Mathematical Physics and the Planning of American Mathematics: Ideology and Institutions

AbstractMathematical physics played an ambiguous role during the establishment and growth of the American mathematical community. During the early years of this century, mathematical physics diminished in importance relative to newer areas of study. But by the end of World War I, some members of the American mathematical community recognized that mathematics could benefit, materially and scientifically, from increased attention to mathematical physics. This paper examines the way mathematical physics figured in the ideas and actions of key leaders of the development of the American mathematical community.Die mathematische Physik spielte eine widerspruechliche Rolle bei der Herausbildung und Entwicklung der scientific community der amerikanischen Mathematiker. Waehrend der ersten Jahre dieses Jahrhunderts verringerte sich ihre Bedeutung relativ zu neueren Forschungsgebieten. Aber gegen Ende des Ersten Weltkrieges erkannten einige amerikanische Mathematiker, dass die Mathematik materiell und wissenschaftlich von der vermehrten Aufmerksamkeit fuer mathematische Physik profitieren koennte. Dieser Artikel untersucht, auf welche Weise die mathematische Physik in den Vorstellungen und Handlungen der die Entwicklung der community bestimmenden amerikanischen Mathematiker praesent war.La physique mathématique a joué un rôle ambigu au sein de la jeune communauté mathématique américaine. Dans les premières années de ce siècle, la physique mathématique déclinait relativement à d'autres spécialités. Mais à la fin de la Première Guerre Mondiale, certains mathématiciens américains reconnurent que les mathématiques pouvaient bénéficier, matériellement et scientifiquement, de la physique mathématique. Cet article analyse la manière dont la physique mathématique fut intégrée, en idée et en action, par d'importants représentants de la communauté mathématique des États-Unis

Clinical validation of a spectroscopic liquid biopsy for earlier detection of brain cancer

BackgroundDiagnostic delays impact the quality of life and survival of patients with brain tumors. Earlier and expeditious diagnoses in these patients are crucial to reduce the morbidities and mortalities associated with brain tumors. A simple, rapid blood test that can be administered easily in a primary care setting to efficiently identify symptomatic patients who are most likely to have a brain tumor would enable quicker referral to brain imaging for those who need it most.MethodsBlood serum samples from 603 patients were prospectively collected and analyzed. Patients either had non-specific symptoms that could be indicative of a brain tumor on presentation to the Emergency Department, or a new brain tumor diagnosis and referral to the neurosurgical unit, NHS Lothian, Scotland. Patient blood serum samples were analyzed using the Dxcover® Brain Cancer liquid biopsy. This technology utilizes infrared spectroscopy combined with a diagnostic algorithm to predict the presence of intracranial disease.ResultsOur liquid biopsy approach reported an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.8. The sensitivity-tuned model achieves a 96% sensitivity with 45% specificity (NPV 99.3%) and identified 100% of glioblastoma multiforme patients. When tuned for a higher specificity, the model yields a sensitivity of 47% with 90% specificity (PPV 28.4%).ConclusionsThis simple, non-invasive blood test facilitates the triage and radiographic diagnosis of brain tumor patients while providing reassurance to healthy patients. Minimizing time to diagnosis would facilitate the identification of brain tumor patients at an earlier stage, enabling more effective, less morbid surgical and adjuvant care