bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of GPM-DPR precipitation estimates with WegenerNet
gauge data
Authors: Lasser Martin , O Sungmin , Foelsche Ulrich
Published: November 2018

Abstract. The core satellite of the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission provides precipitation observations measured with the Dual frequency Precipitation Radar (DPR). The precipitation can only be estimated from the radar data, and therefore, independent validations using direct precipitation observation on the ground as a true reference need to be performed. Moreover, the quality and the accuracy of the measurements depend on various influencing factors. In this way, a validation may help to minimise those uncertainties. The DPR provides three different radar rain rate estimates for the GPM core satellite: Ku-band-only rain rates, Ka-band-only rain rates and a product combining the two frequencies. This study presents an evaluation of the three GPM-DPR surface precipitation estimates based on the gridded precipitation data of the WegenerNet, a local scale terrestrial network of 153 meteorological stations in southeast Austria. The validation is based on a graphical and a statistical approach using only data where both Ku- and Ka-band measurements are available. The data delivered from the WegenerNet are gauge-based gridded rainfall observations; the meteorological winter is excluded due to technical reasons. The focus lies on the resemblance of the variability within the whole network and the over- and underestimation of the precipitation through the GPM-DPR. During the last four years 22 rainfall events were observed by the GPM-DPR over the WegenerNet and the analysis rests upon these rainfall events. The WegenerNet provides a large number of gauges within each GPM-DPR footprint. Its biases are well studied and corrected, thus, it can be taken as a robust ground reference. This work also includes considerations on the limits of such comparisons between small terrestrial networks with a high density of stations and precipitation observations from a satellite. Our results show that the GPM-DPR estimates basically match with the WegenerNet measurements, but absolute quantities are biased. The three types of radar estimates deliver similar results, where Ku-band and dual frequency estimates are very close to each other. On a general level, Ka-band precipitation estimates deliver the best results due to the high number of light rainfall events.
Kinetics of calcite precipitation by ureolytic bacteria under aerobic and anaerobic conditions
Authors: Mitchell Andrew C. , Espinosa-Ortiz Erika J. , Parks Stacy L. , Phillips Adrienne , Cunningham Alfred B. , Gerlach Robin
Published: November 2018

Abstract. The kinetics of urea hydrolysis (ureolysis) and induced calcium carbonate (CaCO3) precipitation for engineering use in the subsurface was investigated under aerobic conditions using Sporosarcina pasteurii (ATCC strain 11859) as well as Bacillus sphaericus strains 21776 and 21787. All bacterial strains showed ureolytic activity inducing CaCO3 precipitation aerobically. Rate constants not normalized to biomass demonstrated slightly higher rate coefficients for both ureolysis (kurea) and CaCO3 precipitation (kprecip) for B. sphaericus 21776 (kurea = 0.10 ± 0.03 h−1, kprecip = 0.60 ± 0.34 h−1) compared to S. pasteurii (kurea = 0.07 ± 0.02 h−1, kprecip = 0.25 ± 0.02 h−1). B. sphaericus 21787 showed little ureolytic activity but was still capable of inducing some CaCO3 precipitation. Cell growth appeared to be inhibited during the period of CaCO3 precipitation. TEM images suggest this is due to the encasement of cells and was reflected in lower kurea values observed in the presence of dissolved Ca. However, biomass re-growth could be observed after CaCO3 precipitation ceased, which suggests that ureolysis-induced CaCO3 precipitation is not necessarily lethal for the entire population. The kinetics of ureolysis and CaCO3 precipitation with S. pasteurii were further analyzed under anaerobic conditions. Rate coefficients obtained in anaerobic environments were comparable to those under aerobic conditions, however no cell growth was observed under anaerobic conditions with NO3−, SO42− and Fe3+ as potential terminal electron acceptors. These data suggest that the initial rates of ureolysis and ureolysis-induced CaCO3 precipitation are not significantly affected by the absence of oxygen but that long-term ureolytic activity might require the addition of suitable electron acceptors. Such variations in the ureolytic capabilities and associated rates of CaCO3 precipitation between strains must be fully considered in subsurface engineering strategies that utilize microbial amendments.
The economically optimal warming limit of the planet
Authors: Ueckerdt Falko , Frieler Katja , Lange Stefan , Wenz Leonie , Luderer Gunnar , Levermann Anders
Published: November 2018

Abstract. Both climate-change damages and climate-change mitigation will incur economic costs. While the risk of severe damages increases with the level of global warming (Allen et al., 2018; Dell et al., 2014; IPCC, 2014b; Lenton et al., 2008), mitigating costs increase steeply with more stringent warming limits (Allen et al., 2018; IPCC, 2014a; Rogelj et al., 2015). Here we show that the global warming limit that minimizes this century's total economic costs of climate change lies between 1.9 and 2 °C if temperature changes continue to impact national economic growth rates as observed in the past. The result is robust across a wide range of normative assumptions on the valuation of future welfare and inequality aversion. For our study we estimated climate change impacts on economic growth for 186 countries based on recent empirical insights (Burke et al., 2015a), and mitigation costs using a state-of-the-art energy-economy-climate model with a wide range of highly-resolved mitigation options. Our purely economic assessment, even though it omits non-monetary damages, provides support for the international Paris Agreement on climate change. The political goal of limiting global warming to “well below 2 degrees” is thus also an economically optimal goal.
Reconstructing climatic modes of variability from proxy records: sensitivity to the methodological approach
Authors: Michel Simon , Swingedouw Didier , Chavent Marie , Ortega Pablo , Mignot Juliette , Khodri Myriam
Published: November 2018

Abstract. Modes of climate variability strongly impact our climate and thus human society. Nevertheless, their statistical properties remain poorly known due to the short time frame of instrumental measurements. Reconstructing these modes further back in time using statistical learning methods applied to proxy records is a useful way to improve our understanding of their behaviours and meteorological impacts. For doing so, several statistical reconstruction methods exist, among which the Principal Component Regression is one of the most widely used. Additional predictive, and then reconstructive, statistical methods have been developed recently, following the advent of big data. Here, we provide to the climate community a multi-statistical toolbox, based on four statistical learning methods and cross validation algorithms, that enables systematic reconstruction of any climate mode of variability as long as there are proxy records that overlap in time with the observed variations of the considered mode. The efficiency of the methods can vary, depending on the statistical properties of the mode and the learning set, thereby allowing to assess sensitivity related to the reconstruction techniques. This toolbox is modular in the sense that it allows different inputs like the proxy database or the chosen variability mode. As an example, the toolbox is here applied to the reconstruction of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) by using Pages 2K database. In order to identify the most reliable reconstruction among those given by the different methods, we also investigate the sensitivity to the methodological setup to other properties such as the number and the nature of the proxy records used as predictors or the reconstruction period targeted. The best reconstruction of the NAO that we thus obtain shows significant correlation with former reconstructions, but exhibits better validation scores.
ASSESSMENT OF SURFACE WATER DYNAMICS USING MULTIPLE WATER INDICES AROUND ADAMA WOREDA, ETHIOPIA
Authors: Sathianarayanan M.
Published: November 2018

Abstract. Rapid change of Adama wereda during the last three decades has posed a serious threat to the existence of ecological systems, specifically water bodies which play a crucial part in supporting life. Role of Satellite images in Remote Sensing could be more important in investigation, monitoring dynamically and planning of natural surface water resources. Landsat-5(TM) & Landsat 8 (OLI) has high spatial, temporal and multispectral resolution and therefore provides consistent and perfect data to detect changes in surface changes of water bodies. In this paper, a study was conducted to detect the changes in water body extent during the period of 1984, 2000 and 2017 using various water indices such as namely Water Ratio Index (WRI), Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI), Modified Normalized Difference Water Index (MNDWI), supervised classification and wetness component of K-T transformation and the results are Presented. NDWI has been adopted for this study as compared with other indices through ground survey. The results showed an intense decreasing trend in the lakes of chelekleka, kiroftu, lake 1 and lake 3 of surface area in the period 1984–2017, especially between 2000 and 2017 when the lake lost about 1.309 km2 (one third) of its surface area compared to the year 2000, which is equivalent to 76%, 18%, 0.03% and 96%. Interestingly koka lake has shown very erratic changes in its area coverage by losing almost 3.5 km2 between 1984 and 2000 and then climbing back up by 14.8 km2 in 2017. Percentage of increment was observed that 10.6% as compared with previous year.
MULTI-SENSOR GEODETIC APPROACH FOR LANDSLIDE DETECTION AND MONITORING
Authors: Tiwari A. , Narayan A. B. , Devara M. , Dwivedi R. , Dikshit O.
Published: November 2018

Abstract. The lesser Himalayan region is mostly affected by landslide events occurring due to rainfall, steep slopes and presence of tectonic activity beneath, causing loss of life and property. Some critical zones in the region have encountered recurring landslides over the past and need careful investigation for better planning and rescue operations. This research work presents a geodetic framework comprising multiple sensors to monitor the Sirobagarh landslide in Uttarakhand, India, which is affected by recurring landslides. Three field visits were made to this site for geodetic data collection using Terrestrial Laser Scanner (TLS), Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and Robotic Total Station (RTS). Co-registration and vegetation removal of the TLS scans corresponding to the three visits resulted in generation of three Digital Elevation Models (DEM), which were differenced to estimate temporal movement of the landslide scarp. DEM differences indicate subsidence of the landslide scarp with vertical displacement values ranging from −0.05 to −5.0 m. Rainfall induced debris flow is one of the prominent reason for large displacement magnitude (∼5 m) in the upper landslide scarp. Horizontal displacement estimates obtained by geodetic network analysis of six GNSS stations installed on the study site show movement towards the Alaknanda river. The maximum horizontal and vertical displacement values for the GNSS stations were 0.1305 m and −2.1315 m respectively. Similar pattern is observed by displacement measurements of RTS target reflectors installed on a retaining wall constructed to arrest the debris flow approaorching the National Highway. The displacement estimates obtained from the sensors applied in this study indicate subsidence of the landslide scarp and surroundings. More time series observations can provide better understanding of the overall deformation process.
SHIP DETECTION USING SENTINEL-1 SAR DATA
Authors: Grover A. , Kumar S. , Kumar A.
Published: November 2018

Abstract. The Earth’s surface is covered with 72% water. This fact alone emphasizes the importance of proper monitoring and regulation of maritime activities. This monitoring can be useful in an array of applications including illegal transitions, rescue operations, territory regulation among many other applications. In order to achieve the task of “Maritime Surveillance” or simply the marine object detection, we need a structured approach combined with a set of algorithms. The objective of this paper is to study an emerging open source tool- Search for Unidentified Maritime Objects (SUMO) developed for the detection of ships which work regardless of weather conditions and coverage limits. Based on the Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data, this paper aims to process the satellite-borne data provided by the Sentinel-1 satellite. Proposed by the Joint Research Centre, SUMO is a pixel-based algorithm which follows a structured approach in order to identify marine objects and remove false alarms. It is observed that many of the false alarms are caused due to the presence of land. These are reduced by using the buffered coastlines referred to as land masks. A local threshold is calculated using the background clutter for the generation of false alarm rate and the pixels above this threshold are identified and clustered to form targets. A reliability value is computed for the elimination of azimuth ambiguities. Also, various attributes of the detected targets are calculated in order to give an accurate description of ships and its characteristics. With the SAR data being freely available due to the open data policy of the EU’s Copernicus program, it has never been more viable to employ new methods for marine object detection and this paper explores this possibility by analyzing the results obtained. Specifically, the employed data consists of Sentinel-1 fine dual-pol acquisitions over the coastal regions of India.
SPATIO-TEMPORAL DISTRIBUTION OF POLLUTANT TRACE GASES DURING DIWALI OVER INDIA
Authors: Nanda C. , Kant Y. , Gupta A. , Mitra D.
Published: November 2018

Abstract. People effected due to air pollution in India rose by almost 150% during 1990 to 2015. Diwali event is one of the major anthropogenic source contributing to the air pollution. The study focuses on spatial and temporal distribution of trace gases emitted during pre, on and post diwali days and identify areas with high concentration using station measured and satellite derived data during 2008-2017. The ground measured data shows that during diwali days, NO2, SO2, CO & O3 concentration is almost 1.5 to 7 times the NAAQ safety limits over major cities particularly in northern, western and eastern India. Central and southern India experience low to moderate increase in pollution concentration. Spatial distribution over diwali days using satellite data reveal that NO2 values over India are mostly below NAAQ standards, however high range are observed (27–48 μg/m3) over Delhi, Punjab, Haryana region (Northern zones), Western, central and Eastern Indo-Gangetic plain and this concentration is seen denser on diwali days compared to pre and post diwali. The observation reveal that SO2 concentration is below safety levels over almost entire country except few cities like Delhi region, part of Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Kolkata region. CO concentration is at higher level than NAAQ standards over Western, central and Eastern Indo-gangetic plain. The regression shows that the satellite derived values are in close agreement with the ground measured over the diwali days. The analysis conclude that the peak of the pollutants during diwali may not be increasing quite drastically over many parts of the cities but the overall spatial distribution of the pollutants is increasing from ‘moderate’ to ‘moderately high’ range.
How do changes along the risk chain affect flood risk?
Authors: Metin Ayse Duha , Dung Nguyen Viet , Schröter Kai , Guse Björn , Apel Heiko , Kreibich Heidi , Vorogushyn Sergiy , Merz Bruno
Published: November 2018

Abstract. Flood risk is impacted by a range of physical and socio-economic processes.
Hence, the quantification of flood risk ideally considers the complete flood
risk chain, from atmospheric processes through catchment and river system
processes to damage mechanisms in the affected areas. Although it is
generally accepted that a multitude of changes along the risk chain can occur
and impact flood risk, there is a lack of knowledge of how and to what extent
changes in influencing factors propagate through the chain and finally affect
flood risk. To fill this gap, we present a comprehensive sensitivity analysis
which considers changes in all risk components, i.e. changes in climate,
catchment, river system, land use, assets, and vulnerability. The application
of this framework to the mesoscale Mulde catchment in Germany shows that
flood risk can vary dramatically as a consequence of plausible change
scenarios. It further reveals that components that have not received much
attention, such as changes in dike systems or in vulnerability, may outweigh
changes in often investigated components, such as climate. Although the
specific results are conditional on the case study area and the selected
assumptions, they emphasize the need for a broader consideration of potential
drivers of change in a comprehensive way. Hence, our approach contributes to
a better understanding of how the different risk components influence the
overall flood risk.
Statistical theory of probabilistic hazard maps: a probability distribution for the hazard boundary location
Authors: Hyman David M. , Bevilacqua Andrea , Bursik Marcus I.
Published: November 2018

Abstract. The study of volcanic mass flow hazards in a probabilistic framework centers around systematic experimental numerical modelling of the hazardous phenomenon and the subsequent generation and interpretation of a probabilistic hazard map (PHM). For a given volcanic flow (e.g., lava flow, lahar, pyroclastic flow, etc.), the PHM is typically interpreted as the point-wise probability of flow material inundation. In the current work, we present new methods for calculating spatial representations of the mean, standard deviation, median, and modal locations of the hazard's boundary as ensembles of many deterministic runs of a physical model. By formalizing its generation and properties, we show that a PHM may be used to construct these statistical measures of the hazard boundary which have been unrecognized in previous probabilistic hazard analyses. Our formalism shows that a typical PHM for a volcanic mass flow not only gives the point-wise inundation probability, but also represents a set of cumulative distribution functions for the location of the inundation boundary with a corresponding set of probability density functions. These distributions run over curves of steepest ascent on the PHM. Consequently, 2D space curves can be constructed on the map which represent the mean, median and modal locations of the likely inundation boundary. These curves give well-defined answers to the question of the likely boundary location of the area impacted by the hazard. Additionally, methods of calculation for higher moments including the standard deviation are presented which take the form of map regions surrounding the mean boundary location. These measures of central tendency and variance add significant value to spatial probabilistic hazard analyses, giving a new statistical description of the probability distributions underlying PHMs. The theory presented here may be used to construct improved hazard maps, which could prove useful for planning and emergency management purposes. This formalism also allows for application to simplified processes describable by analytic solutions. In that context, the connection between the PHM, its moments, and the underlying parameter variation is explicit, allowing for better source parameter estimation from natural data, yielding insights about natural controls on those parameters.
Stability of soil organic matter in Cryosols of the maritime Antarctic: insights from 13C NMR and electron spin resonance spectroscopy
Authors: Abakumov Evgeny , Alekseev Ivan
Published: November 2018

Abstract. Previously, the structure and molecular composition of the Antarctic soil organic matter (SOM) has been investigated using 13C-NMR methods, which showed that in typical organo-mineral soils the aliphatic carbon prevails over the aromatic one, owing to the non-ligniferous nature of its precursor material. In this study, the SOM was analysed from different sample areas (surface level and partially isolated supra-permafrost layer) of the tundra-barren landscape of the Fildes Peninsula, King George Island, Western Antarctica. We found that the humic acids (HAs) of the cryoturbated, buried areas had lower amounts of alkyl aromatic and protonized aromatic compounds. In contrast, the HAs from the surface layers contain less alkyl carbon components. The free-radical content was higher in the surface layers than in the buried layers due to the presence of fresh organic remnants in superficial soil samples. New data on SOM quality from these two representative Cryosols will enable a more precise assessment of SOM stabilization rate in sub-Antarctic tundras. Comparison of the 13C-NMR spectra of the HAs and the bulk SOM revealed that humification occurs in the Antarctic and results in accumulation of aromatic and carboxylic compounds and reductions in alkylic ones. This indicates that humification is one of the ways of soil organic matter stabilization.
Essential of Central Bank’s Regulatory Policy to Strengthen Green Banking Practice and Reporting in a Country
Authors: Ghosh Sutap Kumar , Ghosh Protap Kumar , Chowdhury Sabrin
Published: November 2018

This paper has been designed to investigate the current scenarios of Green Banking practices in Indian sub-continent and to disclose how central bank’s direct regulatory policy strengthens mandatory Green Banking practice and reporting in a country. This study is mainly a descriptive one based on review of different published literature. Relevant information has been collected from different off-line and online sources. Present scenario of Green Banking practices and central bank Green Banking policies in Indian sub-continent (India, Bangladesh and Pakistan) are disclosed first and then how central bank regulatory policies can create a competitive advantage to accelerate Green Banking practice in a country are disclosed. After critical evaluation of collected information, we find that if the central bank formulates Green Banking policies and enforces mandatory Green Banking practices and reporting for financial institutions rather than voluntary practices, a significant and distinguished progress in Green Banking practices and reporting may take place to ensure sustainable banking practice in a country.
Correctional and educational intervention programs for domestic violence offenders – Theory and practice
Authors: Czerwińska Justyna
Published: November 2018

The article focuses on theoretical and practical aspects of correctional and educational intervention programs for people who use domestic violence. It was prepared based on the findings of a study which was conducted by the author in 2015 as part of her master’s dissertation entitled “Domestic violence offenders – Who are they and how can they be helped? A theoretical and empirical study based on correctional and educational intervention programs in Silesia Province,” supervised by Prof. Jacek Wódz, PhD. The article includes: an introduction to the subject, a brief description of research methodology, selected findings and their interpretations, and a summary.
Effect of Skin Maceration Treatment on Aroma Profiles of Kiwi Wines Elaborated with Actinidia deliciosa “Xuxiang” and A. chinensis “Hort16A”
Authors: Yiman Qi , Miaomiao Liu , Kun Yang , Mingtao Fan
Published: November 2018

Background: Kiwi has become an important and promising fruit to ferment kiwi wine in recent years in China. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of skin maceration treatment on aroma profiles of kiwi wine elaborated with two representative kiwi varieties (Actinidia deliciosa “Xuxiang” and A. chinensis“Hort16A”). Methods: Aroma profiles were characterized using solid-phase microextraction GC-MS method. Principal component analysis was used to separate and group the wines as well as for identifying the aroma components that best differentiate the wines. Results: Esters and alcohols were the two most abundant compounds in kiwi wine. Skin macerationtreatment gave rise to a positive effectof aroma profiles, resulting in a significant increase of terpenes. A total of 11 volatile compounds were found at concentrations higher than their odor threshold in kiwi wine samples. Conclusions:The study could play a role in laying a foundation for the development of the kiwi fruit wine industry. Highlights: Different aroma profiles were presented because of variety differences.Skin maceration treatment gave rise to a positive effect of aroma profiles, which resulted in a significant increase of terpenes.
Complex sternal and rib reconstruction with allogeneic material
Authors: Maliska III Charles Miles , Archer Robert Lloyd , Tarpley Sharon Kaye , Miller III Archibald Sanford
Published: November 2018

Sternal malunion, or loss, developed after a median sternotomy cannot only be difficult to manage and treat, but also may diminish one’s quality-of-life drastically. The technique presented here represents a multispecialty approach in one stage for the reconstruction of an unstable thoracic cage. The procedure utilized a donated sternum and ribs. The sternum with ribs harvested from a single donor included adipose derived stromal vascular fraction (ADSVF) cells with marrow also from the same donor. Autologous muscle flaps, stabilized with acellular
dermal matrix were utilized to provide a robust blood supply to the ADSVF cells and bone grafts. Acellular dermal matrix was used to construct the ribs and stabilize the plugs of stem cells and bone. These procedures, in the hands of multispecialty physicians, have led to several successful reconstructions involving complex chest wall deformities. This surgical intervention was performed in a one stage operation. This represents the first successful complete sternal transplant in a patient with return to normal activities and increased quality-of-life.
Autism Spectrum Disorder and Harassment: An Application of Attribution Theory
Authors: Mogavero Melanie Clark , Hsu Ko-Hsin
Published: November 2018

The social and communication impairments among those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may result in some unknowingly harassing someone while pursuing a romantic interest. Weiner’s (1974) Attribution Theory suggests that when people attribute negative behaviors to a condition, they perceive less controllability, and evoke fewer negative emotions and punishments. The authors applied Attribution Theory using a sample of 545 undergraduates who received one of three vignettes depicting a male harassing a female romantic interest (no mention of ASD, mention of ASD, mention of ASD and difficulty with social relationships and communication). Those who received the vignettes that mentioned the perpetrator had ASD perceived the behavior as less controllable and fewer supported punishment. The results demonstrate support for disclosing one’s ASD diagnosis and communicating any social or communication difficulties to others in the event there are miscommunications that could lead to punitive consequences.
Sample-level sound synthesis with recurrent neural networks and conceptors
Authors: Kiefer Chris
Published: November 2018

Conceptors are a recent development in the field of reservoir computing; they can be used to influence the dynamics of recurrent neural networks (RNNs), enabling generation of arbitrary patterns based on training data. Conceptors allow interpolation and extrapolation between patterns, and also provide a system of boolean logic for combining patterns together. Generation and manipulation of arbitrary patterns using conceptors has significant potential as a sound synthesis method for applications in computer music and procedural audio but has yet to be explored.

Two novel methods of sound synthesis based on conceptors are introduced. Conceptular Synthesis is based on granular synthesis; sets of conceptors are trained to recall varying patterns from a single RNN, then a runtime mechanism switches between them, generating short patterns which are recombined into a longer sound. Conceptillators are trainable, pitch-controlled oscillators for harmonically rich waveforms, commonly used in a variety of sound synthesis applications. Both systems can exploit conceptor pattern morphing, boolean logic and manipulation of RNN dynamics, enabling new creative sonic possibilities. Experiments reveal how RNN runtime parameters can be used for pitch-independent timestretching and for precise frequency control of cyclic waveforms. They show how these techniques can create highly malleable sound synthesis models, trainable using short sound samples. Limitations are revealed with regards to reproduction quality, and pragmatic limitations are also shown, where exponential rises in computation and memory requirements preclude the use of these models for training with longer sound samples.

The techniques presented here represent an initial exploration of the sound synthesis potential of conceptors; future possibilities and research questions are outlined, including possibilities in generative sound.
A mixed-method study of chiropractic student clinical immersion placements in nonmetropolitan Western Australia: Influence on student experience, professional attributes, and practice destination
Authors: Amorin-Woods Lyndon G. , Losco Barrett E. , Leach Matthew J.
Published: November 2018

Objective:

To explore the influence of nonmetropolitan clinical immersion placements (CIPs) on undergraduate chiropractic student experience, professional attributes, and practice destination.

Methods:

Students enrolled in an Australian undergraduate chiropractic program were invited to complete a service experience questionnaire and an open-ended reflective feedback form following a nonmetropolitan CIP (Part A). Online searches were performed to gather data on graduate practice location (Part B).

Results:

Sixty-four students participated in Part A. All agreed that the placement was educational and should be retained in the program. Students agreed that the placement enhanced respect for individuals and awareness of others in need, highlighted the importance of respect for all people, improved empathy for the disadvantaged, and provided an opportunity to improve communication skills. Most indicated that they were more likely to practice in a country setting as a result of their placement, with those participating in a country placement more likely to practice in nonmetropolitan regions after graduation.

Conclusion:

Many chiropractic programs around the world are adopting CIPs. This study is the 1st to investigate the possible influence of nonmetropolitan CIPs on the development of desirable attributes in Australian chiropractic students. It also discusses the potential influence of nonmetropolitan CIPs on future practice location decisions. These results support the utility of CIPs to help meet the educational objectives of chiropractic programs and possibly address the maldistribution of the chiropractic workforce in Australia.
Apraxias
Authors: Rajan Suraj , Pantelyat Alexander
Published: November 2018

Apraxia is defined as the difficulty or inability to perform learned skilled actions. Identifying apraxia in patients has prognostic implications. The praxis network is predominantly in the left hemisphere, and comprises parietal lobe regions that connect to several circuits involving the frontal, temporal and occipital cortices and the basal ganglia. This review discusses the types of apraxia and the disorders associated with apraxia, highlighting studies based on corticobasal syndrome and stroke as disease models. The evolution of historical concepts of praxis leading up to the current ‘pathway’ models is discussed in the context of neuroanatomical and imaging studies. Bedside testing and interpretation of apraxia are elucidated with examples.

Key Concepts

Apraxia is the difficulty in performing acquired actions and can be seen independent of other symbol‐mediated disorders such as aphasia.

Apraxia is associated with several neurodegenerative disorders such as corticobasal syndrome, as well as with strokes and head trauma.

There are several different forms of apraxia such as ideomotor, ideational and orofacial apraxia, and each is characterised by the specific manner in which action performance or interpretation is compromised.

The praxis network involves circuits from frontal, temporal and parietal cortices and the basal ganglia.

Left parietal lobe is pivotal for the praxis network.

Newer models of praxis propose bilaterally represented ventral and dorsal processing streams, with the dorsal stream further subdivided into dorso‐dorsal and ventrodorsal substreams. The dorso‐dorsal or the ‘grasp’ system processes characteristics of a tool such as size, shape and orientation, while the ventrodorsal or the ‘use’ system stores object‐specific actions.

In patients with left hemisphere damage, apraxia often coexists with aphasia; in patients with right hemisphere lesions, apraxia is often associated with a visuospatial disorder.

Testing of apraxia at bedside is important for diagnostic and prognostic reasons.
Molecular Genetics of Frontonasal Dysplasia
Authors: Daphné Lehalle , Laurence Faivre
Published: November 2018

Frontonasal dysplasias (FND) are facial malformations characterised by the association of hypertelorism, midline facial cleft and nasal abnormalities. They are caused by an abnormal development of the frontonasal process. FND are clinically and molecularly heterogeneous. Molecular bases have been identified in seven FND entities so far: mutations in the X‐linked
EFNB1
gene in craniofrontonasal syndrome; biallelic mutations in
ALX3
,
ALX4
and
ALX1
genes in frontonasal dysplasia type 1, 2 and 3, respectively; heterozygous recurrent mutation in
ZSWIM6
gene in acromelic frontonasal dysostosis; heterozygous mutations in
SPECC1L
gene in Teebi syndrome and heterozygous mutations in
TWIST1
gene in Sweeney–Cox syndrome. These genes are involved in different pathways. The molecular bases for other clinically described entities such as Pai or oculoauriculofrontonasal syndromes are still unknown despite international efforts to decipher their molecular basis using next‐generation sequencing technologies; almost all affected individuals are of sporadic occurrence. Most patients presenting with FND remain clinically unclassified. The rarity of these disorders and the multiple clinical overlaps account for their challenging and molecular clinical delineation.

Key Concepts

Frontonasal dysplasia consists of clinically and molecularly heterogeneous entities.

Molecular bases are known in a small subset of syndromic FND and still unknown in other clinically described disorders.

FND with known molecular bases are dominant, recessive, or X‐linked.

An accurate clinical diagnosis is essential for the patients and families management as well as for the identification of the causative molecular bases.

The genes involved in FND pathogenesis belong to different cellular pathways; most of their function is still poorly known.
Mechanism and Function of the Eukaryotic Chaperonin
CCT
Authors: Bueno‐Carrasco María T , Cuéllar Jorge
Published: November 2018

Chaperonins are a family of molecular chaperones that utilise the cavity formed by its two rings for the folding of substrates. The eukaryotic cytosolic chaperonin CCT or TRiC is thought to be involved in the folding of over 10% of newly synthesised proteins, although its major substrates are the cytoskeletal proteins such as actin and tubulin. CCT is the most complex of all chaperonins, with eight different subunits able to recognise specific sequences within substrate proteins, and it interacts with a variety of chaperones, cochaperones and cofactors to perform its activity. Substrate folding is mediated by an ATP‐driven cycle that induces conformational changes resulting in the opening or closing of the cavity. The different subunits are spatially arranged into an ATP‐binding and a substrate‐binding cluster, showing an asymmetric behaviour of the chaperonin. The increasing number of CCT substrates involved in cell signalling, cancer and neurodegenerative diseases suggest a central role of the chaperonin in the cellular proteostasis.

Key Concepts

CCT is a chaperonin composed of two rings of eight subunits each that form a cavity for substrate folding.

Each CCT subunit is divided into apical, intermediate and equatorial domains with specialised functions.

Actin and tubulin are the two main substrates of CCT and have driven the evolution of the chaperonin.

ATP hydrolysis induces the closing of the cavity required for substrate folding.

WD40 proteins have been described to be an important family of CCT substrates.

The folding process often requires collaboration with other chaperones, cochaperones or cofactors that are the key for CCT specificity.

CCT subunits display different affinities for ATP and substrates, leading to a spatial and functional clustering.
Endocannabinoidome
Authors: Arturo Iannotti Fabio , Fabiana Piscitelli
Published: November 2018

The classical definition of the endocannabinoid system (ECS), at the turn of the century, was that of a complex pleiotropic system composed by: (1) the two cannabinoid receptors (CB
1
and CB
2
); (2) their endogenous ligands, the ‘endocannabinoids’ (EC) and (3) the five enzymes believed at that time to be uniquely responsible for EC biosynthesis and degradation. However, studies carried out during the last 10 years have revealed the potential existence of a high degree of redundancy for both the molecular targets and metabolic routes, and corresponding enzymes, of the ECs. Therefore, these new discoveries suggested that the time had come to expand our view of the ECS. In fact, other bioactive long chain fatty acid amides were identified, and their biosynthesis, inactivation and function investigated. Since this plethora of novel mediators has something more than a few chemical features in common with ECs, the name of ‘endocannabinoidome’ (eCBome) was proposed.

Key Concepts

The endocannabinoid system is an ever‐expanding pleiotropic signalling system with key role in several physiopathological conditions.

Studies carried out during the last 10 years have revealed the potential existence of a high degree of redundancy for both the molecular targets and metabolic routes, and corresponding enzymes, of the endocannabinoids.

Several
N
‐acyl‐ethanolamines (NAEs), monoacylglycerols,
N
‐acyl amino acids,
N
‐acyldopamines/taurines/serotonines were suggested to be part of this system.

These endocannabinoid‐like molecules may activate other molecular targets independently from cannabinoid receptors.

All these recent findings together with the discovery of new endocannabinoid‐like molecules have led us to expand the classical view of the eCB system and to look at it as the ‘endocannabinoidome’.
Carbon‐Based Nanostructured Film Materials for High‐Intense Laser‐Matter Interaction Experiments
Authors: Barberio Marianna , Scisciò Massimiliano , Skantzakis Emmanouil , Antici Patrizio
Published: November 2018

In this paper, a new synthesis of carbon‐based nanostructured films for application as plasma facing materials during high‐intense laser‐matter interaction experiments is presented. The materials are produced using a Polyethylene glycol (PEG) matrix, nanostructured with multiwalled carbon nanotubes, or multi‐layer graphene flakes producing a 250 μm thick film. The films are deposited onto typical materials used in harsh environments such as plasma facing materials. These PEG reinforced materials are irradiated by laser‐accelerated particles and by an in‐air plasma, both are techniques that have shown to heavily stress and damage materials used in laser‐matter interaction experiments. The authors observe that the chemical structure of the PEG reinforced materials, when irradiated by both techniques, stays unchanged. However, one can see that the PEG layer adds considerable longevity to the underlying materials, making it more robust against erosion and ablation occurring during its operation.
Tyrosine‐Rich Peptides as a Platform for Assembly and Material Synthesis
Authors: Lee Jaehun , Ju Misong , Cho Ouk Hyun , Kim Younghye , Nam Ki Tae
Published: November 2018

The self‐assembly of biomolecules can provide a new approach for the design of functional systems with a diverse range of hierarchical nanoarchitectures and atomically defined structures. In this regard, peptides, particularly short peptides, are attractive building blocks because of their ease of establishing structure–property relationships, their productive synthesis, and the possibility of their hybridization with other motifs. Several assembling peptides, such as ionic‐complementary peptides, cyclic peptides, peptide amphiphiles, the Fmoc‐peptide, and aromatic dipeptides, are widely studied. Recently, studies on material synthesis and the application of tyrosine‐rich short peptide‐based systems have demonstrated that tyrosine units serve as not only excellent assembly motifs but also multifunctional templates. Tyrosine has a phenolic functional group that contributes to π–π interactions for conformation control and efficient charge transport by proton‐coupled electron‐transfer reactions in natural systems. Here, the critical roles of the tyrosine motif with respect to its electrochemical, chemical, and structural properties are discussed and recent discoveries and advances made in tyrosine‐rich short peptide systems from self‐assembled structures to peptide/inorganic hybrid materials are highlighted. A brief account of the opportunities in design optimization and the applications of tyrosine peptide‐based biomimetic materials is included.
Vinylidenation of Organoboronic Esters Enabled by a Pd‐Catalyzed Metallate Shift
Authors: Aparece Mark D. , Gao Chenpeng , Lovinger Gabriel J. , Morken James P.
Published: November 2018

Organoboron “ate” complexes undergo a net vinyl insertion reaction to give 1,1‐disubstituted alkenyl boronic esters when treated with stoichiometric allyl acetate and a palladium catalyst. Reactions that employ vinyllithium afforded good to excellent yields after one hour, while reactions that employ vinylmagnesium chloride furnished modest to good yields after 18 hours.
Leaving Group Assisted Strategy for Photoinduced Fluoroalkylations Using N‐Hydroxybenzimidoyl Chloride Esters
Authors: Zhang Weigang , Zou Zhenlei , Wang Yuanheng , Wang Yi , Liang Yong , Wu Zhengguang , Zheng Youxuan , Pan Yi
Published: November 2018

Redox‐active esters (RAEs) as alkyl radical precursors have been extensively developed for C−C bond formations. However, the analogous transformations of fluoroalkyl radicals from the corresponding acid or ester precursors remain challenging because of the high oxidation potential of the fluoroalkyl carboxylate anions. The newly developed N‐hydroxybenzimidoylchloride (NHBC) ester provides a general leaving group assisted strategy to generate a portfolio of fluoroalkyl radicals, and can be successfully applied in photoinduced decarboxylative hydrofluoroalkylation and heteroarylation of unactivated olefins. In addition, DFT calculations revealed that the NHBC ester proceeds by the fluorocarbon radical pathway, whereas other well‐known RAEs proceed by the nitrogen radical pathway.
Effects of an adapted physical education training package on special education teacher instruction
Authors: Laughlin Michael K. , Murata Nathan M. , McDougall Dennis
Published: November 2018

This study investigated the impact of an adapted physical education training package on functional motor skill instruction of three special education teachers who instructed secondary students with low‐incidence disabilities. The training package emphasized teachers' use of systematic prompting and specific reinforcement teaching strategies plus adapted physical education consultation. We used a multiple baseline design and collected data on the three teachers' use of systematic prompting and specific reinforcement plans during videotaped teaching trials. We also collected data on how teachers documented their instructional strategies, and we analyzed personal reflections that teachers wrote in the journals. Results indicated that with each of the three teachers, correctly implemented functional motor skill instructional performance improved after they completed the training package.
Board governance and diversity will be more important than ever in 2019
Authors: Castelán Carlos
Published: November 2018

Carlos Castelán is managing director of The Navio Group in Minneapolis, a business consulting firm that works with retailers to improve their internal management and productivity challenges, helping them perform better and succeed in today's competitive business environment. Castelán and The Navio Group help clients transform and succeed while adapting to the constant predictable and unexpected changes in their business. In this column, he talks about how successful boards of directors at retailers work with their CEO and executive teams. Given the amount of change that's occurring in the industry, and in consumer‐facing businesses, having strong board engagement is critical to navigating transformations.
Be Bold! Getting Your Nonprofit Board to Think Like Innovators
Authors: Patterson Cyndee
Published: November 2018

Cyndee Patterson is director of the Lee Institute in Charlotte, North Carolina, which offers strategic planning and related services to charities and other civic groups. In this article, Patterson looks at the benefits of incorporating generative thinking in the nonprofit boardroom.
Surrogate analyte‐based quantification of main endocannabinoids in whole blood using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Dong Xiaoru , Li Liliang , Ye Yonghong , Zhang Dingang , Zheng Lixing , Jiang Yan , Shen Min
Published: November 2018

Endocannabinoids (eCBs) are endogenous ligands of the endocannabinoid system that are known to regulate several physiological and behavioral processes. Previous studies have developed methods for the detection of main eCBs including arachidonylethanolamide (AEA) and 2‐arachidonoylglycerol (2‐AG), mostly in serum or plasma. Whole blood is a superior biomaterial for eCBs analysis owing to the nature of the shortened isolation procedure and decreased risk of 2‐AG isomerization during preparation. In this study, a surrogate analyte‐based liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry assay was developed for the measurement of AEA, 2‐AG and its isomer 1‐arachidonoylglycerol (1‐AG) using a maximum of 100 μL whole blood. Chromatographic separation was achieved using a reverse‐phase column and a gradient elution. Detection was performed in selected reaction monitoring mode with an electrospray ionization source. The limits of detection of three eCBs were 0.05–0.1 ng/mL. Good linearity was observed over the concentration range. Intra‐ and inter‐assay accuracy and precision were ≤10.9 and ≤8.7% at four quality control levels. The response factor and parallelism experiment illustrated that the surrogate analytes were suitable for accurate quantification of the main eCBs in whole blood. This surrogate analyte approach was successfully applied to authentic blood samples obtained from alcohol negative drivers and those under the influence of alcohol.