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Recently, 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) has been utilized as an adjuvant to the surgical resection of primary brain tumors and metastases. We conducted a systematic review of the literature to further understand the role of 5-ALA in neurosurgery. Our goal was to identify the utility of 5-ALA during resection by evaluating its sensitivity and specificity for different tumor types, as well as the extent of tumor resection achieved while using 5-ALA. A search of the literature was conducted using the PubMed database for the period January 1990 through May 2014. Surgical series in which 5-ALA was used for brain neoplasm resections were evaluated for tumor histology, sensitivity, specificity, extent of resection, complications, and outcomes. Twenty-two series, involving 1163 patients, were included in our review. 5-ALA sensitivity was highest in high-grade gliomas (85 %) and meningiomas (81 %). 5-ALA specificity was high in meningiomas (100 %), as well as metastases (84 %) and high-grade gliomas (82 %). Gross total resection (GTR) was achieved using 5-ALA in 66.2 % of all gliomas and 69.6 % of meningiomas, regardless of histological subtype. 5-ALA may be a useful tool in increasing the extent of resection and achieving GTR in intracranial tumors. The resection of tumors for which 5-ALA has high sensitivity and specificity, such as high-grade gliomas, may lead to an increase in extent of resection when compared to operations using only standard white light. Further evidence for the use of 5-ALA in meningiomas and certain subtypes of metastases may be needed to qualify its efficacy.

The power controlled IS-95 reverse-link is studied. It is observed that received signals from multiple links under soft handoff and power control are not independent but anticorrelated. The cause of the anticorrelation is investigated through analysis and simulation. It is shown that due to this anticorrelation, the required signal-to-interference ratio (SIR) to achieve a given frame error rate can be /spl sim/0.7 dB less than previously estimated based on the independence assumption. Such an observation also leads to a more accurate reverse-link capacity estimate. Finally, it is pointed out that by using a postselection power control configuration an additional capacity increase of up to 11% is obtained.

A spatial light modulator design consisting of cascaded or sandwiched layers of ferroelectric liquid crystals (FLC's) is investigated. The interrelation between the FLC material, the polarization of the incident illumination, and the achievable modulation states is characterized. Magnitude modulation is accomplished by standard methods by addressing the FLC layer with linearly polarized light and following it with a properly oriented analyzer. When the FLC is addressed with circularly polarized light, lossless phase modulation results with the phase states separated by twice the angle of rotation of the optical axes. A continuum of elliptical polarization states ties together the lossless phase states achievable by using circular polarization with the more well-known 0 degrees -180 degrees phase states obtainable with linearly polarized light. Layers of various bistable FLC materials can be cascaded, possibly with polarization control layers between some of the layers, to yield a spatial light modulator that produces multip e quantized bits of complex-valued modulation and with independent control of magnitude and phase states. Four-state phase modulation, ternary amplitude-phase modulation, and four-state magnitude modulation are demonstrated experimentally by using two layers of FLC.

In this paper, we describe a CRC-based optimal Blind Transport format determination algorithm with application in UMTS uplink. A MAP detector is derived. Simulation results under both AWGN and fading channel are given.

In digital communication systems, variable-length Walsh codes, also called orthogonal variable spreading factor codes, are used to support simultaneous variable-rate data transmission. This paper describes algorithms for dynamic variable- length Walsh code assignment. Optimal assignment criterion is derived and an efficient data structure for maintaining variable- length Walsh codes is introduced. The benefits of code reallocation are also studied. Performance is evaluated via simulation.

We describe a CRC-based optimal blind transport format determination algorithm for UMTS uplink.

The paper addresses the problem of synchronous CDMA communications when, due to bandwidth limitations, signature waveforms have relatively large correlations. A receiver which uses the multiple received signals available from an antenna array is proposed and its performance analyzed. This receiver may be interpreted as a multichannel extension of the decorrelating detector and therefore shares its immunity to near-far effects. The receiver uses the discrimination afforded by the antenna array to effectively reduce the correlation between users' transmitted signals thereby avoiding the reduction in performance which occurs in the single channel decorrelator when signature correlations become significant. >

The role of IL-17/Th17 response in host resistance against Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) infection is investigated in C57BL/6 and C3H/HeN mice. We showed that C3H/HeN mice developed a skewed Th17/Th1 immune profile which led to a massive accumulation of neutrophils in the lung, impaired bacterial clearance, severe body weight loss and high mortality rate. In comparison, a relatively moderate IL-17/Th17 response was developed in C57BL/6 mice. By using recombinant adenovirus vector-mediated IL-17 transgene delivery approach, we have found that IL-17/Th17 response has both protective and detrimental roles in host resistance against Ct. On one hand, IL-17 protects host from Ct infection via stimulating pulmonary DC function for establishing a protective immunity. On the other hand, IL-17 stimulates neutrophils which counteract the protective effect of IL-17 via promoting intracellular growth of Ct. Of importance, the final outcome of two opposing effects manifests in a time-dependent and dose-dependent manner. Over expressing IL-17 at later stages of Ct infection in the airway could convert C57BL/6 mice into Ct-susceptible phenotype, indicating that an exacerbated Th17 response is responsible for an enhanced Ct susceptibility. This is the first report that a multi-facet role of IL-17 is documented in modifying host immune responses via divergent immune mechanisms in a single disease model.

The authors present a general methodology for achieving any amount of pure phase modulation between 0 and 180 degrees by controlling the polarization of light used to address a given ferro-electric liquid crystal (FLC) material. Using this technique, an eight-state phase modulator made by cascading three FLC layers is demonstrated. Motivated by the need for predictable behavior within spatial light modulators (SLMs), experimental data characterizing the point by point spatial uniformity of an FLC device used for 0/90 degree phase modulation also is presented.

The term "hay fever" is a misnomer, as the symptoms are not due to hay, and instead of fever, there is usually a subnormal temperature. This name was first applied to the disease by the laity, and as it has survived a century of usage, will probably never be discarded. Hay fever is of two types: (1) the seasonal, which is limited to some particular season of the year, and (2) the nonseasonal or perennial, with symptoms occurring more or less irregularly throughout the year. Perennial hay fever has many different names, such as vasomotor rhinitis, hyperesthetic rhinitis and nasal hydrorrhea, and when known to be due to sensitization is spoken of as allergic rhinitis or atopic coryza. Although perennial hay fever is frequently encountered by the medical profession, it is usually poorly handled, and, as a matter of fact, is looked on by most rhinologists as a more

T HREE years ago I presented before this Society a paper on maximum dosage in pollen therapy.l It might be profitable at this t,ime to report my further experiences with this method of treating 1iaJ fever. Certain refinements in technic have heeu efYected since the preceding report. In the first place, my extracting fluid has been changed from a 50 per cent glycerine and buffered salt solution, to a slight modification of the Hollister-Stier? fluid. innumerable comparative skin tests have shown that a material increase in the sodium chloride content of the former extracting fluid (from 0.5 per cent to 6 per cent,), wit,11 a slight decrease in the glycerine (from 50 per cent to 46 per cent), yields more potent pollen extracts, which also have a. higher nitrogen content. Patients who hare been treated with both types of extracts report greater local reactions, with more itching:. following subcutaneous injection of doses of the new extracts. In preceding articles 1 have stressed the importance of obtainin g a satisfactory local reaction from each individual dose? and roughly speaking, the better the reactions, the better t,he results. Any theoretical ob,jection to the definitely higher salt content can be met. when we consider that Clock’s” origina. estracting fluid, which is still quite widely nsetl, containcad ti6+$ per cent glycerine and 331/! per cent saturated salt, solution, or about, I1 per cent sodium chloride. Pollen extracts with 6 per collt SOC~iUlll chloride swm to give slightly larger skin test rcact,ions than the 7 per cent sodium chloride extra& advocated by IIollister-Stier. Fort,y-six pw

Summary This paper gives the results of an intensive study of human hypersensitiveness to fungi, including a comprehensive review of the literature, and a discussion of the house dust problem with particular reference to molds. The method of diagnosing and treating hypersensitiveness to molds and yeasts is essentially the same as that used for other types of allergenic substances. Sensitization to fungi must take its place along with sensitization to pollens, animal epidermals, foods, and bacteria in the causation of bronchial asthma, cezema, perennial hay fever, and other related allergic conditions.

Traditional teaching-and-learning environments often do not address the learning needs of today's “millennial” generation of students who prefer team work, experiential activities, structure and the use of technology. In fact, millennial students view technology as a necessity, both in life and in learning and highly regard “doing rather than knowing”, making interactive, experiential learning, a necessity for their educational success. Recently, there has been a push on the development of interactive simulations for educational and training purposes and such simulations are being incorporated into a large number of curriculums. To develop effective simulations that meet the needs of both millennial students, and educators, end users’ views and perceptions of simulation use in the classroom must be assessed and accounted for. We must develop an understanding of the sentiments and demand for simulations in teaching and learning. Such information provides valuable input into the development of simulations and ensures their use and integration within the classroom. In order to assess this, a single institution, survey study consisting of a two part survey (one geared towards students and the other to faculty) was developed and conducted at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT), a laptop-based university, that prides itself on the use of technology in the classroom, to gauge users perceptions of virtual simulations. Results indicate that students and faculty alike do appreciate the use of virtual simulations but care should be taken to ensure that the simulations are relevant to the course material and that educators are familiar with the use of the simulations to assist students should any problems arise.

Binary spatial light modulators have the advantage of better spatial and temporal uniformity than continuous spatial light modulators due to their binary thresholding nature. The multiple level modulators presented herein have a similar uniformity advantage while offering more than a single bit of modulation. Typically, ferroelectric liquid crystal (FLC) spatial light modulators (SLM) are fabricated as halfwave plates using FLC materials which give a 45° rotation of the optic axis between their two switched states. They are used for binary magnitude or binary phase modulation. We present schemes for achieving multiple bits of modulation based on using a halfwave layer of FLC material for each bit of a modulation. The degree of modulation is directly related to the amount of rotation of the optic axis which, in turn, is a property of the specific FLC material used. Therefore successive layers require the use of different FLC materials.

Airway organoids are polarized 3D epithelial structures that recapitulate the organization and many of the key functions of the in vivo tissue. They present an attractive model that can overcome some of the limitations of traditional 2D and Air–Liquid Interface (ALI) models, yet the limited accessibility of the organoids’ apical side has hindered their applications in studies focusing on host–pathogen interactions. Here, we describe a scalable, fast and efficient way to generate airway organoids with the apical side externally exposed. These apical-out airway organoids are generated in an Extracellular Matrix (ECM)-free environment from 2D-expanded bronchial epithelial cells and differentiated in suspension to develop uniformly-sized organoid cultures with robust ciliogenesis. Differentiated apical-out airway organoids are susceptible to infection with common respiratory viruses and show varying responses upon treatment with antivirals. In addition to the ease of apical accessibility, these apical-out airway organoids offer an alternative in vitro model to study host–pathogen interactions in higher throughput than the traditional air–liquid interface model.

Excerpt There are three distinct types of seasonal hay-fever in the District of Columbia and vicinity, namely: early spring, due to tree pollens; late spring or summer, the type under consideration...

History. —Mr. F. R., aged 30, consulted me, Sept. 23, 1924, for the relief of perennial hay-fever, with which he had been troubled during the preceding nine months. The symptoms started in January, 1924, with a running nose, pronounced irritation of the eyes and nose, and a feeling of fulness in the head. These symptoms became progressively worse until the patient had an almost constant, clear watery discharge from both nostrils. He felt much better while outdoors. He was treated by his family physician, and also by a competent nose and throat specialist, without relief. He then went to New York and took some sort of light treatments, which he felt helped him a great deal, but only temporarily. The only real relief that he had experienced since the disorder started was during the month of July, which he spent in Atlantic City, where he was entirely free from the disease. He had never

Excerpt Micro-organisms may be divided into four distinct groups, namely, the Schizomycetes or bacteria, the Hyphomycetes or molds, the Blastomycetes or yeasts, and the protozoa. The bacteria, mold...

Very little attention has been paid to cottonseed or kapok sensitization in the extensive literature on allergy, and, to my knowledge, no article has been previously written on this subject. Although Balyeat 1 devotes an entire chapter of the second edition of his book on hay-fever and asthma to kapok as a good substitute for feathers in feather-sensitive patients, he makes no mention of the possibility of sensitization to kapok, nor does he mention cottonseed sensitization. Furthermore, he does not refer to cottonseed or kapok hypersensitiveness in any of his numerous articles on allergy. While talking to Dr. Balyeat less than six months ago, I brought up the question of cottonseed sensitization, and he stated that he had not paid any attention to it as he did not consider it of any importance. Coke, 2 in his book on asthma, also recommends kapok pillows whenever there is sensitization to feathers

Excerpt Although much has been written about local and focal reactions, little or no attention has been paid to constitutional reactions from bacterial vaccine injections. These systemic bacterial ...

Bronchial asthma may be due to many different causes and an exhaustive history is of fundamental importance in the specific diagnosis of this disease. I will endeavor to outline the method of taking such a history, indicating, as I go along, the significance of the various factors. AGE The first point to be considered is that of age, although the actual age of the patient is nothing like as important as the age of onset of the asthma. Naturally, the prognosis is not as good in an asthmatic patient past middle life as it is in a younger one, as in the older patient there is much more likelihood of organic changes in the lungs and heart, such as emphysema, bronchiectasis and myocarditis. The age of onset, on the other hand, is of importance in that the earlier in life the asthma starts, the more likely it is to be

Excerpt Urticaria and angioneurotic edema are commonly spoken of by the laity as hives and giant hives respectively. They are of frequent occurrence, and present to the physician one of his most di...

Excerpt Although occasional references to flaxseed or linseed sensitization are scattered through the vast literature on allergy, it seems to me that hypersensitiveness to this substance is deservi...

At the age of 6 years, my parents noticed that I had considerable difficulty in breathing. This was thought to be due to a pair of very large tonsils, which almost entirely closed the aperture in my throat. Tonsillectomy and adenectomy were performed at this time, but my dyspnea persisted and was then recognized as bronchial asthma. From this time, I suffered with frequently recurring attacks of more or less severity. I scarcely knew the meaning of a good night's sleep and, at times, I was unable to go to bed at all, but was forced to spend the night in a chair. Whenever I had a cold, which was very often, I was completely incapacitated. The inhalation of various asthma powders and cigarets gave me temporary relief, but no hope for a cure was held other than that I might possibly outgrow it. My first real relief was obtained

(1949). Pollen slide studies. Geologiska Foreningen i Stockholm Forhandlingar: Vol. 71, No. 4, pp. 626-626.