Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Real-ear-to-coupler difference predictions as a function of age for two coupling procedures.

The predicted real-ear-to-coupler difference (RECD) values currently used in pediatric hearing instrument prescription methods are based on 12-month age range categories and were derived from measures using standard acoustic immittance probe tips. Consequently, the purpose of this study was to develop normative RECD predicted values for foam/acoustic immittance tips and custom earmolds across the age continuum. To this end, RECD data were collected on 392 infants and children (141 with acoustic immittance tips, 251 with earmolds) to develop normative regression equations for use in deriving continuous age predictions of RECDs for foam/acoustic immittance tips and earmolds. Owing to the substantial between-subject variability observed in the data, the predictive equations of RECDs by age (in months) resulted in only gross estimates of RECD values (i.e., within +/- 4.4 dB for 95% of acoustic immittance tip measures; within +/- 5.4 dB in 95% of measures with custom earmolds) across frequency. Thus, it is concluded that the estimates derived from this study should not be used to replace the more precise individual RECD measurements. Relative to previously available normative RECD values for infants and young children, however, the estimates derived through this study provide somewhat more accurate predicted values for use under those circumstances for which individual RECD measurements cannot be made.
Managing Brands for the Long Run: Brand Reinforcement and Revitalization Strategies

Effective brand management requires taking a long-term view of marketing decisions. Managing brands for the long run involves reinforcing brands or, if necessary, revitalizing brands. Reinforcing brands involves ensuring innovation in product design, manufacturing, and merchandising and ensuring relevance in user and usage imagery. Another critical consideration in reinforcing brands is the consistency of the marketing support that the brand receives, both in terms of the amount and nature of that support. Revitalizing a brand, on the other hand, requires either that lost sources of brand equity are recaptured ("a back to basics" approach) or that new sources of brand equity are identified and established. Two general approaches are possible: expanding the depth and/or breadth of brand awareness by improving brand recall and recognition of consumers during purchase or consumption settings; and improving the strength, favorability, and uniqueness of brand associations making up the brand image (either in terms of existing or new brand associations).
p-Curve and Selection Methods as Meta-Analytic Supplements for Biologists: A Demonstration of Effect Size Estimation in Studies of Human Fluctuating Asymmetry

Fluctuating asymmetry is hypothesized to predict developmental instability (DI) and fitness outcomes. While published studies largely support this prediction, publication bias remains an issue. Biologists have increasingly turned to meta-analysis to estimate true support for an effect. Van Dongen and Gangestad (VDG it also detects the presence of p-hacking (where researchers exploit researcher “degrees of freedom”), not just publication bias. Alternative selection methods also provide a means to estimate average effect size correcting for publication bias, but may better account for heterogeneity in effect sizes and publication decisions than p-curve. We provide a demonstration by performing p-curve and selection method analyses on the set of effects from VD&G. We estimate an overall effect size range (r = 0.08–0.15) comparable to VD&G, but with notable differences between domains and techniques. Results from alternative estimation methods can provide corroborating evidence for, as well as insights beyond, traditional meta-analytic estimates.
Paired choice reaction tasks in patients with Parkinson's disease

Simple reaction, single choice reaction, and paired choice reaction tasks were examined in 11 patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and 12 controls. Subjects were given an auditory go/no‐go signal in the single choice reaction task, and paired visual and auditory go/no‐go signals in the paired choice reaction task. The response following the auditory go/no‐go signal was analyzed. The reaction and movement times were prolonged in patients with PD. Differences between simple and choice reaction times in PD patients did not differ from those in control subjects. The difference in movement time between simple and paired choice reaction tasks in PD patients was longer than that in control subjects, although the difference between simple and single choice reaction tasks was not significant between PD and control subjects. Sequential choices of visual and auditory stimulation may disturb the motor activity in PD patients.
The relationship between endogenous cortisol, blood micronutrients, and neutrophil function in postparturient Holstein cows.

Neutrophil function, blood micronutrients, and cortisol concentrations were measured in 43 clinically healthy postparturient Holstein cows. Estimated 305-day mature equivalent milk production and neutrophil function were related to results of the blood micronutrient concentrations and neutrophil function tests. Cattle had low to normal zinc concentrations; normal to high selenium, vitamin E, and cortisol concentrations; and normal copper concentrations. Blood selenium (P = .03) and zinc (P = .027) concentrations were both significant predictors of neutrophil adhesion, and selenium (P < .001) was a significant predictor of neutrophil cytochrome C reduction (superoxide production). Fourteen of 20 (70%) cattle with blood selenium concentrations > 300 ng/mL had neutrophil adhesion, and 15 of 20 (75%) had cytochrome C reduction above the mean value for this group. There was also a significant correlation (r = 0.331; P = .037) between cytochrome C reduction and estimated milk production. These findings suggest that neutrophils from postparturient dairy cows with higher blood concentrations of selenium have greater potential to kill microbes, and that cattle with greater superoxide production may have higher milk production.
Uncertainty quantification in virtual surgery hemodynamics predictions for single ventricle palliation

The adoption of simulation tools to predict surgical outcomes is increasingly leading to questions about the variability of these predictions in the presence of uncertainty associated with the input clinical data. In the present study, we propose a methodology for full propagation of uncertainty from clinical data to model results that, unlike deterministic simulation, enables estimation of the confidence associated with model predictions. We illustrate this problem in a virtual stage II single ventricle palliation surgery example. First, probability density functions (PDFs) of right pulmonary artery (PA) flow split ratio and average pulmonary pressure are determined from clinical measurements, complemented by literature data. Starting from a zero‐dimensional semi‐empirical approximation, Bayesian parameter estimation is used to find the distributions of boundary conditions that produce the expected PA flow split and average pressure PDFs as pre‐operative model results. To reduce computational cost, this inverse problem is solved using a Kriging approximant. Second, uncertainties in the boundary conditions are propagated to simulation predictions. Sparse grid stochastic collocation is employed to statistically characterize model predictions of post‐operative hemodynamics in models with and without PA stenosis. The results quantify the statistical variability in virtual surgery predictions, allowing for placement of confidence intervals on simulation outputs. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Strategy of Judging: Evidence from Administrative Law

Recent theories of judicial decision making suggest that federal judges are likely to exploit the structure of law to protect decisions that implement their policy preferences. One perspective asserts that judges, when making decisions that move policy toward their preferred policy outcomes, will be more likely to choose legal grounds—or judicial instruments—that are difficult for other political actors to reverse than when making decisions that move policy away from their preferred outcomes. We test this “strategic instrument” perspective and compare our results with those expected from other models of judicial decision making. Using federal circuit court cases reviewing the decisions of the Environmental Protection Agency from 1981 to 1993, we conduct both bivariate analysis and multinomial logit regression to measure the effect of policy goals on the legal instruments chosen by judges. Our results support the conclusion that strategic considerations systematically influence judicial decision making.
Patient attitudes toward electroconvulsive therapy.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), a safe and effective treatment for major depression, has been more harshly criticized than any other psychiatric treatment. Despite widespread negative public opinion, clinical impressions that are supported by limited empirical data suggest that patients who benefit from ECT do not share these negative sentiments. This study surveyed attitudes toward ECT in 78 depressed inpatients, twice during hospitalization and at 6 months after discharge, using a semi-structured interview. Significantly more ECT-treated patients (n = 56) were favorable about ECT, compared to depressed patients (n = 22) never treated with ECT, both at pretreatment (chi square = 8.4, df = 1, p < .01) and at post-treatment (chi square = 12.5, df = 1, p < .01). Favorable attitudes were maintained after 6 months. ECT-treated patients, initially uncertain or negative about ECT, changed to a favorable attitude after completing treatment. Ninety-eight percent of ECT-treated patients said they would agree to ECT if they became depressed again.
Impacts of CO2 Enrichment on Productivity and Light Requirements of Eelgrass

Seagrasses, although well adapted for submerged existence, are CO2-limited and photosynthetically inefficient in seawater. This leads to high light requirements for growth and survival and makes seagrasses vulnerable to light limitation. We explored the long-term impact of increased CO2 availability on light requirements, productivity, and C allocation in eelgrass (Zostera marina L.). Enrichment of seawater CO2 increased photosynthesis 3-fold, but had no long-term impact on respiration. By tripling the rate of light-saturated photosynthesis, CO2 enrichment reduced the daily period of irradiance-saturated photosynthesis (Hsat) that is required for the maintenance of positive whole-plant C balance from 7 to 2.7 h, allowing plants maintained under 4 h of Hsat to perform like plants growing in unenriched seawater with 12 h of Hsat. Eelgrass grown under 4 h of Hsat without added CO2 consumed internal C reserves as photosynthesis rates and chlorophyll levels dropped. Growth ceased after 30 d. Leaf photosynthesis, respiration, chlorophyll, and sucrose-phosphate synthase activity of CO2-enriched plants showed no acclimation to prolonged enrichment. Thus, the CO2-stimulated improvement in photosynthesis reduced light requirements in the long term, suggesting that globally increasing CO2 may enhance seagrass survival in eutrophic coastal waters, where populations have been devastated by algal proliferation and reduced water-column light transparency.
Organizing the Postindustrial Work Force: Lessons from the History of Waitress Unionism

Using previously unexamined archival material, the author reconstructs one successful historical alternative to the kind of unionism that developed in mass production industries: the “occupational unionism” practiced from the 1900s to the 1960s by waitresses organized into the Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees International Union. This form of employee representation was distinguished by an emphasis on occupational identity, control over the labor supply, portable rights and benefits, and peer determination of performance standards and workplace discipline. The author discusses the implications of this research for the work of labor relations scholars and policy analysts, and speculates that some elements of occupational unionism may hold promise for organizing and representing workers today.
A Test of a Buying Rule for "Underpriced" Apartment Buildings

Apartment-building repeat-sales data are used to test a trading rule. Property values are estimated through regression; if the actual price is less than the estimated value, the property may be "undervalued. " Returns are calculated for these "undervalued" properties and adjusted for risk using the Sharpe ratio. A test is done of whether these ratios are significantly different for different portfolios. The "undervalued" properties have higher appreciation returns, but once these are adjusted for risk, the differences in returns are not significant. The paper contributes to the real estate efficiency literature and suggests a workable method for comparing the performance of real estate portfolios on a risk-adjusted basis. Copyright American Real Estate and Urban Economics Association.
ENSO Impacts on Peak Wind Gusts in the United States

Abstract Changes in the peak wind gust magnitude in association with the warm and cold phases of the El Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) are identified over the contiguous United States. All calculations of the peak wind gust are differences in the extreme phases of ENSO (warm and cold) relative to neutral for all stations in the study that pass the completeness criteria. Monthly composites were created for all years in the study (1 January 1948 through 31 August 1998). The differences in the mean peak wind gust are calculated for each month. A nonparametric statistical test was invoked to determine significant shifts in the extreme phase distributions. Differences in the frequency of gale-force wind gusts were also calculated. The results show a dominant, ENSO cold phase wintertime signal. Regions most greatly affected are the Pacific Northwest, Southwest, the Great Plains, and the region extending from the Great Lakes through the Ohio River valley, and southwest into Texas. During the cold phase months .
Identification of an Atypical Membrane Protein Involved in the Formation of Protein Disulfide Bonds in Oxygenic Photosynthetic Organisms*

The evolution of oxygenic photosynthesis in cyanobacteria nearly three billion years ago provided abundant reducing power and facilitated the elaboration of numerous oxygen-dependent reactions in our biosphere. Cyanobacteria contain an internal thylakoid membrane system, the site of photosynthesis, and a typical Gram-negative envelope membrane system. Like other organisms, the extracytoplasmic space in cyanobacteria houses numerous cysteine-containing proteins. However, the existence of a biochemical system for disulfide bond formation in cyanobacteria remains to be determined. Extracytoplasmic disulfide bond formation in non-photosynthetic organisms is catalyzed by coordinated interaction between two proteins, a disulfide carrier and a disulfide generator. Here we describe a novel gene, SyndsbAB, required for disulfide bond formation in the extracytoplasmic space of cyanobacteria. The SynDsbAB orthologs are present in most cyanobacteria and chloroplasts of higher plants with fully sequenced genomes. The SynDsbAB protein contains two distinct catalytic domains that display significant similarity to proteins involved in disulfide bond formation in Escherichia coli and eukaryotes. Importantly, SyndsbAB complements E. coli strains defective in disulfide bond formation. In addition, the activity of E. coli alkaline phosphatase localized to the periplasm of Synechocystis 6803 is dependent on the function of SynDsbAB. Deletion of SyndsbAB in Synechocystis 6803 causes significant growth impairment under photoautotrophic conditions and results in hyper-sensitivity to dithiothreitol, a reductant, whereas diamide, an oxidant had no effect on the growth of the mutant strains. We conclude that SynDsbAB is a critical protein for disulfide bond formation in oxygenic photosynthetic organisms and required for their optimal photoautotrophic growth.
FOOD CONSUMPTION BEHAVIOR OF THE MALAYS IN MALAYSIA

The objective of this study is to provide an insight into demand patterns of Malay consumers for specific food categories in Malaysia. By utilizing Household Expenditure Survey 2004/2005, a system of equations of Linear Approximate Almost Ideal Demand System (LA/AIDS) model for 12 aggregated food products is estimated using a two-step estimation procedure. A Working-lesser form of Engel function is also estimated to derive income elasticities from the estimated expenditure elasticities. This study shows that Malay consumers appear to have different food consumption patterns as compared to the general Malaysian diets. Malay consumers tend to increase their consumption of rice more than higher-value (meat and fish) and functional (vegetables and fruits) foods. Malay consumers are found to be very sensitive to the own-price of most of the food products, especially rice.
Faculty members’ perceptions about the management of organizational change

This study was designed to examine faculty members’ perceptions of the changes (including an American quality assurance and accreditation process) that are being implemented at the College of Education (CEDU) at the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU). During the past decade the CEDU has begun a journey of change from a traditional approach to a more learning-centered constructivist approach which requires faculty members and students to adopt new roles and adapt to a new organizational culture. A qualitative case study approach, using semi-structured individual interviews, was used to collect data about some faculty members’ perspectives of the changes. The grounded theory method was used to code and categorize interview data. Results revealed four major organizational changes. Five interrelated categories that described participants’ perceptions about those changes emerged from the data. These were: resistance to change; communicating change; the development, maintenance, monitoring and evaluation of change; considering the inclusion of a new (research) aspect into the organization’s culture; and leadership. Recommendations and practical implications are offered in this study. While the study cannot be generalized or replicated in other institutions, the theoretical implications may be useful as other institutions review programs and plan their own changes for improvement.
Direct and Indirect Sale of Information

The authors compare two methods for a monopolist to sell information to traders in a financial market. In a direct sale, information buyers observe versions of the seller's signal while in an indirect sale the seller sells shares in a portfolio based on his private information. It is shown that, when traders are identical and pricing is linear, there is a trade-off between optimal surplus extraction that is possible under direct sale and more effective control of the usage of information that is possible under indirect sale. The optimal selling method depends on how much information is revealed by equilibrium prices. Copyright 1990 by The Econometric Society.
Interaction of detergent sclerosants with cell membranes

Commonly used detergent sclerosants including sodium tetradecyl sulphate (STS) and polidocanol (POL) are clinically used to induce endovascular fibrosis and vessel occlusion. They achieve this by lysing the endothelial lining of target vessels. These agents are surface active (surfactant) molecules that interfere with cell membranes. Surfactants have a striking similarity to the phospholipid molecules of the membrane lipid bilayer. By adsorbing at the cell membrane, surfactants disrupt the normal architecture of the lipid bilayer and reduce the surface tension. The outcome of this interaction is concentration dependent. At high enough concentrations, surfactants solubilise cell membranes resulting in cell lysis. At lower concentrations, these agents can induce a procoagulant negatively charged surface on the external aspect of the cell membrane. The interaction is also influenced by the ionic charge, molecular structure, pH and the chemical nature of the diluent (e.g. saline vs. water). The ionic charge of the surfactant molecule can influence the effect on plasma proteins and the protein contents of cell membranes. STS, an anionic detergent, denatures the tertiary complex of most proteins and in particular the clinically relevant clotting factors. By contrast, POL has no effect on proteins due to its non-ionic structure. These agents therefore exhibit remarkable differences in their interaction with lipid membranes, target cells and circulating proteins with potential implications in a range of clinical applications.
Complexity of Trypanosomatid Endocytosis Pathways Revealed by Rab4 and Rab5 Isoforms in Trypanosoma brucei *

Small G proteins of the Rab family are responsible for vesicle fusion and control flux during intracellular transport. Rab5 is important in endosome maturation and Rab4 in recycling of endocytic material. Three Rab5 isoforms identified so far in mammals and three in the yeast genome suggest that conservation of multiple Rab5 isoforms is required for sophisticated regulation of endocytosis. Trypanosoma brucei homologues of Rab5 and Rab4 (TbRab5A and TbRab4) have been identified. Here we report cloning of a second Rab5 homologue, TbRab5Bp. The TbRAB5Aand -5B genes are not linked in the genome, and phylogenetic reconstruction indicates that multiple Rab5 isoforms in yeast, mammals, and trypanosomes evolved independently. Northern blots demonstrate that TbRab5A, -5B, and TbRab4 messages are expressed in bloodstream form (BSF) and procyclic forms of the parasite even though endocytosis is not very active in the latter form. mRNA levels of TbRab5A and -4 are constitutive. Multiple-sized TbRab5B messages at very low abundance are detected, with greater expression in BSF. Also, the TbRab5B mRNA has a large 3′-untranslated region suggestive of potentially complex regulation, and therefore TbRab5Bp may be an important regulator of differential endocytosis levels between BSF and procyclic stage parasites. Affinity purified antibodies raised to C-terminal peptide sequences of all three TbRab proteins recognized small vesicular cytoplasmic structures, which for TbRab5Ap and -5Bp are predominantly near the flagellar pocket. TbRab5Bp colocalizes with invariant surface glycoprotein 100 (ISG100), a protein entering the endocytotic pathway in BSF parasites, whereas in procyclic cells populations of vesicles stained with both TbRab5Ap and -5Bp substantially overlap; TbRab5 proteins are therefore components of the endocytotic pathway. TbRab4p localizes to vesicular structures throughout the cytoplasm, with some overlap with TbRab5Bp, but the majority occupying a different compartment to the TbRab5s. Therefore the trypanosome endosomal system has been functionally dissected for the first time; these reagents provide a unique opportunity for manipulation of the protozoan endosomal system to further our understanding of drug uptake mechanisms and virulence.