bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel Two-Axis Load Sensor Designed for in Situ Scratch Testing inside Scanning Electron Microscopes
Authors: Huang Hu , Zhao Hongwei , Wu Boda , Wan Shunguang , Shi Chengli
Published: February 2013

Because of a lack of available miniaturized multiaxial load sensors to measure the normal load and the lateral load simultaneously, quantitative in situ scratch devices inside scanning electron microscopes and the transmission electron microscopes have barely been developed up to now. A novel two-axis load sensor was designed in this paper. With an I-shaped structure, the sensor has the function of measuring the lateral load and the normal load simultaneously, and at the same time it has compact dimensions. Finite element simulations were carried out to evaluate stiffness and modal characteristics. A decoupling algorithm was proposed to resolve the cross-coupling between the two-axis loads. Natural frequency of the sensor was tested. Linearity and decoupling parameters were obtained from the calibration experiments, which indicate that the sensor has good linearity and the cross-coupling between the two axes is not strong. Via the decoupling algorithm and the corresponding decoupling parameters, simultaneous measurement of the lateral load and the normal load can be realized via the developed two-axis load sensor. Preliminary applications of the load sensor for scratch testing indicate that the load sensor can work well during the scratch testing. Taking advantage of the compact structure, it has the potential ability for applications in quantitative in situ scratch testing inside SEMs.
Investigating Influences Among Individuals and Groups in a Collaborative Learning Setting
Authors: Papanikolaou Kyparisia A. , Gouli Evangelia
Published: February 2013

The research presented in this paper aims at investigating factors that reflect Individual to Group (I-to-G) and Group to Individual (G-to-I) influences in a collaborative learning setting. An empirical study is described, in which students worked on concept mapping tasks, individually and in groups. Analysing the individual and group concept maps, specific factors were identified that account for G-to-I and I-to-G influences reflecting peer interaction and impact on group and individual achievement during and after collaboration. Dependences were also identified between individual/group characteristics, such as knowledge and style, and individual/group progress. Finally, a discussion about how these factors may inform the learner and group models of the adaptive concept mapping environment COMPASS is given.
A Framework for Designing Computer Supported Learning Systems with Sensibility
Authors: Feidakis Michalis , Daradoumis Thanasis
Published: February 2013

In the current paper, the authors propose a new conceptual framework in Computer Supported Learning System-CSCL design that takes emotion into account. They conduct their analysis through five layers: physiological, emotional, sociological, technological, and educational, in relation to learning. This study reviews the literature in emotional learning and emotion assessment and proposes a model for the design of a social-emotional computer supported learning system.
EFFECT OF CIS ACTING POTENTIAL REGULATORS IN THE ß GLOBIN GENE CLUSTER ON THE PRODUCTION OF HBF IN THALASSEMIA PATIENTS
Authors: Nadkarni Anita
Published: February 2013

The clinical presentation of   b-thalassemia intermedia phenotypes are influenced by many factors .The persistence of fetal hemoglobin and  several polymorphisms located in the promoters of  g- and b-globin genes are some of them .The aim of this study was to evaluate the combined effect of  the -158Gg (CàT) polymorphism and of the (AT)x(T)y configuration, as well as their eventual association with elevated levels of HbF  in  b-thalassemia carriers, b-thalassemia Intermedia , b-thalassemia major and normal controls of Indian origin. The -158 Gg T allele was found to be associated with increased levels of HbF in b-thalassemia carriers, and not in wild-type subjects. In the homozygous group the -158 Gg T allele was significantly higher in the thalassemia intermedia group (66%) as against the thalassemia major group (21%). The (AT)9(T)5 allele did not show any association with raised HbF levels. However 24% of milder cases showed presence of this allele. This study suggests that two regions of the b globin cluster, whether in cis or in trans to each other, can interact to enhance HbF expression when a b thalassemic determinant is present in heterozigosity and help in amelioration of the severity of the disease in homozygotes.
AUTOLOGOUS STEM CELL TRANSPLANTATION IN ELDERLY ACUTE MYELOID LEUKEMIA
Authors: Ossenkoppele Gert J. , Janssen Jeroen J.W.M. , Huijgens Peter C.
Published: February 2013

Treatment outcome in elderly Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is still very disappointing. Although complete remission rate is around 50-60% the 2 years survival is only in the magnitude of 10-20%. This is mainly due to an overrepresentation of adverse prognostic factors present in elderly AML. As relapses emerge from residual disease present after chemotherapy, intensification of treatment could emerge as a rational strategy. Intensification of chemotherapy by increasing the dose of  anthracyclines or addition of gemtuzumab ozogamycin (Mylotarg) to standard chemotherapy indeed has proved to be of advantage in elderly AML. In younger AML autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (AuPBSCT) as post remission treatment in comparison to intensive consolidation chemotherapy has been investigated in a few randomized studies. AuPBSCT showed reduced relapse rates with low non-relapse mortality rates. In elderly AML intensification by AuPBSCT also have been performed although randomized studies are lacking. Nevertheless, in the previous years various reports have suggested the potential utility of AuHSCT in AML of the elderly with encouraging results, albeit mostly in highly selected patients. Acceptable toxicity and a relatively low rate of transplant-related mortality has been notified. However relapses occurred  which, irrespective of age, still remains the major cause of treatment failure of AuHSCT in AML. In this review we summarize the experience of AuPBSCT in elderly AML.
A Framework for Rapid Impact Assessment with special reference to wildfires
Authors: Jansen Van Vuuren Isak D.
Published: February 2013

Geographical Information Systems (GIS) technology is a powerful tool that can support decision-making in all the facets of disaster risk management. Being at the centre of all disaster risk management functions, GIS activities such as data acquisition, processing, analysis and visualisation should be seamless from planning to prediction, preparation, response and recovery. A case study of devastating wildfires that destroyed thousands of hectares of agricultural land during August 2011 in the North-West province, South Africa, identifies the lack of a comprehensive framework within which information-based disaster impact assessments are undertaken and which is integrated with the larger context of disaster risk management. Problems relating to the availability, quality and integration of data are typical of the ad hoc approach to the implementation of information technologies, indicating the need for an integrated and coordinated approach. The aim of this paper is to establish a framework for rapid impact assessment, with specific reference to geospatial data management. The framework is put into the theoretical context of disaster risk management and information management, with data acquisition and processing functions being anchored in the principles of information systems theory.
‘As ek dáárdie nektar wil eet, dan moet ek steke verdra’: Stereotipering en vervreemding in die uitbeelding van lesbiese verhoudings in twee Afrikaanse romans
Authors: Murray Jessica
Published: February 2013

This article offers a literary analysis of two neglected Afrikaans texts, namely Klipkus (“Stone Kiss”, 1978) by Marlise Joubert and Requiem op ys (“Requiem on Ice”, 1992) by Emma Huismans in order to explore how stereotypical understandings of lesbian sexuality structure the experiences of lesbian characters. Even as the article exposes common homophobic stereotypes, it emerges that the lesbian characters’ experiences are complex and multi-faceted. The exposure to stereotypes results in a profound sense of alienation, which the characters attempt to overcome by undertaking journeys. As they struggle to deal with pain and alienation, the article demonstrates the joy that they manage to find in their relationships with one another. This joy turns out to be fleeting and compromised by social homophobic pressures. By means of a close reading of the representation of these lesbian relationships, the article both reveals and challenges common stereotypes about lesbian relationships.
Using the significant dust deposition event on the glaciers of Mt. Elbrus, Caucasus Mountains, Russia on 5 May 2009 to develop a method for dating and "provenancing" of desert dust events recorded in snow pack
Authors: Shahgedanova M. , Kutuzov S. , White K. H. , Nosenko G.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. A significant desert dust deposition event occurred on Mt. Elbrus, Caucasus Mountains, Russia on 5 May 2009, where the deposited dust later appeared as a brown layer in the snow pack. An examination of dust transportation history and analysis of chemical and physical properties of the deposited dust were used to develop a new approach for high-resolution "provenancing" of dust deposition events recorded in snow pack using multiple independent techniques. A combination of SEVIRI red-green-blue composite imagery, MODIS atmospheric optical depth fields derived using the Deep Blue algorithm, air mass trajectories derived with HYSPLIT model and analysis of meteorological data enabled identification of dust source regions with high temporal (hours) and spatial (ca. 100 km) resolution. Dust, deposited on 5 May 2009, originated in the foothills of the Djebel Akhdar in eastern Libya where dust sources were activated by the intrusion of cold air from the Mediterranean Sea and Saharan low pressure system and transported to the Caucasus along the eastern Mediterranean coast, Syria and Turkey. Particles with an average diameter below 8 μm accounted for 90% of the measured particles in the sample with a mean of 3.58 μm, median 2.48 μm. The chemical signature of this long-travelled dust was significantly different from the locally-produced dust and close to that of soils collected in a palaeolake in the source region, in concentrations of hematite. Potential addition of dust from a secondary source in northern Mesopotamia introduced uncertainty in the "provenancing" of dust from this event. Nevertheless, the approach adopted here enables other dust horizons in the snowpack to be linked to specific dust transport events recorded in remote sensing and meteorological data archives.
Spatiotemporal variability analysis of diffuse radiation in China during 1981–2010
Authors: Ren X. L. , He H. L. , Zhang L. , Zhou L. , Yu G. R. , Fan J. W.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. Solar radiation is the primary driver of terrestrial plant photosynthesis and the diffuse component can enhance canopy light use efficiency (LUE), which in turn influences the carbon balance of terrestrial ecosystems. In this study we calculated the spatial data of diffuse radiation in China from 1981 to 2010, using a radiation decomposition model and spatial interpolation method based on observational data. Furthermore, we explored the spatiotemporal characteristics of diffuse radiation using GIS and trend analysis techniques. The results show the following: (1) The spatial patterns of perennial average of annual diffuse radiation during 1981–2010 are complex and inhomogeneous in China, generally lower in the north and higher in the south and west. The perennial average ranges from 1730.20 to 3064.41 MJ m−2 yr−1 across the whole country. (2) There is an increasing trend of annual diffuse radiation in China from 1981 to 2010 on the whole, with mean increasing amplitude of 7.03 MJ m−2 yr−1 per decade. Whereas a significant downtrend was observed in the first 10 years, distinct anomalies in 1982, 1983, 1991 and 1992 occurred due to the eruptions of El Chinchon and Pinatubo. (3) The spatial distribution of the temporal variability of diffuse radiation showed significant regional heterogeneity in addition to the seasonal differences. Northwestern China has the most evident downtrend, with highest decreasing rate of 6% per decade, while the Tibetan Plateau has the most evident uptrend, with highest increasing rate of up to 9% per decade. Such quantitative spatiotemporal characteristics of diffuse radiation are essential in regional scale modeling of terrestrial carbon dynamics.
Regional variability of acidification in the Arctic: a sea of contrasts
Authors: Popova E. E. , Yool A. , Coward A. C. , Anderson T. R.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. The Arctic Ocean is a region that is particularly vulnerable to the impact of ocean acidification driven by rising atmospheric CO2, negatively impacting calcifying organisms such as coccolithophorids and foraminiferans. In this study, we use an ocean general circulation model, with embedded biogeochemistry and a full description of the carbon cycle, to study the response of pH and saturation states of calcite and aragonite to changing climate in the Arctic Ocean. Particular attention is paid to the strong regional variability within the Arctic and, for comparison, simulation results are contrasted with those for the global ocean. Simulations were run to year 2099 using the RCP 8.5 (the highest IPCC AR5 CO2 emission scenario). The separate impacts of the direct increase in atmospheric CO2 and indirect effects via climate feedbacks (changing temperature, stratification, primary production and fresh water fluxes) were examined by undertaking two simulations, one with the full system and the other in which ocean-atmosphera exchange of CO2 was prevented from increasing beyond the flux calculated for year 2000. Results indicate that climate feedbacks, and spatial heterogeneity thereof, play a strong role in the declines in pH and carbonate saturation (Ω) seen in the Arctic. The central Arctic, Canadian Arctic Archipelago and Baffin Bay show greatest rates of acidification and Ω decline as a result of melting sea ice. In contrast, areas affected by Atlantic inflow including the Greenland Sea and outer shelves of the Barents, Kara and Laptev seas, had minimal decreases in pH and Ω because weakening stratification associated with diminishing ice cover led to greater mixing and primary production. As a consequence, the predicted onset of undersaturation is highly variable regionally within the Arctic, occurring during the decade of 2000–2010 in the Siberian shelves and Canadian Arctic Archipelago, but as late as the 2080s in the Barents and Norwegian Seas. We conclude that, in order to make future projections of acidification and carbon saturation state in the Arctic, regional variability needs to be adequately resolved, with particular emphasis on reliable predictions of the rates of retreat of the sea-ice which are a major source of uncertainty.
Spectral reflectance of solar light from dirty snow: a simple theoretical model and its validation
Authors: Kokhanovsky A.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. A simple analytical equation for the snow albedo as the function of snow grain size, soot concentration, and soot mass absorption coefficient is presented. This simple equation can be used in climate models to assess the influence of snow pollution on snow albedo. It is shown that the squared logarithm of the albedo (in the visible) is directly proportional to the soot concentration. A new method of the determination of the soot mass absorption coefficient in snow is proposed. The equations derived are applied to a dusty snow layer as well.
Uniform Adoption Laws: A Public Health Perspective
Authors: Crum Deborah E.
Published: February 2013

Adoption has long been seen as the "perfect solution" for numerous parties. Traditionally viewed, adoption is no more than a social service procedure; however, viewed more broadly, adoption provides a solution to the public health concerns of unplanned pregnancies and foster care populations. In the United States, the power to establish and administer the legal and procedural systems applicable to the adoption process is granted to the individual states, due to their responsibility to regulate the welfare of children. Therefore, like other areas of family law, adoption is a state-created statute. Conflicts between states are not uncommon because of the discrepancies in adoption laws amongst the states. These discrepancies between different state adoption laws lead to confusion, forum shopping, and most importantly, negative attitudes and reactions toward adoption. Ultimately, these discrepancies hurt the only innocent party involved: children in need of a family. As a solution to multiple public health concerns, adoption laws would benefit from a uniform adoption act. This Note will examine the extensive issues resulting from the discrepancies between state adoption laws and address how a uniform adoption act could significantly promote adoption as a viable solution to two public health concerns: the increasing number of unplanned pregnancies and the significant number of children in foster care awaiting permanent placements. Section I explores public health concerns that would benefit from a uniform adoption act. Section II discusses adoption laws as state responsibilities and addresses the major consequences of having different state adoption laws. Section III details past efforts to overcome the differences in state adoption laws, including the Uniform Adoption Act of 1994. Finally, Section IV analyzes the need for some form of uniform adoption laws if adoption is to remain a viable solution to public health concerns, namely the increasing number of unplanned pregnancies and significant number of children in the foster care system awaiting adoption.
Anaphylactoid Reaction during First Hemofiltration with a PUREMA® Polysulfone Membrane
Authors: Heegard Kelly D. , Tilley Molly A. , Stewart Ian J. , Edgecombe Harcourt P. , Lundy Jonathan B. , Renz Evan M. , Chung Kevin K.
Published: February 2013

Adverse reactions during hemodialysis are extremely common and include a wide range of clinical presentations from mild to life threatening. We present a case of a 34 year old woman in the Burn Intensive Care Unit, who developed acute kidney injury requiring renal replacement therapy. She was placed on continuous veno-venous hemofiltration with the NxStage® machine which uses a synthetic PUREMA® polyethersulfone filter sterilized by gamma radiation. Within two minutes of initiating hemofiltration, the patient complained of pruritus as well as dyspnea and became flushed and agitated. She subsequently developed hypotension ultimately resulting in cardiopulmonary arrest. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was initiated and the patient was given epinephrine with return of spontaneous circulation. The following day, the patient was rechallenged with a PUREMA® filter, and had a similar reaction with flushing, dyspnea, pruritus and hypotension requiring treatment to be discontinued. The patient was transitioned to the Prismaflex® filter, another synthetic membrane, which she tolerated well and continued to utilize through the remainder of her hospital course without complication. Her clinical presentation was consistent with an anaphylactoid reaction, though a tryptase level was not obtained and a radioallergosorbent test performed with membrane material was negative. This case shows the difficulty of identifying the cause of hypersensitivity reactions involving synthetic membranes not sterilized by ethylene oxide, a commonly use sterilizing agent known to cause hypersensitivity reactions. This rare, but potentially fatal reaction has not previously been reported with a PUREMA® filter and this case should raise awareness of hypersensitivity reactions with this widely used method of renal replacement therapy.
The Theory and Observational Evidence for Streamlets: A New Velocity-Based Feature Model of Jet Streams and Eddies in the Oceans
Authors: Kazansky Alexander V. , Shupikova Antonina A.
Published: February 2013

The aim of this study is the verification of a new velocity-based feature model, called streamlets, proposed recently for objective analysis of the three-dimensional velocity structure of jet streams and eddies in the oceans. Streamlets are continuously imbedded shearing vortex solenoids having two forms: cylindrical (for jets) or toroidal (for eddies, considered as self-closed jets). Both these forms comprise stream coordinates based on streamlines of maximum velocity as an axis and vertical velocity cross-sections defined as an oblique cone with elliptical base. Assimilation of velocity measurements is accomplished by fitting this cone to available data using the well-known Nelder-Mead simplex downhill algorithm for finding the minimum of nonlinear parametric functions. Advantages of the streamlet model are discussed emphasizing its functional integrity. The focus is on velocity data assimilation based on coherency of synoptic scale features as opposed to usual pointwise assimilation methods such as averaging or optimal interpolation. Case studies present synoptic features of a different origin and scale including surface-intensified and subsurface baroclinic examples as well as deep barotropic ones demonstrating universality of the model. The theory of streamlets is also addressed in this paper, since it further sustain the streamlet model.
Why Do People Not Vote? Several Remarks on Non-Voter Profile in Post-Communist Europe
Authors: Nový Michal
Published: February 2013

The increasing levels of electoral abstention across ‘new’ European democracies can downgrade the legitimacy of these regimes. From this point of view, the basic question ‘who does not vote and why?’ gains new relevance. My article focuses on the determinants of non-voting from a cross-national perspective. I present two approaches towards explaining electoral abstention. The first, arising from the Michigan model, is based on a solid connection between party choice and participation. This approach considers the lack of party identification as the main reason for non-voting. The second approach emphasizes the role of the decision-making process in abstention itself, without regard to the selection of a preferred party, and is connected with well-known concepts like political efficacy, trust, interest, and satisfaction. These explanations have often been utilized for well-established democracies, yet how do they work in post-Communist space? After a brief theoretical discussion, I investigate the robustness of presented theories by means of empirical analysis of the situation in 11 post-Communist countries. The European Social Survey 2008 is used for the verification of the importance of both approaches.
JRME—A Stage for Scholarly Discourse
Authors: Langrall Cynthia W. , Martin Tami S. , Ellerton Nerida F. , Hertel Joshua T. , Fain Amanda L.
Published: February 2013

There are many venues for engaging in scholarly discourse about mathematics education, including conferences, webinars, social networking sites, blogs, university classes, and colloquia. Given the dynamic nature of these forums, one might lose sight of the role of academic journals in contributing to scholarly discourse in the field. The integrity of JRME and the high standards to which its publications are held support the notion of the journal as an archive, a means for recording and disseminating knowledge. However, JRME also influences the direction of mathematics education research and contributes to the ongoing discourse of the mathematics education community.
Sporadic duodenal macrogastrinoma: a rare case report
Authors: Šimčikas Dainius , Poškus Eligijus , Stanaitis Juozas , Rinkevičiūtė Ernesta , Tamošiūnas Algirdas Edvardas , Strupas Kęstutis
Published: February 2013

Gastrinomas are rare neuroendocrine tumors characterized by the secretion of gastrin, which causes hyperchlorhydria, thereby producing the Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. In most cases this syndrome manifests as severe peptic ulcer disease. We are presenting an extremely rare clinical case of sporadic duodenal macrogastrinoma. The patient underwent investigation due to six-year history of epigastric pain, heartburn and episodic diarrhea. Endoscopy, endosonoscopy and histologic examination of biopsy specimens indicated the presence of duodenal gastrinoma with no signs of peptic ulcers. Pyloroduodenal segment including 3.5 cm macrogastrinoma was resected. This case is unique as duodenal gastrinomas are usually very small, up to 1 cm. During the follow up period we observed slowly decreasing hypergastrinemia. Somatostatin receptor scintigraphy, CT and upper GI endoscopy were performed to reveal the reasons, though did not find any abnormalities. 8 months of follow-up did not reveal any progression of the disease. The etiology of slowly decreasing hypergastrinemia remains unclear, controversial and is under investigation.
Pump operations in locally advanced thoracic malignancies
Authors: Cicėnas Saulius , Sirvydis Vytautas Jonas , Uždavinys Giedrius , Kalinauskas Gintaras , Aškinis Renatas , Zaremba Sigitas
Published: February 2013

Background. The study objective is to evaluate the efficacy of pump operations in locally advanced IIIB (T4N0-1M0) lung cancer and other thoracic malignancies and the results of treatment.
Materials and methods. In the period 2003–2011, 6 patients (pts) with locally advanced thoracic malignancies underwent surgery in the Center of Cardiac Surgery of Vilnius University Hospital Santariskiu Clinics (VUH SC). Patients’ characteristics and stage: lung cancer – 3 pts (50.0%), stage IIIB (T4N0-1M0), sarcoma of mediastinum – 2 pts (33.3%), fibrous tumour of mediastinum – 1 pt (16.7%). Patients according to morphology: squamous cell carcinoma – 3 pts (50.0%), neuroangiosarcoma – 1 pt (16.7%), neurosarcoma – 1 pt (16.7%), solitary fibrous tumour – 1 pt (16.7%). After surgery patients received adjuvant treatment: 3 pts with lung cancer received 4 cycles of chemotherapy Gemcitabine with cisplatinum, 2  pts with angiosarcoma received radiation therapy 66 Gy and 6 cycles of chemotherapy Ifosfamide.
Results. We performed pneumonectomy with left atrium resection  –  2  pts (33.3%), left pneumonectomy with aorta resection  –  1  pt (16.7%), left atrium resection with left upper lobectomy  –  1  pt (16.7%), mediastinum resection with chest wall reconstruction – 1 pt (16.7%), left pneumonectomy – 1 pt (16.7%). We had no complications after pump operations. Median survival of patients with lung cancer was 2.5 ± 0.5 years, with angiosarcoma 3.5 ± 1.0 years. Five-year survival was 25%.
Conclusions. 1. Pump operations are safe and possible in locally advanced thoracic malignancies. 2.  Pump operations and adjuvant treatment may prolong median survival in IIIB (T4N0-1M0) lung cancer patients by 2.5 ± 0.5 years and in angiosarcoma patients by 3.5 ± 1.0 years.
Effectiveness of early oseltamivir treatment in children with pandemic 2009 A/H1N1 influenza in the Vilnius University Children Hospital
Authors: Usonis Vytautas , Narkevičiūtė Irena , Guntaitė Vilija
Published: February 2013

Background. Oseltamivir is recommended for treatment of pandemic influenza in children. The therapy should be started as soon as possible, however, data on the effectiveness of such a treatment is rather limited. This study was accomplished in order to evaluate the effectiveness of oseltamivir depending on the time of the beginning of treatment.
Materials and methods. Medical records of 72 children hospitalised to the Vilnius University Children’s Hospital (VUCH) because of laboratory confirmed pandemic influenza during November–December 2009 were analysed retrospectively. Duration of fever and frequency of complications in children treated with oseltamivir starting on days 1–2 and those who were started to treat ≥day 3 from the beginning of flu symptoms were compared to those who did not receive oseltamivir.
Results. 40 patients were treated with oseltamivir: 20 children were commenced on treatment within 48 hours of their illness and the other 20 were started on oseltamivir on day 3 or later. 32 children were not treated with oseltamivir. Fever lasted 2.1 ± 0.8 days if the treatment with oseltamivir was started within 48 hours of illness and 4.1 ± 1.9 days if the treatment was started later (p
Soybean planting dates and maturity groups: Maximizing yield potential and decreasing risk in Louisiana
Authors: Moseley David , Reis Andre , Gentimis Thanos , Campos Priscila , Copes Josh , Netterville Melanie , Egbedi Peters , Harrell Dustin , Kongchum Manoch , Levy Ronnie , Padgett Boyd , Soignier Samuel , Scroggs Derek , Sanders Jason , Pankey Joe , Fic Katarzyna
Published: June 2024

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] producers in Louisiana began shifting to an early soybean production system (ESPS) in the early 2000s by planting earlier maturing varieties in April and May. Although this shift in planting practices has been supported by research elsewhere beginning in the mid‐1990s, there is minimum data focusing on the ESPS across Louisiana. The overall objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of planting date, maturity group (MG), and their combination across a comprehensive set of yield environments in the state of Louisiana to determine the combination of optimum planting date and MG for soybean production. We gathered field data from the 2013 to 2020 seasons originated from three Louisiana State University AgCenter research stations and four seed companies. A total of 428, 926, and 331 observations were analyzed from the Northeast, Central, and Southwest Louisiana regions, respectively. When including all data from across Louisiana, the optimum planting date was April 30. Breaking by regions, the average optimum planting date for the Northeast Louisiana region was April 9. The Central and Southwest results were divided by MG section, and the approximate optimum planting dates were April 15 and May 15, respectively. These results support the ESPS for the Northeast and Central Louisiana regions, but not for the Southwest Louisiana region. Optimizing planting recommendation is a critical component for supporting the development of varieties suitable for the southern production systems of the United States.
An easy‐to‐follow handbook for electroencephalogram data analysis with Python
Authors: Lu Zitong , Li Wanru , Nie Lu , Zhao Kuangshi
Published: June 2024

This easy‐to‐follow handbook offers a straightforward guide to electroencephalogram (EEG) analysis using Python, aimed at all EEG researchers in cognitive neuroscience and related fields. It spans from single‐subject data preprocessing to advanced multisubject analyses. This handbook contains four chapters: Preprocessing Single‐Subject Data, Basic Python Data Operations, Multiple‐Subject Analysis, and Advanced EEG Analysis. The Preprocessing Single‐Subject Data chapter provides a standardized procedure for single‐subject EEG data preprocessing, primarily using the MNE‐Python package. The Basic Python Data Operations chapter introduces essential Python operations for EEG data handling, including data reading, storage, and statistical analysis. The Multiple‐Subject Analysis chapter guides readers on performing event‐related potential and time‐frequency analyses and visualizing outcomes through examples from a face perception task dataset. The Advanced EEG Analysis chapter explores three advanced analysis methodologies, Classification‐based decoding, Representational Similarity Analysis, and Inverted Encoding Model, through practical examples from a visual working memory task dataset using NeuroRA and other powerful packages. We designed our handbook for easy comprehension to be an essential tool for anyone delving into EEG data analysis with Python (GitHub website: https://github.com/ZitongLu1996/Python‐EEG‐Handbook; For Chinese version: https://github.com/ZitongLu1996/Python‐EEG‐Handbook‐CN).
Analyse zur Transformation des deutschen Energiesystems von fossilen Rohstoffen zu erneuerbaren Energien als technologischer, stofflicher, und energetischer Systemwechsel
Authors: Maaß Hans‐Jürgen , Möckel Hans‐Otto
Published: June 2024

Das Ziel, die Stromerzeugung in Deutschland fast zu 100 % mit erneuerbaren Energien (EE) und grünen Energieimporten zu sichern, wird analysiert. Über die Jahresdauerlastlinien der Wege der Stromgewinnung mit EE wird die tatsächliche Lieferkapazität der EE in Abhängigkeit von der installierten Leistung gezeigt. Die mit dem Ausbau der EE zunehmende Volatilität wirkt negativ auf die Effektivität der Stromerzeugung und führt zu hohen Residuallasten. Es gelingt nicht, diese über Speicherung des Überschussstromes mit Wasserstoff und Wiederverstromung und Importen von grünen Energieträgern auszugleichen. Ein global umsetzbares Konzept der komplementären Dekarbonisierung der Stromerzeugung aus EE und fossilen Energieträgern über Erdgaspyrolyse und stofflich‐energetische Nutzung von Braunkohle wird vorgeschlagen.
Estimation in a general mixture of Markov jump processes
Authors: Frydman Halina , Surya Budhi Arta
Published: June 2024

We propose a general mixture of Markov jump processes. The key novel feature of the proposed mixture is that the generator matrices of the Markov processes comprising the mixture are entirely unconstrained. The Markov processes are mixed with distributions that depend on the initial state of the mixture process. The maximum likelihood (ML) estimates of the mixture's parameters are obtained from continuous realizations of the mixture process and their standard errors from an explicit form of the observed Fisher information matrix, which simplifies the Louis (Journal of the Royal Statistical Society Series B, 44:226–233, 1982) general formula for the same matrix. The asymptotic properties of the ML estimators are also derived. A simulation study verifies the estimates' accuracy. The proposed mixture provides an exploratory tool for identifying the homogeneous subpopulations in a heterogeneous population. This is illustrated with an application to a medical dataset.
Risk of malignancy and overall survival associated with the diagnostic categories in the World Health Organization Reporting System for Pancreaticobiliary Cytopathology
Authors: Hsiao Wen‐Yu , Wang Qun
Published: June 2024

Background

The World Health Organization (WHO) classification system revised the Papanicolaou Society of Cytopathology (PSC) system for reporting pancreaticobiliary cytopathology. To better stratify intraductal and/or cystic neoplasms by cytologic grade, the neoplastic, other category was replaced by two new categories: pancreaticobiliary neoplasm, low‐risk/grade (PaN‐Low) and pancreaticobiliary neoplasm, high‐risk/grade (PaN‐High). Low‐grade malignancies were placed in the malignant category, and benign neoplasms were placed in the benign/negative for malignancy category.

Methods

An institutional pathology database search identified patients who underwent endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA) for pancreatic lesions from January 2015 to April 2022. The absolute risk of malignancy (ROM) was determined by histologic and/or clinical follow‐up of at least 6 months, and overall survival rates were calculated across diagnostic categories, comparing the WHO and PSC systems.

Results

In total, 1012 cases were reviewed and recategorized. The ROM for the WHO system was 8.3% for insufficient/inadequate/nondiagnostic, 3.2% for benign/negative for malignancy, 24.6% for atypical, 9.1% for PaN‐Low, 46.7% for PaN‐High, 75% for suspicious for malignancy, and 100% for malignant. Comparatively, the ROM for the PSC system was 7.4% for nondiagnostic, 3.0% for negative for malignancy, 23.1% for atypical, 0% for neoplastic, benign, 7.3% for neoplastic, other, 75% for suspicious for malignancy, and 100% for malignant. The WHO system demonstrated superior stratification for overall survival.

Conclusions

The WHO system significantly improves the stratification of ROM and overall survival across diagnostic categories by introducing the PaN‐Low and PaN‐High categories and reassigning low‐grade malignancies to the malignant category. Analyzing EUS‐FNA samples with the WHO system provides critical insights for guiding clinical management.
Research with Refugee Populations in North America: Applying the NIH Guiding Principles for Ethical Research
Authors: Aultman Julie M. , Zaaeed Najah , Payton Colleen , DiVito Brittany , Holland Tim , Atem Jacob
Published: June 2024

This article examines the ethics of research design and the initiation of a study (e.g., recruitment of participants) involving refugee participants. We aim to equip investigators and members of IRBs with a set of ethical considerations and pragmatic recommendations to address challenges in refugee‐focused research as it is developed and prepared for IRB review. We discuss challenges including how refugees are being defined and identified; their vulnerabilities before, during, and following resettlement that impacts their research participation; recruitment; consent practices including assent and unaccompanied minors; and conflicts of interest. Ethical guidance and regulatory oversight provided by international bodies, federal governments, and IRBs are important for enforcing the protection of participants. We describe the need for additional ethical guidance and awareness, if not special protections for refugee populations as guided by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Guiding Principles for Ethical Research.
Single IRB Review and Local Context Considerations: A Scoping Review
Authors: Morain Stephanie R. , Singleton Megan K. , Tsiandoulas Kate , Bollinger Juli , Sugarman Jeremy
Published: June 2024

A leading concern about single IRB (sIRB) review for multisite studies, as is now required by federal policies, is whether and how sIRBs consider local context in their review. While several types of local context considerations have been proposed, there is no shared agreement among those charged with the ethics oversight of human subjects research as to the goals and content of local context review, nor the types of research studies for which sIRB review might be inappropriate. Through a scoping review of published scholarship, public comments, and federal guidance documents, we identified five assumed goals for local context review: protecting the rights and welfare of local participants; ensuring compliance with applicable laws and policies; assessing feasibility; promoting the quality of research; and promoting procedural justice. While a variety of content was proposed to be relevant, it was largely grouped into four domains: population/participant‐level characteristics; investigator and research team characteristics; institution‐level characteristics; and state and local laws. Proposed characteristics for exclusion from sIRB requirements reflected both protection‐ and efficiency‐based concerns. These findings can inform ongoing efforts to assess the implications of policies mandating sIRB review, and when exceptions to those policies might be appropriate.
Patient‐Reported Outcome Measures in Routine Clinical Practice: Practical Guidance for Institutional Review Boards
Authors: Bachmann Justin M. , Shiflet Molly A. , Palacios Julia R. , Turer Robert W. , Wallace Grace H. , Rosenbloom S. Trent , Rice Todd W.
Published: June 2024

The use of patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) is increasingly common in routine clinical practice. As tools to quantify symptoms and health status, PROMs play an important role in focusing health care on outcomes that matter to patients. The uses of PROM data are myriad, ranging from clinical care to survey‐based research and quality improvement. Discerning the boundaries between these use cases can be challenging for institutional review boards (IRBs). In this article, we provide a framework for classifying the three primary PROM use cases (clinical care, human subjects research, and quality improvement) and discuss the level of IRB oversight (if any) necessary for each. One of the most important considerations for IRB staff is whether PROMs are being used primarily for clinical care and thus do not constitute human subjects research. We discuss characteristics of PROMs implemented primarily for clinical care, focusing on: data platform; survey location; questionnaire length; patient interface; and clinician interface. We also discuss IRB oversight of projects involving the secondary use of PROM data that were collected during the course of clinical care, which span human subjects research and quality improvement. This framework provides practical guidance for IRB staff as well as clinicians who use PROMs as communication aids in routine clinical practice.
Rationale and Study Checklist for Ethical Rejection of Participants on Crowdsourcing Research Platforms
Authors: Agley Jon , Mumaw Casey , Johnson Bethany
Published: June 2024

Online participant recruitment (“crowdsourcing”) platforms are increasingly being used for research studies. While such platforms can rapidly provide access to large samples, there are concomitant concerns around data quality. Researchers have studied and demonstrated means to reduce the prevalence of low‐quality data from crowdsourcing platforms, but approaches to doing so often involve rejecting work and/or denying payment to participants, which can pose ethical dilemmas. We write this essay as an associate professor and two institutional review board (IRB) directors to provide a perspective on the competing interests of participants/workers and researchers and to propose a checklist of steps that we believe may support workers' agency on the platform and lessen instances of unfair consequences to them while enabling researchers to definitively reject lower‐quality work that might otherwise reduce the likelihood of their studies producing true results. We encourage further, explicit discussion of these issues among academics and among IRBs.
Translational Bioethical Decision‐Making: Human Brain Organoids as a Case Study
Authors: Evans John H.
Published: June 2024

In an earlier essay, I advocated that translational bioethics uses the public's values, determined through social science, in its analysis of translational science technologies. It may be unclear what those values might be, and whether such a translational ethics would necessarily conclude that cutting edge technologies should not be developed. In this essay, I show the public's values relevant to human brain organoids and argue that a translational bioethics analysis using these values would support continued organoid research.
An Overview of Electron Transport Layer Materials and Structures for Efficient Organic Photovoltaic Cells
Authors: Abubaker Shawbo Abdulsamad , Pakhuruddin Mohd Zamir
Published: June 2024

The electron transport layer (ETL) has gained significant attention recently for its essential role in facilitating charge extraction, transportation, and reducing recombination in photovoltaic cells. Organic photovoltaics (OPVs) with ETLs have achieved remarkable efficiencies exceeding 19%, and indoor OPVs have reached a peak efficiency of 29.4% under 3000 LX illumination. Despite these accomplishments, the difficulties in choosing appropriate ETLs for contact alignment have constrained device performance. This review comprehensively overviews the latest advancements in ETL materials used in conventional and inverted OPVs. Additionally, it investigates the evolution of dopant materials, emphasizing the need for improved electron mobility, energy level alignment, and surface passivation treatment of the buffer layer and absorber layers in OPVs. Continual studies of transport materials and the potential utilization of doping or multilayer ETLs are suggested as inevitable research toward achieving higher power conversion efficiency and stability in OPV technology. Additionally, identifying optimal ETL materials capable of synergistic interactions remains crucial for sustained progress in renewable energy technology.
Degradation of MoOx Thin‐Films Properties in Excessive Oxygen Environments and Its Influence on Dopant‐Free Silicon Solar Cells
Authors: Hu Yu , Li Junjun , Feng Jiale , Yue Xuelin , Ji Yuhui , Li Yuepeng , Tang Fan , Tian Yi , Yu Jian
Published: June 2024

Transition metal oxides such as molybdenum oxide (MoOx) demonstrate significant potential as efficient hole‐selective passivating contacts in silicon heterojunction solar cells. Achieving efficient hole collection necessitates precise control over the optical and electrical properties of MoOx films. In this study, the effects of oxygen flow rate () on the growth, optical properties, and electrical properties of thermally evaporated MoOx films are investigated. In the Kelvin probe force microscopy results, it is indicated that MoOx thin‐film deposition followed an island‐to‐layer growth model. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy shows that MoOx films exhibit stoichiometric composition with fully oxidized Mo6+ ions, without additional oxygen. Notably, the O 1s orbital peak shifts toward higher binding energy with increased , indicating defect introduction. Consequently, the work function of MoOx films decreases from 5.93 to 5.51 eV as increases from 0 to 8 sccm. The maximum optical bandgap of the MoOx films exceeds 3.60 eV. As a proof of concept, 's impact on MoOx as a front buffer layer for dopant‐free silicon solar cells is analyzed. An efficiency of 20.8% was achieved for dopant‐free silicon solar cells after optimized MoOx film deposition, with an open‐circuit voltage of 713.7 mV, short‐circuit current density of 39.1 mA cm−2, and fill factor of 74.6%.
Kesterite Films Processed with Organic Solvents: Unveiling the Impact of Carbon‐Rich Fine‐Grain‐Layer Formation on Solar‐Cell Performance
Authors: Javed Ahmed , Donmez Doguscan , Jones Michael D. K. , Qu Yongtao , Gunbas Gorkem , Yerci Selcuk
Published: June 2024

Solution‐processed kesterite (copper zinc tin sulfide [CZTS]) solar cells attract significant attention owing to their low cost, ease of large‐scale production, and earth‐abundant elemental composition, which make these devices promising to fulfill the ever‐increasing demand of the photovoltaic (PV) industry. Compared to the performances of expensive vacuum‐based techniques, colloidal nanocrystal kesterite solar cells garner substantial interest due to their economical and rapid processing. Led by the hot‐injection method, organic solvent‐based techniques are widely adopted to realize CZTS nanocrystal inks. With organic solvents, ligand‐stabilized nanoparticles are formed leading to dispersive and homogenous kesterite inks. However, the presence of carbon‐rich ligands around the nanocrystal surface often leads to the formation of a fine‐grain layer that is rich in carbon content. The organic ligands decompose into amorphous carbon residues during a high‐temperature annealing process and hinder the grain growth process. The carbon‐rich fine‐grain (CRFG) layer generally poses a negative influence on the PV performance of the kesterite solar cell; however, few reports maintain their disposition about CRFG as innocuous. In this review study, a detailed discussion on CRFG is presented, aiming to understand the insights about its formation and impact on the device's performance.