cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An analysis of patient-sharing physician networks and implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapy

The application of social network analysis to the organization of healthcare delivery is a relatively new area of research that may not be familiar to health services statisticians and other methodologists. We present a methodological introduction to social network analysis with a case study of physicians' adherence to clinical guidelines regarding use of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) for the prevention of sudden cardiac death. We focus on two hospital referral regions (HRRs) in Indiana, Gary and South Bend, characterized by different rates of evidence-based ICD use (86% and 66%, respectively). Using Medicare Part B claims, we construct a network of physicians who care for cardiovascular disease patients based on patient-sharing relationships. Approaches for weighting physician dyads and aggregating physician dyads by hospital are discussed. Then, we obtain a set of weighted network statistics for the positions of hospitals in their referral region, global statistics for the physician network within each hospital, and of the network positions of individual physicians within hospitals, providing the mathematical specification and sociological intuition underlying each measure. We find that adjusting for network measures can reduce the observed differences between referral regions for evidence-based ICD therapy. This study supports previous reports on how variation in physician network structure relates to utilization of care, and motivates future work using physician network measures to examine variation in evidence-based medicine.
Integrin Beta-1 is Critical for Gastrin-Releasing Peptide Receptor-Mediated Neuroblastoma Cell Migration and Invasion

Background. Gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) and its receptor, GRP-R, are critically involved in neuroblastoma tumorigenesis; however, the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways that are responsible for GRP/GRP-R–induced cell migration and invasion remain unclear. In this study, we sought to determine the cell signals involved in GRP/GRP-R–mediated neuroblastoma cell migration and invasion. Methods. Human neuroblastoma cell lines SK-N-SH, LAN-1, and IMR-32 were used for our study. Transwell migration and invasion assays were performed after GRP (10 7 M) stimulation. The cDNA GEArray Microarray kit was used to determine GRP-R–induced gene expression changes. Protein and membrane expression of integrin subunits were confirmed by Western blotting and flow cytometry analysis. siRNA transfection was performed using Lipofectamine 2000. For scratch assay, a confluent monolayer of cells in 6-well plates were wounded with micropipette tip and observed microscopically at 24 to 72 h. Results. GRP increased neuroblastoma cell migration and expressions of MMP-2 whereas the TIMP-1 level decreased. GRP-R overexpression stimulated SK-N-SH cell migration and upregulated integrin a2, a3, and b1 protein as well as mRNA expression. Targeted silencing of integrin b1 inhibited cell migration. Conclusion. GRP/GRP-R signaling contributes to neuroblastoma cell migration and invasion. Moreover, the integrin s1 subunit critically regulates GRP-R–mediated neuroblastoma cell migration and invasion. (Surgery 2013;154:369-75.)
Frequency and Predictors of Acute Hospitalization Before Death in Patients With Glioblastoma.

Abstract Context Glioblastoma (GBM) is a devastating and incurable neuro-oncologic disease, and issues related to the end of life are almost invariably a matter of "when," not a matter of "if." Optimizing symptom management and quality of life in later stages of disease is of the utmost priority. Objectives To examine the frequency of and factors associated with late acute hospital admission before death in patients with GBM. Methods Case-control study comparing patients with GBM admitted to the hospital within one month of death to those without late hospital admission. Results Of 385 GBM patients followed to death at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 164 (42.6%) were admitted within a month of death, most frequently (140, or 85%) to manage neurologic decline. Of these, 56 (34%) had intensive care unit care during this admission and 22 (13%), 18 (11%), and 2 (1%) received mechanical ventilation, enteral feeding tubes, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, respectively. In multivariable analysis, in-hospital chaplaincy consultation, and participation in a therapeutic clinical trial, both at any time in the GBM disease course, were significantly associated with late hospital admission. Conclusions Late hospitalization is frequent in GBM and often involves intensive care unit care in the management of clinical events that are part of the GBM dying process. Patients with a tendency to use religious support and those enrolled in clinical trials may be at greater risk for late hospitalization. Dedicated prospective study is needed to determine predictors of late hospitalization and to examine the impact of late acute medical care on quality of life in GBM.
An Integrated Case for Finance, Management, Marketing, Strategy and Sustainability Issues: Good ‘Ol Camp Teddy

Camp Teddy was founded by a family that believed in the benefits of outdoor living for families on vacation in the tradition of Theodore Roosevelt. The Camp was founded by a family in 123 acres of land with a beach and docks for boats on a large freshwater lake with very pure water in Northwest Connecticut with a several hour drive from Westchester and Connecticut suburbs of New York City. The family financed much of the improvements consisting of cottages that would sleep 2 to 12 persons and other necessary buildings including a large dining hall and other buildings suitable for families and for groups of people from 30 to 350 people. Funding to purchase the land and to construct the buildings in the early twentieth century was provided by the founding family who issued shares of stock to family members and to families who bought some of the stock. Today 700 of the 1,000 shares are still owned by members of the founding family and the other 300 shares are owned by others, who mostly hold one or two shares of stock.
A MICROPROCESSOR CONTROLLED AUTOMATED DATA COLLECTION DEVICE FOR THE TECHNICON AUTOANALYZER SYSTEM

ABSTRACT The Technicon AutoAnalyzer system is widely used in research and clinical laboratories to perform chemical assays. The AutoAnalyzer provides an analog signal output related to chemical information, but its accurate retrieval requires several time consuming maunual steps by the operator. We have developed a dedicated microcomputer system which automates the manual steps and improves system reliability. The system has the potential for three external channels plus one self-maintaining internal check channel capable of accessing analog information, processing the information and storing the information in computer recognizable form. The microcomputer system may also be interfaced to an inexpensive TRS-80 for final data processing.
Transfer of Technology to Promote Entrepreneurship in Developing Countries: An Integration and Proposed Framework:

That entrepreneurship is vitally important to the economic development of a nation Is Indubitable. However, divergent approaches to promoting and fostering entrepreneurial development in the develo...
Social Software Design To Facilitate Service-learning In Interdisciplinary Computer Science Courses

Service-learning continues to play an increasing role in higher education as instructors look to incorporate high impact practices that challenge students through active and experiential learning. Yet limitations in learning management systems (LMS) can be barriers to service-learning project success. In this paper, we present an experience report on the design and implementation of an interdisciplinary service-learning course for computer science. We also present on the design and implementation of specialized social networking software as a mechanism to support service-learning across interdisciplinary computer science courses. More specifically, this research introduces customized social software, consisting of blogging, wiki and discussion software as tools for facilitating the specialized needs of these courses. These needs range from the ability for project management and milestone tracking, which are supported through wiki technology and messaging, self-reflection, which is supported through blogging and information exchange and knowledge sharing, which are supported through online discussion boards, social bookmarking and file-sharing. Results were largely positive, with a majority of students indicating that the course learning environment supported learning, collaboration and course community.
Can RENEX, a decision support system for Tc-99m MAG3 diuretic renography, teach residents better diagnostic skills?

540 Objectives RENEX is a decision support system that interprets Tc-99m MAG3 diuretic studies based on patient demographics and data generated from the renogram; in addition, RENEX provides the rationale for its interpretation and could serve as an educational tool. The objective was to determine if training of nuclear medicine residents by RENEX would lead to improved diagnostic performance. Methods Two sets of 50 adult patients with Tc-99m MAG3 diuretic studies were randomly selected from an archived database and independently interpreted by 3 expert readers, RENEX, and 5 nuclear medicine residents with at least one year of experience. The mean ages of the patients in the 1st and 2nd groups were 57.2 ± 17.7 and 58.7 ± 15.8 years, respectively; all studies contained a 24 min baseline and a 20 min post-furosemide acquisition. Each kidney was scored from +1.0 to -1.0; scores 0.20 indicated obstruction with higher scores indicating greater confidence in the diagnosis of obstruction. Scores from +0.19 to -0.19 were equivocal and scores -0.20 indicated non-obstruction with lower scores indicating greater confidence in the diagnosis of non-obstruction. Residents interpreted the 1st set of 50 studies unaided and were subsequently trained by reinterpreting the 1st set of 50 studies with access to their original scores and to RENEX. To evaluate a training effect, residents then interpreted a 2nd set of 50 studies without access to RENEX. The CCC (concordance correlation coefficient) was used to compare the scores of experts and residents. The CCC was also calculated after replacing one of the expert readers with a resident; if resident interpretations were equivalent to expert readers, the CCC of the “one resident/two experts” combination would be the same as that of the 3 experts. Results There was no significant difference in CCC of the 3 experts between the 1st and 2nd sets of patients, 0.90 (CI: 0.86, 0.93) vs 0.89 (CI: 0.84, 0.92), p = 0.62. The CCC of the 5 residents for the 2nd 50 patients after training by RENEX was significantly improved compared to the CCC obtained for the 1st 50 patients, 0.71 (CI: 0.63, 0.77) for the 2nd set vs 0.49 (CI: 0.40, 0.53) for the 1st set, p Conclusions Resident agreement with expert interpretations significantly improved after training with RENEX, p < 0.01. Interobserver agreement of diuretic renography interpretations by nuclear medicine residents with at least one year of training also improved after training with RENEX, p < 0.01. RENEX has the potential to be a useful educational and diagnostic aid for Tc-99m MAG3 diuretic renography. Research Support: NIDDK, R01 EB008838
Field Theoretic Models of Liquids

As an alternative to viewing a liquid explicitly a disordered collection of particles, molecular configurations can be described in terms of single particle fields such as the density. This lecture considers this alternative perspective — how the spatial analog of harmonic oscillator models leads to integral equations (e.g., PY, RISM, ...), and how manageable non-linear treatments have led to an understanding of freezing. Nevertheless, puzzling questions remain concerning symmetry breaking and the formation of glasses.
Automated inspection using gray-scale statistics

A method for using gray-scale statistics for the inspection of assemblies is described. A test image of an assembly under inspection is registered with a model image of a nondefective assembly and the two images are compared on the basis of two statistical tests: a Χ2 test of the two marginal gray-level distributions and the correlation coefficient of the joint distribution. These tests are made in local subareas that correspond to important structure, such as parts and subassemblies. The subareas are compiled in an off-line training phase. The Χ2 measure is most sensitive to missing or damaged parts, whereas the correlation coefficient is most sensitive to mispositioned parts. It is also possible to detect overall lighting changes and misregistration with these measures. Two examples are presented that show how the tests detect two types of defects.
Helping the Child and Family with Surgery: Discussion of Dr. Gabriel’s and Dr. Danilowicz’s Paper

It is a pleasure to discuss such a clear and straightforward approach to a problem so many of us have found so difficult. Drs. Gabriel and Danilowicz are probably in more fortunate circumstances than many of us who have tried to get both hospital administrators and pediatric and orthopedic sugreons to recognize the importance of family access to children and to provide for overnight stay. In a recent discussion between Dane Prugh and the past President of the Academy of Pediatrics, they agreed that no more than 10% of hospitals serving children either recognize or provide for family access to children.
Prevalence of Radiographic Cochlear-Facial Nerve Dehiscence.

Objective To determine the prevalence of radiographic cochlear-facial nerve dehiscence (CFD). Study design Retrospective radiological study. Setting Two tertiary-referral centers. Patients Two hundred six temporal-bone computed tomography (CT) scans (405 total ears) of otology/neurotology patients from two academic institutions between the years 2014 and 2017. Intervention Diagnostic. Main outcome measures The cochlear-facial nerve partition width (CFPW) was measured on coronal CT sections and defined as the shortest distance between the cochlear basal turn and facial nerve (FN) labyrinthine segment. We used logistics regression analyses to determine positive predictors for radiographic evidence of CFD. Results The overall prevalence of radiographic CFD was 5.4% (22/406 ears). 9.2% of patients (19/206) had CFD. Of these 19 patients, only one patient had mixed hearing loss that could not be explained by any other vestibular or auditory etiology. Three out of 206 patients had dehiscence in both ears (1.4%). The average CFPW was 0.6 ± 0.2 mm, and fallopian canal width was 1.1 ± 0.02 mm (n = 405). Older age, use of traditional CT scans, and thinner CT slice thickness were significant predictors for radiographic CFD. Conclusions The radiographic prevalence of CFD is higher than what is reported in histologic studies, and may over-estimate the true prevalence of CFD. The clinician should keep this in mind when considering this as potential cause for third-window symptoms.
Design Considerations for Postcombustion CO2 Capture With Membranes

Abstract Reducing CO2 emissions has become a global research issue. Carbon capture using different techniques such as absorption, adsorption, cryogenics, and membrane separations has been extensively studied to tackle this problem. Postcombustion technology is considered the most feasible method because of its “end-of-pipe” characteristic, and membrane-based CO2 separation process in recent years appears to be a competitive substitution for conventional chemical absorption technology. This chapter reviews the basic process designs of membrane-based separation process for CO2 capture in postcombustion, as well as membrane module types. In addition, an economic estimate for this CO2 capture technology is summarized.
Spatial-temporal human gesture recognition under degraded conditions using three-dimensional integral imaging: An Overview

In the field of machine learning and computer vision, recognizing a human gesture in degraded environments is a challenging issue. We overview a method that combines a three-dimensional (3D) imaging system known as integral imaging (InIm) with 3D correlation filters to recognize occluded human gestures under low illumination conditions. The integral imaging system captures multiple images, with different perspective information, which allows for the reconstruction of 3D images with both lateral and depth information. The 3D reconstructed image has a higher SNR than the captured two-dimensional (2D) image. After 3D reconstruction, the total variation (TV) algorithm is applied to denoise the 3D images. A 3D non-linear distortion-invariant filter is used for human gesture recognition. In degraded environments, we show that the proposed method is more robust for human gesture recognition compared with conventional recognition algorithms based on space-time interest points (STIP) feature detector and 3D histogram of oriented gradients (HOG) feature descriptor with support vector machine (SVM).
Epidemiology, Risk Factors, and Outcomes After Early Posttransplant Clostridiodes difficile Infection in Renal Transplant Recipients.

Background:Modifiable risk-factors associated with Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) in renal-transplant (RTX) have not been clearly established and peri-transplant risk has not been describ...
A T-Type and Flying-Capacitor based Hybrid Five-Level Rectifier

This paper proposes a T-type and flying-capacitor based hybrid five-level rectifier, which is featured with simple architecture, five output voltage levels and small voltage stress across each power switch. These merits make it a great candidate for not only in medium voltage applications but also low voltage applications where high power density and high efficiency are pursed at the same time. Simulation results are provided to verify the proposed rectifier.
A new perspective on the relationship between metacognition and social cognition: metacognitive concepts as socio-cognitive tools

I defend an alternative to the two traditional accounts of the relationship between metacognition and social cognition: metacognition as primary versus social cognition as primary. These accounts have complementary explanatory vices and virtues. They also share a natural assumption: that interpretation in terms of mental states is “spectatorial”, aiming exclusively for an objective description of the mental facts about self and others. I argue that if one rejects this assumption in favor of the view that interpretation in terms of mental states also plays important regulative roles with respect to minds and behavior, a new and superior conception of the relationship between metacognition and social cognition comes into view. On this conception, person-level metacognitive concepts are socio-cognitive tools that shape us into better cognitive agents and more predictable cognitive objects, thereby enhancing our abilities at social coordination. Mastery of these metacognitive concepts relies on subpersonal, non-conceptual, procedural metacognition. This reconceptualization of the relationship between metacognition and social cognition combines the complementary explanatory virtues of the two traditional conceptions, while avoiding their complementary explanatory vices.
Evolution to Mesh 5G X-Haul Networks

Development of optical x-haul networks is driven by 5G wireless radio requirements. The potential of a mesh optical x-haul architecture merging WDM-PON and DWDM-ROADM networks is examined with respect to 5G requirements in metropolitan networks.
Chapter 7 – Beyond Politics

Publisher Summary The media provide a lens through which an individual gains the opportunity to observe and learn about the opinions and experiences of others that he or she would not otherwise encounter. When asked to list major motives for watching television, a substantial number of individuals refer to the ability of the medium to help them learn about and keep up with the world around them. Chief among the common characteristics is the comparison of self to others, resulting in an influence on an individual's thoughts, attitudes, and behavior that has a social basis. In the theory of impersonal influence on decisions about politics, this comparison typically results in the assignment of greater weight to the opinions and experiences of others rather than to one's own. In the social identity theory, in-groups with which the individual associates are known quantities. Out-groups, on the other hand, are not typically well known by the individual and therefore may take on a largely unspecified quality that is similar to impersonal others. Social observations on a wide scale would not be possible without the media. The reports of public opinion and social experience in the media become benchmarks for the individual. Reflection of the culture is a central element in the use of the media to capture the social landscape.
Massilia arenosa sp. nov., isolated from the soil of a cultivated maize field.

Strain MC02T, a Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped bacterium, was isolated from field soil collected from California, USA. To examine if MC02T represents a novel species, we compared its colony morphology, 16S rRNA gene and whole genome sequence, and its metabolic phenotype using Biolog GenIII and MALDI-TOF analyses compared to reference strains. Based on 16S rRNA gene and whole genome sequencing, MC02T belongs to the genus Massilia and Massilia agri K-3-1T is the most similar strain with 96.97 % 16S rRNA gene sequence identity. MALDI-TOF analysis revealed that Massilia aerilata DSM19289T is the closest match, but the similarity score was much lower than the ≥1.7 threshold for a reliable identification at the genus level. The predominant fatty acids were summed feature 3 (C16 : 1⍵7c and/or C16 : 1⍵6c; 49.07 %) and C16 : 0 (30.01 %). The genome is 5.02 Mbp and the G+C content is 66.2 mol%. Whole genome comparisons to the closest related strains revealed an average amino acid identity value of 67.4 %, an OrthoANI similarity of 77.1 %, and a DNA-DNA-hybridization probability ≥70 %, confirming that MC02T represents a novel species. Strain MC02T can grow at pH 6 but not at pH 5, and a salt concentration of ≥1 % inhibits its growth. In contrast to other Massilia strains, MC02T can utilize turanose, inosine and l-serine. The genome of MC02T shows putative endophyte genes such as a nitrate reductase, several phosphatases, and biotin biosynthesis genes, 26 flagellar motility genes and 14 invasion and intracellular resistance genes. Based on its metabolic, physiological and genomic characteristics, we propose that strain MC02T (NRRL B-65554T=ATCC TSD-200T=LMG 31737T) represents a novel species of the genus Massilia with the name Massilia arenosa sp. nov.
Longitudinal Analysis of Quality-of-Life Recovery After Gastrectomy for Cancer.

The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with quality-of-life recovery after gastrectomy. Patients anticipated to undergo gastric cancer resection were invited to complete the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ C30 and STO22 surveys in the preoperative setting and at 0–1.5 months (early), > 1.5–6 months (intermediate), and > 6–18 months (late) following resection. Quality-of-life recovery was measured as paired differences between pre- and postoperative results. Multivariable linear regression identified factors associated with preoperative quality of life and degree of change following resection. Across 393 participants, response rates at the intermediate and late postoperative time points were 58% (n = 228) and 71% (n = 277), respectively. Relative to baseline, median global health scale decreased in the early (− 15.1 pts, p < 0.001) and intermediate (− 3.6 pts, p = 0.02) time points, but recovered by the late time point (+ 1.2 pts, p = 0.411). Relative to distal/subtotal gastrectomy, proximal/total gastrectomy was associated with worse recovery in both the early and late time points. Surgical complications were associated with worse early recovery. Patients who presented with locally advanced tumors (T3–T4) had lower preoperative quality-of-life scores, and more readily recovered to baseline after surgery. A minimally invasive approach was not associated with postoperative recovery. Most patients recover to baseline within 1 year following major gastrectomy, and recovery is easier with more limited resections. Patients with locally advanced tumors tend to have poorer baseline quality of life, which may improve following resection.
"I Have an Idea!": A Disabled Refugee's Curriculum of Navigation for Resettlement Policy and Practice.

Disabled refugees experience multiple barriers through the process of resettlement, and yet, their perspectives are rarely solicited in discussions of refugee policy and practice. This article focu...
Electronic Medical Record Audit Time Logs as a Measure of Preoperative Work Before Total Joint Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND In order to achieve rapid recovery total joint arthroplasty, surgeons and their teams are spending more time in the weeks before surgery to prepare patients. This study aims to quantify total knee and hip prearthroplasty work using retrospective electronic medical record (EMR) activity audit log analysis. METHODS EMR activity in 100 elective knee and 100 elective hip arthroplasty cases was performed using audit logs. Each mouse click and action in the EMR was recorded. The time between mouse clicks was calculated and summed for each member of the clinical team. Descriptive statistics and independent samples t-tests were conducted to quantify and compare total preoperative work (POW) between groups defined by gender, procedure, age, insurance type, or health literacy (P < .05). RESULTS The mean number of days defined in the prearthroplasty time period was 69.1 days (standard deviation [SD] 42.8; range 8-191). The mean time spent in each patient's chart in the prearthroplasty period was 76.8 (SD 47.8) minutes. Surgeon's work in the medical record accounted for 7.9 (SD 7.9) minutes, registered nurses 46.7 minutes (SD 39.1), physician extenders 10.8 minutes (SD 16.9), and licensed practical nurses and patient care technicians 9.8 minutes (SD 13.0). A significant difference was observed when groups were dichotomized based on age <65 and insurance provider type. CONCLUSION A considerable amount of POW is required to prepare patients for surgery from the clinic date one decides to pursue total joint arthroplasty and the day prior to surgery. Retrospective electronic time stamps from the EMR should represent the minimum time required for surgical preparation.
An integrated multi-wavelength SCATTIRSTORM microscope combining TIRFM and IRM modalities for imaging cellulases and other processive enzymes

Abstract We describe a multimodal SCATTIRSTORM microscope for visualizing processive enzymes moving on immobilized substrates. The instrument combines Interference Reflection Microscopy (IRM) with multi-wavelength Total Internal Reflectance Fluorescence Microscopy (TIRFM). The microscope can localize quantum dots with a precision of 2.8 nm at 100 frames/s, and was used to image the dynamics of the cellulase, Cel7a interacting surface-immobilized cellulose. The instrument, which was built with off-the-shelf components and controlled by custom software, is suitable for tracking other degradative enzymes such as collagenases, as well as motor proteins moving along immobilized tracks.
Advances in the diagnosis and the management of primary hyperparathyroidism

The parathyroid glands, one of the last organs to be discovered, are responsible for maintaining calcium homeostasis, and they continue to present the clinician with diagnostic and management challenges that are reviewed herein. Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) comprises the vast majority of pathology of the parathyroid glands. The classic variant, presenting with elevated calcium and parathyroid hormone levels, has been studied extensively, but the current body of literature has added to our understanding of normocalcemic and normohormonal variants of PHPT, as well as syndromic forms of PHPT. All variants can lead to bone loss, kidney stones, declining renal function, and a variety of neurocognitive, gastrointestinal, and musculoskeletal complaints, although the majority of PHPT today is asymptomatic. Surgery remains the definitive treatment for PHPT, and advances in screening, evolving indications for surgery, new imaging modalities, and improvements in intra-operative methods have greatly changed the landscape. Surgery continues to produce excellent results in the hands of an experienced parathyroid surgeon. For those patients who are not candidates for surgery, therapeutic advances in medical management allow for improved control of the hypercalcemic state. Parathyroid cancer is extremely rare; the diagnosis is often made intra-operatively or on final pathology, and recurrence is common. The mainstay of treatment is normalization of serum calcium via surgery and medical adjuncts.
125I Interstitial brachytherapy with or without androgen deprivation therapy among unfavorable-intermediate and high-risk prostate cancer.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S) To determine if patients with unfavorable intermediate-risk (UIR), high-risk (HR), or very high-risk (VHR) prostate cancer (PCa) treated with 125I interstitial brachytherapy benefit from androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). MATERIALS/METHODS We reviewed our institutional database of patients with UIR, HR, or VHR PCa, per 2018 NCCN risk classification, treated with definitive 125I interstitial brachytherapy with or without ADT from 1998-2017. Outcomes including biochemical failure (bF), distant metastases (DM), and overall survival (OS) were analyzed with the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards regression. PCa-specific mortality (PCSM) was analyzed with Fine-Gray competing-risk regression. RESULTS Of 1033 patients, 262 (25%) received ADT and 771 (75%) did not. Median ADT duration was 6 months. By risk group, 764 (74%) patients were UIR, 219 (21%) HR, and 50 (5%) VHR. ADT was more frequently given to HR (50%) and VHR (56%) patients compared to UIR (16%; p<0.001), to older patients (p<0.001), corresponding with increasing PSA (p<0.001) and Grade Group (p<0.001). Median follow-up was 4.9 years (0.3-17.6 years). On multivariable analysis accounting for risk group, age, and year of treatment, ADT was not associated with bF, DM, PCSM, or OS (p≥0.05 each). CONCLUSION Among patients with UIR, HR, and VHR PCa, the addition of ADT to 125I interstitial brachytherapy was not associated with improved outcomes, and no subgroup demonstrated benefit. Our findings do not support the use of ADT in combination with 125I interstitial brachytherapy. Prospective studies are required to elucidate the role of ADT for patients with UIR, HR, and VHR PCa treated with prostate brachytherapy.
Radio Wave Scattering in the Ionosphere

Publisher Summary This chapter examines the radio wave scattering in the ionosphere. Scatter propagation is used for a number of important methods of information transmission. With the increase in radar sensitivities, various scatter modes have proven to be increasingly annoying sources of clutter and interference. The scattering of radio waves arises from fluctuations or irregularities in the otherwise smoothly varying distribution of ionization density in the ionosphere. The presence of ionization results in a local refractive index often differing considerably from the free space value, and the radio waves are therefore refracted where the ionization density varies. Very high frequency scatter from the lowest part of the ionosphere offers a partial solution to these communications problems as the propagation almost never fails. In general, ionospheric scattering is to be understood to arise from spatial fluctuations of electron number density per unit volume. It is found that at frequencies well above the plasma frequency the alteration of the incident wave by the free electrons is slight and the scattering effects are consequently less involved.
Labour analgesia: what are the (new) options?

While there are no “new” options for relieving labour pain, our understanding of the currently available techniques continues to evolve. We are fortunate that we currently have the ability to relieve labour pain safely. Time and careful clinical and laboratory studies will improve our understanding of the strengths and limitations of the currently available approaches to labour analgesia and allow us to refine and improve continuously the care we can offer these women.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Biomedical Applications of Graphene

The sections in this article are Introduction Synthesis of Graphene Chemical Exfoliation Epitaxial Growth Substrate-Free Gas-Phase Synthesis Chemical Vapor Deposition Arc Discharge of Graphite Electrodes Liquid-Phase Production Characterization of Graphene Raman Spectroscopy Transmission Electron Microscopy Electron Diffraction Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy Elemental Analysis Biomedical Applications of Graphene Biocompatible Graphene Paper Drug Delivery Biodevices Imaging of Soft Materials Conclusions Keywords: graphene; synthesis; characterization; biomedical applications; nanotechnology; biomedicine; biosensors
Phylogenetically typing bacterial strains from partial SNP genotypes observed from direct sequencing of clinical specimen metagenomic data

We describe an approach for genotyping bacterial strains from low coverage genome datasets, including metagenomic data from complex samples. Sequence reads from unknown samples are aligned to a reference genome where the allele states of known SNPs are determined. The Whole Genome Focused Array SNP Typing (WG-FAST) pipeline can identify unknown strains with much less read data than is needed for genome assembly. To test WG-FAST, we resampled SNPs from real samples to understand the relationship between low coverage metagenomic data and accurate phylogenetic placement. WG-FAST can be downloaded from https://github.com/jasonsahl/wgfast.
Treatment Of Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 2 (SCA2) with MOE Antisense Oligonucleotides (S47.006)

OBJECTIVE: Our study objective is to develop a molecular approach for lowering ATXN2 expression that could be utilized therapeutically for treating spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2). BACKGROUND: SCA2 is an autosomal dominant inherited disorder caused by CAG repeat expansion in the ATXN2 gene. The ATXN2 gene protein product ataxin-2 is characterized by gains of function upon ATXN2 mutation, caused by expansion of the CAG-encoded polyglutamine tract in ataxin-2. We hypothesize that lowering ATXN2 expression using antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) would be therapeutic for SCA2. This hypothesis is supported by the lack of neurodegeneration in ATXN2 knockout mice, and inducible reversibility of polyQ disease mouse phenotypes of HD and SCA1. DESIGN/METHODS: We screened 160 ASOs designed to lower ATXN2 expression in vitro in HepG2 cells. We evaluated the most efficacious ASOs for lowering ATXN2 expression in two mouse models of ATXN2. Expression of ATXN2 and the microgliosis marker Iba1 was evaluated by qPCR, Ataxin-2 expression was determined by immunoblotting, and ASO localization was evaluated by immunostaining. RESULTS: Eight ASOs were further evaluated in vivo. Of these ASO-1 consistently lowered both human ATXN2 and mouse Atxn2 expression in vitro. ASO-1 lowered expression maximally (80% reduction) after 7 days in ATXN2-Q172 transgenic mice, and performed similarly in BAC-ATXN2-Q72 and BAC-ATXN2-Q72 mice. ATXN2 expression was significantly reduced by a single bolus of ASO-1 after 7 weeks. Expression of Iba1 was not significantly elevated by ASO-1 treatment in vivo. Immunohistochemical staining of ASO-1 using anti-ASO antibody demonstrated ASO-1 penetrance into Purkinje cells and cells of the deep cerebellar nuclei. CONCLUSIONS: In order to model ASO therapy for SCA2 in mice, experimental ASOs need to target both exogenous human ATXN2 and endogenous mouse Atxn2. ASO-1 potently lowers both of these targets in mouse models of SCA2. We are continuing these studies to demonstrate ASO-1 efficacy on SCA2 mouse phenotypes. Support: This work was supported by National Institutes of Health grants R01NS033123, R21NS081182, and RC4NS073009. Disclosure: Dr. Scoles has nothing to disclose. Dr. Hung has nothing to disclose. Dr. Pflieger has nothing to disclose. Dr. Thai has nothing to disclose. Dr. Bennett has received personal compensation for activities with Isis Pharmaceuticals as an employee. Dr. Bennett has received royalty or license fee or contractual rights payments from Isis Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Pulst has received personal compensation for activities with Athena Diagnostics. Dr. Pulst has received license or royalty payments from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.
A Low-Cost Method for Measuring Air Infiltration Rates in a Large Sample of Dwellings

A method for collecting air infiltration data in a large sample of dwellings is presented. The method consists of a tracer gas dilution technique employing air sample bags that are analyzed in a central laboratory. The method will be applied to a Community Services Administration optimal weatherization demonstration in approximately 300 dwellings on 16 sites throughout the United States. The method will yield air exchange rates under typical heating season conditions for each dwelling in the demonstration. Preliminary data on air infiltration rates in low-income housing in Portland, Me. are presented.
Chronic Ethanol Consumption Impairs Cellular Immune Responses Against HCV NS5 Protein Due to Dendritic Cell Dysfunction

Background & Aims: Alcoholic patients with and without chronic liver disease have a high incidence of infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV). Long-term ethanol consumption in mice has been associated with a strikingly reduced CD8+ cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) response to HCV nonstructural proteins following DNA-based immunization. This study evaluated the effect of ethanol on dendritic cells (DCs) as a mechanism(s) for reduced CTL activity. Methods: Mice were fed an ethanol-containing or isocaloric pair-fed control diet for 8 weeks, followed by DC isolation from the spleen. DCs were evaluated with respect to endocytosis properties, cell surface markers, allostimulatory activity, and cytokine production following stimulation. Immune responses to HCV NS5 protein were generated by genetic immunization. Syngeneic transfer was used to determine if DC dysfunction contributed to abnormal cellular immune responses. Results: Long-term ethanol exposure resulted in a reduced number of splenic DCs but did not alter endocytosis capacity. There was an increase in the myeloid and a reduction in the lymphoid DC population. Ethanol reduced expression of CD40 and CD86 costimulatory molecules on resting DCs, which was corrected following stimulation with lipopolysaccharide or poly I:C. There was impaired allostimulatory activity. Cytokine profiles of DCs isolated from ethanol-fed mice were characterized by enhanced interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-10 and decreased tumor necrosis factor α, IL-12, interferon γ, and IL-6 secretion. Impaired CTL responses to NS5 were corrected by syngeneic transfer of control DCs. Conclusions: Altered DC function is one of the major changes induced by long-term ethanol consumption, which subsequently impairs the cellular immune response necessary for viral clearance.
Optical design of a near-ultraviolet coronagraph for a sounding rocket platform

The near-UV (190 to 270 nm) coronal emission lines present a unique opportunity to observe heliospheric plasmas between one and two solar radii. The near-UV coronagraph was specifically designed to obtain observations in these lines from a sounding rocket platform. The design demonstrates that high-resolution, two-dimensional coronal observations in the near-UV are readily achievable within the practical constraints of a sounding rocket. The near-UV coronagraph consists of a reflective, coronagraph telescope followed by an imaging channeled spectrograph. The telescope includes a Lyot stop and an occulter to minimize instrumentally scattered disk radiation. The choice of a mirror objective gives rise to a compact, achromatic telescope with excellent off-axis rejection and good imaging properties. The focal plane package combines a Fabry-Perot interferometer with a tandem Wadsworth spectrograph to produce a channeled spectrum consisting of a series of two-dimensional (25 x 500 arcsec), narrow-bandpass (~0.1 &Aring) images at the instrument focal plane. The instrument will produce a number of high-spatial-resolution (< 1 arcsec) coronal images in a single flight.
Light scattering study of the liquid–glass transition in trimethylheptane: depolarized near backscattering study

Abstract We studied the dynamics of the liquid–glass transition in the molecular glass-former, trimethylheptane (TMH), using depolarized near backscattering spectroscopy (DNBS). We found that in TMH density fluctuations are more important than orientational fluctuations in the depolarized scattered intensity. We carried out a preliminary analysis of the dynamic susceptibility, χ″(ω) in the temperature range 180 to 260 K based on the idealized mode coupling theory (MCT). We estimated the exponent parameter, λ≃0.78, and the crossover temperature T c ∼125 K .
Stages and processes of change among polydrug users in methadone maintenance treatment

We applied the stages-of-change model of Prochaska and DiClemente to the problem of drug use among methadone maintenance patients to examine correlates of different stages of treatment readiness. The 276 subjects were divided into stage categories based on self-reported drug use and questionnaire responses regarding plans to discontinue unauthorized drug use in the future. Confirmatory factor analytic procedures validated four process scales derived from a 60-item questionnaire. Each stage was characterized by a profile of change-process scores largely consistent with predictions, though these scores did not distinguish stages as clearly as has been reported in previous research. Analysis of subject characteristics revealed that those in the Precontemplation stage reported significantly longer treatment tenures than subjects in any other stage besides Maintenance.
DNA double-strand break repair genotype and phenotype and breast cancer risk within sisters from the New York site of the Breast Cancer Family Registry (BCFR)

We previously observed that poor DNA repair phenotype is associated with increased breast cancer (BC) risk within families. Here, we examined whether genetic variation in double-strand break repair (DSBR) genes is associated with BC risk and if genotypes are related to phenotype in unaffected women. Using data from the New York site of the Breast Cancer Family Registry, we investigated 25 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) involved in DSBR using biospecimens from 337 BC cases and 410 unaffected sister controls. Genotypes in XRCC4 were associated with BC risk, with ORs of 1.67 (95 % CI 1.01–2.76) for the combined GA/AA of rs1805377 and 1.69 (95 % CI 1.03–2.77) for rs1056503 TG/GG; these associations were no longer statistically significant in multivariable conditional logistic regression models. When examining the association of SNPs with phenotype, we found that genotypes of XRCC5 rs3834 and rs1051685, which were highly correlated with each other, were associated with end-joining (EJ) capacity; women with the XRCC5 rs3834 GA genotype had better DNA repair as measured by higher levels of EJ capacity (37.8 ± 14.1 % for GA vs. 27.9 ± 11.8 % for GG carriers p = 0.0006). Women with the AA genotype of BRCA1 rs799917 also had higher EJ capacity (35.1 ± 9.2 %) than those with GG (26.4 ± 10.1 %, p = 0.02). Overall, we found that selected DSBR genotypes were associated with phenotype, although they were not associated with BC risk itself, suggesting that phenotypic measures are influenced by endogenous and exogenous factors across the life course and may be better markers than genotypic measures for ascertaining BC risk.
A practical process for large-scale synthesis of (S)-5-hydroxy-6-trans-8,11,14-cis-eicosatetraenoic acid (5-HETE)

Abstract ( S )-5-Hydroxy-6- trans -8,11,14- cis -eicosatetraenoic acid (5-HETE) (1) and its enantiomer are readily available by a chemical synthesis from arachidonic acid which includes a chromatographic separation of diastereomeric urethanes (3) made from (±)-5-HETE methyl ester and the isocyanate 4 derived from dehydroabietylamine.
Knowledge and acceptability of alternative HIV prevention bio-medical products among MSM who bareback

Condom use is the best available strategy to prevent HIV infection during sexual intercourse. However, since many people choose not to use condoms in circumstances in which HIV risk exists, alternatives to condom use for HIV prevention are needed. Currently there are several alternative bio-medical HIV-prevention products in different stages of development: microbicides, vaccines, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Seventy-two men who have sex with men (MSM) who took part in a study on Internet use and intentional condomless anal intercourse were asked about these four products during a semi-structured interview. The questions explored knowledge and acceptability of all the products and willingness to participate in microbicide and vaccine trials. Qualitative analysis of the data suggests that these men had virtually no knowledge of PrEP, very limited knowledge of microbicides, some information about PEP and considerably more knowledge about vaccines. Reactions towards the products were generally positive except for PrEP, for which reactions were polarized as either enthusiastic or negative. With the exception of PrEP, many men expressed willingness to use the products in the future. Most men would be willing to participate in trials for microbicides and vaccines if given basic reassurances. Concerns over negative side effects and preoccupation with possible infection were some of the motives given for non-willingness to participate in a vaccine trial. These results should inform the development of future trials of biomedical prevention products.
Seventeenth-Century English millenarianism

This essay, which is not a review of recent scholarship, offers an overview of 17th-century English Protestant (especially Puritan) millenarianism. Its major point is that English millenarianism was above all else a pre-modern species of historiography. The essay begins with a discussion of the so-called last things, the historiographical categories through which Puritans made history intelligible. It then presents some case studies, in order to show how representative millenarians construed certain last things: the millennium, the Second Coming, the destruction of Antichrist, the conversion of the Jews and the conversion of the Gentiles, and the wrath of Satan. The essay concludes with a consideration of the last days, the time-span in which the last things unfolded.