bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Knowledge and Community: The Effect of a First-Year Seminar on Student Persistence
Authors: Pittendrigh Adele , Borkowski John , Swinford Steven , Plumb Carolyn 
Published: July 2016

Abstract
This study explores the effects of an academic seminar on the persistence of first-year college students, including effects on students most at risk of dropping out. A secondary interest was demonstrating the utility of using classification and regression tree analysis to identify relevant predictors of student persistence. The results of the study showed that persistence rates improved for all students who took the seminar and, most importantly, that the persistence rate for higher-risk students showed double the improvement of that of lower-risk students. Results also suggest that changes in student perception of the value of a college education and engagement in classroom discussion are factors for improving the persistence of higher-risk students.
Russia and the Vulnerability of Electoral Authoritarianism?
Authors: Gill Graeme 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThe notion of electoral authoritarianism emerged in the post-cold war world to refer to authoritarian systems that used seemingly democratic electoral means to stabilize non-democratic systems. This was achieved through the production of massive electoral majorities for the ruling party. However an element of uncertainty remains with such elections in that the ruling party may be either defeated or suffer a significant electoral rebuff. Such events are usually seen in terms of the loss of voter support for the party, but as the Russian case shows, this may be better seen as evidence of a basic malfunction of the electoral authoritarian mechanism itself.
Appropriate Use of Vancomycin in NICU Despite Free-for-All Policy
Authors: Hammer Benjamin M. , Lardieri Allison B. , Morgan Jill A. 
Published: July 2016

OBJECTIVES: Because of increases in antimicrobial resistance, the use of vancomycin in late-onset sepsis has come under scrutiny. The primary outcome of this study was to determine if vancomycin for the treatment of late-onset sepsis in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) was being discontinued within 72 hours according to the existing protocol. Secondary outcomes included the appropriateness of therapeutic drug monitoring associated with vancomycin, and renal dysfunction associated with the use of vancomycin in the NICU outside of the 72-hour policy.
METHODS: A retrospective chart review was completed for patients in the NICU who received vancomycin for the treatment of late-onset sepsis between the dates of January 1, 2014, and July 1, 2014.
RESULTS: There were 125 vancomycin treatment courses, of which 97 were included. Appropriate use of vancomycin, per policy, occurred in a total of 87 of 97 courses (89.6%). Therapeutic drug monitoring was evaluated by the number of appropriate troughs, determined using renal function and previous trough concentrations. There was not a statistically significant difference in the number of inappropriate troughs drawn between those that were continued on vancomycin appropriately (n = 17 courses; 4 of 44 inappropriate troughs) versus inappropriately (n = 10 courses; 1 of 22 inappropriate troughs; p = 0.66), despite the large number of troughs drawn. Adverse renal outcomes were not statistically significant in patients continued inappropriately on vancomycin (p = 1.0).
CONCLUSIONS: Vancomycin use in the NICU for late-onset sepsis is appropriate per the existing antibiotic policy. Therapeutic drug monitoring could be improved, and adverse renal outcomes due to inappropriate continuation of vancomycin are rare.
Medications for Children: A Survey of Community Pharmacists
Authors: Rashid Alina R. , Duffett Mark 
Published: July 2016

BACKGROUND: Seamless and safe discharge of children from hospital requires successful collaboration with community pharmacists, for whom pediatrics is often a small part of their practice.OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to understand community pharmacists' comfort level and confidence in providing care for children.METHODS: We conducted a self-administered online survey of community pharmacists in Ontario, Canada. Respondents rated their comfort and confidence on a scale of 1 to 7 in each of 3 scenarios: oral morphine, prednisone, and amoxicillin. We also evaluated the relationship between participants' comfort level and demographics.RESULTS: We included 622 responses (377 completed and 245 partially completed surveys). A total of 182 participants (48%) were female, 271 participants (72%) had children of their own, and they had practiced pharmacy for a median (interquartile range) of 19 (5–28) years. The percentage of respondents who were comfortable (5–7 on a 7-point scale) with filling the prescriptions as written was 64% for morphine, 58% for prednisone, and 61% for amoxicillin and was not different among the scenarios. Having children was associated with increased comfort (p = 0.02), whereas other demographic variables were not. Compared to the amoxicillin scenario, pharmacists reported being significantly more likely to choose another course of action for prednisone (p = 0.01) but not for morphine (p = 0.25). Although 428 pharmacists (70%) agreed that they maintained adequate knowledge of pediatric topics, 558 (91%) were interested in more education.CONCLUSIONS: Variability exists in the confidence and comfort levels of community pharmacists when dealing with children, and many are not comfortable with the common prescriptions in this survey.
Retention of mothers and infants in the prevention of mother‐to‐child transmission of HIV programme is associated with individual and facility‐level factors in Rwanda
Authors: Woelk Godfrey B , Ndatimana Dieudonne , Behan Sally , Mukaminega Martha , Nyirabahizi Epiphanie , Hoffman Heather J , Mugwaneza Placidie , Ribakare Muhayimpundu , Amzel Anouk , Phelps B Ryan 
Published: July 2016

ObjectivesInvestigate levels of retention at specified time periods along the prevention of mother‐to‐child transmission (PMTCT) cascade among mother‐infant pairs as well as individual‐ and facility‐level factors associated with retention.MethodsA retrospective cohort of HIV‐positive pregnant women and their infants attending five health centres from November 2010 to February 2012 in the Option B programme in Rwanda was established. Data were collected from several health registers and patient follow‐up files. Additionally, informant interviews were conducted to ascertain health facility characteristics. Generalized estimating equation methods and modelling were utilized to estimate the number of mothers attending each antenatal care visit and assess factors associated with retention.ResultsData from 457 pregnant women and 462 infants were collected at five different health centres (three urban and two rural facilities). Retention at 30 days after registration and retention at 6 weeks, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months post‐delivery were analyzed. Based on an analytical sample of 348, we found that 58% of women and 81% of infants were retained in care within the same health facility at 12 months post‐delivery, respectively. However, for mother‐infant paired mothers, retention at 12 months was 74% and 79% for their infants. Loss to facility occurred early, with 26% to 33% being lost within 30 days post‐registration. In a multivariable model retention was associated with being married, adjusted relative risk (ARR): 1.26, (95% confidence intervals: 1.11, 1.43); antiretroviral therapy eligible, ARR: 1.39, (1.12, 1.73) and CD4 count per 50 mm3, ARR: 1.02, (1.01, 1.03).ConclusionsThese findings demonstrate varying retention levels among mother‐infant pairs along the PMTCT cascade in addition to potential determinants of retention to such programmes. Unmarried, apparently healthy, HIV‐positive pregnant women need additional support for programme retention. With the significantly increased workload resulting from lifelong antiretroviral treatment for all HIV‐positive pregnant women, strategies need to be developed to identify, provide support and trace these women at risk of loss to follow‐up. This study provides further evidence for the need for such a targeted supportive approach.
Factors associated with long‐term antiretroviral therapy attrition among adolescents in rural Uganda: a retrospective study
Authors: Okoboi Stephen , Ssali Livingstone , Yansaneh Aisha I , Bakanda Celestin , Birungi Josephine , Nantume Sophie , Okullu Joanne Lyavala , Sharp Alana R , Moore David M , Kalibala Samuel 
Published: July 2016

IntroductionAs access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) increases, the success of treatment programmes depends on ensuring high patient retention in HIV care. We examined retention and attrition among adolescents in ART programmes across clinics operated by The AIDS Support Organization (TASO) in Uganda, which has operated both facility‐ and community‐based distribution models of ART delivery since 2004.MethodsUsing a retrospective cohort analysis of patient‐level clinical data, we examined attrition and retention in HIV care and factors associated with attrition among HIV‐positive adolescents aged 10–19 years who initiated ART at 10 TASO clinics between January 2006 and December 2011. Retention in care was defined as the proportion of adolescents who had had at least one facility visit within the six months prior to 1 June 2013, and attrition was defined as the proportion of adolescents who died, were lost to follow‐up, or stopped treatment. Descriptive statistics and Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to determine the levels of retention in HIV care and the factors associated with attrition following ART initiation.ResultsA total of 1228 adolescents began ART between 2006 and 2011, of whom 57% were female. The median duration in HIV care was four years (IQR=3–6 years). A total of 792 (65%) adolescents were retained in care over the five‐year period; 36 (3%) had died or transferred out and 400 (32%) were classified as loss to follow‐up. Factors associated with attrition included being older (adjusted hazard ratio (AHR)=1.38, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02–1.86), having a higher CD4 count (250+ cells/mm3) at treatment initiation (AHR=0.49, 95% CI 0.34–0.69) and HIV care site with a higher risk of attrition among adolescents in Gulu (AHR=2.26; 95% CI 1.27–4.02) and Masindi (AHR=3.30, 95% CI 1.87–5.84) and a lower risk of attrition in Jinja (AHR=0.24, 95% CI 0.08–0.70). Having an advanced WHO clinical stage at initiation was not associated with attrition.ConclusionsWe found an overall retention rate of 65%, which is comparable to rates achieved by TASO's adult patients and adolescents in other studies in Africa. Variations in the risk of attrition by TASO treatment site and by clinical and demographic characteristics suggest the need for early diagnosis of HIV infection, use of innovative approaches to reach and retain adolescents living with HIV in treatment and identifying specific groups, such as older adolescents, that are at high risk of dropping out of treatment for targeted care and support.
Opportunities and challenges in conducting secondary analysis of HIV programmes using data from routine health information systems and personal health information
Authors: Gloyd Stephen , Wagenaar Bradley H , Woelk Godfrey B , Kalibala Samuel 
Published: July 2016

IntroductionHIV programme data from routine health information systems (RHIS) and personal health information (PHI) provide ample opportunities for secondary data analysis. However, these data pose unique opportunities and challenges for use in health system monitoring, along with process and impact evaluations.MethodsAnalyses focused on retrospective case reviews of four of the HIV‐related studies published in this JIAS supplement. We identify specific opportunities and challenges with respect to the secondary analysis of RHIS and PHI data.ResultsChallenges working with both HIV‐related RHIS and PHI included missing, inconsistent and implausible data; rapidly changing indicators; systematic differences in the utilization of services; and patient linkages over time and different data sources. Specific challenges among RHIS data included numerous registries and indicators, inconsistent data entry, gaps in data transmission, duplicate registry of information, numerator‐denominator incompatibility and infrequent use of data for decision‐making. Challenges specific to PHI included the time burden for busy providers, the culture of lax charting, overflowing archives for paper charts and infrequent chart review.ConclusionsMany of the challenges that undermine effective use of RHIS and PHI data for analyses are related to the processes and context of collecting the data, excessive data requirements, lack of knowledge of the purpose of data and the limited use of data among those generating the data. Recommendations include simplifying data sources, analysis and reporting; conducting systematic data quality audits; enhancing the use of data for decision‐making; promoting routine chart review linked with simple patient tracking systems; and encouraging open access to RHIS and PHI data for increased use.
Development of nanoscale Ni-embedded single-wall carbon nanotubes by electroless plating for transparent conductive electrodes of 375 nm AlGaN-based ultraviolet light-emitting diodes
Authors: Park Jun-Beom , Park Hyung-Jo , Bae Hyojung , Jeong Tak , Han Jong-Hun , Kwak Joon Seop , Ha Jun-Seok 
Published: July 2016

Abstract
We propose a nanoscale Ni-embedded single-wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT) composite for transparent conductive electrodes (TCEs) of AlGaN-based ultraviolet light-emitting diodes (UV LEDs). TCEs specifically for the ultraviolet region were developed using Ni selectively electroless-plated SWCNTs. The nanoscale Ni of TCEs improved electrical conductivity and formed ohmic contact with p-GaN while minimizing transmittance loss. We applied Ni-embedded SWCNTs, SWCNTs, and Ni/Au to the TCEs of 375 nm UV LEDs. UV LEDs with Ni-embedded SWCNTs showed a 32% higher output power than UV LEDs with conventional Ni/Au TCEs.
The influence of Pacific Equatorial Water on fish diversity in the southern California Current System
Authors: McClatchie Sam , Thompson Andrew R. , Alin Simone R. , Siedlecki Samantha , Watson William , Bograd Steven J. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThe California Undercurrent transports Pacific Equatorial Water (PEW) into the Southern California Bight from the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. PEW is characterized by higher temperatures and salinities, with lower pH, representing a source of potentially corrosive (aragonite,
) water to the region. We use ichthyoplankton assemblages near the cores of the California Current and the California Undercurrent to determine whether PEW influenced fish diversity. We use hydrographic data to characterize the interannual and seasonal variability of estimated pH and aragonite saturation with depth. Although there is substantial variability in PEW presence as measured by spice on the 26.25–26.75 isopycnal layer, as well as in pH and aragonite saturation, we found fish diversity to be stable over the decades 1985–1996 and 1999–2011. We detected significant difference in species structure during the 1998 La Niña period, due to reduced species evenness. Species richness due to rare species was higher during the 1997/1998 El Niño compared to the La Niña but the effect on species structure was undetectable. Lack of difference in the species abundance structure in the decade before and after the 1997/1999 ENSO event showed that the assemblage reverted to its former structure following the ENSO perturbation, indicating resilience. While the interdecadal species structure remained stable, the long tail of the distributions shows that species richness increased between the decades consistent with intrusion of warm water with more diverse assemblages into the southern California region.
L2–Optimal Fopdt Models of High–Order Transfer Functions
Authors: Casagrande Daniele , Krajewski Wieslaw , Viaro Umberto 
Published: July 2016

AbstractNecessary conditions for theL2optimality of a first order plus dead time (FOPDT) model of a high‐order plant are derived using classic analytic function theory. They are expressed as a set of three nonlinear equations that partly resemble the interpolation conditions valid for rational approximation. From these conditions a simple procedure to find the optimal FOPDT model is obtained. Examples taken from the relevant literature are worked out to show the performance of the method in comparison with alternative techniques.
Kinetic Analysis of the Hydrocarbon Total Oxidation Using Individually Measured Adsorption Isotherms
Authors: Kiedorf Gregor , Wolff Tanya , Seidel‐Morgenstern Andreas , Hamel Christof 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThe partial and total oxidation of C2H4, C3H6 separately and in mixtures, and CO on a CrOx/γ‐Al2O3 catalyst was studied to describe the reaction kinetics. Based on catalytic cycles mechanistic kinetic models of all reactions were derived. For reduction of adjustable parameters individually measured adsorption isotherms were used to parameterize adsorption constants in the kinetic models. The complex reaction network was decomposed in three sub‐networks to support parameter estimation, to quantify and validate kinetic rate approaches. The best fit for hydrocarbon reactions was achieved by an Eley‐Rideal and for CO by a Mars‐van Krevelen approach.
Flex5Gware: Flexible and efficient hardware and software platforms for 5G network elements and devices
Authors: Payaró Miquel , Färber Michael , Vlacheas Panagiotis , Bartzoudis Nikolaos , Tillman Fredrik , Ferling Dieter , Berg Vincent , Rautio Tapio , Serrano Pablo , Sabella Dario 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThis paper presents the Flex5Gware project, whose goal is to deliver highly reconfigurable hardware (HW) platforms and HW‐agnostic software (SW) platforms for 5G network elements and terminal devices. Flex5Gware will enable 5G HW/SW platforms to meet the requirements imposed by the growth in mobile traffic and the diversity of applications by increasing their capacity, reducing their energy footprint and enhancing their scalability and modularity. To put in place this vision in this early stage of 5G PPP research, Flex5Gware is designing and prototyping key building blocks of 5G HW/SW platforms. In particular, the developed technologies will be evaluated and demonstrated with proofs‐of‐concept by the end of the project. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessing the performance of different DTI motion correction strategies in the presence of EPI distortion correction
Authors: Taylor Paul A. , Alhamud A. , van der Kouwe Andre , Saleh Muhammad G. , Laughton Barbara , Meintjes Ernesta 
Published: July 2016

AbstractDiffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is susceptible to several artifacts due to eddy currents, echo planar imaging (EPI) distortion and subject motion. While several techniques correct for individual distortion effects, no optimal combination of DTI acquisition and processing has been determined. Here, the effects of several motion correction techniques are investigated while also correcting for EPI distortion: prospective correction, using navigation; retrospective correction, using two different popular packages (FSL and TORTOISE); and the combination of both methods. Data from a pediatric group that exhibited incidental motion in varying degrees are analyzed. Comparisons are carried while implementing eddy current and EPI distortion correction. DTI parameter distributions, white matter (WM) maps and probabilistic tractography are examined. The importance of prospective correction during data acquisition is demonstrated. In contrast to some previous studies, results also show that the inclusion of retrospective processing also improved ellipsoid fits and both the sensitivity and specificity of group tractographic results, even for navigated data. Matches with anatomical WM maps are highest throughout the brain for data that have been both navigated and processed using TORTOISE. The inclusion of both prospective and retrospective motion correction with EPI distortion correction is important for DTI analysis, particularly when studying subject populations that are prone to motion. Hum Brain Mapp 37:4405–4424, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Short‐Run and Long‐Run Effects of Birth Weight: Evidence from Large Samples of Siblings and Twins in Taiwan
Authors: Xie Zong‐Xian , Chou Shin‐Yi , Liu Jin‐Tan 
Published: July 2016

SummaryIn this paper, we assemble five large administrative data sets in Taiwan to investigate the short‐run and long‐run effects of birth weight. Comparing with previous studies, our results are more precisely estimated due to the large sample size. Using administrative data sets, the problems arising from self‐reported samples are also mitigated. Moreover, we are able to examine both singletons by controlling sibling fixed effects and twins by controlling twin fixed effects. Our results show that an infant's birth weight has positive influence on health and education. Our twin fixed‐effects estimates confirm the finding of a long‐lasting, but diminishing in the longer run, effects of birth weight. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Correlation between podoplanin expression and extracapsular spread in squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity using subjective immunoreactivity scores and semiquantitative image analysis
Authors: Mermod Maxime , Bongiovanni Massimo , Petrova Tatiana V. , Dubikovskaya Elena A. , Simon Christian , Tolstonog Genrich , Monnier Yan 
Published: July 2016

AbstractBackgroundThe correlation between podoplanin expression and extracapsular spread in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has never been reported. The purpose of this study was to assess the predictive value of podoplanin expression for this parameter.MethodsSubjective immunoreactivity scores and semiquantitative image analysis of podoplanin expression were performed in 67 patients with primary oral squamous cell carcinoma and in their corresponding lymph nodes. Neck classification showed 34 cases (51%) of pN0 and 33 cases (49%) of pN+. Correlation between the levels of podoplanin expression and the histopathological data was established.ResultsIn lymph nodes, a high level of podoplanin expression correlated with the presence of extracapsular spread by multivariate analysis (p = .03). A strong correlation between subjective and semiquantitative image analysis was observed (r = 0.77; p < .001).ConclusionA high level of podoplanin expression in lymph node metastases of oral squamous cell carcinoma is independently associated with extracapsular spread. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Head Neck 39: 98–108, 2017
Leveraging Digital Mentor Texts to Write Like a Digital Writer
Authors: Werderich Donna E. , Manderino Michael , Godinez Gabriella 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThis article presents an approach to reading like a digital writer to support adolescents' narrative writing in digital formats. By providing digital mentor texts for students to read like digital writers, a more comprehensive and perhaps deeper understanding of digital writing and the memoir genre can emerge.
Efficient Winning Strategies in Random‐Turn Maker–Breaker Games
Authors: Ferber Asaf , Krivelevich Michael , Kronenberg Gal 
Published: July 2016

AbstractWe consider random‐turn positional games, introduced by Peres, Schramm, Sheffield, and Wilson in 2007. A p‐random‐turn positional game is a two‐player game, played the same as an ordinary positional game, except that instead of alternating turns, a coin is being tossed before each turn to decide the identity of the next player to move (the probability of Player I to move is p). We analyze the random‐turn version of several classical Maker–Breaker games such as the game Box (introduced by Chvátal and Erdős in 1987), the Hamilton cycle game and the k‐vertex‐connectivity game (both played on the edge set of ). For each of these games we provide each of the players with a (randomized) efficient strategy that typically ensures his win in the asymptotic order of the minimum value of p for which he typically wins the game, assuming optimal strategies of both players.