bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical Performance Feedback to Paramedics: What They Receive and What They Need
Authors: Morrison Laura , Cassidy Louise , Welsford Michelle , Chan Teresa M. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractObjectivesPerformance feedback is not always well utilized in healthcare. To more effectively incorporate it, we used a discussion of current feedback systems to explore paramedics’ perceived needs regarding feedback and to understand what feedback would improve their performance as healthcare providers.MethodsWe used a qualitative methodology with semistructured interviews of paramedics to explore perceptions and desires for feedback. Interpretive descriptive analysis was performed with continuous recruitment until thematic saturation was achieved. Themes were identified and a coding system was developed by two investigators separately and merged by consensus. The analysis was audited by a third investigator, and a member check was performed.ResultsMany different ideas were discussed that were analyzed to develop several major recurrent themes. One such theme was positive perception of feedback by paramedics. Despite the positive perceptions discussed, the shortcomings of current systems were also frequently discussed as were perceived barriers to receiving meaningful feedback. The idea of following up on patients’ courses/outcomes also arose frequently during the interviews. In addition, feedback and its interaction with mental health emerged as a theme in terms of its potential for both positive and negative impact. Finally, suggestions about the future were also common with paramedics providing thoughts regarding what future systems could be developed or what changes could be made to provide them with meaningful feedback.ConclusionsOur findings show how paramedics perceive feedback, but still note how barriers may impair its uptake and how it may affect their mental health. Our participants also made recommendations about what they would want to see in future feedback systems. This information can provide the foundation to improve current feedback systems or structure new ones to allow paramedics to continue to develop themselves as healthcare professionals.
Processor Linkages and Farm Household Productivity: Evidence from Dairy Hubs in East Africa
Authors: Omondi Immaculate , Rao Elizaphan J. O. , Karimov Aziz A. , Baltenweck Isabelle 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACTLinking smallholder farmers to large enterprises could be a powerful mechanism to improve input and output markets as well as other productivity‐enhancing services for liquidity constrained smallholders. Dairy hubs promoted by East African Dairy Development project are collective farmer‐owned milk bulking and/or chilling plants through which farmers get access to output markets and inputs as well as other services necessary for their dairy enterprises. The hubs act as a linkage between large processors and smallholder dairy farmers. They enable farmers to supply milk to large dairy processors who are emerging key players in the East African dairy industry. In addition to the different forms of linkages with large processors, these hubs also differ in their level of growth toward sustainability. In light of this background, this work aims to provide evidence on the effects, at farm level, of different types of linkages between smallholder dairy farmers and large processors through dairy hubs. The study uses cross‐sectional survey data collected from 993 smallholder livestock keeping households living within the dairy hubs’ catchment areas in Kenya and Uganda. Statistical tests on technical efficiency estimates from dairy farm enterprises were conducted in order to provide evidence of the effects of the types of processor linkages on the performance of the dairy farm enterprises. The results provide evidence of no strong influence at farm levels that can be attributed to different forms of linkages with processor that dairy hubs adopt. Moreover, though hub sustainability is directly linked to the producer organization's efficiency level, our results show that it does not sufficiently translate to more productive farmers. These findings call for concerted efforts by development agents in the dairy sector, policy makers, and even large processors to intervene in order to support improved farm performance. As evident from the study, one direct policy tool at the disposal of these agents is extension messages. [EconLit citations D24; L25; Q12].
Catalytic Alkylation Using a Cyclic S‐Adenosylmethionine Regeneration System
Authors: Mordhorst Silja , Siegrist Jutta , Müller Michael , Richter Michael , Andexer Jennifer N. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractS‐Adenosylmethionine‐dependent methyltransferases are versatile tools for the specific alkylation of many compounds, such as pharmaceuticals, but their biocatalytic application is severely limited owing to the lack of a cofactor regeneration system. We report a biomimetic, polyphosphate‐based, cyclic cascade for methyltransferases. In addition to the substrate to be methylated, only methionine and polyphosphate have to be added in stoichiometric amounts. The system acts catalytically with respect to the cofactor precursor adenosine in methylation and ethylation reactions of selected substrates, as shown by HPLC analysis. Furthermore, 1H and 13C NMR measurements were performed to unequivocally identify methionine as the methyl donor and to gain insight into the selectivity of the reactions. This system constitutes a vital stage in the development of economical and environmentally friendly applications of methyltransferases.
Mind the gap: Ensuring laboratory‐scale testing of an electrospinning product meets commercial‐scale needs
Authors: LeCorre‐Bordes Deborah S. , Jaksons Peter , Hofman Kathleen 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACTPlant & Food BioProcessing has developed a process to electrospin denatured whole‐chain marine collagen. The collagen is routinely tested on laboratory‐scale electrospinning equipment, but when it is electrospun on industrial equipment, the conditions and the product testing criteria differ from those used in the laboratory. A laboratory electrospinning machine was modified to simulate industrial conditions (≥30 kV). Then, several parameters (voltage, working distance) were adjusted from laboratory‐ to commercial‐scale. These changes did not affect average fiber diameter or deposition rate. The optimum electrospinning conditions were a mixture of laboratory‐ and commercial‐scale conditions (30–50 kV; 10 cm working distance). Reducing the working distance by 5 cm improved the production rate by up to 75%. These changes resulted in better repeatability of electrospun fibers over multiple production runs, with fewer adjustments of solutions and parameters. We recommend this approach to design materials and processes relevant to industrial manufacturing of electrospun fibers. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44836.
Comparison of three drought indices and their evolutionary characteristics in the arid region of northwestern China
Authors: Wang Huaijun , Pan Yingping , Chen Yaning 
Published: February 2017

AbstractDrought evolutions in the arid region of northwestern China from 1960 to 2010 were analyzed based on the standardized precipitation index (SPI), the standardized precipitation‐evapotranspiration index (SPEI), and the self‐calibrated Palmer drought severity index (SC‐PDSI). All three forms of drought indices were significantly correlated with each other. No statistically significant differences were found for the severity of drought, as assessed by both the SPI and SPEI. The SC‐PDSI was generally an index representing water deficits at a medium period. For the entire geographical area of study, wet conditions dominated during 1987–2010, whereas persistent drought conditions occurred from 1960 to 1986.
Beyond restenosis: Patients' preference for drug eluting or bare metal stents
Authors: Qintar Mohammed , Chhatriwalla Adnan K. , Arnold Suzanne V. , Tang Fengming , Buchanan Donna M. , Shafiq Ali , Pokharel Yashashwi , deBronkart Dave , Ashraf Javed M. , Spertus John A. 
Published: February 2017

ObjectivesTo assess patients’ perspective about factors associated with stent choice.BackgroundDrug eluting stents (DES) markedly reduce the risk of repeat percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), but necessitate a longer duration of dual anti‐platelet therapy (DAPT) as compared with bare metal stents (BMS). Thus, understanding patients’ perspective about factors associated with stent choice is paramount.MethodsPatients undergoing angiography rated, on a 10‐point scale, the importance (1 = not important, 10 = most important) of avoiding repeat revascularization and avoiding the following potential DAPT drawbacks: bleeding/bruising, more pills/day, medication costs and delaying elective surgery. The factor, or group of factors, that was rated highest by each patient was identified.ResultsAmong 311 patients, repeat revascularization was the single most important consideration to 14.4% of patients, while 20.6% considered avoiding one of the DAPT drawbacks as most important. Most patients (65%) considered avoiding at least one DAPT drawback as important as avoiding repeat revascularization. In no subgroup of patients did more than a quarter of patients prefer avoiding repeat revascularization above all other concerns. Among patients undergoing PCI, more than three quarters received a DES, regardless of their stated preferences (DES use among those most valuing DES benefits, avoiding DAPT drawbacks, or both equally were 78.7%, 86.2%, and 85.6%, respectively, P = 0.56).ConclusionMost patients reported that avoiding DAPT drawbacks was as important as avoiding repeat revascularization. Eliciting patient preferences regarding stent type can enhance shared decision‐making and allow physicians to better tailor stent choice to patients’ goals and values.Trial RegistrationDeveloping and Testing a Personalized Evidence‐based Shared Decision‐making Tool for Stent Selection (DECIDE‐PCI). ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02046902. URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02046902 © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hydrogenation of Levulinic Acid Using Formic Acid as a Hydrogen Source over Ni/SiO2 Catalysts
Authors: Varkolu Mohan , Raju Burri David , Rao Kamaraju Seetha Rama , Jonnalagadda Sreekantha B. , van Zyl Werner E. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractSeveral Ni/SiO2 catalysts were developed for the hydrogenation of levulinic acid using formic acid as the hydrogen source. The catalysts were prepared by a variety of methods including impregnation, co‐precipitation, deposition‐precipitation, and citric acid assisted impregnation combustion. The morphological properties were investigated by XRD, N2 sorption, HRTEM, and H2 pulse chemisorption measurements. XRD patterns of the calcined material revealed the presence of NiO particles, while calcination in an inert atmosphere produced Ni particles through in situ reduction of NiO. The reaction proceeded without external H2 flow using formic acid as hydrogen source. The Ni/SiO2 catalyst prepared by the citric acid assisted method and calcined in inert gas flow was the most efficient for the hydrogenation of levulinic acid without external H2 flow. The high catalytic performance was attributed to the high dispersion of cheap and earth‐abundant Ni nanoparticles and optimal porosity.
Long‐term outcomes for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia who discontinue ibrutinib
Authors: Jain Preetesh , Thompson Philip A. , Keating Michael , Estrov Zeev , Ferrajoli Alessandra , Jain Nitin , Kantarjian Hagop , Burger Jan A. , O'Brien Susan , Wierda William G. 
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUNDIbrutinib is a Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor and is approved for the treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in frontline and relapsed/refractory settings. The authors previously reported poor outcomes for patients who discontinued ibrutinib; however, long‐term outcomes were not reported.METHODSData from 320 patients who received ibrutinib on clinical studies between 2010 and 2015 at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center were retrospectively analyzed.RESULTSLong‐term outcomes among patients with CLL after they discontinued ibrutinib were analyzed. Ninety of 320 patients (28%) who were treated on ibrutinib‐based regimens discontinued ibrutinib. Of these, 80 had relapsed/refractory disease, and 10 were treatment‐naive. The median time to discontinuation was 15 months (range, 1.2‐54 months). After a median follow‐up of 38 months after starting ibrutinib, 40 patients (44%) remained alive. Major reasons for ibrutinib discontinuation were intolerance (n = 29; 32%), miscellaneous (n = 28; 31%), progression (n = 19; 21%), and Richter transformation (RT) (n = 9; 10%). The median survival according to the reason for discontinuation was 33 months for ibrutinib intolerance, 11 months for miscellaneous causes, 16 months for progressive CLL, and 2 months for RT. Among the 19 patients who had progressive CLL, 42% responded to subsequent therapy.CONCLUSIONSIbrutinib discontinuation was observed during therapy. Patients with CLL who had disease transformation had especially poor outcomes, whereas those who developed progressive disease during ibrutinib therapy had a median survival of <1.5 years. Survival was associated with the reason for discontinuation; patients who had progressive CLL had better survival compared with those who had disease transformation. Effective salvage strategies for patients with CLL who progress on ibrutinib therapy is of critical importance. Cancer 2017;123:2268–2273. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Gel‐like Carbon Dots: Characterization and their Potential Applications
Authors: Zhou Yiqun , Desserre Alexandra , Sharma Shiv K. , Li Shanghao , Marksberry M. Hensley , Chusuei Charles C. , Blackwelder Patricia L. , Leblanc Roger M. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractHighly photoluminescent gel‐like carbon dots (G‐CDs) were successfully synthesized for the first time by a rapid one‐step solvothermal synthesis approach with citric acid and 1,2‐ethylenediamine as the precursors. Their gel‐like nature was revealed by the Tyndall and coagulation effects, which were elucidated by a negative ζ potential value. The influences of temperature on the properties and sizes of these G‐CDs were analyzed, and the best method for a maximum quantum yield was identified. The resulting products emitted blue photoluminescence under UV light (λ=365 nm) and a gradient of color under regular light. In addition, the UV/Vis absorption and fluorescence emission spectra of the G‐CDs indicated that those synthesized at 160 °C exhibited the highest fluorescence quantum yield (33 %). Atomic force microscopy and transmission electron microscopy measurements were performed, and a higher temperature of formation resulted in smaller G‐CDs. Furthermore, band shifts in the UV/Vis and fluorescence spectra and sequential changes in the quantum yield values and ζ potentials in addition to elemental compositional changes as determined by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy were monitored throughout the formation process of the G‐CDs. As to applications, G‐CDs were prepared as an invisible ink for printers, which exhibited the applicability of G‐CDs in daily life and military activities.
Anorexia nervosa with massive pulmonary air leak and extraordinary propagation
Authors: Jensen V. M. , Støving R. K. , Andersen P. E. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractA rare case combining pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, pneumopericardium, pneumoperitoneum, pneumorrhachis, air in retroperitoneum and extensive subcutaneous emphysema simultaneously in a severely anorectic male with BMI 9.2 (22.8 kg) and multiple vomitings is presented. This unusual condition was treated successfully with conservative medical approach in a specialized somatic unit for anorexia nervosa.
PEDOT/C Composites used as a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Catalyst Support: Role of Carbon Amount
Authors: Daş Elif , Bayrakçeken Yurtcan Ayşe 
Published: February 2017

AbstractCarbon‐based support materials are mostly used in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs); however, they often suffer from degradation under the operating conditions. In this context, conducting polymers and their composites stand out as a good alternative support material thanks to their chemical stability, high electrical conductivity, and higher oxidation‐resistant properties, which fulfills the requirements for possible utilization as electrocatalyst in PEMFCs. This study reports the preparation of poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene)/carbon (PEDOT/C) composite‐supported Pt nanoparticles for PEMFC electrodes. First, PEDOT/C composites were prepared using different carbon amounts by in situ chemical oxidative polymerization of EDOT monomer on carbon particles. Then, Pt nanoparticles (about 20 % loading) were obtained by using a microwave irradiation technique as it is fast, inexpensive, energy and time saving, and ecofriendly. The successful synthesis was confirmed by XRD, TEM, and thermogravimetric analysis investigations. The surface area and pore structure of the PEDOT/C supports was also investigated by using the BET technique. The ex situ and in situ electrochemical analyses were performed by using cyclic voltammetry and PEMFC performance tests. The obtained results for the fuel cell open the way for the use of PEDOT/C composite support materials as electrocatalysts for fuel cells.
Modeling and solving assembly line design problems by considering human factors with a real‐life application
Authors: Baykasoglu Adil , Tasan Seren Ozmehmet , Tasan Ali Serdar , Akyol Sebnem Demirkol 
Published: February 2017

AbstractErgonomics has been playing an important role in assembly system design (ASD) that contains not only the main assembly line balancing problem but also the subassembly line balancing and assembly layout problem. The ergonomics in ASD has an impact both on productivity and on workers’ health, especially when frequent changes in the product mix occur. In this study, we propose a systematic approach in order to handle ASD, which consists of three subproblems, while considering ergonomic risk factors. The first two subproblems are solved simultaneously using the proposed rule‐based constructive search algorithm, where ergonomic risks are evaluated by OCRA method. Later, layout problem is solved under transportation constraints using local search methods with various neighborhood structures. To provide the applicability and evaluate the performance of the proposed systematic approach, a real‐life case study in a harness manufacturing company is solved and prototype productions are performed.
Heat Transfer Performance of Heat Pipe Radiator with SiO2/Water Nanofluids
Authors: Shi Jiyuan , Zhao Weilin , Li Jinkai , Liu Zongming 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe effect of nanofluids on thermal performance of the miniature heat pipe radiator which was assembled by two heat pipes containing 0.6 vol.% SiO2/water nanofluids and 30 pieces of rectangular aluminum fins was investigated experimentally and theoretically. The wall temperatures of the miniature heat pipe and fin surface temperatures were measured. Results showed that the utilization of SiO2/water nanofluids as a working fluid in the heat pipe enhanced the heat performance by reducing wall temperature differences. Compared with Deionized water (DI water), the thermal resistance of the miniature heat pipe with SiO2/water nanofluids decreased by about 23% to 40%. Furthermore, the theoretical calculation on a basis of one dimension found that the fin heat dissipation in the miniature heat pipe radiator charged SiO2/water nanofluids was about 1.17 times of that of the DI water radiator.
Double Diffusive Flows over a Stretching Sheet of Variable Thickness with or without Surface Mass Transfer
Authors: Patil P. M. , Roy S. , Moitsheki R. J. , Momoniat E. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThis paper presents a numerical investigation of the steady two‐dimensional mixed convection flow along a vertical semi‐infinite stretching sheet of variable thickness. The effect of double diffusion on velocity, thermal and concentration fields in presence of power‐law temperature and concentration distributions at wall along with surface mass transfer is considered. The nonlinear coupled partial differential equations governing the flow, thermal and concentration fields are first transformed into a nondimensional set of coupled nonlinear partial differential equations and solved numerically using an implicit finite‐difference scheme in combination with the Newton's linearization technique to obtain nonsimilar solutions at each stream‐wise location. Numerical results are presented to discuss the effects of various physical parameters on the velocity, temperature, and concentration fields. Furthermore, the numerical results for the local skin friction coefficient, local Nusselt number, and local Sherwood number are also reported. For a fixed buoyancy force, the skin friction coefficient and Nusselt number increase with Prandtl number. The increase in the Prandtl number causes about a 30% reduction in the thickness of the thermal boundary layer. The wall thickness parameter enhances the thickness of the momentum boundary layer and the velocity overshoot is observed up to 20% for wall thickness parameter . In contrast, the increase of power‐law index parameter m from to reduces approximately 10% to 25% the momentum and thermal boundary layer thicknesses depending on the values of other parameters
Enhancing Social Support Postincarceration: Results From a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Pettus‐Davis Carrie , Dunnigan Allison , Veeh Christopher A. , Howard Matthew Owen , Scheyett Anna M. , Roberts‐Lewis Amelia 
Published: February 2017

ObjectiveOver 50% of released prisoners are reincarcerated within 3 years. Social support from loved ones postincarceration significantly reduces the likelihood of reincarceration. Increasingly, intervention developers aim to implement interventions that will enhance the stability of support available. This study responds to gaps in knowledge.MethodThe current efficacy study reports findings from a randomized controlled trial (n= 57) of a social support intervention. A priori power analysis indicated moderate effect sizes could be detected. Participants were men, average age was 25 years, and over 90% were African American. Preliminary effects on social support, cognitions, substance use, and rearrest were assessed. Recruitment and consent occurred in prison; the intervention and 4 follow‐ups occurred postrelease.ResultsFindings converge with research indicating declines in social support (b = −.70, p < .05) and perceived quality of support (b = .05, p < .01) over time. Age showed inverse relationships with support (b = −1.77, p < .05). There were no statistically significant group effects for social support, cognitions, substance use (with the exception of marijuana), or recidivism. Clinical implications are discussed.ConclusionThis study advances research on intervention dosage, potency, and measurement considerations.