cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Two subsets of HLA-DQA1 alleles mark phenotypic variation in levels of insulin autoantibodies in first degree relatives at risk for insulin-dependent diabetes.

Levels of insulin autoantibodies (IAA) vary among different first degree relatives ofinsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus patients, suggesting genetic regulation. We previously reported elevated IAA among DR4-positive at risk relatives. In this study, 72/82 at risk relatives were IAA positive, ofwhom 75% (54/72) carried DR4 versus 20% (2/10) ofIAA-negative relatives (P = 0.0004). However, 69% (18/26) of DR4-negative relatives were IAA positive. Since DR4 did not account for all IAA positivity, we analyzedDQA1 andDQB1 alleles.Homozygosity for DQA1 alleles deriving from the evolutionary lineage 4 (*0401, *0501, *0601) was associated with low IAA levels, while lineage 1-3 alleles (*0101, *0102, *0103, *0201, *0301) correlated with higher levels. Most (93%, 65/70) relatives with lineage 1-3 alleles were IAA positive (mean = 360±63 SEM nU/ml). Only 7/12 relatives homozygous for lineage 4 alleles were IAA-positive, with lower levels than relatives with lineage 1-3 alleles (mean = 55±15 SEM nU/ml, P < 0.0001;
INSIG: a broadly conserved transmembrane chaperone for sterol-sensing domain proteins

INSIGs are proteins that underlie sterol regulation of the mammalian proteins SCAP (SREBP cleavage activating protein) and HMG-CoA reductase (HMGR). The INSIGs perform distinct tasks in the regulation of these effectors: they promote ER retention of SCAP, but ubiquitin-mediated degradation of HMGR. Two questions that arise from the discovery and study of INSIGs are: how do they perform these distinct tasks, and how general are the actions of INSIGs in biology? We now show that the yeast INSIG homologs NSG1 and NSG2 function to control the stability of yeast Hmg2p, the HMGR isozyme that undergoes regulated ubiquitination. Yeast Nsgs inhibit degradation of Hmg2p in a highly specific manner, by directly interacting with the sterol-sensing domain (SSD)-containing transmembrane region. Nsg1p functions naturally to limit degradation of Hmg2p when both proteins are at native levels, indicating a long-standing functional interplay between these two classes of proteins. One way to unify the known, disparate actions of INSIGs is to view them as known adaptations of a chaperone dedicated to SSD-containing client proteins.
Architectural evaluation of 3D stacked RRAM caches

The first memristor, originally theorized by Dr. Leon Chua in 1971, was identiffed by a team at HP Labs in 2008. This new fundamental circuit element is unique in that its resistance changes as current passes through it, giving the device a memory of the past system state. The immediately obvious application of such a device is in a non-volatile memory, wherein high- and low-resistance states are used to store binary values. A memory array of memristors forms what is called a resistive RAM or RRAM. In this paper, we survey the memristors that have been produced by a number of different research teams and present a point-by-point comparison between DRAM and this new RRAM, based on both existent and expected near-term memristor devices. In particular, we consider the case of a die-stacked 3D memory that is integrated onto a logic die and evaluate which memory is best suited for the job. While still suffering a few shortcomings, RRAM proves itself a very interesting design alternative to well-established DRAM technologies.
Compact Ka-band phase shifters using MEMS capacitive switches

This paper presents the design of a Ka-band phase shifter comprising a slow-wave structure that tightly wraps around three closely spaced MEMS capacitive switches. The switches are of proven design and reliability, except some switches have a gap in their stationary electrodes. This novel feature has negligible effect on electromechanical operation but provides another degree of freedom for simultaneous optimization of phase shift and impedance match. The design principle is validated through specially designed thin-film test structures. The results suggest that the present design is applicable to phase shifters of different sizes and resolutions with high performance, yield and reliability, but low cost and power consumption.
Enhanced Publication Management Systems: A Systemic Approach Towards Modern Scientific Communication

Enhanced Publication Information Systems (EPISs) are information systems devised for the management of enhanced publications (EP), i.e. digital publications enriched with (links to) other research outcomes such as data, processing workflows, software. Today, EPISs are typically realised with a "from scratch" approach that entails non-negligible implementation and maintenance costs. This work argues for a more systemic approach to narrow those costs and presents the notion of Enhanced Publication Management Systems, software frameworks that support the realisation of EPISs by providing developers with EP-oriented tools and functionalities.
Increased mortality among patients taking digoxin—analysis from the AFFIRM study

Digoxin is frequently used for rate control of atrial fibrillation (AF). It has, however, been associated with increased mortality. It remains unclear whether digoxin itself is responsible for the increased mortality (toxic drug effect) or whether it is prescribed to sicker patients with inherently higher mortality due to comorbidities. The goal of our study was to determine the relationship between digoxin and mortality in patients with AF. Methods and results The association between digoxin and mortality was assessed in patients enrolled in the AF Follow-Up Investigation of Rhythm Management (AFFIRM) trial using multivariate Cox proportional hazards models. Analyses were conducted in all patients and in subsets according to the presence or absence of heart failure (HF), as defined by a history of HF and/or an ejection fraction ,40%. Digoxin was associated with an increase in all-cause mortality (estimated hazard ratio (EHR) 1.41, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.19-1.67, P , 0.001), cardiovascular mortality (EHR 1.35, 95% CI 1.06-1.71, P ¼ 0.016), and arrhythmic mortality (EHR 1.61, 95% CI 1.12-2.30, P ¼ 0.009). The all-cause mortality was increased with digoxin in patients without or with HF (EHR 1.37, 95% CI 1.05-1.79, P ¼ 0.019 and EHR 1.41, 95% CI 1.09-1.84, P ¼ 0.010, respectively). There was no significant digoxin-gender interaction for all-cause (P ¼ 0.70) or cardiovascular (P ¼ 0.95) mortality. Conclusion Digoxin was associated with a significant increase in all-cause mortality in patients with AF after correcting for clinical characteristics and comorbidities, regardless of gender or of the presence or absence of HF. These findings call into question the widespread use of digoxin in patients with AF.
On quasi-normal modes and the AdS5/CFT4 correspondence

Abstract We discuss the quasi-normal modes of massive scalar perturbations of black holes in AdS5 in conjunction with the AdS/CFT correspondence. On the gravity side, we solve the wave equation and obtain an expression for the asymptotic form of quasi-normal frequencies. We then show that these expressions agree with those obtained from a CFT defined on R × S 3 in a certain scaling limit, by identifying Euclidean time with one of the periodic coordinates. This generalizes known exact results in three dimensions (BTZ black hole). As a by-product, we derive the standard energy quantization condition in AdS by a simple monodromy argument in complexified AdS space. This argument relies on an unphysical singularity.
Targeting BRAF in thyroid cancer

Activating mutations in the gene encoding BRAF are the most commonly identified oncogenic abnormalities in papillary thyroid cancer. In vitro and in vivo models have demonstrated that overexpression of activated BRAF induces malignant transformation and aggressive tumour behaviour. BRAF and other RAF kinases are frequently activated by other thyroid oncogenes and are important mediators of their biological effects including dedifferentiation and proliferation. Because current therapeutic options for patients with thyroid cancers that are aggressive and/or do not respond to standard therapies are limited, BRAF and its downstream effectors represent attractive therapeutic targets. In this review, data supporting a role for BRAF activation in thyroid cancer development and establishing the potential therapeutic efficacy of BRAF-targeted agents in patients with thyroid cancer will be reviewed.
Global Lightning Variations Caused by Changes in Thunderstorm Flash Rate and by Changes in the Number of Thunderstorms

Global lightning activity is highly variable on many time scales. This variability is attributable to changes in the flash rate per thunderstorm, the number of thunderstorms, or a combination. The TRMM Mission offers lightning observations from the Optical Transient Detector (OTD) and the Lightning Imaging Sensor (LIS) in space. Both are used to examine the response of these parameters to thermodynamic forcing of deep convection on the diurnal and annual time scales. On both time scales, the changes in the number of storms dominate the variations in total lightning activity. On the diurnal time scale, the mean flash rate appears to vary with cloud buoyancy, peaking in early afternoon and declining in late afternoon, but the contribution of number of thunderstorms is 2-3 times greater that the mean storm flash rate. On the annual time scale, almost all of the total lightning response is due to changes in the number of storms, with a negligible contribution from flash rate. Evidence is presented that the LIS/OTD 'area' is a meaningful objective identifier for a thunderstorm.
The Use of Diuretics in Varying Degrees of Renal Impairment: An Overview

Administration of diuretics during acute renal failure in animals has been demonstrated to be of value with mannitol and/or loop-blocking diuretics, furosemide or ethacrynic acid. There is evidence that if these drugs are given very early in the controlled experimental environment that there will be some beneficial effect in maintaining renal function. However, in man the temporal relationship between the acute onset and the successful response to the administration of the drugs is, at best, coincidental and the use of diuretics in acute renal failure may not produce the same results as seen in the laboratory. One of the best guides to the underlying disease when there is acute decompensation in renal function is the utility of the renal failure index which utilizes urine and plasma sodium and urine and plasma creatinine ratios. Large doses of loop-blocking diuretics can be of benefit in patients with mild to moderate chronic renal insufficiency and fluid retention and/or hypertension. When renal insufficiency is severe in the pre-dialysis setting, furosemide, bumetanide or muzolimine may be of some benefit; however, as renal failure worsens the response of the kidney is sluggish and it is wise to begin to dialyze when glomerular filtration deteriorates below 5 ml per minute.
To What Extent Is Surgical Performance Influenced by Obesity in Single-Site Laparoscopic Colon and Rectal Surgery?

RESULTS: All patients had severe colitis as determined by preoperative sigmoidoscopy and clinical severity scores. All operations were performed using SILS, with an average operating room time of 45 minutes. Fever, hemodynamics, and leukocytosis normalized within 24 hours of diversion, and patients tolerated po by postoperative day 2. The BMI and serum albumin improved within 3 months of diversion. There were no intraoperative, immediate, or 30-day postoperative complications or deaths. Three patients have had subsequent elective laparoscopic, hand-assisted total proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis formation in the setting of improved nutrition and decreased overall immunosuppression without postoperative morbidity.
Catastrophe Securities and the Market Sharing of Deposit Insurance Risk

This article investigates issues that property/casualty insurance companies are facing and that the FDIC should consider if it, too, decides to address its increased exposure by securitizing the risk it faces - in the case of the FDIC, the risk of large-bank failure. Specifically, the article details how the insurance companies and the FDIC might reduce their exposure either by entering the reinsurance market directly or by issuing their own catastrophe securities. The article concludes that both kinds of risk shifting are likely to be limited by a number of factors. The one this article focuses on is the moral-hazard problem, because such a focus leads to a number of interesting implications for the market sharing of deposit insurance risk.
PROMIS measures of pain, fatigue, negative affect, physical function, and social function demonstrated clinical validity across a range of chronic conditions

Abstract Objective To present an overview of a series of studies in which the clinical validity of the National Institutes of Health's Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (NIH; PROMIS) measures was evaluated, by domain, across six clinical populations. Study Design and Setting Approximately 1,500 individuals at baseline and 1,300 at follow-up completed PROMIS measures. The analyses reported in this issue were conducted post hoc, pooling data across six previous studies, and accommodating the different designs of the six, within-condition, parent studies. Changes in T-scores, standardized response means, and effect sizes were calculated in each study. When a parent study design allowed, known groups validity was calculated using a linear mixed model. Results The results provide substantial support for the clinical validity of nine PROMIS measures in a range of chronic conditions. Conclusion The cross-condition focus of the analyses provided a unique and multifaceted perspective on how PROMIS measures function in “real-world” clinical settings and provides external anchors that can support comparative effectiveness research. The current body of clinical validity evidence for the nine PROMIS measures indicates the success of NIH PROMIS in developing measures that are effective across a range of chronic conditions.
Fabrication of Superconducting Mo/Cu Bilayers Using Ion-Beam-Assisted e-Beam Evaporation

Superconducting/normal metal bilayers with tunable transition temperature are a critical ingredient to the fabrication of high-performance transition edge sensors. Popular material choices include Mo/Au and Mo/Cu, which exhibit good environmental stability and provide low resistivity films to achieve adequate thermal conductivity. The deposition of high-quality Mo films requires sufficient adatom mobility, which can be provided by energetic ions in sputter deposition or by heating the substrate in an e-beam evaporation process. The bilayer $$T_\mathrm{c}$$ depends sensitively on the exact deposition conditions of the Mo layer and the superconducting/normal metal interface. Because the individual contributions (strain, crystalline structure, contamination) are difficult to disentangle and control, reproducibility remains a challenge. Recently, we have demonstrated that low-energy ion-beam-assisted e-beam evaporation offers an alternative route to reliably produce high-quality Mo films without the use of substrate heating. The energy and momentum delivered by the ion beam provides an additional control knob to tune film properties such as resistivity and stress. In this report we describe modifications made to the commercial end-Hall ion source to avoid iron contamination allowing us to produce superconducting Mo films. We show that the ion beam is effective at enhancing the bilayer interface transparency and that bilayers can be further tuned towards reduced $$T_\mathrm{c}$$ and higher conductivity by vacuum annealing.
Specific Chemotherapy of Experimental Staphylococcus Infections with Thiazol Derivatives of Sulfanilamide

ConclusionsSulfathiazol and sulfamethylthiazol prolong the life of mice infected experimentally with a highly mouse virulent strain of Staphylococcus aureus and prevent the development and allow healing of abscesses in kidneys and other organs in a significant number of animals.
Actigraphy scoring reliability in the study of osteoporotic fractures.

Study Objectives: The editing and scoring of actigraphy data are important for calculating variables that describe sleep. Scoring is dependent on marking time points for when a participant got in and out of bed, plus time when the actigraph was removed. This placement of time points is subject to error. We examined interscorer reliability to determine if files scored by 2 different people were comparable. Design: Observational study. Setting: Community-based. Participants: A subset of 36 women taken from the latest biannual visit of the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures. All women had actigraphy data scored by 1 scorer for the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures staff, plus a blinded rescoring by an expert scorer at a different site. Interventions: N/A. Measurements and Results: The outcomes of interest from actigraphy are duration of in-bed interval, total sleep time, sleep latency, sleep efficiency, wake after sleep onset, total nap time, and total daytime minutes of watch removal. Clearly documented actigraphy scoring procedures were used. There were no significant differences between the expert scorer and the study scorer in sleep outcomes (all P values >.16 from a paired t test). There was a small but statistically significant difference between scorers for watch removal times (mean absolute difference 3.4 minutes ± 5.4, P=.02). The intraclass correlation coefficients showed a high level of agreement (range, 0.84-0.99). Conclusions: Even in a large study with 2 scorers, it is possible to use actigraphy as a measure of sleep without introducing interscorer measurement error. Using well-documented scoring and data-gathering procedures are essential for data quality control.
Problems and countermeasures for prevention and control of zoonoses in China

Zoonoses are a group of diseases with the same pathogens and close relationships in epidemiology between humans and animals, which usually cause heavy disasters and huge losses to human beings. Zoonoses are characterized by the situation that old zoonoses are reappearing and new zoonoses are constantly emerging, especially the outbreak and prevalence of emerging zoonoses have made the public health and safety increasingly prominent, which causes its prevention and control situation to be more severe. The authors summarize the history lessons, current main problems and strategies for prevention and control of zoonoses in order to provide reference for establishing a scientific and effective prevention and control system, which integrates human medicine and veterinary medicine in China.
Renal Capsular Lipoma

Renal capsular lesions are rare. Selective angiography remains the best means to identify a suspected capsular mass. We report a case of renal capsular lipoma and review the radiographical findings.
Bacteroides bacteremia from decubitus ulcers.

AbstractThree cases of paraplegic patients with Bacteroides bccteremia from decubitus ulers are reported. Each patient was suspected of having another organism and another source of infection. Each patient was treated initially and unsuccessfully with antibiotics normally useful for aerobic gram-neg
Spatial Partitioning of miRNAs Is Related to Sequence Similarity in Overall Transcriptome

RNAs have been shown to exhibit differential enrichment between nuclear, cytoplasmic, and exosome fractions. A current fundamental question asks why non-coding RNA partition into different spatial compartments. We report on the analysis of cellular compartment models with miRNA data sources for spatial-mechanistic modeling to address the broad area of multi-scalar cellular communication by miRNAs. We show that spatial partitioning of miRNAs is related to sequence similarity to the overall transcriptome. This has broad implications in biological informatics for gene regulation and provides a deeper understanding of nucleotide sequence structure and RNA language meaning for human pathologies resulting from changes in gene expression.
Finite allocation games

We have stated that we are mainly after principles rather than computational methods. The principles are sometimes stated in terms of theorems, sometimes in terms of explicit formulas. We use real variable theory in its exact rigor. Thus, while we must in any application admit approximation in the formulas we start with, we do not admit any in our analyses. This allows to build mathematical structures of more than one stage, as, for instance, in Chapter VII, and to go rather further than one might expect without resorting to machine methods.
The genitourinary spheroidal membrane: an experimental study of a new percutaneously inserted prosthetic device for the control of urinary incontinence.

AbstractThe genitourinary spheroidal membrane, composed of silicone rubber, has been developed along with a mechanical delivery instrument that allows transcutaneous insertion of the prosthetic sphere in the periurethral tissues to enhance outlet resistance in incontinent patients. An experimental study was undertaken in six female mongrel dogs to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this concept. The leak-point pressure increased from five to 38cm. H2O (mean increase, 16.8cm. H2O). This increase is statistically significant (p < 0.024, two-sided t test). During the 90-day experiment, there was no migration of the spheres, minimal local inflammatory response, and no granuloma formation or inflammatory response in various organs studied. Although the leak-point pressure was increased in all of the dogs, none developed difficulty voiding. We conclude that the design concept is sound and safe, the delivery system is reliable, and it is possible to place the spheroidal membrane into an anatomic location that w...
[Outcome Comparison of Pediatric Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis Treated with Modified DAL-HX83/90 or JLSG-96 Protocol].

Objective To analyze and compare the clinical features, treatment and prognosis of 31 children with Langerhans cell histiocytosis(LCH) treated with modified DAL-HX83/90 or JLSG-96 protocol. Methods The clinical features, treatment and prognosis of 31 children with Langerhans cells admitted in our hospital from January 2005 to December 2014 were analyzed retrospectively. The outcome of patients treated with modified DAL-HX83/90 or JLSG-96 protocols were compared by using the Kaplan-Meier survival curve. Among 31 children with LCH, 19 males and 12 females, 12 younger than 2 years old, and 19 older than 2 years old. LCH usually affected skeleton system(77.4%), skin(42.0%), liver(29.0%), spleen(19.4%), hematopoietic system(12.9%). The most common misdiagnoses were upper respiratory tract infection, malignancies, focal infection, and eczema. Results Response rate at week 6 was 76.9% in modified DAL-HX83/90 group and 94.1% in JLSG-96 group respectively, and no significant differences had been found between 2 groups. The 1-and 3-year overall survival rates of the patients treated with JLSG-96 protocol were 100% and 83.3%±15.2% respectively, while The 1-, 3-,5-year overall survival rates of those patients treated with the modified DAL-HX83/90 protocol were 70%±14.5%. The 1-and 3-year event-free rates of children treated with JLSG-96 protocol were 73.3%±11.4% and 66.7%±12.2%, respectively, while the 1-, 3-, 5-year event-free rates of those treated with modified DAL-HX83/90 protocol were 50%±15.8%, 40%±15.6% and 26.7%±15% respectively. No differences were found between the 2 groups for OS or EFS. Conclusion JLSG-96 protocol shows a better prognosis, and the risk of secondary malignancy caused by etoposide can be avoided. Early diagnosis of refractory LCH, specified grouping strategy and prolonged maintenance therapy may contribute to enhancing the EFS rates and reducing relapses.
Toward elucidating the mechanism of action of the ligninolytic systems in Basidiomycetes.

The fact that this lecture is scheduled between lectures on xylanases and amylases perhaps illustrates the common misconception that the ligninolytic system bears a close biochemical similarity to other common biopolymer-degrading microbial systems. It does not. It is a most unusual system which has not yet been defined biochemically. However, recent studies, which I shall review here, have resulted in progress toward this end.
The fabrication of a customized occlusal splint based on the merging of dynamic jaw tracking records, cone beam computed tomography, and CAD-CAM digital impression.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this case report was to present the procedure of fabricating a customized occlusal splint, through a revolutionary software that combines cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) with jaw motion tracking (JMT) data and superimposes a digital impression. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The case report was conducted on a 46-year-old female patient diagnosed with the temporomandibular disorder. A CBCT scan and an optical impression were obtained. The range of the patient's mandibular movements was captured with a JMT device. The data were combined in the SICAT software (SICAT, Sirona, Bonn, Germany). RESULTS: The software enabled the visualization of patient-specific mandibular movements and provided a real dynamic anatomical evaluation of the condylar position in the glenoid fossa. After the assessment of the range of movements during opening, protrusion, and lateral movements all the data were sent to SICAT and a customized occlusal splint was manufactured. CONCLUSIONS: The SICAT software provides a three-dimensional real-dynamic simulation of mandibular movements relative to the patient-specific anatomy of the jaw; thus, it opens new possibilities and potentials for the management of temporomandibular disorders.
Aniconism: definitions, examples and comparative perspectives

ABSTRACTThis introductory essay to this thematic issue on aniconism argues for the value of considering various forms of aniconism side by side. It summarizes briefly the historiography of the terms ‘aniconism’ and ‘aniconic,’ noting that they originate in the work of Johannes Adolph Overbeck, who coined the expressions anikonisch and Anikonismus. It considers current definitions and proposes ‘aniconism’ be used to denote divine presence without a figural image in religious practice, in the visual arts, and in visual culture more broadly. It then discusses three instances of aniconism from Greek antiquity: the cult of Aphrodite in Paphos, the pillar of Zeus depicted on a 4th-century BCE vase, and the seats of Zeus and Hekate on the island of Chalke. These examples illustrate some of the challenges that face the student of aniconism, particularly the difficulty in assessing the nature of an aniconic monument. The discussion then turns to the manner in which the terms are deployed and understood today. It n...
3D seismic characterization of fractures in a dipping layer using the double-beam method

ABSTRACTThe characterization of natural and induced fractures, in terms of fracture orientation, fracture spacing (or density), and fracture compliance, is critical in reservoir development. Given ...
Digital post-correction on dynamic nonlinearity in GaN HEMT track-and-hold sampling circuits

This paper introduces the recent development of GaN HEMT track-and-hold sampling circuits (THSCs) with a digital post-correction (DPC) technique for emerging applications. Compared to THSCs in silicon technologies, GaN THSCs achieve 20–30 dB higher signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for a given bandwidth. Nevertheless, GaN THSCs suffer from dynamic nonlinearity due to charge trapping and introduce low-frequency dispersion, thus providing no more than 40–50 dB spurious-free dynamic range (SFDR). Conventional DPC techniques have been used to linearize CMOS data converters with weak memory effects, which is not effective for dynamic nonlinearity correction on GaN HEMT THSCs with deep memory effects. In order to provide dynamic nonlinearity correction on GaN HEMT THSCs for Nyquist bandwidth, the proposed DPC technique based on a truncated Volterra series eliminates DC offset before model parameter extraction and also uses a multi-section input signal for wideband model training. The DPC technique is applied to a 200-MS/s 98-dB SNR GaN THSC with 56.7-dB SFDR for a 12-MHz input and 48.4-dB SFDR for a 98-MHz input. After DPC, the SFDR improves to 77.9 dB at 12 MHz and 82.2 dB at 98 MHz, demonstrating 21.2 dB and 33.8 dB improvement respectively. The GaN THSC with DPC achieves 12.4-bit ENOB with a 98-MHz input, higher than prior CMOS sampling circuits reported to date.
Perineural Spread of Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer to the Brachial Plexus: Identifying Anatomic Pathway(s).

Background Perineural spread leading to brachial plexopathy has recently been described in cases of melanoma. The occurrence and mechanism for nonmelanoma skin cancer spread to the brachial plexus is poorly understood. Methods A retrospective chart review of the Mayo Clinic database was conducted to identify patients with nonmelanoma skin cancer and brachial plexopathy between 2000 and 2017. Inclusion criteria were a history of nonmelanoma skin cancer, a clinical diagnosis of brachial plexopathy, imaging features of perineural spread, and a positive result of examination of a biopsy specimen showing tumor in a skin nerve. Results Thirty-seven patients with a history of nonmelanoma skin cancer and brachial plexopathy were identified. Inclusion criteria were fulfilled in 2 cases of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. One case of recurrent basal cell carcinoma with perineural spread confirmed in the brachial plexus by pathologic examination was excluded because confirmatory evidence of perineural spread from the skin to the brachial plexus was not available. Conclusions Perineural spread of nonmelanoma skin cancer leading to brachial plexopathy is rare. Our 2 cases and the cases found in the literature demonstrate different entry points to the neural highway resulting in neurologic deficits. The cervical plexus serves as a hub for further spread in certain cases of perineural spread of skin cancer.
Introduction: The Ethics of Captivity

Of all the issues related to animal ethics discussed in this handbook, perhaps the most visible is captivity. This chapter begins with an overarching critique of captivity in Lori Gruen’s “Incarceration, Liberty and Dignity.” It proceeds to a fundamental challenge to the ethical defensibility of zoos in Liz Tyson’s “Speciesism and Zoos.” The final set of essays detail the harm produced by the captivity of nonhuman animals who are known to be intellectually, emotionally and socially sophisticated. Catherine Doyle’s “Elephants in Captivity” summarizes the critical discoveries about elephants that show why life in zoos and circuses is ethically indefensible. Rejecting the resistance of many marine mammal scientists to recognize “the overwhelming scientific evidence showing that captivity does not work for dolphins and whales,” Lori Marino’s “The Marine Mammal Captivity Issue” calls for all involved to cooperate in creating a “paradigm shift—a new way of relating to marine mammals.” This chapter concludes with Thomas White’s “Whales, Dolphins and Humans,” which argues that the fundamental problem regarding the captivity of cetaceans is that most marine mammal scientists and executives in the entertainment industry are blind to the ethical significance of the scientific facts already known.
X-Linked Immunodeficiencies

Advances in the molecular biology of diseases of the immune system are rapidly unfolding in many areas Immunologists have become aware that many of the rare congenital immunodeficiency patients they encounter have specific genetic defects, many of them X-linked. Two X-linked genes, those for properdin and cytochrome b-245 beta chain, have been cloned and proven to cause, respectively, a complement system disorder, properdin deficiency, and the phagocyte-killing defect chronic granulomatous disease. There are at least five other genetic loci responsible for X-linked diseases involving lymphocytes. These appear to be disorders of distinct gene products which may be required for development, survival, or function of particular lymphocyte lineages. None of these genes have been cloned, and there are no biochemical or immunological indicators as to the primary pathogenesis. Linkage analysis has been used to establish a regional localization for each gene defect. Further genetic clues, such as affected individuals with chromosomal translocations or deletions, have not been detected except in chronic granulomatous disease and, recently, X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome.
Effects of pH, dissolved oxygen, and ionic strength on the survival of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in organic acid solutions.

The ability of Escherichia coli O157:H7 to survive in acidified vegetable products is of concern because of previously documented outbreaks associated with fruit juices. A study was conducted to determine the survival of E. coli O157:H7 in organic acids at pH values typical of acidified vegetable products (pH 3.2 and 3.7) under different dissolved oxygen conditions ( 4.7-log CFU/ml reduction at pH 3.2. However, under oxygen-limiting conditions in an anaerobic chamber, with < or = 0.05-mg/ liter oxygen, E. coli O157:H7 cells showed < or = 1.55-log CFU/ml reduction regardless of pH, acid type, concentration, or ionic strength. Many acid and acidified foods are sold in hermetically sealed containers with oxygen-limiting conditions. Our results demonstrate that E. coli O157:H7 may survive better than previously expected from studies with acid solutions containing dissolved oxygen.
Microgametophytic selection in two alfalfa ( Medicago sativa L.) clones

Microgametophytic selection was investigated using two ecologically diverse autotetraploid clones of alfalfa. Several selection pressures (drying, aging, freezing, and high and low temperatures) were applied to microgametophytes at three stages of the life cycle, 1) during microsporogenesis, 2) post-anthesis, and 3) pollen tube growth. Pollen aging produced a progeny population with a greater mean plant size and a lower coefficient of variation than the control progeny. High temperature (29.5 °C) applied both during microsporogenesis and pollen tube growth resulted in progeny populations which were significantly taller and, in one case, had a larger leaf number than the control populations. In contrast, air dried pollen resulted in a progeny population which had significantly smaller character means and larger coefficients of variation than the control population. Also, low temperature (15 °C) during pollen tube growth yielded progeny with reduced branch number and a larger coefficient of variation than the control progeny. In cases where progeny derived from selected microgametophytes were found to differ from the control offspring, corresponding shifts in the reciprocal cross were not observed. For the temperature stress treatments, the lack of reciprocal differences may be related to the different temperature adaptations of the two ecotypes. These results suggest that microgametophytic selection can be effective in shifting the mean of the progeny generation; however, the results obtained will vary depending upon the selection pressure, stage of selection, and the parents used.
Natural Polarized Light and Vision

Partial linear polarization is a prominent attribute of both scattered and reflected light in nature. Consequently sunlight in the atmosphere and hydrosphere produces substantial polarization patterns in which e-vector directions and (to a more variable extent) degree of polarization are reasonably well predicted by primary Rayleigh scattering. Despite its negligible relevance for normal human vision many organisms have been shown, following von Frisch’s pioneer work, to have polarization sensitivity at various levels ranging from dichroism of visual and accessory pigments, to photoreceptor cells, to visual interneurons and ultimately oriented behavior.
Thermodynamics and Theory of External and Internal Oxidation of Alloys

This chapter provides an abridged review of key fundamental aspects associated with the thermodynamics and kinetics of high temperature corrosion. Of specific focus is the formation and growth of a continuous scale. From a thermodynamic standpoint, it is shown that relative partial pressures of the gaseous components in the reacting atmosphere are important for predicting the composition and stability of the product scale. However, thermodynamics tends to provide limited predictive capability when considering alloys and/or multioxidant reactant gases. From a kinetics standpoint, it is shown that limiting equations can be established for predicting both scaling kinetics and critical concentrations in the alloy for transitioning to and sustaining protective scaling behavior.
Redetermination of (+)-methamphetamine hydro-chloride at 90 K.

The title crystal structure (systematic name: N-methyl-1-phenyl­propan-2-aminium chloride), C10H16N+·Cl−, was orginally determined by Simon, Bocskei & Torok [Acta Pharm. Hung. (1992). 62, 225–230] and Yao, Kan & Wang [Huaxue Shijie (1999). 40, 568–570] at room temperature but no atomic coordinates are available for these determinations. The mol­ecule has inter­est with respect to biological activity. In the crystal structure, inter­molecular N—H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds form one-dimensional chains.
Some Ethical, Legal and Economic Problems with the Use and Abuse of Excise Taxes as a Tool of Social Engineering

Excise taxes are one way for governments to raise the funds needed to provide services. The problem with excise taxes is that they can be imposed for other purposes as well. One other use of excise taxes is to protect special interest groups from competition. Another use is to alter behavior, to dissuade individuals from consuming politically incorrect substances like tobacco and alcohol, or to punish them with punitive tax rates if they do. This article explores some of the ethical, economic and legal issues involved in using excise taxes as a tool of social engineering to alter behavior or to punish politically incorrect behavior.
The Mott Transition Field Effect Transistor: A Nanodevice?

A field effect transistor device (FET), consisting of a nonlinear Mott Insulator channel material, and a high dielectric-constant gate oxide, is explored as a nanoscale device. Experimental functionality of a large scale prototype (5 μm channel length) has been demonstrated. The underlying physics of the device is analyzed and modeled using a time-dependent Hartree approach. Timing estimates suggest a relatively short switching time.
The Hardness of Additively Manufactured Alloys

The rapidly evolving field of additive manufacturing requires a periodic assessment of the progress made in understanding the properties of metallic components. Although extensive research has been undertaken by many investigators, the data on properties such as hardness from individual publications are often fragmented. When these published data are critically reviewed, several important insights that cannot be obtained from individual papers become apparent. We examine the role of cooling rate, microstructure, alloy composition and post process heat treatment on the hardness of additively manufactured aluminum, nickel, titanium and iron base components. Hardness data for steels and aluminum alloys processed by additive manufacturing and welding are compared to understand the relative roles of manufacturing processes. Furthermore, the findings are useful to determine if a target hardness is easily attainable either by adjusting AM process variables or through appropriate alloy selection.
Trends in Smoking and e-Cigarette Use Among US Patients With Cancer, 2014-2017.

This cross-sectional study of data from the National Health Interview Survey analyzes the prevalence of e-cigarette use in US patients with cancer.
Formation of a Dedicated Graft Versus Host Disease Committee to Improve Outcomes in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplant Patients

Graft Versus Host Disease (GVHD) is common, complex and at times difficult to differentiate from other complications. GVHD is the leading cause of non-relapse mortality after hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT). Current treatments for GVHD are only partially effective and response rates for first-line treatment of acute GVHD are A 12-person multidisciplinary GVHD committee was formed consisting of advanced practice providers, oncologists, and data and quality specialists. This committee meets monthly to systematically review all current cases of acute and chronic GVHD. Documentation review consists of date of incidence, maximum grade, treatment initiation, discontinuation and response to each line of treatment for weekly acute GVHD assessment and the completion of assessment at 100 days, 6 months, and 1 year for chronic GVHD. Documentation feedback and/or request for clarification is entered into the electronic medical record in the form of a documentation clarification entry. Additional efforts to promote a team based approach include GVHD educational opportunities to enhance assessment skills and discussion of treatment options, including GVHD clinical trials. Documentation review triggers an email recommendation to the provider to consider referral to our chronic GVHD multidisciplinary clinic and the resources of a GVHD specialist. Metrics used to evaluate this project include incidence and grade of acute GVHD, frequency of clarification requests, accuracy of provider documentation, and number of referrals to chronic GVHD clinic. Preliminary results at 6 months for 19 acute GVHD and 44 chronic GVHD cases reviewed indicate improved accuracy in documentation.
Book Review: The Global Education Movement: Narratives of Distinguished Global Scholars

This article reviews a newly published book - The Global Education Movement: Narratives of Distinguished Global Educators, edited by Toni Fuss Kirkwood-Tucker.
Report of a Collaboration Between a Law School and an Emergency Medicine Residency Program for a Full-scale Medical Malpractice Litigation Simulation.

Background Medical malpractice litigation is a prevalent challenge for emergency physicians, but there is a dearth of dedicated training in residency programs on this subject. As a result, when emergency physicians become the subject of a medical malpractice action they often find themselves ill-equipped to successfully navigate the process. Objectives We sought to create an in-depth medical malpractice simulation encompassing all key aspects of medical practice litigation. We collaborated with a law school for a semester-long simulation of a fabricated medical malpractice case brought against an emergency medicine (EM) resident. Discussion In harnessing the legal expertise of law students and faculty we were able to deliver a months-long medical malpractice simulation to our EM residency program. Similarly, in lending the medical expertise of our residents and faculty to the project, the law students were afforded a unique practical experience in learning to litigate medical malpractice. Conclusions The project resulted in a rich educational experience for both the EM residents and the law students. We present a guide for replication by any residency program in collaboration with a law school.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy for focal leg dystonia: a case report

Dystonia is a debilitating disease that causes abnormal, often repetitive, movements, postures or both. The pathophysiology is unknown but related to loss of neuronal inhibition, aberrant sensorimotor integration, and/or derangements of synaptic plasticity. Current treatments include pharmacotherapy, botulinum toxin injections and deep brain stimulation (DBS). The response to these treatments are often limited and carry the risk of side effects requiring alternative therapies such as non-invasive brain stimulation. We present a case report of a 65-year -old man with refractory focal ‘task-specific’ dystonia. The treatment plan included 10-daily sessions of 1 Hz, 2600 pulses of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) targeting the primary motor cortex. There were no clinical benefits noticed. Currently, there are no rTMS protocol treatments for dystonia. Publication of negative results will help in refining the optimal stimulation parameters, thus maximizing the effectiveness and reproducibility of future therapeutic protocols.
Where There Is No Psychiatrist: A Mental Health Care Manual

Even though mental illnesses are common and cause great suffering in every part of the world, many health workers have a limited understanding about mental health and are less comfortable dealing with mental illness. This book is a practical manual for mental health care for the community health worker, the primary care nurse, the social worker and the primary care doctor, particularly in developing countries. After giving the reader a basic understanding of mental illness, the book goes on to describe more than thirty clinical problems associated with mental illness and uses a problem-solving approach to guide the reader through their assessment and management. Mental health issues as they arise in specific health care contexts are described, for example in a refugee camp, a school health programme or with people suffering from AIDS, as well as in mental health promotion. The final section combines quick reference information for common problems and it also includes chapters for the reader to personalise the manual for a particular location.
Gender-based Differences among 1990-1991 Gulf War Era Veterans: Demographics, Lifestyle Behaviors, and Health Conditions.

Abstract Objective The 1990–1991 Gulf War employed more women servicemembers than any prior conflict. Gender-based differences among veterans of this era have yet to be explored. This study is among the first and most recent to stratify Gulf War veteran demographics, lifestyle factors, and self-reported diagnoses by gender. Methods Data from the cross-sectional Gulf War Era Cohort and Biorepository pilot study (n = 1,318; collected between 2014 and 2016), including users and nonusers of the Veterans Health Administration, were used to calculate demographics and adjusted odds ratios. Results Women veterans were oversampled and comprised approximately 23% of the sample. Women reported similar rates of Veterans Health Administration use (44%) and deployment (67%) as men (46% and 72%, respectively). Women were less likely than men to report frequent alcohol use (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.59; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.43–0.81; p = .0009) or have a history of smoking (aOR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.49–0.84; p = .0014). Among common health conditions, women were more likely than men to report a diagnosis of osteoporosis (aOR, 4.24; 95% CI, 2.39–7.51; p Conclusions Health differences exist between female and male veterans from the 1990–1991 Gulf War. Gender-specific analyses are needed to better understand the unique health care needs of Gulf War Era veterans and direct future research.