bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychometrische Überprüfung des Helping Alliance Questionnaire (HAQ) in unterschiedlichen Versorgungssettings
Authors: Nübling Rüdiger , Kraft Maria , Henn Jessica , Kriz David , Lutz Wolfgang , Schmidt Jürgen , Wittmann Werner , Bassler Markus
Published: August 2017

Einleitung Der von Luborsky entwickelte HAQ wurde Mitte der 1990er Jahre von Bassler et al. ins Deutsche übersetzt und erstmals testmethodisch untersucht. Er besteht aus 11 Items, die zu den Skalen „Beziehungszufriedenheit“ und „Erfolgszufriedenheit“ zusammengefasst werden. Mittlerweile gehört er zu den international am häufigsten eingesetzten Instrumenten zur Messung der psychotherapeutischen Arbeitsallianz. Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit ist ein Update der psychometrischen Prüfung anhand dreier großer Stichproben in unterschiedlichen Behandlungssettings.

Material und Methoden Es fand eine testmethodische Untersuchung unter Differenzierung des Settings und der Messzeitpunkte statt. Die Quellen: 2 Studien aus dem Bereich der stationären psychosomatischen Rehabilitation (n=655, n=2494) und eine Studie aus dem Bereich der ambulanten Psychotherapie (n=1477). Die faktorielle Struktur des HAQ wurde mit explorativen Faktorenanalysen ermittelt und konfirmatorisch überprüft. Ergänzend wurden Reliabilitäts- und Validitätsanalysen durchgeführt.

Ergebnisse Die bisherige 2-faktorielle Struktur des Instruments wurde bestätigt, sie wird zum Behandlungsende stabiler. Items 2 und 3 luden inkonsistent auf verschiedene Skalen in Abhängigkeit von Messzeitpunkt und Studie. Die Reliabilitäts- und Validitätsanalysen ergaben zufriedenstellende bis gute Werte in allen Bereichen. Der Fit des Modells hingegen war weniger befriedigend und legt eine Lösung ohne die beiden Items 2 und 3 nahe. Aus inhaltlichen Gründen sowie aus Gründen der Verbreitung wird dafür plädiert, die bisherigen Itemzuordnungen im HAQ vorerst beizubehalten.
Jedes Wort wirkt – die Kraft der Sprache
Authors: Jürgens Ute
Published: August 2017

Meist ist uns beim Sprechen die Struktur der Sprache nicht bewusst. Wir wissen zwar genau,
was wir inhaltlich sagen, haben jedoch nicht den Satzbau, den Wortschatz, die
Sprachmelodie und die Grammatik im Blick. Betrachten wir die Form, entdecken wir die
inneliegenden Botschaften.
Folat und Folsäure
Authors: Péter Szabolcs , Eggersdorfer Manfred
Published: August 2017

Teil 1 des Beitrags über Folat und Folsäure widmete sich den ernährungswissenschaftlichen
Aspekten des Vitamins bzw. der synthetischen Vorstufe sowie seiner zentralen Funktion im
Zellstoffwechsel und bei der Synthese der Amino- und Nukleinsäuren. Nun sollen mit Blick
auf die aktuelle Studienlage einzelne medizinische Auswirkungen eines Folatmangels und
deren Vorbeugung bzw. Therapie mit Folsäure-Supplementation betrachtet werden.
A backward Monte-Carlo method for time-dependent runaway electron simulations
Authors: Zhang Guannan , del-Castillo-Negrete Diego
Published: August 2017

Kinetic descriptions of runaway electrons (REs) are usually based on Fokker-Planck models that determine the probability distribution function of REs in 2-dimensional momentum space. Despite the simplification involved, the Fokker-Planck equation can rarely be solved analytically and direct numerical approaches [e.g., continuum and particle-based Monte Carlo (MC)] can be time consuming, especially in the computation of asymptotic-type observables including the runaway probability, the slowing-down and runaway mean times, and the energy limit probability. Here, we present a novel backward MC approach to these problems based on backward stochastic differential equations that describe the dynamics of the runaway probability by means of the Feynman-Kac theory. The key ingredient of the backward MC algorithm is to place all the particles in a runaway state and simulate them backward from the terminal time to the initial time. As such, our approach can provide much faster convergence than direct MC methods (by significantly reducing the number of particles required to achieve a prescribed accuracy) while at the same time maintaining the advantages of particle-based methods (compared to continuum approaches). The proposed algorithm is unconditionally stable and can be parallelized as easy as the direct MC method, and its extension to dimensions higher than two is straightforward, thus paving the way for conducting large-scale RE simulation.
Direct optical observation of spin accumulation at nonmagnetic metal/oxide interface
Authors: Puebla Jorge , Auvray Florent , Xu Mingran , Rana Bivas , Albouy Antoine , Tsai Hanshen , Kondou Kouta , Tatara Gen , Otani Yoshichika
Published: August 2017

We report the direct observation of uniform in-plane spin accumulation at room temperature by magneto optical Kerr effect, at the interface formed between nonmagnetic metal (Cu, Ag) and oxide (Bi2O3). Recent reports show spin to charge conversion at these interfaces suggesting the presence of Rashba like spin orbit coupling (SOC). The formation of spin accumulation is the result of current induced spin polarization at our interfaces (direct Rashba–Edelstein effect), without external magnetic field or proximity to ferromagnetic materials. We observe opposite orientation of spin accumulation at Cu/Bi2O3 and Ag/Bi2O3 interfaces reflecting their opposite sign of Rashba SOC (Rashba parameter). Moreover, estimation of spin accumulation from values of Rashba parameters obtained by independent spin pumping measurements, agrees well with the difference in amplitude of our normalized Kerr signals for Cu/Bi2O3 and Ag/Bi2O3 interfaces. Uniform in-plane spin accumulation due to Rashba-Edelstein effect can be applied for spin filter devices and efficient driving force for magnetization switching.
Optoelectronic insights into the photovoltaic losses from photocurrent, voltage, and energy perspectives
Authors: Shang Aixue , An Yidan , Ma Dong , Li Xiaofeng
Published: August 2017

Photocurrent and voltage losses are the fundamental limitations for improving the efficiency of photovoltaic devices. It is indeed that a comprehensive and quantitative differentiation of the performance degradation in solar cells will promote the understanding of photovoltaic physics as well as provide a useful guidance to design highly-efficient and cost-effective solar cells. Based on optoelectronic simulation that addresses electromagnetic and carrier-transport responses in a coupled finite-element method, we report a detailed quantitative analysis of photocurrent and voltage losses in solar cells. We not only concentrate on the wavelength-dependent photocurrent loss, but also quantify the variations of photocurrent and operating voltage under different forward electrical biases. Further, the device output power and power losses due to carrier recombination, thermalization, Joule heat, and Peltier heat are studied through the optoelectronic simulation. The deep insight into the gains and losses of the photocurrent, voltage, and energy will contribute to the accurate clarifications of the performance degradation of photovoltaic devices, enabling a better control of the photovoltaic behaviors for high performance.
Expansion of a radial plasma blast shell into an ambient plasma
Authors: Dieckmann M. E. , Doria D. , Ahmed H. , Romagnani L. , Sarri G. , Folini D. , Walder R. , Bret A. , Borghesi M.
Published: August 2017

The expansion of a radial blast shell into an ambient plasma is modeled with a particle-in-cell simulation. The unmagnetized plasma consists of electrons and protons. The formation and evolution of an electrostatic shock is observed, which is trailed by ion-acoustic solitary waves that grow on the beam of the blast shell ions in the post-shock plasma. In spite of the initially radial symmetric outflow, the solitary waves become twisted and entangled and, hence, they break the radial symmetry of the flow. The waves and their interaction with the shocked ambient ions slow down the blast shell protons and bring the post-shock plasma closer to equilibrium.
Control of indium tin oxide anode work function modified using Langmuir-Blodgett monolayer for high-efficiency organic photovoltaics
Authors: Yokokura Yuya , Dogase Tomomichi , Shinbo Tatsuki , Nakayashiki Yuya , Takagi Yusuke , Ueda Kazuyoshi , Sarangerel Khayankhyarvaa , Delgertsetseg Byambasuren , Ganzorig Chimed , Sakomura Masaru
Published: August 2017

The use of Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) monolayers to modify the indium tin oxide (ITO) work function and thus improve the performance of zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc)/fullerene (C60)-based and boron subphthalocyanine chloride (SubPc)/C60-based small molecule organic photovoltaic devices (OPVs) was examined. In general, LB precursor compounds contain one or more long alkyl chain substituents that can act as spacers to prevent electrical contact with adjoining electrode surfaces. As one example of such a compound, arachidic acid (CH3(CH2)18COOH) was inserted in the forms of one-layer, three-layer or five-layer LB films between the anode ITO layer and the p-type layer in ZnPc-C60-based OPVs to investigate the effects of the long alkyl chain group when it acts as an electrically insulating spacer. The short-circuit current density (Jsc) values of the OPVs with the three- and five-layer inserts (1.78 mA·cm−2 and 0.61 mA·cm−2, respectively) were reduced dramatically, whereas the Jsc value for the OPV with the single-layer insertion (2.88 mA·cm−2) was comparable to that of the OPV without any insert (3.14 mA·cm-2). The ITO work function was shifted positively by LB deposition of a surfactant compound, C9F19C2H4-O-C2H4-COOH (PFECA), which contained a fluorinated head group. This positive effect was maintained even after formation of an upper p-type organic layer. The Jsc and open-circuit voltage (Voc) of the SubPc-C60-based OPV with the LB-modified ITO layers were effectively enhanced. As a result, a 42% increase in device efficiency was achieved.
Waveguide resonances with selectable polarization in an infrared thermal emitter
Authors: Huang Wei-Lun , Hsiao Hui-Hsin , Lin Chih-Yu , Tang Ming-Ru , Lee Si-Chen
Published: August 2017

A multi-band infrared thermal emitter with polarized waveguide resonances was investigated. The device is constructed by embedding the metallic grating strips within the resonant cavity of a metal/dielectric/metal (MDM) structure. The proposed arrangement makes it possible to generate waveguide resonances with mutually orthogonal polarization, thereby providing an additional degree of freedom to vary the resonant wavelengths and polarizations in the medium infrared region. The measured reflection spectra and the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulation indicated that the electric fields of the waveguide modes with two orthogonal polarizations are distributed in different regions of the cavity. Resonant wavelengths in different polarizations can be adjusted by altering the period, the metallic line width, or the position of the embedded gold strips. The ratio of the full width at half maximum (FWHM) to the peak wavelength was achieved to be smaller than 0.035. This study demonstrated a multi-band infrared thermal emission featuring a narrow bandwidth and polarization characteristics, which is quite suitable to be applied to the non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) detection system.
Jones matrix description of Fabry-Perot interference in a single axis photo-elastic modulator and the consequences for the magneto-optical measurement method
Authors: Talukder Md. Abdul Ahad , Geerts Wilhelmus J.
Published: August 2017

When using a Photo-elastic modulator (PEM) in combination with a coherent light source, in addition to the modulation of the phase, Fabry-Perot interference in the PEM’s optical head induces large offsets in the 1ω and 2ω detector signals. A Jones matrix which describes both effects simultaneously, was derived for a single axis PEM and used to find an expression for the detector signal for two different MO Kerr setups. The effect of the PEM tilt angle, polarizer angle, analyzer angle, and retardation, on the detector signal offsets show that offsets can be zeroed by adjusting PEM tilt angle, polarizer angle, and retardation. This strategy will allow one to avoid large offset drifts due to the small retardation, intensity, and beam direction fluctuations caused by lab temperature fluctuations. In addition, it will enable one to measure in the most sensitive range of the lock-in amplifiers further improving the signal to noise ratio of the setup.
Primary α and secondary β relaxation dynamics of meta-toluidine in the liquid state investigated by broadband dielectric spectroscopy
Authors: Švajdlenková H. , Ruff A. , Lunkenheimer P. , Loidl A. , Bartoš J.
Published: August 2017

We report a broadband dielectric spectroscopic (BDS) study on the clustering fragile glass-former meta-toluidine (m-TOL) from 187 K up to 289 K over a wide frequency range of 10−3–109 Hz with focus on the primary α relaxation and the secondary β relaxation above the glass temperature Tg. The broadband dielectric spectra were fitted by using the Havriliak-Negami (HN) and Cole-Cole (CC) models. The β process disappearing at Tβ,disap = 1.12Tg exhibits non-Arrhenius dependence fitted by the Vogel-Fulcher-Tamman-Hesse equation with T0βVFTH in accord with the characteristic differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) limiting temperature of the glassy state. The essential feature of the α process consists in the distinct changes of its spectral shape parameter βHN marked by the characteristic BDS temperatures TB1βHN and TB2βHN. The primary α relaxation times were fitted over the entire temperature and frequency range by several current three-parameter up to six-parameter dynamic models. This analysis reveals that the crossover temperatures of the idealized mode coupling theory model (TcMCT), the extended free volume model (T0EFV), and the two-order parameter (TOP) model (Tmc) are close to TB1βHN, which provides a consistent physical rationalization for the first change of the shape parameter. In addition, the other two characteristic TOP temperatures T0TOP and TA are coinciding with the thermodynamic Kauzmann temperature TK and the second change of the shape parameter at around TB2βHN, respectively. These can be related to the onset of the liquid-like domains in the glassy state or the disappearance of the solid-like domains in the normal liquid state.
Deep-UV emission at 219 nm from ultrathin MBE GaN/AlN quantum heterostructures
Authors: Islam S. M. , Protasenko Vladimir , Lee Kevin , Rouvimov Sergei , Verma Jai , Xing Huili (Grace) , Jena Debdeep
Published: August 2017

Deep ultraviolet (UV) optical emission below 250 nm (∼5 eV) in semiconductors is traditionally obtained from high aluminum containing AlGaN alloy quantum wells. It is shown here that high-quality epitaxial ultrathin binary GaN quantum disks embedded in an AlN matrix can produce efficient optical emission in the 219–235 nm (∼5.7–5.3 eV) spectral range, far above the bulk bandgap (3.4 eV) of GaN. The quantum confinement energy in these heterostructures is larger than the bandgaps of traditional semiconductors, made possible by the large band offsets. These molecular beam epitaxy-grown extreme quantum-confinement GaN/AlN heterostructures exhibit an internal quantum efficiency of 40% at wavelengths as short as 219 nm. These observations together with the ability to engineer the interband optical matrix elements to control the direction of photon emission in such binary quantum disk active regions offer unique advantages over alloy AlGaN quantum well counterparts for the realization of deep-UV light-emitting diodes and lasers.
Feedlot performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality of Zebu heifers supplemented with two β-adrenergic agonists
Authors: Meraz-Murillo F. J. , Avendaño-Reyes L. , Pérez-Linares C. , Figueroa-Saavedra F. , Torres-Rodríguez V. , Guerra-Liera J. E. , Mellado M. , Macías-Cruz U.
Published: August 2017

The aim was to evaluate effects of administration of two β-adrenergic agonists (β-AA) on growth performance, carcass characteristics and meat-quality traits of Zebu heifers finished in a feedlot. Fifty-four Zebu heifers weighing 397 ± 29.1 kg were used in a randomised complete block design with three treatments and six blocks (i.e. 18 pens with 3 heifers per pen). Treatments were as follows: (1) control (C; no supplement); (2) zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH; 60 mg per heifer per day); and (3) ractopamine hydrochloride (RH; 300 mg per heifer per day). The β-AA were added to the diets during the final 33 days of the finishing period, after which the heifers were immediately slaughtered. Relative to C, average daily gain and gain : feed ratio were improved (P < 0.05) in heifers supplemented with ZH, but not in those supplemented with RH. Feed intake in C heifers was lower (P < 0.05) than in ZH heifers, but similar (P > 0.05) to RH heifers. The hot carcass weight showed a trend to be heavier (P = 0.096) in ZH than in C heifers. However, Longissimus dorsi (LM) area was increased (P < 0.05) by ZH (73.94 cm2), but RH (70.45 cm2) and C (66.3 cm2) groups had a similar (P > 0.05) LM area. The meat from the ZH- and RH-supplemented heifers had higher Warner–Bratzler shear-force values (P < 0.01) than that from C heifers (ZH = 5.11; RH = 5.50; C = 4.89 kg/cm2), and the meat from RH-supplemented heifers was classified as ‘tough’. Variables associated with meat colour indicated that ZH led to a lower b* average, which was related to a lighter LM area than in C. In general, feedlot performance was enhanced only by the β-AA ZH, with meat tenderness from RH heifers classified as ‘tough’. Meat colour was not altered by β-AA supplementation. These data suggested that while ZH supplementation to Bos indicus heifers offered advantages in feedlot performance and some carcass traits, RH supplementation did not positively affect these biological responses.
Evidence for complex life cycle constraints on salamander body form diversification
Authors: Bonett Ronald M. , Blair Andrea L.
Published: August 2017

Significance

Complex life cycle evolution promotes phenotypic discontinuities across ontogeny, but adaptations for one stage may compromise evolution to another stage. Ancestral salamanders likely had a complex aquatic-to-terrestrial life cycle and a basic tetrapod body form. We show that permanent simplifications to aquatic-only or terrestrial-only life cycles have resulted in accelerated rates of salamander body form evolution. However, rate increases have been dramatically higher after loss of the terrestrial stage than after loss of the aquatic stage, suggesting that constraints can be stage-specific. This study provides an example of how long-term shifts in life cycle complexity can alter rates of evolution and play a significant role in shaping phenotypic distributions.
Multiphase matrix structure of unalloyed austempered ductile iron
Authors: Yang Chen , Cui Xixi , Liu Cheng
Published: August 2017

A multiple phase structure characterised by a mixture of lenticular prior martensite (PM), fine needle bainitic ferrite and film retained austenite (RA) of an unalloyed ductile iron is developed. The designed austempering consists of initial rapid quenching to 210, 200 and 180°C respectively and finally austempering at 220°C for 240 min. The optimum mechanical properties, with a tensile strength of 1330 MPa, an elongation of 3.1% and 422HB, can be achieved by controlling the volume fraction of PM to 12.3% and the RA content to 18.1%. This is mainly attributed to PM that can accelerate the subsequent bainitic transformation and promote refinement of multiphase colonies.
Addressing the crisis in curriculum studies: curriculum integration that bridges issues of identity and knowledge
Authors: Garcia-Huidobro Juan Cristobal
Published: August 2017

Many people from non‐dominant backgrounds or believers from various religions want their children to acquire the best modern knowledge and to remain open to their home cultures and beliefs. However, this double aspiration poses complex challenges, and most scholars have either stressed the importance of addressing identity (and diversity) issues, or claimed that the key is to give everyone access to powerful knowledge. Beginning from curriculum studies’ alleged crisis and its relation to this dichotomy, this paper suggests that bridging concern for diverse identities and access to powerful knowledge implies devising curricula that allow for issues that are transversal to the disciplines without collapsing the boundaries between them. Since this has been generally difficult to develop, the paper reflects on the kind of curriculum integration that is needed, arriving at the idea of interstitial curriculum or connective tissue amid the disciplines. Subsequently, unique features of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP) are presented to exemplify these curricular interstices, and how they help to deal with the epistemological challenges posed by the initially mentioned double aspiration of many families at present.
Crossed wires: 3D genome misfolding in human disease
Authors: Norton Heidi K. , Phillips-Cremins Jennifer E.
Published: August 2017

Mammalian genomes are folded into unique topological structures that undergo precise spatiotemporal restructuring during healthy development. Here, we highlight recent advances in our understanding of how the genome folds inside the 3D nucleus and how these folding patterns are miswired during the onset and progression of mammalian disease states. We discuss potential mechanisms underlying the link among genome misfolding, genome dysregulation, and aberrant cellular phenotypes. We also discuss cases in which the endogenous 3D genome configurations in healthy cells might be particularly susceptible to mutation or translocation. Together, these data support an emerging model in which genome folding and misfolding is critically linked to the onset and progression of a broad range of human diseases.
Orbits of polynomial dynamical systems modulo primes
Authors: Chang Mei-Chu , D’Andrea Carlos , Ostafe Alina , Shparlinski Igor , Sombra Martín
Published: August 2017

We present lower bounds for the orbit length of reduction modulo primes of parametric polynomial dynamical systems defined over the integers, under a suitable hypothesis on its set of preperiodic points over

C

\mathbb {C}

. Applying recent results of Baker and DeMarco (2011) and of Ghioca, Krieger, Nguyen and Ye (2017), we obtain explicit families of parametric polynomials and initial points such that the reductions modulo primes have long orbits, for all but a finite number of values of the parameters. This generalizes a previous lower bound due to Chang (2015). As a by-product, we also slightly improve a result of Silverman (2008) and recover a result of Akbary and Ghioca  (2009) as special extreme cases of our estimates.
2-Selmer groups, 2-class groups and rational points on elliptic curves
Authors: Li Chao
Published: August 2017

Let

E
:

y
2

=
F
(
x
)

E: y^2=F(x)

be an elliptic curve over

Q

\mathbb {Q}

defined by a monic irreducible integral cubic polynomial

F
(
x
)

F(x)

with negative square-free discriminant

−
D

-D

. We determine its

2
2

-Selmer rank in terms of the 2-rank of the class group of the cubic field

L
=

Q

[
x
]

/

F
(
x
)

L=\mathbb {Q}[x]/F(x)

.

When the

2
2

-rank of the class group of

L
L

is at most

1
1

and the root number of

E
E

is

−
1

-1

, the Birch and Swinnerton-Dyer conjecture predicts that

E
(

Q

)

E(\mathbb {Q})

should have rank

1
1

. We construct a canonical point in

E
(

Q

)

E(\mathbb {Q})

using a new Heegner point construction. We naturally conjecture it to be of infinite order. We verify this conjecture explicitly for the case

D
=
11

D=11

, and propose an approach towards the general case based on a mod 2 congruence between elliptic curves and Artin representations.
Wolbachia, bottled water, and the dark side of symbiosis
Authors: Sullivan William
Published: August 2017

Obligate endosymbiosis is operationally defined when loss or removal of the endosymbiont from the host results in the death of both. Whereas these relationships are typically viewed as mutualistic, molecular and cellular analysis reveals numerous instances in which these symbiotic relationships are established by alternative, nonmutualistic strategies. The endosymbiont usurps or integrates into core host processes, creating a need where none previously existed. Here I discuss examples of these addictive symbiotic relationships and how they are a likely outcome of all complex evolving systems.
Multicentric evaluation of the impact of central tumour location when comparing rates of N1 upstaging in patients undergoing video-assisted and open surgery for clinical Stage I non-small-cell lung cancer†
Authors: Decaluwé Herbert , Petersen René Horsleben , Brunelli Alex , Pompili Cecilia , Seguin-Givelet Agathe , Gust Lucile , Aigner Clemens , Falcoz Pierre-Emmanuel , Rinieri Philippe , Augustin Florian , Sokolow Youri , Verhagen Ad , Depypere Lieven , Papagiannopoulos Kostas , Gossot Dominique , D’Journo Xavier Benoit , Guerrera Francesco , Baste Jean-Marc , Schmid Thomas , Stanzi Alessia , Van Raemdonck Dirk , Bardet Jeremy , Thomas Pascal-Alexandre , Massard Gilbert , Fieuws Steffen , Moons Johnny , Dooms Christophe , De Leyn Paul , Hansen Henrik Jessen ,   on behalf of the MITIG-ESTS
Published: August 2017

OBJECTIVES

Large retrospective series have indicated lower rates of cN0 to pN1 nodal upstaging after video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) compared with open resections for Stage I non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The objective of our multicentre study was to investigate whether the presumed lower rate of N1 upstaging after VATS disappears after correction for central tumour location in a multivariable analysis.

METHODS

Consecutive patients operated for PET-CT based clinical Stage I NSCLC were selected from prospectively managed surgical databases in 11 European centres. Central tumour location was defined as contact with bronchovascular structures on computer tomography and/or visibility on standard bronchoscopy.

RESULTS

Eight hundred and ninety-five patients underwent pulmonary resection by VATS (n = 699, 9% conversions) or an open technique (n = 196) in 2014. Incidence of nodal pN1 and pN2 upstaging was 8% and 7% after VATS and 15% and 6% after open surgery, respectively. pN1 was found in 27% of patients with central tumours. Less central tumours were operated on by VATS compared with the open technique (12% vs 28%, P < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that only tumour location had a significant impact on N1 upstaging (OR 6.2, confidence interval 3.6–10.8; P < 0.001) and that the effect of surgical technique (VATS versus open surgery) was no longer significant when accounting for tumour location.

CONCLUSIONS

A quarter of patients with central clinical Stage I NSCLC was upstaged to pN1 at resection. Central tumour location was the only independent factor associated with N1 upstaging, undermining the evidence for lower N1 upstaging after VATS resections. Studies investigating N1 upstaging after VATS compared with open surgery should be interpreted with caution due to possible selection bias, i.e. relatively more central tumours in the open group with a higher chance of N1 upstaging.
Long-read sequencing of the coffee bean transcriptome reveals the diversity of full-length transcripts
Authors: Cheng Bing , Furtado Agnelo , Henry Robert J
Published: August 2017

Polyploidization contributes to the complexity of gene expression, resulting in numerous related but different transcripts. This study explored the transcriptome diversity and complexity of the tetraploid Arabica coffee (Coffea arabica) bean. Long-read sequencing (LRS) by Pacbio Isoform sequencing (Iso-seq) was used to obtain full-length transcripts without the difficulty and uncertainty of assembly required for reads from short-read technologies. The tetraploid transcriptome was annotated and compared with data from the sub-genome progenitors. Caffeine and sucrose genes were targeted for case analysis. An isoform-level tetraploid coffee bean reference transcriptome with 95 995 distinct transcripts (average 3236 bp) was obtained. A total of 88 715 sequences (92.42%) were annotated with BLASTx against NCBI non-redundant plant proteins, including 34 719 high-quality annotations. Further BLASTn analysis against NCBI non-redundant nucleotide sequences, Coffea canephora coding sequences with UTR, C. arabica ESTs, and Rfam resulted in 1213 sequences without hits, were potential novel genes in coffee. Longer UTRs were captured, especially in the 5΄UTRs, facilitating the identification of upstream open reading frames. The LRS also revealed more and longer transcript variants in key caffeine and sucrose metabolism genes from this polyploid genome. Long sequences (>10 kilo base) were poorly annotated. LRS technology shows the limitation of previous studies. It provides an important tool to produce a reference transcriptome including more of the diversity of full-length transcripts to help understand the biology and support the genetic improvement of polyploid species such as coffee.
3. Law-making: authority and process
Authors: Partington Martin
Published: August 2017

This chapter considers how law is made in the UK, who makes it, and whence they get the authority for making it and imposing it on society. There is a detailed account of the legislative procedure of the UK, and the different types of legislation that it enacts Parliament. The role of the senior courts in the development of legal principle is also considered. Finally, the law-making functions of key European institutions are discussed.
5. The criminal justice system
Authors: Partington Martin
Published: August 2017

This chapter focuses on the criminal justice system. The chapter contains a summary of the different social theories that underpin the system as well as the fundamental principles relating to sentencing policy. The system is examined in three segments: pre-trial stages, trial stage, and post-trial stages. Each is discussed in turn. Particular emphasis is placed on how the current system is changing.
8. The civil and commercial justice system
Authors: Partington Martin
Published: August 2017

This chapter discusses the civil and commercial justice system. It covers the purpose of the civil justice system and alternative dispute resolution. It also covers the use of alternative dispute resolution and the incentives to keep disputes out of the court. It looks at the court structure, the county court, the High Court, the Companies Court, the Admiralty Court, the Commercial Court, the Mercantile Court, the Technology and Construction Court, the Planning Court, the Intellectual Property Enterprise Court, and other courts and offices. It considers possible changes that may follow the transformation project. It also considers routes of appeal and the work of the appeal courts.
11. The transformation of the English legal system: pressures and challenges
Authors: Partington Martin
Published: August 2017

This examines the transformation of the legal system over the last twenty years. It contemplates the further changes that are now in progress. It examines the political and financial pressures that have led to the need for reform and the challenges that the transformation programme must face, stressing in particular the need to ensure access to justice. It considers briefly the importance of public legal education in helping people understand their legal rights and obligations.
Post-Traumatic Hydrocephalus in Children: A Retrospective Study in 42 Pediatric Hospitals Using the Pediatric Health Information System
Authors: Bonow Robert H , Oron Assaf P , Hanak Brian W , Browd Samuel R , Chesnut Randall M , Ellenbogen Richard G , Vavilala Monica S , Rivara Frederick P
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUND

Post-traumatic hydrocephalus (PTH) is a potentially treatable cause of poor recovery from traumatic brain injury (TBI) that remains poorly understood, particularly among children.

OBJECTIVE

To better understand the risk factors for pediatric PTH using a large, multi-institutional database.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using administrative data from 42 pediatric hospitals participating in the Pediatric Health Information System. All patients ≤21 yr surviving a hospitalization with an International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) code for TBI were identified. The primary outcome was PTH, defined by an ICD-9-CM procedure code for surgical management of hydrocephalus within 6 mo. Data were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

We identified 91 583 patients ≤21 yr with TBI, 846 of whom developed PTH. Odds of PTH were significantly higher in children <1 yr compared to older age groups. A total of 48.7% of PTH cases were victims of abuse (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.62, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.16-3.18). PTH was more common after craniotomy (aOR 1.60, 95% CI 1.30-1.97). Craniectomy without early cranioplasty was associated with markedly increased odds of PTH (aOR 3.67, 95% CI 2.66-5.07), an effect not seen in those undergoing cranioplasty within 30 d (aOR 1.19, 95% CI 0.75-1.89).

CONCLUSION

PTH was seen in 0.9% of children who sustained a TBI and was more common in those <1 yr. Severe injury, abuse, and craniectomy with delayed cranioplasty were associated with greatly increased likelihood of PTH. Early cranioplasty in children who require craniectomy may reduce the risk for PTH.
Unsupervised Learning of Spatiotemporal Interictal Discharges in Focal Epilepsy
Authors: Baud Maxime O , Kleen Jonathan K , Anumanchipalli Gopala K , Hamilton Liberty S , Tan Yee-Leng , Knowlton Robert , Chang Edward F
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUND

Interictal epileptiform discharges are an important biomarker for localization of focal epilepsy, especially in patients who undergo chronic intracranial monitoring. Manual detection of these pathophysiological events is cumbersome, but is still superior to current rule-based approaches in most automated algorithms.

OBJECTIVE

To develop an unsupervised machine-learning algorithm for the improved, automated detection and localization of interictal epileptiform discharges based on spatiotemporal pattern recognition.

METHODS

We decomposed 24 h of intracranial electroencephalography signals into basis functions and activation vectors using non-negative matrix factorization (NNMF). Thresholding the activation vector and the basis function of interest detected interictal epileptiform discharges in time and space (specific electrodes), respectively. We used convolutive NNMF, a refined algorithm, to add a temporal dimension to basis functions.

RESULTS

The receiver operating characteristics for NNMF-based detection are close to the gold standard of human visual-based detection and superior to currently available alternative automated approaches (93% sensitivity and 97% specificity). The algorithm successfully identified thousands of interictal epileptiform discharges across a full day of neurophysiological recording and accurately summarized their localization into a single map. Adding a temporal window allowed for visualization of the archetypal propagation network of these epileptiform discharges.

CONCLUSION

Unsupervised learning offers a powerful approach towards automated identification of recurrent pathological neurophysiological signals, which may have important implications for precise, quantitative, and individualized evaluation of focal epilepsy.
Brain tumor research in the United Kingdom: current perspective and future challenges. A strategy document from the NCRI Brain Tumor CSG
Authors: Kurian Kathreena M , Jenkinson Michael D , Brennan Paul M , Grant Robin , Jefferies Sarah , Rooney Alasdair G , Bulbeck Helen , Erridge Sara C , Mills Samantha , McBain Catherine , McCabe Martin G , Price Stephen J , Marino Silvia , Moyes Erica , Qian Wendy , Waldman Adam , Vaqas Babar , Keatley Debbie , Burchill Peter , Watts Colin
Published: August 2017

The National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) is a partnership of charity and government research funders whose purpose is to improve health and quality of life by accelerating progress in cancer-related research through collaboration. Under this umbrella, the NCRI Brain Tumor Clinical Studies Group is focused on improving clinical outcomes for adult patients with brain and central nervous system tumors, including those with brain metastasis from other primary sites. This document discusses the current state of clinical brain tumor research in the United Kingdom and the challenges to increasing study and trial opportunities for patients. The clinical research priorities are defined along with a strategy to strengthen the existing brain tumor research network, improve access to tissue and imaging and to develop the future leadership for brain tumor research in the United Kingdom. This strategy document may serve as a framework for other organizations and countries.
X-ray upper limits of GW150914 with MAXI
Authors: Kawai Nobuyuki , Negoro Hitoshi , Serino Motoko , Mihara Tatehiro , Tanaka Kazuki , Masumitsu Takahiro , Nakahira Satoshi
Published: August 2017

We searched for X-ray candidates for the gravitational wave (GW) event GW150914 with Monitor of All-sky X-ray Image (MAXI). MAXI observed the error region of the GW event GW150914 from 4 min after the event and covered about 90% of the error region in 25 min. No significant time variations on timescales of 1 s to 4 d were found in the GW error region. The 3 σ upper limits for the X-ray emission associated with the GW event in 2–20 keV were 9.5 × 10−10, 2.3 × 10−10, and 0.8 × 10−10 erg cm−2 s−1 for the time scales of ∼1000 s, 1 d, and 10 d, respectively. If GW events are associated with short gamma-ray bursts like GRB 050709, MAXI will be able to detect X-ray emissions from the source.
The Ribosomal Protein RplY Is Required for Pectobacterium carotovorum Virulence and Is Induced by Zantedeschia elliotiana Extract
Authors: Jiang Huan , Jiang Mengyi , Yang Liuke , Yao Peiyan , Ma Lin , Wang Chunting , Wang Huan , Qian Gouliang , Hu Baishi , Fan Jiaqin
Published: August 2017

Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum strain PccS1, a bacterial pathogen causing soft rot disease of Zantedeschia elliotiana (colored calla), was investigated for virulence genes induced by the host plant. Using a promoter-trap transposon (mariner), we obtained 500 transposon mutants showing kanamycin resistance dependent on extract of Z. elliotiana. One of these mutants, PM86, exhibited attenuated virulence on both Z. elliotiana and Brassica rapa subsp. pekinensis. The growth of PM86 was also reduced in minimal medium (MM), and the reduction was restored by adding plant extract to the MM. The gene containing the insertion site was identified as rplY. The deletion mutant ΔrplY, exhibited reduced virulence, motility and plant cell wall-degrading enzyme production but not biofilm formation. Analysis of gene expression and reporter fusions revealed that the rplY gene in PccS1 is up-regulated at both the transcriptional and the translational levels in the presence of plant extract. Our results suggest that rplY is induced by Z. elliotiana extract and is crucial for virulence in P. carotovorum subsp. carotovorum.
Bone lymphoma with multiple negative bone biopsies
Authors: Riaz Irbaz bin , Khan Muhammad Shahzeb , Mazursky Konstantin , Husnain Muhammad , Anwer Faiz
Published: August 2017

This article describes a 71-year-old man with right knee pain, prerenal azotemia, hypercalcemia, and a mass in the distal femur. Although testing, including bone marrow biopsy, initially ruled out myeloma, an open surgical biopsy eventually confirmed the diagnosis as lymphoma involving the bone with classic histologic findings of mature B-cell neoplasm of germinal cell origin.
Female PAs—Where are we today?
Authors: Curtis L. Gail , Dobbs Lauren , Hildebrandt Carol A.
Published: August 2017

As the physician assistant (PA) profession celebrates its 50th birthday, we can be proud of the gains our profession has accomplished. However, despite the positive reports of job satisfaction, a marked increase in female PA leaders, and overall gains in PA compensation, a significant wage gap remains between male and female PAs. The PA profession is flourishing but it is time female PAs are paid equitably.
Lessons learned from an in-flight medical event
Authors: Ngugi Mumbi Melody
Published: August 2017

Air transportation, although safe, exposes passengers to distinct physical, psychological, and physiological stressors that may be well tolerated in a healthy passenger but may trigger or exacerbate a medical event in a passenger with underlying medical problems. This article describes how a medical provider on the flight assisted with a medical emergency on a transatlantic flight.
The officier de santé in 19th-century France
Authors: Perdicoyianni-Paleologou Helen
Published: August 2017

In 1803, shortly after the French Revolution, the French healthcare system was reorganized and a new independent medical officer, the officier de santé (health officer) was introduced. Qualifications included 3 years in a medical school (compared with 6 years for a physician) and an apprenticeship with a physician. Although somewhat independent, officiers de santé were limited in their scope of practice to general medicine, prescribing medications, and minor surgical procedures. Many were deployed to medically underserved areas. After almost a century of activity in a role not unlike physician assistants, the officiers de santé were abolished in 1892. Development of a more rigorous medical education and an adequate supply of physicians meant that physicians were better deployed throughout France, and were largely the reasons for abolishing this PA prototype.
Critical incidents in the ED
Authors: Hammerle Anna , Devendorf Carol , Murray Charlotte , McGhee Timothy
Published: August 2017

Enhancing staff support with debriefing programs
Malpositioned Pedicle Screw Compressed Thoracic Aorta of a Patient With Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Ryabykh Sergey O. , Pavlova Olga M. , Savin Dmitry M. , Khomchenkov Maksim V. , Ochirova Polina V. , Hartmann Sebastian , Gubin Alexander V.
Published: August 2017

Background:

Aortic injuries because of pedicle screw placement are quite rare, consequently management strategies to avoid vascular complications are lacking. Intraoperative or postoperative images to reveal the accuracy of screw placement in scoliotic misalignment with freehanded placed pedicle screws is therefore essential.

Case Report:

A 13-year-old girl with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) was presented at the outpatient clinic of the authors department. Operative correction of the scoliotic misalignment including dorsal pedicle screw and rod placement with fusion from T3 to L4 was performed. Computed tomography scan after surgery showed left T9 screw malposition, accompanied by lateral compression of thoracic aorta. No clinical manifestations of aortic stenosis were noted. To avoid severe vascular complications, the thoracic screw was removed with the help of a specialized team of vascular as well as thoracic surgeons through extrapleural thoracotomy. After the removal of the malpositioned screw, the correction maneuvres were applied without the left T9 screw. No posttraumatic aortic aneurysm and other wall injury were identified after the revision surgery. The patient was discharged after 20 days of inpatient stay without the use external immobilization. The girl was in a good clinical condition after the 1-year follow-up visit without vascular or neurological complications.

Conclusions:

Malpositioned pedicle screws after dorsal correction in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis might be challenging. Aortic injuries because of malpositioned screws are rare; nevertheless, the presence might be a life-threatening condition despite a clinical asymptomatic patient. As a consequence, the authors recommend to perform routine postoperative computed tomography scans combined with angiography in the case of significant lateral screw positioning.
Novel Interprofessional Mentoring Intervention to Improve Spirometry in Primary Care: Uptake, Feedback, and Effects on Behavioral Intention
Authors: Gupta Samir , Allen Christopher , Moosa Dilshad , MacPherson Ana , Tamari Itamar E.
Published: August 2017

Introduction:

Little is known about the nature and effects of mentoring interventions on evidence-based clinician behaviors. We sought to design and evaluate a novel mentorship-based intervention to improve the usage of spirometry in primary care.

Methods:

This was a prospective one-year study of a pragmatic intervention across Canadian primary care sites. We established mentor–mentee pods, each including physician and nurse/allied health mentors and mentees, and enabled communication through a secure online portal; email; telephone; teleconference; videoconference; fax; and/or in person. We measured (1) change in intention to perform spirometry (through a questionnaire based on the theory of planned behavior, administered before and after the intervention); (2) mentoring uptake; and (3) feedback/satisfaction.

Results:

Twenty-five of 90 (28%) nurse/allied health and 23/68 (34%) physician mentees consented across seven sites. There were no statistically significant changes in behavioral intention after the intervention. Mentors logged 56.5 hours, with most preferred communication modalities being in person (6/11; 55%) and email (4/11; 36%). Mentees most commonly used email (9/18; 50%), followed by in-person communication (6/18; 33%). Mentees were highly satisfied with the experience, and most (89%) would participate in a similar program again.

Discussion:

A mentorship-based intervention can successfully engage physicians, nurses, and allied health practitioners through multiple communication platforms. Email seems to be an important medium for this activity. Such interventions can be highly satisfying and may affect certain constructs underlying mentees' behavioral intentions. Such a program can be replicated across diseases, and future research should measure effects on behavior, patient outcomes, and the sustainability of effects.
Utilization of Topographical Mohs Micrographic Surgery Maps for Rapid Review of Clinicopathologic Characteristics of Nonmelanoma Skin Cancers of the Ear
Authors: Tolkachjov Stanislav N.
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUND

Nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) of the ear are considered high risk. Precise location of tumor sites is important when identifying surgical treatment sites.

OBJECTIVE

Review precise locations and histopathologic subtypes of auricular NMSC treated with Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) using a standardized topographical numbering system for rapid data extraction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using a MMS topographical number system, the author performed a retrospective chart review of 649 consecutive patients treated with MMS at Mayo Clinic for primary cutaneous basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) or squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) of the ear.

RESULTS

Nineteen percent of consecutively referred patients had NMSC of the ear. Fifty-four percent were SCC and 42% were BCC. The left superior helix was the most common auricular location treated with MMS. Fifty-three percent of BCC on the ear were nodular. Seventy percent SCC on the ears were well differentiated. Contrary to previous studies, basosquamous carcinoma had strong predilection for the posterior ear (80%).

CONCLUSION

Higher incidence of auricular NMSC in men was confirmed with SCC being most common. Searching the medical record for specific topographical numbers allowed for rapid investigation of precise anatomic locations of NMSC. This technique may allow for focused research and rapid data extraction when anatomic location is the primary search criterion.