Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multivariate meta-analysis: Potential and promise

The multivariate random effects model is a generalization of the standard univariate model. Multivariate meta‐analysis is becoming more commonly used and the techniques and related computer software, although continually under development, are now in place. In order to raise awareness of the multivariate methods, and discuss their advantages and disadvantages, we organized a one day ‘Multivariate meta‐analysis’ event at the Royal Statistical Society. In addition to disseminating the most recent developments, we also received an abundance of comments, concerns, insights, critiques and encouragement. This article provides a balanced account of the day's discourse. By giving others the opportunity to respond to our assessment, we hope to ensure that the various view points and opinions are aired before multivariate meta‐analysis simply becomes another widely used de facto method without any proper consideration of it by the medical statistics community. We describe the areas of application that multivariate meta‐analysis has found, the methods available, the difficulties typically encountered and the arguments for and against the multivariate methods, using four representative but contrasting examples. We conclude that the multivariate methods can be useful, and in particular can provide estimates with better statistical properties, but also that these benefits come at the price of making more assumptions which do not result in better inference in every case. Although there is evidence that multivariate meta‐analysis has considerable potential, it must be even more carefully applied than its univariate counterpart in practice. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inhibition of glycosylation by amphomycin and sugar nucleotide analogs PP36 and PP55 indicates that Haloferax volcanii beta-glucosylates both glycoproteins and glycolipids through lipid-linked sugar intermediates: evidence for three novel glycoproteins and a novel sulfated dihexosyl-archaeol glycoli

Arachaebacteria have been recently placed in evolution as a separate kingdom of organisms between procaryotes and eucaryotes. Although these organisms contain both glycolipids and glycoproteins, they possess no Golgi. No biosynthetic work has been published on the complex carbohydrates of these newly reassigned organisms. This report describes preliminary results from one member of this kingdom, Haloferax volcanii, which suggest that all glycosylation proceeds through lipid intermediates. Evidence for novel glycolipid structure was also found during this study. H. volcanii plasma membranes contain all of the enzyme activities for synthesis of N-linked glycoproteins and archaeol-based glycolipids. For glucose transfer, all reactions apparently proceed through glucose-phosphopolyisoprenol using UDP-glucose as primary donor. Incorporation of D-[3H]glucose from UDP-D-[3H]glucose into glycoproteins and glycolipids of H. volcanii was stimulated by addition of C55-polyisoprenol phosphate, but not by C85-105 dolichol phosphate, and was inhibited by amphomycin and two recently described sugar nucleotide analogs, PP36 (5'-[N-(2-decanoylamino-3-hydroxy-3-phenylpropyloxy carbonyl)glycyl]amino]-5'-deoxyuridine) and PP55 (5'-O-[[(2-decanoylamino-3-phenylpropyloxycarbonyl) amino]sulfonyl]uridine). All three inhibitors are reported to block transfer of sugar from UDP-sugars to phosphopolyisoprenols in eucaryotes. However, in H. volcanii these inhibitors apparently block transfer of glucose from polyprenyl intermediates to final glycoproteins and glycolipid products. The sulfodihexosyl archaeol glycolipid fraction was partially characterized by mass spectrometry and was found to contain a previously unreported structure with sulfate on the reducing-end sugar. Four major glycoproteins 190, 105, 56, and 52 kDa and an archaeol-based glycolipid fraction were labeled by amphomycin-sensitive pathways. Photoaffinity labeling of H. volcanii homogenate with 5-azido-[32P]UDP-Glc tagged only one 45-kDa polypeptide which is a probable glucosyl-phosphorylpolyisoprenol synthase. The fact that only one polypeptide band was photoaffinity-labeled indicated that no other transferase utilized UDP-glucose directly in H. volcanii. The salt requirement of the UDP-glucose-dependent pathways suggests that cytoplasmic enzymes function in a high salt environment in H. volcanii. The archaebacterial plasma membrane thus expresses many functions for glycosylation of both glycoproteins and glycolipids, normally found in the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi of eucaryotes.
A Duplex Theory of Hate: Development and Application to Terrorism, Massacres, and Genocide

This article presents a triangular theory of the structure of hate and a story-based theory of the development of triangles of hate. Hate is proposed to be 1 contributing cause of many, although certainly not all, massacres and genocides. The article describes why the problem of terrorism, massacres, and genocide is of critical importance to psychology; reviews theories of the instigation of massacres and genocides; and then presents the duplex theory. The role of propaganda and other instigating factors is discussed. The benefits and limitations of the proposed duplex theory of hate are reviewed. Possible remedies for hate also are delineated.
A comparison of characteristics of early communication exchanges in mother-preterm and mother-full-term infant dyads

Communication in 32 mother-infant dyads (18 mother-preterm infants and 14 mother-full-term infants) was observed during semi-structured play sessions when the children were 6 months of age. Maternal speech directed to the child was assessed in terms of complexity, verbal productivity and function of the utterances. This study also analysed turn-taking interaction structure and the children's prelinguistic development. The results show differences between the interactive patterns of term and preterm mother-infant dyads. In particular, mother-preterm infant conversations were characterized by high maternal responsiveness and lack of activity on the part of the infant.
Effect of single‐sex education on progress in GCSE

Multilevel modelling was carried out on national value‐added data to study the effects of single‐sex education on the progress of pupils from 2002 Key Stage 3 to 2004 GCSE. The analysis suggests that pupils in a selective environment achieve higher progress in single‐sex schools; however, the advantage of single‐sex schooling seems to decrease with increasing pupils' prior attainment (for girls) or with increasing school ‘selectiveness’ (for boys). These phenomena might be a result of a ceiling effect, as pupils with high prior attainment at Key Stage 3 cannot improve as much as pupils with lower initial attainment. There was also strong evidence suggesting that pupils achieve higher progress in the independent sector compared to grammar education. On the other hand, in a non‐selective environment only pupils with lower prior attainment and those attending schools with a full range of abilities seem to benefit from single‐sex education.
Anger, fear, uncertainty, and attitudes: a test of the cognitive-functional model

The cognitive-functional model of discrete negative emotions and attitude change (CFM; Nabi, 1999) attempts to bridge the theoretical gap between “emotional” and “rational” approaches to persuasion by focusing on how emotions motivate attention to and processing of persuasive messages. As a first test of the CFM, this study explored the effects of 2 emotions, anger and fear, and 2 levels of expectation of message reassurance, certainty and uncertainty, on attitudes toward domestic terrorism legislation. Results supported a main effect for emotion type, suggesting that anger promotes deeper information processing than fear, and a main effect for reassurance certainty level, with uncertainty promoting deeper information processing. The expected interaction between emotion type and reassurance expectation level was not found. Implications of these findings for the model and persuasion research generally are discussed.
Interleukin-12 (IL-12)/IL-10 Ratio as a Marker of Disease Severity in Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever

Saksida et al. present an insightful analysis of correlations between cytokine levels, viral load, antibody titers, and clinical severity in a group of 46 patients with acute Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) ([5][1]). As noted by the study's authors, similar results have been found in other
Multicenter phase II trial of temsirolimus (TEM) and bevacizumab (BEV) in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (PNET).

260 Background: Recent placebo-controlled phase III trials of the mTOR inhibitor everolimus and the VEGF/ PDGF receptor inhibitor sunitinib in PNET noted improved progression-free survival (PFS). However, objective response rates (RR) with these agents are <10%. Preclinical studies suggest enhanced anti-tumor effects with combined mTOR and VEGF targeted therapy. METHODS We conducted a phase II trial of the mTOR inhibitor TEM (25 mg IV q week) and the VEGF-A monoclonal antibody BEV (10 mg/kg IV q 2 weeks) in patients (pts) with well or moderately differentiated PNET and progressive disease by RECIST within 7 months of study entry. Co-primary endpoints were RR and 6-month PFS. Planned enrollment is 50 patients, with interim analysis after the first 25 evaluable pts. Pts had no prior mTOR or VEGF targeted agents, ECOG PS 0-1, and adequate hematologic and organ function. Continued octreotide was allowed, but not required. Prior interferon, embolization, and ≤ 2 chemotherapy regimens were allowed. RESULTS Confirmed PR was documented in 11 of the first 25 (44%) evaluable patients. 20 of 25 (80%) patients were progression-free at 6 months. Both endpoints exceeded pre-defined criteria to continue enrollment. For 35 evaluable patients, the most common grade 3-4 adverse events attributed to therapy were leukopenia (12%), hypertension (12%), hyperglycemia (12%), mucositis (9%), and fatigue (9%). CONCLUSIONS The combination of TEM/BEV has substantial activity in a multi-center phase II trial with RR of 44%, well in excess of single targeted agents in PNET. 6-month PFS was a notable 80% in a population of patients with RECIST criteria progression within 7 months of study entry. Accrual is ongoing. Supported by NCI N01 Contracts: 662205, 62203, 62208, 62209, 62206, 62204, 62207, 62201.
Effectiveness of selective neck dissection for management of the clinically negative neck.

OBJECTIVE To determine the effectiveness of selective neck dissection for management of the clinically negative neck in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. DESIGN A retrospective comparison of patients treated electively with selective neck dissection and comprehensive neck dissection. SETTING Academic tertiary referral center. PATIENTS Patients with clinically negative necks and previously untreated head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. INTERVENTION Elective neck dissection, surgical treatment of the primary lesion, and postoperative radiotherapy as indicated. OUTCOME MEASURES Regional recurrence, distant metastasis, and disease-free survival. RESULTS Selective neck dissection was as effective as comprehensive procedures for staging the clinically negative neck. Occult metastases had a statistically significant effect on patient outcome as measured by distant metastasis. CONCLUSION Elective neck dissection provides invaluable staging information, which guides the decision for adjuvant therapy.
Effect of School Population Socioeconomic Status on Individual Academic Achievement

ABSTRACT The relationship between the socioeconomic status (SES) of peers and individual academic achievement was examined in this study. This question was investigated while a variety of sociodemographic factors were being controlled, including a student's own SES. Student SES was measured by using participation in the federal free/reduced–price lunch program as an indicator of poverty status, and parental educational and occupational background as a measure of family social status. These measures were aggregated to the school level to define the SES of the peer population. Student achievement is a factor score of the three 10th–grade components of the Louisiana Graduation Exit Examination. Peer family social status in particular does have a significant and substantive independent effect on individual academic achievement, only slightly less than an individual's own family social status.
Easing the transition: a collaborative learning approach

Engaging first year students is a difficult problem, as students must develop independent study skills while concurrently mastering their chosen topic. At the same time, they find themselves in an alien environment, removed from their peer group and anonymised by University structures. Retention is of particular concern within ICT as across Australia, and globally, we have seen a recent dramatic drop in number of students applying for ICT degrees, and poor progression and retention rates. Collaborative learning is a strategy that involves the students themselves in the ownership and direction of their learning; each student is responsible for not only their own learning but of the learning of the group. In this paper we describe our approach to student engagement based on applying a range of collaborative learning techniques within an introductory Computer Science course, addressing specifically the task of collaborative problem solving. Results from three years of adopting this change in teaching methodology indicate increased student confidence, participation and student ability.
A Position Statement by the International Graphonomics Society on the Use of Graphology in Personnel Selection Testing

Among the various tests employed in personnel selection, handwriting analysis, or graphology, has enjoyed long-standing international popularity despite being highly contentious. This report contains not only an evaluation of the current published scientific reviews on the use of graphology in personnel selection, but also an evaluation of several additional studies graphologists provided that seemed to have been overlooked. The latter were obtained by contacting nine of the foremost institutes offering graphological training, consulting services, or both to ensure that the graphologists themselves would be fairly represented. Even with this additional information we found no reason to counter conclusions the scientific community has reached, namely that (a) the continued use of graphology in personnel selection could prove harmful to many individuals and firms, and (b) it fails to approach the level of criterion validity of other widely available and less expensive screening devices used for personnel selection. This article ends with a position statement about this matter, which the International Graphonomics Society1 endorsed.
Die Konzeptualisierung des Sprachraums als Teil des regionalsprachlichen Wissens

Abstract This study deals with the conceptualization of language distribution in space. Based on an examination of two generations, parallels and differences in the localization of active knowledge become apparent. Further, parallels and differences in the localization of speech samples are also demonstrated. The results show not only that 16-year-old pupils possess distinctive knowledge about language in space, but also that the conceptualization of dialects may dependent on specific stimuli. Obviously, knowledge about dialects is connected to individual experience. But at the same time it is indicated that the media, widely held responsible for the disappearance of dialects, have, at least in part, generated new regional knowledge.
Postmigratory Body Condition and Ovarian Steroid Production Predict Breeding Decisions by Female Gray-Headed Albatrosses

Carryover effects have been documented in many migratory bird species, but we know little about the physiological mechanisms that mediate those effects. Here we show that the energetic, endocrine, and aerobic characteristics of postmigratory female gray-headed albatrosses (Thalassarche chrysostoma) can affect their decision to breed. All females in this study, whether breeding or not, were secreting ovarian steroids when they arrived at the breeding colony at Bird Island, South Georgia, which suggests that all were responding to seasonal cues. However, deferring, nonbreeding birds were characterized by a steroid profile of high progesterone (P4) and low testosterone (T), whereas breeding birds showed the opposite pattern. Deferring birds also had low body mass, hematocrit, and hemoglobin. These results suggest that postmigratory condition can influence patterns of ovarian steroidogenesis and that the maintenance of high P4 without subsequent conversion to T favors breeding deferral. Whereas breeding females normally convert P4 to T, which is a key deterministic step toward 17β-estradiol synthesis, vitellogenesis, and follicle development, deferring females did not make this conversion and instead maintained high levels of P4, perhaps due to inhibition of the hydroxylase-lyase enzyme complex, thus rendering them infertile for the current season. Results are discussed within the context of the biennial breeding system of this species, and comparisons with other biennially and annually breeding albatrosses are made.
Student experience and tertiary expectations: factors predicting academic literacy amongst first‐year pharmacy students

Enhancing student performance in the first year and increasing retention rates have become important priorities for universities, resulting in a focus on support, especially for students deemed ‘at risk’. Research suggests the importance of entry pathways into university and academic literacy for successful progression. However, there is little research on the relationship between academic literacy levels and students' self‐evaluation of their written communication skills. The current study, using a first‐year cohort in undergraduate pharmacy, investigated the relationship between students' academic literacy skills, their previous writing experiences and their self‐evaluations of their own literacy. As well as confirming the relationship between entry pathways and literacy performance, this study found length of text written before students entered the University of Sydney to be a salient variable. Students also were more realistic when evaluating specific literacy skills than when providing a more general evaluation of their written communication skills, which has implications for their preparedness to access available support.
Randomized clinical trials of raloxifene: reducing the risk of osteoporosis and breast cancer in postmenopausal women

The P-1 trial of tamoxifen versus placebo for breast cancer prevention in high-risk women provided proof of the concept that chemoprevention was effective. The approval of tamoxifen for this indication in 1998 provided a pharmaceutical agent as an alternative to bilateral mastectomy and/or oophorectomy for women at high risk. Although for some women and their physicians this was a welcome alternative, fear of toxicities from tamoxifen has been a major barrier to its use. Four trials evaluating the role of raloxifene in breast cancer prevention have resulted in the recent approval by the US Food and Drug Administration for postmenopausal women with osteoporosis or at high risk of breast cancer. It has a more favorable toxicity profile than tamoxifen and provides an alternative for postmenopausal women.
A Practice Evaluation of Professional Learning Communities among School Social Workers Using a Recollection Proxy Pretest Design

In light of the need for school accountability and evidence-based practice, professional learning communities (PLCs) with a focus on teaching and learning are gaining popularity among school systems. It is anticipated that school social workers will be able to streamline and enhance interventions and service delivery to clients through the use of PLCs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of PLCs on the school social work practice in the urban school setting. The study provides insight into the development of PLCs among school social workers within an urban school system and how participants perceived the benefits, barriers, and outcomes of the PLCs practice. All school social workers in the urban system were surveyed and the results analyzed using a recollection proxy pre-test design. The addition of a PLC had a positive impact on school social work practice.
Agreement Between Parents and Children Regarding Anxiety and Depression Diagnoses in Children With Asthma

This study examined parent-child agreement regarding anxiety and depressive disorders in youth with asthma and evaluated key demographic and health differences associated with parent-child agreement. Of 756 outpatient youth with asthma, 122 (16.0%) were diagnosed with a DSM-IV anxiety or depression disorder using the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children (C-DISC). Parents reported on internalizing symptoms using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Logistic regression analyses were used to examine factors related to parent- and child-reported symptom agreement. Low rates of agreement (48.9%) between youth and parents regarding diagnosis of a DSM-IV anxiety or depressive disorder were found among youth with asthma. Increased agreement was associated with higher externalizing behavior score on the CBCL and more anxiety and depressive symptoms on the C-DISC. Children without behavioral problems and with less severe anxiety and depression were recognized significantly less often by their parents.
A discourse about the institutional handling of the substance abuser's penchant to relapse (Relapse)

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present the first of two articles about substance abuse as a human disorder that defies resolution, with the primary care physician the intended audience.Design/methodology/approach – The paper is about the phenomenon of relapse as an extension of the formation of the underlying addictive‐oriented thinking. Both relapse and acceptance are about the “why” of substance abuse and not the “what. ”Findings – According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the number of US adults who were classified as having substance dependence or abuse in 2008 based on criteria specified in the DSM‐IV was 22.2 million. Subtract on a mutually exclusive basis the 1.2 million who participate in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and the 1.7 million persons who are in some configuration of institutional therapy and this leaves 19.3 million persons as a potential pool of need.Research limitations/implications – Focusing on the primary care physician is no more trivial th.
The degree sequences and spectra of scale‐free random graphs

We investigate the degree sequences of scale‐free random graphs. We obtain a formula for the limiting proportion of vertices with degree d, confirming non‐rigorous arguments of Dorogovtsev, Mendes, and Samukhin ( Phys Rev Lett 85 (2000), 4633 ). We also consider a generalization of the model with more randomization, proving similar results. Finally, we use our results on the degree sequence to show that for certain values of parameters localized eigenfunctions of the adjacency matrix can be found. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg. , 2006