bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Armed Forces Capability Theory
Authors: Kubeša Milan , Dubec Radek
Published: December 2015

The paper presents reflections over the issue of armed forces capabilities. It is a phenomenon much discussed and written earlier, namely from the point of its building, estimation and development. Nevertheless the question is whether practical experiences are backed by theory fundamentals. Now we have a chance to introduce the live theory of quality management [1] into this specific and frequented military problem. The article is a polemic consideration over possibilities of introducing capabilities management into command and control capabilities system in armed forces.
Iran's Nuclear Program: An Important Tool of Domestic and Foreign Policy
Authors: Kalhousová Irena
Published: December 2015

Its own nuclear program is an important instrument of Iran's domestic and foreign policy. In foreign policy it is used for promotion of its regional interests and it also serves as a guarantee against foreign actor's interference in Iranian domestic affairs. So far, the negotiations between Iran and the international community have not brought about any tangible results. Among other reasons, there are different expectations of both parties. The international community is ready to lift sanctions, supposing Iran accepts the UN resolutions. Iran, by contrast, demands to be recognized as an internationally recognized regional power, with legitimate rights and interests.
The Analysis of Internal Regulations and Regulative Acts in Armed Forces (Part I)
Authors: Nový Dalibor
Published: December 2015

Article analyzes the relation between legal and internal regulations and acts in public administration focusing on their hierarchy, quantity, liability in specific area of armed forces. There is wide range and amount of relatively autonomous service regulations and official channels (internal orders, guidelines, advices). Although any internal regulations have to be in accordance with superior sources of law, relation between legal and internal level is not clear. Article exemplary outlines, that consistent system of internal rules is based especially on running and immediate updates to meet harmony with legal code.
La alameda, un jardín público de árboles y agua. Origen y evolución del concepto
Authors: Albardonedo Freire Antonio
Published: December 2015

El presente trabajo constituye una compilación de fuentes historiográficas sobre el origen, la definición del concepto de alameda y el significado urbanístico de esta nueva tipología de jardín de árboles, la alameda, que desde el reino de España se difundió por todo el Imperio. En él se realiza un recorrido por la jardinería ejecutada con árboles, desde el Mundo Clásico hasta la Edad Moderna, prestando especial atención a los precedentes de este tipo de jardines.
Alamedas, paseos y carruajes: función y significación social en España y América (siglos XVI-XIX)
Authors: Recio Mir Álvaro
Published: December 2015

Análisis en España y América de las alamedas y los paseos vinculados a los coches de caballos. Estos apenas han sido tenidos en cuenta al interpretar la evolución de las ciudades, no obstante, para comprender dichas tipologías urbanas es imprescindible relacionarlas con los carruajes, como haremos con casos emblemáticos como los de Sevilla, Madrid, México, Lima u otras ciudades a ambos lados del Atlántico.
Música y alameda en la Edad Moderna: el caso de la sevillana alameda de Hércules en el siglo XVIII
Authors: Bejarano Pellicer Clara
Published: December 2015

El propósito de este artículo es la aproximación al fenómeno musical de recreo al aire libre en la sociedad urbana del siglo XVIII, así como a su contribución a la creación de un espacio público de sociabilidad abierto a todos los estamentos. Se aborda el estudio de caso de la alameda de Hércules de Sevilla como el más inmediato modelo que inspiró a las alamedas americanas.
Comerse las Indias. La alimentación como clave clasificatoria del Nuevo Mundo en la obra de Fernández de Oviedo
Authors: Egaña Rojas Daniel
Published: December 2015

Aunque la descripción de la naturaleza del Nuevo Mundo en la obra de Gonzalo Fernández de Oviedo ha sido estudiada como la precursora de la historia natural indiana, una lectura detallada evidencia otras genealogías posibles. El artículo plantea que, antes que una historia natural, la naturaleza es vista y clasificada por Oviedo a partir de un criterio alimentario, intentando volver a situar las Indias en la ruta de las especias, de la que habían sido apartadas a fines del siglo XV.
El poder del rey ausente: la proclamación de Felipe II en Cuzco en 1557
Authors: Domínguez-Guerrero María Luisa
Published: December 2015

En 1557, el cabildo de Cuzco recibió la noticia de la abdicación de Carlos V, así como la orden de reconocer a Felipe II como su nuevo soberano y proclamarlo públicamente. La oligarquía cuzqueña obedeció el mandato y dispuso que se elaborasen dos documentos que certificasen al monarca la lealtad de la ciudad y le informasen de las fastuosas fiestas que habían celebrado en su honor. Con esos documentos analizaremos esta proclamación regia, explicando en qué consistió la ceremonia, cuál fue su significado y quiénes tomaron parte en ella.
Regadío, acción estatal e intereses provinciales sobre la cuenca del Colorado (1890-1960)
Authors: Michelini Juan José
Published: December 2015

La cuenca del Colorado es un espacio singular en la transición pampeano-patagónica caracterizado por una persistente atonía socio-económica. Se estudia el período 1890- 1960 para analizar los antecedentes históricos que justifican la falta de un proyecto territorial, la escasa presencia estatal y la fragmentación de acciones provinciales sobre la cuenca.
The Complement System and Antibody-Mediated Transplant Rejection
Authors: Stites Erik , Le Quintrec Moglie , Thurman Joshua M.
Published: December 2015

Complement activation is an important cause of tissue injury in patients with Ab-mediated rejection (AMR) of transplanted organs. Complement activation triggers a strong inflammatory response, and it also generates tissue-bound and soluble fragments that are clinically useful markers of inflammation. The detection of complement proteins deposited within transplanted tissues has become an indispensible biomarker of AMR, and several assays have recently been developed to measure complement activation by Abs reactive to specific donor HLA expressed within the transplant. Complement inhibitors have entered clinical use and have shown efficacy for the treatment of AMR. New methods of detecting complement activation within transplanted organs will improve our ability to diagnose and monitor AMR, and they will also help guide the use of complement inhibitory drugs.
The structure and metamorphism of Mesa Lake map area, district of Mackenzie (86B/14)
Authors: Ross J V
Published: December 2015

Mesa Lake area is underlain by two groups of rocks: the Yellowknife Group, believed to be of Archaean age, is uncomfortably overlain by the Proterozoic Snare Group. Yellowknife Group rocks comprise a monotonous sequence of graded subgreywackes and slates with one
marker horizon of volcanic rocks. These rocks have been deformed into close folds that trend north easterly with a shallow plunge to the south. Metamorphism at the time of deformation is characterized by the development of chlorite. Snare Group rocks have at their base, a limestone, overlain by thin
bedded, well-sorted sandstones and shales. Deformation of these rocks has resulted in the formation of two sets of folds that trend distinctly north easterly and north westerly, with shallow plunges to the southwest and northwest. Respectively; the north easterly folds are dominant and older than
the northwesterly folds. This Snare deformation has also affected the underlying Yellowknife rocks, and has resulted in steeply plunging folds that are superimposed upon the limbs of the earlier Yellowknife structures. Metamorphism accompanying this Snare deformation gave rise to a widespread
development of and alusite and cordierite with local sillimanite. Bodies of white foliated microgranite were intruded during the last stages of folding. These intrusions have zones of inclusions at their margins; they had little or no thermal effect on the country rocks. The several faults that
occur within the map-area strike easterly and dip vertically, and are characterized by a right-hand tear component with some vertical displacement.
Granite and pegmatite studies at northern Indian Lake, Manitoba
Authors: Kretz R
Published: December 2015

Granitic rocks underlie most of the area about Northern lndian Lake. Plastic flow in these rocks is made evident by : I ) inclusions that have been stretched, bent, disjointed, or irregularly deformed; 2) quartz-feldspar dykes that have been folded, disjointed,
or deformed by shear movement; 3) the presence of compositional foliation and lineation within granitic rocks at some distance from zones of dislocation. The concept of plastic flow at relatively deep crustal levels may be applicable to problems of flow and emplacement of granitic rock in the
Canadian Shield.
Lower Palaeozoic sediments of northwestern Baffin Island, District of Franklin
Authors: Trettin H P
Published: December 2015

The stratigraphy and structure of the lower Palaeozoic sediments of northwestern Baffin Island are discussed in considerable detail. The succession comprises as much as 6,000 feet of Cambrian (?), Ordovician, and Silurian strata. The lower part of the succession,
the Admiralty Group, comprises the largely non-marine Gallery sandstone (0- 1,125 feet) and the shallow marine Turner Cliffs Formation (0-1 ,008 feet)-a sequence of dolomites and elastic sediments. Isopach maps indicate that the group was deposited in an easterly plunging basin or embayment that
existed in the northern part of the area, and palaeocurrent studies suggest that the elastic sediments came from the northwest. Overlying the Admiralty Group, and extending far to the south of the known outcrops of that group, is the Lower and lower Middle Ordovician Ship Point Formation (150- 900
feet). In the southern third of the area mapped, near-shore features are present in this sequence. The Ship Point is overlain disconformably by the Brodeur Group comprising the upper Middle Ordovician to lower (?) Niagaran Baillarge Formation (l,600 feet)- a dolomitic limestone with some dolomite
and shale in the lower member, and the Niagaran and (?) younger Cape Crauford Formation (J,340 feet)- mainly dolomitic limestone, calcareous dolomites, and evaporite solution breccias. The Brodeur Group represents a transgressive- regressive cycle; maximum submergence occurred in Late Ordovician and
Early Silurian times. The lower Palaeozoic succession was deposited on an erosion surface that transected earlier formed structures. Some of these were intermittently active in lower Palaeozoic and later times. Post-Silurian deformations produced the gentle, arcuate northwesterly to southwesterly
dipping Brodeur Homocline, the northwesterly trending faults, and the complicated fracture pattern that controls drainage throughout much of the area
Control Theory: A Mathematical Perspective on Cyber-Physical Systems
Authors: Allgöwer Frank , Helmke Uwe , Leonard Naomi
Published: December 2015

Control theory is an interdisciplinary field that is located at the crossroads of pure and applied mathematics with systems engineering and the sciences. Recently the control field is facing new challenges motivated by application domains that involve networks of systems. Examples are interacting robots, networks of autonomous cars or the smart grid. In order to address the new challenges posed by these application disciplines, the special focus of this workshop has been on the currently very active field of Cyber-Physical Systems, which forms the underlying basis for many network control applications. A series of lectures in this workshop was devoted to give an overview on current theoretical developments in Cyber-Physical Systems, emphasizing in particular the mathematical aspects of the field. Special focus was on the dynamics and control of networks of systems, distributed optimization and formation control, fundamentals of nonlinear interconnected systems, as well as open problems in control.
Homotopy Theory
Authors: Goerss Paul G. , Greenlees John P. C. , Schwede Stefan
Published: December 2015

This workshop was a forum to present and discuss the latest results and ideas in algebraic topology and homotopy theory, with a special emphasis on connections to other branches of mathematics, such as algebraic geometry, representation theory, group theory, and the algebraic topology of manifolds.
Geometric Topology
Authors: Bridson Martin R. , Löh Clara , Schick Thomas
Published: December 2015

Geometric topology has seen significant advances in the understanding and application of infinite symmetries and of the principles behind them. On the one hand, for advances in (geometric) group theory, tools from algebraic topology are applied and extended; on the other hand, spectacular results in topology (e.g., the proofs of new cases of the Novikov conjecture or the Atiyah conjecture) were only possible through a combination of methods of homotopy theory and new insights in the geometry of groups. This workshop focused on the rich interplay between algebraic topology and geometric group theory.
Geometric Methods of Complex Analysis
Authors: Berndtsson Bo , Fornæss John Erik , Shcherbina Nikolay
Published: December 2015

The purpose of this workshop was to discuss recent results in Several Complex Variables, Complex Geometry and Complex Dynamical Systems with a special focus on the exchange of ideas and methods among these areas. The main topics of the workshop included Pluripotential Theory and the Monge-Ampère equation, Complex Dynamics, Almost Complex Geometry, Geometric Questions of Complex Analysis (including Theory of Foliations) and Applications, the

\bar{\partial}

-equation and Geometry.
Mini-Workshop: Modern Applications of $s$-numbers and Operator Ideals
Authors: Cobos Fernando , Haroske Dorothee D. , Kühn Thomas , Ullrich Tino
Published: December 2015

The main aim of this mini-workshop was to present and discuss some modern applications of the functional-analytic concepts of

s

-numbers and operator ideals in areas like Numerical Analysis, Theory of Function Spaces, Signal Processing, Approximation Theory, Probability on Banach Spaces, and Statistical Learning Theory.
Mini-Workshop: Singularities in $\mathrm G_2$-geometry
Authors: Degeratu Anda , Haskins Mark , Weiß Hartmut
Published: December 2015

All currently known construction methods of smooth compact

\mathrm G_2

-manifolds have been tied to certain singular

\mathrm G_2

-spaces, which in Joyce’s original construction are

\mathrm G_2

-orbifolds and in Kovalev’s twisted connected sum construction are complete G2-manifolds with cylindrical ends. By a slight abuse of terminology we also refer to the latter as singular

\mathrm G_2

-spaces, and in fact both construction methods may be viewed as desingularization procedures. In turn, singular

\mathrm G_2

-spaces comprise a (conjecturally large) part of the boundary of the moduli space of smooth compact

\mathrm G_2

-manifolds, and so their deformation theory is of considerable interest. Furthermore, singular

\mathrm G_2

-spaces are also important in theoretical physics. Namely, in order to have realistic low-energy physics in M-theory, one needs compact singular

\mathrm G_2

-spaces with both codimension 4 and 7 singularities according to Acharya and Witten. However, the existence of such singular

\mathrm G_2

-spaces is unknown at present. The aim of this workshop was to bring reserachers from special holonomy geometry, geometric analysis and theoretical physics together to exchange ideas on these questions.
Принципы больших уклонений для траектории обобщенных процессов восстановления. II
Authors: Borovkov Alexander Alekseevich , Mogul'skii Anatolii Al'fredovich
Published: December 2015

Настоящая работа является продолжением [1]. Она состоит из трех разделов. В разделе 2 получен так называемый второй "частичный" локальный принцип больших уклонений (первый был получен в разделе 1) для траекторий обобщенного процесса восстановления. В разделе 3 при более ограничительных условиях установлен "полный" локальный принцип больших уклонений, а в разделе 4 при тех же условиях - "полный" интегральный принцип больших уклонений (оба утверждения в пространстве $\mathbb{D}$ функций без разрывов второго рода с равномерной метрикой).
Малые подграфы в случайных дистанционных графах
Authors: Burkin Anton Valer'evich
Published: December 2015

В настоящей работе изучается распределение числа копий фиксированных графов в случайных подграфах дистанционных графов, играющих важную роль в задачах комбинаторной геометрии. В качестве следствия полученных результатов доказывается теорема о пороговой вероятности для свойства планарности случайного подграфа дистанционного графа, которая интересна и в контексте случайных подграфов произвольных регулярных графов.
Асимптотика малых уклонений в гильбертовой норме для процессов Каца-Кифера-Вольфовица
Authors: Nazarov Alexander Il'ich , Petrova Yuliya Petrovna
Published: December 2015

Изучается задача о малых уклонениях в норме $L_2$ для некоторых гауссовских процессов, возникающих в
математической статистике. Задача сводится к нахождению спектральных асимптотик интегро-дифференциальных
операторов специального вида. Для этого строятся полные асимптотические разложения некоторых осциллирующих интегралов с медленно меняющейся амплитудой.
Финальное распределение диффузионного процесса: полумарковский подход
Authors: Harlamov Boris Pavlovich
Published: December 2015

Рассматривается одномерный процесс с непрерывными траекториями, обладающий однородным марковским свойством относительно момента первого выхода из любого открытого интервала (полумарковский процесс). Диффузионность процесса состоит в асимптотической равновероятности первого выхода на любую из двух границ симметричной окрестности любой начальной точки траектории при стремлении диаметра окрестности к нулю. Доказывается, что процесс имеет предел при $t\to\infty$, если вероятность невыхода из симметричной окрестности любой начальной точки траектории положительна и убывает как квадрат диаметра окрестности. Этому условию удовлетворяет, в частности, диффузионный марковский процесс с обрывом, для которого условие невыхода из данной окрестности заменено на условие обрыва до момента первого выхода из нее.
Применяется полумарковский метод вывода формул условного финального распределения диффузионного процесса с пределом на бесконечности.
Classification of Lévy processes with parabolic Kolmogorov backward equations
Authors: Glau Kathrin
Published: December 2015

Процессы Леви классифицируются в соответствии с пространствами решений ассоциированных интегро-дифференциальных уравнений с частными производными: параболичность соответствующих уравнений Колмогорова переносится на условие роста символа с индексом Соболева $\alpha$. Показывается, что соответствующая эволюционная задача является параболической для пространства Соболева-Слободецкого $H^{\alpha/2}$ тогда и только тогда, когда процесс имеет индекс Соболева $\alpha$. Мы соотносим индекс Соболева с индексом Блюменталя-Гетура. Это показывает, что индекс Соболева является индикатором как гладкости распределения, так и вариации траектории процесса. Приводятся различные примеры процессов Леви с индексом Соболева и без него. В заключение мы демонстрируем влияние индекса Соболева на работу численных схем решения краевых задач, соответствующих процессам CGMY (Carr-Geman-Madan-Yor).
Fluctuations of linear eigenvalue statistics of random band matrices
Authors: Jana I , Saha K , Soshnikov Aleksandr Borisovich
Published: December 2015

В этой статье мы изучаем флуктуацию линейных статистик собственных значений случайных ленточных матриц $M_{n}=W_{n}/{\sqrt{b_{n}}},$ где $W_{n}$ есть $n\times n$ эрмитова случайная матрица с ленточной
длинной $b_{n}$, то есть только диагональные и первые $b_{n}$ внедиагональные матричные элементы не равны нулю. Мы изучаем линейные статистики $\mathcal{N}(\phi)=\sum_{i=1}^{n}\phi(l_{i}),$ где $l_{i}$ - собственные значения $M_{n}$ и $\phi$ достаточно гладкая тест-функция. Мы доказываем, что $\sqrt{{b_{n}}/{n}}[\mathcal{N}(\phi)-\mathbb{E} \mathcal{N}(\phi)]\stackrel{d}{\to} N(0,V(\phi))$ при $b_{n}\gg\sqrt{n}$, где выражение для $V(\phi)$ даeтся в Теореме 1.
О форме траекторий гауссовских процессов, имеющих массивные высокие выбросы. II
Authors: Kremena E V , Piterbarg Vladimir Il'ich , Husler J
Published: December 2015

Исследуется предельная форма траекторий гауссовского недифференцируемого стационарного процесса, которые выходят за высокий уровень либо в одной точке, либо в двух различных точках, расстояние между которыми превосходит заданное число.
Pediatrics Residents' Confidence and Performance Following a Longitudinal Quality Improvement Curriculum
Authors: Courtlandt Cheryl , Noonan Laura , Koricke Maureen Walsh , Zeskind Philip Sanford , Mabus Sarah , Feld Leonard
Published: December 2015

Background

Quality improvement (QI) training is an integral part of residents' education. Understanding the educational value of a QI curriculum facilitates understanding of its impact.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a longitudinal QI curriculum on pediatrics residents' confidence and competence in the acquisition and application of QI knowledge and skills.

Methods

Three successive cohorts of pediatrics residents (N = 36) participated in a longitudinal curriculum designed to increase resident confidence in QI knowledge and skills. Key components were a succession of progressive experiential projects, QI coaching, and resident team membership culminating in leadership of the project. Residents completed precurricular and postcurricular surveys and demonstrated QI competence by performance on the pediatric QI assessment scenario.

Results

Residents participating in the Center for Advancing Pediatric Excellence QI curriculum showed significant increases in pre-post measures of confidence in QI knowledge and skills. Coaching and team leadership were ranked by resident participants as having the most educational value among curriculum components. A pediatric QI assessment scenario, which correlated with resident-perceived confidence in acquisition of QI skills but not QI knowledge, is a tool available to test pediatrics residents' QI knowledge.

Conclusions

A 3-year longitudinal, multimodal, experiential QI curriculum increased pediatrics residents' confidence in QI knowledge and skills, was feasible with faculty support, and was well-accepted by residents.
Predicting Performance on the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Written Examination Using Resident Self-Assessment Examination Scores
Authors: Moroz Alex , Bang Heejung
Published: December 2015

Background

Studies across medical specialties have shown that scores on residency self-assessment examinations (SAEs) can predict performance on certifying board examinations.

Objective

This study explored the predictive abilities of different composite SAE scores in physical medicine and rehabilitation and determined an optimal cut-point to identify an “at-risk” performance group.

Methods

For our study, both predictive scores (SAE scores) and outcomes (board examination scores) are expressed in national percentile scores. We analyzed data in graduates of a physical medicine and rehabilitation residency program between 2008 and 2014. We compared mean, median, lowest, highest, and most recent score among up to 3 SAE scores with respect to their associations with the outcome via linear and logistic regression. We computed regression/correlation coefficient, P value, R2, area under the curve, sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values. Identification of optimal cut-point was guided by accuracy, discrimination, and model-fit statistics.

Results

Predictor and outcome data were available for 88 of 99 residents. In regression models, all SAE predictors showed significant associations (P ≤ .001) and the mean score performed best (r = 0.55). A 1-point increase in mean SAE was associated with a 1.88 score increase in board score and a 16% decrease in odds of failure. The rule of mean SAE score below 47 yielded the highest accuracy, highest discrimination, and best model fit.

Conclusions

Mean SAE score may be used to predict performance on the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation–written examination. The optimal statistical cut-point to identify the at-risk group for failure appears to be around the 47th SAE national percentile.
Continuity Clinic Model and Diabetic Outcomes in Internal Medicine Residencies: Findings of the Educational Innovations Project Ambulatory Collaborative
Authors: Francis Maureen D. , Julian Katherine A. , Wininger David A. , Drake Sean , Bollman KeriLyn , Nabors Christopher , Pereira Anne , Rosenblum Michael , Zelenski Amy B. , Sweet David , Thomas Kris , Varney Andrew , Warm Eric , Francis Mark L.
Published: December 2015

Background

Efforts to improve diabetes care in residency programs are ongoing and in the midst of continuity clinic redesign at many institutions. While there appears to be a link between resident continuity and improvement in glycemic control for diabetic patients, it is uncertain whether clinic structure affects quality measures and patient outcomes.

Methods

This multi-institutional, cross-sectional study included 12 internal medicine programs. Three outcomes (glycemic control, blood pressure control, and achievement of target low-density lipoprotein [LDL]) and 2 process measures (A1C and LDL measurement) were reported for diabetic patients. Traditional, block, and combination clinic models were compared using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Analysis was adjusted for continuity, utilization, workload, and panel size.

Results

No significant differences were found in glycemic control across clinic models (P = .06). The percentage of diabetic patients with LDL < 100 mg/dL was 60% in block, compared to 54.9% and 55% in traditional and combination models (P = .006). The percentage of diabetic patients with blood pressure < 130/80 mmHg was 48.4% in block, compared to 36.7% and 36.9% in other models (P < .001). The percentage of diabetic patients with HbA1C measured was 92.1% in block compared to 75.2% and 82.1% in other models (P < .001). Also, the percentage of diabetic patients with LDL measured was significantly different across all groups, with 91.2% in traditional, 70.4% in combination, and 83.3% in block model programs (P < .001).

Conclusions

While high scores on diabetic quality measures are achievable in any clinic model, the block model design was associated with better performance.
Outcomes of a Novel Training Program for Physician-Scientists: Integrating Graduate Degree Training With Specialty Fellowship
Authors: Wong Mitchell D. , Guerrero Lourdes , Sallam Tamer , Frank Joy S. , Fogelman Alan M. , Demer Linda L.
Published: December 2015

Background

Although physician-scientists generally contribute to the scientific enterprise by providing a breadth of knowledge complementary to that of other scientists, it is a challenge to recruit, train, and retain physicians in a research career pathway.

Objective

To assess the outcomes of a novel program that combines graduate coursework and research training with subspecialty fellowship.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted of career outcomes for 123 physicians who graduated from the program during its first 20 years (1993–2013). Using curricula vitae, direct contact, and online confirmation, data were compiled on physicians' subsequent activities and careers as of 2013. Study outcomes included employment in academic and nonacademic research, academic clinical or private practice positions, and research grant funding.

Results

More than 80% of graduates were actively conducting research in academic, institutional, or industrial careers. The majority of graduates (71%) had academic appointments; a few (20%) were in private practice. Fifty percent had received career development awards, and 19% had received investigator-initiated National Institutes of Health (NIH) R01 or equivalent grants. Individuals who obtained a PhD during subspecialty training were significantly more likely to have major grant funding (NIH R series or equivalent) than those who obtained a Master of Science in Clinical Research. Trainees who obtained a PhD in a health services or health policy field were significantly more likely to have research appointments than those in basic science.

Conclusions

Incorporation of graduate degree research, at the level of specialty or subspecialty clinical training, is a promising approach to training and retaining physician-scientists.
Automation Improves Schedule Quality and Increases Scheduling Efficiency for Residents
Authors: Perelstein Elizabeth , Rose Ariella , Hong Young-Chae , Cohn Amy , Long Micah T.
Published: December 2015

Background

Medical resident scheduling is difficult due to multiple rules, competing educational goals, and ever-evolving graduate medical education requirements. Despite this, schedules are typically created manually, consuming hours of work, producing schedules of varying quality, and yielding negative consequences for resident morale and learning.

Objective

To determine whether computerized decision support can improve the construction of residency schedules, saving time and improving schedule quality.

Methods

The Optimized Residency Scheduling Assistant was designed by a team from the University of Michigan Department of Industrial and Operations Engineering. It was implemented in the C.S. Mott Children's Hospital Pediatric Emergency Department in the 2012–2013 academic year. The 4 metrics of schedule quality that were compared between the 2010–2011 and 2012–2013 academic years were the incidence of challenging shift transitions, the incidence of shifts following continuity clinics, the total shift inequity, and the night shift inequity.

Results

All scheduling rules were successfully incorporated. Average schedule creation time fell from 22 to 28 hours to 4 to 6 hours per month, and 3 of 4 metrics of schedule quality significantly improved. For the implementation year, the incidence of challenging shift transitions decreased from 83 to 14 (P < .01); the incidence of postclinic shifts decreased from 72 to 32 (P < .01); and the SD of night shifts dropped by 55.6% (P < .01).

Conclusions

This automated shift scheduling system improves the current manual scheduling process, reducing time spent and improving schedule quality. Embracing such automated tools can benefit residency programs with shift-based scheduling needs.
National Trends in Carpal Tunnel Release and Hand Fracture Procedures Performed During Orthopaedic Residency: An Analysis of ACGME Case Logs
Authors: Hinds Richard M. , Gottschalk Michael B. , Capo John T.
Published: December 2015

Background 

Mastery in performing carpal tunnel release (CTR) and hand fracture procedures is an essential component of orthopaedic residency training.

Objective 

To assess orthopaedic resident case log data for temporal trends in CTR and hand fracture cases and to determine the degree of variability in case volume among residents.

Methods 

Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education orthopaedic surgery resident case logs were reviewed for graduation years 2007 through 2014. Annual data regarding the mean number of CTR and hand fracture/dislocation procedures were recorded, as well as the median number of procedures reported by the top and bottom 10% of residents (by case volume). Temporal trends were assessed using linear regression modeling.

Results 

There was no change in the mean number of CTRs performed per resident. Over the 8-year period, the top 10% of residents performed a significantly greater number of CTRs than the bottom 10% (62.1 versus 9.3, P < .001). Similarly, no change was noted in the mean number of total hand fracture/dislocation cases performed, with the top 10% of residents performing significantly more hand fracture cases than the bottom 10% (47.1 versus 9.3, P < .001).

Conclusions 

Our results indicate no change in CTR and hand fracture caseload for orthopaedic residents. However, as resident experience performing both procedures varies significantly, this variability likely has important educational implications.
A Strategic Approach to Implementation of Medical Mentorship Programs
Authors: Caruso Thomas J. , Steinberg Diane H. , Piro Nancy , Walker Kimberly , Blankenburg Rebecca , Rassbach Caroline , Marquez Juan L. , Katznelson Laurence , Dohn Ann
Published: December 2015

Background

Mentors influence medical trainees' experiences through career enhancement and psychosocial support, yet some trainees never receive benefits from involved mentors.

Objective

Our goals were to examine the effectiveness of 2 interventions aimed at increasing the number of mentors in training programs, and to assess group differences in mentor effectiveness, the relationship between trainees' satisfaction with their programs given the presence of mentors, and the relationship between the number of trainees with mentors and postgraduate year (PGY).

Methods

In group 1, a physician adviser funded by the graduate medical education department implemented mentorships in 6 residency programs, while group 2 involved a training program with funded physician mentoring time. The remaining 89 training programs served as controls. Chi-square tests were used to determine differences.

Results

Survey responses from group 1, group 2, and controls were 47 of 84 (56%), 34 of 78 (44%), and 471 of 981 (48%, P = .38), respectively. The percentages of trainees reporting a mentor in group 1, group 2, and the control group were 89%, 97%, and 79%, respectively (P = .01). There were no differences in mentor effectiveness between groups. Mentored trainees were more likely to be satisfied with their programs (P = .01) and to report that faculty supported their professional aspirations (P = .001). Across all programs, fewer first-year trainees (59%) identified a mentor compared to PGY-2 through PGY-8 trainees (84%, P < .001).

Conclusions

A supported mentorship program is an effective way to create an educational environment that maximizes trainees' perceptions of mentorship and satisfaction with their training programs.
Technical note: A new approach for comparing soil depth profiles using bootstrapped Loess regression (BLR)
Authors: Keith A. M. , Henrys P. , Rowe R. L. , McNamara N. P.
Published: December 2015

Abstract. Understanding the consequences of different land uses for the soil system is important to better inform decisions based on sustainability. The ability to assess change in soil properties, throughout the soil profile, is a critical step in this process. We present an approach to examine differences in soil depth profiles between land uses using bootstrapped Loess regressions (BLR). This non-parametric approach is data-driven, unconstrained by distributional model parameters and provides the ability to determine significant effects of land use at specific locations down a soil profile. We demonstrate an example of the BLR approach using data from a study examining the impacts of bioenergy land use change on soil carbon (C). While this straightforward non-parametric approach may be most useful in comparing soil C or organic matter profiles between land uses, it can be applied to any soil property which has been measured at satisfactory resolution down the soil profile. It is hoped that further studies of land use and land management, based on new or existing data, can make use of this approach to examine differences in soil profiles.
Glacier response to North Atlantic climate variability during the Holocene
Authors: Balascio N. L. , D'Andrea W. J. , Bradley R. S.
Published: December 2015

Abstract. Small glaciers and ice caps respond rapidly to climate variations, and records of their past extent provide information on the natural envelope of past climate variability. Millennial-scale trends in Holocene glacier size are well documented and correspond with changes in Northern Hemisphere summer insolation. However, there is only sparse and fragmentary evidence for higher-frequency variations in glacier size because in many Northern Hemisphere regions glacier advances of the past few hundred years were the most extensive and destroyed the geomorphic evidence of ice growth and retreat during the past several thousand years. Thus, most glacier records have been of limited use for investigating centennial-scale climate forcing and feedback mechanisms. Here we report a continuous record of glacier activity for the last 9.5 ka from southeast Greenland derived from high-resolution measurements on a proglacial lake sediment sequence. Physical and geochemical parameters show that the glaciers responded to previously documented Northern Hemisphere climatic excursions, including the "8.2 ka" cooling event, the Holocene Thermal Maximum, Neoglacial cooling, and 20th century warming. In addition, the sediments indicate centennial-scale oscillations in glacier size during the late Holocene. Beginning at 4.1 ka, a series of abrupt glacier advances occurred, each lasting ~100 years and followed by a period of retreat, that were superimposed on a gradual trend toward larger glacier size. Thus, while declining summer insolation caused long-term cooling and glacier expansion during the late Holocene, climate system dynamics resulted in repeated episodes of glacier expansion and retreat on multi-decadal to centennial timescales. These episodes coincided with ice rafting events in the North Atlantic Ocean and periods of regional ice cap expansion, which confirms their regional significance and indicates that considerable glacier activity on these timescales is a normal feature of the cryosphere. The data provide a longer-term perspective on the rate of 20th century glacier retreat and indicate that recent anthropogenic-driven warming has already impacted the regional cryosphere in a manner outside the natural range of Holocene variability.
Sequential hydraulic tests for transient and highly permeable unconfined aquifer systems – model development and field-scale implementation
Authors: Ni C.-F. , Huang Y.-J. , Dong J.-J. , Yeh T.-C. J.
Published: December 2015

Abstract. The transient hydraulic tomography survey (THTS) is a conceptually improved technique that efficiently estimates detailed variations in aquifer parameters. Based on the concept of the THTS, we developed a geostatistical inverse model to characterize saturated hydraulic conductivity (K) and the specific yield (Sy) in transient and unconfined aquifer systems. In this study, a synthetic example was first used to assess the accuracy of the developed inverse model. Multiple random K and Sy realizations with different variances of natural logarithm of K (lnK) were generated and systematically compared to evaluate the effects of joint inversion on K estimations. The model was implemented in field-scale, cross-hole injection tests in a shallow and highly permeable unconfined aquifer near the middle reaches of the Wu River in central Taiwan. To assess the effect of constant head boundary conditions on the estimation results, two additional modeling domains were evaluated on the basis of the same field data from the injection tests. The results of the synthetic example showed that the proposed inverse model can effectively reproduce the predefined K patterns and magnitudes. However, slightly less detail was obtained for the Sy field based on the sampling data from sequential transient hydraulic stresses. The joint inversion by using transient head observations could slightly decrease the accuracy of K estimations. The model implementation for field-scale injection tests showed that the model can estimate K and Sy fields with detailed spatial variations. Estimation results showed a relatively homogeneous aquifer for the tested well field. Results based on the three modeling domains showed similar patterns and magnitudes of K and Sy near the well locations. These results indicated that the THTS is relatively insensitive to artificially drawn boundary conditions even under transient conditions.
Steep unidirectional wave groups – fully nonlinear simulations vs. experiments
Authors: Shemer L. , Ee B. K.
Published: December 2015

Abstract. A detailed quantitative comparison of fully nonlinear computations with the measurements of unidirectional wave groups is presented. Computational results on evolving wave groups were compared with previous available experiments. The local surface elevation variation, the evolution of envelope shapes, the velocity of propagation of the steepest crests in the group and their relation to the height of the crests were obtained numerically and experimentally. Conditions corresponding to incipient wave breaking were investigated in greater detail. The results shed additional light on mechanisms leading to the breaking of steep waves, as well as on the crucial importance of exact matching between initial conditions in computations and experiments.
Recent seismic activity at Cephalonia island (Greece): a study through candidate electromagnetic precursors in terms of nonlinear dynamics
Authors: Potirakis S. M. , Contoyiannis Y. , Melis N. S. , Kopanas J. , Antonopoulos G. , Balasis G. , Kontoes C. , Nomicos C. , Eftaxias K.
Published: December 2015

Abstract. The preparation process of two recent earthquakes (EQs) occurred in Cephalonia (Kefalonia) island, Greece, (38.22° N, 20.53° E), 26 January 2014, Mw =6.0, depth =21 km, and (38.25° N, 20.39° E), 3 February 2014, Mw =5.9, depth =10 km, respectively, is studied in terms of the critical dynamics revealed in observables of the involved non-linear processes. Specifically, we show, by means of the method of critical fluctuations (MCF), that signatures of critical, as well as tricritical, dynamics were embedded in the fracture-induced electromagnetic emissions (EME) recorded by two stations in locations near the epicenters of these two EQs. It is worth noting that both, the MHz EME recorded by the telemetric stations on the island of Cephalonia and the neighboring island of Zante (Zakynthos), reached simultaneously critical condition a few days before the occurrence of each earthquake. The critical characteristics embedded in the EME signals were further verified using the natural time (NT) method. Moreover, we show, in terms of the NT method, that the foreshock seismic activity also presented critical characteristics before each one of these events. Importantly, the revealed critical process seems to be focused on the area corresponding to the west Cephalonia zone, following the seismotectonic and hazard zoning of the Ionian Islands area near Cephalonia.
Projected sea level rise and changes in extreme storm surge and wave events during the 21st century in the region of Singapore
Authors: Cannaby H. , Palmer M. D. , Howard T. , Bricheno L. , Calvert D. , Krijnen J. , Wood R. , Tinker J. , Bunney C. , Harle J. , Saulter A. , O'Neill C. , Bellingham C. , Lowe J.
Published: December 2015

Abstract. Singapore is an island state with considerable population, industries, commerce and transport located in coastal areas at elevations less than 2 m making it vulnerable to sea-level rise. Mitigation against future inundation events requires a quantitative assessment of risk. To address this need, regional projections of changes in (i) long-term mean sea level and (ii) the frequency of extreme storm surge and wave events have been combined to explore potential changes to coastal flood risk over the 21st century. Local changes in time mean sea level were evaluated using the process-based climate model data and methods presented in the IPCC AR5. Regional surge and wave solutions extending from 1980 to 2100 were generated using ~ 12 km resolution surge (Nucleus for European Modelling of the Ocean – NEMO) and wave (WaveWatchIII) models. Ocean simulations were forced by output from a selection of four downscaled (~ 12 km resolution) atmospheric models, forced at the lateral boundaries by global climate model simulations generated for the IPCC AR5. Long-term trends in skew surge and significant wave height were then assessed using a generalised extreme value model, fit to the largest modelled events each year. An additional atmospheric solution downscaled from the ERA-Interim global reanalysis was used to force historical ocean model simulations extending from 1980–2010, enabling a quantitative assessment of model skill. Simulated historical sea surface height and significant wave height time series were compared to tide gauge data and satellite altimetry data respectively. Central estimates of the long-term mean sea level rise at Singapore by 2100 were projected to be 0.52 m (0.74 m) under the RCP 4.5 (8.5) scenarios respectively. Trends in surge and significant wave height 2 year return levels were found to be statistically insignificant and/or physically very small under the more severe RCP8.5 scenario. We conclude that changes to long-term mean sea level constitute the dominant signal of change to the projected inundation risk for Singapore during the 21st century. We note that the largest recorded surge residual in the Singapore Strait of ~ 84 cm lies between the central and upper estimates of sea level rise by 2100, highlighting the vulnerability of the region.
Recent developments in neutron imaging with applications for porous media research
Authors: Kaestner A. P. , Trtik P. , Zarebandkouki M. , Kazantsev D. , Snehota M. , Dobson K. J. , Lehmann E. H.
Published: December 2015

Abstract. Computed tomography has become a standard method to probe processes in porous media. Neutrons enabled us to better study the dynamics of hydrogeneous fluids in the matrix of dense and opaque materials. We review recent instrumentation and method improvements to the neutron imaging facilities NEUTRA and ICON at Paul Scherrer Institute. The improvements give us higher spatial resolution making it possible to follow finer details and faster acquisition to increase the CT volume capture rate. The combination with new reconstruction techniques improve the information output with less acquired projection data and hence providing higher volume rates. Bi-modality is a further option to provide more information about the sample and the processes taking place. These features make new neutron imaging experiments to investigate the fluid distribution in porous samples possible. We demonstrate the performance on a selection of experiments performed at our neutron imaging instruments.
Improved Arctic sea ice thickness projections using bias-corrected CMIP5 simulations
Authors: Melia N. , Haines K. , Hawkins E.
Published: December 2015

Abstract. Projections of Arctic sea ice thickness (SIT) have the potential to inform stakeholders about accessibility to the region, but are currently rather uncertain. The latest suite of CMIP5 global climate models (GCMs) produce a wide range of simulated SIT in the historical period (1979–2014) and exhibit various biases when compared with the Pan-Arctic Ice–Ocean Modelling and Assimilation System (PIOMAS) sea ice reanalysis. We present a new method to constrain such GCM simulations of SIT via a statistical bias correction technique. The bias correction successfully constrains the spatial SIT distribution and temporal variability in the CMIP5 projections whilst retaining the climatic fluctuations from individual ensemble members. The bias correction acts to reduce the spread in projections of SIT and reveals the significant contributions of climate internal variability in the first half of the century and of scenario uncertainty from the mid-century onwards. The projected date of ice-free conditions in the Arctic under the RCP8.5 high emission scenario occurs in the 2050s, which is a decade earlier than without the bias correction, with potentially significant implications for stakeholders in the Arctic such as the shipping industry. The bias correction methodology developed could be similarly applied to other variables to reduce spread in climate projections more generally.