Dynamical Generation of Elementary Fermion Mass: First Lattice Evidence

Using lattice simulations we demonstrate from first principles the existence of a nonperturbative mechanism for elementary particle mass generation in models with gauge fields, fermions, and scalars, if an exact invariance forbids power divergent fermion masses and fermionic chiral symmetries broken at UV scale are maximally restored. We show that in the Nambu-Goldstone phase a fermion mass term, unrelated to the Yukawa operator, is dynamically generated. In models with electroweak interactions weak boson masses are also generated, opening new scenarios for beyond the standard model physics.

Review of lattice results concerning low-energy particle physics: Flavour Lattice Averaging Group (FLAG)

We review lattice results related to pion, kaon, D- and B-meson physics with the aim of making them easily accessible to the particle-physics community. More specifically, we report on the determination of the light-quark masses, the form factor [Formula: see text], arising in the semileptonic [Formula: see text] transition at zero momentum transfer, as well as the decay constant ratio [Formula: see text] and its consequences for the CKM matrix elements [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. Furthermore, we describe the results obtained on the lattice for some of the low-energy constants of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] Chiral Perturbation Theory. We review the determination of the [Formula: see text] parameter of neutral kaon mixing as well as the additional four B parameters that arise in theories of physics beyond the Standard Model. The latter quantities are an addition compared to the previous review. For the heavy-quark sector, we provide results for [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] (also new compared to the previous review), as well as those for D- and B-meson-decay constants, form factors, and mixing parameters. These are the heavy-quark quantities most relevant for the determination of CKM matrix elements and the global CKM unitarity-triangle fit. Finally, we review the status of lattice determinations of the strong coupling constant [Formula: see text].

Anatomic Variations of the Cochlea and Relations to other Temporal Bone Structures

A thorough knowledge of the normal range of variation of anatomy and topography of the cochlea is necessary for optimal reproduction of this structure and correct interpretation of the radiographs. Radiographic identification of incomplete cochlear coils is essential in the diagnosis of congenital malformations such as Modini's deformity. Furthermore, a diagnosis of otosclerosis/otospongiosis has to be based on recognition of changes in the otic capsule. The size and shape of the human cochlea and the normal ranges of variation of its dimensions were evaluated in 95 plastic casts, prepared from temporal bone specimens. The normal range of variation is fairly small, and is not age-dependent. Obvious digression from this range, associated with pertinent clinical symptoms, indicates an abnormality.

Docetaxel plus gemcitabine in combination with capecitabine as treatment for inoperable pancreatic cancer: a phase II study

PURPOSE

To evaluate the activity and tolerance of gemcitabine in combination with docetaxel and capecitabine in previously untreated patients with advanced pancreatic cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Chemotherapy-naïve patients with locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer were treated with gemcitabine (1,500 mg/m(2) on days 1 and 15), docetaxel (50 mg/m(2) on days 1 and 15) and capecitabine (2,250 mg/m(2), orally in two daily divided doses, on days 1-7 and 15-21). All three drugs were administered in 4-week cycles, in an initial prospective plan of six cycles. The primary end-point was response rate.

RESULTS

Forty patients were enrolled in the study. At the time of enrollment, 40% of patients had locally advanced and 60% metastatic disease. All patients were evaluable for response and toxicity. On an intent-to-treat analysis, the overall response and disease control rates were 40 and 80%, respectively. The median progression-free survival was 6.0 months, and the median overall survival was 9.0 months. Major grade 3/4 toxicities were neutropenia (17.5%), diarrhea (10%) and hand-foot syndrome (7.5%). There was no treatment-related death.

CONCLUSION

The combination of gemcitabine with docetaxel and capecitabine is feasible and exhibits satisfactory degree of activity in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer, deserving further exploration.

Slow dynamics in the three-dimensional gonihedric model

We study dynamical aspects of three-dimensional gonihedric spins by using Monte-Carlo methods. These models have a purely geometrical motivation, deriving from string and random surface theory. Here, however, we shall analyze this family of models just from a statistical point of view. In particular, we shall be concerned with their ability to exhibit remarkably slow dynamics and seemingly glassy behavior below a certain temperature T(g), without the need of introducing disorder of any kind. We consider first a Hamiltonian that takes into account only a four-spin term (kappa=0), where a first-order phase transition is well established. By studying the relaxation properties at low temperatures, we confirm that the model exhibits two distinct regimes. For T(g)<T<T(c), with long lived metastability and a supercooled phase, the approach to equilibrium is well described by a stretched exponential. For T<T(g), the dynamics appears to be logarithmic. We provide an accurate determination of T(g). We also determine the evolution of particularly long lived configurations. Next, we consider the case kappa=1, where the plaquette term is absent and the gonihedric action consists in a ferromagnetic Ising with fine-tuned next-to-nearest neighbor interactions. This model exhibits a second order phase transition. The consideration of the relaxation time for configurations in the cold phase reveals the presence of slow dynamics and glassy behavior for any T<T(c). Type-II aging features are exhibited by this model.

Two episodes of leukoencephalitis associated with recombinant hepatitis B vaccination in a single patient

Cases of central nervous system demyelination have been reported after recombinant hepatitis B vaccination, but no causal link has been clearly demonstrated. We present the first case report involving the occurrence of 2 episodes of leukoencephalitis in a previously healthy patient after vaccination and rechallenge with hepatitis B vaccine.

Primary hemangiosarcoma of the mediastinum

A case of a 44-year-old female who had an intrathoracic mass that was found to be a hemangiosarcoma of the anterior mediastinum is reported. Radical surgical incision through a right anterior thoracotomy was performed, followed by post-operative radiotherapy. Since this is a rare tumor at this location, the clinical and radiological findings, the histopathological appearances and its therapeutic management are discussed. Radiologists, surgeons and oncologists should in the differential diagnosis of a mediastinal mass include that of a tumor of vascular origin, even if it is rare. Radical excision followed by post-operative radiotherapy, especially in cases where the tumor has been partially excised, is the treatment of choice.

Radiological measurement of femoral head position in Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease

PURPOSE

Since the establishment of the principle of weight-bearing methods of treatment in Legg-Calve-Perthes disease (LCPD), lateral displacement of the femoral head has become an important prognostic factor.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In order to establish reliable boundary lines between orthotopic and subluxated hip, the migration percentage (MP) and the medial joint space (MJS) were determined retrospectively: a) on 166 normal hip radiographs; b) on bilateral arthrograms and radiographs from 37 patients with unilateral LCPD.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

The mean upper normal values for MP and MJS on normal radiographs were 20.8 and 11.5 respectively. On arthrograms, the corresponding values were 31 and 5.7. The MP is easy to determine on both radiographs and arthrograms, and is recommended for detecting and measuring subluxation in cases with LCPD. MJS is of no advantage for detecting containment in LCPD but may be used in other diseases such as coxitis simplex.

The use of sonography for evaluation of the integrity and healing process of the tibiofibular interosseous membrane in ankle fractures

This study evaluates the value of sonography in the diagnosis of the rupture and healing process of the interosseous membrane in Weber type B and C ankle fractures. In 90 such fractures a rupture of the interosseous membrane was intraoperatively observed in 35 cases (38.8%). All Weber type C fractures showed a rupture of the interosseous membrane, whereas only 23% of the Weber type B fractures were associated with a rupture of the interosseous membrane (p < 0.001). In the vast majority of the cases (77%), particularly in all Weber type B fractures (p < 0.01), the rupture of the interosseous membrane extended above the proximal fracture line of the fibula. By means of sonography, in the acute posttrauma period a rupture of the interosseous membrane was found in 37.4% of the cases. Thus, in our series the results of sonography and the operative findings coincided in 88.6% of the cases concerning location, type, and extent. Sonography was performed by three unbiased observers, and the results were compared with the intraoperative findings. Thus, the sensitivity of the sonography in the diagnosis of the rupture of the interosseous membrane was 88.8%, the diagnostic value of the method 92.2%, and specificity 94.5%. The sonographic findings of the healing process of the interosseous membrane were in absolute (100%) agreement with the intraoperative observations at the time of removal of the osteosynthesis material. Complete healing occurred within 3-5 months after trauma in 70% of the cases of ruptured interosseous membrane.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Anatomic variations of the cochlea and relations to other temporal bone structures

A thorough knowledge of the normal range of variation of anatomy and topography of the cochlea is necessary for optimal reproduction of this structure and correct interpretation of the radiographs. Radiographic identification of incomplete cochlear coils is essential in the diagnosis of congenital malformations such as Modini's deformity. Furthermore, a diagnosis of otosclerosis/otospongiosis has to be based on recognition of changes in the otic capsule. The size and shape of the human cochlea and the normal ranges of variation of its dimensions were evaluated in 95 plastic casts, prepared from temporal bone specimens. The normal range of variation is fairly small, and is not age-dependent. Obvious digression from this range, associated with pertinent clinical symptoms, indicates an abnormality.

Glomerular basement membrane abnormalities associated with apparently idiopathic hematuria: ultrastructural morphometric analysis

In a recent review of 480 renal biopsies, 41 cases were identified in which glomerular basement membrane (GBM) ultrastructural abnormalities were the major lesion. All of the patients had hematuria. None had evidence of immune-mediated glomerulonephritis. Positive family histories of renal disease were present in the majority of cases, and one case of Alport's syndrome was included. Subjectively, the GBM changes were variable but nearly always included membrane thinning. For objective characterization of this glomerular abnormality, a detailed morphometric study of GBM thickness was undertaken: 12 of these patients (study group) were compared with seven patients (control subjects) with subjectively normal glomeruli who underwent biopsy for reasons other than nonsurgical hematuria but who were also thought to have normal glomerular ultrastructure. The seven control subjects had a mean GBM thickness of 394 nm (SD, 19; range, 356 to 432 nm). Of the 12 study group patients, 11 had mean GBM thicknesses significantly different from control values (nine had mean GBM thinning: range, 235 to 327 nm; two had thickening: means, 440 and 469 nm). In the remaining case (Alport's syndrome) the overall mean was normal, but an abnormal distribution of very thin and very thick GBM regions was seen. Of the four apparently normal hematuric patients, significant mean GBM thinning (326 to 347 nm) was demonstrated in three, with an excess of thin GBM in the fourth case, although the mean thickness was normal. Thus, measurable abnormalities were defined in all of the cases of hematuria examined. The GBM measurements confirmed the subjective impression of membrane abnormality, usually attenuation, as the principal finding in this group of hematuric patients. Furthermore, morphometric analysis may reveal subtle changes of GBM thickness missed by subjective assessment.