibility of Learning Finger-gaiting In-hand Manipulation with Intrinsic Sensing.

Finger-gaiting manipulation is an important skill to achieve large-angle in-hand re-orientation of objects. However, achieving these gaits with arbitrary orientations of the hand is challenging due to the unstable nature of the task. In this work, we use model-free reinforcement learning (RL) to learn finger-gaiting only via precision grasps and demonstrate finger-gaiting for rotation about an axis purely using on-board proprioceptive and tactile feedback. To tackle the inherent instability of precision grasping, we propose the use of initial state distributions that enable effective exploration of the state space. Our method can learn finger-gaiting with significantly improved sample complexity than the state-of-the-art. The policies we obtain are robust and also transfer to novel objects.
e-Colabra: An Enterprise Collaboration & Reuse Environment

In this paper we present a new methodology to achieve resuse and knowledge sharing, by applying information retrieval techniques to OO resources while exploiting the OO language semantics and characteristics. We present a methodology that can cut down costs not only of development and maintenance but also reduce the "time to market". Unlike traditional reuse processes/infrastructures, we show that applying our methodology requires extremely low investment, leading to a Win Win solution. This is achieved by our environment based on autonomous tools that require no support while implementing our approach. We further describe novel techniques to combine free text and attribute based searches and show how they improve search precison. In addition eColabra server collects valuable statistics which can serve as the organization's knowledge management infrastructure.
MORE ROBUST CONCEPT LEARNING USING DYNAMICALLY – VARIABLE BIAS

Without severe constraint or inductive “bias,” the problem of concept learning is is intractable. While most learning systems have been designed with built-in biases, these systems typically work well only in limited problem domains. In addressing this difficulty, this paper describes the design and preliminary testing of a variable bias management system (VBMS). This system will dynamically alter concept representation languages and learning algorithms by monitoring progress and selecting biases based on characteristics of the particular induction problems presented. The VBMS is designed to learn the best biases for different types of induction problems. Thus it is robust (effective and efficient in many domains). The system, which will learn on more than one level, is incremental and probabilistic.
Immune Responses to Intestinal Microbes in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, are characterized by chronic, T-cell-mediated inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract that can cause significant, lifelong morbidity. Data from both human and animal studies indicate that IBDs are likely caused by dysregulated immune responses to resident intestinal microbes. Certain products from mycobacteria, fungi, and Clostridia stimulate increased effector T cell responses during intestinal inflammation, whereas other bacterial products from Clostridia and Bacteroides promote anti-inflammatory regulatory T cell responses. Antibody responses to bacterial and fungal components may help predict the severity of IBDs. While most currently approved treatments for IBDs generally suppress the patient's immune system, our growing understanding of microbial influences in IBDs will likely lead to the development of new diagnostic tools and therapies that target the intestinal microbiota.
A TMS320C53 based enhanced forward error correction scheme for US digital cellular radio

An enhanced forward error correction scheme is presented that complies with the USA digital cellular (USDC) standard. The proposed scheme use a generalized Viterbi algorithm (GVA) based on the work of N. Seshadri and C.-E.W. Sundberg (see Proc. GLOBECOMM 89, p43.3.1-4, 1989) that produces an ordered list of N global best estimates of the transmitted sequence. An algorithm is described that uses GVA to enhance performance of the USDC voice channel decoder. The algorithm is implemented on a fixed-point digital signal processor, TMS320C53. It is shown that the TMS320C53 implementation of the algorithm does not require significant increase in computational overhead when compared to a standard Viterbi algorithm. >
GENOTYPIC AND PHIENOTYPIC SIMILARITIES IN PULMONARY FUNCTION AMONG FAMILY MEMBERS OF ADULT MONOZYGOTIC AND DIZYGOTIC TWINS

Population studies have demonstrated that obstructive airways disease aggregates within families. The authors used a twin family model of analysis to estimate the genetic and environmental influences on pulmonary function. A total of 1,635 members of 414 families of adult twins (252 monozygotic, 162 dizygotic) enrolled in the Greater Boston Twin Registry were studied between 1981 and 1982. Correlations in levels of forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC), adjusted for age, sex, height, and current smoking status, were compared among 16 groups of relatives sharing various degrees of genetic relatedness. A direct relation between shared genotype and the magnitude of the familial correlations for pulmonary function was observed. For FEV1, the correlations were 0.71 for monozygotic twins (100% shared genotype), 0.16 to 0.29 for relatives with 50% shared genotype, 0.09 to 0.27 for relatives with 25% shared genotype, 0.06 for cousins with 12.5% shared genotype, and -0.14 to 0.14 for unrelated family members. Correlations for FVC were similar. Stratification of the analysis by concordance or discordance for passive tobacco smoke exposure or for frequency with which families visited one another did not systematically alter these relations. These data suggest that phenotypic similarities in pulmonary function relate directly to genetic similarities, and are consistent with a multifactorial mode of inheritance.
COMPASS| The Need for Communication Research in Regulatory Science: Electronic Cigarettes as a Case Study

Regulatory science is the practice of using the scientific method to gather information and develop new tools to inform the decision-making process of federal regulators. In 2010, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), in conjunction with the National Institutes of Health, proposed new initiatives to promote enhanced regulatory science efforts. The focus of these efforts was the advancement of biomedical research to improve patient safety and treatments. Communication scholars have weighed in on efforts related to communications policy through the subfields of political, health, and media communication. Likewise, a role for communication science certainly exists in regulatory science work. This commentary identifies several areas where communication scholars can leverage their expertise in regard to regulatory science research. Although this commentary uses tobacco regulatory science and electronic cigarettes (one segment of a large trend of emerging tobacco products) as an illustration, the purpose of the commentary is to encourage communication researchers to consider their role in regulatory science more broadly.
Independent fission yields of Rb and Cs from thermal-neutron-induced fission of Pu 239

The relative independent fission yields of Rb and Cs from thermal-neutron-induced fission of $^{239}\mathrm{Pu}$ have been measured on line using a mass spectrograph and thermalized neutrons from a burst reactor. Independent yields were derived by normalizing the measurements to products of chain yields and fractional independent yields, estimating the latter from measured cumulative yields of Kr and Xe. Comparing the independent yields with those from $^{238}\mathrm{U}$ fission, the $^{239}\mathrm{Pu}$ results show shifts in isotopic yield distribution toward lower mass for both Rb and Cs and also toward the production of more Cs and less Rb when $^{239}\mathrm{Pu}$ is fissioned.NUCLEAR REACTIONS $^{209}\mathrm{Pu}(n, f)$, $E=\mathrm{thermal}$; measured relative abundances; deduced independent fission yields. Mass spectrograph, burst reactor.
A new optical method of measuring electron impact excitation cross section of atoms: Cross section of the metastable 6s6p 3P0 level of Hg

Abstract We report a new method that is potentially applicable to the measurement of electron impact excitation cross section of any atoms. Measurement of the cross section of the metastable 6s6p 3P0 level of mercury is conducted to demonstrate the method, which involves using cavity ringdown spectroscopy to determine the absolute number density of mercury atoms in the 6s6p 3P0 energy level. The measured cross section is 1.7 × 10 − 17 cm 2 and in agreement with the literature values. Compared with the optical methods that have been used during the last three decades, this new approach not only serves as an alternative optical method, but also is applicable to the atoms under both high and low pressure conditions.
Correlates of primary orientations of volunteer ombudsmen in nursing facilities

Abstract This research investigated the significance of primary orientations to volunteer work. Based on data from 745 volunteer ombudsmen in nursing facilities (X age, 69 years), hypotheses about relationships between background, social-psychological characteristics, in-service training, and four orientations (advocate, mediator, therapeutic supporter, and undifferentiated) were studied. Most ombudsmen identified a primary orientation, and their lives as volunteers were affected by this choice. Orientations of ombudsmen had demonstrable profiles that were differentiated by the resources persons brought to the task, how their skills were developed after they became volunteers, and their eventual strategies. Advocates were distinguished from others by their relative youth, formal education, in-service training, and greater hindrances. Perhaps extending traditional conceptions of gender roles, women more often practiced skills as therapeutic supporters. Those without a primary orientation had the most negative experiences.
Citrulline as marker of atrophy in celiac disease.

Dear Editor, We read with interest the paper from Papadia et al. [1] that suggests the potential role of the serum citrulline (CIT) level as biomarker of malabsorption. Intestinal CIT originates from the intestinal villi located in the proximal small bowel, which justifies its potential usefulness in the diseases associated with villous atrophy such as celiac disease (CD) [1]. Currently, the serological screening for suspected pediatric CD is based on the two major serological markers represented by the anti-transglutaminase type 2 (tTG) and by the anti-endomysial antibodies (EMA) [2]. Recently a third antibody against deamidated forms of gliadin peptides (DGP) has been identified that seems to be more sensitive in young children [2]. However, all these auto-antibodies may be undetectable in some clinical conditions [2]. In these cases, the diagnosis of CD may be supported by a screening tool not based on the evaluation of antibodies, but seemingly predictive of intestinal atrophy. From this perspective, the use of the CIT level might be helpful. We would like to report our experience with the CIT level in subjects highly suspected for CD. In 2011, we planned a prospective study to evaluate whether the serum CIT level might be included in a practical diagnostic work up of subjects with suggestive symptoms for CD. The setting of our study was the Hepatology, Gastroenterology and Nutrition Unit of ‘‘Bambino Gesu’’ Children’s Hospital in Rome. Between June 2011 and March 2012, all patients referred for suspected CD were enrolled. In all suspected CD subjects, a blood sample for IgA, tTG of IgA class, EMA, serum CIT and creatinine was taken. The biological sampling of CIT was made during stable clinical conditions and in a post-absorptive state and determined by RF-HPLC. In patients with IgA deficiency (total IgA B 5 mg %), we assessed the tTG of IgG class [3]. A biopsy was performed in all suspected CD, with suggestive symptoms isolated or associated with positive tTG/EMA. In agreement with the recommendations of the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition [3], type 3 specimens according to Marsh-Oberhuber classification [4] were considered characteristics of CD. The Marsh 1 and 2 lesions were considered nonspecific, but in line with the CD diagnosis in presence of positive tTG/EMA [3]. In patients with Marsh 3 lesions and negative tTG/EMA, HLA-DQ was assessed, and the symptoms were evaluated after starting a glutenfree diet (GFD). The patients with positive HLA-DQ2 and DQ8 and disappearance of the symptoms on a GFD were considered as CD cases. During the same period we enrolled all consecutive CD patients on a GFD. The inclusion criteria were the following:
Neutrophils Establish Rapid and Robust WAVE Complex Polarity in an Actin-Dependent Fashion

Asymmetric intracellular signals enable cells to migrate in response to external cues. The multiprotein WAVE (also known as SCAR or WASF) complex activates the actin-nucleating Arp2/3 complex [1-4] and localizes to propagating "waves," which direct actin assembly during neutrophil migration [5, 6]. Here, we observe similar WAVE complex dynamics in other mammalian cells and analyze WAVE complex dynamics during establishment of neutrophil polarity. Earlier models proposed that spatially biased generation [7] or selection of protrusions [8] enables chemotaxis. These models require existing morphological polarity to control protrusions. We show that spatially biased generation and selection of WAVE complex recruitment also occur in morphologically unpolarized neutrophils during development of their first protrusions. Additionally, several mechanisms limit WAVE complex recruitment during polarization and movement: Intrinsic cues restrict WAVE complex distribution during establishment of polarity, and asymmetric intracellular signals constrain it in morphologically polarized cells. External gradients can overcome both intrinsic biases and control WAVE complex localization. After latrunculin-mediated inhibition of actin polymerization, addition and removal of agonist gradients globally recruits and releases the WAVE complex from the membrane. Under these conditions, the WAVE complex no longer polarizes, despite the presence of strong external gradients. Thus, actin polymer and the WAVE complex reciprocally interact during polarization.
Serendipity and stewardship: Teaching with the spirit in a secular classroom

Can one appropriately teach with the spirit in a secular classroom? This chapter addresses the question by exploring how the concepts of serendipity and stewardship encourage a form of spirituality that is inclusive and appropriate for the university setting.
Limitations of failure of procainamide during electrophysiologic testing to predict response to other medical therapy

To determine whether failure of procainamide to prevent initiation of ventricular tachyarrhythmias during electrophysiologic testing predicted failure of other antiarrhythmic regimens, 81 consecutive patients with coronary artery disease whose ventricular tachyarrhythmias remained inducible during procainamide administration were studied. Overall, 26 (12%) of 216 subsequent drug studies were successful and at least one effective drug regimen was identified in 22 (27%) of the 81 patients. Drug success was significantly related to the arrhythmia induced at baseline study; 7% of drug studies were successful in patients with sustained ventricular tachycardia, 24% in patients with ventricular fibrillation, and 29% in patients with nonsustained ventricular tachycardia. An effective drug regimen was found in 11(19%) of 59 patients with sustained ventricular tachycardia, 4 (50%) of 8 patients with ventricular fibrillation and 7 (50%) of 14 patients with nonsustained ventricular tachycardia. In patients with sustained ventricular tachycardia, failure of procainamide to suppress the arrhythmia correlated with failure of other agents used singly but not in combination. This study supports the view that when procainamide fails to prevent initiation of the arrhythmia in patients with inducible sustained ventricular tachycardia it is unlikely that other individual standard agents will be effective. However, combination regimens may suppress the arrhythmia and should be evaluated. In patients with nonsustained ventricular tachycardia, all agents should be evaluated because failure to respond to procainamide does not predict subsequent responses to other agents either alone or in combination.
Optimization of preparation of poly(3-methylthiophene)-modified Pt microelectrodes for detection of catecholamines

Abstract Prior studies have shown that poly(3-methylthiophene)-modified platinum electrodes (P3MT/Pt) have improved electrochemical reversibility, selectivity, and sensitivity for the detection of catecholamines when compared with conventional electrodes. Difficulties have, however, been encountered, as a P3MT film grows beyond the edges of the Pt electrode substrate during electropolymerization, and, consequently, increases the surface area of the electrode. The width of the film growth beyond the edges of the substrate depends on electropolymerization conditions and the size of the electrode substrate. This makes the catecholamine analysis irreproducible from electrode to electrode, and especially limits the application of the P3MT/Pt system as micro- and ultramicro-electrodes. In order to control the edge effect, optimization of the preparation conditions of P3MT/Pt electrodes, including temperature, monomer concentration, deposition time, voltage, and electrolyte concentration, was studied by fractional factorial design (FFD). Improved P3MT/Pt microelectrodes were achieved by applying the optimal conditions, which simultaneously reduced the edge effect. Also, P3MT/Pt film electrodes polymerized at −20°C exhibited the same electrocatalytic properties, which are essential for detection of catecholamines, as those electrodes made at room temperature.
Phase identification in a U-Zr/Ni-Cr diffusion couple using synchrotron radiation

The diffusion zone between a U–23 at. % Zr alloy and a Ni–16.4 at. % Cr alloy exhibited nine distinct phase layers, many of which were mixtures of two phases. Four single-phase regions were less than 10 μm wide. To identify these phases by diffractometry, a synchrotron x-ray beam was collimated by a 50 μm by 1 mm slit. This beam was translated across the sample to obtain diffraction patterns throughout the diffusion zone. In this way, only a few phases were simultaneously within the beam, easing identification of the phases. Strains in the lattice due to solid solution were also observed. These microdiffraction techniques are applicable to a wide range of material systems.
Reduction of Structural Dynamics Models Having Nonlinear Damping

The purpose of this work has been to explore the suitability of significantly reduced order structural dynamics models for simulation of nonlinear response of structures. In this paper oscillator chains having nonlinear damping and linear stiffness are considered. Both non-smooth and smooth nonlinear damping will be discussed for the case of isolated nonlinear damping and for the case of many equal nonlinear damping elements distributed throughout the structure. Most of the results to be shown will address the accuracy with which significantly reduced order models (e.g., 5, 10 and 20 DOF reduced models of a 1,000 DOF system) simulate the free oscillation decay caused by the nonlinear damping. The model reduction employed utilizes an “exact-for-the-linear-case” linear state transformation to eliminate slave coordinates, yielding a reduced model containing only specified master degrees of freedom. The ultimate objective of this work is to develop efficient, sufficiently accurate models that can be integrated numerically to determine response of very large nonlinear structures in situations for which numerical integration over reasonably long times is needed. The results obtained here are promising: even drastically reduced models provide accurate simulation of the oscillation decay for both smooth and non-smooth nonlinearity.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Full linearized Fokker–Planck collisions in neoclassical transport simulations

The complete linearized Fokker–Planck collision operator has been implemented in the drift-kinetic code NEO (Belli and Candy 2008 Plasma Phys. Control. Fusion 50 095010) for the calculation of neoclassical transport coefficients and flows. A key aspect of this work is the development of a fast numerical algorithm for treatment of the field particle operator. This Eulerian algorithm can accurately treat the disparate velocity scales that arise in the case of multi-species plasmas. Specifically, a Legendre series expansion in ξ (the cosine of the pitch angle) is combined with a novel Laguerre spectral method in energy to ameliorate the rapid numerical precision loss that occurs for traditional Laguerre spectral methods. We demonstrate the superiority of this approach to alternative spectral and finite-element schemes. The physical accuracy and limitations of more commonly used model collision operators, such as the Connor and Hirshman–Sigmar operators, are studied, and the effects on neoclassical impurity poloidal flows and neoclassical transport for experimental parameters are explored.
Social geography and continuity effects in immigrant women's narratives of negative interactions

Abstract Objectives The purpose of this study was to examine the role of social geography and continuity in ethnic identity in shaping immigrant women's exposure and reactions to interpersonal problems in old age. Methods More than 100 hours of semistructured, in-person interviews were conducted with 19 immigrant Japanese women about their views of interpersonal relationships including problems they experienced living in the Midwestern region of the United States. Results Interpersonal problems reported focused on exposure to a specific type of issue among a specific group: gossip within the immigrant community. Spatial distance from country of origin, desire for continuity to ethnic identity, and intragroup variation among Japanese residents in the Midwest were factors that resulted in an inability to terminate interpersonally troubled ties. Discussion Immigrants' interpersonal problems are deeply connected to spaces and places lived and the human need for continuity. Contextual approaches are needed in gerontology to further understanding about negative interactions in late life across the population of older adults.
A new explicit variable time-integration self-starting methodology for computational structural dynamics

A new explicit variable time-integration methodology and architecture which possesses self-starting attributes, eliminates the need to involve acceleration computations, and which has improved accuracy characteristics in comparison to the traditional central-difference-type formulations customarily advocated is described for applicability to computational structural dynamics. To sharpen the focus of the present study, an explicit variable time-integration architecture which is relatively simple, yet effective, is described. Unlike variable explicit time-integration formulations adopted in the past, the present self-starting variable time-integration architecture and implementation aspects facilitate a simplified representation and a straightforward and effective approach for combining finite element meshes requiring different time steps in a single analysis. Numerical test cases are provided which demonstrate the applicability of the proposed formulations.
Hitting the nursing faculty shortage head on: strategies to recruit, retain, and develop nursing faculty

More than ever before, schools of nursing are challenged with finding qualified faculty to teach growing numbers of undergraduate and graduate students. Qualified applicants by the thousands are being turned away, in large part because of an insufficient pipeline of faculty. This article describes how one school hit the shortage head on by creating alternate models for employing and growing new faculty, and then instituting a variety of strategies to develop and keep them.
Effect of gonadotropin releasing factor suppression with an immunological on growth performance, estrus activity, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of market gilts

Objectives were to evaluate the administration of an anti-gonadotropin releasing factor (GnRF) analog on suppression of estrus, consistency of feed intake, and growth performance in market gilts and to investigate the impact the physiological changes would have on carcass characteristics and fresh meat quality. Gonadotropin releasing factor stimulates the anterior pituitary to release luteinizing hormone that acts on the ovary to induce follicle development and indirectly initiates ovulation. Improvest (Zoetis, Kalamazoo, MI) contains an incomplete version of naturally occurring GnRF and causes the production of anti-GnRF antibodies that bind to the GnRF receptor and thus render GnRF inactive. This in turn suppresses estrus in female pigs. Gilts were initially separated into 10 blocks based on age and then within each block allotted to a pen (n = 114; 5 pigs/pen) based on BW. Gilts received the first dose at 12 wk of age and the second dose at 16 wk of age, were exposed to a boar daily from 20 to 26 wk of age, and were slaughtered at 26 wk of age (10 wk after second dose). Meat quality was analyzed on the 2 gilts closest to pen average ending live weight in 5 of the 10 blocks. Pen served as the experimental unit for all data analysis. During the 15-wk finishing period, ADG was 0.03 kg greater (P < 0.01) and G:F was 0.009 greater (P = 0.02) in gilts administered GnRF suppression (treated) compared with untreated gilts (control). The majority of improvements in growth performance were observed from 16 to 20 wk of age (4 wk after second dose), as ADG was 0.07 kg greater (P < 0.001) and G:F was 0.021 greater (P < 0.01) in treated gilts compared with control gilts. Ovarian weights were reduced (P < 0.0001) by 64.15% and gilts exhibiting puberty were reduced by 87.80% (P < 0.001) in treated gilts compared with control gilts. Back fat depth was 3.78 mm greater (P < 0.0001) and estimated lean was 1.31 percentage units less (P < 0.0001) in treated gilts compared with control gilts. With the exception of subjective color, there were no differences (P ≥ 0.12) in meat quality parameters between treated and control gilts. Subjective color was darker (P = 0.03) in treated gilts compared with control gilts. These data suggest market gilts treated with an anti-GnRF analog had suppressed estrus and episodical changes in ADFI, while they had improved feed efficiency, increased ADG, and increased back fat depth when compared with gilts without an anti-GnRF analog treatment.
Persistence of passively acquired antibodies to Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae in a swine herd

Abstract A cohort of 95 piglets born to 12 sows seropositive for Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (MH) was followed from birth until passively acquired MH antibodies, detected with an ELISA, reached their lowest concentration. The objectives of the study were to determine the half-life of maternally derived MH antibodies in the newborn piglet, and the relationship between maternal MH antibodies in the serum on colostrum and the initial concentration and persistence of MH antibodies in the neonatal pigs. Blood samples were initially collected from newborn piglets at 4 days of age, and subsequently at 14-day intervals. Sows were blood-sampled 1 month prior to farrowing, and colostrum was collected 2–6 h after the first piglet was born. Antibody concentrations were expressed as the ELISA ratio between mean optical densities of the sample and the positive control (S/P ratio). Multiple linear regression models with sow pre-farrowing blood sample ratio (S-RATIO) or sow colostrum ratio (C-RATIO) and other covariates as predictors for initial S/P ratios explained 75% and 73%, respectively, of the variation in S/P ratios for 4-day-old piglets. The median half-life of MH antibodies was 15.8 days. The persistence of passively acquired MH antibodies was related to the initial antibody concentration in the piglet. Kaplan-Meier product-limit estimates of the time at which passive antibodies waned were 30, 45, and 63 days, for piglets with initial antibody concentration classified as low ( ⩽ 0.30 ), medium (0.31–0.65), or high (> 0.65), respectively. Accelerated failure time models were also fitted to the data with C-RATIO or S-RATIO as predictors for duration of passive antibodies in the piglet. Both models, wich also included total piglet serum protein, sow parity, and breed of piglet, provided time estimates of antibody persistence that were consistent with the range detected in the study.
What is the Word at Logos College? Homosocial ritual or homosexual denial in Don Delillo's End Zone?

Abstract “What Is the Word at Logos College? Homosocial Ritual or Homosexual Denial in Don Delillo's End Zone?” investigates the homoerotic desire that, despite being culturally repressed, periodically surfaces in football. Given the highly closeted nature of American football, it is necessary to look at the puns, allusions, and interactions between the players to see how Don DeLillo has created a text that subtly exposes the homoerotics of male sport. In order to strengthen the connection between homoeroticism and football, I will show how football's invention and organization in America coincides with the construction of the homosexual subject. Football and other arenas for male-male play become enforced at the same time as desire begins to express itself; thus, football is the logical place in America to look for unresolved (and resolved) male homosexuality, and DeLillo does this skillfully.