cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impact of Subject Attrition on Sample Size Determinations for Longitudinal Cluster Randomized Clinical Trials

Subject attrition is a ubiquitous problem in any type of clinical trial and, thus, needs to be taken into consideration at the design stage particularly to secure adequate statistical power. Here, we focus on longitudinal cluster randomized clinical trials (cluster-RCT) that aim to test the hypothesis that an intervention has an effect on the rate of change in the outcome over time. In this setting, the cluster-RCT assumes a three-level hierarchical data structure in which subjects are nested within a higher level unit such as clinics and are evaluated for outcome repeatedly over the study period. Furthermore, the subject-specific slopes can be modeled in terms of fixed or random coefficients in a mixed-effects linear model. Closed-form sample size formulas for testing the preceding hypothesis have been developed under an assumption of no attrition. In this article, we propose closed-form approximate samples size determinations with anticipated attrition rates by modifying those existing sample size formu...
Evaluation of enzyme mixtures in releasing fermentable sugars from pre-pulping extracts of mixed northeast hardwoods.

One near-term option to developing a forest product biorefinery is to derive pre-pulping extract from incoming wood chips before the main pulping step. The release of monomer sugars from a xylan-rich extract, creating a fermentable substrate is a prerequisite for utilization of pre-pulping extract for production of ethanol or other value-added products. This study examined the individual and mixture efficiencies of two hemicellulolytic microbial enzymes and two xylanase preparations in catalyzing degradation of green liquor (GL) and hot water (HW) pre-pulping extracts. The effects of four commercial enzyme preparations were determined by assessing yields of xylose + galactose + mannose (xmg) obtained under different reaction conditions. Of the individual enzyme preparations tested, a sample NS 50012 was superior to the other enzyme preparations in releasing xmg under conditions optimized for separate hydrolysis and fermentation and for simultaneous saccharification and fermentation. In comparison to pre-pulping extracts treated with HW, extract treated with GL was found to inhibit the action of all tested enzymes. This inhibition may be related to higher salt and lignin phenol in the GL extract. On both types of extracts, the mixture constituted by NS 50012 and NS 50030 provided the highest yield of hemicellulose conversion at 55 °C and pH 5.5. The generated digestibility thus signified that the synergistic effectiveness in xylan + galactan + mannan (XMG) hydrolysis between NS 50012 (from Aspergillus aculeatus) and NS 50030 (from Aspergillus oryzae) is the result of an interaction mechanism involving different XMG-degrading enzyme activities in the two enzyme preparations.
Development of hybridized focal plane technologies

Large area focal planes for the next generation of astronomical instruments require very flat imaging surfaces (< 10 μm peak-valley) over significant sizes (20 - 100 cm), accurate alignment of detector height, stable operation at low temperature, and fully-buttable packaging with large I/O requirements to connect multiple amplifiers per detector. These requirements are often mutually exclusive and therefore difficult to obtain in a single focal plane. In this paper we discuss the hybridization or flip chip bonding technique and associated focal plane mounting methods to achieve these goals. Specifically, we describe a technique to hybridize CCD detectors onto high thermal conductivity ceramic with vias that lead to the I/O signals underneath the detectors. Packaging methods to mount such devices with a total flatness non-uniformity of less than 10 microns are presented. The requirements of achieving sub-5 microns flatness are also discussed.
Distributional Shapes and Validity Transport: A comparison of lower bounds

Organizations use validity transport to assess whether adoption of a particular selection measure may be of value. Current validity transport methodology assumes a normal distribution of validity parameters. Research over the past two decades has questioned this assumption, investigating the types of decision errors likely with various non-normal parameter distributions. The current paper demonstrates that the variance of the parameter distribution and choice of lower bound has a greater impact on the true lower bound of the parameter distribution than does its shape. The current practice of using 80% credibility intervals provides a reasonable compromise in terms of invariance to parameter distribution shape while also limiting the probability of erroneously concluding validity transport is reasonable in a specific case.
EVIDENCE LIMITING THE SUBTENDED-ANGLE HYPOTHESIS OF RESPONSE-PROGRAMMING DELAYS

In 1991 Sidaway proposed an alternative explanation to account for the traditional effect of response complexity on programming time. He suggested that rather than number of movement parts per se, it is the directional accuracy demand of a response, as quantified by the "subtended angle," that constrains the movement initiation and produces programming delays. In Sidaway's experiments targets were positioned so that the first target was always closest to the starting position, with subsequent targets positioned further away from the start. This study tested the subtended-angle hypothesis by placing the first target furthest from the starting position, with subsequent targets struck by reversing direction and coming back toward the start. 30 subjects performed two aiming responses, a discrete 1-TAP condition and a serial 3-REVERSE condition. Because the subtended angle was identical in both conditions, there should be no difference in programming time. Our analyses, however, showed a significant effect for number of targets. Mean reaction time was longer for 3-REVERSE than for 1-TAP. These results argue against a strict constraint interpretation based on subtended angle and suggest that, under certain conditions, number of movement parts can still affect delays in response programming.
Sequence analysis of a group of low molecular-weight plasmids carrying multiple IS903 elements flanking a kanamycin resistance aph gene in Salmonella enterica serovars

A group of low molecular-weight ColE1-like plasmids carrying the aph sequence type aph(ii) from three different Salmonella serovars were sequenced. These plasmids carry two or more copies of IS903 elements, with up to 21bp sequence differences to one another, two of which flank the aph gene. This group of plasmids did not appear to carry any known mobilization genes and instead carry three open reading frames encoding hypothetical proteins of unknown function possibly organized in an operon. The plasmid replication region (RNA I/II--rom) of this plasmid group showed extensive homology to that of pKPN2 plasmid of Klebsiella pneumoniae and pCol-let plasmid of Escherichia coli. Three of the four plasmids had identical sequences, and the fourth had an extra copy of IS903 with target duplication, suggesting a recent divergence in the different Salmonella serovars from a common ancestor.
Polymerization of methyl acrylate and as comonomer with ethylene using a bis(imino)pyridine iron(II) chloride/methylaluminoxane catalyst

This article describes the homopolymerization of methyl acrylate (MA) and its attempted copolymerization with ethylene using three single-site catalysts. The primary catalyst under investigation is formed from a bis(imino)pyridine iron(II) chloride with methylaluminoxane (1), which is compared with bis(4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-indenyl)zirconium dimethyl/tris(pentafluorenyl)borane) (2), and a P,O-chelated nickel(II) enolate catalyst (3). Catalyst (1) leads to the highest activities exceeding those of catalyst (2) by a magnitude, whereas catalyst (3) results in formation of no polymer. The kinetics of the polymerizations and the effect of the Al/Fe-ratio and temperature on the activity and molecular weight of the polymers have been determined. In the ethylene/MA copolymerization trials, catalyst (1) produces a blend of the two homopolymers, polymethyl acrylate (PMA) and polyethylene. Remarkably, using catalyst (1) it is possible to produce polymer blends with up to 52% PMA at relatively high activities. The polymerization kinetics has been determined based on the directly measured uptake of ethylene during the runs. NMR spectroscopy, DSC and GPC measurements have been used as efficient methods to prove that polymer blends instead of true copolymers were formed. Finally, some conclusions about the polymerization mechanism will be drawn. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 5542–5558, 2008
Constructive thinking, antisocial behavior, and drug use in adolescent boys with and without a family history of a substance use disorder

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine the manner in which constructive thinking (CT) and antisocial behavior (ASB) are related to drug use in 295, 15–17 year old, adolescent males with a positive (FHP; n =126) and a negative (FHN; n =169) family history of a substance use disorder (SUD). CT is considered to be a “nonintellective” cognitive skill that reflects the ability to effectively deal with problem situations through the use of different thinking styles and behavioral, social, and emotional coping strategies. CT and ASB were measured using self-report inventories in a laboratory setting. Three types of drug use were assessed: (a) number of drugs used, (b) drug use frequency, and (c) drug use problems. Results showed that the FHP group had significantly lower CT and significantly higher ASB and drug use scores compared with the FHN group. CT was significantly related to each type of drug use and these relations were all mediated by ASB. Moreover, the relation between CT and drug use frequency was moderated by ASB and the relations between ASB and each form of drug use were moderated by family history. Although few in number, this and other studies show that deficits in nonintellective forms of cognition such as CT are important liability factors for SUD that require further investigation.
Hepatic fibrosis produced by chronic ethionine feeding.

SummaryOral administration of ethionine produces severe liver cell damage and an intralobular type of hepatic fibrosis with reduction of the fat depots of the entire body and of the normally present fat in the liver. The lesion is prevented by simultaneous administration of methionine.
A Study of Statistical Measures for Predicting Terms Used to Index Documents.

A statistical measure is developed for predicting the terms from a restricted vocabulary that will be used to index a document, given that one of the index terms is known. The results indicate that a large proportion of terms can be predicted using co-occurrence data and that the best method of ordering the terms ranks them first in descending order of co-occurrence frequency and then breaks ties in descending order of total frequency. The central assumption is that data from a previously indexed collection can be useful in predicting the terms to be assigned to a new document. The procedure for presenting an indexer with computer-produced ordered lists of suggested index terms in response to an initial term choice could be implemented in an interactive man-machine environment.
Evolving Spectrum of HIV-Associated Nephropathy

Background: The profile of renal pathology in HIV patients is undergoing significant changes in pattern in the HAART era, with the incidence of HIV-associated nep
Asset Proportions in Optimal Portfolios

The paper is concerned with conditions under which the proportion of a given asset in the optimal portfolio of a risk averse agent is at least as large as some given proportion. The paper provides a condition that is necessary and sufficient for such a result to hold. The analysis is then confined to portfolios in which the distributions of assets differ by either a first-degree stochastic dominance shift or by a mean-preserving shift. Examples are provided to show that under some conditions a risk averter may invest a smaller proportion of his wealth in the dominating asset than in the dominated asset. The paper then provides conditions that are necessary and sufficient for a risk averter to invest more in the dominating asset. The question of whether risk-averse agents should or should not choose diversified portfolios (as opposed to specialized ones) has been analysed quite extensively in the literature. Examples of such works are Samuelson (1967), Brumelle (1974), Hadar and Russell (1974), Russell and Seo (1979), Hadar and Seo (1980), and MacMinn (1984). What has not been examined at all (except for very special cases) is the question of the optimal proportions of the various assets in a diversified portfolio.' In this paper we present conditions which imply that the optimal amount invested in a particular asset is at least as large as some given proportion of the available fund. In the case of two-asset portfolios, one may especially want to know which of the two assets represents more than half the investible fund. Indeed, we find it convenient to start the analysis with the two-asset case. While the extension to n-asset protfolios is essentially straightfoward, it is presented in a subsequent section. Focusing first on the two-asset case will make it easier for the reader to see the main logical steps in the proofs of the theorems. Some of our analysis is facilitated by the use of a particular subset of risk averters. This subset has the property that if its members behave in a particular way, then all risk averters behave in that way. We refer to such a subset as a representative set of all risk averters.2 The usefulness of the representative set derives from the fact that its members have utility functions of a very simple form (consisting of two linear pieces), and its applicability to the problems on hand derives from the fact that any concave function can be approximated by a linear combination of members of the representative set. In the next section we present some formal results demonstrating the equivalence of "unanimity" among members of the representative set and "unanimity" among all risk averters in certain types of choice situations. These theorems are then used in Section 3 in which we present the results about optimal asset proportions.
Behavioral dyscontrol scale: Criterion and predictive validity in an inpatient rehabilitation unit population

Abstract The Behavioral Dyscontrol Scale (BDS) was administered to inpatient rehabilitation patients to examine (a) the cognitive correlates of factors found by previous research (N = 68), and (b) the ability of the BDS to predict patients' independence after discharge (N=46). First, stepwise forward multiple regression using three BDS factors as criterion variables yielded three different models and led to relabeling the factors as Motor Programming factor, Fluid Intelligence factor, and Environmental Independence factor. Second, the BDS was found to be superior to the Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE) in predicting living situation (independent vs. assisted) and Functional Independence Measure (FIM) scores 3 months after discharge.
A study of post-traumatic shingles as a work related injury.

Background After chicken pox, the herpes varicella-zoster (HVZ) virus may remain dormant in the dorsal root ganglion until later reactivation causes shingles, characterized by painful dysesthesias and cutaneous vesicular eruptions along a unilateral dermatome. Shingles as a work-related injury has not been previously addressed in the medical literature. Case History We present a 50-year old female hospital employee who, while working, sustained an acute, traumatic hyperextension injury to her right wrist, hand, and fingers. Although she initially responded to treatment for flexor tendinitis, she suddenly developed shingles in the right C5-C6 dermatomes. She was treated with famcyclovir and her skin lesions resolved, but post-herpetic neuralgia persisted. Conclusions It was felt that her shingles was causally related to her occupational injury since trauma (previously reported to precipitate shingles) was her only risk factor and the timing and location of the lesions corresponded closely to the occupational injury. In addition to appropriately diagnosing and treating their patients, workers' compensation physicians often must determine if a particular condition was caused by the original work-related incident. Clinicians who treat trauma patients and injured workers should be aware of post-traumatic shingles and understand the causal relationship of this uncommon but clinically important phenomenon. Am. J. Ind. Med. 38:108–111, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A tale of two islands: a fable

Once upon a time there were two islands. One was called Stochasia. Its citizens were well cultured and they had achieved high development in a system of mathematics for random processes. The other island was called Operatia. Its citizens were well cultured and they had achieved high development in a system for experimentation with nondeterminate phenomena. Both civilizations were closed societies. Neither knew of the other's existence, and it had been so since the beginning of time. Neither would ever have known, had it not been for the events I will describe shortly.
Intracranial cycloheximide: effects on maternal behavior in the postparturient rat.

Abstract Cycloheximide (Cyclo), 100μg/gml saline infused bilaterally into the preoptic area (POA) of female rats on the fourth day postpartum, significantly suppressed maternal behavior for a period of some 72 hr. At the same time, females subjected to infusions of Cyclo in the caudate nucleus, as well as those receiving as s.c. injection of the drug, continued to show high levels of maternal behavior. Since, in addition, estrogen-progesterone induced lordosis was unaffected by POA infusion when the infusion occurred 24 hr after estrogen administration, the view was advanced that (a) maternal behavior was selectively suppressed, (b) the suppression was produced through biochemical rather than through cytotoxic action, and (c) continuing protein synthesis, particularly in the POA, is essential for the maintenance of such nurtural responses as nursing, nest building, licking, and retrieving.
Unusual Electrophysiologic Effects of Aprindine

We present a patient in whom administration of aprindine on two occasions was responsible for clinically significant sinus node dysfunction and QTc prolongation. Knowledge of the drug's potential for influencing these characteristics, with the resultant possibility of adverse consequences, may be of clinical importance.
Topographical features of the substratum for growth of pioneering neurons in the manduca wing disc

The sensory neurons of the Manduca wing form a planar network nestled between the wing's upper and lower monolayers. The pioneering axons of this network grow in a distal-to-proximal direction over the basal surface of the upper epithelial monolayer. The basal surface of this monolayer has been examined ultrastructurally during the period of axonal outgrowth. The cellular terrain traversed by axons shows a graded distribution of epithelial processes, with the number of processes increasing in a proximal direction. Growth cones of axons, therefore, encounter increasing surface areas for contact with their substratum as they move toward the base of the wing. Because a basal lamina is laid down over these epithelial processes after axons have pioneered the neural pathways of the wing, axonal guidance cues apparently lie on surfaces of these basal processes. At branch points of the neural pathway examined in this study, axons avoid pathways in which the basal surfaces of cells in the upper wing monolayer interdigitate with basal surfaces of underlying tracheal cells. This interaction between wing epithelial cells and tracheal epithelial cells could act as a physical barrier to axonal outgrowth.
Electric quadrupole refocusing of CaBr: Differential transmission of hyperfine levels and assignment of low-J lines in optical spectra

Abstract The refocusing of a molecular beam of CaBr X 2 Σ + by an electric quadrupole is investigated. The enhancement by electric deflection of the intensities of lines originating from levels of low J in the fluorescence excitation spectrum of CaBr B 2 Σ + −X 2 Σ + is shown to be a useful technique of line assignment in a dense electronic band system. It is also found that the hyperfine levels are not transmitted equally through the quadrupole; for f levels, the hyperfine populations are actually reversed. A qualitative explanation, based on the correlation of zero-field hyperfine levels with high-field states, is given.
Reversing Language Shift: Theoretical and Empirical Foundations of Assistance to Threatened Languages

Reversing Language Shift: Theoretical and Empirical Foundations of Assistance to Threatened Languages. Joshua A. Fishman. Multilingual Matters, 76. Clevedon: Multilingual Matters, 1991. 431 pp.
On a chain suspended in a non-uniform gravitational field

It is possible to simply describe the curve followed by a chain suspended in a non-uniform gravitational field. Parallel discussions are given using the two theories of gravitation, Newtonian and general relativistic.
Charge circuits for analog LSI

Precision analog integrated circuits may be realized using MOS transistors and accurately ratioed MOS capacitors. Compatibility with high-density digital MOS circuits leads to the possibility of fully Integrated subsystems employing both analog and digital circuitry. This paper presents a unified view of sampled-data charge-conserving circuits for analog-to-digital (A/D) and digital-to-analog (D/A) converters and audio frequency filters.
On the computation of numerical derivatives by cubic splines

A method for improving the computational accuracy of numerical derivatives based on cubic splines and computed from a given set of function values with possible errors is described. The method incorporates smoothing, a derivative profile and/or numerical derivatives in the computational process by solving a pentadiagonal system of linear equations. Results comparing the derivatives computed by the present method, cubic spline and finite differences are given.
Red to blue up-conversion in Y2SiO5:Tm3+

Abstract Avalanche up-conversion and two-step absorption are reported in Y 2 SiO 5 :Tm 3+ . Absorption of red laser light produces intense blue fluorescence. Steady-state and temporal measurements are used to investigate the up-conversion mechanisms.
Valence Band Offset at a-B:H and a-BP:H/Si Interfaces

Due to extreme thermal-mechanical properties, low atomic number (Z), high neutron capture cross section, chemical inertness and low dielectric constant (k), boron and boron compound materials are of interest for numerous applications including neutron detectors, low-k dielectrics, and protective optical windows in photo-electrochemical devices. 1–5 In many of these applications, charge transport across the interface between the boron compound and another material is an important factor in the success of the device. As one example, B and BP neutron detectors rely on electrons and holes created by nuclear collisions within the active B(P) layer to be swept across a pn heterojunction interface with Si. 3,6–8 A determining factor for the charge transport across this interface is the valence and conduction band alignment between B(P) and Si. 3,5 However, the actual band alignment at B(P)/Si interfaces has received relatively little attention. 5 In this regard, we have utilized X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to determine the valence band offset/discontinuity at the interface between Si and hydrogenated amorphous boron (a-B:H) and boron phosphide (a-BP:H).
A water deprivation test is not indicated in the evaluation of hypernatremia.

silent chronic inflammation in haemodialysis patients? A fascinating working hypothesis. Nephrol Dial Transplant 20:266-270, 2005 5. Nassar GM, Fishbane S, Ayus JC: Occult infection of old non-functioning arteriovenous grafts: A novel cause of erythropoietin resistance and chronic inflammation in hemodialysis patients. Kidney Int Suppl 80:S49-S54, 2002 6. Schindler R, Beck W, Deppisch R, et al: Short bacterial DNA fragments: Detection in dialysate and induction of cytokines. J Am Soc Nephrol 15:3207-3214, 2004 7. Himmelfarb J, Stenvinkel P, Ikizler TA, Hakim RM: The elephant of uremia: Oxidative stress as a unifying concept of cardiovascular disease in uremia. Kidney Int 62:1524-1528, 2000 8. Court O, Kumar A, Parrillo JE, Kumar A: Clinical review: Myocardial depression in sepsis and septic shock. Crit Care 6:500-508, 2002 9. Saxena AK, Panhotra BR, Naguib M, et al: Outcome of dialysis access-related septicemia among diabetics following optimized AV-fistula placement. Kidney Blood Press Res 25:109-114, 2002 10. Saxena AK, Panhotra BR, Naguib M, et al: The impact of achieving goal for AV fistula set by NKF-DOQI, on Staphylococcus aureus septicemia. Dial Transplant 31:16-23, 2002
ALS superbend magnet performance

The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory has been engaged in the design, construction and testing of four superconducting dipoles (Superbends) that are installed in three arcs of the Advanced Light Source (ALS), with the fourth magnet as a spare. This represents a major upgrade to the ALS providing an enhanced flux and brightness at photon energies above 10 keV. In preparation for installation, an extensive set of tests and measurements have been conducted to characterize the magnetic and cryogenic performance of the Superbends and to fiducialize them for accurate placement in the ALS storage ring. The magnets are currently installed, and the storage ring is undergoing final commissioning. This paper will present the results of magnetic and cryogenic testing.
A tutorial on simulation in health care: applications and issues

Simulation is an ideal tool for addressing wide ranging issues in health care delivery. These issues involve public policy, patient treatment procedures, capital expenditure requirements, and provider operating policies. This tutorial presents example applications in each of these areas. Modeling, experimentation, and other project issues are discussed. A summary of technical issues, as well as issues relating to the acceptance of the use of simulation in health care delivery, is presented.
Activin-A binding and biochemical effects in osteoblast-enriched cultures from fetal-rat parietal bone.

Abstract Activin, a disulfide-linked polypeptide dimer first isolated from gonadal tissue extracts, has amino acid sequence and structural homology with transforming growth factor beta (TGF beta). Along with other activities, TGF beta regulates replication and differentiation and interacts with a defined set of binding sites on isolated bone cells. To determine if activin shares these properties, recombinant human activin-A (A-chain homodimer) was examined in osteoblast-enriched cultures obtained from fetal-rat parietal bone. After 23 h of treatment, 60 to 6,000 pM activin-A increased the rate of [3H]thymidine incorporation into DNA 1.5- to 4.0-fold, and at 600 to 6,000 pM, it enhanced the rate of [3H]proline incorporation into collagen and noncollagen protein by up to 1.7-fold. Like earlier studies with TGF beta in primary osteoblast-enriched cultures, the stimulatory effects of activin-A on DNA and protein synthesis were opposed by parathyroid hormone, and the influence of activin-A on collagen synthesis was independent of cell replication. Binding studies with 125I-activin-A indicated approximately 8,000 high-affinity (Kd = 0.4 nM) and 300,000 low-affinity (Kd = 40 to 50 nM) binding sites per cell. Polyacrylamide gel analysis revealed 125I-activin-A-binding complexes of Mr greater than 200,000 and 73,000 which did not appear to correspond to primary TGF beta-binding sites. These results indicate that activin-A produces TGF beta-like effects in bone and that some of these effects may be mediated, at least in part, by distinct activin receptors on bone cells.
Negative regulation of yeast telomerase activity through an interaction with an upstream region of the DNA primer

A number of published studies indicate that telomerase may interact with oligonucleotide primers in a bipartite manner, with the 3'-end of the primer positioned at the catalytic site of the enzyme and a more 5' region of the primer binding to a second or 'anchor' site of the enzyme. We systematically investigated the effects of mutations in the DNA primer on overall binding and polymerization by yeast telomerase. Our studies indicate that there is sequence-specific interaction between telomerase and a substantial region of the DNA primer. Mutations in the 3'-most positions of the primer reduced polymerization, yet had little effect on overall binding affinity. In contrast, mutations around the -20 position reduced binding affinity but had no effect on polymerization. Most strikingly, mutations centered around the -12 position of the DNA primer reduced overall binding affinity but dramatically enhanced primer extension, as well as primer cleavage. This finding suggests that reduced interaction with the -12 region of the DNA primer can facilitate a step in the catalytic region of yeast telomerase that leads to greater polymerization. A tripartite model of interaction between primer and telomerase is proposed to account for the distinct effects of mutations in different regions of the DNA primer.
Difference in QT Interval Measurement on Ambulatory ECG Compared with Standard ECG

Measurement of the QT interval on standard ECG has diagnostic importance in the congenital long QT syndrome, in pharmacological therapy of arrhythmias, as well as in ischemic heart disease. It has been suggested that QT prolongation on ambulatory ECG (Holter) may have similar importance. To assess agreement between methods, QT interval measurement on standard ECG was compared to that on Holter. Simultaneously obtained ECG and Holter tracings (25 mm/s) of the same complexes in leads V1 and V5 were studied in 14 patients (age range 4–36 years). ECG pairs (n = 100, 49 V1 and 51 V5) were compared over a range of QT interval from 300–620 ms, as determined with the use of calipers by two observers blinded to pairing relationship. Correlation between methods was high for both observers (observer 1: r[V1] = 0.872, r[V5] = 0.973; observer 2: r[V1] = 0.972, r[V5] = 0.988), and interobserver variability was small (> 85% of measurements within 20 ms). As compared to ECG, Holter underestimated QT interval in V1 mean difference (QT [Holter]—QT [ECG]) observer 1 (-23 ms, P < 0.001), observer 2 (-7 ms, P < 0.05), and overestimated QT in V5, mean difference observer 1 (+ 13 ms, P < 0.001), observer 2 (+13 ms, P < 0.001). However, individual variation between methods was wide, as expressed by the difference between individual measurements (95% confidence interval [V1]: observer 1 [-99 to +53 ms] observer 2 [-47 to +33 ms]; [V5]: observer 1 [-33 to +59 ms] observer 2 [-17 to +43 ms]). Furthermore, when using the QTA (interval from onset of Q wave to apex of T wave) similar variability was observed. In the assessment of QT interval, potential sources of error of this magnitude could limit the clinical utility of ambulatory monitoring in detecting prolongation of the QT interval for diagnostic purposes.
An Inductive Approach to the Rules of Speaking.

Though my main intention in developing this learning package was to create a means by which students with little or no background in German could learn to read quickly and efficiently at a very low instructional cost, it has proved to have an unexpectedly important secondary function: as a "languagemaintenance" program. For the student who "cannot take German this quarter" (because of schedule conflicts, or because the course
The active-bridge oscillator for use with liquid loaded QCM sensors

This unique bridge-type oscillator design permits liquid-loaded operation of QCM (quartz crystal microbalance) resonators with a simple, low parts count and inexpensive oscillator. This is achieved using "active-bridge" operation, which eliminates the need for the expensive and complex ALC (automatic level control) circuits typically used in high-performance oscillators designed for these applications. The Active-Bridge oscillator absorbs the wide dynamic range of resonator loss by varying the circuit operating Q as a function of the resonator loss. The output amplitude is relatively proportional to resonator loss. This design has demonstrated the ability to servo a loaded QCM resonator to within a few degrees of zero impedance-phase over a wide range of resonator loss, 300 /spl Omega/ to approximately 3k /spl Omega/. This corresponds roughly to a liquid viscosity range of 1 to 120 cP, assuming a density close to one.
Applications and economics of the new exchange radios for basic exchange telecommunications radio service (BETR)

It is suggested that the engineering detail needed to deploy the new-technology exchange radio, operating on a coprimary basis with IMTS mobile systems at 450 MHz, is not any more difficult to engineer than any other radio system. The drop follows the same design rules for copper loops as the existing technology; therefore, it is argued that the exchange radio can be engineered using the same telephone company staff that now exists without changes to the present organization. New construction costs are high for the technology-copper, carrier, or radio. Addition of high-cost capital plant can affect the average base; therefore, one needs to keep capitalized costs as low as possible when dealing with the fixed tariff rate services provided by new facilities. It is shown that the lowest first cost and incremental costs are provided by deployment of exchange radio. The additional colocated line served from an existing subscriber terminal provides a major savings of new capital and will reduce the average embedded base per access line. >
Theory and Practice of European Integration

Like some of the best novels, this book can be read in two ways. As a study of the European Coal and Steel Community it is a major addition to the literature, clarifying many points that have not been examined in other writings. As a study of the process of international integration it adds suggestive evidence and thoughtful analysis to one of the more interesting themes of the current study of international affairs. Read either way, it is a very good book.
Attachment and tension in the spindle assembly checkpoint

Faithful transmission of chromosomes during mitosis is ensured by the spindle assembly checkpoint. This molecular safeguard examines whether prerequisites for chromosome segregation have been satisfied and thereby determines whether to execute or to delay chromosome segregation. Only when all the chromosomes are attached by kinetochore microtubules from two opposite spindle poles and proper tension is placed on the paired kinetochores does anaphase take place, allowing the physical splitting of sister chromatids. Recent studies have provided novel insights into the molecular mechanisms through which the spindle assembly checkpoint is regulated by both the attachment of chromosomes to kinetochore microtubules and the tension exerted on kinetochores.
BNIP3 promotes calcium and calpain-dependent cell death

Aims Loss of cardiac muscle by programmed cell death contributes to the progression of ischemic heart disease. Hypoxia, metabolite waste buildup and energy depletion are components of ischemia which may initiate caspase dependent and independent cell death pathways. Previous work from our laboratory has shown that combined hypoxia with acidosis, a hallmark of ischemia promotes cardiac myocyte injury with increasing severity as the pH declines. Hypoxia-acidosis was demonstrated to activate the pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein BNIP3 which initiated opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore and cell death in the absence of caspase activation. Because calpains are known to contribute to ischemic myocardial damage in some models, we hypothesized that they are intermediates in the BNIP3-mediated death caused by hypoxia-acidosis.
Equilibration and generalized Gibbs ensemble for hard wall boundary conditions

In this work we present an analysis of a quench for the repulsive Lieb-Liniger gas confined to a large box with hard wall boundary conditions. We study the time average of local correlation functions and show that both the quench action approach and the GGE formalism are applicable for the long time average of local correlation functions. We find that the time average of the system corresponds to an eigenstate of the Lieb-Liniger Hamiltonian and that this eigenstate is related to an eigenstate of a Lieb-Liniger Hamiltonian with periodic boundary conditions on an interval of twice the length and with twice as many particles (a doubled system). We further show that local operators with support far away from the boundaries of the hard wall have the same expectation values with respect to this eigenstate as corresponding operators for the doubled system. We present an example of a quench where the gas is initially confined in several moving traps and then released into a bigger container, an approximate description of the Newton cradle experiment. We calculate the time average of various correlation functions for long times after the quench.
Scapulothoracic muscle strength in individuals with neck pain

BACKGROUND: People with neck pain often present with weakness in the scapulothoracic muscles. Few studies have examined lower trapezius (LT), middle trapezius (MT) and serratus anterior (SA) muscle strength in individuals with neck pain, nor compared strength to asymptomatic individuals. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine LT, MT and SA muscle strength in individuals with chronic neck pain. METHODS:Descriptive cross sectional design. Twenty two individuals with chronic neck pain and 17 asymptomatic individuals were included. Participants were asked to complete a screening questionnaire, Neck Disability Index, and underwent manual muscle testing for the LT, MT, and SA muscles bilaterally. Data analyses included paired and comparative independent t-tests. RESULTS:For individuals with neck pain, significant within subject differences in strength between sides for the LT ( P< 0.01) and MT ( P< 0.01) were present. In contrast, no within subject difference between sides for the asymptomatic group was found for any muscle. Individuals with neck pain were significantly weaker than asymptomatic individuals for the LT (p = 0.02), MT (p = 0.03), and SA (p = 0.01) on their side of neck pain, but not on their non-painful side. CONCLUSIONS: Significant within subject differences were found between sides for the LT and MT while significant between group differences were identified for all three muscles tested.
Virtual possessions

For more than forty years, researchers have detailed how people develop attachments to their material possessions as they create and evolve a sense of self. Over the past several years people have increasingly acquired virtual possessions. These include both possessions that are losing their material integrity (books, photos, music, movies) as well as things that have never had material form (e.g. email archives, social networking profiles, personal behavior logs). However, little is known about how people perceive, value, and form attachments to their virtual possessions. To investigate, we conducted a study with teens exploring their virtual possessions. Preliminary findings reveal three key themes and suggest emerging interaction design opportunities for new forms for people's virtual things.
Conference results

Although diversity of opinion characterized many of the individual discussions, the conference yielded a surprisingly strong degree of consensus on a series of four major related points.
Solidification Processing of NbCr2 Alloys

Microstructural development in alloys bordering the NbCr 2 Laves phase composition has been evaluated following solidification processing. With splat quenching of binary alloys, rapid solidification has yielded supersaturation of both Nb-rich and Cr-rich primary solid solutions as well as some solubility extension of the C15 phase during cooling as compared to as-cast structures. Ternary additions of Ti are soluble in NbCr 2 along the pseudobinary NbCr 2 -TiCr 2 section for C15 structures and completely miscible in bcc Nb and Cr solutions. In the rapid freezing of splats, modest Ti additions to NbCr 2 enhance the development of an extended bcc solution during freezing and the supersaturation of the C15 phase during solid-state cooling. In the solid state, the C14–C15 transformation of the Laves phase is suppressed partially in arc-cast ingots and more completely at high cooling rates. Upon heating, thermal analysis has revealed that the retained C14 phase undergoes a decomposition sequence with at least two stages, possibly involving polytypes and associated faulting, to the stable C15 structure. The microstructural options developed by solidification processing, solid state transformations, and alloying have been observed to modify the brittle behavior of the as-cast structures.
Gender and Sexual Minority Youth in Nonmetropolitan Communities: Individual- and Community-Level Needs for Support:

Gender and sexual minority (GSM) youth are at risk of mental and physical health problems due to experiences of stigmatization and marginalization. GSM youth in nonmetropolitan communities may be at increased risk, yet have less access to other GSM people and resources. Given GSM youth's risks, the lack of research in nonmetropolitan areas, and the need for interventions to meet the needs of GSM youth, this study aimed to establish an understanding of what nonmetropolitan GSM youth perceive as their needs for support within their small communities. Using grounded theory, qualitative interviews were conducted with 34 youth. Findings revealed 4 categories of needs: reduction in isolation, social acceptance and visibility, emotional support and safety, and GSM identity development.
Monitoring the Malaria Epidemic Situation of a City Using Cumulative-sum Method by Excel Software

Objective To monitor the malaria epidemic situation of a city using cumulative-sum method by excel software.Methods The early warning index was estimated and the malaria epidemic tendency was described in 2009 based on 2004-2008 malaria data by excel.Results Compared with the malaria epidemic situation in 2004-2008,the malaria epidemic was in a downward tendency in a City in 2009.Conclusion It is simple to combine the cumulative-sum method with excel for malaria surveillance.
Latex allergy precautions. A research-based protocol

Recently, a number of case reports in the literature have heightened the awareness of health care professionals to the prevalence and seriousness of allergies to natural rubber latex. Reports of serious anaphylactic reactions in patients with no known history of the allergy are particularly alarming. The Iowa Model for improving quality through research utilization provided a framework to develop a protocol for screening patients and caring for those identified as high risk for a systemic reaction to latex. An overview of this research-based practice protocol and the process used are presented.
Improved Scintillation Detector Performance via a Method of Enhanced Layered Coatings

Increasing demand for better detection performance with a simultaneous reduction in size, weight and power consumption has motivated the use of compact semiconductors as photo-converters for many gamma-ray and neutron scintillators. The spectral response of devices such as silicon avalanche photodiodes (APDs) is poorly matched to many common high-performance scintillators. We have developed a generalized analytical method that utilizes an optical reference database to match scintillator luminescence to the excitation spectrum of high quantum efficiency semiconductor detectors. This is accomplished by the fabrication and application of a series of high quantum yield, short fluorescence lifetime, wavelength-shifting coatings. We show here a 22% increase in photoelectron collection and a 10% improvement in energy resolution when applying a layered coating to an APD-coupled, cerium-doped, yttrium oxyorthosilicate (YSO:Ce) scintillator. Wavelength-shifted radio-luminescence emission and rise time analysis are also discussed.
Model-Based Linkage Analysis of a Binary Trait

Linkage analysis is a statistical genetics method to localize disease and trait genes to specific chromosome regions. The analysis requires pedigrees with members who vary among each other in the trait of interest and who have been genotyped with known genetic markers. Linkage analysis tests whether any of the marker alleles cosegregate with the disease or trait within the pedigree. Evidence of cosegregation is then combined across the families. We describe here the background and methods to conduct a linkage analysis for a binary trait, such as a disease, when the model of the gene contributing to the trait can be formulated. There are a number of statistical genetics software packages that allow you conduct a model-based linkage analysis of a binary trait. We describe in great detail how to run one of the programs, the LODLINK program of the Statistical Analysis for Genetic Epidemiology (S.A.G.E.) package. We provide directions for making the four input files and information on how to access and interpret the output files. We then discuss more complex analyses that can be conducted. We discuss the MLOD program for multipoint linkage analysis, including its relation to LODLINK and the additional file needed. Notes to improve your ability to run the program are included.
Evidence for Anti-Gm(a) Antibody in γA Immunoglobulins.∗:

SummaryA serum is described in which anti-Gm(a) activity with characteristics of that found in non-rheumatoid patients was found to have certain unique properties. Most but not all activity was removed by reduction with 0.1 M β mercaptoethanol. Sephadex and DEAE cellulose chroma tography excluded anti-Gm (a) activity from the 7S γG globulins. Studies with sucrose density gradients indicated major anti-Gm (a) activity in a position intermediate between the 19S and 7S immunoglobulins, with an S rate estimated to be between 11.0 and 11.8. Absorption studies showed selective removal of anti-Gm(a) activity from this serum by anti-γA antisera. This evidence supports the contention that anti-Gm activity resides in the γA globulins. The finding of such activity in multiple immunoglobulin classes is in keeping with the concept that anti-Gm agglutinators of this type are antibody in nature.
Autologous Mesenchymal Stem Cell and Islet Cotransplantation: Safety and Efficacy

Islet engraftment after transplantation is impaired by high rates of islet/β cell death caused by cellular stressors and poor graft vascularization. We studied whether cotransplantation of ex vivo expanded autologous bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with islets is safe and beneficial in chronic pancreatitis patients undergoing total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation. MSCs were harvested from the bone marrow of three islet autotransplantation patients and expanded at our current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) facility. On the day of islet transplantation, an average dose of 20.0 ± 2.6 ×106 MSCs was infused with islets via the portal vein. Adverse events and glycemic control at baseline, 6, and 12 months after transplantation were compared with data from 101 historical control patients. No adverse events directly related to the MSC infusions were observed. MSC patients required lower amounts of insulin during the peritransplantation period (p = .02 vs. controls) and had lower 12‐month fasting blood glucose levels (p = .02 vs. controls), smaller C‐peptide declines over 6 months (p = .01 vs. controls), and better quality of life compared with controls. In conclusion, our pilot study demonstrates that autologous MSC and islet cotransplantation may be a safe and potential strategy to improve islet engraftment after transplantation. (Clinicaltrials.gov registration number: {"type":"clinical-trial","attrs":{"text":"NCT02384018","term_id":"NCT02384018"}}NCT02384018). stem cells translational medicine 2018;7:11–19