cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optimizing the Management of Metastatic HER2-Positive Breast Cancer

Over the last two decades, four novel agents have been approved for the management of patients with metastatic human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer. Collectively, their implementation into clinical practice has prolonged patients’ survival and quality of life. In parallel, our understanding of the HER2 signaling pathway and its associated biology has become increasingly sophisticated. In this review, we discuss how the latest clinical data can be integrated to form a logical framework for managing patients with HER2-positive metastatic disease. By reviewing recently published data, we provide recommendations for therapy in the first-, second-, and third-line settings. In particular, we detail appropriate indications for the novel HER2-directed agents pertuzumab and trastuzumab emtansine. Finally, we discuss the therapy of particular clinical dilemmas (including patients with low-volume metastatic disease or brain metastases), and highlight novel therapies that have the potential to further improve patient outcomes.
Domain-Specific Semantic Relatedness From Wikipedia: Can A Course Be Transferred?

Semantic relatedness, or its inverse, semantic distance, measures the degree of closeness between two pieces of text determined by their meaning. Related work typically measures semantics based on a sparse knowledge base such as WordNet or CYC that requires intensive manual efforts to build and maintain. Other work is based on the Brown corpus, or more recently, Wikipedia. Wikipedia-based measures, however, typically do not take into account the rapid growth of that resource, which exponentially increases the time to prepare and query the knowledge base. Furthermore, the generalized knowledge domain may be difficult to adapt to a specific domain. To address these problems, this paper proposes a domain-specific semantic relatedness measure based on part of Wikipedia that analyzes course descriptions to suggest whether a course can be transferred from one institution to another. We show that our results perform well when compared to previous work.
Energetics of the (N)Phenylenes with Application to Helical Conformers

Ab initio HF/6-31G* and BLYP/6-31G* density functional calculations of [N]phenylenes are reported for all twelve [5]phenylenes and for helical [N]phenylenes with N = 6−8. The energetics of the [N]phenylenes are put on a systematic basis by means of a simple fragment-based additivity scheme, allowing both ab initio energies and heats of formation of larger phenylenes to be estimated without resort to extensive calculation. Helical [6]phenylene racemizes through a planar transition state with a barrier of 4−5 kcal/mol. A nonplanar [5]phenylene derivative is obtained by substitution of methyl for an interior hydrogen.
Synthesis of a Ring-Expanded Bryostatin Analogue

A ring-expanded bryostatin analogue was synthesized by utilizing a Ru-catalyzed tandem tetrahydropyran formation, a Pd-catalyzed tandem dihydropyran formation, and a ring-closing metathesis (RCM) as key steps. The analogue possesses potent antitumor activity against the NCI-ADR cancer cell line with an IC50 of 123 nM.
Mechanism of displacement of a catalytically essential loop from the active site of mammalian fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase.

AMP triggers a 15° subunit-pair rotation in fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase (FBPase) from its active R state to its inactive T state. During this transition, a catalytically essential loop (residues 50–72) leaves its active (engaged) conformation. Here, the structures of Ile10 → Asp FBPase and molecular dynamic simulations reveal factors responsible for loop displacement. The AMP/Mg2+ and AMP/Zn2+ complexes of Asp10 FBPase are in intermediate quaternary conformations (completing 12° of the subunit-pair rotation), but the complex with Zn2+ provides the first instance of an engaged loop in a near-T quaternary state. The 12° subunit-pair rotation generates close contacts involving the hinges (residues 50–57) and hairpin turns (residues 58–72) of the engaged loops. Additional subunit-pair rotation toward the T state would make such contacts unfavorable, presumably causing displacement of the loop. Targeted molecular dynamics simulations reveal no steric barriers to subunit-pair rotations of up to 14° followed by ...
Loss of allostery and coenzyme B12 delivery by a pathogenic mutation in adenosyltransferase.

ATP-dependent cob(I)alamin adenosyltransferase (ATR) is a bifunctional protein; an enzyme that catalyzes the adenosylation of cob(I)alamin and an escort that delivers the product, adenosylcobalamin (AdoCbl or coenzyme B12), to methylmalonyl-CoA mutase (MCM), resulting in holoenzyme formation. Failure to assemble holo-MCM leads to methylmalonic aciduria. We have previously demonstrated that only two equivalents of AdoCbl bind per homotrimer of ATR and that binding of ATP to the vacant active site triggers ejection of one equivalent of AdoCbl from an adjacent site. In this study, we have mimicked in the Methylobacterium extorquens ATR, a C-terminal truncation mutation, D180X, described in a patient with methylmalonic aciduria, and characterized the associated biochemical penalties. We demonstrate that while kcat and KMCob(I) for D180X ATR are only modestly decreased (by 3- and 2-fold, respectively), affinity for the product, AdoCbl, is significantly diminished (400-fold) and the negative cooperativity associated with its binding is lost. We also demonstrate that the D180X mutation corrupts ATP-dependent cofactor ejection, which leads to transfer of AdoCbl from wild-type ATR to MCM. These results suggest that the pathogenicity of the corresponding human truncation mutant results from its inability to sequester AdoCbl for direct transfer to MCM. Instead, cofactor release into solution is predicted to reduce the capacity for holo-MCM formation, leading to disease.
Anatomical plasticity and sparing of function after spinal cord damage in neonatal cats

Spinal cord damage in neonatal cats has different effects on different spinal pathways. Corticospinal projections exhibit anatomical plasticity, forming an aberrant pathway that bypasses the lesion. In contrast, brainstem-spinal pathways undergo massive retrograde degeneration. Neither of these responses occurs in adult cats. Sparing of motor function is found in cats operated on as neonates but not in cats operated on as adults, and appears to depend on the plasticity of the corticospinal tract.
Migraine and autonomic nervous system function A population-based, case-control study

Objective: This study determines if measures of the function of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) differ in a population study of 80 migraine cases vs 85 controls matched for age, race, and sex. Background: The authors sought to confirm clinic-based studies suggesting that migraine is associated with abnormal ANS function. Methods: Resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure, Valsalva maneuver, heart rate variability (pulse rate [RR] variation) during deep breathing, and cardiovascular reactivity were measured during headache-free intervals. Migraineurs were subdivided into those with (n = 28) and without (n = 52) disabling headaches. Results: Resting diastolic, but not systolic, blood pressure was elevated in disabled (73.2 mm) compared with nondisabled cases (71.6 mm; p p p p Conclusions: Migraineurs with disabling attacks may be prone to ANS hypofunction. These findings may suggest that ANS dysfunction either may be a risk factor for migraine headaches or be a consequence of frequent disabling attacks. Moreover, ANS dysfunction and migraine may share a common neural substrate.
Epithelial Inclusion Cyst Formation After Free Vaginal Wall Swing Sling Procedure for Stress Urinary Incontinence

Since the full thickness vaginal wall sling procedure for stress urinary incontinence was first described, concern has been raised regarding the potential formation of inclusion cysts due to buried vaginal mucosa.1 To our knowledge we report the first case of inclusion cyst formation after a full thickness, free vaginal wall urethral sling procedure. CASE REPORT
Computer organization for allowing dynamic user microprogramming

The concept of allowing the computer user to modify the virtual machine being emulated by a microprogram controlled computer is not new. Schemes for implementing this typically include the definition of a standard virtual machine (the base machine) in read-only control storage, and the provision of some writable memory to contain user-written microroutines for the duration of the user job. Alternation of a computer instruction set by the temporary addition of microroutines to the system repertoire for emulation of new instructions is known as dynamic user microprogramming.
Updated Photochemical Modeling for California's South Coast Air Basin: Comparison of Chemical Mechanisms and Motor Vehicle Emission Inventories

Large uncertainties remain in photochemical models used to relate emissions of VOC and NOx to ambient O3 concentrations. Bias in motor vehicle emission estimates for VOC has been a long-standing concern. An improved Eulerian photochemical model is described and applied to the August 27-28, 1987, period in southern California. The chemical mechanism used in the model is SAPRC93, which predicts peak ozone concentrations 22% higher on average than the LCC mechanisms used previously. A revised motor vehicle emission inventory was developed using gasoline sales and infrared remote sensing data for CO and measured ambient NMOC/CO and NOx/CO ratios. On-road vehicle emissions for the South Coast Air Basin in summer 1987 were estimated to be (1800 plus or minus 400) x 1000 and (710 plus or minus 160) x 1000 kg day-1 for NMOC nad NOx, respectively. These values are 2.4 and 1.0 times, respectively, the corresponding current official inventory estimates (MVEI 7G). Ozone concentrations predicted using the CIT airshed model matched observations more closely when the revised inventory was used in place of official emission estimates. If the vehicle fleet in 1987 were operating with no emission controls, NMOC and NOx emissions would have been 590 x 1000 and 1200 x 1000 kg day-1 respectively. On average, peak predicted ozone concentrations for the controlled vehicle fleet operating in 1987 were 43% lower than values predicted for the uncontrolled vehicle fleet. The peak predicted ozone concentration with the uncontrolled vehicle fleet was 500 ppb. (A)
In Defense of Dictionaries and Definitions

Meaning, pronunciation and spelling, in the order given, are the essential things about words. More time is justified on all, especially the first.
Hybrid Laparoscopic and Robotic Ultrasound-guided Radiofrequency Ablation-assisted Clampless Partial Nephrectomy

Introduction To describe a clampless approach made possible by creating an avascular plane of tissue with radiofrequency ablation. Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy is slowly gaining acceptance as a method to treat small ( Technical Considerations An avascular plane of tissue from coagulation necrosis was achieved with the Habib 4X radiofrequency ablation device and the Rita 1500X generator. Typically, we used a power setting of 50 W but have found settings as low as 25 W necessary to provide hemostasis for larger vessels. The tumor was then sharply excised with a negative margin using robotic scissors and electrocautery to facilitate tissue cutting. Retrograde injection of methylthioninium chloride and saline through an externalized ureteral catheter allowed for precise sutured closure of the collecting system. FloSeal and BioGlue were then applied, making surgical bolsters or parenchymal sutures unnecessary. Intraoperative histologic evaluation of the surgical margin and repeat resection of the tumor bed was possible because the renal hilum was not clamped, and no warm ischemia was used. Conclusions This technique, which combines the improving technologies of robotic surgery, intraoperative laparoscopic ultrasonography, and radiofrequency ablation, might make more surgeons comfortable with the intricacies of laparoscopic suturing and eliminate prolonged warm ischemia times. Overall, this method should result in more patients being able to undergo minimally invasive laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.
Efficiency comparisons of rank and permutation tests based on summary statistics computed from repeated measures data

A popular method of using repeated measures data to compare treatment groups in a clinical trial is to summarize each individual's outcomes with a scalar summary statistic, and then to perform a two-group comparison of the resulting statistics using a rank or permutation test. Many different types of summary statistics are used in practice, including discrete and continuous functions of the underlying repeated measures data. When the repeated measures processes of the comparison groups differ by a location shift at each time point, the asymptotic relative efficiency of (continuous) summary statistics that are linear functions of the repeated measures has been determined and used to compare tests in this class. However, little is known about the non-null behaviour of discrete summary statistics, about continuous summary statistics when the groups differ in more complex ways than location shifts or where the summary statistics are not linear functions of the repeated measures. Indeed, even simple distributional structures on the repeated measures variables can lead to complex differences between the distribution of common summary statistics of the comparison groups. The presence of left censoring of the repeated measures, which can arise when these are laboratory markers with lower limits of detection, further complicates the distribution of, and hence the ability to compare, summary statistics. This paper uses recent theoretical results for the non-null behaviour of rank and permutation tests to examine the asymptotic relative efficiencies of several popular summary statistics, both discrete and continuous, under a variety of common settings. We assume a flexible linear growth curve model to describe the repeated measures responses and focus on the types of settings that commonly arise in HIV/AIDS and other diseases.
Displacement feedback control of beams under moving loads

A feedback control problem for a beam under constant and harmonic moving loads is formulated and solved. The objective of the control is to satisfy a barrier condition which places an upper bound on the deflection. The feedback is taken proportional to the transverse displacement of the beam. The location and time of the maximum deflection depend on the feedback parameter which is determined from the solution of a minimax problem. Numerical results are given for various problem parameters and the efficiency of the proposed control is investigated. A measure of the amount of force spent in the control process is also determined to assess the effect of displacement constraint on the force expenditure.
Effects of microfluidic channel geometry on leukocyte rolling assays.

Microfluidic cell adhesion assays have emerged as a means to increase throughput as well as reduce the amount of costly reagents. However as dimensions of the flow chamber are reduced and approach the diameter of a cell (Dc), theoretical models have predicted that mechanical stress, force, and torque on a cell will be amplified. We fabricated a series of microfluidic devices that have a constant width:height ratio (10:1) but with varying heights. The smallest microfluidic device (200 μm ×20 μm) requires perfusion rates as low as 40 nL/min to generate wall shear stresses of 0.5 dynes/cm2. When neutrophils were perfused through P-selectin coated chambers at equivalent wall shear stress, rolling velocities decreased by approximately 70 % as the ratio of cell diameter to chamber height (Dc/H) increased from 0.08 (H = 100 μm) to 0.40 (H = 20 μm). Three-dimensional numerical simulations of neutrophil rolling in channels of different heights showed a similar trend. Complementary studies with PSGL-1 coated microspheres and paraformaldehyde-fixed neutrophils suggested that changes in rolling velocity were related to cell deformability. Using interference reflection microscopy, we observed increases in neutrophil contact area with increasing chamber height (9–33 %) and increasing wall shear stress (28–56 %). Our results suggest that rolling velocity is dependent not only on wall shear stress but also on the shear stress gradient experienced by the rolling cell. These results point to the Dc/H ratio as an important design parameter of leukocyte microfluidic assays, and should be applicable to rolling assays that involve other cell types such as platelets or cancer cells.
On using non-Gaussian distributions to perform statistical linearization

Abstract In statistical linearization non-linear elements are approximated by equivalent linear elements according to recipes proposed by the pioneers of the procedure. The recipes require the evaluation of certain statistics which, ideally, should be evaluated using the exact probability distribution of the non-linear response. Because the exact non-linear response distribution is unknown it has become traditional to use a Gaussian distribution as an approximation to the exact distribution. With the modern computing tools now available it is easy to use non-Gaussian distributions which can provide better approximations in cases where Gaussian distributions are not appropriate. Examples are displayed for power-law oscillators with stiffening and softening springs, and for the Duffing oscillator, and for a double-well oscillator. Two families of probability distributions with varying shape are studied.
On local orders

Abstract Let R be a complete local Dedekind domain with quotient field K and let Λ be a local R -order in a separable K -algebra. This paper has two major goals. The first is to describe the local orders such that every uniform R -torsion-free module is tame. The second is to describe the pullback structure of local orders with finite representation type and such that every uniform R -torsion-free module is tame. We acomplish these goals by constructing an “ n -ad” order which is, in a certain sense, a maximal local order. This n -ad order provides new characterizations for finite type.
Protocol for the MPTP mouse model of Parkinson's disease

This protocol describes our method of producing a reliable mouse model of Parkinson's disease (PD) using the neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). We discuss the particulars of the model, provide key references and outline what investigators need to know to develop the MPTP mouse model of PD safely and successfully. Completion of this protocol depends on the regimen of MPTP used and on the actual planned studies, which often range from 7 to 30 d. This protocol calls for implementation of safety measures and for the acquisition of several pieces of equipment, which are a one-time investment worth making if one elects to use this model on a regular basis.
Recurrence scheme for the generation of two-dimensional boundary characteristic orthogonal polynomials to study vibration of plates

The recurrence scheme presented above is quite convenient for computer implementation. Two dimensional boundary characteristic orthogonal polynomials have been generated using the present scheme for a variety of geometries
Display System for Use with a Scanning Electron Energy Analyzing Microscope

The display system consists of two scintillators, photomultipliers, and direct-view storage tubes; an optical superposition device with color filters; a conventional cathode-ray oscilloscope; and the associated circuitry, containing voltage supplies, amplifiers, etc. (See Fig. 6) The virtues of the system are well illustrated in use at low scattered electron intensities, whether low count rate be due to low beam strength, small beam-defining slit settings, or high energy resolution. The presentation magnification may be chosen by simple switching. Centering on the region of interest in the specimen is obtained by adjusting the dc bias voltages applied to the microscope deflection plates. Successive scans may then be piled up until visual observation indicates that a good statistical integration has been achieved for the particularly interesting region of the specimen. The recording camera may be interposed leisurely, and so may the color position device if desired, while the displays are retained in storage. The presented intensity may be adjusted for photographic ease, and additional photographs may be taken much later. Meanwhile, if the specimen contains sharp contrast edges in both directions of the microscope beam deflection plates, objective measurements may be made of the available resolution by observing signal rise time on the ordinary oscilloscope. The adjustability, versatility and convenience in using this display system have been well established with an experimental scanning microscope providing two energy-separated beams of electrons from those leaving the specimen. The general system complexity is a major disadvantage.
Long-term biomass yields of giant reed, mimosa and switchgrass in Alabama

The US Department of Energy conducted two studies to estimate the potential of cellulosic biomass crops for production of biofuels on a national scale. However, limited long-term experimental information is available to support the resultant yield projections. The objectives of this research were: (i) to determine long-term (>10 years) biomass yields and soil impacts of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.), giant reed (Arundo donax L.) and mimosa (Albizia julibrissin Durazz.) in Alabama; and (ii) to establish relationships between precipitation and yields of these perennial biomass crops, and yields of cotton, maize, and soybean. Mimosa and giant reed received no fertilizer and were harvested once each year while switchgrass received 84 kg ha–1 of N fertilizer annually, and was harvested twice each year. Cotton, maize, and soybean were managed according to traditional practices for these crops in this region. Average annual biomass yields of mimosa, giant reed, and switchgrass were 40.1, 35.5 and 23.5 kg ha–1 over 16-, 11- and 22-year periods, respectively, with corresponding estimated annual N accumulation in aboveground biomass of 388, 372 and 163 kg ha–1. Yields of maize, cotton and soybean decreased sharply with decreasing precipitation, but there was no corresponding decrease in yield of the three perennial biomass crops. Changes in the yields of the biomass crops with age were also relatively small. Analysis of topsoil samples suggested considerably less removal of P, K, Ca, and Mg than was estimated from yield and concentrations of these elements in the biomass that was actually removed. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
A red hat and the new mind.

Editor’s note: The Back Page was inspired by JoPAN’s founding Editor Ann Allen and launched in 1989 when O’Brien and Carlson assumed editorial responsibility. Years later, the column remains a constant feature. Intended as editorial space for comment and reflection, The Back Page is also a beginning . . . an opportunity to lure the reader who, as Ann observed in 1987, first scans a journal from back to front! Thanks, Ann, for your wisdom, vision, and encouragement.
Compressive Surface Layer to Avoid Edge Cracking in Laminar Ceramic Composite

Previous work has shown that layers within ceramic laminates that contain biaxial compressive stresses will also contain tensile stresses where the layer intercepts the surface. It has also been shown that when the thickness of the layer exceeds a critical value, the tensile stresses at and near the surface can produce a centerline crack that extends along the surface to a depth corresponding to the thickness of the compressive layer. The current work explores the concept of preventing the occurrence of surface cracks with a thin layer of material that places the entire external surface in compression. A recent finite element analysis by Monkowski and Beltz showed that when the external surface layer material was identical to the compressive layers, the tensile stresses at the surface could be reduced to zero when the thickness of the surface layer was 0.6 of the thickness of the compressive layer. In addition, they determined the stress intensity factor function for a surface crack and showed that surface cracking could be avoided when the thickness of the surface layer was ≥0.25 times the thickness of the compressive layer. The experimental results presented here show that a thin compressive layer will prevent surface cracks from forming in the compressive layers; the results also appear to confirm the predictions of Monkowski and Beltz.
An extended corresponding-states model for predicting thermodynamic properties of N2-Ar-O2 mixtures including vapor-liquid equilibrium

A formulation developed previously for the prediction of the thermodynamic properties of single-phase states of binary and ternary mixtures in the nitrogen-argon-oxygen system has been revised to include the calculation of vapor-liquid equilibrium (VLE) properties. The model is based on the theory of extended corresponding states with van der Waals mixing rules. Binary interaction parameters have been determined with single-phaseP-p-T and vaporliquid equilibrium data to improve the accuracy of thermodynamic property predictions. The model accurately represents single-phase and vapor-liquid equilibrium properties over a wide range of compositions for binary and ternary mixtures. Comparisons of calculated properties to selected mixture data for both single-phase and VLE states are included.
The Interaction Between Point Defects and Edge Dislocation in BCC Iron

The authors present results of atomistic simulations of the interaction between self interstitial atoms and vacancies with edge dislocations in BCC iron. The calculations are carried out using molecular dynamics with an energy minimization scheme based on the quasi-Newton approach and use the Finnish-Sinclair interatomic potential for BCC iron developed by Ackland et al. large anisotropy in the strain field of self interstitials is observed and it causes strong interaction with edge dislocations even when the defect is located on the dislocation glide plane. For vacancies, the relaxation volume is smaller and much more isotropic, which results in a far weaker interaction with the dislocation. A temperature dependent capture radius for vacancies and self interstitials is extracted from the simulations. The difference between the capture radii of vacancies and self interstitials is used to define the sink strength of the dislocation. Large deviations are observed from the predictions of elasticity based on treating point defects as isotropic dilatational centers. Further, the capture radius of edge dislocations in BCC iron is observed to be small and is of the order of 1--3 nm for self interstitials.
Experimental study of drilling sub-10 μm holes in thin metal foils with femtosecond laser pulses

Aluminum foils with thickness ranging from 1.5 to 50 μm, and W, Mo, Ti, Cu, Fe, Ag, Au, and Pb foils of 25 μm thickness have been drilled with femtosecond Ti:sapphire laser pulses centered at 800 nm. The influence of laser parameters and material properties on hole drilling processes at sub-10 μm scale has been examined. A simple model is shown to predict the ablation rate for a range of metals.
Contained rupture of the suprarenal aorta.

Abstract A contained rupture of the aorta is a rare event; however, this has been recognized with increased frequency in the abdominal aorta. There have previously been two reports of the containment of rupture of the suprarenal aorta. We report two additional cases of contained rupture of the suprarenal aorta, one caused by a penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer, the other from a ruptured aneurysm. Surgical treatment was successful in both patients. (J VASC SURG 1987;5:651-4.)
Viral Infection Brings Mitochondrial Traffic to a Standstill

Mitochondria are dynamic organelles with many functions. In this issue of Cell Host & Microbe, Kramer and Enquist (2012) show that mitochondrial motility and morphology are disrupted during alphaherpesvirus infection, which aids viral replication and transport in neurons.
The role of red blood cells and cell-free hemoglobin in the pathogenesis of ARDS

The primary focus of research into the pathophysiology of the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) has been on the interaction between the lung, underlying causes of ARDS, and the role of white blood cells and platelets in contributing to lung injury. Given a lack of specific therapies for this common complication of critical illness, further insight into the pathophysiology of this syndrome is greatly needed to develop targeted interventions. The red blood cell (RBC) has been reported to undergo deleterious changes in critical illness and be present in the alveoli of patients with ARDS. Release of RBC contents is known to be injurious in other conditions but has only recently been studied in critical illness and ARDS. The contribution of the RBC to ARDS represents a new avenue of research that may produce new, targeted therapies for this deadly syndrome.
Simulation of an annular beam free-electron laser

Abstract A nonlinear analysis of an annular beam FEL with a helical wiggler and axial guide field is presented. An annular beam has the advantage of reduced DC self-fields, facilitating beam transport in short period wigglers. A 55 kV/5 A annular beam interacting with the TE11 cylindrical waveguide mode is considered. The inner and outer beam radii are 0.27 and 0.33 cm, respectively. The wiggler amplitude is 250 G and the period is 0.9 cm. Axial guide fields up to 3 kG are studied. The ARACHNE slow-time-scale simulation code shows that efficiencies of 10%, corresponding to gains >40 dB, are possible for grazing incidence with the TE11 mode in Ku-band. In addition, the 3 dB instantaneous bandwidth is found to be greater than 20%.
Suboptimal sphenoid and sellar exposure: a consistent finding in patients treated with repeat transsphenoidal surgery for residual endocrine-inactive macroadenomas.

OBJECTIVE: In a series of patients with residual endocrine-inactive macroadenomas who underwent repeat surgery, we assess possible reasons for prior subtotal removal, reoperative success, complication rates, and patient impressions. METHODS: All patients were identified who had a prior subtotal removal of an endocrine-inactive macroadenoma and were reoperated on for residual sellar tumor via an endanasat approach. RESULTS: Over 6 years, of 188 consecutive patients with endocrine-inactive adenomas, 30 (16%) had repeat surgery (age, 15-77 yr; median interval between surgeries, 2S mo; median follow-up, 20 mo). Maximal tumor diameter averaged 2.4 ± 0.9 cm. At reoperation, a suboptimal bony exposure was seen in all 30 patients: at the Sphenoid keel, the sella, or both in 97, 93, and 90% of patients, respectively. Cavernous sinus invasion was seen in 16 (53%) patients and a fibrous/rubbery consistency in 12 (40%). Gross total tumor removal was achieved in 17 (57%) patients, including 12 of 14 (86%) with noninvasive tumors and 5 of 16 (31%) with invasive tumors, (F<0.01). All six fibrous/rubbery but noninvasive tumors were totally removed. Of 16 patients with preoperative visual loss, 15 (94%) improved. Complications included one each of cerebrospinal fluid leak, delayed sinusitis, and new hypothyroidism. In 17 patients with prior sublabial surgery who completed questionnaires, the second (endonasal) surgery was associated with an easier recovery, less pain, and better nasal airflow in 82, 88, and 93%, respectively (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: In patients with residual sellar endocrine-inactive adenomas, a suboptimal opening at the sphenoid keel or sella at the first surgery and a high proportion of fibrous/rubbery tumors likely contributed to prior subtotal removal of otherwise accessible tumor. With a wider exposure, most non invasive tumors can be totally removed, whereas invasive tumors can be effectively debulked. An endonasal reoperation is well tolerated with a low complication rate.
On Travelling Waves for the Stochastic Fisher Kolmogorov Petrovsky Piscunov Equation

This paper is concerned with properties of the wave speed for the stochastically perturbed Fisher–Kolmogorov–Petrovsky–Piscunov (FKPP) equation. It was shown in the classical 1937 paper by Kolmogorov, Petrovsky and Piscunov that the large time behavior of the solution to the FKPP equation with Heaviside initial data is a travelling wave. In a seminal 1995 paper Mueller and Sowers proved that this also holds for a stochastically perturbed FKPP equation. The wave speed depends on the strength σ of the noise. In this paper bounds on the asymptotic behavior of the wave speed c(σ ) as σ → 0 and σ → ∞ are obtained.
Mapping interactions of Escherichia coli GreB with RNA polymerase and ternary elongation complexes.

Escherichia coli GreA and GreB modulate transcription elongation by interacting with the ternary elongation complex (containing RNA polymerase, DNA template, and RNA transcript) to induce hydrolytic cleavage of the transcript and release of the 3′-terminal fragment. Hydroxyl radical protein footprinting and alanine-scanning mutagenesis were used to investigate the interactions of GreB with RNA polymerase alone and in a ternary elongation complex. A major determinant for binding GreB to both RNA polymerase and the ternary elongation complex was identified. In addition, the hydroxyl radical footprinting indicated major conformational changes of GreB, in terms of reorientations of the N- and C-terminal domains with respect to each other, particularly upon interactions with the ternary elongation complex.
Using Stable Isotopes of Water and Strontium to Investigate the Hydrology of a Natural and a Constructed Wetland

Wetlands cannot exist without water, but wetland hydrology is difficult to characterize. As a result, compensatory wetland mitigation often only assumes the proper hydrology has been created. In this study, water sources and mass transfer processes in a natural and constructed wetland complex were investigated using isotopes of water and strontium. Water isotope profiles in the saturated zone revealed that the natural wetland and one site in the constructed wetland were primarily fed by ground water; profiles in another constructed wetland site showed recent rain was the predominant source of water in the root zone. Water isotopes in the capillary fringe indicated that the residence time for rain is less in the natural wetland than in the constructed wetland, thus transpiration (an important water sink) was greater in the natural wetland. Strontium isotopes showed a systematic difference between the natural and constructed wetlands that we attribute to the presence or absence of peat. In the peat-rich natural wetland, δ87Sr in the pore water increased along the flowline due to preferential weathering of minerals containing radiogenic Sr in response to elevated Fe concentrations in the water. In the constructed wetland, where peat thickness was thin and Fe concentrations in water were negligible, δ87Sr did not increase along the flowline. The source of the peat (on-site or off-site derived) applied in the constructed wetland controlled the δ87Sr at the top of the profile, but the effects were restricted by strong cation exchange in the underlying fluvial sediments. Based on the results of this study, neither constructed wetland site duplicated the water source and weathering environment of the adjoining natural wetland. Moreover, stable isotopes were shown to be effective tools for investigating wetlands and gaining insight not easily obtained using non-isotopic techniques. These tools have potential widespread application to wetlands that have distinct isotopic endmember sources.
The Statistics of the Hydrogen-Palladium System

In a recent paper, the solubility of hydrogen in palladium was discussed. The statistical theory employed was essentially the same as that given by Fowler† for critical adsorption, the only modification necessary being to take into account the dissociation of the hydrogen molecules on absorption. In the present paper Peierls' theory‡ is applied to the same problem in order to enable a comparison to be made between the theories. According to both theories we must postulate that the absorbed (adsorbed) particles go into a definite number of potential energy holes and that the heat of absorption increases as the number of holes filled increases. Fowler uses the Bragg and Williams type of approximation to determine the energy of the particles in the holes; while Peierls supposes that there is an interaction energy V for each pair of neighbouring adsorbed particles and that all those arrangements of the particles in the holes having the same number of nearest neighbours have the same energy. The calculation of the dependence of the energy on the arrangements is approximated to by a method due to Bethe.
Nucleotide sequence of the immunity region of Bacillus subtilis bacteriophage phi 105: identification of the repressor gene and its mRNA and protein products.

Abstract A gene involved in the regulation of lysogeny in the temperate Bacillus subtilis phage φ105 has been identified and isolated. A plasmid, pDC4, was constructed that contains a 740-bp Hind III- Pvu II fragment that is derived from the φ105 immunity region and is capable of rendering B. subtilis immune to infection by φ105. Three different hybrid plasmids that contain the 740-bp fragment, pAG1O1 [Cully and Garro J. Virol. 34 (1980) 789–791], pDCl and pDC2, were found to synthesize a common 18-kDal polypeptide in B. subtilis minicells and Escherichia coli maxicells. The nucleotide (nt) sequence of this region revealed three open reading frames (ORFs) that predict proteins with M r s of 16521, 7332, and 5516. In vivo synthesized φ105 prophage RNA was mapped by primer extension and shown to be transcribed from the DNA strand coding for the M r 16 521 protein. The 5′ end of the φ105 lysogen RNA was mapped to a region that contains conserved sequences for RNA polymerase recognition.
Organic-solvent water pollution and low birth weight in Michigan.

Abstract This pilot study explored the association between a measure of water pollution caused by benzene or chlorinated solvents and the incidence of low birth weights for white residents of Michigan counties. A positive relationship between water pollution by these contaminants and the per cent of low‐weight births (< 2,500 grams, or about 5.5 pounds) resulted despite controls for the incidence of teenaged childbearing, infrequent prenatal care, and mean household income from wages or salaries. Water pollution showed an association with the incidence of low birth weight that was as strong as that between low birth weight and low prenatal care. While correlation cannot prove causation, the finding suggests that impure water may impair fetal growth in Michigan.
Efficacy of azoxystrobin, pyraclostrobin, potassium phosphite, and mefenoxam for control of strawberry leather rot caused by Phytophthora cactorum.

Efficacy of azoxystrobin, pyraclostrobin, mefenoxam, and potassium phosphite for control of strawberry leather rot, caused by Phytophthora cactorum, was evaluated on a commercial farm. Foliar sprays of azoxystrobin, pyraclostrobin, and potassium phosphite were applied weekly from bloom through harvest and mefenoxam was applied twice as a soil drench at early plant growth and at fruit set. All fungicide treatments had significantly less leather rot than the untreated control and there were no significant differences in leather rot incidence between any fungicide treatment during both years of testing. Mefenoxam (Ridomil Gold) and potassium phosphite (ProPhyt) are currently registered for control of strawberry leather rot in the U.S. Although they are registered for use on strawberry, leather rot is not on the azoxystrobin (Abound) or pyraclostrobin (Cabrio) labels. Results from these studies indicate that both of these strobilurin fungicides provide excellent control of strawberry leather rot.
Is the presence of medical trainees associated with increased mortality with weekend admission

Several studies have demonstrated increased inhospital mortality following weekend admission. We hypothesized that the presence of resident trainees reduces the weekend mortality trends. We identified all patients with a non-elective hospital admission from 1/1/2003 through 12/31/2008. We abstracted vital status on discharge and calculated the Charlson comorbidity score for all inpatients. We compared odds of inpatient mortality following non-elective admission on a weekend day as compared to a weekday, while considering diagnosis, patient characteristics, comorbidity, hospital factors, and care at hospitals with resident trainees. Data were available for 48,253,968 patient discharges during the six-year study period. The relative risk of mortality was 15% higher following weekend admission as compared to weekday admission. After adjusting for diagnosis, age, sex, race, income level, payer, comorbidity, and weekend admission the overall odds of mortality was higher for patients in hospitals with fewer nurses and staff physicians. Mortality following a weekend admission for patients admitted to a hospital with resident trainees was significantly higher (17%) than hospitals with no resident trainees (p < 0.001). Low staffing levels of nurses and physicians significantly impact mortality on weekends following non-elective admission. Conversely, patients admitted to hospitals with more resident trainees had significantly higher mortality following a weekend admission.
Correction to “A High-Efficiency, High-Power Millimeter-Wave Oscillator Using a Feedback Class-E Power Amplifier in 45 nm CMOS” [Aug 11 430-432]

In the above letter (ibid., vol. 21, no. 8, pp. 430-432, Aug. 2011), incorrect versions of Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 were published. The correct versions of both figures are presented here.
Dysphagia due to anterior cervical hyperosteophytosis.

Abstract Background Anterior cervical hyperosteophytosis describes the excessive formation of osteophytes along the ventral spine. Dysphagia due to ACH is considered an uncommon entity described mainly in case reports. Symptomatic ACH has been attributed to multiple etiologies including DISH, trauma, postlaminectomy syndromes, and cervical spondylosis. We report one of the largest series of patients with ACH-induced dysphagia requiring surgery. Methods After IRB approval, a retrospective chart review was completed. From 2001 to 2006, 9 patients presented with dysphagia due to ACH requiring surgical treatment. Results Eight patients were male, and the mean age was 65.1 years. Cervical spine x-rays and CT clearly demonstrated ACH in each case. Esophagram or a video fluoroscopic swallowing study was used to verify that dysphagia was caused by osteophytic overgrowth in all instances but one. In 2 patients, a focal osteophyte had formed adjacent to a previously fused segment. Of the remaining 7 patients, osteophytic formation was attributed to cervical spondylosis in 2 patients and DISH in 5 patients. All patients underwent osteophytectomy without spinal fusion. Average follow-up was 9.8 months. Although all 9 patients experienced resolution of dysphagia, improvement was delayed in 2 patients. Conclusions Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis and spondylosis are the most common etiologies accounting for ACH-induced dysphagia. Adjacent segment disease may also be a potential cause of symptomatic ACH and has not been previously reported. Regardless of etiology, surgical resection is highly successful if conservative measures fail.
CO2 partial matricectomy in the treatment of ingrown toenails

Conventional treatment of ingrown toenails requires ablation of the nail bed by curettage with or without the use of cauterizing agents such as phenol. Despite these measures, incomplete ablation of the ingrown nail does occur, often requiring additional procedures. This recurrence rate is reported to as high as 50% in some series. The purpose of this study is to see if CO2 partial matricectomies were more effective in treating symptomatic ingrown toenails. In particular, the authors looked at the recurrence rate and infection rate.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Human colon carcinoma cells use multiple receptors to adhere to laminin: involvement of alpha 6 beta 4 and alpha 2 beta 1 integrins.

Abstract In this study, we used clone A, a human colon carcinoma cell line, to characterize those integrins that mediate colon carcinoma adhesion to laminin. Monoclonal antibodies specific for the human beta 1 subunit inhibited clone A adhesion to laminin. They also precipitated a complex of surface proteins that exhibited an electrophoretic behavior characteristic of alpha 2 beta 1 and alpha 3 beta 1. A monoclonal antibody specific for alpha 2 (PIH5) blocked clone A adhesion to laminin, as well as to collagen I. An alpha 3-specific antibody (P1B5) had no effect on clone A adhesion to laminin, even though it can block the adhesion of other cell types to laminin. Thus, the alpha 2 beta 1 integrin can function as both a laminin and collagen I receptor on clone A cells. Although these cells express alpha 3 beta 1, an established laminin receptor, they do not appear to use it to mediate laminin adhesion. In addition, the monoclonal antibody GoH3, which recognizes the alpha 6 integrin subunit, also inhibited carcinoma adhesion to laminin but not to fibronectin or collagen I. This antibody precipitated the alpha 6 subunit in association with the beta 4 subunit. There was no evidence of alpha 6 beta 1 association on these cells. In summary, the results obtained in this study indicate that multiple integrin alpha subunits, in association with two distinct beta subunits, are involved in colon carcinoma adhesion to laminin. Based on the behavior of alpha 3 beta 1 and alpha 2 beta 1, the results also suggest that cells can regulate the ability of a specific integrin to mediate adhesion.
Social capital and the education of immigrant students: Categories and generalizations

nterest in research on the educational experiences of immigrant students has increased dramatically in recent years. It is not surprising that this greater interest has coincided with the largest influx of new immigrants in U.S. history. It has also occurred at a time when communities outside America's large urban centers are grappling with how to adjust to the new immigrants. The Somalis in Lewiston, Maine; the Dinke in Fargo, North Dakota; and the Hmong in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, are just some of the groups whose experiences defy past generalizations and conventional wisdom on the relationship between immigration and education. After considerable debate over how to
Disruption of Gastrulation and Heparan Sulfate Biosynthesis in EXT1-Deficient Mice

Abstract Mutations in the EXT1 gene are responsible for human hereditary multiple exostosis type 1. The Drosophila EXT1 homologue, tout-velu, regulates Hedgehog diffusion and signaling, which play an important role in tissue patterning during both invertebrate and vertebrate development. The EXT1 protein is also required for the biosynthesis of heparan sulfate glycosaminoglycans that bind Hedgehog. In this study, we generated EXT1-deficient mice by gene targeting. EXT1 homozygous mutants fail to gastrulate and generally lack organized mesoderm and extraembryonic tissues, resulting in smaller embryos compared to normal littermates. RT-PCR analysis of markers for visceral endoderm and mesoderm development indicates the delayed and abnormal development of both of these tissues. Immunohistochemical staining revealed a visceral endoderm pattern of Indian hedgehog (Ihh) in wild-type E6.5 embryos. However, in both EXT1-deficient embryos and wild-type embryos treated with heparitinase I, Ihh failed to associate with the cells. The effect of the EXT1 deletion on heparan sulfate formation was tested by HPLC and cellular glycosyltransferase activity assays. Heparan sulfate synthesis was abolished in EXT1 −/− ES cells and decreased to less than 50% in +/− cell lines. These results indicate that EXT1 is essential for both gastrulation and heparan sulfate biosynthesis in early embryonic development.