Measurement of Lepton-Jet Correlation in Deep-Inelastic Scattering with the H1 Detector Using Machine Learning for Unfolding.

The first measurement of lepton-jet momentum imbalance and azimuthal correlation in lepton-proton scattering at high momentum transfer is presented. These data, taken with the H1 detector at HERA, are corrected for detector effects using an unbinned machine learning algorithm (multifold), which considers eight observables simultaneously in this first application. The unfolded cross sections are compared with calculations performed within the context of collinear or transverse-momentum-dependent factorization in quantum chromodynamics as well as Monte Carlo event generators.

Phenomenological Constraints on the Transport Properties of QCD Matter with Data-Driven Model Averaging.

Using combined data from the Relativistic Heavy Ion and Large Hadron Colliders, we constrain the shear and bulk viscosities of quark-gluon plasma (QGP) at temperatures of ∼150-350 MeV. We use Bayesian inference to translate experimental and theoretical uncertainties into probabilistic constraints for the viscosities. With Bayesian model averaging we propagate an estimate of the model uncertainty generated by the transition from hydrodynamics to hadron transport in the plasma's final evolution stage, providing the most reliable phenomenological constraints to date on the QGP viscosities.

Utility of 18F-fluoroestradiol (18F-FES) PET/CT imaging as a pharmacodynamic marker in patients with refractory estrogen receptor-positive solid tumors receiving Z-endoxifen therapy.

BACKGROUND: Z-endoxifen is the most potent of the metabolites of tamoxifen, and has the potential to be more effective than tamoxifen because it bypasses potential drug resistance mechanisms attributable to patient variability in the expression of the hepatic microsomal enzyme CYP2D6. 18F-FES is a positron emission tomography (PET) imaging agent which selectively binds to estrogen receptor alpha (ER-α) and has been used for non-invasive in vivo assessment of ER activity in tumors. This study utilizes 18F-FES PET imaging as a pharmacodynamic biomarker in patients with ER+ tumors treated with Z-endoxifen. METHODS: Fifteen patients were recruited from a parent therapeutic trial of Z-endoxifen and underwent imaging with 18F-FES PET at baseline. Eight had positive lesions on the baseline scan and underwent follow-up imaging with 18F-FES 1-5 days post administration of Z-endoxifen. RESULTS: Statistically significant changes (p = 0.0078) in standard uptake value (SUV)-Max were observed between the baseline and follow-up scans as early as 1 day post drug administration. CONCLUSION: F-FES PET imaging could serve as a pharmacodynamic biomarker for patients treated with ER-directed therapy.

Vitreous loss during cataract surgery: prevention and optimal management.

Vitreous loss during cataract surgery is associated with a poor visual outcome. Experienced surgeons and those performing a high volume of cataract operations have lower rates of vitreous loss. Risk stratification systems, which allow prediction of intraoperative complications from preoperative criteria exist, so that less experienced surgeons can avoid higher risk cases. The management of vitreous loss includes counselling patients before surgery of the potential risks and complications. When vitreous loss occurs, it is important for the surgeon to avoid actions [corrected] which increase the chance of disaster for the eye. These include phacoemulsification in the presence of vitreous and attempts to recover dropped lens fragments from the posterior segment without vitrectomy. There are advantages in performing an anterior vitrectomy by the pars plana route rather than through the anterior chamber and this approach is facilitated by sutureless 23-gauge instruments. Dislocation of lens nuclear fragments into the vitreous is associated with a high incidence of retinal detachment as well as secondary glaucoma and cystoid macular oedema. Early involvement of a retinal surgeon in the management of these eyes is recommended.

Imaging and nanomedicine for diagnosis and therapy in the central nervous system: report of the eleventh annual Blood-Brain Barrier Disruption Consortium meeting.

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) presents a major obstacle to the treatment of malignant brain tumors and other central nervous system (CNS) diseases. The Eleventh Annual Blood-Brain Barrier Disruption Consortium Meeting was convened to discuss recent advances and future directions in imaging and nanomedicine. Two sessions, one on Cell and Molecular Imaging in the CNS and another on Nanotechnology, Nanobiology, and Nanomedicine, were held March 17-18, 2005, in Portland, Ore. CNS imaging presentations targeted differentiating tumor, neural lesions, and necrosis from healthy brain tissue; methods of delivery of imaging agents across the BBB; and new iron oxide-based nanoparticle contrast agents for MR imaging. Nanobiology presentations covered the development of new nanotechnology and its use in imaging, diagnosis, and therapy in the CNS. Discussions at this meeting stressed the role of biotechnology in the convergence of CNS imaging and nanomedicine and are summarized in this article.

Intraocular surgery for optic nerve disorders.

This article discusses two current indications for intraocular surgery for optic nerve conditions. The first topic is macular detachment in association with congenital optic disc pit, and includes a review of the theories of pathogenesis and management options including our own experience of treatment with vitrectomy and gas tamponade. In addition, the histopathological findings of a new case of optic disc pit with serous macular detachment are presented, adding to the rare examples previously reported. The second subject is a radial optic neurotomy, a recently advocated treatment for central retinal vein occlusion, which, despite its controversial nature, is gaining in popularity.

Modified Kidner procedure utilizing a Mitek bone anchor.

The recent development of small bone suture anchors has created several potential applications in reconstructive surgery of the foot. Mitek bone anchors are simple to insert, require less aggressive dissection and surgical time than reefing of the redundant posterior tibial tendon, and are a reliable method of tendon-to-bone fixation. Mitek bone anchors are an excellent technique for the treatment of redundant tibialis posterior tendon following a modified Kidner procedure. In modified Kidner procedures involving an excessively large os tibiale externum, Mitek anchoring of the redundant tibialis posterior tendon to the navicular bone is an excellent means for secure plication of the posterior tibial tendon in cases involving intraoperative tendon laxity. A description of the Mitek Anchor System and technique of application in a modified Kinder procedure is presented. The purpose of this study was to describe patient satisfaction and long-term clinical outcomes of the modified Kinder procedure with and without the Mitek bone anchoring system. A retrospective study of the modified Kinder procedure was performed with 13 patients being evaluated, seven with Mitek anchoring and six without. The University of Maryland 100-point Painful Foot Center Scoring System was modified to be more specific to the modified Kinder procedure for assessment of subjective long-term results. Patient overall satisfaction was rated good to excellent by 85.6% of patients in the Mitek group and by 100% of patients in the non-Mitek group. Use of the Mitek anchor allowed for quicker postoperative recovery to resumption of ambulation without assistive devices (average of 3 weeks vs. 4.42 weeks) and a quicker return to pain-free ambulation in normal shoegear (average of 4 weeks vs. 6 weeks). Mitek anchoring of the tibialis posterior tendon, theoretically, increases medial arch support as evidenced by 14% of the Mitek group and 67% of the non-Mitek group requiring postoperative orthotics.

An approach to defining and operationalizing critical thinking.

The faculty in a midwestern university confronted the imperative to define and measure critical thinking in the nursing undergraduate curriculum. Theoretical and operational definitions were developed by faculty through literature review, extensive discussion, student participation, and evaluation. These activities also led to the generation of a list of indicators to assess the presence of critical thinking. Through the process faculty have developed a deeper understanding of critical thinking and fostered students' critical thinking abilities.

Adenocarcinoma of the lung with metatarsal metastasis.

Foot pain is a most unusual presentation of metastatic malignancy. Metastases to the hands or feet (acrometastases) have been recognized in only a few cases. A 68-year-old male, with a history of chronic gout, presented with left foot pain for 3 months duration. After conservative treatment failed to relieve his pain, radiographic and eventual bone biopsy of a cystic lesion involving the first metatarsal head revealed a Grade IV adenocarcinoma.

Exploring the concept of health among adolescents with diabetes using photography.

The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the concept of health among adolescents with diabetes. Photography was used to facilitate communication. Participants were given Polaroid cameras with instructions to take pictures illustrating health. They were then asked to explain in writing how their pictures demonstrated the concept. The participants produced 46 pictures and 53 descriptive expressions, which were analyzed for content. Health was described as energy, positive feelings, absence of illness, strength, activity, fitness, mental ability, and relationships. There were also descriptions of what one does to be healthy, which included eating nutritious food, exercising, engaging in diabetes-related care, sleeping, studying, relaxing, maintaining hygiene, and obtaining shelter.

Magnetic resonance imagery of a calcaneal lipoma.

An intraosseous lipoma of the calcaneus has been present and stable in this patient for at least 16 years; the only change has been an increase in the central calcification of the tumor. Because of the apparent stability of the lesion and the patient's complete lack of symptoms, no surgical intervention has been attempted. A baseline magnetic resonance image of the tumor was obtained to confirm the diagnosis and to aid in ruling out malignant degeneration of the tumor. The magnetic resonance image appearance of the calcaneal lipoma; increased signal intensity on T1-weighted images, with areas of decreased signal intensity centrally within the lesion; and corresponding increased signal intensity on the T2-weighted images and Short Tau Inversion Recovery suppression, are consistent with the descriptions from various texts on magnetic resonance imaging of the foot and ankle.

Musculoskeletal injury: pathologic fractures of the femur.

A pathologic fracture is one that occurs in abnormal bone during normal activity or after minimal trauma. Pathologic fractures occur most often in the spine, pelvis, humerus, ribs, and femur. Pain is the primary complaint of patients presenting with pathologic fracture or impending fracture. Pain is also the primary concern for the patient and the major indication for treatment of pathologic femur fractures.

The optics of fundus examination.

It has been 140 years since the invention of the ophthalmoscope in 1851 by Herman von Helmholtz. Since then, a considerable amount of time and effort has been devoted to improving the clinician's view of the fundus both for diagnostic and therapeutic reasons. Recently, there have been some notable advances in this respect, such as the 90 diopter lens, the "2.2 pan retinal" lens, and numerous "wide angle" fundus-viewing contact lenses to which the Volk Quadraspheric fundus lens has been the most recent addition. This paper is a review of the optical principles underlying the methods of fundus examination currently available.

Vitrectomy, argon laser, and gas tamponade for serous retinal detachment associated with an optic disc pit: a case report.

We report the case of a 9-year-old boy with a right optic disc pit and associated serous retinal detachment of the macula. This was treated by vitrectomy, endolaser, and gas tamponade as a primary procedure, which resulted in complete resolution. We review the literature and conclude that further reports of the management of this uncommon condition are required so that firmer guidelines on treatment can be established.

Behaviour of intraocular gases.

The changes in volume of intraocular bubbles of air, sulphur hexafluoride, perfluoropropane and mixtures of these gases, were studied in human eyes, following vitrectomy for treatment of retinal detachment. The implications of these findings, for the provision of optimal internal tamponade in the treatment of retinal detachment, are discussed.

Retinal relieving incisions.

Retinal relieving incisions were undertaken during closed microsurgery for the treatment of retinal detachment complicated by retinal shortening as a result of incarceration or irresectable epiretinal membranes. In 16 of 20 eyes the retina remained attached after a minimum follow up of six months. Visual acuity of 2/60 or better was achieved in eleven of the 20 eyes and seven eyes had an acuity of 6/60 or better. Retinal relieving incisions are required in a minority of retinal re-attachment procedures and are compatible with useful visual function.

Closed microsurgery for the sequelae of neovascularisation from veno-occlusive retinopathies.

Our experience of closed microsurgery for vitreous haemorrhage and/or traction retinal detachment complicating extraretinal neovascularisation after retinal vein occlusion or Eales' and Behçet's periphlebitis is discussed. Many of these eyes represented a relatively simple management problem, but the visual outcome was often compromised by intrinsic macular damage. Some eyes had complicated vitreoretinal relationships which presented unexpected technical difficulties, while persisting retinal ischaemia posed the risk of rubeosis iridis or post-operative vitreous haemorrhage unless scatter endophotocoagulation was used.

Intraocular gas measurement using A-scan ultrasound.

A-scan ultrasound was used to measure the position of the gas-fluid interface in eyes following vitrectomy and gas internal tamponade. Using 20 eyes of 19 patients it was found that in most instances the gas-fluid interface could be measured to within 0.5mm. The procedure was simple to perform and was well tolerated by the patients. This appears a useful way of monitoring changes in intraocular gas volume.