cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prediction of Random Effects in Linear and Generalized Linear Models under Model Misspecification

Statistical models that include random effects are commonly used to analyze longitudinal and correlated data, often with the assumption that the random effects follow a Gaussian distribution. Via theoretical and numerical calculations and simulation, we investigate the impact of misspecification of this distribution on both how well the predicted values recover the true underlying distribution and the accuracy of prediction of the realized values of the random effects. We show that, although the predicted values can vary with the assumed distribution, the prediction accuracy, as measured by mean square error, is little affected for mild-to-moderate violations of the assumptions. Thus, standard approaches, readily available in statistical software, will often suffice. The results are illustrated using data from the Heart and Estrogen/Progestin Replacement Study using models to predict future blood pressure values.
Chaperone functions of the heat shock proteins associated with steroid receptors

Mammalian steroid receptors exist in hormone-free cells in a heterocomplex that contains the three heat shock proteins hsp90, hsp70 and hsp56. Some protein kinases, including pp60v-src and v-Raf, exist in similar cytosolic heterocomplexes containing hsp90 and a 50 kDa protein of unknown function, pp50. The four proteins--hsp90, hsp70, hsp56 and pp50--exist together in a heterocomplex independent of the presence of steroid receptors and protein kinases. Both the receptor and the protein kinase heterocomplexes can be formed by a protein folding-heterocomplex assembly system in reticulocyte lysate that carries out an hsp70-dependent attachment of the proteins to the preformed heat shock protein complex. Association of receptors with this structure occurs at the termination of receptor translation and is critical for maintenance of the receptors in a transcriptionally inactive state in the absence of hormone. We discuss how this preformed protein folding structure may be involved in the subsequent targeted trafficking of steroid receptors through the cytoplasmic space to the nucleus.
Velocity envelope of vector flow estimation with spatial quadrature

We present the results of two studies investigating the optimal aperture configuration for maximized lateral blood flow velocity estimation using Heterodyned Spatial Quadrature. Our objective was to determine the maximum velocities that can be estimated at Doppler angles of 90 degrees and 60 degrees with a bias of less than 5% for both uniform scatterer motion in a tissue-mimicking phantom and blood-mimicking fluid circulated through a wall-less vessel flow phantom. Constant flow rates ranging from 3.0 to 18.0 ml/sec were applied in the flow phantom, producing expected peak velocities of 15.0 to 89.8 cm/sec under laminar flow conditions. Velocity estimates were obtained at each flow rate using 256 trials, with each trial consisting of an ensemble of 32 vectors. For an f/1 receive geometry with bi-lobed Hamming apodization, all peak flow velocities tested were estimated to within 5% of their expected values for both 90 degree and 60 degree Doppler angles. An f/2 receive geometry featuring bi-lobed Blackman apodization generally provided accurate lateral velocity estimates up to 71.9 cm/sec for a Doppler angle of 90 degrees, and accurate lateral component estimates up to 50.1 cm/sec for a 60 degree Doppler angle. The implications of these findings will be discussed.
Sids counselors' reports of own and parents' reactions to reviewing the autopsy report

A survey of newly trained local Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) counselors was undertaken by the North Carolina Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Project to evaluate the use of the autopsy report as a counseling tool. The counselors, most of whom were public health nurses, reported that sharing the autopsy report with bereaved parents was a valuable part of the counseling process. Most parents wanted to see copies of the report. Although not all counselors were comfortable going over the report, there was a significant increase in comfort among counselors whose training included sharing a home visit with an experienced counselor.
Active feedback control of a beam subjected to a nonconservative force

Abstract This study examines the possibility of controlling through feedback a thin cantilevered beam subjected to a nonconservative follower force. A converging frequency flutter instability which occurs in this model is similar to classical bending-torsion flutter of an aircraft wing. Because of the similar nature of the instabilities, the beam under the follower force can be a useful vehicle for investigating the fundamental aspects of stabilization of wing flutter by feedback control. A modal approach is used for obtaining the mathematical model and control laws. A standard root locus technique for simple analytical models is also used to understand and explain the control of the beam. Experiments are carried out to verify the validity of this theoretical model. Good correlation is shown between theoretically and experimentally determined stability boundaries as well as for modal frequency and damping variation with follower force.
Characterization of a highly repeated satellite DNA from the cyprinid fish Notropis lutrensis.

Abstract 1. 1. A highly repeated, satellite DNA family from the North American cyprinid fish, Notropis lutrensis , was identified as a fragment band following restriction endonuclease enzyme digestion and agarose gel electrophoresis of genomic DNA; evidence of a tandem arrangement of the satellite in the genome was demonstrated by the formation of “ladders” in partial restriction endonuclease digests. 2. 2. The satellite family was estimated densitometrically to comprise 7–8% of the N. lutrensis genome; mapping experiments using isolated and purified monomer repeat units of the satellite uncovered nine sites for seven different restriction enzymes. 3. 3. A monomeric repeat unit of the satellite was cloned and sequenced, and found to be 174 base pairs in length and to have a base composition of 47% G + C (guanine + cytosine); computer analysis of the sequence revealed 13 new restriction sites for 12 additional enzymes. 4. 4. Computer analysis also revealed that a large degree of internal redundancy in the monomer unit exists in the form of both direct and inverted repeating units, and that the entire sequence, starting with one base in either orientation, constitutes an open reading frame. In all but the last characteristic, the N. lutrensis satellite DNA is very similar to satellite DNAs in other eukaryotes.
Pancreatic duct stents for “obstructive type” pain in pancreatic malignancy

Abstract OBJECTIVE: Obstruction of the main pancreatic duct from malignancy with secondary ductal hypertension may be an important contributor to pain. The aim of our study was to determine the efficacy and safety of pancreatic stent placement for patients with “obstructive” pain due to pancreatic malignancy. METHODS: Pancreatic duct stents were placed in 10 consecutive patients with malignant pancreatic duct obstruction and abdominal pain. Seven patients had “obstructive” type pain and three had chronic unremitting pain. Nine had primary pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and one had metastatic melanoma. There were eight women and two men. Mean age was 61 yr (range, 47–80 yr). All patients had dominant main pancreatic duct strictures with proximal dilation. Tumors were unresectable. All patients took potent analgesics before endoscopic stent therapy. Polyethylene pancreatic stents, 5- and 7-French, were successfully placed in seven patients, and self-expanding metallic stents were successfully placed in three patients. RESULTS: There were no procedure-related complications. One patient required a single repeat examination to replace a migrated stent. Seven patients (75%) experienced a reduction in pain. Analgesia was no longer required in five (50%). Three patients who did not improve had chronic pain rather than “obstructive” pain. CONCLUSIONS: Pancreatic stent placement for patients with “obstructive” pain secondary to a malignant pancreatic duct stricture appears to be safe and effective. It should be considered as a therapeutic option in these patients. It does not seem to be effective for chronic unremitting pain.
The dynamics of cold fronts passing over a quasi‐two‐dimensional mountain ridge

A two-layer semigeostrophic model is developed for cold fronts passing over a quasi-two-dimensional mesoscale mountain ridge orientated north–south. A constant potential vorticity is assumed for the cold air in the lower layer, while a steady-state geostrophic flow is specified in the upper layer. A hyperbolic differential equation is derived for the movement of the surface cold front. As long as the topographic slope is not as steep as the frontal slope on the lee side of the mountain, this equation remains valid and can be integrated by following the characteristic velocity which is expressed analytically in terms of the frontal position and the topography underlying the cold air. Solutions are obtained for two cases of different upper-layer geostrophic wind: southwesterly in case l, and northwesterly in case 2. The topographic effects on the frontal evolution are examined in detail from a kinematic viewpoint in connection with the characteristic velocity and from a dynamic viewpoint in connection with the geostrophic and ageostrophic components of the perturbation wind field in the cold air. It is shown that the frontal evolution can be roughly divided into two stages: the upslope stage and the downslope stage. During the upslope stage, the surface front moves on the upstream side of the mountain, the cold air layer becomes shallower over the mountain, and the perturbation geostrophic flow is curved anticyclonically under the constraint of potential vorticity conservation. During the downslope stage, the surface front moves on the lee side of the mountain, the front becomes steep, and the perturbation geostrophic flow becomes strong and fairly parallel to the distorted front. As the frontal-wave propagates further downstream, leaving behind an anticyclone associated permanently with the topography, the transient and long-term effects of the topography on the flow field are essentially decoupled. Noticeable differences in the frontal evolution between the two cases are revealed. DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-0870.1997.t01-3-00004.x
Therhionic Integrated Circuits: Electronics for Hostile Environments

Thermionic integrated circuits (TICs) combine thermionic emission of vacuum tube technology with the thin-film deposition and photolithographic delineation techniques of conventional silicon integrated circuits to form microminiature-integrated vacuum triode circuits. The resulting integrated circuits are extremely tolerant to both high-radiation and high-temperature environments.
Effect of aprotinin on smooth muscle cell proliferation, migration, and extracellular matrix synthesis.

Aprotinin (AP) is a plasmin inhibitor commonly used to limit bleeding during reoperative coronary bypass surgery. The effect on smooth muscle cell (SMC) behavior and the development of intimal hyperplasia has not been evaluated. This study examines the effect of AP on SMC proliferation, migration, and extracellular matrix synthesis. Bovine aortic SMCs (three to five passages) plated at 5 × 104cells/ml were treated with 1.0, 10, 100, and 1000 μg/ml AP. Proliferation was measured as micrograms of DNA per well, after 3 days in culture. SMC migration was measured after treatment with mitomycin C (20 μg/ml, to study migration in the absence of proliferation) by means of a fence assay. Extracellular matrix was quantitated utilizing a tritiated proline assay and corrected for cell density (cpm/μg DNA). Data are presented as means ± SEM; ANOVA and post hoc Tuckey test were used to test for significant differences. AP stimulated SMC proliferation at dosages of 100 μg/ml (353 ± 6 μg DNA, SMC control vs 440 ± 11, 100 μg/ml;P< 0.05) and 1000 μg/ml (353 ± 6, SMC control vs 503 ± 14, 1000 μg/ml;P< 0.01). AP concentrations less than 100 μg/ml had no effect on SMC proliferation. A dose–response relationship existed between AP and SMC migration. AP doses as low as 10 μg/ml increased SMC migration from 66 ± 4 mm2(control SMC) to 90 ± 4 mm2(P< 0.02) while the maximal dose of AP (1000 μg/ml) produced an almost twofold increase in migration (66 ± 4, SMC control vs 113 ± 3, 1000 μg/ml group;P< 0.0001). AP had no effect on extracellular matrix synthesis. AP stimulated vascular SMC migration and proliferation but not matrix synthesisin vitro.These data suggest that AP could augment the development of intimal hyperplasia following bypass surgery.
BEST CONSTANTS IN NORMS OF WICK PRODUCTS

Let be a Fock space and, for any non-negative integer k, let be the sum of all homogeneous chaos spaces of order at most k. For all non-negative integers m and n, the Wick product is a bounded bilinear operator from Γ (Hc)m × Γ (Hc)n into Γ (Hc)m +n with norm greater than or equal to . In the monograph1 S. Janson conjectured that this lower bound is exact. In this paper we prove this conjecture. In addition, we prove that a pair of nonzero vectors (ϕ, ψ)∈ Γ (Hc)m × Γ (Hc)n achieve this bound if and only if both vectors are multiples of the homogeneous products, i.e. ϕ =αu⊗m, ψ =βu⊗n, with u, v∈ Hc and α, β ∈ ℂ.
Structure and valence of the Ce/Pt(111) system.

We have studied the growth of thin cerium films on Pt(111) with x-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS) and low-energy electron diffraction. No ordered structures were observed for the Ce films immediately after room-temperature deposition. After heat treatment to 770 K, ordered Ce-Pt compounds were formed. For films with initial coverages greater than 3.5 ML, a hexagonal pattern with periodicity nearly twice that of Pt(111) appeared after annealing. For this 1.96\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1.96 structure, the periodicity is close to that of the compound ${\mathrm{CePt}}_{2}$, the XPS data show a stoichiometry of ${\mathrm{CePt}}_{2.23}$, and the observed Ce valence is 3.07. For films having initial coverages from 0.9 to 1.8 ML, a 1.94\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1.94 pattern with small satellites around the main spots appeared; the Ce valence is 3.11 and the stoichiometry is ${\mathrm{CePt}}_{3}$. Between 2.1 and 3.2 ML, a 1.96\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1.96 pattern with a superimposed 1.96\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1.96 net rotated by 30\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} was observed with valence around 3.09. Studies of the take-off angle dependence of the emission indicate that the valence has the same value near the surface as in the bulk. We have also performed CO and ${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ adsorption studies and found extremely low sticking coefficients for these molecules on the 1.96\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1.96 ${\mathrm{CePt}}_{2.23}$ surface. Since these well-characterized single-crystal Ce compound films are highly suitable for photoemission experiments and adsorption studies, we have attempted to formulate empirical rules for predicting which compound species will be generated by similar means.
Elliptic curves with complex multiplication and the conjecture of Birch and Swinnerton-Dyer

1. Quick Review of Elliptic Curves 2 2. Elliptic Curves over C 4 3. Elliptic Curves over Local Fields 6 4. Elliptic Curves over Number Fields 12 5. Elliptic Curves with Complex Multiplication 15 6. Descent 22 7. Elliptic Units 27 8. Euler Systems 37 9. Bounding Ideal Class Groups 43 10. The Theorem of Coates and Wiles 47 11. Iwasawa Theory and the “Main Conjecture” 50 12. Computing the Selmer Group 61
High incidence of HPV-associated head and neck cancers in FA deficient mice is associated with E7's induction of DNA damage through its inactivation of pocket proteins.

Fanconi anemia (FA) patients are highly susceptible to solid tumors at multiple anatomical sites including head and neck region. A subset of head and neck cancers (HNCs) is associated with ‘high-risk’ HPVs, particularly HPV16. However, the correlation between HPV oncogenes and cancers in FA patients is still unclear. We previously learned that FA deficiency in mice predisposes HPV16 E7 transgenic mice to HNCs. To address HPV16 E6’s oncogenic potential under FA deficiency in HNCs, we utilized HPV16 E6-transgenic mice (K14E6) and HPV16 E6/E7-bi-transgenic mice (K14E6E7) on genetic backgrounds sufficient or deficient for one of the fanc genes, fancD2 and monitored their susceptibility to HNCs. K14E6 mice failed to develop tumor. However, E6 and fancD2-deficiency accelerated E7-driven tumor development in K14E6E7 mice. The increased tumor incidence was more correlated with E7-driven DNA damage than proliferation. We also found that deficiency of pocket proteins, pRb, p107, and p130 that are well-established targets of E7, could recapitulate E7’s induction of DNA damage. Our findings support the hypothesis that E7 induces HPV-associated HNCs by promoting DNA damage through the inactivation of pocket proteins, which explains why a deficiency in DNA damage repair would increase susceptibility to E7-driven cancer. Our results further demonstrate the unexpected finding that FA deficiency does not predispose E6 transgenic mice to HNCs, indicating a specificity in the synergy between FA deficiency and HPV oncogenes in causing HNCs.
Judaism, Masada, and Suicide: A Critical Analysis:

The story of the mass suicide at Masada is often given as an example of Jewish thought. In fact, the modern state of Israel is sometimes described as having a “Masada complex.” The present article examines Bellum Judaicum (the Jewish Wars) by Josephus [1], who was the primary, and for many centuries, exclusive source on this topic and arrives at far different conclusions. Analysis of speeches at Masada, and at a slightly earlier mass suicide at Jotapata, indicates clearly that suicide represents a Graeco-Roman rather than a Jewish response to stress. These speeches conform to Plato's dualism between body and soul and Seneca's sense of freedom rather than to Biblical and rabbinic thought. This conclusion is buttressed by the absence of a suicide narrative in Josippon, the Jewish reconstruction of Josephus [2], and by the presence of a number of examples of similar collective suicides in Graeco-Roman literature. The motives of Josephus are explored in the context of his desire to differentiate himself from ...
Charles Peirce’s Categories and the Growth of Reason

Charles Peirce’s semeiotic is inseparable from his account of the three categories of experience and his metaphysics. The discussion summarizes his account of the categories and considers the way they have ontological implications. These implications are then focused on Peirce’s Apapism, which is his way of referring to a theory of evolution. Finally, some suggestions are offered for a way the semeiotic with the metaphysical implications, especially their relevance for a theory of evolution, propose how Peirce might apply them for questions of jurisprudence.
N-6-methyl-adenosine in adenovirus type 2 nuclear RNA is conserved in the formation of messenger RNA☆

Abstract In the biogenesis of adenovirus type 2 messenger RNAs, methylation occurs at the 5′ end (cap) and to internal adenosine residues to yield N6-methyl-adenosine (m6A) (Sommer et al., 1976; Moss & Koczot, 1976; Wold et al., 1976). The kinetics of accumulation of 3H from methyl-labeled methionine and 14C from uridine into Ad-2 † -specific RNA was measured late in Ad-2 infection. As reported previously (Nevins & Darnell, 1978a), the rate of accumulation of [14C]uridine label in nuclear RNA was approximately four- to fivefold faster than in the cytoplasmic RNA, indicating a conservation of about 20% for the total RNA. The initial rates of [3H]methyl label in m6A in nuclear RNA and in the cytoplasmic RNA were approximately equal, suggesting a complete (or nearly complete) conservation of m6A. In accord with the accumulation kinetics, the ratio of 3H to 14C was higher in cytoplasmic RNA than in nuclear RNA that hybridized to equivalent regions of the Ad-2 DNA. A mathematical model was designed to evaluate the accumulation of methyl label in m6A, taking into consideration the three major parameters that affect the accumulation curves: equilibration of the S-adenosyl-methionine pool, the nuclear dwell time of sequences destined to be mRNA, and the cytoplasmic stability of mRNA. The half-time ( t 1 2 ) for pool equilibration was determined experimentally to be 22 minutes and the nuclear dwell time and the mean life-time of cytoplasmic mRNA were estimated from 14C label to be about 30 and 70 minutes, respectively. The model gave an excellent fit to the data when the t 1 2 for pool equilibration time of 24 ± 2 minutes, a nuclear dwell time of 25 ± 10 minutes, and a mean cytoplasmic mRNA life-time of 75 ± 30 minutes were used to evaluate accumulation curves. Even when data from a restricted region of the genome, 40.5–52.6 , which encodes the main portion of at least five 3′ co-terminal mRNAs whose spliced junction with the tripartite leader sequence varies from 38, 40, 43, 45 , and 48 was analyzed, it appeared that m6A was conserved. Finally, m6A was found to be added in a brief label (3.5 min) mainly to nuclear molecules that were longer than any cytoplasmic RNA. The conservation of m6A and its addition prior to splicing raise the possibility that internal methylations are involved, in the formation of mRNA.
Coulometric titration of +2 copper with electrogenerated +2 tin

Abstract Using a supporting electrolyte composed of 4 M sodium bromide-0.2 N hydrochloric acid- 0.2 M stannic chloride, and a platinum generator cathode, +2 copper can be titrated accurately to the +1 state with electrogenerated +2 tin. With potentiometric end-point detection, quantities of copper from about 1 to 35 mg in a volume of 90 ml are titratable with an error of ± 0.3%. The titration is applicable in the presence of most of the elements that are commonly associated with Copper.
Improving the Writing Performance of High School Students with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Writing Difficulties

This study examined the effectiveness of persuasive writing instruction using the Self-Regulated Strategy Development (SRSD) model with high school students identified with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Using a multiple baseline design across participants, four students in grades 10 and 11 received one-to-one instruction in planning and persuasive essay writing. Instruction had a pronounced positive effect on students' writing. Essays were longer, more complete, and of higher holistic quality. Additional increases were seen in planning time, writing time, and the number of transitional words and phrases. These results suggest that instruction following the SRSD model is effective for use with high school students with ADHD and contributes to the growing body of literature addressing strategy instruction in writing at the high school level.
Circulating Tumor DNA: The Future of Personalized Medicine in Oncology?

Tissue biopsy has long served as the mainstay of cancer diagnosis, staging, and therapeutic decisions, with its role evolving from simple histologic examination to complex genetic analysis. Despite its utility, biopsy represents only a single time point from a single location, often proving inadequate at fully characterizing a malignancy and its evolution because nearby tissue might contain additional genetic information that would affect staging or treatment. Unfortunately, the invasive nature and inherent selection bias of biopsy limit its usefulness as a real-time monitoring tool. Newer technologies seeking to transcend this shortcoming include analysis of circulating tumor cells and their fragments, such as exosomes and DNA, in peripheral blood. A recent feature in Nature highlights advancements in the detection of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) for this purpose (1). This emerging methodology enables sequencing of DNA originating from lysed tumor cells present in a blood sample to follow tumor recurrence and to characterize genetic abnormalities that confer resistance. Free DNA was first …
The roles of p63 in cancer

p63 plays an important role in skin and limb development. This has been clearly demonstrated using mouse models and from studies on human patients harboring p63 mutations. One question that remains unanswered is whether p63 is a tumor suppressor gene or an oncogene. The complexity of the study of p63 is due to the existence of multiple isoforms with opposing functions. The lack of antibodies that distinguish between these isoforms has made the ability to analyze the expression of p63 difficult in human tumors. Many studies have found that p63 is overexpressed in human tumors while other studies have shown a loss of expression of p63. Here, we review the roles of p63 in tumor development and suppression in mouse models and human tumors.
Time of Peak Drug Concentration after a Single Dose and a Dose at Steady State

The time of peak concentration after administration of oral drug is an often quoted and used pharmacokinetic parameter. It is not well appreciated, however, that the peak times after a single dose and a dose at steady state during a multiple administration regimen can differ significantly. This article derives the mathematical relationships that determine how a peak time at steady state differs from that after a single or first dose. These relationships are then evaluated using three different approaches: 1) graphic simulations of time courses of drug concentration for three hypothetical drugs; 2) comparisons of predicted and observed peak times using examples from the literature; and 3) comparisons of predicted and simulated peak times based on different sampling schedules for three hypothetical drugs. The key finding is that peak times after a dose at steady state can occur considerably earlier after administration than after a single dose. However, the manner by which peak times are usually determined, that is, the sampling time corresponding to the highest measured drug concentration, imposes significant limitations on the usefulness of this parameter.
Effects of epinephrine and the cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase inhibitor SQ 20009 on glucose and glycogen metabolism in skeletal muscle

Abstract In rat diaphragm incubated in vitro, epinephrine and isoproterenol inhibited glucose uptake and the incorporation of radioactive glucose into glycogen. The metabolic effects of epinephrine were inhibited by the beta-adrenergic blocking agents, propranolol and sotalol, but not by the alpha-adrenergic blocking drug, phentolamine. The phosphodiesterase inhibitor, 1-ethyl-4-(isopropylidine-hydrazino)-1H-pyrazolo-(3,4-b)-pyridine-5-carboxylic acid, ethyl ester, hydrochloride (SQ 20009), also decreased glucose uptake and glycogen synthesis. In contrast to the action of epinephrine, exogenous calcium ions were required for the effects of SQ 20009 on phosphorylase activation, increased tissue glucose- 6-phosphate levels and lactate production. It was concluded that the inhibition of glucose uptake that occurred when tissue cyclic AMP levels were increased by beta-adrenergic drugs or phosphodiesterase inhibitors was not due directly to accumulation of glucose-6-phosphate from glycogenolysis but was a result of a cyclic AMP-mediated inhibition of glycogen synthesis.
Translating colorectal cancer prevention through the guanylyl cyclase C signaling axis

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major public health concern, ranking among the leading causes of cancer death in both men and women. Because of this continued burden there is a clear need for improved treatment, and more importantly prevention of this disease. In recent years there is significant evidence to support the hypothesis that guanylyl cyclase C (GCY2C) is a tumor suppressor in the intestine, and that the loss of hormone ligands for this receptor is an important step in the disease process. Thus, ligand replacement therapy has been proposed as a strategy to prevent CRC. Until recently this strategy was not clinically plausible; however, the recent regulatory approval of linaclotide (LINZESS™, Forest Laboratories and Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Inc.), an oral GUCY2C ligand, has raised the possibility of utilizing this strategy clinically to prevent CRC.
QuME: a mechanism to support expertise finding in online help-seeking communities

Help-seeking communities have been playing an increasingly critical role in the way people seek and share information. However, traditional help-seeking mechanisms of these online communities have some limitations. In this paper, we describe an expertise-finding mechanism that attempts to alleviate the limitations caused by not knowing users' expertise levels. As a result of using social network data from the online community, this mechanism can automatically infer expertise level. This allows, for example, a question list to be personalized to the user's expertise level as well as to keyword similarity. We believe this expertise location mechanism will facilitate the development of next generation help-seeking communities.
Rb-Sr and Sm-Nd isotope geochemistry and chronology of cherts from the Onverwacht Group (3. 5 AE), South Africa

We report Rb-Sr and Sm-Nd isotopic analyses of chert samples from the Geluk Subgroup (previously called the mafic-to-felsic unit (MFU)) of the Onverwacht Group in South Africa. These Archean cherts have the same characteristic Rb and Sr concentrations as Phanerozoic cherts with high Rb/Sr ratios. The dense, massive, essentially low-carbonate cherts from the Onverwacht Group show a very large range of ^(87)Rb/^(86)Sr ratios (from 0.859 to 7.99). One sample of chert leached in acid yielded ^(87)Rb/^(86)Sr = 7.04. The data define a very good correlation line in the ^(87)Rb-^(87)Sr evolution diagram which corresponds to an age of 2119 ± 44 m.y. with an initial ^(87)Rb/^(86)Sr ratio of 0.72246 ± 16. Exchange of Sr in the cherts with the associated carbonate appears very limited. The correlation line is interpreted as reflecting the age of rehomogenization of the Sr in the protolith and the recrystallization of these cherts due to circulating hydrothermal fluids during regional metamorphism about 1.4 AE after deposition of the Onverwacht Group. It may also correspond to the closure of the Rb-Sr system in the cherts when tectonic activity stopped in the region (~2200 m.y.). The initial ^(87)Rb/^(86)Sr ratio obtained for the cherts requires the protolith which provided the Sr to have Rb/Sr ~ 1. The Sm-Nd systematics do not provide any strict chronologic information but appear to reflect an ancient source age ~3.5 AE. The ϵ_(Nd) at 3.54 AE for the cherts are grouped around zero, i.e. close to the initial value observed for volcanics of the same age, and provide no evidence for the presence of abundant crustal material older than 3.5 AE.
Immunohistochemical analysis of P-glycoprotein expression correlated with chemotherapy resistance in locally advanced breast cancer

Abstract We analyzed the expression of P-glycoprotein in samples from 48 patients with locally advanced breast cancer. Tumor samples from 40 patients were obtained at mastectomy, which was performed after three cycles of induction chemotherapy consisting of doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisone. P-glycoprotein expression distributed focally was observed in 20 tumors by the immunoperoxidase method using the anti-p170-monoclonal antibody C219. The percentage of the tumor cell population expressing P-glycoprotein varied from 30%; expression was observed significantly more often in tumors that showed less than partial response to the preoperative chemotherapy. Furthermore, P-glycoprotein was not expressed in eight tumor specimens obtained at the time of diagnosis, prior to chemotherapy, from patients who subsequently had pathologic complete responses. A comparative study of P-glycoprotein expression before and after chemotherapy and upon recurrence of tumor was done on a limited number of samples. No significant differences in P-glycoprotein expression were found. Therefore, it is possible that an intrinsic, rather than acquired, drug resistance may play a role in the failure of induction chemotherapy for locally advanced breast cancer.
Immune recognition of cytochrome C. I. Investigation by synthesis whether antigenic sites of polymeric cytochrome coincide with locations of sequence differences between the immunizing and host cytochromes.

Abstract Previously, we had shown that the locations of the antigenic sites of myoglobin, lysozyme, hemoglobin and serum albumin are independent of the host species and that their antigenicity is inherent in their structural locations. However, studies of others on cytochrome c (Cyt c) had been consistently analyzed on the basis of the assumption that protein antigenic sites are localized at locations of amino acid differences between the injected protein and its counterpart in the host. The intriguing possibility that immune recognition of Cyt c may proceed via a unique mechanism was tested here using beef Cyt c as the antigen in rabbits. Regions around the four locations of amino acid differences between beef Cyt c and rabbit Cyt c (positions 44, 62, 89 and 92) were synthesized, and their ability to bind 125I-labelled antibodies against beef Cyt c was determined by immunoadsorbent titration studies. Of these peptides, only the peptide around the substitution at position 44 (i.e. peptide 42–50) had antibody binding activity, which was almost equal to that of the homologous antigen and which also fully accounted for an autoreactivity of the antibodies with rabbit Cyt c. Since, of the four positions of amino acid differences, only one was localized in an antigenic site, it was concluded that this occurence was a chance happening. The antigenicity (and autoreactivity) of the region 42–50 was most likely inherent in its conformational location and not related to sequence differences between beef Cyt c and rabbit Cyt c.
Performance of the optimum receiver designed for pattern recognition with nonoverlapping target and scene noise

The optimum receiver for pattern recognition is designed based on multiple-alternative hypothesis testing with unknown parameters for detecting and locating a noisy or a noise-free target in scene noise that is spatially nonoverlapping with this target. The optimum receiver designed for a noise-free target has the interesting property of detecting with no error a noise-free target having unknown illumination using operations that are independent of the scene noise statistics. In this paper, we investigate the performance of the optimum receiver designed for nonoverlapping target and scene noise in terms of rotation- and scale-sensitivity of the input targets, and discrimination against similar objects. Since, in practical systems, it is not possible to have a completely noise-free target, we examine how the performance of the optimum receiver designed for a noise-free target is affected when there is some overlapping noise on the target.
Asymptotics of kernel estimators based on local maximum likelihood

We consider the kernel estimates of the regression function, which are derived from the local maximum likelihood. Under suitable regularity conditions, strong uniform consistency rates on a compact interval and asymptotic normality are obtained. The rate of convergence obtained here is the same as Stone's (1982) optimal rate for the special case of nonparametric regression in additive models. Also pointwise efficient data driven estimation is possible.
Saturation prostate biopsy with periprostatic block can be performed in office.

ABSTRACTPurpose: Recent reports of saturation prostate biopsy performed in the operating room with the patient under anesthesia have shown increased cancer detection rates over repeat office based prostate biopsy. We report equivalent success and tolerability of saturation biopsy in the office using local anesthesia.Materials and Methods: We performed 24 core saturation prostate biopsies in 15 patients using periprostatic local anesthesia. Before biopsy 20 cc 2% lidocaine (10 cc per side) were injected under ultrasound guidance into the periprostatic nerve entry into the prostate bilaterally. After measurements were made a random 24 core prostate biopsy was performed using a spring loaded biopsy gun. Pain was determined using a visual analog scale to assess tolerability.Results: Complete 24 core biopsies were successful and well tolerated in all 15 patients. Cancer detected in 5 patients (33%) was clinical stage T1C. Mean prostate specific antigen before biopsy was 11.2 ng./dl. (range 5 to 24.1). The indi...
Distributed Adaptive Importance Sampling on graphical models using MapReduce

In the case of a graphical model, machine learning algorithms used to evaluate a query can be broadly classified into exact and approximate inference algorithms. Exact inference algorithms use only network parameters to evaluate a query. However, these algorithms are typically intractable on large networks due to exponential time and space complexity. Approximate inference algorithms are widely used in practice to overcome this constraint, with a trade-off in accuracy. It includes sampling and propagation-based algorithms. These approximate algorithms may also suffer from scalability issues if applied on large networks, for achieving higher accuracy. To address this challenge, we have designed and implemented several MapReduce-based distributed versions of a specific type of approximate inference algorithm called Adaptive Importance Sampling (AIS). We compare and evaluate the proposed approaches using benchmark networks. Experimental results show that our proposed approaches achieve significant scaleup and speedup compared to the sequential method, while achieving similar accuracy asymptotically.
A molecular orbital description of aromatic cluster ions produced in continuous‐flow fast atom bombardment

Cluster ions from the continuous-flow fast atom bombardment of several pure, liquid aromatics were examined. Most of the aromatics cluster as (M)n+; however, aromatic bases such as pyridine and aniline also form (M)nH+ ions. The abundance of both (M)n+ and (M)nH+ cluster ions decreases rapidly as n increases. The semi-empirical molecular orbital PM3 method was used to examine energetics of cluster ion formation, binding energies of several aromatic dimer ions and structures of stable cluster ions observed in the desorption process.
Incomplete synthesis of N-glycans in congenital dyserythropoietic anemia type II caused by a defect in the gene encoding alpha-mannosidase II.

Congenital dyserythropoietic anemia type II, or hereditary erythroblastic multinuclearity with a positive acidified-serum-lysis test (HEMPAS), is a genetic anemia in humans inherited by an autosomally recessive mode. The enzyme defect in most HEMPAS patients has previously been proposed as a lowered activity of N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase II, resulting in a lack of polylactosamine on proteins and leading to the accumulation of polylactosaminyl lipids. A recent HEMPAS case, G.C., has now been analyzed by cell-surface labeling, fast-atom-bombardment mass spectrometry of glycopeptides, and activity assay of glycosylation enzymes. Significantly decreased glycosylation of polylactosaminoglycan proteins and incompletely processed asparagine-linked oligosaccharides were detected in the erythrocyte membranes of G.C. In contrast to the earlier studied HEMPAS cases, G.C. cells are normal in N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase II activity but are low in alpha-mannosidase II (alpha-ManII) activity. Northern (RNA) analysis of poly(A)+ mRNA from normal, G.C., and other unrelated HEMPAS cells all showed double bands at the 7.6-kilobase position, detected by an alpha-ManII cDNA probe, but expression of these bands in G.C. cells was substantially reduced (less than 10% of normal). In Southern analysis of G.C. and normal genomic DNA, the restriction fragment patterns detected by the alpha-ManII cDNA probe were indistinguishable. These results suggest that G.C. cells contain a mutation in alpha-ManII-encoding gene that results in inefficient expression of alpha-ManII mRNA, either through reduced transcription or message instability. This report demonstrates that HEMPAS is caused by a defective gene encoding an enzyme necessary for the synthesis of asparagine-linked oligosaccharides.
Fine structure of the sertoli cell of the human testis

The Sertoli cells of the human testis were studied with the electron microscope. Evidence is presented that these cells possess a distinct plasma membrane of their own and are thus separated from the adjacent Sertoli as well as germ cells. The hypothesis of a Sertoli cell syncytium is disproved. Ultrastructure of cytoplasmic elements like annulate lamellae, lamellar bodies, and “crystal-like” inclusions is described. An attempt is made to evaluate the presumed role of the Sertoli cells in the release of spermatozoa.
Understanding Chinese management needs through ancient Chinese philosophy

Relevant intellectual and human capital growth in China is necessary for sustainable business development and to achieve China's ambition for global leadership. This can only be achieved through fundamental improvements in the management education system. This is difficult to manage because a history of family, friends and party membership were more relevant to ones career than a sound education. Using a creative and fun framework of the Chinese zodiac, we attempt to theorise the varying levels of human capital and training needs for an MBA in China. In this way, we relate a widely-accepted Chinese framework to better understand the relevant needs of the educational community. China has indicated a strong desire to lead the world in sustainable business development. To accomplish this goal requires a dramatic increase in the human capital growth of its labour force. A first rate management for its resource base must be built on a highly educated labour force with experience in all manner of enterprise, whose training and development allows for continuous and accelerated improvement in the quality of
Psychosocial implications of chronic illness in adolescence

On hundred forty-four young adults and adolescents representative of an upstate New York community were studied on two occasions to identify relationships between chronic illness and psychosocial well-being. In the 8 years since the original survey, the health status of 62 of the 106 with a chronic medical condition improved, remained unchanged in 27, and worsened in 17. Subjects whose chronic medical problem persisted and was associated with at least mild impairment in daily living demonstrated significantly more psychosocial problems, centering around future plans, perceptions of family life, and having a driver's license. Those who had recovered from their illness or did not have any associated impairment appeared no different from the controls. Multidimensional scaling confirmed that chronic illness and poor psychosocial functioning are related, as are physical wellness and better psychosocial function. These results confirm the contention that chronic illness persisting into adolescence has a small but measurable effect on psychosocial adjustment.
A correlational framework for understanding sexuality in women age 50 and older.

To investigate a biopsychosocial perspective of sexuality in women age 50 and older, 657 community-residing women completed anonymous surveys, including demographics; health; self-esteem; intimacy; and sexual knowledge, attitudes, interest, participation, and satisfaction. Cronbach's alphas for major variables ranged from .52 (sexual knowledge) to .92 (intimacy). Mean scores for major variables ranged from 2.96 (sexual participation) to 3.43 (self-esteem, sexual attitudes). Significant correlations were described among the predictor variables and sexual interest, participation, and satisfaction. Significant predictors of sexual interest, participation, and satisfaction were identified through stepwise multiple regression procedures. Findings suggest a biopsychosocial model for clinicians to use in assessment and intervention with older women and sexual issues, for educators to use to organize teaching about aging and female sexuality, and for researchers to use to investigate older women's sexuality in different samples of older women.
GaAsGaAlAs heterojunction transistor for high frequency operation

Abstract A bipolar transistor structure is proposed having application for either high frequency operation or integration with certain types of light emitting devices. The structure involves liquid phase epitaxially grown layers of GaAs for the collector and base regions, and of Ga1−xAlxAs for the heterojunction emitter. The high frequency potential of this device results primarily from the high electron mobility in GaAs and the ability to heavily dope the base region with slowly diffusing acceptors. The Ga1−xAlxAs emitter region provides a favorable injection efficiency and, because it is etched preferentially relative to GaAs, access to the base layer for making contact. Transistor action with d.c. common emitter current gains of 25 have been thus for observed. Calculations of the high speed capability of this transistor are presented.
Testing Some Basic Assumptions about Psychological Androgyny

(1979). Testing Some Basic Assumptions about Psychological Androgyny. The Journal of Genetic Psychology: Vol. 135, No. 2, pp. 175-188.
Case series: CTLA4-IgG1 therapy in minimal change disease and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis

Background Minimal Change Disease (MCD) in relapse is associated with increased podocyte CD80 expression and elevated urinary CD80 excretion, whereas focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) has mild or absent CD80 podocyte expression and normal urinary CD80 excretion.
A new approach to the stabilization of dibenzothiophene (DBT) coordination to metals: Studies of (η5-C5H4CH2Ph)Ru(CO)2(η1(S)-DBT)+

Abstract One approach to the removal of sulfur-containing compounds from transportation fuels involves the coordination of such compounds to transition metal complexes. We report the design and synthesis of a complex (η5-C5H4CH2Ph)Ru(CO)2(η1(S)-DBT)+ that tests the concept that DBT binding through the sulfur can be augmented by π–π stacking interactions between a pendant phenyl group on the cyclopentadienyl ring and the DBT ligand. The crystal structure and kinetic binding studies of (η5-C5H4CH2Ph)Ru(CO)2(DBT)+ are reported and discussed.
Structural and thermodynamic insight into Escherichia coli UvrABC-mediated incision of cluster diacetylaminofluorene adducts on the NarI sequence

Cluster DNA damage refers to two or more lesions in a single turn of the DNA helix. Such clustering may occur with bulky DNA lesions, which may be responsible for their sequence-dependent repair and mutational outcomes. Here we prepared three 16-mer cluster duplexes in which two fluoroacetylaminofluorene adducts (dG-FAAF) are separated by zero, one, and two nucleotides in the Escherichia coli NarI mutational hot spot (5'-CTCTCG1G2CG3CCATCAC-3'): 5'-CG1*G2*CG3CC-3', 5'-CG1G2*CG3*CC-3', and 5'-CG1*G2CG3*CC-3' (G* = dG-FAAF), respectively. We conducted spectroscopic, thermodynamic, and molecular dynamics studies of these di-FAAF duplexes, and the results were compared with those of the corresponding mono-FAAF adducts in the same NarI sequence [Jain, V., et al. (2012) Nucleic Acids Res. 40, 3939-3951]. Our nucleotide excision repair results showed the diadducts were more reparable than the corresponding monoadducts. Moreover, we observed dramatic flanking base sequence effects on their repair efficiency in the following order: NarI-G2G3 > NarI-G1G3 > NarI-G1G2. The nuclear magnetic resonance, circular dichroism, ultraviolet melting, and molecular dynamics simulation results revealed that in contrast to the monoadducts, diadducts produced a synergistic effect on duplex destabilization. In addition, dG-FAAF at G2G3 and G1G3 destacks the neighboring bases, with greater destabilization occurring with the former. Overall, the results indicate the importance of base stacking and related thermal and thermodynamic destabilization in the repair of bulky cluster arylamine DNA adducts.