bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Communication Skills of Grandview/Southview Medical Center General Surgery Residents
Authors: Johnson Wesley , Ngo Nhat-Anh , Elrod Michael 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Context
In the transition of osteopathic programs to the single-accreditation graduate medical education (GME) system, residents are required to demonstrate skill in a set of core competencies identified by the Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) prior to graduation. Included in those core competencies are interpersonal and communication skills along with professionalism.

Objectives
To assess strengths and weaknesses of residents’ interpersonal communication skills and professionalism in the Grandview/Southview Medical Center (Dayton, OH) osteopathic general surgery program using the validated Communication Assessment Tool (CAT).

Methods
From November 2014 to June 2018, all patients who presented for an appointment at the Cassano General Surgery Clinic were asked by a medical assistant to complete a CAT questionnaire following their encounter with a resident physician. Patients at Cassano, an outpatient office-based facility directed to the underserved local community, are seen first by an intern, then by a 4th or 5th year resident and later by an attending physician. Patients 18 years of age or older were included; patients were excluded if they were unable to understand or read English. Patient demographics were collected, including age, gender, race/ethnicity, and previous exposure to this resident physician. Each resident's name was replaced on the CAT with a number for data analysis. The resident variables collected for this study included year of training, gender, and native language.

Results
The mean response for all CAT items was 4.5 out of 5, indicating that responses to resident performance were largely positive. Patients responded to 4 of the 14 CAT items with only excellent, very good, or good responses and no fair or poor responses. Four items had only 1 fair or poor response. The remaining 6 items received more than 1 fair or poor response: “greeted me in a way that made me feel comfortable” (#1), “talked in terms I could understand” (#8), “encouraged me to ask questions” (#10), “involved me in decisions as much as I wanted” (#11), “showed care and concern” (#13), and “spent the right amount of time with me” (#14).

Conclusions
Attending surgeons evaluate residents in multiple areas from a doctor's perspective, but there is a potential lack of correlation between that evaluation and a patient's experience, which is paramount in osteopathic medicine. Patient responses to the CAT questionnaire can be used by program directors to identify deficiencies in milestone/competency achievement and facilitate improvement both individually and programmatically for residents according to ACGME standards.
Readmission Risk Factors and Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Harmon Dustin , Rathousky Jennifer , Choudhry Faiza , Grover Harjot , Patel Ishwar , Jacobson Teresa , Boura Judith , Crawford Joan , Arnautovic Jelena 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Context
Cases of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) exacerbations continue to affect patients' quality of life and cause significant financial burden on our healthcare system.

Objective
To identify risk factors for readmission in patients discharged with a diagnosis of HFpEF.

Methods
Electronic health records of patients over 18 years of age with a primary diagnosis of HFpEF treated between August 1, 2017 and March 1, 2018 in a community hospital were retrospectively reviewed. The study population included patients with HFpEF greater than 40% who were screened but did not qualify for the ongoing CONNECT- HF trial being conducted by Duke Clinical Research. To be included, subjects had to fall into 1 of 2 classifications (NYHA Class II-IV or ACC/AHA Stage B-D) and have a life expectancy greater than 6 months. Patients were excluded if they had terminal illness other than HF, a prior heart transplant or were on a transplant list, a current or planned placement of a left ventricular assist device, chronic kidney disease requiring hemodialysis, inability to use mobile applications, or inability to participate in longitudinal follow up. Readmission rate was analyzed at 30 and 90 days along with patients’ demographics and associated comorbidities, including peripheral vascular disease, anemia, pulmonary hypertension, arrythmia, and valvular heart disease. Patients were risk stratified using the LACE index readmission score and the Charlson comorbidity index.

Results
Of the 492 cases of HFpEF identified during the 7-month study period, 212 patients were included. The majority of patients were women (126; 59.4%), had a median body mass index above 30 kg/m2 (123; 58%), and had pulmonary hypertension (94; 44.3%), anemia (146; 68.8%), and arrhythmia (101, 47.6%). Forty-five (21.2%) patients were readmitted for HFpEF within 90 days of initial discharge; 32 of those (71.1%) were readmitted within 30 days of initial discharge. Patients with higher LACE and Charlson comorbidity index scores were more likely to be readmitted within 90 days. Peripheral vascular disease (P=.002), tricuspid regurgitation (P=.001), pulmonary hypertension (P=.049), and anemia (P=.029) were risk factors associated with readmissions. Use of ACEi/ARBs (P=.017) was associated with fewer readmissions.

Conclusion
Anemia, peripheral vascular disease, pulmonary hypertension, and valvular heart disease are not only postulated mechanisms of HFpEF, but also important risk factors for readmission. These study findings affirm the need for continued research of the pathophysiology and associated comorbidities of the HFpEF population to improve quality of life and lower healthcare costs.
Biases in genome reconstruction from metagenomic data
Authors: Nelson William C. , Tully Benjamin J. , Mobberley Jennifer M. 
Published: October 2020

BackgroundAdvances in sequencing, assembly, and assortment of contigs into species-specific bins has enabled the reconstruction of genomes from metagenomic data (MAGs). Though a powerful technique, it is difficult to determine whether assembly and binning techniques are accurate when applied to environmental metagenomes due to a lack of complete reference genome sequences against which to check the resulting MAGs.MethodsWe compared MAGs derived from an enrichment culture containing ~20 organisms to complete genome sequences of 10 organisms isolated from the enrichment culture. Factors commonly considered in binning software—nucleotide composition and sequence repetitiveness—were calculated for both the correctly binned and not-binned regions. This direct comparison revealed biases in sequence characteristics and gene content in the not-binned regions. Additionally, the composition of three public data sets representing MAGs reconstructed from theTaraOceans metagenomic data was compared to a set of representative genomes available through NCBI RefSeq to verify that the biases identified were observable in more complex data sets and using three contemporary binning software packages.ResultsRepeat sequences were frequently not binned in the genome reconstruction processes, as were sequence regions with variant nucleotide composition. Genes encoded on the not-binned regions were strongly biased towards ribosomal RNAs, transfer RNAs, mobile element functions and genes of unknown function. Our results support genome reconstruction as a robust process and suggest that reconstructions determined to be >90% complete are likely to effectively represent organismal function; however, population-level genotypic heterogeneity in natural populations, such as uneven distribution of plasmids, can lead to incorrect inferences.
Food and Nutrition Coping Strategies in Flood Prone Areas of Bunyala and Nyando Sub Counties Kenya
Authors: Odida Lynette Ochuma , Nabiswa Ferdinand 
Published: October 2020

The nutrition situation in flood affected areas in Kenya is precarious and likely to deteriorate sharply in the coming years. Humanitarian crises exacerbate nutrition risks and poor food consumption practices thereby aggravating malnutrition. There is lack of data on the pre and post floods food and nutrition situation. This study sought to assess Coping strategies by vulnerable groups for sustainable food consumption patterns and nutrition status in flood prone areas of Bunyala and Nyando Sub Counties, Kenya. The study sample comprised of 208 households out of which the vulnerable groups (children 6-59 months and lactating mothers 15-49 years) was derived, key informants interviews and focus group discussions and informed consents from the participants were taken. The study sites were Nyando and Bunyala Sub counties, in western Kenya. The areas were purposively selected given the long history of floods over time, the study started from 4th November to 15th December, 2018. The study adopted a cross sectional descriptive survey and evaluation design. Cluster sampling was used to select the administrative units and households, purposive sampling to select the key informants and simple random sampling to select the vulnerable groups. The data was collected using questionnaires, key informant interview guide, focus group discussions and secondary data. The data was analyzed by SPSS version 16, Nutri-survey and ENA soft wares. Chi square statistical test was used to determine the relationship between the food consumption patterns and nutritional status of the vulnerable groups. The results were then presented using tables and graphs. The main findings were that most households continued to stay in flood prone areas despite early warnings and food aid was hardly available. The coping strategies were limited with majority adjusting the frequency of food intake and type of food eaten. The study concluded that the coping strategies were varied and uncoordinated and therefore not sustainable. Thus, there is need to build community resilience through expanding multi-agency social protection programs in flood prone areas to cushion the vulnerable groups against food and nutrition insecurity.
Microbial Assessment of Grey Water Samples Treated with Activated Carbon Forms of Selected Agro-wastes
Authors: Adamma Nduka Chidimma , Nwabueze Okereke Josephat , Chukwudi Peter, 
Published: October 2020

This study evaluated the efficacy of activated carbon from rice husk, corn cob and coconut husk wastes in the reduction of microbial properties of grey water samples harvested from students’ hostels. Microscopic characterization, enumerations and identification of microbial isolates were carried out to determine the microbial community before and after the treatment with activated carbon. Staphylococcus sp, Micrococcus sp, Bacillus sp, Salmonella sp, Saccharomyces sp and Penicillium sp were observed to be present in the grey water. Before treatment, Total Heterotrophic Count (THC) was 1.2 x 1011cfu/ml, Total Coliform Count (TCC), 6.4 x 106cfu/ml and Total Fungi Count (TFC) 2.2 x 1010cfu/ml. THC after the treatment ranged from 1.69 x 109 - 7.6 x 1010cfu/ml; TCC, 2.2 x 105 - 7.3 x 108cfu/ml and TFC 1.0 x 108 - 1.2 x 109cfu/ml. Reduction in the microbial load after treatment revealed that activated carbons from rice husk, corn cob and coconut husk can be used singly or in combined states for the treatment of wastewater.
Agricultural Commercialization and Food Security Nexus among Maize Farmers in Akure South Local Government, Ondo State, Nigeria
Authors: Oparinde L. O. , Aturamu O. A. , Ojo O. Olumide , Kulogun O. S. 
Published: October 2020

Aims: An essential path to economic growth and expansion is commercialization of smallholder agriculture for the greatest number of emerging countries that depend on agriculture. Hence, the need to examine agricultural commercialization and food security nexus among maize farmers in Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria. This is due to the fact that maize is the most important staple food in Nigeria.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Ondo State, Nigeria between March and July 2019.
Methodology: The sampling procedure used in the selection of a sample of 120 respondents was a two-stage random sampling procedure. Data for this study were drawn from the sampled respondents with the help of a structured questionnaire and interview schedule. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and probit regression model.
Results: The results show that majority (35.8% and 65%) of the respondents were between 31 and 40 years of age and males, respectively. Also, majority (52.5%) of the respondents had between 81 and 100% level of commercialization, while 54.2% of the respondents were food insecure. Furthermore, household size, year of schooling, level of commercialization, farming experience, non-farm activities, and market information had significant influence on food security status of the respondents in the study area.
Conclusion: In conclusion, agricultural commercialization is capable of swelling the likelihood of being food secure. Therefore, policies and necessary supports that can enhance agricultural commercialization among maize farmers should be put in place by individuals, government and non-governmental organizations in order to alleviate the menace of food insecurity.
Welfare Effects of the Production of Indigenous Food Crops in Farming Communities in the Northern Region of Ghana
Authors: Andani Alhassan 
Published: October 2020

Aims: Maintaining diverse diets through diversified farming systems presents opportunities for better nutrition and greater health status for peasant families in rural communities around the globe. This study explores the welfare effects of the adoption of indigenous food crops by farming communities in the Northern Region of Ghana.
Study Design: The study followed a multi-stage sampling procedure and utilized primary data collected.
Methodology: Using a standard treatment effect estimation approach, the study examined the effect of the production of indigenous food crops on household dietary diversity using primary data collected from 405 households in farming communities in Ghana’s Northern Region for the 2016/17 crop season.
Results: Descriptive results reveal a mean dietary diversity score of 8.5 for producer households which is significantly different from the score of 6.2 for non-producer households. Also, the results show a high proportion of indigenous crop-producing households in the medium and high dietary diversity scores compared to non-producing households. Empirical results reveal a positive and significant impact of the production of indigenous food crops on household dietary diversity. The study also finds that household head education, non-farm work, livestock ownership, age and number of children have a positive effect on household dietary diversity.
Conclusion: The study concludes that the production of indigenous food crops promotes the consumption of diverse foods among farm families and recommends that policies aimed at diverse food consumption and improved nutrition security among rural farming communities should consider promoting increased production of indigenous food crops.
Aquaporin 1 mediates early responses to osmotic stimuli in endothelial cells via the calmodulin pathway
Authors: Jiang Yong , Wang Chengqi , Ma Rui , Zhao Ying , Ma Xinyue , Wan Jiaxin , Li Chunxiang , Chen Fanghao , Fang Fang , Li Mingguang 
Published: October 2020

The aquaporins (AQPs) are a family of integral membrane proteins which play critical roles in controlling transcellular water movement in various tissues throughout the body. AQP1 helps mediate the cellular response to osmotic stress and tissue water permeability. However, the mechanism by which AQP1 mediates changes in cell volume is not completely clear. Here, we investigated how AQP1 responds to and controls cell volume upon osmotic stimuli during the early phase after the immediate response. Cells overexpressing AQP1 were exposed to hypotonic or hypertonic medium in the presence or absence of staurosporine or W‐7 hydrochloride, and fluorescence imaging was performed at 0, 5, 10, and 15 min later. Osmotic stimuli induced redistribution of AQP1 into the cell membrane, hypotonic stimuli caused cell enlargement, and hypertonic stimuli induced a reduction in cell size, which was blocked by T157A/T239A mutations. Changes in cell size induced by osmotic stimuli were blocked by an antagonist of calmodulin kinase, W‐7 hydrochloride, but not by the PKC inhibitor staurosporine. These results suggest that calmodulin kinase regulates AQP1 activity during the early response to osmotic stimuli.
Boosting Coulombic Efficiency of Conversion‐Reaction Anodes for Potassium‐Ion Batteries via Confinement Effect
Authors: Cao Kangzhe , Zheng Runtian , Wang Shaodan , Shu Jie , Liu Xiaogang , Liu Huiqiao , Huang Ke‐Jing , Jing Qiang‐Shan , Jiao Lifang 
Published: October 2020

AbstractPotassium‐ion battery anode materials with high capacity always hold one or more K ions and are companied by large volume swelling, which threatens the stability of solid‐electrolyte‐interface (SEI) layers, and results in low coulombic efficiency as well as inferior cycling stability. Herein, an avenue that induces the rapid formation of continuous SEI layers by the confinement effect to boost K ions storage property is proposed. CuS nanoplates are dispersed on the core layer of carbon nanofibers and further confined by the Nb2O5‐C shell layer, constructing core–shell structure CuS‐C@Nb2O5‐C nanofibers (NFs). The shell layer protects the CuS nanoplates from immediate contact with the electrolyte and brings about volume expansion, assisting the rapid formation of continuous SEI layers. As a result, the capacity retention of the CuS‐C@Nb2O5‐C NFs electrode remains at 93.1% after 100 cycles, much larger than that of the CuS‐C NF electrode (74.6%); the process that coulombic efficiency stabilized above 99.0% shortens to 5 cycles from 30 cycles. This progress is also found in the CoS2‐C@Nb2O5‐C and NiS2‐C@Nb2O5‐C NFs electrodes. The improved coulombic efficiency and cycling stability brought about by the confinement effect offer a facile approach to boost the K ion storage property of conversion reaction anodes.
Dislocation‐Strained IrNi Alloy Nanoparticles Driven by Thermal Shock for the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Liu Siliang , Hu Zheng , Wu Yizeng , Zhang Jinfeng , Zhang Yang , Cui Baihua , Liu Chang , Hu Shi , Zhao Naiqin , Han Xiaopeng , Cao Anyuan , Chen Yanan , Deng Yida , Hu Wenbin 
Published: October 2020

AbstractDesigning high‐performance and low‐cost electrocatalysts is crucial for the electrochemical production of hydrogen. Dislocation‐strained IrNi nanoparticles loaded on a carbon nanotube sponge (DSIrNi@CNTS) driven by unsteady thermal shock in an extreme environment are reported here as a highly efficient hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalyst. Experimental results demonstrate that numerous dislocations are kinetically trapped in self‐assembled IrNi nanoparticles due to the ultrafast quenching and different atomic radii, which can induce strain effects into the IrNi nanoparticles. Such strain‐induced high‐energy surface structures arising from bulk defects (dislocations), are more likely to be resistant to surface restructuring during catalysis. The catalyst exhibits outstanding HER activity with only 17 mV overpotential to achieve 10 mA cm−2 in an alkaline electrolyte with fabulous stability, exceeding state‐of‐the‐art Pt/C catalysts. These density functional theory results demonstrate that the electronic structure of as‐synthesized IrNi nanostructure can be optimized by the strain effects induced by the dislocations, and the free energy of HER can be tuned toward the optimal region.
Meta‐Imaging: from Non‐Computational to Computational
Authors: Li Wenzhi , Qi Jiaran , Sihvola Ari 
Published: October 2020

AbstractImaging equipment is one of the most powerful tools for the human to explore the world. Devices utilizing various portions of the electromagnetic spectrum are developed to reveal the fine details of objects and extend the sensing range. Recently, the advent of metamaterials/metasurfaces has significantly advanced the evolution of both imaging components and techniques. Many promising imaging methods based on metamaterials/metasurfaces arise owing to their superior spatial modulation capabilities over the electromagnetic waves. This review focuses on applications of metamaterials/metasurfaces in the electromagnetic/optical imaging, and summarizes the recent developments of metamaterial/metasurface imaging in a new perspective, which can be categorized into the non‐computational and the computational ones. First, the purposes, principles, methodology of non‐computational meta‐imaging are presented, which covers the evanescent‐wave‐collecting lens with sub‐diffraction‐limited imaging potentials and the focal metalens with Fourier transformation functionalities. Second, the principles of various computational meta‐imaging methodologies are elucidated, including mainly the Born approximation, the synthetic aperture radar, and the ghost imaging. Finally, a brief conclusion and prospects to meta‐imaging will be provided.
Direct Printing of Micropatterned Plasmonic Substrates of Size‐Controlled Gold Nanoparticles by Precision Photoreduction
Authors: Zhang Yangxi , Liang Zengtian , Zhang A. Ping , Tam Hwa‐Yaw 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAlthough the extraordinary optical property of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) has been known for a long time, the anticipated applications of AuNPs in plasmonically enhanced substrates and photonic microdevices are still under development. In this paper, a method for the direct printing of micrometer‐scale patterns of size‐controlled AuNPs is presented for plasmonic substrates and microsensor development. Using in‐house digital ultraviolet lithography, a precision photoreduction technology is developed for light‐controlled growth of AuNPs to create micrometer‐scale micropatterns on a titanium dioxide photocatalytic layer. The titanium dioxide thin layer not only enables a photocatalytic reduction process for high‐precision printing of size‐controlled AuNPs in an additive manner, but also introduces a Fano resonance that can sharpen spectral width of localized surface plasmon resonance peak and increase its peak‐to‐valley value. This printing technology can be used to cost‐effectively fabricate size‐scalable micropatterned plasmonic substrates of size‐controlled AuNPs and thus offers new opportunities to develop various types of miniature plasmonic devices ranging from plasmonic biochemical sensors to plasmonically enhanced photothermal and photovoltaic microdevices.