New tests with old data

The discussion of new tests of relativity must begin with a definition of the word new. Included, under that rubric, not only tests that have never been attempted before or never produced a useful result, but also those that may be repeated with significantly improved results. Thus, the classical tests insofar as they have been recently refined are discussed and the results are given obtained at the Center for Astrophysics (CFA). A new test of relativity is described via the detection of the de Sitter precession of the Moon's orbit. These tests, when considered in the parameterized post-Newtonian (PPN) framework, have all involved determining combinations of beta and gamma. A further topic of consideration is that of old data. In attempting to improve a test of relativity, particularly when the effect to be discerned is a secular one, such as the relativistic perihelion advance of Mercury, it is important to maintain the original set of data, so that the experiment need not start all over

The First Lunar Ranging Constraints on Gravity Sector SME Parameters

We present the first constraints on pure-gravity sector Standard-Model Extension (SME) parameters using Lunar Laser Ranging (LLR). LLR measures the round trip travel time of light between the Earth and the Moon. With 34+ years of LLR data, we have constrained six independent linear combinations of SME parameters at the level of $10^{-6}$ to $10^{-11}$. There is no evidence for Lorentz violation in the LLR dataset.Comment: 7 pages, presented at the Fourth Meeting on CPT and Lorentz Symmetry, Bloomington, Indiana, August 200

Solar system constraints on the Dvali-Gabadadze-Porrati braneworld theory of gravity

A number of proposals have been put forward to account for the observed accelerating expansion of the Universe through modifications of gravity. One specific scenario, Dvali-Gabadadze-Porrati (DGP) gravity, gives rise to a potentially observable anomaly in the solar system: all planets would exhibit a common anomalous precession, dw/dt, in excess of the prediction of General Relativity. We have used the Planetary Ephemeris Program (PEP) along with planetary radar and radio tracking data to set a constraint of |dw/dt| < 0.02 arcseconds per century on the presence of any such common precession. This sensitivity falls short of that needed to detect the estimated universal precession of |dw/dt| = 5e-4 arcseconds per century expected in the DGP scenario. We discuss the fact that ranging data between objects that orbit in a common plane cannot constrain the DGP scenario. It is only through the relative inclinations of the planetary orbital planes that solar system ranging data have sensitivity to the DGP-like effect of universal precession. In addition, we illustrate the importance of performing a numerical evaluation of the sensitivity of the data set and model to any perturbative precession.Comment: 9 pages, 2 figures, accepted for publication in Phys. Rev.

Testing for Lorentz Violation: Constraints on Standard-Model-Extension Parameters via Lunar Laser Ranging

We present constraints on violations of Lorentz invariance based on archival lunar laser-ranging (LLR) data. LLR measures the Earth-Moon separation by timing the round-trip travel of light between the two bodies and is currently accurate to the equivalent of a few centimeters (parts in 1011 of the total distance). By analyzing this LLR data under the standard-model extension (SME) framework, we derived six observational constraints on dimensionless SME parameters that describe potential Lorentz violation. We found no evidence for Lorentz violation at the 10-6 to 10-11 level in these parameters. This work constitutes the first LLR constraints on SME parameters

Testing for Lorentz Violation: Constraints on Standard-Model-Extension Parameters via Lunar Laser Ranging

We present constraints on violations of Lorentz invariance based on archival lunar laser-ranging (LLR) data. LLR measures the Earth-Moon separation by timing the round-trip travel of light between the two bodies and is currently accurate to the equivalent of a few centimeters (parts in 1011 of the total distance). By analyzing this LLR data under the standard-model extension (SME) framework, we derived six observational constraints on dimensionless SME parameters that describe potential Lorentz violation. We found no evidence for Lorentz violation at the 10-6 to 10-11 level in these parameters. This work constitutes the first LLR constraints on SME parameters

A Systematic Review of Recall Regimen and Maintenance Regimen of Patients with Dental Restorations. Part 2: Implant-Borne Restorations

Purpose To evaluate the current scientific evidence on patient recall and maintenance of implant-supported restorations, to standardize patient care regimens and improve maintenance of oral health. An additional purpose was to examine areas of deficiency in the current scientific literature and provide recommendations for future studies. Materials and Methods An electronic search for articles in the English language literature from the past 10 years was performed independently by multiple investigators using a systematic search process. After application of predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria, the final list of articles was reviewed to meet the objectives of this review. Results The initial electronic search resulted in 2816 titles. The systematic application of inclusion and exclusion criteria resulted in 14 articles that satisfied the study objectives. An additional 6 articles were added through a supplemental search process for a total of 20 studies. Of these, 11 were randomized controlled clinical trials, and 9 were observational studies. The majority of the studies (15 out of 20) were conducted in the past 5 years and most studies were conducted in Europe (15), followed by Asia (2), South America (1), the United States (1), and the Middle East (1). Results from the qualitative data on a combined 1088 patients indicated that outcome improvements in recall and maintenance regimen were related to (1) patient/treatment characteristic (type of prosthesis, type of prosthetic components, and type of restorative materials); (2) specific oral topical agents or oral hygiene aids (electric toothbrush, interdental brush, chlorhexidine, triclosan, water flossers) and (3) professional intervention (oral hygiene maintenance, and maintenance of the prosthesis). Conclusions There is minimal evidence related to recall regimens in patients with implant-borne removable and fixed restorations; however, a considerable body of evidence indicates that patients with implant-borne removable and fixed restorations require lifelong professional recall regimens to provide biological and mechanical maintenance, customized for each patient. Current evidence also demonstrates that the use of specific oral topical agents and oral hygiene aids can improve professional and at-home maintenance of implant-borne restorations. There is evidence to demonstrate differences in mechanical and biological maintenance needs due to differences in prosthetic materials and designs. Deficiencies in existing evidence compel the forethought of creating clinical practice guidelines for recall and maintenance of patients with implant-borne dental restorations

Clinical Practice Guidelines for Recall and Maintenance of Patients with Tooth-Borne and Implant-Borne Dental Restorations

Purpose To provide guidelines for patient recall regimen, professional maintenance regimen, and at-home maintenance regimen for patients with tooth-borne and implant-borne removable and fixed restorations. Materials and Methods The American College of Prosthodontists (ACP) convened a scientific panel of experts appointed by the ACP, American Dental Association (ADA), Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), and American Dental Hygienists Association (ADHA) who critically evaluated and debated recently published findings from two systematic reviews on this topic. The major outcomes and consequences considered during formulation of the clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) were risk for failure of tooth- and implant-borne restorations. The panel conducted a round table discussion of the proposed guidelines, which were debated in detail. Feedback was used to supplement and refine the proposed guidelines, and consensus was attained. Results A set of CPGs was developed for tooth-borne restorations and implant-borne restorations. Each CPG comprised (1) patient recall, (2) professional maintenance, and (3) at-home maintenance. For tooth-borne restorations, the professional maintenance and at-home maintenance CPGs were subdivided for removable and fixed restorations. For implant-borne restorations, the professional maintenance CPGs were subdivided for removable and fixed restorations and further divided into biological maintenance and mechanical maintenance for each type of restoration. The at-home maintenance CPGs were subdivided for removable and fixed restorations. Conclusions The clinical practice guidelines presented in this document were initially developed using the two systematic reviews. Additional guidelines were developed using expert opinion and consensus, which included discussion of the best clinical practices, clinical feasibility, and risk-benefit ratio to the patient. To the authors’ knowledge, these are the first CPGs addressing patient recall regimen, professional maintenance regimen, and at-home maintenance regimen for patients with tooth-borne and implant-borne restorations. This document serves as a baseline with the expectation of future modifications when additional evidence becomes available

Pergolide As Primary Therapy for Macroprolactinomas

The objective of this study is to determine whether pergolide therapy is an effective modality for the de novo treatment of patients with macroprolactinomas. Twenty-two consecutive patients with macroprolactinomas were included in the study and followed prospectively. These included 16 men and 6 women in whom pregnancy was not of concern. Pergolide was administered once or twice a day depending on the patient's preference. Ten patients received 0.1 mg daily as a maintenance regimen and in the others the daily dose ranged from 0.05 to 0.5 mg. Eight patients reported minor but tolerable side effects. One patient had to be switched to cabergoline because of intolerable nausea. After a mean of 12 months (range, 3–36), mean PRL levels declined from 3,135 ng/ml (range, 126–31,513) to 50 ng/ml (3–573), representing a mean PRL suppression of 88% (range, 0–99). PRL levels became normal in 15 patients and decreased to 25–40 ng/ml in 3 others. The mean tumor volume shrinkage was 25% or greater in 19 patients (86%), 50% or greater in 17 patients (77%), and 75% or greater in 10 patients (45%). Visual abnormalities were reversible after pergolide therapy in all but 1 of 12 patients with initially abnormal formal visual testing. Two out of 4 premenopausal women did not normalize PRL levels and had persistent oligomenorrhea. Testosterone was low in 14 men at presentation and normalized in 3 with pergolide therapy. We conclude that pergolide is a safe, inexpensive, and generally well-tolerated dopamine agonist for the treatment of macroprolactinomas in men and women in whom pregnancy is not of concern. In these specific populations, pergolide may become the first-line therapy for treatment of macroprolactinomas.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/47496/1/11102_2004_Article_382165.pd

Rapid Re-expansion of a Macroprolactinoma After Early Discontinuation of Bromocriptine

Prolactin (PRL)-secreting pituitary adenomas are the most common functioning pituitary tumors. Medical treatment with dopamine agonists is the therapy of choice for macroprolactinomas (≥10 mm). Withdrawal of bromocriptine after weeks or months of uninterrupted therapy has been associated with rapid tumor re-expansion as evidenced by x-ray and CT scanning of the pituitary region. We report a patient with a giant macroprolactinoma who had a dramatic response to bromocriptine (tumor volume shrinkage of 53% within a month) but rapid re-expansion to its original dimensions one week after discontinuation of bromocriptine. To our knowledge, this is the first time that the rapid shrinkage/re-expansion of a macroprolactinoma has been documented with serial MRI scans.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/47493/1/11102_2004_Article_324060.pd