Showing papers by "University of Illinois at Chicago published in 2003"

Exploring the Term of the Auditor‐Client Relationship and the Quality of Earnings: A Case for Mandatory Auditor Rotation?

Abstract: In this study, we document evidence on the relation between auditor tenure and earnings quality using the dispersion and sign of both absolute Jones‐model abnormal accruals and absolute current acc...

CASTp: Computed Atlas of Surface Topography of proteins

Abstract: Computed Atlas of Surface Topography of proteins (CASTp) provides an online resource for locating, delineating and measuring concave surface regions on three-dimensional structures of proteins. These include pockets located on protein surfaces and voids buried in the interior of proteins. The measurement includes the area and volume of pocket or void by solvent accessible surface model (Richards' surface) and by molecular surface model (Connolly's surface), all calculated analytically. CASTp can be used to study surface features and functional regions of proteins. CASTp includes a graphical user interface, flexible interactive visualization, as well as on-the-fly calculation for user uploaded structures. CASTp is updated daily and can be accessed at http://cast.engr.uic.edu.

Winnowing: local algorithms for document fingerprinting

Abstract: Digital content is for copying: quotation, revision, plagiarism, and file sharing all create copies. Document fingerprinting is concerned with accurately identifying copying, including small partial copies, within large sets of documents.We introduce the class of local document fingerprinting algorithms, which seems to capture an essential property of any finger-printing technique guaranteed to detect copies. We prove a novel lower bound on the performance of any local algorithm. We also develop winnowing, an efficient local fingerprinting algorithm, and show that winnowing's performance is within 33% of the lower bound. Finally, we also give experimental results on Web data, and report experience with MOSS, a widely-used plagiarism detection service.

Validity: on the meaningful interpretation of assessment data

Abstract: support or fail to support the proposed score interpretations, at a given point in time. Data and logic are assembled into arguments – pro and con – for some specific interpretation of assessment data. Examples of types of validity evidence, data and information from each source are discussed in the context of a high-stakes written and performance examination in medical education. Conclusion All assessments require evidence of the reasonableness of the proposed interpretation, as test data in education have little or no intrinsic meaning. The constructs purported to be measured by our assessments are important to students, faculty, administrators, patients and society and require solid scientific evidence of their meaning.

Smoking, stress, and negative affect: correlation, causation, and context across stages of smoking

Abstract: This transdisciplinary review of the literature addresses the questions, Do stress and negative affect (NA) promote smoking? and Does smoking genuinely relieve stress and NA? Drawing on both human and animal literatures, the authors examine these questions across three developmental stages of smoking--initiation, maintenance, and relapse. Methodological and conceptual distinctions relating to within- and between-subjects levels of analyses are emphasized throughout the review. Potential mechanisms underlying links between stress and NA and smoking are also reviewed. Relative to direct-effect explanations, the authors argue that contextual mediator-moderator approaches hold greater potential for elucidating complex associations between NA and stress and smoking. The authors conclude with recommendations for research initiatives that draw on more sophisticated theories and methodologies.

A Meta-analysis of the Efficacy of Second-Generation Antipsychotics

Abstract: Background: Consensus panel recommendations regarding choice of an antipsychotic agent for schizophrenia differ markedly, but most consider secondgeneration antipsychotics (SGAs) as a homogeneous group. It has been suggested that SGAs seem falsely more efficacious than first-generation antipsychotics (FGAs) as a result of reduced efficacy due to use of a high-dose comparator, haloperidol. We performed (1) a metaanalysis of randomized efficacy trials comparing SGAs and FGAs, (2) comparisons between SGAs, (3) a doseresponse analysis of FGAs and SGAs, and (4) an analysis of the effect on efficacy of an overly high dose of an FGA comparator. Methods: Literature search of clinical trials between January 1953 and May 2002 of patients with schizophrenia from electronic databases, reference lists, posters, the Food and Drug Administration, and other unpublished data. We included 124 randomized controlled trials with efficacy data on 10 SGAs vs FGAs and 18 studies of comparisons between SGAs. Two of us independently extracted the sample sizes, means, and standard deviation of the efficacy data. Results: Using the Hedges-Olkin algorithm, the effect sizes of clozapine, amisulpride, risperidone, and olanzapine were 0.49, 0.29, 0.25, and 0.21 greater than those of FGAs, with P values of 210 �8 ,3 10 �7 ,2 10 �12 , and 310 �9 , respectively. The remaining 6 SGAs were not significantly different from FGAs, although zotepine was marginally different. No efficacy difference was detected among amisulpride, risperidone, and olanzapine. We found no evidence that the haloperidol dose (or all FGA comparators converted to haloperidol-equivalent doses) affected these results when we examined its effect by drug or in a 2-way analysis of variance model in which SGA effectiveness is entered as a second factor. Conclusion: Some SGAs are more efficacious than FGAs, and, therefore, SGAs are not a homogeneous group. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2003;60:553-564

Within-case and across-case approaches to qualitative data analysis.

Abstract: The generalizations developed by qualitative researchers are embedded in the contextual richness of individual experience. Qualitative data management strategies that depend solely on coding and sorting of texts into units of like meaning can strip much of this contextual richness away. To prevent this, some authors have recommended treating individual accounts as whole cases or stories, but whole cases are difficult to compare with one another when the goal of the research is to develop generalizations that represent multiple accounts. In this article, the authors describe the ways in which three different qualitative researchers combined across-case coding and sorting with a variety of within-case data management and analysis techniques to produce contextually grounded, generalizable findings.

Effect of Hydroxyurea on Mortality and Morbidity in Adult Sickle Cell Anemia: Risks and Benefits Up to 9 Years of Treatment

Abstract: ContextHydroxyurea increases levels of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) and decreases morbidity from vaso-occlusive complications in patients with sickle cell anemia (SCA). High HbF levels reduce morbidity and mortality.ObjectiveTo determine whether hydroxyurea attenuates mortality in patients with SCA.DesignLong-term observational follow-up study of mortality in patients with SCA who originally participated in the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Multicenter Study of Hydroxyurea in Sickle Cell Anemia (MSH), conducted in 1992-1995, to determine if hydroxyurea reduces vaso-occlusive events. In the MSH Patients' Follow-up, conducted in 1996-2001, patients could continue, stop, or start hydroxyurea. Data were collected during the trial and in the follow-up period.SettingInpatients and outpatients in 21 sickle cell referral centers in the United States and Canada.PatientsTwo-hundred ninety-nine adult patients with frequent painful episodes enrolled in the follow-up. Follow-up data through May 2001 were complete for 233 patients.InterventionIn the MSH, patients were randomly assigned to receive hydroxyurea (n = 152) or placebo (n = 147).Main Outcome MeasureMortality, HbF levels, painful episodes, acute chest syndrome, and blood cell counts. The randomized trial was not designed to detect specified differences in mortality.ResultsSeventy-five of the original 299 patients died, 28% from pulmonary disease. Patients with reticulocyte counts less than 250 000/mm3 and hemoglobin levels lower than 9 g/dL had increased mortality (P = .002). Cumulative mortality at 9 years was 28% when HbF levels were lower than 0.5 g/dL after the trial was completed compared with 15% when HbF levels were 0.5 g/dL or higher (P = .03 ). Individuals who had acute chest syndrome during the trial had 32% mortality compared with 18% of individuals without acute chest syndrome (P = .02). Patients with 3 or more painful episodes per year during the trial had 27% mortality compared with 17% of patients with less frequent episodes (P = .06). Taking hydroxyurea was associated with a 40% reduction in mortality (P = .04) in this observational follow-up with self-selected treatment. There were 3 cases of cancer, 1 fatal.ConclusionsAdult patients taking hydroxyurea for frequent painful sickle cell episodes appear to have reduced mortality after 9 of years follow-up. Survival was related to HbF levels and frequency of vaso-occlusive events. Whether indications for hydroxyurea treatment should be expanded is unknown.

Molecular mechanisms of glioma invasiveness: the role of proteases.

Abstract: The invasive nature of brain-tumour cells makes an important contribution to the ineffectiveness of current treatment modalities, as the remaining tumour cells inevitably infiltrate the surrounding normal brain tissue, which leads to tumour recurrence. Such local invasion remains an important cause of mortality and underscores the need to understand in more detail the mechanisms of tumour invasiveness. Several proteases influence the malignant characteristics of gliomas--could their inhibition prove to be a useful therapeutic strategy?

Dwarfism, impaired skin development, skeletal muscle atrophy, delayed bone development, and impeded adipogenesis in mice lacking Akt1 and Akt2

Abstract: The serine/threonine kinase Akt, also known as protein kinase B (PKB), is a downstream effector of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and has recently been a focus of intense research. It appears that Akt lies at the cross-roads of multiple cellular signaling pathways and acts as a transducer of many functions initiated by growth factor receptors and other receptors that activate PI3K (for review, see Kandel and Hay 1999; Brazil and Hemmings 2001; Lawlor and Alessi 2001). Akt is particularly important in mediating several metabolic actions of insulin. These metabolic activities of Akt have been also implicated in determining cell growth (cell mass) and possibly life span (Finch and Ruvkun 2001; Kozma and Thomas 2002). Another major activity of Akt is to mediate cell survival (Datta et al. 1999; Kandel and Hay 1999). Akt is also frequently activated in human cancers. Three isoforms of Akt (Akt1–Akt3) encoded by three separate genes have been found in mammalian cells. Akt1 is the most ubiquitously expressed isoform in mammalian cells and tissues. Akt2 is also expressed in most tissues and organs, usually at a lower level than Akt1 except in insulin-responsive tissues, where it is expressed at a higher level (Altomare et al. 1995, 1998). Akt3 is expressed at the lowest level in most adult tissues except testes and brain (Brodbeck et al. 1999; Nakatani et al. 1999). The three isoforms share >80% amino acid sequence identity and exhibit the same structural organization. The N-terminal 100 residues possess a pleckstrin homology (PH) domain that binds phospholipids. Ashort glycine-rich region connects the PH domain to the catalytic domain and the C-terminal 70 residues that contain a putative regulatory domain. All Akt isoforms are assumed to have identical or similar substrate specificity (Walker et al. 1998). Akt isoforms are activated via the PH domain, which binds phosphoinositides (PI) phosphorylated at the D3 position of the inositol ring [PI (3,4,5) P3], generated by the catalytic subunit of PI3K. Subsequently, Akt is translocated to the plasma membrane, where it is phosphorylated on two residues for full activation. The two residues are Thr 308, which is phosphorylated by PDK1, and Ser 473 in Akt1. Akt is negatively regulated by molecules that antagonize PI3K, such as PTEN (for phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted from Chromosome 10). PTEN, which is mutated or deleted in a wide range of human cancers, is a 3-phosphoinositide phosphatase and thus negatively regulates Akt by reducing the intracellular level of PIP3 generated by PI3K (Cantley and Neel 1999; Simpson and Parsons 2001). The PI3K/PTEN/Akt signaling pathway is highly conserved from worms to mammals, and its most conserved function is mediating cellular energy metabolism that is coupled to life span in Caenorhabditis elegans (Edgar 1999; Finch and Ruvkun 2001; Britton et al. 2002). In flies (Scanga et al. 2000) and mammals the pathway is also associated with cell survival and inhibition of apoptosis, functions that may also be linked to cellular energy metabolism (Gottlob et al. 2001). To dissect the functions of Akt in a mammalian organism, mice lacking single Akt isoform were generated. Akt1-null mice display mild growth retardation and increased apoptosis (Chen et al. 2001; Cho et al. 2001b), and the Akt2-null mice are insulin-resistant and display a diabetic phenotype (Cho et al. 2001a; Garofalo et al. 2003). Here, we report the phenotype of mice that are deficient for both Akt1 and Akt2. Akt1/Akt2 double-knockout (DKO) mice are born alive and exhibit the expected Mendelian distribution of traits, but die shortly after birth. Despite the fact that Akt is a downstream effector of multiple growth factor receptors, Akt1/Akt2 DKO mice display a phenotype that is strikingly similar to that of IGF-1-receptor-deficient mice (Liu et al. 1993). Akt1/Akt2 DKO mice are dwarfs with body weight that is ∼50% less than normal. The most visible phenotype of these mice is translucent skin, caused by impaired proliferation of basal keratinocytes without apparent inhibition of differentiation. The DKO mice exhibit a severe atrophy of skeletal muscles, which is mostly caused by a decrease in individual muscle fiber size. We show that Akt1/Akt2 deficiency impairs the activity of mTOR and the phosphorylation of the repressor of mRNA translation, 4E-BP1 (Gingras et al. 2001), which may explain the reduced muscle fiber size. Like the IGF-1-receptor-deficient mice, the Akt1/Akt2 DKO mice also exhibit a developmental delay in ossification of the bones. However, Akt1/Akt2 DKO mice also exhibit a near complete impediment to adipogenesis. The DKO mice lack differentiated brown adipose tissues, and DKO mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEFs) are impaired in their ability to differentiate to adipocytes. We show that Akt is required for the induction of preoxisome proliferating-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) expression during adipocyte differentiation and thus establish a new essential function for Akt in adipogenesis.

High temperature ferromagnetism with a giant magnetic moment in transparent co-doped SnO(2-delta).

Abstract: The occurrence of room temperature ferromagnetism is demonstrated in pulsed laser deposited thin films of Sn(1-x)Co(x)O(2-delta) (x<0.3). Interestingly, films of Sn(0.95)Co(0.05)O(2-delta) grown on R-plane sapphire not only exhibit ferromagnetism with a Curie temperature close to 650 K, but also a giant magnetic moment of 7.5+/-0.5 micro(B)/Co, not yet reported in any diluted magnetic semiconductor system. The films are semiconducting and optically highly transparent.

Expansion of the Receptor-Like Kinase/Pelle Gene Family and Receptor-Like Proteins in Arabidopsis

Abstract: Receptor-like kinases (RLKs) are a family of transmembrane proteins with versatile N-terminal extracellular domains and C-terminal intracellular kinases. They control a wide range of physiological responses in plants and belong to one of the largest gene families in the Arabidopsis genome with more than 600 members. Interestingly, this gene family constitutes 60% of all kinases in Arabidopsis and accounts for nearly all transmembrane kinases in Arabidopsis. Analysis of four fungal, six metazoan, and two Plasmodium sp. genomes indicates that the family was represented in all but fungal genomes, indicating an ancient origin for the family with a more recent expansion only in the plant lineages. The RLK/Pelle family can be divided into several subfamilies based on three independent criteria: the phylogeny based on kinase domain sequences, the extracellular domain identities, and intron locations and phases. A large number of receptor-like proteins (RLPs) resembling the extracellular domains of RLKs are also found in the Arabidopsis genome. However, not all RLK subfamilies have corresponding RLPs. Several RLK/Pelle subfamilies have undergone differential expansions. More than 33% of the RLK/Pelle members are found in tandem clusters, substantially higher than the genome average. In addition, 470 of the RLK/Pelle family members are located within the segmentally duplicated regions in the Arabidopsis genome and 268 of them have a close relative in the corresponding regions. Therefore, tandem duplications and segmental/whole-genome duplications represent two of the major mechanisms for the expansion of the RLK/Pelle family in Arabidopsis.

Altered Gene Expression of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Receptor Tyrosine Kinase B in Postmortem Brain of Suicide Subjects

Abstract: Background Suicide is a major public health concern. Although authors of many studies have examined the neurobiological aspects of suicide, the molecular mechanisms associated with suicidal behavior remain unclear. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), one of the most important neurotrophins, after binding with and activating receptor tyrosine kinase B (trk B), is directly involved in many physiological functions in the brain, including cell survival and synaptic plasticity. The present study was performed to examine whether the expression of BDNF and/or trk B isoforms was altered in postmortem brain in subjects who commit suicide (hereafter referred to as suicide subjects) and whether these alterations were associated with specific psychopathologic conditions. Methods These studies were performed in prefrontal cortex in Brodmann area 9 and hippocampus obtained in 27 suicide subjects and 21 nonpsychiatric control subjects. Levels of messenger RNA and protein levels of BDNF and trk B were determined with competitive reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction and Western blot technique, respectively. The level of neuron-specific enolase messenger RNA as a neuronal marker was also determined in these brain areas. Results Messenger RNA levels of BDNF and trk B were significantly reduced, independently and as a ratio to neuron-specific enolase, in both prefrontal cortex and hippocampus in suicide subjects, as compared with those in control subjects. These reductions were associated with significant decreases in the protein levels of BDNF and of full-length trk B but not trk B's truncated isoform. These changes were present in all suicide subjects regardless of psychiatric diagnosis and were unrelated to postmortem interval, age, sex, or pH of the brain. Conclusions Given the importance of BDNF in mediating physiological functions, including cell survival and synaptic plasticity, our findings of reduced expression of BDNF and trk B in postmortem brain in suicide subjects suggest that these molecules may play an important role in the pathophysiological aspects of suicidal behavior.

Electron-beam tomography coronary artery calcium and cardiac events: a 37-month follow-up of 5635 initially asymptomatic low- to intermediate-risk adults.

Abstract: Background— Conventional coronary artery disease (CAD) risk factors fail to explain nearly 50% of CAD events. This study examines the association between electron-beam tomography (EBT) coronary artery calcium (CAC) and cardiac events in initially asymptomatic low- to intermediate-risk individuals, with adjustment for the presence of hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, diabetes, and a history of cigarette smoking. Methods and Results— The study was performed in 8855 initially asymptomatic adults 30 to 76 years old (26% women) who self-referred for EBT CAC screening. Conventional CAD risk factors were elicited by use of a questionnaire. After 37±12 months, information on the occurrence of cardiac events was collected and confirmed by use of medical records and death certificates. In men, events (n=192) were associated with the presence of CAC (RR=10.5, P<0.001), diabetes (RR=1.98, P=0.008), and smoking (RR=1.4, P=0.025), whereas in women, events (n=32) were linked to the presence of CAC (RR=2.6, P=0.037) an...

Building text classifiers using positive and unlabeled examples

Abstract: We study the problem of building text classifiers using positive and unlabeled examples. The key feature of this problem is that there is no negative example for learning. Recently, a few techniques for solving this problem were proposed in the literature. These techniques are based on the same idea, which builds a classifier in two steps. Each existing technique uses a different method for each step. We first introduce some new methods for the two steps, and perform a comprehensive evaluation of all possible combinations of methods of the two steps. We then propose a more principled approach to solving the problem based on a biased formulation of SVM, and show experimentally that it is more accurate than the existing techniques.

A nomenclature for restriction enzymes, DNA methyltransferases, homing endonucleases and their genes

Abstract: A nomenclature is described for restriction endonucleases, DNA methyltransferases, homing endonucleases and related genes and gene products. It provides explicit categories for the many different Type II enzymes now identified and provides a system for naming the putative genes found by sequence analysis of microbial genomes.

Recruitment of HIV and its receptors to dendritic cell-T cell junctions.

Abstract: Monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MDDCs) can efficiently bind and transfer HIV infectivity without themselves becoming infected. Using live-cell microscopy, we found that HIV was recruited to sites of cell contact in MDDCs. Analysis of conjugates between MDDCs and T cells revealed that, in the absence of antigen-specific signaling, the HIV receptors CD4, CCR5, and CXCR4 on the T cell were recruited to the interface while the MDDCs concentrated HIV to the same region. We propose that contact between dendritic cells and T cells facilitates transmission of HIV by locally concentrating virus, receptor, and coreceptor during the formation of an infectious synapse.

Peers and adolescent smoking.

Abstract: There is a considerable body of empirical research that has identified adolescent peer relationships as a primary factor involved in adolescent cigarette smoking. Despite this large research base, many questions remain unanswered about the mechanisms by which peers affect youths’ smoking behavior. Understanding these processes of influence is key to the development of prevention and intervention programs designed to address adolescent smoking as a significant public health concern. In this paper, theoretical frameworks and empirical findings are reviewed critically which inform the current state of knowledge regarding peer influences on teenage smoking. Specifically, social learning theory, primary socialization theory, social identity theory and social network theory are discussed. Empirical findings regarding peer influence and selection, as well as multiple reference points in adolescent friendships, including best friendships, romantic relationships, peer groups and social crowds, are also reviewed. Review of this work reveals the contribution that peers have in adolescents’ use of tobacco, in some cases promoting use, and in other cases deterring it. This review also suggests that peer influences on smoking are more subtle than commonly thought and need to be examined more carefully, including consideration of larger social contexts, e.g. the family, neighborhood, and media. Recommendations for future investigations are made, as well as suggestions for specific methodological approaches that offer promise for advancing our knowledge of the contribution of peers on adolescent tobacco use.

Antibiotic resistance among gram-negative bacilli in US intensive care units: implications for fluoroquinolone use.

Abstract: ContextPrevious surveillance studies have documented increasing rates of antimicrobial resistance in US intensive care units (ICUs) in the early 1990s.ObjectivesTo assess national rates of antimicrobial resistance among gram-negative aerobic isolates recovered from ICU patients and to compare these rates to antimicrobial use.Design and SettingParticipating institutions, representing a total of 43 US states plus the District of Columbia, provided antibiotic susceptibility results for 35 790 nonduplicate gram-negative aerobic isolates recovered from ICU patients between 1994 and 2000.Main Outcome MeasuresEach institution tested approximately 100 consecutive gram-negative aerobic isolates recovered from ICU patients. Organisms were identified to the species level. Susceptibility tests were performed, and national fluoroquinolone consumption data were obtained.ResultsThe activity of most antimicrobial agents against gram-negative aerobic isolates showed an absolute decrease of 6% or less over the study period. The overall susceptibility to ciprofloxacin decreased steadily from 86% in 1994 to 76% in 2000 and was significantly associated with increased national use of fluoroquinolones.ConclusionsThis study documents the increasing incidence of ciprofloxacin resistance among gram-negative bacilli that has occurred coincident with increased use of fluoroquinolones. More judicious use of fluoroquinolones will be necessary to limit this downward trend.

Are You Being Served? Political Accountability and Quality of Government

Abstract: This paper explores, both formally and empirically, the political accountability mechanisms that lie behind the varying levels of public corruption and of effective governance taking place across nations. The first section develops a principal-agent model in which good governance is a function of the extent to which citizens can hold political officials accountable for their actions. Although policy-makers may have strong incentives to appropriate parts of the citizens' income, well-designed institutions (those increasing both informational flows and elite competitiveness) boost political accountability and reduce the space left for the appropriation of rents. The following sections of the paper test the model. The presence of democratic mechanisms of control and an increasingly informed electorate, measured through the frequency of newspaper readership, explain considerably well the distribution of corrupt practices and governmental ineffectiveness in three types of data sets: a large cross-section of countries in the late 1990s for which an extensive battery of governance indicators has been recently developed by Kaufmann et al. (1999a); a panel data set for the period 1980-95 and about 100 nations on corruption and bureaucratic quality based on experts' rankings; and corruption data for the cross-section of US states in the period 1977-95.

Tumor Cell Senescence in Cancer Treatment

Abstract: Cell senescence is broadly defined as the physiological program of terminal growth arrest, which can be triggered by alterations of telomeres or by different forms of stress. Neoplastic transformation involves events that inhibit the program of senescence, and tumor cells were believed until recently to have lost the ability to senesce. It has now become apparent, however, that tumor cells can be readily induced to undergo senescence by genetic manipulations or by treatment with chemotherapeutic drugs, radiation, or differentiating agents. Treatment-induced senescence, which has both similarities with, and differences from, replicative senescence of normal cells, was shown to be one of the key determinants of tumor response to therapy in vitro and in vivo. Although senescent cells do not proliferate, they remain metabolically active and produce secreted proteins with both tumor-suppressing and tumor-promoting activities. Expression of tumor-promoting factors by senescent cells is mediated, at least in part, by senescence-associated cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors such as p21(Waf1/Cip1/Sdi1). Clinical and preclinical studies indicate that expression of different biological classes of senescence-associated growth-regulatory genes in tumor cells has significant prognostic implications. Elucidation of the genes and regulatory mechanisms that determine different aspects of tumor senescence makes it possible to design new therapeutic approaches to improving the efficacy and to decreasing the side effects of cancer therapy.

Confronting depression and suicide in physicians: a consensus statement.

Abstract: ObjectiveTo encourage treatment of depression and prevention of suicide in physicians by calling for a shift in professional attitudes and institutional policies to support physicians seeking help.ParticipantsAn American Foundation for Suicide Prevention planning group invited 15 experts on the subject to evaluate the state of knowledge about physician depression and suicide and barriers to treatment. The group assembled for a workshop held October 6-7, 2002, in Philadelphia, Pa.EvidenceThe planning group worked with each participant on a preworkshop literature review in an assigned area. Abstracts of presentations and key publications were distributed to participants before the workshop. After workshop presentations, participants were assigned to 1 of 2 breakout groups: (1) physicians in their role as patients and (2) medical institutions and professional organizations. The groups identified areas that required further research, barriers to treatment, and recommendations for reform.Consensus ProcessThis consensus statement emerged from a plenary session during which each work group presented its recommendations. The consensus statement was circulated to and approved by all participants.ConclusionsThe culture of medicine accords low priority to physician mental health despite evidence of untreated mood disorders and an increased burden of suicide. Barriers to physicians' seeking help are often punitive, including discrimination in medical licensing, hospital privileges, and professional advancement. This consensus statement recommends transforming professional attitudes and changing institutional policies to encourage physicians to seek help. As barriers are removed and physicians confront depression and suicidality in their peers, they are more likely to recognize and treat these conditions in patients, including colleagues and medical students.

Intestinal epithelial responses to enteric pathogens: effects on the tight junction barrier, ion transport, and inflammation

Abstract: The effects of pathogenic organisms on host intestinal epithelial cells are vast. Innumerable signalling pathways are triggered leading ultimately to drastic changes in physiological functions. Here, the ways in which enteric bacterial pathogens utilise and impact on the three major physiological functions of the intestinal epithelium are discussed: alterations in the structure and function of the tight junction barrier, induction of fluid and electrolyte secretion, and activation of the inflammatory cascade. This field of investigation, which was virtually non-existent a decade ago, has now exploded, thus rapidly expanding our understanding of bacterial pathogenesis. Through increased delineation of the ways in which microbes alter host physiology, we simultaneous gain insight into the normal regulatory mechanisms of the intestinal epithelium.

Mining data records in Web pages

Abstract: A large amount of information on the Web is contained in regularly structured objects, which we call data records. Such data records are important because they often present the essential information of their host pages, e.g., lists of products or services. It is useful to mine such data records in order to extract information from them to provide value-added services. Existing automatic techniques are not satisfactory because of their poor accuracies. In this paper, we propose a more effective technique to perform the task. The technique is based on two observations about data records on the Web and a string matching algorithm. The proposed technique is able to mine both contiguous and non-contiguous data records. Our experimental results show that the proposed technique outperforms existing techniques substantially.