500 TeV gamma rays from Hercules X-1

A signal (chance probability = .0002) with the 1.24 s period of Hercules X-1 has been observed using the Utah Fly's Eye. The signal's relatively long period and high shower energy conflict with some popular models of particle acceleration by pulsars. Optical and X-ray data suggest a picture in which energetic particles produce multi-TeV gamma rays by collisions with Hercules X-1's accretion disk

Drug-induced Sleep Endoscopy:Are there Predictors for Failure of Oral Appliance Treatment?

Introduction In the literature, evidence is lacking on the predictive value of drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) for oral appliance treatment (OAT). Objectives The aim of the present study is to evaluate whether DISE with concomitant mandibular advancement maneuver can predict failure of OAT. Methods An observational retrospective study including patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who previously received OAT. Results of DISE were analyzed in a group with documented OAT failure (apnea-hypopnea index [AHI] > 10 events/hour or  50% reduction). The upper airway was assessed using the velum, oropharynx, tongue base, epiglottis (VOTE) classification. Additionally, a mandibular advancement maneuver, manually protruding the mandible by performing a jaw thrust, was performed to mimic the effect of OAT. Results The present study included 50 patients with OAT failure and 20 patients with OAT benefit. A subgroup analysis of patients with OAT failure and an AHI < 30 events/hour included 26 patients. In the OAT failure group, 74% had a negative jaw thrust maneuver. In the subgroup with an AHI < 30 events/hour, 76.9% had a negative jaw thrust maneuver. In the OAT benefit group, 25% had a negative jaw thrust maneuver (p < 0.001). Conclusions A negative jaw thrust maneuver during DISE can be a valuable predictor for OAT failure, independent of AHI. Drug-induced sleep endoscopy should be considered as a diagnostic evaluation tool before starting OAT

Drug-induced sleep endoscopy while administering CPAP therapy in patients with CPAP failure

Study objectives: To study the pattern of upper airway collapse in patients with CPAP failure by performing DISE while administering CPAP therapy and to determine the reason for CPAP failure accordingly. Methods: This observational retrospective study comprised 30 patients diagnosed with OSA and CPAP failure, who underwent DISE while administering CPAP therapy. During DISE, the upper airway was assessed with and without CPAP therapy using the VOTE classification. Additionally, a jaw thrust maneuver was performed, in order to mimic the effect of an additional mandibular advancement device (MAD) in combination with CPAP therapy. Consequently, the outcome of DISE was translated into a clinically relevant categorization. Results: Eleven patients (37%) had a persistent anteroposterior (AP) collapse, including a collapse at velum, tongue base, or epiglottis level and multilevel collapse. Eight patients (27%) had a floppy epiglottis. Five patients (17%) had a persistent complete concentric collapse (CCC) and three patients had a persistent laryngeal collapse (10%). In three patients (10%), no airway collapse was found after CPAP administration. Conclusions: Based on the results of the reported study, in most cases, the potential cause of CPAP failure can be determined by this new diagnostic method. Consequently, suggestions can be made for additional therapy

Supersymmetric Electroweak Corrections to the Higgs Boson Decays into Chargino or Neutralino Pair

We investigate the supersymmetric electroweak corrections to the decay widths of the CP-odd and the heavy CP-even Higgs bosons into chargino or neutralino pair in the framework of the Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model. The corrections involve the contributions of the order $O(\alpha_{ew} m_{t(b)}^3/m_W^3)$, $O(\alpha_{ew} m_{t(b)}^2/m_W^2)$ and $O(\alpha_{ew} m_{t(b)}/m_W)$. The detailed calculations of the electroweak corrections to the following decay processes: $A^0/H^0 \to \tilde{\chi}^+_1 \tilde{\chi}^-_1$ and $A^0/H^0 \to \tilde{\chi}^0_2 \tilde{\chi}^0_2$ are presented in this paper. We find that these relative corrections maybe rather large quantitatively, and can exceed 10% in some regions of parameter space. The corrections to the decay $A^0/H^0 \to \tilde{\chi}^0_1 \tilde{\chi}^0_2$ can be obtained analogously, but our results show that they are very small and can be neglected.Comment: 25 pages, 9 figures,accepted by Physical Review

Retinoid metabolism and all-trans retinoic acid-induced growth inhibition in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cell lines.

Retinoids can reverse potentially premalignant lesions and prevent second primary tumours in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Furthermore, it has been reported that acquired resistance to all-trans retinoic acid (RA) in leukaemia is associated with decreased plasma peak levels, probably the result of enhanced retinoid metabolism. The aim of this study was to investigate the metabolism of retinoids and relate this to growth inhibition in HNSCC. Three HNSCC cell lines were selected on the basis of a large variation in the all-trans RA-induced growth inhibition. Cells were exposed to 9.5 nM (radioactive) for 4 and 24 h, and to 1 and 10 microM (nonradioactive) all-trans RA for 4, 24, 48 and 72 h, and medium and cells were analysed for retinoid metabolites. At all concentrations studied, the amount of growth inhibition was proportional to the extent at which all-trans-, 13- and 9-cis RA disappeared from the medium as well as from the cells. This turnover process coincided with the formation of a group of as yet unidentified polar retinoid metabolites. The level of mRNA of cellular RA-binding protein II (CRABP-II), involved in retinoid homeostasis, was inversely proportional to growth inhibition. These findings indicate that for HNSCC retinoid metabolism may be associated with growth inhibition

Electroweak Corrections to the Charged Higgs Boson Decay into Chargino and Neutralino

The electroweak corrections to the partial widths of the $H^+ \to \tilde{\chi}^+_i \tilde{\chi}_j^0 (i=1,j=1,2)$ decays including one-loop diagrams of the third generation quarks and squarks, are investigated within the Supersymmetric Standard Model. The relative corrections can reach the values about 10%, therefore they should be taken into account for the precise experimental measurement at future colliders.Comment: 21 pages, 6 eps figures, 1 Latex fil

Risk of Developmental Disorders in Children Born at 32 to 38 Weeks' Gestation : A Meta-Analysis

CONTEXT: Very preterm birth (<32 weeks) is associated with increased risk of developmental disorders. Emerging evidence suggests children born 32 to 38 weeks might also be at risk. OBJECTIVES: To determine the relative risk and prevalence of being diagnosed with, or screening positive for, developmental disorders in children born moderately preterm, late preterm, and early term compared with term (≥37 weeks) or full term (39-40/41 weeks). DATA SOURCES: Medline, Embase, Psychinfo, Cumulative Index of Nursing, and Allied Health Literature. STUDY SELECTION: Reported ≥1 developmental disorder, provided estimates for children born 32 to 38 weeks. DATA EXTRACTION: A single reviewer extracted data; a 20% sample was second checked. Data were pooled using random-effects meta-analyses. RESULTS: Seventy six studies were included. Compared with term born children, there was increased risk of most developmental disorders, particularly in the moderately preterm group, but also in late preterm and early term groups: the relative risk of cerebral palsy was, for 32 to 33 weeks: 14.1 (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 12.3-16.0), 34 to 36 weeks: 3.52 (95% CI: 3.16-3.92) and 37 to 38 weeks: 1.44 (95% CI: 1.32-1.58). LIMITATIONS: Studies assessed children at different ages using varied criteria. The majority were from economically developed countries. All were published in English. Data were variably sparse; subgroup comparisons were sometimes based on single studies. CONCLUSIONS: Children born moderately preterm are at increased risk of being diagnosed with or screening positive for developmental disorders compared with term born children. This association is also demonstrated in late preterm and early term groups but effect sizes are smaller

Highly sensitive multipoint real-time kinetic detection of Surface Plasmon bioanalytes with custom CMOS cameras

Phase sensitive Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) techniques are a popular means of characterizing biomolecular interactions. However, limitations due to the narrow dynamic range and difficulty in adapting the method for multi-point sensing have restricted its range of applications. This paper presents a compact phase sensitive SPR technology using a custom CMOS camera. The system is exceptionally versatile enabling one to trade dynamic range for sensitivity without altering the optical system. We present results showing sensitivity over the array of better than 10−6 Refractive Index Units (RIU) over a refractive index range of 2×10−2 RIU, with peak sensitivity of 3×10−7 RIU at the center of this range. We also explain how simply altering the settings of polarization components can give sensitivity on the order of 10−8 RIU albeit at the cost of lower dynamic range. The consistent response of the custom CMOS camera in the system also allowed us to demonstrate precise quantitative detection of two Fibrinogen antibody–protein binding sites. Moreover, we use the system to determine reaction kinetics and argue how the multipoint detection gives useful insight into the molecular binding mechanisms

Going Solo: findings from a survey of women ageing without a partner and who do not have children

Greater longevity in the UK population has led to the increasing diversity of women experiencing ageing in a multitude of ways. Internationally gender inequalities within ageing are still relatively invisible within both government policy and everyday life for particular groups of women. This paper explores the concept of women growing older ‘solo’ by which we mean women who find themselves non partnered and ageing without children as they move into later life. We report on the findings from a mixed-methods survey of 76 solo women in the UK aged 50 years and over, used to provide a broader overview of the issues and challenges they face as they move into later life. Qualitative data from the survey captured respondents’ perspectives about the links between their relationships status and wellbeing in later life and highlighted specific cumulative disadvantages emerging for some women as a result of their solo lifestyles. We discuss two key themes were identified; ‘solo-loneliness’ and ‘meaningful futures’ in conjunction with the relevant literature and make suggestions for future research within gender and ageing studies that could enhance more positive approaches to solo lifestyles