bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revised reluctance model of the axial magnetic field intensity within giant magnetostrictive rod
Authors: Guangming Xue , Peilin Zhang , Zhongbo He , Xin Li , Wei Zeng , Yang Chu
Published: March 2016

A theoretical magnetic field intensity model within giant magnetostrictive material was presented. This model was established just like the reluctance model, while could describe the non-uniform distribution flexibly for its integral form. This model employed magnetic circuit theorem calculating the mean of the magnetic field, while used a normalized function describing the distributing character. The distributing function was determined by Biot–Savart law and relative permeability of the material. The model was validated with the help of the experimental device. At last, the fitting degree of the model with the tested results in predicting the performance of the actuator is researched.
A seven-sensor configuration method for testing thermal error of a horizontal machining center with linear optical grating scale
Authors: Sun YP , Wang DL , Dong HM , Yu SD
Published: March 2016

A precision testing method based on a seven-sensor configuration is presented in this paper to quantify thermal errors (drifting, elongation, tilting) of the mandrel cross-section, for an example horizontal machining center with linear optical grating scale. Three tri-axial displacement sensors with 120° spread angles and 36 thermal couples are mounted on judiciously chosen locations to record the temperatures and thermal expansions for various operating conditions. Based on the measurements covering a wide range of spindle locations, environment temperatures, coolant temperature, and spindle rotational speeds, we found that (i) the maximum thermal drifts of the mandrel are 11.3 µm in the x direction with a compensation rate of 62%, and 165.3 µm in the y direction with a compensation rate of 93%, (ii) the maximum thermal tilt of the mandrel is 0.005°, and (iii) the thermal elongation of the mandrel in the z direction, which could not be compensated by the linear optical grating scale, is 51.9 µm. From a correlation study, the thermal elongation of the mandrel is most closely correlated to the temperatures recorded for the thermal couple mounted at the front surface of the spindle bearing with a correlation coefficient of 0.83.
Experimental investigation and multi-objective optimization approach for low-carbon milling operation of aluminum
Authors: Zhang Chaoyang , Li Weidong , Jiang Pingyu , Gu Peihua
Published: March 2016

In the past, milling operations have been mainly considered from the economic and technological perspectives, while the environmental consideration has been becoming highly imperative nowadays. In this study, a systemic optimization approach is presented to identify the Pareto-optimal values of some key process parameters for low-carbon milling operation. The approach consists of the following stages. Firstly, regression models are established to characterize the relationship between milling parameters and several important performance indicators, i.e. material removal rate, carbon emission, and surface roughness. Then, a multi-objective optimization model is further constructed for identifying the optimal process parameters, and a hybrid Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm-II algorithm is proposed to obtain the Pareto frontier of the non-dominated solutions. Based on the Taguchi design method, dry milling experiments on aluminum are performed to verify the proposed regression and optimization models. The experimental results show that a higher spindle speed and feed rate are more advantageous for achieving the performance indicators, and the depth of cut is the most critical process parameter because the increase of the depth of cut results in the decrease of the specific carbon emission but the increase of the material removal rate and surface roughness. Finally, based on the regression models and the optimization approach, an online platform is developed to obtain in-process information of energy consumption and carbon emission for real-time decision making, and a simulation case is conducted in three different scenarios to verify the proposed approach.
Effect of the fuelling strategy on the combustion and emission characteristics of a gasoline–diesel dual-fuel engine
Authors: Jeon Joonho , Lee Seokhwon , Park Sungwook
Published: March 2016

Since improving the energy efficiency and reducing the air pollution are two of the largest issues in the automobile industry, many researchers have developed various combustion and emission technologies to solve these challenges. Among these various technologies, the gasoline–diesel dual-fuel method is of interest to improve the thermal efficiency and to reduce the emissions in diesel engines. The gasoline allows formation of a premixed fuel–air mixture without early ignition owing to its high evaporation rate and low reactivity. In order to investigate the effect of gasoline on the dual-fuel combustion and emission characteristics, combustion of gasoline–diesel blend fuels was simulated in a compression ignition engine by using the KIVA-3V code. For the multi-fuel simulations, a modified KIVA-3V code with a discrete multi-component model was used to represent the multi-fuel evaporation processes. This study showed that the gasoline in the dual-fuel blend improved the fuel–air mixing process to form homogeneous mixtures for the two different injection strategies: port fuel injection and direct injection of gasoline. In addition, the combustion characteristics of gasoline–diesel blend fuel were discussed by comparing them with those of the conventional diesel fuel. The gasoline in the dual-fuel blend increases the indicated power because of the release of high fuel energy and decreases the soot emissions. In this study, various gasoline-to-diesel ratios and various injection timings were used in order to enhance the understanding of the dual-fuel engine. The present study showed that low emissions and a high indicated power were achieved as the gasoline content is increased up to a certain value. However, an increase in the gasoline content in the dual fuel caused the autoignition and the combustion performance to deteriorate.
An automatic method for detecting sliding railway wheels and hot bearings using thermal imagery
Authors: Deilamsalehy Hanieh , Havens Timothy C , Lautala Pasi , Medici Ezequiel , Davis James
Published: March 2016

One of the most important safety-related tasks in the rail industry is an early detection of defective rolling stock components. Railway wheels and wheel bearings are the two components prone to damages due to their interactions with brakes and railway track, which makes them a high priority when the rail industry investigates improvements in the current detection processes. One of the specific wheel defects is a flat wheel, which is often caused by a sliding wheel during a heavy braking application. The main contribution of this paper is the development of a computer vision method for automatically detecting the sliding wheels from images taken by wayside thermal cameras. As a byproduct, the process will also include a method for detecting hot bearings from the same images. We first discuss our automatic detection and segmentation method, which identifies the wheel and bearing portion of the image. Then, we develop a method, using histogram of oriented gradients to extract the features of these regions. These feature descriptors are later employed by support vector machine to build a fast classifier with a good detection rate, which can detect abnormalities in the wheel. At the end, we train our algorithm using simulated images of sliding wheels and test it on several thermal images collected in a revenue service by the Union Pacific Railroad in North America.
Effects of lowered dialysate sodium on left ventricle function and brain natriuretic peptide in maintenance of hemodialysis patients
Authors: Akyol A , Akdag S , Asker M , Gumrukcuoglu HA , Duz R , Demirel KC , Ozturk F , Yaman M , Sahin M , Simsek H , Tuncer M , Begenik H
Published: March 2016

Introduction:

Impaired diastolic flow is characterized by decreased left ventricular (LV) filling diastole, abnormal LV distensibility, or delayed relaxation. B-Type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is an indicator of various cardiovascular diseases and body volume status. The aim of this study was to determine whether the lowering of dialysate sodium (Na) levels is effective on LV systolic and diastolic parameters and BNP in the maintenance of hemodialysis patients.

Materials and Methods:

The study included 49 chronic hemodialysis patients. Left atrium (LA) diameter and LV ejection fraction, LV systolic and diastolic diameter, deceleration time (DT), pulmonary artery pressure (PAP), inferior vena cava diameter (IVCD), early diastolic transmitral flow ( E) and late diastolic transmitral flow ( A) velocities, E/ A ratio, isovolumic relaxation time, peak early diastolic velocity ( E′), late diastolic velocity ( A′) of tissue Doppler mitral annulus, and flow propagation velocity of mitral inflow ( Vp) were measured before and 6 months after hemodialysis with low Na dialysate.

Results:

Six months after low Na hemodialysis, a decrease was observed in echocardiographic parameters such as PAP and IVCD ( p < 0.05, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively). However, a significant difference was not observed in LA diameter. In LV diastolic measurement of E and A waves, E/ A ratio, DT, Vp, septal E′ and A′, and lateral E′ and A′ exhibited significant improvement by low Na HD. BNP level was significantly reduced ( p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

Lowered dialysate Na concentration improves PAP, IVCD, and LV diastolic properties assessed by mitral inflow filling, tissue Doppler velocity, and mitral inflow velocity propagation.
The effect of tobacco smoke on oxytocin concentrations and selected oxidative stress parameters in plasma during pregnancy and post-partum – an experimental model
Authors: Napierala M , Merritt TA , Mazela J , Jablecka K , Miechowicz I , Marszalek A , Florek E
Published: March 2016

Background:

Tobacco smoking is a serious threat to life and health of society. Among the most vulnerable to the toxic effects of tobacco smoke are foetuses and newborns. The objective of the research was to assess the impact of tobacco smoke exposure on oxytocin levels and biochemical oxidative stress parameters during pregnancy and after birth in an experimental model.

Methods:

In the experiment, exposure to tobacco smoke of gravid and non-gravid rats was monitored. A reliable biomarker of exposure – cotinine – was used in the process and it was determined by means of high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection, which ensured high analytical accuracy and precision. Determination of oxytocin was performed by means of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The levels of selected oxidative stress parameters: total protein concentration, uric acid, trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity, protein S-nitrosylation and lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) were measured by spectrophotometric methods.

Results and conclusions:

The effect of prenatal and postnatal exposure to tobacco smoke was a lower medium body mass of rat foetuses and pups. Oxidative stress during pregnancy, additionally intensified by tobacco smoke exposure, led to adaptive changes in properties of plasmatic antioxidant barriers. Moreover, the disturbance of oxidoreductive balance by tobacco smoke affects oxytocin fluctuations, what was observed in this study during lactation period. Therefore, women who smoke may breastfeed their children less frequently and for a shorter period.
Mesenteric vasculitis after G-CSF administration in a severe neutropenic patient with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Kim Y-G , Kim S-R , Hwang S-H , Jung J-Y , Kim H-A , Suh C-H
Published: March 2016

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is commonly used with neutropenic patients to accelerate recovery. G-CSF is a hematopoietic cytokine that regulates the proliferation and differentiation of neutrophil precursors, and is known as a safe and effective treatment for chemotherapy-induced neutropenia. However, we encountered a case in which a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) developed mesenteric vasculitis after G-CSF administration. The patient was a 36-year-old female admitted with fever, arthralgia, and generalized erythematous rash. Despite symptomatic improvement with a high-dose steroid, severe neutropenia persisted for three weeks, precipitating a decision to use G-CSF to enhance recovery. Mesenteric vasculitis developed 15 hours after administration of G-CSF injection. Because the response of immune cells such as neutrophils and T cells is uncontrolled and dysfunctional in patients with lupus, G-CSF therapy should be used with caution.
A grounded theory of humanistic nursing in acute care work environments
Authors: Khademi Mojgan , Mohammadi Eesa , Vanaki Zohreh
Published: March 2016

Background:

Humanistic nursing practice which is dominated by technological advancement, outcome measurement, reduced resources, and staff shortages is challenging in the present work environment.

Objective:

To examine the main concern in humanistic nursing area and how the way it is solved and resolved by Iranian nurses in acute care setting.

Research design:

Data were collected from interviews and observations in 2009–2011 and analyzed using classic grounded theory. Memos were written during the analysis, and they were sorted once theoretical saturation occurred.

Participants and research context:

In total, 22 nurses, 18 patients, and 12 families from two teaching hospitals in Tehran were selected by purposeful and theoretical sampling.

Ethical considerations:

The research was approved by the Ethics Committee of the university and hospitals.

Results:

The main concern for the nurses is the violation of their rights. They overcome this concern when there is a synergy of situation–education/learning, that is, a positive interaction between education and learning of values and sensitivity of the situation or existence of care promotion elements. They turn to professional values and seeking and meeting others’ needs, resulting in “success and accomplishment” of nurse/nursing manager and patient/family.

Conclusion:

This theory shows that professional values, elements of care promotion, and sensitivity of the situation have a key role in activation of humanistic approach in nursing. Violation of the nurses’ professional rights often leads to a decrease in care, but these factors make the nurses practice in an unsparing response approach. It is necessary to focus on development of professional values and provide essential elements of care promotion as changeable factors for realization of humanistic nursing although there is a context in which the nurses’ rights are violated.
The Complexity of Problem-Solving in Urban Parks
Authors: Payne Troy C. , Reinhard Daniel
Published: March 2016

Urban parks present difficult environments in which to analyze crime and disorder problems. We describe data collection and analysis of a limited evaluation of an intervention meant to reduce crime and disorder in an urban park through increasing park use. The case study uses an urban park in the municipality of Anchorage, AK. The research method took into account differing activity spaces within the small (one-city block) park by dividing the park into a dozen distinct zones based on the built environment and how people used the space. Consistent with prior research, we found that increasing park usage decreased crime and disorder and that disorder was associated with a lack of natural surveillance. Moreover, research shows urban parks are frequently the site used by many groups—parks are contested space.
Using Puppets to Teach Schoolchildren to Detect Stroke and Call 911
Authors: Sharkey Sonya , Denke Linda , Herbert Morley A.
Published: March 2016

To overcome barriers to improved outcomes, we undertook an intervention to teach schoolchildren how to detect a stroke and call emergency medical services (EMS). We obtained permission from parents and guardians to use an 8-min puppet show to instruct the fourth, fifth, and sixth graders about stroke detection, symptomatology, and calling EMS. A pretest and three posttests—one immediately following the presentation, one at 3 months, and a third at 6 months—were administered. Responses from 282 students were evaluable. Significant improvements ( p < .001) in knowledge were found through all posttests in identifying what parts of the body stroke affected and through the first two posttests in recognizing symptoms stroke victims experienced. Students demonstrated at pretest a high awareness of EMS and 911 (97.5%) and showed slight, but not significant, improvement over time.
Prevalence of Antidiabetic and Antilipidemic Medications in Children and Adolescents Treated With Atypical Antipsychotics in a Virginia Medicaid Population
Authors: Varghese Della , Kirkwood Cynthia K. , Carroll Norman V.
Published: March 2016

Background: Atypical antipsychotic use among children and adolescents is a cause for concern secondary to metabolic adverse effects. There have been reports of weight gain, metabolic syndrome, dyslipidemia, glucose abnormalities, and decreased insulin sensitivity in children aged 4 to 19 years using atypical antipsychotics. Objective: To determine the prevalence of antidiabetic and antilipidemic medication use among children and adolescents receiving atypical antipsychotics and to evaluate whether the odds of receiving antidiabetic and antilipidemic medication differs among atypical antipsychotic agents. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study included Virginia Medicaid beneficiaries (2-17 years) continuously enrolled from August 1, 2010, to July 31, 2011. The participants were categorized into atypical antipsychotic exposed and unexposed. The prevalence of antidiabetic and antilipidemic medication use within the groups was computed. Logistic regression was used to calculate the odds of receiving antidiabetic or antilipidemic medication after controlling for age, sex, and race. Results: A total of 299593 and 4922 beneficiaries were identified in unexposed and exposed groups, respectively. The prevalence of antidiabetic medication use was 0.32% in the unexposed and 1.40% in the exposed group ( P < 0.0001). Prevalence of antilipidemic medication use was 0.09% in the unexposed and 0.35% in the exposed group ( P < 0.0001). Risperidone and quetiapine users had lower odds than olanzapine users of receiving antidiabetic medication. No differences between the odds of receiving antilipidemic medication among the different antipsychotics ( P = 0.1653) were observed. Conclusions: Prevalence of antidiabetic and antilipidemic medication use was significantly higher among children and adolescent atypical antipsychotic users in a Virginia Medicaid population.
Long-term Follow-up of a Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Scarf to Chevron Osteotomy in Hallux Valgus Correction
Authors: Jeuken Ralph M. , Schotanus Martijn G. M. , Kort Nanne P. , Deenik Axel , Jong Bob , Hendrickx Roel P. M.
Published: March 2016

Background:

Hallux valgus is one of the most common foot deformities. This long-term follow-up study compared the results of 2 widely used operative treatments for hallux valgus: the scarf and chevron osteotomy.

Methods:

Conventional weight bearing anteroposterior (AP) radiographs of the foot were made for evaluating the intermetatarsal angle and hallux valgus angle. For clinical evaluation, the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) rating system for the hallux metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal scale was used together with physical examination of the foot. These data were compared with the results from the original study. The Short Form 36 questionnaire, the Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ), and a general questionnaire including a visual analog scale (VAS) pain score were used for subjective evaluation. The primary outcome measures were the radiologic recurrence of hallux valgus and reoperation rate of the same toe. Secondary outcome measures were the results from the radiographs and subjective and clinical evaluation. The response rate was 76% at the follow-up of 14 years; in the chevron group, 37 feet were included compared with 36 feet in the scarf group.

Results:

Twenty-eight feet in the chevron group and 27 in the scarf group developed recurrence of hallux valgus ( P = .483). One patient in the scarf group had a reoperation of the same toe compared with none in the chevron group ( P = .314). Current VAS pain scores and results from the SF-36, MOXFQ, and AOFAS did not significantly differ between groups.

Conclusion:

Both techniques showed similar results after 2 years of follow-up. At 14 years of follow-up, neither technique was superior in preventing recurrence.

Level of Evidence:

Level II, randomized controlled trial.
Cardiovascular Safety in Drug Development
Authors: Ruiz-Garcia Juan , Alegria-Barrero Eduardo
Published: March 2016

As drug development becomes a long and demanding process, it might also become a barrier to medical progress. Drug safety concerns are responsible for many of the resources consumed in launching a new drug. Despite the money and time expended on it, a significant number of drugs are withdrawn years or decades after being in the market. Cardiovascular toxicity is one of the major reasons for those late withdrawals, meaning that many patients are exposed to unexpected serious cardiovascular risks. It seems that current methods to assess cardiovascular safety are imperfect, so new approaches to avoid the exposure to those undesirable effects are quite necessary. Endothelial dysfunction is the earliest detectable pathophysiological abnormality, which leads to the development of atherosclerosis, and it is also an independent predictor for major cardiovascular events. Endothelial toxicity might be the culprit of the cardiovascular adverse effects observed with a significant number of drugs. In this article, we suggest the regular inclusion of the best validated and less invasive endothelial function tests in the clinical phases of drug development in order to facilitate the development of drugs with safer cardiovascular profiles.
Safe handling of oral antineoplastic medications: Focus on targeted therapeutics in the home setting
Authors: Cass Yaakov , Connor Thomas H , Tabachnik Alexander
Published: March 2016

Introduction

With the growing number of oral targeted therapies being approved for use in cancer therapy, the potential for long-term administration of these drugs to cancer patients is expanding. The use of these drugs in the home setting has the potential to expose family members and caregivers to them either through direct contact with the drugs or indirectly by exposure to the parent compounds and/or their active metabolites in contaminated patients’ waste.

Methods

A systematic literature review was performed and the known adverse health effect of 32 oral targeted therapeutics is summarized. In particular, the carcinogenicity, genotoxicity, and embryo-fetal toxicity, along with the route of excretion were evaluated.

Results

Carcinogenicity testing has not been performed on most of the oral targeted therapeutics and the genotoxicity data are mixed. However, the majority of these drugs exhibit adverse reproductive effects, some of which are severe. Currently, available data does not permit the possibility of a health hazard from inappropriate handling of drugs and contaminated patients waste to be ignored, especially in a long-term home setting. Further research is needed to understand these issues.

Conclusions

With the expanding use of targeted therapies in the home setting, family members and caregivers, especially those of reproductive risk age, are, potentially at risk. Overall basic education and related precautions should be taken to protect family members and caregivers from indirect or direct exposure from these drugs. Further investigations and discussion on this subject are warranted.
Objective Level of Alertness and Inhibitory Control Predict Highway Driving Impairment in Adults With ADHD
Authors: Bioulac Stéphanie , Sagaspe Patricia , Micoulaud-Franchi Jean-Arthur , Altena Ellemarije , Taillard Jacques , Schröder Carmen , Bouvard Manuel-Pierre , Fabrigoule Colette , Philip Pierre
Published: March 2016

Objective: It remains unclear whether daytime impairments in ADHD patients are better explained by an altered level of alertness and/or by cognitive deficits. The aim of this study was to determine the respective contribution of these factors on driving performance in ADHD adults. Method: ADHD adults ( n = 39) and healthy controls ( n = 18) underwent a nocturnal polysomnography (PSG) followed by a Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT), a simulated driving task, and a neuropsychological evaluation. Results: ADHD patients had shorter mean sleep latency on the MWT and worse driving performance than controls. They also made more errors on attention and executive functioning tests. Logistic regression analyses showed that inhibition deficits and objective daytime sleepiness predicted highway driving performance in ADHD. Conclusion: Our study shows that not only inhibitory control deficits but also pathological level of alertness independently contribute to highway driving impairment in ADHD patients, providing a better understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in ADHD.
Behaviors of the wedge-shaped gas-lubricated film using the finite difference lattice Boltzmann method
Authors: Zhang Xueqing , Chen Qinghua , Liu Juanfang
Published: March 2016

In this article, the finite difference lattice Boltzmann method (FDLBM) is successfully applied to analyze the hydrodynamic properties of the wedge-shaped gas film lubrication for the high speed micro gas bearings by comparing with the macroscopic methods (solving the modified Reynolds equation coupled with the simplified energy (modified Reynolds equation) and the Navier–Stokes equations coupled with the energy equation). By comparison, it is found that the vertical flow across the gas film can weaken the gas backflow and thus improves the gas film pressure, as the Navier–Stokes equation and FDLBM are used to analyze the wedge-shaped film lubrication. The continuum assumption in the macroscopic methods leads to a larger gas film pressure, compared with the value predicted by the FDLBM. And, the high temperature and speed enlarge this difference between them. Furthermore, the FDLBM provides a good warm-up for the multiscale simulation on the complex flow in the micro gas bearings.
Does the ‘diffusion of innovations’ model enrich understanding of research use? Case studies of the implementation of thrombolysis services for stroke
Authors: Boaz Annette , Baeza Juan , Fraser Alec
Published: March 2016

Objective

To test whether the model of ‘diffusion of innovations’ enriches understanding of the implementation of evidence-based thrombolysis services for stroke patients.

Methods

Four case studies of the implementation of evidence on thrombolysis in stroke services in England and Sweden. Semistructured interviews with 95 staff including doctors, nurses and managers working in stroke units, emergency medicine, radiology, the ambulance service, community rehabilitation services and commissioners.

Results

The implementation of thrombolysis in acute stroke management benefited from a critical mass of the factors featured in the model including: the support of national and local opinion leaders; a strong evidence base and financial incentives. However, while the model provided a starting point as an organizational framework for mapping the critical factors influencing implementation, to understand properly the process of implementation and the importance of the different factors identified, more detailed analyses of context and, in particular, of the human and social dimensions of change was needed.

Conclusions

While recognising the usefulness of the model of diffusion of innovations in mapping the processes by which diffusion occurs, the use of methods that lend themselves to in-depth analysis, such as ethnography and the application of relevant bodies of social theory, are needed.
‘Everyone wants a vagina that looks less like a vagina’: Australian women’s views on dissatisfaction with genital appearance
Authors: Moran Claire , Lee Christina
Published: March 2016

We present a thematic discourse analysis of 94 Australian women’s written comments about women’s presumed dissatisfaction with their genital appearance. Two themes emerged: ‘from natural to normal’ and ‘the difficulty of resistance’. In the first theme, participants discuss genital dissatisfaction with reference to hegemonic constructions of femininity and to postfeminist, neoliberal discourses that position the natural female body as inadequate, with beauty practices necessary to achieve acceptability. The second theme addresses the difficulty of challenging this positioning, referencing discourses that position the vagina as unpleasant and discussion of it as taboo. We consider implications of these constructions for women’s well-being.
Psychosocial correlates of benefit finding in breast cancer survivors in China
Authors: Wen Kuang-Yi , Ma Xiang S , Fang Carolyn , Song Yuan , Tan Yin , Seals Brenda , Ma Grace X
Published: March 2016

Breast cancer is number one in incidence and sixth in mortality among all cancers of women in China. Prior work identified positive consequences following diagnosis and treatment, including benefit finding among breast cancer survivors from Western countries. This study evaluated psychosocial correlates of benefit finding in breast cancer survivors in China. A total of 148 participants completed measures of coping, perceived stress, depressive symptoms, social support, and benefit finding. Results indicated that benefit finding was positively related to active coping and negatively related to depression. Future research may evaluate whether interventions to enhance active coping will improve outcomes among Chinese breast cancer survivors.
Characterization of air plasma based 7YSZ aluminum alloys thermal barrier systems for hot zone
Authors: Kumar Dipak , Pandey KN , Das Dipak Kumar
Published: March 2016

Characterization of yttria-stabilized zirconia coatings deposited on AA2024-T351 aluminum alloy by air plasma spraying is carried out in the present work to assess its applicability as a thermal barrier coating on automotive components aluminum alloys. Tetragonality of coating microstructures was confirmed through X-ray diffractometer, transmission electron microscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. Lattice-image spacing obtained from high-resolution transmission electron microscopy confirmed multilayer structure of the coating and that the tetragonal phases are stable. From the optical microscopy it was found that there are good coating particle distribution and homogeneity of coating particles on the substrate while atomic force microscopy provided information about surface bumps and pits. Small roughness of the coating microstructure was found to be very low. Small roughness showed good deposition efficiency of the coating structures.
The potential role of atrial natriuretic peptide in the effects of Angiotensin-(1–7) in a chronic atrial tachycardia canine model
Authors: Zhao Jun , Liu Tiecheng , Liu Enzhao , Li Guangping , Qi Lingshan , Li Jian
Published: March 2016

Objective:

The objective of this article is to investigate the possible role of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) in Angiotensin-(1–7) (Ang-(1–7)) signaling pathway on atrial electrical and structural remodeling in a chronic rapid atrial pacing canine model.

Methods:

Twenty-four dogs were randomly assigned to four groups: a sham group, paced control group, a paced + Ang-(1–7) group and a paced + Ang-(1–7) + A-71915 group. Atrial rapid pacing (ARP) at 600 bpm was maintained for 14 days except in the animals from the sham group. During the pacing, Ang-(1–7) (6 μg•kg-1•h-1) or Ang-(1–7) (6 μg•kg-1•h-1) + A-71915 (ANP receptor antagonist, 0.30 μg•kg-1•h-1) were given intravenously, respectively. After pacing, it was measured that electrophysiological parameters including atrial effective refractory periods (ERPs), inducibility and duration of atrial fibrillation (AF), ICaL and INa changed, where ICaL refers to voltage-dependent L-type Ca2+ current and INa refers to cardiac sodium current. Then, the fibrosis and the expression of Cav1.2, INav1.5α subunit, TGF-β1 and ANP in atria were assessed.

Results:

After ARP, compared with the sham group, the atrial ERPs at six sites in each dog were shortened with the increasing in inducibility and duration of AF in the paced control group. The density of ICaL, INa and the expression of Cav1.2, INav1.5α subunit mRNA were decreased. Atrial tissue from the paced dogs showed significant interstitial fibrosis. The expression of TGF-β1 and ANP in mRNA and protein levels were increased. Compared with the paced control group, the shortening of atrial ERPs, and the increasing of inducibility and duration of AF induced by ARP were alleviated by Ang-(1–7) treatment ( p < 0.05). The density of ICaL and INa and the expression of Cav1.2 and INav1.5α subunit mRNA were slightly decreased. Atrial tissue showed less interstitial fibrosis after Ang-(1–7) treatment. The increasing of ANP expression was improved by Ang-(1–7), while the increasing of TGF-β1 expression was alleviated by Ang-(1–7) ( p < 0.05). A-71915 treatment blocked the beneficial effects of Ang-(1–7) on the aforementioned electrophysiological parameters and atrial fibrosis. And A-71915 treatment blocked Ang-(1–7), improving the expression of TGF-β1.

Conclusion:

Ang-(1–7) prevented atrial structural and electrical remodeling induced by ARP. Furthermore, Ang-(1–7) promoted ANP secretion, and ANP played a crucial role in the cardiac protection of the former.
Comparison of the relative importance of vascular and plasma drug concentrations to the hypotensive effect of telmisartan in rats
Authors: Takai Shinji , Sakonjo Hiroshi , Jin Denan
Published: March 2016

Introduction:

To clarify the importance of the vascular concentration of an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) to its hypotensive effect, the relationships between the drug concentrations in plasma and vascular tissues and the hypotensive effect after administration of an ARB were compared.

Materials and methods:

In spontaneously hypertensive/NDmcr-cp rats (SHR/NDmcr-cp), systolic blood pressure (SBP) and angiotensin II-induced vascular contraction were measured 2 h and 24 h after administration of telmisartan (3 mg/kg). Plasma and vascular concentrations of telmisartan were also measured at 2 h and 24 h.

Results:

SBP was significantly lower 2 h after administration of telmisartan, and the significant hypotensive effect was continued until 24 h. A significant attenuation of angiotensin II-induced vascular contraction at 2 h was also continued until 24 h. No significant difference between 2 h and 24 h was observed both in SBP and angiotensin II-induced vascular contraction. Vascular concentration at 24 h was 90.0% when the concentration at 2 h was assumed to be 100%, and no significant difference was observed. However, the plasma concentration of telmisartan at 2 h was significantly decreased by 88.2% at 24 h.

Conclusion:

The vascular drug concentration, not the plasma drug concentration, may be related to the hypotensive effect after administration of telmisartan.
The neglected paraphernalia of practice? Objects and artefacts in social work identity, practice and research
Authors: Scholar Helen
Published: March 2016

Artefacts, objects and paraphernalia and their relationship to social work practice and identity have attracted little attention in social work despite their ubiquity in all aspects of our lives. This article introduces some theoretical perspectives on the qualities of artefacts and the nature of relationships between the material and social worlds; and considers the ways in which artefacts have been understood in social work research to date. It concludes by suggesting that noticing when and how social workers engage with artefacts may contribute to the development of our understanding of social work’s relationship with the non-human world and offer new insights into aspects of social work identity and practice.
The utilization of social media for youth outreach engagement: A case study
Authors: Chan Chitat , Holosko Michael J
Published: March 2016

This article reports a case study that aimed to explore and conceptualize the use of social media in youth outreach engagement in Hong Kong. It used “social media affordance” as a heuristic lens to inform the analysis. This concept refers to the latent utility of social media, which is dependent on both the intrinsic features of social media and the perceptions of the users. In this study, this includes the reviewability, visibility, authoring capabilities, and associative capabilities of social media. We conducted a thematic analysis on data collected including: official service statistics, meeting notes, focus group discussions, and the practitioners’ presentation notes. Major and minor themes were organized with reference to the outreach techniques noted by the practitioners. Significant affordance(s) supporting each technique were identified. The findings revealed specific outreach techniques used by the practitioners including: (i) online searches, (ii) initial encounters before direct verbal dialogue, (iii) ice-breaking via multi-modal communication, and (iv) snowballing. Compared to youth outreach in physical settings, online outreach demonstrates greater visibility of interactions and improved immediacy, but also implies losing privacy, and changes in professional identity. Moreover, the findings showed that each technique was arguably related more to particular affordances than some others, denoting a tacit knowledge informing practitioners to make their choices. These observations inspired further discussion about the significance of a reliable conceptual framework that can guide social workers to identify, compare, and further adapt technologies to enhance their current practice.
Veiling luminance and visual adaptation field in mesopic photometry
Authors: Maksimainen M , Puolakka M , Tetri E , Halonen L
Published: March 2016

In mesopic photometry, adaptation luminance is needed to derive the mesopic luminances for the measurement field. The average luminance of the visual adaptation field is considered as the adaptation luminance. The visual adaptation field has yet to be defined in terms of the size, shape, or location within the visual field. A study in three road lighting situations was conducted, in order to determine the feasibility of using the road surface as the adaptation field compared to circular or elliptical adaptation fields. Currently, the road surface is used as the measurement field for calculating road lighting. Using the road surface as the adaptation field resulted in 76–113%, higher average luminance than obtained using circular or elliptical adaptation fields when the road was bordered by a park. High-luminance sources outside of the visual adaptation field cause veiling luminance. Veiling luminance increases the adaptation state, but not the luminance within the measurement field. The bias veiling luminance can cause on mesopic luminance calculations was estimated to be less than 2%. The estimated bias can be considered trivial in practical road lighting measurements.
Defining the visual adaptation field for mesopic photometry: Effect of surrounding source position on peripheral adaptation
Authors: Uchida T , Ohno Y
Published: March 2016

In CIE 191:2010, the Commission Internationale de l’Eclairage recommends a mesopic photometry system based on peripheral visual tasks. For implementation of the system, the visual adaptation field needs to be defined, taking into account the surrounding luminance effect on the state of adaptation. A series of vision experiments in the mesopic range has been conducted to measure the surrounding luminance effect with respect to the angle between a peripheral task point and a point source. The results show that the surrounding luminance effect at a peripheral task point decreases with increasing angle at a larger slope than existing models, such as the Stiles-Holladay equation, the Commission Internationale de l’Eclairage general disability glare formula and the Stiles–Crawford equation. A new model for the surrounding luminance effect is proposed.
Recommendations for Structure and Content for a School-Based Adolescent Immunization Curriculum
Authors: Salazar Kelsey R. , Seib Katherine G. , Underwood Natasha L. , Gargano Lisa M. , Sales Jessica M. , Morfaw Christopher , Murray Dennis , Diclemente Ralph J. , Hughes James M.
Published: March 2016

Despite high utilization of childhood vaccinations, adolescent immunization coverage rates lag behind recommended coverage levels. The four vaccines recommended for adolescents ages 11 to 18 years are tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis vaccine; human papillomavirus vaccine; meningococcal conjugate vaccine; and an annual influenza vaccine. The Healthy People 2020 goal is 80% coverage for each recommended immunization, but coverage rates in Georgia among adolescents fall below those goals for all but the tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis vaccine. We developed a multicomponent intervention that included a school-based, teacher-delivered educational curriculum to increase adolescent vaccination coverage rates in Richmond County, Georgia. We facilitated focus group discussions with middle- and high school science teachers who delivered the immunization curriculum in two consecutive school years. The objective of the focus group was to understand teachers’ perspectives about the curriculum impact and to synthesize recommendations for optimal dissemination of the curriculum content, structure, and packaging. Teachers provided recommendations for curriculum fit within existing classes, timing of delivery, and dosage of delivery and recommended creating a flexible tool kit, such as a downloadable online package. Teachers also recommended increasing emphasis on disease transmission and symptoms to keep students engaged. These findings can be applied to the development of an online, cost-effective tool kit geared toward teaching adolescents about the immune system and adolescent vaccinations.
Lessons Learned From a Community-Based Participatory Research Mental Health Promotion Program for American Indian Youth
Authors: Langdon Sarah E. , Golden Shannon L. , Arnold Elizabeth Mayfield , Maynor Rhonda F. , Bryant Alfred , Freeman V. Kay , Bell Ronny A.
Published: March 2016

Background. American Indian (AI) youth have the highest rates of suicide among racial/ethnic minority groups in the United States. Community-based strategies are essential to address this issue, and community-based participatory research (CBPR) offers a model to engage AI communities in mental health promotion programming. Objectives. This article describes successes and challenges of a CBPR, mixed-method project, The Lumbee Rite of Passage (LROP), an academic-community partnership to develop and implement a suicide prevention program for Lumbee AI youth in North Carolina. Method. LROP was conducted in two phases to (1) understand knowledge and perceptions of existing mental health resources and (2) develop, implement, and evaluate a cultural enrichment program as a means of suicide prevention. Discussion/Results. LROP implemented an effective community–academic partnership by (1) identifying and understanding community contexts, (2) maintaining equitable partnerships, and (3) implementing a culturally tailored research design targeting multilevel changes to support mental health. Strategies formed from the partnership alleviated challenges in each of these key CBPR concept areas. Conclusions. LROP highlights how a CBPR approach contributes to positive outcomes and identifies opportunities for future collaboration in a tribal community. Using culturally appropriate CBPR strategies is critical to achieving sustainable, effective programs to improve mental health of AI youth.
Carotid Artery Stenting in a Patient With a Continuous-Flow Left Ventricular Assist Device
Authors: Piazza Michele , Squizzato Francesco , Grego Franco , Bottio Tommaso , Gerosa Gino , Antonello Michele
Published: March 2016

Purpose: To demonstrate the safety and feasibility of carotid artery stenting (CAS) in a patient with a continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (LVAD). Case Report: A 54-year-old woman with a LVAD was referred for a 90% stenosis of the right internal carotid artery (ICA). The patient was offered CAS, and oral anticoagulant was not discontinued in the periprocedural period. Because of absent arterial pulses, percutaneous transfemoral access was obtained under ultrasound guidance. Particular attention was paid to cannulation of the innominate artery; a 7-F guiding catheter was advanced from the descending aorta into the innominate artery under road-mapping, avoiding maneuvers in the ascending aorta where the outflow Dacron graft of the LVAD was anastomosed. To avoid cerebral flow modifications, the Angioguard RX was used as the cerebral protection device rather than other devices such as the flow reversal or flow-clamping systems. At this point, CAS was performed in a standard fashion using the 7×30-mm Precise ProRX stent. The computed tomography angiogram at 6 months showed patency of the stented right ICA. Conclusion: With adequate planning, CAS appears feasible in patients with a LVAD.
Preparation and characterization of solution spinning of protein/cellulose fiber: A new flame-retardant grade
Authors: Zhao Zhou , Bao Weiren , Di Youbo , Dai Jinming
Published: March 2016

A new flame-retardant protein viscose fiber with safely wearing performance has been prepared through blending protein solution, flame retardant (hexaphenoxycyclotriphosphazene) and viscose spinning solution, in which wool protein was used and added to spinning solution on the basis of 16% flame retardant, and the properties of the fiber were investigated. The product has more compact structure inside the fiber and evenly scattered small pores on the surface. Flame-retardant protein viscose fiber can reach the flame-retardant standard both before and after 30 times wash test, and the mechanical strength of the fiber was also improved. The introduction of hexaphenoxycyclotriphosphazene lowered the primary decomposition temperature of viscose fiber, reduced its weight loss. The flame-retardancy of the fiber can be improved by the introduction of protein. In thermal processes, the major product of thermal decomposition was CO2, no hazardous and noxious gases were released. Due to the introduction of protein, moisture regain of the fiber is a little lower than that of viscose fiber, but higher than flame-retardant viscose fiber. Warmth retention property was also improved. Friction coefficient of the product is lower than that of flame-retardant viscose fiber. Bulking intensity was increased, which is better than that of viscose fiber.
Validation of the Informal Decoding Inventory
Authors: McKenna Michael C. , Walpole Sharon , Jang Bong Gee
Published: March 2016

This study investigated the reliability and validity of Part 1 of the Informal Decoding Inventory (IDI), a free diagnostic assessment used to plan Tier 2 intervention for first graders with decoding deficits. Part 1 addresses single-syllable words and consists of five subtests that progress in difficulty and that contain real word and pseudoword components. The IDI was administered to a sample of 94 first graders who attended three high-poverty schools in a rural district located in a South Atlantic state. The Test of Word Recognition Efficiency–Second Edition (TOWRE-2) was given in the same session. Internal consistency (Cronbach’s α) exceeded .70 for the total scores and all but one subtest. Total scores for real words and pseudowords correlated highly with TOWRE-2 subtests. Confirmatory factor analysis substantiated the five-factor structure of the IDI, and mean comparisons affirmed the order of the subtests in all cases but one. Overall, this preliminary study affirmed the reliability and validity of the IDI. Limitations and directions for future research are discussed.