An equivalence result for VC classes of sets

Let R and θ be infinite sets and let A # R × θ. We show that the class of projections of A onto R is a Vapnik–Chervonenkis (VC) class of sets if and only if the class of projections of A onto θ is a VC class. We illustrate the result in the context of semiparametric estimation of a transformation model. In this application, the VC property is hard to establish for the projection class of interest but easy to establish for the other projection class

Subject Acquisition for Web-Based Surveys

This article provides a basic report about subject recruitment processes for Web-based surveys. Using data from our ongoing Internet Survey of American Opinion project, two different recruitment techniques (banner advertisement and subscription campaigns) are compared. This comparison, together with a typology of Web-based surveys, provides insight into the validity and generalizability of Internet survey data. The results from this analysis show that, although Internet survey respondents differ demographically from the American population, the relationships among variables are similar across recruitment methods and match those implied by substantive theory. Thus, our research documents the basic methodology of subject acquisition for Web-based surveys, which, as we argue in our conclusion, may soon become the survey interview mode of choice for social scientists

Mucinous cystic neoplasms of the liver: presence of biliary communication

A 35-year-old woman was referred for a symptomatic liver mass. Diagnostic workup detected a septated cyst located centrally in the liver measuring 10 × 7 cm. The cyst had gradually increased in size from previous studies with new intrahepatic biliary dilation. Due to concern for malignancy and symptomatic presentation of the patient, a partial central hepatectomy was performed. Pathology revealed a smooth-walled, multiloculated cyst lined with mucinous epithelium and ovarian-type stroma. The diagnosis of low-grade mucinous cystic neoplasm of the liver (MCN-L) was made. Characteristics of MCN-L have not been elucidated due to its rarity

Developing Conceptual and Methodological Foundations in Community Engagement

We describe the efforts of two related undergraduate projects to promote lasting social change in marginalized communities in the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua. The projects represent a test of the premise that undergraduate projects can engage academically based strategies and transcend good intentions to achieve effective community partnerships to improve health and health care. The projects proceed from a perspective and theory of marginalization and its consequences. Specifically, marginalization undermines individual and collective capacity to meet basic needs and efforts to thrive. Through strengthening social infrastructure, communities can overcome the effects of marginalization. Project work begins with annual medical clinics and, with the permission of community residents, team members conduct ethnographic descriptions of the communities and their health and health care concerns and resources. We use social network analysis (SNA) and geographic information system (GIS) techniques to describe social infrastructure. Working from those foundations, both projects have enabled increased social infrastructure. To date, we have observed increased communication among community residents, facilitated the development of community-endorsed five-year plans, and established partnerships with regional and international groups

AN EQUIVALENCE RESULT FOR VC CLASSES OF SETS

Let R and Q be infinite sets and let A ʕ R ϫ Q+ We show that the class of projections of A onto R is a Vapnik-Chervonenkis~VC! class of sets if and only if the class of projections of A onto Q is a VC class+ We illustrate the result in the context of semiparametric estimation of a transformation model+ In this application, the VC property is hard to establish for the projection class of interest but easy to establish for the other projection class

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist in a Rabbit Model of Ascending Infection in Pregnancy

Objective: To determinewhether treatment with interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL1-ra) would affect amniotic fluid concentrations of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and prostaglandins or clinical or microbiological outcomes in a model of ascending bacterial infection in pregnancy. Methods: Timed pregnant New Zealand white rabbits at 70% of gestation underwent endoscopic inoculation of the cervices with 10(6)–10(6) cfu Escherichia coli . Animals were randomly assigned in a blinded manner to a 5-h intravenous infusion of human IL1-ra (10 mg/kg) or placebo beginning 1 – 2 h after inoculation. Blood was drawn fromthe does for assay of serum IL1-ra concentration before inoculation, at mid-infusion, after the infusion ended and at necropsy. At necropsy, temperature and cultures were taken, and aspirated amniotic fluid was pooled for assays of TNF-α, prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) and IL1-ra. Results: Serum IL1-ra concentrations rose to a mean of 2 mg/ml at mid-infusion and fell markedly after the infusion to concentrations barely detectable at necropsy. Between the two groups, there were no significant differences in the rates of fever or positive cultures or in amniotic fluid concentrations of PGE(2) or TNF-α.One unique finding was the demonstration that administration of human IL1-ra to the does resulted inmeasurable concentrationsof human IL1-ra in the amniotic fluid. Conclusions: Treatment with an intravenous infusion of human IL1-ra after cervical inoculation with E. coli did not affect clinical or microbiological outcomes or amniotic fluid concentrations of TNF-α or PGE(2). This experiment provides the first demonstration of passageof human IL1-ra from the maternal bloodstreamto the amniotic fluid

Srs2 removes deadly recombination intermediates independently of its interaction with SUMO-modified PCNA

Saccharomyces cerevisiae Srs2 helicase plays at least two distinct functions. One is to prevent recombinational repair through its recruitment by sumoylated Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA), evidenced in postreplication-repair deficient cells, and a second one is to eliminate potentially lethal intermediates formed by recombination proteins. Both actions are believed to involve the capacity of Srs2 to displace Rad51 upon translocation on single-stranded DNA (ssDNA), though a role of its helicase activity may be important to remove some toxic recombination structures. Here, we described two new mutants, srs2R1 and srs2R3, that have lost the ability to hinder recombinational repair in postreplication-repair mutants, but are still able to remove toxic recombination structures. Although the mutants present very similar phenotypes, the mutated proteins are differently affected in their biochemical activities. Srs2R1 has lost its capacity to interact with sumoylated PCNA while the biochemical activities of Srs2R3 are attenuated (ATPase, helicase, DNA binding and ability to displace Rad51 from ssDNA). In addition, crossover (CO) frequencies are increased in both mutants. The different roles of Srs2, in relation to its eventual recruitment by sumoylated PCNA, are discussed

TEX11 is mutated in infertile men with azoospermia and regulates genome-wide recombination rates in mouse

Genome‐wide recombination is essential for genome stability, evolution, and speciation. Mouse Tex11, an X‐linked meiosis‐specific gene, promotes meiotic recombination and chromosomal synapsis. Here, we report that TEX11 is mutated in infertile men with non‐obstructive azoospermia and that an analogous mutation in the mouse impairs meiosis. Genetic screening of a large cohort of idiopathic infertile men reveals that TEX11 mutations, including frameshift and splicing acceptor site mutations, cause infertility in 1% of azoospermic men. Functional evaluation of three analogous human TEX11 missense mutations in transgenic mouse models identified one mutation (V748A) as a potential infertility allele and found two mutations non‐causative. In the mouse model, an intronless autosomal Tex11 transgene functionally substitutes for the X‐linked Tex11 gene, providing genetic evidence for the X‐to‐autosomal retrotransposition evolution phenomenon. Furthermore, we find that TEX11 protein levels modulate genome‐wide recombination rates in both sexes. These studies indicate that TEX11 alleles affecting expression level or substituting single amino acids may contribute to variations in recombination rates between sexes and among individuals in humans.Howard Hughes Medical Institute (Award)National Institutes of Health (U.S.) (NIH/NIGMS grant R01GM076327