cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of a Timing and Coordination Group Exercise Program to Improve Mobility in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance Timing and coordination exercises may be an important addition to community-based health promotion exercise programs to improve walking in older adults. Objective To compare the effectiveness of the On the Move group exercise program, which focuses on the timing and coordination of movement, with a seated strength, endurance, and flexibility program (usual care) at improving function, disability, and walking ability of older adults. Design, Setting, and Participants Cluster-randomized, single-blind intervention trial. Thirty-two independent living facilities, senior apartment buildings, and senior community centers were randomized to On the Move (16 sites; 152 participants) or usual care (16 sites; 146 participants). Participants were 65 years or older, able to ambulate independently with a gait speed of at least 0.60 m/s, able to follow 2-step commands, and were medically stable. Interventions Exercise classes were 50 minutes, twice a week for 12 weeks and had 10 or fewer participants per class. On the Move consisted of warm-up, timing and coordination (stepping and walking patterns), strengthening, and stretching exercises. The usual-care program consisted of warm-up, strength, endurance, and stretching exercises. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcomes were self-report of function and disability (Late Life Function and Disability Instrument) and mobility (6-minute walk distance and gait speed) assessed by blinded individuals. Results Participants (mean [SD] age, 80.0 [8.1] years) were mostly female (251 [84.2%]) and white (249 [83.6%]) and had a mean (SD) of 2.8 (1.4) chronic conditions. Intervention groups were similar on baseline characteristics. Postintervention, 142 (93.4%) participants in On the Move and 139 (95.2%) participants in usual care completed testing. On the Move had greater mean (SD) improvements than the usual-care group in gait speed (0.05 [0.13] vs −0.01 [0.11] m/s; adjusted difference = 0.05 [0.02] m/s; P = .002) and 6-minute walk distance (20.6 [57.1] vs 4.1 [55.6] m; adjusted difference = 16.7 [7.4] m; P = .03). Attendance was greater in the usual-care program compared with On the Move (95 [65.1%] vs 76 [50.0%] attended ≥20 classes; P = .03). There were no significant differences in any of the other primary or secondary outcomes. Conclusions and Relevance The On the Move group exercise program was more effective at improving mobility than a usual-care exercise program, despite lower attendance. Additional research examining the impact of the intervention on long-term disability outcomes is needed before recommending routine implementation into clinical practice. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier:NCT01986647
First-Trimester Vaginal Bleeding: Patient Expectations When Presenting to the Emergency Department.

ABSTRACT Objective: First-trimester vaginal bleeding is a common presenting complaint to the emergency department (ED). Many studies have looked at risk factors, evaluation, and treatment, but none have looked at the motivating factors for seeking care. The objective was to identify the most commonly held concerns by women experiencing first-trimester vaginal bleeding. Methods: A questionnaire was distributed to pregnant patients as they checked into the ED from January to July of 2013 with concern for first-trimester vaginal bleeding. Patients were instructed to rank a prepopulated list of reasons motivating their visit on the basis of level of importance. The study was given expedited approval by the Office of the Institutional Review Board. Results: The most common reason behind a visit for vaginal bleeding in the first trimester was to have an ultrasound and blood work performed to evaluate the well-being of their fetus (41.8% [95% confidence interval (CI) 34–50.1%]). The second most common reason, wi...
Estimating error rates for firearm evidence identifications in forensic science.

Abstract Estimating error rates for firearm evidence identification is a fundamental challenge in forensic science. This paper describes the recently developed congruent matching cells (CMC) method for image comparisons, its application to firearm evidence identification, and its usage and initial tests for error rate estimation. The CMC method divides compared topography images into correlation cells. Four identification parameters are defined for quantifying both the topography similarity of the correlated cell pairs and the pattern congruency of the registered cell locations. A declared match requires a significant number of CMCs, i.e., cell pairs that meet all similarity and congruency requirements. Initial testing on breech face impressions of a set of 40 cartridge cases fired with consecutively manufactured pistol slides showed wide separation between the distributions of CMC numbers observed for known matching and known non-matching image pairs. Another test on 95 cartridge cases from a different set of slides manufactured by the same process also yielded widely separated distributions. The test results were used to develop two statistical models for the probability mass function of CMC correlation scores. The models were applied to develop a framework for estimating cumulative false positive and false negative error rates and individual error rates of declared matches and non-matches for this population of breech face impressions. The prospect for applying the models to large populations and realistic case work is also discussed. The CMC method can provide a statistical foundation for estimating error rates in firearm evidence identifications, thus emulating methods used for forensic identification of DNA evidence.
Synergistic Information Processing Encrypts Strategic Reasoning in Poker

There is a tendency in decision-making research to treat uncertainty only as a problem to be overcome. But it is also a feature that can be leveraged, particularly in social interaction. Comparing the behavior of profitable and unprofitable poker players, we reveal a strategic use of information processing that keeps decision makers unpredictable. To win at poker, a player must exploit public signals from others. But using public inputs makes it easier for an observer to reconstruct that player's strategy and predict his or her behavior. How should players trade off between exploiting profitable opportunities and remaining unexploitable themselves? Using a recent multivariate approach to information theoretic data analysis and 1.75 million hands of online two-player No-Limit Texas Hold'em, we find that the important difference between winning and losing players is not in the amount of information they process, but how they process it. In particular, winning players are better at integrative information processing-creating new information from the interaction between their cards and their opponents' signals. We argue that integrative information processing does not just produce better decisions, it makes decision-making harder for others to reverse engineer, as an expert poker player's cards act like the private key in public-key cryptography. Poker players encrypt their reasoning with the way they process information. The encryption function of integrative information processing makes it possible for players to exploit others while remaining unexploitable. By recognizing the act of information processing as a strategic behavior in its own right, we offer a detailed account of how experts use endemic uncertainty to conceal their intentions in high-stakes competitive environments, and we highlight new opportunities between cognitive science, information theory, and game theory.
CONSTITUTIVE THYMIDINE KINASE ACTIVITY IN DIFFERENTIATING MOUSE MYOBLASTS TRANSFORMED WITH CLONED HERPES VIRUS THYMIDINE KINASE GENES

Publisher Summary This chapter describes a study in which mouse myoblasts were transformed with cloned herpes virus thymidine kinase genes (HSV-TK) and TK activity was monitored as the cells differentiated in response to mitogen depletion. The TK– line (TK– A1A) used was derived from an established myoblast line (MM14) by EMS mutagenesis, BUdR/light selection, and extensive serial subcloning. TK– A1A cells were transformed with pBR322 containing HSV-TK using the Ca++ ρO= precipitation method. Transformation frequency was 1–24/μg DNA/106 cells . No HAT-resistant colonies appeared in the cells exposed only to carrier DNA. Like MM14 and TK– A1A parentals, transformed myoblasts withdraw from the cell cycle and commit to terminal differentiation within one cell-cycle time of mitogen depletion. Whereas in nontransformed myoblasts, endogenous TK activity plummets to less than 2% of proliferative levels within 12.5 hours of mitogen depletion; in HSV-TK transformants, TK activity remain high. Even after 60 hours, when extensive myotube formation has taken place, TK activity in transformants declines only to 65% of proliferative levels. This moderate decline may be because of nonspecific detrimental effects of prolonged incubation in serum-free mitogen-depleted medium.
Staging Rankine Cycles Using Ammonia for OTEC Power Production

Recent focus on renewable power production has renewed interest in looking into ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) systems. Early studies in OTEC applicability indicate that the island of Hawaii offers a potential market for a nominal 40-MWe system. a 40-MWe system represents a large leap in the current state of OTEC technology. Lockheed Martin Inc. is currently pursuing a more realistic goal of developing a 10-MWe system under U.S. Navy funding (Lockheed 2009). It is essential that the potential risks associated with the first-of-its-kind plant should be minimized for the project's success. Every means for reducing costs must also be pursued without increasing risks. With this in mind, the potential for increasing return on the investment is assessed both in terms of effective use of the seawater resource and of reducing equipment costs.
The inhibition of checkpoint activation by telomeres does not involve exclusion of dimethylation of histone H4 lysine 20 (H4K20me2)

DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) activate the DNA damage checkpoint machinery to pause or halt the cell cycle. Telomeres, the specific DNA-protein complexes at linear eukaryotic chromosome ends, are capped DSBs that do not activate DNA damage checkpoints. This “checkpoint privileged” status of telomeres was previously investigated in the yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe lacking the major double-stranded telomere DNA binding protein Taz1. Telomeric DNA repeats in cells lacking Taz1 are 10 times longer than normal and contain single-stranded DNA regions. DNA damage checkpoint proteins associate with these damaged telomeres, but the DNA damage checkpoint is not activated. This severing of the DNA damage checkpoint signaling pathway was reported to stem from exclusion of histone H4 lysine 20 dimethylation (H4K20me2) from telomeric nucleosomes in both wild type cells and cells lacking Taz1. However, experiments to identify the mechanism of this exclusion failed, prompting our re-evaluation of H4K20me2 levels at telomeric chromatin. In this short report, we used an extensive series of controls to identify an antibody specific for the H4K20me2 modification and show that the level of this modification is the same at telomeres and internal loci in both wild type cells and those lacking Taz1. Consequently, telomeres must block activation of the DNA Damage Response by another mechanism that remains to be determined.
Engaging Students in Literacy Practices Through Video Game Book Groups

Teachers can harness the power of video games to foster interest and engage students in literacy activities. Within this study, seven 6th graders participated in a video game book group during lang...
Importance of pharmacovigilance in the era of small molecules: Role of pharmacist consultation with ixazomib (IXA) in multiple myeloma (MM).

8058Background: IXA is an oral proteasome inhibitor recently approved for MM. Due to IXA’s Cytochrome P450 CYP3A4 and 1A2 metabolism, clinical trials of IXA excluded pts on 3A4 and 1A2 strong inhibitors and inducers. We examined the role of pharmacist review of potential drug-drug interactions (DDIs) in patients (pts) initiating IXA. Methods: Clinical trial pts receiving IXA between 1/2012 and 12/2015 for relapsed MM (NCT01415882; IXA, dexamethasone) and newly diagnosed MM (NCT01864018; IXA, dexamethasone, cyclophosphamide) were included. A pharmacist medication review for DDI was performed prior to IXA initiation. Baseline characteristics, concomitant medications, and toxicities were recorded. Results: Ninety-seven pts were included; 1 pt was excluded due to use of clarithromycin, a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor. Median age was 69 years (41-88) and 57% were male. The median number of concomitant medications was 9 (1-23). Four (4%) pts had potential CYP-mediated DDIs. One pt was on a strong CYP3A4 inducer (prim...
Farm Safety Practices: Reports from Rural Youth in North Carolina

Farms require an extensive labor force to meet production demands. In rural areas, the demand is greater, and farm operators must often rely on family members, including youth, who face unique risks due to farming practices. This quantitative study examined rural high school agricultural education programs in which students participate in family farming operations. The purpose of this study was to determine rural youths’ knowledge about farm safety and health hazards. Participants completed class activities related to farm safety and participated in farm safety demonstrations. It was found that most students reported being slightly knowledgeable about and practiced safety farming practices. It was concluded that, while most students reported having knowledge of farm safety practices, they fail to always practice them. The researchers recommend youth and at a younger age of diverse backgrounds received more farm safety practice initiatives in order to reduce the number of injuries and fatalities.
Whom Do You Represent?: The Role of Attorneys Representing Individuals with Surrogate Decision Makers

Attorneys frequently represent clients who have a surrogate decision-maker with authority to make decisions on the matter underlying the representation. Such representations raise important questions for both attorneys and the courts in which they appear. Key questions include: From whom should the attorney take direction? With whom should the attorney communicate? If the attorney is taking direction from the surrogate decision-maker and not the principal, when should the court treat the principal as an unrepresented party? This article provides answers to these challenging questions, thus providing both courts and attorneys with much needed guidance. Specifically, the article considers two types of surrogates: 1) agents appointed pursuant to a power of attorney for finances, and 2) guardians or conservators appointed by a court. In doing so, it seeks to inform the courts about expectations for attorney behavior so that courts can be confident that the attorneys appearing before them actually represent the persons whom they allege to represent, and can identify situations in which the attorney may be facilitating exploitation of a vulnerable person.
Prolongation of radiotherapy duration is associated with inferior overall survival in patients with pediatric medulloblastoma and central nervous system primitive neuroectodermal tumors.

Background The importance of radiotherapy (RT) duration in medulloblastoma in the modern era of chemotherapy has not been well elucidated. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of RT treatment duration on overall survival (OS) in pediatric medulloblastoma and cenral nervous system neuroectodermal tumors (PNETs). Methods The National Cancer Database (NCDB) was queried to identify patients with newly diagnosed medulloblastoma and CNS PNETs diagnosed between 2004 and 2014. Patients were excluded if they had extraneural metastasis, did not receive standard craniospinal irradiation dose, had a nonstandard total dose outside of 54 or 55.8 Gy, did not receive adjuvant chemotherapy, or if the RT duration was outside of the expected range of 37 to 80 days. The Kaplan-Meier estimator was used to estimate the association between RT duration (≤45 days or >45 days) and OS. Multivariate Cox regression was used to assess other confounders of OS. Results Six-hundred twenty-five patients met inclusion criteria, of which 181 were assigned to the "RT long" (>45 days) cohort (29.0%) and 444 (71.0%) to the "RT short" group (≤45 days). The five-year OS for the "RT short" compared with "RT long" cohort was 82.2% versus 70.9%, respectively (log-rank, P Conclusion For patients with high-risk medulloblastoma and CNS PNETs, RT duration >45 days was associated with inferior OS.
Physical Layer Secret Key Generation Using Joint Interference and Phase Shift Keying Modulation

In existing physical layer security (PLS) and key generation protocols, major assumptions, including channel reciprocity, localization, and synchronization between the legitimate parties, are often considered. However, these assumptions are arguable in practice leading to major barriers in building systems based on PLS protocols. To overcome these barriers, we proposed, designed, and implemented a novel embedded architecture for distributed Internet-of-Things (IoT) networks that utilize a master–slave full-duplex communication to exchange a random secret key. In the proposed architecture, an IoT node generates a phase-modulated random key/data and transmits it to a master node in the presence of an eavesdropper, referred to as Eve. The master node, simultaneously, broadcasts a high-power signal using an omnidirectional antenna, which is received as a jammer signal or interference by Eve. This results in a high bit error rate (BER) making the data undetectable by Eve. The two legitimate nodes communicate in a full-duplex fashion and, consequently, subtract their transmitted signals from the received signal (self-interference cancellation). Our proposed protocol does not require any knowledge of the node locations. In particular, we show, using theoretical and measurement results, that our proposed approach provides significantly better security measures, in terms of the BER at Eve’s location, compared to a conventional method based on directional beamforming antennas. Also, it is proved that in our novel system, the possible eavesdropping region, BER < 10−1, is always smaller than the reliable communication region, BER < 10−3.
An algebraic lifting invariant of Ellenberg, Venkatesh, and Westerland

We define and prove basic properties of a lifting invariant of curves over an algebraically closed field k with a map to the projective line $${\mathbb {P}}^1_{k}$$ that was introduced by Ellenberg, Venkatesh, and Westerland. In other work of Liu, Zureick-Brown, and the author, this lifting invariant, and its connection to components of Hurwitz schemes, is applied to help understand the average number of unramified extensions of function fields with a given Galois group.
Red-Light-Induced nPr-DMQA+-Catalyzed [3+2] Cycloaddition of Cyclopropylamines with Alkenes or Alkynes

A red-light-mediated [3+2] annulation of cyclopropylamines with akenes or alkynes in the presence of nPr-DMQA+ has been reported. An array of cyclopentane or cyclopentene derivatives with diverse functional groups have been obtained in moderate to excellent yields under mild conditions
Abstract B45: Pancreatic cancers depend on a non-canonical glutamine metabolism pathway

Cancer cells exhibit metabolic dependencies that distinguish them from their normal counterparts. Among these addictions is an increased utilization of the amino acid glutamine (Gln) to fuel anabolic processes. Recently, we reported the identification of a non-canonical pathway of Gln utilization in human pancreatic cancer cells that is required for tumor growth. While most cells utilize glutamate dehydrogenase (GLUD1) to convert Gln-derived glutamate (Glu) into alpha-ketoglutarate (alpha-KG) in the mitochondria to fuel the tricarboxylic acid cycle, pancreatic cancer cells rely on a distinct pathway that integrates the mitochondrial and cytosolic aspartate aminotransferases GOT2 and GOT1. By generating alpha-KG from Glu (in conjunction with the conversion of oxaloacetate into aspartate), GOT2 fuels anaplerosis in place of GLUD1. The Asp created is released into the cytosol and acted on by GOT1. This is subsequently used through a series of reactions to yield cytosolic NADPH from malic enzyme. Importantly, we have demonstrated that pancreatic cancers are strongly dependent on this series of reactions to maintain redox homeostasis which enables proliferation. Herein, we detail the subcellular compartmentalization and consequences of the aforementioned reactions on pancreatic cancer metabolism. We have also investigated the essentiality of this pathway in other contexts and find that pancreatic cancers have a uniform and unique reliance on this pathway, which may provide novel therapeutic approaches to treat these refractory tumors. Citation Format: Costas A. Lyssiotis, Jaekyoung Son, Joesph D. Mancias, Haoqiang Ying, Lewis C. Cantley, Alec C. Kimmelman. Pancreatic cancers depend on a non-canonical glutamine metabolism pathway. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Pancreatic Cancer: Innovations in Research and Treatment; May 18-21, 2014; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(13 Suppl):Abstract nr B45.
Immune System and Ultraviolet Light

The primary function of the mammalian immune system is to allow the vertebrate organism to coexit with an extremely diverse range of microbial agents having the potential to cause desease. To function, the mammalian immune system requires the input of many distinct cell types. It is a democratic system with many checks and balance in that no single cell type is allowed to carry out effector function without controling influences being exerted by a variety of other cell types. The various cell types wich collectively comprise the mammalian immune system have to interact and bein constant communication with one another. The tremendous diversity in potentially infectious agents or spontaneously transformed cells that can infect or arise during the lifespan of an individual has provided the selective pressures necessary for the immune systemto evolve a variety of different effector mechanisms. It is clear that no single type of immune effector mechanism can handle the diversity of infectious agents wich can cause disease.
Oligodendrocyte Differentiation: Quantitative Studies in Primary Cultures of Dissociated Fetal Rat Brain

The oligodendrocyte of the central nervous system has as its primary recognized function the task of producing and maintaining a prodigious amount of a specialized membrane called myelin (1). The biochemical components of myelin are synthesized in the cell body and inserted into vast membrane sheets (often found at the termini of long connecting processes) that become wrapped and compacted around qualified axons. The completed myelin sheath is remarkable not only for its morphological symmetry, but also for the conservation of energy and space it provides in assisting neuronal conduction. Indeed, the failure to produce or maintain this critical product leads to a seriously impaired level of physiological function.
Neuroprotection and Neuronal Differentiation Studies Using Substantia Nigra Dopaminergic Cells Derived from Transgenic Mouse Embryos

The major pathological lesion of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the selective cell death of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in substantia nigra (SN). Although the initial cause and subsequent molecular signaling mechanisms leading to DA cell death underlying the PD process remain elusive, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is thought to exert neuroprotective as well as neurotrophic roles for the survival and differentiation of DA neurons in SN. Addressing molecular mechanisms of BDNF action in both primary embryonic mesencephalic cultures andin vivo animal models has been technically difficult because DA neurons in SN are relatively rare and present with many heterogeneous cell populations in midbrain. We have developed and characterized a DA neuronal cell line of embryonic SN origin that is more accessible to molecular analysis and can be used as an in vitro model system for studying SN DA neurons. A clonal SN DA neuronal progenitor cell line SN4741, arrested at an early DA developmental stage, was established from transgenic mouse embryos containing the targeted expression of the thermolabile SV40Tag in SN DA neurons. The phenotypic and morphological differentiation of the SN4741 cells could be manipulated by environmental cues in vitro. Exogenous BDNF treatment produced significant neuroprotection against 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium, glutamate, and nitric oxide-induced neurotoxicity in the SN4741 cells. Simultaneous phosphorylation of receptor tyrosine kinase B accompanied the neuroprotection. This SN DA neuronal cell line provides a unique model system to circumvent the limitations associated with primary mesencephalic cultures for the elucidation of molecular mechanisms of BDNF action on DA neurons of the SN.
Homeland Security and Federal Relief: A Proposal for a Permanent Compensation System for Domestic Terrorist Victims

In a remarkably rapid response to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Congress created the largest federally-backed no-fault compensation system in our nation's history: the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund of 2001. The September 11th Fund was designed to address a discrete situation: the consequences of the worst terrorist attack in United States history. But the Fund raises policy questions that stretch beyond its specific application. More generally, to what extent should government spread responsibility for the victims of terrorist attacks, and what are the limits of public compassion? A national conversation on this fundamental issue is taking place. This article addresses the help government extends to victims of terrorism. Part I of this article examines the September 11th Fund. Part II discusses the issues underlying whether the government has an obligation to provide compensation to terrorist victims. Part III overviews other domestic compensation schemes, focusing on the Price-Anderson Act, the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act, and the workers' compensation system. Part IV examines compensation systems for terrorist victims adopted by Great Britain and Israel. Part V argues that although the Fund was successful, it did not go far enough; to ensure greater success, a compensation fund for terrorist victims should be permanent. Part VI makes recommendations for legislation.
Ethnicity and Nigeria since the end of the Civil War

Apres avoir presente et critique diverses definitions anthropologiques sur le concept d'ethnicite, l'A. analyse les expressions des identites ethniques au Nigeria en rapport avec l'identite nationale, fragile bien que revendiquee par l'ensemble des populations et sans cesse en reconstruction. Le Nigeria compte environ deux cent groupes ethniques dont la realite s'est construite en rapport avec l'histoire coloniale et les relations interculturelles. Le contexte de la guerre civile de 1967-1970 a permis de montrer l'artificialite des frontieres regionales et de la notion de tribalisme (legitime auparavant par la presence coloniale britannique). La periode ulterieure est marquee par un vaste mouvement nationaliste impose par les instances gouvernementales qui n'efface pas cependant une realite extremement complexe.
SOLAR THERMAL COLLECTORS USING PLANAR REFLECTOR

Specular reflectors have been used successfully with flat-plate collectors to achieve exceptionally high operating temperatures and high delivered energy per unit collector area. Optimal orientation of collectors and reflectors can result in even higher performance with an improved relationship between energy demand and supply. This paper reports on a study providing first order optimization of collector-reflector arrays in which single- and multiple-faceted reflectors in fixed or singly adjustable configurations provide delivered energy maxima in either summer or winter.
Incorporating body dynamics into the sensor-based motion planning paradigm. The maximum turn strategy

The existing approaches to sensor-based motion planning tend to deal solely with kinematic and geometric issues, and ignore the system dynamics. This work attempts to incorporate body dynamics into the paradigm of sensor-based motion planning. The authors consider the case of a mass point robot operating in a planar environment with unknown arbitrary stationary obstacles. Given the constraints on the robot's dynamics, sensing, and control means, conditions are formulated for generating trajectories which guarantee convergence and the robot's safety at all times. The approach calls for continuous computation and is fast enough for real time implementation. The robot plans its motion based on its velocity, control means, and sensing information about the surrounding obstacles, and such that in case of a sudden potential collision it can always resort to a safe emergency stopping path. Simulated examples demonstrate the algorithm's performance.
Stalemate at the WTO: TRIPS, Agricultural Subsidies, and the Doha Round

This note analyzes disputes over intellectual property enforcement and agricultural trade barriers at the center of the Doha Round of World Trade Organization (WTO) negotiations. Fundamental principles of intellectual property rights and agricultural subsidies are described, along with the challenges of creating and operating multilateral institutions. The note begins with a brief history of multilateral negotiations under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), then describes key events of the Doha Round that began in 2001, and the WTO's dispute settlement process. A stalemate has developed between developed and developing countries in WTO talks, leading to the proliferation of bilateral agreements. The note challenges readers to develop an informed position on global trade governance and the economic benefits and political tradeoffs associated with reduced trade barriers and the elimination of domestic subsidies.Learning Objective: Promote understanding of global trade governance, the WTO dispute resolution process, and challenges of negotiating the Doha round of global trade talks.
Analysis of binary outcomes with missing data: missing = smoking, last observation carried forward, and a little multiple imputation.

Aims Analysis of binary outcomes with missing data is a challenging problem in substance abuse studies. We consider this problem in a simple two-group design where interest centers on comparing the groups in terms of the binary outcome at a single timepoint. Design We describe how the deterministic assumptions of missing = smoking and last observation carried forward (LOCF) can be relaxed by allowing missingness to be related imperfectly to the binary outcome, either stratified on past values of the outcome or not. We also describe use of multiple imputation to take into account the uncertainty inherent in the imputed data. Setting Data were analyzed from a published smoking cessation study evaluating the effectiveness of adding group-based treatment adjuncts to an intervention comprised of a television program and self-help materials. Participants Participants were 489 smokers who registered for the television-based program and who indicated an interest in attending group-based meetings. Measurements The measurement of the smoking outcome was conducted via telephone interviews at post-intervention and at 24 months. Findings and conclusions The significance of the group effect did vary as a function of the assumed relationship between missingness and smoking. The ‘conservative’ missing = smoking assumption suggested a beneficial group effect on smoking cessation, which was confirmed via a sensitivity analysis only if an extreme odds ratio of 5 between missingness and smoking was assumed. This type of sensitivity analysis is crucial in determining the role that missing data play in arriving at a study's conclusions.
Influenza infection risk and predominate exposure route: uncertainty analysis.

An effective nonpharmaceutical intervention for influenza interrupts an exposure route that contributes significantly to infection risk. Herein, we use uncertainty analysis (point-interval method) and Monte Carlo simulation to explore the magnitude of infection risk and predominant route of exposure. We utilized a previously published mathematical model of a susceptible person attending a bed-ridden infectious person. Infection risk is sensitive to the magnitude of virus emission and contact rates. The contribution of droplet spray exposure to infection risk increases with cough frequency, and decreases with virus concentration in cough particles. We consider two infectivity scenarios: greater infectivity of virus deposited in the upper respiratory tract than virus inhaled in respirable aerosols, based on human studies; and equal infectivity in the two locations, based on studies in guinea pigs. Given that virus have equal probability of infection throughout the respiratory tract, the mean overall infection risk is 9.8 × 10 −2 (95th percentile 0.78). However, when virus in the upper respiratory tract is less infectious than inhaled virus, the overall infection risk is several orders of magnitude lower. In this event, inhalation is a significant exposure route. Contact transmission is important in both infectivity scenarios. The presence of virus in only respirable particles increases the mean overall infection risk by 1‐3 orders of magnitude, with inhalation contributing ≥99% of the infection risk. The analysis indicates that reduction of uncertainties in the concentration of virus in expiratory particles of different sizes, expiratory event frequency, and infectivity at different sites in the respiratory tract will clarify the predominate exposure routes for influenza.
The Cosmic Microwave Background as a Probe of Particle Physics

Distortions from a blackbody spectrum of the cosmic microwave background radiation are most probably due, if real, to energy input into the early universe. Astrophysical sources, involving nuclear energy release, cannot easily account for the observed 10 percent energy excess relative to a 2.74 K blackbody. Particle physics motivated sources include decaying dark matter, superconducting cosmic strings or a weakly coupled scalar field, which heated up the intergalactic medium to a temperature such that Comptonization of the microwave photons occurs. The principal alternative to Comptonization photons, from decays ? → ?′ + γ of weakly interacting particles at early epochs in the universe, can be ruled out because the related process γp1→ XX′or XX′ occurs in stars and would modify standard stellar evolution beyond acceptable bounds.
Eosinophilic fasciitis: demographics, disease pattern and response to treatment: report of 12 cases and review of the literature

Background Eosinophilic fasciitis is a rare scleroderma-like illness. The clinical spectrum of the disease has evolved since its initial description. Methods We identified all patients diagnosed with eosinophilic fasciitis over the past 10 years at our scleroderma clinic. Demographics, disease pattern, serologies, tissue pathology and reponse to treatment were all recorded. Results Twelve patients with eosinophilic fasciitis were identified in our clinic over the past 10 years. The mean age at diagnosis was 49.8 ± 9.8 years, with nine female and three male patients. The first symptoms were noticed at an average of 8.8 ± 6.1 months before diagnosis. The mean initial absolute peripheral blood eosinophil count was 1188 ± 1059 cells/L. Two patients had a monoclonal gammopathy, and two had positive ANA titers. All patients received corticosteroids, 10 of whom received the equivalent dose of > 20 mg/day of prednisone for more than a month. Five patients received hydroxychloroquine, two received methotrexate, one received cyclosporine, one received topical tacrolimus, and one received sulfasalazine. At a mean follow up of 17.6 months (range 2–94 months), 8 patients had a good response to treatment, 2 patients had no effect, and 2 patients had a poor response to treatment. Conclusion High dose corticosteroid treatment lasting longer than a month with or without an immunosuppressive agent helped most patients with eosinophilic fasciitis, best results seen in those patients who were initiated treatment early on after their first symptoms.
Keynes, Pigou, and the Microeconomic Foundations of the General Theory: The Marginal Productivity Theory of One Variable Input (Labor) and One Fixed Input (Capital)

Keynes chose to base the General Theory on the same type of microeconomic foundations that are contained in A C Pigou’s The Theory of Unemployment (1933), Part II, Chapters 8-10. This allowed Keynes to make a direct comparison - contrast between the two models in the appendix to Chapter 19. Pigou used the standard short run, marginal productivity theory of one variable input, labor, and one fixed input, capital. Keynes himself expressed reservations about this type of micro foundation. He voiced his reservations in his “digressions” chapters in the General Theory (Chapter 4, 5, 6, and 7; these reservations are summarized on pages 272-273 of the appendix to Chapter 19). These digressions (Chapter 4 on the issue of the homogeneity versus heterogeneity of output and capital goods and Chapter 6 on User Cost) were issues concerning how to measure actual physical output and capital goods for inclusion in GNP statistics, as well as how to account for inter and intra industry purchases between firms at the microeconomic level only. These digressions had no theoretical importance at the macro level and would not prevent or hinder a theoretical discussion of aggregated behavior once suitable aggregation assumptions had been made. Keynes, like Pigou, explicitly made such assumptions. This enabled Keynes to define all of the relevant functions needed for an aggregated macroeconomic analysis to be functions of a single variable input, labor, N,with the capital stock being held fixed in the short run. The formal analysis of the Theory of Effective Demand would proceed using Z=phi(N) and D=f(N). All of the technical analysis would be based on derivatives and elasticities involving ratios of a marginal function (a derivative) to an average function. No partial derivatives appear anywhere in the General Theory. The use of partial derivatives would have been needed if Keynes were to have made output a function of two variable inputs, labor and capital.
Class and American Religion: Historic Debates, New Perspectives

The intersections between class and religion were of central interest to early social theorists. But in the last few decades, class has fallen out of favor as an analytic category in both sociology and religious studies. This paper traces that history and finds evidence of new life in the analysis of class and religion. It uses the particular case of religion and work to illustrate one area where class issues are pervasive and could productively be made more explicit.
The NCAR Spectral Element Climate Dynamical Core: Semi-Implicit Eulerian Formulation

A prototype dynamical core for the Community Atmospheric Model (CAM) component of the Community Climate System Model (CCSM) is presented. The 3D governing primitive equations are specified in curvilinear coordinates on the cubed-sphere combined with a hybrid pressure ? vertical coordinate. The horizontal space discretisation is based on a $$\mathbb{P}_N - \mathbb{P}_N$$ spectral element variational formulation. A semi-implicit time integration scheme is derived in order to circumvent the severe time step restrictions associated with gravity waves. Eigen-mode decomposition of the vertical structure matrix results in a set of decoupled 2D modified Helmholtz problems which are solved using a preconditioned conjugate gradient iteration. An idealized climate simulation is presented, where the semi-implicit scheme permits a much larger time step
Stable isotope and salinity systematics in estuarine waters and carbonates: San Francisco Bay

Abstract Salinities, δD and δ18O values of water samples collected bimonthly from two stations in San Francisco Bay estuary during 1991–1993, and along a salinity transect in March of 1992, indicate a linear mixing relation between the isotopic compositions of the waters and their salinities. The salinities and stable isotope compositions of samples from two locations in San Francisco Bay vary in response to changes in freshwater inflow. The data from these locations indicate simple mixtures of Pacific Ocean water (salinity ≈33, δ18O ≈ 0 to −1‰, δD ≈ 0 to −10‰) and Sacramento-San Joaquin River water (salinity ≈ 0, δ18O = −10 to −12‰, δD = −75 to −85‰). Preliminary water balance estimates, using isotopic differences between local and upland runoff, suggest that local runoff (including waste water) comprises less than 20% of total freshwater entering the bay. The average δ18O values of mussel shells (Mytilus edulis) collected live from eight locations in San Francisco Bay primarily reflect the δ18O of the water in which they grew. Shells subsampled along growth bands show that seasonal shifts in salinity and δ18O are recorded in the shells. Therefore, the use of stable isotope measurements should be useful in reconstructing pre-instrumental bay salinity and associated freshwater inflow (both annual average values and seasonal variations) to the San Francisco Bay, as well as potentially other estuarine systems.
Exciton localization in group-iii nitride quantum wells

Exciton density of states broadened by compositional disorder in the group-III nitride quantum well is calculated. The excitonic photoluminescence linewidth is estimated and related to the material parameters of the alloy for two limiting cases of two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional excitons in the quantum well. It is shown that the effect of the compositional fluctuations depends on dimensionality of the exciton: the 2D excitons are more sensitive to the inhomogeneities than 3D ones. The broad near-band-gap energy states distribution for quasi-two-dimensional excitons is consistent with the experimental evidence of the spontaneous and stimulated emissions from excitonic states localized on compositional fluctuations.
Hyperparathyroidism in the Hemodialysis Population: A Survey of 612 Patients

There are no epidemiologic studies documenting the prevalence of hyperparathyroidism in the US hemodialysis population. We looked at a random sample of 612 hemodialysis patients enrolled in 10 outpatient dialysis units in Mississippi. Fifty percent of the patients surveyed had an intact serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) level more than three times normal (mean, 622 pg/mL). Another 25% had a less than normal PTH level (mean, 33 pg/mL), suggesting adynamic bone disease. Abnormal serum calcium was also common. Seventeen percent of patients were hypocalcemic and 14% were hypercalcemic. These high point prevalences occurred despite widespread use of calcium supplements and/or vitamin D (used in 90% of the patients surveyed). Black patients tended to have a lower serum calcium and higher PTH level than white patients. We also found that diabetic patients are less likely to have an elevated PTH level than nondiabetic patients. Elevated serum phosphorus was the most important factor correlating with the development of secondary hyperparathyroidism. Causes of inadequate control of hyperparathyroidism in this population require further study.
Localized radiation grafting of flame retardants to poly(ethylene terephthalate). I. Bromine‐containing monomers

Vinyl bromide was used as a model for bromine-containing flame retardants in developing methodology for localizing flame retardants either on the surface of the filament, uniformly throughout it, or predominantly at the core. Scanning electron microscope x-ray microprobe techniques were used in the verification of the location of the flame retardant in the filament. The flame retardance efficiency of PVBr was then correlated with its location in the filament. Grafting other bromine-containing flame retardants showed a wide range of efficiencies which depended not only upon the location of the graft within the filament but also upon the structure of the compound. For the various bromine homopolymer grafts, the apparent thermal stability of the graft and its flame retardance efficiency may be simply related to the alpha aliphatic hydrogen-to-bromine ratio. The lower this ratio is, the higher the efficiency. VBr copolymers and terpolymers showed wider variation in flame retardance efficiencies. This is attributed to large variations in melt viscosity of the different grafted materials. The grafts showed only small changes in their melting points and minimal changes in tenacity and stiffness. However, grafting induced large increases in the elongation.
Immunomodulatory Effects of Sex Hormones: Requirements for Pregnancy and Relevance in Melanoma

Abstract Similarities between the pathologic progression of cancer and the physiologic process of placentation (eg, proliferation, invasion, and local/systemic tolerance) have been recognized for many years. Sex hormones such as human chorionic gonadotropin, estrogens, progesterone, and others contribute to induction of immunologic tolerance at the beginning of gestation. Sex hormones have been shown to play contributory roles in the growth of cancers such as breast cancer, prostrate cancer, endometrial cancer, and ovarian cancer, but their involvement as putative mediators of the immunologic escape of cancer is still being elucidated. Herein, we compare the emerging mechanism by which sex hormones modulate systemic immunity in pregnancy and their potentially similar role in cancer. To do this, we conducted a PubMed search using combinations of the following keywords: "immune regulation," "sex hormones," "pregnancy," "melanoma," and "cancer." We did not limit our search to specific publication dates. Mimicking the maternal immune response to pregnancy, especially in late gestation, might aid in design of better therapies to reconstitute endogenous antitumor immunity and improve survival.
Stimulating fastigial nucleus alters central mechanisms regulating phrenic activity.

Abstract In paralyzed, mechanically ventilated, anesthetized cats, 30-sec trains of electrical stimulation in the rostral fastigial nucleus caused either respiratory excitation or inhibition (apnea) of respiration. The response elicited by stimulation was dependent on the frequency of stimulation: the duration of apnea decreased and respiratory excitation occurred more frequently at lower frequencies of stimulation. Excitation was characterized by increases of f and the rate of rise and peak (TNA) integrated activity of the phrenic nerve. T i and T e decreased. TNA and f remained elevated for at least three minutes after excitatory respiratory responses. Also, respiration was frequently elevated after an inhibitory response. Brief stimulation (100–200 ms) administered during expiration or inspiration altered either T e or T i and TNA, respectively. In addition, brief stimulation elicited short-latency inhibition or excitation of phrenic nerve activity. These effects were often unassociated with other phase changes. We conclude that activationof neurons or axons within the rostral fastigial nucleus can modulate activity of the phrenic nerve by altering the activity of at least three separate central mechanisms.
Ductal Lavage in Women at High Risk for Breast Cancer: Advantages and Limitations

Ductal lavage is a minimally invasive procedure developed for the collection of breast ductal epithelial cells from the ductal system of the nipple for cytologic evaluation. This technique is performed in asymptomatic high-risk women in order to identify atypical epithelial cells before cancer develops. Review of the literature as well as our own laboratory experience has demonstrated the feasibility of performing this technique with an adequate cellular yield for cytologic evaluation. Follow-up studies are needed to establish the significance of atypia in DL or lack of atypia (negative predictive value), as well as the sensitivity and specificity of the test.