cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Secretory IgA induces antigen-independent eosinophil survival and cytokine production without inducing effector functions.

Background Eosinophils in human beings reside in tissues, especially the mucosal tissues of the gastrointestinal tract and inflamed airways. Secretory IgA (S-IgA) is the predominant antibody secreted by these tissues and likely plays a role in the innate immune response. Objective Because eosinophils and S-IgA are often colocalized in mucosal tissues, we examined the potential regulatory effects of S-IgA without antigens on survival, gene expression, and effector functions of human eosinophils. Methods Eosinophils were incubated with S-IgA in solution without antigens (soluble S-IgA) or with S-IgA immobilized to mimic multivalent antigen cross-linking. Eosinophil activation was monitored by superoxide anion generation and degranulation. Survival was assessed between 24 and 96 hours. Gene and protein expression were examined by microarray and ELISA. Eosinophil lysates were examined by immunoblot for extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation. Results Immobilized S-IgA stimulated eosinophil superoxide production and degranulation; soluble S-IgA did not. Although immobilized S-IgA inhibited eosinophil survival in vitro , soluble S-IgA enhanced survival; this involved autocrine production of GM-CSF. Soluble S-IgA without antigens induced increases in mRNA levels of various cytokines, chemokines, signal transduction molecules, antiapoptotic factors, and cell surface markers. By using ELISA, we confirmed protein expression of selected mediators. Eosinophil interaction with soluble S-IgA likely involves FcαRI (CD89) and ERK pathway activation. Conclusion Secretory IgA without multivalent antigens may regulate survival and gene expression of eosinophils. Eosinophils in mucosal tissues can be either primed for action (cytokine production and survival) or fully activated (degranulation and superoxide release) by different forms of S-IgA.
RAGE Deficiency Improves Postinjury Sciatic Nerve Regeneration in Type 1 Diabetic Mice

Peripheral neuropathy and insensate limbs and digits cause significant morbidity in diabetic individuals. Previous studies showed that deletion of the receptor for advanced end-glycation products (RAGE) in mice was protective in long-term diabetic neuropathy. Here, we tested the hypothesis that RAGE suppresses effective axonal regeneration in superimposed acute peripheral nerve injury attributable to tissue-damaging inflammatory responses. We report that deletion of RAGE, particularly in diabetic mice, resulted in significantly higher myelinated fiber densities and conduction velocities consequent to acute sciatic nerve crush compared with wild-type control animals. Consistent with key roles for RAGE-dependent inflammation, reconstitution of diabetic wild-type mice with RAGE-null versus wild-type bone marrow resulted in significantly improved axonal regeneration and restoration of function. Diabetic RAGE-null mice displayed higher numbers of invading macrophages in the nerve segments postcrush compared with wild-type animals, and these macrophages in diabetic RAGE-null mice displayed greater M2 polarization. In vitro, treatment of wild-type bone marrow–derived macrophages with advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which accumulate in diabetic nerve tissue, increased M1 and decreased M2 gene expression in a RAGE-dependent manner. Blockade of RAGE may be beneficial in the acute complications of diabetic neuropathy, at least in part, via upregulation of regeneration signals.
Reversibility and Pathohistological Basis of Left Ventricular Remodeling in Hibernating Myocardium

Abstract The phenomenon of left ventricular (LV) remodeling with dilatation, wall thinning, and increased muscle mass has previously been reported in pigs with 7-day myocardial hibernation. This study investigated cellular and extracellular basis and reversibility of the structural LV remodeling with hibernating myocardium. Five groups of pigs were included: Group A: 7-day myocardial hibernation with a fixed coronary stenosis; Group B: 7-day hibernation with subsequent 3-week reperfusion by release of the stenosis; Group C: control group with sham operation; Group D: 24-hour myocardial hibernation to define structural mechanism of initial wall thinning in the hibernating region without confounding factors of cell loss or hypertrophy, Group E: 4-week myocardial hibernation to exclude the possibility of spontaneous regression of LV remodeling with hibernation. LAD flow decreased by 38 ± 12% (p
Historical ecology of Inwood Hill Park, Manhattan, New York.

Abstract Colonial period agriculture and vegetation clearance practices during the American Revolution destroyed the pre-Columbian forest of Inwood Hill Park, Manhattan, New York. Native species plantings in early estates spread to form the park's forest, and post-1850 estates introduced non-native species. Parks Department management practices from 1930 to 1985 reduced forest cover, filled wetlands, and caused the number of non-native and invasive shrub and vine species to nearly triple. Liriodendron tulipifera L. and Lindera benzoin (L.) Blume have been identified as the dominant species in the Valley Forest since 1930. Prunus serotina Ehrh., Sassafras albidum (Nutt.) Nees. and Viburnum acerifolium L. have continued to form fire-adapted stands in the East Ridge and Slopes Forest. In 2003, the highest density for Prunus serotina occurred in the repeatedly disturbed stands of the West Ridge and Slopes Forest. Alliaria petiolata (Bieb.) Cavara & Grande, an invasive species, was present only in the Ridge To...
BRCA1 germline mutations may be associated with reduced ovarian reserve

Objective To determine whether BRCA carriers have a decreased ovarian reserve compared with women without BRCA mutations, because BRCA mutations may lead to accelerated oocyte apoptosis due to accumulation of damaged DNA. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Academic tertiary care center. Patient(s) A total of 143 women, aged 18–45 years, who underwent clinical genetic testing for BRCA deleterious mutations because of a family history of cancer, were included. The cohort was classified into three groups: BRCA1 carriers, BRCA2 carriers, and women without BRCA mutations (controls). None had a personal history of breast or ovarian cancer. Intervention(s) None. Main Outcome Measure(s) The main outcome was serum antimullerian hormone (AMH) level. Linear and logistic regression models adjusting for age and body mass index (BMI) were performed to determine the association between BRCA mutations and AMH. Result(s) BRCA1 mutation carriers had a significant decrease in AMH levels compared with controls after adjusting for age and BMI (0.53 ng/mL [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.33–0.77 ng/mL] vs. 1.05 ng/mL [95% CI 0.76–1.40 ng/mL]). Logistic regression confirmed that BRCA1 carriers had a fourfold greater odds of having AMH BRCA2 carriers and controls. Conclusion(s) BRCA1 carriers have lower age- and BMI-adjusted serum AMH levels compared with women without BRCA mutations. Our results contribute to the current body of literature regarding BRCA carriers and their reproductive outcomes. Larger prospective studies with clinical outcomes such as infertility and age at menopause in this population are needed to further substantiate our findings.
A Common Mechanism that Underpins Antibody Diversification

Targeting of AID to antibody variable (V) regions results in somatic hypermutation, whereas its recruitment to switch (S) regions leads to class-switch recombination. Yeap et al. find that the mechanism by which variable and switch regions recruit AID essentially is the same but that the two regions differ in the density of double-stranded DNA breaks that are generated. These lead to either point mutations in V exons in somatic hypermutation or deletion of intervening DNA sequences during class switch recombination.
Initial clinical experience in digital PET/CT

2503 Objectives The first use of digital PET/CT imaging Methods The recently introduced first digital PET/CT scanner allows for new opportunities in diagnostic image quality in PET/CT. Thirty patients received clinical scans on the analog PET/CT (Philips Gemini TOF) and then followed by the Philips Healthcare digital PET prototype (CT for attenuation and location was used from clinical scan), the studies varied from whole body tumor, neurology and cardiac patients. Digital PET features major technological differences and advantages from conventional PET/CT devices. The use of silicon-based photodiodes instead of traditional PMT’s, faster timing resolution and use of smaller pixel sizes are some of the major advances in this technology. Image’s sets were then reviewed for diagnostic quality by physicians experienced in PET/CT imaging. Results Digital PET has increased image quality and image sharpness compared to analog PET. The use of 2mm voxels has better image quality on the digital compared to 4 mm voxel analog imaging in whole body tumor and cardiac imaging. Digital PET gives the opportunity to use 1mm voxels on neurological imaging, compared to 2mm on analog PET. Digital PET clearly surpasses analog PET in image quality and sharpness. Conclusions With better spatial resolution, better dynamic range of count rate and increased effective sensitivity, this novel technology has multiple image quality and image sharpness advantages over analog PET.
SOLVING PROBLEMS IN THE PLAYER REPRESENTATION BUSINESS: UNIONS SHOULD BE THE "EXCLUSIVE" REPRESENTATIVES OF THE PLAYERS

This article examines how the economics of the player representation business, with increasing player salaries under a commission-based agent fee system, are fueling more intense competition among agents, which harms the players, the teams and the leagues. The author suggests that the players associations, as the exclusive representatives of the players under the labor laws, must consider whether the current player representation system serves the best interests of the players collectively, and whether the system can be improved or changed for the betterment of all player-members, not just a handful of premier players. The author proposes that the players associations establish internal player management agencies giving players the option to retain a full-time salaried agent employed by the union. He also proposes that revisions to the unions' existing agent regulations imposing an alternative agent fee structure and a complete ban on client solicitation would substantially reduce the incentive for agents to engage in "harmful" competition and would ensure that players are paying their agents a reasonable fee, but would still maintain the player's autonomy in selecting his own agent. He further argues that, if the unions desire to effectuate a change in the current culture of the agent business, the unions need to educate their players that they would be better served if the union became more actively involved in the player representation process.
Fluency in Early Childhood: Contributions from the Research to Support Emerging and Struggling Readers

This article examines the research regarding fluency and its impact on struggling readers. Fluency is a key component of reading instructions for all learners. It encompasses the students’ ability to read with automaticity, accuracy, and prosody for understanding. Research suggests that struggling readers have difficulty when fluency is weak, which impacts comprehension and cognitive resources. The examination of the literature yielded targeted interventions focused on fluency improves reading for students with reading difficulties.
Cardiovascular Disease Mortality of Medicaid Clients with Severe Mental Illness and a Co-occurring Substance Use Disorder

Increasing attention focuses on cardiovascular disease (CVD) among persons with SMI. We examined, among persons with SMI, whether co-occurring substance use disorder (SUD) elevates the risk of CVD death. We linked 2002-2007 Medicaid claims data on 121,817 persons with SMI to cause and date of death information. We applied a proportional hazards model that controls for co-morbidity at baseline, atypical antipsychotic prescription medications, age, gender and race/ethnicity. Results among persons with co-occurring SUD indicate a 24 % increased risk of CVD death (hazard ratio 1.24; 95 % confidence interval 1.17-1.33). We encourage further coordination of services for this population.
Out-of-Court Statements: The Concentric Hoops of the Hearsay Rule and the Confrontation Clause

This paper was prepared as a handout for a presentation at the Maryland Judicial Institute in September of 2009. To determine whether evidence of an out-of-court statement is admissible, one must make several determinations. If the evidence passes muster under the rules of evidence, then one must ask if its admission would violate the Constitution: (1) Is the proffered evidence “hearsay” (as defined in Md. Rule 5-801(a)-(c))? If the evidence is nonhearsay, neither the hearsay rule nor the Confrontation Clause will exclude it. (2) If it is hearsay, is it nonetheless not excluded by the hearsay rule, because it qualifies under an exception to that rule (Md. Rule 5-803-804)? (3) Even if the hearsay rule does not exclude it, do other evidence rules exclude it (e.g., Md. Rule 5-403)? If rules of evidence do not exclude it, then one must ask whether the Constitution bars its consideration. (4) If it is offered at a trial on the merits1 against a criminal accused, is it testimonial hearsay? If it is testimonial, then its admission must comply with the confrontation clause. (5) Even if the confrontation clause is inapplicable, but the evidence is offered in any proceeding to which the due process clause applies, is the evidence reliable? See, e.g., Cotto v. Herbert, 331 F.3d 217 (2d Cir. 2003) (a verdict based on unreliable evidence violates the losing party's due process right). Rule 5-801(c) defines OCS as “a statement, other than one made by the declarant while testifying at the trial or hearing. . . .” Rule 5-801(a) defines a "statement" as “(1) an oral or written assertion or (2) nonverbal conduct of a person, if it is intended by the person as an assertion.” It can be fairly said, then, that a "statement" is an assertion of fact(s) by a person. Because of the first part of the definition in Rule 5-801(c), for purposes of the rules of evidence even the prior statement of a witness who is testifying today at trial is considered an OCS. Thus the hearsay rule excludes a witness's own prior statements unless either (1) they are offered only for a relevant nonhearsay purpose or (2) the proper foundation has been laid to support a finding by the trial judge that they fall within a particular hearsay exception (or exceptions). This may be surprising, because, after all, this witness declarant can be cross-examined at trial. Thus, this preference for live memory is reflected only in a rule of evidence, and not in the confrontation clause.
Next Steps in Valuing R&D Portfolios: A Research Agenda

Chapter 6 lays out a research agenda for continued investigation of the risks and returns of government R&D programs. Ways of incorporating social benefits, like reduced pollution, need to be further developed. Methods for better simulating the option exercise decisions of multiple firms to deploy a new technology at different points in time are also needed. In addition, more work is warranted to improve the characterization and simulation of the multiple types of potential relationships among the projects in an R&D portfolio. Finally, for R&D programs that apply the stage-gate review process, the method used earlier in the book requires an adjustment to accommodate sequential decision-making.
Surgical lesions of stomach

T HIS articIe is based on an anaIysis of the immediate and Iate resuIts in I00 instances of surgica1 lesions of the stomach in which operation was performed by ten different surgeons at the Reading HospitaI from January I, Igzg to October 15, 1935. Three surgeons operated upon onIy one patient of the series. wound disruption, which was promptly cIosed under IocaI anesthesia and heaIed weI1. Another patient had a miId type of Iymph edema and phIebitis of one Ieg which cIeared up compIeteIy.
Race and the Right Turn: The Symbolic Conflict Approach

The role of race in the right turn of US and British politics is pivotal. Race is above all a political symbol that has helped organize, at the ideological and cultural level, the rightward shift in policy formation associated with the Reagan and Thatcher eras and beyond. Attention to the symbolic construction and political uses of race helps remind us that shifts at the level of policy formation are not only about elite economic strategies or the failure of the Left. Rather, such shifts point to the importance of the symbolic and cultural dimensions of political conflict and change. It is in this regard that the New Right’s self-proclaimed revolutionary strategy to establish social conservatism as politically dominant assumes critical importance.
A Numerus Population Viability and Harvesting Analyses Web App

Author(s): Getz, Wayne; Muellerklein, Oliver; Salter, Richard; Carlson, Colin; Lyons, Andrew; Seidel, Dana | Abstract: Population viability analysis (PVA) is used to assess the probability that a biological population will persist for a specified period of time. Such models are typically cast as Markov processes that may include age, stage, sex and metapopulation structures, density-dependence and ecological interaction processes. They may also include harvesting, stocking, and thresholds that trigger interventions. Here we present Numerus PVA, which is a web app that includes extensible user-selected options. Specifically, Numerus PVA allows for the specification of one to ten age classes, one or two sexes, single population or metapopulation configurations with 2 or 3 subpopulations, as well as density-dependent settings for inducing region-specific carrying capacities. Movement among subpopulations can be influenced by age, metapopulation connectivity, and attractivity of regions based on the relative fitness of the youngest age classes in each region. Simulations can be carried out deterministically or stochastically, with a user-specified combination of demographic and environmental processes. Numerus PVA is freely available at http://www.numerusinc.com/webapps/pva for running directly on any browser and device. Numerus PVA is easily modified by users familiar with the NovaModeler Software Platform.
Public Assistance Employees' Perceptions of Older Adults and Caregivers Who Apply for Benefits

Abstract Local, state, and federal agencies must be prepared to assist with the changing needs of an aging client population. The purpose of this study was to investigate public assistance employees' perceptions of older adults who apply for benefits. The study examines the relationship between individual employees' knowledge of aging, attitudes about older people who apply for assistance and their personal experience with caregiving. One hundred and six public assistance workers from 7 counties completed the Palmore's Facts on Aging Quiz II and a semantic differential scale that was designed to assess attitudes about subgroups of older applicants. Results indicate that attitudes about “grandparents raising grandchildren,” “spousal caregivers” and “non-relative caregivers” were positively correlated but that attitudes about “social service clients” and “older adults” were not. The correlation between employees' attitudes and knowledge about aging was mildly positive and significant for “older adults,” but...
Thermal Modeling of High-Level Nuclear Waste Disposal in a Salt Repository

Salt formations have received recent attention for geologic disposal of heat-generating, high-level nuclear waste (HLW). Existing investigations are summarized and expanded upon using analytical an...
The Challenges of Detection and Enforcement of Insider Trading

Trading on non-public material information is fertile ground for a discussion of ethical behavior. The long-running legal tug-of-war over what constitutes illegal insider trading delivers challenges to regulatory authorities charged with detecting and enforcing the law, and is likely one of the reasons that prosecution of insider trading events remains rather uncommon. One can observe both increased volume in the equity and option markets and run-ups in the stock price prior to the announcement of the acquisitions; however, the detection of illegal or unethical insider trading can be difficult. Given the legal uncertainty around insider trading and the circumstantial evidence from the trading activity, it is almost impossible to identify unethical insider trades unless there is a whistleblower or trades are large in size and impeccable in timing. Using call option trading around two merger announcements with similar firms that resulted in different ultimate treatment from the SEC, we illustrate the struggle regulators and prosecutors have with identifying and enforcing unethical insider trades.
Autoethnography as Logotherapy: An Existential Analysis of Meaningful Social Science Inquiry

Autoethnographic writing has often been described by its practitioners as being a therapeutic exercise. However, its public nature and ontological status as social science inquiry distinguish it from private forms of therapeutic writing. This paper uses the lens of Viktor Franklâ€™s logotherapy to offer one explanation for its perceived therapeutic impact. Logotherapy is an existential psychotherapy that fo- cuses on an awareness of the meaning of oneâ€™s life as an avenue to mental health. This sense of meaning is derived through the realization of three types of â€œvalues:â€ (a) creative values (what the individual gives to the world), (b), experiential values (what the individual receives from the world), and (c) attitudinal values (the ability to change oneâ€™s attitude toward unchangeable circumstances). Autoethnographic writing offers abundant opportunities to realize creative, experiential and attitudinal values simultaneously. Specific examples from autoethnographic publications are analyzed from within the logotherapy framework.
An unusual antibiotic susceptibility pattern in a Mycobacterium Cosmeticum strain isolated from the chesapeake bay.

Objective/Background: Mycobacterium cosmeticum, first described in 2004, was recovered from a patient undergoing a cosmetic procedure. Subsequently, this species was associated with an outbreak in a nail salon. In all cases, the isolates were susceptible to all antibiotics tested. Recently, however, we recovered a strain of M. cosmeticum from the Chesapeake Bay, resistant to 11 of 14 antimicrobials. The objective of this work was to present our findings on the resistance and susceptibility of this isolate to various antibiotics. Materials and Methods: Surface water samples were collected from 10 sites in the Chesapeake Bay and upper tributaries to assess microbial diversity and antibiotic resistance. Site selection was based on proximity to agricultural runoff, industrial contaminants, and sewage effluents. Samples were processed and recovered organisms were identified and subjected to antimicrobial-susceptibility testing. Results: One nontuberculous species, identified as M. cosmeticum, was recovered from Sandy Point State Park. Resistance was detected to several antibiotics: doxycycline (16 μg/mL), tigecycline (≥4 μg/mL), clarithromycin (8 μg/mL), trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (≥8/152 μg/mL), imipenem (32 μg/mL), cefoxitin (32 μg/mL), ethionamide (≥20 μg/mL), and streptomycin (16 μg/mL). Of the 14 antibiotics tested, only the fluoroquinolones, linezolid, and amikacin demonstrated potent activity with susceptible minimum inhibitory concentrations. Conclusion: The antimicrobial resistance identified in this M. cosmeticum isolates from the Chesapeake Bay raises some important concerns: (a) why is the susceptibility pattern in this isolate so different from the previously published reports, (b) how did resistance emerge in this isolate, (c) is there a source of environmental exposure to antibiotics, (d) is it a human isolate transferred to the watershed, or (e) is it the result of lateral gene transfer with other resistant organisms in the Bay?
Multiplatform news consumption and its connections to civic engagement

Studies of informational media use have focused on individual platforms or pitted platforms against each other when investigating their connections to civic engagement. This study offers evidence, ...
Time and frequency corrections in a distributed radio network

In a distributed receiver system with independent analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), coherency between the ADCs can be difficult to achieve, but is often important for localization or tracking problems. A lack of coherency in receivers results in three main offsets: a sample timing offset, frequency offset, and phase offset that are introduced when the sampling begins. In this paper, an adaptive method for correcting these offsets using software feedback loops is presented. The system is implemented in GNU Radio with low-cost RTL-SDR receivers as a proof-of-concept.
Oral Streptococcus mutans vaccines: diversity of approaches for the induction of mucosal responses

In this paper, we have summarized our studies in humans and experimental animals concerned with the development of oral vaccines effective in inducing mucosal IgA responses. In our studies, we have used antigens of or anti-idiotypic antibodies that mimic Streptococcus mutans, the principal etiologic agent of dental caries, which has allowed an assessment of the induction of a mucosal immune response and a determination of the effectiveness of the response in protection against S. mutans infection. Evidence is provided indicating: 1) the usefulness of liposomes as carriers of purified antigen and as an adjuvant for the induction of mucosal responses to orally administered vaccine antigens, 2) the ability of anti-idiotypic antibodies to induce a protective mucosal response and 3) the induction of a primary and secondary salivary IgA anti-S. mutans serotype carbohydrate (CHO) immune response in humans after swallowing capsules containing S. mutans CHO in liposomes.
Blockade of the B7-H1/PD-1 Pathway for Cancer Immunotherapy

The aim of cancer immunotherapy is to treat malignant disease by inducing or enhancing cancer specific immune responses. With the identification of tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) in the 1990s, cancer immunotherapy research largely focused on inducing immune responses against TAAs but achieved limited success. More recently, the underlying mechanisms and molecular pathways that cancers manipulate to subvert immune-mediated destruction have been identified, including a set of molecules with potent coinhibitory functions. Coinhibitory molecules are expressed on the surface of immune cells, cancer cells, and stromal cells and negatively regulate immune responses to cancer. In particular, one of these ligand-receptor coinhibitory interactions, B7-H1/PD-1, is critical for modulating immune responses to cancer. This knowledge led to the design of revolutionary new immunotherapeutics based on the manipulation of these molecular pathways. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are the primary immunotherapeutic modality used to promote immune function via antagonism or agonism of inhibitory or stimulatory molecular pathways, respectively. Here, we review current knowledge on the function of the B7-H1/PD-1 pathway in mice and humans, its role in the subversion of immune responses in cancer, and clinical evidence that mAb targeting of this pathway results in profound immune anti-cancer effects.
Understanding Genetic Control of Freezing Resistance Using Potato Species as a Model System

Freezing stress resistance is generally regarded as a complex trait with multigenic inheritance (Marshall, 1982; Stushnoff et al., 1984; Blum, 1988). However, there is no consensus on the mode of gene action. For example the gene action for freezing tolerance has been reported to vary from recessive (Puchkov and Zhirov, 1978) to partially dominant (Parodi et al., 1983; Gullord et al., 1975) to both additive and non-additive (Sutka, 1994) in winter wheat, largely additive (Daday and Greenham, 1960) to dominant (Perry et al., 1987) in Alfalfa. The lack of consensus is, in part, due to heavy reliance on field test for assessing winter survival. Each winter is different in terms of the early fall frost episodes, lowest temperature, snow cover, mid-winter thaw periods followed by cold temperatures. Thus field selection has many inherent problems. Ideally one hopes for a “test frost episode” or a “test winter” that is severe enough to kill the most sensitive genotypes, cause various degrees of injury to intermediate genotypes, and cause no injury to most resistant genotypes. However such test frost episodes or test winters are rare. Thus when evaluating under field conditions one may not get the same results every winter or every frost episode. For example it has been shown that severity of winter or the stress level can determine whether the control of freezing tolerance was recessive or dominant (Muehlbauer et al., 1970). Furthermore, rank order of wheat cultivars for hardiness has been found to depend on the hardening technique used (Roberts, 1986).
MEASURING THE NATIONAL INFORMATION ECONOMY

According to an Input-Output table based upon 1972 data, the “information sector” of the United States economy grew at a pace roughly equal to the other sectors of the economy in the period from 1967 to 1972. While the primary information sector accounted for 25.1 percent of the Gross National Product (GNP), in 1967, it had declined slightly to 24.8 percent by 1972. In international trade, the sector accounted for roughly 12 percent of the nation's exports. Some 98 percent of U.S. requirements for information goods and services were met domestically.
Check-the-Box Regs and Gift Tax Discounts

This article discusses the recent Tax Court decision in Pierre and the effect for gift tax purposes of an entity’s classification made under the check-the-box regulations. The court was split on what those regulations mean when they state that an entity is to be disregarded ‘‘for federal tax purposes.’’
An Exploration of Two Novice Evaluation Educators’ Experiences Developing and Implementing Introduction to Evaluation Courses:

As the field of evaluation continues to expand, so do evaluation course offerings. However, little is known about the backgrounds of evaluation educators, how they go about planning their courses, ...
Imaging Review of New and Emerging Sinonasal Tumors and Tumor-Like Entities from the Fourth Edition of the World Health Organization Classification of Head and Neck Tumors

SUMMARY: The sinonasal tract is an environment diverse with neoplasia. Given the continued discovery of entities generally specific to the sinonasal tract, the fourth edition of the World Health Organization Classification of Head and Neck Tumors was released in 2017. It describes 3 new, well-defined entities and several less-defined, emerging entities. The new entities are seromucinous hamartomas, nuclear protein in testis carcinomas, and biphenotypic sinonasal sarcomas. Emerging entities include human papillomavirus–related sinonasal carcinomas, SWI/SNF-related matrix-associated actin-dependent regulator of chromatin subfamily B member 1–deficient sinonasal carcinomas, renal cell-like adenocarcinomas, and chondromesenchymal hamartomas. The literature thus far largely focuses on the pathology of these entities. Our goal in this report was to familiarize radiologists with these new diagnoses and to provide available information regarding their imaging appearances.
Automatic vertebrae localization in spine CT: a deep-learning approach for image guidance and surgical data science

Motivation/Purpose: This work reports the development and validation of an algorithm to automatically detect and localize vertebrae in CT images of patients undergoing spine surgery. Slice-by-slice detections using the state-of-the art 2D convolutional neural network (CNN) architectures were combined to estimate vertebra centroid location in 3D including a method that combined detections in sagittal and coronal slices. The solution facilitates applications in image guided surgery and automatic computation of image analytics for surgical data science. Methods: CNN-based object detection models in 3D (volume) and 2D (slice) images were implemented and evaluated for the task of vertebrae detection. Slice-by-slice detections in 2D architectures were combined to estimate the 3D centroid location including a model that simultaneously evaluated 2D detections in orthogonal directions (i.e., sagittal and coronal slices) to improve the robustness against spurious false detections – called Ortho-2D. Performance was evaluated in a data set consisting of 85 patients undergoing spine surgery at our institution, including images presenting spinal instrumentation/implants, spinal deformity, and anatomical abnormalities that are realistic exemplars of pathology in the patient population. Accuracy was quantified in terms of precision, recall, F1 score, and the 3D geometric error in vertebral centroid annotation compared to ground truth (expert manual) annotation. Results: Three CNN object detection models were able to successfully localize vertebrae, with Ortho-2D model that combined 2D detections in orthogonal directions achieving best performance: precision = 0.95, recall = 0.99, and F1 score = 0.97. Overall centroid localization accuracy was 3.4 mm (median) [interquartile range (IQR) = 2.7 mm], and ~97% of detections (154/159 lumbar cases) yielded acceptable centroid localization error <15 mm (considering average vertebrae size ~25 mm). Conclusions: State-of-the-art CNN architectures were adapted for vertebral centroid annotation, yielding accurate and robust localization even in the presence of anatomical abnormalities, image artifacts, and dense instrumentation. The methods are employed as a basis for streamlined image guidance (automatic initialization of 3D-2D and 3D-3D registration methods in image-guided surgery) and as an automatic spine labeling tool to generate image analytics.
Breast Cancer and Sexuality

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among women today. With early detection and advanced treatment options, survival rates are continuing to improve, but not without some long-term physical and emotional side effects. This article reviews the effects of breast cancer in general and breast cancer treatment specifically on sexuality in cancer survivors. How the cancer and its treatment may affect women at different ages is discussed. The psychological impact of cancer therapy on both the patient and her spouse are noted; and options for treatment interventions are reviewed.
Prolonged Post-surgical Drain Retention Increases Risk for Deep Wound Infection After Spine Surgery.

Objective Surgical site infections (SSIs) complicate 1% to 9% of elective spine surgeries. Previously identified risk factors include diabetes mellitus type 2, obesity, and chronic kidney disease. We sought to determine whether the use of postoperative surgical site drains is associated with deep SSIs. Methods We retrospectively identified patients operated for deep SSIs after surgery for degenerative spine pathologies between July 2016 and December 2018. Patients were excluded if the reason for operation was other than deep SSI or if their primary operation was for infection or tumor. Using their index procedure and the electronic medical record, patients were matched to controls based on age, surgical invasiveness, International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification code, race, and sex. Our main outcome of interest was whether drain retention time, total output, or daily output differed significantly between cases and controls. Results We identified 38 patients who met inclusion criteria. Infected patients had a higher body mass index (34.2 vs. 29.9 kg/m2; P = 0.001), higher odds of having diabetes mellitus type 2 (55.3% vs. 18.4%; P = 0.002), longer drain retention time (5.5 vs. 3.5 days; P = 0.02), and longer inpatient stay (9.5 vs. 4.3 days; P = 0.005). Multivariable logistic regression demonstrated that even after controlling for the other risk factors, drain retention time independently predicted postoperative surgical site infection (odds ratio: 1.36; P = 0.02). Conclusions Prolonged surgical drain retention correlates with risk of deep SSI after surgery for degenerative spine disease independent of surgical invasiveness, diabetes mellitus type 2 status, and total drain output. Our data suggest early postoperative drain removal may potentially decrease the risk of SSI and shorten duration of hospital stay.
Hydrated Metal Ion Salts of the Weakly Coordinating Fluoroanions PF6-, TiF62-, B12F122-, Ga(C2F5)4-, B(3,5-C6H3(CF3)2)4-, and Al(OC(CF3)3)4-. In Search of the Weakest HOH···F Hydrogen Bonds.

FTIR spectra of microcrystalline samples of 11 metal ion salt hydrates of a variety of weakly coordinating fluoroanions are reported. The compounds studied were Li(H2O)4(Al(OC(CF3)3)4), Li(H2O)(B(3,5-C6H3(CF3)2)4), Li(H2O)n(Ga(C2F5)4), Li(H2O)(PF6), Li2(H2O)2(TiF6), Li2(H2O)4(B12F12), Na(H2O)(PF6), Na2(H2O)2(B12F12), K2(H2O)2(B12F12), Rb2(H2O)2(B12F12), Cs2(H2O)(B12F12), and their partially or completely deuterated isotopologs and isotopomers. The O-D···F hydrogen bonds in Li(HOD)(H2O)3(Al(OC(CF3)3)4) (ν(OD) = 2706 cm-1), Li(HOD)(B(3,5-C6H3(CF3)2)4) (ν(OD) = 2705 cm-1), and Li(HOD)(H2O)n(Ga(C2F5)4) (ν(OD) = 2697 cm-1) rival HOD absorbed in polyvinylidene difluoride (ν(OD) = 2696 cm-1) and HOD···FCH3 in a frozen Ar matrix (ν(OD) = 2685 cm-1) for the weakest hydrogen bonds between a water molecule and an F atom in any compound. As weak as they are, minor differences in O-H···F hydrogen bonds in the same fluoroanion salt can be distinguished spectroscopically. Uncoupled HOD molecules in asymmetric F···HOD···F' hydrogen bonding environments in Rb+, Cs+, Mg2+, and Co2+ hydrates of B12F122- gave rise to two observable ν(OD) bands even though the two R(O···F) distances differ by only 0.010(4) A (Mg2+), 0.033(2) A (Co2+), 0.074(4) A (Rb+), and 0.106(6) A (Cs+). A plot of ν(OD) for hydrates with a single uncoupled HOD molecule per metal ion (e.g., Li(HOD)(H2O)3(Al(OC(CF3)3)4)) vs R(O···F) distance from single-crystal X-ray or neutron diffraction structures was prepared. The ν(OD) values range from 2305 to 2706 cm-1 and the R(O···F) distances range from 2.58 to 3.17 A. The plot consists of 53 {ν(OD), R(O···F)} data points, 23 of which are new and have ν(OD) > 2600 cm-1, in contrast to a 1994 ν(OD) vs R(O···F) plot with 28 data points, none of which had ν(OD) > 2600 cm-1. There is a clear and significant difference between the new ν(OD) vs R(O···F) plot and a literature ν(OD) vs R(O···O) plot for hydrates containing O-D···O hydrogen bonds. For a given ν(OD) stretching frequency, the exponential regression curves show that R(O···F) is typically 0.1-0.2 A shorter than R(O···O), in harmony with the lower basicity and smaller size of F atoms vs O atoms.
Temporal changes in the likelihood of dementia and MCI over 18 years in a population sample

Objective To examine the temporal changes in the likelihood of dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) between 1993 and 2012 using a short battery of cognitive tests. Methods A cohort of 10,342 participants underwent a short battery of cognitive tests collected during triennial in-home interviews with 2,794 of those evaluated for the clinical diagnosis of dementia and MCI. We used a generalized logit regression model to estimate the likelihood of dementia and MCI, and a quasibinomial regression model to examine the temporal changes in those likelihood scores. Results A short battery of cognitive tests—delayed story recall test, Symbol Digit Modalities Test, and the Mini-Mental State Examination—were associated with the clinical diagnosis of dementia and MCI. The classification accuracy of likelihood scores was 0.92 for dementia and 0.85 for MCI. After adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, and education, the likelihood of dementia in the population decreased from 21.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 20.9%–22.3%) to 18.9% (95% CI 18.1%–19.7%) between 1993–1996 and 2000–2002 and showed no significant decline between 2000–2002 and 2009–2012 (−0.2%, 95% CI −1.1% to 0.7%). The estimated likelihood of MCI remained similar between 1993–1996 and 2009–2012 (29.0%, 95% CI 27.9%–30.1%), but showed a nonsignificant decrease in 2000–2002. Conclusion The likelihood scores based on a short battery of cognitive tests can serve as a measure of dementia and MCI in epidemiologic studies. The decline in the likelihood of dementia and MCI over earlier years was not sustained in later years.
A co-generation system of bioethanol and electricity with microbial fuel cell technology

A co-generation system of bioethanol and electricity using a yeast microbial fuel cell was investigated. The co-generation system was found to have a high power output (5.2 ± 0.5 W/m3) and high eth...
Parenteral Fluid Therapy in Children

Parenteral fluids are commonly administered in the hospital setting. For decades, clinicians have used a standardized approach for the prescription of maintenance IV fluids. Such an approach, however, has led to concerns regarding the development of hyponatremia using hypotonic fluids, especially in settings of heightened ADH release such as hypovolemia. Compared to balanced solutions for IV fluid administration, normal saline use has led to separate concerns regarding the development of hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis and acute kidney injury. A number of randomized controlled trials have shown lower rates of hyponatremia using isotonic fluids when compared to hypotonic fluids. Clinical practice guidelines from the United Kingdom and United States have both recommended isotonic IV fluids for the otherwise healthy child in need of maintenance fluid administration, while those with alterations in water or solute balance require more individualized approaches. Large studies in adults have shown lower rates of acute kidney injury with balanced solutions compared to normal saline although similar data in children is lacking. Retrospective pediatric data has not shown a consistent difference between these interventions. Isotonic fluids should be first line therapy for otherwise healthy children in need of maintenance IV fluids. Evidence for the standard use of balanced solutions in children remains more limited, until large randomized trials can be performed.
Effective field theory of dissipative fluids (II): classical limit, dynamical KMS symmetry and entropy current

In this paper we further develop the fluctuating hydrodynamics proposed in [1] in a number of ways. We first work out in detail the classical limit of the hydrodynamical action, which exhibits many simplifications. In particular, this enables a transparent formulation of the action in physical spacetime in the presence of arbitrary external fields. It also helps to clarify issues related to field redefinitions and frame choices. We then propose that the action is invariant under a Z 2 symmetry to which we refer as the dynamical KMS symmetry. The dynamical KMS symmetry is physically equivalent to the previously proposed local KMS condition in the classical limit, but is more convenient to implement and more general. It is applicable to any states in local equilibrium rather than just thermal density matrix perturbed by external background fields. Finally we elaborate the formulation for a conformal fluid, which contains some new features, and work out the explicit form of the entropy current to second order in derivatives for a neutral conformal fluid.
Occupational Dermatoses Related to Personal Protective Equipment Used During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The recent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to the dramatic increase in use of personal protective equipment (PPE) among health care providers and the general public. Herein the authors discuss the various occupational dermatoses including allergic and irritant contact dermatitis, acne, seborrheic dermatitis, and rosacea related to frequent handwashing, disinfecting of surfaces, and prolonged wear of various PPE including face masks, gloves, and gowns. The authors provide an overview of published PPE-associated occupational dermatoses during the COVID-19 pandemic and also discuss prevention strategies and treatment options to help patients with these complaints.
Room-Level Ventilation in Schools and Universities

Ventilation is of primary concern for maintaining healthy indoor air quality and reducing the spread of airborne infectious disease, including COVID-19. In addition to building-level guidelines, increased attention is being placed on room-level ventilation. However, for many universities and schools, ventilation data on a room-by-room basis are not available for classrooms and other key spaces. We present an overview of approaches for measuring ventilation along with their advantages and disadvantages. We also present data from recent case studies for a variety of institutions across the United States, with various building ages, types, locations, and climates, highlighting their commonalities and differences, and examples of the use of this data to support decision making.
Comparison of three MHD flow control methods for self-cooled liquid metal blankets

The heat deposition in a blanket is concentrated near the first wall. Uniform liquid-metal velocity in a self-cooled blanket is unattractive, because it leads to low mixed-mean temperature rise through the blanket and reduced power conversion efficiency. The objective of MHD flow control is to use the electromagnetic forces to produce a non-uniform velocity distribution which gives a uniform temperature distribution over the thickness of the blanket. Three methods of MHD flow control are presented here and the MHD pressure drops corresponding to the three methods are compared. One of the methods, although successful at achieving nonuniform velocity profiles, permits a large circulation of electric current which produces a high pressure drop. The analytical results do not indicate a clear choice between the other two methods. The analytical results do point to possible difference in heat transfer performance with the two methods.
Hybrid control approach of CLL resonant converter for EV battery chargers

In this study, a CLL resonant converter with different control strategies; frequency, dc-link, and phase shift control are compared and a hybrid control is proposed to increase the efficiency of the system for Electric Vehicle (EV) battery charger applications. The comparison analysis is examined considering the battery charging control algorithms constant current (CC) and constant voltage (CV) with modeling the battery as a variable load. In order to improve charging efficiency, the system should operate in a close to resonant frequency, achieving ZVS and reducing circulating current. The presented control is achieved by staying around the resonant frequency in all charging conditions. The designed dc/dc resonant converter, fed by a power-factor-corrector (PFC) with 80–120 V output, provides 120 V / 10 A at 1.2 kW maximum power. The application results show that the proposed hybrid control improves overall efficiency 2 %.