bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Discovery of a Prefusion Respiratory Syncytial Virus F-Specific Monoclonal Antibody That Provides Greater
In Vivo
Protection than the Murine Precursor of Palivizumab
Authors: Zhao Min , Zheng Zi-Zheng , Chen Man , Modjarrad Kayvon , Zhang Wei , Zhan Lu-Ting , Cao Jian-Li , Sun Yong-Peng , McLellan Jason S. , Graham Barney S. , Xia Ning-Shao
Published: May 2017

Palivizumab, a humanized murine monoclonal antibody that recognizes antigenic site II on both the prefusion (pre-F) and postfusion (post-F) conformations of the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) F glycoprotein, is the only prophylactic agent approved for use for the treatment of RSV infection. However, its relatively low neutralizing potency and high cost have limited its use to a restricted population of infants at high risk of severe disease. Previously, we isolated a high-potency neutralizing antibody, 5C4, that specifically recognizes antigenic site Ø at the apex of the pre-F protein trimer. We compared
in vitro
and
in vivo
the potency and protective efficacy of 5C4 and the murine precursor of palivizumab, antibody 1129. Both antibodies were synthesized on identical murine backbones as either an IgG1 or IgG2a subclass and evaluated for binding to multiple F protein conformations,
in vitro
inhibition of RSV infection and propagation, and protective efficacy in mice. Although 1129 and 5C4 had similar pre-F protein binding affinities, the 5C4 neutralizing activity was nearly 50-fold greater than that of 1129
in vitro
. In BALB/c mice, 5C4 reduced the peak titers of RSV 1,000-fold more than 1129 did in both the upper and lower respiratory tracts. These data indicate that antibodies specific for antigenic site Ø are more efficacious at preventing RSV infection than antibodies specific for antigenic site II. Our data also suggest that site Ø-specific antibodies may be useful for the prevention or treatment of RSV infection and support the use of the pre-F protein as a vaccine antigen.

IMPORTANCE
There is no vaccine yet available to prevent RSV infection. The use of the licensed antibody palivizumab, which recognizes site II on both the pre-F and post-F proteins, is restricted to prophylaxis in neonates at high risk of severe RSV disease. Recommendations for using passive immunization in the general population or for therapy in immunocompromised persons with persistent infection is limited because of cost, determined from the high doses needed to compensate for its relatively low neutralizing potency. Prior efforts to improve the
in vitro
potency of site II-specific antibodies did not translate to significant
in vivo
dose sparing. We isolated a pre-F protein-specific, high-potency neutralizing antibody (5C4) that recognizes antigenic site Ø and compared its efficacy to that of the murine precursor of palivizumab (antibody 1129) matched for isotype and pre-F protein binding affinities. Our findings demonstrate that epitope specificity is an important determinant of antibody neutralizing potency, and defining the mechanisms of neutralization has the potential to identify improved products for the prevention and treatment of RSV infection.
Infectious Prions in the Pregnancy Microenvironment of Chronic Wasting Disease-Infected Reeves' Muntjac Deer
Authors: Nalls Amy V. , McNulty Erin , Hoover Clare E. , Pulscher Laura A. , Hoover Edward A. , Mathiason Candace K.
Published: May 2017

Ample evidence exists for the presence of infectious agents at the maternal-fetal interface, often with grave outcomes to the developing fetus (i.e., Zika virus, brucella, cytomegalovirus, and toxoplasma). While less studied, pregnancy-related transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) have been implicated in several species, including humans. Our previous work has shown that prions can be transferred from mother to offspring, resulting in the development of clinical TSE disease in offspring born to muntjac dams infected with chronic wasting disease (CWD) (1). We further demonstrated protein misfolding cyclic amplification (PMCA)-competent prions within the female reproductive tract and in fetal tissues harvested from CWD experimentally and naturally exposed cervids (1, 2). To assess whether the PMCA-competent prions residing at the maternal-fetal interface were infectious and to determine if the real-time quaking-induced conversion (RT-QuIC) methodology may enhance our ability to detect amyloid fibrils within the pregnancy microenvironment, we employed a mouse bioassay and RT-QuIC. In this study, we have demonstrated RT-QuIC seeding activity in uterus, placentome, ovary, and amniotic fluid but not in allantoic fluids harvested from CWD-infected Reeves' muntjac dams showing clinical signs of infection (clinically CWD-infected) and in some placentomes from pre-clinically CWD-infected dams. Prion infectivity was confirmed within the uterus, amniotic fluid, and the placentome, the semipermeable interface that sustains the developing fetus, of CWD-infected dams. This is the first report of prion infectivity within the cervid pregnancy microenvironment, revealing a source of fetal CWD exposure prior to the birthing process, maternal grooming, or encounters with contaminated environments.

IMPORTANCE
The facile dissemination of chronic wasting disease within captive and free-range cervid populations has led to questions regarding the transmission dynamics of this disease. Direct contact with infected animals and indirect contact with infectious prions in bodily fluids and contaminated environments are suspected to explain the majority of this transmission. A third mode of transmission, from mother to offspring, may be underappreciated. The presence of pregnancy-related prion infectivity within the uterus, amniotic fluid, and the placental structure reveals that the developing fetus is exposed to a source of prions long before exposure to the infectious agent during and after the birthing process or via contact with contaminated environments. These findings have impact on our current concept of CWD disease transmission.
Toxoplasma gondii MAF1b Binds the Host Cell MIB Complex To Mediate Mitochondrial Association
Authors: Kelly Felice D. , Wei Brian M. , Cygan Alicja M. , Parker Michelle L. , Boulanger Martin J. , Boothroyd John C.
Published: May 2017

Parasites interact intimately with their hosts, and the interactions shape both parties. The common human parasiteToxoplasma gondiireplicates exclusively in a vacuole in a host cell and alters its host cell’s environment through secreted proteins. One of these secreted proteins, MAF1b, acts to concentrate mitochondria around the parasite’s vacuole, and this relocalization alters the host immune response. Many other intracellular pathogens also recruit host mitochondria, but the identities of the partners that mediate this interaction have not previously been described in any infection. Here, we show thatToxoplasmaMAF1b binds to the multifunctional MIB protein complex on the host mitochondria. Reducing the levels of the proteins in this mitochondrial complex reduces the close association of host cell mitochondria and the parasite’s vacuole. This work provides new insight into a key host-pathogen interaction and identifies possible targets for future therapeutic intervention as well as a more molecular understanding of important biology.
On stable integral manifolds for impulsive Kolmogorov systems of fractional order
Authors: Stamov Gani , Stamova Ivanka
Published: May 2017

In this paper, an impulsive Kolmogorov-type system using the Caputo fractional-order derivative is developed. The fractional-order system displays many interesting dynamic behaviors and fractional integrals can be used to describe the fractal media. The existence and stability of integral manifolds for the impulsive fractional model are considered. The main results are proved by means of piecewise continuous Lyapunov functions and the new fractional comparison principle. The impulses are realized at variable impulsive moments of time and can be considered as a control. Finally, an example is given to illustrate our results.
SXM-Based Web Test Generation with Respect to Logic Coverage Criteria
Authors: Qian Zhong Sheng
Published: May 2017

This work proposes a Web test generation approach based on Stream X-Machines (SXMs). It employs relation matrix to construct test paths (abstract test cases). Two algorithms are presented, one for constructing the length-of-shortest-path matrix and another for establishing the shortest-path matrix from each state to other states in the state transition diagram of a SXM-based specification. For revealing the pre- and post-conditions of test paths conveniently, it transforms the execution of SXM-based abstract test cases into that of Boolean expressions and then tests the Web application under test by using those methods regarding Boolean expressions. Thus, an algorithm is designed to achieve test set for detecting logic connective fault. For a SXM-based abstract test case, the user operations involved are modeled by activity diagrams to derive practical test cases. An experiment on a miniature Web application is carried out to illustrate the SXM-based testing with respect to MC/DC, RC/DC, RMCC and GMCC coverage and in the meanwhile to compare these four criteria on their test effectiveness and fault-detecting ability.
A Method for Prioritizing Integration Testing in Software Product Lines Based on Feature Model
Authors: Akbari Zahra , Khoshnevis Sedigheh , Mohsenzadeh Mehran
Published: May 2017

Testing activities for software product lines should be different from that of single software systems, due to significant differences between software product line engineering and single software system development. The cost of testing in software product line is generally higher compared with single software systems; therefore, there should exist a certain balance between cost, quality of final products, and the time of performing testing activities. As decreasing testing cost is an important challenge in software product line integration testing, the contribution of this paper is in introducing a method for early integration testing in software product lines based on feature model (FM) by prioritizing test cases in order to decrease integration testing costs in SPLs. In this method, we focus on reusing domain engineering artifacts and prioritized selection and execution of integration test cases. It also uses separation of concerns and pruning techniques on FMs to help prioritize the test cases. The method shows to be promising when applied to some case studies in the sense that it decreases the costs of performing integration test by about 82% and also detects about 44% of integration faults in domain engineering.
EXTREMAL BEHAVIOR OF LONG-TERM INVESTORS WITH POWER UTILITY
Authors: BÄUERLE NICOLE , GRETHER STEFANIE
Published: May 2017

We consider a Bayesian financial market with one bond and one stock where the aim is to maximize the expected power utility from terminal wealth. The solution of this problem is known, however there are some conjectures in the literature about the long-term behavior of the optimal strategy. In this paper, we prove that for positive coefficient in the power utility the long-term investor is very optimistic and behaves as if the best drift has been realized. In case the coefficient in the power utility is negative the long-term investor is very pessimistic and behaves as if the worst drift has been realized.
Explaining the On-The-Run Puzzle with Corporate Bonds
Authors: Anderson Anthony Jerome , Long Michael Stuart
Published: May 2017

The on-the-run phenomenon is regularly found in the bond markets. It refers to the phenomenon of the yield difference observed when a new bond issue comes to market from the same issuer and gets a better price (lower yield given equivalent duration) from the market than the older issue. This paper proposes and tests a liquidity model to explain phenomenon introducing entropy as our liquidity measure. The yield differential results from the illiquidity cost of the older issue that has increased as a result of progressing through stages, which typically occur in an entropy process. We find that a model employing an entropy measure largely explains the on-the-run phenomenon, by accounting for over three-quarters of the liquidity differential for on-the-run corporate bonds.
Some remarks on subgroups, epimorphic images and p′-automorphisms of finite p-groups
Authors: Berkovich Yakov
Published: May 2017

Characterizations of some [Formula: see text]-groups are obtained: [Formula: see text]-groups of maximal class, metacyclic [Formula: see text]-groups. The critical subgroups for solvable groups are defined. For a number of known results new proofs are presented. For investigation of [Formula: see text]-automorphisms of [Formula: see text]-groups the minimal nonnilpotent groups are used essentially. Use of counting theorems allows us to simplify some proofs. A number of open problems is stated.
Effective descent morphisms for Banach modules
Authors: Mesablishvili Bachuki
Published: May 2017

It is proved that a norm-decreasing homomorphism of commutative Banach algebras is an effective descent morphism for Banach modules if and only if it is a weak retract.
A construction of Prüfer rings involving quotients of Rees algebras
Authors: Finocchiaro Carmelo Antonio
Published: May 2017

A family of quotients of a Rees algebra associated to a ring with respect to a fixed ideal was recently introduced by Barucci, D’Anna and Strazzanti. In this paper, we will classify rings of this family that satisfy certain Prüfer-like properties and, as a particular case, we will extend results obtained for amalgamated duplications and Nagata idealizations.
INNOVATION AWARDS: REWARD, RECOGNITION, AND RITUAL
Authors: CALLAGHER LISA , SMITH PETER
Published: May 2017

This paper draws on a detailed case study of an innovation awards-giving scheme in a professional service firm to consider the role of discretionary awards in encouraging and displaying innovation capabilities. Because of their association with competition, it might seem that awards are likely tools in pluralistic contexts such as professional service firms where risk-taking and collaboration require deep relationships with clients and with professionals from different specialisations. We intend to show how managers and professionals mobilised around the scheme using the rewarding, recognising, and ritualising of innovation through awards, as a platform to initiate and promote other organisational processes that foster innovation capabilities.
Opening-mode fracture systems: insights from recent fluid inclusion microthermometry studies of crack-seal fracture cements
Authors: English Joseph M. , Laubach Stephen E.
Published: May 2017

Overpressuring, tectonic stretching and thermoelastic contraction are all processes that can drive the formation of opening-mode fractures in the subsurface. Recent studies on crack-seal quartz deposits in opening-mode fractures have yielded fluid inclusion microthermometric data, which for the first time allow us to constrain the pressure–temperature conditions under which these fractures formed. Here, we utilize the results from studies in the Lower Cretaceous Travis Peak Formation in the East Texas Basin and the Upper Cretaceous Mesaverde Group in the Piceance Basin to construct stress history models based on mechanical properties, burial history and tectonic setting to evaluate the various driving mechanisms for opening-mode fracture formation. Our results show progress towards separating and independently evaluating these mechanisms. Although high fluid pressure and tectonic stretching can play a major part in the formation of opening-mode fractures, our results suggest that the persistence of fracture growth during uplift could have been strongly influenced by thermoelastic contraction associated with exhumation and cooling. For sandstone reservoirs, thermoelastic contraction will be more pronounced for stiffer, high Young's modulus rocks with higher quartz contents. These models can therefore be used to provide additional insights into the distribution of opening-mode fractures in exhumed basins.
The debugging mind-set
Authors: O'Dell Devon H.
Published: May 2017

Understanding the psychology of learning strategies leads to effective problem-solving skills.
AI policy
Authors: Medsker Larry
Published: May 2017

The Al Matters Policy column is a new column that is appearing twice a month in the Al Matters blog (https://sigai.acm.org/aimatters/blog/). Selected posts will be summarized in each issue of
Al Matters
.
AI education
Authors: Neller Todd W.
Published: May 2017

Open-access AI educational resources are vital to the quality of the AI education we offer. Avoiding the reinvention of wheels is especially important to us because of the special challenges of AI Education. AI could be said to be "the really interesting miscellaneous pile of Computer Science". While "artificial" is well-understood to encompass engineered artifacts, "intelligence" could be said to encompass any sufficiently difficult problem as would require an intelligent approach and yet does not fall neatly into established Computer Science subdisciplines. Thus AI consists of so many diverse topics that we would be hard- pressed to individually create quality learning experiences for each topic from scratch.
AI profiles
Authors: McGovern Amy , Eaton Eric
Published: May 2017

This column is the second in a new series profiling senior AI researchers. This month focuses on Jim Kurose.
Weaving the web
Authors: Savage Neil
Published: May 2017

Sir Tim Berners-Lee created a paradigm shift that changed the world with his invention of the World Wide Web, Hypertext Transport Protocol, and Hypertext Markup Language.
Using theoretical models from adult stroke recovery to improve use of noninvasive brain stimulation for children with congenital hemiparesis
Authors: Lin Yin-Liang , Potter-Baker Kelsey A.
Published: May 2017

Noninvasive brain stimulation has been widely used for adults with stroke to improve upper limb motor function. A recent study by Kirton and colleagues (Kirton A, Ciechanski P, Zewdie E, Andersen J, Nettel-Aguirre A, Carlson H, Carsolio L, Herrero M, Quigley J, Mineyko A, Hodge J, Hill M. Neurology 88: 259–267, 2017) applied noninvasive brain stimulation to children with congenital hemiparesis but found no significant effect of noninvasive brain stimulation on motor function. Here, we explore theories about cortical reorganization in both adult and children with hemiparesis and discuss how to improve the approaches of noninvasive brain stimulation to generate optimal motor improvement and development for children with congenital hemiparesis.
Epigenetic and Neural Circuitry Landscape of Psychotherapeutic Interventions
Authors: Miller Christopher W. T.
Published: May 2017

The science behind psychotherapy has garnered considerable interest, as objective measures are being developed to map the patient’s subjective change over the course of treatment. Prenatal and early life influences have a lasting impact on how genes are expressed and the manner in which neural circuits are consolidated. Transgenerationally transmitted epigenetic markers as well as templates of enhanced thought flexibility versus evasion can be passed down from parent to child. This influences gene expression/repression (impacting neuroplasticity) and kindling of neurocircuitry which can perpetuate maladaptive cognitive processing seen in a number of psychiatric conditions. Importantly, genetic factors and the compounding effects of early life adversity do not inexorably lead to certain fated outcomes. The concepts of vulnerability and resilience are becoming more integrated into the framework of “differential susceptibility,” speaking to how corrective environmental factors may promote epigenetic change and reconfigure neural templates, allowing for symptomatic improvement. Psychotherapy is one such factor, and this review will focus on our current knowledge of its epigenetic and neurocircuitry impact.
Optimization and Customer Utilities under Dynamic Lead Time Quotation in an M/M Type Base Stock System
Authors: Nakade Koichi , Niwa Hiroki
Published: May 2017

In a manufacturing and inventory system, information on production and order lead time helps consumers’ decision whether they receive finished products or not by considering their own impatience on waiting time. In Savaşaneril et al. (2010), the optimal dynamic lead time quotation policy in a one‐stage production and inventory system with a base stock policy for maximizing the system’s profit and its properties are discussed. In this system, each arriving customer decides whether he/she enters the system based on the quoted lead time informed by the system. On the other hand, the customer’s utility may be small under the optimal quoted lead time policy because the actual lead time may be longer than the quoted lead time. We use a utility function with respect to benefit of receiving products and waiting time and propose several kinds of heuristic lead time quotation policies. These are compared with optimal policies with respect to both profits and customer’s utilities. Through numerical examples some kinds of heuristic policies have better expected utilities of customers than the optimal quoted lead time policy maximizing system’s profits.
Design Fuzzy Input-Based Adaptive Sliding Mode Control for Vessel Lift-Feedback Fin Stabilizers with Shock and Vibration of Waves
Authors: Liang Lihua , Sun Mingxiao , Luan Tiantian
Published: May 2017

An adaptive sliding mode controller based on fuzzy input design is presented, in order to reduce the roll motion of surface vessel fin stabilizers with shock and vibration of waves. The nonlinearities and uncertainties of the system including feedback errors and disturbance induced by waves are analyzed. And the lift-feedback system is proposed, which improves the shortage of conventional fin angle-feedback. Then the fuzzy input-based adaptive sliding mode control is designed for the system. In the controller design, the Lyapunov function is adopted to guarantee the system stability. Finally, experimental results demonstrate the superior performance of the controller designed using fuzzy input, when compared to the PID controller used in practical engineering.
Risky Multicriteria Group Decision Making Based on Cloud Prospect Theory and Regret Feedback
Authors: Song Yan , Yao Hao , Yao Shuang , Yu Donghua , Shen Yan
Published: May 2017

The assessment of risky linguistic variables has significant applications in multiattribute group decision problems. This paper focuses on risky multicriteria group decision making using linguistic variable assessment and proposes a new model which considers various and differential psychological behavior and the ambiguity of linguistic variable assessment across multicriteria risks. Based on the cloud prospect value assessment, this paper proposes a cloud prospect value aggregation method and consensus degree measurement. An improved feedback adjustment mechanism based on regret theory is employed as the consistency model, which complements prospect theory. The three theoretical methods together constitute the core elements of the proposed CPD (cloud prospect value consensus degree decision) model. The feasibility and validity of the new decision making model are demonstrated with a numerical example, and feedback performance was compared with conventional direct feedback. The proposed CPD approach satisfies given consistency threshold of 0.95 and 0.98 after three and four feedback loops, respectively. Compared to the proposed CPD method, direct feedback approach needs seven and ten feedback loops under the same threshold, respectively, which shows that the proposed model increases efficiency and accuracy of group decision making and significantly reduces time cost.
B7-H3 Expression in NSCLC and Its Association with B7-H4, PD-L1 and Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes
Authors: Altan Mehmet , Pelekanou Vasiliki , Schalper Kurt A. , Toki Maria , Gaule Patricia , Syrigos Konstantinos , Herbst Roy S. , Rimm David L.
Published: May 2017

Purpose: The immune checkpoint PD-1 and its receptor B7-H1 (PD-L1) are successful therapeutic targets in cancer but less is known about other B7 family members. Here, we determined the expression level of B7-H3 protein in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and evaluated its association with tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL), PD-L1, B7-H4, and major clinicopathologic characteristics is in 3 NSCLC cohorts.

Experimental design: We used multiplexed automated quantitative immunofluorescence (QIF) to assess the levels of B7-H3, PD-L1, B7-H4, and TILs in 634 NSCLC cases with validated antibodies. Associations between the marker levels, major clinicopathologic variables and survival were analyzed.

Results: Expression of B7-H3 protein was found in 80.4% (510/634) of the cases. High B7-H3 protein level (top 10 percentile) was associated with poor overall survival (P < 0.05). Elevated B7-H3 was consistently associated with smoking history across the 3 cohorts, but not with sex, age, clinical stage, and histology. Coexpression of B7-H3 and PD-L1 was found in 17.6% of the cases (112/634) and with B7-H4 in 10% (63/634). B7-H4 and PD-L1 were simultaneously detected only in 1.8% of NSCLCs (12/634). The expression of B7-H3 was not associated with the levels of CD3-, CD8-, and CD20-positive TILs.

Conclusions: B7-H3 protein is expressed in the majority of NSCLCs and is associated with smoking history. High levels of B7-H3 protein have a negative prognostic impact in lung carcinomas. Coexpression of B7-H3 with PD-L1 and B7-H4 is relatively low, suggesting a nonredundant biological role of these targets. Clin Cancer Res; 23(17); 5202–9. ©2017 AACR.
Drop-Burst Length Evaluation of Urban VANETs
Authors: Ali Awos Kh. , Phillips Iain , Yang Huanjia
Published: May 2017

Networks performance is traditionally evaluated using packet delivery ratio (PDR) and latency (delay). We propose an addition mechanism the drop-burst length (DBL). Many traffic classes display varying application-level performance according to the pattern of drops, even if the PDR is similar. In this paper we study a number of VANET scenarios and evaluate them with these three metrics.Vehicular Ad-hoc Networks (VANETs) are an emerging class of Mobile Ad-hoc Network (MANETs) where nodes include both moving vehicles and fixed infrastructure. VANETs aim to make transportation systems more intelligent by sharing information to improve safety and comfort. Efficient and adaptive routing protocols are essential for achieving reliable and scalable network performance. However, routing in VANETs is challenging due to the frequent, high-speed movement of vehicles, which results in frequent network topology changes.Our simulations are carried out using NS2 (for network traffic) and SUMO (for vehicular movement) simulators, with scenarios configured to reflect real-world conditions. The results show that OLSR is able to achieve a best DBL performance and demonstrates higher PDR performance comparing to AODV and GPSR under low network load. However, with GPSR, the network shows more stable PDR under medium and high network load. In term of delay OLSR is outperformed by GPSR.
Two Dimensional Sensor Localization Using mN/2 Algorithm in Different Types of Distributed Fields
Authors: Karagol Serap , Yildiz Dogan
Published: May 2017

Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) refers to a group of locationally dispensed and dedicated sensors that observe and record physical and environmental conditions and coordinate the aggregated data at a centrical location. To serve new applications, localization is largely used in WSNs to define the current location of the sensor nodes. In this paper, first, the proposed mN/2 algorithms performance compared with GPS, 3N, 3/2N and 3/2N(2) algorithms. The mN/2 algorithm is especially effective in very sparse networks where other algorithms usually fail. Even when the algorithm cannot locate a given node, it produces a polygonal estimate of the region in which the node is located. Monte Carlo simulations show that this algorithm performs better than other algorithms. Secondly, Uniform, Beta, Weibull, Gamma and Generalized Pareto distributed networks were used for localization using the mN/2 algorithm. The localization performance of the networks are evaluated and compared using MATLAB simulations.
Representações da fome: carestia e racialização na obra Pedaços da fome, de Carolina Maria de Jesus
Authors: Pureza Fernando Cauduro
Published: May 2017

Neste ensaio, pretende-se problematizar as formas pelas quais a chamada "carestia de vida" era analisada na sociologia e na estatística das décadas de 1950 e 1960, contrastando-as com as representações formuladas por Carolina Maria de Jesus no romance Pedaços da fome. Entendendo a obra a partir de seu contexto de produção, cremos ser possível analisá-la também a partir da elaboração de uma crítica a um pensamento social que apagava as discussões raciais sobre a pobreza. Assim, a protagonista do romance, Maria Clara, seria uma chave de leitura formulada pela própria autora para compreender a fome e a miséria na São Paulo da época.
More than underpayments and civil penalties – Taking a strategic approach to regulatory workplace relations litigation
Authors: Webster Janine
Published: May 2017

As the regulator established to promote, monitor and enforce compliance with the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) (FW Act), the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) plays a critical role in testing and clarifying the application of the FW Act and taking steps to ensure the integrity of the Australian workplace relations framework. The FWO engages in a wide range of activities designed to achieve these aims. An important function includes commencing civil litigations. The FWO litigates for a range of reasons, but primarily to achieve deterrence. However, many cases brought by the FWO on new and emerging issues have also shaped areas of workplace relations law and contribute to wider compliance by the regulated community more broadly. This article explores and highlights some examples of the way the FWO has addressed emerging enforcement challenges and shaped and tested the law through litigation. These include matters relating to accessorial liability; the general protections under Part 3-1 of the FW Act; and obtaining a wider range of orders in compliance proceedings.
Another Look at the Construct Validity of the Gifted Rating Scales: Preschool/Kindergarten and School Forms
Authors: Benson Nicholas F. , Kranzler John H.
Published: May 2017

This study further examined the Gifted Rating Scales (GRS) at the internal and external stages of test validation by (a) testing structural fidelity as indicated by the number of factors supported as well as the correspondence of the latent factor structure with the scoring model proposed by the authors and (b) examining the external relations of factors underlying GRS ratings with the general factor from two widely used standardized tests of intelligence using the multimethod confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Results of our analyses revealed the presence of a large general factor on both the GRS-Preschool (GRS-P) and the GRS-School (GRS-S) forms. This factor accounted for 80% of the variance on the GRS-P and 72% of the variance on the GRS-S, revealing that the vast majority of what the GRS measures is the general factor. In addition, coefficient ω for both the GRS-P and the GRS-S was .95 and ω H for the GRS-S was .92, demonstrating that this general factor is measured with a high degree of reliability. Results of multimethod CFAs indicated the general factor underlying the GRS correlated substantially with the general factor underlying the Wechsler scales, which may suggest that the GRS primarily reflects general cognitive ability and not multiple dimensions of giftedness. Implications of these results and directions for further research are discussed.
Deconstructing Bias and Reconstructing Solutions: Theologizing the Notion of Justice as a Response to Gender Oppression
Authors: Gray Susan
Published: May 2017

The conclusion of Marcella Althaus-Reid and Lisa Isherwood’s 2007 book, Controversies in Feminist Theology, noted that ‘The future of feminist theologies are assured while gender and sexual oppression exist’.1 Yet, they also spoke of a number of challenges to the field, specifically difference in methodologies, varied nomenclature and terminologies, and stereotyping among its practitioners. I would add another: that the nature of bias itself is not uniform nor homogeneous but is largely treated as such by contextual theologians.

In this article the challenge presented by the presupposition that ‘a bias-is-a-bias’ is addressed from an epistemological one that attempts to delve into the nature(s) of bias, beginning with the question: if the root nature of the problem, that is bias, is not homogeneous but rather reflects the interplay of different types of biases, does not gender oppression call for more comprehensive solutions beyond solidarity or justice? While justice-based solutions (e.g. the dismantling of oppressive power structures) called for by feminist theologies are certainly valid and necessary, perhaps they function more as short-term solutions to a much larger dialectic, one that requires a more comprehensive grace-based approach. This article explores this idea and humbly offers a few methodological reflections.
The use of pathological grief outcomes in bereavement studies on African Americans
Authors: Granek Leeat , Peleg-Sagy Tal
Published: May 2017

Pathological bereavement outcomes (i.e., complicated grief, traumatic grief, prolonged grief disorder) are a robust and growing research area in the psychological and medical sciences. Although grief is considered to be a universal phenomenon, it is well documented that grieving processes and outcomes are culturally and contextually bound. The objectives of this study were: (a) to examine representations of African Americans in the grief and mourning literature and to assess the extent to which this research utilizes pathological grief outcomes; and (b) to examine the characteristics of pathological grief constructs in the literature to assess their relevance for African American populations. We conducted comprehensive searches of three scientific databases including PsycNET, Medline, and CINAHL, which contain the majority of grief and mourning literature published between January 1998 and February 2014. We found 59 studies addressing grief and mourning in African Americans. Thirteen of these studies used pathological grief outcomes. Pathological grief outcomes that were constructed and validated on White populations were frequently used as outcome variables with African American participants. We discuss the implications for the grief and mourning field and argue that the failure to use culturally sensitive outcome measures in research studies is a form of epistemological violence that may have negative research and clinical implications for African Americans and other ethnic minorities.
Behavioral Processes in Long-Lag Intervention Studies
Authors: Miller Dale T. , Dannals Jennifer E. , Zlatev Julian J.
Published: May 2017

We argue that psychologists who conduct experiments with long lags between the manipulation and the outcome measure should pay more attention to behavioral processes that intervene between the manipulation and the outcome measure. Neglect of such processes, we contend, stems from psychology’s long tradition of short-lag lab experiments where there is little scope for intervening behavioral processes. Studying process in the lab invariably involves studying psychological processes, but in long-lag field experiments it is important to study causally relevant behavioral processes as well as psychological ones. To illustrate the roles that behavioral processes can play in long-lag experiments we examine field experiments motivated by three policy-relevant goals: prejudice reduction, health promotion, and educational achievement. In each of the experiments discussed we identify various behavioral pathways through which the manipulated psychological state could have produced the observed outcome. We argue that if psychologists conducting long-lag interventions posited a theory of change that linked manipulated psychological states to outcomes via behavioral pathways, the result would be richer theory and more practically useful research. Movement in this direction would also permit more opportunities for productive collaborations between psychologists and other social scientists interested in similar social problems.
Patriotic journalism: An appeal to emotion and cognition
Authors: Ginosar Avshalom , Cohen Inbar
Published: May 2017

Patriotic behavior in the journalistic coverage of conflicts is usually related to the coverage of wars and terrorist attacks. Such behavior is characterized in the literature by various practices which deviate from the objective or neutral model of journalism and which are more closely related to the ‘our news’ or ‘our war’ mode of coverage. This study suggests an analytical framework that classifies the indicators of patriotic journalistic coverage in two categories: appealing to public emotions, and appealing to public cognition. This framework is tested in the analysis of two related events: the killing of a terrorist by a state, and the revenge action carried out by a terrorist organization. Both types of patriotic indicator were found in both events. While the authors’ findings enhance the view that journalists take sides in national conflicts, they undermine the assertion that journalists use different practices of patriotic coverage depending on whether ‘their side’ is the aggressor or the victim in the conflict.
Lipofibromatous hamartoma of the median nerve: 3T MRI evaluation by constrained spherical deconvolution analysis
Authors: Arrigo Alessandro , Gaeta Michele , Calamuneri Alessandro , Mormina Enricomaria , Marino Silvia , Stagno d’Alcontres Francesco , Longo Marcello , Granata Francesca
Published: May 2017

In this study we described a case of lipofibromatous hamartoma involving the median nerve. We adopted diffusion tensor imaging and constrained spherical deconvolution-based tractography to reconstruct the affected median nerve. Moreover, we extracted diffusion-based parameters reflecting axonal integrity loss of median nerve fibres. Our data showed that constrained spherical deconvolution-based tractography outperformed the diffusion tensor imaging-based method, allowing the detection of the entire median nerve, including its branches, thus offering a robust method to investigate the involvement of the median nerve in pathological conditions. All clinical and technical implications are extensively described.
The Scholars Project: Maine’s Distance Education Model for Preparing Early Childhood Special Educators to Work With Young Children With Disabilities
Authors: Rooks-Ellis Deborah L.
Published: May 2017

The Early Childhood Opportunity (EChO) Scholars project was designed to address the following significant needs in Maine: (a) prepare highly qualified early interventionists and early childhood special educators through distance education, (b) develop a system of support through a mentor network, (c) provide a graduate-level early childhood special education (ECSE) curriculum emphasizing current evidence-based practices (EBPs), and (d) develop a feedback loop designed to assess candidate knowledge, skills, and implementation of EBPs. This article describes the results of a 4-year Office of Special Education Programs project designed to support early childhood special educators across rural Maine. Key program components, successes, and future directions for continuous improvement are highlighted.
Using resistivity or logarithm of resistivity to calculate depth of investigation index to assess reliability of electrical resistivity tomography
Authors: Carrière Simon D. , Chalikakis Konstantinos , Danquigny Charles , Torres-Rondon Laura
Published: May 2017

We have conducted a comparative study to determine the most efficient and reliable way to calculate the depth of investigation (DOI) index to assess the quality of electrical resistivity tomography models. We compared the results of using resistivity and logarithm of resistivity after testing them on four synthetic models by direct modeling and a field case, in which the resistivity model was validated by auger drillings. We tested the two most commonly used acquisition arrays, dipole-dipole, and Wenner-Schlumberger. The index calculated with the logarithm of resistivity clearly appears to be more satisfactory than the resistivity-based index. The method based on resistivity systematically overestimates risk (high DOI) in areas of high resistivity, and it underestimates risk in conductive zones. As a result, we strongly recommend the use of the logarithm of inverted resistivity to calculate the DOI index.
A discrepancy-based penalty method for extended waveform inversion
Authors: Fu Lei , Symes William W.
Published: May 2017

Extended waveform inversion globalizes the convergence of seismic waveform inversion by adding nonphysical degrees of freedom to the model, thus permitting it to fit the data well throughout the inversion process. These extra degrees of freedom must be curtailed at the solution, for example, by penalizing them as part of an optimization formulation. For separable (partly linear) models, a natural objective function combines a mean square data residual and a quadratic regularization term penalizing the nonphysical (linear) degrees of freedom. The linear variables are eliminated in an inner optimization step, leaving a function of the outer (nonlinear) variables to be optimized. This variable projection method is convenient for computation, but it requires that the penalty weight be increased as the estimated model tends to the (physical) solution. We describe an algorithm based on discrepancy, that is, maintaining the data residual at the inner optimum within a prescribed range, to control the penalty weight during the outer optimization. We evaluate this algorithm in the context of constant density acoustic waveform inversion, by recovering background model and perturbation fitting bandlimited waveform data in the Born approximation.
Geosteering by exact inference on a Bayesian network
Authors: Winkler Hugh
Published: May 2017

I formulate geosteering as a probabilistic inverse problem: Given a sequence of log and directional survey measurements along a wellbore, and a pilot well log representing the geologic column at a known position, what are the most likely spatial positions of those surveys, and how does the geologic structure vary laterally? Constraining the problem to two dimensions, I define discrete random variables over the wellbore positions, the well log, and the geologic structure. Incorporating conditional relations among the variables, I arrange the variables in a Bayesian network. After applying geologic and instrument prior information, and evidence in the form of log and directional survey measurements, probability calculus determines the posterior joint marginal probability distributions for the well path and geologic structure. Naïvely performing the necessary multiplications and marginalizations would require impossible amounts of computer memory. Using variable elimination, I order the computations so as to reduce memory requirements, making it practical to execute on modern, commodity computers. From the posterior joint marginal, I extract the most likely well path and geologic structure and characterize confidence in these measures by posterior marginal probabilities for each variable. The Bayesian network approach enables us to solve inverse problems, like this one, spanning different physical dimensions, having nonnormal uncertainties, and having no direct forward-modeling formula.
Long-Lasting Increased Risk of Human Papillomavirus–Related Carcinomas and Premalignancies After Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia Grade 3: A Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Ebisch Renée M.F. , Rutten Dominiek W.E. , IntHout Joanna , Melchers Willem J.G. , Massuger Leon F.A.G. , Bulten Johan , Bekkers Ruud L.M. , Siebers Albert G.
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The aim of this study was to determine the risk of human papillomavirus (HPV)–related carcinomas and premalignancies in women diagnosed with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3 (CIN3). Knowledge of this risk is important to preventing the development and progression of other HPV-related premalignancies and carcinomas, by considering prophylactic HPV vaccination and/or by paying increased attention to other HPV-related carcinomas and premalignancies when CIN3 is identified.

Methods

Women diagnosed with a CIN3 between 1990 and 2010 were identified from the Dutch nationwide registry of histopathology and cytopathology (PALGA) and matched with a control group of women without CIN3. Subsequently, all cases of high-risk (hr) HPV–associated high-grade lesions and carcinomas in the anogenital region and oropharynx between 1990 and 2015 were extracted. Incidence rate ratios were estimated for carcinomas and premalignancies of the vulva, vagina, anus, and oropharynx.

Results

A total of 178,036 women were identified: 89,018 with a previous diagnosis of CIN3 and 89,018 matched control subjects without a history of CIN3. Women with a history of CIN3 showed increased risk of HPV-related carcinomas and premalignancies, with incidence rate ratios of 3.85 (95% CI, 2.32 to 6.37) for anal cancer, 6.68 (95% CI, 3.64 to 12.25) for anal intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3, 4.97 (95% CI, 3.26 to 7.57) for vulvar cancer, 13.66 (93% CI, 9.69 to 19.25) for vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3, 86.08 (95% CI, 11.98 to 618.08) for vaginal cancer, 25.65 (95% CI, 10.50 to 62.69) for vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3, and 5.51 (95% CI, 1.22 to 24.84) for oropharyngeal cancer. This risk remained significantly increased, even after long-term follow-up of up to 20 years.

Conclusion

This population-based study shows a long-lasting increased risk for HPV-related carcinomas and premalignancies of the anogenital and oropharyngeal region after a CIN3 diagnosis. Studies that investigate methods to prevent this increased risk in this group of patients, such as intensified screening or vaccination, are warranted.
Exposure to Acute Psychosocial Stress Disrupts the Luteinizing Hormone Surge Independent of Estrous Cycle Alterations in Female Mice
Authors: Wagenmaker Elizabeth R , Moenter Suzanne M
Published: May 2017

The disruptive effects of severe stress on reproductive function are well documented, but surprisingly few studies exist that demonstrate milder psychosocial stressors interfere with the ovarian cycle in females. We hypothesized repeated application of psychosocial stress would disrupt estrous cycles in mice. Mice were transferred to a new cage, transported to a new room, and restrained (2 hours) for 21 consecutive days. Contrary to our hypothesis, this paradigm did not affect estrous cycles. We next tested the hypothesis that a single exposure to mild stress disrupts a specific aspect of the cycle: the proestrous luteinizing hormone (LH) surge. We developed a model of acute, layered psychosocial stress (sequential application of new cage, transport to new room, restraint and predator cues lasting 5 hours total) that consistently increased circulating corticosterone. Application of this stress paradigm on midmorning of proestrus disrupted the LH surge measured near lights out in 14 of 24 mice; there was no evidence for a 24-hour delay of the surge. Following stress, mice continued to have normal estrous cycles, even when the LH surge was disrupted. Stressed mice failing to exhibit an LH surge had uterine masses suggesting the proestrous estradiol rise occurred. To test specifically whether the layered stress paradigm blocks estradiol-dependent positive feedback mechanisms, we examined the estradiol-induced LH surge. Stress blocked the estradiol-induced LH surge in all mice. These results suggest exposure to mild, acute psychosocial stress on proestrus can severely disrupt the generation of the LH surge in mice without affecting the overall estrous cycle.