cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Kinematic Modeling-based Left Ventricular Diastatic (Passive) Chamber Stiffness Determination with In-Vivo Validation

The slope of the diastatic pressure–volume relationship (D-PVR) defines passive left ventricular (LV) stiffness $$ \mathcal{K}.$$ Although $$ \mathcal{K} $$ is a relative measure, cardiac catheterization, which is an absolute measurement method, is used to obtain the former. Echocardiography, including transmitral flow velocity (Doppler E-wave) analysis, is the preferred quantitative diastolic function (DF) assessment method. However, E-wave analysis can provide only relative, rather than absolute pressure information. We hypothesized that physiologic mechanism-based modeling of E-waves allows derivation of the D-PVRE-wave whose slope, $$ \mathcal{K}_{{\text{E-}}{\text{wave}}} $$ , provides E-wave-derived diastatic, passive chamber stiffness. Our kinematic model of filling and Bernoulli’s equation were used to derive expressions for diastatic pressure and volume on a beat-by-beat basis, thereby generating D-PVRE-wave, and $$ \mathcal{K}_{{\text{E-}}{\text{wave}}} $$ . For validation, simultaneous (conductance catheter) P–V and echocardiographic E-wave data from 30 subjects (444 total cardiac cycles) having normal LV ejection fraction (LVEF) were analyzed. For each subject (15 beats average) model-predicted $$ \mathcal{K}_{{\text{E-}}{\text{wave}}} $$ was compared to experimentally measured $$ \mathcal{K}_{\text{CATH}} $$ via linear regression yielding as follows: $$ \mathcal{K}_{{\text{E-}}{\text{wave}}} = \alpha {\mathcal{K}}_{\text{CATH}} + b\;(R^{2} = 0.92), $$ where, α = 0.995 and b = 0.02. We conclude that echocardiographically determined diastatic passive chamber stiffness, $$ \mathcal{K}_{{\text{E-}}{\text{wave}}} $$ , provides an excellent estimate of simultaneous, gold standard (P–V)-defined diastatic stiffness, $$ \mathcal{K}_{\text{CATH}} $$ . Hence, in chambers at diastasis, passive LV stiffness can be accurately determined by means of suitable analysis of Doppler E-waves (transmitral flow).
Microcytosis and Iron Status in Dogs With Surgically Induced Portosystemic Shunts

Microcytosis is common in dogs with congenital portosystemic shunts (PSS) and acquired liver disease. The objective of this study was to determine if microcytosis could be induced in normal dogs by surgical creation of PSS, and to characterize the changes in hematology and iron status. Hematocrit, mean cell volume, mean cell hemoglobin, and mean cell hemoglobin concentration decreased linearly from 45.5%, 69.1 fL, 22.8 g/dL and 33.1% to 39.5%, 55.9 fL, 17.8 g/dL and 31.9%, respectively, 18 weeks after creation of PSS. The erythrocyte count did not change, but red cell distribution widths indicated a shift to a heterogenous population with decreased volume. Mean cell volume and mean cell hemoglobin decreased rapidly after induction of PSS and were significantly (P < .05) different from presurgery values within 2 weeks. Serum iron and copper concentrations and total iron binding capacity were decreased in dogs with PSS. Liver iron concentration doubled after creation of PSS, with the majority of stainable iron located in Kupffer cells. The changes in erythrocyte indices and measures of iron status in dogs with surgically induced PSS were similar to those in dogs with congenital PSS. Microcystosis developed rapidly in dogs after induction of PSS. These results indicate that iron deficiency was not the cause of microcytosis in these dogs.
Spectral line strength binning method for opacity calculations

Abstract In modern opacity calculations that employ intermediate coupling based atomic physics, it can be necessary to include the contribution of millions of spectral lines to evaluate the bound–bound part of the opacity. Unfortunately, the processing of millions of line shapes is impractical because of prohibitive computational times, therefore fast computational methods are needed. In the present work, a simple procedure is described to process line strengths and widths in finely spaced photon energy histogram bins. Line shapes are then calculated for each bin, rather than for individual spectral lines, resulting in a significant speed up of a factor of 100 or more in some cases. The method is shown to agree very well with the usual detailed line-by-line treatment for opacity calculations.
Successful treatment of rectal prolapse by laparoscopic suture rectopexy

Background: A wide variety of procedures are used for management of rectal prolapse. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of laparoscopic suture rectopexy in the treatment of this condition. Methods: From May 1991 to May 1998, 32 consecutive patients were treated by laparoscopic suture rectopexy. In four of them, an additional sigmoid colectomy was performed for refractory constipation or redundant large bowels. The clinical data were analyzed. Results: Of our 32 patients, 27 were female and five were male. The median age was 51.5 years (range, 20–87). The median operative time was 150 min (range, 90–300), and the median hospital stay was 5 days (range, 2–20). There were no operative mortalities. Three postoperative complications required reoperations for bowel obstructions. At a median follow-up of 33 months (range 3–78), there were two complete recurrences. Conclusions: Our experience indicates that laparoscopic suture rectopexy, with and without sigmoid colectomy, is safe, feasible, and effective for the treatment of rectal prolapse.
Substantive and Procedural Aspects of Supreme Court Decisions as Determinants of Institutional Approval

Public evaluations of the Supreme Court are influenced by response to the Court's rulings, but the specific elements of decisions that affect such institutional appraisals require identification. In particular, previous investigators have been unable to determine if support of the Supreme Court moves in response to the substantive aspects of decisions, public concern with democratic procedure, or attention to both substance and procedure. This article presents the results of an experiment designed to distinguish the possible influences of substantive and procedural concerns. Findings reveal that the substantive aspects of Court rulings exert significant influence on evaluations of the Supreme Court, affecting institutional support, confidence in the Court's justices, and specific support of each of the three decisions that were studied. In contrast, concern with the democratic implications of activist rulings failed to alter any dimension of Court approval.
The sensitivity of the NTP bioassay for carcinogen hazard evaluation can be modulated by dietary restriction

Summary Studies were undertaken to compare outcomes when four chemicals were evaluated under typical NTP bioassay conditions as well as by protocols employing dietary restriction. Four Chemicals, using three different routes of exposure ( in utero [accomplished by feeding the dam dosed feed], dosed feed, and gavage) were used to 1) evaluate the effect of diet restriction on the sensitivity of the bioassay toward chemically-induced chronic toxicity and carcinogenicity; and 2) evaluate the effect of weight-matched control groups on the sensitivity of the bioassays. Control and chemical exposed F344 rats and B6C3F1 mice (50–60/group) were fed NIH-07 diet either ad libitum or at restricted levels such that body weights were ~80 % of ad libitum control weights. The dietary restricted groups were either sacrificed at the end of two or 3-years. Results consistently show that feed restriction decreased the incidence of neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions at a variety of anatomic sites in both control and chemical exposed animals. Furthermore, the sensitivity of the bioassay to detect chemical carcinogenic response were altered by dietary restriction: three of the four chemicals were found to increase the incidence of neoplastic lesions at four sites when evaluated under standard ad libitum conditions for 104 weeks. When unexposed and exposed groups were both subjected to dietary restriction, none of these 4 sites were detected as a target for carcinogenesis after two or three years. Rather, two different sites of carcinogenesis were detected. When the top dosed ad libitum fed animals were compared against their weight-matched control groups, a total of 10 sites were identified as targets for carcinogenesis. These included all four sites identified under the ad libitum protocol, both sites identified unter the feed restricted protocol, and an additional four sites that were not identified under the other two protocols. These studies show that dietary restriction of all animals can be expected of decrease the sensitivity of carcinogenesis bioassays. However, restricting only unexposed groups (weight matching) of control for non-specific weight loss in chemical exposed groups yielded the most sensitivity among our comparisons.
Effects of alignment and interference in resonant transfer and excitation for F 6 + and O 5 + collisions with H 2 in 0° Auger measurements

We have renormalized our previously reported 0\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} cross sections for zero resonant transfer and excitation calculation using high-resolution Auger spectroscopy (RTEA), d${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\sigma}}}_{\mathrm{RTEA}}$(0\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{})/d\ensuremath{\Omega}, obtained in 0.25--2-MeV/u collisions of ${\mathrm{F}}^{6+}$ and ${\mathrm{O}}^{5+}$ ions with ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ by normalizing to calculated binary-encounter electron yields rather than the usual Ne K Auger yields. The renormalized data are found to be in good agreement with recent angular-dependent impulse-approximation calculations of RTE, showing the importance of alignment and the small influence of interference between RTEA and elastic electron scattering for a 0\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} observation.
UV light inactivation of bacterial biothreat agents.

Seven species of bacterial biothreat agents were tested for susceptibility to UV light (254 nm). All gram-negative organisms tested required < 12 mJ/cm 2 for a 4-log 10 reduction in viability (inactivation). Tailing off of the B. anthracis spore inactivation curves began close to the 2-log 10 inactivation point, with a fluence of approximately 40 mJ/cm 2 , and 3-log 10 inactivation still was not achieved with a fluence of 120 mJ/cm 2 .
ON DECLARING THE LAWS AND RIGHTS OF NATURE

This article examines the moral theory of the American Revolutionary and Founding periods by focusing on two key concepts of that doctrine: the moral laws and the moral rights of nature. In particular, the article will examine several important questions from the perspective of America’s Revolutionary generation: What are the moral laws and rights of nature? What is the difference between a law and a right of nature, and how are the laws and rights of nature related to each other? Are nature’s moral laws and rights descriptive, prescriptive, or both? What are the attributes and sanctions of nature’s laws and rights, and how are they promulgated? What is the source of nature’s laws and rights? And finally, how did America’s founding fathers use the laws and rights of nature to establish their political institutions? In order to answer these questions, the article focuses on the core text universally recognized as the symbol of America’s revolutionary mind and moral theory: the Declaration of Independence. The Declaration’s deepest philosophic meaning is herein illuminated by also examining the broader, extant literature of the period.
Management of systemic vasculitis

The systemic vasculitides are a wide-ranging group of diseases that are characterized by the presence of blood vessel inflammation. Despite this common feature, each type of vasculitis has a unique variety of clinical manifestations that influences its degree of disease severity and ultimately its management. Immunosuppressive therapy forms the foundation of treatment for almost all forms of systemic vasculitis. Because of this, treatment can be associated with its own risk of morbidity, or even mortality, related to specific medication side-effects or infections which occur as a result of impaired host defences. This chapter seeks to review the approach to management in selected forms of systemic vasculitis. Questions examined include the following. When should one treat systemic vasculitis? How does the nature of the disease and its severity affect treatment decisions? What are the data regarding the effectiveness of individual therapeutic regimens?
Cell Mechanics: Dissecting the Physical Responses of Cells to Force

It is now widely appreciated that normal tissue morphology and function rely upon cells' ability to sense and generate forces appropriate to their correct tissue context. Although the effects of forces on cells have been studied for decades, our understanding of how those forces propagate through and act on different cell substructures remains at an early stage. The past decade has seen a resurgence of interest, with a variety of different micromechanical methods in current use that probe cells' dynamic deformation in response to a time-varying force. The ability of researchers to carefully measure the mechanical properties of cells subjected to a variety of pharmacological and genetic interventions, however, currently outstrips our ability to quantitatively interpret the data in many cases. Despite these challenges, the stage is now set for the development of detailed models for cell deformability, motility, and mechanosensing that are rooted at the molecular level.
Occurrence of pathogenesis-related (b) and similar proteins in different plant species

The main properties of ‘pathogenesis-related’ proteins induced inNicotiana species during hypersensitive reactions to different pathogens, as well as by chemical or physical treatments, are listed. These properties are compared with those of similar protein compounds occurring in other plant species in similar circumstances. The plants include cucumber, cowpea,Gomphrena globosa kidney bean,Gynura aurantiaca, tomato, potato, citron and celery. Similarities with other proteins normally occurring in plants, such as proteinase inhibitors, are considered. Analogies and differences with proteins induced in plants by environmental stresses, and with the ‘antiviral factors’ and the ‘inhibitor of viral replication’ occurring inNicotiana species are briefly discussed.
USANS as a Probe of Large-Scale Structure in Attractive Colloidal Glasses of Block Copolymer Micelles

We have used ultra-small-angle scattering (USANS) and fluorescence microscopy to show the existence of large-scale structure in attractive colloidal glasses composed of block polyelectrolyte micelles. Our systems display evidence of surface scattering, with the scattered intensity I at low scattering vector q scaling as I ~ q x with x in the range –3 to –4. We believe this is due to surface scattering from large, highly polydisperse aggregates with rough interfaces. USANS may provide an ideal way to distinguish fractal colloidal gels and colloidal glasses.
Ontogeny of the retina and optic nerve in Xenopus laevis. I. Stages in the early development of the retina

A staging series for retinal histogenesis is described for Xenopus laevis. It is based on scanning EM studies of intact eyes and serial section analysis of silver-stained preparations. Retinal development is arbitrarily divided into twelve stages (I--XII) based on distinct morphological and histological changes. In general, four different phases of retinal development can be identified: an embryonic phase of rapid histogenesis (Nieuwkoop-Faber stages 21--39) and onset of visual function; a second or functional phase completed by stage 52 is a period of growth, synaptogenesis, and the organization of visual function; a third phase ending at metamorphic climax (NF57) when mature function is achieved and binocular vision begins; and a final mature phase at the end of metamorphosis, when road and cones are adult size and the visuotectal projection extends over the entire tectum. Ten of the twelve developmental stages are assigned to the first phase since this is the period of intense morphogenesis and differentiation.
Minimally invasive functional approach for cholesteatoma surgery.

Objectives/Hypothesis Report the efficacy of a functional minimally invasive approach for cholesteatoma surgery. Study Design Retrospective review of surgical cases performed between 1996 and 2008. Methods One hundred sixty-nine patient charts were reviewed in which ears with primary cholesteatomas that extended beyond the mesotympanum were operated on with a plan for canal wall up (CWU) mastoidectomy. The surgical approach consisted of progressive exposure from transcanal to postauricular tympanoplasty to CWU mastoidectomy, as needed, to identify and lyse the fibrous attachments that bind the capsule to the surrounding mucosa. Endoscopic guidance was employed as appropriate to minimize exposure needs. Any planned second-stage operations were attempted with a transcanal approach if appropriate and with endoscopic assistance. Results One hundred eighty-four ears of 169 patients were included. The median age was 32 years (range, 1–79 years). The mean follow-up was 3.2 years (range, 1–11 years). Eighty-three (45%) were planned for a second-look operation, and three (2%) required unplanned second operations. The overall recurrence rate was 24/184 (13%), and the unexpected residual rate was 5/184 (3%). The residual rate with endoscopy (5/119, 4%,) or without endoscopy (1/65, 2%), were not significantly different. Hearing results in 156 ears improved significantly, from a preoperative pure-tone average (PTA) of 41 dB to a postoperative PTA average of 29 dB (P < .0001). Conclusions A functional minimally invasive approach to cholesteatoma surgery provided equivalent residual rates but higher recurrence rates compared to published canal wall down mastoidectomy. Endoscopic techniques were helpful in providing adequate views while minimizing exposure. Level of Evidence 4 Laryngoscope, 124:2386–2392, 2014
What Constitutes a Relevant Change in High-Sensitivity Troponin Values over Serial Measurement?

The universal definition of myocardial infarction (MI)2 requires both an increase in cardiac troponin concentrations and a rise and/or fall in values over serial measurement (1). It is noteworthy that there is no mention in the current consensus document regarding what magnitude of change in troponin values should be required to meet the definition for spontaneous MI. The conspicuous absence of criteria to define troponin concentration change in that document reflects important knowledge gaps and the lack of consensus with regard to this important component of the MI definition. The introduction of high-sensitivity troponin assays has created both challenges and opportunities with regard to the universal MI definition. A major challenge is the observation that a substantial proportion of individuals without MI have troponin concentrations persistently above the MI detection limit (2). This is in part related to the effects of age, male sex, subclinical cardiac structural abnormalities, and renal disease on troponin concentration (3), but is also influenced by poor characterization of the 99th percentile threshold, particularly for the high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) assay. Indeed, a recent study that included data from 3 large population-based cohorts has shown that the recommended 14-ng/L threshold value for defining MI by use of the hs-cTnT assay is actually well below the actual 99th percentile value for men ≥50 years and women ≥65 years old (4). On the other hand, higher precision of the high-sensitivity troponin assays should improve characterization of troponin concentration changes over serial measurement. Indeed, it has been argued strongly that assessment of serial high-sensitivity troponin changes is the solution to the “specificity problem” with these assays (1, 5); however, little guidance is available as to what constitutes a relevant change. In the past few years, data have begun to emerge from 2 broad categories of studies …
Use of Antegrade Reverse-thermosensitive Polymer During Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy to Prevent Fragment Migration: Initial Experience

Introduction Our objective was to evaluate the feasibility and initial performance of Backstop reverse thermosensitive polymer to prevent antegrade stone fragment migration during percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Technical Considerations Backstop was used during 5 percutaneous nephrolithotomy procedures to prevent stone migration into the ureter. Backstop was placed into the upper ureter under direct vision with a flexible nephroscope or with fluoroscopic guidance. Ultrasonic lithotripsy was then performed. Each patient was evaluated for the following: stone-free rate (postoperative computed tomography), rate of antegrade fragment migration, need for subsequent procedures, and complication rate. The average stone burden was 806 mm2. Backstop was successfully deployed in all cases. Average procedure length was 106 minutes. Three patients were rendered stone free, 1 patient retained 2 1-mm fragments in the kidney, and 1 patient retained multiple fragments in the kidney, distal ureter, and bladder, all of which were Conclusion Backstop appears to be feasible, safe, and easy to use. Backstop should be administered every 45 minutes for longer cases, and warm saline should be used during the case to prevent dissolution. A randomized controlled trial with a larger study population is needed to further evaluate these initial findings.
Effect of thyroxine administered in vitro and in vivo on the succinoxidase and malic dehydrogenase reactions of frog myocardium.

The effect of thyroxine (T4) on oxidation of succinate and of malate by frog myocardial homogenates was assessed following in vivo or in vitro administration of the hormone. In vitro, T4 enhanced the oxidation of succinate and inhibited oxidation of malate, a response similar to that observed in the myocardium of the rat. Following in vivo administration of T4, no enhancement of succinate oxidation could be demonstrated, and malate oxidation was slightly stimulated. The significance of the succinoxidase response as a manifestation of the action of thyroid hormone and its relationship to the deiodination of T4 are discussed.
Comparison of Pencil Beam Scanning Proton- and Photon-Based Techniques for Carcinoma of the Parotid

Abstract Purpose: To report the dosimetric advantages of a comparison between pencil beam scanning (PBS) proton therapy versus intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for parotid gland cancers. Patients and Methods: This was a retrospective, dosimetric comparison of 8 patients who received external beam radiation therapy at our institution between 2009 and 2011. Two separate plans were generated for each patient: 1 IMRT and 1 PBS plan. The prescription dose for each plan was 60 Gy for IMRT and 60 Gy (RBE) for PBS. We measured dose-volume relationships for target volumes and organs at risk with each treatment technique. Dosimetric comparisons for each organ at risk were made by using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. All tests were 2-tailed, with P values < .05 considered statistically significant. Results: The mean patient planning target volume was 160.9 cm3 (SD 74.6). Pencil beam scanning, compared to IMRT, significantly reduced the mean dose to the following structures: ipsilateral temporal lobe (2.8...
Epitaxial Growth of ZSM-5@Silicalite-1: A Core–Shell Zeolite Designed with Passivated Surface Acidity

The design of materials with spatially controlled chemical composition has potential advantages for wide-reaching applications that span energy to medicine. Here, we present a method for preparing a core–shell aluminosilicate zeolite with continuous translational symmetry of nanopores and an epitaxial shell of tunable thickness that passivates Bronsted acid sites associated with framework Al on exterior surfaces. For this study, we selected the commercially relevant MFI framework type and prepared core–shell particles consisting of an aluminosilicate core (ZSM-5) and a siliceous shell (silicalite-1). Transmission electron microscopy and gas adsorption studies confirmed that silicalite-1 forms an epitaxial layer on ZSM-5 crystals without blocking pore openings. Scanning electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering were used in combination to confirm that the shell thickness can be tailored with nanometer resolution (e.g., 5–20 nm). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and temperature-programmed desorption ...
The Criteria Used to Judge Art: Marketplace and Academic Comparisons

The standards by which art is evaluated may be universal (agreed to by judges with different or no backgrounds in art) or relative (dependent on who is doing the judging). The issue of universalism/relativism was reviewed, along with the related issue of what criteria are used to judge art. Both scholarly and scientific resources were summarized. To test for the influence of different occupational roles on judgments about art, a survey was conducted among fourteen academics and seventeen business people in the arts. They rated, on mailed questionnaires, the importance of twenty criteria for judging art. Similarities between the two groups' ratings and among the criteria were the rule. Interviews supported these results. The criteria, though, differed in the magnitude of their importance. The consistency with which aesthetic criteria were judged favored the universal position.
The Dark Heart of Jefferson’s Declaration

Most criticisms of Jefferson’s statesmanship on the slavery question turn on his racism or his personal hypocrisy. This paper builds on and revises claims made by Herbert Storing and the early Harry Jaffa that Jefferson’s doctrine of natural rights contributed to the errors of Jefferson’s statesmanship on slavery. Like Storing and Jaffa, I suggest that Jefferson’s understanding of natural rights provide a defense of American slave-owners, one visible in Jefferson’s opposition to the Missouri Compromise. Unlike Storing and Jaffa, I argue that the flaw in Jefferson’s approach to slavery is not an unfettered selfishness but a moralism in the service of self-preservation. This paper uncovers that moralism in Jefferson’s original draft of the Declaration of Independence and in his 1820 letter to John Holmes, and suggests that it contributed to the flaws in Jefferson’s statesmanship that led to the eventual eclipse of the natural rights doctrine itself.
A phase II study of continuous infusion recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor as an adjunct to autologous bone marrow transplantation for patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in first remission

Recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (rhGM-CSF) clearly hastens myeloid recovery in patients with relapsed hematologic malignancies undergoing autologous bone marrow transplantation (ABMT). In efforts to further improve neutrophil engraftment and shorten hospital stay in ABMT patients, rhGM-CSF was administered by a potentially more potent route (continuous infusion) to non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) patients with better BM reserve (first remission). Time to myeloid engraftment was compared with that of NHL patients treated in first remission at our institution on a similar ABMT protocol but without growth factor support (controls). Median neutrophil engraftment (absolute neutrophil count, 500 cells/microL) in first remission patients treated with rhGM-CSF was 14 days, compared with 22 days in controls (P = .0001). Hospital stays were also significantly reduced for rhGM-CSF patients (P = .0003). Platelet engraftment did not differ between the two groups. Persistent fever and generalized serositis were the primary toxicities. rhGM-CSF, delivered by this route, was efficacious but more toxic than 2-hour rhGM-CSF infusions previously reported by other investigators. Future alterations in both dose and schedule may retain comparable efficacy yet diminish toxicity.
Discussion on Primary Immunization Status of Planning,Problems and Countermeasures

In order to expand national immunization programs implement smoothly,it is necessary to make a summary about the lessons learned on grassroots immunity planning works and the exposed problems.This article attempts to review the literature,try best to make a concise summary or a analyze of the basic immune programming work situation and existing problems and difficulties,and giving some suggestions and countermeasures connected with the work practice.
The bright side of microbial dark matter: lessons learned from the uncultivated majority.

Microorganisms are the most diverse and abundant life forms on Earth. Yet, in many environments, only 0.1–1% of them have been cultivated greatly hindering our understanding of the microbial world. However, today cultivation is no longer a requirement for gaining access to information from the uncultivated majority. New genomic information from metagenomics and single cell genomics has provided insights into microbial metabolic cooperation and dependence, generating new avenues for cultivation efforts. Here we summarize recent advances from uncultivated phyla and discuss how this knowledge has influenced our understanding of the topology of the tree of life and metabolic diversity.
The Outcomes of ESRD and Its Treatment

In recent years, the notion that studying outcomes is a distinct form of clinical research has gained currency. This article offers a conceptual framework for thinking about outcomes research in end-stage renal disease and examines one issue in detail. Although the meaning of the term "outcome" is often assumed, it is currently used in two ways. In the broader sense, outcomes are the results of health care. These may include survival and the presence or absence of symptoms and clinical signs of disease. As it has recently been used in the medical literature, however, the term outcomes frequently connotes outcomes with respect to patient function and experience. Patient experience comprises functional status, general well-being, and satisfaction with care. The principle that the outcomes of end-stage renal disease should be studied has been established. A substantial body of knowledge has accumulated regarding characteristics of the patient population, of the treatments administered, and of the consequences with respect to survival. Whether the investigation and practice of renal replacement therapy should encompass the measurement of patient experience has been a subject of controversy. Reasons to perform such measurements are enumerated, and countervailing arguments are examined critically. The technological prerequisites for success in the widespread measurement of patient experience are set forth.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Bladder

AbstractMedical records were reviewed for 17 consecutive patients hospitalized with a diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder. This number represented 6.5 per cent of all patients with bladder cancer seen during the study period. All 4 patients who underwent cystectomy and urinary diversion are well 3½ to 6½ years after treatment. All 13 patients treated with various other modalities are dead, with an average survival from diagnosis to death of 9 months. It is concluded that cystectomy is the treatment of choice for patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder that is not already stage D.
An Alternativist Reading of History: Theoretical Justification

To start with, while study of history as it could have been or might have been is not entirely ignored by historians, it is not the most popular way of approaching the past. There are several reasons why historians discard, or at least downplay the problem of alternatives in studying the past and consequently pay little attention to those events that had the potential to become reality. And here indeed exists the problem of study of the past versus study of the future. Historians are often different from politicians in the sense that they are not participants in the making of history. Their interest is in the past, and they study events which have already been accomplished. Moreover, even when they are interested in contemporary life, that is, history in its making, they often are detached from the political reality and profess academic non-involvement. Thus, owing to their lack of personal involvement, there is a tendency to view the political and social process as impersonal and rigidly deterministic.
The need for realism when simulating network congestion

Many researchers use abstract models to simulate network congestion, finding patterns that might foreshadow onset of congestion collapse. We investigate whether such abstract models yield congestion behaviors sufficiently similar to more realistic models. Beginning with an abstract model, we add elements of realism in various combinations, culminating with a high-fidelity simulation. By comparing congestion patterns among combinations, we illustrate congestion spread in abstract models differs from that in realistic models. We identify critical elements of realism needed when simulating congestion. We demonstrate a means to compare congestion patterns among simulations covering diverse configurations. We hope our contributions lead to better understanding of the need for realism when simulating network congestion.
Laser Ablation of Newly Diagnosed Malignant Gliomas: a Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND Magnetic resonance-guided laser-interstitial thermotherapy (MR-LITT) is a minimally invasive technique that shows promise in neuro-oncology because of its superiority in delivering precise minimally invasive thermal energy with minimal collateral damage. OBJECTIVE In this analysis, we investigate initial data on the use of MR-LITT in the treatment of newly diagnosed high-grade gliomas. METHODS With the use of the PubMed, OVID, and Google-scholar database systems, a comprehensive search of the English literature was performed. Eighty-five articles were identified plus 1 that is pending publication. Four articles were accounted for in this review, including 25 patients with newly diagnosed high-grade gliomas who underwent MR-LITT treatment. We evaluated safety, progression-free survival, and overall survival. RESULTS Twenty-five patients with a mean age of 53.8 years underwent LITT treatments. On average, 82.9% of the pretreatment lesion volume was ablated. The average tumor volume treated was 16.5 cm. The mean follow-up time was 7.6 months. Median overall survival was found to be 14.2 months (range 0.1-23 months). The median progression-free survival was 5.1 months (range 2.4-23 months); however, these data are limited by the relatively short follow-up of the patients reviewed and small sample size of only 25 patients. There was 1 (3.4%) major perioperative complication, which was a central nervous system infection. CONCLUSION MR-LITT is a promising technology for the treatment of small, yet difficult-to-treat newly diagnosed high-grade gliomas. This study demonstrates that MR-LITT is safe, and future randomized studies are needed to evaluate its role as a treatment adjunct for newly diagnosed high-grade gliomas. ABBREVIATIONS BBB, blood-brain barrierHGG, high-grade gliomaLITT, laser-interstitial thermal therapyWHO, World Health Organization.
Youth beverage choices are associated with compliance to recommendations for discretionary energy and added sugars: Results from What We Eat in America (WWEIA), NHANES 2007–2008

Associations between compliance with selected recommendations and beverage choices of youth were analyzed in a nationally representative sample of children age 6–11 years (n=1,121) and adolescents ...
Young People’s Services in an Age of Neoliberalism

This article brings together four different perspectives which explore the way in which various policy initiatives in recent years have sought to construct young people resident in the United Kingdom within particular policy discourses shaped by neoliberalism. In order to do this it firstly considers the way in which the assumptions of neoliberalism have increasingly been applied by the new Coalition Government to young people and the services provided for them; it then considers the particular role of New Labour in the UK in applying these ideas in practice. Specific examples from the areas of young people’s participation in youth services and higher education policy are then considered.
Androgen deprivation therapy for the treatment of prostate cancer: a focus on pharmacokinetics.

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Medical therapy has undergone many changes as our understanding of prostate cancer cell biology has improved. Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) remains the mainstay of therapy for metastatic disease. Metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) is an important concern since we are unable to stop progression with currently available agents.Areas covered: Pharmacologic ADT is the most commonly used treatment for metastatic prostate cancer. Multiple agents are available for both first-line and second-line use: antiandrogens, estrogens, luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonists/antagonists, and CYP17 inhibitors. With adoption of these drugs, it is important to consider their pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties. Many undergo metabolism through cytochrome P450. Levels may be altered with co-administration of drugs acting as enzyme inhibitors or inducers. Understanding mechanism of action, metabolism, and excretion of these drugs allows clinicians to provide the bes...
The Role of Minimally Invasive Techniques in Scoliosis Correction Surgery

Objective Recently, minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has been included among the treatment modalities for scoliosis. However, literature comparing MIS to open surgery for scoliosis correction is limited. The objective of this study was to compare outcomes for scoliosis correction patients undergoing MIS versus open approach. Methods We retrospectively collected data on demographics, procedure characteristics, and outcomes for 207 consecutive scoliosis correction surgeries at our institution between 2009 and 2015. Results MIS patients had lower number of levels fused (p < 0.0001), shorter surgeries (p = 0.0023), and shorter overall lengths of stay (p < 0.0001), were less likely to be admitted to the ICU (p < 0.0001), and had shorter ICU stays (p = 0.0015). On multivariable regression, number of levels fused predicted selection for MIS procedure (p = 0.004), and multiple other variables showed trends toward significance. Age predicted ICU admission and VTE. BMI predicted any VTE, and DVT specifically. Comorbid disease burden predicted readmission, need for transfusion, and ICU admission. Number of levels fused predicted prolonged surgery, need for transfusion, and ICU admission. Conclusions Patients undergoing MIS correction had shorter surgeries, shorter lengths of stay, and shorter and fewer ICU stays, but there was a significant selection effect. Accounting for other variables, MIS did not independently predict any of the outcomes.
The controversial correlates of consciousness

The mechanism of consciousness is one of the most fundamental, exciting, and challenging pursuits in 21st-century science. Although the field of consciousness studies attracts a diverse array of thinkers who posit myriad physical or metaphysical substrates for experience, consciousness must have a neural basis. But where in the brain is conscious experience generated? It would seem that, given this remarkable era of technical and experimental prowess in the neurosciences, we would be homing in on the specific circuits or precise neuronal subpopulations that generate experience. To the contrary, there is still active debate as to whether the neural correlates of consciousness are, in coarse terms, located in the back or the front of the brain ( 1 , 2 ). On page 537 of this issue, van Vugt et al. ( 3 ) provide evidence that the prefrontal cortex is one of the brain regions that mediates visual consciousness. Additionally, Joglekar et al. ( 4 ) provide evidence that the prefrontal cortex is important for igniting neural networks that contribute to visual signal processing. Both studies support a model for consciousness that involves distributed and reciprocal interactions across the cortex.
Hereditary Epidermolysis Bullosa with Special Emphasis on Newly Recognized Syndromes and Complications

This article reviews recent advances in the classification of the various mechanobullous disorders, with particular emphasis on several newly recognized diseases. Many complications and special problems result from the mechanobullous diseases and add greatly to the already heavy burden these patients must bear. Their manifestations and amelioration are discussed.
Instationäre EHD, Praxisuntersuchungen

Es wird erwartet, das aus den Grundsatzuntersuchungen uber die Vorgange der instationaren Elastohydrodynamik neue Berechnungsmethoden fur Nocken hervorgehen werden. Somit mus nach praxisbezogenen Kriterien gesucht werden, die es gestatten, Auswirkungen von Parameteranderungen im Rechenprogramm auf das Verschleisverhalten der fertigen Nocken-Stosel-Paarung quantitativ zu erfassen.
Using Grade of Recurrent Tumor to Guide Further Therapy While on Bacillus Calmette-Guerin: Low-grade Recurrences Are not Benign

Abstract Background Tumors that recur after bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) therapy are considered to be of very high risk, and patients are often recommended to undergo radical cystectomy (RC). However, the nuances associated with the grade of tumor recurrence after BCG treatment are not well understood. Objective To characterize the pattern of bladder cancer progression and cancer-specific survival (CSS) in patients with recurrences dichotomized by low grade (LG) versus high grade (HG) after intravesical BCG treatment, and to assess the safety of continued bladder-sparing therapy in these patients. Design, setting, and participants We performed an Institutional Review Board–approved review of our bladder cancer database. Overall, 146 non–muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) patients were found to have NMIBC recurrence while on BCG therapy; this recurrence was LG in 38 and HG in 108. Baseline clinicopathologic characteristics including age, gender, primary tumor grade, stage, size, multiplicity, and concurrent carcinoma in situ were also evaluated. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS), with progression defined as the development of muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC)/distant metastasis. In addition, recurrence-free survival (RFS), HG RFS, cystectomy-free survival (CFS), and CSS were also compared. Multivariable analysis was performed using the Cox regression model. All tests were two sided, and p Intervention Further intravesical therapy versus salvage RC. Results and limitations Overall, estimated 5-yr PFS was 72.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 60.4–81.3%). As dichotomized by grade of recurrent tumor, PFS was greater for patients with LG recurrences (85.6%, 95% CI 60.8–95.2%) than for those with HG recurrence (67.9%, 95% CI 54.1–78.4%; p = 0.010). Furthermore, patients whose initial recurrence on BCG therapy was LG had improved subsequent RFS (median 62 vs 34 mo, p = 0.007), HG RFS (median 112 vs 36 mo, p Conclusions Grade of tumor recurrence after intravesical BCG is an important predictor of bladder cancer progression to MIBC/metastatic urothelial carcinoma. While, patients with LG recurrences have less than half the progression events compared with those with HG recurrences, their estimated 5-yr progression rate is still 14.4%. Hence all patients should be carefully counseled on bladder-sparing therapy. This also has implications for clinical trial design. Patient summary If bladder cancer recurs after bacillus Calmette-Guerin treatment, there are many factors that determine the further clinical outcome. Although low-grade recurrent tumors confer a less aggressive course, disease progression can still occur, and hence continued vigilance is important.
Large Scale Optimization of RF Devices

The design cycle of RF devices is greatly facilitated by the use of the “virtual prototyping” methodology based on highfidelity computer simulations that are capable of predicting the RF device’s performance in response to changes in its physical parameters. In particular, parameters such as the critical dimensions of the structure or the quantitative properties of its various electromagnetic components are routinely used in the process of optimizing the desired performance characteristics of the RF device. In a typical optimization workflow these parameters are adjusted manually and the simulation code(s) run repeatedly with varying parameter values until desired design criteria are met. This type of process, however, is well suited to semisupervised global optimization. To this end we have integrated several codes including Capstone 1and MICHELLE 2with our recently developed framework prototype for high-performance RF device optimization based on DAKOTA 3and the parallel code deployment and management tool, Galaxy Simulation Builder (GSB 4. We present results from several RF device design studies- based on this extended framework and demonstrate how this approach can help automate and significantly accelerate the geometric parameter search, and ultimately improve the accuracy and efficiency of the RF device design cycle.
Applying image processing techniques to security data: towards cyber target recognition (Conference Presentation)

Numerous image processing techniques have been developed for physical environment target recognition. This paper considers the application of these common image processing techniques to the field of cybersecurity and, in particular, cyber target recognition. It discusses the different types of data that a cyber system can use for assessment and assesses the efficacy of multiple image processing-based target recognition technique for cyberspace use. Further, these techniques are evaluated the context of particular real-world challenges. Hybrid systems, that perform real world visible light target recognition and also cyber sensing, are discussed and the efficacy of these hybrid systems is considered.
High-resolution imaging reveals how the spindle midzone impacts chromosome movement

In the spindle midzone, microtubules from opposite half-spindles form bundles between segregating chromosomes. Microtubule bundles can either push or restrict chromosome movement during anaphase in different cellular contexts, but how these activities are achieved remains poorly understood. Here, we use high-resolution live-cell imaging to analyze individual microtubule bundles, growing filaments, and chromosome movement in dividing human cells. Within bundles, filament overlap length marked by the cross-linking protein PRC1 decreases during anaphase as chromosome segregation slows. Filament ends within microtubule bundles appear capped despite dynamic PRC1 turnover and submicrometer proximity to growing microtubules. Chromosome segregation distance and rate are increased in two human cell lines when microtubule bundle assembly is prevented via PRC1 knockdown. Upon expressing a mutant PRC1 with reduced microtubule affinity, bundles assemble but chromosome hypersegregation is still observed. We propose that microtubule overlap length reduction, typically linked to pushing forces generated within filament bundles, is needed to properly restrict spindle elongation and position chromosomes within daughter cells.
Potassium channels in leukocytes and toxins that block them Structure, function and therapeutic implications

Yet to appear in immunology text books, potassium channels are an important class of signaling molecules that play crucial roles in the physiology of leukocytes. By maintaining membrane potential, modulating calcium signaling or regulating cell volume, they tightly control leukocyte development and activation. The discovery of peptide toxins that selectively and potently block potassium channels has unraveled the functional relevance of these membrane proteins in leukocyte signaling. In addition, these toxins have served as powerful tools in high-throughput screening and as molecular probes to study channel structure. This review summarizes the expression pattern, molecular determinants, physiological roles and therapeutic significance of potassium channels in white blood cells and the peptide toxins that block them.