bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New insights into the interplay between the translation machinery and nonsense-mediated mRNA decay factors
Authors: Raimondeau Etienne , Bufton Joshua C. , Schaffitzel Christiane
Published: April 2018

Faulty mRNAs with a premature stop codon (PTC) are recognized and degraded by nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD). Recognition of a nonsense mRNA depends on translation and on the presence of NMD-enhancing or the absence of NMD-inhibiting factors in the 3′-untranslated region. Our review summarizes our current understanding of the molecular function of the conserved NMD factors UPF3B and UPF1, and of the anti-NMD factor Poly(A)-binding protein, and their interactions with ribosomes translating PTC-containing mRNAs. Our recent discovery that UPF3B interferes with human translation termination and enhances ribosome dissociation in vitro, whereas UPF1 is inactive in these assays, suggests a re-interpretation of previous experiments and modification of prevalent NMD models. Moreover, we discuss recent work suggesting new functions of the key NMD factor UPF1 in ribosome recycling, inhibition of translation re-initiation and nascent chain ubiquitylation. These new findings suggest that the interplay of UPF proteins with the translation machinery is more intricate than previously appreciated, and that this interplay quality-controls the efficiency of termination, ribosome recycling and translation re-initiation.
Comprehension of Degraded Speech Matures During Adolescence
Authors: Huyck Julia Jones
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The aim of the study was to compare comprehension of spectrally degraded (noise-vocoded [NV]) speech and perceptual learning of NV speech between adolescents and young adults and examine the role of phonological processing and executive functions in this perception.

Method

Sixteen younger adolescents (11–13 years), 16 older adolescents (14–16 years), and 16 young adults (18–22 years) listened to 40 NV sentences and repeated back what they heard. They also completed tests assessing phonological processing and a variety of executive functions.

Results

Word-report scores were generally poorer for younger adolescents than for the older age groups. Phonological processing also predicted initial word-report scores. Learning (i.e., improvement across training times) did not differ with age. Starting performance and processing speed predicted learning, with greater learning for those who started with the lowest scores and those with faster processing speed.

Conclusions

Degraded (NV) speech comprehension is not mature even by early adolescence; however, like adults, adolescents are able to improve their comprehension of degraded speech with training. Thus, although adolescents may have initial difficulty in understanding degraded speech or speech as presented through hearing aids or cochlear implants, they are able to improve their perception with experience. Processing speed and phonological processing may play a role in degraded speech comprehension in these age groups.
Cooperative tracking for high‐order non‐linear multi‐agent systems via adaptive control
Authors: Wang Qi , Fu Junjie , Wang Jinzhi
Published: April 2018

This work studies the cooperative tracking problem for high‐order non‐linear multi‐agent systems under a directed communication topology. The state and input of the leader are bounded. Distributed adaptive non‐linear protocols based on the relative states of neighbouring agents are proposed, which can ensure the states of the followers converge to the state of the leader under the assumption that the directed communication topology contains a spanning tree with the root node being the leader agent. The distinctive features of this work are that the authors do not put Lipschitz restrictions (globally Lipschitz or Lipschitz‐like condition) on non‐linear functions and the adaptive protocols here can be implemented in a fully distributed fashion without using any global information (such as the knowledge of eigenvalue information of the Laplacian matrix associated with the whole communication topology). The effectiveness of the proposed distributed controller is illustrated by simulating a flexible joint system.
Hierarchical control strategy for MVDC distribution network under large disturbance
Authors: Ji Yirun , Yuan Zhichang , Zhao Jianfeng , Lu Chao , Wang Yizhen , Zhao Yuming , Li Yan , Han Yingduo
Published: April 2018

The DC distribution technology brings challenges and opportunities to the penetration of large‐scale distributed renewable energy sources. In a medium‐voltage DC (MVDC) distribution network, operation mode switch occurs owing to some large disturbances. To manage these disturbances and achieve seamless switch of the operation mode, a hierarchical control strategy with two layers, namely local and global layers, is proposed in this work. The novel local layer controller called P–U–I controller is designed to enhance the voltage stability, improve system controllability and suppress overcurrent under large disturbances. This controller only needs local information and does not rely on fast communication. Furthermore, as the scale of the DC distribution network expands continuously, the number of system operation mode increases in geometric progression. Therefore, a global layer controller based on breadth‐first search algorithm is proposed. This controller can automatically identify the system topology and adjust the control mode of converters to optimise the system operating characteristics. Thus, this hierarchical control strategy can accurately control the system power in steady state, suppress overcurrent under large disturbances and suit large‐scale DC distribution networks. Finally, a three‐terminal MVDC distribution network simulation model established on power systems computer‐aided design and RT‐LAB validates the proposed strategy.
Fault location principle and 2‐step isolation scheme for a loop‐type DC grid
Authors: Xue Shimin , Liu Chong
Published: April 2018

The rapid discharging and slow charging processes of a DC‐link capacitor in a voltage‐source converter (VSC) have become the primary issues in VSC‐based DC systems, resulting in greatly prolonged fault recovery times. Therefore, blocking measure for capacitors is necessary, but limits the principles of fault location being based on the transient component. Moreover, as the main bottleneck in the development of DC system protections, the DC circuit breakers (DCCBs) adopted in low‐voltage systems have yet to be fully developed. Hence, it is necessary to propose a fault location principle based on steady‐state currents and a fault isolation scheme based on ACCBs. This study presents a 2‐step isolation scheme adopting thyristors and ACCBs to facilitate fault location and clearance. This method retains the harmonic component of the fault current and creates a current zero‐crossing point. Next, a single‐terminal fault location method adopting a steady‐state harmonic component is used to realise the exact fault location function with different fault resistances and to restore system operation within 160 ms. The protection method economising many communication modules and DCCBs is suited for low‐voltage distribution DC systems.
Enhancing the delay performance of junctionless silicon nanotube based 6T SRAM
Authors: Tayal Shubham , Nandi Ashutosh
Published: April 2018

This work investigates the delay performance of junctionless silicon nanotube (JLSiNT) field‐effect transistor (FET) based 6T SRAM cell. The study demonstrates that the delay performance of symmetric drain/source DS‐JLSiNT FET (inner gate covers drain, channel, and source regions) based 6T SRAM gets improved when the inner gate of nanotube covers only either drain and channel regions (D‐JLSiNT FET) or source and channel regions (S‐JLSiNT FET) because of improved Ion/Cgg. The improvement in read (write) access time is ∼22% (17%) and ∼9% (20%) when DS‐JLSiNT FET is replaced by D‐JLSiNT FET and S‐JLSiNT FET, respectively, in DS‐JLSiNT FET based 6T SRAM. Furthermore, due to partial covering of inner gate, the gate electrostatic integrity is reduced which decreases the ratio of on‐current to off‐current (Ion/Ioff) resulting in degraded static noise margin (SNM). However, the deterioration in write SNM, hold SNM, and read SNM are almost minimal (∼0.3, 0.9, and 2%, respectively) for S‐JLSiNT FET based SRAM as compared to DS‐JLSiNT FET based SRAM. However, the deterioration in SNMs is aggravated for D‐JLSiNT FET based SRAM as compared to DS‐JLSiNT FET based SRAM. Thus, S‐JLSiNT FET is the best configuration for designing of JLSiNT FET based 6T SRAM cell.
Die personalisierte Therapie beim Ovarialkarzinom
Authors: Langner Ann-K. , Pauly Nina , Ataseven Beyhan , du Bois Andreas
Published: April 2018

Die Behandlung des epithelialen Ovarial-, Tuben- und Peritonealkarzinoms (epithelial ovarian cancer; EOC) fußt auf 3 Säulen, die in unterschiedlichem Maße individualisierte bzw. personalisierte Medizin inkludieren:
Management of Chronic Deep Vein Thrombosis in Women
Authors: Hardman Rulon
Published: April 2018

Chronic deep vein thrombosis (DVT) affects hundreds of thousands of women in the United States. Chronic DVT can lead to pain, edema, venous ulcers, and varicosities. While there are limited data regarding the management of chronic DVT, several interventional radiology groups aggressively treat chronic DVT to aid patient symptom resolution. Recanalization of occluded veins and venous stenting re-establishes deep vein flow and decreases venous hypertension.
Contraceptive Implant Migration and Removal by Interventional Radiology
Authors: Zhang Salina , Batur Pelin , Martin Charles , Rochon Paul
Published: April 2018

As the reversible contraceptive arm implants grow more popular, there is an increasing need to recognize the complications resulting from implant migration and removal. This review summarizes the findings of imaging and removal methods. When an implant is lost, the axillary region should be investigated first. If the implant still cannot be found, visualization though different methods have been employed for non-radiopaque implants. Real-time fluoroscopic-guided localization and removal can be accomplished for radiopaque Nexplanon. Once the implant has been located, standard removal method and other modified techniques can be used to safely remove the implant depending on the implant's location.
Varicose Veins and Lower Extremity Venous Insufficiency
Authors: DePopas Eric , Brown Matthew
Published: April 2018

Lower extremity venous insufficiency and varicose veins are common conditions, affecting up to 25% of women. Herein, we review the pathophysiology of lower extremity venous insufficiency and varicose veins, the epidemiology of varicose veins, clinical diagnosis, and ultrasonographic diagnosis. We also discuss treatment rationale, algorithms, and techniques, with a focus on endovenous great saphenous vein ablation.
Stent Placement in Surgically Altered Stomach
Authors: Tsauo Jiaywei , Park Jung-Hoon , Zhang Xiaowu , Zhao He , Song Ho-Young
Published: April 2018

Gastric cancer is one of the most common malignancies and among the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Radical gastrectomy has been the mainstay of curative treatment for gastric cancer, but recurrent cancer occurs in a significant number of patients. Patients with recurrent cancer can experience debilitating symptoms due to malignant gastric outlet obstruction (GOO). Self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) placement is effective and safe for the palliative treatment of malignant GOO. However, the technical difficulty of SEMS placement is higher in patients with recurrent cancer due to the surgically altered stomach. Thorough understanding of the surgically altered anatomy and site of stricture is key to favorable treatment outcomes.
Effectiveness of Robotic Lobectomy—Outcome and Learning Curve in a High Volume Center
Authors: Cheufou Danjouma Housmanou , Mardanzai Khaled , Ploenes Till , Theegarten Dirk , Stamatis Georgios , Kampe Sandra , Aigner Clemens
Published: April 2018

Background Robotic surgery has been developed as a sophisticated tool to expand possibilities in minimal invasive surgery. The learning curve for this method is short in various surgical fields; however, limited data exist on the learning curve in robotic thoracic surgery.

Methods This study analyzes a single center experience of robotic lobectomies using a prospectively kept database. Perioperative data and outcome of patients during the learning curve were compared with patients operated with increased institutional experience. The learning curve was defined as the initial 20 lobectomies.

Results Sixty-four robotic lobectomies were performed between January 2014 and February 2017. Indications, preoperative lung functions, comorbidities, patient age, and tumor stage were comparable between patients operated during the learning curve and thereafter. The mean operative time could be significantly reduced after the learning curve (286 ± 86 vs. 211 ± 62 minutes; p = 0.0003). The conversion rate dropped from 4 of 20 (20%) during the learning curve to 2 of 44 (4.5%, p = 0.07) thereafter. Chest tube duration (4.3 ± 2.9 vs. 3.8 ± 2.1 days) and hospital stay (8.3 ± 3.4 vs. 7.9 ± 4.5 days) were not different in the two phases. The number of resected lymph nodes increased from 11.2 ± 6.8 to 13.9 ± 6.5 (p = 0.0797). Lymph node upstaging was achieved in 8 (12.9%) cases. Ninety-day mortality was 0%, and 2-year overall survival was 83%.

Conclusions Robotic thoracic surgery can be safely performed and trained with low complication rates and contributes to the extension of minimal invasive thoracic surgery. The initial learning curve in our experience is overcome after 20 cases. However, to become proficient in more advanced procedures and to further reduce operative time, additional training is required. Prospective studies are required to clearly determine the role of robotic surgery in comparison to the video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) procedures.
Long-Term Incidence of Venous Thromboembolism in Cancer: The Scandinavian Thrombosis and Cancer Cohort
Authors: Gade Inger Lise , Brækkan Sigrid , Næss Inger Anne , Hansen John-Bjarne , Cannegieter Suzanne , Rosendaal Frits , Overvad Kim , Hindberg Kristian , Hammerstrøm Jens , Gran Olga , Tjønneland Anne , Severinsen Marianne , Kristensen Søren
Published: April 2018

The risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients who survive the first years after a cancer diagnosis after the acute effects of disease and treatment in comparison to a similar background population has been sparsely investigated. The aim of the study was to investigate if incidence rates (IRs) of VTE differed in patients who were alive at least 2 years after a cancer diagnosis without VTE compared with cancer-free references in a population-based cohort study. The study entry was 2 years after a first cancer diagnosis. For each cancer-exposed subject, five reference subjects were identified within the cohort. The IRs were calculated as number of VTEs per 1,000 person years (×10−3 p-y) in total and in distinct cancer types and corresponding reference subjects. Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were calculated by Poisson's regression. During a mean follow-up of 5.3 years, 110 VTEs occurred among the 7,288 cancer-exposed subjects and 321 VTEs occurred among the 36,297 identified reference subjects. The IR of VTE was higher for cancer-exposed subjects compared with reference subjects, IRs 3.7 × 10−3 p-y, 95% CI: 3.1 to 4.5 and 1.9 × 10−3 p-y, 95% CI: 1.7 to 2.2, respectively. IRs of VTE in most solid cancer types declined to almost the same level as in the reference subjects 2 years after cancer diagnosis, but remained higher in hematological cancers, IRR 4.0, 95% CI: 2.0 to 7.8.
Differenzialdiagnose und Notfallversorgung akuter Kopfschmerzen
Authors: Kamm Katharina , Ruscheweyh Ruth , Straube Andreas
Published: April 2018

In der Notaufnahme ist Kopfschmerz ein sehr häufiges Symptom, oft bei Patienten, die bisher keine oder andere Kopfschmerzen hatten oder bei denen die übliche
Akutmedikation bei bereits bekannter Kopfschmerzerkrankung nicht wirkt. Im folgenden Beitrag sollen das diagnostische Vorgehen und – für die primären
Kopfschmerzen – therapeutische Möglichkeiten in der Notaufnahme vorgestellt werden.
Cognitive Functions of the Fetus
Authors: Kadic Aida , Kurjak Asim
Published: April 2018

The human brain is intricately designed to execute cognitive functions, such as perception, attention, action, memory and learning. The complete nervous system is active during prenatal development and the aim of this review is to present data on fetal cognitive functions. The fetus processes sensory stimuli at a cortical level, including painful stimulus, from about 25 weeks of gestation onwards. At gestational week 34, the fetus is able not only to perceive complex acoustic external sounds but also to discriminate between different sounds. Fetal action planning is established by 22 weeks and investigations using four-dimensional ultrasound reveal that complexity of fetal motor action and behavior increases as pregnancy progresses. The capacity of the fetus to learn and memory are prodigious. At term, subcortical structures of the brain are well developed. There is high activity in primary cortical areas and low activity in association areas. Clinically relevant data on cognitive functions of the fetus could be important for the management of fetal pain and treatment of preterm infants as well as for improved neurodevelopmental outcome of fetuses from high-risk pregnancies. Finally, the brain’s developmental journey, including development of cognitive functions, continues with the same intensity in the postnatal period.
Befragung zur Abwanderung aus den Therapieberufen – Alarmierende Ergebnisse
Authors: Berger Thomas , Zanner Lea , Hammer Sabine
Published: April 2018

Mir reicht’s, ich kann nicht mehr – denken viele Therapeuten und spielen mit dem Gedanken, ihrem Beruf den Rücken zu kehren. Dies war ein Ergebnis der Befragung „Ich bin dann mal weg“ der Hochschule Fresenius im Rahmen des Masterstudiengangs Therapiewissenschaften. Die Unzufriedenheit ist alarmierend.
Social media choices and uses: comparing Turkish and American young-adults’ social media activism
Authors: Burke Barbara Ruth , Şen Ayşe Fulya
Published: April 2018

Advocates of new media—especially social networks, blogs, and photo/content sharing sites—argue that these tools create transformative impacts on society. Recently, around the world younger activists in popular democracy movements, uprisings, and protests, feeling disengaged by traditional forms of political discourse, have debated their positions on new media, and have used digital media to communicate, organize, and coordinate protest activities. While some media scholars suggest this is an indication that young people are active in creating a public sphere constructed by social media, there is still little real-world evidence that the technological potentials are widely realized. To address this gap, this comparative case study aims to reveal how some “ordinary” young people are using social media in response to political issues, investigating: if social media create a new kind of dynamic arena for their public activism; which factors may stimulate the young to activism; and whether their motivation is powerful enough to resist the status quo. Describing and analyzing qualitative interview data from a study of Turkish students and a parallel collection of data from US students, we construct an explanation of their communicated understandings of their differences and similarities in opportunities for political actions. Our findings indicate: there are many similar technical capacities; some similar topics are seen as political; and there are different understandings of what is and is not for public discussion among their personal collections of contacts and friends, with varying levels of real-world connections. This analysis is important in terms of understanding the ways uses of media technologies may be affected by different cultures, political and social conceptualizations and online communication patterns.
Synthesis of magnetic microtubes decorated with nanowires and cells
Authors: Pomar C. Diaz , Martinho H. , Ferreira F. F. , Goia T. S. , Rodas A. C. D. , Santos S. F. , Souza J. A.
Published: April 2018

Antiferromagnetic and ferrimagnetic microtubes decorated with nanowires have been obtained during thermal oxidation process, which was assisted by in situ electrical resistivity measurements. The synthesis route including heat treatment and electrical current along with growth mechanism are presented. This simple method and the ability to tune in the magnetic moment of the obtained microtubes going from a nonmagnetic-like to a large magnetization saturation open an avenue for interesting applications. In vitro experiments involving adherence, migration, and proliferation of fibroblasts cell culture on the surface of the microtubes indicated the absence of cytotoxicity for this material. We have also calculated both torque and driving magnetic force for these microtubes with nanowires and cells as a function of external magnetic field gradient which were found to be robust opening the possibility for magnetic bio micro-robot device fabrication and application in biotechnology.
Wavelength dependence of nanosecond laser induced surface damage in fused silica from 260 to 1550 nm
Authors: Cao Ming , Cao Jianjun , Liu Mian , Sun Yuan , Wu Meng , Guo Shiming , Gao Shumei
Published: April 2018

The wavelength dependence of laser induced surface damage in fused silica is experimentally studied in a wide wavelength range from 260 to 1550 nm. An optical parametric oscillator system is used to provide the tunable laser pulses with a duration of 5 ns. In the experiments, the exit surface of the silica slice is observed to be damaged prior to the entrance surface. The damage threshold decreases gradually as the wavelength decreases from 1550 to 324 nm and drops suddenly at 324 nm, which corresponds to a half of 7.66 eV. This wavelength dependence can be explained by a defect assisted multiphoton absorption mechanism. By fitting the experimental data with a power law equation, the damage threshold is found to be proportional to the 3.47-th power of wavelength in the range of 325–685 nm and 1.1-th power of wavelength in the range of 260–1550 nm.
An approach to investigate the multiple-scattering problems based on the singularity expansion method
Authors: Cao Pei , Wu Jiu Hui , Chen Xu , Huang Zhen
Published: April 2018

An approach to perform the multiple-scattering calculations of the two-cylinder acoustic scattering problem is studied here. The coupling factors and the analytical solutions of the poles are extracted by using the singularity expansion method (SEM). Through interpreting the coupling characteristic of the external oscillations, the poles are also obtained which are consistent with the exact results. It is noted that the coupling characteristic of the scattering field is the corresponding coupling between the oscillation modes of the same order, as well as the SEM poles. Based on this, we then infer that by interpreting the physical meaning of the coupling coefficients and explaining the influence of the coupling characteristic on the SEM poles, the pole distributions and the external oscillation characteristics of multiple scatterers can be studied in acoustic scattering problems. The study is based on general models, and then takes a two-same-cylinder model as an example for comparative analysis. In addition, the relationship between the real parts of the SEM poles and the separated distance is also analyzed briefly. The new approach and the related calculation results provide an effective way to perform shape recognition in the acoustic scattering field.
Evolution of the composition, structure, and piezoelectric performance of (K1-xNax)NbO3 nanorod arrays with hydrothermal reaction time
Authors: Jin Wenchao , Wang Zhao , Li Meng , He Yahua , Hu Xiaokang , Li Luying , Gao Yihua , Hu Yongming , Gu Haoshuang , Wang Xiaolin
Published: April 2018

Lead-free (K,Na)NbO3 (KNN) nanorod arrays were synthesized with the assistance of a Nb: SrTiO3 single-crystal substrate through the hydrothermal process. The evolutions of the morphology, composition, and structure of the as-synthesized KNN nanorods with the increase in reaction time were investigated. The results confirmed that the increase in reaction time up to 3 h led to the increase in the length and aspect ratio of the well-aligned KNN nanorods. All samples have K-rich orthorhombic crystal structures, while the diffraction peaks shifted towards a higher degree. The peak shifts should be attributed to the increase in the Na content in the KNN lattice, which could decrease the lattice parameters owing to the small ionic radius of Na+ than that of K+. Moreover, the increase in reaction time also resulted in the suppression of oxygen vacancies on the surface of the KNN nanorods. These evolutions of the composition and crystal structure, as well as the decrease in the defect content, lead to great enhancement of the nanorod's piezoelectric response, as their d33 value was increased from 19 to 64 pm/V. These results demonstrated the significant impact of reaction time on the hydrothermal growth of high-performance lead-free KNN one-dimensional nanomaterials.
Particle-in-cell studies of fast-ion slowing-down rates in cool tenuous magnetized plasma
Authors: Evans Eugene S. , Cohen Samuel A. , Welch Dale R.
Published: April 2018

We report on 3D-3V particle-in-cell simulations of fast-ion energy-loss rates in a cold, weakly-magnetized, weakly-coupled plasma where the electron gyroradius, ρe, is comparable to or less than the Debye length, λDe, and the fast-ion velocity exceeds the electron thermal velocity, a regime in which the electron response may be impeded. These simulations use explicit algorithms, spatially resolve ρe and λDe, and temporally resolve the electron cyclotron and plasma frequencies. For mono-energetic dilute fast ions with isotropic velocity distributions, these scaling studies of the slowing-down time, τs, versus fast-ion charge are in agreement with unmagnetized slowing-down theory; with an applied magnetic field, no consistent anisotropy between τs in the cross-field and field-parallel directions could be resolved. Scaling the fast-ion charge is confirmed as a viable way to reduce the required computational time for each simulation. The implications of these slowing down processes are described for one magnetic-confinement fusion concept, the small, advanced-fuel, field-reversed configuration device.
Partial synchronization of relaxation oscillators with repulsive coupling in autocatalytic integrate-and-fire model and electrochemical experiments
Authors: Kori Hiroshi , Kiss István Z. , Jain Swati , Hudson John L.
Published: April 2018

Experiments and supporting theoretical analysis are presented to describe the synchronization patterns that can be observed with a population of globally coupled electrochemical oscillators close to a homoclinic, saddle-loop bifurcation, where the coupling is repulsive in the electrode potential. While attractive coupling generates phase clusters and desynchronized states, repulsive coupling results in synchronized oscillations. The experiments are interpreted with a phenomenological model that captures the waveform of the oscillations (exponential increase) followed by a refractory period. The globally coupled autocatalytic integrate-and-fire model predicts the development of partially synchronized states that occur through attracting heteroclinic cycles between out-of-phase two-cluster states. Similar behavior can be expected in many other systems where the oscillations occur close to a saddle-loop bifurcation, e.g., with Morris-Lecar neurons.
Route to one-step microstructure mold fabrication for PDMS microfluidic chip
Authors: Lv Xiaoqing , Geng Zhaoxin , Fan Zhiyuan , Wang Shicai , Su Yue , Fang Weihao , Pei Weihua , Chen Hongda
Published: April 2018

The microstructure mold fabrication for PDMS microfluidic chip remains complex and time-consuming process requiring special equipment and protocols: photolithography and etching. Thus, a rapid and cost-effective method is highly needed. Comparing with the traditional microfluidic chip fabricating process based on the micro-electromechanical system (MEMS), this method is simple and easy to implement, and the whole fabrication process only requires 1-2 h. Different size of microstructure from 100 to 1000 μm was fabricated, and used to culture four kinds of breast cancer cell lines. Cell viability and morphology was assessed when they were cultured in the micro straight channels, micro square holes and the bonding PDMS-glass microfluidic chip. The experimental results indicate that the microfluidic chip is good and meet the experimental requirements. This method can greatly reduce the process time and cost of the microfluidic chip, and provide a simple and effective way for the structure design and in the field of biological microfabrications and microfluidic chips.
Land rental, prices and the management of China’s grasslands: the case of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region
Authors: Guanghua Qiao , Bao Zhang , Jing Zhang , Brown Colin
Published: April 2018

Heterogeneity among China’s pastoral households raises the prospect that efficient transfer of grassland-use rights may improve grassland management. More understanding of grassland rental is needed if policy incentives on grassland management are to be refined. Based on a survey of 252 herders in the typical steppe, desert steppe and sandy grassland areas of Inner Mongolia, a significant part of China’s overall grasslands, a multinomial logit model was used to explore factors influencing the decision to: (i) rent in grassland, (ii) rent out grassland, or (iii) neither rent in nor rent out grassland. A multiple regression model then investigated the factors influencing the price of this rented grassland, including a focus on the factors of the exchange. The findings suggest that rental has facilitated a level of specialisation whereby households with less own-grassland area, more livestock, more intensive production systems, lower perceptions of degradation, and some off-farm income (but not high levels) being more likely to rent in land. The likelihood was independent of the type of grassland, extent of grazing bans or grassland subsidies received. Similarly, households more likely to rent out land had fewer livestock and some land subject to grazing bans. The specialisation and larger land areas has enabled households renting in land to have lower stocking rates than those of households not renting grassland. However, analysis of rental prices reveals limitations in the rental market, with prices dependent on the form of contract and relationship of the participants in the exchange, as well as on area rented and type of grassland. Thus, improving land transfer may be warranted to facilitate further specialisation and improved grazing management and herder livelihoods.
The gene regulatory program of
Acrobeloides nanus
reveals conservation of phylum-specific expression
Authors: Schiffer Philipp H. , Polsky Avital L. , Cole Alison G. , Camps Julia I. R. , Kroiher Michael , Silver David H. , Grishkevich Vladislav , Anavy Leon , Koutsovoulos Georgios , Hashimshony Tamar , Yanai Itai
Published: April 2018

Significance

Comparing gene regulatory programs throughout developmental time and across species allows us to reveal their constraints and flexibilities. Here we study the organism
Acrobeloides nanus
, a clade IV nematode, by sequencing its genome, identifying its developmental transcriptome, and studying the patterns of embryonic conservation and divergence through a comparison with
Caenorhabditis elegans
. The gene regulatory programs of these two species show many differences early in development, but significantly converge at the middevelopmental transition. Moreover, the genes most conserved in their expression during development arose at the dawn of the superphylum Ecdysozoa. Our work shows that variation is not evenly distributed but, rather, that developmental and evolutionary constraints act to shape gene regulatory programs.
Topic-shift discourse markers in L2 Italian
Authors: Borreguero Zuloaga Margarita
Published: April 2018

This paper examines how native speakers (NS) and non-native speakers (NNS) of Italian approach topic organisation (topic shift, topic closure, digressions, topic recovery, and summary) in oral interactions. The research focuses on which discourse markers (DMs) are used when speakers try to organise discourse topics, and the differences between NS and NNS when performing such metadiscourse functions. The analysis is based on data from a spoken corpus designed to study conversational strategies in Spanish learners of L2 Italian. It reveals that the acquisition of metadiscourse functions progresses at different rates depending on the function: whereas learners have a good pragmatic competence in using DMs for the introduction of new topics in conversation, they have difficulties with other functions, such as topic closure or summary. In addition, the function of topic recovery after a digression is explicitly marked by NNS by DMs which are not found in native varieties.
Verb-third in Otfrid’s Evangelienbuch
Authors: Somers Katerina
Published: April 2018

This article investigates the status of so-called verb-final declaratives in Otfrid’s Evangelienbuch, with a focus on whether clauses in which there is no apparent subordinator and the finite verb occurs later than the expected verb-first or verb-second position can be treated as verb-third (V3) clauses, as they are defined for Old High German in works such as Axel (2007) and Tomaselli (1995). Drawing on a set of 746 clauses, I argue that there is no evidence that the finite verbs in these clauses have undergone verb movement, as is claimed in the aforementioned works, nor are the asyndetic verb-late clauses with a verb in surface third position consistent with the patterns identified in the generative literature for the V3 type.
Methionine residues lining the substrate pathway in prolyl oligopeptidase from Pleurotus eryngii play an important role in substrate recognition
Authors: Tokai Shota , Bito Tomohiro , Shimizu Katsuhiko , Arima Jiro
Published: April 2018

Family S9 prolyl oligopeptidases (POPs) are of interest as pharmacological targets. We recently found that an S9 POP from Pleurotus eryngii showed altered substrate specificity following H2O2 treatment. Oxidation of Met203 on the non-catalytic β-propeller domain resulted in decreased activity toward non-aromatic aminoacyl-para-nitroanilides (pNAs) while maintaining its activity toward aromatic aminoacyl-pNAs. Given that the other Met residues should also be oxidized by H2O2 treatment, we constructed mutants in which all the Met residues were substituted with other amino acids. Analysis of the mutants showed that Met570 in the catalytic domain is another potent residue for the altered substrate specificity following oxidation. Met203 and Met570 lie on the surfaces of two different domains and form part of a funnel from the surface to the active center. Our findings indicate that the funnel forms the substrate pathway and plays a role in substrate recognition.
Profiling plasma extracellular vesicle by pluronic block‐copolymer based enrichment method unveils features associated with breast cancer aggression, metastasis and invasion
Authors: Zhong Zhenyu , Rosenow Matthew , Xiao Nick , Spetzler David
Published: April 2018

Extracellular vesicle (EV)‐based liquid biopsies have been proposed to be a readily obtainable biological substrate recently for both profiling and diagnostics purposes. Development of a fast and reliable preparation protocol to enrich such small particles could accelerate the discovery of informative, disease‐related biomarkers. Though multiple EV enrichment protocols are available, in terms of efficiency, reproducibility and simplicity, precipitation‐based methods are most amenable to studies with large numbers of subjects. However, the selectivity of the precipitation becomes critical. Here, we present a simple plasma EV enrichment protocol based on pluronic block copolymer. The enriched plasma EV was able to be verified by multiple platforms. Our results showed that the particles enriched from plasma by the copolymer were EV size vesicles with membrane structure; proteomic profiling showed that EV‐related proteins were significantly enriched, while high‐abundant plasma proteins were significantly reduced in comparison to other precipitation‐based enrichment methods. Next‐generation sequencing confirmed the existence of various RNA species that have been observed in EVs from previous studies. Small RNA sequencing showed enriched species compared to the corresponding plasma. Moreover, plasma EVs enriched from 20 advanced breast cancer patients and 20 age‐matched non‐cancer controls were profiled by semi‐quantitative mass spectrometry. Protein features were further screened by EV proteomic profiles generated from four breast cancer cell lines, and then selected in cross‐validation models. A total of 60 protein features that highly contributed in model prediction were identified. Interestingly, a large portion of these features were associated with breast cancer aggression, metastasis as well as invasion, consistent with the advanced clinical stage of the patients. In summary, we have developed a plasma EV enrichment method with improved precipitation selectivity and it might be suitable for larger‐scale discovery studies.
Relationship among team dynamics, care coordination and perception of safety culture in primary care
Authors: Blumenthal Karen J , Chien Alyna T , Singer Sara J
Published: April 2018

Background

There remains a need to improve patient safety in primary care settings. Studies have demonstrated that creating high-performing teams can improve patient safety and encourage a safety culture within hospital settings, but little is known about this relationship in primary care.

Objective

To examine how team dynamics relate to perceptions of safety culture in primary care and whether care coordination plays an intermediating role.

Research Design

This is a cross-sectional survey study with 63% response (n = 1082).

Subjects

The study participants were attending clinicians, resident physicians and other staff who interacted with patients from 19 primary care practices affiliated with Harvard Medical School.

Main Measures

Three domains corresponding with our main measures: team dynamics, care coordination and safety culture. All items were measured on a 5-point Likert scale. We used linear regression clustered by practice site to assess the relationship between team dynamics and perceptions of safety culture. We also performed a mediation analysis to determine the extent to which care coordination explains the relationship between perceptions of team dynamics and of safety culture.

Results

For every 1-point increase in overall team dynamics, there was a 0.76-point increase in perception of safety culture [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.70–0.82, P < 0.001]. Care coordination mediated the relationship between team dynamics and the perception of safety culture.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest there is a relationship between team dynamics, care coordination and perceptions of patient safety in a primary care setting. To make patients safer, we may need to pay more attention to how primary care providers work together to coordinate care.
Was Ḥunayn ibn Isḥāq the Author of the Arabic Translation of Paul of Aegina’s Pragmateia? Evidence from the Arabic Translations of the Hippocratic Aphorisms and the Syriac Lexicons of Bar Bahlul and Bar ‘Ali
Authors: Barry Samuel C
Published: April 2018

Study of the process of translation into Arabic of the Pragmateia of Paul of Aegina, an important work of late-Hellenic medicine, has the potential to shed light upon the early development of Arabic medicine. Traditionally, the authorship of this translation has been ascribed to the famous translator Ḥunayn ibn Isḥāq. In this paper, however, I provide evidence drawn from several primary sources, including prominently the Arabic translations of the Hippocratic Aphorisms and the Syriac lexicons of Ḥasan bar Bahlul and Isho ‘bar ‘Ali, demonstrating that Ḥunayn was not the author of the Arabic translation of the Pragmateia, and that the translation was composed well before Ḥunayn’s career. The addition of the Arabic version of the Pragmateia to the list of Arabic medical works produced prior to Ḥunayn should enrich significantly scholarly understanding of the early development of the discipline.
The psychology of goals
Authors: Cooper Mick
Published: April 2018

This chapter, ‘The psychology of goals: a practice-friendly review’, examines psychological evidence and theory on goals and goal processes, and draws out implications for clinical practice. Research indicates that psychological wellbeing is associated with the actualization of goals: having important goals in one’s life, believing that they are attainable, progressing towards them (at an appropriate pace), and achieving them. These processes, however, are mediated by several significant goal dimensions, such as how important the goals are, whether the goals are ‘approach’ or ‘avoidance’, and the extent to which the goals are conscious. Goals can be conceptualized as existing in a hierarchical framework, with ‘higher order’ goals achieved through ‘lower order’ goals. Here, wellbeing is also associated with lower levels of goal conflict, and more effective means of goal-actualization. This conceptual framework can be used to facilitate the process of formulation in therapy, and to inform therapeutic practice.
Goals and psychotherapy research
Authors: Tryon Georgiana Shick
Published: April 2018

This chapter, ‘Goals and psychotherapy research’, examines goals in psychotherapy as they relate to clinical outcomes by surveying the extant research. Following a brief discussion of the importance of goals for personal development, the chapter focuses on research concerning the collaborative relationship between client and psychotherapist in goal-setting and effecting psychotherapy tasks to meet therapy goals, with particular emphasis on the client-therapist collaborative-outcome relationship. Next, the chapter reviews goal-psychotherapy outcome research for both adult and child/adolescent clients. The research presented is interpreted using clinical examples. The chapter closes with conclusions gleaned from the research reviewed followed by suggestions for practitioners.
Cuzco
Authors: Farrington Ian
Published: April 2018

The ruins of the Inca capital, Cuzco, lie among and beneath the colonial, republican, and modern buildings, plazas, and streets of the modern city. This chapter draws on ethnohistorical documentation and published and unpublished excavation reports to describe aspects of this city and its development and function. It discusses the meaning of the term ‘Cuzco’ and the myths concerning its foundation. Archaeological data is presented to outline the earlier Killke occupation prior to the replanning and reconstruction of the Inca city under Pachacuti. The history, architecture and archaeology of the major buildings, such as the Coricancha, the usnu complexes in the two plazas, Haucaypata and Limaqpampa, and the royal palaces, are presented as well as an analysis of the residential canchas and the walled enclosure of Hatuncancha, which housed the acllahuasi. Urban society is interpreted through a discussion of chronicle descriptions, artefactual distributions, ritual offerings and burial practices.
Colonial Demography and Bioarchaeology
Authors: Murphy Melissa S.
Published: April 2018

A growing body of bioarchaeological research into the biocultural effects of Spanish colonialism on native Andean communities shows that traditional and popular narratives emphasizing the roles of epidemic disease and Spanish military superiority in the conquest of the Inca Empire are oversimplified. Bioarchaeologists are now interrogating the intricacies and etiologies of native mortality and depopulation, differential fertility, migration, and population recovery, as well as successful native adaptation. Their work demonstrates considerable variability and complexity in native responses to life under Spanish colonial rule, but these results are limited to the coastal valleys, and additional study is required from the other areas of the Inca Empire, especially the Yucay and the highland regions.
Peregrination and Rituality in the Southern Provinces
Authors: Mignone Pablo
Published: April 2018

The capacocha was one of the most important rituals in the Inca Empire. Commemorated in times of crisis and political unrest, this celebration entailed the sacrifice of unblemished children to the sacred huacas residing in Cuzco and afar. To restore balance, this pilgrimage ritual also required the massive mobilization of people and resources from the distinct provinces. This chapter discusses this singular practice, in order to contextualize the capacocha sacrifice deposited on the summit of the Llullaillaco mountain.
The Inca Centers of Tomebamba and Caranqui in Northern Chinchaysuyu
Authors: Bray Tamara , Echeverría José
Published: April 2018

The only two imperial Inca centers still extant in the northernmost realm of Tahuantinsuyu are those of Tomebamba and Inca-Caranqui. In this chapter, the authors offer a comparative look at the archaeology of these royal settlements, reflecting on the location of the site in the context of the local landscape, architectural elements, and the physical layouts of each. Though the two sites represent different moments in the history of the Inca’s northward advance and, consequently, different stages in the imperializing process, their comparison serves to illuminate how the material strategies of the empire were sequenced and adapted to fit local circumstances.
Conclusions
Authors: Covey Alan , Alconini Sonia
Published: April 2018

This chapter is an editorial conclusion to Part 6, building on ideas that appeared in chapters on Inca aesthetics and the production of art and craft goods. The concluding chapter draws attention to the ways that Inca media and technology diverged from European value systems, and the ways that those differences led to biased interpretations of Andean cultural achievements. Questions of Inca civilization were central to the discourse of Spanish imperial expansion in the Andes, influencing written accounts intended to denigrate or defend the Inca legacy. Spanish writers did not appreciate the value of Inca craft production, nor did they fully comprehend the ways that Inca people preserved and deployed historical knowledge, technology, and cosmology. Modern scholars continue to wrestle with the expectations of colonial authors as they seek a more complete reconstruction of a distinctively Inca approach to the arts and sciences.
Team Training in Organizations
Authors: Salas Eduardo , Reyes Denise L. , Woods Amanda L.
Published: April 2018

Taking into account the increasing level of importance that organizations place on teamwork, understanding the core components of team training programs is more critical than ever. The present chapter begins by introducing the key concepts and operational definitions surrounding team training. Next, team training elements are organized in terms of where they occur over the course of training, beginning with what matters before (e.g., training needs analysis), then during (e.g., design and delivery elements), and finally after (e.g., sustainment) training takes place. This organizational structure is referred to as the lifespan of team training. Examples of preexisting science-based team training programs that have been regarded as highly effective are provided to paint a clearer picture of what these programs look like in terms of design and delivery. Lessons learned from previous training efforts and future directions are also discussed.