cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Why Persons Matter: A Jewish Defense

Anyone who has struggled to navigate the challenges that evolutionary and other natural sciences pose to a rich religious sense of the importance of human dignity will enjoy reading this book. Alan L. Mittleman gives the reader more than a robust understanding of the sciences; he also probes carefully their philosophical premises and makes a case for why a detailed engagement with Jewish sources in particular allows one to construct a reasonable and intellectually satisfying alternative to a purely naturalistic account based on the sciences. In the course of his investigation Mittleman deals skillfully with popular scientific motifs that were in the air half a century ago and that remain remarkably persistent today, such as the reductionist view, stemming from well-known writers like Desmond Morris, that humans are little more than naked apes; even at the height of Morris's popularity that view clashed with other philosophical perspectives that were equally prevalent and that stressed the existential alienation of human beings in the world.
2010 CNS Presidential Address. Neurosurgical pioneers: foundation for future innovation.

This morning, I wish to briefly review with you the sputtering start of spine care and surgery dating back to ancient Egypt and Greece, through the Medieval period, up to the meteoric development occurring in the past few decades. Although a comprehensive review is not possible in such a short time, and although there are some well-known names I need to leave out, I would like to share with you some interesting highlights in the history of spine surgery. In recent decades, wise and forward-thinking leaders in neurosurgery realized the need to dramatically advance the education, training, and science of spine surgery. The technological advances have been astonishing. But the remarkable success of the past few decades has come with many problems, challenges, and roadblocks. Some pressures such as the federal government, the legal profession, the media, and even fellow physicians have been external. Many problems are internal, having been created by us. To ensure the continued success and development of the field of spine surgery, everyone in this room needs to accept important responsibilities as individuals. Among the first medical writings ever discovered that describe the treatment of spinal disorders is an Egyptian papyrus from the mid-1800s BC. 1,2 This papyrus was acquired by a shady relics dealer named Edwin Smith (for which it is still named) and was ultimately translated by Henry Breasted in 1930. The papyrus presented 48 medical cases; 4 were related to brain and spine injuries. The Egyptians clearly understood the relationship between brain and spine injuries and their effect on the function of the body. Complete injuries were thought to be hopeless and were not treated. Incomplete injuries were treated with prostrate positioning and binding the area with fresh meat and then honey until recovery. More than a thousand years later, the Alexandrian School was established in Greece. Cadaveric dissection and didactic teaching developed. War and other violent conflicts produced innumerable spine injuries. Hippocrates advocated treatment of incomplete injuries with rack and gravity reduction and sudden, violent ‘‘jolting’’ techniques known
Applications of a Hybrid-Monte Carlo Sequence to Option Pricing

The advantages of quasi-Monte Carlo methods diminish, mainly due to practical constraints, as the dimension of the problem grows. This phenomenon has been widely observed in several fields, especially in particle transport theory, and several methods have been proposed to provide remedies for the difficulties faced in high dimensional quasi-Monte Carlo simulation.
The pathogenic potential of Proteus mirabilis is enhanced by other uropathogens during polymicrobial urinary tract infection

Urinary catheter use is prevalent in health care settings, and polymicrobial colonization by urease-positive organisms, such as Proteus mirabilis and Providencia stuartii, commonly occurs with long-term catheterization. We previously demonstrated that coinfection with P. mirabilis and P. stuartii increased overall urease activity in vitro and disease severity in a model of urinary tract infection (UTI). In this study, we expanded these findings to a murine model of catheter-associated UTI (CAUTI), delineated the contribution of enhanced urease activity to coinfection pathogenesis, and screened for enhanced urease activity with other common CAUTI pathogens. In the UTI model, mice coinfected with the two species exhibited higher urine pH values, urolithiasis, bacteremia, and more pronounced tissue damage and inflammation compared to the findings for mice infected with a single species, despite having a similar bacterial burden within the urinary tract. The presence of P. stuartii, regardless of urease production by this organism, was sufficient to enhance P. mirabilis urease activity and increase disease severity, and enhanced urease activity was the predominant factor driving tissue damage and the dissemination of both organisms to the bloodstream during coinfection. These findings were largely recapitulated in the CAUTI model. Other uropathogens also enhanced P. mirabilis urease activity in vitro, including recent clinical isolates of Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa We therefore conclude that the underlying mechanism of enhanced urease activity may represent a widespread target for limiting the detrimental consequences of polymicrobial catheter colonization, particularly by P. mirabilis and other urease-positive bacteria.
The Kaleidoscope Career Model Revisited: How Midcareer Men and Women Diverge on Authenticity, Balance, and Challenge

This study revisits the parameters of authenticity, balance, and challenge in The Kaleidoscope Career Model (KCM) concerning gender differences in midcareer. Unemployed individuals were surveyed (n = 744) to determine gender differences in the three parameters across five segmented career stages. The results showed variance in the Authenticity, Balance and Challenge (ABC) parameters across career stages by gender, with balance increasingly important in full midcareer for women but of lesser importance for men. Authenticity showed a similar pattern for men and women, with authenticity rising for women and declining for men in very late career as predicted by the model. Challenge remained consistent for men and women, declining in importance over time. The study contribution offers sharper resonance of the KCM through closely segmented midlife career stages for an unemployed population undergoing career transitions.
Introduction to the Real Grassmannian

This chapter gives a brief introduction to the real Grassmannian \(\text {Gr}(N, M)\), the set of N-dimensional subspaces in \(\mathbb {R}^M\), which provides a foundation of a classification of the KP solitons. A point of \(\text {Gr}(N, M)\) can be represented by an \(N\times M\) matrix of full rank. We introduce the Schubert decomposition of \(\mathrm{Gr}(N, M)\) and label each Schubert cell using a Young diagram and a permutation in the symmetric group \(S_M\). We also introduce a combinatorial tool called the pipedream over the Young diagram, which gives a graphical interpretation of the permutation [103]. The pipedream will be useful to describe the spatial structure of the KP soliton as we will see in the later chapters. (See, for example, [15, 44, 45, 49] for the general information on the Grassmannian, the Young diagram and the symmetric group of permutations.)
IL-35, as a newly proposed homeostasis-associated molecular pattern, plays three major functions including anti-inflammatory initiator, effector, and blocker in cardiovascular diseases.

Abstract IL-35 is a new anti-inflammatory cytokine identified in 2007, which inhibits inflammation and immune responses by inducing regulatory T cells and regulatory B cells and suppressing effector T cells and macrophages. The unique initiator and effector anti-inflammatory properties of IL-35 bring tremendous interest in investigating its role during cardiovascular disease (CVD) development, in which inflammatory processes are firmly established as central to its development and complications. In this review, we update recent understanding of how IL-35 is produced and regulated in the cells. In addition, we outline the signaling pathways affected by IL-35 in different cell types. Furthermore, we summarize the roles of IL-35 in atherosclerosis, diabetes, and sepsis. We propose a new working model that IL-35 and its receptors are novel homeostasis-associated molecular pattern (HAMP) and HAMP receptors, respectively, which explains the complex nature of IL-35 signaling as an anti-inflammatory initiator, effector and blocker. Thorough understanding of this topic is significant towards development of new anti-inflammatory therapies against CVDs and other diseases. (total words: 163)
Thinking “Big” About Research on Military Families

ABSTRACTResearch examining military families is often limited by data collection challenges. Big data approaches can provide greater data access and a more robust picture of individuals, groups, and systems. In this article, the authors discuss the use of big data for military family research. First, they describe the Person-Event Data Environment, a big data solution currently used by the Department of Defense. Then, they discuss several datasets that incorporate constructs of interest to family researchers, including the Family Global Assessment Tool (GAT), a dataset on psychosocial well-being. Next, the authors describe the sample of spouses who have completed the Family GAT (n = 1250). Finally, they discuss theoretical frameworks that provide a foundation for big data research on military families, noting potential future directions.
More inequalities for Laplacian indices by way of majorization

The n-tuple of Laplacian characteristic values of a graph is majorized by the conjugate sequence of its degrees. Using that result we find a collection of general inequalities for a number of Laplacian indices expressed in terms of the conjugate degrees, and then with a maximality argument, we find tight general bounds expressed in terms of the size of the vertex set n and the average degree dG = 2|E|/n. We also find some particular tight bounds for some classes of graphs in terms of customary graph parameters.
Use of ordinary kriging and Gaussian conditional simulation to interpolate airborne fire radiative energy density estimates

Fire radiative energy density (FRED, J m−2) integrated from fire radiative power density (FRPD, W m−2) observations of landscape-level fires can present an undersampling problem when collected from fixed-wing aircraft. In the present study, the aircraft made multiple passes over the fire at ~3 min intervals, thus failing to observe most of the FRPD emitted as the flame front spread. We integrated the sparse FRPD time series to obtain pixel-level FRED estimates, and subsequently applied ordinary kriging (OK) and Gaussian conditional simulation (GCS) to interpolate across data voids caused by the undersampling. We compared FRED interpolated via OK and GCS with FRED estimated independently from ground measurements of biomass consumed from five prescribed burns at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, USA. In four of five burns considered where undersampling prevailed, OK and GCS effectively interpolated FRED estimates across the data voids, improving the spatial distribution of FRED across the burning event and its overall mean. In a fifth burn, the burning characteristics were such that undersampling did not present a problem needing to be fixed. We also determined where burning and FRPD sampling characteristics merited applying OK and CGS only to the highest FRED estimates to interpolate more accurate FRED maps.
Combat, Acute Reactions to*

Knowledge of human responses to acute stress is initially accrued from military psychiatry and from the traumas of civilization such as abuse, rape, terrorist attacks, captivity and hostage taking, and natural disasters. However, a complete understanding of human responses to acute stress needs further data on predispositions, precipitants, treatments, and prevention.
Reducing Virus Associated Crop Loss Through Resistance to Insect Vectors

The development of sustainable, environmentally-benign methods of crop protection is an important priority in agricultural research. A variety of insects attack crops, causing damage and reducing yields and crop quality. Insects cause crop loss directly through feeding on leaves, flowers, fruit or seed. A subset of insects damages crops indirectly, through transmission of plant viruses, resulting in reduced yield and crop quality. Breeding for disease resistance has been an important strategy for protection of crops against fungal, bacterial or viral diseases; however, resistances have not yet been identified or transferred for many major diseases. Although integrated pest management (IPM) strategies have been implemented with noted success, insect control has more often relied on the use of pesticides, leading to the evolution of pesticide-resistant insects and to increasing health and environmental concerns. The development of pest resistant plants is an attractive alternative strategy for the control of insects and the direct damage they cause. For a target pest that is also the vector of a plant pathogenic virus, the question arises as to whether an effective insect resistance could also serve as a component in an integrated control strategy for insect vectored viruses.
GLYCOSYLATION OF HUMAN HEMOGLOBIN

Human hemoglobin undergoes non-enzymatic glycosylation in vivo, forming several minor components (HbS A 1a , A 1b and A 1c ). The most abundant, HbA 1c , contains glucose attached to the N-terminus of the β chain by a ketoamine linkage. HbA 1c is elevated 2–3 fold in red cells of patients with diabetes. All of these modified hemoglobins are formed slowly and continuously throughout the life span of the red cell. Labeled HbA 1c can be synthesized in vitro by incubating 14 C-glucose with purified HbA. In addition, glucose was also incorporated into several other sites on both the α and β chains. In contrast, the reaction of hemoglobin with glucose-6-phosphate was more rapid and specific. A chromatographic method was developed to achieve improved resolution of the minor components. HbA 1a was separated into two components A 1a1 and A 1a2 which contain 2 and 1 moles of phosphorus per β chain respectively. It is likely that HbA 1a2 is an adduct of hemoglobin with glucose-6-phosphate while the carbohydrate in HbA 1a1 is probably fructose-1,6-diphosphate. The structure of HbA 1b is still uncertain. A fuller understanding of the structure and synthesis of these minor hemoglobins will be useful in assessing whether a similar type of non-enzymatic glycosylation takes place in other tissues.
The Super-High SMAS Facelift Technique with Tailor Tack Plication

Super-high superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) suspension and tailor tack plication are powerful facelift tools used in cases of primary facial rhytidectomy. Thorough pre-operative patient screening and counseling are completed in an outpatient cosmetic surgery center. A super-high SMAS flap is developed by undermining and incising along a line extending from the tragus to lateral canthus and dissecting the SMAS sufficiently to induce movement of the lateral nose and the oral commissure with traction on the SMAS. The SMAS is suspended from the deep temporal fascia using 4-0 Mersilene sutures. Tailor tack sutures are placed strategically in the SMAS caudal to the malar bone to eliminate any residual laxity in the SMAS close to the oral commissures and the cheek area. This is repeated until the laxity of the SMAS is completely eliminated. The orbicularis muscle is conservatively suspended laterally from the deep temporal fascia, facial volume is restored with fat grafting, the neck is contoured, if necessary, and the vest-over-pants platysma overlap technique is commonly utilized. Concomitant forehead rejuvenation, blepharoplasty, and laser resurfacing are extremely common. Of the 72 cases of primary rhytidectomy performed by the senior author on consecutive patients included in the study, there were 64 (89%) female and 8 (11%) male patients. The average age of the patient at the time of primary facelift was 58 years old. Fifteen out of 72 (21%) patients received one dose of desmopressin (DDAVP) injection during the surgery, and one patient received DDAVP the day after surgery to maintain hemostasis. There was no incidence of facial nerve injury. Of those 72 cases, 3 (4%) developed minor hematomas that were resolved by aspiration. There were no expanding hematomas that required surgery. Of the 26 patients whose satisfaction was documented, 24 were very satisfied. Two patients expressed their dissatisfaction with the results, and one of these patients underwent a revision operation by the senior author. The other patient was mainly not pleased with the recovery duration. An alteration in the SMAS elevation and suspension is described with strategic submalar plication, providing a powerful technique for primary facial rhytidectomy that offers reliable and significant malar lift, orbicularis suspension, improvement in jowls, and repositioning of the oral commissure. The technical details are demonstrated through complete video segments along with many nuances that make delivery of optimal and natural outcomes possible, while maintaining the normal anatomy. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .
Who Benefits From a Foundational Logic Course? Effects on Undergraduate Course Performance

Being able to understand and evaluate arguments in different modalities and in different disciplines is thought to be a key component of students’ academic success in college. However, many student...
Delocalization Error in DFT-Predicted Extreme Long-Range Functionalization of Carbon-Doped Hexagonal Boron Nitride

Delocalization error is a serious failure of approximate density functional theory (DFT). This work shows how delocalization error affects the predicted catalytic activity of carbon-doped hexagonal boron nitride. While the charge and spin of an isolated carbon dopant are themselves predicted to be localized, nonhybrid DFT approximations predict spurious long-range transfer of charge and spin from such dopants to distant hydrogen adatom and molecular oxygen adsorbates. This effect mirrors nonhybrid DFT approximations’ predicted spurious long-range charge transfer in other systems, for example, dissociated heteronuclear diatomics Liᵟ⁺–Fᵟ⁻. The effect is robust to simulation details, occurring in finite-cluster, one-dimensionally periodic, and plane-wave periodic supercell simulations. In extreme cases, a single carbon dopant is predicted to activate molecular oxygen adsorbed 50 nm away and activate an isolated O₂ molecule suspended 1 μm away. The effect is traced to nonhybrid approximations’ delocalization error, which produces incorrect convex curves of energy as a function of fractional charge transfer from the carbon dopant to molecular oxygen. Long-range-corrected hybrid DFT approximations mitigate these delocalization errors and predict that carbon dopants will only activate adjacent molecular oxygen. This motivates adoption of long-range-corrected hybrids in future DFT simulations of doped boron-nitride nanostructures.
Unmanned Vehicle Autonomy for Long-Duration Surveillance Missions

Long duration unmanned vehicle missions with unreliable communication require flexible onboard planning to assure controls are appropriate for an uncertain environment. While the autonomous unmanned vehicle (AUV) can command its own actions, environmental dynamics are uncontrollable and typically uncertain. This paper applies the Markov Decision Process (MDP) to an environmental sampling mission with uncertain sampling target locations. AUV movements are discretized and the reward function maximizes likelihood of collecting valuable data. By modeling environmental features as MDP state features rather than injected noise, mission planning can be robust to changes in environmental conditions. This paper efficiently integrates transitions over controllable AUV motions in the presence of uncertain, uncontrollable, spatially-varying environmental dynamics. An AUV exploration case study is investigated with MDP states including location, time, three-dimensional water current velocity, temperature, surface air pressure, and other spatially and temporally varying ocean environmental parameters generated from the Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS). This paper contributes a novel controllable/uncontrollable partitioning for AUV decision state and examines its use for an AUV operating in a realistic ocean environment.
Silencing the early lung cancer marker hnRNP A2/B1 affects sensitivity to Gefitinib in a NSCLC cell line

2668 Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP A2/B1) is overexpressed in lung tumors. Several clinical trials have shown that elevated expression of hnRNP A2/B1 in exfoliated bronchial epithelial cells correlates with eventual development of lung cancer. Cells with high levels of hnRNP A2/B1 expression have also been reported to manifest multiple molecular features of genetic injury. To study the mechanism linking hnRNP A2/B1 overexpression and progression of lung cancer, we have knocked down hnRNPA2/B1 mRNA in lung cancer cell line (A549, NSCLC) with a specific siRNA vector-based system from Oligoengine. A549 cells were transfected with an empty vector (EV) as a control and with the silencing construct for hnRNP A2/B1 (siA). Silencing of hnRNP A2/B1 was confirmed at mRNA and protein level. As a first step to elucidate the functional consequences of silencing hnRNP A2/B1 we used the microarray technique using Affymetrix U133A Plus 2.0 microarrays including 38500 well-characterized human genes. Results from microarray analysis were filtered through a high stringency statistical test (p value =1.5). We obtained a list of 232 genes differentially expressed between EV A549 cells and siA A549 cells. To investigate more precisely the functional effects of hnRNP A2/B1 silencing, the list of 232 genes was analyzed using Ingenuity Pathway Systems, a web-based software able to cluster genes showing coordinated expression. This method allowed us to identify pathways and functions affected by hnRNP A2/B1 silencing. As a result of this analysis, 117 genes were distributed in eight clusters, showing that 43% of them were involved in cancer and 41% in cell signaling. Among them, several genes playing a role on survival pathways were identified such as AKT, ErbB3, Fibronectin-1, TGFβ-2, HIPK2 and GDF15. Most of them were downregulated after silencing hnRNP A2/B1. However, ErbB3 showed an increase at mRNA level, which is consistent with its previously described role in Gefitinib resistance. Interestingly, silencing hnRNP A2/B1 in A549 siA cells increased sensitivity to Gefitinib treatment compared to A549 EV cells where hnRNP A2/B1 is overexpressed. According to these results, we hypothesize that hnRNP A2/B1 overexpression has a protective cellular effect in lung cancer cell lines manifested as a protective effect against therapeutic agents. Further experiments are being conducted to investigate how silencing of hnRNP A2/B1 affects survival pathways and sensitivity to therapeutic agents, which could allow us to understand the role of hnRNP A2/B1 in cancer progression.
Capital misallocation: Cyclicality and sources

Abstract Capital misallocation can lower aggregate total factor productivity, but much less is known about its cyclicality. Using European firm-level data for 2005 to 2014, I establish that capital misallocation, as measured by the dispersion of returns to capital, is higher during recessions and lower during booms. This result is robust to using a much longer dataset from Compustat for the United States and Canada. I also find that firms’ net worth, measured as the difference between total assets and liabilities, relative to sales, can explain more capital misallocation than all the other examined firm-level factors combined. Furthermore, my results suggest that firms’ net worth explains approximately 10 percent of capital misallocation and 30 percent of its cyclicality.
Disseminated Cryptococcosis in an Immunocompetent Host Presenting as Osteomyelitis and Leading to Adrenal Insufficiency

Abstract Disseminated cryptococcosis infection typically occurs in immunocompromised patients, often through pneumonia or meningoencephalitis. Cases in immunocompetent patients are uncommon, and presentation in either bone or adrenal glands are rare. We describe a case of a previously healthy immunocompetent 50-year-old woman who presented with lytic bone lesions followed by meningoencephalitis, dermatologic involvement, and adrenal insufficiency from disseminated cryptococcus. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of an immunocompetent patient with cryptococcus in the combination of blood, bone, skin, central nervous system, and adrenal glands. Clinicians should be aware of atypical presentations of cryptococcal disease. In this review of the literature on cryptococcosis in immunocompetent patients, we find that while rare, cryptococcosis can affect varied organs and should be considered in the differential of infectious diseases.
An investigation of the consumer’s trusting mechanism in emerging healthcare technology

The purpose of this research is to investigate how the consumer’s trusting mechanism influences their behavioral adoption intention in the context of genetic testing.,Based on the technology acceptance theory and trust formation theory, the research posits and develops a comprehensive trust model by integrating trust-related factors that correlate to the consumer’s trusting beliefs and trusting intention. Survey data with 525 respondents allow to test and validate the model.,The tested model shows that technology institutional trust base, end-user’s cognitive trust base and social influence are significant determinants of trusting beliefs. The findings also reveal that mediation effects of performance expectancy and perceived risks exist in the relationship between trusting beliefs and trusting intention.,The foreseeable positive impact and rapid market growth of emerging healthcare technologies necessitate the strong need to study user acceptance. However, there is a lack of research on how consumers trust and their adoption intention of such innovations. Prior empirical evidence from different contexts and perspectives also show contradictory findings. This research extends the existing technology acceptance literature to a healthcare context, provides an improved generalized understanding of the consumer’s trusting mechanism in emerging biotechnology and discusses practical insights for regulatory authorities, healthcare institutes and medical professionals.
Computation-Motivated Design of Ternary Plasmonic Copper Chalcogenide Nanocrystals

Nanocrystals composed of copper(II) sulfide (CuS), a degenerately doped semiconductor with a direct optical bandgap, have been observed to exhibit both visible wavelength excitonic emission and str...
Time-Dependent Mechanical Response of Ice Adhesion on Aluminum Substrates

Ice adhesion on aerospace-relevant materials is both complex and not well understood. Measuring such adhesion and understanding the underlying physics involved require reliable testing techniques that can yield multifaceted data sets. The latter includes the surface morphology, that is, roughness, and its spatial correlation structure, resolving substrate-induced strain, and direct mechanical testing of adhesion. As part of a continuing investigation of ice adhesion on a relevant surface, we performed time-dependent stress ramps on aluminum surfaces. The temperature range explored, from -20 to -7 °C, allowed spontaneous icing and ice morphologies, namely, below or above -15 °C. Additionally, we characterized the spatial correlation surface roughness maps of the specimens. Our novel test protocol yields reproducible and high-precision results when compared with alternative methods reported throughout the literature. The stress-ramp test data using the proposed protocol show that the apparent average critical stress (proportional to the adhesion strength) depends on both stress-ramp rate and temperature. More specifically, the adhesion strength is higher for higher stress rates and increases with decreasing temperature. The stress-ramp test yields the full span of the time-dependent adhesive behavior of ice and particularly the upper bound. Additional stress-concentration analysis is needed to correct for this effect and thereby yield the critical stress rather than the average value produced by our procedure. The results in this work should aid to improve our understanding of ice adhesion mechanisms.
Justice System Involvement Among Adolescents in the Emergency Department

Objective To assess justice system involvement among adolescents in the pediatric emergency department and identify associations with risk and protective factors. Study design We conducted a cross-sectional, computerized survey of adolescents to assess for personal, justice system involvement, and nonhousehold justice system involvement (ie, important people outside of household). We assessed sexual behaviors, violent behaviors, substance use, school suspension/expulsion, parental supportiveness, and participant mood (score Results We enrolled 191 adolescents (mean age 16.1 years, 61% female). Most (68%) reported justice system involvement: personal (13%), household (42%), and nonhousehold (40%). Nearly one-half (47%) were sexually active and 50% reported school suspension/expulsion. The mean score for mood was 70.1 (SD 18); adolescents with justice system involvement had had lower mood scores (68 vs 74, P = .03) compared with those without justice system involvement. In a multivariable model, school expulsion/suspension was significantly associated with reporting any justice system involvement (OR 10.4; 95% CI 4.8-22.4). Conclusions We identified the pediatric emergency department as a novel location to reach adolescents at risk for poor health outcomes associated with justice system involvement. Future work should assess which health promotion interventions and supports are desired among these adolescents and families.
Measurement of treatment dependent glioblastoma cell density in T1- weighted contrast enhancement at autopsy.

e14035Background: With an average overall survival of 12-18 months, glioblastoma has a particularly grim diagnosis. Standard treatment of glioblastoma, following detection on MRI, is surgical resec...
Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis and Diabetes Insipidus

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare inflammatory disease characterized by the aberrant activation of CD1a+/CD207+ dendritic cells that infiltrate and damage normal tissues. Activation of these myeloid-derived immune cells is a result of somatic mutation of genes in the mitogen-associated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, most commonly, BRAF. Infiltration of bone, skin, and the pituitary gland is most frequent, though almost any organ system can be involved. Patients with LCH involvement of bone marrow, liver, or spleen (so-called “risk organs”) have a more aggressive clinical course. Pituitary involvement may lead to the development of endocrinopathies, with diabetes insipidus being the most common. The natural history of LCH is quite variable, ranging from a self-limited inflammatory process to a progressive and potentially lethal neoplastic disease. The approach to therapy is similarly variable, dependent upon the organ system(s) involved, disease burden, and associated risks, such as the potential for LCH-associated endocrinopathies.
Suture Fixation of a Pediatric Pelvic Ring Injury: A Case Report.

CASE A 2-year-old male child presented as a polytrauma after having been run over by a motor vehicle. His orthopaedic injuries included a pelvic ring injury, a displaced subtrochanteric femur fracture, and a clavicle fracture. His pelvic ring injury ultimately required open reduction with suture fixation after failure of closed management. CONCLUSION Pelvic ring injuries are relatively uncommon in young children, and even more rarely do they require surgical intervention. We detail the case of one such patient who required open management of his anteroposterior compression II pelvic ring injury, and we describe an alternative fixation technique using suture wire.
Philosophical Foundations of Beneficence

The place of beneficence in health care may seem so central and obvious as to raise no serious issues for philosophical reflection. After all, the role of the physician and of other health care providers is usually defined as a helping role. And insofar as the health care provider’s role involves not only taking care of, but also caring, his beneficent behavior is supposed to be the outward expression of an inward concern. On this view the provider’s beneficence — action intended to do good — is, or should be, motivated by benevolence — a direct regard for the good of others. Indeed, if it is assumed that health is a preeminent good for human beings, then conduct directed toward securing this good is one of the highest forms of beneficence, and where it is an expression of a benevolent attitude, that attitude would seem to deserve the highest moral praise.
Understanding complex legislative and judicial behaviour via hierarchical ideal point estimation

Summary. Ideal point estimation is an important tool to study legislative and judicial voting behaviours. We propose a hierarchical ideal point estimation framework that directly models complex voting behaviours on the basis of the characteristics of the political actors and the votes that they cast. Through simulations and empirical examples we show that this framework holds good promise for resolving many unsettled issues, such as the multi-dimensional aspects of ideology, and the effects of political parties. As a companion to this paper, we offer an easy-to-use R package that implements the methods discussed.
Spectrum of Dental Phenotypes in Nonsyndromic Orofacial Clefting

Children with oral clefts show a wide range of dental anomalies, adding complexity to understanding the phenotypic spectrum of orofacial clefting. The evidence is mixed, however, on whether the prevalence of dental anomalies is elevated in unaffected relatives and is mostly based on small samples. In the largest international cohort to date of children with nonsyndromic clefts, their relatives, and controls, this study characterizes the spectrum of cleft-related dental anomalies and evaluates whether families with clefting have a significantly higher risk for such anomalies compared with the general population. A total of 3,811 individuals were included: 660 cases with clefts, 1,922 unaffected relatives, and 1,229 controls. Dental anomalies were identified from in-person dental exams or intraoral photographs, and case-control differences were tested using χ2 statistics. Cases had higher rates of dental anomalies in the maxillary arch than did controls for primary (21% vs. 4%, P = 3 × 10−8) and permanent d...
Gamma tubulin and microtubule nucleation in mammalian cells.

Publisher Summary This chapter describes methods to study the function of γ-tubulin in mammalian cells. Antibody interference is a method often used to study the properties of proteins, using antibodies that react with the protein of interest and block its function. This approach can also be used to investigate the function of γ-tubulin in the nucleation of microtubule assembly in mammalian cells. The γ-tubulin antibody can be generated to conserved regions of this protein, and then the antibody can be incubated with permeabilized cells to study γ-tubulin function in vitro or injected into cultured mammalian cells to study γ-tubulin function in vivo. Expression of exogenous γ-tubulin is another important approach to study the function of γ-tubulin in microtubule nucleation in vivo in mammalian cells. To doso, a γ-tubulin expression vector with a strong promoter needs to be constructed and, on transfection, the promoter in the vector can efficiently drive the expression of γ-tubulin in mammalian cells. Consequently, γ-tubulin and its function in microtubule nucleation can be investigated.
An Actively Calibrated Capacitively Coupled Electrostatic Device for high voltage measurement

Active control and monitoring of the distribution system is a crucial part to successfully integrating variable generation in the distribution grid. This may require a large deployment of Phasor Measurement Units (PMU's) on the distribution system, which can be prohibitively expensive due to installation cost. Additionally, devices at medium to high voltage possess a significant risk to system reliability due to line to ground paths in the device. Alternatives to the traditional voltage measurement transformers are non-contact electric field measurements and capacitively coupled electrostatic devices. However these devices are unable to reach the metering quality required due to changes in conductor and ground geometry. Here we present a class of Actively Calibrated Capacitively Coupled Electrostatic Devices as a viable non-contact instrumentation option for deploying large numbers of Phasor Measurement Units onto the medium voltage distribution system. We develop the instrument physics and evaluate the performance in a laboratory setting.
Combinatorial Determinants of Tissue-Specific Transcription in B Cells and Macrophages

A tripartite domain of the immunoglobulin mu heavy-chain gene enhancer that activates transcription in B cells contains binding sites for PU.1, Ets-1, and a leucine zipper-containing basic helix-loop-helix factor. Because PU.1 is expressed only in B cells and macrophages, we tested the activity of a minimal mu enhancer fragment in macrophages by transient transfections. The minimal mu enhancer activated transcription in macrophages, and the activity was dependent on all three sites. Analysis of mutated enhancers, in which spacing and orientation of the ETS protein binding sites had been changed, suggested that the mechanisms of enhancer activation were different in B cells and macrophages. Thus, ETS protein binding sites may be combined in different ways to generate tissue-specific transcription activators. Despite the activity of the minimal enhancer in macrophages, a larger mu enhancer fragment was inactive in these cells. We propose that formation of the nucleoprotein complex that is formed on the minimal enhancer in macrophages cannot be helped by the neighboring muE elements that are essential for activity of the monomeric enhancer.
Monitoring of Unbound Digoxin in Patients Treated with Anti-Digoxin Antigen-binding Fragments: A Model for the Future?

Digoxin is one of the few therapeutic drugs for which antidotal therapy is available (1) . Administration of Fab fragments has successfully been used to reverse the effects of life-threatening digoxin overdoses for over 20 years. Digoxin-specific Fab fragments are produced by cleaving sheep digoxin-specific IgG with papain to form two Fab fragments (50 000 Da each) and one 50 000-Da Fc fragment (2) . As determined by equilibrium dialysis with one such preparation of Fab fragments, the intrinsic affinity constant for binding of digoxin was 1010 L/mol (3) . Depending on the experimental conditions used (e.g., K+ concentration and type of membrane isolated), the affinity constant for binding of digoxin to its receptor (the sodium pump) has been reported to be in the range 106-108 L/mol (4)(5) . The rationale for using Fab fragments to reduce toxic effects of digoxin is their greater affinity for digoxin when compared with the sodium pump. As a consequence, the extracellular unbound digoxin concentration is lowered, and further equilibration of receptor-bound digoxin with the fluid in the extracellular space leads to the eventual release of digoxin from its receptor sites. The affinity of digitoxin for binding to Fab fragments is 10-fold lower than that of digoxin; however, it is high enough to allow clinical utility of Fab fragments in cases of digitoxin intoxication as well (3) . The dose of Fab fragments should be approximately equimolar to the total body digoxin load, which is determined according to the serum digoxin concentration and/or patient’s medical history (6) . Digibind® (Glaxo Wellcome) is the most common brand of anti-digoxin Fab fragments used in the United States and worldwide. Boehringer-Mannheim also produces anti-digoxin Fab fragments intended for use as an antidote. Anti-digoxin Fab fragments have been suggested and …
System synthesis from a monadic functional language

Embedded systems typically combine a mixture of heterogeneous components, some that are software executing on general purpose CPUs, some that are off-the-shelf hardware components, and some that are application specific circuitry. A major challenge when designing and implementing such systems is the dissimilar models of computation exhibited by hardware and software targets. To successfully navigate this challenge, components must be implemented in a way that does not unnecessarily bias the implementation towards either computational model, allowing the components to be retargeted as application requirements change. This dissertation presents an approach to this problem using a functional programming language extended with monadic imperative and concurrency effects. We argue that these language features allow components to be implemented and compiled to either hardware or software targets. To demonstrate this claim, we detail the design of such a language, Oread. Moreover, we describe the compilation of Oread to both hardware, via VHDL, and software, via C. Using these compilation techniques, we describe the development of a digital processing component in Oread and the integration of that component into a larger system.
A reflection on HIV/AIDS research after 25 years

Abstract Dr. Robert C. Gallo provides a personal reflection on the 25 year history of AIDS.
As(III) transcriptionally activates the gadd45a gene via the formation of H2O2

Arsenic is a ubiquitous environmental contaminant associated with increased risks of human cancers of the skin, lung, bladder, and prostate. Intriguingly, it is also used to treat certain types of leukemia. It has recently been suggested that these paradoxic effects may be mediated by arsenic's ability to simultaneously activate DNA damage and apoptotic and transformation pathways. Here, we investigate the effects of arsenic exposure on the induction of the growth arrest and DNA damage protein 45 alpha (GADD45 alpha), which is thought to play roles in apoptosis, DNA damage response, and cell cycle arrest. We found that arsenic transcriptionally activates the gadd45 alpha promoter located in a 153-bp region between -234 and -81, relative to the transcriptional start site. In addition, this transcriptional induction was abrogated in the presence of H2O2 scavengers, suggesting a role for H2O2 in the transcriptional control of the gadd45a gene through a Fenton-like free radical mechanism.
Domesticated DNA transposon proteins mediate retrotransposon control.

The Schizosaccharomyces pombe genome, like those of many eukaryotes, contains a number of retrotransposable repeat sequences. The pombe elements, termed Tf1 (transposon of fission yeast 1) and Tf2 possess long terminal repeats (LTRs) and belong to the gypsy family of retrotransposons [1]. This class of potentially deleterious mobile elements inserts at new genomic locations by reverse transcription of an RNA intermediate. These and other mobile elements have a significant impact on gene structure and influence gene expression. Therefore, S. pombe is under robust selective pressure to limit rampant transposition.
The effect of virus infection on phenolic compounds in flowers of Matthiola incana R. Br.

Abstract Quantitative analysis of p -coumaric, caffeic, ferulic and sinapic acids, kaempferol and anthocyanin pigment has been made in the flowers of healthy and virus infected plants of Matthiola incana R. Br. Virus infection results in the formation of white flower parts in plants whose flowers are normally colored pink or red by acylated perlargonidin glycosides; in pink types there may also be an intensification of the color. The virus-infected white parts bear a great resemblance to normal white flowers with respect to their phenolic constituents: both contain kaempferol, sinapic acid and a small amount of ferulic acid. It is assumed therefore that the action of the virus consists mainly in a blocking of the anthocyanin synthesis. In healthy red flowers larger amounts of cinnamic acids are present, bound to the acylated anthocyanins and other compounds, and possibly also as free acids. When anthocyanin synthesis is blocked, the formation of cinnamic acids is also inhibited, except for small amounts of sinapic and ferulic acids. The amounts of kaempferol present in the genotypes examined are roughly the same in all healthy types but almost doubled in the white flowers of virus-infected cyanic plants. It appears, however, that there is no direct relationship between the effects of the virus on flavonol and on anthocyanin synthesis.
Integrating engineering and biology for Bio-Nanotechnology curriculum

The applications of nanotechnology in biology and medicine have seen unprecedented growth. Nano-research encompasses many areas of science and engineering. This paper reports the development of innovative methods and approaches to teach Bio-Nanotechnology, with similar relevance for biologists and engineers. The course work is approached from an engineering perspective offering insights on the details of nano-scale fabrication processes as well as cell biology. The basics of biology and chemistry, with focus on how to engineer the behavior of molecules at the nano-scale, are also introduced and analyzed. The course is designed so as to (1) focus on broad accessibility (for students from engineering and natural sciences), (2) build designproblems of interest that cross the traditional boundaries, (3) accelerate assimilation of new knowledge spanning multiple domains through individual and construct-centered design problems, and (4) effectively exchange knowledge of state of the art developments and capabilities using collaborative learning projects.
Indoor particles: a review.

This paper reviews studies of particle concentrations and sources in homes and buildings. Three major studies of indoor and outdoor concentrations in U.S. homes are summarized in detail and compared. A number of smaller studies in homes are also briefly summarized. One study of 38 buildings and several smaller studies of buildings are also reviewed. All major studies found that an important indoor source of fine and coarse particles was cigarette smoking, with estimated increases in homes with smokers ranging from 25 to 45 micrograms/m3 PM2.5. Several studies identified cooking as a second important source. All of the three major studies found a substantial portion of indoor particles to be due to unexplained indoor sources, suggesting a topic for future research. One study also found a large unexplained increase in personal exposure to PM10 compared to concurrent indoor or outdoor concentrations--the so-called "personal cloud," a second topic for further research. The impact of outdoor air particles on indoor concentrations was considered. Equilibrium mass balance models indicate that this is a function of the penetration P through the building envelope, the air exchange rate a, and the particle decay rate k. EPA's PTEAM Study provided an estimate for k of 0.39 h-1 for fine particles and 1.01 h-1 for coarse particles. Two studies suggest that P = 1 for PM10. Using these results, the fraction of outdoor air PM2.5 and PM10 particles found indoors at a given air exchange rate can be calculated. The protective effect of reducing air exchange rates during periods of high outdoor particle pollution can thus be quantified.