bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Can a combination of average of normals and “real time” External Quality Assurance replace Internal Quality Control?
Authors: Badrick Tony , Graham Peter 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
Internal Quality Control and External Quality Assurance are separate but related processes that have developed independently in laboratory medicine over many years. They have different sample frequencies, statistical interpretations and immediacy. Both processes have evolved absorbing new understandings of the concept of laboratory error, sample material matrix and assay capability. However, we do not believe at the coalface that either process has led to much improvement in patient outcomes recently. It is the increasing reliability and automation of analytical platforms along with improved stability of reagents that has reduced systematic and random error, which in turn has minimised the risk of running less frequent IQC. We suggest that it is time to rethink the role of both these processes and unite them into a single approach using an Average of Normals model supported by more frequent External Quality Assurance samples. This new paradigm may lead to less confusion for laboratory staff and quicker responses to and identification of out of control situations.
Irregular analytical errors in diagnostic testing – a novel concept
Authors: Vogeser Michael , Seger Christoph 
Published: September 2017

Abstract

Background:
In laboratory medicine, routine periodic analyses for internal and external quality control measurements interpreted by statistical methods are mandatory for batch clearance. Data analysis of these process-oriented measurements allows for insight into random analytical variation and systematic calibration bias over time. However, in such a setting, any individual sample is not under individual quality control. The quality control measurements act only at the batch level. Quantitative or qualitative data derived for many effects and interferences associated with an individual diagnostic sample can compromise any analyte. It is obvious that a process for a quality-control-sample-based approach of quality assurance is not sensitive to such errors.

Content:
To address the potential causes and nature of such analytical interference in individual samples more systematically, we suggest the introduction of a new term called the irregular
(individual)
analytical error. Practically, this term can be applied in any analytical assay that is traceable to a reference measurement system. For an individual sample an irregular analytical error is defined as an inaccuracy (which is the deviation from a reference measurement procedure result) of a test result that is so high it cannot be explained by measurement uncertainty of the utilized routine assay operating within the accepted limitations of the associated process quality control measurements.

Summary:
The deviation can be defined as the linear combination of the process measurement uncertainty and the method bias for the reference measurement system. Such errors should be coined irregular analytical errors of the individual sample. The measurement result is compromised either by an irregular effect associated with the individual composition (matrix) of the sample or an individual single sample associated processing error in the analytical process.

Outlook:
Currently, the availability of reference measurement procedures is still highly limited, but LC-isotope-dilution mass spectrometry methods are increasingly used for pre-market validation of routine diagnostic assays (these tests also involve substantial sets of clinical validation samples). Based on this definition/terminology, we list recognized causes of irregular analytical error as a risk catalog for clinical chemistry in this article. These issues include reproducible individual analytical errors (e.g. caused by anti-reagent antibodies) and non-reproducible, sporadic errors (e.g. errors due to incorrect pipetting volume due to air bubbles in a sample), which can both lead to inaccurate results and risks for patients.
Diversities and motivations of Chinese L2 learners
Authors: Wang Wei , Tsung Linda , Wang Kun 
Published: September 2017

AbstractIn the face of significant growth in student enrolments in Modern Chinese language programs at tertiary educational institutions in Australia, the ongoing Chinese language curriculum is facing challenges as to how to cater best for a corpus of students with various language backgrounds and motivations. This study aims to make contribution to the field of Chinese language education by examining how the students’ linguistic/cultural backgrounds and motivations have impacted on their learning of this language in Australian universities. This study examines the interrelationship between language background, motivation, language learning practice and academic achievement of newly-enrolled students in a modern Chinese language program with a view to creating a well-informed curriculum so as to further improve the students’ Chinese language proficiency. The primary data of this study consist of a questionnaire survey of 168 newly enrolled students and observation of first year classes in a modern Chinese language program at a leading university in Australia. While reaffirming that students’ linguistic backgrounds can make a significant impact on their language learning experience, motivations and academic results, this study finds that the closer the relation between the students’ cultural and linguistic background and the Chinese language, the easier it is for the students to learn the language. On the other hand, this situation can also lead to students’ high self-efficacy belief, which can be detrimental to their actual learning experience. Further, the study indicates that the students’ interest in Chinese language and culture as an intrinsic motivation greatly enhances their learning experience.
Quantitative assessment of xylan distribution across the secondary cell wall layers of Eucalyptus dissolving pulp fibres
Authors: Lekha Prabashni , Bush Tamara , Pammenter Norman , Sitholè Bruce , Berjak Patricia 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
A quantitative method has been developed for assessment of the distribution of xylan across the secondary cell wall layers of Eucalyptus dissolving pulp fibres by means of a carbohydrate binding module (CBM), CtCBM6, in combination with transmission electron microscopy (TEM). To ensure reproducibility and to minimise non-specific labelling, various parameters were optimised, namely the size of the gold colloid marker, CtCBM6 concentration, and the selection of buffer solutions. The method was replicated on processed Eucalyptus fibres containing different xylan contents. Reproducible xylan counts and distributions across the secondary cell wall layers were obtained for unbleached and bleached Eucalyptus fibres. The xylan distribution pattern across the cell wall layers S1, S2 and S3 was similar, but the S1 and S3 layers contained after bleaching more xylan than the S2 layer. The technique has a wide range of applications in basic wood research as well as in the analysis of technological processes.
Serum α-klotho levels are not informative for the evaluation of growth hormone secretion in short children
Authors: Meazza Cristina , Elsedfy Heba H. , Khalaf Randa I. , Lupi Fiorenzo , Pagani Sara , Kholy Mohamed El , Tinelli Carmine , Radetti Giorgio , Bozzola Mauro 
Published: September 2017

AbstractBackground:α-Klotho is a transmembrane protein that can be cleaved and act as a circulating hormone (s-klotho). s-Klotho serum levels seem to reflect growth hormone (GH) secretory status. We investigated the role of s-klotho as a reliable marker of GH secretion in short children and the factors influencing its secretion.Methods:We enrolled 40 short Egyptian children (20 GH deficiency [GHD] and 20 idiopathic short stature [ISS]). They underwent a pegvisomant-primed insulin tolerance test (ITT) and were accordingly reclassified as 16 GHD and 24 ISS. The samples obtained before and 3 days after pegvisomant administration, prior to the ITT, were used for assaying insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I and s-klotho.Results:IGF-I and s-klotho serum levels were not significantly different (p=0.059 and p=0.212, respectively) between GHD and ISS. After pegvisomant, a significant reduction in IGF-I and s-klotho levels was found in both groups. s-Klotho significantly correlated only with IGF-I levels in both groups.Conclusions:s-Klotho mainly reflects the IGF-I status and cannot be considered a reliable biomarker for GH secretion in children.
Monte Finocchito and Heloros Pottery Production: New Evidence through Technological Studies and Material Analysis
Authors: Raudino Anna , Tykot Robert H. , Vianello Andrea 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThis paper discusses the use of non-destructive portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) to distinguish sources of variation in 8th Century BC Greek and Sicilian ceramics. The project comprises an element of my PhD study through La Trobe University, concerning Hellenic colonies established from the eighth century BC in the south of Italy, and on Sicily in particular. This specific case study looks at the relationships established between the indigenous site of Monte Finocchito and the Greek settlement of Heloros, both located in south-eastern Sicily. The results demonstrate the usefulness of the pXRF technique for detecting material variations which are not readily apparent using traditional visual analysis during fieldwork.
Modeling of the Time Structure of Construction Processes Using Neural Networks
Authors: Petlíková Kateřina , Jarský Čeněk 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
The aim of this research is to develop a methodology for calculating the standard time using neural networks. The paper presents research questions and proposes a methodology. In addition, the methods used to calculate the standard time in the Czech Republic and in other parts of the world are presented, and the basics of the mathematics of neural networks are shortly explained. The paper also provides an example that represents a simple application of a neural network. This example is designed to confirm some assumptions and to arrive at the basic conclusions regarding the operation of models created using neural networks.
General Concerns Life-Cycle Design of Economical Ice-Resistant Structures in the Bohai Sea
Authors: Zhang Da-yong , Yu Song-song , Yue Qian-jin 
Published: September 2017

AbstractIn China, the oil and natural gas resources of Bohai Bay are mainly marginal oil fields. It is necessary to build both iceresistant and economical offshore platforms. However, there are many risks during the life cycle of offshore platforms due to the imperfect preliminary design for the Bohai Sea economical ice-resistant structures. As a result, the whole life-cycle design should be considered, including plan, design, construction, management and maintenance design. Based on the demand of existing codes and research of the basic design, structural ice-resistant performance and the reasonable management and maintenance, the life-cycle design theory is discussed. It was concluded that the life-cycle cost-effective optimum design proposed will lead to a minimum risk.
Alter – Entwicklungspotenziale – Transzendenz: Gesellschaftlich gewandelte Sinnkonstruktionen des Alters als Grundlage einer neuen Spiritualität?
Authors: Remmers Hartmut 
Published: September 2017

Zusammenfassung
Das Alter ist eine historisch variable Gestalt des Lebens. Es ist durch Wandlungs- und auch Entwicklungsprozesse charakterisiert, die sich analytisch auf biologischer, psychologischer und soziologischer Ebene beschreiben lassen. In der Alternspsychologie werden geistig-seelische Wachstumsprozesse der Persönlichkeit konstatiert, die ein zunehmendes Bewusstsein der Generativität, das heißt der sinnvollen Situierung der eigenen Person in größeren gesellschaftlichen Lebenszusammenhängen anzeigen. Die Sichtweisen auf die eigene Person werden zum Beispiel im wachsenden Gefühl der Verbundenheit mit nachfolgenden Generationen überschritten. Mystische Dimensionen des Lebens in kosmischen Bezügen werden zunehmend adaptiert. Dieses Bewusstsein der Selbsttranszendenz kann als
Spiritualität bezeichnet werden. Psychologisch-verhaltenswissenschaftlich formulierte Gesetzmäßigkeiten aber werden verständlich erst im Kontext einer sich historisch wandelnden Kultur. Diese hat identitätsstiftende Bedeutung auch für ein gesellschaftlich zunehmendes Transzendenz-Bewusstsein, welche gleichsam als Korrelat einer zusehends kirchlicher Bindungen entbehrenden Religiosität verstanden werden kann.
Comparison of Biting Midges of the Early Eocene Cambay Amber (India) and Late Eocene European Ambers Supports the Independent Origin of European Ambers
Authors: Perkovsky E. E. 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
Of the three genera of Ceratopogoninae dominant in Late Eocene ambers of Europe, the two known are absent in the Early Eocene Cambay amber (India): the Holarctic genus Ceratopogon and the worldwide distributed genus Culicoides, known since the Late Cretaceous. Tropical biting midge genera (Meunierohelea and Leptoconops and genera with feminized male antennae: Camptopterohelea, Eohelea, and Gedanohelea) are abundantly represented in Cambay amber. The proportion of Ceratopogonini with feminized male antennae among all Ceratopogonidae dramatically increases from north to south: from 1.4-2.4 % in unbiased collections of Bitterfeld amber (Humboldt Museum collection) and Baltic amber (the Giecewicz collection) to 7 % in Danish amber and 12.7 % in Rovno amber; their proportion in Cambay amber is 17 %. The proportion of tropical specimens among specimens Ceratopogoninae in unbiased collections is 6.4 % in Baltic amber, 5.3 % in Bitterfeld amber, 21 % in Rovno and Danish amber, and 58 % in Cambay amber. Strong differences in the proportion of tropical components among Ceratopogoninae from different European ambers are in agreement with data on Cambay amber and so are indicative of origin of the European ambers under different climatic and hence geographic environments.
Challenges of annotation and analysis in computer-assisted language comparison: A case study on Burmish languages
Authors: Hill Nathan W. , List Johann-Mattis 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe use of computational methods in comparative linguistics is growing in popularity. The increasing deployment of such methods draws into focus those areas in which they remain inadequate as well as those areas where classical approaches to language comparison are untransparent and inconsistent. In this paper we illustrate specific challenges which both computational and classical approaches encounter when studying South-East Asian languages. With the help of data from the Burmish language family we point to the challenges resulting from missing annotation standards and insufficient methods for analysis and we illustrate how to tackle these problems within a computer-assisted framework in which computational approaches are used to pre-analyse the data while linguists attend to the detailed analyses.
Adaptation of Thalamic Neurons Provides Information about the Spatiotemporal Context of Stimulus History
Authors: Liu Chen , Foffani Guglielmo , Scaglione Alessandro , Aguilar Juan , Moxon Karen A. 
Published: September 2017

Adaptation of neural responses due to the history of sensory input has been observed across all sensory modalities. However, the computational role of adaptation is not fully understood, especially when one considers neural coding problems in which adaptation increases the ambiguity of the neural responses to simple stimuli. To address this, we quantified the impact of adaptation on the information conveyed by thalamic neurons about paired whisker stimuli in male rat. At the single neuron level, although paired-pulse adaptation reduces the information about the present stimulus, the information per spike increases. Moreover, the adapted response can convey significant amounts of information about whether, when and where a previous stimulus occurred. At the population level, ambiguity of the adapted responses about the present stimulus can be compensated for by large numbers of neurons. Therefore, paired-pulse adaptation does not reduce the discriminability of simple stimuli. It provides information about the spatiotemporal context of stimulus history.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe present work provides a computational framework that demonstrates how adaptation allows neurons to encode spatiotemporal dynamics of stimulus history.
Investigating the association of rs2910164 with cancer predisposition in an Irish cohort
Authors: McVeigh T P , Mulligan R J , McVeigh U M , Owens P W , Miller N , Bell M , Sebag F , Guerin C , Quill D S , Weidhaas J B , Kerin M J , Lowery A J 
Published: September 2017

Introduction
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNA molecules that exert post-transcriptional effects on gene expression by binding with cis-regulatory regions in target messenger RNA (mRNA). Polymorphisms in genes encoding miRNAs or in miRNA–mRNA binding sites confer deleterious epigenetic effects on cancer risk. miR-146a has a role in inflammation and may have a role as a tumour suppressor. The polymorphism rs2910164 in the MIR146A gene encoding pre-miR-146a has been implicated in several inflammatory pathologies, including cancers of the breast and thyroid, although evidence for the associations has been conflicting in different populations. We aimed to further investigate the association of this variant with these two cancers in an Irish cohort.

Methods
The study group comprised patients with breast cancer (BC), patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) and unaffected controls. Germline DNA was extracted from blood or from saliva collected using the DNA Genotek Oragene 575 collection kit, using crystallisation precipitation, and genotyped using TaqMan-based PCR. Data were analysed using SPSS, v22.

Results
The total study group included 1516 participants. This comprised 1386 Irish participants; 724 unaffected individuals (controls), 523 patients with breast cancer (BC), 136 patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) and three patients with dual primary breast and thyroid cancer. An additional cohort of 130 patients with DTC from the South of France was also genotyped for the variant. The variant was detected with a minor allele frequency (MAF) of 0.19 in controls, 0.22 in BC and 0.27 and 0.26 in DTC cases from Ireland and France, respectively. The variant was not significantly associated with BC (per allele odds ratio = 1.20 (0.98–1.46), P = 0.07), but was associated with DTC in Irish patients (per allele OR = 1.59 (1.18–2.14), P = 0.002).

Conclusion
The rs2910164 variant in MIR146A is significantly associated with DTC, but is not significantly associated with BC in this cohort.
Validation of a Novel Assay to Distinguish Bacterial and Viral Infections
Authors: Srugo Isaac , Klein Adi , Stein Michal , Golan-Shany Orit , Kerem Nogah , Chistyakov Irina , Genizi Jacob , Glazer Oded , Yaniv Liat , German Alina , Miron Dan , Shachor-Meyouhas Yael , Bamberger Ellen , Oved Kfir , Gottlieb Tanya M. , Navon Roy , Paz Meital , Etshtein Liat , Boico Olga , Kronenfeld Gali , Eden Eran , Cohen Robert , Chappuy Helène , Angoulvant François , Lacroix Laurence , Gervaix Alain 
Published: September 2017

BACKGROUND:
Reliably distinguishing bacterial from viral infections is often challenging, leading to antibiotic misuse. A novel assay that integrates measurements of blood-borne host-proteins (tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand, interferon γ-induced protein-10, and C-reactive protein [CRP]) was developed to assist in differentiation between bacterial and viral disease.

METHODS:
We performed double-blind, multicenter assay evaluation using serum remnants collected at 5 pediatric emergency departments and 2 wards from children ≥3 months to ≤18 years without (n = 68) and with (n = 529) suspicion of acute infection. Infectious cohort inclusion criteria were fever ≥38°C and symptom duration ≤7 days. The reference standard diagnosis was based on predetermined criteria plus adjudication by experts blinded to assay results. Assay performers were blinded to the reference standard. Assay cutoffs were predefined.

RESULTS:
Of 529 potentially eligible patients with suspected acute infection, 100 did not fulfill infectious inclusion criteria and 68 had insufficient serum. The resulting cohort included 361 patients, with 239 viral, 68 bacterial, and 54 indeterminate reference standard diagnoses. The assay distinguished between bacterial and viral patients with 93.8% sensitivity (95% confidence interval: 87.8%–99.8%) and 89.8% specificity (85.6%–94.0%); 11.7% had an equivocal assay outcome. The assay outperformed CRP (cutoff 40 mg/L; sensitivity 88.2% [80.4%–96.1%], specificity 73.2% [67.6%–78.9%]) and procalcitonin testing (cutoff 0.5 ng/mL; sensitivity 63.1% [51.0%–75.1%], specificity 82.3% [77.1%–87.5%]).

CONCLUSIONS:
Double-blinded evaluation confirmed high assay performance in febrile children. Assay was significantly more accurate than CRP, procalcitonin, and routine laboratory parameters. Additional studies are warranted to support its potential to improve antimicrobial treatment decisions.
EMULSION LIQUID MEMBRANE EXTRACTION OF Zr AND Hf FROM ACID NITRIC USING EXTRACTANT TOPO
Authors: Basuki Kris Tri , Sudibyo Sudibyo 
Published: September 2017

EKSTRAKSI EMULSI MEMBRANE CAIR Zr dan HF DALAM LARUTAN ASAM NITRAT DENGAN EKSTRAKTAN TOPO. Telah dilakukan ekstraksi larutan Zr yang mengandung Hf menggunakan extraktan TOPO. Sebagai fasa air digunakan larutan campuran ZrO(NO3)2 dan HfO(NO3)2 yang mengandung Zr 10 gr/L dan Hf 500 mg/L, sedangkan ekstraktan atau fasa organik adalah TOPO dengan variasi konsentrasi yang diencerkan dengan kerosen. Emulgator Span-80 digunakan untuk membuat membuat larutan membrane emulsi.Fasa internal yang digunakan adalah asam nitrat 3M dan fasa eksternal yang digunakan adalah asam fosfat 5M. Parameter yang diteliti yaitu konsentrasi ekstraktan, kecepatan pengadukan, waktu pengadukan, dan perbandingan fasa internal dan fasa eksternal. Untuk analisis Zr dan Hf digunakan metode X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF). Dari hasil optimasi proses ekstraksi Zr dan Hf dengan membran emulsi dengan menggunakan ekstraktan TOPO diperoleh kesimpulan sebagai berikut: waktu pembuatan fasa membran adalah dengan kecepatan pengadukan 8000 rpm, konsentrasi TOPO 5% dalam kerosen, konsentrasi internal asam nitrat 3M, konsentrasi asam fosfat 5M, waktu ekstraksi pengadukan 10 menit dengan kecepatan pengadukan tetap 500 rpm , dan perbandingan fasa membran dan fasa eksternal 1 : 1. Pada kondisi ini diperoleh faktor pisah (FP) Zr-Hf = 17,39.