bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mathematics Undergraduate Student Teachers’ Conceptions of Guided Inductive and Deductive Teaching Approaches
Authors: Ndemo Zakaria , Zindi Fred , Mtetwa David
Published: December 2017

This contribution aimed at developing an understanding of student teachers’ conceptions of guided discoveryteaching approaches. A cross-sectional survey design involving eleven secondary mathematics teachers who hadenrolled for an in-service mathematics education degree was used to address the research question: What areundergraduate student teachers’ conceptions of deductive and inductive teaching approaches? Task-based interviewswere used in conjunction with oral interviews as settings for unravelling students’ conceptions of the two teachingapproaches. Drawing in part from Ausbel’s learning theory and Tall’s notion of a met-before, the study also aimed atassessing the students’ level of grasp of fundamental limitation of empirical explorations despite many benefitsassociated with them such as helping in identifying patterns, use in formulation and communicating of conjecture,and providing insights on what needs to be solved. Verbatim transcriptions from follow up interviews and textualdata from task based interviews were subjected to directed content analysis to infer meaning about students’conceptions of guided teaching approaches. Qualitative data analysis using in part Robert Moore’s notion of conceptusage uncovered conceptual limitations that include inconsistencies in student teachers’ definitions of the teachingapproaches, use of specific examples instead of arbitrary mathematical objects in illustrating analytic teaching.Limitations identified should be given attention by mathematics educators in order to increase understanding of theapproaches among teachers. Research studies into factors contributing to limitations identified can go a long way inimproving the teaching and learning of school mathematics.
Personal prostate-specific antigen screening and treatment choices for localized prostate cancer among expert physicians
Authors: Wallis Christopher , Cheung Douglas , Klotz Laurence , Chalasani Venu , Leao Ricardo , Garisto Juan , Morton Gerard , Nam Robert , Tannock Ian , Satkunasivam Raj
Published: December 2017

Introduction: We aimed to determine the personal practices of urologists, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists regarding prostate cancer screening and treatment using the physician surrogate method, which seeks to identify acceptable healthcare interventions by ascertaining interventions physicians select for themselves.Methods: A hierarchical, contingent survey was developed through a consensus involving urologists, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists. It was piloted at the University of Toronto and then circulated to urologists, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists through professional medical societies in the U.S., Canada, Central and South America, Australia, and New Zealand. The primary outcome was physicians’ personal choices regarding prostatespecific antigen (PSA) screening and the secondary outcome was treatment selection among those diagnosed with prostate cancer.Results: A total of 869 respondents provided consent and completed the survey. Of these, there were 719 urologists, 89 radiation oncologists, nine medical oncologists, and 53 undisclosed specialists. Most (784 of 869 respondents; 90%) endorsed past or future screening for themselves (among male physicians) or for relatives (among female physicians). Among urologists and radiation oncologists making prostate cancer treatment decisions, there was a significant correlation between physician specialty and the treatment selected (Phi coefficient=0.61; p=0.001).Conclusions: Physicians who routinely treat prostate cancer are likely to undertake prostate cancer screening themselves or recommend it for immediate family members. Treatment choice is influenced by the well-recognized specialty bias.
OPEC’s Impact on Oil Price Volatility: The Role of Spare Capacity
Authors: Pierru Axel , Smith JamesL. , Zamrik Tamim
Published: December 2017

OPEC claims to hold and use spare production capacity to stabilize the crude oil market. We study the impact of that buffer on the volatility of oil prices. After estimating the stochastic process that generates shocks to demand and supply, and assessing OPEC’s limited ability to accurately measure and offset those shocks, we find that OPEC’s use of spare capacity has reduced price volatility, perhaps by as much as half. We also apply the principle of revealed preference to infer the implicit loss function that rationalizes OPEC’s investment in spare capacity and compare it to other estimates of the cost of crude oil supply shortfalls. That comparison suggests that OPEC’s buffer capacity was in line with global macroeconomic needs.
Modelling Electricity Swaps with Stochastic Forward Premium Models
Authors: Blanco Iván , Peña Juan Ignacio , Rodríguez Rosa
Published: December 2017

We present a new model for pricing electricity swaps. Two general factors affect contracts but unique risk elements affect each contract. General factors are average swap prices and deterministic trend-seasonal components, and unique elements are forward premiums. Innovations follow MNIG distributions. We estimate the model with data from the European Energy Exchange. The model outperforms four competitors, both in in-sample valuation and in out-of-sample forecasting, and in fitting the term structure of volatilities by market segments. Competitor models are (i) diffusion spot prices, (ii) jump-diffusion spot prices with time dependent volatility, (iii) HJM-based and (iv) Levy multifactor model with NIG distributions. Value-at-Risk measures based on normality strongly underestimate tail risk but our model gives estimates that are more exact.Keywords: Electricity swaps; Stochastic forward premium; Multivariate Normal Inverse Gaussian distribution; Levy processes
AMMUNITION SURVEY RESULTS AT SERVICE LIFE CYCLE PROLONGATION TESTS
Authors: Krysinski Bogdan , Nesterowicz Marcin , Zych Piotr
Published: December 2017

The paper deals with questions of ammunition marking and packing observed for many years of diagnostic tests. In the first part some results of wrong marking or its lack are described by using relevant examples. The second part presents examples of improper packing and its impact into technical condition of ammunition. Possible solutions of existing problems are proposed.
APORTES TEÓRICOS PARA PENSAR A FEIRA ENQUANTO FORMA SOCIAL
Authors: Castro Marina Ramos Neves de
Published: December 2017

Este artigo propõe uma abordagem da feira enquanto “forma social”. Entendemos forma a partir de uma perspectiva simmeliana, como o resultado de um processo que se constrói, ininterruptamente, através das relações que se estabelecem entre os mais diversos objetos e conteúdos e que assim se dá a ver. Forma social, a partir desta perspectiva, pode ser compreendida como a socialidade. A forma social é gerada a partir de um sentimento partilhado, de um sentir-junto, experiências comuns, sensações, emoções, da vida de toda ordem, que ganha sentido quando vivida e experenciada. Entendemos que o sentir-junto, ao conformar formas sociais, produz uma estética inerentes àquela socialidade. Nosso objetivo é perceber e colocar em evidência as valorações estéticas geradas através da socialidade conformadora da Feira do Guamá, em Belém, evidenciando os elementos que conformam essa forma-social, ou forma-feira, e caracterizam sua estética.
RESPONSABILIDADE SOCIAL E A ÉTICA NO USO DE MÉTODOS QUANTITATIVOS NO ENSINO SUPERIOR
Authors: Azevedo Junior Wladimir Colman de , Faria Alexandre Magno de Melo , Rodrigues Marcos
Published: December 2017

A influência dos métodos quantitativos utilizados na investigação científica sobre a Responsabilidade Social das Instituições de Ensino Superior (IES) do Brasil é o objetivo deste estudo. Utilizando pesquisa bibliográfica, identificou-se que a falta de ética, na gestão dos métodos quantitativos, pode levar a inferências fraudulentas. A conseqüência seria o atraso na evolução do conhecimento científico e do desenvolvimento da sociedade. Neste sentido, a responsabilidade social só será alcançada se as IES incentivarem e monitorarem as motivações de seus pesquisadores e ao tratamento dos dados recolhidos através da inibição da pesquisa não-científica.
UMA ANÁLISE DA TEORIA CLÁSSICA DA ADMINISTRAÇÃO E SUA APLICABILIDADE EM UMA COOPERATIVA: UM ESTUDO NA COTRISEL
Authors: Rossés Gustavo Fontinelli , Oliveira Douglas Cavalheiro de , Tomazi Marcelo , Sccott Carla Rosane Da Costa
Published: December 2017

O presente artigo tem por objetivo avaliar o grau de aplicabilidade dos princípios da teoria clássica da administração no processo decisório da Cooperativa Tritícola Sepeense Ltda – COTRISEL. Para tanto, realizou-se um estudo de caso de caráter qualitativo acerca da teoria clássica fundamentado nos quatorze princípios de administração defendidos por Fayol. Em se tratando de eixo teórico foram abarcadas temáticas quanto às sociedades cooperativas e a teoria clássica da administração. Como metodologia esse estudo está classificado como sendo qualitativo, com base nas dimensões exploratória e descritiva, sob a ótica de um estudo de caso. Através da análise estatística descritiva numérica e percentual, concluiu-se que a teoria clássica possui elevado grau de aplicabilidade na cooperativa estudada. Os princípios que versam sobre “espírito de equipe”, “ordem”, “disciplina” e “centralização” foram os que apresentaram maior percentual de concordância, enquanto os que tratam da “unidade de comando”, “remuneração”, “unidade de direção” e “equidade” foram os que apresentaram percentual de concordância menor.
Evangelical Lutheran Baptism in the Tauragė District in the Second Half of the Twentieth Century
Authors: Mardosa Jonas
Published: December 2017

The article deals with Evangelical Lutheran baptism in the Tauragė District in the second half of the twentieth century. The author gives an overview of a historical perspective of the Evangelical Lutherans in the district of Tauragė and introduces the features of the liturgical development of the Christian and Evangelical Lutheran sacrament of baptism and the basis of folk baptism. Ethnographic field research material and ethnological investigation are the primary material sources of this study. With the help of research material, the structure of the traditional Evangelical Lutheran Baptism in the Tauragė district is shown, with emphasis on the preparatory actions of baptism granting the Sacrament of the Baptism, and baptismal feasts. The author maintains that the essence of baptism of the Lithuanian Evangelical Lutherans is a common human ground, and because of that ground common features with the customs of the Catholic baptism are found. The customs of the ceremonies of Lutheran and Catholic baptism share many common points in the perspective of folk devotion.In the Tauragė district, traditional Evangelical Lutheran baptismal rituals of the first half of the twentieth century have the following specific features: a twoday baptismal feast, decoration of baptismal clothes in myrtles, a baby carrier participating without the presence of the godparents in the granting of the Sacrament of Baptism and specific customs of the welcoming of the baptized infant. Changes in baptism took place in the second half of the twentieth century. The atheist ideology of the Soviet period and changes in people’s lifestyle influenced the disappearance of some specific aspects of baptism, while others remained as a fact of ethno-cultural memory. The significance of entertainment in the ceremony has increased, the age of baptized infants has extended, the ritual position of the baby carrier and the tradition of decorating the baptism covering with myrtles have disappeared, and the parents of the infant, like guests, became only participants in the baptism ceremony in the church. After Lithuania regained its independence, the traditional structure of the baptism has remained, but the aspect of folk piety in baptism has shrunk due to the absence of magic practices.
Loading Rate Variations Along a Midcrustal Shear Zone Preceding the Mw6.0 Earthquake of 24 August 2016 in Central Italy
Authors: Vuan A. , Sugan M. , Chiaraluce L. , Di Stefano R.
Published: December 2017

To identify greater detail in the seismicity pattern preceding the 24 August 2016 Mw6.0 earthquake in Central Italy, we apply waveform matching using 1,028 events as templates. In the 8 months before the mainshock, we find ~2,000 additional earthquakes mostly located along a subhorizontal shear zone (SZ) bounding at depth the extensional fault system. Asynchrony is observed in the occurrence of events nucleating along the SZ compared to the ones on fault portions embedded in the shallower upper crust, with the former anticipating the latter. Within the SZ, we also observe along‐strike seismic migration episodes with earthquakes pointing toward the Mw6.0 mainshock nucleation zone. These episodes are followed by an apparent quiescence within the main fault area. We suggest that the variations in the seismic activity along the SZ represent the brittle signature of the tectonic loading process enabling portions of the overlaying normal faults to become unlocked.
A Global Data Analysis for Representing Sediment and Particulate Organic Carbon Yield in Earth System Models
Authors: Tan Zeli , Leung L. Ruby , Li Hongyi , Tesfa Teklu , Vanmaercke Matthias , Poesen Jean , Zhang Xuesong , Lu Hui , Hartmann Jens
Published: December 2017

Although sediment yield (SY) from water erosion is ubiquitous and its environmental consequences are well recognized, its impacts on the global carbon cycle remain largely uncertain. This knowledge gap is partly due to the lack of soil erosion modeling in Earth System Models (ESMs), which are important tools used to understand the global carbon cycle and explore its changes. This study analyzed sediment and particulate organic carbon yield (CY) data from 1,081 and 38 small catchments (0.1–200 km2), respectively, in different environments across the globe. Using multiple statistical analysis techniques, we explored environmental factors and hydrological processes important for SY and CY modeling in ESMs. Our results show clear correlations of high SY with traditional agriculture, seismicity and heavy storms, as well as strong correlations between SY and annual peak runoff. These highlight the potential limitation of SY models that represent only interrill and rill erosion because shallow overland flow and rill flow have limited transport capacity due to their hydraulic geometry to produce high SY. Further, our results suggest that SY modeling in ESMs should be implemented at the event scale to produce the catastrophic mass transport during episodic events. Several environmental factors such as seismicity and land management that are often not considered in current catchment‐scale SY models can be important in controlling global SY. Our analyses show that SY is likely the primary control on CY in small catchments and a statistically significant empirical relationship is established to calculate SY and CY jointly in ESMs.
Anisotropic Raman‐Enhancement Effect on Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotube Arrays
Authors: Wu Juanxia , Zhang Shuchen , Lin Dewu , Ma Bangjun , Yang Liangwei , Zhang Shuqing , Kang Lixing , Mao Nannan , Zhang Na , Tong Lianming , Zhang Jin
Published: December 2017

The charge transfer between molecules and materials can modulate the polarizability tensor of the molecules and lead to an enhancement of the Raman scattering. Surface‐enhanced Raman scattering on in‐plane anisotropic layered materials has suggested the crystalline‐axis‐dependent charge interactions between molecules and materials. However, the full understanding of the anisotropic charge transfer process is still lacking. The rigorous anisotropic nature and structural diversity of single‐walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) provide an ideal platform to systematically study the anisotropic charge transfer process. The present work reports the anisotropic Raman enhancement effect of molecules on horizontally aligned SWNT arrays and attribute it to the charge transfer efficiency that depends on the laser polarization direction and the resonance of SWNTs. The Raman signal of probe molecules on SWNT arrays is enhanced and reaches the maximum intensity when the incident laser is polarized along the SWNT axial direction, and the intensity is the minimum if they are perpendicular to each other. The different efficiencies of charge transfer are further confirmed by polarized optical absorption measurements and the energy alignment analysis. The present work provides a sensitive way to study the tunable charge interactions between molecules and anisotropic low‐dimensional materials, which are also important for polarization‐controlled optoelectronic applications.
Experimental study and evaluation of mixing mechanism and performance in triple‐screw extruder
Authors: Yang Kunxiao , Xin Chunling , Yu Dongquan , Yan Baorui , He Yadong
Published: December 2017

The mixing capacity of triangle‐arrayed triple‐screw extruder (TTSE) was evaluated through the extrusion of polypropylene/ethylene–propylene–diene monomer (PP/EPDM) at varying screw speeds. The micromorphology, mean residence time, melt flow rate (MFR), and mechanical properties of blends were measured for evaluation. Moreover, same experiments were applied on a twin‐screw extruder (TSE) for comparison. TTSE shows better mixing performance than TSE in comparison with micromorphology and mean residence time. But the high shear effect and temperature rising in TTSE promote the degradation of PP in blends which make the samples to have worse mechanical properties and higher MFR than those of TSE.
DIN 4109:2016 – Eine technische Regel in der MVV TB?
Authors: Fischer Heinz‐Martin
Published: December 2017

Die Muster‐Verwaltungsvorschrift Technische Baubestimmungen (MVV TB) vom August 2017 hat lediglich die DIN 4109‐1 (Mindestanforderungen) als technisches Regelwerk für den baulichen Schallschutz vorgesehen. Ohne als technische Regel genannt zu werden, kann für die rechnerischen Nachweise DIN 4109‐2 in Verbindung mit DIN 4109‐31 bis 36 (Bauteilkatalog) herangezogen werden. Für „Bauteile im Massivbau” ist im Nachweisverfahren aber auch die Verwendung von Beiblatt 1 zu DIN 4109:1989 möglich. Diese alternative Verwendbarkeit neuer und alter Nachweisverfahren und eine Reihe weiterer Festlegungen der MVV TB sorgen bei der Anwendung der Schallschutznachweise im bauaufsichtlichen Bereich für unklare Verhältnisse und erhebliche Probleme. Der Beitrag beschreibt kritisch die Regelungen der MVV TB zum baulichen Schallschutz und erläutert die Probleme, die zu erwarten sind.
In Situ Probing Citrullinated Sites in a Peptide by Reactive Desorption Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Shin Eunbi , Cha Sangwon
Published: December 2017

Citrullination is a post‐translational modification that converts arginine into citrulline through deimination. As citrullination is accompanied by only about 1 Da increase in mass, ion signals of a citrullinated peptide in a mass spectrum are always overlapped with the isotope peaks of its control (a noncitrullinated form). Therefore, off‐line, covalent labeling techniques on citrulline residues were usually employed to investigate citrullinated sites by mass spectrometry (MS). Recently, reactive desorption electrospray ionization (reactive DESI) MS was introduced as a tool for selective, in situ modification of target analytes. In reactive DESI MS, a chemical reagent that can readily react with a target analyte is sprayed onto a sample spot and resulting products are analyzed by MS. Here, we developed a reactive DESI MS method for determining the citrullinated sites in peptides by employing phenylglyoxal as a derivatization agent, and succeeded in selectively modifying a citrulline residue in a peptide.
Know how the latest Title IX guidance impacts your institution
Authors: Starich Megan
Published: December 2017

As of Sept. 22, 2017, the Office for Civil Rights officially withdrew the policy statements and guidance reflected in its April 4, 2011, “Dear Colleague Letter” on sexual violence and its April 29, 2014, Q&A on Title IX and sexual violence. In tandem with its announcement, OCR issued a new Q&A on campus sexual misconduct. The announcement came several weeks after the U.S. secretary of education revealed the Department of Education would undertake a formal rulemaking process on regulations to address campus sexual misconduct under Title IX.
Study finds unsafe driving practices run rampant near campuses
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: December 2017

Drivers are more likely to text and drive near school campuses, according to a survey from San Francisco–based Zendrive, a traffic analytics company. The survey found that 90 percent of drivers used a cellphone while driving near a campus and that 33 percent of drivers exhibited unsafe behavior while dropping off or picking someone up from an educational institution, including elementary, high school, and higher education locations.
Synthesis of V‐MCM‐41 Catalysts and Their Application in CO2‐Assisted Isobutane Dehydrogenation
Authors: Wang Xiaosheng , Ji Kehong , Zhou Guanglin , Li Qin , Zhou Hongjun , Xu Chunming
Published: December 2017

A series of V‐MCM‐41 were in situ synthesized. The textual properties and vanadium species were systematically characterized. The results showed that the catalysts could still maintain a mesoporous structure and high specific surface area. The vanadium species were highly dispersed on the surface, with the coexistence of polymeric vanadium species. Isobutane dehydrogenation was performed by employing CO2 as a soft oxidant. The results revealed an almost linear relationship between the activity and surface vanadium sites. Isolated vanadium species were more active for isobutane dehydrogenation. The isobutane dehydrogenation reaction in the presence of CO2 could proceed simultaneously through oxidative dehydrogenation and non‐oxidative dehydrogenation followed by the reverse water gas shift reaction.
Pore plugging synthesis and characterization of silicalite‐1 membranes using tubular TiO2 supports: Effect of support pore size on membrane performance
Authors: Kennedy Dean A. , Carter David , Wilson Sean , Kruczek Boguslaw , Tezel F. Handan
Published: December 2017

In this study, we present a detailed synthesis procedure and characterization of porous inorganic silicalite‐1 membranes. The membranes were synthesized in‐situ using a pore plugging method with the inclusion of a 12 h thermal break promoting secondary growth within the active layer pores of the tubular TiO2 supports. The effect of the support pore size on membrane performance was examined with pore sizes ranging from 0.3 μm to 1.4 μm. Characterization using SEM and EDS analysis confirm the penetration and formation of silicalite‐1 crystals within porous supports up to a depth of 10–12 µm for all membranes. With the exception of the membranes synthesized on the support with 1.4 μm pore size, all membranes were more permeable to probe gas N2 compared to He. The highest ideal N2/He selectivity of 2.3 ± 0.5 was observed for the membranes synthesized on supports with 0.8 μm pore size. Single gas permeance for the membranes was high, ranging between 3.7 × 10−7 and 1.3 × 10−5 mol/m2sPa, and was independent of gas kinematic diameter with the order of permeation being CH4 > CO2 > N2 > He. Binary equimolar CO2/N2 separation experiments show better membrane CO2/N2 permselectivity compared to the ideal selectivity calculated from the single gas experiments. Comparing the observed membrane gas diffusivity and the adsorbate gas uptake rate within the zeolite material alone shows that these favourable selective properties are the result of adsorption surface diffusion and that Knudsen diffusion is minimized.
Model‐Informed Reverse and Forward Translation of Safety Risks in Drug Development
Authors: Mettetal Jerome T.
Published: December 2017

Despite major scientific investments, safety accounts for significant pipeline attrition, especially in late preclinical and early clinical development. Many failures are due to difficulty interpreting safety signals or difficulty optimizing schedules of compounds with narrow therapeutic margins. Model‐informed translation can address these challenges, both through “forward” translation of early signals to future scenarios, as well as through “reverse” translation of safety data into mechanistic insight.
On the convergence issues of the block‐average method for the melting of two‐dimensional confined systems
Authors: Bessaa Assia , Djebli Mourad
Published: December 2017

The auto‐correlation between blocks in Monte Carlo simulations may present another typical problem for the convergence of the block‐average method used to predict the melting of small confined systems. We suggest a simple statistical way to avoid this problem for different packing configurations.
Learn how to navigate the challenges of supervising difficult staff members
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: December 2017

SAN ANTONIO — Inappropriate. Unprofessional. Toxic. Disrespectful. Irresponsible. You know how quickly a difficult staff member can poison a department, especially if you don't have adequate training and support.
Navigating translational ecology: creating opportunities for scientist participation
Authors: Hallett Lauren M , Morelli Toni Lyn , Gerber Leah R , Moritz Max A , Schwartz Mark W , Stephenson Nathan L , Tank Jennifer L , Williamson Matthew A , Woodhouse Connie A
Published: December 2017

Interest in translational ecology (TE) – a research approach that yields useful scientific outcomes through ongoing collaboration between scientists and stakeholders – is growing among both of these groups. Translational ecology brings together participants from different cultures and with different professional incentives. We address ways to cultivate a culture ofTE, such as investing time in understanding one another's decision context and incentives, and outline common entry points to translational research, such as working through boundary organizations, building place‐based research programs, and being open to opportunities as they arise. We also highlight common institutional constraints on scientists and practitioners, and ways in which collaborative research can overcome these limitations, emphasizing considerations for navigatingTEwithin current institutional frameworks, but also pointing out ways in which institutions are evolving to facilitate translational research approaches.
Current status of tubbing research – Insight into the research activities at the Chair of Subsurface Engineering
Authors: Gehwolf Paul , Wenighofer Robert , Galler Robert
Published: December 2017

For the verification of the load bearing and deformation behavior of segmental lining under exactly known conditions a test rig was designed and built in cooperation between the Montanuniversity of Leoben – Chair of Subsurface Engineering and the Austrian Federal Railway. On the basis of tests performed with steel‐reinforced precast elements, first statements can be made in relation to the load bearing and deformation behaviour of the tested segments. Furthermore, a camera‐based system for crack detection is presented. A finite‐element model has also been set‐up and this model has been validated using the test data.
From the Lavanttal into the Jauntal – Project implementation and first experience of design and build 4.0
Authors: Zwittnig Gerald
Published: December 2017

In addition to the Koralm Tunnel, the station at Lavanttal, the Granitztal tunnel chain and the Jauntal bridge are key structures on the Koralmbahn line in Austria. The station at Lavanttal has many functions to fulfil. Passenger demands for this important high‐speed rail station have to be fulfilled as well as the maintenance requirements. This is also the emphasis of the currently running design optimisation for the adjoining Granitztal tunnel chain. In addition to a current status report, the article reports on the first experience gained on this project with the implementation of Building Information Modelling, a working method for the production of a holistic digital model of the building or facilities.
The Fröschnitzgraben contract – Challenges in shaft sinking, construction logistics and landfill
Authors: Nipitsch Gernot , Pacher Wolfgang
Published: December 2017

Contract SBT2.1 Tunnel Fröschnitzgraben is the central and longest construction section of the Semmering Base Tunnel, including 13 km of tunnelling from the intermediate access in Fröschnitzgraben towards Gloggnitz and Mürzzuschlag. The approx. 4 km long section towards Mürzzuschlag is being excavated by drill and blast, and the 9 km section towards Gloggnitz is being driven by two tunnel boring machines. Before the start of the actual construction of the running tunnels, the two shafts about 400 m deep had to be sunk using an innovative concept. Considerable changes are also noticeable above ground: the filling level of the landfill site in Longsgraben is rising constantly.
Delegating Informed Consent
Authors: Koch Valerie Gutmann
Published: December 2017

Ten years ago, Megan Shinal sought the care of neurosurgeon Steven Toms for the surgical treatment of a recurrent nonmalignant tumor in the pituitary region of her brain. In their twenty‐minute meeting, Shinal did not make a final decision about which surgical approach she wished to pursue. Subsequently, she spoke with Tom's physician assistant once by phone and once in person, when she signed the consent form, which did not appear to designate which surgical approach she had chosen. During the operation—a total resection—Toms perforated Shinal's carotid artery, resulting in hemorrhage, stroke, brain injury, and partial blindness. The jury found that Toms had fulfilled his informed‐consent obligations prior to performing the resection; however, in June 2017, the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania overturned the decision, relying on the Pennsylvania Medical Care Availability and Reduction of Error Act. The court found that the language of the act is unambiguous in its requirement that “a physician's duty to provide information to a patient sufficient to obtain her informed consent is non‐delegable.” Presumably, this rule of nondelegation applies beyond the surgical theater to other major treatment decisions. And it is unclear whether it applies to other professionals in a subordinate position to the treating physician, such as residents and fellows.
Ending DACA Has Pragmatic and Ethical Implications for U.S. Health Care
Authors: Zaidi Danish , Kuczewski Mark
Published: December 2017

In 2012, Loyola University Chicago's Stritch School of Medicine became the first medical school in the United States to actively recruit and accept undocumented immigrants who received protections granted under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program that was established by presidential memorandum. By 2016, sixty‐one medical schools were considering applications from DACA recipients for admission, and more than 110 students applied. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, sixty‐five DACA recipients matriculated in U.S. medical schools in the 2016–2017 school year. These students contribute both diversity and talent to our medical community; they could also have a significant impact on the care of underserved and immigrant populations. The recent decision by the Trump administration to rescind DACA therefore comes with serious pragmatic and ethical ramifications, impeding our medical community's efforts to develop a diverse and representative workforce committed to improving access to quality care for all patients.
Parenting in the Age of Preimplantation Gene Editing
Authors: Klipstein Sigal
Published: December 2017

Medical science at its core aims to preserve health and eliminate disease, but a common theme in scientific discovery is the application of findings in ways that were not the primary intent. The development of diagnostic modalities to predict the health of resulting children has been a fundamental aim underpinning research into prenatal and preimplantation diagnostic modalities; however, the knowledge gained has in some cases been utilized for nonmedical purposes. As an example, amniocentesis developed to determine whether the pregnancy is chromosomally normal also provides information about the sex of the fetus, which normally does not affect health. The emerging gene‐editing technologies that could be used to repair mutated disease‐causing genes in an embryo will presumably also be able to be used to alter traits unrelated to disease. And yet, I will argue, the desire to preserve the mystery of reproduction remains a central value in humans’ quest to reproduce. This yearning to maintain the mysteries will likely temper the development of strategies to alter our genome and affect the genetic identities of our offspring. In my experience as an obstetrician and reproductive endocrinology and infertility subspecialist, people want to have, not the best possible baby, but rather their own baby.
Bleeding complications in acute liver failure
Authors: Stravitz R. Todd , Ellerbe Caitlyn , Durkalski Valerie , Schilsky Michael , Fontana Robert J. , Peterseim Carolyn , Lee William M. ,   and the Acute Liver Failure Study Group
Published: December 2017

In patients with acute liver failure (ALF), elevated prothrombin time and thrombocytopenia can fuel a perception of a bleeding tendency. However, the incidence, site, risk factors, and clinical significance of bleeding complications have not been quantified in a large cohort of patients with ALF. We studied 1,770 adult patients enrolled in the ALF Study Group Registry between 1998 and 2016. Bleeding complications and blood component transfusions were collected for 7 days after admission. The relationship of bleeding complications to 21‐day mortality was assessed. Despite a median international normalized ratio of 2.7 and platelet count of 96 × 109/L on admission, bleeding complications were observed in only 187 patients (11%), including 173 spontaneous and 22 postprocedural bleeding episodes. Eighty‐four percent of spontaneous bleeding episodes were from an upper gastrointestinal source and rarely resulted in red blood cell transfusion. Twenty patients experienced an intracranial bleed; half of these occurred spontaneously and half after intracranial pressure monitor placement, and this was the proximate cause of death in 20% and 50%, respectively. Bleeders and patients who received red blood cell transfusions were more acutely ill from extrahepatic organ system failure but not from hepatocellular failure. Consistent with this observation, bleeding complications were associated with lower platelet counts but not higher international normalized ratio. Transfusion of any blood component was associated with nearly 2‐fold increased death or need for liver transplantation at day 21, but bleeding complications were the proximate cause of death in only 5% of cases. Conclusions. Despite a perceived bleeding diathesis, clinically significant bleeding is uncommon in patients with ALF; bleeding complications in patients with ALF are markers of severe systemic inflammation rather than of coagulopathy and so portend a poor prognosis. (Hepatology 2018;67:1931‐1942)
Synthetic lethality in DNA repair network: A novel avenue in targeted cancer therapy and combination therapeutics
Authors: Bhattacharjee Sonali , Nandi Saikat
Published: December 2017

Synthetic lethality refers to a lethal phenotype that results from the simultaneous disruptions of two genes, while the disruption of either gene alone is viable. Many DNA double strand break repair (DSBR) genes have synthetic lethal relationships with oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, which can be exploited for targeted cancer therapy, an approach referred to as combination therapy. DNA double‐strand breaks (DSBs) are one of the most toxic lesions to a cell and can be repaired by non‐homologous end joining (NHEJ) or homologous recombination (HR). HR and NHEJ genes are particularly attractive targets for cancer therapy because these genes have altered expression patterns in cancer cells when compared with normal cells and these genetic abnormalities can be targeted for selectively killing cancer cells. Here, we review recent advances in the development of small molecule inhibitors against HR and NHEJ genes to induce synthetic lethality and address the future directions and clinical relevance of this approach. © 2017 IUBMB Life, 69(12):929–937, 2017
Nucleinsäurechemiker tagten in Mainz
Authors: Helm Mark
Published: December 2017

Mitte September traf sich in Mainz zum achten Mal die Deutsche Nucleinsäurechemiegemeinschaft (DNG). Zirka 100 Teilnehmer besuchten die zweitägige Veranstaltung, auf der 15 eingeladene Sprecher Vorträge zu aktuellen Themen aus der Nucleinsäureforschung präsentierten. Außerdem gab es acht Kurzvorträge zu Postern. Erstmals verlieh die DNG einen Preis, der an Wolfgang Pfleiderer aus Konstanz ging.
Association between antipsychotics and adverse outcomes in dementia
Authors: Bangash Ayesha , Stubbs Rebecca , Khan Farooq , Samnani Sheliza , Aziz Humaira , Mitra Madhumanti
Published: December 2017

Prolonged use of antipsychotics continues to be a controversial subject area, especially in the older adult population due to age‐related changes in pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics parameters. Best practice guidelines recommends that they should be used at their lowest dosage for no longer than 6–12 weeks. Here, the authors discuss the prevalence of antipsychotic use to treat the behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia in the older adult population and the dilemma it poses.
Know how to handle challenges presented by animals on campus
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: December 2017

Like most colleges and universities, you've probably been seeing an increase in the number of service animals on campus and in the requests for emotional support animals in residence halls.
Students prioritize mental health but can't find resources, survey reveals
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: December 2017

Students don't know where to turn for resources on mental health, according to a study by the Born This Way Foundation, which was founded by Lady Gaga in 2012.
Benzoic Acid‐Promoted Intermolecular [3+2] Cycloaddition with Air as the Terminal Oxidant: General Approach toward Pyrrolo[2, 1‐a]isoquinolines
Authors: Zheng Kailu , Zhuang Shiyi , You Minqi , Shu Wenming , Wu Anxin , Wu Yandong
Published: December 2017

A novel benzoic acid‐promoted intermolecular 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition reaction has been developed for the one‐pot construction of biologically important pyrrolo[2, 1‐a]isoquinolines. This metal‐free reaction between dipolarophiles and in situ‐generated azomethine ylides avoids the pre‐preparation of N‐substituted substrates and allows for the efficient formation of one C−N bond and two C−C bonds.
Tandem Prins Spirocyclization for the Synthesis of 1,8‐Dioxaspiro[4.5]decane and 1,9‐Dioxaspiro[5.5]undecane Scaffolds
Authors: Kummari Vijaya Babu , Yadav Jhillu S. , Kankaraju Marumudi , Reddy Basi V. Subba
Published: December 2017

A domino Prins strategy has been developed for the synthesis of 1,8‐dioxaspiro[4.5]decane and 1,9‐dioxaspiro[5.5]undecane derivatives using TMSOTf under mild conditions in short reaction times. This method is applicable to a wide range of substrates and compatible with different substituents present on aromatic ring.
Quantitative Determination of the Carboxyl Groups on Individual Nanoparticles by Acid‐Base Titrimetry
Authors: Wen Cong‐Ying , Sun Jia‐Yi
Published: December 2017

Quantification of the active groups on nanoparticle surface greatly facilitates the downstream functionalization, which is essential for their application. Among the common active groups, carboxyl group is one of the most popular groups. Hence, we used an improved gravimetric method to obtain the accurate number of the nanoparticles and further determined the number of the carboxyl groups on individual nanoparticles with titrimetry. In this work, polymer nanoparticles with carboxyl groups on their surfaces were taken as a model to validate this determination. Firstly, by using the total weight of the nanoparticles divided by the weight of one nanoparticle, their number concentration was determined. The total weight was obtained by measuring the dry mass of the nanoparticles, and the unit weight was calculated by the volume of a single nanoparticle multiplied with its density, in which the volume was characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and the density was determined by isopycnic gradient centrifugation. Directly using the real density of nanoparticles achieved more accurate quantification than the current gravimetric method which used the density of their bulk material counterparts for calculation. Then, a back titration was used to determine the carboxyl groups: Certain amount of nanoparticles were first to react with excess NaOH standard solution, and after complete reaction, the residual NaOH were measured by titration with HCl standard solution, from which the amount of the carboxyl groups on individual nanoparticles could be calculated.
A Short Synthetic Route to Benzosultine‐sulfone using Rongalite and [2+2+2]‐Cyclotrimerization
Authors: Kotha Sambasivarao , Sreevani Gaddamedi
Published: December 2017

We report a simple and short synthetic sequence to prepare different dipropargyl sulfones using green reagent, rongalite. Later, dipropargyl sulfone has been used as a partner to prepare 4,5‐bis(bromomethyl)benzosulfone via [2+2+2]‐cyclotrimerization approach. Further, dipropargyl sulfone was used to synthesize benzosultine‐sulfone in two steps with an improved overall yield (20%) as compared to earlier routes (7% and 16%) and thus enhancing the synthetic efficiency of the target molecule.
One‐Pot Heck and Reduction: Application towards Efficient Synthesis of Flavans Promoted by Lewis Acid
Authors: Rana Nishu , Niharika Pedireddi , Kishore Dakoju Ravi , Satyanarayana Gedu
Published: December 2017

An effective two‐step process for the synthesis of functionalized flavans is presented. The proposed route comprises one‐pot method involving Heck reaction with allylic alcohols and 2‐iodophenols followed by reduction. These diols upon treatment with the Lewis acid mediated intramolecular cyclization, under mild reaction conditions, afforded the flavans.
Re: Outcome of monochorionic twin pregnancy with selective intrauterine growth restriction according to umbilical artery Doppler flow pattern of smaller twin: systematic review and meta‐analysis. D.Buca, G.Pagani, G.Rizzo, A.Familiari, M. E.Flacco, L.Manzoli, M.Liberati, F.Fanfani, G.Scambia and F.D'Antonio. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2017; 50: 559–568.
Authors: Lopriore E.
Published: December 2017

Linked Comment: Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2017; 50: 559–568
Completing the Series: New Coordination Networks of Composition 3∞[RE2(ADC)3(H2O)6]·2H2O with RE = Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Y and ADC2– = Acetylenedicarboxylate (–O2C–C≡C–CO2–)
Authors: Gramm Verena K. , Schuy Andrea , Suta Markus , Wickleder Claudia , Sternemann Christian , Ruschewitz Uwe
Published: December 2017

The crystal structures of 3∞[RE2(ADC)3(H2O)6]·2H2O (RE = Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Tb, Dy) were solved and refined from X‐ray single crystal data. They crystallize in a structure type already known for RE = La, Ce and Gd (P1, no. 2, Z = 2), which is characterized by REO9 polyhedra forming dimeric units being the nodes of a 3D framework structure linked by ADC2– anions (–O2C–C≡C–CO2– = acetylenedicarboxylate). From synchrotron powder diffraction data it was shown that isostructural coordination networks are formed for RE = Ho, Er, Y, whereas for RE = Tm, Yb, Lu a new structure type crystallizing in a highly complex crystal structure with a large orthorhombic unit cell is found. All compounds are obtained by slow evaporation of an aqueous solution containing RE(OAc)3·xH2O and acetylenedicarboxylic acid (H2ADC). The coordination networks of composition 3∞[RE2(ADC)3(H2O)6]·2H2O were thoroughly investigated by thermal analysis and for RE = Eu, Tb, a strong red and green photoluminescence was observed and investigated by means of UV/Vis spectroscopy.
Phase 1 and pharmacokinetic study of LY3007113, a p38 MAPK inhibitor, in patients with advanced cancer
Authors: Goldman Jonathan W. , Rosen Lee S. , Tolcher Anthony W. , Papadopoulos Kyriakos , Beeram Muralidhar , Shi Peipei , Pitou Celine , Bell Robert , Kulanthaivel Palaniappan , Zhang Xuekui , Fink Aaron , Chan Edward M. , Shahir Ashwin , Farrington Daphne , Patnaik Amita
Published: December 2017

Background The signaling protein p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) regulates the tumor cell microenvironment, modulating cell survival, migration, and invasion. This phase 1 study evaluated the safety of p38 MAPK inhibitor LY3007113 in patients with advanced cancer to establish a recommended phase 2 dose. Methods In part A (dose escalation), LY3007113 was administered orally every 12 h (Q12H) at doses ranging from 20 mg to 200 mg daily on a 28-day cycle until the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was reached. In part B (dose confirmation), patients received MTD. Safety, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and tumor response data were evaluated. Results MTD was 30 mg Q12H. The most frequent treatment-related adverse events (>10%) were tremor, rash, stomatitis, increased blood creatine phosphokinase, and fatigue. Grade ≥ 3 treatment-related adverse events included upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage and increased hepatic enzyme, both occurring at 40 mg Q12H and considered dose-limiting toxicities. LY3007113 exhibited an approximately dose-proportional increase in exposure and time-independent pharmacokinetics after repeated dosing. Maximal inhibition (80%) of primary biomarker MAPK-activated protein kinase 2 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells was not reached, and sustained minimal inhibition (60%) was not maintained for 6 h after dosing to achieve a biologically effective dose (BED). The best overall response in part B was stable disease in 3 of 27 patients. Conclusions The recommended phase 2 dosage of LY3007113 was 30 mg Q12H. Three patients continued treatment after the first radiographic assessment, and the BED was not achieved. Further clinical development of this compound is not planned as toxicity precluded achieving a biologically effective dose.
Disturbance disrupts the relation between community similarity and environmental distance at small spatial scale
Authors: Díaz Villanueva Verónica , Mariluan Gustavo , Albariño Ricardo
Published: December 2017

Aquatic invertebrate distribution within a fluvial network is affected both by dispersal capabilities of the species and changes in the environment along spatial gradients. Disturbance that affects part of the network may represent an abrupt change in environmental gradients, which should be reflected on its communities. We analysed whether the composition of benthic insect communities is associated to environmental and geographic distances in a small catchment, partially disturbed by a wildfire (non burned forest‐control: C, moderate impacted: I and burned zones: B). We postulated that changes in main resource availability differently affect certain functional feeding groups. We found that taxonomic differences were related to the disturbance condition but not to the distance among streams and that the effect of disturbance targeted mostly on shredders. Environmental differences were larger among C sites than among B sites, but community taxonomic composition was more similar among C than B sites. As a result, neither environmental nor geographic distances explained community similarity. When the analysis was scaled up by incorporating new data from a larger area, community similarity was explained both by environmental and geographic distance, independently (i.e. geographic and environmental distances did not correlate). Our results highlight the influence of a disturbance on the riparian vegetation on the benthic community composition and functional structure of forested streams, and showed the effect of scale in habitat association, as environmental and geographic distance together explained community similarity when the spatial scale was enlarged.