cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Overlap of idiopathic and IgG4-related hypertrophic pachymeningitis: Case Series (P2.385)

Objective: To report overlap of idiopathic and IgG4-related hypertrophic pachymeningitis Background: IgG4-related hypertrophic pachymeningitis (IgG4-HPM) is a fibro-inflammatory condition, described by Wallace et al. in 2013. To date, less than 45 cases have been reported. The role of IgG4 in this disease is not clear. Due to non-inflammatory nature of IgG4, raised level of IgG4 is generally considered as an epiphenomenon. There is limited data regarding IgG4-related disease with meningeal involvement. Pathology on biopsy is characteristic but in late stages dense fibrosis makes the visualization of IgG4 difficult. Diagnosis of this condition requires clinical, radiological and histopathological correlation. Our data support the hypothesis that idiopathic and IgG4-RHPM have similar demographic, clinical, radiological features and natural history. Design/Methods: We performed a retrospective study of patients with idiopathic hypertrophic pachymeningitis or IgG4-HPM, treated at our insititution, from October 2015 to September 2016. Based on international consensus guidelines, six patients were identified as hypertrophic pachymeningitis. Results: Four out of six patients underwent meningeal biopsy. Out of those, one patient had definite IgG4-HPM. Two patients had probable IgG4-HPM due to lack of IgG4 count, though fulfilling the rest of the criteria. One patient was positive for c-ANCA with granulomatous changes and raised IgG4 plasma infiltrates. Two of 6 patients were not biopsied and were considered as undifferentiated cases. Interestingly, all patients shared similar demographic, clinical, radiological features and natural history. Patients with definite and probable IgG4-HPM showed remarkable response to steroid and immunosuppressant. Conclusions: IgG4-HPM is the most common cause of idiopathic HP. IgG4-laden plasma cells can be seen in non-IgG4 related diseases. In contrast, IgG4-laden plasma cells may not be detected when dense fibrosis is present. We conclude that, whereas appropriate pathological changes on meningeal biopsy support the diagnosis, the absence or scant presence of plasma cells do not exclude IgG4-HP. Disclosure: Dr. Usman has nothing to disclose. Dr. Suraj Muley received personal compensation for activities with Athena Diagnostics as a speaker. Dr. Agius has received personal compensation for activities with Teva Neuroscience, Biogen Idec, Berlex Labs and Serono as a speaker and consultant. Dr. Agius has received research support from Novartis, Teva, Biogen, Genzyme, Roche, Immune Tolerance Network, Actelion, and Acorda Therapeutics.
Vitamin D, genetics, and bone mineral density during weight loss.

Purpose of review The current review is to summarize the recent progress in the research of the relation between vitamin D and bone mineral density (BMD) during weight-loss interventions, and describe how genetic factors interact with weight-loss interventions on changes in bone health. Recent findings Obesity has shown to be a protective factor for bone health, whereas the relation between weight loss and BMD has yet to be well established. Although beneficial on a variety of metabolic outcomes, weight-loss interventions, such as dietary modifications and surgical treatment, showed adverse effects on bone health in some studies. Despite the biological plausibility for a role of vitamin D in promoting bone health, current evidence does not consistently support the connection between changes in circulating vitamin D levels and BMD during weight loss, partly because of insufficient vitamin D levels during weight loss. Genome-wide association studies have identified genetic variants related to the blood levels of vitamin D; and emerging evidence suggests that dietary intakes may modify the relationship between genetically determined circulating vitamin D levels and change in BMD in response to weight-loss diets. Summary The relations of changes in circulating vitamin D levels with bone health during weight-loss interventions remain to be established, and the role of genetic factors would be considered in future investigations.
X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy investigation of the valence band offset at beryllium oxide-diamond interfaces

Abstract Owing to a large bandgap, extreme thermal-mechanical properties, and close lattice matching, beryllium oxide (BeO) is an ideal substrate and dielectric material for diamond based electronic devices. In this regard, we have utilized X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS) to determine the valence band offset (VBO) between atomic layer deposited (ALD) BeO and nano-crystalline diamond (nc-D). The BeO VBO with nc-D was determined to be 1.8 ± 0.1 eV. Utilizing the reported band gaps for ALD BeO (8.0 eV) and diamond (5.5 eV), the calculated conduction band offset at the BeO/nc-D interface was determined to be 0.7 ± 0.2 eV. The measured BeO/nc-D band offsets are accordingly ideal for high-power, −temperature, −frequency, and nuclear detection device applications based on diamond technology.
Ephemeral Storytelling With Social Media: Snapchat and Instagram Stories at the Brooklyn Museum:

The usage of social media in the context of the museum visit continues to grow. This research examined Instagram and Snapchat stories shared by visitors at the Brooklyn Museum via semi-structured i...
Phasor-Transform-Based Approach for EMT Model Modularization Applicable to Distribution Network Load Categories in Commercial Software Package

As there is no public information on the commercial software package module modularization algorithm and module modularization process may be needed in the user-defined model in electromagnetic transient (EMT) simulation especially with networks containing different types of loads in transmission and distribution network, a phasortransform-based approach for modularization of loads in EMT simulation applicable to both three-phase and single-phase power systems is developed in this work. In this approach, the real and reactive power derived from the load modelling process are considered as phasor, and the current of the load in phasor format as well as in instantaneous time-domain waveform format can be calculated. Then, an appropriate Norton equivalence is investigated and selected to refine the modularization process. Finally, the process will be tested with a voltage disturbance in both single-phase and three-phase power system which are equivalent from the real grid, and the modularization effect will be assessed. The work shows that the phasor-transform-based approach enables the modularization of modules of loads in transmission and distribution network in commercial software packages.
Asymptotic Optimality of Semi-Open-Loop Policies in Markov Decision Processes with Large Lead Times

We consider a generic Markov decision process (MDP) with two controls: one control taking effect immediately and the other control whose effect is delayed by a positive lead time. Computing the optimal policy of this MDP is difficult when the lead time is large. Interestingly, as the lead time grows, one would naturally expect that the effect of the delayed action only weakly depends on the current state, and intuitively decoupling the delayed action from the current state could provide good controls. The purpose of this paper is to substantiate this decoupling intuition for some MDPs by establishing asymptotic optimality of the semi-open-loop policies, which specify open-loop controls for the delayed action and closed-loop controls for the immediate action. Specifically, we show that for an MDP with a fast mixing property and uniformly bounded cost functions, certain periodic semi-open-loop policies are asymptotically optimal. For a classical lost-sales inventory model with divisible products, we provide an elementary proof of asymptotic optimality of constant-order policies. For the same model with indivisible products and integral order quantities, we prove that a special integral open-loop policy, referred to as bracket policy, is asymptotically optimal. Our approach relies on a natural lower bound, provided by the optimal semi-open-loop policies for a finite-horizon problem with a horizon length equal to the original model lead time. We show that as the horizon length becomes large, the long-run average cost incurred by some specific semi-open-loop policies becomes close to the lower bound.
Invasive Hidradenocarcinoma of the Vulva: A Case Report and Literature Review

Background: Hidradenocarcinoma is a malignant tumor of the cutaneous sweat glands. Vulvar lesions are rare, and their prognosis is poor. Recurrence and metastases are common. Surgical excision with...
Zonal Air Handling in Commercial Buildings

Commercial buildings and multi-unit residential buildings provide a setting for prolonged human-to-human contacts that contribute to the spread of infectious diseases. The emerging view is that the indoor environment and indoor gathering present a spreading risk as virus-laden aerosol lingers in indoor air for hours at high concentration. Accumulated exposure to viral load over time is an important risk determinant for an individual to be infected. The central building management systems could provide a potential means to monitor, reduce, and control such spread. Closed-loop circulation systems in these buildings give longitudinal monitoring mechanisms for ascribing disease spread to local events. Through a case study with the implementation of such monitoring and control in a real-life commercial building, we explore how recent advances in metadata modeling and application programs in buildings can be applied to achieve a new capability for zonal air handling and thus reach a higher air quality guarantees expressed in terms of air change rates than currently possible in building-level air control. Based on these experiments, we observe challenges and opportunities in indoor-climate control as a three-way tradeoff between safety, occupant comfort, and energy costs.
Bupivacaine liposome use reduces length of post-anesthesia care unit stay and postoperative narcotic use following robotic inguinal herniorrhaphy.

In the current opioid crisis, multimodal analgesic protocols should be considered to reduce or eliminate narcotic usage in the postoperative period. We assess the impact of bupivacaine liposome used along with a standard analgesia protocol following robotic inguinal hernia repair. A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained data including robotic inguinal hernia repairs (IHR) by two surgeons in the United States was performed. Within a multimodal analgesic protocol, local anesthetic was administered intraoperatively. One group received a mix of bupivacaine and bupivacaine liposome (BL), and one received standard bupivacaine (SB). Recovery room and home opiate doses were recorded. Primary outcomes included length of stay (LOS) and postoperative medication requirements. Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-square or Fisher's exact test and Mann-Whitney U test as appropriate. 122 robotic IHRs were included; 55 received BL and 67 received SB. Hospital LOS (hours) was reduced in the BL group (2.8 ± 1.1 vs 3.5 ± 1.2; p = 0.0003). There was no significant difference in recovery room parenteral MME requirements between the groups; however, BL group had less oral MME requirements (5.0 ± 6.5 MME vs. 8.1 ± 6.9 MME, p = 0.02). The BL group had a higher rate of zero opiate doses at home (44% vs 5%, p = 0.0005). Of those that did require opiates at home, there was a significant reduction in number of narcotic pills used by the BL compared to the SB group (median 1 vs 5, respectively; p < 0.0001). Intraoperative administration of BL as part of a pain management protocol may decrease length of hospital stay, and reduce or eliminate the need for narcotic analgesic use at home.
A psychoeducational intervention for early-stage caregivers of older Iowans: a pilot study

Current literature on older adult care focuses on the burden of caregiving, predictors of institutionalization, caregiver impact on mental health, and usage of home and community-based care. However, gaps in literature exist regarding informal older adult caregivers’ knowledge of home and community-based services and awareness of service availability in their community. The primary objective of this study was to test the efficacy of a one-session psychoeducational intervention for informal caregivers’ of older Iowans aimed at increasing knowledge and awareness of long-term services and supports (LTSS) availability as well as caregiver feelings of preparedness. To conduct this study, a one-session psychoeducational workshop for caregivers was held in twelve communities across Iowa. Community organizations and faith-based groups were recruited to host each workshop, and the host organizations then recruited participants. The intervention workshop covered common caregiving concerns, locating resources locally, and designing a care plan. Results indicate that the intervention was effective in significantly improving caregivers’ LTSS knowledge and awareness of availability. The intervention did have a positive effect for many caregivers in improving feelings of preparedness; however, the session was also associated with decreased self-efficacy for some caregivers. Age and education were related to caregiver outcomes and analyses suggest a more complex picture, particularly regarding self-efficacy. Further research specifically targeting underserved populations, as well as those in the early or pre-planning stages of caregiving, is needed to more fully understand prevention and intervention efforts aimed at enhancing care and improving caregivers’
Atomic Theory of Hardy Spaces

We have seen in Sect. 4.3 that \(H_{\alpha }^{p}(X)\) and \(\tilde{H}_{\alpha }^{p}(X)\) can be identified with L p (X) whenever p ∈ (1, ∞] and \(\alpha \in {\bigl ( 0,[\mathrm{log}_{2}C_{\rho }]^{-1}\bigr ]}\).
The Multimodal Approach to Cognitive Rehabilitation

In the past two decades, researchers and practitioners have developed many procedures to improve cognitive functioning. Most of these procedures attempt to produce a change in a client's cognitive processes. For example, clients may be trained in how to pay attention, perceive, rehearse, remember, or think through a problem. Recently, several researchers and practitioners have sought an eclectic approach to treating practical problems of cognition. Clients are not only trained in mental strategies to enhance cognition, they are also equipped with mental prostheses, counseled on how to cope with the stress of cognitive tasks, directed to consume foods and vitamins conducive to good brain chemistry, and taught social skills that augment cognitive performance. This article presents a model that provides a theoretical backdrop for the eclectic approach to cognitive rehabilitation. This approach is rooted in the theoretical assumption that cognitive performance can be influenced by other modes of psychological processing (e.g., physiological, perceptual, emotional, motivational, social, and responses to the physical environment). According to this approach, cognitive rehabilitation achieves the greatest improvement in a client's cognitive functioning (1) by training better thought processes, and (2) by interventions that enhance two or more other modes of processing. The article demonstrates that this multimodal model of cognitive rehabilitation accounts for a wide variety of findings in basic research and clinical research, as well as being consistent with clinical judgment.
Coping with a difficult-to-diagnose illness: the example of interstitial cystitis.

Some individuals who frequent medical facilities have physiologically based illnesses that are rare, difficult to diagnose, or typically underdiagnosed. These individuals may consult several physicians over a long period of time without obtaining a definitive diagnosis. Often, these individuals are women. In some instances, their symptoms are inaccurately attributed to psychological factors. Some women who suffer from interstitial cystitis, for example, have reported this experience. Four coping challenges faced by individuals with difficult‐to‐diagnose illnesses are suggested. These challenges are situational ambiguity, characterological attributions, blocked information seeking, and limited opportunities for downward social comparisons.
A comprehensive methodology for noise characterization of ASIC cell libraries

In nanometer technologies, capacitive coupling between signal lines is increased, thereby causing crosstalk-induced hazards. Crosstalk analysis and avoidance methodologies have evolved to tackle this problem through various stages of the design flow. To ensure effective avoidance of crosstalk and identification of circuits failing due to crosstalk noise, certain noise related parameters have to be characterized for the cells in the technology library. Characterization of noise parameters, such as noise immunity and propagation, accounts for about 60% of the total ASIC library characterization cycle time, and hence becomes a bottleneck in the library creation process. We present a comprehensive methodology that enables noise characterization of nanometer libraries in reasonable time.
Erratum: "Conical Nozzle Flow with Velocity Slip and Temperature Jump"

T constant c2 in the temperature-jump boundary condition, Eq. (14), was computed erroneously so that the temperature jumps presented in Fig. 5 and indicated on the right-hand side of Fig. 4 are too large by a factor of 4. Also, as a result of this error the curves in Fig. 2 should intersect the Gw = 0 axis at larger values of centerline Mach number, and the bounding curve Gw = 0 in Fig. 1 is shifted upward and to the right somewhat. The conclusions reached in the paper are not a Itered by this error. Errata: "General Solution for TwoDimensional CoupleStress Elasticity"
Intracranial Dislocation of the Mandibular Condyle: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Background Intracranial dislocation of the mandibular condyle is an infrequent injury that can follow traumatic upward force at the chin. A limited number of cases have been reported, and an individualized approach for patients is often recommended. Nevertheless, several consistent strategies for reduction have emerged. Methods We present the case of a 20-year-old pregnant woman with multiple facial and skeletal injuries who required open reduction after a motor vehicle accident. We also reviewed the English literature for all reported cases of traumatic mandibular dislocation into the middle cranial fossa. The demographics, presentation, surgical approach, and follow-up were examined. Results A total of 52 cases were identified, with most events occurring in the younger and female population, usually after motor vehicle (54%) or bicycle trauma (25%). At least one neurological finding was reported in 60% of initial presentations. Most reductions required an open procedure (73%), for which either a preauricular or temporal approach was used at comparatively similar rates. Additional condylotomy or condylectomy was sometimes incorporated, but most open reductions were achieved by traction (62%). At follow-up, half of reporting patients noted persistent mandibular deviation and mean maximal opening was 37.7 mm. Conclusions Appropriate surgical and nonsurgical approaches for addressing mandibular dislocation have emerged during the past several decades. When deciding on an optimal strategy, variables including patient age, time-to-diagnosis, accompanying injuries, prior failed maneuvers, and risk of resubluxation should be considered. Coordinated care between neurosurgery and otolaryngology teams can minimize complications and achieve successful reductions.
A Global Analysis of Corporate Social Performance: The Effects of Cultural and Geographic Environments

As more and more multi-national companies expand their operations globally, their responsibilities extend beyond not only the economic motive of profitability but also other social and environmental factors. The objective of this article is to examine the impact of national culture and geographic environment on firms’ corporate social performance (CSP). Empirical tests are based on a global CSP database of companies from 49 countries. Results show that the Hofstede’s cultural dimensions are significantly associated with CSP. In addition, European companies are found to out-perform other regions and countries in CSP.
Identification of a serpin-enzyme complex receptor on human hepatoma cells and human monocytes

Formation of the covalently stabilized complex of alpha 1-antitrypsin (alpha 1-AT) with neutrophil elastase, the archetype of serine proteinase inhibitor serpin-enzyme complexes, is associated with structural rearrangement of the alpha 1-AT molecule and hydrolysis of a reactive-site peptide bond. An approximately 4-kDa carboxyl-terminal cleavage fragment is generated. alpha 1-AT-elastase complexes are biologically active, possessing chemotactic activity and mediating increases in expression of the alpha 1-AT gene in human monocytes and macrophages. This suggested that structural rearrangement of the alpha 1-AT molecule, during formation of a complex with elastase, exposes a domain that is recognized by a specific cell surface receptor or receptors. To test this hypothesis, the known three-dimensional structure of alpha 1-AT and comparisons of the primary structures of the serpins were used to select a potentially exteriorly exposed and highly conserved region in the complexed form of alpha 1-AT as a candidate ligand (carboxyl-terminal fragment, amino acids 359-374). We show here that synthetic peptides based on the sequence of this region bind specifically and saturably to human hepatoma cells and human monocytes (Kd = 4.0 X 10(-8) M, 4.5 X 10(5) plasma membrane receptors per cell) and mediate increases in synthesis of alpha 1-AT. Binding of peptide 105Y (Ser-Ile-Pro-Pro-Glu-Val-Lys-Phe-Asn-Lys-Pro-Phe-Val-Tyr-Leu-Ile) is blocked by alpha 1-AT-elastase complexes, antithrombin III (AT III)-thrombin complexes, alpha 1-antichymotrypsin (alpha 1-ACT)-cathepsin G complexes, and, to a lesser extent, complement component C1 inhibitor-C1s complexes, but not by the corresponding native proteins. Binding of peptide 105Y is also blocked by peptides with sequence corresponding to carboxy-terminal fragments of the serpins AT III and alpha 1-ACT, but not by peptides having the sequence of the extreme amino terminus of alpha 1-AT. The results also show that peptide 105Y inhibits binding of 125I-labeled alpha 1-AT-elastase complexes. Thus, these studies demonstrate an abundant, relatively high-affinity cell surface receptor which recognizes serpin-enzyme complexes (SEC receptor). This receptor is capable of modulating the production of at least one of the serpins, alpha 1-AT. Since the ligand specificity is similar to that previously described for in vivo clearance of serpin-enzyme complexes, the SEC receptor may also be involved in the clearance of certain serpin-enzyme complexes.
Estimation theory and model parameter selection for therapeutic treatment plan optimization

Treatment optimization is usually formulated as an inverse problem, which starts with a prescribed dose distribution and obtains an optimized solution under the guidance of an objective function. The solution is a compromise between the conflicting requirements of the target and sensitive structures. In this paper, the treatment plan optimization is formulated as an estimation problem of a discrete and possibly nonconvex system. The concept of preference function is introduced. Instead of prescribing a dose to a structure (or a set of voxels), the approach prioritizes the doses with different preference levels and reduces the problem into selecting a solution with a suitable estimator. The preference function provides a foundation for statistical analysis of the system and allows us to apply various techniques developed in statistical analysis to plan optimization. It is shown that an optimization based on a quadratic objective function is a special case of the formalism. A general two-step method for using a computer to determine the values of the model parameters is proposed. The approach provides an efficient way to include prior knowledge into the optimization process. The method is illustrated using a simplified two-pixel system as well as two clinical cases. The generality of the approach, coupled with promising demonstrations, indicates that the method has broad implications for radiotherapy treatment plan optimization.
Elaboration of the new magnetohydrostatic sunspot theory (double return flux model)

An extension of the recently formulated Return Flux Sunspot Model is presented. The basic equation for a Double Return Flux Sunspot Model is derived, and a pressure distribution and magnetic field are calculated. The possible topology of the magnetic structure and its thermodynamic consequences are discussed. The paper includes a magnetogram of a single round sunspot (9 August, 1981). The authors attempt to interpret the observational data for the vertical component of magnetic field of this sunspot on the basis of the Double Return Flux Model.
A note on the recursive calculation of incomplete gamma functions

It is known that the recurrence relation for incomplete gamma functions {g(a + n, x)}, 0 ≤ a
Fretting corrosion accelerates crevice corrosion of modular hip tapers

The use of multiple-component systems in orthopedic surgery gives the surgeon increased flexibility in choosing the optimal implant, but introduces the possibility of interfacial corrosion. Such corrosion could limit the longevity of prostheses due either to tissue reactions to corrosion products, or to device failure. The incidence and nature of corrosion of modular total hips was evaluated in a consecutive series of 79 retrieved implants from University Hospitals of Cleveland. Surfaces were examined with stereo- and scanning electron microscopy. Several laboratory studies were undertaken to examine mechanisms that might contribute to the initiation of corrosion. The first set of experiments investigated the effect of head neck extension; the second study looked at the effect of material combinations on fretting corrosion and crevice corrosion. Analysis of retrieved implants demonstrated that fretting corrosion played a major role in the initiation of interface corrosion, and that a correlation existed between corrosion and length of neck extensions. Laboratory studies showed that longer head neck extensions may be more susceptible to fretting corrosion because of an instability at the interface. Short-term mixed-metal corrosion studies demonstrated that the coupling of cobalt and titanium alloys did not render the interface more susceptible to corrosion. It is hypothesized that fretting corrosion contributes to the initiation of modular interface corrosion, and that the problem can be reduced by design changes that increase the stability of the interface.
Behavior of 3-Isobutyl-2-hydroxypyrazine (IBHP), a Key Intermediate in 3-Isobutyl-2-methoxypyrazine (IBMP) Metabolism, in Ripening Wine Grapes

3-Isobutyl-2-hydroxypyrazine (IBHP) is thought to be a key intermediate in both the biosynthesis and degradation of the herbaceous smelling 3-isobutyl-2-methoxypyrazine (IBMP), but its behavior during the growing season is not well understood. First, an improved method for IBHP quantification was developed. A deuterated IBHP standard was added to samples prior to isolation by mixed-mode cation exchange solid phase extraction. Extracts were silylated prior to quantification by GC-MS. A limit of detection of ca. 20 ng/L could be achieved for a 100 mL juice sample. This method was used to quantify IBHP during the 2010 growing season in berries of two clones of Cabernet franc in the Finger Lakes region of New York and of Merlot grown in the California Central Valley. For all three sources, IBHP was detectable at the earliest sampling point, and its concentration per berry increased to a maximum around veraison, 208–477 pg/berry. On a per berry basis, IBHP peaked and began to decline 1–2 weeks after IBMP, indi...
Racial Segregation and Disparities in Cancer Stage for Seniors

Background Disparities in cancer survival may be related to differences in stage. Segregation may be associated with disparities in stage, particularly for cancers for which screening promotes survival.
Effects of soil-structure interaction on seismic response of elevated tanks

Abstract Models of two-dimensional x-braced elevated tanks supported on isolated footings are analyzed to investigate the effects of dynamic interaction between the tower and the supporting soil-foundation system. Static, dynamic elastic, and dynamic inelastic responses of towers under horizontal ground motions are evaluated. Effects of soil properties, represented by the shear wave velocity, on joint displacements and on member end actions are studied. In general, soil-tower interaction reduces member end actions except near the base of tower.
Highly efficient THz modulation using optically excited silicon

Optically controlled modulation of broadband THz radiation with a comparably uniform spatial distribution is demonstrated in a Si-based semiconductor structure with moderate doping. Using THz Time-Domain Spectroscopy a maximum intensity modulation of more than 99% was demonstrated for a spectrum ranging from 50GHz to 3.5THz with 3dB attenuation already for optical excitation as low as only 5mW. The uniformity of the modulation was measured and compared to the THz beam profile.
Newborn screening with tandem mass spectrometry: examining its cost-effectiveness in the Wisconsin Newborn Screening Panel.

Abstract Objective: To examine the cost-effectiveness of tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) in a neonatal screening panel for 14 fatty acid oxidation and organic acidemia disorders in the Wisconsin Newborn Screening Program. Study design: An incremental cost-effectiveness analysis with a hypothetical cohort of 100,000 infants was performed. A threshold of $50,000/QALY (quality-adjusted life-year) was used to determine whether screening for medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (MCAD) alone is costeffective or whether additional disorders would need to be incorporated into the analysis to arrive at a conclusion regarding the overall cost-effectiveness of MS/MS. Results: Under conservative assumptions, screening for MCAD alone yields an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $41,862/QALY. With the use of more realistic assumptions, screening becomes more cost-effective ($6008/QALY) and remains cost-effective so long as the incremental cost of screening remains under $13.05 per test. Adding the incremental costs of detecting the 13 other disorders on the screening panel still yields a result well within accepted norms for cost-effectiveness ($15,252/QALY). Conclusions: In Wisconsin, MS/MS screening for MCAD alone appears to be cost-effective. Future analyses should examine the cost-effectiveness of alternative follow-up and treatment regimens for MCAD and other panel disorders. (J Pediatr 2002;141:524-31)
Internal gear pumps – your second choice for thin liquids

Introduced more than a century ago, internal gear pumps have evolved to become today's favoured second choice for handling low viscosity liquids in applications where the more commonly used centrifugal pumps are not appropriate. John Hall of Viking Pump compares internal gear pumps to other rotary displacement pumps, highlighting both their advantages and limitations, and discusses the factors that should be considered when choosing between a centrifugal and an internal gear pump for thin liquid applications.
Peptide Carrier-Mediated Non-Covalent Delivery of Unmodified Cisplatin, Methotrexate and Other Agents via Intravenous Route to the Brain

Background Rapid pre-clinical evaluation of chemotherapeutic agents against brain cancers and other neurological disorders remains largely unattained due to the presence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which limits transport of most therapeutic compounds to the brain. A synthetic peptide carrier, K16ApoE, was previously developed that enabled transport of target proteins to the brain by mimicking a ligand-receptor system. The peptide carrier was found to generate transient BBB permeability, which was utilized for non-covalent delivery of cisplatin, methotrexate and other compounds to the brain. Approach Brain delivery of the chemotherapeutics and other agents was achieved either by injecting the carrier peptide and the drugs separately or as a mixture, to the femoral vein. A modification of the method comprised injection of K16ApoE pre-mixed with cetuximab, followed by injection of a ‘small-molecule’ drug. Principal findings Seven-of-seven different small molecules were successfully delivered to the brain via K16ApoE. Depending on the method, brain uptake with K16ApoE was 0.72–1.1% for cisplatin and 0.58–0.92% for methotrexate (34-50-fold and 54–92 fold greater for cisplatin and methotrexate, respectively, with K16ApoE than without). Visually intense brain-uptake of Evans Blue, Light Green SF and Crocein scarlet was also achieved. Direct intracranial injection of EB show locally restricted distribution of the dye in the brain, whereas K16ApoE-mediated intravenous injection of EB resulted in the distribution of the dye throughout the brain. Experiments with insulin suggest that ligand-receptor signaling intrinsic to the BBB provides a natural means for passive transport of some molecules across the BBB. Significance The results suggest that the carrier peptide can non-covalently transport various chemotherapeutic agents to the brain. Thus, the method offers an avenue for pre-clinical evaluation of various small and large therapeutic molecules against brain tumors and other neurological disorders.
Ethical issues in research with human subjects.

It is obvious that many disciplines confront ethical problems in research in which situational details may vary, but in which the same ethical principles may prevail. I write not in order to propose a definitive set of rules but to demonstrate how situations posing ethical problems can be reduced and more readily resolved by rational analysis of underlying issues and principles; I hope to stimulate further analysis and dialogue. It might be particularly helpful if researchers in a wide range of disciplines contributed experiences permitting a sharpening of guidelines. Finally, it is conceivable that a code of ethics might eventually be promulgated by a supradisciplinary body such as the AAAS, and that such a code could then be adapted and adopted by other scientific bodies and professional organizations—even by specific agencies such as research institutes, clinics, institutions, and schools.
Effects of no-till duration on the methane oxidation capacity of Alfisols

Frequent tillage negatively affects the methane (CH4) oxidation capacity of agricultural soils. The restoration of that capacity of soils through no-tillage (NT) adoption has been suggested, but is not well documented. With the expectation of increased CH4 oxidation with longer NT duration, a tillage chronosequence study was conducted at paired sites in Ohio under conventional tillage (or plow till, PT) and NT for 9, 13, 36, and 48 years. Nearby deciduous forests were also included to estimate the maximum oxidation capacity of undisturbed local soils. Surface soil samples (0–5, 5–10, 10–20, 20–30 cm) were collected in April (soil moisture 29 %) and in August 2010 (moisture 19 %), sieved (6.3 mm), and incubated (initial CH4 5 μl L−1) to determine the CH4 oxidation capacity. The results showed a significant effect of tillage practice on CH4 oxidation. With the exception of the site under NT for 9 years, the CH4 oxidation rates were consistently higher (2–40 times) in NT than in PT soils during both the April and August sampling dates. A similar effect of NT was also observed when incubation was conducted with intact soil cores, but the rates were lower, perhaps due to restriction of CH4 diffusion in the cores. Across the sampling dates and depth, the CH4 oxidation capacity increased linearly with NT duration averaging 3.2, 4.2, 11.5, and 13.6 μg CH4-C kg−1 soil day−1 at sites under NT for 9, 13, 36, and 48 years, respectively. While the CH4 oxidation rate in PT soil was 10–12 % of the level in the forest soils, it was 36–37 % at sites under NT for >30 years. These results demonstrate the positive effect of NT on the CH4 oxidation in soils and the potential impact of continued NT maintenance on the CH4 sink strength of agricultural soils.
Marry the Allies? Luciana Peverelli’s ‘True’ Romanzo Rosa in ‘Liberated’ Rome

AbstractWartime marriages between Allied servicemen and Italian women were historically rare, and most literary representations of Allied–Italian interactions focus on other forms of sexual relationships like prostitution or short-term affairs. Luciana Peverelli’s little-studied romanzo rosa, Sposare lo straniero (1946), offers a unique consideration on the problems of marriage between former enemies, providing a range of examples of what it meant for Italian women in post-war Italy to navigate cultural boundaries. At the same time, it suggests metaphors for Allied–Italian relations by using the characters as synecdoches for their respective nations, and, as such critiques stereotypes of Italians as passionate but parasitic and generally in need of redemption from fascism. Moreover, the novel meditates on its status as romanzo rosa, distancing itself from the tenets of the genre (namely its relation to the fable) and positioning itself in between vita and romanzo. Finally, reading the novel in context of ...
Histological and ultrastructural localization of the kainate receptor subunits, KA2 and GluR6/7, in the rat nervous system using selective antipeptide antibodies

Kainate receptors are found throughout many regions of the brain and presumably contribute to responses of neurons to glutamate and other excitatory amino acids. Two affinity-purified polyclonal antibodies that recognize the kainate binding subunits, KA2 and GluR6, were made using C-terminus peptides. A previous study demonstrated that each antibody is specific for its subunit, although antibody to GluR6 recognizes GluR7 to some extent (hence the designation GluR6/7). Vibratome sections immunostained with either antibody showed light to moderate staining in many structures in the brain as well as in cervical spinal cord, dorsal root and vestibular ganglia, and pineal and pituitary glands. Moderate levels were seen in the olfactory bulb, cerebral cortex, caudate/putamen, and hypothalamus, whereas much of the thalamus was stained lightly. In the hippocampus, CA3 pyramidal cells were stained more densely than CA1 pyramidal cells--the difference more evident with antibody to GluR6/7. In addition, neuropilar staining was densest in the stratum lucidum of the CA3 region. In the brainstem, staining was moderate to moderately dense in a number of sensory, motor, and reticular nuclei. The moderately dense staining in the reticulothalamic nucleus and pontine nuclei with antibody to GluR6/7 may represent its recognition of GluR7. In the cerebellum, staining was moderate in granular and molecular layers with antibody to KA2 and in the molecular layer with antibody to GluR6/7, whereas it was moderately dense to dense in the granular layer with the GluR6/7 antibody. Outside of the brain, densest staining was seen with antibody to KA2 in the intermediate lobe of the pituitary gland. Ultrastructural localization of immunostaining was examined in the hippocampus, cerebral cortex, and cerebellar cortex. Typically, major staining was in postsynaptic densities apposed by unstained presynaptic terminals with round or mainly round vesicles and in associated dendrites. The light microscope pattern of staining was fairly similar to that of previous [3H]kainate binding and in situ hybridization studies. In addition, comparison with previous studies on distribution of other types of glutamate receptors indicates that KA2 and GluR6/7 are found with various other subunits in many of the same cell populations throughout the nervous system.
Cirrhosis regression in hepatitis C patients with sustained virological response after antiviral therapy: a meta-analysis.

Background & Aims Chronic hepatitis C may be associated with cirrhosis, liver failure and hepatocellular carcinoma. Studies have demonstrated improved clinical outcome in patients who achieved a sustained viral response (SVR). Methods A systematic literature search was performed to identify studies that assessed the association between SVR and cirrhosis regression. The main outcome studied was cirrhosis regression in patients with a SVR as compared with patients without a SVR. Six studies totalling 443 patients were included. Dichotomous outcomes were reported as risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results Of the 443 patients with cirrhosis, 137 achieved a SVR. Of these 137 patients who achieved an SVR, 73 (53%) patients had regression of cirrhosis. The risk ratio of cirrhosis regression was 2.69 [Confidence Interval (CI) 1.45–4.97, P < 0.01] in patients who achieved a SVR. The risk of cirrhosis regression was consistently in favour of patients who achieved a SVR regardless of the length of the biopsy or whether the biopsy was reviewed by a single or multiple pathologists. The risk ratio of cirrhosis regression was related to the duration of follow-up between biopsies. The relative risk for regression of cirrhosis in studies in which the mean or median time for the follow-up liver biopsy was greater than 36-month was 4.33 (CI 1.1–17.0, P = 0.04) as compared to a relative risk of 1.79 (CI 1.26–2.29, P < 0.01) in studies with a mean or median time between the follow-up biopsy of less than 36-month. Conclusions Our results suggest that the majority of patients with cirrhosis who achieve a SVR develop cirrhosis regression. Time between biopsies appears to be an important determinant of the likelihood of cirrhosis regression.
Molecular assay to generate expression profile of eight estrogen receptor alpha isoform mRNA copy numbers in picogram amounts of total RNA from breast cancer tissues.

Abstract The presence of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) is the basis for treating breast cancer patients with targeted molecular therapies that block estrogen stimulation of breast cancer cell division. Currently, the ERα presence is determined by microscopically scoring the slides subjected to immunohistochemistry. This method is not quantitative, cannot distinguish between all the known ERα isoforms, and requires large amounts of tumor tissue. We describe here a real-time PCR-based molecular approach that can be applied to determine mRNA copies of eight ERα isoforms in picogram amounts of total RNA from clinical samples. Each isoform mRNA is quantified using a specific primer pair and a 5 ′ FAM- and 3 ′ TAMARA-labeled probe in comparison with a standard curve constructed with known copy numbers of its respective reverse-transcribed cRNA. Seven alternatively spliced isoforms were quantified using splice-targeted primers. The cRNAs for eight isoforms were generated by in vitro transcription of their respective coding sequences. The sensitivity of detection with reverse-transcribed cRNAs is as low as 100 copies. The devised assays can detect ERα cDNAs reverse transcribed from as low as 50–100 pg of total RNA from breast cancer tissues. The applicability of the devised assays for profiling eight ERα isoform mRNAs is demonstrated using 6 breast cancer cell lines and 10 breast cancer tissues. It is expected that these assays could be applied to profile ERα isoforms in any estrogen-responsive tissues. In addition, these methods could highly facilitate the design of tissue-specific selective estrogen receptor modulators to treat breast cancers and other estrogen-related abnormalities.
Thermal analysis of a multi–chip package design

Two-dimensional finite difference computer simulations were used for thermal analysis of an advanced multi-chip package design. In order to model high performance VLSI and ULSI applications, power dissipations ranging from 10 to 40 W/cm2 on each chip and zero to 5 W/cm2 on the substrate were simulated. It was found that heating due to resistive losses in the thin film interconnections between chips can impact package thermal performance. The calculated device-to-water thermal resistance was 0.4° C/W and the worst case chip-to-chip temperature variation was less than 22° C. This excellent thermal performance illustrates the effectiveness of the package’s water cooled heat sink with direct backside contact to each die. Methods to improve thermal performance are discussed.
Hessian estimates for the sigma-2 equationin dimension 3

We derive a priori interior Hessian estimates for the special Lagrangian equation � 2 D1 in dimension3. c � 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bivalent Chromatin Marks Developmental Regulatory Genes in the Mouse Embryonic Germline in Vivo

Summary Developmental regulatory genes have both activating (H3K4me3) and repressive (H3K27me3) histone modifications in embryonic stem cells (ESCs). This bivalent configuration is thought to maintain lineage commitment programs in a poised state. However, establishing physiological relevance has been complicated by the high number of cells required for chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP). We developed a low-cell-number chromatin immunoprecipitation (low-cell ChIP) protocol to investigate the chromatin of mouse primordial germ cells (PGCs). Genome-wide analysis of embryonic day 11.5 (E11.5) PGCs revealed H3K4me3/H3K27me3 bivalent domains highly enriched at developmental regulatory genes in a manner remarkably similar to ESCs. Developmental regulators remain bivalent and transcriptionally silent through the initiation of sexual differentiation at E13.5. We also identified >2,500 "orphan" bivalent domains that are distal to known genes and expressed in a tissue-specific manner but silent in PGCs. Our results demonstrate the existence of bivalent domains in the germline and raise the possibility that the somatic program is continuously maintained as bivalent, potentially imparting transgenerational epigenetic inheritance.
Lack of serologic evidence for Helicobacter pylori infection in head and neck cancer

Background Several epidemiologic investigations have established a link between Helicobacter pylori infection and gastric malignancies. Because the stomach is in continuity with the oral cavity and the bacterium has been isolated from dental plaque and saliva, we hypothesized that H. pylori infection of the upper aerodigestive tract might result in mucosal disruption, allowing for subsequent transformation by known carcinogens such as tobacco and alcohol. Methods To test this hypothesis, we assayed for the presence of IgG antibodies to H. pylori in the serum of 21 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) and 21 matched controls without a history of head and neck cancer. Results The incidence of seropositivity in the SCCHN patients was 57% and in the controls, 62% (p > 0.05). Conclusions These data do not support an etiologic role for H. pylori infection in head and neck cancer. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Head Neck 19: 216–218, 1997.
The facilitation of conditioned alpha blocking with an overt response

The experiment examined the effects of three instructed response conditions upon the conditioned blocking of the occipital alpha rhythm: (1) response at light UCS onset, (2) response at light offset, and (3) no response. The results indicated that significant conditioning occurred under all three response conditions when compared to tone blocking habituation during unpaired pseudoconditioning. The major conclusions were that response to light onset facilitates conditioned reduction both early and late in conditioning and that making an overt response is not a necessary condition for demonstrating conditioned alpha reduction.
Effects of Spatial Extensions in Computer Generated Holograms on Reconstruction Quality in Multi-Focal Imaging Systems

Phase-only computer generated holograms are investigated under possible spatial extension in lateral and longitudinal dimensions. Design methods and effects on noise removal are described.