cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bioterrorism and Biocrimes: The Illicit Use of Biological Agents Since 1900

Abstract : During the past five years, the threat of bioterrorism has become a subject of widespread concern. Journalists, academics, and policy analysts have considered the subject, and in most cases found much to alarm them. Most significantly, it has captured the attention of policy makers at all levels of government in the United States. Unfortunately, bioterrorism remains a poorly understood subject. Many policymakers and policy analysts present apocalyptic visions of the threat, contending that it is only a matter of time before some terrorist uses biological agents to cause mass casualties. In contrast, other analysts argue that the empirical record provides no basis for concern, and thus largely dismiss the potential threat. Neither approach is helpful. Imagining catastrophic threats inevitably leads to a requirement for impossibly large response capabilities. In contrast, denying the potential danger altogether leads to the kind of tunnel vision that led U.S. intelligence officials to totally ignore the emergence of Aum Shinrikyo in Japan, despite its overtly hostile attitude towards the United States. This study takes an intermediate course. It provides empirical evidence to support the views of those who argue that biological agents are difficult to use. It also provides abundant evidence that some people have desired to inflict mass casualties on innocent populations through employment of biological agents. Fortunately, these accounts also suggest that such people lacked the capability to follow through with their plans. The research also casts considerable doubt on our ability to predict which biological agents a perpetrator might employ. While some analysts assume that terrorists will use those agents that proved of most interest to state weapons programs, bioterrorists and biocriminals have acquired and used agents of little or no value as weapons of war.
Paral lel VLSI Implementation of the Kalrman Filter

The problem of parallel implementation of the square-root Kalman filters is addressed. At the system level, our approach is to apply systolic-type VLSI processor arrays as basic building blocks to accelerate the matrix operations required in each iteration. To maximize the parallelism, we also exploit an inter-array pipelining scheme through the overlapping of execution between successive processor arrays. We estimate that with (5n2 + r2 + 8nr + n + 3r)/2 processors, it would take max[(4n + 2r, 2n + 4r-2)] time units to complete one Kalman filter iteration, where n is the dimension of the underlying state space model and r is the dimension of the input vector.
Using Very-Large-Scale Aerial Imagery for Rangeland Monitoring and Assessment: Some Statistical Considerations

Abstract The availability of very-large-scale aerial (VLSA) imagery (typically less than 1 cm ground-sampling-distance spatial resolution) and techniques for processing those data into ecosystem indicators has opened the door for routinely using VLSA imagery in rangeland monitoring and assessment. However, for VLSA imagery to provide defensible information for managers, it is crucial to understand the statistical implications of designing and implementing VLSA image studies, including consideration of image scale, sample design limitations, and the need for validation of estimates. A significant advantage of VLSA imaging is that the researcher can specify the scale (i.e., spatial resolution and extent) of the images. VLSA image programs should plan for scales that match monitoring questions, size of landscape elements to be measured, and spatial heterogeneity of the environment. Failure to plan for scale may result in images that are not optimal for answering management questions. Probability-based sampling guards against bias and ensures that inferences can be made to the desired study area. Often collected along flight transects, VLSA imagery lends itself well to certain probability-based sample designs, such as systematic sampling, not often used in field studies. With VLSA image programs, the sample unit can be an entire image or a portion of an image. It is critical to define the sampling unit and understand the relationship between measurements and estimates made from the imagery. Finally, it is important to statistically validate estimates produced from VLSA images at selected locations using quantitative data of the same scale and more precise and accurate than the VLSA image techniques. The extent to which VLSA imagery will be useful as a tool for understanding the status and trend of rangelands depends as much on the ability to build the imagery into robust programs as it does on the ability to quickly and relatively easily collect VLSA images over large landscapes.
Fluid‐mechanical forces in agitated bioreactors reduce the CD13 and CD33 surface protein content of HL60 cells

Flow cytometry was used to examine the effect of hydrodynamic forces in surface aerated stirred tank bioreactors on the quantity of CD13 and CD33 surface proteins of Hl60 (human promyelocytic leukemia) cells. A step increase in agitation of the 2-L bioreactors from 80 to 400 rpm reduced the apparent growth rate and the average CD13 and CD33 content per HL60 cell. The effects on the two surface proteins were observed within 30-60 min following the increase in the agitation and preceded observed effects on cell growth by at least 10 h. Upon reduction of the agitation rate back to 80 rpm, the CD13 and CD33 content recovered (in ca. 10 h) for CD13 and ca. 29h for (CD33) to the levels of the control culture whose agitation rate was maintained at 80rpm. The CD13 and CD33 cell content was reduced even at agitation rates (270 rpm) that did not affect cell proliferation. Pluronic F68 (a commonly used shear protectant) had a protective effect on the CD33 content per cell of cultures subjected to hydrodynamic injury but no effect on the CD13 cell content. Possible bioprocessing and physiological implications of these findings are discussed.
Patriot Summer: Extending the USA PATRIOT Act

Writer George Orwell was under surveillance by Scotland Yard’s Special Branch from 1936 to 1948, according to recently released records. Ironically, 1948 was also the year he published his classic novel, 1984, the futuristic and frightening tale depicting a land of continual electronic and personal eavesdropping and regulated behavior (“Big Brother Is Watching You”). Scotland Yard had Orwell under surveillance because of his alleged involvement in communist activities. Fast-forward to 2005 and Orwell’s reflections and his vision of 1984 can be viewed in light of the cold and hot war on terrorism. The USA PATRIOT Act became one of the first responses to the war on terrorism after 9/11. Enacted in October 2001, the act responded to intelligence faults that allegedly prevented information from getting to proper authorities in time to block the attacks. The act was also intended to strengthen law-enforcement and intelligence-gathering tools to prevent future attacks. At its core, the PATRIOT Act allows the government to gather more information about more people and to share that information among additional government agencies. And this has raised concerns for many people, particularly those in the information industry.
Mediating Volumetric Thresholds

Volume-based design logic has become focal point in fabrication discourse giving rise to the development of new techniques, episteme, and modes of architectural representation. While building on this reconceptualization of material, volumetric design-logic can be advanced by introducing the design and fabrication of non-uniform solids in which volume cannot be described as the matter between surfaces. Detached fabrication is proposed as a method of fabricating both precise and indeterminate internal forms using an industrial robot to mediate the interaction of multiple materials and volumes without direct manipulation of a tool. This method is presented as both a new technique for fabrication with industrial robots and an additional model of designing through volumetric logics.
TSH in Serum and Milk of Normal, Thyroidectomized, and Hyperthyroid Lactating Rats

SummaryTSH was determined by ra-dioimmunoassay in serum and milk of euthyroid, hyperthyroid, and thyroidecto-mized lactating rats. In the normal euthy-roid rats, the average serum TSH concentration was 219 ± 39.8 ng/ml, while the average concentration in milk was 156 ± 9.8 ng/ ml. Five to seven days after thyroidectomy both values were significantly increased to 892 ± 109 and 230 ± 6.5 ng/ml, respectively. In animals treated with a very large dose of T3 for 4 days, serum and milk TSH concentrations were conspicuously decreased to 72 ± 7.1 and 63 ± 6.7 ng/ml, respectively.
The Microboiling Processes of FC-72 in a Confined Space

This paper is motivated by the need for efficient control of liquid sprays and presents an experimental effort to characterize the microboiling process of FC-72 in confined micro-heaters. The experimental set up consists of commercial Thermal Ink Jet (TIJ) heads used to boil degassed FC-72 inside a confined chamber with a transparent viewing window. The micro-boiling process is illuminated by a flash lamp and a CCD camera attached to a microscope captures images of the bubble’s growth. Image processing software provides precise quantitative information about the position and projected area of the bubble. The energy ranges applied to the microheater are 5.61μJ to 17.2μJ per pulse. Nucleation times were found to be in the range of 1.2 – 2.4 μs leading to a rapid growth followed by a small shrink from 4–5 μs. Maximum bubble sizes ranged from 1.2 – 2 times larger than the heater area. A faster nucleation time and longer bubble lifecycle are observed for FC-72 when compared to water which is attributed to the lower boiling point and latent heat of FC-72.© 2008 ASME
Human chromosome morphology. 3. Pronase effects on chromosome structure in vitro.

Short term cultures derived from peripheral blood of a cytogenetically normal man (46, XY) were treated with pronase and incubated for various intervals. The results show that the longer the incubation with pronase is, the more profound the effects on the chromosomes become. A short pronase treatment causes chromosome stickiness followed by the digestion of the longitudinal structure of the chromosomes. Extended reaction results in complete digestion of the chromosomes and drastic reduction in the number of metaphases present in cultures.
Population biology and genetics of winter house fly (Diptera: Muscidae) populations

Population biology and genetic variability of house flies, Musca domestica L., surviving indoors were studied during four winters in a diary barn and three swine farrowing sheds in central Iowa. Adult age structure was monitored in natural populations and in marked and released flies. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis resolved allozymes at six loci. In the dairy, insemination rates and the proportions of parous flies were significantly less during winter than in summer fly populations. Age grading showed delayed vitellogenesis and oviposition in winter. There were large shifts in allele frequencies associated with founding of indoor populations in autumn and founding of outdoor populations in spring. Allele frequencies were temporally homogeneous during winter. Average gene frequencies were much the same in autumn and late spring.
Some Mathematical Problems from Neurobiology

2. Physiological background. We begin by describing, briefly, the physical setting of the model, and a little of the experimental evidence, in order to motivate the mathematical questions to be asked later. For a fuller explanation of the basic neurophysiology, see [29]. The function of the nervous system is, of course, to transmit information, and for this purpose it uses electrical impulses initiated and transmitted by individual nerve cells, or neurons. Hodgkin and Huxley developed a set of differential equations to describe the ionic and electrical events occurring during the transmission of an impulse along an axon, which is usually the filament carrying signals from the nerve cell body to other parts of the organism. These equations are based on the assumption that an axon behaves like a cylindrical electrical cable, with a conducting core and partially insulating sheath, or membrane. Both the core and the surrounding medium are fluids containing significant concentrations of charged metallic ions, mostly sodium and potassium. The currents which flow are due either to the capacitance of the membrane or to the movement of ions either through the membrane or longitudinally along the axon. Perhaps the most important feature of the theory is its reliance on changes in the permeability of the membrane to certain of these ions during the course of an impulse. (The molecular structure of the membrane which allows it to play an active role in signal transmission is unknown. The membrane is the black box referred to earlier.) The resulting nonlinear equations can be written in the form
357 TRANSOSSEOUS EQUIVALENT ARTHROSCOPIC ROTATOR CUFF REPAIR USING PUSH LOCK VERSUS CONVENTIONAL DOUBLE-ROW FIXATION.

Background The newly developed “transosseous-equivalent” (TOSE) rotator cuff repair technique is thought to incorporate several potential biologic and biomechanical advantages to rotator cuff healing. A previous study has shown that the TOSE fixation strength is equivalent to or greater than the conventional double-row (DR) technique; however, arthroscopic lateral fixation using the TOSE method is tedious and technically challenging. Hypothesis The TOSE rotator cuff repair technique employing a knotless suture-locking device for lateral fixation will demonstrate superior loading biomechanics between tendon and tuberosity compared with the conventional double-row technique. Methods Six matched-pairs of fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders without gross evidence of rotator cuff pathology were used for this study. One specimen of each matched-pair underwent a supraspinatus tendon repair using the TOSE technique; the sutures were secured laterally using the PushLock device (Arthrex, Inc.). The contralateral limb underwent a conventional DR repair. All repairs were performed by the same surgeon. An Instron materials testing machine was used to test the biomechanics of the repair. Each specimen underwent a preload (10 N) followed by a cyclic load (10-180 N - 30 cycles) and a load to failure. Ultimate and yield strength, energy absorption, hysteresis, and linear stiffness data were collected. Results The mean ultimate load to failure for the TOSE technique (380.8 ± 13.2 N) was significantly greater than that of the DR repair (285.5 ± 17.6 N, p = .0015). Energy absorbed to failure was also significantly greater for the TOSE repair (3,966.7 ± 297.4 Nmm) compared with the DR (1,236.2 ± 95.0 Nmm, p = .04). No statistical difference was found for yield strength, initial and linear stiffness, and hysteresis. Conclusions The TOSE repair technique using the PushLock device for lateral fixation demonstrates improved ultimate strength and energy absorption characteristics compared with the conventional DR repair. Clinical Relevance The TOSE rotator cuff repair technique has potential advantages for rotator cuff repair healing, including maximizing footprint-tendon contact, imparting compression on the tendon-bone interface, and generating a stronger repair. The original description and analysis of this technique included the use of a Bio-Tenodesis screw for lateral fixation. In comparison, the PushLock device is much easier and quicker to employ, while maintaining superior loading biomechanical strength. This study validates the use of the PushLock for lateral fixation in the TOSE rotator cuff repair technique.
Determination of hydroxysaffor yellow A in Honghua Qinggan Shisanwei pills by RP-HPLC assay

Objective:To establish a RP-HPLC method for the determination of hydroxysaffor yellow A in Honghua Qinggan Shisanwei pills.Methods:The separation was performed on a Agilent Eclipse XDB-C_(18)column (250 mm×4.6 mm,5μm)with mobile phase consisting of methanol-0.18 % acetic acid(20:80)at a flow rate of 1.0 mL·min~(-1).The detection wavelength was at 403 nm.Results:The calibration curve of hydroxysaffor yellow A was linear within 0.168～16.8μg(r=0.999 9).The average recovery was 99.76% and RSD was 0.6%.Con- clusion:This accurate and reliable RP-HPLC method can be used in the determination of hydroxysaffor yellow A in Honghua Qinggan Shisanwei pills.
Radar cross section calculation for subsurface objects

In this paper we establish a layered soil model with full wave electromagnetic simulation software package FEKO to characterize subsurface objects, in particular landmines and improvised explosive devices (IED's). We perform a parametric study of the landmine Radar Cross Section (RCS) by varying the material properties (permittivity and conductivity) of the landmine, the depth of the landmine, as well as the incident wave direction. The simulation provides insight into the relationship between the physical parameters of the landmine and its radar signatures. The results are helpful in developing landmine detection systems with forward looking capability. The methodology is advantageous for accumulating landmine RCS information in a cost-effective manner.
Designing combined physical and computer experiments to maximize prediction accuracy

Abstract Combined designs for experiments involving a physical system and a simulator of the physical system are evaluated in terms of their accuracy of predicting the mean of the physical system. Comparisons are made among designs that are (1) locally optimal under the minimum integrated mean squared prediction error criterion for the combined physical system and simulator experiments, (2) locally optimal for the physical or simulator experiments, with a fixed design for the component not being optimized, (3) maximin augmented nested Latin hypercube, and (4) I-optimal for the physical system experiment and maximin Latin hypercube for the simulator experiment. Computational methods are proposed for constructing the designs of interest. For a large test bed of examples, the empirical mean squared prediction errors are compared at a grid of inputs for each test surface using a statistically calibrated Bayesian predictor based on the data from each design. The prediction errors are also studied for a test bed that varies only the calibration parameter of the test surface. Design recommendations are given.
Commentary: Advances in Research on Sourcing-Source Credibility and Reliable Processes for Producing Knowledge Claims.

In our commentary on this excellent set of articles on Sourcing in the Reading Process, we endeavor to synthesize the findings from the seven articles and discuss future research. We discuss significant contributions related to source memory, source evaluation, use of sources in action and belief, integration of information from multiple sources, and instruction in sourcing. Next we discuss several issues for future research raised by these articles, including expert sourcing, embedded sources, epistemic justice, and explanations of disagreement. Finally, we argue that the credibility of sources and their claims is determined by the reliability of the processes used by the sources to produce their claims. Our focus on the reliability of processes used by sources has implications for understanding sourcing processes, for evaluating normative claims about which sources are most reliable, for explaining how people evaluate sources, and for developing instruction on sourcing.
Development of an Interception Glove Sampler for Skin Exposures to Aromatic Isocyanates

OBJECTIVES Skin is an important exposure route for isocyanate chemicals and contributes to systemic sensitization. Methods for assessing skin exposure are currently limited and generally rely upon removal (e.g. tape-strip) techniques prone to underestimation. The aim of this study is to (i) develop and field test an interception-based hand exposure sampler to monitor potential skin exposure to isocyanates in the workplace, (ii) to develop an analytical method based on ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-UV absorbance-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-UV-MS/MS) for analyzing glove samples; and (iii) compare it with tape-stripping skin sampling method. METHODS Laboratory investigations assessed different glove materials/fabrics, methods for impregnating with 1-(9-anthracenylmethyl)piperazine (MAP) derivatizing agent, methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) uptake and recovery, and durability. Following use, gloves were dissected into sections corresponding to different spatial regions (finger, palm) and analyzed using a newly developed UHPLC-UV-MS/MS method capable of differentiating and quantitating different MDI isomers with high sensitivity. Performance of the glove sampler was further assessed in a pilot field study using six workers. RESULTS A MAP-impregnated thin cotton glove sampler and UHPLC-UV-MS/MS analytical method for detecting MDI were successfully developed in laboratory studies. In subsequent field studies, a total of 384 samples from 14 glove pairs identified full-shift exposures ranged from 0.01 to 306 µg of 4,4'-MDI/worker for each hand. Surface area adjusted MDI values measured with the glove sampler (0.13-572ng MDI cm-2) were considerably higher (~400-fold) than values obtained with tape stripping. CONCLUSION A glove sampler and a novel UHPLC-UV-MS/MS analytical method were developed to quantitatively measure MDI skin exposure. The novel interception technique overcomes inherent limitations of removal techniques for measuring isocyanate skin exposure and may be useful in exposure surveillance and future research on isocyanate's health risks.
An Exercise in Rigor: A Review of Robert K. Yin’s Case Study Research Design and Methods

In his fourth edition of Case Study Research Design and Methods, Robert K. Yin continues to encourage the formation of better case study research. The text provides a technical yet practical guide to aid the committed researcher. It is an effort to promote rigor and to encourage the recognition of the limitations and awareness of the strengths of case study research. Throughout the text, Yin forthrightly addressed criticisms of the method and provided a solid defense of case study research and its breadth as a research method. An unexpected bonus of the text is found in the cross reference table that provides access to a wealth of classic and contemporary case study research.
Plasma Cholinesterase Activity in ITP Patients with/without Thrombosis.

Abstract 3997 Poster Board III-933 Introduction In the process of immune mediated destruction, platelets may become activated and release procoagulant microparticles in ITP (Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura). Although bleeding is common manifestation, some patients with ITP may suffer thrombotic complications, often presenting with TIA like syndromes. Brain MRI revealed findings consistent with ischemic small vessel disease in this subgroup (J Lab Clin Med 119: 334, 1992, Thromb Res 107:337, 2002). Recently acetylcoholinesterase (AChE) of RBC and/or non-specific plasma cholinesterase (ChE) was reported to be associated with the inflammation of blood vessels and may be a marker of some inflammatory states. In the present study we investigated plasma ChE activity in patients with ITP with or without thrombotic complication. Methods (i) Patients. We measured ChE activity in 49 patients with ITP. They were sub-grouped as having thrombosis (TBS), F/M (11/7), and non-thrombosis (Non-TBS), F/M (23/8). The TBS group included 9 with TIA like syndrome, 6 with CAD and 3 with venous thrombosis. ( ii) Assay of ChE was essentially by Ellman9s method. In our system, milli-absorbance units/min (mA/min) x 0.065 = umols substrate cleaved/min. Values reported here are in units of mA/min per mL plasma. Normal controls (NC, n=14) had a cutoff of 3000 mA/min per mL plasma (=mean +2SD). ( iii) Sample handling. Platelet-poor plasma (PPP) was prepared by centrifuging 10 min at 1800 xg, then frozen in aliquots. For assay, it was diluted 1:20 with saline, then 5 uL and 10 uL were used in 96-well microtiter plate. Results (i) We observed higher level of ChE in the TBS group compared to Non-TBS in ITP. The TBS group (+/- SD) had mean value 2859 ±866, while the Non-TBS group had 2267 ±777 (units as above). This difference was significant, p (ii) In TBS groups, we compared TIA subgroup with other TBS subgroup and observed that the n=9 patients with TIA had higher activity compared to the other TBS: 3250 vs 2466 mA/min per mL plasma. However, this difference did not reach significance in this small patient population. Further, 5/9 TIA patients (66%) had ChE activities >3000 (normal cutoff values) compared to only 2/9 (22%) of those with other TBS >3000. Conclusion (i) The ChE activity of ITP patients with TBS is significantly increased compared to Non-TBS in ITP patients. It has been suggested that Blood ChE/AChE may reflect some inflammatory, prothrombotic states. (ii) ITP patients with TIA exhibited higher ChE activity among TBS subgroups in ITP, suggesting that ChE activity may serve as a useful biomarker in TIA like syndrome associated with ITP. However, further study in a larger number of patients is needed to confirm these preliminary findings. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Magnetic Field Equations in Regions Carrying Steady Currents

Before we introduce the magnetic force law we should make a number of observations. Many of the older texts develop magnetostatics by defining magnetic point charges and introducing Coulomb’s law for the magnetic charges, and developing magnetostatics in direct analogy with electrostatics. This is obviously a very simple and straightforward approach. However, it is open to the following rather devastating criticisms: 1. Magnetic charges are known not to exist, i.e., only the + and − charge in combination as the magnetic dipole moment has ever been found no matter how small the element of matter examined. 2. Magnetism is known to be due to the motion of electric charge, i.e., the flow of current.
Violation of positivity bounds in models of generalized parton distributions

As with parton distributions, flexible phenomenological parametrizations of generalized parton distributions (GPDs) are essential for their extraction from data. The large number of constraints imposed on GPDs make simple Lorentz covariant models viable; but, such models are often incomplete in that they employ the impulse approximation. Using the GPD of the pion as a test case, we show that the impulse approximation can lead to violation of the positivity bound required of GPDs. We focus on a particular model of the pion bound-state vertex that was recently proposed and demonstrate that satisfying the bound is not guaranteed by Lorentz covariance. Violation of the positivity bound is tied to a problematic mismatch between the behavior of the quark distribution at the end point and the crossover value of the GPD.
Measuring treatment-induced peripheral neuropathy in patients with cancer.

e21674Background: Peripheral neuropathy (PN) is a common complication of cancer treatment. Measurement of PN is necessary for prevention and effective management. An important aspect of PN measurem...
DICE: Dynamic Multi-RAT Selection in the ICN-enabled Wireless Edge

Coupled with the rapid increase in mobile device users and the bandwidth and latency demands are the continuous increase of devices' processing capabilities, storage, and wireless connectivity options. The multiple radio access technology (multi-RAT) is proposed to satisfy mobile users' increasing needs. The Information-Centric Networking (ICN) paradigm is better tuned (than the current Internet Protocol approach) to support multi-RAT communications. ICN eschews the connection-based content retrieval model used today and has desirable features such as data naming, in-network caching, and device mobility--a paradigm ripe for exploration.We propose DICE, an ICN forwarding strategy that helps a device dynamically select a subset of its multi-RAT interfaces for communication. DICE assesses the state of edge links and network congestion to determine the minimum number of interfaces required to to perform data delivery. We perform simulations to compare DICE's performance with bestroute2 and multicast strategies (part of the named data networking simulator, ndnSIM). We show that DICE is the best of both worlds: providing a higher delivery ratio (0.2-2 times) and much lower overhead (by 2-8 times) for different packet rates.
On the Expression of Agent Emotions in Customer Support Dialogs in Social Media

Providing customer support through social media channels is gaining popularity. In this context, it is important for the agent, either human or automated, to express emotions when needed. In this paper we study the patterns of human agents emotional expression and question the need of Affective NLG. By analyzing real dialogs that were tagged by the crowd, we show that emotional responses contribute to the quality of the dialog and relate to customer satisfaction, and that human agents express emotions by simply adding emotional acknowledgment at the beginning of the response.
Angiotensin receptor signaling and prostate tumor growth in mice.

OBJECTIVE The renin-angiotensin system, through its type 1 and type 2 angiotensin receptors (AT1R and AT2R, respectively) may have a role in prostate cancer. The objective of this pilot study was to explore that potential role by determining whether the AT1R blocker, losartan, would reduce the growth of LAPC-4 prostate cancer xenografts in nude mice. We also evaluated the tumor growth effects of using angiotensin II to activate both AT1R and AT2R simultaneously. Our data showed that losartan decreased tumor volumes by 56% versus control. This decrease reached statistical significance at day 54 (p = 0.0014). By day 54, Ki67 was also reduced in the losartan group, though not significantly so (p = 0.077). Losartan had no significant effect on AT1R or AT2R expression. Despite significant increases in both AT1R and AT2R at day 29 (p = 0.043 and 0.038, respectively), the administration of angiotensin II did not result in any significant differences in tumor volumes or ki67 at any time point. These data suggest that selective activation and induction of AT2R coupled with blockade of AT1R may slow prostate cancer growth. Future larger studies are needed to confirm these results.
Tri-Vi-Flor® Drops (Mead Johnson)

Tri-Vi-Flor is a vitamin and fluoride supplement which was developed to provide fluoride for children in areas where the fluoride content of drinking water is too low. This preparation may be useful for children whose diets are lacking in vitamins A, D, and C.
Wavelets and Differential Equations

Many applications of mathematics require the numerical approximation of solutions of differential equations. In this chapter we give a brief introduction to this topic. A thorough discussion is beyond the scope of this text. Instead, by simple examples, we give an idea of the contribution wavelet theory can make to this subject.
Observation of Electronic Spectra in Glass and Ceramic Surfaces

ESCA, an acronym for Electron Spectroscopy for Chemical Analysis, is best described as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Electronic spectra, obtained from ESCA, provide information as to the kinds of atoms present, their valence state and coordination number as well as being a direct measure of the shape of the valence bond. Sampled depth varies from 4 A, for heavy elements such as gold, to 100 A for complex molecules such as lead stearate. The emission of electrons is strongly dependent on the difference between the energy of exciting radiation and the binding energy of the emitted electron. This technique has been reviewed by others1,2.
Accelerated Episodic Luteinizing Hormone Release Accompanies Blunted Progesterone Regulation in PCOS-like Female Rhesus Monkeys (Macaca Mulatta) Exposed to Testosterone during Early-to-Mid Gestation.

Background/aims Ovarian theca cell hyperandrogenism in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is compounded by androgen receptor-mediated impairment of estradiol and progesterone negative feedback regulation of episodic luteinizing hormone (LH) release. The resultant LH hypersecretion, likely the product of accelerated episodic release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) from the median eminence of the hypothalamus, hyperstimulates ovarian theca cell steroidogenesis, enabling testosterone (T) and androstenedione excess. Prenatally androgenized (PA) female monkeys exposed to fetal male levels of T during early-to-mid gestation, when adult, demonstrate PCOS-like traits, including high T and LH levels. This study tests the hypothesis that progesterone resistance-associated acceleration in episodic LH release contributes to PA monkey LH excess. Methods A total of 4 PA and 3 regularly cycling, healthy control adult female rhesus monkeys of comparable age and body mass index underwent (1) a 10 h, frequent intravenous sampling assessment for LH episodic release, immediately followed by (2) IV infusion of exogenous GnRH to quantify continuing pituitary LH responsiveness, and subsequently (3) an SC injection of a progesterone receptor antagonist, mifepristone, to examine LH responses to blockade of progesterone-mediated action. Results Compared to controls, the relatively hyperandrogenic PA females exhibited ~100% increase (p = 0.037) in LH pulse frequency, positive correlation of LH pulse amplitude (p = 0.017) with androstenedione, ~100% greater increase (p = 0.034) in acute (0-10 min) LH responses to exogenous GnRH, and an absence (p = 0.008) of modest LH elevation following acute progesterone receptor blockade suggestive of diminished progesterone negative feedback. Conclusion Such dysregulation of LH release in PCOS-like monkeys implicates impaired feedback control of episodic release of hypothalamic GnRH reminiscent of PCOS neuroendocrinopathy.
New cases of Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase deficiency in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) is a fatal disorder with limited treatment options and reduced life expectancy after diagnosis. Complex genetic backgrounds in PAH complicates identification of causative mutations that is essential for an understanding of the disease diagnostics and etiology especially for idiopathic PAH (iPAH). Hemolysis has been implicated as contributing to the pathobiology of PAH. Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) expression and activity define erythrocyte’s antioxidant capacity, and its decrease contributes to erythrocyte fragility. As G6PD deficiency was previously reported in a limited number of PAH cases, we tested whether iPAH patients exhibit underlying G6PD alterations in erythrocytes. A cohort of 22 PAH patients and 8 non-PAH patients were recruited for this study. DNA isolated from Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMC) was used for detection of mutations in the coding region of the G6PD gene. RNA isolated from PBMC was used for determination of G6PD mRNA expression level. G6PD activity was measured in Red Blood Cell (RBC) pellets. Three patients had missense mutations in G6PD (Val291Met, Asn126Asp, Asp194Glu), however, only one mutation (Val291Met) results in a severe G6PD deficiency. A single patient with mutation (Asn126Asp) showed a 21% decrease in G6PD activity, two subjects showed G6PD deficiency without mutations, and one patient had a decreased level of G6PD mRNA and reduced enzyme levels. This study demonstrates that a moderate decrease in G6PD activity is associated with PAH. Screening for G6PD activity and mutations in the G6PD gene may provide early detection of individuals predisposed to PAH.
Association Between HIV Infection and Mitochondrial DNA Copy Number in Peripheral Blood: A Population-Based, Prospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND Low mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number (CN) is a predictor of adverse aging outcomes, and its status may be altered in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected persons. This study evaluated the cross-sectional and longitudinal change of mtDNA CN by HIV markers. METHODS mtDNA CN was measured in the ALIVE (AIDS Linked to the Intravenous Experience) cohort of persons with a history of injecting drugs. Multivariable linear regression models controlling for demographic characteristics, behavior, and hepatitis C virus (HCV) seropositivity assessed the relationship of mtDNA CN to HIV markers (CD4+ T-cell counts, viral load, antiretroviral therapy [ART] use). Linear mixed models tested the association between HIV markers and age-related mtDNA CN trajectories. RESULTS Among 741 individuals at baseline, 436 (59%) were infected with HIV. HIV-infected individuals who had lower CD4+ T-cell counts (P = .01), had higher viral loads (P < .01), and were not receiving ART (P < .01) had significantly lower mtDNA CNs than uninfected persons; there was no difference between participants who were uninfected and HIV-infected individuals who had well-controlled HIV levels. In longitudinal follow-up of 507 participants, from age 50 years onward, mtDNA CN declined significantly faster among HIV-infected individuals than among HIV-uninfected persons (-0.03 units of change/year vs 0.006 units of change/year; P = .04), even among infected individuals with well-controlled HIV. CONCLUSION Before 50 years of age, mtDNA CN is similar between HIV-infected individuals with well-controlled HIV and uninfected persons, but from age 50 onward, mtDNA CN declines significantly faster among all infected individuals than among HIV-uninfected persons.
How Teachers Introduce Algebra and How It Might Affect Students’ Beliefs About What It Means to “Do” Mathematics

The chapter reports a comparative case-study of teachers’ beliefs about what it means to know algebra. Thus, how mathematics teaching is organized is not an immediate reflection of the subject as such, but also determined by ideas of what it means to learn and to do mathematics. Teacher interviews document significant differences in conceptions of algebra and ways into algebra, which, in turn, imply differences in instructional approaches and opportunities for learning. The classroom observations show that students adopt different roles and adapt to different cultural routines, which have implications for their learning of algebra.
Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication improves disease-specific quality of life in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease and functional gastroesophageal outflow obstruction

The optimal management of functional esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (EJOO) remains controversial particularly in the setting of concomitant gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). There remains a paucity of data regarding the outcomes of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) in this patient population. We hypothesized that GERD patients with manometric findings of EJOO on preoperative manometry do not have increased rates of postoperative dysphagia compared to those with normal or hypotensive LES pressures. This retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing LNF for GERD compared outcomes in patients with and without functional EJOO (fEJOO). The outcomes of interest included disease-specific quality of life improvement, dysphagia scores, and the need for endoscopic dilation following fundoplication. Two hundred and eleven patients underwent LNF for GERD and 15 (7.1%) were classified as having fEJOO. Baseline GERD-HRQL [30.0 (21.5–37) vs. 31 (21–37), p = 0.57] were similar between fEJOO and control patients, respectively. There was no difference in baseline dysphagia scores [3.5 (2–5) vs. 2.0 (1–4), p = 0.64] between the two groups. Postoperative GERD-HRQL [5.0 (2–13) vs. 4.0 (1–8), p = 0.59] scores did not differ between fEJOO and control patients at 6-week follow-up. One year after surgery, GERD-HRQL [8.0 (3–9) vs. 4.5 (2–13), p = 0.97] did not differ between groups. Dysphagia rates were similar at 6-week (p = 0.78) and 1-year follow-ups (p = 0.96). The need for dilation at 1 year following fundoplication was similar in both cohorts (13%, p = 0.96). GERD patients with functional EJOO achieved similar improvements in disease-specific quality of life without increased incidence of dysphagia postoperatively.
Longitudinal Response of Commercial Broiler Operations to Bio-shuttle Administration

SUMMARY Coccidia have typically been controlled using anticoccidial drugs, while the use of vaccines has increased due to concerns over the development of drug resistance in Eimeria spp. Because they contain drug-sensitive Eimeria, vaccination has received interest as a potential intervention for managing drug resistance. Vaccines can also be used in conjunction with anticoccidial drugs as part of a bio-shuttle program in which vaccination of broilers on day of hatch is followed by the administration of an ionophore in-feed starting at approximately 16 to 18 d post-hatch. Although they have been demonstrated to mitigate Eimeria vaccine-related performance losses, very little research on the effects of bio-shuttle programs on growth performance, pathology, and Eimeria populations has been published. In this study, we developed a longitudinal profile of the response of commercial broiler chickens before, during, and after bio-shuttle application as part of the broader drug and vaccine program of a commercial integrator over a 12-month period. Evaluation of production data collected from a commercial integrator found that, overall, growth performance and intestinal Eimeria pathology to be worst during the bio-shuttle administration period and best during the period after bio-shuttle administration. The correspondence between growth performance and pathology suggests that the development of drug-resistant Eimeria populations may have been reduced or delayed by bio-shuttle application. The results of our study are expected to inform future research evaluating the effects of bio-shuttle administration in poultry production.
Mycoplasma pneumoniae Presenting With Pericardial Tamponade

Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) is a common cause of community acquired pneumonia in school aged children but rarely causes pericardial and pleural effusions in a previously healthy host. We report an adolescent presenting with pericardial effusion with tamponade and pleural effusions most likely caused by MP infection. Definitive diagnosis of pericardial effusion is a challenge even when pericardial fluid or tissue is available. Serology is the mainstay of diagnosis. IgM is a reliable indicator of recent MP infection, but rising titers are needed which could delay diagnosis. Pericardial effusion with tamponade is a rare presentation of MP infection. As appropriate treatment significantly affects the outcome, investigating for MP should be part of the routine workup for pericarditis of unknown etiology.
Dilution is not the solution: acute hemolytic transfusion reaction after ABO-incompatible pooled platelet transfusion.

CONCLUSIONS The short shelf life of platelets makes providing ABO-compatible platelets a challenge, and many institutions issue ABO-incompatible platelets when compatible units are not available. It is presumed that ABO antibodies that exist in donor plasma are diluted when platelets from multiple donors are combined to make a pooled product for transfusion. We present a case of a hemolytic transfusion reaction in a 73-year-old man with myelodysplastic syndrome who received an ABO-incompatible pooled platelet unit. This case report demonstrates that the dilution theory is not always true for pooled platelet units, and any patient receiving ABO-incompatible platelet transfusions must be closely monitored for potential hemolytic transfusion reactions.
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy combined with intraoperative radiotherapy is effective to prevent recurrence in high-risk non- small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients

Background Basal cell hyperplasia (BCH) and squamous metaplasia (SM) in the small bronchi distant from the tumor is associated with a high risk of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) recurrence. Here, we assessed whether neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC), intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT), or adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) is effective to prevent recurrence in NSCLC patients (n=171) with different premalignant lesions in the small bronchi. Methods BCH, SM, and dysplasia (D) were identified in the samples of lung tissue distant from the tumor. NSCLC patients were treated by surgery, different combinations of NAC and IORT, and AC. Results Based on the type of bronchial lesions, NSCLC patients were classified into four groups: BCH+SM-D- (55.6%, 95/171), BCH+SM+D- (26.3%; 45/171), BCH-SM+D+ (6.4%, 11/171), and BCH-SM-D- (11.7%, 20/171). During 5 years, recurrent carcinoma was found in 13.4% (23/171) of patients and represented by metachronous metastases in the thoracic lymph nodes (82.6%, 19/23) and by a relapse in the bronchial stump (17.4%, 4/23). Recurrence was frequent in BCH+SM+D- patients (87.0%, 20/23), rare in BCH+SM-D- and BCH-SM-D- patients (13.0%, 3/23), and absent in BCH-SM+D+ patients (0/23). The 5-year recurrence-free survival was also shorter in BCH+SM+D- patients (HR 27.35; 95% CI: 6.31-118.48; P<0.0001). In the high-risk (BCH+SM+D-) group, recurrence occurred mainly in cases without NAC and IORT (88.2%, 15/17) and was absent (0/15) when these therapies were combined. NAC- and IORT-negative patients also showed poor overall survival (HR 4.35; 95% CI: 1.96-9.66; P<0.0001) and tended to have decreased recurrence-free survival (P=0.075). Importantly, the recurrence rate was not different between AC-treated and AC-naive BCH+SM+D- patients. Conclusions The combination of NAC and IORT is an effective strategy to prevent recurrence in high-risk NSCLC patients.
Compound Barker-Coded Excitation for Increased Signal-to-Noise Ratio and Penetration Depth in Transcranial Ultrasound Imaging

Clinical translation of transcranial ultrasound imaging has been unsuccessful due to poor image quality. One cause is insufficient signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) due to poor acoustic penetration through the skull. Coded excitation can be used to increase SNR within FDA safety limits and without contrast agents. This work encompasses a method to design long binary coded pulses along with a pulse compression technique to completely suppress range lobes, thereby recovering axial resolution and improving SNR by as much as a factor of 10log10(code length). This optimized coded excitation framework was shown to be effective in transcranial imaging of five healthy adult subjects.
Autophagy sustains glutamate and aspartate synthesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae during nitrogen starvation

Autophagy catabolizes cellular constituents to promote survival during nutrient deprivation. Yet, a metabolic comprehension of this recycling operation, despite its crucial importance, remains incomplete. Here, we uncover a specific metabolic function of autophagy that exquisitely adjusts cellular metabolism according to nitrogen availability in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Autophagy enables metabolic plasticity to promote glutamate and aspartate synthesis, which empowers nitrogen-starved cells to replenish their nitrogen currency and sustain macromolecule synthesis. Our findings provide critical insights into the metabolic basis by which autophagy recycles cellular components and may also have important implications in understanding the role of autophagy in diseases such as cancer.
Pathology of Acute Pancreatitis

The mildest form of acute pancreatitis is characterized by interstitial edema associated with a mild inflammatory exudate composed of either polymorphonuclear leukocytes or lymphocytes. Acinar tissue and ductular structures remain intact. There may be slight interstitial fibrosis. Occasionally there is a slight degree of fat necrosis. It is possible for this type of inflammatory process to recur on several occasions and resolve each time without residual histologic abnormality. This sequence is termed “relapsing acute pancreatitis” and is typical of the majority of instances of pancreatitis associated with biliary tract disease.