bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The internal and external consistency of a speech reception threshold test for isiZulu speakers with normal hearing sensitivity
Authors: Panday Seema , Kathard Harsha , Pillay Mershen , Wilson Wayne
Published: June 2018

Background and objectives: This study investigated reliability, particularly the internal and external consistency, of a new isiZulu speech reception threshold (SRT) test. Methods: To examine internal consistency, 21 adult isiZulu speakers with normal hearing sensitivity completed the SRT test using the first and second halves of the SRT wordlist in the same test session. To examine external consistency, a separate 23 adult isiZulu speakers with normal hearing sensitivity completed the SRT test, using the whole word list on two occasions 4 weeks apart. Consistency of SRT test scores in these test conditions was measured using intraclass correlation coefficient analyses (a measure of the consistency or reproducibility of different observations of the same quantity) and Bland and Altman analyses of agreement (a comparison of measurement error with the expected variation amongst subjects). Results: Intraclass correlation coefficient values ranged from 0.69 to 0.79, showing the isiZulu test scores were highly consistent between the test and retest conditions used in this study. Bland and Altman analyses showed that isiZulu speakers with normal hearing sensitivity can be expected to return isiZulu SRT test scores that differ by no more than 7.5 dB HL – 8.7 dB HL between original and repeat assessments. Conclusion: The isiZulu SRT test was reliable, showing high internal and external consistency, when used to assess first-language speakers of isiZulu with normal hearing sensitivity. These findings warrant continued development of the isiZulu SRT test for eventual clinical use. This development should include validating this test on first-language speakers of isiZulu with and without hearing loss.
Factors relating to the attraction of talented early career academics in South African higher education institutions
Authors: Lesenyeho Dorcas L. , Barkhuizen Nicolene E. , Schutte Nico E.
Published: June 2018

Orientation: South African higher education institutions (HEIs) are facing significant challenges in attracting talents to academic positions.Research purpose: The main objective of this research was to determine factors that will attract early career academics to South African HEIs.Motivation for the study: Currently there exists limited research on factors that attract early career academics to HEIs as preferred employers.Research approach, design and method: A qualitative approach was adopted for this study; semi-structured interviews were conducted to gain data. The study participants comprised of 23 academic staff members from various merged South African HEIs.Main findings: The findings show that nine themes are related to the attraction of early career academics to HEIs: career development and advancement, opportunities to make a contribution, employer branding and prestige, job security, flexible working hours (work–life balance), intellectual stimulation, innovation, opportunity to apply skills and autonomy.Practical/managerial implications: The results also challenge HEIs to develop a superior employer brand with a strong employee value proposition (EVP) that would attract, develop and reward early career academics for their work efforts.Contribution/value-add: The study provides important practical guidelines that could assist HEIs to attract talented early career academics and become an employer of choice.
A replication recipe: list your ingredients before you start cooking
Authors: Chang Andrew C.
Published: June 2018

The author argues that researchers should do replications using preanalysis plans. These plans should specify at least three characteristics that would act as stopping rules for the replicator: (1) how much flowtime the replicator will spend, (2) how much money and effort (working hours) the replicator will spend, and (3) the intended results and the precision of the replication necessary for “success”. A researcher’s replication will be “successful” according to context-specific criteria in the preanalysis plan. The author also argues that the two biggest drawbacks of preanalysis plans—(1) that they discount unexpected but extraordinary findings and (2) that they make it difficult for researchers to prespecify all possible actions in their decision trees—are less relevant for replications compared with new research. He concludes with describing a preanalysis plan for replicating a paper on housing demand and household formation.
The importance of mixed-phase and ice clouds for climate sensitivity in the global aerosol–climate model ECHAM6-HAM2
Authors: Lohmann Ulrike , Neubauer David
Published: June 2018

Abstract. How clouds change in a warmer climate remains one of the largest
uncertainties for the equilibrium climate sensitivity (ECS). While a large
spread in the cloud feedback arises from low-level clouds, it was recently
shown that mixed-phase clouds are also important for ECS. If mixed-phase
clouds in the current climate contain too few supercooled cloud droplets, too
much ice will change to liquid water in a warmer climate. As shown by
Tan et al. (2016), this overestimates the negative cloud-phase feedback and
underestimates ECS in the CAM global climate model (GCM). Here we use
the newest version of the ECHAM6-HAM2 GCM to investigate the importance of
mixed-phase and ice clouds for ECS. Although we also considerably underestimate the fraction of supercooled
liquid water globally in the reference version of the ECHAM6-HAM2 GCM, we do not
obtain increases in ECS in simulations with more supercooled liquid water in
the present-day climate, different from the findings by Tan et al. (2016). We
hypothesize that it is not the global supercooled liquid water fraction that
matters, but only how well low- and mid-level mixed-phase clouds with cloud-top temperatures in the mixed-phase temperature range between 0 and
−35 ∘C that are not shielded by higher-lying ice clouds are
simulated. These occur most frequently in midlatitudes, in particular over
the Southern Ocean where they determine the amount of absorbed shortwave
radiation. In ECHAM6-HAM2 the amount of absorbed shortwave radiation over the
Southern Ocean is only significantly overestimated if all clouds below
0 ∘C consist exclusively of ice. Only in this simulation is ECS
significantly smaller than in all other simulations and the cloud optical
depth feedback is the dominant cloud feedback. In all other
simulations, the cloud optical depth feedback is weak and changes in cloud
feedbacks associated with cloud amount and cloud-top pressure dominate the
overall cloud feedback. However, apart from the simulation with only ice
below 0 ∘C, differences in the overall cloud feedback are not
translated into differences in ECS in our model. This insensitivity to the
cloud feedback in our model is explained with compensating effects in the
clear sky.
Fungal loop transfer of nitrogen depends on biocrust constituents and nitrogen form
Authors: Aanderud Zachary T. , Smart Trevor B. , Wu Nan , Taylor Alexander S. , Zhang Yuanming , Belnap Jayne
Published: June 2018

Abstract. Besides performing multiple ecosystem services individually and collectively,
biocrust constituents may also create biological networks connecting
spatially and temporally distinct processes. In the fungal loop hypothesis
rainfall variability allows fungi to act as conduits and reservoirs,
translocating resources between soils and host plants. To evaluate the extent
to which biocrust species composition and nitrogen (N)
form influence loops, we created a minor, localized rainfall event containing
15NH4+ and 15NO3-. We then measured the
resulting δ15N in the surrounding dry cyanobacteria- and
lichen-dominated crusts and grass, Achnatherum hymenoides, after
24 h. We also estimated the biomass of fungal constituents using
quantitative PCR and characterized fungal
communities by sequencing the 18S rRNA gene. We found evidence for the
initiation of fungal loops in cyanobacteria-dominated crusts where
15N, from 15NH4+, moved 40 mm h−1 in
biocrust soils with the δ15N of crusts decreasing as the
radial distance from the water addition increased (linear mixed effects model
(LMEM)): R2=0.67, F2,12=11, P=0.002). In cyanobacteria crusts, δ15N, from
15NH4+, was diluted as Ascomycota biomass increased (LMEM:
R2=0.63, F2,8=6.8, P=0.02), Ascomycota accounted for
82 % (±2.8) of all fungal sequences, and one order, Pleosporales,
comprised 66 % (±6.9) of Ascomycota. The seeming lack of loops in
moss-dominated crusts may stem from the relatively large moss biomass
effectively absorbing and holding N from our minor wet deposition
event. The substantial movement of 15NH4+ may indicate a
fungal preference for the reduced N form during amino acid
transformation and translocation. We found a marginally significant
enrichment of δ15N in A. hymenoides leaves but
only in cyanobacteria biocrusts translocating 15N, offering
evidence of links between biocrust constituents and higher plants. Our
results suggest that minor rainfall events may initiate fungal loops
potentially allowing constituents, like dark septate Pleosporales, to rapidly
translocate N from NH4+ over NO3- through
biocrust networks.
Measuring Subaqueous Progradation of the Wax Lake Delta with a Model of Flow Direction Divergence
Authors: Shaw John B. , Estep Justin D. , Whaling Amanda R. , Sanks Kelly M. , Edmonds Douglas A.
Published: June 2018

Abstract. Remotely sensed flow patterns can reveal the location of the subaqueous distal tip of a distributary channel on a prograding river delta. Morphodynamic feedbacks produce distributary channel tips that become shallower over their final reaches before becoming deeper over the unchannelized foreset. The flow direction field over this morphology tends to diverge and then converge providing a diagnostic signature that can be captured in flow or remote sensing data. Twenty-one measurements from the Wax Lake Delta (WLD) in coastal Louisiana, and 317 measurements from numerically simulated deltas show that the transition from divergence to convergence occurs in a distribution that is centered just downstream of the channel tip, on average 132 m in the case of the WLD. With these data we validate the Flow Direction to Channel tips (FD2C) inverse model for remotely estimating subaqueous channel tip location. We apply this model to 33 remotely sensed images of the WLD between its initiation in 1974 and 2016. We find that the distributaries grew unevenly, 6 of the primary channels grew at rates of 60–80 m/yr while one grew at 116 m/yr. We also estimate the growth rate of the total area enclosed by the subaqueous delta platform to be 1.83 km2/yr with no obvious rate changes over time.
Observational operators for dual polarimetric radars in variational data assimilation systems (PolRad VAR v1.0)
Authors: Kawabata Takuya , Schwitalla Thomas , Adachi Ahoro , Bauer Hans-Stefan , Wulfmeyer Volker , Nagumo Nobuhiro , Yamauchi Hiroshi
Published: June 2018

Abstract. We implemented two observational
operators for dual polarimetric radars in two variational data assimilation
systems: WRF Var, the Weather Research and Forecasting Model variational data
assimilation system, and NHM-4DVAR, the nonhydrostatic variational data
assimilation system for the Japan Meteorological Agency nonhydrostatic model.
The operators consist of a space interpolator, two types of variable
converters, and their linearized and transposed (adjoint) operators. The
space interpolator takes account of the effects of radar-beam broadening in
both the vertical and horizontal directions and climatological beam bending.
The first variable converter emulates polarimetric parameters with model
prognostic variables and includes attenuation effects, and the second one
derives rainwater content from the observed polarimetric parameter (specific
differential phase). We developed linearized and adjoint operators for the
space interpolator and variable converters and then assessed whether the
linearity of the linearized operators and the accuracy of the adjoint
operators were good enough for implementation in variational systems. The
results of a simple assimilation experiment showed good agreement between
assimilation results and observations with respect to reflectivity and
specific differential phase but not with respect to differential
reflectivity.
Reactive Transport with Wellbore Storages in a Single-Well Push-Pull Test
Authors: Wang Quanrong , Zhan Hongbin
Published: June 2018

Abstract. Using the single-well push-pull (SWPP) test to determine the in situ biogeochemical reaction kinetics, a chase phase and a rest phase were recommended to increase the duration of reaction, besides the injection and extraction phases. In this study, we presented multi-species reactive models of the four-phase SWPP test considering the wellbore storages for both groundwater flow and solute transport and a finite aquifer hydraulic diffusivity, including three isotherm-based models (Freundlich, Langmuir and linear sorption models), one-site kinetic sorption model, two-site sorption model, which were also capable of describing the biogeochemical reactive transport processes, e.g. Monod or Michaelis-Menten kinetics. The models of the wellbore storage for solute transport were derived based on the mass balance, and the results showed that ignoring it could produce great errors in the SWPP test. In the injection and chase phases, the influence of the wellbore storage increased with the decreasing aquifer hydraulic diffusivity. The peak values of the breakthrough curves (BTCs) increased with the increasing aquifer hydraulic diffusivity in the extraction phase, and the arrival time of the peak value became shorter with a greater aquifer hydraulic diffusivity. Meanwhile, the Robin condition performed well at the rest phase only when the chase concentration was zero and the solute in the injection phase was completely flushed out of the borehole into the aquifer. The Danckwerts condition was better than the Robin condition even when the chase concentration was not zero. The reaction parameters could be determined by directly best fitting the observed data when the non-linear reactions were described by piece-wise linear functions, while such an approach might not work if one attempted to use non-linear functions to describe such non-linear reactions. The field application demonstrated that the new model of this study performed well in interpreting BTCs of a SWPP test.
A retrospective study of the pre-eruptive unrest on El Hierro (Canary Islands): implications of seismicity and deformation in the short-term volcanic hazard assessment
Authors: Bartolini Stefania , López Carmen , Becerril Laura , Sobradelo Rosa , Martí Joan
Published: June 2018

Abstract. The correct identification and interpretation of unrest indicators is useful
for forecasting volcanic eruptions, delivering early warnings, and
understanding the changes occurring in a volcanic system prior to an
eruption. Such indicators play an important role in upgrading previous
long-term volcanic hazard assessments and help explain the complexities of
the preceding period of eruptive activity. In this work, we present a
retrospective analysis of the 2011 unrest episode on the island of El Hierro, Canary Islands,
that preceded a submarine eruption. We use seismic and surface deformation
monitoring data to compute the susceptibility analysis (QVAST tool) and to
study the evolution over time of the unrest (ST-HASSET tool). Additionally,
we show the advantages to be gained by using continuous monitoring data and
hazard assessment e-tools to upgrade spatiotemporal analyses and thus
visualize more simply the development of the volcanic activity.
Contribution of Products Domestic Bruto (GDP) Based on the Business Field on Poverty on Indonesia
Authors: Sessu Andi
Published: June 2018

The economic development in Indonesia from period to period until now is increasing because Indonesia is very rich with natural and human resources, only quality human resources need to improve their quality in order to be able to develop better economy in the future, however unemployment and poverty rate of Indonesia is still high compared to some other countries in the world, therefore it is necessary jointly between individual society, private and the government has maximum efforts to reduce unemployment and poverty in Indonesia, by increasing the growth of gross domestic product (GDP) contribution by business field can reduce poverty level in Indonesia. The result of multiple regression analysis shows that the contribution of GDP according to business field can decrease poverty level in Indonesia. This condition indicates that agriculture, forestry, fishery sector has a negative effect on poverty rate in Indonesia which means any decrease in agriculture, forestry, fishery by one unit affect the decrease of poverty level of 0.203 at constant -7,70, while the other three factors mining and quarrying, processing industry factor and trade factor have a positive effect on poverty level which means that every increase of one unit leads to a significant increase in poverty not yet able to reduce poverty level but has significant influence on all variables to poverty level in Indonesia. The results of multiple correlation coefficient analysis indicate that from each sector, agriculture, forestry, mining fishery, excavation, processing industry and trade are very strong together that is equal to 97,70%, besides coefficient value of determination equal to 0,96% whereas the remaining 4% of the poverty rate is influenced by other factors.
A Comparative Study of Student Unions Inside and Outside Mainland China
Authors: Ou Xiangli , Gao Kang , Xu Congcong
Published: June 2018

With higher education entering a new normal status in China, student unions in higher education face new opportunities and challenges. To overcome these challenges it is necessary to learn from the successful experiences of student organizations inside and outside mainland China to create a reference for improving the creation process, organization and administration of student unions. This article presents an analysis and contrast of different organizational aspects of student unions in mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan (HMT), and the United States such as their current development stages, creation and authorization process, structure, types of activities, sources of economic support and internal administration. Based on the differences, we propose to strengthen the administration of student unions, improve regulations, expand the sources of economic support, innovate activity forms, and promote the integration of student organizations and society with an aim of fostering a culture of inclusion, and ensuring a sound and sustainable development of student unions.
Dynamic Behavior Analysis of a Rotating Smooth and Discontinuous Oscillator with Irrational Nonlinearity
Authors: Han Ning , Liu Mingjuan
Published: June 2018

This paper focuses on a novel rotating mechanical model which provides a cylindrical example of transition from smooth to discontinuous dynamics. The remarkable feature of the proposed system is a cylindrical dynamical system with strongly irrational nonlinearity exhibiting both smooth and discontinuous characteristics due to the geometry configuration. By using nonlinear dynamical technique, the unperturbed dynamics of the proposed system are studied including the irrational restoring force, stability of equilibria, Hamiltonian function and phase portraits. Note that a pair of double heteroclinic-like orbits connecting two non-standard saddle points are proposed in discontinuous case. For the perturbed system, we introduce a cylindrical approximate system for which the analytical solutions can be obtained successfully to reflect the nature of the original system without barrier of the irrationalities. Melnikov method is employed to detect the chaotic thresholds for the double heteroclinic orbits under the perturbation of viscous damping and external harmonic forcing in smooth regime. Finally, numerical simulations show the efficiency of the proposed method and demonstrate the predicated periodic solution and chaotic attractors. It is found that a good degree of correlation is demonstrated in the bifurcation diagram, the phase portraits of periodic solution, the chaotic attractor’ structures and the Lyapunov characteristics between the original system and approximate system.
Evolution of Transport Policies in Latin-America, Stages and Steps Forward
Authors: Moncada A. Carlos Alberto , Jones Peter , A. Escobar Diego
Published: June 2018

This paper presents the evolution of Latin-American transport policies in cities framed in terms of a conceptual model of three Stages recently developed to analyse policy initiatives in Western Europe cities, but probably suitable for developing countries. Stage one is identified as the accommodation of the steady growth of cars through urban road construction. Stage Two is connected to the improvement of public transport services and the shift to more efficient transport systems. Then Stage Three is based on concepts of liveable cities focused on well-being and social inclusion. Latin-American examples and specific cases of policy instruments’ implementation are used to test the validity of this three-stage model in a South American context. Comparative data for different cities are presented, shows results and consequences in terms of congestion reduction, transport systems improvements and some early sustainable transport initiatives. The work depicts the evolving policies of some Latin-American cities, first implementing major road improvements, next the implementation of car controls, and then, the switch to improved public transport systems. Finally the implications for cities in developing countries for the upcoming challenges in transport policies are considered. The paper discusses whether there is or not a transition process in Latin-American urban transport policies, and their success and efficiency on a worldwide comparative basis. As will be shown in this paper, transport policies in Latin-American cities can be characterised in one of these identified Stages of the evolution. Some of them are in Stage Two, while others are still under the influence of car-oriented planning in Stage One. Nevertheless, every policy instrument has impacts resulting from mutations in behaviour after years of application, and those impacts can make the difference between successful and unsuccessful transformations.
Een konijn uit de hoge hoed: over de grondslagleer in het bijzondere strafrecht
Authors: Sackers H.J.B.
Published: June 2018

Een konijn uit de hoge hoed: over de grondslagleer in het bijzondere strafrecht

Verlating grondslagleer naar aanleiding van HR 6 maart 2018.
Postume rente in de wettelijke vereffening
Authors: van Anken J.M.
Published: June 2018

Postume rente in de wettelijke vereffening

Rentetermijnen die vervallen na overlijden van een schuldenaar wiens nalatenschap wordt vereffend conform afdeling 4.6.3 BW leveren in de praktijk onduidelijkheid op. Deze bijdrage vergelijkt twee op dit punt relevante rechterlijke uitspraken, om vervolgens de behandeling van rentetermijnen in faillissement voor het voetlicht te brengen. Daarna wordt beargumenteerd waarom die behandeling ook in vereffening dient te worden gevolgd en wordt geanalyseerd wat daarvan de praktische gevolgen zijn. Daarbij wordt aandacht besteed aan aansprakelijkheid en verhaalsaansprakelijkheid en wat de relevantie is van een eventueel negatief saldo en het onderscheid tussen de zware en lichte vereffening.
Procederen bij de kantonrechter in erfrechtzaken: de nieuwe Handleiding erfrechtprocedures kantonrechter
Authors: Diks J.Th.M.
Published: June 2018

Procederen bij de kantonrechter in erfrechtzaken: de nieuwe Handleiding erfrechtprocedures kantonrechter

Op 12 december 2017 werd de Handleiding erfrechtprocedures kantonrechter vastgesteld. De handleiding vervangt de versie uit 2008. In deze bijdrage wordt de nieuwe handleiding besproken. Naast de doelstelling en opzet van de handleiding worden de algemene opmerkingen uit de handleiding besproken. De belangrijkste inhoudelijke wijzigingen ten opzichte van de vorige versie komen aan de orde.
Verdeling door loting
Authors: de Jong E.A.
Published: June 2018

Verdeling door loting

Een erflater kan om strijd te voorkomen over de verdeling van de nalatenschap, met name over ogenschijnlijk waardeloze spullen, loting voorschrijven in zijn testament.
Not All Ductal Carcinomas In Situ Are Created IDLE (Indolent Lesions of Epithelial Origin)
Authors: Alexander Melissa , Beyda Jessica , Nayak Anupma , Jaffer Shabnam
Published: June 2018

Context.—

Mammographic screening has increased the incidence of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), but this has not been accompanied by a decline in the incidence of invasive carcinoma (IC). Consequently, the surgical treatment of DCIS has recently been questioned, with some advocating only surveillance (with or without neoadjuvant endocrine therapy) after a core biopsy diagnosis of DCIS.

Objectives.—

To examine the predictive value of a core biopsy diagnosis of DCIS, particularly the upgrade rate to IC, and to identify associated factors.

Design.—

Using the pathology database, we identified 2943 cases of DCIS diagnosed on core biopsy from 2000 to 2015, of which 229 cases (8%) later had the stage upgraded to IC.

Results.—

Ages ranged from 25 to 90 years (mean, 59 years). The DCIS presented with calcifications in 151 of 229 cases (65.9%), was widespread in 26 of 151 cases (17%), had a mass or density present in 70 of 229 cases (31%), with heterogeneous echogenic features in 44 of those 70 cases (63%), and an enhancement upon magnetic resonance imaging in 8 of 229 cases (3.5%). Of the 229 cases, the DCIS grades were as follows: low in 29 cases (13%), intermediate in 79 cases (36%), and high in 121 cases (53%). Of the 229 cases, necrosis was present in 152 (66.4%) and was comedo necrosis in 99 cases (43%). Of the 229 cases of IC, the tumor stage was as follows: microIC in 36 (16%), T1a in 119 (52%), T1b in 35 (15%), T1c in 28 (12%), T2 in 8 (3%), and T3 in 3 cases (1%). Axillary lymph nodes were staged in 167 patients as follows: N0, 141 cases (84%); N0(i+), 14 cases (8%); and N1, 12 cases (7%). The 12 N1 cases were subclassified by T stage as follows: T1a, 1 case (8%); T1b, 4 cases (33%); T1c, 2 cases (17%); T2, 4 cases (33%); and T3, 1 case (8%). The IC cases of stage upgrading were predominantly smaller than 2 cm (218 of 229; 95%), and more than two-thirds were smaller than 0.5 cm (155 of 229; 95%), most of which were accompanied by extensive DCIS.

Conclusions.—

Approximately one-half of the upgrades were associated with high-grade DCIS, especially with comedo necrosis; nevertheless, the other one-half of the upgrades were due to low- and intermediate-grade DCIS and should not be underestimated. There were few positive results from axillary lymph node biopsies, but they occurred in 3% (7 of 218) of the carcinomas smaller than 2 cm. Our findings indicate that caution is needed when DCIS cases diagnosed by core biopsy are treated nonsurgically with surveillance (with or without neoadjuvant endocrine therapy), given the number of cases (229 of 2943; 8%) that are upgraded to IC and those with axillary lymph node metastases (12 of 167; 7%).
Short-Duration Rapid Chilling of Mastectomy Specimens Does Not Interfere With Breast Cancer Biomarker and Molecular Testing
Authors: Kumarapeli Asangi R. , Bellamy William , Olgaard Ericka , Massoll Nicole , Korourian Soheila
Published: June 2018

Context.—

A thorough gross examination of specimens for breast cancer requires the tissue to be very thinly sectioned, which is often difficult in large mastectomy samples. We have implemented rapid chilling of mastectomy specimens before formalin fixation.

Objective.—

To evaluate the effects of rapid chilling of breast tissue on subsequent biomarker and molecular testing.

Design.—

Mastectomy specimens were chilled at −80°C for 20 minutes to facilitate uniform sectioning of tissue at 4-mm intervals and enhance proper fixation and identification of small lesions. The integrity of chilled tissue for ancillary and molecular testing was assessed. We identified patients who were diagnosed with breast cancer on biopsy at outside institutions and subsequently underwent mastectomy at our institution during 2010–2014. We compared the results of biomarker testing performed on biopsy tissue with those performed on mastectomy tissue. The quantity and quality of DNA extracted from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) mastectomy tissue with invasive carcinoma were assessed by using spectrophotometry and polymerase chain reaction. All Oncotype DX reports from 2011–2014 were reviewed to identify any documented evidence of assay interference caused by rapid chilling of tissue.

Results.—

We found essentially 100% concordances in estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 gene ERBB2 (HER2/neu) studies. Extracted tumor DNA showed suitable purity and concentration that produced amplified fragments of 300 to 400 base pair lengths by polymerase chain reaction of FFPE tissue. No documented assay interferences were found in the Oncotype DX reports.

Conclusions.—

Short-duration rapid chilling of mastectomy tissue improves gross examination, optimally preserves DNA, allows for molecular testing, and does not interfere with biomarker assessment.
A Cadaveric Study of Metatarsal Length and Its Function in the Metatarsal Formula and Forefoot Pathology
Authors: Stoupine Anna , Singh Bibi Nafesa
Published: June 2018

Background:

The metatarsal parabola or formula is an important principle in assessing normal foot structure and pathology. To understand what effect the positions of the distal ends of the metatarsals have on foot function, the relative length of each metatarsal must be considered. The purpose of this study was to investigate what the normal metatarsal formula is and compare these findings with previous research.

Methods:

Measurements of metatarsal lengths were taken from 20 feet of five male and five female cadavers. The mean lengths were used to identify each donor's metatarsal formula.

Results:

On average, the most common formula presented was in the order of metatarsals II>III>IV>V>I.

Conclusions:

These findings differ from historic measurements and raise questions regarding which metatarsal formula is considered normal. Further investigation is needed to standardize a more reliable method of measuring metatarsal lengths for evaluating foot biomechanics and planning forefoot surgeries.
Reproducibility and Reliability of the Radiographic Angles Used to Assess Tailor's Bunions
Authors: Shofler David W. , McKenna Bryon , Huang Johnny , Christman Robert A.
Published: June 2018

Background:

Tailor's bunion, or bunionette, deformity is a common condition of the lateral forefoot. To aid in assessing the deformity, radiographic angular measurements are frequently used. The objective of this study was to determine the reliability and reproducibility of these angular measurements.

Methods:

Thirty unique weightbearing dorsoplantar digital radiographs of pathologic feet were compiled. For these 30 radiographs and for ten repeated radiographs, six practicing clinicians measured the following angles: the fourth to fifth intermetatarsal angle, the lateral deviation angle, and the fifth metatarsophalangeal angle. Both traditional and modified versions of the fourth to fifth intermetatarsal angle were included.

Results:

Intraclass correlation coefficient values were calculated for each of the angles studied. Intrarater reliability was highest for the fifth metatarsophalangeal angle and lowest for the lateral deviation angle. Intrarater reliability was higher for the traditional fourth to fifth intermetatarsal angle than for the modified version. The interrater reliability calculations revealed parallel findings.

Conclusions:

Accurate assessment is critical when planning for surgical intervention. Awareness of the relative reliability of these radiographic angular measurements can aid in preoperative planning and may be of benefit in procedure selection.
Measuring ligand efficacy at the mu-opioid receptor using a conformational biosensor
Authors: Livingston Kathryn E , Mahoney Jacob P , Manglik Aashish , Sunahara Roger K , Traynor John R
Published: June 2018

The intrinsic efficacy of orthosteric ligands acting at G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) reflects their ability to stabilize active receptor states (R*) and is a major determinant of their physiological effects. Here, we present a direct way to quantify the efficacy of ligands by measuring the binding of a R*-specific biosensor to purified receptor employing interferometry. As an example, we use the mu-opioid receptor (µ-OR), a prototypic class A GPCR, and its active state sensor, nanobody-39 (Nb39). We demonstrate that ligands vary in their ability to recruit Nb39 to µ-OR and describe methadone, loperamide, and PZM21 as ligands that support unique R* conformation(s) of µ-OR. We further show that positive allosteric modulators of µ-OR promote formation of R* in addition to enhancing promotion by orthosteric agonists. Finally, we demonstrate that the technique can be utilized with heterotrimeric G protein. The method is cell-free, signal transduction-independent and is generally applicable to GPCRs.
TASEP modelling provides a parsimonious explanation for the ability of a single uORF to derepress translation during the integrated stress response
Authors: Andreev Dmitry E , Arnold Maxim , Kiniry Stephen J , Loughran Gary , Michel Audrey M , Rachinskii Dmitrii , Baranov Pavel V
Published: June 2018

Translation initiation is the rate-limiting step of protein synthesis that is downregulated during the Integrated Stress Response (ISR). Previously, we demonstrated that most human mRNAs that are resistant to this inhibition possess translated upstream open reading frames (uORFs), and that in some cases a single uORF is sufficient for the resistance. Here we developed a computational model of Initiation Complexes Interference with Elongating Ribosomes (ICIER) to gain insight into the mechanism. We explored the relationship between the flux of scanning ribosomes upstream and downstream of a single uORF depending on uORF features. Paradoxically, our analysis predicts that reducing ribosome flux upstream of certain uORFs increases initiation downstream. The model supports the derepression of downstream translation as a general mechanism of uORF-mediated stress resistance. It predicts that stress resistance can be achieved with long slowly decoded uORFs that do not favor translation reinitiation and that start with initiators of low leakiness.
Chronic 2P-STED imaging reveals high turnover of dendritic spines in the hippocampus in vivo
Authors: Pfeiffer Thomas , Poll Stefanie , Bancelin Stephane , Angibaud Julie , Inavalli VVG Krishna , Keppler Kevin , Mittag Manuel , Fuhrmann Martin , Nägerl U Valentin
Published: June 2018

Rewiring neural circuits by the formation and elimination of synapses is thought to be a key cellular mechanism of learning and memory in the mammalian brain. Dendritic spines are the postsynaptic structural component of excitatory synapses, and their experience-dependent plasticity has been extensively studied in mouse superficial cortex using two-photon microscopy in vivo. By contrast, very little is known about spine plasticity in the hippocampus, which is the archetypical memory center of the brain, mostly because it is difficult to visualize dendritic spines in this deeply embedded structure with sufficient spatial resolution. We developed chronic 2P-STED microscopy in mouse hippocampus, using a ‘hippocampal window’ based on resection of cortical tissue and a long working distance objective for optical access. We observed a two-fold higher spine density than previous studies and measured a spine turnover of ~40% within 4 days, which depended on spine size. We thus provide direct evidence for a high level of structural rewiring of synaptic circuits and new insights into the structure-dynamics relationship of hippocampal spines. Having established chronic super-resolution microscopy in the hippocampus in vivo, our study enables longitudinal and correlative analyses of nanoscale neuroanatomical structures with genetic, molecular and behavioral experiments.
Ampelisca eschrichtii Krøyer, 1842 (Ampeliscidae) of the Sakhalin Shelf in the Okhotsk Sea starve in summer and feast in winter
Authors: Durkina Valentina B. , Chapman John W. , Demchenko Natalia L.
Published: June 2018

Background

Ampelisca eschrichtii Krøyer, 1842 of the Sakhalin Shelf of the Okhotsk Sea, Far Eastern Russia, comprise the highest known biomass concentration of any amphipod population in the world and are a critically important prey source for western gray whales. Growth and reproduction in this population has not been apparent in summer. However, they are not accessible for sampling in winter to test a previous default conclusion that they grow and reproduce in winter.

Methods

We tested the default winter growth and reproduction hypothesis by detailed comparisons of the brood and gonad development among 40 females and 14 males and brood sizes among females observed since 2002. Our test included six predictions of reproductive synchrony that would be apparent from gonad and brood morphology if active reproduction occurs in summer.

Results

We found high prevalences of undersized and damaged oocytes, undersized broods, a lack of females brooding fully formed juveniles, atrophied ovaries, and males with mature sperm but lacking fully developed secondary sex morphologies required for pelagic mating. All of these conditions are consistent with trophic stress and starvation.

Discussion

These A. eschrichtii populations therefore appear to starve in summer and to grow and reproduce in winter. The Offshore A. eschrichtii populations occur in summer below water strata bearing high phytoplankton biomasses. These populations are more likely to feed successfully in winter when storms mix phytoplankton to their depths.
Is publication bias present in gastroenterological research? An analysis of abstracts presented at an annual congress
Authors: Meyer Chase , Fuller Kaleb , Scott Jared , Vassar Matt
Published: June 2018

Background

Publication bias is the tendency of investigators, reviewers, and editors to submit or accept manuscripts for publication based on their direction or strength of findings. In this study, we investigated if publication bias was present in gastroenterological research by evaluating abstracts at Americas Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Congresses from 2011 to 2013.

Methods

We searched Google, Google Scholar, and PubMed to locate the published reports of research described in these abstracts. If a publication was not found, a second investigator searched to verify nonpublication. If abstract publication status remained undetermined, authors were contacted regarding reasons for nonpublication. For articles reaching publication, the P value, study design, time to publication, citation count, and journals in which the published report appeared were recorded.

Results

Our study found that of 569 abstracts presented, 297 (52.2%) reported a P value. Of these, 254 (85.5%) contained P values supporting statistical significance. The abstracts reporting a statistically significant outcome were twice as likely to reach publication than abstracts with no significant findings (OR 2.10, 95% CI [1.06–4.14]). Overall, 243 (42.7%) abstracts reached publication. The mean time to publication was 14 months and a median time of nine months.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we found evidence for publication bias in gastroenterological research. Abstracts with significant P values had a higher probability of reaching publication. More than half of abstracts presented from 2011 to 2013 failed to reach publication. Readers should take these findings into consideration when reviewing medical literature.
Melatonin significantly influences seed germination and seedling growth ofStevia rebaudianaBertoni
Authors: Simlat Magdalena , Ptak Agata , Skrzypek Edyta , Warchoł Marzena , Morańska Emilia , Piórkowska Ewa
Published: June 2018

Background

Melatonin (MEL) is a signaling molecule in plants that affects developmental processes during vegetative and reproductive growth. Investigations have proved that exogenously applied MEL also has the potential to improve seed germination and plant development.

Methods

In the present study, seeds of stevia, a species with a very low germination rate, were germinated on an agar gel (AG) containing MEL at various concentrations (5, 20, 100, and 500 µM) in light. Seeds germinated on AG without MEL were used as controls. For the first 24 or 48 h of germination, the seeds were maintained in darkness as a pre-incubation step. Some seeds were not exposed to this pre-incubation step.

Results

At concentrations of 20 and 5 µM, MEL significantly improved germination, but only in seeds pre-incubated in darkness for 24 h (p < 0.001). At concentrations of 100 and 500 µM, MEL had an inhibitory effect on germination, regardless of the pre-incubation time. Melatonin also affected plantlet properties. At a concentration of 20 µM, MEL increased plantlet fresh weight and leaf numbers. At a concentration of 5 µM, it promoted plantlet height. Regarding root development, the most favorable MEL concentration was 500 µM. Biochemical analysis revealed that MEL promoted higher pigment concentrations but hampered superoxide dismutase activity. On the other hand, the concentrations of sugars and phenolics, as well as the activities of catalase and peroxidase, increased at a MEL concentration of 500 µM.

Discussion

The results suggest that MEL can improve germination of positively photoblastic stevia seeds and that it can play a role in plantlet development. However, the effects observed in the present study depended on the quantity of MEL that was applied.
Transcriptome analysis identifies the potential roles of long non‐coding RNAs during parainfluenza virus infection
Authors: Wu Haoming , Yao Ran‐Ran , Yu Shuang‐Shuang , Chen Hong‐Yan , Cai Juan , Peng Shu‐Jie , Pang Xue‐Wen , Sun Xiu‐Yuan , Zhang Yu , Zhang Jun
Published: June 2018

Parainfluenza virus infection is a common respiratory illness in children. Although lncRNAs are novel regulators of virus‐induced innate immunity, a systemic attempt to characterize the differential expression of lncRNAs upon parainfluenza virus infection is lacking. In this report, we identify 207 lncRNAs and 166 mRNAs differentially expressed in SeV‐infected HEK293T cells by microarray. The functional annotation analysis reveals that differentially regulated transcripts are predominantly involved in the host antiviral response pathway. The lncRNAs with the potential to regulate SeV‐induced antiviral response are identified by building the lncRNA‐mRNA coexpression network. Furthermore, silencing lncRNA ENST00000565297 results in reduced type I IFN signaling upon SeV infection. These catalogs may facilitate future analysis of the functions of lncRNAs in innate immunity and related diseases.
Oxidative Heteroatom–Heteroatom Bond Formation
Authors: Bering Luis , Antonchick Andrey P.
Published: June 2018

The development of oxidative heteroatom–heteroatom bond‐forming reactions based on the use of hypervalent iodine reagents is summarized, with emphasis on metal‐free and transition‐metal‐catalyzed reactions. The most important approaches are located in the field of nitrogen–heteroatom and sulfur–heteroatom bond formation, but also chemical transformations including rather rarely used elements are discussed. Increasing interest in the field of heteroatom–heteroatom bond formation in the past decades led to some notable discoveries, which are discussed within this chapter.
Photochemistry of Hypervalent Iodine Compounds
Authors: Jia Kunfang , Chen Yiyun
Published: June 2018

Hypervalent iodine compounds traditionally demonstrate photochemical reactivity under direct photoexcitation using noncyclic iodine(III) reagents or in combination with the iodine. Recently, cyclic iodine(III) reagents have enabled new photochemical reactivity with the indirect photosensitization (photoredox catalysis). Hypervalent iodine compounds show substrate activation reactivity for carboxylic acids, alcohols, and amines to generate the corresponding oxygen or nitrogen radials under photochemical conditions. In addition, the hypervalent iodine‐coordinated carbon and azide species participate as radical precursors, oxidative quenchers, or radical acceptors in photoredox catalysis reactions. It is expected that hypervalent iodine compounds will find further photochemical reactivity especially under photoredox catalysis conditions.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Tandem Reaction of Quinazolinone‐Based Nitriles with Arylboronic Acids: Synthesis of 2‐(4‐Arylquinazolin‐2‐yl)anilines
Authors: Zhang Yetong , Shao Yinlin , Gong Julin , Hu Kun , Cheng Tianxing , Chen Jiuxi
Published: June 2018

A palladium‐catalyzed tandem reaction of 2‐(quinazolinone‐3(4H)‐yl)benzonitriles with arylboronic acids has been developed, allowing access to a new class of 2‐(4‐arylquinazolin‐2‐yl)anilines that were often difficult to prepare using previous methods. In particular, the newly produced amino group is amenable to further synthetic elaborations, thereby broadening the diversity of the products. The structure of the newly synthesized 2‐(4‐arylquinazolin‐2‐yl)anilines was unambiguously confirmed by X‐ray crystallography. Moreover, a possible mechanism for the formation of 2‐(4‐arylquinazolin‐2‐yl)anilines is discussed.

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Cu‐Catalyzed Cross‐Dehydrogenative ortho‐Aminomethylation of Phenols
Authors: Yu Congjun , Patureau Frederic W.
Published: June 2018

A highly selective CuII‐catalyzed cross‐dehydrogenative ortho‐aminomethylation of phenols with aniline derivatives is described. The corresponding C(sp2)−C(sp3) coupling products were obtained in moderate to excellent yields under mild reaction conditions and with a broad substrate scope. A radical mechanism is proposed.
A New Full‐Order Sliding Mode Observer Based Rotor Speed and Stator Resistance Estimation for Sensorless Vector Controlled Pmsm Drives
Authors: Saadaoui Oussama , Khlaief Amor , Abassi Moez , Tlili Imen , Chaari Abdelkader , Boussak Mohamed
Published: June 2018

Sensorless control of a permanent magnetsynchronous motor (PMSM) at low speed remains a challenging task. In this paper, a sensorless vector control of PMSM using a new structure of a sliding mode observer (SMO) is proposed. To remove the mechanical sensors, a full‐order (FO‐SMO) is built to estimate the rotor position and speed of PMSM drives. The FO‐SMO, which replaces a sign function by a sigmoid function, can reduce the chattering phenomenon. In order to overcome time delay, we cancel the low pass filter. This sensorless speed control shows great sensitivity to stator resistance and system noise. To improve the robustness of sensorless vector control, a full‐order SMO technique has been used for stator resistance estimation. A novel stator resistance estimator is incorporated into the sensorless drive to compensate for the effects of stator resistance variation. The validity of the proposed FO‐SMO with a 1.1 kw low‐speed PMSM sensorless vector control is demonstrated by experiments. In this paper, experimental results for FO‐SMO, back‐EMF SMO and MRAS techniques were obtained with fixed point DSP‐based (TMS320F240).
Existence of Solution for Generalized Coupled Differential Riccati Equation
Authors: Ren Guoqiang , Liu Bin
Published: June 2018

By means of the recursive method, the existence of solution is obtained for the generalized coupled differential Riccati equation. As an application, we apply the existence results to consider the optimal control of Markovian jump linear singular system, and obtain the desired explicit representation of the optimal controller for the optimal control problem with the finite horizon.