cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Attenuation of contrast material-induced renal artery vasoconstriction by nitric oxide donors

Rationale and Objectives. The authors studied the role of the endothelium and associated endothelial pathways in contrast material—induced renal vasoconstriction. Materials and Methods. Isometric contractions in human and rabbit renal artery rings with intact and denuded endothelium were stimulated with phenylephrine and increasing concentrations of the ionic contrast material diatrizoate, the nonionic contrast materials iopamidol and iomeprol, and the dimetric contrast material iodixanol in a tissue perfusion bath. Rings with intact endothelium were incubated with endothelium-stimulating compounds such as the NO synthetase inhibitor N g nitro- l -arginine methyl ester ( l -NAME) to study the endothelium-mediated vasomotor regulation and the NO-liberating substances molsidomine (SIN-1) and nitroprusside (NPR) to study the endothelial-mediated vasorelaxation before being stimulated with contrast material. Results. Contrast material—induced, dose-dependent, reversible renal artery contractions are dependent on the type of contrast material. No differences in the contractions were found between intact and denuded rings. l -NAME had no effect on contrast material—induced contractions. Contractions were inhibited by the NO donors SIN-1 and NPR. SIN-1 was the most potent inhibitor. Conclusion. Contrast material—induced renal vasoconstriction is endothelium-independent. Selective pharmacologic stimulation of the endothelium by NO donors, however, may still be useful in the prophylaxis of contrast material—induced renal vasoconstriction and, thus, potentially nephrotoxicity.
Congenital atresia of the ileum; report of a case with ante-natal rupture of the proximal bowel.

Summary 1. A case of congenital atresia of the small intestine with perforation is presented and discussed. This case is one of atresia of the ileum with secondary rupture of the ileum proximal to the area of atresia and complicated by meconium peritonitis. It is our opinion that the rupture occurred in utero. 2. Attention is called to the clinical findings that should arouse suspicion.
A New Approach in Modeling a Categorical Response. I. Binary Case

Abstract A new approach in modeling categorical response variables is presented. This approach is based on characterizing symmetrical and unimodal distributions with respect to the biological mechanisms that they describe. This characterization is achieved through the notion of the intrinsic odds ratio. Two nonparametric classes of distributions are introduced, and discrimination among symmetric unimodal distributions is demonstrated. Two extended models for binary response variables—increasing and decreasing odds-ratio models—are presented.
The nature of American student reentry adjustment and perceptions of the sojourn experience

Abstract This study investigated reentry adjustment experiences of American students after an extended sojourn abroad. Fifty-eight overseas sojourners were compared to 74 domestic travellers and findings indicated that the returnees from abroad experienced much greater reentry adjustment problems. The results support previous studies which document the existence of the reentry adjustment phenomenon. Results revealed that changes in the individual's value structure are an important factor that is associated with reentry adjustment. This study underscores previous research which states that the reentry transitional period includes positive and growthful aspects for the returnees.
OCT Sources: Current limitations and future development needs

Swept-wavelength laser sources are an essential and enabling technology in the growing clinical adoption of optical coherence tomography (OCT). In this talk, we will review the advantages and limitations of available OCT source technologies.
Are patients satisfied after surgery for metastatic spine disease

COMMENTARY ON: Fujibayashi S, Neo N, Miyaki K, et al. The value of palliative surgery for metastatic spinal disease: satisfaction of patients and their families. Spine J 2010;10:42–49 ( in this issue ).
Porphyrins of high molecular weight in a Triassic oil shale: Evidence by gel permeation chromatography

Abstract The porphyrin pigments in extracts of the Triassic oil shale of Serpiano (Switzerland) were separated by gel permeation chromatography over alkylated Sephadex (LH-20) and Styragel. Evidence is presented for the existence of homologous series of pigments extending into the high molecular weight region (above 20,000 mol.wt.). These pigments are believed to be the products of heterogeneous polymerization of porphyrins derived from biological sources with the bulk organic matter of the sediment. The geochemical significance of this finding is discussed.
Updated 2012 Beers Criteria: what's noteworthy and cautionary?

The Beers Criteria for potentially inappropriate medication use in older adults, originally published in 1991, have gone through several iterations.1 The initial publication focused exclusively on nursing home residents, providing a list of medications where the potential for harm exceeded the potential for beneficial effects. The criteria have arguably been influential in providing guidance for appropriateness of prescribing decisions in the elderly, especially for physicians and pharmacists practicing in long term care. In 1997 and again in 2003, the criteria were updated by a consensus panel of experts in geriatric pharmacotherapy who expanded the scope of the criteria and made it applicable for all adults aged 65 and older no matter where they reside and receive care.2,3 For more than a decade now, the Beers Criteria have been used as a clinical reference for informed decision making regarding prescribing in older adults. They have been used in several studies to predict health outcomes associated with potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) use in the elderly with variable andmixed results.4,5 The Beers Criteria also inform quality measures for several organizations and agencies, such as the National Committee for Quality Assurance, the Pharmacy Quality Alliance, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and Medicare Part D. These bodies have relied on the criteria when developing quality measures addressing the pharmacological management of older adults.6 In 1999 and then again in 2006, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services adopted some of the medications in the “Beers list” as quality indicator measures for assessing medication use in long term care facilities. The Beers Criteria have recently been revised by the American Geriatrics Society (AGS); this 2012 update,7 including several other tools and resources for public and professional use, are published on the AGS Web site.8 The 2012 Beers Criteria significantly improve on the previous methodology used in the past versions by using Institute of Medicine standards for clinical practice guidelines and a robust evidence-based grading system. The methodology and the literaturebased review are well characterized in the AGS publication.7 The structure and categorization of medications in tables remains essentially the same as in previous versions, with the exception of another table of medications to be used with caution. In essence, 53 medications or medication classes comprise the final updated criteria, and they are divided into 3 categories: PIMs and classes to avoid in
Mean blood pressure algorithms

Alternative methods of calculating average blood pressure are examined. It is suggested that the preferred method is calculation of the arithmetic mean if the average value itself is required. However, when blood pressure values are used to calculate other results, only the instantaneous value is appropriate in all situations. Arithmetic mean blood pressure values may be used with arithmetic mean flow values to calculate resistance, but only if resistance is constant over the interval (laminar flow). To calculate ventricular stroke work, the root mean square averages must be used because in this instance the arithmetic average yields large errors. Most monitors do not use these methods consistently to derive average blood pressure values, thus, the displayed values differ from those obtained from the appropriate calculation. Computational convenience, truncation error in averaging, or true errors in measurement or understanding of the associated physiologic state may account for observed differences. The interpretation of maximum systolic and minimum diastolic pressures with each beat requires additional considerations. Common monitoring algorithms obscure clinically important details, particularly by distorting the relationship between respiratory variation and pulse pressure.
Federal Reserve Policy, 1975–1985: An empirical analysis

Abstract This paper examines the operating procedures of the Federal Reserve System over the last decade using VAR models. From April 1975 to September 1979, we check to see whether or not the Fed was using a federal funds operating procedure. We examine the time period from October 1979 to September 1982 to see if the Fed was using a nonborrowed or borrowed reserve operating procedure. The final period from October 1982 to October 1985 is examined to determine whether or not the Fed was using a borrowed reserve operating procedure.
High temperature determination of the rate coefficient for the reaction H2O + CN → HCN + OH

The rate coefficient, k, of the reaction has been determined in the temperature range 2460–2840 K using a shock tube technique. C2N2H2OAr mixtures were heated behind incident shock waves and the CN and OH concentration time histories were monitored simultaneously using broad-band absorption near 388 nm (CN) and narrow-line laser absorption at 306.67 nm (OH). The rate coefficient expression providing the best fit to the data was with uncertainty limits of about ±45% in the temperature range 2460–2840 K. The rate coefficient of the reverse reaction was calculated using detailed balancing, and its extrapolation to lower temperatures was compared with previously published results.
Relationship of the white blood cell count to body fat: role of leptin

The white blood cell (WBC) count is correlated to the amount of body fat in humans, but the mechanism for this association is unknown. Leptin, a 16 kD protein produced in adipocytes, circulates in humans in direct proportion to the amount and percentage of body fat. Recent evidence suggests that leptin and the leptin receptor are part of a novel pathway which stimulates haemopoiesis. This study was designed to test whether fasting plasma leptin concentrations contribute to the relationship between the WBC count and body fat. 117 Pima Indians with a wide range in body composition were studied. The WBC count was positively correlated with percentage of body fat (r = 0.44, P = 0.0001) and fasting plasma leptin concentration (r = 0.38, P = 0.0001). In multiple regression analyses, age, gender and percent body fat were significant independent determinants of the WBC count. After controlling for age and gender, percent body fat accounted for 23% of the variance in the WBC count (partial r = 0.48, P = 0.0001). In similar models which also included plasma leptin concentration, percent body fat remained significantly related to the WBC count. but only accounted for 7% of its variance (partial r = 0.27, P = 0.003). Based on these results, and the demonstration that leptin directly effects the stimulation of proliferation of haemopoietic stem cells in vitro, we hypothesize that the relation of the WBC count to percent body fat may be mediated, in part, through the effect of leptin.
Effects of Coulomb blockade on the photocurrent in quantum dot infrared photodetectors

We present theoretical studies of the effects of Coulomb blockade on the photocurrent of quantum dot infrared photodetectors within the Anderson model with two localized levels coupled with the electromagnetic field. We use the Keldysh Green function method to calculate the photocurrent. The energy levels, on-site Coulomb energy, and coupling parameters between leads and quantum dot states, as functions of the applied field, are evaluated within an effective mass model. It is found that the Coulomb interaction and level mixing in the many-body open system lead to a double-peak spectrum for the intraband transition. The center of gravity of the spectrum is redshifted as the applied bias increases, which competes with the blueshift caused by the Stark effect. Furthermore, the photocurrent is found to be a nonlinear function of the steady-state electron density of the quantum dot, in sharp contrast to quantum well infrared photo-detectors.
Characterization of the Surface to Thiol Bonding in Self-Assembled Monolayer Films of C12H25SH on InP(100) by Angle-Resolved X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy

Angle-resolved X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (ARXPS) was used to characterize the bonding of alkanethiols to n-InP surfaces and to measure the monolayer thickness. A careful comparison of the angle-dependent spectra for three different sample preparations (oxidized InP(100), HF-etched InP(100), and HF-etched InP(100) with a self-assembled monolayer of C{sub 12}H{sub 25}SH) shows that the sulfur binds to In atoms on the surface. Comparison of the angle-dependence of the intensity ratios for the In 3d{sub 5/2} core level of InP with the self-assembled monolayer (SAM) to that of sputtered InP provides a thickness for the SAM of 14 {+-} 4 {angstrom}, corresponding to alkane chains at a tilt angle of 44 {+-} 16{degree} from the surface normal.
Applications of Sequentially Estimating the Mean in a Normal Distribution Having Equal Mean and Variance

Abstract We suppose that we have at our disposal a sequence of independent observations from a N(θ, θ) distribution where θ(>0) is an unknown parameter. Such a model will make good sense to approximate a Poisson(θ) distribution, especially when θ(>0) is moderately large. The Fisher-information contained in the sample mean, the sample variance, and the MLE are included (Appendix A). The derivation of the UMVUE of θ and some remarks regarding computational complexities in numerically evaluating its expression, even for small fixed-sample-size n, are also included (Appendix B). Assuming the availability of a lower bound θ L (>0) for θ, both purely sequential and two-stage bounded risk methodologies are developed for estimating θ. We have considered the analogs of fixed-sample-size MLE, sample mean, sample median, sample variance, and the UMVUE. First-order asymptotic properties of both purely sequential as well as two-stage sample sizes and the associated risk-bound for an analog of the MLE have been found. ...
Extravasation of calcium gluconate as a cause of soft tissue calcification in infancy

Three cases of soft tissue calcification secondary to subcutaneous extravasation of an intravenous infusion of calcium gluconate are reported.Histologic changes consist of thickening of the subcutaneum and calcification in the subcutaneum, and the fascial planes. Vascular calcification may also be seen.Roentgenologic recognition and awareness of this diagnosis is important, as the clinical picture is variable and the etiology of the presenting inflammatory response or mass is often unknown.
Laser scanning cytometry and tissue microarray analysis of salinity effects on killifish chloride cells

The effects of salinity on chloride cells (CC) and Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase content in gill epithelium of euryhaline killifish Fundulus heteroclitus were analyzed using laser scanning cytometry (LSC) and tissue microarrays (TMAs). Salinity acclimations consisted of acute transfer from freshwater (FW) to 1x seawater (SW) and gradual transfer from FW to 2.4x SW. Suspensions of dissociated gill epithelial cells were stained with DASPMI and evaluated using LSC. CC number and volume are proportional to external salinity, being lower in FW (0.5+/-0.2 x 10(5) and 405+/-32 micro m(3), respectively) and higher after 5 weeks in 2.4x SW (3.7+/-0.9 x 10(5) and 2697+/-146 micro m(3), respectively). TMAs were constructed from fixed gill tissues and developed using antibody for Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase to visualize CCs in situ and compare their characteristics with isolated CCs. Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase content per CC increases transiently (from 2.2+/-0.5 x 10(6) to 4.8+/-1.1 x 10(6) relative fluorescence units, RFU) after 1 week of acute acclimation to 1x SW but returns to baseline values (2.4+/-0.5 x 10(6) RFU) within 5 weeks. In contrast, gradual acclimation to 2.4x SW permanently increases Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase content per CC (from 2.0+/-0.8 x 10(6) to 6.7+/-2.7 x 10(6) RFU after 5 weeks). CC size in situ did not correlate well to salinity because of basolateral membrane infoldings. Taken together, these data suggest that euryhaline fishes are capable of sensing environmental salinity to utilize transient short-term and permanent long-term adaptations for coping with salinity changes. These results also demonstrate the power of LSC and TMA for comparative biology.
Deformation behavior of tetramethyl-p-silphenylenesiloxane (TMPS)-dimethylsiloxane (DMS) block copolymer spherulitic films

Abstract A study of the morphology of uniaxially drawn spherulites of TMPS-DMS block copolymers with TMPS contents ranging from 90 to 30 wt % was made especially by electron and optical microscopy. For the entire range of polymer compositions, the copolymers, like the TMPS homopolymer, form negatively birefringent spherulites when crystallized from solution, or from the supercooled melt. A banded spherulitic morphology is observed. The deformability of copolymer spherulites increases as the DMS amorphous component increases. The DMS component coexists with, but is physically excluded from the ordered TMPS “crystalline” phase. In samples having the higher TMPS compositions, deformation occurs through crack formation, mechanical slip, tilting and/or twisting of the lamellae that help comprise the spherulites. At high DMS contents this “soft” component is undoubtedly responsible for the flexible character of these copolymers. Sample clarity also increases with DMS content as the crystallinity decreases.
Children’s use of allocentric cues in visually- and memory-guided reach space

Theory suggests that the vision-for-perception and vision-for-action processing streams operate under very different temporal constraints (Glover, 2004; Goodale, Jackobson, & Keillor, 1994; Graham, Bradshaw, & Davis, 1998; Hu, Eagleson, & Goodale, 1999). With the present study, children and young adults were asked to estimate how far a cued target was from a response target in immediate and response-delay conditions. Based on maximum reach of each participant, target locations in peripersonal and extrapersonal space were created. ANOVA results for accuracy indicated differences between Age within Condition and Space. Overall, adults were more accurate than children. Analysis revealed that with delays of superior or equal to 2 s, performance affected all groups, but most notably the 5- and 7-year-olds. In summary, these findings suggest that young children have greater difficulty processing allocentric cues in the context of reach in delay paradigms.
Introduction to Scientific Programming

The University of Utah's Department of Computer Science has offered an introductory course on scientific programming, called Engineering Computing, since 1994. Each year, approximately 300 first- and second-year science and engineering majors take the course. They learn how to use a variety of programming techniques to solve the kinds of computational science problems they will encounter in their academic and professional careers. The original impetus for developing Engineering Computing came in 1993 from the dean of the College of Engineering at the time, David Pershing. Dissatisfied with the conventional courses in C and Fortran programming that the engineering students were taking, he wanted to develop a more effective alternative. With the support of a course development grant from the Department of Energy's Undergraduate Computational Engineering and Science (UCES) project, course development began.
Perineural spread of malignant mesothelioma resulting in an intradural spinal cord mass: case report

Spinal cord involvement by perineural spread of malignant mesothelioma is rare. We report a case of malignant mesothelioma that spread locally to invade the bony spine with both extradural and intradural perineural spread into the spinal canal that resulted in spinal cord compression. A 61-year-old man with a history of malignant mesothelioma presented with progressive leg weakness and right-sided arm weakness. Magnetic resonance imaging showed an enhancing lesion in the apex of the right lung with extension through the C7–T1 foramina with right hemicord enhancement. The patient underwent a C7–T1 laminectomy and right-sided C7–T1 and T1–T2 foraminotomies for neural decompression and biopsy of the lesion. Intraoperatively, tumor extended epidurally, and intradural perineural tumor spread along the C8 and T1 nerve roots into the spinal cord. Because it adhered to the spinal cord, no dissectible plane could be identified that would allow for safe total removal of the tumor. The epidural portion of the tumor, the adjacent involved bone, and the T1 nerve root were resected. Pathologic examination revealed malignant mesothelioma with bony invasion and perineural spread along the T1 nerve root. After decompression of the spinal cord, the patient had moderate improvement of his hand and leg function. Perineural spread of malignant mesothelioma resulting in spinal cord compression is an unusual clinical presentation. Intimate involvement of the spinal cord may prohibit aggressive tumor resection.
Intramolecular vibrational energy redistribution as revealed by excitation energy dependence of nonradiative decay rate: T1 → So intersystem crossing in acetophenone and 1-indanone

Abstract Excess vibrational energy dependence of T1→ So intersystem crossing in dilute vapors of acetophenone and 1-indanone has been investigated to deduce relative efficiency of intramolecular vibrational redistribution in these molecules. The results indicate that intramolecular vibrational energy redistribution is much more efficient in acetophenone than in 1-indanone. This is rationalized in terms of high densities of low-frequency anharmonic vibrations in acetophenone.
Gastric secretions following neonatal surgery

Abstract Eighty-seven postoperative gastric aspirates were obtained from 24 infants in the neonatal period. Measurements indicated mean concentrations of 100 mEq./L. sodium, 11.7 mEq./L. potassium, and 130 mEq./L. chloride in the gastric drainage. A pH of less than 2.6 was present in 66 per cent of the specimens measured. On the basis of these data, intravenous fluid containing 100 mEq./L. sodium chloride and 30 mEq./L. potassium chloride would be optimal as parenteral replacement fluid.
Jealousy: Compound emotion or label for a particular situation?

Individuals generally experience several emotions when confronted with an unfaithful mate. Such observations have led some scholars to propose that jealousy is a compound emotion. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the concept of jealousy as a combination of primary emotions is an artifact of the failure to control for the focus of concern. The subjects were 149 undergraduates who read jealousy and nonjealousy scenarios and indicated the emotions they believed the partner of a relationship experienced in response to the actions of the mate. The results indicated that manipulation of the focus of concern was a more parsimonious explanation of the results than the assumption that the subjects were basing their responses upon a subjective experience of a compound emotion.
Visualizing health practice to treat diabetes

This research is about how to help diabetics reflect upon and improve their own health practice by collecting and visualizing health related information. We introduced a new type of data collection to diabetics, photography, to complement the data they usually collect, blood sugar levels. Diabetics shoot pictures of meals, exercise, work, play and anything else they feel impacts health. We combine the quantitative glucose measurements with qualitative portraits of action into unified data visualizations. In doing so, we hope to make the relationship between physiology and behavior an object for discussion and reflection. More so, we hope that diabetics who viewed these data will begin to develop new interpretations of their lifestyles that will ultimately lead to healthier activities.
Neuro-ophthalmic manifestations of hemangiopericytoma.

Purpose. To describe the neuro-ophthalmic presentations of a rare intracranial tumor, hemangiopericytoma. Methods. Retrospective multicenter case series. Results. The neuro-ophthalmic and radiographic features of hemangiopericytoma are reviewed. The clinical presentation may mimic meningioma and the pre-operative distinction between meningioma and hemangiopericytoma is important because the evaluation, management, treatment, and prognosis differ significantly for the two lesions. Conclusion. We report five cases of intracranial hemangiopericytoma and review the neuro-ophthalmic findings of this uncommon entity.
Mapping semantic relevancy of information displays

Semantic Relevancy Maps are a visual analytic technique for representing the distribution of semantic relevancy across an information display. The maps highlight the text areas of the display corresponding to the relevance of that text to user goals, with stronger highlights indicating higher degrees of relevance. Semantic Relevancy Maps were developed as a tool for high-fidelity computational cognitive models that search complex information displays in the same manner as humans. However, they offer the potential to be a standalone tool for quickly evaluating the spatial layout of information for designers or, more simply, for identifying the spatial location of sought-for information by any computer user.
Network analysis under perturbations

It is a frequent situation that the idealized assumptions on which a network model is built do not hold with sufficient accuracy in practice. This motivates us to investigate what happens if some perturbations are introduced into the idealized conditions of a network model. Our goal is to find a general way to preserve most of the results from the analysis in situations when the conditions deviate from the ideal ones that were assumed in the derivation. Surprisingly, our goal can be achieved in a model-independent way. We present a method that does not depend on the specifics of a single model; rather, it applies to many. We illustrate the power of the method by applying it to two examples: (1) a random wireless network topology model, based on random unit disk graphs; and (2) a random web graph model that can exhibit any node degree distribution, and allows, among other things, to derive a closed formula for the average hop-distance in the network.
Shareholder Value Creation During R&D Innovation And Commercialization Stages

We examined the impact on the market value of firms' stock of announcements about R&D projects made in the innovation and commercialization stages of the R&D process. Technology- and market-related...
The relation between tear film tests in patients with dry eye disease

Purpose: The purpose of this report was to investigate the relation between dry eye diagnostic tests. Methods: Dry eye patients were enrolled to complete a clinical examination, including the following dry eye tests: a meibomian gland evaluation, tear meniscus height, fluorescein tear breakup time, fluorescein staining of the cornea, the Schirmer 1 test, the phenol red thread test, and rose bengal staining of the conjunctiva. Statistical analyses, including correlation coefficients, the Wilcoxon sign rank test, chi-square test, and logistic regression were used to address the relation between these clinical tests of dry eye. Results: There was a strong relation between the Schirmer test and fluorescein staining in all four statistical analyses. Similarly, there was also a strong relation between the phenol red thread test and both fluorescein and rose bengal staining. Finally, the results of the Schirmer test were associated with the tear breakup time test in three of four analyses. Conclusions: The results indicate that tests of aqueous deficiency (volume or production) are associated with ocular surface desiccation. This important relation should be recognized when choosing dry eye tests as outcomes in clinical trials and epidemiological studies.
Gray matter correlates of behavioral severity in progressive supranuclear palsy.

Background: Behavioral changes occur in progressive supranuclear palsy. This study aimed to identify the anatomic correlate of behavioral severity in progressive supranuclear palsy. Methods: We performed standardized tests of behavioral severity (Frontal Behavioral Inventory), cognitive severity (Mini-Mental State Examination), motor severity (Movement Disorder Society-sponsored revision of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale Part III), and a 3.0-T volumetric head magnetic resonance imaging scan in 18 prospectively recruited subjects meeting National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Stroke-Society of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy criteria for probable progressive supranuclear palsy. Atlas-based parcellation was utilized to obtain regional gray matter volumes of frontal, temporal, and parietal lobe, and caudate and putamen, and voxel-based morphometry was used to assess voxel-level gray matter loss. We performed correlation analyses between total Frontal Behavioral Inventory score and gray matter volume, as well as assessed gray matter volume across three groups defined according to behavioral severity (mild, moderate, and severe) based on total Frontal Behavioral Inventory score. Results: Specific behaviors, with the exception of apathy that occurred in 83% of the subjects, were relatively infrequent. There was no association between Frontal Behavioral Inventory and cognitive or motor severity. Regions of the frontal lobe, particularly, the lateral posterior frontal cortex, significantly correlated with the total Frontal Behavioral Inventory score when using both regional volume and voxel-level analyses. The groupwise analyses also supported these findings. The presence of apathy correlated with atrophy of the putamen. Discussion: Behavioral severity in progressive supranuclear palsy appears to be associated with volume loss of frontostriatal regions, in particular, lateral posterior frontal lobe and putamen. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
Some robustness issues for comparing multiple logistic regression slopes to a control for small samples

For comparing several logistic regression slopes to that of a control for small sample sizes, Dasgupta et al. (2001) proposed an "asymptotic" small-sample test and a "pivoted" version of that test statistic. Their results show both methods perform well in terms of Type I error control and marginal power when the response is related to the explanatory variable via a logistic regression model. This study finds, via Monte Carlo simulations, that when the underlying relationship is probit, complementary log-log, linear, or even non-monotonic, the "asymptotic" and the "pivoted" small-sample methods perform fairly well in terms of Type I error control and marginal power. Unlike their large sample competitors, they are generally robust to departures from the logistic regression model.
Reflector antennas with superquadric aperture boundaries

A unified treatment for reflector antennas with elliptical (circular) or rounded-rectangular (rounded-square) aperture boundaries utilizing superquadric functions is presented. Reflector antennas with superquadric aperture boundaries possess unique properties. To reveal these properties and properly implement them in diffraction analysis formulation, important geometrical features of the superquadric aperture, including a closed-form expression for the area, are presented. Parametric representations of the superquadric aperture are investigated, and a superior parameterization is introduced for evaluating the diffraction integrals. Representative results of physical optics (PO) analysis for superquadric reflector antennas are presented, and key features of the radiation pattern characteristics are summarized. Although the focus of this work is on reflector antennas, the main feature of superquadric aperture characteristics and its parametric representations are generally applicable to any aperture type antennas. >
Generation 3 PAMAM dendrimer TAMRA conjugates containing precise dye/dendrimer ratios

The synthesis, isolation, and characterization of generation 3 poly(amidoamine) (G3 PAMAM) dendrimer containing precise ratios of 5-carboxytetramethylrhodamine succinimidyl ester (TAMRA) dye (n = 1–3) per polymer particle are reported. Stochastic conjugation of TAMRA dye to the dendrimer was followed by separation into precise dye-polymer ratios using rp-HPLC. The isolated materials were characterized by rp-UPLC, MALDI-TOF-MS, and 1H NMR spectroscopy, UV–vis, and fluorescence spectroscopies.
Effects of age, nursing, and oral IGF1 supplementation on neonatal porcine cervical development

Nursing supports neonatal porcine uterine and testicular development, however, lactocrine effects on cervical development are undefined. Studies were conducted to determine the effects of i) age and the imposition of the lactocrine-null state from birth (postnatal day 0 (PND0)) by milk replacer feeding on cervical histology; ii) imposition of the lactocrine-null state for 2 days from birth on cervical cell proliferation, as reflected by proliferating cell nuclear antigen immunostaining; and iii) a single feeding of colostrum or milk replacer, administered at birth, with or without oral IGF1, on cervical cell proliferation and phosphorylated AKT (pAKT) and B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) protein levels at 12 h postnatal. Cervical crypt depth and height of luminal epithelium (LE) increased with age by PND14, when both responses were reduced in replacer-fed gilts. Cell proliferation was reduced in LE at PND2, and in crypt epithelium and stroma by PND14 in replacer-fed gilts. Returning replacer-fed gilts to nursing on PND2 did not rescue the cervical phenotype by PND14. A single feeding of colostrum, but not milk replacer, was sufficient to support cervical cell proliferation at 12 h postnatal. IGF1 supplementation induced cell proliferation in replacer-fed gilts, and increased cervical pAKT and BCL2 levels in colostrum-fed gilts and replacer-fed gilts at 12 h postnatal. Results indicate that age and nursing support porcine cervical development, support is initiated at first ingestion of colostrum, IGF1 may be lactocrine-active, and identification of lactocrine-active factors can be accomplished by 12 h postnatal using this bioassay system.
Assessment of the cost and accuracy of the generalized FEM

In this paper, we address the cost versus accuracy capabilities for the generalized FEM (GFEM) which was developed in (Comput. Methods Appl. Mech. Eng. 2003; 192:3109–3161, Int. J. Numer. Meth. Engng 2004; 60:1639–1672, Ph.D. Thesis, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, August 2003 (Advisor: T. Strouboulis)), and also the construction of two-sided a posteriori error estimates, which can be used to assess the achieved accuracy at all levels of the method. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The influence of soil properties on the structure of bacterial and fungal communities across land-use types

Abstract Land-use change can have significant impacts on soil conditions and microbial communities are likely to respond to these changes. However, such responses are poorly characterized as few studies have examined how specific changes in edaphic characteristics do, or do not, influence the composition of soil bacterial and fungal communities across land-use types. Soil samples were collected from four replicated ( n = 3) land-use types (hardwood and pine forests, cultivated and livestock pasture lands) in the southeastern US to assess the effects of land-use change on microbial community structure and distribution. We used quantitative PCR to estimate bacterial–fungal ratios and clone libraries targeting small-subunit rRNA genes to independently characterize the bacterial and fungal communities. Although some soil properties (soil texture and nutrient status) did significantly differ across land-use types, other edaphic factors (e.g., pH) did not vary consistently with land-use. Bacterial–fungal ratios were not significantly different across the land-uses and distinct land-use types did not necessarily harbor distinct soil fungal or bacterial communities. Rather, the composition of bacterial and fungal communities was most strongly correlated with specific soil properties. Soil pH was the best predictor of bacterial community composition across this landscape while fungal community composition was most closely associated with changes in soil nutrient status. Together these results suggest that specific changes in edaphic properties, not necessarily land-use type itself, may best predict shifts in microbial community composition across a given landscape. In addition, our results demonstrate the utility of using sequence-based approaches to concurrently analyze bacterial and fungal communities as such analyses provide detailed phylogenetic information on individual communities and permit the robust assessment of the biogeographical patterns exhibited by soil microbial communities.
Leaders: The Strategies for Taking Charge

This article reviews the book “Leaders: The Strategies for Taking Charge,” by Warren Bennus and Burt Nanus.
Dynamical behavior of the dissipative two-state system

We investigate the dynamical correlation function of a quantum-mechanical two-state system that is coupled to a bosonic heat bath, utilizing the equivalence between the spin-boson Hamiltonian and the ${1/r}^{2}$ Ising model. The imaginary-time correlation function is obtained from Monte Carlo simulations on the Ising system and then continued to real time by a Pad\'e approximation. In the unbiased system, the transition from oscillatory to strongly damped behavior is found to occur at a coupling strength close to $\ensuremath{\alpha}=1/2$. The biased system favors coherent relaxation and displays a significantly larger crossover value ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{c}.$ We introduce the quasiparticle picture to describe the relevant behavior at intermediate time scales. Within this approximation, we map out phase diagrams for the unbiased and biased systems.
Validity of the verbal immediacy scale

The development and use of the verbal immediacy scale (Gorham, 1988) are outlined and discussed. Data are presented which bring into question the validity of the measure. It is concluded that the scale may not be a valid operationalization of the immediacy construct as outlined by Mehrabian (1971) and, even if it is, it generates a response set such that the meaning of the responses obtained is unknown. The scale is not recommended for continued use in communication research prior to its reformulation and additional testing for validity.
Physical activity and weight loss: does prescribing higher physical activity goals improve outcome?

Background: Recommending increased physical activity facilitates long-term weight loss, but the optimal level of physical activity to recommend is unknown. Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate the efficacy for long-term weight loss of recommendations for much higher physical activity than those normally used in behavioral treatments. Design: Overweight men and women (n = 202) were randomly assigned to either a standard behavior therapy (SBT) for obesity, incorporating an energy expenditure (EE) goal of 1000 kcal/wk, or to a high physical activity (HPA) treatment, in which the goal was an EE of 2500 kcal/wk. To help HPA treatment group participants achieve this high exercise goal, their treatment included encouragement to recruit 1‐3 exercise partners into the study, personal counseling from an exercise coach, and small monetary incentives. Results: The HPA treatment group reported achieving higher mean (± SD) physical activity levels than did the SBT group at 6 mo (EE of 2399 ± 1571 kcal/wk compared with 1837 ± 1431 kcal/wk), 12 mo (EE of 2249 ± 1751 kcal/wk compared with 1565 ± 1309 kcal/wk), and 18 mo (EE of 2317 ± 1854 kcal/wk compared with 1629 ± 1483 kcal/wk) (all P < 0.01). Mean (± SEM) cumulative weight losses at 6, 12, and 18 mo in the HPA treatment group were 9.0 ± 7.1, 8.5 ± 7.9, and 6.7 ± 8.1 kg, respectively. In the SBT group, the corresponding weight losses were 8.1 ± 7.4, 6.1 ± 8.8, and 4.1 ± 7.3 kg, respectively. Between-group differences in weight loss were significant at 12 and 18 mo. Conclusion: These results suggest that recommendations of higher levels of physical activity (EE of 2500 kcal/wk) promote long-term weight loss better than do conventional recommendations. Am J Clin Nutr 2003;78:684‐9.
Slab-gel electrophoresis

Work at Brookhaven National Laboratory during the period described in the article was supported by the US Atomic Energy Commission, a predecessor to our current sponsor, the US Dept of Energy.
Kinematic analysis of obstacle clearance during locomotion

This study investigated the effect of obstacles of different heights on the locomotion of 15 healthy subjects. The following parameters were studied: (1) the distance of the toe and heel markers from the obstacle during toe-off and heel contact, respectively, (2) the minimum clearance distance of the toe and heel markers, and (3) the angular displacements and velocities of the hip, knee, and ankle. Results show significant differences in joint angular kinematics and clearance distances as obstacle height increased. The kinematic and distance differences exhibited both strong linear and non-linear trends. Toe-off distance and heel contact distance did not change significantly with changes in obstacle height. © 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
ORION 2.0: a fast and accurate NoC power and area model for early-stage design space exploration

As industry moves towards many-core chips, networks-on-chip (NoCs) are emerging as the scalable fabric for interconnecting the cores. With power now the first-order design constraint, early-stage estimation of NoC power has become crucially important. ORION [29] was amongst the first NoC power models released, and has since been fairly widely used for early-stage power estimation of NoCs. However, when validated against recent NoC prototypes -- the Intel 80-core Teraflops chip and the Intel Scalable Communications Core (SCC) chip -- we saw significant deviation that can lead to erroneous NoC design choices. This prompted our development of ORION 2.0, an extensive enhancement of the original ORION models which includes completely new subcomponent power models, area models, as well as improved and updated technology models. Validation against the two Intel chips confirms a substantial improvement in accuracy over the original ORION. A case study with these power models plugged within the COSI-OCC NoC design space exploration tool [23] confirms the need for, and value of, accurate early-stage NoC power estimation. To ensure the longevity of ORION 2.0, we will be releasing it wrapped within a semi-automated flow that automatically updates its models as new technology files become available.
Perceptions of health communication, water treatment and sanitation in Artibonite Department, Haiti, March-April 2012

The international response to Haiti's ongoing cholera outbreak has been multifaceted, including health education efforts by community health workers and the distribution of free water treatment products. Artibonite Department was the first region affected by the outbreak. Numerous organizations have been involved in cholera response efforts in Haiti with many focusing on efforts to improve water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). Multiple types of water treatment products have been distributed, creating the potential for confusion over correct dosage and water treatment methods. We utilized qualitative methods in Artibonite to determine the population's response to WASH messages, use and acceptability of water treatment products, and water treatment and sanitation knowledge, attitudes and practices at the household level. We conducted eighteen focus group discussions (FGDs): 17 FGDs were held with community members (nine among females, eight among males); one FGD was held with community health workers. Health messages related to WASH were well-retained, with reported improvements in hand-washing. Community health workers were identified as valued sources of health information. Most participants noted a paucity of water-treatment products. Sanitation, specifically the construction of latrines, was the most commonly identified need. Lack of funds was the primary reason given for not constructing a latrine. The construction and maintenance of potable water and sanitation services is needed to ensure a sustainable change.
Why Can't We Be Friends? A Case-Based Analysis of Ethical Issues with Social Media in Health Care.

Health care professionals’ use of social media can pose ethical challenges related to the boundary between professional and personal identities, privacy, confidentiality, and the trustworthiness of health care professionals.
Latin America's First Modern System of Lay Participation: The Reform of Inquisitorial Justice in Venezuela

This article describes the new Venezuelan jury and mixed court systems that were introduced by Codigo Organico Procesal Penal in 1998, in the context of the code’s radical transition to accusatorial and adversarial procedure.
Analysis of Magnetic Forces in Two-Dimensional Space With Applications for the Tuning of Vibration Energy Harvesting Devices

Vibration-based energy harvesting is a process by which ambient vibrations are converted to electrical energy, and is of interest for supplementing or replacing the batteries of individual nodes comprising wireless sensor networks among other applications. Generally, it is desired to match the resonant frequencies of the device with the primary ambient vibration frequencies for optimal energy harvesting performance. While previous work has demonstrated the use of magnetic forces to tune the resonant frequencies of vibrating energy harvesting structures, such efforts have been limited to one-dimensional analyzes. Here frequency tuning is realized by applying magnetic forces to the device in two-dimensional space, such that the resulting magnetic force has both horizontal and vertical components. In the case of a cantilever beam, the transverse force contributes to the transverse stiffness of the system while the axial force contributes to a change in the geometric stiffness of the beam. The effective resonant frequency of the device is then a function of the contributions of the original stiffness of the beam and the two additional stiffness components introduced by the presence of the magnet in 2D space. The simulation results from a COMSOL magnetostatics 3D model agree well with an analytical model describing the magnetic forces between the magnets as a function of location. Such 2D magnetic stiffness tuning approaches may be useful in applications where space constraints impact the available design space of the energy harvester.Copyright © 2015 by ASME