bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hierarchical distance sampling to estimate population sizes of common lizards across a desert ecoregion
Authors: Furnas Brett J. , Newton D. Scott , Capehart Griffin D. , Barrows Cameron W.
Published: February 2019

Multispecies wildlife monitoring across large geographical regions is important for effective conservation planning in response to expected impacts from climate change and land use. Unlike many species of birds, mammals, and amphibians which can be efficiently sampled using automated sensors including cameras and sound recorders, reptiles are often much more challenging to detect, in part because of their typically cryptic behavior and generally small body sizes. Although many lizard species are more active during the day which makes them easier to detect using visual encounter surveys, they may be unavailable for sampling during certain periods of the day or year due to their sensitivity to temperature. In recognition of these sampling challenges, we demonstrate application of a recent innovation in distance sampling that adjusts for temporary emigration between repeat survey visits. We used transect surveys to survey lizards at 229 sites throughout the Mojave Desert in California, USA, 2016. We estimated a total population size of 82 million (90% CI: 65–99 million) for the three most common species of lizards across this 66,830 km2ecoregion. We mapped how density at the 1‐km2scale was predicted to vary with vegetation cover and human development. We validated these results against independent surveys from the southern portion of our study area. Our methods and results demonstrate how multispecies monitoring programs spanning arid ecoregions can better incorporate information about reptiles.
Surgery is not the only determinant of an outcome in patients with hypopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Smee Robert , Williams Janet R. , Kotevski Damian P.
Published: February 2019

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes in patients treated for hypopharyngeal carcinoma in a single‐center and the importance of considering how patient factors influence outcomes.

Methods

A retrospective review was conducted on patients who were seen at the Prince of Wales Hospital from 1968 to 2015. Kaplan‐Meier and Cox regression analyses were performed for each patient and treatment factor to investigate outcomes of local control, cancer‐specific survival (CSS), and ultimate local control.

Results

Three hundred thirty patients were analyzed. Significant multivariate predictors for improved local control and CSS were fitness for surgery, cancer operability, surgery with adjuvant radiotherapy, no treatment interruptions (P < .05). Five‐year local control (84%), CSS (50%), and ultimate local control (84%) rates were significantly higher in patients treated surgically with adjuvant radiotherapy, compared to single modality treatment (P < .05).

Conclusion

Patient factors influence the outcomes experienced by patients with hypopharyngeal carcinoma.
Oligometastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck treated with stereotactic body ablative radiotherapy: Single‐institution outcomes
Authors: Bates James E. , De Leo Alexandra N. , Morris Christopher G. , Amdur Robert J. , Dagan Roi
Published: February 2019

Purpose/Objectives

We analyzed outcomes after stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy for oligometastatic (1‐5 metastatic foci) head‐and‐neck squamous cell carcinoma (OM‐HNSCC).

Materials/Methods

We reviewed patients treated between 2012 and 2016. Endpoints included overall survival (OS), distant progression, and treated‐metastasis local control (TM‐LC).

Results

We analyzed 27 patients with 60 primarily metachronous metastases (81.5%). Median follow‐up was 1.6 years (0.2‐5.2). Median time from diagnosis to treatment was 1.1 years (0.08‐8.5). Overall, 44.4% had solitary, 44.4% had 2‐3, and 11.1% had >3 metastases; most metastases were in the lung (44 of 60 metastases). Median OS was 1.9 years; at 1 and 2 years, 78% and 43% were alive (14% without disease progression). Median time to progression was 0.5 years. The 1‐year and 2‐year TM‐LC rates were 75% and 57%.

Conclusions

OS is encouraging and disease‐free survival remains poor; nevertheless, patients with OM‐HNSCC may represent a more favorable subset of patients with metastatic HNSCC.
Obesity Decreases Hepatic 25-Hydroxylase Activity Causing Low Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D
Authors: Roizen Jeffrey D , Long Caela , Casella Alex , O'Lear Lauren , Caplan Ilana , Lai Meizan , Sasson Issac , Singh Ravinder , Makowski Andrew J , Simmons Rebecca , Levine Michael A
Published: February 2019

Normal vitamin D homeostasis is critical for optimal health; nevertheless, vitamin D deficiency is a worldwide public health problem. Vitamin D insufficiency is most commonly due to inadequate cutaneous synthesis of cholecalciferol and/or insufficient intake of vitamin D, but can also arise as a consequence of pathological states such as obesity. Serum concentrations of 25(OH)D (calcidiol) are low in obesity, and fail to increase appropriately after vitamin D supplementation. Although sequestration of vitamin D in adipose tissues or dilution of ingested or cutaneously synthesized vitamin D in the large fat mass of obese patients has been proposed to explain these findings, here we investigate the alternative mechanism that reduced capacity to convert parent vitamin D to 25(OH)D due to decreased expression of CYP2R1, the principal hepatic vitamin D 25-hydroxylase. To test this hypothesis, we isolated livers from female mice of 6 to 24 weeks of age, weaned onto either a normal chow diet or a high-fat diet, and determined the abundance of Cyp2r1 mRNA using digital droplet-quantitative PCR. We observed a significant (p < 0.001) decrease in Cyp2r1 mRNA in the liver of high-fat diet–fed mice relative to lean-chow–fed female mice. Moreover, there was a significant (p < 0.01) relationship between levels of Cyp2r1 mRNA and serum 25(OH)D concentrations as well as between Cyp2R1 mRNA and the ratio of circulating 25(OH)D3 to cholecalciferol (p < 0.0001). Using linear regression we determined a curve with 25(OH)D3/cholecalciferol versus normalized Cyp2R1 mRNA abundance with an R2 value of 0.85. Finally, we performed ex vivo activity assays of isolated livers and found that obese mice generated significantly less 25(OH)D3 than lean mice (p < 0.05). Our findings indicate that expression of CYP2R1 is reduced in obesity and accounts in part for the decreased circulating 25(OH)D. © 2019 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Efficient singular‐value decomposition of the coupled‐cluster triple excitation amplitudes
Authors: Lesiuk Michal
Published: February 2019

We demonstrate a novel technique to obtain singular‐value decomposition (SVD) of the coupled‐cluster triple excitations amplitudes, . The presented method is based on the Golub‐Kahan bidiagonalization strategy and does not require to be stored. The computational cost of the method is comparable to several coupled cluster singles and doubles (CCSD) iterations. Moreover, the number of singular vectors to be found can be predetermined by the user and only those singular vectors which correspond to the largest singular values are obtained at convergence. We show how the subspace of the most important singular vectors obtained from an approximate triple amplitudes tensor can be used to solve equations of the CC3 method. The new method is tested for a set of small and medium‐sized molecular systems in basis sets ranging in quality from double‐ to quintuple‐zeta. It is found that to reach the chemical accuracy (≈1 kJ/mol) in the total CC3 energies as little as 5 − 15% of SVD vectors are required. This corresponds to the compression of the amplitudes by a factor of about 0.0001 − 0.005. Significant savings are obtained also in calculation of interaction energies or rotational barriers, as well as in bond‐breaking processes. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Valorisation of sugarcane molasses for the production of microbial lipids via fermentation of two Rhodosporidium strains for enzymatic synthesis of polyol esters
Authors: Boviatsi Efthymia , Papadaki Aikaterini , Efthymiou Maria‐Nefeli , Nychas George‐John E , Papanikolaou Seraphim , da Silva José A C , Freire Denise M G , Koutinas Apostolis
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND

Bioprocess development for microbial oil production using cane sugar and sugarcane molasses via fermentation followed by enzymatic conversion into fatty acid esters is presented in this study.

RESULTS

Microbial oil was initially evaluated in shake flask fermentations of Rhodosporidium toruloides NRRL Y‐27012 and R. kratochvilovae Y‐43 using either very high polarity (VHP) cane sugar or sugarcane molasses. Supplementation of phosphate salts, trace elements and nitrogen sources in molasses‐based cultures influenced yeast growth and microbial oil production. R. kratochvilovae had different nutrient requirements than R. toruloides. Fed‐batch bioreactor cultures of R. toruloides in molasses‐based cultures without any phosphate salts and trace element supplementation led to a microbial oil concentration of 25 g L−1 and an intracellular lipid content of 61% (w/w). Nutrient supplementation influenced the fatty acid composition of microbial oils indicating that enrichment in oleic acid could be achieved (up to 65.1%). The microbial oil produced by R. toruloides was enzymatically converted into polyol esters with a conversion yield of more than 85% (w/w).

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that Rhodosporidium sp. can be cultivated in molasses for the production of oleic acid enriched microbial lipids by adjusting medium composition. The polyol esters derived from microbial lipids could be used as a renewable feedstock for oleochemical production. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Viral CD229 (Ly9) homologs as new manipulators of host immunity
Authors: Angulo Ana , Cuenca Marta , Martínez-Vicente Pablo , Engel Pablo
Published: February 2019

The signaling lymphocytic activation molecule family (SLAMF) of receptors plays crucial roles during innate and adaptive immune responses. The SLAMF member CD229 (Ly9, SLAMF3) is a homophilic receptor predominantly expressed on the surface of B and T cells. CD229 acts as a cosignaling molecule, regulating lymphocyte homoeostasis and activation. To promote viral replication and survival in their hosts, viruses have developed sophisticated mechanisms to combat and avoid immune surveillance. Many of these strategies rely on host defense genes captured during the process of virus–host coevolution. In particular, large DNA viruses devote a wide range of proteins to interfere with almost every host immune pathway. Given that CD229 is critically involved in regulating immune responses, it is not surprising that viruses have designed tactics to mimic or interfere with this receptor. The discovery, in recent years, that some viruses have hijacked CD229 genes from their hosts, incorporating them as an integral part of their genomes, or have evolved proteins to directly target CD229, indicates that this is the case. While it is still an emerging area of research, the present review discusses these viral molecules and their potential in immune modulation. A more detailed understanding of the mechanisms of action and the functional implications of these new viral CD229 mimics may not only provide seminal information on viral immune evasion mechanisms but also, unveil unrecognized aspects of CD229 immune functions.
Regulation of leukocyte function by citric acid cycle intermediates
Authors: Patil Naeem K , Bohannon Julia K , Hernandez Antonio , Patil Tazeen K , Sherwood Edward R
Published: February 2019

Cellular metabolism is a means of generating ATP to provide energy for key cellular functions. However, recent research shows that citric acid cycle intermediates target vital cellular functions of the innate immune system. Succinate, itaconate, citrate, and fumarate have been shown to mediate or regulate important myeloid cell functions during infection and inflammation. This review covers the regulatory functions of citric acid cycle intermediates in myeloid cells and discusses potential translational applications, key mechanistic questions, and future research directions.
Ultrastructure of spider thread anchorages
Authors: Wirth Marina , Wolff Jonas O. , Appel Esther , Gorb Stanislav N.
Published: February 2019

Spiders attach silken threads to substrates by means of glue‐coated nanofibers (piriform silk), spun into disc‐like structures. The organization and ultrastructure of this nano‐composite silk are largely unknown, despite their implications for the biomechanical function and material properties of thread anchorages. In this work, the ultrastructure of silken attachment discs was studied in representatives of four spider families with Transmission Electron Microscopy to facilitate a mechanistic understanding of piriform silk function across spiders. Based on previous findings from comparative studies of piriform silk gland morphology, we hypothesized that the fibre‐glue proportion of piriform silk differs in different spiders, while the composition of fibre and glue fractions is consistent. Results confirmed large differences in the relative proportion of glue with low amounts in the orb weaver Nephila senegalensis (Araneidae) and the hunting spider Cupiennius salei (Ctenidae), larger amounts in the cobweb spider Parasteatoda tepidariorum (Theridiidae) and a complete reduction of the fibrous component in the haplogyne spider Pholcus phalangioides (Pholcidae). We rejected our hypothesis that glue ultrastructure is consistent. The glue is a colloid with polymeric and fluid fractions that strongly differ in proportions and assembly. We further confirmed that in all species studied both dragline and piriform silk fibres do not make contact with the environmental substrate. Instead, adhesion is established by a thin dense skin layer of the piriform glue. These results advance our understanding of piriform silk function and the interspecific variation of its properties, which is significant for spider biology, web function and the bioengineering of silk.
“Mistakes Can be Beautiful”: Creative Engagement in Arts Integration for Early Adolescent Learners
Authors: Anderson Ross C. , Haney Michele , Pitts Christine , Porter Lorna , Bousselot Tracy
Published: February 2019

In this study we explored students’ perspectives and experiences engaging in an arts integration learning model during middle school through a pluralistic lens of creative engagement in learning. The sample included N = 86 students in Grades 6–7 attending schools in fringe rural and urban locales from small and mid‐sized cities in the Pacific Northwest. We used a grounded theory approach to explore how creative engagement takes shape for the early adolescent learner. Our conceptual framework integrated intrapsychological (inward) processes with interpsychological (outward) exchange in the social environment of an arts integrated classroom. Schools involved in the study were part of a larger mixed‐methods research investigation and received intensive support for school‐wide arts integration development. We found that students valued opportunities in arts integration for (a) choice, (b) the expression of their unique interpretations, (c) taking risks and making mistakes, (d) recognizing and applying their Studio Habits of Mind, and (e) enhancement of motivation and engagement in learning. The need for competency, belonging, and autonomy were important conditions of the learning environment and the need for meaning‐making was paramount in the process of creative engagement.
Evaluation of the catocene/graphene oxide nanocomposite catalytic activity on ammonium perchlorate thermal decomposition
Authors: Sa'at Maryam , Yarmohammadi Masoud , Zamani Pedram Mona , Shahidzadeh Mansour , Amini‐Fazl Mohammad Sadegh
Published: February 2019

A novel nanocomposite catalyst for thermal degradation of the ammonium perchlorate (AP) has been synthesized, and its effect on the thermal behavior of AP has been investigated. Preparation of the catalyst was carried out via functionalization of the graphene oxide with phenyl isocyanate and its noncovalent bonding to catocene. The catalytic activity of the catalyst was studied by thermal gravimetric analysis/differential scanning calorimetry at various heating rates. In addition, the effect of the catalyst on the AP thermal decomposition has been investigated by Kissinger and Friedman methods as two model‐free methods for calculation of the activation energy parameter. According to the Kissinger method calculations, the Ea of AP decomposition reduced about 151 kJ⋅mol−1 lower than the reported value for pure AP in the presence of the catalyst. Calculation of the Ea value for various reaction conversion rates by the Friedman method also confirmed the Kissinger method results.
SMPD1 mutations, activity, and α‐synuclein accumulation in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Alcalay Roy N. , Mallett Victoria , Vanderperre Benoît , Tavassoly Omid , Dauvilliers Yves , Wu Richard Y.J. , Ruskey Jennifer A. , Leblond Claire S. , Ambalavanan Amirthagowri , Laurent Sandra B. , Spiegelman Dan , Dionne‐Laporte Alexandre , Liong Christopher , Levy Oren A. , Fahn Stanley , Waters Cheryl , Kuo Sheng‐Han , Chung Wendy K. , Ford Blair , Marder Karen S. , Kang Un Jung , Hassin‐Baer Sharon , Greenbaum Lior , Trempe Jean‐Francois , Wolf Pavlina , Oliva Petra , Zhang Xiaokui Kate , Clark Lorraine N. , Langlois Melanie , Dion Patrick A. , Fon Edward A. , Dupre Nicolas , Rouleau Guy A. , Gan‐Or Ziv
Published: February 2019

Background

SMPD1 (acid‐sphingomyelinase) variants have been associated with Parkinson's disease in recent studies. The objective of this study was to further investigate the role of SMPD1 mutations in PD.

Methods

SMPD1 was sequenced in 3 cohorts (Israel Ashkenazi Jewish cohort, Montreal/Montpellier, and New York), including 1592 PD patients and 975 controls. Additional data were available for 10,709 Ashkenazi Jewish controls. Acid‐sphingomyelinase activity was measured by a mass spectrometry‐based assay in the New York cohort. α‐Synuclein levels were measured in vitro following CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated knockout and siRNA knockdown of SMPD1 in HeLa and BE(2)‐M17 cells. Lysosomal localization of acid‐sphingomyelinase with different mutations was studied, and in silico analysis of their effect on acid‐sphingomyelinase structure was performed.

Results

SMPD1 mutations were associated with PD in the Ashkenazi Jewish cohort, as 1.4% of PD patients carried the p.L302P or p.fsP330 mutation, compared with 0.37% in 10,709 Ashkenazi Jewish controls (OR, 3.7; 95%CI, 1.6‐8.2; P = 0.0025). In the Montreal/Montpellier cohort, the p.A487V variant was nominally associated with PD (1.5% versus 0.14%; P = 0.0065, not significant after correction for multiple comparisons). Among PD patients, reduced acid‐sphingomyelinase activity was associated with a 3.5‐ to 5.8‐year earlier onset of PD in the lowest quartile versus the highest quartile of acid‐sphingomyelinase activity (P = 0.01‐0.001). We further demonstrated that SMPD1 knockout and knockdown resulted in increased α‐synuclein levels in HeLa and BE(2)‐M17 dopaminergic cells and that the p.L302P and p.fsP330 mutations impair the traffic of acid‐sphingomyelinase to the lysosome.

Conclusions

Our results support an association between SMPD1 variants, acid‐sphingomyelinase activity, and PD. Furthermore, they suggest that reduced acid‐sphingomyelinase activity may lead to α‐synuclein accumulation. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Efficiency enhancement of cross cancellation power amplifier using negative group delay circuit
Authors: Joeng Junhyung , Chaudhary Girdhari , Jeong Yongchae
Published: February 2019

In this article, a cross cancellation power amplifier (CCPA) with negative group delay circuits (NGDCs) for an efficiency enhancement is proposed. The proposed CCPA with NGDCs consists of a balanced power amplifier (BPA), NGDCs, error amplifier, small signal amplifier, and magnitude/phase control circuits. The NGDC can remove delay elements of the conventional CCPA and improve output power and efficiency. The fabricated main BPA provides 44.37 dBm peak power, 71.3% drain efficiency, and 68% PAE at 2.14 GHz. The drain efficiency of the proposed CCPA with NGDCs is improved by 6.7% than the conventional CCPA. Moreover, adjacent channel leakage ratios of CCPA with NGDCs are improved by 12.2, 18.9, 17.7, and 14.2 dB at −10, −5, +5, and +10 MHz offset points with the WCDMA 4‐FAs (20 MHz) signal, respectively.
Effect of primary particle size and aggregate size of modified graphene oxide on toughening of unsaturated polyester resin
Authors: He Siyao , Liu Kunwei , Macosko Christopher W. , Stein Andreas
Published: February 2019

Graphene‐based nanomaterial tougheners can effectively toughen thermosetting resins at an extremely low loading level with minimal change in Tg or modulus. However, previous research has indicated that this toughening effect shows only small responses to changing graphene oxide (GO) surface modifications, resin dispersion processing methods, and GO loading levels. It is hypothesized that the physical dimensions of GO particles affect the toughening behavior of graphene‐based additives. In this study, the sizes of primary and aggregated surface‐modified GO (mGO) particles were measured directly using scanning electron microscopy. The effects of the differences in size on fracture toughness (KIC), bending modulus, and flexural strength of an unsaturated polyester resin were evaluated. The sizes of primary mGO particles were estimated from the sizes of GO particles prior to their surface modification and the sizes of mGO aggregates after dispersion in the resin. This study shows that as little as 0.005 wt% mGO can increase KIC by nearly 20%. This toughening effect is independent of primary particle size. Reducing mGO aggregate sizes by chemical modification or sonication shifts the optimal loading level of mGO‐based tougheners to lower concentrations, but the maximal achievable toughness cannot be changed by improving dispersion or particle–matrix interactions. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:3886–3894, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Informative censoring by health plan disenrollment among commercially insured adults
Authors: Butler Anne M. , Todd Jonathan V. , Sahrmann John M. , Lesko Catherine R. , Brookhart M. Alan
Published: February 2019

Purpose

Health plan disenrollment occurs frequently in commercial insurance claims databases. If individuals who disenroll are different from those who remain enrolled, informative censoring may bias descriptive statistics as well as estimates of causal effect. We explored whether patterns of disenrollment varied by patient or health plan characteristics.

Methods

In a large cohort of commercially insured adults (2007‐2013), we examined two primary outcomes: (a) within‐year disenrollment between January 1 and December 30, which was considered to occur due to patient disenrollment from the health plan, and (b) end‐of‐year disenrollment on December 31, which was considered to occur due to either patient disenrollment from the health plan or withdrawal of the entire health plan from the commercial insurance database. In yearly cohorts, we identified factors independently associated with disenrollment by using log‐binomial regression models to estimate risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

Among 2 053 100 unique patient years, the annual proportion of within‐year disenrollment remained steady across years (range, 13% to 14%) whereas the annual proportion of end‐of‐year disenrollment varied widely (range, 8% to 26%). Independent predictors of within‐year disenrollment were related to health status, including age, comorbidities, frailty, hospitalization, emergency room visits, use of durable medical equipment, use of preventive care, and use of prescription medications. In contrast, independent predictors of end‐of‐year disenrollment were related to health plan characteristics including insurance plan type and geographic characteristics.

Conclusions

Differential risk of disenrollment suggests that analytic approaches to address selection bias should be considered in studies using commercial insurance databases.
Matrix‐Metalloprotease Resistant Mucin‐16 (MUC16) Peptide Mutants Represent a Worse Lung Adenocarcinoma Outcome
Authors: Patel Jay S. , Callahan Blake M. , Chobrutskiy Boris I. , Blanck George
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The relationship of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD)–specific proteases and the mutant profile of cytoskeletal and extracellular matrix proteins (CECMPs) are examined.

Experimental design

Mutant CECMPs are assessed with an automated application of a protease binding, amino acid–based, scoring database.

Results

MUC16 (Human Genome Organization symbol for mucin‐16 gene) mutants in particular are, more often than not, resistant to matrix‐metalloproteases (MMPs) commonly secreted by LUAD cells, and LUAD cases representing the MUC16, MMP resistant mutants have a worse outcome. Similar results are obtained for MUC16 mutants resistant to cathepsins, also commonly secreted by LUAD cells. Analyses also show that MUC16, MMP resistant peptide mutants have greater binding affinities to HLA‐A and HLA‐B when compared to MUC16, MMP nonresistant peptide mutants.

Conclusion

These results provide a potential, novel biomarker for lung cancer progression, in particular, protease resistant MUC16 peptides; and suggest a possible mechanism of immune escape entailing the reduction of mutant peptides available for HLA class I binding.
Mutation in a flexible linker modulates binding affinity for modular complexes
Authors: Stokes Philippa H. , Robertson Neil O. , Silva Ana P. G. , Estephan Tanya , Trewhella Jill , Guss J. Mitchell , Matthews Jacqueline M.
Published: February 2019

Tandem beta zippers are modular complexes formed between repeated linear motifs and tandemly arrayed domains of partner proteins in which β‐strands form upon binding. Studies of such complexes, formed by LIM domain proteins and linear motifs in their intrinsically disordered partners, revealed spacer regions between the linear motifs that are relatively flexible but may affect the overall orientation of the binding modules. We demonstrate that mutation of a solvent exposed side chain in the spacer region of an LHX4–ISL2 complex has no significant effect on the structure of the complex, but decreases binding affinity, apparently by increasing flexibility of the linker.
FOSSES: Framework for open‐source software evaluation and selection
Authors: Adewumi Adewole , Misra Sanjay , Omoregbe Nicholas , Sanz Luis Fernandez
Published: February 2019

A plethora of approaches exists for the evaluation and selection of open‐source software (OSS) in the literature. However, these approaches are hardly ever used in practice for the following reasons: first, the lack of a situational‐based procedure to define the evaluation criteria for OSS given its varied and dynamic nature; second, the inability of existing evaluation techniques, such as the analytic hierarchy process, to cope well with uncertainty factors, thus producing misleading results that affect the quality of decisions made; and third, a significant number of existing approaches require the prototyping of alternatives being considered in order to facilitate evaluation and decision‐making. This study addresses the aforementioned challenges by evolving a process framework for evaluating and selecting OSS. The proposed framework is validated by applying it to a case study. In addition, expert opinion was elicited via questionnaires from 10 experts, and overall feedback suggests that 80% of them are willing to adopt the approach.
Epistemological framing and novice elementary teachers' approaches to learning and teaching engineering design
Authors: Wendell Kristen B. , Swenson Jessica E. S. , Dalvi Tejaswini S.
Published: February 2019

As engineering learning experiences increasingly begin in elementary school, elementary teacher preparation programs are an important site for the study of teacher development in engineering education. In this article, we argue that the stances that novice teachers adopt toward engineering learning and knowledge are consequential for the opportunities they create for students. We present a comparative case study examining the epistemological framing dynamics of two novice urban teachers, Ana and Ben, as they learned and taught engineering design during a four‐week institute for new elementary teachers. Although the two teachers had very similar teacher preparation backgrounds, they interpreted the purposes of engineering design learning and teaching in meaningfully different ways. During her own engineering sessions, Ana took up the goal not only of meeting the needs of the client but also of making scientific sense of artifacts that might meet those needs. When facilitating students' engineering, she prioritized their building knowledge collaboratively about how things work. By contrast, when Ben worked on his own engineering, he took up the goal of delivering a product. When teaching engineering to students, he offered them constrained prototyping tasks to serve as hands‐on contexts for reviewing scientific explanations. These findings call for teacher educators to support teachers' framing of engineering design as a knowledge building enterprise through explicit conversations about epistemology, apprenticeship in sense‐making strategies, and tasks intentionally designed to encourage reasoning about design artifacts.
Mapping the impact of home‐ and host‐country institutions on human resource management in emerging market multinational companies: A conceptual framework
Authors: Edwards Tony , Schnyder Gerhard , Fortwengel Johann
Published: February 2019

While there is a growing literature concerned with multinational companies from emerging markets (EMNCs), it does not contain a robust conception of how institutions shape human resource (HR) practices in such firms. We contribute to filling this gap through developing a framework of how institutions create a range of constraints and opportunities for EMNCs. Specifically, our framework contains three key elements of how MNCs from emerging markets interact with institutions: EMNCs develop approaches that to some extent reflect the perceived strengths and weaknesses of the institutions in the home country (institutional conditioning); the strategies of actors in EMNCs can overcome the weaknesses of the home country by drawing on institutions in other countries (institutional arbitrage); and the actions of EMNCs can reinforce, or create pressures for change in, the institutional context in the countries in which they operate (institutional change/consolidation). By mapping this set of strategies of EMNCs, we contribute to a fuller understanding of the relationship between institutions and HR practices, and we outline how the rise of EMNCs reshapes the global landscape by adding new kinds of firm behavior to capitalist diversity.
Managing a large citizen science project to monitor wildlife
Authors: Locke Christina M. , Anhalt‐Depies Christine M. , Frett Susan , Stenglein Jennifer L. , Cameron Sarah , Malleshappa Vivek , Peltier Taylor , Zuckerberg Benjamin , Townsend Philip A.
Published: February 2019

We provide program managers insight into considerations for launching and running a large‐scale, long‐term citizen science project, using the Snapshot Wisconsin trail‐camera project as a case study. Many citizen science projects are undertaken with a “learn as you go” approach, so there is room to better prepare program managers from the outset. We provide a comprehensive list of components making up citizen science projects, and discuss capacity needs for each component. We then quantify staff time needed throughout the project, based on our own experiences managing a long‐term citizen science project with >1,000 participants. We show that total staff time and staff time devoted to certain project components vary markedly among 3 project phases: planning, growth, and maintenance. We recommend planning for 5.5 staff positions to maintain a long‐term project serving a few hundred volunteers or more. The illustrated concepts can be applied by any person or group developing a volunteer‐based project to prepare for logistic and funding needs across a project's lifespan. Program managers must remember that people form the backbone of any citizen science project, and the success or failure of such projects depend in large part on the user experience of volunteers. © 2019 The Wildlife Society.
Disomic chromosome addition from Thinopyrum intermedium to bread wheat appears to confer stripe rust resistance
Authors: Nie Linman , Yang Yuening , Zhang Jun , Fu Tihua
Published: February 2019

A wheat line 14-569 developed from a hybrid of common wheat cv. Chuannong 10 with the wheat–Thinopyrum intermedium partial amphiploid TAI7045 exhibits stable double spikelets per node character in the lower middle portion of a spike, is highly resistant to stripe rust, and produces kernels with a higher 1000-kernel weight than those of its wheat parent. Chromosome counting and an analysis of meiosis demonstrated that line 14-569 is a disomic addition line with 2n = 44, 22II. Sequential genomic in situ hybridization and non-denaturing fluorescence in situ hybridization analyses indicated that one pair of St-genomic chromosomes from Th. intermedium was added to the wheat complement and that the wheat complement included one pair of 1RS/1BL wheat–rye translocation chromosomes. PCR-based landmark unique gene molecular marker analysis revealed that the added pair of chromosomes comprised 3St chromosomes, which suggested that the added 3St chromosomes from Th. intermedium might carry the genes to control the high yield-related characters and stripe rust resistance. This addition line will potentially be useful resource for improvements in wheat yields and stripe rust resistance.
Multiscale integration: beyond internalism and externalism
Authors: Ramstead Maxwell J. D. , Kirchhoff Michael D. , Constant Axel , Friston Karl J.
Published: February 2019

We present a multiscale integrationist interpretation of the boundaries of cognitive systems, using the Markov blanket formalism of the variational free energy principle. This interpretation is intended as a corrective for the philosophical debate over internalist and externalist interpretations of cognitive boundaries; we stake out a compromise position. We first survey key principles of new radical (extended, enactive, embodied) views of cognition. We then describe an internalist interpretation premised on the Markov blanket formalism. Having reviewed these accounts, we develop our positive multiscale account. We argue that the statistical seclusion of internal from external states of the system—entailed by the existence of a Markov boundary—can coexist happily with the multiscale integration of the system through its dynamics. Our approach does not privilege any given boundary (whether it be that of the brain, body, or world), nor does it argue that all boundaries are equally prescient. We argue that the relevant boundaries of cognition depend on the level being characterised and the explanatory interests that guide investigation. We approach the issue of how and where to draw the boundaries of cognitive systems through a multiscale ontology of cognitive systems, which offers a multidisciplinary research heuristic for cognitive science.
Effect of permanent plots on the relative efficiency of spatially balanced sampling in a national forest inventory
Authors: Räty Minna , Kangas Annika Susanna
Published: February 2019

Key message

Using spatially balanced sampling utilizing auxiliary information in the design phase can enhance the design efficiency of national forest inventory. These gains decreased with increasing proportion of permanent plots in the sample. Using semi-permanent plots, changing everynth inventory round, instead of permanent plots, reduced this phenomenon. Further studies for accounting the permanent sample when selecting temporary sample are needed.

Context

National forest inventories (NFIs) produce national- and regional-level statistics for sustainability assessment and decision-making. Using an interpreted satellite image as auxiliary information in the design phase improved the relative efficiency (RE). Spatially balanced sampling through local pivotal method (LPM) used for selection of clusters of sample plots is designed for temporary sample; thus, the method was tested in a NFI design with both permanent and temporary clusters.

Aims

We estimated LPM method and stratified sampling for a NFI designed for successive occasions, where the clusters are permanent, semi-permanent, or temporary being replaced: never, everynth, and every inventory round, respectively.

Methods

REs of sampling designs against systematic sampling were studied with simulations of inventory sampling.

Results

The larger the proportion of permanent clusters the smaller benefits gained with LPM. REs of stratified sampling were not depending on the proportion of permanent clusters. The semi-permanent sampling with LPM removed the previously described decrease and resulted in the largest REs.

Conclusion

Sampling strategies with semi-permanent clusters were the most efficient, yet not necessarily optimal for all inventory variables. Further development of method to simultaneously take into account the distribution of permanent sample when selecting temporary or semi-temporary sample is desired since it could increase the design efficiency.
SnS2@C Hollow Nanospheres with Robust Structural Stability as High-Performance Anodes for Sodium Ion Batteries
Authors: Li Shuaihui , Zhao Zhipeng , Li Chuanqi , Liu Zhongyi , Li Dan
Published: February 2019

Constructing unique and highly stable structures with plenty of electroactive sites in sodium storage materials is a key factor for achieving improved electrochemical properties through favorable sodium ion diffusion kinetics. An SnS2@carbon hollow nanospheres (SnS2@C) has been designed and fabricated via a facile solvothermal route, followed by an annealing treatment. The SnS2@C hybrid possesses an ideal hollow structure, rich active sites, a large electrode/electrolyte interface, a shortened ion transport pathway, and, importantly, a buffer space for volume change, generated from the repeated insertion/extraction of sodium ions. These merits lead to the significant reinforcement of structural integrity during electrochemical reactions and the improvement in sodium storage properties, with a high specific reversible capacity of 626.8 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles at a current density of 0.2 A g−1 and superior high-rate performance (304.4 mAh g−1 at 5 A g−1).
Can Cattle Basis Forecasts Be Improved? A Bayesian Model Averaging Approach
Authors: Payne Nicholas D. , Karali Berna , Dorfman Jeffrey H.
Published: February 2019

Basis forecasting is important for producers and consumers of agricultural commodities in their risk management decisions. However, the best performing forecasting model found in previous studies varies substantially. Given this inconsistency, we take a Bayesian approach, which addresses model uncertainty by combining forecasts from different models. Results show model performance differs by location and forecast horizon, but the forecast from the Bayesian approach often performs favorably. In some cases, however, the simple moving averages have lower forecast errors. Besides the nearby basis, we also examine basis in a specific month and find that regression-based models outperform others in longer horizons.
The bougie and first-pass success in the emergency department: Journal Club review
Authors: Stewart Emily W. , Spearing Kerry P. , Abu-Laban Riyad B.
Published: February 2019

Clinical question: Is bougie use associated with increased first-pass success in emergency department (ED) intubations?

Article chosen: Driver et al. The Bougie and First-Pass Success in the Emergency Department. Annals of Emerg Med 2017;70(4):473–478.

Objective: To compare data and assess whether bougie use is independently associated with first-pass success in ED intubations.
Implementation strategies to reduce surgical site infections: A systematic review
Authors: Ariyo Promise , Zayed Bassem , Riese Victoria , Anton Blair , Latif Asad , Kilpatrick Claire , Allegranzi Benedetta , Berenholtz Sean
Published: February 2019

Background:

Surgical site infections (SSIs) portend high patient morbidity and mortality. Although evidence-based clinical interventions can reduce SSIs, they are not reliably delivered in practice, and data are limited on the best approach to improve adherence.

Objective:

To summarize implementation strategies aimed at improving adherence to evidence-based interventions that reduce SSIs.

Design:

Systematic review

Methods:

We searched PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, the Cochrane Library, the WHO Regional databases, AFROLIB, and Africa-Wide for studies published between January 1990 and December 2015. The Effective Practice and Organization Care (EPOC) criteria were used to identify an acceptable-quality study design. We used structured forms to extract data on implementation strategies and grouped them into an implementation model called the “Four Es” framework (ie, engage, educate, execute, and evaluate).

Results:

In total, 125 studies met our inclusion criteria, but only 8 studies met the EPOC criteria, which limited our ability to identify best practices. Most studies used multifaceted strategies to improve adherence with evidence-based interventions. Engagement strategies included multidisciplinary work and strong leadership involvement. Education strategies included various approaches to introduce evidence-based practices to clinicians and patients. Execution strategies standardized the interventions into simple tasks to facilitate uptake. Evaluation strategies assessed adherence with evidence-based interventions and patient outcomes, providing feedback of performance to providers.

Conclusions:

Multifaceted implementation strategies represent the most common approach to facilitating the adoption of evidence-based practices. We believe that this summary of implementation strategies complements existing clinical guidelines and may accelerate efforts to reduce SSIs.
Latrophilin mediates insecticides susceptibility and fecundity through two carboxylesterases, esterase4 and esterase6, in Tribolium castaneum
Authors: Wei L. , Gao S. , Xiong W. , Liu J. , Mao J. , Lu Y. , Song X. , Li B.
Published: February 2019

Latrophilin (LPH) is known as an adhesion G-protein-coupled receptor which involved in multiple physiological processes in organisms. Previous studies showed that lph not only involved the susceptibility to anticholinesterase insecticides but also affected fecundity in Tribolium castaneum. However, its regulatory mechanisms in these biological processes are still not clear. Here, we identified two potential downstream carboxylesterase (cce) genes of Tclph, esterase4 and esterase6, and further characterized their interactions with Tclph. After treatment of T. castaneum larvae with carbofuran or dichlorvos insecticides, the transcript levels of Tcest4 and Tcest6 were significantly induced from 12 to 72 h. RNAi against Tcest4 or Tcest6 led to the higher mortality compared with the controls after the insecticides treatment, suggesting that these two genes play a vital role in detoxification of insecticides in T. castaneum. Furthermore, with insecticides exposure to Tclph knockdown beetles, the expression of Tcest4 was upregulated but Tcest6 was downregulated, indicating that beetles existed a compensatory response against the insecticides. Additionally, RNAi of Tcest6 resulted in 43% reductions in female egg laying and completely inhibited egg hatching, which showed the similar phenotype as that of Tclph knockdown. These results indicated that Tclph affected fecundity by positively regulating Tcest6 expression. Our findings will provide a new insight into the molecular mechanisms of Tclph involved in physiological functions in T. castaneum.
ION OF CHIOS: THE CASE OF A FOREIGN POET IN CLASSICAL SPARTA
Authors: Stewart Edmund
Published: February 2019

χαιρέτω ἡμέτερος βασιλεὺς σωτήρ τε πατήρ τε·ἡμῖν δὲ κρητῆρ’ οἰνοχόοι θέραπεςκιρνάντων προχύταισιν ἐν ἀργυρέοις· †ὁ δὲ χρυσὸςοἶνον ἔχων χειρῶν νιζέτω εἰς ἔδαφος.†σπένδοντες δ’ ἁγνῶς Ἡρακλεῖ τ’ Ἀλκμήνηι τε,Προκλεῖ Περσείδαις τ’ ἐκ Διὸς ἀρχόμενοιπίνωμεν, παίζωμεν· ἴτω διὰ νυκτὸς ἀοιδή,ὀρχείσθω τις· ἑκὼν δ’ ἄρχε φιλοφροσύνης.ὅντινα δ’ εὐειδὴς μίμνει θήλεια πάρευνος,κεῖνος τῶν ἄλλων κυδρότερον πίεται.

May our king rejoice, our saviour and father; let the attendant cup-bearers mix for us a crater from silver urns; †Let the golden one with wine in his hands wash to the base† Pouring libations piously to Heracles and Alcmene, Procles and the sons of Perseus and Zeus first of all, let us drink, let us play, let our song rise through the night. Dance someone, willingly begin the festivities. And anyone who has a fair girl waiting to share his bed will drink more like a man than all the others.

(Ion, fr. 27 West = fr. 90 Leurini)
THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK GOVERNING HYDROCARBON ACTIVITIES IN UNDELIMITED MARITIME AREAS
Authors: Ioannides Nicholas A.
Published: February 2019

Owing to soaring energy needs and improved drilling technology, offshore hydrocarbon activities have been on the rise in recent years. A delimited maritime boundary is an essential precondition for the establishment of a safe and stable environment which will facilitate investment and development. Nevertheless, the conclusion of delimitation agreements can be a difficult task due to competing interests and long-standing enmities among neighbouring countries. Significant maritime areas remain undelimited. In order to avoid the problems of both unilateral activities and a complete ‘moratorium’ in undelimited areas, Articles 74(3) and 83(3) of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea impose two obligations of conduct: pending delimitation agreement, States are under duty to ‘make every effort to enter into provisional arrangements of a practical nature’, while, at the same time, the interested parties should refrain from acts that might ‘jeopardize or hamper the reaching of the final agreement’. Bearing this in mind, it is argued that unilateral drilling and, under certain circumstances, unilateral seismic surveys in undelimited maritime areas should not be allowed and such conduct might trigger State responsibility. However, given that complete inactivity in such areas was not the intention of the drafters of the Convention, it is argued that several activities may be permitted as long as they are performed in good faith and do not put any final agreement at risk.