bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Relationship between Severe Weather Warnings, Storm Reports, and Storm Cell Frequency in and around Several Large Metropolitan Areas
Authors: Naylor Jason , Sexton Aaron 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe spatial distribution of storm-based severe weather warnings, local storm reports, and radar-detected storm cells around six large cities in the central United States is examined from October 2007 to May 2017. The cities are Columbus, Ohio; Cincinnati, Ohio; Indianapolis, Indiana; Louisville, Kentucky; Nashville, Tennessee; and St. Louis, Missouri. In all six cities, warning counts within 20 km of the city center are found to vary by 20%–40%. In every city except St. Louis, a maximum in warnings is located 5–15 km to the east (downwind) of the city center. Additional analysis reveals that the location of the warning maxima often varies with wind direction. Areas of enhanced convective activity are also evident in and around each city. Many of these areas are found to the east of the city center and are coincident with areas of increased warnings. This alignment could suggest that urban influences are creating areas of enhanced severe weather potential on the eastern side of large cities. However, there are also instances where the locations of maxima in warnings, local storm reports, and convective activity are spatially offset. In these locations, it is possible that other factors are impacting the distribution of one or more of these fields.
Serum iron levels are an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality of critically ill patients: a retrospective, single-institution study
Authors: Xia Jian-jun , Wang Fei , Jiang Xiao-nan , Jiang Ting-ting , Shen Li-juan , Liu Yue , You Da-li , Ding Yong , Ju Xue-feng , Wang Li , Wu Xiao , Hu Shan-you 
Published: September 2018

Objective This study aimed to examine the relationship between serum iron levels and in-hospital mortality in critically ill patients. Methods We retrospectively studied 250 critically ill patients who received treatment at the intensive care unit between June 2015 and May 2017. Blood chemistry and hepatic and renal function were measured. Kaplan–Meier survival curves were plotted according to serum iron levels. Correlations between serum iron levels and other variables were analyzed. Results A total of 165 (66.0%) patients had abnormally low serum iron levels (<10.6 μmol/L). Patients who died during hospitalization had markedly higher Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II scores and significantly lower serum iron levels compared with those who survived. Cumulative survival was significantly lower in patients with low serum iron levels than in those with normal serum iron levels in subgroup analysis of older patients (n = 192). Multivariate regression analysis showed that, after adjusting for relevant factors, low serum iron levels remained an independent risk for in-hospital mortality (odds ratio 2.014; 95% confidence interval 1.089, 3.725). Conclusions Low serum iron levels are present in a significant proportion of critically ill patients and are associated with higher in-hospital mortality, particularly in older patients.
URPE, Radical Political Economics, Social Movements, and Revolution—From Identity Politics to Solidarity Economics: Looking Backward, Looking Forward on the Occasion of URPE’s Fiftieth Anniversary
Authors: Matthaei Julie 
Published: September 2018

This article traces the shift from the identity politics of the early worker, feminist, and antiracist movements to the solidarity politics embodied in a movement of movements, to the emergence of solidarity economy initiatives and organizing. It examines the important contributions which Union for Radical Political Economics (URPE) and radical political economics (RPE) have made to these developments, and advocates that they become actively involved in analyzing and promoting the shift toward the solidarity economy. JEL Classification:
Manufacture of Fibreglass Nonwoven Composites and Study of the Effect of Different Variables on Their Quality
Authors: Yousfani Sheraz Hussain Siddique , Gong R.h. , Porat I. 
Published: September 2018

A new technique of manufacturing thermoset composites using chopped fibreglass strands was investigated during this research work. This technique involved manufacturing of fibreglass nonwoven webs by the wet-laid method, these webs were then used as reinforcement for making composites. The wet-laying process allows the opening of the fibreglass strands to single fibres so that the fibres are dispersed more uniformly within the composite. The in-plane fibre orientation distribution in these nonwoven webs was random and the composites manufactured from these webs have more in-plane isotropic properties. The effect of key process variables i.e. dispersion, fibre length and multiple layering on the density, fibre content and void content of the composites was studied. It was found that layering increased the fibre content and decreased the void content. Dispersion and increase in fibre length also decreased the void content.
Spontaneous orbital subcutaneous emphysema mimicking lacrimal duct obstruction after sneezing: A case report
Authors: Chan Hung-Yen , Lio Chon-Fu , Yu Chang-Ching , Peng Nan-Jing , Chan Hung-Pin 
Published: September 2018

Introduction: Orbital subcutaneous emphysema after trauma has been carefully reported, but its development in the absence of trauma is rare. Case presentation: We report on a 70-year-old patient who developed unilateral orbital subcutaneous emphysema, mimicking lacrimal duct occlusion, after this man sneezed, and presented with right crepitant eyelid swelling and progressive ptosis. Orbital subcutaneous emphysema develops when air can get into the periorbital soft tissue, which presents as a result of facial bone trauma, iatrogenic procedures, and gas-forming infectious microorganisms, as seen in many published articles. It is very uncommon to see this kind of case report after sneezing; however, in our case, spontaneous orbital subcutaneous emphysema occurred after sneezing that resolved slowly after a few weeks without surgical intervention. Our patient denied any painful sensation over the right orbital area, including no visual problems with the right eye but right eyeball limited movements. It can be stressful to patients due to its symptoms but is not a true emergency. Conclusion: In this article, we should bring awareness to physicians of the possibility of a spontaneously orbital subcutaneous emphysema with complications after sneezing, yielding relevant information for patients to be informed about avoid excessive nose blowing or occluding the nose, creating controlled symptoms.
Variability of carboplatin dose calculation methods in Spain
Authors: Cuesta-Grueso Cristina , Burgos-San José Amparo , Cajaraville-Ordoñana Gerardo , Poquet-Jornet Jaime E. , Mangues-Bafalluy Irene , Díaz-Carrasco María S. 
Published: September 2018

Objective To describe and analyze the variability in carboplatin dosing strategies in Spanish hospitals. Methods We designed a questionnaire consisting of 19 multiple-choice items structured in two sections (hospital characteristics and carboplatin dosing data). The questionnaire was sent by e-mail to all the oncology pharmacists included in the register of the Spanish Oncology Pharmacy Group (GEDEFO), and we analyzed the completed questionnaires. Results Response rate was 33.5% from a total of 185 pharmacy services invited to take part in the survey. All hospitals used the Calvert formula to calculate carboplatin dose with glomerular filtration rate estimated by a formula, most commonly the Cockcroft-Gault equation (80.7%). Carboplatin doses were capped in most hospitals (91.9%): 54.8% capped creatinine clearance at 125 mL/min, 11.3% capped serum creatinine, and 19.3% capped both creatinine clearance and serum creatinine. Serum creatinine cut-off values ranged from 0.36 mg/dL to 1 mg/dL. The most commonly used body weight was actual body weight for underweight, normal weight, and overweight patients. The use of adjusted ideal body weight increased in obese and especially in morbidly obese patients. Conclusion The results from this survey show the variability that exists in carboplatin dose calculation methods among Spanish hospitals and the need to continue investigating to find the optimum dose calculation method and unify criteria to avoid differences between sites that can affect effectiveness and toxicity of carboplatin-containing treatments.
Influence of needle gauge and venepuncture difficulty on thromboelastography in healthy cats
Authors: Shin Duree , Nam Aryung , Song Kun Ho , Seo Kyoung Won 
Published: September 2018

Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of two differently sized butterfly catheter needles and the effect of venepuncture difficulty on thromboelastography (TEG) results in healthy cats. Methods Twenty-four healthy cats were included. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein by syringe aspiration via direct venepuncture with 21 G and 22 G butterfly needles. The venepuncture difficulty score was classified into four categories. The first 1.5 ml blood drawn from each subject was discarded before collecting a sample for TEG analysis. TEG analyses were performed on citrated whole blood samples from 17 clinically healthy cats, using assays with kaolin as activators. Among the TEG parameters, reaction time (R), clot formation time (κ), alpha angle (α), maximum amplitude (MA) and global clot strength (G) were recorded from each tracing. Results Seven cats were excluded from the study; results were obtained for the remaining 17 cats. There were no statistically significant differences between the use of two different needles for R ( P = 0.72), κ ( P = 0.74), α ( P = 0.99), MA ( P = 0.08) and G ( P = 0.09). Samples with difficulty scores ⩾1 were not significantly different from samples with difficulty scores of 0 for R ( P = 0.24), κ ( P = 0.65), α ( P = 0.65), MA ( P = 0.72) and G ( P = 0.77). Conclusions and relevance The results of TEG in clinically healthy cats do not differ significantly when using two different gauge needles. There was no significant difference in the TEG results according to venepuncture difficulty scoring.
Engaging ethnomethodology for social work
Authors: de Montigny Gerald 
Published: September 2018

Summary How does one go about doing or engaging in ethnomethodological study of local occasions? Would such study be of value for social workers, hence would it help them to understand the everyday accomplishment of practice as social work? Harold Garfinkel, the founder of ethnomethodology, argued that the task is to start with and to be in the midst of ordinary and everyday activities. A beginning in ordinary, mundane, and everyday activities is also to be surrounded by taken-for-granted understandings, frameworks, and facts or facticities. The focus on “facticities” of everyday things directs us to attend to utterly ordinary and mundane interactions, and here there is deep congruence with social work interests and practices. Findings This paper turns to Garfinkel’s oeuvre to set out in readily understandable language the orientation and tools needed for social workers to do ethnomethodological studies. A focal question is: Just how might social workers in the midst of practice actually go about engaging in EM? Application By taking up tools from ethnomethodology, social workers can better understand and explicate the essential reflexivity of their everyday practice. As a result, EM provides a pathway for both understanding and teaching effective social work through a reflective and reflexive turn.
Thermal Study of the Selective Tread Disassembling Procedure of Different Waste Tires
Authors: Szöke-Kis Anita , Zsitvai Mihály , Rácz László , Solti Szabolcs , Mizsey Péter 
Published: September 2018

The annual amount of waste tires is enormous and permanently on the increase. Since their structure resists both physical and chemical degradation, their appropriate processing is an environmentally important subject and it is still a current research topic despite of the already existing technologies e.g. pyrolysis, thermal utilization. In our work, a novel selective physical separation technology of waste tires is developed, presented and investigated. The technology is based on our new disassembling machine that enables the selective separation of the tread material of any kind of tires apart from their other constituting materials. The separation is an automated cutting process and its thermal profile is examined with a thermal imaging camera to determine if the cutting process can be associated with any kind of thermal degradation of the tread material. It is also an aim to detect if a special construction material of high thermal resistance would be needed for the cutting device. The experimental results are analyzed with the help of special software and it is found that the temperature values of the tire and the disassembling device can be classified into four different thermal zones. It is also determined that our novel device can be applied for tire machining; no thermal degradation occurs during the process, and there is no need for special construction material for the novel cutting device.
Conductive Poly(epichlorhydrin)–Polyaniline Dodecylbenzenesulfonate [PECH-PAni.DBSA] Rubber Blends Prepared in Solution
Authors: Bakhtiarian Elaheh , Foot Peter J.S. , Tate Philip C. Miller 
Published: September 2018

Blends of poly(epichlorhydrin) elastomer [PECH] and polyaniline dodecylbenzenesulfonate [PAni.DBSA], with electrical conductivities up to 6.4×10−7 S cm−1, have been prepared by solution mixing and casting. The solubility parameters were calculated and the most suitable solvent (tetrahydrofuran) was selected for mutual solubility between PAni.DBSA and the compatible elastomer poly(epichlorhydrin) [PECH]. Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra of PECH-PAni.DBSA blends contained features of the spectra of the pure materials, but with significant peak shifts due to changing intermolecular interactions between the polymers. Thermal decomposition steps of the conductive blends were investigated using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The thermal stabilities of the blends were dependent on the ratio of PAni. DBSA to PECH. The electrical conductivities of blends with proportions of 1 to 50 wt% PAni.DBSA were measured by 2-probe and 4-probe techniques. The electrical conductivity increased with the proportion of PAni.DBSA, showing two percolation threshold stages, which were explained by a change in the conformation of the polymeric chains leading to an increase in the conductivity. The effects of composition on the glass transition in the blends were determined using thermomechanical analysis (TMA).
Diffusion-weighted imaging lesion growth occurs despite recanalization in acute ischemic stroke: Implications for future treatment trials
Authors: Sah Rani G , d’Esterre Christopher D , Hill Michael D , Hafeez Moiz , Tariq Sana , Forkert Nils D , Frayne Richard , Demchuk Andrew M , Goyal Mayank , Barber Philip A 
Published: September 2018

Background A proportion of patients presenting with acute small ischemic strokes have poor functional outcomes, even following rapid recanalization treatment. Aims Infarct growth may occur even after successful recanalization and could represent an appropriate endpoint for future stroke therapy trials. Methods Magnetic resonance diffusion-weighted imaging lesion volumes were obtained at 5 h (initial posttreatment) and 24 h (follow-up) after acute stroke treatment for n = 33 in ischemic stroke patients. Sample sizes per arm (90% power, 30% effect size) for diffusion-weighted imaging lesion growth between initial and 24 h, early change in the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale between pre- and 24 h, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale at 24 h, and diffusion-weighted imaging lesion volume at 24 h were estimated to power a placebo-controlled stroke therapy trial. Results For patients with poor recanalization (modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction <2 a; modified arterial occlusion lesion = 0–2) (n = 11), the median diffusion-weighted imaging lesion growth was 8.1 (interquartile range: 4.5, 22.4) ml and with good recanalization (modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction =2 b or 3; modified arterial occlusion lesion = 3) (n = 22), the median diffusion-weighted imaging lesion growth was 10.0 (interquartile range: 6.0, 28.2) ml ( P = 0.749). When considering a 30% effect size, the sample size required per arm to achieve significance in an acute stroke study would be: (1) N = 49 for the diffusion-weighted imaging lesion growth between initial posttreatment and follow-up time points, (2) N = 65 for the change in the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale between admission and 24 h, (3) N = 259 for the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale at 24 h, and (4) N = 256 for diffusion-weighted imaging volume at 24 h. Conclusion Despite best efforts to recanalize the ischemic brain, early diffusion-weighted imaging lesion growth still occurs. Treatment trials in stroke should consider early diffusion-weighted imaging lesion growth as a surrogate outcome measure to significantly reduce sample sizes.
Analysis of the risk factors that determine composite graft survival for fingertip amputation
Authors: Eo SuRak , Doh GyeongHyeon , Lim SooA , Hong Ki Yong 
Published: September 2018

The composite graft is the only surgical method that is able to maintain digital length and provide soft tissue coverage without donor site morbidities in microsurgically non-replantable fingertip amputations. This study aimed to explore the risk factors that determine the survival of composite grafts. Clinical characteristics associated with graft survival were retrospectively analysed by a comparison between the graft survival and failure groups. Of 94 patients who underwent a composite graft for fingertip amputation, the graft survived in 84 (89%). Surviving grafts showed reperfusion within 1 week. Multivariate analysis revealed that graft failure was independently associated with a crushing injury. Based on the risk factors from the comparison analyses and a review of previously published studies, a cutting injury, grafting the injured finger within 5 hours of injury, and being a non-smoker are associated with good results. In these circumstances, excellent outcomes with a high success rate can be achieved by composite graft in most adult patients as an alternative treatment to microsurgical replantation. Level of evidence: IV
Expanding the Range of Applications for the Plasma-Enhanced Deposition of Barrier Coatings
Authors: Michaeli Walter , Bahroun Karim , Fragstein Friederike v. 
Published: September 2018

Having worked intensely on plasma-assisted barrier coating (plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition, PECVD) of polymers, a technique already used commercially to enhance shelf-life performance of PET bottles, for the last two decades, it seemed to be obvious to investigate the transfer of this existing technique to novel beverage materials such as PLA and PP. As a result of their high oxygen and carbon dioxide permeability the market potential of PP and PLA is still restricted in the beverage packaging sector. On the one hand, the use of plasma coatings to improve the barrier properties of these materials shows advantages. For example, these coatings are less likely to interfere with PLA-bottle biodegradability. On the other hand, materials such as PP and PLA put higher demands on plasma coating processes due to their different surface properties that make it much more difficult to establish an adequate adhesion between coating and bulk material and their increased sensitivity to high temperature. By using a pre-treatment specific to the materials, we succeeded in applying effective barrier coatings by plasma polymerization using both hydrocarbons as well as silicon organic monomers. For PLA the pre-treatment process can be integrated directly into the plasma polymerization process, whereas for PP it was necessary to use a LF-plasma in an external facility to enable a good coating adhesion. The barrier properties against oxygen could be increased by a factor of about 12 for PP and 4 for PLA. Hydrocarbon-based coatings proved to be more effective compared to HMDSO-based coatings. These first evaluations show that it is possible to raise the barrier performance of PP and PLA bottles to match the levels obtained with uncoated monolayer PET types. Our current research concentrates on improving the processes in order to increase the barrier performance and the efficiency of the process.
Sustainable Polyurethane Adhesives Derived from Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Orgilέs-Calpena E. , Arán-Aís F. , Torró-Palau A.M. , Orgilέs-Barceló C. 
Published: September 2018

The demand for fuels as raw materials is increasing disproportionally, thus producing huge environmental impacts, as is the case of carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere. Nowadays, society is facing several challenges, including the implementation of new technologies that are able to meet energy needs and promote sustainable development. Therefore, one of the most commonly produced and used polymers worldwide, polyurethane, which is currently completely dependent on fossil fuels, could be developed in an environmentally sustainable way. In this regard, CO2 may be used for the synthesis of new materials, such as for the production of polyols, essential components in the manufacture of polyurethane. This work focused on the synthesis of polyurethane adhesives containing polyols from CO2. They were synthesised with 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) and 1,4-butanediol as a chain extender. The sustainable polyurethane adhesives derived from carbon dioxide were characterised by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetric tests (TGA). Finally, the adhesion properties were measured from a T-peel test on leather/polyurethane adhesive/ SBR rubber joints, in order to establish the amount of CO2-based polyol that could be added to polyurethane adhesives satisfactorily to meet the quality requirements of footwear joints.
Studies on the Mechanical Properties and Uv-Accelerated Weathering of Ldpe with Benzophenone and Carboxy Methylated Starch
Authors: Arul Kumar K.P. , Soundararajan S. 
Published: September 2018

LDPE of MFI 2 g/10 min was blended with carboxy methylated starch (CMS) at various proportions of 5–30% (wt.%), photo-degradable additive – benzophenone (3%) and glycerol (3%) as compatibilizer using a twin screw extruder. Tubular blown film was extruded using blown film extruder. LDPE with CMS was processable into sheets (>250 microns) in the temperature range 150 to 230°C. It was observed that higher the CMS content, lower the processing temperature range. All the formulations made using CMS were easy for processing though the MFI was decreased as the CMS starch content increased. The sheets obtained were of golden-yellow color with snakeskin appearance. The sheets obtained were tested for various mechanical tests like tensile strength, elongation at break and tear strength in both machine direction and transverse direction. The mechanical properties like tensile strength and elongation at break were lowered. Tear strength was lowered. Also accelerated UV weathering and compost biodegradation tests were done on all the samples. Scanning Electron Microscope images were taken before and after UV weathering to determine the morphological changes on the samples. As the starch content increased, the photodegradation time also increased, but very less when compared to pure LDPE. The samples were highly photo/ biodegradable and hence will not pollute the environment.