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.

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.

Precision of cell density estimates and endothelial cell loss with age.

The precision of estimating endothelial cell density of the cornea, using a noncontact method of specular microscopy, was assessed by asking eight individuals with known densities in one operated-on and one unoperated-on eye to have photography on two occasions in the same day. Three photographs of each eye were assessed by two individuals using masking procedures. Interobserver differences were negligible and estimates were similar except for one eye with low density values. The method was applied to a natural history study in which 103 eyes had cell-density estimates at zero and two years, and mean cell loss was found to be 2%. A collateral study using only good photographs that were available at both zero and two years showed a similar loss of 1.86% and reduced the number of counts showing unexpectedly high gains and losses.

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.

Pseudophakodonesis and corneal endothelial contact: direct observations by high-speed cinematography.

High-speed cinematography was used to observe the movement of Federov type I lens implants within the anterior chamber. Our measurements suggest that in most patients contact between the lens implant and corneal endothelium does not occur.

Intralesional corticosteroid therapy of chalazia: a comparison with incision and curettage.

Patients with chalazia were randomly allocated to treatment by intralesional triamcinolone injection or incision and curettage. Incision and curettage resulted in a significantly higher rate of resolution by two weeks after treatment.

Oral fluorescein and cystoid macular oedema: detection in aphakic and pseudophakic eyes.

The ingestion of oral fluorescein in 38 consecutive cases 6 to 7 weeks after cataract surgery with and without iris clip lens implantation permitted satisfactory fluorography to detect all cases of clinical cystoid macular oedema. There were no adverse reactions from any test subject.

Protein-binding polyhedral boranes II: DL-S-(10-dimethylsulfidooctahydrodecaborane)methionine.

An analog of methionine, DL-S-(10-dimethylsulfidooctahydrodecaborane)methionine, was synthesized from fully protected homoserine. A protected dipeptide with glycine is described.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.