bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is suture comparable to wire for cerclage fixation? A biomechanical analysis
Authors: Westberg Scott E. , Acklin Yves P. , Hoxha Siva , Ayranci Cagri , Adeeb Samer , Bouliane Martin
Published: October 2017

Background

Cerclage wire is the current standard for circumferential bone fixation. Advances in technology have improved modern sutures, allowing for expanded utility and broader application. The present study compared the strength and durability of cerclage fixation between modern suture materials and monofilament wire.

Methods

The Surgeon’s Knot, the Nice Knot and the Modified Nice Knot, were each tied using three separate suture materials: no. 2 FiberWire (Arthrex, Naples, FL, USA), no. 2 Ultrabraid (Smith & Nephew, Andover, MA, USA) and no. 5 Ethibond (Johnson & Johnson, Somerville, NJ, USA). These sutures were compared with monofilament wire. Sutures were secured around a fixed diameter using three additional half hitches, whereas a 1.2-mm (18 gauge) stainless steel monofilament wire was used for comparison. One fellow and one orthopaedic surgery resident each tied five trials with every knot/material combination. Samples were subjected to cyclic loading and quasi-static load testing. Respectively, cyclic displacement over time and load to failure were analyzed. Clinical failure (3 mm of cyclic displacement) and absolute failure (opening of the knot or material failure) were the outcomes of interest.

Results

During cyclic loading, Ethibond displaced significantly less over time compared to monofilament wire ( p < 0.003), whereas FiberWire showed no significant difference. Ultrabraid also behaved similar to wire, except displacing significantly more than wire only with the Surgeon’s Knot ( p = 0.02). During load to failure, Ethibond and FiberWire failed at significantly greater loads than monofilament wire ( p < 0.001), whereas Ultrabraid performed similar to wire. Knot types did not appear to impact the results.

Conclusions

High-performance sutures achieve superior results in biomechanical testing under cyclic and quasi-static load compared to monofilament wire, suggesting that they provide an alternative to wire for cerclage fixation with select clinical application. Biomechanical security of suture cerclage is dependent on suture material, although it is not altered significantly by choice of knot. An ex-vivo study with clinical application would further reinforce whether suture cerclage offers a valid alternative to wire cerclage.
Tourism-Led Growth Hypothesis: A New Global Evidence
Authors: Tang Chor Foon , Tan Eu Chye
Published: October 2017

The primary aim of this study is to determine whether the tourism-led growth hypothesis is globally valid by accounting for countries’ income levels and their institutional qualities, against a panel dataset of 167 countries. The institutional qualities referred to are political stability and corruption control. We employ the dynamic panel generalized method of moments (GMM) approach to examine the relationship. It can be inferred from the exercise that tourism positively contributes to economic growth but the effect varies across countries at different levels of income and institutional qualities. Therefore, the effect of tourism on economic growth is contingent on levels of income and institutional qualities of the host tourism countries. Policy initiatives that aim to promote and strengthen institutional qualities should be undertaken for a country to enjoy the beneficial impact of tourism on economic growth and development.
A Review of Four Health Procedures That School Nurses May Encounter
Authors: Toothaker Rebecca , Cook Pamela
Published: October 2017

The school nurse plays a vital role in providing care and meeting the health needs of students in the school setting. Students attend school with chronic conditions and complex medical problems such as quadriplegia, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and muscular dystrophy. It is the responsibility of the school nurse to provide appropriate assessment, early intervention, and care for children in the school environment. The purpose of this article is to review and discuss the knowledge and skills the school nurse needs to care for students with central venous lines, gastrostomy tubes, altered urinary elimination, and tracheostomies.
Pre-primary teachers’ perceptions about professionalism and professional development through the lens of transformative learning: A case study in Greece
Authors: Fotopoulou Vasiliki S , Ifanti Amalia A
Published: October 2017

In this study, pre-primary teachers’ views about professionalism and professional development in state nursery schools in Greece were investigated using a survey. This investigation of teachers’ responses regarding specific issues of professionalism and professional development revealed that the majority of the teachers in the sample valued the importance of their collaboration with colleagues in schools as well as their concern for pupils’ achievement. The findings demonstrated the coherence between teachers’ professionalism and professional development and provide a useful approach to contextualizing these notions through the lens of transformative learning.
Predictors and Implications of Synthetic Drug Use Among Adolescents in the Gambling Capital of China
Authors: Li Spencer D. , Zhang Xiaohua , Tang Wei , Xia Yiwei
Published: October 2017

Synthetic drug abuse has become an increasingly serious problem among adolescents in Macao, the world’s largest gambling market and the only legal gambling place in China. To counteract this trend, a good understanding of the culturally relevant risk factors for this behavior is required. Based on social learning theory and opportunity perspective of deviance, logistic regression analysis was performed on a probability sample of 8,076 Macao students collected in 2014 to investigate whether delinquent peer association, recreational use of time with friends, attitudes toward drug use, and the availability of synthetic drugs are significant predictors of synthetic drug use among adolescents. The analyses revealed that students who had more drug-using peers, perceived drug use to be less harmful, and had easier access to synthetic drugs were more likely to use drugs. The findings indicate that preventing synthetic drug use among adolescents should target individual risk factors and the availability of drugs.
The Role of Population in Economic Growth
Authors: Peterson E. Wesley F.
Published: October 2017

The relationship between population growth and economic growth is controversial. This article draws on historical data to chart the links between population growth, growth in per capita output, and overall economic growth over the past 200 years. Low population growth in high-income countries is likely to create social and economic problems while high population growth in low-income countries may slow their development. International migration could help to adjust these imbalances but is opposed by many. Drawing on economic analyses of inequality, it appears that lower population growth and limited migration may contribute to increased national and global economic inequality.
Patients With Dementia Are Easy Victims to Predators
Authors: Hamdy R. C. , Lewis J. V. , Copeland R. , Depelteau A. , Kinser A. , Kendall-Wilson T. , Whalen K.
Published: October 2017

Patients with dementia, especially Alzheimer’s disease and particularly those in early stages, are susceptible to become victims of predators: Their agnosia (see Case 1) prevents them from detecting and accurately interpreting subtle signals that otherwise would have alerted them that they are about to fall for a scam. Furthermore, their judgment is impaired very early in the disease process, often before other symptoms manifest themselves and usually before a diagnosis is made. Patients with early stages of dementia are therefore prime targets for unscrupulous predators, and it behooves caregivers and health care professionals to ensure the integrity of these patients. In this case study, we discuss how a man with mild Alzheimer’s disease was about to fall for a scam were it not for his vigilant wife. We discuss what went wrong in the patient/caregiver interaction and how the catastrophic ending could have been avoided or averted.
Clinical photographic observation of plantar corns and callus associated with a nominal scale classification and inter‐ observer reliability study in a student population
Authors: Tollafield David R.
Published: October 2017

Background

The management of plantar corns and callus has a low cost‐benefit with reduced prioritisation in healthcare. The distinction between types of keratin lesions that forms corns and callus has attracted limited interest. Observation is imperative to improving diagnostic predictions and a number of studies point to some confusion as to how best to achieve this. The use of photographic observation has been proposed to improve our understanding of intractable keratin lesions.

Methods

Students from a podiatry school reviewed photographs where plantar keratin lesions were divided into four nominal groups; light callus (Grade 1), heavy defined callus (Grade 2), concentric keratin plugs (Grade 3) and callus with deeper density changes under the forefoot (Grade 4). A group of ‘experts' assigned from qualified podiatrists validated the observer rated responses by the students.

Results

Cohen's weighted statistic (k) was used to measure inter‐observer reliability. First year students (unskilled) performed less well when viewing photographs (k = 0.33) compared to third year students (semi‐skilled, k = 0.62). The experts performed better than students (k = 0.88) providing consistency with wound care models in other studies.

Conclusions

Improved clinical annotation of clinical features, supported by classification of keratin‐ based lesions, combined with patient outcome tools, could improve the scientific rationale to prioritise patient care. Problems associated with photographic assessment involves trying to differentiate similar lesions without the benefit of direct palpation. Direct observation of callus with and without debridement requires further investigation alongside the model proposed in this paper.
Disruption of Trim9 function abrogates macrophage motility in vivo
Authors: Tokarz Debra A , Heffelfinger Amy K , Jima Dereje D , Gerlach Jamie , Shah Radhika N , Rodriguez-Nunez Ivan , Kortum Amanda N , Fletcher Ashley A , Nordone Shila K , Law J McHugh , Heber Steffen , Yoder Jeffrey A
Published: October 2017

The vertebrate immune response comprises multiple molecular and cellular components that interface to provide defense against pathogens. Because of the dynamic complexity of the immune system and its interdependent innate and adaptive functionality, an understanding of the whole-organism response to pathogen exposure remains unresolved. Zebrafish larvae provide a unique model for overcoming this obstacle, because larvae are protected against pathogens while lacking a functional adaptive immune system during the first few weeks of life. Zebrafish larvae were exposed to immune agonists for various lengths of time, and a microarray transcriptome analysis was executed. This strategy identified known immune response genes, as well as genes with unknown immune function, including the E3 ubiquitin ligase tripartite motif-9 (Trim9). Although trim9 expression was originally described as “brain specific,” its expression has been reported in stimulated human Mϕs. In this study, we found elevated levels of trim9 transcripts in vivo in zebrafish Mϕs after immune stimulation. Trim9 has been implicated in axonal migration, and we therefore investigated the impact of Trim9 disruption on Mϕ motility and found that Mϕ chemotaxis and cellular architecture are subsequently impaired in vivo. These results demonstrate that Trim9 mediates cellular movement and migration in Mϕs as well as neurons.
Spontaneous PMN apoptosis in type 2 diabetes and the impact of periodontitis
Authors: Manosudprasit Aggasit , Kantarci Alpdogan , Hasturk Hatice , Stephens Danielle , Van Dyke Thomas E
Published: October 2017

The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that peripheral blood neutrophils (PMN) exhibit delayed spontaneous apoptosis in individuals with diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM) and that the delay is exacerbated further among people who coexpress chronic periodontitis (CP). Seventy-three individuals were enrolled, including those with T2DM (n = 16), CP (n = 15), T2DM + CP (n = 21), and healthy volunteers (n = 21). PMN apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry using TUNEL and Annexin V assays. The activity of caspase-3, -8, and -9 was measured by colorimetric assay. PMN surface death receptor quantification was performed by flow cytometry staining with fluorescence-conjugated anti-CD120a (TNFR1) and anti-CD95 [Fas receptor (FasR)] antibody. Analysis of inflammatory markers in serum samples was performed using multiplexed sandwich immunoassays. In healthy volunteers and individuals with T2DM, CP, and T2DM + CP, spontaneous PMN apoptosis observed at 12 h reached 85.3 ± 3.1, 67.3 ± 3.9, 62.9 ± 3.5 and 62.5 ± 5.4%, respectively (P < 0.05). Caspase-3 activity was significantly reduced in individuals with T2DM and T2DM + CP (P < 0.05) when compared with healthy volunteers. Caspase-8 activity was also significantly decreased in CP and T2DM + CP (P < 0.05), associated with reduced cell-surface FasR, TNFRs, and Fas ligand (FasL) serum levels. Glucose alone was not observed to impact PMN apoptosis; simultaneous incubation with the receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE) agonist S100B induced significant PMN apoptosis (P < 0.05). These data support the premise that the inhibition of PMN apoptosis in individuals with T2DM occurs through an advanced glycation endproducts/RAGE ligand/receptor-mediated interaction.
Nivolumab Versus Docetaxel in Previously Treated Patients With Advanced Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Two-Year Outcomes From Two Randomized, Open-Label, Phase III Trials (CheckMate 017 and CheckMate 057)
Authors: Horn Leora , Spigel David R. , Vokes Everett E. , Holgado Esther , Ready Neal , Steins Martin , Poddubskaya Elena , Borghaei Hossein , Felip Enriqueta , Paz-Ares Luis , Pluzanski Adam , Reckamp Karen L. , Burgio Marco A. , Kohlhäeufl Martin , Waterhouse David , Barlesi Fabrice , Antonia Scott , Arrieta Oscar , Fayette Jérôme , Crinò Lucio , Rizvi Naiyer , Reck Martin , Hellmann Matthew D. , Geese William J. , Li Ang , Blackwood-Chirchir Anne , Healey Diane , Brahmer Julie , Eberhardt Wilfried E.E.
Published: October 2017

Purpose

Nivolumab, a programmed death-1 inhibitor, prolonged overall survival compared with docetaxel in two independent phase III studies in previously treated patients with advanced squamous (CheckMate 017; ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01642004) or nonsquamous (CheckMate 057; ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01673867) non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We report updated results, including a pooled analysis of the two studies.

Methods

Patients with stage IIIB/IV squamous (N = 272) or nonsquamous (N = 582) NSCLC and disease progression during or after prior platinum-based chemotherapy were randomly assigned 1:1 to nivolumab (3 mg/kg every 2 weeks) or docetaxel (75 mg/m2 every 3 weeks). Minimum follow-up for survival was 24.2 months.

Results

Two-year overall survival rates with nivolumab versus docetaxel were 23% (95% CI, 16% to 30%) versus 8% (95% CI, 4% to 13%) in squamous NSCLC and 29% (95% CI, 24% to 34%) versus 16% (95% CI, 12% to 20%) in nonsquamous NSCLC; relative reductions in the risk of death with nivolumab versus docetaxel remained similar to those reported in the primary analyses. Durable responses were observed with nivolumab; 10 (37%) of 27 confirmed responders with squamous NSCLC and 19 (34%) of 56 with nonsquamous NSCLC had ongoing responses after 2 years’ minimum follow-up. No patient in either docetaxel group had an ongoing response. In the pooled analysis, the relative reduction in the risk of death with nivolumab versus docetaxel was 28% (hazard ratio, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.62 to 0.84), and rates of treatment-related adverse events were lower with nivolumab than with docetaxel (any grade, 68% v 88%; grade 3 to 4, 10% v 55%).

Conclusion

Nivolumab provides long-term clinical benefit and a favorable tolerability profile compared with docetaxel in previously treated patients with advanced NSCLC.
Feasibility of modified Dixon MRI techniques for hepatic fat quantification in hepatic disorders: validation with MRS and histology
Authors: Kang Bo-kyeong , Kim Mimi , Song Soon-young , Jun Dae won , Jang Kiseok
Published: October 2017

Objective:

To assess the feasibility of proton density fat fraction (PDFF) MRI for estimating hepatic fat fraction with magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and histology as references and to investigate intrahepatic fat distribution and variability.

Methods:

Between November 2014 and September 2015, 85 adults (48 males, 47 females) who underwent MRI-PDFF (n = 139), MRS-PDFF (n = 49) and liver biopsy (n = 29) were enrolled in this study. Data were compared using linear regression. MRI-PDFF and standard deviations (variability) and differences between maximum and minimum PDFF (PDFF range) for whole liver, the lobes, and segment levels were calculated for each subject.

Results:

Whole-liver MRI-PDFF showed good correlation with MRS-PDFF (r = 0.961) and histologic degree of hepatic steatosis (σ = 0.809). Hepatic fat fraction is different between lobes and segments. Mean PDFF and mean PDFF range of the right lobe were higher than for the left lobe, whereas variability in the right lobe was lower than in the left lobe.

Conclusion:

MRI-PDFF is an accurate non-invasive method for quantifying hepatic fat for various hepatic disorders, and may be preferable for measuring fat fraction in the right liver for more precise values in longitudinal monitoring, while avoiding FF measurement in the left liver.

Advances in knowledge:

MRI-PDFF provides a non-invasive and accurate quantification of hepatic steatosis in various hepatic disorders. It would be preferable to measure FF in the right liver than in the left liver.
The emerging role of PET imaging in dementia
Authors: Iaccarino Leonardo , Sala Arianna , Caminiti Silvia Paola , Perani Daniela
Published: October 2017

A compelling need in the field of neurodegenerative diseases is the development and validation of biomarkers for early identification and differential diagnosis. The availability of positron emission tomography (PET) neuroimaging tools for the assessment of molecular biology and neuropathology has opened new venues in the diagnostic design and the conduction of new clinical trials. PET techniques, allowing the in vivo assessment of brain function and pathology changes, are increasingly showing great potential in supporting clinical diagnosis also in the early and even preclinical phases of dementia. This review will summarize the most recent evidence on fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose-, amyloid -, tau -, and neuroinflammation - PET tools, highlighting strengths and limitations and possible new perspectives in research and clinical applications. Appropriate use of PET tools is crucial for a prompt diagnosis and target evaluation of new developed drugs aimed at slowing or preventing dementia.
Brand of the State: Concept And Structure
Authors: Калимуллина Юлия , Kalimullina Yulia
Published: October 2017

One of important aspects of the general perception and assessment of the state is the impression which it makes on the target audience. In article the attempt to formulate author’s definition of a brand of the state has been made. The author studies the components making him for what the existing ratings of national brands have been considered. As a result of a research of this subject, the author comes to conclusion that in the conditions of modern society – “society of a dream” when brands rule the world, detailed studying of a brand of the state finds special value.
The Comparative Analysis of Concepts of Team and Communication Roles
Authors: Горбатов Д. , Gorbatov D. , Байчик А. , Baychik A.
Published: October 2017

Concepts of team roles in making implementing of decisions in the process of teamwork and communicative roles in situations of rumors discussing are compared. Differences and similarities in the categories of roles, content of role repertoires, functioning at key stages of interaction are analyzed. The fundamental difference in understanding the concept of «role» as a situationally conditioned, when discussing rumors, and based on individual dispositions of team members is determined. The hypothesis of «role balance», which determines the completeness of the representation in the group of all roles as predictor of the effectiveness of solving a common problem, is considered.
Introducing the Wellbeing Award for Schools
Authors: Feuchtwang Anna
Published: October 2017

With thousands of children on anti-depressants, Anna Feuchtwang says that one part of the solution could be schools that focus more on wellbeing
Promoting influenza vaccine for children
Authors: Edwards Angela , Bedford Helen , Campbell Helen , Letley Louise , Paterson Pauline , Pebody Richard , Saliba Vanessa , Yarwood Joanne , Yates Julie
Published: October 2017

This autumn influenza vaccine will again be offered to all 2- and 3-year-olds in general practice. In addition, all children in clinical risk groups aged 6 months and above should be offered the vaccine. Children in primary school years from reception class to year 4 will also be offered the vaccine as part of the on-going extension of influenza vaccination to healthy children. Since the start of the paediatric programme, transmission of influenza has reduced across all age groups in those parts of the country vaccinating all children of primary school age. Children under 5 years of age have the highest rate of hospital admissions for influenza. However, many parents do not think that influenza is a serious illness and it is the vaccine they are most likely to decline. Health professionals are the most trusted source of advice and information about vaccination, so staff in general practice have a crucial role to play in recommending this vaccine to parents.

Health professionals are the most trusted source of advice and information about vaccination, so practice nurses have a crucial role to play in recommending the influenza vaccine to parents and increasing uptake
Psoriasis Awareness Week: Taking a whole-person approach
Authors: Renton Carla
Published: October 2017

This Psoriasis Awareness Week practice nurses are reminded to take a holistic approach to treatment and to work collaboratively with their patients to achieve the best results
Ovarian cancer in primary care: The role of GPNs
Authors: Aston Jenny , Biscoe Elaine , Tate Sharon
Published: October 2017

Ovarian cancer is often diagnosed late in the UK, resulting in poorer survival rates compared with the rest of Europe. Practice nurses are ideally placed to talk to women about symptoms and raise awareness of the disease
The Cochrane Collaboration: institutional analysis of a knowledge commons
Authors: Heywood Peter , Stephani Anne Marie , Garner Paul
Published: October 2017

Cochrane is an international network that produces and updates new knowledge through systematic reviews for the health sector. Knowledge is a shared resource, and can be viewed as a commons. As Cochrane has been in existence for 25 years, we used Elinor Ostrom’s theory of the commons and Institutional Analysis and Development Framework to appraise the organisation. Our aim was to provide insight into one particular knowledge commons, and to reflect on how this analysis may help Cochrane and its funders improve their strategy and development. An assessment of Cochrane product showed extensive production of systematic reviews, although assuring consistent quality of these reviews is an enduring challenge; there is some restriction of access to the reviews, open access is not yet implemented; and, while permanence of the record is an emerging problem, it has not yet been widely discussed. The assessment of the process showed that the resource, community, and rules-in-use are complex, vary between different groups within Cochrane, and are not well understood. Many of the rules have been informal, and the underlying ethos of volunteerism where reviews get done are important features and constraints to the organisation. Like all collective efforts, Cochrane is subject to collective action problems, particularly free-riding and variable commitment, and the under-production of public goods and internal processes, such as surveillance of product quality and procedures for transparent resolution of conflicts.
Key Tasks of Science in Improving Effectiveness of Hard Coal Production in Poland
Authors: Dubiński Józef , Prusek Stanisław , Turek Marian
Published: October 2017

The article presents an array of specific issues regarding the employed technology and operational efficiency of mining activities, which could and should become the subject of conducted scientific research. Given the circumstances of strong market competition and increasing requirements concerning environmental conditions, both in terms of conducted mining activities and produced coal quality parameters, it is imperative to develop and implement innovative solutions regarding the employed production technology, the safety of work conducted under the conditions of increasing natural hazards, as well as the mining enterprise management systems that enable its effective functioning. The article content pertains to the last group of issues in the most detailed way, particularly in terms of the possibility for rational conducted operation cost reduction.
The roles of Isis in Roman domestic cults: A study of the “Isis-Fortuna” bronze statuettes from the Vesuvian area 37
Authors: Amoroso Nicolas
Published: October 2017

Among the material evidence related to the Isiac cults, the so-called “Isis- Fortuna” bronze statuettes are well attested throughout the Roman world. These objects were mainly discovered in domestic contexts with other divine figurines. Based on a survey of the archaeological and iconographic evidence for “Isis-Fortuna” from the Vesuvian area, this paper aims at examining the contexts of production and the geographical distribution of the bronze statuettes. In view of the information already published, we need to provide new answers by analysing how these images were created, transformed and/or adapted in specific contexts or geographical areas. Insofar as the images of Isis were commonly combined with elements borrowed from other deities, the iconographic type of “Isis-Fortuna” raises serious questions about terminology, typology and the so-called “syncretic phenomenon”. These questions will be discussed in the light of the preliminary results of our research, trying to frame the historico-religious background that conditioned the role(s) of Isis in Roman domestic cults.
Toxicity of selenium, application of selenium in fertilizers, selenium treatment of seeds, and selenium in edible parts of plants
Authors: Garousi F.
Published: October 2017

Agronomic biofortification is one of the approaches which have been successfully adopted for improving the nutritional content of plant-based foods and is mainly focused on optimizing the application of mineral fertilizers and/or the improvement of the solubilization and mobilization of mineral elements in the soil. In general, mineral elements with a good dynamism in the soil and in the plant are good candidates for a prosperous agronomic biofortification. Selenium deficiency occurs in areas where soil Se is low, including parts of Europe, China, North America, Australia, New Zealand, and Southern Africa. Selenium toxicity occurs in areas where soil Se is naturally high, including areas of China, India, and the United States. Toxicity from naturally occurring Se may be intensified by irrigation of seleniferous soils, mining, and use of Se-rich fossil fuels. Then, management practices benefit from a thorough understanding of the mechanisms of plant Se uptake and the fate of Se in different plant species.
Determinants of trip duration for international tourists in Norway; a parametric survival analysis
Authors: Ashrafi Tannaz Alizadeh , Myrland Øystein
Published: October 2017

How long a tourist stays in a host country acts as an indicator of tourism industry’s contribution towards the national economy. The purpose of this study is to examine how socio-demographic characteristics of international tourists, their travelling purpose, tourism products and characteristics of the destination influence the length of stay in Norway, by estimating a parametric survival model. Total cost of trip, purpose of travel, type of accommodation and transportation, age of tourist and geographical area are key elements that explain the variation in the length of tourist stay in Norway. The Cox proportional hazard model with time-independent covariates indicates the survival probability of tourists with less budget constraints and younger ages is higher than that of low-spending tourists and elderly travelers. Moreover, tourists with the purpose of friend and family visitation are at lower risk of leaving Norway than are tourists with other purposes. In terms of tourism products, choosing camping sites as the type of accommodation and road transport as the mode of transportation are associated with the highest survival probability. Another key finding is that tourists stay longer in northern Norway than in southern Norway; hence, on average, tourists’ overall expenditures are higher in northern Norway.
Morphometric analysis of metacarpal and metatarsal bones of cave bears (Carnivora, Ursidae)
Authors: Baryshnikov Gennady F. , Puzachenko Andrey Yu.
Published: October 2017

For the first time, morphometric variation has been studied in metacarpal and metatarsal bones of all known taxa of cave bears, which belong to different molecular genetic groups (deningeri, kudarensis, spelaeus, and ingressus haplotypes). The examined material involves nearly three thousand specimens from 28 localities of Europe, the Urals, Caucasus, and Central Asia. For comparison we used samples of fossil and recentUrsus arctos, as well asU. etruscus, regarded as a common ancestor of brown bears and cave bears. Methods of univariate and multivariate statistical analyses of metapodial bones were employed, providing an opportunity to ascertain the degree of sexual dimorphism in different taxa, the degree of morphological difference between taxa, and to define “size” and “shape” morphospaces for concise description of morphological diversity and classification of cave bears. Our study reveals that, on average, sexual dimorphism is more pronounced inU. arctosandU. kudarensis praekudarensisthan in cave bears. Sexual dimorphism of bear metapodia is greater than sexual dimorphism of the skull (Baryshnikov and Puzachenko 2011). The contribution of sexual dimorphism to size of the metapodials is close to a contribution associated with morphological disparity between the bears belonging to different taxa. By the example of two chronosubspecies of Kudaro cave bear:U. kudarensis praekudarensisfrom Middle Pleistocene andU. k. kudarensisfrom Late Pleistocene, we succeeded in detecting a decrease of sexual dimorphism over time, which suggests that earlier cave bears inherited a pronounced sexual dimorphism from ancestral taxa. Metacarpal and metatarsal bones of cave bears are easily distinguished from those ofU. etruscusandU. arctos, simultaneously demonstrating similarity between cave bears from different genetic groups, involving the speciesU. kudarensis(the basal taxon for all cave bears, includingU. deningeri); some peculiarities of these bones are revealed only in the smallerU. rossicus. The examples have shown the presence (U. k. kudarensis) as well as absence (U. deningeri,U. kanivetz ingressus) of evident spatial (geographical) and temporal patterns in metapodial variability. It is determined that taxa can be better differentiated by metacarpals rather than by metatarsals, because the latter proved to be more “conservative” and less variable over time. It is hypothesized that very rapid modification of metapodial bones occurred at an early stage of evolution of this group, which was presumably a result of occupation of a special ecological niche by cave bears. This study reveals that the size and shape of metacarpal and metatarsal bones did not have an observable link with the taxonomic or evolutionary position of cave bears. At the same time, the clear morphological differences between brown bears and cave bears reflect an early evolutionary divergence between “arctoid” and “spelaeoid” lineages.
Kant on the Analytic-Synthetic or Mechanistic Model of Causal Explanation
Authors: Geiger Ido
Published: October 2017

In the Critique of Teleological Judgment, Kant endorses a distinct model of causal explanation. He claims that we explain natural wholes as the causal effect of their parts and the forces governing them, i. e., we explain mechanistically or following the analytic-synthetic method of modern science. According to McLaughlin’s influential interpretation, Kant endorses in this, without argument, the predominant scientific method of his time. The text suggests, however, that we explain mechanistically according to the constitution of our discursive understanding. The paper attempts to reconstruct the argument establishing this claim.
FP-(L)APW + lo study of mechanical stability and electronic behavior of CoGe in B20 structure
Authors: Timaoui M. A. , Bouafia H. , Sahli B. , Hiadsi S. , Abidri B. , Bouaza A. , Akriche A. , Kerroum D.
Published: October 2017

The aim of this work is a theoretical study of structural, elastic, electronic and thermal properties of CoGe compound in B20 structure using All-electron self-consistent Full Potential Augmented Plane Waves plus local orbital “FP(L)APW + lo” within the framework of Density Functional Theory DFT. GGA-PBEsol is the exchange-correlation potential selected in this work. This choice is motivated by the success of this functional in predicting structural and mechanical properties of solids. The values obtained by the study of structural properties are in very good agreement with those found previously. In this work, the elastic constants have been predicted for the first time and the obtained values confirm the mechanical stability of the CoGe compound in its B20 structure. The electronic part of this work shows that CoGe has metallic behavior with a mixed bonding between cobalt and germanium of covalent-metallic type. The effect of temperature and hydrostatic pressure on the lattice parameter - a0, heat capacity at constant volume - CV, thermal expansion coefficient - α and entropy - S of the CoGe have been studied using Debye model.
Crystal structure of (E)-1-(2-hydroxy-3-{[2-hydroxybenzylidene]amino}phenyl)ethan-1-one, C15H13NO3
Authors: Yang Yu-Hua , Akogun Sunday Folaranmi , Dong Wen-Kui
Published: October 2017

C15H13NO3, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14) a = 7.5158(6) Å, b = 6.3940(5) Å, c = 25.881(3) Å, β = 93.243(8)°, Z = 4, V = 1241.74(19) Å3, R
gt(F) = 0.0547, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.1582, T = 173 K.
Synthesis and crystal structure of bis(μ2-acetato-κ2
O:O′)-bis{μ2-4-chloro-2-(8-(4-(diethylamino)-2-oxidophenyl)-3,6-dioxa-2,7-diazaocta-1,7-dien-1-yl)phenolato-κ6
O:O,N,N′,O′:O′}trizinc(II), C44H49Cl2N6O12Zn3
Authors: Li Li , Hao Jing , Lan Peng-Fei , Dong Wen-Kui
Published: October 2017

C44H49Cl2N6O12Zn3, monoclinic, P1̅ (no. 2), a = 9.7387(8) Å, b = 13.7034(12) Å, c = 20.2498(16) Å, α = 72.539(8)°, β = 82.872(7)°, γ = 72.157(8)°, Z = 2, V = 2452.3(4) Å3, R
gt(F) = 0.0604, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.1392, T = 293(2) K.
Crystal structure of (acetylacetonato-κ2
O,O′)-(2-amino-6-chlorobenzoato-κO)-oxido(1,10-phenanthroline-κ2
N,N′)vanadium(IV) – trichloromethane (1/1)
Authors: Yin Ning , Wu Qiong , Zhang Heng-Qiang , Zhang Qi-Ying
Published: October 2017

C25H21Cl4N3O5V, triclinic, P1̅ (no. 2), a = 10.8055(5) Å, b = 11.5657(6) Å, c = 12.0494(6) Å, α = 78.058(1)°, β = 80.405(2)°, γ = 69.388(1)°, V = 1371.69(12) Å3, Z = 2, R
gt(F) = 0.0549, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.1673, T = 295(2) K.
Vibration electrospinning of Polyamide-66/Multiwall Carbon Nanotube Nanocomposite: introducing electrically conductive, ultraviolet blocking and antibacterial properties
Authors: Zohoori Salar , Latifi Masoud , Davodiroknabadi Abolfazl , Mirjalili Mohammad
Published: October 2017

Fabrication of electro-conductive fiber is a novel process. Nanocomposites of multiwall carbon nanotube/polyamide66 were produced by electrospinning with different amounts of multiwall carbon nanotube. Field emission scanning electron microscope and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy of samples proved the existence of multiwall carbon nanotube distribution in polyamide 66 nanofibers. Results showed that electro conductivity of electrospun multiwall carbon nanotube/polyamide 66 nano fiber has increased in comparison with electrospun polyamide 66. Moreover, UV blocking of samples was investigated which has shown that using multiwall carbon nanotube in polyamide 66 increases UV blocking of fibers. Furthermore, anti-bacterial activity of nanocomposite showed that these nanocomposites have antibacterial property against both Staphylococcus Aureus and Escherichia Coli bacteria according to AATCC test method.
Adsorption of Cr(VI) by Natural Clinoptilolite Zeolite from Aqueous Solutions: Isotherms and Kinetics
Authors: Jorfi Sahand , Ahmadi Mohammad Javad , Pourfadakari Sudabeh , Jaafarzadeh Nematollah , Soltani Reza Darvishi Cheshmeh , Akbari Hamideh
Published: October 2017

The main aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of natural zeolite for Cr(VI) removal from aqueous solutions. Following simple modification of adsorbent, the effect of operational parameters including pH (2–10), adsorbent dosage (2–20 g/L), contact time (5–150 min) and Cr(VI) concentration (10–50 mg/L) were studied according to one-factor-at-a-time procedure. The maximum Cr(VI) removal of 99.53% was obtained at initial pH of 2, contact time of 30 min, adsorbent dosage of 8 g/L and initial chromium concentration of 10 mg/L. The Freundlich isotherm was best fitted with experimental data (R2 = 0.951). Also, type 1pseudo second order kinetic model showed the most correlation (R2 = 1) with the experimental data. According to obtained results, it can be concluded that the application of clay-like adsorbents such as natural clinoptilolite zeolite can be considered as an efficient alternative for final treatment of effluents containing Cr(VI).
Symbolische Grenzen und die Grenzarbeit von Migrantinnen und Migranten
Authors: Gerhards Jürgen , Kämpfer Sylvia
Published: October 2017

Mit Rekurs auf die Literatur zu symbolischen Grenzziehungs- und Stigmatisierungsprozessen und basierend auf einer Auswertung von elf Gruppendiskussionen mit 55 Migrant/innen unterschiedlicher Herkunft rekonstruieren wir, wie diese aufgrund ihres Vornamens von der Mehrheitsgesellschaft kategorisiert werden, und stellen die von ihnen entwickelten Grenzmanagementstrategien dar. Die Analysen zeigen, dass alle Diskussionsteilnehmer/innen ein ausgeprägtes Bewusstsein davon besitzen, dass Vornamen als Marker von symbolischen und sozialen Grenzen zwischen der Mehrheitsgesellschaft und migrantischen Minderheiten fungieren. Zugleich unterscheiden sich die Interviewten in ihren Reaktionsweisen auf die Erfahrungen mit dem hegemonialen Grenzregime. Es finden sich vier, jeweils mit spezifischen Grundorientierungen einhergehende Typen der Grenzpolitik, die wir beschreiben und an die Literatur rückbinden: Grenzüberschreitung (I), Grenzaufweichung (II), Grenzumwertung (III) und die präreflexiv, den eigenen herkunftsspezifischen Traditionen folgende Grenzirrelevanz (IV).
Lithium alkaline earth tetrelides of the type Li2
AeTt (Ae=Ca, Ba, Tt=Si, Ge, Sn, Pb): synthesis, crystal structures and physical properties
Authors: Stoiber Dominik , Bobnar Matej , Höhn Peter , Niewa Rainer
Published: October 2017

Single crystals of the compounds Li2
AeTt (Ae=Ca, Ba, Tt=Si, Ge, Sn, Pb) were grown in reactive lithium melts in sealed tantalum ampoules from an equimolar ratio of the alkaline earth metal and the respective group 4 element. All compounds, with the exception of Li2CaSn and Li2CaPb, are isotypic and crystallize in an orthorhombic unit cell (space group Pmmn, no. 59). The crystal structure can be characterized as superimposed corrugated networks of Li2
Tt connected by calcium or barium atoms within the third dimension. Li2CaSn and Li2CaPb crystallize in the cubic space group Fm3̅m (no. 225) in a Heusler-type (MnCu2Al) structure. According to magnetic susceptibility and electric resistivity measurements, the compounds Li2BaGe, Li2BaSn, and Li2BaPb represent diamagnetic activated semiconductors.
Advances in Hygrothermal Performance of Building Envelopes: Materials, Systems and Simulations
Authors: Mukhopadhyaya Phalguni , Fisler Diana
Published: October 2017

Description

Get 19 peer-reviewed papers on the latest advances in research and applications related to hygrothermal performance of building envelopes.

Top experts and researchers present key information on progress in laboratory testing, field monitoring, modeling, and validation of the hygrothermal properties of thermal insulation.

The book's five sections focus on topics like
Sensitivity Analysis of Hygrothermal Performance of Cross-Laminated Timber Wall Assemblies
Authors: Wang Lin , Ge Hua
Published: October 2017

Cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels are increasingly being used in building enclosures due to their good structural and fire safety performance. However, prolonged exposure to moisture during construction and in service are durability concerns for most wood products, including CLT. The wetting and drying behavior of CLT wall assemblies can be studied by hygrothermal simulations in which a deterministic approach is normally used. However, in reality, there are always uncertainties in input parameters—such as material properties, environmental loads, and design variables—that may lead to discrepancies between simulation results and actual performance. The hygrothermal performance of 16 CLT wall assemblies with various design configurations was tested in a building envelope test facility, and discrepancies between simulations and measurements were observed. This paper further investigates the discrepancies between simulations and measurements of a CLT wall assembly with two different types of water-resistive barriers (WRBs) that were caused by the uncertainties of input parameters using sensitivity analyses. Simulation results obtained from DELPHIN and WUFI Pro simulation programs are compared with measurements for validation. The influential factors—including material properties, rain loads, and cladding ventilation rates—are studied using a one-factor-at-a-time method under different environmental loads. The examined parameters are assigned with two extreme values based on their uncertainties. The root mean square difference of CLT moisture content between the cases with the two extreme values is calculated to evaluate the importance of each parameter. The simulation results show that the influence of the moisture storage function is more significant than the moisture transport properties (i.e., vapor resistance factor and moisture diffusivity) and that the wall assembly with a vapor-permeable WRB is more sensitive to the variations in the rain deposition factor and cladding ventilation rate than the wall with a non-vapor-permeable WRB.
Airtightness of Common Wall Assemblies and Its Effect on R-Value
Authors: Pallin Simon , Boudreaux Philip , Gehl Anthony
Published: October 2017

One key method of decreasing the energy consumption of a building is to make it more airtight; about 13 % of the energy used in residential buildings is due to air leakage between the interior and exterior environments. This air leakage not only affects the energy consumption of a building in this direct way, it also makes the existing insulation in envelopes less effective. To understand how air infiltration affects the nominal R-value of walls, Oak Ridge National Laboratory first tested 23 homes in two climate zones using a guarded blower door method to determine the in situ leakage rate through walls of whole houses. Based on this data, an approach for determining an effective R-value that takes into account climate, air leakage rates of walls, and nominal R-value of insulation was developed. This effective R-value is a useful performance indicator to aid builders and designers in planning wall systems that maximize the thermal performance when considering all these variables.
Unintended Hygrothermal Implications Resulting from Code Requirements for Continuous Insulation and NFPA 285 Testing
Authors: Wagner Carly May , Cyphers Annette
Published: October 2017

The 2009 edition of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) prescriptively requires continuous insulation for above-grade metal-framed walls in most Climate Zones. Continuous insulation improves the hygrothermal performance by creating a more balanced thermal gradient, where a smaller proportion of the total temperature change occurs across the stud cavity and the potential for dropping below the dew point temperature within the stud cavity is reduced. For years, extruded polystyrene (XPS) was the most common material selected for this application—chosen because of its nonabsorptive and water resistance properties. Recently, closed cell spray polyurethane foam (SPF) insulation has become another common choice for this material. Both of these insulations offer considerable vapor resistance. In a seemingly unrelated requirement, Section 1403.5 of the 2012 edition of the International Building Code began requiring National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) 285 testing for most buildings if the water resistive barrier was combustible. This new requirement immediately drew manufacturers’, code officials’, and designers’ attention to a long-standing International Building Code Chapter 26 stipulation that required NFPA 285 testing when an assembly included foam plastic insulation. Although it was technically required previously, walls including XPS or SPF insulation were now subject to NFPA 285 testing because of this renewed attention. In order to avoid this testing requirement, many designers began specifying mineral insulations, such as rock wool. These insulations are highly vapor permeable and drastically alter how vapor diffuses across a wall assembly as compared to XPS or SPF. Oftentimes, this switch is made without examining the material properties of the air and water resistive barriers and other materials making up a wall assembly. This paper compares and contrasts the results of a parametric study on the continuous insulation type and the long-term hygrothermal behavior as predicted using transient one-dimensional hygrothermal analyses. The study focuses on performance in mixed humid climate zones subjected to a bidirectional vapor drive. This paper also examines related hygrothermal impacts of the industry’s insulation switch and discusses the recent industry responses to the requirements.
Sensitivity Analysis of Moisture-Dependent Properties of Roofing Materials
Authors: Fisler Diana , Kehrer Manfred , Babineau Francis
Published: October 2017

Data has been generated for performing moisture modeling on roof systems for a set of key materials used on commercial low slope roofs in North America. The data were used to generate a sensitivity analysis, comparing the amount of variation in the results based on known and assumed variation in the measurements. The paper does not attempt to predict real-world performance of roof systems using these materials. It does use realistic simulation conditions to determine the most critical measured parameters for a moisture content simulation. The results show that the total moisture content of four different assemblies is most sensitive to moisture storage function, followed by water vapor permeability. In contrast, total moisture content is relatively insensitive to material density, liquid transfer, or thermal conductivity.