cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Letermovir Prophylaxis Demonstrates High Efficacy in Adult Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Seropositive Cord Blood Transplant (CBT) Recipients: A Comparison with Pre-Letermovir Era CBT Controls

Background CMV seropositive CBT recipients have a high risk of CMV infection. Early pre-emptive therapy is required to avoid CMV disease but is associated with significant toxicities. Methods This analysis compares the day +100 incidence & severity of clinically significant CMV infection (viremia leading to pre-emptive treatment or disease) in CMV seropositive CBT adult patients (pts) who received letermovir prophylaxis transplanted 12/2017-6/2018 vs historic controls transplanted 3/2013-12/2017. Control pts received ganciclovir prophylaxis days -7 to -2 then standard dose acyclovir. Letermovir pts received standard dose acyclovir & started letermovir IV or PO on day +7 & continued beyond day +100. All pts received uniform intermediate intensity Cy 50 mg/kg / Flu 150 mg/m2/ Thio 5-10 mg/kg / TBI 400 cGy conditioning with CSA/ MMF. Pts were monitored by qPCR twice weekly from approximately day +14-60 & then 1-2 x/weekly days +60-100. Results 62 [median age 51 years (range 23-66), 46 leukemia, 7 MDS/ MPD, 9 NHL/ HL] historic control pts received double unit grafts with a median unit-recipient HLA-allele match of 5/8 (range 2-7). By day +100, 51 pts developed clinically significant CMV infection for a day +100 cumulative incidence of 82% (95%CI: 70-90). The median viremia onset was 34 days (range 5-74) & 5 pts developed CMV disease by day +100 (3 pulmonary, 2 GI). Initial therapy was with foscarnet in 28 pts & ganciclovir/ valganciclovir in 23. Clinically significant therapy toxicities (renal &/or myelosuppression) were observed in 38/51 (75%) pts (Table 1). By day +100, CMV caused or contributed to 3 pulmonary deaths. 10 pts [median age 48 years (range 24-59), 9 leukemia, 1 MDS/ MPD, median 5/8 (range 3-6) unit-recipient HLA-match] received letermovir prophylaxis (8 IV, 2 PO) (Table 2). All pts engrafted. The day +100 cumulative incidence of clinically significant CMV infection was 0% (p Conclusions This analysis suggests letermovir prophylaxis is highly effective at mitigating CMV disease, CMV-related mortality, & the need for toxic CMV therapies. Moreover, it has been well tolerated in CBT recipients. While further detailed investigation in a larger population is required, this data is very promising & the extent of the benefit suggests that letermovir could be a cost-effective new standard of care in adult CBT. The duration of needed prophylaxis beyond day +100 in CBT recipients also requires investigation.
A Review of Treatments for Dissecting Cellulitis of the Scalp

Dissecting cellulitis of the scalp (DCS) is a rare and chronic skin disorder that presents with suppurative nodules on the scalp with associated scarring alopecia. The pathogenesis of the disease involves inflammation and destruction of the hair follicle. This makes it clinically and pathologically similar to acne conglobata and hidradenitis suppurativa, which can also occur concomitantly. Many therapies exist to treat DCS, but its refractory nature makes treatment difficult and combination therapies are often needed. The aim of this review is to evaluate the evidence-based medical and surgical treatments for this disease so that clinicians can choose the best treatments according to the disease stage and severity. Knowledge of the clinical endpoints of each treatment modality is important for managing patient expectations and setting treatment goals. There is no standardized method for measurement of clinical improvement in DCS, and each individual treatment can improve one or more aspect of disease activity (such as inflammation or scarring). Topical and oral medications will be reviewed in addition to surgical and laser treatments.
Identification of turbostratic twisting in germanane

Germanane, a van der Waals layered material predicted to have a direct band gap and high carrier mobility, is a promising two-dimensional material with applications in optoelectronics. The electronic properties of germanane have been well studied; however, experimentally measured properties are orders of magnitude lower than predicted values, potentially limiting future device applications. The structure of germanane contains an inherent disorder along the c-axis, resulting in a diffuse halo with hexagonal symmetry in the electron diffraction pattern. The origin of this disorder is not well understood, further limiting the device application of germanane. Here, we have used experimental and simulated electron diffraction patterns to show that this diffuse scattering arises from turbostratic disorder present in the germanane structure with rotational disorder as the main contribution. The maximum rotation angle in the examined germanane crystal is limited to three degrees. For larger angles, germanane would become unstable as DFT calculations show. DFT calculations also indicate that small angle rotations cause a change in charge distribution in Ge and H atoms, and thus should affect the electronic properties of germanane considerably. This study explains for the first time the origin of the c-axis disorder in this van der Waals structure and establishes computationally analyzed diffraction patterns as a tool to quantify turbostratic disorder.
Where Is the Value in Ambulatory Versus Inpatient Surgery

Objective:The aim of this study was to estimate the effect of index surgical care setting on perioperative costs and readmission rates across 4 common elective general surgery procedures.Summary Background Data:Facility fees seem to be a driving force behind rising US healthcare costs, and inpatient
Analysis of head-on crash injury severity using a partial proportional odds model

Head-on crashes are one of the most severe crash types and always result in injuries or fatalities. To prevent and mitigate head-on crashes, factors that significantly affect the injury severity of...
Co-management Economic Solutions for Marine Protected Area in Punta Cana: a Study of Key Players and Potential Partnerships in Conserving the Coastal Marine Ecosystem

A comprehensive research study of Cabeza de Toro and Punta Cana’s fishing and tourism industries reveal viability of economic solutions between the hospitality industry, fishermen, and the government to reduce practices harmful to the coastal marine ecosystem. Recent research studies of Punta Cana and Cabeza de Toro’s coastal marine ecosystem demonstrate diminishing coral coverage and reduced fish populations. Causes for the decline of the coastal marine ecosystem include overfishing, illegal fishing of species conducive to coral health, and the destruction of mangrove sanctuaries. By methods of survey and in-person interview, researchers gathered data on over 20% of Cabeza de Toro’s fisherman population with the intent of further developing a co-management plan for the recently established marine protected area. Data collection included qualitative and quantitative research into income and livelihoods of Cabeza de Toro fishermen, fishing practices, interest in alternative work opportunities, and strength of social responsibility and environmental beliefs. Findings demonstrate that viable economic applications exist in forging partnerships between fishermen, the tourism and hospitality industries, and the local
Practice horizons in pediatric nonoperating room anesthesia.

Purpose of review Anesthesia outside the operating room is rapidly expanding for adult and pediatric patients. Anesthesia clinicians practicing in this area need a good understanding of the challenges of the NORA environment and the anesthetic risks and perioperative implications of practice so that they can deliver safe care to their patients. Recent findings Recent reports from large patient databases have afforded anesthesiologists a greater understanding of the risk of NORA when compared to anesthesia in the operating room. Descriptions of advances in team training with the use of simulation have allowed the development of organized procedural teams. With an emphasis on clear communication, an understanding of individual roles, and a patient-centered focus, these teams can reliably develop emergency response procedures, so that critical moments are not delayed in an environment remote from usual assistance. Summary With appropriate attention to organizational concerns (i.e. team environment, safety protocols) and unrelenting focus on patient safety, anesthesiologists can assist in safely providing the benefit of cutting-edge technical advancements to pediatric patients in these challenging environments.
Substrate-Dependent Exciton Diffusion and Annihilation in Chemically Treated MoS2 and WS2

Atomically thin semiconductors such as monolayer MoS2 and WS2 exhibit nonlinear exciton–exciton annihilation at notably low excitation densities (below ∼10 excitons/μm2 in exfoliated MoS2). Here, w...
Outcomes of Primary Versus Salvage Surgery for Sinonasal Malignancies: A Population-Based Analysis.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS There exists a lack of consensus on the optimal sequence of treatment for many sinonasal malignancies (SNMs). This study compares the overall survival (OS) outcomes for primary surgery (PS) versus salvage surgery (SS) in SNM patients across stage, histology, and primary site. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective database review. METHODS The National Cancer Database was queried for all SNM cases treated with multimodal surgical and nonsurgical therapy between 2004 and 2015. Logistic regression identified predictors of SS. Cox proportional hazards models evaluated predictors of mortality, and Kaplan-Meier log-rank test assessed OS outcomes. RESULTS Our SNM cohort consisted of 3,011 patients (PS = 2,804; SS = 207). SS patients had significantly longer postoperative hospital stays (P = .009) and increased rates of 30-day (P < .001) and 90-day mortality (P < .001) compared to PS. On multivariate logistic regression, predictors of undergoing SS included sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma histology (odds ratio = 2.72; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.16-6.66; P = .024). On multivariate Cox proportional hazards analyses among SS patients, late-stage disease (hazard ratio [HR] = 4.80; 95% CI: 1.46-15.8; P = .01) and positive surgical margins (HR = 2.31; 95% CI: 1.29-4.13; P = .005) portended significantly worse OS. In the propensity score-matched cohort controlling for stage and histology, PS had significantly improved OS compared to SS (P = .007). Compared to SS, PS also had improved OS in subgroup analyses for patients with late-stage disease (P = .026) and squamous cell carcinoma histology (P = .006). CONCLUSIONS In our SMN cohort, PS resulted in improved OS outcomes compared to SS independent of stage and histology. Consideration may be given to primary surgical resection for SMN whenever feasible, though a targeted, individualized approach is warranted. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3 Laryngoscope, 131:E710-E718, 2021.
Entre deuil de l’activité industrielle et recherche de labellisation: Rôles et actions des associations locales en matière de patrimoine industriel dans la région de Saint-Étienne (France)

La desindustrialisation debutant dans les annees 1970 pose a nos societes la question de l’heritage industriel. Celui-ci est important et touche de nombreux territoires qui ont prospere grâce a l’activite industrielle. Lors de la fermeture des unites de production, les populations locales doivent faire le deuil de l’industrie. Ce processus est accompagne par la creation d’une association dans laquelle les anciens ouvriers tiennent une place importante, permettant ainsi le passage de l’activite economique a l’activite culturelle. Premiere soucieuse du devenir du patrimoine industriel, l’association locale prend une part active a la reconnaissance et a la valorisation de cet heritage qui depuis peu est considere par le grand public comme un patrimoine digne de ce nom.
Predictive modeling of neurobehavioral state and trait variation across development

A key goal of human neurodevelopmental research is to map neural and behavioral trajectories across both health and disease. A growing number of developmental consortia have begun to address this gap by providing open access to cross-sectional and longitudinal 'big data' repositories. However, it remains challenging to develop models that enable prediction of both within-subject and between-subject neurodevelopmental variation. Here, we present a conceptual and analytical perspective of two essential ingredients for mapping neurodevelopmental trajectories: state and trait components of variance. We focus on mapping variation across a range of neural and behavioral measurements and consider concurrent alterations of state and trait variation across development. We present a quantitative framework for combining both state- and trait-specific sources of neurobehavioral variation across development. Specifically, we argue that non-linear mixed growth models that leverage state and trait components of variance and consider environmental factors are necessary to comprehensively map brain-behavior relationships. We discuss this framework in the context of mapping language neurodevelopmental changes in early childhood, with an emphasis on measures of functional connectivity and their reliability for establishing robust neurobehavioral relationships. The ultimate goal is to statistically unravel developmental trajectories of neurobehavioral relationships that involve a combination of individual differences and age-related changes.
Ventriculoseptal Rupture Caused by Takotsubo Syndrome

Abstract Ventriculoseptal rupture (VSR) is a rare complication of takotsubo syndrome that often requires immediate treatment. Patients with VSR experience a range of outcomes and should be managed ...
Structural response analysis of explosions in hydrogen-air mixtures in tunnel-like geometries

Abstract This paper presents a structural response analysis based on the results of experiments involving gas explosions in inhomogeneous hydrogen-air mixtures in a channel. The channel was 3 m long, with a cross-section of 100 mm by 100 mm, and open at one end. Hydrogen was released into the channel using 0.25 mm and 0.5 mm ID nozzles. Strong and relatively prolonged pressure oscillations were recorded during the gas explosions. Based on the pressure recordings from the explosions, the structural damage potential of the pressure was analyzed using shock response spectra. These revealed frequency-dependent dynamic amplifications of relatively high magnitudes. This information must be taken into consideration when designing components and systems that are intended to remain structurally intact and operational in the aftermath of gas explosion events in confined spaces with high aspect ratios, such as tunnels, channels and enclosed passageways.
Rehabilitation of infrastructure in urban tourist areas (province of Algiers, Algeria)

The province of Algiers is the capital of Algeria. Its picturesque nature, coasts, and mountains contribute to the development of local Algerian tourism given its particular geographical situation....
Burkitt lymphoma of the nasopharynx causing life-threatening airway obstruction: A case report

Abstract Objective To describe a case of Burkitt lymphoma (BL) in a child manifesting with acute airway obstruction. To review available literature on the clinical features and characteristic presentation of this disease. Methods Case report with literature review. Results We present the case of an 8-year-old boy with nasopharyngeal BL manifesting initially as sore throat, nasal congestion, and snoring that progressed to dyspnea and, ultimately, acute airway obstruction requiring emergent tracheostomy. The child was treated with intensive chemotherapy and achieved complete response. Conclusion This case highlights the importance of maintaining high clinical suspicion when evaluating common otolaryngologic symptoms and emphasizes the potential for Burkitt lymphoma to cause rapid patient deterioration.
Perovskite Nickelate Actuators

Micro-robotics is a burgeoning field, with potential applications in search and rescue, smart dust, advanced additive manufacturing and micro-surgery. A critical component enabling micro-robotic systems is efficient actuator materials. In this work we introduce thin films of NdNiO3, a prototypical perovskite nickelate, as a potential material for MEMS actuation, providing up to 6.0% tensile volumetric strain via hydrogen-ion intercalation, resulting in an experimentally demonstrated output work density of 6.7 J/cm3 and stress output in excess of 1.1 GPa via a unique hydrogen doping mechanism. Separately, a stiffened cantilever array is fabricated to measure experimental tip deflection, which matches expected deflections from a developed finite element analysis model. [2020-0330]
Immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis: 2020 update on diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment

DISEASE OVERVIEW Immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis is a clonal, nonproliferative plasma cell disorder in which fragments of immunoglobulin light or heavy chain are deposited in tissues. Clinical features depend on organs involved but can include heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, nephrotic syndrome, hepatic dysfunction, peripheral/autonomic neuropathy, and "atypical smoldering multiple myeloma or monoclonal gammopathy undetermined significance (MGUS)." DIAGNOSIS Tissue biopsy stained with Congo red demonstrating amyloid deposits with apple-green birefringence is required for diagnosis. Invasive organ biopsy is not required in 85% of patients. Verification that amyloid is composed of immunoglobulin light chains is mandatory. The gold standard is laser capture mass spectroscopy. PROGNOSIS N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), serum troponin T, and difference between involved and uninvolved immunoglobulin free light chain (FLC) values are used to classify patients into four groups of similar size; median survivals are 94.1, 40.3, 14.0, and 5.8 months. THERAPY All patients with a systemic amyloid syndrome require therapy to prevent deposition of amyloid in other organs and prevent progressive organ failure. Stem cell transplant (SCT) is preferred, but only 20% of patients are eligible. Requirements for safe SCT include systolic blood pressure >90 mmHg, troponin T < 0.06 ng/mL and serum creatinine ≤1.7 mg/dL. Nontransplant candidates can be offered cyclophosphamide-bortezomib-dexamethasone or daratumumab-containing regimens as it appears to be highly active in AL amyloidosis. FUTURE CHALLENGES Delayed diagnosis remains a major obstacle to initiating effective therapy prior to the development of end-stage organ failure.
Pilot study assessing the feasibility of applying bilateral subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation in very early stage Parkinson's disease: study design and rationale.

BACKGROUND Deep brain stimulation provides significant symptomatic benefit for people with advanced Parkinson's disease whose symptoms are no longer adequately controlled with medication. Preliminary evidence suggests that subthalamic nucleus stimulation may also be efficacious in early Parkinson's disease, and results of animal studies suggest that it may spare dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. OBJECTIVE We report the methodology and design of a novel Phase I clinical trial testing the safety and tolerability of deep brain stimulation in early Parkinson's disease and discuss previous failed attempts at neuroprotection. METHODS We recently conducted a prospective, randomized, parallel-group, single-blind pilot clinical trial of deep brain stimulation in early Parkinson's disease. Subjects were randomized to receive either optimal drug therapy or deep brain stimulation plus optimal drug therapy. Follow-up visits occurred every six months for a period of two years and included week-long therapy washouts. RESULTS Thirty subjects with Hoehn & Yahr Stage II idiopathic Parkinson's disease were enrolled over a period of 32 months. Twenty-nine subjects completed all follow-up visits; one patient in the optimal drug therapy group withdrew from the study after baseline. Baseline characteristics for all thirty patients were not significantly different. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that it is possible to recruit and retain subjects in a clinical trial testing deep brain stimulation in early Parkinson's disease. The results of this trial will be used to support the design of a Phase III, multicenter trial investigating the efficacy of deep brain stimulation in early Parkinson's disease.
Modeling the Temporal Trend of the Daily Severity of an Outbreak Using Bayesian Networks

A disease outbreak is an epidemic limited to localized increase, e.g., in a village, town, or institution. An epidemic curve is a graphical depiction of the number of outbreak cases by date of onset of illness. If we could estimate the epidemic curve early in an outbreak, this estimate could guide the investigation of other outbreak characteristics. Furthermore, a good estimate of the epidemic curves tells us how soon the outbreak will reach a given level of severity if it goes uncontrolled. Previously, methods for doing real-time estimation and prediction of the severity of an outbreak were very limited. As far as predicting future cases, ordinarily epidemiologists simply made an educated guess as to how many people might become affected. We develop a Bayesian network model for real-time estimation of an epidemic curve, and we show results of experiments testing its accuracy.
Synthesis and immobilization of silver nanoparticles on aluminosilicate nanotubes and their antibacterial properties

A novel colloidal method is presented to synthesize silver nanoparticles on aluminosilicate nanotubes. The technique involves decomposition of AgNO3 solution to Ag nanoparticles in the presence of aluminosilicate nanotubes at room temperature without utilizing of reducing agents or any organic additives. Aluminosilicate nanotubes are shown to be capable of providing a unique chemical environment, not only for in situ conversion of Ag+ into Ag0, but also for stabilization and immobilization of Ag nanoparticles. The synthesis strategy described here could be implemented to obtain self-assembled nanoparticles on other single-walled metal oxide nanotubes for unique applications. Finally, we demonstrated that nanotube/nanoparticle hybrid show strong antibacterial activity toward Gram-positive Staphylococcus epidermidis and Gram-negative Escherichia coli.
On the nature of control algorithms for space manipulators

A study of the characteristics of control algorithms that can be applied to the motion control of space manipulators is reported. The results obtained show that nearly any control algorithm that can be applied to conventional terrestrial fixed-base manipulators, with a few additional conditions, can be directly applied to free-floating space manipulators. Barycenters are used to formulate efficiently the kinematic and dynamic equations of free-floating space manipulators. A control algorithm for a space manipulator system is designed to demonstrate the value of the analysis. >
Use of the rep technique for allele replacement to construct mutants with deletions of the pstSCAB-phoU operon: evidence of a new role for the PhoU protein in the phosphate regulon.

Abstract The phosphate regulon is negatively regulated by the PstSCAB transporter and PhoU protein by a mechanism that may involve protein-protein interaction(s) between them and the Pi sensor protein, PhoR. In order to study such presumed interaction(s), mutants with defined deletions of the pstSCAB-phoU operon were made. This was done by construction of M13 recombinant phage carrying these mutations and by recombination of them onto the chromosome by using a rep host (which cannot replicate M13) for allele replacement. These mutants were used to show that delta (pstSCAB-phoU) and delta (pstB-phoU) mutations abolished Pi uptake by the PstSCAB transporter, as expected, and that delta phoU mutations had no effect on uptake. Unexpectedly, delta phoU mutations had a severe growth defect, and this growth defect was (largely) alleviated by a compensatory mutation in the pstSCAB genes or in the phoBR operon, whose gene products positively regulate expression of the pstSCAB-phoU operon. Because delta phoU mutants that synthesize a functional PstSCAB transporter constitutively grew extremely poorly, the PhoU protein must have a new role, in addition to its role as a negative regulator. A role for the PhoU protein in intracellular Pi metabolism is proposed. Further, our results contradict those of M. Muda, N. N. Rao, and A. Torriani (J. Bacteriol. 174:8057-8064, 1992), who reported that the PhoU protein was required for Pi uptake.
ADSORPTION AT CRYSTAL‐SOLUTION INTERFACES

The present work is a continuation of the study of adsorption processes at solution-crystal interfaces. It consists of an investigation of the adsorption of dyes and gelatin by the various faces of potassium alum. The growth ratios of this alum were measured both in the presence and absence of the dyes and gelatin. It was found that Bismarck Brown and Diamine Sky Blue greatly affected the growth rates of the cube faces and also modified the crystal habit. This effect is explained on the basis of the ionic structure of the faces and the presence of polar groups in the dyes. The growth ratio V100/V111 for pure potassium alum was found to be 1.61.
Reconstitution of the olfactory epithelium following injury in apoE-deficient mice.

ApoE, a protein component of lipoproteins, is extensively expressed in the primary olfactory pathway. Because apoE has been shown to play a vital role in nerve repair and remodeling, we hypothesized that apoE expression will increase in the injured olfactory epithelium (OE), and that apoE deficiency in apoE knockout (KO) mice will lead to delayed/incomplete reconstitution of the OE following injury. To directly test this hypothesis, we compared OE regeneration in wild-type (WT) and KO mice following injury induced by intranasal irrigation of Triton X-100. OE was collected at 0, 3, 7, 21, 42, and 56 days post lesion. The amount and distribution of apoE in the regenerating OE was measured by immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry. Rate of OE reconstitution in WT and KO mice was assessed by using three independent measures: (1) OE thickness was measured in cresyl-violet stained sections, (2) basal cell proliferation was determined by using bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) staining, and (3) differentiation and maturation of olfactory sensory neurons were measured by immunoblotting and immunohistochemical analysis of growth associated protein (GAP) 43 and olfactory marker protein (OMP). The results revealed that apoE expression in the OE is highly regulated during the entire course of OE reconstitution post injury, and that apoE deficiency in apoE KO mice leads to delayed recovery of mature OMP+ cells in the reconstituting OE. The data suggest that apoE production increases in the injured OE to facilitate maturation of olfactory sensory neurons.
Conceptual object-oriented database: a theoretical model

Abstract The evolution of object-oriented databases (OODBs) has not been accompanied by an equivalent evolution of theoretical models, leaving the foundations for OODBs ill-defined. Design of OODBs has been hampered by the lack of design techniques/tools which correspond to the theoretical model. This paper defines a core conceptual object-oriented database (COODB) model providing a foundation and framework for theoretical research. Structural and behavioral definitions for an object, a class, and a class hierarchy are given. A specification hierarchy is introduced as a design tool, and a messaging component is defined which enables asynchronous and synchronous interaction.
Effects of expander process on the phospholipids in soybean oil

Crude oils were extracted from soybean flakes and collets by conventional and expander processes, respectively. The phospholipids were removed by degumming, and the lecithins were produced by using commercial procedures. The effects of the expander process on the degumming efficiencies were evaluated. The differences in the phosphatide compositions of the oils and the lecithins produced from expander and conventional processes were compared by high-performance liquid chromatography. The phosphorus content indicated that expander-processed oil contained more phosphorus (985 ppm) than the conventional oil (840 ppm). However, the phospholipids in the expander-processed oil were more hydratable than those in the conventional oil. After degumming, the phosphorus content in the expander-processed and conventional oil were reduced by 93.2 and 78.6%, respectively. The expander-processed lecithin contained 74.3% acetone-insoluble matter (AI), and the conventional lecithin contained 65.8%. More phosphatidylcholine was found in the expander-processed lecithin (39.78%, based on AI) than in the conventionally processed lecithin (34.19%). The phosphatidylinositol contents of the expander-processed lecithin and the conventional lecithin are almost the same (19.95 and 19.97%). The phosphatidylethanolamine in the expander-processed lecithin (12.36%) was lower than that in the conventional lecithin (18.07%).
Axillary Node Management in Patients Receiving Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) has increasingly been used to allow breast conservation, without compromising survival or local control. NAC can also downstage nodal status in about 40 % of women with positive nodes (cN+). Concurrently, primary surgical management of the axilla has transitioned towards sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) as the preferred alternative to axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) for clinically node-negative patients. Although some still support SLNB prior to NAC for node-negative breast cancer, the use of SLNB after NAC has become an increasingly accepted practice. SLNB after NAC for node-positive breast cancer has remained more controversial. Recent trials show that the false-negative rates for SLNB after NAC for women presenting with positive nodes are approximately 10 % when two tracers are used for mapping and two or more SLNs are examined. This review summarizes the available evidence and rationale regarding management of regional nodes in women receiving NAC.
Solar irradiance variability – comparison of models and observations

Abstract Over the past decade, regular measurement programs for parts of the solar spectrum have been established. In recent years substantial progress has also been made on the physical understanding of these measurements. To refine our understanding and to make quantitative estimates of this variability requires a study of the entire solar spectrum. Our approach to this requirement is to combine empirical image analysis with the theory for emission, absorption, and transfer of radiation in the solar atmosphere. The goal is the successful combination of observed solar images with semi-empirical models and theory for calculation of a mixed line + continuum spectrum emitted from realistic representations of the observed solar disk. We present the latest results from the SunRISE spectral synthesis model in specific spectral bands in the UV, visible, and near-IR, and compare them to related observations.
Articulation development in preschool children: consistency of productions.

The purpose of this study was to describe the consistency of productions of /θ, r, l, s, ∫, t∫, f, t, k/ in releasing and arresting position for 2 ½- to 5-year-old children. The Coarticulation Asse...
The specificity of exercise electrocardiography in women grouped by estrogen status

We compared the specificity of exercise electrocardiography in 1880 men and 1818 women with women grouped by menopausal and estrogen replacement status. Specificity for > or = 1 mm horizontal or downsloping ST-segment depression was determined using angiography in 781 patients and using two other nonangiography-based methods (a pretest probability-based method and a predictive accuracy-based method) in all patients. Using angiography, the specificities+/-SE were 84 +/- 2 for men, 79 +/- 3 for women, 81 +/- 5 for premenopausal women, 81 +/- 4 for postmenopausal women without estrogen replacement, and 77 +/- 5 for women on estrogen replacement. None of these were significantly different. For all patients, the respective specificities using the probability and predictive accuracy-based methods were 97 +/- 1 and 94 +/- 1 for men, 90 +/- 1 and 88 +/- 1 for women, 97 +/- 1 and 92 +/- 2 for premenopausal women, 92 +/- 4 and 88 +/- 3 for postmenopausal women without estrogen replacement, and 85 +/- 4 and 81 +/- 3 for women on estrogen replacement. (Men vs. all women groups except premenopausal women-P < 0.05). Therefore, the premenopausal women had significantly greater specificity than women on estrogen replacement (P < 0.001) and no difference in specificity with men. Women on estrogen replacement had a significantly lower specificity than postmenopausal women not on estrogen replacement (P < 0.05). These results suggest that estrogen replacement therapy and not naturally occurring estrogen has a role in producing false positive exercise electrocardiograms in women.
A 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroxy pentane-substituted pentacyclic triterpene from Bacillus acidocaldarius

A long-chained polyalcohol (polyol) was isolated from the glycolipid fraction of the extreme thermoacidophile Bacillus acidocaldarius. The polyol and its Smith degradation products, as well as the alkanes derived from these compounds were characterized by mobility on thin-layer and gas-liquid chromatography, and by infrared and mass spectrometry. The polyol is proposed to be a fully saturated pentacyclic tetrol (C35H62O4, Mr 546) containing a 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroxy pentane substituted to a hopane-derived pentacyclic triterpene nucleus.
PD-L2 expression extends beyond dendritic cells/macrophages to B1 cells enriched for VH11/VH12 and phosphatidylcholine binding

B1 B cells are the major source of natural antibody that is essential for innate immunity. The B1 repertoire is skewed toward production of phosphatidylcholine (PtC)-binding V(H)11 and V(H)12 immunoglobulin that plays a key role in immune defense against bacterial infection. Programmed death-ligand 2 (PD-L2) is a ligand for the immunosuppressive receptor programmed death-1 (PD-1). It has been reported that expression of PD-L2 is restricted to dendritic cells and macrophages in mice. Here we show that 50-70% of resting peritoneal B1 cells express PD-L2, which is not present or inducible on conventional B2 B cells or PD-L2(-) B1 cells. Although PD-L2(+) and PD-L2(-) B1 cells are similar in proliferative responses and spontaneous immunoglobulin secretion, PD-L2(+) B1 cells are highly enriched for expression of V(H)11 and V(H)12 genes and encompass the bulk of PtC-binding B1 cells. These findings extend the range of known PD-L2 expression to B cells and show that B1 cells identified by this marker express a specific repertoire associated with anti-bacterial immunity.
Transverse magnetoresistance of mercury

Abstract Preliminary measurements of the transverse magnetoresistance of mercury indicate that mercury is a compensated metal whose Fermi surface supports open orbits. The observed open orbit directions agree qualitatively with the predictions of the free electron model as well as with an OPW model based on De Haas-Van Alphen measurements.
DEVELOPMENT OF MICROVASCULAR DISEASE IN CHILDREN WITH DIABETES

Flourescein angiography (FA) was performed on 80 children with diabetes one year after an initial evaluation with FA. The grading system: Stage 0 no microaneurysms (MA), Stage 1 10 MA, Stage 3>10 MA plus neovascularization. 2-3 DPG was measured as an indicator of vascular compromise and compared with FA. The levels in non-diabetics is 14.4 ± 1.0mM/gmHb, Stage 0 is 15.6 ± .2 and Stage 1-3 is 16.7 ± .5. The difference between controls and Stages 1-3 is significant at p<.02 and suggests that the abnormalities noted on FA indicate functional vascular abnormalities. The Stage was unchanged in 71/80, 9/71 remained Stage 0, 3 improved and 6 increased in severity. The percent of hemoglobin A1, (HbA1) and the concentration of sorbitol (S) in packed red blood cells (PRBC), indicators of glycemic control, were not significantly different in children with Stage 0 when compared to those with Stage 1,2 and 3. Three of 4 children with chemical diabetes (CD) had MA. A 12 yr. old child with diabetes of 3 mos. duration had Stage 3 retinopathy. The demonstration of MA early in the clinical course of diabetes (CD) plus the lack of apparent difference in the degree of glycemic control between those with progressive vascular abnormalities and those with none or stable retinopathy suggest that factors other than glycemic control are important in the prevention of the vascular complications of childhood diabetes.
Health Related Quality of Life Outcomes in Patients Treated for Metastatic Kidney Cancer: A Pilot Study

AbstractPurpose: We assessed health related quality of life in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma treated with nephrectomy and tumor infiltrating lymphocyte therapy in combination with interleukin-2.Materials and Methods: A total of 20 patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma who underwent nephrectomy and combination immunotherapy with tumor infiltrating lymphocytes and interleukin-2 completed a retrospective, cross-sectional health related quality of life instrument. Established reference populations with other chronic medical conditions, or breast, prostate or other cancers were used for comparison of health related quality of life scores. General health related quality of life was measured with a RAND 36-Item Health Survey 1.0. Cancer targeted quality of life was measured with the Cancer Rehabilitation Evaluation System-Short Form. Sociodemographic and co-morbidity variables were also collected.Results: General health related quality of life in patients treated with tumor infiltrating lymph...
Tumor cell-endothelial cell interactions: evidence for roles for lipoxygenase products of arachidonic acid in metastasis

Adhesion of tumor cells (TC) to endothelial cells (EC) is necessary for movement of TC out of the interstitium to form metastatic deposits. This interaction may be influenced by proadhesive molecules such as lipoxygenase products of arachidonic acid metabolism. We studied the effect of inflammatory stimuli, A23187 calcium ionophore, n-formyl-methionyl-leucine-phenylalanine (FMLP) and phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) on TC-EC interaction. Adherence of metastatic breast tumor cell line (MCF-7), choriocarcinoma cell line (JEG-3), and non metastatic pituitary cell (GH-3) were assayed as the number of radiolabeled TC attached to EC (cpm/well). TC and EC were incubated with A23187, FMLP, and PMA for varying time periods. Lipoxygenase products (LTB4, 5-HETE) were measured under basal and stimulated conditions using RP-HPLC and RIA. There were no differences in basal adherence of TC lines to EC. When EC were incubated with stimuli, there were significant increases in the numbers of MCF-7 and JEG-3 cells adherent to EC compared to GH-3. Light and phase contrast microscopy confirmed that TC were attached to EC. Upon stimulation, GH-3 preferentially produced prostaglandins (PGI12) while MCF-7 and JEG-3 produced lipoxygenase products (LTB4 and 5-HETE). Pre-incubation of MCF-7 and JEG-3 with the lipoxygenase inhibitor nordihydroguiaretic acid resulted in partial inhibition of adhesion to EC. Our data strongly indicate a role for lipoxygenase products of arachidonic acid in adherence of TC to EC.
Nucleation and growth behavior for GaN grown on (0001) sapphire via multistep growth approach

Formation and coalescence of GaN truncated three dimensional islands (TTIs) on (0001) sapphire are observed during growth of GaN using a close spaced metalorganic chemical vapor deposition reactor. To encourage formation of TTIs to occur uniformly over the buffer layer, growth conditions are chosen under which thermal desorption and/or mass transport of the buffer layer can be suppressed. During coalescence of TTIs, growth conditions that favor higher desorption of species on the GaN (0001) surface and incorporation on other planes are beneficial. Therefore, changing the growth conditions as the growth mode changes is effective to obtain both good crystallinity and flat surface morphology.
Gingival squamous cell carcinoma in adolescence

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a rare finding in the adolescent population, with most cases occurring in patients with underlying heritable diseases or immunologic conditions. Moreover, the incidence of oral SCC in this age group is extremely low. While isolated cases of adolescent oral SCC have been documented, most have been primary tongue or lip lesions. We report 4 cases of gingival SCC occurring in otherwise healthy adolescent patients. The preliminary clinical impressions ranged from factitial injury to inflammatory tissue. Microscopic similarities, including overlap with pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia and keratoacanthoma, were seen. Review of the literature indicates that adolescent gingival SCC is extremely rare and a challenging diagnosis for the clinician and pathologist alike. Diagnostic pitfalls, possible etiologic factors, and the prognostic outlook of this condition are discussed.
Role of apoptosis-inducing factor, proline dehydrogenase, and NADPH oxidase in apoptosis and oxidative stress

Flavoproteins catalyze a variety of reactions utilizing flavin mononucleotide or flavin adenine dinucleotide as cofactors. The oxidoreductase properties of flavoenzymes implicate them in redox homeostasis, oxidative stress, and various cellular processes, including programmed cell death. Here we explore three critical flavoproteins involved in apoptosis and redox signaling, ie, apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF), proline dehydrogenase, and NADPH oxidase. These proteins have diverse biochemical functions and influence apoptotic signaling by unique mechanisms. The role of AIF in apoptotic signaling is two-fold, with AIF changing intracellular location from the inner mitochondrial membrane space to the nucleus upon exposure of cells to apoptotic stimuli. In the mitochondria, AIF enhances mitochondrial bioenergetics and complex I activity/assembly to help maintain proper cellular redox homeostasis. After translocating to the nucleus, AIF forms a chromatin degrading complex with other proteins, such as cyclophilin A. AIF translocation from the mitochondria to the nucleus is triggered by oxidative stress, implicating AIF as a mitochondrial redox sensor. Proline dehydrogenase is a membrane-associated flavoenzyme in the mitochondrion that catalyzes the rate-limiting step of proline oxidation. Upregulation of proline dehydrogenase by the tumor suppressor, p53, leads to enhanced mitochondrial reactive oxygen species that induce the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. NADPH oxidases are a group of enzymes that generate reactive oxygen species for oxidative stress and signaling purposes. Upon activation, NADPH oxidase 2 generates a burst of superoxide in neutrophils that leads to killing of microbes during phagocytosis. NADPH oxidases also participate in redox signaling that involves hydrogen peroxide-mediated activation of different pathways regulating cell proliferation and cell death. Potential therapeutic strategies for each enzyme are also highlighted.
Incidence and risk factors for surgical intervention after uterine artery embolization.

Objective To determine the incidence and risk factors for surgical intervention after uterine artery embolization for symptomatic uterine fibroids. Study Design Electronic medical records of all patients who underwent uterine artery embolization for symptomatic uterine leiomyomata were reviewed. Logistic regression was used to identify independent risk factors for any surgical intervention and for hysterectomy alone after uterine artery embolization. Results Uterine artery embolization was performed in 454 patients during the study period, with a median follow-up time (range) of 14 (0-128) months. Overall, 99 patients (22%) underwent any surgical intervention after uterine artery embolization in the operating room. Risk factors for any surgical intervention included younger age ( P P P P Conclusion Patients undergoing uterine artery embolization have a 22% risk for requiring additional surgical intervention, but overall uterine artery embolization is an effective minimally invasive option.
Chemical oxidation of uridine diphosphate-glucose to uridine diphosphate-glucuronic acid.

THE importance of uronic acids in carbohydrate metabolism has only recently begun to be elucidated. The metabolism of inositol and ascorbate is known to involve uronic acid intermediates1,2, and nucleotide-bound glucuronic acid has been implicated in hyaluronic acid synthesis3.
Effects of noradrenergic denervation by anti-DBH-saporin on behavioral responsivity to l-DOPA in the hemi-parkinsonian rat

Dopamine (DA) replacement with l-DOPA remains the most effective pharmacotherapy for motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD) including tremor, postural instability, akinesia, and bradykinesia. Prolonged L-DOPA use frequently leads to deleterious side effects including involuntary choreic and dystonic movements known as L-DOPA induced dyskinesias (LID). DA loss in PD is frequently accompanied by concomitant noradrenergic (NE) denervation of the locus coeruleus (LC); however, the effects of NE loss on L-DOPA efficacy and LID remain controversial and are often overlooked in traditional animal models of PD. The current investigation examined the role of NE loss in L-DOPA therapy by employing the NE specific neurotoxin anti-DA-beta hydroxylase saporin (αDBH) in a rat model of PD. Rats received unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine lesions of the medial forebrain bundle to deplete nigral DA and intraventricular injection of vehicle (DA lesioned rats) or αDBH (DANE lesioned rats) to destroy NE neurons bilaterally. Results indicated that αDBH infusion drastically reduced NE neuron markers within the LC compared to rats that received vehicle treatment. Behaviorally, this loss did not alter the development or expression of L-DOPA- or DA agonist-induced dyskinesia. However, rats with additional NE lesions were less responsive to L-DOPA's pro-motor effects. Indeed, DANE lesioned animals rotated less and showed less attenuation of parkinsonian stepping deficits following high doses of L-DOPA than DA lesioned animals. These findings suggest that severe NE loss may reduce L-DOPA treatment efficacy and demonstrate that degradation of the NE system is an important consideration when evaluating L-DOPA effects in later stage PD.
Superallowed Beta Decay of Nuclei with A ≥ 62 : The Limiting Effect of Weak Gamow-Teller Branches

The most precise value of V(ud), which is obtained from superallowed nuclear beta decay, leads to a violation of Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa unitarity by 2.2sigma. Experiments are underway on two continents to test and improve this result through decay studies of odd-odd N = Z nuclei with A>or=62. We show, in a series of illustrative shell-model calculations, that numerous weak Gamow-Teller branches are expected to compete with the superallowed branch in each of these nuclei. Though the total Gamow-Teller strength is significant, many of the individual branches will be unobservably weak. Thus, new techniques must be developed if reliable ft values are to be obtained with 0.1% precision for the superallowed branches.