bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Propeller echo‐planar time‐resolved imaging with dynamic encoding (PEPTIDE)
Authors: Fair Merlin J. , Wang Fuyixue , Dong Zijing , Reese Timothy G. , Setsompop Kawin 
Published: November 2019

PurposeTo develop a motion‐robust extension to the recently developed echo‐planar time‐resolved imaging (EPTI) approach, referred to as PROPELLER EPTI with dynamic encoding (PEPTIDE), by incorporating rotations into the rapid, multishot acquisition to enable shot‐to‐shot motion correction.MethodsEcho‐planar time‐resolved imaging is a multishot EPI‐based approach that allows extremely rapid acquisition of distortion‐free and blurring‐free multicontrast imaging and quantitative mapping. By combining k‐space encoding rotations into the EPTI sampling strategy to repeatedly sample the low‐resolution k‐space center, PEPTIDE enables significant tolerance to shot‐to‐shot motion and B0 phase variations. Retrospective PEPTIDE data sets are created through a combination of in vivo EPTI data sets with rotationally acquired protocols, to enable direct comparison of the 2 methods and their robustness to identical motion. The PEPTIDE data sets are also prospectively acquired and again compared with EPTI, in the presence of true subject motion.ResultsThe PEPTIDE approach is shown to be motion‐robust to even severe subject motion (demonstrated > 30° in‐plane rotation, alongside translational and through‐plane motion), while maintaining the rapid encoding benefits of the EPTI technique. The technique enables accurate quantitative maps to be calculated from even severe motion data sets. While the performance of the motion correction depends on the type and severity of motion encountered, in all cases PEPTIDE significantly increases image quality in the presence of motion comparative to conventional EPTI.ConclusionThe newly developed PEPTIDE technique combines a high degree of motion tolerance into the EPTI framework, enabling highly rapid acquisition of distortion‐free and blurring‐free images at multiple TEs in the presence of motion.
Relationships between the Advanced Nursing Process quality and nurses' and patient' characteristics: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Leoni‐Scheiber Claudia , Mayer Hanna , Müller‐Staub Maria 
Published: November 2019

AbstractAimThis study aimed to assess (a) nurses' knowledge and their attitude towards the Advanced Nursing Process—nursing assessment, diagnoses, interventions, outcomes, (b) the quality of the Advanced Nursing Process and (c) relationships with patient characteristics.DesignA cross‐sectional, descriptive correlational study was performed.MethodsNinety‐two registered nurses and ninety nursing records of six hospital wards were included. In January 2016, a knowledge test, a self‐assessment tool for measuring nurses' attitude (PND) and the Quality of Diagnoses, Interventions and Outcomes Revised instrument (Q‐DIO R) were applied. The correlations between nurses' knowledge, attitude, patient characteristics, organizational factors and the Advanced Nursing Process quality were investigated.ResultsNurses demonstrated low levels of knowledge, positive attitudes and an average Advanced Nursing Process quality. Accurate nursing diagnoses were strong and highly significantly related to effective nursing interventions and better nursing‐sensitive patient outcomes. A higher proportion of registered nurses was related to better nursing outcomes.
Assessing the impact of climate change on Indian agriculture: Evidence from major crop yields
Authors: Guntukula Raju 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThis study empirically examines the effect of climate change on the yields of primary food as well as non‐food crops in India. The present study uses annual time‐series data of seven major crops such as rice, wheat, pulses, rapeseeds and mustard, cotton, sugarcane, and groundnut for 58 years (1961–20 17) to assess the influence climatic variables namely rainfall, maximum, and minimum temperatures on crop yields. The empirical findings of the study indicate that a significant effect on major crop yields from rainfall, maximum and minimum temperatures, but the level of impact varies across the crops studied. A rise in rainfall has an adverse effect on food crops except for pulses, however it has a positive relationship with non‐food crops throughout the study period. Further, the average maximum temperature has a positive influence on food and non‐food crops excluding rice. The average minimum temperature has an adverse impact on non‐food crops, but it has a positive association with food crops. The adverse effects of climatic factors on crop yields may be likely to pose severe implications for food and nutritional security. Conclusively, this study recommends taking adaptation activities to cope with the adverse impacts of climate change.
Combatting corruption in Kazakhstan: A role for ethics commissioners?
Authors: Janenova Saltanat , Knox Colin 
Published: November 2019

SummaryCentral Asian countries have, since gaining independence in 1991, suffered from endemic corruption as a legacy of their Soviet roots. There are multiple ways of tackling corruption ranging from preventative to control measures. One tool in this battery of measures is the use of codes of ethics enforced through ethics commissioners. Kazakhstan is attempting to take a lead role in driving public sector reforms in the Central Asian region but has achieved limited success in addressing the seemingly intractable problem of corruption. This paper offers a formative assessment of the impact of ethics commissioners on the problem. We find limited political commitment for the initiative, institutional weaknesses, and the absence of a problem solving approach by the Kazakhstani government.
Usefulness of Electromyography to Predict Future Muscle Weakness in Clinically Unaffected Muscles of Polio Survivors
Authors: Sawada Koshiro , Horii Motoyuki , Imoto Daisuke , Ozaki Kenichi , Toyama Shogo , Saitoh Eiichi , Mikami Yasuo , Kubo Toshikazu 
Published: November 2019

BackgroundPost‐polio syndrome–induced muscle weakness may develop in limbs that have had normal muscle strength and have been considered unaffected by polio.ObjectiveTo investigate the utility of electromyography (EMG) for predicting future muscle weakness in clinically unaffected limb muscles of polio survivors.DesignRetrospective study.SettingAcademic polio clinic.ParticipantsPolio survivors (N = 77) who underwent EMG between April 2008 and March 2010 and were followed for at least 2 years.Materials and MethodsChart reviews were conducted to extract baseline EMG and manual muscle strength test (MMT) results to investigate the relationship between baseline EMG abnormalities and change in muscle strength over 2 years for various upper and lower limb muscles that control movement in the limb joints.Main Outcome MeasurementsSensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of EMG findings for prediction of subsequent muscle weakness.ResultsEMG data were available for 44 deltoid, 59 biceps brachii, 60 triceps brachii, 59 vastus lateralis, 59 tibialis anterior, and 55 gastrocnemius (medial head) muscles. The percentage of muscles with an initial MMT of grade 5 that developed weakness over 2 years of follow‐up was approximately 15% for most muscle types. Sensitivity of EMG to predict subsequent weakness was higher in the lower limbs (0.67‐1.00). Specificity was higher in the biceps brachii (0.83). PPV was higher in the biceps brachii (0.50). NPV was higher in the lower limbs (0.89‐1.00) but lower in the deltoid (0.75).ConclusionEMG abnormalities were detected in some clinically normal muscles of polio survivors. EMG abnormalities predicted muscle weakness 2 years later, although the strength of this relationship varied depending on the muscle.
Muscle Fatigue in Response to Electrical Stimulation Pattern and Frequency in Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Qiu Shuang , Draghici Adina E. , Picard Glen , Taylor J. Andrew 
Published: November 2019

BackgroundFunctional electrical stimulation (FES) is widely used to induce functional movements for paralyzed muscles. However, rapid muscle fatigue during FES‐induced muscle contractions limits FES clinical efficacy.ObjectiveTo investigate muscle fatigue response across stimulation patterns and frequencies during FES in able‐bodied individuals and in those with spinal cord injury (SCI).DesignFour stimulation protocols combining 20 and 40 Hz average frequency with either constant frequency trains (CFTs) or with doublet frequency trains (DFTs) were applied to the quadriceps of seven adults with SCI and eight able‐bodied participants.SettingA FES‐row training laboratory.ParticipantsSeven individuals with SCI (one female; age range, 25 ± 6 years) and eight age‐matched able‐bodied participants (one female).InterventionNone.Main Outcome MeasuresFatigue was defined as the number of contractions until force decreased by 20% from the target level of 25% maximal contraction force. The number of contractions and the stimulation current used during the four stimulation protocols were compared.ResultsThere was a significant effect of frequency, as well as interaction between group and stimulation pattern (P < .05). In both groups, 20‐Hz trains increased the number of contractions to fatigue compared to 40‐Hz trains. However, the responses to the pattern of stimulation differed. In the able‐bodied participants, CFT increased the number of contractions to fatigue compared to DFT, whereas in those with SCI, DFT increased the number of contractions to fatigue. In fact, DFT resulted in similar number of contractions to fatigue in both populations.ConclusionsThese results indicate that DFT at 20 Hz may be a better stimulation protocol to delay fatigue onset in the SCI population than the other three protocols. In addition, this work implies that results from able‐bodied persons may not be directly applicable to those with SCI.
Nurses' experiences and attitudes toward diagnosis disclosure for cancer patients in China: A qualitative study
Authors: Liu Yuxiu , Yang Jinhong , Song Lei , Yang Xiao , Yin Yanling , Yan Liping 
Published: November 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo qualitatively investigate and explore oncology nurses' perceptions of cancer diagnosis disclosure (CDD) for cancer patients.MethodsPurposive sampling led to the inclusion of 25 nurses with diverse characteristics from four inpatient oncology nursing wards in two tertiary hospitals. Semistructured, one‐on‐one, in‐depth interviews were conducted. Colaizzi's analysis method was performed with NVivo software to develop categories and themes.ResultsFour themes were identified: (a) impact of CDD, including advantages and disadvantages for patients and nurse distress; (b) barriers to CDD, including requests from family members, patients themselves, and communication skills; (c) strategies for CDD, including communication with family members, physician‐nurse collaboration, and patient education; and (d) nurses' roles in CDD, including active participants and promoters and advocates.ConclusionsMore channels of information and education on cancer, cancer diagnosis, life, and death will be needed in the future. Nurses should actively participate in cancer diagnosis delivery, and more collaboration between nurses and physicians must occur.
Using cognition to predict the ability to understand medical treatment in brain and metastatic cancer
Authors: Gerstenecker Adam , Gammon Meredith , Marotta Dario , Fiveash John , Nabors Burt , Mulhauser Kyler , Triebel Kristen 
Published: November 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo determine if cognition can be used to identify persons with cancer at high risk for the impaired ability to understand treatment decisions.MethodsThe association between understanding treatment decisions and cognition was examined using data from 181 participants across four groups: 67 with brain metastasis, 41 with metastatic cancer that has not spread to the brain, 27 with malignant glioma, and 46 healthy controls. All diagnoses were made by board‐certified oncologists and were verified histologically.ResultsResults indicated that numerous cognitive functions were associated with the ability to understand treatment decisions in persons with cancer. The following proportion of participants demonstrated impaired understanding of treatment decisions in our three patient groups: approximately 51% malignant glioma, approximately 46% brain metastasis, and approximately 24% metastatic cancer. In a combined brain cancer group, we were able to use cognitive performance to predict the impaired ability to understand treatment decisions.ConclusionsAn impaired ability to understand treatment decisions is prevalent in persons with brain cancer and persons with metastatic cancer. Performance on a brief cognitive battery can be used to help clinicians identify patients at particular risk for impaired medical decision making.
Are Rural Egyptians Better Off? Trends in Inequality and Real Consumption Expenditure in Rural Egypt
Authors: Helmy Heba E. 
Published: November 2019

This article uses three selected national household surveys conducted in Egypt in 1981/1982, 2004/2005, and 2015 to assess the evolution of rural consumption inequality and trends in real rural consumption expenditure at the beginning year of Mubarak’s era, his end years, and the post‐Mubarak era, respectively. After evaluating inequality using inequality measures, we construct two consumer price indices (CPIs), a general and a food CPI, for rural Egypt for the period 1981 till 2015 to evaluate rural real consumption. The article concludes that rural consumption inequality had slightly fallen from the beginning of the Mubarak era toward its end, but slightly rose again in the post‐Mubarak era. Despite the changes, estimates of rural inequality were moderate. Nevertheless, such moderate levels of inequality are expected to be higher if the new rural areas in reclaimed desert lands are accounted for separately in national surveys. The article also concludes that according to our CPI, real rural consumption expenditure had fallen in most expenditure brackets throughout the whole period, with the exception of some small‐sized brackets at the very top and very bottom ends of the consumption expenditure distribution.
Surface modification of albumin/gelatin films gelled on low‐temperature plasma‐treated polyethylene terephthalate plates
Authors: Pérez‐Huertas Salvador , Terpiłowski Konrad , Tomczyńska‐Mleko Marta , Mleko Stanisław 
Published: November 2019

AbstractAlbumin/gelatin gel (AG) properties are studied with an innovative cold‐plasma‐treatment‐based technique. Gel films are produced in situ on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plates previously treated by gas (O2, air and Ar) cold plasma. After detaching the films from the surface, the contact angles of probe liquids are measured and wettability studied, based upon the induced changes of AG surface free energy. The effect of gelatin concentration in the AG is analysed. Oxygen‐cold‐plasma‐treated PET plates induce outstanding changes in wetting properties. Optical profilometry is used for the characterisation of surface topography. Dynamic oscillatory measurements help check for mesoscopic changes. The latter technique allows shaping of gel sample stiffness. The findings support a new methodology for biomaterials/biopolymer activation when unable to be exposed to the plasma working conditions.
Molecular dynamics simulations of an engineered T4 lysozyme exclude helix to sheet transition, and provide insights into long distance, intra‐protein switchable motion
Authors: Biggers Laurence , Elhabashy Hadeer , Ackad Edward , Yousef Mohammad S. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractAn engineered variant of T4 lysozyme serves as a model for studying induced remote conformational changes in a full protein context. The design involves a duplicated surface helix, flanked by two loops, that switches between two different conformations spanning about 20 Å. Molecular dynamics simulations of the engineered protein, up to 1 μs, rule out α‐helix to β‐sheet transitions within the duplicated helix as suggested by others. These simulations highlight how the use of different force fields can lead to radical differences in the structure of the protein. In addition, Markov state modeling and transition path theory were employed to map a 6.6 μs simulation for possible early intermediate states and to provide insights into the onset of the switching motion. The putative intermediates involve the folding of one helical turn in the C‐terminal loop through energy driven, sequential rearrangement of nearby salt bridges around the key residue Arg63. These results provide a first step towards understanding the energetics and dynamics of a rather complicated intra‐protein motion.
Design and characterization of novel dual Fc antibody with enhanced avidity for Fc receptors
Authors: Goulet Dennis R. , Zwolak Adam , Williams James A. , Chiu Mark L. , Atkins William M. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractMonoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have become an important class of therapeutics, particularly in the realm of anticancer immunotherapy. While the two antigen‐binding fragments (Fabs) of an mAb allow for high‐avidity binding to molecular targets, the crystallizable fragment (Fc) engages immune effector elements. mAbs of the IgG class are used for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and can elicit antitumor immune functions not only by several mechanisms including direct antigen engagement via their Fab arms but also by Fab binding to tumors combined with Fc engagement of complement component C1q and Fcγ receptors. Additionally, IgG binding to the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) allows for endosomal recycling and prolonged serum half‐life. To augment the effector functions or half‐life of an IgG1 mAb, we constructed a novel “2Fc” mAb containing two Fc domains in addition to the normal two Fab domains. Structural and functional characterization of this 2Fc mAb demonstrated that it exists in a tetrahedral‐like geometry and retains binding capacity via the Fab domains. Furthermore, duplication of the Fc region significantly enhanced avidity for Fc receptors FcγRI, FcγRIIIa, and FcRn, which manifested as a decrease in complex dissociation rate that was more pronounced at higher densities of receptor. At intermediate receptor density, the dissociation rate for Fc receptors was decreased 6‐ to 130‐fold, resulting in apparent affinity increases of 7‐ to 42‐fold. Stoichiometric analysis confirmed that each 2Fc mAb may simultaneously bind two molecules of FcγRI or four molecules of FcRn, which is double the stoichiometry of a wild‐type mAb. In summary, duplication of the IgG Fc region allows for increased avidity to Fc receptors that could translate into clinically relevant enhancement of effector functions or pharmacokinetics.
Integrated management of water resources: A novel approach for water‐stressed regions
Authors: Haroun Mohammed , Punjabi Soham , Suboyin Abhijith , Anastasiou Stavroula , de Bakker Joost 
Published: November 2019

AbstractWith the imminent global water crisis, it is imperative to revolutionize how water as a commodity is managed. Currently, there is a disconnect between how various sectors of the society withdraw and consume water especially in hydrocarbon‐rich, water scarce regions such as the Middle East. This study proposes a multi‐criteria, multidisciplinary decision analysis model for integrated technology development across private and public sectors in such regions. The increasing water stress provides the oil and gas industry an opportunity to play a pivotal role in harnessing its technologies to sustainably support the water demand. The proposed concept is supported with case studies highlighting challenges and innovative solutions applied across the globe. This study builds a case for a framework on the basis of a step‐change opportunity to manage water needs and effectively plan technology, investment, and regulatory requirements for sustainable access to future sustainable freshwater management.
Germinated Wheat Starch as a Substrate to Produce Cyclodextrins: Application in Inclusion Complex to Improve the Thermal Stability of Orange Essential Oil
Authors: Kringel Dianini Hüttner , Baranzelli Julia , Schöffer Jéssie Da Natividade , El Halal Shanise Lisie Mello , De Miranda Martha Zavariz , Dias Alvaro Renato Guerra , Zavareze Elessandra Da Rosa 
Published: November 2019

AbstractWheat pre‐harvest sprouting (PHS) is caused by high rainfall especially when the grain is in the filling stage. PHS decreases the grain yield, and is harmful to flour technological quality for baking, with a consequent decrease in economic value. However, the amylolytic activity promoted by germination can facilitate the production of cyclodextrin (CDs). The influence of germinated wheat starch concentration (1% and 10%) on the production of α, β, and γ‐CD is verified. In addition, the thermal stability of the inclusion complex between CDs produced from germinated wheat starch and orange essential oil (CDs/OEO) is also evaluated. The germination promotes the highest conversion yield (54.4%) at the lowest starch concentration (1%) used. The CDs/OEO increase the orange essential oil thermal stability, promoting their protection at high temperatures. Therefore, this study shows that germinated wheat starch is a promising substrate for the cyclodextrin production, adding value to this product that is, normally, not used by the food industry, but for animal nutrition or discarded.
The effect of local rebar geometry on global strain measurements in pull out tests
Authors: Leibovich Orit , Yankelevsky David Z. , Dancygier Avraham N. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractStrain gauges are the common means to measure local strains in structural elements. It is well known that the strain at a given coordinate on the boundary of a structural element depends on the geometry, boundary conditions, loading system, and material properties. The precise location of the strain gauge along a line is not considered critical to obtaining a quality strain measurement at a specific location, wherever a continuous variation of strain along this line is expected, and a slight deviation of the gauge location will yield similar measurements. In a recent study, precise measurement of the circumferential strains on the outer face of cylindrical concrete specimens was carried out during pullout of a central rebar. Analyzing the measured data indicated that a slight shift in the strain gauge location on the order of millimeters only may considerably affect the measured strain. These controlled pullout tests highlighted the pronounced effect of the relative distance between the rebar rib and the strain gauge location on the strain magnitude and its variation with the increasing slip. This effect has not been reported before. It means that a slight difference in the strain gauge location yields different strain–slip relationships. This new finding may affect the interpretation of the measured strains. Attention should be given to the exact strain gauges' locations and detailed rebar ribs locations to properly interpret the measured data.