bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Musical competency development in a laptop ensemble
Authors: Cheng Lee
Published: July 2018

The laptop ensemble is a platform that has recently been made possible by computer technology that enables individuals to perform music collaboratively. Research in this area has largely focused on the performance aspects, with very few studies focusing on the development of musical competency through participation in a laptop ensemble. This article reports the findings of a study that assessed the development of participants’ ( n = 80) perceived musical and non-musical competencies in a laptop ensemble affiliated to a tertiary institution in Hong Kong. A mixed methods approach consisting of a questionnaire survey and semi-structured interviews was used to investigate their learning experiences. For comparison, the questionnaire was also administered to participants in a conventional acoustic orchestra ( n = 80). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the laptop ensemble group to examine the participants’ perceptions of the development of their musical and non-musical competencies. A three-way dependency model was developed based on the findings, which revealed the technologically-oriented aspects of musical and non-musical competency development in the laptop ensemble. Participating in the laptop ensemble fostered students’ ability to develop both musical and technological skills, which fits with the framework of digital musicianship of essential skills for musicians and music educators in the digital era.
Structure complexity effects in child heritage Spanish: The case of the Spanish personal a
Authors: Cuza Alejandro , Miller Lauren , Pérez Tattam Rocio , Ortiz Vergara Mariluz
Published: July 2018

Aims and objectives:

This study examines the acquisition of Differential Object Marking (DOM) in heritage Spanish children born in the USA and the potential role of structure complexity and chronological age.

Design:

Bilingual children were compared with monolingual children matched by age and long-term immigrants (children’s parents) via an Elicited Production task. We elicited the distribution of personal a in simple and Clitic Left Dislocated (CLLD) structures.

Data and analysis:

Results were entered into repeated analyses of variance measure with type of structure and group as dependent variables and chronological age as a covariate.

Conclusions:

Results show decreased production of personal a among the bilingual children, especially in CLLD contexts. We also found strong correlations between target use and type of structure, but no correlations with developmental age among the bilingual children. Parents and monolingual children behaved at ceiling with matrix questions but showed variable behavior with CLLD structures. We argue for incomplete specification of the animacy and specificity features constraining DOM and structure complexity effects affecting child bilingual grammars.

Originality:

This study highlights that heritage speakers do not necessarily become less native-like with age and increased exposure to English. The comparison of the bilingual children to both monolingual children and their parents was essential to mitigate the effects of dialect and cognitive development.

Implications:

Given that age was not the determining factor in bilingual children’s production of DOM in Spanish, it would seem that exposure to and use of the heritage language play a larger role. Additionally, for theories of language acquisition, these findings suggest that an early age of onset of acquisition is not a sufficient condition for native-like attainment, especially when input is lacking.
Cyberbullying: Shaping the use of verbal aggression through normative moral beliefs and self-efficacy
Authors: Veiga Simão Ana Margarida Vieira da , Ferreira Paula , Francisco Sofia Mateus , Paulino Paula , de Souza Sidclay Bezerra
Published: July 2018

This study investigates the mediating effect of normative moral beliefs about cyberbullying behavior and self-efficacy beliefs to solve cyberbullying incidents in the relationship between adolescents’ personal moral beliefs and the use of the content from verbal aggressions they witnessed in situations of cyberbullying. A total of 1607 students responded to an open-ended question regarding the content of verbal aggression they observed in cyberbullying situations, as well as questionnaires concerning personal and normative moral beliefs about cyberbullying behavior and self-efficacy beliefs to solve cyberbullying situations. Through content analysis, findings revealed nine distinct categories of content, which are in line with verbal aggression in cyberbullying behavior. Normative moral beliefs and self-efficacy beliefs mediated the relationship between adolescents’ personal moral beliefs and using the content from verbal aggressions to communicate online. These results offer insights to develop authentic and interactive intervention programs that teach adolescents to communicate assertively, as a step toward preventing cyberbullying.
Tracking the vortex core from a surface-piercing flat plate by particle image velocimetry and numerical simulation
Authors: Ashworth Briggs Alexander , Fleming Alan , Duffy Jonathan , Binns Jonathan R
Published: July 2018

The wake flow around the tip of a surface piercing flat plate at an angle of incidence was studied using two-dimensional particle image velocimetry as part of benchmarking the particle image velocimetry technique on the moving carriage in the Australian Maritime College towing tank. Particle image velocimetry results were found to be in close agreement with those of the benchmarking work presented by the Hydro Testing Alliance, and a method of tracking the tip-vortex core near a free surface throughout numerical simulation has been demonstrated. Issues affecting signal to noise ratio, such as specula reflections from the free surface and model geometry were overcome through the use of fluorescing particles and a high-pass optical filter. Numerical simulations using the ANSYS CFX Solver with the volume of fluid method were validated against the experimental results, and a methodology was developed for tracking the location of the wandering vortex core experimentally and through simulation. The ability of the scale-adaptive simulation shear stress transport turbulence model and the shear stress transport model to simulate three-dimensional flow with high streamline curvature was compared. The scale-adaptive simulation shear stress transport turbulence model was found to provide a computationally less resource-intensive method of simulating a complex flow topology with large eddies, providing an insight into a possible cause of tip-vortex aperiodic wandering motion. At high angles of attack, vortex shedding from the leading edge separation of the test geometry is identified as a possible cause of the wandering phenomena. In this study, the vortex centre and point of extreme core velocity were found not to be co-located. The point of extreme stream wise velocity within the vortex core was found to be located within half the vortex radius of the vortex centre.
A Systematic Review of the Outcome of Child Abuse in Long-Term Care
Authors: Carr Alan , Duff Hollie , Craddock Fiona
Published: July 2018

The aim of the systematic review described in this article was to determine the outcome of child maltreatment in long-term childcare and the scope of the evidence base in this area. Searches of 10 databases were conducted. Forty-nine documents describing 21 primary studies and 25 secondary studies were selected for review. Searches, study selection, data extraction, and study quality assessments were independently conducted by two researchers, with a high degree of interrater reliability. Participants in the 21 primary studies included 3,856 abuse survivors and 1,577 nonabused controls. In six primary studies, survivors were under 18 years, and participants in the remaining primary studies were adults with a mean age of 54 years. Reviewed studies were conducted in the United Kingdom, the United States, Finland, Romania, Tanzania, Canada, Ireland, Australia, the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Participants were abused in religious and nonreligious residential care centers and foster care. There were significant associations between the experience of child abuse in long-term care and adjustment across the life span in the domains of mental health, physical health, and psychosocial adjustment. Evidence-based trauma-focused treatment should be offered to child abuse survivors. Future research in this area should prioritize longitudinal studies.
A Case Study of Health-Related Support Processes in 2 Happy, Gay Couples
Authors: Novak Josh R. , Gast Julie , Peak Terry , Johnson Rhees , Morrey Rachel , Smith Madeline , Souders Marissa
Published: July 2018

The purpose of this case study was to explore 2, early-relationship, same-sex couples on the strategies used to support their partner’s engagement in health promoting behaviors. A semistructured interview protocol was used to conduct 120-minute interviews with each couple and analyzed using grounded theory methods. Five organizing categories emerged during the analysis, resulting in a conceptual process model of health-related support in same-sex relationships. These categories, provided a snapshot of how processes interact with each other; they were context, relationship dynamics, health support processes, couple adaptation, and balancing physical/relational health. Couples described the balancing of relational and physical health as an ongoing, important theme in the success of health support. Implications for both health prevention and intervention are discussed.
Application of multi-state models in cancer clinical trials
Authors: Le-Rademacher Jennifer G , Peterson Ryan A , Therneau Terry M , Sanford Ben L , Stone Richard M , Mandrekar Sumithra J
Published: July 2018

Background/aims

The goal of this article is to illustrate the utility of multi-state models in cancer clinical trials. Our specific aims are to describe multi-state models and how they differ from standard survival methods, to illustrate how multi-state models can facilitate deeper understanding of the treatment effect on multiple paths along the disease process that patients could experience in cancer clinical trials, to explain the differences between multi-state models and time-dependent Cox models, and to briefly describe available software to conduct such analyses.

Methods

Data from 717 newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia patients who enrolled in the CALGB 10603 trial were used as an illustrative example. The current probability-in-state was estimated using the Aalen–Johansen estimator. The restricted mean time in state was calculated as the area under the probability-in-state curves. Cox-type regression was used to evaluate the effect of midostaurin on the various clinical paths. Simulation was conducted using a newly constructed shiny application. All analyses were performed using the R software.

Results

Multi-state model analyses of CALGB 10603 suggested that the overall improvement in survival with midostaurin seen in the primary analysis possibly resulted from a higher complete remission rate in combination with a lower risk of relapse and of death after complete remission in patients treated with midostaurin. Simulation results, in a three-state illness-death without recovery model, demonstrate that multi-state models and time-dependent Cox models evaluate treatment effects from different frameworks.

Conclusion

Multi-state models allow detailed evaluation of treatment effects in complex clinical trial settings where patients can experience multiple paths between study enrollment and the final outcome. Multi-state models can be used as a complementary tool to standard survival analyses to provide deeper insights to the effects of treatment in trial settings with complex disease process.
The COPD Assessment Test (CAT) can screen for fatigue among patients with COPD
Authors: Stridsman Caroline , Svensson My , Johansson Strandkvist Viktor , Hedman Linnea , Backman Helena , Lindberg Anne
Published: July 2018

Background:

Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms among subjects with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but is rarely identified in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between fatigue and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) assessed with clinically useful instruments, both among subjects with and without COPD. Further, to investigate the association between fatigue and the COPD Assessment Test (CAT)-energy question.

Methods:

Data were collected in 2014 within the population-based OLIN COPD study. Subjects with ( n = 367) and without ( n = 428) COPD participated in clinical examinations including spirometry and completed questionnaires about fatigue (FACIT-Fatigue, clinically relevant fatigue ⩽43), and HRQoL (EQ-5D-VAS, lower score = worse health; CAT, lower score = fewer symptoms/better health).

Results:

Subjects with clinically relevant fatigue had worse HRQoL measured with EQ-5D-VAS, regardless of having COPD or not. Decreasing EQ-5D-VAS scores, any respiratory symptoms and anxiety/depression were associated with clinically relevant fatigue also when adjusted for confounders. Among subjects with COPD, clinically relevant fatigue was associated with increasing total CAT score, and CAT score ⩾10. The proportion of subjects with clinically relevant fatigue increased significantly, with a higher score on the CAT-energy question, and nearly 50% of those with a score of 2, and 70% of those with a score of ⩾3, had clinically relevant fatigue.

Conclusions:

Fatigue was associated with respiratory symptoms, anxiety/depression and worse HRQoL when using the clinically useful instruments EQ-5D-VAS and CAT. The CAT-energy question can be used to screen for fatigue in clinical practice, using a cut-off of ⩾2.
Progress and challenges in the management of diverticular disease: which treatment?
Authors: Lanas Angel , Abad-Baroja Daniel , Lanas-Gimeno Aitor
Published: July 2018

Diverticular disease of the colon (DDC) includes a spectrum of conditions from asymptomatic diverticulosis to symptomatic uncomplicated diverticulosis, segmental colitis associated with diverticulosis, and acute diverticulitis without or with complications that may have serious consequences. Clinical and scientific interest in DDC is increasing because of the rising incidence of all conditions within the DDC spectrum, a better, although still limited understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms involved; the increasing socioeconomic burden; and the new therapeutic options being tested. The goals of treatment in DDC are symptom and inflammation relief and preventing disease progression or recurrence. The basis for preventing disease progression remains a high-fiber diet and physical exercise, although evidence is poor. Other current strategies do not meet expectations or lack a solid mechanistic foundation; these strategies include modulation of gut microbiota or dysbiosis with rifaximin or probiotics, or using mesalazine for low-grade inflammation in uncomplicated symptomatic diverticulosis. Most acute diverticulitis is uncomplicated, and the trend is to avoid hospitalization and unnecessary antibiotic therapy, but patients with comorbidities, sepsis, or immunodeficiency should receive broad spectrum and appropriate antibiotics. Complicated acute diverticulitis may require interventional radiology or surgery, although the best surgical approach (open versus laparoscopic) remains a matter of discussion. Prevention of acute diverticulitis recurrence remains undefined, as do therapeutic strategies. Mesalazine with or without probiotics has failed to prevent diverticulitis recurrence, whereas new studies are needed to validate preliminary positive results with rifaximin. Surgery is another option, but the number of acute events cannot guide this indication. We need to identify risk factors and disease progression or recurrence mechanisms to implement appropriate preventive strategies.
Whose Habitat Is It Anyway? Role of Natural and Anthropogenic Habitats in Conservation of Charismatic Species
Authors: Kumar Mavatur Ananda , Vijayakrishnan Sreedhar , Singh Mewa
Published: July 2018

Developmental activities have been one of the major drivers of conversion of natural forest areas into mosaics of forest fragments, agriculture, and plantations, threatening the existence of wildlife species in such altered landscapes. Most conservation research and actions are protected area centric and seldom addresses the importance of landscape matrices around these protected areas in providing habitats to a wide range of species. In this article, we bring out the crucial role of natural and anthropogenic habitats for the existence of three charismatic species, namely, Asian elephants, leopard, and lion-tailed macaques. The larger public perception of where the animals should be and where the animals actually are is also discussed. We emphasize that, while habitat generalists often adapt behaviorally and ecologically to modified landscapes, habitat specialists, such as the lion-tailed macaques could find survival harder, with increasing anthropogenic pressures and loss of their habitats.
An Internet-based survey of the dance fitness program OULA
Authors: Hellem Tracy , Ferguson Hayden
Published: July 2018

Background:

OULA is a high-energy dance workout to top 40 hits that is inspired by yoga and non-impact aerobics. Created in Missoula, Montana, the program has been gaining national and international popularity. To understand the demographic composition, reasons for attending OULA, and experiences with depression/anxiety, we conducted an Internet-based survey.

Methods:

A pilot descriptive cross-sectional Internet-based survey was created in Qualtrics and distributed through social media and flyers.

Results:

The 38-item survey received responses from 302 participants. Current OULA participants chose “exercise” as the primary reason for attending (40.2%, 95% confidence interval: 33.3–48.2), followed by “stress relief/improve mood” (28.8%, 95% confidence interval: 23.0–35.6). Participants listed “stress relief/improve mood” as the most common secondary (35.6%, 95% confidence interval: 29.0–43.2) and tertiary (38.6%, 95% confidence interval: 31.7–46.7) reason for attending OULA. A majority of the participants said that OULA makes them feel like part of a community (93.2%, 95% confidence interval: 82.5–105.1) and increases their energy outside of class (80.1%, 95% confidence interval: 70.2–91.1). In our sample, 12.5% (95% confidence interval: 8.8–17.1) and 9.0% (95% confidence interval: 5.9–12.9) were currently taking antidepressants and anxiolytics, respectively.

Conclusion:

These results suggest that current OULA participants are already using the program to relieve stress or improve mood. Further research should be conducted to understand the relationship between OULA and depression/anxiety.
Effect of alvimopan on gastrointestinal recovery and length of hospital stay after retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for testicular cancer
Authors: Radadia Kushan D , Farber Nicholas J , Tabakin Alexandra L , Wang Wei , Patel Hiren V , Polotti Charles F , Weiss Robert E , Elsamra Sammy E , Kim Isaac Y , Singer Eric A , Stein Mark N , Mayer Tina M , Jang Thomas L
Published: July 2018

Objective:

Alvimopan use has reduced the length of hospital stay in patients undergoing major abdominal surgeries and radical cystectomy. Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for testicular cancer may be associated with delayed gastrointestinal recovery prolonging hospital length of stay. We evaluate whether alvimopan is associated with enhanced gastrointestinal recovery and shorter hospital length of stay in men undergoing retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for testicular cancer.

Materials and methods:

From 2010 to 2016, 29 patients underwent open, transperitoneal bilateral template retroperitoneal lymph node dissection. Data for patients who received alvimopan were prospectively collected and compared to a historical cohort of patients who did not receive alvimopan. Primary outcome measures were length of stay and recovery of gastrointestinal function. Descriptive statistics were reported. Time-to-event outcomes were evaluated using cumulative incidence curves and log rank test. Factors associated with length of stay were analyzed for correlation using multiple linear regression.

Results:

Of 29 men undergoing retroperitoneal lymph node dissection, eight received alvimopan and 21 did not. The two cohorts were well matched, with no significant differences. In the alvimopan cohort compared with those who did not receive alvimopan median time to return of flatus was 2 versus 4 days ( p=0.0002), and median time to first bowel movement was 2.5 versus 5 days ( p=0.046), respectively. Median length of stay in the alvimopan cohort was 4 days versus 6 days in those who did not receive alvimopan ( p=0.074). In adjusted analyses, receipt of alvimopan did not influence length of stay.

Conclusion:

Alvimopan may facilitate gastrointestinal recovery after retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for testicular cancer. Whether this translates into reduced length of stay needs to be determined by randomized controlled trials using larger cohorts.

Level of evidence:

3b.
Opportunities and Challenges for Genetic Studies of End-Stage Renal Disease in Canada
Authors: Kalatharan Vinusha , Lemaire Mathieu , Lanktree Matthew B.
Published: July 2018

Purpose of review:

Genetic testing can improve diagnostic precision in some patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) providing the potential for targeted therapy and improved patient outcomes. We sought to describe the genetic architecture of ESRD and Canadian data sources available for further genetic investigation into ESRD.

Sources of information:

We performed PubMed searches of English, peer-reviewed articles using keywords “chronic kidney disease,” “ESRD,” “genetics,” “sequencing,” and “administrative databases,” and searched for nephrology-related Mendelian diseases on the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man database.

Methods:

In this narrative review, we discuss our evolving understanding of the genetic architecture of kidney disease and ESRD, the risks and benefits of using genetic data to help diagnose and manage patients with ESRD, existing public Canadian biobanks and databases, and a vision for future genetic studies of ESRD in Canada.

Key findings:

ESRD has a polygenic architecture including rare Mendelian mutations and common small effect genetic polymorphism contributors. Genetic testing will improve diagnostic accuracy and contribute to a precision medicine approach in nephrology. However, the risk and benefits of genetic testing needs to be considered from an individual and societal perspective, and further research is required. Merging existing health data, linking biobanks and administrative databases, and forming Canadian collaborations hold great potential for genetic research into ESRD. Large sample sizes are necessary to perform the suitably powered investigations required to bring this vision to reality.

Limitations:

This is a narrative review of the literature discussing future directions and opportunities. It reflects the views and academic biases of the authors.

Implications:

National collaborations will be required to obtain sample sizes required for impactful, robust research. Merging established datasets may be one approach to obtain adequate samples. Patient education and engagement will improve the value of knowledge gained.
Strengths and weaknesses of the Net-Map tool for participatory social network analysis in resource management: Experience from case studies conducted on four continents
Authors: Schröter Barbara , Sattler Claudia , Graef Frieder , Chen Cheng , Delgadillo Estephania , Hackenberg Isabel , Halle Ernestine M , Hirt Anika , Kubatzki Andreas , Matzdorf Bettina
Published: July 2018

For researchers, conducting face-to-face interviews is always a challenge as it often turns into a one-way directed information retrieval. Therefore, interviewees not always are very motivated, enthusiastic and cooperative in responding to the questions. In the end, this has implications for the quality of the interview data. To improve the interview setting and the resulting data, in several projects the Net-Map tool was used to conduct participatory social network analysis. The tool is a combination of in-depth interviews and participatory network mapping. During the interviews, the interviewee draws the network of relevant actors, notes down their motivations and evaluates and displays the actors’ influence and benefits by building towers using any kind of stacks. In this research note, we present the strengths and weaknesses of the method against the experiences with applying the Net-Map tool on four different continents and give ideas for improvements and further research.
Attitude and Behavior to Oral Health of 456 Patients Who Presented for Tooth Extraction at 2 Health Facilities in Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Gbolahan Olalere Omoyosola , Fasola Abiodun Olubayo , Aladelusi Timothy Olukunle
Published: July 2018

Introduction:

Tooth loss can indicate the population’s oral health situation; majority of patients presenting for tooth extraction have poor oral health behavior and dental service utilization. Understanding the factors responsible for the poor attitude may help in designing targeted intervention to improve their oral health behavior. This study aims to find out the effects of dental health attitude and behavior on tooth mortality in a cohort of adults attending the oral surgery clinic for tooth extraction in 2 health facilities in southwestern Nigeria.

Patients and Method:

Cross-sectional study of consecutive adult patients who presented at the oral surgery clinic for tooth extraction. Clinical and demographic data, oral health habits, and pattern of previous dental clinic attendance were collected. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 19.0. Variables were subjected to univariate and multivariate logistic regression to evaluate factors influencing dental habit and dental service utilization.

Results:

The study comprised a total of 453 respondents, consisting of 239 nonattenders, 196 in-trouble attenders, and 18 regular attenders, with majority (59.4%) of them being low earners or not gainfully employed. Majority (64.8%) of the in-trouble attenders had attained tertiary education. Attendance pattern had no influence on the number of extractions needed.

Conclusion:

Despite high educational attainment and availability of dental services, most patients presenting for extraction have poor oral health habit and are problem-oriented attenders. Socioeconomic disparities and poor dental habits appear to be part of the major factors responsible for poor dental behavior among the study subjects.
Investigation of pulsed electrochemical micro-drilling on titanium alloy in the presence of complexing agent in electrolyte
Authors: Tak Mukesh , Reddy S Vedanth , Mishra Abhijeet , Mote Rakesh G.
Published: July 2018

Titanium and its alloys have excellent mechanical and chemical properties; however, these properties make the processing of titanium alloys more challenging compared with other engineering materials. Electrochemical micromachining (ECMM) is a non-conventional machining process, which removes material through anodic dissolution regardless of the material’s hardness. However, during the electrochemical machining of titanium, the formation of a passive oxide layer inhibits further material removal and deteriorates the machined surface quality. In addition, the accuracy of micromachining of titanium alloys is especially affected by the formation of electrolysis precipitates such as TiO2 and stray current dissolution. In this study, the effect of the addition of the complexing agent to different electrolytic solutions on the radial overcut during micro-drilling of titanium alloy grade 5 (Ti6Al4V) has been experimentally studied using the in-house developed ECMM set-up. The influence of parameters such as applied voltage and different electrolytic concentration with and without the complexing agent on overcut during ECMM on Ti6Al4V of micro-holes has been studied. It has been safely concluded that the quality of micro-holes fabricated in the presence of EDTA in the electrolyte while machining is responsible for better dimensional characteristics.
HLA-DRB1–factor VIII binding is a risk factor for inhibitor development in nonsevere hemophilia: a case-control study
Authors: Kempton Christine L. , Payne Amanda B.
Published: July 2018

Key Points

Inhibitor development in patients with nonsevere hemophilia A is associated with predicted novel binding of HLA-DRB1 with FVIII peptides. Inhibitor development associated with high-risk F8 mutations is due, in part, to high levels of novel HLA-DRB1 FVIII peptide binding.
Stratigraphic and lithofacies control on pore characteristics of Mississippian limestone and chert reservoirs of north-central Oklahoma
Authors: Suriamin Fnu , Pranter Matthew J.
Published: July 2018

We have determined how stratigraphy and lithofacies control pore structures in the Mississippian limestone and chert reservoir of north-central Oklahoma. There are 17 lithofacies and 29 high-frequency cycles documented in the Mississippian interval of this study. The high-frequency cycles have thicknesses ranging from 0.3 to 30.5 m (1–100 ft) and are mainly asymmetric regressive phases. The pore characteristics, measured through digital-image analysis (DIA) of thin-sections photomicrographs ([Formula: see text]100), exhibit unique correlations with core porosity, permeability, and lithofacies within a sequence-stratigraphic framework. There are five fundamental correlations observed. First, porosity from DIA and laboratory core measurements has a strong positive relationship ([Formula: see text]). However, some values from DIA porosity yield relatively higher values, specifically in spiculitic mudstone wackestones and argillaceous spiculitic mudstone wackestones. The difference is hypothesized due to the presence of isolated nanopores that are not accessible by helium during measurement of core porosity. Second, the relationship between pore circularity and permeability is indeterminate. The indeterminate relationship is related to a complex internal pore network, intensive diagenetic alteration, an unconnected microfracture network, and isolated pores. Third, positive moderate to strong correlations ([Formula: see text]) between porosity and permeability are observed only in four lithofacies. Fourth, coarse-grained lithofacies within the uppermost depositional sequence of the Mississippian interval have a heterogeneous pore-size distribution, whereas fine-grained lithofacies tend to exhibit a homogeneous pore-size distribution. Fifth, higher reservoir quality is associated with the upper intervals of high-frequency shallowing-upward cycles. This confirms that the sequence-stratigraphic variability of lithofacies is important to predict reservoir quality and its distribution. An alternative graphical method of pore-size distribution is also developed. To be a useful “technique,” examples of the plot are demonstrated using samples in this study. The plot successfully provides simple identification of pore-size classes, quantitative percentage of pore-size class, dominant pore class, and approximate minimum and maximum pore size.
Clinicopathologic Features of Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer Harboring an NTRK Gene Fusion
Authors: Farago Anna F. , Taylor Martin S. , Doebele Robert C. , Zhu Viola W. , Kummar Shivaani , Spira Alexander I. , Boyle Theresa A. , Haura Eric B. , Arcila Maria E. , Benayed Ryma , Aisner Dara L. , Horick Nora K. , Lennerz Jochen K. , Le Long P. , Iafrate A. John , Ou Sai-Hong I. , Shaw Alice T. , Mino-Kenudson Mari , Drilon Alexander
Published: July 2018

Purpose

Gene rearrangements that involve NTRK1/2/3 can generate fusion oncoproteins that contain the kinase domains of TRKA/B/C, respectively. These fusions are rare in non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with frequency previously estimated to be < 1%. Inhibition of TRK signaling has led to dramatic responses across tumor types with NTRK fusions. Despite the potential benefit of identifying these fusions, the clinicopathologic features of NTRK fusion-positive NSCLCs are not well characterized.

Methods

We compiled a database of patients with NSCLCs that harbor NTRK fusions. We characterized clinical, molecular, and histologic features with central review of histology.

Results

We identified 11 patients with NSCLCs that harbor NTRK gene fusions verified by next-generation sequencing and with available clinical and pathologic data. Fusions involved NTRK1 (n = 7) and NTRK3 (n = 4), with five and two distinct fusion partners, respectively. Fifty-five percent of cohort patients were male with a median age at diagnosis of 47.6 years (range, 25.3 to 86.0 years) and a median smoking history of 0 pack-years (range, 0 to 58 pack-years). Seventy-three percent of patients had metastatic disease at diagnosis. No concurrent alterations in KRAS, EGFR, ALK, ROS1, or other known oncogenic drivers were identified. Nine patients had adenocarcinoma, including two with invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma and one with adenocarcinoma with neuroendocrine features; one had squamous cell carcinoma; and one had neuroendocrine carcinoma. By collating data on 4,872 consecutively screened, unique patients with NSCLC, we estimate a frequency of NTRK fusions in NSCLC of 0.23% (95% CI, 0.11% to 0.40%).

Conclusion

NTRK fusions occur in NSCLCs across sexes, ages, smoking histories, and histologies. Given the potent clinical activity of TRK inhibitors, we advocate that all NSCLCs be screened for NTRK fusions by using a multiplexed next-generation sequencing–based fusion assay.
Minimum Alveolar Concentration-Awake of Sevoflurane Is Decreased in Patients With End-Stage Renal Disease
Authors: Wu Yun , Jin Shiyun , Zhang Lei , Cheng Jie , Hu Xianwen , Chen Hong , Zhang Ye
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND:

End-stage renal disease (ESRD) has been shown to be associated with abnormal neural function. Clinically used inhaled anesthetic agents typically exert their effect through multiple target receptors in the central nervous system. Pathological changes in the brain may alter sensitivity to inhaled anesthetic agents. This study aimed to determine the minimum alveolar concentration-awake (MACawake) of sevoflurane in patients with ESRD compared to patients with normal renal function.

METHODS:

Patients underwent inhalational induction of anesthesia and received sevoflurane at a preselected concentration according to a modified Dixon “up-and-down” method starting at 1.0% with a step size of 0.2%. The concentration of sevoflurane used for each consecutive patient was increased or decreased based on a positive or negative response to verbal command in the previous patient. Serum neuron-specific enolase, a biomarker of impaired neurons, was also measured.

RESULTS:

Forty-one patients were enrolled: 20 with ESRD and 21 as controls. The MACawake of sevoflurane in patients with ESRD was significantly lower than that observed in the control group (0.56% [standard deviation {SD} = 0.10%] vs 0.67% [SD = 0.08%]; P = .031). Patients with ESRD exhibited higher serum neuron-specific enolase levels compared to the control group (16.4 ng/mL [SD = 5.0] vs 8.7 ng/mL [SD = 2.9]; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS:

MACawake of sevoflurane is somewhat lower in patients with ESRD compared to those with normal renal function. Impaired cerebral function may partly contribute to the reduction in anesthetic requirement.
A Thousand Invisible Architects: Vassals, the Petition and Response System, and the Creation of Spanish Imperial Caste Legislation
Authors: Masters Adrian
Published: July 2018

This article explains two unique aspects of the New World Spanish empire: its production of hundreds of thousands of royal decrees, and the unique categories that these edicts contained, such as mestizo and mulato. I outline the petition and response system, through which vassals of all social backgrounds constantly suggested new laws to the ruling Council of the Indies. Pressed for time, the council's overwhelmed ministers often transplanted petitions' vocabulary verbatim into decrees. This meant that subjects often phrased imperial laws minor and major, regional and Indies-wide. Using a four-step archival methodology, this article demonstrates how scholars can match vassals' petitions to decrees. This essay then shows how legal categories such as mestizo and mulato came about through the petitions of not only Spaniards but also Indians, mestizos, and mulatos themselves. Subjects of any social background could therefore introduce and shape Indies legal constructs, and the empire's agenda, from the ground up.
Location and functions of Inebriated in theDrosophilaeye
Authors: Borycz Janusz , Ziegler Anna , Borycz Jolanta A. , Uhlenbrock Guido , Tapken Daniel , Caceres Lucia , Hollmann Michael , Hovemann Bernhard T. , Meinertzhagen Ian A.
Published: July 2018

Histamine (HA) is a neurotransmitter in arthropod photoreceptors. It is recycled via conjugation to β-alanine to form β-alanylhistamine (carcinine). Conjugation occurs in epithelial glia that surround photoreceptor terminals in the first optic neuropil, and carcinine (CA) is then transported back to photoreceptors and cleaved to liberate HA and β-alanine. The gene Inebriated (Ine) encodes an Na+/Cl−-dependent SLC6 family transporter translated as two protein isoforms, long (P1) and short (P2). Photoreceptors specifically express Ine-P2 whereas Ine-P1 is expressed in non-neuronal cells. Both ine1 and ine3 have significantly reduced head HA contents compared with wild type, and a smaller increase in head HA after drinking 1% CA. Similarly, uptake of 0.1% CA was reduced in ine1 and ine3 mutant synaptosomes, but increased by 90% and 84% respectively for fractions incubated in 0.05% β-Ala, compared with wild type. Screening potential substrates in Ine expressing Xenopus oocytes revealed very little response to carcinine and β-Ala but increased conductance with glycine. Both ine1 and ine3 mutant responses in light-dark phototaxis did not differ from wild-type. Collectively our results suggest that Inebriated functions in an adjunct role as a transporter to the previously reported carcinine transporter CarT.
Extending chemical perturbations of the ubiquitin fitness landscape in a classroom setting reveals new constraints on sequence tolerance
Authors: Mavor David , Barlow Kyle A. , Asarnow Daniel , Birman Yuliya , Britain Derek , Chen Weilin , Green Evan M. , Kenner Lillian R. , Mensa Bruk , Morinishi Leanna S. , Nelson Charlotte A. , Poss Erin M. , Suresh Pooja , Tian Ruilin , Arhar Taylor , Ary Beatrice E. , Bauer David P. , Bergman Ian D. , Brunetti Rachel M. , Chio Cynthia M. , Dai Shizhong A. , Dickinson Miles S. , Elledge Susanna K. , Helsell Cole V. M. , Hendel Nathan L. , Kang Emily , Kern Nadja , Khoroshkin Matvei S. , Kirkemo Lisa L. , Lewis Greyson R. , Lou Kevin , Marin Wesley M. , Maxwell Alison M. , McTigue Peter F. , Myers-Turnbull Douglas , Nagy Tamas L. , Natale Andrew M. , Oltion Keely , Pourmal Sergei , Reder Gabriel K. , Rettko Nicholas J. , Rohweder Peter J. , Schwarz Daniel M. C , Tan Sophia K. , Thomas Paul V. , Tibble Ryan W. , Town Jason P. , Tsai Mary K. , Ugur Fatima S. , Wassarman Douglas R. , Wolff Alexander M. , Wu Taia S. , Bogdanoff Derek , Li Jennifer , Thorn Kurt S. , O'Conchúir Shane , Swaney Danielle L. , Chow Eric D. , Madhani Hiten D. , Redding Sy , Bolon Daniel N. , Kortemme Tanja , DeRisi Joseph L. , Kampmann Martin , Fraser James S.
Published: July 2018

Although the primary protein sequence of ubiquitin (Ub) is extremely stable over evolutionary time, it is highly tolerant to mutation during selection experiments performed in the laboratory. We have proposed that this discrepancy results from the difference between fitness under laboratory culture conditions and the selective pressures in changing environments over evolutionary timescales. Building on our previous work (Mavor et al., 2016), we used deep mutational scanning to determine how twelve new chemicals (3-Amino-1,2,4-triazole, 5-fluorocytosine, Amphotericin B, CaCl2, Cerulenin, Cobalt Acetate, Menadione, Nickel Chloride, p-Fluorophenylalanine, Rapamycin, Tamoxifen, and Tunicamycin) reveal novel mutational sensitivities of ubiquitin residues. Collectively, our experiments have identified eight new sensitizing conditions for Lys63 and uncovered a sensitizing condition for every position in Ub except Ser57 and Gln62. By determining the ubiquitin fitness landscape under different chemical constraints, our work helps to resolve the inconsistencies between deep mutational scanning experiments and sequence conservation over evolutionary timescales.
The importance of incorporating natural thermal variation when evaluating physiological performance in wild species
Authors: Morash Andrea J. , Neufeld Claire , MacCormack Tyson J. , Currie Suzanne
Published: July 2018

Environmental variability in aquatic ecosystems makes the study of ectotherms complex and challenging. Physiologists have historically overcome this hurdle in the laboratory by using ‘average’ conditions, representative of the natural environment for any given animal. Temperature, in particular, has widespread impact on the physiology of animals, and it is becoming increasingly important to understand these effects as we face future climate challenges. The majority of research to date has focused on the expected global average increase in temperature; however, increases in climate variability are predicted to affect animals as much or more than climate warming. Physiological responses associated with the acclimation to a new stable temperature are distinct from those in thermally variable environments. Our goal is to highlight these physiological differences as they relate to both thermal acclimation and the ‘fallacy of the average’ or Jensen's inequality using theoretical models and novel empirical data. We encourage the use of more realistic thermal environments in experimental design to advance our understanding of these physiological responses such that we can better predict how aquatic animals will respond to future changes in our climate.
INFORMATION CONCERNING BUILDINGS CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES OF GETO-DACS IN THE 1ST MILLENNIUM B.C.
Authors: Cetean V.
Published: July 2018

Spread according to an amazing plan of defense, at the foot of stately heights, at the blunted peaks or on their oblong ridges, the Dacian fortifications and the villages of some blooming communities are proof of an extraordinary technique of space planning and of setting up of construction works, proved by their variety, richness and monumental character. Raised of large and averagesize limestone blocks, these fortified areas impress not only by the chosen position, by the extraordinary building techniques, in accordance with the most up-to-date principles of strength, equilibrium and waterproofing, but also by iron processing workshops and time measuring devices. This type of buildings implies today, as it did then, specialists in designing, skillful workers for the execution, but more especially experience in construction works. The discovered fortifications and walls totalize at each of the cities about 200,000 m3 of stone, which indicates vast building rock mining, opening-up and rock stripping, splitting of the blocks out of the mother-rock, shaping workshops, efficient ways of transport and an advanced organization of the "building site".
GEOMORPHOLOGICAL AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL STUDY OF THE BROADER AREA OF THE MYCENAEAN DAM OF MEGALO REMA AND ANCIENT TIRYNS, SOUTHEASTERN ARGIVE PLAIN, PELOPONNESUS
Authors: Maroukian H. , Gaki-Papanastassiou K. , Piteros Ch.
Published: July 2018

Along the eastern margins of the Argive plain, in the torrent of Mégalo Rema and at a distance of 4 kilometers east of ancient Tiryns, lies the "Mycenaean dam of ancient Tiryns" a unique technological work of 13th century B.C. It is believed that it was constructed for the effective protection of the immediate environs of the Mycenaean acropolis of Tiryns from the great floods of Mégalo Rema torrent which was flowing just south of the citadel in Mycenaean times. This technical feat is survived in very good condition, having an almost N-S direction, a length of 80-100 meters, a base of 10 meters and an extant height of 8 meters. Its external side is lined with Cyclopean walls. The stability of the dam is strengthened by the presence of flysch on its southern end. The diversion of the channel of Mégalo Rema was accomplished by the digging of a 1.4 Km long artificial channel having a SSW direction and joining downstream with the natural channel of Agios Adrianos Rema which discharges in the Gulf of Argos farther south from ancient Tiryns. The course of this downstream part of the new Mégalo Rema was again diverted by the Venetians around 1500 A.D. The presence of this dam comprises a fundamental reference point for the geomorphological evolution of this area in the last 3200 years, given that when it was constructed the drainage network of Mégalo Rema had already incised in the Pleistocene sediments to a depth of about 10 meters as testified by its inactive channel behind the dam. The ensuing downcutting in the artificial channel during the last 3200 years is 2 meters below the depth of the inactive channel. The incision processes in this time period were not continuous resulting in the formation of a 3-4 meter inner alluvial terrace probably in post - Roman times. The construction of the Mycenaean dam for flood protective purposes seems to be valid, but the study of the evolution of the broader coastal environment of the Tiryns acropolis leads to an equally important hypothesis that the high sedimentation rates of Mégalo Rema had been creating serious problems in the sediment filling of this Mycenaean port whose operation was vitally important for the broader area of the Mycenaean Argive plain.
RAYLEIGH SURFACE WAVE ANALYSIS AND APPLICATION AT THE MONFALCONE LANDFILL, AND AT THE INDUSTRIAL AREA OF PORTO PETROLI, GENOA, NORTHERN ITALY
Authors: Κρητικάκης Σ. Γ. , Βαφείδης Α. , Gourry J. C.
Published: July 2018

During the last few years, the dispersion of Rayleigh surface waves has been intensively studied as an alternative to contemporary geotechnical and environmental geophysical techniques. Nowadays, Rayleigh surface wave analysis (SASW, MASW) is widely used for the determination of S-wave velocity distribution with depth. This work aims to the description of the Rayleigh surface wave analysis methodology as well as to the presentation of its application on seismic data from geophysical surveys, carried out for the purposes of the HYGEIA European project, in two polluted areas: a) In the area of Monfalcone, northern Italy and b) in the industrial area of Porto Petroli, Genoa. Rayleigh surface wave analysis proved very useful in locating the lateral and vertical extent of the heterogeneous soil in Monfalcone and in mapping the bedrock relief in Porto Petroli through Swave velocity determination.