Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry-Based Proteomics: Biological and Technological Aspects

Mass spectrometry-based proteomics has become the tool of choice for identifying and quantifying the proteome of an organism. Though recent years have seen a tremendous improvement in instrument performance and the computational tools used, significant challenges remain, and there are many opportunities for statisticians to make important contributions. In the most widely used "bottom-up" approach to proteomics, complex mixtures of proteins are first subjected to enzymatic cleavage, the resulting peptide products are separated based on chemical or physical properties and analyzed using a mass spectrometer. The two fundamental challenges in the analysis of bottom-up MS-based proteomics are: (1) Identifying the proteins that are present in a sample, and (2) Quantifying the abundance levels of the identified proteins. Both of these challenges require knowledge of the biological and technological context that gives rise to observed data, as well as the application of sound statistical principles for estimation and inference. We present an overview of bottom-up proteomics and outline the key statistical issues that arise in protein identification and quantification.     

On the estimation and application of max-stable processes

The theory of max-stable processes generalizes traditional univariate and multivariate extreme value theory by allowing for processes indexed by a time or space variable. We consider a particular class of max-stable processes, known as M4 processes, that are particularly well adapted to modeling the extreme behavior of multiple time series. We develop procedures for determining the order of an M4 process and for estimating the parameters. To illustrate the methods, some examples are given for modeling jumps in returns in multivariate financial time series. We introduce a new measure to quantify and predict the extreme co-movements in price returns.     

Classroom sex composition and first-grade school outcomes: The role of classroom behavior

Using nationally representative data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study-Kindergarten Cohort (N = 21,409; 10,452 girls and 10,957 boys; mean age = 7.24 years), the association between first-grade classroom sex composition (CSC), measured as the percentage of female students, and end of the year academic (reading, mathematics) and socio-emotional (externalizing problems, internalizing problems, self-control, interpersonal skills) outcomes was examined. Using multilevel modeling techniques and controlling for prior achievement levels, CSC was positively associated with children’s reading achievement at the end of first grade; students performed better in reading in classes with a higher percentage of female students. CSC was also associated with three of the socio-emotional outcomes; controlling for prior levels, students in classrooms with a higher percentage of girls had better self-control and interpersonal skills and fewer internalizing problems. Classroom behavior mediated the effects of CSC on reading achievement and the socio-emotional outcomes. Implications for the composition of first-grade classrooms are discussed.     

中国古代管理哲学与西方现代管理理论的差异及互鉴

中国古代管理哲学与西方现代管理理论的差异和优劣势主要体现在管理的基本价值观、基本思维方式、管理主体和客体、主要目标、权力基础、基本管理方式以及管理创新特征等方面。双方相互借鉴的主要方向是：中国应借鉴西方保护个体利益并重视公平竞争和激励、追求标准化的科学管理、强调经济效益和效率、强调民主与“法治”、鼓励创新并保护创新成果等思想中的合理成分,以及西方在领导理论和工商管理领域的有益成果;西方应借鉴中国的人本论、整体观、系统观和权变观、“中庸之道”、“修己安人”、“和为贵”、世界“大同”、民本论、“道治”、“德治”和“智治”等管理思想中的合理成分,以及在伦理管理、国家管理和军事管理等领域的有益成果。     

《欧洲思想起源》导论

从古希腊早期哲学家话语研究欧洲思想的起源是不够的,那是传统大树上的枝杈而非根脉。荷马史诗在某种程度上呈现出最早的希腊人的真实历史样貌,其中充满着后世文明人难以理解的野蛮因素。有关神话与传说的知识是重建文明发生过程的主要素材,是将石器时代与文明时代相连接的认知通道。《伊里亚特》《奥德赛》所透露的生活方式和思维方式像一座永久的历史记忆之丰碑,是我们现在所掌握的最早描写欧洲的生活和思想的活的教材。     

Engaging stakeholders through social networking: How nonprofit organizations are using Facebook

Since social networking sites, such as MySpace and Facebook, began allowing organizations to create profiles and become active members, organizations have started incorporating these strategies into their public relations programming. For-profit organizations have used these sites to help launch products and strengthen their existing brands; however, little is known about how nonprofit organizations are taking advantage of the social networking popularity. Through a content analysis of 275 nonprofit organization profiles on Facebook, this study examines how these new social networking sites are being used by the organizations to advance their organization's mission and programs. Solely having a profile will not in itself increase awareness or trigger an influx of participation. Instead careful planning and research will greatly benefit nonprofits as they attempt to develop social networking relationships with their stakeholders.     

The complementarity of internal integration and product modularity: An empirical study of their interaction effect on competitive capabilities

Modular product design and internal integration are commonly adopted by manufacturers to improve operational performance. A number of studies argue that the adoption of product modularity significantly alters organization design, which affects the impact of internal integration on competitive capabilities. This paper thus aims to empirically explore the individual effects as well as interaction effects of product modularity and internal integration on competitive capabilities. The competitive capabilities studied in this paper include product innovativeness, low price, product quality, delivery, flexibility and customer services. After analysing the data from 251 Hong Kong manufacturers through moderated multiple regression analysis, the study found that better internal integration can significantly improve product innovativeness, product quality, delivery, flexibility and customer services, while a high level of product modularity enhances product innovativeness, flexibility and customer services. More importantly, the study shows that internal integration and product modularity can interact to improve product innovativeness and product quality. These results enhance our understanding of the interaction of product design and organizational coordination.     

Politics,Pragmatism, and Departures from the U.S. Courts of Appeals, 1954–2004*

Objective. This article uses Cox proportional hazards models to explain departures from the U.S. Courts of Appeals from 1954–2004. I argue that reforms to pension eligibility and financial incentives in 1984 extended opportunities for voluntary departures and strategic behavior, and that reasons for quitting (whether political, personal, or institutional) differed among types of departures and over time. Methods. The data represent all judge‐years from 1954–2004. Both the full period and 1954–1983 and 1984–2004 subperiods are examined. Results. The effects of political factors are limited to partial retirements and suggest judges' recognition of contentious confirmation politics since the 1980s. Personal and institutional variables dominate outright departures. Conclusions. Explanations for departures from the circuit bench differ both by type and over time. Scholars and policymakers should refine arguments regarding judicial turnover and its causes.