cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluating of HPV-DNA ISH as an adjunct to p16 testing in oropharyngeal cancer.

Aim: Current guidelines recommend p16 immunohistochemistry (IHC) for testing human papillomavirus (HPV) in oropharyngeal carcinoma (OPSCC). We evaluated the value of adding DNA in situ hybridizatio...
Estimating flammability limits through predicting non-adiabatic laminar flame properties

Abstract Lower and upper flammability limits (LFL and UFL) are widely and effectively used as simple safety boundaries for preventing gas-mixture ignition, and predicting them for new compounds would be valuable, especially the LFLs for low-flammability non-C/H/O species. Prediction with mechanistic flame models uses the idea that as these limits are reached, the flame speed and temperature drop below a threshold of flame feasibility because of radiant heat loss. Using methane as a reference study because its mechanisms and flammability are well characterized, non-adiabatic laminar flame speeds and profiles of temperature, flame structure, and chemiluminescent OH* and CH* are calculated using a modification of the hydrocarbon kinetics model of Hashemi et al. (2016), executed in CHEMKIN and Cantera. LFL prediction is emphasized here; large-hydrocarbon and soot radiant losses have been proven to be necessary for accurate UFL values (Bertolino et al., 2019) but were not included in this work. Property dependences on concentration are compared to published flammability limits of 5–15% methane concentration for methane/air mixtures at T 0 = 298 K and 1, 5, and 10 atm. At 1 atm, the LFL occurs at a laminar flame speed of 2.7 cm/s, and at the UFL, flame speeds between 4.5 and 6 cm/s correspond to the limit. Similarly, adiabatic temperature of 1450 K in a fuel-lean environment and 1560–1670 K in a fuel-rich environment correlate with the flammability limits. The ASTM standard test for flammability uses visual detection of a flame; ultraviolet chemiluminescence of OH* radical at limits of less than mole fraction of 10−3 is shown to reflect the methane LFL, and the equivalence-ratio dependence of OH* should resemble that of the visible C2* emission. Effects of pressure and challenges for modeling are discussed.
Seasonal synchronization of foodborne outbreaks in the United States, 1996-2017.

Modern food systems represent complex dynamic networks vulnerable to foodborne infectious outbreaks difficult to track and control. Seasonal co-occurrences (alignment of seasonal peaks) and synchronization (similarity of seasonal patterns) of infections are noted, yet rarely explored due to their complexity and methodological limitations. We proposed a systematic approach to evaluate the co-occurrence of seasonal peaks using a combination of L-moments, seasonality characteristics such as the timing (phase) and intensity (amplitude) of peaks, and three metrics of serial, phase-phase, and phase-amplitude synchronization. We used public records on counts of nine foodborne infections abstracted from CDC’s FoodNet Fast online platform for the US and ten representative states from 1996 to 2017 (264 months). Based on annualized and trend-adjusted Negative Binomial Harmonic Regression (NBHR) models augmented with the δ-method, we determined that seasonal peaks of Campylobacter, Salmonella, and Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia Coli (STEC) were tightly clustered in late-July at the national and state levels. Phase-phase synchronization was observed between Cryptosporidium and Shigella, Listeria, and Salmonella (ρ = 0.51, 0.51, 0.46; p < 0.04). Later peak timing of STEC was associated with greater amplitude nationally (ρ = 0.50, p = 0.02) indicating phase-amplitude synchronization. Understanding of disease seasonal synchronization is essential for developing reliable outbreak forecasts and informing stakeholders on mitigation and preventive measures.
How likely are constituent quanta to initiate inflation

Abstract We propose an intuitive framework for studying the problem of initial conditions in slow-roll inflation. In particular, we consider a universe at high, but sub-Planckian energy density and analyze the circumstances under which it is plausible for it to become dominated by inflated patches at late times, without appealing to the idea of self-reproduction. Our approach is based on defining a prior probability distribution for the constituent quanta of the pre-inflationary universe. To test the idea that inflation can begin under very generic circumstances, we make specific – yet quite general and well grounded – assumptions on the prior distribution. As a result, we are led to the conclusion that the probability for a given region to ignite inflation at sub-Planckian densities is extremely small. Furthermore, if one chooses to use the enormous volume factor that inflation yields as an appropriate measure, we find that the regions of the universe which started inflating at densities below the self-reproductive threshold nevertheless occupy a negligible physical volume in the present universe as compared to those domains that have never inflated.
Abstract PO-229: Rural disparities in surgical care from gynecologic oncologists among Midwestern ovarian cancer patients

Objective Up to one-third of women with ovarian cancer in the United States do not receive surgical care from a gynecologic oncology specialist despite guideline recommendations. There is a critical need to investigate the contributing barriers. We aim to investigate the impact of rurality on receiving surgical care from a specialist, referral to a specialist, and specialist surgery after referral, and the consequences of specialist care. Methods We utilized a retrospective cohort created through extension of standard state cancer surveillance in three Midwestern states. Multivariable adjusted logistic regression was utilized to assess gynecologic oncologist treatment of women 18-89 years old, who were diagnosed with primary, histologically confirmed, malignant ovarian cancer in 2010-2012 in Kansas, Missouri and Iowa by rurality. As well, factors associated with surgical care were assessed among women living in urban and rural residences at the time of cancer diagnosis. Results Rural women were significantly less likely to receive surgical care from a gynecologic oncologist specialist (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 0.37, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.24-0.58) and referral to a specialist (OR 0.37, 95% CI 0.23-0.59) compared to urban women. There was no significant difference in specialist surgery after a referral (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.26-1.20). Rural women treated surgically by a gynecologic oncologist versus non-specialist were more likely to receive cytoreduction and more complete tumor removal to ≤ 1cm, but experienced a greater time from diagnosis-to-surgery (mean: 19 days versus 9 days, p value 0.022). Conclusion There is a large urban-rural difference in receipt of ovarian cancer surgery from a gynecologic oncologist specialist (versus a non-specialist). Disparities in referral rates contribute to the urban-rural difference. Further research is needed into the causes of referral disparities, as well as promising strategies to address them. Citation Format: Kristin S. Weeks, Charles F. Lynch, Michele West, Ryan Carnahan, Michael O9Rorke, Jacob Oleson, Megan McDonald, Sherri L. Stewart, Ovarian Cancer Treatment Study Group, Mary Charlton. Rural disparities in surgical care from gynecologic oncologists among Midwestern ovarian cancer patients [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Conference: Thirteenth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2020 Oct 2-4. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(12 Suppl):Abstract nr PO-229.
A Normal FGF23 Does Not Preclude Tumor-Induced Osteomalacia.

Tumor-induced osteomalacia (TIO) is a rare cause of impaired bone mineralization mediated by the osteocyte-derived, phosphaturic hormone: fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23). The case is presented of a previously healthy 45-year-old man who developed fragility fractures at multiple sites (initially metatarsals, eventually ribs, hips, spine, scapula, and sacrum) resulting in rapid functional deterioration, weakness, and the inability to bear weight and ambulate without a walker. Workup for secondary causes of bone loss was negative except for mild hypogonadotropic hypogonadism with normal pituitary MRI and hypophosphatemia that persisted despite aggressive supplementation. Testosterone was initiated but discontinued 6 months later because of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, likely provoked by his new sedentary state, in addition to smoking history and possibly testosterone usage. Serum FGF23 was nonelevated at 138 mRU/mL (44-215). A genetic panel for OI variants was negative for a causal mutation. At the age of 48, 3 years after his initial fracture, he was referred to our academic endocrine clinic. We ruled out additional mutations that lead to hypophosphatemic rickets, including phosphate-regulating endopeptidase homolog, X-linked. PET/CT looking for a potential TIO locus revealed uptake in the left suprapatellar recess. Biopsy was consistent with a phosphaturic mesenchymal tumor. FGF23 was repeated for a preoperative baseline and now found to be elevated at 289 mRU/mL. In retrospect, it is likely that the initial level was inappropriately elevated for the degree of hypophosphatemia. After resection, he experienced marked improvement in physical function, decreased pain, and resolution of renal phosphate wasting. The principals of establishing a robust clinical diagnosis of TIO should be emphasized, excluding other entities and avoiding pitfalls in the interpretation of laboratory testing. © 2020 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
MOBILE SUBSCRIBERS’ ATTITUDE TOWARDS SERVICE TARIFF WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO TUTICORIN DIST

As it is a competitive world, Price plays a significant role in marketing. Increasing competition in this sector has led the providers to recognize the need to focus on the price of the service to retain the present customers. Normally, consumers think about the cost of the service or goods. After that only, they will consider about quality, colour, size and other features. Consumers may choose the mobile service provider in the tariff base. Thus, tariff influences in selecting mobile service provider. This study focuses on significance of service tariff in the satisfaction of the subscribers in Tuticorin Dist.
Legal Relationships in Amateur Sports

The ninth edition of this popular casebook follows the organization of prior editions: Amateur Sports, Professional Sports, and Issues Common to Both. Comprehensive enough to allow professors to select topics that are of most interest to them and their students, it uses a skills-oriented, problem-based approach to the study of sports law. The text also includes capstone problems and case simulations designed to facilitate both the review of doctrine and the energy of experiential learning.
State-level prevalence estimates of latent tuberculosis infection in the United States by medical risk factors, demographic characteristics and nativity.

Introduction Preventing tuberculosis (TB) disease requires treatment of latent TB infection (LTBI) as well as prevention of person-to-person transmission. We estimated the LTBI prevalence for the entire United States and for each state by medical risk factors, age, and race/ethnicity, both in the total population and stratified by nativity. Methods We created a mathematical model using all incident TB disease cases during 2013-2017 reported to the National Tuberculosis Surveillance System that were classified using genotype-based methods or imputation as not attributed to recent TB transmission. Using the annual average number of TB cases among US-born and non-US-born persons by medical risk factor, age group, and race/ethnicity, we applied population-specific reactivation rates (and corresponding 95% confidence intervals [CI]) to back-calculate the estimated prevalence of untreated LTBI in each population for the United States and for each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia in 2015. Results We estimated that 2.7% (CI: 2.6%-2.8%) of the U.S. population, or 8.6 (CI: 8.3-8.8) million people, were living with LTBI in 2015. Estimated LTBI prevalence among US-born persons was 1.0% (CI: 1.0%-1.1%) and among non-US-born persons was 13.9% (CI: 13.5%-14.3%). Among US-born persons, the highest LTBI prevalence was in persons aged ≥65 years (2.1%) and in persons of non-Hispanic Black race/ethnicity (3.1%). Among non-US-born persons, the highest LTBI prevalence was estimated in persons aged 45-64 years (16.3%) and persons of Asian and other racial/ethnic groups (19.1%). Conclusions Our estimations of the prevalence of LTBI by medical risk factors and demographic characteristics for each state could facilitate planning for testing and treatment interventions to eliminate TB in the United States. Our back-calculation method feasibly estimates untreated LTBI prevalence and can be updated using future TB disease case counts at the state or national level.
Online Interactive Platform for COVID-19 Literature Visual Analytics: Platform Development Study.

Background: Papers on COVID-19 are being published at a high rate and concern many different topics. Innovative tools are needed to aid researchers to find patterns in this vast amount of literature to identify subsets of interest in an automated fashion. Objective: We present a new online software resource with a friendly user interface that allows users to query and interact with visual representations of relationships between publications. Methods: We publicly released an application called PLATIPUS (Publication Literature Analysis and Text Interaction Platform for User Studies) that allows researchers to interact with literature supplied by COVIDScholar via a visual analytics platform. This tool contains standard filtering capabilities based on authors, journals, high-level categories, and various research-specific details via natural language processing and dozens of customizable visualizations that dynamically update from a researcher’s query. Results: PLATIPUS is available online and currently links to over 100,000 publications and is still growing. This application has the potential to transform how COVID-19 researchers use public literature to enable their research. Conclusions: The PLATIPUS application provides the end user with a variety of ways to search, filter, and visualize over 100,00 COVID-19 publications.
Numerical study of all-optical switching of ferromagnetic thin film using temporally controlled optothermal and optomagnetic pulses

Abstract All-optical switching (AOS) allows the ultrafast control of magnetization states in a thin film and has the potential to increase the magnetic data recording speed by a few orders of magnitudes. The mechanism of AOS in ferrimagnetic materials has been successfully explained by using the magnetic circular dichroism and the angular momentum transfer between sublattices, but the mechanism for the observed AOS in the ferromagnetic materials is still under debate. One hypothesis explains the AOS in the ferromagnetic film by hypothesizing the existence of a prolonged magnetic field excited by the inverse Faraday effect. Theoretical calculation suggests that the switching result is sensitive to the magnetic field during the cooling down process, particularly across the Curie temperature. However, the optomagnetic excitation originates from the same pulse and decays faster than the optothermal response, which typically makes the induced magnetic field fade away before the material reaches the Curie temperature. Here, we numerically study a dual-pulse AOS scheme that temporally and spatially decouples the ultrafast optothermal and optomagnetic responses and allows the timing control of the induced magnetic field to facilitate the AOS. This dual-pulse scheme may guide to experimentally confirm the hypothesis of the prolonged magnetic field for the ferromagnetic AOS process.
A Body Size–Adjusted Maximum Ultrafiltration Rate Warning Level Is Not Equitable for Larger Patients

It is now well established that higher ultrafiltration (UF) rates during a hemodialysis session are associated with a higher propensity to intradialytic hypotension, cardiac stunning, and mortality ([1][1],[2][2]). These associations have been derived from observational dataset reports, with all of
Fratricidal Coercion in Modern War

Does the threat or use of violence against one's own soldiers make them more willing to perform their duties in battle? Existing theories largely dismiss this kind of fratricidal coercion as ineffective or obsolete, suggesting that positive inducements like ideology, material rewards, and primary group bonds drive soldiers' behavior. We argue instead that fratricidal coercion can improve soldier compliance, reducing wartime desertions, missing in action, premature surrender, and other forms of indiscipline. Yet it also places soldiers at greater risk of physical harm, and potentially impedes an army’s ability to inflict costs on enemy forces. To test our claims, we use a three-pronged empirical strategy that draws on (1) a monthly panel dataset of 609 Soviet Rifle Divisions in 1941--45, built from 34 million personnel files; (2) a close-range paired comparison of two Rifle Divisions selected via matching; and (3) 526 land battles (1939--2011) to assess the cross-national generalizability of these micro-level findings. Fratricidal coercion improves soldier compliance across all of these samples, but at the cost of higher casualties. These findings highlight the need to bring coercion back into our theories of combat motivation and military effectiveness.
Electrostatic flocking of salt-treated microfibers and nanofiber yarns for regenerative engineering

Abstract Electrostatic flocking is a textile technology that employs a Coulombic driving force to launch short fibers from a charging source towards an adhesive-covered substrate, resulting in a dense array of aligned fibers perpendicular to the substrate. However, electrostatic flocking of insulative polymeric fibers remains a challenge due to their insufficient charge accumulation. We report a facile method to flock electrostatically insulative poly(e-caprolactone) (PCL) microfibers (MFs) and electrospun PCL nanofiber yarns (NFYs) by incorporating NaCl during pre-flock processing. Both MF and NFY were evaluated for flock functionality, mechanical properties, and biological responses. To demonstrate this platform's diverse applications, standalone flocked NFY and MF scaffolds were synthesized and evaluated as scaffold for cell growth. Employing the same methodology, scaffolds made from poly(glycolide-co- l -lactide) (PGLA) (90:10) MFs were evaluated for their wound healing capacity in a diabetic mouse model. Further, a flock-reinforced polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) disc was fabricated to create an anisotropic artificial vertebral disc (AVD) replacement potentially used as a treatment for lumbar degenerative disc disease. Overall, a salt-based flocking method is described with MFs and NFYs, with wound healing and AVD repair applications presented.
In Situ Experiments to Support Development of the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP)

The main thrust of the WIPP in situ activities will be those associated with the WIPP early shaft complex to be planned and developed in the FY80-81 time frame. In this early shaft complex, there will be significant geological investigations. There will also be complexes for the following: Large-scale rock mechanics design verification Drifts with the heat load of anticipated waste Experiments to address technical issues of: (1) TRU waste emplacement and retrieval (without radioactivity) Non-radioactive high level waste interactions Thermal structural experiments Stable nuclide migration Brine migration Permeability Borehole plugging Operation and design Instrumentation development and monitoring Waste interaction investigations include corrosion, getter (multibarrier) development, nuclide transport (stable nuclides), i.e. those areas where preliminary information can be obtained without radioactivity. This project is (10/79) in the early planning and layout phase.
Antihemolytic actions of tricyclic tranquilizers. Structural correlations.

Abstract Thirty-one phenothiazines were examined for their capacity to protect red blood cells of the dog against hypo-osmotic hemolysis. Incubation of erythrocytes in buffered saline (135mOsmoles/1.) resulted in 40–50 per cent hemolysis. Addition of phenothiazines to this system generally reduced hemolysis. The 50 per cent effective dose ( ed 50 ) was determined for each compound. The ED 50 ranged from 0.002 to 0.043 mM. Protection against hemolysis was related to molecular structural features: substitutions at position 10 showed no predictable influence on hemolysis; two sulf oxides had no protective influence; protection increased with increasing electronegativity at position 2—CF 3 > Cl > H. Imipramine and desmethylimipramine also had antihemolytic activity, but the response was maximal at the smallest dose used and did not change with larger doses. In several experiments, phenothiazines were preincubated with compounds which might be constituents of the red cell membrane. Binding could not be observed between phenothiazines and lecithin or cholesterol. Extensive binding to bovine albumin was demonstrated.
Discovering a new identity after brain injury

Acquired brain injury (ABI) is one example of the chronic conditions that people of varying socioeconomic status must bear. Concerns with identity and self are endemic to surviving brain injury. For this study, a brain tumour survivor injured 17 years earlier, took photographs of her life with brain injury and discussed them with other brain injury survivors and the author. Narrative analysis methods were used to analyse her photographs and interview, and generate a visual illness narrative with four photographs and their accompanying interview text. Her visual illness narrative reveals discovery of a post-brain injury identity whose multiplicity of self-definitions includes chef, brain injury survivor, gardener, and self-advocate. Study findings reveal that identity issues of importance to brain injury survivors can include (1) learning the new, post-brain injury self, and (2) building a new identity whose multiple, partial identities include (a) the new brain injured self, (b) an old self (with its residual strengths), and (c) a self who does meaningful activities (e.g. parenting, partnering, art, gardening, volunteering, helping others, or paid work). Study results suggest that using visual research methods can help to put biographical disruption such as brain injury into perspective as a life lived.
An Interpersonal Communication Analysis of Relationship in Psychotherapy

In psychotherapy theorty, research, and practice, relationship has remained a controversial and elusive construct. Psychoanalytic theorists highlight transference-countertransference factors as central theoretical and technical components, but have yet to translate these constructs into a scientifically useful format. Rogerian theorists have consistently specified the relationship factors of positive regard, empathy, and congruence as "necessary and sufficient conditions" for constructive personality change in therapy and have evolved operational anchorings (e.g. Rogers, Gendlin, Kiesler, and Truax, 1967). Behaviorists (e.g., Wilson and Evans, 1978) conceptualize relationship factors as nonspecific variables which are important in enhancing the social influence and eliciting power of the therapist as an agent of change, while considering most client emotional responses toward the therapist as random factors which are generally irrelevant to the therapeutic process. My purpose in this paper is to offer a conceptual and empirical analysis of relationship in human behavior and in psychotherapy from an interpersonal communication perspective.
When Do Papers Matter? An Institutional Analysis of Undocumented Life in the United States

This article assesses how two key institutions differentially shape immigrants’ relationship to their rights in American society. We draw on over 200 in-depth interviews to argue that there is a stark difference between how schools encourage undocumented youth to view themselves as equal members of US society and how undocumented workers are marginalized in the workplace. We find that even as schools track and stratify students, they also foster a culture of meritocracy between documented and undocumented youth. Schools ultimately render immigration status irrelevant as undocumented youth learn to navigate the primary institution of this stage of their lives. Conversely, immigration status is central to the experience of undocumented workers, who develop a particular set of survival skills that help them live and work successfully in the United States without being detected while also erecting a barrier between themselves and any additional rights they may be afforded.
MiteSim — a simulation model of the Banks grass mite (Acari: Tetranychidae) and the predatory mite, Neoseiulus fallacis (Acari: Phytoseiidae) on maize: model development and validation

Abstract A simulation model (MiteSim) of the mite predator/prey system consisting of Banks grass mite (BGM), Oligonychus pratensis (Banks), and the predatory mite (NEO), Neoseiulus fallacis (Garman), was developed and validated. This model included the effects of temperature, humidity and predation and was coupled to a comprehensive plant-microenvironment model (Cupid). Leaf temperatures, stomatal and boundary layer resistances, and canopy air temperature and humidity are calculated by Cupid. A submodel (POPVPD) uses this information from Cupid to calculate leaf surface humidity. Mite developmental rates and fecundity are each calculated as a function of both leaf surface temperature and humidity in MiteSim. NEO consumption rates are calculated as a function of temperature and prey density. The model predicted the predator/prey population dynamics well for a laboratory microcosm. However, MiteSim consistently overestimated the number of spider mites in field situations, especially toward the end of the simulations. These results suggest that substantial mortality factors occur in the field that are not accounted for from laboratory data.
Synthesis and degradation of cyclic nucleotides in the pituitary gland, ovary and testis of rats treated with D-Trp6-luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone.

Abstract The effect of administration of d -Trp 6 -Luteininzing Hormone-Releasing Hormone (LH-RH) on synthesis and degradation of cyclic nucleotides was studied in the rat. There were no significant changes in the rate of synthesis and degradation of cyclic AMP in the ovary, testis and pituitary gland of d -Trp 6 LH-RH-treated rats as compared to controls. On the other hand, the levels of cyclic GMP and activity of guanylate cyclase were significantly higher in the ovary and testis as well as in the pituitary gland of animals which received the analog. The rate of hydrolysis of cyclic GMP was unchanged by the administration of d -Trp 6 -LH=RH. Interestingly, the cyclic CMP phosphodiesterase seemed to be activated in animals treated with d -Trp 6 -LH-RH.
A survey of the American Observatory Movement, 1800 1850

Abstract The rapid construction of American observatories began in the third and fourth decades of the nineteenth century following several earlier, unsuccessful attempts to construct a permanent observatory. After the year 1830 or so, observatories were built in increasing numbers by private individuals, colleges, communities and the Federal government. Interest in the study of this period arises both from the eventual success of the general movement which led to some notable observatories, as well as from the dramatic failures which illustrate the reception of this basic science in early nineteenth-century America. In some instances failure resulted from the reliance on a community's financial support which ended with the loss of scientific control of an observatory's activities. Financial support from communities, however, was also responsible in large part for the magnitude of productive observatories where invariably the control of public supported equipment rested among an educational institution or professional astronomers. The American observatory movement developed at first independently of the Federal government primarily because the majority of congress interpreted the Federal constitution as prohibiting direct aid to foster the sciences.
Co-clustering Spatial Data Using a Generalized Linear Mixed Model With Application to the Integrated Pest Management

Co-clustering has been broadly applied to many domains such as bioinformatics and text mining. However, model-based spatial co-clustering has not been studied. In this paper, we develop a co-clustering method using a generalized linear mixed model for spatial data. To avoid the high computational demands associated with global optimization, we propose a heuristic optimization algorithm to search for a near optimal co-clustering. For an application pertinent to Integrated Pest Management, we combine the spatial co-clustering technique with a statistical inference method to make assessment of pest densities more accurate. We demonstrate the utility and power of our proposed pest assessment procedure through simulation studies and apply the procedure to studies of the persea mite (Oligonychus perseae), a pest of avocado trees, and the citricola scale (Coccus pseudomagnoliarum), a pest of citrus trees.
Diffuse neonatal hemangiomatosis: an evidence-based review of case reports in the literature.

Background The term "diffuse neonatal hemangiomatosis" has been used historically to describe multifocal vascular lesions affecting the skin and viscera in infants. Objective We hypothesized that many cases reported as diffuse neonatal hemangiomatosis did not have infantile hemangiomas (IH), but represented more recently described neonatal vascular diseases. Methods A literature search was performed using PubMed database (1950-2009) with the terms "neonatal hemangiomatosis," "benign hemangiomatosis," and "diffuse hemangiomatosis." A total of 180 articles were identified. Exclusion criteria included disease onset later than 3 years of age and absence of multifocal skin involvement. In all, 73 cases were selected and categorized into 3 groups: IH/probable IH; multifocal lymphangioendotheliomatosis with thrombocytopenia (MLT)/probable MLT; and multifocal vascular lesions, not otherwise specified. Results Of the 73 cases, 43 had IH/probable IH, 17 had MLT/probable MLT, and 13 had multifocal vascular lesions, not otherwise specified. The clinical outcomes of these groups differed in that two of 43 (5%) patients with IH died whereas 11 of 17 (65%) patients with MLT died (odds ratio 37.6, confidence interval 5.6-387.6, P value Limitations This was a literature-based meta-analysis, which inherently has limitations of incomplete and inconsistently presented information. Conclusions Many cases reported in the literature as diffuse neonatal hemangiomatosis represent newly described multifocal vascular anomalies such as MLT, which has a strikingly higher mortality than IH. We propose the term "multifocal infantile hemangioma–with or without extracutaneous disease" instead of "diffuse neonatal hemangiomatosis" for multiple cutaneous IH. Accurate diagnosis of multifocal neonatal vascular lesions is imperative to facilitate appropriate evaluation, treatment, and prognosis.
Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole vs. Ampicillin in the Treatment of Experimental Meningitis Due to Streptococcus pneumoniae

When given in combination, both trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole penetrated well into the cerebrospinal fluid of rabbits with experimental pneumococcal meningitis, reaching concentrations that should have been adequate for synergistic killing of Streptococcuspneumoniae. However, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole was less effective than ampicillin in the treatment of this experimental infection. The effect of the combination on pneumococci in vivo was bacteriostatic rather than bactericidal, possibly because the number of pneumococci in the cerebrospinal fluid of the rabbits at the start of treatment was larger than that in the inoculum used for in vitro sensitivity tests. The combination trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMZ) has properties that make it potentially useful for the treatment of bacterial meningitis. Both trimethoprim (TMP) and sulfamethoxazole (SMZ) penetrate well into cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) [1]. The combination is active in vitro against Haemophilus influenzae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Streptococcus pneumoniae, as well as many other species that occasionally cause meningitis [2]. The results of initial, uncontrolled, clinical trials outside the United States seem en
Lipid peroxidation and decomposition — Conflicting roles in plaque vulnerability and stability

The low density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation hypothesis has generated considerable interest in oxidative stress and how it might affect atherosclerosis. However, the failure of antioxidants, particularly vitamin E, to affect the progression of the disease in humans has convinced even staunch supporters of the hypothesis to take a step backwards and reconsider alternatives. Preponderant evidence for the hypothesis came from animal antioxidant intervention studies. In this review we point out basic differences between animal and human atherosclerosis development and suggest that human disease starts where animal studies end. While initial oxidative steps in the generation of early fatty streak lesions might be common, the differences might be in the steps involved in the decomposition of peroxidized lipids into aldehydes and their further oxidation into carboxylic acids. We suggest that these steps may not be amenable to attenuation by antioxidants and antioxidants might actually counter the stabilization of plaque by preventing the formation of carboxylic acids which are anti-inflammatory in nature. The formation of such dicarboxylic acids may also be conducive to plaque stabilization by trapping calcium. We suggest that agents that would prevent the decomposition of lipid peroxides and promote the formation and removal of lipid hydroxides, such as paraoxonase (PON 1) or apo A1/high density lipoprotein (HDL) might be more conducive to plaque regression.
Io's auroral limb glow: Hubble Space Telescope FUV observations

[1] Observations of Io's FUV aurora were obtained using the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS) on several occasions between 1997 and 2000. The STIS first-order long-slit spectroscopy mode and 2″ wide slit were used to produce nearly monochromatic images of Io. These images reveal several distinct auroral features, including limb brightened emissions at the poles, designated “limb glow”. A detailed study of the limb glow brightness in OI] 1356 A images is reported. The limb glow on the hemisphere facing the plasma torus centrifugal equator is consistently brighter than on the other hemisphere, and is brighter by a factor of ∼2 when Io is farthest from the plasma torus centrifugal equator. We determine that this behavior is consistent with there being more electrons and more electron energy in the part of an intersecting plasma torus flux tube located above the brighter hemisphere. Since most of the electrons in an intersecting flux tube have time to travel along the field line and collide with Io before the flux tube moves downstream across Io's poles, more torus electron energy is transferred into the polar hemisphere with brighter aurora. We demonstrate that a Kappa distribution model of the plasma torus electron column density above each hemisphere predicts to first order the ratio of north and south limb glow brightnesses as a function of Io's distance from the plasma torus centrifugal equator. This finding illustrates the importance of field-aligned torus electron energy transport for producing Io's aurora.
Isoprene emission capacity for US tree species

Isoprene emission capacity measurements are presented from 18 North American oak (Quercus) species and species from six other genera previously found to emit signi"cant quantities of isoprene. Sampling was conducted at physiographically diverse locations in North Carolina, Central California, and Northern Oregon. Emissions from several sun leaves of each species were measured at or near standard conditions (leaf temperature of 303C and photosynthetically active radiation of 1000mol m s) using environmentally controlled cuvette systems and gas chromatography with reduction gas detectors. Species mean emission capacity ranged from 39 to 158 gC g h (mean of 86), or 22 to 79 nmol m s (mean of 44). These rates are 2}28 times higher than those previously reported from the same species, which were summarized in a recent study where isoprene emission rates were assigned based on published data and taxonomy. These discrepancies were attributed to di!erences in leaf environment during development, measurement technique (branch or plant enclosure versus leaf enclosure), and lack of environmental measurements associated with some of the earlier branch enclosure measurements. Mass-based emission capacities for 15 of 18 oak species, sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciyua), and poplars (Populus trichocarpa and P. deltoides) were within ranges used in current biogenic volatile organic compound (BVOC) emission models, while measured rates for the remaining three oak species, Nyssa sylvatica, Platanus occidentalis, Robinia pseudoacacia, Salix nigra, and Populus hybrids (Populus trichocarpa P. deltoides) were considerably higher. In addition, mean speci"c leaf mass of the oak species was 30% higher than assumed in current emission models. Emission rates reported here and in other recent studies support recent conclusions that isoprene emission capacities for sun leaves of high emitting species may be better represented by a value of 100$50g Cg h during hot summer conditions. We also"nd that intermediate isoprene emission rates previously suggested for some tree species may not represent their true emission capacities, and that broadleaf plant species may have either low ((1.0 gC g h) or very high (&100 gCg h) genetic capacity to emit isoprene when mature foliage is exposed to a high ambient temperature and light environment. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.
Trajectories of diurnal cortisol in mothers of children with autism and other developmental disabilities: relations to health and mental health

This study used a stress biomarker, diurnal cortisol, to identify how elevated stress in mothers of children and adults with autism and other disabilities relates to their health and mental health. Based on semi-parametric, group-based trajectory analysis of 91 mothers, two distinctive cortisol trajectories emerged: blunted (63 %) or steep (37 %). Mothers in the blunted (vs. steep) trajectory had higher stress levels, lower health ratings, and 89 % of mothers of children with autism, and 53 % with other disabilities, belonged to this trajectory. Atypical cortisol awakening responses and evening rises were differentially associated with anxiety, depression, health problems and employment status. Stress-reducing interventions are needed for parents of children with autism and other disabilities that include biomarkers as indices of risk or treatment outcome.
612 INHIBITION OF NEUTROPHIL PHAGOCYTOSIS BY HYDROCORTISONE IN VITRO

Inhibition of several membrane-associated neutrophil (PMN) functions by corticosteroids has been suggested in previous reports. We evaluated the effect of hydrocortisone (HC) on phagocytosis by human PMNs with two widely utilized phagocytic assays. PMNs of adult volunteers were obtained by methylcellulose-hypaque separation. After a 30-minute pre-incubation with varying concentrations of HC, the cells were assayed either by Stoessel's Oil Red O method or by Tan's phagocytic-bactericidal method. Simultaneous control PMNs were pre-incubated with drug-free buffer. Trypan blue viability was satisfactory (> 93%) with up to 2 × 10-3M HC. Phagocytosis and bactericidal activity toward Staphylococcus aureus were unperturbed using up to 2 × 10-3M HC. By contrast, in the Oil Red O assay a significant inhibition of phagocytosis was observed with 2 × 10-3M HC (mean % inhibition ± SE 14.5 ± 1.6) and with 2 × 10-4M HC (17.9 ± 4.2, p < 0.025). With 2 × 10-2M HC profound inhibition of phagocytosis (76.1±5.1) occurred; similar inhibition (60 ± 12.5) was observed in the phagocytic-bactericidal assay. At 2 × 10-2M concentration, however, HC caused severe morphological cell alterations with over 60% of the PMNs trypan blue positive. Bactericidal activity remained normal at any HC concentration. Our data indicate that 1) in vitro exposure to HC affects phagocytosis by PMNs 2) it does not impair bactericidal activity 3) the Oil Red O phagocytic assay is more sensitive than the phagocytic-bactericidal test in detecting moderate phagocytic defects.
Dihydrotachysterol (AT 10) and Mammogenesis in Ovary-Thyro-Parathyroidectomized Rats.∗

SummaryDaily administration of 1 μg EB plus 3 mg P to mature ovary-thyro-para-thyroidectomized rats for 19 days stimulated mammary gland growth (DNA) comparable to ovariectomized rats receiving same treatment. Replacement therapy with 10 and 20 μ AT 10/100 g/day, respectively, in combination with 1 μg EB plus 3 mg P increased total DNA significantly. No benefit was observed by increasing ovarian hormones to 2 μg EB plus 6 mg P. Combined administration of AT 10 at above mentioned levels and 1.5 μg and 3 μg T4/100 g depressed DFFT significantly resulting in reduced total DNA.
A generalized Faxén theorem for two-dimensional Brownian motion

Abstract The induced force method developed by Mazur and Bedeaux is applied here to two-dimensional Brownian motion. We obtain a generalized Faxen theorem which reduces to the Stokes-Basset drag force on a nonuniformly moving cylinder or disk in the special case where the fluid fluctuations are neglected. The resulting modified Langevin equation is solved numerically for the velocity autocorrelation O( t ) and the expected long time result O( t )∼1/ t is obtained. It is perhaps surprising that the short time behavior of O( t ) deviates considerably from that predicted on the basis of a modified Langevin equation incorporating the classic Oseen-Lamb drag force on a cylinder.
Co-oxidation of all-trans retinol acetate by human term placental lipoxygenase and soybean lipoxygenase.

Abstract The oxidation of all-trans retinol acetate (t-RAc) mediated by soybean lipoxygenase (SLO) and affinity purified human term placental lipoxygenase (HTPLO) was investigated. Under optimum assay conditions, SLO, which is used as a model enzyme, exhibited a specific activity of 850 nmol of t-RAc depleted/min/nmol of enzyme. For HTPLO, incubation of 100 μM t-RAc, 2 mM linoleic acid, and 50 μg of enzyme protein in Tris buffer at pH 9.0 was essential to observe the optimum rate of t-RAc cooxidation (370 nmol of t-RAc depleted/ min/mg protein). The linoleate dependent cooxidation of t-RAc by both SLO and HTPLO was significantly inhibited by micromolar concentrations of nordihydroguaiaretic acid, butylated hydroxytoluene, butylated hydroxyanisole, gossypol, and 5,8,11-eicosatriynoic acid. These results suggest that t-RAc is metabolized via the lipoxygenase pathway. Significant rate of t-RAc oxidation by HTPLO observed in this study suggests that it may constitute an important part of the puzzle worthy of consideration in the understanding of retinoid teratogenicity in humans.
The emergence of Medicare hospice care in US nursing homes.

Bien qu'il existe des soins palliatifs finances par le Medicare dans les cliniques depuis plus de 10 ans, on sait tres peu de choses concernant l'utilisation de cette aide gouvernementale dans les cliniques. Grâce aux resultats d'une enquete menee aupres des utilisateurs et aux statistiques du Medicare dans 5 etats des Etats-Unis, nous avons pu identifier et decrire les beneficiaires de soins palliatifs en clinique entre 1992 et 1996 et les types de soins palliatifs dispenses. Six pour cent de tous les patients hospitalises en clinique ont beneficier de soins palliatifs a un moment ou a un autre et en 1996, on a estime que 24% de tous les patients en soins palliatifs couverts par le Medicare ont beneficie de soins palliatifs en clinique. Parmi ces patients, qui ont recu des soins palliatifs apres avoir ete admis en clinique, 48% avaient 85 ans ou plus, 70% etaient des femmes, 94% etaient blancs, 76% n'etaient pas maries et 62% souffraient d'une affection principale non cancereuse. La duree moyenne du sejour etait de 90.6 jours avec une mediane a 35 jours et une duree tres frequente de 2 jours. Les soins palliatifs dans les cliniques americaines constituent un systeme de soins tres repandus qui semblent faire beneficier du systeme Medicare surtout les adultes plus âges de sexe feminin et non atteints de pathologies malignes. Les durees de sejour sont similaires a celles observees habituellement et la duree moyenne de sejour est substantiellement plus courte que celle rapportee auparavant par une etude gouvernementale orientee.
Discovery of a perceptual distance function for measuring image similarity

For more than a decade, researchers have actively explored the area of image/video analysis and retrieval. Yet one fundamental problem remains largely unsolved: how to measure perceptual similarity between two objects. For this purpose, most researchers employ a Minkowski-type metric. Unfortunately, the Minkowski metric does not reliably find similarities in objects that are obviously alike. Through mining a large set of visual data, our team has discovered a perceptual distance function. We call the discovered function the dynamic partial function (DPF). When we empirically compare DPF to Minkowski-type distance functions in image retrieval and in video shot-transition detection using our image features, DPF performs significantly better. The effectiveness of DPF can be explained by similarity theories in cognitive psychology.
Using magnesium to maximize heat generated by reactive Al/Zr nanolaminates

Abstract In this study, we explore the effect of magnesium content on the ability of reactive nanocomposite foils to generate heat, by comparing three chemistries: Al:Zr, Al–8Mg:Zr, and Al–38Mg:Zr. These correspond to foils with alternating aluminum and zirconium layers where the Al is either pure, an 8 at.%Mg alloy, or a 38 at.%Mg alloy, respectively. Measurements performed in a specially designed bomb calorimeter show that Al–8Mg:Zr foils perform the best, generating the greatest gravimetric heat in air, oxygen, and nitrogen environments. Both Mg-containing foils release a visible plume of particles and vapor upon reacting, which was recorded with a high speed camera. This ejected mass includes Mg vapor and particles of all three metals. Both the vapor and particles oxidize rapidly in air, resulting in single metal-oxide particles. The reacted foils, particularly the Al–8Mg:Zr samples, contain voids and higher levels of oxygen and nitrogen throughout their thicknesses than reacted Al:Zr foils. To explain the higher heats of reaction for the Al–8Mg:Zr foils, we suggest that the out-diffusion and evaporation of Mg generates a high concentration of vacancies that enhance oxygen and nitrogen diffusion throughout the foil, thereby increasing the degree of oxidation and nitridation.
PHONON DENSITIES OF STATES AND EIGENVECTORS IN HYDROGENATED AND FLUORINATED AMORPHOUS SILICON

A study of the vibrational properties of amorphous silicon alloys is presented. Using the Cluster-Bethe-lattice method and isolated cluster calculations, local densities of states spectra and eigenvectors are calculated. Our results indicate that all of the vibrational modes associated with H and F in the alloys exhibit a localized character : those above 500 cm-1 are localized predominantly on the H or F sites, while those below are in-band resonances and localized within the first three layers of Si-atoms.