cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dietary Patterns and Trends in the United States: The UNC-CH Approach☆

Over the past 2 decades our group of nutrition and economics researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has used a wide array of methods to study eating patterns and dietary trends. Our focus has been on characterising the way diet has changed over time and identifying some of the major factors underlying these trends. The complexity of this undertaking has led us to develop a number of unique systems for classifying foods and assessing the overall quality of diet. We have also addressed the challenges that exist when measuring changes in both the food supply and food-related behaviors over time. This paper summarises some of the methodological work related to food grouping, overall diet quality indices, and trends research as well as the challenges we still face in this arena.
Heart Failure Readmission After Mitral Valve Repair and Replacement: Five-Year Follow-Up in the Medicare Population

Background Readmission rates are well established as a quality indicator for heart failure (HF). We analyzed HF readmission rates after mitral valve repair (MVP) and replacement (MVR). Methods We included 21,138 Medicare beneficiaries with primary isolated MVP (n = 6,896) or MVR (n = 14,242) from 2000 through 2004. Readmission rates were identified using MedPar records subsequent to the index procedure during a 5-year follow-up. Treating death as a competing risk, cumulative readmission incidences were analyzed and stratified by presence or absence of preoperative HF. Results Preoperative HF was present in 61.0% of the patients. All-cause readmission rates were 24.9% at 30 days and 78.0% at 5 years. The cumulative incidence of readmission for HF remained almost 3 times higher in patients with preoperative HF compared with those without for MVP (2.1% vs 5.9% in 30 days and 10.3% vs 26.3% in 5 years) and 2 times higher for MVR (3.6% vs 7.4% in 30 days and 15.8% vs 30.4% in 5 years). Regardless of procedure type, patients without preoperative HF had significantly lower HF readmission rates (3.0% vs 7.0% in the first 30 days and 13.6% vs 29.2% after 5 years) ( p = 0.0001). Conclusions Hospital readmission after mitral surgery is high. Preoperative heart failure is associated with higher postoperative readmission rates. Because admission for heart failure accounts for a significant proportion of these readmissions, close follow-up of patients with known mitral valve disease and referral to surgery prior to development of heart failure may decrease postoperative readmission rates.
Experimental Measurements and Modeling of Aluminum Reflection Gratings on YZ LiNbO3 for OFC SAW Sensors

Lithium niobate has been recently used for orthogonal frequency coded (OFC) SAW temperature sensors (Puccio, D, et. al., 2006), due to its high sensitivity to temperature and high reflectivity. The OFC technique uses multiple reflector banks; each bank having a different local center frequency determined by OFC design. Devices are currently fabricated with aluminum reflectors having frac12 wavelength period at the local reflector of a given chip. In order to increase the device operating frequency for a given electrode line resolution, harmonic operation of the reflector has been studied. Because of lithium niobate's high coupling coefficient, efficient reflection can be obtained for 1-wavelength period electrodes, corresponding to second harmonic operation. When used in conjunction with harmonically operated transducers, the device operating frequency can be increased for a given photolithographic line width resolution. In order to accurately predict fundamental and second harmonic behavior of these sensors at varying normalized metal thicknesses and varying mark to pitch ratios, the extraction of reflectivity and grating velocity is essential. Research has been conducted on fundamental and second harmonic reflectivity on YZ LiNbO3, using analysis and data extraction techniques similar to that presented by P.V. Wright (Wright, PV, 2000). Data has been obtained over normalized metal thickness ranging from 0.4% and 4% and mark to pitch ratios between 0.2 and 0.9. The data has been studied in both the time and frequency domain and has yielded reflectivity comparable to fundamental operation. Experimental results of grating reflection and velocity on YZ-LiNbO3 is presented in this paper. Fundamental and second harmonic reflectivity is reported versus mark to pitch ratio and normalized metal thickness, and these results are used to define the equivalent circuit parameters used in a transmission line model. Given the extracted reflectivity data, the COM model can then be used to predict reflector performance used in OFC devices. Fundamental and second harmonic OFC SAW devices are fabricated at 500 MHz and results of predicted and measured device performance are compared
Active monomers of human β-tryptase have expanded substrate specificities

Abstract β-Tryptase, a product of the TPSAB1 and TPSB2 genes, is a trypsin-like serine protease that is a major and selective component of the secretory granules of all human mast cells, accounting for as much as 25% of cell protein. Once mast cells are activated, β-tryptase is released along with histamine and heparin proteoglycan. β-Tryptase is a unique enzyme with a homotetrameric structure in which active sites face into the central cavity of the four monomers, stabilized by heparin-proteoglycan. This structure makes β-tryptase resistant to most biological inhibitors of serine proteases. Without stabilization, at neutral pH β-tryptase converts to inactive monomers. Tryptase levels are elevated in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid obtained from atopic asthmatics and in serum during systemic anaphylactic shock. Several synthetic small molecular weight β-tryptase inhibitors reduced Ag-induced airway hypersensitivity in animals, suggesting that β-tryptase is involved in the pathogenesis of airway inflammation. Although the major biologic substrate(s) of β-tryptase remain ambiguous, the protease can digest several proteins of potential biologic importance, including fibrinogen, fibronectin, pro-urokinase, pro-matrix metalloprotease-3 (proMMP-3), protease activated receptor-2 (PAR2) and complement component C3. Recently, monomers of β-tryptase with enzymatic activity have been detected in vitro. Here we discuss how β-tryptase monomers with enzymatic activity were identified as well as their potential role in vivo.
Practical Considerations in Using Growth Regulators on Turfgrass

Several 100 papers have been written on the turfgrass PGR effects and have been reviewed in detail by Elkins [2] and Watschke [6]. A major conclusion that can be drawn from the literature on growth retardants is that turfgrass responses have not been consistent and many of the responses have been aesthetically undesirable.
Does the use of computer-aided learning tools affect learning performance?

Studies comparing the learning performance differences between traditional courses and courses using computer-aided learning tools frequently give conclusions with reservations, indicating the possibility of other underlying factors that have a greater effect on learning performance than simply the medium used for content delivery. We analysed a uniquely assembled dataset covering a large number of university courses to revisit the media/method debate in the context of the effect of computer-aided learning tools on learning performance. Our results show that factors such as course type (determined by the content delivery medium), course subject, course level and student age all impact learning performance.
Optimizing the cost-effectiveness of alcohol treatment: a rationale for extended case monitoring.

Abstract There has been much research on and debate about the appropriate length of acute treatment for alcohol problems. In the United States, the lengthy and costly treatment programs of only a few years ago have been supplanted by ever-shorter and less intensive protocols, with little evidence that this trend will end soon. In this paper, we argue that, because of the chronic, recurrent nature of alcohol problems, an optimal system for delivering treatment services to alcoholics needs to focus on long-term engagement with clients. There is evidence from studies on research reactivity and telephone follow-up protocols that a low-intensity long-term protocol for maintaining contact with clients over time spans measured in years may result in better long-term clinical outcomes and reduced long-term health care utilization and costs. We describe a flexible long-term low-intensity follow-up protocol for alcohol abusers we call “case monitoring.” This protocol is specifically designed to minimize long-term health-care use. We predict that such an intervention should be especially efficacious for women, persons with comorbid Axis I disorders, and persons lower in sociopathy. The design of a study to determine the clinical and health service effects of this intervention is also described.
Androgen receptor epigenetics

The androgen receptor (AR) is a transcription factor that drives the differentiation of prostate epithelium by regulating the expression of several hundred genes. Conversely, AR also plays a central role in prostate cancer (PCa) development, and it continues to be active in tumors that relapse after castration (castration-resistant prostate cancer, CRPC). The transactivation function of AR has been extensively studied, and AR can also function as a transcriptional repressor on a distinct set of genes, but the identity of the AR regulated genes that are critical for PCa remain unclear. Moreover, the extent to which AR acquires new functions during PCa development and progression remains to be determined. Recent studies have highlighted the central role of chromatin structure and histone posttranslational modifications in determining the spectrum of genes regulated by AR and all other transcription factors. While the role of DNA methylation in the epigenetic regulation of gene expression is well established, it is now appreciated that chromatin structure plays a central and dynamic role in the epigenetic regulation of gene expression. The focus of this review is on AR interactions with chromatin and how they regulate AR function in PCa development and progression.
Rapid Prototyping of Inspired Gas Delivery System for Pulmonary MRI Research

Specific ventilation imaging (SVI) is a noninvasive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based method for determining the regional distribution of inspired air in the lungs, useful for the assessment of pulmonary function in medical research. This technique works by monitoring the rate of magnetic resonance signal change in response to a series of imposed step changes in inspired oxygen concentration. The current SVI technique requires a complex system of tubes, valves, and electronics that are used to supply and rapidly switch inspired gases while subjects are imaged, which makes the technique difficult to translate into the clinical setting. This report discusses the design and implementation of custom three-dimensional (3D) printed hardware that greatly simplifies SVI measurement of lung function. Several hardware prototypes were modeled using computer-aided design software and printed for evaluation. After finalization of the design, the new delivery system was evaluated based on O2 and N2 concentration step responses and validated against the current SVI protocol. The design performed rapid switching of supplied gas within 250 ms and consistently supplied the desired concentration of O2 during operation. It features a reduction in the number of commercial hardware components, from five to one, and a reduction in the number of gas lines between the operator's room and the scanner room, from four to one, as well as a substantially reduced preparation time from 25 to 5 min. 3D printing is well suited to the design of inexpensive custom MRI compatible hardware, making it particularly useful in imaging-based research.
Bifenthrin causes neurite retraction in the absence of cell death: A modelfor pesticide associated neurodegeneration.

BACKGROUND Bifenthrin is a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide derivative of naturally occurring pyrethrins from chrysanthemum flowers. Bifenthrin is considered relatively safe and therefore incorporated as the active ingredient in preparations sold over the counter for household use. Recent studies have raised concern that chronic exposure to pesticides in the home setting may increase the risk for neurodegenerative diseases. To address this concer, in the present study, bifenthrin is added to pre-differentiated PC12 and effect of bifenthrin on the retraction of existing neurites is observed a model for neurodegeneration. MATERIAL/METHODS PC12 cells were differentiated with nerve growth factor for twenty-four hours and then treated with what was determined to be a sublethal dose of bifenthrin for up to an additional 48 hours. The percent of cells with neurites was assessed at various times before and after nerve growth factor treatment. Bifenthrin toxicity was determined using trypan blue exclusion. RESULTS Bifenthrin was not toxic to PC12 cells at concentrations ranging from 1 x 10(-10) M to 1 x 10(-4) M. Twenty-four hours after nerve growth factor treatment, a maximum percent of cells had formed neurites and with a treatment of 1 x 10(-5) M bifenthrin, approximately 80% of these neurites retracted in within 12 additional hours and almost all neurites had retracted within 48 hours. Trypan exclusion showed that these cells were viable. CONCLUSIONS These data show that bifenthrin can stimulate the retraction of neurites in the absence of frank toxicity.
Designing Paralinguistic Digital Affordances for Social Support

Paralinguistic digital affordances (PDAs) [2] are simple cues that one can give in response to social media content with one click. The Like, while ubiquitous, can be inappropriate for certain situations due to its literal meaning. In this study, we conducted focus groups with young adults to understand what type of PDAs would be best in a system designed specifically for social support. Hugs were considered to be a good alternative, although cultural sensitivities should be taken into consideration.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a bridge to lung re-transplantation: Is there a role?

Background In this study we sought to determine survival rates after use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) as a bridge to lung re-transplantation (re-LT). Methods Propensity-adjusted analysis was performed on data from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR) to evaluate survival in recipients between the years 1988 and 2012, based on the use of ECMO before re-LT. Results A total of 854 adult re-LT recipients were identified. Extracorporeal support had been used as a bridge in 55 (6.8%) of the recipients, whereas 799 (93.2%) had undergone re-LT without the use of ECMO. Compared with non-ECMO patients, the ECMO patients were more likely to have: higher body mass index ( p = 0.003); received lungs from an older donor ( p = 0.04); higher total bilirubin ( p = 0.002); undergone bilateral lung transplantation ( p = 0.01); diabetes ( p = 0.04); mechanical ventilation ( p p p p p p = 0.02. Conclusion This contemporary analysis of survival after use of ECMO as a bridge to re-LT revealed lower survival in the ECMO group.
Life and death of β cells in Type 1 diabetes: A comprehensive review

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the destruction of insulin-producing pancreatic β cells. Immune modulators have achieved some success in modifying the course of disease progression in T1D. However, there are parallel declines in C-peptide levels in treated and control groups after initial responses. In this review, we discuss mechanisms of β cell death in T1D that involve necrosis and apoptosis. New technologies are being developed to enable visualization of insulitis and β cell mass involving positron emission transmission that identifies β cell ligands and magnetic resonance imaging that can identify vascular leakage. Molecular signatures that identify β cell derived insulin DNA that is released from dying cells have been described and applied to clinical settings. We also consider changes in β cells that occur during disease progression including the induction of DNA methyltransferases that may affect the function and differentiation of β cells. Our findings from newer data suggest that the model of chronic long standing β cell killing should be reconsidered. These studies indicate that the pathophysiology is accelerated in the peridiagnosis period and manifest by increased rates of β cell killing and insulin secretory impairments over a shorter period than previously thought. Finally, we consider cellular explanations to account for the ongoing loss of insulin production despite continued immune therapy that may identify potential targets for treatment. The progressive decline in β cell function raises the question as to whether β cell failure that is independent of immune attack may be involved.
Does ketogenic diet have any negative effect on cardiac systolic and diastolic functions in children with intractable epilepsy?: One-year follow-up results

Abstract Objective The ketogenic diet (KD) has been referred to as an “effective therapy with side effects” for children with intractable epilepsy. Among the most recognized adverse effects, there are cardiac conduction abnormalities, vascular and myocardial dysfunction. However, very limited and controversial data are available regarding the effects of the KD on cardiac functions. We sought to analyze the mid-term effect of ketogenic diet on cardiac functions in patients with intractable epilepsy who received a ketogenic diet for at least 12 months using conventional and relatively new imaging techniques. Methods This prospective study included 61 patients with intractable epilepsy who received ketogenic diet for at least 12 months. Clinical examinations, serum carnitine and selenium levels as well as electrocardiographic and echocardiographic examinations were scheduled prior to the procedure and at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months. We utilized two-dimensional, M-mode, colored Doppler, spectral Doppler and pulsed wave tissue Doppler imaging techniques to investigate ventricular systolic and diastolic functions of this subgroup of patients. Results In our study, there was no significant difference after 1 year of KD therapy compared to baseline values—except a significantly decreased A wave velocity—in terms of pulse wave Doppler echocardiographic measurements of the diastolic function. The tissue Doppler measurements obtained from the lateral wall of tricuspide and mitral annuli were not different at baseline and at month 12 of the treatment, as well. Conclusion The ketogenic diet appears to have no disturbing effect on ventricular functions in epileptic children in the midterm.
Segregation of Plasma-Albumin Types from a Species Gross.

SummaryStarch gel electrophoresis of the plasma of pigeons, ring neck doves, dwarf turtle doves, and mourning doves reveals constant distinct bands in the plasma albumin different for each species. In hybrids among some of these species, the albumin shows both parental components as double bands. The hybrids from dwarf turtle doves X ring neck doves are fertile. There were 24 progeny from one family in the first backcross plus 335 offispring from 58 second and later back-crosses and matings inter se of the back-cross hybrids. The ratios conformed to expectations on the assumption of a monohy-brid, co-dominant, autosomal gene pair. No linkage of the albumin types with the other characters was noted. A blurring of the non-albumin components of the plasma was noted in certain adult females of 4 species, a probable association with egg production.
Droplet Infection of Air: Hih-speed Photoraphy of Droplet Production by Sneezin.∗

The question of infection of air by droplets given off in coughing and sneezing has received considerable attention during the last few years. In particular, investigation has been directed towards determining the role of the air-borne droplet nuclei which result from the evaporation of droplets proper. The bacteriological and epidemiolog-ical aspects have recently been discussed by Wells, Wells, and Mudd.1 Experimentally, little is known of certain of the characteristics of such droplets—their number, size, velocity, settling rate, and rate of evaporation—although these factors are concerned in their dissemination and the production of droplet nuclei. Wells2 has calculated theoretical settling times and distances of fall before evaporation, for plain water droplets of various sizes suspended in still air of different humidities. These figures are only roughly applicable to actual conditions of air infection, since mouth spray and naso-pharynx droplets will contain some dissolved solids or be mucus-like, ...
Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Mechanically Alloyed NiAl

Mechanical alloying (MA) has been used to produce NiAl powders from either elemental or prealloyed constituents. The powders were consolidated by hot extrusion resulting in material which was fully dense, with a grain size around 1 μm and a homogeneous distribution of oxide particles with sizes in the range 10 to 100 nm. TEM observation indicates the presence of a significant dislocation density after consolidation. Mechanical properties have been studied by compression testing from room temperature to 1300 K in air. Yield strengths ranged from 1453 MPa to 32 MPa depending on material and test temperature. Work hardening was observed at all test temperatures for both materials. Substantial ductility was observed even at room temperature where it exceeds 7.5 %. The effects of microstructure on the mechanical properties are discussed.
Dietary Treatment for Migraine Under Six Years

Clinical factors and response to treatment were compared in children < 6 years and older children treated for migraine by nonpharmacologic measures in a pediatric headache clinic at Schneider Children’s Medical Center, Petah Tiqwa, Israel.
In Search of a Moral Erotic Standard: Female Subjectivity and Eros in Dorothy Canfield Fisher’s Rough-Hewn and The Brimming Cup

In this article I will discuss some of the ways in which erotic desire manifests itself in Dorothy Canfield Fisher’s literary universe. My study will focus on Rough-Hewn (1922) and T he Brimming Cup (1921). These novels are particularly interesting because of the tension they display regarding the morality of erotic life. While it seems as if the implied author/narrator tends to favor a devaluation of erotic desire, the ‘‘lived’’ world of the characters in these novels seems to challenge this devaluation. T he Brimming Cup was written and published before Rough-Hewn as the later novel is a prequel to the former. It is thus possible to read RoughHewn not only as an explanatory framework for the earlier novel, but also as an attempt to thematically appropriate T he Brimming Cup. By adding new information that precedes the first novel, it seems as if Canfield Fisher tried to settle some unresolved anxiety. Here, I am not interested in exploring Canfield Fisher’s intentions or anxieties. However, I will try to elucidate a tension between an overt thematic tendency to interpret sexual desire as meaning/non-meaning and a covert much less pervasive ‘‘tone’’ or ‘‘voice’’ in the texts in which erotic desire is expressed as something altogether disconnected from conceptualized meaning. In both novels, this covert tone appears in an unthematized way. Unlike some puritanical reservations against erotic desire that Canfield Fisher might have had, the distaste for sex that we find expressed in her fiction is not founded on the belief that sexuality should mainly be justified by its ultimate aim: to procreate. Marise, the female central character in both Rough-Hewn and T he Brimming Cup, is rather disgusted by the notion that sexual desire has no other meaning than that of procreation. Marise discards erotic life as non-spiritual and therefore as lacking in depth and meaning. In Rough-Hewn, we find that Marise’s and Neale’s relationship is built on the basis of a silent and implicit agreement that he will not express overt sexual desire for her. We learn that Marise is relieved that Neale silently promises to hold back ‘‘the flame of his passion’’ (RH, 492). To Neale, Marise seems so ‘‘weak’’ and ‘‘defenseless’’
Approaches to Failed Rectal Prolapse Surgery

This chapter outlines the Cleveland Clinic’s (Florida) approach to recurrent rectal prolapse. It is recognized that the primary surgical treatment of full-thickness rectal prolapse (let alone its recurrence) is controversial, with a changing paradigm toward more laparoscopic and robot-assisted approaches in patients who were previously poor candidates for abdominal surgery. In this environment the place of perineal surgery is changing. Specialist considerations are required in recurrent cases with residual incontinence, where the role of endoanal stapled rectal resections is currently unclear.
An analysis of free flap failure using the ACS NSQIP database. Does flap site and flap type matter

Purpose We sought to use the NSQIP database to determine the national rate and predictors of free flap failure based upon flap sites and flap types. Methods Free flaps were identified using the 2005–2010 NSQIP database. We examined overall flap failure rates as well as failure rates based upon flap sites (head and neck, extremities, trunk, and breast) and flap types (muscle, fascial, skin, bone, and bowel flaps). Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine predictors of flap failure. Results There were 1,187 microvascular free tissue transfers identified. The overall flap failure rate was 5.1%. Head and neck flaps had the highest rate of free flap failure at 7.7%. Prolonged operative time is an independent predictor of flap failure for all free flaps (OR: 2.383, P = 0.0013). When examining predictors of failure by flap site, free flaps to the breast with prolonged operative time are independently associated with flap failure (OR: 2.288, P = 0.0152). When examining predictors of flap failure by flap type, muscle based free flaps with an ASA classification ≥3 are associated with flap failure (P = 0.0441). Conclusions Risk factors for free flap failure differ based upon flap site and flap type. Prolonged operative time is an independent risk factor for the failure of free flaps used for breast reconstruction. An ASA classification ≥3 is associated with the failure of free muscle based flaps. Our findings identify actionable areas that may help to improve free flap success.
New approach to low-cost solid state lighting using controlled spalling

A simple, fracture-based, layer transfer process has been developed and successfully applied to a number of different semiconductor substrate materials. The process is called Controlled Spalling and works by depositing a tensile stressor layer on the surface of a substrate, introducing a crack near the edge of the substrate, and mechanically guiding the crack as a single fracture front across the surface. The entire process is performed at room-temperature using only common laboratory equipment and can even be applied to completed devices. Recently, this process has been used to separate InGaN/GaN multiquantum well (MQW) light emitting diode (LED) structures that were grown on sapphire substrates. By controlling the stress and thickness of the surface stressor layer, the fracture depth, and thus the layer thickness, can be controlled. Separation of the epitaxial device layers has been made to occur within the n-GaN region, as well as at the GaN/sapphire growth interface. We have also demonstrated successful layer transfer from bulk GaN as well thereby allowing potential reuse of this expensive substrate material.
Democracy and child health in developing countries

The rise of democracy across the world brought with it expectations that governments would be more attentive and responsive to the welfare of the people, creating better services and better health. Indeed, a considerable body of scholarship finds that democracy has significant, direct effects on multiple measures of well-being, particularly life expectancy and infant mortality. Despite several recent critiques, the paramount theme is that democracy is good for health. This study contributes to this literature by assessing the relationship between democracy and child diarrhea and malnutrition across 52 developing countries. Using a multilevel modeling strategy, the analysis examines the country-level effects of democracy and development on child health, while simultaneously taking into account wealth, education, and other household characteristics at the individual level. Contrary to much previous scholarship, democracy does not exhibit a significant association with diarrhea or malnutrition. Instead, gros...
Clinical Use of Imatinib Plasma Levels in Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)

Background: Imatinib plasma levels have been reported to correlate with response to therapy and possibly toxicity (Larson et al, Blood 2008; Picard et al, Blood 2007). These studies included patients taking standard dose, once daily imatinib. However, patients are frequently receiving imatinib at different doses and schedules that do not permit extrapolation of these results. Aims: To investigate the significance of plasma levels in patients receiving imatinib at various doses and schedules. Methods: Patients with CML in chronic (CP) or accelerated phase (AP) receiving imatinib at daily doses of 300 to 800 mg, on a once or twice daily schedule had their plasma levels measured. Patients were asked not to take imatinib the day of the assessment until after the levels were drawn. Plasma levels were measured by high performance liquid chromatography. Results: Imatinib plasma levels have been measured in 120 patients. Fifty-nine levels were trough levels: 35 on a once daily (QD) schedule (2 at 300mg/d, 25 at 400mg/d, 7 at 600mg/d 1 at 800mg/d) measured 24 hrs after last dose, and 24 on a twice daily (BID) schedule (16 at 800mg/d, 5 at 600mg/d, 3 at 400mg/d) measured 12 hrs after last dose. In 39 pts receiving once daily dosing, levels were measured 12 hrs after last dose as pts took imatinib in the evening because of convenience/better tolerance. Thirteen pts had levels measured at 18 hrs, and 9 at other times. Among pts with trough levels measured, median plasma levels were 1300 ng/ml (range, 388–3740). There was a strong correlation between dose and level (median in ng/ml: 943 for 300mg, 1190 for 400mg, 1310 fro 600mg, and 2180 for 800mg; p=0.0003). There was no correlation between plasma levels and gender (median in ng/mL for 28 female pts 1310, for 31 male 1300; p=0.46). Interestingly, pts receiving (n=7; 943ng/mL) concomitant CYP3A4 inhibitors had a trend for lower plasma levels than those not receiving such agents (n=52; 1335ng/ml) (p=0.06).Trough levels by response at time of assessment are shown in table 1: Regression analysis showed no correlation between plasma levels and age (p=0.58), BCR-ABL/transcript levels (p=0.50), neutrophil count (p=0.58), hemoglobin (0.74), or platelet count (0.47). Among 39 pts receiving QD schedule with measures at 12 hrs, median plasma levels were 1680 ng/mL (range, 600 to 3610). There was no correlation between levels and response in this group either. Repeat plasma levels were obtained in 25 pts (18 trough, 7 12 hr non-trough) with a median variability of 13.9%. Median plasma levels for pts measured 36–48 hrs after last dose were 388ng/ml (range, 280–418). Conclusion: Plasma levels measured in patients receiving different doses and schedules of administration in a common practice setting have no correlation with response or toxicity. Further studies are required to determine the applicability of imatinib plasma levels with different schedules of administration.
Effects of vertebral-body-sparing proton craniospinal irradiation on the spine of young pediatric patients with medulloblastoma.

Abstract Purpose To investigate the long-term effects of vertebral-body-sparing proton craniospinal irradiation (CSI) on the spine of young patients with medulloblastoma. Methods and materials Six children between the ages of 3 and 5 years with medulloblastoma were treated with vertebral-body-sparing proton CSI after maximal safe resection. Radiation therapy was delivered in the supine position with posterior beams targeting the craniospinal axis, and the proton beam was stopped anterior to the thecal sac. Patients were treated with a dose of either 23.4 Gy or 36 Gy to the craniospinal axis followed by a boost to the posterior fossa and any metastatic lesions. Chemotherapy varied by protocol. Radiographic effects on the spine were evaluated with serial imaging, either with magnetic resonance imaging scans or plain film using Cobb angle calculations, the presence of thoracic lordosis, lumbar vertebral body-to-disc height ratios, and anterior-posterior height ratios. Clinical outcomes were evaluated by patient/family interview and medical chart review. Results Overall survival and disease free survival were 83% (5/6) at follow-up. Median clinical and radiographic follow-up were 13.6 years and 12.3 years, respectively. Two patients were clinically diagnosed with scoliosis and treated conservatively. At the time of follow-up, no patients had experienced chronic back pain or required spine surgery. No patients were identified to have thoracic lordosis. Diminished growth of the posterior portions of vertebral bodies was identified in all patients, with an average posterior to anterior ratio of 0.88, which was accompanied by compensatory hypertrophy of the posterior intervertebral discs. Conclusion Vertebral-body-sparing CSI with proton beam did not appear to cause increased severe spinal abnormalities in patients treated at our institution. This approach could be considered in future clinical trials in an effort to reduce toxicity and the risk of secondary malignancy and to improve adult height.
Comparing available criteria for measuring brain metastasis response to immunotherapy

The response assessment in neuro-oncology (RANO) working group recently proposed standardized response criteria for brain metastases (RANO-BM). We sought to compare RANO-BM to other criteria in an ongoing brain metastasis trial. The first 36 patients enrolled on NCT02085070, an ongoing trial of pembrolizumab for patients with untreated brain metastases, were included in this analysis. As RANO-BM had not been proposed when the protocol was written, response on trial was assessed using an institutional modification of RECIST 1.1 (mRECIST), wherein minimum target brain lesion size was 5 mm in longest diameter and up to five target brain lesions were followed. We here additionally assessed response using standard RECIST 1.1, RANO high-grade glioma (RANO-HGG), and RANO-BM. Comparison between the four criteria sets using cases eligible across the board revealed excellent concordance (kappa statistic > 0.8), with only one discordant case. However, compared to RECIST 1.1 or RANO-BM, using a 5 mm threshold for target brain lesions in mRECIST allowed enrollment of 13 additional patients, five of whom had durable responses. Compared to RANO-HGG, 19 additional patients were enrolled using mRECIST, eight of whom had durable responses. Consequently, this resulted in response rates ranging from 12% with RANO-HGG to 28% with mRECIST. This study supports using a 5 mm threshold for target brain lesions when using high resolution MRI with ≤2 mm slices to facilitate accrual to similar clinical trials and provide earlier access to novel therapies for brain metastasis patients. Concordance among the four criteria studied was otherwise very high.
Local Litholytic Agents: Dissolution of Cholesterol Biliary Tract Stones with Methyl Tert -Butyl Ether

An estimated 20 million persons in the United States have or have had gallstones, and 80% of these stones are composed predominantly of cholesterol. Efforts to dissolve gallstones with cholesterol solvents are predicated on the premise that removal of the cholesterol will allow the remaining stone components, primarily calcium bilirubinate and calcium carbonate, to be aspirated from the gallbladder or passed spontaneously. Rapidly effective cholesterol solvents have been utilized in the laboratory for decades but have been too toxic or impractical for clinical use. Diethyl ether, for example, rapidly dissolves cholesterol but has a boiling point of 35 °C and expands 225-fold when introduced into the body.
Phenolics from Whole Grain Oat Products as Modifiers of Starch Digestion and Intestinal Glucose Transport

Four oat varieties and three product forms (porridge, cereal, and snack bar) were assessed to determine the impact of oat phenolics on starch digestibility and intestinal glucose transport. α-Amylase activity was enhanced by 20 GAE μM (gallic acid equivalent) of phenolics extracted from oat (96.7–118%, p < 0.05), while it was modestly inhibited at 500 GAE μM (83.0–95.4%). Maltose hydrolysis was reduced (49.6–82.4%, p < 0.05), albeit with high IC50 values (500–940 GAE μM). Free and bound oat phenolic extracts dose-dependently attenuated transport of d-glucose-1,2,3,4,5,6,6-d7 by Caco-2 monolayers over 60 min. Oat foods were then subjected to a coupled in vitro digestion/Caco-2 intestinal cell model to determine relevance to whole food systems. Digestive release of glucose was similar among products; however, glucose transport was significantly reduced from digesta of GMI 423 porridge and puffed cereal by 34% ± 12% and 20% ± 10% (p < 0.05) at 60 min. Results suggest phenolics might be a factor modulating gl...
Gastric Pneumatosis from Isolated Gastric Calciphylaxis

A 58-year-old man with end-stage renal disease presented with hypotension and emesis, pale conjunctivae, and a distended abdomen. Labs revealed hypercalcemia and leukocytosis. Abdominal imaging showed gastric pneumatosis. Endoscopy demonstrated significant hemorrhage and necrosis in the gastric cardia and fundus. Biopsies revealed acute ulcerative gastritis and focal intravascular calcium phosphate crystals. The patient remained nil per os and was placed on omeprazole and sucralfate. Repeat endoscopy demonstrated mucosal healing. Gastric calciphylaxis in the setting of gastric pneumatosis is an uncommon finding, especially in patients without cutaneous findings.
Moving to a culture of health

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) has called for the nation to consider ways to establish a culture of health. Disruptive changes in nursing education are needed, ones that enhance nurses' views of societal needs as the core of clinical practice. A culture of health will require leadership. This leadership needs to be similar to the ways early nurse leaders identified care gaps and acted in society's best interests. A radical transformation in students nurses' education, including the curricula, and content will be needed. This article raises questions and suggests ideas about the disruptive changes needed for education and practice. If nurses are to be full partners in building a culture of health then some traditions must be relinquished and new forward thinking perspectives about nurses' roles must be taken.
Indoor localization with asymmetric grid-based filters in large areas utilizing smartphones

Location information is playing a significant role in nowadays mobile applications. Performing indoor localization with existing WiFi infrastructure and smartphone motion sensor through statistical filtering has been proven to be a feasible solution. Many literature have resorted to particle filters to deal with the multi-modal and non-Gaussian problem associated with the filtering process. Although grid-based filters can approximate the true densities better compared with particle filters, their computational cost is extremely expensive, especially for large areas. In this paper, we develop a novel asymmetric grid-based filter to accommodate both high-resolution requirement and computational cost-efficiency. The evaluation over an indoor area of 3750m2 has shown that our proposed method can achieve a median error of only 2.72m, which is 0.17m more accurate with only 24% of the computation cost compared to particle filters.
Reporting Data Quality Assessment Results: Identifying Individual and Organizational Barriers and Solutions

Introduction: Electronic health record (EHR) data are known to have significant data quality issues, yet the practice and frequency of assessing EHR data is unknown. We sought to understand current practices and attitudes towards reporting data quality assessment (DQA) results by data professionals. Methods: The project was conducted in four Phases: (1) examined current DQA practices among informatics/CER stakeholders via engagement meeting (07/2014); (2) characterized organizations conducting DQA by interviewing key personnel and data management professionals (07-08/2014); (3) developed and administered an anonymous survey to data professionals (03-06/2015); and (4) validated survey results during a follow-up informatics/CER stakeholder engagement meeting (06/2016). Results: The first engagement meeting identified the theme of unintended consequences as a primary barrier to DQA. Interviewees were predominantly medical groups serving distributed networks with formalized DQAs. Consistent with the interviews, most survey (N=111) respondents utilized DQA processes/programs. A lack of resources and clear definitions of how to judge the quality of a dataset were the most commonly cited individual barriers. Vague quality action plans/expectations and data owners not trained in problem identification and problem-solving skills were the most commonly cited organizational barriers. Solutions included allocating resources for DQA, establishing standards and guidelines, and changing organizational culture. Discussion: Several barriers affecting DQA and reporting were identified. Community alignment towards systematic DQA and reporting is needed to overcome these barriers. Conclusion: Understanding barriers and solutions to DQA reporting is vital for establishing trust in the secondary use of EHR data for quality improvement and the pursuit of personalized medicine.
The Unexpected Entry and Exodus of Women in Computing and HCI in India

In India, women represent 45% of total computer science enrollment in universities, almost three times the rate in the United States, where it is 17%. At the same time, women make up an estimated 25-30% of the HCI community in India, half the rate in the U.S. We investigate the complexities of these surprising phenomena through qualitative research of Indian computer science and human-computer interaction researchers and professionals at various life stages. We find among other things that Indian familial norms play a significant role in pressuring young women into computing as a field; that familial pressures and workplace discrimination then cause a precipitous exit of women from computing at the onset of marriage; and that HCI occupies an interstitial space between art and technology that affects women's careers. Our findings underscore the societal influence on women's representation in the tech sector and invite further participation by the HCI community in related questions.
Fuzzy multi-objective technique combined with VCS algorithm for unified power quality conditioner based on hybrid power source PEMFC/SC

Abstract This paper is proposed to establish an optimal control method for UPQC (Unified Power Quality Conditioner) to improve power quality and manage effectively equal power sharing between shunt and series inverter of UPQC under electrical faults condition. The UPQC is modeled to protect sensitive load from source side voltage disturbances under nonlinear load conditions. A hybrid power generator that integrates a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) as the main energy source and a super capacitor (SC) as secondary source is proposed to feed the FACT device. In this work, a new control strategy is presented for considering the voltage sag, power factor and total harmonic distortion (THD) as multi-objective of UPQC controller. For this purpose, a new powerful algorithm named virus colony search (VCS) is used for determining the coefficients of the PI controller of UPQC. By using the fuzzification process for the objectives function, a suitable fitness function is established for the optimization method. From the simulations, it can be seen that the results obtained by the proposed algorithm are best and attractive compared to other method. Consequently, the proposed strategy is effective and outstrips other strategies.
Correlation between fecal egg count, presence of Strongylus vulgaris, and body score of feral horses on Fort Polk, Louisiana.

Abstract Approximately 700 feral horses, dubbed “trespass horses” by the United States Army, occupy Fort Polk, Louisiana and the surrounding Kisatchie National Forest. These horses are considered a nuisance and hazard, and the military is seeking to remove the horses via adoption. The aim of this research was to evaluate the fecal egg count (FEC), body condition score (BCS), and the presence of Strongylus vulgaris within this previously unstudied horse population prior to removal. The feral horse data was compared to domestic horses living on a single farm in the same area. A modified McMaster FEC, Henneke body scoring via photography, and PCR were used to evaluate 10 domestic horses and 28 feral horses. A significantly higher FEC was identified for feral horses when compared to domestic horses (p = 0.004), and 69.2% of feral horses were positive for S. vulgaris while all domestic horses tested negative. Additionally, no correlation was found between FEC and BCS for domestic (p = 0.213) or feral (p = 0.099) horses, and no association was found between FEC and S. vulgaris presence (p = 0.21) or BCS and S. vulgaris presence (p = 0.52). This study provides insight into S. vulgaris and strongyle prevalence in a previously unstudied group of horses and indicates a need for anthelmintic treatment and monitoring of the feral horses once they are adopted.
The radiology of epidermoid tumors of the cerebellopontine angle.

Angiographic, pneumoencephalographic and iophendylate cisternographic features of three recently investigated primary epidermoid tumors of the cerebellopontine angle are presented and the radiology of these lesions is reviewed. Modern neuroradiological techniques, including magnification vertebral angiography with subtraction,and fractional pneumoencephalography with multidirectional laminographic capability, can provide the correct preoperative diagnosis. Combined techniques exclude cerebellopontine angle lesions such as acoustic neuromas, meningiomas, posterior fossa aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations. The appropriate studies fully outline the epidermoid lesions, with their relationship to adjacent neural and vascular structures.
Copper Mineralization in the Aïn Sefra Area (West of Algeria)

In the Ain Sefra area, wilaya of Saida, west of Algeria, the Upper Jurassic and Lower Cretaceous are mainly represented by notable clastic successions of argillaceous rocks, sandstones and conglomerates. They represent typical deltaic, coastal marshes and lagoonal environments. Copper mineralization concentrates on three levels: Portlandian, Neocomian and Aptian. This mineralization is observed to be associated with channel structures. It is also shown that the paleogeographical distribution of the copper mineralization is confined to the area of a platform evolution, marking the Upper Jurassic to Lower Cretaceous period.