cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
En bloc esophagectomy reduces local recurrence and improves survival compared with transhiatal resection after neoadjuvant therapy for esophageal adenocarcinoma.

Objective Neoadjuvant therapy is commonly used for esophageal adenocarcinoma. We have reported reduced local recurrence rates and improved survival after an en bloc esophagectomy compared with a transhiatal resection as primary therapy for adenocarcinoma of the esophagus. The aim of this study was to determine whether the benefits of an en bloc resection would extend to patients after neoadjuvant therapy. Methods The charts of all patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma that had neoadjuvant therapy and en bloc or transhiatal esophagectomy from 1992–2005 were reviewed. Patients found to have systemic metastatic disease at the time of the operation or who had an incomplete resection were excluded. Results There were 58 patients: 40 had an en bloc resection and 18 had a transhiatal esophagectomy. A complete pathologic response occurred in 17 (29.3%) of 58 patients. Median follow-up was 34.1 months after en bloc resection and 18.3 months after transhiatal resection ( P = .18). Overall survival at 5 years and survival in patients with residual disease after neoadjuvant therapy was significantly better with an en bloc resection (overall survival: 51% for en bloc resection and 22% for transhiatal resection [ P = .04]; survival with residual disease: 48% for en bloc resection and 9% for transhiatal resection [ P = .02]). Survival in patients with complete pathologic response tended to be better after an en bloc resection (en bloc, 70%; transhiatal, 43%; P = .3). Conclusion An en bloc resection provides a survival advantage to patients after neoadjuvant therapy compared with a transhiatal resection, particularly for those with residual disease. Similar to patients treated with primary resection, an en bloc esophagectomy is the procedure of choice after neoadjuvant therapy.
Focal plane detector systems for the EPICS and HRS spectrometers at LAMPF

Abstract Delay-line readout drift chambers (DLRDC) have been developed as position-sensitive detectors for use in the focal planes of the EPICS and HRS spectrometers at LAMPF. These chambers provide an inexpensive alternative to individual wire readout chambers for applications which do not require the ability to resolve multiple track events. DLRDC have been built with active areas up to 60×60 cm 2 . These chambers routinely provide position resolutions of 125 μm (fwhm), while operating at count rates up to 10 6 Hz. Details of chamber construction, operation, and performance in the spectrometer systems are presented.
Primary immunodeficiency disorders: Antibody deficiency

As a group, antibody deficiencies represent the most common types of primary immune deficiencies in human subjects. Often symptoms do not appear until the latter part of the first year of life, as passively acquired IgG from the mother decreases to below protective levels. As with the T-cell immune deficiencies, the spectrum of antibody deficiencies is broad, ranging from the most severe type of antibody deficiency with totally absent B cells and serum Igs to patients who have a selective antibody deficiency with normal serum Ig. In addition to the increased susceptibility to infections, a number of other disease processes (eg, autoimmunity and malignancies) can be involved in the clinical presentation. Fortunately, the availability of intravenous immune serum globulin has made the management of these patients more complete. Recently, molecular immunology has led to identification of the gene or genes involved in many of these antibody deficiencies. As discussed in this review, this has led to a better elucidation of the B-cell development and differentiation pathways and a more complete understanding of the pathogenesis of many of these antibody deficiencies.
The institutional and political factors which influence taxation

The ability of politicians to concentrate the benefits of spending, while dispersing the costs of taxation makes taxation attractive (distributive politics), but the degree to which it is attractive varies widely among the states. The objective of the research was to develop a fully specified model of per capita tax revenues of state governments (not state plus local), and thereby identify the political and institutional factors which cause the attractiveness of taxation to vary. The resulting model includes 17 significant explanatory variables, which together account for all but 10% of the variation in per capita tax revenue. Thirteen of the significant variables are institutional or political factors, thus providing decisionmakers specific options for influencing the future size of government.
Role of myocardial perfusion single photon emission CT (Sepct) in predicting improvement of myocardial function following revascularisation in patients with poor left ventricular function

We used a combined rest-stress Tc-sestamibi redistribution imaging using SPECT scan to identify viable myocardium and predict improved left ventricular (LV) function after revascularisation in patients with severe LV dysfunction. 57 patients were studied retrospectively with severe LV dysfunction Ejection Fraction (EF)<30%. Regional and global LV functions were evaluated preop and 12 weeks post-coronry artery bypass grafting (CABG) with radionucleide ventriculography. Preoperatively, patients were classified into those with eight or more viable segments (out of 15 segments) and those with seven or less viable segments. 31 out of 43 (72%) patients with more than eight viable segments had shown significant improvement in LVEF (from 0.29 ± 0.01 to 0.36 ± 0.06) postoperatively. Out of the remaining 12 patients, 3 had persistent akinesia with deterioration of symptoms whereas others had shown sympomatic improvement. In the other group, 11 out of 14 patients (78%) with seven or less segments viable had not shown any improvement in their LVEF. The imaging also identified the segments that improved function after CABG. Out of a total 285 segments in 57 patients, 238 segments were studied. Among these, 178 segments were hypokinetic, 48 segments akinetic and 12 dyskinetic. Preoperatively, 160 out of 178 (90%) with hypokinesia had shown viability whereas 26/48 (54%) in akinetic group and 9/12 dyskinetic segments had shown viability with rest showing no viability. Postoperative imaging had shown improvement in these groups as follows: hypokinetic 88% (141/160); akinetic 62% (16/26); dyskinetic 48% (4/9). In patients with coronary artery disease (CAD)-and severely depressed LV function. preoperative imaging using SPECT identifies viability in many akinetic or dyskinetic myocardial segments, and these segments frequently improve function after CABG. The presence of numerous akinetic but viable myocardial segments before surgery correlated significantly with improvement in global LV function after bypass surgery.
Restricted spatiotemporal expression of lactoferrin during murine embryonic development.

Lactoferrin is a member of the transferrin family of iron-binding glycoproteins. Lactoferrin is induced by estrogen in the mouse uterus during early pregnancy. However, the expression and function, if any, of lactoferrin in the preimplantation embryo during this developmental period has not been investigated. In the current study, the spatiotemporal expression of lactoferrin during murine embryogenesis was examined using in situ hybridization and immunohistochemical analyses. Lactoferrin expression was first detected in the 2–4 cell fertilized embryo and continued until the blastocyst stage of development. Interestingly, at the 16-cell stage, coinciding with the first major differentiation step in the embryo, lactoferrin messenger RNA (mRNA) is synthesized by the inner cells, whereas the protein is selectively taken up by the outside cells. This differential pattern of lactoferrin messenger RNA and protein localization continues until the blastocyst stage, with expression almost absent in the hatched blas...
INTERORGANIZATIONAL LINKS AND INNOVATION: THE CASE OF HOSPITAL SERVICES

Interorganizational links—cooperative relationships among distinct but related organizations—are believed to enhance innovative processes in organizations. We conceptualize various types of interor...
Design Methodology for High Brightness Projectors

The low luminance levels of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) compared to arc lamps make it difficult to design high-brightness LED-based projectors. Besides, the specificities of LEDs do not always allow using the same design schemes as with arc lamp-based projection displays. This paper performs a taxonomy of the techniques that can be used to increase the brightness of LED-based projection displays. We show that, in etendue-limited systems, the perceived brightness depends on the system etendue limit, the efficiency of the light engine, and the source luminance. The ability to improve each of these parameters depends on the design constraints. The system etendue limit can be increased at the expense of bulkier, more complex, and more expensive designs. The light engine efficiency can be increased by using free-form shape components adapted to the shapes and the emission patterns of the considered LEDs. The apparent source luminance can be increased at the expense of the flux by either recycling light or restricting the light collection to a smaller etendue with higher average luminance. Luminance can also be increased by using multiple color primaries (spatial multiplexing) or pulsed LEDs (temporal multiplexing). Finally, we review how light recycling can be implemented to convert polarization without increasing etendue.
The 40Ar‐39Ar laser analysis of K‐feldspar: Constraints on the uplift history of the Grenville Province in Ontario and New York

[1] A comprehensive geochronologic database describes a period of late extension across the Metasedimentary Belt (MB) of the Grenville Province in northeastern North America. Because extension continued through much of the young unroofing history of the region, these data do not bracket the timing of final extension across all shear zones and do not constrain the timing of final juxtaposition of terranes. Analysis of K-feldspar in the MB by the 40Ar-39Ar method can give information on the very latest perturbations in the area since K-feldspars have multiple, low closure temperatures, ranging from about 150° to 300°C. These multiple diffusion domains require temperature-time modeling to fully interpret argon release spectra. This modeling requires precise knowledge of the temperature of degassing of each step, which usually requires the use of a resistance furnace for sample analysis. We establish a first-order relationship between laser power and temperature, which can be used for multidiffusion domain modeling of K-feldspars. Comparison of samples analyzed by both methods reveals virtually no difference between the systems, supporting the validity of K-feldspar analyses by laser step heating. Our data suggest that using the laser for K-feldspars can give results that are geologically reasonable, precise, and easier to collect. In this case, these data are then applied to the cooling history of the North American Grenville Province. Our K-feldspar analyses show that the latest extensional motion along shear zones in the MB is after 900 Ma, and the region is uplifting as a uniform block by 780 Ma.
Partitioning of Hydrophobic Nonpolar Volatile Organics between the Aqueous and Surfactant Aggregate Phases on Alumina

Abstract The partitioning of three hydrophobic volatile organic compounds (VOCs)-chloroform, benzene, and 1,3-dichlorobenzene—between the aqueous and two surfactant aggregate phases (sodium dodecylsulfate and sodium dodecylbenzene-sulfonate) on alumina was studied using the technique of equilibrium partitioning method in closed systems. Facile incorporation of these compounds into hemimicelles were observed. The partition constants correlated well with traditional hydrophobicity indicators such as octanol-water partition constants and molar solubilities of the hydrophobic compounds in the aqueous phase.
Structural refinement of protein segments containing secondary structure elements : Local sampling, knowledge-based potentials, and clustering

In this article, we present an iterative, modular optimization (IMO) protocol for the local structure refinement of protein segments containing secondary structure elements (SSEs). The protocol is based on three modules: a torsion-space local sampling algorithm, a knowledge-based potential, and a conformational clustering algorithm. Alternative methods are tested for each module in the protocol. For each segment, random initial conformations were constructed by perturbing the native dihedral angles of loops (and SSEs) of the segment to be refined while keeping the protein body fixed. Two refinement procedures based on molecular mechanics force fields - using either energy minimization or molecular dynamics - were also tested but were found to be less successful than the IMO protocol. We found that DFIRE is a particularly effective knowledge-based potential and that clustering algorithms that are biased by the DFIRE energies improve the overall results. Results were further improved by adding an energy minimization step to the conformations generated with the IMO procedure, suggesting that hybrid strategies that combine both knowledge-based and physical effective energy functions may prove to be particularly effective in future applications.
The Discretion of Prosecutors, Judges, and Juries in Capital Cases

This study examines the impact of legal and extralegal factors on the decisions of prosecutors, juries, and judges in first degree murder cases. The cases analyzed included all the first degree mur...
Bi-manual skin stretch feedback embedded within a game controller

This paper presents the design and initial characterization of a video game controller prototype with tactile skin stretch displays embedded into its thumb joysticks. This work builds on previous work using lateral skin stretch at a single fingertip to provide direction cues. Our game controller allows a gamer to receive directional tactile feedback through the same interface he/she makes game inputs, and has the potential to enhance the gaming experience. Direction cues correspond to the direction of applied skin stretch. Modern game controllers typically have users angle their thumbs diagonally inwards to reach the joysticks, however, this may affect the cognition of skin stretch cues. Testing with a game controller prototype that allows for both forward and angled alignment of the user's thumbs shows no significant difference in accuracy or response time due to thumb orientation. Our results show no significant reduction in performance due to the required mental rotation of stimuli delivered in the angled thumb configuration. Furthermore, the angled thumb configuration appears to have ergonomic advantages. A more integrated game controller prototype is in development, which will permit further human factors testing to examine effects such as stimulus masking.
THE EFFECTS OF RESPONSE INTERRUPTION AND REDIRECTION AND SERTRALINE ON VOCAL STEREOTYPY

Although response interruption and redirection (RIRD) has been shown to be successful in reducing vocal stereotypy, recent reports have suggested that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may also reduce these behaviors. The purpose of the current investigation was to examine the effects of RIRD with and without sertraline on automatically maintained vocal stereotypy of a 4-year-old boy with autism. Results suggested that vocal stereotypy decreased when RIRD was implemented and that sertraline did not affect the participant's vocal stereotypy.
Beyond Two Dimensions: A Grounded Theory Model of Conflict-Handling Behavior.

A descriptive model of conflict-handling behavior was developed in an inductive investigation aimed at overcoming problems of assuming two dimensions of conflict behavior. The model delineates and defines strategy categories based on actor-salient aspects of specific behavior in specific situations. Ninety full-time employees of different organizations provided written accounts of recent conflicts in which they were involved at work. Using a grounded theory approach, strategy descriptions were subjected to constant comparison analysis. The emergent categories were then expanded into a three-dimensional taxonomic model of conflict-handling behavior. Further development of the model is addressed and advocated. Finally, implications for theory and research are discussed.
Scientific Research and Corporate Influence: Smoking, Mental Illness, and the Tobacco Industry

Mentally ill individuals have always smoked at high rates and continue to do so, despite public health efforts to encourage smoking cessation. In the last half century, the tobacco industry became interested in this connection, and conducted and supported psychiatric and basic science research on the mental health implications of smoking, long before most mental health professionals outside the industry investigated this issue. Initially, representatives of tobacco industry research organizations supported genetics and psychosomatic research to try to disprove findings that smoking causes lung cancer. Tobacco industry research leaders engaged with investigators because of shared priorities and interests in the brain effects of nicotine. By the 1980s, collaborative funding programs and individual company research and development teams engaged in intramural and extramural basic science studies on the neuropharmacology of nicotine. When mental health researchers outside the industry became interested in the issue of the mentally ill and smoking in the mid-1990s, they increasingly explained it in terms of a disease of nicotine addiction. Both the idea that smoking/nicotine does something positive for the mentally ill and the conclusion that it is the result of nicotine dependence have the potential to support corporate agendas (tobacco or pharmaceutical).
Non–Voltage-Gated Ca2+ Influx Through Mechanosensitive Ion Channels in Aortic Baroreceptor Neurons

Abstract The mechanisms underlying mechanotransduction in baroreceptor neurons (BRNs) are undefined. In this study, we specifically identified aortic baroreceptor neurons in primary neuronal cell cultures from nodose ganglia of rats. Aortic baroreceptor neurons were identified by labeling their soma with the fluorescent dye 1,1′-dioleyl-3,3,3′,3′-tetramethylindocarbocyanine (DiI) applied to the aortic arch. Using Ca 2+ imaging with fura 2, we examined these BRNs for evidence of Ca 2+ influx and determined its mechanosensitivity and voltage dependence. Mechanical stimuli were produced by ejecting buffer from a micropipette onto the cell surface with a pneumatic picopump, producing a shift in the center of mass of the cell that was related to intensity of stimulation. Ninety-three percent of DiI-labeled neurons responded to mechanical stimulation with an increase in [Ca 2+ ] i . The magnitude of the increases in [Ca 2+ ] i was directly related to the intensity of the stimulus and required the presence of external Ca 2+ . The trivalent cations Gd 3+ or La 3+ in equimolar concentrations (20 μmol/L) eliminated the K + -induced rises in [Ca 2+ ] i , demonstrating that both trivalent cations are equally effective at blocking voltage-gated Ca 2+ channels in these baroreceptor neurons. In contrast, the mechanically induced increases in [Ca 2+ ] i were blocked by Gd 3+ (20 μmol/L) only and not by La 3+ (20 μmol/L). Stretch-activated channels (SACs) have been shown in other preparations to be blocked by Gd 3+ specifically. Our data demonstrate that (1) BRNs, specifically identified as projecting to the aortic arch, have ion channels that are sensitive to mechanical stimuli; (2) mechanically induced Ca 2+ influx in these cells is mediated by a Gd 3+ -sensitive ion channel and not by voltage-gated Ca 2+ channels; (3) the magnitude of the Ca 2+ influx is dependent on the intensity of the stimulus and the degree and duration of deformation; and (4) repeated stimuli of the same intensity result in comparable increases in [Ca 2+ ] i . We conclude that mechanical stimulation increases Ca 2+ influx into aortic BRNs independent of voltage-gated Ca 2+ channels. The results suggest that Gd 3+ -sensitive SACs are the mechanoelectrical transducers in baroreceptors.
Assembling the Engine Block: Formation of Black Holes in the Universe

In Chapter 8 we discussed the basic physical processes of how normal matter can collapse to a radius so small that it forms an horizon and, therefore, becomes a black hole. That chapter also showed that black holes can merge and can grow by accreting material. Indeed, once formed, black holes cannot break apart; they only can grow.
Flexible processing framework for online event data and software triggering

The BABAR experiment is the particle detector at the new PEP-II "B factory" facility at the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center. The experiment's goal is the detailed study of the fundamental phenomenon of charge-parity symmetry breaking in B meson decays. Within the detector's online system, the Online Event Processing subsystem (OEP) provides for near real-time processing of data delivered from the data acquisition system's event builder. It supports four principal tasks: the final "Level 3" software trigger, rapid-feedback fast data quality monitoring, event displays, and the final steps in online calibrations. In order to accommodate the expected 2000 Hz event rate, the OEP subsystem runs on computing farm, receiving events on each node into a shared memory buffer system and coordinating processes performing analysis on this data. Analysis tasks are assigned administrative characteristics providing for protection of data integrity and ensuring that indispensable tasks such as triggering are always performed, while others are performed as resources are available. Data access in OEP uses BABAR's standard offline reconstruction framework. Thus, notably, the Level 3 trigger software could be developed in advance in the full offline simulation environment and yet be suitable for near-real-time online running with minimal changes.
The disclosure–liking relationship: Effects of self-perception, order of disclosure, and topical similarity.

Two experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of a perceiver's own disclosure on attraction for self-disclosing others. In Experiment 1, female undergraduates selected two topics and disclosed information on them to a confederate partner. This disclosure occurred either before or after the confederate disclosed information on three different topics that were either high or low in intimacy. Based on self-perception theory, it was predicted and found that intimacy of the subject's self-disclosure would be positively correlated with attraction for the confederate when the subject disclosed before her partner but not when she disclosed after her partner. A second prediction that subjects would be attracted toward a highly intimate partner only if they had previously disclosed was not confirmed. Instead, attraction for the confederate was greater when she had disclosed before the subject and when she had disclosed intimately. Experiment 2 varied the intimacy of the response of a partner to the subject's initial self-disclosure and whether this response dealt with the same topics or different topics. It was found that attraction was greater for an intimate than a nonintimate partner when topics for disclosure were the same. When disclosure topics were different, there was no significant difference in attraction for the intimate and nonintimate partner. Results are discussed in terms of their implications for the disclosure-liking hypothesis.
Reversible jump MCMC approach for peak identification for stroke SELDI mass spectrometry using mixture model

Mass spectrometry (MS) has shown great potential in detecting disease-related biomarkers for early diagnosis of stroke. To discover potential biomarkers from large volume of noisy MS data, peak detection must be performed first. This article proposes a novel automatic peak detection method for the stroke MS data. In this method, a mixture model is proposed to model the spectrum. Bayesian approach is used to estimate parameters of the mixture model, and Markov chain Monte Carlo method is employed to perform Bayesian inference. By introducing a reversible jump method, we can automatically estimate the number of peaks in the model. Instead of separating peak detection into substeps, the proposed peak detection method can do baseline correction, denoising and peak identification simultaneously. Therefore, it minimizes the risk of introducing irrecoverable bias and errors from each substep. In addition, this peak detection method does not require a manually selected denoising threshold. Experimental results on both simulated dataset and stroke MS dataset show that the proposed peak detection method not only has the ability to detect small signal-to-noise ratio peaks, but also greatly reduces false detection rate while maintaining the same sensitivity. Contact: [email protected]
Large-scale motion of a turbulent boundary layer during relaminarization

A fully developed turbulent boundary layer was subjected to a strongly favourable pressure gradient in order to investigate the role of the large eddy structure during ‘relaminarization’. Measurements of%he mean velocity profiles indicated that the ‘law of the wall’ disappeared in the region of the maximum pressure gradient. The three fluctuating velocity components and the tangential Reynolds stress were obtained to determine more precisely the nature of the decay of the turbulent structure. These measurements indicated that the absolute level of the velocities and stress were approximately constant along a mean streamline except near the wall. However, the relative levels were decreasing, as reported previously by several authors. The intermittency factor γ decreased along the mean streamlines until most of the boundary layer had only a negligible turbulence level. Space-time auto- and cross-correlations of u, v and I (the intermittency function) of the large-scale structure were obtained in the region of maximum pressure gradient and are compared with those measured in a zero pressure gradient flow.
A new synthetic route to optically active cyclomercurated ferrocenylimines

Abstract An adaptation of Kagan’s method for preparing 2-substituted ferrocenecarboxaldehydes has allowed us to directly prepare enantiopure (Sp)-2-chloromercurio-ferrocenecarboxaldehyde, (Sp)-3. Subsequent condensation of this aldehyde with (1R,2R)-(+)-1,2-diphenyl-1,2-ethanediamine ((R,R)-4) yielded a novel, enantiopure bis-cyclomercurated ferrocenylimine, (Sp,Sp,Rc,Rc)-N,N-bis(2-(chloromercurio)ferrocenylidene)-1,2-diphenylethane-1,2-diimine ((Sp,Sp,Rc,Rc)-5). In addition to the chiroptical data collected for both (Sp)-3 and (Sp,Sp,Rc,Rc)-5, the solid-state structure and absolute configuration of (Sp,Sp,Rc,Rc)-5 were confirmed by X-ray crystallography.
Expression of progesterone receptor membrane component-2 within the immature rat ovary and its role in regulating mitosis and apoptosis of spontaneously immortalized granulosa cells.

Progesterone receptor membrane component 2 (Pgrmc2) mRNA was detected in the immature rat ovary. By 48 h after eCG, Pgrmc2 mRNA levels decreased by 40% and were maintained at 48 h post-hCG. Immunohistochemical studies detected PGRMC2 in oocytes and ovarian surface epithelial, interstitial, thecal, granulosa, and luteal cells. PGRMC2 was also present in spontaneously immortalized granulosa cells, localizing to the cytoplasm of interphase cells and apparently to the mitotic spindle of cells in metaphase. Interestingly, PGRMC2 levels appeared to decrease during the G 1 stage of the cell cycle. Moreover, overexpression of PGRMC2 suppressed entry into the cell cycle, possibly by binding the p58 form of cyclin dependent kinase 11b. Conversely, Pgrmc2 small interfering RNA (siRNA) treatment increased the percentage of cells in G 1 and M stage but did not increase the number of cells, which was likely due to an increase in apoptosis. Depleting PGRMC2 did not inhibit cellular 3 H-progesterone binding, but attenuated the ability of progesterone to suppress mitosis and apoptosis. Taken together these studies suggest that PGRMC2 affects granulosa cell mitosis by acting at two specific stages of the cell cycle. First, PGRMC2 regulates the progression from the G 0 into the G 1 stage of the cell cycle. Second, PGRMC2 appears to localize to the mitotic spindle, where it likely promotes the final stages of mitosis. Finally, siRNA knockdown studies indicate that PGRMC2 is required for progesterone to slow the rate of granulosa cell mitosis and apoptosis. These findings support a role for PGRMC2 in ovarian follicle development. apoptosis, granulosa cells, mitosis, PGRMC1, PGRMC2, progesterone
Maximum Throughput and Fair Bandwidth Allocation in Multi-Channel Wireless Mesh Networks

Wireless mesh network is designed as an economical solution for last-mile broadband Internet access. In this paper, we study bandwidth allocation in multi-channel multihop wireless mesh networks. Our optimization goals are to maximize the network throughput and, at the same time, to enhance fairness. First, we formulate and present an Linear Programming (LP) formulation to solve the Maximum throughput Bandwidth Allocation (MBA) problem. However, simply maximizing the throughput may lead to a severe bias on bandwidth allocation among wireless mesh nodes. In order to achieve a good tradeoff between fairness and throughput, we consider a simple max-min fairness model which leads to high throughput solutions with guaranteed maximum minimum bandwidth allocation values, and the well-known Lexicographical Max-Min (LMM) model. Correspondingly, we formulate the Max-min guaranteed Maximum throughput Bandwidth Allocation (MMBA) problem and the Lexicographical Max-Min Bandwidth Allocation (LMMBA) problem. For the former one, we present an LP formulation to provide optimal solutions and for the later one, we propose a polynomial time optimal algorithm.
Carbamazepine treatment of cocaine dependence: a placebo-controlled trial

Cocaine-induced kindling, which has been hypothesized to underlie cocaine-induced craving, is reversed by carbamazepine treatment. Though preliminary studies showed carbamazepine to be useful for relapse prevention in cocaine-dependent subjects, more recent studies have failed to replicate those findings. We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of carbamazepine 600 mg/day in 40 cocaine-dependent males. During active treatment there were no significant effects of carbamazepine on cocaine use, alcohol consumption, anxiety or depressive symptoms. At three months post-treatment carbamazepine-treated subjects reported fewer drinking days. We conclude that carbamazepine at this dose level is probably not efficacious for treatment of cocaine dependence.
Coal Combustion Aerosol Formation Mechanisms: A Review

The composition and size distribution of particles emitted by coal combustion sources depend upon various mechanisms leading to their formation. A review of current ideas about possible mechanisms for formation of combustion aerosols is presented. Available data regarding fly ash size distribution and elemental concentrations in various size fractions were analyzed. These data were qualitatively compared with theoretical model predictions to indicate the relative contributions of various mechanisms in the formation of aerosols.
Virulence and the environment: a novel role for Vibrio cholerae toxin-coregulated pili in biofilm formation on chitin.

The toxin-coregulated pilus (TCP) of Vibrio cholerae is required for intestinal colonization and cholera toxin acquisition. Here we report that TCP mediates bacterial interactions required for biofilm differentiation on chitinaceous surfaces. We also show that undifferentiated TCP − biofilms have reduced ecological fitness and, thus, that chitin colonization may represent an ecological setting outside the host in which selection for a host colonization factor may take place.
An Evaluation of Four Levels of Online Training in Public Libraries

This study employed a sequential, mixed-method confirmatory research design to assess the impact of the delivery of library staff asynchronous online training at four levels of instructional intervention and workplace integration on short- and long-term knowledge acquisition/retention, self-efficacy, and job performance. The study utilized a pretest, posttest, and delayed posttest design with 192 staff members from twenty-seven public libraries in the United States completing all phases of the four-month longitudinal study. The study proposed an evidence-based, comparative evaluation framework to discern effectiveness of competency-based online training and the impact of varying online training implementation practices. The study found that all levels of instructional intervention resulted in significant short-term knowledge acquisition and enhancement of self-efficacy, and the three approaches that utilized facilitation resulted in long-term knowledge acquisition and improvement in self-efficacy. The imp...
Sex and Work

This piece was first presented as Professor Schultz's comments on a panel on prostitution held at a conference at Yale Law School entitled "Sex for Sale." Commenting and drawing on papers presented by Kathleen A. Bergin, Melissa Farley, Norma Hotaling, Ann C. McGinley, and Rhacel Salazar Parrenas, the piece considers whether and when it is appropriate to refer to such sex as "work."
Timing control of gait: a study of essential tremor patients vs. age-matched controls

Essential tremor (ET) is a common movement disorder characterized by kinetic, postural and intention tremors. Mounting evidence suggests an underlying dysfunction of the cerebellum or cerebellar system. While few recent studies report impairments in timing control of finger movements in ET, timing control of gait has not been examined to date. We compared timing control of gait in ET patients vs. controls, and further assessed the association of these timing impairments with tremor severity among the ET patients. One-hundred-fifty-five ET patients and 60 age-matched controls underwent a comprehensive neurological assessment and gait analysis, which included walking at a criterion step frequency (cadence) with a metronome (timing production) and walking at a criterion step frequency after the metronome was turned off (timing reproduction). Outcomes of interest for both conditions were timing accuracy (measured by cadence error) and timing precision (measured by cadence variability). We also assessed cadence and step time across conditions. Cadence was lower in ET patients than controls (p < 0.03), whereas step time was similar for ET patients and controls. Accuracy (cadence error) and precision (cadence variability) were not different in ET patients compared with controls. Cranial tremor score was significantly associated with cadence (timing production condition, p = 0.003 and timing reproduction condition, p = 0.0001) and cadence error (timing production condition, p = 0.01). Kinetic tremor and intention tremor scores were not associated with gait measures. ET patients do not demonstrate impairments in timing control of gait as compared with matched controls. Prior work shows that patients with cerebellar dysfunction demonstrate selective impairments in timing of discrete movements (such as finger tapping) but not continuous movements (such as circle drawing). Taken together, these results support the hypothesis that the cerebellum may be important for timing control of discrete rather than continuous movements.
Dynamics of the fecal microbiome in patients with recurrent and nonrecurrent Clostridium difficile infection

Recurrent Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) remains problematic, with up to 30 % of individuals diagnosed with primary CDI experiencing at least one episode of recurrence. The success of microbial-based therapeutics, such as fecal microbiota transplantation, for the treatment of recurrent CDI underscores the importance of restoring the microbiota. However, few studies have looked at the microbial factors that contribute to the development of recurrent disease. Here we compare microbial changes over time in patients with or without recurrence to identify microbial signatures associated with the development of recurrence. We used 16S rRNA-encoding gene sequence analysis to compare the fecal microbiota of 93 patients with recurrent and nonrecurrent CDI, sampled longitudinally. Cross-group and intra-individual differences in microbial community diversity and similarity were compared prior to the development of recurrent disease and over time. Samples from these patient groups exhibited variable community profiles, clustering into four distinct community groups. Cross-group comparison of the index sample collected from patients that did or did not develop recurrence revealed differences in diversity and community structure (analysis of molecular variance, p < 0.05). Intra-individual comparisons of the microbiota were more informative and samples from recurrent patients were less likely to recover in diversity (Chi-square test, p < 0.005), exhibiting less community similarity overall (Kruskal–Wallis test, p < 0.05). Interestingly, patients with severe disease harbored a significantly less diverse community, a trend that was observed across both nonrecurrent and recurrent patient groups (Wilcoxon test, p < 0.05). To date, this study represents one of the largest studies focused on the relationship between predictive signals from the gut microbiota and the development of recurrent CDI. Our data demonstrate that specific microbiota-derived characteristics associate with disease severity and recurrence and that future studies could incorporate these characteristics into predictive models.
Dégénérescence systématisée optico-cochléo-dentelée

Clinical observations of two brothers and pathoanatomical alterations on the older brother were found to be very similar to those in cases reported in the literature as “degenerescence systematisee optico-cochleo-dentelee”. Including these two observations, a total of 9 patients believed to have been affected by this condition are now known. Clinical and pathological features are critically compared and their implications discussed. While some definite differences, possibly determined by the age of onset of the disease, exist, the common denominator is seen in a selective, systematized degeneration of the optic, the cochlear, the dentate and the medial lemniscal systems, a process which correlates well with the evolution of the clinical picture. The basal ganglia and most of the diencephalon remain unaffected. Degeneration of the pallium was noted in some instances, the degree of which relates well with the motorsensory retrogression. Cerebellocortical damage was severe only in our observation and is considered to be ictogenic. Die Krankengeschichten von zwei Brudern, die wahrscheinlich an “Degenerescence systematisee optico-cochleo-dentelee” (Nyssen-van Bogaert) litten, wurden mitgeteilt und die am Probanden, dem alteren Bruder, erhobenen Sektionsbefunde beschrieben. Zusammen mit den beiden neuen Beobachtungen sind nunmehr neun Falle dieser Krankheit bekannt, die sowohl klinisch als auch pathologisch-anatomisch miteinander verglichen werden. Als gemeinsamer Befund liegt den funf autoptisch gesicherten Beobachtungen eine Degeneration der Opticus-, Cochlearis-, Dentatum-und medialen Schleifensysteme zugrunde. Dagegen bleiben die basalen Ganglien und das Zwischenhirn vom Prozes weitgehend verschont. Eine erhebliche Nervenzellichtung der Groshirnrinde scheint vor allem bei den im Sauglingsalter beginnenden Fallen vorzukommen. Die in unserem Fall auffallend schwere Kleinhirnrindenschadigung war auf Grund ihres Verteilungsmusters als Krampfschaden zu deuten.
Erythropoietin excretion in bone marrow failure and hemolytic anemia.

Abstract The urinary excretion and serum concentration of erythropoietin were assessed in 12 patients with increased red cell destruction and in 77 patients with bone marrow failure without hemolysis. Serum erythropoietin was undetectable unless the hematocrit was less than 30 volumes per cent and urinary erythropoietin values exceeded 20 times normal. Curves were calculated for the relationship between the urinary erythropoietin excretion and hematocrit, and the serum concentration and hematocrit. A decline in hematocrit of about 10 volumes per cent was associated with a tenfold increment in urinary and serum erythropoietin levels. The mean erythropoietin excretion in men with marrow failure was about 4 times higher than the mean calculated for women. In patients with increased hemolysis, erythropoietin values were usually similar to those found in patients with marrow failure. Several patients with sickle cell anemia had low erythropoietin values for the measured hematocrit. These observations do not support the contention that increased red cell destruction in man produces an increased rate of erythropoietin production, or that increased marrow utilization produces decreased levels.
Sex differences in the cardiovascular consequences of the inspiratory muscle metaboreflex.

It is currently unknown whether sex differences exist in the cardiovascular consequences of the inspiratory muscle metaboreflex. We hypothesized that the activation of the inspiratory muscle metaboreflex will lead to less of an increase in mean arterial pressure (MAP) and limb vascular resistance (LVR) and less of a decrease in limb blood flow (QL) in women compared with men. Twenty healthy men (n = 10, 23 ± 2 yr) and women (n = 10, 22 ± 3 yr) were recruited for this study. Subjects performed inspiratory resistive breathing tasks (IRBTs) at 2% or 65% of their maximal inspiratory mouth pressure (PIMAX). During the IRBTs, the breathing frequency was 20 breaths/min with a 50% duty cycle. At rest and during the IRBTs, MAP was measured via automated oscillometry, QL was measured via Doppler ultrasound, and LVR was calculated. EMG was recorded on the leg to ensure no muscle contraction occurred. The 65% IRBT led to attenuated increases (P < 0.01) from baseline in women compared with men for MAP (W: 7.3 ± 2.0 mmHg; M: 11.1 ± 5.0 mmHg) and LVR (W: 17.7% ± 14.0%; M: 47.9 ± 21.0%), as well as less of a decrease (P < 0.01) in QL (W: -7.5 ± 9.9%; M: -23.3 ± 10.2%). These sex differences in MAP, QL, and LVR were still present in a subset of subjects matched for PIMAX The 2% IRBT resulted in no significant changes in MAP, QL, or LVR across time or between men and women. These data indicate premenopausal women exhibit an attenuated inspiratory muscle metaboreflex compared with age-matched men.
An Overview of the Application of Wearable Technology to Nursing Practice.

PROBLEM Wearable technology is here and nurses are going to be increasingly responsible for patients who use it. Most research in this area has been done in other fields and now is the time for nurses to be more involved in this promising technology to improve patient lives. METHODS This paper synthesizes the current state of wearable technology, a brief history of nurse satisfaction with technology, current research about wearable technology, and implications for its future use in nursing. FINDINGS Other areas in health care are already employing wearable technology to improve gait in people with Parkinson's disease, provide automatic defibrillation in cardiac patients, and monitor poststroke rehabilitation. Nurses can be on the front lines of designing and patenting new ideas to improve the lives of their patients. CONCLUSIONS Nurses have always adopted the newest technologies such as electronic health records, electronic medication administration records, and simulation experiences in education. Wearable technology is the next step in this journey and the possible uses are endless. Involving patients in their own care is a major goal of nursing and more research is needed to connect patients and their caregivers to the benefits of wearable technology.
Postoperative complications following intraoperative radiotherapy in abdominopelvic malignancy: A single institution analysis of 113 consecutive patients.

BACKGROUND Intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) has advantages over external beam radiation therapy (EBRT). Few studies have described side effects associated with its addition. We evaluated our institution's experience with abdominopelvic IORT to assess safety by postoperative complication rates. METHODS Prospectively collected IRB-approved database of all patients receiving abdominopelvic IORT (via high dose rate brachytherapy) at Johns Hopkins Hospital between November 2006 and May 2014 was reviewed. Patients were discussed in multidisciplinary conferences. Those selected for IORT were patients for whom curative intent resection was planned for which IORT could improve margin-negative resection and optimize locoregional control. Perioperative complications were classified via Clavien-Dindo scale for postoperative surgical complications. RESULTS A total of 113 patients were evaluated. Most common diagnosis was sarcoma (50/113, 44%) followed by colorectal cancer (45/113, 40%), most of which were recurrent (84%). There were no perioperative deaths. A total of 57% of patients experienced a complication Grade II or higher: 24% (27/113) Grade II; 27% (30/113) Grade III; 7% (8/113) Grade IV. Wound complications were most common (38%), then gastrointestinal (25%). No radiotherapy variables were significantly associated with complications on uni/multi-variate analysis. CONCLUSIONS Our institution's experience with IORT demonstrated historically expected postoperative complication rates. IORT is safe, with acceptable perioperative morbidity.
Abstract P643: Proliferative Potential of Perivascular Adipose Tissue Stromal Vascular Cells Is Dependent on Anatomical Site

Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) is an important paracrine regulator of blood vessel function. Growth and pathological conditions such as obesity expand PVAT by hyperplasia and hypertrophy, however, these remodeling processes may differ depending on the PVAT anatomical site leading to diverse effects on the vasculature. A higher proliferative capacity of PVAT localized around mesenteric arteries may contribute to increased visceral fat mass and therefore intensify CVD risk. We hypothesize that PVAT proliferative potential is dependent on PVAT anatomical localization. PVATs from aorta (aPVAT) and mesenteric arteries (mPVAT) were collected from male Sprague Dawley rats at 10 weeks of age (n=5). Visceral depots including gonadal (GON) and retroperitoneal (RP), and the subcutaneous inguinal pad (SC) were collected as non-perivascular adipose controls. Stromal vascular fraction cells (SVF) from each adipose site were harvested and flow cytometry was performed to assess their expression of surface markers for committed preadipocyte precursors including CD34, CD44, and CD140a. Cells co-expressing these markers have high adipogenic capacity and are highly proliferative in visceral adipose tissues during obesity. No differences among sites were observed in the percentage of SVF cells expressing CD34 (aPVAT 39.3%±9.1; mPVAT 46.4%±11.16; GON 51.15%±14.11; RP 37.68%±5.6; SC 29.74%±2.5) and CD140a (aPVAT 1.43%±0.65; mPVAT 3.54%±1.33; GON 3.53%±0.36; RP 1.95%±0.91; SC 2.42%±0.81). There was a higher number of CD44 + SVF in mPVAT (3.93%±0.8) and GON (4.4%±1.11) compared to aPVAT, RP, and SC (1.4%±0.13; 1.53%±0.53; 2.08±0.37. P 5 cells/cm 2 of PVATs and GON, as highly proliferative and adipogenic control site, supplemented with DMEM:F12 media (10%FBS). At 11 days in culture, the number of SVF/cm 2 was significantly lower in aPVAT (7.04x10 5 cells/cm 2 ) vs. mPVAT and GON (13.75 x10 5 and 12.62 x10 5 cells/cm 2 ; P