Nested Markov Compliance Class Model in the Presence of Time-Varying Noncompliance

We consider a Markov structure for partially unobserved time-varying compliance classes in the Imbens-Rubin (1997) compliance model framework. The context is a longitudinal randomized intervention study where subjects are randomized once at baseline, outcomes and patient adherence are measured at multiple follow-ups, and patient adherence to their randomized treatment could vary over time. We propose a nested latent compliance class model where we use time-invariant subject-specific compliance principal strata to summarize longtudinal trends of subject-specific time-varying compliance patterns. The principal strata are formed using Markov models that related current compliance behavior to compliance history. Treatment effects are estimated as intent-to -treat effects within the compliance principal strata

Cash operating income and liquidity management for feeder cattle operations

Net cash flow measures the amount of cash remaining after all cash expense obligations are satisfied. This cash is available for additional farm investment, off-farm investment, family living, and additional debt repayment. A 5-year, average, monthly, cash-flow statement was used to determine net cash flow for 18 feeder cattle farms .Results indicate that excess cash was used primarily to invest in equipment, vehicles, and nonfarm assets. Investments in buildings increased moderately over the study period, while investment in land was minimal

Modeling Menstrual Cycle Length and Variability at the Approach of Menopause Using Bayesian Changepoint Models

As women approach menopause, the patterns of their menstruation cycle lengths change. To study these changes, we need to jointly model both the mean and variability of the cycle length. The model incorporates separate mean and variance change points for each woman and a hierarchical model to link them together, along with regression components to include predictors of menopausal onset such as age at menarche and parity. Data are from TREMIN, an ongoing 70-year old longitudinal study that has obtained menstrual calendar data of women throughout their reproductive life course. An additional complexity arises from the fact that these calendars have substantial missingness due to hormone use, surgery, failure to report, and loss of contact. We integrate multiple imputation and time-to event modeling in our Bayesian estimation procedure to deal with different forms of the missingness. Posterior predictive model checks are applied to evaluate the model fit. Our method successfully modeled patterns of women’s menstrual cycle trajectories throughout their late reproductive life and identified the change points for mean and variability of segment length, which provides insight into the menopausal process. More generally, our model points the way toward increasing use of joint mean-variance models to predict health outcomes and better understand disease processes

ELMO1 has an essential role in the internalization of Salmonella Typhimurium into enteric macrophages that impacts disease outcome.

Backgrounds and aims4-6 million people die of enteric infections each year. After invading intestinal epithelial cells, enteric bacteria encounter phagocytes. However, little is known about how phagocytes internalize the bacteria to generate host responses. Previously, we have shown that BAI1 (Brain Angiogenesis Inhibitor 1) binds and internalizes Gram-negative bacteria through an ELMO1 (Engulfment and cell Motility protein 1)/Rac1-dependent mechanism. Here we delineate the role of ELMO1 in host inflammatory responses following enteric infection.MethodsELMO1-depleted murine macrophage cell lines, intestinal macrophages and ELMO1 deficient mice (total or myeloid-cell specific) was infected with Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium. The bacterial load, inflammatory cytokines and histopathology was evaluated in the ileum, cecum and spleen. The ELMO1 dependent host cytokines were detected by a cytokine array. ELMO1 mediated Rac1 activity was measured by pulldown assay.ResultsThe cytokine array showed reduced release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α and MCP-1, by ELMO1-depleted macrophages. Inhibition of ELMO1 expression in macrophages decreased Rac1 activation (~6 fold) and reduced internalization of Salmonella. ELMO1-dependent internalization was indispensable for TNF-α and MCP-1. Simultaneous inhibition of ELMO1 and Rac function virtually abrogated TNF-α responses to infection. Further, activation of NF-κB, ERK1/2 and p38 MAP kinases were impaired in ELMO1-depleted cells. Strikingly, bacterial internalization by intestinal macrophages was completely dependent on ELMO1. Salmonella infection of ELMO1-deficient mice resulted in a 90% reduction in bacterial burden and attenuated inflammatory responses in the ileum, spleen and cecum.ConclusionThese findings suggest a novel role for ELMO1 in facilitating intracellular bacterial sensing and the induction of inflammatory responses following infection with Salmonella

Juvenile gadoids habitat association and ontogenetic shift observations using stereo-video baited cameras

Understanding habitat variables affecting species distribution and survival is essential to their protection. This is especially important in areas where anthropogenic pressures can have a significant direct impact on not only the survival of the species but also damage their habitat. The Firth of Clyde, southwestern Scotland, was an important commercial fishing area for a variety demersal fish species up until 1973. However, stocks have since declined to near-zero despite fisheries measures put in place to aid recovery. Here we report on Stereo Baited Remote Underwater Video (SBRUV) surveys in the Firth of Clyde between June and September in 2013 and 2014 to determine the habitat of juvenile Atlantic cod Gadus morhua, haddock Melanogrammus aeglefinus, and whiting Merlangius merlangus. Habitat predictor variables explored included substratum type, depth, wave fetch, and bentho-demersal species diversity. G. morhua were most abundant in shallow, sheltered areas composed of gravel-pebble containing maerl. Ontogenetic shifts and density dependence were also observed. M. aeglefinus, and M. merlangus predominated over deeper sand and mud. Relative abundances of all three species were positively related to bentho-demersal diversity. This work demonstrates the potential of SBRUV as a non-destructive survey tool under northern-temperate conditions. Our results indicate that spatial conservation measures to benefit demersal fish should be advised by patterns of bentho-demersal diversity as well as physical substratum types

Internet Predictions

More than a dozen leading experts give their opinions on where the Internet is headed and where it will be in the next decade in terms of technology, policy, and applications. They cover topics ranging from the Internet of Things to climate change to the digital storage of the future. A summary of the articles is available in the Web extras section