bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rare-Earth Calcium Oxyborate Piezoelectric Crystals ReCa4O(BO3)3: Growth and Piezoelectric Characterizations
Authors: Yu Fapeng , Duan Xiulan , Zhang Shujun , Lu Qingming , Zhao Xian
Published: July 2014

Rare-earth calcium oxyborate crystals, ReCa4O(BO3)3 (ReCOB, Re = Er, Y, Gd, Sm, Nd, Pr, and La ), are potential piezoelectric materials for ultrahigh temperature sensor applications, due to their high electrical resistivity at elevated temperature, high piezoelectric sensitivity and temperature stability. In this paper, different techniques for ReCOB single-crystal growth are introduced, including the Bridgman and Czochralski pulling methods. Crystal orientations and the relationships between the crystallographic and physical axes of the monoclinic ReCOB crystals are discussed. The procedures for dielectric, elastic, electromechanical and piezoelectric property characterization, taking advantage of the impedance method, are presented. In addition, the maximum piezoelectric coefficients for different piezoelectric vibration modes are explored, and the optimized crystal cuts free of piezoelectric cross-talk are obtained by rotation calculations.
Melatonin Promotes Superovulation in Sika Deer (Cervus nippon)
Authors: Wang Liang , Zhuo Zhi-Yong , Shi Wen-Qing , Tan Dun-Xian , Gao Chao , Tian Xiu-Zhi , Zhang Lu , Zhou Guang-Bin , Zhu Shi-En , Yun Peng , Liu Guo-Shi
Published: July 2014

In this study, the effects of melatonin (MT) on superovulation and reproductive hormones (melatonin, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and PRL) were investigated in female sika deer. Different doses (40 or 80 mg/animal) of melatonin were subcutaneously implanted into deer before the breeding season. Exogenous melatonin administration significantly elevated the serum FSH levels at the time of insemination compared with levels in control animals. During superovulation, the serum LH levels in donor sika deer reached their highest values (7.1 ± 2.04 ng/mL) at the point of insemination, compared with the baseline levels (4.98 ± 0.07 ng/mL) in control animals. This high level of LH was sustained until the day of embryo recovery. In contrast, the serum levels of PRL in the 80 mg of melatonin-treated group were significantly lower than those of control deer. The average number of corpora lutea in melatonin-treated deer was significantly higher than that of the control (p < 0.05). The average number of embryos in the deer treated with 40 mg of melatonin was higher than that of the control; however, this increase did not reach significant difference (p > 0.05), which may be related to the relatively small sample size. In addition, embryonic development in melatonin-treated groups was delayed.
The Experience of Learning in “The Cube”: Queensland University of Technology’s Giant Interactive Multimedia Environment
Authors: Sayyad Abdi Elham , Bruce Christine , Stoodley Ian
Published: July 2014

In this paper we report findings of the first phase of an investigation, which explored the experience of learning amongst high-level managers, project leaders and visitors in Queensland University of Technology’s (QUT) “Cube”. “The Cube” is a giant, interactive, multi-media display; an award-winning configuration that hosts several interactive projects. The research team worked with three groups of participants to understand the relationship between: (a) the learning experiences that were intended in the establishment phase; (b) the learning experiences that were enacted through the design and implementation of specific projects; and (c) the lived experiences of learning of visitors interacting with the system. We adopted phenomenography as a research approach, to understand variation in people’s understandings and lived experiences of learning in this environment. The project was conducted within the first twelve months of The Cube being open to visitors.
New Hippolide Derivatives with Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B Inhibitory Activity from the Marine Sponge Hippospongia lachne
Authors: Piao Shu-Juan , Jiao Wei-Hua , Yang Fan , Yi Yang-Hua , Di Ying-Tong , Han Bing-Nan , Lin Hou-Wen
Published: July 2014

Five new sesterterpenoids, compounds 1–5, have been isolated from the sponge Hippospongia lachne off Yongxing Island in the South China Sea. The structures of compounds 1–5 were elucidated through extensive spectroscopic analysis, including HRMS, 1D, and 2D NMR experiments. The stereochemistry, including absolute configurations of these compounds, was determined by spectroscopic, chemical, and computational methods. Compounds 1 and 5 showed moderate protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) inhibitory activities with IC50 values of 5.2 μM and 8.7 μM, respectively, more potent than previously reported hippolides.
Preparation of Polyphosphazene Hydrogels for Enzyme Immobilization
Authors: Qian Yue-Cheng , Chen Peng-Cheng , He Gui-Jin , Huang Xiao-Jun , Xu Zhi-Kang
Published: July 2014

We report on the synthesis and application of a new hydrogel based on a methacrylate substituted polyphosphazene. Through ring-opening polymerization and nucleophilic substitution, poly[bis(methacrylate)phosphazene] (PBMAP) was successfully synthesized from hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene. By adding PBMAP to methacrylic acid solution and then treating with UV light, we could obtain a cross-linked polyphosphazene network, which showed an ultra-high absorbency for distilled water. Lipase from Candida rugosa was used as the model lipase for entrapment immobilization in the hydrogel. The influence of methacrylic acid concentration on immobilization efficiency was studied. Results showed that enzyme loading reached a maximum of 24.02 mg/g with an activity retention of 67.25% when the methacrylic acid concentration was 20% (w/w).
Homoconjugation vs. Exciton Coupling in Chiral α,β-Unsaturated Bicyclo[3.3.1]nonane Dinitrile and Carboxylic Acids
Authors: Bagdžiūnas Gintautas , Butkus Eugenijus , Stončius Sigitas
Published: July 2014

The chiroptical properties of enantiomerically pure bicyclo[3.3.1]nona-2,6-diene-2,6-dicarbonitrile and related acids were studied by circular dichroism spectroscopy and theoretical computations. A consideration of the molecular structure of the synthesized difunctional compounds revealed that chromophores are predisposed to transannular through-space interaction due to a favourable conformation of the bicyclic skeleton and a rather small interchromophoric distance. Evidence for non-exciton-type coupling between the two acrylonitrile and acrylate moieties in 3 and 4, respectively, was obtained by chiroptical spectroscopy and DFT calculations.
Evaluation of a Validated Food Frequency Questionnaire for Self-Defined Vegans in the United States
Authors: Dyett Patricia , Rajaram Sujatha , Haddad Ella , Sabate Joan
Published: July 2014

This study aimed to develop and validate a de novo food frequency questionnaire for self-defined vegans in the United States. Diet histories from pilot samples of vegans and a modified ‘Block Method’ using seven selected nutrients of concern in vegan diet patterns, were employed to generate the questionnaire food list. Food frequency responses of 100 vegans from 19 different U.S. states were obtained via completed mailed questionnaires and compared to multiple telephone-conducted diet recall interviews. Computerized diet analyses were performed. Correlation coefficients, t-tests, rank, cross-tabulations, and probability tests were used to validate and compare intake estimates and dietary reference intake (DRI) assessment trends between the two methods. A 369-item vegan-specific questionnaire was developed with 252 listed food frequency items. Calorie-adjusted correlation coefficients ranged from r = 0.374 to 0.600 (p < 0.001) for all analyzed nutrients except calcium. Estimates, ranks, trends and higher-level participant percentile placements for Vitamin B12 were similar with both methods. Questionnaire intakes were higher than recalls for most other nutrients. Both methods demonstrated similar trends in DRI adequacy assessment (e.g., significantly inadequate vitamin D intake among vegans). This vegan-specific questionnaire can be a useful assessment tool for health screening initiatives in U.S. vegan communities.
Influence of Functionalization Degree on the Rheological Properties of Isocyanate-Functionalized Chitin- and Chitosan-Based Chemical Oleogels for Lubricant Applications
Authors: Gallego Rocío , González Mercedes , Arteaga Jesús , Valencia Concepción , Franco José
Published: July 2014

This work deals with the influence of functionalization degree on the thermogravimetric and rheological behaviour of NCO-functionalized chitosan- and chitin-based oleogels. Chitosan and chitin were functionalized using different proportions of 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate (HMDI) and subsequently dispersed in castor oil to promote the chemical reaction between the –NCO group of the modified biopolymer and the –OH group located in the ricinoleic fatty acid chain of castor oil, thus resulting in different oleogels with specific thermogravimetric and rheological characteristics. Biopolymers and oleogels were characterized through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Small-amplitude oscillatory shear (SAOS) measurements were performed on the oleogels. Oleogels presented suitable thermal resistance, despite the fact that the inclusion of HMDI moieties in the polymer structure led to a reduction in the onset temperature of thermal degradation. The insertion of low amounts of HMDI in both chitin and chitosan produces a drastic reduction in the values of oleogel viscoelastic functions but, above a critical threshold, they increase with the functionalization degree so that isocyanate functionalization results in a chemical tool to modulate oleogel rheological response. Several NCO-functionalized chitosan- and chitin-based oleogel formulations present suitable thermal resistance and rheological characteristics to be proposed as bio-based alternatives to traditional lubricating greases.
Orthogonal dual thiol–chloroacetyl and thiol–ene couplings for the sequential one-pot assembly of heteroglycoclusters
Authors: Fiore Michele , Daskhan Gour Chand , Thomas Baptiste , Renaudet Olivier
Published: July 2014

We describe the first one-pot orthogonal strategy to prepare well-defined cyclopeptide-based heteroglycoclusters (hGCs) from glycosyl thiols. Both thiol–chloroactetyl coupling (TCC) and thiol–ene coupling (TEC) have been used to decorate cyclopeptides regioselectively with diverse combination of sugars. We demonstrate that the reaction sequence starting with TCC can be performed one-pot whereas the reverse sequence requires a purification step after the TEC reaction. The versatility of this orthogonal strategy has been demonstrated through the synthesis of diverse hGCs displaying alternating binary combinations of α-D-Man or β-D-GlcNAc, thus providing rapid access to attractive heteroglycosylated platforms for diverse biological applications.
Personality Risk for Alcohol Consequences Among College Freshmen
Authors: Kazemi Donna M. , Flowers Claudia , Shou Qiong , Levine Maureen J. , Van Horn K. Roger
Published: July 2014

Drinking is pervasive in the lifestyle of many college students. This study investigated the relationship between drinking and students’ impulsivity, sensation seeking, alcohol consequences, and expectancies. The study was based on the Acquired Preparedness Model, which posits that personality constructs like impulsivity and sensation seeking influence drinking through the formation of positive expectancies about the effects of drinking. Freshmen (
N
= 260) from a large public university volunteered for the study and were administered three surveys. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the study variables. The findings showed that the total effect of impulsivity was mediated by positive alcohol expectancies. The total effect of sensation seeking was mediated by alcohol expectancies. Freshmen who were more impulsive and sensation seeking had more positive alcohol expectancies and experienced more negative consequences related to alcohol use. These findings suggest that the risk of alcohol consequences was associated with personality constructs and alcohol expectancies. [
Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 52
(7), 38–45.]
Cambios en los usos y cubiertas del suelo y los efectos en la vulnerabilidad en las comarcas de montaña de Cataluña. Del rol del fuego como herramienta de gestión a los incendios como amenaza
Authors: Badia A. , Pèlachs, A. Vera A. , Tulla A. F. , Soriano J. M.
Published: July 2014

En los Pirineos el fuego ha sido una de las herramientas más antiguas y eficientes de la historia de la gestión de los usos del suelo y ha contribuido a dar forma a un paisaje de una gran diversidad. La acción humana sobre la cubierta del suelo ha introducido algunas modificaciones, de forma que los incendios forestales han dejado de ser un proceso más del sistema natural para convertirse en una grave amenaza para los ecosistemas y para la sociedad. Utilizando técnicas SIG y análisis estadístico se cuantifican los cambios en las cubiertas del suelo y se hace una diagnosis de los puntos de ignición ocurridos en las comarcas de montaña del Pirineo catalán durante el periodo 1993- 2007, en función de la estacionalidad y algunas características del territorio como la altitud, la pendiente y la orientación. De esta forma se pretende aportar argumentos que ayuden a dar respuesta a la pregunta ¿qué ha cambiado en el Pirineo para que los incendios actualmente constituyan un riesgo? Los resultados indican que: a) los cambios en las cubiertas del suelo tienden al recubrimiento arbóreo y a un paisaje forestal más homogéneo; b) la mayoría de incendios que queman mayor superfície empiezan en zonas de matorral y bosque claro, lo cual supone una muestra de la tendencia a la transición forestal después del abandono de las actividades tradicionales en las áreas de montaña c) los incendios se concentran en invierno y se localizan en zonas accesibles.
Human Enhancement
Authors: Roduit Johann A. R. , Menuz Vincent , Baumann Holger
Published: July 2014

Two major problems persist in the debate regarding the ethics of human enhancement. First, there is a lack of discussion and agreement on a definition of human enhancement. Second, the commonly used bioethical principles of justice, safety, and autonomy are jointly insufficient to assess the morality of human enhancement. This chapter attempts to define these problems and to propose a possible solution. Defending a qualitative definition of human enhancement, the authors suggest examining “perfectionist notions” of what it means to live a good human life in order to give additional normative tools to assess the morality of human enhancements. This chapter will help to clarify the debate and move it along by arguing that characteristics of the ideal human life, once defined and seen as the goal of human enhancement, can help assess the morality of a given human enhancement.
Neurosurgery to Enhance Brain Function
Authors: Johnson Reuben David , De Ridder Dirk , Gillett Grant
Published: July 2014

The aim of this chapter is to evaluate the potential for neurosurgical strategies to enhance brain function. These developments are considered in the context of the history of psychosurgery, which has shaped the ethical landscape in which future invasive surgical interventions will be evaluated. Consideration is given to the ethical, moral, legal, and socioeconomic implications posed by existing electrical modulation technologies, including future neurosurgical strategies, such as deep brain stimulation for cognitive or mood enhancement. The potential demand for the non-therapeutic use of these surgical strategies poses economic and legislative problems.
Human Enhancing Technologies and Individual Privacy Right
Authors: Kulesza Joanna
Published: July 2014

This chapter provides a legal perspective on the application of Human Enhancing Technologies (HET), in particular on Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs), emphasizing threats they bring to individual privacy. The author discusses the geographical, political, and cultural differences in understanding the individual right to privacy, as granted by human rights treaties and customary international law, and confronts them with the threats brought about by HET. The era of globalized services rendered by transnational companies necessitates an answer to the question on the possible and desired shape of effective individual protection of human rights from the threats brought about by advancing HET. Be it biomedical or geolocalisation data, when fueled through the Big Data resources available online, individual data accompanying the HET becomes a powerful marketing tool and a significant national and international security measure. The chapter aims to identify the privacy threats brought about by the HET and proposes a business-ethics based solution.
Enhancement and Identity
Authors: Wilson Samuel G.
Published: July 2014

Advances in human enhancement technologies raise the prospect that people's identities may be altered so radically by enhancement that they will be essentially a different person after enhancement. To illustrate, some scholars of enhancement claim that individuals are unlikely to “survive” enhancement, in the sense that they continue to exist as one and the same person. Yet, others claim that enhancement is dehumanizing. Common to these claims is the assumption that enhancement affects a discontinuity between an individual's pre- and post-enhancement selves. Although extant analyses of the relationship between enhancement and identity have yielded many useful insights into the possible effects of human enhancement technologies on identity, progress in our understanding is marred by conceptual imprecision, the use of excessively thin conceptions of identity, and the conflation of distinct senses of identity. With respect to the latter, the conflation of numerical and narrative identity is particularly problematic. However, although these senses of identity are distinct, the fact that they are conflated is nevertheless informative about how people untutored in the metaphysics of identity—that is, the vast majority of people—reason about the effects of enhancement on identity. In this chapter, the authors draw on psychological research into self-continuity and dehumanization, respectively, to offer insights into why numerical and narrative identity are conflated, and they argue that future analyses of the relationship between enhancement and identity must be more deeply grounded in psychological and neuroscientific research than has been evidenced to date.
Targeted Delivery of Mycobacterial Antigens to Human Dendritic Cells via Siglec-7 Induces Robust T Cell Activation
Authors: Kawasaki Norihito , Rillahan Cory D. , Cheng Tan-Yun , Van Rhijn Ildiko , Macauley Matthew S. , Moody D. Branch , Paulson James C.
Published: July 2014

Lipids from mycobacteria can be presented to human T cells by group 1 CD1 Ag-presenting molecules (CD1a, CD1b, and CD1c). Group 1 CD1-restricted T cells are activated by lipid Ags presented by myeloid dendritic cells (DCs), after which they generate antibacterial effector functions, including IFN-γ secretion and cytolysis. Thus, mycobacterial lipids are being investigated as components of novel vaccines for mycobacterial infections. In this study we show that the mycobacterial lipid Ag C80 glucose-6-monomycolate can be delivered to human CD1b+ DCs via targeted liposomal nanoparticles, leading to robust group 1 CD1-restricted activation of T cells. Targeting was achieved by decorating the liposomes with a high-affinity glycan ligand of sialic acid–binding Ig-like lectin (Siglec)-7, a siglec receptor expressed on DCs that mediates rapid endocytosis and transport of its cargo to lysosomes. An Ab to Siglec-7 completely blocked the binding of targeted liposomes to human monocyte-derived DCs (Mo-DCs), demonstrating their targeting specificity. Mo-DCs pulsed with targeted liposomes containing C80 glucose-6-monomycolate more potently activated a CD1b-restricted T cell line relative to Mo-DCs pulsed with free lipid Ag or antigenic liposomes without Siglec-7 ligand. These data suggest that the endocytic function of Siglec-7 can be exploited to deliver glycolipid Ags to their target cell and increase the efficiency of display to T cells.
Finite factor representations of Higman–Thompson groups
Authors: Dudko Artem , Medynets Konstantin
Published: July 2014

We prove that the only finite factor representations of the Higman–Thompson groups

\{F_{n,r}\}

and

\{G_{n,r}\}

are the regular representations and scalar representations arising from group abelianizations. As a corollary, we obtain that any measure-preserving ergodic action of the commutator subgroup of a Higman–Thompson group must be essentially free. Finite factor representations of other classes of groups are also discussed.
Log-Harnack inequality for Gruschin type semigroups
Authors: Wang Feng-Yu , Xu Lihu
Published: July 2014

By constructing a coupling in two steps and using the Girsanov theorem under a regular conditional probability, the log-Harnack inequality is established for a large class of Gruschin type semigroups whose generator might be both degenerate and non-Lipschitz.
Stable polynomials over finite fields
Authors: Gómez-Pérez Domingo , Nicolás Alejandro P. , Ostafe Alina , Sadornil Daniel
Published: July 2014

We use the theory of resultants to study the stability, that is, the property of having all iterates irreducible, of an arbitrary polynomial

f

over a finite field

\mathbb{F}_q

. This result partially generalizes the quadratic polynomial case described by R. Jones and N. Boston. Moreover, for

p=3

, we show that certain polynomials of degree three are not stable. We also use the Weil bound for multiplicative character sums to estimate the number of stable polynomials over a finite field of odd characteristic.
Calderón commutators and the Cauchy integral on Lipschitz curves revisited I. First commutator and generalizations
Authors: Muscalu Camil
Published: July 2014

This article is the first in a series of three papers, whose aim is to give new proofs to the well-known theorems of Calderón, Coifman, McIntosh and Meyer [2], [4] and 5]. Here we treat the case of the first commutator of Calderón and some of its generalizations.
The Impact of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Co-Infection on the Economic Burden of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) in Brazil and Potential Value of New CL Drug Treatments
Authors: Kruchten Stephanie D. , Bacon Kristina M. , Lee Bruce Y.
Published: July 2014

Convergence of geographic regions endemic for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) raise concerns that HIV co-infection may worsen CL burden, complicating already lengthy and costly CL treatments and highlighting a need for newer therapies. We constructed two Markov decision models to quantify impact of HIV on CL and help establish a target product profile for new CL treatments, accounting for co-infection. The HIV co-infection increased lifetime cost per CL case 11–371 times ($1,349–45,683) that of HIV-negative individuals ($123) and Brazil's CL burden from $1.6–16.0 million to $1.6–65.5 million. A new treatment could be a cost saving at ≤ $254 across several ranges (treatments seeking probabilities, side effect risks, cure rates) and continues to save costs up to $508 across treatment-seeking probabilities with a drug cure rate of ≥ 50%. The HIV co-infection can increase CL burden, suggesting more joint HIV and CL surveillance and control efforts are needed.
First Report of Hepatitis E Virus Circulation in Domestic Pigs in Nigeria
Authors: Owolodun Olajide A. , Gerber Priscilla F. , Giménez-Lirola Luis G. , Kwaga Jacob K. P. , Opriessnig Tanja
Published: July 2014

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an important cause of acute hepatitis in humans. Zoonotic transmission between pigs and humans has been confirmed. Human HEV infection is common in Nigeria; however, characterization of HEV infection in other species was lacking. The objective of this study was to investigate HEV infection in Nigerian pigs. A total of 286 serum samples from six states in Nigeria were tested for presence of anti-HEV IgG. Ninety fecal samples from one of these states (Plateau State) were tested for presence of HEV RNA. The overall prevalence of anti-HEV IgG-positive or suspect-positive pigs was 55.6% (159 of 286) with regional prevalence rates ranging from 36% (9 of 25; Delta State) to 88% (22 of 25; Taraba State). The overall HEV RNA prevalence rate was 76.7% (69 of 90). All polymerase chain reaction-positive samples belonged to HEV genotype 3 based on sequencing. The results indicate that HEV genotype 3 infection is widespread in Nigerian pigs.
Elevation of Soluble Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 Levels, but Not Angiopoietin 2, in the Plasma of Human Immunodeficiency Virus–Infected African Women with Clinical Kaposi Sarcoma
Authors: Graham Susan M. , Rajwans Nimerta , Richardson Barbra A. , Jaoko Walter , McClelland R. Scott , Overbaugh Julie , Liles W. Conrad
Published: July 2014

Circulating levels of endothelial activation biomarkers are elevated in during infection with human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) and may also be increased in Kaposi sarcoma (KS). We compared 23 HIV-1-seropositive women with clinically diagnosed KS with 46 randomly selected controls matched for visit year, CD4 count, and antiretroviral therapy status. Conditional logistic regression was used to identify differences between cases and controls. The odds of clinical KS increased with increasing plasma viral load and with intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) levels above or equal to the median. There was a borderline association between increasing plasma angiopoietin 2 levels and KS. In multivariable modeling including plasma viral load, angiopoietin 2, and ICAM-1, plasma ICAM-1 levels above or equal to the median remained associated with clinical KS (odds ratio = 14.2, 95% confidence interval = 2.3–87.7). Circulating ICAM-1 levels should be evaluated as a potential biomarker for disease progression and treatment response among HIV-infected KS patients.
Construct Validity and Generalizability of Simulation-Based Objective Structured Clinical Examination Scenarios
Authors: Sidi Avner , Gravenstein Nikolaus , Lampotang Samsun
Published: July 2014

Background

It is not known if construct-related validity (progression of scores with different levels of training) and generalizability of Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) scenarios previously used with non-US graduating anesthesiology residents translate to a US training program.

Objective

We assessed for progression of scores with training for a validated high-stakes simulation-based anesthesiology examination.

Methods

Fifty US anesthesiology residents in postgraduate years (PGYs) 2 to 4 were evaluated in operating room, trauma, and resuscitation scenarios developed for and used in a high-stakes Israeli Anesthesiology Board examination, requiring a score of 70% on the checklist for passing (including all critical items).

Results

The OSCE error rate was lower for PGY-4 than PGY-2 residents in each field, and for most scenarios within each field. The critical item error rate was significantly lower for PGY-4 than PGY-3 residents in operating room scenarios, and for PGY-4 than PGY-2 residents in resuscitation scenarios. The final pass rate was significantly higher for PGY-3 and PGY-4 than PGY-2 residents in operating room scenarios, and also was significantly higher for PGY-4 than PGY-2 residents overall. PGY-4 residents had a better error rate, total scenarios score, general evaluation score, critical items error rate, and final pass rate than PGY-2 residents.

Conclusions

The comparable error rates, performance grades, and pass rates for US PGY-4 and non-US (Israeli) graduating (PGY-4 equivalent) residents, and the progression of scores among US residents with training level, demonstrate the construct-related validity and generalizability of these high-stakes OSCE scenarios.
The Power of Collaboration: Experiences From the Educational Innovations Project and Implications for the Next Accreditation System
Authors: Sweet David B. , Vasilias Jerry , Clough Lynn , Davis Felicia , McDonald Furman S. , Reynolds Eileen E. , O'Malley Cheryl W. , Hinchey Kevin T. , Kirk Lynne M. , Gersoff Andrew S. , Clyburn E. Benjamin , Frohna John G.
Published: July 2014

Background

The Internal Medicine Educational Innovations Project (EIP) is a 10-year pilot project for innovating in accreditation, which involves annual reporting of information and less-restrictive requirements for a group of high-performing programs. The EIP program directors' experiences offer insight into the benefits and challenges of innovative approaches to accreditation as the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education transitions to the Next Accreditation System.

Objective

We assessed participating program directors' perceptions of the EIP at the midpoint of the project's 10-year life span.

Methods

We conducted telephone interviews with 15 of 18 current EIP programs (83% response rate) using a 19-item, open-ended, structured survey. Emerging themes were identified with content analysis.

Results

Respondents identified a number of the benefits from the EIP, most prominent among them, collaboration between programs (87%, 13 of 15) and culture change around quality improvement (47%, 7 of 15). The greatest benefit for residents was training in quality improvement methods (53%, 8 of 15), enhancing those residents' ability to become change agents in their future careers. Although the requirement for annual data reporting was identified by 60% (9 of 15) of program directors as the biggest challenge, respondents also considered it an important element for achieving progress on innovations. Program directors unanimously reported their ability to sustain innovation projects beyond the 10-year participation in EIP.

Conclusions

The work of EIP was not viewed as “more work,” but as “different work,” which created a new mindset of continuous quality improvement in residency training. Lessons learned offer insight into the value of collaboration and opportunities to use accreditation to foster innovation.
Residents' Perspectives on Patient Safety in University and Community Teaching Hospitals
Authors: Jones Deborah L.
Published: July 2014

Background

Patient safety is an important concept in resident education. To date, few studies have assessed resident perceptions of patient safety across different specialties.

Objective

The study explored residents' views on patient safety across the specialties of internal medicine, general surgery, and diagnostic radiology, focusing on common themes and differences.

Methods

In fall 2012, interviews of small groups of senior residents in internal medicine, general surgery, and diagnostic radiology were conducted at 3 academic medical centers and 3 community teaching hospitals in 3 major US metropolitan areas. In total, 33 residents were interviewed. Interviews used interactive discussion to explore multiple facets of patient safety.

Results

Residents identified lack of information, common errors, volume and acuity of patients, and inadequate supervision as major risks to patient safety. Specific threats to patient safety included communication problems, transitions of care, information technology interface issues, time constraints, and work flow. Residents disclosed that reporting safety issues was viewed as burdensome and carrying some degree of risk. There was variability as to whether residents would report safety threats they encountered.

Conclusions

Residents are aware of threats to patient safety and have a unique perspective compared with other health care professionals. Transitions of care and communication problems were the most common safety threats identified by the residents interviewed.
Drivers of Earnings Management: The Profit and Loss before Earning Management
Authors: Heidarpoor Farzaneh , Zare Rafiee Samaneh , Zare Rafiee Somayeh
Published: July 2014

This study aims to evaluate the effect of two major drivers including: bad company and also the lower benefit from the profits over the previous year on earnings management process of active companies in the capital markets in Iran. Research time period is 6-year (from 2006 till 2011) and the population is all the listed companies in Tehran Stock Exchange. The sample was obtained by screening method includes 199 company. The results of hypotheses testing using panel data showed the probability of using of discretionary accruals in order to show profitable enterprise increases, when the company has loss before using earning management in Iranian market capital. The results also indicate that when the current company's profit is lower than the previous year's profit, the possibility of using the discretionary accruals increases to show positive changes in profitability. Thus, it can be announced that bad and also lower benefit from last year, are as two major driving of earnings management.
Forestry applications of ground-penetrating radar
Authors: Lorenzo H. , Pérez-Gracia V. , Novo A. , Armesto J.
Published: July 2014

Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) is a geophysical and close-range remote sensing technique based on the use of radar pulses to obtain cross-section images of underground features. This method is characterized by the transmission of an electromagnetic short length pulse (1-2 ns), presenting a centre frequency ranging from 10 MHz to 2.5 GHz. The principles of GPR operation are based on the ability of low frequency radar waves to penetrate into a non-conductive medium, usually subsoil, but also walls, concrete or wood. Those waves are detected after suffering a reflection in electromagnetic discontinuities of the propagation medium. Therefore, this is a suitable method to study changes in those physical properties, and also to characterize different mediums and the reflective targets providing information about their physical properties. The aim of this work is to describe and demonstrate different applications of GPR in forestry, showing the obtained results together with their interpretation. Firstly, in this paper, it is illustrated how GPR is able to map shallow bedrock, subsoil stratigraphy and also to estimate shallow watertable depth. Secondly, different tree trunks as well as dry timber are analyzed, evaluating the different radar data obtained in each particular case, and observing differences in their electromagnetic properties related to the GPR response. Finally, several measurements were taken in order to analyze the use of GPR to detect tree root systems using polarimetric techniques, being possible to detect medium and big size roots, together with groups of small roots.
LIDAR-based estimation of leaf area index on Holm oak [Quercus ilex L. subsp. ballota (Desf.) Samp.] trees
Authors: Navarro Cerrillo R.M. , Sanchez de la Orden M. , Gomez Bonilla J. , Garcia-Ferrer A. , Hernandez Clemente R. , Lanjeri S.
Published: July 2014

The aim of this paper was to estimate Leaf Area Index (LAI) of Quercus ilex by calculating the laser-intercepted rate through the forest canopy using LiDAR data. LAI was measured in 40 trees with a hemispheric camera (NIKON Coolpix 4500) and coincided with the acquisition of LIDAR data. The LiDAR-derived LAILIDAR was then estimated by applying a value of the inverse of the coefficient of extinction of 1/K = 1.48. The in-field LAI values varied between 1.01 m2 m–2 and 1.61 m2 m–2. From a comparison of the LiDAR-derived to the field-derived LAI, the coefficients of the determination for the coefficient of extinction of 1.48 was R2 = 0.60 (RMSE = 0.16) for quadratic and R2 = 0.62 (RMSE = 0.21) for potential correlations. The change in accuracy was attributed to the density of leaves, the interference by stems, and the vertical number of branches in the forest stands. The LIDAR sensor technique gives a satisfactory result in the obtainment of leaf parameters in Holm oak trees, although its generalisation on field studies depends on its cost and suitability to be applied over large surfaces.
Loss of Cdc42 leads to defects in synaptic plasticity and remote memory recall
Authors: Kim Il Hwan , Wang Hong , Soderling Scott H , Yasuda Ryohei
Published: July 2014

Cdc42 is a signaling protein important for reorganization of actin cytoskeleton and morphogenesis of cells. However, the functional role of Cdc42 in synaptic plasticity and in behaviors such as learning and memory are not well understood. Here we report that postnatal forebrain deletion of Cdc42 leads to deficits in synaptic plasticity and in remote memory recall using conditional knockout of Cdc42. We found that deletion of Cdc42 impaired LTP in the Schaffer collateral synapses and postsynaptic structural plasticity of dendritic spines in CA1 pyramidal neurons in the hippocampus. Additionally, loss of Cdc42 did not affect memory acquisition, but instead significantly impaired remote memory recall. Together these results indicate that the postnatal functions of Cdc42 may be crucial for the synaptic plasticity in hippocampal neurons, which contribute to the capacity for remote memory recall.
Steltzer Receives 2013 Sulzman Award for Excellence in Education and Mentoring: Citation
Authors: Weintraub Michael N.
Published: July 2014

Heidi Steltzer, an assistant professor at Fort Lewis College, received the 2013 Sulzman Award for Excellence in Education and Mentoring at the 2013 Fall Meeting. This award “recognizes women in AGU who have sustained an active research career in a field related to biogeosciences, while excelling in teaching and especially in mentoring young scientists.” Awardees are to serve as critical role models for the next generation of female scientists by sharing their passion for the natural world. Those who know her best agree that Heidi's passion for teaching and training the next generation of researchers truly embodies the spirit of the Sulzman award. According to one nominator, “Heidi single‐handedly pushed [her] department toward a more modern and integrated view of the biological sciences, revamping curricula in both majors' and non‐majors' courses to include citizen science, cross‐disciplinary investigation techniques, and thought‐provoking forays into real‐world/real‐time problems.” Another nominator commented that “Heidi has made an incredibly strong impact on the careers of countless students through both compassionate and enthusiastic mentoring, as well as leadership in institutional and programmatic efforts that foster student professional development and that provide research experiences. I think it is extraordinary that at this relatively early point in her career, she has already achieved a lasting legacy.”
Earth's magnetotail investigated as an electrical circuit
Authors: Wendel JoAnna
Published: July 2014

The Earth's magnetosphere has profound influences on space weather: Geomagnetic storms born in the magnetosphere have the potential to disrupt satellite and terrestrial communications. The most dynamic part of the magnetosphere is the magnetotail, which appears on the nightside of the Earth and is composed of many different complex structures.
Combining the Best of Two Worlds: Nanoparticles and Nanofibers
Authors: Bannwarth Markus , Crespy Daniel
Published: July 2014

The preparation and applications of nanoparticles and nanofibers are widely described in the literature. Both types of materials have specific advantages but also drawbacks. We discuss here the methods to fabricate nanofibers from nanoparticles and vice versa by template‐free methods and colloid‐electrospinning. Nanoparticles and nanofibers can be also synergistically combined to yield nanostructured constructs that display highly advantageous properties such as good mechanical integrity, double protection of encapsulated substances, or the possibility to co‐encapsulate payloads with different polarities.
Prevention of orofacial clefts caused by smoking: Implications of the Surgeon General's report
Authors: Honein Margaret A. , Devine Owen , Grosse Scott D. , Reefhuis Jennita
Published: July 2014

BACKGROUND: According to the 2014 Surgeon General's Report, smoking in early pregnancy can cause orofacial clefts. We sought to examine the implications of this causal link for the potential prevention of orofacial clefts in the United States. METHODS: Using published data on the strength of the association between orofacial clefts and smoking in early pregnancy and the prevalence of smoking at the start of pregnancy, we estimated the attributable fraction for smoking as a cause of orofacial clefts. We then used the prevalence of orofacial clefts in the United States to estimate the number of orofacial clefts that could be prevented in the United States each year by eliminating exposure to smoking during early pregnancy. We also estimated the financial impact of preventing orofacial clefts caused by maternal smoking based on a published estimate of attributable healthcare costs through age 10 for orofacial clefts. RESULTS: The estimated attributable fraction of orofacial clefts caused by smoking in early pregnancy was 6.1% (95% uncertainty interval 4.4%, 7.7%). Complete elimination of smoking in early pregnancy could prevent orofacial clefts in approximately 430 infants per year in the United States, and could save an estimated $40.4 million in discounted healthcare costs through age 10 for each birth cohort. CONCLUSION: Understanding the magnitude of the preventable burden of orofacial clefts related to maternal smoking could help focus smoking cessation efforts on women who might become pregnant. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 100:822–825, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cathodes Based on Noncatalyzed Ordered Mesoporous Carbon for Li–O2 Rechargeable Batteries
Authors: Zeng Juqin , Nair Jijeesh Ravi , Chen Qiuping , Francia Carlotta , Bodoardo Silvia , Penazzi Nerino
Published: July 2014

An ordered mesoporous carbon (OMC) as a catalyst‐free cathode was tested in a Li–O2 cell, and a detailed investigation of the relation between the size and type of pore morphology against various charge/discharge current densities was performed. The final cathode was a mixture of homemade OMC, polyvinylidene fluoride as binder and a commercial acetylene carbon black deposited over a gas diffusion layer. The cell displayed a high discharge capacity, which was related to the high pore volume, in particular to the mesopore volume of the OMC. The Li–O2 cell assembled with such a cathode was able to deliver a high discharge capacity of 9.25 mA h cm−2. The influence of current rate on the discharge process was also studied, and it was found that a higher current density resulted in a larger discharge overpotential and a lower discharge capacity. In a time‐controlled testing mode, the cell exhibited good capacity retention and a prolonged cycle life with a cutoff capacity of 0.98 mA h cm−2.
Novel Stereoselective High‐Performance Liquid Chromatographic Method for Simultaneous Determination of Guaifenesin and Ketorolac Enantiomers in Human Plasma
Authors: Maher Hadir M. , Al‐Taweel Shorog M. , Alshehri Mona M. , Alzoman Nourah Z.
Published: July 2014

A novel method was developed for the simultaneous determination of guaifenesin (GUA) and ketorolac tromethamine (KET) enantiomers in plasma samples. Since GUA probably increases the absorption of coadministered drugs (e.g., KET), it would be extremely important to monitor KET plasma levels for the purpose of dose adjustment with a subsequent decrease in the side effects. Enantiomeric resolution was achieved on a polysaccharide‐based chiral stationary phase, amylose‐2, as a chiral selector under the normal phase (NP) mode and using ornidazole (ORN) as internal standard. This innovative method has the advantage of the ease and reliability of sample preparation for plasma samples. Sample clean‐up was based on simply using methanol for protein precipitation followed by direct extraction of drug residues using ethanol. Both GUA and KET enantiomers were separated using an isocratic mobile phase composed of hexane/isopropanol/trifluoroacetic acid, 85:15:0.05 v/v/v. Peak area ratios were linear over the range 0.05–20 µg/mL for the four enantiomers S (+) GUA, R (–) GUA, R (+) KET, and S (–) KET. The method was fully validated according to the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guidelines in terms of system suitability, specificity, accuracy, precision, robustness, and solution stability. Finally, this procedure was innovative to apply the rationale of developing a chiral high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) procedure for the simultaneous quantitative analysis of drug isomers in clinical samples. Chirality 26:629–639, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The relationship between exposure to air pollution and sperm disomy
Authors: Jurewicz Joanna , Radwan Michał , Sobala Wojciech , Polańska Kinga , Radwan Paweł , Jakubowski Lucjusz , Ulańska Anna , Hanke Wojciech
Published: July 2014

The causes of the chromosome abnormalities have been studied for decades. It has been suggested that exposure to various environmental agents can induce chromosomal abnormalities in germ cells. This study was designed to address the hypothesis that exposure to specific air pollutants increases sperm disomy. The study population consisted of 212 men who were attending an infertility clinic for diagnostic purposes. They represented a subset of men in a multicenter parent study conducted in Poland to evaluate environmental factors and male fertility. Sperm aneuploidy for chromosomes 13, 18, 21, X, and Y was assessed using multicolor fluorescence in situ hybridization. Air quality data were obtained from the AirBase database. After adjusting for age, smoking, alcohol consumption, temperature (90 days), season, past diseases, abstinence interval, distance from the monitoring station, concentration, motility and morphology, positive associations were observed between exposure to PM2.5 and disomy Y (P = 0.001), sex chromosome disomy (P = 0.05) and disomy 21 (P = 0.03). Exposure to PM10 was associated with disomy 21 (P = 0.02). Conversely, exposure to ozone, CO, SO2, and NOx did not affect sperm aneuploidy. A separate analysis conducted among men who were nonsmokers (n = 117) showed that the relationship between PM2.5 and disomy Y and disomy 21 remained significant (P = 0.01, P = 0.05, respectively). The present findings indicate that exposure to air pollution induces sperm aneuploidy. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 56:50–59, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Exploring the cost‐effectiveness of a one‐off screen for dementia (for people aged 75 years in England and Wales)
Authors: Dixon Josie , Ferdinand Monique , D'Amico Francesco , Knapp Martin
Published: July 2014

Objective

This paper examines the numbers of people with dementia who could be diagnosed and the likely cost‐effectiveness of a one‐off screen for dementia for people aged 75 years in England and Wales.

Methods

The study uses static decision modelling to compare a one‐off screen for dementia with a no‐screen scenario. Estimates for the model were drawn from systematic reviews, high‐quality studies and government and administrative sources. A panel of experts also advised the study.

Results

An estimated 3514 people could be diagnosed as a result of screening, 2152 of whom would otherwise never receive a diagnosis. The study identified societal economic impact of between £3 649 794 (net costs) and £4 685 768 (net savings), depending on assumptions.

Conclusions

Our analysis suggests that screening could be cost‐effective, especially as treatments and social care interventions become more effective and if diagnosis by current routes remains low or occurs later than is optimal. This study was, however, limited by available evidence and a range of quality of life benefits, cost savings and potential harms could not be quantified. It was also beyond the scope of this study to consider dynamic factors such as repeat screening, mortality, disease trajectories or trends in the numbers of people with dementia. A larger study would be needed for this, involving more complex and innovative approaches to generating estimates for modelling. We did not compare population screening for people aged 75 years to other methods for increasing diagnosis rates. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.