cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An approximate variance for line intersection counts

SUMMARY Let λ denote a rectifiable line in a plane for which the length per unit area is to be estimated by counting the intersections with random test lines dropped on the plane. The asymptotic distribution and variance of the number of intersections with a single test line is derived for a model which assumes λ to be the boundary of particles or random area. Numerical examples illustrate the applicability of the derived variance expression.
Founder/Chief Executive Officer Exit: A Social Capital Perspective of New Ventures

Several studies have examined the impact of aCEO's exit from the firm on the firm's performance. However, the findingsof these studies are mixed and inconclusive.This research seeks tounderstand the impact on social capital of CEO/founder departure among bothmature and new ventures. The role of social capital within new ventures is explored via pastliterature, as is the impact of social capital losses on new ventureperformance and the ways in which top management teams (TMTs) mitigate theselosses.The researchers propose five hypotheses related to the influenceof founder/CEO departure on new venture performance.Employing data fromthe Sheshunoff BankSearch Database that was compiled from 1996 to 2000, asample (n=798) of performance data from U.S. startup banks iscompiled. The findings of the study indicate significant support for the followingthree hypotheses:(1) firm performance is negatively impacted byfounder/CEO departure; (2) firm performance is negatively influenced byrepeated exits in the CEO position; and (3) the relationship between firmperformance and CEO/founder exit is regulated as the size of the TMTincreases.No support is foundfor the following hypotheses:(1)firm performance will improve if the founder/CEO maintains that position forthe first three years of firm existence, and (2) firm performance will beregulated by the presence of an additional TMT member plus the founder/CEO.(AKP)
Lewis Acids with a Difference

Lewis acids are electron-pair acceptors that readily bind electron-rich molecules and anions. Examples include fluorinated organoboranes such as 1 (see the first figure), which are widely used in synthesis, small-molecule activation, and catalysis ( 1 – 4 ), and silylium cations such as 2 +,which are powerful anion abstractors ( 5 ). Pentavalent group 15 fluorides such as PF5 are another class of strong Lewis acids ( 6 , 7 ), but they react with water to release hydrogen fluoride, making them corrosive. In principle, these inconvenient properties could be tamed by introducing organic substituents, a strategy validated in the development of boron Lewis acids such as 1 . By analogy with silylium cation chemistry, the Lewis acidity of group 15 derivatives could be further enhanced if they were cations. Putting these ideas into practice, Caputo et al. report, on page 1374 of this issue, the synthesis and properties of the Lewis acid [(C6F5)3PF]+ [ 3 + (see the first figure)] ( 8 ).
Research needs regarding formulation of the initial design problem

Abstract Much of the reserach performed in problem formulation in design is driven by the search to find what good, effective designers do. The findings are modelled and converted into prescriptive principles, methods and tools for designers and students. They are also used to develop axioms, postulates, propositions and theories of the activity of planning and design. A good first step in any design task is to clarify what it is that needs to be accomplished. This direction-setting consideration involves qualitative specification of the purpose(s) to be accomplished and establishing measures of performance that define the factors used to determine if those purposes are accomplished effectively and efficiently. The research described here is iterative and takes advantage of new heuristic algorithms and computer tools. It hypothesizes that design professionals can significantly improve their individual performances by adopting explicit methods found to be effective in taking a problem-as-stated and converting it into the ‘right’ problem on which to work.
Complex and real singularities of eigenfunction expansions

Let θ(t, λ) and (t,λ) be the solutions to the differential equation y“+(λ − q(t))y =0, − ∞ such that θ(0, λ) ) = l, θ'(0, λ) ) = 0, o(0, λ) = 0 and o'(0, λ) = −1. It is known that for a function f(t)∈ L 2 (−∞,∞), we have where for some measures dξ, dη; and dζ independent of f . In the first part of this paper we devise a technique to locate the singular points of f ( t ) ( t is complex) under the assumptions that E (λ), F (λ) are of order O( e -cvλ ), as λ →∞and q ( t ) is a sufficiently nice function. In this case all the singularities of f are off the real axis. In the second part of the paper we relax the restriction on E (λ) and f (λ) so that they are of order O (λ k ) as λ →∞ for some constant k , and we show that in this case f ( t ) is a generalised function whose analytic representation is holomorphic in the upper and lower half planes. We then devise a technique to continue analytically across the real axis and locate its singularities thereon.
Role Ambiguity, Job-Related Tension and Job Satisfaction

This research effort examines the degree of and relationship among role ambiguity, job-related tension, and job satisfaction in a hospital environment. The specific research subjects chosen were hospital unit managers. Adaptation of the Kahn et al. national study was used to establish Role Ambiguity and Job Tension Indexes. The Brayfield-Rothe Job Satisfaction Index provided data concerning this latter variable. Findings of this study indicate that although the nature of the Unit Manager position is inherently satisfying, environmental factors contribute to a high degree of role ambiguity and job tension which tend to limit the satisfaction derived from the work.
High-sensitivity C-reactive protein as a predictor of all-cause mortality: implications for research and patient care.

Based on more than a decade of evidence, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP)1 is in clinical use as an inexpensive adjunct to global cardiovascular risk prediction, as a tool to determine risk of future diabetes and metabolic syndrome, and as a method for monitoring efficacy of statin therapy. In the last decade, more than 20 prospective cohort studies have indicated that hsCRP concentrations independently associate with future risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes, and most studies of adequate sample size have found that hsCRP adds prognostic information to global risk prediction scores. On this basis, guidelines for use of hsCRP in clinical practice have been issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (1), and novel algorithms for risk prediction that incorporate hsCRP, such as the Reynolds Risk Score (www.reynoldsriskscore.com), have been shown to improve risk classification, particularly for “intermediate risk” patients who account for more than 70% of all vascular events (2). Further, as statins lower hsCRP in an LDL cholesterol–independent manner and as best clinical outcomes occur among statin-treated patients who not only reduce LDL cholesterol below 700 mg/L (70 mg/dL) but also reduce hsCRP below 2 mg/L, the concept of “dual goals” has been introduced into cardiovascular clinical practice (3)(4). Because of its relationships with insulin resistance, leptin, and cytokine function (5), as well as its role in endothelial dysfunction and inhibition of fibrinolysis (6)(7), CRP has also been of pathophysiologic interest as an intellectual bridge linking low-grade systemic inflammation to both diabetogenesis and atherogenesis. Given the consistency and generalizability of these data, it is …
Excretion of Triamterene and Its Metabolite in Triamterene Stone Patients

As triamterene users may form kidney stones containing deposits of triamterene and its metabolites, we studied urinary excretion to detect any altered metabolism of triamterene in these patients. We found no significant differences between patients and matched control subjects in total recovery, hourly excretion patterns, and concentrations of triamterene and its sulfate metabolite. Approximately half of all subjects tested revealed urine concentrations of the sulfate metabolite that exceeded the observed solubility limit.
Electron microscopy of the fine structure in iron-nickel-carbon martensites

Abstract The internal twins in iron-nickel and iron-nickel-carbon martensites have been measured by transmission electron microscopy under a number of conditions. The mean thickness of the most sharply defined twins is 57±5 A , and the mean twin spacing is 97±5 A , independent of the carbon content, M s s temperature, and whether the martensite is formed athermally or isothermally (by electrolytic thinning of the specimen). The ratio of these two parameters is in line with that predicted for an invariant-plane transformation, indicating that the internal twins in virgin martensite come into existence as part of the transformation. It is clear that the carbon-dependent strengthening of these martensites does not operate through variations in the twinned structure.
Dendritic bias of neurons in rat somatosensory cortex associated with a functional boundary.

Sensory information is encoded throughout the central nervous system by activation of specific groups of neurons. Neurons encoding information from a particular modality are grouped together and constitute an ordered neural representation or “map” of the stimulus. The organization of these representations is not static, but is capable of significant alteration in response to changes in the patterns of inputs delivered to the cortex in the appropriate behavioral context. Therefore, understanding the basic mechanisms that account for discontinuities in cortical representations are important for understanding both information processing in the cortex and plasticity of cortical organization. It is clear that both anatomic and physiologic mechanisms underlie both the genesis and the plasticity of these representations; however, their exact contributions are not fully understood. To examine neuronal anatomy around a representational border in rat primary somatosensory cortex (S1), a novel in vivo/in vitro preparation was used in which the location of the border between the forepaw and lower jaw representations in rat S1 was determined electrophysiologically and marked by dye iontophoresis in vivo. By using in vitro slices from the region in which this border was marked, the morphologies of single cortical layer 2/3 neurons close to and far from the border were determined by intracellular injection of biocytin. Neurons close to the border had dendritic arbors that were significantly biased away from the border; neurons far from the border did not. This bias was due to a decrease in the number of neurites that specifically crossed the border with a concomitant increase in other near-border parts of the neuron, consistent with the ideas that patterns of activity are important for neurite outgrowth and that neurons maintain a relatively constant total neurite extent. These findings confirm the close association of cortical anatomy and physiology and illustrate their relationships with cortical representational discontinuities. J. Comp. Neurol. 409:385–399, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The evolution of clinical gait analysis part III--kinetics and energy assessment.

Historically, clinical applications of measurements of force and energy followed electromyography and kinematics in temporal sequence. This sequence is mirrored by the order of topics included in this trilogy on the Evolution of Clinical Gait Analysis, with part I [Sutherland DH. The evolution of clinical gait analysis part I: kinesiological EMG. Gait Posture 2001;14:61–70.] devoted to Kinesiological EMG and part II [Sutherland DH. The evolution of clinical gait analysis part II – kinematics. Gait Posture 2002;16(2):159–179.] to Kinematics. This final review in the series will focus on kinetics as it relates to gait applications. Kinematic measurements give the movements of the body segments, which can be compared with normal controls to identify pathological gait patterns, but they do not deal with the forces controlling the movements. As a major goal of scientifically minded clinicians is to understand the biomechanical forces producing movements, the objective measurement of ground reaction forces is essential. The force plate (platform) is now an indispensable tool in a state-of-the-art motion analysis laboratory. Nonetheless, it is not a stand-alone instrument as both kinematic and EMG measurements are needed for maximum clinical implementation and interpretation of force plate measurements. The subject of energy assessment is also given mention, as there is a compelling interest in whether walking has been made easier with intervention. The goals of this manuscript are to provide a historical background, recognize some of the important contributors, and describe the current multiple uses of the force plate in gait analysis. The widespread use of force plates for postural analyses is an important and more recent application of this technology, but this review will be restricted to measurements of gait rather than balance activities. Finally, this manuscript presents my personal perspective and discusses the developments and contributors that have shaped my thoughts and actions, and which I have found to be particularly noteworthy or intriguing. Just as in parts I and II, emphasis has been placed on the early development. All subtopics and important contributors, in this third and certainly most challenging of the review papers, have not been included. Some may find that my perceptions are incomplete. I accept responsibility for all deficiencies, as none were intended. Letters to selected contributors and their responses reveal how each contributor built on the work of others. The level of cooperation and sharing by these early investigators is extraordinary. Had they wished to withhold information about their own work, clinical gait analysis would have been severely delayed. # 2004 Published by Elsevier B.V.
Identification of Search Models Using Record Statistics

Identiﬁcation of Search Models using Record Statistics ∗ Gadi Barlevy Economic Research Department Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago 230 South LaSalle Chicago, IL 60604 e-mail: gbarlevy@frbchi.org March 8, 2005 Abstract This paper shows how record-value theory, a branch of statistics that deals with the tim- ing and magnitude of extreme values in sequences of random variables, can be used to non- parametrically identify the oﬀer distribution of wages workers face. Using NLSY wage data, I show that the data supports the hypothesis that the wage oﬀer distribution is Pareto but rejects that it is lognormal. In addition, I show that my approach can be used to construct a bound on the return to job-speciﬁc human capital. Using the same NLSY data, I ﬁnd that job-speciﬁc human capital plays only a minor role in the wage growth of the workers in my sample. Instead, wage growth among the young workers in my sample appears to be driven primarily by the accumulation of general human capital as well as on-the-job search. Key Words: On-the-Job Search, Non-Parametric Identiﬁcation, Wage Growth, Speciﬁc Human Capital I would like to thank Joe Altonji, Susan Athey, Marco Bassetto, Jeﬀ Campbell, Kim-Sau Chung, Zvi Eckstein, Chuck Manski, Francesca Molinari, Chris Taber, Nick Williams, and especially Eric French and H. N. Nagaraja for helpful discussions. I also wish to acknowledge the help of my research assistant Merritt Lyon. Finally, I have beneﬁtted from comments at seminars in Arizona State, the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, Tel Aviv University, Michigan State, NYU, Penn State, University of Pennsylvania, University of British Columbia, SUNY Albany, Berkeley, the Society of Economic Dynamics, and the NBER Summer Institute. The views expressed here do not necessarily reﬂect the position of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago or the Federal Reserve System.
Dose-response and time-course of neurobehavioral changes following oral chlorpyrifos in rats of different ages.

Abstract Young rats have been shown in several laboratories to be more sensitive to the neurotoxic effects of acute exposure to chlorpyrifos. To examine the neurobehavioral effects of chlorpyrifos as a function of age and dose, we conducted dose–response and time-course assessments in rats of three different ages (postnatal day, or PND, 17, 27, and adults). Doses were selected to span the effective dose range in each age group: PND17 — 4, 10, 20 mg/kg; PND27 — 10, 25, 50 mg/kg; adult — 10, 50, 100 mg/kg. Rats were tested at the time of peak effect on the day of dosing, and again at 1 and 3 days, and at 1 and 2 weeks after a single oral dose. There were age- and sex-related differences in the recovery of these behavioral effects; the adult males recovered from the behavioral effects more quickly than the other age groups, and the adult females showed the slowest recovery (up to at least 3 days). Although these doses had been shown previously to produce a similar degree of cholinesterase inhibition, the neurobehavioral alterations fell into the following three patterns of effect as a function of age. (1) Some endpoints (e.g., gait abnormalities, tremor) showed a dose–response curve that was shifted to the right in the older animals. Calculated ED50 values indicated that the PND17 rats were three- to five-fold more sensitive than the adults. (2) Some measures showed less effect in the youngest rats; for example, maximal motor activity decreases were half as great as with adults. (3) A few effects that were typically observed in adults, e.g., salivation, were not seen at all in the PND17 rats. Thus, differential responses on these neurobehavioral endpoints were observed as a function of age. These data suggest that, for some endpoints, young rats are more sensitive to a range of chlorpyrifos doses; however, the magnitude of age-related differences depends on the specific endpoint and time of assessment, as well as age and sex of the test subject.
SOCIAL CAPITAL AS A MEDIATING FACTOR IN EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND CONCERNS ABOUT TERRORISM

The purpose of this study was to investigate how social capital might be instrumental in mediating concerns about terrorism and promoting appropriate responses for emergency preparedness. Results are presented from a random-digit dialed survey of a metropolitan area measuring individual characteristics as well as community-level characteristics as possible predictors of the practice of emergency preparedness and concerns about future terrorism. Results show that social capital is positively associated with increased preparedness and with increased concern about future terrorism events. The authors suggest that the information sharing and norm-setting processes related to high social capital help set the stage for both increased awareness of the consequences of terrorism and the value of increased preparedness. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comm Psychol 35: 1073–1083, 2007.
Waveguide optics of new short-wavelength laser diodes

The optical confinement and related issues are considered of novel semiconductor laser structures based on III-group nitrides. The approach of normal modes is used in an analysis of the InGaN-based laser diode that is actually a set of coupled waveguides. Laser emission mode is found to be subjected to internal mode coupling. When phase velocities are close in coupled modes, the interaction is resonantly strong, and produces a significant modification of both the spatial mode configuration and laser threshold. Particularly, the modal gain can be quenched totally keeping the material gain at high level. Therefore such resonance is an important issue in the nitride-based laser designing. Also, the modeling of nitride-based VCSEL is performed using an effective frequency method and laser operation is simulated numerically. The thermal lens effect is shown to be important in the mode formation.
A finite element model for double diffusive convection

Presentation d'un algorithme aux elements finis pour les equations determinant la dynamique de la convection a double diffusion. Exemples d'applications numeriques et comparaison avec des resultats experimentaux. Discussion des extensions possibles a d'autres problemes
Selection criteria for breast conservation: The impact of young and old age and collagen vascular disease

Background. Selection criteria applicable to women desiring breast-conserving surgery and radiation for early invasive breast cancer have evolved over the last decade. The presence of active collagen vascular disease has emerged as a contraindication for this treatment. The roles of both young and old age have been debated by many authors, although a growing body of literature supports the impact of age on both local control and disease free survival. Methods. This is a review of the literature addressing these selection criteria. Results. A consensus exists regarding the impact of preexisting collagen vascular disease on the anticipated complications with breast-conserving radiation, despite small numbers reported
Correlation of Boiling Points with Molecular Structure for Chlorofluoroethanes

Two six-descriptor models, each descriptor derived directly from molecular structure, were fitted to the normal boiling points (Tb) of ethane plus the 52 known chlorofluoroethanes by multiple linear regression (s = 2.6 K, R2 = 0.998). Both models predict Tb values of 351 ± 2 and 366 ± 2 K for unknown 1,1-dichloro-2-fluoroethane and 1,1,1-trichloro-2-fluoroethane, respectively. Several descriptors treat specially the atoms that remain exterior after X atoms in CH2X groups (X = Cl, F) and H atoms in CHX2 groups attach electrostatically to identical groups of adjacent molecules. Electrostatic repulsion between opposing CX bonds reduces Tb by 20−30 K for half of the compounds.
Detection of fetal erythrocytes in maternal blood post partum with the fluorescence-activated cell sorter.

A study was made of the frequency and amount of fetal hemorrhage into maternal blood during labor and delivery as evidenced by the number of fetal cells present in the maternal circulation immediately after spontaneous vaginal delivery. A sensitive, indirect immunofluorescence was used with fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis of erythrocytes. All of the 16 Rh-negative mothers studied after vaginal delivery of Rh-positive infants had circulating Rh-positive cells. The mean Rh-positive to Rh-negative erythrocyte ratio was 1:14,100 in maternal blood, which corresponds to a mean fetal hemorrhage of 156 µl. The test described is sufficiently sensitive to be used for the study of primary Rh isoimmunization and could be clinically applicable for antepartum screening to determine which patients require Rh immune globulin treatment before delivery.
Knowledge comparison in design repositories

Abstract Comparison of design knowledge generated and consumed during a product design process is very useful. Basically, design knowledge can be classified into four categories: artifact functions, artifact behaviors, artifact structures, and the causalities among structures, behaviors and functions. This paper proposes an object-oriented knowledge model to represent design knowledge associated with these categories. Comparison of design knowledge thus turns out to be the comparison of design classes with constraints. We identify the semantic relationships among design classes with constraints. The methods to determine these relationships are hereby developed. In particular, the comparison of constraints and the semantic relationships on approximate basis are investigated in this paper.
Radiographic changes associated with giant cell hyalin angiopathy

Abstract A case report of a rare oral lesion termed giant cell hyalin angiopathy is presented. The clinical, radiographic, and histopathologic appearances are discussed, together with a successful mode of antibiotic treatment. The absence of vasculitis and foreign bodies and the therapeutic efficacy of antibiotics suggest that angiopathy may not be the appropriate term.
Relation extraction from text documents

Business intelligence became a very significant part of many business systems by enabling better insight into corporate data and quicker decision making. Combination of business intelligence with information extraction methods can significantly improve data set used for analysis with the result of enlarged company knowledge base. Information extraction focuses on unstructured data (e.g. text documents). Some of the most significant factors in unstructured source are relations among specific entities. Relation extraction is information extraction method for partial analyses of natural language. This kind of information system is exploring text in order to detect previously defined relations. Machine learning is probably the optimal approach for relation extraction and this paper will give the overview and discuss this type of methods. Special emphasis will be given to weakly supervised techniques, or more specifically, to co-learning method.
Enhanced 5-HT2C receptor signaling is associated with haloperidol-induced “early onset” vacuous chewing in rats: implications for antipsychotic drug therapy

Rationale Haloperidol is a representative of typical antipsychotics that are still in clinical use and which can lead to abnormal motor activity following repeated administration. The mechanisms underlying antipsychotic-induced dyskinesias are not well understood but are widely held to be related to excessive loss of dopamine function. In several models of dopamine hypofunction, serotonin 5-HT2C receptors have been shown to mediate vacuous chewing movements (VCM), a form of abnormal motor activity. It is well established that repeated haloperidol administration also elicits VCM, but there is no information on how repeated haloperidol administration affects 5-HT2C receptor signaling.
New FIR laser lines and frequency measurements in CD3OD

Twenty-four new submillimeter laser lines in fully deuterated methyl alcohol (CD3OD) in the wavelength range from 52 to 328 μm have been obtained in a Fabry-Perot FIR resonator by optically pumping the methanol with a cw CO2 laser. We have made accurate wavelength measurements and have determined the relative polarization of most of the known CD3OD laser lines. The frequencies of 13 of the strongest lines were also measured.
Future Prospects of di-jet Production Constraining Δg(x) at Low x in Polarized p + p Collisions at RHIC

One of the main objectives of the high-energy spin physics program at RHIC at BNL is the precise determination of the polarized gluon distribution function, Δg(x). Polarized collisions at GeV and at GeV at RHIC provide an unique way to probe the proton spin structure. Inclusive measurements, such as inclusive jet and hadron production, have so far been the prime focus of various results at GeV constraining Δg(x) for 0.05 < x < 0.2. A recent global analysis provides for the first time evidence of a non-zero value of the gluon polarization . First results of di-jet production at GeV by the STAR collaboration will allow a better constraint of the underlying event kinematics. Extending the current program to smaller values of x is a key goal for the future high-energy spin physics program at RHIC. Forward di-jet production measurements at STAR beyond the current acceptance from -1 < η < +2 to +2.5 < η < +4, in particular those carried out at GeV, provides access to low x values at the level of 10-3 where current uncertainties of Δg(x) remain very large. Those measurements will eventually be complemented by a future Electron-Ion Collider facility probing Δg(x) in polarized collisions.
Photosynthetic responses to light and temperature of the heteromorphic marine alga Mastocarpus papillatus (Rhodophyta)

Physiological differentiation of the heteromorphic life-history phases of the red alga Mastocarpus papillatus (C. Agardh) Kutzing was assessed. Photosynthetic responses to light and temperature of the erect, foliose gametophyte were compared to those of the crustose tetrasporophyte. Plants of both phases were collected from four locations on the Pacific coast of Baja California, Mexico, and California, USA, between 32-41°N latitude. Within each location, the chlorophyll-specific, light-saturated photosynthetic rates of gametophytes were generally five times greater than those of tetrasporophytes. Initial slopes of photosynthesis : irradiance curves were greater for gametophytes than for tetrasporophytes. The crust and the blade from each location were similar with respect to dark respiration rates (...)
Beyond anxious predisposition: Do padecer de nervios and ataque de nervios add incremental validity to predictions of current distress among Mexican mothers?

Background: Nervios (PNRV) and ataque de nervios (ATQ) are culture-bound syndromes with overlapping symptoms of anxiety, depression, and dissociation, shown to have inconsistent associations to psychiatric disorder. Few studies test the basic assumption that PNRV and ATQ are uniformly linked to distress outcomes across Latina/o immigrant groups. This study examined: (a) the extent to which acculturative stress, Latino/US American acculturation, and anxious predisposition were associated with lifetime history of ATQ and PNRV, and (b) the extent to which ATQ and PNRV add incremental validity in explaining acculturative stress and psychological distress beyond measures of anxious predisposition. Method: Participants (n 5 82) included Mexican mothers who completed surveys on acculturation, trait anxiety, anxiety sensitivity, lifetime ATQ/PNRV, psychological distress, and acculturative stress. Results: Lifetime PNRV, but not lifetime ATQ, was significantly predictive of psychological distress. PNRV was also linked to trait anxiety. Psychometric measures of anxious predisposition (trait anxiety and anxiety sensitivity) were more robust predictors of distress outcomes than lifetime history of ATQ/PNRV. Conclusions: Inquiry into lifetime history of nervios may be a useful point of entry in talking to Mexican immigrant mothers about stress and distress. However, standard tools for assessing anxiety sensitivity and trait anxiety appear most useful in identifying and explaining the presence of psychological distress. Further research is needed to determine the cross-cultural relevance of trait anxiety and anxiety sensitivity, and its implications for the development of anxiety treatments that are effective across cultures. Depression and Anxiety r r 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Aberrant Mucin5B expression in lung adenocarcinomas detected by iTRAQ labeling quantitative proteomics and immunohistochemistry

Lung cancer is the number one cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States and worldwide. The complex protein changes and/or signature of protein expression in lung cancer, particularly in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has not been well defined. Although several studies have investigated the protein profile in lung cancers, the knowledge is far from complete. Among early studies, mucin5B (MUC5B) has been suggested to play an important role in the tumor progression. MUC5B is the major gel-forming mucin in the airway. In this study, we investigated the overall protein profile and MUC5B expression in lung adenocarcinomas, the most common type of NSCLCs. Lung adenocarcinoma tissue in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) blocks was collected and microdissected. Peptides from 8 tumors and 8 tumor-matched normal lung tissue were extracted and labeled with 8-channel iTRAQ reagents. The labeled peptides were identified and quantified by LC-MS/MS using an LTQ Orbitrap Velos mass spectrometer. MUC5B expression identified by iTRAQ labeling was further validated using immunohistochemistry (IHC) on tumor tissue microarray (TMA). A total of 1288 peptides from 210 proteins were identified and quantified in tumor tissues. Twenty-two proteins showed a greater than 1.5-fold differences between tumor and tumor-matched normal lung tissues. Fifteen proteins, including MUC5B, showed significant changes in tumor tissues. The aberrant expression of MUC5B was further identified in 71.1% of lung adenocarcinomas in the TMA. A subset of tumor-associated proteins was differentially expressed in lung adenocarcinomas. The differential expression of MUC5B in lung adenocarcinomas suggests its role as a potential biomarker in the detection of adenocarcinomas.
The occurrence of particle size distribution bimodality in midlatitude cirrus as inferred from ground-based remote sensing data

AbstractData collected in midlatitude cirrus clouds by instruments on jet aircraft typically show particle size distributions that have distinct distribution modes in both the 10–30-μm maximum dimension (D) size range and the 200–300-μm D size range or larger. A literal interpretation of the small D mode in these datasets suggests that total concentrations Nt in midlatitude cirrus are, on average, well in excess of 1 cm−3 whereas more conventional analyses of in situ data and cloud process model results suggest Nt values a factor of 10 less. Given this wide discrepancy, questions have been raised regarding the influence of data artifacts caused by the shattering of large crystals on aircraft and probe surfaces. This inconsistency and the general nature of the cirrus particle size distribution are examined using a ground-based remote sensing dataset. An algorithm using millimeter-wavelength radar Doppler moments and Raman lidar-derived extinction is developed to retrieve a bimodal particle size distributio...
Evidence that U5 snRNP recognizes the 3′ splice site for catalytic step II in mammals

The first AG dinucleotide downstream from the branchpoint sequence (BPS) is chosen as the 3' splice site during catalytic step II of the splicing reaction. The mechanism and factors involved in selection of this AG are not known. Early in mammalian spliceosome assembly, U2AF65 binds to the pyrimidine tract between the BPS and AG. Here we show that U2AF65 crosslinking is replaced by crosslinking of three proteins of 110, 116 and 220 kDa prior to catalytic step II, and we provide evidence that all three proteins are components of U5 snRNP. These proteins interact with pre-mRNA in the region spanning from immediately downstream of U2 snRNP's binding site at the BPS to just beyond the 3' splice site. We also demonstrate that there are strict constraints on both the sequence and the distance between the BPS and AG for catalytic step II. Together, these observations suggest that U5 snRNP is positioned on the 3' splice site by an interaction (direct or indirect) with U2 snRNP bound at the BPS and by a direct interaction with the pyrimidine tract. The functional AG for catalytic step II may be specified, in turn, by its location with respect to the U5 snRNP binding site.
Extensive articulated human detection by voting Cluster Boosted Tree

Our goal is to detect people in highly articulated poses, including bending, crouching, etc. Such formidable diversity in human poses makes detection much more difficult than for pedestrian poses. “Divide-and-conquer” is a favorable strategy for detecting objects with large intra class variations, which splits object instances into several subcategories and trains relatively simple classifiers for each sub-category. We propose a novel sample split method, which benefits the learning results of articulated humans. We adopt the Cluster Boosted Tree (CBT) structure to automatically decide when a split should be triggered. Unlike the simple k-means used in CBT for sample split, our approach aims at minimizing the training loss after the split. Since this minimization is an NP-hard problem, we design a heuristic algorithm, in which we find optimal sample divisions according to each single feature, and then make compromises to get a final division by a voting-like process. We name our training method as Voting Cluster Boosted Tree (VCBT). Furthermore, to avoid large background area in training samples, we first cluster samples according to their width/height ratios, and then train a VCBT for each subset. We conduct an experiment on 17 infrared surveillance video clips, report superior performance compared with previous human detection methods, and show how our approach benefits the learning results by reducing training loss.
Semiconductor laser stabilization by external optical feedback

A report is presented on a general theory describing the effect of external optical feedback on the steady-state noise characteristics of single-mode semiconductor lasers. The theory is valid for arbitrarily strong feedback and arbitrary optical feedback configuration and spectrum. A generalized Langevin rate equation is derived. The equation is, in general, infinite order in d/dt constituting an infinite-order correction to the low-frequency weak-feedback analysis. The general formalism includes relaxation oscillations and permits analysis of the effect of feedback on the laser linewidth, frequency noise, relative intensity noise, and the relaxation oscillation sidebands in the field spectrum. The theory is applied to two important feedback configurations: the laser coupled to a single mirror and the laser coupled to a high-Q cavity. >
Impact of the ASPECT scores and distribution on outcome among patients undergoing thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke

Introduction This study investigates whether the Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) quantification is associated with outcome following mechanical thrombectomy. Objective To determine whether preintervention non-perfect ASPECT scores involving cortical or subcortical regions and the side of the non-perfect ASPECT score affects outcomes. Methods A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database of patients with acute ischemic stroke involving the anterior circulation who underwent thrombectomy between May 2008 and August 2012 at a single tertiary care center. The device for mechanical thrombectomy used was the penumbra aspiration system (Penumbra Inc, Alameda, California, USA) and the Solitaire stent retriever (ev3, Irvine, California, USA). A ‘blinded’ neuroradiologist obtained ASPECTS quantification and noted each region demonstrating early changes. Results 149 patients (51.7% female, mean age 66.1±15.1 years) were included with an average National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale of 16.2±6.7. Patients with non-perfect ASPECT scores on pretreatment imaging were more likely to have a hemorrhagic conversion (p=0.04) evident on post-procedure CT. However, functional outcomes were the same. Patients with both cortical and basal ganglia non-perfect ASPECT scores were more likely to be in a persistent vegetative state or expire. No differences were identified in outcome among patients with left- versus right-sided infarcts affecting the basal ganglia or cortical regions. Conclusions These findings support a strategy of selecting candidacy for thrombectomy that does not exclude patients with non-perfect ASPECT scores involving either the basal ganglia or cortical regions. Outcomes were identical among patients with no non-perfect ASPECT scores and those with cortical or subcortical infarcts, despite a higher incidence of hemorrhagic conversion found among those with non-perfect ASPECT scores.
Electron Microscopical Analysis of Selected Dye Carriers Within Poly ( ethylene Terephthalate ) Fibers

Carrier/ solvent pretreatment of poly ( ethylene terephthalate) (PET) prior to dyeing is an alternative to conventional carrier dyeing. Carrier penetration of the fiber and diffusion of the dye into the fiber are believed to be interrelated phenomena, even though there is little direct evidence that the carrier is being absorbed by the fiber. High resolution techniques of scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive x- ray analysis were used to determine the location of the selected dye carriers, salicylic acid and anthranilic acid, within carrier/solvent pretreated PET fibers. Measurements of relative carrier concentration in and around the fiber revealed the presence of a significant quantity of carrier on the fiber surface, but smaller amounts of carrier had penetrated the fiber.
Parvovirus infection mimicking systemic lupus erythematosusin a pediatric population

Abstract Objectives: To assess the striking similarities of presentation in a pediatric population between human parvovirus B19 (HPV-1319) infection and systemic lupus erythematous (SLE). Methods: Medical records of seven patients (ages 6 to 15) with HPV B19 infection were reviewed retrospectively. Results: Six of seven cases presented with a history of malar rash, and all sevenhad prolonged arthralgias and fatigue. Six of seven had a positive antinuclear antibody (ANA) titer ranging from 1:40 to greater than 1:640, with two patients having antibodies to Scl-70 and others to Sm, RNP, SS-A (Ro), or SS-B (La). The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) varied from 2 to 68 mm/h. Two patients presented with elevated rheumatoid factor (RF) titers of 24 and 271 IU/mL, respectively. All had elevated IgM antibody levels to parvovirus at the onset, and markedly elevated IgG levels when evaluated throughout their disease course. Over the course of 2 to 3 months, three improved, but the other four continued to have symptomatology for 14, 40, 78, and 120 weeks, respectively. Treatment was symptomatic, and no one developed classic SLE. Conclusions: HPV-B19 infection in a pediatric patient group may present with SLE-like symptomatology and positive serology suggestive of SLE. The course of the disease is usually self-limited, though it may be prolonged in some for up to 120 weeks.
Selective precipitation‐assisted recovery of immunoglobulins from bovine serum using controlled‐fouling crossflow membrane microfiltration

Efficient and economic recovery of immunoglobulins (Igs) from complex biological fluids such as serum, cell culture supernatant or fermentation cell lysate or supernatant, represents a substantial challenge in biotechnology. Methods such as protein A affinity chromatography and anion exchange chromatography are limited by cost and selectivity, respectively, while membrane chromatography is limited by low adsorptive area, flow distribution problems and scale-up difficulties. By combining the traditional salt-assisted precipitation process for selective removal of Igs from serum followed by constant-permeate flux membrane microfiltration for low fouling, we demonstrate an exciting new, efficient and economic hybrid method. The high selectivity of an ammonium sulfate-induced precipitation step was used to precipitate the Igs leaving the major undesirable impurity, the bovine serum albumin (BSA), in solution. Crossflow membrane microfiltration in diafiltration mode was then employed to retain the precipitate, while using axial flow rates to optimize removal of residual soluble BSA to the permeate. The selectivity between immunoglobulin G (IgG) and BSA obtained from the precipitation step was approximately 36, with 97% removal of the BSA with diafiltration in 5 diavolumes with resulting purity of the IgG of approximately 93% after the membrane microfiltration step. Complete resolubilization of the IgG was obtained without any aggregation at the concentrations of ammonium sulfate employed in this work. Further, membrane pore size and axial Reynolds number (recirculation rate) were shown to be important for minimizing fouling and loss of protein precipitate.
Religiosity and Attitudes Toward Diversity: A Potential Workplace Conflict?

The study investigates relationships between 2 measures of religiosity (immanence orientation and religious fundamentalism) and 2 measures of attitudes toward diversity (universal-diverse orientation and attitudes toward gay men and lesbians). As expected, different conceptualizations of religiosity relate differently to diversity attitudes. Immanence orientation related positively and religious fundamentalism related negatively with both measures of diversity attitudes. However, when both measures were included in the hierarchical regression equation, immanence orientation no longer related significantly with attitudes toward lesbians and gay men; and religious fundamentalism no longer related significantly with universal-diverse orientation. Finally, gender and immanence interacted to predict universal-diverse orientation. Implications are discussed.
Generic computer aided software engineering (CASE) databases requirements

Generic requirements are discussed for a CASE (computer-aided software engineering) database based on a study, performed in a programming-in-the-large environment, of a project which involves the interaction of thousands of software developers and over a million lines of source code and other related design objects. The discussion covers data modeling in software engineering and version control, as well as briefly touching on composite/complex object management, object servers, long transactions, and seamless query processing. >
The Origin and Diversification of Language

The Origin and Diversification of Language. Nina G. Jablonski and Leslie C. Aiello. eds. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1998. 202 pp.
Interorganizational Dependence and Forward Integration

This paper considers a business unit's propensity to forward integration in response to dependence on customers and turbulence of the environment. The analysis seeks to determine whether vertical integration patterns differ between three manufacturing sectors: consumer products, capital goods, and industrial supplies and components. The results suggest that customer dependence variables are important predictors of forward integration, while aspects of turbulence are not as important. The results also indicate various differences across the three sectors, suggesting that the motivation for forward integration varies with sector. The implications of the findings are discussed.
A two-population evolutionary algorithm for feature extraction: Combining filter and wrapper

Extracting good features is critical to the performance of learning algorithms such as classifiers. Feature extraction selects and transforms original features to find information hidden in data. Due to the huge search space of selection and transformation of features, exhaustive search is computationally prohibitive and randomized search such as evolutionary algorithms (EA) are often used. In our prior work on evolutionary-based feature extraction, an individual, which represents a set of features, is evaluated by estimating the accuracy of a classifier when the individual's feature set is used for learning. Although incorporating a learning algorithm during evaluation, which is called the wrapper approach, generally performs better than evaluating an individual simply by the statistical properties of data, which is called the filter appproach, our EA based on a wrapper approach suffers from overfitting, so that a slight enhancement of fitness in training can dramatically reduce the classification accuracy for unseen testing data. To cope with this problem, this paper proposes a two-population EA for feature extraction (TEAFE) that combines filter and wrapper approaches, and shows the promising preliminary results.
New approaches for simulation of wafer fabrication: the use of control variates and calibration metrics

Simulation-based wafer fabrication optimization models require extensive computational time to obtain accurate estimates of output parameters. This research seeks to develop goal-driven optimization methodologies for a variety of semiconductor manufacturing problems using appropriate combinations of "resource-driven" (R-D), "job-driven" (J-D), and mixed (combination of R-D and J-D) models to reduce simulation run times. The initial phase of this research investigates two issues: (a) the use of the R-D simulation control variates for the J-D simulation and (b) development of metrics that calibrate the output from the R-D and J-D modeling paradigms. The use of the R-D model as a control variate is proposed to reduce the variance of J-D model output. Second, in order to use the R-D model output to predict the J-D model output, calibration metrics for the R-D and J-D modeling approaches were developed. Initial developments were tested using an M/M/1 queuing system and an M/D/1 queuing system.