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We report the first sub-arcsecond VLA imaging of 6 GHz continuum, methanol maser, and excited-state hydroxyl maser emission toward the massive protostellar cluster NGC6334I following the recent 2015 outburst in (sub)millimeter continuum toward MM1, the strongest (sub)millimeter source in the protocluster. In addition to detections toward the previously known 6.7 GHz Class II methanol maser sites in the hot core MM2 and the UCHII region MM3 (NGC6334F), we find new maser features toward several components of MM1, along with weaker features $\sim1''$ north, west, and southwest of MM1, and toward the non-thermal radio continuum source CM2. None of these areas have heretofore exhibited Class II methanol maser emission in three decades of observations. The strongest MM1 masers trace a dust cavity, while no masers are seen toward the strongest dust sources MM1A, 1B and 1D. The locations of the masers are consistent with a combination of increased radiative pumping due to elevated dust grain temperature following the outburst, the presence of infrared photon propagation cavities, and the presence of high methanol column densities as indicated by ALMA images of thermal transitions. The non-thermal radio emission source CM2 ($2''$ north of MM1) also exhibits new maser emission from the excited 6.035 and 6.030 GHz OH lines. Using the Zeeman effect, we measure a line-of-sight magnetic field of +0.5 to +3.7 mG toward CM2. In agreement with previous studies, we also detect numerous methanol and excited OH maser spots toward the UCHII region MM3, with predominantly negative line-of-sight magnetic field strengths of -2 to -5 mG and an intriguing south-north field reversal., Comment: Accepted for publication in The Astrophysical Journal; 17 pages, 9 figures, 8 tables

In a rare and spectacular display, two well-known massive star forming regions, W49N and G25.65+1.05, recently underwent maser 'super burst' - their fluxes suddenly increasing above 30,000 and 18,000 Jy, respectively, reaching several orders of magnitude above their usual values. In quick-response, ToO observations with the EVN, VLBA and KaVA were obtained constituting a 4 week campaign - producing a high-cadence multi-epoch VLBI investigation of the maser emission. The combination of high-resolution, polarisation and flux monitoring during the burst provides one of the best accounts, to date, of the maser super burst phenomenon, aiding their use as astrophysical tools. These proceedings contain the preliminary results of our campaign.

Objective To use econometric methods to assess comparative overall survival of patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) managed with initial cytoreductive nephrectomy (CN) vs initial systemic therapy. Randomized data demonstrate improved survival for CN preceding cytokine-based therapy in mRCC. This benefit may be attenuated in the contemporary mRCC era given more effective systemic therapies. Methods Patients over age 65 with mRCC from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registries linked with Medicare claims from 2006 to 2011 were categorized by initial treatment. We applied sequential survival analysis methods to assess the association between initial CN and overall survival (OS) including Cox proportional hazards models, propensity scoring, and instrumental variable analysis to account for measured and unmeasured selection bias. Results Of 537 patients analyzed, 190 had initial CN followed by targeted therapy and 347 had initial targeted therapy. Median OS in the initial CN group was 17.4 months (interquartile range 9.8-32.0), compared with 9.2 months (interquartile range 4.3-18.0) for initial targeted therapy. Cox proportional hazards analysis revealed initial CN was associated with improved OS (hazard ratio 0.50, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.38-0.65). Propensity matching demonstrated a survival advantage for initial CN of 5.8 months (95% CI 1.9-9.7). Accounting for unmeasured confounding with instrumental variable analysis demonstrated a trend toward improved survival with initial CN (hazard ratio 0.29 [95% CI 0.08-1.00]). Conclusion Initial CN is associated with improved survival compared with initial systemic therapy in a contemporary population-based mRCC cohort.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common, preventable and incurable disease. The costs of caring for patients with COPD is estimated to be more than £800 million a year for acute hospital admissions alone ( Department of Health, 2012 ). The hospital-at-home model is increasingly being adopted for COPD patients following British Thoracic Society (BTS) guidelines for the delivery of hospital admission-avoidance schemes ( BTS, 2007 ). The aim of this case-note review was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a specialist nurse-led acute respiratory assessment service working with COPD patients in the community. The review recorded patient flow through the service and documented assessments and treatments. It was able to document potential benefits and cost savings.

OBJECTIVES: To compare an indigenous sleep device (wahakura) for infants at high risk for sudden unexpected death with a bassinet, for measures of infant sleep position, head covering, breastfeeding, bed-sharing, and maternal sleep and fatigue. METHODS: A total of 200 mainly Māori pregnant women were recruited from deprived areas of New Zealand. They were randomized to receive a bassinet or wahakura and asked to sleep the infant in this device from birth. Questionnaires at 1, 3, and 6 months and an overnight infrared video in the home at 1 month were completed. RESULTS: An intention-to-treat and an “as-used” analysis of questionnaires showed no group differences at 1, 3, and 6 months in infant-adult direct bed-sharing (7% vs 12%, P = .24 at 1 month), and at the 6-month interview, the wahakura group reported twice the level of full breastfeeding (22.5% vs 10.7%, P = .04). Maternal sleep and fatigue were not significantly different between groups. Video identified no increase in head covering, prone/side sleep position, or bed-sharing in the wahakura group, either from intention-to-treat analysis, or when analyzed for actual sleep location. CONCLUSION There were no significant differences in infant risk behaviors in wahakura compared with bassinets and there were other advantages, including an increase in sustained breastfeeding. This suggests wahakura are relatively safe and can be promoted as an alternative to infant-adult bed-sharing. Policies that encourage utilization are likely to be helpful in high-risk populations.

Resistant KIT mutations have hindered the development of KIT kinase inhibitors for treatment of patients with systemic mastocytosis. The goal of this research was to characterize the synergistic effects of a novel combination therapy involving inhibition of KIT and calcineurin phosphatase, a nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) regulator, using a panel of KIT-mutant mast cell lines. The effects of monotherapy or combination therapy on the cellular viability/survival of KIT-mutant mast cells were evaluated. In addition, NFAT-dependent transcriptional activity was monitored in a representative cell line to evaluate the mechanisms responsible for the efficacy of combination therapy. Finally, shRNA was used to stably knockdown calcineurin expression to confirm the role of calcineurin in the observed synergy. The combination of a KIT inhibitor and a calcineurin phosphatase inhibitor (CNPI) synergized to reduce cell viability and induce apoptosis in six distinct KIT-mutant mast cell lines. Both KIT inhibitors and CNPIs were found to decrease NFAT-dependent transcriptional activity. NFAT-specific inhibitors induced similar synergistic apoptosis induction as CNPIs when combined with a KIT inhibitor. Notably, NFAT was constitutively active in each KIT-mutant cell line tested. Knockdown of calcineurin subunit PPP3R1 sensitized cells to KIT inhibition and increased NFAT phosphorylation and cytoplasmic localization. Constitutive activation of NFAT appears to represent a novel and targetable characteristic of KIT-mutant mast cell disease. Our studies suggest that combining KIT inhibition with NFAT inhibition might represent a new treatment strategy for mast cell disease. Mol Cancer Ther; 13(12); 2840–51. ©2014 AACR.

Collected data for both common-source and common-gate amplifiers is presented in this paper. Characterizations of the two amplifier circuits using metal-ferroelectric-semiconductor field effect transistors (MFSFETs) are developed with wider input frequency ranges and varying device sizes compared to earlier characterizations. The effects of the ferroelectric layer's capacitance and variation load, quiescent point, or input signal on each circuit are discussed. Comparisons between the MFSFET and MOSFET circuit operation and performance are discussed at length as well as applications and advantages for the MFSFETs.

Mathematical models of the common-source and common-gate amplifiers using metal-ferroelectric- semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs) are developed in this paper. The models are compared against data collected with MOSFETs of varying channel lengths and widths, and circuit parameters such as biasing conditions are varied as well. Considerations are made for the capacitance formed by the ferroelectric layer present between the gate and substrate of the transistors. Comparisons between the modeled and measured data are presented in depth as well as differences and advantages as compared to the performance of each circuit using a MOSFET.

The temperature effects on a ferroelectric non-volatile memory latch were measured. The device is based on a design from Radiant Technologies Inc. utilizing a discrete ferroelectric capacitor. The effects measured include functionality, I-V characteristics and retention. The range of temperatures for which the device was tested is –107°F to +302°F. The results are compared with measurements made at room temperature for the device. Retention measurements of the device at elevated temperatures allow predictions of retention performance under normal operating conditions. Potential applications of this device in harsh environments which include aerospace, industrial and automotive are presented.

Strong male mate preferences have been documented in species with otherwise conventional sex roles in the laboratory, and across taxa, male preferences generally focus on indicators of female fecundity and sperm competition risk. However, the few field studies of male choice rarely show equally strong effects. This suggests that costs of choice in nature may make the expression of preferences unlikely, or that interacting assessment cues may lead to unpredictable and variable outcomes in the wild. Field studies are therefore critical for testing whether or not male mate choice is sufficiently strong to exert sexual selection on females. Here we examine male choice in nature in response to two experimentally manipulated cues of female reproductive value. We recorded the attraction of male black widow spiders, Latrodectus hesperus, to females in a field enclosure and in a unconstrained natural setting. Stimulus females varied in two ways: sperm competition risk (low–unmated; high–mated) and fecundity (high–fed; low–unfed). Females and their silk were caged to prevent behavioural interactions while allowing the spread of airborne pheromones that attract males. Males in both experiments showed strong, nearly unanimous choice for unmated, well-fed females. In field enclosures, 80% of males made this choice, and wild males made the same choice in 94% of trials. We conclude that male choice in L. hesperus is mediated by detection of airborne pheromones, is strong and consistent despite natural costs of mate searching, and is not affected by natural interactions between (sometimes conflicting) cues of female reproductive value. Thus, universal mate choice may exist among males in nature. We propose general features of systems in which this may be likely and discuss implications for the study of sexual selection on females under conventional sex roles.

To compare perioperative outcomes after robotic-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (RALPN) with hilar clamping vs parenchymal clamping.A retrospective, single-institution review of the patients undergoing RALPN with hilar or parenchymal clamping was performed. Associations between perioperative factors and clinicopathologic outcomes were determined using the t test, Fisher's exact test, and multivariate linear regression.In 51 patients undergoing RALPN, 36 (71%) and 15 (29%) were performed with hilar and parenchymal clamping, respectively. Median tumor diameter was 2.8 cm for both groups (range, 1.1-6.1; P = .93). Tumor complexity by nephrometry score was mild (69% vs 80%), moderate (29% vs 20%), and high (2% vs 0%) in the respective groups (P = .65). Operative time was significantly shorter in the parenchymal clamp group (median 245 vs 320 minutes; P.0001). There was no difference in blood loss and need for transfusion. On multivariate analysis, hilar clamping (P.01), higher body mass index (P = .01), and higher complexity tumors (P = .02) were significantly associated with longer operative times. The parenchymal clamp group had better preservation of immediate postoperative glomerular filtration rate (GFR) from baseline to postoperative day 2 (median ΔGFR 0 vs -18 mL/min/1.73 m(2), P = .02). These differences from baseline did not persist (median ΔGFR -6 vs -7 mL/min/1.73 m(2), P = .35) at a median follow-up of 6.6 months. Final pathology determination of malignancy (P = .51) and positive margin rates (P = .26) were similar in both groups.Compared with hilar clamping, selective regional ischemia with the parenchymal clamp for mild-moderately complex tumors is feasible and safe during RALPN. Parenchymal clamping is associated with enhanced immediate preservation of GFR and shorter operative times.

We present (sub)millimeter imaging at 0.5'' resolution of the massive star-forming region G358.93-0.03 acquired in multiple epochs at 2 and 3 months following the recent flaring of its 6.7 GHz methanol maser emission. Using SMA and ALMA, we have discovered 14 new Class II methanol maser lines ranging in frequency from 199 GHz to 361 GHz, which originate mostly from vt=1 torsionally-excited transitions and include one vt=2 transition. The latter detection provides the first observational evidence that Class II maser pumping involves levels in the vt=2 state. The masers are associated with the brightest continuum source (MM1), which hosts a line-rich hot core. The masers present a consistent curvilinear spatial velocity pattern that wraps around MM1, suggestive of a coherent physical structure 1200 au in extent. In contrast, the thermal lines exhibit a linear pattern that crosses MM1 but at progressive position angles that appear to be a function of either increasing temperature or decreasing optical depth. The maser spectral profiles evolved significantly over one month, and the intensities dropped by factors of 3.0 to 7.2, with the vt=2 line showing the largest change. A small area of maser emission from only the highest excitation lines closest to MM1 has disappeared. There are seven additional dust continuum sources in the protocluster, including another hot core (MM3). We do not find evidence for a significant change in (sub)millimeter continuum emission from any of the sources during the one month interval, and the total protocluster emission remains comparable to prior single dish measurements., 10 pages, 2 figures, 3 tables, accepted for publication in The Astrophysical Journal Letters. All maser transitions detected in this object can be displayed via an option on the advanced interface of http://splatalogue.net

125 Background: Multi-parametric resonance imaging (mpMRI) has emerged as a tool that may improve risk-stratification and decrease repeated biopsies in men electing active surveillance. However, the extent to which mpMRI has been implemented in active surveillance has not been established. Therefore, we sought to characterize the use of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) in Medicare beneficiaries electing active surveillance for prostate cancer. Methods: SEER-Medicare claims data, we identified men with localized prostate cancer diagnosed between 2008-2013 and managed with active surveillance. We classified men into two treatment groups: active surveillance without mpMRI and active surveillance with mpMRI. We then fit a multivariable logistic regression models to examine changing mpMRI utilization over time, and factors associated with the receipt of mpMRI. Results: We identified 9,467 men on active surveillance. Of these, 8,178 (86%) did not receive mpMRI and 1,289 (14%) received mpMRI. The likelihood of receiving mpMRI over the entire study period increased by 3.7% (p = 0.004). On multivariable logistic regression, patients who were younger, white, had lower comorbidity burden, lived in the northeast and west, had higher incomes and lived in more urban areas had greater odds of receiving mpMRI (all p < 0.05). Conclusions: From 2008-2013, use of mpMRI in active surveillance increased gradually but significantly. Receipt of mpMRI among men on surveillance for prostate cancer varied significantly across demographic, geographic and socioeconomic strata. Going forward, studies should investigate causes for this variation and define ideal strategies for equitable, cost-effective dissemination of mpMRI technology.

65 Background: Multi-parametric resonance imaging (mpMRI) has emerged to improve disease risk-stratification and decrease number of repeat biopsies in men on prostate cancer active surveillance (AS). However, the impact of mpMRI on cost of AS has not been established. We thus characterize the impact mpMRI on cost of AS in the Medicare population. Methods: Using SEER-Medicare files we identified men ≥66 years old with localized grade group I-II prostate cancer diagnosed 2008-2013. With an established algorithm, we classified men into active surveillance with and without mpMRI. We then determined cost of surveillance in each group using inflation-adjusted Medicare payments for surveillance-related procedures and their sequalae (i.e. PSA tests, prostate biopsies, post-biopsy complications and mpMRIs). Multivariable median regression compared cost and procedural-intensity for men who received mpMRI and those who did not. Results: We identified 9,081 men on AS with median follow up 45 months (IQR 29-64 months). 7,856 (87%) men did not receive mpMRI and 1,225 (13%) did. On multivariable median regression, receipt of mpMRI was associated with an additional $449 (95%CI $391-$507) in Medicare payments per year. Younger age, treatment in the west or northeast, greater population density and treatment later in the study period were associated with increased cost of AS. Conclusions: Among Medicare beneficiaries on AS, mpMRI is associated with additional annual cost to Medicare. MpMRI may be a marker of more stringent AS, which is likely more costly than watchful waiting. Future studies are needed to determine optimal use of mpMRI during AS to maximize value.

We report the first abundance and density estimates for American black bears (Ursus americanus) in Glacier National Park (NP), Montana, USA. We used data from 2 independent and concurrent noninvasive genetic sampling methods—hair traps and bear rubs—collected during 2004 to generate individual black bear encounter histories for use in closed population mark–recapture models. We improved the precision of our abundance estimate by using noninvasive genetic detection events to develop individual-level covariates of sampling effort within the full and one-half mean maximum distance moved (MMDM) from each bear's estimated activity center to explain capture probability heterogeneity and inform our estimate of the effective sampling area. Models including the one-half MMDM covariate received overwhelming Akaike's Information Criterion support suggesting that buffering our study area by this distance would be more appropriate than no buffer or the full MMDM buffer for estimating the effectively sampled area and thereby density. Our model-averaged super-population abundance estimate was 603 (95% CI = 522–684) black bears for Glacier NP. Our black bear density estimate (11.4 bears/100 km2, 95% CI = 9.9–13.0) was consistent with published estimates for populations that are sympatric with grizzly bears (U. arctos) and without access to spawning salmonids. Published 2013. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA

The incidence of renal cell carcinoma is increasing worldwide. Cited risk factors include obesity, smoking and hypertension but few others have been confirmed in prospective studies. We used a prospective cohort to validate established renal cell carcinoma risk factors and evaluate more controversial risk factors for incident renal cell carcinoma.A total of 77,260 residents of Washington 50 to 76 years old completed a questionnaire between 2000 and 2002 on demographic, lifestyle and health data. Incident renal cell carcinoma cases were determined by linkage to the regional cancer registry through December 31, 2009. Multivariate methods using covariates and cutoffs selected a priori were applied to analyze the association between renal cell carcinoma and previously studied factors related to lifestyle (body mass index, smoking and alcohol/fruit/vegetable consumption) and health (hypertension, diabetes, kidney disease and viral hepatitis).There were 249 incident cases of renal cell carcinoma. Independent renal cell carcinoma risk factors in the fully adjusted model were body mass index (35 or greater vs less than 25 kg/m2 HR 1.71, 95% CI 1.06-2.79), smoking (greater than 37.5 pack-years vs never HR 1.58, 95% CI 1.09-2.29), hypertension (HR 1.70, 95% CI 1.30-2.22), kidney disease (HR 2.58, 95% CI 1.21-5.50) and viral hepatitis (HR 1.80, 95% CI 1.03-3.14). Diabetes was associated with renal cell carcinoma (HR 1.83, 95% CI 1.26-2.65) in a base model adjusting for age and gender but not in the multivariate model. We found no association between alcohol, fruit or vegetable intake and renal cell carcinoma.We identified a significant association of renal cell carcinoma with obesity, smoking, hypertension, renal disease and viral hepatitis. Identifying risk factors offers an opportunity for targeted education and intervention.

The Accordion is a novel endoscopic device that prevents retropulsion of ureteral stones and their fragments during ureteroscopic laser lithotripsy. We describe our experience with its use focusing on three main endpoints: operating time, fluoroscopy time, and stone-free rates.Of 308 consecutive cases of unilateral ureteroscopic laser lithotripsy from 2006-2010, we analyzed 235 cases of ureteral stones. Chart review was performed to document patient demographics (age, sex, and race), stone characteristics (stone size, density, laterality, location, and multiplicity), operative characteristics (use of preoperative and/or postoperative stents, ureteral balloon dilators, ureteral access sheaths, the Holmium laser, and the Accordion device), and surgical outcomes (operative time, fluoroscopy time, stone-free status, and complications).The baseline characteristics between the Accordion and non-Accordion group were statistically similar. In univariate nonparametric tests of medians, Accordion device usage was not associated with a significant reduction in fluoroscopy time (median 1.68 vs. 1.95 minutes, p=0.28) or operating time (median 52.5 vs. 61 minutes, p=0.19). However, the stone-free rate for the Accordion group was significantly higher compared to the non-Accordion group (84.2% vs. 53.6%, p=0.001). In multivariate generalized linear models, Accordion usage was not associated with decreased operating or fluoroscopy times. Accordion use was associated with statistically significant greater odds of stone-free status (odds ratio 4.35, 95% confidence interval 2.36-8.00). Complication severity and rates were comparable between the two groups.The Accordion antiretropulsive device improves stone-free rates during ureteroscopic laser lithotripsy. Prospective studies are needed to validate these results.

Chest pain is an increasingly important problem in acute medicine. Thorough clinical assessment supported by a 12-lead ECG and troponin level is essential to rapid and effective evaluation and initial management. Published guidelines and validated risk stratification tools are available to promote and refine clinical decision making, which relies also on knowledge of relevant further investigation modalities. The evidence base for the management of chest pain in the acute care setting requires further development.

Mustard gas, used in chemical warfare since 1917, is a mutagenic and carcinogenic agent that produces severe dermal lesions for which there are no effective therapeutics; it is currently seen as a potential terrorist threat to civilian populations. Sulforaphane, found in cruciferous vegetables, is known to induce enzymes that detoxify compounds such as the sulfur mustards that react through electrophilic intermediates. Here, we observe that a single topical treatment with sulforaphane induces mouse epidermal levels of the regulatory subunit of glutamate-cysteine ligase, the rate-limiting enzyme in glutathione biosynthesis, and also increases epidermal levels of reduced glutathione. Furthermore, a glutathione S-transferase, GSTA4, is also induced in mouse skin by sulforaphane. In an in vivo model in which mice are given a single mutagenic application of the sulfur mustard analog 2-(chloroethyl) ethyl sulfide (CEES), we now show that therapeutic treatment with sulforaphane abolishes the CEES-induced increase in mutation frequency in the skin, measured four days after exposure. Sulforaphane, a natural product currently in clinical trials, shows promise as an effective therapeutic against mustard gas.

Based on sub-arcsecond Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) and Submillimeter Array (SMA) 1.3 mm continuum images of the massive protocluster NGC 6334I obtained in 2015 and 2008, we find that the dust emission from MM1 has increased by a factor of 4.0$\pm$0.3 during the intervening years, and undergone a significant change in morphology. The continuum emission from the other cluster members (MM2, MM4 and the UCHII region MM3 = NGC 6334F) has remained constant. Long term single-dish maser monitoring at HartRAO finds that multiple maser species toward NGC 6334I flared beginning in early 2015, a few months before our ALMA observation, and some persist in that state. New ALMA images obtained in 2016 July-August at 1.1 and 0.87 mm confirm the changes with respect to SMA 0.87 mm images from 2008, and indicate that the (sub)millimeter flaring has continued for at least a year. The excess continuum emission, centered on the hypercompact HII region MM1B, is extended and elongated ($1.6" \times 1.0" \approx 2100 \times 1300$ au) with multiple peaks, suggestive of general heating of the surrounding subcomponents of MM1, some of which may trace clumps in a fragmented disk rather than separate protostars. In either case, these remarkable increases in maser and dust emission provide direct observational evidence of a sudden accretion event in the growth of a massive protostar yielding a sustained luminosity surge by a factor of $70\pm20$, analogous to the largest events in simulations by Meyer et al. (2017). This target provides an excellent opportunity to assess the impact of such a rare event on a protocluster over many years., Comment: 6 pages, 4 figures, accepted for publication in the Astrophysical Journal Letters; corrections from proof applied

Data is presented in this paper that was obtained using a metal-ferroelectric-semiconductor field effect transistor (MFSFET) in a common-drain amplifier configuration. The empirical data shown has been collected using larger drain voltages than previously seen, which helps to further understand and characterize the interesting operation of this amplifier circuit. The effects of varying different parameters such as load resistance, poling voltage, and input voltages of the amplifier circuit are examined. Differences between the MFSFET and MOSFET common-drain amplifier configurations are explored in-depth.

Chapter 4 discusses cardiac diseases and resuscitation, including symptoms, signs, and diagnostic investigations in cardiac disease, adult cardiopulmonary resuscitation, cardiovascular risk assessment, heart failure, acute coronary syndromes, arrhythmias, hypertension and hypertensive emergencies, thromboembolic disease, valvular disease, infective endocarditis, cardiomyopathies, congenital heart disease, heart disease in pregnancy, diseases of arteries and veins, rheumatic fever, pericarditis, ST segment elevation, and myocardial infarction.

The current study was conducted to determine the feasibility of cytologically clearing the bladder of tumor cells after transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) and aggressive serial bladder washing.A prospective pilot sample of 20 patients with known bladder masses was enrolled before undergoing TURBT. Preoperative cytology and 4 postoperative cytology specimens were assessed for malignant cells between serial bladder washes. Surgeons assessed tumor grade visually at the time of TURBT.Surgeons were able to differentiate high-grade disease with limited accuracy (75% sensitivity, 92% specificity, 85% negative predictive value, and 86% positive predictive value). For patients with low-grade disease (12 patients), cytology was atypical in 25% of patients immediately before TURBT and was negative after serial washings in all patients. In patients with high-grade disease (8 patients), approximately 75% had cytology consistent with high-grade urothelial carcinoma immediately before TURBT and only 1 patient was cleared cytologically after serial bladder washings.In patients with high-grade disease, serial bladder washing after TURBT does not appear to clear malignant cells as detected by cytology. This theoretical oncologic risk should be weighed when considering concomitant upper tract procedures such as retrograde pyelography. Future work is needed to quantify risk. Cancer Cytopathol 2017;125:114-119. © 2016 American Cancer Society.

This paper presents a new mathematical model created for the common-drain amplifier using metal-ferroelectric-semiconductor field effect transistors (MFSFET). The model developed in this paper is based upon empirical data collected through experimentation with the common-drain amplifier while using a MFSFET. Several parameters are considered when calculating the output voltage, such as varying gate capacitance, input voltage, quiescent point, and power supply voltages. A comparison between collected and modeled data is presented as verification of the model's performance when applied to the common-drain configuration.

Sulfur mustard [bis(2-chloroethyl)sulfide, SM] is a well-known DNA-damaging agent that has been used in chemical warfare since World War I, and is a weapon that could potentially be used in a terrorist attack on a civilian population. Dermal exposure to high concentrations of SM produces severe, long-lasting burns. Topical exposure to high concentrations of 2-(chloroethyl) ethyl sulfide (CEES), a monofunctional analog of SM, also produces severe skin lesions in mice. Utilizing a genetically engineered mouse strain, Big Blue, that allows measurement of mutation frequencies in mouse tissues, we now show that topical treatment with much lower concentrations of CEES induces significant dose- and time-dependent increases in mutation frequency in mouse skin; the mutagenic exposures produce minimal toxicity as determined by standard histopathology and immunohistochemical analysis for cytokeratin 6 and the DNA-damage induced phosphorylation of histone H2AX (γ-H2AX). We attempted to develop a therapeutic that would inhibit the CEES-induced increase in mutation frequency in the skin. We observe that multi-dose, topical treatment with 2,6-dithiopurine (DTP), a known chemical scavenger of CEES, beginning 1 hour post-exposure to CEES, completely abolishes the CEES-induced increase in mutation frequency. These findings suggest the possibility that DTP, previously shown to be non-toxic in mice, may be useful as a therapeutic agent in accidental or malicious human exposures to SM.

Introduction Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a significant problem among aging men. ED is independently associated with cardiovascular (CV) events (angina, myocardial infarction, and stroke). Aim We sought to determine if ED was associated with CV death. Main Outcome Measures Risk of CV death in men with ED. Methods Exactly 31,296 men in Washington aged 50–76 completed a questionnaire in 2000–2002 on supplements, diet, exercise, personal health, and ED. ED was determined by one question: “Have you experienced impotence in the last year?” We excluded patients with a history of coronary artery disease or stroke. Participants linked yearly through 2008 to the Washington State Death Certificate System. CV death was defined by death certificates listing CV‐related deaths (International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision [ICD‐10] codes: I00‐I15, I20‐I52, and I60‐I99). We performed multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression adjusting for age, marital status, race, education, self‐rating of health, body mass index (BMI), antihypertensive/lipid‐lowering drug use, diabetes, family history of CV disease, smoking, and exercise. Results About 7,762 men had ED and there were 486 CV deaths over 7.8‐year average follow‐up. The typical man who suffered CV death was older, single, reporting poor health, taking antihypertensives, higher BMI, a smoker, a diabetic, and had a family history of CV disease. When adjusting for age, marital status, and education only, men with ED had a 23% increased risk of CV death (hazard ratio [HR] 1.23, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01, 1.49). With further adjustment for known risk factors for CV disease (diabetes, treatment for hypertension or hyperlipidemia, family history of myocardial infarction/stroke, BMI, and exercise), ED no longer predicted CV death (HR 0.93, 95% CI 0.76, 1.15). Conclusions In this community‐based cohort, ED was not independently associated with an elevated risk of CV death. These data do not contradict prior data associating ED and CV events but rather suggest that ED may be a manifestation of other known risk factors for CV disease. Hotaling JM, Walsh TJ, Macleod LC, Heckbert S, Pocobelli G, Wessells H, and White E. Erectile dysfunction is not independently associated with cardiovascular death: Data from the Vitamins and Lifestyle (VITAL) study. J Sex Med 2012;9:2104–2110.

I-V characteristics for FeFET different than that of MOSFET Ferroelectric layer features hysteresis trend whereas MOSFET behaves same for both increasing and decreasing VGS FeFET I-V characteristics doesn't show dependence on VDS A Transistor with different channel length and width as well as various resistance and input voltages give different results As resistance values increased, the magnitude of the drain current decreased.

In this paper we present a data retention analysis of a non-volatile ferroelectric memory device. A ferroelectric capacitance coupled with a sense capacitance in a Sawyer tower is used as the memory component of the device. The cumulative direction of all the dipoles in the ferroelectric capacitance material corresponds to its memory. The positive and negative remnant polarization charge states of the capacitor when an electric field is applied to it are denoted as either data ‘0’ or data ‘1’[1]. In addition to retention the voltage and current characteristics of the circuit were measured. Measurements of the ferroelectric capacitor's polarization taken at different delay time intervals are also presented.

The SRAM cell circuit is a standard for volatile data storage. When utilizing one or more ferroelectric transistors, the hysteresis characteristics give unique properties to the SRAM circuit, providing for investigation into the development of a nonvolatile memory cell. This paper discusses various formations of the SRAM circuit, using ferroelectric transistors, n-channel and p-channel MOSFETs, and resistive loads. With varied source and supply voltages, the effects on the timing and retention characteristics are investigated, including retention times of up to 24 hours.

This paper investigates the Silicon-oxide-nitride-oxide-silicon (SONOS) memory cell erase cycle. A nonquasi-static (NQS) MOSFET model was developed and implemented in software. The model equations were incrementally solved at each time step. During an erase cycle, a negative pulse is applied to the gate which causes Fowler-Nordheim tunneling between the floating gate and channel. The SONOS floating gate voltage, tunneling current, and threshold voltage were characterized during this erase cycle. Comparisons were made between the model predictions and experimental data for the threshold voltage.

We present the electrical characterization of an autonomous non-volatile ferroelectric memory latch using the principle that when an electric field is applied to a ferroelectriccapacitor,the positive and negative remnant polarization charge states of the capacitor are denoted as either data 0 or data 1. The properties of the ferroelectric material to store an electric polarization in the absence of an electric field make the device non-volatile. Further the memory latch is autonomous as it operates with the ground, power and output node connections, without any externally clocked control line. The unique quality of this latch circuit is that it can be written when powered off. The advantages of this latch over flash memories are: a) It offers unlimited reads/writes b) works on symmetrical read/write cycles. c) The latch is asynchronous. The circuit was initially developed by Radiant Technologies Inc., Albuquerque, New Mexico.

NASA is planning on going beyond Low Earth orbit with manned exploration missions. The radiation environment for most Low Earth orbit missions is harsher than at the Earth's surface but much less harsh than deep space. Development of new electronics is needed to meet the requirements of high performance, radiation tolerance, and reliability. The need for both Volatile and Non-volatile memory has been identified. Emerging Non-volatile memory technologies (FRAM, C-RAM,M-RAM, R-RAM, Radiation Tolerant FLASH, SONOS, etc.) need to be investigated for use in Space missions. An opportunity arose to fly a small memory experiment on a high inclination satellite (FASTSAT). An off-the-shelf 512K Ramtron FRAM was chosen to be tested in the experiment.

We present Kitty, an unprecedented and near simultaneous flaring event in ten transitions (6 hydroxyl, 1 water and 3 methanol), that began on 1 January 2015 in the massive star-forming region NGC6334F located in the Cat’s Paw Nebula. The brightest components in each transition increased by factors of 20 to 70 in line with a factor of ~70 increase in dust emission luminosity for the source MM1. We also report the detection of only the fifth known 4.660 GHz hydroxyl maser and that it varied in a correlated fashion with 1.720, 6.031, and 6.035 GHz hydroxyl counterparts. We postulate that if Kitty, and two historical flares in 1965 & 1999, are accretion events and are caused by the successive passages of a secondary star disrupting the accretion disk, where the frequency of occurrence is cycling down at a rate of ~2.2, it is possible another event will occur in 2022.

Sulfur mustard (SM or mustard gas) was first used as a chemical warfare agent almost 100years ago. Due to its toxic effects on the eyes, lungs, and skin, and the relative ease with which it may be synthesized, mustard gas remains a potential chemical threat to the present day. SM exposed skin develops fluid filled bullae resulting from potent cytotoxicity of cells lining the basement membrane of the epidermis. Currently, there are no antidotes for SM exposure; therefore, chemopreventive measures for first responders following an SM attack are needed. Glutathione (GSH) is known to have a protective effect against SM toxicity, and detoxification of SM is believed to occur, in part, via GSH conjugation. Therefore, we screened 6 potential chemopreventive agents for ability to induce GSH synthesis and protect cultured human keratinocytes against the SM analog, 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES). Using NCTC2544 human keratinocytes, we found that both sulforaphane and methyl-2-cyano-3,12-dioxooleana-1,9-dien-28-oate (CDDO-Me) stimulated nuclear localization of Nrf2 and induced expression of the GSH synthesis gene, GCLM. Additionally, we found that treatment with CDDO-Me elevated reduced GSH content of NCTC2544 cells and preserved their viability by ~3-fold following exposure to CEES. Our data also suggested that CDDO-Me may act additively with 2,6-dithiopurine (DTP), a nucleophilic scavenging agent, to increase the viability of keratinocytes exposed to CEES. These results suggest that CDDO-Me is a promising chemopreventive agent for SM toxicity in the skin.

Few studies link habitat to grizzly bear Ursus arctos abundance and these have not accounted for the variation in detection or spatial autocorrelation. We collected and genotyped bear hair in and around Glacier National Park in northwestern Montana during the summer of 2000. We developed a hierarchical Markov chain Monte Carlo model that extends the existing occupancy and count models by accounting for (1) spatially explicit variables that we hypothesized might influence abundance; (2) separate sub-models of detection probability for two distinct sampling methods (hair traps and rub trees) targeting different segments of the population; (3) covariates to explain variation in each sub-model of detection; (4) a conditional autoregressive term to account for spatial autocorrelation; (5) weights to identify most important variables. Road density and per cent mesic habitat best explained variation in female grizzly bear abundance; spatial autocorrelation was not supported. More female bears were predicted in places with lower road density and with more mesic habitat. Detection rates of females increased with rub tree sampling effort. Road density best explained variation in male grizzly bear abundance and spatial autocorrelation was supported. More male bears were predicted in areas of low road density. Detection rates of males increased with rub tree and hair trap sampling effort and decreased over the sampling period. We provide a new method to (1) incorporate multiple detection methods into hierarchical models of abundance; (2) determine whether spatial autocorrelation should be included in final models. Our results suggest that the influence of landscape variables is consistent between habitat selection and abundance in this system.

Peptide deformylase (PDF) inhibitors represent a potential new class of antibiotics targeting a large number of bacterial species. We studied the pharmacokinetics and safety of LBM415, a novel PDF inhibitor, administered as a single oral dose at 100-3,000 mg in the fasted state and at 1,000 mg in the fed state in healthy volunteers. LBM415 was then administered at dosages ranging from 100 mg q.d. to 1,000 mg t.i.d. for 11 days. Dose-proportional pharmacokinetics was observed, with a peak plasma concentration (C(max)) of 17.85 ± 5.96 µg/ml at 1,000 mg b.i.d. (the projected therapeutic dose) and an area under the concentration-time curve (AUC)(0-24h) of 36.83 ± 10.36 µg/ml·h. The half-life, as determined after a 1,000-mg single dose, was 2.18 ± 0.61 h. The compound was well tolerated at low doses, but at the highest dose, 1,000 mg t.i.d., reversible cyanosis and low oxygen saturation, attributable to methemoglobinemia, were detected on day 11. Oxygen saturation was as low as 88% in one subject on day 11.

Recent studies have demonstrated deleterious effects of ionizing radiation from diagnostic and therapeutic imaging procedures. One of the barriers to minimizing patient exposure is physician awareness. We prospectively studied whether providing surgeons with feedback on their fluoroscopy utilization would affect intraoperative fluoroscopy times.In 2007, we prospectively began to track fluoroscopy usage for all urology cases. Nine months later, surgeons started to receive periodic reports with their mean fluoroscopy time compared with their peers. We reviewed all ureteroscopic cases for nephrolithiasis from the date tracking began (2006-2010, n = 311). Using the initial 9-month period as a control, we studied the effect of providing feedback on mean fluoroscopy times in subsequent periods and analyzed patient factors that may affect radiation exposure.Mean fluoroscopy times for unilateral ureteroscopy decreased by 24% after surgeons received feedback (2.74-2.08 minutes, p = 0.002). On multivariate analysis, factors that independently predicted decreased fluoroscopy times included female sex (p = 0.02), stones in the distal ureter (p = 0.04), and if the surgeon had received feedback (p = 0.0004). Factors that increased fluoroscopy times included the presence of hydronephrosis (p = 0.001), use of a ureteral access sheath (p = 0.04), ureteral balloon dilation (p = 0.0001), and placement of a postoperative stent (p = 0.002).Providing surgeons with feedback on their fluoroscopy usage reduces patient and surgeon radiation exposure. Implementing such a tracking system requires minimal changes to existing operating room staff workflow. Further study is warranted to study the impact of this program on other procedures that utilize fluoroscopy in urology and other specialties.

Objectives. To describe levels of traumatic childhood events in a sample of homeless individuals and to assess the contribution of traumatic events to neurobehavioural traits (measured with the Frontal Systems Behaviour Scale, FrSBe) and general cognitive function (IQ). Design. A sample of 55 homeless adults was recruited from homeless services in the city of Sheffield, UK. All were interviewed to acquire substance misuse information, record experiences of childhood trauma, and assess cognitive and neurobehavioural traits. Methods. Experiences of abuse and neglect were assessed with the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire. Participants also completed the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence and the FrSBe, which was completed with respect to current behaviour and conduct prior to homelessness. Results. Around three-quarters of the sample scored in the clinically significant range for current neurobehavioural impairment. They also reported high levels of impairment when rating retrospectively for the period before they were homeless. The mean group IQ was below average at 88. Abuse or neglect during their upbringing was reported by 89% of the sample. Emotional abuse, emotional neglect, and physical neglect were all positively correlated with total FrSBe scores. Sexual abuse, emotional neglect, and physical neglect were all negatively correlated with IQ. The associations between trauma and IQ and neurobehavioural traits appear generally unrelated to the presence of substance misuse in the sample. Conclusion. Our homeless sample displayed relatively low IQ with high levels of neurobehavioural impairment. Our evidence suggests that these neuropsychological factors may, in part, constitute a long-term consequence of childhood trauma.

The inverter is one of the most fundamental building blocks of digital logic, and it can be used as the foundation for understanding more complex logic gates and circuits. This paper presents the characteristics of an inverter circuit using a ferroelectric field-effect transistor. The voltage transfer characteristics are analyzed with respect to varying parameters such as supply voltage, input voltage, and load resistance. The effects of the ferroelectric layer between the gate and semiconductor are examined, and comparisons are made between the inverters using ferroelectric transistors and those using traditional MOSFETs.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is developing high-tolerance, radiation-hardened electronics for missions in and beyond Low Earth orbit. Ferroelectric-based electronics are highly viable candidates for these electronics because of their inherent radiation-hardened property. Since standard memory devices are prone to damage caused by radiation, ferroelectric memory may provide the needed radiation-tolerance. To test the effectiveness of ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM) in Low Earth orbit, a 512 K Ramtron FRAM will be flown on a Low Earth orbit satellite that will be launched by NASA. This paper discusses the advantages of ferroelectric electronics and outlines the Low Earth orbit ferroelectric memory test experiment.