bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Imaging basal plane stacking faults and dislocations in (11-22) GaN using electron channelling contrast imaging
Authors: Naresh-Kumar G. , Thomson David , Zhang Y. , Bai J. , Jiu L. , Yu X. , Gong Y. P. , Smith Richard Martin , Wang Tao , Trager-Cowan Carol
Published: August 2018

Taking advantage of electron diffraction based measurements, in a scanning electron microscope, can deliver non-destructive and quantitative information on extended defects in semiconductor thin films. In this work, we have studied a (11-22) semi-polar GaN thin film overgrown on regularly arrayed GaN micro-rod array templates grown by metal organic vapour phase epitaxy. We were able to optimise the diffraction conditions to image and quantify basal plane stacking faults (BSFs) and threading dislocations (TDs) using electron channelling contrast imaging (ECCI). Clusters of BSFs and TDs were observed with the same periodicity as the underlying micro-rod array template. The average BSF and TD densities were estimated to be ≈4 × 104 cm−1 and ≈5 × 108 cm−2, respectively. The contrast seen for BSFs in ECCI is similar to that observed for plan-view transmission electron microscopy images, with the only difference being the former acquiring the backscattered electrons and the latter collecting the transmitted electrons. Our present work shows the capability of ECCI for quantifying extended defects in semi-polar nitrides and represents a real step forward for optimising the growth conditions in these materials.
Research Update: Recent progress on 2D materials beyond graphene: From ripples, defects, intercalation, and valley dynamics to straintronics and power dissipation
Authors: Lin Zhong , Lei Yu , Subramanian Shruti , Briggs Natalie , Wang Yuanxi , Lo Chun-Li , Yalon Eilam , Lloyd David , Wu Sanfeng , Koski Kristie , Clark Richard , Das Saptarshi , Wallace Robert M. , Kuech Thomas , Bunch Joseph Scott , Li Xiaoqin , Chen Zhihong , Pop Eric , Crespi Vincent H. , Robinson Joshua A. , Terrones Mauricio
Published: August 2018

The field of two-dimensional (2D) materials has witnessed several significant advancements in a short period of time. There have been extensive research efforts dedicated to this field and an expanding community of researchers built around the same. The focus of this review article is on the most recent milestones in several aspects of 2D materials with emphasis on transition metal dichalcogenides, such as improved synthesis and property engineering, approaching this from both experimental and theoretical viewpoints. There is also an attempt at highlighting some emerging material properties that are of interest and use of these 2D materials in several electronic applications.
Impact of photodoping on inter- and intralayer exciton emission in a MoS2/MoSe2/MoS2 heterostructure
Authors: Zhang Nan , Surrente Alessandro , Baranowski Michal , Dumcenco Dumitru , Kung Yen-Cheng , Maude Duncan K. , Kis Andras , Plochocka Paulina
Published: August 2018

The illumination of monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides can dynamically photoionize donor centers, increasing the concentration of free carriers. Here, we investigate the effect of such photodoping on the interlayer exciton formed across a MoS2/MoSe2/MoS2 heterostructure. We first identify the photodoping effect by monitoring the increase in the trion dissociation energy, accompanied by a characteristic tuning of the exciton/trion photoluminescence (PL) intensity ratio in MoSe2 upon exposure to laser light. At the same time, the PL intensity of the interlayer exciton significantly decreases, while the combined PL intensity of the exciton and the trion in MoSe2 is enhanced, showing that the interlayer charge transfer can be controlled by the doping level. This effect is persistent on a timescale of several hours, provided that the sample is maintained under vacuum, suggesting a mechanism involving laser induced desorption of molecules physisorbed on the surface of the heterostructure. This hypothesis is supported by the observation of a significantly faster photodoping effect when the sample is excited with a pulsed laser with the same average power.
Nonlinear dynamics of gravitational instability in complex viscoelastic astrofluids
Authors: Kalita Dhrubajit , Karmakar Pralay Kumar
Published: August 2018

The nonlinear evolutionary dynamics of gravitational instability in a complex self-gravitating viscoelastic nonthermal polytropic astrofluid is semi-analytically investigated on the Jeansian scales of space and time. The key effects out of fluid buoyancy, thermal fluctuations, and volumetric expansions are concurrently considered and carefully included. A nonlinear normal mode (local) analysis yields a Korteweg-de Vries (KdV) equation with a unique set of multi-parametric coefficients. We provide a numerical platform to demonstrate how the KdV dynamics excites an interesting spectral class of compressive solitary chain patterns as the evolutionary eigenmodes having atypical dynamical behaviour. Their diversified characteristic features are explained elaborately alongside phase-plane analysis. Various stabilizing (destabilizing) and accelerating (decelerating) factors of the instability are illustratively explored together with a validated reliability checkup. The relevancy of our investigated results in the context of super-dense compact astro-objects and their circumvent viscoelastic atmospheres is summarily outlined.
Rotational (de-)excitation of isocyanogen by collision with helium at low energies
Authors: Ben Abdallah D. , Al Mogren M. Mogren , Dhaif Allah Al Harbi S. , Hochlaf M.
Published: August 2018

Isocyanogen, CNCN, was discovered very recently in the interstellar medium (ISM). At present, the rate coefficients for the rotational (de-)excitation of CNCN by collisions with He are determined. First, we mapped the interaction potential between CNCN and He in Jacobi coordinates using highly correlated ab initio methodology. Then, an analytical expansion of the CNCN—He potential energy surface is derived. Later on, quantum dynamical treatments of nuclear motions are performed using the close coupling technique. We obtained the cross sections for the rotational (de-)excitation of CNCN after a collision by He up to 2000 cm−1 total energies. These cross sections are used to deduce the collision rates in the 10–300 K range. These data are needed for modeling the CNCN abundances in the ISM. This work should help for determining the abundance of such non-symmetrical dicyanopolyynes in astrophysical media and indirectly the symmetric one [Cyanogen (NCCN)].
The saturated and supercritical Stirling cycle thermodynamic heat engine cycle
Authors: Marko Matthew David
Published: August 2018

On the assumption that experimentally validated tabulated thermodynamic properties of saturated fluids published by the National Institute of Standards and Technology are accurate, a theoretical thermodynamic cycle can be demonstrated that produces a net-negative entropy generation to the universe. The experimental data on the internal energy can also be used to obtain a simple, empirical equation for the change in internal energy of a real fluid undergoing isothermal expansion and compression. This demonstration provides experimental evidence to the theory that temperature-dependent intermolecular attractive forces can be an entropic force that can enhance the thermodynamic efficiency of a real-fluid macroscopic heat engine to exceed that of the Carnot efficiency.
Interplay of structure and diffusion in ternary liquid mixtures of benzene + acetone + varying alcohols
Authors: Guevara-Carrion Gabriela , Gaponenko Yuri , Mialdun Aliaksandr , Janzen Tatjana , Shevtsova Valentina , Vrabec Jadran
Published: August 2018

The Fick diffusion coefficient matrix of ternary mixtures containing benzene + acetone + three different alcohols, i.e., methanol, ethanol, and 2-propanol, is studied by molecular dynamics simulation and Taylor dispersion experiments. Aiming to identify common features of these mixtures, it is found that one of the main diffusion coefficients and the smaller eigenvalue do not depend on the type of alcohol along the studied composition path. Two mechanisms that are responsible for this invariant behavior are discussed in detail, i.e., the interplay between kinetic and thermodynamic contributions to Fick diffusion coefficients and the presence of microscopic heterogeneities caused by hydrogen bonding. Experimental work alone cannot explain these mechanisms, while present simulations on the molecular level indicate structural changes and uniform intermolecular interactions between benzene and acetone molecules in the three ternary mixtures. The main diffusion coefficients of these ternary mixtures exhibit similarities with their binary subsystems. Analyses of radial distribution functions and hydrogen bonding statistics quantitatively evidence alcohol self-association and cluster formation, as well as component segregation. Furthermore, the excess volume of the mixtures is analyzed in the light of intermolecular interactions, further demonstrating the benefits of the simultaneous use of experiment and simulation. The proposed framework for studying diffusion coefficients of a set of ternary mixtures, where only one component varies, opens the way for further investigations and a better understanding of multicomponent diffusion. The presented numerical results may also give an impulse to the development of predictive approaches for multicomponent diffusion.
Observation of water surface wave localization in a trough with periodic sidewalls
Authors: Zhang Ren-Zhong , Fan Ya-Xian , Kundu Joshua Masinde , Tao Jia , Ma Bo-Yang , Tong Cheng-Guo , Tao Zhi-Yong
Published: August 2018

We demonstrate the localization of water surface waves and its evolution by introducing a defect into a trough with periodic sidewalls. Taking the advantage of water wave visualization, we observed a defect mode arising in the forbidden band and its formation process, that the water waves gradually accumulate at the defect, and accordingly, the energy gets smaller in the incidence part but larger in the exit part. After a certain time, when the accumulated energy gets large enough to produce a defect mode, we can obtain a steady state and an extraordinary transmission. It was also found that the transmission frequency linearly depends on the defect length with the negative slope and the localizations in different defects were also observed and analyzed. Due to the ubiquity of wave phenomena, the observation of water wave localization not only present a visual picture for the fundamental resonance concept, but also find applications in various fields, such as underwater acoustics, ultrasonics, electromagnetic waves, and optics.
Molecular characterisation of oestrogen receptor ERα and the effects of bisphenol A on its expression during sexual development in the Chinese giant salamander (Andrias davidianus)
Authors: Gao Yao , Yang Chenhao , Gao Huihui , Wang Liqing , Yang Changming , Ji Hong , Dong Wuzi
Published: August 2018

The aim of this study was to characterise the molecular structure of the oestrogen receptor ERα and to evaluate the effect of bisphenol A (BPA) on ERα expression during sexual development of the Chinese giant salamander (Andrias davidianus). The ERα cDNA of A. davidianus includes an open reading frame of 1755bp (encoding 584 amino acids), a 219-bp 5′ untranslated region (UTR) and a 611-bp 3′UTR. A polyadenylation signal was not found in the 3′UTR. Amino acid sequence analysis showed high homology between ERα of A. davidianus and that of other amphibians, such as Andrias japonicas (99.66% identity) and Rana rugose (81.06% identity). In 3-year-old A. davidianus, highest ERα expression was observed in the liver and gonads. During different developmental stages in A. davidianus (from 1 to 3 years of age), ERα expression in the testes increased gradually. ERα was localised in the epithelial cells of seminiferous lobules and in interstitial cells. ERα-positive cells were more abundant in the interstitial tissue during testicular development. ERα was located in the nucleus of oocytes during ovary development. We found that the sex of 6-month-old A. davidianus larvae could not be distinguished anatomically. The sex ratio did not change after larvae were treated with 10μM BPA for 1 month. However, BPA treatment reduced bodyweight and ERα expression in the gonads in male larvae.
Harnessing the roar of the crowd
Authors: Ellefsen Ugo , Bernal-Merino Miguel Á.
Published: August 2018

Through quantitative data analysis, this study explores the attitudes of gamers from different French-speaking locales (Belgium, France, Canada, and Switzerland) in relation to their language preference and opinions of translated material while playing video games. The intended goal is to develop a replicable methodology for data collection about the linguistic preferences of video game players. The research strategy is based on online questionnaires distributed to gamers through social media. The results highlight players’ level of satisfaction regarding the localisation of games and suggest that industry strategies put forward till recently may be rather inadequate. Linguistic preferences seem to vary within locales based on factors such as English language proficiency and personal background. The results of this research may serve the implementation of new localisation strategies for video game products in French-speaking countries of emerging markets or other multinational languages.
The combination of discourse markers in spontaneous conversations
Authors: Pons Bordería Salvador
Published: August 2018

This paper attempts to establish some basis for the combination of discourse markers in conversations. The analysis presented here will be based on Spanish spontaneous conversations and will make use of the Val.Es.Co model of discourse units developed in the last ten years (Briz et al. 2003;Grupo Val.Es.Co 2014) and a corpus of spontaneous conversations. As a result, patterns of combination of DMs will be established; some types of combinations will be described, and a distinction will be drawn betweenlexicalizationof DMs,adjacencyof DMs in two neighboring discourse units, andcombinationproper. In addition, some places are favored for the combination of discourse markers: the initial positions of the discourse unitsactandintervention. Binary combinations are preferred to ternary or 4-ary combinations. Finally, DMs with textual functions are preferred in the combinations studied when compared to modal or interpersonal DMs.
Irrigation and fertilization.
Authors: Santos B. M. , Torres-Quezada E. A.
Published: August 2018

This chapter deals with the basic principles of water and fertilizer management in tomato as well as the practical application of these topics in both open field and greenhouse production of the crop, with recommendations for soil and soilless conditions.
Postharvest biology and handling of tomatoes.
Authors: Saltveit M. E.
Published: August 2018

This chapter focuses on the harvesting, packaging, ripening, temperature management and controlled and modified atmosphere storage for maintaining the postharvest quality of tomato fruits.
Ethical tensions in regulation of agricultural biotechnology and their impact on policy outcomes: evidence from the USA and India.
Authors: Kolady D. E. , Srivastava S. K.
Published: August 2018

This chapter uses the USA and India as case examples to analyse how ethical tensions arise related to agricultural biotechnology policy and how institutional framework and domestic politics address these ethical tensions and contribute to divergence in regulatory policy outcomes. It is shown, for example, that because the US regulatory system is relatively centralized (operating through three main federal regulatory agencies), and because it provides a mechanism for public comment, the system is less susceptible to external political influence than the system in India, which consists of a complicated hierarchical structure with statutory bodies at state and federal levels and provides little opportunity for public comments. Hence, regulatory decision making in the USA is effective and predictable, at least compared with the system in India, which is complex and uncertain. However, the centralized regulatory approach in the USA creates a unique ethical tension that is less evident in India. While social and economic concerns can be raised in regulatory decision making in the USA, they rarely make their way into final rules, which largely reflect risk-based concerns about potential harm to human health and the environment. In contrast, social justice concerns can become dominant in the policy discourse and influence the regulatory outcomes in India.
Absolute hogwash: assemblage and the new breed of animal biotechnology.
Authors: MacDonald K. M.
Published: August 2018

This chapter describes the current structure of modern pork production, with emphasis on the environmental impact, animal welfare, sustainability and ethics in light of new farming technologies.
Evolution of stratification in high-alloy content InGaN epilayers grown on (0001) AlN
Authors: Dimitrakopulos G. P. , Bazioti C. , Papadomanolaki E. , Filintoglou K. , Katsikini M. , Arvanitidis J. , Iliopoulos E.
Published: August 2018

The structural properties of In xGa1− xN epilayers, deposited on (0001) AlN templates by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy, were studied by transmission electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy, as a function of growth temperature. Single phase films with high indium content and well-ordered heteroepitaxial interfaces were attained at lower temperatures. Delayed plastic relaxation resulted in the structural stratification of high-temperature films due to the compositional pulling. Such films relaxed by a stacking fault mechanism, contrary to low temperature ones that exhibited relaxation by misfit dislocations. Despite the higher defect content of the former, their phonon mean free path was also higher, showing that alloying-induced fluctuations of the periodic potential constitute a more critical parameter. Cubic interfacial zones were suppressed at lower growth temperatures.

This is part of a thematic issue on Nanoscale Materials Characterisation and Modeling by Advances Microscopy Methods - EUROMAT.
Identifying the inserted locus of randomly integrated expression plasmids by whole-genome sequencing of Aspergillus strains
Authors: Takeda Aya K , Udagawa Hiroaki , Uemura Yasuo , Takagi Shinobu
Published: August 2018

Whole-genome sequencing was conducted on two Aspergillus oryzae strains used for the manufacturing of food enzymes, Acrylaway® and Shearzyme®, with the aim of identifying the inserted locus of randomly integrated expression plasmid and obtaining flanking sequences for safety assessment. Illumina paired-end sequencing was employed, and the obtained reads were mapped to two references: the public genome sequence of Aspergillus oryzae RIB40 and the in-house sequence of the used expression plasmid. Introducing the concept of linking-reads, one locus for each was successfully identified as the integrated site. In the case of Acrylaway®, the obtained sequences suggested that the expression plasmid had been integrated as multiple copies in tandem form. In the case of Shearzyme®, however, information on one edge of the insert was missing, which required extra polymerase chain reaction (PCR) cloning for safety assessment. A 4-kb deletion was detected at the integrated site. There was also evidence of rearrangement occurring in Shearzyme® strain.
A novel in vitro assay reveals SNARE topology and the role of Ykt6 in autophagosome fusion with vacuoles
Authors: Gao Jieqiong , Reggiori Fulvio , Ungermann Christian
Published: August 2018

Autophagy is a catabolic pathway that delivers intracellular material to the mammalian lysosomes or the yeast and plant vacuoles. The final step in this process is the fusion of autophagosomes with vacuoles, which requires SNARE proteins, the homotypic vacuole fusion and protein sorting tethering complex, the RAB7-like Ypt7 GTPase, and its guanine nucleotide exchange factor, Mon1-Ccz1. Where these different components are located and function during fusion, however, remains to be fully understood. Here, we present a novel in vitro assay to monitor fusion of intact and functional autophagosomes with vacuoles. This process requires ATP, physiological temperature, and the entire fusion machinery to tether and fuse autophagosomes with vacuoles. Importantly, we uncover Ykt6 as the autophagosomal SNARE. Our assay and findings thus provide the tools to dissect autophagosome completion and fusion in a test tube.
Visual Biases in Decision Making
Authors: Orquin Jacob L , Perkovic Sonja , Grunert Klaus G
Published: August 2018

We review research on eye movements in decision making and show that decision makers are subject to several visual biases such as the size, salience, position, emotional valence, predictability, and number of information elements. These biases lead decision makers to allocate their attention in ways that are arbitrary to their goals and sometimes bias their choices. We show that while some visual biases can be minimized, others are unavoidable. Consequently, it is impossible to present information in a completely neutral way. Any presentation format will bias decision makers to attend or ignore different information and thereby influence their choices.
Self-compassionate Aging: A Systematic Review
Authors: Brown Lydia , Huffman Jeff C , Bryant Christina
Published: August 2018

Abstract Background and Objectives

There is considerable heterogeneity in experiences of aging, with some experiencing greater well-being and adapting more successfully to the challenges of aging than others. Self-compassion is a modifiable psychological skill that might help explain individual differences in well-being and adjustment in later life. The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature on self-compassion and well-being outcomes in studies of older adults aged 65 and older.

Research Design and Methods

This systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines, using databases PsycINFO, Medline, and Embase. The search term self-compassion was paired with terms relating to well-being, psychological symptoms, and adjustment. Meta-analysis was used to synthesize results on the relationship between self-compassion and four outcomes including depression, anxiety, hedonic well-being, and eudaimonic well-being.

Results

Eleven studies met inclusion criteria for this review. Meta-analysis revealed that self-compassion was associated with lower levels of depression (r = −.58, 95% CI [−.66, −.48]) and anxiety (r = −.36, 95% CI [−.60, −.07]), and higher levels of hedonic (r = .41, 95% CI [.15, .62]) and eudaimonic (r = .49, 95% CI [.41, .57]) well-being. Further, three studies found self-compassion weakened the impact of physical symptoms on well-being outcomes.

Discussion and Implications

We found preliminary evidence that self-compassion is associated with well-being outcomes in older adults, and that self-compassion may buffer the psychological sequelae of health symptoms in later life. Higher quality studies with uniform outcome measures are needed to replicate and extend these results.
Hochschild Cohomology of Torus Equivariant D-modules
Authors: Koppensteiner Clemens
Published: August 2018

We discuss the Hochschild cohomology of the category of D-modules associated to an algebraic stack. In particular we describe the Hochschild cohomology of the category of torus-equivariant D-modules as the cohomology of a D-module on the loop space of the quotient stack. Finally, we give an approach for understanding the Hochschild cohomology of D-modules on general stacks via a relative compactification of the diagonal. This work is motivated by a desire to understand the support theory (in the sense of [6]) of D-modules on stacks.
An Assessment of Inappropriate Antibiotic Use and Guideline Adherence for Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections
Authors: Durkin Michael J , Keller Matthew , Butler Anne M , Kwon Jennie H , Dubberke Erik R , Miller Aaron C , Polgreen Phillip M , Olsen Margaret A
Published: August 2018

Background

In 2011, The Infectious Diseases Society of America released a clinical practice guideline (CPG) that recommended short-course antibiotic therapy and avoidance of fluoroquinolones for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs). Recommendations from this CPG were rapidly disseminated to clinicians via review articles, UpToDate, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website; however, it is unclear if this CPG had an impact on national antibiotic prescribing practices.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study of outpatient and emergency department visits within a commercial insurance database between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2013. We included nonpregnant women aged 18–44 years who had an International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification diagnosis code for a UTI with a concurrent antibiotic prescription. We performed interrupted time series analyses to determine the impact of the CPG on the appropriateness of the antibiotic agent and duration.

Results

We identified 654 432 women diagnosed with UTI. The patient population was young (mean age, 31 years) and had few comorbidities. Fluoroquinolones, nonfirstline agents, were the most commonly prescribed antibiotic class both before and after release of the guidelines (45% vs 42%). Wide variation was observed in the duration of treatment, with >75% of prescriptions written for nonrecommended treatment durations. The CPG had minimal impact on antibiotic prescribing behavior by providers.

Conclusions

Inappropriate antibiotic prescribing is common for the treatment of UTIs. The CPG was not associated with a clinically meaningful change in national antibiotic prescribing practices for UTIs. Further interventions are necessary to improve outpatient antibiotic prescribing for UTIs.
Raised without antibiotics: impact on animal welfare and implications for food policy
Authors: Karavolias Joanna , Salois Matthew Jude , Baker Kristi T , Watkins Kevin
Published: August 2018

This study assesses the impact of broilers raised without antibiotics and the information gap that exists between consumer perception and production methods. Specifically looking at risk of eye burns, footpad lesions, and airsacculitis, key indicators of animal welfare, bird-level data are collected on the occurrence and severity of each disease state by the type of antibiotic program: no antibiotics ever, nonmedically important antibiotics, or medically important antibiotics. Odds ratios and marginal effects are calculated to understand how the occurrence and severity change with access to medicine. Broilers never given antibiotics had a higher likelihood of disease states investigated, and with greater severity. In some cases, access to nonmedically important ionophores mitigated the risk of occurrence and severity of the conditions. The finding indicates that the growing trend of raising broilers without antibiotics may negatively affect animal welfare. This stands in contrast to existing consumer research showing that consumers purchase poultry raised without antibiotics because they believe that it promotes healthier animals. Therefore, a significant consumer information gap exists which needs to be addressed. JEL Codes: Q130, Q160, Q180
Endothelin‐1 differentially directs lineage specification of adipose‐ and bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Lee Ming-Song , Wang Jesse , Yuan Huihua , Jiao Hongli , Tsai Tsung-Lin , Squire Matthew W. , Li Wan-Ju
Published: August 2018

Blood vessels composed of endothelial cells (ECs) contact with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in different tissues, suggesting possible interaction between these 2 types of cells. We hypothesized that endothelin‐1 (ET1), a secreted paracrine factor of ECs, can differentially direct the lineages of adipose‐derived stem cells (ASCs) and bone marrow–derived MSCs (BMSCs). Predifferentiated ASCs and BMSCs were treated with ET1 for 2 cell passages and then induced for multilineage differentiation. Our results showed that adipogenesis of ET1‐pretreated ASCs and osteogenesis of ET1‐pretreated BMSCs were increased compared to those of control cells. The effect of ET1 on enhancing adipogenesis of ASCs and osteogenesis of BMSCs was attenuated by blocking endothelin receptor type A (ETAR) and/or endothelin receptor type B (ETBR). Western blot analysis indicated that regulation by ET1 was mediated through activation of the protein kinase B and ERK1/2 signaling pathways. We analyzed subpopulations of ASCs and BMSCs with or without ETAR and/or ETBR, and we found that ETAR+/ETBR− and ETAR−/ETBR+ subpopulations of ASCs and those of BMSCs pretreated with ET1 were prone to turning into adipocytes and osteoblasts, respectively, after differentiation induction. Our findings provide insight into the differential regulation of MSC specification by ET1, which may help develop viable approaches for tissue regeneration.—Lee, M.‐S., Wang, J., Yuan, H., Jiao, H., Tsai, T.‐L., Squire, M. W., Li, W.‐J. Endothelin‐1 differentially directs lineage specification of adipose‐ and bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells. FASEB J. 33, 996–1007 (2019). www.fasebj.org
Innovative PhD-DNP Faculty Collaboration to Advance Baccalaureate Student Population Health Competencies
Authors: Mauro Ann Marie P. , Tracey Debora L. , LoGrippo Maria Torchia , Brienza-Arcilla Diane , Williams-Gregory Mona , Shugg Suzanne , Bravo Angelica , Byrne Claire
Published: August 2018

Entry-level nurses require health promotion, chronic disease self-management, care coordination, data utilization, and evidence translation competencies to address complex population health needs. An innovative PhD-DNP faculty collaboration implemented a descriptive survey design to evaluate simulation-based strategies using an unfolding chronically ill adult case to address population health. Results showed the PhD-DNP faculty team was effective in developing clinically meaningful learning experiences to assist baccalaureate students to develop population health competencies. This project provides strong evidence supporting the value and positive impact of engaging faculty from research and practice for future educational research.
An Enhanced Actualized DNP Model to Improve DNP Project Placements, Rigor, and Completion
Authors: VanderKooi Marie E. , Conrad Dianne M. , Spoelstra Sandra L.
Published: August 2018

Doctor of nursing practice (DNP) projects are summative evaluations of enactment of the DNP Essentials. However, information about structure, process, and outcomes of DNP projects is scarce. Guided by an enhanced actualized DNP model, this study tested the effect of a PhD-DNP-site mentor model to guide DNP projects. Time-to-complete assignments, defense, and graduation improved; high satisfaction for students, mentors, and faculty were found; and a strengthened academic-practice partnership occurred, leading to additional student placements. Broader testing of the enhanced model in various size and types of academic-practice settings is needed prior to use.
Constructive Feedback Teaching Strategy
Authors: Altmiller Gerry , Deal Belinda , Ebersole Nancy , Flexner Randi , Jordan Janet , Jowell Vicki , Norris Tommie , Risetter Mary Jo , Schuler Monika , Szymanski Kathleen , Vottero Beth , Walker Danielle
Published: August 2018

AIM

The study purpose was to describe students’ perceptions of feedback after participating in a teaching strategy designed to foster a view of feedback as an opportunity for improvement.

BACKGROUND

Although delivering and receiving constructive feedback are essential to the role of the professional nurse, feedback has been identified as a trigger for incivility in academia and practice.

METHOD

Twelve nurse educators from the Quality and Safety Education for Nurses Academic Task Force, located at nine schools of nursing across the nation, implemented a presentation about giving and receiving constructive feedback in junior and senior courses.

RESULTS

Five hundred twenty-three students submitted a total of 985 posts or essays in response to viewing the presentation; seven themes were identified.

CONCLUSION

Viewing this teaching strategy enabled nursing students to develop an awareness of the opportunity that constructive feedback presents for professional development, self-improvement, teamwork and collaboration, and patient safety.
Congenital Tuberculosis
Authors: Newberry Desi M. , Robertson Bell Tracey
Published: August 2018

Background:

Congenital tuberculosis (TB) is rare in the United States. Recent immigration patterns to the United States have made the diagnosis of congenital TB an important public health issue.

Purpose:

To explore the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnostic evaluation, treatment, and prognosis for congenital TB. The implications for exposed healthcare professionals in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) setting are also explored.

Methods/Search Strategy:

Relevant articles were accessed via PubMed, CINAHL, and Google Scholar.

Findings/Results:

Until 1994, fewer than 400 cases of confirmed congenital TB had been reported in the literature worldwide. An additional 18 cases were reported from 2001 to 2005. Neonatal providers need to be aware of the potential for congenital TB infection as the immigrant population in the United States continues to increase, many of whom originate from TB endemic countries.

Implications for Practice:

The interpretation of TB-specific tests is problematic in newborns due to decreased sensitivity and specificity. Congenital TB should be ruled out in infants with signs and symptoms of sepsis or pneumonia and in whom broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy does not improve their clinical status.

Implications for Research:

The interpretation of TB-specific tests is problematic in newborns due to decreased sensitivity and specificity; more research is needed regarding best practice in diagnosis. Established protocols are needed to address the healthcare of TB-exposed providers in the NICU.
Case Fatality and Adverse Outcomes Are Reduced in Pregnant Women With Severe Sepsis or Septic Shock Compared With Age-Matched Comorbid-Matched Nonpregnant Women
Authors: Kidson Kristen M. , Henderson William R. , Hutcheon Jennifer A.
Published: August 2018

Objectives:

Case fatality in pregnancy-associated severe sepsis or septic shock appears reduced compared with nonpregnant women with severe sepsis or septic shock. It remains unclear if this difference is due to pregnancy or better baseline health status, among others. Our study compared adverse outcomes of pregnancy-associated severe sepsis or septic shock with nonpregnant women with severe sepsis or septic shock while controlling for age and chronic comorbidities.

Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting:

Nationwide Inpatient Sample, a stratified sample of 20% acute care hospital admissions in the United States. Each entry includes patient and hospital characteristics as well as International Classification of Diseases, 9th revision, Clinical Modification, diagnoses and procedures.

Subjects:

Women of childbearing age (15–44 yr) with severe sepsis or septic shock–related hospitalizations during 1998–2012 identified using International Classification of Diseases, 9th revision, Clinical Modification, codes.

Outcomes:

Case fatality, hospital length of stay, length of stay until death, number of organ failures, rates of mechanical ventilation, and hemodialysis were compared in women according to pregnancy status, controlling for age, and chronic comorbidities.

Measurements and Main Results:

We identified 5,968 pregnancy-associated severe sepsis or septic shock and 85,240 nonpregnant women with severe sepsis or septic shock hospitalizations. Crude case fatality of pregnancy-associated severe sepsis or septic shock (9.6%) was lower than nonpregnant women with severe sepsis or septic shock (16.8%). The rate ratio for case fatality adjusted for socioeconomic status and race was 0.57 (95% CI, 0.52–0.62) while sequential adjustments for age and chronic comorbidities did not eliminate the association (rate ratio, 0.62 [95% CI, 0.57–0.68]) and 0.63 [95% CI, 0.57–0.68], respectively). Pregnancy-associated severe sepsis or septic shock was associated with shorter hospital length of stay (–0.83 d [95% CI, –1.32 to –0.34 d]), longer length of stay until death (2.61 d; [95% CI, 1.28–3.94 d]), and fewer organ failures (rate ratio, 0.95 [95% CI, 0.94–0.97]).

Conclusions:

Case fatality and adverse outcomes are reduced in women with pregnancy-associated severe sepsis or septic shock compared with nonpregnant women with severe sepsis or septic shock, and this is not explained by differences in age or chronic comorbidities alone. A less severe presentation of sepsis or protective effect of pregnancy may account for the difference observed with pregnancy-associated severe sepsis or septic shock.
Increased Fibrinolysis as a Specific Marker of Poor Outcome After Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Buchtele Nina , Schörgenhofer Christian , Spiel Alexander O. , Jilma Bernd , Schwameis Michael
Published: August 2018

Objectives:

Recent data suggest that early increased fibrinolysis may be associated with unfavorable prognosis in cardiac arrest. The current study aimed to assess whether there is an optimal fibrinolysis cutoff value as determined by thrombelastometry at hospital admission to predict poor outcome in a cohort of adult patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

Design:

Prospective observational cohort study.

Setting:

Emergency department of a 2.100-bed tertiary care facility in Vienna, Austria, Europe.

Patients:

Patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest of presumed cardiac origin, subjected to targeted temperature management, who had achieved return of spontaneous circulation at admission were analyzed.

Interventions:

None.

Measurements and Main Results:

Fibrinolysis was assessed by thrombelastometry at the bedside immediately after hospital admission and is given as maximum lysis (%). The outcome measure was the optimal cutoff for maximum lysis at hospital admission to predict poor outcome (a composite of Cerebral Performance Category 3–5 or death) at day 30, assessed by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Seventy-eight patients (61% male, median 59 yr) were included in the study from March 2014 to March 2017. Forty-two patients (54%) had a poor 30-day outcome including 23 nonsurvivors (30%). The maximum lysis cutoff at admission predicting poor 30-day outcome with 100% specificity (95% CI, 90–100%) was greater than or equal to 20%. Tissue-type plasminogen activator antigen levels were likewise elevated in patients with poor neurologic outcome or death 52 ng/mL (interquartile range, 26–79 ng/mL) versus 29 ng/mL (interquartile range, 17–49 ng/mL; p = 0.036).

Conclusions:

Increased fibrinolysis at admission assessed by thrombelastometry specifically predicts poor outcome in cardiac arrest with presumed cardiac etiology.
Which Early Childhood Experiences and Skills Predict Kindergarten Working Memory?
Authors: Wang Aubrey H. , Fitzpatrick Caroline
Published: August 2018

Objective:

We examined how empirically and theoretically important predictors help explain the development of kindergarten working memory, an understudied predictor of school readiness and adjustment to schooling in early childhood. Our specific aim was to examine the extent to which antecedents, opportunity, and propensity variables directly and indirectly predict working memory development.

Methods:

We conducted structural equation modeling on a nationally representative and longitudinal sample of 14,000 kindergarten students. Predictors of end-of-kindergarten working memory include parent reports of antecedent variables such as socioeconomic status, mother's marital status, breastfeeding, child's age, and perception of child learning skills; teacher reports of opportunity variables including the frequency children read aloud and counted in their kindergarten class and classroom climate; and direct assessments of child propensity variables including earlier working memory, cognitive fluidity, teacher reports of child self-regulation, and math and reading knowledge.

Results:

Together, childhood antecedents, opportunity, and propensity latent factors contributed to 41% of the variance of kindergarten working memory. Child propensity had a significant direct effect on child working memory, whereas antecedent and opportunity factors had significant indirect effects on working memory through child propensity.

Conclusion:

In this study, we identify several modifiable variables that directly and indirectly predict child working memory skills using a large population-based sample. Better understanding of how child-, family-, and school-level variables contribute to the development of working memory in young children can be seen as an important step in the creation of preventive interventions designed to improve these important skills.
Postchemotherapy Immunization Practices for Non-HSCT Pediatric Oncology Patients
Authors: Zhang Lindy , Martin Allison M. , Ruble Kathy
Published: August 2018

Pediatric oncology patients treated with antineoplastic therapy have impaired immune systems that lead to loss of protective antibodies. They require reimmunization to protect against vaccine-preventable diseases. There are a paucity of studies on the clinical practice of pediatric oncologists and the available recommendations are heterogenous. This study describes current reimmunization practices among pediatric oncologists. We surveyed the Children’s Oncology Group (COG)-identified principle investigators to capture clinical practices among pediatric oncologists within their institutions regarding reimmunization of non–hematopoietic stem cell transplantation patients. The majority of respondents did not routinely assess vaccine-related immune status; those who did most frequently assessed 6 months after cessation of therapies. Methods of assessment included type of therapy received, vaccine titers, and absolute lymphocyte counts. Providers from smaller institutions were more likely to check vaccine titers than those from larger institutions. More than half of the surveyed institutions did not have standardized guidelines available for practitioners. There are variations in reimmunization practices among pediatric oncologists despite available guidelines on recommended schedules. Further research is needed to identify the safest and most cost-effective way to insure immunity to infectious disease after the treatment of childhood cancer.
Comparison between self-reported and observed locomotion ability scores in patients with stroke: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Sogbossi Emmanuel S. , Kakpossa Charlène , Niama-Natta Didier D. , Kpadonou Toussaint G. , Batcho Charles S.
Published: August 2018

This study aimed to investigate (i) the validity of self-reported scores of locomotion ability in stroke survivors using the ABILOCO-Benin questionnaire, and (ii) the congruence between online Rasch analysis of the ABILOCO-Benin raw scores and a conversion table set along with the questionnaire development. Thirty-five adult poststroke patients [mean age: 52 (SD: 10) years, 60% men] recruited from the rehabilitation department of National University Hospital of Cotonou (Benin), self-reported their locomotion ability, filling out the ABILOCO-Benin questionnaire [self-reported scores (SRS)]. Afterwards, a physical therapist observed and rated the patients’ locomotion ability, while they performed each of the 15 items of the questionnaire [performance-based scores (PBS)]. Both raw SRS and PBS were then converted to linear measures using (i) an online Rasch analysis method and (ii) an ordinal-to-interval transformation table. Analyses showed high correlation (intraclass correlation coefficient=0.74, P<0.001) and nonsignificant difference (P=0.778) between SRS and PBS. Linear measures from online Rasch and a conversion table also exhibited high correlation (intraclass correlation coefficient=0.92; P<0.001). However, the difference between online analysis and the conversion table was significant (P=0.022). In conclusion, self-report is a valid method to administer ABILOCO-Benin in stroke patients. The conversion table offers a valid opportunity for quick transfer of raw scores to linear measures. However, the accuracy of linear measures from the conversion table may be slightly affected by missing responses.
Enhancing and Advancing Shared Governance Through a Targeted Decision-Making Redesign
Authors: Dechairo-Marino Ann E. , Collins Raggi Mara E. , Mendelson Sherri Garber , Highfield Martha E.F. , Hess Robert G.
Published: August 2018

OBJECTIVE

The study aim was to determine if a targeted redesign of shared decision making improved shared governance (SG).

BACKGROUND

Nursing SG is collaborative decision making between nurses at every level; it improves quality of care, empowers nurses, and enhances nurse satisfaction.

METHODS

Using a quasi-experimental, pretest/posttest design, researchers electronically distributed the Index of Professional Nursing Governance (IPNG) to an inclusive, convenience sample of RNs in a Magnet®-designated 377-bed community medical center. Preintervention scores were used to tailor a redesign of shared decision making, and postintervention data were collected within 1 year to measure outcomes.

RESULTS

IPNG overall score and 5 of 6 subscale scores significantly increased after the redesign.

CONCLUSIONS

Changes to an SG structure can take 2 to 5 years to be realized. Our findings corroborate that the IPNG is a valuable tool in promoting setting-specific SG.
Measles during arbovirus outbreak: a diagnostic challenge
Authors: Gourinat Ann-Claire , Cazorla Cécile , Pfannstiel Anne , Tran Thomas
Published: August 2018

Introduction. Dengue fever is a major public health problem in New Caledonia, like in many Pacific Islands Countries and territories. In 2017 New Caledonia faced multiple circulations of arboviruses with a major outbreak of dengue and a co-circulating Zika virus. New Caledonia is considered as a non-endemic territory for measles since the mid 1990’s.

Case presentation. A 41-year-old male presented fever, headache, sinusitis and exanthematous maculopapular rash. A clinical diagnosis of arbovirus was first suspected due to the local epidemic context. A few days later the patient was admitted to the main hospital. The real time RT-PCR for dengue and Zika virus were negative on the first blood sample. A drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome and other infectious diseases including measles were then suspected. ELISA tests for measles were positive for IgM and equivocal for IgG. A throat swab was immediately shipped to a reference laboratory for measles nucleic acid testing. After a week, the patient recovered and the presence of measles RNA was confirmed. No secondary cases were reported among contacts of the patient and the source of his infection could not be ascertained.

Conclusion. Diagnosis of measles during an arbovirus outbreak in a country where measles disease is rare can be a pitfall for healthcare professionals. The introduction of measles via returned travellers or tourists from areas where measles remains endemic is a real threat to countries with high vaccine coverage.