bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A 7000‐year high‐resolution lake sediment record from coastal central Chile (Lago Vichuquén, 34°S): implications for past sea level and environmental variability
Authors: Frugone‐Álvarez Matías , Latorre Claudio , Giralt Santiago , Polanco‐Martínez Josué , Bernárdez Patricia , Oliva‐Urcia Belén , Maldonado Antonio , Carrevedo María Laura , Moreno Ana , Delgado Huertas Antonio , Prego Ricardo , Barreiro‐Lostres Fernando , Valero‐Garcés Blas
Published: March 2017

We present a 7‐ka environmental reconstruction based on sedimentological and geochemical data from Lago Vichuquén, a coastal eutrophic lake in central Chile (34°48′S, 72°03′ W, 4 m a.s.l.). A relatively shallow and restricted marine environment with low productivity, high detrital input and dominant anoxic conditions in the Vichuquén Basin occurred from 7.0 to 6.5 cal ka BP. Rapid onset of a Holocene marine transgression at 6.5 cal ka BP favoured deeper and more biologically productive environments that existed until 2.8 cal ka BP. Bioproductivity changes during the mid‐Holocene (6.5–4.2 cal ka BP) were related to upwelling dynamics controlled by the intensity of the South‐east Pacific Anticyclone (SPA). Periods with lower organic productivity and dominant anoxic conditions reflect an increased intensity of SPA (increased upwelling) and decreased precipitation. A shift at ∼4.0 cal ka BP reflects the onset of modern Southern Westerly Winds and El Niño‐Southern Oscillation patterns. Tectonic uplifting and geormorphological activity (dune advancement) are possible reasons behind the Vichuquén Basin closure at ∼1.2 cal ka BP, leading to a low bioproductivity lacustrine environment which has developed until the present. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Local recurrence after laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation of malignant liver tumors: Results of a contemporary series
Authors: Takahashi Hideo , Akyuz Muhammet , Aksoy Erol , Karabulut Koray , Berber Eren
Published: March 2017

Introduction

The aims of this study were to determine the incidence of Local recurrence (LR) in patients at long‐term follow‐up after laparoscopic RFA (LRFA) and also to determine the risk factors for LR from a contemporary series.

Methods

Patients undergoing LRFA between 2005 and 2014 by a single surgeon were reviewed. Demographic and perioperative data were analyzed from a prospective database.

Results

LRFA was performed on 316 patients with 901 lesions. Median follow‐up was 25 months, with 76% of whom completed at least one year of follow‐up. The LR rate was 18.4%. The LR in patients followed for less than 12 months was 13.8%, 20.3% for 12 months, and 19.7% for 18 months (P = 0.02). One‐fourth of the LRs developed after the 1st year. Morbidity was 8.9% and mortality 0.3%. Tumor type, size, ablation margin, and surgeon experience affected LR, with tumor type, size, and ablation margin being independent.

Conclusions

This study shows that 14% of malignant liver tumors will develop LR within a year after LRFA. Additional 4% of the lesions will demonstrate recurrence within 1 cm of the ablation zone, mostly as part of a multifocal recurrence. Ablation margin is the only parameter that the surgeon can manipulate to decrease LR.
Knowledge‐Sharing Networks: Language Diversity, Its Causes, and Consequences
Authors: Ahmad Farhan
Published: March 2017

Although it is recognized that diversity influences knowledge sharing between employees, there is very little empirical research on the relationship between language diversity and knowledge sharing in the organizations. In this context, this study adopts network perspective and explores linguistic composition of personal knowledge‐sharing networks, its causes and consequences. A survey was conducted involving 403 participants in different subsidiaries of a multinational organization. Hierarchical regression analysis was used to test the effect of language diversity in department, language attitude, and linguistic association on language diversity in personal knowledge‐sharing networks. Moreover, analysis of variance was performed to analyze whether employees with multilingual knowledge‐sharing networks differ from employees with monolingual knowledge‐sharing networks in terms of their knowledge sharing behavior and performance. Regression analysis showed that language diversity in the immediate department and employees' linguistic association in the organization significantly affects the language diversity in employees' personal knowledge‐sharing networks. However, against expectations, language attitude did not have any effect. Moreover, analysis of variance results show that there is no difference in knowledge‐sharing behavior of employees who have multilingual or monolingual knowledge‐sharing networks. However, the employees with multilingual knowledge‐sharing networks perform better than those with monolingual knowledge‐sharing networks in the organization. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Linking Organizational Commitment and Work Engagement to Employee Performance
Authors: Cesário Francisco , Chambel Maria José
Published: March 2017

The need for a strong organizational commitment and a high work engagement have been frequently labelled by organization as critical success factors to achieve higher performance. But are they in fact related to employee performance? And if so, do they have the same strength and intensity as performance predictors? In this study, we used a Work Engagement Scale, commitment scale and employee performance measured through an almost real performance measure, where employees were asked to indicate the latest year's performance appraisal rating reported by their manager. Data analysed (N = 274 workers) first confirmed the existence of a positive relation between performance and effective commitment, normative commitment and work engagement with engagement showing a stronger association. Second, only work engagement was relevant to explain employee performance because commitment did not present significant predictor strength. An important implication of this study is that employers should assume the relevance of developing adequate and challenging work conditions, human resources practices and atmosphere so that employees can increase their passion for the work they are doing. Company leaders should self‐address some related questions raised from this study: are some employees in the company engaged with their work but not committed to the organization? Committed to stay with the company but not engaged with their work? Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Contrasting NPQ dynamics and xanthophyll cycling in a motile and a non‐motile intertidal benthic diatom
Authors: Blommaert Lander , Huysman Marie J. J. , Vyverman Wim , Lavaud Johann , Sabbe Koen
Published: March 2017

Diatoms living in intertidal sediments have to be able to rapidly adjust photosynthesis in response to often pronounced changes in light intensity during tidal cycles and changes in weather conditions. Strategies to deal with oversaturating light conditions, however, differ between growth forms. Motile epipelic diatoms can migrate to more optimal light conditions. In contrast, non‐motile epipsammic diatoms appear to mainly rely on higher Non‐Photochemical Quenching (NPQ) of chlorophyll a fluorescence to dissipate excess light energy, and this has been related to a larger pool of xanthophyll cycle (XC) pigments. We studied the effect of 1 h high Photosynthetically Available Radiation (PAR) (2000 μmol photons m−2 s−1) on the kinetics of the xanthophyll cycle and NPQ in both a motile diatom (Seminavis robusta) and a non‐motile diatom (Opephora guenter‐grassii) in an experimental set‐up which did not allow for vertical migration. O. guenter‐grassii could rapidly switch NPQ on and off by relying on fast XC kinetics. This species also demonstrated high de novo synthesis of xanthophylls within a relatively short period of time (1 h), including significant amounts of zeaxanthin, a feature not observed before in other diatoms. In contrast, S. robusta showed slower NPQ and associated XC kinetics, partly relying on NPQ conferred by de novo synthetized diatoxanthin molecules and synthesis of Light‐Harvesting Complex X (LHCX) isoforms. Part of this observed NPQ increase, however, is sustained quenching (NPQs). Our data illustrate the high and diverse adaptive capacity of microalgal growth forms to maximize photosynthesis in dynamic light environments.
Webcam consultations for diabetes: findings from four years of experience in Newham
Authors: Morris Joanne , Campbell‐Richards Desiree , Wherton Joseph , Sudra Rita , Vijayaraghavan Shanti , Greenhalgh Trisha , Collard Anna , Byrne Emma , O'Shea Teresa
Published: March 2017

Newham diabetes service supports an ethnically diverse population in a deprived urban area and exemplifies challenges faced throughout the NHS with rising demand, high outpatient ‘did not attend’ (DNA) rates (33–50% depending on age) and poor health outcomes.

With funding from the Health Foundation, we aimed to provide more accessible and cost‐effective care by replacing selected follow‐up outpatient appointments with webcam consultations. This paper reports a mixed methods evaluation comprising attendance and biomarker data, and patient and staff interviews.

Consultations were offered to clinically suitable adults aged over 18 and supported using everyday technology available in most people's homes (computer or smartphone, Wi‐Fi connection).

From 2011–2014, 480 online appointments were scheduled by one consultant and one diabetes specialist nurse. Overall, the DNA rate was 13% (compared to 28% for all outpatient appointments for the same patients). There were an additional 152 ‘patient‐initiated’ webcam appointments (in which patients made contact for a Skype consultation in between their scheduled appointments).

Quantitative data were inconclusive, although an improvement in HbA1c levels (though not statistically significant) was evident for those using the webcam service. A&E attendance data showed greater uncertainty, partly due to the relatively small number of A&E events.

Qualitative data indicated that patients found the service convenient, empowering and dependent on a pre‐existing relationship with their clinician, and delivering as good a quality of care as face to face. Patients and staff felt that webcam appointments were not appropriate for all encounters, but could be interspersed with traditional clinic visits. No critical incidents occurred.

Modest efficiency savings were identified, through a decrease in DNAs and increased productivity – with clear savings for patients. Further work is ongoing to understand system‐wide changes required to embed this intervention longer term. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons.
NOTETAKING SKILLS INSTRUCTION FOR DEVELOPMENT OF MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS’ NOTETAKING PERFORMANCE
Authors: Ilter Ilhan
Published: March 2017

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of explicit instruction in notetaking skills on the notetaking performance of seventh‐grade students at different reading ability levels. The students in the notetaking instruction condition (NTI) received classroom‐based notetaking skills instruction (approximately 40 minutes) every week for 10 weeks. The comparison condition students (CNT) were asked to use conventional notetaking (CNT) that was embedded within the daily social studies lessons. The participants’ reading comprehension abilities were identified through the Sentence Verification Technique, which consisted of a 16‐item expository text. A notetaking performance test (NTPT) was used to assess the effect of notetaking skills instruction on two dimensions of the participants’ notes (verbatim copying and terse value). The results demonstrated that the terse value of students’ notes in the NTI condition was significantly better than that of the students in the CNT condition. The students in the NTI condition reduced their percentage of verbatim copying and used fewer words to cover more main concepts in the NTPT that followed the instructional intervention. Surprisingly, the students at low reading ability showed the greatest gains in notetaking performance from verbatim copying to terse notetaking.
Diagnostic test accuracy of cognitive screeners in older people
Authors: Wojtowicz Alex , Larner Andrew J
Published: March 2017

Age is a key risk factor for cognitive impairment and dementia, although cognitive complaints may also occur in younger people. Here, the authors re‐analyse data from several pragmatic diagnostic test accuracy studies examining various short cognitive screening instruments (CSIs) in a secondary‐care, neurology‐led, cognitive disorders clinic and establish whether any CSI tests are more favourable in the older age group.
An alpha‐synuclein MRM assay with diagnostic potential for Parkinson's disease and monitoring disease progression
Authors: Yang Li , Stewart Tessandra , Shi Min , Pottiez Gwenael , Dator Romel , Wu Rui , Aro Patrick , Schuster Robert J. , Ginghina Carmen , Pan Catherine , Gao Yuqian , Qian Weijun , Zabetian Cyrus P. , Hu Shu‐Ching , Quinn Joseph F. , Zhang Jing
Published: March 2017

Aim

The alpha‐synuclein (α‐syn) level in human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), as measured by immunoassays, is promising as a Parkinson's disease (PD) biomarker. However, the levels of total α‐syn are inconsistent among studies with large cohorts and different measurement platforms. Total α‐syn level also does not correlate with disease severity or progression. Here, the authors developed a highly sensitive MRM method to measure absolute CSF α‐syn peptide concentrations without prior enrichment or fractionation, aiming to discover new candidate biomarkers.

Results

Six peptides covering 73% of protein sequence were reliably identified, and two were consistently quantified in cross‐sectional and longitudinal cohorts. Absolute concentration of α‐syn in human CSF was determined to be 2.1 ng/mL. A unique α‐syn peptide, TVEGAGSIAAATGFVK (81‐96), displayed excellent correlation with previous immunoassay results in two independent PD cohorts (p < 0.001), correlated with disease severity, and its changes significantly tracked the disease progression longitudinally.

Conclusions

An MRM assay to quantify human CSF α‐syn was developed and optimized. Sixty clinical samples from cross‐sectional and longitudinal PD cohorts were analyzed with this approach. Although further larger scale validation is needed, the results suggest that α‐syn peptide could serve as a promising biomarker in PD diagnosis and progression.
The asymmetric CFT landscape in with extended supersymmetry
Authors: Blumenhagen Ralph , Fuchs Michael , Plauschinn Erik
Published: March 2017

We study asymmetric simple‐current extensions of Gepner models in dimensions with at least eight supercharges in the right‐moving sector. The models obtained in an extensive stochastic computer search belong to a small number of different classes. These classes can be categorized as dimensional reductions, asymmetric orbifolds with , extra gauge enhancement and as coming from the super Higgs‐effect. Models in the latter class are particularly interesting, as they may correspond to non‐geometric flux compactifications.
On heterotic vacua with fermionic expectation values
Authors: Minasian Ruben , Petrini Michela , Svanes Eirik Eik
Published: March 2017

We study heterotic backgrounds with non‐trivial H‐flux and non‐vanishing expectation values of fermionic bilinears, often referred to as gaugino condensates. The gaugini appear in the low energy action via the gauge‐invariant three‐form bilinear . For Calabi‐Yau compactifications to four dimensions, the gaugino condensate corresponds to an internal three‐form that must be a singlet of the holonomy group. This condition does not hold anymore when an internal H‐flux is turned on and effects are included. In this paper we study flux compactifications to three and four‐dimensions on G‐structure manifolds. We derive the generic conditions for supersymmetric solutions. We use integrability conditions and Lichnerowicz type arguments to derive a set of constraints whose solution, together with supersymmetry, is sufficient for finding backgrounds with gaugino condensate.
What is the magnetic Weak Gravity Conjecture for axions?
Authors: Hebecker Arthur , Henkenjohann Philipp , Witkowski Lukas T.
Published: March 2017

The electric Weak Gravity Conjecture demands that axions with large decay constant f couple to light instantons. The resulting large instantonic corrections pose problems for natural inflation. We explore an alternative argument based on the magnetic Weak Gravity Conjecture for axions, which we try to make more precise. Roughly speaking, it demands that the minimally charged string coupled to the dual 2‐form‐field exists in the effective theory. Most naively, such large‐f strings curve space too much to exist as static solutions, thus ruling out large‐f axions. More conservatively, one might allow non‐static string solutions to play the role of the required charged objects. In this case, topological inflation would save the superplanckian axion. Furthermore, a large‐f axion may appear in the low‐energy effective theory based on two subplanckian axions in the UV. The resulting effective string is a composite object built from several elementary strings and domain walls. It may or may not satisfy the magnetic Weak Gravity Conjecture depending on how strictly the latter is interpreted and on the cosmological dynamics of this composite object, which remain to be fully understood. Finally, we recall that large‐field brane inflation is naively possible in the codimension‐one case. We show how string‐theoretic back‐reaction closes this apparent loophole of large‐f (non‐periodic) pseudo‐axions.
68Ga‐PSMA‐PET for radiation treatment planning in prostate cancer recurrences after surgery: Individualized medicine or new standard in salvage treatment
Authors: Habl Gregor , Sauter Katharina , Schiller Kilian , Dewes Sabrina , Maurer Tobias , Eiber Matthias , Combs Stephanie E.
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND

68Ga‐PSMA‐PET imaging is a novel promising diagnostic tool to locate early biochemical failure after radical prostatectomy (RP) in prostate cancer (PC) patients. Exact knowledge of the relapse location may result in changes of the therapy concept aside from changes to the TNM stage. To gain data for this approach, we evaluated PC patients receiving 68Ga‐PSMA‐PET imaging before salvage radiotherapy (RT).

METHODS AND MATERIALS

In this study, 100 patients with biochemical failure after RP± prior RT who underwent 68Ga‐PSMA PET/CT or PET/MRI were evaluated undergoing salvage RT in our department. We analyzed TNM staging changes due to 68Ga‐PSMA‐PET imaging and its influence on RT planning and treatment.

RESULTS

Uptake indicative for tumor recurrence in 68Ga‐PSMA‐PET was found in 76% of the patients with biochemical recurrent PC. Median PSA level was 1.0 ng/mL (range 0.12‐14.7 ng/mL). Of these, 80% showed no morphological correlate in the corresponding CT or MRI. A 43% of all patients experienced a change in TNM stage due to 68Ga‐PSMA‐PET imaging. Patients had changes from Tx to rcT+ (28%), 12% from pN0 to rcN1, 1% from pN0/cM0 to rcM1a, and 8% from cM0 to rcM1b. Due to the additional knowledge of 68Ga‐PSMA‐PET imaging, initial planned RT planning was adapted in 59% of all cases. An additional simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) to the prostate bed or lymph nodes was given to 32% and 63%, respectively. Ten patients received stereotactic body RT (SBRT) to single bone metastases.

CONCLUSION

68Ga‐PSMA‐PET imaging showed a high clinical impact on staging and RT management in patients with biochemically recurrent PC, even at low serum PSA levels. With 43% changes in staging and 59% in radiotherapy planning 68Ga‐PSMA‐PET could lead to an indispensable tool in guiding radiation treatment in recurrent PC.
EPSPS gene amplification conferring resistance to glyphosate in windmill grass (Chloris truncata) in Australia
Authors: Ngo The D , Malone Jenna M , Boutsalis Peter , Gill Gurjeet , Preston Christopher
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND

Five glyphosate‐resistant populations of Chloris truncata originally collected from New South Wales were compared with one susceptible (S) population from South Australia to confirm glyphosate resistance and elucidate possible mechanisms of resistance.

RESULTS

Based on the amounts of glyphosate required to kill 50% of treated plants (LD50), glyphosate resistance (GR) was confirmed in five populations of C. truncata (A536, A528, T27, A534 and A535.1). GR plants were 2.4–8.7‐fold more resistant and accumulated less shikimate after glyphosate treatment than S plants. There was no difference in glyphosate absorption and translocation between GR and S plants. The EPSPS gene did not contain any point mutation that had previously been associated with resistance to glyphosate. The resistant plants (A528 and A536) contained up to 32–48 more copies of the EPSPS gene than the susceptible plants.

CONCLUSION

This study has identified EPSPS gene amplification contributing to glyphosate resistance in C. truncata. In addition, a Glu‐91‐Ala mutation within EPSPS was identified that may contribute to glyphosate resistance in this species. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Vacancy filled nickel‐cobalt‐titanate thin films
Authors: Fujioka Yukari , Frantti Johannes , Rouleau Christopher , Puretzky Alexander , Meyer Harry M.
Published: March 2017

Single phase nickel‐cobalt‐titanate thin films with a formula A1+2xTi1−xO3, where A is Ni2+,Co2+, and −0.25 < x < 1, were grown by pulsed laser deposition on sapphire substrates. There is a large window in which Ni/Co ratio and x can be chosen independently, allowing a control of properties by the synthesis. In the prototype ilmenite and corundum structures one third of the octahedra are vacant. The reported structure is obtained by filling vacant octahedra (x > 0) or emptying filled octahedra (x < 0). Films with x = 1 have all octahedra filled. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction measurements and Raman scattering techniques were applied to address the structure as a function of x. Data collected on samples with x ≈ 1 are interpreted in terms of hexagonal P63/mmc space group. The hexagonal structure was obtained when films contained both Ni and Co: pure cobalt oxide thin films possessed the spinel structure. Two factors controlling the magnetism and crystal distortion are identified: a direct overlap between the adjacent cation d‐orbitals resulting in a bond formation and magnetic interactions, and x controlling the cation shift toward the vacant octahedron. The displacement decreases and the symmetry increases with increasing x. When x ≈ 1 the cations prefer octahedron center positions.
Hepatitis E and pregnancy: current state
Authors: Pérez‐Gracia María Teresa , Suay‐García Beatriz , Mateos‐Lindemann María Luisa
Published: March 2017

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is responsible for more than 50% of acute viral hepatitis cases in endemic countries. Approximately 2 billion individuals live in hepatitis E–endemic areas and, therefore, are at risk of infection. According to World Health Organization, HEV causes about 20.1 million infections and 70 000 deaths every year. In developing countries with poor sanitation, this disease is transmitted through contaminated water and is associated with large outbreaks, affecting hundreds or thousands of people. In developed countries, autochthonous cases of HEV have been increasingly recognized in the past several years.

Hepatitis E virus typically causes an acute, self‐limiting illness similar to other acute viral hepatitis, such as hepatitis A or B, with about 0.2% to 1% mortality rate in the general population. However, the course of hepatitis E in pregnancy is different than the mild self‐constraining infection described in other populations. During pregnancy, HEV infection can take a fulminant course, resulting in fulminant hepatic failure, membrane rupture, spontaneous abortions, and stillbirths. Studies from various developing countries have shown a high incidence of HEV infection in pregnancy with a significant proportion of pregnant women progressing to fulminant hepatitis with a fatality rate of up to 30%.

The present review will highlight new aspects of the HEV infection and pregnancy.
Crossing the Boundaries: Solidarity, Identity, and Mutual Learning in a K‐20 Partnership
Authors: OLITSKY STACY
Published: March 2017

This study investigates possibilities for faculty members and teachers to overcome status and professional culture barriers as they engage in partnership work aimed at promoting inquiry‐based instruction. It compares the processes and outcomes of several types of professional learning opportunities within a Math and Science Partnership based on how well they facilitated productive communication, student‐centered instructional practices, and knowledge negotiation. It discusses conflicts as components of faculty member/teacher interactions, regardless of the setting. However, when laboratory materials provide a relevant context for collaborative learning, and when there are opportunities for the development of microlevel interactional solidarity, conflicts can lead to knowledge negotiation rather than disengagement. Furthermore, these settings can reduce faculty members’ use of lecture‐based approaches, mitigate status differences, and facilitate the development of reform‐minded identities. This study suggests that while a focus on mutual learning is preferable to transmission in K‐20 partnerships, it is important to consider that mutual learning may be a negotiated product emerging from conflict and dialogue rather than an unproblematic exchange of information. In addition, it suggests that K‐20 partnerships should intentionally create opportunities that foster the establishment of goal‐oriented temporary communities, as these can support persistence through conflicts, reform‐minded teaching identities, and inquiry‐based instruction.
Sustainable economic–environmental planning in Southeast Europe – beyond‐GDP and climate change emphases
Authors: Radovanović Mirjana , Lior Noam
Published: March 2017

This study's objectives are (1) application of a quantitatively sound approach to the evaluation of economic and environmental sustainability for 10 Southeast Europe (SEE) countries, including comparison with the developed countries of Germany, France and the Russian Federation, and (2) evaluation of the effects of chosen sustainability indicator weights, especially of the GDP‐PPP, climate change and the income equality Gini index, as sustainability parameters. One applied scenario is with the level of sustainable economic development assessed by a traditional approach, based on high weight of GDP‐PPP, and another assigns lesser weight to the GDP‐PPP and higher weight to natural wealth and income equality, i.e. a ‘beyond‐GDP’ goal. The sustainability of environmental development was determined by a common approach based on high importance of climate change indicators and an approach, perhaps more suitable for developing countries of SEE, that gives higher weight to their agriculture, forestation and energy usage. Assigning higher weights to natural wealth and social equality encouragingly demonstrated that this results in the same or higher sustainability rankings for the SEE countries, and for some even higher than those of the developed countries. Developing countries that have relatively low GHG emissions and energy use, and GDP well above the poverty level, should consider basing their sustainable development on raising the relative weights for natural wealth and income equality, and lowering it for the GDP. Methodology recommendations are offered to sustainable development planners and policy‐makers. Uniformity and scientific consensus‐based standardization of sustainability analysis methodology are critically needed. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Characterization of Dust Generated during Mechanical Wear of Partially Reduced Iron Ore Pellets
Authors: Nabeel Muhammad , Karasev Andrey , Glaser Björn , Jönsson Pär G.
Published: March 2017

During reduction in a blast furnace (BF), the iron ore pellets undergo structural changes, which facilitate dust generation due to the mechanical wear/disintegration of the pellets. The generated dust decreases the permeability and productivity of the BF process. Thus, this study investigates the mechanical wear of iron ore pellets reduced at 500 °C (P500) and 850 °C (P850) and compares the results to the wear of unreduced pellets (P25). Moreover, the dust generated during the wear experiments is also characterized. It is found that pellets reduced at 500 °C exhibit a ≈16–35% higher wear rate than reference unreduced pellets. For the pellets reduced at 850 °C, the mechanical wear is inhibited by a formation of a metallic layer at the outer surface of the pellets. Further, the dust generated due to mechanical wear of reduced pellets contain 3–6 times higher amount of coarse particles (>20 μm) as compared to the dust from unreduced pellets. The obtained results are explained on the basis of the structural changes, which take place during the reduction of pellets.
Assessment of C++ object‐oriented mutation operators: A selective mutation approach
Authors: Delgado‐Pérez Pedro , Segura Sergio , Medina‐Bulo Inmaculada
Published: March 2017

Mutation testing is an effective but costly testing technique. Several studies have observed that some mutants can be redundant and therefore removed without affecting its effectiveness. Similarly, some mutants may be more effective than others in guiding the tester on the creation of high‐quality test cases. On the basis of these findings, we present an assessment of C++ class mutation operators by classifying them into 2 rankings: the first ranking sorts the operators on the basis of their degree of redundancy and the second regarding the quality of the tests they help to design. Both rankings are used in a selective mutation study analysing the trade‐off between the reduction achieved and the effectiveness when using a subset of mutants. Experimental results consistently show that leveraging the operators at the top of the 2 rankings, which are different, lead to a significant reduction in the number of mutants with a minimum loss of effectiveness.
Morphogen interpretation: concentration, time, competence, and signaling dynamics
Authors: Sagner Andreas , Briscoe James
Published: March 2017

Tissue patterning during animal development is orchestrated by a handful of inductive signals. Most of these developmental cues act as morphogens, meaning they are locally produced secreted molecules that act at a distance to govern tissue patterning. The iterative use of the same signaling molecules in different developmental contexts demands that signal interpretation occurs in a highly context‐dependent manner. Hence the interpretation of signal depends on the specific competence of the receiving cells. Moreover, it has become clear that the differential interpretation of morphogens depends not only on the level of signaling but also the signaling dynamics, particularly the duration of signaling. In this review, we outline molecular mechanisms proposed in recent studies that explain how the response to morphogens is determined by differential competence, pathway intrinsic feedback, and the interpretation of signaling dynamics by gene regulatory networks. WIREs Dev Biol 2017, 6:e271. doi: 10.1002/wdev.271

This article is categorized under:

Establishment of Spatial and Temporal Patterns > Gradients

Gene Expression and Transcriptional Hierarchies > Gene Networks and Genomics

Gene Expression and Transcriptional Hierarchies > Cellular Differentiation
A Novel Scoring System for Diagnosing Acute Mesenteric Ischemia in the Emergency Ward
Authors: Wang Zhen , Chen Jun‐Qiang , Liu Jin‐lu , Tian Lei
Published: March 2017

Background

Early diagnosis of acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) based on clinical judgment has been proved to be too difficult. Therefore, it is important for identifying clinical parameters that can differentiate AMI from other acute abdomen upon presentation.

Methods

We analyzed a database of 106 consecutive patients admitted to the emergency ward for suspected AMI in whom diagnosis of AMI was confirmed by laparotomy, CT angiography or mesenteric angiography. The patients’ demographics, previous history, clinical signs, results of laboratory investigations and ultrasonography were collected. Diagnostic cutoff value of quantitative indexes was derived from the receiver operating curve. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for AMI and formulated these risk factors into a scoring system.

Results

A total of 45 patients (42.5%) were confirmed to have AMI. Compared with other acute abdomen, AMI had significantly increased level of white blood cell (Odds ratio (OR) 16.11, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.10–235.34), red cell distribution width (OR 27.65, 95% CI 1.53–501.02), mean platelet volume (OR 16.06, 95% CI 1.48–174.50) and D‐dimer (OR 42.91, 95% CI 2.56–718.09). A diagnostic score was calculated by adding points assigned to the four parameters, and a cutoff score of four best identified patients with AMI, with sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of 97.8, 91.8, 89.8 and 98.2%, respectively.

Conclusion

This scoring system based on easily available parameters could be used as a useful tool for differentiating AMI from other acute abdomen in the emergency ward. Prospective studies with large sample remain needed for validating the results.
Chorionic Villus Sampling
Authors: Bhatt Reema Kumar
Published: March 2017

Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is a form of prenatal diagnosis to determine chromosomal or genetic disorders in the fetus. It entails sampling of the chorionic villus (placental tissue) and testing it for chromosomal abnormalities. It usually takes place at 10–12 weeks’ gestation, earlier than amniocentesis or percutaneous umbilical cord blood sampling. CVS was performed for the first time by Italian biologist Giuseppe Simoni. It requires expertise and is safe in the hands of experienced surgeons with a very low fetal loss rate.
U.S. Growers’ Willingness to Pay for Improvement in Rosaceous Fruit Traits
Authors: Yue Chengyan , Zhao Shuoli , Gallardo Karina , McCracken Vicki , Luby James , McFerson Jim
Published: March 2017

As growers adopt and diffuse improved food crop cultivars, their investment decisions for producing new cultivars control product accessibility and directly affect the entire supply chain. In this study, we estimated growers’ willingness to invest (willingness to pay (WTP)) in cultivars with improved quality traits for five rosaceous fruit crops: apple, peach, strawberry, sweet cherry, and tart cherry. WTP values differed by crop, but fruit flavor was consistently rated one of the most important traits, with higher WTP. This information will help breeding programs focus resources to develop superior cultivars for long-term economic sustainability of the rosaceous fruit industry.
Human-Horse Burials in Lithuania in the Late Second to Seventh Centuryad: A Multidisciplinary Approach
Authors: Bliujienė Audronė , Stančikaitė Miglė , Piličiauskienė Giedrė , Mažeika Jonas , Butkus Donatas
Published: March 2017

Contemporary Lithuania, an area of the Balt cultures, is the northernmost region where burials, dated from the late second to the late seventh centuryad, have been found with selected parts or whole bodies of horses. This study presents new information about these burials based on a multidisciplinary—archaeological, zooarchaeological, and chronological—approach. Our aim is to reconstruct the funeral rites and the human-horse relationships in Lithuania from the late second to the late seventh centuriesad, to refine the chronology of the horse burials in the region, and to use the new zooarchaeological data for more detailed studies of mortuary practices.
The Relationship Between Internet Addiction and Communication, Educational and Physical Problems of Adolescents in North Cyprus – CORRIGENDUM
Authors: Ozcinar Zehra
Published: March 2017

The author would like to make the below corrections to his article. The author apologises for these mistakes.
Interpretations of Footprints in the Bronze Age Rock Art of South Scandinavia
Authors: Skoglund Peter , Nimura Courtney , Bradley Richard
Published: March 2017

The Scandinavian landscape is littered with postglacial outcrops, many of which carry engraved motifs. Although drawings of ships are most often discussed, this paper focuses on representations of feet. In Northern Europe ship motifs are often associated with cosmologies based on the movement of the sun. This paper investigates whether drawings of feet could have been associated with the same worldview. A number of interpretations are offered of the images at two sites in different parts of Sweden: Järrestad 13:1 and Boglösa 138:1.
Information Behavior and Political Preferences
Authors: Vössing Konstantin , Weber Till
Published: March 2017

This article shows that citizens consider policy positions for the formation of their political preferences when they actively seek and find high-quality information, while they dismiss passively acquired and low-quality information. The study develops an extended theory of information and political preferences that incorporates the process of information acquisition and its connection with information quality. A novel experimental design separates the effects on political preferences due to information behavior as an activity from those due to selective exposure to information. The study applies this design in a laboratory experiment with a diverse group of participants using the example of issue voting and European integration in the context of the 2014 European Parliament elections.
THE POLISH MISSION TO LIBERIA, 1934–1938: CONSTRUCTING POLAND'S COLONIAL IDENTITY
Authors: PUCHALSKI PIOTR
Published: March 2017

abstract

The Polish mission to Liberia (1934–8) was a series of diplomatic, commercial, and scientific initiatives carried out by Poland's Maritime and Colonial League and Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Contextualizing the mission in terms of contemporary attempts to construct Poland's colonial identity, this article argues that Poland's colonial lobby imagined their presence in Liberia as a unique form of colonialism, distinct from its Western counterparts. Many participants in the mission considered Poland to have a special moral mandate in Africa by virtue of its own experience as a recently occupied nation. The grandiose visions of Liberia as a Polish colony and unfulfilled economic promises, however, contributed to the ultimate termination of the mission in 1938. The Poles’ concept of colonialism obscured their plausible objectives in Liberia and distracted them from executing their economic plan. The construction of a Polish colonial identity was a perfect means of rallying patriots around the flag and creating domestic support for Poland's maritime projects, but a colonial ideology was a double-edged sword in foreign affairs.
Importance of a dedicated neuroradiologist in reporting high-resolution computed tomography for otosclerosis: a retrospective comparison study of 40 patients
Authors: Kanona H , Rana I , Offiah C , Patel N
Published: March 2017

Objectives:

This study aimed to compare the reporting of high-resolution computed tomography of temporal bones for otosclerosis by general radiologists and a neuroradiologist within a local National Health Service Trust.

Methods:

A retrospective case review of 36 high-resolution temporal bone computed tomography images obtained between 2008 and 2015 from 40 otosclerosis patients (surgically confirmed) was performed in a district general hospital setting. The main outcome measures were correct identification of otosclerosis by high-resolution computed tomography and adherence to the petrous temporal bone imaging protocol.

Results:

Correct diagnosis rates were significantly different when made by general radiologists vs a neuroradiologist (p < 0.0001; two-tailed Fisher's exact test). None of the high-resolution computed tomography scans adhered to the temporal bone imaging protocol.

Conclusion:

The use of high-resolution computed tomography for suspected otosclerosis is helpful for diagnosis, disease staging, obtaining informed consent, surgical planning and prognosis. This study suggests that radiological detection of otosclerotic changes by high-resolution computed tomography of the temporal bone is significantly better when performed by a dedicated neuroradiologist than by a general radiologist. Use of a standardised temporal bone computed tomography protocol is recommended to provide consistently high-quality images for maximising disease detection.
Convergence with naticids: phenotypic phylogenetic study on some Antarctic littorinoideans, with description of the zerotulid new genusPseudonatica, and its presence in Brazil (Mollusca, Caenogastropoda)
Authors: Simone Luiz Ricardo L.
Published: March 2017

Some Antarctic littorinoideans have a remarkable convergence with Naticoidea in shell and operculum features. Two naticid-like species of that group are studied in their phenotypic features in order to improve their taxonomy and to discuss the meaning of that convergence, as the former are herbivore-detritivore and the latter active predatory organisms. One of the studied species is the littorinidLaevilacunaria antarctica(Martens, 1885). The other belongs to a new genus –Pseudonatica, with the type species also newly described:P. antarctica, the genus is tentatively placed in Zerotulidae. Another Pseudonatica is also described,P. ampullarica, based only on shells collected by Marion-Dufresne French expedition off Brazilian coast, this finding expands the occurrence of zerotulids northwards. Besides the similarities of shell and operculum, other structures of these Antarctic species also show singular similarities with naticoideans, such as the wide foot, the complexity of opercular attachment in pedal opercular pad, the wide oesophageal gland, and the coiled arrangement of the pallial oviduct. The phenotypic characters were coded and inserted in a previous large phylogenetic analysis on Caenogastropoda (Simone, 2011), furnishing a wide basis for discussion on the characters, taxonomic position, evolution and adaptations of these organisms.
A culture of tolerance: coexisting with large carnivores in the Kafa Highlands, Ethiopia
Authors: Gebresenbet Fikirte , Baraki Brhane , Yirga Gidey , Sillero-Zubiri Claudio , Bauer Hans
Published: March 2017

We assessed losses of livestock to lions Panthera leo and leopards Panthera pardus in the Adiyo and Gimbo districts in Kafa Biosphere Reserve, Ethiopia. We quantified the economic impact, conducted household and group interviews, and explored potential solutions with local people. During 2009–2013 there were 350 and 62 attacks by lions and leopards, respectively. Households that suffered attacks on their livestock lost a mean of USD 287 and USD 310 in 2012 and 2013, respectively. Although lion attacks are more frequent than leopard attacks, our qualitative data indicate that tolerance for the former is higher because lions are more respected in the local culture. We describe how depredation is culturally mitigated and how retaliatory killing is avoided. Given people's tolerance towards them, carnivores may persist in their highland refugium, opening an arena for conservation that is not strictly linked to protected areas or to classical economics.
THE HEIGHT OF DENIER TOURNOIS MINTING IN GREECE (1289–1313) ACCORDING TO NEW ARCHAEOMETRIC DATA
Authors: Baker J. , Kantarelou V. , Karydas A.G. , Jones R.E. , Siozos P. , Anglos D. , Derham B.
Published: March 2017

The years 1289–1313 witnessed particularly prolific minting activities at different southern and central Greek mints on behalf of different polities. The coin issues are of great economic and political relevance, and therefore of interest to modern historians. Our understanding of these is based on traditional sources, either numismatic (types and finds), or historical. This paper aims to investigate the possibilities of adding further details to the picture through archaeometry. Specifically, tournois pennies of the three main mints of the region (Clarentza, Thebes, Naupaktos) excavated at Ancient Corinth were analysed according to two different non-destructive methods, X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). The resulting relative silver percentages and the fingerprints of the trace elements have supported our attempts to put the different coin types in chronological order and to add detail to the context and intent for each one of these. A vivid picture of monetary production emerges. The different issuing authorities were usually intent on maintaining a decent standard while variously trying to put pressure on rivals or to harmonise their productions with their allies. All the analysed mints were commercial in character, though they were subject to the great political changes affecting Greece in this period, the ambitions of the Angevin dynasty, the various challenges which it faced in Athens, the Peloponnese and the western Mainland, and finally the destructive arrival of the Catalans. In times of need, specifically military, these same mints could therefore rely on further bullion which reached them through internal or external political channels.
Occupation, gender and work-life exits: a Swedish population study
Authors: KADEFORS ROLAND , NILSSON KERSTIN , RYLANDER LARS , ÖSTERGREN PER-OLOF , ALBIN MARIA
Published: March 2017

The present study was undertaken in order to examine the differences between occupations in the Swedish labour market with respect to the risk for men and women of leaving working life prematurely. The project was carried out as a population study employing methodology used in demographics to predict life length at birth. Here, calculations of expected remaining work-life length were based on the exits from working life. The study was based on the Swedish national labour statistics, covering all employees who had an occupational definition in 2006 and who were in the age range 35–64 years during the study period 2007–2010. There was a clear socio-economic divide in exit patterns, comparing blue- and white-collar jobs. The differences between the highest and the lowest risk jobs exceeded 4.5 years among both men and women. In the blue-collar occupational groups there were 50 per cent or less ‘survivors’ still working at age 65; in many white-collar occupations there were more than 60 per cent. Men and women exited working life at the same age. Compared to a similar study carried out in 2006, the same socio-economic pattern prevails, but people now work longer in almost all occupations. Women exited working life 0.8 years earlier than men in 2006; this difference is now gone.
Squalor, chaos and feelings of disgust: care workers talk about older people with alcohol problems
Authors: KARLSSON LIS BODIL , GUNNARSSON EVY
Published: March 2017

Older persons with alcohol problems have today become an all too common part of everyday elder care, but research in this area is still scarce. This article has a Swedish context with the aim of describing and analysing home care workers’ narratives about older people who can be characterised as heavy drinkers,i.e.people with severe alcohol problems who need considerable care for extended periods. Limited knowledge is available concerning this age group. This article therefore fills a knowledge gap about home care workers’ perspective about body work and the abject, and breaches the myth that older individuals should be able to drink as they prefer and/or notions of drinking alcohol as a last enjoyment in life. The care workers talked about how they got drawn into the daily lives of the care recipients and how they ended up in situations where they, on the one hand, removed the consequences of drinking, and on the other, felt that they sustained the drinking by cleaning out dirt and washing the care recipients’ bodies.