cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Use of Mixed Reality Visualization in Endoscopic Endonasal Skull Base Surgery.

Background Neuronavigation systems assist with spatial orientation during endoscopic transnasal skull base surgery, but they require a correlation of 3-dimensional (3D) views with 2-dimensional (2D) radiology studies. Objective To outline an initial experience with a novel technology platform that provides intraoperative navigation using 3D reconstructions of patient anatomy for endoscopic surgery. Methods A retrospective study of endoscopic anterior skull base and complex paranasal procedures was performed. Data from preoperative computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scans were fused to create 3D digital models of patient anatomy. Using the technology developed by Surgical Theater (Mayfield Village, Ohio), these reconstructions were designed to highlight particular anatomic regions of interest. The models were studied to guide the surgical approach and anticipate critical structures.The reconstructions were linked with the navigational technology created by Brainlab (Munich, Germany) during endoscopic surgery. A dynamic image of the reconstruction was displayed alongside a matching endoscopic camera view. These 2 views could be overlaid to provide an immersive, mixed reality image of the patient's anatomy. Results A total of 134 cases were performed. The pathologies included tumors of the anterior skull base or sinonasal cavity, inflammatory sinus disease, and cerebrospinal fluid leaks. Specific anatomic structures, such as the internal carotid arteries and optic nerves, were chosen for enhancement. Surgeons felt that the technology helped to guide the extent of bony dissection and to identify critical structures. Conclusion We describe the first clinical series of complex skull base pathologies treated using a novel mixed reality platform.
Fluopyram as a rescue nematicide for managing sting nematode (Belonolaimus longicaudatus) on commercial strawberry in Florida

Abstract The sting nematode (Belonolaimus longicaudatus) is one of the most economically damaging pests of strawberry in Florida. In this study we evaluated in-season application of fluopyram for management of B. longicaudatus populations at nine commercial strawberry farms. In-crop application of fluopyram reduced B. longicaudatus population densities in soil by the end of the growing season in four out of six of the commercial strawberry farms where B. longicaudatus was detected during the growing season. At the four sites, relative suppression of B. longicaudatus by fluopyram ranged from 54 to 96%. Despite significant suppression of B. longicaudatus population densities in soil, in-crop application of fluopyram did not result in greater strawberry plant vigour by the end of the growing season. Overall, in-crop application of fluopyram shows considerable potential to reduce B. longicaudatus populations on strawberry in Florida.
Entgelte für stationäre Leistungen

Die Bundespflegesatzverordnung geht in ihrer Konzeption davon aus, das alle medizinisch notwendigen Kosten einer stationaren oder halb stationaren Behandlung als Kosten der allgemeinen Krankenhausleistung in einem vollpauschalierten Pflegesatz zusammengefast werden (Entwurf einer Verordnung zur Regelung der Krankenhauspflegesatze (Bundespflegesatzverordnung — BPflV Drucksache 596/72 vom 9.11.1972 —). Dieser Versuch, die fruheren preislichen Vorschriften fur Pflegesatze der Krankenhauser und ihre unterschiedliche Praxis in den Landern zu vereinheitlichen, ist nur zum Teil gelungen, da mit Rucksicht auf die unterschiedliche Ausgangslage in den Landern die Bundespflegesatzverordnung bei einigen Regelungen den Landesregierungen oder den von ihnen ermachtigten obersten Landesbehorden die Ermachtigung zum Erlas von erganzenden Vorschriften gegeben hat.
Carelign: A Novel Handoff System for Medical and Surgical Consultants

Background Patient handoffs are ubiquitous in hospital settings. Historically, formal handoffs of patient information have been conducted in the inpatient setting mainly by primary teams, as opposed to medical and surgical consultants. Carelign is a software developed by the University of Pennsylvania Health System to function as an interdisciplinary, patient-centered handoff. While mainly utilized by primary teams for work management and transitions, it has been enhanced to include specialty consultant handoff functionality. Objective The aim of this study is to determine whether using Carelign for consultant handoffs improves clinical handoffs in comparison to the prior handoff system (a custom-built handoff report within the electronic health record) used by the Department of Ophthalmology at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center. Methods A 7-item questionnaire assessing the effectiveness, efficiency, accessibility, reliability, communication, and security of the handoff using a 1 to 5 scale was distributed to residents prior to and 6 months subsequent to the implementation of Carelign. Results Users reported a statistically significant increase in Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA)-compliance (44 vs. 100%, p Conclusion Carelign is perceived to be an effective tool that can be used by consulting providers to ensure HIPPA-compliance and the ability to communicate with primary teams without sacrificing effectiveness, efficiency, accessibility, or reliability.
Growing Collaborative Outreach Efforts to Support the Well-Being of Communities

Libraries of all types provide outreach efforts for their patrons to reduce stress and promote well-being. Public, school, and academic libraries often partner with external entities to provide yoga, therapy dogs, and other creative activities for their patrons. Although collaboration is expected in public, school, and academic libraries, how to collaborate and/or grow collaborative efforts is lacking in the library literature. A former public library employee and a former school librarian came together to pilot a de-stressing program for students at their academic library and each semester have continued to grow their collaborative efforts with partners on and off-campus. Strategies for how to create partnerships and expand collaborative efforts are discussed within the framework of providing programs and activities to support the well-being of library visitors. Additional planning materials, such as a list of resources, budgets, and marketing ideas are provided.
Study on the damage evolution in secondary tunnel lining under the combined actions of corrosion degradation of preliminary support and creep deformation of surrounding rock

Abstract This paper presents a numerical approach to study the damage evolution of secondary tunnel lining under the combined actions of corrosion of the preliminary support and the creep deformation of the surrounding rock. This improved numerical approach contains three main models for: (1) tensile failure of corroding rock bolt; (2) yielding of corroding supporting steel arch; and (3) elastoplastic damage of secondary tunnel lining. The corroded rock bolt's failure criterion under tension, the yield criterion of a corroded steel arch under combined compression and bending actions were developed and programmed using FLAC3D's FISH language programming. For the secondary lining failure, a Mohr-Coulomb criterion with a damage formulation based on a statistical damage distribution model was adopted. The validity of the models was verified, and the mechanical response of the supporting structures was investigated. The results showed that: (1) a combined strength envelop can reasonably simulate the mechanical behavior of the steel arch under pure compression, pure bending, and compression-bending action; (2) the corrosion fracture criterion of the rock bolt can adequately reflect rock bolt axial force development process of nonlinear increase and decrease, and failure with the increase of axial strain; (3) damage of concrete can be adequately described by the damage constitutive model, with the damage parameters exerting a strong influence on the post-peak behavior of concrete; and (4) the damage level of the plastic zone at the same location in secondary lining for the corrosion yield model is larger than that predicted from the original FLAC3D structural models.
A Theory of Bioethics

This volume offers a carefully argued, compelling theory of bioethics while eliciting practical implications for a wide array of issues including medical assistance-in-dying, the right to health care, abortion, animal research, and the definition of death. The authors' dual-value theory features mid-level principles, a distinctive model of moral status, a subjective account of well-being, and a cosmopolitan view of global justice. In addition to ethical theory, the book investigates the nature of harm and autonomous action, personal identity theory, and the 'non-identity problem' associated with many procreative decisions. Readers new to particular topics will benefit from helpful introductions, specialists will appreciate in-depth theoretical explorations and a novel take on various practical issues, and all readers will benefit from the book's original synoptic vision of bioethics. This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.
Calculating estimated glomerular filtration rate without the race correction factor: Observations at a large academic medical system.

Abstract Background and aims Creatinine-based MDRD and CKD-EPI equations include a race correction factor, which results in higher eGFR in Black patients. We evaluated the impact on our patient population upon adoption of the CKD-EPI equation and the removal of the race correction factor from the equation. Materials and methods Retrospective analysis of blood creatinine results and respective eGFR values calculated by the MDRD or CKD-EPI equation without the race correction factor (CKD-EPINoRace) in a large academic medical system over a 20.5-month period. Results In our population, when changing from MDRD to CKD-EPINoRace, we observed that 3.5% of all patients were reclassified to categorically have worse kidney function. However, we also observed fewer patients overall with eGFR below 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Around 60 and 20 mL/min/1.73 m2, 2.96% and 0.16% of all patients > 65 years of age were reclassified, as were 4.29% and 0.03% of all Black patients, respectively. When calculated with CKD-EPINoRace, median eGFR was not meaningfully different between Black and non-Black patients (p = 0.02). Conclusions Changing from MDRD to CKD-EPINoRace could lead to a lower referral rate to nephrology. The distributions of creatinine and eGFR calculated with CKD-EPINoRace were not meaningfully different in Black and non-Black patients.
Corporate Espionage by Drone: Why Corporations Need Better Physical and Legal Protections

Today, corporate espionage has taken on a new, and more dangerous form, by using drones as the medium to conduct trade secret misappropriation and cyber-attacks against unsuspecting businesses. Drones allow for physical and cyber-attacks to be carried out with ease. They are cheap, easily accessible, and easy to use. Drones can be utilized in the stealing of trade secrets, consumer information, or even cause an interruption in the business’s daily processes - each costing the corporation tremendously. Part II of this Comment will provide a brief overview of relevant trade secret law, including the Uniform Trade Secrets Act, the Economic Espionage Act, and the Defend Trade Secrets Act, and discuss traditional and modern corporate espionage tactics. Part II will also cover the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, and discuss the basic rules drone pilots must obey. Part III will discuss the problems arising for corporations when bad actors use drones for espionage and cyber-attacks, and present that counter-drone technology should be available to American businesses as it is a justified form of self-help. Part IV will provide a short synopsis of the counter-arguments against counter-drone technology use, and discuss the mitigation and other uses of counter-drone technology in other industries. Drones will become the future of corporate espionage and corporations need to have the resources necessary to protect themselves from this current, and only growing, threat. The use of C-UAS technology is a proactive step, which is more beneficial to the company, than the traditional and ill-fitting reactive steps currently available. C-UAS technology is justifiable self-help, necessary for the protection of trade secrets.
Music, Artificial Intelligence and Neuroscience

Aside from historical references to the Early Greek philosophers and since then a long line of sci-fi authors and stories of mental illnesses running rampant, the fields of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Neuroscience waited until the mid-twentieth century before gaining their current titles and credence in academia, research, and knowledge of their existence among the populace as a whole (Nilsson in The Quest for Artificial Intelligence: A History of Ideas and Achievements, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK, 2010). Certainly, people like von Neumann and Turing in AI and Skinner and Chomsky in Psychology had great theories, some of which are still in vogue, but it took John McCarthy to invent the term ‘Artificial Intelligence’ in his 1955 proposal for the 1956 Dartmouth Conference. Several prominent Neuroscience organizations (study of the human nervous system and brain) were formed during that same period and later: e.g., the International Society for Neurochemistry in 1963, the European Brain and Behaviour Society in 1968, and the Society for Neuroscience in 1969.
IMRT With Planned Gamma Knife Radiosurgery Boost for Head and Neck Cancer With Extensive Disease in Proximity to Critical Structures.

Purpose/objective(s) To describe outcomes of a novel paradigm of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) in combination with planned Gamma Knife Radiosurgery (GKRS) boost for locally advanced head and neck cancer (HNC) with extensive disease near critical organs at risk (OAR). Materials/methods Patients with HNC treated with IMRT/GKRS as part of a planned combined modality approach between 2011-2020 (n = 18) were reviewed. Histology, site (primary/GKRS target), extent of invasion, cumulative radiation dose, and patterns of failure were recorded. Local control (LC) [freedom from failure within the GKRS 50% IDL], marginal failure (MF) [freedom from failure between the 50% IDL and edge of IMRT volume], overall survival (OS) and disease specific survival (DSS) were estimated using Kaplan Meier method. Results 18 patients met inclusion criteria. Histology included 9 squamous cell carcinomas, 2 adenoid cystic carcinomas and 1 each of the following: adenocarcinoma, melanoma, neuroendocrine tumor, sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, angiosarcoma, and chondrosarcoma. Median age was 64 years. Tumor stage was primarily advanced: T2 (n = 1), T3 (1), T4 (15). Involved structures prompting GKRS utilization included: base of skull (n = 14), mucosal sinus (9), intracranial (5), cavernous sinus (8), extracranial skull base (8), orbit (5). Twelve patients had surgical resection to their primary site and 7 had surgery involving the GKRS site. Median IMRT dose to the primary site was 57.8 Gy (30.6 - 69.3) in 30 fractions (17-35) and 45 Gy (30.6-60.0) to the GKRS site. Median GKRS dose was 12 Gy (8-17) prescribed to the 50% IDL (48-50). All but one GKRS was delivered with a single fraction. With a median follow up was 27.4 months (range 1.9-111.0), GKRS site LC was 100%; 2 patients experienced primary site failure outside of the GKRS site, 1 patient experienced a MF. 2- and 5-year OS were 94.1% (95% CI: 83.6%-100%) and 80.1% (95% CI: 58.3%-100%), respectively. 2- and 5-year DSS were 92.9% (95% CI: 68.8%-80.3%) and 81.2% (95% CI: 12.4%-60.2%), respectively. 3 patients experienced radionecrosis of the brain with grade 1 (n = 2) and grade 3 (n = 1) toxicity observed, one of which was biopsy proven. No patients experienced change or worsening of vision or other baseline symptoms including headache, diplopia, or trigeminal nerve pain. Median D0.03cc (EQD2, α/β = 3) to critical OAR were: right optic nerve (47 Gy, interquartile range [IQR] 33.0 - 52.4), left optic nerve (36.8, IQR 25.6 - 53.7), optic chiasm (41.5, IQR 26.9 - 47.7), brain (95.9, IQR 77.1 - 144.0), brainstem (49.6, IQR 34.2 - 56.6), and cervical spinal cord (15, IQR 5.8 - 23.0). Conclusion IMRT combined with planned GKRS conformal boost results in excellent LC with minimal additional toxicity. This paradigm represents a promising means of dose escalation for locally advanced HNC with extension to critical OAR.
Deterministic Estimation and Asymptotic Stochastic Estimation

Let t → x(t) be a state process and consider observations t → y(t) of a signal t → h(x(t)) in the presence of additive white noise ẏ = h(x) + v. The stochastic filter is the map that associates to each observation record y(τ), 0 ≤ τ ≤ t, the conditional mean E( ∅ (x(t)) ∣ y(τ), 0 ≤ τ ≤ t). In this paper it is shown that the output of the stochastic filter converges to the output of what is known as the deterministic filter as the variances of the impinging noises go to zero, exactly in analogy with the physical fact that quantum mechanics converges to classical mechanics as Plank’s constant goes to zero.
Mixed Plantations of Native Trees on Abandoned Pastures: Restoring Productivity, Ecosystem Properties, and Services on a Humid Tropical Site

Twelve native tree species grown in mixed and pure plantations on degraded pasturelands at La Selva Biological Station in the Caribbean Lowlands of Costa Rica were evaluated at 15–16 years of age. Mixed plantations performed considerably better than pure plantations. The best performing species under both conditions were Vochysia guatemalensis, Virola koschnyi, Jacaranda copaia, Terminalia amazonia, and Hieronyma alchorneoides. Mixed plantations were among the most productive in terms of volume and carbon sequestered, performing as well as pure plots of fast-growing species. Thinning and pruning improved growth, quality, and stability. At 2–4 years of age, three species suffered less pest damage in mixed than pure stands, while other species suffered no damage or similar damage under both conditions. At 6–8 years, four species suffered total mortality in pure plots and limited survival in mixed plots due to pest damage. Mixed plantations sometimes improved soil conditions such as higher organic matter, and had intermediate values for the soil nutrients examined. Both pure and mixed plantations facilitated tree regeneration by attracting seed-dispersing birds and bats. Income from thinnings and final timber harvest seem to strongly exceed establishment and management costs, providing an economic incentive for similar plantations. These systems are productive options for restoring degraded agriculture or pasturelands of the region.
Tunable magnetic resonance in microwave spintronics devices

Magnetic resonance is one of the key properties of magnetic materials for the application of microwave spintronics devices. The conventional method for tuning magnetic resonance is to use an electromagnet, which provides very limited range. Hence, the quest for enhancing the magnetic resonance tuning range without using an electromagnet has attracted tremendous attention. In this paper we exploit the huge exchange coupling field between magnetic interlayers, which is on the order of 4000 Oe and also the high frequency modes of coupled oscillators to enhance the tuning range. Furthermore, we demonstrate a new scheme to control the magnetic resonance frequency. Moreover, we report a shift in the magnetic resonance frequency as high as 20 GHz in CoFe based tunable microwave spintronics devices, which is 10X higher than conventional methods.
Vitreous treatment of retinal pigment epithelial cells results in decreased expression of FGF-2

Purpose Changes in gene expression were investigated after treatment of cultured human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells with vitreous. This may have implications for proliferative diseases such as proliferative vitreoretinopathy. Methods Cells were cultured in the presence or absence of human vitreous, and gene expression was examined using the differential display polymerase chain reaction technique. Differentially expressed RNAs were cloned, screened for differential expression, and sequenced. The expression of one of these RNAs (that for fibroblast growth factor [FGF]-2/basic FGF) was examined by in situ hybridization and ribonuclease protection assays. The level of FGF-2 protein was examined by immunoblot analysis. The effects of adding FGF-2 to cells cultured in the presence of vitreous were examined. Results Treatment of low passage human RPE cells with 25% vitreous resulted in the epithelial-to-fibroblast-like morphologic changes reported by others and in the decreased expression of FGF-2 mRNA and FGF-2 protein. Addition of FGF-2 to cultures at the same time as addition of vitreous prevented some of the effects of vitreous on these cells. Conclusions Vitreous treatment of RPE cells in culture results in decreased expression of FGF-2 mRNA and protein. Because supplementation of FGF-2 prevents some of the vitreous-mediated effects, this may indicate that modulation of FGF-2 levels by the vitreous may play an important role in the phenotypic changes seen in RPE cells exposed to vitreous.
Masculinity and Title IX: Bullying and Sexual Harassment of Boys in the American Liberal State

This article examines two recent “hot topics” related to Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”): sex-segregated schooling and gender-based violence including sexual harassment and bullying. First, in 2006, the Department of Education suspended Title IX’s prohibition of sex-segregated education in K-12 public schools amidst some sex segregation advocates’ claims that a “feminized” educational system causes sex discrimination against boys. Second, over the last decade an increasing number of boys have sued or complained against their schools for sex discrimination in the form of gender-based violence (including same-sex bullying, sexual harassment, hazing, and sexual violence). This article views these developments through the lens of masculinity in education, drawing connections between “traditional masculinity,” the gendered “hidden curriculum” found in all-boy educational environments, and gender-based violence. It concludes that undercutting Title IX to allow all-boy education not only fails to address the actual sex discrimination many boys face in the form of gender-based violence, but it could actually help create conditions permitting more of this violence and discrimination. It also concludes that allowing sex segregation, particularly when it feeds into sexual harassment, is contrary to fundamental feminist and classical liberal values of the American state. Therefore, this article recommends rescission of the 2006 regulations and strengthening of Title IX’s sexual harassment prohibition through better court enforcement and resources for schools to dismantle the traditionally masculine hidden curriculum. Together, these methods will lessen schools’ risk of Title IX liability by combating sex discrimination against both boys and girls.
Strongly Residual Coordinates over A [ x ]

For a commutative ring A, a polynomial f ∈ A[x][n] is called a strongly residual coordinate if f becomes a coordinate (over A) upon going modulo x, and f becomes a coordinate (over A[x, x −1]) upon inverting x. We study the question of when a strongly residual coordinate in A[x][n] is a coordinate, a question closely related to the Dolgachev–Weisfeiler conjecture. It is known that all strongly residual coordinates are coordinates for n = 2 over an integral domain of characteristic zero. We show that a large class of strongly residual coordinates that are generated by elementaries over A[x, x −1] are in fact coordinates for arbitrary n, with a stronger result in the n = 3 case. As an application, we show that all Venereau-type polynomials are 1-stable coordinates.
Using the Social Media to Reinforce Binge Drinking Normative Behaviors: A Comparison of American and Australian College Students

The central purpose of this study shows how the overestimation of the perceived normative behavior of binge drinking is the focused behavior reinforced by social networking sites (SNS), which the modern college students have incorporated into socialization. With a cross-cultural comparison, this study shows how this phenomenon of normative behavior of binge-drinking, social drinking, and non-drinking varies between undergraduates from America and Australia. The online surveying tool, Qualtrics, was used to gather information using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and questions from the Pew Research center focusing on the social media. There were 119 combined undergraduate participants surveyed, from which the resulting data were used to correlate responses with the AUDIT test as well as cross culturally compare results. The results were valid with each schools results coinciding with AUDIT binge drinking test. The normative behaviors were also analyzed showing that there are different social media behaviors being in the two countries.
Sustained Analgesic Peptide Secretion and Cell Labeling Using a Novel Genetic Modification

Cell-based therapy for neuropathic pain could provide analgesics to local pain modulatory regions in a sustained, renewable fashion. In order to provide enhanced analgesic efficacy, transplantable cells may be engineered to produce complementary or increased levels of analgesic peptides. In addition, genetic labeling of modified cells is desirable for identification and tracking, but it should be retained intracellularly as desired analgesic peptides are secreted. Usually constructs encode proteins destined for either extra- or intracellular compartments, as these pathways do not cross. However, interactions between intracellular destinations provide a window of opportunity to overcome this limitation. In this report, we have explored this approach using a potential supplementary analgesic peptide, [Ser1]-histogranin (SHG), the stable synthetic derivative of a naturally occurring peptide with N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonistic properties. A synthetic SHG gene was combined with (i) nerve growth factor-beta (NGF-beta) amino-terminal signal peptide to enable secretion, and (ii) a fluorescent cellular label (mRFP) with intervening cathepsin L cleavage site, and subcloned into a lentiviral vector. In addition, an endoplasmic retention signal, KDEL, was added to enable retrieval of mRFP. Using immunocytochemistry and confocal microscopic profile analysis, cells transduced by such lentiviruses were shown to synthesize a single SHG-mRFP polypeptide that was processed, targeted to expected subcellular destinations in several cell types. Dot blot and Western analysis revealed stable transduction and long-term secretion of SHG from PC12 cells in vitro. Transplantation of such cells provided modest analgesia in a rodent pain model consistent with low levels of SHG peptide in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). These results suggest that it is possible to deliver proteins with different final destinations from a single construct, such as pharmacologically active peptide for secretion and intracellular label for identifying transplantable cells.
On Becoming a Teacher: May Sarton's The Small Room

INTRODUCTION What is at stake in becoming a good teacher? What is required to treat one’s students well? Should one avoid personal relationships with them? Should one care for students only in their assigned roles as learners or should one be open to deal with them as individuals who may have serious personal problems that interfere with their human flourishing? How does one become a model of fairness in dealing with students who trespass against fundamental moral rules? What view of fairness should one adopt as a new teacher? And what is really central to having a positive influence on the students one teaches? Many of these questions are central to prospective teachers’ effort to define their own professional identity as teachers; they are also questions that undergird May Sarton’s classic novel, The Small Room. In this novel, Lucy Winter, a first year English teacher at an elite women’s college, confronts a case of plagiarism by the protege of one of the campus’s most powerful instructors. As the reader imaginatively enters Appleton College and its prewomen’s liberation world of cocktail parties and self-reflective conversation, she journeys along with Lucy Winter, the novel’s protagonist, in discovering what it means to become a teacher.
Humoral response to Porphyromonas (Bacteroides) gingivalis in rats: time course and T-cell dependence.

In this study, we describe the time course and T-cell dependence of the serum antibody response to the periodontopathogen Porphyromonas (Bacteroides) gingivalis in an experimental rat model. Normal Fischer rats were challenged by a local injection of P. gingivalis (2 x 10(8) bacteria) into gingival tissue or by the administration of a similar number of bacteria by the intravenous (i.v.) route on days 0, 2, and 4. Serum antibody activity was detected within 1 week and peaked at 8 weeks after gingival challenge. A similar but lower response was seen for rats challenged by the i.v. route. The response in both groups of rats was mainly of the immunoglobulin G (IgG) isotype; some IgM but no IgA antibody activity was detected. Analysis of the IgG subclass revealed mainly IgG2c in animals challenged locally in the gingiva with P. gingivalis, whereas IgG2b predominated in rats challenged by the i.v. route. The importance of T cells in the response was established by demonstrating the absence of serum IgG antibodies in nude rats after a local challenge of gingival tissue with P. gingivalis. Nude rats given purified splenic T cells from normal rats immunized systemically with P. gingivalis prior to a local gingival challenge showed a rapid appearance of serum antibody activity that peaked between 4 and 6 weeks. This initial peak occurred 2 to 4 weeks earlier than that seen in normal animals. Fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis of splenic lymphoid cells from these nude rats revealed a helper T-cell population. The levels of serum IgG antibodies in nude rats given nonimmune T cells rose slowly, and the antibodies were mainly of the IgG2a and IgG2b subclasses. Nude rats given immune T cells showed a rapid increase primarily in IgG2b antibody levels following a local gingival challenge. These findings suggest that the immune helper T-cells contributed to the rapid development of the response to P. gingivalis. Furthermore, it is likely that the IgG subclass response to P. gingivalis in these nude rats was related to the splenic origin of the T cells used for adoptive transfer.
Discovering Levinas: Auschwitz, Politics, and the Twentieth Century

In “Signature,” the last piece in Difficult Freedom , Emmanuel Levinas (1906–1995) tells us that the list of items in the first paragraph, his biography, “is dominated by the presentiment and the memory of the Nazi horror.” Hitler, Auschwitz, and Nazi fascism meant a great deal to Levinas, to his life, of course, to his philosophical thinking, and to his thinking about Judaism. Yet at times, Levinas talks about Nazism – Auschwitz in particular – as part of or characteristic of a larger phenomenon, one that encompasses the horrors of the twentieth century overall – before, during, and after the Holocaust. In this chapter, I will first set out and discuss what Levinas says about this larger phenomenon and later focus on the Holocaust in particular. Levinas's ethical and philosophical views provide him with a perspective on human living and the everyday world that expresses itself often in his occasional writings, interviews, and more popular essays. A particular focus of this perspective is Auschwitz and twentieth-century life. We have not looked yet at his ethics and philosophy, but we can consider its expression, one of its manifestations, even prior to examining its details, and that is what I will do here, without any preparation or theorizing. What does Levinas say about life in the twentieth century, especially about the “decline of the West” and the crisis of modernity?
Exact analysis of co-channel interference in a shadowed-Nakagami/shadowed-Rician channel model

To characterize the transmission environment of a microcellular system, ideally we would like to use a model which allows the line-of-sight component in both the desired and interfering signals, i.e. Rican signals. It should also allow different Rice factors, different shadowing spreads, and even different transmitted powers (i.e. irregular cell sizes). The problem, however, is that an exact analysis of such a shadowed-Rician (desired)/shadowed-Rician (interfering) model containing all the variations mentioned above hasn't been found. We show the exact analysis of a model of a similar kind-the only difference is that the the Rican desired signal is replaced by a Nakagami signal. That is, we offer an exact analysis for a shadowed-Nakagami (desired)/shadowed-Rican (interfering) model. It has been shown that a Rican distribution can be closely approximated by a Nakagami distribution. The offered analytical technique can be viewed as a good approximation for a shadowed-Rican (desired)/shadowed-Rican (interfering) model. The model we analyze also includes all the previously mentioned flexibilities-different Rice factors, different shadowing spreads and different cell sizes.
On the interaction of tiling and automatic parallelization

Iteration space tiling is a well-explored programming and compiler technique to enhance program locality. Its performance benefit appears obvious, as the ratio of processor versus memory speed increases continuously. In an effort to include a tiling pass into an advanced parallelizing compiler, we have found that the interaction of tiling and parallelization raises unexplored issues. Applying existing, sequential tiling techniques, followed by parallelization, leads to performance degradation in many programs. Applying tiling after parallelization without considering parallel execution semantics may lead to incorrect programs. Doing so conservatively, also introduces overhead in some of the measured programs. In this paper, we present an algorithm that applies tiling in concert with parallelization. The algorithm avoids the above negative effects. Our paper also presents the first comprehensive evaluation of tiling techniques on compiler-parallelized programs. Our tiling algorithm improves the SPEC CPU95 floating-point programs by up to 21% over nontiled versions (4.9% on average) and the SPEC CPU2000 Fortran 77 programs up to 49% (11% on average). Notably, in about half of the benchmarks, tiling does not have a significant effect.
Structural features of interferon‐γ aggregation revealed by hydrogen exchange

Using hydrogen-deuterium exchange (HX) and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, we have investigated the stability and structural changes of recombinant human interferon-γ (IFN-γ) during aggregation induced by guanidine hydrochloride (GdnHCl) and potassium thiocyanate. First, HX labeling was initiated after the amorphous aggregates were formed to probe the tertiary structure of the aggregated state. Second, labeling was performed at low protein concentrations to assess stability under aggregation prone conditions. In 1 M GdnHCl, the stability of IFN-γ was greatly reduced and much less protection from HX in solution was observed. Exchange under these conditions was slower in helix C than in the rest of the protein. Aggregates formed in 1 M GdnHCl showed a HX pattern consistent with a partially unfolded state with an intact helix C. Although aggregates formed in 0.3 M KSCN exhibited a HX pattern similar to those formed in GdnHCl, the solution phase HX pattern in 0.3 M KSCN was surprisingly comparable to that of the native state. Varying the aggregation time before performing HX revealed that KSCN first precipitated native protein and then facilitated partial unfolding of the precipitated protein. These results show that helix C, which forms the hydrophobic core of the IFN-γ dimer, is highly protected from HX under native conditions, is more stable in GdnHCl than the rest of the protein and remains intact in both GdnHCl- and KSCN-induced aggregates. This suggests that native-state HX patterns may presage regions of the protein susceptible to unfolding during aggregation.
FLT3 and acute myelogenous leukemia: Biology, clinical significance and therapeutic applications

Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) is a difficult disease to treat, and better treatments are needed. Molecular targeted therapy represents a novel therapeutic approach. The FLT3 tyrosine kinase receptor is mutated in approximately one-fourth to one-third of patients with AML. Normally, binding of FLT3 ligand to the FLT3 receptor leads to phosphorylation of tyrosine residues and activation of the receptor. This in turn leads to induction of intracellular signaling pathways essential to regulation of cell proliferation and apoptosis. Two classes of FLT3 activating mutations have been identified in AML patients: internal tandem duplications (ITDS) and point mutations in the activating loop of the kinase domain. Both mutations result in constitutive FLT3 tyrosine kinase activity and lead to transformation of hematopoietic cell lines in vivo and in vitro. FLT3 ITDs are also an independent poor prognostic factor for overall survival and disease free survival in patients with AML. Therefore, targeting FLT3 mutations represents a potential therapeutic target for AML. This review will discuss the biology and clinical significance of FLT3 and FLT3 mutations in cell growth and signaling. In addition, I will discuss some of the novel FLT3 inhibitors which are entering clinical trials for AML.
Redesigning Acute Care Processes In Wisconsin

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Estrogen receptor genotypes, menopausal status, and the effects of tamoxifen on lipid levels: revised and updated results.

We previously reported that the ESR1 XbaI genotypes were associated with baseline and tamoxifen-induced serum lipid profiles. The analysis in that study was carried out by PCR followed by restriction-enzyme digestion. After reanalysis using more robust TaqMan assays, the findings related to _10% of the genotypes for the ESR1 XbaI single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) were revised. For the other genotypes (i.e., ESR1 PvuII, ESR2, and CYP2D6), the results were nearly identical to those in the previous study. Upon reanalysis, previously reported associations between the ESR1 Xba1 genotypes and baseline triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels were no longer observed. Previously reported associations between the ESR1 XbaI genotypes and tamoxifen-induced changes in levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol were also no longer observed. However, the following observations from the original report did not change: (i) the levels of circulating lipids are lower in women taking tamoxifen; (ii) there is an association between the ESR2-02 genotypes and changes in triglyceride levels; and (iii) neither ESR1 PvuII nor CYP2D6 is associated with any changes in serum lipid concentrations in patients receiving treatment with tamoxifen. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2010) 88 5, 626–629. doi: 10.1038/clpt.2010.143
Turbulent drag reduction by streamwise traveling waves

For a turbulent channel flow with zero-net-mass-flux surface actuation in the form of streamwise traveling waves we develop a model-based approach to design control parameters that can reduce skin-friction drag. In contrast to the traditional approach that relies on numerical simulations and experiments, we use turbulence modeling in conjunction with stochastically forced linearized equations to determine the effect of small amplitude traveling waves on the drag. Our simulation-free approach is capable of identifying drag reducing trends in traveling waves with various control parameters. High-fidelity simulations are used to verify quality of our theoretical predictions.
Use of error grid analysis to evaluate acceptability of a point of care prothrombin time meter.

Abstract Background Statistical methods (linear regression, correlation analysis, etc.) are frequently employed in comparing methods in the central laboratory (CL). Assessing acceptability of point of care testing (POCT) equipment, however, is more difficult because statistically significant biases may not have an impact on clinical care. We showed how error grid (EG) analysis can be used to evaluate POCT PT INR with the CL. Materials and methods We compared results from 103 patients seen in an anti-coagulation clinic that were on Coumadin maintenance therapy using fingerstick samples for POCT (Roche CoaguChek XS and S) and citrated venous blood samples for CL (Stago STAR). To compare clinical acceptability of results we developed an EG with zones A, B, C and D. Results Using 2nd order polynomial equation analysis, POCT results highly correlate with the CL for CoaguChek XS (R2 = 0. 955) and CoaguChek S (R2 = 0. 93), respectively but does not indicate if POCT results are clinically interchangeable with the CL. Using EG it is readily apparent which levels can be considered clinically identical to the CL despite analytical bias. Conclusion We have demonstrated the usefulness of EG in determining acceptability of POCT PT INR testing and how it can be used to determine cut-offs where differences in POCT results may impact clinical care.
Epidemiology and natural history of atrial fibrillation: clinical implications.

With a substantial impact on morbidity and mortality, the growing “epidemic” of atrial fibrillation (AF) intersects with a number of conditions, including aging, thromboembolism, hemorrhage, hypertension and left ventricular dysfunction. Currently, the epidemiology and natural history of AF govern all aspects of its clinical management. The ongoing global investigative efforts toward understanding AF are also driven by epidemiologic findings. New developments, by affecting the natural history of the disease, could eventually alter the nature of decision making in patients with AF. The crucial issue of rate versus rhythm control awaits completion of the AF Follow-up Investigation of Rhythm Management trial. The processes of electrical and structural remodeling that perpetuate AF appear to be reversible. In the era of functional genomics, the molecular basis of this ubiquitous arrhythmia is in the process of being defined. Unraveling the molecular genetics of AF might provide new insights into the structural and electrical phenotypes resulting from genetic mutations and, as such, new approaches to treatment of this arrhythmia at the ion channel and cellular levels. Thus, current adverse trends are superimposed on a background of a rapidly developing knowledge base and potentially exciting new therapeutic options. Consequently, an understanding of the epidemiology and natural history of AF is crucial to the future allocation of resources and the utilization of an expanding range of therapies aimed at reducing the impact of this disease on a changing patient population.
MICROSTRUCTURE AND MAGNETIC AFTEREFFECT IN BULK-HARDENED RARE EARTH-COBALT-COPPER BASE PERMANENT MAGNET ALLOYS

The magnetic hardening of SmCo3.5CuFe0.5 by a precipitation heat treatment has been studied, and the magnetic properties are related to microstructure and the particle size. Observations of the magnetic aftereffect in CeCo3.5CuFe0.5 in different. metallurgical states are reported.
Dose-related antagonism of the emetic effect of morphine by methylnaltrexone in dogs.

Opioids administered to produce analgesia cause unwanted emesis in patients (incidence 20%-30%, depending on situation). Tests in animals show that quaternary narcotic antagonists like methylnaltrexone (MNTX) do not affect the analgesic potency of morphine, but such compounds have not been examined for their potential to antagonize morphine-induced emesis. To determine the effects of MNTX on emetic response, we assigned 85 dogs to one of 11 groups challenged with morphine alone or morphine and various doses of MNTX IM or i.v. Antagonism of the emetic response was dose related: MNTX, 0.25 mg/kg IM or 0.2 mg/kg i.v., completely blocked the emetic effect of morphine in dogs for approximately 60 minutes. If morphine-induced emesis is mediated by receptors available to a quaternary antagonist (perhaps on the peripheral side of the blood-brain barrier), MNTX may prevent opioid-induced emesis. These data indicate that opioid-induced emesis might be prevented without affecting analgesia.
Innovations in Multimodality Therapy for Lung Cancer: Combined Modality Management of Limited Small-Cell Lung Cancer

Chemotherapy with PE provides an opportunity to use thoracic radiotherapy with fewer side effects and better survival. The optimal dose and duration of systemic therapy remain to be defined. Early, concurrent thoracic radiotherapy appears to produce more esophagitis and granulocyte toxicity than chemotherapy alone. Despite profound symptomatic toxicity, it's rarely fatal and usually reversible. Regimens using PE and thoracic radiotherapy are associated with better survival than in older series, but stage migration and nontreatment variables may be responsible for a portion of this difference. Optimal dose, timing, and fractionation techniques are not clearly defined and are subjects of ongoing clinical research. Issues regarding prophylactic cranial irradiation remain quite contentious—a randomized trial will attempt to shed some light on this highly contested debate.
Equilibrium paradigm for field-reversed configurations and application to experiments

Fresh insights on field-reversed configurations (FRCs) are incorporated in a new paradigm for equilibria. In particular four new or unappreciated properties are accounted for: an empirically based scrape-off layer thickness; a new, more accurate axial force balance relation; viscous force regularity at the O-point; and the broken-surface effect. The new paradigm corrects glaring defects of previous models (rigid rotor, Hill’s vortex). Further, the new paradigm is simple enough to be easily used as an interpretive tool despite the limited data suite in most experiments. It is applied to the newly enhanced FRC data compendium, a database of 69 records from 15 facilities. Several important observations and corrections on the previous understanding of FRCs follow, three of which stand out. (1) The traditional axial force balance (“average-β” relation) gives an inaccurate scaling with the separatrix-to-wall radius ratio. (2) The improved equilibrium paradigm yields separatrix particle transport rates of 3–5 m2...