bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Importance of prumycin produced by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens SD‐32 in biocontrol against cucumber powdery mildew disease
Authors: Tanaka Keijitsu , Fukuda Mutsumi , Amaki Yusuke , Sakaguchi Takatoshi , Inai Koji , Ishihara Atsushi , Nakajima Hiromitsu
Published: May 2017

BACKGROUND

Powdery mildew disease of cucurbits is caused mainly by Podosphaera fusca, which is one of the most important limiting factors in cucurbit production worldwide. Previously we reported that Bacillus amyloliquefaciens biocontrol strain SD‐32 produces C17 bacillomycin D and [Ile 2002]surfactin, and that these metabolites play important roles in SD‐32's biocontrol over cucumber gray mold disease. Our further investigation demonstrated that the culture broth and its supernatant suppressed cucumber powdery mildew disease in greenhouse experiments. However, the active principle(s) remained unknown.

RESULTS

The active compound was isolated from the culture supernatant after anti‐powdery mildew disease activity‐guided purification and identified as prumycin. Prumycin significantly suppressed the disease, whereas bacillomycin D and [Ile 2002]surfactin did not. Prumycin did not induce the expression of plant defense genes (PR1a and VSP1), suggesting that it does not act via plant defense response. Light microscopic observations of prumycin‐treated cucumber cotyledon suggested that prumycin inhibits the conidial germination of P. fusca.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that prumycin is a major factor in SD‐32's suppression of cucumber powdery mildew disease. Our findings shed light for the first time on prumycin's role in biocontrol by Bacillus against this disease. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
The Gateway‐C project: helping GPs to detect cancer earlier
Authors: Dowden Angela
Published: May 2017

As part of the NHS cancer vanguard programme, Greater Manchester Cancer Vanguard Innovation is testing a number of ways to improve cancer treatment in Greater Manchester and eastern Cheshire. One of its major pilots is a digital platform designed to help GPs detect cancer earlier, called Gateway‐C. This article focuses on that project and its aims.
Diagnosis and management of nonmelanoma skin cancer
Authors: Angus Janet
Published: May 2017

Nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most common form of skin cancer and the prime risk factor is exposure to sunlight. This article describes the main types of NMSC and their clinical presentations, and discusses the management options available.
2D MoS2 Neuromorphic Devices for Brain‐Like Computational Systems
Authors: Jiang Jie , Guo Junjie , Wan Xiang , Yang Yi , Xie Haipeng , Niu Dongmei , Yang Junliang , He Jun , Gao Yongli , Wan Qing
Published: May 2017

Hardware implementation of artificial synapses/neurons with 2D solid‐state devices is of great significance for nanoscale brain‐like computational systems. Here, 2D MoS2 synaptic/neuronal transistors are fabricated by using poly(vinyl alcohol) as the laterally coupled, proton‐conducting electrolytes. Fundamental synaptic functions, such as an excitatory postsynaptic current, paired‐pulse facilitation, and a dynamic filter for information transmission of biological synapse, are successfully emulated. Most importantly, with multiple input gates and one modulatory gate, spiking‐dependent logic operation/modulation, multiplicative neural coding, and neuronal gain modulation are also experimentally demonstrated. The results indicate that the intriguing 2D MoS2 transistors are also very promising for the next‐generation of nanoscale neuromorphic device applications.
Inpatriate managers: Are they being effectively utilized as global talent?
Authors: Maley Jane , Moeller Miriam
Published: May 2017

This study questions the return on investment of inpatriate talent. The fundamental rationale of this qualitative study is the need to more consciously manage the talent found in an increasingly diverse global talent pool. As part of this pool, an inpatriate is positioned to add operational value at headquarters, yet face a tremendously different set of hurdles compared to their more traditional counterpart, the expatriate. In light of the differences in characteristics and obstacles faced, we challenge extant literature on the appropriateness of existing talent practices for inpatriate talent. We question whether more conscious choices in management practices can bring greater mutual benefits to the inpatriate and multinational corporation.
Surgeons and the ‘God complex’
Authors: Kirby Roger
Published: May 2017

The recent publicity surrounding the prosecution and conviction of breast cancer surgeon Ian Paterson risks seriously undermining trust in surgery and in surgeons, especially in relation to his reported arrogance and supposed ‘God complex’. Sadly, he is not the first surgeon to be accused of these unfortunate characteristics – nor will he be the last…
Mycoplasma genitalium: a new kid on the block
Authors: Reynolds‐Wright John
Published: May 2017

Mycoplasma genitalium, once thought to be a benign organism, is now considered a significant cause of non‐gonococcal urethritis. In this article the author describes how to identify infections and how to manage them.
Adverse drug reactions and urological disease
Authors: Badyal Karamjit , Anton Christopher , Ferner Robin
Published: May 2017

Despite the significant benefits of today's drugs, they still have the potential to cause significant adverse effects. Here the authors briefly review urological disorders caused by drugs and adverse reactions caused by drugs used to treat urological disorders.
HoLEP: the new ‘gold standard’ in bladder outflow surgery
Authors: Banks Freddie
Published: May 2017

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) has been the ‘gold standard’ procedure for benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) for many years. In this article the author describes Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP) and questions why it is not more widely utilised.
Functional assessment of the reconstructed urinary tract
Authors: Wood Dan
Published: May 2017

Reconstruction of the urinary tract is increasingly advanced. However, we need to be able to follow up patients with the appropriate parameters to make sure surgery is successful in the short, medium and long term. This article aims to consider these parameters and the framework by which the reconstructed urinary tract can be assessed.
Climate model pluralism beyond dynamical ensembles
Authors: Mazzocchi Fulvio , Pasini Antonello
Published: May 2017

Using pluralist research strategies can be a profitable way to study complex systems. This contribution focuses on the approaches for studying the climate that make use of multiple different models, aiming to increase the reliability (in terms of robustness) of attribution results. This Opinion article argues that the traditional approach, which is based on ensemble runs of global climate models, only partially allows the application of a robustness scheme, owing to the difficulty to match or evaluate the conditions required for robustness (i.e., independence or heterogeneity among models). An alternative ‘multi‐approach’ strategy is advanced, beyond dynamical modeling but still preserving the idea of model pluralism. Such a strategy, which uses a set of ensembles of different model types by combining dynamical modeling with data‐driven methodological approaches (i.e., neural networks and Granger causality), seems to better match the condition of independence. In addition, neural networks and Granger causality lead to achievements in attribution studies that can complement those obtained by dynamical modeling. WIREs Clim Change 2017, 8:e477. doi: 10.1002/wcc.477

This article is categorized under:

Climate Models and Modeling > Earth System Models
Decentralised Authoring, Annotations and Notifications for a Read-Write Web with dokieli
Authors: Capadisli Sarven , Guy Amy , Verborgh Ruben , Lange Christoph , Auer Sören , Berners-Lee Tim
Published: May 2017

While the Web was designed as a decentralised environment, individual authors still lack the ability to conveniently author and publish documents, and to engage in social interactions with documents of others in a truly decentralised fashion. We present dokieli, a fully decentralised, browser-based authoring and annotation platform with built-in support for social interactions, through which people retain ownership of and sovereignty over their data. The resulting “living” documents are interoperable and independent of dokieli since they follow standards and best practices, such as HTML+RDFa for a fine-grained semantic structure, Linked Data Platform for personal data storage, and Linked Data Notifications for updates. This article describes dokieli’s architecture and implementation, demonstrating advanced document authoring and interaction without a single point of control. Such an environment provides the right technological conditions for independent publication of scientific articles, news, and other works that benefit from diverse voices and open interactions. To experience the described features please open this document in your Web browser under its canonical URI: http://csarven.ca/dokieli-rww.
Use of large-scale HRQoL datasets to generate individualised predictions and inform patients about the likely benefit of surgery
Authors: Gutacker Nils , Street Andrew
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The English NHS has mandated the routine collection of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) data before and after surgery, giving prospective patient information about the likely benefit of surgery. Yet, the information is difficult to access and interpret because it is not presented in a lay-friendly format and does not reflect patients’ individual circumstances. We set out a methodology to generate personalised information to help patients make informed decisions.

Methods

We used anonymised, pre- and postoperative EuroQol-5D-3L (EQ-5D) data for over 490,000 English NHS patients who underwent primary hip or knee replacement surgery or groin hernia repair between April 2009 and March 2016. We estimated linear regression models to relate changes in EQ-5D utility scores to patients’ own assessment of the success of surgery, and calculated from that minimally important differences for health improvements/deteriorations. Classification tree analysis was used to develop algorithms that sort patients into homogeneous groups that best predict postoperative EQ-5D utility scores.

Results

Patients were classified into between 55 (hip replacement) to 60 (hernia repair) homogeneous groups. The classifications explained between 14 and 27% of variation in postoperative EQ-5D utility score.

Conclusions

Patients are heterogeneous in their expected benefit from surgery, and decision aids should reflect this. Large administrative datasets on HRQoL can be used to generate the required individualised predictions to inform patients.
Molecular and functional characterization of myxobacteria isolated from soil in India
Authors: Kumar Shiv , Yadav Arun Kumar , Chambel Priyanka , Kaur Ramandeep
Published: May 2017

This study reports the isolation of myxobacteria from soil collected from plains in north India. Based on the morphology and 16S rDNA sequence, the isolated myxobacteria were identified as Corallococcus sp., Pyxidicoccus sp., Myxococcus sp., Cystobacter sp. and Archangium sp. The myxobacteria were functionally characterized to assess their ability to produce antibacterial and anticancer metabolites. The isolates were found to be functionally versatile as they produced extracellular bioactive molecules that exhibited high frequency of activities against Bacillus cereus, Mycobacterium smegmatis, Enterobacter cloacae and Pseudomonas syringae. The strains also showed cytotoxic activity against the human cancer cell lines of liver, pancreas, prostrate, bone and cervix. These results indicate the importance of isolating diverse strains of myxobacteria from unexplored habitats to find novel bioactive compounds. Moreover, the bioactive molecules explored in this study are predominantly hydrophilic compounds, obviating the limitations of solubility-related aspect of drug discovery.
Iron acquisition in maize (Zea mays L.) using Pseudomonas siderophore
Authors: Sah Stuti , Singh Nahar , Singh Rajni
Published: May 2017

Siderophore facilitates iron availability in soil, but its assistance in iron transportation to different plant parts is not reported till date. Therefore, it is worthwhile to study the effect of siderophore produced by Pseudomonas for iron acquisition in the presence and absence of iron. To study these effects, two siderophore-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains RSP5 and RSP8 were selected. RSP5 and RSP8 produced the highest and lowest amounts of siderophore, respectively. Iron (Fe) concentration of stem, leaf, seed, and shoot length, root length, cob length, and number of grains parameters were analysed. It was observed that the plants treated with RSP5 were sturdier and taller than RSP5 + Fe > RSP8 > RSP8 + Fe > Fe > Control plants. Iron content of RSP8 vs. RSP8 + Fe, RSP8 + Fe vs. Control, and RSP8 + Fe vs. RSP5 + Fe was significantly different (P < 0.01). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) proves that RSP5 was able to transport higher amount of iron to maize plant than other treatments. Increase in shoot length, root length, cob length, grain number and iron content of stem, and leaf and seed of maize plant inoculated with RSP5 suggests that the strain can be used as an inoculant for increasing iron transportation in maize plant. (Indian Patent Filed: 40163/DEL/2016).
Technical insight on the requirements for CO2-saturated growth of microalgae in photobioreactors
Authors: Yuvraj  , Padmanabhan Padmini
Published: May 2017

Microalgal cultures are usually sparged with CO2-enriched air to preclude CO2 limitation during photoautotrophic growth. However, the CO2 vol% specifically required at operating conditions to meet the carbon requirement of algal cells in photobioreactor is never determined and 1–10% v/v CO2-enriched air is arbitrarily used. A scheme is proposed and experimentally validated for Chlorella vulgaris that allows computing CO2-saturated growth feasible at given CO2 vol% and volumetric O2 mass-transfer coefficient (k
L
a)O. CO2 sufficiency in an experiment can be theoretically established to adjust conditions for CO2-saturated growth. The methodology completely eliminates the requirement of CO2 electrode for online estimation of dissolved CO2 to determine critical CO2 concentration (Ccrit), specific CO2 uptake rate (SCUR), and volumetric CO2 mass-transfer coefficient (k
L
a)C required for the governing CO2 mass-transfer equation. Ccrit was estimated from specific O2 production rate (SOPR) measurements at different dissolved CO2 concentrations. SCUR was calculated from SOPR and photosynthetic quotient (PQ) determined from the balanced stoichiometric equation of growth. Effect of light attenuation and nutrient depletion on biomass estimate is also discussed. Furthermore, a simple design of photosynthetic activity measurement system was used, which minimizes light attenuation by hanging a low depth (ca. 10 mm) culture over the light source.
Perspectives on Medical Education Special Edition: Lessons learned from health professions education scholarship failures surprises
Authors: Varpio Lara , Nagler Alisa
Published: May 2017

None
A Single-Institution Study of Permanent Vascular Access Outcomes in Patients undergoing Hemodialysis
Authors: Alexander Cameron E. , Wolf Bernhard , Joss Nicola
Published: May 2017

Background: Vascular access (VA) is essential for successful hemodialysis (HD) but its provision poses significant challenges to renal services. This study aimed to report the long-term outcomes for different types of first permanent VA, and identify factors that affected outcomes in a cohort of patients undergoing HD at a single renal unit.

Methods: Data recorded before April 1, 2013, were collected on factors related to patient characteristics and VA management. Univariate analysis of VA survival was undertaken using the Kaplan-Meier method with log-rank testing used to test for differences between subgroups. Secondary outcomes included VA complication and intervention rates.

Results: Of those first permanent VA attempts (n = 103), 26.2% were radiocephalic arteriovenous fistulae (RCAVF), 54.4% were brachiocephalic arteriovenous fistulae (BCAVF), 10.7% were transposed basilic arteriovenous fistulae (TBAVF), and the remaining 8.7% were polytetrafluoroethylene forearm loop arteriovenous grafts (AVG). Overall cumulative secondary VA survival rates at 6, 12, and 24 months were 90.9%, 82.8%, and 73.4%, respectively. Complication rates for RCAVF, BCAVF, TBAVF, and AVG were 0.5, 1.2, 4.5, and 2.6 per patient year on HD, respectively. Intervention rates for RCAVF, BCAVF, TBAVF, and AVG were 0.4, 0.8, 2.9, and 2.1 per patient year on HD, respectively. A primary renal diagnosis of diabetes (P = 0.022), use of temporary central venous catheter (P = 0.003) or rope-ladder needling (P = 0.013), and the use of TBAVF or AVG (P < 0.001) were predictive of significantly poorer VA survival.

Conclusions: RCAVF and BCAVF were associated with significantly superior outcomes compared with TBAVF and AVG in terms of complication and intervention rates, and long-term survival.
Long‐term survival of implantable cardioverter defibrillator recipients with end‐stage renal disease
Authors: El‐Chami Mikhael F. , Matar Lea , Smith Paige , Casey Mary , Addish Maher A. , Kelly Kimberly , Wood Carolyn , Merlino John , Goyal Abhinav , Leon Angel R. , Merchant Faisal M.
Published: May 2017

Background

The efficacy of implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators (ICD) for primary prevention of sudden cardiac death (SCD) has not been studied in patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) and left ventricular dysfunction. We sought to identify predictors of long‐term survival among ICD recipients with and without ESRD.

Methods

Patients implanted with an ICD at our institution from January 2006 to March 2014 were retrospectively identified. Clinical and demographic characteristics were collected. Patients were stratified by the presence of ESRD at the time of ICD implant. Mortality data were collected from the Social Security Death Index (SSDI).

Results

A total of 3453 patients received an ICD at our institution in the pre‐specified time period, 184 (5.3%) of whom had ESRD. In general, ESRD patients were sicker and had more comorbidities. Kaplan Meier survival curve showed that ESRD patients had worse survival as compared with non‐dialysis patients (p<0.001). Following adjustment for differences in baseline characteristics, patients with ESRD remained at increased long‐term mortality in the Cox model. The one‐year mortality in the ESRD patients was 18.1%, as compared with 7.7% in the non‐dialysis cohort (p<0.001). The three‐year mortality in ESRD patients was 43%, as compared with 21% in the non‐dialysis cohort (p<0.001).

Conclusion

ESRD patients are at significantly increased risk of mortality as compared with a non‐dialysis cohort. While the majority of these patients survive more than one year post‐diagnosis, the three‐year mortality is high (43%). Randomized studies addressing the benefits of ICDs in ESRD patients are needed to better define their value for primary prevention of SCD.
Association between serum soluble urokinase‐type plasminogen activator receptor and atrial fibrillation
Authors: Ichihara Noboru , Miyamura Masatoshi , Maeda Daichi , Fujisaka Tomohiro , Fujita Shu‐ichi , Morita Hideaki , Takeda Yoshihiro , Ito Takahide , Sohmiya Koichi , Hoshiga Masaaki , Ishizaka Nobukazu
Published: May 2017

Background

Circulating soluble urokinase‐type plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR), which can reflect immune activation and low‐grade inflammation, may be a novel biomarker of cardiovascular disease.

Methods

We investigated the potential association between suPAR and the prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) by analyzing patients with either sinus rhythm, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF), or non‐paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (NPAF), which indicates either permanent or persistent AF.

Results

Among 426 patients enrolled (mean age 71.4±9.2 years; 110 (25.8%) female), 310, 62, and 54 were diagnosed with sinus rhythm, PAF, and NPAF, respectively. NPAF was >10‐fold more prevalent in the highest suPAR quartile (>3534 pg/mL; 32 (30.2%) of 106 patients) than in the lowest suPAR quartile (<1802 pg/mL; 3 (2.8%) of 107 patients). Logistic regression analysis showed that, as compared with the lowest suPAR quartile, the highest suPAR quartile was associated with NPAF with an odds ratio of 6.48 (95% confidence interval, 1.71–24.5) after adjustment for sex, age, log(eGFR), C‐reactive protein, and systolic blood pressure. In multivariate receiver operating characteristic analysis to predict NPAF, the area under the curve (AUC) for the combination of age, sex, log(eGFR), and C‐reactive protein was 0.777 (standard error [SE], 0.036); the addition of log(suPAR) slightly improved the prediction (AUC, 0.812; SE, 0.034, P=0.084).

Conclusions

Serum suPAR was associated with AF, particularly NPAF, as demonstrated by multivariate logistic regression analysis. Whether suPAR promotes or maintains AF should be investigated in further studies.
Trajectory feasibility evaluation using path prescribed control of unmanned aerial vehicle in differential algebraic equations framework
Authors: Uppal T. , Raha S. , Srivastava S.
Published: May 2017

Mission simulation is a critical activity in the development and operation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). It is important to ascertain the feasibility of a trajectory in a mission. In this work, an algorithm has been developed for feasibility study of a trajectory of a UAV using prescribed path optimal control through an inverse simulation method. This has been done under a Differential Algebraic Equations (DAE)/Inequalities (DAI) framework. The UAV model together with constraints is represented as a high index DAE system. The trajectory that UAV shall take is prescribed as one of the constraint equations. The solution for the DAE system is obtained using a variation of the alpha method that is capable of handling both equality and inequality constraints on system dynamics. The algorithm involves direct numerical integration of a DAI formulation in a time-stepping manner using a Sequential Quadratic Programming (SQP) solver that detects and satisfy active path constraints at each time step (mesh point). In this unique approach, the model and the constraints are always solved together. The method ensures stable solution at each time step, local minimum at each iteration of simulation and provides a regularised basis to the solver. A typical UAV trajectory has been simulated and demonstrated in this paper. This new approach can be used for path planning of UAVs before the actual control law is designed for flight control computer. Compared to other existing computationally intensive techniques, this approach is computationally simple, ensures continuous constraint satisfaction and provides a viable option for model predictive control of UAVs.
Nudges that fail
Authors: SUNSTEIN CASS R.
Published: May 2017

Why are some nudges ineffective, or at least less effective than choice architects hope and expect? Focusing primarily on default rules, this essay emphasizes two reasons for this. The first involves strong antecedent preferences on the part of choosers. The second involves successful “counternudges,” which persuade people to choose in a way that confounds the efforts of choice architects. Nudges might also be ineffective, and less effective than expected, for five other reasons: (1) some nudges produce confusion in the target audience; (2) some nudges have only short-term effects; (3) some nudges produce “reactance” (though this appears to be rare); (4) some nudges are based on an inaccurate (though initially plausible) understanding on the part of choice architects of what kinds of choice architecture will move people in particular contexts; and (5) some nudges produce compensating behavior, resulting in no net effect. When a nudge turns out to be insufficiently effective, choice architects have three potential responses: (1) do nothing; (2) nudge better (or differently); and (3) fortify the effects of the nudge, perhaps through counter-counternudges, or perhaps through incentives, mandates, or bans.
Choice, freedom, and well-being: considerations for public policy
Authors: SCHWARTZ BARRY , CHEEK NATHAN N.
Published: May 2017

It is commonly assumed in affluent, Western, democratic societies that by enhancing opportunities for choice, we enhance freedom and well-being, both by enabling people to get exactly what they want and by enabling people to express their identities. In this paper, we review evidence that the relationships between choice, freedom, and well-being are complex. The value of choice in itself may depend on culture, and even in cultural contexts that value choice, too much choice can lead to paralysis, bad decisions, and dissatisfaction with even good decisions. Policy-makers are often in a position to enhance well-being by limiting choice. We suggest five questions that policy-makers should be asking themselves when they consider promulgating policies that will limit choice in the service of enhanced well-being. The relationships between choice, freedom, and well-being are not simple, and an appreciation of their complexity may help policy-makers target their interventions more effectively.
Pros and cons of blurring gesture-language lines: An evolutionary linguistic perspective
Authors: Hall Matthew L.
Published: May 2017

The target article's emphasis on distinguishing sign from gesture may resolve one important objection to gesture-first theories of language evolution. However, this approach risks undervaluing the gradual progression from nonlanguage to language over hominin evolution, and in emerging sign systems today. I call for less emphasis on drawing boundaries and more emphasis on understanding the processes of change.
Why would the discovery of gestures produced by signers jeopardize the experimental finding of gesture-speech mismatch?
Authors: Koschmann Timothy
Published: May 2017

Mismatch occurs when there is a discrepancy between produced gestures and co-occurring speech. In this commentary, I explore why research on mismatch might be called into question by changing views of what constitutes a gesture. I argue that the experimental procedure for producing mismatch, through its coding methods, is blind to the tight temporal coordination of gesture and affiliated talk.
Language readiness and learning among deaf children
Authors: Pfister Anne E. , Lende Daniel H.
Published: May 2017

We applaud Goldin-Meadow & Brentari's (G-M&B's) significant efforts to consider the linkages between sign, gesture, and language. Research on deaf children and sign language acquisition can broaden the G-M&B approach by considering how language readiness is also a social phenomenon and that distinctions between imagistic and categorical formats rely on language practices and contexts.
Gestures can create diagrams (that are neither imagistic nor analog)
Authors: Tversky Barbara
Published: May 2017

The claim that gesture is primarily imagistic, analog, and holistic is challenged by the presence of abstract diagrammatic gestures, here points and lines, that represent point-like and line-like concepts and are integrated into larger constituents.
The FVF framework and target prevalence effects
Authors: Menneer Tamaryn , Godwin Hayward J. , Liversedge Simon P. , Hillstrom Anne P. , Benson Valerie , Reichle Erik D. , Donnelly Nick
Published: May 2017

The Functional Visual Field (FVF) offers explanatory power. To us, it relates to existing literature on the flexibility of attentional focus in visual search and reading (Eriksen & St. James 1986; McConkie & Rayner 1975). The target article promotes reflection on existing findings. Here we consider the FVF as a mechanism in the Prevalence Effect (PE) in visual search.
An appeal against the item's death sentence: Accounting for diagnostic data patterns with an item-based model of visual search
Authors: Moran Rani , Liesefeld Heinrich René , Usher Marius , Müller Hermann J.
Published: May 2017

We show that our item-based model, competitive guided search, accounts for the empirical patterns that Hulleman & Olivers (H&O) invoke against item-based models, and we highlight recently reported diagnostic data that challenge their approach. We advise against “forsaking the item” unless and until a full fixation-based model is shown to be superior to extant item-based models.
Scanning movements during haptic search: similarity with fixations during visual search
Authors: Pasqualotto Achille
Published: May 2017

Finding relevant objects through vision, or visual search, is a crucial function that has received considerable attention in the literature. After decades of research, data suggest that visual fixations are more crucial to understanding how visual search works than are the attributes of stimuli. This idea receives further support from the field of haptic search.
Don't admit defeat: A new dawn for the item in visual search
Authors: Van der Stigchel Stefan , Mathôt Sebastiaan
Published: May 2017

Even though we lack a precise definition of “item,” it is clear that people do parse their visual environment into objects (the real-world equivalent of items). We will review evidence that items are essential in visual search, and argue that computer vision – especially deep learning – may offer a solution for the lack of a solid definition of “item.”
“I am not dead yet!” – The Item responds to Hulleman & Olivers
Authors: Wolfe Jeremy M.
Published: May 2017

The item can only be dispensed within artificial tasks that, although useful in the lab, do not reflect the real world. There, the attended item is the goal of search. Hulleman & Olivers' (H&O's) model can ignore the item only by reducing search to the question of whether a patch of 0s (distractors) contains a 1 (target).
Outil de sensibilisation des proches à la conduite automobile des aînés
Authors: Vigeant Ariane , Arseneault-Legault Mylène , Boily Rachel , Buchanan Sarah , Carosella Jean-François , Levasseur Mélanie
Published: May 2017

This study aimed to explore the impact of an awareness tool for relatives of older drivers (OSCARPA) on i) their interest, openness and knowledge, ii) changes of abilities required for safe driving, and iii) utilization of compensatory strategies. A pre-experimental design with pretest (T0) and post-test (T1) eight to ten weeks after the intervention was realized with 45 relatives in contact with an older driver of 65 years old or older and who was driving at least once a week. Overall, the results demonstrated that OSCARPA increased i) interest, openness and knowledge of relatives (p<0.001), as well as their perceptions of ii) changes of abilities of older drivers (p=0.02), and iii) their utilization of compensatory strategies (p=0.001). Future studies would be relevant to further evaluate and increase the effectiveness of OSCARPA.
THE EMERGENCE OF STANDARDIZED SPATIAL PLANS IN SOUTHERN MESOAMERICA: CHRONOLOGY AND INTERREGIONAL INTERACTIONS VIEWED FROM CEIBAL, GUATEMALA
Authors: Inomata Takeshi
Published: May 2017

Our investigations at the lowland Maya center of Ceibal have demonstrated that a formal spatial pattern consisting of an E-Group assemblage and large platforms started around 1000b.c.and gradually expanded over the next several centuries. A re-evaluation of ceramic and radiocarbon data from other lowland Maya sites suggests that the beginning of sedentary life and ceramic use in various parts of the Maya lowlands started roughly simultaneously around 1000b.c., which may have been triggered by a change in maize productivity. The standardized spatial pattern including the E-Group assemblage probably developed in the Isthmian Interaction Sphere, encompassing the southern Gulf Coast, central Chiapas, the Chiapas-Guatemalan Pacific Coast, and Ceibal, during the transitional period between the decline of San Lorenzo and the rise of La Venta as a major center (1200–800b.c.). Most of the lowland Maya communities adopted the E-Group assemblage after 800b.c., but not other elements of the standardized spatial pattern.
MORTUARY RITUALS AND CRANIAL MODIFICATIONS AT CEIBAL: FROM THE EARLY MIDDLE PRECLASSIC TO THE TERMINAL CLASSIC PERIOD
Authors: Palomo Juan Manuel , Inomata Takeshi , Triadan Daniela
Published: May 2017

Skeletal remains excavated from the lowland Maya site of Ceibal, representing approximately 117 individuals, provide significant data for the study of changes in bodily treatments and mortuary practices from 1000b.c.toa.d.900. The early Middle Preclassic residents of Ceibal apparently did not bury their dead inside residential structures, which represents a burial practice different from those found at contemporaneous Belizean sites. During this time, tabular erect cranial deformations were found among possible local residents. Sacrificial burials were present by the end of this period, but skeletal remains of violent rituals deposited in public spaces increased from the Middle Preclassic to the Late Preclassic. During the Late Preclassic, tabular erect cranial deformations coexisted with tabular oblique shapes. The Classic period witnessed a prevalence of tabular oblique forms, which were probably tied to local residents. The common placement of the dead under house floors and the preference of ceramic vessels as burial goods also indicate Ceibal's strong affinities with other parts of the Maya lowlands during the Late Classic period. During the Terminal Classic period, there was a resurgence in the placement of sacrificial burials in public spaces and tabular erect cranial deformations were found in possible non-local individuals.
Asylum Seekers and the Labour Market: Spaces of Discomfort and Hostility
Authors: Waite Louise
Published: May 2017

This article examines the relationship in the UK between asylum-seeking and the labour market. Since 2002, asylum-seekers have not been allowed to work unless they have waited over twelve months for an initial decision on their asylum claim. This policy change occurred as employment was considered a ‘pull factor’ encouraging unfounded asylum claims. Despite not having the right to work, asylum-seekers – and especially those whose applications for refugee status have been refused by the UK government – interact with the labour market in manifold ways. Drawing on an ESRC-funded study in the UK's Yorkshire and Humber region and related studies, this article argues that both asylum-seekers and refused asylum-seekers form a hyper-exploitable pool of ‘illegalised’ and unprotected workers. As a vital part of their survival terrain, work is largely experienced as for-cash labouring in low-paid labour market sectors where the spectre of exploitation and even ‘modern slavery’ are perpetual threats. Recent policy shifts are deepening such threats through creating increasingly ‘uncomfortable’ and ‘hostile’ environments for certain categories of migrants.
Thyroid cancer has a small impact on patient–partner relationships and their frequency of sexual activity
Authors: Büel-Drabe Natalie , Steinert Hans , Moergeli Hanspeter , Weidt Steffi , Seiler Annina , Jenewein Josef
Published: May 2017

Objective:

This cross-sectional survey examined changes in perceived relationships and sexual activity in a sample of thyroid cancer patients and their partners, taking into account sociodemographic and disease-related variables, as well as such outcome measures as anxiety, depression, fatigue, and quality of life (QoL).

Method:

A total of 38 patients with thyroid cancer who were being treated at the department of nuclear medicine in Zürich or Lucerne over the preceding seven years, as well as their partners, completed questionnaires about the quality of their relationships (RQ), about perceptions of changes in their relationships, and about their frequency of sexual activity. They also filled out prevalidated questionnaires related to anxiety, depression, fatigue, and QoL.

Results:

Some 17 patients (44.7%) and 16 partners (42.1 %) reported that the cancer diagnosis had changed their relationships. Of these, 10 (26.3%) patients and 9 (23.7%) partners reported positive changes only, while 7 patients (18.4%) and 7 partners (18.4%) reported mixed or negative changes. A perceived mixed/negative relationship change was associated with increased depression and lower RQ in patients and partners, as well as with increased anxiety in patients. While the frequency of sexual activity only changed in roughly half of patients and partners (16 patients [42.1%] and 20 partners [52.6%]), increased sexual activity was associated with lower physical QoL scores and a higher depression score than in counterparts who reported no change.

Significance of Results:

Compared to other cancer sites, in our sample thyroid cancer had a relatively small impact on patient–partner relationships and levels of intimacy. We found that screening patients and their partners with a simple question—“Did the diagnosis of cancer change your relationship?”—can lead to early detection of couples who are potentially at risk for perceived negative relationship changes and can facilitate timely psychosocial referral for couple's therapy.
A review of economic considerations for cover crops as a conservation practice
Authors: Bergtold Jason S. , Ramsey Steven , Maddy Lucas , Williams Jeffery R.
Published: May 2017

Over the past few decades, farmers have increasingly integrated cover crops into their cropping systems. Cover-crop benefits can help a farmer to achieve sustainability or reduce negative environmental externalities, such as soil erosion or chemical runoff. However, the impact on farm economics will likely be the strongest incentive to adopt cover crops. These impacts can include farm profits, cash crop yields or both. This paper provides a review of cover-crop adoption, production, risk and policy considerations from an economic perspective. These dimensions are examined through a review of cover-crop literature. This review was written to provide an overview of cover crops and their impacts on the farm business and the environment, especially with regard to economic considerations. Through increasing knowledge about cover crops, the intent here is to inform producers contemplating adoption and policy makers seeking to encourage adoption.
Africa and international humanitarian law: The more things change, the more they stay the same
Authors: Waschefort Gus
Published: May 2017

Africa, both on the inter-State level and the academic level, maintains a very low profile in the global debate on international humanitarian law (IHL). IHL issues do not feature prominently in the armed conflict debate within Africa, and African States and people do not significantly participate in the global IHL debate. This contribution is aimed at both identifying the reasons for this lack of regional engagement with IHL and identifying entry points for such engagement. It also ambitiously calls for ongoing and engaged focus on IHL in Africa, and to this end, a number of issues for future consideration can be extrapolated from the issues discussed.
Emotionsregulation
Authors: Petermann Franz
Published: May 2017

Zusammenfassung. Positive Emotionen und gute Fertigkeiten zur Emotionsregulation sind für eine gesunde Entwicklung eines Kindes zentral. Nur wenn es Kindern gelingt, angemessene Emotionsregulationsstrategien zu entwickeln, werden sie gut in ihre soziale Umwelt integriert sein. Der Qualität der Emotionsregulation kommt eine wesentliche Funktion für die Entstehung psychischer Störungen im Kindesalter zu. Längsschnittstudien können einen bedeutsamen Zusammenhang zwischen einer unangemessenen Emotionsregulation und der Herausbildung von Angst- und depressiven Störungen auf der einen und aggressiven Verhalten auf der anderen Seite belegen.
Emotionsregulationsstrategien im Vorschulalter
Authors: Gust Nicole , Fintel Rebekka von , Petermann Franz
Published: May 2017

Zusammenfassung. Die vorliegende Studie beschäftigt sich mit dem Zusammenhang zwischen Emotionsregulationsstrategien und Empathie/Prosozialen Verhalten bei Vorschulkindern. Die jeweilige Emotionsregulationsstrategie wird vom Emotionswissen beeinflusst und ist altersabhängig. An einer Stichprobe von N=470 (davon 230 Mädchen) wurden emotionale Kompetenzen der Drei- bis Sechsjährigen anhand des Erhebungsverfahrens EMK 3 – 6 erfasst. Zwei Modelle wurden mithilfe von Mediatoranalysen auf ihre Gültigkeit überprüft. Die Ergebnisse legen nahe, dass ein indirekter Effekt von gewählten Emotionsregulationsstrategien über Emotionswissen auf das prosoziale Verhalten und eine vollständige Mediation des Zusammenhangs zwischen gewählten Emotionsregulationsstrategien und Empathie über Emotionswissen vorliegen. Die Ergebnisse werden in die aktuelle Forschung integriert, die Bedeutung einer gezielten Förderung emotionaler Kompetenzen im Vorschulalter wird als bedeutsam herausgestellt.
A Volcanic Trigger for Earth’s First Mass Extinction?
Authors: Joel Lucas
Published: May 2017

Abnormally high levels of mercury in Ordovician rocks may imply that a huge surge of volcanism took place at a time when much of the planet’s ocean life vanished.
Formation of metallic cation-oxygen network for anomalous thermal expansion coefficients in binary phosphate glass
Authors: Onodera Yohei , Kohara Shinji , Masai Hirokazu , Koreeda Akitoshi , Okamura Shun , Ohkubo Takahiro
Published: May 2017

Understanding glass structure is still challenging due to the result of disorder, although novel materials design on the basis of atomistic structure has been strongly demanded. Here we report on the atomic structures of the zinc phosphate glass determined by reverse Monte Carlo modelling based on diffraction and spectroscopic data. The zinc-rich glass exhibits the network formed by ZnOx (averaged x<4) polyhedra. Although the elastic modulus, refractive index and glass transition temperature of the zinc phosphate glass monotonically increase with the amount of ZnO, we find for the first time that the thermal expansion coefficient is very sensitive to the substitution of the phosphate chain network by a network consisting of Zn-O units in zinc-rich glass. Our results imply that the control of the structure of intermediate groups may enable new functionalities in the design of oxide glass materials.
Anapole nanolasers for mode-locking and ultrafast pulse generation
Authors: Totero Gongora Juan S. , Miroshnichenko Andrey E. , Kivshar Yuri S. , Fratalocchi Andrea
Published: May 2017

Nanophotonics is a rapidly developing field of research with many suggestions for a design of nanoantennas, sensors and miniature metadevices. Despite many proposals for passive nanophotonic devices, the efficient coupling of light to nanoscale optical structures remains a major challenge. In this article, we propose a nanoscale laser based on a tightly confined anapole mode. By harnessing the non-radiating nature of the anapole state, we show how to engineer nanolasers based on InGaAs nanodisks as on-chip sources with unique optical properties. Leveraging on the near-field character of anapole modes, we demonstrate a spontaneously polarized nanolaser able to couple light into waveguide channels with four orders of magnitude intensity than classical nanolasers, as well as the generation of ultrafast (of 100 fs) pulses via spontaneous mode locking of several anapoles. Anapole nanolasers offer an attractive platform for monolithically integrated, silicon photonics sources for advanced and efficient nanoscale circuitry.
Inner centromere localization of the CPC maintains centromere cohesion and allows mitotic checkpoint silencing
Authors: Hengeveld Rutger C. C. , Vromans Martijn J. M. , Vleugel Mathijs , Hadders Michael A. , Lens Susanne M. A.
Published: May 2017

Faithful chromosome segregation during mitosis requires that the kinetochores of all sister chromatids become stably connected to microtubules derived from opposite spindle poles. How stable chromosome bi-orientation is accomplished and coordinated with anaphase onset remains incompletely understood. Here we show that stable chromosome bi-orientation requires inner centromere localization of the non-enzymatic subunits of the chromosomal passenger complex (CPC) to maintain centromeric cohesion. Precise inner centromere localization of the CPC appears less relevant for Aurora B-dependent resolution of erroneous kinetochore–microtubule (KT–MT) attachments and for the stabilization of bi-oriented KT–MT attachments once sister chromatid cohesion is preserved via knock-down of WAPL. However, Aurora B inner centromere localization is essential for mitotic checkpoint silencing to allow spatial separation from its kinetochore substrate KNL1. Our data infer that the CPC is localized at the inner centromere to sustain centromere cohesion on bi-oriented chromosomes and to coordinate mitotic checkpoint silencing with chromosome bi-orientation.
Hot excited state management for long-lived blue phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes
Authors: Lee Jaesang , Jeong Changyeong , Batagoda Thilini , Coburn Caleb , Thompson Mark E. , Forrest Stephen R.
Published: May 2017

Since their introduction over 15 years ago, the operational lifetime of blue phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes (PHOLEDs) has remained insufficient for their practical use in displays and lighting. Their short lifetime results from annihilation between high-energy excited states, producing energetically hot states (>6.0 eV) that lead to molecular dissociation. Here we introduce a strategy to avoid dissociative reactions by including a molecular hot excited state manager within the device emission layer. Hot excited states transfer to the manager and rapidly thermalize before damage is induced on the dopant or host. As a consequence, the managed blue PHOLED attains T80=334±5 h (time to 80% of the 1,000 cd m−2 initial luminance) with a chromaticity coordinate of (0.16, 0.31), corresponding to 3.6±0.1 times improvement in a lifetime compared to conventional, unmanaged devices. To our knowledge, this significant improvement results in the longest lifetime for such a blue PHOLED.
Pairwise frictional profile between particles determines discontinuous shear thickening transition in non-colloidal suspensions
Authors: Comtet Jean , Chatté Guillaume , Niguès Antoine , Bocquet Lydéric , Siria Alessandro , Colin Annie
Published: May 2017

The process by which sheared suspensions go through a dramatic change in viscosity is known as discontinuous shear thickening. Although well-characterized on the macroscale, the microscopic mechanisms at play in this transition are still poorly understood. Here, by developing new experimental procedures based on quartz-tuning fork atomic force microscopy, we measure the pairwise frictional profile between approaching pairs of polyvinyl chloride and cornstarch particles in solvent. We report a clear transition from a low-friction regime, where pairs of particles support a finite normal load, while interacting purely hydrodynamically, to a high-friction regime characterized by hard repulsive contact between the particles and sliding friction. Critically, we show that the normal stress needed to enter the frictional regime at nanoscale matches the critical stress at which shear thickening occurs for macroscopic suspensions. Our experiments bridge nano and macroscales and provide long needed demonstration of the role of frictional forces in discontinuous shear thickening.