cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Association between stall surface and some animal welfare measurements in freestall dairy herds using recycled manure solids for bedding

The objective of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the association between stall surface and some animal welfare measurements in upper Midwest US dairy operations using recycled manure solids as bedding material. The study included 34 dairy operations with herd sizes ranging from 130 to 3,700 lactating cows. Forty-five percent of the herds had mattresses and 55% had deep-bedded stalls. Farms were visited once between July and October 2009. At the time of visit, at least 50% of the cows in each lactating pen were scored for locomotion, hygiene, and hock lesions. On-farm herd records were collected for the entire year and used to investigate mortality, culling, milk production, and mastitis incidence. Stall surface was associated with lameness and hock lesion prevalence. Lameness prevalence (locomotion score ≥ 3 on a 1 to 5 scale) was lower in deep-bedded freestalls (14.4%) than freestalls with mattresses (19.8%). Severe lameness prevalence (locomotion score ≥ 4) was also lower for cows housed in deep-bedded freestalls (3.6%) than for cows housed in freestalls with mattresses (5.9%). In addition, the prevalence of hock lesions (hock lesion scores ≥ 2 on a 1 to 3 scale, with 1=no lesion, 2=hair loss or mild lesion, and 3=swelling or severe lesion) and severe hock lesions (hock lesion score=3) was lower in herds with deep-bedded freestalls (49.4%; 6.4%) than in herds with mattresses (67.3%; 13.2%). Herd turnover rates were not associated with stall surface; however, the percentage of removals due to voluntary (low milk production, disposition, and dairy) and involuntary (death, illness, injury, and reproductive) reasons was different between deep-bedded and mattress-based freestalls. Voluntary removals averaged 16% of all herd removals in deep-bedded herds, whereas in mattress herds, these removals were 8%. Other welfare measurements such as cow hygiene, mortality rate, mastitis incidence, and milk production were not associated with stall surface.
A comparison of delays and ratio requirements in self-control choice.

Abstract In a discrete-trial procedure, pigeons could choose between 2-s and 6-s access to grain by making a single key peck. In Phase 1, the pigeons obtained both reinforcers by responding on fixed-ratio schedules. In Phase 2, they received both reinforcers after simple delays, arranged by fixed-time schedules, during which no responses were required. In Phase 3, the 2-s reinforcer was available through a fixed-time schedule and the 6-s reinforcer was available through a fixed-ratio schedule. In all conditions, the size of the delay or ratio leading to the 6-s reinforcer was systematically increased or decreased several times each session, permitting estimation of an "indifference point," the schedule size at which a subject chose each alternative equally often. By varying the size of the schedule for the 2-s reinforcer across conditions, several such indifference points were obtained from both fixed-time conditions and fixed-ratio conditions. The resulting "indifference curves" from fixed-time conditions and from fixed-ratio conditions were similar in shape, and they suggested that a hyperbolic equation describes the relation between ratio size and reinforcement value as well as the relation between reinforcer delay and its reinforcement value. The results from Phase 3 showed that subjects chose fixed-time schedules over fixed-ratio schedules that generated the same average times between a choice response and reinforcement.
Resveratrol derivatives: a patent review (2009 - 2012).

Introduction: There is currently a wealth of information on the effects of resveratrol and its derivatives in therapeutic, cosmetic and nutraceutical patent applications. Structure–activity studies of the resveratrol scaffold provide a foundation for the development of new analogs with potent activity or other beneficial properties. Ongoing research has yielded promising results and potential use in the treatment of various diseases. Areas covered: This review provides analysis of patents published from January 2009 to April 2013. There is a focus on different approaches for the production of resveratrol derivatives, combinations of new derivatives with old drugs, and applications in therapeutic areas, nutraceutical compositions and cosmetics. Expert opinion: The ability of resveratrol to interact with a disparate array of subcellular targets is uncanny. Nonetheless, even though limited or no toxicity is apparent, the molecule is not a panacea due to lack of potency and issues with bioavailability. Thus, ...
An integrated transmission and distribution systems model with distribution-based LMP (DLMP) pricing

This paper presents an iterative approach to integrate the transmission and distribution systems together. The ideal approach is to solve a single transmission and distribution systems optimal power flow (OPF) model. However, this is computationally intractable with existing technologies due to the size of the system. Therefore, the integrated OPF problem is decomposed into two subsequent problems: the transmission OPF and the distribution OPF. With the proposed algorithm, the distribution system is modeled by a residual demand curve in the transmission system OPF while the transmission system is modeled by a transmission-constrained residual supply curve in the distribution system OPF.
On the structural properties of small-world networks with range-limited shortcut links

Abstract We explore a new variant of Small-World Networks (SWNs), in which an additional parameter ( r ) sets the length scale over which shortcuts are uniformly distributed. When r = 0 we have an ordered network, whereas r = 1 corresponds to the original Watts–Strogatz SWN model. These limited range SWNs have a similar degree distribution and scaling properties as the original SWN model. We observe the small-world phenomenon for r ≪ 1 , indicating that global shortcuts are not necessary for the small-world effect. For limited range SWNs, the average path length changes nonmonotonically with system size, whereas for the original SWN model it increases monotonically. We propose an expression for the average path length for limited range SWNs based on numerical simulations and analytical approximations.
Attitudes toward Female Professors: A Scale with Some Data on its Reliability and Validity

The literature shows that there are no instruments available which measure specific or localized aspects of sexism, e.g., in the professions. As available scales measure sexism in general, that is,...
Using three-phase flow of immiscible liquids to prevent coalescence of droplets in microfluidic channels: Criteria to identify the third liquid and validation with protein crystallization

This manuscript describes the effect of interfacial tensions on three-phase liquid-liquid-liquid flow in microfluidic channels and the use of this flow to prevent microfluidic plugs from coalescing. One problem in using microfluidic plugs as microreactors is the coalescence of adjacent plugs caused by the relative motion of plugs during flow. Here, coalescence of reagent plugs was eliminated by using plugs of a third immiscible liquid as spacers to separate adjacent reagent plugs. This work tested the requirements of interfacial tensions for plugs of a third liquid to be effective spacers. Two candidates satisfying the requirements were identified, and one of these liquids was used in the crystallization of protein human Tdp1 to demonstrate its compatibility with protein crystallization in plugs. This method for identifying immiscible liquids for use as a spacer will also be useful for applications involving manipulation of large arrays of droplets in microfluidic channels.
A simple focal-length measurement technique for adaptive microlenses using z-scan

A simple technique for focal length measurements of adaptive micro-lenses using z-scan is reported. Focal length is one of the most important parameters of any lens. The effective focal length is measured with reference to the principal points that are not easy to find especially for micro-lenses. In addition, variable focal length microlenses pose a different challenge that makes the process of determining their exact focal length a tedious and difficult process. Classical methods such as nodal slide and magnification have been used for focal length determination. Also, advanced Interference techniques such as Talbot, Moire, Digital Speckle, Zygo and Joint Fourier Transform were used for focal length measurements. These techniques require more elaborate setups and difficult to implement, especially for microlenses. Recently a power meter was used to find the focal length of an unknown lens. Most of the techniques mentioned above proof to be not simple for microlens characterization. The z-scan technique has been implemented, for quite sometimes, to characterize the third-order effects of a nonlinear optical material. The z-scan provides information on both the sign and magnitude of the non-linear refractive index and offer advantage of simplicity. We have used a regular lens to collimate and focus light unto the lens under test. By scanning the lens under test and measuring the on-axis intensity, one can find the focal length. This is because the on-axis intensity is proportional to the phase of the lens and therefore the focal length. In the case of an adaptive lens with its focal length is a function of the applied voltage, the scanning occurs for each voltage value that will correspond to the on-axis refractive index change and therefore the far field on-axis intensity. This described technique above is easy to implement and can achieve good accuracy due to the inherent sensitivity of the z-scan.
Joining a consumer society: Russian immigrant versus American materialism

Regardless of their home country, immigrants to the United States often arrive in search of personal freedom and a share of the riches of this country. Prior research has identified a range of knowledge and skills that immigrants must acquire in order to navigate such a consumer society. One aspect of joining a consumer society that has not been addressed, however, is the role of material goods in one's life. The purpose of this paper is to examine the changing role, if any, of material goods in the lives of immigrants arriving in the United States from a non-consumer society and to compare the level of materialism among such immigrants with that of Americans. The results of a study of 278 Soviet-era Russian immigrants and 200 native-born Americans indicate that at the time the immigrants arrived, they were just as materialistic as Americans and became no more materialistic, the longer they lived in the United States. Both Americans and Russians, however, became less materialistic with age. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microscopic model for SERS in noble-metal nanoparticles

We study the role of a strong electron confinement on the surface-enhanced Raman scattering from molecules adsorbed on small noble-metal nanoparticles. We describe a novel enhancement mechanism which originates from the different effect that confining potential has on s-band and d-band electrons. We demonstrate that the interplay between finite-size and screening efects in the nanoparticle surface layer leads to an enhancement of the surface plasmon local field acting on a molecule located in a close proximity to the metal surface. Our calculations, based on time-dependent local density approximation, show that the additional enhancement of the Raman signal is especially strong for small nanometer-sized nanoparticles.
Age differences in mobile service perceptions: comparison of Generation Y and baby boomers

Purpose – This study aims to investigate the effects of age on mobile service quality perceptions and its impact on perceived value, satisfaction and loyalty between two significant mobile service user segments – Generation Y and baby boomers.Design/methodology/approach – A multiple group structural equation modeling approach is utilized to assess the proposed model.Findings – The results identify the mobile service quality attributes that are important to Generation Y‐ers and baby boomers. The study also finds significant differences between the two groups in terms of the effect of perceived economic and emotional value on satisfaction.Research limitations/implications – A limitation lies in the measurement of service quality. Another limitation is different methods of data collection between two age groups. Future research is recommended to examine differences between other generations, between different ethnic groups, and other demographic variables.Practical implications – This study strongly suggest ...
Computers and Composition in Japan: Notes on Real and Virtual Literacies

Abstract The authors report on their experiences negotiating within an alien culture while attending and presenting at a conference in Japan. They note that integrating computer technology into language skills classes is still new in Japan and also requires differences in approach because of cultural expectations, ways of thinking, and practices. Further, the cultural orientations of specific societies affects the use which an individual society makes of technological tools. The authors conclude from their experience that the world electronic culture will ask that we consider that the technological tools we use and what they produce are “imbued with our cultural values and character.” We must remember that it is our intentions that create change, not simply the use of new technological tools.
Minor Components in Food Oils: A Critical Review of their Roles on Lipid Oxidation Chemistry in Bulk Oils and Emulsions

Food oils are primarily composed of triacylglycerols (TAG), but they may also contain a variety of other minor constituents that influence their physical and chemical properties, including diacylglycerols (DAG), monoacylglycerols (MAG), free fatty acids (FFA), phospholipids (PLs), water, and minerals. This article reviews recent research on the impact of these minor components on lipid oxidation in bulk oils and oil-in-water emulsions. In particular, it highlights the origin of these minor components, the influence of oil refining on the type and concentration of minor components present, and potential physicochemical mechanisms by which these minor components impact lipid oxidation in bulk oils and emulsions. This knowledge is crucial for designing food, pharmaceutical, personal care, and other products with improved stability to lipid oxidation.
Competitor identification and competitor analysis: a broad-based managerial approach

Managerial myopia in identifying competitive threats is a well-recognized phenomenon (Levitt, 1960; Zajac and Bazerman, 1991). Identifying such threats is particularly problematic, since they may arise from substitutability on the supply side as well as on the demand side. Managers who focus only on the product market arena in scanning their competitive environment may fail to notice threats that are developing due to the resources and latent capabilities of indirect or potential competitors. This paper brings together insights from the fields of strategic management and marketing to develop a simple but powerful set of tools for helping managers overcome this common problem. We present a two-stage framework for competitor identification and analysis that brings into consideration a broad range of competitors, including potential competitors, substitutors, and indirect competitors. Specifically we draw from Peteraf and Bergen's (2001) framework for competitor identification to develop a hierarchy of competitor awareness. That is used, in combination with resource equivalence, to generate hypotheses on competitive analysis. This framework not only extends the ken of managers, but also facilitates an assessment of the strategic opportunities and threats that various competitors represent and allows managers to assess their significance in relative terms. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Frozen Natural Orbitals: Systematic Basis Set Truncation for Coupled-Cluster Theory

The method of frozen natural orbital (FNO) basis set truncation for coupled-cluster theory is described. Numerical comparisons of the FNO potential energy surfaces of a group of small molecules at the CCSD(T) level in DZP, cc-pVTZ, cc-pVQZ bases show that truncation of up to 50% of the virtual space yields CC correlation energies that are accurate to 90 or 95% when added to the full MBPT(2) basis result. The FNO truncation method is also applied to dimethylnitramine (DMNA): both the equilibrium structure and dimer interactions, yielding results at the CCSD(T) level in both a DZP and cc-pVTZ basis set that agree with literature values. CCSD(T) calculations at two possible equilibrium structures of 1,3,5-trinitrohexahydro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) in a truncated DZP basis are also reported.
Soil Ingestion Estimates for Children in Anaconda Using Trace Element Concentrations in Different Particle Size Fractions

This investigation assessed the effect of soil particle size on soil ingestion estimates of children residing at a superfund site. Earlier research indicated that wide intertracer variability in so...
Political parties, electoral systems and democracy: A cross‐national analysis

Abstract. The number of political parties and the type of electoral system may impact the level of democratic functioning within a government. Models are used to explore whether the number of political parties increases a country's democracy score on the POLITY IV measure of democracy, and whether countries with proportional representation electoral systems have higher democracy scores than those without. Multiple regression analysis reveals that countries with proportional electoral systems have higher democracy scores. Countries involved in the Third Wave of democracy may find the choice of an electoral system among the most important issues in structuring a democratic government.
College Men's Intimate Partner Violence Attitudes: Contributions of Adult Attachment and Gender Role Stress

Primary prevention of men's intimate partner violence (IPV) toward women in dating relationships is an important area of psychological inquiry and a significant concern for counselors working with college student populations. Previous research has identified that certain beliefs condoning or accepting physical, sexual, and psychological violence in relationships are key risk factors for IPV perpetration; however, comparatively few studies have examined the social and relational variables related to IPV acceptance attitudes. In the present study, we proposed and tested a structural model examining the combined contributions of adult attachment dimensions (i.e., attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance) and masculine gender role stress in the prediction of IPV acceptance attitudes in a large sample of college men (N = 419). We hypothesized that the relationship between attachment insecurity and IPV acceptance attitudes would be partially mediated by men's gender role stress. A partially mediated model produced the best indices of model fit, accounting for 31% of the variance in an IPV acceptance attitudes latent variable. A bootstrapping procedure confirmed the significance of mediation effects. These results suggest that aspects of adult attachment insecurity are associated with tendencies to experience stress from violations of rigidly internalized traditional male role norms, which, in turn, are associated with acceptance of IPV. Findings are further discussed in relation to adult attachment theory (Mikulincer & Shaver, 2007), gender role strain theory (Pleck, 1995), and their implications for IPV prevention in college student populations.
An advance in liver-specific gene delivery

One of the more intractable problems in gene therapy over the past decade has been the development of methods to allow the selective delivery of genes to the liver and their stable maintenance and expression therein. Hepatocytes (the principal parenchymal cell of the liver) are a much sought-after target of gene therapy because they play many unique roles in the physiology of the mammalian host (1). The liver is an important site of synthesis of many plasma proteins, including those of the complement and coagulation systems. Hepatocytes also synthesize a wide variety of enzymes involved in intermediary metabolism, and mutations affecting several of these produce clinical disorders that are attractive targets for liver-specific gene therapy (2). The liver also produces low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptors (3), and hepatic restoration of wild-type LDL receptors in hosts bearing mutant receptors ameliorates their hypercholesterolemia (4). Finally, of course, there are several important chronic viral infections of the hepatocyte (notably hepatitis B and hepatitis C) for which the liver-specific delivery of antiviral compounds (e.g., INF-α or other cytokines) might be of therapeutic value. In a recent issue of PNAS, Protzer et al. (5) report new progress in the development of liver-specific viral vectors based on the genomes of hepatitis B viruses and present data on the use of these vectors to deliver antiviral cytokines to hepatocytes.
Complications in posterior cruciate ligament and posterolateral corner surgery

Abstract Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) and posterolateral corner (PLC) injuries are complex injuries requiring specialized treatment. These technically demanding surgical procedures are performed less frequently than anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions. Lack of experience in the evaluation and treatment of these injuries might lead to complications and suboptimal results. Complications associated with PCL and PLC surgeries include persistent laxity, osetonecrosis, neurovascular injury, compartment syndrome, motion loss, anterior knee pain, fractures, infection, and wound healing problems. A comprehensive preoperative evaluation, accurate diagnosis, well-planned and carefully executed surgical procedure, and supervised postoperative rehabilitation program might reduce the incidence of of complications associated with PCL and PLC surgical procedures.
Parvovirus B19 presenting with severe sepsis in a previously healthy 25-year-old female.

Family medicine physicians will encounter severe sepsis. Normally the work-up consists of searching for the bacterial source and then modifying initial empiric treatment. Unfortunately, not all infectious sources of sepsis are bacterial; 7% of sepsis cases seen are due to a virus, fungi, or protozoa
An O(1) quorum consensus protocol tailored for the client/server architecture

In a client/server architecture, replicated copies of an object are assigned to different servers (possibly client sites) in order to increase the availability of the database in case some but not all servers fail. A highly efficient, highly reliable quorum consensus protocol, the Quorum Rings protocol (QRP), specifically designed to take advantage of the client/server architecture, is introduced. The high resiliency of QRP is achieved at a very low cost in communication messages. More specifically, the number of communication messages required for a QRP read or write operation is O(1) in normal mode (when there are no failures in the system) and only O(/spl radic/N) in failure mode (when some but not all servers with replicated objects are faulty). Finally, QRP exhibits the property of graceful degradation: more communication cost is incurred only when the number of failures increases in the system. >
Factors influencing early outcome of Norwood procedure for hypoplastic left heart syndrome

Objective: The operative outcome of the Norwood procedure for hypoplastic left heart syndrome is still not satisfactory. Conflicting reports concern factors associated with early Norwood procedure mortality and the reasons for the instability after surgery are not sufficiently understood. The purpose of this study was to determine some perioperative factors influencing early (30 days) outcome. Methods :W e retrospectively analyzed a group of 30 consecutive children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (aged 5‐39 days) who underwent Norwood procedure in 1997 and 1998. The following factors were considered and statistically analyzed: operative age, birth weight, operative weight, serum level of bilirubin, aminotransferases, creatinine, urea, arterial blood gasses, anatomic subgroups, ascending aorta and arch size, systemic to pulmonary modified right Blalock‐Taussig shunt size, cardiopulmonary circulatory arrest time, cardiopulmonary bypass time, and delayed chest closure. Eighteen patients underwent hemi-Fontan procedure with one late death and the modified Fontan operation was performed in 16 of them (one late death). Results: The early mortality was 37%. Seven deaths (64%) occurred during the first 24 h after operation. There was a significant difference between survivals and non-survivals in: birth weight (Pa 0:047), operative age (Pa 0:016), preoperative serum level of bilirubin (Pa 0:044), and cardiopulmonary circulatory arrest time (Pa 0:006). The other assessed factors were not found to be predictors of early mortality. All 16 survivals followed up are in New York Heart Association class I or II. Conclusions: Anatomic and functional status of the patient, as well as procedural factors are related to Norwood operation early mortality. High mortality in hypoplastic left heart syndrome after stage I surgery indicates the necessity of assessing all factors which may determine further improvement in the outcome. q 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Damselfish with neurofibromatosis exhibit cytotoxicity toward tumor targets

Damselfish neurofibromatosis (DNF) is a malignant transmissible disease affecting Schwann cells, and is the only naturally occurring animal model of human neurofibromatosis type 1. The current study was designed to determine whether fish in the early stages of disease have measurable immune responses toward DNF tumor cells. Three DNF tumor cell lines were used as targets in standard 51Cr cytotoxic assays. In addition, Lutjanus griseus erythrocytes served as nonspecific targets, and concanavalon A (Con A) blasts from healthy animals served as normal target cells. Results of this study show that tumor-bearing damselfish have cells capable of destroying tumor targets but healthy animals display minimal, if any, reactivity toward the DNF tumor lines. The majority of antitumor activity resides in the spleen; the pronephros appears to contain the majority of nonspecific activity. Data also show that some of the effector cells are analogous to the nonspecific cytotoxic cells of catfish. No lysis of healthy damselfish targets was observed. Thus damselfish have cytotoxic cells capable of interacting with tumor targets, but in the majority of animals this response is not adequate to circumvent the process of tumorigenesis.
Assets and liabilities, educational expectations, and children's college degree attainment

Abstract This research examines relationships among household assets and liabilities, educational expectations of children and parents, and children's college degree attainment. Special attention is paid to influences of different asset types (financial vs. nonfinancial assets) and liabilities (secured vs. unsecured debt). Results indicate that, after controlling for family income and other parent/child characteristics, financial and nonfinancial assets are positively related to, and unsecured debt is negatively related to, children's college completion. Furthermore, there is evidence that financial assets are positively associated with the education expectations of parents and children. Policy directions are suggested.
Proving the shalls

This paper describes an experiment conducted to determine how effectively formal methods could be used to capture and validate the requirements of a typical embedded system. A model of the mode logic of a Flight Guidance System was specified in the RSML − e notation and translated into the NuSMV model checker and the PVS theorem prover. These tools were then used to verify several hundred properties of the RSML − e model. In the process, several errors were discovered and corrected in the original model. This demonstrates that formal requirements models can be written for real problems and that formal analysis tools have matured to the point where they can be used to find errors before implementation. It also points out a clear relationship between requirements stated informally as "shalls", formal properties, and requirements models.
Stabilization of hybrid periodic orbits with application to bipedal walking

This work describes a general computational framework for robust stabilization of periodic orbits for hybrid systems with impact effects. We demonstrate that for such systems dynamics can be decomposed into the transverse and tangential components if a proper orthogonalizing transform is applied before the decomposition. Subsequently, we show that the robust control synthesis problem can be cast as a semi-definite program which implies that computationally efficient linear matrix inequality (LMI) solvers can be used to find the controllers. The methodology is verified through the simulation on a five-link planar under-actuated biped robot, an example often used by other researchers.
Genetic disparities in the development of type 2 diabetes among African Americans

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to discover whether biological and genetic differences play an important role in the pathogenesis of developing type 2 diabetes in the African-American population Data sources: Review of original studies and meta-analyses from Medline, PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus Conclusion: It is now well established that the development of type 2 diabetes results from the interaction between the individuals’ biological and genetic makeup and their environment. Even though some genetic variants have been found, the full genetic landscape of type 2 diabetes, especially among African-Americans, is not yet discovered. Further researches or studies on pathophysiology and genetic susceptibility to diabetes may suggest new therapeutic targets for the treatment and prevention of insulin resistance. Implications for practice: Considering genetics as a potential cause of type 2 diabetes may suggest new therapeutic targets for the treatment and prevention, and new detecting tools for the undiagnosed patients. Nurse practitioners may gain a better understanding of the particular genetic defect influencing individual health and create the appropriate care plan to achieve an optimal health outcome for a patient.
PRODUCTION OF ACTIVATED CARBON FROM COAL CHARS USING MICROWAVE ENERGY

The microwave induced reaction of carbon with carbon dioxide has been investigated as a method of production of activated carbon using coal char. Factors which control the carbon-carbon dioxide reaction in a microwave environment were also studied. Results indicate that the reaction rate is primarily controlled by the electric field strength. The reaction rate or conversion follows an Arrhenius type relationship with substitution of the electric field strength for temperature. In other instances, temperature is easily determined and therefore used in these calculations. In this case, the particle temperature is nearly impossible to measure. This means that we need an easily calculated variable to use in our calculations. The input microwave power will serve as this variable. It is easily determined, and is also useful in calculations because, as stated earlier, when input power (in the form of electric field strength) is substituted for temperature in equations of the Arrhenius type, the reaction rate is ...
End points in lung cancer clinical trials: are we ready to step away from overall survival?

467 ISSN 1758-1966 10.2217/LMT.13.54 © 2013 Future Medicine Ltd Lung Cancer Manage. (2013) 2(6), 467–470 Overall survival (OS), defined as the time from randomization or registration to death from any cause, is the gold standard end point in clinical trials as it is a measure of direct clinical benefit to a patient. OS as an end point is unambiguous and can unequivocally assess the benefit of a new treatment relative to the current standard of care. While improving OS remains the ultimate goal of new cancer therapy, an intermediate end point, such as progression-free survival (PFS), a composite end point defined as time from randomization to disease progression or death, is commonly used to evaluate the treatment effect of new oncologic products studied in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) [1]. Two major reasons to explore alternate end points to OS are: first, the inability to effectively assess crossover effects and subsequent therapies; and second, the requirement of large patient numbers and extended follow-up, making it a ‘long’ end point to assess, thereby delaying the development, approval and access to potentially efficacious drugs. Korn et al. discussed the influence of effective subsequent therapies on OS comparisons in RCTs where either subsequent therapy is equally effective in both arms of the RCT or where control arm patients crossover to experimental therapy upon disease progression [2]. The authors concluded that while improvement in an intermediate end point, such as PFS or disease-free survival (DFS), could be considered as evidence of true clinical benefit in adjuvant settings (i.e., early-stage disease), use of OS as the primary outcome is appropriate in trials where there is no intermediate end point to assess clinical benefit. This brings up the discussion of an intermediate end point versus a surrogate end point. An intermediate end point as defined by Korn et al. is one that directly measures true clinical benefit, whereas a surrogate end point is one that has been validated as an adequate substitute for the true clinical end point [2]. A valid surrogate end point must, therefore, both correlate with and accurately predict the true outcome of interest, for example, the treatment effect observed on the surrogate end point should reliably and precisely predict the treatment effect on the true clinical end point [3,4]. Shi et al. elegantly outline the issues surrounding the validation of surrogate end points [4], and review meta-analytic approaches
Test of a Modified Habitat Suitability Model for Bighorn Sheep

Translocation of bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) is time, labor, and cost intensive and, therefore, high levels of success are desirable. We tested a widely used habitat suitability model against translocation success and then modified it to include additional factors which improved its usefulness in predicting appropriate translocation sites. The modified Smith habitat suitability model for bighorn sheep was 64% accurate in predicting success or failure of 32 translocations of bighorn sheep into the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Plateau desert, and prairie-badlands of six states. We had sheep location data for 13 populations, and the modified habitat model predicted the areas used by bighorn sheep with greater than 90% accuracy in eight populations, greater than 55% accuracy in four populations, and less than 55% accuracy in one population. Translocations were more successful when sheep were placed into discrete habitat patches containing a high proportion of lambing period habitat (>10% of suitable habitat, p = 0.05), where animals had a migratory tendency ( p = 0.02), no contact with domestic sheep ( p = 0.02), or greater distance to domestic sheep (>23 km, p = 0.02). Rate of population growth was best predicted by area of lambing period habitat, potential area of winter range, and distance to domestic sheep. We retested the model using these refined criteria and the refined model then predicted success or failure of these 32 translocated populations with 82% accuracy.
Conservative synchronization of large-scale network simulations

Parallel discrete event simulation techniques have enabled the realization of large-scale models of communication networks containing millions of end hosts and routers. However, the performance of these parallel simulators could be severely degraded if proper synchronization algorithms are not utilized. In this paper, we compare the performance and scalability of synchronous and asynchronous algorithms for conservative parallel network simulation. We develop an analytical model to evaluate the efficiency and scalability of certain variations of the well-known null message algorithm, and present experimental data to verify the accuracy of this model. This analysis and initial performance measurements on parallel machines containing hundreds of processors suggest that for scenarios simulating scaled network models with constant number of input and output channels per logical process, an optimized null message algorithm offers better scalability than efficient global reduction based synchronous protocols.
Principles of Immunology

The immune system, composed of innate and acquired immunity, allows an organism to fight off foreign pathogens. Healthy immunity accomplishes four essential principles: (1) ability to detect and fight off infection; (2) ability to recognize a host's own cells as "self," thereby protecting them from attack; (3) a memory from previous foreign infections; and (4) ability to limit the response after the pathogen has been removed. In an unaltered state, the intricate network of immunologic organs and cells creates an environment for proper host defense. Without adequate execution of immunologic mechanisms, a host is rendered defenseless against pathogens. Conversely, an unchecked immune response can be self-destructive. As a result of either of these untoward sequelae, immune dysfunction can elicit disease states in the host. The goal of this review is to elucidate the characteristics of a healthy immune system, focusing on the principles of immunity and the cells that participate in host protection. We also briefly discuss the clinical ramifications of immune dysfunction.
Distributed messaging using meta channels and message bins

Edge servers are used to connect sensor networks to the enterprise network. Using asynchronous messaging for communication between components is attractive as it lessens the degree of coupling within the system, thereby increasing the system robustness. In order to be scalable, the messaging system itself must be distributed. Existing work in the literature describes how to build distributed messaging systems which scale to networks the size of the Internet using message routing. Here we explain why we find these solutions inappropriate for communication within the edge server architecture. We describe an alternative means of achieving scalable distributed messaging that we call message binning. We motivate the feasibility of our architecture through a description of its implementation and use in our edge server system.
Quality of life and factors predictive of burden among primary caregivers of chronic liver disease patients

Background Chronic liver disease increases the socioeconomic and emotional burden on the patient’s caregiver. This is important because a patient’s adherence to therapy and transplant eligibility is dependent on the caregiver’s ability to handle these challenges. Methods This was a prospective, cross-sectional study of 50 primary caregivers of patients with advanced liver disease. Caregivers completed the RAND 36-item (Short Form [SF-36]) Health Survey and the Zarit Burden Scale survey. Caregiver quality of life, based on the SF-36, was compared using t-tests with the scores of the National reference population as controls. Results In our cohort, the mean age of caregivers was 56.9±11.4 years, 40 (83.3%) were female, and 34 (70.8%) were spouses/significant others of the patient. Compared with the adjusted National norm data, caregivers scored substantially lower in categories of role limitations due to emotional problems (P<0.001), vitality (P=0.025), mental health (P=0.005), and social functioning (P=0.002). While the adjusted physical component score of the caregivers was comparable to the National mean, the mental component score (MCS) was lower than the National average (42.4±13.3 vs. 50.0±10, P<0.001). Though only 8 of 50 (16.0%) subjects reported a formal diagnosis of depression or anxiety, 23 (46.0%) had MCS <42, a strong predictor of clinical depression, based on previous studies. Conclusions Primary caregivers of patients with advanced liver disease have significantly lower SF-36 mental health scores compared with the general population. Comparison of SF-36 scores to caregiver history suggests under recognition of mental health problems in this population. Keywords Chronic liver disease, caregiver burden, depression Ann Gastroenterol 2015; 28 (1): 124-129
School-Linked Prevention Theory, Science, and Practice for Enhancing the Lives of Children and Youth

Principles drawn from contemporary developmental-contextualism are presented as a framework for guiding the design, implementation, and evaluation of school-linked prevention programs that are consistent with an emerging body of research specifying best practices in prevention. Two school-linked preventive interventions, the Gardner Extended Services School (GESS) and Supporting Teachers Supporting Students, are described and discussed according to developmental principles. Roles of counseling psychologists in each intervention are also discussed. Implications of the theory and science of school-linked prevention and the two program examples for training of counseling psychologists are described.
HABITAT FEATURES AFFECTING BEAVER OCCUPANCY ALONG ROADSIDES IN NEW YORK STATE

Abstract Characterizing habitat features that influence beaver (Castor canadensis) occupancy along roadsides may have important implications for managing damage to roads caused by beaver activity. We initiated this study to develop proactive and long-term approaches to deal with nuisance beaver along roadsides. From June to October 1997 and 1998, we sampled 316 roadside sites in New York state, USA—216 sites where beaver occupied the roadside area and 100 unoccupied sites. We used stepwise logistic regression to identify habitat variables associated with beaver occupancy along roadsides. We evaluated regression models through measures of sensitivity and specificity. The logistic function retained the percentage of roadside area devoid of woody vegetation, stream gradient, the interaction between these 2 variables, and stream width in the final model. Precluding beaver occupancy along highways would necessarily involve large-scale removal of woody vegetation that would be impractical in all but the most in...
Do knowledge and cultural perceptions of modern female contraceptives predict male involvement in Ayete, Nigeria? : original research article

Male involvement is crucial to female contraceptive use. This study examined how male knowledge and cultural perceptions of modern female contraceptives influence involvement in contraceptive use. A cross-sectional survey of 389 men from Ayete, Nigeria was used to regress a continuous male involvement score on demographic variables, knowledge of at least one method of modern female contraception and a scored male perception variable using Ordinary Least Squares regression. Controlling for perception, the knowledge of at least one method of modern female contraception was not significantly associated with a change in male involvement (p=0.264). Increasing positive perception was associated with higher male involvement scores (p=0.001). Higher educated males, those with a current desire to have children and males whose partners were currently using a method had greater male involvement scores (p<0.05). Policy and intervention efforts should be focused on changing cultural perceptions, in addition to providing in-depth knowledge of contraceptive methods. Cette etude a examine comment la connaissance par les hommes des methodes contraceptives feminines modernes et leurs perceptions culturelles influencent la participation a la contraception feminine. Une enquete transversale de 389 hommes de Ayete, l'Etat d'Oyo, au Nigeria a ete utilise pour regresser un score continu de participation des hommes, sur les variables demographiques, la connaissance d'au moins une methode de contraception feminine moderne et une variable de la perception masculine classee par les modeles de la regression ordinaire des moindres carres. Le controle pour la perception, la connaissance d'au moins une methode de la contraception feminine moderne n'etait pas significativement associe a un changement dans la participation des hommes (p = 0,264). L'accroissement de la perception positive a ete associe a des scores plus eleves de la participation des hommes (p = 0,001). Les hommes hautement instruits, ceux qui ont un desir actuel d'avoir des enfants et les hommes dont les partenaires actuellement se servaient d'une methode avaient plus des scores masculins de participation (p < 0,05). La politique et les efforts d'intervention devraient etre axes sur l'evolution des perceptions culturelles, en plus de fournir une connaissance approfondie des methodes contraceptives.
Posttraumatic Headache and the Postconcussion Syndrome

Although headache is the most common sequelae of head injury, the posttraumatic headache is associated frequently with dizziness, irritability, lack of concentration, and intolerance to alcohol ingestion as a part of a symptom complex known as the postconcussion syndrome. This article clarifies the definitions of acute traumatic headache, posttraumatic headache, and the postconcussion syndrome and improves diagnostic ability, making the assessment and treatment of patients with these three conditions more accurate and effective.
Portrayals of Mental Illnesses in Women’s and Men’s Magazines in the United States:

Mental illness is a serious health risk in the United States. People suffering from mental illnesses are often subjective to gender-specific stigma and stereotypes. Based on theories of agenda setting, framing, and stigma communication, this study compares the portrayal of mental illnesses in women’s and men’s lifestyle and health magazines between 2009 and 2013 through a content analysis. It finds that women’s magazines tend to present a more positive coverage of mental illnesses by citing patients, adopting human interest discourse, and using challenge cues such as hope than men’s magazines. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Protective Knowledge and Behaviors of Welders

Objective To study the protective knowledge and behaviors of welders and its influencing factors,discuss whether there is the need for health education and health promotion.Methods Welders in one enterprise were investigated by using the self-designed questionnaire.Factors including the time exposed to welding work,sex,and education degree of these welders were analyzed.Results There were statistical differences on the rates of personal protection formation and the awareness of protective measure types between males and females(χ2=34.1,χ2=54.8,P0.05).There was statistical difference between workers with different education levels,the highly educated group was significantly higher than the low educated group(P0.05).There was statistical difference on the rates of high protective measures between workers with different length of time exposed to welding work(P0.05),the longer was higher.Conclusion The protective knowledge and behaviors of welders is poor.The health education and health promotion for welders should be enhanced.
Social Vulerable Group and Social Protection for the Time Being

With deepening reformation and economic transformation in our country, an extremely needy group of population is emerging. It is called Social vulerable group which mainly consists of poor farmers, workers from rural area and unemploymed urban residents. Since economic reformation and opening up, our government has paid particular attentions to this social vulerable group and has also adopted some protection policies for them. However, in today's economic transformation environment, current social protection system can not match the new economic situation and the requirement of this group hardly get satisfied. At present, we should enforce social protection for this group by improving employment, providing basic living needs and protecting their lawful rights and interests.