bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of a novel noninvasive ICP monitoring device in patients undergoing invasive ICP monitoring: preliminary results
Authors: Ganslandt Oliver , Mourtzoukos Stylianos , Stadlbauer Andreas , Sommer Björn , Rammensee Rudolf 
Published: August 2017

OBJECTIVEThere is no established method of noninvasive intracranial pressure (NI-ICP) monitoring that can serve as an alternative to the gold standards of invasive monitoring with external ventricular drainage or intraparenchymal monitoring. In this study a new method of NI-ICP monitoring performed using algorithms to determine ICP based on acoustic properties of the brain was applied in patients undergoing invasive ICP (I-ICP) monitoring, and the results were analyzed.METHODSIn patients with traumatic brain injury and subarachnoid hemorrhage who were undergoing treatment in a neurocritical intensive care unit, the authors recorded ICP using the gold standard method of invasive external ventricular drainage or intraparenchymal monitoring. In addition, the authors simultaneously measured the ICP noninvasively with a device (the HS-1000) that uses advanced signal analysis algorithms for acoustic signals propagating through the cranium. To assess the accuracy of the NI-ICP method, data obtained using both I-ICP and NI-ICP monitoring methods were analyzed with MATLAB to determine the statistical significance of the differences between the ICP measurements obtained using NI-ICP and I-ICP monitoring.RESULTSData were collected in 14 patients, yielding 2543 data points of continuous parallel ICP values in recordings obtained from I-ICP and NI-ICP. Each of the 2 methods yielded the same number of data points. For measurements at the ≥ 17–mm Hg cutoff, which was arbitrarily chosen for this preliminary analysis, the sensitivity and specificity for the NI-ICP monitoring were found to be 0.7541 and 0.8887, respectively. Linear regression analysis indicated that there was a strong positive relationship between the measurements. Differential pressure between NI-ICP and I-ICP was within ± 3 mm Hg in 63% of data-paired readings and within ± 5 mm Hg in 85% of data-paired readings. The receiver operating characteristic–area under the curve analysis revealed that the area under the curve was 0.895, corresponding to the overall performance of NI-ICP monitoring in comparison with I-ICP monitoring.CONCLUSIONSThis study provides the first clinical data on the accuracy of the HS-1000 NI-ICP monitor, which uses advanced signal analysis algorithms to evaluate properties of acoustic signals traveling through the brain in patients undergoing I-ICP monitoring. The findings of this study highlight the capability of this NI-ICP device to accurately measure ICP noninvasively. Further studies should focus on clinical validation for elevated ICP values.
Biodegradation of Cyanide under Alkaline Conditions by a Strain of Pseudomonas Putida Isolated from Gold Mine Soil and Optimization of Process Variables through Response Surface Methodology (RSM)
Authors: Moradkhani Mahboubeh , Yaghmaei Soheila , Ghobadi Nejad Zahra 
Published: August 2017

In regard to highly poisonous effects of cyanide ion, concerns have been focused recently on treatment of such compounds in different ways. Four bacterial strains (C1-C4) capable of using cyanide as nitrogen source were isolated from contaminated gold mine soil samples under alkaline conditions at 30 °C, pH 9.5-10.5, and agitation speed 150 rpm. The gram-negative bacterium C3 (identified as Pseudomonas parafulva NBRC 16636(T) by 16S rRNA gene sequencing) was able to tolerate cyanide up to 500 ppm besides removing 93.5% of 200 ppm cyanide in 13 days which was confirmed by microorganisms growth. The addition of basal salts enhanced the removal efficiency of C3 by 16%. Cyanide removal efficiency of co-culture was 30% less than C3. Optimization of three significant parameters including temperature, pH, and glucose concentration for cyanide biodegradation was studied using response surface methodology (RSM). The optimum conditions for maximizing cyanide biodegradation were temperature (32.23 °C), pH (9.95), and glucose concentration (0.73 g/l).
Lithium Depletion in Solar-like Stars: Effect of Overshooting Based on Realistic Multi-dimensional Simulations
Authors: Baraffe I. , Pratt J. , Goffrey T. , Constantino T. , Folini D. , Popov M. V. , Walder R. , Viallet M. 
Published: August 2017

Abstract
We study lithium depletion in low-mass and solar-like stars as a function of time, using a new diffusion coefficient describing extra-mixing taking place at the bottom of a convective envelope. This new form is motivated by multi-dimensional fully compressible, time-implicit hydrodynamic simulations performed with the MUSIC code. Intermittent convective mixing at the convective boundary in a star can be modeled using extreme value theory, a statistical analysis frequently used for finance, meteorology, and environmental science. In this Letter, we implement this statistical diffusion coefficient in a one-dimensional stellar evolution code, using parameters calibrated from multi-dimensional hydrodynamic simulations of a young low-mass star. We propose a new scenario that can explain observations of the surface abundance of lithium in the Sun and in clusters covering a wide range of ages, from ∼50 Myr to ∼4 Gyr. Because it relies on our physical model of convective penetration, this scenario has a limited number of assumptions. It can explain the observed trend between rotation and depletion, based on a single additional assumption, namely, that rotation affects the mixing efficiency at the convective boundary. We suggest the existence of a threshold in stellar rotation rate above which rotation strongly prevents the vertical penetration of plumes and below which rotation has small effects. In addition to providing a possible explanation for the long-standing problem of lithium depletion in pre-main-sequence and main-sequence stars, the strength of our scenario is that its basic assumptions can be tested by future hydrodynamic simulations.
Effects of High-Fidelity Simulation on Physical Therapy and Nursing Students' Attitudes Toward Interprofessional Learning and Collaboration
Authors: Wellmon Robert , Lefebvre Kristin M. , Ferry Dawn 
Published: August 2017

Background:
The study purpose was to examine changes in physical therapy (PT) and nursing (RN) student attitudes toward interprofessional learning (IPL) and interprofessional collaboration (IPC) following a high-fidelity code simulation.

Method:

PT (
n
= 42) and RN (
n
= 35) students, while working together to transfer a simulated patient, had to respond to a sudden and unexpected medical emergency. Pre- and postsurveys included the Interdisciplinary Education Perception Scale (IEPS), Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS), and Attitudes Toward Health Care Teams Scale (ATHCTS). A control group (PT,
n
= 41; RN,
n
= 33) of students were also surveyed.

Results:

Statistically significant between- (
p
< .003) and within-group differences (
p
⩽ .006) occurred for the IEPS (competency and autonomy, perceived need for and perceptions of actual cooperation), the RIPLS (teamwork and collaboration, professional identity), and the ATHCTS (team value and efficiency).

Conclusion:

The IPL experience using high-fidelity simulation fostered the development of attitudes necessary for effective IPL and IPC. [
J Nurs Educ.
2017;56(8):456–465.]
Exploratory Factor Analysis of the Attitudes Towards Simulation-Based Learning Scale
Authors: Zhang Xuelin , Eustace Rosemary W. , Lopez Violeta 
Published: August 2017

Background:
Simulation is used in nursing curricula to augment or replace the traditional clinical practice experiences. Studies reported varying attitudes of nursing students to simulation-based learning. The aim of this study was to conduct an exploratory factor analysis of the Attitudes of Nursing Students to Simulation-Based Learning scale to be used to explore the nursing students' attitudes related to simulation.

Method:
Data were collected online from 217 nursing students at a U.S. college of nursing and health from February to May 2015. Item analysis and exploratory factor analysis were performed.

Results:
The results showed that the 17-item scale consisted of two factors: clinical competency and effectiveness of the simulation-based learning. The Cronbach's alpha reliability of the scale was .91 and .90 for factor one and .70 for factor two.

Conclusion:

The new scale can be used to measure nursing students' attitudes toward simulation. [
J Nurs Educ.
2017;56(8):471–476.]
Flaws of Multiple Choice Questions in Teacher-Constructed Nursing Examinations: A Pilot Descriptive Study
Authors: Hijji Belal Mahmoud 
Published: August 2017

Background:
In many middle eastern universities, English is the medium of instruction and testing. As nurse educators construct multiple choice questions (MCQs), it is essential that items are developed to be valid and reliable to assess student learning.

Method:
This study examined the structure of 98 MCQs included in nursing examinations at three middle eastern universities using a checklist composed of 22 literature-based principles.

Results:
Ninety MCQs (91.8%) experienced one or more item-writing flaws. Examples of these included linguistic errors, various problems with the stem, and answer options. Of importance, most faculty did not use item analysis to assess the integrity of the examinations.

Conclusion:

Results confirm concerns about the standards faculty use for test construction and item analysis. Universities must ensure that the faculty they hired are fluent in English. Faculty would also benefit from workshops that focus on test construction and the use of item analysis. [
J Nurs Educ.
2017;56(8):490–496.]
Repeatability, Reproducibility, and Agreement of Two Scheimpflug-Placido Anterior Corneal Analyzers for Posterior Corneal Surface Measurement
Authors: Bao Fangjun , Savini Giacomo , Shu Bao , Zhu Senmiao , Gao Rongrong , Dang Guanxin , Yu Ayong , Wang Qinmei , Huang Jinhai 
Published: August 2017

PURPOSE:
To evaluate the intraoperator repeatability and interoperator reproducibility of two Scheimpflug-Placido anterior corneal analyzers (Sirius; Costruzione Strumenti Oftalmici, Florence, Italy, and TMS-5; Tomey, Nagoya, Japan) for the measurement of posterior corneal surface in normal eyes and the agreement between the two devices.

METHODS:
The current prospective study investigated 55 right eyes of 55 healthy patients in a random order. The posterior steep keratometry (Ks), flat keratometry (Kf), mean keratometry (Km), and astigmatism were randomly measured by two independent experienced operators using the Sirius and TMS-5 Scheimpflug-Placido systems. Three consecutive measurements were obtained. Vector analysis was used for astigmatism. To assess intraoperator repeatability and interoperator reproducibility, within-subject standard deviation (Sw) and test–retest repeatability (TRT, 2.77 Sw) were calculated. The Bland–Altman plots and 95% limits of agreement (LoA) were used to evaluate the agreement between the two systems.

RESULTS:
In the Sirius Scheimpflug-Placido system, the Sw and TRT of keratometry and astigmatism were less than 0.04 and 0.12 diopters (D), respectively. The interoperator Sw and TRT were less than 0.03 and 0.07 D, respectively. In the TMS-5 Scheimpflug-Placido system, the intraoperator Sw and TRT did not exceed 0.03 and 0.08 D, respectively. The interoperator Sw and TRT were no greater than 0.02 and 0.05 D, respectively. All parameters showed minor fluctuations in the 95% LoA.

CONCLUSIONS:
Both Scheimpflug-Placido systems show high repeatability and reproducibility for posterior corneal surface measurement. A high concordance between the two devices suggests interchangeable use in normal eyes.

[
J Refract Surg.
2017;33(8):524–530.]
Planning for Coupling Effects in Bitoric Mixed Astigmatism Ablative Treatments
Authors: Alpins Noel , Ong James K. Y. , Stamatelatos George 
Published: August 2017

PURPOSE:
To demonstrate how to determine the historical coupling adjustments of bitoric mixed astigmatism ablative treatments and how to use these historical coupling adjustments to adjust future bitoric treatments.

METHODS:
The individual coupling adjustments of the myopic and hyperopic cylindrical components of a bitoric treatment were derived empirically from a retrospective study where the theoretical combined treatment effect on spherical equivalent was compared to the actual change in refractive spherical equivalent. The coupling adjustments that provided the best fit in both mean and standard deviation were determined to be the historical coupling adjustments. Theoretical treatments that incorporated the historical coupling adjustments were then calculated. The actual distribution of postoperative spherical equivalent errors was compared to the theoretically adjusted distribution.

RESULTS:
The study group comprised 242 eyes and included 118 virgin right eyes and 124 virgin left eyes of 155 individuals. For the laser used, the myopic coupling adjustment was −0.02 and the hyperopic coupling adjustment was 0.30, as derived by global nonlinear optimization. This implies that almost no adjustment of the myopic component of the bitoric treatment is necessary, but that the hyperopic component of the bitoric treatment generates a large amount of unintended spherical shift. The theoretically adjusted treatments targeted zero mean spherical equivalent error, as intended, and the distribution of the theoretical spherical equivalent errors had the same spread as the distribution of actual postoperative spherical equivalent errors.

CONCLUSIONS:
Bitoric mixed astigmatism ablative treatments may display non-trivial coupling effects. Historical coupling adjustments should be taken into consideration when planning mixed astigmatism treatments to improve surgical outcomes.

[
J Refract Surg.
2017;33(8):545–551.]
Outcomes of Toric Iris-Claw Phakic Intraocular Lens Implantation After Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty for Keratoconus
Authors: Tiveron Mauro C. , Alió del Barrio Jorge L. , Kara-Junior Newton , Plaza-Puche Ana Belén , Abu-Mustafa Sabat K. , Zein Ghassan , Alió Jorge L. 
Published: August 2017

PURPOSE:
To assess visual and refractive outcomes of toric iris-claw phakic intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in patients who had previously undergone deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK).

METHODS:
Retrospective case series including 24 eyes of 24 patients implanted with toric Artiflex or Artisan (Ophtec BV, Groningen, Holland) phakic IOL following DALK for keratoconus. During a 12-month follow-up, the main outcome measures were uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuities (UDVA and CDVA), refractive error components, topographic parameters, and endothelial cell count. Alpins vectorial analysis was performed.

RESULTS:

At the last follow-up, the spherical equivalent (SE) was within ±0.50 diopters (D) in 71% of eyes and within ±1.00 D in 92% of eyes. Mean refractive astigmatism was reduced from −4.92 ± 1.55 D (range: −2.50 to −8.00 D) preoperatively to −0.66 ± 0.61 D (range: −2.00 to 0.00 D) after treatment, and 76.5% of cases were within ±1.00 D. No significant differences (
P
= .123) were detected in spherical equivalent values between 3- and 12-month follow-up visits. No eyes lost lines in CDVA, and 54% of eyes gained one or more lines. Postoperative UDVA was 20/40 or better in 88% of eyes. Efficacy and safety indexes at 12 months were 0.93 and 1.00, respectively. Mean endothelial cell loss was 6.10% at 12 months postoperatively. No intraoperative or postoperative complications were noted over the follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONS:
The implantation of a toric iris-claw phakic IOL has shown high efficacy and safety in this series and may be considered as a reasonable option for the management of refractive errors after DALK.

[
J Refract Surg.
2017;33(8):538–544.]
Validity of the Digital Inclinometer and iPhone When Measuring Thoracic Spine Rotation
Authors: Bucke Jonathan , Spencer Simon , Fawcett Louise , Sonvico Lawrence , Rushton Alison , Heneghan Nicola R. 
Published: August 2017

Context:
Spinal axial rotation is required for many functional and sporting activities. Eighty percent of axial rotation occurs in the thoracic spine. Existing measures of thoracic spine rotation commonly involve laboratory equipment, use a seated position, and include lumbar motion. A simple performance-based outcome measure would allow clinicians to evaluate isolated thoracic spine rotation. Currently, no valid measure exists.

Objective:
To explore the criterion and concurrent validity of a digital inclinometer (DI) and iPhone Clinometer app (iPhone) for measuring thoracic spine rotation using the heel-sit position.

Design:
Controlled laboratory study.

Setting:
University laboratory.

Patients or Other Participants:
A total of 23 asymptomatic healthy participants (14 men, 9 women; age = 25.82 ± 4.28 years, height = 170.26 ± 8.01 cm, mass = 67.50 ± 9.46 kg, body mass index = 23.26 ± 2.79) were recruited from a student population.

Main Outcome Measure(s):
We took DI and iPhone measurements of thoracic spine rotation in the heel-sit position concurrently with dual-motion analysis (laboratory measure) and ultrasound imaging of the underlying bony tissue motion (reference standard). To determine the criterion and concurrent validity, we used the Pearson product moment correlation coefficient (r, 2 tailed) and Bland-Altman plots.

Results:
The DI (r = 0.88, P &lt; .001) and iPhone (r = 0.88, P &lt; .001) demonstrated strong criterion validity. Both also had strong concurrent validity (r = 0.98, P &lt; .001). Bland-Altman plots illustrated mean differences of 5.82° (95% confidence interval [CI] = 20.37°, −8.73°) and 4.94° (95% CI = 19.23°, −9.35°) between the DI and iPhone, respectively, and the reference standard and 0.87° (95% CI = 6.79°, −5.05°) between the DI and iPhone.

Conclusions:
The DI and iPhone provided valid measures of thoracic spine rotation in the heel-sit position. Both can be used in clinical practice to assess thoracic spine rotation, which may be valuable when evaluating thoracic dysfunction.
Assessing Residents' Competency at Baseline: How Much Does the Medical School Matter?
Authors: Gollehon Nathan S. , Stansfield R. Brent , Gruppen Larry D. , Colletti Lisa , Haftel Hilary , Woolliscroft James O. , Lypson Monica L. 
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACT

Background
Although there is some consensus about the competencies needed to enter residency, the actual skills of graduating medical students may not meet expectations. In addition, little is known about the association between undergraduate medical education and clinical performance at entry into and during residency.

Objective
We explored the association between medical school of origin and clinical performance using a multi-station objective structured clinical examination for incoming residents at the University of Michigan Health System.

Methods
Prior to assuming clinical duties, all first-year residents at the University of Michigan Health System participate in the Postgraduate Orientation Assessment (POA). This assesses competencies needed during the first months of residency. Performance data for 1795 residents were collected between 2002 and 2012. We estimated POA variance by medical school using linear mixed models.

Results
Medical school predicted the following amounts of variance in performance—data gathering scores: 1.67% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.36–2.93); assessment scores: 4.93% (95% CI 1.84–6.00); teamwork scores: 0.80% (95% CI 0.00–1.82); communication scores: 2.37% (95% CI 0.66–3.83); and overall POA scores: 4.19% (95% CI 1.59–5.35).

Conclusions
The results show that residents' medical school of origin is weakly associated with clinical competency, highlighting a potential source of variability in undergraduate medical education. The practical significance of these findings needs further evaluation.
Invited review: Further progress is needed in procedures for the biological evaluation of dietary protein quality in pig and poultry feeds
Authors: Liebert Frank 
Published: August 2017

Abstract. Recently, biological procedures for feed protein evaluation in pig and poultry diets have been based on the amino acid composition of feed ingredients considering the animal's losses during processes of digestion or total protein utilization in a different manner. Such a development towards individual amino acids (AAs) was inevitable according to the disadvantage of traditional protein quality measures, like biological value (BV) or net protein utilization (NPU), to be non-additive in complex animal diets. In consequence, such measures are generally not suitable for predicting the final protein quality of protein mixtures from the individual protein value of feed ingredients. Otherwise, recent measures of AA disappearance from the small intestine up to the end of the ileum (ileal AA digestibility) also do not provide a true reflection of the biological availability of individual feed AAs independent of the extent of taking into account endogenous AA losses during digestion processes. Sophisticated procedures for protein evaluation are needed considering the AA losses, both during absorption and utilization after absorption. Advantages and limitations of important developments in procedures are discussed. Accordingly, the development of an exponential modelling approach is described (the Göttingen approach), which overcomes some of the traditional disadvantages by measuring the individual AA efficiency. Connecting feed protein evaluation, the modelling of quantitative AA requirements, and improved ideal protein concepts offers different fields of application. In addition, as demonstrated by example, the modelling of nitrogen losses per unit protein deposition and the minimizing of this parameter yields a further interesting tool for lowering the nitrogen burden from protein utilization processes. Finally, it is pointed out that traditional laboratory procedures also need to be updated, adapted to current knowledge, and validated according to the increasing hurdles for animal studies from the viewpoint of animal welfare. Modelling is a procedure with the potential to reduce the number of experimental animals significantly. This development needs more attention, higher acceptance, and wider application in the future of protein evaluation.
Friedrich Robert Helmert, founder of modern geodesy, on the occasion of the centenary of his death
Authors: Ihde Johannes , Reinhold Andreas 
Published: August 2017

Abstract. Friedrich Robert Helmert died in Potsdam in 1917 at the age of 74 after serving for over 30 years as director of the Royal Prussian Geodetic Institute and of the Central Bureau of the Internationale Erdmessung, the forerunner of today's International Association of Geodesy. He dedicated his life and his scientific career to the field of geodesy. His teachings on theoretical and physical geodesy were incorporated into university curricula around the world and hence into international endeavours to measure planet Earth. The purpose of this article is to illustrate the impact he has had on the development of modern geodesy and on the related sciences.