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Background The majority of patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia develop disease relapse in the central nervous system in the absence of central nervous system−directed prophylactic therapy. In the past, prophylactic cranial irradiation was commonly used in the form of whole-brain radiotherapy in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia to prevent the development of intracranial diseases. However, in addition to the inherent risk of toxicity, this type of therapy has several delayed side effects including the development of secondary intracranial tumors. Case Description We report a rare case of a patient with concurrent pituicytoma, meningioma, and cavernomas 44 years after prophylactic cranial irradiation for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The patient presented with visual disturbance, headache, and features of hypopituitarism. Endoscopic transsphenoidal resection of the pituicytoma and meningioma was performed. Subsequent regrowth of the residual meningioma necessitated further surgery and adjuvant treatment with radiotherapy. Conclusions This case report highlights the unusual case of a patient with 3 concurrent intracranial lesions of distinct pathologies after prophylactic cranial irradiation therapy for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

While conventional nutrition research has yielded biomarkers such as doubly labeled water for energy metabolism and 24-h urinary nitrogen for protein intake, a critical need exists for additional, equally robust biomarkers that allow for objective assessment of specific food intake and dietary exposure. Recent advances in high-throughput MS combined with improved metabolomics techniques and bioinformatic tools provide new opportunities for dietary biomarker development. In September 2018, the NIH organized a 2-d workshop to engage nutrition and omics researchers and explore the potential of multiomics approaches in nutritional biomarker research. The current Perspective summarizes key gaps and challenges identified, as well as the recommendations from the workshop that could serve as a guide for scientists interested in dietary biomarkers research. Topics addressed included study designs for biomarker development, analytical and bioinformatic considerations, and integration of dietary biomarkers with other omics techniques. Several clear needs were identified, including larger controlled feeding studies, testing a variety of foods and dietary patterns across diverse populations, improved reporting standards to support study replication, more chemical standards covering a broader range of food constituents and human metabolites, standardized approaches for biomarker validation, comprehensive and accessible food composition databases, a common ontology for dietary biomarker literature, and methodologic work on statistical procedures for intake biomarker discovery. Multidisciplinary research teams with appropriate expertise are critical to moving forward the field of dietary biomarkers and producing robust, reproducible biomarkers that can be used in public health and clinical research.

Vibrio alginolyticus and Vibrio (Aliivibrio) fischeri are Gram‐negative bacteria found globally in marine environments. During the past decade, studies have shown that certain Gram‐negative bacteria, including Vibrio species (cholerae, parahaemolyticus, and vulnificus) are capable of using exogenous polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) to modify the phospholipids of their membrane. Moreover, exposure to exogenous PUFAs has been shown to affect certain phenotypes that are important factors of virulence. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether V. alginolyticus and V. fischeri are capable of responding to exogenous PUFAs by remodeling their membrane phospholipids and/or altering behaviors associated with virulence. Thin‐layer chromatography (TLC) analyses and ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (UPLC/ESI‐MS) confirmed incorporation of all PUFAs into membrane phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine. Several growth phenotypes were identified when individual fatty acids were supplied in minimal media and as sole carbon sources. Interestingly, several PUFAs acids inhibited growth of V. fischeri. Significant alterations to membrane permeability were observed depending on fatty acid supplemented. Strikingly, arachidonic acid (20:4) reduced membrane permeability by approximately 35% in both V. alginolyticus and V. fischeri. Biofilm assays indicated that fatty acid influence was dependent on media composition and temperature. All fatty acids caused decreased swimming motility in V. alginolyticus, while only linoleic acid (18:2) significantly increased swimming motility in V. fischeri. In summary, exogenous fatty acids cause a variety of changes in V. alginolyticus and V. fischeri, thus adding these bacteria to a growing list of Gram‐negatives that exhibit versatility in fatty acid utilization and highlighting the potential for environmental PUFAs to influence phenotypes associated with planktonic, beneficial, and pathogenic associations., Bacterial utilization of fatty acids continues to evolve as a practical strategy for environmental adaptation, providing energy currency, ingredients for membrane construction, and cues for behavioral modification. Here, we add two members of the family Vibrionaceae, Vibrio alginolyticus and Aliivibrio fischeri, that scavenge a variety of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), as evidenced by incorporation into membrane phospholipids and orchestration of phenotypic responses associated with growth, motility, and biofilm formation. Our findings highlight the differential exploitation of PUFAs by two related genera occupying distinct ecological niches, suggesting species‐specific responses to exogenous fatty acids for survival in planktonic, symbiotic, and pathogenic habitats.

Purpose Decompressive craniectomy remains controversial because of uncertainty regarding its benefit to patients; this study aimed to explore current practice following the RESCUEicp Trial, an important study in the evolving literature on decompressive craniectomies. Materials and methods Neurosurgeons in New Zealand, Australia, USA and Nepal were sent a survey consisting of two case scenarios and several multi-choice questions exploring their utilisation of decompressive craniectomy following the RESCUEicp Trial. Results One in ten neurosurgeons (n = 6, 10.3%) were no longer performing decompressive craniectomies for TBI following the RESCUEicp Trial and two fifths (n = 23, 39.7%) were less enthusiastic. Most neurosurgeons would not operate in the face of severe disability (n = 46, 79.3%) or vegetative state/death (n = 57, 98.3%). Neurosurgeons tended give more optimistic prognoses than the CRASH prognostic model. Those who suggested more pessimistic prognoses and those who use decision support tools were less likely to advise decompressive surgery. Conclusions RESCUEicp has had a notable impact on neurosurgeons and their management of TBI. Although there remains no clear clinical consensus on the contraindications for decompressive craniectomy, most neurosurgeons would not operate if severe disability or vegetative state (the rates of which are increased by such surgery) seemed likely. Whilst unreliable, prognostic estimates still have an impact on clinical decision making and neurosurgical management. Wider use of decision support tools should be considered.

BACKGROUND Few Americans meet the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA), yet a large percentage are overweight. OBJECTIVE The goal of this research was to examine the association between barriers and facilitators to meeting the DGA and weight in a multisite study. DESIGN This was a cross-sectional study in which 836 caregiver-child dyads among 3 race/ethnic groups completed the questionnaire across 6 sites participating in the HEALTH (Healthy Eating and Lifestyle for Total Health) Study. Barriers and facilitators to meeting the DGA were assessed by using a validated questionnaire developed specifically for the HEALTH Study. Heights and weights were measured. A series of bivariate regression analyses were conducted to examine the association between caregiver body mass index (BMI) or child BMI z score and the barriers and facilitators to meeting the DGA, adjusting for appropriate covariates in the models. Path analysis was used to examine the relation of caregiver and child barriers and facilitators to their relative BMIs. RESULTS In children, the BMI z score was associated positively (P < 0.001) with total barriers and negatively (P < 0.001) with total facilitators. In caregivers, BMI was associated positively only with total barriers (P < 0.0001). For each of the 8 MyPyramid components, barriers consistently were associated positively (P < 0.0001) and facilitators were associated negatively (P < 0.001) with BMI z score in children (with the exception of the fruit and physical activity components). For caregivers, most of the barriers to meeting recommendations for meats and beans; solid fats, alcohol, and added sugars; and physical activity components were associated positively (P < 0.01) with BMI. Path analyses show that caregiver facilitators were significantly related to children's facilitators to meeting DGA recommendations (standardized β: 0.12; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION To our knowledge, our findings are among the first to show associations between weight and barriers and/or facilitators to meeting the DGA in a national, large sample of caregiver-child dyads. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02725970.

The Population-Based Funding Formula (PBFF) has a significant impact on health funding distribution between New Zealand's 20 district health boards (DHBs) yet is subject to little independent oversight or public scrutiny. There has been widespread dissatisfaction among DHBs with the allocation process; however, there are limited formal avenues available for DHBs and the public to discuss the PBFF. As such, the news media has become a key platform for voicing concerns. This study aims to gain a better understanding of how the PBFF is portrayed in the news media and of perceptions of funding allocations across the country.We conducted thematic analyses of 487 newspaper articles about the PBFF, published over 13 years from 2003-2016. We then identified trends in the data.Typically presented in a negative light, the PBFF was commonly framed against a background of financial struggle and resultant impacts on health services and staff. The effect of factors driving DHB allocations and the PBFF process itself were also key themes. There were significant regional and temporal variations in reporting volume, with most articles focusing on South Island DHBs and occurring during the introduction of the PBFF and at the time of the most recent review.The findings suggest general discontent with the PBFF model across the DHB sector and a sense that the PBFF has failed to address various challenges facing DHBs. The geographic imbalance in reporting volume suggests that frustration with the PBFF is particularly keenly felt in the South Island. Although the PBFF is a lightning rod for frustrations over limited health funding, the findings point to the need to improve transparency and dialogue around the formula and to monitor of the impact of PBFF allocations throughout the country.

El desarrollo urban?stico de San Salvador durante los gobiernos del ex presidente Gerardo Barrios en 1859 y 1861 a 1863, se?ala que los principales locales profesionales y establecimientos comerciales que se abrieron fueron las oficinas de abogados. Esto se debe a la necesidad de contar con profesionales que legalizaran las transacciones de privatizaci?n de la tierra. La ebriedad y los juegos prohibidos fueron las principales entretenciones de los sectores populares que se trataron de controlar. Las principales enfermedades de los salvadore?os a mediados del siglo XIX eran las fiebres, la disenter?a, el catarro, los dolores agudos de est?mago y las afecciones reum?ticas. El poco apoyo a la morigeraci?n de las costumbres de los sectores populares y al combate de las enfermedades antes mencionadas radica en que las finanzas p?blicas se dedicaron a la construcci?n de caminos, elementos necesarios para la econom?a agroexportadora a?ilera. Universidad Tecnol?gica de El Salvador; Museo Universitario de Antropolog?a, MUA

Background Social media and Internet technologies present several emerging and ill-explored issues for a modern healthcare workforce. One issue is patient-targeted Googling (PTG), which involves a healthcare professional using a social networking site (SNS) or publicly available search engine to find patient information online. The study’s aim was to address a deficit in data and knowledge regarding PTG, and to investigate medical student use of SNSs due to a close association with PTG. Method The authors surveyed final year medical students at the Otago Medical School, University of Otago in January 2016. A subset completed focus groups that were analysed using thematic analysis to identify key themes relating to students’ attitudes towards PTG, and reasons why they might engage in PTG. Results Fifty-four students completed the survey (response rate = 65.1%), which showed that PTG was uncommon (n = 9, 16.7%). Attitudes were varied and context dependent. Most participants saw problems with PTG and favoured more explicit guidance on the issue (n = 29, 53.7%). SNS usage was high (n = 51, 94.4%); participants were concerned by the content of their SNS profiles and who they were connecting with online. Participants showing high SNS use were 1.83 times more likely to have conducted PTG than lower use groups. Conclusions The diverse attitudes uncovered in this study indicated that teaching or guidelines could be useful to healthcare professionals considering PTG. Though ethically problematic, PTG may be important to patient care and safety. The decision to conduct PTG should be made with consideration of ethical principles and the intended use of the information.

El funeral de Estado del Lic. Cleto Gonz?lez V?quez (1937) le permiti? a los gobernantes de turno de Costa Rica ensalzar la figura de este ex mandatario como referente moral y patri?tico. Se exaltaron sus cualidades como su amor por el trabajo, al estudio, al hogar, el respeto a la democracia, su humildad, la entrega y sacrificio por la patria. Esto pretend?a reforzar los valores sobre los cuales se asentaba la identidad nacional costarricense; y en ?ltima instancia, invisibilizar la desigualdad y la explotaci?n de clase que prevalec?a. Por otra parte, la llegada de los restos mortales de don Braulio Carrillo al pa?s en 1972 fue utilizada por el gobierno de Jos? Figueres Ferrer para transmitir una visi?n de la historia y de la pol?tica de tipo elitista, donde el Estado es la construcci?n directa y ?nica de la clase dominante y se construye para regular y encauzar el conflicto social. Los intelectuales que escribieron sobre este hecho lo hicieron sin asidero hist?rico, con el fin de transmitir un sentimiento de pertenencia nacional y de sacrificio por la patria. Universidad Tecnol?gica de El Salvador

Premise of the study: Field methodology and image analysis protocols using acoustic tomography were developed and evaluated as a tool to estimate the amount of internal decay and damage of living trees, with special attention to tropical rainforest trees with irregular trunk shapes. Methods and Results: Living trunks of a diversity of tree species in tropical rainforests in the Republic of Panama were scanned using an Argus Electronic PiCUS 3 Sonic Tomograph and evaluated for the amount and patterns of internal decay. A protocol using ImageJ analysis software was used to quantify the proportions of intact and compromised wood. The protocols provide replicable estimates of internal decay and cavities for trees of varying shapes, wood density, and bark thickness. Conclusions: Sonic tomography, coupled with image analysis, provides an efficient, noninvasive approach to evaluate decay patterns and structural integrity of even irregularly shaped living trees.

The purpose of this study was to ascertain what role mentoring played in female sport management faculty’s decision to pursue doctoral degrees and to investigate and identify factors related to successful transition through the doctoral program. A qualitative, descriptive-interpretive approach utilizing a cross case analysis of current female faculty in sport management was used to discover participants’ subjective views regarding a specific experience or experiences in an effort to provide unique, relevant data (Anda, 2001). This methodology allowed for a greater understanding of the participants and their experiences. Semistructured interviews were conducted with eight participants dichotomized by race: four White and four Black Assistant Professors teaching in undergraduate and graduate programs at various types of Carnegie classified institutions. Collectively, seven major themes and four major personality traits and characteristics developed from verbatim transcriptions of the interviews. The seven themes included athletic involvement, career in athletics, career aspirations, pedagogy decision, influence of mentor, mentor roles, and context of mentoring. The four personality traits and characteristics related to success were athletic involvement/career in athletics, single with no dependents, competitive/confident, and vigilance/determination.

An experiential learning project through the USDA Food and Nutrition Summer Institute focuses on diabetes and obesity in the African American community by addressing nutrition and physical activity among children. In this phase of the project, students from five historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) identified community partners and tested the feasibility of using several instruments for a future intervention. Seventy-four children and 31 parents completed a modified USDA Diet and Health Knowledge Survey questionnaire; socio-demographic, physical activity, and anthropometric datasheets; and Block Food Frequency Questionnaires. Students faced several challenges in collecting food and behavior information, including respondent burden, appropriateness of questionnaires, and technology difficulties.

Two CMS production Cathode Strip Chambers were tested for aging effects in the high radiation environment at the Gamma Irradiation Facility at CERN. The chambers were irradiated over a large area: in total, about 2.1 m{sup 2} or 700 m of wire in each chamber. The 40% Ar+50%CO{sub 2}+10%CF{sub 4} gas mixture was provided by an open-loop gas system for one of the chambers and by closed-loop recirculating gas system for the other. After accumulating 0.3-0.4 C per centimeter of a wire, which is equivalent to operation during about 30-50 years at the peak LHC luminosity, no significant changes in gas gain, chamber efficiency, and wire signal noise were observed for either of the two chambers. The only consistent signs of aging were a small increase in dark current from {approx}2 nA to {approx}10 nA per plane of 600 wires and a decrease of strip-to-strip resistance from 1000 G{Omega} to 10-100 G{Omega}. Disassembly of the chambers revealed deposits on the cathode planes, while the anode wires remained fairly clean.

Presented are the main design features and performance results of the Cathode Strip Chambers for the CMS Endcap Muon system. Although the strips are unusually wide (up to 16 mm ) for the cathode-to-anode wire distance of 5 mm , the six-plane structure of these chambers yields a spatial resolution of about 80 μm , essentially uniform and independent of the strip width. In addition, the net spatial resolution of about one-tenth of the strip width at the hardware trigger level (300 ns ) is obtained using a simple network of comparators. Time resolution achieved at the trigger level is ∼4 ns (rms) that allows unambiguous tagging of bunch crossings which occur every 25 ns . Aging test results, including those obtained with a recirculating gas system, are discussed; only minor aging affects were observed. The aging studies were performed with large-scale chambers; 700 m of wire were irradiated for a dose up to 0.4 C / cm of the total accumulated charge.

Presented are the main design features of the large Cathode Strip Chambers (CSCs) for the CMS Endcap Muon System as well as the performance results obtained with the two full-scale 3.4×1.5 m2 six-plane prototypes. The prototype performance was within the baseline requirements: (a) higher than 99% efficiency of muon track finding at the trigger level with more than 92% probability for bunch crossing identification and better than 2 mm spatial resolution, and (b) better than 150 μm spatial resolution in off-line.

OVERVIEW:Corporations everywhere are seeking maximum value from central research and development. R&D productivity measures continue to receive attention, but they introduce risk into the management process, and they do not necessarily impact individual behavior. This article focuses on incentives that motivate researchers and research organizations to maximize their contribution to corporate strategy. In addition to incentives traditionally used in R&D organizations, GM Hughes Electronics has found two new processes to be effective: business unit direction of central research projects, and results-based compensation for every research employee.

The majority of the US population does not meet recommendations for consumption of milk, whole grains, fruit, and vegetables. The goal of our study was to understand barriers and facilitators to adherence to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans for four nutrient-rich food groups in fifth-grade children and unrelated adult caregivers across six sites in a multistate study. A total of 281 unrelated adult caregivers (32% African American, 33% European American, and 35% Hispanic American) and 321 children (33% African American, 33% European American, and 34% Hispanic American) participated in 97 Nominal Group Technique sessions. Nominal Group Technique is a qualitative method of data collection that enables a group to generate and prioritize a large number of issues within a structure that gives everyone an equal voice. The core barriers specific to unrelated adult caregivers were lack of meal preparation skills or recipes (whole grains, fruit, vegetables); difficulty in changing eating habits (whole grains, fruit, vegetables), cost (milk, whole grains, fruit, vegetables), lack of knowledge of recommendation/portion/health benefits (milk, vegetables), and taste (milk, whole grains, vegetables). Specific to children, the core barriers were competing foods (ie, soda, junk foods, sugary foods [whole grains, milk, fruit, vegetables]), health concerns (ie, milk allergy/upset stomach [milk]), taste/flavor/smell (milk, whole grains, fruit, vegetables), forget to eat them (vegetables, fruit), and hard to consume or figure out the recommended amount (milk, fruit). For both unrelated adult caregivers and children, reported facilitators closely coincided with the barriers, highlighting modifiable conditions that could help individuals to meet the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

This paper documents on the programming and software design underpinning the Virtual Laboratory Practical Class (VLPC) program. This is an experiment simulation HTML5 web, which was designed to provide students with a virtual “pre-lab” experience where they can conduct an experiment and use equipment and techniques that they will encounter in a “live” pharmacology practical laboratory class.

OVERVIEW:This article describes the approaches being used by large high-technology companies, including the author's, to align technology strategy with business strategy. Comparative data are given that were obtained through benchmarking interviews with senior technology executives at 16 corporations. Following a discussion of how RD nontechnical core competencies; and core “incompetencies.” (3) Technical networks for nourishing technical core competencies, with three distinct examples: 3M's democratically based Technical Forum; Hughes Aircraft's management-linked Technical Networks; and Martin Marietta's electronically connected...

We report a method for optimizing the specificity of product formation in the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). This technique is based on the use of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and takes into account primer Tm. The reduction in Tm by DMSO is directly correlated with renaturation temperature such that a DMSO gradient reflects a temperature gradient. We use this relationship to show that optimum product formation usually occurs at or within several degrees of the midpoint Tm of a given primer pair. We illustrate these correlations using three examples deriving PCR products from a human cDNA library, representing the casein kinase II alpha and beta subunits as well as the 5' untranslated region for the beta subunit. By following product formation as a function of renaturation temperature, we postulate rules for cycle design based on primer Tm. Implications for the use of degenerate primers are discussed.

High power, high gain lasers are vulnerable to parasitic oscillations, which are unwanted laser modes that rely on stray wall reflections for their optical feedback. Since parasitics reduce power in the intended laser mode and can cause thermal damage to structural hardware, it is important to know the gain threshold required to support parasitics in various laser medium geometries. When the walls are diffusely reflecting, as in many high power laser devices, a diffuse parasitic mode that fills essentially the entire gain medium can form. A differential equation is derived for the radiant intensity of a diffuse parasitic in the absence of diffraction. An expansion in angular functions leads to a Helmholtz-like equation and suitable boundary conditions at the walls. These equations are solved to give the radiant intensity within a rectangular laser region with specified reflectivities at the bounding walls. Limiting cases are discussed and numerical results are given for the diffuse parasitic gain threshold in rectangular gain regions bounded by two, four, or six partially reflecting walls. A computer code is provided for calculating the gain threshold for other combinations of wall reflectivities.

Large deletion and small insertion mutations in the adenylyl cyclase gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae were used to map regions required for activation by RAS protein in vitro. The amino-terminal 605 amino acids were found to be dispensable for responsiveness to RAS protein. All other deletions in adenylyl cyclase destroyed its ability to respond to RAS. Small insertion mutations within the leucine-rich repeat region also prevented RAS responsiveness, while other insertions did not.

The purpose of this study was to investigate how spirituality relates to health-promoting behaviors in African-American women. Using Burkhart's theoretical framework for spirituality, a descriptive cross-sectional correlational design was used. A group of 260 (N=260) women completed Rosenbergh's Self-Esteem Scale, the Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile II, the Spiritual Perspective Scale, the Brief Block 2000 Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). These women also provided the researchers with their socio-demographic data. Canonical correlation analysis identified a significant pair of canonical variables which indicated that those individuals with good nutrition (.95), physical activity (.79), and healthy eating (.42) were positively associated with stress management (.88), health responsibility (.67), spiritual growth (.66), interpersonal relations (.50), education (.49), and self-esteem (.33). This set of variables explained 56% of the variability (p.001). Practitioners should incorporate the message of spirituality by focusing on strategies to improve health responsibility, interpersonal relations, and self-esteem, along with health-promoting behaviors.

List of contributors. Preface. Director's list of participants. Editorial. List of the ISQE courses. 1. Birth of the maser and laser C.H.Townes. 2. Fiber optic chemical sensors and biosensors: a view back O.S.Wolfbeis and B.M.Weidgans.- Fundamentals of optical chemical sensing. 3. Fundamentals of optoelectronics A.Dybko. 4. Optical fibres for optical sensing I. Kasik et al. 5. Absorption-based sensors A.Lobnik. 6. Fluorescence-based sensors G.Orellana. 7. Vibrational spectroscopic sensors M.Kraft. 8. Chemiluminescence-based sensors L.J.Blum and C.A.Marquette. 9. Sensors based on spectroscopy of guided waves J.Homola. 10. Planar optical sensors and evanescent wave effects C.S.Burke et al. 11. Interferometry in bio and chemosensing G.Gauglitz. l2. Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy T.Vo-Dinh and F.Yan. 13. Planar waveguiding systems for optical sensing P.V.Lambeck and H.J.W.M.Hoekstra. 14. Ultracompact optical sensors based on high index-contrast photonic structures A.Driessen et al. 15. Polymers in optical sensors G.J.Mohr. 16. Fundamentals of enzyme-based sensors M.C. Moreno-Bondi and Elena Benito-Pena. 17. Sol-gels for optical sensors H.Podbielska, et al. 18 Methods for attachment of antibodies onto optical biosensors E.Brynda.- Applications of optical chemical sensing. 19. The optical nose D.R.Walt and T.Sternfeld. 20. Invasive sensors in medicine F.Baldini. 21 Biosensors for detection of bioterrorist threats F.S.Ligler. 22. Review of methods of optical gas detection by direct optical spectroscopy, with emphasis on correlation spectroscopy J.P.Dakin and P.Chambers. 23. DNA and protein sensor arrays C.Preininger. 24. Sensors for food safety and security D.B.Papkovsky. 25. Optical chemical sensors for cultural heritage G.Cristoforetti, et al.- Index