cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prediction markets, Bayesian priors, and clinical trials

Statisticians seem to have paid little attention to prediction markets, leading examples of which are the political stock markets run by the University of Iowa. The proponents of prediction markets find their accuracy to be good, a quality that may be due partly to the incentive that they provide. The markets yield ready aggregation of opinions across multiple assessors. They can be used in eliciting statistical distributions of future observed data. This paper examines the possible use of prediction markets to obtain prior distributions for Bayesian inference. Priors can be found by using prediction markets to elicit the distribution of data to be observed and then exploiting the relation between that distribution and the prior. A prior thus obtained can be seen as being, relatively speaking, both objective and informative. The paper includes a number of examples dealing both with the general elicitation of statistical distributions from prediction markets and with the use of prediction markets to get Bayesian priors. Because Bayesian approaches are frequently proposed for use in the area of clinical trials, that area receives specific attention.
THE VISIBILITY OF SINGLE LINES AT VARIOUS ILLUMINATIONS AND THE RETINAL BASIS OF VISUAL RESOLUTION

The visual resolution of a single opaque line against an evenly illuminated background has been studied over a large range of background brightness. It was found that the visual angle occupied by the thickness of the line when it is just resolved varies from about 10 minutes at the lowest illuminations to 0.5 second at the highest illuminations, a range of 1200 to 1. The relation between background brightness and just resolvable visual angle shows two sections similar to those found in other visual functions; the data at low light intensities represent rod vision while those at the higher intensities represent cone vision. With violet light instead of white the two sections become even more clearly defined and separated. The retinal image produced by the finest perceptible line at the highest brightness is not a sharp narrow shadow, but a thin broad shadow whose density distribution is described in terms of diffraction optics. The line of foveal cones occupying the center of this shadow suffers a decrease in the light intensity by very nearly 1 per cent in comparison either with the general retinal illumination or with that on the row of cones to either side of the central row. Since this percentage difference is near the limit of intensity discrimination by the retina, its retinal recognition is probably the limiting factor in the visual resolution of the line. The resolution of a line at any light intensity may also be limited by the just recognizable intensity difference, because this percentage difference varies with the prevailing light intensity. As evidence for this it is found that the just resolvable visual angle varies with the light intensity in the same way that the power of intensity discrimination of the eye varies with light intensity. It is possible that visual resolution of test objects like hooks and broken circles is determined by the recognition of intensity differences in their diffracted images, since the way in which their resolution varies with the light intensity is similar to the relation between intensity discrimination and light intensity.
Effects of Hyperglycemia, Hyperinsulinemia, and Hyperosmolarity on Neutrophil Apoptosis

Background: Hyperglycemia is an independent risk factor for increased mortality of critically ill surgical patients, but despite the recognized clinical benefits of early insulin treatment, there i...
Embodiment and abstraction: Actions create relational representations

Theories of embodied, modal representation propose that concepts are grounded in the sensorimotor system. According to these theories, action (or the potential for action) creates meaning. An apparent challenge for these theories is the fact that higher-order relations (i.e., relations among relations), such as monotonic increase or alternation, have no straightforward sensorimotor analog. A single action can increase or alternate only relative to another action. Therefore, if embodied theories are to handle concepts more generally, patterns of action must provide meaning to the system. Previous research suggested that as participants simulated the motion of gear problems they discovered a higher-order relation, alternation, based on the episodic traces of their own alternating actions. The present study showed that the number of alternating actions in episodic memory prior to discovery of the alternation relation predicted its generalization to new problem types. Actions can function as the representational substrate of higher-order relations.
The endoscopic Teflon keel for posterior and total glottic stenosis.

Most cases of posterior commissure stenosis today result from endotracheal intubation. The problem has been very difficult to repair. Posterior commissure stenosis has been treated by repeated dilations, which do not work, and reconstructive measures by means of laryngofissure to excise the scar followed by the placement of round stents alone or round stents in combination with mucosal or skin grafts. This treatment also fails frequently. Some, but not all, cases have been cured with laser surgery via microdirect laryngoscopy. An endoscopically placed Teflon® keel has been useful in the treatment of posterior glottic and total glottic stenosis when laser surgery is not feasible. Nine patients with posterior glottic stenosis, two of whom initially had total glottic stenosis, have undergone placement of the posterior commissure Teflon keel. Six patients had resolution of the stenosis and were decannulated. One required an arytenoidectomy for a fixed cricoarytenoid joint before successful decannulation. Two patients had marked improvement of their laryngeal airway with this approach, but have not yet been decannulated because of fixed cricoarytenoid joints.
Nucleotide sequence analysis of the respiratory syncytial virus subgroup A cold-passaged (cp) temperature sensitive (ts) cpts-248/404 live attenuated virus vaccine candidate.

Abstract The complete nucleotide sequence of the RSVcpts-248/404 live attenuated vaccine candidate was determined from cloned cDNA and was compared to that of the RSV A2/HEK7 wild-type, cold-passagedcp-RSV, andcpts-248 virus, which constitute the series of progenitor viruses. RSVcpts-248/404 is more attenuated and more temperature sensitive (ts) (shut-off temperature 36°) than itscpts-248 parent virus (shut-off temperature 38°) and is currently being evaluated in phase I clinical trials in humans. Our ultimate goal is to identify the genetic basis for the host range attenuation phenotype exhibited bycp-RSV (i.e., efficient replication in tissue culture but decreased replication in chimpanzees and humans) and for thetsand attenuation phenotypes of its chemically mutagenized derivatives,cpts-248 andcpts-248/404. Compared with itscpts-248 parent, thecpts-248/404 virus possesses an amino acid change in the polymerase (L) protein and a single nucleotide substitution in the M2 gene start sequence. In total, thecpts-248/404 mutant differs from its wild-type RSV A2/HEK7 progenitor in seven amino acids [four in the polymerase (L) protein, two in the fusion (F) glycoprotein, and one in the (N) nucleoprotein] and one nucleotide difference in the M2 gene start sequence. Heterogeneity at nucleotide position 4 (G or C, negative sense, compared to G in the RSV A2/HEK7 progenitor) in the leader region of vRNA developed during passage of thecpts-248/404 in tissue culture. Biologically cloned derivatives of RSVcpts-248/404 virus that differed at position 4 possessed the same level of temperature sensitivity and exhibited the same level of replication in the upper and lower respiratory tract of mice, suggesting that heterogeneity at this position is not clinically relevant. The determination of the nucleotide sequence of thecpts-248/404 virus will allow evaluation of the stability of the eight mutations that are associated with the attenuation phenotype during vaccine production and following replication in humans.
Does cold winter weather produce depressive symptoms

To examine whether harsh winter weather is associated with depressive symptoms, 45 healthy subjects from Minnesota were compared to 42 subjects from California near the end of the winter season. No differences in the prevalence of depressive symptoms were found between the two groups.
Implementation of a prototype generalized file translator

The design of generalized data translators, particularly in the area of data base translation, has been the subject of much research in recent years. The practical application of this research has been limited and conducted primarily at the university level. This article outlines the research and development of a prototype generalized file translator by Honeywell.The Honeywell file translator is driven by descriptions of the input file, the output file and the file transformation to take place. These descriptions are provided using a straight-forward, data definition language (FDDL), which can easily be used by an applications programmer accustomed to working with a high level language. Techniques are discussed that attack many problems fundamental to a practical implementation of a generalized file translator. These problems include creating a DDL environment with which the user is familiar, and which includes simple data attribute descriptions; providing adequate performance; and supplying error detection and control at translation time.
Ubiquitin pathways in neurodegenerative disease

Control of proper protein synthesis, function, and turnover is essential for the health of all cells. In neurons these demands take on the additional importance of supporting and regulating the highly dynamic connections between neurons that are necessary for cognitive function, learning, and memory. Regulating multiple unique synaptic protein environments within a single neuron while maintaining cell health requires the highly regulated processes of ubiquitination and degradation of ubiquitinated proteins through the proteasome. In this review, we examine the effects of dysregulated ubiquitination and protein clearance on the handling of disease-associated proteins and neuronal health in the most common neurodegenerative diseases.
Metal-Mesh Lithography

Metal-mesh lithography (MML) is a practical hybrid of microcontact printing and capillary force lithography that can be applied over millimeter-sized areas with a high level of uniformity. MML can be achieved by blotting various inks onto substrates through thin copper grids, relying on preferential wetting and capillary interactions between template and substrate for pattern replication. The resulting mesh patterns, which are inverted relative to those produced by stenciling or serigraphy, can be reproduced with low micrometer resolution. MML can be combined with other surface chemistry and lift-off methods to create functional microarrays for diverse applications, such as periodic islands of gold nanorods and patterned corrals for fibroblast cell cultures.
TNFalpha potentiates IFNgamma-induced cell death in oligodendrocyte progenitors.

Oligodendrocytes in multiple sclerosis brain may be under a direct attack by proinflammatory cytokines, particularly tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha) and interferon-gamma (IFNgamma). In this study, we have examined the in vitro cytotoxic effects of the two cytokines, individually and in combination, on oligodendrocyte lineage cells using morphological criteria, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide reduction assay (MTT), terminal deoxynucleotide transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL), and agarose-gel electrophoretic analysis of fragmented DNA. IFNgamma exerted a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect on cultured CG4 cells, an oligodendrocyte progenitor cell line, and in primary cultures of purified oligodendrocyte progenitors. TNFalpha, while by itself being only mildly toxic, greatly potentiated the cytotoxicity of IFNgamma. The cytokine effects were developmentally modified in that their cytotoxic and cooperative effects became less evident in more differentiated cells. A cell-permeable peptide inhibitor (i.e., z-VAD.fmk) of caspases partially suppressed apoptotic changes elicited by the cytokine combination in CG4 cells but not in primary oligodendrocytes. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis of mRNA prepared from cytokine-treated cultures revealed an increased expression of the death receptor, Fas. The results suggest particular vulnerability of oligodendrocyte progenitors to a combination of TNFalpha and IFNgamma involving an activation of the cell death program.
3‐Hydroxymethyl‐3‐phenylcyclopropene

The article describes the preparation of 3-hydroxymethyl-3-phenylcyclopropene and modification was reported. This compound and related, prochiral cyclopropenes served as platforms for a number of enantioselective reactions, including enantioselective hydrostannation, hydroacylation, hydroboration, carbomagnesation and carbozincation reactions. Keywords: Methyl phenyl diazoacetate, Methyl 1-phenyl-2-trimethylsilylcycloprop-2-ene carboxylate, 3-Hydroxymethyl-3-phenyl-2-trimethylsilylcyclopropene, 3-Hydroxymethyl-3-phenylcyclopropene, Rh-catalyzed reactions
The experimental phase diagram of charged colloidal suspensions

Abstract We present a study of the order-disorder and BCC-FCC transitions of a model colloidal suspension of highly charged polystyrene spheres as a function of the particle volume fraction and the ionic strength. We analyze Kossel lines, produced by backscattered light diffraction, to identify the crystal structures and determine the interparticle spacings. Our results consist of phase diagrams showing that the BCC structure is stable at ionic strengths lower than 2.7 × 10−6 M KCl and volume fractions less than 0.008. We compare our experimentally determined phase diagrams with recent analytical models and with the molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of Kremer, Robbins, and Grest. The effective hard sphere prediction of the order-disorder boundary overestimates the phase transition at low ionic strengths and underestimates it at high ionic strengths for both the constant-charge and constant-potential approximations. Analytical models predicting the BCC-FCC transition boundary from either the internal energy or the free energy difference between the two states are in clear disagreement with both the MD results and our data. Using a renormalized charge, we find very good agreement between our experimental results and the MD predictions for both the solid-liquid and solid-solid transitions.
Association between bcl-xL and 5-lipoxygenase activating protein (FLAP) levels in IL-3-dependent FL5.12 cells

Abstract The expression of 5-lipoxygenase activating protein (FLAP) in murine hematopoietic FL5.12 cells that are transfected to overexpress bcl-xL is less than in control cells. In addition, the withdrawal of IL-3 from the bcl-xL overexpressing cells, but not control cells, leads to the rapid loss of FLAP even though these cells, in contrast to control cells, do not undergo apoptosis (Datta et al., J. Biol. Chem. 273, 28163-28169 [1998]). The mechanism(s) underlying these observations is not known. Basal FLAP mRNA levels were actually 2.8-fold higher in bcl-xL than control cells indicating that this difference does not have a transcription basis. In addition, an examination of FLAP mRNA levels in response to withdrawal of IL-3 revealed a 2–3-fold increase after 4 and 8 h relative to time-matched samples in both control and bcl-xL overexpressing cells. This further indicates that the decrease in FLAP levels in bcl-xL overexpressing cells is not related to transcription and suggests an attempt at compensation perhaps in response to increased FLAP degradation/turnover. A proteolytic mechanism was explored by examining the effect of the general caspase inhibitor Boc-D-FMK, and the non-caspase protease inhibitors phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF), pepstatin and leupeptin, on the loss of FLAP in bcl-xL overexpressing cells subsequent to IL-3 withdrawal. All inhibitors provided some protection from the loss of FLAP, with PMSF being the most effective, actually increasing FLAP levels above those seen in untreated cells. Given the absence of apoptosis in bcl-xL cells, it appears that protease activation is an effect that can accompany a variety of cellular perturbations. The functional consequences of a loss of FLAP in growth-factor deprived cells overexpressing bcl-xL is not known. However, these data continue to suggest some link between bcl-xL and FLAP.
Fabrication and characteristics of free-standing shaped pupil masks for TPF-coronagraph

Direct imaging and characterization of exo-solar terrestrial planets require coronagraphic instruments capable of suppressing star light to 10-10. Pupil shaping masks have been proposed and designed1 at Princeton University to accomplish such a goal. Based on Princeton designs, free standing (without a substrate) silicon masks have been fabricated with lithographic and deep etching techniques. In this paper, we discuss the fabrication of such masks and present their physical and optical characteristics in relevance to their performance over the visible to near IR bandwidth.
A relaxation time heuristic for exponential-Erlang queueing systems

Abstract The relaxation time heuristic is a technique for reducing initialization bias in the simulation of stationary, infinite-capacity, Markovian queueing systems. It differs from many existing methods in that no preliminary simulation runs are required; it is based on characteristics of the underlying theoretical model. We apply and evaluate the relaxation time heuristic for estimation of the steady-state expected number of customers in M / E k /1 and E k / M /1 queueing systems.
Ligand Binding Site Identification in Membrane-Bound Oncogenic K-Ras

Ras proteins regulate diverse signaling pathways by cycling between active and inactive conformational states. Ras mutations are associated with a variety of cancers and developmental disorders, accounting for ∼15% of all human tumors and 90% of cases in pancreatic cancer. Membrane binding through the hypervariable region is essential for the biological activity of Ras proteins. Understanding isoform-specific differences in membrane binding could therefore lead to new therapeutic strategies. The goal of this work was to find novel druggable sites on the surface of membrane-bound oncogenic K-ras. To this end, we carried out multiple, microsecond-long all-atom molecular dynamics simulations on G12D K-ras and generated a very large structural ensemble. Applying a variety of ligand binding site identification techniques on this ensemble, we identified several pockets that have the potential to bind small molecule ligands. Moreover, we found that some of the previously described ligand-binding sites in solution are inaccessible to ligands in the presence of a membrane. Our analysis also yielded some new insights into the dynamics of membrane-bound oncogenic K-ras.
The equation of state in supernovae

Abstract A simple equation of state for supernova matter is based on the compressible liquid-drop model. The nuclei-bubbles and bubbles-nuclear matter phase transitions are handled smoothly and properties of the dense phase in the bubble regime are investigated. Using phenomenological values for the nuclear bulk compression modulus and surface energies, we find the dense phase expands to occupy most of the volume well before the overall density approaches saturation. Finite-temperature properties are modelled by use of a nucleon effective mass whose enhancement over the saturation value is taken as proportional to the surface and Coulomb energies. In the bubble region the adiabatic index decreases only slightly below the relativistic 4 3 value.
Quality of nutrition related information on the internet for osteoporosis patients: A critical review

Internet has provided patients with a new source of variable medical information. Osteoporosis is a major public health concern and providing patients with accurate information regarding diseases and treatment is an essential component of medical care. The primary objective of this study was to assess the quality of Internet based nutrition information for osteoporosis patients. The search items "osteoporosis", "diet", "nutrition", and "bone loss" were entered into the five most consulted search engines: Google, Yahoo, Bing, AOL and Lycos. The first 20 website matches generated by each search engine were 400 and grouped together by URL uniform resource locators suffix. 326 websites were excluded from the study as they had insufficient information, nonfunctioning links, websites not in English and duplicate websites. Of the remaining 74 sites, 64% were.Com sites followed by 18%.Org sites..Org websites received the highest interface and content scores. Raters with healthcare and technical background rated the website interface and quality of content on the internet differently and this could be largely due to different training of the two raters and the manner in which they perceived the content. Health information websites should take into account the users' diverse backgrounds when presenting content to consumers.
Boundary Crossing Probabilities for the Wiener Process and Sample Sums

1. Introduction and summary. Let W(t) denote a standard Wiener process for 0 ≦ t 0 (or for some t > 0) for a certain class of functions g(t), including functions which are ~ (2t log log t)½ as y → ∞. We also prove an invariance theorem which states that this probability is the limit as m → ∞ of the probability that S n ≦m ½ g(n/m) for some n ≦ τm (or for some n ≦ 1), where S n is the nth partial sum of any sequence x 1, x 2, … of independent and identically distributed (i.i.d.) random variables with mean 0 and variance 1.
A framework for modelling non-steady-state concentrations of semivolatile organic compounds indoors – I: Emissions from diffusional sources and sorption by interior surfaces

Over the past two decades, more than 20 mass transfer models have been developed for building materials, furnishings, and consumer products as contaminant sources, sinks, and barriers. While these models have greatly improved our understanding of contaminant movements in buildings, their applications in the real world have been somewhat limited because of the incompatibility and computational complexity of the models. In this paper, a framework is proposed for modelling the dynamic concentrations of semivolatile organic compounds in indoor media. Based on a discretization method, which transfers continuous models into discrete counterparts, this framework can perform the functions of the existing mass transfer models and, at the same time, solves the model incompatibility problem and reduces the computational complexity. This framework complements and supplements the existing multimedia semivolatile organic compound models by providing more details of the distribution of semivolatile organic compounds among indoor media, helping check the validity of certain assumptions that have been used in those steady-state models, and providing more flexibility to allow evaluation of risk management options such as source removal, encapsulation, and variable ventilation rate. This framework will be described in two parts. Part I, this paper, discusses the representation of diffusional sources and sorption by interior surfaces. Interactions of semivolatile organic compounds with particulate matter will be discussed in a subsequent publication.
Lock-Free Synchronization for Dynamic Embedded Real-Time Systems

We consider lock-free synchronization for dynamic embedded real-time systems that are subject to resource overloads and arbitrary activity arrivals. We model activity arrival behaviors using the unimodal arbitrary arrival model (or UAM). UAM embodies a stronger "adversary" than most traditional arrival models. We derive the upper bound on lock-free retries under the UAM with utility accrual scheduling - the first such result. We establish the tradeoffs between lock-free and lock-based sharing under UAM. These include conditions under which activities' accrued timeliness utility is greater under lock-free than lock-based, and the consequent upper bound on the increase in accrued utility that is possible with lock-free. We confirm our analytical results with a POSIX RTOS implementation
Textile color application processes

A general introduction to dyeing is presented, and comments are given on those factors which control the outcome of textile dyeing processes. Dye, fiber, dyebath, and dyeing-equipment variables are introduced and their relative importance discussed. Comment is made on the interaction between color science and dyeing.
Does Latency in Recording Data Make a Difference? Confirming the Accuracy of Teachers’ Data

The effects of latency on the accuracy of data recorded by three special education teachers were examined in this study. Teachers recorded data on the target behaviors of three students with varying disabilities. The accuracy of data recorded was assessed during three time periods: immediately after the target behavior occurred, at the end of the school day, and the following school day. A multielement design was used to evaluate data accuracy. Results were interpreted to confirm that data recorded immediately after a behavior occurred were more accurate and reliable than data documented at the end of the school day or the start of the following school day. In addition, data recorded by each teacher had a mean agreement of 97% or above for the time period immediately after a student’s behavior occurred. Furthermore, each teacher reported that it was beneficial to record data immediately after the target behavior occurred. Implications and future research directions are provided.
Clozapine-Induced Seizures and EEG Abnormalities in Ambulatory Psychiatric Patients

OBJECTIVE:To examine the seizure characteristics and electroencephalogram (EEG) abnormalities in psychiatric patients taking clozapine, given the estimate of a 10% cumulative risk of generalized seizures in this population.DESIGN:We reviewed all consecutive EEGs of ambulatory psychiatric patients taking clozapine performed at our laboratory during 1996 and 1997.SETTING:A university-affiliated urban teaching hospital.SUBJECTS:Twelve patients (4 F/8 M; mean age 40.1 y, range 20–63) had either presented with de novo ictal events within the first month of clozapine therapy (n = 8) or had EEGs recorded to assess seizure risk (n = 4).RESULTS:According to clinical history and interictal EEG findings, the patients were subdivided as follows: three patients with generalized tonic–clonic seizures, two with generalized myoclonic jerks (1 associated with simple partial seizures), two with complex partial seizures, and one with simple partial seizures. The EEGs revealed interictal epileptiform abnormalities (IEDs) in ...
Data on the Marlowe-Crowne and Edwards Social Desirability Scales

Data bearing on various psychometric issues are reported for the Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale and for Edwards' Social Desirability Schedule. Coefficients of stability, coefficients alpha, as well as both confirmatory and exploratory factor analyses for both scales are reported and discussed.
Getting the Faith: Why Business Lawyers and Executives Believe in Mediation

Why do some people become “believers” in mediation and others do not? This article presents the results of a study addressing that question. Respondents were outside counsel with commercial practices, inside counsel in business firms, and business executives. This study analyzes the respondents' belief in mediation, views about ADR, expectations about consequences of ADR for them personally, and their perceptions of the opinions of influential people in their lives about ADR. All three types of respondents generally “believed in” mediation and were satisfied with their mediation experiences. Most respondents believed that their organizational superiors, leaders in their profession, and top corporate executives had favorable views of mediation and ADR. Although respondents generally believed that mediation often saves time and money as compared with traditional litigation, their belief in mediation seemed to be most strongly related to perceptions that mediation helps preserve relationships and that business' top executives are often satisfied with the results in mediated cases. The article suggests possible strategies for mediation proponents and cautions about potential problems with institutionalization of mediation. The responses in this study are consistent with patterns of institutionalization that are initially driven by calculation of perceived technical advantages of innovations and eventually shift to routinized processes of conformity in pursuit of increased legitimacy. Based on this analysis, mediation proponents should try to assure satisfaction by mediation participants (particularly mediation practices encouraging good relationships), promote court-ordered mediation, and advocate for rules requiring attorneys to consult with clients about ADR options. The article cautions about the potential for dysfunctional transformation of mediation practices as well as unexpected de-institutionalization.Finally, the article considers whether belief in mediation is part of a larger “process pluralist” ideology consisting of an interrelated set of beliefs that embrace the availability and acceptability of a wide range of goals, norms, procedures, results, professional roles, skills, and styles in handling disputes involving legal issues. While this study does directly answer that question, it suggests that the existence, shape, and diffusion of such an ideology could shape dispute resolution practices for decades to come.
Irrigation Decisions for Major West Coast Crops: Water Scarcity and Climatic Determinants

This article uses the 2007 Farm and Ranch Irrigation Survey database developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to assess the impact of water scarcity and climate on irrigation decisions for producers of specialty crops, wheat, and forage crops. We estimate an irrigation management model for major crops in the West Coast (California, Oregon, and Washington), which includes a farm‐level equation of irrigated share and crop‐specific equations of technology adoption and water application rate (orchard/vineyard, vegetable, wheat, alfalfa, hay, and pasture). We find that economic and physical water scarcity, climate, and extreme weather, such as frost, extreme heat, and drought, significantly impact producers’ irrigation decisions. Producers use sprinkler technologies or additional water applications to mitigate risk of crop damage from extreme weather. Water application rates are least responsive to surface water cost or groundwater well depth for producers of orchard/vineyard. Water supply institutions influence producers’ irrigation decisions. Producers who receive water from federal agencies use higher water application rates and are less likely to adopt water‐saving irrigation technologies for some crops. Institutional arrangements, including access to distinct water sources (surface or ground) and whether surface water cost is fee based, also affect the responsiveness of water application rates to changes in surface water cost. The analysis provides valuable information about how producers in irrigated agricultural production systems would respond and adapt to water pricing policies and climate change.
Differential effects of out-of-hospital interventions on short- and long-term survival after cardiopulmonary arrest

Abstract Aim: The aim of this study was to describe the relationship between prehospital clinical variables, interventions and survival time after cardiac arrest and to determine whether various factors affect the risk of death differently at early and late time periods. Methods: Time-to-death (days) after collapse was identified using the paramedic record, the social security death index or obituaries for adult (≥18 years) out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OOHCA) cases from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania between 1998 and 2002. Clinical prehospital variables included age of patient, sex, witnessed collapse, bystander CPR, use of an automated external defibrillator (AED), initial ECG rhythm, medications and response time intervals. We used Cox regression with time varying coefficients to describe the effects of each covariate separately upon short-term (on day 1) and long-term (after day 1) survival. Results: Of 1496 adult patients, overall mortality was 89.5%. The majority (75%) of deaths occurred on day 1. Of the 1339 deaths, 1213 (90.6%) occurred by day 3, 1272 (95.0%) occurred by day 7 and 1299 (97.0%) occurred by day 14. Witnessed collapse (hazard ratio 0.85; 95% CI: 0.75–0.97) or the use of epinephrine (adrenaline) (1.57; 1.20–2.07), lidocaine (0.78; 0.66–0.91) or dopamine (0.75; 0.56–1.00) were independently associated with risk of death on day 1 (day of collapse). Epinephrine use (1.84; 1.23–2.78) and age (1.02; 1.01–1.03) were independently associated with risk of death after day 1. The proportional hazards assumption was satisfied. Conclusions: Survival after out-of-hospital cardiac was characterized by a large number of deaths on day 1. Most subsequent deaths were identified within 14 days after collapse. Prehospital factors have markedly different relationships with short- and long-term survival. Linkage between prehospital intervention and short- and long-term outcomes must consider the survival time characteristics of this population.
The illusion of the positive: The impact of natural and induced mood on older adults' false recall

ABSTRACT Recent research suggests that affective and motivational processes can influence age differences in memory. In the current study, we examine the impact of both natural and induced mood state on age differences in false recall. Older and younger adults performed a version of the Deese–Roediger–McDermott (DRM; Roediger & McDermott, 1995, Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory, and Cognition, 21, 803) false memory paradigm in either their natural mood state or after a positive or negative mood induction. Results indicated that, after accounting for age differences in basic cognitive function, age-related differences in positive mood during the testing session were related to increased false recall in older adults. Inducing older adults into a positive mood also exacerbated age differences in false memory. In contrast, veridical recall did not appear to be systematically influenced by mood. Together, these results suggest that positive mood states can impact older adults' information pr...
Personalized Oxycodone Dosing: Using Pharmacogenetic Testing and Clinical Pharmacokinetics to Reduce Toxicity Risk and Increase Effectiveness

Pharmacogenomics is an emerging field that brings clinical relevance to genetic markers by individualizing drug selection and/or dose [1,2]. At the heart of this field is the concept that specific genes may hold the key to success or failure for critical therapies. Treatments for some cancer types are already guided by individuals' expression of specific genes [3–5]. For human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), pharmacogenetic studies, specifically “genotyping” studies, are utilized to select more effective therapy combinations or avoid potentially life-threatening adverse reactions and maximize efficacy [6–8]. Likewise, pharmacogenomic testing for crucial metabolic pathways should enable prediction of clinical drug response, especially when targeted binding sites or tissues are being considered [9,10]. One of the most appealing aspects of pharmacogenomic testing for metabolic pathways is practical utilization of this information clinically and physiologically for ultimate application and targeted patient-specific treatment. Identification of affected pathways could aid in clinical decision-making, drug selection, appropriate individualized calculated dosing, and weighing of wide-ranging treatment risks vs overall clinical outcomes, all of which could become essential portions of a patient's lifetime genetic profile within his or her medical record. Linares and colleagues provide an excellent overview of the application of clinical pharmacokinetics and its usefulness in …
Regional differences in expression of VEGF mRNA in rat gastrocnemius following 1 hr exercise or electrical stimulation

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mRNA levels increase in rat skeletal muscle after a single bout of acute exercise. We assessed regional differences in VEGF165 mRNA levels in rat gastrocnemius muscle using in situ hybridization after inducing upregulation of VEGF by treadmill running (1 hr) or electrical stimulation (1 hr). Muscle functional regions were defined as oxidative (primarily oxidative fibers, I and IIa), or glycolytic (entirely IIb or IId/x fibers). Functional regions were visualized on muscle cross sections that were matched in series to slides processed through in situ hybridization with a VEGF165 probe. A greater upregulation in oxidative regions was hypothesized. Total muscle VEGF mRNA (via Northern blot) was upregulated 3.5-fold with both exercise and with electrical stimulation (P = 0.015). Quantitative densitometry of the VEGF mRNA signal via in situ hybridization reveals significant regional differences (P ≤ 0.01) and protocol differences (treadmill, electrical stimulation, and control, P ≤ 0.05). Mean VEGF mRNA signal was higher in the oxidative region in both treadmill run (~7%, N = 4 muscles, P ≤ 0.05) and electrically stimulated muscles (~60%, N = 4, P ≤ 0.05). These regional differences were not significantly different from control muscle (non-exercised, non-stimulated, N = 2 muscles), although nearly so for electrically stimulated muscle (P = 0.056). Moderately higher VEGF mRNA signal in oxidative muscle regions is consistent with regional differences in capillary density. However, it is not possible to determine if the VEGF mRNA signal difference is important in either the maintenance of regional capillarity differences or exercise induced angiogenesis.
Effects of an experimentally clumped food resource on raccoon Procyon lotor home-range use

Abstract Some species of carnivores fluctuate between a primarily solitary lifestyle and a group-living lifestyle, depending on resource availability. Understanding the ontogeny of this transition requires analyzing changes in space use. We analyzed radio-telemetry data from 41 adult raccoons Procyon lotor to assess the influence of an experimentally maintained clumped food source on spatial structure. We compared home-range size, two-dimensional overlap and volume of intersection (VI) values between 22 raccoons with access to the clumped food resource and 19 raccoons on an adjacent control site that received similar food quantities, but for which food was distributed in a non-clumped and spatially-temporally unpredictable pattern. No between-sex differences in home-range size occurred within either food site, nor did differences in home-range size occur between the two sites. However, the experimental-site animals had two-dimensional home-range overlap values and volume of intersection (VI) scores that w...
Molecular weight distribution changes during the thermal breakdown of poly‐α‐methylstyrene

The changes in the molecular weight distribution accompanying the thermal depolymerization of poly-α-methylstyrene have been investigated. The original polymer, produced by anionic catalysis, had a narrow distribution of molecular weights, which facilitated measurement of the changes. The depolymerization when carried out in a thin polymer film at 226 and 236° caused extensive randomization of molecular weights at low conversions. In contrast, a similar depolymerization carried out in Decalin solution at 232° produced polymer maintaining the original sharp distribution. It is concluded that the kinetic chain length of the depolymerization reaction is much smaller than the molecular chain length in solid film reactions, but much greater than the molecular chain length in solution, under the experimental conditions used.
Ecological momentary assessment of recommended postoperative eating and activity behaviors

Abstract Background Successful weight loss after bariatric surgery depends on the patient's adherence to prescribed eating and physical activity behaviors. However, few studies have assessed patients' adherence to the behavioral recommendations and most have used retrospective self-report measures. The present study is the first to use ecological momentary assessment (EMA) via a palmtop computer to assess bariatric surgery patients' eating and activity behaviors in real-time in the natural environment. The study was conducted at Miriam Hospital (Providence, RI). Methods A total of 21 patients (14 laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding and 7 Roux-en-Y; 81% women; mean age 48.5 yr) were studied 6.1 ± 2.1 months postoperatively. The participants used a palmtop computer for 6 days to report on all eating and physical activity episodes as they occurred in the natural environment. Results All participants demonstrated good compliance with the EMA, using the device on ≥5 full days. Most participants (94.8%) adhered to the recommendation to not drink while eating, and most took their vitamin supplements and medication as prescribed (85.7% and 90.5%, respectively). Few (4.8%) participants ate the recommended ≥5 meals daily, most participants exceeded the recommended portion sizes during meals and snacks (100% and 72.0% of the participants, respectively), and 47.6% of the participants consumed ≥5 servings of fruit and vegetables daily. Only 15.8% regularly consumed adequate liquids. Only 23.8% of participants engaged in moderate to vigorous physical activity for ≥30 minutes daily, as recommended. Conclusion The EMA results suggested that adherence to the recommended behaviors varied considerably, depending on the behavior, with greater adherence to simple versus complex behaviors. EMA might eventually be a useful tool to help optimize the outcomes of bariatric surgery by identifying behavioral targets for additional monitoring and intervention.
Sublinear algorithms in the external memory model

We initiate the study of sublinear-time algorithms in the external memory model. In this model, the data is stored in blocks of a certain size B, and the algorithm is charged a unit cost for each block access. This model is well-studied, since it reflects the computational issues occurring when the (massive) input is stored on a disk. Since each block access operates on B data elements in parallel, many problems have external memory algorithms whose number of block accesses is only a small fraction (e.g. 1/B) of their main memory complexity. However, to the best of our knowledge, no such reduction in complexity is known for any sublinear-time algorithm. One plausible explanation is that the vast majority of sublinear-time algorithms use random sampling and thus exhibit no locality of reference. This state of affairs is quite unfortunate, since both sublinear-time algorithms and the external memory model are important approaches to dealing with massive data sets, and ideally they should be combined to achieve best performance. We show that such combination is indeed possible. In particular, we consider three well-studied problems: testing of distinctness, uniformity and identity of an empirical distribution induced by data. For these problems we show random-sampling-based algorithms whose number of block accesses is up to a factor of 1/√B smaller than the main memory complexity of those problems.We also show that this improvement is optimal for those problems. Since these problems are natural primitives for a number of samplingbased algorithms for other problems, our tools improve the external memory complexity of other problems as well.
Dinutuximab and Panobinostat.

*Dr. Chasick is a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist for Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. The complexity of cancer chemotherapy requires pharmacists be familiar with the complicated regimens and highly toxic agents used. This column reviews various issues related to preparation, dispensing, and administration of antineoplastic therapy, and the agents, both commercially available and investigational, used to treat malignant diseases. Questions or suggestions for topics should be addressed to Dominic A. Solimando, Jr, President, Oncology Pharmacy Services, Inc., 4201 Wilson Blvd #110-545, Arlington, VA 22203, e-mail: OncRxSvc@comcast.net; or J. Aubrey Waddell, Professor, University of Tennessee College of Pharmacy; Oncology Pharmacist, Pharmacy Department, Blount Memorial Hospital, 907 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway, Maryville, TN 37804, e-mail: waddfour@charter.net.
Measuring the Impact of the Nonprofit Sector on Society Is Probably Impossible but Possibly Useful

Although we often contrast the cool scientific temperament of modernity to the superstition, ignorance, and magical thought of premodern eras, modern culture is notable less for the degree to which ritual and myth are important than for the kinds of myths and rituals that have been substituted for the religious and nationalist orthodoxies of the past (Meyer, 1988). As Weber foresaw in The Protestant Ethic, first published in 1904, the most powerful of modern icons is “rationality,” the deliberative, instrumental orientation that Weber warned would confine humanity within “an iron cage” until “the last ton of fossilized coal is burnt” (Weber, 1958, p. 181). Impelled by economic competition, sponsored by state bureaucrats and policy elites, supported by an industry of consultants, techniques aimed at maximizing instrumental rationality— by which I mean the systematic attempt to understand and act on one’s understanding of systems of cause and effect—have proliferated (Meyer & Gupta, 1994). Today, the United States is a society in which cost-benefit analysis, performance assessment, and the pursuit of efficiency represent a cultural system that is as much taken for granted and as tightly linked to society’s most powerful institutions as was Buddhism in medieval Japan or the divine right of kings in early modern France (Meyer, Boli, & Thomas, 1987; Dobbin, 1994).
85 – Sex and Gender-Specific Issues in HIV Pathogenesis

This chapter presents sex and gender-specific issues in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pathogenesis. Infection with HIV-1 is a dynamic process, even during the period of clinical latency. The entire viral life cycle can be completed in 2 days, and it is estimated that untreated individuals may produce more than 10 10 viral particles per day. In addition to the development of quasispecies within infected individuals, there are broader genetic variations in HIV-1 that are observed in different regions. Three main groups of HIV-1 have been recognized: M (major), O (outlier), and N (new). Within group M, nine subtypes, A through K, and at least four major recombinants are distinguished. Initial infection with HIV-1 is followed by a high level of viral replication and an acute decline in the CD4 lymphocyte count. Acute HIV-1 infection is accompanied by a mononucleosis-like syndrome, the acute retroviral syndrome, in 40-90% of cases. The chapter focuses on prevention of transmission through sexual contact and injection drug use. Three general approaches to transmission including avoidance of exposure, reduction of transmission risk with exposure, and treatment to abort early infection are considered in the chapter.
Intercostal muscle motor behavior during tracheal occlusion conditioning in conscious rats.

A respiratory load compensation response is characterized by increases in activation of primary respiratory muscles and/or recruitment of accessory respiratory muscles. The contribution of the exte...