bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Relationship between Labor Productivity and Economic Growth in OECD Countries
Authors: Korkmaz Suna , Korkmaz Oya
Published: April 2017

In the course of globalization, the countries entered into an intense competition between each other. In order to achieve the competitive advantage, countries pay significant importance to the technological advancements. By improving the productivity, the technological innovations and developments allow the countries to make production at lower costs. The increase in factor productivities would enable higher levels of output in the economy. Since the factor productivity influences many other factors and the developed countries meet these criteria better than developing countries do, the factor productivities are higher in developed countries, when compared to those in developing countries. For this reason, in this study, the relationship between labor productivity, which is a partial factor productivity, and economic growth in seven OECD countries for the period between 2008 and 2014 by utilizing the panel data analysis method. According to the test results, we find a unidirectional causality relationship from economic growth to labor productivity.
Gluren bij de buren
Authors: Gärtner Stefan
Published: April 2017

Peeking at the neighbors. The legal frameworks of spiritual care in care institutions in the Netherlands and of healthcare chaplaincy in Germany

The article analyzes the legal integration of religion and worldview communication in secular care contexts in Germany and the Netherlands. The constitutional position of spiritual care and healthcare chaplaincy and the organization of the religious field are diverse in these states. This creates a variety of correlation between the religious and the medical domain within healthcare institutions in both countries. The analysis leads to the question, how the observed differences work out in organization and policy concretely. Finely, there are some conclusions drawn out of the comparison.
Levensbeschouwelijk onderwijzen en leren
Authors: ter Avest Ina
Published: April 2017

Worldview: Teaching and learning Children’s right – teacher’s responsibility

The Netherlands changed from a culturally homogenous society into a religiously plural society. This had an impact across public and denominational schools. The pluralisation of the pupil population raised the issue of the so-called pillarized educational system. In this contribution I explore this theme in the context of the freedom of education laid down in article 23 of the Dutch Constitution, and the right of every child to get acquainted with the diversity of its society’s traditions, and to position itself in the plural Dutch society. Moving beyond the pillarized system, all education can then become truly special, preparing children for normative citizenship.
Clarifying the Impact of Educational Research on Learning Opportunities
Authors: Cai Jinfa , Morris Anne , Hohensee Charles , Hwang Stephen , Robison Victoria , Hiebert James
Published: April 2017

In our last editorial, we considered the impact of research on students' learning. In clarifying our perspective, we answered the question of “impact of research on what” to include both cognitive and noncognitive outcomes in students as well as long-term impact on students that goes well beyond short-term cognitive impact. A natural next step is to examine the conditions under which students can achieve such broad goals. We will devote the next set of editorials to exploring ways in which researchers can design their work to increase its impact on students' opportunities to achieve these goals.
Lesson Study to Scale Up Research-Based Knowledge: A Randomized, Controlled Trial of Fractions Learning
Authors: Lewis Catherine , Perry Rebecca
Published: April 2017

An understanding of fractions eludes many U.S. students, and research-based knowledge about fractions, such as the utility of linear representation, has not broadly influenced instruction. This randomized trial of lesson study supported by mathematical resources assigned 39 educator teams across the United States to locally managed lesson study supported by a fractions lesson study resource kit or to 1 of 2 control conditions. Educators (87% of whom were elementary teachers) self-managed learning over a 3-month period. HLM analyses indicated significantly greater improvement of educators' and students' fractions knowledge for teams randomly assigned to lesson study with resource kits. Results suggest that integrating researchbased resources into lesson study offers a new approach to the problem of “scale-up” by combining the strengths of teacher leadership and research-based knowledge.
High pre‐exposure prophylaxis uptake and early adherence among men who have sex with men and transgender women at risk for HIV Infection: the PrEP Brasil demonstration project
Authors: Hoagland Brenda , Moreira Ronaldo I. , De Boni Raquel B. , Kallas Esper G. , Madruga José Valdez , Vasconcelos Ricardo , Goulart Silvia , Torres Thiago S. , Marins Luana M. S. , Anderson Peter L. , Luz Paula M , Costa Leite Iuri da , Liu Albert Y. , Veloso Valdilea G. , Grinsztejn Beatriz ,   for the PrEP Brasil Study Team
Published: April 2017

Introduction: The efficacy of pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in preventing sexual acquisition of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is well established. Little is known about the feasibility of PrEP implementation in middle‐income settings with concentrated epidemics among men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW).

Methods: PrEP Brasil is a prospective, multicentre, open‐label demonstration project assessing PrEP delivery in the context of the Brazilian Public Health System. HIV‐uninfected MSM and TGW in 3 referral centres in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo were evaluated for eligibility and offered 48 weeks of daily emtricitabine/tenofovir for PrEP. Concentrations of tenofovir diphosphate in dried blood spot samples (DBS) at week 4 after enrolment (early adherence) were measured. Predictors of drug levels were assessed using ordinal logistic regression models considering the DBS drug level as a 3 level variable (<350 fmol/punch, ≥350–699 fmol/punch and ≥700 fmol/punch).

Results: 1,270 individuals were assessed for participation; n = 738 were potentially eligible and n = 450 were offered PrEP (PrEP uptake was 60.9%). Eligible but not enrolled individuals were younger, had lower HIV risk perception and had lower PrEP awareness. At week 4, 424 participants (of the 450 enrolled) had DBS TFV‐DP concentrations, 94.1% in the protective range (≥350 fmol/punch, consistent with ≥2 pills per week), and 78% were in the highly protective range (≥700 fmol/punch, ≥4 pills per week). Participants with ≥12 years of schooling had 1.9 times the odds (95%CI 1.10–3.29) of a higher versus lower drug level than participants with <12 years of schooling. Condomless receptive anal intercourse in the prior 3 months was also associated with higher drug levels (adjusted OR = 1.78; 95% CI 1.08–2.94).

Conclusions: The high uptake and early adherence indicate that PrEP for high‐risk MSM and TGW can be successfully delivered in the context of the Brazilian Public Health System. Interventions to address disparities on PrEP awareness and HIV risk perception among the younger and less educated are urgently needed in order to maximize the impact of this prevention strategy on the reduction of HIV infection among MSM and TGW in Brazil.
Regulation of mitochondria-dynactin interaction and mitochondrial retrograde transport in axons
Authors: Drerup Catherine M , Herbert Amy L , Monk Kelly R , Nechiporuk Alex V
Published: April 2017

Mitochondrial transport in axons is critical for neural circuit health and function. While several proteins have been found that modulate bidirectional mitochondrial motility, factors that regulate unidirectional mitochondrial transport have been harder to identify. In a genetic screen, we found a zebrafish strain in which mitochondria fail to attach to the dynein retrograde motor. This strain carries a loss-of-function mutation in actr10, a member of the dynein-associated complex dynactin. The abnormal axon morphology and mitochondrial retrograde transport defects observed in actr10 mutants are distinct from dynein and dynactin mutant axonal phenotypes. In addition, Actr10 lacking the dynactin binding domain maintains its ability to bind mitochondria, arguing for a role for Actr10 in dynactin-mitochondria interaction. Finally, genetic interaction studies implicated Drp1 as a partner in Actr10-dependent mitochondrial retrograde transport. Together, this work identifies Actr10 as a factor necessary for dynactin-mitochondria interaction, enhancing our understanding of how mitochondria properly localize in axons.
Continuous transport of a small fraction of plasma membrane cholesterol to endoplasmic reticulum regulates total cellular cholesterol
Authors: Infante Rodney Elwood , Radhakrishnan Arun
Published: April 2017

Cells employ regulated transport mechanisms to ensure that their plasma membranes (PMs) are optimally supplied with cholesterol derived from uptake of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and synthesis. To date, all inhibitors of cholesterol transport block steps in lysosomes, limiting our understanding of post-lysosomal transport steps. Here, we establish the cholesterol-binding domain 4 of anthrolysin O (ALOD4) as a reversible inhibitor of cholesterol transport from PM to endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Using ALOD4, we: (1) deplete ER cholesterol without altering PM or overall cellular cholesterol levels; (2) demonstrate that LDL-derived cholesterol travels from lysosomes first to PM to meet cholesterol needs, and subsequently from PM to regulatory domains of ER to suppress activation of SREBPs, halting cholesterol uptake and synthesis; and (3) determine that continuous PM-to-ER cholesterol transport allows ER to constantly monitor PM cholesterol levels, and respond rapidly to small declines in cellular cholesterol by activating SREBPs, increasing cholesterol uptake and synthesis.
Oriented clonal cell dynamics enables accurate growth and shaping of vertebrate cartilage
Authors: Kaucka Marketa , Zikmund Tomas , Tesarova Marketa , Gyllborg Daniel , Hellander Andreas , Jaros Josef , Kaiser Jozef , Petersen Julian , Szarowska Bara , Newton Phillip T , Dyachuk Vyacheslav , Li Lei , Qian Hong , Johansson Anne-Sofie , Mishina Yuji , Currie Joshua D , Tanaka Elly M , Erickson Alek , Dudley Andrew , Brismar Hjalmar , Southam Paul , Coen Enrico , Chen Min , Weinstein Lee S , Hampl Ales , Arenas Ernest , Chagin Andrei S , Fried Kaj , Adameyko Igor
Published: April 2017

Cartilaginous structures are at the core of embryo growth and shaping before the bone forms. Here we report a novel principle of vertebrate cartilage growth that is based on introducing transversally-oriented clones into pre-existing cartilage. This mechanism of growth uncouples the lateral expansion of curved cartilaginous sheets from the control of cartilage thickness, a process which might be the evolutionary mechanism underlying adaptations of facial shape. In rod-shaped cartilage structures (Meckel, ribs and skeletal elements in developing limbs), the transverse integration of clonal columns determines the well-defined diameter and resulting rod-like morphology. We were able to alter cartilage shape by experimentally manipulating clonal geometries. Using in silico modeling, we discovered that anisotropic proliferation might explain cartilage bending and groove formation at the macro-scale.
Crescimento inicial de mudas pré brotadas de cana-de-açúcar submetidas a aplicação de herbicidas
Authors: Sabbag Renan Dos Santos , Monquero Patricia Andrea , Hirata Andreia Cristina Silva , Santos Paulo Henrique Vieira dos
Published: April 2017

O método químico de controle de plantas daninhas é o mais utilizado na cultura da cana-de-açúcar, sendo necessários estudos que englobem o efeito destes herbicidas sobre o desenvolvimento de mudas pré-brotadas de cana de açúcar (MPB). O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da aplicação dos herbicidas ametryn, clomazone, hexazinone + diuron, metribuzin, sulfentrazone e tebuthiuron, isolados e em associação com saflufenacil, no crescimento inicial de mudas pré-brotadas de variedades de cana-de-açúcar. O ensaio foi conduzido em casa de vegetação em delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 14 x 2, sendo 14 tratamentos herbicidas e 2 épocas de aplicação após o plantio (3 e 10 DAP), com quatro repetições. Os herbicidas, em suas doses recomendadas, foram aplicados aos 3 ou 10 dias após o transplante das mudas (DAP) das variedades: RB 86 7515, RB 85 5156, RB 96 6928 e RB 97 5201. A porcentagem de fitotoxicidade foi avaliada aos 7, 15, 30 e 60 dias após a aplicação dos tratamentos (DAT). A estatura das plantas, área foliar e biomassa seca da parte aérea foram avaliadas aos 60 DAT. Os herbicidas causaram impacto diferenciado em função das variedades e época de aplicação, todavia, na última avaliação, houve baixa fitotoxicidade na maioria das avaliações. Para a RB 867515 a aplicação dos herbicidas tanto aos 3 como aos 10 DAP foi segura, já para as variedades RB 966928 e RB 975201 a aplicação aos 3 DAP causou menor fitotoxicidade, enquanto, para a RB 855156 foi aos 10 DAP. Conclui-se que as variedades diferem quanto à fitotoxicidade aos herbicidas avaliados, sendo a RB 867515 a mais tolerante e a associação saflufenacil + clomazone e clomazone provocaram maior fitotoxicidade, dentre os tratamentos, nas variedades e épocas estudadas.
Eficácia e seletividade de herbicidas em cultivares de feijão-caupi
Authors: Mesquita Hélida Campos de , Freitas Francisco Cláudio Lopes de , Freire Filho Francisco Rodrigues , Silva Márcio Gledson Oliveira da , Cunha Jorge Luiz Xavier Lins , Rodrigues Ana Paula Medeiros dos Santos
Published: April 2017

Apesar da extensa área cultivada no Brasil e da crescente demanda sobre informações acerca do controle de plantas daninhas, poucos trabalhos são encontrados na literatura relatando a eficácia e a seletividade de herbicidas para a cultura do feijão-caupi (Vigna unguiculata). Diante disso, conduziu-se este trabalho com o objetivo avaliar a seletividade e eficácia de herbicidas para cultivares de feijão-caupi. Utilizou-se o delineamento experimental de blocos casualizados, em esquema fatorial 2 x 13, com dois cultivares (BRS Xiquexique e BRS Guariba) e 13 estratégias de manejo de plantas daninhas (1: S-metolachlor, 2: metribuzin + fluazifop, 3: imazamox + fluazifop, 4: bentazon + fluazifop, 5: imazamox + bentazon + fluazifop, 6: imazetapyr + fluazifop, 7: fomesafen + fluazifop, 8: lactofen + fluazifop, 9: chlorimuron + fluazifop, 10: chlorimuron + lactofen + fluazifop, 11: capina + fluazifop, 12: testemunha capinada e 13: testemunha sem capina). Verificou-se que não há diferença de seletividade dos herbicidas avaliados para os cultivares BRS Guariba e BRS Xiquexique; os herbicidas 1, 3, 4, 5, e 6 são seletivos para a cultura do feijão-caupi; as misturas 7 e 8 causaram severa intoxicação, prolongamento do ciclo e redução na produtividade do feijão-caupi; Os herbicidas 2, 9 e 10 não são seletivos para o feijão-caupi; as misturas de herbicidas 5 e 6 foram eficazes no controle das espécies de plantas daninhas presentes na área com produtividade equivalente à testemunha capinada; a eficácia de herbicidas ou misturas de herbicidas para o controle de plantas daninhas depende da comunidade infestante.
Eficiência técnica e retorno econômico do manejo de buva resistente ao glyphosate em pré-emergência da soja
Authors: Piasecki Cristiano , Bilibio Marcos Ivan , Cechin Joanei , Schmitz Maicon Fernando , Henckes Jonas Rodrigo , Costa Leandro Oliveira da
Published: April 2017

A liberação comercial da soja Roundup Ready® favoreceu o manejo de plantas daninhas e possibilitou o cultivo da soja RR® e a aplicação do glyphosate em pós-emergência da cultura. No entanto, o uso intensivo deste herbicida selecionou biótipos de buva resistentes e dificultou o controle. Muitos trabalhos avaliam a eficiência técnica de herbicidas, porém, na maioria das vezes, o retorno econômico não é analisado na tomada de decisão sobre a escolha dos herbicidas a serem aplicados. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar a eficiência técnica e o retorno econômico da aplicação de associações e doses de herbicidas no manejo de buva resistente ao glyphosate em pré-emergência da soja. O experimento foi conduzido à campo no delineamento de blocos ao acaso com quatro repetições. Os tratamentos consistiram de associações entre glyphosate, 2,4-D, saflufenacil, diclosulam, chlorimuron-ethyl e flumioxazin. As variáveis analisadas foram controle de buva e fitotoxicidade na soja aos 7, 14, 21 e 35 dias após a aplicação e o rendimento de grãos da soja. O retorno econômico dos tratamentos foi calculado em função do custo dos herbicidas e do rendimento de grãos da soja. Os resultados de controle e rendimento demonstraram que a associação de glyphosate, chlorimuron-ethyl, flumioxazin e 2,4-D e, glyphosate, chlorimuron-ethyl, 2,4-D e saflufenacil apresentaram as melhores respostas de eficiência técnica e, a aplicação do glyphosate, chlorimuron-ethyl e 2,4-D apresentou o melhor retorno econômico. Entretanto, o aumento nas doses de chlorimuron-ethyl e sua associação com flumioxazin não melhorou o controle da buva.
Stick‐slip dynamics of flow‐induced seismicity on rate and state faults
Authors: Cueto‐Felgueroso Luis , Santillán David , Mosquera Juan Carlos
Published: April 2017

Changes in pore pressure due to the injection or extraction of fluids from underground formations may induce potentially damaging earthquakes and/or increase the sensitivity of injection sites to remote triggering. The basic mechanism behind injection‐induced seismicity is a change in effective stress that weakens a preexisting fault. The seismic potential of a given fault is controlled by the partitioning between seismic and aseismic slip events, which emerge as a manifestation of stick‐slip instabilities. Through fully coupled hydromechanical simulations, with fault frictional contact described by the Dieterich‐Ruina “aging” law, we investigate the evolution of slip due to pore pressure increase in an underground injection model. For the same flow conditions and rock mechanical properties, different constitutive parameters lead to a variety of stick‐slip patterns, ranging from stable sliding or a sequence of many small slip events, to a single, larger coseismic event after significant aseismic slip has occurred. Our results suggest that good characterization of fault frictional properties and coupled geomechanical simulations are essential to assess the seismic hazard associated with underground flow processes.
Drivers of Arctic Ocean warming in CMIP5 models
Authors: Burgard Clara , Notz Dirk
Published: April 2017

We investigate changes in the Arctic Ocean energy budget simulated by 26 general circulation models from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 framework. Our goal is to understand whether the Arctic Ocean warming between 1961 and 2099 is primarily driven by changes in the net atmospheric surface flux or by changes in the meridional oceanic heat flux. We find that the simulated Arctic Ocean warming is driven by positive anomalies in the net atmospheric surface flux in 11 models, by positive anomalies in the meridional oceanic heat flux in 11 models, and by positive anomalies in both energy fluxes in four models. The different behaviors are mainly characterized by the different changes in meridional oceanic heat flux that lead to different changes in the turbulent heat loss to the atmosphere. The multimodel ensemble mean is hence not representative of a consensus across the models in Arctic climate projections.
Subauroral polarization stream on the outer boundary of the ring current during an energetic ion injection event
Authors: Yuan Zhigang , Qiao Zheng , Li Haimeng , Huang Shiyong , Wang Dedong , Yu Xiongdong , Yu Tao
Published: April 2017

Subauroral polarization stream (SAPS) electric field can play an important role in the coupling between the inner magnetosphere and ionosphere; however, the production mechanism of SAPS has not been yet solved. During an energetic ion injection event on 26 March 2004, at latitudes lower than the equatorward boundaries of precipitating plasma sheet electrons and ions, the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) F13 satellite simultaneously observed a strong SAPS with the peak velocity of 1294 m/s and downward flowing field‐aligned currents (FACs). Conjugate observations of DMSP F13 and NOAA 15 satellites have shown that FACs flowing into the ionosphere just lie in the outer boundary of the ring current (RC). The downward flowing FACs were observed in a region of positive latitudinal gradients of the ion energy density, implying that the downward flowing FACs are more likely linked to the azimuthal gradient than the radial gradient of the RC ion pressure. Our result demonstrates that RC ion pressure gradients on the outer boundary of the RC in the evening sector during energetic ion injection events can lead to downward flowing FACs so as to cause strong SAPS in condition of low ionospheric conductivities.
Determination of dust aerosol particle size at Gale Crater using REMS UVS and Mastcam measurements
Authors: Vicente‐Retortillo Álvaro , Martínez Germán M. , Renno Nilton O. , Lemmon Mark T. , de la Torre‐Juárez Manuel
Published: April 2017

We calculate the seasonal and interannual variation in dust aerosol particle size above Gale Crater during the first 1413 Martian solar days (sols = 24.6 h) of the Mars Science Laboratory mission. Measurements of UV radiation made by the Rover Environmental Monitoring Station in combination with atmospheric opacities retrieved from the Mastcam instrument are used for the calculations. Our results indicate that the dust effective radius varies significantly with season, ranging from ~0.6 μm during the low opacity season (Ls = 60°–140°) to ~2 μm during the high opacity season (Ls = 180°–360°). Our results suggest that Gale Crater is affected by dust events of high aerosol content originated at various distances from it. Our results improve the accuracy of estimations of ultraviolet radiation fluxes at the Martian surface. Moreover, our results have important implications because the lifetime of suspended dust and its ability to nucleate clouds are affected by particle size.
Global warming and ocean stratification: A potential result of large extraterrestrial impacts
Authors: Joshi Manoj , von Glasow Roland , Smith Robin S. , Paxton Charles G. M. , Maycock Amanda C. , Lunt Daniel J. , Loptson Claire , Markwick Paul
Published: April 2017

The prevailing paradigm for the climatic effects of large asteroid or comet impacts is a reduction in sunlight and significant short‐term cooling caused by atmospheric aerosol loading. Here we show, using global climate model experiments, that the large increases in stratospheric water vapor that can occur upon impact with the ocean cause radiative forcings of over +20 W m−2 in the case of 10 km sized bolides. The result of such a positive forcing is rapid climatic warming, increased upper ocean stratification, and potentially disruption of upper ocean ecosystems. Since two thirds of the world's surface is ocean, we suggest that some bolide impacts may actually warm climate overall. For impacts producing both stratospheric water vapor and aerosol loading, radiative forcing by water vapor can reduce or even cancel out aerosol‐induced cooling, potentially causing 1–2 decades of increased temperatures in both the upper ocean and on the land surface. Such a response, which depends on the ratio of aerosol to water vapor radiative forcing, is distinct from many previous scenarios for the climatic effects of large bolide impacts, which mostly account for cooling from aerosol loading. Finally, we discuss how water vapor forcing from bolide impacts may have contributed to two well‐known phenomena: extinction across the Cretaceous/Paleogene boundary and the deglaciation of the Neoproterozoic snowball Earth.
Prompt GPS TEC response to magnetospheric compression
Authors: Hao Yongqiang , Huang Jianping , Liu Wenlong , Zhang Donghe , Xiao Zuo
Published: April 2017

A new type of total electron content (TEC) variation was observed when an interplanetary shock impacted on the Earth's magnetosphere on 17 March 2015. With hundreds of ground‐based Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers, instantaneous TEC impulses were detected in the signals from four GPS satellites cruising in the dayside equatorial magnetosphere. Despite the small amplitude (0.3 TECU), the impulses were synchronously registered by receivers spreading from low to middle latitudes on the ground; they lasted for several minutes, during which period the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) kept northward. The TEC impulses therefore discriminate themselves from usual traveling ionospheric disturbances and exclude possible effects from the southward IMF‐driven magnetic storm. We suggest that the TEC variation is caused by shock‐induced magnetospheric compression, which moves plasma earthward in the dayside plasmasphere. As a result, some plasma outside of GPS orbit (4.2 RE) is moved to the inside and contributes to the plasma content traversed by GPS raypath. The GPS TEC technique thus exhibits an unprecedented capability to capture small tremor of the magnetosphere, and with the dense receiver network on the ground it can be a feasible tool for remote sensing of the plasma dynamics around 4.2 RE.
27 August 2001 substorm: Preonset phenomena, two main onsets, field‐aligned current systems, and plasma flow channels in the ionosphere and in the magnetosphere
Authors: Mishin V. M. , Mishin V. V. , Lunyushkin S. B. , Wang J. Y. , Moiseev A. V.
Published: April 2017

We supplement the results of the 27 August 2001 substorm studied earlier in the series of papers. Described is the plasma flow in the nightside ionosphere from the near‐polar region from the polar cap to the auroral oval during the substorm preonset phase and two expansion onsets, EO1 and EO2, produced by reconnection in the closed tail (magnetic reconnection (MR1) and in the open tail lobes (MR2), respectively. We discuss the location of the MR2 region (is it near, middle, and/or distant tail?) and the EO2 trigger mechanism. The upward substorm current wedge field‐aligned current (FAC) and the downward FAC in the polar cap dusk sector that were both produced by different types of magnetosphere‐ionosphere feedback instability are found to provide the main contribution to the system of FACs during EO1 and EO2. Also, we obtain the estimates for the EO1 and EO2 power and energy. Addressed are the variations in the tail lobe magnetic flux and their (variations) association with EO2. In addition, we describe a 3‐D system of mesoscale cells, each of which involves a plasma vortex and a local FAC maximum. The cells of this system in the inner magnetosphere and in the tail lobes intensify one after other within 2 min interval. At last, we substantiate the assumption that the fast plasma flow recorded by the Cluster satellites 7 min prior to EO1 was a bursty bulk flow from the most distant tail.
Evaluation of the truebeam machine performance check (MPC): mechanical and collimation checks
Authors: Barnes Michael P , Greer Peter B
Published: April 2017

Machine performance check (MPC) is an automated and integrated image‐based tool for verification of beam and geometric performance of the TrueBeam linac. The aims of the study were to evaluate the performance of the MPC geometric tests relevant to beam collimation (MLC and jaws) and mechanical systems (gantry and collimator). Evaluation was performed by comparing MPC to QA tests performed routinely in the department over a 4‐month period. The MPC MLC tests were compared to an in‐house analysis of the Picket Fence test. The jaw positions were compared against an in‐house EPID‐based method, against the traditional light field and graph paper technique and against the Daily QA3 device. The MPC collimator and gantry were compared against spirit level and the collimator further compared to Picket Fence analysis. In all cases, the results from the routine QA procedure were presented in a form directly comparable to MPC to allow a like‐to‐like comparison. The sensitivity of MPC was also tested by deliberately miscalibrating the appropriate linac parameter. The MPC MLC was found to agree with Picket Fence to within 0.3 mm and the MPC jaw check agreed with in‐house EPID measurements within 0.2 mm. All MPC parameters were found to be accurately sensitive to deliberately introduced calibration errors. For the tests evaluated, MPC appears to be suitable as a daily QA check device.
The effects of temperatures and volumetric expansion on the diffusion of fluids through solid polymers
Authors: Fan Yiming , Gomez Antonio , Ferraro Serena , Pinto Brian , Muliana Anastasia , La Saponara Valeria
Published: April 2017

This study examines moisture sorption behaviors of two glassy polymers, epoxy and vinylester, immersed in different fluids at two temperatures below the glass transition temperatures of the polymers. The main purpose of this study is to understand the effect of volume‐dependent temperatures and deformations on the diffusion process of solid polymers. Diffusivity coefficients are first determined by assuming the diffusion to follow the classical Fickian diffusion. In some cases, moisture sorption led to quite significant changes of volume, and the diffusion process cannot be well described by the Fickian diffusion. In such situation, the coupled deformation–diffusion model for linear elastic isotropic materials presented by Gurtin is adopted, as a first approximation. This coupled deformation‐diffusion model reduces to a Fickian diffusion model when the coupling parameters are absent and the volume changes in the solid polymers during diffusion are negligible. A finite difference method is used in order to solve for the coupled deformation‐diffusion model. The model is used to predict the one‐dimensional moisture diffusion in thin plates and the multiaxial three‐dimensional moisture diffusion in dogbone specimens. The multiaxial diffusion in the dogbone specimens is used to validate the calibrated material parameters from the standard thin plate diffusion characterization. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45151.
The effectiveness of virtual and augmented reality in health sciences and medical anatomy
Authors: Moro Christian , Štromberga Zane , Raikos Athanasios , Stirling Allan
Published: April 2017

Although cadavers constitute the gold standard for teaching anatomy to medical and health science students, there are substantial financial, ethical, and supervisory constraints on their use. In addition, although anatomy remains one of the fundamental areas of medical education, universities have decreased the hours allocated to teaching gross anatomy in favor of applied clinical work. The release of virtual (VR) and augmented reality (AR) devices allows learning to occur through hands‐on immersive experiences. The aim of this research was to assess whether learning structural anatomy utilizing VR or AR is as effective as tablet‐based (TB) applications, and whether these modes allowed enhanced student learning, engagement and performance. Participants (n = 59) were randomly allocated to one of the three learning modes: VR, AR, or TB and completed a lesson on skull anatomy, after which they completed an anatomical knowledge assessment. Student perceptions of each learning mode and any adverse effects experienced were recorded. No significant differences were found between mean assessment scores in VR, AR, or TB. During the lessons however, VR participants were more likely to exhibit adverse effects such as headaches (25% in VR P < 0.05), dizziness (40% in VR, P < 0.001), or blurred vision (35% in VR, P < 0.01). Both VR and AR are as valuable for teaching anatomy as tablet devices, but also promote intrinsic benefits such as increased learner immersion and engagement. These outcomes show great promise for the effective use of virtual and augmented reality as means to supplement lesson content in anatomical education. Anat Sci Educ 10: 549–559. © 2017 American Association of Anatomists.
Internal noise estimates correlate with autistic traits
Authors: Vilidaite Greta , Yu Miaomiao , Baker Daniel H.
Published: April 2017

Previous neuroimaging research has reported increased internal (neural) noise in sensory systems of autistic individuals. However, it is unclear if this difference has behavioural or perceptual consequences, as previous attempts at measuring internal noise in ASD psychophysically have been indirect. Here, we use a “gold standard” psychophysical double‐pass paradigm to investigate the relationship between internal noise and autistic traits in the neurotypical population (n = 43). We measured internal noise in three tasks (contrast perception, facial expression intensity perception, and number summation) to estimate a global internal noise factor using principal components analysis. This global internal noise was positively correlated with autistic traits (rs = 0.32, P = 0.035). This suggests that increased internal noise is associated with the ASD phenotype even in subclinical populations. The finding is discussed in relation to the neural and genetic basis of internal noise in ASD. Autism Res 2017, 10: 1384–1391. © 2017 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Next Generation Sequencing Mitochondrial DNA Analysis in Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Patowary Ashok , Nesbitt Ryan , Archer Marilyn , Bernier Raphael , Brkanac Zoran
Published: April 2017

Autism is a complex genetic disorder where both de‐novo and inherited genetics factors play a role. Next generation sequencing approaches have been extensively used to identify rare variants associated with autism. To date, all such studies were focused on nuclear genome; thereby leaving the role of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variation in autism unexplored. Recently, analytical tools have been developed to evaluate mtDNA in whole‐exome data. We have analyzed the mtDNA sequence derived from whole‐exome sequencing in 10 multiplex families. In one of the families we have identified two variants of interest in MT‐ND5 gene that were previously determined to impair mitochondrial function. In addition in a second family we have identified two VOIs; mtDNA variant in MT‐ATP6 and nuclear DNA variant in NDUFS4, where both VOIs are within mitochondrial Respiratory Chain Complex. Our findings provide further support for the role of mitochondria in ASD and confirm that whole‐exome sequencing allows for analysis of mtDNA, which sets a stage for further comprehensive genetic investigations of the role of mitochondria in autism. Autism Res 2017, 10: 1338–1343. © 2017 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Basic‐education mexican teachers' knowledge of biotechnology and attitudes about the consumption of genetically modified foods*
Authors: Jiménez‐Salas Zacarías , Campos‐Góngora Eduardo , González‐Martínez Blanca E. , Tijerina‐Sáenz Alexandra , Escamilla‐Méndez Angélica D. , Ramírez‐López Erik
Published: April 2017

Over the past few years, a new research field has emerged, focusing on the social‐scientific criteria for the study of opinions toward genetically modified foods (GMFs), since these may be limiting factors for the success or failure of these products. Basic education is the first step in the Mexican education system, and teachers may wield an outsized influence on the attitudes and preferences of children, prospective future consumers of these products. To better understand the current state of knowledge of biotechnology issues and opinions toward the consumption of GMF of Mexican teachers, a questionnaire was distributed, and 362 Mexican teachers of basic education responded. The survey included questions about the benefits and risks of consuming GMF. The mean percentage of teachers expressing knowledge of a given topic in biotechnology was 50%. More than 60% of teachers believed that GMFs would be useful in preventing world hunger, while 39.2% considered GMF to be hazards for future generations. Although 47.0% reported not having enough knowledge about these topics, almost all (90.3%) respondents expressed an interest and willingness to learn about biotechnology. In light of the fact that teachers of basic education represent the first and potentially most lasting stage in the education of young children, this survey establishes the urgent need to develop strategies to improve the scientific knowledge of teachers and to facilitate decision making and the promotion of scientific and technological advances for their students. © 2017 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 45(5):396–402, 2017.
A survey on faculty perspectives on the transition to a biochemistry course‐based undergraduate research experience laboratory
Authors: Craig Paul A.
Published: April 2017

It will always remain a goal of an undergraduate biochemistry laboratory course to engage students hands‐on in a wide range of biochemistry laboratory experiences. In 2006, our research group initiated a project for in silico prediction of enzyme function based only on the 3D coordinates of the more than 3800 proteins “of unknown function” in the Protein Data Bank, many of which resulted from the Protein Structure Initiative. Students have used the ProMOL plugin to the PyMOL molecular graphics environment along with BLAST, Pfam, and Dali to predict protein functions. As young scientists, these undergraduate research students wanted to see if their predictions were correct and so they developed an approach for in vitro testing of predicted enzyme function that included literature exploration, selection of a suitable assay and the search for commercially available substrates. Over the past two years, a team of faculty members from seven different campuses (California Polytechnic San Luis Obispo, Hope College, Oral Roberts University, Rochester Institute of Technology, St. Mary's University, Ursinus College, and Purdue University) have transferred this approach to the undergraduate biochemistry teaching laboratory as a Course‐based Undergraduate Research Experience. A series of ten course modules and eight instructional videos have been created (www.promol.org/home/basil-modules-1) and the group is now expanding these resources, creating assessments and evaluating how this approach helps student to grow as scientists. The focus of this manuscript will be the logistical implications of this transition on campuses that have different cultures, expectations, schedules, and student populations. © 2017 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 45(5):426–436, 2017.
Innovation Capacity and the Implementation of Eco‐innovation: Toward a Contingency Perspective
Authors: Tsai Kuen‐Hung , Liao Yi‐Chuan
Published: April 2017

This study develops a framework by drawing on the perspectives of contingency theory to investigate how innovation capacity affects eco‐innovation. The examination covers four moderators, including customer requirement, export destination, environmental regulation and government subsidy, and focuses on the types of eco‐innovation concerning pollution and waste. A sample of 2964 manufacturing firms from the Taiwanese Technological Innovation Survey is utilized to test the hypotheses. A moderated hierarchical logit method is adopted to analyze the data. The results overall suggest that the effect of innovation capacity on eco‐innovation depends on the levels of the four moderators. Specifically, the results show that innovation capacity has different effects on eco‐innovation when customers have a demand for eco‐innovation, export markets have high environmental awareness, future environmental regulations are expected, and the government provides a subsidy for environmental innovation. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Sustainable Development, Sustainability Leadership and Firm Valuation: Differences across Europe
Authors: Miralles‐Quiros Maria del Mar , Miralles‐Quiros Jose Luis , Arraiano Irene Guia
Published: April 2017

Sustainable development is nowadays a high priority for firms all over the world. Consequently, numerous firms have increased their social responsibility initiatives, reinforcing the credibility and trust of their stakeholders. However, prior research about the relevance of sustainability leadership for the European investment community is scarce. In this context, the aim of this study is to examine whether sustainability leadership – proxied by membership of the Dow Jones Sustainability Index Europe – is value relevant for investors on the 10 major European stock markets over the 2001–2013 period. Our overall results reveal that there exist significant differences across markets. These findings are relevant especially for investors, but also for the managers of listed firms, market regulators and policymakers. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Gastric foreign body: a comb
Authors: Chang Wen‐Jung , Chiu Wen‐Yi
Published: April 2017

Key Clinical Message

The ingestion of a foreign body is a common occurrence. Psychiatric patients and prisoners may swallow objects on purpose. Occasionally emergent exploratory laparotomy may be indicated if the diagnosis is uncertain, and emergent removal of the foreign body may be needed to prevent substantial risk of serious complications including perforation, fistula, or gastrointestinal bleeding.
Association between aggressive care and bereaved families’ evaluation of end‐of‐life care for veterans with non‐small cell lung cancer who died in Veterans Affairs facilities
Authors: Ersek Mary , Miller Susan C. , Wagner Todd H. , Thorpe Joshua M. , Smith Dawn , Levy Cari R. , Gidwani Risha , Faricy‐Anderson Katherine , Lorenz Karl A. , Kinosian Bruce , Mor Vincent
Published: April 2017

BACKGROUND

To the authors’ knowledge, little is known regarding the relationship between patients’ and families’ satisfaction with aggressive end‐of‐life care. Herein, the authors examined the associations between episodes of aggressive care (ie, chemotherapy, mechanical ventilation, acute hospitalizations, and intensive care unit admissions) within the last 30 days of life and families’ evaluations of end‐of‐life care among patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

METHODS

A total of 847 patients with NSCLC (34% of whom were aged <65 years) who died in a nursing home or intensive care, acute care, or hospice/palliative care (HPC) unit at 1 of 128 Veterans Affairs Medical Centers between 2010 and 2012 were examined. Data sources included Veterans Affairs administrative and clinical data, Medicare claims, and the Bereaved Family Survey. The response rate for the Bereaved Family Survey was 62%.

RESULTS

Greater than 72% of veterans with advanced lung cancer who died in an inpatient setting had at least 1 episode of aggressive care and 31% received chemotherapy within the last 30 days of life. For all units except for HPC, when patients experienced at least 1 episode of aggressive care, bereaved families rated care lower compared with when patients did not receive any aggressive care. For patients dying in an HPC unit, the associations between overall ratings of care and ≥2 inpatient admissions or any episode of aggressive care were not found to be statistically significant. Rates of aggressive care were not associated with age, and family ratings of care were similar for younger and older patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Aggressive care within the last month of life is common among patients with NSCLC and is associated with lower family evaluations of end‐of‐life care. Specialized care provided within an HPC unit may mitigate the negative effects of aggressive care on these outcomes. Cancer 2017;123:3186–94. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Low‐Temperature Modification of ZnO Nanoparticles Film for Electron‐Transport Layers in Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Han Gill Sang , Shim Hyun‐Woo , Lee Seongha , Duff Matthew L. , Lee Jung‐Kun
Published: April 2017

An electron‐transport layer (ETL) that selectively collects photogenerated electrons is an important constituent of halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Although TiO2 films are widely used as ETL of PSCs, the processing of TiO2 films with high electron mobility requires high‐temperature annealing and TiO2 dissociates the perovskite layer through a photocatalytic reaction. Here, we report an effective surface‐modification method of a room‐temperature processed ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) layer as an alternative to the TiO2 ETL. A combination of simple UV exposure and nitric acid treatment effectively removes the hydroxyl group and passivates surface defects in ZnO NPs. The surface modification of ZnO NPs increases the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of PSCs to 14 % and decreases the aging of PSCs under light soaking. These results suggest that the surface‐modified ZnO film can be a good ETL of PSCs and provide a path toward low‐temperature processing of efficient and stable PSCs that are compatible with flexible electronics.
A Reversed Photosynthesis‐like Process for Light‐Triggered CO2 Capture, Release, and Conversion
Authors: Wang Dingguan , Liao Shenglong , Zhang Shiming , Wang Yapei
Published: April 2017

Materials for CO2 capture have been extensively exploited for climate governance and gas separation. However, their regeneration is facing the problems of high energy cost and secondary CO2 contamination. Herein, a reversed photosynthesis‐like process is proposed, in which CO2 is absorbed in darkness while being released under light illumination. The process is likely supplementary to natural photosynthesis of plants, in which, on the contrary, CO2 is released during the night. Remarkably, the material used here is able to capture 9.6 wt.% CO2 according to its active component. Repeatable CO2 capture at room temperature and release under light irradiation ensures its convenient and cost‐effective regeneration. Furthermore, CO2 released from the system is successfully converted into a stable compound in tandem with specific catalysts.