bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does team diversity really matter? The connection between networks, access to financial resources, and performance in the context of university spin-offs
Authors: Moog Petra , Soost Christian
Published: November 2020

University spin-offs (USOs) are an important driver for innovation, along with economic and social development. Hence, understanding which factors help them perform successfully is crucial, especially regarding their peculiarities in a scientific environment. This study focuses on essential factors such as team composition and diversity in USOs in the biotech sector in 64 founding teams in Switzerland and Germany. By identifying the team composition, and going beyond the usual team characteristics, along with checking in parallel for network and financing effects, the paper adds empirical evidence to the ongoing debate if and how team diversity in USOs affects the performance of this special group of newly founded firms. We test our hypotheses with the partial least squares method (PLS). Our results from the mediation model show how the diversity of teams is related to networks and financial resources and affects the performance. In addition, our study reveals the direct and indirect effects of team diversity on success in USOs. This way we contribute to the ongoing discussion on performance investigating the sources of team effects more in detail.
AI-based smart prediction of clinical disease using random forest classifier and Naive Bayes
Authors: Jackins V. , Vimal S. , Kaliappan M. , Lee Mi Young
Published: November 2020

Healthcare practices include collecting all kinds of patient data which would help the doctor correctly diagnose the health condition of the patient. These data could be simple symptoms observed by the subject, initial diagnosis by a physician or a detailed test result from a laboratory. Thus, these data are only utilized for analysis by a doctor who then ascertains the disease using his/her personal medical expertise. The artificial intelligence has been used with Naive Bayes classification and random forest classification algorithm to classify many disease datasets like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer to check whether the patient is affected by that disease or not. A performance analysis of the disease data for both algorithms is calculated and compared. The results of the simulations show the effectiveness of the classification techniques on a dataset, as well as the nature and complexity of the dataset used.
Network Trees: A Method for Recursively Partitioning Covariance Structures
Authors: Jones Payton J. , Mair Patrick , Simon Thorsten , Zeileis Achim
Published: November 2020

In many areas of psychology, correlation-based network approaches (i.e., psychometric networks) have become a popular tool. In this paper, we propose an approach that recursively splits the sample based on covariates in order to detect significant differences in the structure of the covariance or correlation matrix. Psychometric networks or other correlation-based models (e.g., factor models) can be subsequently estimated from the resultant splits. We adapt model-based recursive partitioning and conditional inference tree approaches for finding covariate splits in a recursive manner. The empirical power of these approaches is studied in several simulation conditions. Examples are given using real-life data from personality and clinical research.
CircPlant: An Integrated Tool for circRNA Detection and Functional Prediction in Plants
Authors: Zhang Peijing , Liu Yongjing , Chen Hongjun , Meng Xianwen , Xue Jitong , Chen Kunsong , Chen Ming
Published: November 2020

The recent discovery of circular RNAs (circRNAs) and characterization of their functional roles have opened a new avenue for understanding the biology of genomes. circRNAs have been implicated to play important roles in a variety of biological processes, but their precise functions remain largely elusive. Currently, a few approaches are available for novel circRNA prediction, but almost all these methods are intended for animal genomes. Considering that the major differences between the organization of plant and mammal genomes cannot be neglected, a plant-specific method is needed to enhance the validity of plant circRNA identification. In this study, we present CircPlant, an integrated tool for the exploration of plant circRNAs, potentially acting as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs), and their potential functions. With the incorporation of several unique plant-specific criteria, CircPlant can accurately detect plant circRNAs from high-throughput RNA-seq data. Based on comparison tests on simulated and real RNA-seq datasets from Arabidopsis thaliana and Oryza sativa, we show that CircPlant outperforms all evaluated competing tools in both accuracy and efficiency. CircPlant is freely available at http://bis.zju.edu.cn/circplant.
Paleo-Polyploidization in Lycophytes
Authors: Wang Jinpeng , Yu Jigao , Sun Pengchuan , Li Chao , Song Xiaoming , Lei Tianyu , Li Yuxian , Yuan Jiaqing , Sun Sangrong , Ding Hongling , Duan Xueqian , Shen Shaoqi , Shen Yanshuang , Li Jing , Meng Fanbo , Xie Yangqin , Wang Jianyu , Hou Yue , Zhang Jin , Zhang Xianchun , Li Xiu-Qing , Paterson Andrew H. , Wang Xiyin
Published: November 2020

Lycophytes and seed plants constitute the typical vascular plants. Lycophytes have been thought to have no paleo-polyploidization although the event is known to be critical for the fast expansion of seed plants. Here, genomic analyses including the homologous gene dot plot analysis detected multiple paleo-polyploidization events, with one occurring approximately 13–15 million years ago (MYA) and another about 125–142 MYA, during the evolution of the genome of Selaginella moellendorffii, a model lycophyte. In addition, comparative analysis of reconstructed ancestral genomes of lycophytes and angiosperms suggested that lycophytes were affected by more paleo-polyploidization events than seed plants. Results from the present genomic analyses indicate that paleo-polyploidization has contributed to the successful establishment of both lineages—lycophytes and seed plants—of vascular plants.
Composite reconstruction of arm, axilla and lateral chest wall defect following resection of extensive marjolin neoplasm with an antero-lateral thigh chimeric free flap: Case report and review of literature
Authors: Agarwal Amit , Pandey Neeraj , Mishra Abhijat , Mahendru Vihor
Published: November 2020

ABSTRACT

Background:

Marjolin's neoplasm is the most common secondary malignancy over long standing unstable burn-scar or non-healing chronic wound/ulcer. It is quite common over chest wall. Treatment of choice is radical resection and reconstruction even in advance cases to relieve patient from severe pain of cancer. Chest wall reconstruction imparts numerous challenges and extensive defects mandate the use of large micro-vascular free flaps. Selecting the most appropriate flap is important for better outcome.

Method:

A 45-year-old male presented with a large marjolin's neoplasm of the right lateral chest wall, developed over longstanding post electric-burn unstable scar and axillary contracture. After resection of tumour and release of contracture, resultant defect was 38 cm x 30 cm on right antero lateral and posterior aspect of chest wall and 23 cm x 10 cm defect on medial aspect of right arm and axilla with exposed brachial plexus and vessels, scapula and ribs. Reconstruction was done using left antero-lateral thigh chimeric free flap including rectus-femoris, vastus-lateralis and large fascio-cutaneous skin paddle in a single-stage procedure. The flap pedicle was anastomosed to right subclavian artery and vein. Postoperative period was uneventful with no significant deformity of the donor site.

Conclusion:

This case demonstrates one of the important options available for large chest wall reconstruction and shows the versatility of the Anterolateral thigh free flap as Chimeric flap. This chimeric flap ensured adequate skin cover, good bulk, provided an excellent operative position, produced little loss of donor site function and provided an acceptable cosmetic result.

Level of evidence:

Level 5, Case report + review of literature.

Highlights:
A GAMMA MOVING AVERAGE PROCESS FOR MODELLING DEPENDENCE ACROSS DEVELOPMENT YEARS IN RUN-OFF TRIANGLES
Authors: Nieto-Barajas Luis E. , Targino Rodrigo S.
Published: November 2020

We propose a stochastic model for claims reserving that captures dependence along development years within a single triangle. This dependence is based on a gamma process with a moving average form of order$p \ge 0$which is achieved through the use of poisson latent variables. We carry out Bayesian inference on model parameters and borrow strength across several triangles, coming from different lines of businesses or companies, through the use of hierarchical priors. We carry out a simulation study as well as a real data analysis. Results show that reserve estimates, for the real data set studied, are more accurate with our gamma dependence model as compared to the benchmark over-dispersed poisson that assumes independence.
MORTALITY FORECASTING WITH A SPATIALLY PENALIZED SMOOTHED VAR MODEL
Authors: Chang Le , Shi Yanlin
Published: November 2020

This paper investigates a high-dimensional vector-autoregressive (VAR) model in mortality modeling and forecasting. We propose an extension of the sparse VAR (SVAR) model fitted on the log-mortality improvements, which we name “spatially penalized smoothed VAR” (SSVAR). By adaptively penalizing the coefficients based on the distances between ages, SSVAR not only allows a flexible data-driven sparsity structure of the coefficient matrix but simultaneously ensures interpretable coefficients including cohort effects. Moreover, by incorporating the smoothness penalties, divergence in forecast mortality rates of neighboring ages is largely reduced, compared with the existing SVAR model. A novel estimation approach that uses the accelerated proximal gradient algorithm is proposed to solve SSVAR efficiently. Similarly, we propose estimating the precision matrix of the residuals using a spatially penalized graphical Lasso to further study the dependency structure of the residuals. Using the UK and France population data, we demonstrate that the SSVAR model consistently outperforms the famous Lee–Carter, Hyndman–Ullah, and two VAR-type models in forecasting accuracy. Finally, we discuss the extension of the SSVAR model to multi-population mortality forecasting with an illustrative example that demonstrates its superiority in forecasting over existing approaches.
“Flipped Learning” in Disaster Triage: Polarizing Medical Student Attainment?
Authors: Monaghan Anthony Mark , Hudson Jake , Alexopoulos Arion Romanos
Published: November 2020

“Flipped learning” has become increasingly popular in medical education as a means of developing independent learning skills in students. The article by Zheng at al. (2020) highlights the potential utility of this approach in disaster triage training. However, the article also highlights to us some concerns regarding how “flipped learning” may favor certain learners over others in the provision of disaster triage education. Specifically, the article demonstrates the necessity for increased preclassroom preparation when a “flipped classroom” model is used, which inevitably privileges those with a higher ability to engage with self-directed learning. Although such a skill is important to develop in medical education, we fear it may lead to polarized student attainment rather than ensuring a maximum number of students achieve the requisite standard required. More research is consequently needed to inform the most efficacious means of facilitating disaster triage training that supports all students sufficiently, while also helping to nurture their independent learning skills.
Reexamining Health-Care Coalitions in Light of COVID-19
Authors: Barnett Daniel J. , Knieser Lauren , Errett Nicole A. , Rosenblum Andrew J. , Seshamani Meena , Kirsch Thomas D.
Published: November 2020

The national response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has highlighted critical weaknesses in domestic health care and public health emergency preparedness, despite nearly 2 decades of federal funding for multiple programs designed to encourage cross-cutting collaboration in emergency response. Health-care coalitions (HCCs), which are funded through the Hospital Preparedness Program, were first piloted in 2007 and have been continuously funded nationwide since 2012 to support broad collaborations across public health, emergency management, emergency medical services, and the emergency response arms of the health-care system within a geographical area. This commentary provides a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis to summarize the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats related to the current HCC model against the backdrop of COVID-19. We close with concrete recommendations for better leveraging the HCC model for improved health-care system readiness. These include better evaluating the role of HCCs and their members (including the responsibility of the HCC to better communicate and align with other sectors), reconsidering the existing framework for HCC administration, increasing incentives for meaningful community participation in HCC preparedness, and supporting next-generation development of health-care preparedness systems for future pandemics.
Cover–biomass relationships of an invasive annual grass, Bromus rubens, in the Mojave Desert
Authors: Abella Scott R.
Published: November 2020

Estimates of plant biomass are helpful for many applications in invasive plant science and management, but measuring biomass can be time-consuming, costly, or impractical if destructive sampling is inappropriate. The objective of this study was to assess feasibility of developing regression equations using a fast, nondestructive measure (cover) to estimate aboveground biomass for red brome (Bromus rubens L.), a widespread nonnative annual grass in the Mojave Desert, USA. At three study sites, including one measured for three consecutive years, B. rubens cover spanned 0.1% to 85% and aboveground biomass 1 to 321 g m−2. In log10-transformed linear regressions, B. rubens cover accounted for 68% to 96% of the variance in B. rubens biomass among sites, with all coefficients of determination significant at P < 0.05. For every doubling of percent cover, biomass was predicted to increase by 78%, 83%, and 144% among the three sites. At the site measured for three consecutive years, which ranged in rainfall from 65% to 159% of the long-term average, regression slopes each year differed from other years. Regression results among sites were insensitive to using cover classes (10 classes encompassing 0% to 100% cover) compared with simulated random distribution of integer cover within classes. Biomass of B. rubens was amenable to estimation in the field using cover, and such estimates may have applications for modeling invasive annual plant fuel loads and ecosystem carbon storage.
Southern Song Freelance Painters (1127–1279): Commerce Between the Imperial Court and the Lin'an Art Market
Authors: Pang Huiping
Published: November 2020

This article makes visible the complex social position of a previously overlooked class of Southern Song artists: freelance painters, who worked for the imperial court on a temporary, as-needed basis, but who have been mischaracterized as permanent, official “court painters” by post-Song historiographers. Through an analysis of the careers of freelance painters such as Chen Qingbo and Li Dong, I posit a hybrid class of adjunct-artists, who made their livings by operating fan shops in the capital's streets but at times also contracted with the court. How did the emperor exploit contingent artists while simultaneously allowing market agents (guilds and brokers) to protect their benefits? How did the freelance painters increase their profits by developing entrepreneurial relations with the court and by competing with other freelancers in a fierce market? By exploring how the Southern Song court mobilized non-court painters through consensual contracts, this article differentiates freelancers from court painters, thereby dismantling long-held myths about the Southern Song painting academy.
Data Practices in Australian Early Childhood Programs for Children With Additional Needs
Authors: Kishida Yuriko , Carter Mark , Kemp Coral
Published: November 2020

Although the use of data is important for informing inclusive practice, research into Australian early childhood educators’ data practice is limited. Types of data collected in early childhood settings and the use of these data were investigated. Surveys completed by 105 early childhood educators across Australia indicated that anecdotal written records, photos, and children’s work samples were the predominant data collection strategies used for both children with and without additional needs. More educators reported that they collected counted or timed behaviour data for children with additional needs than for those without additional needs. One third of educators did not indicate that they collect this type of data. The majority of educators indicated that they value the use of data in their practice, reported that they use data for progress monitoring and modification of activities to meet the needs of individuals with additional needs, and perceived that they were confident in using the data collection strategies that they nominated. The data that these Australian early childhood educators used were predominantly qualitative, suggesting that training is needed for educators to collect and utilise both qualitative and quantitative data to assist with instructional decision-making.
Diet-induced obesity enhances postprandial glucagon-like peptide-1 secretion in Wistar rats, but not in diabetic Goto-Kakizaki rats
Authors: Pinyo Jukkrapong , Hara Hiroshi , Hira Tohru
Published: November 2020

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is postprandially secreted from enteroendocrine L-cells and enhances insulin secretion. Currently, it is still controversial whether postprandial GLP-1 responses are altered in obesity and diabetes. To address the issue and to find out possible factors related, we compared postprandial GLP-1 responses in normal rats and in diabetic rats chronically fed an obesogenic diet. Male Wistar rats and diabetic Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats were fed either a control diet or a high-fat/high-sucrose (HFS, 30 % fat and 40 % sucrose) diet for 26 weeks. Meal tolerance tests were performed for monitoring postprandial responses after a liquid diet administration (62·76 kJ/kg body weight) every 4 or 8 weeks. Postprandial glucose, GLP-1 and insulin responses in Wistar rats fed the HFS diet (WH) were higher than Wistar rats fed the control diet (WC). Although GK rats fed the HFS diet (GH) had higher glycaemic responses than GK rats fed the control diet (GC), these groups had similar postprandial GLP-1 and insulin responses throughout the study. Jejunal and ileal GLP-1 contents were increased by the HFS diet only in Wistar rats. Furthermore, mRNA expression levels of fatty acid receptors (Ffar1) in the jejunum were mildly (P = 0·053) increased by the HFS diet in Wistar rats, but not in GK rats. These results demonstrate that postprandial GLP-1 responses are enhanced under an obesogenic status in normal rats, but not in diabetic rats. Failure of adaptive enhancement of GLP-1 response in GK rats could be partly responsible for the development of glucose intolerance.
Effects of guanidinoacetic acid and coated folic acid supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestion and hepatic gene expression in Angus bulls
Authors: Liu Y. J. , Chen J. Z. , Wang D. H. , Wu M. J. , Zheng C. , Wu Z. Z. , Wang C. , Liu Q. , Zhang J. , Guo G. , Huo W. J.
Published: November 2020

To evaluate the impacts of guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) and coated folic acid (CFA) on growth performance, nutrient digestion and hepatic gene expression, fifty-two Angus bulls were assigned to four groups in a 2 × 2 factor experimental design. The CFA of 0 or 6 mg/kg dietary DM folic acid was supplemented in diets with GAA of 0 (GAA−) or 0·6 g/kg DM (GAA+), respectively. Average daily gain (ADG), feed efficiency and hepatic creatine concentration increased with GAA or CFA addition, and the increased magnitude of these parameters was greater for addition of CFA in GAA− diets than in GAA+ diets. Blood creatine concentration increased with GAA or CFA addition, and greater increase was observed when CFA was supplemented in GAA+ diets than in GAA− diets. DM intake was unchanged, but rumen total SCFA concentration and digestibilities of DM, crude protein, neutral-detergent fibre and acid-detergent fibre increased with the addition of GAA or CFA. Acetate:propionate ratio was unaffected by GAA, but increased for CFA addition. Increase in blood concentrations of albumin, total protein and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) was observed for GAA or CFA addition. Blood folate concentration was decreased by GAA, but increased with CFA addition. Hepatic expressions of IGF-1, phosphoinositide 3-kinase, protein kinase B, mammalian target of rapamycin and ribosomal protein S6 kinase increased with GAA or CFA addition. Results indicated that the combined supplementation of GAA and CFA could not cause ADG increase more when compared with GAA or CFA addition alone.
Safety and outcomes of percutaneous tracheostomy in coronavirus disease 2019 pneumonitis patients requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation
Authors: Takhar A , Tornari C , Amin N , Wyncoll D , Tricklebank S , Arora A , Ahmad I , Simo R , Surda P
Published: November 2020

Objectives

Tracheostomy for coronavirus disease 2019 pneumonitis patients requiring prolonged invasive mechanical ventilation remains a matter of debate. This study analysed the timing and outcomes of percutaneous tracheostomy, and reports our experience of a dedicated ENT–anaesthetics department led tracheostomy team.

Method

A prospective single-centre observational study was conducted of patients undergoing tracheostomy, who had been diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 pneumonitis, between 21st March and 20th May 2020.

Results

Eighty-one patients underwent tracheostomy after a median (interquartile range) of 16 (13–20) days of invasive mechanical ventilation. Median follow-up duration was 32 (23–40) days. Of patients, 86.7 per cent were successfully liberated from invasive mechanical ventilation in a median (interquartile range) of 12 (7–16) days. Moreover, 68.7 per cent were subsequently discharged from hospital. On univariate analysis, there was no difference in outcomes between early (before day 14) and late (day 14 or later) tracheostomy. The mortality rate was 8.6 per cent and no deaths were tracheostomy related.

Conclusion

Outcomes appear favourable when patients are carefully selected. Percutaneous tracheostomy performed via a multidisciplinary approach, with appropriate training, was safe and optimised healthcare resource utilisation.
Planning considerations prior to laryngectomy for a patient infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 pre-operatively
Authors: Coleman H , Tikka T , Okhovat S , Kang S K
Published: November 2020

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 was declared a pandemic on 11th March 2020. All non-urgent surgical procedures have been postponed indefinitely. The British Association of Head and Neck Oncology state that only those with treatable head and neck cancer unsuitable for alternative treatment should undergo surgery. This paper details our management of a patient who tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 days before curative surgery for laryngeal cancer.

Case report

By following British Association of Head and Neck Oncology guidance, a 49-year-old male scheduled for total laryngectomy and bilateral neck dissection for a T3 transglottic squamous cell cancer was pre-operatively identified as an asymptomatic carrier of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2. Following 14-day isolation and laboratory proven viral clearance, he underwent successful major surgery. He was managed throughout the peri- and post-operative phases without complications or adverse effects on staff.

Conclusion

With careful planning, previous coronavirus disease 2019 positive status should not prevent an individual from undergoing successful total laryngectomy and bilateral neck dissection in a safe and timely manner during the pandemic.
Energy mapping of the genetic code and genomic domains: implications for code evolution and molecular Darwinism
Authors: Klump Horst H. , Völker Jens , Breslauer Kenneth J.
Published: November 2020

When the iconic DNA genetic code is expressed in terms of energy differentials, one observes that information embedded in chemical sequences, including some biological outcomes, correlate with distinctive free energy profiles. Specifically, we find correlations between codon usage and codon free energy, suggestive of a thermodynamic selection for codon usage. We also find correlations between what are considered ancient amino acids and high codon free energy values. Such correlations may be reflective of the sequence-based genetic code fundamentally mapping as an energy code. In such a perspective, one can envision the genetic code as composed of interlocking thermodynamic cycles that allow codons to ‘evolve’ from each other through a series of sequential transitions and transversions, which are influenced by an energy landscape modulated by both thermodynamic and kinetic factors. As such, early evolution of the genetic code may have been driven, in part, by differential energetics, as opposed exclusively by the functionality of any gene product. In such a scenario, evolutionary pressures can, in part, derive from the optimization of biophysical properties (e.g. relative stabilities and relative rates), in addition to the classic perspective of being driven by a phenotypical adaptive advantage (natural selection). Such differential energy mapping of the genetic code, as well as larger genomic domains, may reflect an energetically resolved and evolved genomic landscape, consistent with a type of differential, energy-driven ‘molecular Darwinism’. It should not be surprising that evolution of the code was influenced by differential energetics, as thermodynamics is the most general and universal branch of science that operates over all time and length scales.
The development of constructions from the right edge: a multinomial regression analysis of clitic left and right dislocation in child French
Authors: JOURDAIN Morgane , LAHOUSSE Karen
Published: November 2020

The aim of the present research is to investigate the development of left and right dislocation in child French through a corpus study of three children until age 2;7 from the corpus of Lyon (Demuth & Tremblay, 2008). We extracted a total of 704 dislocations and analysed their syntactic properties. We show that (i) right dislocations are more frequent than left dislocations and (ii) left dislocations are significantly more complete than right dislocations (fewer omissions of verbs or pronouns). We compare these results to the hypothesis of Freudenthal, Pine, Jones & Gobet (2015, 2016) according to which some properties of child language can be explained by a learning mechanism from the right edge of the sentences from the input. We will show that this hypothesis can explain the general trend found in our data, but it is not sufficient to account for the entire development of dislocation in French.
Work and Play: Rolf Hochhuth's The Representative in Tel Aviv (1964)
Authors: ABELIOVICH RUTHIE
Published: November 2020

This paper probes into the 1964 Israeli performance of Rolf Hochhuth's controversial drama The Representative. Staged by Habima National Theatre under the direction of Avraham Ninio, the majority of the cast engaged in this production comprised European-born Jewish refugees and Holocaust survivors. In its cultural context, the theatrical image of Jewish refugees dressed in Nazi uniforms or, conversely, staging visual, gestural or aural markers of Auschwitz prisoners imbued the drama with political meanings, triggering a debate about agency and forms of social and material participation in the aftermath of calamity. Examining the subterranean world of artists and craftsmen and women whose labour is deliberately obscured from view, I argue that the work of theatre emerges as a creative and generative energy that filters from the staged fiction into the ‘real’ world.
Phillip Zarrilli's Knowledges: ‘About’, ‘In’, ‘For’
Authors: LOUKES REBECCA
Published: November 2020

There are recurring themes in Zarrilli's long career of writing about the processes of performance, and his most recent book (Toward) A Phenomenology of Acting (2020) brings together these concerns in what could be seen as a culmination of his life's work – dissolving the boundaries between the studio, the stage and the theorization of these processes. We could look briefly over the entirety of his written contribution to theatre research – from his meticulous studies of kalaripayattu and kathakali dance drama, to his groundbreaking edited collection Acting (Re)considered and the innovative co-authored Theatre Histories to his monograph Psychophysical Acting (which won the ATHE Outstanding Book of the Year Award), as well as numerous other reflections on training and performance.
A meta-analysis of the effects of treatments used to break dormancy in seeds of the megagenusAstragalus(Fabaceae)
Authors: Soltani Elias , Baskin Jerry M. , Baskin Carol C. , Benakashani Fatemeh
Published: November 2020

Astragalusis the largest genus of seed plants with 3000 or more species that occurs naturally on several continents. The genus has some use as a forage and medicine and in industry, and many of the species are rare endemics threatened with extinction. The seeds are reported to be dormant at maturity, and various treatments have been used in an attempt to germinate them. Our primary aim was to determineviaa meta-analysis the most effective way(s) to break dormancy in seeds of this species-rich genus. Mechanical and chemical (conc. sulphuric acid) scarification were by far the best of 12 treatments for breaking seed dormancy of the 40 species included in our meta-analysis, whereas prechilling, gibberellin and smoke were ineffective. These results along with those of imbibition tests confirm that seeds of the examinedAstragalusspecies have physical dormancy (PY). Further, PY in these 40 species and (its documented occurrence) in 118 species that could not be included in our meta-analysis transcends climatic and geographic boundaries, edaphic conditions, life cycle/life form types and infrageneric phylogeny. Thus, it seems likely that most species ofAstragalushave PY. However, in addition to PY, physiological dormancy (PD), that is, combinational dormancy (PY + PD), has been reported in a few species ofAstragalus. This study should be useful to both basic and applied scientists who want to germinate seeds ofAstragalus.
How best to describe the pharyngeal arch arteries when the fifth arch does not exist?
Authors: Anderson Robert H. , Bamforth Simon D. , Gupta Saurabh Kumar
Published: November 2020

In the accompanying article appearing in this issue of the Journal, Prabhu and his colleagues, from Bengalaru in India, describe their experience with patients having a right aortic arch. They discuss the fact that the anomalous arrangements they encountered can all be interpreted on the basis of the hypothetical double arch proposed by Edwards. They point to the fact that interpretation of the developmental changes underscoring the production of the double arch is currently confused by reference to the so-called Rathke diagram, in which six sets of arteries are shown extending through the mesenchyme of the pharyngeal arches. As the authors point out, Graham and his associates have now shown that the alleged fifth set of pharyngeal arches do not exist. Based on our own observations, we endorse this statement. It means that new explanations must now be provided for the lesions previously described on the basis of persistence of the alleged artery of the fifth pharyngeal arch. We have previously claimed to have observed such an artery in a human fetus. We now believe, on the basis of our latest findings, that our earlier observation is better explained on the basis of presence of a collateral channel. We suggest that the so-called “fifth arch arteries” are themselves then best explained either on the basis of existence of such collateral channels, or remodelling of the aortic sac, which is the manifold, during development, that gives rise to the pharyngeal arch arteries.
Delayed picture naming in the first and second language
Authors: Broos Wouter P. J. , Bencivenni Alice , Duyck Wouter , Hartsuiker Robert J.
Published: November 2020

Second language (L2) speakers produce speech more slowly than first language (L1) speakers. This may be due to a delay in lexical retrieval, but it is also possible that the delay is situated at later stages. This study used delayed picture naming to test whether late production stages (leading up to articulation) are slower in L2 than in L1. Dutch–English unbalanced bilinguals performed a regular and a delayed picture naming task in English and Dutch. Monolingual English controls performed these tasks in English. Speakers were slower when naming pictures in L2 during regular picture naming but not in delayed naming. Reaction time costs of using L2 did not vary with phonological complexity, but there was a larger L2 cost in accuracy with more complex words. We conclude that the very last stages prior to articulation are not significantly slower when bilinguals name pictures in their L2.
Alcohol consumption among students and its relationship with nutritional intake: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Hillesund Elisabet R , Øverby Nina C , Valen Erlend L , Engeset Dagrun
Published: November 2020

Objective:

Excessive alcohol consumption during reproductive years may impact the integrity of developing eggs and sperm, potentially affecting the life-long health of future children. Inadequate diets could aggravate these preconception effects of alcohol. The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence of excessive alcohol consumption and explore whether weekly alcohol intake is associated with energy and nutrient intake and adequacy of micronutrient intake among students.

Design:

Cross-sectional survey using a validated and reproducibility-tested FFQ.

Setting:

University of Agder, Norway, in 2018.

Participants:

622 students (71 % female).

Results:

More than 80 % reported having consumed alcoholic beverages the past 4 weeks. One-third of men and 13 % of women exceeded the upper recommended limit of 14 UK alcohol units/week. An inverse association between increasing alcohol intake and energy-adjusted micronutrient intake was evident for thiamine, phosphate, Fe, Zn and Se in men, and for vitamin A,β-carotene, vitamin E and C, thiamine, vitamin B6, folate, P, Mg, K, Fe, Zn and Cu in women. A substantial proportion had vitamin D, folate, Fe and I intakes below average requirement regardless of alcohol consumption level. The combination of prevalent alcohol use, decreasing micronutrient density of diet across alcohol consumption level and a high probability of micronutrient inadequacy indicate reason for concern in a preconception public health perspective.

Conclusions:

Our findings call for investigations into young adults’ knowledge, reflections and beliefs regarding diet and alcohol use to understand how these behaviours could be improved ahead of parenthood.
Models-As-Fables: An Alternative to the Standard Rationale for Using Formal Models in Political Science
Authors: Johnson James
Published: November 2020

Political scientists invoke the standard rationale to justify making and using formal models. It goes like this: (1) we rely on formal models to generate predictions, (2) we treat these predictions as empirical hypotheses, and (3) we seek to test these hypotheses against evidence derived from the “real world.” I show that this interpretation of formal models as directly empirical is inadequate just insofar as it fails to capture the way we actually use them. I then offer an alternative rationale for making and using formal models. Specifically, I argue that we use models, like we use fables, for conceptual purposes.
Effects of fall bearing-year glufosinate applications, spring nonbearing-year glufosinate applications, and spring nonbearing-year foramsulfuron applications on hair fescue (Festuca filiformis) in lowbush blueberry
Authors: White Scott N. , Zhang Linshan
Published: November 2020

Hair fescue is a common perennial grass that reduces yields in lowbush blueberry fields. This grass is suppressed with nonbearing-year foramsulfuron applications, though suppression may be improved through use of sequential glufosinate and foramsulfuron applications. The objective of this research was to determine the main and interactive effects of fall bearing-year glufosinate applications, spring nonbearing-year glufosinate applications, and spring nonbearing-year foramsulfuron applications on hair fescue. The experiment was a 2 by 2 by 2 factorial arrangement of fall bearing-year glufosinate application (0, 750 g ai ha–1), spring nonbearing-year glufosinate application (0, 750 g ai ha–1), and spring nonbearing-year foramsulfuron application (0, 35 g ai ha–1) arranged in a randomized complete block design at lowbush blueberry fields located in Parrsboro and Portapique, NS, Canada. Fall bearing-year glufosinate applications, spring nonbearing-year glufosinate applications, and spring nonbearing-year foramsulfuron applications alone provided inconsistent hair fescue suppression. Fall bearing-year glufosinate applications followed by spring nonbearing-year foramsulfuron applications, however, reduced nonbearing-year total tuft density, flowering-tuft density, and flowering-tuft inflorescence number at each site and reduced seed production at Portapique. Sequential fall bearing-year and spring nonbearing-year glufosinate applications or sequential spring nonbearing-year glufosinate and foramsulfuron applications reduced flowering-tuft density and flowering-tuft inflorescence number at each site but did not consistently reduce total tuft density. Sequential herbicide treatments reduced bearing-year seedling density and may therefore contribute to hair fescue seed bank management in lowbush blueberry.
Tribalism in America: Behavioral Experiments on Affective Polarization in the Trump Era
Authors: Whitt Sam , Yanus Alixandra B. , McDonald Brian , Graeber John , Setzler Mark , Ballingrud Gordon , Kifer Martin
Published: November 2020

Our research speaks to the ongoing debate over the extent and severity of partisan political divisions in American society. We employ behavioral experiments to probe for affective polarization using dictator, trust, and public goods games with party identification treatments. We find that subjects who identify politically with the Democratic or Republican Party and ideologically as liberals and conservatives display stronger affective biases than politically unaffiliated and ideological moderates. Partisan subjects are less altruistic, less trusting, and less likely to contribute to a mutually beneficial public good when paired with members of the opposing party. Compared to other behavioral studies, our research suggests increasing levels of affective polarization in the way Americans relate to one another politically, bordering on the entrenched divisions one commonly sees in conflict or post-conflict societies. To overcome affective polarization, our research points to inter-group contact as a mechanism for increasing trust and bridging political divides.
Die ablative Radioiodtherapie des differenzierten Schilddrüsenkarzinoms
Authors: Rottenburger Christof , Lutz Thomas
Published: November 2020

Zusammenfassung. In der Behandlung des differenzierten Schilddrüsenkarzinoms kommt der ablativen Radioiodtherapie nach korrekter Indikationsstellung und erfolgter, totaler Thyreoidektomie eine Schlüsselrolle in der kurativen Therapie zu. Der Nutzen reicht hierbei von der Komplettierung des initialen Staging anhand der posttherapeutischen Ganzkörperszintigraphie über die Optimierung der Aussagekraft der Thyreoglobulinmessung und der Anwendbarkeit einer dynamischen Risikostratifizierung in der Nachsorge bis hin zur Senkung der Rezidivrate und der Mortalität der Tumorerkrankung. In diesem Artikel werden die Zielsetzung, Indikationen, Nebenwirkungen sowie Besonderheiten in Vorbereitung und Durchführung der ablativen Radioiodtherapie erläutert.
Nebennierentumore
Authors: Rosenberg Robert , Köberle Roswitha , Becker Pauline Maja , Meienberg Fabian
Published: November 2020

Zusammenfassung. Die Entität «Nebennierentumor» umfasst gutartige und bösartige raumfordernde Läsionen der Nebenniere. Diese können primär von der Nebenniere ausgehen oder einen extra-adrenalen Ursprung haben (adrenale Metastasen). Mit der verbreiteten Anwendung von radiologischer Bilddiagnostik werden Nebennierentumore zunehmend als sogenannte ’Inzidentalome’ detektiert. Bei allen Nebennierentumoren stellen sich primär die Fragen nach potenzieller Malignität und Hormonaktivität. Zur Beurteilung der Dignität werden spezifische bildgebende Kriterien hinzugezogen (’imaging phenotype’). Die Evaluation hinsichtlich hormoneller Aktivität basiert neben der klinischen Beurteilung auf dem Einsatz von ausgewählten Laboruntersuchungen. In der Bildgebung klar gutartige, homoninaktive Tumoren mit einem Durchmesser von < 4 cm bedürfen keiner Therapie. Bei suggestiven Malignitätszeichen liegt eine eindeutige Indikation zur Adrenalektomie bzw. zur weiteren diagnostischen Aufarbeitung vor. Auch hormonaktive Tumoren stellen grundsätzlich eine Operationsindikation dar; beim Aldosteron-sezernierenden und beim Cortisol-sezernierenden Adenom mit nur mildem Cushing-Syndrom ist diese aber individuell zu diskutieren. In Situationen, die hinsichtlich Malignität oder Hormonaktivität nicht konklusiv beurteilt werden können, oder bei grösseren Tumoren (> 4 cm) muss das weitere Vorgehen ebenfalls individuell festgelegt werden. Nebennierentumore < 6 cm und ohne Organüberschreitung können minimalinvasiv operiert werden. Möglich sind ein transabdominal-laparoskopisches und ein retroperitoneoskopisches Vorgehen; die Behandlungsqualität ist von der Erfahrung des Chirurgen abhängig. Idealerweise erfolgt die diagnostische Aufarbeitung von Nebennierentumoren und das Festlegen des weiteren Prozederes in einem interdisziplinären Rahmen.
Collision of Shaped Boulders With Sand Substrate Investigated by Experimental, Stochastic, and Discrete Approaches
Authors: Garcia B. , Richefeu V. , Baroth J. , Daudon D. , Villard P.
Published: November 2020

This paper focuses on experimental and numerical studies aiming to better characterize the rebound kinematics between a natural soil and rock boulders using single‐block collision models. The variability of the dissipative parameters needed to reproduce the experimental results was studied considering two different approaches: stochastic transfer matrix and discrete element model (DEM). An experimental process taking into account all possible variables related to the collision was setup for small‐scale tests involving cylindrical and triangular boulders that introduces natural variability during impact. The objective of the experimental tests is to identify the relationship between incident and reflected velocities (before and after impact, respectively), in order to improve the predictability of the two numerical proposed approaches. The experimental results help to quantify the amount of energy losses during impacts and thus expands the knowledge to reproduce more realistic rockfall events. This work is divided in three main axes: (i) statistical analysis of experimental trajectories based on experimental tests; (ii) stochastic approach predicting in a simple way from initial velocities the kinematic of blocks after rebounds; and (iii) calibration of a discrete element model including probabilistic analysis based on Monte Carlo approach. This way, the two collision approaches presented in this work are able to predict rebounds in terms of averages, standard deviations, and distributions.
A Promising Development for Detecting Ocean Productivity
Authors: Cook Terri
Published: November 2020

A comparison of primary productivity measurements across the North Pacific Ocean demonstrates the potential for using autonomous instruments to discern effects of climate change on the marine food web.
Integrating Magnetotelluric and Seismic Images of Silicic Magma Systems: A Case Study From the Laguna del Maule Volcanic Field, Central Chile
Authors: Cordell Darcy , Unsworth Martyn J. , Lee Benjamin , Díaz Daniel , Bennington Ninfa L. , Thurber Clifford H.
Published: November 2020

Imaging silicic systems using geophysics is challenging because many interrelated factors (e.g., temperature, melt fraction, melt composition, geometry) can contribute to the measured geophysical anomaly. Joint interpretation of models from multiple geophysical methods can better constrain interpretations of the subsurface structure. Previously published resistivity and shear wave velocity (Vs) models, derived separately from magnetotelluric (MT) and surface wave seismic data, respectively, have been used to model the restless Laguna del Maule Volcanic Field, central Chile. The Vs model contains a 450 km3 low‐velocity zone (LVZ) interpreted as a region with an average melt fraction of 5–6%. The resistivity model contains a conductor (C3) interpreted as a region with a melt fraction >35%. The spatial extents of the LVZ and C3 overlap, but the geometries and interpretations of these features are different. To resolve these discrepancies, this study investigates the resolution of the MT data using hypothesis testing and constrained MT inversions. It is shown that the MT data are best fit with discrete conductors embedded within the larger LVZ. The differences between the MT and seismic models reflect resolution differences between the two data sets as well as varying sensitivities to physical properties. The MT data are sensitive to smaller volumes of extractable mush that contain well‐connected crystal‐poor melt (C3). The seismic data have lower spatial resolution but image the full extent of the poorly connected crystal‐rich magma storage system. The combined images suggest that the LdMVF magma plumbing system is thermally heterogeneous with coexisting zones of warm and cold storage.