bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experiences of patients and service providers with out-patient rehabilitation services in a rehabilitation centre in the Western Cape Province
Authors: Kumurenzi Anne , Goliath Charlyn , Mji Gubela , Mlenzana Nondwe , Joseph Conran , Stathum Sue , Rhoda Anthea
Published: May 2017

Background: Rehabilitation is important for persons with disabilities as it contributes to their sense of autonomy, self-worth and social participation, and improves their quality of life. Improving the quality of rehabilitation services requires the dialogue of patients’ perceptions with those of service providers, in order to recommend informed reform. Objective: The objective was to explore the experiences of persons with physical disabilities and service providers, regarding the multi-disciplinary rehabilitation services provided at a community-based out-patient rehabilitation centre. Methods: A qualitative, exploratory study design was used to collect the data. A focus group was conducted with conveniently selected persons with physical disabilities. Three in-depth interviews were conducted with purposively selected key informants. All ethical considerations were adhered to during the implementation of the study.Results: Patients and service providers had different experiences regarding accessibility to rehabilitation services, and similar experiences with patient education and intensity of rehabilitation. Although the patients experienced that the service providers had sufficient knowledge and skills to manage them, services providers expressed that they lacked certain skills.Conclusions: The experiences expressed highlighted the need to improve rehabilitation services in terms of increasing the capacity of service providers and providing transport services for persons with disabilities.
Moduli of Space Sheaves with Hilbert Polynomial 4m+ 1
Authors: Maican Mario
Published: May 2017

We investigate the moduli space of sheaves supported on space curves of degree and having Euler characteristic 1. We give an elementary proof of the fact that this moduli space consists of three irreducible components.
Uniqueness and stability in triple porosity thermoelasticity
Authors: Straughan Brian
Published: May 2017

A general model for a triple porosity thermoelastic solid is presented in the linear anisotropic case. This allows for cross coupling of inertia coefficients, and cross coupling of interaction coefficients representing actions between pressures in the macro, meso and micro structures. Sufficient conditions are derived to demonstrate uniqueness and stability when the elastic coefficients are, in a precise sense, positive. Uniqueness is further demonstrated in the dynamical problem when the elastic coefficients are not sign-definite and possess only the major symmetry. An indication is given as to how one would proceed to obtain continuous dependence upon the inital data in the Hölder sense. The proof of uniqueness in the indefinite elasticity tensor case involves a logarithmic convexity method which proceeds by a novel choice of functional.
On the equations governing nonlinear symmetric Kirchhoff’s elastic rods
Authors: Pucci Edvige , Saccomandi Giuseppe
Published: May 2017

A systematic study of the equations governing the nonlinear symmetric Kirchhoff elastic rods is proposed. Symmetric rods are characterized by the conservation of the contact torque along the tangent of the centre line of the rod. This additional conservation law enables the formal reduction to quadratures of the governing equations and a systematic study of general (or Lancret’s) helical solutions. This improves previous analyses where only solutions relative to the case when the centre line is a circular helix have been investigated. Moroever, we consider the general helical solution for inhomogeneous symmetric rods and, conclusively, we study a special solution where the contact torque along the tangent of the centre line is zero. This solution is valid also for asymmetric Kirchhoff rods.
Modular interpolation and modular estimates of the Fourier transform and related operators
Authors: Ho Kwok-Pun
Published: May 2017

We introduce an approach to modular interpolation in this paper. By using this interpolation, we establish the modular inequalities for the Fourier transform, the Laplace transform, the Hankel transform and the oscillatory integral operators. Moreover, we also obtain the modular Fourier restriction theorem.
Nonclinical, Observational Trauma Rotations in the United States provide International Students Multidisciplinary Trauma Program and Systems Education
Authors: Gracias Vicente , Gupta Raj , Silva Juan CR
Published: May 2017

Aim

To create a non-clinical care education alternative for low-middle-income country (LMIC) medical students in an acute care surgery (ACS) service in the United States.

Materials and methods

An observational 30-day rotation with retrospective evaluation for an international medical student occurred at a level one trauma center in the United States. Trauma morning report was used as an educational model based on some elements of the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma, Resources for Optimal Care of the Injured.

Results

Trauma morning report was held daily for the student’s 30-day experience. The trauma patients’ primary and secondary survey, images, trauma bay, and operative management were all reviewed daily. Patients’ prehospital and hospital courses were completely evaluated by the performance improvement team. The functional status, physical therapy, familial support networks, economic and health insurance record, and rehabilitation disposition were reviewed. Prior to discharge, socioeconomic barrier analysis was conducted to provide safe outpatient care plans. Education by attending surgeons for the multidisciplinary team, which was integrated by students, residents, fellows, faculty, social workers, physical therapists, advanced nurse practitioners, performance improvement coordinator, and nurse trauma manager, was conducted daily on a selected topic.

Conclusion

Trauma morning report served as an observational education in multidisciplinary trauma systems (TS) for international students. The experience in the United States provides a new perspective on systems-based trauma care for international students.

Clinical significance

The educational alternative exposed is a pathway for medical students from LMIC to increase their clinical experience, ACS knowledge, and trauma care system-based understanding. The students who opt for this kind of experience may choose a specialization in surgery, increase their research productivity, and improve the development of emergency medical services TS in their respective countries.

How to cite this article

Silva JCR, Gupta R, Gracias V, Peck G.
Nonclinical, Observational Trauma Rotations in the United States provide International Students Multidisciplinary Trauma Program and Systems Education. Panam J Trauma Crit Care Emerg Surg 2017;6(1):8-12.
Bilateral Traumatic Hemorrhage of the Basal Ganglia with Diffuse Axonal Injury: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Patil Harshad , Tadghare Jitendra , Rege Shrikant V , Narayan Sharadendu
Published: May 2017

Traumatic brain injury is a major public health problem, and is the leading cause of mortality, morbidity, and disability in children and young adults, especially young men (15–35 years). Bilateral traumatic basal ganglia hemorrhage (TBGH) is a rare entity with less than eight cases reported in literature. The mechanism of this injury is not well understood, and various theories based on autopsy findings have been proposed to explain this injury. Outcome of TBGH is usually favorable, unless associated with other concomitant neuroparenchymal injuries. A case of traumatic bilateral basal ganglia hematoma has been discussed here with review of available literature on the subject.

How to cite this article

Rege SV, Narayan S, Patil H, Tadghare J. Bilateral Traumatic Hemorrhage of the Basal Ganglia with Diffuse Axonal Injury: A Case Report and Review of Literature. Panam J Trauma Crit Care Emerg Surg 2017;6(1):49-51.
Management of Maxillary First Molar with Six Canals using Cone Beam Computed Tomography
Authors: Madan Nidha , Gwalani Harshita
Published: May 2017

The probability of morphologic variations in a tooth should never be misconstrued and the cognition of these variations is the cue to successful endodontic treatment. The form, configuration, and number of root canals in maxillary first molar have been studied for more than half a century. An anatomic variation like three canals in the distal root of maxillary first molar is not frequently reported. Apart from a properly designed access cavity, well-angulated radiographs, and routine use of loupes, the practitioner should consider using cone beam computed tomography as an auxiliary method for detecting complex root canal anatomy. This clinical case report presents the successful management of maxillary first molar with six root canals with the use of computed tomography scans as a diagnostic aid.

Key Messages

The incidence of second distobuccal canal ranges from 1.64 to 9.5%. However, the incidence of third distal canal (distopalatal) is rare (<1%). This report highlights the importance of computed tomography in the successful diagnosis and management of maxillary first molar.

How to cite this article

Madan N, Gwalani H, Raisingani D, Prasad A, Srivastava H. Management of Maxillary First Molar with Six Canals using Cone Beam Computed Tomography. J Oper Dent Endod 2017;2(1):36-39.
Dental Extractions in Patients on Antiplatelet Therapy: A Clinical Study
Authors: Sushma K , Shetty Jayaprasad , Pandey Vijayendra , Mukherjee Somnath , Kumar Santosh
Published: May 2017

Cardiovascular diseases cause highest mortality and morbidity worldwide. The introduction of preventive and maintenance antiplatelet therapy has, to a certain extent, contributed to this decline. With millions of health-conscious people using anti-platelet drugs, dental practitioners are frequently confronted with clinical situations wherein a decision has to be made about patient management, in view of the medical history. The aim of this study is to assess the need to stop aspirin before minor oral surgical procedures, including simple and surgical extractions and to discuss the various measures implemented for controlling the bleeding postoperatively. This study analyzes the association of increased bleeding during and after tooth extraction or any other minor oral surgical procedures with patients on antiplatelet therapy. The aim of this study is to assess the need to stop aspirin before minor oral surgical procedures, including simple and surgical extractions, and to discuss the various measures implemented for controlling the bleeding postoperatively. The objectives of the study are to analyze association of increased bleeding during and after tooth extraction or any other minor oral surgical procedures with patients on antiplatelet therapy.
Evolution of Laparoscopy through the Ages
Authors: Yeola Meenakshi , Gode Dilip , Bora Akshay
Published: May 2017

The field of laparoscopic surgery has experienced tremendous growth in the last three decades. The important events among them have been the invention of incandescent bulbs by Thomas Edison, the development of lens scopes (1870–1980s), the invention of rod lens system by Hopkins (1950s), the fiberoptic cold light transmission (1960s), and the computer chip video camera (1980s).

Technological advancements have produced progressively smaller laparoscopic instruments and higher quality imaging that allow laparoscopic surgeons to perform precise dissection with minimal bleeding through most dissection planes, and the major limitations of standard laparoscopy procedures are overcome with these advances.

The introduction and evolution of minimally invasive surgery has drastically changed the entire scenario of the ways in which surgeons are treating the patients. With the introduction of various innovative technologies like high-definition television, video systems, integrated digital reporting, head-mounted displays, surgical robotics, virtual reality training, and the integration of various modalities, such as ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging, the surgeon has better knowledge of the disease, thereby, treating the patient more effectively.

In this review article, we explore the evolution of laparoscopy through the ages, thereby, making way for further development in the field of minimal access surgery.
Wide Spectrum of Metacarpal Sign: Three Cases of Metacarpal Sign and Its Variants
Authors: Verma Saurabh , Phadke Kedar , Mohindra Mukul , Gogna Paritosh , Jain Jitesh
Published: May 2017

Metacarpal sign is a diagnostic radiological finding for cases of gonadal dysgenesis, also reported to be associated in a number of other endocrine abnormalities. Technically, it refers to relative difference in the lengths of medial three metacarpals, with the fourth and fifth metacarpals being shorter than the third metacarpal. We incidentally came across three cases that have been mentioned in this report. The first case primarily came to notice because of short fourth and fifth metatarsals. Further evaluation revealed that he also had short fourth and fifth metacarpals. The second case had isolated short fifth metacarpal and was idiopathic. The third patient, a known case of idiopathic hypoparathyroid hormone deficiency, had a short third, fourth, and fifth metacarpal, which is an unreported skeletal phenotype. The latter two cases had slight variation from the classical description of metacarpal sign, and may be a part of still hidden spectrum of metacarpal phenotypes.
Black Holes—Deshielo Crónica
Authors: Chávez-Silverman Susana
Published: May 2017

AbstractSusana Chávez-Silverman is a Califas-born U.S. Latina writer and flaneuse who (against all odds) is also an educator, although she mostly laments what’s happened to la cacademia over the last decade or so. She still finds joy and hope in being la High Priestess of SLOW to her students and former students, some of which are among her closest compinches. Of the two crónicas included in this special curated issue of cultural works in PORTAL under the theme Transitions and Dislocations, she says: ‘My writing/life took a major detour in 2016. For most of the year, I wrote nothing at all. Or rather, nothing except e-mail after email: to administrators, colleagues all over the world, attorneys, friends and relatives. I had scheduled my sabbatical in order to finish a book project, but had been derailed by a Title IX investigation and plagiarism case at my home institution, and the accompanying anxiety and anger . I returned to my book over the summer, culling and editing hundreds of pages of primary texts (letters and emails). But this book is much longer—and truer—than anything I’ve written before and takes a different kind of writing energy, uninterrupted time, and commitment. Writing from a place of anger and anxiety doesn’t serve this book. The two crónicas included in this special curated issue are not part of my book in progress, Our Ubuntu, Montenegro: del Balboa Café al Apartheid and Back. Rather, they were my way of easing back into my (he)art space. ‘Casi Víspera’ proves I did write something in 2016 after all (other than email, I mean)—I had no memory of it until early this year! ‘Black Holes’ talks about precisely this (remembering and not). I was determined not to let 2016’s plagiarism/Title IX toxic double helix continue to poison me. I wanted to begin 2017 with a bang, and wrote this for my son, for his 30th birthday.’
Lembah Elqui / Valle de Elqui / Elqui Valley
Authors: Campbell Ian
Published: May 2017

The three versions of Ian Campbell’s poem about Valle de Elqui (in Chile) presented here comprise a poem he first wrote in Spanish, then in English and finally in a more powerful version in Indonesian, which was published in 2012 in the literary pages of the Jakarta mass media daily Kompas. Campbell regards this whole process as emblematic of his explorations in trilingual poetics, namely what does a ‘concept’/poem idea look like if done in the three languages with which he has some degree of written knowledge or fluency: English, Spanish, Indonesian. This mirrors the ‘three-pronged’ title ‘Selatan-Sur-South’ that he adopted for the collection of his poetry in PORTAL vol. 5, no. 1, 2008. The Indonesian version, ‘Lembah Elqui, ‘was included in Campbell’s poetry and prose collection Tak ada Peringatan (Vivid Publishing, 2013). In each version now the reference is to Gabriela Mistral (1889-1957), Nobel Prize Laureate for Literature (1945), whose burial place lies in Monte Grande in the Valle de Elqui in northern Chile.
Curated Issue: Cultural Works—Transitions and Dislocations, Introduction
Authors: Allatson Paul
Published: May 2017

Introduction to the curated issue of PORTAL Journal of Multidisciplinary International Studies, Cultural Works—Transitions and Dislocations.

Some parts of this introduction contain material previously published in my review of Silvia Spitta's Misplaced Objects: Migrating Collections and Recollections in Europe and the Americas (Austin: University of Texas Press, 2009), in The Comparatist, 34 (May 2010), pp. 201–7.
Late Holocene evolution of a coupled, mud-dominated delta plain–chenier plain system, coastal Louisiana, USA
Authors: Hijma Marc P. , Shen Zhixiong , Törnqvist Torbjörn E. , Mauz Barbara
Published: May 2017

Abstract. Major deltas and their adjacent coastal plains are commonly linked by means of coast-parallel fluxes of water, sediment, and nutrients. Observations of the evolution of these interlinked systems over centennial to millennial timescales are essential to understand the interaction between point sources of sediment discharge (i.e., deltaic distributaries) and adjacent coastal plains across large spatial (i.e., hundreds of kilometres) scales. This information is needed to constrain future generations of numerical models to predict coastal evolution in relation to climate change and other human activities. Here we examine the coastal plain adjacent to the Mississippi River Delta, one of the world’s largest deltas. We use a refined chronology based on 22 new optically stimulated luminescence and 22 new radiocarbon ages to test the hypothesis that cyclic Mississippi subdelta shifting has influenced the evolution of the adjacent Chenier Plain (CP). We show that over the past 3 kyr, accumulation rates in the CP were generally 0–1 MT yr−1. However, between 1.2 and 0.6 ka, when the Mississippi River shifted to a position more proximal to the CP, these rates increased to 2.9 ± 1.1 MT yr−1 or 0.5–1.5 % of the total sediment load of the Mississippi River. We conclude that CP evolution during the past 3 kyr was partly a direct consequence of shifting subdeltas, in addition to changing regional sediment sources and modest rates of relative sea-level rise. These findings have implications for Mississippi River sediment diversions that are currently being planned to restore portions of this vulnerable coast. Only if such diversions are planned in the western portion of the Mississippi Delta Plain they could potentially contribute to sustaining the CP shoreline.
Short communication: Evaluation of a model for predicting Avena fatua and Descurainia sophia seed emergence in winter rapeseed
Authors: Aboutalebian Mohammad A. , Nazari Shahram , Gonzalez-Andujar Jose L.
Published: May 2017

Avena fatua and Descurainia sophia are two important annual weeds throughout winter rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) production systems in the semiarid region of Iran. Timely and more accurate control of both species may be developed if there is a better understanding of its emergence patterns. Non-linear regression techniques are usually unable to accurately predict field emergence under such environmental conditions. The objectives of this research were to evaluate the emergence patterns of A. fatua and D. sophia and determine if emergence could be predicted using cumulative soil thermal time in degree days (CTT). In the present work, cumulative seedling emergence from a winter rapeseed field during 3 years data set was fitted to cumulative soil CTT using Weibull and Gompertz functions. The Weibull model provided a better fit, based on coefficient of determination (R2sqr), root mean square of error (RMSE) and Akaike index (AICd), compared to the Gompertz model between 2013 and 2016 seasons for both species. Maximum emergence of A. fatua occured 70-119 days after sowing or after equals 329-426 °Cd, while in D. sophia it occurred 119-134 days after sowing rapeseed equals 373-470 °Cd. Both models can aid in the future study of A. fatua and D. sophia emergence and assist growers and agricultural professionals with planning timely and more accurate A. fatua and D. sophia control.
Applying GRI Sustainability Reporting in the Water Sector: Evidences from an Italian Company
Authors: D’Andrea Alessia
Published: May 2017

Sustainability reporting is considered the most applicable and reliable tool for disclosing ﬁnancial and non-ﬁnancial information to stakeholders and a means for strengthening company credibility. The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) is the most common standard followed to implement and to develop sustainability reporting. Nevertheless, a few studies have focused on the real adoptability of the standard. The aim of the present study is to illustrate how GRI indicators could be applied and interpreted by managers of a water company to implement sustainability reporting. A single case study is developed to identify which factors could affect the standardized implementation of the G4 guidelines by a water utility company. The research was conducted in an Italian medium-sized enterprise, an entirely publicly owned joint-stock company under the in-house providing rules. Evidence from the case study was gathered through direct observation as well as semi-structured interviews and focus groups with the human resources responsible for the data collection. The research highlights that the process generated an internal validation of the practices carried out by the managers to achieve sustainable development. The case study presented shows that GRI Guidelines adoption is left to interpretation: certain practices and recommendations contained in the G4 implementation manual are, in fact, operationalized within the organization in consideration of the company’s activities and governance. The illustration of the case study may guide practitioners in the GRI implementation process in all sectors, especially in public utilities.
The Effect of Absorbable Calcium Sulfate on Wear Rates in Ultra-high–Molecular-weight Polyethylene: Potential Implications for Its Use in Treating Arthroplasty Infections
Authors: Lewicki Kathleen , Prioreschi Brandon , Koenig Karl , Keeney Benjamin , Bartelstein Meredith , Moucha Calin , Van Citters Douglas
Published: May 2017

Introduction:

Patients, hospitals, and healthcare systems incur substantial burdens when infections result in total joint revisions. One potential solution to mitigate some of these burdens may be to transition from a two-stage infection treatment to a single-stage procedure. Off-label use of an absorbable calcium sulfate antibiotic carrier has been implemented in single-stage and two-stage procedures globally, with the goal of moving toward more single-stage revisions in the United States. Adverse effects of calcium sulfate on the joint space during articulation are currently unknown.

Methods:

This study aims to determine the impact of calcium sulfate beads on wear of polyethylene during and following exposure. Two phases of in vitro pin-on-disk testing were conducted. The first phase exposed polyethylene pins to calcium sulfate for 500,000 cycles of a 2-million cycle test. The second phase examined the wear of pins that were created from retrieved components exposed to calcium sulfate in vivo.

Results:

No clinically significant difference was observed between the wear rates of the calcium sulfate–exposed polyethylene pins and the control polyethylene pins.

Discussion:

Preliminary results suggest that a substantial increase in the wear rate of polyethylene is not expected with the addition of calcium sulfate beads during treatment of infection.
Nonexistence of Nontrivial Stationary Solutions with Decay Order for Some Nonlinear Evolution Equations
Authors: Lin Jeng-Eng
Published: May 2017

We show that there are no nontrivial stationary solutions of certain decay order for some applied nonlinear evolution equations which include the thin epitaxial film model with slope selection and the square phase field crystal (SPFC) equation. The method is to use the Morawetz multiplier and the Gagliardo-Nirenberg inequality.
Genome-wide analysis of WRKY transcription factors in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and differential expression under water deficit condition
Authors: Ning Pan , Liu Congcong , Kang Jingquan , Lv Jinyin
Published: May 2017

Background

WRKY proteins, which comprise one of the largest transcription factor (TF) families in the plant kingdom, play crucial roles in plant development and stress responses. Despite several studies on WRKYs in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), functional annotation information about wheat WRKYs is limited.

Results

Here, 171 TaWRKY TFs were identified from the whole wheat genome and compared with proteins from 19 other species representing nine major plant lineages. A phylogenetic analysis, coupled with gene structure analysis and motif determination, divided these TaWRKYs into seven subgroups (Group I, IIa–e, and III). Chromosomal location showed that most TaWRKY genes were enriched on four chromosomes, especially on chromosome 3B. In addition, 85 (49.7%) genes were either tandem (5) or segmental duplication (80), which suggested that though tandem duplication has contributed to the expansion of TaWRKY family, segmental duplication probably played a more pivotal role. Analysis of cis-acting elements revealed putative functions of WRKYs in wheat during development as well as under numerous biotic and abiotic stresses. Finally, the expression of TaWRKY genes in flag leaves, glumes, and lemmas under water-deficit condition were analyzed. Results showed that different TaWRKY genes preferentially express in specific tissue during the grain-filling stage.

Conclusion

Our results provide a more extensive insight on WRKY gene family in wheat, and also contribute to the screening of more candidate genes for further investigation on function characterization of WRKYs under various stresses.
Anhanguerataxonomy revisited: is our understanding of Santana Group pterosaur diversity biased by poor biological and stratigraphic control?
Authors: Pinheiro Felipe L. , Rodrigues Taissa
Published: May 2017

Background

Anhanguerids comprise an important clade of pterosaurs, mostly known from dozens of three-dimensionally preserved specimens recovered from the Lower Cretaceous Romualdo Formation (northeastern Brazil). They are remarkably diverse in this sedimentary unit, with eight named species, six of them belonging to the genusAnhanguera. However, such diversity is likely overestimated, as these species have been historically diagnosed based on subtle differences, mainly based on the shape and position of the cranial crest. In spite of that, recently discovered pterosaur taxa represented by large numbers of individuals, including juveniles and adults, as well as presumed males and females, have crests of sizes and shapes that are either ontogenetically variable or sexually dimorphic.

Methods

We describe in detail the skull of one of the most complete specimens referred toAnhanguera, AMNH 22555, and use it as a case study to review the diversity of anhanguerids from the Romualdo Formation. In order to accomplish that, a geometric morphometric analysis was performed to assess size-dependent characters with respect to the premaxillary crest in the 12 most complete skulls bearing crests that are referred in, or related to, this clade, almost all of them analyzed first hand.

Results

Geometric morphometric regression of shape on centroid size was highly statistically significant (p = 0.0091) and showed that allometry accounts for 25.7% of total shape variation between skulls of different centroid sizes. Premaxillary crests are both taller and anteroposteriorly longer in larger skulls, a feature consistent with ontogenetic growth. A new diagnosis is proposed forAnhanguera, including traits that are nowadays known to be widespread within the genus, as well as ontogenetic changes. AMNH 22555 cannot be referred to “Anhanguera santanae” and, in fact, “Anhanguera santanae”, “Anhanguera araripensis”, and “Anhanguera robustus” are here considerednomina dubia.

Discussion

Historically, minor differences in crest morphology have been used in the definition of new anhanguerid species. Nowadays, this practice resulted in a considerable difficulty in referring well-preserved skulls into known taxa. When several specimens are analyzed, morphologies previously believed to be disparate are, in fact, separated by a continuum, and are thus better explained as individual or temporal variations. Stratigraphically controlled excavations on the Romualdo Formation have showed evidence for faunal turnover regarding fish communities. It is thus possible that some of the pterosaurs from this unit were not coeval, and might even represent anagenetic morphotypes. Unfortunately, amateur collecting of Romualdo Formation fossils, aimed especially at commerce, resulted in the lack of stratigraphic data of virtually all its pterosaurs and precludes testing of these further hypotheses.
Lagrangian coherent structures in the thermosphere: Predictive transport barriers
Authors: Wang N. , Ramirez U. , Flores F. , Datta‐Barua S.
Published: May 2017

Lagrangian coherent structures (LCSs) in the time‐varying flow of the upper atmosphere are found. The Horizontal Wind Model 2014 (HWM14) is used to simulate the neutral winds of the thermosphere at 150, 250, and 350 km altitude, for quiet and active geomagnetic conditions. Then LCS analysis of HWM14 winds at 100 km altitude is used to investigate space shuttle water vapor plume transport. LCSs are found to exist in the lower thermosphere but are more prominent at 250 km and 350 km, at 40°–80° latitudes on the dayside. Ionosphere‐thermosphere coupling manifests in the response of thermospheric LCSs to geomagnetic activity. The LCSs shift equatorward and eastward, developing a more complex topology in the apparent form of two cells in the Northern Hemisphere high‐latitude zone. We also show for the first time that the LCS demarcates the high‐latitude boundary of shuttle plume observations after 48 h of transport.
European and Mediterranean hydroclimate responses to tropical volcanic forcing over the last millennium
Authors: Rao M. P. , Cook B. I. , Cook E. R. , D'Arrigo R. D. , Krusic P. J. , Anchukaitis K. J. , LeGrande A. N. , Buckley B. M. , Davi N. K. , Leland C. , Griffin K. L.
Published: May 2017

Volcanic eruptions have global climate impacts, but their effect on the hydrologic cycle is poorly understood. We use a modified version of superposed epoch analysis, an eruption year list collated from multiple data sets, and seasonal paleoclimate reconstructions (soil moisture, precipitation, geopotential heights, and temperature) to investigate volcanic forcing of spring and summer hydroclimate over Europe and the Mediterranean over the last millennium. In the western Mediterranean, wet conditions occur in the eruption year and the following 3 years. Conversely, northwestern Europe and the British Isles experience dry conditions in response to volcanic eruptions, with the largest moisture deficits in posteruption years 2 and 3. The precipitation response occurs primarily in late spring and early summer (April–July), a pattern that strongly resembles the negative phase of the East Atlantic Pattern. Modulated by this mode of climate variability, eruptions force significant, widespread, and heterogeneous hydroclimate responses across Europe and the Mediterranean.
Tuning of AcurosXB source size setting for small intracranial targets
Authors: Gardner Stephen J. , Lu Siming , Liu Chang , Wen Ning , Chetty Indrin J.
Published: May 2017

This study details a method to evaluate the source size selection for small field intracranial stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) deliveries in Eclipse treatment planning system (TPS) for AcurosXB dose calculation algorithm. Our method uses end‐to‐end dosimetric data to evaluate a total of five source size selections (0.50 mm, 0.75 mm, 1.00 mm, 1.25 mm, and 1.50 mm). The dosimetric leaf gap (DLG) was varied in this analysis (three DLG values were tested for each scenario). We also tested two MLC leaf designs (standard and high‐definition MLC) and two delivery types for intracranial SRS (volumetric modulated arc therapy [VMAT] and dynamic conformal arc [DCA]). Thus, a total of 10 VMAT plans and 10 DCA plans were tested for each machine type (TrueBeam [standard MLC] and Edge [high‐definition MLC]). Each plan was mapped to a solid water phantom and dose was calculated with each iteration of source size and DLG value (15 total dose calculations for each plan). To measure the dose, Gafchromic film was placed in the coronal plane of the solid water phantom at isocenter. The phantom was localized via on‐board CBCT and the plans were delivered at planned gantry, collimator, and couch angles. The planned and measured film dose was compared using Gamma (3.0%, 0.3 mm) criteria. The vendor‐recommended 1.00 mm source size was suitable for TrueBeam planning (both VMAT and DCA planning) and Edge DCA planning. However, for Edge VMAT planning, the 0.50 mm source size yielded the highest passing rates. The difference in dose calculation among the source size variations manifested primarily in two regions of the dose calculation: (1) the shoulder of the high‐dose region, and (2) for small targets (volume ≤ 0.30 cc), in the central portion of the high‐dose region. Selection of a larger than optimal source size can result in increased blurring of the shoulder for all target volume sizes tested, and can result in central axis dose discrepancies in excess of 10% for target volumes sizes ≤ 0.30 cc. Our results indicate a need for evaluation of the source size when AcurosXB is used to model intracranial SRS delivery, and our methods represent a feasible process for many clinics to perform tuning of the AcurosXB source size parameter.
Flexible polyurethane foams synthesized employing recovered polyols from glycolysis: Physical and structural properties
Authors: Simón D. , de Lucas A. , Rodríguez J. F. , Borreguero A. M.
Published: May 2017

Polyurethane (PU) is one of the most important polymers with a global production of 17.565 million tons, which makes its recycling an urgent task. Besides, the main goal of PU recycling is to recover constituent polyol as a valuable raw material that allows to obtain new PU with suitable properties. Split‐phase glycolysis can be considered the most interesting PU recycling process since provides high‐quality recovered products in terms of polyol purity. The aim of this work was to evaluate several recovered polyols as replacement of the raw flexible polyether polyol in the synthesis of new flexible PU foams. These recovered polyols come from the split‐phase glycolysis of different types of PU foams and employing as cleavage agents diethylene glycol or crude glycerol (biodiesel byproduct). The influence of the foam waste type and of the cleavage agent on the foams properties was analyzed. The recovered polyols were evaluated by performing several foaming tests according to the method of free expansion foaming of conventional flexible foam. Synthesized flexible foams containing different proportions of recovered polyols were characterized by means of scanning electron microscopy, density and tensile properties; obtaining similar and sometimes even better values compared to the foams manufactured from commercial polyols. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45087.
Preparation and characterization of starch‐based composite films reinforced by corn and wheat hulls
Authors: Ali Amjad , Yu Long , Liu Hongsheng , Khalid Saud , Meng Linghan , Chen Ling
Published: May 2017

Biodegradable films, with starch as a matrix, were developed and reinforced with wheat and corn hulls. The effect of the particle size of the filler on the microstructure and mechanical and barrier properties of starch‐based films was investigated. We observed that the addition of hulls enhanced the modulus, tensile strength, and impact strength of the starch matrix at the expense of its elongation. The water‐vapor transmission rate results show that corn starch was more efficient in reducing the water‐vapor permeability than wheat hulls. Scanning electron microscopy observations indicated that the compatibility of both fillers with the matrix was quite good; this was expected because all of the components used in this study were hydrophilic and exhibited polar behavior. Optical microscopy and X‐ray diffraction observations indicated that the processing conditions did not affect the crystalline and geometric structures of the hulls. Because all of the components used in this study were from food resources, the films could also be used for edible packaging. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45159.
One‐pot synthesis, characterization, and field emission investigations of composites of polypyrrole with graphene oxide, reduced graphene oxide, and graphene nanoribbons
Authors: Harpale Kashmira V. , Bansode Sanjeewani R. , More Mahendra A.
Published: May 2017

Pyrrole monomer was polymerized by a chemical oxidative route in the presence of graphene oxide (GO), reduced GO (rGO), and graphene nanoribbons (GNR) separately to prepare composites of polypyrrole (PPy) as PPy–GO, PPy–rGO, and PPy–GNR, respectively. The morphological, chemical, and structural characterization of the as‐synthesized products was carried out using scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Field emission studies of the PPy–GO, PPy–rGO, and PPy–GNR emitters were performed at the base pressure of 1 × 10−8 mbar in a planar “diode” configuration. The turn‐on field values, corresponding to an emission current density of 1 µA/cm2, are observed to be 1.5, 2.2, and 0.9 V/µm for the PPy–GO, PPy–rGO, and PPy–GNR emitters, respectively. The maximum emission current density of 2.5 mA/cm2 is drawn from PPy–GO at an applied electric field of 3.2 V/µm, 1.2 mA/cm2 at 3.6 V/µm from the PPy–rGO, and 8 mA/cm2 at 2.2 V/µm from the PPy–GNR emitters. All of the composites exhibit good emission stability over more than 2 h. The results indicate the potential for a facile route for synthesizing composites of conducting polymers and graphene‐based materials, with enhanced functionality. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45170.
Improvement of storage stability and physicochemical properties by addition of benzoguanamine in melamine‐formaldehyde resin synthesis
Authors: Henriques Ana , Paiva Nádia , Bastos Margarida , Martins Jorge , Carvalho Luísa , Magalhães Fernão D.
Published: May 2017

The improvement of melamine‐formaldehyde resin storage stability was achieved using benzoguanamine as partial replacement of melamine during synthesis (up to 15% substitution of melamine). The results showed that when benzoguanamine is added in the later stages of reaction, the resulting resins have improved storage stability (4 days or more, compared to 1 day in unmodified melamine‐formaldehyde resin). High‐pressure laminates produced with décor paper impregnated with the new developed resins showed surface properties equivalent to those obtained using commercial melamine‐formaldehyde resins. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45185.
Particle Size Control during Ultrasonic Cooling Crystallization of Paracetamol
Authors: Gielen Bjorn , Claes Thomas , Janssens Jonas , Jordens Jeroen , Thomassen Leen C. J. , Gerven Tom Van , Braeken Leen
Published: May 2017

The effect of ultrasound on the crystal size during cooling crystallization of paracetamol was investigated. Sonication was enabled in three distinct stages to define the operating guidelines for crystal size control. In addition, it was identified whether size reduction results from a higher amount of nuclei upon primary nucleation or from enhanced secondary nucleation. The results show that tuning of the ultrasonic power density and exposure time after nucleation results in crystal sizes between 70 and 140 µm. In contrast, the use of ultrasound before nucleation does not affect the size, indicating enhanced secondary nucleation as the main mechanism. Finally, sonication after complete desupersaturation reduces the crystal size by about 30 µm but causes surface erosion.
Do patients have worse outcomes in heart failure than in cancer? A primary care‐based cohort study with 10‐year follow‐up in Scotland
Authors: Mamas Mamas A. , Sperrin Matthew , Watson Margaret C. , Coutts Alasdair , Wilde Katie , Burton Christopher , Kadam Umesh T. , Kwok Chun Shing , Clark Allan B. , Murchie Peter , Buchan Iain , Hannaford Philip C. , Myint Phyo K.
Published: May 2017

Aims

This study was designed to evaluate whether survival rates in patients with heart failure (HF) are better than those in patients with diagnoses of the four most common cancers in men and women, respectively, in a contemporary primary care cohort in the community in Scotland.

Methods and results

Data were obtained from the Primary Care Clinical Informatics Unit from a database of 1.75 million people registered with 393 general practices in Scotland. Sex‐specific survival modelling was undertaken using Cox proportional hazards models, adjusted for potential confounders. A total of 56 658 subjects were eligible for inclusion in the study. These represented a total of 147 938 person‐years of follow‐up (median follow‐up: 2.04 years). In men, HF (reference group; 5‐year survival: 55.8%) had worse mortality outcomes than prostate cancer [hazard ratio (HR) 0.61, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.57–0.65; 5‐year survival: 68.3%], and bladder cancer (HR 0.88, 95% CI 0.81–0.96; 5‐year survival: 57.3%), but better outcomes than lung cancer (HR 3.86, 95% CI 3.65–4.07; 5‐year survival: 8.4%) and colorectal cancer (HR 1.23, 95% CI 1.16–1.31; 5‐year survival: 48.9%). In women, HF (reference group; 5‐year survival: 49.5%) had worse mortality outcomes than breast cancer (HR 0.55, 95% CI 0.51–0.59; 5‐year survival 77.7%), but better outcomes than colorectal cancer (HR 1.21, 95% CI 1.13–1.29; 5‐year survival 51.5%), lung cancer (HR 3.82, 95% CI 3.60–4.05; 5‐year survival 10.4%), and ovarian cancer (HR 1.98, 95% CI 1.80–2.17; 5‐year survival 38.2%).

Conclusions

Despite advances in management, HF remains as ‘malignant’ as some of the common cancers in both men and women.
Tracheostomy as a bridge to spontaneous breathing and awake‐ECMO in non‐transplant surgical patients
Authors: Swol J , Strauch JT , Schildhauer TA
Published: May 2017

Aims

The tracheostomy is a frequently used procedure for the respiratory weaning of ventilated patients allows sedation free ECLS use in awake patient. The aim of this study is to assess the possibility and highlight the benefits of lowering the impact of sedation in surgical non‐transplant patients on ECLS. The specific objective was to investigate the use of tracheostomy as a bridge to spontaneous breathing on ECLS.

Methods and results

Of the 95 patients, 65 patients received a tracheostomy, and 5 patients were admitted with a tracheostoma. One patient was cannulated without intubation, one is extubated during ECLS course after 48 hours. 4 patients were extubated after weaning and the removal of ECLS. 19 patients died before the indication to tracheostomy was given.

Conclusion

Tracheostomy can bridge to spontaneous breathing and awake‐ECMO in non‐transplant surgical patients. The “awake ECMO” strategy may avoid complications related to mechanical ventilation, sedation, and immobilization and provide comparable outcomes to other approaches for providing respiratory support.
Experimental study on fire behaviors of external thermal insulation composite system under vertical radiation
Authors: Xu Lei , Zhou Yong , Li Kaiyuan , Liu Changcheng , Cheng Xudong
Published: May 2017

Using a vertical thermal radiator, we perform a set of experiments on the external thermal insulation composite system (ETICS) and pure extruded polystyrene (XPS). Several important parameters, including time to ignition, mass loss, and sample temperature, were measured. The combustion degree of XPS used during the experiments was B1 and B2. Results show that the whole burning process can be divided into 3 typical stages. Because of the protection effect of the outer layer of ETICS, the burning process of ETICS was noticeably different from that of pure XPS. The experimental results indicated that the protection effect of the outer layer weakened the difference between B1 and B2 flame‐retardant XPS. The time to ignition was increased under the effect of outer layer, while the core material (XPS) was easier to be ignited when the outer layer falls out. The research results are useful to the theoretical and numerical study on the fire characteristics of foamed polymer under vertical thermal radiation condition.
Hox11 Function Is Required for Region-Specific Fracture Repair
Authors: Rux Danielle R , Song Jane Y , Pineault Kyriel M , Mandair Gurjit S , Swinehart Ilea T , Schlientz Aleesa J , Garthus Kayla N , Goldstein Steve A , Kozloff Ken M , Wellik Deneen M
Published: May 2017

The processes that govern fracture repair rely on many mechanisms that recapitulate embryonic skeletal development. Hox genes are transcription factors that perform critical patterning functions in regional domains along the axial and limb skeleton during development. Much less is known about roles for these genes in the adult skeleton. We recently reported that Hox11 genes, which function in zeugopod development (radius/ulna and tibia/fibula), are also expressed in the adult zeugopod skeleton exclusively in PDGFRα+/CD51+/LepR+ mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs). In this study, we use a Hoxa11eGFP reporter allele and loss-of-function Hox11 alleles, and we show that Hox11 expression expands after zeugopod fracture injury, and that loss of Hox11 function results in defects in endochondral ossification and in the bone remodeling phase of repair. In Hox11 compound mutant fractures, early chondrocytes are specified but show defects in differentiation, leading to an overall deficit in the cartilage production. In the later stages of the repair process, the hard callus remains incompletely remodeled in mutants due, at least in part, to abnormal bone matrix organization. Overall, our data supports multiple roles for Hox11 genes following fracture injury in the adult skeleton. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.