cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The counseling process, client expectations, and cultural influences: a review

The counseling process is a complex activity. Among the factors that contribute to this complexity are client expectations and cultural influences. These factors have received increased attention over the past few years. The main emphasis of this review will be on client expectations in a cultural and cross-cultural context. Culture is considered to be '...the configuration of learned behavior and results of behavior whose components and elements are shared and transmitted by the members of a particular society' (Linton, 1945: 32). A cross-cultural counseling situation is one in which the learned set of behaviors of the counselor is different from that of the client. Obviously, any two leamed sets of behavior potentially may differ from each other to a greater, lesser, or moderate degree. It might be hypothesized that the greater the difference between the counselor and client learned behavior sets, the lesser the chance of counseling success. As stated previously, the focus of this review is upon client expectations about counseling. Many of the articles reviewed deal with client expectations directly. A variable of client expectancy is client preference. To whom does the client prefer to talk, a woman or a man? Client preference literature will also be reviewed, and it will be considered along with the expectancy literature. The literature reviewed consists of both data based and non-data based presentations. The present understanding of this topic is still at a formative stage, and it is important to consider both empirical and apriori approaches. In some cases, studies have been executed with data collection and analysis; and in other cases, individuals have written of their personal experiences. The first part of this review will focus on the general issues of client expectancies. An instrument to measure client expectations about counseling has been developed in the USA and some studies have been carried out making use of the instrument. In the second part, the client expectations of four minority groups in the USA will be considered. Research on Americans with Indian, Black, Asian, and Hispanic cultural backgrounds will be reviewed. The last part will focus on client expectations in countries outside the USA, most in Africa.
Reference and Testing Materials Available from the Materials Characterization Center

A major responsibility of the Materials Characterization Center (MCC) is to acquire and distribute reference and testing materials endorsed by DOE, for use in research and development in nuclear waste management. MCC standard materials provide a common basis for data obtained in waste repository development work, thereby assisting in developing a defensible database of known accuracy and precision. Homogeneity of standard materials is of particular importance. MCC emphasizes homogeneity of composition and physical characteristics of the standard materials, using statistical methods in sampling procedures and evaluation of analytical data. Two classifications of standard materials are available from the MCC. Approved Reference Materials (ARMs) are intended as standard reference and calibration materials [similar to the SRMs of the U.S. National Bureau of Standards (NBS)], for field calibration of MCC standard test methods. Each ARM is characterized by MCC and other laboratories such as NBS to a high level of accuracy and precision. Approved Testing Materials (ATMs) are used as common testing materials, representing specific formulations of typical waste forms. Most ATMs are radioactive materials, for which characterization has been conducted on shielded analytical instruments at PNL. More than ten different ATMs (borosilicate glass and spent fuel) are in the MCC inventory. These materials are available without charge, in reasonable amounts, to DOE programs. Other users pay pro-rated production costs. The materials normally are supplied in the form in which they were produced, e.g., glass as-cast bars. In some cases the MCC can supply special specimen forms, e.g., crushed powders or shaped monoliths.
Histochemical alterations in one lung ventilation.

Background One lung ventilation is a commonly performed surgical procedure. Although there have been several reports showing that one-lung ventilation can cause pathophysiological alterations such as pulmonary hypoxic vasoconstriction and intrapulmonary shunting, there have been virtually no reports on the effects of one-lung ventilation on lung histology. Materials and methods Yorkshire pigs (11–17 kg) were anesthetized, a tracheotomy performed and a tracheal tube inserted. The chest was opened and one lung ventilation (OLV), was induced by clamping of the right main bronchus. OLV was continued for 60 min before the clamp was removed and two lung ventilation (TLV) started. TLV was continued for 30 to 60 min. Blood and lung biopsies were taken immediately before OLV, 30 min and 60 min of OLV and after restoration of TLV. Results Histological analyses revealed that the non-ventilated lung was totally collapsed during OLV. On reventilation, there was clear evidence of vascular congestion and alveolar wall thickening at 30 min after TLV. At 60 min of TLV, there was still vascular congestion. Serum nitrite levels (as an index of nitric oxide production) showed steady decline over the course of the experimental period, reaching a significantly low level on reventilation (compared with baseline levels before OLV). Lung MPO activity (marker of neutrophil sequestration) and serum TNFα levels were not raised during the entire experimental period. Conclusions These results suggest that there was lung vascular injury after OLV, which was associated with reduced levels of nitric oxide production and not associated with an inflammatory response.
Bioassay for Thrombopoietin Utilizing Mice in Rebound Thrombocytosis

SummaryA bioassay for the detection of the thrombopoietic stimulating factor (TSF or thrombopoietin) that utilizes thrombo–cythemic mice has been presented. A single injection of anti–mouse platelet serum (AMPS) to mice produced a characteristic thrombocytopenia that was followed by rebound thrombocytosis. Two to three days later (7–8 days after the AMPS injection), a significantly (p < 0.05) depressed thrombo–poiesis existed in response to the thrombocytosis. Normal and thrombocythemic mice were injected with normal sheep sera or sera from platelet–depleted sheep and Na235SO4 incorporation into platelets was measured. A greater difference in 35S uptake existed between AMPS–treated control mice (mice injected with normal sheep serum) and AMPS–treated stimulated mice (mice injected with serum from platelet–depleted sheep) than in normal mice treated with the same sera. Also, TSF in sheep sera was shown to lose activity after storage at −20°.The author is grateful to Mrs. Marilyn Cottrell and Miss Rose Clif...
Fishes and birds: Gondwana life rafts reconsidered.

SANDERSON, M. J., AND M. J. DONOGHUE. 1989. Patterns of variation and levels of homoplasy. Evolution 43:1781–1795. SCOTLAND, R. W., AND R. T. PENNINGTON. 2000. Homology and systematics. Taylor and Francis, London. SCOTLAND, R. W., AND K. VOLLESEN. 2000. Classification of Acanthaceae. Kew Bull. 55:513–589. SIMMONS, M. P., AND H. OCHOTERENA. 2000. Gaps as characters in sequence-based phylogenetic analyses. Syst. Biol. 49:369–381. SMITH, A. B. 1994. Systematics and the fossil record: Documenting evolutionary patterns. Blackwell Scientific, Oxford, U.K. SMITH, A. B. 1998. What does palaeontology contribute to systematics in a molecular world? Mol. Phylogenet. Evol. 9:437–447. SOLTIS, P. S., D. E. SOLTIS, AND M. W. CHASE. 1999. Angiosperm phylogeny. Nature 402:402–404. STEEL, M., AND D. PENNY. 2000. Parsimony, likelihood, and the role of models in molecular phylogenetics. Mol. Biol. Evol. 42:308–312. STEVENS, P. F. 1991. Character states, morphological variation, and phylogenetic analysis: A review. Syst. Bot. 16:553–583. STRONG, E. E., AND D. LIPSCOMB. 1999. Character coding and inapplicable data. Cladistics 15:363–371. SWOFFORD, D. L., G. J. OLSEN, P. J. WADDELL, AND D. M. HILLIS. 1996. Phylogenetic inference. Pages 407–514 in Molecular systematics, 2nd edition (D. M. Hillis, C. Moritz, and B. K. Mable, eds.). Sinauer, Sunderland, Massachusetts. SYTSMA, K. J. 1990. DNA and morphology: Inference of plant phylogeny. Trends Ecol. Evol. 5:104–110. THIELE, K. 1993. The holy grail of the perfect character: The cladistic treatment of morphometric data. Cladistics 9:275–304.
Corporate Malfeasance, Off-Label Use, and Surgeon Liability

The federal criminal case relating to the off-label use of Norian bone void filler for vertebroplasty has been well-publicized. We examined the facts of this case to understand evolving trends in federal criminal prosecution in the healthcare industry, and to address the potential liability of orthopaedic surgeons who practice off-label use of a product, especially when consulting for the industry.
Direct observations of galactic cosmic rays

The mysterious “radiation ... entering our atmosphere from above” discovered by Hess in 1912 is now known to be dominated by relativistic charged particles, mostly with energies in the GeV-range, but extending to energies higher by many orders of magnitude. As none of these particles can penetrate the earth’s atmosphere without interaction, detailed studies of their composition and energy spectra require observations with high-altitude balloons or spacecraft. This became possible only towards the middle of the 20th century. The direct measurements have now revealed much detail about the Galactic cosmic rays below 1015eV, but do not yet provide much overlap with the air-shower region of energies. A historic overview of the measurements is given, beginning with the realization that the majority of the cosmic rays are protons. The discovery and astrophysical significance of the heavier nuclei, and of the ultra-heavy nuclei beyond iron and up to the actinides, are then described, and measurements of the isotopic composition are discussed. Observations of the individual energy spectra are reviewed, and finally, the detection of electrons, positrons, and anti-protons in the cosmic rays, and the searches for exotic or unusual phenomena are summarized. Emphasis is given to the fact that all of these discoveries have become possible through the evolution of increasingly sophisticated detection techniques, a process that is continuing through the present time. The precise knowledge of the abundance distributions of the elements in the cosmic rays and of their isotopic composition permits a comparison with the “universal abundance scale” and provides strong constraints on the origin of the cosmic-ray material in the interstellar medium. “Clock-isotopes” reveal the time history of the particles. The shapes of the energy spectra of the individual cosmic-ray components are related to evolving ideas about particle acceleration and propagation in the Galaxy. In conclusion, prospects for future work are briefly discussed.
Why analyse variances in order to compare means.

The analysis of variance (ANOVA) was introduced by Sir Ronald Aylmer Fisher and defined as ‘the separation of the variance ascribable to one group of causes, from the variance ascribable to other g...
Mapping environmental change in tourism: a study of the incentive travel industry.

Abstract Like other travel sectors, the incentive travel industry operates in a complex and dynamic environment and is now facing escalating challenges. Within this context, it is important to understand how managers perceive environmental forces that are driving their decision making and strategy formulation. This study uses cognitive mapping techniques to represent and interpret incentive travel managers’ perceptions of their business environments. The results suggest that managers are frustrated by the challenges and threats posed by the fast-changing environment in which they operate and find it increasingly difficult to identify business opportunities. This study offers important implications for knowledge management and strategic management for incentive travel businesses.
Focus on function: Single molecule RNA enzymology

The ability of RNA to catalyze chemical reactions was first demonstrated 25 years ago with the discovery that group I introns and RNase P function as RNA enzymes (ribozymes). Several additional ribozymes were subsequently identified, most notably the ribosome, followed by intense mechanistic studies. More recently, the introduction of single molecule tools has dissected the kinetic steps of several ribozymes in unprecedented detail and has revealed surprising heterogeneity not evident from ensemble approaches. Still, many fundamental questions of how RNA enzymes work at the molecular level remain unanswered. This review surveys the current status of our understanding of RNA catalysis at the single molecule level and discusses the existing challenges and opportunities in developing suitable assays. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 87: 302–316, 2007. This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
A tale of two diversifications: reciprocal habitat shifts to fill ecological space along the pond permanence gradient.

Abstract: The Enallagma and Lestes damselflies have both diversified and adapted over the past 10–15 million years to the various ecological milieus found along the pond permanence gradient among North American ponds and lakes. Previous articles have explored this diversification process for Enallagma. In this article, we present a phylogenetic hypothesis for the North American Lestes, use this hypothesis to reconstruct Lestes diversification, and compare the diversification processes inferred for Lestes and Enallagma. The results of this study suggest that Lestes began in temporary ponds where large dragonflies are the top predators, while Enallagma began in permanent lakes where fish are the top predators. Starting from these different ancestral habitats, both genera have invaded and adapted to habitats already occupied by the other genus. Moreover, these adaptive habitat shifts involved substantial convergence on the behaviors used to deal with fish and dragonfly predation in both genera and a major li...
High dose radiation therapy in the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme: a preliminary report.

Abstract A total of seventy patients with glioblastoma multiforme who were treated after surgery with standard radiation doses (5000–6000 rad) are compared with 28 other patients who received doses above this range (6000–8000 rad). Factors which definitely influenced survival in these tumors include the pathological grade and irradiated volume. The best results were observed for the group of patients who were treated with whole brain high dose irradiation. Maximum boosting target volume doses were in the range of 7000/28000 rad. Results for the Grade III astrocytoma patients were encouraging, but the number of patients with this pathologic diagnosis who received high doses to the whole brain was small. Improved results (55% 1 year survival) were obtained for 22 patients with Grade IV astrocytomes who received high dose brain irradiation. The value of this technique for the Grade IV group of tumors is a prolongation of the median survival, but recurrent tutor inevitably appears in the irradiated volume. No serious immediate or delayed radiation complications have been detected clinically or in five autopsies as a result of this technique.
Motion coherence in infants.

Two perpendicular square-wave gratings (i.e. plaids) were used to investigate motion coherence in 1-, 2- and 3-month-old infants. The direction of motion of the stimulus was judged by an adult observer, on the basis of the induced optokinetic nystagmus (OKN) in an eight-alternative eye movement voting paradigm. Infants as young as 1 month of age demonstrated OKN in the direction consistent with motion coherence. There was no significant difference among the performances of 1-, 2- or 3-month-old infants. However, the percentage of trials on which infants demonstrated OKN in the coherence direction was less than that obtained from adults tested with the same paradigm. Movshon, Adelson, Gizzi and Newsome (1985) have suggested that the cohered motion of a complex pattern may be processed after the orientation of the components of the pattern, perhaps in the middle temporal area of the visual cortex (MT). The present results suggest that either young infants and adults process the motion of complex patterns similarly or that the OKN consistent with the direction of motion coherence observed in infants involves subcortical nonoriented visual centers rather than the higher level process which is presumed to occur in adults.
The Role of Frozen Spins in the Exchange Anisotropy of Core-Shell Fe@Fe(3)O(4) Nanoparticles.

Core−shell Fe@Fe3O4 nanoparticles exhibit substantial exchange bias at low temperatures, mediated by unidirectionally aligned moments at the core−shell interface. These spins are frozen into magnetic alignment with field cooling and are depinned in a temperature-dependent manner. The population of such frozen spins has a direct impact on both coercivity (HC) and the exchange-bias field (HE), which are modulated by external physical parameters such as the strength of the applied cooling field and the cycling history of magnetic field sweeps (training effect). Aging of the core−shell nanoparticles under ambient conditions results in a gradual decrease in magnetization but overall retention of HC and HE, as well as a large increase in the population of frozen spins. These changes are accompanied by a structural evolution from well-defined core−shell structures to particles containing multiple voids, attributable to the Kirkendall effect. Energy-filtered and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy bo...
Normal vector and winding number in 2D digital images with their application for hole detection

Abstract Differentiating hole from component is an important issue in digital topology. In a recent paper, Lee, Poston, and Rosenfeld proposed a method to distinguish external and internal boundaries in 2D and 3D images relying on the property of normal vector and winding number. The method uses a smoothing function to replace digital lattice for calculating normal vector on image boundary. In this paper, we show that normal vector and winding number can be defined directly in 2D digital images and used for hole detection without resorting to any smoothing operation. We analyze first the discontinuity of Freeman codes of contour and prove its properties. We define then outward normal vector in 2D images and demonstrate also its discontinuity properties. The difficulty of counting the transition of normal vector in a given direction is analyzed and a solution is proposed. Based on the theoretic properties of edge code and normal vector, we propound the first algorithm to count the transitions of normal vector in a given direction, and consequently holes and external contours can be distinguished easily. We further define winding number directly in digital images, show its properties, and propose a second algorithm implementing the idea of winding number which is conceptually simpler and easier than the first one. A proof of correctness of our both algorithms is given and computation results are presented.
Sunitinib malate for the treatment of pancreas malignancies – where does it fit?

Introduction: Sunitinib, a broad-spectrum multikinase inhibitor, was recently approved for use in progressive, well-differentiated pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs). Its mechanism of action affects various signaling cascades involving antiangiogenesis and tumor proliferation, including vascular endothelial growth factors and platelet-derived growth factors. Areas covered: In this article, we review sunitinib's mechanism of action at a molecular level and review key preclinical and clinical studies for pNETs and more limited data regarding sunitinib's evaluation in pancreas adenocarcinoma. The data for sunitinib in pNETs are placed in the context of the changing landscape of therapeutic options for this cancer, and relevant ongoing clinical trials and future directions are highlighted. Expert opinion: Sunitinib malate has become integrated into routine clinical management for pNETs; however, its role in pancreas adenocarcinoma is not established.
READING, WRITING, AND LITERACY

(1975). READING, WRITING, AND LITERACY. The Review of Education: Vol. 1, No. 4, pp. 517-521.
Rafting along the Axon on Unc104 Motors

Neurotransmission depends upon the fast axonal transport of synaptic vesicle precursors by the monomeric kinesin Unc104, a motor whose mechanism of action is a topic of debate. New work suggests that the formation of lipid raft domains triggers the assembly of vesicle-bound Unc104 dimers and the concomitant activation of processive movement, facilitating efficient long-range vesicle transport.
The "I Want" Exercise

This column provides aforum within which you, the reader, may share with your colleagues some of the creative techniques and tactics that you have invented or adapted and find successful in counseling with couples and families. Please submit manuscripts of 4-6 typed, doublespaced pages (in the format of the technique that follows) to Robert Sherman, 154-23A Riverside Drive, Beechhurst, NY 1135 7-1339.
Acoustic Wave Generation and Amplification in a Plasma

Acoustic wave generation resulting from the heating of neutral-gas component by the electrons in a weakly ionized plasma is analyzed. It is shown that under certain conditions wave amplification will result, and criteria for amplification and for spontaneous excitation of normal modes are derived. The results are used to explain sound emission in traveling striations in a glow discharge and acoustic modulation of a plasma afterglow. Recently reported experimental observations of acoustical effects in discharges are discussed in the light of the present analysis.
Impact of Nanosilicates on Poly(vinylidene fluoride) Crystal Polymorphism: Part 1. Melt-crystallization at High Supercooling

Abstract Polymorphism of poly(vinylidene fluoride), PVDF, in the presence of Lucentite STN organically modified silicate (OMS) is investigated for PVDF nanocomposites melt-crystallized at high supercooling temperatures where neat PVDF crystallizes exclusively in the alpha crystalline phase. Nanocomposites were prepared from solution with 0–1.0 wt% OMS composition. Here we observed that clay addition promotes gamma phase formation in nanocomposites melt-crystallized at high supercooling (i.e., at low crystallization temperature), whereas previously we showed that even small amount of nanosilicates resulted in beta phase formation in cold-crystallized PVDF nanocomposites [1] . Wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) studies showed that α- and γ-phases co-existed in nanocomposites containing up to 0.1 wt% OMS, and the amount of α-crystals substantially diminished for higher OMS content. Formation of γ-crystal phase was confirmed with morphologic observation of spherulites of low-birefringence using polarizing optical and atomic force microscopies, and their crystalline structures were verified by FTIR and Raman microscopic spectroscopy. We also address in this work the ambiguities in assessing PVDF crystallographic phases, and correct the phase identification errors which have persisted up to this point in the literature based on melting point confusion. The crystal phase identification for PVDF nanocomposites is discussed and clarified, based on X-ray scattering, vibrational spectra, and thermal analysis. For reference, we provide a vibrational band list, indicating the close, or overlapping bands, of the three phases of PVDF: α, β and γ.
Unemployment insurance and capital accumulation

Abstract In this paper, I examine a model economy with production, search, and unemployment insurance. The introduction of capital into the economy of Wang and Williamson (J. Monetary Econom. 49(7)(2001)1337) generates the result that optimal replacement ratios are always zero. The result arises from the decline in aggregate activity caused by unemployment insurance: both capital and labor inputs to production fall when benefits rise. Unlike most of the literature, I compute explicitly the cost of the transition path; agents are made better off by switching to a steady state with no unemployment insurance, but the welfare gain is approximately cut in half. Only the very poor and unemployed suffer welfare losses along the transition path. I then briefly investigate the implications of negative replacement ratios.
Structure-guided identification of a laminin binding site on the laminin receptor precursor.

The 37/ 67-kDa human laminin receptor (LamR) is a cell surface receptor for laminin, prion protein, and a variety of viruses. Because of its wide range of ligands, LamR plays a role in numerous pathologies. LamR overexpression correlates with a highly invasive cell phenotype and increased metastatic ability, mediated by interactions between LamR and laminin. In addition, the specific targeting of LamR with small interfering RNAs, blocking antibodies, and Sindbis viral vectors confers anti-tumor effects. We adopted a structure-based approach to map a laminin binding site on human LamR by comparing the sequences and crystal structures of LamR and Archaeoglobus fulgidus S2p, a non-laminin-binding ortholog. Here, we identify a laminin binding site on LamR, comprising residues Phe32, Glu35, and Arg155, which are conserved among mammalian species. Mutation of these residues results in a significant loss of laminin binding. Further, recombinant wild-type LamR is able to act as a soluble decoy to inhibit cellular migration towards laminin. Mutation of this laminin binding site results in loss of migration inhibition, which demonstrates the physiological role of Phe32, Glu35, and Arg155 for laminin binding activity. Mapping of the LamR binding site should contribute to the development of therapeutics that inhibit LamR interactions with laminin and may aid in the prevention of tumor growth and metastasis.
Cell switching versus packet switching in input-queued switches

Input Queued (IQ) switches have been well studied in the past two decades by researchers. The main problem concerning IQ switches is scheduling the switching fabric in order to transfer packets from input ports to output ports. Scheduling is relatively easier when all packets are of the same size. However, in practice, packets are of variable length. In the current implementation of switches, variable length packets are segmented into fixed length packets-also knowns as cells-for the purpose of scheduling. However, such cell-based switching comes with some significant disadvantages: (a) loss of bandwidth due to the existence of incomplete cells; and (b) additional overhead of segmentation of packets and re-assembly of cells. This is a strong motivation to study packet-based scheduling, i.e., scheduling the transfer of packets without segmenting them. The problem of packet scheduling was first considered by Marsan et al. They showed that under any admissible Bernoulli IID (independent and identically distributed) arrival traffic, a simple modification of the Maximum Weight Matching (MWM) algorithm achieves 100% throughput. In this paper, we first show that no work-conserving (i.e., maximal) packet-based algorithm is stable for arbitrary admissible arrival processes. Thus, the results of Marsan et al. are strongly dependent on the arrival distribution. Next, we propose a new class of "waiting" algorithms. We show that the "waiting"-MWM algorithm is stable for any admissible traffic using the fluid limit technique. We would like to note that the algorithms presented in this paper are distribution independent or universal. The algorithms and proof methods of this paper may be useful in the context of other scheduling problems.
Issues with nested mobility

Mobility and Internet access have become an integral part of today's life. The recent advances in computer hardware have also aided in increasing the dependence on Internet connectivity. Protocols like mobile IP were proposed in an effort maintain mobile Internet connections. Even though the primary goal of traditional mobile IP is the support of single host mobility, its extension to support network mobility is an active area of development. Mobile IP needs some additional mobility agents and tunneling to support network mobility. This work explores the possibility of using the mobile IP protocol suite for supporting nested mobility. Issues related to quality of service (QoS), security and scalability within the framework of nested mobility are discussed in this paper. Simulations carried out in Student Routers Lab at Wichita State University reveal deterioration of QoS with nested mobility.
Fluticasone propionate/salmeterol 250/50 μg versus salmeterol 50 μg after chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation

Inhaled long-acting beta2agonists used alone and in combination with an inhaled corticosteroid reduce the risk of exacerbations in patients with stable COPD. However, the relative efficacy of these agents in preventing recurrent exacerbations in those recovering from an initial episode is not known. This study compared the rate of COPD exacerbations over the 26 weeks after an initial exacerbation in patients receiving the combination of fluticasone propionate and salmeterol (FP/SAL) or SAL alone. Patients (n = 639) aged ≥40 years were randomized to either twice-daily inhaled FP/SAL 250/50 μg or SAL 50 μg. Primary, and secondary, endpoints were rates of recurrent severe, and moderate/severe, exacerbations of COPD. Lung function, health outcomes and levels of biomarkers of systemic inflammation were also assessed. There was no statistically significant treatment difference in rates of recurrent severe exacerbations (treatment ratio 0.92 [95% CI: 0.58, 1.45]) and moderate/severe exacerbations (0.82 [0.64, 1.06]) between FP/SAL and SAL in the intent-to-treat population. Pre-dose morning FEV1change from baseline was greater (0.10 L [0.04, 0.16]) with FP/SAL than SAL. No treatment difference was seen for other endpoints including patient-reported health outcomes and biomarker levels for the full cohort. No significant treatment difference between FP/SAL and SAL was seen in COPD exacerbation recurrence for the complete cohort. Treatment benefit with FP/SAL over SAL (treatment ratio 0.68 [0.47, 0.97]) was seen in patients having FEV1≥ 30% and prior exposure to ICS. No unexpected safety issues were identified with either treatment. Patients with the most severe COPD may be more refractory to treatment. ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier http://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT01110200 ). This study was funded by GlaxoSmithKline (study number ADC113874).
Mechanisms of Jet Noise Reduction and Their Impact on Large-Eddy Simulations (invited)

Recent work by the authors on turbulent jet control of a Mach 1.3 turbulent jet provides evidence of the importance of accurate and well understood numerics and their effects on reducing turbulent jet noise. We observe that two nominally high-wavenumber filters, one exp licit that is based on an optimized dispersionrelation-preserving expression and the other implicit with a tunable parameter, lead to significant changes in the near-field turbulence without showing concomitant ch ange in the acoustic field on a decibel scale. An apparent consequence is that an adjoint-based controller acts differently on the two simulated jets.
Aerosol MALDI of peptides and proteins in an ion trap mass spectrometer: Trapping, resolution and signal-to-noise

The aerosol MALDI technique has been noted for its extreme sensitivity. Unfortunately, resolution and signal quality remain as issues that limit the applicability of the technique. Utilizing the aerosol MALDI technique in an ion trap mass spectrometer has an advantage because the resolution and signal-to-noise ratio are not products of the laser ablation event. In this study, the mass dependence of the aerosol MALDI technique in a constant frequency, 1 MHz, ion trap was explored in terms of trapping, resolution and signal-to-noise. Mass resolution exceeding 5000 was achieved for substance P. Trapping and detection of ions up to myoglobin, m/z 16.9 kDa, was demonstrated. The effect of the pseudo-potential well depth at ejection on resolution and signal-to-noise was revealed. Our results show that the ability to trap large ions with the aerosol MALDI technique can be modeled with the MALDI-induced velocity distribution and the trapping pseudo-potential well depth.
Diverticulum of the Pericardium

A case of true diverticulum of the pericardium is reported, with a review of the literature. A cure was effected by excision of the cystic pericardial diverticulum. Consideration of the etiology of true pericardial diverticulum is given, and possible explanation for accumulation of the fluid is suggested.
Bridging-ligand-substitution strategy for the preparation of metal–organic polyhedra

Metal-organic polyhedra-discrete molecular architectures constructed through the coordination of metal ions and organic linkers-have recently attracted considerable attention due to their intriguing structures, their potential for a variety of applications and their relevance to biological self-assembly. Several synthetic routes have been investigated to prepare these complexes. However, to date, these preparative methods have typically been based on the direct assembly of metal ions and organic linkers. Although these routes are convenient, it remains difficult to find suitable reaction conditions or to control the outcome of the assembly process. Here, we demonstrate a synthetic strategy based on the substitution of bridging ligands in soluble metal-organic polyhedra. The introduction of linkers with different properties from those of the initial metal-organic polyhedra can thus lead to new metal-organic polyhedra with distinct properties (including size and shape). Furthermore, partial substitution can also occur and form mixed-ligand species that may be difficult to access by means of other approaches.
M1 Medulloblastoma: high risk at any age.

Background: The prognosis for children with M1 medulloblastoma (positive CSF cytology) has not been well-defined. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 285 newly diagnosed medulloblastoma patients treated between 1984 and 2006. Older children received post-operative craniospinal and tumor bed irradiation; radiotherapy for younger children depended on treatment era and physician/family preference. Results: 55 patients were <3 years old and 230 patients were ≥ 3 years old at diagnosis. We detected significant (P < 0.0001) associations between M1 disease and EFS for the entire cohort and for both younger and older patients. Among younger children, M1 patients had lower EFS than M0 (P = 0.0044). Conclusions: Children <3 years old with M1 medulloblastoma fared poorly in our small series. Survival for older children with M1 disease treated with higher-dose CSI was better than that of M2/M3 patients, but still less than optimal; our findings do not support reduction in therapy for either cohort.
A course is a course is a course: Factor invariance in student evaluation of online, blended and face-to-face learning environments

Abstract The authors compared the underlying student response patterns to an end-of-course rating instrument for large student samples in online, blended and face-to-face courses. For each modality, the solution produced a single factor that accounted for approximately 70% of the variance. The correlations among the factors across the class formats showed that they were identical. The authors concluded that course modality does not impact the dimensionality by which students evaluate their course experiences. The inability to verify multiple dimensions for student evaluation of instruction implies that the boundaries of a typical course are beginning to dissipate. As a result, the authors concluded that end-of-course evaluations now involve a much more complex network of interactions.
Fusion by earthquake fault friction: Stick or slip?

Field observations of pseudotachylites, and experimental studies of high-speed friction indicate that melting on a slipping interface may sig- nificantly affect the magnitude of shear stresses resisting slip. We investigate the effects of rock melting on the dynamic friction using theoretical models of shear heating that couple heat transfer, thermodynamics of phase transitions, and fluid mechanics. Results of laboratory experiments conducted at high (order of m/s) slip velocities but low (order of MPa) normal stresses suggest that the onset of frictional melting may give rise to substantial increases in the effective fault strength, presumably due to viscous effects. However, extrapolation of the modeling results to in situ conditions suggests that the efficiency of viscous braking is significantly reduced under high normal and shear stresses. When transient increases in the dynamic fault strength due to fusion are not sufficient to inhibit slip, decreases in the effective melt viscosity due to shear heating and melting of clasts drastically decrease the dynamic friction, resulting in a nearly complete stress drop ("thermal runaway"). The amount of energy dissipation associated with the formation of pseudo- tachylites is governed by the temperature dependence of melt viscosity, and the average clast size in the fault gouge prior to melting. Clasts from a coarse- grained gouge have lower chances of survival in a pseudotachylite due to a higher likelihood of non-equilibrium overheating. The maximum temperature and energy dissipation attainable on the fault surface are ultimately limited by either the rock solidus (via viscous braking, and slip arrest), or liquidus (via thermal runaway, and vanishing resistance to sliding). Our modeling results indicate that the thermally-activated fault strengthening and rupture arrest are unlikely to occur in most mafic protoliths, but might be relevant for quartz-rich rocks, especially at shallow (< 5-7 km) depths where the driving shear stress is relatively low.
Robust estimation of the acoustic attenuation parameter

Because of the effect even additive Gaussian noise at the input has on the actual estimation of the attenuation parameter, Q, least squares estimation techniques make poor Q estimators. The errors in Q estimation may have a near Cauchy distribution. Maximum likelihood (ML) estimators based on Laplacian and Cauchy noise are derived and tested on various models. Simpler estimators, such as the median and alpha-trimmed mean (ATM) are also tested on the models. On very realistic models with noise, and on real data, the ML methods fail and the best methods appear to be the median and ATM.
Prevalence of Microchimerism in Women with Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Microchimerism, or the existence of fetal cells in the maternal circulation, may pesists many years post-partum, and has been postulated as one mechanism for autoimmune illness in women. An auto-immune pathogenesis has been postulated for primary dilated cardiomyopathy in general and peripartum disease in particular. The prevalence of microchimerism in women with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and peripartum disease (PPCM) has not been previously evaluated. Method: We screened for the presence of microchimerism in the peripheral circulation of 121 women with heart failure enrolled in the GRACE Study (Genetic Risk Assessment of Cardiac Events) at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. DNA was obtained from peripheral blood by the method of leukocyte centrifugation and cell lysis. The presence of microchimerism was evaluated by PCR amplification using primers which amplified a segment common to both the X and Y chromosome. This would therefore result in a single band in women, with second smaller band (Y band) of equal intensity in male subjects. Persistent microchimerism (of male but not of female orgin) would also be evident by a faint Y band. Eighty-three female subjects with DCM, 11 with PPCM, and 27 with cardiomyopathy due to ischemic heart disease (IschCM) were screened for the presence of microchimersim. Results: Microchimerism was seen in 6 of 83 (8%) subjects with primary dilated cardiomyopathy (Mean age 49 6 17, median age 52, range 29 to 81; LVEF 0.25 6 0.13). Of note, microchimerism was not evident in any of the 11 subjects with a primary diagnosis of PPCM. Microchimerism was also not evident in any of the 27 subjects with an ischemic cardiomyopathy (LVEF 0.25 6 0.07), though the ischemic cohort was older (Mean age 58 6 12, median 60, range 32 to 77). Conclusions: Microchimerism of was evident in women with primary dilated cardiomyopathy but not in a similar cohort with an ischemic etiology of heart failure. Microchimerism was no more prevalent with peripartum disease than in the subjects with primary idiopathic cardiomyopathy. Though the differences in women with ischemic and non-ischemic etiologies potentially are of interest, whether microchimerism is causative or just a reflection of a disturbance in autoimmunity requires further study.
Understanding the Effects of Physical and Relational Victimization: The Utility of Multiple Perspectives in Predicting Social-Emotional Adjustment

Current tools for assessing children's social behavior in school psychology research and practice typically do not adequately measure issues most salient for young girls (e.g., experiences of relat...
Assembly In Vivo of Enterotoxin from Escherichia coli: Formation of the B Subunit Oligomer

An oligomer of the B subunit of heat-labile enterotoxin of Escherichia coli has been observed in minicells and in whole cells. There is a delay after synthesis of the B subunit before it appears in the oligomer. The delay is not due to slow processing of the precursor. A similar delay in oligomerization of the major outer membrane protein OmpF is also described.
Estimation of Continuous‐Time Markov Processes Sampled at Random Time Intervals

We introduce a family of generalized-method-of-moments estimators of the parameters of a continuous-time Markov process observed at random time intervals. The results include strong consistency, asymptotic normality, and a characterization of standard errors. Sampling is at an arrival intensity that is allowed to depend on the underlying Markov process and on the parameter vector to be estimated. We focus on financial applications, including tick-based sampling, allowing for jump diffusions, regime-switching diffusions, and reflected diffusions.
Role of sclerostin in bone and cartilage and its potential as a therapeutic target in bone diseases

Sclerostin is a small protein expressed by the SOST gene in osteocytes, bone cells that respond to mechanical stress applied to the skeleton and appear to play an important role in the regulation of bone remodeling. When sclerostin binds to its receptors on the cell surface of osteoblasts, a downstream cascade of intracellular signaling is initiated, with the ultimate effect of inhibiting osteoblastic bone formation. Recent studies have shown that the SOST gene is also expressed by articular chondrocytes and that modulation of its activity may have effects on articular cartilage and subchondral bone. The role of sclerostin in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis in humans has not yet been defined, and the potential utility of treating osteoarthritis with interventions that alter sclerostin is not known. Rare genetic skeletal disorders in humans with low sclerostin levels, such as sclerosteosis and van Buchem disease, have been associated with a high bone mineral density (BMD) phenotype and low risk of fractures. This has led to the concept that antisclerostin interventions might be useful in the treatment of patients with osteoporosis and skeletal disorders associated with low bone mass. Compounds that inhibit sclerostin have been shown to stimulate bone formation and reduce bone resorption, with a robust increase in BMD. Investigational monoclonal antibodies to sclerostin, including romosozumab, blosozumab, and BPS804, have advanced to phase II clinical trials or beyond. If antisclerostin therapy is found to have beneficial effects on clinical endpoints, such as reduction of fracture risk or improvement in quality of life in patients with osteoarthritis, with a favorable balance of benefit and risk, then this class of compounds may become a prominent addition to the options for therapy of osteoporosis and other skeletal disorders.
The Fisher-Darmois-Koopman-Pitman theorem for random processes

The Fisher-Darmois-Koopman-Pitman theorem says that for smooth nowhere vanishing probability densities, a finite dimensional sufficient statistic exists if and only if the densities are from an exponential family. This is a classical result for parameter estimation. It has also been proved for a limited class of random processes. In this paper, it is proved for a very wide class of random processes.
Poliomyelitis and the role of risk analysis in global infectious disease policy and management.

In 1988, when the World Health Assembly committed to globally eradicate wild polioviruses by the year 2000, no comprehensive models existed to support rigorous policy analyses that could project the human or financial resources that would be required. However, clear demonstration of an effective strategy for polio eradication by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) led world health leaders to anticipate significant reductions in the burden of disease, resulting in large long-term global health and financial benefits. The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) has made remarkable progress, reducing the annual number of cases of paralytic polio from an estimated 350,000 (with wild polioviruses endemic in 125 countries in 1988) to fewer than 2,000 cases per year (with endemic circulation remaining in only Afghanistan, Nigeria, Pakistan, and India as of publication of this issue). Challenges in these remaining endemic areas differ, with vaccine campaigns in India missing children (particularly in the minority population), those in Nigeria suffering from operational and political issues, and those in Afghanistan and Pakistan limited by security issues associated with current conflicts. During the past several years, the challenges to successfully eradicating wild polioviruses and our knowledge of them increased as new risks emerged. Notably, as some polio-free countries reduced or eliminated their use of live oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV), local outbreaks occurred due to neurovirulent cir
Who votes in Africa? An examination of electoral participation in 10 African countries

The question ‘Who votes in Africa?’ has yet to receive significant attention. We use Afrobarometer survey data to assess the determinants of voting for over 17,000 voting-age adults in 10 African countries. We find that Africans are driven by many of the same forces as their counterparts elsewhere. The agencies of mobilization are important in determining who votes in these countries. Notably, identifying with a political party is one of the most important predictors of voting. Thus, although political parties may have questionable democratic credentials in many African countries, ultimately, political parties serve the function of getting citizens to the polls. Certain attitudes also influence individuals' decisions of whether to vote, including support for democracy. Among the demographic variables, age registers a significant, positive relationship with voting. Interestingly, the study’s findings regarding the socio-economic status (SES) model are contradictory. Educated Africans in these countries are...