bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Basin-Scale Prediction of Sea Surface Temperature with Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Patil Kalpesh , Deo M. C.
Published: April 2018

The prediction of sea surface temperature (SST) on the basis of artificial neural networks (ANNs) can be viewed as complementary to numerical SST predictions, and it has fairly sustained in the recent past. However, one of its limitations is that such ANNs are site specific and do not provide simultaneous spatial information similar to the numerical schemes. In this work we have addressed this issue by presenting basin-scale SST predictions based on the operation of a very large number of individual ANNs simultaneously. The study area belongs to the basin of the tropical Indian Ocean (TIO) having coordinates of 30°N–30°S, 30°–120°E. The network training and testing are done on the basis of HadISST data of the past 140 yr. Monthly SST anomalies are predicted at 3813 nodes in the basin and over nine time steps into the future with more than 20 million ANN models. The network testing indicated that the prediction skill of ANNs is attractive up to certain lead times depending on the subbasin. The ANN models performed well over both the western Indian Ocean (WIO) and eastern Indian Ocean (EIO) regions up to 5 and 4 months lead time, respectively, as judged by the error statistics of the correlation coefficient and the normalized root-mean-square error. The prediction skill of the ANN models for the TIO region is found to be better than the physics-based coupled atmosphere–ocean models. It is also observed that the ANNs are capable of providing an advanced warning of the Indian Ocean dipole as well as abnormal basin warming.
Pan-Islamic bonds and interest: Ottoman bonds, Red Crescent remittances and the limits of Indian Muslim capital, 1877–1924
Authors: O’Sullivan Michael
Published: April 2018

This article analyses the Ottoman government’s attempt to encourage Indian Muslims to purchase its treasury bonds during the Balkan Wars in 1912–13. It contrasts this largely unsuccessful scheme with the enormous contributions of Indian Muslims to the parallel campaign to raise relief funds for Ottoman soldiers and refugees. While this latter movement involved the intermittent dispatch of remittances to the Ottoman Ministry of Finance and Red Crescent, the bond drive demanded a multi-year commitment and conjured up a variety of financial and religious dilemmas for Indian Muslim constituencies. To better contextualise these divergent outcomes, this article first examines the infrastructures of Indian Muslim religious and financial exchange with the Ottoman Empire from the mid-nineteenth century. It then charts the charitable campaigns organised by Indian Muslims between 1877 and 1912, before turning to the Balkan Wars. The foundering of the bond drive stemmed from problems on both the supply and demand side, namely, International Financial Control (IFC) in the Ottoman context, informational asymmetries, fears of Ottoman insolvency and an aversion by some to accepting interest. Nevertheless, Indian Muslim capital enjoyed a freer degree of circulation than in the post-Ottoman environment, where new powers sought to curtail or control it in an age of financial de-globalisation.
Focal Points, Dissident Calendars, and Preemptive Repression
Authors: Truex Rory
Published: April 2018

This article explains temporal variation in repression as a function of the “dissident calendar,” the set of events that serve as natural focal points for coordination. The core argument is that regimes can anticipate the events that create these focal points and engage in preemptive repression to survive their passing. This dynamic produces predictable, often cyclical patterns in repression. An analysis of dissident detentions in China from 1998 to 2014 shows that “focal events” alone appear to be responsible for more than 20 percent of dissident detentions over the analysis period. Such detentions tend to be shorter and rely less on formal criminal procedures, suggesting a “catch-and-release” dynamic. Additional analysis of detentions in Tibet shows how the calendar may vary by issue or group.
Measuring Alcohol Consumption
Authors: Gmel Gerhard , Rehm Jürgen
Published: April 2018

This article is an overview of different approaches to measuring alcohol consumption: self-reports and objective measures such as blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and aggregate level measures. These approaches are evaluated as regards their ability to capture quantity, frequency, volume and variability of drinking. This review focuses on self-report measures and on the current knowledge of undercoverage error when compared with sales data. In the comparative evaluation of measures, two analytical aims are examined: a) description and testing of differences across groups for which ordinal information is sufficient and b) establishment of cutoff points and risk relationships for which unbiased interval scale level is required. First, minimal differences were found between self-report measures when the recall period was sufficiently long enough. Second, prospective diaries appear to be stronger measures than retrospective recalls. However, prospective diaries commonly cover only short reporting periods and should be combined with simple retrospective measures to capture rare and infrequent drinking episodes. In regard to undercoverage, the discrepancy cannot be fully explained by non-response or concealment of consumption by drinkers. It is argued that undercoverage of sales data may be more related to sample frame defects–-e.g., the non-inclusion of particular subpopulations such as the homeless or institutionalized.
GGUM-RANK Statement and Person Parameter Estimation With Multidimensional Forced Choice Triplets
Authors: Lee Philseok , Joo Seang-Hwane , Stark Stephen , Chernyshenko Oleksandr S.
Published: April 2018

Historically, multidimensional forced choice (MFC) measures have been criticized because conventional scoring methods can lead to ipsativity problems that render scores unsuitable for interindividual comparisons. However, with the recent advent of item response theory (IRT) scoring methods that yield normative information, MFC measures are surging in popularity and becoming important components in high-stake evaluation settings. This article aims to add to burgeoning methodological advances in MFC measurement by focusing on statement and person parameter recovery for the GGUM-RANK (generalized graded unfolding-RANK) IRT model. Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithm was developed for estimating GGUM-RANK statement and person parameters directly from MFC rank responses. In simulation studies, it was examined that how the psychometric properties of statements composing MFC items, test length, and sample size influenced statement and person parameter estimation; and it was explored for the benefits of measurement using MFC triplets relative to pairs. To demonstrate this methodology, an empirical validity study was then conducted using an MFC triplet personality measure. The results and implications of these studies for future research and practice are discussed.
Introduction to the Special Issue of Behavioral Disorders: Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports
Authors: George Heather Peshak
Published: April 2018

This special issue of Behavioral Disorders features a collection of studies designed to improve the outcomes of children and youth with and at risk for emotional and behavioral disorders across multitiered continua of supports using positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS). Studies published in this issue address a variety of educational contexts (school and district) across the continuum of support systems (universal, targeted, and overall systems). Five research studies are presented that illustrate current topics in positive behavior supports (PBS) that focus on improving students’ cognitive abilities, social skills, and emotional well-being across school and district levels.
The effect of two cases of temperature distributions on vibration of fluid-conveying functionally graded thin-walled pipes
Authors: Cao Jianhua , Liu Yongshou , Liu Wei
Published: April 2018

The dynamic analysis of fluid-conveying functionally graded pipes under two cases of temperature distributions is investigated in this study. Two cases of temperature distribution of functionally graded pipes are considered: warmer outside than inside in Case 1 and warmer inside than outside in Case 2. The purpose is to determine the effect of two cases of temperature distributions on the natural frequencies and the critical flow velocity by applying a conventional finite element of functionally graded pipes neglecting shear deformation. The numerical results show that the difference in the natural frequencies or the critical flow velocity between two cases of temperature distributions is not monotonic, and not always greater than 0, which is conditional on the volume fraction index and temperature gradient. The article indicates that the physical parameters of temperature-dependent functionally graded pipes should be selected to adapt for Case 1 and Case 2, respectively.
The lattice strain ratio in characterizing the grain-to-grain interaction effect and its specific insight on the plastic deformation of polycrystalline materials
Authors: Xie Qingge , Lian Junhe , Sun Fengwei , Gan Bin , Wang Yandong
Published: April 2018

A single grain can contract or expand in the transverse direction when it is stretched. It becomes complex when the single grain is embedded in a stretched polycrystal, due to the grain neighborhood effect, which can outweigh the lateral contraction/expansion of that grain itself. Here, we performed numerical simulations to elucidate such grain-to-grain interaction effects on the lattice strain behavior. For individual grains in a polycrystal, pseudo Poisson’s ratio is defined. Ratios of Poisson’s ratio over pseudo Poisson’s ratio were employed to indicate the difference between the cases of the grain deformation with and without the constraint imposed from the neighboring grains. The high-stress spots and the sense of the stress components can be identified with a high possibility according to the proposed ratios. Most of the identified high-stress spots feature tensile stresses in three directions, while some of them feature the compressive stress in one transverse direction and a negative Poisson’s ratio. For the latter, a strong grain-to-grain interaction during the plastic stage of deformation is found. These grains induce the reversal of the lattice strain evolution curve for the measured <002>//TD, which is often found in the literature and in the data of neutron diffraction.
Surgical Treatment With Closing-Wedge Distal Femoral Osteotomy for Recurrent Patellar Dislocation With Genu Valgum
Authors: Nha Kyung Wook , Ha Yoonwon , Oh Seungmin , Nikumbha Vivek P. , Kwon Sae Kwang , Shin Woo-Jin , Lee Byung Hoon , Hong Keun Bae
Published: April 2018

Background:

Closing-wedge distal femoral osteotomy (CWDFO)—combined with medial reefing and lateral release, if necessary— has been used to treat recurrent patellar dislocation (RPD) with genu valgum.

Purpose:

To evaluate the clinical and radiologic outcomes of surgical treatment with CWDFO for treatment of RPD with genu valgum.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Fourteen consecutive patients (23 knees) with RPD and genu valgum were treated with CWDFO. Patients with a minimum 2-year follow-up period were eligible for this study. Patients with prior failed surgery were also eligible. Radiographic evaluation was performed with mechanical femorotibial and lateral distal femoral angle. The radiographic parameters presenting patellar positions and pathologic abnormalities associated with RPD were evaluated. Chondral lesion changes in second-look arthroscopic examination were examined, and clinical outcomes (eg, occurrence of redislocation, range of motion, and clinical scores) were assessed pre- and postoperatively at a minimum of 2 years.

Results:

At a mean follow-up of 30.7 months (range, 25-62 months), the mean mechanical femorotibial and mechanical lateral distal femoral angles changed significantly from valgus 5° (range, 2°-11°) to varus 3° (2°-11°; P < .001) and from 83° (range, 78°-86°) to 89° (84°-92°; P < .001), respectively. The mean patellar congruence angle improved from 40° lateral (range, 20°-53° lateral) to 4° medial (23° medial to 21° lateral; P < .001), as did the lateral patellofemoral angle from 26° (range, 8°-62°) to 9° (0°-15°; P < .001). Computed tomography scans showed that the mean distance of patellar lateral shift decreased from 13.5 mm (range, 4-22 mm) to 2.0 mm (–4 to 5 mm; P < .001). The mean tibial tubercle to trochlear groove distance significantly decreased from 20.4 to 13.5 mm ( P < .001), while the Caton-Deschamps ratio did not change significantly after surgery ( P = .984). Chondral lesions of the patella and trochlear groove significantly improved or were maintained. None of the patients experienced subluxation or redislocation after surgery. Patellar instability symptoms also improved, as validated by radiographic and other clinical outcomes.

Conclusion:

CWDFO combined with medial reefing and lateral release successfully treated RPD with genu valgum for a minimum follow-up of 2 years, with improved patellar alignment and stability.
Developing the combined magnetic, electric and air flow (KLME) separator for RMSW processing
Authors: Faitli J , Csőke B , Romenda R , Nagy Z , Németh S
Published: April 2018

The authors are working on the development of a mechanical–physical processing plant to prepare non-selectively collected residual municipal solid waste (RMSW) in the Zalaegerszeg region of Hungary. A key element of this processing plant is the newly developed KLME separator (the name KLME is the Hungarian abbreviation of ‘combined magnetic, electric and air flow’). This separator is a combination of three widely applied separators, namely a magnetic separator, an eddy current separator and two types of air flow separators designed without the ordinarily necessary cross connecting belt conveyors and feeders. Extensive RMSW and WEEE (waste electrical and electronic equipment) sampling and analyses were carried out in three municipalities to obtain model materials before designing the technology. After fundamental research and laboratory-scale testing, a pilot-scale KLME separator prototype (1.5 ton/h) was made. It has one input stream and five output streams targeted towards five types of products: two-dimensional materials (foils), three-dimensional light materials, magnetic materials, electrically conductive materials and heavy inert materials. Systematic pilot scale testing was carried out and 18 discrete technological setups were tested. The technology as well as the machine were continuously improved and modified based on on-site observations. The best yields and the experience gained are being utilised for the design of an industrial size machine.
Vigabatrin for Epileptic Spasms and Tonic Seizures in Tuberous Sclerosis Complex
Authors: van der Poest Clement Emma A. , Sahin Mustafa , Peters Jurriaan M.
Published: April 2018

Vigabatrin is recommended as first-line treatment for infantile spasms in tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), but other indications in children with tuberous sclerosis complex are less known. We retrospectively reviewed 201 children with tuberous sclerosis complex, and identified 21 children older than 1 year started on vigabatrin for any indication and with sufficient follow-up data. The indication for vigabatrin was epileptic spasms (n = 13), tonic seizures (n = 5), both (n = 2), and status epilepticus (n = 1). Mean age of treatment onset was 4.0 years (range 1.1-18.3). All but 1 patient had a reduction in seizures. Ten patients became seizure free and 4 had an improvement of >90%. In 9 patients, vigabatrin was tapered successfully after 8 to 33 months. Side effects reported included rash (n = 1) and behavioral decline (n = 1). No retinal toxicity was detected in 14 of 21 patients with adequate ophthalmologic surveillance data. In conclusion, vigabatrin may be an effective treatment for epileptic spasms and tonic seizures beyond the infantile age.
The Shaman, the Greengrocer, and “Living in Truth”
Authors: Bolton Jonathan
Published: April 2018

This article turns to Havel’s contemporaries in the Czech music underground to look at earlier uses of the phrase “living in truth.” I focus on Egon Bondy’s 1976 novel The Shaman, where truth is portrayed in mystical terms as a form of transcendence achieved through solitary spiritual training—a mental state that is divorced from political opposition. Havel repurposes the idea of “living in truth,” avoiding mystical notions in favor of civic engagement, but he also steers clear of the romance of “dissident stories” about people persecuted for such engagement. I explore why Havel’s famous story of the greengrocer is so weak on motivation; rather than painting a scene or creating a three-dimensional character, Havel gestures weakly at the greengrocer’s sudden transformation into an oppositional figure. Havel also consistently uses scare quotes around the phrase “living in truth,” registering his own discomfort with a phrase that is inspiring, yet plays into dissident clichés. I see The Power of the Powerless as delineating a version of dissident truth while remaining skeptical about its transmission; Havel skillfully mixes pathos and irony as he considers the role of “dissidents” caught between Czechoslovak realities and Western expectations.
Improvement of graphene oxide/epoxy resin adhesive properties through interface modification
Authors: Hu Guangkai , Zhang Xiaorui , Liu Lizhu , Weng Ling
Published: April 2018

The heat-conducting, dielectric, and bonding properties of a composite adhesive have been enhanced using toluene diisocyanate (TDI) to chemically modify the interface between graphene oxide (GO) and epoxy resin (EP), which was characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The thermal conductivity of TDI10-GO0.5/EP was 0.624 W·m−1·K−1 (166% of EP and 117% of GO0.5/EP), with its TDI10-GO0.5/EP interfacial thermal resistance being reduced by a factor of 36 times GO0.5/EP. The insulating properties of the adhesive in small resistors and capacitors were improved by the inclusion of GO, with the dielectric strength of the adhesive shown to be 25.96 kV·mm−1 and its volume resistivity found to be 1.50 × 1014 Ω·m.
Disparate effects of Shb gene deficiency on disease characteristics in murine models of myeloid, B-cell, and T-cell leukemia
Authors: Jamalpour Maria , Li Xiujuan , Gustafsson Karin , Tyner Jeffrey W , Welsh Michael
Published: April 2018

The Src homology-2 domain protein B is an adaptor protein operating downstream of tyrosine kinases. The Shb gene knockout has been found to accelerate p210 Breakpoint cluster region-cAbl oncogene 1 tyrosine kinase-induced leukemia. In human myeloid leukemia were tumors with high Src homology-2 domain protein B mRNA content, tumors were, however, associated with decreased latency and myeloid leukemia exhibiting immune cell characteristics. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Shb knockout on the development of leukemia in three additional models, that is, colony stimulating factor 3 receptor-T618I–induced neutrophilic leukemia, p190 Breakpoint cluster region-cAbl oncogene 1 tyrosine kinase-induced B-cell leukemia, and G12D-Kras-induced T-cell leukemia/thymic lymphoma. Wild-type or Shb knockout bone marrow cells expressing the oncogenes were transplanted to bone marrow–deficient recipients. Organs from moribund mice were collected and further analyzed. Shb knockout increased the development of CSF3RT618I-induced leukemia and increased the white blood cell count at the time of death. In the p190 Breakpoint cluster region-cAbl oncogene 1 tyrosine kinase B-cell model, Shb knockout reduced white blood cell counts without affecting latency, whereas in the G12D-Kras T-cell model, thymus size was increased without major effects on latency, suggesting that Shb knockout accelerates the development thymic lymphoma. Cytokine secretion plays a role in the progression of leukemia, and consequently Shb knockout bone marrows exhibited lower expression of granulocyte colony stimulating factor and interleukin 6 in the neutrophilic model and interleukin 7 and chemokine C-X-C motif ligand 12 (C-X-C motif chemokine 12) in the B-cell model. It is concluded that in experimental mouse models, the absence of the Shb gene exacerbates the disease in myeloid leukemia, whereas it alters the disease characteristics without affecting latency in B- and T-cell leukemia. The results suggest a role of Shb in modulating the disease characteristics depending on the oncogenic insult operating on hematopoietic cells. These findings help explain the outcome of human disease in relation to Src homology-2 domain protein B mRNA content.
Dual PI3 K/mTOR inhibition reduces prostate cancer bone engraftment altering tumor-induced bone remodeling
Authors: Mancini Andrea , Colapietro Alessandro , Pompili Simona , Del Fattore Andrea , Delle Monache Simona , Biordi Leda Assunta , Angelucci Adriano , Mattei Vincenzo , Liang Chris , Gravina Giovanni Luca , Festuccia Claudio
Published: April 2018

Morbidity in advanced prostate cancer patients is largely associated with bone metastatic events. The development of novel therapeutic strategies is imperative in order to effectively treat this incurable stage of the malignancy. In this context, Akt signaling pathway represents a promising therapeutic target able to counteract biochemical recurrence and metastatic progression in prostate cancer. We explored the therapeutic potential of a novel dual PI3 K/mTOR inhibitor, X480, to inhibit tumor growth and bone colonization using different in vivo prostate cancer models including the subcutaneous injection of aggressive and bone metastatic (PC3) and non-bone metastatic (22rv1) cell lines and preclinical models known to generate bone lesions. We observed that X480 both inhibited the primary growth of subcutaneous tumors generated by PC3 and 22rv1 cells and reduced bone spreading of PCb2, a high osteotropic PC3 cell derivative. In metastatic bone, X480 inhibited significantly the growth and osteolytic activity of PC3 cells as observed by intratibial injection model. X480 also increased the bone disease-free survival compared to untreated animals. In vitro experiments demonstrated that X480 was effective in counteracting osteoclastogenesis whereas it stimulated osteoblast activity. Our report provides novel information on the potential activity of PI3 K/Akt inhibitors on the formation and progression of prostate cancer bone metastases and supports a biological rationale for the use of these inhibitors in castrate-resistant prostate cancer patients at high risk of developing clinically evident bone lesions.
History of research performance measurement systems in the Australian higher education sector
Authors: Martin-Sardesai Ann , Guthrie James , Tooley Stuart , Chaplin Sally
Published: April 2018

Performance measurement systems (PMSs) are a global phenomenon emanating from new public management (NPM) reforms. While they are now prolific and entrenched, they have attracted criticism based on their design and the manner in which they are applied. The purpose of this article is to explore the history of accounting for research in the Australian higher education sector (HES). It focuses on how successive Australian governments have steered research within the sector through the introduction of PMSs, in line with NPM reforms. Relying on publicly available online policy documents and scholarly literature, the study traces the development of performance measures within the Australian HES from the mid-1980s to 2015. It contributes to literature in management accounting aspects of NPM through the means of management accounting techniques such as PMSs. It also contributes to accounting history literature through an examination of three decades of accounting for research in the Australian HES.
Log-Viterbi algorithm applied on second-order hidden Markov model for human activity recognition
Authors: Sung-Hyun Yang , Thapa Keshav , Kabir M Humayun , Hee-Chan Lee
Published: April 2018

Recognition of human activities is getting into the limelight among researchers in the field of pervasive computing, ambient intelligence, robotic, and monitoring such as assistive living, elderly care, and health care. Many platforms, models, and algorithms have been developed and implemented to recognize the human activities. However, existing approaches suffer from low-activity accuracy and high time complexity. Therefore, we proposed probabilistic log-Viterbi algorithm on second-order hidden Markov model that facilitates our algorithm by reducing the time complexity with increased accuracy. Second-order hidden Markov model is efficient relevance between previous two activities, current activity, and current observation that incorporate more information into recognition procedure. The log-Viterbi algorithm converts the products of a large number of probabilities into additions and finds the most likely activity from observation sequence under given model. Therefore, this approach maximizes the probability of activity recognition with improved accuracy and reduced time complexity. We compared our proposed algorithm among other famous probabilistic models such as Naïve Bayes, condition random field, hidden Markov model, and hidden semi-Markov model using three datasets in the smart home environment. The recognition possibility of our proposed method is significantly better in accuracy and time complexity than early proposed method. Moreover, this improved algorithm for activity recognition is much effective for almost all the dynamic environments such as assistive living, elderly care, healthcare applications, and home automation.
Chain formation control for a platoon of robots using time-gap separation
Authors: Cruz-Morales Raul Dali , Velasco-Villa Martin , Rodriguez-Angeles Alejandro
Published: April 2018

The main objective of this article is to present a controller capable of maintaining a chain formation of platooning type, among a set of non-holonomic mobile robots, keeping a time-gap separation between each pair of consecutive robots at the platoon. It is intended that the whole set of robots asymptotically follows any feasible trajectory described by the leader robot. Under these conditions, the distance between any pair of consecutive robots, that is, the i-th robot and the ( i + 1)-th robot, depends on the velocity of the i-th robot. Only position measurements are available, such that, to avoid using approximate velocity estimations, the chain formation problem is solved by considering a delay observer strategy. Based on the measurements of the positions of the robots, along the platoon, a delay observer is built for the i-th robot that provides a virtual reference for the ( i + 1)-th robot, and this reference corresponds to the i-th robot trajectory delayed specific units of time, corresponding to the desired time-gap separation. Convergence of the ( i + 1)-th robot to its desired delayed trajectory, which implies convergence of the chain formation, is formally proved by means of a Lyapunov stability approach and supported by numerical simulations and real-time experiments.
Altered Vessel Signalling Molecules in Subjects with Down's Syndrome
Authors: Licastro F. , Chiappelli M. , Porcellini E. , Trabucchi M. , Marocchi A. , Corsi M.M.
Published: April 2018

Down's syndrome (DS) is the most frequent human chromosomal abnormality and is associated with mental retardation. Some evidence indicates that certain inflammatory molecules may be increased in DS. Proinflammatory and vasoactive molecules in the blood of non demented subjects with DS were measured in the present investigation. Plasma levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and C reactive protein (CRP) were measured in child (2–14 years), adult (20–50 yrs) and elderly (> 60 yrs) DS subjects. Increased plasma levels of IL-6 and MCP-1 were present in DS. Plasma levels of VEGF were increased only in DS adults. Positive linear correlation between IL-6 and MCP-1 levels was present. However, no subclinical inflammation was apparent in DS, since neopterin and CRP levels were within the normal range. An altered regulation of these molecules might interfere with some processes involved in cognitive performances of DS subjects.
Detection of Human Papillomavirus DNA, P53 and KI67 Expression in Penile Carcinomas
Authors: Gentile V. , Vicini P. , Giacomelli L. , Cardillo M.R. , Pierangeli A. , Degener A.M.
Published: April 2018

Our study is aimed at evaluating the presence of p53 and Ki67 expression by immunohistochemistry in a series of 11 paraffin-embedded penile carcinomas. We also investigated the presence of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) DNA in these tumours and performed an accurate typing by DNA sequencing on positive samples. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed with the anti-p53 and Ki67 mouse monoclonal antibodies. DNA extracted from small sections of each specimen was submitted to amplification with HPV specific general primers; PCR products of the proper length were purified and sequenced. IHC demonstrated nuclear accumulation of mutated p53 and Ki 67 expression in 10/11 tumour samples (90.9%). The prevalence of HPV DNA was 72.7%; the most prevalent type was HPV16. Sequencing analysis revealed the presence of HPV53 (12.5%), HPV18 (25%) and HPV16 (62.5%). Out of the p53 or Ki67 positive carcinomas the percentage of HPV positives was 80% and 70% respectively. Our results indicate that penile carcinoma is frequently associated to high risk HPV and with diffuse p53 and Ki67 expression.
Creating Separation From the On-Field Product: Roger Goodell’s Image Repair Discourse During the Ray Rice Domestic Violence Case
Authors: Smith J. Scott , Keeven Danny
Published: April 2018

This analysis examines National Football League (NFL) Commissioner Roger Goodell’s image repair strategies during the Ray Rice domestic violence crisis. After receiving criticism for only suspending Rice for two games, the attacks against the NFL and Goodell substantially increased when TMZ released a previously unseen video of Rice knocking out his then-fiancée Janay Palmer in a Revel Casino elevator. Facing these new attacks, Goodell relied on a separation strategy that included acknowledging the NFL had a domestic violence problem, shifting the blame to Rice, and highlighting the NFL’s new domestic violence policy which was the most stringent in professional sports. Goodell also used mortification to enhance his separation strategy to suggest that he was responsible for the insufficient punishment of Rice, which shifted the blame to Goodell and away from the NFL product and NFL owners. Unlike other CEOs who only gain notoriety during an organizational crisis, Goodell was already disliked by players and the public prior to the Rice scandal, which may have enhanced his attempts to shield the league from the scandal. Implications are drawn concerning how the public’s perception of an executive can influence the effectiveness of image repair discourse and how a separation strategy can bolster an organization’s defense.
Experimental identification of the transition from elasticity to inelasticity from ultrasonic attenuation analyses
Authors: Barnhoorn Auke , Verheij Jeroen , Frehner Marcel , Zhubayev Alimzhan , Houben Maartje
Published: April 2018

The transition from recoverable elastic to permanent inelastic deformation is marked by the onset of fracturing in the brittle field. Detection of this transition in materials is crucial to predict imminent failure/fracturing. We have used an ultrasonic pulse transmission method to record the change in waveform across this transition during fracturing experiments. The transition from elastic to inelastic deformation coincides with a minimum in ultrasonic attenuation (i.e., maximum wave amplitude). Prior to this attenuation minimum, the existing microfractures close. After this minimum, new microfractures form and attenuation increases until peak stress conditions, at which point, larger fractures form leading to complete sample failure. In our experiments, velocity changes are not sensitive enough to be indicative for the transition from elastic to inelastic deformation. Analysis of attenuation, not velocity, may thus detect imminent failure in materials. Our results may help detect fracturing in borehole casings or the near-wellbore area, or they may help predict imminent release of energy by seismic rupture.
Efficacy, Safety, and Regulatory Approval of Food and Drug Administration–Designated Breakthrough and Nonbreakthrough Cancer Medicines
Authors: Hwang Thomas J. , Franklin Jessica M. , Chen Christopher T. , Lauffenburger Julie C. , Gyawali Bishal , Kesselheim Aaron S. , Darrow Jonathan J.
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The breakthrough therapy program was established in 2012 to expedite the development and review of new medicines. We evaluated the times to approval, efficacy, and safety of breakthrough-designated versus non–breakthrough-designated cancer drugs approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Methods

We studied all new cancer drugs approved by the FDA between January 2012 and December 2017. Regulatory and therapeutic characteristics (time to FDA approval, pivotal trial efficacy end point, novelty of mechanism of action) were compared between breakthrough-designated and non–breakthrough-designated cancer drugs. Random-effects meta-regression was used to assess the association between breakthrough therapy designation and hazard ratios for progression-free survival (PFS), response rates (RRs) for solid tumors, serious adverse events, and deaths not attributed to disease progression.

Results

Between 2012 and 2017, the FDA approved 58 new cancer drugs, 25 (43%) of which received breakthrough therapy designation. The median time to first FDA approval was 5.2 years for breakthrough-designated drugs versus 7.1 years for non–breakthrough-designated drugs (difference, 1.9 years; P = .01). There were no statistically significant differences between breakthrough-designated and non–breakthrough-designated drugs in median PFS gains (8.6 v 4.0 months; P = .11), hazard ratios for PFS (0.43 v 0.51; P = .28), or RRs for solid tumors (37% v 39%; P = .74). Breakthrough therapy–designated drugs were not more likely to act via a novel mechanism of action (36% v 39%; P = 1.00). Rates of deaths (6% v 4%; P = .99) and serious adverse events (38% v 36%; P = 0.93) were also similar in breakthrough-designated and non–breakthrough-designated drugs.

Conclusion

Breakthrough-designated cancer drugs were associated with faster times to approval, but there was no evidence that these drugs provide improvements in safety or novelty; nor was there a statistically significant efficacy advantage when compared with non–breakthrough-designated drugs.
Successive duplication-divergence mechanisms at the RCO locus contributed to leaf shape diversity in the Brassicaceae
Authors: Streubel Susanna , Fritz Michael André , Teltow Melanie , Kappel Christian , Sicard Adrien
Published: April 2018

Gene duplication is a major driver for the increase of biological complexity. The divergence of newly duplicated paralogs may allow novel functions to evolve, while maintaining the ancestral one. Alternatively, partitioning the ancestral function among paralogs may allow parts of that role to follow independent evolutionary trajectories. We studied the REDUCED COMPLEXITY (RCO) locus, which contains three paralogs that have evolved through two independent events of gene duplication, and which underlies repeated events of leaf shape evolution within the Brassicaceae. In particular, we took advantage of the presence of three potentially functional paralogs in Capsella to investigate the extent of functional divergence among them. We demonstrate that the RCO copies control growth in different areas of the leaf. Consequently, the copies that are retained active in the different Brassicaceae lineages contribute to define the leaf dissection pattern. Our results further illustrate how successive gene duplication events and subsequent functional divergence can increase trait evolvability by providing independent evolutionary trajectories to specialized functions that have an additive effect on a given trait.
Plant cell surface receptor-mediated signaling – a common theme amid diversity
Authors: He Yunxia , Zhou Jinggeng , Shan Libo , Meng Xiangzong
Published: April 2018

Sessile plants employ a diverse array of plasma membrane-bound receptors to perceive endogenous and exogenous signals for regulation of plant growth, development and immunity. These cell surface receptors include receptor-like kinases (RLKs) and receptor-like proteins (RLPs) that harbor different extracellular domains for perception of distinct ligands. Several RLK and RLP signaling pathways converge at the somatic embryogenesis receptor kinases (SERKs), which function as shared co-receptors. A repertoire of receptor-like cytoplasmic kinases (RLCKs) associate with the receptor complexes to relay intracellular signaling. Downstream of the receptor complexes, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades are among the key signaling modules at which the signals converge, and these cascades regulate diverse cellular and physiological responses through phosphorylation of different downstream substrates. In this Review, we summarize the emerging common theme that underlies cell surface receptor-mediated signaling pathways in Arabidopsis thaliana: the dynamic association of RLKs and RLPs with specific co-receptors and RLCKs for signal transduction. We further discuss how signaling specificities are maintained through modules at which signals converge, with a focus on SERK-mediated receptor signaling.
Actin-mediated movement of chloroplasts
Authors: Wada Masamitsu , Kong Sam-Geun
Published: April 2018

Plants are sessile and require diverse strategies to adapt to fluctuations in the surrounding light conditions. Consequently, the photorelocation movement of chloroplasts is essential to prevent damages that are induced by intense light (avoidance response) and to ensure efficient photosynthetic activities under weak light conditions (accumulation response). The mechanisms that underlie chloroplast movements have been revealed through analysis of the behavior of individual chloroplasts and it has been found that these organelles can move in any direction without turning. This implies that any part of the chloroplast periphery can function as the leading or trailing edge during movement. This ability is mediated by a special structure, which consists of short actin filaments that are polymerized at the leading edge of moving chloroplasts and are specifically localized in the space between the chloroplast and the plasma membrane, and is called chloroplast-actin. In addition, several of the genes that encode proteins that are involved in chloroplast-actin polymerization or maintenance have been identified. In this Review, we discuss the mechanisms that regulate chloroplast movements through polymerization of the chloroplast-actin and propose a model for actin-driven chloroplast photorelocation movement.
Software for convenient correction of artifacts in sonomicrometry
Authors: Chen Alexander W. , Herzog Walter
Published: April 2018

Sonomicrometry is widely applied in biomechanics and physiology to measure precise distances with high temporal resolution. Although commonly used, its usefulness is often limited by the presence of artifacts that require correction. Unfortunately, procedures reported in the literature for artifact correction are often unclear. Furthermore, currently available tools for artifact correction require significant manual manipulations, the consistency of which takes painstaking effort to verify. To improve the efficiency and consistency of sonomicrometry, we have developed a new software tool for the correction of sonomicrometry artifacts. This tool provides a framework for artifact correction requiring fewer and more limited manipulations from the user. We aimed to make this tool more transparent and easier to use than commercially available tools. To facilitate its application, we describe the relevant properties of sonomicrometry artifacts and detail the software's correction algorithm. The software is available for MacOS and Linux with source code and documentation.
Context-dependency of in-flight responses byManduca sextamoths to ambient differences in relative humidity
Authors: Wolfin Michael S. , Raguso Robert A. , Davidowitz Goggy , Goyret Joaquin
Published: April 2018

The use of sensory information to control behavior usually involves the integration of sensory input from different modalities. This integration is affected by behavioral states and experience, and it is also sensitive to the spatiotemporal patterns of stimulation and other general contextual cues. Following the finding that hawkmoths can use relative humidity (RH) as a proxy for nectar content during close-range foraging, we evaluate here whether RH could be used during locomotive flight under two simulated contexts in a wind tunnel: 1) dispersion, and 2) search phase of the foraging behavior. Flying moths showed a bias towards air with higher RH in a context devoid of foraging stimuli, but the addition of visual and olfactory floral stimuli elicited foraging responses that overrode the behavioral effects of RH. We discuss results in relation to the putative adaptive value of the context-dependent use of sensory information.
A Wide Array of Photoinduced Motions in Molecular and Macromolecular Assemblies at Interfaces
Authors: Seki Takahiro
Published: April 2018

Molecular and macromolecular assemblies have good “chemistry” with light. In the research of photochromic molecules and systems, the number of papers in the most recent 10 years exceeds the half of the whole past century. Photochromic molecules have been studied for their characteristic color changes. Although the importance in this line has not dimmed, other powerful areas have emerged in the last two or three decades. Much more attention has been drawn to light induced motions triggered by photoreactions utilizing molecular and polymer assemblies. Probably, this field is one of the most developing areas in advanced soft material research. This review article mainly deals with azobenzene and diarylethene as the photochroms, and systematically introduces light triggered dynamic processes taking place at interfaces. In terms of the feature size, the systems at interfaces, mesoscopic and microscopic level materials are particularly highlighted. Molecular design and understanding of interfaces are the key to realize smart motility properties in molecular and polymer assemblies.
Near infrared hyperspectral images and pattern recognition techniques used to identify etiological agents of cotton
anthracnose and ramulosis
Authors: Aires Priscila , Gambarra-Neto Francisco , Coutinho Wirton , Araujo Alderi , da Silva Gilvan , Gouveia Josivanda , Medeiros Everaldo
Published: April 2018

Hyperspectral imaging near infrared (HSI-NIR) has the potential to be used as a non-destructive approach for the
analysis of new microbiological matrices of agriculture interest. This article describes a new method for accurately and
rapidly classifying the etiological agents Colletotrichum gossypii (CG) and C. gossypii var. cephalosporioides (CGC) grown
in a culture medium, using scattering reflectance HSI-NIR and multivariate pattern recognition analysis. Five strains of CG
and 46 strains of CGC were used. CG and CGC strains were grown on Czapek-agar medium at 25 °C under a 12-hour
photoperiod for 15 days. Molecular identification was performed as a reference for the CG and CGC classes by
polymerase chain reaction of the intergenic spacer region of rDNA. The scattering coefficient µs and the absorption
coefficient µa were obtained, which resulted in a µs value for CG of 1.37 × 1019 and for CGC of 5.83 × 10–11. These
results showed that the use of the standard normal variate was no longer essential and reduced the spectral range from
1000–2500 nm to 1000–1381 nm. The results evidenced two type II errors for the CG 457-2 and CGC 39 samples in the
soft independent modelling model of the analogy model. There were no classification errors using the algorithm of the
successive projections for variable selection in linear discriminant analysis (SPA-LDA). A parallel validation of the results
obtained with SPA-LDA was performed using a box plot analysis with the 11 variables selected by SPA, in which there
were no outliers for the HSI-NIR models. The new HSI-NIR and SPA-LDA procedures for the classification of CG and CGC
etiological agents are noted for their greater analytical speed, accuracy, simplicity, lower cost and non-destructive
nature.
Hydrologic Evaluation of Residential Rain Gardens Using a Stormwater Runoff Simulator
Authors: Anderson Andrew R. , Franti Thomas G. , Shelton David P.
Published: April 2018

Abstract.

Engineered bioretention cells with underdrains have shown water quality and hydrologic benefits for abating urban stormwater problems. Less is known about the hydrologic performance of residential rain gardens that rely on soil infiltration as the primary mechanism of volume control. Eleven residential rain gardens in Lincoln, Nebraska, were evaluated using a variable-rate stormwater runoff simulator. A volume-based water quality volume (WQV) design storm of 3.0 cm was applied to each rain garden as an SCS Type II runoff hydrograph until the system began overflowing to test the rain gardens for surface and subsurface storage capacity, drawdown rate, ponding depth, and overflow characteristics. Every rain garden tested drained in 30 h or less, with six gardens draining in less than 1 h. Rain garden surface storage capacity was poor, retaining on average only 16% of the WQV. On average, the rain gardens studied could store and infiltrate only 40% of the WQV, with only two gardens able to store and infiltrate greater than 90% of the WQV. On average, 59% of the runoff was captured as subsurface storage. Results of this study indicate that these 2- to 4-year-old rain gardens are limited not by drain times and rates, which often met or exceeded common design recommendations, but rather by inadequate surface storage characteristics. Extrapolating measured surface storage volumes to hypothetical systems with evenly graded depths of 15.2 cm, a minimum local depth recommendation, resulted in only one garden with enough storage to contain the WQV. On average, the extrapolated storage held only 65% of the WQV. It was shown that subsurface storage can make up for a lack of surface storage; the systems studied herein had an average of 2.7 times more subsurface storage than surface storage as a percentage of inflow volume before overflow began. Keywords: Best management practice, Low-impact development, Rain garden, Runoff simulator, Stormwater.