cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Immigration and economic dependence in the U.S.: Approaches to presenting logistic regression results

Logistic regression models are found increasingly in the biomedical and social science literature. Although these models hold considerable potential for answering very difficult research questions, the coefficients can be difficult to interpret for novice users. Moreover, as more and more statistical software become available, the output from these programs can be overwhelming. The question then arises as to what statistics are important, how they need to be presented, and how they should be interpreted in the light of one's substantive findings. This paper aims at helping in the substantive interpretation of logistic regression results. Census data are used to examine the likelihood of immigrants' use of public assistance and Social Security income vis-a-vis the native born. The paper analyzes the data while giving a step by step interpretation of coefficients. The framework adopted here is pedagogical. Results indicate that immigrants were significantly less likely than the native born to use public assistance (‘welfare’) and Social Security income.
Automated Building Block Assignments for Finite Element Mesh Development of Patient-Specific Orthopaedic Models

Medical imaging technologies have allowed for in vivo exploration and evaluation of the human musculoskeletal system. The utility of these technologies has grown exponentially as the time required for data collection has decreased and the image resolution has increased. Medical imaging obviously has diagnostic value, but the vast amount of information contained within each image set is useful in other important applications including the modeling and analysis of anatomic structures. With advances in both the resolution of the acquired images and computing power, patient-specific orthopaedic model development is becoming a reality.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Synthesis of 6-benzyl- and 6-phenethyl-2,4-diamino-5,6,7,8-tetrahydropyrimido[4,5-d]pyrimidines†

The preparation of ten aralkyl derivatives of 2,4-diamino-5,6,7,8-tetrahydropyrimido[4,5-d]pyrimidines (6) has been accomplished. The title compounds were prepared in a simple one step reaction from 2,4,6-triaminopyrimidine (4), formaldehyde (2), and either substituted benzylamines (1a-d) or substituted phenethylamines (1e-j). This modified Mannich reaction has been shown to be a general method for such derivatives. Elemental analysis, 1H nmr and mass spectral data have confirmed the proposed structures. None of the compounds exhibited either antimalarial or antitrypanosomal activity.
Localized fluorescence excitation in opaque media by time-reversed ultrasonically encoded (TRUE) optical focusing

To focus light beyond one transport mean free path, time-reversed ultrasonically encoded (TRUE) optical focusing has previously been implemented by both analog and digital devices. By allowing wavefront recording with finer resolution and larger aperture, the analog scheme, which uses photorefractive materials as the phase-conjugate mirror, generates a more complete set of time-reversed optical modes than the digital scheme. Here, we report the direct visualization of localized fluorescence excitation inside a turbid medium by photorefractive time reversal. Further, we imaged fluorescent targets embedded in a turbid phantom whose thickness was four transport mean free paths.
Alcohol impairs J774.16 macrophage-like cell antimicrobial functions in Acinetobacter baumannii infection.

Acinetobacter baumannii (Ab) is a common cause of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in chronic alcoholics in tropical and sub-tropical climates and associated with a >50% mortality rate. We demonstrated that exposure of J774.16 macrophage-like cells to physiological alcohol (EtOH) concentrations decreased phagocytosis and killing of Ab. EtOH-mediated macrophage phagocytosis dysfunction may be associated with reduced expression of GTPase-RhoA, a key regulator of the actin polymerization signaling cascade. EtOH inhibited nitric oxide (NO) generation via inducible NO-synthase inactivation, which enhanced Ab survival within macrophages. Additionally, EtOH alters cytokine production resulting in a dysregulated immune response. This study is a proof of principle which establishes that EtOH might exacerbate Ab infection and be an important factor enhancing CAP in individuals at risk.
Pharmacogenetic profiling in the treatment of heart disease

Pharmacogenetics is the study of gene–drug interactions. In the post-Human Genome era, and with the realization that personal genotypes differ by millions of bases (gene polymorphisms), the application of genetics to explain interindividual differences in clinical drug response seems to offer great promise. Here, recent basic and translational developments in pharmacogenetic profiling of β-blocker response in heart failure are reviewed in the context of the possible consequences of such advances on drug development and clinical therapeutics.
Performance of Different Broiler Genotypes Fed Diets with Varying Levels of Dietary Crude Protein and Lysine

Two experiments were conducted to determine if a 3-way interaction among genotype, dietary lysine, and CP is an important influence on dietary responses. The genotypes were Ross 308 and Cobb in experiment 1 and Ross 508 and Arbor Acres Classic in experiment 2. The experimental designs were completely randomized with an incomplete 2 x 2 x 3 factorial arrangement of treatments. On d 7 of experiment 1, 4 replicate pens of 6 chicks each were fed 1 combination of dietary lysine and CP (17% CP with 0.6, 0.7, and 0.8% lysine and 23% CP with 0.7, 0.8, and 0.9% lysine) until d 21. On d 17 of experiment 2, 4 replicate pens of 35 chicks each were fed 1 combination of dietary lysine and CP (17% CP with 0.7, 0.8, and 0.9% lysine and 23% CP with 0.8, 0.9, and 1.0% lysine) until d 42. On d 43 of experiment 2, 3 birds per pen were processed. Regression analysis showed differences (P < 0.05) due to genotype for body weight gain (BWG), feed intake, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) in experiment 1, and BWG, carcass yield, breast fillet and tender yields, and abdominal fat pad percentage in experiment 2. Increasing dietary CP decreased abdominal fat pad percentage in both experiments; however, increasing dietary lysine only decreased this parameter in the starter-phase chicks. In both experiments, Ross broilers had a greater response to supplemental lysine when 17% CP was fed, but less response to supplemental lysine when 23% CP was fed for both BWG and FCR (3-way interaction). Three-way interactions between dietary CP and lysine levels and genotype were observed for BWG (P < 0.01), feed intake (P < 0.01), and FCR (P < 0.02) in experiment 1 and for feed intake (P < 0.06) and FCR (P < 0.03) in experiment 2. The 3-way interactions demonstrate that quantitative differences exist between genotypes in response to increasing dietary levels of CP and lysine.
Statistical Prediction and Molecular Dynamics Simulation

We describe a statistical approach to the validation and improvement of molecular dynamics simulations of macromolecules. We emphasize the use of molecular dynamics simulations to calculate thermodynamic quantities that may be compared to experimental measurements, and the use of a common set of energetic parameters across multiple distinct molecules. We briefly review relevant results from the theory of stochastic processes and discuss the monitoring of convergence to equilibrium, the obtaining of confidence intervals for summary statistics corresponding to measured quantities, and an approach to validation and improvement of simulations based on out-of-sample prediction. We apply these methods to replica exchange molecular dynamics simulations of a set of eight helical peptides under the AMBER potential using implicit solvent. We evaluate the ability of these simulations to quantitatively reproduce experimental helicity measurements obtained by circular dichroism. In addition, we introduce notions of statistical predictive estimation for force-field parameter refinement. We perform a sensitivity analysis to identify key parameters of the potential, and introduce Bayesian updating of these parameters. We demonstrate the effect of parameter updating applied to the internal dielectric constant parameter on the out-of-sample prediction accuracy as measured by cross-validation.
Analysis of the effects of exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls and chlorinated pesticides on serum lipid levels in residents of Anniston, Alabama.

Anniston, Alabama, is the site of a former Monsanto plant where polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were manufactured from 1929 until 1971. Residents of Anniston are known to have elevated levels of PCBs. The objective of the study was to test the hypothesis that levels of the various lipid components (total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides) are differentially associated with concentrations of total PCBs and total pesticides, and further that different congeners, congener groups and different pesticides do not have identical associations in serum samples obtained from Anniston residents in a cross-sectional study. Fasting serum samples were obtained from 575 residents of Anniston who were not on any lipid-lowering medication and were analyzed for 35 PCB congeners, nine chlorinated pesticides, total cholesterol, LDL and HDL cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations. Associations between toxicant concentrations and lipid levels were determined using multiple linear regression analysis. We observed that elevated serum concentrations of lipids were associated with elevated serum concentrations of ΣPCBs and summed pesticides in analyses adjusted for age, race, gender, BMI, alcohol consumption, smoking and exercising status. The strongest associations were seen for PCB congeners with three, four, or at least eight substituted chlorines. Mono-ortho substituted congeners 74 and 156, di-ortho congeners 172 and 194, and tri- and tetra-ortho congeners 199, 196–203, 206 and 209 each were significantly associated with total lipids, total cholesterol and triglycerides. Serum concentrations of HCB and chlordane also had strong associations with lipid components. Increased concentrations of PCBs and organochlorine pesticides are associated with elevations in total serum lipids, total cholesterol and triglycerides, but the patterns are different for different groups of PCBs and different pesticides. These observations show selective effects of different organochlorines on serum concentrations of different groups of lipids. This elevation in concentrations of serum lipids may be the basis for the increased incidence of cardiovascular disease found in persons with elevated exposures to PCBs and chlorinated pesticides.
Glutamate-Gated Calcium Fluxes in Arabidopsis

It is well accepted that endogenous and environmental signals can influence cellular activities by changing [Ca2+]cyt ([Malho et al., 1998][1]; [Sanders et al., 1999][2]). Despite the importance of this mechanism for coupling stimuli to responses ([Malho et al., 1998][1]), the molecules
Single Question, Two Replies

Gregory Bateson and Mary Catherine Bateson. Angels Fear: Towards an Epistemology of the Sacred. New York: McMillan, 1987. 224 pp. $18.95 (cloth). Allen Johnson and Timothy Earle. The Evolution of Human Societies: From Foraging Group to Agrarian State. Stanford, California: Stanford University Press, 1987. 360 pp. $39.50 (cloth).
MULTIDIMENSIONAL RATIO SCALING ANALYSIS OF PERCEIVED COLOR RELATIONS.

The present study is designed to provide information relevant to the development of a uniform color scale and to investigate the relations between multidimensional scales.Two previous multidimensional successive intervals studies gave results at variance with both classical notions of color relations and implications of other more limited multidimensional studies.In this study a multidimensional-triads, ratio-judgment experiment was carried out using a set of color chips with ten normal subjects and four subjects with defective color vision. The data were analyzed separately for each individual and also for the ten normal subjects combined. The results for all the normal subjects were highly similar and were generally very close to that given by the Munsell notation.The results for the color-deficient subjects departed from those of the normal subjects in having a shortened red–green axis and in having more than two dimensions. The added dimensions appear to be due to an underestimation of big distances, particularly in the red–green direction.A direct comparison was made of the interpoint-distance estimates obtained from the multidimensional-triads ratio judgments and those obtained from an earlier multidimensional successive-intervals experiment. The ratio results were logarithmically related to the successive-intervals results. The fact that no bias was observed in the results of the triads-ratio judgments suggests that this procedure is the more appropriate technique for scaling color relations.
A comparison of epicenter relocation techniques: a case study for the Juan de Fuca plate

Abstract The ‘master event relocation’ and ‘hypocentroid’ techniques are compared in an effort to determine their relative performance in evaluating the location of epicenters in a region hampered with recording station location bias and a poorly understood seismic velocity structure. The study areas chosen are the Explorer and Gorda plates, two small lithospheric subplates of the oceanic Juan de Fuca plate, which show a high degree of apparent intraplate seismicity. Previous studies have indicated systematic eastward errors in the location of epicenters due to the lack of recording stations to the west. Both techniques produce similar results in defining plate boundary vs. intraplate seismicity; however, noteworthy differences exist. The selection of a well-constrained master event has a clear effect on the alignment of relocated epicenters with plate boundaries. An event on the Gorda plate located by ocean bottom seismometer allows for a relocation of epicenters about the Gorda Rise. Using a more widely recorded master event on the Explorer plate produces parallelism of the events with the plate boundaries but an additional uniform shift in the relocated epicenters is required to align seismicity with the boundaries. Location of the master event, with respect to tectonic features of the plate, appears to affect the results, probably owing to differences in lithospheric conditions and their effect on wave travel paths through the plate. A comparison of results of the two techniques on intraplate seismicity on the Gorda plate shows opposing direction vectors for the relocations. The hypocentroid technique is less affected by changing conditions within the plate as events are clustered according to location. The relocations are still affected by the station location bias, as the events are relocated in relation to the weighted center of the event cluster. The technique produces greater definition of the trends of the relocated epicenters; however, in this situation an additional shift of the epicenters is required for alignment with the boundaries.
Effect of Cu2+ magnetic moments on the superconductivity of YBa2Cu3O7: the origin of the “linear term” in the specific heat; the volume fraction of superconductivity

The concentration ( n 2 ) of Cu 2+ magnetic moments located on the YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 lattice is determined by the specific heat in a 7 T magnetic field. The discontinuity in specific heat at T c [Δ C ( T c )] and also the coefficient of the linear term [γ(0)] are correlated with n 2 in a way that suggests the operation of a pair-breaking mechanism that limits the transition to the superconducting state and provides a criterion for the volume fraction of superconductivity. γ(0) can be represented by the sum of two contributions, both associated with Cu 2+ moments, implying that there is no contribution that is an intrinsic property of the superconducting state. The interpretation of the data provides estimates of parameters relevant to the recognition of strong-coupling effects.
The historical roots and development of criminological statistics

Abstract The history of the development of criminological statistics must examine the emergence of social statistics in general. The theoretical concerns and technical questions raised by early criminologists cannot be isolated from the wider concerns of sociologists and statisticians at work in other fields. This article traces the history and problems of crime and justice statistics through the distinct periods: a “preparatory” phase (1650–1800),and a “conceptualization” phase (1800–1914). In addition, while specifically noting a dependent relationship with the fields of demography and statistics, the separation of criminological statistics as an automous area is considered. The use of criminal justice statistics for comparative and other purposes has come under considerable review and criticism during recent years, and an examination of historical sources and problems serves to increase the understanding and usefulness of these statistics today.
CALCULUSES AND FORMAL SYSTEMS

Lorenzen, in his book Einfuhrung in die operative Logik und Mathematik has given a relatively precise form of syntactical system which he calls a calculus. The present paper deals with the relationship of Lorenzen's notion of calculus with the notion of formal system (as explained, for example, in Outlines of a formalist philosophy of Mathematics, Amsterdam, 1951). It is shown that the obs of a formal system can be represented as the theses of a calculus of a certain type just when the calculus has a property called the tectonic property, and conditions are given under which one form of system can be transformed into the other. Zusammenfassung Lorenzen hat in seinem Buch, Einfuhrung in die operative Logik und Mathematik, eine ziemlich genaue Auffassung eines syntaktischen Systems angegeben, die er Kalkul nennt. Die vorliegende Abhandlung betrifft die Verwandtschaft dieses Lorenzenschen Begriffs mit dem eines formalen Systems (wie z. B. in Outlines of a formalist philosophy of mathematics, Amsterdam, 1951, angegeben). Es wird bewiesen, dass die « Obs » eines formalen Systems sich als die Thesen eines passenden Kalkuls genau dann reprasentieren lassen, wenn dieser Kalkul eine gewisse Eigenschaft, die « tectonic property » heisst, besitzt; die Bedingungen fur die Uberfuhrung einer Art von System in die andere werden aufgezeigt. Resume Lorenzen, dans son livre Einfuhrung in die operative Logik und Mathematik, a expose une forme assez precise de systeme syntaxique qu'il a appelee un calcul. L'article actuel traite les relations entre cette idee et celle d'un systeme formel (comme elle a ete exposee, par exemple, dans Outlines of a formalist philosophy of mathematics, Amsterdam, 1951). L'auteur demontre que les « obs » d'un systeme formel peuvent se representer comme les theses d'un calcul d'une certaine espece justement quand le calcul a une propriete que l'on appelle « the tectonic property »; et it enonce des conditions pour qu'un type de systeme soit transformable en l'autre.
Impact of ankle-foot-orthosis on frontal plane behaviors post-stroke.

Abnormal within and across-joint synergistic behaviors have been reported in the lower limb post stroke. It is unknown, however, whether these impairments limit adaptive movement strategies in response to imposed kinematic constraints. In this context, the goal of this pilot study was to examine changes to three-dimensional swing phase kinematics of the paretic hip, knee, and ankle joints and pelvis induced by AFO use in subjects with chronic stroke. Overground gait analysis was performed on 9 ambulating hemiplegic subjects with and without their AFOs. Both the toeoff and peak ankle dorsiflexion angles were significantly decreased in the no AFO condition. Likewise, the peak and toeoff swing phase pelvic obliquity angles significantly increased when the AFO was removed (6.47° (2.0 SD) vs. 8.16° (2.8 SD), paired t-tests, p = 0.03 and 0.8° (3.1 SD) vs. 2.9° (1.1 SD), paired t-test, p = 0.02, respectively). These behaviors were consistent across subjects (7 of 9 subjects). The hip frontal plane, and hip and knee sagittal plane kinematics were unaffected by removal of the AFO. Finally, the minimum toe clearance was not affected by the removal of the AFO (1.39 cm ± 0.62 SD vs. 1.27 cm ± 0.47 SD, p > 0.05). Taken together, these findings suggest that pelvic obliquity is the primary compensatory degree of freedom utilized to achieve toe clearance in response to impaired dorsiflexion in the stroke population. We propose that this degree of freedom is exploited as it is not constrained by synergistic torque coupling of the lower limb.
The neurobiology of dyslexia

Abstract Within the last two decades overwhelming evidence from many laboratories has converged to indicate the cognitive basis for dyslexia: dyslexia represents a disorder within the language system and more specifically within a particular subcomponent of that system, phonological processing. Recent advances in imaging technology and the development of tasks which sharply isolate the subcomponent processes of reading now allow the localization of phonological processing in brain, and, as a result, provide for the first time, the potential for elucidating a biological signature for reading and reading disability. Converging evidence from a number of laboratories using functional brain imaging indicates a pattern of brain organization in dyslexia different from that seen in nonimpaired readers; specifically these studies show a disruption of left hemisphere posterior brain systems in adult dyslexic readers while performing reading tasks with an additional suggestion for an associated increased reliance on frontal lobe circuits. The discovery of neural systems serving reading has significant implications. At the most fundamental level, it is now possible to investigate specific hypotheses regarding the neural substrate of dyslexia, and to verify, reject or modify suggested cognitive models. From a more clinical perspective, the identification of neural systems for reading offers the promise for more precise identification and diagnosis of dyslexia in children, adolescents and adults.
Tin Creek Zinc, Lead, and Silver Skarn Prospects, Farewell Mineral Belt, Alaska: ABSTRACT

Several zinc, lead, silver, and copper skarn and replacement bodies occur in a 500 km2 area near Farewell, in the McGrath quadrangle, Alaska. Detailed examination of the skarns in upper Tin Creek, one of the major mineralized areas, indicates ore and gangue zoning, which inversely follows dike density. Host rocks for skarns are mid-Paleozoic sedimentary rocks that are contact-metamorphosed, folded, faulted, and overlain and intruded by Tertiary igneous rocks. Skarns in the Tin Creek area are small (up to 3 m wide), discontinuous bodies of exoskarn found along dike contacts and as endoskarn in the dikes. Skarn also forms mantos in marble and irregular bodies along thrust and high-angle faults. Semimassive to massive sulfide mantos are present in calc-silicate hornfels. Many dikes do not have skarn along their contacts while others have skarn along only one margin, indicating that dikes and faults are only structural conduits for later metasomatic fluids. Sulfide distribution and deposition are intimately associated with calc-silicate metasomatism. The skarn prospects are areally zoned, with garnet - (Ad12-100) and chalcopyrite-dominant skarns proximal and pyroxene-(Hd15-86) and sphalerite-dominant skarns distal to the center of most intense dike swarms. Sphalerite is preferentially associated with pyroxene, while chalcopyrite is preferentially associated with garnet. Metamorphic garnet and pyroxene are devoid of sulfides and have the lowest iron compositions. Early metasomatic garnet and pyroxene are generally richer in iron and are accompanied by minor sphalerite + chalcopyrite. Late metasomatic (main-stage) garnet and pyroxene contain the highest iron contents for these minerals and are extensively replaced by phalerite + chalcopyrite. Main-stage skarns are locally retrograded to amphibole or epidote + quartz. These calc-silicates may be replaced by sphalerite + chalcopyrite, with galena locally abundant as veins in pyroxene-dominant skarns. Zinc, lead, and silver ore potential at Tin Creek exists at distances greater than 2 km from the dike swarm center. Zinc, lead, and silver ore is preferentially associated with pyroxene-dominant skarns formed during the main stage of metasomatism. End_of_Article - Last_Page 680------------
Hospitalist physician leadership skills: perspectives from participants of a leadership conference.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize how the use of behavioral contracts may serve to focus individuals' intentions to grow as leaders. METHODS: Between 2007 and 2008, participants of the Society of Hospital Medicine Leadership Academy courses completed behavioral contracts to identify 4 action plans they wanted to implement based on things learned at the Academy. Contracts were independently coded by 2 investigators and compared for agreement. Content analysis identified several major themes that relate to professional growth as leaders. Follow-up surveys assessed fulfillment of personal goals. RESULTS: The majority of respondents were male (84; 70.0%), and most were hospitalist leaders (76; 63.3%). Their median time practicing as hospitalists was 4 years, 14 (11.7%) were Assistant Professors, and 80 (66.7%) were in private practice. Eight themes emerged from the behavioral contracts, revealing ways in which participants wished to develop: improving communication and interpersonal relations; refining vision and goals for strategic planning; developing intrapersonal leadership; enhancing negotiation skills; committing to organizational change; understanding business drivers; establishing better metrics to assess performance; and strengthening interdepartmental relationships. At follow-up, all but 1 participant had achieved at least 1 of their personal goals. CONCLUSIONS: Understanding the areas that hospitalist leaders identify as “learning edges” may inform the personal learning plans of those hoping to take on leadership roles in hospital medicine. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2010;5:E1–E4. © 2010 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Synthesis, structure, and properties of N,N′-bis[2-(1-pyrazolyl)ethyl]-pyridine-2,6-dicar☐amido copper(II)

Abstract The pentadentate dipeptide ligand N,N′-bis[2-(1-pyrazolyl(ethyl]pyridine-2,6-dicar☐amide (PyPz2PH2) (1) (H denotes dissociable amide H) has been synthesized. The Cu(II) complex of this ligand namely, [Cu(PyPz2P)] (2), has been isolated and structurally characterized. Complex 2 crystallizes in the triclinic space group P1¯ with a = 7.743(3), b = 9.427(2), c = 12.809(3)A, α = 71.01(2), β = 80.38(2), γ = 70.54(2)°, V = 831.8(4)A and Z = 2. The structure was refined to R = 4.13% by using 3313 (I > 2σ(I)) data. The dianionic pentadentate ligand coordinates to Cu(II) in a distorted square pyramidal fashion. The Cu center is lifted out of the mean basal plane by 0.32A. The spectral parameters of 2 have been compared with those of an analogous complex [Cu(Py3P)] that contains pyridine rings in place of pyrazoles on a similar ligand framework. Such comparison indicates that pyridine nitrogens coordinate to Cu(II) more strongly than 2-pyrazolyl nitrogens.
Motor Origins of Tool Use

The current study examines the developmental trajectory of banging movements and its implications for tool use development. Twenty (6- to 15-month-old) infants wore reflective markers while banging a handled cube; movements were recorded at 240 Hz. Results indicated that through the second half-year, banging movements undergo developmental changes making them ideally suited for instrumental hammering and pounding. Younger infants were inefficient and variable when banging the object: Their hands followed circuitous paths of great lengths at high velocities. By 1 year, infants showed consistent and efficient straight up-down hand trajectories of smaller magnitude and velocity, allowing for precise aiming and delivering dependable levels of force. The findings suggest that tool use develops gradually from infants' existing manual behaviors.
Longitudinal Data Analysis for Generalized Linear Models Under Participant-Driven Informative Follow-up: An Application in Maternal Health Epidemiology

It is common in longitudinal studies for scheduled visits to be accompanied by as-needed visits due to medical events occurring between scheduled visits. If the timing of these as-needed visits is related to factors that are associated with the outcome but are not among the regression model covariates, naively including these as-needed visits in the model yields biased estimates. In this paper, the authors illustrate and discuss the key issues pertaining to inverse intensity rate ratio (IIRR)-weighted generalized estimating equations (GEE) methods in the context of a study of Kenyan mothers infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (1999-2005). The authors estimated prevalences and prevalence ratios for morbid conditions affecting the women during a 1-year postpartum follow-up period. Of the 484 women under study, 62% had at least 1 as-needed visit. Use of a standard GEE model including both scheduled and unscheduled visits predicted a pneumonia prevalence of 2.9% (95% confidence interval: 2.3%, 3.5%), while use of the IIRR-weighted GEE predicted a prevalence of 1.5% (95% confidence interval: 1.2%, 1.8%). The estimate obtained using the IIRR-weighted GEE approach was compatible with estimates derived using scheduled visits only. These results highlight the importance of properly accounting for informative follow-up in these studies.
Inhibition of gluconeogenesis by hypoglycin: alternate interpretations.

Treatment of rats with hypoglycaemic doses of hypoglycin has been shown to abolish the relative detritiation of [2-3H, U-14C]glucose [Osmundsen, Billington, Taylor & Sherratt (1978) Biochem. J. 170, 337–342], indicating that both the Cori and the glucose/glucose 6-phosphate cycles were inhibited in vivo. This inhibition was confirmed and, in addition, it was shown that the conversion in vivo of both [14C]lactate and [14C]fructose into glucose was decreased after hypoglycin treatment. These results suggest that hypoglycin poisoning results in the inhibition in vivo of glucose-6-phosphatase activity, which participates in the overall inhibition of gluconeogenesis and hypoglycaemia. Clofibrate feeding apparently protected the rats against the inhibition of the fructose-to-glucose conversion by hypoglycin. However, in isolated hepatocytes prepared from hypoglycin-treated rats, the conversion of [14C]fructose into glucose and the recycling of [2-3H, W-14C]glucose were not different from that in control hepatocytes. This suggests that the inhibition was lost during preparation of the hepatocytes. The direct measurement of glucose-6-phosphatase activity showed that it was inhibited when measured in concentrated, but not dilute, homogenates prepared from hypoglycin-treated rats.
Birth Center Outcomes Reported Through Automated Technology

Birth Care HealthCare is a multidisciplinary health care clinic and freestanding birth center in Lake City, Utah. Highlights of a woman's labor assessment and birth outcomes are summarized in a paper birth log. The authors developed a relational database that facilitates efficient outcomes reporting. Examples of outcomes from this database are reported. Objectives This study describes clinical outcomes from a freestanding birth center and the automated birth log database used to manage outcomes reporting. Design Retrospective data obtained primarily from a paper birth log and secondarily from the paper chart were entered into and extracted from an electronic database. Participants 231 women who were evaluated in 269 encounters for delivery at the birth center between July 1, 1997, and June 30, 1999. Main Clinical Outcome Measures The number of deliveries at the birth center; the percentage of intrapartum, postpartum, and newborn transfers to the inpatient hospital setting; cause-specific transfer rates; method of transfer; medication in labor; low and high birth weights; percentage of low Apgar scores; and average times from admission to birth and birth to discharge. Conclusion Birth center clinical outcomes can be efficiently reported using an automated birth log. Clinical outcomes reported in this study are consistent with finding of previous research that demonstrates that birth centers are a safe alternative site for delivery.
Maximum likelihood estimation of synchronous machine parameters and study of noise effect from DC flux decay data

The paper presents an evaluation of the performance of the maximum likelihood (ML) method when used to estimate the linear parameters of a synchronous machine model from the standstill time-domain flux decay test data. It is shown that a unique set of parameters can be obtained and the noise effects can be dealt with effectively when the ML estimation technique is used. The results also show that accurate machine parameters can be identified when the signal/noise ratio is approximately 200:1.
Ejection fraction: subjective visual echocardiographic estimation versus radionuclide angiography.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to validate the correlation of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) between two-dimensional (2D) echocardiography with harmonic imaging modality and radionuclide angiography (RNA) in a large number of patients. Background: Subjective visual estimation of LVEF is the most prevalent method in evaluating left ventricular systolic function. Previous published reports demonstrated that visual estimation from 2D was superior to other mathematical calculations, however the studies contained less than 50 patients. Methods: Retrospective review of 377 consecutive medical records containing LVEF from both 2D echocardiography and RNA obtained from the same patient within 15 days from January 1998 to September 1999. Results: Correlation coefficient value (r) between 2D echocardiography subjective visual estimation and RNA was 0.84. The r value was further increased to 0.87 when heart transplant recipients excluded. The agreement of LVEF between 2D echocardiography and RNA are higher in normal or severely depressed LV. Conclusion: Excellent correlation of LVEF exists between 2D echocardiography subjective visual estimation and RNA, especially in normal or severely depressed LV. (ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Volume 20, April 2003)
Superconductivity in very small particles

Abstract Electron tunneling offers a unique opportunity to study the superconducting state in very small particles. One layer of the particles is imbedded within the oxide layer in an ordinary tunnel junction. The average radius of the small particles has been determined directly from electron micrographs. Most of the electrons which flow across the junction will tunnel into and out of one of the imbedded particles. The current-voltage characteristic of such a junction changes markedly when the particles go from the normal to the superconducting state. From this change we have determined the energy gap, the transition temperature, and the critical field in small particles with radius of no more than 25 A. The energy gap and the transition temperature are slightly larger than the bulk values for Sn particles, while the critical field is much larger than would be predicted from simple theories.
Effect of mercaptan nucleophiles on the degradation of azathioprine in aqueous solution

Abstract Azathioprine, a potentially useful antileukemic and immunosuppressive agent, is rapidly cleaved in the body to 6-mercaptopurine. The metabolic breakdown appears to be mediated by glutathione, l -cysteine and other amino acids predominantly in the erythrocytes of the blood and in the hepatocytes of the liver. Studies have been initiated in an effort to understand the mechanism of azathioprine degradation in the presence of a series of mercaptans as well as non-sulfhydryl amino acids in aqueous solution. The reactions were performed with an initial 2 × 10 −5 M concentration of azathioprine in solutions containing varying concentrations of nucleophiles (1−4 × 10 −4 M) in pH 7.40 phosphate buffer (0.05 M). The final ionic strength of the solutions was adjusted to 0.15 with sodium chloride and the temperature was kept constant at 25 ± 0.5°C. The rates of decomposition of azathioprine were followed by a high pressure liquid Chromatographic method. The reactions appeared to follow pseudo-first-order kinetics and were very prone to nucleophilic attack by glutathione, l -cysteine and other mercaptans. Thiolate anion (RS − ) was found to be the predominant attacking species and approximately 24 times more potent nucleophile than the corresponding thiol species (RSH). Non-sulfhydryl amino acids like glycine and phenylalanine seemed to have no effect on the reaction rate.
High performance 14nm SOI FinFET CMOS technology with 0.0174µm 2 embedded DRAM and 15 levels of Cu metallization

We present a fully integrated 14nm CMOS technology featuring finFET architecture on an SOI substrate for a diverse set of SoC applications including HP server microprocessors and LP ASICs. This SOI finFET architecture is integrated with a 4th generation deep trench embedded DRAM to provide an ultra-dense (0.0174um2) memory solution for industry leading ‘scale-out’ processor design. A broad range of Vts is enabled on chip through a unique dual workfunction process applied to both NFETs and PFETs. This enables simultaneous optimization of both lowVt (HP) and HiVt (LP) devices without reliance on problematic approaches like heavy doping or Lgate modulation to create Vt differentiation. The SOI finFET's excellent subthreshold behavior allows gate length scaling to the sub 20nm regime and superior low Vdd operation. This leads to a substantial (>35%) performance gain for Vdd ∼0.8V compared to the HP 22nm planar predecessor technology. At the same time, the exceptional FE/BE reliability enables high Vdd (>1.1V) operation essential to the high single thread performance for processors intended for ‘scale-up’ enterprise systems. A hierarchical BEOL with 15 levels of copper interconnect delivers both high performance wire-ability as well as effective power supply and clock distribution for very large >600mm2 SoCs.
Rapid method for the radioisotopic analysis of gaseous end products of anaerobic metabolism.

A gas chromatographic procedure for the simultaneous analysis of 14C-labeled and unlabeled metabolic gases from microbial methanogenic systems is described. H2, CH4, and CO2 were separated within 2.5 min on a Carbosieve B column and were detected by thermal conductivity. Detector effluents were channeled into a gas proportional counter for measurement of radioactivity. This method was more rapid, sensitive, and convenient than gas chromatography-liquid scintillation techniques. The gas chromatography-gas proportional counting procedure was used to characterize the microbial decomposition of organic matter in anaerobic lake sediments and to monitor 14CH4 formation from H2 and 14CO2 by Methanosarcina barkeri.
Complete sequence, gene arrangement, and genetic code of mitochondrial DNA of the cephalochordate Branchiostoma floridae (Amphioxus)

We have determined the 15,083-nucleotide (nt) sequence of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) of the lancelet Branchiostoma floridae (Chordata: Cephalochordata). As is typical in metazoans, the mtDNA encodes 13 protein, 2 rRNA, and 22 tRNA genes. The gene arrangement differs from the common vertebrate arrangement by only four tRNA gene positions. Three of these are unique to Branchiostoma, but the fourth is in a position that is primitive for chordates. It shares the genetic code variations found in vertebrate mtDNAs except that AGA 5 serine, a code variation found in many invertebrate phyla but not in vertebrates (the related codon AGG was not found). Branchiostoma mtDNA lacks a vertebrate-like control region; its largest noncoding region (129 nt) is unremarkable in sequence or base composition, and its location between ND5 and tRNA G differs from that usually found in vertebrates. It also lacks a potential hairpin DNA structure like those found in many (though not in all) vertebrates to serve as the second-strand (i.e., L-strand) origin of replication. Perhaps related to this, the sequence corresponding to the DHU arm of tRNA C cannot form a helical stem, a condition found in a few other vertebrate mtDNAs that also lack a canonical L-strand origin of replication. ATG and GTG codons appear to initiate translation in 11 and 2 of the protein-encoding genes, respectively. Protein genes end with complete (TAA or TAG) or incomplete (T or TA) stop codons; the latter are presumably converted to TAA by post-transcriptional polyadenylation.
A Focus on Human Flourishing

In this column the author focuses on the concepts of human vulnerability and human flourishing. A parable is presented highlighting the importance of now, the present, in human flourishing. A bioethical, anthropological perspective and a nursing humanbecoming perspective on human flourishing are offered. Nursing education is challenged to emphasize the nursing theories of the discipline to teach the concept of human flourishing. Parse's concept of true presence, the four postulates of humanbecoming, and the humanbecoming community change concepts illuminate a nursing theoretical understanding of human flourishing.
On the role of physiological fluctuations in quantitative gradient echo MRI: implications for GEPCI, QSM, and SWI

Purpose Physiological fluctuations in biological tissues adversely affect MR images if present during signal acquisition. This problem is especially important for quantitative MRI. The goal of the studies reported in this study was to reduce the contributions of physiological fluctuations in quantitative MRI based on T2* tissue relaxation properties. Specifically, in this study we deal with GEPCI, QSM, and SWI techniques and propose methods allowing for substantial improvement of their results. Methods We used a navigator imbedded in a multi-gradient-echo sequence to record and correct MR signal phase fluctuations at each phase encoding step. All GEPCI, QSM, and SWI images were then reconstructed from a single acquisition. We used a keyhole-type approach to further average out effects of physiological fluctuations. Voxel spread function technique was used to correct for macroscopic field inhomogeneities. Results Brains of normal subjects and subjects with multiple sclerosis were studied. We demonstrated that our used strategies substantially reduced the width of the R2* = 1/T2* distribution within human brains and significantly improved quantification of tissue damage in multiple sclerosis. We also showed improved quality of the SWI and QSM images. Conclusion The strategies used in this study greatly reduced physiologically induced artifacts in GEPCI, QSM, and SWI, improving the reliability of these techniques. Magn Reson Med 73:195–203, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Model-Based Time and Cost Estimation in a Software Testing Environment

This paper presents a systematic approach for estimating time and cost information in a software testing environment. Models are powerful analytical tools, particularly well suited to solving complex, multivariable problems with time variant data. Software cost estimation certainly meets these criteria. This paper outlines how basic modeling techniques can be applied to this problem space. While there are some certain inescapable uncertainties in initial project estimations, by leveraging work repetition patterns in projects and the implementation of certain best practice estimation techniques it is possible to achieve improved quality and consistency of estimates, reduced estimate uncertainty earlier in the project, and increased accuracy of estimates over time. The model-based estimation system described in this paper is significantly less complicated than many formal estimation models (such as COCOMO II) and can realistically be implemented across organizations in a relatively short time.
A V-band Voltage Controlled Oscillator with greater than 18GHz of continuous tuning-range based on orthogonal E mode and H mode control

A technique to achieve an extended continuous tuning range for Voltage Controlled Oscillators (VCO) is presented. The technique is scalable and the theory could be applied to achieve wide tuning range VCOs operating at arbitrary center frequency; however, it is more desirable at mm-wave regime (V-Band in this case) as it alleviates the need for switches and big varactor banks. The technique incorporated here relies on separate E and H mode excitation of the resonator, while avoiding the Q-degrading switches. The standing-wave V-band VCO reported here is implemented in 65-nm CMOS technology and achieves a continuous tuning range from 58 GHz to 76.2 GHz, with an average phase noise of −89.5 dBc/Hz at 1 MHz offset across the entire band, consumes an average of 5.8 mW (excluding the output buffers), and thus achieves a record FoM.
Global Television Distribution: Implications of TV “Traveling” for Viewers, Fans, and Texts

This article focuses on the sale and purchase of TV programs and formats at international trade fairs and its implications for our understanding of global television audiences, fans, and texts. Thr...
Influence of temperature and leaf-to-air vapor pressure deficit on net photosynthesis and stomatal conductance in red spruce (Picea rubens).

The roles of temperature (T) and leaf-to-air vapor pressure deficit (VPD) in regulating net photosynthesis (A(net)) and stomatal conductance (G(s)) of red spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.) were investigated in a field study and in a controlled environment experiment. Both A(net) and G(s) exhibited a relatively flat response to temperatures between 16 and 32 degrees C. Temperatures between 32 and 36 degrees C markedly decreased both A(net) and G(s). Vapor pressure deficits above 2 kPa had significant effects of both A(net) and G(s). The influence of VPD on A(net) and G(s) fit a linear response model and did not interact significantly with T effects.
Assessing density-dependent establishment and dispersal: an example using caddisfly larvae

Density dependence in colonization is poorly understood. We studied colonization by a benthic, stream-dwelling caddisfly, Hydropsyche slossonae, through experiments varying conspecific densities an...
Multifinality in the Development of Personality Disorders: A Biology × Sex × Environment Interaction Model of Antisocial and Borderline Traits

Although antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) is more common among males and borderline PD (BPD) is more common among females, some authors have suggested that the two disorders reflect multifinal outcomes of a single etiology. This assertion is based on several overlapping symptoms and features, including trait impulsivity, emotional lability, high rates of depression and suicide, and a high likelihood of childhood abuse and/or neglect. Furthermore, rates of ASPD are elevated in the first degree relatives of those with BPD, and concurrent comorbidity rates for the two disorders are high. In this article, we present a common model of antisocial and borderline personality development. We begin by reviewing issues and problems with diagnosing and studying PDs in children and adolescents. Next, we discuss dopaminergic and serotonergic mechanisms of trait impulsivity as predisposing vulnerabilities to ASPD and BPD. Finally, we extend shared risk models for ASPD and BPD by specifying genetic loci that may confer differential vulnerability to impulsive aggression and mood dysregulation among males and impulsive self-injury and mood dysregulation among females. Although the precise mechanisms of these sex-moderated genetic vulnerabilities remain poorly understood, they appear to interact with environmental risk factors including adverse rearing environments to potentiate the development of ASPD and BPD.