cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prognostic Implication of KRAS Status after Hepatectomy for Colorectal Liver Metastases Varies According to Primary Colorectal Tumor Location

Right-sided and left-sided colorectal cancer (CRC) is known to differ in their molecular carcinogenic pathways. We sought to investigate the variable prognostic implication of KRAS mutation after hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) according to the site of primary CRC. A total of 426 patients who underwent a curative-intent hepatic resection and whose KRAS status was available were identified. Clinicopathologic characteristics and long-term outcomes were stratified by KRAS status (wild type vs. mutant type) and primary tumor location (right-sided vs. left-sided). Cecum, right and transverse colon were defined as right-sided, whereas left colon and rectum were defined as left-sided. Among patients with a right-sided CRC, 5-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were not correlated with KRAS status (wild type: 30.8 and 47.2 % vs. mutant type: 38.5 and 49.1 %, respectively) (both P > 0.05). Specifically, mutant-type KRAS was not associated with either RFS or OS on multivariable analysis (hazard ratio [HR] 1.51, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 0.73–3.14, P = 0.23 and HR 1.03, 95 % CI 0.51–2.08, P = 0.95, respectively). In contrast, among patients who underwent resection of CRLM from a left-sided primary CRC, 5-year RFS and OS were worse among patients with mutant-type KRAS (wild type: 23.7 and 57.2 % vs. mutant type: 19.6 and 38.2 %, respectively) (both P < 0.05). On multivariable analysis, mutant-type KRAS remained independently associated with worse RFS and OS among patients with a left-sided primary CRC (HR 1.57, 95 % CI 1.01–2.44, P = 0.04 and HR 1.81, 95 % CI 1.11–2.96, P = 0.02, respectively). KRAS status has a variable prognostic impact after hepatic resection for CRLM depending on the site of the primary CRC. Future studies examining the impact of KRAS status on prognosis after hepatectomy should take into account the primary CRC tumor site.
Accuracy of the Masimo SET® LNCS neo peripheral pulse oximeter in cyanotic congenital heart disease.

UNLABELLED Introduction Non-invasive peripheral pulse oximeters are routinely used to measure oxyhaemoglobin saturation (SpO2) in cyanotic congenital heart disease. These probes are calibrated in healthy adult volunteers between arterial saturations of ~75 and 100%, using the gold standard of co-oximetry on arterial blood samples. There are little data to attest their accuracy in cyanotic congenital heart disease. Aims We aimed to assess the accuracy of a commonly used probe in children with cyanotic congenital heart disease. METHODS Children with cyanotic congenital heart disease admitted to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit with an arterial line in situ were included to our study. Prospective simultaneous recordings of SpO2, measured by the Masimo SET® LNCS Neo peripheral probe, and co-oximeter saturations (SaO2) measured by arterial blood gas analysis were recorded. RESULTS A total of 527 paired measurements of SpO2 and SaO2 (using an ABL800 FLEX analyser) in 25 children were obtained. The mean bias of the pulse oximeter for all SaO2 readings was +4.7±13.8%. The wide standard deviation indicates poor precision. This mean bias increased to +7.0±13.7% at SaO2 recordings <75%. The accuracy root mean square of the recordings was 3.30% across all saturation levels, and this increased to 4.98% at SaO2 <75%. CONCLUSIONS The performance of the Masimo SET® LNCS Neo pulse oximeter is poor when arterial oxyhaemoglobin saturations are below 75%. It tends to overestimate saturations in children with cyanotic congenital heart disease. This may have serious implications for clinical decisions.
Assessment of the web using Genetic Programming

The generation of a Web page follows distinct sources for the incorporation of information. The early sources for a Web page design were organized displays of known information based on the page designers' interest and/or design parameters. The sources may have been published in books or other printed literature, or disseminated as general information about the page designer. The growth in the number of Web pages has led to the development and refinement of several search engines. The use of the refined search engines still results in an array of diverse information when the same set of keywords are used in a Web search. Some consistency in the search results can be achieved over a period of time using the same search engine. Unfortunately, most initial Web searches are also treated as the final searches on a given topic following some form of refinement of the keywords used in the search process. Search strategies behind the current search engines for the World Wide Web were studied to determine the applicability of Genetic Programming for the current diverse set of Web documents. This assessment will be applied to the incorporation of Web documents that have not yet been developed.
SUCTION EVENT DEMONSTRATED BY VALSALVA MANEUVER IN A PATIENT WITH HM II LVAD

Physical examination is often difficult in patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVAD). Evaluation of alarms and LVAD-related complications rely on imaging and invasive hemodynamics. Herein, we present a case of a patient with suction events that was reproduced with physical examination. A
Ultrafast Manipulation of Raman Transitions and Prevention of Decoherence Using Chirped Pulses and Optical Frequency Combs

Abstract Femtosecond, chirped laser pulse-based methods are presented to control coherence in vibrational degrees of freedom in molecules via Raman transitions. The controllability of the methods is analyzed in the presence of fast decoherence and the coupling between vibrational modes. Applications are diverse and include the development of novel imaging techniques based on the coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering, and the implementation of the optical frequency combs for internal state cooling from Feshbach molecules aiming at creation of deeply bound ultracold polar molecules.
Neural and Hormonal Determinants of Mating Behavior in Adult Male Rats. A Review

During the last 40 years evidence has accumulated that mating behavior results from interactions of steroid sex hormones with neural tissues. In order to study brain mechanisms of mating responses, one wants to describe carefully the elements of the behavior to be accounted for, to know the chemical nature of the inducing hormones, to know where these hormones act in the brain, and finally to study participation in the control of the behavior by pathways to and from hormone-sensitive neural regions. Analyses of these sorts have been applied to a comprehensive study of the neural control over the lordosis reflex of female rodents, during the past few years in our laboratory (Pfaff et al., 1973; Pfaff et al., 1974).
Thymocyte subpopulations as stimulators in the mixed lymphocyte reaction.

Recent studies involving the mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) have suggested that genes which map in the I region, and are expressed predominately on B-lymphocytes, are responsible for stimulation of allogeneic responding cells (1). It has been shown, however, that both T- and B-lymphocytes stimulate in the MLR, albeit T-lymphocytes are less stimulatory than B-lymphocytes (2).
An information abstraction model for end user CASE support

With powerful workstations becoming commonplace, Computer-Aided Software Engineering (CASE) tools seem ready to provide invaluable support throughout the systems life cycle. Only CASE tools answer the need for better ways to develop systems with broad opportunities for automation, which also allows for development of applications too complex to develop by traditional methods. Currently a favored approach, promising to improve quality and productivity, CASE tools have become the mainstream information technology that separates the world-class players from the mediocre software shops. The concept of using computers to automate systems development is not new—in a sense, common language compilers and interpreters can be thought of as CASE tools. Whitten et al. (1994) present the history of CASE tools as dating back to the early 1970s. They point out that early tools allowed for user problems and solution requirements for an information system to be stored in a computerized dictionary. Tools were also developed for analyzing these problems and requirement statements for completeness and accuracy. UnComputer-aided software engineering (CASE) tools have been judged as failures by various, traditional measures of an organization’s success in systems development. We propose to use the Software Engineering Institute Capability Maturity Model (CMM) as a framework for developing a more relevant measure of success. The result, an Information Abstraction Model (IAM), identifies the information required for effective management of software development practices that would support a CMM Level 3 definition. An integrated CASE toolset is presented that would enable the practical use of the IAM in the pursuit of a more mature organization.
New Proof Methods for Attribute-Based Encryption: Achieving Full Security through Selective Techniques

We develop a new methodology for utilizing the prior techniques to prove selective security for functional encryption systems as a direct ingredient in devising proofs of full security. This deepens the relationship between the selective and full security models and provides a path for transferring the best qualities of selectively secure systems to fully secure systems. In particular, we present a Ciphertext-Policy Attribute-Based Encryption scheme that is proven fully secure while matching the efficiency of the state of the art selectively secure systems.
A molecular beam apparatus for performing single photon initiated dissociative rearrangement reactions (SPIDRR) with transition metal cation bound organic clusters

The study of gas-phase ion-molecule reactions has been influential in the investigation of transition metal mediated bond activation and catalysis. We have furthered this field by developing a new technique capable of measuring the microcanonical kinetics for reactions between transition metal cations and neutral organic molecules. This novel method has been designated as single photon initiated dissociative rearrangement reaction (SPIDRR) technique and provides a nearly direct measurement of microcanonical reaction rate constants. For this reason, SPIDRR offers unique insight into reaction mechanisms and dynamics by assessing the energy dependence of the microcanonical rate constant, as well as measuring product branching fractions and kinetic isotope effects. The following paper provides a detailed overview of SPIDRR and its advantages in the field of gas-phase catalysis research.
Activity Systems Analysis Critics

In this chapter I will discuss several valuable critical reviews of activity theory and activity systems analysis and how future investigators need to address. The criticisms include issues related to the comprehensiveness of activity theory as a theoretical framework, the complexities involved in understanding and conducting activity systems analysis, and the problems associated with using human activity as a unit of analysis in research. While engaging in this discussion, I will rely on the works of Toomela (1996, 2000, 2008a, 2008b), Nardi (1996), Roschelle (1998), and my own work from Yamagata-Lynch (2003b). Examining critical reviews of activity theory and activity systems analysis will help researchers and practitioners develop further understandings of the theory and the methodology.
The role of coping self-efficacy in emotion regulation and frequency of NSSI in young adult college students

Among young adults, nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a common emotion regulation (ER), or coping, strategy. Most studies have sought to clarify the role of self-injury as a coping strategy, and wh...
Fabrication of a Compact Birefringent Photonic Crystal for High Efficiency Polarization Beam Splitting Using a Single-Material

We have fabricated a birefringent photonic crystal using only TiO2. The device demonstrates high efficiency for splitting the polarization states of incident light. The fabrication is done using oblique angle deposition to create alternating high and low refractive index modulation in one dimension.
Fast pyrolysis bio-oil from lignocellulosic biomass for the development of bio-based cyanate esters and cross-linked networks:

Fast pyrolysis of pine wood was carried out to yield a liquid bio-oil mixture that was separated into organic and aqueous phases. The organic phase (ORG-bio-oil) was characterized by gas chromatogr...
Assessing Children's Visitation Needs with Divorced Noncustodial Fathers:

Human service professionals such as psychologists, social workers, and family-relations specialists increasingly are asked to assess children's visitation needs with their divorced noncustodial fat...
Many Faces of Feature Importance: Comparing Built-in and Post-hoc Feature Importance in Text Classification

Feature importance is commonly used to explain machine predictions. While feature importance can be derived from a machine learning model with a variety of methods, the consistency of feature importance via different methods remains understudied. In this work, we systematically compare feature importance from built-in mechanisms in a model such as attention values and post-hoc methods that approximate model behavior such as LIME. Using text classification as a testbed, we find that 1) no matter which method we use, important features from traditional models such as SVM and XGBoost are more similar with each other, than with deep learning models; 2) post-hoc methods tend to generate more similar important features for two models than built-in methods. We further demonstrate how such similarity varies across instances. Notably, important features do not always resemble each other better when two models agree on the predicted label than when they disagree.
Surgical Management of Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears: What Works, What Does Not, and What Is Coming.

The term functionally irreparable rotator cuff tear (FIRCT) is intended to capture patients who would experience failure of an attempted primary rotator cuff repair because of the extent of cuff muscle and tendon damage and other patient-related factors.Debridement, biceps tenodesis, and/or partial
On the global regularity for a 3D Boussinesq model without thermal diffusion

In a recent paper (Ye in Z Angew Math Phys 68:83, 2017), Ye proved the global persistence of regularity for a 3D Boussinesq model in $$H^{s}({\mathbb {R}}^3) \times H^{s}({\mathbb {R}}^3)$$ with $$s>5/2$$. In this paper, we show that the global persistence and uniqueness still hold when $$s>3/2$$.
A comparison of methods for interpreting random forest models of genetic association in the presence of non-additive interactions

Non-additive interactions among genes are frequently associated with a number of phenotypes, including known complex diseases such as Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Detecting interactions requires careful selection of analytical methods, and some machine learning algorithms are unable or underpowered to detect or model feature interactions that exhibit non-additivity. The Random Forest method is often employed in these efforts due to its ability to detect and model non-additive interactions. In addition, Random Forest has the built-in ability to estimate feature importance scores, a characteristic that allows the model to be interpreted with the order and effect size of the feature association with the outcome. This characteristic is very important for epidemiological and clinical studies where results of predictive modeling could be used to define the future direction of the research efforts. An alternative way to interpret the model is with a permutation feature importance metric which employs a permutation approach to calculate a feature contribution coefficient in units of the decrease in the model’s performance and with the Shapely additive explanations which employ cooperative game theory approach. Currently, it is unclear which Random Forest feature importance metric provides a superior estimation of the true informative contribution of features in genetic association analysis. To address this issue, and to improve interpretability of Random Forest predictions, we compared different methods for feature importance estimation in real and simulated datasets with non-additive interactions. As a result, we detected a discrepancy between the metrics for the real-world datasets and further established that the permutation feature importance metric provides more precise feature importance rank estimation for the simulated datasets with non-additive interactions. By analyzing both real and simulated data, we established that the permutation feature importance metric provides more precise feature importance rank estimation in the presence of non-additive interactions.
Characteristics of Patients with Post-Colonoscopy Unplanned Hospital Visit: A Retrospective Single-Center Observational Study

Background Colonoscopy, although a low-risk procedure, is not without associated adverse events. The rates of major adverse events such as perforation and bleeding after a colonoscopy are well reported. The rates of minor incidents following a colonoscopy, however, are less well examined. Recently the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) started public reporting on the quality of outpatient endoscopy facilities by using a measure of risk-standardized rates of unplanned hospital visits within 7 days of colonoscopy. Aim We intended to record and present the characteristics of our patient population who had an unplanned hospital visit within 7 days after undergoing colonoscopy in an outpatient setting. Methods This is a retrospective single-center observational study. During the study period of July 2018 to December 2019, we reviewed charts of all patients who returned to the emergency room within a week of undergoing an outpatient colonoscopy. Patient demographics, clinical data and details of colonoscopy were collected and analyzed. Results Of the 5344 outpatient colonoscopies performed, our post-colonoscopy emergency room visit rate was 1.05% (n=56). The mean age of the participants was 58 years and 55% were male; 32% of our patients reported gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain or gastrointestinal bleeding. Patients with gastrointestinal symptoms had a higher rate of polypectomies performed (36.4% vs 11.8%, P = 0.04) and reported higher illicit drug use (31.9% vs 5.9%, P = 0.02) compared with those with non-gastrointestinal complaints. After colonoscopy, 41% of the patients reported reasons for emergency room visits that were entirely unrelated to the procedure. Conclusion Our study highlights that unplanned visits within 7 days of colonoscopy are not necessarily related to the procedure, and those that are, tend to be due to unavoidable patient factors. Hence the CMS measure may not be an accurate determinant of the quality of procedure or facility care delivered.
A novel structural health monitoring approach in concrete structures using embedded magnetic shape memory alloy components

Abstract In the field of structural health monitoring, innovative methods of non-destructive evaluation (NDE) are being investigated to enable safer, longer lasting structures. In concrete structures, stress-induced phase transformations in embedded Magnetic Shape Memory Alloy (MSMA) components caused by failure in a surrounding concrete matrix can be correlated to changes in measurable magnetic properties. In this paper, a computational framework is developed to evaluate the development of stress-induced martensite due to damage in a load-bearing concrete-MSMA composite, which alters an externally applied magnetic field. The computational results support a new approach in NDE of concrete structures using embedded phase transforming materials.
VoICE: A semi-automated pipeline for standardizing vocal analysis across models.

The study of vocal communication in animal models provides key insight to the neurogenetic basis for speech and communication disorders. Current methods for vocal analysis suffer from a lack of standardization, creating ambiguity in cross-laboratory and cross-species comparisons. Here, we present VoICE (Vocal Inventory Clustering Engine), an approach to grouping vocal elements by creating a high dimensionality dataset through scoring spectral similarity between all vocalizations within a recording session. This dataset is then subjected to hierarchical clustering, generating a dendrogram that is pruned into meaningful vocalization “types” by an automated algorithm. When applied to birdsong, a key model for vocal learning, VoICE captures the known deterioration in acoustic properties that follows deafening, including altered sequencing. In a mammalian neurodevelopmental model, we uncover a reduced vocal repertoire of mice lacking the autism susceptibility gene, Cntnap2. VoICE will be useful to the scientific community as it can standardize vocalization analyses across species and laboratories.
Has Computational Linguistics Become More Applied

Where the field has been and where it is going? It is relatively easy to know where we have been, but harder (and more valuable) to know where we are going. The title of this paper, borrowed from Hull, Jurafsky and Martin (2008), suggests that applications have become more important, and that industrial laboratories will become increasingly prestigious.
Assessment strategies in behavioral medicine

Recently, there has been a great deal of interest in the application of behavioral treatment techniques to the modification of physiological function and disease. A wide array of techniques have been employed including autogenic training (Surwit, Fenton, & Pilon, 1978), progressive relaxation training (Freedman & Papsdorf, 1976), biofeedback training (Blanchard & Young, 1974; Keefe & Surwit, 1978; Shapiro & Surwit, 1976), and positive reinforcement procedures (Fordyce, Fowler, Lehmann, & DeLateur, 1968). While the importance of treatment techniques in the emerging field of behavioral medicine has been clearly recognized, little has been written regarding assessment in behavioral medicine. The relevance of behavioral assessment to the acquisition and maintenance of clinically significant changes in physiological function and disease, however, is becoming increasingly apparent (Epstein, 1976; Feuerstein & Schwartz, 1977; Schwartz, 1973, 1977; Shapiro & Surwit, 1976).
G-Complexes and Equivariant Cohomology

Let G be a finite group and X a space on which G acts. In this chapter we will describe a cohomological analysis of X which involves H*(G; \({\Bbb F}\) p) in a fundamental way. First developed by Borel and then by Quillen, this approach is the natural generalization of classical Smith Theory. After reviewing the basic constructions and a few examples, we will apply these techniques to certain complexes defined from subgroups of a group G, first introduced by K. Brown and D. Quillen. Using results due to Brown and P. Webb we will show how these complexes provide a systematic method for approaching the cohomology of simple groups which will be discussed later on. One of the aims of this chapter is to expose the reader to the important part played by group cohomology in the theory of finite transformation groups. By no means is this a complete account; in addition it requires a different background than the previous chapters have. We recommend the texts [AP], [Brel] as excellent sources for those wanting to learn more about group actions. For a more recent survey, we suggest [AD].
GPR40 (FFAR1) Modulators

Publisher Summary GPR40 is a G-protein couple receptor expressed primarily in the pancreas, and is also found in the small intestine and brain. Within the pancreas, GPR40 mRNA levels suggest that GPR40 is expressed mainly in the islet b-cells. GPR40 is activated by fatty acids. 4-Hydroxyphenylpropionic acid derivatives have been reported as GPR40 agonists. A series of 3-(4-(amino)phenyl) propanoic acid derivatives was discovered after screening of a chemical library using a FLIPR high-throughput assay in HEK293 cells expressing human GPR40. Compounds in this series are exemplified to have a pEC 50 of 6.03 and efficacy similar to linoleic acid in a Gal4/Elk1 luciferase reporter assay with CHO cells expressing GPR40. Experiments with siRNA specific for GPR40 inhibit insulin secretion mediated by fatty acids in vitro. GPR40 agonists potentiate glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in MIN6 cells, a mouse pancreatic b-cell line, suggesting that GPR40 agonists can function as glucose-dependent insulin secretagogues. A GPR40 agonist has also been reported to lower glucose levels in a rat i.p. glucose tolerance test (ipGTT). Taken together, this data suggests that GPR40 may function as a lipid sensor that mediates insulin secretion from islet b-cells in a glucose-dependent manner and that GPR40 agonists will be useful in the treatment of Type II diabetes.
EVIDENCE-BASED MEDICINE: WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD?

The concepts of evidence-based medicine are coming up on their thirty-fourth anniversary, born in Canada with the publication of a series of articles in the Canadian Medical Association Journal called, Clinical Epidemiology Rounds. 1 [i] Over this time, the ideas have slowly permeated their way into academia and are slowly diffusing into everyday clinical practice. The process of evidence-based medicine consists of five steps: 1) defining the question; 2) find evidence; 3) critically appraise this evidence; 4) apply the evidence, making a decision regarding the initial question; and, 5) monitoring one’s own practice. This process makes sense. It is also difficult. Just realizing that one has a question – the start of the process – is not easy. Finding the evidence, especially with limited computer support, can stop the process before it starts. Critically appraising evidence is a slow, difficult process for which many of us are ill equipped to do. Even if we have the skills, the time it takes to evaluate original research makes this step impractical when an answer is needed during the care of patients. Problems remain when the answer is obtained. If I do something based on this evidence, will my patient be better off as a result? There are many examples in medicine of when patients were inadvertently harmed because of interventions that seemed to make sense but worsened clinical outcomes. One of the most infamous examples is the treating of asymptomatic premature ventricular contractions following a myocardial infarction, which resulted in an average increase in mortality. [ii] Many other examples of “doing the wrong thing for the right reasons” exist in medicine’s history. [i] . [No author listed]. Department of clinical epidemiology and How to read clinical journal: I. Why to read them and how to start reading them critically. Can Med Assoc J. 1981 Mar 1;124(5):555-8. [ii] . Echt DS, Liebson PR, Mitchell LB, et al. Mortality and morbidity in patients receiving encainide, flecainide, or placebo. The Cardiac Arrhythmia Suppression Trial. N Engl J Med. 1991 Aug 22;325(8):584-5. N Engl J Med 1991 Mar 21;324(12):781-8.
Ethylene Dibromide Mineralization in Soils under Aerobic Conditions

1,2-Dibromoethane (EDB), which is a groundwater contaminant in areas where it was once used as a soil fumigant, was shown to be degraded aerobically by microorganisms in two types of surface soils from an EDB-contaminated groundwater discharge area. At initial concentrations of 6 to 8 μg/liter, EDB was degraded in a few days to near or below the detection limit of 0.02 μg/liter. At 15 to 18 mg/liter, degradation was slower. Bromide ion release at the higher concentrations was 1.4 ± 0.3 and 2.1 ± 0.2 molar equivalents for the two soils. Experiments with [14C]EDB showed that EDB was converted to approximately equal amounts of CO2 and apparent cellular carbon; only small amounts of added 14C were not attributable to these products or unreacted EDB. These results are encouraging, because they indicate that groundwater bacteria may hasten the removal of EDB from contaminated aerobic groundwater supplies. This report also provides evidence for soil-mediated chemical transformations of EDB.
Coagulation procofactor activation by factor XIa

Summary. Background: In the extrinsic pathway, the essential procofactors factor (F) V and FVIII are activated to FVa and FVIIIa by thrombin. In the contact pathway and its clinical diagnostic test, the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) assay, the sources of procofactor activation are unknown. In the APTT assay, FXII is activated on a negatively charged surface and proceeds to activate FXI, which activates FIX upon the addition of Ca2+. FIXa feeds thrombin generation through activation of FX. FIXa is an extremely poor catalyst in the absence of its FVIIIa cofactor, which, in the intrinsic FXase complex, increases FXa generation by ∼ 107. One potential APTT procofactor activator in this setting is FXIa. Objective: To test the hypothesis that FXIa can activate FVIII and FV. Methods: Recombinant FVIII and plasma FV were treated with FXIa, and the activities and integrities of each procofactor were measured using commercial clotting assays and sodium dodecylsulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Results: Kinetic analyses of FXIa-catalyzed activation and inactivation of FV and FVIII are reported, and the the timing and sites of cleavage are defined. Conclusions: FXIa activates both procofactors at plasma protein concentrations, and computational modeling suggests that procofactor activation during the preincubation phase of the APTT assay is critical to the performance of the assay. As the APTT assay is the primary tool for the diagnosis and management of hemophilias A and B, as well as in the determination of FVIII inhibitors, these findings have potential implications in the clinical setting.
The HIV Care Cascade Measured Over Time and by Age, Sex, and Race in a Large National Integrated Care System

HIV care cascades can evaluate programmatic success over time. However, methodologies for estimating cascade stages vary, and few have evaluated differences by demographic subgroups. We examined cascade performance over time and by age, sex, and race/ethnicity in Kaiser Permanente, providing HIV care in eight US states and Washington, DC. We created cascades for HIV+ members' age ≥13 for 2010-2012. We measured "linkage" (a visit/CD4 within 90 days of being diagnosed for new patients; ≥1 medical visit/year if established); "retention" (≥2 medical visits ≥60 days apart); filled ART (filled ≥3 months of combination ART); and viral suppression (HIV RNA <200 copies/mL last measured in year). The cascades were stratified by calendar year, sex, age, and race/ethnicity. We found men had statistically (p < 0.05) higher percent linkage, filled ART, and viral suppression for 2010 and 2011 but not for 2012. Women had significantly greater retention for all years. Annually, older age was associated (p < 0.05) with retention, filled ART, and viral suppression but not linkage. Latinos had greater (p < 0.05) retention than whites or blacks in all years, with similar retention comparing blacks and whites. Filled ART and viral suppression was increased (p < 0.05) for whites compared with all racial/ethnic groups in all years. Cascade methodology requiring success at upstream stages before measuring success at later stages (i.e., "dependent" methodology) underreported performance by up to 20% compared with evaluating each stage separately ("independent"). Thus, care results improved over time, but significant differences exist by patient demographics. Specifically, retention efforts should be targeted toward younger patients and blacks; women, blacks, and Latinos require greater ART prescribing.
Chronic Pain in HIV‐Infected Patients: Relationship to Depression, Substance Use, and Mental Health and Pain Treatment

Objective As the advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy, HIV has become a chronic disease for most individuals in developed countries. Chronic pain is a common occurrence for HIV—infected patients and has an impact on quality of life and antiretroviral adherence. The objective of this study was to examine relationships between chronic pain and depression, substance use, mental health treatment, and pain treatment in HIV-infected patients. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Three primary care sites where HIV+ patients receive treatment. Subjects Two hundred and thirty eight HIV-infected primary care patients. Methods We collected self-report and chart-review information on demographics, HIV clinical status, chronic pain, depression, substance use, mental health treatment, and pain treatment. We collected data between October 2012 and November 2013. Results Of the patients enrolled in this study, 107 reported no chronic pain, 24 reported mild chronic pain, and 107 reported moderate-severe chronic pain. Participants in the moderate-severe pain group were more likely to have high levels of depressive symptoms than those in the no chronic pain group. Similarly, there was a significant relationship between chronic pain status and interference with life activities due to pain. Participants with moderate-severe chronic pain were more likely to be taking an antidepressant medication than those with mild chronic pain, and more likely to be taking a prescription opioid than the other two groups. We did not find a significant relationship between problematic substance use and chronic pain status. Conclusions Despite pharmacologic treatment, moderate-severe chronic pain and elevated depression symptoms are common among HIV-infected patients and frequently co-occur.
The Negative Exponential Density Gradient and the Standard Radius: Mathematical and Empirical Relationships

This paper demonstrates for urban areas a direct relationship between the summary measures of centrography and the slope parameter of the negative exponential density gradient model. Starting with some basic assumptions about the form of urban population distributions, a mathematical relationship between the methods is derived by applying the centrographic technique to an exponentially distributed urban population. By use of data from a diverse sample of cities that vary in population, region, area, and time of data collection, the relationship is tested empirically. The results of the empirical analysis are compared with the predictions of the derived relationship, and the causes of differences between them are discussed.
Identification of the LEDGF/p75 HIV-1 integrase-interaction domain and NLS reveals NLS-independent chromatin tethering

To investigate the basis for the LEDGF/p75 dependence of HIV-1 integrase (IN) nuclear localization and chromatin association, we used cell lines made stably deficient in endogenous LEDGF/p75 by RNAi to analyze determinants of its location in cells and its ability to interact with IN. Deletion of C-terminal LEDGF/p75 residues 340-417 preserved nuclear and chromatin localization but abolished the interaction with IN and the tethering of IN to chromatin. Transfer of this IN-binding domain (IBD) was sufficient to confer HIV-1 IN interaction to GFP. HRP-2, the only other human protein with an identifiable IBD domain, was found to translocate IN to the nucleus of LEDGF/p75(–) cells. However, in contrast to LEDGF/p75, HRP-2 is not chromatin bound and does not tether IN to chromatin. A single classical nuclear localization signal (NLS) in the LEDGF/p75 N-terminal region (146RRGRKRKAEKQ156) was found by deletion mapping and was shown to be transferable to pyruvate kinase. Four central basic residues in the NLS are critical for its activity. Strikingly, however, stable expression studies with NLS(+/–) and IBD(+/–) mutants revealed that the NLS, although responsible for LEDGF/p75 nuclear import, is dispensable for stable, constitutive nuclear association of LEDGF/p75 and IN. Both wild-type LEDGF/p75 and NLS-mutant LEDGF/p75 remain entirely chromatin associated throughout the cell cycle, and each tethers IN to chromatin. Thus, these experiments reveal stable nuclear sequestration of a transcriptional regulator by chromatin during the nuclear-cytosolic mixing of cell division, which additionally enables stable tethering of IN to chromatin. LEDGF/p75 is a multidomain adaptor protein that interacts with the nuclear import apparatus, lentiviral IN proteins and chromatin by means of an NLS, an IBD and additional chromatin-interacting domains.
Use of radio propagation maps in a single moving beacon assisted localization in MANETs

A mobile ad-hoc network (MANET) of small robots (sensor nodes) adjusting their positions to establish network connectivity would be able to provide a communication infrastructure in an urban battlefield environment. A sensor node would be capable of moving to a particular position to establish network connectivity, provided it knows its current position, positions of other sensor nodes and the radio propagation characteristics of the sensor area. Typically, the nodes in the MANET determine their positions using a localization algorithm. Most localization algorithms use either the free space or the “two ray” radio propagation models, which are only accurate in communication environments where there are no hills or buildings. In an urban environment, direct transmission through buildings is limited and most communications rely on reflections and refractions around buildings. The presence of the buildings, therefore, greatly influences radio propagation. Consequently, free space or two-ray propagation models are inaccurate in outdoor urban areas. This paper, presents a single moving beacon assisted localization algorithm that incorporates an urban radio propagation map to localize sensor nodes in a MANET. First, the paper describes using a convex hull to represent irregular radio propagation shapes in terms of regular geometric shapes. Next, an algorithm to determine intersection (localized area) of multiple convex hulls is discussed. Simulation results, comparing the performance of localization using an urban radio propagation map against the free space model are presented. The simulation results show the effect of the radio propagation map on localization accuracy and demonstrate the free space model inaccuracy.
Endometrial carcinoma of prostatic utricle (uterus masculinus)

With the increased number of prostatic specimens submitted for pathologic examination, the variety of lesions discovered in the processed tissue has widened. In addition to the characteristic patterns of “benign prostatic hypertrophy” and the usual ones in primary adenocarcinoma of the prostate, other lesions not intrinsically prostatic have been observed. Some proved to be extensions from cancers of nearby structures such as the periurethral glandules, urethra, urinary bladder, seminal vesicles etc. It is important to be aware of these malignancies since their natural history and response to therapy differs from the usual prostatic cancer. The case presented here shows yet another pattern which is interesting and which may be the first of its kind to be reported. The patient was a normal genotypical, phenotypical man whose prostate was removed for what was thought to be “benign hypertrophy;” however, it revealed a malignancy which was of the endometrial variety and apparently arose from the region of the utricle; in other words, a carcinoma of the uterus masculinus.
Chlamydia trachomatis-induced alterations in the host cell proteome are required for intracellular growth.

Intracellular pathogens directly alter host cells in order to replicate and survive. While infection-induced changes in host transcription can be readily assessed, posttranscriptional alterations are more difficult to catalog. We applied the global protein stability (GPS) platform, which assesses protein stability based on relative changes in an adjoining fluorescent tag, to identify changes in the host proteome following infection with the obligate intracellular bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. Our results indicate that C. trachomatis profoundly remodels the host proteome independently of changes in transcription. Additionally, C. trachomatis replication depends on a subset of altered proteins, such as Pin1 and Men1, that regulate the host transcription factor AP-1 controlling host inflammation, stress, and cell survival. Furthermore, AP-1-dependent transcription is activated during infection and required for efficient Chlamydia growth. In summary, this experimental approach revealed that C. trachomatis broadly alters host proteins and can be applied to examine host-pathogen interactions and develop host-based therapeutics.
Thiourea and dimethylthiourea decrease human neutrophil bactericidal function in vitro.

Addition of thiourea (TU) or dimethylthiourea (DMTU) decreased killing ofStaphylococcus aureus, 502A, and decreased concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and hydroxyl radical (·OH), but not Superoxide anion (O2−) or lysozyme concentrations, in mixtures containing human neutrophilsin vitro. Addition of TU or DMTU also decreased concentrations of H2O2, · OH, or hypochlorous acid (HOCl) in neutrophil-free mixtures exposed toΒ-D-glucose and glucose oxidase, gamma irradiation, or HOCl, respectively. Our results suggest that TU or DMTU can decrease neutrophil-mediated killing of bacteria by inhibiting O2 metabolite-dependent bactericidal mechanisms.
Reconstructive retrieval deficits in Broca's aphasia☆

Anterior aphasic patients' ability to utilize the phonemic and/or semantic features of verbal material for retention purposes was investigated. In the first experiment, patients were asked to either detect word repetitions, phoneme repetitions, or rhymes in a list of items. The aphasics performed well on word and phoneme repetition detection but below both normals and amnesic Korsakoffs on rhyme detection. In the second experiment the patients were instructed to analyze either the physical, phonemic, or semantic features of words they were later asked to recognize. Aphasics were differentially affected (as were normals) by these instructions: semantic feature analysis resulted in the best performance, followed by phonemic feature analysis. It was concluded that anterior aphasics can analyze, recirculate, and even store the phonemic features of words, but find difficulty in reconstructing the originally presented item from these features.
Metabolism of angiotensin peptides by neuronal and glial cultures from rat brain.

: The degradation pattern and rate of [Ile5]-Angio-tensin (Ang) I, II, and III were studied in neuron-enriched and glia-enriched cells in primary cultures from rat brain. Metabolites were separated by HPLC, and their identities were evaluated by comparison of their retention times with those of synthetic Ang peptide fragments and by analysis of their amino acid composition. Major metabolites were identified as des-Asp1-[Ile5]-Ang I, des-Asp1-[Ile5]-Ang II, [Ile5]-Ang II (3–8) hexapeptide, [Ile5]-Ang II (4–8) pentapeptide, and [Ile5]-Ang II (5–8) tetrapeptide. Glia-enriched cells degraded [Ile5]-Ang I and [Ile5]-Ang III significantly faster than neuron-enriched cells, whereas no difference between the two types of cells was found in the degradation rate of [Ile5]-Ang II. Although the half-lives of [Ile5]-Ang I and [Ile5]-Ang III in neuron-enriched cells from normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were not significantly different, neuron-enriched cultures from WKY rats metabolized [Ile5]-Ang II about 2.6 times faster than neuron-enriched cells derived from SHR.
The strong phase of QED

Abstract The strong phase of QED is studied in the ladder approximation. In the leading approximation we show that the perturbative vacuum of QED is unstable against forming the electron-positron bound state if the coupling is greater than a critical value. We argue that the chiral symmetry is spontaneously broken in the strong phase of QED, if we choose the correct boundary conditions to the gap equation and the nonperturbative β-function found by Miransky is taken into account. We also calculate the ratio between the infrared limit of the electron self-energy and the vacuum condensate, γ = Σ2(0)/k = 1.
The Flexible Approach Hypothesis: Unification of Effort and Cue-Responding Hypotheses for the Role of Nucleus Accumbens Dopamine in the Activation of Reward-Seeking Behavior

Dopamine released in the nucleus accumbens is thought to contribute to the decision to exert effort to seek reward. This hypothesis is supported by findings that performance of tasks requiring higher levels of effort is more susceptible to disruption by manipulations that reduce accumbens dopamine function than tasks that require less effort. However, performance of some low-effort cue-responding tasks is highly dependent on accumbens dopamine. To reconcile these disparate results, we made detailed behavioral observations of rats performing various operant tasks and determined how injection of dopamine receptor antagonists into the accumbens influenced specific aspects of the animals' behavior. Strikingly, once animals began a chain of operant responses, the antagonists did not affect the ability to continue the chain until reward delivery. Instead, when rats left the operandum, the antagonists severely impaired the ability to return. We show that this impairment is specific to situations in which the animal must determine a new set of approach actions on each approach occasion; this behavior is called "flexible approach." Both high-effort operant tasks and some low-effort cue-responding tasks require dopamine receptor activation in the accumbens because animals pause their responding and explore the chamber, and accumbens dopamine is required to terminate these pauses with flexible approach to the operandum. The flexible approach hypothesis provides a unified framework for understanding the contribution of the accumbens and its dopamine projection to reward-seeking behavior.
Post-inhibitory rebound properties of dopaminergic cells of the ventral tegmental area

We have investigated the post-inhibitory rebound (PIR) properties of dopamine cells in the ventral tegmental area of the rat midbrain. Using microelectrodes to record intracellularly from rat cells in the midbrain slice, we found that 54% of all recorded DA cells exhibited rebound depolarization in the presence of TTX. We observed primarily two types of rebound responses distinguished by their maximum amplitude and inactivation time constant, which we have termed as the ‘slowly inactivating PIR’ and low-threshold spike (LTS). 35% of DA cells exhibited a ‘slowly inactivating PIR’ and 19% showed LTS. A subset of the latter exhibited repetitive LTS. The PIR was enhanced in high K+ medium and suppressed in low-calcium medium. Under voltage clamp conditions, inward rebound currents at the end of a hyperpolarizing voltage step were partially blocked by specific T-type channel blocker, Ni2+. Repetitive LTSs were reversibly changed to single LTS by blocking the potassium SK current.