Minimax particle filtering for tracking a highly maneuvering target

Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/152473/1/rnc4785_am.pdfhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/152473/2/rnc4785.pd

Mild Hypothermia Attenuates Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 Induction via Activation of Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase-1/2 in a Focal Cerebral Ischemia Model

Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in cerebral vascular endothelium induced by ischemic insult triggers leukocyte infiltration and inflammatory reaction. We investigated the mechanism of hypothermic suppression of ICAM-1 in a model of focal cerebral ischemia. Rats underwent 2 hours of middle cerebral artery occlusion and were kept at 37°C or 33°C during occlusion and rewarmed to normal temperature immediately after reperfusion. Under hypothermic condition, robust activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1/2 (ERK1/2) was observed in vascular endothelium of ischemic brain. Hypothermic suppression of ICAM-1 was reversed by ERK1/2 inhibition. Phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in ischemic vessel was attenuated by hypothermia. STAT3 inhibitor suppressed ICAM-1 production induced by stroke. ERK1/2 inhibition enhanced phosphorylation and DNA binding activity of STAT3 in hypothermic condition. In this study, we demonstrated that hypothermic suppression of ICAM-1 induction is mediated by enhanced ERK1/2 activation and subsequent attenuation of STAT3 action

Fatal Rhabdomyolysis in a Patient with Liver Cirrhosis after Switching from Simvastatin to Fluvastatin

HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) are widely used to treat hypercholesterolemia. Among the adverse effects associated with these drugs are statin-associated myopathies, ranging from asymptomatic elevation of serum creatine kinase to fatal rhabdomyolysis. Fluvastatin-induced fatal rhabdomyolysis has not been previously reported. We describe here a patient with liver cirrhosis who experienced fluvastatin-induced fatal rhabdomyolysis. This patient had been treated with simvastatin (20 mg/day) for coronary artery disease and was switched to fluvastatin (20 mg/day) 10 days before admission. He was also taking aspirin, betaxolol, candesartan, lactulose, and entecavir. Rhabdomyolysis was complicated and continued to progress. He was treated with massive hydration, urine alkalization, intravenous furosemide, and continuous renal replacement therapy for acute renal failure, but eventually died due to rhabdomyolysis complicated by hepatic failure. In conclusion, fluvastatin should be used with caution in patients with liver cirrhosis, especially with other medications metabolized with CYP2C9

Thomas Merton’s Encounter with Buddhism and Beyond: His Interreligious Dialogue, Inter-Monastic Exchanges and Their Legacy

This thesis explores Thomas Merton’s role as a pioneer of Buddhist-Christian dialogue and monastic interreligious dialogue by: 1) delving into the process of Merton’s self-transformation through contemplative experiences; 2) exploring his encounter with Zen and Tibetan Buddhists and his pioneering engagements in Buddhist-Christian dialogue; 3) presenting and responding to the criticisms of those who raise questions about Merton’s understanding of Buddhism; 4) studying his inter-monastic exchanges with Buddhists at the level of contemplative dialogue; and 5) presenting the ways in which Merton’s pioneering legacy continues in the ongoing Gethsemani Encounters and monastic exchange programs as well as in intra-religious dialogue in an Asian monastic context. Through the lens of Zen, Merton saw the value and possibility of “contemplative dialogue” between monastics and contemplatives of different religious traditions, those men and women who look primarily to a transformation of human consciousness and a spiritual awakening from within their respective traditions. With regard to the future, he hoped that through contemplative dialogue, monastics would strive for “intermonastic communion” and a bonding of the broader “spiritual family” and thus become witnesses of the fundamental unity of humanity to a world that was becoming ever more materialistic and divided. More recently, Eastern and Western monastics have appropriated Merton’s example as they engage in dialogue with each other in various monastic exchange programs, such as those organized by Dialogue Interreligieux Monastique/Monastic Interreligious Dialogue (DIMMID). His legacy of contemplative dialogue can be expanded to Raimon Panikkar’s understanding of “intra-religious dialogue” at the interior level. Finally, in this context, the thesis further develops Panikkar’s internal dialogue at the regional level in an Asian context as a form of intra-monastic dialogue.Doctor of Theology (ThD

Spritual Growth and Healing Through Monastic Experience: A South Korean Benedictine Exploration of the Monastery Stay Experience

Western monasticism offers ways of spiritual growth and living with God in daily life through self-transcendence. It has placed a high value on the development of Christian virtues. Monasticism carries a responsibility for helping to craft a new, more fitting model to embrace a meaningfulness of suffering. The monastic view of transformation can liberate suffering into a vehicle for meaning and healing. Benedictine spirituality, in particular, has treasured many components, such as, monastic asceticism, the vowed life, silence, prayer, and meditation, for growth and healing. Through some recent initiatives it continues to strive to impart the elements for holistic healing in contemporary society. One example of this has been the creation of opportunities for monastic experience for people. Since 2002 a South Korean Benedictine monastery has provided “The Monastery Stay” experience for people. Participants in the experience live in the same way as the monks do, completely isolated from their everyday lives for a period of a few days. As a result of these short stays by people in a Benedictine monastery a glimpse is offered to them of a different way to lead life. Many have grown and experienced healing in their spiritual life and learnt how to live a contemplative life on a daily basis. By staying in the monastery, the participants have been enabled to recognize more vividly God’s love and have come to a recognition of the importance of a balanced life of prayer, work, nutrition, and leisure in their daily life. Through this experience, the Monastery Stay provides an opportunity for the person’s spiritual growth and healing. Through this experience a person, healed or awakened to new possibility, can contribute to healing and the rebuilding of a community through the interconnection between the health of an individual and the health of a community.Master of Theology (ThM

A case of azoospermia in a non-destructive testing worker exposed to radiation

Abstract Background Interest in radiation-related health problems has been growing with the increase in the number of workers in radiation-related jobs. Although an occupational level of radiation exposure would not likely cause azoospermia, several studies have reported the relation between radiation exposure and azoospermia after accidental or therapeutic radiation exposure. We describe a case of azoospermia in a non-destructive testing (NDT) worker exposed to radiation and discuss the problems of the related monitoring system. Case presentation A 39-year-old man who was childless after 8 years of marriage was diagnosed with azoospermia through medical evaluations, including testicular biopsy. He did not have any abnormal findings on biochemical evaluations, other risk factors, or evidence of congenital azoospermia. He had been working in an NDT facility from 2005 to 2013, attaching and arranging gamma-ray films on the structures and inner spaces of ships. The patient’s thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) badge recorded an exposure level of 0.01781 Gy for 80 months, whereas results of his florescence in situ hybridization (FISH) translocation assay showed an exposure level of up to 1.926 Gy of cumulative radiation, which was sufficient to cause azoospermia. Thus, we concluded that his azoospermia was caused by occupational radiation exposure. Conclusion The difference between the exposure dose records measured through TLD badge and the actual exposure dose implies that the monitor used by the NDT worker did not work properly, and such a difference could threaten the health and safety of workers. Thus, to protect the safety and health of NDT workers, education of workers and strengthening of law enforcement are required to ensure that regulations are strictly followed, and if necessary, random sampling of NDT workers using a cytogenetic dosimeter, such as FISH, should be considered