bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A system-wide transformation towards integrated care in the Basque Country: A realist evaluation
Authors: Urtaran-Laresgoiti Maider , Álvarez-Rosete Arturo , Nuño-Solinís Roberto 
Published: September 2018

Introduction In 2010, in a context of severe economic recession, the Basque Government launched the Strategy to tackle the challenge of chronicity in the Basque Country to transform the Basque health system to cope with the challenges of chronicity, ageing, health system fragmentation and sustainability in the long run. Methods A realist evaluation has been conducted, and through a combination of research methods, information has been analysed to identify context, mechanisms and outcomes. The research provides a snapshot of the experience of a system-wide, complex health system transformation, which aims to identify ‘what has worked, for whom and under what circumstances’. Twenty-two semi-structured interviews held between June 2015 and December 2016, allowed us to obtain both retrospective and real-time accounts on the transformation phenomenon. Results Research pointed out that system-wide transformation requires time, effort, leadership, vision and narrative, as well as commitment, inclusiveness, collaborative decision-making processes with local implementers, ‘muddling through’ and constant learning. Key levers to shake and shift the health and social care systems towards closer alignment, coordination and integration to meet the needs of people include promoting collaborative relationships between health professionals to ensure care continuity, developing new staff roles, investing in integrated electronic health records, stratifying the population by risk and facilitating bottom-up innovation. Discussion Research has shown that system-wide changes in health and social care have been viable in the Basque Health System, although the interplay between context, mechanisms and outcomes is more complex than expected, leading to many unexpected factors, patterns and relationships.
A theoretical analysis and finite element simulation of fixator–bone system stiffness on healing progression
Authors: Li Jianfeng , Zhao Xia , Hu Xiaojie , Tao Chunjing , Ji Run 
Published: September 2018

Introduction: The unilateral external fixator has become a quick and easy application for fracture stabilization of the extremities; the main value for evaluation of mechanical stability of the external fixator is stiffness. The stiffness property of the external fixator affects the local biomechanical environment of fractured bone. Methods: In this study, a theoretical model with changing Young’s modulus of the callus is established by using the Castigliano’s theory, investigating compression stiffness, torsional stiffness and bending stiffness of the fixator–bone system during the healing process. The effects of pin deviation angle on three stiffness methods are also investigated. In addition, finite element simulation is discussed regarding the stress distribution between the fixator and bone. Results: The results reveal the three stiffness evaluation methods are similar for the fixator–bone system. Finite element simulation shows that with increased healing time, the transmission of the load between the fixator and bone are different. In addition, the finite element analyses verify the conclusions obtained from the theoretical model. Conclusions: This work helps orthopedic doctors to monitor the progression of fracture healing and determine the appropriate time for removal of a fixation device and provide important theoretical methodology.
Preparation and thermal insulation performance of cast-in-situ phosphogypsum wall
Authors: Li Yubo , Dai Shaobin , Zhang Yichao , Huang Jun , Su Ying , Ma Baoguo 
Published: September 2018

Introduction: The mass accumulation of phosphogypsum has caused serious environmental pollution, which has become a worldwide problem. Gypsum is a kind of green building material, which is lighter, has better heat and sound insulation performance, and is easier to recycle compared to cement. The application of cast-in-situ phosphogypsum wall could consume a large amount of pollutant, and improve the efficiency of building construction. Methods: The preparation and thermal insulation performance of cast-in-situ phosphogypsum wall were investigated. The property of phosphogypsum–fly ash–lime (PFL) triad cementing materials, the adaptability of retarders and superplasticizers, and the influences of vitrified microsphere as aggregates were explored. Thus, the optimum mix was proposed. Thermal insulation performance tests and ANSYS simulation of this material was carried out. Results: Optimal structures based on heat channels and the method of calculation determining related parameters were proposed, which achieved a 12.3% reduction in the heat transfer coefficient of the wall. Conclusion: With good performance, phosphogypsum could be used in cast-in-situ walls. This paper provides the theoretical basis for the preparation and energy-saving application of phosphogypsum in the walls of buildings.
Mechanical property research of different materials for supporting rings
Authors: Chen Shenglai , Yang Min , Zhang Xinong 
Published: September 2018

Introduction: Supporting rings are becoming more widely applied as an assistant structural support. However, during the engineering design and optimization process, many tests are necessary to understand the mechanical properties of different materials and the different section shape for supporting rings. Methods: The key problem is to measure the radial force caused by elongation under the axes’ pressure. This cannot be measured directly through the use of sensors. The previous, simple method was to position a transfer bar into the hole on the supported wall, or use a strain gauge, which changes the contact boundary. A new method called the “semi-ring method” is proposed. Results: The problem can be solved well and the feasibility of this method is shown from an example of its application. Conclusions: An innovative method is applied in test of mechanical performance for PTFE and butyl rubber material adopted in four kinds of section shape structure supporting rings. The results and analysis can provide some beneficial references for structure design.
A thermodynamic and kinetic study of trace iron removal from aqueous cobalt sulfate solutions using Monophos resin
Authors: Wang Guangxin , Zhao Yunchao , Yang Bin , Song Yongfa 
Published: September 2018

Background: High purity cobalt has many important applications, such as magnetic recording media, magnetic recording heads, optoelectronic devices, magnetic sensors, and integrated circuits, etc. To produce 5N or higher purity cobalt in an electro-refining process, one of the challenges is to effectively reduce the Fe content of aqueous cobalt salt solution before electrolysis. This paper describes thermodynamic and kinetic investigations of the Fe adsorption process of a new sulfonated monophosphonic resin with the trade mark Monophos. Methods: Five cobalt sulfate solutions of different Co concentrations were prepared. Fe ions were removed from the solutions by ion exchange method using Monophos resin. Chemical analysis was carried out using a Perkin Elmer ICP-OES. Results: The initial Fe concentrations of about 0.9–2.0 mg/L can be reduced to about 0.3–0.8 mg/L, which is equivalent to an Fe removal rate of 60–67%. The Langmuir isothermal adsorption model applies well to the Fe removal process. A second-order type based on McKay equation fits better with experimental data than other kinetic models. The kinetic curve can be divided into two sections. For t < 30 min, particle diffusion may act as the controlling step, whereas chemical reaction may control the Fe adsorption process in the section t > 30 min. Conclusions: Monophos resin is effective for the removal of trace Fe from cobalt sulfate solution. This ion exchange process obeys the Langmuir isothermal adsorption model and the McKay equation of second-order kinetics.
Study on super-long deep-hole drilling of titanium alloy
Authors: Liu Zhanfeng , Liu Yanshu , Han Xiaolan , Zheng Wencui 
Published: September 2018

Introduction: In this study, the super-long deep-hole drilling of a titanium alloy was investigated. Methods: According to material properties of the titanium alloy, an experimental approach was designed to study three issues discovered during the drilling process: the hole-axis deflection, chip morphology, and tool wear. Results: Based on the results of drilling experiments, crucial parameters for the super-long deep-hole drilling of titanium alloys were obtained, and the influences of these parameters on quality of the alloy’s machining were also evaluated. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the developed drilling process is an effective method to overcome the challenge of super-long deep-hole drilling on difficult-to-cut materials.
Microstructure and optical properties of ZnO nanorods prepared by anodic arc plasma method
Authors: Li Kan , Wei Zhiqiang , Zhu Xueliang , Zhao Wenhua , Zhang Xudong , Jiang Jinlong 
Published: September 2018

Introduction: A one-dimensional ZnO nanostructure is a versatile and multifunctional n-type semiconductor. In this paper, ZnO nanorods were successfully prepared by the anodic arc plasma method in an oxidizing atmosphere. Methods: The composition, morphology, crystal microstructure, and optical properties of ZnO nanorods were characterized by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and the corresponding selected-area electron diffraction (SAED), X-ray energy dispersive spectrometry (XEDS), ultraviolet-visible (UV-VIS) spectroscopy, Raman scattering spectrum (Raman), and photoluminescence spectrum (PL). Results: The experiment results show that ZnO nanorods synthesized by this method possess hexagonal wurtzite crystal structure with good crystallization, no other impurity phases are observed, the crystalline size is about 18 nm, and the lattice constant distortion occurs compared to that of bulk ZnO. The morphology of the sample is a rod-like shape, the length ranges from 100 nm to 300 nm, the average diameter is approximately 20 nm, and the aspect ratio is relatively high. The UV-VIS absorption spectrum occurs red shift, The Raman spectrum further demonstrates that the major peaks are assigned to ZnO optical vibrational modes, and the PL spectrum exhibits coexistence properties of ultraviolet (UV) and green emission. Conclusions: The results prove that ZnO nanorods with hexagonal wurtzite crystal structure were successfully prepared by the anodic arc plasma method in an oxidizing atmosphere.
Interfacial damage identification of steel and concrete composite beams based on piezoceramic wave method
Authors: Yan Shi , Dai Yong , Zhao Putian , Liu Weiling 
Published: September 2018

Introduction: Steel-concrete composite structures are playing an increasingly important role in economic construction because of a series of advantages of great stiffness, good seismic performance, steel material saving, cost efficiency, convenient construction, etc. However, in service process, due to the long-term effects of environmental impacts and dynamic loading, interfaces of a composite structure might generate debonding cracks, relative slips or separations, and so on, lowering the composite effect of the composite structure. Methods: In this paper, the piezoceramics (PZT) are used as transducers to perform experiments on interface debonding slips and separations of composite beams, respectively, aimed at proposing an interface damage identification model and a relevant damage detection innovation method based on PZT wave technology. Results: One part of various PZT patches was embedded in concrete as “smart aggregates,” and another part of the PZT patches was pasted on the surface of the steel beam flange, forming a sensor array. Conclusions: A push-out test for four specimens was carried out and experimental results showed that, under the action of the external loading, the received signal amplitudes will increasingly decrease with increase of debonding slips along the interface. The proposed signal energy-based interface damage detection algorithm is highly efficient in surface state evaluations of composite beams.
Effects of diffusion process on potential induced degradation of silicon solar cells
Authors: Gou Xianfang , Li Xiaoyan , Wang Shaoliang , Huang Xixi , Zhou Su , Dong Xuxin 
Published: September 2018

Background: Potential induced degradation (PID) has recently been identified as one of the most important degradation mechanisms for silicon solar cells. It is widely considered that PID is closely related with the manufacture and application period of solar modules. Methods: In this study, the effects of diffusion sheet resistance on PID were verified and explained by testing the emitter doping profile, the minority carrier lifetime, the emitter saturation current, the electrical performance of different cells, and the PID process. Results: With increasing sheet resistance of cells, the depth and saturation current density of the emitter both decreased, and the cell efficiency increased, whereas the PID phenomenon became serious. Conclusions: It was found that higher sheet resistance or thinner P–N junction could lead to higher PID sensitivity. Therefore, more attention should be paid to PID phenomenon as the photovoltaic industry develops in the direction of high sheet resistance.
Nonlinear dynamic analysis and hypernormal form of truss core sandwich plates
Authors: Li Jing , Guo Ziyu , Quan Yinzhu , Li Jian 
Published: September 2018

Introduction: Truss core material, which is a new type of ultra-light material with comprehensive properties, is used in the aerospace industry. The aim of this paper is to investigate the dynamic behavior of three-dimensional Kagome sandwich plates with truss core under transverse and in-plane excitation in the case of 1:1 internal resonance. Methods: Firstly, the averaged equation is obtained by means of the method of multiple scales. Then, the nonlinear system is analyzed applying the theory of normal form. Eventually, we analyze the dynamic behavior, mainly periodic motions, for the truss core sandwich panels by using numerical simulation. Results: Numerical results are presented here for the nonlinear dynamic behavior of the model of truss core sandwich plates, which provides theoretical guidance to vibration control. Conclusions: Considerable insight has been gained concerning the sign of parameter of the model controlled by material property.
Surface modification of bacterial cellulose aerogels by ARGET ATRP
Authors: Liu Xinhua , Li Yong , Chu Zhaoyang , Fang Yinchun , Zheng Hongliang 
Published: September 2018

Introduction: Bacterial cellulose (BC) aerogels have received more and more attention due to their renewability, biodegradability and other excellent properties in recent years. Modification of BC aerogels using different methods would expand their applications. However, many problems exist for these modifications, such as a low grafting ratio, the larger dosage of metal catalyst required and so on. Activator regeneration by electron transfer (ARGET) for atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) is a novel ATRP method which could significantly reduce the amount of metal catalyst required and achieve a high grafting ratio. Methods: Novel nanostructured BC aerogels containing epoxy groups were prepared by the ARGET ATRP method. BC aerogels were functionalized with initiating sites by reaction with 2-bromoisobutyryl bromide (BiBBr), and followed by ARGET ATRP reaction with glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) which was catalyzed by copper(II) bromide (CuBr2) and N,N,N',N,'N"-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine (PMDETA), and then reduced by vitamin C. BC aerogels containing epoxy groups (BC-g-PGMA) were obtained after freeze-drying. The influence factors of the solvent ratio of N,N-dimethyl formamide (DMF)/toluene, monomer concentration, the concentration of CuBr2, the molar ratio of vitamin C (Vc)/CuBr2,reaction temperature and time on the grafting ratio were investigated. Results: The results showed that the optimal DMF and toluene volume ratio was 2:1, the optimal monomer and CuBr2 concentration were 2 mol/l and 1.5 mmol/l. The optimal molar ratio of PMDETA/CuBr2 and Vc/CuBr2 were 4:1 and 1:1. The optimal reaction temperature and time were 60°C and 9 h. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed that GMA was strongly adhered onto the surface and inside of the BC pellicle. Conclusions: GMA was self-grown on the BC surface and achieved the high grafting ratio of 1052.7% under optimal conditions. The BC-g-PGMA aerogels containing the epoxy groups will provide wider application prospects in drug release, enzyme fixed, functional materials and other fields.
Covalent immobilization of coagulation factor VIII on magnetic nanoparticles for aptamer development
Authors: Tabarzad Maryam , Sharafi Zeinab , Javidi Jaber 
Published: September 2018

Introduction: Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are one of the most useful particulate systems in analytical applications such as specific aptamer selection. Proteins are the most noted targets of aptamer selection. Generally, covalently immobilized protein coated MNPs are more stable structures. Methods: In this study, coagulation factor VIII (FVIII) was immobilized on MNPs. A silica coating provided isocyanate functional groups was considered to interact covalently with reactive groups of the protein, resulting in a stable protein immobilization. The reactions was run in dried toluene. At end, these MNPs were applied for affinity determination of a previously selected FVIII specific aptamers. Results: Immobilization of 1 mg FVIII (~ 3 nmol) on 5 mg particles was achieved with no significant particle aggregation. Using a fluorescence-based method, affinity measurement resulted in a calculated dissociation constant of 120 ± 5.6 nM for the FVIII-specific aptamer to the FVIII-coated MNPs. Conclusion: The final product could be a suitable protein-coated solid support for magnetic-based aptamer selection processes.
Vacuum-assisted closure versus moist dressings in the treatment of diabetic wound ulcers after partial foot amputation: A retrospective analysis in 65 patients
Authors: Sukur Erhan , Akar Abdulhalim , Uyar Ahmet Çagrı , Cicekli Ozgur , Kochai Alauddin , Turker Mehmet , Topcu Huseyin Nevzat 
Published: September 2018

Purpose: Changes in weight-bearing patterns after partial foot amputations may lead to new localized high-pressure points and keratosis due to ulcerations in patients with neuropathies and hypovascular limbs. As a result, diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) after partial foot amputations are very complex. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) therapy with conventional moist wound dressings in the treatment of diabetic wound ulcers after partial foot amputations. Methods: Sixty-five diabetic patients with a DFU, who had previously undergone partial foot amputation surgery, were assigned to treatment with VAC (group A: 31 patients) or conventional wound moist dressing (group B: 34 patients). The final results were considered as failed treatment if reamputation was required. Conversely, reaching 90% of wound granulation was considered to be a successful endpoint. Results: The average time to reach 90% granulation tissue was significantly lower in group A (7.8 ± 1.2 weeks vs. 11.1 ± 1.2 weeks; p < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference regarding the reamputation requirements; 38.7% (12 patients) in group A and 41.2% (14 patients) in group B, ( p = 0.839). Conclusion: The results of this study allowed us to conclude that VAC therapy system appears to be an effective treatment for patients with complex DFUs who had previously undergone partial foot amputation.
A Characterization of Sensory and Motor Neural Dysfunction in Patients Undergoing Hip Arthroscopic Surgery: Traction- and Portal Placement–Related Nerve Injuries
Authors: Carreira Dominic S. , Kruchten Matthew C. , Emmons Brendan R. , Startzman Ashley N. , Martin RobRoy L. 
Published: September 2018

Background: There is a paucity of prospectively collected data as they relate to nerve injuries after hip arthroscopic surgery. Studies describing the relationship of neurological injuries to portal placement and the duration and magnitude of traction force with regular and standardized patient follow-up protocols are limited. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to characterize nerve deficits in a series of patients undergoing hip arthroscopic surgery as these deficits relate to axial traction and portal placement. It was hypothesized that in patients who presented without nerve deficits after surgery, the magnitudes of traction-related measurements would exceed previous recommendations based on expert opinion (<50 lb). Additionally, it was hypothesized that sensory disturbance would commonly be observed (≥16%) localized to the distal anterolateral thigh related to portal placement. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A total of 45 patients scheduled to undergo hip arthroscopic surgery between July 2012 and February 2014 were included in this study. Traction force was measured and recorded every 5 minutes during surgery, and patients were assessed by a physical examination for deficits in light touch sensitivity at all lower extremity dermatomes preoperatively and at 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 1 year postoperatively. Patients were also tested for strength deficits and rated on the manual muscle testing grading scale. Patients reported modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), Hip Outcome Score–Activities of Daily Living and –Sport subscales (HOS-ADL and HOS-Sport, respectively), Short Form–12 (SF-12) mental and physical component summaries, and international Hip Outcome Tool–12 (iHOT-12) scores preoperatively and at 1 year postoperatively. Results: Thresholds for maximum traction force, mean traction force, duration of traction, and traction impulse were 120 lb, 82 lb, 61 minutes, and 7109 lb·min, respectively, below which no patients presented with sensory or motor dysfunction thought to be related to traction. A minority (17.8%) of patients presented with highly localized, distal anterolateral sensory deficits suggestive of injuries related to portal placement, and 2.2% of patients presented with perineal numbness localized to the distribution of the pudendal nerve. All nerve deficits had resolved by 1-year follow-up. Conclusion: This study suggests that it may be possible to apply more axial traction force for a longer duration than expert opinion has previously suggested, without significant and, in the majority of cases (82.2%), any traction-related short-term complications. Transient traction- and portal placement–related nerve injuries after hip arthroscopic surgery may be more frequent (31.1% in this study) than have been reported historically.