bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Yeast Sporulation Efficiency, Spore Viability, and Meiotic Recombination on Solid Medium
Authors: Börner G. Valentin , Cha Rita S.
Published: November 2015

Under conditions of nutrient deprivation, yeast cells initiate a differentiation program in which meiosis is induced and spores are formed. During meiosis, one round of genome duplication is followed by two rounds of chromosome segregation (meiosis I and meiosis II) to generate four haploid nuclei. Meiotic recombination occurs during prophase I. During sporogenesis, each nucleus becomes surrounded by an individual spore wall, and all four haploid spores become contained as a tetrad within an ascus. Important insights into the meiotic function(s) of a gene of interest can be gained by observing the effects of gene mutations on spore viability and viability patterns among tetrads. Moreover, recombination frequencies among viable spores can reveal potential involvement of the gene during meiotic exchange between homologous chromosomes. Here, we describe methods for inducing spore formation on solid medium, determining spore viability, and measuring, via tetrad analysis, frequencies of crossing over and gene conversion as indicators of meiotic chromosome exchange.
Healthcare service quality: what really matters to the female patient?
Authors: Shafei Ingy , Walburg Jan Auke , Taher Ahmed F.
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to develop a model that encompasses the constructs and sub-constructs consumers use in evaluating healthcare service quality (HSQ) in Egypt.

Design/methodology/approach

– Factor analysis was performed on 40 variables to identify the constructs. Ordinal logistic regression was also used to identify the sub-constructs and examine the effect of each sub-construct on patients’ overall perception of service quality.

Findings

– Factor analysis confirmed an eight-construct framework: hospital premises and employees; doctor medical service; nursing medical service; diagnostic medical service; admission; discharge; rooms and housekeeping; and meals. Ordinal logistic regression established 17 sub-constructs – physician reliability; physician assurance; physician interaction; physician’s competence; nursing tangibles; nursing reliability; nursing assurance; nursing interaction; nursing responsiveness; diagnostic service competence; diagnostic service reliability; hospital premises and employees tangibles; admission responsiveness; admission knowledge and courtesy; meals tangibles; rooms tangibles and housekeeping courtesy; and discharge knowledge and courtesy – that have significant effect on HSQ. Some sub-constructs had a significantly greater impact on overall perception of service quality than others.

Practical implications

– Healthcare providers will be able to pinpoint areas of service quality shortfall and better satisfy their patients. This will ultimately lead to repeat patronage and positive recommendation behavior.

Originality/value

– The model is the first comprehensive model in the Middle East that takes into account all constructs and sub-constructs patients use for evaluation of HSQ.
What explains the change in a firm’s idiosyncratic volatility after a dividend initiation?
Authors: Desai Chintal A. , Nguyen Khoa H
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to identify three (maturity, agency, and information) effects that help explain the change in idiosyncratic volatility after a firm initiates a dividend.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper uses a cross-sectional analysis where the standard errors are adjusted for heteroskedasticity. As for robustness check, the authors perform two-stage analysis to control for potential self-selection bias. The authors also control for 2003 Dividend Tax Cut effect, matching-firm volatility, and confounding events.

Findings

– Using a sample of 688 dividend-initiating firms for a period of 1977 to 2010, the authors find evidence consistent with the hypotheses based on the maturity, agency, and information effects. The volatility changes upon the dividend initiation can be reliably explained by the changes in profit volatility and free cash flow per total assets, and whether the firm consummated a stock split prior to the dividend initiation. The information effect is also found to be economically significant.

Originality/value

– By studying a firm’s decision to initiate a dividend and its impact on the change in its volatility, the research helps contribute to the payout policy and volatility literatures.
Dual-class firms and governance: an acquisition perspective
Authors: Hossain Ashrafee Tanvir
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of governance quality on firms with multiple voting structures.

Design/methodology/approach

– The sample includes 487 acquisitions undertaken by dual-class firms from 1996 to 2009. The author used event studies (Patell, 1976) for short-term performance analysis around merger announcement dates; Berkovitch and Narayanan (1993) methods to identify the motive behind these transactions; and standard benchmark adjusted return on assets (and return on sales) (Barber and Lyon, 1996) and BHAR (Mitchell and Stafford, 2000) to analyze long-term post-acquisition performance.

Findings

– First, dual-class acquirers with better governance quality show stronger performance around takeovers which indicates that these firms make better acquisition decisions. These results hold even after controlling for different firm and deal characteristics. Second, transactions undertaken by acquirers with good governance show little or no sign of agency motive. This reinforces the findings in first. Third, the author reports that acquirers with above-median governance quality display stronger long-term post-acquisition operating as well as stock performances. These results are robust to different benchmarks used for this study.

Originality/value

– This paper expands the literature on dual-class firms by showing the impact of governance quality on acquisition activities undertaken by these firms. This is the first study to show that despite agency issues inherent in the dual-class structure, improving governance quality would have a positive impact, at least in the case of corporate takeovers.
Behavioral finance: insights from experiments II: biases, moods and emotions
Authors: Duxbury Darren
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this second of two companion papers is to further review the insights provided by experimental studies examining financial decisions and market behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

– Focus is directed on those studies examining explicitly, or with direct implications for, the most robustly identified phenomena or stylized facts observed in behavioral finance. The themes for this second paper are biases, moods and emotions.

Findings

– Experiments complement the findings from empirical studies in behavioral finance by avoiding some of the limitations or assumptions implicit in such studies.

Originality/value

– The author synthesizes the valuable contribution made by experimental studies in extending the knowledge of how biases, moods and emotions influence the financial behavior of individuals, highlighting the role of experimental studies in policy design and intervention.
Saccharomyces eubayanus and Saccharomyces arboricola reside in North Island native New Zealand forests
Authors: Gayevskiy Velimir , Goddard Matthew R.
Published: November 2015

Saccharomyces is one of the best‐studied microbial genera, but our understanding of the global distributions and evolutionary histories of its members is relatively poor. Recent studies have altered our view of Saccharomyces’ origin, but a lack of sampling from the vast majority of the world precludes a holistic perspective. We evaluate alternate Gondwanan and Far East Asian hypotheses concerning the origin of these yeasts. Being part of Gondwana, and only colonized by humans in the last ∼1000 years, New Zealand represents a unique environment for testing these ideas. Genotyping and ribosomal sequencing of samples from North Island native forest parks identified a widespread population of Saccharomyces. Whole genome sequencing identified the presence of S. arboricola and S. eubayanus in New Zealand, which is the first report of S. arboricola outside Far East Asia, and also expands S. eubayanus’ known distribution to include the Oceanic region. Phylogenomic approaches place the S. arboricola population as significantly diverged from the only other sequenced Chinese isolate but indicate that S. eubayanus might be a recent migrant from South America. These data tend to support the Far East Asian origin of the Saccharomyces, but the history of this group is still far from clear.
George Weekes: Rogue Missionary to New England Indians, 1731–1755
Authors: Eden Jason
Published: November 2015

During the mid‐1700s, an uneducated layman named George Weekes began preaching to Native Americans in the town of Harwich, Massachusetts. Weekes’ missionary activity triggered a passionate response from Nathaniel Stone, the local minister, and inaugurated a debate regarding ministerial qualifications within the community. Scholars who study English missionary activity in colonial New England tend to focus upon the careers of trained clergy, such as John Eliot or Josiah Cotton. Other individuals, who possessed questionable moral character and little education, also preached to New England Indians, however. In this instance, the career of George Weekes, a rogue missionary, reveals that contact with Native Americans could shape ecclesiastical life in colonial Massachusetts. It also suggests that Native Americans encountered popular, as well as elite, English religious culture when they interacted with English missionaries in early New England.
Withdrawal of Parental Responsibility: Lost Authority and a Lost Opportunity
Authors: Gilmore Stephen
Published: November 2015

This comment examines Re D (Withdrawal of Parental Responsibility), the first reported Court of Appeal decision on withdrawal of parental responsibility pursuant to section 4(2A) of the Children Act 1989. It demonstrates that the Court overlooked earlier Court of Appeal authority, resulting in tension in the Court's guidance. The comment criticises the Court of Appeal's characterisation of parental responsibility as entirely child‐centred and its uncritical acceptance that the child's welfare is the paramount consideration in applications for withdrawal of parental responsibility. It argues that such an approach may not adequately respect the parent's interests in retaining parental responsibility, especially in the context of an order which is more draconian in effect than a care order. The impact upon applications for removal of parental responsibility of the new presumption of parental involvement, which was implemented shortly after the decision in Re D, is also considered.
Impacts of Milk Fraud on Food Safety and Nutrition with Special Emphasis on Developing Countries
Authors: Handford Caroline E. , Campbell Katrina , Elliott Christopher T.
Published: November 2015

Milk in its natural form has a high food value, since it is comprised of a wide variety of nutrients which are essential for proper growth and maintenance of the human body. In recent decades, there has been an upsurge in milk consumption worldwide, especially in developing countries, and it is now forming a significant part of the diet for a high proportion of the global population. As a result of the increased demand, in addition to the growth in competition in the dairy market and the increasing complexity of the supply chain, some unscrupulous producers are indulging in milk fraud. This malpractice has become a common problem in the developing countries, which lack strict vigilance by food safety authorities. Milk is often subjected to fraud (by means of adulteration) for financial gain, but it can also be adulterated due to ill‐informed attempts to improve hygiene conditions. Water is the most common adulterant used, which decreases the nutritional value of milk. If the water is contaminated, for example, with chemicals or pathogens, this poses a serious health risk for consumers. To the diluted milk, inferior cheaper materials may be added such as reconstituted milk powder, urea, and cane sugar, even more hazardous chemicals including melamine, formalin, caustic soda, and detergents. These additions have the potential to cause serious health‐related problems. This review aims to investigate the impacts of milk fraud on nutrition and food safety, and it points out the potential adverse human health effects associated with the consumption of adulterated milk.
Pulmonary Cement Embolism After Kyphoplasty
Authors: Focardi Martina , Bonelli Aurelio , Pinchi Vilma , De Luca Federica , Norelli Gian‐Aristide
Published: November 2015

Pulmonary polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) cement embolism after kyphoplasty (KP) surgery is a quite frequent event as well as the pulmonary embolization of central venous catheter fragment. This report shows the case of a subject who, after KP, developed pulmonary embolism and who underwent thoracic surgery. After hospital discharge, the subject advanced a claim for damages toward the hospital where he was operated, complaining sensation of tenderness at the chest surgical scar and esthetic damage. To understand the nature of the embolism (either central venous catheter fragment or cement), chemical investigations were then ordered. Spectrometry identified the PMMA cement used for KP. When doubts rise about the origin of the embolized material, chemical investigations may reveal important data not only for clinical but also for forensic purposes.
Determination of Fracture Patterns in Glass and Glassy Polymers,
Authors: Baca Allison C. , Thornton John I. , Tulleners Frederic A.
Published: November 2015

The study of fractures of glass, glassy‐type materials, and plastic has long been of interest to the forensic community. The focus of this interest has been the use of glass and polymer fractures to associate items of evidence under the assumption that each fracture is different. Generally, it is well‐accepted that deviations exist; however, the emphasis has been on classifying and predicting fracture rather than determining that each fracture is different. This study documented the controlled fracture patterns of 60 glass panes, 60 glass bottles, and 60 plastic tail light lens covers using both dynamic impact and static pressure methods under closely controlled conditions. Each pattern was intercompared, and based on the limited specimens tested in this study, the results illustrate that the fracture patterns are different. Further repetitive studies, under controlled conditions, will be needed to provide more statistical significance to the theory that each fracture forms a nonreproducible fracture pattern.
Who are the Unclaimed Dead?
Authors: Quinet Kenna , Nunn Samuel , Ballew Alfarena
Published: November 2015

Unclaimed dead are deceased persons with no known next of kin (NoK) or NoK was located but did not claim the deceased. Unclaimed dead in Marion County, Indiana, 2004–2011, are examined. Comparisons are provided of the unclaimed to the claimed dead population and county death patterns. Race, gender, marital status, age, location, manner and cause of death, NoK, and days to disposition are analyzed. The unclaimed dead were disproportionately male, slightly more likely to be Black, younger at death, died from natural causes, had unknown marital status, were equally likely as not to have NoK, did not die in a hospital, and were subject to autopsy. Nearly half the unclaimed had NoK who did not claim the body; the other half had no identifiable NoK. Unclaimed were more likely to have an autopsy and to die from external causes. Most unclaimed were identified by means outside fingerprints or DNA.
Stable isotope analysis of diet confirms niche separation of two sympatric species of Namib Desert lizard
Authors: MURRAY Ian W. , LEASE Hilary M. , HETEM Robyn S. , MITCHELL Duncan , FULLER Andrea , WOODBORNE Stephan
Published: November 2015

We used stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen to study the trophic niche of two species of insectivorous lizards, the Husab sand lizardPedioplanis husabensisand Bradfield's Namib day gecko living sympatrically in the Namib Desert. We measured theδ13C andδ15N ratios in lizard blood tissues with different turnover times (whole blood, red blood cells and plasma) to investigate lizard diet in different seasons. We also measured theδ13C andδ15N ratios in available arthropod prey and plant tissues on the site, to identify the avenues of nutrient movement between lizards and their prey. Through the use of stable isotope mixing models, we found that the two lizard species relied on a largely non‐overlapping but seasonally variable array of arthropods:P. husabensisprimarily fed on termites, beetles and wasps, whileR. bradfieldifed mainly on ants, wasps and hemipterans. Nutrients originating from C3plants were proportionally higher forR. bradfieldithan forP. husabensisduring autumn and late autumn/early winter, although not summer. Contrary to the few available data estimating the trophic transfer of nutrients in ectotherms in mixed C3and C4/crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) plant landscapes, we found that our lizard species primarily acquired nutrients that originated from C4/CAM plants. This work adds an important dimension to the general lack of studies using stable isotope analyses to estimate lizard niche partitioning and resource use.
Visual landmark‐directed scatter‐hoarding of Siberian chipmunks Tamias sibiricus
Authors: ZHANG Dongyuan , LI Jia , WANG Zhenyu , YI Xianfeng
Published: November 2015

Spatial memory of cached food items plays an important role in cache recovery by scatter‐hoarding animals. However, whether scatter‐hoarding animals intentionally select cache sites with respect to visual landmarks in the environment and then rely on them to recover their cached seeds for later use has not been extensively explored. Furthermore, there is a lack of evidence on whether there are sex differences in visual landmark‐based food‐hoarding behaviors in small rodents even though male and female animals exhibit different spatial abilities. In the present study, we used a scatter‐hoarding animal, the Siberian chipmunk, Tamias sibiricus to explore these questions in semi‐natural enclosures. Our results showed that T. sibiricus preferred to establish caches in the shallow pits labeled with visual landmarks (branches of Pinus sylvestris, leaves of Athyrium brevifrons and PVC tubes). In addition, visual landmarks of P. sylvestris facilitated cache recovery by T. sibiricus. We also found significant sex differences in visual landmark‐based food‐hoarding strategies in Siberian chipmunks. Males, rather than females, chipmunks tended to establish their caches with respect to the visual landmarks. Our studies show that T. sibiricus rely on visual landmarks to establish and recover their caches, and that sex differences exist in visual landmark‐based food hoarding in Siberian chipmunks.
Prevalence Analysis and Molecular Characterization of Salmonella at Different Processing Steps in Broiler Slaughter Plants in South Korea
Authors: Park Hyun‐Jung , Chon Jung‐Whan , Lim Jong‐Soo , Seo Kun‐Ho , Kim Young‐Jo , Heo Eun‐Jeong , Wee Sung‐Hwan , Sung Kidon , Moon Jin‐San
Published: November 2015

In this study, changes in the prevalence of Salmonella during the processing of broiler chicken carcasses were investigated. A total of 1040 fecal swabs and chicken carcasses samples were collected from 2 processing plants at the 4 stages of broiler processing, which included live birds in slaughter line, postevisceration/prewashing, postwashing/prechilling, and postchilling, respectively. The intraspecific biodiversity of the Salmonella isolates was determined using a DiversiLab automated repetitive sequence‐based PCR (rep‐PCR) system. In both plants, the prevalence of Salmonella increased considerably after evisceration (from 4.6% to 30.8%, P < 0.05) and decreased after washing (from 30.8% to 25.4%, P < 0.05). However, the chilling step had little effect on Salmonella prevalence (from 25.4% to 22.7%, P > 0.05). The most frequent Salmonella serovar in plant A was Infantis (35.8%), followed by Enteritidis (26.2%) and Montevideo (15.0%), while Montevideo (43.6%) and Enteritidis (35.9%) were most prevalent in plant B. A difference in the rep‐PCR banding pattern was found to be related to the processing plant origin and serovar rather than sampling point or sampling day, although there were some exceptional strains.
Stability of Silica‐ and Enzyme‐Treated Palm Oil Under Deep Frying Conditions
Authors: Karim Nur Azwani Ab , Noor Ahmadilfitri Md , Lee Yee‐Ying , Lai Oi‐Ming
Published: November 2015

The oxidative and thermal stability of low diglycerides palm oil produced via silica treatment (sPO) and enzymatic treatment (ePO) compared with standard quality palm oil (SQ) and premium quality palm oil (PQ) was investigated. Both of the oils displayed better oxidative stability compared with SQ as well as significantly higher (P < 0.05) thermal resistance and oxidative strength than SQ and PQ due to lower amounts of partial glycerides. Although the initial induction periods (IPs) of sPO and ePO were significantly lower compared with SQ and PQ, both the oils showed slower drops in their IP values. The darkening effect after frying was significantly (P < 0.05) slower in sPO compared with SQ, PQ, and ePO. Besides, there is no difference p > 0.05 in the rate of FFA formation between sPO and PQ. The anisidine value and peroxide values were lowest in sPO, followed by ePO, PQ, and SQ.
Chocolate Milk with Chia Oil: Ideal Sweetness, Sweeteners Equivalence, and Dynamic Sensory Evaluation Using a Time‐Intensity Methodology
Authors: Rodrigues J.B , Paixão J.A. , Cruz A.G. , Bolini H.M.A.
Published: November 2015

The ideal sucrose concentration and equivalent concentrations of the stevia, sucralose, aspartame, and neotame in chocolate milk with chia oil as well as the dynamic behavior of certain sensory attributes were investigated using a time‐intensity methodology. The use of just‐about‐right (JAR) identified an ideal sucrose concentration of 9% (w/w). In addition, the magnitude estimation method showed that stevia had the lowest sweetness power whereas neotame presented the highest. Furthermore, the time‐intensity analysis indicated that there was no significant change between the maximum intensities of the sweetness for any evaluated sweeteners. In general, the desired sensory profile and some economic considerations are decisive on the choice of which sweetener is better to be used in chocolate milk formulation added with chia oil.
Differences in central and non‐central keratoconus, and their effect on the objective screening thresholds for keratoconus
Authors: Prakash Gaurav , Srivastava Dhruv , Choudhuri Sounak , Thirumalai Sandeep Mark , Bacero Ruthchel
Published: November 2015

Purpose

To evaluate the differences in central and non‐central keratoconus (based on cone location), and their effect on the objective screening thresholds for keratoconus.

Methods

This comparative case series was performed at tertiary care cornea and refractive surgery service. Three groups were made: KC apex within central 2 mm (central keratoconus, n = 50), apex outside central 2mm (non‐central keratoconus, n = 50) and normal controls (n = 100, with 50 cases each with apex within and outside central 2 mm). All cases underwent clinical evaluation and corneal topography (CSO, Sirius, Italy). Apex keratometry (ApexK), simulated keratometry at 3 mm (SimK), central corneal thickness (CCT) and minimum corneal thickness (MCT), anterior corneal higher‐order aberrations root mean square (HOARMS), and Zernike's coefficients up to fourth order at different zones were measured.

Results

In spite of the keratoconic groups having comparable ApexK (p > 0.05), central keratoconus had higher SimK and thinner CCT and MCT (p < 0.001). HOARMS was significantly more for central keratoconus at 3 mm zones. These findings had moderate to large effect size (Cohen's d). Receiver operating curve analysis was carried out to compare central keratoconus and non‐central keratoconus with control group. ApexK and HOARMS had best discriminative parameters. Using single parametric suspicion cut‐offs of ‘either SimK steep >47.2 D or CCT < 491.6 μ’ had a good sensitivity (0.98) for central keratoconus, but not for non‐central keratoconus (0.80). Changing this cut‐off to ‘either SimK steep K ≥ 45.8 D or CCT ≤ 503 μ’ gave a sensitivity and specificity of 0.95 and 0.87 for non‐central keratoconus and 0.99 and 0.87 for central keratoconus.

Conclusion

Non‐central keratoconus has lesser effect on SimK, pachymetry and smaller‐aperture HOARMS. Using ‘SimK steep >47.2 D or CCT < 491.6 μ’ may miss timely referral for topography in many of these cases. Using more stringent criteria of SimK steep K ≥ 45.8 D or CCT ≤ 503 μ to get a corneal topography done to rule out keratoconus is recommended, especially in cohorts with higher risk.
Lamina cribrosa defects in eyes with glaucomatous disc haemorrhage
Authors: Kim Young Kook , Park Ki Ho
Published: November 2015

Purpose

To investigate the frequency of focal abnormalities of the lamina cribrosa (LC) in eyes with glaucomatous disc haemorrhage (DH) using swept‐source optical coherence tomography (SS‐OCT).

Methods

We analysed 72 glaucomatous eyes with DH (72 subjects) detected by masked grading of stereophotographs along with 63 glaucomatous eyes without DH (63 subjects) consecutively recruited from the cohort of DH Study from Seoul National University Hospital. All of the subjects underwent stereoscopic optic disc photography and in vivo SS‐OCT LC imaging based on a customized optic disc scanning protocol (Topcon, Inc., Tokyo, Japan). Two masked graders evaluated each eye's serial en face images for focal LC defects. En face image/optic disc photograph overlay images were evaluated to determine the relationship between the respective focal LC defect and DH locations.

Results

Among the eyes with DH, the proportion with ≥1 LC defect was 80.6% (58 of 72 eyes), significantly higher than that for eyes without DH (39.7%, 25 of 63 eyes; p < 0.001). In the 58 eyes with DH and ≥1 LC defect, the location of the focal LC defect corresponded with that of the RNFL defect in 47 eyes (81.0%), and the location of the focal LC defect corresponded with the DH in 36 eyes (62.1%).

Conclusions

Focal LC defects are more frequently visible in eyes with glaucomatous DH than in eyes without DH. DH and LC defects, moreover, are often spatially correlated. These findings suggest that DH is associated with focal abnormalities of the LC.
Low‐level resistance and clonal diversity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa among chronically colonized cystic fibrosis patients
Authors: Ferreira Alex Guerra , Leão Robson Souza , Carvalho‐Assef Ana Paula D'alincourt , da Silva Érica Aparecida Dos Santos Ribeiro , de Cássia Firmida Monica , Folescu Tania Wrobel , Paixão Vilma Almeida , Santana Maria Angélica , de Abreu E Silva Fernando Antonio , Barth Afonso Luís , Marques Elizabeth Andrade
Published: November 2015

A prospective study was conducted in Brazil to evaluate antimicrobial resistance patterns and molecular epidemiology of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates from cystic fibrosis (CF) patients with chronic lung infection. All isolates were obtained between May 2009 and June 2010 from 75 patients seen in four reference centers in Brazil: HCPA (20 patients) and HEOM (15 patients), located in southern and northeastern Brazil, respectively; IFF (20 patients) and HUPE (20 patients), both in southwestern Brazil. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing, PCR for detection of carpapenemases, and pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) were performed in 274 isolates. A total of 224 PFGE types were identified and no clones were found circulating among the centers or within the same center. Despite the chronic infection, most patients were colonized by intermittent clones. Only three patients (4%) maintained the same clone during the study. The resistance rates were lower than 30% for the majority of antimicrobials tested in all centers and only 17% of isolates were multiresistant. Isolates (n = 54) with reduced susceptibility to imipenem and/or meropenem presented negative results for blaSPM‐1, blaIMP−1, blaVIM, and blaKPCgenes. Our results indicate an unexpected low level of antimicrobial resistance and a high genotypic diversity among P. aeruginosa from Brazilian chronic CF patients.
Primary, large extra‐axial chordoma in proximal tibia: a rare case report with literature review and diagnostic implications
Authors: Rekhi Bharat
Published: November 2015

Primary extra‐axial chordomas have been rarely documented, especially in the appendicular bones. Until now, nine such cases, objectively confirmed with positive brachyury immunostaining, have been reported. A 42‐year‐old male presented with pain in his right tibial tuberosity (shin) of 2–3 years duration without any associated swelling. He denied complaints related to any other lesion elsewhere in his body. Plain radiograph of his lower limbs revealed a large, eccentric, well‐defined, lytic lesion containing internal septae with a narrow zone of transition and a sclerotic medullary border in the upper metaphysis of his right tibia, associated with a pathological fracture. There was no other lesion identified in his spine on radiographic imaging. Biopsy sections revealed a tumour composed of polygonal cells with moderate to abundant eosinophilic to vacuolated/‘bubbly’ cytoplasm (physaliphorous cells) arranged in lobules within a conspicuous myxoid matrix. By immunohistochemistry, tumour cells were diffusely positive for pan cytokeratin (AE1/AE3), epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), CK19, S100P, meso (HBME1) and Brachyury/T. Diagnosis of an a primary extra‐axial chordoma was finally rendered. Subsequently, the patient underwent bone grafting from his iliac crest. The present case constitutes as the 11th documented case of an extra‐axial, intraosseous chordoma and the 10th such case occurring in the appendicular bones. Literature review of similar cases; their diagnostic mimics along with diagnostic and therapeutic implications of such cases are discussed herewith.
Eye Movements Reveal Mental Looking Through Time
Authors: Stocker Kurt , Hartmann Matthias , Martarelli Corinna S. , Mast Fred W.
Published: November 2015

People often make use of a spatial “mental time line” to represent events in time. We investigated whether the eyes follow such a mental time line during online language comprehension of sentences that refer to the past, present, and future. Participants' eye movements were measured on a blank screen while they listened to these sentences. Saccade direction revealed that the future is mapped higher up in space than the past. Moreover, fewer saccades were made when two events are simultaneously taking place at the present moment compared to two events that are happening in different points in time. This is the first evidence that oculomotor correlates reflect mental looking along an abstract invisible time line during online language comprehension about time. Our results support the idea that observing eye movements is likely to “detect” invisible spatial scaffoldings which are involved in cognitively processing abstract meaning, even when the abstract meaning lacks an explicit spatial correlate. Theoretical implications of these findings are discussed.
Bargaining within the Supply Chain and Its Implications in an Industry
Authors: Baron Opher , Berman Oded , Wu Desheng
Published: November 2015

Our main objective is to investigate the influence of the bargaining power within a chain on its industry. As a building block, we first discuss the implications of bargaining within a single chain by considering an asymmetric Nash bargaining over the wholesale price (BW). We show that both Manufacturer Stackelberg (MS) and vertical integration (VI) strategies are special cases of the BW contract. We then develop the Nash equilibrium in an industry with two supply chains that use BW. We identify the profit‐maximizing (coordinating) bargaining power within this industry. We show that when a chain is not monopolistic, VI does not coordinate the chain and that the MS contract, where the manufacturer has all the bargaining power, is coordinating when competition is intense. We find that the main determinant of the equilibrium in mature industries is to respond well to the actions of the competing chain rather than to directly maximize the profit of each chain. That is, the equilibrium does not necessarily maximize the profit of the entire industry. While a coordination of the industry could then increase the profitability of both chains, such a coordination is likely against antitrust law. Moreover, if one chain cannot change its actions, the other chain may unilaterally improve its profitability by deviating from the equilibrium. Our results lead to several predictions supported by empirical findings, such as that in competitive industries chains will work “close to” the MS contract.
Alignment of classification paradigms for communication abilities in children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Hustad Katherine C , Oakes Ashley , McFadd Emily , Allison Kristen M
Published: November 2015

Aim

We examined three communication ability classification paradigms for children with cerebral palsy (CP): the Communication Function Classification System (CFCS), the Viking Speech Scale (VSS), and the Speech Language Profile Groups (SLPG). Questions addressed interjudge reliability, whether the VSS and the CFCS captured impairments in speech and language, and whether there were differences in speech intelligibility among levels within each classification paradigm.

Method

Eighty children (42 males, 38 females) with a range of types and severity levels of CP participated (mean age 60mo, range 50–72mo [SD 5mo]). Two speech‐language pathologists classified each child via parent–child interaction samples and previous experience with the children for the CFCS and VSS, and using quantitative speech and language assessment data for the SLPG. Intelligibility scores were obtained using standard clinical intelligibility measurement.

Results

Kappa values were 0.67 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.55–0.79) for the CFCS, 0.82 (95% CI 0.72–0.92) for the VSS, and 0.95 (95% CI 0.72–0.92) for the SLPG. Descriptively, reliability within levels of each paradigm varied, with the lowest agreement occurring within the CFCS at levels II (42%), III (40%), and IV (61%). Neither the CFCS nor the VSS were sensitive to language impairments captured by the SLPG. Significant differences in speech intelligibility were found among levels for all classification paradigms.

Interpretation

Multiple tools are necessary to understand speech, language, and communication profiles in children with CP. Characterization of abilities at all levels of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health will advance our understanding of the ways that speech, language, and communication abilities present in children with CP.
The Reliability of College Grades
Authors: Beatty Adam S. , Walmsley Philip T. , Sackett Paul R. , Kuncel Nathan R. , Koch Amanda J.
Published: November 2015

Little is known about the reliability of college grades relative to how prominently they are used in educational research, and the results to date tend to be based on small sample studies or are decades old. This study uses two large databases (N > 800,000) from over 200 educational institutions spanning 13 years and finds that both first‐year and overall college GPA can be expected to be highly reliable measures of academic performance, with reliability estimated at .86 for first‐year GPA and .93 for overall GPA. Additionally, reliabilities vary moderately by academic discipline, and within‐school grade intercorrelations are highly stable over time. These findings are consistent with a hierarchical structure of academic ability. Practical implications for decision making and measurement using GPA are discussed.
Efficacy of two mouthwashes on 3‐day supragingival plaque regrowth: a randomized crossover clinical trial
Authors: Marchetti E , Casalena F , Capestro A , Tecco S , Mattei A , Marzo G
Published: November 2015

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antiplaque effects of an alcohol‐free essential oil (alcohol‐free EO) mouthwash and an amine fluoride/stannous fluoride with zinc lactate (SnFl‐Zn) mouthwash compared to a positive control of chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthwash, using an in vivo plaque regrowth model of 3 days.

Materials and methods

The study was designed as a double‐masked, randomized, crossover clinical trial, involving 20 volunteers to compare two different mouthwashes, using a 3‐day plaque accumulation model. After receiving thorough professional prophylaxis at baseline, over the next 3 days, each volunteer refrained from all oral hygiene measures and performed two daily rinses with 20 ml of the test mouthwashes. A 0.20% CHX rinse served as a positive control. At the end of each experimental period, plaque was assessed, and the panellists completed a questionnaire. Each subject underwent a 14‐day washout period, and then, there was another allocation.

Results

The SnFl‐Zn mouthwash has shown a better inhibitory activity on plaque regrowth compared to the alcohol‐free EO mouthwash in the whole mouth (plaque index = 1.93 against 2.45, respectively), but there was less of an effect compared to the CHX group, with an overall plaque index of 1.41. The differences of 0.52 between alcohol‐free EO and SnFl‐Zn and between SnFl‐Zn and CHX and of 0.96 between alcohol‐free EO and CHX were all statistically significant (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The alcohol‐free EO mouthwash seemed to have less of an inhibiting effect on plaque regrowth than the amine fluoride/SnFl‐Zn mouthwash and the CHX control.
Derogating obese individuals: the role of blame, contempt, and disgust
Authors: Wirtz Coen , van der Pligt Joop , Doosje Bertjan
Published: November 2015

Weight stigma is pervasive and has profound negative consequences for obese individuals. The attribution‐emotion approach of stigmatization holds that blame attributions relate to derogation stigmatized groups indirectly through anger and pity. Other research suggests that disgust is related to weight stigma. In the present studies, we investigate whether contempt is a reliable predictor of biases against obese individuals. Study 1 (N = 297) shows that contempt partially mediates the relation between blame and both prejudice and support for weight related discrimination policies. Studies 2 and 3 (total N = 406) added disgust and show that both contempt and disgust relate to social distance and prejudice. Contempt mediated the relation between blame and negative reactions toward obese individuals, even after controlling for other emotions, while disgust only mediated these relations in Study 2. Anger and pity did not show this mediating role, but pity was moderately associated with weight bias. Contempt is likely to play an important role in how people react to members of this stigmatized group.
The role of western Mediterranean islands in the evolutionary diversification of the spotted flycatcher Muscicapa striata, a long‐distance migratory passerine species
Authors: Pons J.‐M. , Thibault J.‐C. , Aymí R. , Grussu M. , Muntaner J. , Olioso G. , Sunyer J. R. , Touihri M. , Fuchs J.
Published: November 2015

We investigated the evolutionary history of the spotted flycatcher Muscicapa striata, a long distance migratory passerine having a widespread range, using mitochondrial markers and nuclear introns. Our mitochondrial results reveal the existence of one insular lineage restricted to the western Mediterranean islands (Balearics, Corsica, Sardinia) and possibly to the Tyrrhenian coast of Italy that diverged from the mainland lineages around 1 Mya. Mitochondrial genetic distance between insular and mainland lineages is around 3.5%. Limited levels of shared nuclear alleles among insular and mainland populations further support the genetic distinctiveness of insular spotted flycatchers with respect to their mainland counterparts. Moreover, lack of mitochondrial haplotypes sharing between Balearic birds (M. s. balearica) and Corso‐Sardinian birds (M. s. tyrrhenica) suggest the absence of recent matrilineal gene flow between these two insular subspecies. Accordingly, we suggest that insular spotted flycatchers could be treated as one polytypic species (Muscicapa tyrrhenica) that differs from M. striata in morphology, migration, mitochondrial and nuclear DNA and comprises two subspecies (the nominate and M. t. balearica) that diverged recently phenotypically and in mitochondrial DNA and but still share the same nuclear alleles.

This study provides an interesting case‐study illustrating the crucial role of western Mediterranean islands in the evolution of a passerine showing high dispersal capabilities. Our genetic results highlight the role of glacial refugia of these islands that allowed initial allopatric divergence of insular populations. We hypothesize that differences in migratory and breeding phenology may prevent any current gene flow between insular and mainland populations of the spotted flycatcher that temporarily share the same insular habitats during the spring migration.
Charging up Battery Recycling Policies: Extended Producer Responsibility for Single‐Use Batteries in the European Union, Canada, and the United States
Authors: Turner James Morton , Nugent Leah M.
Published: November 2015

Extended producer responsibility (EPR) policies have proven effective at raising consumer awareness, expanding waste collection infrastructure, and shifting costs of end‐of‐life (EOL) management from municipalities to stewardship organizations. Yet, such policies have been less successful in advancing waste management programs that ensure a net environmental benefit. This article analyzes how EPR policies for single‐use batteries in the European Union (EU), Canada, and the United States address the environmental costs and benefits of EOL management. Considering these EPR policies is instructive, because single‐use batteries have high collection costs and are of relatively low economic value for waste processors. Without deliberate planning, the environmental burdens of collecting and recycling such batteries may exceed the benefits. This article considers how EPR policies for single‐use batteries integrate performance requirements such as collection rates, recycling efficiencies, and best available techniques. It argues that for such policies to be effective, they need to be extended to address waste collection practices, the life cycle consequences of EOL management, and the quality of recovered materials. Such strategies are relevant to EPR policies for other products with marginal secondary value, including some textiles, plastics, and other types of electronic waste.
New pathways for improved quantification of energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectra of semiconductors with multiple X‐ray lines from thin foils investigated in transmission electron microscopy
Authors: PARRI M.C. , QIU Y. , WALTHER T.
Published: November 2015

Theoretical approaches to quantify the chemical composition of bulk and thin‐layer specimens using energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy in a transmission electron microscope are compared to experiments investigating (In)GaAs and Si(Ge) semiconductors. Absorption correctors can be improved by varying the take‐off angle to determine the depth of features within the foil or the samples thickness, or by definition of effective k‐factors that can be obtained from plots of k‐factors versus foil thickness or, preferably, versus the K/L intensity ratio for a suitable element. The latter procedure yields plots of self‐consistent absorption corrections that can be used to determine the chemical composition, iteratively for SiGe using a set of calibration curves or directly from a single calibration curve for InGaAs, for single X‐ray spectra without knowledge of sample thickness, density or mass absorption coefficients.
Faculty Performance on the Genomic Nursing Concept Inventory
Authors: Read Catherine Y. , Ward Linda D.
Published: November 2015

Purpose

To use the newly developed Genomic Nursing Concept Inventory (GNCI) to evaluate faculty understanding of foundational genomic concepts, explore relative areas of strength and weakness, and compare the results with those of a student sample.

Design

An anonymous online survey instrument consisting of demographic or background items and the 31 multiple‐choice questions that make up the GNCI was completed by 495 nursing faculty from across the United States in the fall of 2014.

Methods

Total GNCI score and scores on four subcategories (genome basics, mutations, inheritance, genomic health) were calculated. Relationships between demographic or background variables and total GNCI score were explored.

Findings

The mean score on the GNCI was 14.93 (SD = 5.31), or 48% correct; topical category scores were highest on the inheritance and genomic health items (59% and 58% correct, respectively), moderate on the mutations items (54% correct), and lowest on the genome basics items (33% correct). These results are strikingly similar to those of a recent study of nursing students. Factors associated with a higher total score on the GNCI included higher self‐rated proficiency with genetic/genomic content, having a doctoral degree, having taken a genetics course for academic credit or continuing education, and having taught either a stand‐alone genetic/genomic course or lecture content as part of nursing or related course. Self‐rated proficiency with genetic/genomic content was fair or poor (70%), with only 7% rating their proficiency as very good or excellent.

Conclusions

Faculty knowledge of foundational genomic concepts is similar to that of the students they teach and weakest in the areas related to basic science information.

Clinical Relevance

Genomics is increasingly relevant in all areas of clinical nursing practice, and the faculty charged with educating the next generation of nurses must understand foundational concepts. Faculty need to be proactive in seeking out relevant educational programs that include basic genetic/genomic concepts.
Phosphorus physiological ecology and molecular mechanisms in marine phytoplankton
Authors: Lin Senjie , Litaker Richard Wayne , Sunda William G.
Published: November 2015

Phosphorus (P) is an essential nutrient for marine phytoplankton and indeed all life forms. Current data show that P availability is growth‐limiting in certain marine systems and can impact algal species composition. Available P occurs in marine waters as dissolved inorganic phosphate (primarily orthophosphate [Pi]) or as a myriad of dissolved organic phosphorus (DOP) compounds. Despite numerous studies on P physiology and ecology and increasing research on genomics in marine phytoplankton, there have been few attempts to synthesize information from these different disciplines. This paper is aimed to integrate the physiological and molecular information on the acquisition, utilization, and storage of P in marine phytoplankton and the strategies used by these organisms to acclimate and adapt to variations in P availability. Where applicable, we attempt to identify gaps in our current knowledge that warrant further research and examine possible metabolic pathways that might occur in phytoplankton from well‐studied bacterial models. Physical and chemical limitations governing cellular P uptake are explored along with physiological and molecular mechanisms to adapt and acclimate to temporally and spatially varying P nutrient regimes. Topics covered include cellular Pi uptake and feedback regulation of uptake systems, enzymatic utilization of DOP, P acquisition by phagotrophy, P‐limitation of phytoplankton growth in oceanic and coastal waters, and the role of P‐limitation in regulating cell size and toxin levels in phytoplankton. Finally, we examine the role of P and other nutrients in the transition of phytoplankton communities from early succession species (diatoms) to late succession ones (e.g., dinoflagellates and haptophytes).