bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long-term follow-up of neodymium:YAG laser anterior capsulotomy for the treatment of anterior capsular phimosis
Authors: Ye Hehua , Zhang Jiming , Qian Yiyong 
Published: June 2018

Objective To investigate the long-term safety and efficacy of Nd:YAG laser anterior capsulotomy for the treatment of anterior capsular phimosis. Methods We retrospectively analyzed a consecutive case series of Nd:YAG laser anterior capsulotomy in patients with anterior capsular phimosis, who were treated between November 2012 and April 2014. Data collected included risk factors, interval between surgery and capsulotomy, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and diameter of anterior capsule opening before and after Nd:YAG laser anterior capsulotomy. Results Eleven eyes of 11 patients were included in the study. The mean follow-up time was 30.1 ± 4.5 months (range: 26–42 months). At the last follow-up, the mean diameter of the anterior capsule opening was 5.1 ± 0.2 mm, which was significantly greater than the diameter before laser capsulotomy (2.2 ± 0.8 mm). BCVA remained stable or improved in nine eyes (81.8%) following capsulotomy. No patients experienced recurrence of phimosis. Conclusions In a long-term study of >2 years, we found that Nd:YAG laser anterior capsulotomy is safe and effective for the treatment of anterior capsule phimosis.
Quality of Life and Its Association With Treatment Satisfaction, Adherence to Medication, and Trust in Physician Among Patients With Hypertension
Authors: Jneid Siba , Jabbour Hicham , Hajj Aline , Sarkis Antoine , Licha Hady , Hallit Souheil , Khabbaz Lydia Rabbaa 
Published: June 2018

Objective: Patients with hypertension tend to have a lower health-related quality of life (HRQOL) compared to normotensive patients. This study’s main objectives are to assess (1) HRQOL and factors that might impact it and (2) association between HRQOL and adherence to treatment, trust in physician, and treatment satisfaction among patients with hypertension. Methods: A cross-sectional study enrolled 196 patients from medical-care offices in Beirut, North and South Lebanon. Eligible patients signed a consent form and were asked to complete the Trust in Physician Scale, World Health Organization Quality of Life-brief (WHOQOL-brief) questionnaire, and Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (TSQM 1.4) as well as questions assessing medication adherence. Results: Better antihypertensive medication adherence was significantly and positively correlated with better HRQOL domains except general health where significance was not reached ( P = .089). Better adherence was also significantly related to better treatment satisfaction (side effects, convenience, and global satisfaction but not to effectiveness) and an increased trust in physicians ( P < .0001). Better treatment satisfaction (TSQM domains) was significantly and positively associated with a better overall HRQOL ( P ≤ .001). Increased trust in physician scores were significantly and positively correlated with a better psychological health, environment, and overall HRQOL domains ( P = .045, .005, and .006, respectively). Finally, TSQM effectiveness, convenience, and global satisfaction were significantly higher when trust in physician was greater ( P = .017, .035, and .002, respectively). Conclusion: The results of this study revealed an association between increased adherence to treatment, a higher global satisfaction, and an increased quality of life. An increased patient satisfaction with their antihypertensive treatment and trust in their physician were also correlated with a greater adherence to treatment.
Diabetic macular edema treated with ranibizumab following bevacizumab failure in Israel (DERBI study)
Authors: Ehrlich Rita , Pokroy Russell , Segal Ori , Goldstein Michaella , Pollack Ayala , Hanhart Joel , Barak Yoreh , Kehat Rinat , Shulman Shiri , Vidne Orit , Abu Ahmad Wiessam , Chowers Itay 
Published: June 2018

Purpose: To evaluate the outcome of second-line intravitreal ranibizumab treatment in eyes with diabetic macular edema having persistent edema following initial therapy with intravitreal bevacizumab. Methods: Diabetic macular edema treated with ranibizumab following bevacizumab failure in Israel was a retrospective, multi-center study. Consecutive eyes with persistent diabetic macular edema following at least three previous intravitreal bevacizumab injections prior to intravitreal ranibizumab, at least three-monthly intravitreal ranibizumab injections and at least 12 months of follow-up were included. Data collected included demographics, ocular findings, diabetes control, details of intravitreal bevacizumab and ranibizumab injections, and visual and anatomical measurements before and after intravitreal ranibizumab treatment. Results: In total, 202 eyes of 162 patients treated at 11 medical centers across Israel were included. Patients received a mean (±standard deviation) of 8.8 ± 4.9 intravitreal bevacizumab injections prior to the switch to intravitreal ranibizumab. A mean of 7.0 ± 2.7 intravitreal ranibizumab injections were given during the 12 months following the switch to intravitreal ranibizumab. The median central subfield retinal thickness (±interquartile range) by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography decreased from 436 ± 162 µm at baseline to 319 ± 113 µm at month 12 (p < 0.001). Median logMAR visual acuity (±interquartile range) improved from 0.40 ± 0.48 at baseline to 0.38 ± 0.40 at month 12 (p = 0.001). Linear regression suggested that higher number of intravitreal ranibizumab injections and higher pre-switch central subfield retinal thickness were associated with favorable visual outcome. Higher number of intravitreal bevacizumab injections and the presence of intraretinal fluid before the switch lessened the odds of favorable outcome. Conclusion: Switching from bevacizumab to ranibizumab in persistent diabetic macular edema was associated with anatomical improvement in the majority of eyes and ⩾2 lines of vision improvement in 22% of eyes.
Barriers and facilitators to participation in a health check for cardiometabolic diseases in primary care: A systematic review
Authors: de Waard Anne-Karien M , Wändell Per E , Holzmann Martin J , Korevaar Joke C , Hollander Monika , Gornitzki Carl , de Wit Niek J , Schellevis François G , Lionis Christos , Søndergaard Jens , Seifert Bohumil , Carlsson Axel C 
Published: June 2018

Background Health checks for cardiometabolic diseases could play a role in the identification of persons at high risk for disease. To improve the uptake of these health checks in primary care, we need to know what barriers and facilitators determine participation. Methods We used an iterative search strategy consisting of three steps: (a) identification of key-articles; (b) systematic literature search in PubMed, Medline and Embase based on keywords; (c) screening of titles and abstracts and subsequently full-text screening. We summarised the results into four categories: characteristics, attitudes, practical reasons and healthcare provider-related factors. Results Thirty-nine studies were included. Attitudes such as wanting to know of cardiometabolic disease risk, feeling responsible for, and concerns about one’s own health were facilitators for participation. Younger age, smoking, low education and attitudes such as not wanting to be, or being, worried about the outcome, low perceived severity or susceptibility, and negative attitude towards health checks or prevention in general were barriers. Furthermore, practical issues such as information and the ease of access to appointments could influence participation. Conclusion Barriers and facilitators to participation in health checks for cardiometabolic diseases were heterogeneous. Hence, it is not possible to develop a ‘one size fits all’ approach to maximise the uptake. For optimal implementation we suggest a multifactorial approach adapted to the national context with special attention to people who might be more difficult to reach. Increasing the uptake of health checks could contribute to identifying the people at risk to be able to start preventive interventions.
Hysteroscopic management of a juvenile cystic adenomyosis
Authors: Usta Taner A , Karacan Tolga , Hanli Ulviye , Cansu Elif , Oral Engin 
Published: June 2018

Introduction: Hysteroscopic management of juvenile cystic adenomyosis on a virgin patient with non-touch technique. Description: Juvenile cystic adenomyosis of uterus is a cyst which is surrounded by myometrium and inside of this cyst is filled with hemorrhagic fluid. A 23-year-old virgin patient admitted to endometriosis outpatient clinic. The patient complained of dysmenorrhea, chronic pelvic pain, and abnormal uterine bleeding. A submucosal adenomyotic cyst was, sized 40 mm approximately, determined at posterior wall of uterus by transrectal ultrasonography. She received daily 2 mg dienogest (Visanne®) for 6 months. At the end of 6 months of treatment, the cyst size was still 35 mm. Hysteroscopy was performed with the use of the non-touch technique (vaginoscopic approach). A rigid 2.9-mm hysteroscope with a 12° oblique lens and an outer sheath diameter of 4 mm was used. When the cystic wall was ruptured by bipolar instrument, a chocolate-colored fluid was drained. The operation lasted 10 min. Her postoperative course was uncomplicated. Postoperatively, two dose of leuprolide acetate 11.25 mg (Lucrin depot®—3M; Abbot, Istanbul, Turkey) was prescribed (6 months total). On her sixth month, there was no cyst on transrectal ultrasonography examination. The patient did not exhibit any symptoms. Conclusions: Because the disease affects adolescent girls, fertility issues should be kept in mind during the workup and when operating on these patients. Hysteroscopy is a mini-invasive, safe, and effective option for the treatment of juvenile cystic adenomyosis.
Clay mineral associations in the clay cap from the Cerro Pabellón blind geothermal system, Andean Cordillera, Northern Chile
Authors: Maza S.N. , Collo G. , Morata D. , Lizana C. , Camus E. , Taussi M. , Renzulli A. , Mattioli M. , Godoy B. , Alvear B. , Pizarro M. , Ramírez C. , Rivera G. 
Published: June 2018

ABSTRACTThe occurrence of smectite-illite and smectite-chlorite minerals series was studied along a thick clay cap (~300 m) drilled in the Cerro Pabellón geothermal field (northern Andes, Chile). X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) were used to characterize the alteration mineralogy and clay mineral assemblages and their changes with depth. Cerro Pabellón is a high-enthalpy blind geothermal system, with a reservoir zone from ~500 m to 2000 m depth, with temperatures of 200–250°C. Three main hydrothermal alteration zones were identified: (1) argillic; (2) sub-propylitic, and (3) propylitic, with variable amounts of smectite, illite-smectite, chlorite-smectite, mixed-layer chlorite-corrensite, illite and chlorite appearing in the groundmass and filling amygdales and veinlets. Chemical and XRD data of smectites, I-S and illites show, with some exceptions, a progressive illitization with depth. The evolution of I-S with depth, shows a sigmoidal variation in the percentage of illite layers, with the conversion of smectite to R1 I-S at ~180–185°C. These temperatures are greater than those reported for other similar geothermal fields and might indicate, at least in part, the efficiency of the clay cap in terms of restricting the circulation of hydrothermal fluids in low-permeability rocks. Our results highlight the importance of a better understanding of clay-mineral evolution in active geothermal systems, not only as a direct (or indirect) way to control temperature evolution, but also as a control on permeability/porosity efficiency of the clay cap.
Truthful Cheap Talk: Why Operational Flexibility May Lead to Truthful Communication
Authors: Berman Oded , Fazel-Zarandi Mohammad M. , Krass Dmitry 
Published: June 2018

This paper shows that operational flexibility interacting with informational uncertainty may lead to truthful information exchange in equilibrium even when the communication is nonbinding and unverifiable, i.e., “cheap talk.” We consider a model consisting of a manufacturer releasing a new product with uncertain release date and demand, and a retailer who must determine the allocation of limited capacity between a preexisting third-party product and the manufacturer’s new product that may or may not be released on time. The manufacturer has a private forecast about the likelihood of the product release and/or about the demand, which he shares (either truthfully or not) with the retailer. We show that under the “traditional” supply chain structure (one-time opportunity to order) no truthful equilibrium can emerge. However, if (1) the supply chain structure allows for postponement, i.e., the ability to delay orders at a certain cost by the retailer, and (2) the manufacturer has informational uncertainty about the retailer’s capacity, then truthful information exchange may emerge in equilibrium, where the manufacturer transmits his true forecast and the retailer treats the transmission as truthful. The genesis of this effect is preference reversal, where the manufacturer is not sure which way to distort the forecast to best motivate the retailer to wait for the new product. Thus, we show that a truth-revealing mechanism can emerge from a relatively rich setup featuring two-sided information asymmetry interacting with postponement. This paper was accepted by Gad Allon, operations management.
Macroeconomic Factors in Oil Futures Markets
Authors: Heath Davidson 
Published: June 2018

This paper documents new evidence against perfect risk spanning in crude oil futures, and develops an affine futures pricing model that allows for unspanned macroeconomic factors. Compared to previous estimates, the oil spot premium is more volatile and strongly procyclical, which suggests that previous models miss the majority of variation in oil risk premiums. The estimates reveal a dynamic two-way relationship between oil futures and economic activity: productivity shocks are associated with higher oil prices, while oil price shocks affect economic activity by lowering future consumption spending. Unspanned macro factors also affect the valuation of real options. This paper was accepted by Karl Diether, finance.
Methodology to Investigate the Hydraulic Characteristics of a Water-Powered Piston-Type Proportional Injector Used for Agricultural Chemigation
Authors: Tang Pan , Li Hong , Issaka Zakaria , Chen Chao 
Published: June 2018

Abstract. The proportional injector is commonly used in agricultural chemigation due to its relatively high injection ratio. A major challenge with the proportional injector is related to its dependence on differential pressure, which is significantly influenced by changes in the viscosity, and setting injection ratio. A series of experiments were conducted to investigate the influence of differential pressures, solution viscosities, and setting injection ratios on the inlet and injection flow rates of a D25RE2 proportional injector. A mathematical model was developed to represent the hydraulic performance of this proportional injector. Finally, the mathematical model was verified using four different kinds of chemicals (humic acid, urea ammonium nitrate 32% N, fosthiazate, and colza oil). The inlet flow rate increased significantly with increasing differential pressure and decreased with increasing setting injection ratio. Results showed that the highest operating differential pressure should not be greater than 0.15 MPa for the D25RE2 proportional injector. The inlet flow rate gradually decreased with increasing viscosity, and a quadratic function relationship was derived between the inlet flow rate and the viscosity. The injection flow rate decreased with increasing viscosity. However, the viscosity had a slight influence on the injection flow rate when it was lower than 20 mPa·s. Mathematical models for calculating the inlet and injection flow rates with the influence of viscosity were developed, respectively. The coefficient of determination and the root mean square error (RMSE) for inlet flow rate calculation model were 0.8316 and 143.36 kg h-1, respectively. The coefficient of determination and the RMSE for the injection flow rate calculation model were 0.9706 and 0.9520 kg h-1, respectively. The calculating formula of inlet flow rate had a satisfactory accuracy under low differential pressure and high setting injection ratio. The calculating formula of the injection flow rate had a good accuracy, which is useful for calculating the injection flow rate when injected with different kinds of solutions. The average deviations between calculated and experimental injection flow rates with injection ratios of 0.2%, 1.2%, and 2% were obtained as 4.96%, 4.66%, and 4.1% respectively, which indicated that the average deviations decreased with increasing setting injection ratio. Results from this study are useful for both designers and users to effectively manage agricultural chemigation system with the proportional injector. Keywords: Agriculture, Chemigation, Proportional injector, Hydraulic performance.
Satellite Psychrometric Formulation of the Operational Simplified Surface Energy Balance (SSEBop) Model for Quantifying and Mapping Evapotranspiration
Authors: Senay Gabriel   B 
Published: June 2018

Abstract.Remote sensing-based evapotranspiration (ET) can be derived using various methods, from soil moisture accounting to vegetation-index based approaches to simple and complex surface energy balance techniques. Due to the complexity of fully representing and parameterizing ET sub-processes, different models tend to diverge in their estimations. However, most models appear to provide reasonable estimations that can meet user requirements for seasonal water use estimation and drought monitoring. One such model is the Operational Simplified Surface Energy Balance (SSEBop). This study presents a formulation of the SSEBop model using the psychrometric principle for vapor pressure/relative humidity measurements where the “dry-bulb” and “wet-bulb” equivalent readings can be obtained from satellite-based land surface temperature estimates. The difference in temperature between the dry (desired location) and wet limit (reference value) is directly correlated to the soil-vegetation composite moisture status (surface humidity) and thus producing a fractional value (0-1) to scale the reference ET. The reference ET is independently calculated using available weather data through the standardized Penman-Monteith equation. Satellite Psychrometric Approach (SPA) explains the SSEBop model more effectively than the energy balance principle because SSEBop does not solve all terms of the surface energy balance such as sensible and ground-heat fluxes. The SPA explanation demonstrates the psychrometric constant for the air can be readily adapted to a comparable constant for the surface, thus allowing the creation of a “surface” psychrometric constant that is unique to a location and day-of-year. This new surface psychrometric constant simplifies the calculation and explanation of satellite-based ET for several applications in agriculture and hydrology. The SPA formulation of SSEBop was found to be an enhancement of the ET equation formulated in 1977 by pioneering researchers. With only two key parameters, improved model results can be obtained using a one-time calibration for any bias correction. The model can be set up quickly for routine monitoring and assessment of ET at landscape scales and beyond. Keywords: Dry-bulb, ET fraction, ET modeling, Remote sensing, Satellite psychrometry, Wet-bulb.
Effectiveness of Modified 1-Hour Air-Oven Moisture Methods for Determining Popcorn Moisture
Authors: Brabec Daniel , Perez-Fajardo Mayra , Dogan Hulya , Yeater Kathleen , Maghirang Elizabeth 
Published: June 2018

Abstract. Two of the most commonly used approved grain moisture air-oven reference methods for corn are the air oven method ASAE S352.2, which requires long heating time (72 h) at 103 ± 1°C for unground samples, and the AACC 44-15.02 air-oven method, which dries a ground sample for 1 h at 130 ± 1°C, but there is specific moisture measurement method for popcorn. The AACC 44-15.02 recommends a two-stage drying method for grain over 13%. But this involves more handling and drying time. The objective of this study was to develop an air-oven procedure for popcorn that requires short heating time (1h or less) based on existing reference method for ground corn (AACC 44-15.02). In the process of procedure development, two laboratory mills (Wiley Mini-Mill and Perten 3303 Mill) were optimized for mesh screen size and mill gap settings. The approved AACC method recommends using a 20-mesh screen fitted to the Wiley Mill, which failed, with wires breaking during the grinding process, possibly due to the hard nature of popcorn and/or clogging. It was replaced with the 10-mesh screen which produced larger particle size distribution with ~73% greater than 840 µm. The Perten Mill 3303 was set to gap No. 3 which produced ~68% particles that were greater than 840 µm. Additionally, this study evaluated the effectiveness of single-stage moisture measurement with the 14.5% and 16% moisture popcorn samples. Using the proposed procedure, four varieties of popcorn were tested at three different moisture contents (13%, 14.5%, and 16%). The method using the Wiley grinder and 60 min. heating time yielded oven moisture values which were statistically (p&lt;0.05) similar to the approved ASAE S352.2 and AACC 44-15.02 (72-h, whole grain method). The moisture content of ground samples obtained from the Perten 3303 Mill had elevated moisture measurements and bias across the moisture levels when dried for 60 min. A reduction in heating time to 50 min. resulted in Perten mill samples yielding statistically (p&lt;0.05) similar moisture measurements with the reference 72-h, whole grain method. Keywords: Air-oven, Drying, Popcorn.
Supporting and Mentoring New Social Work Instructors: A Formative Evaluation of the TEAM Program
Authors: Brady Shane R. 
Published: June 2018

Abstract
This study provides qualitative results from a unique mentorship and teaching support program designed, implemented, and evaluated in a school of social work at a major Midwestern research I university over a three year span. Primary qualitative data was collected through regular check-in meetings and end of the semester focus groups. Additional data was collected through orientation notes and detailed process notes from individual communications and consults with new instructors. Lessons learned point to both the importance of providing support and mentorship to new instructors as well as challenges in building and sustaining a positive culture for teaching and mentorship at a research I institution.
Technological Innovation or Educational Evolution? A Multi-disciplinary Qualitative Inquiry into Active Learning Classrooms
Authors: Gordy Xiaoshan Zhu , Jones Ellen M , Bailey Jessica H 
Published: June 2018

In recent years, many institutions have transformed traditional classrooms (TCs) into technology-rich active learning classrooms (ALCs) to accommodate the pedagogical concept of “active learning”. In order to investigate the impact of ALCs on teaching and teaching, we observed an instructor teaching in an ALC for an entire academic year, audio/video-recorded every class and took field notes. A focus group discussion was conducted with faculty from six allied health disciplines who taught weekly classes in the ALC and an online survey was distributed to students who took those classes. Data was then analysed using a qualitative constant comparative method (CCM). Findings indicated that the ALC generated greater teaching and learning enjoyment, deepened engagement, amplified interaction, enhanced group activity efficiency and fostered the development of creative ideas. All these features were interrelated and created a synergistic effect on student learning.