cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
LADA: Time for a New Definition

In this issue of Diabetes , Zhou et al. (1) report on the prevalence and characteristics of latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) in China. Findings from this study underscore the profound need for a new definition of LADA. LADA, a slowly progressive form of autoimmune diabetes that develops in adults and does not require insulin therapy for some time after diagnosis, was first described over 25 years ago (2). Subsequently, clinical, metabolic, immunological, and genetic characteristics that are unique to LADA have been identified (3–6). For example, relative to patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D), those with LADA are more likely to be obese and have other elements of the metabolic syndrome. They are also more likely to retain greater β-cell function, express a single autoantibody (particularly GAD65) and certain GAD65 epitopes (7), and carry the transcription factor 7-like 2 ( TCF7L2 ) gene polymorphism, which is strongly associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D) (8). However, the rationale for the strict criteria that are most often used to define LADA, including age >30 years at diagnosis and insulin independence for at least 6 months after diagnosis (5), have been questioned repeatedly (9–13). Furthermore, there is substantial heterogeneity in LADA, with some cases closely resembling T1D (e.g., low BMI, association with other autoimmune diseases), and others that share many features with T2D (14–16). Many authors and clinicians question …
Workplace bullying prevention: a critical discourse analysis

Aim The aim of this study was to analyse the discourses of workplace bullying prevention of hospital nursing unit managers and in the official documents of the organizations where they worked. Background Workplace bullying can be a self-perpetuating problem in nursing units. As such, efforts to prevent this behaviour may be more effective than efforts to stop ongoing bullying. There is limited research on how healthcare organizations characterize their efforts to prevent workplace bullying. Design This was a qualitative study. Method Critical discourse analysis and Foucault's writings on governmentality and discipline were used to analyse data from interviews with hospital nursing unit managers (n = 15) and organizational documents (n = 22). Data were collected in 2012. Findings The discourse of workplace bullying prevention centred around three themes: prevention of workplace bullying through managerial presence, normalizing behaviours and controlling behaviours. All three are individual level discourses of workplace bullying prevention. Conclusion Current research indicates that workplace bullying is a complex issue with antecedents at the individual, departmental and organizational level. However, the discourse of the participants in this study only focused on prevention of bullying by moulding the behaviours of individuals. The effective prevention of workplace bullying will require departmental and organizational initiatives. Leaders in all types of organizations can use the results of this study to examine their organizations’ discourses of workplace bullying prevention to determine where change is needed.
Management Earnings Forecast And Earnings Management: Does Prior-Period Forecast Accuracy Play A Role?

This study aims at examining 1) whether the market reacts differently in response to the same news, but based on different levels of accuracy from prior earnings forecasts; 2) whether managers tend to maintain or change their reputations for being optimistic or pessimistic in their forecasts; and 3) whether managers manage current earnings numbers in order to maintain or change their reputations for optimistic or pessimistic forecasting. Based on t-tests and the Wilcoxon rank-signed test, it was discovered that the market reacts more positively (negatively) on good (bad) news with a pessimistic (optimistic) prior earnings forecast. Further, when a firm is pessimistic in its forecasts, it tends to stay pessimistic, but when a firm has a reputation for optimistic forecasts, it does not appear to change that reputation. A firm with an optimistic prior forecast is more likely to manage earnings upwards by influencing one of the following: increasing total accruals, boosting inventory levels, or lowering discretionary expenses.
Hypercapnic Arousal Responses in Prader-Willi Syndrome

Study objective Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is characterized by a number of abnormalities of hypothalamic function, such as hyperphagia, short stature, temperature instability, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, and neurosecretory growth hormone deficiency. Patients with PWS are reported to have sleep-disordered breathing and have blunted hypercapnic ventilatory responses secondary to abnormal peripheral chemoreceptor function. Thus, we hypothesized that hypercapnic arousal responses would be abnormal in PWS. Design Hypercapnic arousal responses were tested in ten nonobese children and adults with PWS, aged 17.7±2.5 (SEM) years, 70% female, and nine control subjects, aged 14.2±2.6 years, 67% female. Hypercapnic challenges were performed during stage 3/4 nonrapid eye movement sleep. Results The PWS subjects had a significantly higher arousal threshold to hypercapnia compared with the controls (53± 1.0 vs 46±1.7 mm Hg; p 2 levels (42±0.8 vs 38±1.1 mm Hg; p Conclusions Elevated hypercapnic arousal thresholds during sleep are found in PWS subjects; these may be a manifestation of abnormal peripheral chemoreceptor function and may further contribute to sleep-disordered breathing in PWS patients.
Components of fast and slow axonal transport in the goldfish optic nerve

The composition of the fast and slow components of axonal transport in the goldfish optic nerve was investigated, using specific radioactive precursors injected into the eye. Tritiated glucosamine and fucose label macromolecules, presumably glycoproteins, which are rapidly transported from the eye to the optic tectum. Material labeled with these precursors is not evident in the slowly transported component. Glucosamine and fucose incorporation are blocked when a protein synthesis inhibitor, acetoxycycloheximide, is injected into the eye concurrently with the precursors. As well as labeling macromolecules, 3H-glucosamine and 3H-N-acetylmannosamine ( a precursor of sialic acids) also label rapidly-transported chloroform-methanol-extractable material which may contain transported glycolipids. Two procedures were used to show that the slow component of axonal transport contains tubulin, a protein characteristic of the microtubules: (a) Tracer doses of tritiated colchicine injected into the eye label a wave of radioactivity which moves 0.5 mm/day, the rate of slow axonal transport in the goldfish optic nerve. We believe this wave represents the movement of colchicine which is bound to colchicine-binding protein moving in the slow component of axonal transport. (b) Tritiated proline labels a slowly transported protein which is precipitated by vinblastine and has a mobility on polyacrylamide gels comparable to authentic tubulin. These results indicate that the fast and slow components of axonal transport each provide specific chemical substances to the nerve endings.
Can We Measure Parton Parton Cross-Sections?

Multiple-core production in hadron-hadron collisions directly measures (in the context of the parton model) differential cross sections for parton-parton collisions. To obtain \ensuremath{\sim}20% accuracy in reconstruction of the parton-parton kinematics requires transverse momentum of the cores \ensuremath{\gtrsim} 5 GeV/c. Experiments at NAL as well as the CERN ISR appear feasible. What might be learned from such studies is discussed.
Using Spiritually Modified Cognitive–Behavioral Therapy in Substance Dependence Treatment: Therapists’ and Clients’ Perceptions of the Presumed Benefits and Limitations

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) that has been modified to incorporate clients' spiritual beliefs and practices has been used to treat a variety of problems. This study examines the utility of this modality with the treatment of alcohol dependence and other forms of substance abuse. Toward this end, six focus groups (three therapist groups and three client groups) were conducted to identify the presumed benefits and limitations of using spiritually modified CBT in substance dependence treatment. In terms of benefits, spiritually modified CBT was perceived to enhance outcomes through operationalizing horizontal and vertical sources of social support, divine coping resources, and spiritual motivation. Potential challenges include the risk of therapists inadvertently imposing their own beliefs during the modification process and the possibility of offending clients when conflicts in belief systems emerge, particularly in group setting. The article concludes by providing suggestions for incorporating spiritually modified CBT into treatment and develops a number of illustrative examples of spiritually modified CBT self-statements.
Religious Practice and Spirituality in the Psychological Adjustment of Survivors of Breast Cancer

Religion and spirituality are resources regularly used by patients with cancer coping with diagnosis and treatment, yet there is little research that examines these factors separately. This study investigated the relationships between religious practice and spirituality and quality of life (QoL) and stress in survivors of breast cancer. The sample included 130 women assessed 2 years following diagnosis. Using hierarchical multiple regression analysis, the authors found that spiritual well-being was significantly associated with QoL and traumatic stress, whereas religious practice was not significantly associated with these variables. The results suggest that it may be helpful for clinicians to address spirituality, in particular with survivors of breast cancer.
Ambiguity-directed sampling for qualitative analysis of sparse data from spatially-distributed physical systems

A number of important scientific and engineering applications, such as fluid dynamics simulation and aircraft design, require analysis of spatially-distributed data from expensive experiments and complex simulations. In such data-scarce applications, it is advantageous to use models of given sparse data to identify promising regions for additional data collection. This paper presents a principled mechanism for applying domain-specific knowledge to design focused sampling strategies. In particular, our approach uses ambiguities identified in a multi-level qualitative analysis of sparse data to guide iterative data collection. Two case studies demonstrate that this approach leads to highly effective sampling decisions that are also explainable in terms of problem structures and domain knowledge.
An Analysis of Defect Detection for Weighted Random Patterns Generated with Observation/Excitation-Aware Partial Fault Targeting

Fortuitous detection increases with multiple site observations and good excitation balance. However, this increases test data volume. The authors investigate weighted random patterns generated with partial fault targeting and show that they may be equally or more effective at fortuitous detection than an ATPG set with the same minimal site observations.
Dystroglycan in the diagnosis of FSGS.

Background and objectives: α- and β-dystroglycan (DG), which link the actin cytoskeleton of the podocyte to the glomerular basement membrane, are maintained in FSGS but decreased in minimal change disease (MCD). Fibrosis has been linked to increased fibroblast-specific protein-1 (FSP1) and epithelial–mesenchymal transition. We studied DG, FSP1, and podocyte differentiation in FSGS variants and cases of suspected FSGS. Design, setting, participants, & measurements: We studied renal biopsies with FSGS, not otherwise specified (NOS), tip lesion, or collapsing variants (COLL), versus secondary FSGS or cases without segmental sclerotic lesions where a diagnosis of MCD versus FSGS could not be established (undefined [UNDEF]) and compared the expression of DG, FSP1, and podocyte Wilms9 tumor antigen (WT1). Results: WT1 is markedly decreased in NOS versus normal and correlates with the extent of sclerosis. α- and β-DG are maintained in most primary and secondary FSGS cases. In contrast, α-DG is significantly decreased in UNDEF, supporting a diagnosis of MCD. Furthermore, follow-up shows remission or decreased proteinuria in four of six of these UNDEF cases in response to therapy. Interstitial FSP1 is numerically highest in COLL but is only rarely found in tubules or podocytes in any other forms of FSGS. Conclusions: We conclude that increased FSP1 may be a marker of the aggressive course of collapsing FSGS. Furthermore, DG staining is a useful adjunct to assist in distinction of FSGS versus MCD in biopsies without defining lesions.
Operation of a coherent ensemble of five diode lasers in an external cavity

A theoretical analysis of the coherent external cavity semiconductor laser ensemble is presented. The theoretical analysis lends insight to the limits of stability of the coherent ensemble for different spatial filter designs and indicates differences in operating behavior expected for different current drives to the gain elements. The theoretical analysis obtained from considerations of both spectral control and stability predicts an experimental observation that spatial filter duty cycles of 30-40% optimize system behavior. The measurements demonstrate the effects on both the intensity and spectrum of the laser output that results from changing the DC and pulse drive currents to the elements in the array. With current pulses applied to only two of the elements, single-spectral-mode pulse output is possible with a linewidth of less than 7.5 MHz. Approximately 100% modulation depth pulses in a single spectral mode are reported, with measured linewidths of approximately 9 MHz compared to the 7.5 MHz instrument resolution. >
Associative processing with CAMs

Explores the interpretations and applications of associative processing with the MUSIC MU9C1640 CacheCAM. Although its most obvious use is as a storage and search engine for sparsely populated databases of long words, it is actually the engine for associative processing or data dependent applications. Since this guide requires one to take a somewhat different perspective-that of associative processing rather than sequential processing-its intent is to energize the imagination of designers in the understanding and use of CAM hardware by the use of illustrative application examples, as the potential uses are limited only by the designer's creativity.
Laboratory study to assess causative factors affecting temporal changes in filtering facepiece respirator fit: part I - pilot study.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health is conducting a first-of-its-kind study that will assess respirator fit and facial dimension changes as a function of time and improve the scientific basis for decisions on the periodicity of fit testing. A representative sample of 220 subjects wearing filtering-facepiece respirators (FFR) will be evaluated to investigate factors that affect changes in respirator fit over time. The objective of this pilot study (n = 10) was to investigate the variation in fit test data collected in accordance with the study protocol. Inward leakage (IL) and filter penetration were measured for each donned respirator, permitting the calculation of face seal leakage (FSL) and fit factor (FF). The study included only subjects who (a) passed one of the first three fit tests (FF ≥ 100), and (b) demonstrated through a series of nine donnings that they achieved adequate fit (90th percentile FSL was ≤ 0.05). Following the respirator fit tests, 3-D scans of subjects were ca...
Flux of larval fish around Cape Hatteras

Convergence of shelf water flows from the Middle and South Atlantic Bights (MAB and SAB) upon Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, presents a potential barrier to the exchange of fish larvae between bights. Impinging water often turns northeastward with the Gulf Stream, and larvae of both cool temperate and warm temperate/subtropical shelf fishes suffer expatriation. Transient oceanographic features exist, however, facilitating shelf retention, cross-bight exchange, and return of expatriated larvae. The impact of these features is mitigated by specific distribution with relation to hydrography, resulting in a selective permeability of this barrier. Dynamic oceanography may result in dynamic recruitment success. We measured the springtime (1996) flux of seven larval fish species assemblages across the confluence by coupling measured water mass/depth specific larval fish concentration with water mass transport values obtained from an extensive moored instrument survey. Strong flows of shallow shelf water from the MAB to the SAB dominated transport of MABspawned larvae even for groups with highest concentrations in waters without strong net flows. Most of these larvae passed from the MAB or the open sea into the study region shelf and from there into the SAB. Net flow of SAB water into the convergence retained SAB-affiliated larvae arriving from the south, but nearshore MAB flows transported low numbers from the MAB to the SAB. The importance of this is tied to the unknown point of introduction of these SAB larvae to MAB waters (e.g., well north of the confluence), but northward exchange of SAB-spawned fish was always prevented along the southern MAB shelf.
Virtual Hallyu: Korean Cinema of the Global Era

In the winter of 2011 in Singapore, a group of young female students approached me and asked if they could take a picture with me. When asked why, they answered, ‘Because you are Korean. We like Ko...
Thermal Considerations in the Design of Concrete Shields

The behavior and properties of concrete structures for shielding atomic power plants are discussed briefly. Methods are presented for estimating thermal effects associated with linear and non-linear distributions of temperature, nuclear heating, and shield cooling. These data and procedures are subsequently used for analyzing several design problems and thermal criteria.
Optimization of gene transfer into intestinal epithelial cells using a retroviral vector.

Summary Somatic gene therapy has been proposed as a method of treating various metabolic diseases and conditions associated with a deficiency in secretory proteins. The intestine, because of its accessibility, large size, rapid rate of cell turnover, and known location of stem cells, is an attractive site for retro viral gene therapy. Stem cells in the intestine are known to reside in the crypts of Lieberkuhn. In this study the IEC-6 cell line, derived from rat intestinal crypt cells, was used as an in vitro model to study the feasibility and dynamics of retroviral gene transfer in intestinal cells. Using a replication-deficient retrovirus, we delivered a reporter gene, bacterial β-galactosidase (β-gal) into NIH-3T3 fibroblasts and IEC-6 cells. Successful transduction was measured by X-gal histochemistry. Viral titers on IEC-6 cells were lower than on NIH-3T3 cells but were within the same order of magnitude. Gene transfer increased linearly with retroviral concentration up to a 1:5 dilution of retroviral supernatant. With undiluted viral medium, gene transfer was inhibited and this effect was more pronounced with the IEC-6 cells. The negative effect of the undiluted retroviral supernatant was minimized by decreasing the harvest time from the packaging cell line. An optimal plating density 12 h prior to infection was found to be approximately 105 cells/6-cm dish in both cell lines. The infection rate was proportionally enhanced by the use of multiple infections. In conclusion, under ideal conditions, the IEC-6 cells were infected at similar levels of efficiency as NIH-3T3 cells. The conditions established should be helpful in devising strategies for gene transfer into intestinal epithelium using retroviral vectors.
Damage to Ornamental Trees and Shrubs Resulting from Oviposition by Periodical Cicada

Oviposition by brood X periodical cicadas, Magicicada septendecim (L.), in woody ornamentals in 1953 and 1970 occurred in 69 of 84 species and cultivars. Current season wilting and death of branches resulted from oviposition wounds in 24 of the 69 species. Physiological effects the same year included sharply curved branches due to greater growth on the uninjured than the injured side of branches. Healing of oviposition wounds during the 2 years following 1953 or 1970 varied depending on the species or cultivar involved, from none to rough partial healing with stunted growth and reduced flowering, to rapid healing and complete recovery. Incompletely healed oviposition sites were usually associated with retarded growth distal to the site and, in some species, with progressive dieback. Heartwood decay or discoloration occurred at and beyond the oviposition sites and in some species progressed from the branches to the main stem. Rejuvenation of top growth was accomplished by pruning out injured or dead branches to force new lateral branches.
Paleoindian Watercraft: Evidence and Implications

Most researchers have not taken the probable presence of boats into account in formulating Paleoindian adaptive models. While no physical remains of Paleoindian watercraft have been identified, the existence of such boats can be inferred from diverse lines of evidence including the presence of antecedent watercraft in Asia, the difficulty of crossing from Asia to the Americas without watercraft, and early settlements on islands. This article explores the implications of possible Paleoindian boat use for a new understanding of colonization, hunting, settlement location, and lithic procurement.
Synthesis and thermoelectric properties of AgBi3S5

The known mineral Pavonite AgBi3S5 shows a complex structure composed of NaCl type fragments but has not been studied from the thermoelectric point of view. We present initial results on the synthesis and themoelectric properties of synthetic AgBi3S5, which shows n-type metallic conductivity. In addition, the examination of the solid solutions AgSbxBi3-xS5 (x=0.3) is reported.
Idiosyncratic and normative mediators in paired associate learning

In a further investigation of the Russell-Storms paradigm, Ss were permitted to form chained associations on the basis of their own or of other Ss’ idiosyncratic associative hierarchies or of free association norms. When lists were tailored to S’s own associative hierarchy the magnitude of the assumed mediation was no greater than when they were constructed from norms based upon a different sample of Ss.
Adaptive Field Microscopy: Shaping Field for 3D Laser Scanning Microscopy

We describe adaptive field microscopy to improve the efficiency of 3D imaging by controlling the image plane. The practicality is demonstrated for imaging a large area of the corneal epithelium of intact mouse eye.
Investigating Quality Dimensions of Hospitality Higher Education: From Students’ Perspective

It is essential to identify and evaluate the important quality attributes of hospitality higher education on a continuing basis. This assessment helps administrators to ensure the quality of programs and attract top talent. This empirical research delineates quality dimensions of hospitality higher education from the perspectives of hospitality management students. A total of 314 usable responses were collected from four different hospitality management programs in the United States. Exploratory factor analysis identified five quality dimensions of hospitality higher education. Results of group comparisons using demographic variables provide meaningful implications for educators and administrators in U.S. hospitality higher education.
Abstract CT306: Radiolabeled anti-PSMA antibody J591 immunotherapy is associated with favorable circulating tumor cell (CTC) count control in men with castration-resistant prostate cancer

Background: J591 is a monoclonal antibody that selectively binds to prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA). Prospective phase I and II trials with therapeutic radiolabeled 177Lu-J591 have shown favorable PSA decline rates. Additionally, our group has previously reported that non-invasive evaluation of PSMA expression by imaging with planar gamma camera imaging is associated with response and survival. Initial anecdotal experience showed declines in CTC counts which led to prospective study. Methods: Three clinical trials of 177Lu-J591 in men with metastatic CRPC have included prospective evaluation of CTC counts (CellSearch methodology) prior to and following therapy (single-dose 177Lu-J591, fractionated-dose 177Lu-J591, and fractionated-dose 177Lu-J591 + docetaxel). Based upon prior experience of J591-based therapy without an effector molecule as immunotherapy, and an anecdotal report of CTC count decline following a low (imaging) dose of J591 without an effector molecule, a cohort of patients who received J591 without 177Lu labeling was also retrospectively analyzed. Results: 44 pts unselected for PSMA expression received 177Lu-J591 therapy had prospectively measured CTC counts. 39 of 44 pts (88.6%) had imaging evidence of PSMA expression. 57% of pts had baseline unfavorable (≥ 5 cells/7.5 mL) CTC counts. Of overall evaluable pts, 72.4% had decline in CTC counts (7.5 to 100% decline), with 50% of those with unfavorable baseline counts converting to favorable counts at 4-6 weeks. 17.1% with undetectable CTC counts remained undetectable at follow up. 7 pts with mCRPC and elevated CTC counts who received low-dose (naked J591) prior to imaging were also identified, and 4 (57%) of these pts demonstrated CTC count decline. Conclusion: In addition to previously reported PSA declines, treatment with 177Lu-J591 is associated with favorable CTC count decline in men with metastatic CRPC. Infusion with unlabeled J591 may also lead to CTC count clearance. Based on this finding, we are planning a prospective clinical trial with unlabeled (naked) J591 in men with metastatic CRPC and unfavorable CTC counts. Citation Format: Pravin Date, Beerinder S. Karir, Jaspreet S. Batra, Yuliya Jhanwar, Himisha Beltran, David M. Nanus, Neil H. Bander, Scott T. Tagawa. Radiolabeled anti-PSMA antibody J591 immunotherapy is associated with favorable circulating tumor cell (CTC) count control in men with castration-resistant prostate cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr CT306. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-CT306
Chapter 4 – Supportive Care of Brain Tumor Patients

Care and treatment of brain tumor patients is very complex and requires management beyond what is required for tumor control. In this chapter, the pharmacotherapy of these supportive aspects of care are reviewed, including an overview of brain tumor-related epilepsy and anticonvulsants, corticosteroids, gastric acid inhibitors, thromboembolic complications and management, swallowing disorders and dysphagia, psychiatric issues, pain control, palliative care, and ethical issues.
The Skies, the Limits: Assessing the Benefits and Drawbacks of Tighter US Soot Emission Standards

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for six “criteria” pollutants that are particularly damaging to human health. In December 2012, the EPA announced that it would tighten the limit on one criteria pollutant, fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) or soot, which is emitted by diesel engines and industrial activities (among other sources) and is associated with detrimental cardiovascular and respiratory conditions. The tighter limits were praised by public health advocates but denounced by stakeholders in manufacturing industries. The goal of this discussion-based activity is for students to think critically about this environmental health issue and assess the benefits and drawbacks of the new EPA limit. After completing the activity, students should be able to (1) identify why PM 2.5 is an EPA criteria pollutant that can be harmful to human health, (2) discuss two competing perspectives on the 2012 EPA soot regulation and argue in favor or opposition of the new policy, and (3) explain how new scientific knowledge on the composition of soot could help develop better solutions for its regulation.
Measurement of intrinsic catalytic activity of Pt monometallic and Pt-MoOx interfacial sites over visible light enhanced PtMoOx/SiO2 catalyst in reverse water gas shift reaction

Supported Pt-Mo catalysts were prepared with different Mo contents by a controlled surface reaction (CSR) method and studied for the reverse water gas shift (RWGS) reaction under dark and visible light irradiation conditions. Characterization results from Raman spectroscopy, scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), CO chemisorption, and inductively coupled plasma-absorption emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) indicate that selective Mo deposition onto Pt was achieved at low Mo loading (Mo/Pt ratio < 0.3). Mo deposition changed the apparent activation energy and CO2 and CO reaction orders. Visible light irradiation changed the apparent activation energy and reaction orders of CO2, CO, and H2, ascribed to direct photoexcitation. The intrinsic activity of a Pt site is 0.4 and 4.1 min−1 under dark and light conditions at 473 K, respectively, whereas the intrinsic activity of a Pt-MoOx site is increased to 22.7 and 160 min−1 under dark and light conditions at 473 K, respectively.
Cyclophosphamide Plus Allogeneic CD4+ T Cell Infusion Induces Anti-Lymphoma Immunity Despite Lack of Graft-Versus-Host Disease (GVHD) or Sustained Engraftment.

Abstract Recent evidence suggests that tumor-bearing animals contain CD8+ T cells that can respond productively to a tumor vaccine, but that these T cells do not respond because of insufficient help from tumor-specific CD4+ T cells, which have either been inactivated or turned into anti-tumor suppressor T cells. We therefore devised a strategy to augment anti-tumor immunity by administering cyclophosphamide (Cy), to eliminate suppressor CD4+ T cells, followed by combining autologous tumor cell vaccination and infusion of partially MHC-mismatched, or haploidentical, CD4+ T cells as a source of T cell help for endogenous CD8+ T cells. Interestingly, the combination of Cy followed by haploidentical T cell infusion, with or without vaccine, induced potent systemic anti-tumor immunity resulting in cure of 40-50% of BALB/c mice harboring the A20 B cell leukemia/lymphoma. Depletion of CD8+ T cells from the infusate abrogated GVHD but did not compromise anti-tumor immunity. Allogeneic donor spleen cells that contained CD8+ T cells engrafted durably and caused lethal GVHD. In contrast, the combination of Cy plus CD8+ T cell-depleted spleen cell infusion induced only transient engraftment, peaking on day 7 and declining to undetectable levels by day 14. In the absence of Cy conditioning, allogeneic donor spleen cell infusions did not induce detectable chimerism beyond day 3. In summary, Cy plus allogeneic CD4+ T cell infusion induces potent anti-tumor immunity in a mouse model of B cell leukemia/lymphoma. Potential mechanisms of the therapeutic effect include direct tumor cytotoxicity by CD4+ T cells or allogeneic CD4+ T cell help for endogenous, tumor-specific CD8+ T cells.
The integrality gap of the Goemans-Linial SDP relaxation for sparsest cut is at least a constant multiple of √log n

We prove that the integrality gap of the Goemans-Linial semidefinite programming relaxation for the Sparsest Cut Problem is Ω(√logn) on inputs with n vertices, thus matching the previously best known upper bound (logn)1/2+o(1) up to lower-order factors. This statement is a consequence of the following new isoperimetric-type inequality. Consider the 8-regular graph whose vertex set is the 5-dimensional integer grid ℤ5 and where each vertex (a,b,c,d,e)∈ ℤ5 is connected to the 8 vertices (a± 1,b,c,d,e), (a,b± 1,c,d,e), (a,b,c± 1,d,e± a), (a,b,c,d± 1,e± b). This graph is known as the Cayley graph of the 5-dimensional discrete Heisenberg group. Given Ω⊆ ℤ5, denote the size of its edge boundary in this graph (a.k.a. the horizontal perimeter of Ω) by |∂hΩ|. For t ϵ ℕ, denote by |∂vtΩ| the number of (a,b,c,d,e)ϵ ℤ5 such that exactly one of the two vectors (a,b,c,d,e),(a,b,c,d,e+t) is in Ω. The vertical perimeter of Ω is defined to be |∂vΩ|= √Σt=1∞|∂vtΩ|2/t2. We show that every subset Ω⊆ ℤ5 satisfies |∂vΩ|=O(|∂hΩ|). This vertical-versus-horizontal isoperimetric inequality yields the above-stated integrality gap for Sparsest Cut and answers several geometric and analytic questions of independent interest. The theorem stated above is the culmination of a program whose aim is to understand the performance of the Goemans-Linial semidefinite program through the embeddability properties of Heisenberg groups. These investigations have mathematical significance even beyond their established relevance to approximation algorithms and combinatorial optimization. In particular they contribute to a range of mathematical disciplines including functional analysis, geometric group theory, harmonic analysis, sub-Riemannian geometry, geometric measure theory, ergodic theory, group representations, and metric differentiation. This article builds on the above cited works, with the "twist" that while those works were equally valid for any finite dimensional Heisenberg group, our result holds for the Heisenberg group of dimension 5 (or higher) but fails for the 3-dimensional Heisenberg group. This insight leads to our core contribution, which is a deduction of an endpoint L1-boundedness of a certain singular integral on ℝ5 from the (local) L2-boundedness of the corresponding singular integral on ℝ3. To do this, we devise a corona-type decomposition of subsets of a Heisenberg group, in the spirit of the construction that David and Semmes performed in ℝn, but with two main conceptual differences (in addition to more technical differences that arise from the peculiarities of the geometry of Heisenberg group). Firstly, the "atoms" of our decomposition are perturbations of intrinsic Lipschitz graphs in the sense of Franchi, Serapioni, and Serra Cassano (plus the requisite "wild" regions that satisfy a Carleson packing condition). Secondly, we control the local overlap of our corona decomposition by using quantitative monotonicity rather than Jones-type β-numbers.
Dose optimization: a review of CT imaging for PET attenuation correction

Review limitations and benefits of various options for CT-based attenuation correction for PET/CT studies. With the combination of PET and CT, came the combination of patient radiation dose from the two imaging modalities. Modern advances in CT technology provide opportunities to design CT acquisitions for attenuation correction allowing for the optimization of the attenuation correction acquisition for specific clinical purposes. We reviewed published literature, accepted practices, and the authors’ experience, to identify and classify various tailored approaches for CT attenuation correction of PET emission data. ImageWisely recommends three broad categories for dose optimization of attenuation correction in PET/CT imaging: (1) attenuation correction at diagnostic CT quality (PET/CTD); (2) attenuation correction for anatomic localization only of PET images (PET/CTAL); and (3) for PET attenuation correction only (PET/CTAC). The advantages, disadvantages, and dosimetry for each approach are considered. Modern dose reduction techniques allow some CTAL and CTAC exams to have a sufficient image quality for anatomic localization at radiation dose levels equivalent to the previous radionuclide attenuation correction method with [68-Ge/68-Ga] transmission sources. Thus, the major justifications for combining diagnostic quality CTD with PET would be to provide excellent anatomic image correlation in the cases, where subtle functional or lesion uptake requires greater localization refinement, and to reduce patient dose by removing the CTAC or CTAL exam in conjunction with a separate diagnostic CT in lieu of a single CTD exam. The choice of method depends on a variety of factors, including institutional and physician preference and experience, and technology availability.
Light Paves the Way to Single-Molecule Detection and Photocontrol: Foundations for Super-Resolution Microscopy

More than 25 years ago, low temperature experiments aimed at establishing the ultimate limits to optical storage in solids led to the first optical detection and spectroscopy of a single molecule in the condensed phase. At this unexplored ultimate limit, many surprises occurred where single molecules showed both spontaneous changes (blinking) and light-driven control of emission, properties that were also observed in 1997 at room temperature with single green fluorescent protein variants. In 2006, PALM and subsequent approaches showed that the optical diffraction limit of ~200 nm can be circumvented to achieve super-resolution fluorescence microscopy, or nanoscopy, with relatively nonperturbative visible light. Essential to this is the combination of single-molecule fluorescence imaging with active control of the emitting concentration and sequential localization of single fluorophores decorating a structure. Super-resolution microscopy has opened up a new frontier in which biological structures and behavior can be observed in live cells with resolutions down to 20-40 nm and below. Examples range from protein superstructures in bacteria to bands in actin filaments to details of the shapes of amyloid fibrils and much more. Current methods development research addresses ways to extract more information from each single molecule such as 3D position and orientation. Article not available.
Morbidity and Mortality and Beyond: Assuring Quality in Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory Quality Programs.

Quality assurance (QA) is an essential component of invasive cardiology with guideline recommendations for all percutaneous coronary interventions facilities to have a QA Committee.1 Although the concept of quality has been embraced, the implementation of such programs has potential inappropriate variability. For examples, some facilities have cath laboratory QA as a component of a hospital-wide program and not as an independent entity that is needed; physician participation is not consistently required but is necessary to be effective; administrative support may be insufficient to provide for adequate data collection and entry. In addition, barriers for standardization may occur based on the local laboratory characteristics. Open physician staffs require quality assessment to be performed by competing individuals/groups. These multispecialty cath laboratories create challenges in leadership definition and program delineation. With no requirements for how to do quality and limited methods available for the assessment of an individual catheterization laboratory QA program, assuring quality in one’s cath laboratory QA program can be challenging. See Article by Doll et al The morbidity and mortality (M&M) conference is a traditional key component to the cath laboratory quality process, as adverse events are frequently the emphasis of QA. This should be identified as such to address potential legal concerns and attendance threshold established for maintenance of privileges. Most academic programs have well-developed M&M conferences. These not only assess quality but also provide memorable educational opportunities for general and interventional cardiology fellows, per Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education requirements, as well as all faculty, both young and old. Despite the ubiquity and importance of M&M, the literature has been lacking …
In vitro comparison of blood pump induced platelet microaggregates between a centrifugal and roller pump during cardiopulmonary bypass.

UNLABELLED Platelets are consumed during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and mechanical ventricular assistance, at least partly as a result of the formation of platelet microaggregates in the blood pump. There is no commonly accepted method currently available to detect platelet microaggregates during the use of CPB or left ventricular assist devices (LVAD). The purpose of this study was to develop a flow cytometric method for the quantification of platelet microaggregates generated in blood pumps, and to evaluate the effect of cellular fragments from hemolyzed erythrocytes on the perioperative assessment of platelet counts during CPB. METHOD Fresh human anticoagulated blood (1IU heparin/mL, activated clotting time 250+/-24 sec.) was circulated for 120 minutes in an artificial circulatory system, containing either a centrifugal pump (CP) or roller pump (RP). Whole blood was used to quantify platelet consumption and to detect circulating platelet microaggregates in a flow cytometer. Platelet consumption was additionally analyzed using an automated "Coulter" blood cell counter. Hemolysis was analyzed by measurement of plasma free hemoglobin (fHb), as well a by flow cytometric detection of red blood cell (RBC) fragments. RESULTS Flow cytometric analysis demonstrated significantly more circulating platelet aggregates and platelet consumption in the RP than in the CP (p<0.01). Quantification of RBC fragments and plasma free hemoglobin (fHb) levels also indicated significantly increased hemolysis in the RP than in the CP (p<0.01). In contrast, the Coulter count data indicated less platelet consumption in the PP compared to the CP. CONCLUSION Fragments from hemolyzed erythrocytes have the same size distribution as intact platelets and the number of RBC fragments correlates with the extent of pump-induced hemolysis during CPB. Our data suggest that assessment of platelets by "Coulter counting" cannot distinguish platelets from RBC fragments and may underestimate platelet consumption in the presence of hemolysis during CPB. We conclude that flow cytometry is more accurate in the perioperative assessment of platelet count and platelet aggregation during CPB and LVAD support.
Examining the Inclusion of Students with Severe Disabilities in School-Wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports.

To explore the accessibility of school-wide positive behavioral interventions and supports (SWPBIS) for students with severe disabilities, we conducted a survey of 179 schools implementing SWPBIS during the 2015-2016 school year. Personnel from each school reported the frequency and level of importance of SWPBIS implementation across Likert-type scale items related to the domains of systems procedures, practices, and data collection procedures applicable to students with severe disabilities. Personnel from each school also responded to open-ended items to report barriers to and strategies for including students with severe disabilities in SWPBIS. Overall, school personnel reported high levels of implementation and importance across these SWPBIS domains and a range of barriers and strategies related to SWPBIS accessibility. School characteristics related to grade level, tiers of SWPBIS implementation, and the percentage of students included in general education settings for a majority of the school day con...
Distance Based User Localization and Tracking with Mechanical Ultrasonic Beamforming

Many IoT smart systems such as smart homes require intelligent solutions to localize and track a user in a living space. Traditional solutions are either too simple in capability to reveal dynamic details or invasive in privacy leaking. This work designs and develops a novel noninvasive distance based user localization and tracking solution, DiLT, for smart systems. DiLT collects data by using commodity off-the-shelf ultrasonic sensors for minimal invasion on privacy, while adopting signal processing techniques to reveal detail dynamics embedded in the sensed data. DiLT consists of a mechanical ultrasonic beam-forming design for omni-space sensing, a contrastive divergence learning to localize a user and a binary back-off algorithm to track the motion of the user. It has been extensively evaluated in a research laboratory room and it demonstrates high effectiveness and accuracy in performance in the real environment.
NMR Spectroscopy and Its Application to the Study of Cancer

In this chapter the application of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to the study of cancer will be discussed. As cancer continues to be a leading cause of death and primary focus of physicians, biomedical researchers, and health care adminstrators throughout the world, interest remains high in the utilization of diagnostic technologies that provide unique capabilities for the detection and management of this disease. In vivo NMR spectroscopy is one of the most promising of the new diagnostic methods. This technique holds considerable promise for diagnosis and staging of cancer, for prediction and detection of therapeutic response, for monitoring pharmacokinetics of antineoplastic agents, and for detection of toxicity of anticancer agents to vital normal tissues. In addition to these potential clinical capabilities, NMR spectroscopy has already demonstrated its utility in experimental investigations of the biochemical and physiological characteristics of cancer.
New Regimes of Excitation and Mid-IR Lasing of Transition Metal Doped II–VI Crystals

Recent progress in transition-metal doped II-VI semiconductor materials (mainly Cr 2+ :ZnSe and ZnS) make them the laser sources of choice when one needs a compact system with continuous tunability over 2-3.1 µm, output powers up to 2 W, and high (up to 70%) conversion efficiency. The unique combination of technological (low-cost ceramic material) and spectroscopic characteristics (ultrabroadband gain bandwidth, high στ product and high absorption coefficients) make these materials ideal candidates for "non-traditional" regimes of operation such as microchip and multi-line lasing. This chapter reviews these non-traditional Cr-doped mid-IR lasers as well as describes emerging Fe 2+ :ZnSe lasers having the potential to operate at room temperature over the spectral range extended to 3.7-5.1 µm. In addition to effective RT mid-IR lasing transition-metal doped II-VI media, being wide band semiconductors, hold the potential for direct electrical excita- tion. This work shows the initial steps toward achieving this goal by studying Cr 2+ ion excitation into the upper laser state 5 E via photoionization transitions as well as via direct electrical excitation.
Management of Cellular and Humoral Rejection: Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Acute cellular and antibody-mediated (humoral) rejections are two forms of acute rejection seen following lung transplantation. The management of acute cellular and antibody-mediated rejection is complex and may be individualized based on the unique situation of each patient. The prevention of acute cellular rejection starts with induction immunosuppression and frequent clinical monitoring as well as through the management of potential risk factors such as gastroesophageal reflux disease and various infections. Antibody-mediated rejection is less understood and requires further study. The mainstay of treatment for acute cellular rejection as well as antibody-mediated rejection is through the augmentation of immunosuppression through a variety of medical strategies. The management of acute cellular rejection and antibody-mediated rejection is important due to the associations with the development of chronic lung allograft dysfunction, the primary cause of mortality following lung transplantation. With optimal management and further study, the goal is for improved survival and quality of life for all lung transplant recipients.