cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Computed tomography treatment planning in IR-192 brachytherapy in the head and neck

Brachytherapy dose prescription and treatment planning lag behind the state-of-the-art for external beam therapy. As altered fractionation of external beam therapy improves patient outcome in head and neck cancer, there will be an increased need to compare the two radiotherapy techniques. Currently, implant techniques and dose prescription documentation are not uniform, dose prescription to a target volume is subjective, and implant quality is poorly understood and not routinely assessed. All contribute to a lack of scientifically rigorous brachytherapy clinical trials. Studies designed to combine tumor imaging and dosimetry data are important in the evolution of brachytherapy treatment planning. Head and neck implants, which often require nonparallel, arching, or looping source carriers for all but small tumors in order to encompass the target volume adequately, were used to evaluate the clinical utility and feasibility of computed tomography as a treatment planning tool in brachytherapy. Following placement of plastic afterloading tubes under general anesthesia, orthogonal radiographs with dummy sources in the afterloading tubes are obtained as customary for source localization. With the patient in the same position, axial CT scans are obtained with the dummy seeds still in place for treatment planning. The implant physician, using data from the pre-treatment diagnostic CT scan, outlines target areas on sequential images creating a 3-dimensional target volume. By superimposing anatomic data with isodose curves one can objectively define implant parameters important in clinical trials analysis. These include minimum target absorbed dose, implant uniformity, and treatment to target volume ratio. The results of the first 10 patients are presented and implications of these data regarding the analysis of implant technique, implant quality, and implant optimization are discussed. The technique as performed is laborious but practicable in the clinical research setting of head and neck implant. Further research efforts should improve, simplify, and objectify brachytherapy and hasten the time when rigorous multi-institutional brachytherapy trials will be reality.
Kinetics and mechanisms of Pb(II) sorption and desorption at the aluminum oxide : Water interface

The fate of Pb in the environment is highly dependent on sorption and desorption reactions on solid surfaces. In this study Pb sorption and desorption kinetics on γ-Al2O3 at pH 6.50, I = 0.1 M, and [Pb]initial = 2 mM were investigated using both macroscopic and spectroscopic measurements. X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopy revealed a Pb−Al bond distance of 3.40 A, consistent with an inner-sphere bidentate bonding mechanism. XAFS results show no change with time in the average local atomic structure surrounding the Pb and no indication of the formation of Pb surface precipitates. Adsorption kinetics were initially fast, resulting in 76% of the total sorption occurring within 15 min, followed by a slow continuous sorption reaction likely resulting from diffusion through micropores. Desorption at I = 0.1 M and pH 6.50 was studied using a cation-exchange resin as a sink for Pb(aq). Under these conditions, Pb desorption was 98% reversible within 3 days of incubation time. Furthermore, desorpti...
Regulation of G Protein–Initiated Signal Transduction in Yeast: Paradigms and Principles

▪ Abstract All cells have the capacity to evoke appropriate and measured responses to signal molecules (such as peptide hormones), environmental changes, and other external stimuli. Tremendous progress has been made in identifying the proteins that mediate cellular response to such signals and in elucidating how events at the cell surface are linked to subsequent biochemical changes in the cytoplasm and nucleus. An emerging area of investigation concerns how signaling components are assembled and regulated (both spatially and temporally), so as to control properly the specificity and intensity of a given signaling pathway. A related question under intensive study is how the action of an individual signaling pathway is integrated with (or insulated from) other pathways to constitute larger networks that control overall cell behavior appropriately. This review describes the signal transduction pathway used by budding yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) to respond to its peptide mating pheromones. This pathway ...
Phase-Feeding the Beef Herd for Improved Feed Utilization 1

Proper nutritional status is critical for optimal production efficiency in the beef cow herd. However, beef producers often take a “one size fits all” approach to feeding the cows in the cow herd. This singular approach to nutrient supply for the cow herd can have serious nutritional and economic ramifications. It should be obvious that not all cows have the same nutrient requirements. Nutritional requirements vary with age, breed, sex, body condition, environment, and physiologic status. By acknowledging differences in nutrient requirements that exist in the beef cow herd, management strategies can be implemented to feed beef herds to optimize feed resources and overall production.
Expression of putative targets of immunotherapy in acute myeloid leukemia and healthy tissues

Expression of putative targets of immunotherapy in acute myeloid leukemia and healthy tissues
Quantification of coronary artery calcium by electron beam computed tomography for determination of severity of angiographic coronary artery disease in younger patients

Objectives. This study attempted to 1) evaluate five quantitative measures of coronary artery calcium and determine which best agreed with coronary artery disease severity at angiography; and 2) determine optimal quantity cutpoints to distinguish among no, mild and significant disease. Background. Coronary artery calcium identified noninvasively by electron beam computed tomography is a sensitive marker for atherosclerosis. Quantitative assessments of calcium could distinguish among patients with no, mild and significant disease in clinical, screening and research settings. Methods. One hundred sixty patients, 23 to 59 years old, underwent coronary angiography and electron beam computed tomography. Coronary artery calciumwas defined as dense (> 130 Hounsfield units) foci ≥2 mm2on the tomogram. Regression and receiver operating characteristic analyses were used to evaluate five quantitative measures of calcium as predictors of the largest stenosis in the coronary arteries and to identify optimal cutpoints for distinguishing among disease categories. No diseasewas defined as no stenosis, mild diseaseas 10% to 49% diameter stenosis in one or more major branches and significant diseaseas ≥ 50% diameter stenosis in one or more major branches. Results. All measures evaluated performed well. With calcific area as the quantitative measure, the best cutpoint for discriminating between patients with and without disease was the presence of calcium: sensitivity 81%, specificity 86% and overall accuracy 83%. The best cutpoint for discriminating between patients with and without significant disease was 18 mm2: sensitivity 86%, specificity 81% and accuracy 83%. Conclusions. Because the ranges of calcium quantity overlapped across disease categories, no cutpoints would distinguish among categories with absolute certainty. However, selected cutpoints could rule out disease in most healthy subjects and identify most patients with significant disease.
On the nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum of reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide

The two C-4 protons of reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) produce an AB NMR spectrum at 100 MHz as well as at 220 MHz. This observation allows an upper limit of 50 sec−1 to be placed on the mean rate of interconversion of the two folded forms of NADH invoked to account for the magnetic non-equivalence of the C-4 protons. The interpretation of non-equivalence of the C-4 protons in terms of the various equilibria among folded and unfolded forms of NADH and its possible significance in the mechanism of action of dehydrogenase enzymes is discussed. It is suggested that one folded form of NADH is strongly favored thermodynamically over the other and that the resulting magnetic non-equivalence of the C-4 protons is of doubtful significance in explaining the stereospecificity of dehydrogenase enzymes toward the nicotinamide ring.
Polyoxometalate-Enhanced Oxidation of Organic Compounds by Nanoparticulate Zero-Valent Iron and Ferrous Ion in the Presence of Oxygen

In the presence of oxygen, organic compounds can be oxidized by zerovalent iron or dissolved Fe(II). However, this process is not a very effective means of degrading contaminants because the yields of oxidants are usually low (i.e., typically less than 5% of the iron added is converted into oxidants capable of transforming organic compounds). The addition of polyoxometalate (POM) greatly increases the yield of oxidants in both systems. The mechanism of POM enhancement depends on the solution pH. Under acidic conditions, POM mediates the electron transfer from nanoparticulate zerovalent iron (nZVI) or Fe(II) to oxygen, increasing the production of hydrogen peroxide, which is subsequently converted to hydroxyl radical through the Fenton reaction. At neutral pH values, iron forms a complex with POM, preventing iron precipitation on the nZVI surface and in bulk solution. At pH 7, the yield of oxidant approaches the theoretical maximum in the nZVI/O2 and the Fe(II)/O2 systems when POM is present, suggesting th...
Evolved and Designed Self-Reproducing Modular Robotics

Long-term physical survivability of most robotic systems today is achieved through durable hardware. In contrast, most biological systems are not made of robust materials; long-term sustainability and evolutionary adaptation in nature are provided through processes of self-repair and, ultimately, self-reproduction. Here we demonstrate a large space of possible robots capable of autonomous self-reproduction. These robots are composed of actuated modules equipped with electromagnets to selectively control the morphology of the robotic assembly. We show a variety of 2-D and 3-D machines from 3 to 2n modules, and two physical implementations that each achieves two generations of reproduction. We show both automatically generated and manually designed morphologies
Blood circulation laboratory investigations with video are less investigative than instructional blood circulation laboratories with live organisms

Live organisms versus digital video of the organisms were used to challenge students' naive ideas and misconceptions about blood, the heart, and circulatory patterns. Three faculty members taught 259 grade 10 biology students in a California high school with students from diverse ethnolinguistic groups who were divided into 5 classes using microscopes (128 students) and 5 classes using digital video (131 students) to compare blood transport among invertebrates, fish, and humans. The “What Is Happening in this Class?” (WIHIC) questionnaire was used for assessment of microscope and video groups to detect students' perception of their learning environment following these teaching interventions. The use of microscopes had a clear effect on the perception of the investigative aspects of the learning environment that was not detected with the video treatment. Findings suggest that video should not replace investigations with live organisms.
Biomass burning losses of carbon estimated from ecosystem modeling and satellite data analysis for the Brazilian Amazon region

To produce a new daily record of gross carbon emissions from biomass burning events and post-burning decomposition #uxes in the states of the Brazilian Legal Amazon (Instituto Brasileiro de Geogra"a e Estatistica (IBGE), 1991. Anuario Estatistico do Brasil, Vol. 51. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil pp. 1}1024). We have used vegetation greenness estimates from satellite images as inputs to a terrestrial ecosystem production model. This carbon allocation model generates new estimates of regional aboveground vegetation biomass at 8-km resolution. The modeled biomass product is then combined for the "rst time with "re pixel counts from the advanced very high-resolution radiometer (AVHRR) to overlay regional burning activities in the Amazon. Results from our analysis indicate that carbon emission estimates from annual region-wide sources of deforestation and biomass burning in the early 1990s are apparently three to "ve times higher than reported in previous studies for the Brazilian Legal Amazon (Houghton et al., 2000. Nature 403, 301}304; Fearnside, 1997. Climatic Change 35, 321}360), i.e., studies which implied that the Legal Amazon region tends toward a net-zero annual source of terrestrial carbon. In contrast, our analysis implies that the total source #uxes over the entire Legal Amazon region range from 0.2 to 1.2 Pg C yr~1, depending strongly on annual rainfall patterns. The reasons for our higher burning emission estimates are (1) use of combustion fractions typically measured during Amazon forest burning events for computing carbon losses, (2) more detailed geographic distribution of vegetation biomass and daily "re activity for the region, and (3) inclusion of "re e!ects in extensive areas of the Legal Amazon covered by open woodland, secondary forests, savanna, and pasture vegetation. The total area of rainforest estimated annually to be deforested did not di!er substantially among the previous analyses cited and our own. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.
Electronic structure and solution behavior of a tris(N,N′-diphenylhydrazido)manganese(IV) propeller complex

The electronic structure and magnetic properties of the manganese(IV) trihydrazide propeller complex, Li2Mn(κ2-PhN–NPh)3L2 (1, L = tetrahydrofuran, diethyl ether), are explored. EPR and solid-state magnetometry studies are indicative of a high spin Mn(IV) with a S = 3/2 spin state. Solution-phase magnetic measurements result in a measured μeff less than that expected for a S = 3/2, indicating a solution-phase equilibrium with a lower-spin species. Concentration-dependent magnetic susceptibility measurements identify clustering of 1 to an antiferromagnetically coupled multinuclear complex as the most likely explanation for the solution behavior. Comparative infrared spectroscopy in solution and solid phase are described which support speciation in solution.
Rate-Dependent Adhesion between Polymer and Surfactant Monolayers on Elastic Substrates

Organic monolayers were formed on mica substrates whose detachment was rate-independent in the absence of these monolayers. The pull-off force under dry conditions was measured as a function of contact time (0.01−500 s) and separation rate (0.003−100 μm/s; corresponding lateral crack velocity approximately 0.04−1200 μm/s) using a piezoelectric bimorph attachment to a surface forces apparatus. No time or rate dependence was observed for close-packed crystalline monolayers of condensed n-octadecyltriethoxysilane (OTE) or the adsorbed glassy diblock copolymer poly-2-vinylpyridine (PVP)−polystyrene. Rate dependence beyond a critical separation rate was observed in monolayers whose chains were more mobile although anchored at one end to the solid surface. For loose-packed monolayers of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), the adhesion in excess of the constant observed at low rate increased as a power law with the square root of the separation rate. For adsorbed PVP−polybutadiene, the excess adhesion increas...
Predicting major depression in brain tumor patients.

Very few studies have been performed utilizing DSM criteria to diagnose major depressive disorder (MDD) in adult brain tumor patients. This study aimed to diagnose MDD in this population using DSM-IV criteria.Eighty-nine adult brain tumor patients were examined in an ambulatory neuro-oncology clinic setting using a structured psychiatric interview which followed current DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for MDD. This sample was interviewed and evaluated on a one-time basis. The patients were referred for evaluation on a consecutive basis. Multiple regression was used to model critical independent variables to predict MDD.Twenty-eight percent of the sample (N=89) were found to have major depressive disorder using DSM-IV criteria. Key predictors of MDD included frontal region of tumor location (p=0.001), combined sadness and lack of motivation symptoms (p=0.0001), and family psychiatric history (p=0.006). The multiple regression models account for 37% of variance in predicting MDD (R(2)=0.37).A substantially higher incidence of MDD was found in this sample of adult brain tumor patients compared with other adult, ambulatory cancer patients previously evaluated with DSM criteria. The incidence of MDD was about triple that found in other published studies using DSM criteria.
Hypercholesterolemia Impairs the Myocardial Angiogenic Response in a Swine Model of Chronic Ischemia: Role of Endostatin and Oxidative Stress

Background Recent studies have shown that angiogenesis is regulated by a balance between activators and inhibitors. We investigated the effects of hypercholesterolemia on the functional angiogenic response and collateral formation induced by chronic myocardial ischemia and the expression of angiogenic mediators. Methods Twelve Yucatan miniswine, fed either a normal (NORM, n=6) or high cholesterol (HCHO, n=6) diet for 13 weeks, underwent ameroid constrictor placement around the circumflex artery. Three weeks later, myocardial perfusion was quantified using isotope-labeled microspheres. Seven weeks after ameroid placement, coronary microvascular responses and myocardial perfusion were assessed. Vascular density was evaluated by PECAM-1 (CD-31) staining, and vascular endothelial growth factor, endothelial nitric oxide synthase, endostatin, and angiostatin protein levels were determined. Myocardial protein oxidation was quantified. Results Coronary microvessels from HCHO pigs showed significant endothelial dysfunction. Baseline-adjusted myocardial flow at 7 weeks was significantly reduced in the HCHO animals (−0.002 ± 0.06 versus +0.23 ± 0.09 mL/min/g, HCHO versus NORM, p = 0.04). Endostatin expression was significantly increased in the HCHO pigs (2.2-fold, p = 0.001 versus NORM). There was a mild reduction in myocardial vascular endothelial growth factor expression (−29% ± 14%, p = 0.09) in HCHO animals, but no difference in expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase and angiostatin. The HCHO animals demonstrated increased myocardial protein oxidation compared with the NORM group (+155% ± 21%, p = 0.03 versus NORM). Conclusions Ischemia-induced angiogenesis is inhibited in hypercholesterolemic pigs with a concomitant increase in endostatin expression and oxidative stress. These findings suggest that under conditions of hypercholesterolemia, coronary collateral development may be regulated by endogenous angiogenesis inhibitors such as endostatin as well as reactive oxygen species.
Novel Burkholderia mallei Virulence Factors Linked to Specific Host-Pathogen Protein Interactions

Burkholderia mallei is an infectious intracellular pathogen whose virulence and resistance to antibiotics makes it a potential bioterrorism agent. Given its genetic origin as a commensal soil organism, it is equipped with an extensive and varied set of adapted mechanisms to cope with and modulate host-cell environments. One essential virulence mechanism constitutes the specialized secretion systems that are designed to penetrate host-cell membranes and insert pathogen proteins directly into the host cell's cytosol. However, the secretion systems' proteins and, in particular, their host targets are largely uncharacterized. Here, we used a combined in silico, in vitro, and in vivo approach to identify B. mallei proteins required for pathogenicity. We used bioinformatics tools, including orthology detection and ab initio predictions of secretion system proteins, as well as published experimental Burkholderia data to initially select a small number of proteins as putative virulence factors. We then used yeast two-hybrid assays against normalized whole human and whole murine proteome libraries to detect and identify interactions among each of these bacterial proteins and host proteins. Analysis of such interactions provided both verification of known virulence factors and identification of three new putative virulence proteins. We successfully created insertion mutants for each of these three proteins using the virulent B. mallei ATCC 23344 strain. We exposed BALB/c mice to mutant strains and the wild-type strain in an aerosol challenge model using lethal B. mallei doses. In each set of experiments, mice exposed to mutant strains survived for the 21-day duration of the experiment, whereas mice exposed to the wild-type strain rapidly died. Given their in vivo role in pathogenicity, and based on the yeast two-hybrid interaction data, these results point to the importance of these pathogen proteins in modulating host ubiquitination pathways, phagosomal escape, and actin-cytoskeleton rearrangement processes.
Use of narcotics contracts.

Narcotics contracts, which stipulate patient responsibilities in exchange for opiate treatment of pain, may strike some patients as onerous, but they are a good way of reducing the risk of abuse or diversion of prescription drugs while still ensuring patients get pain relief.
Energy-efficient implementations of GF (p) and GF(2m) elliptic curve cryptography

While public-key cryptography is essential for secure communications, the energy cost of even the most efficient algorithms based on Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) is prohibitive on many ultra-low energy devices such as sensornetwork nodes and identification tags. Although an abundance of hardware acceleration techniques for ECC have been proposed in literature, little research has focused on understanding the energy benefits of these techniques. Therefore, we evaluate the energy cost of ECC on several different hardware/software configurations across a range of security levels. Our work comprehensively explores implementations of both GF(p) and GF(2m) ECC, demonstrating that GF(2m) provides a 1.31 to 2.11 factor improvement in energy efficiency over GF(p) on an extended RISC processor. We also show that including a 4KB instruction cache in our system can reduce the energy cost of ECC by as much as 30%. Furthermore, our GF(2m) coprocessor achieves a 2.8 to 3.61 factor improvement in energy efficiency compared to instruction set extensions and significantly outperforms prior work.
The Anatomy of the Wing

A number of methods to size the wing of a new GA aircraft are presented. The chapter begins by the presentation of handy formulation to calculate various properties of trapezoidal surfaces, which is the most common planform shape for lifting surfaces like wings and horizontal and vertical tails. This is followed by the introduction of various concepts, topics, and methods for laying out the wing planform. These include aspect ratio, taper ratio, washout, and wing incidence angle. In order to help the designer evaluate the pros and cons of typical wing planform shapes, suitable for the new aircraft, a detailed discussion follows. In addition to the large number of different geometries presented detailed information about the spanwise distribution of section lift coefficients is provided to help the designer realize their properties. Next, a number of methods to evaluate the lift and pitching moment characteristics of the wing as a 3-dimensional lifting body are provided. Then, a number of issues that have to do with wing stall characteristics and how to improve them are presented. Finally, in order to help the designer in realizing the properties of the selected wing planform and airfoils, a practical version of Prandtl’s Lifting Line Theory is presented. Despite being old, this is a sophisticated numerical method used to estimate the aerodynamic properties of the wing. A computer function, written in Visual Basic for Applications, intended for use with Microsoft Excel is presented as well, allowing the reader to get to work immediately.
TNF-alpha induces selectin-mediated leukocyte rolling in mouse cremaster muscle arterioles

Leukocyte rolling is commonly restricted to venules and mediated by selectins expressed both on leukocytes (L-selectin) and the vascular endothelium (P- and E-selectin). We show here that 2- to 3-h tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) stimulation of the mouse cremaster muscle induces rolling in arterioles (diameters 30-70 microm; wall shear rates 225-1,770 s(-1)). Weak P-selectin expression was detected on arteriolar endothelium of TNF-alpha-stimulated cremaster muscles. No rolling was observed in arterioles smaller than 30 microm (wall shear rates 1,500-3,250 s(-1)). The arteriolar rolling flux fraction in wild-type mice averaged approximately 5% and rolling was blocked by the P-selectin monoclonal antibody (MAb) RB40.34. Rolling in L- and E-selectin-deficient mice was similar to that in wild-type mice and was also blocked by the MAb RB40.34. Rolling was completely absent in arterioles of P-selectin-deficient mice. The average rolling velocity in arterioles of wild-type and L-selectin-deficient mice was approximately 50 microm/s but increased to approximately 110 microm/s in E-selectin-deficient mice and after injection of the blocking E-selectin MAb 9A9 in wild-type mice. We conclude that TNF-alpha treatment induces P-selectin-dependent rolling in arterioles that requires E-selectin for rolling at normal velocities.
Tearing Down the Binary: Transgender Rights and Their Implications for Gender Liberation

this paper is an examination of the state of transgender law and how the transgender movement can build off the gay rights movement and women's movement, as well as break new ground for those movements.
Examining the Use of For-Profit Placements in Law School Externship Programs

This article explores the debate regarding the use of for-profit law firms and companies as placements in law school externship programs. The goal of this article is to discuss the potential drawbacks and benefits of for-profit placements in externships programs and, for those programs that allow for-profit placements, discuss approaches and guidelines to minimize the legitimate concerns of those who oppose such placements. After reviewing the relevant history and applicable rules, this article sets forth arguments for and against for-profit externship placements. The author concludes that such placements are appropriate if they further the goals of individual externship programs, but that certain guidelines should be followed to minimize legitimate educational concerns.
Analysis of Plant Cerebrosides by C18 and C6 HPLC

HPLC methods using a C18 (Cahoon and Lynch 1991) or a C6 (Whitaker 1996) column have been devised for analysis of plant CBs. The methods were compared with respect to detection limits and separation based on fatty-acid (FA) chain length and sphingoid (SP) hydroxylation, unsaturation, and cis versus trans isomerization. Results with CBs from apple and melon fruits were as follows: 1) The C6 method, which uses a gradient of MeCN in water with UV monitoring at 205nm, was about 3-fold more sensitive than the C18 method (isocratic McCN:MeOH, with UV detection at 210nm); 2) C6 was comparable to C18 for separation according to FA chain length and SP hydroxylation and unsaturation; 3) C18 gave near baseline resolution of CBs with 8-cis and 8-trans SP isomers, whereas C6 gave no or partial separation; 4) Total run times were 60 min on C18versus 40 min on C6 and CB retention times differed substantially. Overall, the C6 method is suitable for routine quantification and characterization of plant CBs, particularly when the amount of sample is limiting. However, for separation and identication of CB molecular species, the C18 method is clearly superior.
Acute severe facial injuries. Treatment, including current concepts of tetanus prophylaxis.

Acute severe trauma of the face usually brings three problems in emergency form: hemorrhage, inadequacy of the airway, and tetanus prophylaxis. Ordinarily, most of the immediate efforts are directed toward soft-tissue injuries. Allowing more time before treating extensive facial bone injuries permits the patient to recover from the original trauma and the surgeon to formulate his plan after thorough study of the situation. With few exceptions, acute severe facial injuries are tetanus-prone and must be treated accordingly.
A universal human good

At the outset of this book it was observed that politicians, government officials, political and legal theorists, business leaders, development experts, the World Bank and IMF, and many others around the globe, from liberal and non-liberal societies, from developed countries and developing countries, promote the rule of law as offering worldwide benefit. A quarter century ago noted Marxist historian E. P. Thompson incited a stormy academic debate among the far left when he declared, following a detailed historical study of liberalism in England, that the rule of law was an unqualified, universal good. Coming from one of their heroes, fellow Marxists considered this conclusion almost traitorous. Thompson confirmed that law served the interests of the ruling class, and that judges were drawn from the ruling class and showered it with favoritism. English liberal law, in the guise of neutrality, concealed and reinforced many iniquities. But that was not the whole story. He also discovered that the ideology of being bound by the law had a restraining effect on those with power, whether the monarchy or the wealthy. They claimed to be bound by the law, and the effect of this claim – because they and others around them came to believe and act upon this claim – was to place them within legal restraints. Rhetoric became reality. With this in mind, Thompson concluded that the rule of law was “a cultural achievement of universal significance.”
Abstract 4564: Elucidating the mechanism of the STAT3/NF-κB/EP4 signaling axis in pancreatic cancer

Despite recent advances to pancreatic cancer (PanCA) management, the 5 year survival rate remains only 7%. This poor survival rate highlights the importance of increasing our molecular understanding of PanCA pathogenesis to develop effective therapies to improve patient outcomes. We previously demonstrated that targeting the STAT3/NF-κB signaling axis with Nexrutine® (a Phellodendron amurense bark extract) was able to inhibit autophagy, ROS production, and proliferation in multiple PanCA cell lines. Our data also indicated the potential involvement of prostaglandin receptor EP4 in mediating these effects. To our surprise, we observed decreased levels of EP4 in human pancreatic tumors implicating a possible protective role. However, the mechanism behind STAT3/NF-κB signaling and its link to EP4 are still unknown. Using genetic and chemical inhibition of STAT3 and EP4, we have sought to define the STAT3/NF-κB/EP4 signaling axis. Our results indicate that inhibition of STAT3 via knockdown (STAT3 KD) using shRNA does not affect the proliferative ability or viability of PanCA cell lines when compared to non-transfected control (NTC) cells. Even though proliferation and viability were un-affected, STAT3 KD increased Cox-2 levels in a KRAS mutant cell line (Capan-2) and inhibited Cox-2 in a KRAS WT cell line (BxPC-3). Inhibition of EP4 increased STAT3 and NF-κB activity in KRAS mutant cell lines while decreasing activity in the KRAS WT cell line. Furthermore, EP4 inhibition increased protein levels of IL-6 and dual inhibition of STAT3 and EP4 yielded increased NF-κB activity and decreased Cox-2 levels. Converse experiments in cells treated with IL-6 revealed inhibited EP4 expression and decreased NF-κB activity. This may be the reason behind the increased STAT3 activity noted in EP4 inhibited KRAS mutant cells and supports the notion that EP4 may be protective against PanCA development. Taken together, these data suggests a feedback loop in regulating the STAT3/NF-κB/EP4 signaling cascade and that STAT3/NF-κB signaling axis members are differentially regulated upon STAT3 or EP4 inhibition possibly depending on KRAS status. Supported by Initiative for Maximizing Student Development (IMSD) Training Grant (R25 GM095480; NMJB), NCCIH (R01 AT007448; APK), and VA-MERIT Award (I01 BX 000766; APK) Citation Format: Amanda R. Munoz, James W. Freeman, Addanki P. Kumar. Elucidating the mechanism of the STAT3/NF-κB/EP4 signaling axis in pancreatic cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 4564.
Immune thrombocytopenia of childhood responsive to tonsillectomy in the setting of chronic tonsillitis: A case report and literature review.

Abstract Objectives Immune thrombocytopenia of childhood (platelet count Methods A 4-year-old male with ITP of childhood presented with enlarged tonsils and obstructive sleep apnea. History and physical were consistent with chronic tonsillitis/adenoiditis including malaise, poor oral intake, congestion, rhinorrhea, tonsil hypertrophy, and lymphadenopathy persisting despite antibiotic therapy. Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy were performed. Results One, six, and eighteen weeks post-operatively the platelet count was 371, 215, and 205 respectively. Although at 12 months two relapses had occurred, during the observed period, he had decreased incidence and severity of disease. Conclusion In around 60% of ITP there is a history of prior infection within the last month but no systemic symptoms at time of diagnosis. Additionally, chronic ITP is characterized by relapses coinciding with infection. This case is unique because the patient had chronic ITP and a clinical history and physical exam concerning for a subclinical, indolent inflammatory process that responded to surgical intervention. Given that chronic ITP exacerbation has been associated with recurrent acute infections it seems probable that chronic tonsillitis could serve as a trigger for relapse or contribute to a prolonged and/or more severe disease course. Therefore, tonsillectomy may result in earlier treatment and/or an altered disease course with avoidance of the expense and morbidity associated with frequent exacerbations and multiple treatment regimens.
Pinpointing the Tropical Effect – The Relevance of Climate

Countries that are located in and near the Tropics have lower levels of average income than those in more temperate climates. Research shows that aspects of geography such as climate and disease ecology can affect economic outcomes and standards of living. This chapter focuses in particular on the effects of climate as it pertains to temperature and rainfall. A study is conducted which finds evidence of a negative relationship between higher temperatures and average incomes across countries. It also finds that countries that have wider ranges of temperature extremes have higher incomes. Lastly, the evidence points to the importance of rainfall but the relationship between levels of precipitation and income is more complex.
Career Breakthroughs of Women in Intercollegiate Athletic Administration: What is the Role of Mentoring?

Participation in mentoring is integral for advancement within sport organizations, particularly for women (Bower, 2009; Shaw, 2006). However, it is unclear how mentoring contributes to opportunities for career advancement or breakthroughs (e.g., opportunities for new functional roles, project oversight) (Mainiero, 1994). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to understand the role of mentoring as it pertains to career breakthroughs for women in intercollegiate athletic administration. This qualitative study included 51 focus group participants in athletic administration at NCAA-member institutions (divisions, I, II, and III). Results suggested mentoring as a critical factor in career advancement. Participants indicated having a mentor was highly desired. Mentoring relationships with someone internal and external to their respective athletic departments was important. However, there was little consensus on the benefits or drawbacks of having a mentor of the same or opposite sex. Implications and strateg...
Panel Studies and Language Variation

The panel study methodology is categorized in the study of linguistic variation as a real-time study, an investigation that considers the linguistic behavior of speakers over a period of time. The main objective of the panel study is to document longitudinally the linguistic behavior of individuals. Panel studies could shed light on the lability of the linguistic system over the life span, in testing the apparent-time hypothesis, in distinguishing age-grading from community change, and in measuring the individual contribution to linguistic change at the community level.
The Application of a Self-Management Program on Instruction-Following Skills

The effects of a multicomponent self-management program on the instruction-following behaviors of five students with moderate to severe intellectual disabilities are investigated in a vocational sk...
Abstract 515: Integrative analysis of LncRNA-drug interactions in cancer identified EPIC1 as an oncogenic lncRNA that regulates breast cancer tumorigenesis and iBET resistance through regulating MYC transcriptional activity

Emerging evidence suggests that lncRNAs can serve as promising biomarkers and therapeutic targets in cancer. Here, by integrating multiple dimensional pharmacogenomic data of 11,950 lncRNA in 5,605 tumors and 1,005 cancer cell lines, we build lncRNA drug response models for 265 anti-cancer compounds across 27 cancer types. Our study reveals the cancer cell lines can realistically recapitulate patient tumors in IncRNA genomic and epigenetic alterations. Using Elastic Net (EN) regression model combined with bootstrap cross validation, our analysis identified 162,327 unique lncRNA-drug interactions. The robustness of lncRNA based EN-models is validated by independent cancer cell line drug response data. By applying lncRNA EN-models of 49 FDA approved drugs to TCGA pan-cancer patient samples across 21 caner types, we have shown that the cancer cell line based EN-models could readily predict chemotherapy responses in patients with breast, stomach, thyroid, and colon rectal cancer. Further lncRNA-protein coding gene co-expression analysis reveals that drug-predictive lncRNAs regulated drug-metabolism and drug-target pathways, which provide underlying mechanism for lncRNAs9 regulation of drug response. This analysis has identified a novel intergenic lncRNA, EPIC1, regulates breast cancer tumorigenesis and iBET (Bromodomain Inhibitors) resistance through directly interacting with MYC and regulating MYC transcriptional activity. Knockdown of EPIC1 in breast cancer cells leads to inhibition of colony formation, cell cycle arrest, and suppression of tumor growth in vitro and in vivo. Overexpression of EPIC1 increased MYC target expression, breast tumorigenesis in vitro and in vivo, and promote iBET resistance in breast cancer. Mechanistically, EPIC1 directly interacts with MYC through EPIC19s 129-283 nt region. EPIC1 knockdown reduces the occupancy of MYC protein to the promoters of its target genes (e.g., p21, CCNA2, CDC20, and CDC45) without influencing MYC expression. The oncogenic effect of EPIC1 can be abolished by MYC knockdown. To our best knowledge, this is the first study to link noncoding genotypes with drug response phenotypes in both cancer cell lines and patient tumors. Citation Format: Yue Wang, Zehua Wang, Bo Yang, Min Zhang, Da Yang. Integrative analysis of LncRNA-drug interactions in cancer identified EPIC1 as an oncogenic lncRNA that regulates breast cancer tumorigenesis and iBET resistance through regulating MYC transcriptional activity [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 515.
Increased litigation burden among tibia, pelvis, and spine fractures: An analysis of 756 fracture-related malpractice cases.

Objectives To analyze a series of claims from a large national malpractice insurer associated with fracture care to understand what parameters are associated with claims, defense costs, and paid indemnity. Design Review of claims in fracture care settings from a national database; case series. Setting Database draws from insured pool of 400,000 medical malpractice cases from 400 healthcare entities across the country, representing 165,000 physicians; both academic and private. Patients/Participants Fracture care patients bringing legal suit. Main Outcome Measurements Cost of legal proceedings and indemnity, ICD-9 codes, and contributing causes toward claims. Results A total of 756 fracture claims were asserted between 2005 and 2014 regarding fracture care within the database; 70% were brought for inaccurate, missed, or delayed diagnosis, while 22% addressed medical treatment and 8% were for surgical management. Orthopaedics was the primary service in 22%. Total cost (expenses and indemnity) to orthopaedic providers totaled $13.1MM (million). The most common claim against orthopaedics was for fractures of the tibia and fibula (11.4%). Impact factor (IF) analysis (as described by Matsen) of indemnity in these cases reveals 3 fracture regions of highest indemnity burden: fractures of the tibia and fibula (IF: 1.86, 11.4%), pelvis (IF: 1.77, 6.6%), and spine (IF 1.33, 6.6%). Analysis of contributing factors identifies the category of clinical judgement as the most common category (62%). Other common factors include patient noncompliance (31%), communication (28%), technical skill (17%), clinical systems (11%), and documentation (10%). The single most common specific cause of a claim in orthopaedic fracture care was misinterpretation of diagnostic imaging (25%). Conclusion This study is the first of its kind to identify fractures of the tibia and fibula as high risk for litigation against orthopaedic providers and provides general counseling of legal pitfalls in fracture care. Finally, we are able to identify the act of patient assessment as a key issue in over half of all fracture-related claims against orthopaedic providers. Providers in general and specialty settings can use this information to help guide their treatment and care ownership decisions in the care of patients with fractures. Level of Evidence Economic - Level III.
Opportunistic Crowds: A Place for Device-to-Device Collaboration in Pervasive Crowd Applications

Existing pervasive computing applications entail high degrees of communication, but existing deployments by and large rely on either a backend Internet connection to support communication or provide only one-way distribution of data (e.g., via environmental beacons). However, the pervasiveness of sensing, computation, and communication has changed the landscape of potential pervasive crowd applications. The plain “chattiness” of our everyday environments opens broad new possibilities for pervasive computing devices to opportunistically leverage each other, where the potential capability of a whole opportunistic crowd is much larger than the sum of its individuals' capabilities. In this talk, I will present both concrete motivating application domains and technical capabilities and constraints that lead us to consider the potential of direct device-to-device collaboration in support of crowd applications in pervasive computing. Drawing on my group's work in collaborative, opportunistic context-awareness, I will create a roadmap for research in support of a future vision of opportunistic crowds.
Renal denervation as adjunctive therapy to cardiac sympathetic denervation for ablation refractory ventricular tachycardia.

Background Autonomic modulation is finding an increasing role in the treatment of ventricular arrhythmias. Renal denervation (RDN) has been described as a treatment modality for refractory ventricular tachycardia (VT) in case series. Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate RDN as an adjunctive therapy to cardiac sympathetic denervation (CSD) for ablation refractory VT. Methods Patients who underwent RDN after radiofrequency ablation and CSD procedures at our center from 2012 to 2019 were evaluated. Results Ten patients underwent RDN after CSD (9 bilateral and 1 left-sided only) with a median follow-up of 23 months. The mean age was 59.9 ± 10.4 years, and 9/10 (90%) were men. All had cardiomyopathy with a mean ejection fraction of 33% ± 11% (20% ischemic). Four (40%) underwent CSD during the same hospitalization as that for RDN. Patients who underwent RDN as adjunctive therapy to CSD had a decrease in all implantable cardioverter-defibrillator therapies (shocks + antitachycardia pacing [ATP]) from 29.5 ± 25.2 to 7.1 ± 10.1 comparing 6 months pre-RDN to 6 months post-RDN (P = .028). Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator shocks were significantly decreased from 7.0 ± 6.1 to 1.7 ± 2.5 comparing 6 months pre-RDN to 6 months post-RDN (P = .026). This benefit was driven by a decrease in therapies for 6 patients who had a staged procedure, not performed during the same hospitalization (28.5 ± 24.3 to 1.0 ± 1.2; P = .043). Conclusion RDN demonstrates the potential benefit when VT recurs after radiofrequency ablation and CSD. The benefit is seen in patients who undergo a staged procedure. The need for acute RDN after CSD portends a poor prognosis.
The Social Context of Caregiving Work in Health Care: Pushing Conceptual and Methodological Frontiers:

As the demands and nature of caregiving work in the health-care sector become more varied and challenging, our research and theories need to match this evolving reality. This editorial introduces t...
Design and Characterization of Thermoplastic Microthrusters With Nanothermite Intermolecular Composites

Analysis, design and fabrication of 3D printed thermoplastic polymer microthrusters and thruster arrays are presented. We investigate different chamber and nozzle geometry, number of thrusters in arrays, and amount of solid propellants. Synthesis of solid nanoenergetic propellants is researched. We synthesize, test and characterize different nanothermite intermolecular composites. System-level integration, sensing solutions and controlling electronics are studied. Controlling thrusters imply measurements and data acquisition supported by integrated sensors and electronics. The thruster arrays are designed for propulsion, coordination, maneuvering and attitude control of aerial, aerospace, surface and underwater vehicles, including small satellites. The 25-µm-resolution printed thrusters ensure desired capabilities to meet mission-specific requirements with tensile strength up to 55.7 MPa and 2 GPa modulus of elasticity. The ligh-weight thruster arrays do not damaged during propulsion, ensure structural robustness, and, can be reused. The adequate thrust to weight ratio, total impulse, specific impulse, and thrust are ensured by proposed high-energy nanothermite propellants. Experimental measurements of gas generation pressure and velocity for nanoenergetic propellant compositions, as well as thrust are measured and evaluated for the thruster arrays.
Response and Stability of Piles Subjected to Excavation Loading

Abstract This paper develops new models and normalized solutions to capture the response of piles subjected to a mixed translation–rotational soil movement. A flexible pile is divided into upper an...
An American Perspective on Financial Market Development in Emerging Asia (Presentation Slides)

Presentation in Panel on What Model for Financial Market Development in Emerging Asia: Anglo-Saxon, China, India, or even the EU?
Juvenile Correctional Officer Beliefs About Trauma and Mental Illness: Perceptions of Training and Youth Behaviors.

Youth with a mental illness are incarcerated at much higher rates than youth without a psychological diagnosis. Correctional officers serve as a source of daily interaction for these youth and are ...