Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the Power of Latent Growth Curve Models to Detect Individual Differences in Change

We evaluated the statistical power of single-indicator latent growth curve models to detect individual differences in change (variances of latent slopes) as a function of sample size, number of longitudinal measurement occasions, and growth curve reliability. We recommend the 2 degree-of-freedom generalized test assessing loss of fit when both slope-related random effects, the slope variance and intercept-slope covariance, are fixed to 0. Statistical power to detect individual differences in change is low to moderate unless the residual error variance is low, sample size is large, and there are more than four measurement occasions. The generalized test has greater power than a specific test isolating the hypothesis of zero slope variance, except when the true slope variance is close to 0, and has uniformly superior power to a Wald test based on the estimated slope variance.
Embedded AGN and star formation in the central 80 pc of IC 3639

[Abridged] Methods: We use interferometric observations in the $N$-band with VLTI/MIDI to resolve the mid-IR nucleus of IC 3639. The origin of the nuclear infrared emission is determined from: 1) the comparison of the correlated fluxes from VLTI/MIDI with the fluxes measured at subarcsec resolution (VLT/VISIR, VLT/ISAAC); 2) diagnostics based on IR fine-structure line ratios, the IR continuum emission, IR bands produced by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and silicates; and 3) the high-angular resolution spectral energy distribution. Results: The unresolved flux of IC 3639 is $90 \pm 20\, \rm{mJy}$ at $10.5\, \rm{\mu m}$, measured with three different baselines in VLTI (UT1-UT2, UT3-UT4, and UT2-UT3; $46$-$58\, \rm{m}$), making this the faintest measurement so far achieved with mid-IR interferometry. The correlated flux is a factor of $3$-$4$ times fainter than the VLT/VISIR total flux measurement. The observations suggest that most of the mid-IR emission has its origin on spatial scales between $10$ and $80\, \rm{pc}$ ($40$-$340\, \rm{mas}$). A composite scenario where the star formation component dominates over the AGN is favoured by the diagnostics based on ratios of IR fine-structure emission lines, the shape of the IR continuum, and the PAH and silicate bands. Conclusions: A composite AGN-starburst scenario is able to explain both the mid-IR brightness distribution and the IR spectral properties observed in the nucleus of IC 3639. The nuclear starburst would dominate the mid-IR emission and the ionisation of low-excitation lines (e.g. [NeII]$_{12.8 \rm{\mu m}}$) with a net contribution of $\sim 70\%$. The AGN accounts for the remaining $\sim 30\%$ of the mid-IR flux, ascribed to the unresolved component in the MIDI observations, and the ionisation of high-excitation lines (e.g. [NeV]$_{14.3 \rm{\mu m}}$ and [OIV]$_{25.9 \rm{\mu m}}$).
Multicenter, randomized, controlled trials evaluating mortality in intensive care: Doomed to fail?

Objectives:To determine how many multicenter, randomized controlled trials have been published that assess mortality as a primary outcome in the adult intensive care unit population, and to evaluate their methodologic quality. Data Source:A sensitive search strategy for randomized controlled trials was conducted in the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and in MedLine using the PubMed interface. Study Selection:All publications of adult, multicenter randomized controlled trials carried out in the intensive care unit, with mortality as a primary outcome, and including >50 patients were selected. Data Extraction:Seventy-two randomized controlled trials were retrieved and were classified according to their effect on mortality: beneficial, detrimental, or neutral. Data Synthesis:Ten of the studies reported a positive impact of the studied intervention on mortality, seven studies reported a detrimental effect of the intervention, and 55 studies showed no effect on mortality. Conclusions:This literature search demonstrates that relatively few of the randomized controlled trials conducted in intensive care units and using mortality as a primary outcome show a beneficial impact of the intervention on the survival of critically ill patients. Methodological limitations of some of the randomized controlled trials may have prevented positive results. Other forms of evidence and end points other than mortality need to be considered when evaluating interventions in critically ill patients.
What’s happening to the age at first birth in the United States? A study of recent cohorts

This paper analyzes cross-cohort trends in the age pattern of women at first birth in the United States. The analysis involves fitting the Coale-McNeil marriage model to the age distribution of first birth frequencies for a number of recent white and nonwhite cohorts. Methodologically, the results (a) provide support for the application of the Coale-McNeil marriage model to first birth data, and (b) demonstrate the ability of the model to accurately project first birth fertility for cohorts which have yet to complete their childbearing years. Substantively the results indicate (a) that the proportion of women who will never have a first birth is increasing across cohorts and can be expected to be as high as . 25 and . 20 for recent white and nonwhite cohorts respectively; (b) that recent nonwhite cohorts have an appreciable number of first births at earlier ages than their white counterparts, as well as a lower mean age at first birth and increasingly less dispersion (across cohorts) in their age at first birth; and (c) that the mean age at first birth and the proportion of first births occurring between ages 25 and 34 is increasing across cohorts of white women but is stable across cohorts of nonwhite women.
Heritability and Genetic Correlation of Corolla Shape and Size in Erysimum mediohispanicum

Flower shape has evolved in most plants as a consequence of pollinator-mediated selection. Unfortunately, no study has explored the genetic variation of flower shape, despite that this information is crucial to understand its adaptive evolution. Our main goal here is to determine heritability of corolla shape in Erysimum mediohispanicum (Brassicaceae). Also, we explore heritability of other pollinator-selected traits in this plant species, such as plant size, flower display, and corolla size. In addition, we investigate genetic correlations between all these traits. We found significant heritability for one plant-size trait (stalk height), for number of flowers, for all corolla-size traits (corolla diameter, corolla tube length and corolla tube width), and for corolla shape. Consequently, this species retains a high ability to respond to the selection exerted by its pollinators. Genetic correlation was strong between all functionally related traits and between flower number and plant size, weak between corolla size and plant size and no correlation between corolla shape and any other trait. Thus, selection affecting some E. mediohispanicum traits would also indirectly affect other functionally related and unrelated traits. More importantly, the observed genetic correlation seems to be at least partially adaptive because positive correlational selection currently acts on the covariance between some of these traits (Gómez 2003; Gómez et al. 2006).
Knowledge and attitudes of nurses on pressure ulcer prevention: a cross-sectional multicenter study in Belgian hospitals.

BACKGROUND Evidence-based guidelines for pressure ulcer prevention have been developed and promoted by authoritative organizations. However, nonadherence to these guidelines is frequently reported. Negative attitudes and lack of knowledge may act as barriers to using guidelines in clinical practice. AIMS To study the knowledge and attitudes of nurses about pressure ulcer prevention in Belgian hospitals and to explore the correlation between knowledge, attitudes, and the application of adequate prevention. METHODS A cross-sectional multicenter study was performed in a random sample of 14 Belgian hospitals, representing 207 wards. Out of that group, 94 wards were randomly selected (2105 patients). Clinical observations were performed to assess the adequacy of pressure ulcer prevention and pressure ulcer prevalence. From each participating ward, a random selection of at least five nurses completed an extensively validated knowledge and attitude instrument. In total, 553 nurses participated. A logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the correlation between knowledge, attitudes, and the application of adequate prevention. RESULTS Pressure ulcer prevalence (Category I-IV) was 13.5% (284/2105). Approximately 30% (625/2105) of the patients were at risk (Bradenscore <17 and/or presence of pressure ulcer). Only 13.9% (87/625) of these patients received fully adequate prevention whilst in bed and when seated. The mean knowledge and attitude scores were 49.7% and 71.3%, respectively. The application of adequate prevention on a nursing ward was significantly correlated with the attitudes of the nurses (OR = 3.07, p = .05). No independent correlation was found between knowledge and the application of adequate prevention (OR = 0.75, p = .71). CONCLUSIONS Knowledge of nurses in Belgian hospitals about the prevention of pressure ulcers is inadequate. The attitudes of nurses toward pressure ulcers are significantly correlated with the application of adequate prevention. No correlation was found between knowledge and the application of adequate prevention.
Transurethral and Lower Tract Procedures Morbidity and Mortality After Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Surgery : Data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program

Background and Purpose: With the aging population, it is becoming increasingly important to identify patients at risk for postsurgical complications who might be more suited for conservative treatment. We sought to identify predictors of morbidity after surgical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) using a large national contemporary population-based cohort. Methods: Relying on the American College of Surgeons National Surgical-Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP; 2006–2011) database, we evaluated outcomes after transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), laser vaporization of the prostate (LVP), and laser enucleation of the prostate (LEP). Outcomes included blood-transfusion rates, length of stay, complications, reintervention rates, and perioperative mortality. Multivariable logistic-regression analysis evaluated the predictors of perioperative morbidity and mortality. Results: Overall, 4794 (65.2%), 2439 (33.1%), and 126 (1.7%) patients underwent TURP, LVP, and LEP, respectively. No significant difference in overall complications (P = 0.3) or perioperative mortality (P = 0.5) between the three surgical groups was found. LVP was found to be associated with decreased blood transfusions (odds ratio [OR] = 0.21; P = 0.001), length of stay (OR = 0.12; P < 0.001) and reintervention rates (OR = 0.63; P = 0.02). LEP was found to be associated with decreased prolonged length of stay (OR = 0.35; P = 0.01). Men with advanced age at surgery and non-Caucasians were at increased risk of morbidity and mortality. In contrast, normal preoperative albumin and higher preoperative hematocrit (>30%) levels were the only predictors of lower overall complications and perioperative mortality. Conclusions: All three surgical modalities for BPH management were found to be safe. Advanced age and nonCaucasian race were independent predictors of adverse outcomes after BPH surgery. In patients with these attributes, conservative treatment might be a reasonable alternative. Also, preoperative hematocrit and albumin levels represent reliable predictors of adverse outcomes, suggesting that these markers should be evaluated before BPH surgery.
Heterogeneous expression of the delayed‐rectifier K+ currents iK,r and iK,s in rabbit sinoatrial node cells

1 The electrical activity of sinoatrial node cells is heterogeneous. To understand the reasons for this, the density of the delayed‐rectifier K+ current and its two components, iK,r and iK,s, as a function of the size (as measured by cell capacitance) of rabbit sinoatrial node cells was investigated using the whole‐cell voltage‐clamp technique at 35 °C. 2 i K,r and iK,s were isolated using E‐4031 and 293B. Features of the E‐4031‐sensitive and 293B‐insensitive currents corresponded well to those of iK,r, while features of the E‐4031‐insensitive and 293B‐sensitive currents corresponded well to those of iK,s. 3 The densities of the outward current under control conditions and the drug‐sensitive and ‐insensitive currents were significantly (P < 0.01) correlated with cell capacitance, with current densities being greater in larger cells. 4 The effects of partial blockade of iK,r by 0.1 μm E‐4031 on spontaneous action potentials were greater in smaller cells. 5 It is concluded that there are cell size‐dependent differences in the density of the iK,r and iK,s components, and these may be involved in the heterogeneity of the electrical activity of single sinoatrial node cells as well as that of the intact sinoatrial node.
Culture of normal human leukocytes.

Rapidly growing and apparently permanent cultures were established from hematopoietic cells from two staff members with no known malignant disease. The cell lines were similar to those derived from leukocytes from the peripheral blood of patients with malignancies of either hematopoietic or nonhematopoietic origin and to the lymphoblastoid cell lines derived from Burkitt's lymphoma. Both cell lines contained a herpetic-like virus (leukovirus), produced immunoglobulins, and grew rapidly in various suspension cultures.
A new syndrome of triphalangeal thumbs and brachy‐ectrodactyly

Two Mexican families in which a total of 17 persons exhibited the same pattern of limb malformations are described. The syndrome is characterized by triphalangeal thumbs and brachydactyly affecting the index fingers and the third toes. The clinical findings are variable and the inheritance is autosomal dominant. The syndrome, to the best of our knowledge, has not been described before.
Seasonal Variation in Carcinops pumilio (Coleoptera: Histeridae) Dispersal and Potential for Suppression of Dispersal Behavior

Abstract Seasonal dispersal of Carcinops pumilio (Erichson) was evaluated using two trapping methods—a black-light pitfall trap and a mesh-bottomed trap placed on poultry manure. The black-light trap collected larger numbers than the mesh-bottomed trap from March through June. The mesh-bottomed trap gathered larger numbers of beetles from June through August and numbers were less variable throughout the year. Often, when very low numbers of beetles were recovered from manure cores, large numbers of beetles could be collected with the black-light trap suggesting that beetle density may not be an important factor in dispersal behavior. The greatest dispersal in the dispersal arenas (≈90%) occurred using beetles collected by both trap types in June 2000. Beginning in March and ending in August, a cyclic rise and then fall pattern in both laboratory dispersal and beetle collections was observed. Trap collection patterns were similar in both years of the study. In January and March, we were unable to prevent dispersal behavior of beetles captured in black-light traps. However, in May, after beetles had been in a dispersal phase for several months, we were able to suppress dispersal. In contrast, dispersal behavior among beetles captured with the mesh-bottomed trap did not change following the photoperiod-altered exposure.
Simulation-based generation of posynomial performance models for the sizing of analog integrated circuits

This paper presents an overview of methods to automatically generate posynomial response surface models for the performance characteristics of analog integrated circuits based on numerical simulation data. The methods are capable of generating posynomial performance expressions for both linear and nonlinear circuits and circuit characteristics, at SPICE-level accuracy. This approach allows for automatic generation of an accurate sizing model for a circuit that composes a geometric program that fully describes the analog circuit sizing problem. The automatic generation avoids the time-consuming and approximate nature of handcrafted analytic model generation. The methods are based on techniques from design of experiments and response surface modeling. Attention is paid to estimating the relative "goodness-of-fit" of the generated models. Experimental results illustrate the capabilities and effectiveness of the presented methods.
Managerial ownership, entrenchment and innovation

Agency theory suggests that managers might under-invest into R&D for reasons of risk tied to project failure, such as reduced remuneration and job loss. However, managers have also an incentive to over-invest into innovation for reasons of growth, implying higher remuneration, power and prestige. Using a sample of 1406 Belgian firms, we find, first, that managers holding no company shares under-invest into R&D compared with 100% owners giving rise to the risk argument. Second, we find an inverse u-shaped relationship between the degree of managerial ownership and R&D. This indicates that managers become entrenched, i.e. powerful enough to pursue their own interests. When entrenched, managers do not fear detrimental effects of risky innovation projects on their career and tend to over-invest into innovation for reasons of growth.
PI 3 K-AKT pathway polymerase chain reaction ( PCR ) array analysis of epilepsy induced by type II focal cortical dysplasia

The aims of this study were to observe the differential expression of PI3K-AKT pathway-related genes in seizure-inducing brain lesions in type II focal cortical dysplasia, and to explore the relationship between gene expression and histological changes in dysplastic foci and their epileptogenic mechanism. Typical lesions in brain tissue from three patients with epilepsy induced by type II focal cortical dysplasia were selected for analysis, along with normal brain tissue from two control group individuals. Following quantitative expression analysis using the RT2 ProfilerTM PI3K-AKT PCR Array, differential expression of the pathway related genes was detected in the focal brain tissue lesions, and gene function queries were performed. Compared with the control group, thirteen related genes appeared to exhibit marked differences in expression in epileptic lesions from 9995 PI3K-AKT PCR array analysis of epilepsy ©FUNPEC-RP www.funpecrp. com.br Genetics and Molecular Research 14 (3): 9994-10000 (2015) patients with type II focal cortical dysplasia; those genes were found to be involved in regulation of cell size, morphology, adhesion, migration, and apoptosis, and in immunity, inflammation, and many other domains. The differential expression of multiple genes in the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway in type II focal cortical dysplasia may be an important molecular mechanism underlying histological changes and recurrent seizures.
Morphological changes in the liver of the sea lamprey, Petromyzon marinus L., during metamorphosis: I. Atresia of the bile ducts

The bile ducts in the liver of larval sea lamprey, Petromyzon marinus, undergo programmed degeneration during metamorphosis. The degenerative process is most dramatic in the middle metamorphic stages (3–5), and is asynchronous, occurring more rapidly in small peripheral biliary components than in larger, medial ducts. All classes of bile ducts within the biliary tree exhibit similar histological changes during regression.
Three‐Year Outcome After Balloon Aortic Valvuloplast: Insights Into Prognosis of Valvular Aortic Stenosis

BackgroundTo identify predictors of long-term outcome after balloon aortic valvuloplasty, we analyzed data on 674 adults (mean age, 78±9 years; 56% were women) undergoing this procedure at 24 clinical centers who had a mean initial increase in aortic valve area of 0.3 cm2. Methods and ResultsBaseline data included clinical, echocardiographic, and catheterization variables. Follow-up data included mortality, cause of death, rehospitalization, 6-month echocardiography, and functional status. Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank tests were used to evaluate survival in subgroups. Multivariate Cox regression models were used to identify independent predictors of survival. Overall survival was 55% at 1 year, 35% at 2 years, and 23% at 3 years, with the majority of deaths (70%) classified as cardiac by an independent review committee. Rehospitalization was common (64%), although 61% of survivors at 2 years reported improved symptoms. Echocardiography at 6 months (n= 115) showed restenosis from the postprocedural valve area of 0.78±0.31 cm2 to 0.65±0.25 cm2 (P < .0001). With stepwise multivariate analysis, sequentially adding clinical, echocardiographic, and catheterization variables, the overall model identified independent predictors of survival as baseline functional status, baseline cardiac output, renal function, cachexia, female gender, left ventricular systolic function, and mitral regurgitation. Baseline and postprocedural variables were examined to identify which subgroup of patients has the best outcome after aortic valvuloplasty. A “lower-risk” subgroup (28% of the study population), defined by normal left ventricular systolic function and mild clinical functional limitation, had a 3-year survival of 36% compared with 17% in the remainder of the study group. ConclusionsLong-term survival after balloon aortic valvuloplasty is poor with 1- and 3-year survival rates of 55% and 23%, respectively. Although survivors report fewer symptoms, early restenosis and recurrent hospitalization are common.
Glycogen synthase kinase‐3β and tau genes interact in Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases

Gao and coworkers’ article linking hair color to risk for Parkinson’s disease (PD) is of great interest. I have proposed elsewhere that the role of pigmentation genes in influencing the risk for development of apparently unrelated disorders, such as melanoma and PD, merits deep investigation. For PD, where the pathology is focused on heavily pigmented neurons in substantia nigra, epidemiological evidence points to a greater occurrence of melanoma among PD patients. There is a common embryological origin of cells targeted by both diseases, the centrality of L-DOPA in melanin and dopamine synthesis, and the plausible suspicion that variations in pigmentation genes, particularly in tyrosinase, could increase the risk for both diseases. If a relation between PD and melanoma is confirmed, it may be possible to predict a greater risk for PD (and melanoma) based on pigmentationrelated characteristics. With such a risk factor in hand, interventions for PD could be targeted and applied early in life. Comparable mechanisms could act also in other neurodegenerative diseases: in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, an increase in melanomas has already been reported; a retinal pigmentary retinopathy has long been observed in Guamanian amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/PDC (Parkinson Dementia Complex), and variants on TRPM7 (Transient Receptor Potential (Channel) Melastatin 7) and TRPM2, which intriguingly are members of the Melastatin family, have been found in a subgroup of these patients. The so-called pigmentation genes are, in fact, pleomorphic, such that neurodegeneration could be facilitated in some pigmentation variants existing in the population, presumably in individuals with greater levels of pheomelanin in pigmented cells. This line of reasoning opens the exciting possibility of investigating neurodegeneration through the study of epithelial pigmentation. Melanocytes are readily cultured, even from hair follicles, thus providing an accessible model for intense laboratory investigation.