cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Testing Variance Components in Linear Mixed Modeling Using Permutation

Inference of variance components in linear mixed modeling (LMM) provides evidence of heterogeneity between individuals or clusters. When only nonnegative variances are allowed, there is a boundary (i.e., 0) in the variances' parameter space, and regular inference statistical procedures for such a parameter could be problematic. The goal of this article is to introduce a practically feasible permutation method to make inferences about variance components while considering the boundary issue in LMM. The permutation tests with different settings (i.e., constrained vs. unconstrained estimation, specific vs. generalized test, different ways of calculating p values, and different ways of permutation) were examined with both normal data and non-normal data. In addition, the permutation tests were compared to likelihood ratio (LR) tests with a mixture of chi-squared distributions as the reference distribution. We found that the unconstrained permutation test with the one-sided p-value approach performed better than the other permutation tests and is a useful alternative when the LR tests are not applicable. An R function is provided to facilitate the implementation of the permutation tests, and a real data example is used to illustrate the application. We hope our results will help researchers choose appropriate tests when testing variance components in LMM.
Eventocracy in a time of pandemic

The coronavirus pandemic has exposed a disruptive, new event-oriented politics in places like the United States and India. This essay looks at the emergent relationship between large-scale events, political subjectivity, and communities of sense and sense-making in the chaotic times of late-capitalism. It also asks if global crisis events like a pandemic can present opportunities to re-imagine new worlds in light of present-day challenges.
Effects of initiating in-office germline testing in safety net clinic patients with epithelial ovarian cancer.

1588Background: Germline genetic mutations occur in approximately 25% of women with epithelial ovarian cancers. Recent advances in frontline maintenance therapy for patients with hereditary breast ...
Breaking Up is Hard to Do, Especially When Facebook Won't Let You

Remaining connected on social network sites (SNS) with one's former partner after the termination of a romantic relationship (breakup) is sometimes associated with negative outcomes, possibly due to observing former partner interactions with others on these sites. This study used the hyperperception model to explore motives for observing partner SNS interactions and to make unique predictions about what types of partner behaviors inhibit recovery from breakups. An online survey was conducted with students at two American universities (N = 214). The survey results suggest that people who want to reunite with their partners observe their partners on SNSs to determine if they have new relationships. Results also suggest that recovery from breakups may be inhibited by comparing oneself to new people in the ex-partner's SNS list of connections, and observing the ex-partner interacting with people one does not know, consistent with hyperperception model predictions. These findings suggest that breakup recovery is hindered when people remain connected to their ex-partners on social media, especially if those ex-partners have many friends unknown to those people.
Controller design by symbolic regression

Abstract A novel method of empirical controller design is introduced with the potential to produce exotic controller forms. The controllers in this method are derived by symbolic regression (SR) to be in equation form, hence, they are legible in how the controller output is computed as a function of loop variables. Because SR is computationally costly due to its extensive search of controller space, requiring evaluation of millions, if not billions, of candidate controllers, the candidate controllers cannot be evaluated in closed-loop due to the high cost of simulation associated with such evaluation. This paper offers a recourse to this closed-loop evaluation by allowing evaluations to be performed algebraically. To this end, a method of inverse solution is introduced that estimates the plant input for a desired plant output. This estimated plant input is then used as the target output for candidate controllers that can be readily evaluated algebraically based on the available time series of loop variables associated with the desired plant output. Unlike traditional control design which relies on closed-loop performance metrics to provide controller performance guarantees, the proposed open-loop approach sacrifices such guarantees in favor of new controller forms that it may yield. Therefore, the fidelity, as controllers, of candidate controllers need to be verified post-design. For this purpose, the candidate controllers are first evaluated as controllers in closed-loop simulation. Once verified by simulation, they need to be validated for closed-loop stability, as demonstrated for one of the studied cases.
Community-level face mask usage in Boston, MA

Summary What is already known about this topic? Community-level face mask use is encouraged as an important preventive measure against COVID-19 transmission, and evidence suggests that jurisdictions which implement face mask mandates see a subsequent decline in COVID incidence. What is added by this report? In the Greater Boston area when a face mask mandate is in effect, 95% of people observed were wearing some type of face covering. Most of which were wearing fabric/cloth coverings (51%) or single use surgical masks (40%). Of those wearing a face covering, 85% were appropriately fitted. Indoor locations have higher adherence of appropriately worn face masks, compared to outdoor locations. What are the implications for public health practice? Adherence with face mask mandates was very high, but many individuals wore fabric face masks with unknown filtration efficacy. In addition, it was common for individuals to mis-wear, adjust, or remove their masks. Public health policies requiring mask use should include messaging about appropriate type and best practices for use.
What Is the Potential Role of Poly(ADP-Ribose) Polymerase 1 in Parkinson Disease?

Poly(ADP-ribose) (PAR) polymerase 1 (PARP-1) is an enzyme primarily activated in response to DNA damage and modifies proteins by a process known as PARylation. PARP-1 has a major role in DNA damage repair and participates in several cellular processes, including regulation of chromatin structure, transcriptional machinery, RNA processing, and energy metabolism 1-3 PARP-1 participates in a nuclear–mitochondrial crosstalk that is critical for the maintenance of mitochondrial health.4,5 Studies in experimental models indicate that PARP-1 overactivation is associated with cell death in neurologic disorders due to ischemia, neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration.5-11 PARP-1 overactivation triggers a unique form of programmed cell death known as parthanatos (PARP-1–dependent cell death). One neurodegenerative disorder associated with PARP-1 overactivation is Parkinson disease (PD). A pivotal study showed that recombinant α-synuclein (α-Syn) fibrils promote neuronal death both in vitro and in vivo via activation of PARP-1, and that PARylation accelerates α-Syn fibrillization converting α-Syn fibrils to a more toxic strain, thus establishing a feedforward pathogenic loop.12 There is evidence of PARP-1 activation in the substantia nigra, which may contribute to the pathogenesis of PD and constitute a therapeutic target for disease modification.10,13 This is potentially relevant as PARP-1 inhibitors are currently being used clinically as synergizing agents in the treatment of cancer.3,14 There are comprehensive reviews on the role of PARP-1 in disease.8-11,15 A brief review of the effects of PARP-1 functions may thus be relevant to neurologists (see the figure).
Regulation of eukaryotic initiation factor-2B activity by polyamines and amino acid starvation in rabbit reticulocyte lysate.

Abstract We recently reported that the translational control of protein synthesis by glucose 6-phosphate in gel-filtered, rabbit reticulocyte lysate is exerted on the activity of eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF)-2B, the factor that catalyzes the exchange of GTP for GDP bound to eIF-2, by a mechanism that is independent of the phosphorylation of eIF-2 (alpha subunit). We now demonstrate that two other conditions regulate the activity of eIF-2B in rabbit reticulocyte lysate: polyamines (spermidine and spermine) and amino acid deficiency. In the absence of added polyamines, protein synthesis in gel-filtered lysate is reduced to about 70% and eIF-2B activity to about 35% of optimal. The former is likely a result of the latter, since we find that reticulocyte lysate has about twice the eIF-2B necessary to recycle the eIF-2.GDP generated under conditions of optimal protein synthesis. In contrast, the reduction in eIF-2B activity (to about 50% of optimal) occurring in the absence of added amino acids in unfractionated or gel-filtered lysate is insufficient, by itself, to slow the rate of protein synthesis, and the inhibition of protein synthesis that does occur with amino acid deficiency is exerted on polypeptide chain elongation, not initiation. The reduction in eIF-2B activity occurring with amino acid deficiency cannot be reversed by adding more glucose 6-phosphate or polyamines nor can the reduced eIF-2B activity seen with polyamine deficiency be overcome by increasing the glucose 6-phosphate, suggesting that these three components regulate eIF-2B activity by different mechanisms.
Urban school leadership for elementary science instruction: Identifying and activating resources in an undervalued school subject

This article explores school leadership for elementary school science teaching in an urban setting. We examine how school leaders bring resources together to enhance science instruction when there appear to be relatively few resources available for it. From our study of 13 Chicago elementary (K - 8) schools' efforts to lead instructional change in mathematics, language arts, and science education, we show how resources for leading instruction are unequally distributed across subject areas. We also explore how over time leaders in one school successfully identified and activated resources for leading change in science education. The result has been a steady, although not always certain, development of science as an instru- ctional area in the school. We argue that leading change in science education involves the identification and activation of material resources, the development of teachers' and school leaders' human capital, and the development and use of social capital. fl 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 38: 918 - 940, 2001 The past decade has witnessed considerable efforts to improve the quality of science instruction in America's schools, with school reformers arguing that all students should do more intellectually rigorous science work. Raised expectations for students' academic work have increased the expectations for teachers' instructional practice, expectations that imply substantial changes for existing classroom pedagogy. National and state standards along with new assessment systems press teachers to revise their teaching. Because of the nature and magnitude of the reforms, most teachers struggle to understand their substance and their implications for practice (Cohen, 1988; EEPA, 1990; Schifter & Fosnot, 1993; Spillane, 1999). Transforming reformers' proposals for instruction into sustained daily practice is difficult and depends largely on local circumstances, especially school conditions that support teacher learning (Newmann & Wehlage, 1995). The challenge of going to scale and to substance with recent science reforms also depends in important measure on the local school, especially the school's resources for leading reform of science education. Absent the mobilization of these resources in the cause of science education, recent reforms are likely to have only marginal effects on instructional practice.
Positive Interspecific Interactions

Cooperative relationships between species have been recognized for centuries but, until recently, their acceptance as important forces in community ecology has lagged behind that of antagonistic interactions. Interspecific positive interactions are defined as relationships between different species that result in better growth, reproduction and/or survival for at least one species involved in the interaction without negatively affecting the other species. They may be trophic or nontrophic and act directly or indirectly (through a third species). Positive interactions are not static but vary in their strength and symmetry depending on the context under which they occur. They can act to promote species coexistence especially under harsh physical or biological stress and thus are important to species diversity, species invasions and the conservation and management of highly impacted systems. Key concepts: Recent attention to the cooperative relationships among species shows that they are important forces in shaping community structure. Positive interspecific interactions are defined as cooperative relationships between different species that result in better growth, reproduction and/or survival for at least one species involved in the interaction without negatively affecting the other species. Positive interactions can be trophic and nontrophic, can act directly or indirectly (mediated by a third species) and can be symmetric (species have equal effects) or asymmetric (species have unequal effects). Positive species interactions are not static but vary in their outcome depending on the context under which they occur. Theory and experiments show that positive interactions are more likely to occur under stressful physical or biological contexts. Studies demonstrate that succession in any community is driven by a complex array of species interactions but that positive interactions are important forces especially early when physical and biological conditions may be harsh. Positive interactions should promote species coexistence and thus increase species diversity. Species invasions are facilitated by other species although positive feedbacks between multiple non-native species have rarely been shown. Restoration of degraded communities can involve reintroducing dominant species that promote the colonization and maintenance of rare species by providing basic habitat and/or favourable physical modifications to the environment. Keywords: mutualism; commensalism; context dependence; succession; species diversity
Formal verification of the universal physical access control system (UPACS)

The Universal Access Control System (UPACS) is a communication protocol designed to provide secure access to remote physical devices over an untrusted communication network, where it could be subjected to eavesdropping, unauthorized modification of its messages, and other forms of tampering by attackers. We modeled the protocol in the typed Pi Calculus and used the formal protocol verification tool Proverif to examine the protocol’s security properties. We issued Proverif queries to determine the ability of the protocol to protect the secrecy of terms used by protocol processes, mask any observable changes in the behavior of the protocol as the terms changed in value, and maintain the correct ordering of and causal relationships between events occurring within protocol sessions. We verified that the protocol satisfies all of its intended reachability, observational equivalence and correspondence properties.
Discovery of a new particle named a coretron and a non-baryionic dark matter

%auto-ignore This paper has been withdrawn by the author(s) since somebody do not agree with my idea.
Non-cumulative character scoring in a forward search for online handwriting recognition

In this paper, we describe a novel and efficient search strategy as it is applied to on-line handwriting recognition. The recognition system, which is based on Viterbi decoding, computes posterior probabilities of characters based on sequences of observations, referred to as segments. Posterior distributions of segments are appealing because they allow correlation modeling of the entire segment. In addition, they provide a reliable confidence-rejection mechanism due to their discriminative nature. These posterior scores, which we term non-cumulative, cannot be used for hypothesis pruning as it is done in a standard time synchronous beam search. We propose an organization of the search algorithm that addresses the difficulties posed by the use of non-cumulative character scoring in an efficient way. We report on a writer-independent recognition system that achieves a tenfold reduction in the required number of theories while maintaining the same level of accuracy. Finally, we provide a comparison between the segmental posterior probabilities and the frame-based, class-conditional distributions of the traditional HMM approach that highlights the differences in the search methodology.
Water limitations on forest carbon cycling and conifer traits along a steep climatic gradient in the Cascade Mountains, Oregon

Abstract. Severe droughts occurred in the western United States during recent decades, and continued human greenhouse gas emissions are expected to exacerbate warming and drying in this region. We investigated the role of water availability in shaping forest carbon cycling and morphological traits in the eastern Cascade Mountains, Oregon, focusing on the transition from low-elevation, dry western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis) woodlands to higher-elevation, wetter ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) and grand fir (Abies grandis) forests. We examined 12 sites in mature forests that spanned a 1300 mm yr−1 gradient in mean growing-year climate moisture index (CMI gy ), computed annually (1964 to 2013) as monthly precipitation minus reference evapotranspiration and summed October to September. Maximum leaf area, annual aboveground productivity, and aboveground live tree biomass increased with CMI gy (r2 = 0.67–0.88, P gy (r2 = 0.53, P gy and extensive insect outbreak. Traits of stress-tolerant juniper included short stature, high wood density for cavitation resistance, and high investment in water transport relative to leaf area. Species occupying wetter areas invested more resources in height growth in response to competition for light relative to investment in hydraulic architecture. Consequently, maximum tree height, leaf area : sapwood area ratio, and stem wood density were all correlated with CMI gy . The tight coupling of forest carbon cycling and species traits with water availability suggests that warmer and drier conditions projected for the 21st century could have significant biogeochemical, ecological, and social consequences in the Pacific Northwest.
Costumes of Morocco

Costumes of Morocco. JEAN BESCANCENOT, with a preface by James Bynon; translated by Caroline Stone. London and New York: Kegan Paul International, 1990. 204 pp., 60 color plates, 10 b/w photos, detailed sketches of construction, draping, hair design, and jewelry, and 1 map. $85.50 (cloth).
Regeneration of the Human Colon Mucosa: Morphological and histochemical study

The normal human colon mucosa regenerates by cellular proliferation and differentiation producing new glandular structures after excision biopsy. Histochemical study of 12 tissue enzymes in the normal and regenerating human colon mucosa was performed. Among the significant findings were a reduction in the enzyme activity of succinic acid dehydrogenase in regenerating epithelium and the presence of neutral fat vacuoles in the normal superficial epithelium. The concentration of histochemical tissue enzyme activity at the luminal border in crypt epithelium does not appear to be a specific finding limited to one disease entity but reflects a regenerative phase of colon epithelium.
Tribological characteristics of sputtered Au/Cr films on alumina substrates at elevated temperatures

This paper describes research to evaluate the tribological properties of alumina pins sliding against thin sputtered gold films deposited on alumina disk substrates. A 250 {angstrom} thick chromium interlayer was first deposited onto the alumina test disks to enhance adhesion and high temperature wetting of the gold films. The Au/Cr films were tribotested in pure sliding in a pin-on-disk tribometer under a 4.9 N load at 1 m/s. The test atmosphere was room air at temperatures of 25, 500, and 800 C and the test duration varied from 60 to 540 min. The use of the Au/Cr films reduced friction by about a factor of two compared to the unlubricated alumina sliding couple. The coating prevented wear of the alumina substrate disks and reduced pin wear by one to two orders of magnitude. In addition, wear lives in excess of 200 000 sliding passes (9 hr) were observed during sliding at 800 C. Results suggest that these films show promise for the practical lubrication of many high temperature sliding components.
Assessing the effect of shape distortion in Q9 membrane elements

Abstract The Q9 membrane finite element is unable to experience arbitrary change of uniaxial curvature without the occurence of artificial membrane stains. The error which accumulates due to this inability can be significant when a large change of curvature is experienced by this element. This paper investigates the effect of element shape distortion on the accumulation of error in the Q9 membrane element, and presents two methods for evaluating shape distortion effects in problems with large changes of curvature: a series of ‘patch tests’, and single element tests.
Hairy cell leukemia: Clinical effects of the methanol extraction residue (MER) of BCG, lithium carbonate and mononuclear cell-enriched leukocyte transfusions

Abstract The effect of MER, lithium carbonate or mononuclear cell-enriched leukocyte transfusions was investigated in eleven patients with hairy cell leukemia. These therapeutic modalities were intended to enhance hematopoiesis and restore the immune abnormalities which occur in these patients. Treatment programs consisted of either MER (0.1–0.5 mg/m 2 i.v. weekly) or one to two series of three consecutive mononuclear cell transfusions (MNCT), each transfusion containing a mean of 10.6 ± 1.5 × 10 9 cells/mm 3 (8.4 ± 2.9 × 10 9 lymphocytes and 1.96 ± 1.5 × 10 9 monocytes) or both. A number of patients were given lithium carbonate followed by MER and then lithium with MER on alternate weeks. A complete hematologic response (CHR) was defined as: hemoglobin above 12 g/dl; neutrophil count > 1500 cells/mm 3 and platelet count of > 100,000 mm 3 . A partial hemotological response (PHR) was defined as recovery of at least two of these parameters. Two CHR and two PHR were seen in patients who received MNCT. Three additional patients who received MER or lithium-MER showed improvement in one hematological parameter. The incidence of infection was significantly lower in the patients who responded to treatment than in those who did not ( p Biological stimulation with allogenic cells improved bone marrow failure in patients with HCL. It is expected that hematological recovery and a decrease in the incidence of infections will result in prolonged survival for patients. The contribution of immunoadjuvants or pharmacological agents such as lithium to this therapeutic approach in HCL or other leukemic states where chemotherapy is not desirable requires further investigation.
Antibodies to the period gene product of drosophila reveal diverse tissue distribution and rhythmic changes in the visual system

Abstract Polyclonal antibodies were prepared against the period gene product, which influences biological rhythms in D. melanogaster, by using small synthetic peptides from the per sequence as immunogens. The peptide that elicited the best antibody reagent was a small domain near the site of the per' (short period) mutation. Specific immunohistochemical staining was detected in a variety of tissue types: the embryonic CNS, a few cell bodies in the central brain of pupae; these and other cells in the central brain of adults, as well as imaginal cells in the eyes, optic lobes, and the gut. The intensity of per-specific staining in the visual system was found to oscillate, defining a free-running circadian rhythm with a peak in the middle of the night.
Hematopoietically derived retinal perivascular microglia initiate uveoretinitis in experimental autoimmune uveitis.

Background: Hematopoietically derived cells in the retina were studied for the expression of molecules associated with antigen presentation. Methods: Bone marrow cells of (Lewis × Brown Norway) F1 rats (LBNF1) were transplanted to sublethally irradiated Brown Norway (BN) rats to construct chimeric rats (LBNF1→BN). Each of 21 established chimeras received an adoptive transfer of uveitogenic Lewis T lymphocytes. Three rats were killed on each of 7 consecutive days. The right eye of each rat was processed for flat-mount preparation of the retina; the left eye of each was frozen for cryostat sectioning. All tissues were then stained with one of the following antibodies: OX-3 (Lewis-specific MHC class II marker), anti-ICAM, anti-B7-1, anti-TNF-α or anti-IL-1β. Results: Initial clinical signs of EAU appeared first on day 4; by day 6, full-blown EAU was noted. The flat-mount preparations revealed the presence of OX-3+ cells in the retina, perivascularly exhibiting dendritic morphology on day 2. These cells were observed in the retinal nerve fiber layer (NFL). No B7-1+, ICAM-1+, TNF-α+ or IL-1β+ cells were detected. Cryostat sections revealed positive cell staining of perivascular microglia and astrocytes in the retinal NFL with anti-IL-1β and anti-TNF-α antibodies. Conclusions: Since only perivascular bone marrow-derived cells are seen to express MHC class II molecules prior to onset of EAU, and since these cells also generate the cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α, it appears that initial presentation of antigen in the retina could be by these cells.
A matroid generalization of a theorem of Mendelsohn and Dulmage

A matroid generalization is given to a theorem of Mendelsohn and Dulmage concerning assignments in bipartite graphs. The generalized theorem has applications to optimization theory and provides a simple proof of a theorem of Nash-Williams.
Harvey Cushing, M.D.: a Clevelander.

Harvey Cushing was born, raised, wedded, and buried in Cleveland, OH. Many of his family members lived in Cleveland. Cushing frequently visited the city and maintained close personal and professional relationships with Clevelanders throughout his life. Presented are artifacts, photographs, and excerpts from his and others' works that document Cushing's connection with his home town.
Structure of slow magnetosonic shocks in low beta plasmas

Slow magnetosonic shocks are an efficient way in which magnetic energy in a collisionless plasma is converted into particle flow and thermal energy. Previous analytic and simulation studies of slow shocks have suggested that their structure consists of a damped wavetrain beginning at the shock transition and extending into the downstream region. Spacecraft observations in the solar wind and the earth's magnetotail have found structures that resemble slow shocks except that most of them do not possess a trailing wavetrain. To resolve the conflict between theory and observations of slow shocks, new simulations have been performed which correct some of the previous results and show that depending on the sonic Mach number and the ratio of electron to ion temperature, slow shocks may or may not possess a wavetrain.
Synthesis, structure, computational studies and magnetic properties of a ten-coordinate gadolinium(III) complex

Abstract An X-ray structural analysis of diaquabis [2,6-diacetylpyridinebis(p-nitrobenzoic hydrazide)] gadolinium(III) (Gd(DAPNBH)2), GdC46N14O14H30, FW = 1160.07 g mol−1, P1, a = 12.6116(9), b = 13.8861(1), c = 15.399(1) A, α = 108.394(1) β = 90.305(1), γ = 103.665(1)°, V = 2477.1(3) A , Z = 2 , revealed two pentadentate ligands coordinated to Gd with a coordination geometry intermediate between a bicapped square antiprism and a bicapped cube. Gd(DAPNBH)2 has a relaxivity (R1 = 8.2 mM−1 s−1) three and a half times the relaxivity of GdDTPA (DTPA = diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid), 2.3 mM−1 s−1, a commercial contrast agent.
The Escalation of Terrorism: Microlevel Violence and Interstate Conflict

Following the 9/11 attacks, transnational terrorism is seen as a potential catalyst for interstate war. Yet, the willingness of states to fight in response to terrorist violence is puzzling, given ...
Aspirin in Cardiovascular Disease

Although other mechanisms may be contributory, the antithrombotic properties of aspirin derive predominantly from its platelet-inhibitory effects. These are mediated via irreversible acetylation of platelet cyclo-oxygenase with subsequent blockade of platelet thromboxane synthesis. Long term administration of doses of aspirin as low as 20mg daily depresses platelet thromboxane formation by more than 90%; however, higher doses appear to be necessary to prevent thromboxane-dependent platelet activation in vivo. While there is evidence of biochemical selectivity with low doses of aspirin, significant reduction of the platelet-inhibitory eicosenoid, prostacyclin, occurs even at dosages ranging from 20 to 40mg daily. The ability of aspirin to prevent the occurrence or recurrence of vaso-occlusion has been extensively investigated. In the secondary prevention of myocardial infarction 7 placebo-controlled trials involving more than 15,000 patients have been completed. The dose of aspirin varied from 300 to 1500mg daily. Although none of the individual trials produced statistically significant reductions in total or coronary mortality, taken together the results are highly suggestive of a beneficial effect of aspirin. Similarly, 2 recent studies in patients with unstable angina demonstrated a protective effect of aspirin against acute myocardial infarction and death. While each study employed widely different doses of aspirin (324mg and 1250mg daily) similar reductions in mortality were reported. The effects of aspirin on the prevention of coronary artery bypass graft occlusion have been evaluated in 9 trials. Aspirin in doses of 100 to 975mg daily was shown to be of benefit in preventing early (less than 6 months) graft occlusion, particularly when therapy was started within 24 hours of operation. In patients with prosthetic vascular grafts of the lower limbs, aspirin has been shown to reduce platelet deposition, however further controlled trials will be required to establish the patient population most likely to benefit and, as in all these studies, the optimum dose of aspirin to employ. In patients with prosthetic heart valves it is clear that aspirin alone is insufficient to prevent thromboembolic complications and when administered as an adjunct to anticoagulant therapy it is associated with a high incidence of bleeding. In contrast, there is convincing evidence from several studies for the efficacy of aspirin in doses of 990 to 1300mg daily in the prevention of stroke and death in patients with transient ischaemic attacks.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
The Impact of Preoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging on Surgical Treatment and Outcomes for Ductal Carcinoma In Situ

Background Although magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a useful imaging modality for invasive cancer, its role in preoperative surgical planning for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) has not been established. We sought to determine whether preoperative MRI affects surgical treatment and outcomes in women with pure DCIS.
Parosteal lymphoblastic lymphoma. A human counterpart of Abelson virus‐induced lymphosarcoma of mice

A 16-year-old girl with an unusual presentation of lymphoblastic lymphoma is described. The tumor originated as a paraspinal mass accompanied by lytic bone lesions in the pelvic bones. Neither an anterior mediastinal mass nor lymphadenopathy were noted. This pattern of disease is strikingly reminiscent of lymphomas induced in mice by the Abelson leukemia virus. This patient's lymphoma cells, unlike the usual lymphoblastic lymphoma cells, did not bear classical T-lymphocyte surface markers. A permanent cell line was derived from her tumor. Sparse amounts of cytoplasmic mu-immunoglobulin heavy chains were present in most of these cells, suggesting that the tumor originated in pre-B-lymphocytes. The phenotype of the cultured tumor cells is similar to Abelson virus-transformed murine bone marrow cells. Tumor cells of this phenotype may originate in the bone marrow and spread subsequently in and around the involved bones. This pattern of disease is distinctly different from that of T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma, which typically presents in the mediastinum and cervical lymph nodes, and involves the bone marrow only as a late manifestation of advanced disease.
An Efficient Method for Large-Scale l 1 -Regularized Convex Loss Minimization

Convex loss minimization with lscr1 regularization has been proposed as a promising method for feature selection in classification (e.g., lscr1-regularized logistic regression) and regression (e.g., lscr1-regularized least squares). In this paper we describe an efficient interior-point method for solving large-scale lscr1-regularized convex loss minimization problems that uses a preconditioned conjugate gradient method to compute the search step. The method can solve very large problems. For example, the method can solve an lscr1-regularized logistic regression problem with a million features and examples (e.g., the 20 Newsgroups data set), in a few minutes, on a PC.
A price-based reliable routing game in wireless networks

We investigate a price-based reliable routing game in a wireless network of selfish users. Each node is characterized by a probability of reliably forwarding a packet, and each link is characterized by a cost of transmission. The objective is to form a stable and reliable routing path between a given source and destination pair. The pricing mechanism involved in this routing game is destination-driven and source-mediated: for each successfully delivered packet, the destination node pays the source, which in turn compensates all nodes that participate in routing the packet. We develop a polynomial-time algorithm for deriving an efficient Nash equilibrium routing path. We also present simulations to evaluate the reliability of the obtained path with respect to prices and source-destination cooperation for different network settings.
Screening for cervical spine trauma with helical CT: experience with 676 cases

Purpose: CT scanners with helical capability are commonplace. Evaluation of multiple trauma patients using this technique is fast, and easily performed as part of the radiological evaluation. Our purpose was to ascertain the clinical effectiveness of cervical spine screening with helical CT in a large sample population of multitrauma patients. Materials and methods: A retrospective review was carried out using screening helical CT scans from multitrauma patients referred to the Massachusetts General Hospital emergency department. The radiographic diagnosis was evaluated and tallied along with the clinical diagnosis and outcome for each patient included in the study. Results: Six hundred seventy-six patients conformed to the inclusion criteria. In this series, 59 true-positive, 616 true-negative, 1 false-negative, and no false-positive findings were encountered. These data result in a sensitivity of 98.3 %, a specificity of 100 %, and an accuracy of 99.9 %. Conclusions: Screening helical CT in the evaluation of trauma patients has a high diagnostic accuracy, and is sensitive and specific in diagnosing clinically relevant fractures of the cervical spine.
Medical Product Development, Innovation, and Life-Cycle Regulation: The Challenges for Biostatistics

The article provides a perspective on the challenges for biostatistics as well as on contributions that biostatisticians are making and can make to medical product development and regulation and what the future might be in these areas. The current environment in the United States for pharmaceutical development and regulation is discussed along with the expectations that the public has for how medical products should contribute to public heath. The globalization of research and the use of study designs that incorporate multi-regional populations present new challenges for design and inference. The emerging interest in and development of the science of safety assessment and quantitative approaches to risk evaluation is considered. Guidance development, especially in the area of clinical trials design, continues to be one of the needs that FDA is asked to meet. Guidance development is proceeding for non-inferiority study designs, adaptive designs, multiple endpoints in clinical trials, and missing outcome data in clinical trials. Biostatisticians will be asked and challenged to take on leadership roles in new areas such as personalized medicine, biomarker and genomics, development of new tools for visual display of clinical data, quality assurance and monitoring in clinical trials.
Using index numbers for deflation in environmental accounting

Systematic trends in the general price level of goods and services are the subject of extensive measurement and significant interest among researchers, policy makers and the general public. Dynamic price measurement is also important in environmental accounting in that real measures of augmented output are required to draw inferences on sustainability. This paper computes price indices for emissions of five air pollutants in the United States. Using marginal damages, the paper computes Paasche, Laspeyres, Fisher and Tornquist index numbers for five air pollutants spanning the period 1999–2008 for use in computing real environmental accounts. Evidence of time series heterogeneity in the marginal damages is detected: marginal damages for nitrogen oxides increase by a factor of two and marginal damages for NH3 decrease by one-half. The analysis finds that nominal gross damages from air pollution in the United States decrease by 40 per cent between 1999 and 2008.
Flexural properties of fiber‐reinforced polypropylene composites with and without a transcrystalline layer

The flexural properties of isotactic polypropylene (PP) matrix composites reinforced with 5–30 vol% of unidirectional pitch-based carbon, polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-based carbon, e-glass or aramid fibers were measured using both static and dynamic test methods. Previous research has shown that these pitch-based carbon and aramid fibers are capable of densely nucleating PP crystals at the fiber surface, leading to the growth of an oriented interphase termed a “transcrystalline layer” (TCL), while the e-glass and PAN-based carbon fibers show no nucleating ability. The PP matrices examined included unmodified homopolymers, nucleated homopolymers and PP grafted with maleic anhydride (MA). The composites based on the unmodified PP homopolymers all exhibited poor fiber/matrix adhesion, regardless of fiber type and presence or absence of a TCL. The addition of nucleating agent to the PP matrix had no measurable effect on either the amount of TCL material in pitch-based carbon-fiber-reinforced composites, as measured by wide-angle X-ray scattering, WAXS, or the static flexural properties of the composites reinforced with either type of carbon fiber. However, MA grafting reduced the transcrystalline fraction of the matrix in pitch-based carbon-fiber-reinforced composites; at the highest level of MA grafting, the TCL was completely suppressed. In addition, high levels of MA grafting improved the transverse flexural modulus of the composites containing both types of carbon fibers, and reduced the extent of fiber pull-out, indicating an improvement in fiber/matrix adhesion. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transforming growth factor beta in experimentally detached retina and periretinal membranes.

Abstract This study was undertaken to determine whether experimental retinal detachment produces changes in retinal localization of three isoforms of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) and the type II receptor for this protein. Neural retinas of young adult cats were detached from the pigment epithelium. Survival times varied from 3 to 28 days to study the temporal course of TGF-β localization during retinal degeneration. ELISA assay for TGF-β1 and -β2 was performed on samples of fluid from the vitreous chamber to determine whether active or inactive TGF-β was present. Confocal microscopy was used to localize TGF-β1, -β2 and -β3 and the type II TGF-β receptor at the various detachment durations. Following experimental retinal detachment the levels of TGF-β2 increased in the vitreous chamber but no changes in TGF-β1 were detected. Levels were increased 3 days post-detachment and continued throughout the 28 day period studied. The most prominent changes in immunolocalization occurred in the TGF-β1 and -β2 isoforms. Increased immunolabeling was seen in Muller cells and ganglion cell bodies. Hypertrophied Muller cell processes formed periretinal membranes that were heavily labeled by the TGF-β2 antibody. Some increased immunostaining for TGF-β3 was observed in the ganglion cell bodies. Labeling for the TGF-β type II receptor was seen in Muller cells, ganglion cells and the inner and outer plexiform layers in both normal and detached retinas. Changes in localization of the receptor after detachment paralleled the changes seen in TGF-β protein localization. These results demonstrate that retinal detachment induces the synthesis and secretion of TGF-β2. Growth factor and receptor immunolabeling were increased in Muller cells suggesting that this isoform is involved in the retinal gliotic response and may contribute to the development of proliferative vitreoretinopathy.
The changing face of esophageal malignancy.

Concern has been expressed about the rapid increase in the incidence of esophageal carcinoma in the United States. This rise is due to an increase in the number of cases of adenocarcinoma of the esophagus. Because of the relatively small number of cases of esophageal carcinoma, the absolute risk of developing this cancer in the United States remains small. Potential origins for this increase in esophageal adenocarcinoma are examined in this review, including the risk induced by obesity, low dietary antioxidants, high dietary fat, family history of breast cancer, smoking, gastroesophageal reflux, and Barrett’s esophagus. The risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma is inversely associated with infection by Helicobacter pylori organisms. A better understanding of risk factors involved in the increased incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma is important for development of new preventive strategies for this serious disorder.
Induction of mammary gland ductal hyperplasias and carcinoma in situ following fetal bisphenol A exposure

Exposure of the fetus to excess estrogen is believed to increase the risk of developing breast cancer during adult life. Fetal exposure to low doses of the xenoestrogen bisphenol A resulted in long-lasting effects in the mouse mammary gland that were manifested during adult life. It enhanced sensitivity to estradiol, decreased apoptosis, increased the number of progesterone receptor-positive epithelial cells at puberty and increased lateral branching at 4 months of age. We now report that fetal exposure to 2.5, 25, 250 and 1000 microg bisphenol A/kg body weight/day induces the development of ductal hyperplasias and carcinoma in situ at postnatal day 50 and 95 in rats. These highly proliferative lesions have an increased number of estrogen receptor-alpha positive cells. Thus, fetal bisphenol A exposure is sufficient to induce the development of preneoplastic and neoplastic lesions in the mammary gland in the absence of any additional treatment aimed at increasing tumor development.
Two-dimensional nonlinear Schrödinger equation with random radial data

We study radial solutions of a certain two-dimensional nonlinear Schrodinger (NLS) equation with harmonic potential, which is supercritical with respect to the initial data. By combining the nonlinear smoothing effect of Schrodinger equation with Lp estimates of Laguerre functions, we are able to prove an almost-sure global well-posedness result and the invariance of the Gibbs measure. We also discuss an application to the NLS equation without harmonic potential.
eComment. How to maintain sinus rhythm in patients with atrial fibrillation after atrium ablation

I read with great interest the article by Wang et al. on the effectiveness of biatrial pacing in reducing early postoperative atrial fibrillation after the maze procedure [1]. I congratulate Wang and coworkers on their well-designed analysis and the interesting results in their publication. The most important factors to re-establish postoperative sinus rhythm in patients with long-term atrial fibrillation (AF) before cardiac surgery are dilatation of the left atrium, time of onset of AF and effectiveness and completeness of the procedure to remove the re-entry circuits in the atrium. I did not publish data on recurrence of AF after left atrium (radio)ablation in the postoperative period. My experience led me to use a loading dose of 300 mg of amiodarone intraoperative intravenous and then 900 mg intravenous 24 hours postoperatively. This was followed by 200 mg daily at discharge for 6 months. I used single or biatrial pacing according to the patient condition at completion of the surgery. This allowed me to mostly re-establish a long-term sinus rhythm postoperatively. All the factors mentioned above and the postoperative medical treatment play a role in letting the atrium restore its sinus rhythm. Conflict of interest: none declared.
Preferred waist-to-hip ratio and ecology

Female waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) is widely cited by evolutionary psychologists as an example of an evolved male preference. Although many studies have found men prefer a low WHR, almost all have been conducted with college students. We tested men in a foraging society and found that they preferred high WHRs. We interpret this as a preference for heavier women, which we think should be common where there is no risk of obesity. Based on these results and others, we suggest that WHR preference varies with ecology.
Improved detection of earthquake-induced ground motion with spatial filter: case study of the 2012 M = 7.6 Costa Rica earthquake

High-rate GPS measurements of earthquake-induced strong crustal movements reveal important information on large amplitude displacements, which cannot be obtained by other seismic monitoring equipment. However, obtaining accurate measurements of these strong movements can be challenging, because large magnitude earthquakes (M > 7) affect a wide area surrounding the epicenter. As a result, the GPS recorded movements are calculated with respect to distant sites (relative positioning), or with satellite parameters estimated from distant sites (precise point positioning). In order to improve the accuracy of the strong motion GPS measurements, we developed a new method, based on a spatial filtering technique. The method calculates the displacement of a high-rate monitoring network with respect to a moving near field site and uses a stacking technique to remove the movements of the reference site from all the time series. We applied the new method to the analysis of 5 Hz data acquired by the Nicoya Peninsula network, which recorded strong crustal movements induced by the 2012, M = 7.6 Costa Rica earthquake. The results were successfully tested with respect to 1 Hz time series calculated with a far field reference site. The spatial filtering method also removes other systematic common noise from the time series, possibly due to atmospheric delay or orbital errors and, hence, produces more accurate solutions that those based on far fields sites, or on near field site experiencing earthquake-induced action.