Operation of graphene quantum Hall resistance standard in a cryogen-free table-top system

We demonstrate quantum Hall resistance measurements with metrological accuracy in a small cryogen-free system operating at a temperature of around 3.8K and magnetic fields below 5T. Operating this system requires little experimental knowledge or laboratory infrastructure, thereby greatly advancing the proliferation of primary quantum standards for precision electrical metrology. This significant advance in technology has come about as a result of the unique properties of epitaxial graphene on SiC.Comment: 15 pages, 9 figure

Dedifferentiated liposarcoma with leukocytosis. A case report of G-CSF-producing soft-tissue tumors, possible association with undifferentiated liposarcoma lineage

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) functions as a hematopoietic growth factor and it is responsible for leukocytosis. G-CSF-producing tumors associated with leukocytosis include various types of malignancies.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>We report the case of a 72-year-old man with dedifferentiated liposarcoma characterized by dedifferentiated components of malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH)-like features in addition to well-differentiated lipoma-like liposarcoma, arising from his upper arm. Preoperative laboratory data showed leukocytosis (103,700/μl). The serum level of G-CSF was also elevated (620 pg/ml [normal, <8 pg/ml]). Nine days after the surgery, the leukocytosis was relieved (WBC; 6,920/μl) and the elevated serum G-CSF level was significantly decreased (G-CSF; 12 pg/ml). One month after the surgery, leukocytosis gradually began to appear again. Three months after the surgery metastatic lung lesions were confirmed, and the patient subsequently died of respiratory problems. In the English literature regarding soft-tissue tumors with leukocytosis, including the current case, we could review a total of 6 cases of liposarcoma with leukocytosis. The subtype of these 6 liposarcoma cases was undifferentiated liposarcoma, comprising dedifferentiated liposarcoma in 4 cases and pleomorphic liposarcoma in 2 cases.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Since the only other soft-tissue tumor that was associated with leukocytosis was MFH, and since MFH is characterized by the absence of any specific differentiation, we would like to propose a possible association between G-CSF-producing soft-tissue tumors and an undifferentiated liposarcoma lineage, such as dedifferentiated liposarcoma or pleomorphic liposarcoma.</p

Strategies of coping with anger as a state and a trait among female students

Introduction. University students often encounter many difficult situations that may provoke their anger and thus make them less capable of controlling themselves and their behaviours. This will possibly hinder their growth and psychological and academic development, leading to more personal conflict and discomfort, emotional and physical abuse, increased crime, feelings of insecurity, a lack of concentration, and less social interaction. Aim. This study aims to examine coping strategies with anger as a state and trait in light of “Social status” and “Achievement level” variables. Methodology and research methods. A quantitative method was employed to analyse the data. The sample for the study consisted of 256 female students from Al-Balqa Applied University (BAU), randomly chosen. Two scales were used to collect data: 1) the anger scale as a state and as a trait, including 30 items (15 items measure anger as an emotional state that varies in its intensity, and 15 items measure anger as an emotional trait); 2) the anger coping strategies scale, containing 34 items divided into six domains to identify the different ways of individuals’ positive or negative responses to the irritating situations of anger (direct expressions of anger, emphasis, search for social support, dissipation of anger, avoidance, and tapering). Results. The results revealed statistically significant differences due to social status and achievement level, whereas there were no statistically significant differences in the coping strategies for anger due to social status. They also showed that seeking social support is the prevailing coping strategy. Scientific novelty. The study is one of the few in the Arab World that looked at the relationship between anger as a state or trait and coping strategies in a sample of female students based on their social status and level of achievement. It helps enrich the theoretical literature on anger and researchers’ and students’ knowledge by clarifying the relationship of the discussed variables with each other. Practical significance. The practical significance of the study can be observed in two aspects. First, the research findings can draw the attention of educational officials by highlighting the relationships between anger as a state and anger as a trait, as well as the coping strategies employed by female students. This knowledge can lead to developing programmes to reduce anger among female students. Second, the study can contribute to developing coping methods that positively impact the social and academic adaptation of female students.Введение. Студенты университетов часто сталкиваются со многими трудными ситуациями, которые могут спровоцировать их гнев и, таким образом, сделать их менее способными контролировать себя и свое поведение. Это может препятствовать их росту, психологическому и академическому развитию, что приведет к большему личному конфликту и дискомфорту, эмоциональному и физическому насилию, росту преступности, чувству незащищенности, отсутствию концентрации и меньшему социальному взаимодействию. Цель исследования – рассмотреть стратегии преодоления гнева как состояния и эмоциональной черты с учетом переменных «Социальный статус» и «Уровень достижений». Методология и методы исследования. Для анализа данных был использован количественный метод. В исследовании приняли участие 256 студенток из Прикладного университета Аль-Балка (BAU), выбранных случайным образом. Для сбора данных использовались две шкалы: 1) шкала гнева как состояния и как черты, включающая 30 пунктов (15 пунктов измеряют гнев как эмоциональное состояние, которое варьируется по своей интенсивности, а 15 пунктов – как эмоциональную черту); 2) шкала стратегий совладания с гневом, содержащая 34 пункта, разделенных на шесть доменов для определения различных способов положительной или отрицательной реакции людей на раздражающие ситуации гнева (прямое выражение гнева, акцент, поиск социальной поддержки, рассеивание, избегание и ослабление гнева). Результаты. Результаты выявили статистически значимые различия в зависимости от социального статуса и уровня достижений, тогда как не было выявлено статистически значимых различий в стратегиях преодоления гнева в зависимости от социального статуса. Они также показали, что преобладающая стратегия совладания с гневом – поиск социальной поддержки. Научная новизна. Это исследование является одним из немногих в арабском мире, в котором изучалась взаимосвязь между гневом как состоянием или чертой и стратегиями преодоления в выборке студенток в зависимости от их социального статуса и уровня достижений. Это помогает обогатить теоретическую литературу о гневе и знания исследователей и студентов, проясняя взаимосвязь обсуждаемых переменных. Практическая значимость. Во-первых, результаты исследования могут привлечь внимание работников системы образования, обратив внимание на взаимосвязь между гневом как состоянием и гневом как эмоциональной чертой, а также на стратегии преодоления гнева, используемые учащимися женского пола. Эти знания могут помочь в разработке программ, направленных на уменьшение гнева среди студенток. Во-вторых, исследование может способствовать разработке методов решения проблем, которые положительно влияют на социальную и академическую адаптацию студенток.Авторы выражают благодарность анонимным рецензентам и редакционной коллегии журнала «Образование и наука» за ценные замечания, позволившие повысить качество настоящего исследования.The authors would like to express their deep gratitude to the anonymous reviewers and the Editorial Board of the Education and Science Journal, who spared their time and expertise in developing the present study

A genome-wide scan for common alleles affecting risk for autism

Although autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) have a substantial genetic basis, most of the known genetic risk has been traced to rare variants, principally copy number variants (CNVs). To identify common risk variation, the Autism Genome Project (AGP) Consortium genotyped 1558 rigorously defined ASD families for 1 million single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and analyzed these SNP genotypes for association with ASD. In one of four primary association analyses, the association signal for marker rs4141463, located within MACROD2, crossed the genome-wide association significance threshold of P < 5 × 10−8. When a smaller replication sample was analyzed, the risk allele at rs4141463 was again over-transmitted; yet, consistent with the winner's curse, its effect size in the replication sample was much smaller; and, for the combined samples, the association signal barely fell below the P < 5 × 10−8 threshold. Exploratory analyses of phenotypic subtypes yielded no significant associations after correction for multiple testing. They did, however, yield strong signals within several genes, KIAA0564, PLD5, POU6F2, ST8SIA2 and TAF1C

Antitumour Activity and Safety of Enzalutamide in Patients with Metastatic Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer Previously Treated with Abiraterone Acetate Plus Prednisone for ≥24 weeks in Europe.

Background Enzalutamide and abiraterone acetate plus prednisone, which target the androgen receptor axis, have expanded the treatment of advanced prostate cancer. Retrospective analyses suggest some cross-resistance between these two drugs when used sequentially, but robust, prospective studies have not yet been reported.Objective To fulfil a regulatory postregistration commitment by evaluating the efficacy and safety of enzalutamide in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) who progressed following abiraterone acetate plus prednisone treatment.Design, setting, and participants Multicentre, single-arm, open-label study, enrolled patients with progressing mCRPC after ≥24 wk of abiraterone acetate plus prednisone treatment. All patients maintained castration therapy during the trial. Prior chemotherapy was allowed but not required.Intervention Patients received enzalutamide 160mg/d orally.Outcome measurements and statistical analysis The primary endpoint was radiographic progression-free survival. Secondary endpoints were overall survival, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) response, and time-to-PSA progression. Safety data were also assessed. Kaplan-Meier methods were used to descriptively analyse time-to-event endpoints.Results and limitations Overall, 214 patients received enzalutamide treatment, 145 of whom were chemotherapy-naïve. Median radiographic progression-free survival was 8.1 mo (95% confidence interval: 6.1-8.3); median overall survival had not been reached. Unconfirmed PSA response rate was 27% (48 of 181). Median time-to-PSA progression was 5.7 mo (95% confidence interval: 5.6-5.8). The most common treatment-emergent adverse events were fatigue (32%), decreased appetite (25%), asthenia (18%), back pain (17%), and arthralgia (16%). No seizures were reported.Conclusions Enzalutamide showed antitumour activity in some patients with mCRPC who had previously progressed following ≥24 wk of abiraterone acetate plus prednisone treatment.Patient summary Patients with mCRPC who progressed on previous abiraterone acetate plus prednisone treatment, with or without prior chemotherapy, received enzalutamide. Although cross-resistance between the two agents was observed in a majority of patients, some still benefited from enzalutamide treatment

High magnetic fields for fundamental physics

Various fundamental-physics experiments such as measurement of the magnetic birefringence of the vacuum, searches for ultralight dark-matter particles (e.g., axions), and precision spectroscopy of complex systems (including exotic atoms containing antimatter constituents) are enabled by high-field magnets. We give an overview of current and future experiments and discuss the state-of-the-art DC- and pulsed-magnet technologies and prospects for future developments

GRFS and CRFS in alternative donor hematopoietic cell transplantation for pediatric patients with acute leukemia.

We report graft-versus-host disease (GVHD)-free relapse-free survival (GRFS) (a composite end point of survival without grade III-IV acute GVHD [aGVHD], systemic therapy-requiring chronic GVHD [cGVHD], or relapse) and cGVHD-free relapse-free survival (CRFS) among pediatric patients with acute leukemia (n = 1613) who underwent transplantation with 1 antigen-mismatched (7/8) bone marrow (BM; n = 172) or umbilical cord blood (UCB; n = 1441). Multivariate analysis was performed using Cox proportional hazards models. To account for multiple testing, P \u3c .01 for the donor/graft variable was considered statistically significant. Clinical characteristics were similar between UCB and 7/8 BM recipients, because most had acute lymphoblastic leukemia (62%), 64% received total body irradiation-based conditioning, and 60% received anti-thymocyte globulin or alemtuzumab. Methotrexate-based GVHD prophylaxis was more common with 7/8 BM (79%) than with UCB (15%), in which mycophenolate mofetil was commonly used. The univariate estimates of GRFS and CRFS were 22% (95% confidence interval [CI], 16-29) and 27% (95% CI, 20-34), respectively, with 7/8 BM and 33% (95% CI, 31-36) and 38% (95% CI, 35-40), respectively, with UCB (P \u3c .001). In multivariate analysis, 7/8 BM vs UCB had similar GRFS (hazard ratio [HR], 1.12; 95% CI, 0.87-1.45; P = .39), CRFS (HR, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.82-1.38; P = .66), overall survival (HR, 1.07; 95% CI, 0.80-1.44; P = .66), and relapse (HR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.03-2.02; P = .03). However, the 7/8 BM group had a significantly higher risk for grade III-IV aGVHD (HR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.16-2.48; P = .006) compared with the UCB group. UCB and 7/8 BM groups had similar outcomes, as measured by GRFS and CRFS. However, given the higher risk for grade III-IV aGVHD, UCB might be preferred for patients lacking matched donors. © 2019 American Society of Hematology. All rights reserved

Oxidative stress and antioxidant defense in patients with chronic hepatitis C patients before and after pegylated interferon alfa-2b plus ribavirin therapy

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress could play a role in pathogenesis of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The aim of our study is to determine oxidant/antioxidant status of patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC), and the effect of pegylated interferon alfa-2b plus ribavirin combination therapy on oxidative stress. METHODS: Nineteen patients with chronic HCV infection and 28 healthy controls were included in the study. In control and patient groups, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels, erythrocyte malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, erythrocyte CuZn-superoxide dismutase (SOD), erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities were measured. After pegylated interferon alfa-2b and ribavirin combination therapy for 48 weeks, these parameters were measured again in the patient group. RESULTS: Serum MDA levels increased significantly in CHC patients (n:19), before the treatment when compared with healthy subjects (n:28) 9.28 ± 1.61, 4.20 ± 1.47 nmol/ml, p < 0.001 respectively. MDA concentration decreased significantly (p < 0.001) after the treatment as well as ALT, AST activity, in erythrocytes of these patients. Average antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase) were significantly lower in erythrocytes of patients with CHC before treatment compared with the control group (both, p < 0.001). Chronic Hepatitis C patients after pegylated interferon alfa-2b and ribavirin therapy showed values of SOD, GSH-Px were significantly higher than pretreatment levels (both, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our results show that patients with chronic HCV infection are under the influence of oxidative stress associated with lower levels of antioxidant enzymes. These impairments return to level of healthy controls after pegylated interferon alfa-2b plus ribavirin combination therapy of CHC patients. Although interferon and ribavirin are not antioxidants, their antiviral capacity might reduce viral load, and inflammation, and perhaps through this mechanism might reduce virus-induced oxidative stress

Individual common variants exert weak effects on the risk for autism spectrum disorders.

While it is apparent that rare variation can play an important role in the genetic architecture of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), the contribution of common variation to the risk of developing ASD is less clear. To produce a more comprehensive picture, we report Stage 2 of the Autism Genome Project genome-wide association study, adding 1301 ASD families and bringing the total to 2705 families analysed (Stages 1 and 2). In addition to evaluating the association of individual single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), we also sought evidence that common variants, en masse, might affect the risk. Despite genotyping over a million SNPs covering the genome, no single SNP shows significant association with ASD or selected phenotypes at a genome-wide level. The SNP that achieves the smallest P-value from secondary analyses is rs1718101. It falls in CNTNAP2, a gene previously implicated in susceptibility for ASD. This SNP also shows modest association with age of word/phrase acquisition in ASD subjects, of interest because features of language development are also associated with other variation in CNTNAP2. In contrast, allele scores derived from the transmission of common alleles to Stage 1 cases significantly predict case status in the independent Stage 2 sample. Despite being significant, the variance explained by these allele scores was small (Vm&lt; 1%). Based on results from individual SNPs and their en masse effect on risk, as inferred from the allele score results, it is reasonable to conclude that common variants affect the risk for ASD but their individual effects are modest