Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Tobit models , GHK simulator , Gibbs sampling simulator , Correlated random effects , Initial conditions problem

This paper provides a computationally practical simulation estimation for the dynamic panel Tobit model with large categories of dependence structures. The simulation estimators are conducted through correlated random effects approach. The log-likelihood function is simulated and maximized through procedures based on a recursive algorithm formulated by GHK and Gibbs sampling simulators. The initial conditions problem is discussed in details. The simulation estimators discussed in this paper have been implemented by Scholz et al. (2006) to study retirement savings. Monte Carlo experiments indicate that the simulation estimators perform strikingly well, especially in the case of the Gibbs estimator, even for a small simulation size. 391H: 2011/03/29 11:03 AM page:3 A Computationally Practical Simulation Estimation for Dynamic Panel Tobit Models (Sheng-Kai Chang)
Cross-Linguistic Comparison of Frequency-Following Responses to Voice Pitch in American and Chinese Neonates and Adults

Objectives: Cross-language studies, as reflected by the scalp-recorded frequency-following response (FFR) to voice pitch, have shown the influence of dominant linguistic environments on the encoding of voice pitch at the brainstem level in normal-hearing adults. Research questions that remained unanswered included the characteristics of the FFR to voice pitch in neonates during their immediate postnatal period and the relative contributions of the biological capacities present at birth versus the influence of the listener's postnatal linguistic experience. The purpose of this study was to investigate the characteristics of FFR to voice pitch in neonates during their first few days of life and to examine the relative contributions of the “biological capacity” versus “linguistic experience” influences on pitch processing in the human brainstem. Design: Twelve American neonates (five males, 1–3 days old) and 12 Chinese neonates (seven males, 1–3 days old) were recruited to examine the characteristics of the FFRs during their immediate postnatal days of life. Twelve American adults (three males; age: mean ± SD = 24.6 ± 3.0 yr) and 12 Chinese adults (six males; age: mean ± SD = 25.3 ± 2.6 yr) were also recruited to determine the relative contributions of biological and linguistic influences. A Chinese monosyllable that mimics the English vowel /i/ with a rising pitch (117–166 Hz) was used to elicit the FFR to voice pitch in all participants. Results: Two-way analysis of variance (i.e., the language [English versus Chinese] and age [neonate versus adult] factors) showed a significant difference in Pitch Strength for language (p = 0.035, F = 4.716). A post hoc Tukey-Kramer analysis further demonstrated that Chinese adults had significantly larger Pitch Strength values than Chinese neonates (p = 0.024). This finding, coupled with the fact that American neonates and American adults had comparable Pitch Strength values, supported the linguistic experience model. On the other hand, Pitch Strength obtained from the American neonates, American adults, and Chinese neonates were not significantly different from each other, supporting the biological capacity model. Conclusions: This study demonstrated an early maturation of voice-pitch processing in neonates starting from 1 to 3 days after birth and a significant effect of linguistic experience on the neural processing of voice pitch at the brainstem level. These findings provide a significant conceptual advancement and a basis for further examination of developmental maturation of subcortical representation of speech features, such as pitch, timing, and harmonics. These findings can also be used to help identify neonates at risk for delays in voice-pitch perception and provide new directions for preventive and therapeutic interventions for patients with central auditory processing deficits, hearing loss, and other types of communication disorders.
Combined modality approach in breast cancer with isolated or multiple metastases

One hundred thirty-six patients with isolated recurrence of breast cancer received regional therapy (surgery and/or irradiation) followed by combination chemotherapy with fluorouracil, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide (FAC). The disease-free survival of the group receiving FAC was compared to that of a historical control group treated with only regional therapy. The median disease-free interval between the first and second recurrence for the control group was 9 months and for the patients receiving FAC, 38 months (p less than 0.01). The median survivals from first recurrence for the control and the FAC groups were 40 months and 60 months, respectively (p less than 0.02). In addition, 20 selected patients with multiple sites of metastasis or bulky isolated recurrence were initially treated with FAC chemotherapy; following complete or partial response with chemotherapy, these patients had regional therapy at the known sites of metastases. At a median follow-up time of 54 months, 9/20 patients (45%) have remained in complete remission. Combined modality approach significantly prolongs the disease-free survival of patients with isolated recurrences of breast cancer, and in selected patients with multiple metastases, this approach results in extended complete remissions.
A New Look at Aging Aerosols

As organic aerosols from different sources age in the atmosphere, their properties become remarkably similar. To chemists, studying the composition of the organic matter in atmospheric aerosols has been frustrating. Despite years of effort and the use of the most sophisticated techniques available, only ∼10 to 30% of the particulate organic matter (POM) has been identified as specific compounds (1). Given that POM makes up a major part of the atmospheric aerosol, this implies that typically the composition of about half of the material in atmospheric aerosols cannot be characterized as individual compounds. On page 1525 of this issue, Jimenez et al. (2) show that the effects of organic aerosol on atmospheric chemistry and climate can be discerned without knowing every one of its components. They propose a new conceptual framework that reflects the emerging view of organic aerosol as a dynamic component of atmospheric chemistry.
Desarrollo de software dirigido por modelos

El Desarrollo de Software Dirigido por Modelos (MDD en su acepcion en ingles “Model-Driven Development”) es una disciplina que esta generando muchas expectativas como alternativa sobresaliente a los metodos convencionales de produccion de software, mas orientado al Espacio de la Solucion que al Espacio del Problema. Despues de muchos anos intentandolo, parece que por fin la comunidad de la Ingenieria del Software acepta que un proceso robusto de produccion de software debe estar soportado por Modelos Conceptuales y dirigido por las Transformaciones correspondientes entre Modelos definidas de forma precisa. Una gran cantidad de trabajos teoricos y practicos acompanan a este movimiento. Existen tambien herramientas que lo hacen ya realidad a nivel comercial. Pero a menudo se olvida un componente fundamental para que su exito sea una realidad tangible: la necesidad de disponer de material didactico agil, actualizado, preciso y riguroso, que permita entender los fundamentos del MDD, las abstracciones en que se basa, los estandares que lo soportan, los problemas que hay que abordar para ponerlo en practica exitosamente, y las ventajas concretas derivadas de su adopcion. Ese es justamente el gran valor proporcionado por este libro. Sus autoras proyectan toda su amplia experiencia didactica e investigadora en ambientes MDD sobre un documento que introduce al lector de una manera clara, sencilla, eficaz y eficiente en el mundo del MDD y de todo lo que representa. Sus contenidos estan actualizados, e incluyen todos los temas que son hoy en dia esenciales para entender las peculiaridades del Desarrollo Dirigido por Modelos.
Attentional processes and their remediation in children treated for cancer: A literature review and the development of a therapeutic approach

It is now generally accepted that central nervous system treatments for childhood cancer can result in significant cognitive impairment, most commonly in the areas of attention/concentration. We review the literature on attentional and neurocognitive deficits in this population, and also efforts to remediate attentional deficits in other brain injured populations. It was our goal to develop an innovative, psychologically based outpatient rehabilitation program that would improve dysfunctional attentional processes and associated neuropsychological deficits. The characteristics of this program and a pilot study of its effectiveness are described. Participants were 31 off-therapy cancer survivors with documented attention deficits. Twenty-one completed the cognitive remediation program (CRP) and 10 served as comparisons. All participants completed a test of vigilance attention, 2 tests with an attentional component, and an arithmetic academic achievement measure. When the scores of the 2 groups were compared, the CRP group exhibited statistically significant improvement on all attentional measures. In contrast, the comparison group did not manifest any significant changes. Neither group demonstrated statistically significant changes on the arithmetic achievement test. We believe that the CRP has potential for improving attention/concentration, but generalization to academic achievement remains unproven. Phase 3 clinical trials and the documentation of long-term treatment gains are needed. Furthermore, it will be necessary to demonstrate the ecological validity of the CRP. With these caveats, this therapeutic approach may be helpful in other populations of cognitively impaired children and young adults, such as patients who have suffered traumatic brain injury. (JINS, 2002, 8, 115–124.)
Modulation of cell functions by glycosphingolipid metabolic remodeling in the plasma membrane

The endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi apparatus are the subcellular sites for glycosphingolipid neobiosynthesis. In addition to this very well‐established knowledge, it is now emerging that post‐Golgi changes in glycosphingolipid structures occurring at the plasma membrane are an important opportunity to modulate cell glycosphingolipid composition and to affect consequently a number of signaling processes. In fact, it is possible to modify very rapidly the membrane organization by the modulation of plasma membrane‐associated enzymes through external stimuli, thus affecting the membrane environment and the functional properties of plasma membrane proteins involved in cell signaling.
Short‐term reorganization of input‐deprived motor vibrissae representation following motor disconnection in adult rats

It has been proposed that abnormal vibrissae input to the motor cortex (M1) mediates short‐term cortical reorganization after facial nerve lesion. To test this hypothesis, we cut first the infraorbital nerve (ION cut) and then the facial nerve (VII cut) in order to evaluate M1 reorganization without any aberrant, facial‐nerve‐lesion‐induced sensory feedback. In each animal, M1 output was assessed in both hemispheres by mapping movements induced by intracortical microstimulation. M1 output was compared in different types of peripheral manipulations: (i) contralateral intact vibrissal pad (intact hemispheres), (ii) contralateral VII cut (VII hemispheres), (iii) contralateral ION cut (ION hemispheres), (iv) contralateral VII cut after contralateral ION cut (ION + VII hemispheres), (v) contralateral pad botulinum‐toxin‐injected after ION cut (ION + BTX hemispheres). Right and left hemispheres in untouched animals were the reference for normal M1 map (control hemispheres). Findings demonstrated that: (1) in ION hemispheres, the mean size of the vibrissae representation was not significantly different from those in intact and control hemispheres; (2) reorganization of the vibrissae movement representation clearly emerged only in hemispheres where the contralateral vibrissae pad had undergone motor output disconnection (VII cut hemispheres); (3) the persistent loss of vibrissae input did not change the M1 reorganization pattern during the first 48 h after motor paralysis (ION + VII cut and ION + BTX hemispheres). Thus, after motor paralysis, vibrissa input does not provide the gating signal necessary to trigger M1 reorganization.
Genetic algorithms for stochastic context-free grammar parameter estimation

Stochastic grammar models for biological sequences have been extensively used in secondary structure prediction and profiling for structural homology recognition. A pertinent issue is, given training RNA sequences, how to estimate the stochastic parameters associated with the rules in the grammar efficiently and accurately. In particular, the existing algorithms for parameter estimation, such as Inside-Outside, have local maxima and time complexity problems. We introduce a genetic algorithm method to solve the parameter estimation problem. Being global optimization methods, genetic algorithms do not suffer from the locality problem and they are scalable and flexible. The model uses an evaluation function that calculates the maximum likelihood to generate a sequence given a parameter set of a grammar. Our experiments with the implemented algorithm demonstrate its effectiveness in parameter estimation for specific grammar models based on both simple RNA structures and tRNA sequences. INDEX WORDS: genetic algorithms, stochastic context-free grammars, RNA secondary structure prediction, parameter estimation. GENETIC ALGORITHMS FOR STOCHASTIC CONTEXT-FREE GRAMMAR PARAMETER
A tree-based regularized orthogonal matching pursuit algorithm

Reconstruction algorithm is a significant research field of compressed sensing (CS). Among existing algorithms, regularized orthogonal matching pursuit (ROMP) enjoys the merit of implementing fast recovery procedures. Recent studies have recognized that sparse signals have special sparse structure, which is useful for reconstruction as prior information. In this paper, by utilizing the sparse tree structure as prior information, we propose a tree-based regularized orthogonal matching pursuit (T-ROMP) reconstruction algorithm. Furthermore, we set a ratio factor to reduce the error probability of the support set. Compared to ROMP, simulation results indicate that the proposed algorithm achieve better reconstruction performance for different conditions.
Decentralized time domain muting for interference mitigation in LTE-advanced heterogeneous networks

User equipments (UEs) offloaded from the MeNBs to the PeNBs via cell range extension (CRE) bias in a co-channel deployment suffered severe interference. The severity of the downlink interference varies significantly with the change in the CRE bias. The baseline approach for Interference mitigation technique based on time domain muting (TDM) of resources by MeNBs used trial and error technique which is causing resource wastage and is practically not feasible. Proposed here is a Model for TDM based on estimated cell load conditions and symbol efficiency (SE) as metrics to determine the muting ratio of resources. System level simulation was conducted to validate the throughput performances and the MeNBs- PeNBs resource trade-offs of the proposed method. Compared to the baseline (centralized) approach, the proposed decentralized TDM algorithm exhibited optimal throughput performance and adapted to the change in CRE bias with better trade-offs.
BCL6 alternative translocation breakpoint cluster region associated with follicular lymphoma grade 3B

Translocations involving band 3q27, affecting the major breakpoint region (MBR) of BCL6, are common in diffuse large B‐cell lymphomas (DLBCLs). Recent data suggest an alternative breakpoint cluster region (ABR) located between 245 and 285 kb 5′ of BCL6, which might be associated with Follicular Lymphoma (FL). Ten DLBCLs and 9 FLs grade 3B with cytogenetic rearrangements at 3q27 were studied by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to discriminate between breakpoints at the ABR and MBR. Eight DLBCLs contained a breakpoint in the MBR, and 6 FL grade 3B (FL3B) cases contained a breakpoint in the ABR. No specific chromosomal partners could be identified in both groups. Previously published data have suggested that FL3B cases with 3q27 aberrations are closely related to the majority of DLBCLs of germinal center cell origin. However, our findings suggest that the mechanism of 3q27 rearrangement in FL3B cases is similar to the mechanism in follicular lymphomas grade 1,2, and 3A cases. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Heme binds to a short sequence that serves a regulatory function in diverse proteins.

Heme is a prosthetic group for numerous enzymes, cytochromes and globins, and it binds tightly, sometimes covalently, to these proteins. Interestingly, heme also potentiates binding of the yeast transcriptional activator HAP1 to DNA and inhibits mitochondrial import of the mammalian delta‐aminolevulinate synthase (ALAS) and the catalytic activity of the reticulocyte kinase, HRI. All three of these proteins contain a short sequence, the heme regulatory motif (HRM), that occurs six times adjacent to the HAP1 DNA binding domain, twice in the leader targeting sequence of ALAS and twice near the catalytic domain of the HRI kinase. Here we show that a 10 amino acid peptide containing the HRM consensus binds to heme in the micromolar range, and shifts the heme absorption spectrum to a longer wavelength, a direction opposite to the change caused by cytochromes or globins. Further, we show that a single HRM regulates the acidic activation domains of HAP1 and GAL4 independently of regulation of DNA binding of the transcription factors. These findings thus establish a novel heme binding sequence which is structurally distinct from sequences in globins or cytochromes and which has a regulatory function.
Association between serum adiponectin, and pathological stage and grade in men undergoing radical prostatectomy.

PURPOSE Adiponectin is a polypeptide hormone produced by adipocytes that has anti-angiogenic properties. Circulating adiponectin is lower in obese men. Obesity has been associated with advanced stage and a higher risk of biochemical progression following radical prostatectomy (RP) in several series. We examined whether serum adiponectin is associated with advanced disease stage at RP. MATERIALS AND METHODS Adiponectin was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in the preoperative serum of 236 men treated with RP between 1998 and 1999. The odds ratio (OR) of advanced stage (pT3a or greater) and high grade disease (pathological Gleason sum 7 or greater) associated with quartiles of adiponectin were estimated using multivariate logistic regression models. RESULTS Serum adiponectin weakly correlated inversely with body mass index (Spearman r = -0.22, p = 0.01). Serum adiponectin was not associated with cancer stage or grade. However, in normal weight men adiponectin was positively associated with high stage disease (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.29, p = 0.03), although there was no statistically significant association with high grade disease (OR 1.05, 95% CI 0.94 to 1.18, p = 0.38). In overweight and obese men adiponectin was inversely associated with high grade disease (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.87 to 1.01, p = 0.09), although there was no statistically significant association with high stage disease (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.91 to 1.04, p = 0.43). Further adjustments for body mass index had little impact on any ORs. CONCLUSIONS These data provide evidence to suggest that adiponectin may be related to prostate cancer aggressiveness, although the direction of the associations may depend on the extent of adiposity and on cancer grade.
Pyridine nucleotide-linked dehydrogenases and isozymes of normal rat breast and growing and regressing breast cancers.

Summary Four pyridine nucleotide-linked dehydrogenases, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH), 3 isocitric dehydrogenase (ICDH), lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), and malic dehydrogenase (MDH), and their isozymes have been studied in the normal virgin rat breast, in the breast of tumor-bearing rats, in the breast cancers themselves, and in these tissues following ovariectomy. Enzyme activity expressed per mg DNA-P facilitates comparison of tumor and normal cells. In breast cancer, the total LDH and G6PDH activity increased, MDH activity decreased, and the proportions of LDH and MDH isozymes were altered. The Kaplan M type of LDH isozyme (2) is more prominent in tumors. Ovariectomy resulted in regression of tumor size accompanied by decrease in total G6PDH and LDH activity but did not restore to normal the proportions of LDH or MDH isozymes.
Dormancy in tropical insects.

Diapause is frequently viewed as a developmental strategy unique to insects of the temperate zone. My primary objective in this review is to dispell this myth by presenting evidence for the widespread existence of diapause among tropical species. Although the environmental regulators are still poorly defined, I attempt to identify factors implicated in regulation and some of the special problems of diapause in the tropics. For purposes of this review I restrict my discussion to insects living within 200 of the equator, but clearly this is an arbitrary line. Winter in temperate zones presents a conspicuous obstacle, and a wealth of studies examine diapause as an adaptation to circumvent this inimical period. Reviews have focused on diapause physiology (72), endocrinology (19,31, 129), ecology (22, 24, 25, 115, 116), genetics (55), evolution (12, 33), thermoperiodism (6), clock mechanisms (5, 102), and cold tolerance (37, 101). Masaki's review on summer diapause (76) is especially relevant to this review because the warm summer of the temperate zone is much akin to the tropical environment. Although there are many definitions of diapause, I use the term to refer to an arrest in development that occurs at a specific stage. Egg, larval, pupal, and adult diapauses are all well documented, but for most species diapause can be expressed in only one stage of the life cycle. Diapause is programmed far in advance of the actual developmental arrest and thus differs from a simple quiescence that is an immediate response to adverse conditions. For some tropical species the information available is too sketchy to allow adequate
O Sucesso Alcançado Por Micro e Pequenas Empresas Por Meio da Inovação: A Influência de Recursos Estratégicos

Este estudo analisa o processo de inovacao responsavel pelo sucesso de 73 (setenta e tres) micro e pequenas empresas (MPE). O objetivo do trabalho e verificar nos casos selecionados se o processo de inovacao esta necessariamente fundamentado em algum recurso estrategico, atendendo aos criterios de valor, raridade, inimitabilidade e substitutibilidade estabelecidos pela Visao Baseada em Recursos (VBR) desenvolvida por Barney (1991). A revisao de literatura aborda a inovacao no Brasil, alem de trazer conceitos acerca do empreendedorismo e recurso estrategico. A metodologia consiste em uma pesquisa exploratoria, de carater bibliografico e documental, aliada a uma analise de conteudo dos casos selecionados no sitio da internet do Servico Brasileiro de Apoio as Micro e Pequenas Empresas (SEBRAE), em seu programa “Facadiferente”, compreendidos entre os meses de dezembro de 2008 e junho de 2009. Ademais, cada caso foi relacionado com um tipo de inovacao de um total de cinco, segundo a perspectiva de Schumpeter (1982). O recurso estrategico porventura utilizado foi classificado em uma categoria dentre tres previstas por Barney (1991). Os resultados apurados demonstram que a maioria das MPE nao se baseou em recursos estrategicos no processo de inovacao. Assim sendo, os esforcos empresariais foram direcionados no sentido de superar essa ausencia, constatando-se diferentes maneiras de inovar que vao, desde o aprimoramento de produtos, processos e gestao, ate a exploracao de novos nichos de mercado. Alem disso, e, em alguns casos, verifica-se a presenca de incentivos de segmentos publicos e privados comprometidos com o desenvolvimento da micro e pequena empresa.