cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
How meaningful are heritability estimates of liability

It is commonly acknowledged that estimates of heritability from classical twin studies have many potential shortcomings. Despite this, in the post-GWAS era, these heritability estimates have come to be a continual source of interest and controversy. While the heritability estimates of a quantitative trait are subject to a number of biases, in this article we will argue that the standard statistical approach to estimating the heritability of a binary trait relies on some additional untestable assumptions which, if violated, can lead to badly biased estimates. The ACE liability threshold model assumes at its heart that each individual has an underlying liability or propensity to acquire the binary trait (e.g., disease), and that this unobservable liability is multivariate normally distributed. We investigated a number of different scenarios violating this assumption such as the existence of a single causal diallelic gene and the existence of a dichotomous exposure. For each scenario, we found that substantial asymptotic biases can occur, which no increase in sample size can remove. Asymptotic biases as much as four times larger than the true value were observed, and numerous cases also showed large negative biases. Additionally, regions of low bias occurred for specific parameter combinations. Using simulations, we also investigated the situation where all of the assumptions of the ACE liability model are met. We found that commonly used sample sizes can lead to biased heritability estimates. Thus, even if we are willing to accept the meaningfulness of the liability construct, heritability estimates under the ACE liability threshold model may not accurately reflect the heritability of this construct. The points made in this paper should be kept in mind when considering the meaningfulness of a reported heritability estimate for any specific disease.
Distributed on-chip power grid modeling: an electromagnetic alternative to RLC extraction-based models

A methodology is presented for on-chip power grid modeling with uncompromised electromagnetic accuracy. The proposed methodology avoids the painstaking and error-prone process of power grid inductance extraction. Furthermore, the model is developed directly from the differential form of Maxwell's equations, and thus avoids the dense-matrix issues that arise when PEEC-based electromagnetic models are utilized. Finally, it has the unique attribute that, in addition to providing for on-chip power switching modeling with electromagnetic accuracy it enables the direct modeling of distributed power-grid induced electromagnetic interference.
How do physicians diagnose dementia? Evidence from clinical vignette responses

This study examined how a sample of family practitioners, general internists, and osteopathic physicians practicing in the state of Maine (N=353) diagnose symptoms of cognitive dysfunction. Physicians' reported diagnostic approaches were compared to American and Canadian expert panel recommendations, and were associated with their sociodemographic and office practice characteristics. Sample members responded to a self-administered questionnaire, which was completed in response to a clinical vignette describing a patient with either mild symptoms or more progressive symptoms of cognitive dysfunction. Results showed that 59 percent of respondents would perform a formal cognitive status test and 32 percent would perform a depression screening test; both types of tests are recommended by American and Canadian expert panels. Adjusting for other factors, female physicians were twice as likely as males to perform a depression screening test (OR=2.04; 95 percent C1=1.13-3.67). Most respondents (87 percent) would ...
UV disinfection system for cabin air

Abstract The air of indoor cabin environments is susceptible to contamination by airborne microbial pathogens. A number of air treatment processes are available for inactivation or removal of airborne pathogens; included among these processes is ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. The effectiveness of UV-based processes is known to be determined by the combined effects of UV dose delivery by the reactor and the UV dose–response behavior of the target microbe(s). To date, most UV system designs for air treatment have been based on empirical approaches, often involving crude representations of dose delivery and dose–response behavior. The objective of this research was to illustrate the development of a UV system for disinfection of cabin air based on well-defined methods of reactor and reaction characterization. UV dose–response behavior of a test microorganism was measured using a laboratory (bench-scale) system. Target microorganisms (bacterial spores) were first applied to membrane filters at sub-monolayer coverage. The filters were then transferred to a humidity chamber at fixed relative humidity (RH) and allowed to equilibrate with their surroundings. Microorganisms were then subjected to UV exposure under a collimated beam. The experiment was repeated at RH values ranging from 20% to 100%. UV dose–response behavior was observed to vary with RH. For example, at 100% RH, a UV dose of 20 mJ/cm 2 accomplished 99.7% (2.5 log10 U) of the Bacillus subtilis spore inactivation, whereas 99.94% (3.2 log10 U) inactivation was accomplished at this same UV dose under 20% RH conditions. To determine reactor behavior, UV dose–response behavior was combined with simulated results of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and radiation intensity field models. This modeling approach allowed estimating the UV dose distribution delivered by the reactor. The advantage of this approach is that simulation of many reactor configurations can be done in a relatively short period of time. Moreover, by following this approach of “numerical prototyping”, it is possible to “build” and analyze several virtual reactors before the construction of a physical prototype. As such, this procedure allows effective development of efficient reactors.
WHITHER GOEST U.S. AGRICULTURAL POLICY: AN EXERCISE IN NAIVE PROPHESY1

The forces leading to change in U.S. agricultural policy are discussed in this paper, and the likely outcome of the debate on U.S. farm policy is documented. New programs are a strong possibility for a variety of commodities including wheat, feed grains, and soybeans. These programs will likely lead to lower prices, increased production and more aggressive competition in international markets. The forces in the evolution of U.S. farm policy are also drawn out, allowing readers a view of the process of policy-making, and providing background and documentation for readers to develop independent and perhaps alternative views of the future direction of U.S. farm policy. ON EN VA LA POLITIQUE AGRICOLE AMERICAINE: UN EXERCISE DE CLAIR VOYANCE - Les forces conduisant au changement de la politique agricole des Etats-Unis sont discutees dans la presente etude, et les resultats probables des debats sur la politique agricole americaine sont documentes. II est fort possible que de nouveaux programmes soient elabores aľegard ďune variete de denree, y. compris le ble, les grains de provende et le soya. Ces programmes ameneront vraisemblablement desprix moins eleves, une production accrue et une concurrence plus agressive sur les marches internationaux. Les forces dans ľevolution de la politique agricole americaine sont aussi illustrees, cequi permet aux lecteurs de voir comment on etablit les programmes, et foumit aux lecteurs une base et une documentation qui lew permettront de developper des opinions independantes et peut-etre alternatives sur la direction future de la politique agricultural americaine.
Embracing thresholds for better environmental management

Three decades of study have revealed dozens of examples in which natural systems have crossed biophysical thresholds (‘tipping points’)—nonlinear changes in ecosystem structure and function—as a result of human-induced stressors, dramatically altering ecosystem function and services. Environmental management that avoids such thresholds could prevent severe social, economic and environmental impacts. Here, we review management measures implemented in ecological systems that have thresholds. Using Ostrom's social–ecological systems framework, we analysed key biophysical and institutional factors associated with 51 social–ecological systems and associated management regimes, and related these to management success defined by ecological outcomes. We categorized cases as instances of prospective or retrospective management, based upon whether management aimed to avoid a threshold or to restore systems that have crossed a threshold. We find that smaller systems are more amenable to threshold-based management, that routine monitoring is associated with successful avoidance of thresholds and recovery after thresholds have been crossed, and that success is associated with the explicit threshold-based management. These findings are powerful evidence for the policy relevance of information on ecological thresholds across a wide range of ecosystems.
Range Extensions of Some Northeastern Pacific Decapoda

Barnwell, F. H., 1982. The prevalence of male right-handedness in the Indo-west Pacific fid dler crabs Uca vocans (Linnaeus) and U. tetragonon (Herbst) (Decapoda: Ocypodidae). Journ. Crust. Biol., 2: 70-83. Cott, H. B., 1929. Observations on the natural history of the racing-crab Ocypode ceratophthalma, from Beira. Proc. Zool. Soc. London, 1929: 755-765. Crane, J., 1941. On the growth and ecology of brachyuran crabs of the genus Ocypode. Zool?gica, N. Y., 26: 297-310. -, 1967. Combat and its ritualization in fiddler crabs (Ocypodidae) with special reference to Uca rapax (Smith). Zool?gica, N.Y., 52 (3): 49-76. -, 1975. Fiddler crabs of the world (Ocypodidae: genus Uca): i-xxiii, 1-736. (Princeton University Press, Princeton, New Jersey). Haley, S. R., 1969. Relative growth and sexual maturity of the Texas ghost crab, Ocypode quadrata (Fabr.) (Brachyura, Ocypodidae). Crustaceana, 17: 285-297. -, 1973. On the use of morphometric data as a guide to reproductive maturity in the ghost crab Ocypode ceratophthalmus (Pallas) (Brachyura, Ocypodidae). Pacif. Sei., 27: 350-362. Hamilton, P. V., R. T. Nishimoto & J. G. Halusky, 1976. Cheliped laterality in Callinectes sapidus (Crustacea: Portunidae). Biol. Bull. Woods Hole, 150: 393-401. Hyatt, G. W. & M. Salmon, 1978. Combat in the fiddler crabs Uca pugilator and U. pugnax: a quantitative analysis. Behaviour, 65: 182-211. -&-, 1979. Comparative and statistical analysis of combat in the fiddler crabs, Uca pugilator and Uca pugnax. Behaviour, 68: 1-23. Huxley, J. S., 1931. Notes on differential growth. Amer. Nat., 65: 289-315. Jones, D. S. & R. W. George, 1982. Handedness in fiddler crabs as an aid in grouping of the genus Uca (Decapoda, Ocypodidae). Crustaceana, 43: 100-102. Ng, P. K. L. & L. W. H. Tan, 1985. 'Right handedness' in the heterochelous calappoid and xanthoid crabs suggestion for a functional advantage. Crustaceana, 49: 98-100. Przibram, H., 1931. Connecting laws in animal morphology: 1-62. (University of London Press). Rathbun, M., 1918. The grapsoid crabs of America. Bull. U.S. Nat. Mus., 97: i-xii, 1-461. Sandon, H., 1937. Differential growth in the crab Ocypoda. Proc. Zool. Soc. London, (A) 107: 397-414. Vermeij, G. J., 1977. Patterns in claw size: the geography of crushing. Syst. Zool., 26: 138-151.
Single and Multitransition Solutions for a Family of Semilinear Elliptic PDE’s

These lectures survey a class of partial differential equations whose study was initiated by Moser. This class includes various Allen-Cahn models of phase transitions. In line with this connection, the existence of a large variety of solutions which undergo spatial transitions is established. The main tools are variational arguments, especially minimization methods.
Properties of Fission Isomers

Abstract Reported half-lives for spontaneously fissioning isomers are tabulated and evaluated. References are given for data on excitation functions, and values for the threshold energy for the isomeric state relative to the ground state are tabulated.
Ultrasound evaluation of the male urethra for assessment of urethral stricture

Radiographic retrograde urethrography has traditionally been the preferred technique used by urologists to image the anterior urethra. Since originally described by McAninch in 1988, ultrasonic imaging of the urethra has evolved into a powerful and clinically useful tool for the accurate delineation of urethral pathology. Although posterior urethral and peri-urethral fibrosis cannot be assessed reliably using this technique, sono-urethrography has proven to be more accurate than conventional radiographic urethrography in measuring stricture length throughout the anterior urethra. Herein we describe the evolution of sono-urethrography, explain its many advantages over traditional imaging techniques, and show clinical examples of its importance in guiding the successful reconstruction of urethral strictures, particularly in the bulbar area.
Synthesis of lipophilic crown ethers with pendant carboxylic acid groups

Synthese de 12-, 13-, 14- et 15-crowns-4 ayant une chaine carboxy-1' nonyloxymethyl ou -tridecyloxymethyl pour complexer les ions lithiums; synthese de 13-, 14- et 15-crowns-4, de 16-crown-5, de 19-crown-6 et de 3n-crowns-n (n=8,9,10) ayant une chaine carboxy-2' decyl-4' phenoxymethyl (tous ces composes sont prepares par l'intermediaire des crowns correspondants hydroxymethyles)
Dynamic fracture with meshfree enriched XFEM

The enrichment of the extended finite element method (XFEM) by meshfree approximations is studied. The XFEM allows for modeling arbitrary discontinuities, but with low order elements the accuracy often needs improvement. Here, the meshfree approximation is used as an enrichment in a cluster of nodes about the crack tip to improve accuracy. Several numerical examples show that this leads to more accuracy for stress intensity factors computations, and to the capability to capture the branching point of a propagating crack from the stresses.
Most LQT2 Mutations Reduce Kv11.1 (hERG) Current by a Class 2 (Trafficking-Deficient) Mechanism

Background— The KCNH2 or human ether-a-go-go related gene (hERG) encodes the Kv11.1 α-subunit of the rapidly activating delayed rectifier K+ current (IKr) in the heart. Type 2 congenital long-QT syndrome (LQT2) results from KCNH2 mutations that cause loss of Kv11.1 channel function. Several mechanisms have been identified, including disruption of Kv11.1 channel synthesis (class 1), protein trafficking (class 2), gating (class 3), or permeation (class 4). For a few class 2 LQT2-Kv11.1 channels, it is possible to increase surface membrane expression of Kv11.1 current (IKv11.1). We tested the hypotheses that (1) most LQT2 missense mutations generate trafficking-deficient Kv11.1 channels, and (2) their trafficking-deficient phenotype can be corrected. Methods and Results— Wild-type (WT)-Kv11.1 channels and 34 missense LQT2-Kv11.1 channels were expressed in HEK293 cells. With Western blot analyses, 28 LQT2-Kv11.1 channels had a trafficking-deficient (class 2) phenotype. For the majority of these mutations, the...
Bipolar and ADHD Comorbidity: Both Artifact and Outgrowth of Shared Mechanisms

Published rates of comorbidity between pediatric bipolar disorder (PBD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have been higher than would be expected if they were independent conditions, but also dramatically different across different studies. This review examines processes that could artificially create the appearance of comorbidity or substantially bias estimates of the ADHD-BPD comorbidity rate, including: categorization of dimensional constructs, overlap among diagnostic criteria, over-splitting, developmental sequencing, and referral or surveillance biases. Evidence also suggests some mechanisms for "true" BPD-ADHD comorbidity, including shared risk factors, distinct subtypes, and weak causal relationships. Keys to differential diagnosis include focusing on episodic presentation and non-overlapping symptoms unique to mania.
Gender in Suicide Attempt Rates and Childhood Sexual Abuse Rates: Is There an Interaction?

Two competing explanations for higher rates of attempted suicide in women than men were compared. Because childhood sexual abuse is more prevalent in girls than boys, one explanation of higher rates of suicide attempts in women is that it is a direct result of the higher incidence of sexual abuse in girls. Alternatively, higher rates of suicide attempts might result from gender differences in the impact of childhood sexual abuse on suicidal behavior. To compare these theories, data from 1,889 abstinent, substance-dependent patients who completed the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) and who were interviewed about suicide attempts was examined. Scores on each scale of the CTQ were examined as a function of gender and attempter status. Results showed higher rates of suicide attempts in women than in men, higher CTQ scores in women than men, and a higher CTQ score in attempters than nonattempters. However, logistic regression indicated that gender and abuse did not interact to determine attempter status. Thus, the data support the first hypothesis that the greater frequency of suicide attempts in women may be partly attributed to the higher prevalence of childhood sexual abuse in girls. The generalizability of these results to the general population and to other diagnostic groups requires further study.
A Critique of Howard's Argument for Innate Limits in Chess Performance or Why We Need an Account Based On Acquired Skill and Deliberate Practice

Summary In this issue Howard reported that the effect of chess study is surprisingly small among elite chess players, who continue playing more games in international chess tournaments. In contrast, we show that individual differences in chess study are the likely causes of both higher chess ratings and more chess games played in international tournaments, which is often very costly and includes airfare, hotel, and tournament registration fees. The low correlation between his estimates of study time and chess rating is shown to be a consequence of his methodology of relying on a couple of questions in an internet survey rather than the standard methodology in expert performance research involving a 30-minute interview tracing yearly engagement in many different practice activities. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The changing intensity of the first sound in auricular flutter, an aid to the diagnosis by auscultation☆

Abstract A new auscultatory sign has been observed in auricular flutter; changing intensity of the first heart sound. This phenomenon was present in eight cases where the ventricular response was irregular, although in some the degree of irregularity was very slight. In two instances where the rhythm was perfectly regular the first sound was essentially constant. It is thought that the changing intensity of the first sound is a result of a variation in the P-R interval similar to the mechanism of the changing intensity of the first sound in complete A-V block and ventricular tachycardia. These observations support the hypothesis that the first heart sound is mainly, if not entirely, valvular in origin and is dependent to a great extent on the position of the A-V valves at the moment of ventricular systole, a concept proposed by Dock. Other factors, such as respiration and length of diastole, which may influence the intensity of the first sound, were found not to be responsible for the alterations observed in this study. Two cases of paroxysmal auricular tachycardia with block were also observed which showed a changing intensity of the first sound, the mechanism being similar to that of flutter. Other methods that aid in bedside diagnosis are the slowing effect following carotid sinus stimulation or deep breathing, particularly when there follows a jerky or irregular retreat to the original rate, the effect of exercise which may exactly double the heart rate or temporarily cause the irregular rhythm to become rapid and regular, and the detection of additional “auricular” sounds coming in different parts of diastole and even during systole. These new auscultatory findings, coupled with other bedside methods of examination, have been very helpful in the clinical diagnosis of auricular flutter.
Abnormal localization of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator in primary cultures of cystic fibrosis airway epithelia.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regu- lator (CFTR), a membrane glycoprotein that forms C1- channels. Previous work has shown that when some CF-associated mutants of CFTR are expressed in heterologous cells, their glycosylation is incomplete. That observation led to the hypothesis that such mu- tants are not delivered to the plasma membrane where they can mediate CI- transport. Testing this hypothesis requires localization of CFTR in nonrecombinant cells and a specific determination of whether CFTR is in the apical membrane of normal and CF epithelia. To test the hypothesis, we used primary cultures of air- way epithelia grown on permeable supports because they polarize and express the CF defect in apical C1- permeability. Moreover, their dysfunction contributes to disease. We developed a semiquantitative assay, using nonpermeabilized epithelia, an antibody directed against an extracellular epitope of CFTR, and large (1/zm) fluorescent beads which bound to secondary antibodies. We observed specific binding to airway epi- thelia from non-CF subjects, indicating that CFTR is located in the apical membrane. In contrast, there was no specific binding to the apical membrane of CF air- way epithelia. These data were supported by qualita- tive studies using confocal microscopy: the most prominent immunostaining was in the apical region of non-CF cells and in cytoplasmic regions of CF cells. The results indicate that CFTR is either missing from the apical membrane of these CF cells or it is present at a much reduced level. The data support the pro- posed defective delivery of some CF-associated mu- tants to the plasma membrane and explain the lack of apical C1- permeability in most CF airway epithelia.
Changes in Arctic vegetation amplify high-latitude warming through the greenhouse effect

Arctic climate is projected to change dramatically in the next 100 years and increases in temperature will likely lead to changes in the distribution and makeup of the Arctic biosphere. A largely deciduous ecosystem has been suggested as a possible landscape for future Arctic vegetation and is seen in paleo-records of warm times in the past. Here we use a global climate model with an interactive terrestrial biosphere to investigate the effects of adding deciduous trees on bare ground at high northern latitudes. We find that the top-of-atmosphere radiative imbalance from enhanced transpiration (associated with the expanded forest cover) is up to 1.5 times larger than the forcing due to albedo change from the forest. Furthermore, the greenhouse warming by additional water vapor melts sea-ice and triggers a positive feedback through changes in ocean albedo and evaporation. Land surface albedo change is considered to be the dominant mechanism by which trees directly modify climate at high-latitudes, but our findings suggest an additional mechanism through transpiration of water vapor and feedbacks from the ocean and sea-ice.
Mesenchymal and Pediatric Tumors of the Liver

Mesenchymal tumors of the liver are rare and account for lesser than 5% of all primary hepatic neoplasms. They are usually large, radiographically apparent tumors that are evaluated in the preoperative setting, although the diagnosis may be first suggested during surgical exploration in some cases. Most pediatric liver tumors contain mesenchymal elements with, or without, an epithelial component. These lesions are also uncommon and may not be detected before they achieve a large size. Surgical resection is the treatment of choice for mesenchymal tumors of adults and children. Intraoperative consultation is generally obtained for two purposes: (1) assessing the adequacy of resection and (2) providing information regarding tumor classification.
The Surgeon’s Perspective on Hepatic Radiofrequency Ablation

Surgeons continue to have an important role in the management of patients with hepatic malignancies. Throughout the decades, modern surgical techniques have improved outcomes in patients undergoing hepatic surgery. However, the majority of hepatic malignancies continue to be unamenable to surgical resection. These patients continue to be challenging for clinicians. Surgeons have carried out hepatic tumor ablation since the 1970s; therefore, a vast experience has been gained in terms of techniques, outcomes, and patient selection for tumor ablation. Cryosurgical ablation has been performed for the past several decades, and long-term patient outcome data currently are available. The experience and outcome with cryoablation can be extrapolated to more modern modalities of tumor ablation, such as with radiofrequency energy. In the early 1990s, developments in laparoscopic surgery influenced hepatic surgery.
Evaluating biological data using rank correlation methods

Analyses based upon rank correlation methods, such as Spearman's ρ and Kendall's τ, can provide quick insights into large biological data sets. Comparing expression levels between different technologies and models is problematic due to the different units of measure. Here again, rank correlation provides an effective means of comparison between the two techniques. Massively Parallel Signature Sequencing (MPSS) transcript abundance levels to microarray signal intensities for Arabidopsis thaliana are compared. Rank correlations can be applied to subsets as well as the entire set. Results of subset comparisons can be used to improve the capabilities of predictive models, such as Predicted Highly Expressed (PHX). This is done for Escherichia coli. Methods are given to combine predictive models based upon feedback from experimental data. The problem of feature selection in supervised learning situations is also considered, where all features are drawn from a common domain and are best interpreted via ordinal comparisons with other features, rather than as numerical values. This is done for synthetic data as well as for microarray experiments examining the life cycle of Drosophila melanogaster and human leukemia cells. Two novel methods are presented based upon ρ and τ, and their efficacy is tested with synthetic and real world data. The method based upon Spearman's ρ is shown to be more effective.
Maximum Likelihood, Profile Likelihood, and Penalized Likelihood: A Primer

The method of maximum likelihood is widely used in epidemiology, yet many epidemiologists receive little or no education in the conceptual underpinnings of the approach. Here we provide a primer on maximum likelihood and some important extensions which have proven useful in epidemiologic research, and which reveal connections between maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods. For a given data set and probability model, maximum likelihood finds values of the model parameters that give the observed data the highest probability. As with all inferential statistical methods, maximum likelihood is based on an assumed model and cannot account for bias sources that are not controlled by the model or the study design. Maximum likelihood is nonetheless popular, because it is computationally straightforward and intuitive and because maximum likelihood estimators have desirable large-sample properties in the (largely fictitious) case in which the model has been correctly specified. Here, we work through an example to illustrate the mechanics of maximum likelihood estimation and indicate how improvements can be made easily with commercial software. We then describe recent extensions and generalizations which are better suited to observational health research and which should arguably replace standard maximum likelihood as the default method.
Winning the UN War: Strategy for the War on Terrorism

The war on terrorism is a different kind of war that requires a different strategic approach. The enemy is not a generic evil or even terrorism itself, but the al Qaeda terrorist network and the radical Islamist ideology it is fueling. A winning strategy would consist of three central elements, in ascending order of importance: homeland security against future terrorist attacks, dismantling and degrading the al Qaeda terrorist network, and a foreign policy that does not needlessly create new terrorists. Ultimately, changing U.S. foreign policy to stem the tide of growing anti-American sentiment overseas is the most important element because we cannot build a perfect defense against every potential terrorist attack and we cannot kill each and every al Qaeda terrorist. Although changing U.S. foreign policy may not guarantee victory in the war on terrorism, not changing it will spell certain defeat.
Should adjustment for covariates be used in prevalence estimations

Adjustment for covariates (also called auxiliary variables in survey sampling literature) is commonly applied in health surveys to reduce the variances of the prevalence estimators. In theory, adjusted prevalence estimators are more accurate when variance components are known. In practice, variance components needed to achieve the adjustment are unknown and their sample estimators are used instead. The uncertainty introduced by estimating variance components may overshadow the reduction in the variance of the prevalence estimators due to adjustment. We present empirical guidelines indicating when adjusted prevalence estimators should be considered, using gender adjusted and unadjusted smoking prevalence as an illustration. We compare the accuracy of adjusted and unadjusted prevalence estimators via simulation. We simulate simple random samples from hypothetical populations with the proportion of males ranging from 30% to 70%, the smoking prevalence ranging from 15% to 35%, and the ratio of male to female smoking prevalence ranging from 1 to 4. The ranges of gender proportions and smoking prevalences reflect the conditions in 1999–2003 Behavioral Risk Factors Surveillance System (BRFSS) data for Massachusetts. From each population, 10,000 samples are selected and the ratios of the variance of the adjusted prevalence estimators to the variance of the unadjusted (crude) ones are computed and plotted against the proportion of males by population prevalence, as well as by population and sample sizes. The prevalence ratio thresholds, above which adjusted prevalence estimators have smaller variances, are determined graphically. In many practical settings, gender adjustment results in less accuracy. Whether or not there is better accuracy with adjustment depends on sample sizes, gender proportions and ratios between male and female prevalences. In populations with equal number of males and females and smoking prevalence of 20%, the adjusted prevalence estimators are more accurate when the ratios of male to female prevalences are above 2.4, 1.8, 1.6, 1.4 and 1.3 for sample sizes of 25, 50, 100, 150 and 200, respectively. Adjustment for covariates will not result in more accurate prevalence estimator when ratio of male to female prevalences is close to one, sample size is small and risk factor prevalence is low. For example, when reporting smoking prevalence based on simple random sampling, gender adjustment is recommended only when sample size is greater than 200.
Comments on 'Health Care Fraud and Abuse'

The campaign to curtail "fraud and abuse" in the Medicare and Medicaid programs represents an attempt by regulators to evade more fundamental and difficult questions regarding cost and quality control. In the Medicare arena, tackling these larger questions will require dismantling the program's fee-for-service structure and imposing on providers financial incentives to evaluate carefully health care costs and benefits.
Discourses surrounding British widows of the First World War

Angela Smith presents a linguistic analysis of correspondence between First World War widows and the British government in this volume. She employs critical discourse analysis, intertextuality and ...
MODAL INTEGRAL EVALUATION FOR FLEXIBLE MULTIBODY SYSTEMS

A technique to evaluate the modal integrals (sums) arising in the equations of motion for flexible multibody systems is presented. The method is applicable to both consistent and lumped finite element formulations and involves no approximations beyond those inherent to the finite element discretization and concomitant modal reduction. An illustrative example is provided for which the exact solution is known; convergence of the algorithm is examined with respect to the number of elements in the spatial discretization and retained modes in the modal reduction.
The Observation of the clinical efficacy and safety of Reduning in treatment of children with acute upper respiratory tract infection

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy and safety of Reduning in treatment of children with acute upper respiratory tract infection.Methods 60 cases of acute upper respiratory tract infection were randomly divided into 2 groups.Each group 30 patients,Control group received routine western medicine,The treatment group received the REDUNING,based on Control group,observe normalezation body temperature、cough disappeared and nose disappearance time,adverse reaction rates,the total efficiency.Results the total efficiency and the Reduning body temperature of treatment group was significantly higher(P0.05)than control group;Reduning can rapidly shorten cough,nasal congestion,runny nose,swollen tonsils,fever and course,a significant difference between two groups was statistically significant(P0.01).Conclusion Reduning used to treat children with acute upper respiratory infection have fever quickly,does not rebound,improve the treatment efficiency,high safety,good clinical value.
Kolmogorov Widths for Analogs of the Nikol’skii–Besov Classes with Logarithmic Smoothness

We establish the exact-order estimates of Kolmogorov widths and entropy numbers for analogs of the Nikol’skii–Besov classes with logarithmic smoothness.
When Will We Stop Deporting U.S. Citizens

This Op-Ed highlights an error in citizenship jurisprudence that has affected adjudications since 1978, and recommends institutional changes to reduce the incidence of such errors.
Transepithelial transport of guinea pig gastric mucous cell monolayers.

Guinea pig gastric mucous epithelial cells were isolated, enriched, cultured in collagen cups, and put into Ussing chambers for electrophysiological studies. The cultured mucous cell monolayers, which retain the morphology of surface cells found in the intact tissue, had a maximal resistance (R) of 272 +/- 12 omega X cm2 and a potential difference (PD) of -3.8 +/- 0.4 mV (apical negative) between 4 and 10 days later (n = 33). The current-voltage and conductance-concentration relationships of the cultures were both nonlinear (n = 12). In addition, NaCl concentration gradients across the monolayer also gave asymmetrical and nonlinear dilution potentials, with the side of lower chemical potential always becoming electrically negative (n = 10). Calculation of the average Cl(-)-to-Na+ permeability ratio at pH 7.4 was 1.35, indicating a slightly greater conductance of anions over cations. Amiloride (0.1-1.0 microM) had no effect on PD or R when given from the apical or basal side (n = 18), but at higher concentrations (0.1-1.0 mM) there was a decrease in the PD. 4,49-Diisothiocyanostilbene-2,29-disulfonic acid at 10(-4) M increased R from the apical side only (n = 14), and acetazolamide at 5 X 10(-4) M reduced the PD to -0.5 mV (n = 8). Only ouabain at 10(-4) M from the serosal side was effective in reducing the monolayer PD to zero. This culture preparation will prove useful for future studies in determining specific functions for this gastric cell type and how those functions relate to barrier function in the stomach.
Interferon gamma increases in vitro and in vivo expression of C1 inhibitor

C1 inhibitor (C1 INH) is the major protease inhibitor of the first components of the classic complement system and of the proteases of the Hageman factor pathways. Since C1 INH may modulate inflammatory reactions associated with complement and contact system activation, we sought to determine if the cytokine gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) could modulate C1 INH production. Initial studies investigated the effect of IFN-gamma on the molecular and protein expression of C1 INH in human erythroleukemia (HEL) cells. HEL cells constitutively expressed the 2.1 kb mRNA for C1 INH. IFN-gamma (50 to 1,000 U/mL), but not interferon alpha or beta, increased twofold the amount of C1 INH mRNA expressed within HEL cells. Similarly, this cytokine increased HEL cell C1 INH synthesis of a 105 Kd protein 10-fold, from 1.9 +/- 0.5 microgram C1 INH antigen per 10(8) cells (mean +/- SEM) to 19 +/- 8 micrograms/10(8) cells in 8 days. C1 INH produced by HEL cells after IFN-gamma stimulation had fully intact kallikrein neutralizing activity. Moreover, conditioned media of IFN-gamma-treated HEL cells accumulated more secreted C1 INH in 8 days (6.7 micrograms/mL/10(8) cells) than untreated cells (0.6 microgram/mL/10(8) cells). Additional studies were done on plasma specimens from 22 patients with metastatic colorectal carcinoma who received IFN-gamma daily for 4 days by intravenous infusion. Before treatment, the mean +/- SEM C1 INH levels in these patients was 438 +/- 16 micrograms/mL. At day 10 from the start of the infusion, the plasma C1 INH in these patients increased to 586 +/- 32 micrograms/mL (P less than .0001). The extent of rise of plasma C1 INH after IFN-gamma treatment was independent of dose from 0.01 to 40 U/m2. After 30 days, the mean plasma C1 INH levels decreased to 502 +/- 27 micrograms/mL. These combined studies indicate that IFN-gamma can increase C1 INH protein expression in vitro and in vivo.
Boldness and predator evasion in naturally hybridizing swordtails (Teleostei: Xiphophorus)

Correlations among behavioral traits can generate trade-offs and constrain phenotypic evolution. Interspecific hybridization has the potential to alter behavioral trait correlations, but the effect of hybridization on suites of behavioral traits has received relatively little attention. We evaluated how natural hybridization changes the relationship between boldness (time of emergence and proportion of time out of shelter) and response to a simulated predator threat in swordtails (Teleostei: Xiphophorus ). In poeciliid fishes, bold individuals have increased survival in the presence of predators. This non-intuitive observation may arise as a result of bold individuals being more likely to engage in anti-predator behaviors. Contrary to our prediction, bold individuals were less likely to perform a fast-start response to a predator threat. This correlation was consistent among populations and species but was only significant in hybrids. The observed correlation between boldness and anti-predator behavior could impact hybrid fitness and the evolvability of hybrid lineages. More generally, our findings suggest that hybridization could influence the integration of behavioral phenotypes, as has been amply documented for morphology. Animal personality and behavioral syndromes could therefore play an important role in the evolutionary fate of natural hybrids.
Determining witnessed status for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

Abstract Objective Witnessed status is considered a core variable in reporting cardiac arrest data and can be ascertained from either the emergency dispatch recording or the pre-hospital record. The purpose of this study is to compare and assess the quality and consistency of these information sources. Methods This retrospective analysis included 1896 cases of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest occurring between September 1, 2012 and December 31, 2014. Results We found that there was minimal (kappa = 0.30, 95% CI 0.27–0.33) to moderate (kappa = 0.64, 95% CI 0.59–0.69) agreement between the pre-hospital record and the emergency dispatch recording when these sources of information are used to determine witnessed status. Witnessed status could not be determined from the emergency dispatch recording in 36.2% (n = 684) of eligible cases. Survival was similar regardless of the method used to determine witnessed status. Using a combination of the pre-hospital record and the emergency dispatch recording yielded the highest number of witnessed cases. Conclusion The determination of witnessed status in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest may be challenging, as evidenced by the discrepancies in witnessed status when comparing different sources of information. The large number of cases where the witnessed status could not be determined from the emergency dispatch recording precludes its use as the sole source of information. It is reasonable to use the patient care record alone, however it should be recognized that there is misclassification of witnessed status regardless of the method used and this may affect the strength of association between witnessed status and survival.
Musical Chairs: A 28-Year Study of the Supply and Demand of Orchestra Musicians in America

The recent turmoil and work stoppages in symphony orchestras throughout the United States have called into doubt not only the stability of these organizations, but also the future of the orchestral workforce. In the past, winning a job in an orchestra was considered by many musicians was the definition of a successful career. There are now hundreds of applicants auditioning for every posted orchestral opening, demonstrating a saturation of supply, i.e. musicians. An analysis of students who pursue a music-focused education reveals that graduates with performance degrees in music have been increasing in number over the past 28 years, and are entering a marketplace with a decreasing number of job opportunities. This imbalance of musicians to orchestral jobs has been growing nearly three decades. This report details the data comparison in aggregate, by orchestra group (categorized by budget size) and by instrument family. There are three main conclusions: There is no point of equilibrium, enrollment and graduation rates reversed direction in the mid-1980s and graduate school enrollment is being fueled by instrument-focused performance majors. The supply data is drawn from enrollment and graduation figures compiled by the National Association of Schools of Music for all music-degree granting institutions in United States. The demand data was compiled from the public job listings posted through the American Federation of Musicians for 61 orchestras. This research increases the industry’s understanding of the orchestral job market and contributes to the growing conversation about including classes on entrepreneurship as a component of a postsecondary education focused on music.
Delayed therapeutic hypothermia protects against the myocardial no-reflow phenomenon independently of myocardial infarct size in a rat ischemia/reperfusion model.

Abstract Background Adjunctive therapies, given in addition to reperfusion to reduce myocardial infarct size, have been disappointing based on clinical trials. New therapeutic targets independent of infarct size modification are needed. The no-reflow phenomenon occurs commonly after the infarct-related coronary artery is opened and predicts poor clinical outcome. We investigated the effects of a single application of delayed (post-reperfusion) therapeutic hypothermia (TH) in a rat model of coronary artery occlusion/reperfusion. Methods Rats were subjected to 60min of coronary artery occlusion followed by 3h of reperfusion. Rats were divided into normothermic ( n =5) and TH ( n =5) groups. In the TH, hypothermia was initiated at 1min after coronary artery reperfusion by pumping room-temperature (22°C) saline into and out of the thoracic cavity for 1h. This decreased intrathoracic temperature to around 26°C within 12min. At 3h after reperfusion, hearts were excised for infarct size and no-reflow zone measurement. Results Ischemic risk area and infarct size were similar between the 2 groups. No-reflow area (expressed as % of risk area) was significantly reduced in TH group (18.0±4.4%) compared with normothermic group (39.5±2.9%, P =0.005). When expressed as % of necrotic area, no-reflow area was reduced by more than half in TH group (25.5±6.4%) versus innormothermic group (54.4±5.3%, P =0.01). Conclusions In this preliminary study, hypothermia initiated after reperfusion following 60min of coronary artery occlusion had no effect on infarct size yet substantially reduced the extent of no-reflow.
Abstract B42: Silencing of DNA repair proteins with ECO/siRNA nanoparticles for the enhancement of radiation response in glioblastoma

Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the most lethal human cancers due in large part to the presence of cancer stem cells which contribute to treatment resistance and disease recurrence. Radiation therapy remains a major component of the standard of care for GBM patients, fueling the development of modification and sensitization strategies that can treat cancer stem cell populations and enhance therapeutic outcome. One such strategy is targeting the DNA damage response (DDR) to interfere with DNA repair in response to ionizing radiation. Ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) and DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNApk) play critical roles in the DDR through the detection and subsequent repair of double-strand breaks (DSBs) via homologous recombination and non-homologous end-joining. Therapeutic attempts to target these proteins have suffered from poor bioavailability and specificity, spurring investigation into the use of nanoparticle delivery of siRNA to more specifically inhibit the DDR pathways. Previously, (1-aminoethyl)iminobis[N-(oleicylcysteinyl-1-amino-ethyl)-propionamide (ECO) nanoparticles have been shown to effectively deliver siRNA targeting pathways involved with tumor growth and metastasis. In this study we investigate the use of these nanoparticles to deliver siRNA to inhibit ATM and DNApk activity and enhance radiation response in both glioma and glioma stem cell lines. Established glioma (U251) and glioma stem cell (NSC11) lines were used to evaluate the effectiveness of ECO nanoparticle delivery of siRNA in vitro . Cellular uptake of ECO nanoparticles loaded with fluorescent siRNA was assessed using flow cytometry and fluorescent microscopy, demonstrating the rapid uptake of ECO/siRNA nanoparticles in comparison to commercially available transfection agents. Protein and mRNA analyses revealed the kinetics and degree of gene silencing with ECO nanoparticle delivery. The effect of ECO delivery of ATM and DNApk siRNA on radiation response was evaluated using clonogenic cell survival and γH2AX foci formation assays. In comparison to untreated cells, cells treated with the ECO nanoparticle/siRNA complex exhibited a delayed DNA repair response following irradiation. Our results demonstrate the potential of ECO nanoparticles to efficiently deliver siRNA targeting ATM and DNApk to glioma and glioma stem cells, resulting in an impaired ability to repair DNA damage and an enhanced response to radiation treatment. These results provide the basis for our future investigation into the use of ECO/siRNA complexes targeting ATM and DNApk to improve the radiation response of GBM in vivo . Citation Format: Jennifer A. Lee, Nadia Ayat, Anita Tandle, Zheng-Rong Lu, Kevin Camphausen. Silencing of DNA repair proteins with ECO/siRNA nanoparticles for the enhancement of radiation response in glioblastoma. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Engineering and Physical Sciences in Oncology; 2016 Jun 25-28; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(2 Suppl):Abstract nr B42.
Nomogram for predicting the benefit of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for esophageal cancer: A SEER-Medicare analysis.

4073 Background: The impact of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for esophageal cancer remains difficult to establish for specific patient (pt) populations. The primary aim of this study was to create ...