Coarsening and metastability of the long-range voter model in three dimensions.

We study analytically the ordering kinetics and the final metastable states in the three-dimensional long-range voter model where N agents described by a Boolean spin variable S_{i} can be found in two states (or opinion) ±1. The kinetics is such that each agent copies the opinion of another at distance r chosen with probability P(r)∝r^{-α} (α>0). In the thermodynamic limit N→∞ the system approaches a correlated metastable state without consensus, namely without full spin alignment.

Ordering kinetics of the two-dimensional voter model with long-range interactions.

We study analytically the ordering kinetics of the two-dimensional long-range voter model on a two-dimensional lattice, where agents on each vertex take the opinion of others at distance r with probability P(r)∝r^{-α}. The model is characterized by different regimes, as α is varied. For α>4, the behavior is similar to that of the nearest-neighbor model, with the formation of ordered domains of a typical size growing as L(t)∝sqrt[t], until consensus is reached in a time of the order of NlnN, with N being the number of agents.

The Nutrition, Aging, and Memory in Elders (NAME) study: design and methods for a study of micronutrients and cognitive function in a homebound elderly population.

Background: Micronutrient status can affect cognitive function in the elderly; however, there is much to learn about the precise effects. Understanding mediating factors by which micronutrient status affects cognitive function would contribute to elders' quality of life and their ability to remain in the home.

Objectives: The Nutrition, Aging, and Memory in Elders (NAME) Study is designed to advance the current level of knowledge by investigating potential mediating factors by which micronutrient status contributes to cognitive impairment and central nervous system abnormalities in the elderly.

Executive dysfunction in homebound older people with diabetes mellitus.

Objectives: To describe patterns of cognitive deficits and activities of daily living (ADLs) in older people with diabetes mellitus.

Design: Cross-sectional, population-based study.

Setting: Three homecare agency areas in Boston, Massachusetts.

Meta-analysis of five randomized controlled trials comparing continuation of zidovudine versus switching to didanosine in HIV-infected individuals.

A meta-analysis of the original data from 2411 patients in the ACTG 116A, ACTG116B/117, ACTG175, BMS010 and CTN002 trials was conducted to improve the estimate of the effect of switching from zidovudine to didanosine on rates of clinical progression, to better quantify the rates of neurological events (including AIDS dementia and peripheral neuropathy) and to examine the effects of switching from zidovudine to didanosine among women and racial subgroups. In total, 1012 patients received zidovudine therapy, 557 received high-dose didanosine and 842 received didanosine. The median duration of follow-up was 15 months.