bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparing public and private emergency departments in China: Early evidence from a national healthcare quality survey
Authors: Jin Kui , Zhang Hui , Seery Sam , Fu Yangyang , Yu Shanshan , Zhang Lili , Sun Feng , Tian Liyuan , Xu Jun , Yue Xue Zhong 
Published: November 2019

SummaryThe number of private healthcare facilities has rapidly increased since the progressive open market policies, which began in the 1980s; however, little is known about the development of private emergency departments (EDs). This cross‐sectional study was part of the National Control Information System (NCIS) project, which collects data annually from hospitals across China. Emergency services data were extracted and included location, infrastructure, human resources, beds, and number of patients; 4529 hospitals across 31 provinces in mainland China were eventually included, consisting of 988 private and 3541 public EDs. Evidence shows that most private EDs are located in central China, where local economies are relatively developed. Most private EDs (91.6%) are found in secondary hospitals but have significantly fewer beds and smaller workforces compared with public EDs. An imbalance of emergency medical resources was observed across China, and this disparity becomes even more profound in rural hospitals. These findings may initiate collaborative, public‐private partnerships in emergency health services provision and suggest there is a need to offer tax breaks to incentivize investors, but further research is required. We may also need to rethink health insurance policies, which could enable more equitable access to private emergency care. Future planning and health policies must be based upon the strongest available evidence, if we are to address imbalanced health services distribution and growing demand.
Linear stability analysis of MHD flow of micropolar fluid with thermal radiation and convective boundary condition: Exact solution
Authors: Lund Liaquat Ali , Omar Zurni , Dero Sumera , Khan Ilyas 
Published: November 2019

AbstractMagnetohydrodynamic (MHD) flow of micropolar fluid by including the thermal radiation and convective condition on a shrinking surface in the presence of mass suction effects has been investigated. The momentum, angular momentum and energy equations, and the solutions of these equations are valid for whole Navier stokes, and microrotational and energy equations have been solved exactly. We obtain the solution in the form of an incomplete γ function for the energy equation. The results reveal that dual solutions exist for certain domains of different physical parameters. Furthermore, high suction produces the high effect of drag force, and as a result, coefficient of skin friction increases in the first solution. Stability analysis has been performed and determined that the first solution is more stable.
Multiple slip effects on MHD nanofluid flow over an inclined, radiative, and chemically reacting stretching sheet by means of FDM
Authors: Barik Ashok K. , Mishra Saumya K. , Mishra S. R. , Pattnaik P. K. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIn the present study, the magnetohydrodynamic characteristics of an electrically conducting nanofluid flowing past an inclined stretching sheet have been studied numerically. The governing partial differential equations were transformed to nonlinear ordinary differential equations (ODEs) via suitable similarity variables. The wall suction/injection as well as Navier's first‐order slip has been considered for velocity, temperature, and concentration at the wall. The ODEs were solved in a finite difference framework via a computer program written in Engineering Equation Solver platform. The effect of different parameters on the velocity, temperature, and concentration field has also been presented. Multiple slip flow finds its application in many practical fields such as microelectromechanical systems, nanoelectromechanical systems, flow of micro‐organisms, rarefied gas flow, to name a few.
One‐dimensional and two‐dimensional synergized nanostructures for high‐performing energy storage and conversion
Authors: Li Xin , Wang John 
Published: November 2019

AbstractTo address the worldwide energy challenges, advanced energy storage and conversion systems with high comprehensive performances, as the promising technologies, are inevitably required on a timely basis. The performance of these energy systems is intimately dependent on the properties of their electrodes. In addition to the electrode materials selection and their compositional optimization, materials fabrication with the designed nanostructure also provides significant benefits for their performances. In the past decade, considerable efforts have been made to promote the search for multidimensional nanostructures containing both one‐dimensional (1D) and two‐dimensional (2D) nanostructures in synergy, namely, 1D‐2D synergized nanostructures. By developing the freestanding electrodes with such unique nanoarchitectures, the structural features and electroactivities of each component can be manifested, where the synergistic properties among them can be simultaneously obtained for further enhanced properties, such as the increased number of active sites, fast electronic/ionic transport, and so forth. This review overviews the state‐of‐the‐art on the 1D‐2D synergized nanostructures, which can be broadly divided into three groups, namely, core/shell, cactus‐like, and sandwich‐like nanostructures. For each category, we introduce them from the aspects of structural features, fabrication methodologies to their successful applications in different types of energy storage/conversion devices, including rechargeable batteries, supercapacitors, water splitting, and so forth. Finally, the main challenges faced by and perspectives on the 1D‐2D synergized nanostructures are discussed.
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Working Across Cultural Boundaries: The Many Faces of Diversity
Authors: Haskins Cecilia 
Published: November 2019

ABSTRACTMost professionals are familiar with the works of Geert Hofstede who developed a framework for cross‐cultural communications in 1980 based on a worldwide survey of employee values between 1967 and 1973, or, Richard D. Lewis and his book, When Cultures Collide, first issued in 1996 and now in its third edition featuring the Lewis model of cross‐cultural communication. Both are based on years of research into the personal attributes one might expect to find in the various countries and offer suggestions on how persons of different backgrounds might use those differences to build relationships and work together. The first person to coin the term culture was Sir Edward Burnett Tylor, an English anthropologist in the 18th century. In his words, culture is “that complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, art, morals, law, custom and any other capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of society (Taylor 1871, 1).”This article investigates the connections between diversity in systems engineering teams, and quality, innovation, and competitive advantage. I look at the many faces of diversity from a cultural viewpoint and harvest some useful wisdom from the literature and my own experiences as an American living and working in Norway. I conclude that the path to successful appreciation of others comes from maintaining an open mind, alongside careful reflection of the viewpoints of colleagues and friends, and an open attitude toward the value of continuous learning and exploration of the “ologies.”
Towards a More Diverse INCOSE
Authors: Harding Alan , Pickard Andy 
Published: November 2019

ABSTRACTWe often talk about the lack of women in the engineering workforce, and more broadly the need for diversity and inclusion (D&I) in our enterprises. Within INCOSE, the Empowering Women Leaders in Systems Engineering (EWLSE) initiative advocates both for women as leaders in systems engineering and for improved understanding and responses to the wider diversity issues.Let us assume that INCOSE is not as diverse as we would hope in an ideal world. Let us agree that evidence‐based decisions on how to evolve INCOSE towards that idea are desirable. This paper will establish an understanding of INCOSE's current diversity based on available data, and in doing so will answer the following questions:
1) Why is it important for INCOSE to be diverse?
2) What do we mean by diversity with respect to INCOSE?
3) What do we know about INCOSE diversity today, and how does it compare to equivalent societies and the wider communities in which we operate?
4) Where are the gaps and what can we do to improve INCOSE diversity?
Overcoming the Male Leadership Culture
Authors: Dove Rick 
Published: November 2019

ABSTRACTEmpowering women as leaders in systems engineering is a clarion call–a strong and emotional appeal to do something. But who is to do this empowering, why should it be done, and what stands in the way? This article speaks to both men and women, collectively and individually. For men that feel empathetic and supportive of gender equality, it will suggest why your empathy and support may not be what you think it is. For women who want to understand the nature of the inequality problem, it will show you key elements of what perpetuates it as a means to help address it. The principle goals of this article are to expose some key elements of the problem space, and to create an appreciation for the values of social sensitivity in working relationships and in leadership.
A step toward engineering thick tissues: Distributing microfibers within 3D printed frames
Authors: Molde Joseph , Steele Joseph A. M. , Pastino Alexandra K. , Mahat Anisha , Murthy N. Sanjeeva , Kohn Joachim 
Published: November 2019

AbstractMicrofiber mats for tissue engineering scaffolds support cell growth, but are limited by poor cell infiltration and nutrient transport. Three‐dimensional printing, specifically fused deposition modeling (FDM), can rapidly produce customized constructs, but macroscopic porosity resulting from low resolution reduces cell seeding efficiency and prevents the formation of continuous cell networks. Here we describe the fabrication of hierarchical scaffolds that integrate a fibrous microenvironment with the open macropore structure of FDM. Biodegradable tyrosine‐derived polycarbonate microfibers were airbrushed iteratively between layers of 3D printed support structure following optimization. Confocal imaging showed layers of airbrushed fiber mats supported human dermal fibroblast growth and extracellular matrix development throughout the scaffold. When implanted subcutaneously, hierarchical scaffolds facilitated greater cell infiltration and tissue formation than airbrushed fiber mats. Fibronectin matrix assembled in vitro throughout the hierarchical scaffold survived decellularization and provided a hybrid substrate for recellularization with mesenchymal stromal cells. These results demonstrate that by combining FDM and airbrushing techniques we can engineer customizable hierarchical scaffolds for thick tissues that support increased cell growth and infiltration.
Epidemiological investigation and antimicrobial susceptibility analysis of mycoplasma in patients with genital manifestations
Authors: Gu Xiaodong , Liu Sudong , Guo Xuemin , Weng Ruiqiang , Zhong Zhixiong 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to investigate the infection and antimicrobial resistance of Ureaplasma urealyticum and Mycoplasma hominis in patients with genitourinary symptoms among Hakka population in Meizhou, China.MethodsA total of 12 633 females and 3315 males who presented urogenital symptoms and were subjected to mycoplasma tests from 2014 to 2018 were enrolled in this study. The mycoplasma detection and antimicrobial susceptibility were tested using the Mycoplasma ID/AST kit.ResultsThe total incidence of mycoplasma infection, as well as the incidence of U urealyticum in Hakka population was annually increasing from 2014 to 2018. The total incidences and U urealyticum infection were more prevalent in females than males. Higher positive rate of mycoplasmas infection was observed in women aged 16‐20 (50.9%) and men aged 26‐30 (25.4%). The occurrence of antimicrobial resistance of mycoplasma to antibacterial agents remained relatively similar in the past five years. Ureaplasma urealyticum infection, M hominis infection, and co‐infection of resistance to levofloxacin, erythromycin, ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, roxithromycin, azithromycin, clarithromycin, and sparfloxacin were dramatically higher in females than in males.ConclusionOur findings indicate a high burden of mycoplasmas infection and antimicrobial resistance of mycoplasmas infection among females, and josamycin and minocycline may be recommended as the primary choice in clinical treatment of anti‐mycoplasmas.
Optimizing efficiency and skill utilization: Analysis of genetic counselors' attitudes regarding delegation in a clinical setting
Authors: Read Parker , Yashar Beverly M. , Robinson Linda , Marvin Monica 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThis study assessed genetic counselors' (GCs) perceptions of delegation as a tool to increase workforce efficiency and help meet the current gap between the number of genetic service providers and the number of patients. GCs were recruited to participate via an online survey that assessed activities (categorized as typical genetic counseling, administrative, or professional development) performed by a clinical genetic counselor. Respondents indicated which activities represent their largest time consumers, their willingness to delegate these activities, and barriers to and perceived outcomes of delegation. Overall, respondents indicated that they spend 25% of their time performing administrative activities that they would largely be willing to delegate; however, respondents were generally unwilling to delegate many typical genetic counseling and professional development activities, citing concerns regarding accuracy and liability, and highlighting the belief that these activities constitute the core role of a genetic counselor. Respondents indicated that delegation of time‐consuming administrative activities would increase access to genetic services and improve job satisfaction. Additionally, differences were identified among clinical specialties regarding which activities were selected as top time consumers, indicating that potential targets of re‐allocation of time or delegation may be variable. This research indicates a need to reduce the number of administrative tasks in which GCs are directly involved to re‐allocate time toward core responsibilities, direct patient care, and professional development, the result of which is more efficient use of the GC skill‐set.
Benzofuran‐isatin conjugates as potent VEGFR‐2 and cancer cell growth inhibitors
Authors: Zou Yulin 
Published: November 2019

AbstractA series of benzofuran‐isatin conjugates 6a‐l and 7a,b tethered by various alkyl linkers were synthesized and evaluated for their VEGFR‐2 inhibitory activity and in vitro activity against a panel of cancer cell lines. Seven of them were comparable with or better than Sunitinib against all tested cancer cells, demonstrating benzofuran‐isatin conjugates were potential anticancer candidates. The mechanism study revealed that VEGFR‐2 was at least one of the targets for this kind of conjugates. The structure‐activity relationship demonstrated that the carbon spacer between benzofuran and isatin moieties, substituents on the C‐2 position of benzofuran moiety, and substituents on C‐3 as well as C‐5 position of isatin motif influenced the anticancer activity significantly, and the enriched structure‐activity relationship may provide an insight for rational design of more effective conjugates.
Immunolocalization of Wnts in the lizard blastema supports a key role of these signaling proteins for tail regeneration
Authors: Alibardi Lorenzo 
Published: November 2019

AbstractA highly upregulated gene during tail regeneration in lizards isWnt2b, a gene broadly expressed during development. The present study examines the distribution of Wnt proteins, most likely wnt2b, by western blotting and immunofluorescence in the blastema‐cone of lizards using a specific antibody produced against a lizard Wnt2b protein. Immunopositive bands at 48–50 and 18 kDa are present in the regenerative blastema, the latter likely as a degradation product. Immunofluorescence is mainly observed in the wound epidermis, including in the Apical Epidermal Peg where the protein appears localized in intermediate and differentiating keratinocytes. Labeling is more intense along the perimeter of keratinocytes, possibly as a secretory product, and indicates that the high epidermal proliferation of the regenerating epidermis is sustained by Wnt proteins. The regenerating spinal cord forms an ependymal tube within the blastema and shows immunolabeling especially in the cytoplasm of ependymal cells contacting the central canal where some secretion might occur. Also, regenerating nerves and proximal spinal ganglia innervating the regenerating blastema contain this signaling protein. In contrast, the blastema mesenchyme, muscles and cartilage show weak immunolabeling that tends to disappear in tissues located in more proximal regions, close to the original tail. However, a distal to proximal gradient of Wnt proteins was not detected. The present study supports the hypothesis that Wnt proteins, in particular Wnt2b, are secreted by the apical epidermis covering the blastema and released into the mesenchyme where they stimulate cell multiplication.
Binding of aldehydes to myofibrillar proteins as affected by two‐step heat treatments
Authors: Xu Yongxia , Wang Rui , Zhao Honglei , Zhao Jiamei , Li Xuepeng , Yi Shumin , Li Jianrong , Sun Xiaotao 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe present study investigated the effect of two‐step heat treatments on the structure of grass carp myofibrillar proteins (MPs) and their binding ability for selected aldehydes (hexanal, heptanal, octanal and nonanal).RESULTSWithin 30 min of the first heating step at 40 °C and 5–10 min of the second heating step at 90 °C, the enhancement of the flavor‐binding ability was likely explained by the increases in surface hydrophobicity and total sulfhydryl content due to the unfolding of secondary structures of MPs through exposure of hydrophobic amino acids and sulfhydryl groups. Nevertheless, lengthy heating at 90 °C accelerated the aggregation of unfolded MPs and reduced the hydrophobic bonding sites, thus weakening the hydrophobic interactions and decreasing the resultant binding ability of MPs with aldehydes.CONCLUSIONThe binding ability of aldehydes to MPs was found to be strongly influenced by changes in protein structure and surface during the two‐step heating process. The results provided insight into improving the flavor characteristics of freshwater fish surimi products. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Multifiber solid‐phase microextraction using different molecularly imprinted coatings for simultaneous selective extraction and sensitive determination of organophosphorus pesticides
Authors: Xiang Xiaozhe , Wang Yulong , Zhang Xiaowei , Huang Mingquan , Li Xiujuan , Pan Siyi 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThree types of molecularly imprinted solid‐phase microextraction fibers were fabricated through sol‐gel method using diazinon, parathion‐methyl, and isocarbophos as templates, respectively, and assembled together to construct a multifiber for analysis of organophosphorus pesticides in complex matrices. The multifiber provided large extraction capacity and high imprinting factor up to 3.89. In contrast, the imprinting factor of a single fiber was around 1.6, and the multi‐template imprinted coating showed no selectivity. The multifiber was applied to analyze pesticides in fruits and vegetables. The limits of detection, which ranged from 0.0052 to 0.23 µg/kg, were lower than those obtained by a single molecularly imprinted fiber, and much lower than those reported by other methods. The recoveries of five analytes in spiked apple, cucumber, Chinese cabbage, and cherry tomato samples were 75.1–123.2%. The study shows that the molecularly imprinted multifiber could achieve simultaneous selective extraction and sensitive determination of multiple targets in complex matrices for high‐throughput analysis.
Patient‐Specific 3‐Dimensional Model for High‐Intensity Focused Ultrasound Treatment Through the Rib Cage
Authors: Cao Rui , Huang Zhihong , Nabi Ghulam , Melzer Andreas 
Published: November 2019

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to develop a patient‐specific 3‐dimensional model for high‐intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) treatment through the rib cage using patient data.MethodsExperimental testing to derive parameters used in defining the amount of energy and alteration needed in treatment protocols for upper abdominal disorders under the rib cage was performed. Reconstructed rib cage models based on patient data, tissue‐mimicking material phantoms, and magnetic resonance imaging–guided HIFU using a multielement phased array transducer were used in the experiments. Changes in the focal temperature, acoustic power, and acoustic pressure distribution were investigated with and without the presence of the rib cage model. An ExAblate system (InSightec Ltd, Tirat Carmel, Israel) was used to sonicate phantoms by varying the target phantom or rib cage model location.ResultsThe effect of the rib cage on the acoustic pressure distribution and acoustic power was closely related to the anatomic structures of the ribs. Thermometry revealed that heating at the focus could be controlled by changing either the power or duration of HIFU application to improve the focal temperature change. The focal temperature change was found to be related to the distance between the rib cage model and focus and the shadow area on the transducer elements covered by the rib cage model in the beam path.ConclusionsExperimental results suggest that the rib cage model is a valuable and useful tool that can provide realistic human anatomic structures and properties for evaluating the effects of the rib cage on ultrasound propagation.