bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photocatalytic activity of ZnO-MnO2 core shell nanocomposite in degradation of RhB dye
Authors: Pung Swee-Yong , Chan Yim-Leng , Sreekantan Srimala , Yeoh Fei-Yee
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to synthesize a semiconductor photocatalyst which responds to both UV light and visible light in removal of organic dyes.

Design/methodology/approach

ZnO nanoparticles were pre-synthesised via sol-gel method using zinc nitrate tetrahydrate and methanamine at 90°C for 20 h. Subsequently, the as-synthesised ZnO nanoparticles were filtered, washed and dried. To synthesize ZnO-MnO2 core shell nanocomposites (CSNs), 2:3 M ratio of KMnO4 and MnSO4 solution was stirred for an hour. Next, ZnO nanoparticles were added into the solution. The solution was heated at 160°C for 3 h for the formation of ZnO-MnO2 CSNs. The structural, optical and photocatalytic properties of ZnO-MnO2 CSNs were characterised by field emission scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffractometer and PL spectroscopy, respectively.

Findings

The photodegradation efficiencies of rhodamine B (RhB) dye by ZnO-MnO2 CSNs as photocatalysts are 87.1 per cent under UV irradiation and 76.6 per cent under visible light irradiation, respectively. Their corresponding rate constants are 0.016 min−1 under UV irradiation and 0.013 min−1 under visible light irradiation. It can be concluded that N-deethylation was the dominant step during the photodegradation of RhB dye as compared to cycloreversion. The ZnO-MnO2 CSNs demonstrated good photostability after three consecutive runs.

Originality/value

ZnO-MnO2 CSN photocatalyst which could response to UV and visible light in degradation of RhB dye was synthesised using sol-gel method. The analysis shows that N-deethylation was the key photodegradation mechanism of RhB by ZnO-MnO2 CSN.
Synthesis and characterisation of heatproof polyester polyols used in polyurethane adhesive
Authors: Xu Tingting , Zhang Cuifeng , Chen Lijun
Published: December 2016

Purpose

Presently, a wide range of polyurethane adhesives can be obtained using different kinds of polyols and isocyanates. However, the applied temperature of the polyurethane adhesive is not more than 80°C. The film of polyurethane adhesive will be softened and deformed when its applied temperature is more than 100°C. Thus, the mechanical property of the polyurethane adhesive is decreased clearly, which limits its further application. The purpose of the study is to improve the heat resistance of polyols, especially polyester polyols and its resultant polyurethane adhesives.

Design/methodology/approach

The more rigid benzene ring is introduced into the polyester polyols to improve the heat resistance of its resultant polyurethane adhesive.

Findings

The more rigid benzene ring has ben introduced into the polyester polyols and the heat resistance of its resultant polyurethane adhesive is improved.

Originality/value

The polyester polyols with more rigid benzene ring have been prepared successfully by the vacuum melting method when diethylene glycol, neopentyl glycol, 1,6-hexanediol, ethanediol, isophthalic acid, terephthalic acid, sebacic acid and adipic acid are used as raw materials and tetra-isopropyl titanate is adopted as the catalyst.
Polyurethane based finishing of cotton fabric for imparting multifunctional properties by using central composite design
Authors: Raza Zulfiqar Ali , Rehman Aisha , Masood Rashid
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to overcome discomfort associated with it, a resin finish was applied in conjunction with hydrophilic polyurethane.

Design/methodology/approach

The process variables included concentrations of polyurethane and resin finishes, and pH under central composite design (CCD). The fabric specimens were assessed for crease recovery angle (CRA), tensile strength and moisture management properties.

Findings

Some models were developed for prediction of CRA and overall moisture management capability (OMMC) of treated fabric. It was observed that polyurethane concentration showed a parabolic relationship with CRA and a direct relationship with OMMC, whereas resin concentration showed a parabolic relationship with CRA and an inverse relationship with OMMC. Increase in pH from acidic to alkaline resulted in a decrease in CRA but an increase in OMMC. The untreated specimen had the highest tensile strength, whereas the specimen treated with polyurethane showed the least tensile strength loss, and the one treated with resin showed the highest loss in tensile strength.

Practical implications

As the polyurethane-based finish is soft and hydrophilic, so it was expected that it would overcome the uncomfortable feature of durable press finish, and with its flexibility, the strength losses might reduce.

Originality/value

This is the first report about the investigation of effects of increasing flexibility of the cross-link by incorporating polyurethane compounds into a typical dimethylol dihydroxy ethylene urea durable press resin formulation.
The Convertible Saint: Expeditus through Time and Space
Authors: Kuefler Mathew
Published: December 2016

Expeditus, a Roman soldier who was for centuries simply a name on a list of early Christian martyrs, took on new life in the late eighteenth century in a Catholic cult that expanded greatly in the late nineteenth century and has continued to spread since then. His name linked him with time and the answering of prayers for urgent causes in particularly modern ways, despite growing scholarly scepticism about him. His unforgettable image — a Roman soldier crushing a crow or raven underfoot — has been adopted by Italian fascists and practitioners of Haitian vodou, among many others. Expeditus‧s popularity on the internet is only the latest version of this unusual devotion.
Dental Age Estimation: Pattern Recognition of Root Canal Widths of Mandibular Molars. A Novel Mandibular Maturity Marker at the 18‐Year Threshold
Authors: Roberts Graham J. , Lucas Victoria S. , Andiappan Manoharan , McDonald Fraser
Published: December 2016

The final stage of third molar development is used to assign a subject to above the 18‐year threshold. Some subjects exhibiting this final stage are less than 18 years. Radiographs from 1000 females and 1000 males age 16.00–25.99 years were examined. Each half‐year age band comprised 50 females and 50 males. Three categories of root canal widths (RCW) of theLL6,LL7, andLL8 [FDI36, 37, and 38] were defined. Reproducibility was achieved by re‐assessing the same subjects 12 months apart. For females, the minimum value forRCW‐A was 16.33 years,RCW‐B 17.23 years, andRCW‐C 18.45 years. For males, the minimum values wereRCW‐A 17.16 years,RCW‐B 18.29 years, andRCW‐C 18.16 years. The presence ofRCW‐C in a female, and the presence ofRCW‐B orRCW‐C in a male is compelling evidence that the subject is above the 18‐year threshold.
No clinically meaningful weight changes in a young cohort following total joint arthroplasty at 3‐year follow‐up
Authors: Formby Peter M. , Purcell Richard L. , Baird Michael , Wagner Matthew , Goodlett Ronald P. , Mack Andrew W.
Published: December 2016

Background

Total joint arthroplasty (TJA) is one of the most successful operations. There is little in the literature regarding weight change following TJA, particularly in a young cohort.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of 181 primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) and 185 primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients was conducted. We reviewed preoperative and post‐operative weights and post‐operative body mass index at 3 and 6 months, 1 year, 2 and 3 years. We evaluated expected versus actual weight gain, and performed subgroup analyses of obese versus non‐obese patients and active duty versus civilian patients. We used a minimal clinically meaningful weight change from baseline of ≥5%.

Results

One hundred and fifty‐one (41.3%) patients were active duty military service members with the mean age of 53 ± 11.1 years. In TKA patients, statistically significant differences were found in mean weights at 3 months (−1.8%, P ≤ 0.0001) and 2 years (+1.9%, P = 0.0006). In THA patients, statistically significant weight gains were found at 6 months (+1.1%, P = 0.006). For obese TKA patients, significant weight changes were observed at 3 months (−2.5%, P ≤ 0.0001), and none in the obese THA group. There were no statistical or clinically meaningful weight changes in the non‐obese TKA or THA groups. There was a clinically meaningful weight gain in active duty TKA patients at 3 years (5.18%, P = 0.17).

Conclusion

Despite a theoretical ability to lose weight following TJA, patients maintain their preoperative weight following TJA. We found a clinically meaningful weight gain at 3 years post‐operatively only in active duty TKA patients. Overall, however, we found no clinically significant weight changes following TJA at 3‐year follow‐up.
Lower urinary tract imaging in pelvic fracture: an 11‐year review of genitourinary complications and clinical outcomes
Authors: Choi Wilson , Rhee Handoo , Chung Eric
Published: December 2016

Background

Diagnostic cysto‐urethrogram (CUG) is accepted as the standard of imaging for lower urinary tract (LUT) injuries in patients with pelvic fracture. This study evaluates the prevalence of LUT trauma and adequacy of diagnostic CUG in the initial assessment of patients with pelvic fractures.

Methods

A retrospective review on all patients admitted with pelvic trauma between 2002 and 2012 was undertaken following ethics approval. Patient demographics such as pelvic fracture pattern, genitourinary injury, diagnostic imaging tests and clinical outcomes were reviewed.

Results

A total of 99 patients were identified during the 11 years. Nine patients were excluded due to prior LUT imaging at another hospital. Of the 90 patients, macroscopic haematuria was present in 63 patients (70%), and LUT injury was diagnosed in 42 patients (46.6%). LUT imaging was performed in 30 patients (33.3%) – four patients with urethrogram alone, 17 had cystogram alone and nine patients underwent CUG. An oblique view was included in five of 20 studies (25%) performed with direct fluoroscopy. Adequate bladder filling was present in 17 of 26 bladder imaging studies (65.3%). LUT injury was missed in seven of 90 patients (7.8%) due to the absence of imaging. This consisted of one patient with urethral injury and six patients with bladder injury, all of whom experienced delays in treatment. Long‐term genitourinary dysfunction was present in three of seven patients with delayed diagnosis.

Conclusion

Incomplete CUG in the assessment of pelvic fracture can result in treatment delay and genitourinary dysfunction.
Exploring the relevance of single‐gender group formation: What we learn from a massive open online course (MOOC)
Authors: Bayeck Rebecca Yvonne , Hristova Adelina , Jablokow Kathryn W. , Bonafini Fernanda
Published: December 2016

This paper reports the results of an exploratory study on participants’ perception of the importance of single‐gender grouping in a massive open online course (MOOC) delivered through the Coursera platform. Findings reveal that female and male learners’ perception of single‐gender grouping differs. Female students more than males indicated less preference for single‐gender grouping. Views on single‐gender grouping also differed across regions, suggesting the effect of participants’ regions of origin on their opinions about single‐gender grouping. Moreover, an interaction was established between participants’ region and gender. In particular, our study reveals that men in the “Asia and Pacific” region tended—more than men and women from other regions of the world—to give more importance to single‐gender grouping in this MOOC. In addition, younger participants cared less about single‐gender groups compared to older respondents. This study sheds light on our understanding of the importance of gender and age importance in online learning environments such as MOOCs. The findings also point to the role gender and age may play as MOOCs continue to gain in popularity and to adopt collaborative approaches to teaching and learning.
Which students benefit most from a flipped classroom approach to language learning?
Authors: Chuang Hsueh‐Hua , Weng Chih‐Yuan , Chen Ching‐Huei
Published: December 2016

Research has shown that the potential benefits of a flipped classroom could be diminished by the way students perceive and prepare information prior to class. This study aims to explore individual characteristics, such as learner motivation, self‐efficacy and epistemology beliefs, that might have an impact on learning outcomes in a flipped classroom. Data were collected using four instruments during a 7‐week flipped classroom conducted from mid‐September 2014 to mid‐November 2014 with a total enrolment of 85 students (10 females and 75 males) in the required course, Applied English for Vocational Education. After controlling for pre‐test and other covariates (eg, gender, grade and experience), an analysis based on structural equation modeling showed a positive and significant (β = 0.12, p < 0.05) indirect effect of instrumentality (promotion) on the change in test scores through averaged quiz scores. Beliefs had a significant positive effect on change in scores between pre‐ and post‐tests (β = 0.20, p < 0.05). Findings revealed that language learners with a high level of motivation in instrumentality (promotion) followed quiz mechanisms closely and thus benefited most from the flipped classroom. Learners with high beliefs exhibited improvement in the post‐tests without doing well in quizzes. The implications for a flipped language learning classroom are discussed, including multiple strategies for regulating learners of different personal traits to preview the online course content before class.
The severity of anaemia depletes cerebrovascular dilatory reserve in children with sickle cell disease: a quantitative magnetic resonance imaging study
Authors: Kosinski Przemyslaw D. , Croal Paula L. , Leung Jackie , Williams Suzan , Odame Isaac , Hare Gregory M. T. , Shroff Manohar , Kassner Andrea
Published: December 2016

Overt ischaemic stroke is one of the most devastating complications in children with sickle cell disease (SCD). The compensatory response to anaemia in SCD includes an increase in cerebral blood flow (CBF) by accessing cerebrovascular dilatory reserve. Exhaustion of dilatory reserve secondary to anaemic stress may lead to cerebral ischaemia. The purpose of this study was to investigate CBF and cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in children with SCD and to correlate these with haematological markers of anaemia. Baseline CBF was measured using arterial spin labelling. Blood‐oxygen level‐dependent MRI in response to a CO2 stimulus was used to acquire CVR. In total, 28 children with SCD (23 not on any disease‐modifying treatment, 5 on chronic transfusion) and 22 healthy controls were imaged using MRI. Transfusion patients were imaged at two time points to assess the effect of changes in haematocrit after a transfusion cycle. In children with SCD, CBF was significantly elevated compared to healthy controls, while CVR was significantly reduced. Both measures were significantly correlated with haematocrit. For transfusion patients, CBF decreased and CVR increased following a transfusion cycle. Lastly, a significant correlation was observed between CBF and CVR in both children with SCD and healthy controls.
Measurement Issues: Large effect sizes do not mean most people get better – clinical significance and the importance of individual results
Authors: Jensen Scott A. , Corralejo Samantha M.
Published: December 2016

Background

This paper seeks to compare group statistical analysis with effect size, group measures of clinical significance (Reliable Change Index and normative comparison), and individual analysis of clinical significance.

Method

Measures of variables important to parenting and child behavior improvement (Parenting Scale, Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory, and Parenting Stress Index [PSI]) were administered pre and post for a 9‐ to 10‐week group Behavioral Parent Training Intervention. Analysis compares traditional group statistical significance testing with group measure of clinical significance and individual analysis of clinical significance.

Results

All three measures demonstrated statistically significant differences from pre to post, with large effect sizes. Group measures of clinical significance, however, demonstrated meaningful change only on the PSI, while individual analysis showed improvements of 54% of participants at best and 0% at worst.

Conclusions

Individual analysis of clinical significance provides valuable information in treatment outcomes and should be included as a standard practice in outcomes research.
Experimental and numerical investigation of fatigue crack growth in the cracked gear tooth
Authors: Zhang X , Li L , Qi X , Zheng J , Zhang X , Chen B , Feng J , Duan S
Published: December 2016

The numerical simulation was conducted to analyse the fatigue crack growth in gear with the finite element codes ansys (ANSYS, Inc. Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, USA.) and franc3d (Fracture Analysis Consultants, Inc. Ithaca, New York, USA.), and the corresponding fatigue test was also carried out. During the simulation, the location of maximal stress induced by the external force was first determined by the code ansys, and then the obtained results were imported into the franc3d to analyse the crack growth. The analysed results were input into the codes ansys and franc3d again to compute the stress and the stress intensity factor in the following steps. After several rounds of analysis, the results of the fatigue crack propagation were obtained. The investigations show that the crack mode I is dominant during the crack growth and the stress intensity factor KI raises with increase of crack growth length and a series of quarter‐elliptical cross sections of the ruptured gear tooth are obtained. The simulation results are in good accordance with experimental findings.
Effects of macroalgal expansion triggered by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami on recruitment density of juvenile abalone Haliotis discus hannai at Oshika Peninsula, northeastern Japan
Authors: Takami Hideki , Kawamura Tomohiko , Won Nam‐IL , Muraoka Daisuke , Hayakawa Jun , Onitsuka Toshihiro
Published: December 2016

The effects of the 2011 mega‐earthquake and massive tsunami on the recruitment process of juvenile abalone Haliotis discus hannai inhabiting the rocky shore ecosystem were investigated at Oshika Peninsula, northeastern Japan. Before the earthquake and tsunami, H. discus hannai of 2007–2010 yr classes were shown to undergo habitat shifts with growth from the crustose coralline algal area (CCA) to kelp beds (KB) via algal turfs (AT). These habitat shifts of abalone appear to occur because of its migration, associated with the ontogenetic changes in feeding behavior. Densities of 0‐yr‐old juvenile abalone (2010 yr class) and the sea urchin Mesocentrotus nudus inhabiting the CCA largely decreased just after the earthquake and tsunami, mainly affected by the catastrophic disturbance by this event. After that, previously unrecorded recruitments of juvenile macroalgae were observed in the CCA after the event probably because of the large‐scale removal of the primary herbivore, the sea urchin M. nudus. Subsequently, the KB and AT expanded into the previous CCA area. After the tsunami, the major factors causing the continuously low densities of the 0‐yr‐old juvenile abalone (2011–2013 yr classes) are inferred to be the limited nursery CCA habitat because of mud and silt sedimentation, the expansion of the KB and AT, and/or the decreased densities of reproductive adult abalone due to the direct disturbance of the tsunami. The results of this study imply that maintaining diverse algal communities which enable the habitat shifts of juvenile abalone H. discus hannai is one of the crucial factors to their successful recruitment.
Increasing dominance of small zooplankton with toxic cyanobacteria
Authors: Jiang Xiaodong , Xie Jinghua , Xu Yao , Zhong Wangfang , Zhu Xiao , Zhu Chengdan
Published: December 2016

Cyanobacterial blooms are often associated with an increase in abundance of small‐bodied zooplankton. The hypothesis that toxic cyanobacteria lead to in the dominance of small‐bodied zooplankton was tested by investigating competitive outcomes with three common cladoceran species, analysing cladoceran remains in sediments, and identifying zooplankton resting eggs.

Although the large‐bodied cladoceran Daphnia pulex outcompeted the medium‐sized cladoceran Simocephalus vetulus when fed green algae in laboratory experiments, the presence of toxic cyanobacteria completely altered this competitive outcome. Similar shifts in competitive dominance with the presence of cyanobacteria were observed when both D. pulex and S. vetulus competed with the small‐bodied cladoceran Bosmina longirostris.

Sediment cores from Dianshan Lake, the largest shallow lake in Shanghai, and surface sediments from 10 random ponds and rivers in the area were collected to recover the cladoceran and total zooplankton communities. Microcystin concentrations in sediments were used as a proxy for cyanobacterial abundances in nature. Altogether, cladoceran remains representing 10 genera were recovered from the sediment samples. Microcystin concentrations in the Dianshan Lake sediment cores were positively correlated with Bosmina abundance, but negatively correlated with both Daphnia and Diaphanosoma abundance. The proportion of large‐bodied cladocerans significantly declined in relation to small‐bodied species with increasing microcystin concentrations in the lake sediments.

Fifty‐eight types of zooplankton resting eggs were recovered in sediments from Shanghai waters and identified using DNA barcoding. The abundance of both a lecanid rotifer and total rotifers significantly increased with increasing cyanobacteria in the sediment cores, whereas the dominant copepod, Sinocalanus tenellus, decreased. However, these trends were not observed in comparison of surface sediments from 10 ponds and rivers in the area.

These results indicate that the presence of toxic cyanobacteria may have altered the zooplankton communities and contributed to increased dominance of small‐bodied species. This study also demonstrates that cladoceran remains and zooplankton resting eggs recovered from sediment cores are convenient natural archives for evaluating zooplankton responses to cyanobacterial blooms.
‘Nursing research culture’ in the context of clinical nursing practice: addressing a conceptual problem
Authors: Berthelsen Connie Bøttcher , Hølge‐Hazelton Bibi
Published: December 2016

Aim

To report an analysis of the concept of nursing research culture in the context of clinical nursing practice.

Background

Nursing research culture should be valued for its contribution to improving patient care and should be considered as a routine hospital activity. However, the demand for efficiency, nurses’ barriers to research use and the lack of definition of the concept of nursing research culture make it difficult to establish.

Design

Concept analysis.

Data sources

Data were collected through a literature review in PubMed, CINAHL and PsycINFO during March 2016.

Methods

Walker and Avant's eight‐step framework for concept analysis.

Results

Five defining attributes of nursing research culture in the context of clinical nursing practice were identified: strong monodisciplinary nursing professionalism, academic thinking and socialization, research use as a part of daily nursing practice, acceptance by colleagues and management and facilitation of resources from management and organization.

Conclusion

Although the method of concept analysis has been criticized and heavily debated, the development of nursing research cultures based on the defining attributes and antecedents of the concept will be important to emphasize evidence‐based clinical nursing care. Further research should support the development and the implementation of nursing research culture in clinical nursing practice.
Selective precipitation reaction: a novel diagnostic test for tissue pathology in Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar, infected with salmonid alphavirus (SAV3)
Authors: Braceland M , Tinsley J , Cockerill D , Bickerdike R , McLoughlin M F , Eckersall P D
Published: December 2016

While investigating biomarkers for infection with salmonid alphavirus (SAV), the cause of pancreas disease (PD), a selective precipitation reaction (SPR) has been discovered in serum which could be an on‐farm qualitative test and an in‐laboratory quantitative assay for health assessments in aquaculture. Mixing serum from Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar, with SAV infection with a sodium acetate buffer caused a visible precipitation which does not occur with serum from healthy salmon. Proteomic examination of the precipitate has revealed that the components are a mix of muscle proteins, for example enolase and aldolase, along with serum protein such as serotransferrin and complement C9. The assay has been optimized for molarity, pH, temperature and wavelength so that the precipitation can be measured as the change in optical density at 340 nm (Δ340). Application of the SPR assay to serum samples from a cohabitation trial of SAV infection in salmon showed that the Δ340 in infected fish rose from undetectable to a maximum at 6 weeks post‐infection correlating with histopathological score of pancreas, heart and muscle damage. This test may have a valuable role to play in the diagnostic evaluation of stock health in salmon.
Monazite in a Variscan mylonitic paragneiss from the Münchberg Metamorphic Complex (NE Bavaria) records Cadomian protolith ages
Authors: Waizenhöfer F. , Massonne H.‐J.
Published: December 2016

Small oval‐shaped, unshielded monazite grains found in a Variscan garnet–muscovite‐bearing mylonitic paragneiss from the Liegendserie unit of the Münchberg Metamorphic Complex in the northwestern Bohemian Massif, central Europe, yield only pre‐Variscan ages. These ages, determined with the electron microprobe, have maxima at c. 545, 520 and 495 Ma and two side‐maxima at 455 and 575 Ma, and are comparable with previously determined ages of detrital zircon reported from paragneisses elsewhere in the NW Bohemian Massif. The pressure (P)–temperature (T) history of this mylonitic paragneiss, determined from contoured P–T pseudosections, involved an initial stage at 6 kbar/600 °C, reaching peak P–T conditions of 12.5 kbar/670 °C with partial melting, followed by mylonitization and retrogression to 9 kbar/610 °C. The monazite, representing detrital grains derived from igneous rocks of a Cadomian provenance between 575 and 455 Ma, has survived these Variscan metamorphic/deformational events unchanged because this mineral has probably never been outside its P–T stability field during metamorphism.
A Termination Rule for Pension Guarantee Funds
Authors: Cheng Chunli , Uzelac Filip
Published: December 2016

A termination rule based on a critical funding ratio is proposed for a pension guarantee fund (PGF) that considers closing an underfunded pension plan. This ratio is determined by solving an expected utility maximization problem on behalf of plan beneficiaries subject to two constraints designed to preserve the PGF's viability. The first is an upper bound on the PGF's annual intervention probability; the second, a restriction on the expected shortfall of an underfunded pension plan that is not closed. Both too low and too high critical funding ratios hurt beneficiaries’ interests, depending on their degree of risk aversion.
Association between daily haemodialysis, access to renal transplantation and patients' survival in France
Authors: Pladys Adélaïde , Vigneau Cécile , Hourmant Maryvonne , Duneau Gabrielle , Couchoud Cécile , Bayat Sahar ,   on behalf of the REIN registry
Published: December 2016

Aim

Daily haemodialysis improves patients' quality of life and blood purification, but its effect on survival remains controversial. The aim of this study was to analyze the association between daily haemodialysis and renal transplantation and survival in France.

Methods

This was an observational cohort study based on the French REIN registry. All incident patients ≥18 years old who started daily haemodialysis in France between 2003 and 2012 were included. Using a propensity score, 575 patients on daily haemodialysis were matched with 1696 patients receiving thrice‐weekly haemodialysis. Survival analysis was performed using the Cox model. Access to the renal transplant waiting list and renal transplantation were analyzed using the Fine and Gray model.

Results

Daily haemodialysis was not independently associated with reduced access to transplant waiting list, whereas, major comorbidities remained associated with restricted waitlisting after multivariate analysis adjusted for confounding factors. After being waitlisted, the cumulative incidence of renal transplantation was lower for the daily haemodialysis than for the thrice‐weekly haemodialysis group (SHR = 0.72, 95%CI: 0.56–0.91). The risk of death was significantly higher in the daily haemodialysis group (HRadjusted = 1.58, 95%CI: 1.4–1.8). Major comorbidities were associated with higher risk of death and lower likelihood of receiving a renal transplant during the follow‐up period.

Conclusion

Our study showed that in France, the likelihood of undergoing renal transplantation after being waitlisted was lower for patients on daily haemodialysis than those on thrice‐weekly haemodialysis. Moreover, daily haemodialysis was associated with higher risk of death, even after taking into account age and all major comorbidities.
Collaboration: A critical exploration of the care continuum
Authors: Penny Robyn A , Windsor Carol
Published: December 2016

The purpose of this research was to explore the concept of collaboration within a specific healthcare context and to include the perspectives of healthcare users, a position largely lacking in previous studies. In applying a critical theoretical approach, the focus was on, as an exemplar, mothers with newborn babies who had spent more than 48 hr in a special care nursery. Semistructured interviews were undertaken with child health nurses, midwives and mothers. The three key theoretical findings on collaboration generated in the study point to layers of meanings around identity, knowledge and institutions of care. Findings from the interview data analysis were further examined through the lens of key policy documents. The research outcomes indicate that the concept of collaboration serves an important function in healthcare in obscuring the complexities and ambiguities that characterise the care continuum. The study concludes the need for a more critical approach to the assumptions that underlie the language of collaboration and the implications for practice in healthcare.
First case of sterility associated with sex chromosomal abnormalities in a jenny
Authors: Dorado J , Anaya G , Bugno‐Poniewierska M , Molina A , Mendez‐Sanchez A , Ortiz I , Moreno‐Millán M , Hidalgo M , Peral García P , Demyda‐Peyrás S
Published: December 2016

Contents

Chromosomal abnormalities are one of the main causes of genetic infertility in horses. Currently, their detection rate is rising due to the use of new diagnostic tools employing molecular markers linked to the sex chromosome pair. Despite genetic similarities, there are no previous reports of sterility associated with chromosomal abnormalities in the domestic donkey (Equus asinus). Hereby, we determined the presence of a chromosomal mosaicism in a female donkey with reproductive problems using molecular methodologies developed for horses. A two‐and‐a‐half‐year‐old jenny characterized by morphological abnormalities of the reproductive tract was cytogenetically analysed using conventional and fluorescent techniques and a group of microsatellite markers (short tandem repeat, STR). At the same time, five ultrasound measures of the reproductive tract were taken and compared with eight contemporary jennies of the same breed. After slaughter, morphological examinations showed that the case study had a blind vaginal vestibule defining an empty pouch that covered the entrance of the cervical os. Histopathological studies demonstrated that this abnormal structure was compatible with a remnant hymen. Molecular markers, STR and fluorescent in situ hybridization determinations revealed that the animal was a 62, XX/61,X mosaic and, therefore, the first case of chromosomal abnormalities in the sex pair reported in donkeys.
The effect of cumulus cells on domestic cat (Felis catus) oocytes during in vitro maturation and fertilization
Authors: Sowińska N , Frankowska K , Filipczyk A , Adamaszek A , Nalik K , Fic K , Pietsch‐Fulbiszewska A
Published: December 2016

Contents

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of co‐culture of denuded oocytes with cumulus cells (CC) or cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) on in vitro maturation (IVM) and in vitro fertilization (IVF). Immature oocytes were collected from ovaries of domestic cats following a routine ovariectomy. Oocytes were matured in vitro for 24 hr within four groups: (i) denuded oocytes (DO), (ii) DO co‐cultured with CC, (iii) DO co‐cultured with COC and (iv) COC as a control group. In further experiments, COCs were matured in vitro for 24 hr, and then, oocytes were randomly divided into four groups as previously described and fertilized in vitro. Embryos were cultured for up to 7 days. At the end of each experiment, oocytes/embryos were stained with Hoechst 33342 solution and observed under an inverted fluorescence microscope. The results of oocyte maturation showed that their meiotic competence decreased significantly in all experimental groups, compared to the control group. The maturation rates were approximately 45%, 24%, 43% and 76% in experiment 1, and 21%, 14%, 33% and 50% in experiment 2 in groups (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv), respectively. Examination of in vitro fertilization revealed that embryos developed up to the morula stage in all experimental groups. DO and oocytes cultured with COC during fertilization showed a lower cleavage rate—36% and 25% as opposed to those co‐cultured with loose CC and the control group—43% and 42%, respectively. Results of this study indicate that cumulus cells connected with an oocyte into a cumulus—oocyte complex are irreplaceable for the maturation of domestic cat oocyte, but that the addition of loose CC may be beneficial for IVF.
GADD45α is involved in the apoptosis of lymphocytes induced by riboflavin and ultraviolet light
Authors: Yang Peng , Wen Huiqin , Zhong Tao , Hu Hailiang , Zhu Bangqiang , Xia Kang , Xu Mo , Bian Maohong
Published: December 2016

BACKGROUND

Riboflavin plus ultraviolet (UV) pathogen reduction technology (RF‐PRT) is an effective method for inactivating the residual white blood cells (WBCs) in blood components. The RF‐PRT system for platelets is known to activate many signaling pathways, including p38 and NF‐κB. Nevertheless, proteomic studies in WBCs after riboflavin plus UV treatment requires further analysis.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

ABO/D‐matched lymphocytes were pooled, split, and treated with RF‐PRT or UV light or left untreated. After treatment, cell apoptosis was measured. In addition, cell proliferation and the cycle distribution were evaluated upon stimulation with phytohemagglutinin. The changes in the protein expression levels of growth arrest and DNA damage‐inducible (GADD)45α, p38, and c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) were determined by Western blotting. The effect of GADD45α, p38, and JNK on apoptosis was assessed.

RESULTS

RF‐PRT significantly inhibited proliferation and induced G1 arrest in lymphocytes. Furthermore, the percentage of apoptotic cells was increased in RF‐PRT–treated lymphocytes compared to UV‐treated cells or untreated cells, associated with the up regulation of GADD45α expression. Consistent with these observations, the inhibition of GADD45α expression partially counteracted the effects of riboflavin plus UV treatment. The p38 and JNK signaling pathways were activated by GADD45α in RF‐PRT–treated lymphocytes.

CONCLUSIONS

These data revealed that RF‐PRT effectively inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis of lymphocytes by promoting GADD45α expression, which subsequently activates p38 and JNK signaling pathways.
Corrective Osteotomy of a Metacarpal Deviation Caused by Fracture in a 9‐Month‐Old German Fleckvieh Heifer
Authors: Tschoner Theresa S. , Köstlin Roberto G. , Feist Melanie
Published: December 2016

Objective

To describe the surgical treatment of a metacarpal deviation caused by an untreated Salter‐Harris type I fracture in a heifer.

Study Design

Case report.

Animal

9‐month‐old German Fleckvieh heifer.

Methods

A closing wedge osteotomy was performed to correct deviation of fused metacarpal III and IV. A triangular bone wedge was removed and the proximal and distal fragments of the bone were brought into apposition and stabilized with an 11‐hole T‐plate. A full‐limb cast was applied postoperative.

Results

Radiographs were taken at 2, 4, and 6 weeks postoperative. No postoperative complications occurred and the heifer was discharged from the clinic 51 days after surgery. Radiographs taken 6 months after discharge showed periosteal callus formation around the closing wedge osteotomy. At 24 months postoperative, implants were intact and the heifer was in good general condition.

Conclusion

Closing wedge osteotomy was successfully performed in a heifer with a metacarpal deviation, correcting the malunion after a untreated Salter‐Harris type I fracture. Radiographs showed evidence of osteotomy healing and the heifer had full use of the affected leg at 24 months postoperative.
Systematic Reduction of Detailed Chemical Reaction Mechanisms for Engine Applications
Authors: Seidel Lars , Netzer Corinna , Hilbig Martin , Mauss Fabian , Klauer Christian , Pasternak Michał , Matrisciano Andrea
Published: December 2016

In this work we apply a sequence of concepts for mechanism reduction on one reaction mechanism including novel quality control. We introduce a moment based accuracy rating method for species profiles. The concept is used for a necessity based mechanism reduction utilizing 0D reactors. Thereafter a stochastic reactor model (SRM) for internal combustion engines is applied to control the quality of the reduced reaction mechanism during the expansion phase of the engine. This phase is sensitive on engine out emissions, and is often not considered in mechanism reduction work. The proposed process allows to compile highly reduced reaction schemes for CFD application for internal combustion engine simulations. It is demonstrated that the resulting reduced mechanisms predict combustion and emission formation in engines with accuracies comparable to the original detailed scheme.
Thermodynamic Considerations Regarding the Use of EGR for Conventional and High Efficiency Engines
Authors: Caton Jerald A.
Published: December 2016

During the last several decades, investigations of the operation of internal combustion engines utilizing exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) has increased. This increased interest has been driven by the advantages of the use of EGR with respect to emissions and, in some cases, thermal efficiency. The current study uses a thermodynamic engine cycle simulation to explore the fundamental reasons for the changes of thermal efficiency as functions of EGR. EGR with various levels of cooling are studied. Both a conventional (throttled) operating condition and a high efficiency operating condition are examined. With no EGR, the net indicated thermal efficiencies were 32.1% and 44.6% for the conventional and high efficiency engines, respectively.

For the conditions examined, the cylinder heat transfer is a function of the gas temperatures and convective heat transfer co-efficient. For increasing EGR, the gas temperatures generally decrease due to the lower combustion temperatures. For increasing EGR, however, the convective heat transfer coefficient generally increases due to increasing cylinder pressures and decreasing gas temperatures. Whether the cylinder heat transfer increases or decreases with increasing EGR is the net result of the gas temperature decreases and the heat transfer coefficient increases.

For significantly cooled EGR, the efficiency increases partly due to decreases of the heat transfer. On the other hand, for less cooled EGR, the efficiency decreases due at least partly to the increasing heat transfer. Two other considerations to explain the efficiency changes include the changes of the pumping work, and the specific heats during combustion. For the constant loads considered, as more EGR is used, the throttle is opened which decreases the pumping work. For certain throttled cases, for increasing EGR, the increase of the cylinder heat transfer is somewhat offset by the decrease of the pumping work. For the high efficiency operating condition (with less throttling), the benefits of decreasing pumping work are much less. In all cases, the decreasing temperatures result in decreasing specific heats which provide some improvement in thermal energy conversion to work.
In-Cylinder Flow Correlations Between Steady Flow Bench and Motored Engine Using Computational Fluid Dynamics
Authors: Yang Xiaofeng , Kuo Tang-Wei , Guralp Orgun , Grover Ronald O. , Najt Paul
Published: December 2016

Intake port flow performance plays a substantial role in determining the volumetric efficiency and in-cylinder charge motion of a spark-ignited engine. Steady-state flow bench and motored engine flow CFD simulations were carried out to bridge these two approaches for the evaluation of port flow and charge motion (such as discharge coefficient, swirl/tumble ratios). A one dimensional block analytical model was used to mimic the downstream honeycomb in a flow bench experiment, which forced the flow motion in one direction. The intake port polar velocity profile and polar physical clearance profile were generated to evaluate the port performance based on local flow velocity and physical clearance in the valve-seat region. The measured data were taken from standard steady-state flow bench tests of an intake port.

When using an appropriate mesh resolution near the walls, the steady-state flow bench simulation predicted that discharge coefficient and swirl/tumble index are in agreement with the measured data. It was reconfirmed that the predicted discharge coefficients and swirl/tumble index of steady flow bench simulations have a good correlation with those of motored engine flow simulations. The polar velocity inhomogeneity factor correlates well with the port discharge coefficient, swirl/tumble index. A port performance evaluation guideline was generated by taking advantage of steady flow bench and motored engine flow simulations and port polar velocity inhomogeneity factor.
Impact of Intake Induced Swirl on Combustion and Emissions on a Single Cylinder Diesel Engine
Authors: Barrientos Eduardo , Bortel Ivan , Takats Michal , Vavra Jiri
Published: December 2016

Engine induced swirl improves mixing of fuel and air and at optimal values accelerates burn, improves the combustion stability and can decrease particulate matter (PM). However, swirl increases convective heat loss and cylinder charge loss and could increase nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions. High intensity of swirl could impede flame development and increases emissions of total hydrocarbons (THC) and carbon monoxide (CO). Therefore, careful and smart selection of optimal swirl values is paramount in order to obtain beneficial impact on combustion and emissions performance.

This study is conducted on a 0.5L single cylinder research engine with common rail (CR) diesel injection system, with parameters corresponding to modern engines of passenger cars. The engine has three separate ports in the cylinder head. The change of swirl ratio is defined by closing appropriate ports. There are three levels of swirl ratio under study — 1.7, 2.9 and 4.5, corresponding to low, medium and high swirl levels respectively.

This study highlights the influence of intake induced swirl on combustion parameters and emissions. Assessed combustion parameters are, among others, heat release rate, cylinder pressure rise and indicated mean effective pressure. Assessed emissions are standard gaseous emissions and smoke, with emphasis on PM emissions. An engine speed of 1500 rpm was selected, which well represents common driving conditions of this engine size. Various common rail pressures are used at ambient inlet manifold pressure (without boost pressure) and at 1 bar boosted pressure mode. It is found that when the swirl level is increased, the faster heat release during the premixed combustion and during early diffusion-controlled combustion causes a quick increase in both in-cylinder pressure and temperature, thus promoting the formation of NOx. However, since swirl enhances mixing and potentially produces a leaning effect, PM formation is reduced in general. However, maximum peak temperature is lower for high swirl ratio and boosted modes due to the increase of heat transfer into cylinder walls. Furthermore, it is necessary to find optimal values of common rail pressures and swirl ratio. Too much mixing allows increase on PM, THC and CO emissions without decrease on NOx emissions in general. Common rail injection system provides enough energy to achieve good mixing during all the injection time in the cases of supercharged modes and high common rail pressure modes. Positive influence of swirl ratio is found at lower boost pressures, lower revolution levels and at lower engine loads. The results obtained here help providing a better understanding on the swirl effects on diesel engine combustion and exhaust emissions over a range of engine operating conditions, with the ultimate goal of finding optimal values of swirl operation.
Lubricant Flow Optimization of Large Two Stroke Marine Diesel Engine Piston Ring Packs
Authors: Stark Matthias , Mittler Richard
Published: December 2016

Approaching a characterization of different contributors to the lube oil balance of an engine becomes important when aiming at enhancing lubrication performance and reducing its contribution to exhaust gas emissions. It is essential to quantify relevant data helping to determine lubrication losses related to particular tribosystem components. Recent activities focused on rating distinct tribosystem component effects on their contribution to total lube oil consumption and the possibility to most effectively modify those.

This paper thus describes the most effective tribosystem component modifications, consisting of the application of a substantially modified piston ring pack and the introduction of lube oil accumulating grooves in order to considerably enhance lubrication performance.

A proper prediction of piston ring pack dynamics and tribodynamic effects on the lube oil film is essential to design a superior piston ring pack in terms of an optimized piston running behaviour and lube oil transportation. One major step designing such a ring pack is based on the consequent application of a novel 3D piston ring pack simulation tool to enhance lube oil transportation characteristics and distribution.

Lube oil accumulating grooves are introduced to reduce lubrication losses due to so called ring pack spray. The ring pack spray is a result of accumulated lubricant in the pressurized piston ring pack expanding into the scavenge air receiver during the scavenging phase. Mentioned effect was analysed in detail in order to determine the amount of related lubricant losses. Investigations in this context lead to the application of lube oil accumulating grooves and hence can be considered an important design aspect to reduce total lube oil consumption.

Tribosystem performance validation was performed on the basis of the application of an SO2 tracing technology on a full scale engine test in order to determine relevant tribosystem component modifications in real time. The sulphur content of fuel and lube oil considerably influences the formation of particulate matter in the exhaust gas, following chemical reactions of sulphur oxidation. Hence detecting SO2 in the exhaust gas is a direct measure to determine the amount of lubricant in the exhaust gas composition.

Finally this report demonstrates measurement results describing the superior performance of the modified tribosystem.