cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SU‐GG‐T‐239: Initial Experience of Patient Specific Rotational Quality Assurance for VMAT Using a Cylindrical Diodes Array Detector System

Purpose: Our recent success in commissioning volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) on an Elekta Synergy accelerator calls for a convenient and suitable system for patient specific quality assurance. Traditional 2D diode array devices exhibit significant angular dependence under rotational beams. The newly available cylindrical diode array device ‐ ArcCHECK (Sun Nuclear Corp., FL) was designed specifically for rotational dosimetry by arranging diodes on a cylindrical plane. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the performance of the ArcCHECK device for VMAT. Results are compared with TomoTherapy QA. Method and Material: Both ArcCHECK and MapPHAN were commissioned on a Monaco treatment planning system (Version 2.0.3, CMS Inc., MO). Initial testing of the system involved four representative VMAT cases at various tumor sites: lung,liver, spine and prostate. The planned dose map on the diode plane was extracted from the QA plans for comparison with ArcCHECK measurements. Absolute differences between measured and planned doses were analyzed using 3% dose deviation and 3mm distance‐to‐agreement (DTA). For comparison, the selected plans were also calculated and delivered to a 2D diode array device (at 5cm effective depth) using MapCHECK (Sun Nuclear Corp., FL) integrated with a square solid water phantom (MapPHAN). Results from VMAT were compared with results from 14 QA plans from TomoTherapy. Results: Both diode array devices provide reasonable QA results for all cases. Doses measured with ArcCHECK agreed better with plans, with average passing rates and standard deviations of 98.3 ± 0.5% and 97.0 ± 1.8% for VMAT and Tomo respectively at all tumor sites. QA plans utilizing the 2D MapPHAN had average passing rates of 92.2 ± 2.4% (VMAT) and 90.0 ± 4.7% (Tomo). Conclusion: Compared to the 2D MapPHAN, ArcCHECK provided improved agreement between measured and calculated doses for rotational QA, and is recommended for rotational IMRT QA.
Past and present of antiobesity agents: focus on monoamine modulators.

Purpose A review of recently approved antiobesity medications, including their neuropharmacology, efficacy data from clinical trials, and important patient safety considerations, is presented. Summary Obesity affects roughly 34% of Americans and is associated with increased risks of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and coronary artery disease, as well as increased mortality and healthcare costs. Most pharmacologic agents used to treat obesity work by modulating monoamine neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. Since the U.S. market withdrawal of agents such as fenfluramine, dexfenfluramine, and sibutramine due to safety concerns, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved three monoamine modulators for long­term obesity management: the serotonergic agent lorcaserin (approved by FDA in 2012), a combination product containing phentermine and extended­release (ER) topiramate (also approved in 2012), and another combination product consisting of ER naltrexone and ER bupropion (approved in late 2014). In Phase III trials of the three products, mean weight reductions ranging from 4.7 to 10.2 kg over periods of one and two years were reported, with substantial percentages of patients achieving weight loss of ≥5%. Adverse effects reported among clinical trial participants were generally mild; however, as the trials excluded patients with significant cardiovascular risks (e.g., uncontrolled hypertension, valvular heart disease), cautious patient selection and monitoring are advised. Conclusion Recently approved medications for long­term management of obesity include lorcaserin, phentermine–topiramate, and naltrexone–bupropion. When these drugs are used to facilitate weight loss, pharmacists can play an important role in helping to ensure appropriate patient selection and monitoring.
Computational approaches to 3D modeling of RNA

Many exciting discoveries have recently revealed the versatility of RNA and its importance in a variety of functions within the cell. Since the structural features of RNA are of major importance to their biological function, there is much interest in predicting RNA structure, either in free form or in interaction with various ligands, including proteins, metabolites and other molecules. In recent years, an increasing number of researchers have developed novel RNA algorithms for predicting RNA secondary and tertiary structures. In this review, we describe current experimental and computational advances and discuss recent ideas that are transforming the traditional view of RNA folding. To evaluate the performance of the most recent RNA 3D folding algorithms, we provide a comparative study in order to test the performance of available 3D structure prediction algorithms for an RNA data set of 43 structures of various lengths and motifs. We find that the algorithms vary widely in terms of prediction quality across different RNA lengths and topologies; most predictions have very large root mean square deviations from the experimental structure. We conclude by outlining some suggestions for future RNA folding research.
Comparative evaluation of water quality on the St. Joseph River (Michigan and Indiana, U.S.A.) by three methods of algal analysis

Samples from 28 stations along the St. Joeeph River in Michigan and Indiana were collected in the Summer and late Fall of 1972. The samples were analyzed chemically (BOD, soluble orthophosphate, total phosphate, and NH3), physically (temperature and suspended solids) and biologically (algal units, Palmer's index, bacteria, and microalgal spectral analysis). Three methods of algal evaluation (microalgal spectral analysis, algal units, and the Palmer's index) provided especially good information indicating that nutrients and degradation were a distinct problem in the lower half of the river, not only in the Indiana portion, but also in Michigan. A pronounced water quality deterioration occurred in Michigan at Niles and at St. Joseph-Benton Harbor at the mouth of the river. Evidence of improved water quality was provided by the algal analyses after the installation of improved waste water treatment facilities. Microalgal spectral analysis was judged the best and most accurate of the methods of algal analysis in spite of its extensive terminology and necessity of determination of the algae to species.
Survey of basic stray losses in squirrel-cage induction motors

A study of the literature reveals that there is still considerable confusion on various aspects of stray losses, particularly with regard to their definition and origin. Accordingly the theoretical information is presented in a rationalised and systematic way to obtain a fully comprehensive approach, based on classifying stray losses into two groups, namely those due to main flux variations (stray no-load losses) and those due to leakage fluxes (stray load losses). In this way three and six main basic types of stray losses can be recognised under the two headings, respectively. Having identified the physical origin of these stray losses, their effect on motor design parameters can be ascertained qualitatively, and available methods of quantitative calculation, which are mostly semiempirical, can then be judged.A critical appraisal of two synthetic test methods for stray load losses, the reverse-rotation and d.c./a.c.-short-circuit tests, is made in the light of basic theory, and the fundamental deficiencies of these tests, particularly the reverse-rotation test, are demonstrated theoretically and by tests carried out on a number of medium-to-large induction motors ranging from 400hp, 4pole, to 1700hp, 8pole. The importance of insulating squirrel cages to avoid circulating-current losses deduced theoretically is confirmed by experiment.Additionally, a direct investigation into squirrel-cage circulating-current losses on a 1500hp 4pole motor shows how such losses can be controlled by a suitable current-displacement rotor design; these additional losses being directly measurable at no load on this machine with open stator slots.Consideration is also given to the fact that modern, high-efficiency (particularly totally enclosed) machine designs cannot cater thermally for substantially increased losses, e.g. excessive stray losses of any kind. There is therefore already an overriding and definite safeguard that the declaration of efficiency to BS 269 is substantially correct, or, more specifically, that there cannot be any major error in the value of the declared losses. However, a modification of the fixed allowance for stray load losses is suggested.From the theoretical and practical investigations carried out, it is concluded that making a nominal allowance for stray load losses is at present the only reasonable and practicable method of declaring efficiency.
Placental Hofbauer cells limit HIV-1 replication and potentially offset mother to child transmission (MTCT) by induction of immunoregulatory cytokines

Background Despite readily detectable levels of the HIV-1 (co)-receptors CD4, CCR5 and DC-SIGN on placental macrophages (Hofbauer Cells [HCs]), the rate of HIV-1 infection in utero in the absence of interventions is only 7% of exposed infants. Here, we examine the replication kinetics of human HCs to the primary isolate HIV-1BaL. We also determined the infectivity of HIV-1-exposed HCs by co-culturing with isolated cord and peripheral blood mononuclear cells [CBMCs, PBMCs]. To understand the limiting nature of HCs to HIV-1 replication, we examined the effect of endogenously secreted cytokines on replication kinetics.
Does Pet Dog Presence Reduce Human Cardiovascular Responses to Stress

This study tested directly the hypothesis that the mere presence of a person's pet dog produces health benefits by reducing cardiovascular arousal-induced stress. We administered mental arithmetic ...
Standardizing Data Screening Tools

With today's continuing challenge of processing more data with fewer people in less time, many companies in the pharmaceutical industry are developing standard tools and processing components to facilitate speed, productivity, and efficiency in data processing.Traditionally, programmers in the Clinical Information Systems (CIS) Department of Merck Research Laboratories had an individual set of screening tools available, developed, and maintained for each active drug project. Each set required programming support and maintenance by a dedicated programmer. Redundancy and inefficient use of manpower was obvious.CIS has over the past two years developed, implemented, and maintained a set of standard database queries which can be accessed by multiple projects representing several therapeutic areas within its clinical research area. These queries provide users with the same ability to electronically screen data for consistency, completeness, and correctness as with the traditional method described above, but th...
Influence of body condition on influenza A virus infection in mallard ducks: experimental infection data.

Migrating waterfowl are implicated in the global spread of influenza A viruses (IAVs), and mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) are considered a particularly important IAV reservoir. Prevalence of IAV infection in waterfowl peaks during autumn pre-migration staging and then declines as birds reach wintering areas. Migration is energetically costly and birds often experience declines in body condition that may suppress immune function. We assessed how body condition affects susceptibility to infection, viral shedding and antibody production in wild-caught and captive-bred juvenile mallards challenged with low pathogenic avian influenza virus (LPAIV) H5N9. Wild mallards (n = 30) were separated into three experimental groups; each manipulated through food availability to a different condition level (−20%, −10%, and normal ±5% original body condition), and captive-bred mallards (n = 10) were maintained at normal condition. We found that wild mallards in normal condition were more susceptible to LPAIV infection, shed higher peak viral loads and shed viral RNA more frequently compared to birds in poor condition. Antibody production did not differ according to condition. We found that wild mallards did not differ from captive-bred mallards in viral intensity and duration of infection, but they did exhibit lower antibody titers and greater variation in viral load. Our findings suggest that reduced body condition negatively influences waterfowl host competence to LPAIV infection. This observation is contradictory to the recently proposed condition-dependent hypothesis, according to which birds in reduced condition would be more susceptible to IAV infection. The mechanisms responsible for reducing host competency among birds in poor condition remain unknown. Our research indicates body condition may influence the maintenance and spread of LPAIV by migrating waterfowl.
Evidence that thyroxine inhibits either basal or TRH-induced TSH secretion only after conversion to triiodothyronine.

When TRH was administered every 15 min for 2 hr in euthyroid rats, equivalent modestly supraphysiologic doses of either T4 or T3 suppressed TRH-induced TSH secretion after 45 min. Pretreatment with iopanoic acid blocked the ability of T4 but not of T3 to suppress TRH-induced TSH secretion 2 hr after administration of the respective thyroid hormone. Pretreatment with iopanoic acid also blocked the ability of T4, but not of T3, to depress the elevated basal plasma TSH concentration of hypothyroid rats within 2 hr. Propylthiouracil did not significantly inhibit the ability of T4 to depress TRH-induced TSH secretion and only slightly depressed the ability of T4 to reduce the elevated plasma TSH of hypothyroid rats. Our data support the concept that although equivalent physiologic doses of T4 or T3 inhibit basal or TRH-induced TSH secretion equally rapidly, TSH inhibition produced by T4 is probably dependent on its rapid conversion to T3, either within the pituitary or peripherally. T3 thus seems to be exerting almost all the negative feedback effects on TSH secretion under the conditions Of Our experiments. 0 1988 Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine.
Effects of Binders on Resilient Modulus of Rubberized Mixtures Containing RAP Using Artificial Neural Network Approach

The prediction of the resilient modulus values of rubberized mixtures containing reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) materials involves a number of interacting factors or engineering parameters (variables) and is a very complex issue. Artificial neural networks (ANN) are useful tools in place of conventional physical models for analyzing complex relationships involving multiple variables and have been successfully used in many civil engineering applications. The objective of this study was to develop a series of ANN models to simulate the resilient modulus of rubberized mixtures (ambient and cryogenic rubbers) at 5, 25, and 40°C using seven input variables including material components such as rubber and RAP percentages as well as the rheological properties of modified binders (i.e., viscosity, G*sin δ, stiffness, and m-values). The sensitivity analysis and important index of each variable were performed in this study. The results indicated that ANN-based models are more effective than the regression models and can easily be implemented in a spreadsheet, thus making it easy to apply. In addition, the validation analysis of the models showed that ANN-based models might be used for other types of mixtures. Moreover, the results of the sensitivity analysis and important index of input variables in ANN models also indicated that the rheological properties of asphalt binders can be employed to predict the resilient modulus values effectively at various testing temperatures. The validation of the model also illustrates that the developed ANN can be used to predict the resilient modulus values from other research projects.
Modeling Fault Among Bicyclists and Drivers Involved in Collisions in Hawaii, 1986-1991

Subsequent to a review of trends in collisions between bicyclists and motorists in Hawaii during the period 1986 to 1.991, characteristics of bicyclists and drivers involved in crashes are compared. On the basis of police-reported crash data it can be concluded that bicyclists tend to be young, male, and, not surprisingly, more likely to be seriously injured than motorists in bicycle-motor-vehicle collisions. Bicyclists are much less likely to be attributed with inattention than motorists, and slightly less likely to be attributed with misjudgment or alcohol or drug use than motorists. Bicyclists, however, are much more likely than motorists to disregard traffic controls or go the wrong way on a street just before becoming involved in a collision. Motorists are more likely than bicyclists to fail to yield, to engage in improper overtaking, or to follow too closely before becoming involved in a collision. The largest proportion of bicycle collisions occurs during the period 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Other temporal...
The prognostic significance of 13q14 deletions in chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Although chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common leukemia in adults, little is known about the molecular abnormalities underlying it and their prognostic significance. Using a battery of six microsatellite markers from 13q12.3-14.3 between BRACA2 gene and the Rb gene, we assayed loss of heterozygosity (LOH) in 78 CLL patients. We found deletion in 13q14 in 29 patients (37%) between D13S153 and the AFMa 301wb5. Classical cytogenetics was less sensitive, as it detected the 13q14 deletion in only one out of 69 patients (1%) in whom adequate metaphases were obtained. We found no significant difference in survival between patients with and patients without 13q14 LOH. In subset of patients with low beta2-microglobulin levels, those with 13q14 LOH had significantly shorter survival than did patients with low beta2-microglobulin levels but no 13q14 LOH. Also patients in early Rai stages (0-II) with 13q14 LOH had shorter survival period (P = 0.05) than did patients without LOH. These data confirm the prevalence of 13q14 deletion in CLL and suggest that this deletion may help identify more aggressive disease in patients presenting with early stage disease.
Outcomes for children with gallbladder abnormalities and sickle cell disease.

Objective To determine whether elective cholecystectomy is justifiable in children with sickle cell disease (SCD), gallbladder abnormalities, and minimal clinical symptoms. Study design A retrospective review comparing clinical presentations and abdominal ultrasound results with outcomes in 146 children with SCD. Results Ultrasound examination showed sludge or stones in 83 of 146 children (57%). This was found during a diagnostic ultrasound in 59 patients (71%) and during a screening ultrasound in 24 asymptomatic patients (29%). Fifty-four (65%) children with a positive ultrasound underwent cholecystectomy; 13 of these were initially asymptomatic patients who had subsequent development of clinical symptoms. Of the patients with cholecystectomy, 93% had histopathologic evidence of cholecystitis. Perioperative complications were rare, and there were no episodes of postoperative acute chest syndrome. Children who underwent elective surgery had an average 12-days-shorter overall hospital stay than those who underwent emergent surgery (4 vs 16 days, P Conclusions Elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy may be safely performed in children with SCD. Surgery should be strongly considered at the time of gallstone diagnosis before symptoms or complications develop. Histopathologic chronic cholecystitis does not correlate with clinical symptoms.
Acupuncture for major depressive disorder: has its efficacy been disproved?

1It is essential to critically evaluate complementary and alternative therapies, and we believe this study has provided important data on the outcomes of treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) using manual acupuncture. Given the need for innovative treatments of MDD, it is equally important that potentially efficacious interventions are not discarded prematurely. In this context, we question the authors’ interpretation of their results. 1. Response and remission rates for both Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)‐directed and non-TCM‐directed acupuncture conditions compared favorably with those reported in antidepressant monotherapy trials and differed significantly from those associated with the wait list control. Similarly, those on the wait list showed significant improvement during the 8 weeks they received TCM-directed acupuncture. Thus, far from “failing to support the efficacy of TCM manual acupuncture as monotherapy for MDD,” the results seem to support efficacy but rather raise important questions about the precise mechanisms through which acupuncture treatments, TCM- or non-TCM‐directed, exert an impact on depressive symptoms. 2. The use of the terms specific and nonspecific in this report is based upon reference to TCM. Underscoring the difficulty of identifying an appropriate control procedure in studies of acupuncture for MDD, it is possible that points or combinations of points that were considered “nonspecific” for depression in this study might have been considered “specific” were this a study of other styles of traditional acupuncture, such as those from the Japanese, Korean, or French schools. 2 Likewise, acupuncture could be effective by as yet uncharacterized mechanisms different from those outlined in the TCM model. In such a case, certain points may be effective for certain conditions despite not fitting into the TCM model of illness and treatment. The study results raise the question of whether points considered “nonspecific” are, in fact, active for depression treatment or whether other factors associated with acupuncture visits (such as the physical interaction with the clinician, or patient expectations about treatment) accounted for the superiority of acupuncture treatment to the wait list control. Incorporating retractable “sham” needles, while not immune to methodological limitations, would be one way to further evaluate this question.
Activation of potassium-dependent H+ efflux from mitochondria by cadmium and phenylarsine oxide.

Addition of Cd2+ or phenylarsine oxide (PhAsO) to respiring rat liver mitochondria results first in acidification of the medium (H+ efflux) followed by disappearance of H+ (discharge of the pH gradient or uncoupling). The first phase of H+ efflux is dependent upon the presence of K+ in the medium, and is not seen in the presence of valinomycin, which is consistent with the conclusion that H+ efflux is linked to membrane potential-dependent uptake of K+. These effects are abolished by low levels of 2,3-dimercaptopropanol but potentiated by excess of 2-mercaptoethanol, showing involvement of a dithiol type of group in the response. Mersalyl produces only the H+ efflux, and subsequent addition of Cd2+ or PhAsO produces collapse of the ΔpH.
Mesenchymal origin of hepatic stellate cells, submesothelial cells, and perivascular mesenchymal cells during mouse liver development

The knowledge concerning fetal hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is scarce, and their cell lineage and functions are largely unknown. The current study isolated fetal liver mesenchymal cells from a mouse expressing β-galactosidase under the control of Msx2 promoter by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) and surveyed marker genes by microarray analysis. Based on the location and immunostaining with conventional and newly disclosed markers, we have identified three distinct populations of fetal liver mesenchymal cells expressing both desmin and p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR): HSCs in the liver parenchyma; perivascular mesenchymal cells expressing α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA); and submesothelial cells associated with the basal lamina beneath mesothelial cells and expressing activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule (ALCAM) and platelet-derived growth factor receptor α. A transitional cell type from the submesothelial cell phenotype to fetal HSCs was also identified near the liver surface. Mesothelial cells expressed podoplanin and ALCAM. Ki-67 staining showed that proliferative activity of the submesothelial cells is higher than that of mesothelial cells and transitional cells. Using anti-ALCAM antibodies, submesothelial and mesothelial cells were isolated by FACS. The ALCAM+ cells expressed hepatocyte growth factor and pleiotrophin. In culture, the ALCAM+ cells rapidly acquired myofibroblastic morphology and α-SMA expression. The ALCAM+ cells formed intracellular lipid droplets when embedded in collagen gel and treated with retinol, suggesting the potential for ALCAM+ cells to differentiate to HSCs. Finally, we demonstrated that fetal HSCs, submesothelial cells, and perivascular mesenchymal cells are all derived from mesoderm by using MesP1-Cre and ROSA26 reporter mice. Conclusion: Fetal HSCs, submesothelial cells, and perivascular mesenchymal cells are mesodermal in origin, and ALCAM+ submesothelial cells may be a precursor for HSCs in developing liver. (HEPATOLOGY 2009.)
An 18 GFLOPS parallel climate data assimilation PSAS package

Abstract We have designed and implemented a set of highly efficient and highly scalable algorithms for an unstructured computational package, the PSAS data simulation package, as demonstrated by detailed performance analysis of systematic runs up to 512 nodes of an Intel Paragon. The preconditioned Conjugate Gradient solver achieves a sustained 18 Gflops performance. Consequently, we achieve an unprecedented 100-fold reduction in time to solution on the Intel Paragon over a single head of a Cray C90. This not only exceeds the daily performance requirement of the Data Assimilation Office at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, but also makes it possible to explore much larger and challenging data assimilation problems which are unthinkable on a traditional computer platform such as the Cray C90.
Complementary experiments for tether dynamics analysis

This paper describes two complimentary experiments, the purpose of which is to measure the forces involved in the deployment in Earth orbit of a tether and its end mass. These two experiments are called TAS, (Three-axis Accelerometer System), and SEASIS, (SEDS Earth Atmospheric and Space Imaging System). The two experiments are flown as a student experiment package within a small satellite. This satellite (SEDSAT 1), which constitutes the end mass, will be deployed propulsively into a higher, permanent orbit utilizing a tethered system. These experiments are proposed to fly on a McDonnell Douglas Delta II as a secondary payload on a Global Positioning System (GPS) mission. This flight will be the third demonstration flight of the Small Expendable Deployer System (SEDS), a project managed by the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Alabama.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Phase II Trial of Temsirolimus (CCI-779) in Recurrent Glioblastoma Multiforme: A North Central Cancer Treatment Group Study

Background Temsirolimus (CCI-779) is a small-molecule inhibitor of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and represents a rational therapeutic target against glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Methods Recurrent GBM patients with ≤ 1 chemotherapy regimen for progressive disease were eligible. Temsirolimus was administered in a 250-mg intravenous dose weekly. Results Sixty-five patients were treated. The incidence of grade 3 or higher nonhematologic toxicity was 51%, and consisted mostly of hypercholesterolemia (11%), hypertriglyceridemia (8%), and hyperglycemia (8%). Grade 3 hematologic toxicity was observed in 11% of patients. Temsirolimus peak concentration (Cmax), and sirolimus Cmax and area under the concentration-time curve were decreased in patients receiving p450 enzyme–inducing anticonvulsants (EIACs) by 73%, 47%, and 50%, respectively, but were still within the therapeutic range of preclinical models. Twenty patients (36%) had evidence of improvement in neuroimaging, consisting of decrease in T2 si...
Transient multiphase multicomponent flow in porous media.

Abstract A one-dimensional transient two-phase, two-component flow in a porous medium is investigated analytically. The flow is described by the use of a continuity equation for each component, a momentum equation for each phase, the first law of thermodynamics, state equations, and relations for the transport properties. Local thermodynamic equilibrium is assumed. The effects of condensation and evaporation are included. The analysis shows that the flow resulting from a step change in the state at the surface of a uniform semi-infinite porous medium may be described by a single variable, which is a simple function of position and time. Under other conditions, position and time must be separately specified to determine the state of the mixture. Results of calculations relevant to the flow of cavity gas following an underground nuclear explosion are given.
Pedagogy for the Children of the Oppressors: Liberative Education for Social Justice Among the World’s Privileged

North American and European models of higher education often claim to be committed to the nurturing of social justice. In The Pedagogy of the Oppressed, Paulo Freire described how most education shares some complicity in the maintenance of an unjust status quo of oppression. Following Freire, this article focuses on how educators among the world’s privileged can encourage students to move from postures of ignorance, guilty remorse, or paternalistic activism vis-a-vis the world’s oppressed toward a respectful, dialogical interrelationship.
Does chronic periodontitis cause coronary heart disease?: A review of the literature

ABSTRACT Background Chronic periodontitis, or CP, has been associated with coronary heart disease, or CHD. This article reviews the available prospective CP-CHD evidence. Literature Reviewed In nine cohort studies, CP was associated with a 15 percent greater risk of developing CHD. Conclusions from individual studies depended on study characteristics. Summary risk estimates for studies controlling for smoking intensity (five of nine studies) or health awareness (two of nine studies) or studies with more than 600 CHD events (three of nine studies) suggest that CP is either not at all or weakly associated with CHD. Summary risk estimates for the studies that did not control for these factors or that examined an insufficient number of CHD events reported a weak increase in CHD risk associated with CP (20 percent greater). These data suggest that the CP-CHD associations observed in smaller studies are due to insufficient control for lifestyle differences. In addition, one cohort study reported that edentulous people had a CHD risk similar to that of people with CP. Therefore, the plausibility of dental infection elimination affecting CHD risk appears limited. Summary Current evidence supporting a causal CP-CHD link is weak. Rigorous methodological and analytical control of lifestyle factors such as smoking will be required to elucidate whether the CP-CHD disease association is either small or nonexistent. Clinical Implications Cigarette smoking destroys both oral and systemic health. Because of this strong common causal factor, oral and systemic health are linked. Dentistry should continue to play an important role in implementing smoking prevention and cessation programs.
Moisturizers: A Dermatologist's Perspective

AbstractUntil recently, dermatologists have received little or no training about cosmetic products, including moisturizers. Clinical reports of individual patient reactions to ingredients in moisturizers or the moisturizers themselves can result in an exaggerated view of potential reactions to these products. Skin reactions to moisturizers include allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), irritant contact dermatitis (ICD), and acneiform eruptions, yet the frequency of reactions is rare. The classic definitions of moisturizer and humectant are reviewed and analyzed in light of current oil-in-water and water-in-oil emulsion technology. Current research in consumer product company laboratories should result in better and more useful moisturizers. This paper concludes citing the two most important aspects of a successful moisturizer from a dermatologist's perspective: one that truly works on dry skin and does not sting.
Whose goals and outcomes are they

Perspectives on determining goals and outcomes measurement for children with disabilities have evolved over the past 25 years. This evolution has occurred in parallel with changing views on measure...
Tuning the optical and electrochemical properties of core-substituted naphthalenediimides with styryl imide substituent

The effect of styryl imide substitution on optical and electrochemical properties of core-substituted naphthalenediimides was examined by synthesizing a series of naphthalenediimide molecules. 2-Ethylhexylamino and 5-(2-ethylhexyl)thiophene groups were used as core substituents. The optical and electrochemical properties of styryl imide substituted compounds were compared with other imide substitutions including hydrogen, 2-ethylhexyl, and 4-thienylphenyl. Generally, the imide substituents had little effect on the optical properties, except when the combination of alkylamino core and styryl imide substituents was used. In this latter case, we observed a 104 nm red-shift of the absorption onset upon film formation, resulting in an unusually broad visible absorption (500–800 nm) for these types of molecules. This is explained by the planarity of the molecule and the formation of intermolecular aromatic donor–acceptor type interactions. These results show that imide substituents play a role in tuning opto-electronic properties of NDI molecules, and that NDI molecules with styryl imide substituents merit further evaluation for opto-electronic applications.
Dual-vector phase rotator for Doherty beamformers

A 28-GHz dual-vector phase rotator is introduced, having the capability of generating two quadrature output signals that track one another in phase. The 4-bit dual-vector rotator was implemented in IBM 0.12-µm SiGe BiCMOS technology and achieves full 360o phase shifting, RMS phase and amplitude errors of < 5 degrees and < 0.8 dB, respectively for both output vectors, and 10-12 dB of gain. Output 1-dB compression points for both quadrature outputs is −6.5 to −4.4 dBm, suitable for directly driving a Doherty amplifier in a 28-GHz beamformer.
Cycle-Resolved LDV Integral Length Scale Measurements In an I.C. Engine

Lateral integral length scales of the tangential velocity component were measured directly using a two-point, single probe-volume, Laser Doppler Velocimetry system in a motored, ported, single-cylinder I.C. engine with a pancake-shaped chamber
Police Culture in the Twenty-First Century: A Critique of the President’s Task Force’s Final Report

In May 2015, the Task Force on 21st Century Policing, established by President Barack Obama to address problems associated with aggressive policing, issued its Final Report which details a comprehensive set of recommendations. This essay examines an important theme of the Final Report -- the reforming of police culture -- and concludes that the report's well-intentioned recommendations are destined to fail absent meaningful revitalization of the Fourth Amendment exclusionary rule and the establishment of a robust standing doctrine.
Solvation station: microsolvation for modeling vibrational sum-frequency spectra of acids at aqueous interfaces.

Vibrational sum-frequency spectra of a pair of poly(methacrylic acid) isomers at an oil/water interface and glutaric acid at an air/water interface were calculated in the carbonyl stretching region. Orientational, conformational, and solvation information was determined using classical molecular dynamics (MD), while second-order susceptibility vibrational response tensors were determined for a set of density functional theory (DFT) structures. The DFT structures were microsolvated with water molecules corresponding to the major solvation states present in the MD calculations. The inclusion of the microsolvating waters incorporates solvation effects important to the carboxylic acid stretching modes in the studied spectral region. The calculated spectra strongly agree with experimental spectra when a cutoff of 1.975 A is used to define a hydrogen bond in the MD trajectories. With the chosen cutoff, the most common solvation state of the carboxylic acid moieties involves a single hydrogen bond to the carbonyl oxygen and a single hydrogen bond to the carboxylic acid hydrogen. The sensitivity of the spectra to the hydrogen bond cutoff definition and the included DFT structures was investigated. Moderate changes in the relative intensities of the contributing peaks were found in both cases. Shortening the hydrogen bond cutoff definition predictably leads to a decrease in the relative intensity of peaks corresponding to well-solvated structures, while altering the set of DFT solvation structures results in more complex behavior that is dependent on the specific structures included.
Adolescent Physiological and Behavioral Patterns of Emotion Dysregulation Predict Multisystemic Therapy Response.

This study examined whether physiological and behavioral indicators of emotion dysregulation assessed over the course of multisystemic therapy (MST) were related to treatment response. Participants were 180 ethnically diverse adolescents (n = 120 males), ranging in age from 12 to 17 years. Treatment response was assessed through therapist report and official arrest records. Changes in cortisol reactivity and changes in scores on a Behavioral Dysregulation subscale of the Child Behavior Checklist were used as indicators of emotion dysregulation. Hierarchical linear modeling analyses examined whether a less favorable treatment response was associated with cortisol reactivity measures collected (a) early in treatment and (b) over the course of treatment as well as with behavioral reports of emotion dysregulation reported (c) early in treatment and (d) over the course of treatment. Sex was explored as a moderator of these associations. Results indicated that both cortisol and behavioral indices of emotion dys...
Recruitment of Calmodulin to the Tail of the Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel Nav1.2

Voltage-gated sodium channels (NaV) found in excitable cells are responsible for the rising phase of action potentials. These multi-domain transmembrane proteins are regulated by calmodulin (CaM), a highly conserved eukaryotic protein that mediates many calcium-triggered signaling events. Inactivation of sodium channels depends on CaM-mediated feedback during repolarization. In the neuronal sodium channel NaV1.2, CaM binds at least two well-separated sites: an intracellular “inactivation” loop between domains DIII and DIV, and an IQ motif [IQRAYRRYLLK] in the cytosolic C-terminal tail. The IQ motif is hypothesized to recruit calcium-free (apo) CaM, making it available to move to the III-IV linker after an influx of calcium. Despite a high degree of sequence identity, the equilibrium constants for CaM binding to nine human NaV IQ motifs span more than 3 orders of magnitude. Apo CaM binds to the NaV1.2 IQ motif with a dissociation constant (Kd) of ∼6 nM, while the Kd for binding the NaV1.9 IQ motif is ∼ 4 μM. Mutational analysis within the IQ motif has not been sufficient to explain the full range of CaM-binding affinities observed for human NaV sequences. Thus, we hypothesized that isoform-specific differences in upstream sequences were making energetically significant contributions to the free energy of binding CaM to NaV1.2. The roles of these residues are being investigated by monitoring CaM binding to biosensors containing mutant sequences of sodium channels bracketed by auto-fluorescent proteins YFP and CFP. Residue-specific information obtained by NMR will provide structural insight into the contributions of residues in the binding interface formed by NaV IQ motif sequences binding to calmodulin from multiple eukaryotes. NIH R01 GM57001.
CPR AT THE STATE FAIR: A 10-MINUTE TRAINING SESSION IS EFFECTIVE IN TEACHING BYSTANDER CPR TO MEMBERS OF AT-RISK COMMUNITIES

Nearly 400,000 people in the U.S. suffer out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) each year (1). There is a five-fold geographic difference in rates of bystander CPR and survival nationally (1, 2). In Jefferson County, KY in 2013, bystander CPR rates varied dramatically according to zip code, ranging
Tangent Triangles to a Biquadratic Curve

(1944). Tangent Triangles to a Biquadratic Curve. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 51, No. 8, pp. 445-450.
Generic Entry, Pay-for-Delay Settlements, and the Distribution of Surplus in the US Pharmaceutical Industry

Using an event study approach, and unique data on Paragraph (iv) pharmaceutical patent litigation decisions, we estimate that brand
Preventing Recurrent Nephrolithiasis in Adults

What are the potential benefits and adverse effects associated with dietary and pharmacologic interventions to prevent recurrence of kidney stones in adults 18 years and older?
Causality-Guided Feature Selection

Identifying meaningful features that drive a phenomenon (response) of interest in complex systems of interconnected factors is a challenging problem. Causal discovery methods have been previously applied to estimate bounds on causal strengths of factors on a response or to identify meaningful interactions between factors in complex systems, but these approaches have been used only for inferential purposes. In contrast, we posit that interactions between factors with a potential causal association on a given response could be viable candidates not only for hypothesis generation but also for predictive modeling. In this work, we propose a causality-guided feature selection methodology that identifies factors having a potential cause-effect relationship in complex systems, and selects features by clustering them based on their causal strength with respect to the response. To this end, we estimate statistically significant causal effects on the response of factors taking part in potential causal relationships, while addressing associated technical challenges, such as multicollinearity in the data. We validate the proposed methodology for predicting response in five real-world datasets from the domain of climate science and biology. The selected features show predictive skill and consistent performance across different domains.
Regulation of Hematopoietic Cell Engraftment and Myeloid Differentiation by the E3 Ubiquitin Ligase F-Box Protein SKP2,

Abstract 3397 The precise molecular mechanisms that coordinate, at cellular level, the cell fate decisions of self-renewal and differentiation during normal adult hematopoiesis are not yet well defined. SKP2 protein is necessary for ubiquitination and degradation of several cell cycle inhibitors, such as p27 Kip1 , p21 Cip1 and p57 Kip2 . SKP2 overexpression causes quiescent cells to enter the cell cycle and its downregulation is critical for cell cycle arrest. SCF SKP2 is undoubtedly the major ubiquitin ligase regulating the abundance of cell cycle regulatory proteins at the G 1 -S transition. Thus, we sought to explore its role in regulating cell cycle entry of hematopoietic cells. By using a mouse model of SKP2 deletion, we show that SKP2 inactivation retards entry of HSC and progenitors into cell cycle, resulting in enhanced HSC quiescence, increased pool size and increased HSC maintenance. These effects were accompanied by increased cellular levels of p27 Kip1 , p21 Cip1 and p57 Kip2 in HSC and progenitors. Competitive repopulation assays and serial bone marrow (BM) transplantations showed that loss of SKP2 improved hematopoietic engraftment at long-term. Conversely, the slower cell cycle entry induced by SKP2 deletion greatly impaired hematopoietic engraftment at short-term. We also analyzed the effect of SKP2 deletion on myeloid differentiation. Although the loss of SKP2 did not affect significantly the representation of Gr1+Mac1+ cells in the BM of SKP2 null mice at steady-state, SKP2 null BM lineage negative cells showed an accelerated myeloid differentiation in vitro. Similar results were obtained by using a shRNA anti-SKP2. This effect required p27 Kip1 expression, as deletion of SKP2 did not increased differentiation in a p27 Kip1 null background, and was, surprisingly, cell cycle-independent. Taken together, these results demonstrate a previously unrecognized role for SKP2 in regulating rates of hematopoietic engraftment and myeloid differentiation in the BM. The identification of SKP2 as a physiologic regulator of cell cycle progression of HSC and progenitors has significant implications in the biology of hematopoietic stem cells. We believe that these results may contribute to a better understanding of the dynamics of hematopoietic recovery during BM transplantation, as well as of the mechanisms involved in the HSC exhaustion driving BM failure syndromes and may provide new insights for therapeutic applications. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Ultrasound-Enhanced Molecular Therapy for Axon Neurogenesis

Between 28M - 55M individuals experience spinal cord injuries (SCIs). In the U.S. alone, this amounts to an estimated 180k-230k individuals. In the central nervous system (CNS) after an injury to a nerve, the environment prevents the healing/regrowth of neurons and myelin, because myelin inhibitors are present, growth factor is not re-expressed, and glial tissue scars very quickly. Knowing that nerves need to be regenerated quickly, research has been done to discover an optimal treatment for nerve regeneration. Unfortunately, no effective method currently exists to stimulate nerve fiber regeneration (i.e., neurogenesis). To address this gap, we propose a non-invasive method to stimulate neurogenesis through low-intensity focused or unfocused ultrasound irradiation. This method is new and has high potential as a transformative rehabilitation approach for people with disabilities due to SCIs. A combination of therapeutic methods that mitigate the inhibitory microenvironment at the site of the injury and restore the regeneration potential of corticospinal axons are required for achieving effective functional recovery after SCI. We developed an in vitro system integrating focused ultrasound (FUS) with neuron axon dynamics for neurogenesis and an approach using a 3D microenvironment. Dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons are used for our studies and microsurgically removed at day 15 and E18 Sprague Dawley cortical neurons from BrainBits, LLC. To determine if stimulation of axon growth is occuring, we measure density and growth (distance) using phase contrast imaging and a custom MATLAB code for image analysis. We tested a variety of operating parameters to identify optimal conditions that induce axon neurogenesis by ultrasound. We demonstrated that ultrasound can stimulate DRGs.