cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Increased production of hydrogen peroxide and expression of CD11b/CD18 on alveolar macrophages in patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis.

Abstract Setting: Alveolar macrophages (AM) are important in host defense against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB). β2-integrin, especially CD11a/CD18 and CD11b/CD18, are implicated in leukocyte migration, antigen presentation, phagocytosis, and production of reactive oxygen species Objective: To explore the functional relevance of β2-integrin expression to intracellular H 2 O 2 capacity of AM in TB patients. Design: In a prospective study, AM retrieved from 18 active pulmonary TB patients and 18 normal subjects were assessed for β2-integrin expression and intracellular H 2 O 2 metabolism capacity by loading with anti-CD11a/CD18, anti-CD11b/CD18 monoclonal antibodies and 2′,7′ dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) respectively, and analyzed by flow cytometry. AM from 8 normal subjects were stimulated with tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α, 10 5 units/ml) to examine the relationship between H 2 O 2 production and CD11b/CD18 expression. Results: The magnitude of DCFH oxidation and CD11b/CD18 expression of AM was higher in TB patients than in normal subjects. The CD11b/CD18 expression was related to the magnitude of DCFH oxidation, but not to lymphocyte numbers or subpopulations (CD4, CD8, CD25). Stimulation of AM with TNF-α increased H 2 O 2 production and CD11b/CD18 expression. Pretreatment with CD11b/CD18 monoclonal antibodies inhibited TNF-α-induced H 2 O 2 . Conclusion: AM in TB patients possessed a higher capacity of oxidant metabolism. The increased CD11b/CD18 expression may be related to the increased respiratory burst response in AM against mycobacterial invasion.
Computer Recognition and Extraction of Planar Graphs from the Incidence Matrix

A computational algorithm is presented for determining whether a graph is planar. All of the operations of the algorithm are expressed in terms of the incidence matrix of the graph. If the graph is nonplanar, the algorithm systematically identifies a set of edges whose deletion yields a subgraph that is planar. A simple procedure for drawing the planar subgraph is also presented. The algorithm has been programmed for a computer and is computationally efficient. The program can also be used to obtain a planar partition of a nonplanar graph. The algorithm is based on a decomposition theorem which reduces the problem of testing the planarity of an arbitrary graph G to the problem of testing the planarity of a set of "pseudo-Hamiltonian" graphs which are systematically formed from G . The necessary and sufficient conditions that a pseudo-Hamiltonian graph be planar are presented. These conditions are expressed directly in terms of the incidence matrix of the graph. The incidence matrix implementation is applied to arbitrary graphs by means of the decomposition theorem. Several techniques which are necessary to insure the convergence and computational efficiency of the algorithm are given.
Brushless Slip Ring for High Power Transmission

Honeybee Robotics Spacecraft Mechanisms Corporation (Honeybee) has developed a brushless slipring (the Rolling Contact Connector, or RCC), which has demonstrated the ability to outperform traditional rotary signal transfer solutions in power density and operational life. Efficient, reliable, high-quality transfer of electrical power has been a goal in the design of spacecraft mechanisms since the inception of the first artificial satellites. Slip rings, and to a lesser extent twist capsules, have served this purpose for decades, however, little has been done to advance the technology in radical, fieldable ways. The intrinsic sliding friction of the slip ring contact interface, increases parasitic torque and inevitably leads to performance degradation and shortened operational life. These issues are magnified in high power slip ring designs, which utilize additional brushes and increased inter-contact preloads. RCC technology is robust, enabling high power and sensitive data signal transfer; and flexible, possessing the ability to merge with existing slip ring technology to form hybridized rotary signal transfer solutions. In this paper, we present an overview of the RCC technology, developed and patented by Honeybee, and present electrical and mechanical figures of merit obtained through research and experimentation. 1. BACKGROUND It is common for robotic or mechanical systems to incorporate some sort of rotating interface; and more often than not, electrical power and/or data are required to pass across that interface. Currently available electrical transfer technology includes: slip rings, twist capsules, and flexible service loops; each of which has its benefits and down-falls. Twist capsules and service loops are limited in rotation and cannot support continuous 360° movement. They also have a relatively large parasitic torque associated with their operation. Slip ring technology is limited to the mechanism by which it works. It relies on some combination of stationary brushes and a rotating shaft. The brushes contact the shaft on conductive rings separated by a dielectric. The downfall of a slip ring lies in the sliding contact between the brushes and the rotor. Sliding friction requires some form of lubrication and causes component wear and debris generation (1). Sliding contacts also suffer from a stick-slip motion profile, particularly at low speed operation. The stick-slip behaviour results in inconsistent parasitic torque and inter-contact conductivity. These sliding contact induced effects reduce the operational lifetime of a slip ring, as well as increase the noise present on data channels. In addition, slipring performance can be degraded due to excessive vibration. Honeybee's Rolling Contact Connector (RCC) technology eliminates each of these limitations. RCC technology is centered on the concept of using a rolling contact interface to transmit electrical signals. A typical RCC signal path is configured similarly to a planetary gearhead and contains three major components; the inner ring, flexible planets, and the outer ring (Fig. 1).
Wavelength agile photonic integrated circuits using a novel quantum well intermixing process

We report on a novel quantum well intermixing technique, which allows for great deal of flexibility in the design of photonic integrated circuits. Herein, we describe the use of this technique for widely-tunable multisection lasers.
Treatment of non-AIDS progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy with cytosine arabinoside

This open label study determined the outcome of non-AIDS progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy patients treated with a standard dose of intravenous cytosine arabinoside. Nineteen patients with PML proven by brain biopsy or spinal fluid polymerase chain reaction were treated with intravenous cytosine arabinoside 2 mg/kg per day for 5 days and followed for neurologic outcome by neurologic examination and MRI scanning. Seven of 19 PML patients treated with cytosine arabinoside intravenously improved neurologically. The range of follow-up for these patients was 2.0 to 4.5 years. All were left with neurologic deficits but were functionally improved, and 6 of 7 were able to independently carry out the activities of daily living. Twelve PML patients showed no evidence of response and died rapidly of their disease after treatment (range, 8 days to 6 months). All who survived their neurologic disease recovered from treatment-induced pancytopenia. Cytosine arabinoside given intravenously to non-AIDS PML patients in this small study was associated with a 36% chance of developing stabilization at 1 year. Treatment was associated with significant bone marrow toxicity. The improvement in MRI scan changes in those patients who responded took 6 weeks or longer.
Interpersonal Victimization Among a National Sample of Latino Women

This article presents results from the Sexual Assault Among Latinas (SALAS) study, which obtained lifetime prevalence rates of interpersonal violence from a national sample of adult Latino women. Results show that more than half of the women in the study (53.6%) reported at least one victimization experience during their lifetime, with approximately two thirds of the victimized women (66.2%) experiencing more than one victimization incident, pointing to significant levels of polyvictimization and revictimization patterns across all victimization types. The results provide estimates of lifetime interpersonal violence and present a broader scope of the victimization experiences for this population.
Heparin-induced Thrombocytopenia: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Review of Pharmacotherapy

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia is an adverse drug reaction to heparin therapy leading to devastating clinical outcomes including venous thromboembolism, myocardial infarction, stroke, and limb amputation. Heparin cessation alone is not sufficient for the management of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. Direct thrombin inhibitors, such as argatroban and lepirudin, are considered the mainstay for the management of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. Case reports support the use of fondaparinux in the management of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia; however, randomized trials are still lacking. This article will review the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, complications, diagnosis, and pharmacotherapy management of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.
Reduction of metallic surface oxides via an electrochemically-generated redox species

A new method is described for removing oxides from metallic surfaces via electroless reduction by the reducing member of a redox couple that is electrochemically regenerated in a closed loop. On tin-lead coatings, which are widely used to enhance the solderability retention of electronic components and circuit boards, naturally-formed oxides are reduced to the metallic state within ten seconds by either vanadous or chromous ions in acidic sulfate solution. Wetting balance data for wire specimens show thet this reduction treatment is an effective means of restoring and ensuring solderability.
SEX BIAS AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY

Whenever sex differences occur in academic performance there is the possibility that these differences result, at least in part, from the sex biases and stereotypes in our society, including those presented by educational materials. McNemar noted this possibility over 30 years ago when he suggested that sex differences in performance on various Stanford-Binet items "are apt to be a function of the content of an item rather than any basic ability called for by the item" (McNemar, 1942, p. 42). Authors have defined sex bias and sex stereotyping in various ways. In this study, sex bias refers to use of a disproportionate number of references to either males or females, even when the content of the material does not demand such emphasis-e.g., the preponderance of masculine pronouns in textbooks. In contrast, sex stereotyping will be used to refer to conventional, rigid, oversimplified presentations of males and femalese.g., picturing males as strong and intelligent or females as weak, emotional, and indecisive. While sex bias and stereotyping are related and frequently occur together, the focus of this study is on sex bias. There is evidence that sex bias exists in educational materials (e.g., Frasher & Walker, 1972; Grambs, 1972). Sex bias has also been observed on standardized achievement tests (Faggen-Steckler, McCarthy & Tittle, 1974; Tittle, 1974). These latter studies compared the frequency of male and female nouns and pronouns on eight major achievement test batteries. With one exception, each battery showed a higher frequency of male than female nouns and pronouns, with the ratios ranging from .86 (slightly more female references) to 14.00 (14 times more use of male nouns and pronouns). Similar biases have been found on other types of tests, such as interest inventories (Harmon, 1973). While there is emerging documentation of sex bias in educational materials and tests, there are few data on the effects of this bias on learning and test performance. Sex-bias effects may be present in the reportedly lower scores of girls on mathematics tests, for example (Maccoby & Jacklin, 1974); and there is speculation that such effects may be partly the result of bias in selecting test items (Donlon, cited in Tittle, 1974). Using items from classroom exams in an educational psychology course, Brown (1975) found some evidence of sex-of-test-taker-by-item interactions. For example, female students performed better on test items containing female sex references (e.g., she, Joan) than on items with male references (e.g., he, John) or no sex references. Related data from studies of race bias (Medley & Quirk, 1974; Schmeiser & Ferguson, 1978) are contradictory. The present study was designed to examine further the possible interaction between sex of subjects and sex referents (i.e., sex bias) in reading passages and test items.
Use of Active Appearance Models for analysis and synthesis of naturally occurring behavior

Significant efforts have been made in the analysis and understanding of naturally occurring behavior. Active Appearance Models (AAM) are an especially exciting approach to this task for facial behavior. They may be used both to measure naturally occurring behavior and to synthesize photo-realistic real-time avatars with which to test hypotheses made possible by those measurements. We have used both of these capabilities, analysis and synthesis, to investigate the influence of depression on face-to-face interaction. With AAMs we have investigated large datasets of clinical interviews and successfully modeled and perturbed communicative behavior in a video conference paradigm to test causal hypotheses. These advances have lead to new understanding of the social functions of depression and dampened affect in dyadic interaction. Key challenges remain. These include automated detection and synthesis of subtle facial actions; hybrid methods that optimally integrate automated and manual processing; computational modeling of subjective states from multimodal input; and dynamic models of social and affective behavior.
Application-Dependent Delay Testing of FPGAs

Testing of field-programmable gate array (FPGA) resources used for mapping a particular design (application-dependent testing) is a key factor in FPGA defect tolerance for yield enhancement and cost reduction as well as online testing in adaptive reliable computing. The majority of the FPGA real estate is dedicated to the interconnect network, and defects in the interconnects manifest themselves as delay faults. In this paper, a very thorough application-dependent interconnect delay testing technique is presented. Achieving a high coverage on path delay fault has been traditionally intractable for application-specific integrated circuits. However, by leveraging the reconfigurability of FPGAs, the presented technique is able to achieve 100% robust path delay coverage on all the paths in the design. This automatically results in 100% transition fault coverage. The required number of test configurations is two or four, depending on the structure of the design. Algorithms with linear time complexity are presented for automatic test configuration and test vector generation
Women at altitude: energy requirement at 4,300 m.

To test the hypotheses that prolonged exposure to moderately high altitude increases the energy requirement of adequately fed women and that the sole cause of the increase is an elevation in basal ...
Simulation of Ground Surface Profile Based on Virtual Reality Technology

Based on virtual reality technology, a friendly human-computer interaction interface and virtual machining environment were programmed by using Visual C++ and OpenGL. Taken sphere as basic shape of abrasive grain and distributed it randomly on the wheel base, then the model of virtual grinding wheel was built. Mathematic model of interference between abrasive grain and workpiece was built. Surface grinding processes with different machining parameters were simulated dynamically, thus grinding performance of virtual grinding wheel was evaluated. The results show that the simulation could basically reflect the variation of workpiece surface profile. So the simulation process could be used as a complemental method to forecast surface roughness in actual abrasive machining.
Cyclic Solvent Annealing Improves Feature Orientation in Block Copolymer Thin Films

Solvent vapor annealing is a promising, flexible platform for controlling the self-assembly of block copolymer thin films. However, the ability for static solvent annealing alone to provide sufficient bias to generate vertically oriented features is limited. Here, we use dynamical field theory simulations to investigate the morphology dynamics and capacity for pattern selection of a cyclic solvent annealing process. We find that the swell step selectively strains features oriented parallel to the substrate, reducing their stability with respect to disorder, while vertically oriented domains remain stable through the full cycle. This memory effect may be exploited to systematically improve feature orientation with wide operating margins and favorable kinetics compared to static solvent or cyclic thermal annealing. In aggregate, these results suggest a simple, robust method for orienting features in solvent annealed block copolymer films, potentially obviating the need for external fields while minimizing t...
Effects of Selected Herbicides on the Toxicity of Several Insecticides to Honey Bees

Recent literature described the potentiating effects of several herbicides on the contact toxicity of a large number of insecticides to certain Diptera. This effect appeared to be general and might pose a hazard to foraging honey bees. Bees were offered both herbicides and insecticides (carbamates and organophosphates). There appears to be no additional danger to honey bees through co-ingestion of these pesticides.
Epigenetic change (GATA-4 gene methylation) is associated with health status in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Gene methylation is an epigenetic change that involves a heritable modification of chromatin structure that alters gene expression without a change in DNA sequence. It has previously been shown tha...
Influence of Defoliation on Yield and Quality of Soybeans

Soybeans in Alabama are attacked every year by several species of defoliating insects. Control measures are essential particularly in the southern part of the State. Entomologists have not agreed when control measures should be applied to prevent yield losses.
Minimizing User Cost for Shared Autonomy

In shared autonomy, user input and robot autonomy are combined to control a robot to achieve a goal. One often used strategy considers the user and autonomy as independent decision makers, with the system blending these decisions. However, this independence leads to suboptimal, and often frustrating, behavior. Instead, we propose a system that explicitly models the interplay between the user and assistance. Our approach centers around the idea of learning how users respond to assistance. We then propose a cost minimization framework for assisting while utilizing this learned model.
Outcomes of minimally invasive triple valve surgery performed via a right anterior thoracotomy approach.

Background and aim of the study The feasibility of minimally invasive triple valve surgery performed via a right anterior thoracotomy approach was evaluated. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on all patients who underwent minimally invasive triple valve surgery via a right anterior thoracotomy approach at the authors' institution between December 2009 and February 2013. The operative times and intensive care unit and hospital lengths of stay, postoperative complications, and mortality were analyzed. Results Six patients (three males, three females; mean age 76.7 +/- 5.4 years) were identified. Five patients had a prosthetic aortic valve, and one patient had an aortic valve repaired by commissuroplasty. In four patients the mitral valve repair was effected with an annuloplasty ring, while in two patients a transaortic edge-to-edge mitral valve repair was performed. All patients had tricuspid valve repair with a ring annuloplasty. The median aortic cross-clamp time was 136 min (IQR: 119-188 min), and the median cardiopulmonary bypass time was 185 min (IQR: 145-231 min). The median intensive care unit and hospital lengths of stay were 62 h (IQR: 50-111 h) and 12 days (IQR: 7-23 days), respectively. There were no postoperative cerebrovascular accidents, myocardial infarctions or acute kidney injuries. Two patients developed post-surgical atrial fibrillation, and two died at 30 days postoperatively. Conclusion In patients requiring triple valve surgery, a minimally invasive approach performed via a right anterior thoracotomy may be a feasible option in these high-risk patients.
Diabetes and Percutaneous Interventional Therapy

With the aging of the US population and increasing prevalence of both diabetes and coronary artery disease (CAD), the number of interventional coronary and peripheral arterial procedures has markedly increased in an attempt to prevent morbid and mortal events. Unfortunately, the cardiovascular mortality of the diabetic patient remains high; the risk of a myocardial infarction (MI) at 7 years is equivalent for the diabetic without CAD and the nondiabetic who has already suffered an MI (1). It has been estimated that the spontaneous risk of MI in diabetics with three-vessel disease is 10% to 15% per year (2). Total mortality after this MI is higher than in the nondiabetic population. Over the last two decades, the number of diabetics undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has doubled, and the age, lesion complexity, and proportion of unstable patients has increased (3).
Application of nitrogen from swine lagoon effluent to bermudagrass pastures: seasonal changes in forage nitrogenous constituents and effects of energy and escape protein supplementation on beef cattle performance.

A 2-yr study was conducted to evaluate 1) the effects of nitrogen level from swine lagoon effluent on forage composition and animal performance and 2) the effects of supplemental escape protein (EP) on performance by steers grazing pastures fertilized with swine lagoon effluent. Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) pastures were fertilized via sprinkler irrigation with either 448 or 896 kg/ha of N from swine lagoon effluent (two pasture replications/treatment). Within each pasture, four supplement treatments were evaluated using electronic Calan gates (8 steers.pasture-1.yr-1). The treatments were 1) negative control (pasture only); 2) energy control, which supplied 79.9 g of EP.hd-1.d-1; 3) 159 g of EP.hd-1.d-1, and 4) 239 g of EP.hd-1.d-1. Gains were increased (P < .05) an average of .15 kg/d by supplementation, with no differences in gain among supplements. Forage samples representative of that grazed by steers (CONSUM) and representative of all available forage (AVAIL) were obtained at 14-d intervals. Total CP content of CONSUM and AVAIL samples were slightly higher (P < .20 and P < .15, respectively) from pastures fertilized with 896 compared with 448 kg/ha of N (20.8 vs 20.0% for CONSUM and 15.2 vs 14.2% for AVAIL). Concentrations of nonprotein N and soluble true protein (% of CP) in both AVAIL and CONSUM samples were higher (P < .06) from pastures fertilized with the higher N level. Total N uptake by the plant, based on CP content and animal grazing days/ha, was essentially the same for both N treatments.
Colorado State University (CSU) Accelerator and FEL Facility

The Colorado State University (CSU) Accelerator Facility will include a 6-MeV L-Band (1.3 GHz) electron linear accelerator (linac) with a free-electron laser (FEL) system capable of producing Terahertz (THz) radiation, a laser laboratory, a microwave test laboratory, and a magnetic test laboratory. The photocathode-driven linac will be used in conjunction with a hybrid undulator capable of producing THz radiation. Here, a summary of the systems used at the CSU Accelerator Facility is discussed. The building construction is completed and equipment move-in has begun. The first beam is expected to occur by mid 2015.
Allogeneic Transplant in ELANE and MEFV Mutation Positive Severe Cyclic Neutropenia: Review of Prognostic Factors for Secondary Severe Events.

Objective and Importance. Cyclic neutropenia (CyN) is a rare autosomal dominant inherited disorder due to the mutation ELANE primarily affecting bone marrow stem cells and is characterized by recurrent neutropenia every 2 to 4 weeks. Symptoms vary from benign to severe, including death. Postulations on the cause of wide spectrum in symptom presentation include the possibility of other genetic mutations, such as MEFV. Recommended treatment for CyN is G-CSF to keep ANC higher to minimize risk of infection. Case. A 25-year-old male diagnosed with CyN, on G-CSF but worsening quality of life. Pretransplant investigations revealed ELANE mutation positive severe CyN along with familial Mediterranean fever (MEFV) mutation. Intervention. Bone marrow transplantation as treatment for dual mutation (ELANE and MEFV mutation) positive severe CyN. Conclusion. BMT may be considered as an alternative treatment for severe CyN in patients who are refractory to G-CSF. It is postulated that in our patient the combined mutations (CyN and MEFV) may have contributed to the severity of this individual’s symptoms. We suggest CyN patients who present with severe symptoms have evaluation with ELANE mutation testing, Periodic Fever Syndromes Panel, and routine marrow assessment with FISH, conventional cytogenetics, and morphological evaluation for MDS/AML.
Intergenerational responses of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to cerium oxide nanoparticles exposure

The intergenerational impact of engineered nanomaterials in plants is a key knowledge gap in the literature. A soil microcosm study was performed to assess the effects of multi-generational exposure of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2-NPs). Seeds from plants that were exposed to 0, 125, and 500 mg CeO2-NPs/kg soil (Ce-0, Ce-125 or Ce-500, respectively) in first generation (S1) were cultivated in factorial combinations of Ce-0, Ce-125 or Ce-500 to produce second generation (S2) plants. The factorial combinations for first/second generation treatments in Ce-125 were S1-Ce-0/S2-Ce-0, S1-Ce-0/S2-Ce-125, S1-Ce-125/S2-Ce-0 and S1-Ce-125/S2-Ce-125, and in Ce-500 were S1-Ce-0/S2-Ce-0, S1-Ce-0/S2-Ce-500, S1-Ce-500/S2-Ce-0 and S1-Ce-500/S2-Ce-500. Agronomic, elemental, isotopic, and synchrotron X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy (XANES) data were collected on second generation plants. Results showed that plants treated during the first generation only with either Ce-125 or Ce-500 (e.g. S1-Ce-125/S2-Ce-0 or S1-Ce-500/S2-Ce-0) had reduced accumulation of Ce (61 or 50%), Fe (49 or 58%) and Mn (34 or 41%) in roots, and δ15N (11 or 8%) in grains compared to the plants not treated in both generations (i.e. S1-Ce-0/S2-Ce-0). Plants treated in both generations with Ce-125 (i.e. S1-Ce-125/S2-Ce-125) produced grains that had lower Mn, Ca, K, Mg and P relative to plants treated in the second generation only (i.e. S1-Ce-0/S2-Ce-125). In addition, synchrotron XRF elemental chemistry maps of soil/plant thin-sections revealed limited transformation of CeO2-NPs with no evidence of plant uptake or accumulation. The findings demonstrated that first generation exposure of wheat to CeO2-NPs affects the physiology and nutrient profile of the second generation plants. However, the lack of concentration-dependent responses indicate that complex physiological processes are involved which alter uptake and metabolism of CeO2-NPs in wheat.
Energy Driven Avatar Migration in Green Cloudlet Networks

Fully utilizing green energy can remarkably decrease the operational cost of cloudlet providers in provisioning green cloudlet networks (GCNs), which are powered by both green and brown energy. Owing to the spatial and temporal dynamics of energy demands and green energy generation, migrating Avatars (i.e., virtual machines) from green energy deprived cloudlets into green energy over-provisioned cloudlets can reduce the total on-grid energy consumption of GCN. However, Avatar migration itself consumes non-negligible energy consumption. In this letter, we propose the Energy driven AvataR migration (EARN) scheme to reduce the total on-grid energy consumption of GCN by considering the energy consumption of Avatar migrations. The performance of EARN is demonstrated by extensive simulations.
Endoscopic Endonasal Approach to the Ventral Jugular Foramen: Anatomical Basis, Technical Considerations, and Clinical Series.

BACKGROUND Surgical exposure of the jugular foramen (JF) is challenging given its complex regional anatomy and proximity to critical neurovascular structures. OBJECTIVE To describe the anatomical basis, surgical technique, and outcomes of a group of patients who underwent the endoscopic endonasal approach to the JF. METHODS Five silicon-injected anatomical specimens were prepared for dissection. Additionally, a chart review was conducted through our patient database, searching for endonasal exposure of the JF. Demographic data, clinical presentation, pathological findings, extent of resection in the JF, and occurrence of complications were analyzed. RESULTS The endonasal exposure of the JF requires 3 sequential steps: a transpterygoid, a "far-medial," and an "extreme-medial" approach. Mobilization or transection of the cartilaginous portion of the eustachian tube (ET) is necessary. In the clinical series, cranial neuropathies were the presenting symptoms in 16 patients (89%). Eighteen tumors (10 chondrosarcomas, 7 chordomas, 1 adenocarcinoma) extended secondarily into the JF. Total tumor resection was achieved in 10 patients (56%), near total (≥90%) in 6 (33%), and subtotal (<90%) in 2 (11%). ET dysfunction (75% of cases), transient palatal numbness (17%), cerebrospinal fluid leakage (17%), and lower cranial nerve palsy (17%) were the most common postoperative complications. There were no carotid artery or jugular vein injuries. CONCLUSION The endoscopic endonasal approach to the JF requires mobilization or transection of the cartilaginous portion of the ET. This maneuver provides a safe infrapetrosal surgical route to the JF. It may be considered a valid option, in well-selected cases, for resection of malignant and recurrent cranial base tumors.
Sable Genius and Creating Washington D.C.

The fact that few Black Americans were noted for their contributions to mathematics and science is apparent. They were given few opportunities to do so, considered of inferior intelligence by the majority of whites. Without opportunity, it’s hard to fulfill one’s promise. In this episode, we acquaint readers with one of the earliest blacks to make contributions to both mathematics and science despite having to cope with a lack of much formal education. Fortunately, Benjamin Banneker (November 9, 1731–October 9, 1806) had curiosity, and due to the influence of some Whites to be given the opportunity to demonstrate his natural genius.
EarthCube Software Testing and Assessment Framework

EarthCube was initiated by the National Science Foundation (NSF) to transform geoscience research by developing cyberinfrastructure to improve access, sharing, visualization, and analysis of all forms of geosciences data and related resources. EarthCube software test-bed project was awarded to create a technology and software validation framework for integration, testing and demonstrations. This paper will provide an overview and characteristics of the framework and detail the guidelines used to support testing and assessment of EarthCube software.
MichaelTonrySentencing Fragments: Penal Reform in America, 1975–20252016Oxford University PressNew York, NY9780190204686300 pp.

Sentencing Fragments: Penal Reform in America, 1975–2025 by Michael Tonry (2016) is a critical evaluation of the sentencing process in the American justice system that fosters a growing incarcerati...
Combination therapy of gemcitabine and antisense CaSm is highly effective in a murine model of pancreatic adenocarcinoma

Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, Volume 47, 2006 2120 Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PC) is a major clinical problem with few effective treatment options. We have previously reported that adenoviral vector (Ad)-mediated delivery of CaSm antisense RNA significantly inhibited the growth rates of pancreatic cancer cell lines, and have established a preclinical model of pancreatic tumors in immunocompetent C57BL/6 mice. In this study, we investigate whether CaSm can be used as the basis for a novel therapy, and whether its therapeutic potential against PC can be improved with clinically relevant chemotherapeutic drugs. For this purpose, we used Panc02/03 murine model system to evaluate the combination of gemcitabine and Ad-αCaSm. CaSm is over-expressed in the aggressive Panc02 cells and expressed at much lower levels in the more indolent Panc03 cells. We found no evidence for enhanced cytotoxicity when Panc03 cells were transduced with Ad-αCaSm before or after incubation with gemcitabine. In contrast, incubation of Panc02 cells with gemcitabine followed by Ad-αCaSm transduction resulted in a reduction of cell viability greater than that achieved by either the drug or Ad-αCaSm alone. The combination of gemcitabine and Ad-αCaSm in Panc02 cells resulted in an increase of the sub-G1 population as determined by cell cycle analysis, and an increase in the number of apoptotic cells was also confirmed by DAPI staining. In vivo Panc02 models, treatment with gemcitabine or Ad-αCaSm alone resulted in a moderate reduction of tumor size to 63-77% and 39-52%, respectively, of control tumors. Combined treatment with both agents resulted in a significant reduction of tumor sizes and prolonged the interval of tumor growth inhibition when compared with either gemcitabine or Ad-αCaSm alone. Importantly, similar results were observed in a murine PC metastasis model. The combined treatment led to significant decrease in metastases (9 ± 9 combined, 66 ± 14 gem, 21 ± 21 αCaSm, 113 ± 15 control) and benefited the survival time more than either agent used alone (combined 34-62 days, gemcitabine 23-33 days, αCaSM 24-52 days, control 10 - 21 days). Proliferation (as indicated by Ki67) was more strongly reduced by combined treatment than by either agent alone. Overall, this combined therapy (gemcitabine and αCaSm) offers a significant potential for improved anti-tumor efficacy in pancreatic carcinomas.
Thalamic white matter in multiple sclerosis: A combined diffusion‐tensor imaging and quantitative susceptibility mapping study

Thalamic white matter (WM) injury in multiple sclerosis (MS) remains relatively poorly understood. Combining multiple imaging modalities, sensitive to different tissue properties, may aid in further characterizing thalamic damage. Forty-five MS patients and 17 demographically-matched healthy controls (HC) were scanned with 3T MRI to obtain quantitative measures of diffusivity and magnetic susceptibility. Participants underwent cognitive evaluation with the Brief International Cognitive Assessment for Multiple Sclerosis battery. Tract-based spatial statistics identified thalamic WM. Non-parametric combination (NPC) analysis was used to perform joint inference on fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD) and magnetic susceptibility measures. The association of surrounding WM lesions and thalamic WM pathology was investigated with lesion probability mapping. Compared to HCs, the greatest extent of thalamic WM damage was reflected by the combination of increased MD and decreased magnetic susceptibility (63.0% of thalamic WM, peak p = .001). Controlling for thalamic volume resulted in decreased FA and magnetic susceptibility (34.1%, peak p = .004) as showing the greatest extent. In MS patients, the most widespread association with information processing speed was found with the combination of MD and magnetic susceptibility (67.6%, peak p = .0005), although this was not evident after controlling for thalamic volume. For memory measures, MD alone yielded the most widespread associations (45.9%, peak p = .012 or 76.7%, peak p = .001), even after considering thalamic volume, albeit with smaller percentages. White matter lesions were related to decreased FA (peak p = .0063) and increased MD (peak p = .007), but not magnetic susceptibility, of thalamic WM. Our study highlights the complex nature of thalamic pathology in MS.
Roots of Space in Sociology: Community Sociology at the Wisconsin and Chicago Schools

While the likes of Von Thunen and Christaller laid the groundwork for what would eventually develop into an important spatial theory within the social sciences, they were primarily concerned with economics and therefore tended to look past the role of non-economic social relationships. Around the same time, social scientists began building similar models tying location more directly to population distribution. Some of the earliest documented work within the realm of American sociology was that of Charles Galpin (The social anatomy of an agricultural community. Research Bulletin Num. 34. University of Wisconsin Agricultural Experiment Station, 1915) at the University of Wisconsin who identified distinct spatial arrangements in rural farming communities in Wisconsin. Galpin’s The Social Anatomy of an Agricultural Community (1916) identified the importance of places. The ‘social anatomy’ metaphor was used to emphasize the fact that the spatial context of key social institutions is a major influence on people’s lives. After the publication of Social Anatomy, the neighboring University of Chicago was developing its own brand of spatial theory, pioneering field of urban sociology, which in essence was a type of theoretical “country come to town.” Thus, it is community sociology in which the roots of spatial sociology most naturally developed, both in rural and urban contexts.
Pulmonary Antigen Presenting Cells: Isolation, Purification, and Culture

Antigen presenting cells (APCs) such as dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages comprise a relatively small fraction of leukocytes residing in lymphoid and non-lymphoid tissues. Accordingly, functional analyses of these cells have been hampered by low cell yields. Also, alveolar macrophages share several physical properties with DCs, and this has complicated efforts to prepare pure populations of lung APCs. To overcome these difficulties, we have developed improved flow cytometry-based methods to analyze and purify APCs from the lung and its draining lymph nodes (LNs). In this chapter, we describe these methods in detail, as well as methods for culturing APCs and characterizing their interactions with T cells.
Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis: Clinical Pathology Conference and Review

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) (formerly Churg-Strauss syndrome) is a small vessel vasculitis associated with asthma and eosinophilia. Despite its rarity, continuous gains are being made in understanding the disease with knowledge advancements regarding its epidemiology, heterogeneous clinical manifestations, management, and outcomes. Large knowledge gaps remain, however, particularly surrounding pathophysiologic and diagnostic uncertainties. There is still an incomplete understanding of the interplay between the eosinophilic and vasculitic processes that are features of disease pathogenesis. EGPA is also a conceptually difficult disorder given its dual categorization with hypereosinophilic syndromes and systemic vasculitides and the absence of a biomarker that can reliably distinguish between the two. In addition, recent evidence points to distinct, but partly overlapping, disease phenotypes, yet there is insufficient understanding to inform phenotype-tailored therapies. EGPA also remains a diagnostic challenge in part because asthma may be the primary or predominant manifestation for years, and the chronic corticosteroid requirement may mask other disease features. Efforts are ongoing to better elucidate pathophysiologic mechanisms, resolve classification issues, better characterize disease manifestations, and further clarify disease subcategorization, all of which will translate into better diagnosis and treatment with the possibility of specifically adapted therapies.
An Example of Modern Closeness

I’ve argued in this volume that some humans have failed to establish a substantive basis for their claims that humans or human-like animals alone possess the elements necessary for close relationships. While I accept that more-than-human beings have a great diversity of feelings and thoughts, some that can be quite dissimilar from their human relational partners, I believe there is no basis to allow such differences to undergird the conceptual eradication of any means of communication and mutual understanding in a close relational sense. I have argued that the confidence with which modern humans make their claims to near-exclusivity in close relationships is based not in evidence and experience, but in human/nature dualisms that underwrite the interpretation of experience—of thoughts and feelings—as a near-exclusive human domain. Wielded thusly, thoughts and feelings become the currency not of relationships wherever and between whomever they occur, but of human separation and supposed superiority. This is dualist through and through. Posthumanists, for their part, seek to eradicate this superiority, but by failing to expunge their largely materialist ontological commitments of lurking dualisms, they perpetuate, rather than alleviate, the entrenched relational “asymmetry” that leaves the human as relationally superior. By working in this book to correct flawed interpretations of experience rooted in such dualistic ontological stances, my hope is that I’ve opened a door upon vistas where human-nature relationships are full of the potential for closeness in an interhuman sense.
Colonization of internal organs by Salmonella Enteritidis in experimentally infected laying hens of four commercial genetic lines in conventional cages and enriched colony housing.

Human illness caused by the consumption of eggs contaminated with Salmonella Enteritidis is a continuing international public health concern. This pathogen is deposited inside the edible contents of eggs as a consequence of its ability to colonize reproductive tissues in infected hens. Conditions in the housing environment can influence the persistence and transmission of avian Salmonella infections, but the food safety ramifications of different poultry management systems are not entirely clear. The present study assessed the deposition of S. Enteritidis inside eggs laid by groups of experimentally infected laying hens of 4 commercial genetic lines (designated as white egg lines W1 and W2 and brown egg lines B1 and B2). Groups of hens from each line were housed at 555 cm2 of floor space per bird in both conventional cages and colony units enriched with access to perches and nesting areas. All hens were orally inoculated with 5.75 × 107 cfu of a 2-strain S. Enteritidis mixture, and the internal contents of eggs laid 5 to 24 D post-inoculation were cultured to detect the pathogen. No significant differences in egg contamination frequencies were found between the 2 housing systems for any of the hen lines. Contaminated eggs were laid between 7 and 21 D post-inoculation at an overall frequency of 2.47%, ranging from 0.25 to 4.38% for the 4 hen lines. The frequency of S. Enteritidis recovery from egg samples was significantly (P < 0.05) lower for line B2 than for any of the other lines, and the egg contamination frequency for line W1 was significantly greater than for line W2. The overall incidence of contamination among white eggs (3.38%) was significantly higher than among brown eggs (1.56%). These results demonstrate that S. Enteritidis deposition inside eggs can vary between genetic lines of infected laying hens, but housing these hens in 2 different systems did not affect the production of contaminated eggs.
Impact of the specialist herbivore Exyra semicrocea on the carnivorous plant Sarracenia alata: a field experiment testing the effects of tissue loss and diminished prey capture on plant growth

Herbivory by the specialist herbivore Exyra semicrocea on the carnivorous plant Sarracenia alata results in loss of nutrients and photosynthetic tissue (direct losses) and diminished prey capture (indirect losses). Using a combination of field surveys in a bog in Leon County, TX USA, and laboratory assays, we examined the losses of tissue and nutrients to herbivory in a population of S. alata. In a field experiment in the same bog, we manipulated herbivore access, prey capture, and supplemental (compensatory) prey to examine the relative effects of direct losses, indirect losses, and their combination on plant growth. We hypothesized that the combined effect of direct and indirect losses would be greater than the effects of either direct or indirect losses alone. Approximately 86% of pitchers in the study population had evidence of herbivory by E. semicrocea. On average, 15% of each damaged pitcher was consumed. In the field manipulation experiment, both direct and indirect losses significantly reduced growth in S. alata, but there was no significant interaction effect. As predicted, pitcher production was lowest in plants experiencing both direct and indirect losses. These results demonstrate that herbivory by E. semicrocea can be widespread and have a significant negative effect on growth of S. alata. Future studies should examine the effects of herbivory on nutrient limitation, storage in rhizomes, and sexual reproduction.
Food Insecurity and Geriatric Hospitalization.

Food insecurity (FI) has been associated with hospitalization, although the pathways underlying this relationship are poorly understood, in part due to the potential for a bidirectional relationship. This study aimed to determine associations of FI with concurrent and future hospitalization among older adults; mediation by depression and; whether hospitalization increased risk of FI. Participants came from the 2012 and 2014 waves of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS; n = 13,664). HRS is a prospective cohort representative of U.S. adults over the age of 50. Primary analyses included those who were not hospitalized in 2012 (n = 11,776). Not having enough money to buy necessary food or eating less than desired defined food insecurity. The Composite International Diagnostic Interview Short Form provided depression symptomology. Logistic and linear regression examined concurrent and longitudinal associations of FI in 2012 and 2014 with hospitalization in 2014. Path analysis tested mediation of FI with hospitalization frequency by depression symptomology. Finally, logistic regression examined whether hospitalization in 2012 was longitudinally associated with FI in 2014. FI was not associated with future hospitalization (odds ratio (OR) = 1.1; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.9–1.4), however; FI was associated with concurrent hospitalization status (OR = 1.4; 95% CI = 1.1–1.8). Depression symptomology explained 17.4% (95% CI = 2.8–32.0%) the association of FI with concurrent hospitalization frequency. Additionally, hospitalization was associated with becoming food insecure (OR = 1.5; 95% CI = 1.2–2.0). Findings may inform best practices for hospital discharge among older adults.