bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A preliminary comparison of two‐dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography and pressure–volume loop analysis in patients with Fontan physiology: The role of ventricular morphology
Authors: Steflik David , Butts Ryan J. , Baker George H. , Bandisode Varsha , Savage Andrew , Atz Andrew M. , Chowdhury Shahryar M.
Published: July 2017

Objective

Speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) may be a useful modality for assessing ventricular performance in patients with single ventricle physiology. However, STE's ability to accurately assess ventricular performance in this population is unknown. The objective of this study was to perform a preliminary comparison of STE measures of myocardial deformation to reference standard measures of function derived from pressure–volume loop (PVL) analysis.

Design

This was a secondary analysis of a prospective study investigating PVLs in patients with Fontan physiology. PVLs were recorded using microconductance catheters. PVL indices included end‐systolic elastance (Ees), arterial elastance (Ea), ventriculo‐arterial coupling (Ea/Ees), and the isovolumic relaxation time constant (tau). Patients were included if they had an echocardiogram within 1 month of their catheterization. STE was performed retrospectively using vendor independent software.

Results

Seventeen patients had echocardiograms available for analysis, 12 were right ventricular (RV) dominant. The median age was 8 years (IQR 5–17 years). Circumferential strain (r=−.72, P≤.01) and strain rate (r=−.61, P=.04) correlated with Ea/Ees in those with RV‐dominant morphology. Longitudinal strain rate correlated with Ees in those with LV‐dominant morphology (r=−.98, P≤.01). Longitudinal EDSR correlated with tau in those with LV‐dominant morphology (r=−.90, P=.04).

Conclusions

In this limited sample, circumferential measures of deformation correlated with PVL measures better in patients with RV morphology, while longitudinal measures correlated better with PVL measures in patients with LV morphology. Further validation and investigation into the clinical usefulness of these measures are warranted.
Math by Pure Thinking: R First and the Divergence of Measures in Hegel's Philosophy of Mathematics
Authors: Kaufmann Ralph M. , Yeomans Christopher
Published: July 2017

We attribute three major insights to Hegel: first, an understanding of the real numbers as the paradigmatic kind of number (which also accords with their role in physical measurement); second, a recognition that a quantitative relation has three elements (the two things being related and the relation itself), which is embedded in his conception of measure; and third, a recognition of the phenomenon of divergence of measures such as in second‐order or continuous phase transitions in which correlation length diverges (e.g., the critical point of water at which the reciprocal size of the droplets diverges). For ease of exposition, we will refer to these three insights as the R First Theory, Tripartite Relations, and Divergence of Measures. Given the constraints of space, we emphasize the first and the third in this paper.
Nietzsche and Murdoch on the Moral Significance of Perceptual Experience
Authors: Katsafanas Paul
Published: July 2017

Abstract: This paper examines a claim defended by an unlikely pair: Friedrich Nietzsche and Iris Murdoch. The claim is that perceptual experience itself—as distinct from perceptually based judgments and beliefs—can be morally significant. In particular, Nietzsche and Murdoch hold that two agents in the same circumstances attending to the same objects can have experiences with different contents, depending on the concepts that they possess and employ. Moreover, they maintain that this renders perception an object of moral concern. This paper explicates these claims, examines the way in which we might distinguish between better and worse perceptual experiences, and argues that if some version of the Murdochian/Nietzschean claim is accepted, then certain influential accounts of moral epistemology and agency must be rejected.
Production of ambiguous idioms in English: A reading aloud study
Authors: Siyanova‐Chanturia Anna , Lin Phoebe M.S.
Published: July 2017

In a reading‐aloud experiment, we investigated the on‐line processing of English idioms from a production perspective. The stimuli were ambiguous idioms used figuratively and literally, and matched novel control phrases. The analysis of the articulatory durations showed a processing advantage for idioms over controls. Further, we found that figurative meanings were articulated somewhat faster than their literal counterparts. The results suggest that the processing advantage for idioms over control phrases, previously reported in comprehension studies, is also present during their production. Unlike the comprehension idiom literature, however, the two idiom meanings might be processed differently during reading aloud. The study concludes with directions for future research, and a case is made for why this line of research is important for the field of applied linguistics.
Comparison of the G and V methods for ventrogluteal site identification: Muscle and subcutaneous fat thicknesses and considerations for successful intramuscular injection
Authors: Larkin Theresa A. , Elgellaie Asmahan , Ashcroft Elfriede
Published: July 2017

The ventrogluteal site is increasingly recommended for long‐acting antipsychotic intramuscular injections; however, it remains infrequently utilized due to nurses’ lack of confidence in site identification. The more recent G (geometric) method of ventrogluteal site identification is less subjective and likely more reliable than the V method for successful intramuscular injection outcomes. Knowledge of muscle and subcutaneous fat thicknesses, and the influence of sex and anthropometry on theoretical injection outcome, is necessary to support evidence‐based use of the ventrogluteal site. In the presents study, we compared the V and G methods for injection site subcutaneous fat, muscle, and total tissue thicknesses, and theoretical injection outcome (bone injury, intramuscular or subcutaneous), and determined anthropometric predictors of injection outcome. Subcutaneous fat and muscle thicknesses were measured via ultrasound, bilaterally at V and G method sites (28 males, 32 females). Muscle and total tissue were significantly thicker, and successful intramuscular injection significantly more likely, using the G versus V method (75% versus 57%). Females had significantly thicker subcutaneous fat than males at both sites. Even using the G method, 92% of males but only 59% of females, would have a successful intramuscular injection, with remaining females at risk of bone injury (16%) or subcutaneous injection (25%). The G method site is more reliable for successful intramuscular injection, with less risk of bone injury than the V method site. Appropriate needle‐length selection is essential for females with a body mass index (BMI) <23 kg m−2 and weight <60 kg (to avoid bone injury), and BMI >30 kg m−2 and hip >90 cm (to avoid subcutaneous injection).
Modification of splenic stiffness on acoustic radiation force impulse parallels the variation of portal pressure induced by transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt
Authors: De Santis Adriano , Nardelli Silvia , Bassanelli Chiara , Lupo Marinella , Iegri Claudia , Di Ciesco Carmela Anna , Forlino Mariana , Farcomeni Alessio , Riggio Oliviero
Published: July 2017

Background and Aim

Spleen and liver stiffness (LS) measured by acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) imaging has been shown to be useful in identifying patients with portal hypertension. The study aims to establish if the modification of portal pressure induced by a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) parallels the modification of spleen or LS measured by ARFI in order to understand if ARFI may be used to monitor the modification of portal pressure in patients with cirrhosis.

Methods

Thirty‐eight patients with severe portal hypertension underwent LS and spleen stiffness (SS) before TIPS and 1 week after TIPS. Portal atrial gradient (PAG) was measured before and after the shunt opening.

Results

Portal atrial gradient decreased significantly from 19.5 to 6 mmHg (P < 0.001). SS decreased significantly after TIPS (pre‐TIPS 3.7 m/s vs post‐TIPS 3. 1 m/s; P < 0.001), and LS was also significantly modified by TIPS (pre‐TIPS 2.8 m/s vs post‐TIPS 2.4 m/s; P = 0.003). PAG and SS values measured before and after TIPS were significantly correlated (r = 0.56; P < 0.001); on the other hand, PAG and LS were not (r = 0.19; P = 0.27). Two patients developed a persistent hepatic encephalopathy refractory to medical treatment and were submitted to the reduction of the stent diameter. The modification of SS was parallel to the modification of PAG.

Conclusion

Spleen stiffness is superior to LS in detecting the modification of portal pressure induced by TIPS. This makes SS a potential non‐invasive method to monitor the modification of portal hypertension. Further investigations are needed to establish applicability and clinical utility of this promising tool in the treatment of portal hypertension.
Frailty and Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use at Nursing Home Transition
Authors: Maclagan Laura C. , Maxwell Colleen J. , Gandhi Sima , Guan Jun , Bell Chaim M. , Hogan David B. , Daneman Nick , Gill Sudeep S. , Morris Andrew M. , Jeffs Lianne , Campitelli Michael A. , Seitz Dallas P. , Bronskill Susan E.
Published: July 2017

Background/Objectives

To estimate the prevalence of potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) use among older adults with cognitive impairment or dementia prior to and following admission to nursing homes and in relation to frailty.

Design

Retrospective cohort study using health administrative databases.

Setting

Ontario, Canada.

Participants

41,351 individuals with cognitive impairment or dementia, aged 66+ years newly admitted to nursing home between 2011 and 2014.

Measurements

PIMs were defined with 2015 Beers Criteria and included antipsychotics, H2‐receptor antagonists, benzodiazepines, and drugs with strong anticholinergic properties. Medication information was obtained at nursing home admission and in the subsequent 180 days. Multivariable Cox proportional‐hazards models were used to assess the impact of frailty status (determined by a 72‐item frailty index) on the hazard of starting and discontinuing PIMs.

Results

At admission, 44% of residents with cognitive impairment or dementia were on a PIM and prevalence varied by frailty (38.7% non‐frail, 42.8% pre‐frail, and 48.1% frail, P < .001). Following admission, many residents discontinued PIMs (23.5% for antipsychotics, 49.3% benzodiazepines, 32.2% anticholinergics, and 30.9% H2‐receptor antagonists). However, PIMs were also introduced with 10.9% newly started on antipsychotics, benzodiazepines (10.1%), anticholinergics (6.6%), and H2‐receptor antagonists (1.2%). After adjustment for other characteristics, frail residents had a similar risk of PIM discontinuation as non‐frail residents except for anticholinergics (HR = 1.21, 95% CI 1.06–1.39) but were more likely to be newly prescribed benzodiazepines (HR = 1.32, 95% CI 1.20–1.44), antipsychotics (HR = 1.36, 1.23–1.49), and anticholinergics (HR = 1.34, 95% CI 1.20–1.50).

Conclusion

Many residents with cognitive impairment or dementia enter nursing homes on PIMs. PIMs are more likely to be started in frail individuals following admission. Interventions to support deprescribing of PIMs should be implemented targeting frail individuals during the transition to nursing home.
Figures of history, foundations of law: Acéphale, Angelus Novus, and the Katechon
Authors: Nichols Joshua
Published: July 2017

In this paper, I offer the reader a survey of three figures of history, namely, Bataille's Acéphale, Benjamin's Angelus Novus, and Schmitt's Katechon. My approach will not be to provide an exhaustive exegetical account. Instead I focus on the primary texts and provide the reader with comparative sketches. This is important because each of these figures respond to the crisis of authority in the 1930s. Each of them uses the concept of the moment or now as a way of questioning law, and legitimate authority. My aim is to explore the similarities and differences that relate them.
Bat boxes are not a silver bullet conservation tool
Authors: Griffiths Stephen R. , Bender Robert , Godinho Lisa N. , Lentini Pia E. , Lumsden Linda F. , Robert Kylie A.
Published: July 2017

Nest boxes are often promoted as substitute structures for hollow‐dependent fauna, but are they generally effective? In a long‐term bat‐box monitoring project in south‐eastern Australia, box occupancy was dominated by one common and widespread urban‐adapted species, Gould's wattled bat Chalinolobus gouldii. In contrast, the 13 other bat species in the area made little or no use of the boxes. Policymakers, land managers and conservation professionals working in the field of biodiversity offsets should be aware that bat boxes are unlikely to compensate adequately for the broad‐scale loss of tree hollows caused by various forms of human disturbance.
Genomic divergence across ecological gradients in the Central African rainforest songbird (Andropadus virens)
Authors: Zhen Ying , Harrigan Ryan J. , Ruegg Kristen C. , Anderson Eric C. , Ng Thomas C. , Lao Sirena , Lohmueller Kirk E. , Smith Thomas B.
Published: July 2017

The little greenbul, a common rainforest passerine from sub‐Saharan Africa, has been the subject of long‐term evolutionary studies to understand the mechanisms leading to rainforest speciation. Previous research found morphological and behavioural divergence across rainforest–savannah transition zones (ecotones), and a pattern of divergence with gene flow suggesting divergent natural selection has contributed to adaptive divergence and ecotones could be important areas for rainforests speciation. Recent advances in genomics and environmental modelling make it possible to examine patterns of genetic divergence in a more comprehensive fashion. To assess the extent to which natural selection may drive patterns of differentiation, here we investigate patterns of genomic differentiation among populations across environmental gradients and regions. We find compelling evidence that individuals form discrete genetic clusters corresponding to distinctive environmental characteristics and habitat types. Pairwise FST between populations in different habitats is significantly higher than within habitats, and this differentiation is greater than what is expected from geographic distance alone. Moreover, we identified 140 SNPs that showed extreme differentiation among populations through a genomewide selection scan. These outliers were significantly enriched in exonic and coding regions, suggesting their functional importance. Environmental association analysis of SNP variation indicates that several environmental variables, including temperature and elevation, play important roles in driving the pattern of genomic diversification. Results lend important new genomic evidence for environmental gradients being important in population differentiation.
On the independent gene trees assumption in phylogenomic studies
Authors: Jennings W. Bryan
Published: July 2017

Multilocus coalescent methods for inferring species trees or historical demographic parameters typically require the assumption that gene trees for sampled SNPs or DNA sequence loci are conditionally independent given their species tree. In practice, researchers have used different criteria to delimit “independent loci.” One criterion identifies sampled loci as being independent of each other if they undergo Mendelian independent assortment (IA criterion). O'Neill et al. (2013, Molecular Ecology, 22, 111–129) used this approach in their phylogeographic study of North American tiger salamander species complex. In two other studies, researchers developed a pair of related methods that employ an independent genealogies criterion (IG criterion), which considers the effects of population‐level recombination on correlations between the gene trees of intrachromosomal loci. Here, I explain these three methods, illustrate their use with example data, and evaluate their efficacies. I show that the IA approach is more conservative, is simpler to use and requires fewer assumptions than the IG approaches. However, IG approaches can identify much larger numbers of independent loci than the IA method, which, in turn, allows researchers to obtain more precise and accurate estimates of species trees and historical demographic parameters. A disadvantage of the IG methods is that they require an estimate of the population recombination rate. Despite their drawbacks, IA and IG approaches provide molecular ecologists with promising a priori methods for selecting SNPs or DNA sequence loci that likely meet the independence assumption in coalescent‐based phylogenomic studies.
Diffusion of a new intermediate product in a simple ‘classical‐Schumpeterian’ model
Authors: Haas David
Published: July 2017

This paper deals with the problem of new intermediate products within a simple model, where production is circular and goods enter into the production of other goods. It studies the process by which the new good is absorbed into the economy and the structural transformation that goes with it. By means of a long‐period method the forces of structural transformation are examined, in particular the shift of existing means of production towards the innovation and the mechanism of differential growth in terms of alternative techniques and their associated systems of production. We treat two important Schumpeterian topics: the question of technological unemployment and the problem of ‘forced saving’ and the related problem of an involuntary reduction of real consumption per capita. It is shown that both phenomena are potential by‐products of the transformation process.
The first phlebo‐like virus infecting plants: a case study on the adaptation of negative‐stranded RNA viruses to new hosts
Authors: Navarro Beatriz , Minutolo Maria , De Stradis Angelo , Palmisano Francesco , Alioto Daniela , Di Serio Francesco
Published: July 2017

A novel negative‐stranded (ns) RNA virus associated with a severe citrus disease reported more than 80 years ago has been identified. Transmission electron microscopy showed that this novel virus, tentatively named citrus concave gum‐associated virus, is flexuous and non‐enveloped. Notwithstanding, its two genomic RNAs share structural features with members of the genus Phlebovirus, which are enveloped arthropod‐transmitted viruses infecting mammals, and with a group of still unclassified phlebo‐like viruses mainly infecting arthropods. CCGaV genomic RNAs code for an RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase, a nucleocapsid protein and a putative movement protein showing structural and phylogenetic relationships with phlebo‐like viruses, phleboviruses and the unrelated ophioviruses, respectively, thus providing intriguing evidence of a modular genome evolution. Phylogenetic reconstructions identified an invertebrate‐restricted virus as the most likely ancestor of this virus, revealing that its adaptation to plants was independent from and possibly predated that of the other nsRNA plant viruses. These data are consistent with an evolutionary scenario in which trans‐kingdom adaptation occurred several times during the history of nsRNA viruses and followed different evolutionary pathways, in which genomic RNA segments were gained or lost. The need to create a new genus for this bipartite nsRNA virus and the impact of the rapid and specific detection methods developed here on citrus sanitation and certification are also discussed.
Blood–spinal cord barrier breakdown and pericyte deficiency in peripheral neuropathy
Authors: Sauer Reine‐Solange , Kirchner Juliane , Yang Shaobing , Hu Liu , Leinders Mathias , Sommer Claudia , Brack Alexander , Rittner Heike L.
Published: July 2017

The blood–spinal cord barrier (BSCB) prevents leakage of molecules, such as pronociceptive mediators, into the spinal cord, but its role in the pathophysiology of neuropathic pain is not completely understood. Rats with chronic constriction injury (CCI) develop mechanical allodynia, thermal hypersensitivity, and reduced motor performance (Rota‐Rod test) compared with sham‐injured mice—similar to mice with spared nerve injury (SNI). The BSCB becomes permeable for small and large tracers 1 day after nerve ligation. Messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of tight junction proteins (TJPs) occludin, claudin‐1, claudin‐5, claudin‐19, tricellulin, and ZO‐1 significantly declines 7–14 days after CCI or SNI. ZO‐1 and occludin are reduced in the cell membrane. In capillaries isolated from the spinal cord, immunoreactivity of claudin‐5 and ZO‐1 is fainter. In parallel, the number of platelet‐derived growth factor receptor β (PDGF‐β)+ and CD13+ pericytes in the spinal cord drops. Reduced levels of cytosolic transcription factors like β‐catenin, but not SMAD4 and SLUG, could account for reduced TJP mRNA. In summary, neuropathy‐induced allodynia/hypersensitivity is accompanied by a loss of pericytes in the spinal cord and a leaky BSCB. A better understanding of these pathways and mechanisms in neuropathic pain might foster the design of novel treatments to maintain spinal cord homeostasis.
Meditations on the Origin of Philosophy
Authors: Mosedale Frederick E.
Published: July 2017

Wittgenstein in his later writing often remarked on the negative influence of language on philosophy. Here, I call attention to a previously unnoticed but significant way that language has influenced philosophy: we use the very same vocabulary in two different ways, in philosophical talk and in our everyday interactive speaking‐situations. Our propensity for using this double talk has prevented us from resolving most philosophical problems. Is our attraction to philosophical talk the result of our learning to use a phonetic alphabet, so that words can be used outside of interactive situations?
Cyst‐motile stage relationship and molecular phylogeny of a new freshwater dinoflagellate Gymnodinium plasticum from Plastic Lake, Canada
Authors: Wang Na , Luo Zhaohe , Mertens Kenneth N. , McCarthy Francine M.G. , Gu Li , Gu Haifeng
Published: July 2017

The dinophyceaen genus Gymnodinium was established with the freshwater species G. fuscum as type. According to Thessen et al. (2012), there are 268 species, with the majority marine species. In recently published molecular phylogenies based on ribosomal DNA sequences, Gymnodinium is polyphyletic. Here, a new freshwater Gymnodinium species, G. plasticum, is described from Plastic Lake, Ontario, Canada. Two strains were established by incubating single cysts, and their morphology was examined with light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The cyst had a rounded epicyst and hypocyst with a wide cingulum and smooth surface. Vegetative cells were characterized by an elongated nucleus running vertically and a deep sulcal intrusion. The apical structure complex was horseshoe‐shaped and consisted of two pronounced ridges with a deep internal groove, encircling 80% of the apex. Small subunit ribosomal DNA (SSU rDNA), large subunit ribosomal DNA (LSU rDNA) and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences were obtained from cultured strains. Molecular phylogeny based on concatenated SSU, LSU and ITS sequences supports the monophyly of the Gymnodiniales sensu stricto clade but our results suggest that many Gymnodinium species might need reclassification. Gymnodinium plasticum is closest to Dissodinium pseudolunula in our phylogeny but distant from the type species G. fuscum, as are the other gymnodiniacean taxa.
Early Trouble, Long‐Term Consequences: Does Family Instability Keep People from Doctors?*
Authors: Evans Ethan J. , McCarthy Bill , Benoit Cecilia , Jansson Mikael
Published: July 2017

Objectives

This study assesses the impact of family instability during childhood on adult intentions to seek healthcare when depressed or in pain, adding to research on the long‐term consequences of family instability and on care seeking.

Methods

Logistic regression is used with survey data collected from nearly 600 service workers in Sacramento, CA and Victoria, British Columbia.

Results

Adults who experienced high levels of familial disruption, defined as five or more changes, during childhood are less likely to say that they would seek healthcare when experiencing mental and physical distress. This pattern is independent of a number of demographic attributes, mediating mechanisms, mental and physical health status, and health‐care access.

Conclusions

Family instability in childhood has long‐term consequences for health‐care seeking intentions. This instability within a primary social institution, the family, may shake the very foundation upon which trust in other institutions is formed.
CYCLING DOF FACTOR 1 represses transcription through the TOPLESS co‐repressor to control photoperiodic flowering in Arabidopsis
Authors: Goralogia Greg S. , Liu Tong‐Kun , Zhao Lin , Panipinto Paul M. , Groover Evan D. , Bains Yashkarn S. , Imaizumi Takato
Published: July 2017

CYCLING DOF FACTOR 1 (CDF1) and its homologs play an important role in the floral transition by repressing the expression of floral activator genes such as CONSTANS (CO) and FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) in Arabidopsis. The day‐length‐specific removal of CDF1‐dependent repression is a critical mechanism in photoperiodic flowering. However, the mechanism by which CDF1 represses CO and FT transcription remained elusive. Here we demonstrate that Arabidopsis CDF proteins contain non‐EAR motif‐like conserved domains required for interaction with the TOPLESS (TPL) co‐repressor protein. This TPL interaction confers a repressive function on CDF1, as mutations of the N‐terminal TPL binding domain largely impair the ability of CDF1 protein to repress its targets. TPL proteins are present on specific regions of the CO and FT promoters where CDF1 binds during the morning. In addition, TPL binding increases when CDF1 expression is elevated, suggesting that TPL is recruited to these promoters in a time‐dependent fashion by CDFs. Moreover, reduction of TPL activity induced by expressing a dominant negative version of TPL (tpl‐1) in phloem companion cells results in early flowering and a decreased sensitivity to photoperiod in a manner similar to a cdf loss‐of‐function mutant. Our results indicate that the mechanism of CDF1 repression is through the formation of a CDF–TPL transcriptional complex, which reduces the expression levels of CO and FT during the morning for seasonal flowering.
Associating Turkey with the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership: A costly (re‐) engagement?
Authors: Altay Serdar
Published: July 2017

Policy debate on the implications of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) for Turkey has focused almost exclusively on “how” Turkey can/will take part in a forthcoming transatlantic deal. Turkey's association with a TTIP has largely been conceived as an inevitable and beneficial policy choice to re‐engage Ankara with the Atlantic alliance and emerging transatlantic trade framework. The arguments for extending TTIP to Turkey have mostly been built upon a conventional understanding of preferential trade agreements. The debate has not provided a comprehensive assessment of costs and benefits for Turkey's exclusion from or joining TTIP as it dismissed multiple dimensions of the “deep integration” agenda which underpined the transatlantic talks. This paper intends to contribute to the “why” debate with a thorough analysis of critical issues on the transatlantic agenda by evaluating economic and policy implications of TTIP both for exclusion and association scenarios together with associated compliance and adjustment costs.
Retrospective evaluation of and risk factor analysis for presumed fluid overload in cats with urethral obstruction: 11 cases (2002–2012)
Authors: Ostroski Cassandra J. , Drobatz Kenneth J. , Reineke Erica L.
Published: July 2017

Objective

To describe patient characteristics, treatment, and outcome in male cats with urethral obstruction (UO) and fluid overload (FO), and to determine risk factors for the development of FO.

Design

Retrospective case‐control study from 2002–2012.

Animals

Eleven client‐owned cats with UO that developed respiratory distress secondary to suspected FO and 51 control cats with UO without FO.

Interventions

None.

Measurements and Main Results

Medical records of cats with UO and FO were identified. FO was defined as the development of respiratory distress secondary to pleural effusion or pulmonary edema while receiving IV fluids. To identify risk factors for FO, variables for cats that developed FO were compared with variables from a randomly selected control group of unaffected UO cats during the same time period. Variables analyzed included patient signalment, previous medical history, serum biochemical data, respiratory rate, cardiac auscultation abnormalities, admission systolic blood pressure, intravenous fluid administration, thoracic imaging, treatment, duration and cost of hospitalization, and outcome. Echocardiogram identified heart disease in 5/6 cats with FO. Cost (2.9 times as much) and median duration of hospitalization (4.1 vs 1.8 days) were significantly greater in cats with FO. Cats with FO were more likely to have received a fluid bolus (odds ratio [OR]: 5.1; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.3, 20, P = 0.014), developed a heart murmur (OR: 4.5; 95% CI, 1.1–18, P = 0.028) or a gallop sound (OR: 75; 95% CI, 8.1–694, P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

FO is a possible complication of the treatment of UO. The administration of a fluid bolus on presentation, and the development of a heart murmur or gallop sound during treatment were the most clinically useful risk factors identified. The development of FO is associated with significant increases in both the cost and length of hospitalization, but was not associated with increased mortality.
The Relationship between the Pre-service Classroom Teachers’ Techno Pedagogical Instructional Competencies and Epistemological Beliefs
Authors: Yorulmaz Alper , Can Süleyman , Çokçalişkan Halil
Published: July 2017

The purpose of the current study is to determine the relationship between the pre-service classroom teachers’ epistemological beliefs and techno pedagogical subject-area competencies. While the universe of the study is comprised of a total of 187 senior pre-service teachers attending the Department of Classroom Teacher Education in Mugla Sıtkı Kocman University in 2014-2015 academic year, the sampling consists of 141 pre-service teachers selected through the random sampling method from among the universe. The reason for selecting the senior students for the universe of the study was that they had already taken the subject-area, pedagogical and general culture courses. In the collection of the research data, The Techno Pedagogical Competency Scale and Epistemological Belief Scale and a personal information form were used. The data were analyzed by using IBM SPSS 21.0 program package. During the analysis process, first it was tested whether the data display a normal distribution and after it was determined that the data show a normal distribution, from among the descriptive statistics, t-test and one-way ANOVA were used to reveal the differences and Pearson-product Moment Correlation Coefficient analysis was used to elicit the correlations. The analyses revealed that the pre-service classroom teachers’ level of techno pedagogical competencies is high and their level of epistemological beliefs is medium. Gender and academic grade point average were found to be not leading to significant differences in their techno pedagogical subject-area competencies. Moreover, a negative and significant correlation was found between the pre-service classroom teachers’ techno pedagogical subject-area competencies and epistemological beliefs.
Increased Ca buffering underpins remodelling of Ca2+ handling in old sheep atrial myocytes
Authors: Clarke Jessica D. , Caldwell Jessica L. , Pearman Charles M. , Eisner David A. , Trafford Andrew W. , Dibb Katharine M.
Published: July 2017

Key points

Ageing is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and arrhythmias, with the most common arrhythmia being found in the atria of the heart.

Little is known about how the normal atria of the heart remodel with age and thus why dysfunction might occur.

We report alterations to the atrial systolic Ca2+ transient that have implications for the function of the atrial in the elderly.

We describe a novel mechanism by which increased Ca buffering can account for changes to systolic Ca2+ in the old atria.

The present study helps us to understand how the processes regulating atrial contraction are remodelled during ageing and provides a basis for future work aiming to understand why dysfunction develops.

Many cardiovascular diseases, including those affecting the atria, are associated with advancing age. Arrhythmias, including those in the atria, can arise as a result of electrical remodelling or alterations in Ca2+ homeostasis. In the atria, age‐associated changes in the action potential have been documented. However, little is known about remodelling of intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis in the healthy aged atria. Using single atrial myocytes from young and old Welsh Mountain sheep, we show the free Ca2+ transient amplitude and rate of decay of systolic Ca2+ decrease with age, whereas sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca content increases. An increase in intracellular Ca buffering explains both the decrease in Ca2+ transient amplitude and decay kinetics in the absence of any change in sarcoendoplasmic reticulum calcium transport ATPase function. Ageing maintained the integrated Ca2+ influx via ICa‐L but decreased peak ICa‐L. Decreased peak ICa‐L was found to be responsible for the age‐associated increase in SR Ca content but not the decrease in Ca2+ transient amplitude. Instead, decreased peak ICa‐L offsets increased SR load such that Ca2+ release from the SR was maintained during ageing. The results of the present study highlight a novel mechanism by which increased Ca buffering decreases systolic Ca2+ in old atria. Furthermore, for the first time, we have shown that SR Ca content is increased in old atrial myocytes.
Impact of Hydrophobicity of SiO2 Nanoparticles on Enhancing Properties of Colloidal Gas Aphron Fluids: An Experimental Study
Authors: Hossein Hassani Amir , Hossein Ghazanfari Mohammad
Published: July 2017

In recent years, colloidal gas aphron (CGA) fluids have been much attended by researchers for their possible application in infill drilling, due to their pore blockage ability. In this study, the possible synergistic effect of silica nanoparticle hydrophobicity in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), as a surface active agent, on enhancement of properties of CGA fluids was experimentally investigated. Results revealed that the hydrophobicity of nanoparticles, adsorbed at the bubble interface, plays an important role in improving stability and blockage ability at low as well as high pressure/temperature conditions, low shear rate viscosity (LSRV), and return permeability ability of CGA dispersion measured in a special radial sand pack apparatus at different levels of surfactant concentration. It was observed that partially hydrophobic SiO2 nanoparticles (nanosilica coated with KH550-Silane) yield a better performance than both strongly hydrophilic and hydrophobic nanoparticles (silicon dioxide nanopowder coated with 2 wt. % Silane) which confirms what is expected from the particle detachment theory. Optimal SDS concentrations equal to 0.25 wt. % for strongly hydrophilic, and 0.33 wt. % for both strongly hydrophobic and partially hydrophobic SiO2 nanoparticles were also found, which maximize the improving effect of CGA fluids. The superiority of the aphronized fluid improved by partially hydrophobic nanoparticles of SiO2 to CGA fluid stabilized only by surfactant makes the CGA fluids attractive for some industrial and drilling applications.
Investigation on Di-(2-Methoxypropyl) Carbonate Used as a Clean Oxygenated Fuel for Diesel Engine
Authors: Guo Zhengxi , Guo Hejun , Zeng Qingping
Published: July 2017

Utilization of oxygenated fuels has proven to be able to significantly control diesel engine exhaust emissions. Presented in this paper is a new oxygenated fuel di-(2-methoxypropyl) carbonate (DMPC), which was produced through transesterification reaction using dimethyl carbonate (DMC) and propylene glycol monomethyl ether (PGMME) as reactants as well as potassium hydroxide (KOH) as catalyst. Its structure characterization was completed through analyses with Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and GC-MS analytical techniques. Further study was made about the effect of the oxygenate addition to diesel fuel on chemicophysical properties, combustion performances, and exhaust emissions characteristics. Experimental results displayed that the oxygenated fuel is mutually soluble with diesel fuel in any proportion at ambient temperature around 25 °C. With DMPC introduced to diesel fuel, kinematic viscosity decreases linearly, smoke point increases linearly, and flash point declines remarkably even under low content 5 vol %. Results of combustion test carried out on a single cylinder, DI diesel engine running at 1600 rpm and 2000 rpm showed that CO can be reduced by up to 60.0%, smoke can be lessened by up to 90.2%, while NOx increases by 4.4–14.0% as 15 vol % and 25 vol % of the oxygenate was added to a diesel fuel. Engine in-cylinder peak pressure increases somewhat and ignition delay duration becomes a little shorter. Both engine in-cylinder pressure rising rate and heat release rate increase noticeably during the premixed combustion.
State-of-the-Art Solution of Capacitance Resistance Model by Considering Dynamic Time Constants as a Realistic Assumption
Authors: Lesan A. , Ehsan Eshraghi S. , Bahroudi A. , Reza Rasaei M. , Rahami H.
Published: July 2017

To have an acceptable accuracy for water flooding projects, proper history matching is an important tool. Capacitance resistance model (CRM) simulates water flooding performance based on two tuning parameters of time constant and connectivity. Main advantages of CRM are its simplicity and fastness; furthermore, it needs only some field-available inputs like injection and production flow rates. CRM is reliable if producers receive the injection rate signal; in other words, duration of history matching must be enough so that the rate signal of injection is sensed in producers. It is a shortcoming of CRM that the results might not be accurate as a result of short history. In the common CRM, time constant is considered to be a static parameter (constant number) during the history of simulation. However, time constant is a time-dependent function that depends on the reservoir nature. In this paper, a new model has been developed as it decreases model dependency on the history matching length by shifting time axis. This new definition adds a rate shift constant to the model mathematics. Moreover, a new model is considering dynamic time constants. This new model is called dynamic capacitance resistance model (DCRM). Two reservoir models have been simulated to analyze the performance of DCRM, and, as a result, it is found that the static time constant is an erroneous assumption. Finally, the accuracy of the results has been improved since the degree-of-freedom of the CRM increased in the new version.
Biofuel Emulsifier Using High-Velocity Impinging Flows and Singularities in Microchannels
Authors: Belkadi A. , Montillet A. , Bellettre J.
Published: July 2017

The objective of this experimental work is to design an original microfluidic mixer for continuous emulsification of small fractions of water in a lipid phase. This system is aimed to be integrated on-line in the process so as to avoid the use of a surfactant. The currently targeted application is a better combustion of water-supplemented alternative biofuels in boilers, turbines, or internal combustion engines in general. Therefore, mean size of droplets of water in the emulsion should be 5–10 μm, and the water content should not exceed ∼20%. Microsystems developed in this work are designed so as to enhance different flow perturbations that are favorable for the emulsification process. The microchannels for the fluids admittance have different sections: 300 × 300 μm2 and 600 × 600 μm2. As a consequence, an impinging flow is developed at the crossing of the inlet microchannels of the two phases which has for effect a significant stretching of the fluids. Then, depending on the continuous phase, Rayleigh instabilities can be developed in the straight parts of the outlet channels (600 × 600 μm2) and/or the enhancement of fluid splitting is obtained; thanks to a singularity (bend) located in the same outlet channels. Two different continuous phases are tested (gasoil and sun flower oil) for which the flow rate is about (65–100 ml/min). The water fraction is varied in the range 7–24%. It is shown that the length of the outlet microchannels is a crucial parameter. Considering an oil phase with low viscosity, such as gasoil, a too long channel can promote coalescence. On the opposite, longer outlet channels are needed with more viscous fluids (like sunflower oil) in order to develop Rayleigh instabilities which is, in this case, the more efficient way to obtain emulsions in this kind of microsystem. On a general point of view, concerning the size of the water droplets, dispersion of water is much more efficient with this microsystem using gasoil rather than vegetable oil as the continuous phase. Considering the targeted application, emulsions with an average size of water droplets of about 10 μm were obtained with gasoil as the continuous phase.
Modeling Radiative–Convective Panels for Nighttime Passive Cooling Applications
Authors: Dyreson Ana R. , Klein S. A. , Miller Franklin K.
Published: July 2017

Passive cooling by combined radiation–convection from black panels at night is a potential source of significant energy-efficient cooling for both homes and industry. Assessing the technology requires system models that connect cooling load, passive cooling technology performance, and changing weather conditions in annual simulations. In this paper, the performance of an existing analytical model for a passive cooling panel is validated using a full two-dimensional finite differences model. The analytical model is based on a solar hot water collector model but uses the concept of adiabatic surface temperature to create an intuitive, physically meaningful sink temperature for combined convection and radiation cooling. Simulation results are reported for cooling panels of different sizes and operating in both low temperature (comfort cooling) and high temperature (power plant) applications. The analytical model using adiabatic minimum temperature agrees with the high-fidelity finite differences model but is more practical to implement. This model and the validations are useful for the continued study of passive cooling technology, in particular, as it is integrated into system-level models of higher complexity.
Short-Duration Performance Acceptance Test of Parabolic Trough Solar Field: A Case Study
Authors: Elmaihy Ali , El Weteedy Ahmed
Published: July 2017

Extensive solar field performance testing is often required as part of the plant commissioning process in order to ensure that actual solar field performance satisfies both technical specifications and performance guarantees between the involved parties. In this study, short duration (15 min) steady state performance acceptance test for Kuraymat integrated solar combined cycle (ISCC) solar field was carried out in agreement with the general guidelines of the earlier National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) report on parabolic trough (PT) collector fields (Kearney, 2011, “Utility-Scale Parabolic Trough Solar Systems—Performance Acceptance Test Guidelines,” National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO, NREL Report No. SR-5500-48895 and Kearney, 2010, “Development of Performance Acceptance Test Guidelines for Large Commercial Parabolic Trough Solar Fields,” National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO, NREL Report No. SR-5500-49367) which is in full agreement with the plant documentations provided by FLAGSOL (2010, “Specification: Performance Test Procedure. Plant Documentations,” Customer Doc-ID: KU1-FLG-000-QP-M-001). This work includes measurement of the thermal power output of PT system under clear sky conditions over a short period during which thermal steady state conditions exist. The methodology of the solar field testing is presented while a special consideration is provided for the model formulation and uncertainty associated with the measured data. The measured results together with the associated uncertainties were compared with model predictions. All tests for both northern and a southern collector subfields that satisfy the test conditions are accepted based on acceptance test evaluation criteria.
A Sliding Mode Observer-Based Icing Detection and Estimation Scheme for Wind Turbines
Authors: Corradini Maria Letizia , Ippoliti Gianluca , Orlando Giuseppe
Published: July 2017

In this paper, the problem of icing detection is considered for wind turbines (WTs) operating in medium speed wind region (region 2) and subject to a control law tracking the maximum delivery point of the power coefficient characteristic. Based on a robust observer of the rotor angular acceleration, rotor inertia is estimated in order to detect its eventual increase due to icing. Moreover, the observed value of rotor inertia can be potentially used for updating the controller parameters or to stop the turbine when icing is too severe. The proposed approach has been tested by intensive MatLab® simulations using the National Renewable Energy Laboratory 5 MW WT model.
Analytical and Experimental Study on Passive Stabilization of Thermoacoustic Dynamics in a Rijke Tube
Authors: Zalluhoglu Umut , Olgac Nejat
Published: July 2017

This paper deals with passive stabilization of thermoacoustic dynamics in a Rijke tube using a Helmholtz resonator. Thermoacoustic instabilities result from the dynamic coupling between the heat release and pressure in a chamber. Helmholtz resonators are used akin to vibration absorbers to suppress unwanted pressure oscillations in such structures and prevent instabilities. The first contribution of the paper is a state-space representation of the thermoacoustic dynamics for the resonator-mounted Rijke tube. This relationship happens to be in the class of linear time invariant, neutral multiple time delay systems (LTI-NMTDS). Then, benefiting from the cluster treatment of characteristic roots (CTCR) paradigm, we investigate the effect of resonator location on suppression of thermoacoustic instability. CTCR is a mathematical tool that determines the stability of LTI-NMTDS exhaustively and nonconservatively in the parameter space of the system. This capability provides a novel tool for the futuristic design concepts of combustors. These analytically obtained findings are also supported with experimental results from a laboratory-scale Rijke tube. In addition, a conceptual case study is presented where the stabilizing contributions of the resonator to the dynamics are investigated under strong thermoacoustic coupling.