bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What Challenges and Benefits Can Non-Formal Law and Language Integrated Learning Bring to University Students?
Authors: Atabekova Anastasia , Gorbatenko Rimma , Belousov Aleksandr , Grebnev Ruslan , Sheremetieva Olga
Published: May 2016

The paper explores the ways in which non-formal content and language integrated learning within university studies can affect students’ academic progress. The research has included theoretical and empirical studies. The article focuses on the observation of students’ learning process, draws attention to challenges and benefits students experienced through non-formal Law and Language integrated learning. Emphasis is laid on those non-formal learning activities that may be viewed as part of the university students’ training for their future professional activities. The paper provides the results of students’ interviews and questionnaires revealing the issues that students consider important regarding non-formal content and language learning. The research findings aim to contribute to a better understanding of the overall interdependence of formal and non-formal learning within the university academic environment.
The Influence of Educational Programme on Teachers’ Error Correction Preferences in the Speaking Skill: Insights from English as a Foreign Language Context
Authors: Debreli Emre , Onuk Nazife
Published: May 2016

In the area of language teaching, corrective feedback is one of the popular and hotly debated topics that have been widely explored to date. A considerable number of studies on students’ preferences of error correction and the effects of error correction approaches on student achievement do exist. Moreover, much on teachers’ preferences of error correction approaches has also been explored. However, less seems to be done with regard to teachers’ practices of error correction approaches, especially in the area of English as a Foreign Language (EFL). The present study explored EFL teacher’s preferences of error correction approaches in the speaking skill, and further focused on whether the teachers were able to employ the approaches they preferred in their classrooms. Data were collected from a group of 17 EFL teachers, through semi-structured interviews and classroom observations. The findings revealed that although the teachers had clear preferences for error correction approaches, they could not employ them in their classrooms owing to the educational programme constraints. Furthermore, it was observed that they often had to adopt approaches that they were not actually in favour of. Implications for programme and curriculum designers are further discussed.
The influence of changes in activity-based financing on hospital readmissions for the elderly
Authors: Yin Jun , Dahl Fredrik A. , Hagen Terje P. , Lurås Hilde
Published: May 2016

Activity-based financing of Norwegian hospitals was implemented in 1997. An earlier study shows that when the activity-based component increases, the average length of stay for the elderly is reduced. If this reduction entails premature discharge, an increased activity-based component may have the undesirable side effect of increasing readmission rates. Yearly the Norwegian government decides the size of the activity-based component, and all hospitals face the same size. In this paper, we investigate whether the level of activity-based financing is associated with the readmission rates for acute-care patients above 70 years of age. The sample consisted of 468 010 hospital admissions among elderly patients in the period from 2000 to 2007. Using repeated cross-sectional data extracted from the Norwegian Patient Registry, a Cox regression model was used to estimate factors that may influence the hazard rate of a readmission within 30 days. The overall 30-day readmission rate was 6.6%. The results demonstrate that the activity-based component had no significant effect on the readmission rate. Patient-specific factors such as age, gender, diagnoses, comorbidities, as well as the time trend, were important predictors of readmission rates. We also found a statistically significant random effect of hospitals, although this effect was less substantial than the impact of patient characteristics. Our results show that the effect of the activity-based component on the readmission rate was negligible when it varied between 40% and 60%.Published: Online May 2016. In print August 2016.
Chorangiosis of Chorionic Villi: What Does It Really Mean?
Authors: Stanek Jerzy
Published: May 2016

Chorangiosis has been regarded as a result of low-grade placental hypoxia associated with pregnancy risk factors and abnormal outcomes. It is unknown whether these are a consequence of chorangiosis itself or of associated other placental pathology.Context.—

To prove that chorangiosis itself does not portend an increased risk for pregnancy unless associated with other placental pathology.Objective.—

This retrospective statistical study analyzes 1231 consecutive placentas with diffuse or focal hypervascularity of chorionic villi: 328 with preuterine pattern of chronic hypoxic placental injury (group 1), 297 with uterine type of chronic hypoxic placental injury (group 2), and 606 cases with chorangiosis (group 3) not fulfilling the inclusion criteria for groups 1 or 2.Design.—

Group 2, with 33 cases of chorangiosis (11.1%), featured 10 and 11 statistically significant highest percentages of abnormal clinical and placental variables, respectively; group 3 featured the highest percentages of multiple pregnancy, the heaviest placentas, and the most common acute chorioamnionitis, fetal inflammatory response; and group 1 had the highest proportion of mild erythroblastosis of fetal blood. When comparing groups 1 and 3, 21 of 29 clinical risk factors/outcomes (72.4%) and 30 of 41 placental variables (73.2%) were more common in group 1.Results.—

Presence of diffuse hypoxic patterns of placental injury adds prognostically negative significance to increased vascularity of chorionic villi. Chorangiosis without those patterns portends minimal risk for the pregnancy, and is associated with significantly fewer pregnancy risk factors, abnormal outcomes, and other placental abnormalities.Conclusions.—
College of American Pathologists Cancer Protocols: Optimizing Format for Accuracy and Efficiency
Authors: Strickland-Marmol Leah B. , Muro-Cacho Carlos A. , Barnett Scott D. , Banas Matthew R. , Foulis Philip R.
Published: May 2016

The data in College of American Pathologists cancer protocols have to be presented effectively to health care providers. There is no consensus on the format of those protocols, resulting in various designs among pathologists. Cancer protocols are independently created by site-specific experts, so there is inconsistent wording and repetition of data. This lack of standardization can be confusing and may lead to interpretation errors.Context.—

To define a synopsis format that is effective in delivering essential pathologic information and to evaluate the aesthetic appeal and the impact of varying format styles on the speed and accuracy of data extraction.Objective.—

We queried individuals from several health care backgrounds using varying formats of the fallopian tube protocol of the College of American Pathologists without content modification to investigate their aesthetic appeal, accuracy, efficiency, and readability/complexity. Descriptive statistics, an item difficulty index, and 3 tests of readability were used.Design.—

Columned formats were aesthetically more appealing than justified formats (P < .001) and were associated with greater accuracy and efficiency. Incorrect assumptions were made about items not included in the protocol. Uniform wording and short sentences were associated with better performance by participants.Results.—

Based on these data, we propose standardized protocol formats for cancer resections of the fallopian tube and the more-familiar colon, employing headers, short phrases, and uniform terminology. This template can be easily and minimally modified for other sites, standardizing format and verbiage and increasing user accuracy and efficiency. Principles of human factors engineering should be considered in the display of patient data.Conclusions.—
Status of HIV and hepatitis C virus infections among prisoners in the Middle East and North Africa: review and synthesis
Authors: Heijnen Marieke , Mumtaz Ghina R , Abu‐Raddad Laith J
Published: May 2016

Introduction

The status of HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections among incarcerated populations in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and the links between prisons and the HIV epidemic are poorly understood. This review synthesized available HIV and HCV data in prisons in MENA and highlighted opportunities for action.

Methods

The review was based on data generated through the systematic searches of the MENA HIV/AIDS Epidemiology Synthesis Project (2003 to December 15, 2015) and the MENA HCV Epidemiology Synthesis Project (2011 to December 15, 2015). Sources of data included peer‐reviewed publications and country‐level reports and databases.

Results and discussion

We estimated a population of 496,000 prisoners in MENA, with drug‐related offences being a major cause for incarceration. Twenty countries had data on HIV among incarcerated populations with a median prevalence of 0.6% in Afghanistan, 6.1% in Djibouti, 0.01% in Egypt, 2.5% in Iran, 0% in Iraq, 0.1% in Jordan, 0.05% in Kuwait, 0.7% in Lebanon, 18.0% in Libya, 0.7% in Morocco, 0.3% in Oman, 1.1% in Pakistan, 0% in Palestine, 1.2% in Saudi Arabia, 0% in Somalia, 5.3% in Sudan and South Sudan, 0.04% in Syria, 0.05% in Tunisia, and 3.5% in Yemen. Seven countries had data on HCV, with a median prevalence of 1.7% in Afghanistan, 23.6% in Egypt, 28.1% in Lebanon, 15.6% in Pakistan, and 37.8% in Iran. Syria and Libya had only one HCV prevalence measure each at 1.5% and 23.7%, respectively. There was strong evidence for injecting drug use and the use of non‐sterile injecting‐equipment in prisons. Incarceration and injecting drugs, use of non‐sterile injecting‐equipment, and tattooing in prisons were found to be independent risk factors for HIV or HCV infections. High levels of sexual risk behaviour, tattooing and use of non‐sterile razors among prisoners were documented.

Conclusions

Prisons play an important role in HIV and HCV dynamics in MENA and have facilitated the emergence of large HIV epidemics in at least two countries, Iran and Pakistan. There is evidence for substantial but variable HIV and HCV prevalence, as well as risk behaviour including injecting drug use and unprotected sex among prisoners across countries. These findings highlight the need for comprehensive harm‐reduction strategies in prisons.
Interface characterization of nanometer scale CdS buffer layer in chalcopyrite solar cell
Authors: Lin Shih-Hung , Cheng Tzu-Huan
Published: May 2016

The buffer layer of a chalcopyrite solar cell plays an important role in optical responses of open circuit voltage (V
oc) and short circuit current (J
sc). A CdS buffer layer is applicable on the nanometer scale owing to its high carrier concentration and n-type semiconductor behavior in chalcopyrite solar cells. The thin buffer layer also contributes to the passivation of the absorber surface to reduce defect recombination loss. Non-destructive metrological parameters such as photoluminescence (PL) intensity, external quantum efficiency (EQE), and depth-resolved photovoltage are used to characterize the interface quality of CdS/chalcopyrite. The defects and dangling bonds at the absorber surface will cause interface recombination and reduce the cell performance in build-in voltage distribution. Post annealing can improve Cd ion diffusion from the buffer layer to the absorber surface and reduce the density of defects and dangling bonds. After thermal annealing, the EQE, PL intensity, and minority carrier lifetime are improved.
Benthic marine calcifiers coexist with CaCO3‐undersaturated seawater worldwide
Authors: Lebrato M. , Andersson A. J. , Ries J. B. , Aronson R. B. , Lamare M. D. , Koeve W. , Oschlies A. , Iglesias‐Rodriguez M. D. , Thatje S. , Amsler M. , Vos S. C. , Jones D. O. B. , Ruhl H. A. , Gates A. R. , McClintock J. B.
Published: May 2016

Ocean acidification and decreasing seawater saturation state with respect to calcium carbonate (CaCO3) minerals have raised concerns about the consequences to marine organisms that build CaCO3 structures. A large proportion of benthic marine calcifiers incorporate Mg2+ into their skeletons (Mg‐calcite), which, in general, reduces mineral stability. The relative vulnerability of some marine calcifiers to ocean acidification appears linked to the relative solubility of their shell or skeletal mineralogy, although some organisms have sophisticated mechanisms for constructing and maintaining their CaCO3 structures causing deviation from this dependence. Nevertheless, few studies consider seawater saturation state with respect to the actual Mg‐calcite mineralogy (ΩMg‐x) of a species when evaluating the effect of ocean acidification on that species. Here, a global dataset of skeletal mole % MgCO3 of benthic calcifiers and in situ environmental conditions spanning a depth range of 0 m (subtidal/neritic) to 5600 m (abyssal) was assembled to calculate in situ ΩMg‐x. This analysis shows that 24% of the studied benthic calcifiers currently experience seawater mineral undersaturation (ΩMg‐x < 1). As a result of ongoing anthropogenic ocean acidification over the next 200 to 3000 years, the predicted decrease in seawater mineral saturation will expose approximately 57% of all studied benthic calcifying species to seawater undersaturation. These observations reveal a surprisingly high proportion of benthic marine calcifiers exposed to seawater that is undersaturated with respect to their skeletal mineralogy, underscoring the importance of using species‐specific seawater mineral saturation states when investigating the impact of CO2‐induced ocean acidification on benthic marine calcification.
Constraining depth range of S wave velocity decrease after large earthquakes near Parkfield, California
Authors: Wu Chunquan , Delorey Andrew , Brenguier Florent , Hadziioannou Celine , Daub Eric G , Johnson Paul
Published: May 2016

We use noise correlation and surface wave inversion to measure the S wave velocity changes at different depths near Parkfield, California, after the 2003 San Simeon and 2004 Parkfield earthquakes. We process continuous seismic recordings from 13 stations to obtain the noise cross‐correlation functions and measure the Rayleigh wave phase velocity changes over six frequency bands. We then invert the Rayleigh wave phase velocity changes using a series of sensitivity kernels to obtain the S wave velocity changes at different depths. Our results indicate that the S wave velocity decreases caused by the San Simeon earthquake are relatively small (~0.02%) and access depths of at least 2.3 km. The S wave velocity decreases caused by the Parkfield earthquake are larger (~0.2%), and access depths of at least 1.2 km. Our observations can be best explained by material damage and healing resulting mainly from the dynamic stress perturbations of the two large earthquakes.
Plasma and convection reversal boundary motions in the high‐latitude ionosphere
Authors: Chen Y.‐J. , Heelis R. A. , Cumnock J. A.
Published: May 2016

In this paper we present a statistical study of the high‐latitude ionospheric plasma motion at the convection reversal boundary (CRB) and its dependence on the location of the CRB and the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) orientation by using the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) F13 and F15 measurements over the period from 2000 to 2007. During periods of stable southward IMF, we find a smaller variability in plasma drifts across the CRB over a 4 h segment in magnetic local time (MLT) around dawn and dusk compared to that for variable IMF. Across these segments, the plasma motion at the CRB is directed poleward at local times closer to local noon and equatorward at local times closer to midnight on both the dawn and dusk sides with a total potential drop ~10 kV, suggesting that the CRB behaves much like an adiaroic line. For variable IMF with no stability constraint, we see a relatively narrow distribution of plasma drifts across the CRB only in the 6–7 h and 17–18 h MLT and equatorward/poleward motions of the CRB when the CRB is located at the highest/lowest latitudes. The smaller local time extent of the adiaroic line for variable IMF (~1 h) may be associated with rotation of the dayside merging gap in local time or local contractions and expansions of the polar cap boundary.
Traumatic brain injury increases levels of miR‐21 in extracellular vesicles: implications for neuroinflammation
Authors: Harrison Emily B. , Hochfelder Colleen G. , Lamberty Benjamin G. , Meays Brittney M. , Morsey Brenda M. , Kelso Matthew L. , Fox Howard S. , Yelamanchili Sowmya V.
Published: May 2016

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an important health concern and effective treatment strategies remain elusive. Understanding the complex multicellular response to TBI may provide new avenues for intervention. In the context of TBI, cell–cell communication is critical. One relatively unexplored form of cell–cell communication in TBI is extracellular vesicles (EVs). These membrane‐bound vesicles can carry many different types of cargo between cells. Recently, miRNA in EVs have been shown to mediate neuroinflammation and neuronal injury. To explore the role of EV‐associated miRNA in TBI, we isolated EVs from the brain of injured mice and controls, purified RNA from brain EVs, and performed miRNA sequencing. We found that the expression of miR‐212 decreased, while miR‐21, miR‐146, miR‐7a, and miR‐7b were significantly increased with injury, with miR‐21 showing the largest change between conditions. The expression of miR‐21 in the brain was primarily localized to neurons near the lesion site. Interestingly, adjacent to these miR‐21‐expressing neurons were activated microglia. The concurrent increase in miR‐21 in EVs with the elevation of miR‐21 in neurons, suggests that miR‐21 is secreted from neurons as potential EV cargo. Thus, this study reveals a new potential mechanism of cell–cell communication not previously described in TBI.
In Vivo Long‐Term Biodistribution, Excretion, and Toxicology of PEGylated Transition‐Metal Dichalcogenides MS2 (M = Mo, W, Ti) Nanosheets
Authors: Hao Jiali , Song Guosheng , Liu Teng , Yi Xuan , Yang Kai , Cheng Liang , Liu Zhuang
Published: May 2016

With unique 2D structures and intriguing physicochemical properties, various types of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) have attracted much attention in many fields including nanomedicine. Hence, it is of great importance to carefully study the in vivo biodistribution, excretion, and toxicology profiles of different TMDCs, and hopefully to identify the most promising type of TMDCs with low toxicity and fast excretion for further biomedical applications. Herein, the in vivo behaviors of three representative TMDCs including molybdenum dichalcogenides (MoS2), tungsten dichalcogenides (WS2), and titanium dichalcogenides (TiS2) nanosheets are systematically investigated. Without showing significant in vitro cytotoxicity, all the three types of polyethylene glycol (PEG) functionalized TMDCs show dominate accumulation in reticuloendothelial systems (RES) such as liver and spleen after intravenous injection. In marked contrast to WS2‐PEG and TiS2‐PEG, which show high levels in the organs for months, MoS2‐PEG can be degraded and then excreted almost completely within one month. Further degradation experiments indicate that the distinctive in vivo excretion behaviors of TDMCs can be attributed to their different chemical properties. This work suggests that MoS2, among various TMDCs, may be particularly interesting for further biomedical applications owning to its low toxicity, capability of biodegradation, and rapid excretion.
Nonhazardous Solvent Systems for Processing Perovskite Photovoltaics
Authors: Gardner Kira L. , Tait Jeffrey G. , Merckx Tamara , Qiu Weiming , Paetzold Ulrich W. , Kootstra Lucinda , Jaysankar Manoj , Gehlhaar Robert , Cheyns David , Heremans Paul , Poortmans Jef
Published: May 2016

Replacing toxic solvents with nonhazardous solvents is one of the key challenges for industrial scale commercialization of thin film perovskite photovoltaics. Here, nonhazardous solvent/alcohol/acid systems are presented for the single‐step deposition of pinhole‐free perovskite layers with combined lead halide precursors of Pb(CH3CO2)2·3H2O, PbCl2, and CH3NH3I. Comparable performance to standard hazardous inks is achieved: devices with 15.1% power conversion efficiency are demonstrated and maintain 13.5% tracked for 5 min at maximum power point. Blade coated 4 cm2 solar modules fabricated with highest performing device ink attain 11.9% in power conversion efficiency.
High‐Performance Na3V2(PO4)3/C Cathode for Sodium‐Ion Batteries Prepared by a Ball‐Milling‐Assisted Method
Authors: Klee Rafael , Aragón María José , Alcántara Ricardo , Tirado José L. , Lavela Pedro
Published: May 2016

Na3V2(PO4)3/C samples are synthesized by a wet‐ball‐milling and in situ carbon‐compositing process. The structural and morphological characterization of the milled samples shows that they are highly pure and crystalline composites, in which the specific surface undergoes an effective increase. The sample prepared by milling for 24 h shows an excellent electrochemical behavior and reaches a capacity value as high as 108.5 mA h g–1 at 40 C and full capacity recovery when returned to a C/2 rate at the end of the cycling. Furthermore, this sample is able to maintain 111 mA h g–1 at 10 C after 100 cycles. This exceptional performance is correlated to the good kinetic response, as evidenced by impedance spectroscopy and the analysis of the cell polarization at the charge and discharge branches.
Association Between Absolute Neutrophil Count and Variation at TCIRG1: The NHLBI Exome Sequencing Project
Authors: Rosenthal Elisabeth A. , Makaryan Vahagn , Burt Amber A. , Crosslin David R. , Kim Daniel Seung , Smith Joshua D. , Nickerson Deborah A. , Reiner Alex P. , Rich Stephen S. , Jackson Rebecca D. , Ganesh Santhi K. , Polfus Linda M. , Qi Lihong , Dale David C. ,   University of Washington, Center for Mendelian Genomics, Jarvik Gail P.
Published: May 2016

Neutrophils are a key component of innate immunity. Individuals with low neutrophil count are susceptible to frequent infections. Linkage and association between congenital neutropenia and a single rare missense variant in TCIRG1 have been reported in a single family. Here, we report on nine rare missense variants at evolutionarily conserved sites in TCIRG1 that are associated with lower absolute neutrophil count (ANC; p = 0.005) in 1,058 participants from three cohorts: Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC), Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA), and Jackson Heart Study (JHS) of the NHLBI Grand Opportunity Exome Sequencing Project (GO ESP). These results validate the effects of TCIRG1 coding variation on ANC and suggest that this gene may be associated with a spectrum of mild to severe effects on ANC.
Prospective study of the pattern of lymphatic metastasis in relation to the submandibular gland in patients with carcinoma of the oral cavity
Authors: Malik Akshat , Joshi Poonam , Mishra Aseem , Garg Apurva , Mair Manish , Chakrabarti Swagnik , Nair Sudhir , Nair Deepa , Chaturvedi Pankaj
Published: May 2016

Background

The submandibular gland is responsible for 70% to 90% of unstimulated saliva production. Its excision causes a decrease in basal salivary flow resulting in increased symptoms of subjective xerostomia and decreased quality of life. In this study, we have tried to assess the pattern of nodal metastasis in relation to the submandibular gland. With this study, we have tried to find out whether submandibular gland preservation is a viable option in patients with carcinoma of the oral cavity.

Methods

This was a prospective study conducted in a tertiary care cancer center. The fibrofatty tissue surrounding the submandibular gland was divided into 6 parts depending upon its location with the submandibular gland. All these 6 parts along with the submandibular gland were separately sent for histopathological analysis. Metastasis pattern in level Ib region was noted.

Result

The study included 137 patients with carcinoma of the oral cavity who underwent neck dissections. Eighty‐five patients had clinic‐radiologically N0 neck, 52 patients had cN+ (clinically node positive) neck. Level Ib was involved in 8.2% of the cases with cN0 (clinically node negative neck). In patients with cN+ neck, level Ib metastasis was seen in 40% of the cases. Metastasis in N0 necks in the area deep to the submandibular gland was seen in only 1 case (9% of all pathologically node‐positive patients) with cN0 neck. This was the only case in which submandibular gland mobilization would have been required to take out the metastatic node. Even in cases with N+ neck, deep metastasis was seen in 4 cases only (14.8%). None of them had a primary tumor in the tongue. Therefore, there is a possibility of preserving the submandibular gland in cases of carcinoma of the tongue.

Conclusion

Involvement of level Ib in early tongue cancers is not very common and direct metastases to the submandibular glands are rare. Even when metastasis is present in level Ib, it can be excised without affecting the submandibular gland. In early tongue lesions, submandibular gland mobilization for dissection at level Ib is not required as no metastases deep to the submandibular glands were seen in these patients. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: 1708–1716, 2016
Modelling nonlinear trend for developing non‐stationary rainfall intensity–duration–frequency curve
Authors: Agilan V. , Umamahesh N. V.
Published: May 2016

The infrastructure design is primarily based on rainfall intensity–duration–frequency (IDF) curves, and the existing IDF curves are based on the concept of stationary extreme value theory (EVT) (i.e. the occurrence probability of extreme precipitation is not expected to change significantly over time). But, the extreme precipitation events are increasing due to global climate change and questioning the reliability of our current infrastructure design. Based on recent developments in the EVT, recent studies proposed a method for developing non‐stationary rainfall IDF curve by incorporating linear trend in the location parameter of the generalized extreme value (GEV) distribution. Upon detecting a significant trend in the extreme rainfall series, directly applying the linear trend to develop non‐stationary IDF curves may increase the bias of the non‐stationary model. Hence, it is important to develop non‐stationary GEV model which has less bias than the stationary model by modelling nonlinear trend in the series.

In this study, we try to develop non‐stationary GEV models with less bias by modelling nonlinear trend in the series using multi‐objective genetic algorithm (MOGA). In addition, the proposed GEV model is compared with the stationary GEV model and the linear trend‐based non‐stationary GEV model. Furthermore, the Wilmington city and the Hyderabad city non‐stationary IDF curves are developed and compared with stationary IDF curves. From the study results, it is observed that the proposed MOGA‐based method is able to build the good quality and less bias non‐stationary GEV models by modelling nonlinear trend in the series. In addition, it is also observed that the usage of linear trend for modelling non‐stationarity in the time series sometimes increase the bias of non‐stationary model.
Portable and Raman imaging usefulness to detect decaying on mortars from Punta Begoña Galleries (Getxo, North of Spain)
Authors: García‐Florentino Cristina , Maguregui Maite , Morillas Héctor , Balziskueta Urko , Azcarate Agustin , Arana Gorka , Madariaga Juan Manuel
Published: May 2016

Punta Begoña Galleries were built in 1918 in Getxo (Basque Country, North of Spain) but were abandoned in 1960. Nowadays, their conservation state is very poor. In this work, portable Raman spectroscopy was applied to evaluate the original composition and possible deterioration products of the mortars used in the inner walls and those covering the concrete of the ceilings allowing us to select the most appropriate sampling points. In the laboratory, Raman microscopy and Raman imaging, assisted with scanning electron microscopy equipped with an energy dispersive spectrometer (SEM‐EDS), X‐ray diffraction and energy dispersive X‐ray fluorescence (ED‐XRF) imaging, allowed to identify the key compounds to understand the deterioration processes taking place in the mortars of the galleries. The main components of the mortars from the walls were calcite and gypsum. In some cases, alite (Ca3SiO5) and belite (Ca2SiO4) were identified; these components are characteristic of Portland cement clinker. The main components of the mortar covering the concrete were calcite, quartz, aragonite and gypsum. The aragonite identification confirmed the use of beach sand as the aggregate in the mortar. The concrete from the ceiling of the lower gallery is covered with three different mortar layers; the outermost layer is covered with a black crust. In the three mortars, the main components are similar to those used in the mortar covering the concrete from the upper gallery. Thanks to Raman, ED‐XRF and SEM‐EDS imaging, it was possible to map the distribution of the main components through the three mortar layers and also to identify the presence of dolomite {[CaMg(CO3)2]}, which was not possible to detect following single‐point micro‐Raman analyses. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Redox‐Dependent Electrochromic Material: Tetri‐EDOT Substituted Thieno[3,2‐b]thiophene
Authors: Shi Jingjing , Zhu Xiaosi , Xu Panpan , Zhu Mengmeng , Guo Yitong , He Yaowu , Hu Zhao , Murtaza Imran , Yu Hongtao , Yan Lijia , Goto Osamu , Meng Hong
Published: May 2016

Organic electrochromic materials change color rapidly under applied potential. A butterfly‐shaped compound, 5,5′,‐5″,‐5′″‐(thieno[3,2‐b]thiophene‐2,3,5,6‐tetrayl) tetrakis‐(2,3‐dihydrothieno[3,4‐b][1,4]dioxine) (t‐EDOT‐TT) is synthesized for the first time and polymerized at different potentials via electropolymerization technique. By applying different polymerization potentials, the optical and electrochromic properties of this newly synthesized polymer can be tuned. Owing to the dependence of functional group position in the polymer structure on the redox potential, this polymer can be utilized in very interesting organic optoelectronic applications.

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Finite‐time stability of CNNs with neutral proportional delays and time‐varying leakage delays
Authors: Liu Bingwen
Published: May 2016

In this paper, a class of cellular neural networks with neutral proportional delays and time‐varying leakage delays is considered. Some results on the finite‐time stability for the equations are obtained by using the differential inequality technique. In addition, an example with numerical simulations is given to illustrate our results, and the generalized exponential synchronization is also established. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A high performance UWB antenna design for microwave imaging system
Authors: Mahmud M. Z. , Islam M. T. , Samsuzzaman M.
Published: May 2016

In this paper, a new design of ultra‐wideband (UWB) antenna is reported for a microwave imaging system aimed to cover the UWB bandwidth from 3.1 to 10.6 GHz. The structure has a very simple Hibiscus petal pattern patch with tapered microstrip fed a line and partial trapezoid ground plane. The gap between the Hibiscus petal pattern patch and partial ground of the antenna are optimized to achieve wide impedance bandwidth. Results show that the antenna has a fractional bandwidth of about 120% from 3.04 to 11 GHz with S11 < −10 dB with stable omnidirectional radiation pattern. The average gain of proposed prototype is 5.1 dBi and the radiation efficiency is about 85% on an average over the bandwidth. The fidelity factor for face to face is 0.8469 and for side by side is 0.9232 which represent the lower distortion of signal. The characteristics of proposed antenna are successfully simulated, prototyped and measured. Fairly good agreements between the simulations and measurements have been achieved. The reported antenna has a better impedance match and mutual coupling that provides a practical approach to realize the antenna for the UWB microwave imaging system. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 58:1824–1831, 2016
Optically tunable filter based on meshed CDS‐polymer MIM capacitor
Authors: Gonzalez J. M. , Delhote N. , Baillargeat D. , McGarry S. P. , Roy L.
Published: May 2016

A new optically tunable low‐pass filter (LPF) is presented with a cutoff frequency ranging from 13.71 GHz to 14.79 GHz. Tunability is achieved based on a novel metal insulator metal (MIM) capacitor having a photorefractive insulator that shows 13% change in capacitance. The LPF has been fabricated and measured, and a simple lumped element model extracted to analyze its behavior. The improved meshed MIM capacitor employed in the LPF marks a practical demonstration of an optically tuned filter. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 58:1926–1929, 2016
Unconditionally stable FDTD scattered field formulation for dispersive media
Authors: Rouf Hasan Khaled , Erni Daniel
Published: May 2016

A new unconditionally stable scattered field (SF) formulation for the finite difference time domain (FDTD) technique applied to dispersive media is presented. The scheme is based on alternating direction implicit (ADI) principle but, unlike ADI, it does not require computation and storage of field values at the intermediate time steps which reduces computational costs and memory. Dispersive media characterized by Debye and Lorentz models are incorporated in the proposed SF FDTD scheme by auxiliary differential equation (ADE) method. For each of the dispersive media unconditional stability and accuracy of the scheme are validated by numerical tests. The scheme can perform faster than the explicit FDTD scheme at Courant number as low as three. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 58:1778–1782, 2016
The Effect of Nurse‐Physician Collaboration on Job Satisfaction, Team Commitment, and Turnover Intention in Nurses
Authors: Galletta Maura , Portoghese Igor , Carta Mauro Giovanni , D'Aloja Ernesto , Campagna Marcello
Published: May 2016

Voluntary turnover in nursing can lead to nursing shortages that affect both individuals and the entire hospital unit. We investigated the relationship between group‐ and individual‐level variables by examining the association of nurses’ job satisfaction and team commitment at the individual level, and nurse‐physician collaboration at the group level, with individuals’ intention to leave the unit at the individual level. A self‐report questionnaire was administered to 1,024 nurses on 72 units in 3 Italian hospitals. At the individual level, affective commitment partially mediated the relationship between job satisfaction and nursing turnover intention. Moreover, a cross‐level interaction was found. Nurses with high levels of job satisfaction showed high levels of identification with their team, and this relationship was stronger when the group perception of nurse‐physician collaboration was high. Results suggested that managerial strategies to promote nurse‐physician collaboration may be important to increase nurses’ affective commitment to the team. At the individual level, job satisfaction and team affective commitment are important factors for retaining staff, and at the group level, good work collaboration with physicians is instrumental in developing nurses’ affective identification with the team. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Validation of claims‐based algorithms for gout flares
Authors: MacFarlane Lindsey A. , Liu Chih‐Chin , Solomon Daniel H. , Kim Seoyoung C.
Published: May 2016

Purpose

Gout is a common inflammatory arthritis characterized by repeated acute flares. The ability to accurately identify gout flares is critical for comparative effectiveness studies of gout treatments. We developed and examined the accuracy of a claims‐based algorithm to identify gout flares.

Methods

Patients receiving care at an academic medical center between 2006 and 2010 with a diagnosis of gout or hyperuricemia were selected using an electronic medical record‐Medicare claims linked dataset. Gout flares were identified by several claims‐based algorithms using a diagnosis of gout combined with gout‐related medication claims and/or procedure codes for arthrocentesis or joint injection. We calculated positive predictive value of these algorithms based on physician documentation of gout flare in medical record as the gold standard. Negative predictive value of the gout flare algorithm was calculated in a randomly selected subgroup of 200 patients with gout.

Results

Among 3952 subjects with gout or hyperuricemia, 503 flares were identified using the medication‐based algorithm, and 290 were identified using the procedure‐based algorithm. The positive predictive value for gout flares ranged from 50–54% for the medication‐based algorithms and 59–68% for the procedure‐based algorithms. The negative predictive value of the algorithm combining both medication and procedure claims was high (85.2%).

Conclusion

Use of gout diagnosis codes in combination with medication dispensing or procedure codes did not appear to accurately capture gout flares in patients with gout in a claims database. However, the claims‐based flare algorithm could be useful in identifying a cohort of gout patients with no flares. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Integrating Social Media Monitoring Into Public Health Emergency Response Operations
Authors: Hadi Tamer A. , Fleshler Keren
Published: May 2016

Social media monitoring for public health emergency response and recovery is an essential response capability for any health department. The value of social media for emergency response lies not only in the capacity to rapidly communicate official and critical incident information, but as a rich source of incoming data that can be gathered to inform leadership decision-making. Social media monitoring is a function that can be formally integrated into the Incident Command System of any response agency. The approach to planning and required resources, such as staffing, logistics, and technology, is flexible and adaptable based on the needs of the agency and size and scope of the emergency. The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has successfully used its Social Media Monitoring Team during public health emergency responses and planned events including major Ebola and Legionnaires’ disease responses. The concepts and implementations described can be applied by any agency, large or small, interested in building a social media monitoring capacity. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2016;page 1 of 6)
Πίστις in Galatians 5.5–6: Neglected Evidence for ‘Faith in Christ’
Authors: Hunn Debbie
Published: May 2016

Scholars rarely appeal to Gal 5.5–6 in the πίστις Χριστοῦ debate. However, two points show the relevance of these verses to the discussion: (1) in 5.1–6 Paul picks up the contrast between πίστις and νόμος he developed in chs. 2–3 so that πίστις in 5.5–6 is equivalent to πίστις Χριστοῦ in the earlier chapters, and (2) πίστις in vv. 5–6 is human faith because it works through human love. Gal 5.5–6 therefore supports the position that πίστις Χριστοῦ is an objective genitive meaning faith in Christ.
Probabilistic analyses of condition numbers
Authors: Cucker Felipe
Published: May 2016

In recent decades, condition numbers have joined forces with probabilistic analysis to give rise to a form of condition-based analysis of algorithms. In this paper we survey how this analysis is done via a number of examples. We precede this catalogue of examples with short primers on both condition numbers and probabilistic analyses.
The Social Investment Perspective, Conditional Cash Transfer Programmes and the Welfare Mix: Peru and Bolivia
Authors: Nagels Nora
Published: May 2016

Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) programmes have spread across Latin America since the late 1990s. They constitute one of the major changes in social policy in Latin America in the last twenty years (Barrientos, 2009). This innovation has significantly influenced the welfare mix (Esping-Andersen, 1990). Those who examine the welfare mix from a feminist perspective (Orloff, 1996; Martínez, 2008) insist that it is necessary to take into account the gender consequences of changing this mix. Based on a qualitative analysis of CCT programmes in Peru and Bolivia, this article makes two arguments. First, CCT programmes demonstrate that instead of being purely liberal or even neoliberal, the actions of the state in the production of welfare are now grounded from the perspective of social investment. Second, in Peru and Bolivia, the gendered impacts of this new state orientation nonetheless reinforce maternalistic and coercive practices.
Two Decades of Social Investment in Latin America: Outcomes, Shortcomings and Achievements of Conditional Cash Transfers
Authors: Papadopoulos Theodoros , Velázquez Leyer Ricardo
Published: May 2016

Conditional Cash Transfer programmes (CCTs) have been at the core of the remarkable expansion of social protection in Latin America in the early twenty-first century. Our article reviews the origins of CCTs in the Social Investment (SI) approach to social policy design, explores their characteristics and traces their expansion in Latin America. It further questions whether CCTs designed under the influence of SI can generate long-term substantial improvements in social outcomes. Our analysis suggests that while CCTs have evidently produced a number of positive outputs they are not, on their own, enough to achieve the aim of reducing poverty. CCTs appear to be more effective in poverty alleviation when they are accompanied by – or form part of – a wider package of measures that enhance social and employment rights, integrating workers into the formal economy under better conditions. We conclude that unless the structural deficiencies that shape many of the Latin American welfare regimes are addressed, the potential of social investment policies, like CCTs, to combat poverty will remain limited.
The Psychological Dimensions of Placebo-Studies
Authors: Weger Ulrich W. , Berger Bettina , Boehm Katja , Heusser Peter
Published: May 2016

Abstract. The placebo effect involves a complex network of psychological variables that are often disregarded by studies enquiring into this effect. It is hence little surprising that these psychological variables confound study outcomes and that experiments investigating the placebo effect often yield radically different results. The current article identifies three categories of psychological and methodological factors that are not systematically considered in placebo research: psychological confounds (Hawthorne effects and demand effects); methodological and data-analysis issues; and clinicians’ expectancy effects. These factors are not necessarily to be seen as mere artifacts, however, because they may constitute favorable components of the placebo effect. A set of benchmark criteria is therefore proposed to allow researchers to capitalize on these components during placebo research rather than have their results confounded by them; and to allow for a more reliable interpretation of study outcomes.
Learning Climate and Workplace Learning
Authors: Nikolova Irina , Van Ruysseveldt Joris , Van Dam Karen , De Witte Hans
Published: May 2016

Abstract. In the current study, we propose that organizational learning climate in terms of facilitation learning climate, appreciation learning climate, and error-avoidance climate has the capacity to enhance employees’ level of newly acquired competences. Additionally, we investigated whether this relationship holds when employees face work restructuring. Structural equation modeling was used to test the hypotheses on a large sample of the Dutch working population (N = 1,013). The results showed that work restructuring moderated the hypothesized relationships. Under conditions of high restructuring, facilitation learning climate was an important predictor of learning outcomes; yet, under conditions of low work restructuring, appreciation learning climate was more effective. The current paper contributes to research on organizational change and workplace learning by providing evidence that organizational change can impact the way organizational learning climate supports employee learning.
Recognizing 2015 Reviewers for the American Geophysical Union
Authors: Hanson Brooks , van der Hilst Rob
Published: May 2016

Many reviewers of journal papers also give generously of themselves to the scientific community in other ways, such as advising on grants, promotions, and assessments of institutional departments.
RPA and Rad51 constitute a cell intrinsic mechanism to protect the cytosol from self DNA
Authors: Wolf Christine , Rapp Alexander , Berndt Nicole , Staroske Wolfgang , Schuster Max , Dobrick-Mattheuer Manuela , Kretschmer Stefanie , König Nadja , Kurth Thomas , Wieczorek Dagmar , Kast Karin , Cardoso M. Cristina , Günther Claudia , Lee-Kirsch Min Ae
Published: May 2016

Immune recognition of cytosolic DNA represents a central antiviral defence mechanism. Within the host, short single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) continuously arises during the repair of DNA damage induced by endogenous and environmental genotoxic stress. Here we show that short ssDNA traverses the nuclear membrane, but is drawn into the nucleus by binding to the DNA replication and repair factors RPA and Rad51. Knockdown of RPA and Rad51 enhances cytosolic leakage of ssDNA resulting in cGAS-dependent type I IFN activation. Mutations in the exonuclease TREX1 cause type I IFN-dependent autoinflammation and autoimmunity. We demonstrate that TREX1 is anchored within the outer nuclear membrane to ensure immediate degradation of ssDNA leaking into the cytosol. In TREX1-deficient fibroblasts, accumulating ssDNA causes exhaustion of RPA and Rad51 resulting in replication stress and activation of p53 and type I IFN. Thus, the ssDNA-binding capacity of RPA and Rad51 constitutes a cell intrinsic mechanism to protect the cytosol from self DNA.
Genome-wide analysis reveals adaptation to high altitudes in Tibetan sheep
Authors: Wei Caihong , Wang Huihua , Liu Gang , Zhao Fuping , Kijas James W. , Ma Youji , Lu Jian , Zhang Li , Cao Jiaxue , Wu Mingming , Wang Guangkai , Liu Ruizao , Liu Zhen , Zhang Shuzhen , Liu Chousheng , Du Lixin
Published: May 2016

Tibetan sheep have lived on the Tibetan Plateau for thousands of years; however, the process and consequences of adaptation to this extreme environment have not been elucidated for important livestock such as sheep. Here, seven sheep breeds, representing both highland and lowland breeds from different areas of China, were genotyped for a genome-wide collection of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The FST and XP-EHH approaches were used to identify regions harbouring local positive selection between these highland and lowland breeds and 236 genes were identified. We detected selection events spanning genes involved in angiogenesis, energy production and erythropoiesis. In particular, several candidate genes were associated with high-altitude hypoxia, including EPAS1, CRYAA, LONP1, NF1, DPP4, SOD1, PPARG and SOCS2. EPAS1 plays a crucial role in hypoxia adaption; therefore, we investigated the exon sequences of EPAS1 and identified 12 mutations. Analysis of the relationship between blood-related phenotypes and EPAS1 genotypes in additional highland sheep revealed that a homozygous mutation at a relatively conserved site in the EPAS1 3′ untranslated region was associated with increased mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration and mean corpuscular volume. Taken together, our results provide evidence of the genetic diversity of highland sheep and indicate potential high-altitude hypoxia adaptation mechanisms, including the role of EPAS1 in adaptation.