bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Function Evaluation of Asphalt Mixture with Industrially Produced BOF Slag Aggregate
Authors: Zhao Meiling , Wu Shaopeng , Chen Zongwu , Li Chao 
Published: June 2016

Background Laboratory research suggested that basic oxygen furnace (BOF) slag-based asphalt mixture was a functional material. However, the BOF slag aggregate's quality was difficult to control when it was heavily used in entity engineering. Aims The primary objective of this research was to evaluate the functional performances of asphalt mixture containing BOF slag coarse aggregate (BSCA), which was from an industrialized production line. Methods Limestone mixture was a control group. The Marshall method was first adopted to design asphalt mixtures. The performances of limestone asphalt mixture and BOF slag asphalt mixture including fatigue failure resistance and moisture stability were then evaluated and compared. Results Results showed that the asphalt mixture containing BSCA possessed better durability, which meant the quality of BSCA from industrialized production lines was well controlled and this BSCA can be heavily used in entity engineering.
Preoperative Vessel Mapping in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients - a Center Experience
Authors: Barreto Patrícia , Almeida Paulo , de Matos Norton , Queirós José Alexandre , Pinheiro Joaquim , Silva Fernanda , Carvalho Telmo , Almeida Rui , Cabrita António 
Published: June 2016

Purpose Hemodialysis (HD) is the main treatment modality in stage 5 chronic kidney disease, and vascular access planning is a crucial step in the path to dialysis treatment. Beyond detailed patient history and physical examination, duplex ultrasound (DU) evaluation is essential in preoperative vascular mapping. Methods A retrospective descriptive nonrandomized study was performed and included 108 end-stage kidney disease patients referred from eight HD centers to be assessed for creation of an arteriovenous (AV) access (AV fistula or AV graft). We assessed primary failure, primary unassisted patency (PP) and primary assisted patency (PAP) rates and cumulative survival of AV accesses at 6 and 12 months. Results We created 86 AV accesses of which 79 (91.9%) were AV fistulas (AVFs) (29 distal AVFs, 49 proximal AVFs and 1 femorofemoral AVF) and 7 (8.1%) arteriovenous grafts (AVGs). Fifteen percent (15%) (n = 12) of primary failure occurred in the AVF group. Any case of primary failure was observed between AVGs. In the AVF group, PP at 6 months was 63.8% and at 12 months was 48.3%, PAP was 80.7% at 6 and 12 months. PP excluding primary failures was 73.0% and 55.3% at 6 and 12 months, respectively. The cumulative survival at 6 and 12 months was 80.7%. In the AVG group, PP at 6 months and 12 months was 66.7%, PAP and cumulative survival at 6 and 12 months were of 100%. Conclusions This study demonstrates that preoperative vascular mapping with a patient-centered approach may be critical to achieve good outcomes allowing the increase in AVF access.
Hemodialysis Patients' Satisfaction and Perspectives on Complications associated with Vascular Access Related Interventions: Are We Listening?
Authors: Kosa Sarah D. , Bhola Cynthia , Lok Charmaine E. 
Published: June 2016

Purpose To understand the patient's perspective on complications associated with vascular access-related interventions. Methods A multi-stage comprehensive questionnaire of over 150 items was administered to 140 in-center hemodialysis patients in a large, Toronto-based academic-based facility from May 1, 2011 until July 1, 2014. The questionnaire was divided into three domains: physical complications, disruption to routine, and infection. For each of the 12 prespecified vascular access interventions, there were 9 items about the associated complications. The level of bother associated with complications was measured using a 5-point Likert scale. Results The mean Likert value (5 = extremely bothered) for the physical complications domain was highest for grafts at 1.92, followed closely by fistulas at 1.87, and catheters at 1.56. The mean Likert value for the “disruption of routine” domain was highest for catheters at 1.44, followed by grafts at 1.37, and fistulas at 1.33. For infectious complications of all vascular access-related interventions the mean Likert value was highest at 1.76 for catheters as compared to fistulas at 1.23 and grafts at 1.22. Conclusions For hemodialysis patients, the physical complications associated with needle cannulation of fistulas and grafts are a major source of dissatisfaction, while infectious complications, including catheter-related infections, are not a significant source of their concerns. Future research should focus on developing methods to effectively: (i) reduce the fear and pain associated with cannulation and (ii) educate patients about the risks associated with vascular access-related infection.
Dilator-assisted Banding and Beyond: Proposing an Algorithm for Managing Dialysis Access-associated Steal Syndrome
Authors: Wang Shouwen , Asif Arif , Jennings William C. 
Published: June 2016

Purpose Dialysis access-associated steal syndrome (DASS) is a major complication of arteriovenous hemodialysis accesses. Although its underlying pathology is diverse, it is most often associated with excessive access flow. Dilator-assisted banding (DAB) is a simple flow-reduction technique that we described previously. This report is to illustrate the expansion of DAB and analyze the outcome of DAB in managing DASS. Methods From February 2011 to April 2015, 30 patients underwent DAB for DASS. Their relevant clinical data were retrospectively reviewed or prospectively collected, and further analyzed statistically. Results Of the 30 patients, 23 had an arteriogram and 3 required angioplasty ± stent placement for inflow artery stenosis. Besides intraluminal DAB (12/30), this report also included extraluminal DAB (14/30) and open fistula reduction plus DAB (4/30). After DAB, the severity scores of DASS were reduced from 2.8 ± 0.4 to 0.2 ± 0.4 for the fistula group (n = 24, p<0.001) and from 3.0 ± 0.0 to 1.2 ± 1.2 for the graft group (n = 6, p = 0.041). DAB was effective in all but two graft patients who subsequently underwent proximalization of arterial inflow (PAI) that resulted in resolution of DASS. During follow-up of 18.7 ± 14.5 months (range 1-50), all accesses remained functional. At 24-months post-DAB, the primary patency, primary-assisted patency and secondary patency rates of the fistula group were 72%, 91% and 100%, respectively. Conclusions DAB is a simple, effective and versatile approach for managing DASS. PAI may be employed for rescue or as primary choice when banding is ineffective. Based on our data and the literature, an algorithm is proposed for managing DASS.
Prospective Evaluation of the Learning Curve for Ultrasound-guided Peripheral Intravenous Catheter Placement
Authors: Stolz Lori A. , Cappa Anthony R. , Minckler Michael R. , Stolz Uwe , Wyatt Ryan G. , Binger Carl W. , Amini Richard , Adhikari Srikar 
Published: June 2016

Introduction It is unclear how many ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous catheters (USG PIVC) one must place to become proficient at the procedure. The objective of this study was to determine the learning curve associated with PIVC placement and determine how many attempts are required for non-physician learners to reach proficiency. Methods This is a prospective observational study. Emergency department (ED) nurses and paramedics with competence in traditional PIVC placement underwent a USG PIVC placement training program. Their success or failure in placing USG PIVCs as part of patient care on ED patients with difficult IV access was monitored. Number of attempts (defined as one skin puncture) was recorded and success was defined as the ability to aspirate blood and flush saline. The probability of success over time was analyzed. Proficiency was defined a priori as 70% probability of success. Results Thirty-three providers with 1077 PIV access attempts on 796 patients over 1000 unique patient ED encounters were included in the study. Overall success rate for all providers was 88.24% (86.3%-90.2%). LOcally WEighted Scatter-plot Smoother (Lowess) smoothing and mixed effects logistic regression analysis both determined that a learner's probability of success would be greater than 70% after four USG PIVCs have been placed. Post hoc analysis for a more stringent 88% success rate resulted in 15 and 26 required attempts, respectively. Discussion After placement of four USG PIVCs, new learners of the procedure are capable of a greater than 70% success rate. A success rate of greater than 88% is achieved after 15 to 26 attempts.
Novel Endovascular Technique for Removal of Adherent PICC
Authors: Le Julie , Grigorian Areg , Chen Samuel , Kuo Isabella J. , Fujitani Roy M. , Kabutey Nii-Kabu 
Published: June 2016

Introduction Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are a popular alternative to central venous lines. PICCs can provide reliable long-term access for intravenous fluids, antibiotics and total parenteral nutrition. Multiple factors can contribute to difficult PICC removal including adherent fibrin and thrombus formation around the catheter. We discuss a novel endovascular retrieval technique to remove tightly adherent PICCs. Case presentation A 42-year-old male with history of chronic pancreatitis requiring intravenous pain medications, presented with right upper extremity single lumen PICC that could not be removed by standard techniques. The PICC line had been in place for approximately three years and was no longer functioning appropriately. Ultrasonography demonstrated thrombus alongside the length of the PICC. Results In order to remove the PICC we utilized a novel endovascular technique. A 0.018” mandril wire was passed through the lumen of the PICC. Next, a puncture alongside the PICC was performed to place a 6 French (Fr) sheath. A snare was then maneuvered through the sheath and used to capture the tip of the mandril wire. The snare, mandril wire and PICC where withdrawn in unison, looping the PICC tip within the basilic vein. The tip of the PICC was positioned near the antecubital fossa. A small incision was performed to capture the tip of the PICC to remove the catheter. Discussion Tightly adherent PICCs can result after prolonged intraluminal dwell times. We describe a novel endovascular technique that can be utilized for safe and successful removal of difficult embedded PICCs.
Segurança no cuidado em cirurgias: onde estamos?
Authors: Grazziano Eliane da Silva 
Published: June 2016

A temática sobre a segurança em cirurgia surgiu como meta do segundo desafio global lançado pela Aliança Mundial para a Segurança do Paciente, da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS), entre 2007 e 2008, tendo como marco a campanha “Cirurgia Segura Salva Vidas”. Tal campanha teve como objetivo estimular os gestores de instituições hospitalares, bem como os profissionais de saúde, a mobilizarem esforços no sentido de elencar um padrão de práticas que: promovesse a segurança em cirurgia, fosse aplicável em qualquer parte do mundo e em diferentes cenários cirúrgicos, permitisse a mensuração de indicadores visando a promoção de vigilância epidemiológica. Desses esforços surgiram protocolos assistenciais e listas de verificação cirúrgica aplicáveis no intraoperatório. A lista de verificação mais conhecida é o Time Out, e sua utilização é um dos requisitos de várias instituições acreditadoras, dentre elas a The Joint Commission, que criou o seu protocolo universal. Os resultados satisfatórios da aplicação do Time Out são inegáveis e a cada dia mais profissionais de saúde envolvidos com o cenário cirúrgico estão mudando de hábito e “parando” para responder ao checklist e confirmar se aquele paciente a ser submetido a uma cirurgia é o paciente certo, se o procedimento a ser realizado é o correto, se o sítio cirúrgico a ser abordado é o correto, dentre outras importantes informações. Porém, outras atividades relacionadas ao procedimento anestésico cirúrgico, mas que não ocorrem no momento de início da cirurgia, são de suma importância para a promoção da segurança do paciente e devem ser valoradas. Podemos citar o gerenciamento da limpeza ambiental, a gestão de custos, o adequado processamento dos artigos de assistência à saúde, o dimensionamento adequado de pessoal no bloco cirúrgico, a capacitação permanente da equipe de enfermagem diante das novas tecnologias, a assistência de enfermagem na recuperação anestésica e a comunicação entre as equipes. Embora o desafio global “Cirurgia Segura Salva Vidas” tenha sido lançado há oito anos, percebe-se que ainda há um longo caminho a percorrer na promoção da segurança em cirurgia e, mais do que o preenchimento do checklist, os profissionais envolvidos com o ato anestésico-cirúrgico devem resgatar as origens de sua formação humanística e ética. Essa é uma tarefa de todos os envolvidos no processo: profissionais, educadores, pesquisadores, pacientes e gestores. Sugiro um questionamento simples, para verificar o quanto estamos colaborando para esse processo: “caso eu necessite de um procedimento anestésico-cirúrgico, o quanto me sentiria seguro em ser submetido a uma cirurgia em meu próprio local de trabalho?”.Profa. Dra. Eliane da Silva Grazziano Professora adjunta do Departamento de Enfermagem da UFSCar, São Paulo (SP), Brasil
The Role of Natural Contradictions in Creation of Good and Evil Beliefs
Authors: Dadvar Abolghasem , Rouzbahani Roya 
Published: June 2016

<p>Natural elements play significant role in Iranian legends. Water, mountain, earth, sky, sun, moon, stars, wind, plants, animals, rain, and fire are among natural effective and mythopoeic forces. Generally, structure of Iranian myths is a kind of believe to dichotomy in nature, in human and in contradictory forces available in the world. One of the most important aspects of this contradiction is continuous battle between good and evil. Since Iran with diverse natural geography is the land of great conflicts, main issue in this research is determining the role of natural conflicts in creating good and evil beliefs in Iranian myths. In this study, data are gathered using documentary sources and research method is comparative, descriptive, and qualitative analyses. There is natural contradiction in every land in nature and natural geography. Results indicate that among different causes that lead to formation of myths, nature and its available conflicts have great role in creation of such beliefs. <strong></strong></p>
Analysis of Citrinin in Cereals, Red Yeast Rice Dietary Supplement, and Animal Feed by Immunoaffinity Column Cleanup and LC with Fluorescence Detection
Authors: Marley Elaine , Brown Phyllis , Leeman Dave , Donnelly Carol 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
The analysis of citrinin in various cereals (wheat, oats, maize, rice, and rye and multigrain breakfast cereal), red yeast rice (dietary supplement and traditional medicine), distillers dried grain with solubles, and barley (animal feed) was carried out using a citrinin immunoaffinity column (IAC) for sample cleanup before LC analysis with fluorescence detection (LC-fluorescence). To establish method performance characteristics, wheat was spiked with citrinin at levels of 10–200 μg/kg, whereas red yeast rice was spiked at levels of 100–3000 μg/kg. Methanol–water (75 + 25, v/v) was used for the extraction of cereals and animal feed, and extraction was with 100% methanol for red yeast rice. Cleanup used a commercial citrinin IAC, followed by LC-fluorescence (λex, 330 nm; λem, 500 nm). Recoveries ranged from 80 to 110%, with r from 0.7 to 4.3%. The LOQ for citrinin in both wheat and red yeast rice was 10 μg/kg, with an LOD of 3 μg/kg. Satisfactory performance was demonstrated in a proficiency testing exercise for a sample of maize contaminated with both citrinin and ochratoxin A. It was concluded that the commercial citrinin IAC was capable of providing an efficient and effective cleanup of complex food and feed matrixes to enable citrinin to be reliably determined with the specific LC-fluorescence system used.
Improved n-channel Ge gate stack performance using HfAlO high-k dielectric for various Al concentrations
Authors: Kothari Shraddha , Joishi Chandan , Ghosh Sayantan , Biswas Dipankar , Vaidya Dhirendra , Ganguly Swaroop , Lodha Saurabh 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
We demonstrate improved Ge n-channel gate stack performance versus HfO2 using HfAlO high-k dielectric for a wide (1.5–33%) range of Al% and post-high-k-deposition annealing (PDA) at 400 °C. Addition of Al to HfO2 is shown to mitigate degradation of the GeO2/Ge interface during PDA. HfAlO stacks with an equivalent oxide thickness (EOT) of 8 nm and large Al% exhibit improved transistor mobility (1.8 times higher) and midgap D
it (2 times lower), whereas thin (1.9 nm) EOT HfAlO stacks show reduced gate leakage J
g (by 10 times) and D
it (by 1.5 times) and 1.6 times higher mobility for Al% as low as 1.5% at matched EOT.
Oil-in-water emulsion as fabrication platform for uniform plasmon-controlled two-dimensional metallic nanoparticle array
Authors: Kagawa Ryusuke , Takeyasu Nobuyuki , Kaneta Takashi , Takemoto Yoshito 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
Gold/silver nanoparticles were trapped at the oil/water interface of oil droplets dispersed in water. The metallic nanoparticles were self-assembled into a uniform two-dimensional large array structure through the aggregation and coalescence of the nanoparticle-covered oil droplets. The plasmon resonance of the array structure was tunable and a surface-enhanced Raman scattering measurement was performed with the silver nanoparticle array. The enhancement factor was ∼105 and enhanced Raman signals were observed over the whole array (

) with high reproducibility, which is an advantage of a self-assembly method using a liquid/liquid interface.
Magnetic activity of surface plasmon resonance using dielectric magnetic materials fabricated on quartz glass substrate
Authors: Narushima Kazuki , Ashizawa Yoshito , Brachwitz Kerstin , Hochmuth Holger , Lorenz Michael , Grundmann Marius , Nakagawa Katsuji 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
The magnetic activity of surface plasmons in Au/MFe2O4 (M = Ni, Co, and Zn) polycrystalline bilayer films fabricated on a quartz glass substrate was studied for future magnetic sensor applications using surface plasmon resonance. The excitation of surface plasmons and their magnetic activity were observed in all investigated Au/MFe2O4 films. The magnetic activity of surface plasmons of the polycrystalline Au/NiFe2O4 film was larger than those of the other polycrystalline Au/MFe2O4 films, the epitaxial NiFe2O4 film, and metallic films. The large magnetic activity of surface plasmons of the polycrystalline film is controlled by manipulating surface plasmon excitation conditions and magnetic properties.
Interrater reliability of quantitative ultrasound using force feedback among examiners with varied levels of experience
Authors: Harris-Love Michael O. , Ismail Catheeja , Monfaredi Reza , Hernandez Haniel J. , Pennington Donte , Woletz Paula , McIntosh Valerie , Adams Bernadette , Blackman Marc R. 
Published: June 2016

Background.Quantitative ultrasound measures are influenced by multiple external factors including examiner scanning force. Force feedback may foster the acquisition of reliable morphometry measures under a variety of scanning conditions. The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability of force-feedback image acquisition and morphometry over a range of examiner-generated forces using a muscle tissue-mimicking ultrasound phantom.Methods.Sixty material thickness measures were acquired from a muscle tissue mimicking phantom using B-mode ultrasound scanning by six examiners with varied experience levels (i.e., experienced, intermediate, and novice). Estimates of interrater reliability and measurement error with force feedback scanning were determined for the examiners. In addition, criterion-based reliability was determined using material deformation values across a range of examiner scanning forces (1–10 Newtons) via automated and manually acquired image capture methods using force feedback.Results.All examiners demonstrated acceptable interrater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient, ICC = .98,p< .001) for material thickness measures obtained using force feedback. Individual examiners exhibited acceptable reliability with the criterion-based reference measures (ICC > .90,p< .001), independent of their level of experience. The measurement error among all examiners was 1.5%–2.9% across all applied stress conditions.Conclusion.Manual image capture with force feedback may aid the reliability of morphometry measures across a range of examiner scanning forces, and allow for consistent performance among examiners with differing levels of experience.
Applications of detrital geochronology and thermochronology from glacial deposits to the Paleozoic and Mesozoic thermal history of the Ross Embayment, Antarctica
Authors: Welke Bethany , Licht Kathy , Hennessy Andrea , Hemming Sidney , Pierce Davis Elizabeth , Kassab Christine 
Published: June 2016

AbstractTill from moraines at the heads of six major outlet glaciers in the Transantarctic Mountains (TAM) and from till beneath three West Antarctic ice streams have a ubiquitous zircon U‐Pb age population spanning the time of the Ross/Pan‐African Orogenies (610–475 Ma). Geochronology and thermochronology of detrital minerals in these Antarctic glacial tills reveal two different thermal histories for the central and southern TAM. Double‐dating of the zircons reveals a geographically widespread (U‐Th)/He (ZHe) population of 180–130 Ma in most of the till samples. Sandstone outcrops at Shackleton Glacier, and three Beacon Supergroup sandstone clasts from three moraines, have ZHe ages that fall entirely within this range. The similar population and proximity of many of the till samples to Beacon outcrops lead us to suggest that this extensive ZHe population in the tills is derived from Beacon Supergroup rocks and reflects the thermal response of the Beacon Basin to the breakup of Gondwana. A second population of older (>200 Ma) ZHe ages in tills at the head of Byrd, Nimrod, and Reedy Glaciers. For the tills at the head of the Nimrod and Byrd Glaciers, integrating the double‐dated zircon results with 40Ar/39Ar of hornblende, muscovite and biotite, and U‐Pb and (U‐Th‐Sm)/He double‐dates on apatite yields a typical pattern of early rapid orogenic cooling (∼4–10°C/Myr) 590–475 Ma after the emplacement of the Granite Harbour Intrusives. Low temperature thermochronometers at these sites yield variable but quite old ages (ZHe 480–70 Ma and AHe 200–70 Ma) that require a long history at low temperature.