bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Ti/Al atomic ratio on the formation mechanism of non-recessed Au-free Ohmic contacts on AlGaN/GaN heterostructures
Authors: Constant A. , Baele J. , Coppens P. , Qin W. , Ziad H. , De Backer E. , Moens P. , Tack M.
Published: September 2016

The formation mechanism of non-recessed Au–free Ohmic contacts on the AlGaN/GaN heterostructures is investigated for various Ti/Al atomic ratios (Al–rich versus Ti–rich) and annealing temperatures ranging from 500 to 950 °C. It is shown that Ti/Al atomic ratio is the key parameter defining the optimum annealing temperature for Ohmic contact formation. Ti–rich contacts processed at high temperature result in low contact resistance ∼0.7 Ω mm, better to those obtained at low temperature or with Al–rich metal stacks. The variation of the contact resistance with Ti/Al atomic ratio and annealing temperature is correlated with the intermetallic phase changes and interfacial reaction. Depending on the Ti/Al atomic ratio, two distinct mechanisms can be distinguished. For a small quantity of Ti (e.g., Al–rich contacts), Ohmic contact formation is done through a weak interfacial reaction which is nonexistent at high temperature due to the degradation of the metal morphology. However, for a quantity of Ti higher than 25 at. % (e.g., Ti–rich contacts), the agglomeration is delayed by 200 °C as compared to Al–rich contacts, and optimal contacts are formed at high temperature through a strong interfacial reaction.
Photoluminescence of MoS2 quantum dots quenched by hydrogen peroxide: A fluorescent sensor for hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Gan Zhixing , Gui Qingfeng , Shan Yun , Pan Pengfei , Zhang Ning , Zhang Lifa
Published: September 2016

By cutting MoS2 microcrystals to quantum dots (QDs) of sizes below 10 nm, the photoluminescence (PL) at ca. 450 nm can be detected easily due to the quantum confinement effects across the 2D planes. The PL is stable under continuous irradiation of UV light but gradually quenches when treated with an increasing concentration of hydrogen peroxide. Time-resolved PL and Raman spectra imply that H2O2 causes the partial oxidation of MoS2 QDs. First-principles calculations reveal that the MoS2 QDs with oxygen impurity are of indirect bandgap structures showing no notable PL. And absorption spectra verify that the PL of MoS2 QDs quenched by H2O2 is attributed to the oxidation. The integrated PL intensity and H2O2 concentration show an exponential relationship in the range of 2–20 μM, suggesting that MoS2 QDs are potential fluorescent probes for hydrogen peroxide sensing in a physiological environment.
Buckling delamination induced microchannel: Flow regulation in microfluidic devices
Authors: Kang Jingtian , Wang Changguo , Xue Zhiming , Liu Mengxiong , Tan Huifeng
Published: September 2016

The buckling delamination induced microchannel is employed to regulate fluid flow as a microvalve which can be utilized in microfluidic devices. This microvalve consists of a soft substrate and a stiff thin film, between which there is a pre-set small imperfection. Two critical strain values, namely, on-off strain and failure strain, have been proposed to determine the working strain interval using analytical predictions. Within this interval, the cross-sectional area of the microchannel can be controlled and predicted by different compressive strains of the film/substrate system. The fluid flow rate within this microchannel can be then estimated by both analytical and numerical simulations and adjusted to satisfy different values by alternating the compressive strain. In addition, a demonstrative experiment has been taken to verify the feasibility of this approach. This flexible microvalve has potential in the application where the use of traditional rigid microvalves is improper in flexible microfluidic devices. The method and approach of this paper can provide a general guide for flow rate control in microfluidic devices.
Kinetic equation for nonlinear resonant wave-particle interaction
Authors: Artemyev A. V. , Neishtadt A. I. , Vasiliev A. A. , Mourenas D.
Published: September 2016

We investigate the nonlinear resonant wave-particle interactions including the effects of particle (phase) trapping, detrapping, and scattering by high-amplitude coherent waves. After deriving the relationship between probability of trapping and velocity of particle drift induced by nonlinear scattering (phase bunching), we substitute this relation and other characteristic equations of wave-particle interaction into a kinetic equation for the particle distribution function. The final equation has the form of a Fokker-Planck equation with peculiar advection and collision terms. This equation fully describes the evolution of particle momentum distribution due to particle diffusion, nonlinear drift, and fast transport in phase-space via trapping. Solutions of the obtained kinetic equation are compared with results of test particle simulations.
Facile biosynthesis of Ag-NPs using Otostegia limbata plant extract: Physical characterization and auspicious biological activities
Authors: Kausar Rizwan , Shaheen Muhammad Ashraf , Maqbool Qaisar , Naz Sania , Nazar Mudassar , Abbas Fazal , Hussain Talib , Younas Umer , Shams Muhammad Fahad
Published: September 2016

Silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) synthesized through reduction by Otostegia limbata green extract are, hereby, reported for the first time. It is very interesting to observe that in this case, O. limbata plant extract acts as a strong chelating agent in Ag-NPs formation through AgNO3. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) studies expose that Ag-NPs formation is highly homogenous and spherical with mean particle size of 32±0.8 nm. A typical Ag absorption peak has been observed at 419 nm by ultra violet (UV)-visible spectroscopy which have endorsed the successful formation of single phase Ag-NPs. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) examination further validates the crystalline pure phase structure of Ag-NPs. Promising results have been recorded against protein kinase inhibition assay and antibacterial assay having prominent pathogenic strains. Our present study explores that biosynthesized eco-friendly Ag-NPs have great potential, in the future, for anticancer drug development with wide range pharmaceutical applications.
Quantum spin Hall insulator phase in monolayer WTe2 by uniaxial strain
Authors: Xiang Hui , Xu Bo , Liu Jinqiu , Xia Yidong , Lu Haiming , Yin Jiang , Liu Zhiguo
Published: September 2016

Monolayer WTe2, which is predicted to be large-gap quantum spin Hall (QSH) insulators with distorted 1T (1T’) structure, attracts rapidly growing interests. However, the intrinsic semimetallic nature of the monolayer 1T’-WTe2 limits their direct applications based on QSH effect. By first-principles density functional theoretical calculations, we demonstrate a phase transition from semimetal to QSH insulator under the uniaxial strains along a and b axis in monolayer 1T’-WTe2. The electronic phase transition results from the geometric structure deformation upon the uniaxial strains. This suggests monolayer 1T’-WTe2 as a promising material for application in strain-tunable topological quantum electronics.
Virtual magnetic domain wall motion in discrete magnetic nanodot chains
Authors: Yang Minmin , Piao Hong-Guang , Ma Xiao-Ping , Kim Dong-Hyun , Pan Liqing , Yu Seong-Cho
Published: September 2016

Dynamic behavior of a magnetization state transfer is investigated in L-type arrayed discrete ferromagnetic nanodot chains by means of micromagnetic simulations. Under magnetic driving fields, magnetization state transfer behaviors are examined intensively with the variation of the discrete nanodot geometry and dimension in magnetic chains, which is similar to a virtual magnetic domain wall motion. In the magnetic chain system, a stepwise-propagating behavior of the virtual magnetic domain wall is clearly observed without the Walker breakdown phenomenon, if the geometric ratio of magnetic nanodots becomes larger. Interestingly, the average velocity of virtual domain wall in different magnetic chains is almost same under each onset field even is proportional to the ratio of the external field to the onset field, which should be attributed to the contribution of the opposite dipolar field interaction between adjacent nanodots in ferromagnetic chain systems.
Collaborative arrangements and privately practising nurse practitioners in Australia: results from a national survey
Authors: Currie Jane , Chiarella Mary , Buckley Thomas
Published: September 2016

Objective Since the introduction of legislative changes in 2010, services provided by privately practising nurse practitioners (PPNPs) in Australia have been eligible for subsidisation through the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) and Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). To provide eligible services, PPNPs must collaborate formally with a medical practitioner or an entity that employs medical practitioners. This paper provides data from a national survey on these collaborative arrangements in Australia. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of PPNP services on patient access to care in Australia. Methods PPNPs in Australia were invited to complete an electronic survey. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, whereas qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. Seventy-three surveys were completed. Results Ninety-three per cent of participants reported having a collaborative arrangement in place. Frequency of communication ranged from daily (27%) to never (1%). Participants reported that collaborative arrangements facilitate learning, patient care and offer support to PPNPs. However, for some PPNPs, organising a formal collaborative arrangement is demanding because it is dependent on the availability and willingness of medical practitioners and the open interpretation of the arrangement. Only 19% of participants believed that collaborative arrangements should be a prerequisite for PPNPs to access the MBS and PBS. Conclusion Although there are benefits to collaborative arrangements, there is also concern from PPNPs that mandating such arrangements through legislation presents a barrier to establishing PPNP services and potentially reduces patient access to care. Collaboration with medical practitioners is intrinsic to nursing practice. Thus, legislating for collaborative arrangements is unnecessary, because it makes the normal abnormal. What is known about the topic? To access the MBS and PBS, PPNPs are required by law to have a collaborative arrangement with a medical practitioner or entity that employs medical practitioners. To date, the effects of these collaborative arrangements on PPNP services in Australia have not been known. What does the paper add? This paper provides unique data from a national survey on collaborative arrangements between PPNPs and medical practitioners in Australia. What are the implications for practitioners? Although there are benefits to collaborative arrangements, there is also concern that mandating such arrangements presents a barrier to establishing PPNP services and potentially reduces patient access to care.
Syntheses and Characterizations of Three Organically Templated Zinc Phosphites with 12-Ring Channels
Authors: Bao Zhen-Zhen , Han Song-De , Li Jin-Hua , Wang Guo-Ming , Wang Zong-Hua
Published: September 2016

Three new zinc phosphites, [Hapy]2[Zn3(HPO3)4] (1; apy = 4-aminopyridine), [H2hepip][Zn3(HPO3)4]·(H2O)0.25 (2; hepip = N-(2-hydroxyethyl)piperazine), and [H2tmdab][Zn3(HPO3)4] (3; tmdab = N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyl-1,3-diaminobutane), have been synthesized and characterized by infrared spectroscopy, elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, and powder and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The frameworks of 1–3 are constructed from 4-connected ZnO4 tetrahedra and 3-connected HPO3 pseudo pyramids with distinct connection mode driven by different organic amine templates. There are 12-membered ring (12-MR) and 8-MR apertures in the (3,4)-connected three-dimensional architecture of 1–3. It is notable that helical chains are observed in the framework of compound 3.
BeReTa: a systematic method for identifying target transcriptional regulators to enhance microbial production of chemicals
Authors: Kim Minsuk , Sun Gwanggyu , Lee Dong-Yup , Kim Byung-Gee
Published: September 2016

Motivation

Modulation of regulatory circuits governing the metabolic processes is a crucial step for developing microbial cell factories. Despite the prevalence of in silico strain design algorithms, most of them are not capable of predicting required modifications in regulatory networks. Although a few algorithms may predict relevant targets for transcriptional regulator (TR) manipulations, they have limited reliability and applicability due to their high dependency on the availability of integrated metabolic/regulatory models.

Results

We present BeReTa (Beneficial Regulator Targeting), a new algorithm for prioritization of TR manipulation targets, which makes use of unintegrated network models. BeReTa identifies TR manipulation targets by evaluating regulatory strengths of interactions and beneficial effects of reactions, and subsequently assigning beneficial scores for the TRs. We demonstrate that BeReTa can predict both known and novel TR manipulation targets for enhanced production of various chemicals in Escherichia coli. Furthermore, through a case study of antibiotics production in Streptomyces coelicolor, we successfully demonstrate its wide applicability to even less-studied organisms. To the best of our knowledge, BeReTa is the first strain design algorithm exclusively designed for predicting TR manipulation targets.

Availability and Implementation

MATLAB code is available at https://github.com/kms1041/BeReTa (github).

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
DAPAR & ProStaR: software to perform statistical analyses in quantitative discovery proteomics
Authors: Wieczorek Samuel , Combes Florence , Lazar Cosmin , Giai Gianetto Quentin , Gatto Laurent , Dorffer Alexia , Hesse Anne-Marie , Couté Yohann , Ferro Myriam , Bruley Christophe , Burger Thomas
Published: September 2016

DAPAR and ProStaR are software tools to perform the statistical analysis of label-free XIC-based quantitative discovery proteomics experiments. DAPAR contains procedures to filter, normalize, impute missing value, aggregate peptide intensities, perform null hypothesis significance tests and select the most likely differentially abundant proteins with a corresponding false discovery rate. ProStaR is a graphical user interface that allows friendly access to the DAPAR functionalities through a web browser.

Availability and implementation

DAPAR and ProStaR are implemented in the R language and are available on the website of the Bioconductor project (http://www.bioconductor.org/). A complete tutorial and a toy dataset are accompanying the packages.
stringMLST: a fast k-mer based tool for multilocus sequence typing
Authors: Gupta Anuj , Jordan I King , Rishishwar Lavanya
Published: September 2016

Rapid and accurate identification of the sequence type (ST) of bacterial pathogens is critical for epidemiological surveillance and outbreak control. Cheaper and faster next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies have taken preference over the traditional method of amplicon sequencing for multilocus sequence typing (MLST). But data generated by NGS platforms necessitate quality control, genome assembly and sequence similarity searching before an isolate’s ST can be determined. These are computationally intensive and time consuming steps, which are not ideally suited for real-time molecular epidemiology. Here, we present stringMLST, an assembly- and alignment-free, lightweight, platform-independent program capable of rapidly typing bacterial isolates directly from raw sequence reads. The program implements a simple hash table data structure to find exact matches between short sequence strings (k-mers) and an MLST allele library. We show that stringMLST is more accurate, and order of magnitude faster, than its contemporary genome-based ST detection tools.

Availability and Implementation

The source code and documentations are available at http://jordan.biology.gatech.edu/page/software/stringMLST.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
ReliableGenome: annotation of genomic regions with high/low variant calling concordance
Authors: Popitsch Niko ,   WGS500 Consortium, Schuh Anna , Taylor Jenny C
Published: September 2016

Motivation

The increasing adoption of clinical whole-genome resequencing (WGS) demands for highly accurate and reproducible variant calling (VC) methods. The observed discordance between state-of-the-art VC pipelines, however, indicates that the current practice still suffers from non-negligible numbers of false positive and negative SNV and INDEL calls that were shown to be enriched among discordant calls but also in genomic regions with low sequence complexity.

Results

Here, we describe our method ReliableGenome (RG) for partitioning genomes into high and low concordance regions with respect to a set of surveyed VC pipelines. Our method combines call sets derived by multiple pipelines from arbitrary numbers of datasets and interpolates expected concordance for genomic regions without data. By applying RG to 219 deep human WGS datasets, we demonstrate that VC concordance depends predominantly on genomic context rather than the actual sequencing data which manifests in high recurrence of regions that can/cannot be reliably genotyped by a single method. This enables the application of pre-computed regions to other data created with comparable sequencing technology and software. RG outperforms comparable efforts in predicting VC concordance and false positive calls in low-concordance regions which underlines its usefulness for variant filtering, annotation and prioritization. RG allows focusing resource-intensive algorithms (e.g. consensus calling methods) on the smaller, discordant share of the genome (20–30%) which might result in increased overall accuracy at reasonable costs. Our method and analysis of discordant calls may further be useful for development, benchmarking and optimization of VC algorithms and for the relative comparison of call sets between different studies/pipelines.

Availability and Implementation

RG was implemented in Java, source code and binaries are freely available for non-commercial use at https://github.com/popitsch/wtchg-rg/.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
The Connection Between Thwarted Belongingness, Alcohol Consumption, Suicidal, and Homicidal Ideation in a Criminal Justice Sample
Authors: Waesche Matthew C. , Clark Charles Brendan , Cropsey Karen L.
Published: September 2016

Background:

To determine if thwarted belongingness in combination with frequent alcohol use increased suicidal and homicidal ideation when known predictors were controlled for (eg, depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, drug use, race, sex, age, and employment status).

Method:

This study utilized an archival database. Participants were 574 individuals at an outpatient substance abuse treatment facility who were under community corrections supervision. The average age was 34.5 (SD = 10.9) years; there were 371 (64.6%) men and 287 (50.0%) Black participants. Data were originally gathered from face-to-face interviews with the participants by their case manager or an intake specialist when they entered treatment. Self-reported suicidal and homicidal ideation was used as a dependent variable in unadjusted and adjusted binary logistic regressions to determine the influence of thwarted belongingness and frequent alcohol use.

Results:

Thwarted belongingness alone (ie, without frequent alcohol use) was associated with risk for suicidal ideation, and was approaching significance for homicidal ideation. The combination of thwarted belongingness and frequent alcohol use was associated with the greatest risk for suicidal and homicidal ideation. Cocaine use and employment status were also identified as significant predictors for suicidal and homicidal ideation in the fully adjusted models.

Conclusions:

Thwarted belongingness in combination with frequent alcohol use seems to have a large and meaningful relationship with both suicidal and homicidal ideation. Additional research is needed to better understand the relationship between alcohol, thwarted belongingness, and outcomes such as suicide and homicide.
Exploring Preterm Mothers' Personal Narratives
Authors: Adkins Cherie S. , Doheny Kim K.
Published: September 2016

In this article we report on a study exploring personal narratives of mothers of former preterm infants and the attributed meaning related to that experience over time. Using narrative inquiry as the research method, in-depth, unstructured interviews were conducted with 6 preterm mothers. Findings reveal that a preterm mother's experience is informed by contextual, intrapersonal, and interpersonal dynamics, some predating the birth often with effects that continue for years beyond it. By learning a preterm mother's unique experience and its attributed meaning, nurses can better understand the resulting effect on maternal/family health and well-being and tailor nursing interventions accordingly.
Do Transcortical Screws in a Locking Plate Construct Improve the Stiffness in the Fixation of Vancouver B1 Periprosthetic Femur Fractures? A Biomechanical Analysis of 2 Different Plating Constructs
Authors: Lochab Jasjit , Carrothers Andrew , Wong Edwin , McLachlin Stewart , Aldebeyan Wassim , Jenkinson Richard , Whyne Cari , Nousiainen Markku T.
Published: September 2016

Objectives:

This biomechanical study compared Vancouver B1 periprosthetic femur fractures fixed with either a locking plate and anterior allograft strut construct or an equivalent locking plate with locking attachment plates construct in paired cadaveric specimens.

Methods:

After 9 pairs of cadaveric femora were implanted with a cemented primary total hip arthroplasty, an oblique osteotomy was created distal to the cement mantle. Femora underwent fixation with either: (1) a locking plate with anterior strut allograft (locking compression plating (LCP)-Allograft) or (2) a locking plate with 2 locking attachment plates (LAPs) (LCP-LAP). Construct stiffness was compared in nondestructive mechanical testing for 2 modes of compression (20 degrees abduction and 20 degrees flexion), 2 four-point bending directions (anterior–posterior and medial–lateral), and torsion. A final load to failure test evaluated the axial compression required to achieve fracture gap closure or construct yield. Fixation was compared through paired t tests (α = 0.05).

Results:

The LCP-Allograft construct demonstrated higher stiffness values in compressive abduction (207 ± 57 vs.151 ± 40 N/mm), torsion (1666 ± 445 vs. 1125 ± 160 N mm/degree) and medial–lateral four-point bending (413 ± 135 vs. 167 ± 68 N/mm) compared with the LCP-LAP construct (P < 0.05). No differences were identified between the 2 constructs in compressive flexion, anterior–posterior bending, or the load to failure test (P > 0.05).

Conclusion:

Use of the anterior allograft strut created a stiffer construct compared with the LCP-LAP for the treatment of a Vancouver B1 periprosthetic femur fracture only in loading modes with increased medial–lateral bending. Although these static load results are indicative of the early postoperative environment, further fatigue testing is required to better understand the importance of the reduced medial–lateral stiffness over a longer period.
Pelvic fracture of the sacroiliac joint region in a child – a case study and literature review
Authors: Oberc Artur , Sułko Jerzy
Published: September 2016

The aim of the paper is to present the case of a 3-year-old boy with an unaligned fracture of the sacroiliac joint region to propose a minimally invasive method of fracture fixation without using metal implants and to review the literature addressing this injury, which is uncommon in children. The patient was hit by a car; he suffered a fracture of the iliac ala with a complete traumatic damage to the L4–L5 nerve roots. The fracture was fixated by osteosuture and normal bone fusion was achieved. The follow-up period was 4 years. The boy manifested persistent flaccid paresis of the right foot and symptoms of a neurogenic bladder. Late radiological follow-up indicated disturbances of pelvic bone development and shortening of the lower extremity at the side of the injury.
Identifying biomarkers to select patients with early breast cancer suitable for extended adjuvant endocrine therapy
Authors: Abramovitz Mark , Krie Amy , Dey Nandini , De Pradip , Williams Casey , Leyland-Jones Brian
Published: September 2016

Purpose of review

In this review, we summarize recent and current biomarkers and assays that are being considered in the selection of suitable patients with estrogen receptor-positive early breast cancer for extended (years 5–10) adjuvant endocrine therapy (AET).

Recent findings

Women with estrogen receptor-positive early-stage breast cancer (65% of cases) continue to have late risk for distant recurrence extending beyond 5 years from surgery. Recent large trials have consistently demonstrated improvement for prolonging endocrine therapy. However, endocrine therapy can cause women bothersome side effects and can negatively impact quality of life. Determining which patients remain at risk for disease recurrence and predicting which of these patients would derive the most benefit from the addition of extended AET are key issues faced by patients and oncologists today. A number of predictive molecular assays have been developed and are being considered as tools to be used in guiding the implementation of adjuvant systemic therapy.

The future holds much promise and as more information and understanding is acquired, treatment regimens will increasingly incorporate clinically validated biomarker assays in the decision-making process that will be of great benefit to these patients. Proving clinical utility, though, will ultimately decide their implementation.
Treatment of brain metastasis: current status and future directions
Authors: Rudà Roberta , Franchino Federica , Soffietti Riccardo
Published: September 2016

Purpose of review

The purpose of this review is to highlight the most recent advances in the management of brain metastases.

Recent findings

Role of local therapies (surgery and stereotactic radiosurgery), new approaches to minimize cognitive sequelae following whole-brain radiotherapy and advances in targeted therapies have been reviewed.

The implications for clinical trials and daily practice of the increasing use of stereotactic radiosurgery in multiple brain metastases and upfront targeted agents in asymptomatic brain metastases are discussed.
Utility of flow cytometry studies in the management of patients with multiple myeloma
Authors: Paiva Bruno , Merino Juana , San Miguel Jesús F.
Published: September 2016

Purpose of review

Although the input of multiparameter flow cytometry (MFC) into the clinical management of multiple myeloma patients has faced some reluctance, continuously growing evidence supports the utility of MFC in this disease.

Recent findings

MFC immunophenotyping of bone marrow and peripheral blood plasma cells affords cost-effective assessment of clonality, and provides prognostic information on the risk of progression in smoldering multiple myeloma, and the identification of active multiple myeloma patients with dismal outcome (e.g., high numbers of circulating tumor cells) or long-term survival despite suboptimal responses through the characterization of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance-like phenotypes. Extensive data indicate that minimal residual disease (MRD) monitoring can be used as biomarker to evaluate treatment efficacy and act as surrogate for survival. The time has come to address within clinical trials the exact role of baseline risk factors and MRD monitoring for tailored therapy in multiple myeloma, which implies systematic usage of highly sensitive cost-effective, readily available, and standardized MRD techniques such as MFC.

Next-generation MFC should be considered mandatory in the routine evaluation of multiple myeloma patients both at diagnosis and after therapy, and represents an attractive technique to integrate with high-throughput DNA and RNA-seq methods to help in understanding the mechanisms behind dissemination and chemoresistance of multiple myeloma.
Psychometric Testing of the Self-Efficacy for Interdisciplinary Plans of Care Scale
Authors: Molle Elizabeth , Froman Robin
Published: September 2016

Computerized interdisciplinary plans of care have revitalized nurse-centric care plans into dynamic and meaningful electronic documents. To maximize the benefits of these documents, it is important to understand healthcare professionals' attitudes, specifically their confidence, for making computerized interdisciplinary care plans useful and meaningful documents. The purpose of the study was to test the psychometric properties of the Self-Efficacy for Interdisciplinary Plans of Care instrument intended to measure healthcare professionals' self-efficacy for using such documents. Content validity was assessed by an expert review panel. Content validity indices ranged from 0.75 to 1.00, with a scale CVI of 0.94. A sample of 389 healthcare providers completed the 14-item instrument. Principal axis factoring was used to assess factor structure. The exploratory factor analysis yielded a single-factor structure accounting for 71.76% of covariance. Cronbach internal consistency coefficient for the single factor solution was .97. The corrected item-total correlations ranged from 0.71 to 0.90. The coefficient of stability, during a 2-week period, with a subset of the sample (n = 38), was estimated at 0.82. The results of this study suggest that the Self-Efficacy for Interdisciplinary Plans of Care has sturdy reliability and validity for measuring the self-efficacy of healthcare providers to make computerized interdisciplinary plans of care meaningful and useful documents.
Shift toward Mechanical Isolation of Adipose-derived Stromal Vascular Fraction: Review of Upcoming Techniques
Authors: Condé-Green Alexandra , Kotamarti Vasanth S. , Sherman Lauren S. , Keith Jonathan D. , Lee Edward S. , Granick Mark S. , Rameshwar Pranela
Published: September 2016

Background:

Standard isolation of adipose stromal vascular fraction (SVF) requires the use of collagenase and is considered more than “minimally manipulated” by current good manufacturing practice requirements. Alternatively, nonenzymatic isolation methods have surfaced using physical forces to separate cells from the adipose matrix. The purpose of this study was to review the literature on the use of mechanical isolation protocols and compare the results. The implication for use as a standard procedure in practice is discussed.

Methods:

A systematic review of the literature was performed on mechanical isolation of SVF with a search of six terms on PubMed and Medline databases. One thousand sixty-six articles were subject to evaluation by predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Results:

Two level 2 evidence articles and 7 in vitro studies were selected. SVF was isolated using automated closed systems or by subjecting the lipoaspirate to centrifugation only or by shaking or vortexing followed by centrifugation. Six articles reported isolation in laboratory settings and three inside the operating room. Stromal vascular cells expressed CD34, and CD44, CD73, CD90, and CD105, and differentiated along adipogenic and osteogenic lineages. When compared with enzymatic methods, mechanical isolation required less time but yielded fewer cells. Both case–control studies reported improved volume retention with cell-supplemented fat grafts for breast reconstruction.

Conclusions:

Mechanical isolation methods are alternatives to circumvent safety issues posed by enzymatic protocols. However, randomized comparative studies with long-term clinical outcomes using mechanically isolated stromal vascular cells are needed to identify their ideal clinical applications.
Change in Accommodation and Ocular Aberrations in Keratoconus Patients Fitted With Scleral Lenses
Authors: Yildiz Elvin , Toklu Meltem Tunca , Vural Ece Turan , Yenerel Nursal Melda , Bardak Handan , Kumral Esra Turkseven , Bardak Yavuz
Published: September 2016

Purpose:

To evaluate the accommodative response to different accommodative stimulus and to determine the changes in ocular higher-order aberrations with accommodation in keratoconus patients fitted with mini scleral lenses.

Material and Methods:

The study included 15 keratoconus patients wearing mini scleral lenses (Misa Scleral Lens—Microlens, Arnhem, the Netherlands) and 15 keratoconus patients wearing rigid gas permeable lenses. Hartmannn Shack aberrometer (IRX-3; Imagine Eyes, Orsay, France) was used for the evaluation of accommodation. Accommodative responses to the accommodative stimulus ranging from 0.5 to 5.0 diopters (D) with intervals of 0.5 D were recorded. Spherical, coma, trefoil aberration, and root mean square (RMS) of total higher-order aberrations (HOAs, third to sixth orders) at baseline, at 2.5 D stimulus, and at 5 D stimulus were also recorded.

Results:

Although accommodative response to accommodative stimulus of 0.5 to 2.5 D (with 0.5 D intervals) was similar in both groups, accommodative response to accommodative stimulus of 3.0 to 5.0 D was significantly lower in keratoconus group wearing mini scleral lenses. The coma, spherical, trefoil aberrations, and the RMS of total HOAs at baseline, at 2.5 D stimulus, and at 5 D stimulus were not significantly different between the groups. However, changes in the coma and trefoil aberrations and RMS of total HOA with 2.5 D and 5.0 D stimulus were significant only in the RGP group.

Conclusions:

Accommodative response to increasing accommodative stimulus was found to be impaired in keratoconus patients wearing mini scleral lenses.
Marcus Gunn Jaw-Winking Syndrome: A Comprehensive Review and Report of Four Novel Cases
Authors: Pearce Fiona C. , McNab Alan A. , Hardy Thomas G.
Published: September 2016

Purpose:

To report 4 cases of Marcus Gunn jaw-winking synkinesis (MGJWS) in the absence of ptosis.

Methods:

A retrospective review of patients with MGJWS and congenital ptosis was compiled from the public and private subspecialty adult and pediatric oculoplastic practices of the 2 senior authors (AAM, TGH). Clinical data collected on patients with MGJWS included visual acuity, stereopsis, ocular motility, side of jaw-wink, presence or absence of ptosis, levator function, clinical photographs and videos, and any management undertaken.

Results:

A total of 848 cases of congenital ptosis were seen. Of these, there were 72 consecutive patients with MGJWS, of which 4 cases (5.6%) had no ptosis. One patient had bilateral MGJWS, with ptosis on one side only. The authors found the incidence of MGJWS in our study population to be 8.5% of all congenital ptosis cases. When the authors excluded syndromic, neurogenic, and myopathic causes of congenital ptosis, the incidence was 12.1%. In addition, the authors found a trend toward females with simple congenital ptosis and MGJWS being affected on the left side, however this was not statistically significant.

Conclusions:

The authors report the first case series of MGJWS in the absence of ptosis within the second largest series ever reported. These findings may help further our understanding of the etiology behind MGJWS.
Is there a relationship between gluten sensitivity and postural tachycardia syndrome?
Authors: Penny Hugo A. , Aziz Imran , Ferrar Melloney , Atkinson Jayne , Hoggard Nigel , Hadjivassiliou Marios , West John N. , Sanders David S.
Published: September 2016

Background

We have noticed that patients with postural tachycardia syndrome (PoTS) were placing themselves on a gluten-free diet without medical consultation. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence of coeliac disease and self-reported gluten sensitivity in a cohort of patients with PoTS and compare this with local population data.

Methods

A total of 100 patients with PoTS were recruited to complete a questionnaire that screened for gluten sensitivity, related symptoms and dietary habits. Patients were also assessed for coeliac disease. For comparison, the local coeliac prevalence was determined from a total of 1200 controls (group 1) and a further 400 controls (group 2), frequency matched for age and sex, who completed the same questionnaire.

Results

Overall, 4/100 (4%) patients with PoTS had serology and biopsy-proven coeliac disease. This was significantly higher than the local population prevalence of coeliac disease (12/1200, 1%; odds ratio: 4.1, 95% confidence interval: 1.3–13.0; P=0.03). PoTS patients also had a higher prevalence of self-reported gluten sensitivity (42 vs. 19%, respectively; odds ratio: 3.1, 95% confidence interval: 2.0–5.0; P<0.0001) compared with age-matched and sex-matched controls.

Conclusion

This is the first study to suggest a potential association between gluten-related disorders and PoTS. A prospective study evaluating this relationship further may enable a better understanding and management of these conditions.
A Comparison of Hemostatic Changes in Splenectomized and Nonsplenectomized β-Thalassemia Intermedia Patients
Authors: Hashemieh Mozhgan , Azarkeivan Azita , Sheibani Kourosh
Published: September 2016

The present study was conducted to compare the coagulation factors between splenectomized and nonsplenectomized thalassemia intermedia (TI) patients as well as a healthy control group. A total of 60 splenectomized and 60 nonsplenectomized TI patients and 60 healthy controls participated in this case-control study. The level of homocysteine, protein C and S, antithrombin III, factors V and VIII, fibrinogen, and D-dimer were measured in all groups. Our results indicated a significant reduction of protein C and S and fibrinogen in TI patients compared with healthy controls (P<0.001), as well as factor V activity (P=0.009). Also a significant elevation of D-dimer (P=0.006) and factor VIII activity (P=0.001) was observed. There was no significant difference considering homocysteine and antithrombin III level among patients and healthy controls. Also our results demonstrated that there was no significant difference considering the homeostatic parameters (except D-dimer activity) between splenectomized and nonsplenectomized TI patients after adjustment for age. In conclusion, reduction of protein C and S, fibrinogen, and factor V activity and elevation of D-dimer levels and factor VIII activity was observed in TI patients compared with healthy controls. It seems that splenectomy has little significant effect on concentration of hemostatic factors except for D-dimer activity.
Nurses' Perceived Skills and Attitudes About Updated Safety Concepts
Authors: Armstrong Gail E. , Dietrich Mary , Norman Linda , Barnsteiner Jane , Mion Lorraine
Published: September 2016

Approximately a quarter of medication errors in the hospital occur at the administration phase, which is solely under the purview of the bedside nurse. The purpose of this study was to assess bedside nurses' perceived skills and attitudes about updated safety concepts and examine their impact on medication administration errors and adherence to safe medication administration practices. Findings support the premise that medication administration errors result from an interplay among system-, unit-, and nurse-level factors.
Prenatal Undernutrition and Autonomic Function in Adulthood
Authors: de Rooij Susanne R. , Jones Alexander , Phillips David I. , Osmond Clive , Karemaker John M. , Roseboom Tessa J. , Painter Rebecca C.
Published: September 2016

Objectives

Early-life adversity has been shown to be associated with cardiovascular disease and mortality in later life, but little is known about the mechanisms that underlie this association. Prenatal undernutrition, a severe early-life stressor, is associated with double the risk of coronary heart disease and increased blood pressure responses to psychological stress. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that prenatal undernutrition induces alterations in the autonomic nervous system, which may increase the risk of developing heart disease.

Methods

We studied autonomic function in 740 men and women (mean [SD] age, 58 [0.9] years) who were members of the Dutch famine birth cohort. We compared those exposed to famine during early (n = 64), mid (n = 107), or late gestation (n = 127) to those unexposed to famine in utero (n = 442). Participants underwent a series of 3 psychological stressors (Stroop, mirror tracing, and speech) while their blood pressure and heart rate were recorded continuously.

Results

Data had sufficient quality in 602 participants for derivation of autonomic function indices by spectral analysis. The stress protocol led to significant sample-level changes in systolic blood pressure, heart rate, and all cardiovascular control measures (all p values < .001). None of the autonomic function parameters, at rest or in response to stress, differed significantly (all p values > .050) according to prenatal famine exposure.

Conclusions

Prenatal undernutrition was not associated with autonomic function in late adulthood. We conclude that altered autonomic function does not seem to explain our previous findings of increased coronary heart disease risk among those exposed to famine prenatally.
Childhood Trauma and Adult Risk Factors and Disease in Hispanics/Latinos in the US: Results From the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL) Sociocultural Ancillary Study
Authors: Llabre Maria M. , Schneiderman Neil , Gallo Linda C. , Arguelles William , Daviglus Martha L. , Gonzalez Franklyn , Isasi Carmen R. , Perreira Krista M. , Penedo Frank J.
Published: September 2016

Objective

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are implicated in diseases of adulthood. We report the prevalence of ACEs in Hispanics/Latinos in the US and their association with major risk factors and diseases in adulthood.

Methods

Data from the Sociocultural Ancillary Study of the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL) were used. The Sociocultural Ancillary Study of the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos is an epidemiological study conducted in four urban communities in the US: Bronx, Chicago, Miami, and San Diego. The analytic sample comprised 5117 participants, ages 18 to 74 at baseline. Linear and logistic models, adjusted for sociodemographic factors, were used to examine associations of ACEs and risk factors (depressive symptoms, obesity, smoking, and alcohol use) and chronic disease (coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cancer); the latter were also adjusted for risk factors.

Results

Most participants (77.2%) experienced at least one ACE, and 28.7% experienced four or more. Adverse childhood experiences were common among all ancestry groups, with variability among them. Prevalence of four or more ACEs was higher among women than men (31.2% and 25.8%, respectively). Adverse childhood experiences were associated with depressive symptoms, body mass index, smoking, alcohol use, cancer, coronary heart disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, but not asthma, diabetes, or stroke. Associations were not moderated by social support.

Conclusions

Adverse childhood experiences are prevalent among US Hispanics/Latinos and are involved in disease in adulthood. The apparent higher prevalence of ACEs in US Hispanics/Latinos did not correspond with stronger associations with disease. Further studies are needed to identify factors that may moderate the associations of ACE with adult disease.
Physicochemical components and antioxidant activity of Sparassis crispa mixture fermented by lactic acid bacteria
Authors: Lee Jae-Joon , Son Hye-Young , Choi Young-Min , Cho Jae-Han , Min Jung-Kee , Oh Hee-Kyung
Published: September 2016

The objective of this study was to investigate the nutritional composition and antioxidant activity of a mixture of rice bran and bodies of Sparassis crispa fermented with lactic acid bacteria (LAB). LAB-fermented S. crispa mixture had higher water, crude lipid and crude ash content than that of S. crispa. Insoluble dietary fiber contents of the dried powder of S. crispa and LAB-fermented S. crispa mixture were 46.13% and 33.46%, respectively. β-glucan was higher in dried S. crispa (38.03%) than in LAB-fermented S. crispa mixture (5.44%). Dried S. crispa contained mainly fructose and glucose instead of containing sucrose in LAB-fermented S. crispa mixture. No significant differences in the total polyphenol contents were found in between dried S. crispa and LAB-fermented S. crispa mixture. Total flavonoid content was significantly higher in LAB-fermented S. crispa mixture than in dried S. crispa. No significant differences were found in the DPPH radical scavenging activity and in the antioxidant index between dried S. crispa and LAB-fermented S. crispa mixture. Finally, ABTS radical scavenging activity of LAB-fermented S. crispa mixture was significantly higher than that of dried S. crispa. These results may provide the basic data for future studies for a better understanding of the biological activities of LAB-fermented S. crispa mixture.
Comparison of temperature measurements methods to investigate the causes of deformation of packaging materials during microwave heating
Authors: Yoon Chan Suk , Lee Hwa Shin , Pfeiffer Thomas , Cho Ah Reum , Moon Sang Kwon , Lee Keun Taik
Published: September 2016

To investigate the causes of the thermal deformations of packaging materials when microwave-heating ready-to-eat sauce products packaged in stand-up pouches, patterns of temperature changes were determined using an infra-red thermal imaging camera, a thermo-sensitive tape, and a fiver-optic thermometer. The temperature distributions of spicy chicken sauce and Indian curry samples in a stand-up pouch were found to be uneven during micrewave heating. A sharp increase in the temperature was detected, especially above the filling layers and in the corners of sealing layers of the package. The temperature measurements using an infra-red thermal imaging camera are restricted to the surface, and therefore might underestimate the actual temperature. Using a thermo-sensitive tape, temperature up to 200℃ were measured in the spicy chicken sauce sample showing package deformation. When the temperature is measured using a fiber-optic thermometer, it is crucial to have precise sensor performance to accurately measure the temperature in a narrow hot-spot area of the package. In this experiment, the fiber-optic thermometer was attached to a GaAs crystal sensor, which obtained more sensitive and accurate temperature measurements than those by a convectional sensor.