cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Racial disparities in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest interventions and survival in the Pragmatic Airway Resuscitation Trial

Abstract Background Prior studies have reported racial disparities in survival from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). However, these studies did not evaluate the association of race with OHCA course of care and outcomes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate racial disparities in OHCA airway placement success and patient outcomes in the multicenter Pragmatic Airway Resuscitation Trial (PART). Method We conducted a secondary analysis of adult OHCA patients enrolled in PART. The parent trial randomized subjects to initial advanced airway management with laryngeal tube or endotracheal intubation. For this analysis, the primary independent variable was patient race categorized by emergency medical services (EMS) as white, black, Hispanic, other, and unknown. We used general estimating equations to examine the association of race with airway attempt success, 72-h survival, and survival to hospital discharge, adjusting for sex, age, witness status, bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), initial rhythm, arrest location, and PART randomization cluster. Results Of 3002 patients, EMS-assessed race as 1537 white, 860 black, 163 Hispanic, 90 other, and 352 unknown. Initial shockable rhythms (13.8% vs. 21.5%, p Conclusions In one of the largest studies evaluating differences in prehospital airway interventions and outcomes by EMS-assessed race for OHCA patients, we found no significant adjusted differences between airway success or survival outcomes.
Abstract NS4: Implementing an In-Patient Family Support Group in a Comprehensive Stroke Center

Background: We identified that during the acute critical phase of stroke the families felt removed from the process. All focus is on stabilizing the patient while families are bystanders. Stroke cr...
ATWATER TO THE PRESENT : EVOLUTION OF NUTRITION EDUCATION

Atwater charted a new course for nutrition education 100 years ago by using the scientific process to develop dietary guidance to improve public health and well being. Each of the areas of research to which Atwater gave leadership--nutrient requirements, food composition, food consumption, and consumer economics--are essential components in the development of dietary guidance. The emerging science of nutrition was translated into recommendations for a healthful diet by Caroline Hunt in 1916 in the first USDA food guide. Other familiar food guides were the "Basic-7" developed in the 1940's and the "Basic-4" from the 1950's. These early guides focused primarily on getting enough nutrients. By 1970, research was providing evidence of the role of excessive intakes of certain food components in the etiology of chronic disease. With the release of the "Dietary Guidelines for Americans" in 1980, work began on a new food guide to address both concerns about nutritional adequacy and overconsumption. Research involved development of a new food guide and a graphic to illustrate it. Although the time since the release of the new Food Guide Pyramid has been short, its wide acceptance by the professional community, industry, and the media promises to make it an effective nutrition education tool.
The retinal hypercircuit: a repeating synaptic interactive motif underlying visual function

The vertebrate retina generates a stack of about a dozen different movies that represent the visual world as dynamic neural images or movies. The stack is embodied as separate strata that span the inner plexiform layer (IPL). At each stratum, ganglion cell dendrites reach up to read out inhibitory interactions between three different amacrine cell classes that shape bipolar-to-ganglion cell transmission. The nexus of these five cell classes represents a functional module, a retinal 'hypercircuit', that is repeated across the surface of each of the dozen strata that span the depth of the IPL. Individual differences in the characteristics of each cell class at each stratum lead to the unique processing characteristics of each neural image throughout the stack. This review shows how the interactions between the morphological and physiological characteristics of each cell class generate many of the known retinal visual functions including motion detection, directional selectivity, local edge detection, looming detection, object motion and looming detection.
Critical Roles of SK3 Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels in the Repolarization of Atrial Myocytes

Small conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels (SK channels) have been first identified in central nervous system, where they aid in integrating changes in intracellular Ca2+ with the intrinsic excitability of neurons and affect the synaptic transmission and plasticity. We have demonstrated that three members of SK channel family (SK1, SK2 and SK3) are present in human and mouse cardiac myocytes and contribute significantly to the repolarization process in both mouse and human atria. Moreover, the three members can heteromultimerize to form functional channels. In this study, we directly tested the contribution of SK3 channels to the overall repolarization of atrial action potentials. We used a mouse model with site-specific insertion of a tetracycline-based genetic switch in the 5' untranslated region of the KCNN3 (SK3 channel) gene so that SK3 expression could be decreased by dietary doxycycline administration without interfering with the normal profile of SK3 expression. Whole-cell patch-clamp recording showed a significant shortening of the action potential duration mainly at 90% repolarization (APD90) in atrial myocytes from the homozygous SK3T/T animals. Conversely, treatment with dietary doxycycline results in a significant prolongation of APD90 in atrial myocytes from SK3T/T animals. We further demonstrated that the shortening of action potential durations in SK3 over-expression mice predisposes the animals to inducible atrial arrhythmias. In conclusion, SK3 contributes toward atrial action potential repolarization, suggesting the pivotal role of the SK channels in atrial myocytes.
Excitation spectrum of two-identical three-level atoms at high photon densities☆

Abstract A theory is developed concerning the excitation spectrum arising from the interaction between two-identical three-level atoms (molecules), one of which is excited in the presence of a strong resonant electromagnetic field (pump field). General expressions for the Green's functions are derived in the limit of high photon densities, which describe the excitation spectrum of the symmetric and antisymmetric modes respectively. The theory is applied to the two-atom Hanle-type resonance spectra. Detailed expressions for the spectral functions have been derived which describe the excitation spectrum of the symmetric and antisymmetric modes when the two-atoms are close together as well as when they are far apart. It is found that the expressions for the spectral functions include two main specific processes which lead to the amplification of the signal field: (1) the probability amplitude for the central peak of the laser field becomes negative when the resonance condition ω 2 32 = Ω 2 2 + Ω 2 3 is satisfied, where ω32 = ω3 - ω2 is the energy separation between the two interacting excited states 2 and 3, and Ω2 and Ω3 are the corresponding energy shifts (Rabi frequencies) induced by the laser field. (2) Among the several sidebands, there are two pairs of sidebands which have positive and negative probability amplitudes respectively, and when certain conditions prevail, the sidebands with the negative amplitudes dominate. In this case, it seems that the amplification of the signal field is more pronounced for the antisymmetric rather than for the symmetric modes. The cooperative effects arising from the presence of the second atom are fully discussed.
SUPPORTING ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS IN THE SCIENCE CLASSROOM THROUGH CRITICAL PEDAGOGY

This article presents an exploratory case study of a teacher’s knowledge, understanding, and practice of critical pedagogy in a sheltered instruction high school biology classroom. This case study relied on the use of fieldnotes, videotape recordings, interviews, and transcripts to showcase the practices and activities taking place in the classroom. The evidence gathered throughout this case study demonstrates that Ms. Rodriguez has been able to establish a classroom environment and develop curricula that reflect the major critical pedagogy themes: (a) identity/personal growth, (b) academic/cognitive development, and (c) critical understanding of society, power, inequality, and students’ own personal power to change their statuses or roles. These themes were identified in different events during the teaching of her genetic unit, ethnobotany unit, and personal issues activity. As a science educator and SI teacher, Ms. Rodriguez has realized that for her students to be able to succeed academically and in life, she needs to center her instruction and curricula on her students’ personal lives, academic needs, and an awareness of their surrounding community.
Elevation of Serum Prolactin Acutely After Administration of p-Chloroamphetamine in Rats

p-Chloroamphetamine hydrochloride (0.5–10 mg/kg, i.p.) caused a rapid (within 30 minutes), dose-related increase in serum prolactin concentration in male rats. The effect was antagonized by pretreatment with p-chlorophenylalanine, an inhibitor of serotonin synthesis, or by metergoline, a serotonin receptor antagonist. The acute elevation of serum prolactin may have been mediated by the release of serotonin by p-chloroamphetamine.
HLA-DRB1*0407 and *1304 are risk factors for scleroderma renal crisis.

Objective To examine the predictive role of HLA genetic markers in scleroderma renal crisis (SRC), beyond the known clinical correlates, in a large population of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Methods SSc patients from the Scleroderma Family Registry and DNA Repository, the Genetics versus Environment in Scleroderma Outcomes Study, and the rheumatology division registry at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston were included in the study. Relevant clinical data were obtained by chart review, and autoantibodies were detected utilizing commercially available kits. HLA class II genotyping was performed on extracted and purified genomic DNA. Results Overall, 1,519 SSc patients were included in the study, of whom 90 (6%) had developed SRC. Among the 90 patients with SRC, the diffuse cutaneous disease subtype was found in 76%, antitopoisomerase antibodies (antitopo) in 9%, anticentromere antibodies (ACAs) in 2%, and anti–RNA polymerase III (anti–RNAP III) in 50% of patients. In multivariate analyses of clinical and demographic parameters, diffuse disease type and anti–RNAP III were strong risk factors for the presence of SRC, whereas ACAs and antitopo were protective. In the final multivariate analysis, which included HLA alleles, HLA–DRB1*0407 (odds ratio [OR] 3.21, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.27–8.08; P = 0.013) and DRB1*1304 (OR 4.51, 95% CI 1.30–15.65; P = 0.018) were identified as independent risk factors for SRC. Only 3 clinical characteristics, diffuse disease type, anti–RNAP III, and ACAs, remained significantly associated with SRC in the final model. Conclusion The results of this study suggest that DRB1*0407 and *1304 are independent risk factors, beyond the known clinical correlates, for the development of SRC.
Transliteracy: A Holistic and Purposeful Learning

Transliteracy is “the ability to read, write and interact across a range of platforms, tools and media from signing and orality through handwriting, print, TV, radio and film, to digital networks” ...
Interacting evolutionary constraints in pelvic reduction of threespine sticklebacks, Gasterosteus aculeatus (Pisces, Gasterosteidae)

The pelvic girdle of Gasterosteus aculeatus is normally a complex and robust structure that varies moderately among and within populations, but in several populations it occurs as a vestigial series. Based on 14 Recent and fossil populations from North America and Scotland, three general patterns of intrapopulation variation of vestigial pelvic structures can be recognized. In most cases of pelvic reduction, the size and complexity of the pelvic girdle are reduced mostly by progressive truncation of distal structures, but two patterns of distal truncation occur. Paedomorphosis appears to play a role in all cases of pelvic reduction, but in a fossil assemblage and one extant population it accounts for most of the structural simplification. Pelvic reduction in populations of Gasterosteus depends on an interaction between natural selection, which appears to determine whether or not pelvic reduction occurs, and phylogenetic constraint (especially developmental constraint), which strongly influences the form of pelvic vestiges. The empirical difficulty of discriminating between phylogenetic constraint and effects of natural selection, and the potential for phylogenetic constraint to produce homoplasy are discussed. Pelvic reduction apparently has been a recurrent phenomenon in Gasterosteus since at least the early Pliocene, but it has not resulted in evolution of a separate lineage of ‘pelvicless’ sticklebacks because such populations are restricted to lakes, which are ephemeral over evolutionary time. Rapid phyletic pelvic reduction coupled with selective extinction of populations with vestigial pelvic structures has resulted in phylogenetic stasis.
Dependence of α-Proton Hyperfine Couplings on Free Radical Geometry

The α-proton hyperfine coupling is a major source of information useful for identifying the chemical and physical structure of free radicals. Use of the isotropic component for estimating spin distributions has been particularly widespread. However, the proportionality between the measured isotropic component and the unpaired spin is known to depend on radical geometry. Using DFT-based computational methods, this work explores the geometry dependence with the model structure . C α H α (R1)(R2), where R1 and R2 are all combinations of H, Me, COOH, NH 2 , and OH. Results indicate that symmetrical bending of all bonds to C α from planar to tetrahedral geometries (1) leads to a change in the isotropic component, dependent on the identity of R1 and R2, which can exceed 200%, (2) leads to very small change in the most-positive dipolar component (less than 6%), and (3) preserves the property that the vector associated with the most-positive dipolar component indicates the direction of the C α H α bond (within 6° or less). Other geometrical features, associated with possible constraints from surrounding molecules, also affect the isotropic coupling and emphasize the need to account for the surroundings when computing optimized structures.
Grades and clades in hornless ruminant evolution: the reality of the Gelocidae and the systematic position of Lophiomeryx and Bachitherium

ABSTRACT The phylogenetic relationships of hornless ruminants are reassessed in light of consideration of the systematic position of the genera Lophiomeryx (previously assigned to the Gelocidae), and Bachitherium (previously assigned to the Leptomerycidae or Hypertragulidae), and the reality of the Gelocidae as a cladistically valid taxon is questioned. It is concluded that Lophiomeryx should be placed in its own family, the Lophiomeryicidae (along with the genera Cryptomeryx and Iberomeryx, previously assigned to the Tragulidae), and that the family forms the sister group to the Pecora. Bachitherium is also best placed in its own family, the Bachitheriidae, forming the sister group to the Pecora plus the Lophiomeryicidae. The Gelocidae cannot be united by any unique character, and are best considered a polyphyletic assemblage of primitive pecorans, from among which the higher pecoran families may be derived.
Position Effects in Search Advertising and their Moderators: A Regression Discontinuity Approach

We investigate the causal effect of position in search engine advertising listings on outcomes such as click-through rates and sales orders. Because positions are determined through an auction, there are significant selection issues in measuring position effects. A simple mean comparison of outcomes at two positions is likely to be biased due to these selection issues. Additionally, experimentation is rendered difficult in this situation by competitors' bidding behavior, which induces selection biases that cannot be eliminated by randomizing the bids for the focal advertiser. Econometric approaches to address the selection are rendered infeasible due to the difficulty of finding suitable instruments in this context. We show that a regression discontinuity RD approach is feasible to measure causal effects in this important context. We apply the approach to a large and unique data set of daily observations containing information on a focal advertiser as well as its major competitors. Our RD estimates demonstrate that there are significant selection biases in the more naive estimates. While a mean comparison of outcomes across positions would indicate very large position effects, we find that our RD estimates of these effects are much smaller, and exist only in some of the positions. We further investigate moderators of these effects. Position effects are stronger when the advertiser is smaller, and when the consumer has low prior experience with the keyword for the advertiser. They are weaker when the keyword phrase has specific brand or product information, when the ad copy is more specific as in exact matching options, and on weekends compared to weekdays.
Predictors of seat-belt use among school-aged children in two low-income Hispanic communities.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the prevalence of seat belt use among school-aged children in low-income Hispanic communities. METHODS: We conducted unobtrusive observations of school-aged children (aged 5 to 12 years) traveling to and from nine elementary schools in two communities. We documented vehicle type, and belted status and seating position of children, driver, and other passengers. Results are presented as percentages with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: We observed 3651 children, of which restraint use could be determined for 2741. Overall, 29% of children were using seat belts. By seating location, 58% were in the front seat with 40% belted, and 42% were in the back seat with 14% belted. Children were most likely to be restrained when traveling in the front seat (40.0%, CI=37.6-42.5); traveling with a belted driver (42.4%, CI=40.0-44.8); or traveling without additional passengers (40.3%, CI=37.0-43.7) CONCLUSIONS: Seat belt use among children from this study population was below the national average and was alarmingly low among children in the back seat. While traveling, being belted in the back seat provides the most protection in a collision. Prevention efforts need to be based on an understanding of the barriers to restraint use for children traveling in the back seat.
Interaction of Cl2 with GaAs(110) with and without laser irradiation

Abstract We have studied the interaction of Cl 2 with a well-defined GaAs(110) surface under ultra-high vacuum conditions. When this surface is cooled to below 100 K, chlorine adsorbs dissociatively and in molecular form. Illumination of a Cl 2 -covered surface at 85 K with 193 nm laser light causes desorption of Cl atoms and the formation of AsCl 3 . Radiation at 351 nm forms a much smaller quantity of AsCl 3 and desorbed Cl flux. Irradiation with a 535 nm laser produces no effect. We suggest that the surface reaction, in the case of 193 nm, is initiated by Cl 2 dissociation through attachment of electrons, photoemitted from the substrate.
Canada and the United States‐A Comparative View*

Au moyen d'une comparaison entre les Etats-Unis et le Canada, cet article veut illustrer la valeur de la recherche comparative entre nations. Les nombreux etats, colonies et commonwealths des deux Ameriques offrent un laboratoire precieux pour la recherche comparative. Une question intriguante se pose au sociologue: quels sont les facteurs qui maintiennent les legeres differences entre deux nations ausi semblables que les Etats-Unis et le Canada anglais? On compare le Canada et les Etats-Unis selon les quatre pattern variables: execution-qualite, universalisme-particularisme, orientation personnelle-orientation collective, et egalitarisme-elitisme. On conclut a une orientation des valeurs centrales aux Etats-Unis se rapprochant plutot du modele d'execution-univer-salisme-egalitarisme-orientation personnelle. On relie l'orientation differente des valeurs au Canada anglais a un passe contre-revolutionnaire, a un besoin de se differencier des Etats-Unis, a l'influence d'institutions monarchiques, a une tradition anglicane dominante, a une colonisation plus dirigee et moins individualiste. Quelques aspects de la vie sociale qui distinguent les deux pays sont rattaches a ces differences dans les valeurs centrales, par example le melting-pot aux Etats-Unis et la mosaique des ethnies au Canada. On discute des problemes d'une identitye canadienne qui consiste en une reaction contre les Etats-Unis et ses valeurs. Depuis quelques decennias, on en est venu au Canada ainsi qu'ailleurs a considerer les Etats-Unis comme pays conservateur, ce qui pourrait entrainer les Canadiens a se definir autrement.
A Magnetic Tape Oscillograph for Power System Analysis

A unique magnetic pickup device makes the magnetic tape recorder adaptable to the recording of power system transient phenomena. Besides eliminating the inconvenience and expense of conventional photographic methods, this technique produces a permanent record starting well in advance of the transient being recorded.
Hierarchical Optimal Contour-Position Control of Motion Control Systems

Contour control is critical in many motion control systems (e.g., manufacturing, robotics). A contour control algorithm is implemented in many applications to drive the contour error to zero; however, the additional algorithm significantly increases the complexity of the overall control system. In this paper, a hierarchical optimal control methodology is developed to design a single servomechanism control system capable of simultaneously driving contour error and individual servomechanism position errors to zero. The designer can systematically trade-off the importance of contour error and servomechanism position errors without the increased complexity of an additional algorithm. The methodology is applied to a two-axis motion control system and simulation studies are conducted for linear, circular, and elliptical contours. The results demonstrate the excellent tracking ability of the proposed motion control methodology and its utility for complex contours.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Effect of Prepartum Dietary Calcium on Intake and Serum and Urinary Mineral Concentrations of Cows

Nine multiparous and 12 primiparous cows were fed diets containing an anionic salt supplement and moderate Ca (0.99%) or high Ca (1.50%) concentrations for 21 d prepartum to determine the effects of dietary Ca concentration on serum and urine electrolytes and on postpartum intake and milk yield. Blood samples were collected during 21 to 1 d prepartum, 0 to 2 d postpartum, and 3 to 21 d postpartum. Dietary cation-anion difference (DCAD) for prepartum diets was approximately -6 mEq/100 g of dry matter (Na + K - Cl - S). Immediately postpartum, cows were fed diets with positive DCAD with greater than 1.00% Ca concentration. Mean serum Ca concentrations 21 to 1 d prepartum, 0 to 2 d postpartum, and 3 to 21 d postpartum were 9.62, 8.41, and 9.38 mg/dL. There were no treatment effects on serum Ca concentration. Mean serum Ca concentration was higher for primiparous than multiparous cows (9.34 vs. 8.93 mg/dL) for the trial and at calving (8.77 vs. 8.13 mg/dL). Mean serum HCO(3)(-) and urinary pH, respectively, were 20.32 mEq/L and 5.67 prepartum, 25.82 mEq/L and 7.62 at calving, and 26.08 mEq/L and 8.25 postpartum. No differences due to treatment were observed for serum and urinary concentrations of HCO(3)(-), pH, Mg, Na, K, and Cl. Milk yield was similar for 0.99 and 1.50% Ca treatments (22.8 and 20.7 kg/d). Diets containing 0.99 or 1.5% Ca maintained serum Ca at adequate levels around parturition and resulted in similar dry matter intake and postpartum milk yield.
MAXIMIZING PRESENT VALUE: A MODEL TO EXPLAIN WHY MODERATE RESPONSE RATES OBTAIN ON VARIABLE-INTERVAL SCHEDULES

In Phases 1 and 3, two Japanese monkeys responded on a multiple variable-ratio 80 variable-interval X schedule, where the value of X was adjusted to ensure equal between-schedule reinforcement rates. Components strictly alternated following the delivery of a food pellet, and each session ended following 50 components. Phase 2 differed from the others only in that the 50 pellets previously earned during the session were delivered together at session's end. Variable-ratio response rates did not decrease across phases, but variable-interval response rates decreased substantially during the Phase 2 procedure. This rate decrease was attributed to the food-at-session's-end manipulation removing the greater immediacy of reinforcement provided by short interresponse times relative to long interresponse times. Without this time preference for short interresponse times, the variable-interval interresponse-time reinforcement feedback function largely controlled response emission, dictating a response-rate reduction. This result was explained in terms of the economic notion of “maximizing present value.”
Graphene nanoribbon devices at high bias

We present the electron transport in graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) at high electric bias conduction. When graphene is patterned into a few tens of nanometer width of a ribbon shape, the carriers are confined to a quasi-one-dimensional (1D) system. Combining with the disorders in the system, this quantum confinement can lead into a transport gap in the energy spectrum of the GNRs. Similar to CNTs, this gap depends on the width of the GNR. In this review, we examine the electronic properties of lithographically fabricated GNRs, focusing on the high bias transport characteristics of GNRs as a function of density tuned by a gate voltage. We investigate the transport behavior of devices biased up to a few volts, a regime more relevant for electronics applications. We find that the high bias transport behavior in this limit can be described by hot electron scattered by the surface phonon emission, leading to a carrier velocity saturation. We also showed an enhanced current saturation effect in the GNRs with an efficient gate coupling. This effect results from the introduction of the charge neutrality point into the channel, and is similar to pinch-off in MOSFET devices. We also observe that heating effects in graphene at high bias are significant.
Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and the Stem Cell Phenotype

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a developmental process in which epithelial cells acquire the motile, migratory properties of mesenchymal cells. In a recent issue of Cell, Mani et al. (2008) show that induction of EMT stimulates cultured breast cells to adopt characteristics of stem cells.
Distribution and Status of The Red Fox in Idaho

Skeletal remains taken in excavations show that the red fox has been present in western North America for at least 14,000 years. Its historical occurrence in Idaho was apparently first recorded in 1891. Information furnished by trappers, predator control agents, conservation officers, biologists, and other cooperators from 1945 through 1965 indicates that, beginning about 1960, this species has markedly increased its density in some parts of the state and invaded habitats which it had not previously occupied. The red fox's status as a furbearer has, however, remained insignificant in Idaho. While a taxonomic analysis is not undertaken, Idahoan specimens are tentatively assigned to Vulpes vulpes macroura Baird.
Divergence cancellations in a simplified weak interaction model

Abstract The divergence structure of a simplified (abelian) model of weak interactions is examined in low orders of perturbation theory. The model utilizes the Higgs mechanism of spontaneous violation of local gauge symmetry to generate a vector meson mass. We find that the only divergences of on-mass-shell S-matrix elements are those corresponding to conventional renormalization effects.
On minimum delay clustering without replication

In this paper we show that the problem of clustering a combinational circuit under the area or pin constraint so that the clusters are disjoint and the overall input/output delay is minimized is computationally intractable. The minimization of the delay with the disjoint cluster requirement was up to now an open problem, whereas the version that allows replicated components in the clusters is known to have a fast polynomial-time solution. We also describe an improved heuristic for the problem and give comparative experimental results that illustrate the tradeoff between the general decrease in the number of clusters and the general increase in the overall delay of the disjoint over the non-disjoint version.
On the algebraic structure of certain partially observable finite-state Markov processes

We consider a class of nonlinear estimation problems possessing certain algebraic properties, and we exploit these properties in order to study the computational complexity of nonlinear estimation algorithms. Specifically, we define a class of finite-state Markov processes evolving on finite groups and consider noisy observations of these processes. By introducing some concepts from the theory of representations of finite groups, we are able to define a pair of "dual" filtering algorithms. We then study several specific classes of groups in detail, and, by developing a generalization of the fast Fourier transform algorithm, we derive an efficient nonlinear filtering algorithm. A continuous-time version of these ideas is developed for cyclic groups.
Estimation of Large Covariance Matrices of Longitudinal Data With Basis Function Approximations

The major difficulties in estimating a large covariance matrix are the high dimensionality and the positive definiteness constraint. To overcome these difficulties, we propose to apply smoothing-based regularization and use the modified Cholesky decomposition of the covariance matrix. In our proposal, the covariance matrix is diagonalized by a lower triangular matrix, whose subdiagonals are treated as smooth functions. These functions are approximated by splines and estimated by maximizing the normal likelihood. In our framework, the mean and the covariance of the longitudinal data can be modeled simultaneously and missing data can be handled in a natural way using the EM algorithm. We illustrate the proposed method via simulation and applying it to two real data examples, which involve estimation of 11 × 11 and 102 × 102 covariance matrices.
Marx at the Margins: On Nationalism, Ethnicity, and Non-Western Societies

Marx at the Margins: On Nationalism, Ethnicity, and Non-Western Societies Kevin B. Anderson Chicago, University of Chicago Press, 2010, pp. 319, $22.50 paperback ISBN 978-0-226-01983-3 When we thin...
An extension of the biharmonic boundary integral method to free surface flow in channels

Abstract The biharmonic boundary integral solution of two-dimensional creeping flow of an incompressible Newtonian fluid is extended to problems with free surfaces. Iterative construction of the free surface with the normal stress condition is achieved with a shooting method that is most appropriate for thin films and menisci of widely varying curvature. A continuation scheme is also introduced to systematically construct the solution as a function of a given parameter. These new techniques, combined with the known storage and computational advantages of the biharmonic boundary integral method, allow construction of difficult free surfaces. We demonstrate this by solving the Bretherton problem of a two-dimensional air bubble traveling in a channel. Agreement with asymptotic theory and the finite-difference method is shown. Other problems on formation and transport of bubbles in channels are also tackled.
The topography of the pulmonary alveolus: Scanning electron microscopy using different fixations

Scanning electron microscopy combines great depth of field with relatively high resolution, permitting a three-dimensional appreciation of lung structure. This study compares the topography of pulmonary alveoli by scanning electron microscopy using several different fixation procedures and correlating scanning with transmission electron microscopy. When lungs are distended with fixative through the airways, the alveoli tend to be polyhedral and considerable structural detail can be seen with the SEM. Granular pneumocytes, membranous pneumocytes, and macrophages all present recognizable surface specializations. When the lung is inflated with air at 20 cm of water pressure and fixation is achieved with either rapid freezing or intravascular perfusion of fixative, the alveolar contour is round and the alveolar surface is smooth. Collapse of capillaries due to intra-alveolar pressure, preservation of the extracellular alveolar lining layer, and surface forces all contribute to this appearance. If fixation is carried out under conditions in which capillary pressure exceeds transpulmonary pressure, the capillary bed is visible in relief as a reticular pattern of ridges.
Specific bone-protective effects of metabolites/derivatives of tamoxifen and clomiphene in ovariectomized rats

Abstract In the ovariectomized (ovx) rat, the nonsteroidal antiestrogens, clomiphene (CLO) and tamoxifen (TAM), at dose levels that prevent development of osteopenia to a degree approaching that of 17β-estradiol are, in contrast to 17β-estradiol, only weakly uterotrophic. Metabolites of CLO and TAM might contribute differentially to these effects. Thus, we have evaluated bone protective and uterine effects in ovx rats of two such metabolites: 4-hydroxy CLO, produced by p-hydroxylation of CLO; and 4HTA, produced from TAM by stepwise replacement of its dimethylaminoethyl side chain with an acetic acid moiety, accompanied by p-hydroxylation. Also reported are effects of D4HTA, the dihydrodesethyl derivative of 4HTA previously characterized as a full estrogen mimetic in vitro. Administration of 4-hydroxy CLO (2.5 mg/kg subcutaneously) 5 days/week for 5 weeks to 3-month-old ovx rats resulted in complete prevention of bone loss and suppression of bone turnover to levels comparable to those of intact controls and to those of ovx animals similarly receiving 17β-estradiol (10 μg/kg). However, uterine weight in animals receiving 4-hydroxy CLO was 64% less than that in 17β-estradiol-treated animals. Although 4HTA (3.7 mg/kg s.c.) had a modest uterotrophic effect, it did not prevent bone loss associated with ovariectomy. In contrast, D4HTA (3.6 mg/kg s.c.) partially reduced bone turnover indicators and cancellous bone loss in a manner similar in many ways to that observed in TAM-treated ovx animals, but it had no uterotrophic effect. These results suggest that, although 4HTA does not contribute to the bone-protective effect of TAM, 4-hydroxy CLO might augment that of CLO.
Stresses of hexagonal screw dislocation arrays. I. The semi-infinite hexagonal dislocation multipole

A model of a hexagonal dislocation loop, which by repetition may be used to form sub-boundaries of screw dislocations of simple cells involving these, is developed. Rather than being a simple loop of screw dislocations, it is a combination of a hexagonal screw loop and edge dislocations normal to it, the latter required to achieve conservation of Burgers vectors at the nodes. The shear stresses associated with such a model were obtained numerically by means of a computer, and contour maps of the stresses were obtained from the line printer. The stresses in planes parallel to, but at distances far away from, the screw segments, are similar to those of the hexapole described previously by Moore and Kuhlmann-Wilsdorf. However, in planes not far from the hexagonal loop, a previously undiscovered, superimposed torsional stress field exists which produces a rather complicated pattern of the stresses in the vicinity of the loop. Ein einfaches Modell eines Schraubenversetzungsringes wurde ent worfen, aus dem Schraubenversetzungsnetzwerke und Versetzungszellen, die solche Netzwerke enthalten, zusammengesetzt werden konnen. Dieses Modell ist eine Kombination eines Hexagons aus Schraubenversetzungen und dazu senkrechten Kantenversetzungen, wobei die letzteren notig sind, um das Gleichgewicht zwischen den Burgersvektoren zu erhalten. Die Scherspannungen dieser Einheit wurden numerisch mit einer elektronischen Rechenmaschine bestimmt und wurden in Form von Konturdiagrammen dargestellt, die direkt von der Rechenmaschine durch Benutzung von Symbolen verschiedener Schwarzung gedruckt werden. In Ebenen parallel zu dem Schraubenversetzungshexagon, aber weit davon entfernt, wurden Spannungsdiagramme gefunden, die denen von unendlich langen Hexapolen, untersucht von Moore und Kuhlmann-Wilsdorf, sehr ahnlich sind. Naher am Hexagon wurde jedoch ein Torsionsspannungsfeld von einer Art entdeckt, die nie vorher gefunden worden war. Dieses gibt Anlas zu geometrisch sehr komplizierten Spannungsfeldern in der Nahe des Schraubenversetzungssechsecks.
Accurate, Wide-Range, Automated, High-Performance Liquid Chromatographic Method for the Estimation of Octanol/Water Partition Coefficients I: Effect of Chromatographic Conditions and Procedure Variables on Accuracy and Reproducibility of the Method

A high-performance liquid-chromatographic (HPLC) procedure is reported for estimation of the logarithm of the octanol/water partition coefficient, log P(o/w). This automated log P(o/w) measurement (ALPM) circumvents many inherent difficulties with the shake-flask method, yet gives high reproducibility and excellent overall correlation with shake-flask results. Partition coefficients for numerous structurally diverse chemicals, ranging from approximately 0 to approximately 8 log P(o/w) units, can be determined; however, values for zwitterionic compounds cannot be obtained. Additional advantages of ALPM include lower cost and greater safety when compared with other HPLC or shake-flask procedures. Chromatographic conditions (i.e., flow rate and temperature) and variables (i.e., column length and solvent composition) affecting this method are discussed in detail. ALPM may also find application in quality control of HPLC columns, qualitative-quantitative analysis, and in computer-controlled method development and analysis.
Two segment classes with Hamiltonian visibility graphs

Abstract We prove that the endpoint visibility graph of a set of disjoint segments that satisfy one of two restrictions, always contains a simple Hamiltonian circuit. The first restriction defines the class of independent segments: the line containing each segment misses all the other segments. The second restriction specifies unit lattice segments: unit length segments whose endpoints have integer coordinates.
A spatially explicit model of muscle contraction explains a relationship between activation phase, power and ATP utilization in insect flight.

SUMMARY Using spatially explicit, stochastically kinetic, molecular models of muscle force generation, we examined the relationship between mechanical power output and energy utilization under differing patterns of length change and activation. A simulated work loop method was used to understand prior observations of sub-maximal power output in the dominant flight musculature of the hawkmoth Manduca sexta L. Here we show that mechanical work output and energy consumption ( via ATP) vary with the phase of activation, although they do so with different phase sensitivities. The phase relationship for contraction efficiency (the ratio of power output to power input) differs from the phase relationships of energy consumption and power output. To our knowledge, this is the first report to suggest that ATP utilization by myosin cross-bridges varies strongly with the phase of activation in muscle undergoing cyclic length changes.
Inferring user interests from tweet times

We propose and demonstrate the feasibility of a probabilistic framework for mining user interests from their tweet times alone, by exploiting the known timing of external events associated with these interests. This approach allows for making inferences on the interests of a large number of users for which text-based mining may become cumbersome, and also sidesteps the difficult problem of semantic/contextual analysis required for such text-based inferences. The statistic that we propose for gauging the user's interest level is the probability that he/she tweets more frequently at certain times when this topic is in the ``public eye'' than at other times. We report on promising experimental results using Twitter data on detecting whether or not a user is a fan of a given baseball team, leveraging the known timing of games played by the team. Since people often interact with others who share similar interests, we extend our probabilistic framework to use the interest level estimates for other users with whom a person interacts (by referring to them in his/her tweets). We demonstrate that it is possible to significantly improve the detection probability (for a given false alarm rate) by such information pooling on the social graph.
Blood flow in end-to-side arteriovenous fistulas and saphenous vein grafts

Approximately 5,000 people in the United States have life maintained by chronic hemodialysis [1].Ready and practical access to the circulatory system for such a procedure was first made possible by Quinton, Dillard and Scribner with development of a Teflon® silastic shunt [2].Yet, infection, clotting, thrombosis, and bleeding with an external shunt still remain a substantial cause of morbidity [3].A surgically created subcutaneous arteriovenous fistula obviates many of these complications [4].A side-to-side fistula between the radial artery and the cephalic vein was advocated originally, but symptoms and signs of arterial insufficiency in the digits distal to the fistula developed in some patients [5].The digital perfusion abnormalities resulted from a decrease in antegrade flow in the radial artery beyond the fistula and retrograde flow of blood out of the hand via the radial artery distal to the fistula site [6].Perfusion of the fistula hand was entirely from the ulnar artery, and most of the blood entering the digits via the palmar arches was "stolen" from the hand by the low resistance fistula [7].Recently we proposed on the basis of oscillometry studies that the radial artery "steal syndrome" could be avoided by creation of an end-to-side fistula [8].The clinical and physiological effects of an end-to-side subcutaneous arteriovenous fistula in nine patients receiving chronic hemodialysis are evaluated herein.
Laser- and Filament-Induced Multi-scale Surface Structures on Solid Target Materials

Laser-induced filaments can ablate solid material at distances greater than that practicably achieved through linear optics. We observed multi-scale structures on metals, polymers, and ceramics from filaments and compared to those from short-focused laser pulses.
Real-time tracking of linear processes over an AWGN channel without feedback: The MMSE optimality of the innovation encoder

We first present a formulation for the real-time tracking of a scalar continuous-time linear process over an Additive White Gaussian Noise (AWGN) channel without channel feedback and prove several results for minimum mean-squared error (MMSE) tracking. For the one-to-one channel case, we give an optimal encoder-decoder pair along with the optimal tracking performance. With the Gaussian distributed source innovation, one optimal form of the encoder is shown to be a linear innovation encoder, which scales the source innovation to match with the power constraint of the channel input. We then extend the formulation to the case where multiple source processes are tracked via a shared AWGN channel.
The inheritance of three mechanisms of diplandroid (2 n pollen) formation in diploid potatoes

Genetic data obtained from seven test-crosses (159 progeny) substantiated an earlier hypothesis that all three mechanisms of diplandroid formation (parallel spindles, ps; premature cytokinesis-1, pc-1 and premature cytokinesis-2, pc-2) are controlled by simple recessive mutations. Results of tests for allelism suggested that pc-1 and pc-2 are not allelic. The expression of ps, pc-1 and pc-2 at the tetraploid level was observed when the tetraploid is nulliplex at the corresponding locus.
Improving evidence-based practice in the treatment of chronic insomnia: a commentary for Sleep Medicine Reviews on “Chronic hypnotic use: deadly risks, doubtful benefits” (Daniel F. Kripke): COMMENTARY

The view on chronic hypnotic use by Professor Daniel F. Kripke underscores a scandalous public health issue, namely, the lack of scientific and clinical evidence to support the prevalent clinical practice of chronic sedative hypnotic prescription for patients with chronic insomnia. Not only is there a lack of controlled data to support this practice, there is also reason to think that it may be ultimately harmful to the health and wellbeing of some, if not many, patients, as argued in this review. This state of affairs leads compellingly to the research agenda recommended by Kripke for randomized, placebo-controlled maintenance clinical trials of sedative hypnotics to assess definitively the benefits and risks of these medications in the long-term clinical management of a chronic relapsing condition. Pending the collection of such data, Kripke recommends that maintenance treatment with sedative hypnotics be withdrawn and that cognitive behavioral therapy [1] be offered. While agreeing with Professor Kripke’s research agenda, I believe that it does not go far enough. I also think that there may be a role for support by the pharmaceutical industry, in tandem with federal sponsorship. In my opinion, we definitely need placebo-controlled evaluation of the efficacy of maintenance sedative hypnotic medication for the long-term management of chronic primary insomnia. The data reviewed by Kripke raise the distinct possibility that placebo may be at least as effective, if not more effective, and safer than sleeping pills. Since the highest currency both scientific and ethical between doctor and patient is derived from placebo-controlled evaluation, that standard should be applied to this prevalent clinical practice. However, I also believe that this is too narrow a research agenda and would not adequately inform clinical practice. Patients with chronic insomnia also frequently
Boolean Logic Gates that Use Enzymes as Input Signals

Biochemical systems that demonstrate the Boolean logic operations AND, OR, XOR, and InhibA were developed by using soluble compounds, which represent the chemical "devices", and the enzymes glucose oxidase (GOx), glucose dehydrogenase (GDH), alcohol dehydrogenase (AlcDH), and microperoxidase-11 (MP-11), which operated as the input signals that activated the logic gates. The enzymes were used as soluble materials and as immobilized biocatalysts. The studied systems are proposed to be a step towards the construction of "smart" signal-responsive materials with built-in Boolean logic.
A problem posed

E. T. Jaynes' resolution of Bertrand's paradox in terms of invariance principles is criticized. An experimental setup is considered which generates general solutions to Bertrand's problem by rotating a line around a point a distancer+d from a circle of radiusr. The general solution obtained is neither translationally nor scale invariant, but depends on the value ofr/d. Only in the limitr/d » 0, when the line is just translating across the circle, is the distribution translationally invariant and scale invariant. In this limiting case the distribution found is just that obtained by Jaynes.