cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Value of diffusion kurtosis imaging in assessing low-grade gliomas.

BACKGROUND Diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) measures have been shown to provide increased sensitivity relative to diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in detecting pathologies. PURPOSE To compare the sensitivity of DKI-derived kurtosis and diffusion maps for assessment of low-grade gliomas (LGG). STUDY TYPE Prospective study. POPULATION In all, 19 LGG patients and 26 healthy control subjects were recruited. FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE Echo-planar-imaging diffusion-weighted MR images (b-values = 0, 1000, and 2000 with 30 diffusion gradient directions) were acquired on a 3T scanner. ASSESSMENT Maps for mean, axial, and radial diffusivity (MD, AD, and RD) and kurtosis (MK, AK, and RK), and fractional anisotropy (FA) were evaluated in the tumor, perilesional white matter, and contralateral normal-appearing white matter regions. STATISTICAL TESTING General linear models (GLM), Cohen's d for effect size estimates, false discovery rate (FDR) for multiple corrections, Cochran Q-test. RESULTS Pairwise differences were observed for all diffusion and kurtosis measures between the studied regions (FDR P < 0.001), except an FA map that failed to show significant differences between the lesion and perilesional white matter (FDR P = 0.373). Effect size analysis showed that kurtosis metrics were found to be 18.8% (RK, P = 0.144) to 29.1% (AK, P < 0.05) more sensitive in discriminating perilesional regions from the lesion than corresponding diffusion metrics, whereas AK provided a 25.0% (P < 0.05) increase in sensitivity in discriminating perilesional and contralateral white matter. RK was found to be the most sensitive to contralateral white matter differences between low-grade gliomas and controls, with MK and RK providing a significantly greater sensitivity of 587.2% (P < 0.001) and 320.7% (P < 0.001) than MD and RD, respectively. DATA CONCLUSION Kurtosis maps showed increased sensitivity, as compared to counterpart diffusion maps, for evaluation of microstructural changes in gliomas with a 3-6-fold increment in assessing changes in contralateral white matter. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 2 Technical Efficacy: Stage 3 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;48:1551-1558.
Partial Deafness: A Novel Denial-of-Service Attack in 802.11 Networks

We present a new denial-of-service attack against 802.11 wireless networks. Our attack exploits previously discovered performance degradation in networks with substantial rate diversity. In our attack, the attacker artificially reduces his link quality by not acknowledging receptions (which we call “partial deafness” because an attacker pretends to have not heard some of the transmission), thereby exploiting the retransmission and rate adaptation mechanisms to reduce Medium Access Control (MAC)-layer performance. As compared to previously proposed attacks, the partial deafness attack is particularly strong because the attacker does not necessarily need any advantage over normal users in terms of transmission power, computation resources, or channel condition.
The Life and Career of William F. Cramer: Pedagogue, Scholar, and Performer.

The purpose of this investigation was to provide a thorough documentation of the life and career of William F. Cramer. William Cramer was professor of trombone at the Florida State University for m...
Impact of hemoglobin breakdown products in the spectral analysis of burn wounds using spatial frequency domain spectroscopy.

Burn wounds and wound healing invoke several biological processes that may complicate the interpretation of spectral imaging data. Through analysis of spatial frequency domain spectroscopy data (450 to 1000 nm) obtained from longitudinal investigations using a graded porcine burn wound healing model, we have identified features in the absorption spectrum that appear to suggest the presence of hemoglobin breakdown products, e.g., methemoglobin. Our results show that the calculated concentrations of methemoglobin directly correlate with burn severity, 24 h after the injury. In addition, tissue parameters such as oxygenation (StO2) and water fraction may be underestimated by 20% and 78%, respectively, if methemoglobin is not included in the spectral analysis.
Disdain to Acceptance: Future Teachers’ Conceptual Change Related to Data-Driven Decision Making

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this qualitative study was to explore how pre-service teachers perceive, understand, and feel about Data-driven decision making (DDDM), as well as the impact of targeted, per...
Investigating Undergraduate Students’ Viewing Behaviors of Academic Video in Formal and Informal Settings

AbstractThe use of video is prevalent in both face-to-face and online classrooms. Online learning leverages the use of video to support and provide instruction through the visuals video affords. Th...
Blueberry Gall Midge on Southern Highbush Blueberry in Florida

Blueberry gall midge is a small fly native to North America that feeds on blueberries and cranberries. It can be found throughout the United States, including Florida, where its larvae feed on southern highbush blueberry and rabbiteye floral and vegetative buds. Reports of blueberry gall midge damage on southern highbush blueberry in Florida have become more common in recent years, in some cases significantly impacting yield where there was severe feeding damage to floral buds. This 3-page fact sheet written by Oscar Liburd and Doug Phillips and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Entomology and Nematology will inform growers how to scout for, identify, and control blueberry gall midge. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in1239
Complete Transposition of the Great Vessels II. An Electrocardiographic Analysis

A correlative study of necropsy findings and electrocardiography in 54 cases of complete transposition of the great vessels was made to determine whether or not specific electrical patterns could predict the status of the ventricular septum. It became apparent that published criteria for distinguishing between patients with a ventricular septal defect and those with an intact ventricular septum were not uniformly reliable. Rather than the location of a communication, the important factor in differentiation depended upon the size of the opening, be it between the ventricles or through a patent ductus arteriosus. Cases were divided into two groups: In group I were those with a small communication, and in group II were those with a large communication between the greater and lesser circulations. The group with small communication showed a narrow or obliterated ductus arteriosus and an intact ventricular septum, or a small ventricular septal defect. In group II there was either a wide patent ductus arteriosus with an intact ventricular septum or a large ventricular septal defect. In group I the electrocardiogram predominantly showed isolated right ventricular hypertrophy, whereas, in group II, biventricular hypertrophy was the usual finding. Among the five patients in whom the mean manifest electrical axis was deviated to the left, two showed obstructive malformations of the aortic arch, and two left ventricular-right atrial communication. The fifth case was simply one of a large communication without complicating anomalies.
Community Health Centers and Covid-19 - Time for Congress to Act.

Community Health Centers and Covid-19 Community health centers have been critical to the U.S. response to Covid and key to treating other medical problems as well, but they are financially vulnerab...
Conducting Goals-of-Care Discussions Takes Less Time Than Imagined.

PURPOSE:To describe the length of encounter during visits where goals-of-care (GoC) discussions were expected to take place.METHODS:Oncologists from community, academic, municipal, and rural hospit...
Abstract 23: Precision medicine approaches to Fanconi anemia oral cancer personalized prevention and treatment

There is an increased risk of oral cavity and other head and neck cancers as Fanconi patients live longer post transplantation. DNA repair defects in Fanconi patients contribute to “field effect” in this population, which causes frequent recurrences and often fatal, second primary oral malignancies. These developments show a need for translation of new basic science concepts for this patient population. We are examining the effects of both Metformin and Pioglitazone, and Polo kinase and Wee Kinase inhibitors in Fanconi anemia oral cancer cell lines, and leukoplakia control cells. We employed 3 FA oral cancer cell lines for the current study. We performed clonogenic and cell proliferation (MTT) experiments in replicates and repeated those experiments to establish initial dose responses of the inhibitors at biologically relevant concentrations. We used ANOVA analysis with a P We found both the Wee Kinase inhibitor and POLO kinase inhibitor resulted in dose dependent decreases in proliferation and clonogenic potential in several experiments in all cell lines. We observed decreased proliferation at 72 hours at clinically achievable serum levels of 75%. However, we also observed cytotoxic effects as well, as judged by MTT reading at 72 hours being lower than the original Day 0 MTT readings. Pioglitazone treatment also resulted in dose dependent decreases in cell proliferation and clonogenic potential at clinically achievable serum levels. Similar effects can be achieved with metformin, however, at higher doses. Additionally, we have identified surrogate endpoints as suitable pharmacodynamic readouts by IHC analysis of the cell lines. There are precision medicine treatments for FA-associated oral carcinoma and these are feasible, based on earlier promising results we present here. We are attempting to discover new treatment methodologies for these patients, as conventional agents and radiation therapy are often unacceptable, due to the DNA fragility of the patient population. In combination, these efforts support our future goals of chemoprevention in this underserved prevention population. Citation Format: Daniel K. Swenson, Beverly R. Wuertz, Mustafa M. Ali, Gretchen M. Unger, Frank G. Ondrey. Precision medicine approaches to Fanconi anemia oral cancer personalized prevention and treatment [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 23.
A formal method for identifying distinct states of variability in time-varying sources: Sgr A* as an example

Continuously time variable sources are often characterized by their power spectral density and flux distribution. These quantities can undergo dramatic changes over time if the underlying physical processes change. However, some changes can be subtle and not distinguishable using standard statistical approaches. Here, we report a methodology that aims to identify distinct but similar states of time variability. We apply this method to the Galactic supermassive black hole, where 2.2 μm flux is observed from a source associated with Sgr A* and where two distinct states have recently been suggested. Our approach is taken from mathematical finance and works with conditional flux density distributions that depend on the previous flux value. The discrete, unobserved (hidden) state variable is modeled as a stochastic process and the transition probabilities are inferred from the flux density time series. Using the most comprehensive data set to date, in which all Keck and a majority of the publicly available Very Large Telescope data have been merged, we show that Sgr A* is sufficiently described by a single intrinsic state. However, the observed flux densities exhibit two states: noise dominated and source dominated. Our methodology reported here will prove extremely useful to assess the effects of the putative gas cloud G2 that is on its way toward the black hole and might create a new state of variability.
A Cadaveric Study on the Utility of the Levator Scapulae Motor Nerve as a Donor for Brachial Plexus Reconstruction.

Purpose The purpose of the study was to evaluate the utility of the levator scapulae motor nerve (LSN) as a donor nerve for brachial plexus nerve transfer. We hypothesized that the LSN could be transferred to the suprascapular nerve (SSN) or long thoracic nerve (LTN) with a reliable tension-free coaptation and appropriate donor-to-recipient axon count ratio. Methods Twelve brachial plexus dissections were performed on 6 adult cadavers, bilaterally. We identified the LSN, spinal accessory nerve (SAN), SSN, and LTN. Each nerve was prepared for transfer and nerve redundancies were calculated. Cross-sections of each nerve were examined histologically, and axons counted. We transferred the LSN to target first the SSN and then the LTN, in a tension-free coaptation. For reference, we transferred the distal SAN to target the SSN and LTN and compared transfer parameters. Results Three cadavers demonstrated 2 LSN branches supplying the levator scapulae. The axon count ratio of donor-to-recipient nerve was 1:4.0 (LSN:SSN) and 1:2.1 (LSN:LTN) for a single LSN branch and 1:3.0 (LSN:SSN) and 1:1.6 (LSN:LTN) when 2 LSN branches were available. Comparatively, the axon count ratio of donor-to-recipient nerve was 1:2.5 and 1:1.3 for the SAN to the SSN and the LTN, respectively. The mean redundancy from the LSN to the SSN and the LTN was 1.7 cm (SD, 3.1 cm) and 2.9 cm (SD, 2.8 cm), and the redundancy from the SAN to the SSN and the LTN was 4.5 (SD, 0.7 cm) and 0.75 cm (SD, 1.0 cm). Conclusions These data support the use of the LSN as a potential donor for direct nerve transfer to the SSN and LTN, given its adequate redundancy and size match. Clinical relevance The LSN should be considered as an alternative nerve donor source for brachial plexus reconstruction, especially in 5-level injuries with scarce donor nerves. If used in lieu of the SAN during primary nerve reconstruction, trapezius tendon transfer for improved external rotation would be enabled.
Common Cause: Using Interprofessional Team-Based Learning to Teach About Intimate Partner Violence, Child Maltreatment, and Toxic Stress

BACKGROUND: Medical schools have an “ad hoc” approach to family violence education, and physicians under-identify and under-report child maltreatment (CM). Studies suggest that social workers may also have limited knowledge regarding interventions for family violence. An effective educational intervention is therefore necessary. The growing use and effectiveness of Team-based learning (TBL) in both medical and social work education has been demonstrated in the literature. TBLs can assess the student’s ability to “know,” (knowledge acquisition) and to “know how,” (application) in a setting that is neither costly nor faculty-intensive. PROGRAM GOALS: …
Dynamic Competition and Expected Returns

We build a dynamic model that highlights two separate effects of product market competition on factor betas. Within an industry, competition increases dynamically with the underlying demand and is responsible for an inverse U-shaped relation between systematic risk and profitability. Conditional on profitability, industries with lower adjustment costs are more competitive and less risky. Our empirical approach exploits changes in oil prices to capture the dynamic effect in the oil sector and uses a measure of trade flows between economic sectors to capture the cross-industry effect. Our methodology improves on previous studies that use one-dimensional proxies such as industry concentration to measure competition.
Ivan A. Ilyin: Russia’s “Non-Hegelian” Hegelian

This chapter discusses two of Ilyin’s major philosophical works (the only two available in English translation): The Philosophy of Hegel as a Doctrine of the Concreteness of God and Humanity (1918) and The Essence of Legal Consciousness (1956). Both are placed against the background of defining events in the often-difficult circumstances of Ilyin’s life. Ilyin provided a substantial exposition, interpretation, and critique of the whole of Hegel’s philosophy. While many elements of that exposition and interpretation deserve commendation, his critique fails in fundamental respects. Ilyin was formally educated in the Faculty of Law of Moscow University (between 1901 and 1910), with special concentration on the history of philosophy and philosophy of law. The writing of his major work on legal philosophy stretched over much of his adult life, and was published only after his death. It focused on the concept of pravosoznanie (Rechtsbewusstsein in the nineteenth-century German original), loosely translatable as “legal consciousness.” The work is a passionate defense of the necessity for the rule of law in any genuine state, and a detailed account of the likely consequences in practice of any corruption of that ideal—with historical examples drawn mainly from his own lifetime.
Wetlands Protection: Regulators Need to Give Credit to Mitigation Banking

Since wetlands provide a myriad of ecology benefits, programs to protect them, as well as strategies to compensate affected parties for their loss, have evolved over the past two decades. Under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, a market-based management strategy called wetland mitigation banking requires developers to compensate for wetland loss or degradation resulting from their projects prior to developing the area. The federal government has endorsed this mitigation banking as an appropriate method to restore, create, enhance, and even preserve wetlands and thus compensate for unavoidable wetland losses. Under the compensation program, instead of requiring land developers to produce the compensatory wetland values, the developers can purchase those values from another entity that has produced and banked them for this purpose.Although these banked compensation credits are recognized as suitable compensation by the government, statistics indicate that this market-based incentive program has not produced a viable credit transfer program. The article first explains the problems with “The Nature of the Resource” by discussing wetlands valuation and describing the transition in attitudes and policies towards wetlands as a natural resource. Part II discusses the economic and ecological values of wetlands as well as valuation methods and barriers to accurate valuation. Part III then analyzes how federal regulation and administrative agencies cause most of the institutional problems in mitigation banking. Part IV addresses design problems by describing the system, the types of mitigation banks, credit measurements, among other things. Part V argues that the failures in issues discussed in Part II, Part III, and Part IV (i.e., The Nature of the Problem, Institutional Problems, and Design and Implementation) result from the government's failure to set up a mitigation banking program that "nudges" potential participants in right direction. After proposing alternative legislative language, the article concludes by asserting that while mitigation banking has gained some participation over the past decade, it cannot succeed without better efforts on the part of the national government to establish a viable credit program.
Inferring the topology and traffic load of parallel programs running in a virtual machine environment

We are developing a distributed computing environment based on virtual machines featuring application monitoring, network monitoring, and an adaptive virtual network. In this paper, we describe our initial results in monitoring the communication traffic of parallel applications, and inferring its spatial communication properties. The ultimate goal is to be able to exploit such knowledge to maximize the parallel efficiency of the running parallel application by using VM migration, virtual overlay network configuration and network reservation techniques, which are a part of the distributed computing environment. Specifically, we demonstrate that: (1) we can monitor the parallel application network traffic in our layer 2 virtual network system with very low overhead, (2) we can aggregate the monitoring information captured on each host machine to form a global picture of the parallel application's traffic load matrix, and (3) we can infer from the traffic load matrix the application topology. In earlier work, we have demonstrated that we can capture the time dynamics of the applications. We begin here by considering offline traffic monitoring and inference as a proof of concept, testing it with a variety of synthetic and actual workloads. Next, we describe the design and implementation of our online system, the Virtual Topology and Traffic Inference Framework (VTTIF), and evaluate it using a NAS benchmark.
Seasonal Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia

A seasonal variation in the incidence of neonatal nonhemolytic, unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia has been observed in a small, predominantly agricultural community. A total of 3,096 records, representing all newborns delivered during a 4-year period (1963-1966) in one local hospital and during an overlapping 3-year period (1964-1966) in another, were reviewed. A case was defined as an infant whose highest recorded unconjugated bilirubin level reached 10 mg/100 ml during the first days of life. Infants with clear-cut hemolytic disease of the newborn were excluded from consideration. One hundred seventy cases were identifled. In one hospital, an excess of cases occurred during the fourth quarter of each of the 4 years reviewed. A similar trend was apparent in the second hospital during 2 of the 3 years reviewed. The cause of this systematic fluctuation is unclear. Insofar as possible, factors commonly associated with neonatal hyperbilirubinemia were excluded. During the peak incidence penods, a surplus of cases among infants fed with tap water-containing formula was noted.
Requirement analysis of the portal site serving distributed climate data for e-science

The growth of grid computing facilitates the discovery of scientifically meaningful findings from the result of computational simulations by providing enormous amount of computing power and huge volume of storage area. As the computer technology advances, the relative portion of the time required for preparing and analyzing the result of the calculation increases because the complexity of the problem to be solved by grid computing also increases. In order to provide transparent and flexible interface to various groups of users who have different objectives, multi-layer design is applied for developing data portal for climate data. This paper presents three-layer model with four user groups which represents student, teacher, researcher, and administrator. The functionalities for job submission, post-processing, data management, content management are distributed into three different layers of complexity which is categorized as basic, intermediate, and advanced.
Simulation of liquid rocket engine failure propagation using self-evolving scenarios

Traditional probabilistic risk assessment approaches often require failure scenarios to be explicitly defined through event sequences that are then quantified as part of the integrated analysis. This approach becomes difficult when failure propagation paths change as a function of the system state and Mission Elapsed Time (MET). Additionally, if the propagation paths represent interactions among even a modest number of components, the number of possible scenarios becomes combinatorially intractable. This paper presents an alternate approach for quantifying failure propagation probabilities in such a case. Rather than explicitly defining scenario sequences, simple physical models are created for each of the components. In this way, only the physical states and rules of component interactions must be defined, rather than event sequences for each individual scenario. Initiating failures are introduced into the system (either randomly or as defined by relative likelihood) and the failures cascade through the system via the interaction rules. This process is repeated using Monte Carlo methods, allowing the most probable scenarios to “self-evolve” in terms of both sequence path and frequency. This approach was applied to failures occurring in the engine compartment of a space launch vehicle with four liquid rocket engines and four high-pressure helium tanks. Each engine was modeled with key components, such as turbomachinery, combustion chamber, propellant lines, and add itional support systems. Three test cases were conducted with different high-energy engine failure initiators. End results of interest include loss of only a single additional engine and tank burst, which represent the loss-of-mission (LOM) and loss-of-crew (LOC) end states, respectively. We show that most scenario outcomes are unique and that many scenarios involve complex chain reactions that are difficult to predict, let alone enumerate. This demonstrates the importance of the modeling approach in capturing the majority of the involved risk, which can be used to assess the overall risks to the crew during a launch vehicle abort.
Earnings management under pension accounting standards: SFAS 87 versus APB 8

This study presents evidence indicating a greater influence of accounting incentives on reported pension cost under the current pension accounting standard, Statement of Financial Accounting Standards Number 87 (SFAS 87), relative to the preceding standard, Accounting Principles Board Opinion Number 8 (APB 8). Accounting incentives refer to managerial incentives arising from income smoothing and contractual arrangements that use accounting numbers. This study uses the difference between the income reported under SFAS 87 and APB 8 in the adoption year as a measure that incorporates the difference between the discretionary components of pension cost under the two regimes and shows that this difference is associated with proxies for managers' accounting incentives.This finding has important implications for accounting regulatory agencies. Even though SFAS 87 appears to have been successful in moving pension accounting away from cash basis and toward accrual basis, the increased influence of accounting incent...
Critical Mach numbers in classical magnetohydrodynamics

Stationary point analysis is used to compute generalized critical Mach numbers for finite-amplitude fast and slow shocks in classical MHD fluids. Particular attention is paid to the case where the resistive and thermal conduction dissipation scale lengths are comparable and much larger than the viscous scale lengths. With both resistivity and thermal conduction, the critical Mach number at which viscosity must be invoked is determined by the condition that the downstream flow speed equals the isothermal sound speed. It is also shown that resistivity and thermal conduction can provide convergent stationary point solutions for nearly all slow shocks, except perhaps switch-off-shocks.
Studies of Beam Behavior in the Energy Region of 50-400 MeV with the Brookhaven Alternating Gradient Synchrotron

The "fast kicker" of the Brookhaven National Laboratory's AGS, normally used for orbit perturbation at high energy as part of the fast ejected beam system is used to eject the circulating proton beam in the energy region of 50-400 MeV. Beam behavior in the early part of the acceleration cycle is studied by measuring the ejected beam vertical phase space emittance and density distribution. Effective phase space dilution and beam intensity dependent effects have been observed. The observed distributions are consistent with a four or six dimensional gaussian distribution.
Effects of repeated stress on plasma arginine levels in young and old rats

The effect of age and recurring stress responses on endogenous plasma arginine (ARG) concentrations were determined. Blood from catheterized young (3 months) and old (24 months) were used to ascertain the plasma concentrations of ARG under baseline conditions, during a 30-min immobilization experience and during a 3.5 h poststress period. Rats were again immobilized and blood drawn following a 1 day rest period (day 3) and then after an additional 3 day rest period (day 7). For young animals, ARG levels decrease significantly after 30 min of stress and remain suppressed during the entire poststress period (3.5 h). After a 1 day rest period, these young rats may have exhibited adaptation to stress on day 3. Old animals showed little or no reduction in plasma ARG concentrations during and after immobilization stress exposure on all three occasions. Baseline levels of old animals were lower in comparison to young animals and their stress responses were smaller. Thus, it is possible that significant changes in plasma ARG levels (as the nitric oxide precursor) during or after stress could serve as an indicator of impending pathology such as cardiovascular disease or immunocompetency.
U.S. Fisheries Management and Economic Analysis: Implications of the Alaskan Groundfish Controversy

Fisheries management under the Magnuson Fisheries Conservation and Management Act (MFCMA) has focused on treating symptoms of open-access inefficiency (e.g., overharvesting and overcapitalization) with little regard for economic efficiency objectives (Huppert). While the seven national standards under Section 301 of the Act include "promoting efficiency" (standard 5) and "minimizing costs" (standard 7), the same standards preclude economic allocation as the sole purpose of management. Cost-benefit analysis of fishery management alternatives has been required since 1981 under Executive Order No. 12291 and National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) guidelines for regulatory impact reviews (RIR). The record, however, on conducting cost-benefit analyses is mixed and, in practice, there have been few examples where cost-benefit studies played an important role in decisionmaking. Recently the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) rejected part of an Alaskan groundfish management plan by the North Pacific Fisheries Management Council (NPFMC) because "the disapproved measures would violate national standard 7 and Executive Order 12291" (U.S. DOC). In addition, an internal audit by the DOC recommended rejection of the entire plan because documentation supporting the plan "did not include an appropriate benefit-cost analysis" (Office of the Inspector General (OIG)). In this article I review the events and actions leading to rejection of the NPFMC plan and the reasons why the economic analysis was a pivotal issue. I then consider some technical issues related to
Effect of site of venous protamine administration, previously alleged risk factors, and preoperative use of aspirin on acute protamine-induced pulmonary vasoconstriction

Abstract Objective: To determine whether the incidence of protamine-induced pulmonary vasoconstriction (PIPV) is influenced by central venous versus peripheral venous infusion of protamine and whether aspirin ingestion within a week of surgery would decrease the incidence of PIPV. Design: Single-institution, prospective, observational, randomized trial. Setting: University teaching hospital. Participants: One thousand four hundred ninety-seven consecutive patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass procedures. Intervention: Protamine neutralization of heparin by infusion pump via either central venous or peripheral venous route. Measurements and Main Results: Five previously suspected risk factors (valve surgery, prior protamine exposure, history of pulmonary hypertension, fish allergy, and vasectomy), aspirin ingestion within 7 days of surgery, and demographic information were recorded. PIPV was defined as an abrupt increase in mean PA pressure of 7 mmHg or more with associated right ventricular dysfunction as assessed by observation of the right ventricle in the field and regional wall motion abnormality by transesophageal echocardiogram and hypotension (systolic blood pressure ≤ 90 mmHg). Data were collected via continuous strip chart recording. A total of 10 patients (0.6%) developed PIPV during protamine infusion. The incidents were similar with respect to the site of venous administration. Prior exposure to protamine was associated with a greater incidence of PIPV (odds ratio 6.9; p Conclusions: Although the site of venous protamine administration does not influence incidence of PIPV, aspirin ingestion within 1 week of surgery may decrease it. These data also confirmed other studies suggesting that previous protamine administration predisposes to this protamine reaction.
Comparison of conjugation strategies of cross-bridged macrocyclic chelators with cetuximab for copper-64 radiolabeling and PET imaging of EGFR in colorectal tumor-bearing mice.

Epidermal growth-factor receptor (EGFR) is overexpressed in a wide variety of solid tumors and has served as a well-characterized target for cancer imaging and therapy. Cetuximab was the first mAb targeting EGFR approved by the FDA for the treatment of metastatic colorectal and head and neck cancers. Previous studies showed that 64Cu (T1/2 = 12.7 h; β+ (17.4%)) labeled DOTA–cetuximab showed promise for PET imaging of EGFR-positive tumors; however the in vivo stability of this compound has been questioned. In this study, two recently developed cross-bridged macrocyclic chelators (CB-TE1A1P and CB-TE1K1P) were conjugated to cetuximab using standard NHS coupling procedures and/or strain-promoted azide–alkyne cycloaddition (SPAAC) methodologies. The radiolabeling and in vitro/vivo evaluation of the resulting cetuximab conjugates were compared. Improved Cu-64 labeling efficiency and high specific activity (684 kBq/μg, decay corrected to the end of bombardment) were obtained with the CB-TE1K1P-PEG4-click-cetuxi...
COMMUNITY GENETICS AND COMMUNITY SELECTION

These two papers under discussion (Neuhauser et al. 2003, Whitham et al. 2003) use James Collins' term "community genetics" (Antonovics 1992) to cover a diversity of topics, some new, some old, but worth revisiting or with a new twist. We will attempt to identify the major themes and add yet another important meaning to the idea of "community genetics." The focus of Neuhauser et al. (2003) is to show that genetic evolution is a rapid process that takes place on ecological time scales, especially in non-equilibrium systems. Moreover, genetic evolution in a single species can be highly influenced by other species in the community, which means that population genetics and community ecology must be studied in conjunction with each other. The effects of species interactions on intraspecific evolution are sufficiently complex that they can result in a mosaic of outcomes over space. Although these points are relevant to evolution in all communities, some of the best examples come from human-influenced communities, which tend to be highly non-equilibrium. The main point of Whitham et al. (2003) is to show that single species are genetically diverse, with important consequences for community and ecosystem processes. The emphasis is not on rapid evolutionary change, as in Neuhauser et al. (2003), but on genetic diversity that is maintained over time in a rough equilibrium. The message is that community and ecosystem ecologists frequently assume that species are homogenous units and that ecological diversity exists only between species. Once we appreciate that ecological diversity also exists within species, the need to combine population genetics, community ecology, and ecosystem ecology becomes apparent. As invoked by Whitham et al. (2003), the concept of an "extended phenotype" is similar, if not identical to, the concept of indirect effects that has already been emphasized as important in community ecology (Wootton 1994, Miller and Travis 1996). The example of the parasitic relationship between mistletoe and junipers made mutualistic by the inclusion of seed-dispersing birds, and the general conclusion that "scaling up stud-
Effect of Impurity Doping on the Morphology of Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate Crystals

Pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) is a very powerful explosive and is generally used in initiators. Changes in the morphology and surface area of aging powders are observed during long term storage, due to coarsening mechanisms (e.g., Ostwald ripening, sintering, sublimation, etc.) These changes in powder properties modify the initiation ability and performance. Various stabilization techniques have been investigated to minimize coarsening in PETN powders. In this report we present our study of changes in morphology between the pure PETN and PETN doped with the ions of iron, calcium, sodium, and zinc. We also carried out studies on the effect of annealing on the morphology of these crystals at the macroscopic and microscopic levels to determine how the different ions modify the crystal.
Conversion of proteins to diazeniumdiolate-based nitric oxide donors.

Michael reaction of the methoxymethyl-protected monodiazeniumdiolate of piperazine (MOM-PIPERAZI/NO) with 4-maleimidobutyric acid followed by its conversion to the N-hydroxy-succinimido ester produ...
Use of Panitumumab-IRDye800 to Image Microscopic Head and Neck Cancer in an Orthotopic Surgical Model

Background Fluorescence imaging hardware (SPY) has recently been developed for intraoperative assessment of blood flow via detection of probes emitting in the near-infrared (NIR) spectrum. This study sought to determine if this imaging system was capable of detecting micrometastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) in preclinical models.
Analytical methods to determine residual cypermethrin and its major acid metabolites in bovine milk and tissues

Several analytical methods were developed to determine cypermethrin and its acid metabolite residues in bovine milk, cream, kidney, liver, muscle, and fat samples. These methods used solvent extraction or acid reflux, liquid−liquid and/or solid phase extraction, with or without chemical derivatization, and quantitation by gas chromatograph with electron capture or mass selective detector. The LOQ and LOD for milk were set at 10 and 2 ppb, respectively. The average method recoveries for cypermethrin, cis-DCVA, trans-DCVA, and m-PBA in cow milk were 81% (n = 39), 96% (n = 22), 99% (n = 22), and 106% (n = 22), respectively. For bovine tissues and cream samples, the LOQ and LOD were 50 and 10 ppb, respectively. The overall average method recoveries for cypermethrin, cis-DCVA, trans-DCVA, and m-PBA in cream and tissue samples were 92% (n = 27), 97% (n = 25), 103% (n = 25), and 98% (n = 25), respectively. Satisfactory recoveries were also obtained with higher fortification levels for milk and fat samples. Keywo...
Subglossopalatal Synechia in Association With Cardiac and Digital Anomalies

A 1-day-old boy in respiratory distress had a midline soft tissue band between the floor of the mouth and the posterior edge of the hard palate. There was also a soft palatal cleft, cardiac anomalies, and a hypoplastic right fifth finger and toe. Although his airway initially improved following urgent excision of the subglossopalatal band, he continued to have episodic desaturations. A tongue-lip adhesion opened his airway, and he subsequently underwent resection of juxtaductal aortic coarctation and ligation of patent ductus arteriosus and left superior vena cava. Congenital oral synechiae are uncommon. Affected infants often require prompt intervention secondary to respiratory distress and feeding difficulty. Review of the literature indicates that midline subglossopalatal synechia with cardiac and digital anomalies may be in the oromandibular-limb hypogenesis spectrum.
De Gaulle Between Grain and Grandeur: The Political Economy of French EC Policy, 1958–1970 (Part 1)

The thousands of books and articles on President Charles de Gaulle's policy toward European integration all accord primary explanatory importance to his distinctive geopolitical ideology. These analyses place secondary significance, if any at all, on commercial considerations. This two-part article seeks to revise that historiographical consensus by examining the four major decisions toward European integration taken by France during de Gaulle's presidency: to remain in the Common Market and promote the Common Agricultural Policy, to propose the Fouchet Plan in the early 1960s, to veto British accession to the European Economic Community, and to provoke the “empty chair” crisis in 1965–1966. The first two decisions are discussed here, and the other two are covered in Part 2. For each case, the overwhelming bulk of the evidence confirms that the interests pursued by de Gaulle were more commercial than geopolitical.
A PHOTOIONIZATION STUDY OF THE HYDROPEROXYL RADICAL, HO2, AND HYDROGEN PEROXIDE, H2O2

Abstract Hydrogen peroxide and the hydroperoxyl radical have been studied by photoionization mass spectrometry. The radical has been produced in situ from H 2 O 2 by hydrogen abstraction with fluorine atoms produced in a microwave discharge. The adiabatic ionization energy of the hydroperoxyl radical has been measured as IE(HO 2 )=11.352±0.007 eV, while that of hydrogen peroxide has been determined to be IE(H 2 O 2 )=10.631±0.007 eV. The OH + and HO 2 + fragments from H 2 O 2 were also measured and their threshold behavior was analyzed in terms of model functions. The 0 K appearance energy of the HO 2 + fragment was determined to be AE 0 (HO 2 + /H 2 O 2 )=15.112±0.035 eV. From these values, the O–H bond dissociation energy in hydrogen peroxide of D 0 (H–OOH)=86.7±0.8 kcal mol −1 (87.9±0.8 kcal mol −1 at 298 K) was determined, yielding the enthalpy of formation of the hydroperoxyl radical of Δ H f 0 ⊖ (HO 2 )=4.0±0.8 kcal mol −1 (3.3±0.8 kcal mol −1 at 298 K), and also implying the proton affinity of oxygen of PA(O 2 )=100.6±0.8 kcal mol −1 and the enthalpy of deprotonation of hydrogen peroxide of Δ H acid 298 ⊖ (H 2 O 2 )=376.4±0.8 kcal mol −1 .
18O labeling over a coffee break: a rapid strategy for quantitative proteomics.

Proteomics-based quantification methods for differential protein expression measurements are among the most important and challenging techniques in the field of mass spectrometry. Though numerous quantification methods have been established, no method meets all the demands for measuring accurate protein expression levels. Of the various relative quantification methods by isotopic labeling, 18O labeling method has been shown to be simple, specific, cost-effective and applicable to a wide range of analyses. However, some researchers refrain from using the method due to long incubation periods required during the labeling process. To address this problem, we demonstrate a method by which the labeling procedure can be completed in 15 min. We digested and labeled samples using immobilized trypsin on micro-spin columns to speed up the enzyme-mediated oxygen substitution, thereby completing the labeling process within 15 min with high labeling efficiency. We demonstrate the efficiency and accuracy of the method ...
Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament in evolution in 12 patients

Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) in evolution (OEV), an early form of OPLL, was newly discovered in 12 of 43 (28%) patients who had OPLL and underwent operations from 1989-1992. Magnetic resonance imaging and CT studies of OEV patients who were younger, in their mid-forties, and had less severe spastic myeloradiculopathy, showed hypertrophied posterior longitudinal ligaments containing punctate ossification at disc spaces and contiguous endplates, with occasional extension behind vertebral bodies. However, both location and neuroradiologic appearance allowed OEV to be confused readily with disc or spondylotic disease. Only heightened awareness of the clinical and radiographic findings of OEV allowed the correct diagnosis. The appropriately extended anterior discectomies or corpectomies with fusions contributed to better outcomes.
SU-FF-T-249: Fractionated Grid Therapy in Treating Cervical Cancers

Purpose: To evaluate the potential therapeutic advantage of external beam grid therapy in treating cervical cancer in comparison of conventional open field radiotherapy.Method and Materials: A Monte Carlo technique was employed to calculate 2‐dimensinal dose distribution of a commercially available grid, and the linear‐quadratic (LQ) model was applied to study the therapeutic advantage of using grid therapy for treating cervical cancers. A list of cervical cancer cell lines with known LQ parameters were used to calculate the radiotherapy response. Acutely responding normal muscle with α/β value of 3.1 Gy was used to evaluate the outcomes of between the open and grid field irradiations. The normal muscle tissue with three different sensitivities was assumed according to their response to a 2Gy open field. The therapeutic ratio based on sparing normal cells has been defined and calculated. The treatment regimens with 2Gy per fraction and 5 to 20 fractions were used in the calculations. Results: The survival fractions of normal tissues as well as tumor cells in the open and grid field are calculated. An appreciable therapeutic advantage has been demonstrated. Therapeutic ratio up to 9.5 for radio‐sensitive normal muscles was found. However, the radio‐resistant muscle does not show apparent advantage benefiting from the grid therapy. The results of data analysis showed that the therapeutic outcome depends not only on the single value α/β, but also on the individual α and β values of both the tumor and normal tissue cells. Conclusion:Monte Carlo technique was proven to be able to provide the dosimetric characteristics for grid therapy. The grid therapy in this study was found to be advantageous for treating the acutely responding cervical tumors (α/β>6), but not for slow responding ones (α/β⩽6). The acutely responding tumors and radio‐sensitive normal tissues are more suitable for using the grid therapy.
Property owner beliefs and goals related to shoreline maintenance behaviors

AbstractAmato MS, Shaw BR, Haack J, Moore CF. 2015. Property owner beliefs and goals related to shoreline maintenance behaviors. Lake Reserv Manage. 31:44–49.Individual differences in shoreline maintenance behaviors are likely partially attributable to individual differences in relevant beliefs and goals. Lake property owners can help reduce the impact of development by maintaining a vegetated buffer on their shoreline, as opposed to grooming an expansive manicured lawn. A survey mailed to residential lake property owners in Wisconsin (n returned = 155, response rate = 64%) measured lake-specific beliefs and goals and self-reported frequency of engaging in 4 behaviors counterproductive to shoreline health. Analysis revealed those counterproductive behaviors were negatively associated with endorsement of biospheric beliefs and positively associated with stated relevance of human usage goals (p < 0.01 for all). Recommendations for lake managers and environmental educators, particularly the importance of aes...