Showing papers by "Wayne State University published in 2003"
TL;DR: In patients with laryngeal cancer, radiotherapy with concurrent administration of cisplatin is superior to induction chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy or radiotherapy alone for larynGEal preservation and locoregional control.
Abstract: Background Induction chemotherapy with cisplatin plus fluorouracil followed by radiotherapy is the standard alternative to total laryngectomy for patients with locally advanced laryngeal cancer. The value of adding chemotherapy to radiotherapy and the optimal timing of chemotherapy are unknown. Methods We randomly assigned patients with locally advanced cancer of the larynx to one of three treatments: induction cisplatin plus fluorouracil followed by radiotherapy, radiotherapy with concurrent administration of cisplatin, or radiotherapy alone. The primary end point was preservation of the larynx. Results A total of 547 patients were randomly assigned to one of the three study groups. The median follow-up period was 3.8 years. At two years, the proportion of patients who had an intact larynx after radiotherapy with concurrent cisplatin (88 percent) differed significantly from the proportions in the groups given induction chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy (75 percent, P=0.005) or radiotherapy alone (70 ...
2,730 citations
TL;DR: This map serves as a starting point for a systems biology modeling of multicellular organisms, including humans, and recapitulated known pathways, extended pathways, and uncovered previously unknown pathway components.
Abstract: Drosophila melanogaster is a proven model system for many aspects of human biology. Here we present a two-hybrid-based protein-interaction map of the fly proteome. A total of 10,623 predicted transcripts were isolated and screened against standard and normalized complementary DNA libraries to produce a draft map of 7048 proteins and 20,405 interactions. A computational method of rating two-hybrid interaction confidence was developed to refine this draft map to a higher confidence map of 4679 proteins and 4780 interactions. Statistical modeling of the network showed two levels of organization: a short-range organization, presumably corresponding to multiprotein complexes, and a more global organization, presumably corresponding to intercomplex connections. The network recapitulated known pathways, extended pathways, and uncovered previously unknown pathway components. This map serves as a starting point for a systems biology modeling of multicellular organisms, including humans.
2,414 citations
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center1, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center2, Scott & White Hospital3, University of Chicago4, University of Pittsburgh5, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio6, Wayne State University7, University of Southern California8, University of Colorado Denver9
TL;DR: Using neoadjuvant methotrexate, vinblastine, doxorubicin, and cisplatin followed by radical cystectomy increases the likelihood of eliminating residual cancer in the Cystectomy specimen and is associated with improved survival among patients with locally advanced bladder cancer.
Abstract: BACKGROUND Despite aggressive local therapy, patients with locally advanced bladder cancer are at significant risk for metastases. We evaluated the ability of neoadjuvant chemotherapy to improve the outcome in patients with locally advanced bladder cancer who were treated with radical cystectomy. METHODS Patients were enrolled if they had muscle-invasive bladder cancer (stage T2 to T4a) and were to be treated with radical cystectomy. They were stratified according to age (less than 65 years vs. 65 years or older) and stage (superficial muscle invasion vs. more extensive disease) and were randomly assigned to radical cystectomy alone or three cycles of methotrexate, vinblastine, doxorubicin, and cisplatin followed by radical cystectomy. RESULTS We enrolled 317 patients over an 11-year period, 10 of whom were found to be ineligible; thus, 154 were assigned to receive surgery alone and 153 to receive combination therapy. According to an intention-to-treat analysis, the median survival among patients assigned to surgery alone was 46 months, as compared with 77 months among patients assigned to combination therapy (P=0.06 by a two-sided stratified log-rank test). In both groups, improved survival was associated with the absence of residual cancer in the cystectomy specimen. Significantly more patients in the combination-therapy group had no residual disease than patients in the cystectomy group (38 percent vs. 15 percent, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS As compared with radical cystectomy alone, the use of neoadjuvant methotrexate, vinblastine, doxorubicin, and cisplatin followed by radical cystectomy increases the likelihood of eliminating residual cancer in the cystectomy specimen and is associated with improved survival among patients with locally advanced bladder cancer.
2,234 citations
University of California, Los Angeles1, Wayne State University2, University of California, San Diego3, Stanford University4, University of Cincinnati5, Stony Brook University6, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center7, Medical College of Wisconsin8, Brown University9, NorthShore University HealthSystem10, University of Hawaii at Manoa11
TL;DR: Relatively short-term combined estrogen plus progestin use increases incident breast cancers, which are diagnosed at a more advanced stage compared with placebo use, and also substantially increases the percentage of women with abnormal mammograms, a pattern which continued for the study duration.
Abstract: ContextThe Women's Health Initiative trial of combined estrogen plus progestin
was stopped early when overall health risks, including invasive breast cancer,
exceeded benefits. Outstanding issues not previously addressed include characteristics
of breast cancers observed among women using hormones and whether diagnosis
may be influenced by hormone effects on mammography.ObjectiveTo determine the relationship among estrogen plus progestin use, breast
cancer characteristics, and mammography recommendations.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsFollowing a comprehensive breast cancer risk assessment, 16 608
postmenopausal women aged 50 to 79 years with an intact uterus were randomly
assigned to receive combined conjugated equine estrogens (0.625 mg/d) plus
medroxyprogesterone acetate (2.5 mg/d) or placebo from 1993 to 1998 at 40
clinical centers. Screening mammography and clinical breast examinations were
performed at baseline and yearly thereafter.Main Outcome MeasuresBreast cancer number and characteristics, and frequency of abnormal
mammograms by estrogen plus progestin exposure.ResultsIn intent-to-treat analyses, estrogen plus progestin increased total
(245 vs 185 cases; hazard ratio [HR], 1.24; weighted P<.001)
and invasive (199 vs 150 cases; HR, 1.24; weighted P =
.003) breast cancers compared with placebo. The invasive breast cancers diagnosed
in the estrogen plus progestin group were similar in histology and grade but
were larger (mean [SD], 1.7 cm [1.1] vs 1.5 cm [0.9], respectively; P = .04) and were at more advanced stage (regional/metastatic
25.4% vs 16.0%, respectively; P = .04) compared with
those diagnosed in the placebo group. After 1 year, the percentage of women
with abnormal mammograms was substantially greater in the estrogen plus progestin
group (716 [9.4%] of 7656) compared with placebo group (398 [5.4%] of 7310; P<.001), a pattern which continued for the study duration.ConclusionsRelatively short-term combined estrogen plus progestin use increases
incident breast cancers, which are diagnosed at a more advanced stage compared
with placebo use, and also substantially increases the percentage of women
with abnormal mammograms. These results suggest estrogen plus progestin may
stimulate breast cancer growth and hinder breast cancer diagnosis.
1,707 citations
Wake Forest University1, National Institutes of Health2, George Washington University3, Wayne State University4, University of Tennessee Health Science Center5, University of Chicago6, University of Alabama7, University of Cincinnati8, Columbia University9, University of Utah10, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center11, University of Pittsburgh12, Ohio State University13, Thomas Jefferson University14, University of Texas at San Antonio15, University of Miami16, Brown University17, Case Western Reserve University18, University of Texas at Austin19, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill20, Northwestern University21
TL;DR: In this paper, a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving pregnant women with a documented history of spontaneous preterm delivery was conducted, where women were enrolled at 19 clinical centers at 16 to 20 weeks of gestation.
Abstract: Background Women who have had a spontaneous preterm delivery are at greatly increased risk for preterm delivery in subsequent pregnancies. The results of several small trials have suggested that 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17P) may reduce the risk of preterm delivery. Methods We conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving pregnant women with a documented history of spontaneous preterm delivery. Women were enrolled at 19 clinical centers at 16 to 20 weeks of gestation and randomly assigned by a central data center, in a 2:1 ratio, to receive either weekly injections of 250 mg of 17P or weekly injections of an inert oil placebo; injections were continued until delivery or to 36 weeks of gestation. The primary outcome was preterm delivery before 37 weeks of gestation. Analysis was performed according to the intention-to-treat principle. Results Base-line characteristics of the 310 women in the progesterone group and the 153 women in the placebo group were similar. Treatment with 1...
1,314 citations
TL;DR: In a placebo-controlled trial, treatment with natalizumab led to fewer inflammatory brain lesions and fewer relapses over a six-month period in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis.
Abstract: Background In patients with multiple sclerosis, inflammatory brain lesions appear to arise from autoimmune responses involving activated lymphocytes and monocytes. The glycoprotein α4 integrin is expressed on the surface of these cells and plays a critical part in their adhesion to the vascular endothelium and migration into the parenchyma. Natalizumab is an α4 integrin antagonist that reduced the development of brain lesions in experimental models and in a preliminary study of patients with multiple sclerosis. Methods In a randomized, double-blind trial, we randomly assigned a total of 213 patients with relapsing–remitting or relapsing secondary progressive multiple sclerosis to receive 3 mg of intravenous natalizumab per kilogram of body weight (68 patients), 6 mg per kilogram (74 patients), or placebo (71 patients) every 28 days for 6 months. The primary end point was the number of new brain lesions on monthly gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging during the six-month treatment period. Clinica...
1,224 citations
TL;DR: Vancomycin-resistant S. aureus was cultured from the exit site of a temporary dialysis catheter of a patient with diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, and persistent foot ulcers and carried the vanA resistance gene, which may have come from the vancomycius-resistant Enterococcus faecalis that was also isolated from the patient.
Abstract: Vancomycin-resistant S. aureus was cultured from the exit site of a temporary dialysis catheter of a patient with diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, and persistent foot ulcers. The organism carried the vanA resistance gene, which may have come from the vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis that was also isolated from the patient, who had received vancomycin for several weeks.
1,114 citations
Yeshiva University1, Wayne State University2, University of Florida3, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill4, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center5, National Institutes of Health6, Medical College of Wisconsin7, Rush University Medical Center8, Rutgers University9, George Washington University10, Ohio State University11
TL;DR: Excess risk for all strokes attributed to estrogen plus progestin appeared to be present in all subgroups of women examined, and excess risk of all stroke was apparent in all age groups, in all categories of baseline stroke risk, and in women with and without hypertension, prior history of cardiovascular disease, use of hormones, statins, or aspirin.
Abstract: ContextThe Women's Health Initiative (WHI) trial of estrogen plus progestin
was stopped early because of adverse effects, including an increased risk
of stroke in the estrogen plus progestin group.ObjectiveTo assess the effect of estrogen plus progestin on ischemic and hemorrhagic
stroke and in subgroups, and to determine whether the effect of estrogen plus
progestin was modified by baseline levels of blood biomarkers.DesignMulticenter double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial
involving 16 608 women aged 50 through 79 years with an average follow-up
of 5.6 years. Baseline levels of blood-based markers of inflammation, thrombosis,
and lipid levels were measured in the first 140 centrally confirmed stroke
cases and 513 controls.InterventionsParticipants received 0.625 mg/d of conjugated equine estrogen plus
2.5 mg/d of medroxyprogesterone acetate (n = 8506) or placebo (n = 8102).Main Outcome MeasuresOverall strokes and stroke subtype and severity were centrally adjudicated
by stroke neurologists.ResultsOne hundred fifty-one patients (1.8%) in the estrogen plus progestin
and 107 (1.3%) in the placebo groups had strokes. Overall 79.8% of strokes
were ischemic. For combined ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes, the intention-to-treat
hazard ratio (HR) for estrogen plus progestin vs placebo was 1.31 (95% confidence
interval [CI], 1.02-1.68); with adjustment for adherence, the HR was 1.50
(95% CI, 1.08-2.08). The HR for ischemic stroke was 1.44 (95% CI, 1.09-1.90)
and for hemorrhagic stroke, 0.82 (95% CI, 0.43-1.56). Point estimates of the
HRs indicate that excess risk of all stroke was apparent in all age groups,
in all categories of baseline stroke risk, and in women with and without hypertension,
prior history of cardiovascular disease, use of hormones, statins, or aspirin.
Other risk factors for stroke, including smoking, blood pressure, diabetes,
lower use of vitamin C supplements, blood-based biomarkers of inflammation,
higher white blood cell count, and higher hematocrit levels did not modify
the effect of estrogen plus progestin on stroke risk.ConclusionsEstrogen plus progestin increases the risk of ischemic stroke in generally
healthy postmenopausal women. Excess risk for all strokes attributed to estrogen
plus progestin appeared to be present in all subgroups of women examined.
1,052 citations
University of Michigan1, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center2, Duke University3, University of Iowa4, University of Florida5, Washington University in St. Louis6, Tufts Medical Center7, University of California, Los Angeles8, Saint Louis University9, Emory University10, Wayne State University11
TL;DR: Racial and ethnic disparities in pain perception, assessment, and treatment were found in all settings and across all types of pain and the literature suggests that the sources of pain disparities among racial and ethnic minorities are complex.
Abstract: CONTEXT: Pain has significant socioeconomic, health, and quality-of-life implications. Racial- and ethnic-based differences in the pain care experience have been described. Racial and ethnic minorities tend to be undertreated for pain when compared with non-Hispanic Whites.
OBJECTIVES: To provide health care providers, researchers, health care policy analysts, government officials, patients, and the general public with pertinent evidence regarding differences in pain perception, assessment, and treatment for racial and ethnic minorities. Evidence is provided for racial- and ethnic-based differences in pain care across different types of pain (i.e., experimental pain, acute postoperative pain, cancer pain, chronic non-malignant pain) and settings (i.e., emergency department). Pertinent literature on patient, health care provider, and health care system factors that contribute to racial and ethnic disparities in pain treatment are provided.
EVIDENCE: A selective literature review was performed by experts in pain. The experts developed abstracts with relevant citations on racial and ethnic disparities within their specific areas of expertise. Scientific evidence was given precedence over anecdotal experience. The abstracts were compiled for this manuscript. The draft manuscript was made available to the experts for comment and review prior to submission for publication.
CONCLUSIONS: Consistent with the Institute of Medicine's report on health care disparities, racial and ethnic disparities in pain perception, assessment, and treatment were found in all settings (i.e., postoperative, emergency room) and across all types of pain (i.e., acute, cancer, chronic nonmalignant, and experimental). The literature suggests that the sources of pain disparities among racial and ethnic minorities are complex, involving patient (e.g., patient/health care provider communication, attitudes), health care provider (e.g., decision making), and health care system (e.g., access to pain medication) factors. There is a need for improved training for health care providers and educational interventions for patients. A comprehensive pain research agenda is necessary to address pain disparities among racial and ethnic minorities.
1,023 citations
TL;DR: These findings extend the scope of beneficial effects of aerobic exercise beyond cardiovascular health, and they suggest a strong solid biological basis for the benefits of exercise on the brain health of older adults.
Abstract: Background. The human brain gradually loses tissue from the third decade of life onward, with concomitant declines in cognitive performance. Given the projected rapid growth in aged populations, and the staggering costs associated with geriatric care, identifying mechanisms that may reduce or reverse cerebral deterioration is rapidly emerging as an important public health goal. Previous research has demonstrated that aerobic fitness training improves cognitive function in older adults and can improve brain health in aging laboratory animals, suggesting that aerobic fitness may provide a mechanism to improve cerebral health in aging humans. We examined the relationship between aerobic fitness and in vivo brain tissue density in an older adult population, using voxel-based morphometric techniques. Methods. We acquired high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging scans from 55 older adults. These images were segmented into gray and white matter maps, registered into stereotaxic space, and examined for systematic variation in tissue density as a function of age, aerobic fitness, and a number of other health markers. Results. Consistent with previous studies of aging and brain volume, we found robust declines in tissue densities as a function of age in the frontal, parietal, and temporal cortices. More importantly, we found that losses in these areas were substantially reduced as a function of cardiovascular fitness, even when we statistically controlled for other moderator variables. Conclusions. These findings extend the scope of beneficial effects of aerobic exercise beyond cardiovascular health, and they suggest a strong solid biological basis for the benefits of exercise on the brain health of older adults. I N the course of normal aging, the human brain begins to lose tissue early in the third decade of life. Average losses are estimated at roughly 15% of the cerebral cortex and 25% of the cerebral white matter between ages 30 and 90 (1), with disproportionately high losses in the frontal, parietal, and temporal cortices (2). This pattern is closely matched by declines in cognitive performance throughout this period (3). Given the projected rapid growth in the aged population in developed countries (4), and the staggering costs associated with cognitive deterioration (4,5), identifying effective mechanisms to ward off structural and functional declines of the central nervous system (CNS) is rapidly emerging as an imperative public health goal. Several rigorous longitudinal studies (6,7) and a recent metaanalysis (8) have demonstrated that improvements in cardiovascular fitness can exert positive effects on human cognitive abilities. In this article, we report the first known evidence linking higher levels of aerobic fitness to the sparing of brain tissue in aging humans.
973 citations
TL;DR: A systematic clinical working case definition for myalgic encephalomyelitis is presented and an Ex- pert Medical Consensus Panel representing treating physicians, teaching faculty and researchers are selected.
Abstract: Recent years have brought growing recognition of the need for clinical criteria for myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), which is also called chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). An Expert Subcommittee of Health Canada established the Terms of Reference, and selected an Ex- pert Medical Consensus Panel representing treating physicians, teaching faculty and researchers. A Consensus Workshop was held on March 30 to April 1, 2001 to culminate the review process and establish consensus for a clinical working case definition, diagnostic protocols and treatment protocols. We present a systematic clinical working case definition that
TL;DR: The FACT facilitates Pol II–driven transcription by destabilizing nucleosomal structure so that one histone H2A-H2B dimer is removed during enzyme passage, defining the mechanism by which Pol II can transcribe through chromatin without disrupting its epigenetic status.
Abstract: The FACT (facilitates chromatin transcription) complex is required for transcript elongation through nucleosomes by RNA polymerase II (Pol II) in vitro. Here, we show that FACT facilitates Pol II–driven transcription by destabilizing nucleosomal structure so that one histone H2A-H2B dimer is removed during enzyme passage. We also demonstrate that FACT possesses intrinsic histone chaperone activity and can deposit core histones onto DNA. Importantly, FACT activity requires both of its constituent subunits and is dependent on the highly acidic C terminus of its larger subunit, Spt16. These findings define the mechanism by which Pol II can transcribe through chromatin without disrupting its epigenetic status.
TL;DR: It is shown that a cardiolipin-deficient strain harbored almost inactive resting cytochrome c oxidase in the membrane and Transition to the fully active pulsed state occurred on a minute time scale.
TL;DR: Voriconazole has been approved for the treatment of invasive aspergillosis and refractory infections with Pseudallescheria/Scedosporium and Fusarium species, and it will likely become the drug of choice for treatment of serious infections with those filamentous fungi.
Abstract: Voriconazole is a second-generation azole antifungal agent that shows excellent in vitro activity against a wide variety of yeasts and molds. It can be given by either the intravenous or the oral route; the oral formulation has excellent bioavailability. The side effect profile of voriconazole is unique in that non-sight-threatening, transient visual disturbances occur in approximately 30% of patients given the drug. Rash (which can manifest as photosensitivity) and hepatitis also occur. The potential for drug-drug interactions is high and requires that careful attention be given to dosage regimens and monitoring of serum levels and effects of interacting drugs. Voriconazole has been approved for the treatment of invasive aspergillosis and refractory infections with Pseudallescheria/Scedosporium and Fusarium species, and it will likely become the drug of choice for treatment of serious infections with those filamentous fungi.
TL;DR: phy-sicians should be better able to identify at-risk pregnancies and alcohol-affectedindividuals and address Fetalalal-cohol exposure in the clinical setting.
Abstract: Althoughmuchhasbeenlearnedin 30 years, substantial challenges re-mainindiagnosingandpreventingthisdisorder.Ourgoalistosummarizewhathasrecentlybeenreportedwithrespectto fetal alcohol terminology, identifica-tion, effects, prevalence, and preven-tionofexposure.Wewillemphasizehowfetal alcohol exposure is routinely un-deridentified and what is known aboutwhoisatrisk.Withthisknowledge,phy-sicians should be better able to identifyat-risk pregnancies and alcohol-affectedindividualsandaddressfetalal-cohol exposure in the clinical setting.
New England Biolabs1, New York State Department of Health2, Columbia University3, Wayne State University4, University of Basel5, University of Toledo6, University of Edinburgh7, University of Alabama8, University of Portsmouth9, Moscow State University10, University of Illinois at Chicago11, University of Bristol12, University of Rochester13, Duke University14, University of Sheffield15, Vilnius University16, University of Giessen17, University of Copenhagen18, Hungarian Academy of Sciences19, North Carolina State University20, University of Tokyo21, Humboldt University of Berlin22, Brookhaven National Laboratory23, University of Massachusetts Medical School24, National Institutes of Health25, Indian Institute of Science26, University of Warsaw27, University of California, Santa Barbara28, State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology VECTOR29, University of Oregon30, The Chinese University of Hong Kong31, University of Maryland, College Park32, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center33, University of Wisconsin-Madison34, University of Nebraska–Lincoln35, University of Lisbon36
TL;DR: In this article, a nomenclature for restriction endonucleases, DNA methyltransferases, homing endon nucleases and related genes and gene products is described.
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.
TL;DR: The back-to-back correlations are reduced considerably in the most central Au+Au collisions, indicating substantial interaction as the hard-scattered partons or their fragmentation products traverse the medium.
Abstract: Azimuthal correlations for large transverse momentum charged hadrons have been measured over a wide pseudorapidity range and full azimuth in Au+Au and p+p collisions at roots(NN)=200 GeV. The small-angle correlations observed in p+p collisions and at all centralities of Au+Au collisions are characteristic of hard-scattering processes previously observed in high-energy collisions. A strong back-to-back correlation exists for p+p and peripheral Au+Au. In contrast, the back-to-back correlations are reduced considerably in the most central Au+Au collisions, indicating substantial interaction as the hard-scattered partons or their fragmentation products traverse the medium.
TL;DR: High statistics measurements of inclusive charged hadron production in Au+Au and p+p collisions at sqrt[s(NN)]=200 GeV report no evidence of p(T)-dependent suppression, which may be expected from models incorporating jet attenuation in cold nuclear matter or scattering of fragmentation hadrons.
Abstract: We report high statistics measurements of inclusive charged hadron production in Au+Au and p+p collisions at rootS(NN)=200 GeV. A large, approximately constant hadron suppression is observed in central Au+Au collisions for 5
TL;DR: Agarwal et al. as mentioned in this paper proposed a computer-aided method development approach to replace tedious trial-and-error procedures with fast simulations based on suitable kinetic and retention models.
Abstract: Solid-phase extraction using cartridge and disc devices is a widely used sample-preparation technique for isolation, concentration, clean-up and medium exchange. To meet the varied needs of contemporary applications, there is available an ever-increasing range of sorbent chemistries based on inorganic oxides, low-specificity (chemically bonded, porous polymer and carbon) and compound and group-selective (ion exchange, mixed mode, macrocyclic, restricted access, immunoaffinity and molecularly imprinted polymer) materials. Advanced device formats facilitate processing of problem samples combined with a high level of automation. Approaches to computer-aided method development promise to replace tedious trial-and-error procedures with fast simulations based on suitable kinetic and retention models.
TL;DR: The demographic, reproductive, dietary, and health characteristics of the OS women are described, to provide a comprehensive view of both classical and novel risk factors, as well as secular trends in the predictors of healthy aging and disease events.
TL;DR: These results demonstrate that the strong suppression of the inclusive yield and back-to-back correlations at high p(T) previously observed in central Au+Au collisions are due to final-state interactions with the dense medium generated in such collisions.
Abstract: We report measurements of single-particle inclusive spectra and two-particle azimuthal distributions of charged hadrons at high transverse momentum (high p(T)) in minimum bias and central d+Au collisions at sqrt[s(NN)]=200 GeV. The inclusive yield is enhanced in d+Au collisions relative to binary-scaled p+p collisions, while the two-particle azimuthal distributions are very similar to those observed in p+p collisions. These results demonstrate that the strong suppression of the inclusive yield and back-to-back correlations at high p(T) previously observed in central Au+Au collisions are due to final-state interactions with the dense medium generated in such collisions.
TL;DR: The most recent knowledge about the mechanism of aminoglycoside action and the mechanisms of resistance to these antibiotics are reviewed.
Abstract: Aminoglycoside antibiotics have had a major impact on our ability to treat bacterial infections for the past half century. Whereas the interest in these versatile antibiotics continues to be high, their clinical utility has been compromised by widespread instances of resistance. The multitude of mechanisms of resistance is disconcerting but also illuminates how nature can manifest resistance when bacteria are confronted by antibiotics. This article reviews the most recent knowledge about the mechanisms of aminoglycoside action and the mechanisms of resistance to these antibiotics.
TL;DR: There has been an explosion in the amount of research on leadership in a cross-cultural context over the last several years as mentioned in this paper, and they describe major advances and emerging patterns in this research domain.
Abstract: It is almost cliche to say that there has been an explosion in the amount of research on leadership in a cross-cultural context. In this review, we describe major advances and emerging patterns in this research domain over the last several years. Our starting point for this update is roughly 1996–1997, since those are the dates of two important reviews of the cross-cultural leadership literature [specifically, House, Wright, and Aditya (House, R. J., Wright, N. S., & Aditya, R. N. (1997). Cross-cultural research on organizational leadership: A critical analysis and a proposed theory. In: P. C. Earley, & M. Erez (Eds.), New perspectives on international industrial/organizational psychology (pp. 535–625). San Francisco, CA) and Dorfman (Dorfman, P. W. (1996). International and cross-cultural leadership research. In: B. J. Punnett, & O. Shenkar (Eds.), Handbook for international management research, pp. 267–349, Oxford, UK: Blackwell)]. We describe the beginnings of the decline in the quest for universal leadership principles that apply equivalently across all cultures, and we focus on the increasing application of the dimensions of culture identified by Hofstede [Hofstede, G. (1980). Culture's consequences: International differences in work-related values (Abridged ed.). Newbury Park, CA: Sage] and others to describe variation in leadership styles, practices, and preferences. We also note the emergence of the field of cross-cultural leadership as a legitimate and independent field of endeavor, as reflected in the emergence of publication outlets for this research, and the establishment of long-term multinational multi-investigator research programs on the topic. We conclude with a discussion of progress made since the two pieces that were our departure point, and of progress yet to be made.
TL;DR: A complete set of the placental reaction patterns seen with amniotic fluid infection was assembled and validated in the hope that this might provide a standardized diagnostic framework useful for practicing pathologists.
Abstract: Clinically responsive placental examination seeks to provide useful information regarding the etiology, prognosis, and recurrence risk of pregnancy disorders. The purpose of this study was to assemble and validate a complete set of the placental reaction patterns seen with amniotic fluid infection in the hope that this might provide a standardized diagnostic framework useful for practicing pathologists. Study cases (14 with amniotic fluid infection, 6 controls) were reviewed blindly by six pathologists after agreement on a standard set of diagnostic criteria. After analysis of initial results, criteria were refined and a second, overlapping set of cases were reviewed. Majority vote served as the gold standard. Grading and staging of maternal and fetal inflammatory responses was found to be more reproducible using a two- versus three-tiered grading system than a three- versus five-tiered staging system (overall agreement 81% vs. 71%). Sensitivity, specificity, and efficiency for individual observations ranged from 67–100% (24/30 > 90%). Reproducibility was measured by unweighted kappa values and interpreted as follows: 0.6, substantial. Kappa values for the 12 lesions evaluated in 20 cases by the six pathologists were: acute chorioamnionitis/maternal inflammatory response (any, 0.93; severe 0.76; advanced stage, 0.49); chronic (subacute) chorioamnionitis (0.25); acute chorioamnionitis/fetal inflammatory response (any, 0.90; severe, 0.55; advanced stage, 0.52); chorionic vessel thrombi (0.37); peripheral funisitis (0.84); acute villitis (0.90); acute intervillositis/intervillous abscesses (0.65), and decidual plasma cells (0.30). Adoption of this clearly defined, clinically relevant, and pathologically reproducible terminology could enhance clinicopathologic correlation and provide a framework for future clinical research.
01 Mar 2003-Nuclear Instruments & Methods in Physics Research Section A-accelerators Spectrometers Detectors and Associated Equipment
TL;DR: An introduction to the STAR detector and a brief overview of the physics goals of the experiment can be found in this article, where the authors also present a detailed overview of their experiments.
Abstract: An introduction to the STAR detector and a brief overview of the physics goals of the experiment are presented.
TL;DR: Investigation of MUC5B expression demonstrated that IL-17's effect is at least partly mediated through IL-6 by a JAK2-dependent autocrine/paracrine loop, and evidence is presented to show that both IL-4, IL-9, and IL-13 mediate Muc5Bexpression through the ERK signaling pathway.
TL;DR: It is suggested that focusing on more distant effects results in enhanced learning by promoting the utilization of more natural control mechanisms, in line with a "constrained action" hypothesis.
Abstract: Previous studies (e.g., Wulf, Hoss, & Prinz, 1998) have shown that motor learning can be enhanced by directing performers' attention to the effects of their movements ("external focus"), rather than to the body movements producing the effect ("internal focus"). The purpose of the present study was to test the hypothesis that increasing the distance between the body and the action effects might further enhance the learning advantages associated with an external focus of attention. The distance of the external effect was manipulated by instructing three groups of participants learning to balance on a stabilometer to focus on markers attached to the platform located at different distances from their feet. Specifically, two groups were to focus on distant markers on the outside ("far-outside") or inside ("far-inside") of the platform, respectively, whereas another group was instructed to focus on markers close to their feet ("near"). In a retention test administered after two days of practice, all three external-focus groups showed generally more effective balance learning than an internal-focus control group. In addition, the far-outside and far-inside groups demonstrated similar performances, and both were more effective than the near group. Furthermore, the far-outside and far-inside groups showed higher-frequency movement adjustments than the near group. These results suggest that focusing on more distant effects results in enhanced learning by promoting the utilization of more natural control mechanisms. The findings are in line with a "constrained action" hypothesis that accounts for the relatively poorer learning associated with an attentional focus directed towards effects in close proximity to the body, or towards the body itself.
TL;DR: The Onto-Express (OE) tool as discussed by the authors automatically translates lists of differentially regulated genes into functional profiles characterizing the impact of the condition studied, and constructs functional profiles for the following categories: biochemical function, biological process, cellular role, cellular component, molecular function, and chromosome location.
TL;DR: The optimization methodology with microiterations, constraints, and step‐size control are illustrated by calculations on bacteriorhodopsin and other systems.
Abstract: Hybrid energy methods such as QM/MM and ONIOM, that combine different levels of theory into one calculation, have been very successful in describing large systems. Geometry optimization methods can take advantage of the partitioning of these calculations into a region treated at a quantum mechanical (QM) level of theory and the larger, remaining region treated by an inexpensive method such as molecular mechanics (MM). A series of microiterations can be employed to fully optimize the MM region for each optimization step in the QM region. Cartesian coordinates are used for the MM region and are chosen so that the internal coordinates of the QM region remain constant during the microiterations. The coordinates of the MM region are augmented to permit rigid body translation and rotation of the QM region. This is essential if any atoms in the MM region are constrained, but it also improves the efficiency of unconstrained optimizations. Because of the microiterations, special care is needed for the optimization step in the QM region so that the system remains in the same local valley during the course of the optimization. The optimization methodology with microiterations, constraints, and step-size control are illustrated by calculations on bacteriorhodopsin and other systems.