cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bayesian SEM for Specification Search Problems in Testing Factorial Invariance

Specification search problems refer to two important but under-addressed issues in testing for factorial invariance: how to select proper reference indicators and how to locate specific non-invariant parameters. In this study, we propose a two-step procedure to solve these issues. Step 1 is to identify a proper reference indicator using the Bayesian structural equation modeling approach. An item is selected if it is associated with the highest likelihood to be invariant across groups. Step 2 is to locate specific non-invariant parameters, given that a proper reference indicator has already been selected in Step 1. A series of simulation analyses show that the proposed method performs well under a variety of data conditions, and optimal performance is observed under conditions of large magnitude of non-invariance, low proportion of non-invariance, and large sample sizes. We also provide an empirical example to demonstrate the specific procedures to implement the proposed method in applied research. The importance and influences are discussed regarding the choices of informative priors with zero mean and small variances. Extensions and limitations are also pointed out.
The association of addictive-like eating with food intake in children.

Abstract Objectives The potential role of an addictive process in problematic eating is a growing area of interest and debate. Children are more vulnerable to the negative effects of addictive substances than adults and may be at increased risk for addictive-like eating behavior. No prior study has evaluated the association of addictive-like eating with objectively measured eating behavior in adults or children. We examined the association between “food addiction” and observed food consumption among children and whether age moderated this association. Method Seventy children participated in an observed dinner meal, completed a dietary recall interview, and answered the Yale Food Addiction Scale for Children (YFAS-C), a questionnaire assessing symptoms of “food addiction”. Children's total calories ordered, calories consumed at dinner, calories consumed post-dinner, and a total of calories consumed at dinner and post-dinner were calculated along with their BMI percentile. We used generalized estimated equation models to investigate the relationship between the YFAS-C and food consumption. Results Elevated “food addiction” symptoms, but not BMI percentile, were positively associated with an increased amount of calories consumed at dinner and post-dinner. Age significantly moderated the relationship between YFAS-C and caloric intake, with only younger children exhibiting this association. Conclusions As the first study of objectively measured eating behavior, we found addictive-like eating scores in children were positively associated with the total amount of calories consumed. Among younger children, “food addiction” was more strongly associated with the total calories consumed than BMI percentile, highlighting the importance of assessing behavioral phenotypes when evaluating caloric intake. This association between addictive-like eating and caloric intake among younger, but not older children may be due to differences in inhibitory control and dietary restraint.
Risk Predictive Model for 90-Day Mortality in Candida Bloodstream Infections

AbstractBackground Candida bloodstream infections (CBSI) continue to be associated with high mortality, despite changes in antifungal treatment and diagnostics.Methods All patients age 18 or greater with a first episode of CBSI by blood culture from 1/2002 to 1/2015, admitted to Barnes-Jewish Hospital, a tertiary referral hospital in St. Louis, MO, were included. We collected data on demographics, comorbidities, laboratory values, vital signs, indwelling devices, and medical treatments of interest from the electronic medical record. We analyzed the potential predictor variables using univariate logistic regression. Variables associated with mortality were considered for model inclusion. The final model was built using multivariable binary logistic regression. A predictive equation was created, and a receiver–operator curve (ROC) was calculated to determine the appropriate cut-off points and c-statistic.ResultsOf the 1873 episodes of CBSI identified, 789 (42%) resulted in death in 90 days. The variables included in this model were age (40–49: OR 0.463, 95% CI 0.291–0.736; 50–69: 0.542, 0.342–0.860; ≥70: 0.560, 0.400–0.785); history of CAD (1.616, 1.171–2.230), chronic liver disease (2.247, 1.327–3.806); maximum heart rate (1.496, 1.126–1.989) and temperature (0.537, 0.408–0.708); AST (1.817, 1.343–2.459) and platelet count (1.563, 1.178–2.073); the presence of ventilator (1.847, 1.321–2.582), urinary catheter (1.365, 1.008–1.847), two or more central lines (1.658, 1.020–2.694); removal of lines after positive culture (0.259, 0.181–0.370); ophthalmology consult during admission (0.441, 0.329–0.592); thoracentesis/chest tube (3.827, 1.550–9.448); diagnosis of secondary malignancy (2.131, 1.488–3.053); whether antimetabolites (2.119, 1.353–3.318), dapsone (4.507, 1.450–14.012), linezolid (1.605, 1.059–2.435), quinolones (1.384, 0.998–1.920) were ordered 90 days before positive culture. An ROC curve was calculated with an internal c-statistic of 0.806.Conclusion We created a risk predictive model for 90-day mortality in patients with CBSI, with 81% probability of predicting mortality. This model can lead to development of point-of-care applications to aid decision-making regarding escalation/de-escalation of care.Disclosures W. Powderly, Merck: Grant Investigator and Scientific Advisor, Consulting fee and Research grant Gilead: Scientific Advisor, Consulting fee Astellas: Grant Investigator, Research grant A. Spec, Astellas: Grant Investigator, Grant recipient
Association Between Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Survival, Smoking at Diagnosis, and Marital Status.

Importance While the adverse association between smoking and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) survival has been well described, there are also inconclusive studies and those that report no significant changes in HNSCC survival and overall mortality due to smoking. There is also a lack of studies investigating the association of marital status on smoking status at diagnosis for patients with HNSCC. Objective To examine the association between patient smoking status at HNSCC diagnosis and survival and the association between marital status and smoking in these patients. Design, Setting, and Participants This retrospective cohort study was conducted by querying the Saint Louis University Hospital Tumor Registry for adults with a diagnosis of HNSCC and treated at the university academic medical center between 1997 and 2012; 463 confirmed cases were analyzed. Main Outcomes and Measures Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to evaluate association of survival with smoking status at diagnosis and covariates. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to assess whether marital status was associated with smoking at diagnosis adjusting for covariates. Results Of the 463 total patients (338 men, 125 women), 92 (19.9%) were aged 18 to 49 years; 233 (50.3%) were aged 50 to 65 years; and 138 (29.8%) were older than 65 years. Overall, 56.2% of patients were smokers at diagnosis (n = 260); 49.6% were married (n = 228); and the mortality rate was 54.9% (254 died). A majority of patients were white (81.0%; n = 375). Smokers at diagnosis were more likely to be younger (ie, Conclusions and Relevance Smokers were almost twice as likely as nonsmokers to die during the study period. We also found that those who were married were less likely to be smokers at diagnosis. Our study suggests that individualized cancer care should incorporate social support and management of cancer risk behaviors.
Literacidad crítica y enseñanza de las ciencias sociales en primaria: “Profe, las bolsas de plástico no son medusas”

This research attempts to answer the question of how primary education students interpret texts about social problems, in order to become aware, make decisions and produce alternatives responsibly. The participant observation of the uses of the literacies of 286 sixth-graders (eleven to twelve years), in seven elementary schools of Barcelona and surroundings, focuses on the interpretation of different texts (videos, images, magazines, etcetera) on the controversial issue of marine pollution and ecologism. The data is analyzed from a critical and interpretative perspective, based on the triangulation of the results of a questionnaire and group interviews, and stress the importance of new literacies as a line of research in social science didactics. Therefore, the phenomenon of the critical capacity of boys and girls in the last year of primary school is explored to analyze texts in order to promote social actions, from the critical framework of new literacies.
How Parents Influence African American Students' Decisions to Prepare for Vocational Teaching Careers

The career choice process of young people can easily be compared to rocks in a rock polisher. "All kinds of people grind away at them but, parents are the big rocks in the tumbler" (Otto, 1989, p. 2-3). Indeed, parents serve as major influences in the lives of their children (Otto, 1989). Of the factors that influence career choice processes, family members, particularly parents, are the most influential determinant of career plans, occupational aspirations, and occupational expectations (Hines, 1997;Lee, 1984;Leong, 1995;Parham & Austin, 1994). "Even if schools had the resources with which to meet young people's career guidance needs, neither teachers nor counselors can replace the influence parents have on their sons and daughters career plans" (Otto, 1989, p. 1-3).
Discovery of Inhibitors of Human Renin with High Oral Bioavailability

Oral bioavailability has been a formidable barrier to the development of drugs which mimic the structures of biologically active peptides. This report describes the discovery of potent renin inhibitors having high oral bioavailability and good plasma pharmacokinetics. These are substances derived by modification of the P4–P1’ sequence of angiotensinogen, the renin substrate. These results demonstrate a successful peptide mimetic approach to the design of orally bioavailable pharmacologically active agents.
Imaging Versus Etiology: Lacunar or Non-Lacunar Stroke? (P07.230)

OBJECTIVE: To investigate differences between MRI findings and TOAST criteria in the diagnosis of lacunar versus non-lacunar stroke. BACKGROUND: Patients with non-lacunar stroke undergo more extensive testing aimed at discovering treatable causes of stroke not present in lacunar (small-vessel) stroke. TOAST criteria allow for classifying ischemic strokes based on clinical findings and the results of all ancillary testing into lacunar and non-lacunar (large-artery atherosclerosis, cardioembolism, stroke of other determined etiology and stroke of undetermined etiology). However, initial imaging findings of a lacunar stroke may be a deciding factor for a more limited diagnostic work-up that may fail to accurately diagnose a non-lacunar infarction. We investigated potential differences for diagnosing lacunar stroke between MRI imaging alone and TOAST criteria. DESIGN/METHODS: Electronic records of 207 patients admitted for ischemic stroke and with MRI imaging evidence of infarction were evaluated. Patients were initially classified into lacunar and non-lacunar stroke based on MRI findings. TOAST criteria where then used to reclassify the same patients into lacunar and non-lacunar stroke. The proportion of lacunar strokes was compared between the two methods using McNemar9s test, with significance set at 0.05. RESULTS: Agreement between the MRI-based and TOAST criteria classifications was examined using positive and negative percent agreement, as well as Cohen9s kappa (κ). The agreement between the two methods was good, κ = 0.74, with an overall percent agreement of 89%. Negative percent agreement was excellent (100%), however, positive percent agreement was only 67%. The proportion of lacunar strokes as classified based on MRI findings was significantly different from the proportion using the TOAST criteria (MRI: 67 lacunar/140 non-lacunar versus TOAST: 45 lacunar/162 non-lacunar; p CONCLUSIONS: Approximately one third of lacunar strokes may have a different underlying etiology when using imaging alone. These results support using a comprehensive approach for diagnosing ischemic stroke subtype. Supported by: Clinical Science Research & Development Service of the VA Office of Research and Development (Award number1I01CX000340). Disclosure: Dr. Vaughn has received personal compensation for activities with various multiple sclerosis surveys. Dr. Vincent has nothing to disclose. Dr. Prodan has received research support from the Clinical Science Research and Development service of the VA office of Research and Development.
CCE V: Primary production, mesozooplankton grazing, and the biological pump in the California Current Ecosystem: Variability and response to El Niño

Author(s): Morrow, RM; Ohman, MD; Goericke, R; Kelly, TB; Stephens, BM; Stukel, MR | Abstract: Predicting marine carbon sequestration in a changing climate requires mechanistic understanding of the processes controlling sinking particle flux under different climatic conditions. The recent occurrence of a warm anomaly (2014–2015) followed by an El Nino (2015–2016) in the southern sector of the California Current System presented an opportunity to analyze changes in the biological carbon pump in response to altered climate forcing. We compare primary production, mesozooplankton grazing, and carbon export from the euphotic zone during quasi-Lagrangian experiments conducted in contrasting conditions: two cruises during warm years - one during the warm anomaly in 2014 and one toward the end of El Nino 2016 – and three cruises during El Nino-neutral years. Results showed no substantial differences in the relationships between vertical carbon export and its presumed drivers (primary production, mesozooplankton grazing) between warm and neutral years. Mesozooplankton fecal pellet enumeration and phaeopigment measurements both showed that fecal pellets were the dominant contributor to export in productive upwelling regions. In more oligotrophic regions, fluxes were dominated by amorphous marine snow with negligible pigment content. We found no evidence for a significant shift in the relationship between mesozooplankton grazing rate and chlorophyll concentration. However, mass-specific grazing rates were lower at low-to-moderate chlorophyll concentrations during warm years relative to neutral years. We also detected a significant difference in the relationship between phytoplankton primary production and photosynthetically active radiation between years: at similar irradiance and nutrient concentrations, productivity decreased during the warm events. Whether these changes resulted from species composition changes remains to be determined. Overall, our results suggest that the processes driving export remain similar during different climate conditions, but that species compositional changes or other structural changes require further attention.
Prospective, Open Trial of Adjunctive Triple Chronotherapy for the Acute Treatment of Depression in Adolescent Inpatients

Abstract Objective: The aim of this pilot study was to explore the feasibility and proof of concept of triple chronotherapy (TCT) as a nonpharmacological adjunctive treatment in the acute managemen...
Closeness to God, anger toward God, and seeing such anger as morally acceptable: links to life satisfaction

This study examined the relationships among closeness with and anger toward God, moral acceptability of anger toward God, and life satisfaction (LS) in a sample of undergraduates (N = 196)....
Confocal Raman Microscopy Investigation of Self-Assembly of Hybrid Phospholipid Bilayers within Individual Porous Silica Chromatographic Particles.

Hybrid-supported phospholipid bilayers are a model structure utilized for measurement of molecular interactions that typically occur at cell membranes. These membrane models are prepared by adsorpt...
Interventions to address medication-related causes of hospital readmissions: A scoping review

Unplanned readmissions pose a tremendous burden on patients, providers, and payers. A significant proportion of readmissions are medication-related. Despite the availability of literature regarding hospital-level strategies to reduce readmissions, little has been written about strategies aimed at medication-related readmissions. We sought to identify successful readmission reduction strategies by performing a scoping literature review of research published between 2000 and 2017. We identified 21 studies that met our inclusion criteria. From these studies, we identified 7 components frequently employed as a part of interventions to reduce medication-related readmissions: discharge planning, discharge education, post-discharge telephone calls, the use of a professional coordinator with clinical training to administer the intervention, patient education efforts, provider training efforts, and medication reconciliation. Thirty-eight percent of all the interventions identified were associated with a statistically significant reduction in readmissions. Of the 7 common intervention components we identified, none were consistently associated with intervention success in the full sample. However, interventions implemented by inpatient hospitals, in particular academic medical centers, had a higher success rate than interventions implemented by other providers. We examined a subsample of larger studies and found that discharge planning and medication reconciliation components were included in most of the successful interventions. Future research should look beyond simply identifying components included in an intervention and should instead seek to identify contextual factors that enable or inhibit the success of these components. Research examining discharge planning and medication reconciliation efforts will be particularly important.
Introducing Social Work to HyFlex Blended Learning: A Student-centered Approach

The HyFlex blended learning model is a student-driven approach that allows students to determine what blended learning they prefer to meet their unique needs. In a HyFlex course, students are prese...
Direct-Acting Oral Anticoagulants and Their Reversal Agents-An Update.

Background: Over the last ten years, a new class of drugs, known as the direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs), have emerged at the forefront of anticoagulation therapy. Like the older generation anticoagulants, DOACs require specific reversal agents in cases of life-threatening bleeding or the need for high-risk surgery. Methods: Published literature was searched, and information extracted to provide an update on DOACS and their reversal agents. Results: The DOACs include the direct thrombin inhibitor—dabigatran, and the factor Xa inhibitors—rivaroxaban, apixaban, edoxaban, and betrixaban. These DOACs all have a rapid onset of action and each has a predictable therapeutic response requiring no monitoring, unlike the older anticoagulants, such as warfarin. Two reversal agents have been approved within the last five years: idarucizumab for the reversal of dabigatran, and andexanet alfa for the reversal of rivaroxaban and apixaban. Additionally, ciraparantag, a potential “universal” reversal agent, is currently under clinical development. Conclusions: A new generation of anticoagulants, the DOACs, and their reversal agents, are gaining prominence in clinical practice, having demonstrated superior efficacy and safety profiles. They are poised to replace traditional anticoagulants including warfarin.
Multidirectional Memory as Decolonial Pedagogical Practice in German Studies

Michael Rothberg defines “multidirectional memory” as a social phenomenon that connects disparate cultural memory narratives. According to Rothberg, rather than viewing discourses related to slavery and decolonization as competing with the unique place of the Holocaust in modern Western history, these discourses developed concomitantly and can foster solidarity for a more just future. This chapter argues that multidirectional memory has, at its core, a decolonialist mission and facilitates a decolonizing pedagogy. I examine how multidirectional discourse relies on the exploration of different positionalities. This approach positions student self-assessment of personal narratives in the context of national, international, and multidirectional narratives, fostering deep criticality conducive to decolonized thinking. I will elucidate my theoretical ideas on the basis of a course entitled “Transnational Perspectives on Holocaust Memory.”
Uncovering Huber Lifeways: An Overview of Findings from Four Years of Excavations at the Huber Phase Middle Grant Creek Site (11WI2739) in Northern Illinois

This article reports on recent findings from the ongoing archaeological project at the single- component early seventeenth-century Huber phase site, Middle Grant Creek (11WI2739), located at Midewi...
Quiet Resistance: The Value of Personal Defiance

What reason does one have to resist oppression? The reasons that most easily come to mind are those having to do with justice—reasons that arise from commitments to human equality and the common good. In this paper, I argue that there are also reasons of love—reasons that arise from personal attachments to specific people, projects, or activities. I defend a distinctive form of resistance that is characteristically undertaken for reasons of love, which I call Quiet Resistance. Contrary to theories that build reasons of justice into the definition of resistance, I argue that we have strong reason to consider Quiet Resistance a genuine form of resistance. Finally, I argue that the reasons in favor of engaging in Quiet Resistance help to explain its distinctive value. In short, when one engages in Quiet Resistance, one’s actions are valuable in large part because they allow one to maintain respect for one’s personal values and meaning in life under oppressive conditions.
Local Anesthesia is Associated with Fewer Complications in Umbilical Hernia Repair in Frail Veterans.

ABSTRACT Background The optimal anesthesia modality for umbilical hernia repair is unclear. We hypothesized that using local rather than general anesthesia would be associated with improved outcomes, especially for frail patients. Methods We utilized the 1998-2018 Veterans Affairs Surgical Quality Improvement Program to identify patients who underwent elective, open umbilical hernia repair under general or local anesthesia. We used the Risk Analysis Index to measure frailty. Outcomes included complications and operative time. Results There were 4958 Veterans (13%) whose hernias were repaired under local anesthesia. Compared to general anesthesia, local was associated with a 12%-24% faster operative time for all patients, and an 86% lower (OR 0.14, 95%CI 0.03-0.72) complication rate for frail patients. Conclusions Local anesthesia may reduce the operative time for all patients and complications for frail patients having umbilical hernia repair.
Cerebral Small-Vessel Disease in Individuals with a Family History of Coronary Heart Disease: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study.

Introduction The degree to which a family history of coronary heart disease (FHCHD) is associated with silent cerebral small-vessel disease (cSVD) among healthy adults, independent of prevalent CHD and traditional risk factors, is unknown. Methods The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study is a community-based cohort study with self-reported family history data and brain magnetic resonance imaging (ages 68-88). The association between markers of cSVD (lacunar infarcts and cerebral microbleeds), or log-transformed white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volume, and FHCHD, or the number of affected relatives was examined using separate adjusted logistic or linear regression models, respectively. Race interaction terms were evaluated. Results Of 1,639 participants without prevalent CHD (76 ± 5 years, 62% female, 29% black), 686 (42%) had FHCHD. There were higher odds of lacunar infarct (OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.07-1.84) among those with parental FHCHD and higher odds of microhemorrhages (lobar OR 1.86, 95% CI 1.13-3.06; subcortical OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.01-2.15) among those with sibling FHCHD. A greater number of any relative affected was associated with higher odds of lacunar infarct (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.04-1.47) and lobar microhemorrhages (OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.05-1.64) but not subcortical microhemorrhages (OR 1.09, 95% CI 0.92-1.28). Odds of having a lacunar infarct were higher among blacks (p-interaction 0.04) with paternal FHCHD (OR 2.20, CI 1.35-3.58) than whites with paternal FHCHD (OR 1.17, CI 0.87-1.56). There was no association with WMH. Discussion/conclusion Markers of cSVD, specifically lacunar infarcts and microhemorrhages, appear to be associated with FHCHD, potentially representing shared mechanisms in different vascular beds, and perhaps a genetic propensity for vascular disease.
Widespread occurrence of hybrid internal-terminal exons in human transcriptomes

Abstract Alternative RNA processing is a major mechanism for diversifying the human transcriptome. Messenger RNA isoform differences are predominantly driven by alternative first exons, cassette internal exons and alternative last exons. Despite the importance of classifying exons to understand isoform structure, there is a lack of tools to look at isoform-specific exon usage using RNA-sequencing data. We recently observed that alternative transcription start sites often arise near annotated internal exons, creating “hybrid” exons that can be used as both first or internal exons. To investigate the creation of hybrid exons, we built the HIT (Hybrid-Internal-Terminal) exon pipeline that systematically classifies exons depending on their isoform-specific usage. Using a combination of junction reads coverage and probabilistic modeling, the HIT index identified thousands of hybrid first-internal and internal-last exons that were previously misclassified. Hybrid exons are enriched in long genes with at least ten internal exons, have longer flanking introns and strong splice sites. The usage of hybrid exons varies considerably across human tissues, but they are predominantly used in brain, testis and colon cells. Notably, genes involved in RNA splicing have the highest fraction of intra-tissue hybrid exons. Further, we found more than 100,000 inter-tissue hybrid exons that changed from internal to terminal exons across tissues. By developing the first method that can classify exons according to their isoform contexts, our findings demonstrate the existence of hybrid exons, expand the repertoire of tissue-specific terminal exons and uncover unexpected complexities of the human transcriptome.
Improving Rates of Immediate Postoperative Intravesical Chemotherapy with Gemcitabine for Low-Grade Bladder Cancer: An Implementation Analysis

AbstractIntroduction:We sought to demonstrate how an implementation science framework can be used to increase rates of postoperative intravesical chemotherapy with gemcitabine in patients with low-...
A pilot study: are dental hygienists in Texas ready for the elderly population explosion?

To cite this article: Int J Dent Hygiene 10, 2012; 128–137 DOI: 10.1111/j.1601-5037.2010.00526.x Dickinson C, Beatty CF, Marshall D. A pilot study: are dental hygienists in Texas ready for the elderly population explosion? Abstract: Purpose: At the beginning of the 20th century, people 65 and older comprised 4.1% of the population. By the year 2030, it is estimated that people 65 and older, the ‘Baby Boomer’ generation, will comprise more than 20% of the population. This will have a profound effect on the practice of dentistry and on society as a whole. The purpose of this study was to determine whether dental hygienists in Texas felt prepared and willing to treat the elderly in alternative practice settings such as nursing homes. Methods: After institutional review board approval, a questionnaire was mailed to 500 hygienists. A 5% systematic sample of dental hygiene graduates was taken from four dental hygiene schools in Texas, United States of America (USA). Of these, 175 were returned for a 35% response rate. Questions asked were degree held, how prepared the participants felt to treat the special needs of the elderly, if participants were willing to work in alternative practice settings such as a nursing home and if they felt additional education was needed. Frequency distributions, correlations and chi square were used to analyse the data. Results: Results revealed 86.5% of the respondents felt prepared to somewhat prepared to treat the special needs of the elderly based on education; equally, 86.5% felt more education was needed to better prepare them to treat the elderly. Over half of the respondents would not be willing to work in alternative practice settings such as nursing homes. Conclusion: The average respondents do not feel fully prepared to treat the elderly with special needs, and they think more education is needed to better prepare them to treat this important target population.
Clinical Relevance of Systemic and Local IGF-I

The insulin-like growth factor family of ligands, receptors and binding proteins are critical for many normal physiological functions. These include normal development during fetal and post-natal development and maintenance of organ function in adult life. Circulating IGF-I is produced primarily by the liver under GH control, whereas the production of tissue IGF-I has other controls. Recent studies have demonstrated that both circulating and tissue IGF-I are important for maintaining the normal structure-function of complex organs such as bone. Circulating IGF-I is important for maintaining ambient GH levels; in its absence GH elevation is seen leading to insulin resistance. In addition, low levels of circulating IGF-I retard the progression and metastatic potential of a number of cancers.
Efficient computation of the complex error function

The paper is concerned with the computation of $w(z) = \exp ( - z^2 ){\operatorname{erfc}}( - iz)$ for complex $z = x + iy$ in the first quadrant $Q_1 :x \geqq 0,y \geqq 0$. Using Stieltjes– theory of continued fractions it is first observed that the Laplace continued fraction for $w(z)$, although divergent on the real line, represents $w(z)$ asymptotically for $z \to \infty $ in the sector $ S:{{ - \pi} / 4} < \arg z < {{5\pi } / 4}$. Specifically, the nth convergent approximates $w(z)$ to within an error of $O(z^{ - 2n - 1} 1)$ as $z \to \infty $ in S. A recursive procedure is then developed which permits evaluating $w(z)$ to a prescribed accuracy for any $z \in Q_1 $. The procedure has the property that as $| z |$ becomes sufficiently large, it automatically reduces to the evaluation of the Laplace continued fraction, or, equivalently, to Gauss–Hermite quadrature of $({i / \pi })\int_{ - \infty }^\infty {\exp ( - t^2 ){{dt} / {(z - t)}}} $.
Prospects for the Polymer Nanoengineer

Conjugated polymers are key components of organic optoelectronic devices. To improve device performance and understand the intrinsic properties of the materials, ingenious architectures must be devised. [Mazumdar][1] highlights work reported by [ Nguyen et al .][2] who use mesoporous silica as a host; single polymer chains are incorporated into individual silica pores, allowing electron transfer processes within and between chains to be studied in detail. [1]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/288/5466/630 [2]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/288/5466/652
Sex and repression.

In a Perspective, [Kuroda and Kelley][1] discuss the new finding ([ Dawes et al .][2]) that SDC-2, a protein with gene repressor and chromosome-wide repressor activity, can regulate both sexual development and dosage compensation (that is, equal X-linked gene expression in both XX hermaphrodite and XO male nematodes) in C. elegans . They explain how SDC-2 recruits different groups of proteins to the X chromosomes to repress different sets of genes. [1]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/284/5421/1787 [2]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/short/284/5421/1800
Abstract 14674: S100/calgranulins Mediate Inflammation in Brown Adipose Tissue Leading to Impaired Adaptive Thermogenesis and Obesity in hBAC-S100 Transgenic Mice

Serum levels of human S100/calgranulins are associated with increased cardiovascular mortality in diabetes or coronary artery disease. To test whether S100/calgranulins mediate cardio-metabolic diseases, newly generated mice with expression of human DNA containing genes and regulatory elements for S100A8/9 and S100A12 were studied (hBAC-S100 mice). hBAC-S100 mice were crossed with mice lacking RAGE, a signal-transducing receptor for S100/calgranulins. Results: hBAC-S100 mice developed increased visceral adiposity after 12 months on regular chow diet (25% vs. 12% body fat upon DEXA scanning, p Conclusion: Myeloid-derived human S100/calgranulin promotes M1-skewed inflammation of BAT in a RAGE-dependent manner, and this is associated with disturbed body temperature regulation in response to cold stress, and with the development of adiposity, hyperinsulinemia and impaired glucose tolerance.
Beyond lazy XML parsing

XML has become the standard format for data representation and exchange in domains ranging from Web to desktop applications. However, wide adoption of XML is hindered by inefficient document-parsing methods. Recent work on lazy parsing is a major step towards alleviating this problem. However, lazy parsers must still read the entire XML document in order to extract the overall document structure, due to the lack of internal navigation pointers inside XML documents. Further, these parsers must load and parse the entire virtual document tree into memory during XML query processing. These overheads significantly degrade the performance of navigation operations. We have developed a framework for efficient XML parsing based on the idea of placing internal physical pointers within the document, which allows skipping large portions of the document during parsing. The internal pointers are generated in a way that optimizes parsing for common navigation patterns. A double-Lazy Parser (2LP) is then used to parse the document that exploits the internal pointers. To create the internal pointers, we use constructs supported by the current W3C XML standard. We study our pointer generation and parsing algorithms both theoretically and experimentally, and show that they perform considerably better than existing approaches.
Perceived stress in kleptomania.

Kleptomania, defined as the recurrent failure to resist the impulse to steal, is associated with significant functional impairment. We hypothesized that people with kleptomania would report elevated levels of perceived stress. Sixteen subjects with DSM-IV kleptomania were administered the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and compared with 20 subjects with DSM-IV major depressive disorder (MDD). Change in PSS scores in response to treatment and the relationship between PSS scores and severity of kleptomania symptoms were analyzed. The subjects with kleptomania had a significantly greater mean baseline PSS score than the 20 subjects with MDD (t = 8.55, df = 34, p = .000). PSS scores were significantly correlated with severity of kleptomania symptoms (r = .71, p = .002), even when controlling for comorbid diagnoses (r = .67, p = .006). PSS scores significantly decreased during the course of treatment (t = 9.31, df = 15, p = .000). People with kleptomania have higher levels of perceived stress than people with MDD, and the perceived stress decreases as the kleptomania symptoms are treated.
CUTTING PROPAGATION WITH AUXIN APPLIED VIA THE ROOTING SUBSTRATE

Nature Of Work: Cutting propagation typically involves a basal quick-dip in an auxin solution prior to sticking cuttings. While the amount of auxin absorbed is often adequate for easy-to-root species, other species benefit from a prolonged period of exposure to auxin that maintains auxin levels in the tissue throughout the extended period of sensitivity. The rooting of stem cuttings could potentially be enhanced by applying auxin via the rooting substrate, providing the cutting base with auxin over an extended period of time. In addition, the technique could permit the elimination of the dipping procedure during the cutting process and allow use of lower chemical concentrations. The objective of our trials was to evaluate the effectiveness ofthis cutting propagation technique with various ornamental species.
Isotopic and elemental partitioning of boron between hydrous fluid and silicate melt

The fractionation of B and its isotopes between aqueous fluid and silicate melt has been studied from 550 to 1100 °C and 100–500 MPa. Fluid-melt partition coefficients are 1 for rhyolite melt. This shows that B is not always strongly extracted from melts into hydrous fluids. Boron isotopic fractionation is large compared with the carbon and oxygen stable isotopic systems (especially at high T ) and is most simply explained by differences in coordination (trigonal vs. tetrahedral) among coexisting phases. Combined with earlier measurements on illite-water (300–350 °C), B isotopic fractionation defines a temperature-dependent trend from 300 to 1100 °C. Because of the large magnitude and apparent low sensitivity to bulk composition, B isotopic fractionation can be readily applied to studies of diagenesis, hydrothermal alteration of planetary bodies, subduction-zone processing and arc magma generation, and magma chamber evolution.
Nonlinear pharmacokinetics of factor VIII and its phosphatidylinositol lipidic complex in hemophilia A mice.

Factor VIII (FVIII) is an important cofactor in the blood coagulation cascade and its deficiency or dysfunction causes hemophilia A (HA), a bleeding disorder. Replacement with recombinant FVIII is limited by a short half-life and the development of inhibitory antibodies. A phosphatidylinositol (PI) containing lipid nanoparticle was developed that, when associated with FVIII, reduces immunogenicity and prolongs circulation of the therapeutic protein in HA mice. A multiple dose level pharmacokinetic (PK) study of human free FVIII and its FVIII–PI complex over a clinically relevant range of doses (20, 40 and 200 IU/kg) was conducted in HA mice to investigate linearity of the PK and to determine if the reduced catabolism of FVIII following association with PI particles, previously only observed in the terminal phase following 400 IU/kg, could be extendable over a range of doses. The findings suggest that the disposition of FVIII is best characterized by a two-compartment model with saturable Michaelis-Menten elimination. Spontaneous complexation of FVIII with PI particles significantly increases plasma survival of the protein at 20 and 40 IU/kg doses. Human simulations at 40 IU/kg project an increase in the terminal half-life and the time to reach a minimum therapeutic threshold of 0.01 IU/ml of 5.4 h and 40 h, respectively, compared with free FVIII. Formulation with PI containing lipid particles may represent a viable delivery strategy for improving FVIII therapy. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Paradox of Hope: Journeys Through a Clinical Borderland

Cheryl Mattingly's masterful book, The Paradox of Hope: Journeys through a Clinical Borderland, is an exquisitely crafted and multi-layered ethnography. It is unique in its comprehensive, longitudi...
Surgical site infections after colorectal surgery: do risk factors vary depending on the type of infection considered?

Background The purpose of this study was to compare risk factors for the development of incisional versus organ/space infections in patients undergoing colorectal surgery. Methods An institutional review board–approved retrospective review was performed examining a 4-year period (January 2002 to December 2005). Patients were included if they had undergone abdominal operations (open or laparoscopic) in which the colon/rectum was surgically manipulated. Patients were excluded if the surgical wound was not closed primarily. A standardized definition of incisional and organ/space infection was employed. Results A total of 428 operations were performed. Overall, 105 infections were identified (25%); 73 involved the incision and 32 were classified as organ/space. Multivariate analysis suggested that incisional infection was independently associated with body mass index (odds ratio [OR], 1.07; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02-1.11) and creation/revision/reversal of an ostomy (OR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.3-3.9). Organ/space infection was independently associated with perioperative transfusion (OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.1-5.5) and with previous abdominal surgery (OR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.2-5.3). Conclusions Factors associated with infection differed based on the type of surgical site infection being considered. The lack of overlap between factors associated with incisional infection and organ/space infection suggests that separate risk models and treatment strategies should be developed.
Structural estimation of congestion costs

Abstract We estimate a structural model of congestion costs using a Bayesian Nash equilibrium approach: The individual's preference for traveling depends on the anticipated level of congestion, which in turn is determined by travelers’ decisions of mobility. The model is estimated using a French transportation household survey. Results confirm the presence of incomplete information and show that aversion to congestion is 6.6% lower during peak times than during off-peak times. A traveler's willingness-to-pay to save 1 min in traffic is estimated at 0.73 euros during peak times and 0.25 euros during off-peak times.
An approach to the autoignition of a turbulent mixture

Abstract This paper considers the turbulent homogeneous mixing of two reactants undergoing a one step, second order, irreversible, exothermic chemical reaction with a rate constant of the Arrhenius type. A statistically stationary turbulent velocity field is assumed given and unaffected by mass or heat production due to the chemical reaction. Relative density fluctuations are neglected. A Hopf-like functional formalism is presented, with application to both statistically inhomogeneous and statistically homogeneous flows. Single and double point probability density function differential equations are derived from those functional equations. The limit of very large activation energies is considered; a low degree of statistical correlation between temperature and concentration fields during the ignition period is hypothesized. After making use of the homogeneity assumption a closure problem is still present due to the nonlocalness of the molecular diffusion term. The problem is rendered closed by assuming a Gaussian conditional expected value for the temperature at a point given the temperature at a neighboring point. The closure is seen to preserve very important mathematical and physical properties. A linear first order hyperbolic differential equation with variable coefficients for the probability density function of the temperature field is obtained. A second Damkohler number based on Taylor's microscale turns out to be an important controlling parameter. A numerical integration for different values of the second Damkohler number and the initial stochastic parameters is carried out. The mixture is seen to evolve towards an eventual thermal runaway, the detailed behavior however being different for different systems. Some peculiarities during the ignition period evolution are uncovered.
Flow decreases myogenic reactivity of mesenteric arteries from pregnant rats.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether pregnancy alters the response of small mesenteric arteries to increased pressure (myogenic reactivity) and flow. METHODS Mesenteric arteries (300 microns) from cycling nonpregnant (NP, n = 6) and late pregnant (20 days, LP, n = 6) Sprague-Dawley rats were dissected and mounted on an arteriograph system designed for the precise measurement of pressure and flow. Myogenic reactivity was measured as the percentage constriction after a pressure increase to 75 mmHg in the absence and presence of flow (60 microL/minute). RESULTS In the absence of flow, there was no difference in myogenic reactivity in arteries from NP versus LP animals (NP, 8.4 +/- 1.4%; LP, 11.0 +/- 1.6%; not significant). In the presence of flow, myogenic reactivity was decreased in arteries from LP rats, but was unchanged in arteries from NP rats (NP, 13.2 +/- 1.1%; LP, 2.5 +/- 2.9%; P < .05). The differential group effect appeared to result not from differences in arterial response to changes in pressure or flow alone, but rather from the interaction between pressure and flow. CONCLUSION These results suggest that pregnancy alters the interaction of the physical forces of pressure and flow on the arterial wall in a manner consistent with decreased vascular resistance.
Speech timing and working memory in profoundly deaf children after cochlear implantation.

Thirty-seven profoundly deaf children between 8- and 9-years-old with cochlear implants and a comparison group of normal-hearing children were studied to measure speaking rates, digit spans, and speech timing during digit span recall. The deaf children displayed longer sentence durations and pauses during recall and shorter digit spans compared to the normal-hearing children. Articulation rates, measured from sentence durations, were strongly correlated with immediate memory span in both normal-hearing and deaf children, indicating that both slower subvocal rehearsal and scanning processes may be factors that contribute to the deaf children’s shorter digit spans. These findings demonstrate that subvocal verbal rehearsal speed and memory scanning processes are not only dependent on chronological age as suggested in earlier research by Cowan and colleagues (1998). Instead, in this clinical population the absence of early auditory experience and phonological processing activities before implantation appears to produce measurable effects on the working memory processes that rely on verbal rehearsal and serial scanning of phonological information in short-term memory.
Human NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1) gene structure and induction by dioxin

The human NAD(P):quinone oxidoreductase (NQO{sub 1}) gene, 1850 base pairs (bp) of the 5{prime} flanking region, and 67 bp of the 3{prime} flanking region have been sequenced. The human NQO{sub 1} gene is approximately 20 kb in length and has six exons interrupted by five introns. The start site of transcription was determined by primer extension analysis. Nuclear run-on experiments performed using nuclei isolated from 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-doxin (TCDD) treated and untreated human hepatoblastoma (Hep-G2) cells demonstrated that TCDD treatment increases the rate of transcription of endogenous NQO{sub 1} gene by 3-fold. The sequence analysis of the 5{prime} flanking region of the NQO{sub 1} gene showed the presence of a TATA box in the {minus}37 to {minus}32 bp region, one CCAAT box at nucleotide {minus}649, an AP1 binding site at position {minus}462, an AP2 site at nucleotide position {minus}156, and one copy of the nucleotide sequence GCGTC. It is noteworthy that XRE in human NQO{sub 1} gene is located 5{prime} to the ARE compared to its 3{prime} location in the rat quinone reductase gene. Interestingly, the consensus sequence for binding to AP1 protein (TGACTCA) is contained within the ARE sequence (TCACAGTGACTCAGCAGAATC) of human NQO{sub 1} gene. By deletion mutagenesis and transfection studies,more » the author has identified a segment of DNA in the upstream region of the human NQO{sub 1} gene required for a high level of expression in hepatoma cells and its induction by TCDD.« less