bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In situ measurements and modeling of reactive trace gases in a small biomass burning plume
Authors: Müller Markus , Anderson Bruce E. , Beyersdorf Andreas J. , Crawford James H. , Diskin Glenn S. , Eichler Philipp , Fried Alan , Keutsch Frank N. , Mikoviny Tomas , Thornhill Kenneth L. , Walega James G. , Weinheimer Andrew J. , Yang Melissa , Yokelson Robert J. , Wisthaler Armin
Published: March 2016

Abstract. An instrumented NASA P-3B aircraft was used for airborne sampling of trace gases in a plume that had emanated from a small forest understory fire in Georgia, USA. The plume was sampled at its origin to derive emission factors and followed  ∼ 13.6 km downwind to observe chemical changes during the first hour of atmospheric aging. The P-3B payload included a proton-transfer-reaction time-of-flight mass spectrometer (PTR-ToF-MS), which measured non-methane organic gases (NMOGs) at unprecedented spatiotemporal resolution (10 m spatial/0.1 s temporal). Quantitative emission data are reported for CO2, CO, NO, NO2, HONO, NH3, and 16 NMOGs (formaldehyde, methanol, acetonitrile, propene, acetaldehyde, formic acid, acetone plus its isomer propanal, acetic acid plus its isomer glycolaldehyde, furan, isoprene plus isomeric pentadienes and cyclopentene, methyl vinyl ketone plus its isomers crotonaldehyde and methacrolein, methylglyoxal, hydroxy acetone plus its isomers methyl acetate and propionic acid, benzene, 2,3-butanedione, and 2-furfural) with molar emission ratios relative to CO larger than 1 ppbV ppmV−1. Formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, 2-furfural, and methanol dominated NMOG emissions. No NMOGs with more than 10 carbon atoms were observed at mixing ratios larger than 50 pptV ppmV−1 CO. Downwind plume chemistry was investigated using the observations and a 0-D photochemical box model simulation. The model was run on a nearly explicit chemical mechanism (MCM v3.3) and initialized with measured emission data. Ozone formation during the first hour of atmospheric aging was well captured by the model, with carbonyls (formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, 2,3-butanedione, methylglyoxal, 2-furfural) in addition to CO and CH4 being the main drivers of peroxy radical chemistry. The model also accurately reproduced the sequestration of NOx into peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN) and the OH-initiated degradation of furan and 2-furfural at an average OH concentration of 7.45 ± 1.07 × 106 cm−3 in the plume. Formaldehyde, acetone/propanal, acetic acid/glycolaldehyde, and maleic acid/maleic anhydride (tentatively identified) were found to be the main NMOGs to increase during 1 h of atmospheric plume processing, with the model being unable to capture the observed increase. A mass balance analysis suggests that about 50 % of the aerosol mass formed in the downwind plume is organic in nature.
Uncertainty and detectability of climate surface response to large volcanic eruptions
Authors: Wunderlich Fabian , Mitchell Daniel M.
Published: March 2016

Abstract. In light of the range in presently available observational, reanalysis and model data, we revisit the surface climate response to large tropical volcanic eruptions from the end of the 19th century until present. We focus on the dynamical driven response of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and the radiative driven tropical temperature response. Using ten different reanalysis products and the Hadley Centre Sea Level Pressure observational dataset (HadSLP2) we confirm a positive tendency in the phase of the NAO during boreal winters following large volcanic eruptions, although conclude that it is not as clear cut as the current literature suggests. Especially during poorly observed periods where higher uncertainties produce a less robust signal. The phase of the NAO leads to a dynamically driven warm anomaly over Northern Europe. At the same time, there is a general cooling of the tropical surface temperatures due to the reduced incoming shortwave radiation. The magnitude of this cooling is uncertain and is hard to isolate using observational data alone (mainly due to the presence of El Niño). Therefore we use regression-based detection and attribution techniques to investigate the volcanic temperature signal with eight Coupled Model Inter-comparison Project phase 5 (CMIP5) models. In all models the volcanic signal can be detected but a general overestimation of the surface cooling is found. The enhanced surface cooling in models is likely driven, in part, by an over absorption of SW radiation in the lower stratosphere, but aliasing with El Niño events is also an issue and further process based studies are necessary to confirm these.
Differential Absorption Radar Techniques: Water Vapor Retrievals
Authors: Millan Luis , Lebsock Matthew , Livesey Nathaniel , Tanelli Simone
Published: March 2016

Abstract. Two radar pulses sent at different frequencies near the 183 GHz water vapor line can be used to determine total column water vapor and water vapor profiles (within clouds or precipitation) exploiting the differential absorption on and off the line. We asses these water vapor measurements by applying a radar instrument simulator to CloudSat pixels and then, running end-to-end retrieval simulations. These end-to-end retrievals enable us to fully characterize not only the expected precision but also their potential biases, allowing us to select radar tones that maximize the water vapor signal minimizing potential errors due to spectral variations in the target extinction properties. A hypothetical CloudSat-like instrument with 500m by ~1 km vertical and horizontal resolution and a minimum detectable signal and radar precision of −30 dBZ and 0.16 dBZ, respectively, can estimate total column water vapor with an expected precision of around 0.03 cm with potential biases most of the time smaller than 0.26 cm, even under rainy conditions. The expected precision for water vapor profiles was found to be on average around 89 % with potential biases most of the time smaller than 77 % when the profile is being retrieved close to surface but smaller than 38 % above 3 km. By using either horizontal or vertical averaging, the precision will improve vastly with the measurements still retaining a considerably high vertical and/or horizontal resolution.
Hotspots of tropical land use emissions: patterns, uncertainties, and leading emission sources for the period 2000–2005
Authors: Roman-Cuesta Rosa Maria , Rufino Mariana  C. , Herold Martin , Butterbach-Bahl Klaus , Rosenstock Todd S. , Herrero Mario , Ogle Stephen , Li Changsheng , Poulter Benjamin , Verchot Louis , Martius Christopher , Stuiver John , de Bruin Sytze
Published: March 2016

Abstract. According to the latest report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), emissions must be cut by 41–72 % below 2010 levels by 2050 for a likely chance of containing the global mean temperature increase to 2 °C. The AFOLU sector (Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Use) roughly contributes with a quarter (~ 10–12 PgCO2e.yr−1) of the net anthropogenic GHG emissions mainly from deforestation, fire, wood harvesting, and agricultural emissions including croplands, paddy rice and livestock. In spite of the importance of this sector, it is unclear where are the regions in the planet with AFOLU emissions hotspots, and how uncertain these emissions are. Here we present a novel spatially comparable dataset containing annual mean estimates of gross AFOLU emissions (CO2, CH4, N2O), associated uncertainties, and leading emission sources, in a spatially disaggregated manner (0.5°), for the tropics, for the period 2000–2005. Our data highlight: i) the existence of AFOLU emissions hotspots on all continents, with particular importance of evergreen rainforest deforestation in Central and South America, fire in dry forests in Africa, and both peatland emissions and agriculture in Asia; ii) a predominant contribution of forests and CO2 to the total AFOLU emissions (75 %) and to their uncertainties (98 %), iii) higher gross fluxes from forests coincide with higher uncertainties, making agricultural hotspots more appealing for effective mitigation action, and iv) a lower contribution of non-CO2 agricultural emissions to the total gross budget (ca. 25 %) with livestock (15.5 %) and rice (7 %) leading the emissions. Gross AFOLU tropical emissions 8.2 (5.5–12.2) were in the range of other databases 8.4 and 8.0 PgCO2e.yr−1 (FAOSTAT and EDGAR respectively), but we offer a spatially detailed benchmark for monitoring progress on reducing emissions from the land sector in the tropics. The location of the AFOLU hotspots of emissions and data on their associated uncertainties, will assist national policy makers, investors and other decision-makers who seek to understand the mitigation potential of the AFOLU sector.
Phase relationships between orbital forcing and the composition of air trapped in Antarctic ice cores
Authors: Bazin Lucie , Landais Amaelle , Capron Emilie , Masson-Delmotte Valérie , Ritz Catherine , Picard Ghislain , Jouzel Jean , Dumont Marie , Leuenberger Markus , Prié Frédéric
Published: March 2016

Abstract. Orbital tuning is central for ice core chronologies beyond annual layer counting, available back to 60 ka (i.e. thousands of years before 1950) for Greenland ice cores. While several complementary orbital tuning tools have recently been developed using δ18Oatm, δO2⁄N2 and air content with different orbital targets, quantifying their uncertainties remains a challenge. Indeed, the exact processes linking variations of these parameters, measured in the air trapped in ice, to their orbital targets are not yet fully understood. Here, we provide new series of δO2∕N2 and δ18Oatm data encompassing Marine Isotopic Stage (MIS) 5 (between 100 and 160 ka) and the oldest part (340–800 ka) of the East Antarctic EPICA Dome C (EDC) ice core. For the first time, the measurements over MIS 5 allow an inter-comparison of δO2∕N2 and δ18Oatm records from three East Antarctic ice core sites (EDC, Vostok and Dome F). This comparison highlights some site-specific δO2∕N2 variations. Such an observation, the evidence of a 100 ka periodicity in the δO2∕N2 signal and the difficulty to identify extrema and mid-slopes in δO2∕N2 increase the uncertainty associated with the use of δO2∕N2 as an orbital tuning tool, now calculated to be 3–4 ka. When combining records of δ18Oatm and δO2∕N2 from Vostok and EDC, we find a loss of orbital signature for these two parameters during periods of minimum eccentricity (∼ 400 ka, ∼ 720–800 ka). Our data set reveals a time-varying offset between δO2∕N2 and δ18Oatm records over the last 800 ka that we interpret as variations in the lagged response of δ18Oatm to precession. The largest offsets are identified during Terminations II, MIS 8 and MIS 16, corresponding to periods of destabilization of the Northern polar ice sheets. We therefore suggest that the occurrence of Heinrich–like events influences the response of δ18Oatm to precession.
An open-source MEteoroLOgical observation time series DISaggregation Tool (MELODIST v0.1.0)
Authors: Förster Kristian , Hanzer Florian , Winter Benjamin , Marke Thomas , Strasser Ulrich
Published: March 2016

Abstract. Hourly meteorological time series are required in many applications in geoscientific modelling. These hourly time series generally cover shorter periods of time compared to daily meteorological time series. We present an open-source MEteoroLOgical observation time series DISaggregation Tool (MELODIST). This software package is written in Python and comprises simple methods to temporally downscale (disaggregate) daily meteorological time series to hourly data. MELODIST is capable of disaggregating the most commonly used meteorological variables for geoscientific modelling including temperature, precipitation, humidity, wind speed, and shortwave radiation. In this way, disaggregation is performed independently for each variable considering a single site without spatial dependencies. The algorithms are validated against observed meteorological time series for five sites in different climates. Results indicate a good reconstruction of diurnal features at those sites. This makes the methodology interesting to users of models operating at hourly time steps who want to apply their models for longer periods of time not covered by hourly observations.
Debris flow impact estimation on a rigid barrier
Authors: Vagnon Federico , Segalini Andrea
Published: March 2016

Abstract. The aim of this paper is to analyse debris flow impact against rigid and undrained barrier in order to propose a new formulation for the estimation of acting force after the flow impact to safe design protection structures. For this reason this work concentrate on the flow impact, by performing a series of small scale tests in a specifically created flume. Flow characteristics (flow height and velocity) and applied loads (dynamic and static) on barrier were measured using 4 ultrasonic devices, 4 load cells and a contact surface pressure gauge. The results obtained were compared with main existing models and a new equation is proposed. Furthermore, a brief review of the small scale theory was provided to analyse the scale effects that can affect the results.
Estimating the State of a Geophysical System with Sparse Observations: Time Delay Methods to Achieve Accurate Initial States for Prediction
Authors: An Zhe , Rey Daniel , Ye Jing Xin , Abarbanel Henry D. I.
Published: March 2016

Abstract. The data assimilation process, in which observational data is used to estimate the states and parameters of a dynamical model, becomes seriously impeded when the model expresses chaotic behavior and the number of measurements is below a critical threshold, Ls. Since this problem of insufficient measurements is typical across many fields, including numerical weather prediction, we analyze a method introduced in Rey et al. (2014a, b) to remedy this matter, in the context of the nonlinear shallow water equations on a β-plane. This approach generalizes standard nudging methods by utilizing time delayed measurements to augment the transfer of information from the data to the model. We will show it provides a sizable reduction in the number of observations required to construct accurate estimates and high-quality predictions. For instance, in Whartenby et al. (2013) we found that to achieve this goal, standard nudging requires observing approximately 70 % of the full set of state variables. Using time delays, this number can be reduced to about 33 %, and even further if Lagrangian drifter information is also incorporated.
Classroom community and discourse: How argumentation emerges during a Socratic circle
Authors: Brown Alexis Carmela
Published: March 2016

Literacy and language development is a central aspect of educational theory and practice.  One area of literacy and rowlanguage research that has had a lot of attention is dialogic teaching (Bakhtin, 1984; Freire, 1970; Murphey, Wilkinson, Soter, Hennessey, & Alexander, 2009; Reznitskaya & Gregory, 2013).  However, there is limited research on how high school students use their classroom discourse to construct meaning, especially in argumentation.  The purpose of this data analysis is to investigate the emergence of argumentation literacy in a Socratic circle.  Socratic circles, a literacy practice consisting of two concentric circles of students focused around a piece of text, are used to provide students with the opportunity to co-construct meaning through classroom dialogue (Copeland, 2005).  The emergence and construction of argumentation is analyzed by applying discourse analysis to a video of a high school classroom,.  Findings from this analysis reveal that through the use of exploratory talk, three discourse patterns emerge that are in line with argumentation practices: (1) generalizations, (2) communicative struggles, and (3) co-construction of ideas.  Results of the analysis are discussed to inform theory and instruction on dialogic teaching and the use of Socratic circles to develop argumentation-related forms of literacy.
Editors' Introduction
Authors: Smith Jackie , Bair Jennifer , Byrd Scott , Weddington George
Published: March 2016

N/A
III. Entrevistas
Authors: Arredondo Erika
Published: March 2016

Número misceláneo
Teachers’ Perceptions of Engagement and Effectiveness of School Community Partnerships: NASA’s Online STEM Professional Development
Authors: Keil Matthew J. , Rupley William H. , Nichols Janet A. , Nichols William Dee , Paige David , Rasinski Timothy V.
Published: March 2016

Data were collected from 32 teachers using mixed methods to investigate their perceptions of the value of online professional development (PD) offered through a school-community partnership with National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The partnership between multiple school districts nationwide and NASA provided teachers with an online Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) PD course called MicroGX. Data from this study provide evidence that teachers perceived MicroGX as a positive PD experience. Teachers indicated that they would recommend this PD to other teachers, and overall were satisfied with interaction with others, resources, support, content, and content delivery. Effective PD components include building teachers’ content knowledge, impacting students’ learning, increasing teaching resources, and providing support for participation in PD.
A Social-Cognitive Exploration of the Career and College Understanding of Young Adults with Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Gibbons Melinda M. , Justina Hyfantis , Cihak David F. , Wright Rachel , Mynatt Blair
Published: March 2016

Students with intellectual disabilities (ID) are less likely to continue their education or become employed after high school. Although transition services are provided, little is known about students’ understanding of their post-high school options. Using a social cognitive framework, the authors interviewed students with ID to determine their career and college understanding. Qualitative content analysis revealed varying amounts of perceived barriers and supports, including limited college and career knowledge. This article includes implications for school counselors.
A representação da geografia humana no comitê assessor do CNPq
Authors: Vasconcelos Pedro de Almeida
Published: March 2016

As reflexões desse texto centram-se na apresentação do conjunto de normas que regem o CNPq, relacionando cargos e suas respectivas funções, comentando-os sobre o ponto de vista deste professor, que hoje ocupa o lugar de representante da Geografia Humana, no Comitê Assessor deste órgão. Este estudo, mais que uma constatação, - tendo em vista que os dados, aqui comentados, sobre a escassez de bolsas da Capes para a Geografia Humana são de fácil acesso na Internet – pretende chamar a atenção para essa realidade que tem prejudicado os pesquisadores dessa ciência e exige que seja ampliado o número de bolsas, proporcionando oportunidades de pesquisa e crescimento na pós-graduação.
Geografia: formação, escolas e institucionalização
Authors: Silva José Borzacchiello da
Published: March 2016

O presente estudo traça a trajetória da Geografia dentro da história, comentando suas várias fases até que se cheque a atual situação em que o trabalho do geógrafo ganha destaque e a disciplina, muitas vezes, questionada quanto ao fato de ser ou não uma ciência, enfim tem conquistado o devido reconhecimento, sendo necessário destacar que a Anpege tem grande responsabilidade nesse avanço, por resgatar a historicidade da Geografia tanto na perspectiva de sua epistemologia quanto na condição de estrutura institucional e cumprir com o seu papel político na pesquisa e na pós-graduação Explorando os estágios pelos quais esta ciência passou, percebe-se que o constante fazer e desfazer do mundo, o capitalismo, a globalização, os avanços tecnológicos e os meios de comunicação constantemente a realidade, objeto de leitura e fonte de pesquisa e estudo da Geografia.
Panel Discussion and the Development of Students’ Self Confidence
Authors: Anwar Khoirul
Published: March 2016

This study is to analyze the use of panel discussion towards the development of students’ self confidence in learning the content subject of qualitative research concept. The study uses mix-method in which questionnaire and interview are conducted at the class of qualitative research of the sixth semester consisting twenty students especially after the implementation of a lesson study project. The results show that panel discussion has potential impacts on the students’ self-confidence in learning the content subject of qualitative research concept. It is also found out that the appropriate teaching procedures of the panel discussion are as follows; (1) let the students recognize learning exposures naturally by themselves (like reading research journals); (2) ask them to share, present, and discuss in a small group (in a limited number of students) to practice having mutual interaction among friends; (3) if the individuals have equipped themselves with the clear ideas of the small group, let them share in a big panel discussion. Hence, the individual self-confidence is naturally formed by the frequency of interaction among friends by sharing, discussions, and presentions.
Pyrolysis of casein, characterization and properties of obtained solid and liquid products
Authors: Purevsuren B. , Davaajav Ya. , Batkhishig D.
Published: March 2016

Have been determined the technical characteristics and elemental composition of milk casein. Pyrolysis experiments of casein carried out at different heating temperatures and determined the yields of obtained solid (biochar), liquid (tar and pyrolysis water) and gas products. A temperature around 550ºC determined as an optimal heating temperature of pyrolysis and approximately 28.33% biochar, 37.38% tar, 13.23% pyrolysis water and 20.84% gas obtained after pyrolysis. First time a biochar with higher content of nitrogen was obtained by pyrolysis of casein and determined it is elemental composition and technical specifications. The porous structure of casein biochar was characterized by mercury porosimeter and SEM analysis confirmed that casein biochar has mostly meso and macro pores. The casein tar had the elemental composition: C-66.7%, H-8.3%, N-12.1%, O-12.9% and was completely soluble in 1-methyl-2-pyrroldinone. The tar consisted mostly of moderate molecular mass components with SEC elution times between 18-26 min and an estimated mass range up to 3000-5000 mass units as well as some larger size components, possibly 3-dimentional. The property and determined chemical composition of casein tar by GC/MS analysis were an evidence for using it as a curing agent for crosslinking reactions of epoxy resins. The necessary amount of tar for curing reaction of epoxy resin was determined experimentally as a 15-20% for the stoichiometric amount of reactive epoxy groups (15-20% epoxy group content) in epoxy resin and obtained cured epoxy resin with 95% degree of crosslinking reaction. Have been suggested several curing reaction schemes of epoxy resin with amines, nitriles and phenols of the casein tar
Alkaloids from Sedum telephium L.
Authors: Gerelt-Od Ya. , Solongo A , Javzan S. , Philipov S. , Selenge D.
Published: March 2016

The crude alkaloid mixtures from the aerial parts S.telephium was analyzed by GC-MS method. As a result 14 compounds, including 6 alkaloids were characterized. 3-methyl-2-carbethoxyindole (4.730%), 2-(2-hydroxyphenyl) benzothiazole (1.576%) and N,4, 5-trimethyl phenyl-1,2-diamine, (1.217%) were in higher contents. One sulfur-containing alkaloid 2-(2-hydroxyphenyl) benzothiazole has been identified. These six alkaloids are described for the first time from this plant.Mongolian Journal of Chemistry 16 (42), 2015, 44-47
Enhanced Training Methods Ease Technology Transitions
Authors: Bopaiah Suman , Hanratty James
Published: March 2016

Effective training allowed operations and maintenance staff at the world's largest ultraviolet light drinking water disinfection facility to successfully take the helm after a two‐year commissioning period.
How Do You Read a Pump Performance Curve?
Authors: Kutin Stan
Published: March 2016

Understanding how to read a pump curve is critical to selecting the right pump for a water system. Selecting the right pump will, in turn, maximize pump and system efficiency as well as contribute to overall longer operational life.
Evolutionary genomics of epidemic visceral leishmaniasis in the Indian subcontinent
Authors: Imamura Hideo , Downing Tim , Van den Broeck Frederik , Sanders Mandy J , Rijal Suman , Sundar Shyam , Mannaert An , Vanaerschot Manu , Berg Maya , De Muylder Géraldine , Dumetz Franck , Cuypers Bart , Maes Ilse , Domagalska Malgorzata , Decuypere Saskia , Rai Keshav , Uranw Surendra , Bhattarai Narayan Raj , Khanal Basudha , Prajapati Vijay Kumar , Sharma Smriti , Stark Olivia , Schönian Gabriele , De Koning Harry P , Settimo Luca , Vanhollebeke Benoit , Roy Syamal , Ostyn Bart , Boelaert Marleen , Maes Louis , Berriman Matthew , Dujardin Jean-Claude , Cotton James A
Published: March 2016

Leishmania donovani causes visceral leishmaniasis (VL), the second most deadly vector-borne parasitic disease. A recent epidemic in the Indian subcontinent (ISC) caused up to 80% of global VL and over 30,000 deaths per year. Resistance against antimonial drugs has probably been a contributing factor in the persistence of this epidemic. Here we use whole genome sequences from 204 clinical isolates to track the evolution and epidemiology of L. donovani from the ISC. We identify independent radiations that have emerged since a bottleneck coincident with 1960s DDT spraying campaigns. A genetically distinct population frequently resistant to antimonials has a two base-pair insertion in the aquaglyceroporin gene LdAQP1 that prevents the transport of trivalent antimonials. We find evidence of genetic exchange between ISC populations, and show that the mutation in LdAQP1 has spread by recombination. Our results reveal the complexity of L. donovani evolution in the ISC in response to drug treatment.
Brain-wide mapping of neural activity controlling zebrafish exploratory locomotion
Authors: Dunn Timothy W , Mu Yu , Narayan Sujatha , Randlett Owen , Naumann Eva A , Yang Chao-Tsung , Schier Alexander F , Freeman Jeremy , Engert Florian , Ahrens Misha B
Published: March 2016

In the absence of salient sensory cues to guide behavior, animals must still execute sequences of motor actions in order to forage and explore. How such successive motor actions are coordinated to form global locomotion trajectories is unknown. We mapped the structure of larval zebrafish swim trajectories in homogeneous environments and found that trajectories were characterized by alternating sequences of repeated turns to the left and to the right. Using whole-brain light-sheet imaging, we identified activity relating to the behavior in specific neural populations that we termed the anterior rhombencephalic turning region (ARTR). ARTR perturbations biased swim direction and reduced the dependence of turn direction on turn history, indicating that the ARTR is part of a network generating the temporal correlations in turn direction. We also find suggestive evidence for ARTR mutual inhibition and ARTR projections to premotor neurons. Finally, simulations suggest the observed turn sequences may underlie efficient exploration of local environments.
Fabrication of short-period poled structures and UV sum-frequency generation in 8 mol % MgO-doped congruent LiTaO3 crystal
Authors: Oka Toshiharu , Suhara Toshiaki
Published: March 2016

Heavily (8 mol %) MgO-doped congruent LiTaO3 (MgO:cLT) crystal has wider transparency range and is expected to have higher photorefractive damage resistance than LiNbO3 or non-doped LT crystal. We obtained uniform PP structures with periods of ∼7 and ∼2 µm in MgO:cLT crystal and demonstrated UV sum-frequency generation (SFG) experiments at 355 nm wavelength for the first time. The FWHM temperature acceptance bandwidths and the normalized SFG efficiencies were close to the calculated values.
Fabrication of organic FETs based on printing techniques and the improvement of FET properties by the insertion of solution-processable buffer layers
Authors: Itoh Eiji , Kanamori Akira
Published: March 2016

In this study, we developed multilayer deposition and patterning processes that can be used to fabricate all-printed, organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) on the basis of vacuum-free, solution-processable soft-lithography techniques. We have used regioregular poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) as a soluble p-type polymer semiconductor and (6,6)-phenyl C61 butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) as a soluble n-type semiconductor, and cross-linked poly(vinyl phenol) (CL-PVP) as a low-temperature (<150 °C)-curable soluble polymer gate insulator. We have compared the electrical properties of OFETs with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), silver nanoparticles (NPs), and their composites (or multilayers) as printed source–drain (S–D) electrodes in order to fabricate vacuum-free, all-printed OFETs. The P3HT-OFETs with MWCNT S–D electrodes exhibited higher hole mobility and on/off ratios than the devices with Ag NP S–D electrodes owing to better contact at the MWCNT/P3HT interface. On the other hand, Ag/molybdenum oxide (MoO3) S–D electrodes considerably enhanced the hole injection and caused the reduction in the on/off ratio and the difficulty in turning off the devices. The PCBM-OFETs with MWCNT S–D electrodes also exhibited higher electron mobility that is almost comparable to that of P3HT-OFETs and lower threshold voltage, which was considered to be due to the enhanced electron injection at the electrode interface.
Magneto-optical switching devices based on Si resonators
Authors: Noda Kazuki , Okada Kazuya , Amemiya Yoshiteru , Yokoyama Shin
Published: March 2016

The magneto-optical switching devices based on Si ring and Si photonic crystal resonators have been fabricated using a Bi3Fe5O12 (BIG) film deposited by the metal organic decomposition (MOD) method. The quality of the obtained BIG film was evaluated by X-ray diffraction and the magneto-optical Kerr effect and relatively good results were obtained. The light modulations of both devices were ≦20% at a wavelength of ∼1.5 µm. The operation mechanisms of both devices are explained by the Cotton–Mouton effect where the magnetic field direction is perpendicular to the light propagation direction.
Questions of time and affect: a person’s affectivity profile, time perspective, and well-being
Authors: Garcia Danilo , Sailer Uta , Nima Ali Al , Archer Trevor
Published: March 2016

Background.A “balanced” time perspective has been suggested to have a positive influence on well-being: a sentimental and positive view of the past (high Past Positive), a less pessimistic attitude toward the past (low Past Negative), the desire of experiencing pleasure with slight concern for future consequences (high Present Hedonistic), a less fatalistic and hopeless view of the future (low Present Fatalistic), and the ability to find reward in achieving specific long-term goals (high Future). We used the affective profiles model (i.e., combinations of individuals’ experience of high/low positive/negative affectivity) to investigate differences between individuals in time perspective dimensions and to investigate if the influence of time perspective dimensions on well-being was moderated by the individual’s type of profile.

Method.Participants (N= 720) answered to the Positive Affect Negative Affect Schedule, the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory and two measures of well-being: the Temporal Satisfaction with Life Scale and Ryff’s Scales of Psychological Well-Being-short version. A Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) was conducted to identify differences in time perspective dimensions and well-being among individuals with distinct affective profiles. Four structural equation models (SEM) were used to investigate which time perspective dimensions predicted well-being for individuals in each profile.

Results.Comparisons between individuals at the extreme of the affective profiles model suggested that individuals with a self-fulfilling profile (high positive/low negative affect) were characterized by a “balanced” time perspective and higher well-being compared to individuals with a self-destructive profile (low positive/high negative affect). However, a different pattern emerged when individuals who differed in one affect dimension but matched in the other were compared to each other. For instance, decreases in the past negative time perspective dimension lead to high positive affect when negative affect is high (i.e., self-destructive vs. high affective) but to low negative affect when positive affect was high (i.e., high affective vs. self-fulfilling). The moderation analyses showed, for example, that for individuals with a self-destructive profile, psychological well-being was significantly predicted by the past negative, present fatalistic and future time perspectives. Among individuals with a high affective or a self-fulfilling profile, psychological well-being was significantly predicted by the present fatalistic dimension.

Conclusions.The interactions found here go beyond the postulation of a “balanced” time perspective being the only way to promote well-being. Instead, we present a more person-centered approach to achieve higher levels of emotional, cognitive, and psychological well-being.
Combined Whole Eye and Face Transplant
Authors: Ceradini Daniel J. , Tran David L. , Dedania Vaidehi S. , Gelb Bruce E. , Cohen Oriana D. , Flores Roberto L. , Levine Jamie P. , Saadeh Pierre B. , Staffenberg David A. , Ben Youss Zakia , Filipiak Patryk , Baete Steven H. , Rodriguez Eduardo D.
Published: September 2024

Importance

Catastrophic facial injury with globe loss remains a formidable clinical problem with no previous reports of reconstruction by whole eye or combined whole eye and facial transplant.

Objective

To develop a microsurgical strategy for combined whole eye and facial transplant and describe the clinical findings during the first year following transplant.

Design, Setting, and Participant

A 46-year-old man who sustained a high-voltage electrical injury with catastrophic tissue loss to his face and left globe underwent combined whole eye and face transplant using personalized surgical devices and a novel microsurgical strategy at a specialized center for vascularized composite allotransplantation.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Reperfusion and viability of the whole eye and facial allografts, retinal function, and incidence of acute rejection.

Results

The patient underwent a combined whole eye and face transplant from an immunologically compatible donor with primary optic nerve coaptation and conventional postoperative immunosuppression. Globe and retinal perfusion were maintained throughout the immediate postoperative period, evidenced by fluorescein angiography. Optical coherence tomography demonstrated atrophy of inner retinal layers and attenuation and disruption of the ellipsoid zone. Serial electroretinography confirmed retinal responses to light in the transplanted eye. Using structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging, the integrity of the transplanted visual pathways and potential occipital cortical response to light stimulation of the transplanted eye was demonstrated. At 1 year post transplant (postoperative day 366), there was no perception of light in the transplanted eye.

Conclusions and Relevance

This is the first report of whole eye transplant combined with facial transplant, demonstrating allograft survival including rejection-free graft survival and electroretinographic measurements indicating retinal response to light stimuli. These data highlight the potential for clinical allotransplantation for globe loss.
Ending Unequal Treatment and Achieving Optimal Health for All
Authors: Benjamin Georges C. , DeVoe Jennifer E. , Amankwah Francis K.
Published: September 2024

This Viewpoint discusses the findings of a recent National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine report suggesting that current health care delivery and accountability structures perpetuate, rather than reduce, health inequities and details several changes needed to address these structural problems.
Cybersecurity Lessons From the Change Healthcare Attack
Authors: Neprash Hannah T. , Dameff Christian , Tully Jeffrey
Published: September 2024

This Viewpoint describes the consequences of the ransomware attack on Change Healthcare and the need for increased cybersecurity measures in the health care infrastructure.
Error Management Training and Adaptive Expertise in Learning Computed Tomography Interpretation
Authors: Aliaga Leonardo , Bavolek Rebecca A. , Cooper Benjamin , Mariorenzi Amy , Ahn James , Kraut Aaron , Duong David , Burger Catherine , Gisondi Michael A.
Published: September 2024

Importance

Adaptive expertise helps physicians apply their skills to novel clinical cases and reduce preventable errors. Error management training (EMT) has been shown to improve adaptive expertise with procedural skills; however, its application to cognitive skills in medical education is unclear.

Objective

To evaluate whether EMT improves adaptive expertise when learning the cognitive skill of head computed tomography (CT) interpretation.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This 3-arm randomized clinical trial was conducted from July 8, 2022, to March 30, 2023, in 7 geographically diverse emergency medicine residency programs. Participants were postgraduate year 1 through 4 emergency medicine residents masked to the hypothesis.

Interventions

Participants were randomized 1:1:1 to a difficult EMT, easy EMT, or error avoidance training (EAT) control learning strategy for completing an online head CT curriculum. Both EMT cohorts received no didactic instruction before scrolling through head CT cases, whereas the EAT group did. The difficult EMT cohort answered difficult questions about the teaching cases, leading to errors, whereas the easy EMT cohort answered easy questions, leading to fewer errors. All 3 cohorts used the same cases.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was a difference in adaptive expertise among the 3 cohorts, as measured using a head CT posttest. Secondary outcomes were (1) differences in routine expertise, (2) whether the quantity of errors during training mediated differences in adaptive expertise, and (3) the interaction between prior residency training and the learning strategies.

Results

Among 212 randomized participants (mean [SD] age, 28.8 [2.0] years; 107 men [50.5%]), 70 were allocated to the difficult EMT, 71 to the easy EMT, and 71 to the EAT control cohorts; 150 participants (70.8%) completed the posttest. The difficult EMT cohort outperformed both the easy EMT and EAT cohorts on adaptive expertise cases (60.6% [95% CI, 56.1%-65.1%] vs 45.2% [95% CI, 39.9%-50.6%], vs 40.9% [95% CI, 36.0%-45.7%], respectively; P < .001), with a large effect size (η2 = 0.19). There was no significant difference in routine expertise. The difficult EMT cohort made more errors during training than the easy EMT cohort. Mediation analysis showed that the number of errors during training explained 87.2% of the difficult EMT learning strategy’s effect on improving adaptive expertise (P = .01). The difficult EMT learning strategy was more effective in improving adaptive expertise for residents earlier in training, with a large effect size (η2 = 0.25; P = .002).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this randomized clinical trial, the findings show that EMT is an effective method to develop physicians’ adaptive expertise with cognitive skills.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05284838
The Exposome as a Key to Understanding Pediatric Health Disparities
Authors: Gataviņš Mārtiņš M. , Cooper Ashley M. , Barzilay Ran
Published: September 2024

This viewpoint discusses the benefits of the exposome and the reasons it should be used to understand pediatric health disparities.
Spontaneous and chaperone‐assisted metal loading in the active site of protein phosphatase‐1
Authors: Van der Hoeven Gerd , Lemaire Sarah , Cao Xinyu , Claes Zander , Karamanou Spyridoula , Bollen Mathieu
Published: September 2024

Protein phosphatase PP1 has two active‐site metals (Zn2+/Fe2+) that are essential for catalysis. However, when expressed in bacteria, PP1 has two Mn2+‐ions in its active site, indicating that the incorporation of Zn2+/Fe2+ depends on additional eukaryotic component(s). Here, we used purified, metal‐deficient PP1 to study metal incorporation. Fe2+ was incorporated spontaneously, but Zn2+ was not. Mn2+‐incorporation at physiological pH depended on the co‐expression of PP1 with PPP1R2 (Inhibitor‐2) or PPP1R11 (Inhibitor‐3), or a pre‐incubation of PP1 at pH 4. We also demonstrate that PPP1R2 and PPP1R11 are Zn2+‐binding proteins but are, by themselves, not able to load PP1 with Zn2+. Our data suggest that PPP1R2 and PPP1R11 function as metal chaperones for PP1 but depend on co‐chaperone(s) and/or specific modification(s) for the transfer of associated Zn2+ to PP1.
Portability of IMRT QA between matched linear accelerators
Authors: Barraclough Brendan , Labby Zacariah E. , Frigo Sean P.
Published: September 2024

Purpose

To determine if patient‐specific IMRT quality assurance can be measured on any matched treatment delivery system (TDS) for patient treatment delivery on another.

Methods

Three VMAT plans of varying complexity were created for each available energy for head and neck, SBRT lung, and right chestwall anatomical sites. Each plan was delivered on three matched Varian TrueBeam TDSs to the same Scandidos Delta4 Phantom+ diode array with only energy‐specific device calibrations. Dose distributions were corrected for TDS output and then compared to TPS calculations using gamma analysis. Round‐robin comparisons between measurements from each TDS were also performed using point‐by‐point dose difference, median dose difference, and the percent of point dose differences within 2% of the mean metrics.

Results

All plans had more than 95% of points passing a gamma analysis using 3%/3 mm criteria with global normalization and a 20% threshold when comparing measurements to calculations. The tightest gamma analysis criteria where a plan still passed > 95% were similar across delivery systems—within 0.5%/0.5 mm for all but three plan/energy combinations. Median dose deviations in measurement‐to‐measurement comparisons were within 0.7% and 1.0% for global and local normalization, respectively. More than 90% of the point differences were within 2%.

Conclusion

A set of plans spanning available energies and complexity levels were delivered by three matched TDSs. Comparisons to calculations and between measurements showed dose distributions delivered by each TDS using the same DICOM RT‐plan file meet tolerances much smaller than typical clinical IMRT QA criteria. This demonstrates each TDS is modeled to a similar accuracy by a common class (shared) beam model. Additionally, it demonstrates that dose distributions from one TDS show small differences in median dose to the others. This is an important validation component of the common beam model approach, allowing for operational improvements in the clinic.
A framework for medical physics compensation in an academic department
Authors: Gierga David P. , Zewe Tiffany , Yoon Su , Bortfeld Thomas R.
Published: September 2024

Compensation is a key component of career satisfaction and professional growth. A new compensation model was developed to provide a framework for career growth and a compensation ladder for medical physicists with clinical responsibilities in an academic radiation oncology department. The goals for the new model were: (1) create a market competitive plan to support recruitment and retention of top physics talent, (2) incentivize clinical effort, innovation, citizenship/professional service, and academic achievement, (3) provide compensation growth opportunities separate from medical school promotions, and (4) create consistent, transparent, and fair metrics applicable to all clinical physicists in the department. The model includes a base salary, and credits for board certification, clinical tier, leadership, and academic level. Further, metrics were developed to inform the clinical tier. Years of experience is not explicitly included in the model. The model was successfully implemented for clinical physicists in a relatively large academic radiation oncology department.
Effects of Social Vulnerability and Environmental Burden on Care Fragmentation and Social Needs Among Individuals With Rheumatic Conditions
Authors: Santacroce Leah , Yang Sherry , Summit Rebecca , Valle Ana , Collins Jamie E. , Dellaripa Paul F. , Feldman Candace H.
Published: September 2024

Objective

Environmental hazards and heightened neighborhood social vulnerability coexist and disproportionately affect minoritized populations. We investigated associations between exposure to adverse environmental burden concentrated in areas with high social vulnerability and care fragmentation (missed appointments, emergency department visits, and hospitalizations) and social needs (eg, food and housing insecurity) among individuals with rheumatic conditions.

Methods

We identified adults receiving care in a Massachusetts multihospital system with at least two rheumatic disease codes and complete street addresses. Geocoded addresses were linked to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry Social–Environmental Ranking (SER), which combines census‐tract social vulnerability variables (eg, socioeconomic status) with environmental hazards (eg, air and water pollution). Social needs were obtained from self‐reported surveys. Multilevel, multinomial regression models estimated associations between SER quartiles and care fragmentation and social need burden, accounting for demographics and comorbidities.

Results

Among 16,856 individuals with rheumatic conditions, 70% were female, 6% were Black, 82% were White, and 7% resided in the highest combined social vulnerability and environmental burden (SER quartile 4) areas. Among 7,083 with social needs data, 19% experienced more than one challenge. Individuals in SER quartile 4 areas (vs quartile 1) had 2.02 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.67–2.46) times greater odds of at least four care fragmentation occurrences (vs 0) and 2.37 (95% CI 1.73–3.25) times greater odds of at least two social needs (vs 0).

Conclusion

Residence in areas of high combined adverse environmental burden and social vulnerability was associated with significantly greater odds of care fragmentation and social needs. Addressing structural factors and emerging environmental threats contributing to these adverse exposures is essential to reduce rheumatic disease care inequities.
Dimeric Carbazole Core Based Dopant‐Free Hole Transport Material for n‐i‐p Planar Perovskite Solar Cell
Authors: Xia Ziyang , Feng Xuezhen , Wu Tai , Zhang Wei , Chen Cheng , Wang Linqin , Zhang Wenbin , Wang Haoxin , Tian Yi , Hua Yong , Chen Hong , Cheng Ming
Published: September 2024

A profitable approach for improving the stability of n‐i‐p planar perovskite solar cell (PSC) is developing dopant‐free hole transport materials (HTMs) with desirable intrinsic charge transport properties. In this work, by adopting a metal‐free catalytic intramolecular C─C coupling reaction, a carbazole dimer‐based fused‐ring is synthesized, and further developed a small molecular dopant‐free HTM abbreviated as NCz‐DM with appropriate energy level, excellent hole transport and film formation properties. Applied in n‐i‐p planar PSC, an impressive power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 24.0% is achieved, together with enhanced humidity, thermal and light stability, which is among the high level of ever‐reported results for PSCs utilizing small molecular dopant‐free HTM.