cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quality of life and panic-related work disability in subjects with infrequent panic and panic disorder

Background: Panic disorder is associated with poor quality-of-life (QOL). However, little is known regarding the impact of panic disorder or infrequent panic on work-related disability. The purpose of this study was ( 1 ) to document QOL and panic-related work disability in subjects with panic disorder or infrequent panic, (2) to identify independent predictors of QOL and disability, and (3) to compare outcomes in subjects with panic disorder versus infrequent panic. Method: This cross-sectional community survey included 97 subjects with panic and matched controls. Subjects were screened for panic disorder or infrequent panic using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R. The QOL questionnaire addressed life satisfaction as well as panic-related work disability. A structured interview assessed possible predictors of impaired QOL including comorbidity, illness attitudes and behaviors, coping style, family measures, and symptom perceptions. Results: QOL was significantly (p ≤.001) poorer in subjects with panic than in controls. Comorbid depression, social support, worry, and severity of chest pain predicted QOL. Although subjects with infrequent panic reported a lower QOL than controls, subjects with panic disorder had more panic-related disability and poorer QOL than those with infrequent panic. Predictors of work disability included panic frequency, illness attitudes, family dissatisfaction, and gender. Conclusion: Although both infrequent panic and panic disorder impact QOL and disability, panic disorder has a greater effect. Using predictors, patient education, provision of support, and focused therapy could potentially improve QOL and disability.
Left ventricular function and hemodynamic features of inappropriate left ventricular hypertrophy in patients with systemic hypertension: The LIFE Study

Abstract Background Predicted left ventricular (LV) mass for sex, height 2.7 , and hemodynamic load can be used as an intrapatient reference for the observed LV mass. The ratio of observed/predicted LV mass may allow more physiologically correct comparisons of LV geometry, systolic and diastolic functions, and hemodynamics among hypertensive patients. Methods We studied 659 participants in the LIFE (Losartan Intervention for Endpoint Reduction in Hypertension) study with both electrocardiographic and echocardiographic LV hypertrophy (68% of the echocardiographic cohort) without previous myocardial infarction. LV mass was predicted by an equation including sex, stroke work, and height 2.7 . Observed/predicted LV mass >128% defined inappropriate LV hypertrophy (iLVH). Relative wall thickness ≥0.43 defined concentric LV geometry. Systolic myocardial dysfunction was assessed by midwall mechanics and abnormal LV relaxation by isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT). Results Compared with patients with appropriate LV hypertrophy (aLVH), those with iLVH had higher body mass index, LV mass index, relative wall thickness, prevalences of systolic myocardial dysfunction and prolonged IVRT and lower end-systolic stress and cardiac index. Patients with eccentric iLVH had the highest wall stress and lowest ejection fraction; 43% had systolic myocardial dysfunction. Of patients with concentric iLVH, 79% had systolic myocardial dysfunction but normal ejection fraction and the lowest wall stress. Systolic myocardial dysfunction was present in 12% with concentric aLVH and none with eccentric aLVH. Prevalence of prolonged IVRT was high in all 4 groups (65% to 77%). Cardiac index was similarly lower with concentric or eccentric iLVH than with aLVH. Conclusions Among hypertensives with LV hypertrophy, iLVH identified cardiac phenotypes with a high prevalence of myocardial systolic dysfunction. (Am Heart J 2001;141:784-91.)
The Worm at the Core: A Terror Management Perspective on the Roots of Psychological Dysfunction

A growing body of research derived from terror management theory [e.g., Solomon, S., Greenberg, J., & Pyszczynski, T. (1991). A terror management theory of social behavior: The psychological functions of self-esteem and cultural worldviews. In M. P. Zanna (Ed.), Advances in experimental social psychology: vol. 24 (pp. 93–159). New York: Academic Press] suggests that the human struggle with the awareness of inevitable death can greatly impact people's physical and psychological well-being. The current article reviews converging lines of research that investigate the role of terror management processes in physical and mental health. Specifically, we present research that elucidates the role of death concerns in (1) conscious threat-focused defenses, (2) self-esteem striving, (3) depression, (4) anxiety disorders, (5) discomfort with the physicality of the body and (6) neuroticism. We conclude that terror management theory builds upon the work of other existential scholars and mental health perspectives to provide a broad conceptual and empirically based account of how deeply rooted existential fears manifest in ways that prove both psychologically and physically problematic. We also suggest how future research and social interventions can be employed to help individuals manage basic fears in ways that do not compromise their psychological and physical health.
Pulse shape discrimination in the plastic scintillator EJ-299-33

Abstract New advances in plastic scintillation compositions have opened the field to new, exciting instruments capable of neutron-gamma ray pulse shape discrimination (PSD). We present PSD figure of merit parameters and neutron time-of-flight from Cf-252 using a 5.08-cm diameter by 5.08-cm thick sample of PSD-capable plastic scintillator EJ-299-33 and compare these results to those from a same-sized EJ-309 liquid scintillator detector. An offline, digital PSD method was applied to both detectors. The results show that EJ-299-33 plastic PSD is very good, having a figure of merit of approximately 0.9 for 120 keVee threshold; however the EJ-309 liquid scintillator PSD is superior to the EJ-299-33 plastic scintillator PSD, with a figure of merit of 1.5 at the same measurement threshold. We also found that the EJ-299-33 has reduced neutron detection efficiency compared to the EJ-309. For the fission neutron spectrum measured here, the ratio of the plastic to liquid total number of measured neutrons was approximately 0.63.
Isolation and biochemical characterization of a new topoisomerase I inhibitor from Ocotea leucoxylon.

In a continuation of our search for potential tumor inhibitors from plants, we found that a crude extract from Ocotea leucoxylon showed selective activity typical of inhibitors of the enzyme topois...
Endocrinology of melanoma

Melanoma has a better prognosis in women than in men, may be exacerbated by pregnancy, and has been reported to respond to hormonal manipulations. Laboratory investigations have demonstrated that both animal and human melanomas may respond to changes in the hormonal milieu. Steroid hormone binding activity has been demonstrated in some human melanomas, but only a small percentage of melanomas respond to hormonal manipulation. Randomized trials suggest a possible role for tamoxifen in combination with chemotherapy for metastatic melanoma and for megestrol acetate as an adjuvant. Nevertheless, it appears that the use of steroid hormones in the management of melanoma is limited. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The Role of the Exchange Rate in Monetary-Policy Rules

For a country that chooses not to "permanently" fix its exchange rate through a currency board, or a common currency, or some kind of dollarization, the only alternative monetary policy that can work well in the long run is one based on the trinity of (i) a flexible exchange rate, (ii) an inflation target, and (iii) a monetary policy rule.' While not often put into this threepart format, the desirability of such a monetary policy in an open economy is, in my view, the clear implication of three corresponding strands of recent monetary research: (i) research on fixed-exchange-rates regimes, including the influential 1995 article "The Mirage of Fixed Exchange Rates" by Maurice Obstfeld and Kenneth Rogoff and the many analyses of the breakdown of fixed-exchange-rate regimes in the late 1990's; (ii) research on the practical success with inflation targeting by Ben Bernanke et al. (1999); and (iii) research on the benefits of simple monetary-policy rules (see e.g., Taylor, 1999a). This clear policy implication, however, does not end the debate about how exchange rates should be taken into account in formulating monetary policy. Even if one excludes capital controls and sterilized exchange-market intervention from consideration because they are not effective or attractive ways to de-link exchangerate movements from the domestic interest rate, a crucial question remains: "How should the instruments of monetary policy (the interest rate or a monetary aggregate) react to the exchange rate? Should policymakers avoid any reaction and focus instead on domestic indicators such as inflation and real GDP? Or is "the rule of thumb" that "a substantial appreciation of the real exchange rate . .. furnishes a prima facie case for relaxing monetary policy," as characterized by Obstfeld and Rogoff (1995, p. 93), a better monetary policy rule? Or perhaps policymakers should heed the Obstfeld-Rogoff warning that "substantial departures from PPP [purchasing-power parity], in the short run and even over decades" make such a policy reaction to the exchange rate undesirable. More generally, if one accepts the trinity concept of monetary policy in an open economy, then what is the role of the exchange rate in the monetarypolicy rule?
Application of scanning calorimetry to estimate soil organic matter loss after fires

The severe heating of soil during wildfires and prescribed burns may result in adverse effects on soil fer- tility due to organic matter loss. No rapid and reliable procedure exists to evaluate soil organic matter (SOM) losses due to heating. Enthalpy of SOM combustion cor- relates with organic matter content. Quartz is a ubiquitous mineral in soils and has a remarkably constant composition and reversible a-b phase transition at 575 C. We suggest that SOM content in heated and unheated soils can be compared using the ratio of SOM combustion enthalpy on heating to the b-a quartz transition enthalpy measured on cooling of the same sample. This eliminates the need to dry and weigh the samples, making possible field applications of the proposed method. The feasibility of using the (DHcomb SOM)/(DHb-a Qz) ratio was established with experiments on soil samples heated in the laboratory and the method was then used for evaluation of SOM loss on two pile burn sites at UC Berkeley's Blodgett Forest Research Station in Georgetown, California.
Protein complexes associated with the Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus-encoded LANA

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is the major biological cofactor contributing to development of Kaposi's sarcoma. KSHV establishes a latent infection in human B cells expressing the latency-associated nuclear antigen (LANA), a critical factor in the regulation of viral latency. LANA is known to modulate viral and cellular gene expression. We report here on some initial proteomic studies to identify cellular proteins associated with the amino and carboxy-terminal domains of LANA. The results of these studies show an association of known cellular proteins which support LANA functions and have identified additional LANA-associated proteins. These results provide new evidence for complexes involving LANA with a number of previously unreported functional classes of proteins including DNA polymerase, RNA helicase and cell cycle control proteins. The results also indicate that the amino terminus of LANA can interact with its carboxy-terminal domain. This interaction is potentially important for facilitating associations with other cell cycle regulatory proteins which include CENP-F identified in association with both the amino and carboxy-termini. These novel associations add to the diversity of LANA functions in relation to the maintenance of latency and subsequent transformation of KSHV infected cells.
Rate-modulated cardiac pacing based on transthoracic impedance measurements of minute ventilation: Correlation with exercise gas exchange

The relation of pacing rate to physiologic variables of metabolic demand was examined in 10 consecutive patients with a minute ventilation-sensing, rate-modulating ventricular pacemaker implanted for complete heart block. All patients had paroxysmal (seven patients) or chronic (three patients) atrial fibrillation and were referred for catheter ablation of the atrioventricular junction. Treadmill exercise testing with measurement of expired gas exchange and respiratory flow was performed before ablation and 4 weeks after pacemaker implantation, with the pacemaker programmed to both the fixed-rate VVI and rate-modulating minute ventilation VVIR pacing modes in random sequence. The relation of pacing rate to oxygen consumption (VO2), expired carbon dioxide concentration (VCO2), respiratory quotient, tidal volume, respiratory rate and minute ventilation was determined during exercise in the rate-modulating minute ventilation pacing mode. Pacing rate was highly correlated with minute ventilation (r = 0.89), respiratory quotient (r = 0.89), VCO2(r = 0.87), tidal volume (r = 0.87), VO2(r = 0.84) and respiratory rate (r = 0.84). The mean exercise duration increased from 8.3 ± 2.8 min in the fixed rate pacing mode to 10.2 ± 3.4 min in the rate-modulating, minute ventilation mode (p = 0.0001). The maximal VO2increased from 13.4 ± 3.4 to 16.3 ± 4.1 cc/kg per min (p = 0.0004). The maximal heart rate achieved in the minute ventilation pacing mode was 136 ± 9.7 beats/min, similar to that observed in the patient's intrinsic cardiac rhythm before ablation (134.9 ± 30.1 beats/min, p = NS). Isoproterenol infusion at rates of 1 and 2 μg/min produced no change in pacing rate, suggesting that the rate-modulating algorithm of the pacemaker was capable of discriminating changes in transthoracic impedance related to respiration from those related to right ventricular stroke volume. Thus, rate-modulating pacemakers that measure minute ventilation by transthoracic impedance provide increases in pacing rate during exercise that closely parallel physiologic variables of metabolic demand.
Real-time power control of data centers for providing Regulation Service

Data centers account for 3% of the national electricity consumption today. Recent advances in power capping enable data centers to provide Regulation Service (RS) reserves to power markets. RS reserve requirements are expected to increase with the integration of substantial environmentally sustainable, albeit volatile and intermittent, renewable generation. We investigate the ability of server clusters to provide RS reserves while meeting contractual Quality-of-Service (QoS) guarantees for user applications running on the cluster. We propose a dynamic server power regulation policy for processing randomly arriving applications within probabilistic QoS constraints while tracking dynamically broadcasted RS requests by the power market Independent System Operator (ISO). Numerical results demonstrate the ability to select optimal RS reserve and average energy consumption levels that allow data centers to both deliver probabilistic QoS guarantees to customers and track real time ISO RS requests. Finally, we argue that simulated optimal policy performance statistics can enable data centers to bid for energy and to offer RS reserves in the the hour-ahead power markets.
Neutral current phenomenology of supersymmetric SU(2) × U(1) × ≈U(1) models

Abstract The neutral current sector of a class of supersymmetric SU(2) × U(1) × ≈ U (1) models is parametrized. Bounds on the neutral boson masses are obtained from the low energy data, and the implications of future experimental findings for these models are discussed.
SU-FF-T-109: Fast Integer-Valued Smoothing of Beam Profiles in Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy

Purpose: The delivery time for an intensity‐modulated radiation therapy plan using the step‐and‐shoot method may be impractical for complex beam profiles that require a large number of segments. We propose a fast smoothing algorithm which smooths a beam profile to integer‐valued intensities. Method and Materials: An integer program was formulated that smooths a beam profile to integer‐valued intensities. The user specifies the permitted intensity level values, the maximum number of intensity levels, and the percentage of total under‐/over‐dosage permitted. The IP minimizes the absolute difference between each beamlet intensity and a weighted average of the intensities of the beamlet's nearest neighbors (and itself) in the smoothed plan. The method is tested on two optimal head‐and‐neck plans, each with seven beams. Both plans were designed so that no pixel is permitted to have an intensity greater than 20. The number of intensity levels in each beam ranges from 71 to 124. Results: For all beams, a feasible integer solution was obtained within 15 seconds. This held true even after the total intensity delivered by the smoothed beam profile was constrained to be either the floor or ceiling of the total intensity of the original beam profile. The smoothed profiles were permitted to use up to ten distinct integer values between 1 and 20. Conclusion: This work indicates the potential of a quick heuristic for smoothing complex intensity profiles. The resulting beam complexity reduction improves deliverability of the leaf sequence of each beam. Further research is necessary to determine the effects of local changes in beamlet intensity on the dose received by the planning target volume and organs‐at‐risk.
Complications associated with blood alcohol concentration following injury

Alcohol increases the risk of injuring oneself and others. However, following an injury there appears to be a benefit to alcohol in mediating the body's response to a traumatic injury and reducing mortality. The physiological mechanism underlying this reported association is poorly understood. One approach to explaining the pathways by which alcohol affects acute mortality following a traumatic injury is to identify differential prevalence of medical complications associated with increased mortality. The goal of this study was to evaluate the association between blood alcohol concentration and complications subsequent to a traumatic injury that are associated with increased in-hospital mortality. This study involved a retrospective analysis of traumatic injuries occurring between 2000 and 2009 as reported by all level I and II trauma units in the state of Illinois. The study includes all patients with blood alcohol toxicological examination levels ranging from zero to 500 mg/dL and meeting additional inclusion criteria (n ¼ 84,974). A reduction in complications of cardiac and renal function by 23.5% and 30.0%, respectively, was attributable to blood alcohol concentration. In addition, blood alcohol concentration was associated with fewer cases of pneumothorax and convulsions. However, blood alcohol concen- tration continued to be positively associated with aspiration pneumonitis and acute pancreatitis in the final models. The net impact of alcohol following an injury is protective, largely attributable to a reduction in complications relating to cardiac and renal function. This study helps to explain the observed protective effect from blood alcohol concentrations in reducing in-hospital mortality after an injury, as reported in many studies.
Reducing Psychosocial and Behavioral Pregnancy Risk Factors: Results of a Randomized Clinical Trial Among High-Risk Pregnant African American Women

Objectives. We evaluated the efficacy of a primary care intervention targeting pregnant African American women and focusing on psychosocial and behavioral risk factors for poor reproductive outcomes (cigarette smoking, secondhand smoke exposure, depression, and intimate partner violence).Methods. Pregnant African American women (N = 1044) were randomized to an intervention or usual care group. Clinic-based, individually tailored counseling sessions were adapted from evidence-based interventions. Follow-up data were obtained for 850 women. Multiple imputation methodology was used to estimate missing data. Outcome measures were number of risks at baseline, first follow-up, and second follow-up and within-person changes in risk from baseline to the second follow-up.Results. Number of risks did not differ between the intervention and usual care groups at baseline, the second trimester, or the third trimester. Women in the intervention group more frequently resolved some or all of their risks than did women in...
An α-Fetoprotein-Producing Hepatoid Adenocarcinoma of the Endometrium

Abstract Background. Hepatoid adenocarcinomas are tumors that arise outside the liver but resemble hepatic tissue and produce α-fetoprotein. These neoplasms have been described in many locations, including the lung, gastrointestinal tract, and urogenital tract, and have been associated with a poor prognosis. Two previously reported cases of hepatoid adenocarcinoma of the endometrium described aggressive tumors that were unresponsive to multiple forms of therapy. Case. We report a case of an α-fetoprotein-producing hepatoid adenocarcinoma of the endometrium that was successfully treated with surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy. Conclusion. Eight years after therapy, the patient is alive with no evidence of disease, suggesting that cytoxan, adriamycin, and cis -platinum are active agents in this unusual entity.
Angiogenesis and the Tumor Microenvironment: Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Beyond

Our understanding of the dynamic tumor microenvironment (TME) has improved exponentially over the last few decades. In addition to traditional cytotoxic agents, anti-cancer strategies now include numerous molecular-targeted drugs that modulate distinct elements of the TME. Angiogenesis is an underlying promoter of tumor growth, invasion, and metastases. From traditional and emerging angiogenic cytokines and their receptors to novel immune checkpoint inhibitors, regulation of the tumor microenvironment is potentially key in countering tumor progression. In this article, an overview of the architecture of the TME and the orchestration of angiogenesis within the TME is provided. Additionally, traditional and novel angiogenic targets of current interest within the TME are reviewed.
Immunoadsorbent removal of antibodies produced during in vitro culture relieves inhibition of the response.

Abstract In Marbrook-type diffusion cultures the in vitro response to SRBC declines drastically after a Day 4–5 peak. This decrease in the PFC response is not the result of deteriorating culture conditions but reflects the generation of an inhibitory factor during the culture period. The presence of formaldehyde-fixed Staphylococcus aureus in the reservoir of a culture system in which cell and reservoir chambers are separated by a 0.2-μm Nuclepore membrane permits a higher antibody response. This enhancing effect is dependent upon the continuous removal by S. aureus of antibodies or antigen-antibody complexes produced in culture during the course of the response. In addition, supernatant transfer experiments indicate that, during an in vitro response, antigen-specific, antibody-mediated suppression is an important factor in the net outcome of the response and in its regulation. Under the conditions of this study, no evidence for the generation of suppressor cells in vitro was found.
Plastic pollution in the marine environment

Abstract The discharge and dumping of plastic debris into the world's oceans has become an increasingly serious form of marine pollution in recent years. To counter such practices, a number of international agreements containing specific prohibitions against dumping plastics into the marine environment have been promulgated. The 1972 London Dumping Convention, Annex V to the MARPOL Convention, and the 1978 MARPOL Protocol cite plastic pollution as unlawful in international waters. Though not yet in force, particular provisions mandating protection and preservation of the marine environment in the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention abo add considerable legal sway. Six special agreements of the UN Regional Seas Programme and three other relevant regional instruments contribute to banning pollution by dumping plastic substances in designated ocean areas. Given the large number of states that have legally committed themselves to being bound by one or more of these international agreements, a firm normative founda...
Developing Confidence within Girls through Self-Defense Education

(2012). Developing Confidence within Girls through Self-Defense Education. Strategies: Vol. 25, No. 5, pp. 26-29.
Synthesis of Resistive Memory Oxides by Ion Implantation

In this work, we report on the use ion of implantation to synthesize resistive memory oxides. The surface of copper thin films was converted to copper oxide using oxygen implantation. Devices fabricated from the copper oxide (CuxO) layers exhibited unipolar switching behavior without the need for a forming voltage. Technology scaling was demonstrated by oxygen implanting copper damascene vias. Unipolar switching was observed in via-based devices down to 48 nm. The current-voltage data of devices scaled from 100 μm to 48 nm suggests that the RESET transition is related to localized Joule heating. Tantalum oxide (TaxOy) was also created by oxygen implantation but exhibited bipolar resistive switching. Analysis of the conduction suggests that the difference between the two resistance states in these devices is largely due to a lowering of the Pt-TaxOy Schottky barrier.
Changes in the Expression of Cytochrome P450s 2B1, 2B2, 2E1, and 2C11 in Response to Daily Aromatic Hydrocarbon Treatment

Treatment of rats with ethylbenzene (EB) modulates the hepatic expression of many P450s, with those induced after a single intraperitoneal hydrocarbon injection differing from those induced after more prolonged (3 day) administration. The goals of the current studies are (1) to characterize the induction response after prolonged hydrocarbon exposure, (2) to explain why the elevation of these P450s is attenuated after continued treatment, and (3) to determine how P450 2B protein remains elevated without an elevation of P450 2B1/2 RNA. P450 2C11 protein was decreased after a single EB injection and remained depressed throughout the treatment period. P450 2C11 RNA was only decreased with prolonged, but not acute treatment. P450 2E1 was induced after a single EB injection; however, the initial induction was attenuated with more prolonged treatment. P450 2B1 and P450 2B2 RNAs exhibited a similar response, being elevated after acute administration, but returned to control levels with prolonged EB administration. Interestingly, P450 2B protein levels remained elevated despite the decrease in P450 2B1 and P450 2B2 RNA to control levels. We then tested the possibility that the multiphasic induction pattern of P450 2E1 and P450 2B1/2 RNA was due to differences in the pharmacokinetics of EB. The disappearance of EB with time was measured in rats that were either (1) untreated, (2) pretreated with EB for 1 day, or (3) pretreated with EB for 3 days. These results demonstrated that prior hydrocarbon exposure caused an increase in EB clearance, which decreased the overall levels of EB in the body. Consequently, EB levels were sufficiently diminished to decrease EB's effectiveness as an inducer leading to the decrease in P450 2E1 protein and P450 2B1 and P450 2B2 RNA after continued EB administration. A further consequence of the decreased overall EB concentration is that the hydrocarbon was capable of producing only a transient elevation of P450 2B1 RNA levels. This transient elevation appears to be sufficient to maintain elevated P450 2B protein.
The spectrum of bacteriochlorophyll in vivo: observations on mutants of Rhodopseudomonas spheroides unable to grow photosynthetically.

— The major blue pigment from a mutant of Rhodopseudomonas spheroides that is unable to grow photosynthetically has been compared with authentic bacteriochlorophyll. By the following criteria the pigments are identical: chromatographic behavior; visible and i.r. epectra of the pigments and of their Mg-free derivatives in a varity of solvents; reaction in the Molisch phase test; isolation of phytol. The spectra in vivo in the region of bacteriochlorophyll absorption of the following strains grown under a variety of conditions have been compared:(a) wild-type (strain Ga), (b) photosynthetically deficient mutant (strain PM-8), (c) secondary mutants derived from PM-8 lacking colored carotenoid pigments, and (d) carotenoid-less, photosynthetically competent revertants from strains of type (c). It is concluded (1) that the spectrum of reaction center bacteriochlorophyll (P870) includes an absorption band at 805 mμ as well as at 870 mμ and (2) that the relative heights of the three absorption bands of bulk bacteriochlorophyll (at 805, 850 and 875 mp) are strongly influenced by the presence of P870.
Relative distribution of pertinent findings on portable neonatal abdominal radiographs: can we shield the gonads?

Background Shielding of the gonads is a dose-saving strategy in pediatric radiography and its use is the law in New York and the majority of other states. However, routine use of gonadal shields is controversial because of concerns that important diagnostic information can be obscured.
A novel data collection and monitoring system for health status measures in patients undergoing lateral internal sphincterotomy: The Knowledge Program (TKP)

Summary Background/Objective The Knowledge Program (TKP) allows prospective data collection during routine clinical practice. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of TKP for capturing and monitoring health status measures in patients undergoing lateral internal sphincterotomy (LIS). Methods TKP data of patients undergoing LIS from December 2008 to May 2013 were retrieved. Health status measures including the Cleveland Global Quality of Life (CGQL), European Quality of Life Index (EQ-5D), Fecal Incontinence Severity Index (FISI), anorectal pain scores, and satisfaction questions were evaluated in the study. Results A total of 500 patients underwent LIS within the study period. Overall patient numbers responding to the health status measures in the pre- and postoperative period were as follows: CGQL: 112 preoperatively, 53 postoperatively; EQ-5D: 112 preoperatively, 55 postoperatively; FISI: 102 preoperatively, 30 postoperatively; and anorectal pain score: 107 preoperatively, 45 postoperatively. Among the responders, the number of patients who completed the health status measures both pre- and postoperatively was as follows: EQ-5D: 31, CGQL: 28, anorectal pain: 24, and FISI: 15. A total of 30 patients completed postoperative satisfaction and recommendation questions. Postoperative earliest ( p = 0.02) and most recent ( p = 0.01) anorectal pain visual analog scores were significantly lower than the preoperative measurements. The earliest postoperative EQ-5D scores were significantly higher than their preoperative values ( p = 0.02). The majority of patients who completed the surveys said they were satisfied (70% and 67%) and would recommended (73% and 70%) LIS to others undergoing postoperative earliest and most recent follow up. Conclusion LIS reduces anorectal pain without worsening quality of life. TKP captures information directly from patients and records it to a database which may reduce the risk of information loss or alteration.
Microscopic flow visualization system for fluids in magnetic field

Abstract A flow visualization technique has been developed to allow investigation of micron-scale flow behaviors by coupling the techniques of laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) and particle imaging velocimetry (PIV), and adapting them to the micron scales. In this paper, the flow studies have been performed using image analysis of fluorescent magnetic microspheres of 3 μm average diameter suspended in fluid and subjected to a magnetic field.
Computation of the fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity maps without tensor decoding and diagonalization: Theoretical analysis and validation.

Diffusion tensor MRI (DT-MRI) is a promising modality for in vivo mapping of the organization of deep tissues. The most commonly used DT-MRI invariant maps are the mean diffusivity, mu(D), relative anisotropy (RA), and fractional anisotropy (FA). Because of the computational burden, anisotropy maps are generally computed offline. The availability of a simple procedure to compute RA, FA, and mu(D) online would make DT-MRI more useful in clinical applications that require immediate feedback. In this study, analytical expressions that relate the commonly used tensor anisotropy measures obtained from the decoded and diagonalized DT with those obtained from the first and second moments of the measured diffusion-weighted (DW) data are derived. Specifically, it is shown that for the principal icosahedron encoding scheme, RA is related to the mean and standard deviation (SD) of the DW measurements that can be computed online. Since FA is commonly used as an anisotropy measure, an analytical expression relating RA and FA was derived from the tensor invariants. These results were validated using both Monte Carlo simulations and high-resolution, normal whole-brain DT-MRI measurements acquired with different b-factors, encoding schemes, and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) levels. The bias introduced by the rotationally variant encoding schemes into the diffusion measures is also investigated.
Application of neural networks and genetic algorithms in the classification of endothelial cells

Abstract This paper deals with developing automatic classification algorithms for identifying images of F-actin distribution in endothelial cells with different treatment of drugs. A novel combination of genetic algorithm based feature selection, used to obtain an optimal feature set, and artificial neural network methods including the multilayer feedforward network and the functional link network was used in the classification.
Genomics: Lessons in complexity from yeast

A challenge in biology is to understand complex traits, which are influenced by many genetic variants. Studies in yeast provide the prospect of analysing such genetic variation in detail in other organisms, including humans.
Abstract B13: Modeling BRAF inhibitor resistance in genetically engineered mouse models of melanoma

Resistance to BRAF inhibitors in melanoma poses a serious clinical challenge to this otherwise potent therapy. Acquired resistance has been shown to arise from a wide variety of genetic and epigenetic sources including NRAS or MEK mutations, elevated PDGFRB or IGF1R levels, and BRAF splice variants. Many of these mechanisms were discovered in vitro and validated in patients, demonstrating the faithfulness of cell culture data. Nevertheless, cell culture may not be able to capture all sources of resistance, particularly if they involve interaction with the stroma. We have therefore undertaken the generation of de novo BRAF inhibitor resistance in a novel mouse model of melanoma, the iBIP (inducible Braf, Ink/Arf, Pten) model. Similar to existing BRAF mouse models, topical tamoxifen restricts BRAFV600E expression and PTEN loss to targeted melanocytes. The added utility of this model is the ability to extinguish BRAF transgene expression via withdrawal of doxycycline from the diet. We show that the molecular profile and tumor regression phentoype of BRAF inhibitor treatment in this model faithfully mirrors genetic BRAF extinction. Treatment with the BRAF inhibitor caused stable and complete tumor regression. However, long-term treatment with the inhibitor failed to generate de novo resistant melanomas. We hypothesized that the relatively stable mouse genome was not generating potentially resistance-conferring mutations or alterations at a fast enough rate. We therefore generated genomic instability in the iBIP model by crossing it onto a telomerase-deficient background. Melanomas in this model acquired resistance at a rate of approximately 30% after a short interval of sensitivity. Currently, characterization of these tumors is being carried out, including whole-exon sequencing, RNA-sequencing, and array comparative genomic hybridization. Preliminary aCGH data show a recurrent, whole-chromosome gain in two resistant tumors that is not present in untreated or sensitive tumors. Other efforts are focused on generating a large bank of resistant tumors, checking cross-resistance among BRAF inhibitors, and identifying any stromal and immune changes. This in vivo model of acquired BRAF inhibitor resistance provides an important complement to known resistance mechanisms and may also serve as a preclinical platform to test anti-resistance countertherapies.
Fabrication of an inexpensive, implantable cooling device for reversible brain deactivation in animals ranging from rodents to primates

We have developed a compact and lightweight microfluidic cooling device to reversibly deactivate one or more areas of the neocortex to examine its functional macrocircuitry as well as behavioral an...
Older adults display concurrent but not delayed associations between life stressors and depressive symptoms: a microlongitudinal study.

Objectives The present study investigated the temporal association between life event stressors relevant to older adults and depressive symptoms using a micro-longitudinal design (i.e., monthly increments over a six-month period). Existing research on stress and depressive symptoms has not examined this association over shorter time periods (e.g., monthly), over multiple time increments, or within-persons. Design An in-person initial interview was followed by six monthly interviews conducted by telephone. Setting Community. Participants Data were drawn from a study of 144 community-dwelling older adults with depressive symptoms. Measurements Stressful life events were measured using the Geriatric Life Events Scale (GALES), and depressive symptoms were assessed with the Short - Geriatric Depression Scale (S-GDS). Results Using multilevel modeling, 31% of the S-GDS' and 39% of the GALES' overall variance was due to within-person variability. Females and persons with worse health reported more depressive symptoms. Stressful life events predicted concurrent depressive symptoms, but not depressive symptoms one month later. Conclusions The lack of a time-lagged relationship suggests that older adults with depressive symptoms may recover more quickly from life stressors than previously thought, although additional research using varying time frames is needed to pinpoint the timing of this recovery as well as to identify older adults at risk of long-term effects of life stressors.
Oral manifestation of Hodgkin's disease.

Abstract 1. 1. A case of Hodgkin's disease of the oral cavity is presented. 2. 2. The treatment of a tooth within an irradiated area, with decay involving the pulp, is discussed.
Production of 10 Be and 26 Al by cosmic rays in terrestrial quartz in situ and implications for erosion rates

Results of determinations of Be-10 and Al-26 produced by cosmic rays in situ in several terrestrial rock samples exposed at altitudes of 1-4 km are presented. The theoretical saturation values for these isotopes produced in quartz at the earth's surface are shown and discussed, and the expected isotope concentrations are considered in terms of a simple exosure history model which occurs without change in the altitude of the sample. The advantages of using Be-10 and Al-26 in this application, as opposed to C1-36, are discussed. The results demonstrate the feasibility of quantitatively measuring Be-10 and Al-26 produced in situ by cosmic rays in quartz and the possible applications of these isotopes as a pair for studying continental weathering/erosion processes.
Clinicopathologic Analysis of Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping in Early Breast Cancer

Axillary nodal status is the most significant prognosticator for predicting survival and guiding adjuvant therapy in breast cancer patients. Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) represents a minimally invasive procedure with low morbidity for staging axillary nodal status. In this article we review and report our experiences in patients with early breast cancer who underwent SLNB at the Revlon/UCLA Breast Center. Between September 1998 and May 2000, a total 83 SLNBs were performed in 81 patients with proven breast cancer and negative axillary examination who elected to have SLNB as the first step of nodal staging. Two patients had bilateral breast cancer. SLNB was localized by using both 99Tc sulfur colloid (83 cases) and isosulfan blue dye (75 cases). Data of these patients were prospectively collected and analyzed. The clinical and pathologic characteristics of women with positive and negative sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) were compared to identify features predictive of SLN metastasis. Of the 83 cases, the SLN was successfully localized in 82 (98.8%). Sixty-three percent of patients had SLNs found in level I only, 18.3% in both level I and II, and 4.9% in level II alone. The vast majority (84.3%) of these cases had T1 breast cancer with an average size of 1.55 cm for the entire series. Twenty-three patients (28%) had positive SLNs, with an average of 1.5 positive SLNs per patient. Fifteen had metastases detected by hematoxylin and eosin staining and 8 had micrometastases detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC) using anticytokeratin antibodies. Ten of the former group agreed to and 2 of the latter group opted for full axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). An average of 17.5 lymph nodes were removed from each ALND procedure. Additional metastases or micrometastases were found in seven patients (in a total of 28 lymph nodes). Three patients with completely negative SLNs experienced additional axillary lymph node removal due to their election of free flap reconstruction. None had metastases detected in these lymph nodes. The absence of estrogen and progesterone receptors (ER/PR) by IHC (p = 0.036) and the presence of lymphatic/vascular invasion (LVI) (p = 0.002) predicted positive SLNs in patients with early breast cancer in a univariate analysis; in a multivariate analysis only LVI was predictive (p = 0.0125). Histologic type, nuclear grade, tumor differentiation, HER-2/neu and p53 status, S-phase fraction, and DNA ploidy did not predict SLN status. Immediate postoperative complications were uncommon and delayed complications completely absent. Because of the high detection rate, accurate staging, and minimal morbidity, SLNB should be offered as a choice to women with small breast cancers and clinically negative nodes. Because positive LVI and negative ER/PR status are highly predictive of pathologically positive SLNs in small breast cancers, women whose cancers meet these criteria should be advised preoperatively about their risk of having a positive SLN and may benefit from intraoperative assessment (frozen section and/or touch preparation) of their SLNs.
Genetic variation of PLTP modulates lipoprotein profiles in hypoalphalipoproteinemia

Phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP) participates in key processes in lipoprotein metabolism, including interparticle phospholipid transfer, remodeling of HDL, cholesterol and phospholipid efflux from peripheral tissues, and the production of hepatic VLDL. The impact of PLTP on reverse cholesterol transport suggests that the gene may harbor sequence anomalies that contribute to disorders of HDL metabolism. The human PLTP gene was screened for sequence anomalies by DNA melting analysis in 276 subjects with hypoalphalipoproteinemia (HA) and 364 controls. The association with plasma lipid parameters was evaluated. We discovered 18 sequence variations, including four missense mutations and a novel polymorphism (c.-34G>C). In healthy controls, the c.-34G>C minor allele was associated with higher high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) and was depleted in subjects with HA. Linear regression models predict that possession of the rare allele decreases plasma triglyceride (TG) and TG/HDL-C and increases HDL-C independent of TG. Decreased PLTP activity was observed in one (p.R235W) of four (p.E72G, p.S119A, p.S124Y, and p.R235W) mutations in an in vitro activity assay. These findings indicate that PLTP gene variation is an important determinant of plasma lipoproteins and affects disorders of HDL metabolism.
Anti)Canonizing Courts

Within U.S. constitutional culture, courts stand curiously apart from the society in which they sit. Among the many purposes this process of alienation serves is to “neutralize” the cognitive dissonance produced by Americans' current self-conception and the role our forebears' social and political culture played in producing historic injustice. The legal culture establishes such dissonance in part by structuring American constitutional argument around anticanonical cases: most especially “Dred Scott v. Sandford,” “Plessy v. Ferguson,” and “Lochner v. New York.” The widely held view that these decisions were “wrong the day they were decided” emphasizes the role of independent courts in producing them and diminishes the roles of culture in creating them and of social movements in overcoming them. This essay argues for approaching these decisions as ordinary products of political culture rather than extraordinary products of judicial malfeasance. Doing so honors those who struggled for progress and may invig...
Rapid detection of anti-Helicobacter pylori IgG in urine using immunochromatography.

Background: Non-invasive methods to detect the presence of H. pylori infection continue to be refined. Aim: To evaluate a new 20-min immunochromatography method (RAPIRUN H. pylori Antibody) for the presence of anti-H. pylori IgG in urine. Methods: We used the 13C-urea breath test to establish H. pylori status. We evaluated the urine test among 104 subjects including 43 with H. pylori infection confirmed by repeatedly positive urea breath tests and 61 H. pylori-negative subjects with repeatedly negative urea breath tests. Forty-one of the 43 subjects with H. pylori infection had a positive rapid urine test with two false negative tests. There were two false positive tests among the 61 with repeatedly negative urea breath tests. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values for the rapid urine test were 95.3%, 96.7%, 95.3%, and 96.7%, respectively. The kit was easy to use and required no special equipment. Conclusions: The rapid immunochromatography method for determination of anti-H. pylori IgG proved to be reliable with excellent sensitivity and specificity and is likely to be useful for both clinical and epidemiological studies.