Replicability in measures of attentional set-shifting task performance predicting chronic heavy drinking in rhesus monkeys

This study was designed to replicate and extend a previous report that the increase in performance of an attentional set-shifting task (ASST) in rhesus monkeys predicted their future alcohol drinking status as a heavy drinker (HD) or non-heavy drinker (NHD). A cohort of 6 young adult male monkeys was trained and tested under the same ASST and then underwent a alcohol self-administration protocol that maintained open-access (22 hours/day) choice of alcohol or water 7 days/week for approximately 6 months. The average improvement in performance in the ASST, as measured by a performance index, was replicated in the cohort of 6 monkeys when compared to the increase in the task performance in a previous cohort of 9 male monkeys. The alcohol self-administration protocol was then used to determine the drinking status (HD: n = 4 or NHD: n = 2) of the replicate cohort, which was accurately predicted by the performance on the ASST. Finally, individuals from both cohorts could be combined based on future drinking status of HD (n = 8) or NHD (n = 7), and the association with pre-alcohol ASST performance remained. Specifically, monkeys that had lower rates of PI improvement were more likely to become HDs. To our knowledge, this is the first study to replicate that deficits in the set-shifting performance can predict chronic heavy alcohol drinking in primates.

One-stage oblique lateral corridor antibiotic-cement reconstruction for Candida spondylodiscitis in patients with major comorbidities: Preliminary experience

Fungal spondylodiscitis is rare (0.5%-1.6% of spondylodiscitis) and mainly caused by Candida albicans. Surgical intervention in spondylodiscitis patients is indicated for compression of neural elements, spinal instability, severe kyphosis, failure of conservative management and intractable pain. However, there is no evidence-based optimal surgical approach for spondylodiscitis. There have been only case reports of surgical treatment for Candida spondylodiscitis. We evaluated the preliminary results of the efficacy and safety of one-stage debridement via oblique lateral corridor with interbody fusion (OLIF) using stand-alone cement reconstruction after debridement for the treatment of Candida spondylodiscitis in patients with major co-morbidities. Five patients (4 males, 1 female, mean age: 64.2 years) suffering from Candida albicans lumbar spondylodiscitis who underwent this procedure were studied. Their predominant symptoms were unremitting back and leg pain and all had pre and postoperative anti-fungal therapy under microbiologist supervision. The operative time ranged from 137minutes to 260minutes (mean: 213.4minutes). The mean blood loss was 160mL (range: 100-200mL). There were no perioperative complications. At follow-up all showed major improvement in pain and ambulatory status. CT scan showed radiological stability for all patients at 6-12 months. Our preliminary results showed stand-alone anterior debridement and spinal re-construction with cement through mini-open OLIF approach might be a safe and effective option for patients with spinal fungal infection and major comorbidities.

Long-term complications of minimally-open anterolateral interbody fusion for L5-S1

BACKGROUND

Multiple surgical techniques and approaches exist to obtain lumbar interbody fusion. Anterolateral (oblique) is a relatively recent technique. Controversy exists for its use at the L5-S1 level. We performed this study in order to show the safety and efficacy of this technique. The aim of this study was to report the long-term complications and fusion rates of minimally-open (mini-open) anterolateral interbody fusion at the L5-S1 level.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed all patients who underwent mini-open anterolateral interbody fusion for L5-S1 level in our department. The data collected were the following: age, sex, surgical indication, acute (less than four weeks) and long-term complications (>3 months), fusion at six months and length of follow-up.

RESULTS

Seventeen patients (8M/9F) underwent mini-open anterolateral interbody fusion at L5-S1. The mean age was 64.5 years. The surgical indication was scoliosis in 10 cases, flat back in 4 cases, and spondylolisthesis in 3 cases. All patients underwent a complementary posterior procedure that included fixation. Mean blood loss was 252.9mL for the anterior procedure. Eight acute and minor complications occurred (anemia, delirium, and psoas paresis). Two acute complications required surgical intervention (cage displacement and hematoma). Long-term complications were observed in 2 cases and included proximal junction kyphosis and non-union. The fusion rate was evaluated at 88%. The mean follow-up period was 28.3 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Mini-open anterolateral interbody fusion at the L5-S1 level is safe and results in fusion at the same rate as anterior interbody fusion. Most acute complications are minor and resolve spontaneously.

AGR - 2 Diagnosis of Posterior Cortical Atrophy Through Inter-Departmental Collaboration

Objective

We present a patient with rapidly progressive visual decline of 2-year duration that interfered with daily functioning. She was evaluated by neuro-ophthalmology and neurology prior to neuropsychological referral. A series of evaluations led to diagnosis of posterior cortical atrophy, demonstrating the importance of inter-departmental collaboration.

Method

A 66-year old white female presented with a 2-year history of progressive changes to vision and memory. Medical history included hypertension, dyslipidemia, and a strong family history of optic neuropathy causing blindness. She was diagnosed with a left homonymous hemianopia. MRI revealed "significant cortical atrophy more remarkable on the right temporal, parietal, and occipital regions." She reported dressing apraxia, unsteady gait, declines in reading and writing, and difficulty recalling well-learned information.

Results

She was a good historian, had fluent speech and no apparent comprehension difficulty. Neuropsychological evaluation revealed relatively preserved language and verbal abilities, including confrontation naming, in the presence of otherwise impaired performances across all domains of functioning. She demonstrated agraphia, acalculia, left-right confusion, and difficulties with motor programming. Perceptual and constructional tasks revealed prominent deficits in visual integration, map orientation, form discrimination, and construction of simple geometric designs. She was perseverative and susceptible to verbal and visual stimulus pull.

Conclusions

The pattern on neuropsychological testing, with prominent visual spatial and perceptual difficulties, was consistent with posterior cortical atrophy. The decline in visual ability is likely exacerbated but not entirely explained by left hemianopia. Neuropsychological, neuroimaging, and visual field evidence demonstrated posterior cortical atrophy in the absence of positive biomarker evidence, leading to initiation of anti-cholinesterase therapy.

Switching at small magnetic fields in Josephson junctions fabricated with ferromagnetic barrier layers

Nb-based Josephson junctions have been fabricated, which can select one of two states depending on the relative magnetization of their ferromagnetic barrier layers. To minimize the free-layer switching energy, while maintaining adequate thermal stability at 4.2 K, a dilute Cu-permalloy alloy [Cu0.7(Ni80Fe20)0.3] with a low magnetic saturation (Ms ∼ 80 emu/cm3) is used. The optimal thickness of the permalloy (Ni80Fe20) fixed-layer is shown to be 2.4 nm. Such devices exhibit switching at magnetic fields as low as 5 Oe, demonstrating their potential use in low power non-volatile memory for superconductor digital circuits.

Spinning disk for compressive imaging

We report the first, to the best of our knowledge, experimental implementation of a spinning-disk configuration for high-speed compressive image acquisition. A single rotating mask (i.e., the spinning disk) with random binary patterns was utilized to spatially modulate a collimated terahertz (THz) or IR beam. After propagating through the sample, the THz or IR beam was measured using a single detector, and THz and IR images were subsequently reconstructed using compressive sensing. We demonstrate that a 32-by-32 pixel image could be obtained from 160 to 240 measurements in both the IR and THz ranges. This spinning-disk configuration allows the use of an electric motor to rotate the spinning disk, thus enabling the experiment to be performed automatically and continuously. This, together with its compact design and computational efficiency, makes it promising for real-time imaging applications.

The Structure and Electrical Properties of Au Contacts to GaAs

The structure and electrical properties of Au contacts to GaAs have been studied by analytical and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM) combined with electrical characterization and photoemission spec-troscopy (PES). The contacts were prepared by in-situ deposition of Au onto ultra-high vacuum cleaved n-GaAs (110) surfaces. The effects of annealing on the electrical, morphological and chemical properties of the Au:GaAs contacts were studied. It was shown that the formation of Schottky contacts is correlated with the change in stoichiometry of the GaAs substrate near the Au/GaAs interface. The change to ohmic behavior for the samples annealed above Au-Ga eutectic was explained by leakage currents at the periphery of the devices. TEM micrographs of the structures revealed the existence of elongated Au crystallites on the GaAs surface at the periphery of the contacts. These leakage currents were eliminated by removing the current path at the periphery using a mesa-etch.

Metallization of GaN Thin Films Prepared by Ion Beam Assisted Molecular Beam Epitaxy

Gallium nitride has generated much interest due to its ability to emit light in the blue to UV range [1]. We have investigated the ohmic contact properties of various metals evaporated onto highly auto-doped n-type GaN thin films which were grown on basal sapphire substrates by ion-assisted molecular beam epitaxy (IAMBE). Electrical measurements of transmission line structures with the metals In, InSn and AuGeNi revealed a wide range of contact resistivity (10∼2 to 10-6 Ω-cm2) which changed with annealing.

Structural Defects in Heteroepitaxial and Homoepitaxial GaN

The microstructure and characteristic defects of heteroepitaxial GaN films grown on sapphire using molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) and metal-organic-chemical-vapor-deposition (MOCVD) methods and of homoepitaxial GaN grown on bulk substrates are described based on transmission electron microscopy (TEM), x-ray diffraction, and cathodoluminescence (CL) studies. The difference in arrangement of dislocations along grain boundaries and die influence of buffer layers on the quality of epitaxial films is described. The structural quality of GaN epilayers is compared to diat of bulk GaN crystals grown from dilute solution of atomic nitrogen in liquid gallium. The full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the x-ray rocking curves for these crystals was in the range of 20–30 arc sec, whereas for the heteroepitaxially grown GaN the FWHM was in the range of 5–20 arc min. Homoepitaxial MBE grown films had FWHMs of about 40 arc sec. The best film quality was obtained for homoepitaxial films grown using MOCVD; these samples were almost free from extended defects. For the bulk GaN crystals a substantial difference in crystal perfection was observed for the opposite sides of the plates shaped normal to the c direction. On one side the surface was almost atomically flat, and the underlying material was free of any extended structural defects, while the other side was rough, with a high density of planar defects. This difference was related to the polarity of the crystal. A large difference in crystal stoichiometry was also observed within different sublayers of the crystals. Based on convergent beam electron diffraction and cathodoluminescence, it is proposed that GaN antisite defects are related to the yellow luminescence observed in these crystals.

Suppression of the critical temperature of superconducting NdFeAs(OF) single crystals by Kondo-like defect sites induced by alpha-particle irradiation

We report the effect of alpha-particle irradiation on the reduction of the critical temperature T{c} of a NdFeAs(OF) single crystal. Our data indicate that irradiation defects cause both nonmagnetic and magnetic scattering, resulting in the Kondo-like excess resistance Delta rho(T) proportional to lnT over 2 decades in temperatures above T{c}. The critical density of magnetic irradiation defects which suppresses T{c} is found to be much higher than those for cuprates and multiband BCS superconductors. We suggest that such anomalously weak pair breaking by irradiation defects indicates that magnetic scattering in pnictides is coupled with pairing interactions mediated by spin fluctuations.

[Transient visual loss: a practical approach]

Transient vision loss results from a variety of disorders including benign dry eye as well as vision- or life-threatening disorders such as giant cell arteritis. The goal of the initial evaluation is to determine the most likely mechanism based on the past medical history, characteristics of visual loss, and ophthalmologic and neurologic examinations. The ophthalmologist is often the first physician consulted and plays an essential role. Indeed, identification of the mechanism of transient visual loss allows the care-taker to properly decide on the work-up, its timing (emergency or otherwise), and subsequent treatment.

Zn(5)Sb(4)In(2-delta) - a ternary derivative of thermoelectric zinc antimonides

Zn(5)Sb(4)In(2-delta) (delta = 0.15(3)) was synthesized in the form of millimeter-sized crystals from reaction mixtures containing excess zinc. The ternary intermetallic compound is temperature polymorphic, and at room temperature it crystallizes with a new structure type in the orthorhombic space group Pbcn, where a = 7.1619(2), b = 17.1562(4), c = 8.6887(4) A, V = 1067.6(1) A(3), and Z = 4. The structure features 3(2)434 nets of Sb atoms that are stacked in antiposition to yield layers of square antiprisms sharing edges plus intervening tetracapped tetrahedra (tetreadersterns). The majority of Zn atoms occupy peripheral tetrahedra of such tetraedersterns, and attain at the same time the peculiar five-coordination by one like atom and four Sb atoms typical for the structures of binary zinc antimonides. The In and remaining Zn atoms are distributed in the tetragonal channels formed by the square antiprisms and display some disorder. At temperatures below 200 K Zn(5)Sb(4)In(2-delta) undergoes a phase transition into a more ordered structure with monoclinic symmetry (P2(1)/c) without any change of the unit cell. The thermoelectric properties of Zn(5)Sb(4)In(2-delta) were measured between 10 and 350 K. Exceptionally low thermal conductivity values (1 W/mK range) were obtained in the whole temperature range. Resistivity and thermopower values are characteristic of a heavily doped or degenerate semiconductor (2.5 mOmega cm and 160 muV/K, respectively, at room temperature) and show a discontinuity around 220 K. The thermoelectric figure of merit of Zn(5)Sb(4)In(2-delta) is higher than that of Zn(4)Sb(3) in the investigated temperature range.

Impact of tumor size on survival in stage IB (T2N0M0) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

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Background: Patients with stage IB NSCLC have a relatively poor survival of ∼60% despite adequate surgical resection. The role of adjuvant chemotherapy in this disease remains controversial since the results of the IALT, JBR.10, ANITA and CALGB 9633 trials. It is important to risk stratify patients with Stage IB NSCLC and to offer adjuvant therapies to those at greatest risk for recurrence. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of 216 consecutive, surgically treated patients with stage IB NSCLC. None of the patients received adjuvant chemotherapy. We studied the association of various clinical factors as well as tumor size and visceral pleural invasion upon tumor recurrence, disease free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) at 5 years. Results: Of 216 patients, 135 (62%) were male, 97 (45%) had adenocarcinoma, 115 (53%) had poorly differentiated tumors and the majority (88%) were treated with lobectomy. Visceral pleural invasion was noted in 37 (17%) patients. The 5 year OS and DFS rates were 59% and 54% respectively. Tumor size was = 4cm in 120 (56%) patients, 4.1–5 cm and >5cm in 48 (22%) patients each. The 5 year DFS was 40% and 58% for tumors > 5cm and = 5 cm respectively (p < 0.01). The 5 year OS was 49% and 61% respectively for tumors > 5cm and = 5cm. Pleural invasion was a predictor for DFS in the univariate analysis (p < 0.01) but not for OS. In the multivariable analysis, tumor size = 5cm was the only independent predictor of improved DFS (HR 0.46, C.I. 0.25–.84) and OS (HR=0.43, C.I. 0.23–0.80). Age, gender, histology, differentiation and visceral pleural invasion did not impact upon survival. Conclusions: In stage IB NSCLC, tumors > 5cm in diameter have a significantly worse prognosis. These findings if confirmed in other large series, make a case for subdividing Stage IB NSCLC. Tumor size appears to be the most important factor in risk stratification for patients with stage IB NSCLC. Hence patients with large tumors should be offered adjuvant therapy.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Conservative non-pharmacological treatment options are not frequently used in the management of hip osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most frequent joint disorder in seniors. Systematic reviews suggest that conservative treatment is effective and preferred in mild-moderate cases. The objective of this study was to examine the proportion of patients receiving physiotherapy, exercise or walking aids, and to explore factors associated with their prescription. We conducted a retrospective survey of patients about to undergo total hip arthroplasty for hip osteoarthritis. Patients were asked about past prescriptions for cane use, physiotherapy and exercise. Of 161 patients (36.6% male, mean age 68.7+/-10.1 years), 76% were prescribed a cane (adherence=86.2%). The main reason for not using a cane was vanity. Of the 28.0% patients prescribed physiotherapy, 73.3% received exercises compared to only 2.6% of non-physiotherapy patients. Patients who were older or worked in manual labour were more likely to be prescribed a cane and less likely to be prescribed physiotherapy or exercises. Men were less likely than women to be prescribed all three, but only cane use was statistically significant across genders. In conclusion, physiotherapy and exercise are not commonly prescribed in patients with hip OA.

Inorganic dust exposure causes pulmonary fibrosis in smokers: analysis using light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy

Smoking is alleged to cause pulmonary fibrosis, but the role of inorganic dust particulates has not been adequately examined. The authors hypothesize that inorganic dust exposure is an independent risk factor for the development of fibrosis in smokers. They studied a prospective series of 34 subjects with open lung biopsies, 18 of whom had adequate lung parenchyma for evaluation. They also examined the relationships between smoking (pack-years), respiratory bronchiolitis (RB), inorganic dusts, and interstitial fibrosis. They graded RB, fibrosis, and particulate dust by means of light microscopy. They performed a semiquantitative analysis of dust burden by using scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. A logistic regression analysis demonstrated a significant association between smoking and RB (p = .03), but not between smoking and fibrosis or between RB and fibrosis. Fibrosis was significantly associated with silica (p = .004) and titanium (p = .0006) concentrations. The results support the authors' hypothesis.

Targeting epitopes in prostate-specific membrane antigen for antibody therapy of prostate cancer

Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is a target for immunotherapy of prostate cancer. It has been shown that antibodies against PSMA inhibited the in vivo growth of LNCaP tumor. In the present study, monoclonal antibodies against four epitopes in PSMA were raised. MAb 24.4E6 (IgG1), specific for the epitope (residues 638-657) in PSMA, significantly reduced the growth rate of established LNCaP tumor in SCID mice. Mouse IgG was detected in the tumor of mice treated with 24.4E6, but not with an unrelated MAb. These results suggest that this epitope may be the main target in PSMA for antibody therapy of prostate cancer.

Role of embedded clustering in dilute magnetic semiconductors: Cr doped GaN

Results of extensive density-functional studies provide direct evidence that Cr atoms in Cr:GaN have a strong tendency to form embedded clusters, occupying Ga sites. Significantly, for larger than 2-Cr-atom clusters, states containing antiferromagnetic coupling with net spin in the range 0.06-1.47 muB/Cr are favored. We propose a picture where various configurations coexist and the statistical distribution and associated magnetism will depend sensitively on the growth details. Such a view may elucidate many puzzling observations related to the structural and magnetic properties of III-N and other dilute semiconductors.

Heterocyclic amines and genotype of N-acetyltransferases as risk factors for prostate cancer

A variety of carcinogenic heterocyclic amines are produced during the cooking of meat at high temperatures. These carcinogens are metabolized by N-acetyltransferases (NAT), which are polymorphic in the population. This study examined associations between prostate cancer (PCa) and the consumption of different kinds of meat, heterocyclic amine intake and NAT genotypes. PCa patients and controls were recruited in the Syracuse, NY area. Levels of meat and heterocyclic amine intakes were determined from validated surveys and NAT genotypes were determined by the sequences of PCR-amplified DNA from buccal swabs. A total of 152 cases and 161 controls were eligible for analysis. There was an association between PCa and history of PCa in the first-degree blood relatives (OR = 4.59, 95% CI 2.21-9.70), and family history of bladder cancer (P < 0.02). However, there was no association with the history of other cancers. There was no association between PCa and either 2-amino-3,8-dimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline (MeIQx), 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP) intake, or NAT1 and NAT2 genotypes. However, there was a trend of association with MeIQx and with rapid NAT2 and NAT1*10 in combination with PhIP. A new NAT1 allele with a frequency of one out of 544 chromosomes was found in the Caucasian subjects.

Half-metallicity and efficient spin injection in AlN/GaN:Cr (0001) heterostructure

First-principles investigations of the structural, electronic, and magnetic properties of Cr-doped AlN/GaN (0001) heterostructures reveal the possibility of efficient spin injection from a ferromagnetic GaN:Cr electrode through an AlN tunnel barrier. We demonstrate that Cr atoms segregate into the GaN region and that these interfaces retain their half-metallic behavior leading to a complete, i.e., 100%, spin polarization of the conduction electrons. This property makes the wide band-gap nitrides doped with Cr to be excellent candidates for high-efficiency magnetoelectronic devices.

Laser hair removal with alexandrite versus diode laser using four treatment sessions: 1-year results

BACKGROUND

Laser hair removal is the treatment of choice for hypertrichosis. The two most commonly used hair removal lasers are compared.

OBJECTIVE

To present the results of a comparative study examining the role of wavelength, fluence, spot size, pulse width, and cooling systems on long-term results after a series of four laser hair removal treatments using the 755 nm alexandrite and 800-810 nm diode lasers.

METHODS

The axillae of 15 untanned, type I-V patients were treated side by side four times at 4- to 6-week intervals with a 755 nm, 3-msec pulse width, cryogen spray-equipped alexandrite laser and an 800 nm, variable pulse width, cooled sapphire window-equipped diode laser. Each patient was pretested and treated with the maximum fluence tolerated at the largest spot size available for each laser (12 mm round/113 mm2 for the alexandrite and 9 mm for the diode).

RESULTS

Evaluations were done at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after the last treatment. Twelve-month results with the alexandrite and diode lasers achieved 85% versus 84% hair reduction. The fact that tan avoidance was strictly followed permitted the use of relatively high fluences (25-30+ J/cm(2)) even in type IV patients. For most patients, four treatment sessions using high fluences (30-40 J/cm(2)) with relatively large spot sizes (12 mm round for the 755 nm alexandrite and 9 mm for the 800 nm diode) resulted in 12-month hair reductions in the 90% range.

CONCLUSION

Both the alexandrite and diode lasers in this 12-month study produced excellent long-term hair reductions.

Laser hair removal: long-term results with a 755 nm alexandrite laser

BACKGROUND

Hypertrichosis is a common problem for which laser hair removal is becoming the treatment of choice. Optimal wavelength, pulse duration, spot size, fluence, and skin cooling parameters for various skin types have not yet been firmly established.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of a 3-msec 755 nm alexandrite laser equipped with a cryogen cooling device for patients with Fitzpatrick skin types I-V.

METHODS

Eighty-nine untanned patients with skin types I-V underwent a total of 492 treatments of laser hair removal over a 15-month period. Each patient in the study underwent a minimum of three treatment sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart (mean treatments 5.6). Retrospective chart review and patient interviews were used to establish hair reduction results. Treatment sites included the axillae, bikini, extremities, face, and trunk. A 3-msec pulse width, 755 nm alexandrite laser equipped with a cryogen spray cooling device was used in this study. Spot sizes of 10-15 mm were used. A spot size of 10 mm was used for fluences greater than 40 J/cm(2), a spot size of 12 mm was used for fluences of 35-40 J/cm(2), and spot sizes of 12 and 15 mm were used for fluences less than 30 J/cm(2). Fluences ranging from 20 to 50 J/cm(2) (mean fluence 36 J/cm(2)) were used.

RESULTS

The patients had a mean 74% hair reduction. Skin type I patients had an average of 78.5% hair reduction using a mean fluence of 40 J/cm(2) (35-50 J/cm(2)) and a 10-12 mm spot size (12 mm in more than 95% of treatments). Skin type II patients had a mean 74.3% hair reduction using a mean fluence of 38 J/cm(2) (30-40 J/cm2) and a 12-15 mm spot size. Skin type III patients had a mean 73.4% hair reduction using a mean fluence of 37 J/cm(2) (25-40 J/cm(2)) and a 12-15 mm spot size. Skin type IV patients had a mean 71.0% hair reduction using a mean fluence of 31 J/cm2 (25-35 J/cm(2)) and a 12-15 mm spot size. A patient with skin type V had a 60% hair reduction using a mean fluence of 23 J/cm(2) (20-25 J/cm(2)) and a 12-15 mm spot size. The efficiency of hair removal directly correlates significantly with the fluence used. Rare side effects included transient postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (n = 9; 10%), burn with blisters (n = 1; 1%), and postinflammatory hypopigmentation (n = 2; 2%). All complications resolved without permanent scarring.

CONCLUSION

The 3-msec cryogen cooling-equipped alexandrite laser can safely and effectively achieve long-term hair removal in patients with skin types I-V. The best results are achieved in untanned patients with skin types I-IV.