bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Knowledge and self‐care behaviors among patients with heart failure in Jordan
Authors: Tawalbeh Loai I. , Al Qadire Mohammad , Ahmad Muayyad M. , Aloush Sami , Abu Sumaqa Yasmeen , Halabi Marawa 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTKnowledge is known to affect self‐care behaviors. However, little is known about the factors that influence self‐care behaviors among patients with heart failure in Jordan. A cross‐sectional descriptive‐correlational design was used to describe the associations between knowledge, sociodemographics, and self‐care behaviors. In a convenience sample of 226 patients with heart failure, the Dutch Heart Failure Scale and Self‐Care of Heart Failure Index (SCHFI) version 6.2 were used to measure knowledge and self‐care behaviors, respectively. The mean heart failure knowledge score was quite low at 5.29. The SCHFI self‐care management subscale mean was 57.56 with an actual range of 10–90, and the SCHFI self‐care maintenance subscale mean was 53.89 with an actual range of 13.33–86.66. The SCHFI self‐care confidence subscale mean was lowest of the three at 45.07, with an actual range of 5.56–94.52. All three subscale mean scores were below the clinical target level (≥70) for the SCHFI. Lower knowledge, income, and educational level, shorter duration of disease, fewer people living at home, older age, and being unemployed were significant predictors of low self‐care scores. Characteristics of the cultural, social, and healthcare environment in Jordan may help explain some results. Nurses may play a role in improving knowledge and self‐care among patients with heart failure in Jordan. Studies of the effect of educational programs on knowledge and self‐care among patients with heart failure are recommended.
Industrially feasible, dopant‐free, carrier‐selective contacts for high‐efficiency silicon solar cells
Authors: Yang Xinbo , Weber Klaus , Hameiri Ziv , De Wolf Stefaan 
Published: May 2017

AbstractDopant‐free, carrier‐selective contacts (CSCs) on high efficiency silicon solar cells combine ease of deposition with potential optical benefits. Electron‐selective titanium dioxide (TiO2) contacts, one of the most promising dopant‐free CSC technologies, have been successfully implemented into silicon solar cells with an efficiency over 21%. Here, we report further progress of TiO2 contacts for silicon solar cells and present an assessment of their industrial feasibility. With improved TiO2 contact quality and cell processing, a remarkable efficiency of 22.1% has been achieved using an n‐type silicon solar cell featuring a full‐area TiO2 contact. Next, we demonstrate the compatibility of TiO2 contacts with an industrial contact‐firing process, its low performance sensitivity to the wafer resistivity, its applicability to ultrathin substrates as well as its long‐term stability. Our findings underscore the great appeal of TiO2 contacts for industrial implementation with their combination of high efficiency with robust fabrication at low cost. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of Climate on Morphology and Development of Sorted Circles and Polygons
Authors: Uxa Tomáš , Mida Peter , Křížek Marek 
Published: May 2017

AbstractSorted circles and polygons are widespread features of periglacial landscapes, but the controls on their development remain poorly understood, impeding their use as palaeoenvironmental indicators. We investigate the relationship of sorted circles and polygons to altitude in the northern Billefjorden area, central Svalbard. The patterns occur in two distinct elevation zones, below 200–250 m asl and above 600 m asl. The higher‐elevated patterns have smaller diameters and shallower sorting depths due to a thinner active layer at higher elevations, suggesting that sorted patterns can indicate climate conditions and ground thermal state when the patterns initiated. Geology is believed to be of less importance for pattern morphology in the study area, causing only its fine‐scale variations. The pattern diameter‐to‐sorting depth ratios have a median value of 3.57, consistent with previous studies and theoretical models of patterned‐ground formation involving circulation mechanisms. Large‐scale sorted patterns may develop over centennial timescales in this high‐Arctic environment. They are probably not in equilibrium with present‐day climate conditions and have probably formed throughout the Holocene. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of fucosylated Fetuin‐A as a potential biomarker for cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Betesh Lucy , Comunale Mary Ann , Wang Mengjun , Liang Hongyan , Hafner Julie , Karabudak Aykan , Giama Nasra H. , Moser Catherine D. , Miyoshi Eiji , Roberts Lewis R. , Block Timothy M. , Mehta Anand 
Published: May 2017

PurposeCholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a malignancy of the bile ducts. The purpose of this discovery study was to identify effective serum markers for surveillance of cholangiocarcinoma.Experimental designUsing a glycomic method, patients with CCA were determined to have increased levels of alpha‐1,3 and alpha‐1,6 linked fucosylated glycan. Proteomic analysis of the serum fucosylated proteome identified proteins such as alpha‐2‐macroglobulin, kininogen, hemopexin, fetuin‐A, alpha‐1 anti‐trypsin, and ceruloplasmin as being hyperfucosylated in HCC. The levels of these glycoproteins in 109 patients with CCA, primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), and control patients were compared to the performance of CA‐19‐9, the current “gold standard” assay for cholangiocarcinoma.ResultsFucosylated Fetuin‐A (fc‐Fetuin‐A) had the best ability to differentiate CCA from PSC, with an AUROC of 0.812 or 0.8665 at differentiating CCA from those with PSC or other liver disease. CA‐19‐9 had poor ability to differentiate PSC from cholangiocarcinoma (AUROC of 0.625).Conclusion and clinical relevanceUsing glycomic and proteomic methods we identified a set of proteins that contain altered glycan in the sera of those with CCA. One of these proteins, fucosylated Fetuin‐A may have value in the surveillance of people at risk for the development of cholangiocarcinoma.
Environmental Performance and the Market for Corporate Assets
Authors: Berchicci Luca , Dowell Glen , King Andrew A. 
Published: May 2017

Research summary: Scholars and policy‐makers have tended to assume that asset sales have a negative effect on stakeholders, but quantitative evidence to inform the debate has been scarce. In our research, we explored one way such sales could be beneficial: by facilitating the transfer of specialized capabilities used for environmental improvement. Employing quantitative data from a longitudinal sample of U.S. manufacturers, we find evidence consistent with the transfer of capabilities to or from acquired assets. Our results inform theories of ownership change and the conditional flow of capabilities among operations. They provide evidence as well of the existence of environmental capabilities. For policy‐makers they provide needed evidence and insight on the merits of regulations designed to limit asset sales.Managerial summary: It is often assumed that acquisitions harm environmental performance‐‐acquisition leads to greater emphasis on efficiency, while focusing on environmental performance is driven by managerial discretion. We propose instead that acquisitions might lead to improvement in environmental outcomes; the key is in knowing where to look for improvement. We studied thousands of facility‐level acquisitions and find that when a clean firm buys a facility from a dirtier firm, that facility's environmental performance improved. When a dirtier firm buys from a cleaner one, however, it is the dirtier firm's other facilities in the same industry of the target that improved. These results, along with extensions we undertook, suggest that managers and policy‐makers should view acquisitions as conduits rather than impediments in transferring environmental capabilities. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adding Value to Trade Space Exploration When Designing Complex Engineered Systems
Authors: Simpson Timothy W. , Miller Simon , Tibor Elliott B. , Yukish Michael A. , Stump Gary , Kannan Hanumanthrao , Mesmer Bryan , Winer Eliot H. , Bloebaum Christina L. 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTDesign decision‐making involves tradeoffs between many design variables and attributes, which can be difficult to model and capture in complex engineered systems. To choose the best design, the decision maker is often required to analyze many different combinations of these variables and attributes and process the information internally. Trade Space Exploration (TSE) tools, including interactive and multidimensional data visualization, can be used to aid in this process and provide designers with a means to make better decisions, particularly during the design of complex engineered systems that have multiple, competing objectives. In this paper, we investigate the use of TSE tools to support decision makers using a Value‐Driven Design (VDD) approach for complex engineered systems. A VDD approach necessitates a rethinking of TSE, and we outline and illustrate four different uses of a VDD approach to TSE. The research leverages existing TSE paradigms and multidimensional data visualization tools to identify optimal designs when using a value function for a system. A satellite design example is used to demonstrate the differences between a VDD approach to design complex engineered systems and a multiobjective approach to capture the Pareto frontier. Ongoing and future work is also discussed.
Gene therapy for monogenic liver diseases: clinical successes, current challenges and future prospects
Authors: Baruteau Julien , Waddington Simon N. , Alexander Ian E. , Gissen Paul 
Published: May 2017

AbstractOver the last decade, pioneering liver‐directed gene therapy trials for haemophilia B have achieved sustained clinical improvement after a single systemic injection of adeno‐associated virus (AAV) derived vectors encoding the human factor IX cDNA. These trials demonstrate the potential of AAV technology to provide long‐lasting clinical benefit in the treatment of monogenic liver disorders. Indeed, with more than ten ongoing or planned clinical trials for haemophilia A and B and dozens of trials planned for other inherited genetic/metabolic liver diseases, clinical translation is expanding rapidly. Gene therapy is likely to become an option for routine care of a subset of severe inherited genetic/metabolic liver diseases in the relatively near term. In this review, we aim to summarise the milestones in the development of gene therapy, present the different vector tools and their clinical applications for liver‐directed gene therapy. AAV‐derived vectors are emerging as the leading candidates for clinical translation of gene delivery to the liver. Therefore, we focus on clinical applications of AAV vectors in providing the most recent update on clinical outcomes of completed and ongoing gene therapy trials and comment on the current challenges that the field is facing for large‐scale clinical translation. There is clearly an urgent need for more efficient therapies in many severe monogenic liver disorders, which will require careful risk‐benefit analysis for each indication, especially in paediatrics.
Biosorption characteristic of Alcaligenes sp. BAPb.1 for removal of lead(II) from aqueous solution
Authors: Jin Yu , Yu Sumei , Teng Chunying , Song Tao , Dong Liying , Liang Jinsong , Bai Xin , Xu Xiuhong , Qu Juanjuan 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
In this study, strain BAPb.1 was isolated from lead mining area and used as an adsorbent to remove lead(II) ions from aqueous solution. The physicochemical characteristics, heavy metal resistance and antibiotic sensitivity of strain BAPb.1 were investigated. Biosorption capacity was evaluated by batch biosorption experiments, and isothermal characteristics were discussed. Atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR) were conducted to explore the mechanism for lead(II) adsorption. Based on morphological and physiological characteristics as well as the phylogenetic analysis of 16S rDNA sequences, strain BAPb.1 was identified as a member of the genus Alcaligenes. It exhibited high resistances to multiple heavy metals such as lead(II), copper(II), zinc(II), nickel(II) and chromium(VI), and to antibiotics such as kanamycin, ampicillin, streptomycin, chloramphenicol, and tetracycline. The optimum conditions for maximum biosorption rate of 85.2% and maximum capacity of 56.8 mg g−1 were found at pH of 5, adsorbent dosage of 1.5 g L−1 (dry weight), initial lead(II) concentration of 100 mg L−1, and contact time of 30 min at 30 °C. Biosorption isotherms were well fitted with Langmuir isotherm model. Mechanism analysis reveals that the lead(II) ions may exchange with sodium and potassium ions, and the hydroxyl, carbonyl and phosphate groups on the cell surface can chelate the lead(II) ions, therefore, surface adsorption play significant role in the biosorption process.
Endophytic Nocardiopsis sp. from Zingiber officinale with both antiphytopathogenic mechanisms and antibiofilm activity against clinical isolates
Authors: Sabu Rohini , Soumya K. R. , Radhakrishnan E. K. 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
Novel and potential antimicrobial compounds are essential to tackle the frequently emerging multidrug-resistant pathogens and also to develop environment friendly agricultural practices. In the current study, endophytic actinomycetes from rhizome of Zingiber officinale were explored in terms of its diversity and bioactive properties. Fourteen different organisms were isolated, identified and screened for activity against Pythium myriotylum and human clinical pathogens. Among these, Nocardiopsis sp. ZoA1 was found to have highest inhibition with excellent antibacterial effects compared to standard antibiotics. Remarkable antibiofilm property was also shown by the extract of ZoA1. Its antifungal activity against Pythium and other common phytopathogens was also found to be promising as confirmed by scanning electron microscopic analysis. By PCR-based sequence analysis of phz E gene, the organism was confirmed for the genetic basis of phenazine biosynthesis. Further GC–MS analysis of Nocardiopsis sp. revealed the presence of various compounds including Phenol, 2,4-bis (1,1-dimethylethyl) and trans cinnamic acid which can have significant role in the observed result. The current study is the first report on endophytic Nocardiopsis sp. from ginger with promising applications. In vivo treatment of Nocardiopsis sp. on ginger rhizome has revealed its inhibition towards the colonization of P. myriotylum which makes the study to have promises to manage the severe diseases in ginger like rhizome rot.
Production, purification and biochemical characterization of an exo-polygalacturonase from Aspergillus niger MTCC 478 suitable for clarification of orange juice
Authors: Anand Gautam , Yadav Sangeeta , Yadav Dinesh 
Published: May 2017

AbstractPolygalacturonases (PG) represent an important member of pectinases group of enzymes with immense industrial applications. A fungal strainAspergillus nigerMTCC478 was used for the production of polygalacturonase both under submerged and solid-state fermentation condition. Further its production was optimized under solid-state fermentation condition with media comprising of wheat bran and tea extract. Purification of an exo-PG was achieved by acetone precipitation (60–90%) and CM-cellulose column chromatography revealing 15.28-fold purification with a specific activity of 33.47 U/mg protein and 1.2% yield. A relative molecular mass of purified PG was approximately 124.0 kDa. The pH and temperature optimum was found to be 4 and 50 °C, respectively. ThekcatandKmvalue for degradation of PGA by the purified enzyme was found to be 194 s−1and 2.3 mg/mL, respectively. Cu2+was found to enhance the PG activity while Ag+completely inhibited the enzyme activity. The application of the purified PG in orange juice clarification was elucidated.
Optimization of rhamnolipid production by Pseudomonas aeruginosa OG1 using waste frying oil and chicken feather peptone
Authors: Ozdal Murat , Gurkok Sumeyra , Ozdal Ozlem Gur 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
In the present study, production of rhamnolipid biosurfactant by Pseudomonas aeruginosa OG1 was statistically optimized by response surface methodology. Box–Behnken design was applied to determine the optimal concentrations of 52, 9.2, and 4.5 g/L for carbon source (waste frying oil), nitrogen source (chicken feather peptone), and KH2PO4, respectively, in production medium. Under the optimized cultivation conditions, rhamnolipid production reached up to 13.31 g/L (with an emulsification activity of 80%), which is approximately twofold higher than the yield obtained from preliminary cultivations. Hence, rhamnolipid production, noteworthy in the literature, was achieved with the use of statistical optimization on inexpensive waste materials for the first time in the present study.
A classification algorithm for predicting progression from normal cognition to mild cognitive impairment across five cohorts: The preclinical AD consortium
Authors: Gross Alden L. , Hassenstab Jason J. , Johnson Sterling C. , Clark Lindsay R. , Resnick Susan M. , Kitner‐Triolo Melissa , Masters Colin L. , Maruff Paul , Morris John C. , Soldan Anja , Pettigrew Corinne , Albert Marilyn S. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractIntroductionWe established a method for diagnostic harmonization across multiple studies of preclinical Alzheimer's disease and validated the method by examining its relationship with clinical status and cognition.MethodsCognitive and clinical data were used from five studies (N = 1746). Consensus diagnoses established in each study used criteria to identify progressors from normal cognition to mild cognitive impairment. Correspondence was evaluated between these consensus diagnoses and three algorithmic classifications based on (1) objective cognitive impairment in 2+ tests only; (2) a Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) of ≥0.5 only; and (3) both. Associations between baseline cognitive performance and cognitive change were each tested in relation to progression to algorithm‐based classifications.ResultsIn each study, an algorithmic classification based on both cognitive testing cutoff scores and a CDR ≥0.5 provided optimal balance of sensitivity and specificity (areas under the curve: 0.85–0.95). Over an average 6.6 years of follow‐up (up to 28 years), N = 186 initially cognitively normal participants aged on average 64 years at baseline progressed (incidence rate: 15.3 people/1000 person‐years). Baseline cognitive scores and cognitive change were associated with future diagnostic status using this algorithmic classification.DiscussionBoth cognitive tests and CDR ratings can be combined across multiple studies to obtain a reliable algorithmic classification with high specificity and sensitivity. This approach may be applicable to large cohort studies and to clinical trials focused on preclinical Alzheimer's disease because it provides an alternative to implementation of a time‐consuming adjudication panel.
Comparison of Forearm Swelling After Loop Forearm Arteriovenous Graft between Distal Vein Ligation and No Ligation
Authors: Prasertcharoensuk Supatcha , Jirasiritham Sopon , Tirapanich Wiwat , Leela-Udomlipi Surasak , Pootracool Piyanut , Horsirimanont Suthas , Lertsithichai Pannuwat , Phasit Chatree , Lieungthada Nantawan 
Published: May 2017

AbstractPurpose: Forearm loop arteriovenous grafts (AVGs) are an effective way to grant permanent vascular access in end-stage renal disease patients undergoing hemodialysis. A common postoperative complication with this procedure is forearm swelling. Distal vein ligation is believed to reduce postoperative venous hypertension and forearm swelling. There have been no previous randomized controlled trials comparing the efficacy of AVGs with and without distal vein ligation.Methods: A pilot study was performed as a randomized controlled trial. End-stage renal disease patients who required AVG construction were recruited and randomly assigned to either the distal vein ligation group or the nondistal vein ligation group. Forearm swelling, graft patency, and graft thrombosis were recorded and compared.Results: The nonligation and ligation groups consisted of 30 and 31 patients, respectively. Forearm swelling at both the proximal and distal areas was nonsignificantly higher in the nonligation group than in the ligation group. The success rate of cannulation of the graft was 77% in both groups. The first cannulation time was somewhat shorter in the ligation group than in the nonligation group (57 vs 63 days; P = .282). There was no difference in graft thrombosis between the 2 groups (8 and 6 patients, respectively, in the nonligation and ligation groups).Conclusions: AVGs can be performed with or without distal vein ligation.
Quality of Computed Tomography Pulmonary Embolism and Aortic Phase Images Acquired with Power Injection via an Arm Port
Authors: Verity Ryan , Leswick David , Burbridge Brent , Bryce Rhonda , Lim Hyun 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
Background: The safety of power-injectable implanted arm ports is well established, but there is insufficient data to conclude that image quality of computed tomography resulting from contrast introduced via the port is of equal quality to images derived from contrast introduced via traditional peripheral access. The objective of this study was to determine whether the image quality of computed tomography pulmonary embolism and computed tomography aorta studies would differ when injecting contrast via an implanted arm port vs a peripheral intravenous site. We hypothesized that injecting via an implanted arm port would produce better-quality images, the result of more appropriate timing and less streak artifact.
Methods: Scans from a provincial database search for patients who underwent a computed tomography pulmonary embolism or aorta study with contrast injection via the implanted arm port and thin section images available, were reviewed (pulmonary embolism studies n = 3, aorta studies n = 3). Only a limited number of patients were available for review because there are currently few patients with these ports in place and we limited evaluation to thin section images. Comparison was made with 6 control patients who did not have a port and had received a peripheral arm intravenous contrast injection for these study types. Objective measurements included signal-to-noise ratio and contrast-to-noise ratio of the pulmonary arteries (4 sites) and aorta (2 sites) as appropriate for scan type. Subjective analysis of image quality was performed by 2 radiologists.
Results: Although sample size was limited, the implanted arm port group had similar or higher mean signal-to-noise ratio and contrast-to-noise ratio values at all sites. Subjective assessments showed the implanted arm port group to have similar or better opacification and diagnostic confidence; similar or less streak artifact was also observed at each of the sites.
Conclusions: These exploratory results suggest that studies with implanted arm port injection can generate high-quality images on both objective and subjective assessment, similar to, or possibly better than, images generated from usual peripheral intravenous access for contrast injection.