Atomically synergistic Zn-Cr catalyst for iso-stoichiometric co-conversion of ethane and CO2 to ethylene and CO.

Developing atomically synergistic bifunctional catalysts relies on the creation of colocalized active atoms to facilitate distinct elementary steps in catalytic cycles. Herein, we show that the atomically-synergistic binuclear-site catalyst (ABC) consisting of [Formula: see text]-O-Cr6+ on zeolite SSZ-13 displays unique catalytic properties for iso-stoichiometric co-conversion of ethane and CO2. Ethylene selectivity and utilization of converted CO2 can reach 100 % and 99.0% under 500 °C at ethane conversion of 9.6%, respectively. In-situ/ex-situ spectroscopic studies and DFT calculations reveal atomic synergies between acidic Zn and redox Cr sites. [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text]) sites facilitate ß-C-H bond cleavage in ethane and the formation of Zn-Hδ- hydride, thereby the enhanced basicity promotes CO2 adsorption/activation and prevents ethane C-C bond scission. The redox Cr site accelerates CO2 dissociation by replenishing lattice oxygen and facilitates H2O formation/desorption. This study presents the advantages of the ABC concept, paving the way for the rational design of novel advanced catalysts.

An exploratory, cross-sectional and multi-institutional study using three instruments to examine student perceptions of interprofessional education.

Interprofessional education (IPE) research needs to expand beyond single site, single event inquiry. Multi-institutional studies increase methodologic rigor and generalizability, advancing the pedagogical science of IPE. Four U.S. institutions used three different validated measures to examine early learner interprofessional outcomes. The three assessment tools included the Communication and Teamwork subscale of the University of West England Entry Level Interprofessional Questionnaire (UWE-ELIQ), the Self-Assessed Collaboration Skills (SACS), and the Interprofessional Teamwork and Team-based Practice factor of the Student Perceptions of Interprofessional Clinical Education-Revised, version 2 (SPICE-R2). Across the four institutions, 659 eligible participants, representing 19 programs completed the pre-survey, and 385 completed the post-survey. The UWE-ELIQ showed a statistically significant difference between the pre- and post-survey overall, but the effect size was small. One institution demonstrated a positive change in scores on the UWE-ELIQ with a small effect size, while the other institutions saw no significant change. Two institutions observed lower post-survey scores on the SPICE-R2. Cumulative results from the study indicated no statistically significant change from pre- to post- in total SACS or SPICE-R2 scores. Additional multi-site longitudinal research is needed to investigate use of validated instruments, as well as the impact of curricula and learning environment on educational outcomes.

Early-learners' expectations of and experience with IPE: A multi-institutional qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Multi-institutional qualitative studies are scarce within the interprofessional education (IPE) literature; such a report would provide comprehensive evidence for the application of interprofessional instruction among earlier learners. OBJECTIVE: This investigation explored students' expectations of and barriers to introductory IPE across four institutions. DESIGN: Qualitative inductive content analysis was utilized to interpret students' narrative responses to assigned pre- and post-survey questions. SETTING: Health science schools of four U.S. institutions at Institution A, Institution B, Institution C, and Institution D. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-two percent (n = 385) of eligible participants completed both pre- and post-surveys. Nursing student participation was greatest (n = 113, 33%), followed by occupational therapy (n = 44, 13%), and physical therapy (n = 36, 10%). All other program participation was <10%. In total, students' narrative comments from 19 degree programs were a part of the data set. METHODS: Responses from one pre-survey question on expectations of introductory IPE and two post-survey questions on IPE benefits and barriers were studied using qualitative inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS: Four themes emerged as IPE learning expectations and benefits: my own professional role, professional role of others, teamwork, and communication. The theme of interacting with peers surfaced as an additional IPE benefit. There were four themes noted as IPE barriers: course logistics, lack of context, course content, and social dynamics. CONCLUSION: This multi-institutional qualitative study adds to the literature by providing empirical evidence regarding early learner perceptions of IPE experiences. Student expectations and benefits of their introductory IPE course/curriculum aligned. Perceived barriers are useful in informing future IPE implementation and research.

Utilizing Shared Expertise Across Contexts to Engage in Multi-institutional Interprofessional Scholarship.

Interprofessional education (IPE) research has grown dramatically, but it has primarily occurred at single institutions/contexts with unique assessment tools. Comparing pedagogical approaches and assessment tools across contexts and learner levels is necessary to advance the educational preparation of "collaborative-ready" health professionals. One common thread through IPE initiatives is a learning experience that introduces students to the basic tenets of professional roles, communication and collaboration. Commonly accepted objectives focus on competencies such as those defined by the Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC). The IPE Research Collaborative (IPE-RC) brings together researchers from four universities that deliver introductory interprofessional learning experiences seeking to leverage this relationship to improve IPE research in support of collaborative person-centered quality healthcare. Donabedian's quality improvement (QI) model provides a framework of structure, process and outcomes for assessing and improving the quality of healthcare. The IPE-RC operationalized the IPEC competencies in their collaboration using Donabedian's QI model. They demonstrate, using a systematic approach that mirrors interprofessional practice, how researchers from multiple institutions can study learning experiences across different contexts and learner levels to inform best practice for an introductory interprofessional learning experience.

Dorsal Block Splinting of Volar Plate Injuries at Neutral Position.

PURPOSE: Volar plate injuries of the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) of a finger are common, often occurring in sporting or workplace incidents. Treatment of a stable dorsal dislocation entails a conservative approach, directed at preventing hyperextension and allowing the ligament to heal in position that does not negatively impact on healing. Current treatment regimens include dorsal block splinting (DBS) in 30° of flexion, which maintains the PIPJ in flexion in order to prevent any strain on the healing tissue while attempting to restore anatomical position. Recognized complications of DBS are flexion deformities of the joint and hyperextensibility. We propose that DBS in neutral position, rather than 30° flexion, reduces hyperextensibility as well as preventing flexion deformities of the PIPJ, allowing sooner return of function and participation in daily activities. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients sustaining volar plate injuries was undertaken. Inclusion criteria involved patients splinted at either 30° or neutral position, both those having undergone surgical or conservative regimens and the joint assessed as stable. Data were collected focusing on the number of hand therapy sessions, the time from injury to discharge, active angles of flexion and extension of the PIPJ, and pain. RESULTS: Over 2 years, 125 patients were treated for volar plate injuries: 20 with DBS at neutral position and 105 DBS at 30°. There were no significant differences in patient demographics. There were fewer hand therapy appointments required for those splinted in neutral position and weeks of hand therapy predischarge. There were no flexion deformities for patients undergoing DBS at neutral position, but no difference in PIPJ extension. There were no differences in hyperextensibility or pain. CONCLUSIONS: Dorsal block splinting at neutral position results in fewer flexion deformities following volar plate injuries of the PIPJ, without resultant hyperextensibility. There are fewer demands on hand therapy. Dorsal block splinting at neutral position may result in better function for patients suffering this injury, with decreased complications and quicker return to daily activities.

Figure of Merit for Carbon Nanotube Photothermoelectric Detectors.

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have emerged as promising materials for visible, infrared, and terahertz photodetectors. Further development of these photodetectors requires a fundamental understanding of the mechanisms that govern their behavior as well as the establishment of figures of merit for technology applications. Recently, a number of CNT detectors have been shown to operate based on the photothermoelectric effect. Here we present a figure of merit for these detectors, which includes the properties of the material and the device. In addition, we use a suite of experimental characterization methods for the thorough analysis of the electrical, thermoelectric, electrothermal, and photothermal properties of the CNT thin-film devices. Our measurements determine the quantities that enter the figure of merit and allow us to establish a path toward future performance improvements.

Attitudes of Australian neonatologists to resuscitation of extremely preterm infants.

AIM: We aimed to investigate how Australian neonatologists made decisions when incompetent patients of different ages needed resuscitation. METHODS: A survey including vignettes of eight incompetent patients requiring resuscitation was sent to 140 neonatologists. Patients ranged from a very preterm infant to 80 years old. While some had existing impairments, all faced risk of death or neurological sequelae. Respondents indicated whether they would resuscitate, whether they believed resuscitation was in the patients' best interests, whether they would want intervention for a family member and whether they would comply with families' wishes to withhold resuscitation. They were also asked how they would rank the eight patients in a triage situation. RESULTS: Seventy-eight per cent of specialists completed the survey. The majority of respondents gave priority to the resuscitation of children over adults. Less than 40% would agree to withhold resuscitation at families' request for all children except for the preterm infant, where 96% would comply with families' wishes to withhold intensive care despite 77% believing resuscitation to be in the infant's best interest. CONCLUSION: This study found inconsistencies between physicians' perceptions of the patient's best interest regarding resuscitation and their willingness to comply with families' wishes to withhold resuscitation and give comfort care. Accepting a family's refusal of resuscitation was more marked for the premature infant, even among respondents who thought that resuscitation was in the patient's best interest. These findings are consistent with other international studies.

Improving compliance with pulse oximetry alarm limits for very preterm infants?

OBJECTIVE: To determine if participation in a randomised controlled trial of different oxygen saturation targets improved compliance with oximeter alarm limit guidelines. DESIGN: Eligible infants were born after the commencement of the BOOST II trial. Data on alarm limits were collected on all infants <32 weeks' gestational age or birth weight <1500 g, who were born at The Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne between February and June 2007, and receiving supplemental oxygen at the time of the audit. The proportions of infants in oxygen with correct alarm limits (upper 94%; lower 85% or 86%) were compared, between those in the BOOST II trial and those who were not, and with an earlier audit. RESULTS: Of 100 infants surveyed, 56 had received oxygen (mean gestational age at birth 26.7 weeks, mean birth weight 913 g). Compliance with lower limits was good in both periods, irrespective of post-menstrual age or participation in the trial. Compliance with upper limits improved after trial commencement, but only for infants enrolled in the trial and only whilst they were <36 weeks' post-menstrual age. CONCLUSIONS: Starting a clinical trial of oxygen targeting was associated with improved compliance with upper alarm limits for participants receiving supplemental oxygen, but only whilst they were <36 weeks; with little effect outside the trial.

Customization of a standard practice management software program to satisfy the needs of a dental hygiene program.

The University of New England (UNE) Dental Hygiene Program converted from a paper format to a digital format to manage the daily, dental hygiene clinic transactions. The use of this practice management software created new opportunities to enhance the program's teaching mission, monitor the progress of individual students, and facilitate the data collection necessary to meet accreditation standards. This report will describe how this dental hygiene program customized a standard practice management software program to enhance the specific requirements of a clinical teaching institution.