bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quality improvement through public reporting: The surgeon scorecard – are we there yet?
Authors: Anoushiravani Afshin A. , Sayeed Zain , Padela Muhammad T. , Feng James E. , Barach Paul , El-Othmani Mouhanad , Darwiche Hussein F. , Saleh Khaled J. 
Published: June 2018

As national healthcare reform continues to place greater emphasis on providing high value care, measures designed to track clinical performance remain relatively overlooked. To that extent, several organizations have attempted to create objective grading systems to evaluate orthopaedic surgeon quality and performance. While attempting to address these issues, ProPublica’s Surgeon Scorecard has provoked national debate among patient advocates and healthcare providers. The methodology behind the Scorecard was developed at the Harvard School of Public Health with an aim to provide a more robust means of comparing surgical performance and outcomes for patients and healthcare organizations. Currently, the Scorecard assesses eight elective surgical procedures, including total knee and hip arthroplasty, through the use of the Medicare Claims Dataset. The impact of the Scorecard on orthopaedic practice has yet to be established. In this discussion, we analyze the Scorecard from the perspective of various stakeholders to identify its benefits and shortcomings, as well as offer direction for further improvement.
EVALUACIÓN DE ENTORNOS INMERSIVOS 3D COMO HERRAMIENTA DE APRENDIZAJE B-LEARNING
Authors: González-Yebra Óscar , Aguilar Manuel Ángel , Aguilar Fernando José , Lucas Matheu Manuel 
Published: June 2018

El presente trabajo se ha desarrollado en el marco de un proyecto de innovación educativa para la adaptación de la Universidad de Almería al EEES. Tiene como objetivo general el estudio del potencial de los entornos inmersivos 3D para la enseñanza-aprendizaje a distancia. En este sentido se ha evaluado el uso de la plataforma Second Life para complementar y reforzar las clases presenciales de la asignatura Diseño Asistido por Ordenador mediante una alternativa eficaz y ágil para la comunicación a distancia a través de la WWW, manteniendo, en la medida de lo posible, el sentimiento de pertenencia a una clase de todas las personas participantes.El estudio se llevó a cabo a lo largo de tres fases diferenciadas. En la primera, se diseñó y planificó el procedimiento para la investigación experimental. En la segunda, se llevaron a cabo las diferentes sesiones programadas en el marco del proyecto y se procedió a la obtención de las valoraciones del alumnado. En la tercera fase se adaptó y aplicó el conocido modelo de Kano para obtener una evaluación cuantitativa de la satisfacción del grupo de estudiantes tanto con la interfaz del entorno inmersivo 3D empleado como con el propio método de enseñanza síncrona a distancia.En líneas generales la respuesta del alumnado participante en relación a la componente teórica de la asignatura ha sido ampliamente positiva, inclinándose por una docencia presencial en el caso de la componente puramente práctica o aplicada. Los hallazgos obtenidos en este estudio pueden ser de utilidad para el profesorado/personal investigador interesado en el diseño y recreación de aulas virtuales análogas, así como para avanzar en estrategias que promuevan de una forma efectiva la enseñanza B-Learning apoyada en entornos inmersivos 3D.
EDUCACIÓN SUPERIOR EN ALTERNANCIA TRANSFRONTERIZA ENTRE FRANCIA Y ESPAÑA
Authors: Tarrats-Pons Elisenda Tarrats-Pons , Arimany-Serrat Núria Arimany-Serrat , Arando-Lasagabaster Saioa Arando-Lasagabaster , Martínez-González Mariangélica Martínez-González , Samonneau Marion Samonneau , Pilniere Veronique Pilniere , Mathieu Laetitia Mathieu 
Published: June 2018

En este estudio se pretende evidenciar que la educación en alternancia estimula la creación de empleo e incentiva la innovación acorde a la revolución tecnológica actual, en sintonía con las necesidades de nuestro tiempo en el territorio transfronterizo. Por este motivo se analizan 4 experiencias en la zona transfronteriza basadas en educación superior en alternancia a ambos lados de los Pirineos, como experiencias en sintonía con el modelo de la Triple Hélice. Las instituciones de educación superior implicadas en las cuatro experiencias son: Universidad de Mondragón, Universidad de Vic-Universidad Central de Catalunya (en España), la École Superieure des Technologies Industrielles Avancées (ESTIA) y la Escuela Universitaria de Management de la Université de Pau (en Francia). Nuestros hallazgos sugieren los elementos que debería incorporar un modelo de educación en alternancia transfronteriza, considerando los aspectos comunes y discrepantes del análisis de las 4 experiencias, y la pertinencia de utilizar esta innovación educativa para mejorar la empleabilidad y promover la incorporación de los alumnos al mercado laboral junto con el oportuno desarrollo regional, económico y social de las zonas analizadas.
EVALUACIÓN DEL DISEÑO, PROCESO Y RESULTADOS DE UNA ASIGNATURA TÉCNICA CON APRENDIZAJE BASADO EN PROBLEMAS
Authors: Delgado Trujillo Antonio , De Justo Moscardó Enrique 
Published: June 2018

Este artículo evalúa el diseño e implementación del programa de una asignatura obligatoria de Estructuras en Arquitectura con aprendizaje basado en problemas (ABP). Los métodos de aprendizaje activo como el ABP se adaptan mejor que los métodos tradicionales a los desafíos actuales de la docencia por competencias. La experiencia alcanzó a un total de 324 estudiantes y 8 profesores. Se trata del primer caso documentado de aplicación del método ABP a gran escala en la disciplina de Estructuras en España. La investigación incluye una evaluación sistemática del programa en todas las fases: diseño, proceso y resultados. Se emplea un modelo de la teoría de evaluación de programas con un enfoque mixto (cuantitativo y cualitativo) de recogida y análisis de datos. En la evaluación han participado profesores, estudiantes y expertos multidisciplinares, que han sido consultados mediante encuestas (de respuestas abiertas y cerradas) y grupos de discusión. Los criterios de evaluación empleados son la adecuación de los componentes del programa a los objetivos, la coherencia de los componentes entre sí, el control de la ejecución y la cobertura, la eficacia en la consecución de los objetivos y la satisfacción de los estudiantes y profesores. Estos criterios se han concretado en 26 variables. Los resultados indican que el programa ha sido eficaz en el logro de la mayor parte de sus objetivos, destacando los avances conseguidos en el rendimiento académico y la asistencia a clase. El estudio realizado permite concluir que el ABP se adapta bien a una docencia práctica de Estructuras, aunque han surgido algunas dificultades relacionadas con la complejidad de aplicación del método. Las conclusiones sobre el funcionamiento del programa, sus puntos fuertes y las principales dificultades encontradas pueden ser útiles para la extrapolación de la experiencia a otros contextos cercanos en el campo de la Arquitectura y la Ingeniería.
Valoración local del patrimonio natural para el desarrollo turístico en un territorio rural transfronterizo (Sierra del Larouco, Galicia-Norte de Portugal)
Authors: De Uña-Álvarez Elena , Cuquejo Bello Mª del Carmen , Villarino Pérez Montserrat 
Published: June 2018

En la mayoría de los espacios rurales de montaña la oferta turístico-recreativa está basada en sus recursos naturales. El conocimiento de la percepción y las expectativas de los actores locales respecto a su valor y potencialidad es indispensable para fomentar un turismo sostenible. La Sierra del Larouco es un espacio transfronterizo que se extiende entre el sur de Galicia (Noroeste de España) y el norte de Portugal. El objetivo principal de la investigación es conocer la percepción, las ideas y las expectativas de sus actores respecto a los bienes disponibles y su utilización como recursos para el desarrollo local a través del turismo. Para ello, han sido realizadas 29 entrevistas a partir de un cuestionario-guía. Este trabajo presenta solo una parte de sus resultados en el contexto de un estudio exploratorio: los que expresan el grado de interés y la valoración que otorgan los actores clave al conjunto de recursos disponibles, entre los cuales el patrimonio natural ocupa una posición destacada; al mismo tiempo, inciden en el potencial que confieren a este patrimonio “propio” como un conjunto de recursos turísticos para favorecer la mejora del ámbito local.
Some maternal lineages of domestic horses may have origins in East Asia revealed with further evidence of mitochondrial genomes and HVR-1 sequences
Authors: Ma Hongying , Wu Yajiang , Xiang Hai , Yang Yunzhou , Wang Min , Zhao Chunjiang , Wu Changxin 
Published: June 2018

Objectives
There are large populations of indigenous horse (Equus caballus) in China and some other parts of East Asia. However, their matrilineal genetic diversity and origin remained poorly understood. Using a combination of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and hypervariable region (HVR-1) sequences, we aim to investigate the origin of matrilineal inheritance in these domestic horses.

Methods
To investigate patterns of matrilineal inheritance in domestic horses, we conducted a phylogenetic study using 31 de novo mtDNA genomes together with 317 others from the GenBank. In terms of the updated phylogeny, a total of 5,180 horse mitochondrial HVR-1 sequences were analyzed.

Results
Eightteen haplogroups (Aw-Rw) were uncovered from the analysis of the whole mitochondrial genomes. Most of which have a divergence time before the earliest domestication of wild horses (about 5,800 years ago) and during the Upper Paleolithic (35–10 KYA). The distribution of some haplogroups shows geographic patterns. The Lw haplogroup contained a significantly higher proportion of European horses than the horses from other regions, while haplogroups Jw, Rw, and some maternal lineages of Cw, have a higher frequency in the horses from East Asia. The 5,180 sequences of horse mitochondrial HVR-1 form nine major haplogroups (A-I). We revealed a corresponding relationship between the haplotypes of HVR-1 and those of whole mitochondrial DNA sequences. The data of the HVR-1 sequences also suggests that Jw, Rw, and some haplotypes of Cw may have originated in East Asia while Lw probably formed in Europe.

Conclusions
Our study supports the hypothesis of the multiple origins of the maternal lineage of domestic horses and some maternal lineages of domestic horses may have originated from East Asia.
HDR brachytherapy in vivo source position verification using a 2D diode array: A Monte Carlo study
Authors: Poder Joel , Cutajar Dean , Guatelli Susanna , Petasecca Marco , Howie Andrew , Bucci Joseph , Rosenfeld Anatoly 
Published: June 2018

AbstractPurposeThis study aims to assess the accuracy of source position verification during high‐dose rate (HDR) prostate brachytherapy using a novel, in‐house developed two‐dimensional (2D) diode array (the Magic Plate), embedded exactly below the patient within a carbon fiber couch. The effect of tissue inhomogeneities on source localization accuracy is examined.MethodMonte Carlo (MC) simulations of 12 source positions from a HDR prostate brachytherapy treatment were performed using the Geant4 toolkit. An Ir‐192 Flexisource (Isodose Control, Veenendaal, the Netherlands) was simulated inside a voxelized patient geometry, and the dose deposited in each detector of the Magic Plate evaluated. The dose deposited in each detector was then used to localize the source position using a proprietary reconstruction algorithm.ResultsThe accuracy of source position verification using the Magic Plate embedded in the patient couch was found to be affected by the tissue inhomogeneities within the patient, with an average difference of 2.1 ± 0.8 mm (k = 1) between the Magic Plate predicted and known source positions. Recalculation of the simulations with all voxels assigned a density of water improved this verification accuracy to within 1 mm.ConclusionSource position verification using the Magic Plate during a HDR prostate brachytherapy treatment was examined using MC simulations. In a homogenous geometry (water), the Magic Plate was able to localize the source to within 1 mm, however, the verification accuracy was negatively affected by inhomogeneities; this can be corrected for by using density information obtained from CT, making the proposed tool attractive for use as a real‐time in vivo quality assurance (QA) device in HDR brachytherapy for prostate cancer.
Potentiometric Parameterization of Dinaphtho[2,3‐b:2′,3′‐f]thieno[3,2‐b]thiophene Field‐Effect Transistors with a Varying Degree of Nonidealities
Authors: Kim Chang‐Hyun , Thomas Suzanne , Kim Ji Hwan , Elliott Martin , Macdonald J. Emyr , Yoon Myung‐Han 
Published: June 2018

AbstractOrganic transistors with different structures are investigated to address the applicability and reliability of parameter extraction. A dinaphtho[2,3‐b:2′,3′‐f]thieno[3,2‐b]thiophene channel is coupled with pristine or functionalized gold bottom and top contacts to reveal a geometrical impact on the device performance and nonidealities. Scanning Kelvin probe microscopy is employed as a key method to quantify the channel and contact potential in operation. Taking full account of the contact effects and including an explicit threshold voltage in calculation are shown to be critical to access the intrinsic carrier mobility, while simple derivative‐based extraction may over‐ or underestimate it. Further analytical developments correlate individual physical parameters, leading to the discovery that pentafluorobenzenethiol self‐assembled on gold predominantly affects the carrier mobility rather than the injection barrier.
The Role of Hydrogen from ALD‐Al2O3 in Kesterite Cu2ZnSnS4 Solar Cells: Grain Surface Passivation
Authors: Park Jongsung , Huang Jialiang , Yun Jaesung , Liu Fangyang , Ouyang Zi , Sun Heng , Yan Chang , Sun Kaiwen , Kim Kyung , Seidel Jan , Chen Shiyou , Green Martin A. , Hao Xiaojing 
Published: June 2018

AbstractIn this research, a new route of surface passivation is reported by introducing hydrogen from the atomic layer deposited (ALD) Al2O3 layer into pure sulfide Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) solar cells. Different amounts of hydrogen are incorporated into the Cu2ZnSnS4/CdS interface through controlling the thickness of the ALD‐Al2O3 layer. The device with three cycles of ALD‐Al2O3 yields the highest efficiency of 8.08% (without antireflection coating) with improved open‐circuit voltage of up to 70 mV. With closer examination on the passivation route of ALD‐Al2O3, it is revealed by the surface chemisty study that the Al2O3 can be etched away by ammonium hydroxide in the CdS buffer deposition process. Instead, the hydrogen is detected within a shallow depth from the CZTS surface, and makes a significant difference in the measured distribution of contact potential difference and device performance. This may be interpreted by the effect of hydrogen passivation of the CZTS surface by curing dangling bonds at the surface of CZTS grains. This work may provide a new direction of further improving the performance of kesterite solar cells.
Sex‐specific associations of obesity and N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide levels in the general population
Authors: Suthahar Navin , Meijers Wouter C. , Ho Jennifer E. , Gansevoort Ron T. , Voors Adriaan A. , van der Meer Peter , Bakker Stephan J.L. , Heymans Stephane , van Empel Vanessa , Schroen Blanche , van der Harst Pim , van Veldhuisen Dirk J. , de Boer Rudolf A. 
Published: June 2018

BackgroundObese subjects have lower natriuretic peptide levels, but males and females have different anthropometric characteristics and fat distribution. Whether obesity‐associated lowering of natriuretic peptides differs among males and females is unknown. Therefore, we investigated sex‐specific associations of obesity and N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) levels among adults in the general population.Methods and resultsUsing 8260 participants (50.1% females) from the Prevention of REnal and Vascular ENd‐stage Disease (PREVEND) cohort, we evaluated the relationship of NT‐proBNP levels with obesity‐associated parameters, i.e. waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI) and body weight in the overall population, and in males and females separately. NT‐proBNP levels were higher in females (median, interquartile range: 50.5, 28.2–87.0 ng/L) than in males (24.3, 10.1–54.6 ng/L; P < 0.001). In the overall population, NT‐proBNP levels were significantly lower in heavier individuals and displayed a ‘U‐shaped’ relationship with increasing WC, but were not associated with BMI. After sex stratification, there was no significant association between NT‐proBNP concentrations and anthropometric measures in females. However, in males increasing WC and BMI were associated with higher NT‐proBNP levels (P < 0.05) while increasing body weight was associated with slightly lower NT‐proBNP levels (P < 0.05). Age strongly confounded the association of NT‐proBNP levels with obesity, and age‐associated increases in NT‐proBNP were significantly higher in males than in females (P < 0.001). In multivariable adjusted analyses, the inverse association of obesity and NT‐proBNP levels was also significantly modified by sex: NT‐proBNP levels were lower with increasing WC, BMI and body weight among females compared with males (Pinteraction < 0.05). After also accounting for BMI, abdominal obesity was associated with lower NT‐proBNP levels in females, but not in males (Pinteraction < 0.001).ConclusionsNatriuretic peptide deficiency in obesity mostly pertains to females with abdominal obesity, whereas the relationship between obesity and natriuretic peptides appears to be more complex in males.
PROGRESS TOWARD IDENTIFYING CAUSES OF MALDEVELOPMENT INDUCED IN XENOPUS BY POND WATER AND SEDIMENT EXTRACTS FROM MINNESOTA, USA
Authors: FORT DOUGLAS J , ROGERS ROBERT L , COPLEY HOLLY F , BRUNING LIZABETH A , STOVER ENOS L , HELGEN JUDY C , BURKHART JAMES G 
Published: June 2018

Abstract
In previously conducted laboratory studies with the South African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis), pond water and sediment samples collected from various sites in Minnesota, USA, were demonstrated to have the potential to induce a variety of developmental abnormalities, including early embryo-larval maldevelopment, abnormal limb development, and disruption of metamorphosis. The results of exposure of X. laevis to suspect pond water and sediment samples supported the hypothesis that these samples were capable of inducing these abnormalities as the result of either the presence of developmental toxicants or the absence of essential micronutrients. Physicochemical characterization of the causes of abnormal frog embryo-larval and limb development were performed using the frog embryo teratogenesis assay—Xenopus (FETAX). Specific compounds were subsequently identified within the complex mixture fractions and tested by dilution in a control solution and native reference water using both the 4- and 30-d treatment protocols. Results from these studies suggested that a complex mixture of both naturally occurring and man-made compounds was primarily responsible for the effects observed in X. laevis. The potency of several compounds was also enhanced by the site water, thus indicating that the water matrix deserves consideration as a contributing factor for both laboratory and field studies.
Influence of variable ultraviolet radiation and oil exposure duration on survival of red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) larvae
Authors: Nielsen Kristin M. , Krasnec Michelle O. , Magnuson Jason T. , Morris Jeffrey M. , Gielazyn Michel L. , Chavez J. Ruben , Roberts Aaron P. 
Published: June 2018

Abstract

The toxicity of some polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) increases with ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The intensity of UV radiation varies within aquatic ecosystems, potentially providing reprieves during which tissue repair may occur. Transient/short-term PAH exposure prior to UV exposure may initiate metabolism/clearance, potentially affecting outcomes. Larval Sciaenops ocellatus were exposed to oil and UV radiation, using either variable photoperiods or pre-UV oil exposure durations. Shorter PAH exposures exhibited greater toxicity, as did exposure to shorter photoperiods. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:2372–2379. © 2018 SETAC
Fibre‐optic supported measurement methods for monitoring rock pressure
Authors: Henzinger Michael R. , Schachinger Tobias , Lienhart Werner , Buchmayer Fabian , Weilinger Walter , Stefaner Raimund , Haberler‐Weber Michaela , Haller Eva‐Maria , Steiner Michael , Schubert Wulf 
Published: June 2018

AbstractLike every civil engineered structure tunnels are subject to an ageing process. The reasons for the degrading of the condition are manifold: not fully completed stress redistribution, deterioration in the rock mass quality through long‐term exposure (creeping), weathering or dynamic loads and stresses, to name but a few. All this processes lead to a deformation of the surrounding bedrock and the lining.For a continuous monitoring of a tunnel condition the measurement of the deformation is necessary. Conventional methods are elaborate and time‐consuming and require almost always a shutdown of the tunnel for traffic. Therefore, an inspection is done selectively with large time gaps. A continuous condition assessment becomes hardly possible. Currently no robust method for permanent monitoring of tunnels exists. With a fibre optic measuring method many of these restrictions can be overcome. In the course of this research project, a novel and innovative measuring methodology has been developed to continuously and extensively measure rock deformations. The measurement results were evaluated performing laboratory tests. Subsequently, they were installed in the course of a field test at the Semmering Base Tunnel. With complementary technologies such as laser scanning, the measurement methodology could be verified for its applicability.
Reforms in the administration of irrigation systems: Mexican experiences
Authors: Arreguin Cortes Felipe Ignacio , Garcia Villanueva Nahun Hamed , Gonzalez Casillas Arturo , Guillen Gonzalez Jose Angel 
Published: June 2018

AbstractA brief description is presented of the process and impact of the transfer of the infrastructure, management, and operation of irrigation districts in Mexico from the state to farmers. It begins with an overview of the present and future conditions of the hydro‐agricultural sector in the country, and goes on to discuss the social background and the legal framework under which the transfer process was planned and carried out, highlighting the participation and the organizational framework adopted by the users, which not only remains in force, but has been consolidated, giving rise to a social organization that constitutes an example nationwide. In addition, a series of major challenges, problems, and opportunities that need to be addressed in order to meet the current and growing food demand prevailing in the country are discussed. In closing, a reflection is given on the importance of the legal framework on water and its impact on the agricultural sector, highlighting the need to have a General Water Law that is applicable both to the three tiers of government that exist in Mexico and to society at large, an action currently in progress. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.