cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
HIV-Seropositive Parents: Parental Role Strain and Depressive Symptoms

There is a paucity of studies that examine the impact of parenting strain on the mental health of HIV positive parents. This study compared HIV+ mothers and fathers on five dimensions of parenting strain, and examined sex differences in the effects of parenting strains on depressive symptoms. HIV+ mothers reported significantly more emotional/behavioral problems of children, more child physical health problems, and more child-related financial strain as compared to HIV+ fathers. The groups did not differ on mean levels of intrapsychic strain or interpersonal strain related to children. Increased parental role strain was associated with increased depressive symptoms, irrespective of the sex of the parent. Future research should assess the extent to which these findings are attributable to HIV serostatus.
Carving Out Protection and Redress for Migrants in the Americas Through the Judiciary: The Role of the High Courts

This chapter traces the evolution of legal practices in migration jurisprudence from 2014 until 2017 through a comparison of high court decisions on migration issues and migrants in selected receiving countries in the Americas (Argentina, Canada, Costa Rica, Panama and the United States). The chapter shows that courts have acquired great relevance in public policy debates in the Americas, becoming the final arbitrators of political disputes regarding the scope of state action and the protection of the rights of citizens. It also underscores how migrants and their advocates are increasingly seeking the courts’ intervention in cases related to immigration legislation and the protection of the rights of migrants. This phenomenon has resulted in strategic litigation efforts led by human rights organizations and immigration advocates, borrowing tactics from other rights campaigns. Additionally, the chapter shows that the demand for legal representation is contributing to the emergence of immigration law practices in several countries in the region. In the author’s view, the judicialization of migration is having positive and significant implications as it is contributing to elevating process standards in immigration control actions and expanding equal protection of the law to all persons under state jurisdiction.
Posterior Retroperitoneoscopic Right Cortical-Sparing Adrenalectomy

The posterior retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy is a minimally invasive approach to resect nonmalignant lesions of the adrenal gland. The benefits of the approach include minimal postoperative recovery, the ability to perform a bilateral resection without repositioning, and the avoidance of adhesions from prior abdominal surgery. We describe a cortical-sparing approach that is useful to treat pheochromocytoma in the setting of hereditary syndromes. With this approach, unaffected adrenal cortex is spared in an attempt to avoid future reliance on steroid supplementation in the event of a pheochromocytoma recurrence. Keys to the success of this operation include an understanding of the anatomic position of the pheochromocytoma based on preoperative imaging, identification of the appropriate anatomic landmarks intraoperatively, and the preservation of blood supply to the remnant adrenal gland.
Assessment of the Integrity of Adult Human Mandibular Angle

The purpose of this study was to analyze the integrity of the adult human mandibular angle. The left hemimandibles of 24 human cadavers were selected and divided into three groups based upon remain...
Beam Transport and Beam-Current Loss in Emittance-Dominated High-Frequency Tubes

Emittance effects are becoming increasingly important in high-frequency electron devices, especially in recent and proposed high-frequency traveling wave tubes and klystrons. The ratio of beam radius to the beam pipe, typically referred to as “fill factor,” is a critical parameter for high-frequency tubes. Fill factors, typical of lower frequency tubes, such as 0.5–0.8, can lead to significant beam current loss in high-frequency tubes when transported over long distances in the beam pipe because the beam in such tubes is more subject to emittance effects. The increased beam loss, in turn, leads to large dissipation of beam power at the RF circuit, damaging the circuit itself and limiting tube’s duty cycle. Traditionally, the beam emittance has been largely studied and measured in linear accelerators (linacs) where emittance effects are larger than space-charge effects at high beam energy. In this paper, we apply the beam physics developed for linacs to high-frequency tubes for the first time. We provide necessary theoretical tools to determine the fundamental limit of the beam pipe sizes for a desired limit of beam interception. Specifically, the effect of both space charge and emittance is incorporated into iterative solution of equilibrium distributions of charge densities in the presence of a uniform focusing axial magnetic field. The numerical solutions and tools provided here can be used to determine the beam pipe size for any beam emittance. The theoretical formulation and results are expected to be particularly useful for devices operating from mm-wave to subterahertz frequency regimes.
Advances in the surgical treatment of speech-eloquent gliomas

Abstract Contemporary glioma surgery follows the maxim of maximal safe resection, with the goal of cytoreduction balanced by maintenance of neurologic function. Consistent data has shown that gross total resection, defined as complete removal of overt tumor identified on MRI, results in decreased 1- and 2-year mortality and 6- and 12-month disease-free progression as compared to subtotal resections. On the other hand, sparing function is of high priority for providers and patients as preservation of motor, visual, and language functions significantly improves the quality of life and even extensive surgery is not curative. Brain mapping serves as the tool by which neurosurgeons can optimize this onco-functional balance.
Evaluation of the Use of Combined Artificial Intelligence and Pathologist Assessment to Review and Grade Prostate Biopsies

Importance Expert-level artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms for prostate biopsy grading have recently been developed. However, the potential impact of integrating such algorithms into pathologist workflows remains largely unexplored. Objective To evaluate an expert-level AI-based assistive tool when used by pathologists for the grading of prostate biopsies. Design, Setting, and Participants This diagnostic study used a fully crossed multiple-reader, multiple-case design to evaluate an AI-based assistive tool for prostate biopsy grading. Retrospective grading of prostate core needle biopsies from 2 independent medical laboratories in the US was performed between October 2019 and January 2020. A total of 20 general pathologists reviewed 240 prostate core needle biopsies from 240 patients. Each pathologist was randomized to 1 of 2 study cohorts. The 2 cohorts reviewed every case in the opposite modality (with AI assistance vs without AI assistance) to each other, with the modality switching after every 10 cases. After a minimum 4-week washout period for each batch, the pathologists reviewed the cases for a second time using the opposite modality. The pathologist-provided grade group for each biopsy was compared with the majority opinion of urologic pathology subspecialists. Exposure An AI-based assistive tool for Gleason grading of prostate biopsies. Main Outcomes and Measures Agreement between pathologists and subspecialists with and without the use of an AI-based assistive tool for the grading of all prostate biopsies and Gleason grade group 1 biopsies. Results Biopsies from 240 patients (median age, 67 years; range, 39-91 years) with a median prostate-specific antigen level of 6.5 ng/mL (range, 0.6-97.0 ng/mL) were included in the analyses. Artificial intelligence–assisted review by pathologists was associated with a 5.6% increase (95% CI, 3.2%-7.9%;P Conclusions and Relevance In this study, the use of an AI-based assistive tool for the review of prostate biopsies was associated with improvements in the quality, efficiency, and consistency of cancer detection and grading.
Fracture Degradation of Asphalt Concrete under Repeated Loading

AbstractFor an accurate estimation of pavement life, it is essential to consider the effect of repeated traffic and thermal loadings on the fracture resistance of asphalt concrete (AC) materials. R...
Portalware: Exploring Free-Hand AR Drawing with a Dual-Display Smartphone-Wearable Paradigm

Free-hand interaction enables users to directly create artistic augmented reality content using a smartphone, but lacks natural spatial depth information due to the small 2D display’s limited visual feedback. Through an autobiographical design process, three authors explored free-hand drawing over a total of 14 weeks. During this process, they expanded the design space from a single-display smartphone format to a dual-display smartphone-wearable format (Portalware). This new configuration extends the virtual content from a smartphone to a wearable display and enables multi-display free-hand interactions. The authors documented experiences where 1) the display extends the smartphone’s canvas perceptually, allowing the authors to work beyond the smartphone screen view; 2) the additional perspective mitigates the difficulties of depth perception and improves the usability of direct free-hand manipulation; 3) the wearable use cases depend on the nature of the drawing, such as: replicating physical objects, “in-situ” mixed reality pieces, and multi-planar drawings.
Analysis and implementation of multi-protocol gigabit Ethernet switch for real-time control systems

Deterministic data exchange over Ethernet network is used for real-time control applications such as programmable logic control and multi-axis motor control. Digitization of the production system asks for more Ethernet based devices. Machine vision sensors and collaborative robots require different set of network parameters. Therefore a faster communication network at gigabit speed and a converged network supporting different traffic types are needed. Time Sensitive Network (TSN) defines the capability to support converged network in cyber physical production systems. In addition, real-time Ethernet is used in closed applications such as robotics, machine tools and industrial backplane. In this paper we introduce flexible gigabit Ethernet switch architecture for open and closed control systems. We discuss firmware implementations for different protocols such as Profinet Conformance Class D and provide performance data for network parameters and real-time control parameters.
Chapter 28 – Learning to be Winners and Losers: Agonistic Behavior in Crayfish

Publisher Summary Most investigations of agonistic behavior in crustaceans have focused on crayfish, which are especially easy to maintain in the laboratory. Animals that have recently won aggressive interactions may often be more likely to win against new opponents that have not had recent winning experience; that is, winners keep winning. This phenomenon has been found in a variety of taxa, including juncos, chickens, paradise fish, red deer, and spiders. Crustaceans have been widely used in agonistic behavioral investigations and are excellent candidates for a test of this hypothesis. Many species are relatively large and easy to observe and measure, have well-described aggressive behaviors, are hardy, and readily interact with conspecifics. Agonistic behavior in crustaceans have examined species-specific ritualized displays inter- and intrasexual agonistic interactions and how fighting behavior is influenced by predation risk and time of day. Similarly, crabs have been used in studies considering the energetic costs of fighting the influence of relative and absolute body size on strategic decision making during agonistic encounters and the behaviors associated with the initiation and resolution of aggressive disputes.
Implications of TGFβ Signaling and CDK Inhibition for the Treatment of Breast Cancer

TGFβ signaling enacts tumor-suppressive functions in normal cells through promotion of several cell regulatory actions including cell-cycle control and apoptosis. Canonical TGFβ signaling proceeds through phosphorylation of the transcription factor, SMAD3, at the C-terminus of the protein. During oncogenic progression, this tumor suppressant phosphorylation of SMAD3 can be inhibited. Overexpression of cyclins D and E, and subsequent hyperactivation of cyclin-dependent kinases 2/4 (CDKs), are often observed in breast cancer, and have been associated with poor prognosis. The noncanonical phosphorylation of SMAD3 by CDKs 2 and 4 leads to the inhibition of tumor-suppressive function of SMAD3. As a result, CDK overactivation drives oncogenic progression, and can be targeted to improve clinical outcomes. This review focuses on breast cancer, and highlights advances in the understanding of CDK-mediated noncanonical SMAD3 phosphorylation. Specifically, the role of aberrant TGFβ signaling in oncogenic progression and treatment response will be examined to illustrate the potential for therapeutic discovery in the context of cyclins/CDKs and SMAD3.
Pathophysiology and Immunology

This chapter talks about pathophysiology and immunology of tuberculosis. The pathogenesis of human pulmonary tuberculosis can be considered as a series of battles between the host and the tubercle bacillus. The chapter discusses the measures for reducing the incidence of new cases of clinical tuberculosis, and gives an overview of five stages of pulmonary tuberculosis. It reviews the innate and acquired (adaptive) immune factors that play a role in tuberculosis. The term tissue-damaging delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) is used for the immunological reaction that causes necrosis. The chapter explores the major types of lymphocytes. Additional insight has recently been gained into the adjuvanticity of tuberculosis vaccines. In dermal BCG lesions, the percentage of mononuclear cells containing cytokine mRNA and protein was highest during the first 3 days. This finding suggests that the most effective tuberculosis vaccines would contain not only the most appropriate mycobacterial antigens but also mycobacterial adjuvants that recruit the largest number of macrophages, lymphocytes, and dendritic cells (DCs) into local sites of antigen deposition. Combination vaccines which consist of BCG and one or more booster immunizations with important mycobacterial antigens (including those produced by DNA vaccines) will probably provide the most effective protection against active disease. The major research advances in immunology that have direct bearing on the pathogenesis of tuberculosis are also described in the chapter. They include interactions between innate immunity and acquired immunity, interactions among the cytokines, and upregulating and downregulating mechanisms of both inflammatory and immune response.
End-of-life issues.

The chapter focuses on the process of dying and the unique aspects of preparing for a death from AIDS. While many aspects regarding death and dying are the same regardless of the disease or condition causing loss of life, older adults often have had no life experience to assist them in navigating the differences AIDS brings to the process of dying. This chapter reviews the personal, clinical, and legal aspects of an older person's death from HIV disease, concluding with a short discussion on bereavement issues for both survivors and formal care providers. One of the most important and monumental tasks to prepare for dying is the resolution of personal issues, specifically dealing with the multitude of losses AIDS brings to the dying person. Receiving a diagnosis of HIV infection is an anxiety-laden experience. However, as the disease progresses and death from AIDS is imminent, the source of anxiety shifts to impending concern about control over the dying process, including the appropriate quality and type of medical care, freedom from pain, and anxiety about death itself. The range of emotions older persons dying with AIDS may experience is broad and each has its specific concerns. Therefore, many types of support are required for older people dying from AIDS to navigate the final stages of their illness.
Intra-Axial Primary Brain Tumors

The majority of primary brain tumors in adults are found in the supratentorial compartment, while tumors in pediatric patients are usually infratentorial in location. This unit presents basic protocols for imaging all types of primary intra-axial brain tumors, whether infiltrative (i.e., astrocytoma, oligodendroglioma, lymphoma) or circumscribed (i.e., ganglioglioma, cystic astrocytoma). Specific modifications are discussed where necessary. The sequences described in this unit are based on a 1.5 T scanner (Echospeed GE Medical Systems), but can be expected to be equally applicable to other field strengths and scanners from other manufacturers.
Bridging the gap - integrating APC constraints and WIP flow optimization to enhance automated decision making in semiconductor manufacturing

Advanced process control (APC) is widely used in semiconductor manufacturing to adjust process parameters, ensuring a high product quality, while WIP flow optimization systems for scheduling & dispatching make decisions by assigning lots to tools for processing. APC imposes additional constraints to the operational decisions. It is critical to understand the relationship between these two aspects of the semiconductor manufacturing process in order to make better decisions for both. As this is a pressing and compelling topic for researchers and practitioners, this paper presents an integration approach that connects APC and WIP flow optimization systems, allowing APC aspects to be incorporated into scheduling & dispatching, in order to balance the conflict between product quality and operational objectives.
Structure and regulation of the glpFK operon encoding glycerol diffusion facilitator and glycerol kinase of Escherichia coli K-12.

The glpFK operon maps near minute 88 on the linkage map of Escherichia coli K-12 with glpF promoter proximal. The glpF gene encodes a cytoplasmic membrane protein which facilitates the diffusion of glycerol into the cell. The glpK gene encodes glycerol kinase. In the present work, the nucleotide sequence of the 5'-end of the operon, including the control region, the glpF gene, and part of the glpK gene, was determined. The facilitator was predicted to contain 281 amino acids with a calculated molecular weight of 29,780. It is a highly hydrophobic protein with a minimum of six potential transmembrane alpha helices. The transcription start site for the glpFK operon was located 71 base pairs upstream from the proposed translation start codon for glpF. Preceding the transcription start site were sequences similar to the -10 and -35 consensus sequences for bacterial promoters. Binding sites for the cAMP-cAMP receptor protein (CRP) complex and the glp repressor were identified by DNase I footprinting. The region protected by the cAMP.CRP complex contained tandem sequences resembling the consensus sequence for CRP binding. The CRP sites were centered at 37.5 and 60.5 base pairs upstream of the start of transcription. The glp repressor protected an extensive area (-89 to -7 relative to the start point of transcription), sufficient for the binding of four repressor tetramers. Two additional binding sites for the repressor were identified within the glpK coding region. The DNA containing these two operators synergistically increased the apparent affinity of glp repressor for DNA fragments containing the four operators in the promoter region of the glpFK operon. With this study, a total of 13 operators for the glp regulon have been characterized. Comparison of these operators revealed the consensus 5'-WATGTTCGWT-3' for the operator half-site (W = A or T). The relative affinity of the glp repressor for the various glp operators was assessed in vivo using a promoter-probe vector. The relative apparent affinity of the control regions for glp repressor was glpFK greater than glpD greater than glpACB greater than glpTQ. The degree of catabolite repression for each of the operons was assessed using a similar system. In this case, the relative sensitivity of the glp operons to catabolite repression was glpTQ greater than glpFK greater than glpACB greater than glpD.
Prospective trial to identify optimal bladder cancer surveillance protocol: reducing costs while maximizing sensitivity

Study Type – Diagnostic (exploratory cohort) Level of Evidence 2b What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add? A plethora of urinary markers are available with the purported benefit of identifying bladder tumours that evade detection with cystoscopy alone. Clinicians often infer that this translates into earlier detection of invasive disease and helps control costs. This prospective trial suggests that in experienced hands, cystoscopy alone is the most cost-effective strategy to detect recurrence of non-invasive bladder cancer. Using urinary markers in all patients significantly adds to cost and hence must be individualized. OBJECTIVE • To assess the cost-effectiveness of using cytological evaluation, NMP22 BladderChek®, and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) UroVysion® in addition to cystoscopy in patients with a history of bladder cancer undergoing surveillance for recurrence. PATIENTS AND METHODS • In all, 200 consecutive patients with a history of bladder cancer not invading the muscle were prospectively enrolled at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. • Five surveillance strategies were compared: (i) cystoscopy alone; (ii) cystoscopy and NMP22; (iii) cystoscopy and FISH; (iv) cystoscopy and cytology; and (v) cystoscopy and positive NMP22 confirmed by positive FISH. • The cost per cancer detected was calculated. • For patients with an initial positive test and negative cystoscopy, tumour detected at first follow-up was assumed to be too small to be visualized at the initial assessment and the biomarker was credited with early detection. RESULTS • Cancer was detected in 13 patients at study entry. • Detection rates for the five surveillance strategies were: (i) 52%, (ii) 56%, (iii) 72%, (iv) 60%, and (v) 56%. • The costs per tumour detected (at the time of initial marker analysis) were (i) $7692; (ii) $12 000; (iii) $26 462; (iv) $11 846; and (v) $10 292. • When early detection of biomarkers was factored in, the CPTD became: (i) $7692; (ii) $11 143; (iii) $19 111; (iv) $10 267; and (v) $9557. • There were 12 new cancers detected at first follow-up (median time, 4.1 months). None of the tumours detected by biomarkers but not by cystoscopy were invasive. CONCLUSIONS • Cystoscopy alone remains the most cost-effective strategy to detect recurrence of bladder cancer not invading the muscle. • The addition of urinary markers adds to cost, without improved detection of invasive disease.
What Explains Differences in Efficiency Across Russian Banks

A bank can be viewed as a firm that uses deposits as inputs to “produce” loans and investments. If a manager does all her best, the bank affords its production possibilities frontier. However, the manager’s incentives may not go in-line with those of the bank’s owners, and this leads to X-inefficiency. The purpose of the research is two-fold. First, we measure the X-inefficiency of Russian banks econometrically using a quarterly panel of financial statements of all Russian banks for the period 1998-2002. Second, we explain the variation in X-inefficiency among Russian banks with a number of determinants such as the diversification of ownership structure, the type of ownership, and the bank size. Our findings suggest inter alia that regulatory authorities should be cautios in interpreting raw X-inefficiency scores: a low level of X-inefficiency may be due to the lack of intermediation rather that due an efficient intermediation.
Intercultural communication in assessing dietary habits: Liberia as an example.

Nutritionists in both clinical and field settings often work with populations whose cultures and languages differ from their own. Therefore, intercultural communication skills are often needed. This article presents a method used to collect dietary data for 125 children under 26 months old living in Liberia. The method was designed to reduce intercultural communication errors during collection of dietary data by avoiding terms directly related to the English language words “food” or “to eat,” and by replacing such terms with words or phrases with a more general meaning, for example, “thing” for food or “had” for eat. By using this method the following results were obtained: mean age for introducing non-breast-milk foods to infants, 1.9 months (no. = 113, standard deviation [SD] = 2.1 months); mean age for introducing milk-based foods, 1.5 months (no. = 74, SD = 1.6 months); and mean age for introducing non-milk foods, 2.9 months (no. = 110, SD = 2.5 months). These ages are 2 to 4 months earlier than those determined in two previous studies conducted in Liberia. The difference is probably attributable to incongruity between the interviewer’s and interviewee’s definitions of words. The resultant impact on feeding recommendations because of differences in data and, therefore, in conclusions, demonstrates that accuracy of dietary data at the individual level may be critical for epidemiological studies. The method of using more general terms and avoiding restricting terms such as “food” and “eat” may help nutritionists improve the accuracy and completeness of dietary data during intercultural interviews. Additional research in wording dietary recall questions will help determine whether this method is generally applicable.
Development of Physical Activity Behaviors Among Children and Adolescents

Physical activity is a key component of energy balance and is promoted in children and adolescents as a lifelong positive health behavior. Understanding the potential behavioral determinants necessitates understanding influences from three fundamental areas: 1) physiologic and developmental factors, 2) environmental factors, and 3) psychological, social, and demographic factors. The literature to date has generally investigated potential predictors of physical activity in children and adolescents in each of these three general areas, although existing data rely largely on cross-sectional studies in which it is difficult to distinguish a determinant from a correlate. In all likelihood, aspects of each of these three areas interact in a multidimensional way to influence physical activity in youth. This article reviews evidence of potential determinants of physical activity in children and adolescents and provides recommendations for future work.
Girl On Tracks

Things I never noticed before: the ceiling above me is curved downward, tiled with blue and white squares. Some of the tiles are chipped, and beneath the veneer is a gray, concrete color that matches the grout, which in many places is stained black. The lighting is fluorescent, and one of the fixtures is plugged into a dirty orange extension cord that snakes through a rodentsized hole in the ceiling. The textured anti-slip strips at the edge of the platform are Crayola cerulean. The strips are some kind of plastic, and they seem to be glued to the dull granite slabs that are the floor. The edge of the strip behind me looks 71 to be coming unglued, a slight lip forming where it should be flush with the stone, a tripping hazard maybe. Maybe she tripped, I think, maybe. About half an hour ago, a girl standing on the platform just behind me, close to my shoulder, launched herself in front of the express train. I'm sitting here because this is where I was told to sit by the two policemen who seem to have taken charge of things. "They think you might have pushed her." There's another guy leaning against the adjacent side of the pillar. I don't know what he looks like. I wasn't paying attention when he sat down. His voice is deep, though, and in my head I picture him old, older than me. "I wouldn't worry, though," the voice says. "I saw it all." "Why would they think that?" I ask, my eyes on the ground. "I don't know. You were close enough to have done it. Anyways, the way I saw it, that girl was on a mission to die. It looked like you tried to grab her." "She knocked my phone out of my hand. It fell on the track." "I wonder if it survived."
Primary retroperitoneal mature cystic teratoma with focal enteric type adenocarcinoma in a post-partum woman: report of a case with literature review

Teratomas are characterized by containing tissue from all three germinal cell layers. Occasionally, somatic type malignancies develop within a mature cystic teratoma. We reported here a rare case of enteric type adenocarcinoma, with associated dysplastic epithelial precursor lesion, arising within a mature cystic teratoma in the retroperitoneum of a 30-year-old woman status post vaginal delivery 11 weeks earlier. The mass is 17.5 cm and cystic. A polypoid mass component measuring 4.7×4.2×2.5 cm was located inside the cystic component. Microscopically, the majority of the specimen was a mature cystic teratoma with all three germinal cell layers. The polypoid mass component was an adenocarcinoma with an adjacent dysplastic epithelial precursor lesion. The adenocarcinoma was diffusely positive for CK20 and CDX-2, and focally positive for CD7, indicating enteric differentiation. A brief review of retroperitoneal mature cystic teratomas with associated somatic type malignancy was performed.
An unusual neurological complication of light chain amyloidosis

A 59-year-old female presented with acute renal failure, anaemia, immunoglobulin (Ig)G lambda paraproteinaemia, lytic bone lesions and bone marrow plasmacytosis (60%) with no evidence of amyloid deposition. Fluorescence in-situ hybridization analysis of marrow showed t(11;14)(q13;q32) and monosomy 13. Renal biopsy showed lambda light chain cast nephropathy consistent with myeloma kidney. She achieved less than a partial remission with autologous stem cell transplantation. A year later, she developed bilateral shoulder swelling with synovial thickening, and biopsy showed deposition of lambda light chain-derived amyloid. A repeat marrow biopsy confirmed myeloma-associated amyloid. In addition, a new symptom of tingling and numbness of hands and feet, initially perceived as AL amyloidosis-related small fibre neuropathy appeared. She had mild upper and lower extremity weakness and truncal numbness along with unilateral Babinski’s reflex, but no sensory level could be appreciated. She denied bladder or bowel incontinence. Magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine demonstrated cord compression by a tumour-like mass within the dorsal paraspinal soft tissues at the C2–3 level (left and middle panels). Surgical resection of the mass revealed an amyloidoma (right panel), and led to near complete resolution of her neurological symptoms. Subsequently, she received bortezomib-dexamethasone therapy with an excellent haematological response and stabilization of soft tissue findings. Her disease has been stable off-therapy for almost 11 months at the time of last follow-up. Myeloma-associated neurological manifestations can have diverse aetiologies. Peripheral neuropathy is not common at diagnosis in multiple myeloma (MM), and is usually related to concurrent amyloidosis or use of neurotoxic agents. Radiculopathy, on the other hand, is the most common neurological complication of MM, a result of nerve compression by paravertebral/extramedullary plasmacytoma, or infrequently, collapsed bone itself. Signs of spinal cord compression mandate urgent intervention. In our patient, compressive neuropathy resulted from a rare finding of a cervical amyloidoma. Such cases typically require prompt decompression with surgical resection of the mass to avert impending quadriparesis.
SARS-coronavirus replication in human peripheral monocytes/macrophages

A novel coronavirus (CoV) has been described in association with cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). The virus, SARS-CoV, differs from the previously described human coronaviruses, 229E and OC43. 229E was previously shown to productively infect human monocytes/macrophages, whereas OC43 poorly infected the cells. In this study, we examined whether SARS-CoV could productively infect purified monocytes/macrophages (PM) derived from human donor cells. Unlike 229E-infected cells, which produced viral titers of 10(3.5) to 10(6)TCID50/ml, SARS-CoV replicated poorly in PM, producing titers of 10(1.75) to 10(2)TCID50/ml. This finding was similar to results reported for OC43-infected cells, with titers ranging from 10(1.2) to 10(2.7)TCID50/ml. Of interest, SARS-CoV proteins were detected only in PM that did not produce significant amounts of interferon (IFN)-alpha, and in one such case, preliminary electron microscope studies demonstrated that SARS-CoV-like particles could enter the cells, possibly via phagocytosis. These results suggest that SARS-CoV, like human CoV OC43, poorly infects human PM, and production of IFN-alpha by these cells further limits the infection. Given the importance of monocytes/macrophages to the immune response, it is possible that their infection by SARS-CoV and alteration of this infection by IFN-alpha may be important to the course of the infection in humans.
Effects of Certainty and Uncertainty of Stimulus-Response Correspondence on Auditory Reaction Times

Complex reaction time (RT) was measured for a task in which a discriminative auditory cue designated whether the right or left hand was to be used in responding. Facilitation of monaural RT compared to binaural RT occurred on trials in which both (1) the ear stimulated corresponded to the hand specified for response and (2) each of 20 male college students had received a prior signal signifying that stimulus-response correspondence would occur on the trial. RT was slower for monaural than binaural input when the monaural stimulus was applied to the ear contralateral to the hand designated by the tonal cue regardless of a prior signal signifying that stimulus-response noncorrespondence would occur on the trial. These slower RTs were attributed to an inability of subjects to inhibit their initial tendency to react toward the source of stimulation.
Near-liquidus phase relations of an anhydrous high-magnesia basalt from the Aleutian Islands: Implications for arc magma genesis and ascent

Abstract The results of anhydrous near-liquidus experiments (1 atm to 20 kbar) with a natural high-MgO basalt (ID-16) from Umnak Island in the central Aleutians are used to constrain models of arc magma genesis. At 1 atm. olivine is the liquidus phase followed at lower temperatures by plagioclase, augite, and finally pigeonite. Olivine remains the liquidus phase at 10 kbar but is joined by orthopyroxene, augite, and plagioclase just 25°C beneath the liquidus. The mineral-in curves for olivine, orthopyroxene, clinopyroxene, plagioclase, and spinel all converge on the liquidus at about 12 kbar. demonstrating that ID-16 melt is saturated with the plagioclase/spinel-peridotite assemblage at this pressure. At 15 kbar. clinopyroxene ( +spinel) replaces olivine as the liquidus phase and is followed by orthopyroxene, plagioclase, olivine, and finally, garnet. Although augite persists on the liquidus to at least 20 kbar, garnet is the second phase to crystallize at this pressure. Our first 12-kbar sub-liquidus run is 49 wt.% crystalline despite being only ∼ 10° C beneath the liquidus and the melt is correspondingly evolved relative to the starting material. As a result, we cannot demonstrate conclusively that the liquidus phases have mantle-like compositions, but we believe that the match is acceptable once allowances are made for the crystallinity of the run product. Two permissible interpretations of our results are: (1) our starting material was generated by small degrees of melting of plagioclase/spinel-peridotite at about 35 km depth, or (2) the melt formed deeper but last equilibrated with the mantle at this depth prior to eruption. We prefer the latter interpretation but note that the required temperature (∼ 1300° C) at 35 km depth is hundreds of degrees hotter than that predicted by steady-state thermal models of subduction zones. Accordingly, we propose that the isotherms beneath Umnak Island have been perturbed upward by the passage of earlier batches of hot magma through a reused conduit, thus enabling ID-16 to ascend from a deeper and hotter level and react with its surroundings without cooling significantly.
Use of a Monoclonal Antibody for the Determination of Free Indole-3-Acetic Acid

Summary The purpose of this study was to produce a highly specific monoclonal antibody against free indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and to develop a competitive enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (CELIA). Hybridomas were produced by fusion of NS 1 myeloma cells with spleen cells from BALB/cj mice immunized with IAA conjugated to rat serum albumin via the indole nitrogen. A highly specific cell line secreting IgG 1 chain specific kappa light chain for IAA was obtained. This cell line has little or no cross reactivity with 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and structurally related indole compounds (including amino-acid conjugates). The standard competitive ELISA assay provides sensitivity in the pmol range. Crown gall tumor derived from mung bean ( Vigna radiata cv. Berken) stem tissue extracts were passed through SepPak β-Bondapak C-18 cartridges, Sephadex G-10, carboxymethyl-cellulose (CMC), polyvinylpolypyr-rolidone (PVPP) and DEAE-cellulose columns individually and in combination in order to evaluate what degree of purification was required in order to avoid interference with the immunological assay. It was found that SepPak and PVPP in combination provided an adequate clean-up for use with plant samples.
Ability of ram introduction to induce LH secretion, estrus and ovulation in fall-born ewe lambs during anestrus.

Abstract The ability of ram introduction (RI) and progesterone pre-treatment to induce increases in LH secretion and ovulation, and the ability of progesterone pre-treatment with or without estrogen to induce estrus and ovulation in fall-born ewe lambs during seasonal anestrus was investigated. In early July, lambs of mixed breeds (41.8±0.6 kg and 250.7±1.3 days of age) were assigned to receive no treatment (C, n=7), to be introduced to rams (7:1 ewe:ram ratio; R, n=7), to be treated with progesterone (a used CIDR device) for 5 days (P, n=5), to be treated with progesterone and introduced to rams at CIDR removal (PR, n=11), or to receive the latter treatment plus an injection of estradiol benzoate (25 μg, E2β i.m.) 24 h after CIDR withdrawal/RI (PER, n=11). Blood samples were collected from all lambs every 4 h for 60 h beginning at RI/CIDR withdrawal (0 h), to characterize the LH surge profile and in groups R and C every 15 min for 8 h between 12 and 20 h for determination of LH pulse frequencies. Ultrasonographic examinations of the ovaries were conducted at 0, 36 and 60 h. In ram-exposed groups lambs were also observed for raddle marks every 4 h from 0 to 60 h. The LH pulse frequency (pulses/8 h) was higher in group R (P
Head-on beam-beam compensation investigation in an electron-ion collider using weak-strong simulations

The luminosity of the ring-ring version of the proposed electron-ion collider eRHIC is limited by the beam-beam effect on the electrons. Once the beam-beam limit is reached, the luminosity no longer increases linearly with the bunch intensity of the ion beam, but begins to saturate and even drops again if the beam-beam tuneshift is increased further. To overcome this limitation we investigate a compensation scheme with an electron lens acting on the electron beam. Using weak-strong simulations we find a possible luminosity increase of about a factor 2.
n- and p-channel m.o.s.f.e.t.s as Rayleigh-surface-wave detectors

We have studied the piezoresistance effect in an m.o.s.f.e.t. structure used as a Rayleigh-surface-wave transducer. The investigation was carried out over a large frequency range about a central value of 100 MHz. Results for silicon?m.o.s.f.e.t. n- and p- channel inversion layers are given.
Counting numerical semigroups by genus and some cases of a question of Wilf

Abstract The genus of a numerical semigroup is the size of its complement. In this paper, we will prove some results about counting numerical semigroups by genus. In 2008, Bras-Amoros conjectured that the ratio between the number of semigroups of genus g + 1 and the number of semigroups of genus g approaches ϕ , the golden ratio, as g gets large. Though several recent papers have provided bounds for counting semigroups, this conjecture is still unsolved. In this paper, we will show that a certain class of semigroups, those for which twice the genus is less than three times the smallest nonzero element, grows like the Fibonacci numbers, suggesting a possible reason for this conjecture to hold. We will also verify that a 1978 question of Wilf holds for these semigroups and in certain other cases. We will also show that in several situations we can count numerical semigroups of certain genus and multiplicity by counting only semigroups of maximal embedding dimension, and that we can always interpret the number of semigroups of genus g in terms of the number of integer points in a single rational polytope. We also discuss connections with recent work of Blanco, Garcia-Sanchez and Puerto, and mention several further open problems.
A role for the sodium, potassium adenosine triphosphatase (Na+,K+ ATPase) enzyme in degranulation of rat basophilic leukaemia cells

Background A circulating inhibitor of the sodium, potassium adenosine triphosphatase (Na + ,K + ATPase) enzyme has been described in allergic subjects. Recent studies have suggested that the Na + ,K + ATPase enzyme may be involved in the signal transduction pathways of various cell types and that inhibition of its activity can modulate histamine release from basophils and mast cells. Objective The purpose of this study was to determine if modulation of Na + ,K + ATPase activity alters degranulation in the 2H3 subline of rat basophilic leukaemia cells (RBL-2H3), a mucosal mast cell model bearing high-affinity Fc receptors for IgE. Methods Degranulation was measured by the release of both exogenous serotonin and endogenous histamine. Na + ,K + ATPase activity was assessed by ouabain-sensitive [ 86 rubidium] uptake ([ S6 Rb] uptake) and ex situ enzyme activity. Results Ouabain-sensitive [ 86 Rb] uptake and degranulation increased in parallel and in a dose-response fashion with increasing Fc receptor cross-linking. Additionally, incubation with ouabain, a known inhibitor of Na + ,K + ATPase activity, decreased both anti-IgE and calcium ionophore-induced degranulation, but increased spontaneous degranulation, each in a dose-response manner. Moreover, the effect of ouabain on degranulation was reversed by rinsing and mimicked by other known inhibitors of Na + ,K + ATPase activity. Finally, in the absence of anti-IgE or calcium ionophore, stimulation of ouabain-sensitive [ 86 Rb] uptake by the sodium (Na + ) ionophore monensin was associated with a corresponding dose-response increase in ouabain-sensitive degranulation. These experiments demonstrate that ouabain-sensitive [ 86 Rb] uptake increases following IgE receptor cross-linking in RBL-2H3, and that factors which modulate Na + ,K + ATPase activity in these cells may also regulate degranulation. Conclusion The results of this study suggest an important role for Na + ,K + ATPase activation in the signal transduction pathway of stimulated RBL-2H3.
Madden‐Julian Oscillation

[1] The Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) is the dominant component of the intraseasonal (30–90 days) variability in the tropical atmosphere. It consists of large-scale coupled patterns in atmospheric circulation and deep convection, with coherent signals in many other variables, all propagating eastward slowly (∼5 m s−1) through the portion of the Indian and Pacific oceans where the sea surface is warm. It constantly interacts with the underlying ocean and influences many weather and climate systems. The past decade has witnessed an expeditious progress in the study of the MJO: Its large-scale and multiscale structures are better described, its scale interaction is recognized, its broad influences on tropical and extratropical weather and climate are increasingly appreciated, and its mechanisms for disturbing the ocean are further comprehended. Yet we are facing great difficulties in accurately simulating and predicting the MJO using sophisticated global weather forecast and climate models, and we are unable to explain such difficulties based on existing theories of the MJO. It is fair to say that the MJO remains an unmet challenge to our understanding of the tropical atmosphere and to our ability to simulate and predict its variability. This review, motivated by both the acceleration and gaps in our knowledge of the MJO, intends to synthesize what we currently know and what we do not know on selected topics: its observed basic characteristics, mechanisms, numerical modeling, air-sea interaction, and influences on the El Nino and Southern Oscillation.
Comparing the Imperfect with the Imperfect: The Imprecise Science of Assessing the Risk and Benefits of Anticoagulation in Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia in the United States, with ≈7 million Americans estimated to have AF by 2020.1,2 A major cause of morbidity and mortality in AF is stroke. Pharmacological therapy for the prevention of stroke has undergone a renaissance with the advent of newer oral anticoagulants that are safe and effective alternatives to warfarin. However, the decision to initiate anticoagulation remains a subjective assessment of risks versus benefits. Although guided by well-validated risk scores for stroke and bleeding,3–5 real-world decisions on anticoagulation continue to differ significantly from guideline recommendations, with many patients at high risk not receiving anticoagulation because of a perceived high risk of bleeding and many low-risk patients being anticoagulated as a result of a perceived low risk of bleeding, the so-called risk-treatment paradox.6 This phenomenon, thought to account for the continued underuse of oral anticoagulation therapy,7 has yet to be validated in a large outpatient-based practice. Therefore, the present study by Steinberg et al8 in this issue of Circulation is a timely effort to better understand and address some of the reasons underlying this risk mismatch in thromboembolic assessment and anticoagulation therapy in a community outpatient-based group of patients with stable AF. Article see p 2005 The authors examined 10 094 AF patients enrolled in the Outcomes Registry for Better Informed Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation (ORBIT-AF) between June 2010 and August 2011.9 This US prospective registry of incident and prevalent AF is formed by a multispecialty collaboration of healthcare providers, including primary care physicians, cardiologists, and electrophysiologists. It is the largest clinical registry of its kind in the United States, enrolling ≈10 000 patients from 200 US outpatient practices. The patients are followed up for at least 2 years to characterize real-world …