cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Alcohol consumption and mortality after breast cancer diagnosis: The health and functioning in women study

Objective To determine the association of prediagnostic alcohol consumption with long-term mortality from breast cancer and other causes in a cohort of women with breast cancer. Methods We studied a Michigan-based cohort of 939 women aged 40-84 years, who provided complete information about the type, amount and intensity of prediagnostic alcohol consumption. Associations of alcohol consumption, based on weekly volume of alcohol consumption during the year prior to breast cancer diagnosis, with mortality were evaluated in Cox proportional hazards models, with adjustment for sociodemographic factors, body mass index, smoking, comorbidity, tumor characteristics, and treatment. Differences among covariates were assessed with Pearson χ2 , Student t -tests and Wilcoxon Rank Sum tests. All statistical tests were two-sided. Results During a median follow-up of 11 years, 724 deaths occurred overall, with 303 from breast cancer. Fifty-five percent of the women were categorized as drinkers with volume of alcohol consumption ranging from 0.75 to 36.00 drinks/week. In multivariable models, a decreased risk of other-cause mortality was associated with low alcohol drinking (0.75-3.75 drinks/week; HR = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.47-0.78), moderate volume alcohol drinking (4.00-9.75 drinks/week; HR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.39-0.85) and low frequency (0.75-3.75 drinks/week) beer and wine intake (HR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.50-0.96 and HR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.52-0.88 respectively). Although the risk of breast cancer-specific mortality was not statistically significantly associated with moderate (4.00-9.75 drinks/week) and high volume (10.00-36.00 drinks/week) alcohol drinking in the overall cohort (HR = 1.43, 95% CI = 95% 0.97-2.12 and HR = 1.53, 95% CI = 0.87-2.70 respectively), there was a positive association of alcohol consumption with breast cancer-specific mortality among current smokers (HR = 1.92, 95% CI = 1.03-3.57; Pinteraction = 0.04). Conclusion In this prospective cohort study, regular consumption of 0.75-36.00 alcoholic drinks per week during the year prior to breast cancer diagnosis was associated with a reduction in other-cause mortality and with an increase in breast cancer-specific mortality among current smokers, after taking into account clinical and sociodemographic factors.
Measuring anterior trunk deformity in scoliosis: development of asymmetry parameters using surface topography (a pilot study)

Clinicians who assess and treat patients for scoliosis typically use parameters that are all visible from the posterior view. Radiographs assess the internal spinal deformity, but do not directly evaluate body shape, either posterior or anterior. This is problematic, as the patient is most concerned about the way they appear in the mirror. An objective set of anterior measurements is needed to help quantify the anterior asymmetry that is present in scoliosis. The design of this system of assessment was developed as a consensus of thinking from four points of view. A spine surgeon provided the musculoskeletal structural perspective. A plastic surgeon specializing in breast reconstruction provided the aesthetic and soft tissue perspective. A surface topography researcher provided the imaging perspective, and a scoliosis patient provided the self-perception and emotional perspective. Using an iterative process, a series of potential measurement parameters using surface topography measurements were considered, debated, and ultimately selected to be part of a system of measurement that provides an overall assessment of anterior trunk asymmetry. An anterior surface topography scan in the relaxed, standing position was taken of the scoliosis patient. The computer provides a 3D topographical model that is used to complete measurements that can be combined to achieve an Anterior Aesthetic Deformity Score. Shoulder parameters, including shoulder height difference and shoulder slope difference, make up 40 % of the total score. Breast asymmetry, including nipple height difference and sternal notch-to-nipple distance, make up 30 % of the total score. Waist asymmetry makes up the final 30 % of the score, providing an objective and quantifiable measure of anterior trunk deformity. These measurements provide an objective, systematic evaluation of anterior trunk asymmetry that can be used in the assessment of patients with scoliosis. Clinical research should now be done to validate this system and show that it is reproducible in a variety of settings and patients.
Orbital Crossings Activated through Electron Injection: Opening Communication between Orthogonal Orbitals in Anionic C1–C5 Cyclizations of Enediynes

Generally, the long-range electronic communication between spatially orthogonal orbitals is inefficient and limited to field and inductive effects. In this work, we provide experimental evidence that such communication can be achieved via intramolecular electron transfer between two degenerate and mutually orthogonal frontier molecular orbitals (MOs) at the transition state. Interaction between orthogonal orbitals is amplified when the energy gap between these orbitals approaches zero, or at an "orbital crossing". The crossing between two empty or two fully occupied MOs, which do not lead to stabilization, can be "activated" when one of the empty MOs is populated (i.e., electron injection) or one of the filled MOs is depopulated (i.e., hole injection). In reductive cycloaromatization reactions, such crossings define transition states with energies defined by both the in-plane and out-of-plane π-systems. Herein, we provide experimental evidence for the utility of this concept using orbital crossings in reductive C1-C5 cycloaromatization reactions of enediynes. Communication with remote substituents via orbital crossings greatly enhances regioselectivity of the ring closure step in comparison to the analogous radical cyclizations. We also present photophysical data pertaining to the efficiency of electron injection into the benzannelated enediynes.
Genome-wide joint analysis of single-nucleotide variant sets and gene expression for hypertension and related phenotypes

With the advance of next-generation sequencing technologies, the study of rare variants in targeted genome regions or even the whole genome becomes feasible. Nevertheless, the massive amount of sequencing data brings great computational and statistical challenges for association analyses. Aside from sequencing variants, other high-throughput omic data (eg, gene expression data) also become available, and can be incorporated into association analysis for better modeling and power improvement. This motivates the need of developing computationally efficient and powerful approaches to model the joint associations of multilevel omic data with complex human diseases. A similarity-based weighted U approach is used to model the joint effect of sequencing variants and gene expression. Using a Mexican American sample provided by Genetic Analysis Workshop 19 (GAW19), we performed a whole-genome joint association analysis of sequencing variants and gene expression with systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and hypertension (HTN) phenotypes. The whole-genome joint association analysis was completed in 80 min on a high-performance personal computer with an i7 4700 CPU and 8 GB memory. Although no gene reached statistical significance after adjusting for multiple testing, some top-ranked genes attained a high significance level and may have biological plausibility to hypertension-related phenotypes. The weighted U approach is computationally efficient for high-dimensional data analysis, and is capable of integrating multiple levels of omic data into association analysis. Through a real data application, we demonstrate the potential benefit of using the new approach for joint association analysis of sequencing variants and gene expression.
Modified CVAD and modified CBAD compared to high‐dose cyclophosphamide for peripheral blood stem cell mobilization in patients with multiple myeloma

Background The optimal regimen for peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) mobilization in patients with multiple myeloma undergoing autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-HCT) has not been established. Experience at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center suggests in addition to single-agent cyclophosphamide (Cy), modified cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, and dexamethasone (mCVAD), and modified cyclophosphamide, bortezomib, doxorubicin, and dexamethasone (mCBAD) may be successful chemomobilization regimens. Methods This retrospective review included 167 patients (66 with Cy, 74 with mCVAD, and 27 with mCBAD) with multiple myeloma undergoing mobilization for auto-HCT between January 1, 2006 and September 30, 2013. The primary objective was to evaluate and compare the successful mobilization of CD34+ cells among high-dose Cy, mCVAD or mCBAD. Results Successful mobilization (≥2×106 CD34+ cells/kg) was achieved in all patients, while 65 (98%), 72 (97%), and 27 (100%) patients achieved an optimal mobilization (≥4×106 CD34+ cells/kg) in the Cy, mCVAD, and mCBAD groups, respectively. There was no significant difference in the number of apheresis sessions (P=.63), incidence of febrile neutropenia (P=.57), or hospital admission rates (P=.55). Conclusion Either Cy, mCVAD, or mCBAD can yield successful PBSC mobilization in patients with multiple myeloma undergoing auto-HCT.
Closing in on black holes

The black hole at the centre of our galaxy has a strong influence on its surroundings. Astronomers cannot yet see this 3.6 million solar mass behemoth directly but they have now witnessed flashes of infrared light emitted breathtakingly close to its event horizon – the virtual membrane that forever separates the world within it from the universe in which we live. Remarkably, these bursts of radiation pulse with a 17 minute beat, which is synchronized to the motion of matter orbiting just above the precipice.
Historical Consciousness of Cyber Security in India

Cyber security has become crucial to any nation's security, economy, and overall well-being. While much has been written about India's rise as a global computing power, not much is known about its cyber security history. I seek to fill this gap through a comprehensive analysis of India's cyber security history and cyber security consciousness. To do this, I take a very wide view of cyber security––as the totality of security infrastructure that includes all technologies used for information collection, storage, and dissemination. My study also covers a very long period, starting from India's colonial times to the present. The long period of examination helps gain perspective on how India's security stances and security consciousness have evolved with time. Earlier colonial policies kept information and communications technologies (ICTs) strictly under government authority, to be wielded as tools of project power and control. These policies continued even after independence, with successive Indian governments retaining absolute monopoly over ICTs. I divide cyber security into internally-focused (i.e. censorship, surveillance, control of citizens) and externally-focused (i.e. defensive and offensive actions directed at malicious external and internal entities perceived as threats to the nation, its enterprises, and citizens) cyber security. My analysis shows that postindependent India granted its citizens freedom of expression and the freedom to elect and govern, but did not do away with the colonial vestiges of internally-focused control policies using ICTs. Nor has it been entirely successful in stitching together a comprehensive externally-focused cyber security policy, despite increasing threats from the outside. These are increasingly at odds with Indian citizens whose cyber security consciousness has grown and evolved over time. It is clear that the state and the citizens need to continuously and democratically negotiate cyber security, to balancing national security with the citizens’ constitutionally protected rights.
Director and Professional Service Firm Networks in Scandals: Insights from Stock Option Backdating

This paper explores the spread and effect of stock option backdating through governance networks, specifically those involving directorships and professional service firms. When properly disclosed,...
Integral Captions and Subtitles: Designing a Space for Embodied Rhetorics and Visual Access

Integral captions and subtitles are specific forms of captions and subtitles that are designed to be essential elements of videos in coordination with sound, signs, and other modes of communication...
Outcomes of Sexuality Course in Nursing Education

This study evaluated the personal and professional outcomes in knowledge, attitudes, and course application for 58 students who completed an advanced sexuality course in a college of nursing. The d...
Implicitizing ruled translational surfaces

Abstract A ruled translational surface is a rational tensor product surface generated by translating a rational space curve along a straight line or equivalently translating a straight line along a rational space curve. We show how to compute the implicit equation of a ruled translational surface from two linearly independent vectors that are perpendicular to the generating line of the surface.
Adjuvant therapy in major salivary gland cancers: Analysis of 8580 patients in the National Cancer Database.

BACKGROUND Evidence surrounding the effect of adjuvant treatment in salivary gland cancers is limited. The benefit of adding chemotherapy to adjuvant treatment is also of interest. We investigated the association of these treatments with survival and whether this differed by stage or the presence of adverse features. METHODS A retrospective study of adult salivary gland cancer cases diagnosed from 2004 to 2013 in the National Cancer Data Base (NCDB) was conducted. RESULTS Treatment with adjuvant radiotherapy was associated with improved survival for both patients with early-stage (hazard ratio [HR] 0.744; P = .004) and late-stage (HR 0.688; P < .001) disease with adverse features. Further addition of chemotherapy to the adjuvant treatment of patients with late-stage disease with adverse features was not associated with a survival benefit (HR 1.028; P = .705). CONCLUSION Adjuvant radiotherapy is associated with improved survival for patients with adverse features, regardless of stage. The addition of chemotherapy to the adjuvant treatment of patients with late-stage disease with adverse features is not associated with improved outcomes.
SAMPLE SIZE ESTIMATES FOR 2K-P DESIGNS WITH BINARY RESPONSES

When the number of defectives (nonconforming products) is to be used as the response in two-level factorial and fractional factorial experiments, it is helpful to have an estimate of the sample size necessary for detecting a specific change. In this art..
Mathematical Models of Action Potential

Mathematical models of action potential first appear at the beginning and the middle of twentieth century as both models of analogy (Ostwald [1], Van Der Pol [2]), FitzHugh [3], Nagumo[4]) and pure phenomenological models ( Wienner and Rosenblut [5], Moe et al [6]., Krinski [7]) including models based on finite automata representations. With significant developments of experimental technique and computer technology, and due to classical pioneering research accomplished by a group of scientists lead by Hodgkin and Huxley [8-10], the semi phenomenological ionic models have received recognition and wide applications for nerve AP models and were then modified to cardiac AP models in fundamental investigations accomplished by D. Noble and his group [11-13].
Solid phases of the Mn-C system

The Mn-C system between 700° and 1110°C was reexamined by microscopic and X-ray diffraction methods. The results summarized in a phase diagram show cubic α-, β- γ-Mn, and hexagonal ∈ existing over appreciable ranges of composition, and cubic Mn23C6, hexagonal Mn15C4, orthorhombic Mn3C, monoclinic Mn5C2, and hexagonal (or trigonal) Mn7C3 as essentially line compounds. Room temperature lattice parameters of the quenched hexagonal ∈−Mn4C1+ X phase were found to increase froma h=2.685 (268.5) andc h=4.412¶ (441.2 pm) withX=−0.30 toa h=2.709 (270.9) andc h=4.429±0.001 ¶ (442.9 pm) withX=+0.06.
Robotic Biliopancreatic Diversion: Robot-Assisted (Hybrid) Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch

Scopinaro first described biliopancreatic diversion in 1979. One of its modifications, the biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS), is the most effective operation for weight loss and resolution of obesity-associated medical conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. It remains uncommonly performed mainly due to its complexity and higher rates of complications compared to other bariatric procedures. We have used the robot over the last 13 years to perform a robot-assisted laparoscopic BPD/DS procedure and have been able to overcome many of the technical hurdles of this procedure. We have demonstrated a high level of effectiveness for both weight loss and comorbidity resolution, with acceptable morbidity. Our technique and experience are described in this chapter.
Abstract A148: A hydrogel platform for the delivery of specialized pro-resolving mediators to treat chronic inflammatory disease

The resolution of acute inflammation is an active process orchestrated by mediators that prevent further recruitment of inflammatory cells and promote clearance of microbes and dying cells. Chronic inflammation can arise when resolution is diminished due to a scarcity of these pro-resolving mediators. Current immunosuppressive drugs for the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases such as IBD, arthritis, or psoriasis temporarily block inflammation without initiating resolution or tissue repair, leading to the recurrence of chronic inflammation. Additionally, systemic administration of these drugs leaves patients susceptible to tuberculosis, lymphoma, and opportunistic infections. Resolvins are a class of evolutionarily conserved lipid mediators that return tissue to homeostasis without immunosuppression by promoting phagocytosis of debris and microbes, and preventing proinflammatory cytokine production and cellular infiltration. To enhance dose sparing and stability, we have developed a tunable hydrogel platform to deliver resolvins to various sites of chronic inflammation. For oral delivery, this hydrogel is further encapsulated into a pH-sensitive microparticle formulated using anionic polymers, to target the large intestine. Using a mouse model of colitis, we demonstrate the ability of the hydrogel to resolve intestinal inflammation, initiate repair of the intestinal barrier, and regulate the gut microbiota. Our tunable hydrogel platform could have profound effects on the prevention of gastrointestinal cancers and chronic inflammatory disease. Citation Format: Padmini Sushila Pillai, Jamie Webster, Robert Langer. A hydrogel platform for the delivery of specialized pro-resolving mediators to treat chronic inflammatory disease [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Fourth CRI-CIMT-EATI-AACR International Cancer Immunotherapy Conference: Translating Science into Survival; Sept 30-Oct 3, 2018; New York, NY. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2019;7(2 Suppl):Abstract nr A148.
Surface acoustic waves over bianisotropic metasurfaces

Metasurfaces are the two-dimensional planarized analogues of metamaterials, yielding unique sound manipulation along a surface. Our group recently proposed the concept of bianisotropic metasurfaces achieved by exploiting the strong nonlocal coupling between neighboring vibrating units, yielding anisotropic impedance in airborne acoustics, and we have applied this property to realize acoustic hyperbolic metasurfaces, which require extreme impedance anisotropy. In this talk, we investigate the wave propagation properties of bianisotropic metasurfaces and report all-angle backward-wave propagation on the surface. By carefully designing the coupling between unit cells, both negative phase index and energy index for surface acoustic waves are observed above the metasurface for all propagation directions, hence realizing converging waves for a radiating point source. Since in bianisotropic metasurfaces the energy can be transmitted not only through surface waves, but also through the coupling units, negative energy index for surface waves does not violate energy conservation laws, as it can be sustained by a positive energy flow within the connected unit cells composing the metasurface.
The effects of sub-threshold vibratory noise on visuomotor entrainment during human walking and standing in a virtual reality environment.

Abstract Humans will naturally synchronize their posture to the motion of a visual surround, but it is unclear if this visuomotor entrainment can be attenuated with an increased sensitivity to somatosensory information. Sub-threshold vibratory noise applied to the Achilles tendons has proven to enhance ankle proprioception through the phenomenon of stochastic resonance. Our purpose was to compare visuomotor entrainment during walking and standing, and to understand how this entrainment might be attenuated by applying sub-threshold vibratory noise over the Achilles tendons. We induced visuomotor entrainment during standing and treadmill walking for ten subjects (24.5 ± 2.9 years) using a speed-matched virtual hallway with continuous mediolateral perturbations at three different frequencies. Vibrotactile motors over the Achilles tendons provided noise (0–400 Hz) with an amplitude set to 90% of each participant’s sensory threshold. Mediolateral sacrum, C7, and head motion was greatly amplified (4–8× on average) at the perturbation frequencies during walking, but was much less pronounced during standing. During walking, individuals with greater mediolateral head motion at the fastest perturbation frequency saw the greatest attenuation of that motion with applied noise. Similarly, during standing, individuals who exhibited greater postural sway (as measured by the center of pressure) also saw the greatest reductions in sway with sub-threshold noise applied in three of our summary metrics. Our results suggest that, at least for healthy young adults, sub-threshold vibratory noise over the Achilles tendons can slightly improve postural control during disruptive mediolateral visual perturbations, but the applied noise does not substantially attenuate visuomotor entrainment during walking or standing.
An Interdisciplinary Review of Surgical Data Recording Technology Features and Legal Considerations

Surgical data recording technology has great promise to generate patient safety and quality data that can be utilized to potentially reduce medical errors. Variations of these systems aim to improve surgical technique, develop better training simulation, and promote adverse event investigation similar to the aims of black box technology utilized in other industries. However, many unknowns remain for surgical data recording utilization in operating rooms and clinical settings in the United States. This includes the need to appropriately design systems so they collect meaningful and useful data that can be discussed by surgical team members in an open and safe environment to optimize clinical care processes. In order to better understand the clinical and regulatory environment for surgical data recording systems, we conducted an interdisciplinary review to identify key technology approaches, and assess legal and regulatory implications associated with this potentially disruptive technology. We found technology ranging from audio and visual data, to systems utilizing mobile applications, and kinematic data capture. The data collected present legal questions over ownership of information and privacy, along with regulatory issues at the federal and state levels. The benefits of these data should be balanced with the need to develop appropriate policies and regulations that protect the interests of both clinicians and patients in order to encourage further innovation and better realize the potential of surgical data recording technology to improve clinical decision making and patient safety outcomes.
Incorporation of genetic testing significantly increases the number of individuals diagnosed with familial hypercholesterolemia.

Background It is estimated that less than 10% of cases of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) in the United States have been diagnosed. Low rates of diagnosis may in part be attributable to affected patients not meeting the clinical diagnostic criteria of the Dutch Lipid Clinic Network (DLCN), Simon Broome, or US MEDPED diagnostic criteria. Objective The objective of this study was to assess the utility of incorporating genetic testing into a patient's evaluation for FH. Methods We retrospectively reviewed patients seen in the Advanced Lipids Disorders Clinic at Johns Hopkins Hospital between January 2015 and May 2018. Between June 2018 and December 2018, patients were consented to a prospective registry. DLCN, Simon Broome, and MEDPED criteria were applied to each patient, before and after genetic testing. Genetic testing included sequencing and deletion duplication analysis of four genes (LDLR, PCSK9, APOB, and LDLRAP1). Results The retrospective review and prospective study identified 135 adult probands who were seen in our clinic for evaluation of heterozygous FH. Twenty-nine individuals (21%) were heterozygous for a pathogenic or likely pathogenic monogenic variant. Before genetic testing, using the DLCN criteria, 35 (26%) individuals met criteria for a definite diagnosis of FH. Thirty patients (22%) met criteria using Simon Broome, and 29 (21%) patients met criteria using US MEDPED before genetic analysis. Depending on the criteria, incorporating genetic testing identified 11–14 additional patients with FH. Conclusions Incorporating genetic testing diagnosed almost 50% more patients with definite FH in comparison to classification solely on clinical grounds.
Satellite Tracking Can Inform Population-Level Dispersal to Foraging Grounds of Post-nesting Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtles

Understanding how populations are distributed spatially can be an effective tool for conservation and management planning. This is especially true for threatened species of mobile marine megafauna, which can use vast expanses of the ocean as foraging and reproductive habitat. Additionally, the broad distributions of these species expose them to a wide variety of threats across their range. Marine turtles are one of these mobile marine megafauna taxa, with individuals making extensive migrations between nesting beaches and foraging grounds. However, it is not well understood how many marine turtle populations distribute themselves spatially at the population or species level. In this study, 178 post-nesting female Kemp’s ridley sea turtles were concurrently satellite tracked from their primary and major secondary nesting beaches between 2010 and 2017 to determine population- and species-level distribution of females to foraging grounds. Filtered tracks and switching state-space models were used to determine the proportion of the adult female population dispersing to, and foraging in, the northern and southern Gulf of Mexico. Fidelity to Gulf regions and foraging areas were also assessed. The majority of females dispersed to northern Gulf of Mexico foraging grounds indicating 82% of the adult female population may use the region to forage. Additionally, individuals displayed fidelity to regions, key foraging areas and migratory corridors over time. These results suggest that the northern Gulf of Mexico may provide the most important foraging areas for reproductively active females of the species and threats in the region may have a disproportionately higher impact on the adult female population, a population critical to the perpetuation and recovery of the species. Results highlight that continued bi-national recovery efforts are essential for recovery of Kemp’s ridleys, as most females nest on Mexican beaches and forage in USA waters. The methodologies used could be applied to conservation and management efforts of other imperiled mobile marine megafauna.
Discrete-Element Method Simulations of the Seismic Response of Flexible Retaining Walls

AbstractIn this study, an analysis of soil–retaining wall dynamic interaction is conducted using three-dimensional discrete-element method (DEM) simulations. Soil grains are treated as rigid spheri...
An efficient synthetic route to L-γ-methyleneglutamine and its amide derivatives, and their selective anticancer activity

In cancer cells, glutaminolysis is the primary source of biosynthetic precursors, fueling the TCA cycle with glutamine-derived α-ketoglutarate. The enhanced production of α-ketoglutarate is critical to cancer cells as it provides carbons for the TCA cycle to produce glutathione, fatty acids, and nucleotides, and contributes nitrogens to produce hexosamines, nucleotides, and many nonessential amino acids. Efforts to inhibit glutamine metabolism in cancer using amino acid analogs have been extensive. l-γ-Methyleneglutamine was shown to be of considerable biochemical importance, playing a major role in nitrogen transport in Arachis and Amorpha plants. Herein we report for the first time an efficient synthetic route to l-γ-methyleneglutamine and its amide derivatives. Many of these l-γ-methyleneglutamic acid amides were shown to be as efficacious as tamoxifen or olaparib at arresting cell growth among MCF-7 (ER+/PR+/HER2-), and SK-BR-3 (ER-/PR-/HER2+) breast cancer cells at 24 or 72 h of treatment. Several of these compounds exerted similar efficacy to olaparib at arresting cell growth among triple-negative MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells by 72 h of treatment. None of the compounds inhibited cell growth in benign MCF-10A breast cells. Overall, N-phenyl amides and N-benzyl amides, such as 3, 5, 9, and 10, arrested the growth of all three (MCF-7, SK-BR-3, and MDA-MB-231) cell lines for 72 h and were devoid of cytotoxicity on MCF-10A control cells; N-benzyl amides with an electron withdrawing group at the para position, such as 5 and 6, inhibited the growth of triple-negative MDA-MB-231 cells commensurate to olaparib. These compounds hold promise as novel therapeutics for the treatment of multiple breast cancer subtypes.
IgG Immune Complexes Inhibit Naïve T Cell Proliferation and Suppress Effector Function in Cytotoxic T Cells.

Elevated levels of circulating immune complexes are associated with autoimmunity and with worse prognoses in cancer. Here, we examined the effects of well-defined, soluble immune complexes (ICs) on human peripheral T cells. We demonstrate that IgG-ICs inhibit the proliferation and differentiation of a subset of naive T cells but stimulate the division of another naive-like T cell subset. Phenotypic analysis by multi-parameter flow cytometry and RNA-Seq were used to characterize the inhibited and stimulated T cells revealing that the inhibited subset presented immature features resembling those of recent thymic emigrants and non-activated naive T cells, whereas the stimulated subset exhibited transcriptional features indicative of a more differentiated, early memory progenitor with a naive-like phenotype. Furthermore, we show that while IgG1-ICs do not profoundly inhibit the proliferation of memory T cells, IgG1-ICs suppress the production of granzyme-β and perforin in cytotoxic memory T cells. Our findings reveal how ICs can link humoral immunity and T cell function.
Modeling of Earthquake Site Ground Motion Parameters Important for Damage Estimation

The time-dependent earthquake occurrence model of Kiremidjian and Anagnos is combined with a wave propagation model to simulate earthquake ground motions at a site. The time-dependent earthquake occurrences are represented by a Markov renewal process. Ground motion estimates at a site are obtained using the normal mode method. The ground motion forecasts are obtained in various forms including time histories, response spectral values, Fourier spectra, and power spectral densities. When the occurrence and wave propagation models are combined, the seismic risk to a structure over its economic life can be expressed in terms of any of these parameters. Applications to sites in Mexico City subjected to earthquakes along the Middle America Trench indicate that the consideration of seismic gaps is one important feature which is captured and well represented by the time-dependent recurrence model. From the same application it is shown that characteristics of ground motion important for design and damage evaluation, such as peak values, predominant frequencies, and duration are better represented provided the source mechanism can be described reasonably well.
THE REPRESENTATION OF SHIP HULLS BY CONFORMAL MAPPING FUNCTIONS: FRACTIONAL MAPS

The method of representing a hull by conformal mapping functions of the cross-sections and lengthwise polynomial interpolation of the mappings, developed by von Kerczek and Tuck , has found useful applications in ship hydrodynamics and ship design, but in both applications there have been two major criticisms of this representation of the underwater parts of the hull. One of these is easily rectified, but a more serious criticism is that infinite section slope at the load waterline is always present. The Authors show how the use of a preliminary fractional conformal mapping eliminates this infinite-slope property. The required modifications to the original method are simple, and are illustrated in an example in which a typical stern-section is considered. A brief note is included on the use of this composite mapping method in boundary- layer calculations.
Potlatch and Potluck: Potshots at Recent Writings on Archaeological Ceramic Technology

Two anthologies of archaeological ceramic-technology studies are discussed regarding their relative contributions to anthropological archaeology. Although the texts by Kolb and Lackey (1988) and Bronitsky (1989) are important reading for ceramic specialists, the latter volume is riddled with flaws and contains studies that rarely articulate well to socioeconomic or sociopolitical questions of archaeological relevance.
Group Properties of Contingencies in Power Systems

This chapter contains sections titled: Introduction Groups of Coherent Contingencies Identification of a Group of Coherent Contingencies Static Group Properties Dynamic Group Properties Concluding Remarks
Preclinical evaluation of TSPO ligand [18F]PBR06 for PET imaging of glioma

279 Objectives Translocator protein (TSPO), formerly known as the peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor (PBR), is a crucial trans-mitochondrial membrane protein involved in numerous cellular functions including cholesterol metabolism, steroidogenesis, and apoptosis. Elevated expression of TSPO is found in numerous diseases that range from neuroinflammation to cancer. As an imaging target, TSPO is well-documented in neuroscience, but its role in oncology is less established. Here we report quantitative PET imaging of glioma with [18F]PBR06, a high-affinity TSPO imaging ligand, in preclinical rodent models. Methods [18F]PBR06 was synthesized with high specific activity using published methods. Two weeks prior to imaging, Wistar rats were stereotactically inoculated in the right hemisphere with 10K tumor cells (C6/9L rat glioma) or vehicle. Healthy and tumor-bearing rats were imaged in a microPET Focus 220 system and a 90 min dynamic acquisition was started simultaneously with the injection of ~ 7.4 MBq/0.2 mL [18F]PBR06. Arterial blood was collected to derive the arterial input function (AIF). HPLC radiometabolite analysis was performed on selected blood samples. Compartmental modeling of PET data was performed using a corrected AIF and PMOD program. Results [18F]PBR06 was found to preferentially accumulate in C6 and 9L tumors with little uptake in healthy brain, facilitating excellent contrast between tumor and normal tissue. In contrast to human studies, [18F]PBR06 radiometabolites were not observed over a 90 min acquisition. Time-activity curves (TACs) deduced from tumor and healthy brain regions could be fit to a 3-compartment, 4-parameter model, providing estimates of K1, k2, k3, and k4 in tumor and healthy brain. Conclusions [18F]PBR06 appears to be a promising PET tracer to visualize TSPO expressing tumors such as glioma. Additionally, we anticipate that the [18F]PBR06 scaffold may represent an effective lead for future probe development for cancer imaging. Research Support NI
Severe Reactions Associated With Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis Vaccine: Detailed Study of Children With Seizures, Hypotonic-Hyporesponsive Episodes, High Fevers, and Persistent Crying

Objective. The pathophysiology of severe reactions to diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP) vaccine is not well understood. Active pertussis toxin in DTP vaccine has been proposed to cause severe DTP vaccine reactions. Large doses of pertussis toxin cause hyperinsulinemia and hypoglycemia as well as leukocytosis with a predominant lymphocytosis in animal models. To learn more about the causes of and risk factors for severe DTP vaccine reactions, children experiencing severe DTP vaccine reactions were studied. Design. Prospective, referral-based surveillance. Setting. Los Angeles, CA. Subjects. Children experiencing severe reactions within 48 hours of DTP immunization and evaluated within 24 hours of the reaction. Severe reactions included encephalopathy, persistent crying ≥3 hours, hypotonic-hyporesponsive episodes (collapse episodes), fever ≥40.5°C, or seizures. Some comparisons were made between children with DTP vaccine-associated seizures and a comparison group of children experiencing febrile seizures unrelated to immunization. Outcome measures. A history and physical examination were performed. Follow-up examinations were performed 1 month later. Blood was collected for complete blood cell count with leukocyte differential count, serum chemistry measurements, and insulin and glucose values. Serum was assayed for active pertussis toxin, both in free and immune-complex masked states. Results. Sixty children experienced severe reactions within 48 hours of DTP immunization: 32 children had seizures only, 14 subjects had hypotonic-hyporesponsive episodes, 2 subjects had fever ≥40.5°C only, 4 subjects had persistent crying ≥3 hours, 6 children had seizures and fever ≥40.5°C, and 2 children had persistent crying and seizures. The children with seizures had a high rate of personal and family histories of seizures, and 90% had documented fevers (≥38°C). Persistent crying was associated with painful local reactions. Effects that may have been due to vaccine pertussis toxin were not found. Lymphocytosis did not occur, nor did hypoglycemia. Some relatively elevated insulin values were noted; however, this finding was also noted in the comparison group of children experiencing febrile seizures unrelated to immunization. No biologically active pertussis toxin was found in the acute sera of children experiencing severe DTP vaccine reactions. Conclusions. Seizures associated with DTP vaccine have similar clinical characteristics as febrile seizures, and persistent crying is initiated by painful local reactions. Vaccine endotoxin is a cause of febrile DTP vaccine reactions. We found no evidence that DTP vaccine pertussis toxin plays a role in severe DTP vaccine reactions.
Price and Performance of Simulating Wind Instruments

A performance-price ratio of 2.2 Gflops per million dollars is demonstrated in simulations of wind instruments using a cluster of 20 non-dedicated Hewlett-Packard workstations and a shared-bus Ethernet network (the performance-price ratio is calculated assuming that the workstations were dedicated). The present simulations of wind instruments are based on the compressible Navier Stokes equations, and have only recently become possible through the use of parallel computing and through developments in numerical methods. The distributed simulation system has been built directly on top of UNIX and TCP/IP, and includes automatic process migration from busy workstations to free workstations.
Influence of R‐Ratio on the Fatigue Behavior of a Woven SiC/SiC Composite

Fatigue behavior of a woven SiC/SiC composite (CMC), manufactured by slurry-cast, melt-infiltration process, was determined at 1038 and 1204°C by conducting tests on specimens machined from CMC plates. Cyclic fatigue tests were conducted in air with a frequency of 20cpm at both temperatures. Two different R-ratios (minimum stress/maximum stress of 0.05 & 0.5) and a maximum stress of 179 MPa were used during the investigation. Five fatigue tests were conducted at each test condition to obtain representative fatigue durability at that condition. Geometric mean cyclic fatigue lives generated at both temperatures and R-ratios were compared. At both temperatures, the geometric mean cyclic lives of the R = 0.5 fatigue tests were higher than those from the R = 0.05 fatigue tests. Results from this investigation suggest that for this material, fatigue durability is primarily governed by the tensile stress range rather than the tensile mean stress. Cumulative fatigue tests, with a maximum stress of 179 MPa and R = 0.05 followed by R = 0.5 on the same specimen, were subsequently conducted on the same CMC at 1038 and 1204°C. At least two cumulative fatigue tests were conducted for each initial life fraction and temperature combination. Summations of life fractions from these tests were used to evaluate applicability of the linear damage rule, which was originally developed for metallic alloys, to the woven CMC. For the conditions investigated, the linear damage rule served as a lower bound for a majority of the cases.
An Inconsistently Sensitive Mind: Richard Posner's Celebration of Insurance Law and Continuing Blind Spots of Econominalism

Seventh Circuit Judge Richard Posner is well know for bringing economic analysis to bear on a host of issues, including infamously controversial notions such the market for baby sale. Not surprisingly, Posner's insurance law opinions reflect economics, but perhaps not to the degree one would expect. A review of Posner's 20 years of opinions relating to insurance issues reviews his pragmatic jurisprudence as well. Decisions frequently reflect not only economics but also situational context and considerations of business reality as well as a sophisticated grasp of basic insurance doctrine and contract law. As a general matter, Posner also displays considerably more reflection than one often finds in insurance decisions and his outcomes are well-balanced between insurers and policyholders. However, where insurance law questions intersect with issues of statutory interpretation and regulation, Posner's tendency to privilege the private sector and markets results in decisions unduly resistant to legislative initiatives such as the Americans with Disabilities Act and other civil rights statutes. This is consistent with the criticism made of Posner's brand of economic analysis more than 25 years ago by Yale Law Professor Arthur Leff's review of the first edition of Posner's treatise. On the most litigated pure questions of insurance coverage, however, the politico-social neutrality of the contest (big commercial policyholder vs. big commercial insurer) is associated with some of Posner's best judicial work.
Nondegenerate three-wave mixing with the Josephson ring modulator

The Josephson ring modulator (JRM) is a device, based on Josephson tunnel junctions, capable of performing nondegenerate mixing in the microwave regime without losses. The generic scattering matrix of the device is calculated by solving coupled quantum Langevin equations. Its form shows that the device can achieve quantum-limited noise performance both as an amplifier and a mixer. Fundamental limitations on simultaneous optimization of performance metrics like gain, bandwidth, and dynamic range (including the effect of pump depletion) are discussed. We also present three possible integrations of the JRM as the active medium in a different electromagnetic environment. The resulting circuits, named Josephson parametric converters (JPC), are discussed in detail, and experimental data on their dynamic range are found to be in good agreement with theoretical predictions. We also discuss future prospects and requisite optimization of JPC as a preamplifier for qubit readout applications.
Predicting Hospital Admission and Returns to the Emergency Department for Elderly Patients

Objectives: Methods to accurately identify elderly patients with a high likelihood of hospital admission or subsequent return to the emergency department (ED) might facilitate the development of interventions to expedite the admission process, improve patient care, and reduce overcrowding. This study sought to identify variables found among elderly ED patients that could predict either hospital admission or return to the ED. Methods: All visits by patients 75 years of age or older during 2007 at an academic ED serving a large community of elderly were reviewed. Clinical and demographic data were used to construct regression models to predict admission or ED return. These models were then validated in a second group of patients 75 and older who presented during two 1-month periods in 2008. Results: Of 4,873 visits, 3,188 resulted in admission (65.4%). Regression modeling identified five variables statistically related to the probability of admission: age, triage score, heart rate, diastolic blood pressure, and chief complaint. Upon validation, the c-statistic of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.73, moderately predictive of admission. We were unable to produce models that predicted ED return for these elderly patients. Conclusions: A derived and validated triage-based model is presented that provides a moderately accurate probability of hospital admission of elderly patients. If validated experimentally, this model might expedite the admission process for elderly ED patients. Our models failed, as have others, to accurately predict ED return among elderly patients, underscoring the challenge of identifying those individuals at risk for early ED returns. ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2010; 17:252–259 © 2010 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
Segmentation and homeotic gene function in the developing nervous system of Drosophila

Abstract Segmentation and homeotic genes of the fruit fly Drosophila control the pattern and identity of segments in the embryonic and adult epidermis. Most of these genes are also expressed in the developing nervous system, as are related vertebrate genes. Recent evidence suggests that segmentation genes are required for early steps in neuronal determination, whereas homeotic genes control segment-specific neuronal differences.