Two-stage designs for the logistic regression model in single-agent bioassays

In this paper we focus on the use of a two-stage procedure for logistic regression that emphasizes predicting response through the use of the Q-optimality criterion. The use of D-optimality in the first stage is primarily to allow best possible parameter estimates as one enters the second stage. However, it is important to understand that there are many ways to formulate the two-stage procedure. It may involve any optimality criterion in either stage. In fact, theoretically, one need not stop at two stages. It was our intention in this paper to demonstrate the potential in the two-stage procedure in cases in which good initial parameter estimates are not available. Those investigators who are interested in the software for the two-stage procedure described here should contact Dr. William R. Myers.     

Contribution of emotionally traumatic events and inheritance to the report of current physical health problems in 4042 Vietnam era veteran twin pairs

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Use of temporary crowns and fixed partial dentures is especially relevant when the treatment plan requires restorations for long interim periods, and the in-service discoloration of provisional restorative materials is a major drawback. PURPOSE: This study evaluated the discoloration effect of coffee and tea on some materials that are commonly used in the fabrication of provisional restorations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Six commercially available provisional resins (Jet, Caulk TBR, Protemp Garant, Luxatemp Solar, Provipont DC and SR-Ivocron-PE) were evaluated after 1 day, 7 days, and 30 days of immersion in various staining solutions. Color measurements were obtained by using a Dr Lange Micro Color tristimulus colorimeter and color differences (delta E*) were estimated. RESULTS: The 2 chemically activated resins (Jet and Caulk TBR) and the heat-cured resin (SR-Ivocron PE) exhibited the least color changes, whereas the Provipont-DC resin was the least color stable. After immersion for 30 days, the combination with the coffee solution resulted in unacceptable discoloration for all the tested materials. CONCLUSIONS: Provisional restorative materials, staining solutions, and immersion time were significant factors that affected color stability. After immersion for 7 days, all materials showed observable color changes. The composite-based materials, especially light-curing composites, were the least color stable. The coffee solution exhibited more staining capacity than the tea solution.     

Intestinal absorption in Saudi Arabia: an evaluation of the one hour blood xylose test

The screening value of the one-hour blood xylose test, corrected for body surface area, was prospectively studied in Saudi Arabian adults and children under investigation for suspected intestinal malabsorption. Sensitivity of discrimination between patients with and without upper small bowel disease was 91%, compared to 85% for the five-hour urine xylose test. Primary small bowel disorder was rare. In a three-year review, no cases of adult coeliac disease or tropical sprue were found. The most common causes of malabsorption were intestinal tuberculosis, abdominal lymphoma and immunoproliferative small intestinal disease. Despite its acceptability as an index of proximal small bowel function, the blood xylose test alone is an inadequate screening test for any of these conditions.     

Relationships of serum insulin-like growth factor I concentrations to growth, composition, and reproductive traits of swine

Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) is a peptide hormone that has been shown to be involved in metabolic regulation of growth and reproduction in livestock species. The objectives of this study were to quantify concentrations of IGF-I in growing pigs and determine whether IGF-I concentration can be used as a predictor of growth, composition, and reproductive traits. Forty male and 60 female pigs, divided equally between two locations, were weighed and bled at 3-wk intervals from 6 to 21 wk of age. At each sampling, two blood samples were collected via jugular venipuncture at an interval of at least 1 h. Serum was separated and IGF-I concentration determined via RIA. Pigs were weighed at each sampling date. Backfat and longissimus muscle area were measured with the use of B-mode ultrasound and adjusted to 100 kg. Age at puberty and first-parity litter size were measured on gilts. Effects of age, sex, location, and pig within sex x location on log-transformed IGF-I concentrations were determined by analyzing data as a split-plot. Performance traits were fitted to a model including the effects of IGF-I concentration, sex, location, and interactions. The IGF-I concentrations increased (P < .05) from 3 to 18 wk of age before dropping at 21 wk of age. Concentrations increased more rapidly in males than in females and differed significantly between sexes from 12 to 21 wk of age. Repeatability of IGF-I concentration was .29 +/- .02; IGF-I concentrations of samples collected at 6 wk were not correlated with those at later ages. Correlations between IGF-I concentrations of samples at later ages ranged from .27 to .51. Heritability of IGF-I concentration was .27 +/- .07. There was a tendency for weight to be affected by a sex x age interaction (P = .09). Weight of boars exceeded weight of gilts only at 21 wk (111.4 +/- 1.1 vs 107.1 +/- .8 kg). Regressions of weight on IGF-I concentrations were positive at all ages but greatest at 6 wk. The IGF-I concentration did not affect backfat thickness, longissimus area, percentage of lean, age at puberty, or litter size.