cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Extension of Peto's Test by Attribution of Tumor Lethality in the Absence of Cause‐of‐Death Information

A new statistical testing approach is developed for rodent tumorigenicity assays that have a single terminal sacrifice or occasionally interim sacrifices but not cause-of-death data. For experiments that lack cause-of-death data, statistically imputed numbers of fatal tumors and incidental tumors are used to modify Peto's cause-of-death test which is usually implemented using pathologist-assigned cause-of-death information. The numbers of fatal tumors are estimated using a constrained nonparametric maximum likelihood estimation method. A new Newton-based approach under inequality constraints is proposed for finding the global maximum likelihood estimates. In this study, the proposed method is concentrated on data with a single sacrifice experiment without implementing further assumptions. The new testing approach may be more reliable than Peto's test because of the potential for a misclassification of cause-of-death by pathologists. A Monte Carlo simulation study for the proposed test is conducted to assess size and power of the test. Asymptotic normality for the statistic of the proposed test is also investigated. The proposed testing approach is illustrated using a real data set.
Sustainability at Kluge Estate vineyard and winery

Kluge Estate, a vineyard and winery in Charlottesville, Virginia, with one of the largest productions in the Commonwealth, is working to become a more sustainable business. Through implementing sustainable practices, Kluge Estate is seeking to benefit its business, the environment, and its community. However, due to a lack of relevant information about its environmental impact, Kluge Estate's decision-makers are unable to justify sustainable choices with quantified data. To resolve this problem, this paper focuses on assessing Kluge Estate's environmental impact.
Integrating the WebCT Discussion Feature into Social Work Courses: An Assessment Focused on Pedagogy and Practicality

ABSTRACT Technology must support pedagogy, rather than serve as an end in itself. Based on adult learning literature, the article details how threaded discussion, a simple and easily accessible WebCT tool, was incorporated into four different social work courses. Its effectiveness clearly depended upon the degree to which it was integrated into an overall pedagogical approach, rather than used as a technology add-on. When appropriately integrated, its use in small group work was found to enhance learning, overcome computer resistance among students, increase the likelihood that students come to class prepared, and thereby free up class time for interactive, dynamic activities.
The string's the thing

Should we be worried that other unifying theories are getting pushed aside in favour of string theory? Not yet, says Sean Carroll , it beats any other ideas around
An Efficiency Reanalysis of the Results

Easily one of the most ambitious educational projects ever undertaken, this IEA Study (Husen, 1967) not only assessed mathematical achievement internationally, but, more importantly, attempted to ascertain those variables related to that mathematical achievement. For their pioneering effort and generation of invaluable data, the committee that supervised this study must be gratefully commended. This paper will argue, however, that the published data analyses are almost totally inappropriate and, therefore, new analyses must be made if the results are to be interpreted in any meaningful way.
SEX DIFFERENCES IN EVALUATING HETEROSEXUAL AND HOMOSEXUAL PROMISCUITY

Our research focused on men's and women's interpretations of homosexually and heterosexually promiscuous behavior. Study 1 involved 21 men and 21 women who rated perceived differences between homosexually and heterosexually promiscuous behavior following a discussion of impersonal sex in public restrooms. Men perceived the two types of promiscuous behavior as more different than did women. In Study 2, 41 men and 23 women rated their perceptions of the difference between homosexually and heterosexually promiscuous behavior without any prior discussion. No sex differences were found, though a significant correlation between age and rating was observed. Men and women may focus on different dimensions when evaluating sexual behavior.
Feature correlation evaluation approach for iris feature quality measure

It is challenging to develop an iris image quality measure to determine compressed iris image quality. The compression process introduces new artificial patterns while suppressing existing iris patterns. This paper proposes a feature correlation evaluation approach for iris image quality measure, which can discriminate the artificial patterns from the natural iris patterns and can also measure iris image quality for uncompressed images. The experimental results show that the proposed method could objectively perform quality measure on both non-compressed and compressed images.
On the “Early-Time” Evolution of Variables Relevant to Turbulence Models for the Rayleigh-Taylor Instability

We present our progress toward setting initial conditions in variable density turbulence models. In particular, we concentrate our efforts on the BHR turbulence model [1] for turbulent Rayleigh-Taylor instability. Our approach is to predict profiles of relevant variables before fully turbulent regime and use them as initial conditions for the turbulence model. We use an idealized model of mixing between two interpenetrating fluids to define the initial profiles for the turbulence model variables. Velocities and volume fractions used in the idealized mixing model are obtained respectively from a set of ordinary differential equations modeling the growth of the Rayleigh-Taylor instability and from an idealization of the density profile in the mixing layer. A comparison between predicted profiles for the turbulence model variables and profiles of the variables obtained from low Atwood number three dimensional simulations show reasonable agreement.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Purification and characterization of a Coffea canephora α-D-galactosidase isozyme

Abstract Exoglycosidases modify carbohydrate epitopes on glycoproteins and glycolipids. The α-D-galactosidase from Coffea canephora is an important exoglycosidase which degrades the human blood group B epitope. Although multiple isozymes have been described, they have never been demonstrably purified and thoroughly characterized. We have developed a technique to purify an isozyme to homogeneity. The isolated enzyme has a molecular weight of 36.7 kDa by SDS PAGE and 34.0 kDa by gel filtration. The isozyme is highly selective for α-D-galactosides and inactive against other low molecular weight substrates. It hydrolyzes the the terminal α-D-galactosyl residue from the blood group B epitope. Protease activity is below detectable limits. The isozyme has a broad pH optima at 6.3, a pl of 7.03, is unaffected by ionic strength, and is stable at 4° C.
Nonspecular x-ray scattering from Si/Mo multilayers

A variety of low-angle X-ray diffraction (LAXRD) techniques are applied to the characterization of Si/Mo multilayers with the aim of developing nonspecular X-ray scattering as a characterization tool. Multilayers were sputter-deposited at different pressures in order to produce a wide variation in the intrinsic interface roughness. For each sample, four types of LAXRD measurements were performed: 0-20 (specular), offset 0-20, rocking curves (RCs), and scatter curves (SCs). In an offset 0-20 scan, the sample is misaligned just off the specular peak in order to measure the diffuse component of the 0-20 spectrum. These scans show that the diffuse scattering is modulated in a way similar to the specular. RCs taken on low-angle Bragg peak positions are characterized by a sharp specular spike on top of a broad diffuse hump. For an SC, the incident angle is held fixed and the detector swept. Structural parameters, such as spatial frequencies of the correlated roughness and a coherence length for the correlations, are determined.
Publicly Posted Composite Documents in Variably Ordered Workflows

Recently-introduced Publicly Posted Composite Documents (PPCDs) address the problem of composite documents with different formats and differential access control participating in cross-organizational workflows distributed over potentially non-secure channels. An early version of the PPCD only considered two simplest workflow types: ordered and unordered. In real life, however, fragments of such pure types are likely to be combined into mixed workflows with interleaved ordered and unordered workflow steps. In the current paper, we introduce a payload matrix for a generic mixed workflow. We provide a computationally beneficial solution for enforcing access in ordered workflows by reducing the volume of data that needs to be encrypted and then subsequently decrypted. Furthermore, we address the problem of enforcing order in transitions between different types of workflow steps: from an unordered step to ordered steps and vice versa, and from one unordered step to another. This prevents the participants of any workflow step from being able to access a PPCD document prior to their workflow step.
Placenta growth factor expression in human atherosclerotic carotid plaques is related to plaque destabilization.

Abstract Background and purpose Placenta growth factor (PlGF) mediates angiogenesis and inflammation, but its role in human atherosclerosis is unknown. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that PlGF-expression in human atherosclerotic carotid plaques is related to inflammation, vascularization and clinical plaque instability. Methods The expression of PlGF, C-reactive protein (CRP) and CD40L was analyzed with Western blots in carotid plaques of 60 patients. Cellular infiltration (CD68, CD3) and vascularization (von-Willebrand-factor) was assessed by immunohistochemistry. Results Symptomatic patients showed higher levels of PlGF than asymptomatic patients (115.4±8.2 versus 83.6±10.5 densitometric units (DU), p p p p r =0.5, p r =0.4, p Conclusions PlGF-expression within human atherosclerotic lesions is associated with plaque inflammation and microvascular density, suggesting a role for PlGF in plaque destabilization and, thus, in clinical manifestation of the disease.
Thromboelastography in clinical decision-making in the critically ill patient in a district general hospital ICU

Thromboelastography (TEG) is a point-of-care monitoring tool that could help in managing coagulopathy in the critically ill. This may be beneficial in reducing the length of stay in the ICU, guide blood product transfusion and improve patient outcome.
Investigation of the growth of neighborite, NaMgF3

Neighborite, NaMgF 3 , was grown to be used as substrate for high temperature superconductor thin films. The high temperature phase transitions introduce twinning in this crystal. A detailed discussion of the growth conditions and the nature and orientation of the twins are reported.
Object Shape, Fringe Visibility, And Resolution In Far-Field Holography

The resolution in the image reconstructed from a far-field hologram is dependent upon recording the interference fringes within the envelope of the far-field pattern. The fringes are discussed in terms of their visibility and are used to show that the resolution is ultimately dependent upon the shape of the object rather than its size. Examples of spherical, square and rectangular particles are discussed in order to demonstrate this point.
Papillary Fibroelastoma of the Pulmonary Valve: Assessment by Live/Real Time Three‐Dimensional Transthoracic Echocardiography

The differential diagnosis of a cardiac valve mass includes fibroelastoma, myxoma, lipoma, Lambl's excrescences, thrombus, and vegetation. Fibroelastomas are extremely rare primary cardiac tumors. Their incidence is 0.00017-0.033% in autopsy series and 0.019% in clinical series identified on echocardiography. Although rare, fibroelastomas are the most common tumors affecting the cardiac valves with aortic, mitral, tricuspid, and pulmonary valves being involved in this order. In the current report we describe a case of pulmonary valve mass in which a confident prospective diagnosis of fibroelastoma could be made utilizing the technique of three-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography.
Solid state production of polygalacturonase by Lentinus edodes using fruit processing wastes

Fruit-processing wastes including apple pomace, cranberry pomace and strawberry pomace were used as substrates for polygalacturonase (PG) production by Lentinus edodes through solid-state fermentation. Strawberry pomace was the best substrate for highest PG yield, followed by apple pomace, while cranberry pomace was not a suitable substrate for PG production in this study. The highest PG activity was obtained after 40 days of culture and the yields from strawberry pomace, apple pomace and cranberry pomace were 29.4 U, 20.1 U and 14.0 U per gram of pomace, respectively. PG activity was increased by the addition of polygalacturonic acid in the apple pomace and cranberry pomace media, but was not affected in strawberry pomace medium. The PG produced by L. edodes from strawberry pomace exhibited a maximal activity at 50°C and at pH 5. The enzyme was fairly stable up to 50°C and between pH 3.0 and 6.5. The acid tolerant property of the enzyme made it suitable for applications in most fruit and vegetable processing industries. This value-added bioconversion strategy may be applicable for the utilization of other food processing wastes.
PREGNANCY IN PATIENTS TREATED FOR BETA THALASSEMIA MAJOR IN TWO CENTERS (ALI ASGHAR CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL AND THALASSEMIA CLINIC): Outcome for Mothers and Newborn Infants

Beta-thalassemia major is a severe, transfusion-dependent anemia that also causes infertility due to iron deposition to endocrine organs after overtransfusion. Very few pregnancies have been reported among such patients after modern therapies. In this study, 32 women with thalassemia who were admitted to Ali Asghar Children's Hospital and Thalassemia Clinic conceived spontaneously following prolonged intensive treatment with hypertransfusion and iron chelation. The aim of this study was to estimate the fertility (spontaneous ovulation or induced ovulation) and pregnancy complications for mothers and newborns. These complications included cardiac failure, endocrine and hepatic parameters monitored throughout pregnancy and postpartum, viral infections, term and preterm deliveries, and complications of pregnancy. All case notes were examined and data were analyzed with SPSS software. Twelve babies were delivered by elective cesarean section and the remainder were delivered vaginally. The mean birthweight was 2678 g. All babies were normal; 45 cases were mature and 5 were preterm; 12 cases were aborted spontaneously. Twenty-seven mothers had no cardiac problems, but 5 had cardiac failure. Pregnancy can be safe for mothers and babies in women started early on intensive treatment.
Repetitive and self-injurious behaviors: Associations with caudate volume in autism and fragile X syndrome

Following from previous work suggesting that neurobehavioral features distinguish fragile X and idiopathic variants of autism, we investigated the relationships between four forms of repetitive behavior (stereotypy, self-injury, compulsivity, ritual behavior) and caudate nuclei volume in two groups: boys with fragile X syndrome, a subset of whom met criteria for autism, and a comparison group of boys with idiopathic autism. Bilateral caudate nuclei volumes were measured in boys aged 3 to 6 years with fragile X syndrome (n = 41), the subset of boys with fragile X syndrome and autism (n = 16), and boys with idiopathic autism (n = 30). Repetitive behaviors were measured using the Repetitive Behavior Scales-Revised. For boys with idiopathic autism, left caudate volume was modestly associated with self-injury, while both compulsive and ritual behaviors showed significant positive correlations with bilateral caudate nuclei volumes, replicating previous results. For boys with fragile X syndrome, there was no such association between caudate volume and compulsive behaviors. However, we did identify significant positive correlations between self-injury total scores and number of self-injury topographies with bilateral caudate nuclei volumes. These findings suggest a specific role for the caudate nucleus in the early pathogenesis of self-injurious behavior associated with both idiopathic autism and fragile X syndrome. Results further indicate that the caudate may be differentially associated with compulsive behavior, highlighting the utility of isolating discrete brain-behavior associations within and between subtypes of autism spectrum disorder.
The meaning of political self‐identifications: A research note

Using General Social Survey data, this research examines whether the political self‐identifications “liberal,” “moderate,” and “conservative” have consensual meanings in terms of shared social and ...
Forming Gas Annealing Characteristics of Germanium-on-Insulator Substrates

Large-area layer transfer of germanium-on-insulator (GeOI) substrates has been fabricated by ion-cut processes. Pseudo-MOSFET structure was employed to characterize interface trap density, interface fixed charge density, interface carrier mobility, and bulk carrier mobility of these GeOI substrates with various annealing conditions in forming gas ambient. High-temperature annealing in the vicinity of 500degC-600degC has shown the best carrier mobilities, with the interface trap density and the interface fixed charge density as low as 1010 q/cm2. The extracted bulk hole mobility of the annealed GeOI is near 500 cm2/( V middots), which is higher than that of silicon [300 cm2/(V middots)] at the same doping concentration level.
Oxidation and Ceramic Coatings on 80Ni20Cr Alloys

Additives and/or impurities in NiCr alloys would be expected to affect the oxidation and adherence of dental glasses. Oxidation characteristics and bonding of several glasses to a commercial impure 80Ni20Cr alloy and laboratory-prepared purer alloys were thus studied at 1000 degrees C. The commercial alloy formed a porous and buckled single-layer oxide scale with lenticular voids at the interface. The scale was penetrated by glass which formed a chemical bond at the alloy/glass interface, resulting in excellent adherence with fracture in the glassy phase. The purer alloy formed a complex multilayer oxide scale to which the glass bonded but did not penetrate; the assembly was not satisfactory, since fracture occurred in the oxide scale.
Technology Fountainheads: The Management Challenge of R&D Consortia

The article reviews the book “Technology Fountainheads: The Management Challenge of R&D Consortia,” by E. Raymond Corey.
Pentosan Polysulfate Decreases Proliferation and Net Extracellular Matrix Production in Mouse Mesangial Cells

In this review, the signal events regulated by angiotensin II (AngII) in vascular smooth muscle are analyzed based on activation of specific tyrosine kinases. AngII has been shown to play a critical role in the pathogenesis of hypertension, inflammation, atherosclerosis, and congestive heart failure. The expanding role of AngII indicates that multiple signal transduction pathways are likely to be activated in a tissue-specific manner. Although at least three AngII receptors have been characterized, it seems that the AngII type I receptor (AT1R) is physiologically most important since pharmacologic inhibitors of the AT1R block most AngII signal events and have beneficial effects on cardiovascular disease. The AT1R is a seven transmembrane-spanning G protein-coupled receptor that regulates intracellular signal events by activation of Gq and Gi. However, many recent data indicate that activation of tyrosine kinases by several different mechanisms contributes to AngII effects in target tissues. Tyrosine kinases activated by AngII include c-Src, focal adhesion kinase (FAK), Pyk2 (CADTK), Janus kinases (JAK2 and TYK2), and the receptor tyrosine kinases Ax1, epidermal growth factor, and platelet-derived growth factor. Finally, unknown tyrosine kinases may mediate tyrosine phosphorylation of paxillin, Shc, Raf, and phospholipase C-gamma after AngII stimulation. These AngII-regulated tyrosine kinases seem to be required for AngII effects such as vasoconstriction, proto-oncogene expression, and protein synthesis based on studies with tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Thus, understanding AngII-stimulated signaling events, especially those related to tyrosine kinase activity, may form the basis for the development of new therapies for cardiovascular diseases.
Hill muscle model errors during movement are greatest within the physiologically relevant range of motor unit firing rates

This study evaluated the accuracy of Hill-type muscle models during movement. Hill-type models are ubiquitous in biomechanical simulations. Theyare attractive because of their computational simplicityand close relation to commonlymeasured experimental variables, but there have been surprisinglyfew experimental validations of these models during functionallyrelevant conditions. Our hypothesis was that model errors during movement are largest at the low motor unit firing rates most relevant to normal movement conditions. This hypothesis was evaluated in the cat soleus muscle activated either by electrical stimulation at physiological rates or via the crossed-extension reflex (CXR) therebyobtaining normal patterns of motor unit recruitment and rate modulation. These activation paradigms were applied during continuous movements approximatelymatched to locomotor length changes. The resulting muscle force was modeled using a common Hill model incorporating independent activation, tetanic length–tension and tetanic force–velocityproperties. Errors for this model were greatest for stimulation rates between approximately10–20 Hz. Errors were especiallylarge for muscles activated via the CXR, where most motor units appear to fire within this range. For large muscle excursions, such as those seen during normal locomotion, the errors for naturallyactivated muscle ty picallyexceeded 50%, supporting our hypothesis and indicating that the Hill model is not appropriate for these conditions. Subsequent analysis suggested that model errors were due to the common Hill model’s inabilityto account for the coupling between muscle activation and force– velocityproperties that is most prevalent at the low motor unit firing rates relevant to normal activation. r 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
IP-traceback based attacker tracking: a probabilistic technique for detecting Internet attacks using the concept of hidden Markov models

In this paper we propose an extension to the probabilistic packet marking scheme, for detecting denial-of-service and distributed denial-of-service attacks, using the concept of hidden Markov models. Our approach has the potential of probabilistically reconstructing the attacking path from the available packets without the intervention of Internet service providers and without increasing the overhead on the packets.
Localization and conductance fluctuations in the integer quantum Hall effect: Real-space renormalization-group approach

We consider the network model of the integer quantum Hall effect transition. By generalizing the real-space renormalization-group (RG) procedure for the classical percolation to the case of the quantum percolation, we derive a closed RG equation for the universal distribution of conductance of the quantum Hall sample at the transition. We find the numerical solution of the RG equation and use it to calculate the critical exponent of the localization length and the central moments of the conductance distribution. The results obtained are compared with the results of recent numerical simulations.
Concomitant chemoradiotherapy, neutron boost, and adjuvant chemotherapy for anaplastic astrocytoma and glioblastoma multiforme.

The survival rate for patients with malignant gliomas is poor. We describe the results of a prospective study using concomitant chemoradiotherapy, neutron boost, and adjuvant chemotherapy for patients with malignant gliomas. Forty-two patients with anaplastic astrocytoma (AA) and glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) were treated with postoperative photon radiation 45 Gy/25 fraction (fxs) with concomitant continuous intravenous infusion of 5-fluorouracil at 300 mg/m2/day × 5 days and hydroxyurea 0.5 g orally every 12 hr for 6 days for 5 consecutive weeks, followed by a neutron boost of 450 N cGy/6 fxs delivered twice weekly. Adjuvant chemotherapy with procarbazine, CCNU, and vincristine (PCV) was given up to 1 year or until tumor progression. Thirty-four patients (81%) had GBM and 8 patients (19%) had AA. Sixteen patients (38%) were ineligible for the neutron boost because of large tumors or poor performance status and instead received a photon boost with concomitant chemotherapy for a total dose of 60–65 Gy to t...
Therapeutic aphaeresis: experience in Puerto Rico.

The Puerto Rico (PR) Region of the American Red Cross (ARC) evaluated the therapeutic aphaeresis program and we conducted 1609 procedures in 30 months between 2011 and 2013. The primary objective of the present review was to demonstrate our data and compare it to the reviewed medical evidence regarding the adequacy of applying therapeutic aphaeresis (TA) for chosen indications based on data in the literature. It was concluded that our service is very active and appropriate, and the number of TA’s done varies and it’s not steady year-by-year. The indications are the same as most common indicators across the World and the adverse reactions are too. We are the only ones doing apheresis in the pediatric population of PR. No deaths have been reported from our procedures. We understand that clinicians do not have enough knowledge about TA and tend to apply TA’s in many cases as a last resort treatment for many diseases. Education at medical faculties and of hospital staff (nurses and medical technologists) about TA is very important. There is a need for symposia about this topic to the medical and general community.
Dual Expression Lentiviral Vectors for Concurrent RNA Interference and Rescue

RNA interference (RNAi) is a powerful new tool for the selective ablation of gene expression, facilitating loss-of-function studies. However, appropriate controls are considered essential to confirm the specificity of RNAi experiments. The most stringent control is rescue of the target gene in a form that is refractory to RNAi. To facilitate rescue of the target gene, we have created improved dual expression lentiviral vectors with the ability to simultaneously drive expression of a shRNA for RNA interference and a rescue transgene in a single vector system. In proof-of-principle experiments, we ablated more than 90% of target gene expression by targeting either the open reading frame, or the 3' UTR region. Target gene expression was successfully rescued with a cDNA containing silent third-codon point mutations in the targeted region or with native cDNA when the 3' UTR was targeted. Finally, expression of the rescue transgene can be manipulated by positional cloning and appropriate promoter selection. The dual expression lentiviral vectors described here represent a versatile strategy for confirming the integrity of RNAi experiments and may facilitate functional analyses even in the absence of an established gain-of-function model system.
Endoscopic ultrasound in the clinical staging and management of pancreatic cancer: its impact on cost of treatment.

Background: Surgical resection for pancreatic cancer carries a 5% 5-year survival rate. Most conventional methods of imaging do not detect small pancreatic tumors and do not accurately stage pancreatic neoplasms. There is a significant impact on medical resources despite the relatively small number of patients affected. For these reasons, careful selection of patients for surgical resection is necessary. Methods: Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and fine-needle aspiration (FNA) have been developed to overcome limitations of conventional staging. We address the issues of how EUS may provide cost-effective treatment in the patient with pancreatic cancer. Results: EUS produces high-resolution images of the pancreas, which can detect small pancreatic tumors and accurately stage pancreatic neoplasms. Evaluation with EUS-guided FNA selects patients who would benefit most from surgical resection. EUS also can be used to deliver palliative treatment for pain at the initial time of staging. EUS with FNA identifies patients most likely to benefit from surgical resection and thus channels health care resources more appropriately. Conclusions: Defining this patient population helps to reduce direct medical care costs in pancreatic cancer. However, prospective data are lacking in this regard and will need to be addressed in the future. When palliative care is the goal for patients, EUS-guided fine-needle injection techniques can be used for celiac neurolysis and possibly in the future use of antitumor agents.
The Mindful Negotiator: Strategic Emotion Management and Wellbeing

This paper adopts a positive organizational scholarship lens to examine negotiation theory. Whether focusing on cognitive or social processes, the basic assumptions of most negotiation research are drawn from social exchange theory (Blau, 1964; Emerson, 1976; Homans, 1958; Thibaut & Kelley, 1959), which conceptualizes relationships as economic transactions of material or non-material goods. Building on humanistic psychology (Rogers, 1959, 1961), we suggest that engaging in mindful and strategic emotion management through a process of self-narration (Kopelman, Chen, & Shoshana, 2009) enables negotiators to develop positive regard for the self and others. Our framework suggests that negotiating mindfully will improve instrumental outcomes and wellbeing.
Information and the Market for Union Representation

In its oversight of union representation elections, the National Labor Relations Board seeks to create laboratory conditions to determine "the uninhibited desires" of employees. Despite its comprehensive regulation of union and employer campaign conduct, however, the Board fails to insure that employees get basic information relating to their decision. This Article proposes a new paradigm for the representation decision: that of a purchase of representation services. This "purchase of services" model demonstrates that the market for union representation lacks the standard features required under economic theory to drive information into the marketplace. The resulting information deficiencies may render employees poorly equipped to make their representation decision.
Fungal symbionts in three exotic ambrosia beetles, Xylosandrus amputatus , Xyleborinus andrewesi , and Dryoxylon onoharaense (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae: Xyleborini) in Florida

In nearly every forest habitat, ambrosia beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae, Platypodinae) plant and maintain symbiotic fungus gardens inside dead or dying trees. Some non-native ambrosia beetles aggressively attack live trees and damage tree crops, lumber, and native woody plant taxa by introducing ambrosia fungi, some of which are plant pathogens. Most established exotic species, however, do not cause any economic damage, and consequently are little studied. To determine the specificity and diversity of ambrosia symbionts in under-studied non-native beetles in Florida, fungi were isolated from three species: Xylosandrus amputatus, Xyleborinus andrewesi, and Dryoxylon onoharaense. Two of the beetles sampled each yielded a fungal species isolated with 100 % frequency: X. amputatus: Ambrosiella beaveri or A. nakashimae, and X. andrewesi: Raffaelea sp. nov. nr. canadensis. Both of these symbionts have been isolated previously from closely related ambrosia beetles, supporting the hypothesis that some beetles can carry monocultures of fungi, but the fungi may not be specific to single beetle species. No consistent fungi were isolated from Dryoxylon onoharaense, raising questions about whether or not it truly carries its own symbionts. These results are now being used to test hypotheses and models explaining the evolution of pathogenicity within ambrosia fungi and invasion ability within exotic beetle-fungus complexes.
Supplemental Investigations on Structural Damage Detection Using Randomdec Signatures from Experimental Data

This article describes additional investigations on the detection of structural damage using randomdec signatures from experimental data. Previous application of the method to experimental data from the cracked beam showed that damage detection was possible, but it was not very reliable. It was found that some data from the intact baseline beam would cause false alarms, essentially looking as if it came from a damaged beam. After investigating several hypothetical reasons for this behavior we found that the problem is caused by the shaker motion. In this paper we present the data that supports our findings, and propose a solution.
A novel method for determination of sugars by UV spectroscopy

A simple UV spectroscopic method for determination of sugars was developed.Calibration models were established by the spectral measurement of a set of hydrolyzed standard sugar solutions by treating with concentrated sulfuric acid and a chemometrical software.The sugar contents in the sample can be predicted with the models by using the multi-wavelength spectral signals of its hydrolyzed solution.The present method does not need organic reagents and can provide the information of pentoses,hexoses,and total sugars in samples,and is suitable to be used for sugar analysis of the lignocellulosic biomass extraction process in bio-refinery research.
Differential Decay of Wastewater Bacteria and Change of Microbial Communities in Beach Sand and Seawater Microcosms

Laboratory microcosm experiments were conducted to determine the decay kinetics of wastewater bacteria and the change of microbial communities in beach sand and seawater. Cultivation-based methods showed that common fecal indicator bacteria (FIBs; Escherichia coli, enterococci, and Clostridium perfringens) exhibited biphasic decay patterns in all microcosms. Enterococci and C. perfringens, but not E. coli, showed significantly smaller decay rates in beach sand than in seawater. Cultivation-independent qPCR quantification of 16S rRNA gene also showed significantly slower decrease of total bacterial densities in beach sand than in seawater. Microbial community analysis by next-generation sequencing (NGS) further illustrated that the decreasing relative abundance of wastewater bacteria was contrasted by the increase in indigenous beach sand and seawater microbiota, and the overall microbial community dynamics corresponded well with the decay of individual FIB populations. In summary, the differential decay of wastewater bacteria in beach sand and in seawater provides a kinetic explanation to the often-observed higher abundance of FIBs in beach sand, and the NGS-based microbial community analysis can provide valuable insights to understanding the fate of wastewater bacteria in the context of indigenous microbial communities in natural environments.
Assessment of severity and change in obsessive compulsive disorder

Useful clinician-rated measures of OCD are now available. The Y-BOCS and NIMH Global OC both seem suitable for monitoring outcome in drug trials of OCD. These two scales seem relatively specific for symptoms of OCD and are sensitive to drug-induced changes in symptoms. Neither the Y-BOCS nor the NIMH Global OC confuse trait with state. There are ample data suggesting that the Y-BOCS is reliable and valid scale. Unlike some of the symptom inventories, such as the LOI and MOCI, final scores on the NIMH Global OC and Y-BOCS are not influenced directly by the type or number of obsessions and compulsions present. A computer-administered version of the Y-BOCS has been developed. Currently available patient-rated instruments suffer from serious shortcomings, including insensitivity to change and poor representation of patients with mono-symptomatic clinical pictures (e.g., hoarding alone). Some rating scales have been adapted for use in children with OCD. Several groups, including our own, have elected to use change scores on the 10-item Y-BOCS and a global measure of OCD, such as the NIMH Global OC or modified OGI, as the principal outcome variables in drug trials in patients with OCD. Several studies have selected a 35% decrease in Y-BOCS scores from baseline as indicative of clinically significant improvement. A limitation of all single-item global measures is that they cannot be resolved into smaller components. The more fine-grained analysis that is possible with the multi-item Y-BOCS makes it more desirable as a primary outcome measure, with a global scale as a secondary outcome measure.
Low testosterone in non-responsive coeliac disease: A case series, case-control study with comparisons to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Abstract Background Adults with coeliac disease (CD) often report persistent fatigue, even when CD appears well controlled for unknown reasons. Aims To evaluate common indications for testosterone panel (TP) testing and prevalence of low testosterone (T) in CD. Methods In our case series, we determined common indications for checking TP in CD. Next, we conducted a case–control study to compare TP in CD vs. healthy controls (HC). We compared mean total T (TT), free T (FT) based on serologic, histologic disease activity. Finally, we assessed TT in tissue transglutaminase (tTG)+ vs. tTG− subjects and CD vs. HC obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Results 53 coeliac males had TP tested. Common indications included osteoporosis and fatigue. Low FT was observed in 7/13 men with osteoporosis and 5/6 with fatigue. In our case–control study (n = 26 each), there was no difference in mean TT or FT between CD vs. HC, tTG+ vs tTG− or Marsh 0 vs. Marsh 3 groups. NHANES data showed no difference in mean TT between tTG+ vs tTG− (n = 16 each) or CD vs. HC subjects (n = 5 each). Conclusions Low T occurs in CD patients at a similar rate as the general population. Common presentations of low T may mimic non-responsive CD symptoms.
The Social Context of Forestry: The Pacific Northwest in the Twentieth Century

n the timber-rich Pacific coast country stretching from California's Humboldt Bay north into British Columbia and the Alaskan panhandle, the forest resource has always been the centerpiece to the area's economic culture. Although other forms of activity have shaped the region-fishing, ship building, mining, and farming-the men and women who toiled in the logging camps and in the mills have been the mainstay of the economy. It was their labor that made the Pacific edge of North America the leading center of forest products manufacturing for much of the twentieth century.' The great stands of Douglas fir, redwood, spruce, and cedar provided both the principal natural resource and the primary economic base for the development of the region. The north Pacific slope was also the last frontier for a migrating logging and lumbering industry that had its beginnings in the extensive white pine and hardwood forests of northeastern North America. For more than three hundred years the timbered wealth of the continent was important to westward expansion and to the commercial and industrial development of the United States and Canada. Operating in a political environment that invited graft and corruption, lumbermen and other resource entrepreneurs
Testing a Conceptual Change Model Framework for Visual Data.

AbstractAn emergent data analysis technique was employed to test the veracity of a conceptual framework constructed around visual data use and instruction in science classrooms. The framework incorporated all five key components Vosniadou (2007a, 2007b) described as existing in a learner’s schema: framework theory, presuppositions, conceptual domains, concepts, and specific theories. The framework was designed to guide science educators in making more effective use of visual data in instructional contexts. We identified emergent data in the form of critical salients in 15 chapters of a book written by 39 authors addressing visual data in PreK-16+ science. These were then compared to the framework to determine the degree to which the framework accommodated for multiple visual applications as a test of the veracity and applicability of the conceptual framework to visual data utilization in science instructional settings.
Quasar astrophysics with the Space Interferometry Mission

Optical astrometry of quasars and active galaxies can provide key information on the spatial distribution and variability of emission in compact nuclei. The Space Interferometry Mission (SIM PlanetQuest) will have the sensitivity to measure a significant number of quasar positions at the microarcsecond level. SIM will be very sensitive to astrometric shifts for objects as faint as V =19. A variety of AGN phenomena are expected to be visible to SIM on these scales, including time and spectral dependence in position offsets between accretion disk and jet emission. These represent unique data on the spatial distribution and time dependence of quasar emission. It will also probe the use of quasar nuclei as fundamental astrometric references. Comparisons between the time-dependent optical photocenter position and VLBI radio images will provide further insight into the jet emission mechanism. Observations will be tailored to each specific target and science question. SIM will be able to distinguish spatially between jet and accretion disk emission; and it can observe the cores of galaxies potentially harboring binary supermassive black holes resulting from mergers.
Prognostic Factors for Survival After 2-CdA-Based Therapy for Symptomatic Waldenström Macroglobulinemia (WM) Stratify Patients Into Low- and High-Risk Groups.

Abstract 1668 Poster Board I-694 Introduction Retrospective studies performed by others between 2001-2009, have identified various prognostic factors for survival among patients with symptomatic WM. These include hemoglobin, platelet count, albumin, and β2-micrglobulin (β2M) at varied cutoffs, as well as gender, age, IgM level, monoclonal (M) protein level, hyperviscosity syndrome, prior therapy, presence of splenomegaly/organomegaly, stage as defined by the International Staging System for multiple myeloma (ISSMM) and risk score as defined by the International prognostic scoring system for Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (IPSSWM). Methods We retrospectively analyzed our experience with 80 previously untreated patients with symptomatic WM who participated on one of four 2-chlorodeoxyadenosine (2-CdA)-based clinical trials between 3/90-5/02, to identify factors predicting overall survival. Patients received either 2 consecutive 4-6 week courses of 2-CdA at 1.5 mg/m2 subcutaneously three times daily for 7 days (d) alone (10 patients), with prednisone (Pred) at 60 mg/m2 orally (po) d1-7 (21 patients), with cyclophosphamide (Cy) at 40 mg/m2 po twice daily (bid) for 7d (31 patients), or with Cy at 40 mg/m2 po bid for 7d + rituximab (Rit) at 375 mg/m2 intravenously weekly for 4 weeks (18 patients). Overall survival (OS) from the start of therapy was censored as of April 1, 2009. Predictive factors identified by multivariate analysis in other retrospective studies, as well as other clinically relevant factors, were evaluated. Results Median age of patients was 62.1 years (range 35.9-80.1), and 41 were male. Median hemoglobin was 10 g/dL (5.6-15.6), platelet count was 243 K/μL (26-654), albumin was 4.1 g/dL (2.5-5.4), and β2M was 3.3 mg/L (1.4-15.9). Splenomegaly and lymphadenopathy (≥ 2 cm) were present in 29.1% and 28.8% of patients, respectively. By ISSMM, 38 patients were Stage I, 29 were Stage II, and 13 were Stage III. By IPSSWM, 24 patients were low-risk, 45 were intermediate-risk, and 11 were high-risk. With a median follow-up of 9.9 years (yrs; range 0.9-16.8), median OS for all patients was 8.9yrs (0.1 yrs-not reached (NR)). By univariate analysis, age 2CdA/Cy > 2CdA >2CdA/Pred), albumin ≥3.5 g/dL, B2M 5.5 mg/L, ISSMM and IPSSWM, were all significant (p Conclusion Both ISSMM and IPSSWM are predictive of overall survival among patients with symptomatic WM treated first-line with 2CdA-based regimens. In our experience, rates of 10 year OS were better stratified by age, Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Emotional Processing and Non-Auditory Based Interventions in Tinnitus

In this brief review, we describe the latest research on the emotional underpinnings of an individual's reaction to chronic tinnitus. We elucidate evidence for interventions that are beginning to s...
One name one place? Dealing with toponyms in WWI

In the framework of the commemorations for the First World War, a research project has been carried on in order to identify, archive and disseminate the places involved by the war along the Italian front. A task of this project foresaw the analysis of the terminological component of toponyms. All the occurrences of place names has been collected, evaluated and organised in order to fulfill the task of associate univocally one place name to a set of geographic coordinates, thus creating a specific geodatabase. Lexical, formal, linguistic and dialectal variants, homonyms, exonyms and even errors, once processed, lead to an unambiguous perspective on the use of toponyms during the war and their subsequent variations over the years.
An Equivalence Theorem on Minimum Sheltering Speed for Non-convex Habitats

The paper is devoted to a new family of variational problems for differential inclusions, motivated by the protection of human and wildlife habitats when an invasive environmental disaster occurs. Indeed, the mathematical model consists of a differential inclusion describing the expansion of invaded region over time, and an artificial barrier that cannot be penetrated by the invasive agent is erected to shield the habitat, which serves as the control strategy and is characterized as a one-dimensional rectifiable set. We consider an isotropic case that the disaster spreads with uniform speed in all directions, and develop an equivalence result on the minimum construction speed required for implementing a sheltering strategy determined by a rectifiable Jordan curve. By measuring the invaded portion of barriers over time, it is shown that each connected non-convex habitat admits an equivalent habitat that contains the given habitat and their minimum speeds are equal. In particular, the boundary of an equivalent habitat can be partitioned into two arcs: an arc is locally convex, and the other is part of the boundary of illuminated area. This leads to a corollary on the existence of admissible sheltering strategies for non-convex habitats.
"A Greater Earnestness of Purpose and a More Militant Spirit": Physicians and Medical Relief in 1930s Michigan

The Federal Emergency Relief Act of 1935 promised federal funds for medical relief, and Michigan physicians seized the opportunity to shape the local programs created under FERA. Michigan’s physicians sought to preserve the private medical marketplace through the allocation of public funds to provide medical relief, just as funds were appropriated for food, fuel, and housing. Michigan physicians’ efforts to influence these programs crossed into the professional terrain of relief workers and social work. Physicians were not able to navigate the system unchecked; local officials and relief workers sought limits to medical authority in the interest of protecting public funds, and physicians resisted such efforts. While many of the programs of the New Deal years were hailed as innovative models, most preserved the existing tenets of the medical system while expanding physicians’ market for patients to include relief recipients.